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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Archives for November 2012

Bon Jovi, Jimi Hendrix, Star Trek

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Hello Dayton and Happy Turkey Day! In addition to the holiday releases (Life of Pi, Red Dawn and Rise of the Guardians, check out these special events next week!

JON BON JOVI: INSIDE OUT – NOVEMBER 27TH @ 8PM

Featuring a hand-selected set list from their catalog of hits, BON JOVI Inside Outincludes the iconic band’s best performances from their sold-out, 12-night stand in London’s O2, the inaugural multi-night run at New Meadowlands Stadium and their celebratory shows at the famed Madison Square Garden. Split-screen footage will provide a unique view of the band performing this dream set list, creating a unique concert experience.

 In addition, this not-to-be-missed event will feature a LIVE broadcast from Times Square in which the band will share exciting details about their upcoming 2013 world tour and highly-anticipated studio album to be released in spring.  During this special LIVE event, you will get unparalleled insider access as the band members answer YOUR questions during an interactive Q&A session!  Check back for details on how to submit your questions.

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JIMMY HENDRIX: LIVE AT WOODSTOCK – DEC 5th @ 7pm

In Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Jimi Hendrix’s Birth, for the first time ever see Jimi Hendrix’s unforgettable August 1969 Woodstock concert in select cinemas globally.

This special edition theatrical presentation, under the auspices of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. has been carefully reassembled from the extensive archive of film footage helmed by Academy Award winning director Michael Wadleigh and his hand picked team of skilled camera operators and support personnel under the auspices of Experience Hendrix, LLC, the Hendrix family owned company. What they captured was a Jimi Hendrix performance unlike any other.

Jimi premiered a new band and his extraordinary performance on that August morning included unforgettable renditions of such signature Hendrix songs as “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” “Fire,” “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady” as well as his dramatic interpretation of the “Star Spangled Banner”.
Jimi’s fascinating road to the Woodstock festival is revealed by way of never before seen footage and interviews with his band members such as Billy Cox and Mitch Mitchell, engineer Eddie Kramer and Woodstock’s promoter Michael Lang. Directed by Grammy Award winner Bob Smeaton [Beatles Anthology, Band Of Gypsys, Festival Express], the documentary, which precedes the performance footage, reveals the struggle to stage the legendary festival and secure Hendrix as its headline artist.

Jimi Hendrix Woodstock performance stands as one of the finest ever in rock music history. This presentation features the original 16mm footage digitally restored together with a new 5.1 audio surround mix by legendary engineer Eddie Kramer. Kramer originally recorded the Woodstock festival and also served Jimi Hendrix as his recording engineer throughout his entire career.

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RAVE RETRO SERIES: HOME ALONE – DEC 5th @ 7pm

An 8-year-old boy, who is accidentally left behind while his family flies to France for Christmas, has to defend his home against idiotic burglars.

2pm and 7pm Only $5What’s old is new again!

The Retro Rave Film Series is taking you back to when a night at the movies was totally awesome… Don’t miss your chance to see these great classics on the big screen at a Rave theater near you.

 

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For showtimes click here

ENTER TO WIN TWO MOVIE PASSES!

Fill out the form below and leave a Facebook comment telling us you want to WIN MOVIE PASSES from RAVE CINEMAS DAYTON SOUTH, we will randomly draw a winner and notify same. Contest closes 11/28/12. Passes awarded will be valid for 30 days from close date at Rave Cinemas Dayton South only and must be used by then or will be forfeited. Valid for any showing, except special events.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to: Melanie Zavakos!

Restaurants Wrap Gift Cards With Incentives

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Restaurants are hosting the biggest crowds they’re likely to see all year, as holiday shoppers stop for much-needed sustenance and companies treat their employees and clients to festive Christmas parties.  For many of you that will be the perfect occasion to do some holiday shopping.  Gift cards giving is on the rise and many eateries are upping the ante with bonus deal and free meals for the buyers.

To help you  take advantage of the bonus deals that restaurants are offering here’s o012 roundup of gift card specials for the holidays:

 

Applebee’s buy a $50 gift card online and get a $10 bonus card.   More details on the website.

Ben and Jerry’s buy a $10 gift card and get a free scoop of ice cream.  More details on their website.

Bonefish Grill buy a $100 gift card and get a $20 bonus card.  You can order online or instore.  You will also be entered into a contest to win $5,000 when you order. More details and an order form on the Bonefish website.

Bravo Cucina and Brio Tuscan Grille buy a $100 gift card and get a $20 bonus card.   More details on website.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill buy a $100 gift card and get a $20 bonus card.  Also this will enter you in a $5,000 sweepstakes.  More details and an order form on website.

Chappy’s Tap Room  Grille – Buy any combination of gift cards totally $50 you will receive a $10 gift card FREE.  Offer good through December 23rd.

At Chili’s spend at least $50 on gift cards and get free shipping.  More details at  website.

Chipotle spend at least $30 on gift cards and geta free burrito, bowl, order of tacos or salad.  More details at  website.

Fleming’s Steak House buy a $100 gift card and get a $20 bonus card.   Details and an order form on website.

Hardee’s  Buy a $20 gift card, and get a free Quarter-pound Little Thickburger- more info here.

Hooters Spend $25 on a gift card; get a $5 bonus card. Throw down for a $50 card; get a $10 bonus card valid from January 2 through February 29, 2012.

Max & Erma’s  Spend $25  on git cards, get a $5 bonus card.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant has two $50 gift cards on sale at Costco for $79.99, a 20% discount. Details and ordering information on the Costco website.

OinkADoodleMoo  Spend $25  on git cards, get a $5 bonus card or buy a  $100 gift card and get $25 free.

Outback for every $100 purchase of gift cards, you’ll get a $20 Bonus Card.  Details and ordering info on  website.

Piada  Spend $25  on git cards, get a $5 bonus card, or get $10 bonus card during Happy Hour 3-5pm daily

Ruby Tuesday buy $50 in gift cards and get a free $15 bonus coupon;  also get free shipping.  More details on website.

Red Robin Get a $5 bonus bucks card when you purchase a $25 gift card  *Redeemable Jan.1-Feb. 28, 2013.  More details on their webiste.

Steak n Shake get a $5 reward card for every $20 gift card purchase. More details and ordering info on website.

Subway Get a free 6-inch sub on the spot with every $25 Subway card purchase in stores.

Taco Bell buy a $20 gift card and get any menu item free. More details  on website.

TGI Fridays get a $5 bonus card for every $25 in eGift cards you buy online.  Details and ordering info on website.

The Caroline in Troy Purchase $100 in gift cards and receive a complimentary gift card for a 10 oz. House Steak Dinner or Maple Glazed Salmon Dinner.

The Cheesecake Factory  Spend $25 on gift cards and receive a “Slice of Joy Card,” redeemable for a free piece of cheesecakein stores between December 26 and March 31, 2012.

