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Archives for June 2013

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED Now At THE NEON!

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OR_Love Is All You Need 2012 movie Wallpaper 1600x1200Hello Everyone,

We’re moving right along at THE NEON. Though we’re holding both of our current attractions (BEFORE MIDNIGHT and THE EAST), we also had room to open a new romantic comedy that I saw at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED. It’s directed by Academy Award winner Susanne Bier and stars Pierce Brosnan and Trine Dyrholm. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Several of you have been asking…and I’m excited to announce that the new adaptation of Shakespeare’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, directed by Joss Whedon, is slated to open next Friday!

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Synopsis for LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED: “Philip (Brosnan), an Englishman living in Denmark, is a lonely, middle-aged widower and estranged single father. Ida (Dyrholm) is a Danish hairdresser, recuperating from a long bout of illness, who’s just been left by her husband for a younger woman, Thilde. The fates of these two bruised souls are about to intertwine, as they embark for a trip to Italy to attend the wedding of their children. With warmth, affection and confidence, Susanne Bier has shaken a cocktail of love, loss, absurdity, humor, and delicately drawn characters that will leave only the hardest heart untouched. It is a film about the simple yet profound pains and joys of moving on – and forward – with your life.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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On Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and filmmaker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

Here’s a note from American Pi, a store just a block from THE NEON: “Victory Film Group and Made in the USA Films present a 90 minute documentary that explores the rise and fall of U.S. manufacturing. Josh Miller sets out on a journey in which he attempts to live off of USA made products for 30 days. Can he do it!? During Josh’s journey he talks with locals to find out if ‘Made in the USA’ really means anything anymore. If not, what does that mean for the future of our country? Come find out when you join us on the MADE IN THE USA: THE 30 DAY JOURNEY. To obtain tickets online, visit the site. Our site says they are $10 but for a they are FREE. TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED via the website, at our location or via phone (click this LINK for the site). FREE price will reflect during checkout. We do have a VIP package so that viewers can get DVD and photos with Josh etc. and that price is $20.” Check out American Pi’s official site.

“AMU is the story of Kaju, a twenty-one-year-old Indian American woman who returns to India to visit her family and discover the place where she was born. The film takes a dark turn as Kaju stumbles against secrets and lies from her past. A horrifying genocide that took place twenty years ago turns out to hold the key to her mysterious origins.” The India Foundation will present this special screening of AMU on Saturday, July 13 at Noon. Tickets will be $5 each.

There’s another potential Gathr screening on the horizon. Once again, 50 tickets need to be reserved in order for the screening to be locked down. The movie is BACK TO 1942, and it’s an epic film set during a drought in China’s Henan province in 1942. The tentative screening is scheduled for July 17 at 7:30. Check out this LINK to watch the trailer and reserve your ticket. There’s only about a week left to reserve a ticket in order to secure the screening…and right now, it doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen. Hurry and share these details if this is a film you’d like to see!

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 28 – Thur. July 4:

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

THE EAST (PG-13) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 4:00, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:45

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED (PG-13) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
July 5 – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July ? – KINGS OF SUMMER
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
Aug 2 – I’M SO EXCITED!
Aug 26 – BLUE JASMINE
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE

Saluting Dayton’s 2012-13 Theater Season

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AVENUE Q production pic

James Oblak with “Princeton” and Annie Kalahurka, Brett Travis and Andrew Ian Adams in Avenue Q.
Photo by Scott J. Kimmins

From a glamorous Berlin hotel to a den of blood-thirsty vampires, Dayton’s 2012-13 theater season contained a slew of high quality, entertaining components.
Currently enjoying great success with the hilariously naughty “Avenue Q,” the Human Race Theatre Company impeccably produced a splendidly character and ensemble-driven, marvelously choreographed “Oliver!,” a wonderfully transformative  journey that absolutely typified the joy of embracing musical theater anew.  The organization’s decision to promote and encourage new plays was also evident, specifically its Midwest premiere of Janece Shaffer’s funny and poignant relationship comedy “Managing Maxine” which could be a huge hit in regional theaters across the country. The Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series deserves praise as well for delivering first-rate national tours of “The Addams Family,” “American Idiot,” “Dreamgirls” and “Rock of Ages”  to name a few. Interestingly, the Victoria’s brief engagement of the delightfully risqué “Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody” was a bold move that paid off tremendously.
Within community theaters, the Dayton Playhouse had a very commendable season bookended by two strong Sondheim presentations (“Side by Side by Sondheim” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”) and heightened by the totally refreshing, delectably spooky thrill ride that was “Dracula.”  The Dayton Theatre Guild, a haven for eclectic premieres, gathered fine ensembles for its engrossing productions of “100 Saints You Should Know,” “Ghosts” and “The Pillowman.” Playhouse South continued its pleasant upswing with “Legally Blonde” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” The consistently imaginative Zoot Theatre Company particularly excelled with “The Hobbit.”
On collegiate stages, Wright State University effortlessly restored “1913: The Great Dayton Flood” and pulled out the stops for an absolutely elegant, vocally striking production of “Grand Hotel: The Musical.” Sinclair Community College primarily scored with a very touching local premiere of “Intimate Apparel” and a cohesively joyful “Godpsell.” The University of Dayton supplied an impressive, fascinating look at Edward Albee’s “The American Dream” and “Zoo Story.”
On Saturday, August 3 at Sinclair Community College’s Charity Early Room, Dayton’s theater community will gather for the 10th annual DayTony Awards, honoring the achievements of designers, performers and productions across the area as voted on by 10 participating collegiate and community theaters. The event will be held in conjunction with the 12th annual Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame induction celebrating scenic and lighting designer Darrell Anderson, actor/designer/director Chris Harmon, producer John Kenley and director Kay Frances Wean. Kenley and Wean will be posthumously inducted.
Assessing the 75 shows I saw over the past 12 months, here are my picks (winners are in bold) for the season’s outstanding artists and productions.

RACE

l to r) Bruce Cromer, Richard B. Watson, Alan Bomar Jones and Julia Pace Mitchell in Race
Photo by Scott J. Kimmins


BEST PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
Lombardi, Human Race Theatre Company
Managing Maxine, Human Race Theatre Company
Race, Human Race Theatre Company

BEST LOCALLY-PRODUCED PROFESSIONAL MUSICAL
Avenue Q, Human Race Theatre Company
Next to Normal, Human Race Theatre Company/Victoria Theatre Association
Oliver!, Human Race Theatre Company

BEST PROFESSIONAL TOURING MUSICAL
The Addams Family, Victoria Theatre Association
Dreamgirls, Victoria Theatre Association
Hair, Springfield Arts Council
Mary Poppins, Victoria Theatre Association
Rock of Ages, Victoria Theatre Association

dracula

Jared Mola in Dracula
Photo by Art Fabian

BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
100 Saints You Should Know, Dayton Theatre Guild
Dracula, Dayton Playhouse
Ghosts, Dayton Theatre Guild
The Hobbit, Zoot Theatre Company
The Pillowman, Dayton Theatre Guild

BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Dayton Playhouse
Legally Blonde, Playhouse South
Little Shop of Horrors, Playhouse South
Side by Side by Sondheim, Dayton Playhouse
Thoroughly Modern Millie, Dayton Playhouse

BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
1913: The Great Dayton Flood, Wright State University
The American Dream/Zoo Story, University of Dayton
Intimate Apparel, Sinclair Community College
The Miracle Worker, Wright State University

BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
Funny Girl, Wright State University
Godspell, Sinclair Community College
Grand Hotel:  The Musical, Wright State University
Spring Awakening, Wright State University

American Idiot

(l to r) Jenna Rubaii and Thomas Hettrick in American Idiot
Photo by John Daughtry

BEST NEW WORK
Gingerbread Children, Human Race Theatre Company
Managing Maxine, Human Race Theatre Company
Nureyev’s Eyes, Dayton Playhouse FutureFest
Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody, Victoria Theatre Association
Under a Red Moon, Human Race Theatre Company

BEST SPECIAL THEATRICAL EVENT
Ain’t Misbehavin,’ Central State University, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and Zoot Theatre Company
American Idiot, Victoria Theatre Association
Crazy for You, Muse Machine
Into the Woods, Wright State University Senior Class
Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody, Victoria Theatre Association

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Alex Carmichal as Count Dracula, Dracula
Alexander Chilton as Jerry, Zoo Story
Edward Furs as Vincent Lombardi, Lombardi
Patrick Hayes as Katurian K. Katurian, The Pillowman
Jared Mola as Osvald Alving, Ghosts
Richard B. Watson as Jack Lawson, Race

Miracle Worker

(l to r) Kate Mueller and Cyndii Johnson in The Miracle Worker
Contributed photo

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Cassandra Engber as Anna Reardon, And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Lisa Howard-Welch as Helene Alving, Ghosts
Cyndii Johnson as Anne Sullivan, The Miracle Worker
Marcy McGuian as Marie Lombardi, Lombardi
Jana Robbins as Maxine Levine, Managing Maxine
Marva M.B. Williams as Esther Mills, Intimate Apparel

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Brad Mattingly as Pseudolus, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Con O’Shea-Creal as Bert, Mary Poppins
James Oblak as Princeton and Rod, Avenue Q
Jesse Sharp as Gomez Addams, The Addams Family
Desmond Thomas as Seymour, Little Shop of Horrors
Gary Troy as Fagin, Oliver!

