Archives for February 2014

The Big Read is Back and It’s Wild!

February 20, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

After taking last year off, the Big Read community reading project is back and it’s wild, literally! Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is the Big Read selection for 2014. This is the ninth year for the project which invites the community to read and talk about the same book. The Big Read runs March 10-April 19 with book discussions and other activities taking place throughout the Dayton area.

Wild is equal parts outdoor adventure tale and personal memoir of grief and healing by author Cheryl Strayed. It has been a New York Times Bestseller, an Oprah’s Book Club selection and is currently being made into a major motion picture starring Reese Witherspoon.

The Big Read kicks off on Sunday, March 9, at 2:00 p.m. in the Dayton Metro Library Auditorium with “A Hike on the Wild Side.” Local hikers Brent and Amy Anslinger will share a first-hand account of their own hike on the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. They’ll share experiences from their 2,650 mile journey on foot through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The Anslingers will also present their program on Monday, March 10, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark.

“If you enjoy a stroll in nature, a rugged hike in the mountains or just hearing about them from the comfort of a chair, the Anslingers will spark your imagination. Then read Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail and talk about it with your friends and neighbors, ” said Jean Gaffney, Manager of Acquisition and Collection Development for the Dayton Metro Library and co-chair of The Big Read committee.

There will be many opportunities for readers to meet and talk about the book. Discussions are scheduled at public libraries as well as Books and Co., Wright State University, The University of Dayton, Brixx Ice Co., coffee shops and other venues. The outdoor wrap-up event at Hills and Dales MetroPark, “The Big Read Hits the Trail,” is scheduled for April 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Events include outdoor hiking instructions, equipment vendors, food trucks, giveaways and more. Visit BigRead.org for a complete schedule of events, book reviews, author information and more.

“The Big Read is a great opportunity to get people reading and talking together,” said Jean Gaffney. “This particular book gives us a lot to talk about. It appeals equally to outdoor adventurers and people looking for a book about personal reflection and redemption. The fact that it will soon be a feature film is a bonus!”

The Big Read is sponsored by Books and Co. and Friends of the Dayton Metro Library. Partners include: Dayton Metro Library, Franklin-Springboro Public Library, Greene County Public Library, Five Rivers MetroParks, National College, Preble County District Library, Project READ, Sinclair Community College, Tipp City Public Library, Troy-Miami County Public Library, University of Dayton, Washington-Centerville Public Library and Wright Memorial Public Library.

ABOUT DAYTON METRO LIBRARY

The Dayton Metro Library is one of the oldest and largest public library systems in Ohio, consistently ranking among the best in the nation. The DML consists of 20 branch locations in Montgomery County, Outreach Services and the Main Library in downtown Dayton. In order to fulfill its mission to inform, inspire and enrich the community, the DML offers programs, materials and services for all ages and stages of life. It is funded in part by a portion of the state income tax and local levy support.

Specialized services and resources are available for schools, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, literacy providers and job seekers. The library houses a unique collection of local history materials. Computers are available free of charge for public use and computer instruction is available at many library locations.

In November, 2012, Montgomery County voters passed a $187 million bond issue to fund new construction and renovations for the DML. Highlights of the multi-phase, multi-year project include consolidating branches from 20 to 16, establishing an offsite operations center and completely renovating the Main Library. When the project is complete in 2017, library users will enjoy modern, efficient facilities providing superior services and technology for the 21st century. Progress on the project is posted regularly on the DML website at DaytonMetroLibrary.org

‘On The Way To The Punchline’ Gives Smug Brothers Boost For 2014

February 20, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

When it comes to the Dayton music scene, Kyle Melton and Don Thrasher are in knee deep with their involvement. Along with their daily obligations, the two are currently in the middle of working on setting up this year’s forthcoming Dayton Music Fest. For many, the Dayton Music Fest is a yearly welcome party of sorts, a chance to observe all the bands that perform around town on a nightly and/or weekly basis. For Melton and Thrasher, it’s an opportunity for them to showcase the marvelous talent that continues to grow each and every year. The duo also works closely together on signing talent to Thrasher’s local record label Gas Daddy Go.