The Melting Pot  Get $100 in gift certificates when you in gift cards – ends 12/31* check local restaurant-not available online*

The Pub at The Greene  Receive a $10 Bonus Certificate for every $50 Gift Card Purchase.

Uno’s Chicago Grill  Get a $5 Voucher when you buy $25 in Gift Cards – valid thru Jan 1 2013.

White Castle Bell buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus card. More details on website.

I know a lot of our local restaurants will be offering deals, and I’ll post more as I hear from them. If you know of any we’ve missed, please feel free to add in the comments below!

 

Tim Horton’s Sending Out Smiles For A Good Cause

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Dayton-area Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop are running their annual  Cookie for Causes fundraiser until Sunday, November 25. Buy a special oversized chocolate chunk cookie with a smiley face drawn on in pink and blue frosting for only $1, plus tax at any Dayton restaurant.  Proceeds will benefit The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton. There are over a dozen area Tim Horton’s, find the one nearest you on their website.

This year, local Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop restaurant owners hope to raise more than $2,500 from Cookie for Causes sales. On average, the Dayton-area Cookie for Causes fundraising event raises approximately $2,500 in just one week.

This unique program originated in Hamilton, Ontario in 1996 as a way to help raise funds for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital. Since then, it has expanded in the U.S. and across Canada helping a variety of children’s charities, hospitals and community programs.  The Smile Cookie program is a unique way for Tim Hortons restaurant owners to give back to community charities, and they couldn’t be happier. It’s mouth watering goodness for a good cause.

 

The Big Ragu Releases the AMBUCS Chili Cook-off Votes!

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Cold beer and hot chili is a recipe for a Food Adventure.   Last Friday night, a large crowd enjoyed all the chili, adult beverages and gambling action they wanted at the 26th Annual AMBUCS Chili Cookoff and Casino night at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.  All the proceeds went to benefit Dayton AMBUCS, a charity service organization that is creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.  The Big Ragu and the Food Adventures Crew was lucky enough to be asked to be “Special Judge” for the event.   We had a blast, hung out with Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzel, and ate some terrific chili.

First off, we tried each and every chili offered.  We loved the traditional chili from Flannigans, Atrium Grille, Buckin Donkey Grille, Miami Valley Golf Club, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Elsa’s and Slyder’s.  Our taste buds enjoyed unique meat twists on chili from Smokin BBQ, Vinny’s Bar & Grill, Christopher’s, and Longhorn Steakhouse .  Things heated up with the spicy chili from Scratch Catering and Harrigans Tavern.  Unique tasting chili from The Tropics and Cafe Mexico were nice surprises, too.   There were even great entries from individual cooks like “Deer Slayer” and “Chef Daddy’s Firehouse Chili!”

We loved and finished them all, from white bean chili, to every piece of venison, and every jalapeno.  But, we had to pick our favorites, and here were our choices:

Food Adventure’s Top 3:
1) Deer Slayer
2) Jimmie’s Ladder 11
3) Smokin’ BBQ

After trying all of the chili we ate some hot dogs then tried our luck at Bingo, Blackjack and Dice games.  Most importantly, we donated to a great organization, AMBUCS.  It was great to see local people helping a charity that reaches out to all sorts of people with physical disabilities.  We were honored to be a part of this special event and this was a Food Adventure that will always remain close to our heart.  See you next year !

If you were not there, but want to help out a great cause, visit ambucs.com, and see how you can get involved.

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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Jazz Spotlight: Sinclair Community College + Upcoming Local Jazz Nov 21 – Dec 4

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Happy November 21st; the great saxophonist Coleman Hawkins was born on this day in 1904.  Check out Wikipeda at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coleman_Hawkins for more information. 

What is Sinclair Community College?

This could easily be one of those “man bites off more than he can chew” items so lets keep it simple and say what is Sinclair in regards to jazz music. This season Sinclair is offering four Jazz Ensemble concerts with Bruce Jordan conducting and one Jazz Combo concert with Eddie Brookshire directing all in Blair Hall Theatre. Blair Hall is the College’s premiere theatre facility. The facility is an elegant 459-seat proscenium style auditorium that serves the entire community. Located in Building 2 alongWest Fourth Street, Blair Hall Theatre is the home of Sinclair’s Theatre department productions and Music department concerts. Check my local jazz calendar for the dates and times.

Sinclair College is yet another great asset to the Dayton Community that my wife and I, living downtown, like to take advantage of. I’d like to share one of their events that we attended last Saturday.  During their Community Wind Symphony as listed in the program “Concerto for Winds and Piano Right Hand (2012) – Stranger in Paradox with Jeff Hufnagle on piano and Christian Berg on Bass. A little over a year ago I received word that local jazz artist Jeff Hufnagle had a bad stroke, which left him without the use of his entire left side. Imagine how happy I was to have received the following: “Folks, This Is Great News! Jeff will premier Chris Berg’s Piano Concerto with the outstanding Sinclair College Wind Symphony.” An amazing performance with Jeff playing better with one hand than many with both. I also want to share Jeff’s email message: Even though playing the Christian Berg piano concerto is a miraculous milestone on my road to recovery, full recovery; playing with both hands, walking unassisted, driving a car, are still probably years down the road for me. Working with Chris and the Sinclair wind symphony has made me feel like a musician again and has certainly had a beneficial effect on me. Repairing the severe damage that was done to my brain is a slow and painful process that can’t be rushed I expect no miracles. The love and support of the local music community has kept me from sinking into the abyss. Peace, Jeff.         

Jazz Calendar

Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:

Tonight Wednesday, November 21 – Tonight, for you dancers the The Dayton Event Connection offers an eleven piece “Pocket Big Band” and James Elliott Project Featuring Roger Baccus is at Zanzibar Brews in Columbus

Thursday November 22 – Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday November 23 – the Mike Wade Quartet featuring Khalid Moss will perform at Jazz Central  while Terry Murphy and Company Band is playing The De’lish Café both in Dayton.

Saturday November 24 – Jazz of the Month Club – Holiday Jazz Concert Chris Comer Trio is at the Cincinnati Public Library Atrium and the The NEW Ed Moss Trio is at Schwartz’s Point in Over-The-Rhine in Cincinnati.

Sunday November 25 – Roderick Wilson is at Huffies BBQ in Dayton and the Phil DeGreg Trio is at Dee Felice in Covington, KY.

Monday November 26 – the John Taylor Trio is at the Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and the Blue Wisp Jazz Club offers a Jazz Jam hosted by Sandy Suskind inCincinnati.

Tuesday November 27 – Park Street Tavern continues their Jazz Jam and the Tony Monaco Trio performs at The Rumba Café both in Columbus.

Wednesday November 28 – the Blue Wisp Big Band performs at the Wisp and John LaIacona is at Eddie Merlot’s both in Cincinnati.

Thursday November 29 – Tony Monaco is at Giammarco’s Pizza in Westerville, OH and the Rick Brunetto Big Band is at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant inColumbus.