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Charity Dawson as Effie Melody White, Dreamgirls
Melissa Hall as Fanny Brice, Funny Girl
Katie Pees as Kate Monster and Lucy T. Slut, Avenue Q
Trisha Rapier as Diana Goodman, Next to Normal
Sara Sheperd as Nancy, Oliver!
Carly Snyder as Polly Baker, Crazy for You

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Bruce Cromer as Charles Strickland, Race
Alan Bomar Jones as Henry Brown, Race
Sean Jones as John H. Patterson, 1913: The Great Dayton Flood
Charles Larkowski as Pastor Manders, Ghosts
Jared Mola as Robert Renfield, Dracula
Matthew W. Smith as Eliot, Opus (Dayton Theatre Guild)

100Saints

(l to r) Barbara Jorgensen, Maximillian Santucci, Alex Carmichal, Katrina Kittle and Corinne Engber in 100 Saints You Should Know
Photo by Craig Roberts

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Catherine Collins as Mrs. Dickson, Intimate Apparel
Jenna Gomes as Grandma, The American Dream
Barbara Jorgensen as Coleen, 100 Saints You Should Know
Caitlin Larsen as Mother, Frau Graf and Kathryn, Gingerbread Children
Julia Pace Mitchell as Susan, Race
Sherri Sutter as Dotty Otley and Mrs. Clackett, Noises Off (Brookville Community Theatre)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Ian DeVine as Jack, Into the Woods
Drew Helton as Moritz Stiefel, Spring Awakening
Joseph Medeiros as the Artful Dodger and Widow Corney, Oliver!
JoNathan Michael as James “Thunder” Early, Dreamgirls
Christopher G. Smith as Ken Page, Ain’t Misbehavin’
Justin Talkington as Eddie Ryan, Funny Girl

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Michelle Liu Coughlin as Christmas Eve, Avenue Q
Elana D. Elmore as Muzzy Van Hossmere, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Jennifer Fogarty as Wednesday Addams, The Addams Family
Kelli Locker as Herself, Godspell
Shawn Storms as Gary Coleman, Avenue Q
Michelle Weiser as Rose Brice, Funny Girl

BREAKTHROUGH MALE PERFORMANCE
Darren Brown as Rudolf Nureyev, Nureyev’s Eyes
Jon Hacker as Melchoir Gabor, Spring Awakening
Mathys Herbert as Otto Kringelin, Grand Hotel: The Musical
Joseph Risner as Michael, The Pillowman
Maximillian Santucci as Garrett, 100 Saints You Should Know
David Thomas as Jimmy Smith, Thoroughly Modern Millie

BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE PERFORMANCE
Taryn Lemmons as Elizaveta Grushinskaya, Grand Hotel: The Musical
Katie McCarthy as Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
Abby McLean as Millie Dillmount, Thoroughly Modern Millie
Cari Meixner as Audrey, Little Shop of Horrors
Kate Mueller as Helen Keller, The Miracle Worker
Hayley Penchoff as Katherina, The Taming of the Shrew (Sinclair Community College)

OLIVER

(l to r) Joseph Medeiros and Blaise Bouschard in Oliver!
Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY
D. Tristan Cupp and J. Gary Thompson, The Hobbit
Tony Dallas, The American Dream/Zoo Story
Richard E. Hess, Race
Natasha Randall, The Pillowman
David Shough, Dracula

BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Kimberly Borst, Godspell
Marya Spring Cordes, Grand Hotel:  The Musical
Joe Deer, Avenue Q
Alan Souza, Oliver!
Scott Stoney, Next to Normal

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Debbie Blunden-Diggs, Ain’t Misbehavin’
Lula Elzy, Crazy for You
Spencer Liff, Oliver!
Robert Longbottom and Shane Sparks, Dreamgirls
Suzanne Winland, Grand Hotel: The Musical

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A PLAY
Michael Amico, The Miracle Worker
Chris Harmon, Intimate Apparel
Josh Hollister, Ghosts
David Shough, Dracula
Terry Stump, The Taming of the Shrew (Sinclair Community College)

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Dick Block, Avenue Q
David A. Centers, Oliver!
D. Tristan Cupp, Ain’t Misbehavin’
Pam Knauert Lavarnway, Grand Hotel: The Musical
Terry Stump, Godspell

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY
Carol Finley and Robin Farinet, Ghosts
Kathleen Hotmer, The Taming of the Shrew (Sinclair Community College)
Mary Beth McLaughlin, The Miracle Worker
Barbara Pontecorvo, Dracula
Shirley P. Wasser, The Hobbit

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
D. Bartlett Blair, Grand Hotel: The Musical
William Ivey Long, Dreamgirls
Carrie Robbins, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Victoria Theatre Association)
Molly Walz, Oliver!
Ayn K. Wood, Ain’t Misbehavin’

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY
Anita Bachman and David Shough, Dracula
Andy Balmert, The Hobbit
John Falkenbach, Ghosts
Danielle Ferguson, The Miracle Worker
John Rensel, Under a Red Moon

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Matthew P. Benjamin, Grand Hotel: The Musical
Robert L. Clements, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Cedarville University)
Erin Jones, Spring Awakening
Natasha Katz, Mary Poppins
John Rensel, Oliver!

Funny-Thing

(l to r) Jamie McQuinn, Brad Bishop, Brad Mattingly and Saul Caplan in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Photo by Art Fabian

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY
Ben Borton, Kyle Himsworth and Matthew J. Evans, The American Dream/Zoo Story
Bob Kovach and David Shough, Dracula
James Dunlap, The Miracle Worker
John Lamm, The Hobbit
Andrew Stroud, 1913: The Great Dayton Flood

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Craig Cassidy, The Addams Family
James Dunlap, Grand Hotel: The Musical
Kyle Himsworth, bare: a pop opera (University of Dayton)
Brian Retterer, Oliver!
Brian Ronan, American Idiot

BEST VIDEO/PROJECTION DESIGN OF A PLAY
Shaunn Baker, Lombardi
Danielle Ferguson, 1913: The Great Dayton Flood
Stephanie Lefeld, The American Dream/Zoo Story

Dreamgirls

(l to r) Tonyia Myrie Rue, Jasmin Richardson and Charity Dawson in Dreamgirls
Contributed photo

BEST VIDEO/PROJECTION DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Darrel Maloney, American Idiot
Zach Rosing and Ben Phillippe, Avenue Q
Howard Werner, Dreamgirls

BEST ORCHESTRA
Ain’t Misbehavin,’ Musical Director: Ramon Key
Crazy for You, Musical Director: Timothy Olt
Dreamgirls, Musical Director: Jon Balcourt
Funny Girl, Musical Director: Scot Woolley
Grand Hotel: The Musical, Musical Director: Scot Woolley

BEST PROPERTIES
Sarah Gomes, The Hobbit
Jennifer Kramer, Intimate Apparel
John Lavarnway, The Miracle Worker
Wendi Michael, Stefanie Pratt and Deidre Root, And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Heather Powell, Oliver!

