Dayton937

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

Archives for January 2014

Annual Music Festival Returns to Dayton: An Interview With Dayton Does Dayton’s Louie Wood Jr.

By Leave a Comment

Dayton Does Dayton PosterFebruary 14th and 15th mark the fourth anniversary of the Dayton Does Dayton showcase, this year at Gilly’s.  We sat down with the organizer of the D-does-D Fest, Louie Wood Jr., a life-long Daytonian at an area restaurant to talk about the event, the history of Dayton Does Dayton, and plans for the future.

Starting as a club dj and music fan inspired by underground dance shows and nightclubs in Dayton and Columbus, Louie was moved to start his own event where music, avant-garde performance, and creativity combined in a gestalt of music-inspired experience.  “Dayton has always been a fertile ground for music.  People love the underground in Dayton.”  Following the influence of Tony Wilson with the 24 hour Party People movement that led to Factory Records and so many alternative bands and music, Louie followed the example of building community in the city of Dayton.  “If we bring people who love music, dancing, and new experience, then we are really building something that matters.”

Given a lack of progressive music opportunities in the city, like many Dayton music fans, Louie contributed to the effort in Dayton to establish more opportunities for bands and musicians.  The Do-It-Yourself attitude and aesthetic common to the post-punk movement of the ’80s alternative music scene nationally (The Smiths, The Cure, Depeche Mode) and locally (GBV, The Breeders, Branniac) led to such innovations as the Dayton Dirt Collective, Canal Street Tavern, and Dayton Does Dayton.

“We were trying to do something that was more than just something to do,” Louie told DaytonMostMetro on a sunny yet all too cold January 13th, “we brought like-minds together from around the area to create a music experience.”  And people appreciate the effort, Louie noted:  “Even in a middle of a blizzard, we can have 100 people show up.”

Without resources several years ago, a collective of musicians, performers, and people looking for something more from the music scene came together.  In the beginning this started as a band-focused tribute show.  “Our first tribute show was for The Smiths – our very first show was a Smiths/Morrissey tribute we called Every Day is Like Sunday, and the project grew organically from that idea of trying to introduce music lovers to indie, local and new music.”  The theme of covering other bands was used purposely as a creative device to introduce people to music that was not offered in the shrinking number of music shops and the increasing dominance of malls and the alienating and haphazard experience of online music shopping.  “We discovered that you could use songs and bands that people were familiar with to also introduce them to new songs, new music.”  So, the idea of a combination of covers and originals became central to the Dayton Does Dayton approach as a way to bring people together in community through music.  The Dayton Does Dayton experience had from the beginning only original bands performing both their own music and doing covers in the band’s own style.  This is an important part of the experience, doing covers as a way to introduce the bands and their sound, not being cover bands.

In true punk rock style, people contributed time and energy to build an event that while keeping a format that includes both originals and covers, still remains true to the original idea of creating a space for new music.  Louie recalled the development of what becomes known as Dayton Does Dayton: “Jay Madewell worked as a stage manager and contributed his drum kit and bass for the weekend so that set changes between bands could be fast.  Rich Reuter helped organize this first event.”  As Louie told us about the coalescing around his idea, he noted that Chris Wright made posters that captured people’s attention — all of this in order to fill an untapped need in the city.  “People pulled together.”  He went on to note that the effort, several years later remains focused on the community-focused organizing approach.  “This is not a show built on a single crowd, we avoid cliques, and we want to remain true to the idea of bringing bands that people may not have heard of together alongside established bands and musicians.  People come to these shows for the music.  And that is the reason for Dayton Does Dayton.”

In order to present so many bands in a short time – the fifth festival has over twenty acts – “we ask bands to practice two to three months before the show.  We keep things tight.  Each band has the same amount of time thirty to thirty-five minutes with a short ten minute switch in-between bands.”  “Bands understand.  Musicians understand.  They know – and they need to know and understand the process that we are following.  We want to show as much music as we can in a short amount of time.”

And the approach has worked.  Many bands, estimates range to over thirty percent of original area bands have found opportunities to play at the Dayton Does Dayton show which creates connections between music lovers and bands doing original and creative music.  Bands like Broken Lights, Gathering Mercury, Sleep Fleet, and many more have found that Dayton Does Dayton is an opportunity to make connections to the community.  Louie noted that fact is one of the key to the longevity of the festival.  “Every band is different.  Lots of genres are represented in what we do.”  This is not just an accident but remains part of the purpose of the festival.  “If we are trying to introduce great music and bands to the city, we need to create an opportunity for bands that sound different.  We cannot just have one band after another play who all sound the same.  Originality, creative differences between bands, sounds… that is important.”

If this sounds like a demanding opportunity for bands, it is not.  Most of the bands who are contacted stay on the bill.  “Most of the bands stay with us.  Very few bands will drop off the bill.  And that is important.  We get general public interest in the bands.  They bring their friends to the show and they not only see their friends play but they see other bands.  Even musicians become introduced to something new.”

Thinking about the event in February, Louie noted that there are several new and important changes for the Dayton Does Dayton show: “this is our first time playing Gilly’s.  For the past five years we have been at the Canal Street Tavern.  So, this show marks a change for us.  We have a new venue, several new hosts [Niki Dakota, Rev. Cool, the Dean of Dayton music Mr. Don Thrasher] and even a secret guest MC.”  Louie noted that the secret master of ceremonies, “if you are there it will blow people’s minds.”  This effort to evolve is as central to Dayton Does Dayton, as to the music performed itself.  Louie also noted that this is the only festival that has since it started incorporates a full array of experiences.  He noted that Dayton Does Dayton will not only have 20 bands but also belly dancing — courtesy of The Fire Lillie’s — and burlesque featuring Miss Theresa Burlesque Presentation with Veronica Laine as part of the show.  “We can’t just do the same thing each show with the same bands.  We have to evolve.  It like the saying that people not from here [Dayton] say about us: ‘They keep truckin’ in Dayton.”

When asked about the future of Dayton Does Dayton, Louie noted that he is organizing an R.E.M. tribute tentatively titled ‘What’s the Frequency, Dayton?’, more 80s rewind shows, more local tributes (The Breeders, Guided by Voices, Branniac, The Ohio Players), and seeking out the mix of creative music, performance, and experience that have been a hallmark of the D-does-D experiences of the past.  “We are the only show that I know who has belly dancers, MCs, so many different bands, and more.”  In summing up the Dayton Does Dayton experience, Louie noted that “We want to continue to provide a unique opportunity for bands.  The Gilly’s show demonstrates that fact.  “The upcoming show at Gilly’s is the first time some bands will have performed in that space.  If we can help create those connections, then that helps move the level of the music experience in Dayton.”