Friday November 30 – Shawn Stanley Trio is at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville, OH and the Thompson House presents Mandy Gaines in Newport, Ky.

Saturday December 1 – Roderick Wilson, Eddie Brookshire, Archie McPherson, Jack Novotny, Fenton Sparks & Clifford Darrett join to tribute the great Dizzy Gillespie at Dayton’s Jazz Central.

Sunday December 2 – a Live Jazz Party produced by Gene Walker is at the Hunan Gourmet Restaurant in Whitehall, OH and the Jazz Central Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus is in Dayton.

Monday December 3 – Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus and the Jazz Cab is at The Greenwich in Cincinnati.

Tuesday December 4 – UD Jazz Ensemble & University Jazz Band performs at University of Dayton Boll Theatre in Dayton and the Park St. Tavern Jazz Jam is inColumbus.

 

More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com

PsychoStick Will Rock You Stupid or Die Trying

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Psychostick

So, Gwar, Tenacious D, Chimaira and System of a Down walk into a bar to watch a Weird Al Yankovic show and he’s doing a signature parody about food, let’s say tacos.  Then all of a sudden he changes career long lyrical content to STD’s and weird sexual acts and starts screaming and cussing. Let’s say you’re at an S.O.D show and Billy Milano’s screaming his poetry of anger, hate, politics, speaking English and killing yourself, except this time, it’s funny. Imagine moshing in a circle pit to ‘lighter’ almost acoustic ballads laughing at the same time. If your presumably drunk feeble mind can harness the brain cell’s to merge the above descriptions together you’ll get an idea of what a PsychoStick show’s like.

The self-proclaimed humor-core comedy metal band from Phoenix take all the angst, anger, depression, gloom, evil, sadness and other nasty stuff in metal and make it funny with wink-face smiley emoticons. BTW (by the way), they’re coming to McGuffy’s Saturday November 24th, so deal with it…., and Toledo the day after.  Even though their big hit’s called Beer don’t drink too much at their show you might piss yourself laughing.  Lyrically they bravely tackle taboo subjects like singing about songs, food, Facebook deletions, Hollywood BS, number counting, caffeine, groceries, orange’s and other subjects most other bands don’t have the balls too touch… (yes, pun intended). They play an unforgettable show (no matter how hard you try as you cry yourself to sleep) with goofy props, lyrical parodies, loud metal and sometimes stop mid-song for band discussions, bathroom breaks and texting.

They’re celebrating the holidays the only way they can by bringing out the jolly old man’s dark side and inner evil on the Santa’s an Assh-… tour. So far, they’ve earned success, disgust and a devoted loyal following their own way self-recording, producing, and marketing themselves anyway they can, short of selling out or the world’s oldest profession. They have 3 full length CD’s out. Their first, 2003’s We Couldn’t Think of a Title, 2009’s Sandwich and 2011’s similar titled Space Vampires VS Zombie Dinosaurs In 3D. They also have a festive Christmas record out honoring the season in the spirit of Bing Crosby and Perry Como called The Flesh Eating Rollerskate Holiday Joyride featuring Jolly Old Sadist and Red Snow.

They’ve played and shared festival bills with an impressive list including Green Jelly, Mushroomhead, Slipknot, Slayer, Anthrax, Motorhead, Disturbed, As I Lay Dying, Godsmack and Megadeth among others. They’ve even played a show with the equally humorous Venom, Pig Destroyer and NunSlaughter. They’ve played 21 national tours in 47 states and were probably banned in the others. They have a few videos out including Political Bum which could be seen as a comical comparison to Suicidal Tendencies’ Institutionalized and there’s a video about feminize pectoral major’s too. If they take themselves seriously, they don’t show it but they are definitely serious about being dumb.  Dayton’s Amongst Villains, Cincinnati’s Sleeping Tigers and The Fallen join the bill.

 

THE NEON Opens THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

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Hello Everyone,

I’m sad to report that we had a rather abysmal weekend at THE NEON. THE SESSIONS (which is such a wonderful film) performed well below what we had hoped. A LATE QUARTET (which audiences are loving) absolutely tanked. Because we’ve got a big film opening on Nov. 30 (Joe Wright’s ANNA KARENINA), we needed to add something to the mix for just on week in order to help this weekend’s numbers. It’s a rarity for us to open a film that has already played in our market, but THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER is a film that I really loved at The Toronto International Film Festival – and I hope that there are several people who still need to see it. If you saw and loved SESSIONS or LATE QUARTET, please help us spread the word that they won’t be at THE NEON much longer.

Synopsis for THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER: “Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a modern classic that captures the dizzying highs and crushing lows of growing up. Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a moving tale of love, loss, fear and hope-and the unforgettable friends that help us through life.” (Summit Entertainment) Click HERE to visit the official site.

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The first three Saturdays at Noon in December will mark the return of the Family Holiday Film Series – sponsored by The Dayton Holiday Festival, DP&L, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON. Here is this year’s line-up:
DEC. 1 at Noon – PRANCER
DEC. 8 at Noon – IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
DEC. 15 at Noon – ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
These films are free for children 12 & under and only $2 for everyone else.

We’ve added some great titles to our line-up, so be sure to check out our list below.
And next time you’re in our lobby, make sure to take your picture in our HITCHCOCK Screaming Booth. We’ll soon have a contest on facebook where you’ll be able to post your picture and vote on your favorite scream! (HITCHCOCK – about the making of PSYCHO – is slated to start on December 14…and it’s lots of fun.)

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Nov. 23 – Thur, Nov. 29:

THE SESSIONS (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

A LATE QUARTET (R) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:40, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:50

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (PG-13) 1 Hr 42 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 5:00, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Nov. 30 – ANNA KARENINA
Nov. 30 or Dec. 7 – CHASING ICE
Dec. 14 – HITCHCOCK
Dec. ? – SMASHED
Dec. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Jan. 4 – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
Jan ? – RUST AND BONE
Jan ? – ON THE ROAD
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Feb. ? – AMOUR
TBD – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

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IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS, the stage adaptation of the beloved classic film is coming to the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center this holiday season.  Bring your loved ones for a heart-warming celebration of Americana from November 27 – December 2 at the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketcenterstage.com, by phone (937) 228-3630 or at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center.

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the bargain.  Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” and the unforgettable title song, IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family!

The New York Times claims “this cozy trip down memory lane should be put on your wish list.”  And, the New York Daily News hails IRVING BERLIN’SWHITE CHRISTMAS as “a holiday card come to life.”

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS features Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin with Book by David Ives and Paul Blake and is based upon the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.

This brand new production of IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS is produced by Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars. The creative team includes direction by Norb Joerder, choreography by Randy Skinner, scenic design by Anna Louizos, scenic supervision and adaptation by Kenneth Foy, lighting design by Ken Billington, and sound design by Peter Fitzgerald and Erich Bechtel.  The tour is produced by agreement with R&H Theatricals, an Imagem Company.