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 

  • Andrew Ian Adams and Annie Kalahurka as the Bad Idea Bears in Avenue Q
  • Amanda Barker, Gabe Bowling and Alice Moran in Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody
  • Director Joe Beumer, lighting designer David Corson, musical director Ben Spalding’s orchestra and the cast of Centerville High School’s production of Sweeney Todd
  • Jim Brown as Audrey II (Voice), Little Shop of Horrors
  • Kathy Clark and Laura Dell’s vocal interpretations in Side by Side by Sondheim
  • D. Tristan Cupp’s puppet design for A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Zoot Theatre Company), Avenue Q and The Hobbit
  • Scenic designer Gion DeFrancesco, puppet designer Patrick Hayes and Maximillian Jansen as Rapunzel’s Prince for Miami University’s production of Into the Woods
  • Bryon Dobbs and Nancy Perrin’s piano accompaniment for Side by Side by Sondheim
  • The cast of Gingerbread Children: Andrew Ian Adams, Kay Bosse, Jamie Cordes, Charity Farrell, Caitlin Larsen, Jacob McGlaun, Robin Post, Matthew W. Smith, Scott Stoney and K.L. Storer
  • Bob Crowley’s Tony Award-winning sets for Mary Poppins
  • Geoffrey Garratt’s recreation of Matthew Bourne’s choreography for Mary Poppins
  • Stacy Gear’s choreography for A Chorus Line (Beavercreek Community Theatre)
  • Helen Gregory’s music direction for Oliver!
  • Patrick Hayes’ makeup effects for 100 Saints You Should Know
  • E. Cameron Holsinger’s recreation of Jerry Zaks’ direction for The Addams Family
  • Adam John Hunter’s recreation of Kristin Hanggi’s direction for Rock of Ages
  • Michael Mayer’s direction, Steven Hoggett’s choreography, Christine Jones’ Tony Award-winning set design and Kevin Adams’ Tony Award-winning lighting design for American Idiot
  • W. Stuart McDowell’s recreation of his staging for1913: The Great Dayton Flood
  • Gregory Meeh’s special effects for “The Addams Family”
  • Jared Mola’s makeup effects for Dracula
  • Director Fran Pesch and the cast of Love, Loss, and What I Wore: Amy Askins, Barbara Jorgensen, Elena Monigold, Annie Pesch and Gayle Smith (Young at Heart Players)
  • The male ensemble of Oliver!: Nicholas Belton, Blaise Bouschard, Ian Devine, Adam Lendermon, Joseph Medeiros, Chris Shea, Jonah Sorscher, Scott Stoney and Gary Troy
  • Chris Newman’s prologue illustrations for Dracula
  • Stephen Schwartz, Debbie Gravitte and Scott Coulter in Stephen Schwartz & Friends (Wright State University CELIA Distinguished Visiting Artist Series)
  • The Rock of Ages band under the musical direction of Brandon Ethridge
  • Ben Riddlebarger’s artwork for The Pillowman
  • Stivers School for the Arts’ productions of Godspell and Teach Me How to Cry
  • J. Gary Thompson’s original music for The Hobbit
  • Earnest Tremble’s piano accompaniment for Ain’t Misbehavin’
  • Basil Twist’s puppetry for The Addams Family
  • Shirley P. Wasser’s contributions as puppet artisan for Avenue Q

Why??

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8e767afe23024f80ecfb9a925b0efb30Why??

I have been asked that question a hundred times. “Why would you sell your house in Beavercreek and move to Dayton?”

I have been around Dayton for most of my life. I grew up in Eaton, just 25 miles west of Dayton. I attended the Montgomery County Join Vocational School (now Miami Valley Career Technology Center) my junior and senior years of high school. Then off to the big city I went, to attend the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where I earned my degree in Visual Communication.

 

Soon after graduation, I landed my first ad agency job at Flynn/Sabatino located at Fourth and Ludlow Streets in downtown Dayton. My first apartment was on Grafton Ave., just across the river. I remember running into one of my high school buddies during that time. He asked what I had been up to. When I told him I was working at an ad agency in Dayton, he responded with, “Oh… Hit the big-time, eh?”

 

I literally laughed out loud.

 

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Times Square circa 1985

After two years I quit my job, sold everything and moved to New York City. I had a friend that had moved there after college.

 

Most would agree that I had a pretty charmed agency career. I was hired as an art director at Bozell Jacobs just a few days after I moved to the city, where I was assigned toMerrill-Lynch and Holiday Inn accounts. I also met my wife Bonnie there. She was from upstate New York, but had migrated to the city to attend Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, earning her BFA with a Minor in Art Education.

 

I remember people assuming that because I was from Ohio that I must have grown up on a farm. My standard answer was, (with the blankest expression I could muster up) “My dad was a State Farm agent… we lived in town… but I did milk a cow once on a field trip in the third grade.”

 

I know they viewed me as this helpless kid from the middle of nowhere. (Often referred to in the city as “fly-over!” (New York, L.A., maybe Chicago. Everything else you just fly over.) I was 22.

 

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With my bride Bonnie, May 24, 1986 in New York, NY.

After a year and a half in New York City I was offered a position at an agency back in Dayton. (Back then I used to say I had been exiled to Dayton.) I had married and my wife we were expecting our first child.

 

What all those New Yorkers didn’t realize was that I considered myself to be the George Baily of my hometown. (Jimmy Stewart’s character from “It’s a Wonderful Life.) “I’m shakin’ the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and I’m gonna see the world!”

 

By the time I was in high school I was telling people I was from Dayton. Who had ever heard of Eaton, Ohio?

 

As a child I can still remember riding into Dayton and the thrill of seeing the I-75/35 interchange! All those layers of overpasses climbing higher and higher! I remember my grandfather telling me stories of helping with the recovery effort from the flood of 1913. My mom grew up on Cleveland Ave. in Dayton, just off Smithville. She graduated from Patterson Co-op. My older sister got a job at Wright Patterson Air Force Base after high school and married a guy from Old North Dayton who attended grade school at Our Lady of the Rosary.

 

Obviously our family always had one foot in Eaton, one foot in Dayton. My orthodontist’s office was on Salem Ave.! After bouncing around from city to city (Cincinnati, Tipp City, Brookville, Beavercreek), we find ourselves in a new season of life. We are officially “empty nesters.”

 

3½ years ago we had this idea… to sell our house in Beavercreek and return to our urban roots. (Granted, Dayton is not Manhattan, but it is our home… And it’s the hub of this region.) Our youngest daughter still had one year left of high school, and plans to wed the following summer. And we had a house to sell.

 

We spent the next 3½ years heading down this path. We weren’t all that interested in McPherson Town, Oregon District  or South Park. All great options, but we wanted to live right downtown. In November of 2012 we sold our home. $20,000.00 in repairs and upgrades over two years, and six months on the market. And we had to take $6,000.00 to the closing table. (Obviously we were really committed to this idea.)

 

IMG_4655

Our home at FirstPlace

Once it sold, we were faced with, “What do we do now?”

Our dream has been to purchase a building downtown and renovate it into a really cool loft apartment. But it became painfully obvious that wasn’t going to happen in any reasonable timeframe. So, after crashing at my sister’s house behind the Art Institute for a few months, we elected to settle into an apartment at FirstPlace on West First Street and give ourselves a chance to catch our breath.

 

We love living downtown.

 

I remember the exact place and time when I felt the coin drop and I realized I really do love Dayton… Driving through downtown on I-75 about to merge onto 35. (At that time the Reynolds and Reynolds clock tower was still at that location.) I turned to my friend and began talking about how much I love Dayton and how there are so many people in need and how our city needs revived!

IMG_6926

The western view from my window

 

 

We now have front-row seats for the I-75 construction through downtown! It’s active with over 90,000 cars passing by each day. We get to watch the weather roll in, and the sun set every night from our 7th floor domicile! I can tell you every time there’s a Dragon’s home game, or when the Life Flight takes off from Miami Valley Hospital. We have discovered some great places to eat, and they aren’t all on Fifth or Brown Streets. (Tank’s, Coco’s and Olive to name a few.) We love walking around RiverScape! Especially when the fountains are turned on!

 

Sure, Dayton pretty much shuts down early in the evening unless there is an event at the Schuster Center or Victoria Theater… But those events happen pretty frequently! In the few months we have lived downtown, Shrek the Musical, the Addams Family and Mary Poppins have come to town. Not to mention Rock of Ages, Dreamgirls and Myth Busters-Behind the Myths! On the first Friday of every month there is a FirstFriday Art Hop, and in the spring and fall, Urban Nights. Countless festivals and other events at Courthouse Square sprinkle the calendar.

 

I could go on, but you get the idea.

 

Again, Dayton isn’t Manhattan… I get that. I also get that some of my urbanite friends poo-poo places like the Greene. I understand that when some refer to Dayton, it’s boundary-specific. But I’m not one of those people. I love all that this region offers. (Did you know seven counties border Montgomery County?)

 

I love that Dayton holds a major league record for consecutive sell-outs (Dragons/Fifth-Third Field.) I love that Dayton holds more patents per capita than any other city in the country! I love that Dayton topped the list of “Happiest City to Work In” by Forbes in 2012! I love that when President Obama wanted to take the British Prime Minister to a basketball game, they came to Dayton’s own U.D. Arena! I love that we are home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force! (Even though we didn’t get one of the retiring space shuttles… I’m still bitter about that!) Did you know that Martin Sheen recently stopped by the Foodbank? I could go on…

 

I would be amiss if I failed to mention the Wright brothers in this diatribe.

 

And, have you seen the new 50+ million dollar GE Aviation Research facility being built near U.D.?

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The view at sunset from our highrise.