“The reason to come to the show is simple.  Experience the bands.”

1176390_643430782381572_300818780_nDayton Does Dayton Fourth Anniversary Show

Gilly’s, downtown, 132 S Jefferson Street in downtown Dayton
Friday and Saturday Feb 14th and 15th, 2014
$7 per night, with free parking.
The show begins 8:00pm sharp on both nights.

Dayton Does Dayton is presented by Louie wood Jr aka DJ MisterKid/MidWest Promo, and Mick Montgomery/Canal Street Concerts.

Approximately thirty minute set per band/musician, with a short ten minute wait in between each band/performer.  Dayton Does Dayton will be hosted by Rev. Cool, Niki Dakota, Don Thrasher, and a SECRET GUEST MC for this show.

Dayton Ohio bands at this event will be doing their originals, and unique covers/spins of other Dayton Ohio bands that have influenced them, both from the past and present. The covers include international hit songs, local hits, and local favorites. Louie noted that: “We have the taste and styles of all kinds of Dayton music at this show. It is the only show like it in the world, literally.”

Featuring live band performances and more by:
Gathering Mercury
Cinder Home
The Repeating Arms
William The Accountant
The Broken Lights
Dark Backward
The Leap Years
Free Fall Theory
GEM CITY
Libby Gill
Emma Woodruff And The Ruffians
the Curious Sound
Reyna with Dana Farley
Paradijm Shift
Curse of Cassandra
Paige Beller
Dave Frickin Berry with Adam West
Kevin Heider and band.
The Fire Lillie’s Belly Dancing Presentation (Friday)
Miss Theresa Burlesque Presentation with Veronica Laine (Friday)
This is a DJ Mister Kid Presents MidWest Promo/Mick Montgomery/Canal Street Concerts Annual Event

Concept by Rich Reuter
Direct correspondence about Dayton Does Dayton to [email protected]

More information can be found on the Dayton Does Dayton webpage!

Sponsored by:
Marion’s Pizza
Thai 9
Fifth Street Deli
Go Cupcakes
Hauer Music
Sound Force
LONDON
Amanda Barbosa Photography LLC
DaytonMostMetro.com

Register Now For Miami Valley Gardening Conference

By Leave a Comment

MVGC11_Photo01MetroPark’s annual kick-off to the spring gardening season will take place Saturday March 1st at the Sincalir Ponitz Center.  This year’s theme is Gardening for the next decade.  Enjoy breakout sessions led by local experts on Plant Selections for the future, Proactive choices for a better environment, Playing in the garden, and The Most Beautiful Garden is YOUR Garden. Fee includes breakfast snack, full lunch (vegetarian options available), breaks and covered parking. Online registration $50. Walk-in and phone registration $60.

Register

Walk-in late registration will be accepted on the day of the conference for $60. Please call 277-6545 for information.

mvgc14_jeff_lowenfelsKeynote speaker Jeff Lowenfels is an international proponent of organics and the award winning author of Teaming With Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to The Soil Food Web. His weekly column has appeared in theAnchorage Daily News for over 37 years and he was once an Editor of the Harvard Lampoon, America’s oldest humor magazine, so his talks are alway humorous and witty and entertaining. He is also a reformed lawyer; the combination of garden writing and law earning him the moniker: America’s Dirtiest Lawyer. In addition to writing, Jeff hosted a statewide tv gardening show. Today, Jeff has a popular radio show.

 

mvgc14_thomas_rainer

Thomas Rainer, the second keynote speaker is a registered landscape architect, teacher, and writer living in Arlington, Virginia.Thomas is a passionate advocate for an ecologically expressive design aesthetic that does not imitate nature, but interprets it. His planting designs focus on creating a modern expression of the ground plane with a largely native palette of perennials and grasses. Thomas has designed landscapes for the U.S. Capitol grounds, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and The New York Botanical Garden, as well as over 100 gardens from Maine to Florida.

SCHEDULE:
7:30 am Check-in, late registration and refreshments
8:05 am Welcome
Carrie Scarff, Deputy Director, Five Rivers MetroParks
Betty Hoevel, Education Supervisor, Five Rivers MetroParks
8:15 am Morning Keynote: Jeff Lowenfels
“Teaming with Nutrients: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to Optimizing Plant Nutrition”
9:20 am Session One: Plant Selections for the future
  1. Tomatoes: Matt Kleinhenz, OSU Extension vegetable specialist
  2. Geraniums and begonias: Duke Stockslager, Stockslager’s Greenhouse and Garden Center
  3. Maples: Tomasz Przepiorkowski, Studebaker Nurseries
10:15 am Morning Break — door prizes, demos, book signing
10:40 am Session Two: Proactive choices for a better environment
  1. New importance of the suburban lot: Art Trese, Ohio University
  2. Turf alternatives : Cliff Deitering, President, Wengerlawn Nursery Co.
  3. Pests and diseases–is anything safe?: Joe Boggs, OSU
11:35 am Lunch — demos, door prizes, Great Hall
1:00 pm Afternoon Keynote: Thomas Rainer: “Sustainable Garden Design”
2:05 pm Session Three: Playing in the garden
  1. Healthy garden, healthy gardener: Stacey Walters-Best, Garden for the Health of It
  2. Plant a cocktail: Tim Pritchard, Five Rivers MetroParks
  3. Fun Plants, Fun Things in the Garden: Teresa Jones, Meadow View Growers
3:00 pm  Afternoon Break
  • Book signing, door prizes, previews of 2014 FRMP programs
3:35 pm Session Four: Laura Deeter: “The Most Beautiful Garden is YOUR Garden”
  • Great gardens are always impressive, and with help from Laura’s great skill and insights, you can create your own most beautiful garden and have fun doing it!
4:30 pm Pick up door prizes

The Beer Can rEvolution

By 3 Comments

Pull_Tabs_by_Greencolander

In honor of  Beer Can Appreciation Day- we are rerunning this story from 1/24/13.