Tickets start at $15*.  For tickets call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 at (888) 228-3630,  Go online to www.ticketcenterstage.com or visit the Ticket Center Stage Box Office in person, located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center.

The 2012-2013 Premier Health Partners Broadway Series presentation of IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS receives support from Leadership Sponsor Fifth Third Bank and Performance Sponsor WHIO-TV, a product of CMGO. The official hotel of the Premier Health Partners Broadway Series isCrowne Plaza Dayton.  Assistive hearing devices are provided by Hillcrest Hearing Aids & Balance Center. Victoria Theatre Association’s recycling partner is Waste Management with DataYard as the official internet service provider. 

*$15 tickets are limited and located in the Upper Balcony.

Much To Feel Thankful For

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Almost a year has passed since our big move to the city. It feels like so much has happened since then. At this time last year, our old house was completely torn apart. The last thing I was thinking of was cooking a turkey or putting up a Christmas tree. There were boxes everywhere. We had an offer on our home, but we still had no idea where we were going to hang our hat.
Being empty nesters, our opportunities were a little bit wider. We didn’t have to worry about schools or kids in the neighborhood. We could look for something totally different and out of the box. We could live anywhere we wanted to. Except a year ago at this time, I didn’t know where that place would be.
I was getting discouraged! We both already decided we wanted to downsize. We both agreed that moving would give us the opportunity to get rid of a lot of our stuff. We were ready for a clean slate. Less stuff, new area – we had an open mind and we were ready! My husband (Mr. Level Head) convinced me that the right house would find us and we would be fine. It was out there, we just hadn’t connected with it yet. So we packed, and purged our stuff and kept our minds open and our hearts open even wider.
Except still no new home. Thanksgiving was approaching. We prayed, searched the paper, went online and spread the word. We had to be out soon (thank God we had actually sold our large home in such an icky market), because the new owners wanted to take possession at closing.
Well, fast forward almost a year. I am writing this in my new home office. It has a view of downtown. Just like my wise husband said, the house was waiting for us. It has 125 year old charm and stories and tons of warmth. It has good juju. It has (very friendly) ghosts of Christmas’s past. It has wonderful, friendly and fun neighbors. It has character and happiness and it exudes love. It was waiting for us.
I have never looked back. Even though we only moved 15 minutes away, I have not even driven by my old home. Don’t get me wrong – we absolutely loved it. It was perfect for us and our family. It was a season of life that served us well. But that chapter is closed. Thank goodness it had a happy ending.
I absolutely love, love, LOVE our new home. My husband loves our home. Our dogs love our home. Our kids love visiting our home. Our grandkids love our home. Our friends love our home. And our home feels the love. It is happy to have its halls filled once again. It stands tall with pride. Our home takes its job quite seriously. It gladly gives us shelter, warmth and love. It gives us comfort and coziness and strength. It had been looking for us for a while. Thank God it found us.
It may be going a little over-board, but this year I am making up for not decorating our old house last year. I can’t wait to cook a turkey, and I already have all my goodies to make Christmas cookies. My husband has the outside lights up and we’ve gotten down the boxes (and boxes) of decorations.
I have much to feel thankful for this season. I have an incredible spouse and partner, the best kids and daughter-in-laws on the planet, some pretty incredible grandkids (with two more on the way), a wonderful family and in-laws, the best friends and neighbors in the world and some loving and sweet furry four-legged kids. This house is the perfect way to end a year of thanks –and the perfect jump start to a new and exciting future.
I learned quite a lesson this past year. I learned to just breathe – that the answer is always out there. I learned that we are all blessed in so many ways, and that we are always taken care of no matter what. I learned that the best way to live is to give up the (seeming) control and let the Universe and God do their thing. I learned that sometimes less is more. And I have learned that it’s not stuff that makes me happy – it is love and people and relationships that make me happy.
I have so much to be thankful for, but mostly I am thankful for all that I have learned. I am thankful for the patience that I have finally acquired and the faith that I have gained strength from. No matter what type of dwelling you reside in, I pray that you are feeling the blessings and gifts that are meant to be yours. I am sending all of you a ton of Thanksgiving blessings and love – from our home to yours.

 

Human Race Theatre Company Presents Oliver!

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Scott Stoney as Mr. Bumble and Blaise Bouschard as Oliver in Oliver!. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

The 2012-2013 Eichelberger Loft Season continues with Alan Souza’s uniquely revisionist version of Oliver!, Lionel Bart’s play of an orphan who dared to ask for more. Exchanging the full orchestra of musicians and the workhouse full of children for a gifted cast of ten performers who play multiple roles, Souza reduces the story to its relevant core in a play within a play. Christmas Eve in London, 1838. A small group of working-class, wayward souls gather in a tavern to celebrate when a small, unexpected guest prompts a spontaneous telling of the popular Oliver Twist. With traditional music-hall flair, they delve into Charles Dickens’ haunting moral tale as the lines between story and reality blur. Sized perfectly for The Loft Theatre, this reimagining of the classic Tony Award®-winning musical will touch your heart and challenge your spirit. It’s Oliver with a twist, indeed!

Oliver! is directed by Alan Souza (Ears on a Beatle, 2008), who developed the new concept for the show. Helen Gregory is the music director and Spencer Liff (recent Emmy® Award nominee for So You Think You Can Dance) is the choreographer. The set design is by David A. Centers, costume design by Molly Walz, lighting design by John Rensel and sound design by Brian Retterer. Kay Carver is the production stage manager. Originally slated to perform until December 16, the run has been extended to add seven performances. Oliver! runs November 29 through December 22, 2012. Opening night is Friday, November 30.

Blaise Bouschard as Oliver, Joseph Medeiros as the Artful Dodger and Gary Troy as Fagin in Oliver!. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

The 10-member cast includes: Nicholas Belton, Blaise Bouschard, Ian DeVine, Helen Gregory, Adam Lendermon, Joseph Medeiros, Chris Shea, Sara Sheperd, Human Race Resident Artist Scott Stoney and Gary Troy. Jonah Sorscher is the understudy.

The story of The Human Race’s new production of Oliver! began when Kevin Moore wanted to do something special to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth for the 2012-2013 season. “We’d already produced A Christmas Carol for Dayton audiences five times and I felt like they deserved something new,” says Moore. “Oliver! had been on my wish list for a long time, but the established cast size and scale of the musical made such a production in The Loft Theatre unlikely.” But a fortuitous conversation with director Alan Souza suddenly made the improbable highly possible. Souza had recently re-imagined My Fair Lady and Camelot at the Engeman Theater at Northport, New York, turning them into smaller scale productions, and he had a similar concept for Oliver! already in mind.