 

Yes, I am well aware most of our automotive industry dried up and blew to Mexico. I realize that our only remaining Fortune 500 Company (NCR) moved to Atlanta, GA. Such is life. At the time, it felt like the final nail in the coffin.

 

But I am so tired of hearing people say, “Dayton is dying.” Dayton is NOT dying. It is reviving. There are signs of life everywhere you look. Dayton is no different than any other small-to-mid-sized-city in the U.S. Most cities like Dayton are struggling to keep businesses alive and keep kids in school. Most inner cities are constantly fighting crime or the perception of being unsafe. Many businesses relocate to more suburban areas. I get that… I do.

 

But there is a movement abroad to see Dayton flourish again. To see Dayton become the innovative city for which it once was known. We have some great up-and-coming young leaders in our community via Generation Dayton.

 

You may not love Dayton the way I do, but I would challenge you to step outside your comfort zone a bit and give Dayton a chance. Take in a show at the Schuster or take a stroll though any of the amazing Five Rivers MetroParks scattered across the Miami Valley. Come downtown on a Friday or Saturday night. Or better yet, stop by the PNC Second Street Market on a Saturday morning. You may be pleasantly surprised!

 

And, maybe… just maybe… you’ll love Dayton, too!

 

@ScottSliver (Sly-ver)

The voice of I Love Dayton! on Facebook. Executive Director of The Hope Foundation of Greater Dayton. Pastor at the Vineyard Church in Beavercreek. New media enthusiast with a degree in visual communication. http://hope4dayton.com [email protected]

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Will Have Cityfolk Swinging Saturday Night

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desktopCelebrating their 20th anniversary on the music scene, famed neo-swing outfit Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will hit Dayton this weekend to headline the Cityfolk Festival from 9:30 – 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 29.

Founded by lead singer/guitarist Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren in 1993 Ventura, California, the band was at the forefront of the ‘90s swing revival. Much of the credit for that craze—which suddenly found horn-heavy bands like the Brian Setzer Orchestra, the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Royal Crown Revue, and the Squirrel Nut Zippers selling millions of albums—can be traced back to the indie cult film Swingers, Jon Favreau’s 1996 character study of throwback lounge lizards in modern-day Los Angeles. For years, BBVD played every Wednesday night at Hollywood’s Brown Derby, and Favreau tapped the band to lend some tunes to the soundtrack and cameo in the film. The band shot to nationwide fame, and their songs from the film, “You & Me and the Bottle Makes Three” and “Go Daddy-O,” were being blasted by teens, seniors, and every age group between.

The band never looked back and maintains a busy schedule, releasing numerous albums since (including the platinum selling Americana Deluxe and their most recent, 2012’s Rattle Them Bones), making television appearances, and touring constantly, playing more than 150 dates a year. They’ve played for three of the last four presidents and at both Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Other highlights include halftime at Super Bowl XXIII with Stevie Wonder and Gloria Estefan in 1999, sellout shows at Lincoln Center and the Hollywood Bowl, stints with symphony orchestras all over the country, and, since 2008, an annual performance at Walt Disney World’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The band is currently working on its second full length Christmas album, a follow up to 2004’s terrific Everything You Want For Christmas to be released later this year.

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Glen “The Kid” Marhevka

“Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is a great live show band,” said trumpeter Marhevka. “The tunes are great all by themselves, but the band live onstage takes it to a whole new level. Every member of the band is a great performer with lots of energy. We’re not just bunch of cats behind music stands. We’ve got wireless mikes and we’re all over the stage. It’s a really fun, uplifting, high-energy show.”

California native Marhevka picked up the trumpet in fifth grade, playing in marching and concert bands and majoring in classical trumpet in college (“Because they didn’t really have jazz majors yet,” he said) and landing in Big Bad Voodoo Daddy soon after.

“Our original trombonist, Jeff Harris, is the only member who’s not still with us,” Marhevka began. “We played together when we were in school, in a Jamaican band and a ska band, actually. When this band was getting started, they needed a trumpet player, and he mentioned my name. I met the guys and we hit it off. It was 19 years ago, and I was in my early 20s but I looked about 19 myself. I went on a road trip with the guys and we headed up to Northern California. We stopped before the gig at a pretty nice restaurant, and everyone else got fancy food and I ordered a hot dog and fries, and Scotty looked at me and said, ‘Wow, you really are the kid, man.’ I started calling myself that onstage and people would yell it out, and the audiences loved it, so it kind of stuck.”

Of the newly formed swing bands that went big during the 1990s, only BBVD and the Brian Setzer Orchestra remain prominent in exposure. Marhevka attributes the band’s staying power to the integrity of the musicians.

“I think you can imagine it’s pretty hard,” he said, “to keep any group together, and to do it for this long with a band this large feels pretty amazing. We have a group of guys who wanted to play a certain style of music and kept playing it, but even when we were super popular and selling big and playing movie premiere parties and on all the late-night shows, it was never about wanting to become the ‘next big thing’ or even get as popular as we were during that period. We’ve dedicated ourselves to honoring the music from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s, that great, rich period in American music. It turns out we have something cool and maybe even special, and we just want to get better and better at what we do—keep touring and creating new music and having fun without rehashing the same thing over and over.

“I don’t think we’ve really thought about it any more than that,” he said. “We just finished 20 years with the same guys that started together, and we want to do 20 more.”

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy plays the Main Stage Cityfolk Festival from 9:30 – 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 29. The Cityfolk Festival takes place at RiverScape Metropark (111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton) from Friday, June 28 – Sunday, June 30. Daily admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Discounted weekend passes are available for $17 per adult and $6 per child. Purchase at the gate or at cityfolk.tix.com. For more information and complete festival lineup, visit cityfolk.org.

Clambake at C’est Tout

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clambakeIt may not be seaside, but Chef Dominique Fortin at C’est Tout is celebrating summer with their annual clambake this weekend. Through Saturday you can order this New England special and you’ll get Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Clams with Potatoes, Onion and Sweet Corn $38.50.  You can also order ala carte and enjoy the Lobster eggroll, a Lobster salad with Mango, Berries and Cilantro Pineapple Vinaigrette or perhaps just a sauteed Crab Cake with Country Mustard Sauce. These special will be available during dinner service only.

To add to the festivities, C’est Tout will even be featuring live music on Friday and Saturday from 7:30-10:30pm.  Friday it will be Reyna on the guitar with Dana singing    and Saturday Lou and Pamela are a piano player and singer who do classics, according to the C’est Tout hostess.

C’est Tout is located at 2600 Far Hills Avenue in Oakwood. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 298-0022. C’est Tout will be closed Monday 7/1 through Thursday 7/4 and  reopen for lunch on Friday at 11am.

 

 

Roasted Lobster, Rice, Vegetables Julienne, Truffle Butter Sauce $26.95

New England Clambake-Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Clams with Potatoes, Onion and Sweet Corn $38.50

Live Music

Friday 6/28 Reyna and Dana perform 7:30-10:30

Saturday 6/29 Lou and Pamela perform 7:30-10:30

Closings

C’est Tout will be closed Monday 7/1 through Thursday 7/4. We will reopen for regular business hours on Friday 7/5. 

100,000 People Expected at Food Filled Americana Festival

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Look down the street, hungry people as far as the eye can see !

July 4th will mark the 40th annual Americana Festival in Centerville.  Wouldn’t you know that The Big Ragu & Crew are veterans of practically every single Americana Festival over the years.   We can’t think of a better way to celebrate America’s Independence that a brisk walk through the intersection of State Route 48 and Franklin Street, sampling food selections from various vendors.  With over 100 spots to eat, this is a perfect opportunity for a summer Food Adventure.   From typical festival fare like funnel cakes and to healthier choices like salads and grilled chops, there is something for every taste bud on hand.  The food tour stretches from the center of town, down through Benham’s Grove and the Activity Center Park.   French Fries, Deep Fried Snickers, Roasted Corn, Chinese food and Gyro Vendors are just some of our favorites on the yearly hit list.  We would be amiss if we didn’t mention the various icons that will be open along the street such as Bill’s Donut Shop, City BBQ and Graeter’s Ice Cream.  You can even enjoy a Marion’s Pizza near the classic car show in their parking lot.  Ohhh Americana, how we love thee!

Hey there, Pork Chop !

If you need the scoop on one of Dayton’s largest festivals, here you go:

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— July 4th events start at 7:30am with a 5k Run/Walk – Always a nice start to a guilt free Food Adventure

— Parade starts at 10am sharp near Centerville High School and typically lasts until 11:30am

— The Street Festival runs from 11am-4pm with over 300 vendors (many of them food booths)

— Festival ends with a Fireworks Display at Centerville High School Stadium at 10pm

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Now for the rumbling stomachs that sound like a fireworks grand finale, here are your Food Adventure MUST EATS !