When I was a kid, I remember taking a sip of my dad’s beer, right out of the can. I am fairly sure it was the worst thing I have ever tasted. It tasted like a wet bread and metal sandwich. I did not actually drink another beer until I was legal to do so, thinking if all beer tasted like that, I was better off without it. In retrospect, drinking Old Milwaukee out of a can is a poor choice on quite a few levels. And for the most part, people will agree that beer out of a can is about as low as you can get on the beer spectrum. That was not always the case. On January 24, 1935 the first canned beer from the Kreuger Brewing Company hit the market, and the world of beer was transformed forever.

Canned beer snuck into the market in 1935, offered by a little known brewing company looking to make a big name for itself. The writing was on the wall for Prohibition by the late 1920’s; everyone knew the end was near. Especially a company named the American Can Company, who already dominated the canned food industry, and were looking to expand into canned beer. They had been doing some experiments with canned beer on a request from the Olympia Brewing Company in 1909. Their biggest problems were making a can strong enough to hold up to the heat of pasteurization and stress that off gassing would have on the can as well as keeping the beer from absorbing a metallic flavor. This was all put off with the passage of the Volstead Act and the march towards country wide temperance. American Can did not give up. The developed a tin and steel based can which could resist all the pressure it was going to be put under. They also coated the inside with something called brewer’s pitch, which kept the beer from interacting with the metal of the can.

This new can had some big advantages over bottles. Two of the main enemies of beer, light and oxygen, would be kept completely away from the liquid. This Beer_Can_Wall_By_surlygurlensured the product inside would be as fresh as it was when it was first brewed. This extra insurance of freshness would allow brewers to ship their beer further than they currently were. Most beers at the time did not ship much further than the state they were in, maybe an adjacent state if they could. This would allow them to ship beer to be consumed at home all over the country. Bottles often broke while they were being shipped. The ones that finished the journey had to be returned and reused by the brewer. This added extra expense to the beer. Cans would be disposable; no expenses for cleaning, returning, and reusing the bottles. The American Can Co. experimented with cans that were in the shape of traditional bottles, to allow factories already set up for bottles to use the cans without having to invest very heavily into it. Now that they had a working can, all they needed was a brewer to use it.

Prohibition was hard on breweries, and they were not going to jeopardize getting their product back to a thirsty market in an experimental package. After trying the major breweries, the Kreuger Brewing Company out of New Jersey agreed to take American Can up on their offer of paying for all the materials up front. They sent out some samples, and they were a hit. Their test market, Richmond, VA, also bought the cans of beer in such quantities that Kreuger was cutting into the major brewing companies market. Pabst was the first of the major brewers to buy into the use of cans, and started to modify the overall design. They discovered you could ship more cans than bottles if they were shaped like the food cans that were more commonly shipped.  Miller Lite’s punch can idea is not really a new idea; the first beer cans had a flat top, so you had to punch holes into it yourself to get to the delicious liquid inside.  Pabst also made a change to the lining of the can, switching out the brewer’s pitch for a consistent plastic lining called Vinylite. These can were engineering masterpieces, and also very short lived. World War II cut into the steel supply. It was not until 1958, when Coors introduced the aluminum can that the can started to rise again.  The lighter metal made the can easier to open, and the addition of the pull tab by Schlitz in 1963 made the can a solid seller.

Old_Beer_Can_by_andyarthur

By 1968, the can was the beer container of choice. This beer can was not lined, as their older steel counterparts were, and the metal flavor of the can began to heavily leech into the beer. The decline in the quality of the cans matched a decline in beer in general in the United States. The country was shedding breweries at an astounding rate, and by the early 1980’s most of the beer in the country was being provided by only a hand full of brewers. Over 90% of the beer in the country was being provided by Anheuser-Busch, Miller, Pabst, Schlitz, and Coors. Not what most people would call a fine selection of beer. This environment would last until the late 80’s, and the beginning of the microbrewing revolution. Microbreweries would be the engine to get the beer industry back from the brink of being completely obsolete. They made beer interesting again, and people began to come back to drinking, and appreciating, good beer.

Can technology began to improve as well, but with one small drawback: most canning machines were designed for the Budweisers and Millers of the world. It was not until the Canadian company Cask Brewing Systems developed a canning system that was good for small breweries that the smaller craft brewers even had an option to can their beer. Cans had also returned to being lined with a thin, more modern plastic, which meant the beer was no longer in contact with the metal. The Craft Beer in a Can revolution began only ten years ago, with the Oskar Blues Brewery in Colorado. They Craft_Beer_Cansput their first beer, Dale’s Pale Ale, in a can and never looked back. 21st Amendment Brewing Company also puts their beers in cans, and makes some incredibly good beers such as their Back in Black IPA, Allies Win the War, and Hell or High Watermelon. Revolution Brewing Company out of Chicago and Anderson Valley Brewing Company in California also make quite a few canned beers. More and more small breweries with great beers are seeing cans as an economical and environmentally friendly way to get their beers into more markets for more people. According to CraftCans.com, there are currently 740 canned beers made by over 200 different breweries across the country.

If you have not had a can of beer in a while, do yourself a favor and check out the selection of canned beers that are now available. Even if your beer of choice has always been in a can, give that beer another chance. In fact. many of my favorite beers come in cans. What will you find when you crack open a craft cold one on the birthday of the beer can? Cheers!

A Juried Alumni Exhibition: Call For Wright State’s Art and Art History Alumni

By Leave a Comment

alumni_2007In recognition of the Robert & Elaine Stein Galleries’ 40th Exhibition Season, the Galleries are extending to the Alumni of the Department of Art and Art  History an invitation to submit artwork for a juried Alumni Exhibition, to take place in the Stein Galleries May-June, 2014. All media will be considered, including installation, performance, and new media. At least one work from each entrant will be accepted and there is no cost to enter.

Entries are being accepted now through March 2, 2014.

The exhibition is open to any graduate of Wright State’s Art and Art History program.
Important Dates
Application deadline: March 2 (email); Feb. 28 (mail)
Notifications: March 31, 2014
Accepted works due: May 6, 2014
Exhibition: May 19 – June 13, 2014
Juror
Susan Byrnes is a visual artist, curator, and independent audio producer whose studies in photography, sculpture, and audio production result in conceptually-based art that encompasses a variety of media.
Susan received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from Syracuse University and her Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from Eastern Michigan University.
How to Apply
Download the exhibition prospectus for complete information and application form. Adobe Acrobat Reader required.