Dickens’ originally published Oliver Twist as a magazine serial, with installments released periodically from 1837 to 1839. “Perhaps the most telling evidence of the novel’s appeal is the fact that many separate, unauthorized stage plays—based on the story—were put into production before it was ever finished!” says Souza. “Clearly the citizens of Victorian England saw themselves in the characters and situations. It was the Harry Potter of its generation.” Inspired by this historical fact and the British “music hall” style of theatrical entertainment that originated in pubs and taverns around the same time, Souza hit upon a concept that would reduce Oliver! to its core and also make it more manageable for intimate theatres by taking Lionel Bart’s original musical and setting it in a 1838 London pub. The result—a play within a play—as the pub’s patrons act out Oliver’s exploits to entertain themselves. “What if the patrons—the very type of folks the story is written about—found themselves in a predicament that directly reflected the now-famous catalyst for Oliver’s adventures?” Souza wondered, “Would life imitate art, or vice-versa? Certainly they would sing about it!”

“Our rendition is set when the chronicles of Oliver Twist were all the rage, even as his fate remained a mystery.” Souza then explores the impact of such a telling on those telling the story, “Our unlikely combination of revelers finds both great joy and enlightenment in enacting a pantomime of his tale as an entertainment, but in process they reveal their own struggles for survival, acceptance, and love as their identities with their characters merge.”

Blaise Bouschard as Oliver and Joseph Medeiros as the Artful Dodger in Oliver!. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

PERFORMANCE AND SPECIAL EVENT INFORMATION

Tickets for the preview performance of Oliver! on November 29 are $36 for adults, $34 for seniors and $17.50 for students. For all performances November 30 – December 22, single ticket prices are $41 and $45 for adults, $39 and $43 for seniors and $20 and $22 for students. Prices vary depending on the day of the week desired. Group discounts are available. The Human Race Theatre is offering a pair of discount ticket opportunities. Twenty-five special $25 tickets are available at each performance, on sale two weeks prior to that performance. The Sunday, December 2 7:00 p.m. performance is “Sawbuck Sunday”, when a limited number of available seats can be purchased in person for just $10 at The Loft Theatre box office two hours prior to the show. Discounts are subject to availability and some restrictions apply.

All performances are at the Metropolitan Art Center’s Loft Theatre, located at 126 North Main Street in downtown Dayton, Ohio.

Show times for Oliver! are 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday evenings and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday and Tuesday evenings. Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m. The Pay-What-You-CAN performance is Wednesday, November 28 at 8:00 p.m. The “Inside Track” pre-show discussion begins at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, prior to the 8:00 p.m. preview performance. The opening night performance is Friday, November 30 at 8:00 p.m., followed by a free party with the cast in The Loft Lobby. “Lite Fare at the Loft” with food and drink provided by Citilites begins in The Loft Theatre lobby at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4. The “While We’re on the Subject” post-show talkback is on Sunday, December 9, immediately following the 2:00 p.m. performance. There is a Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 22.

Tickets and performance information on Oliver! are available online at www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office.

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

We have THREE PAIRS of tickets to give away for Oliver! – just fill out the form below and then leave a comment telling us that you want to win tickets to see Oliver! by the Human Race Theatre Company, and we’ll draw three random winners on Friday November 23rd – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to our three winners:

Shannon Blair

Brian Gerhardstein

Margie Rivera

Woodland Lights Gingerbread Art Competition Seeks Entrants

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Amateur bakers are invited to help create one of the most enjoyable displays at Woodland Lights – the twelfth annual collection of gingerbread houses.

“The gingerbread house display at Woodland Lights brings joy to thousands of people every year. Adults and children working inGingerbreadHouse their kitchens throughout the Miami Valley make it possible,” said Woodland Lights Coordinator Linda Madden. “We hope people will get into the holiday spirit early this year by sharing their favorite gingerbread creations with the community.”

Entries for the Woodland Lights Gingerbread Art Competition are due on Monday, Nov. 26. Bakers can enter individually or in groups. Categories include: adults, youth 7 to 18, preschoolers, and groups such as families, community organizations and schools. Professional bakers also have a category.

Families especially are encouraged to submit entries, Madden said. “Working in the kitchen helps bring families together. Designing, baking and decorating a gingerbread house provides a wonderful intergenerational opportunity.”

GingerbreadContestantIndividuals who place first in their category will receive an Active 90 Pass which provides free entrance for 90 days to the recreation center’s aquatic activities, fitness center, running track, open gym and climbing wall and to Rec West’s gym, theater and game room. Second place winners receive five daily passes. Registered participants who win as part of a group will receive two daily passes.

Gingerbread house entries should be taken to the Stolz Building, behind the Washington Township Recreation Center, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26. Gingerbread judging takes place Thursday, Nov. 29th. Entering is free. For additional information, call 438-7985 or  check their website.

Genitorturers Violate McGuffys House of Rock… Again

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Miss Gen of the the Genitorturers onstage at McGuffy’s House of Rock (photo by Mike Ritchie)

McGuffy’s known for a long storied history of bringing in the best local/national bands might also be considered one of the bravest. Saturday November 3rdthey brought back one of metals most ballsy and brazen acts both in performance, visuals and themes. The Genitorturers, Tampa’s answer to extreme Vaudeville meets sadistic role play meets simulated ‘physical activity’ brought the BlackHeart Revolution back to Dayton for another night of intense debauchery, naughty nemphoism, and general overall depravity. They’ve probably scared Alice Cooper once or twice too.

Not only did the crowd get a tour de force of tantalizing freak show tinsel town as the main event they got two more bands as different to each other as they were to their ‘dominating’ headliner. Tonight may have been one of the most musically diverse bills to play the Mcguffy’s stage.

The Campaign 1984 (photo by Mike Ritchie)

High energy openers The Campaign 1984 have been making dirty southern rock with a sexy cynical edge on the east coast since 2004. Namesake based on the George Orwell novel. Matt Anderson’s stage performance and presence is as much about the music as it his own facial delivery of lyrical themes and subject matter. You may not be quite sure what he’s saying here and there, though his vocals are clean you can tell from every comical/cartoonish expression, eye role, movement  that he’s having fun and feeling it whether it’s delivered in sarcasm or sincerity. They’ve opened for Slash, Buck Cherry, Jackal and Red among others. 2010’s Sessions marks their fourth CD showcasing an always evolving sound. Stand in line for this Black Country Communion whisky bottle in hand with some AC/DC style rock with a black magic edge and a bit of North Carolina BLS Pride and Glory.  The slobber nockered bluesy jam blasts off with Queen of the Damned about one of the nasties of the street lit evening underworld. We get some Hot Love from the Werewolves of the industrial revolution. Slingblade (not the movie) tells us about those special ‘scene girls’ who’ve probably earned their rep for being Dixie Dynamite. They leave us drinking from the triple X’d jug with a Kiss. The campaign’s a black top gravel in the face dose of full-tank high octane trucker road rock ready for the next all-nighter.