MUST EATS:

— Nothing says independence like a mouthful of powdered sugar and fried dough, so get yourself a damn Funnel Cake

Nothing says Independence like Powdered Sugar and Fried Dough

— Grilled Pork Chops – Various vendors are serving up these chops that weigh as much as a small dumbell

— Roasted Corn – More than knee high by the 4th of July, don’t forget the brush and buttery dip option

— Gyro’s – The Greek vendors at this event never disappoint.  Grab a Gyro with the works, which sometimes includes some Caesar’s Salad lettuce on top

— Philly Cheesesteak – A little known secret of the festival is that some vendors fire up the grills as early as 9:30am.  We took advantage of this one year.  We also should have taken a tums.  Huge, mouth watering, stuffed sandwiches.  Just look for the banner “Italian Sausages & Philly Cheesesteaks”

— Deep Fried Snickers – Ok, so admit it, you have always wanted to try one.  If you like rich foods and gooey chocolate, give it a whirl.  It is like a small, powdered corndog with chocolate inside.  Everyone should try these just once.  Put it on your July4th bucket list.

— McDigger’s Pub – Go inside and grab a cold libation at the corner of Elm and East Franklin St.  They also grill burgers and sausages on the patio.  This is the only bar we know of where a round of drinks costs about the same as a local Moose Lodge.  Just aim your beer burps the other way, please.

Whether you grab a pretzel donut or a grilled chicken wrap with Uncle Sam on stilts, this shindig is as much a celebration of taste as a celebration of the stars and stripes.  So get yourself to the center of Centerville and see why this festival is one of the biggest in Dayton.  Are you a veteran of the event?  Then comment below and tell us your favorite bites from the Americana Festival!

Your hometown foodies Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu wish each and every one of you a happy 4th of July.  Enjoy the local street food and more on this warm summer’s holiday.  This festival definitely shows off “America the Beautiful !”

Browse through our photos below, they will light your firecracker !  “Like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

[flagallery gid=45 name=Gallery]

City of Dayton Proposes Commercial Development of Garden Station, Organizers Plead To Save Community Garden

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The following letter was published late tonight on Garden Station facebook page:

 

Warm Greetings, Supporters and Volunteers of Garden Station,

It is with a heavy heart that I must let all our supporters know of plans of the City of Dayton to potentially destroy Garden Station in its current form to make way for future “development”.

Last year the City purchased the whole block south of us, the old HD building, and I was leery of their intent. I invited City officials on tours of Garden Station and inquired about future plans that might affect us. I was assured that they were looking at the block south of us for development and not the property we lease. In January I was informed of the posted RFQ “as a courtesy” by the Assistant City Manager Shelley Dickstein and asked for meetings with her and Nan Whaley. Their position was that we are on development property and in order to attract the best developers they had to include our property as an option, but developers may choose not to use it. They were supposed to let me know who submitted proposals after the January 31st deadline but I have not heard back.

Recently I have heard through the grapevine that a developer has been selected and plans are made. I do not know what those plans are but have heard from many community leaders including priority board members that once the city announces their plans it is often too late to act.

I am asking you, our supporters and creators to ACT by calling, emailing and mailing our officials to ask for:

1. Garden Station to remain on the site we currently occupy as an amenity to potential housing/retail developments on the block south of us as well as existing residents.

2. Furthermore that our property be preserved as green space under a land trust organization, with occupancy by Garden Station as long as the property is maintained at an acceptable level.

3. Include your reasons for keeping Garden Station and tell what your personal connections are to Garden Station

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A group of HS students from Ginghamsburg church planted 2 figs, 2 chestnuts, a persimmon, 1 apple, some yarrow, bee balm and fennel and 1 serviceberry.

I know there are over 1000 of you who personally have done physical labor to build Garden Station and over 100 community groups and businesses who have contributed to its creation! Garden Station uniquely represents the heart and soul of Dayton better than any other place in our city, through unique local artwork, music, community events and connecting our citizens to each other!  Like the Whos in the beloved Dr. Seuss book “Horton Hears a Who” we need to make our voices heard that WE ARE HERE! 

SOME BENEFITS OF OUR “DEVELOPMENT” AS GARDEN STATION TO THE COMMUNITY:

 

We are a unique attraction in downtown Dayton and have had visitors from all over the world stop to see us. We are on several travel sites including Roadside America and Trip Advisor. So many other “attractions” seem like cookie cutter copies that every city has. We have unique outsider art from all kinds of residents, examples of sustainable building techniques, demonstration gardens including a new food forest, a permaculture fixture that other cities brag about http://www.weather.com/home-garden/beacon-food-forest-20130620 , and we host all kinds of community groups from elementary students to UD and Sinclair student to the AARP.

 

We are providing education and demonstration of sustainable living practices in a time where more and more people are realizing the environmental frailty and nutrition-lacking aspects of our current food system. Our EarthFest was the largest Earth Day festival ever held in Dayton with over 30 free workshops for the public and over 30 local organizations participating. We are educating our neighbors to become more food secure and developing a more resilient local food system by training urban farmers in partnership with Omega CDC, Antioch College and Miami University. We are providing fresh, local organic food from our gardens to the public on Sundays when there is no other outlet for local food available in Montgomery County. We are providing fresh local organic food to seniors at Jaycee Towers and have the only rentable wheelchair accessible community garden plots in the area. Over 20 neighbors have community garden plots at Garden Station as well, including many urban dwellers without green space of their own.

 

We serve as an outdoor community center hosting all kinds of community organizations including meetings and non-profit fundraisers, art and music festivals, free music for First Friday featuring local bands, the Really Really Free Market, workshops, community potlucks, bonfires, rallies, weddings and more. Students from all over the Miami Valley from Elementary School to University have come for tours and volunteer days to learn gardening, art and green construction techniques.

 

We are an urban green space that serves all our area residents, created entirely by over 1000 community volunteers and donations, and over 100 community organizations and businesses.

  

Garden Station is created BY the community, FOR the community!

Please let our officials know you support keeping Garden Station as a community-created green space and the reasons you want to keep us!

Thanks for all your support! Garden Station exists because of support from our whole community!

Humbly,

Lisa Helm

Volunteer Garden Station Manager

www.facebook.com/gardenstation

www.daytongardenstation.org

[email protected]

937-610-3845

 

Please write, email AND call!

Mayor Gary Leitzell

City Hall, Second Floor

101 W. Third Street

Dayton, Ohio 45402

937-333-3636

Fax: 937-333-4297

[email protected]

City Commission Office

City Hall, Second Floor

101 W. Third Street

Dayton, Ohio 45402

937-333-3644

fax: 937-333-4297

[email protected]

Commissioner Matt Joseph – [email protected]

Commissioner Dean Lovelace  – [email protected]

Commissioner Nan Whaley – [email protected]

Commissioner Joey D. Williams  – [email protected]

City Manager – Timothy Riordan   937-333-3600 [email protected] City Manager Shelley Dickstein  – [email protected],    [email protected] (937) 333-3600

Planning & Community Development Director – Aaron Sorrell – 937.333.4209 333-3670  [email protected]  [email protected]

 

A Quick Guide to Bike Commuting

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imagesThe first day of Summer came with the first air advisory. The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission asked people to reduce pollution by using transit, sharing rides, and riding bikes. Searching the internet about bike commuting provides an abundance of information. Some of it is really helpful, but some make bike commuting out to be a very complicated and dangerous thing. From personal experience, I can say it does not take special equipment to get started, and as far as safety is concerned, while I have had some “close calls,” mostly at street crossings, keeping my eyes open and not expecting car drivers to watch out for me has always kept me safe. So how does one go about riding a bike to work? What kind of bike works? What clothes are suitable? What is the best route? What else should be considered? Here is how I get around.

Obviously, the first thing is the bike. Any bicycle, that is safe, will do. If the bike has been standing for a while it should be checked by a professional. There are a couple of things, I like, that make life easier. I want to have fenders on my bike. A fair weather rider might not need them, but I prefer to tumblr_lvvh6eEp0C1qdcsdoo1_500commute without concerns of getting the infamous “skunk stripe” down my back if I hit an unexpected shower or can not avoid a puddle. Most bikes have fender mounts, for the ones without, there are fenders with zip-tie-like mounts available; your local bike shop is your friend. A chain guard can also come in handy, especially if the rider does not want to roll their pant leg up. A greasy gear imprint on suit pants or just the leg is never fun (I have a bleach pen in my desk, in case I manage to get one anyway). The third must-have for me are a rack and bike bags. I do not like back packs or messenger bags, I sweat under the straps and I prefer to arrive at work as sweat-free as possible. That is a concern very specific to me, though; many riders use regular bags and are perfectly happy with them. Lastly, no matter how old the bike, if it is not locked properly it might get stolen. A good lock is important. The City of Dayton also offers bicycle registration.