For questions or to have the prospectus sent to you, contact Tess Cortés, Gallery Coordinator

WYSO Wants To Know What You Want To Know

By Leave a Comment

WYSO_Why_So_Curious_presentedAre you curious about the Miami Valley, its history, people or economy? Is there a place, a person or a story that mystifies or intrigues you? Do you like to ask questions? WYSO Curious is a new occasional series that lets you ask questions for WYSO reporters to answer. And they want to know what YOU want to know.

Here are some of the questions they’ve gotten so far:

  • How does the City of Dayton determine who it rents properties to?
  • What is it like being an independent/local restaurateur in the Miami Valley? How are they doing?
  • Why did Dayton produce so many inventors (e.g. Charles Kettering, the Wright Brothers, the pop top can inventor, etc)?

They have a winner for January’s WYSO Curious exploration. Based on your votes, they’ll be answering Jude Whelley’s question about the corn syrup smell coming from the Cargill factory. Here’s what she asked: I live in Harrison Township and on certain days, evenings really, in certain weather, I can smell corn syrup. A very rich, sticky smell and it’s coming from the Cargill factory. But I only can smell it sometimes and only in certain weather, and I wonder what’s going on with that? Does it depend on the weather? Is it dangerous, or is it just unpleasantly sweet?

Look out for the answer on January 27th and vote for our February exploration here.

Southern Fried Comedy Play opens in Beavercreek ** Ticket Contest **

By 1 Comment

images-3

Open this weekend at the Beavercreek Community Theatre, located at 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road,  ‘Til Beth Do Us Part, is directed by Dionne Meyer of Beavercreek.

In this side-splitting comic romp about marriage, career-driven Suzannah Hayden needs more help on the home front than she’s getting from her husband, Gibby. Enter Beth Bailey, Suzannah’s newly-hired assistant, a gregarious, highly-motivated daughter of the South. To Suzannah’s delight, Beth explodes into the Hayden household and whips it into an organized, well-run machine. This couldn’t have happened at a better time for Suzannah, since her boss, Celia Carmichael, the C.E.O. of Carmichael’s Chocolates, is flying in soon for an important make-or-break business dinner. Gibby grows increasingly wary as Beth insinuates herself into more and more aspects of their lives. When he realizes it’s Suzannah’s career Beth is really after, Gibby sets out to save his marriage aided by Suzannah’s best friend, Margo. Their effort to stop Beth at any cost sets up the wildly funny climax in which things go uproariously awry just as Suzannah’s boss arrives for that all-important dinner.

There are shows Friday and Saturday at 8pm and a Sun 3pm matinee this weekend and next.  Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students, BCT members and seniors, ages 55 and older. Tickets can be reserved by calling 429-4737 and leaving a message or by emailing [email protected].

Ticket Giveaway:

MostMetro.com has 2 pair of tickets to share with readers who’d like see the show. If you’d like to be eligible to win a pair, like this post, comment below on why you should win and fill out the form below.

Congrats to our ticket winners:  Terry Larson & Jamie McQuinn! Enjoy the show!

Activated Spaces Pop-Up Project Seeking Entrepreneurs For Downtown

By Leave a Comment

pop upActivated Spaces, an initiative to fill downtown storefronts, is accepting applications for temporary retail and service businesses to open downtown this fall as part of the sixth phase of its Pop-up Project. The project matches business owners and entrepreneurs with downtown property owners who have first-floor storefront space available for occupancy.

Interested retailers should fill out an application, which can be downloaded at www.activatedspaces.org, and email it to Jen Cadieux at [email protected]. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, February 14. Tenants will be selected the week of March 3rd, and retailers must be ready to open no later than Friday, May 9, in time for the spring Urban Nights.  

Lease lengths will range from three to six months. The spaces will have varying lease rates, but will be leased below market value. Activated Spaces volunteers will connect retailers with commercial property owners, help make the space move-in ready, and promote the business during such events as First Friday and Urban Nights. Selected businesses will negotiate leasing terms directly with the selected property owner, but flexibility for the tenant is a priority.ACTIVATED SPACES Logo-black

 

Activated Spaces volunteers hope to build on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s first five phases. Nine of the businesses that have opened as part of the Pop-Up Project are still open: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.; Peace on Fifth, 234 Dutoit St.; American Pi, 41 S. St. Clair St.; Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.; Sew Dayton, 261 Wayne Ave..; Green Baby, 31 S. St. Clair St.; All Pilates, 27 S. St. Clair St.; Spice Paradise, 16 Brown St.; and Hicks’ Barber Shop, 16 Brown St.

 

Commercial property owners interested in offering space to Pop-Up Shop owners should contact Jen Cadieux at 937-224-1518. Participating property owners are on the Activated Spaces website. Once a match is made, a limited amount of money is available to be distributed at the discretion of the Activated Spaces team for such purposes as offsetting utility costs, making cosmetic improvements to the space or other necessities for making the space operational.

 

american piThe Pop-Up Project is driven by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and UpDayton with support from the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the City of Dayton, the City of Dayton Neighborhood Mini-Grant program and community volunteers. Activated Spaces is part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown. Those interested in volunteering with Activated Spaces should e-mail [email protected].

 

Culture Works To Roll Out Crowdfunding Model

By Leave a Comment

power2giveWhen over 120 nonprofit professionals show up for an 8:30am meeting on a frigid morning, you know there’s something major about to happen.  This morning Culture Works introduced an online giving model, Power2give, an online cultural marketplace designed to connect donors with projects they are passionate about. p2give1

Originated in Charlotte, North Carolina after their arts community took a major downturn in 2008, the model has now been successfully implemented in over 20 markets, including Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Locally CareSource was the first supporter of the program, and host of this mornings meeting.   DP &L has also stepped up to become major supporter for the launch of the program, with a $50,000 match to funds donated through the online site .  Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District announced they will also be providing $10,000 in matching funds. Over the next month or so, local nonprofits will begin learning about Power2give and the site will go live on March 6th.

Perry MixterPerry Mixter,  from the Charlotte Arts & Science Council, in town for the training today shared some pretty impressive statistics with the group this morning.  In  Louisville’s first year using the crowdfunding model, 81% of the donors were first time arts donors and the average gift was $50.  Power2give sites have raised over $4.5 million dollars since the programs debut in August of 2011.  Projects of $10,000 and under will be presented for up to 90 days and Culture Works will collect funds and grant them to the arts group within 15 days of a project closing.

Stay tuned for more exciting info on Power2give!