Close the Hatch (Photo by Mike Ritchie)

Dayton’s Close The Hatch is not as much a band as it’s a disturbing musical assault on the mind and the bizarre, noir images the mind conjures during their shows. Their music is almost instrumental except for the intense Crowbar like growls of Stephen Barton. They play music that dream weaves its way into your subconscious and mental lobes. They incorporate a slow heavy sound with a classical edge and effects giving off a weird, eerie melancholy ambiance. Feelings of trauma and trepidation seep off stage slowing finger crawling toward the audience like a misty apparition.  It’s a slow musical journey into insanity with straight jacket wall slamming and a little bit of blissful serenity added to the gloom. They’ve figured out what an acid trip during a suicide note would sound like. They create multiple moments playing serene surroundings putting the mind in places it’s not exactly familiar or ok with. Imagine being in the high of a high in the deep end of a pool, floating near the bottom looking up at the sun’s reflection through the murphy clear waves, under the induced tranquil state of peaceful serenity unaware of the fast approaching panic your body tries to warn you. That last moment of dreamlike calm when your eyes close, body shuts down and permanently drift away. They’ve captured it. This is music for serial killers with serious mood swings.  Musically they’re Meshuggah meets Tool mediated by Opeth with the Deftones hanging around.

The Genitorurers (Photo by Mike Ritchie)

Now ladies and gentleman, boys and girls it’s time to watch what would happen if Wendy O Willams was resurrected by The Great Kat and both joined the circus, the devilishly delightful hostess of dominatrix Miss Gen. Clad throughout the evening in leather and lace, cape and illuminating top hat she was always dressed to kill. Playing the devils concubine, she’s the femme fatale to Dani’s filth, the queen to King Diamond’s dark kingdom and the conductor of the traveling ritualistic Sodom and Gomorrah metal road show that is The Genitorturers. Where there’s no shame, no taboos, no act too shocking and no liquid or dessert topping too good not to indulge in. If you like your loud metal shows full of lewd acts, Gwar-like costumes champagne simulations and whip cream climaxes you’re in for a sweet treat. They emerge through a blood splattered entrance way opening with their smash hit Cum Junkie, mistress Gen plays with her toys including an incriminating shiny butcher knife, some cute altered baby dolls, a whip and a few humans with a fetish for perverse PDA’s willing to experiment and experience the genitorture. The cast of damnation includes cutters, pole riders, an adult sized baby fresh from the morgue, an overbearing/over ruling judge whose moral/Miranda authority’s quickly diminished by majority rule. It’s thematically an X rated show done with horror movie elements, plenty of depravity, industrial gothic sound, side show sizzle, Halloween hijinks and back room sex club perversity with a creative, artsy feel.  She pulls out the evil inside her with a Devil in a Bottle and some Jim Bean unleashing her inner demons into the mic. It’s time to do some evil things, play tempting seduction games with a lollipop and deflower some virgins. One scantily clad lady comes out and makes a religious statement. It’s a busy multi-tasking sex show, without the nudity. We’ll Take It anyway they wanna give it, no pain no gain. They’re Public Enemy Number 1 in Sin City and the moral justice police just gave up the chase. They finished up by vocally touching themselves and saying goodnight. Something wicked definitely came.

Chili Cook Off and Casino Night at the Fair Grounds

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If you’re a chili fan, there will be no better place to be than the Colesium at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds tonight as Chili Chefs from all over the Dayton region will be competing in the 26th Annual Ambucs Chili Cook Off & Casino Night. For just $18 you’ll have a chance to try over 20 chili entries as well as hot dogs, beer, wine, coffee and soft drinks.  All proceeds benefit area children & adults with disabilities,a s well as The Therapist Scholarship Fund. There will even be door prizes, including $500 cash! If you’re thinking this event used to be held at Polen Farms, it was, but according to event organizer Peggy Quinn, “we moved the event to the Fairgrounds so we aren’t dependent on the weather.  This is a big fundraiser for us and if it was cold or rainy we’d get killed.”

Dayton MostMetro’s own SuperFry and The Big Ragu will be judging the chili and will select a critic’s choice winner and there will also be a people’s choice, voted on by the participants.  The event starts at 6pm and after you’ve had your fill of chili there will be plenty of casino games to try your luck.

The following have all donated a minimum of 5 gallon s of Chili for tonight’s festivities:

AMELIA’S      ATRIUM GRILLE      BUCKIN’ DONKEY     BULLWINKLE’S
CAFE MEXICO      CHAPPY’S GRILL     CHEF DADDY’S FIREHOUSE CHILI
CHRISTOPHER’S     CHUCK EASTMAN’S DEER SLAYER CHILI      ELSA’S @ WILMINGTON AVE.
FLANNIGAN’S PUB      HARRIGAN’S TAVERN      JIMMY’S LADDER 11      LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE
ST. ANNE’S HILL CHILI COOK-OFF CHAMPION      SCRATCH CATERING      SLYDERS      SMOKIN’ BAR B Q
THE MIAMI VALLEY GOLF CLUB      THE TROPICS AT LINCOLN PARK      UNO’S CHICAGO STYLE PIZZERIA
The South Dayton Chapter of National AMBUCS is a charitable (501c3) service club.

  • They are one of the 4 chapters located in the Dayton Area and are among the 6000 AMBUCS members nationwide, helping people with disabilities
  • They provide free-of-charge special built tricycles called AmTrykes to facilitate therapy of disabled children and adults
  • They also sponsor scholarships for therapist.

For more information on Ambucs programs check these links out:
Every Kid Needs a Bike

Pictures of Recent AmTrykes in Action
Helping Disabled Vets
What is an AmTryke Rodeo

 

ON STAGE DAYTON REVIEW: Legally Blonde (Playhouse South) – Pretty in Pink

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Katie McCarthy, bubbly, jovial and endearing, delightfully anchors Playhouse South’s admirable production of the upbeat, silly and surprisingly touching “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” breezily directed by Jim Brown and adapted in 2007 by Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin and Heather Hach based on the 2001 film of the same name.

McCarthy, colorfully costumed by Jenni Cypher, was born to play fashion-conscious sorority star Elle Woods, who optimistically journeys to Harvard Law School in order to reclaim her ex-boyfriend. Displaying pleasant vocals and a perky spirit that sidesteps annoyance, she firmly grasps Elle’s innate cheerleading instincts, particularly as a Pied Piper enthusiastically drawing crowds, and tender vulnerability, specifically when her world crumbles late in Act 2 after she rediscovers the beauty of staying true to self.