A lot of people seem concerned with wearing special clothes to ride to work. Maybe they worry about showing up to work sweaty and possibly stinky, or they assume that Lycra is needed to ride a bike, I do not know. I ride in my work clothes. I read in a comment on Corporette once, “Stop thinking of your commute as exercise.” I could not have worded it better. The ride to work does not have to be a crazy work out. I pace myself; if I get too warm I just take it easy and cool off with the wind before I arrive in the office. Of course, being a woman gives me the opportunity to wear plenty of skirts and dresses, that helps, but pants in natural fibers, which breathe, work just as well. A pair of spinning shorts under a skirt is a good idea if modesty is a concern. If I work up a sweat despite all my efforts I have some Paper Shower packs in my desk, consisting of a big wet wipe and a paper towel. They are pricey, and baby wipes and regular paper towels work probably just as well. I prefer Paper Shower because they are single serve packs; they do not dry out if I have no use for them for a while. The only thing that does not work for me are pencil skirts. They are simply too tight. Luckily, Sew Dayton is working on a class on how to convert a pencil skirt so it can be expanded for the ride and then zipped back up to its original form in the office. Other than that, on a warm day a blazer should probably go into the bag or stay in the office, and a rain coat, that packs small, can be a useful investment.

Google-Bikethere-circleRoute planning might be the biggest concern for new riders. Google Maps has a bicycle option above the address fields, that is a good place to start. The directions are in beta, so pre-riding the route on a non-work day might help, insuring the directions do not lead through something like a turnstile, which has happened to me. This also helps with getting an idea on how long the ride might take. If street riding does not feel safe, sticking to the bike paths as long as possible and then using side streets is a good option. Courteous Mass Dayton holds rides every First Friday, great for anyone who wants to try out riding in the streets with experienced riders. Another option is Pedal Pals from the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. Pedal Pals was designed to match up bike commuters with the same routes. If distance is a concern, a last mile solution could work. It means that commuters drive their cars closer to the work place, then park along bike path and ride the bike for the rest of the way. Five River Metro Parks has a list of good access points. The City of Dayton is planning on approaching businesses along the bike paths to provide a couple of parking spaces for interested cyclists, but this system is not in place, yet.

What else is there to say? If there is no place to lock up the bicycle during work, asking the building manager or HR if it is alright to bring it in does not hurt. It worked for me (friendly persistence is key). Bike commuters, who work downtown, might want to check out the Bike Hub.

Down the road it could be beneficial to take a simple maintenance class. It helps to know how to change a tire, how to adjust brakes, and how to keep a chain clean. Bicycles for All offers different classes, so does Five River Metro Parks. The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission published brochures on basic cycling knowledge. And, like I said above, the Internet is full of information.

So, that is what I think about bike commuting, my suggestions might not be suitable for everybody, but it is a way to get started. I hope I could help some people out. If there are unanswered questions about bike commuting, Courteous Mass Dayton is hosting a Commuter Q and A at the Trolley Stop, Thursday, June 27th 2013, from 6-8pm. It is a great chance to meet with other commuters and the Courteous Mass Dayton people, get some help planning a route, and exchange knowledge.

July 5 Event to Feature Dance Lessons, Classic Movies, Contests, and Live Music

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image002Downtown’s next free First Friday event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 5. To celebrate the holiday weekend, many restaurant and stores are offering a variety of activities and entertainment for downtown visitors to enjoy. Events include art exhibits, live music, dinner and drink specials, retail sales, and special events will be featured at a variety of downtown venues.

Some of the highlights for the July 5 First Friday are listed below. A complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday is available on the DDP website.

MVMFA_logo circletagFood Truck Rally – 200 S. Jefferson St. (near the Dayton Convention Center): Synergy Incubators hosts the July First Friday Food Truck Rally, featuring Zombie Dogz, Go Cupcake, Ringo’s North Star Mobile Eatery Caribbacanas,Fressa Truck, G’s CUE BBQ Horseless Buggy Eatery, Tik’s Thai Mobile, @The Monchon, Kona Ice and Missouri Avenue BBQ from 5:00pm – 9:00pm

American Pi (37 S. St. Clair St.) is celebrating a new collaboration with “Life in Letters,” a local handcraft décor store. Visitors can create unique and personal pieces using photos taken in the Dayton area that resemble letters. For First Friday, the owners of “Life in Letters” will be at the store to meet with anyone who comes by. The store is open until 8:30 p.m. Call 937–938-7890.

Cincinnati artist Gregory Sitg will be showing light paintings at Clash Consignment (521 E. Fifth St.). Call 937-241-9434.

The Collaboratory (33 N. Main St.) will feature an exhibition by artist and designer Misty Thomas-Trout that is a visual representation of her personal journey into self-awareness. Enjoy drinks and food with while getting to know the artist. The Collaboratory will be open until 8 p.m. Call 937-732-5123.

The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet for two rides this month at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, (220 N. Patterson Blvd.). The first will ride leaves at 5:30 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. The July ride will include a tour of the McPherson, Grafton Hill, Five Oaks and Santa Clara District neighborhoods.

As part of the First Friday Salsa Music Series, Latin band Cla’ve Son will play live music from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark (111 E. Monument Ave.) on the MetroPark Pavilion Stage. Visitors can learn some salsa steps while listening to great music. Call 937-274-0126.

sewdayton_logoSew Dayton (16 Brown St.) will offer treats from the PNC 2nd Street Market and showcase work by fiber artist Pat Weaves. Those who stop by are encouraged to partake in a DIY “Make It Work” contest. Participants will be given three pieces of textiles and given the challenge to create something new from them. The contest will run through the end of July. Call 937-234-7398.

Kicking off the Cool Film Series at Victoria Theatre (138 N Main St.) is the classic comedy “The Apartment” starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine and directed by Billy Wilder. Free popcorn and soda are offered in the lobby and an old-fashioned sing-a-long begins 30 minutes before show time. Tickets are $5. Call 228-3630.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association and Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show that airs on Fridays from 8 p.m. to midnight on WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

Outdoor Dinner Theater in Dayton

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zoot2Zoot Theatre Company is taking advantage of their new preforming home by introducing a summer outdoor series at The Dayton Art Institute! This casual, dinner theater concept makes use of the recently renovated Hale Cloister and guests can order tickets a boxed lunch or dinner and  a bottle of wine from Leo Bistro.

A Box, Bottle, and Play will consist of three outdoor productions: A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Dr. Faustus; and The Tempest. All three plays are written and adapted by noted local artist Brian McKnight.  The Series opened June 19th  with one of Shakespeare’s best known plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Famous for its comedy, Midsummer is the story of a pair of young lovers who plan to cast all aside and elope, but are interrupted when they are followed into the woods and become mixed up in a love triangle..er..quartet. The night goes comically awry when the four are caught in a quarrel between the fairy queen and king. A Midsummer Night’s Dream will  run through Sunday, June 30.

The second show in the Series, Dr. Faustus is by Christopher Marlowe and is about a notable mind within academia, Doctor Faustus. As he pursues his studies so zoot1rigorously he becomes bored with the limits of theory, feeling that he has attained all the wisdom that is possible in the earthly realm. He continues his pursuit of power and knowledge elsewhere, ultimately making a pact with the devil. Dr. Faustus will open on Wednesday, July 10 and run through Sunday, July 21.

The Series will end with another Shakespearean classic, The Tempest. The show follows Prospero after he has been deposed from his dukedom by his own brother and cast to sea. After being deposed, he and his daughter Miranda live stranded for years on an island filled with spirits. When Prospero discovers that a ship carrying his brother and the King of Naples is near, he uses his skills as a powerful magician to crash their boat onto the island’s shores and orchestrates a plan to regain his rightful position. The Tempest will open on Wednesday, July 31 and will close on Sunday, August 11.

Audience members may choose from Leo Bistro’s two meal options; a smoked turkey, provolone, and sundried pesto Panini; or a roasted Portobello and brie Panini with apple arugula salad. All meals include kettle chips or a side salad and a chocolate chip cookie. Meals also include lemonade, iced tea, or water.
Show Times:

Wed, Sat & Sun 1pm,

Thurs & Fri 7pm

Tickets run $20 per show, subscriptions are available for all three shows for $51.00 per person. In addition, audience members are able to purchase a delicious boxed meal for an additional $10.00 per person and a bottle of wine for $15.00 per bottle. Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale.   A limited number of $10 “Tweet Seats” are available for Saturday & Sunday performances. For more information, call 937.223.4ART or visit www.zoottheatrecompany.org.