 

AIDS Resource Center Ohio to Open Dayton Medical Center and Pharmacy

By 1 Comment

images-3AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio), the state’s leading provider of HIV services, headquartered right here in Dayton  is opening its second medical center and pharmacy at the Wright Health Building, 1222 S. Patterson Boulevard.   This center will serve Miami Valley HIV-positive individuals who are not in treatment, who are looking for a new medical practice, or who need integrated-patient centered services. In addition to the HIV patient centered services, the center will house a full-service pharmacy, which will also be open to the general public, regardless of HIV status.  The Center will open Monday, January 27, 2014.

 

“The ARC Ohio Medical Center is an important addition to our community, and will complement other resources within the Miami Valley’s healthcare network,” noted Bryan Bucklew, President and CEO at the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for ARC Ohio. “Its model of care has been proven best-practice, cost effective, and will have a significant positive impact on our region’s health.”

The ARC Ohio Medical Center and Pharmacy operates much like a commercial pharmacy – medications are purchased and billed to insurance companies.  The difference is that 100 percent of the pharmacy’s profits —doing business as AMC Ohio Pharmacy—are used to supplement the costs of other services not fully covered by government grants or community donations – a relatively new approach to non-profit business sustainability and a local example of “social entrepreneurship.”

  • Full-service community pharmacy

    aaron-pharm-400px


    Aaron K. Clark- Director of Pharmacy Services

  • Open to the public
  • Pharmacists specializing in HIV care
  • Access to medication assistance programs
  • Free home delivery to patients living in Ohio
  • Private & personalized adherence counseling & management
  • Refill reminder calls
  • 100% of pharmacy proceeds are reinvested in HIV/AIDS services in Ohio

 

“As a non-profit organization in today’s economy, we had to find ways to create our own revenue so we can sustain our services,” said Bill Hardy, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARC Ohio.  “The pharmacy will be fundamental to our business success because all of our other services cost more money to run than what we receive from government grants and other support.”

 

“Every dollar we make at the pharmacy goes directly back into supporting the center’s healthcare, client, and prevention services,” said Joel Diaz, ARC Ohio’s Chief Development Officer.  “By using these profits from our pharmacy, we can sustain our work without having to rely solely on grant money.  It’s a win-win situation for our clients and supporters, as well. Every time they purchase a prescription from  ARC Ohio, it goes directly back to services, such as HIV testing, offered at the center and our other Ohio locations.”

ARC Ohio’s first Medical Center and Pharmacy was opened in Columbus in 2012.  The Columbus center is already demonstrating impressive outcomes, enrolling nearly 500 patients in the first year.  In just six months of testing with 110 of the first patients, the Center demonstrated a 50 percent increase in viral suppression, from 40 percent to 60 percent.  By comparison, the national viral suppression rate is just 25 percent.  Achieving viral suppression – meaning the virus is under control – leads to better health, a longer life, and far less likelihood of further HIV transmission.

 

“With early diagnosis and optimal treatment, today a person with HIV can live a long and healthy life, and is far less likely to transmit the virus—if they achieve viral suppression,” says Hardy.  “But three-fourths of HIV-positive Americans are still not yet getting the care or medications they need. Getting these individuals into care is essential if we’re going to win the war against HIV, which is why this center is so critical.” According to the Ohio Department of Health, 1,500 HIV-positive individuals live in metropolitan Dayton, and another 300 are presumed infected, but not yet diagnosed.

 

AIDS_CENTER

Peggy Anderson, Chief Operating Officer of ARC Ohio, pictured here at the Columbus ARC Ohio Medical Center and Pharmacy. The new Dayton center will be very similar in layout and function. Photo Credit: ERIC ALBRECHT | DISPATCH

 

“Our integrated, patient-centered model is transforming care and the most effective way to improve health outcomes, benefitting both the individuals and the community,” says Peggy Anderson, ARC Ohio’s Chief Operating Officer.  “Helping patients achieve and maintain viral suppression costs one-third as much as treating patients when the disease has progressed,” Hardy explained.  “It is also key to preventing further transmission.  Each new HIV infection prevented results in life-time treatment cost savings of $300,000 or more.”

 

The Dayton center’s first year goal is to treat 300 patients.  Services will include treatment of HIV disease, primary medical care, behavioral/mental health counseling, medication adherence, supportive services, and assistance for basic needs such as housing, nutrition and transportation.

 

Richard K. Groger, MD, PhD, will serve as the center’s new Medical Director, overseeing the staff of infectious disease and primary care physicians, nurses, and other practitioners. Groger has been caring for people living with HIV/AIDS in the Miami Valley since 2005, and has extensive clinical experience in both private office practice as well as community health settings, including Five Rivers Health Center.

 To fund the opening of the new Dayton center and pharmacy, a $1 million “Campaign for Hope” has been launched with a $160,000 grant from the CareSource Foundation. Funds will be used to purchase medical equipment, furnishings, supplies, initial pharmacy inventory, and for other expenses.

ARC Ohio’s first pharmacy in Columbus is already ahead of schedule in terms of profits that it is able to put back into programs after only one year.  Initial profit will be primarily used to offset startup costs for the pharmacy and medical centers.  Remaining profits will be applied against the $20 million annual budget.  “This new revenue stream is essential to help with program and administrative costs not covered by other revenue sources,” noted Hardy. “For example, many of our government and other grants do not cover any of our overhead, such as facilities and administration.  These profits, along with the generous contributions of our donors will help defray those costs.”

The medical center and pharmacy work with private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the federal Ryan White program which provides HIV-care for those who do not have sufficient health care coverage or financial resources.

With twelve offices locations, ARC Ohio is currently providing services to 4,000 HIV-positive individuals across Ohio and thousands of others are reached through HIV testing and prevention programs.  The clinic and pharmacy will be open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.  For more information about the medical center and pharmacy visit www.arcohio.org.

Ohio Vs. Michigan Beer Battle At Brew Ha-Ha

By 14 Comments

MSD_logo_197x162It’s just a fact these days that schools must do fundraisers.  Who hasn’t been asked to buy wrapping paper, popcorn, candy or cookie dough?  Not at the Montessori School of Dayton.  True to the nature of a Montessori school, the parents tasked with raising funds for this school wanted to create something free flowing  that could grow and sustain itself.  So in 2012 they launched Brew Ha-Ha, a beer tasting event. All proceeds from the Brew Ha-Ha’s are directed to the MSD Capital Improvement fund for the school, which was built in 1961. Proceeds from the first two years of events put a new floor in the gym.  This year they are  fundraising for a new roof,  purchase of new windows, and energy efficient updates.  The privately owned non-profit school in Kettering is working towards having the building LEAD Certified.