Elsewhere, the supporting cast cohesively gels. The amiable Josh Livecchi is appropriately unassuming as Emmett Forest, the introverted teaching assistant who grows to care for Elle in spite of her outgoing flair. Brad Bishop is sharply hard-nosed as Callahan, Elle’s ruthless professor. Angie Thacker adds enjoyable comic relief as Paulette, the beauty shop proprietor whose self-esteem and love life is reborn. The lively Jackie Darnell, as Elle’s sorority sister Serena, particularly leads the infectious “Bend and Snap” with vim and verve. Meagan Kuchan and Stefanie Dodge are respectively solid as liberal Enid Hoopes and imprisoned fitness guru Brooke Wyndham. Megan Rademacher is effectively snippy as Elle’s nemesis Vivienne Kensington. Matthew Scheerschmidt and Brett Norgaard are funny cohorts in “There! Right There!” Waky Harris fits the bill as Kyle, Paulette’s crush. Jessica Jones, appearing briefly, is a hoot as Elle’s tipsy mother. Brian Kester is too old to play Elle’s boyfriend Warner Huntington III but his efforts are serviceable nonetheless.

Energetic routines from choreographer Greg Andrus and a fine set designed by Ray Zupp are added benefits within this artistically sound endeavor.

“Legally Blonde: The Musical” continues through Nov. 17 at the Clark Haines Theatre of the Kettering Board of Education Building, 3750 Far Hills Ave., Kettering. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and military and $8 for students. For tickets or more information, call (888) 262-3792 or visit www.playhousesouth.org

 

ON STAGE DAYTON REVIEW: Spring Awakening (Wright State University) – Complex Adolescence

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Composer Duncan Sheik and lyricist/librettist Steven Sater’s dynamic “Spring Awakening,” 2007’s Tony-winning Best Musical, receives an outstanding local collegiate premiere at Wright State University.

Based on Frank Wedekind’s banned, controversial 1891 novel of the same name, “Spring Awakening” is a powerfully provocative coming of age tale set in 19th century Germany with contemporary flourishes. In fact, Sheik’s marvelous melodies, evocatively tied to Sater’s poetic lyrics, are written in the pop/alt rock vein. The musical’s riveting potency cuts deep as issues of abortion, abuse, angst, incest, isolation, suicide and more are explored. Staged by Joe Deer in the black box Herbst Theatre with firm, character-driven intimacy, the thought-provoking story of close-knit, inquisitive, sexually curious teenagers caught between childhood innocence and the dawn of adulthood doesn’t miss a beat, particularly as their questions and desires are regrettably disregarded by authority figures.

The central, ill-fated romance involving headstrong Melchoir Gabor (portrayed with great self-awareness and sensitivity by Jon Hacker) and the sheltered Wendla Bergman (an appealing, vocally beguiling Tommi Harsch) is skillfully executed, but Deer heightens the compelling landscape by emphasizing the awkwardness and emotional scars between parents and their children. Chrissy Bowen and Andrew Quiett portray multiple adult roles, but Bowen’s maternal reticence and fierce admonishment as Wendla’s mother and Quiett’s incredibly irascible disgust as the father of troubled Moritz Stiefel (Drew Helton, splendid and heartbreaking) are specifically striking. Moreover, in favor of an introspective approach, Deer lessens the material’s rock concert essence by eliminating hand-held microphones and microphone stands, a definitive concept of the off-Broadway and Broadway productions.

Helton, a wonderful Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray” last season, uniquely interprets Moritz with a stutter, a decision that generates more empathy for the character and reiterates his peculiarities. Helton is also in terrific voice, particularly in the frenzied “Don’t Do Sadness” brilliantly aided by Erin Jones’ lighting design. Ria Villaver, bringing tender fragility to her role as Ilse Neumann, and Paige Dobkins as Martha Bessell weave a gripping tapestry throughout “The Dark I Know Well.” Caroline Gruber, Liz Romey, Justin King, Logan Torbet, Sean Jones, Zach Warner and Lauren Schorr are uniformly strong in such haunting numbers as “Touch Me,” “I Believe” and “The Guilty Ones” in addition to the carefree “My Junk” and rip-roaring “Totally Fucked.” The cast’s heartwarming rendition of “The Song of Purple Summer,” the absolutely beautiful Act 2 finale, is among the best I have heard.

Choreographer Dionysia Williams’ expressively first-rate routines balance succinct rigor and ecstatic exuberance with the gentility of caressing hands and soft candlelight. Zoe Still provides attractive period costumes and dresses her appropriately stark set with flowing tattered fabric. Musical director Sherri Sutter leads a solid five-piece orchestra.

Wright State offers the third “Spring Awakening” Dayton has seen in two years, but the organization has certainly produced a worthwhile winner.

“Spring Awakening” continues through Nov. 18 in the downstairs, black box Herbst Theatre of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. The show contains adult language and themes. Tickets are $10 adults and $7 for students and seniors. All seats are $2 for the Saturday matinee. For tickets, call Victoria Oleen at (937) 775-3789.

Alrosa Villa Celebrates 38 Years with the Voice of Queensryche.

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Since August 1974 Alrosa Villa has been a Columbus tour stop mecca for the world of music to come to entertain, perform and generally kick ass. The Villa’s been a staple of the northern Ohio music scene for almost four decades and continues to bring the best bands on all levels through its historic doors.   Besides hundreds of the best local and regional bands; a who’s who of rock n roll fame and infamy has come to ransack the place and play its hallowed stage. The royalty includes Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, Brian Johnson, 80’s legends/ hair metal kings David Lee Roth, Ratt, Bret Michaels, 90’s goth pioneers Type O Negative, one of metal’s Godfather’s Dio, the legendary Motorhead, masked men Slipknot, the southern charm of Jackal, White Zombie, Suicidal Tendencies, Devil Driver, Mushroomhead, Pantera, Korn, Overkill, Inflames, Lamb of God and countless more.
It’s fitting that Queensryche played a show here in the early 80’s as they’ve brought back the voice that helped propel the band to global success with eleven records, a collection of DVD’s and 20 million records sold worldwide. A man whose voice is one of the most listenable, identified, soothing yet haunting to hear and is responsible for verbal warnings, operating mind-crime, building empires, singing about the Promise Land then another frontier, calling out the tribes for Moore mind-crime and singing for the American soldiers dealing with the chaos. The voice, known as Geoff Tate joined the band, formally The Mob in 1982 after the success of the name changing EP’s title Queen of the Reich. The Metal umlaut aka rock dots above the Y is a Greek punctuation inferring unique pronunciation as they didn’t want a connection with certain parts of Euro history.

No Reverse Gear

His solo work includes the 2002 self-titled disc, guest vocals on Lucy In The Sky with Diamonds on Butchering The Beatles: A Headbashing Tribute, Summerwind on 2011’s Sin-atra and this year’s Kings&Thieves. Alrosa, Columbus and all those who attended had a blast hearing the man whose voice is synonymous with some of the all-time great metal songs/concept records and is Hit Parader’s #14 greatest voice of all time and recently voted That Metal Show’s #2.