It’s no small task to tackle what these two take on, but they wouldn’t have any other way. Melton and Thrasher also make up half of the group Smug Brothers. The band, which got its name from Motel Beds guitarist Darryl Robbins during a recording session, will be releasing On the Way to the Punchline February 25^th. Since the inception of the group 10 years ago, On the Way to the Punchline will mark Smug Brothers first time they are physically releasing a full-length album.

On the Way to the Punchline has been in development for over two years now. Starting in the friendly confines of Melton’s basement, Smug Brothers started going to work on the album in the Spring of 2012. Melton, Thrasher, bassist Shaine Sullivan, and guitarist Brian Baker teamed up with Darryl Robbins to record a session. The album was finished and was ready to be released in June/July of 2012.

“We hit a rough patch”, Melton explains when asked about the delay of releasing Punchline. “[Don and I] got tied down with the Music Fest stuff…it just kinda fizzled.” Sullivan at the time had his hands full with his involvement with South Park Tavern and working on purchasing what would become Canal Public House. “In early 2013, we wanted to regroup and let’s get back together. Shaine said that he was going to bow out,” Melton added.

With an opening for a bassist, Thrasher spoke to Larry Evans, who most people would recognize for his contribution to the dazzling local rendition of The Band’s ‘The Last Waltz’. Thrasher learned the Evans was very attracted to the idea of joining up with a band somewhere around town.

“I really wanted to get back into playing while I was between bands, and I really loved Smug Brothers’ previous work”, Evans said during a recent interview. At around the time Sullivan exited the band, Thrasher mentioned to Melton that Evans was interested in joining a band. “I saw Larry at a show in South Park Tavern, and I said that I heard was interested. I asked him if he wanted to be in Smug, and he said yes.”

With the void of Sullivan filled and Evans eager to get rolling, Smug Brothers went back to work and released the EP Strictly Triggers. “Larry brings a lot of enthusiasm, and he is a great fit”, Thrasher explained. One thing you will notice when you listen to Strictly Triggers is the EP’s single ‘We Are Fluid’ is Sullivan’s fuzzed-out play. “It just wouldn’t be the same song without Sullivan playing it”, Melton said.

When you dive into On the Way to the Punchline, you immediately catch the band’s signature sound. For those who haven’t had the pleasure of hearing the band, expect to catch on to Smug Brother’s dreamy mid-fi rock sound. For those who have followed Dayton legends, and indie rock darlings Guided By Voices much, you will quickly catch onto Smug Brothers. The opening track, ‘A Guest Not A Passenger’, starts off with Thrasher getting the drums to move onward to a nice, steady march into the brass guitar riffs. Other gems like the acoustic guitar-driven, breezy ‘Over and Outside’ to the indie rocker ‘A Thing For English’ highlight the bands’ expansion of its sound, much like an artist continues to bring various paints and tools to their palette. Melton’s vocals are soft and welcoming, while Thrasher’s drumming in enthralling and exciting. Don’t sleep on Baker and Evans. Their work on bass and guitar throughout the album and EP Strictly Triggers are attention-grabbing as well. On the Way to the Punchline presents listeners to ability to take a glimpse into the gratifying times of 90s indie rock. And with the album’s songs being tight and short, it keeps the clarity and focus that the band strives for.

The band will be taking part of the inaugural event Cabin Fever, and they be performing at South Park Tavern this Saturday night with The 1984 Draft, Human Cannonball, and The Turkish Delights. Show time is 9pm, with the doors opening at 8pm. $5 cover gets you in the show.

Dine and SLASH with Local Filmaker Henrique Couto + TICKET CONTEST !!

February 20, 2014 By Dayton937 9 Comments

Local Film Maker Henrique Couto with a Cheesesteak at Sidelines Bar & Grill

Want 2 free tickets to see a locally made, horror film, called “Haunted House on Sorority Row” ?? Then comment below on this story to be entered into the contest. One winner will be chosen at random tomorrow at noon.