The event, to be held Sat, Jan 25th from 6-10pm  in the school gym, is celebrating the emergence of our local breweries with an Ohio vs. Michigan craft beer showdown featuring the best craft beer in each state. Featured breweries include Dark Horse New Holland, Blank Slate Triple Digit, Rivertown, Elevator, Warped Wing, Star City, Eudora, Yellow Springs, Hairless Hare, Dayton Brewing Company, Toxic Brew, Lock 27, Rheingeist, Thirsty Dog, Founder’s, Jolly Pumpkin, Jackie O’s, New Holland, Bell’s, Madtree North Peak and Vandermill.   After tasting, attendees will be asked to select their favorite Ohio and favorite Michigan brewery as well as select the state with the best overall brews.   To further show your beer pride, guests can purchase  a Red or Blue Beer t-shirt, custom printed on site.  18026419316472171129

Event organizers Kevin Gray and Michael Taylor explained that there will be about 50 beers, well actually 1 of them is a cider (from Vandermill, a cidery that has been making news in MI recently) and that they have 8-10 really rare beers.  Kevin shared that Mike Schwartz from Belmont Party Supply has worked with the event to really secure some great craft beers, and wile they are not all Ohio or Michigan brewers,  the focus is certainly midwestern breweries.  “Our goal is to make sure that everyone finds a beer that enjoy, and we’ve worked really hard to educate all of our pourers, so they can make suggestions to lead you through a great tasting experience,” says Gray, a beer columnist for Dayton City Paper.  Parents will be paired with  several of the brewers and local tavern owners to serve the craft beers.  Chris Moore from The FireNote.com will be providing the musical background for the evening.

Taylor admits he wasn’t much of a beer drinker when this event started, but Kevin has dragged him along and listening to the enthusiasm he oozes when talking about Brew Ha-Ha, it’s easy to tell he’s now a beer geek.  He explains, “you’ll want to be sure and pick up a program at the event, not only to rate and remember your beers, but BrewTensils,our local home beer and wine making supply store will share some recipes for home brewers.  Also on hand, perhaps even with some samples will be members of DRAFT, Dayton’s  homebrewing club.

Food will available from Stackers,  Subs & Grub and Fifth Street Wine and Deli. During the last hour of the event, coffee from the  custom Viking Blend, normally served in the junior high run Bison Cafe  and a dessert buffet.  Any beers left at the end of the night will be sold.

Event tickets are $30 and we suggest you purchase them now online, as this event will sell out at 350.  As we post this, there were less than 100 left. Each attendees will receive 10 tasting tickets, and each pour will be 4oz. Additional tastes may be purchased for $1 each. Also be sure to bring some extra cash to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes the night of the event.  A limited number of designated driver tickets may be available, contact the event organizers via their eventbrite page for more info.

DMM Ticket Giveaway:
MostMetro.com is dedicated to educating our community about the array of craft beers available, so we’ll be giving away a pair of tickets to Brew Ha-Ha.  Just like this post, tell us your favorite craft beer below and enter to win.  Ticket winner will be announced here Thursday after 9pm.

Congratulations to our ticket winner: Kaytee Houser!

Live-Action Graphic Novel On Stage Friday at Victoria Theatre **Ticket Contest**

By 2 Comments

urlStep into the Victoria Theatre for a one-of-a-kind theatre experience, a live-action graphic novel, as THE INTERGALATIC NEMISIS returns to the Victoria Theatre with BOOK 2: ROBOT PLANET RISING Friday, Jan. 24, 2014 at 8 pm.

What began as a late night coffeehouse production, THE INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS has transformed into an incredibly unique theater experience combining graphic novels and radio plays into a live-action theatre production. The telling is what makes the experience of THE INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS so incredibly unique: while three actors, one Foley artist, and one keyboardist perform all the voices, sound effects and music, more than 1,000 hand-drawn, full-color,
hi-resolution, blow-your-mind comic-book images blast from the screen. nemesis2

Featured on “Conan” and NPR’s “All Things Considered,” the premise of THE INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS is simple.BOOK 2: ROBOT PLANET RISING premiered at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in June 2012 to rave reviews.  It’s a period adventure story with no small share of laughs.   The year is 1933. When the robot emissary Elbee-Dee-Oh disappears in deep space, it’s up to Molly Sloan to rescue him. If only it were that simple. Because at that same time, and unbeknownst to her, her former fiancé Dr. Lawrence Webster has miraculously arrived on  the planet Robonovia, the Cerebretron is malfunctioning, Timmy has only just begun to master his telekinetic powers, a sinister robot named Alphatron is up to something terribly nefarious, and the duplicitous Soviet spy Natasha Zorokov has followed Dr. Webster through the Galactascope. Will it all get sorted out? Or is there another, more evil, thread to this complex tapestry? There’s only one way to find out! Buy tickets now!

 

Tickets for THE INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS are on sale now at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office, located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center, by phone at 937-228-3630, toll free 888- 228-3630 and online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

MostMetro.com wants to send one of our lucky winner’s to see the show. If you’d like to be eligible to win a pair, like this story, comment below on why you should win and fill out the form below.  We’ll post a winner here Wed night after 9pm.

Congratulations to our ticket winner: Sandra Power!  Enjoy the show!

Local Artist Creating A Cult Following For Little Billy Vampire

By Leave a Comment

1238222_659197644093019_157260860_nLittle Billy is a quirky, creepy little dude with a strange view on the world. Dayton artist Scott Edgar has been creating these cartoons since 2011 and just recently launched a website so you can follow the adventures of Little Billy and his friends.

Little Billy tells us about himself:

Being a vampire sounds exciting and fun filled – unless you are squeamish at the sight of blood. Then it is probably not the life for you. Well, the death for you. Depending on how you see it. Fortunately I see it through rose tinted glasses. Oh, wait…no, that was something red and sticky smeared all over my glasses. No idea what.

Anyway, so I am a vampire. Yes, I look sweet and innocent, rosy cheeked and freckled, but that’s because I was turned at a young age. My Cousin Lucretia and I both are stuck looking like kids, but in actuality, we are both over 500 years old.