The best of the local’s tradition continued as Columbus’s No Reverse Gear started the celebration playing some down n dirty southern jailhouse rock and catchin’ the Southbound railroad train to freedom blues. Backup singer Allix sings the soulful, heartbreaking blues behind lead singer/guitarist/patriarch Rod Knapp, who plays sly with the steel fingered guitar and harmonica. He does his time on stage with a smirk and smile telling us about all of life’s experiences, women and past and present hardships.  It’s time to go Home though the Dinal Festination isn’t clear. Life has No Reserve Gear so speed it up and live it up the best you can. A philosophy spoken by a man who’s band is definitely a family affair.

Roxy Mae

Straight from the most hair spray soaked, back streets punked out parts of Columbus come the three man band Roxy Mae. Named after a special working lady they’re as red blooded as any American male from Ohio’s capital. Playing a nostalgic aqua gel throwback mix of dirty garage rock, hard hair metal and pissed of punk they’d make anyone from LA Guns to Michael Monroe to Jetboy proud. Too bad they weren’t around in the mid-late 80’s they could’ve given Roxy Blue, Tuff and Britney Fox among countless others a sleazy run for Sunset superiority. The KMFDM wearing bassist Joe Estes is apparently the ‘punk’ of the group while black leather pants/bandanna wearing guitarist Matt Starr sported a gypsy/biker look complete with a time warp hair tease. Somewhere Phil Lewis and Faster Pussycat are smiling. Drummer JJ Kilimchuk has a lot of Joey Kramer in him. Playing their namesake tune, Dirty Girl and a tribute to Poison minus the makeup they showed what the new nostalgia sound of 2012 sounds like.

Louie Owings

Next up, one of the nights special attractions, guitar prodigy in the making, rockstar and future headliner in the making 11 year old Louie Owings took over the stage playing a crowd roaring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner showing knowledge beyond his years adding in a bit of Hendrix style. He would’ve done the tricks too but the guitar was almost bigger than him. After the crowd yelled for more, he encored showing off his chops and metal muscle with Highway to Hell. Raising hands for reaction, throwing up the thorns he sported genuine rock n roll prowess, letting out a rebel yell before taking a bow saying thank you and goodnight. Having a built in rock n roll family heritage the kids gonna be a star. Future appearances/autograph signing s and gigs can be booked through the Alrosa staff.

Level 7

Next up is quite possibly the most original cover band…ever. Level 7 play everything from the classics to the most recent and everything in between. They perform with such an addictive/bombastic energy if you didn’t know better you’d think the songs were theirs. In fact, they’re one of the only bands apparently brave, brazen and good enough through performance to play songs by Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Black Crowes, AC/DC and Kiss making them their own. With over 140 years of collective industry experience they are a force in the Columbus scene rivaling any national touring band. While there’s a unique dichotomy within the band as half look like real bonified rockstars fresh from Cali and other half look like the guy next door mowing his lawn on Sunday giving them as a whole, the perfect look. Singer Doug Savage IS a rockstar starting at an early age with a storied local history and major LA and touring cred, rubbing elbows with Ted Nugent, Zakk Wylde and many others. He brings the attitude and over the top rebellious attitude of Sebastian Bach, the flamboyance of David Lee Roth and the look of Bret Michaels. Opening with some serious rock n roll thunder they slam into a bigger than life show and their version of Toys, it was a time travel transplant back to the west coast. They played a Remedy for our ears then made us feel 18 again. Their mega-popularity showed in the crowd though they’d only formed in 2009. If a cover band ever looked like they’d lived a few Behind the Music stories, Level 7 is that band. Though we were nothing close to Cumbersome, they played it anyway the band temporary becoming Level Seven Mary Three. We got some Sweet Emotion; very apropos being it was Savage’s first Alrosa appearance since 1987. I’m sure over the years some serious dirty deeds were done on that stage but for now we get a Jailbreak. They turned Columbus into Detroit Rock City then rocked out a finale like a Crazy Bitch. Guitarist Sean ‘Riff’ Green, a 20 year local hero plays with the intensity and skill of a tour seasoned pro. Guitarist Daryl Wolford brought part of his guitar arsenal, merging sound and solos with Green. Lennard James bassist stood an intimidating sight, resembling a giant metal beast giving fans the heaviest sound possible. Called “a walking definition of versatility” by Modern Drummer Magazine Marty Brasington lived up to the billing in spades.

Geoff Tate

Many things have been said about Mr. Tate’s voice and four octave range. Though the voice is only one part of the performance, using his hypnotic eyes, body language and motion to convey the deepest emotions in his songs whether, pain, sorrow, happiness, humor or satisfaction emerge. He tells a story with one intense look or stare, one quick motion or convulsion, radiating a unique aura of mystery, sensuality and class, showing off sexuality for the ladies while staying macho for the guys. He encompasses the world renowned global front man he is but also comes across like a regular guy at times. Wearing heart on sleeve he sings the songs he’s known for along with solo material old and new, sipping only the best fine Insania red wine during the show. He smiles along sharing interesting road stories, particular one about being in the heat of New Orleans walking into a large voodoo ritual and ending up discussing taboo subjects with a 70’ish year old lady. He also advised what to do when you get the ‘silent treatment’.  He walks the stage casually playing the every-day kinda guy talking to people having some good natured fun with the ladies. One fortunate lady’s hair got a personally applied douse of authentic Geoff sweat; it may never see shampoo again. Tate reminds us that no matter how high you fly, always keep one foot in the dirt.

Joined by long time collaborator Donny Evola on guitars he appeared onstage dancing to the tribal drum beat persuading us into the murky depths of Forever. We revisit Q2K on Sacred Ground then he leaves us Disconnected in the Promised Land sax in hand. This is real, this is now, and this is the first new Kings & Thieves tune delivering the sexy sax playing, cathedral mix of The Way I Roll. Tonight’s a reminder there are no rules, just open your heart and let it Flood. We’re all Helpless, drawn into the performance. We go back to The Real World from the Last Action Hero Soundtrack dedicated to composer Michael Kamen who Tate met in 1984 and worked on Suite Sister Mary and Silent Lucidity. There’s a few thing’s Seattle’s famous for, coffee, caffeine addictions and lots and lots of rain.  It’s just Another Rainy Night in Columbus. We go old-school on The Killing Words then new school and Take a Bullet for the Dark Money, In The Dirt. Yep, we Got It Bad but we already knew so Say U Love It. We all Walk the Thin Line with A Grain of Faith. He finished up telling a story about an emotional fan telling him about the best song he ever wrote that saved his life. You know, Silent in Tennessee. The night ended on a long trip with the Jet City Woman. Kings&Thieves, other merch, tour info and fine wine is available at www.geofftate.com.
The evening’s celebration was over and another packed house of sweaty, tired, hoarse fans leave the Villa adding their names to the long, ever growing list of satisfied concert goers to the Alrosa guest book. Whether you’ve been there once, twice or you’re an area regular, Alrosa Villa continues to be an intimate alternative to the huge rock arenas where you can actually almost touch your favorite Rock God and despite one tragic night, their reputation’s been solidified on its autographed walls and the streets of Columbus. In other words, they’re here for another 38years… and counting.