The Zzoot-logo-coloroot Theatre Company was founded in 2006 as a professional puppet and mask company. Based in Dayton, OH, Zoot is the resident theatre company in the NCR Renaissance Auditorium at the Dayton Art Institute where it produces both its Summer Series and MainStage Season, consisting of professional puppet and mask shows. In addition, Zoot offers puppetry and mask workshops for children and adults typically at schools and community centers. Proud to be a Dayton Original, Zoot also maintains studio and rehearsalspace in downtown Dayton and partners with many local schools, colleges, and arts organizations. In the past, Zoot has worked with Alter High School, Oakwood High School, Central State University, The Muse Machine, The Dayton Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and designed and built original puppets for The Human Race Theatre Company’s production of Avenue Q in the Spring of 2013.

Tuesday Tasting Event Highlights Vandalia Area Eateries

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head-1The annual Vandalia Butler Chamber of Commerce Tasting event will feature samples from over 20 area restaurants as well as Craft beers from Dayton Beer Co, Yellow Springs Brewing Co, Ohio Brewing Co and Jackie O’s Brewing Company.

Expected Restaurants and Caterers:
A Fat Boyz Pizzeria, Boston’s Bistro, Cardinal Catering, Creatif Catering,  Fricker’s, Hickory River BBQ, Hooters, Kohler Catering, Kroger’s Bakery, Max & Erma’s, McDonald’s, Oscar’s Sports Bar & Grill, Panera Bread, Papa John’s Pizza, Shen’s Szechuan & Sushi, Skyline Chili, Walmart’s Bakery and  Winan’s Fine Chocolates.

Besides the food you can enjoy the live music, ice sculpting a photo booth as well as a home beer making demonstration.

Advance tickets are only $10, at the door they’ll be $15. Events take place under tents.

PFLAG Dayton Announces 2013 Scholarship Winners

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Left to right: Ann Marie Finrock, Allison Cleaver, Bradley Alexander, Robin Hughes, Jenny Caden

PFLAG Dayton announced the five winners of its 2013 scholarships at a special banquet held the evening of Tuesday, June 11, at Harmony Creek Church, 5280 Bigger Rd. in Kettering. All of this year’s scholarship winners are from the Dayton area.

The Dayton chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) awards scholarships each year, including:

·         A $2,000 scholarship awarded to an LGBT student who exhibits courage and leadership within the LGBT community.

·         A $2,000 scholarship awarded to a straight ally who promotes acceptance within the straight and LGBT community. This year, two Straight Ally Scholarships were awarded.

PFLAG Dayton also awards annual $1,000 scholarship(s) offered by the Greater Dayton LGBT Center to a deserving LGBT student(s).

“PFLAG Dayton’s mission is to promote the health and wellbeing of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, as well as their families and friends, through advocacy, education and support,” said Fred Moore, PFLAG Dayton president. “This scholarship program allows us to meet all aspects of our mission while supporting the next generation of leaders. Our past PFLAG Dayton scholarship recipients have included future nurses, doctors and lawyers — students who will go on to benefit everyone in society.”

This year’s winners are:

Straight Ally Award ($2,000): Allison Cleaver of Dayton

Cleaver graduated from Chaminade-Julienne High School and now is a student at the University of Dayton majoring in special education. She’ll graduate in 2016 from UD, where she is a member of the Marianist Leadership Scholars program that requires community service and includes an examination of social justice issues. Last fall, Cleaver trained to be an LGBT ally, learning how to effectively advocate for the LGBT community and fight stereotypes. These issues affected Cleaver’s family personally when her uncle came out and she witnessed her family’s the love and acceptance for her uncle, as well as the process one family member underwent to arrive at that acceptance.

“My mom always instilled in my sister and me an appreciation for all views, so being an ally is something I’m passionate about,” Cleaver said. “This scholarship will help me stay at UD and allow me to grow as a straight ally. I am proud to go to UD and want to continue as an advocate and take on more leadership roles.”

Straight Ally Award ($2,000): Robin Lynne Hughes of Dayton

Hughes is pursuing a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree. She will be taking her prerequisites at Sinclair Community College and then transferring to a four-year school. Every year, she participates in PFLAG Dayton’s fundraiser “When the Stars Come Out!”

“PFLAG Dayton is not only important for the LGBT community but for the Dayton community as a whole,” Hughes said. “They advocate equality for everyone. It gives people, especially young adults, an opportunity to find a safe haven of acceptance and support where they might not find it in their own community or even within their families.”

LGBT Scholarship ($2,000): Anne Marie Finrock of Piqua

Finrock recently graduated from Piqua High School and will be attending Wright State University majoring in biomedical engineering. She is the valedictorian of her class with a 5.3 GPA, which is the highest on record at Piqua High School. Finrock is involved in many leadership positions and feels she’s helped create a more accepting community at Piqua High School.

“When I fell in love with my best friend, I realized I needed to come out,” Finrock said. “A very proud moment for me was when my partner and I were nominated for the ‘cutest couple’ for the high school yearbook.” 

LGBT Scholarship ($1,000): Bradley Alexander of Kettering

Alexander recently graduated from Fairmont High School and will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall majoring in physics. He has been an active member of the Boy Scouts and, although he completed all the requirements of to become an Eagle Scout, he declined the honor because of the Boy Scouts’ stance on homosexuality.

“It felt good to accomplish all those things and know I’ve done right by myself, and then be able to step back and take a stand for something I believe in,” Alexander said. “I hope my stance will help send a message to the Scouting organization to be accepting and inclusive of everyone.

“It’s an honor to receive a scholarship from PFLAG Dayton,” Alexander added. “When there’s an environment that’s not conducive toward gays and lesbians, it can become mentally challenging, so having a support group like this that makes people feel proud to be who they are is really helpful.”

LGBT Scholarship ($1,000): Jenny Caden of Dayton

In fall 2014, Caden will graduate from Wright State University, where she is majoring in English and professional and technical writing. Her minors include computing and information technology and LGBT and sexuality, and she’s taken a great deal of coursework in women’s studies. Five years ago, Caden joined the board of Equality Ohio — the state’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered advocacy organization — and now is its board chair. At WSU, she served on the university’s Transgender Policy Committee.

“I was approached by student affairs because I helped develop a gender workplace transition policy when I worked for NCR,” Caden said. “Our committee drafted a transgender policy update that should go to the Wright State University trustees for their approval this fall. We also gathered information for the student health insurance policy, which I expect to move forward about a year from now when that contract is up for renewal.

“I’m putting myself through college by working three part-time jobs, so scholarships have been a godsend,” added Caden, who also received a LGBT Scholarship last year. “I’ve been able to focus more on my studies and have made the dean’s list the past two semesters.”

The Dayton chapter of PFLAG is affiliated with the national organization. PFLAG chapters are located in more than 360 communities throughout the United States and in 11 countries. PFLAG Dayton offers a variety of programs to support the LGBT community, as well as their family and friends. The group holds monthly meetings at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Harmony Creek Church, 5280 Bigger Rd. in Kettering. Each meeting offers both a program and a support group.

For more information about PFLAG Dayton, visit http://pflagdayton.org, email [email protected] or call 937-640-3333.

Miamisburg celebrates the 9th annual Tour d’Burg

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first-to-centralTour d’Burg will host the 9th Annual Bike Tour starting at Library Park in historic downtown Miamisburg, Ohio.
All ages & abilities are invited to participate in this Ride that heads west through the well marked roads of Montgomery and Preble counties. The Ride includes routes of 25, 50 & 75 miles with water & food stops.

This Ride is not a race, so you can enjoy the countryside and camaraderie. On your return to Miamisburg, you are invited to stay for the Tour d’ Burg amateur and professional criterium bike races. There will be food, activities for the kids plus your favorite media personalities competing in the famous “Celebrity Race”.

Registration Location:
Library Park – Gazebo
Sunday, June 23, 2013 at 8:00 AM
3 miles west of I-75 (near the Dayton Mall) on Route 725
For more info: John Good 937-776-0481

This family-friendly event features a food and vendor court, and this year the Kids zone IS BACK!
There will also be a petting zoo, a bike rodeo and police bike helmet give away on the Backside on the course in River-view Park.

Bike Rodeo
Safety Village
Food Court
Free Bike Helmets
Decorate Your Bike!
12:20pm — Ride Your Bike in a race!
Check Out Cool Stuff

Thriller THE EAST and Several New Events at THE NEON!

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the-east-movie-mHello Everyone,

Response has been quite mixed for BEFORE MIDNIGHT. Some of you agree with me and think it’s one of the year’s best films…others think it’s “too chatty and boring.” If you haven’t seen it, we hope you’ll come and decide for yourself. It will stick around for another week. On our other screen, we will open a new thriller called THE EAST.

Be sure to keep a look-out for MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, the contemporary retelling of The Bard’s famous play – directed by Joss Whedon.  It could open as soon as next week!