Certain pop culture writings and movies like to make it seem like it’s a bad thing to turn kids and it would never be permitted, but vampires are “live and let live” kind of creatures. Unless we are hungry. Or a little bored. Thank god for X-box, right?

Centuries of boredom and repeating the fifth grade over and over have kind of warped our little predatory minds a bit. More in an eccentric, charming way than a scary, “I’m not cleaning that up” way. I think its given us a unique perspective. Maybe you will agree.

 

stacks_image_131Billy’s friend Lucretia de Vampyre

What do you want to know? It’s probably none of your business anyway, but whatever. I’m like really old, though I don’t look it. Part of being immortal vampire, I guess. I am always stuck shopping in the girl’s section and repeating the fourth grade again and again. Don’t ask me how the teachers don’t seem to notice that. On their salaries I doubt they notice much. That and I think they try to block out any memory of having me as a student, which is kind of nice cause it saves me having to do it for them. Plus I get to slowly break them down over and over! Bonus!

When I grow up I intend to be a Supermodel Super Spy Illuminati Assassin. I am a bit vain, crazy, and violent so it seems like a good career choice. I thought about becoming a Hollywood Producer, but even vampires have a few morals.

After I do my homework, I like to practice magic and spells! Ha, no, I am just kidding. I don’t do my homework. That’s what the butler is for.

Boo is my pet ghost, a spirit I raised from the dead. He goes with me pretty much everywhere, even if people can’t see him.

That’s all you need to know for now. Other than to avoid me in dark alleyways.  *evil grin*.

stacks_image_8346Zombey Bunneh

A science fair project gone wrong. It’s never a good idea to raise the dead – you just don’t know what you will get! A cute little bunny who now roams the earth as a vegetarian zombie. Well, he eats the brains of vegetarians. That counts, right?

 

 

To follow the adventures of Little Billy Vampire you can head to his website or follow him on Facebook.

stacks_image_319

Sinclair Theatre Presents Holocaust Play, Exhibits and Panel Discussion

By Leave a Comment

Dayton Most Metro 1Sinclair Theatre will present a Holocaust play, A Shayna Maidel by Barbara Lebow, February 7-15th in Sinclair’s NEW Black Box Theatre, located on the fourth floor of building 2 of the downtown Dayton campus. In addition, Sinclair Theatre in partnership with Sinclair’s Holocaust Remembrance Committee will host 3 supporting Holocaust exhibits during the production dates; two from the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education and one developed by Sinclair Faculty Member Amanda Hayden as well as a cast panel discussion.

A Shayna Maidel (Yiddish meaning “a pretty girl”) is the story of two sisters: one, a modern American who remembers very little of her childhood in Poland and the other, who has survived unspeakable losses including a concentration camp. Worlds collide as one sister gradually shares the losses that have scarred her and the other learns her tragic family history.

Kimberly Borst will direct the show and cast includes: Jennifer Smith, Leah Mikesell, Saul Caplan, A.J. Breslin, and Ella Wylie.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., one Sunday Feb. 9th at 2 p.m., and a Downtown Dayton Thursday Nights performance at 7 p.m. on Feb. 13th. There will also be a morning matinee geared for high schools or middle schools on Wed., Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.

All seats are general admission at $10 each. ALL Thursday tickets cost an additional $5 each and include pre-show appetizers and cash bar beginning at 6 p.m. in the green room (2334) for Sinclair’s popular Downtown Dayton Thursday Nights. Tickets are on sale now at: www.sinclair.edu/tickets. If you need further assistance leave a message at 937-512-2808. A student box office agent will return your call as soon as possible. The box office is open one hour prior to performances.

Her Story Must be Told: Women’s Voices from the Holocaust uniquely presents the memories, photos, and stories of 15 Jewish women who survived the Holocaust. The women are from a dozen countries, reflecting different survivor experiences. The viewer gains an appreciation of women’s unique ways of survival: fighting in the resistance, living in hiding or with false identity, and enduring concentration camps. Collectively the stories of sisters, daughters, mothers, wives and friends celebrate women’s strength and valor.
Appropriate for grades 5 and up.

The Bystander to Upstander exhibit addresses examples of bystanders who remained silent in the face of Nazi persecution and ultimately genocide, while also exploring the motivation of upstanders, those who chose not to stand by and instead stood up and spoke out against the Nazi regime. The exhibit sheds light on critical yet often overlooked perspectives of the Holocaust, while encouraging viewers to think about their own action or inaction.

Amanda Hayden, Assistant Professor in Religion, Philosophy, Humanities and Sinclair’s Discipline Coordinator of Religion has compiled photos into a digital presentation depicting the concentration campsSistersHugCropped then and now.

The cast and director will have an open forum on Jan. 30 at 12:30 p.m. in Blair Hall, first floor building 2, where they will share their Holocaust research and discuss the effect it has made on their work with
this production. This discussion is free and open to the public.

Photo caption: Jennifer Smith (l) and Leah Mikesell (r) portray sisters in Sinclair Theatre’s A Shayna Maidel being performed Feb. 7th-15th in The Black Box Theatre on the downtown campus. www.sinclair.edu/tickets (photo by Patti Celek)

Local Teen Gets A Lifetime Opportunity With A ‘Can’ Do Attitude

By Leave a Comment

1536590_10202964525783801_159142115_nMadeline Mobarry is your typical teenage girl.  She is in her junior year at Northmont.  She is currently looking at colleges for when she is done with high school.  Madeline hasn’t decided on a school just yet.  She is in the process of trying to tie down on where she wants to go.  In the meantime, she has started doing some college courses through a program that is available for her at school.  This past weekend she was part of the production of “Seussical!” from the Muse Machine, playing her double bass.  She also plays in the Northmont Orchestra, and Northmont Jazz Band.

Madeline, like everyone, has big dreams and big goals that she wants to achieve.

Her determination and drive has led her to reach some goals at an early age.  During the summer between her 7th and 8th grade, she needed to find a way to fund her trip to the class trip to Washington, D.C.  The two fundraisers Madeline could have partaken in were not really helpful so she had to go a different direction.

She devised a plan that was different from what most would do to make money-she started collecting aluminum cans.

Aluminum cans were all around Madeline.  At her home, her school, her families homes, the park, etc.  She received cans from her neighbors, the indoor soccer complex in her hometown in Englewood.  Other businesses helped Madeline with her collecting of the cans.  In the end, she made enough money to go on the trip.