Synopsis for THE EAST: “An elite private intelligence firm contracts ex-FBI agent Sarah Moss to infiltrate a mysterious anarchist collective, The East, suspected to be responsible for attacking major corporations. Sarah goes undercover, but as she gets closer to the action and the organization’s leader, her commitment to her task begins to waver.” (taken from Metacritic.com) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site. This film stars Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgard, Ellen Page and Patricia Clarkson (one of my all-time favorite actresses).

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“Start Freedom Dayton is at it again – this time with a screening BORN INTO BROTHELS, the 77th Oscar winner for Best Feature Documentary. Come see the movie and stay for the post-screening discussion led by Melinda Haggerty, Ohio’s Director of Children’s Initiatives, the juvenile justice arm of the Office of Mike DeWine. Advance tickets are available at Peace on Fifth for $7.50 (located at 508 E. Fifth Street). Tickets on the day of the show will cost $10 at THE NEON.” (Peace on Fifth press notes.) Born into Brothels is the chronicle of two documentary filmmakers and their time in Sonagchi, Calcutta and the relationships they developed with children of prostitutes who work the city’s notorious red light district.

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On Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and filmmaker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

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Here’s a note from American Pi, a store just a block from THE NEON: “Victory Film Group and Made in the USA Films present a 90 minute documentary that explores the rise and fall of U.S. manufacturing. Josh Miller sets out on a journey in which he attempts to live off of USA made products for 30 days. Can he do it!? During Josh’s journey he talks with locals to find out if ‘Made in the USA’ really means anything anymore. If not, what does that mean for the future of our country? Come find out when you join us on the MADE IN THE USA: THE 30 DAY JOURNEY. To obtain tickets online, visit the site. Our site says they are $10 but for a they are FREE. TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED via the website, at our location or via phone (click this LINK for the site). FREE price will reflect during checkout. We do have a VIP package so that viewers can get DVD and photos with Josh etc. and that price is $20.” Check out American Pi’s official site.

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“AMU is the story of Kaju, a twenty-one-year-old Indian American woman who returns to India to visit her family and discover the place where she was born. The film takes a dark turn as Kaju stumbles against secrets and lies from her past. A horrifying genocide that took place twenty years ago turns out to hold the key to her mysterious origins.” The India Foundation will present this special screening of AMU on Saturday, July 13 at Noon. Tickets will be $5 each.

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There’s another potential Gathr screening on the horizon. Once again, 50 tickets need to be reserved in order for the screening to be locked down. The movie is BACK TO 1942, and it’s an epic film set during a drought in China’s Henan province in 1942. The tentative screening is scheduled for July 17 at 7:30. Click this LINK to reserve your ticket.

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See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 21 – Thur. June 27:

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45
Thursday: 3:00, 5:20

THE EAST (PG-13) 1 Hr 56 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 7:45

BORN INTO BROTHELS (R) 1 Hr 31 Min
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
June 28 – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
TBD – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE

The first Sunday of Summer means Women In Jazz Festival

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f625pw30h0xy6v9t0czfnw89waakuuygA day of soul and swing returns to downtown Dayton on Sunday, June 23, as the 31st annual Women in Jazz Festival kicks off the City of Dayton’s Downtown Summer Music Series. The free-admission event takes place at Dave Hall Plaza (Fourth and Jefferson Streets), from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The line-up includes Chicago-based headliner the Petra van Nuis Quartet, featuring guitarist Andy Brown. Also appearing will be: Hott Number, Valeria Lark, Tony’s Hotel, Heidi Reynolds & Jazz Karma, a special guest band to be announced and the Jazz Central Band featuring the Ladies of Jazz Central.

A variety of food and merchandise vendors will be present. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted. Free valet parking for bicycles will be available.

Women in Jazz is presented by the City of Dayton Department of Recreation and Youth Services and Michelob, with support from the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Heidelberg Distributing, Crowne Plaza Dayton, WROU Radio and Martin Romie Talent.

The City of Dayton’s Downtown Summer Music Series will continue with the Dayton Blues Festival on Sunday, July 21, and the Dayton Reggae Festival on Sunday, September 1, also at Dave Hall Plaza and with free admission.

Summer Sipping

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Summer cocktail

Summer is here…and look what it brought with it!

The unofficial beginning of summer has become Memorial Day weekend. It is a long weekend, the weather has turned warm for the season, and pool and festival season kicks off during the extended break from work. The official first day of the season is June 21, during the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. When summer hits, everything changes. Fresh fruit is much more available, and you can get VERY fresh fruit at local farmers markets and Second Street Market downtown. This is also a perfect excuse to change up what you are drinking.

The craft beer distilleries have been summer beers for a month or two now, adding berries, peaches, melons, and citrusy flavors to provide some light flavors more in tune with the season. People are turning to lighter cocktails, looking to all flavors of mojitos, margaritas, or any other light drink. And of course, you need to hit the patio wherever you are at. The season to relax on a patio with friends does not last forever, so  get while the getting is good. But what to drink while you are out there? That is the real question. Here are some answers.

BEER

Shandies

Beer of your choice, typically a lager
Lemonade or lemon lime soda

Fill half a pint or other tall glass half way with your beer of choice. Fill the rest of it with the lemonade or lemon lime soda. Enjoy!

Shandies have been around for about a century, starting in Europe and spreading across the pond. Different places around the world use different regional mixers, but the general idea is the same. It is a drink with a little bit of an alcoholic punch, but mild enough to sip it all day long. Any beer can be used, but a good witbier can make a really tasty pairing.

Shandy beer cocktailCOCKTAILS

Lynchburg Lemonade

1.5 oz. Jack Daniels (it can be any whiskey, but seriously…)
.5 oz. peach liqueur
1 oz. lemon juice (about lemon)
.5 oz. simple syrup
Club Soda

Pour the whiskey, peach liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Shake well (10-15 shakes), and pour into a glass filled with ice. Top off with about an ounce of club soda.

The Lynchburg Lemonade has fallen on hard times. It has a bad reputation of being overly sweet, fizzy, and generally frowned on in this world of craft cocktails and more available ingredients. Jeff Lucas, a contributor to Serious Eats, worked out this upgraded version. It allows the whiskey to come forward, with the rest of the flavors there for support. This is one you can make in the comfort of your own house.

Paloma

1.5 oz. tequila (I have been enjoying Avion lately)
4.5 oz. grapefruit soda
A splash of lime juice

Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour the tequila in first, then the grapefruit soda and lime juice. Stir and enjoy!

While we like to drink margaritas to celebrate Mexican culture, Mexicans like to drink this very refreshing tequila cocktail. It is simple to make and perfect for a hot day out with friends.

Floridita (Or Hemingway Daiquiri)

2 oz. rum
.5 oz. lime juice
.25 oz. simple syrup
.25 oz. maraschino liqueur
.5 oz. grapefruit juice

Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until cold, and pour into a cocktail glass. Enjoy!

Hemingway needed to take a bathroom break.  A charming little bar in Havana, the El Floridita, was on his way, so he pulled in there to use their facilities. He saw the bartender mixing up a batch of daiquiris. The bartender noticed the famous writer and offered him a glass. Hemingway liked it, but he wanted his a little stronger, and without the sugar. A little maraschino liqueur and a lot of rum later, this delicious summer cocktail was born.

Mixed berriesStrawberry Sorbet

.75 oz. vodka
.75 oz. strawberry schnapps
4 oz. milk

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until cold, and pour in a tall glass filled with ice.

What is summer fun without a little ice cream? This is a richer drink you may want to consider as a dessert or a sweet treat. You can switch out any flavored schnapps you would like to make the ice cream your preferred flavor. You can even reduce the amount of milk to 2 oz., add 4 oz. of ice cream, and turn it into an actual shake. Add two or three fresh strawberries while you are at it!

WINE

White Wine Berry Sangria

1 750 ml bottle of white wine that matches your taste
.75 cup white rum
.5 cup sugar, less if you choose
.5 cup blueberries
.5 cup blackberries
.5 cup raspberries
.5 liter of ginger ale

Pour the wine, rum, sugar, and all of the fruit into a large pitcher and mix well. Put into the refrigerator for two hours, or until you are ready to serve. Just before you serve it, add the ginger ale to the mix.

Summer is a great time for berries. It is also a great time for white wine. It seems only natural to mix the two together for a light wine cocktail. You can up the tartness of the sangria by getting rid of the rum and switching it to .5 cup of limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur).

This is the season where families spend more time together and people go out and relax more. It is time to add some fresh flavors to the typical drinks you are enjoying. Where is your favorite patio to hang out on in Dayton during the summer? We would love to hear about it in the comments! There is a little extra daylight to burn today. Get out there and start enjoying it.