Mobarry has been playing since her 5th grade year when she had to decide on either playing an instrument or singing.  She also picked up on the double bass because her father plays bass.  After a while, she wanted to go and try out for the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings group.  The gathering of cans gave her the ability to pay for the double bass that she plays with and she got in.

Over the past few years, she has attended the Mozart Festival in Athens, Ohio, which she spent a week at Ohio University and has also attended the Miami Valley Jazz camp.  With the experiences she has obtained, she decided to go one of her biggest goals to date.

In June, Madeline has been chosen to participate and be a member of the International Youth Symphony Orchestra (a part of the Blue Lake International Exchange Program).  The IYSO – an extension of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp program – encourages creativity and the motivation of young people to achieve  in the arts, while also creating international understanding through the arts. Madeline is the only person in the Dayton group that has been invited.  Rehearsals will be at Blue Lake, which is located in Michigan, and they will be visiting France, Germany  and Luxembourg.

In order for her to pay for the trip, Madeline once again hit the pavement looking to see if anyone would be willing to help  her.  She has contacted  a 100-plus businesses, hoping that they give her the chance to maybe have a shot on making this  dream a possibility.  The amount she needs in order to go is $4750.  One organization received her email, and immediately jumped on board was Involvement Advocacy.

“I received e-mail from Madeline and then I received a call from her shortly after”, explained Peter Benkendorf, who is founder and president of Involvement Advocacy in Dayton.  The group recently held the event Drum Dayton in downtown back in the beginning of November.  “I do not know many teens with the drive and the confidence to do that.”  Benkendorf soon met up with Madeline, and decided that we would help her on the journey towards making enough to go on her trip.   Benkendorf has set up a special scholarship account at Involvement Advocacy allowing folks to make a tax-deductible donation. Madeline has already raised $1250 and the Involvement Advocacy wants to reach the goal balance of $3500.

In the meantime, Madeline is keeping focused on her goal.  She keeps churning out time on her double bass and collecting cans from various establishments and anyone who wants to help.  When you sit down with her, you hear a teenage girl who is well beyond her years.  With this huge goal on her shoulders, you would think that trying to achieve this vision would become overwhelming.  Especially when you have the schedule like she does.

Yet it doesn’t even appear to get to her.

It’s easy to do be that way when you have big dreams that you want to make happen.

Here is how you can help Madeline reach her goal and help her live out a dream:

For credit card donations, click on: https://npo.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=36-3826422.

If you want to send a check, send to:

INVOLVEMENT ADVOCACY

P.O. Box 10506

Dayton, Ohio 45402

Note: Include “Madeline Mobarry IYS”  on check memo or credit card dedication.

‘Seussical’ Review – Muse Machine – Oh, What a Circus!

By Leave a Comment

The circus has come to the Victoria Theatre!
The absolutely delightful centerpiece of the Muse Machine’s breezy production of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens’ “Seussical,” the arts education organization’s 30th annual student musical, is “The Circus McGurkus,” a fantastic Act 2 display of fun, mystery and whimsy. Developed by the Muse artistic team in collaboration with Fred Garbo of “Sesame Street” and “The Inflatable Theater Company,” the vibrant number departs its accustomed status as a merely serviceable transition to fluidly emerge as a clever and imaginative playground deserving of an encore. Inflatable objects, plate spinning, hula hoops, rings, juggling, acrobatics, somersaults, cartwheels, unicycles, and more are impressively handled by the highly entertaining cast from various schools across the Miami Valley.

seussical

The cast of the Muse Machine’s production of “Seussical” in rehearsal (Photo by Daniel Rader)

Elsewhere, the material isn’t executed with sharp consistency, especially evident when the aforementioned centerpiece suddenly catapults the show’s momentum, but director Joe Deer still coaxes admirable performances from his principals. The naturally endearing William Peters is the personification of kindness, loyalty and perseverance as the genuinely genial Horton the Elephant, who vows to rescue the citizens of Whoville despite overwhelming ridicule from his peers. Mark Howard, a radiant tenor, doesn’t miss a beat as his engaging portrayal of JoJo reveals a confident stage presence far beyond his years. The gangly, playful Sean Cheatwood effortlessly adopts various animated personas as the kooky Cat in the Hat. Dynamic vocalist Jennifer Clemens brings wonderful R&B sass to her role as the Sour Kangaroo. Gwyn Burton, an adorable Gertrude McFuzz, and the bubbly Christine Fiala, an appropriately flashy and vain Mayzie LaBird, are equally appealing. David Emery and Sarah Martin are well-matched as Mayor of Whoville and Mrs. Mayor. The intimidating John Neff commands attention and incites fear as the best General Genghis Kahn Schmitz I have seen. The dastardly Wickersham Brothers, uniquely dressed as street toughs, are cohesively comprised of Kyle Bates, Joel Daniel (also the humorous Grinch), James Fields, Benjamin Green and Christian Johnson. Jeremy Cleary (Vlad Vladikoff), Rollie Fisk (Judge Yertle the Turtle), Cayla Destefani (Bird Girl), Cecily Dowd (Bird Girl), Anna Hlinomaz (Bird Girl), Rachael Horner (Bird Girl), Clare Kneblik (Bird Girl), Callia Tellez (Bird Girl) and Rachel Woeste (Bird Girl) are noteworthy.
Additionally, Lula Elzy’s seemingly non-stop choreography is cute and colorful, particularly the uplifting opening number “Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!” as well as “It’s Possible” and the energetic finale. Music director Timothy Olt leads a strong, steady orchestra. Set designer J. Branson’s large backdrops capture the spirit of the Dr. Seuss books. Many costumes sparkle with personality thanks to coordinators Lyn Baudendistel, Robin Brown, Patty Peters and Alisa Vukasinovich. John Rensel’s lighting design expertly accents varying moods and locales. David Sherman’s sound design specifically impacts during JoJo’s Act 2 military departure, but repeatedly missed cues hindered last night’s performance.
Bookended by a sprinkle of Hollywood star power and an inspired nod to a legendary rock band, “Seussical” awakens the child in all of us with an exuberant charm typifying the Muse pedigree. Step right up!

 

“Seussical” continues through Jan. 19 at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. You can still catch performancestonight at  8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 55 minutes; Act Two: 40 minutes. Tickets are $25-$59. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.