Now on with the scoop:

Food Adventures first met Henrique Couto at a Chinese Buffet in Centerville. He was wearing pajama pants. We saw his ukelele records in stores and heard about his local trivia shows and local concerts. We even wrote a Food Adventure story about him after we tried his homemade ginger ale – SEE HERE. He is a local celeb, with his trademark hair, mustache and rubber banded beard. Let’s not forget the glasses and flamboyant shirts for a style all his own. Did we mention he is a great guy, with a witty sense of humor ?

His other directing credits are as follows:

Marty Jenkins and the Vampire bitches
Faces of Schlock
Bleeding Through
Depression the Movie
Bulldog for Christmas

Meet the Cast and join The Big Ragu for the World Premier this Friday !

Fast forward to 2013, where we attended the World Premier of Couto’s slasher film, “Babysitter Massacre.” …Of course we bought the DVD !

Now, his scariest film to date “HAUNTED HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW” is having its World Premier this Friday !!

WHAT: Local Horror Movie “HAUNTED HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW” WORLD PREMIER

WHEN: FRIDAY FEB. 21st, 10pm

WHERE: ENGLEWOOD CINEMA, 320 W. National Rd., Englewood, Ohio

COST: Admission is $8

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TRAILER !!!

Henrique Couto is a Dayton native like us. He has been interest in film making since he was a kid. In fact, he used to sell DVD’s to fellow classmates out of his trapper keeper at school. By the age of 16 he was formatting DVD menu catalogs that were going into Blockbuster Stores. Now you can buy his movies online at Blockbuster. You can also buy his titles at Hastings, Amazon.com, FYE Stores and even streaming versions on Amazon Prime. You can also find his films at local Game Swap stores and his personal website Hen.Storeenvy.com Henrique’s philosophy is make the films locally and sell them nationally. He gives crowds what they want: slashers, suspense, and thrilling scenes and even nudity. He gives his movies, descriptive, detailed concepts in the titles. Why? Because he doesnt advertise with millions, instead he uses thousands of dollars to make and distribute his movies. And when they are next to a box office blockbuster, he wants his movie to stand out.

Henrique is of Portuguese descent, and is a foodie as well. His favorite Dayton spot is Siam Pad Thai, which was unfortunately closed due to weather, so we went down the street for a FOOD ADVENTURE to new sports bar SIDELINES on Wilmington Pike in Kettering.

Deep Fried Ribs? AMAZING! Click to enlarge

********* SIDELINES *********

HERE’s THE SKINNY:

— New restaurant at 4090 Wilmington Pike, with fresh recipe twists on sports bar food

— Great service. The friendly, attentive staff ensures a great meal.

— Lots of UNIQUE dry rubs and one-of-a-kind sauce choices for you chicken wing lovers

— The prices were decent and didnt “scare” our wallet

MUST EATS:

— DEEP FRIED PORK RIBS: Oh man, oh damn .. succulent twin bones of baby rack ribs, breaded and deep fried then tossed in your fave sauce. Are you kidding? Nothing like it in Dayton. People who loved BURBANK’s “Fribs” aka “Flying pigs wings” will love these things! Sinful, yet sultry…. like The Big Ragu

— THE FRESH CUT FRENCH FRIES: Delicious, and addicting. You have been warned !! The fresh cut makes all the difference.. slasher !

— GRILLED SHRIMP WRAP: A healthy choice that wont bust your waistline, yet will give you all that flavor to savor ! A tasty treat for the soul.

Grilled Shrimp Wrap from “Sidelines”: Good Stuff

— PHILLY CHEESESTEAK: Loaded with peppers and onions, this sandwich is big and would fill Jason Vorhees’ appetite.

— THE WINGS: The secret here is the sauces and dry rubs. May we recommend the “Dry Ranch Rub” or the “Salt & Vinegar Rub.” As for sauces, our heads roll for the “Kentucky Bourbon” sauce and “Tropical Rum” sauces respectively.

— We hear the burgers are great, unfortunately this wasnt our typical Food Adventure, as we almost always try a restaurant numerous times before posting anything online. We aren’t one plate Nate’s, one dish Trish or one Trip .. uh Trip’s … As the group Train sings “this is not a drive by..ey ey eye eye.” Yeah, we dont do fly by articles, you deserve more. So “cut” us some slack this once …

Sidelines restaurant was a nice surprise in a pinch. We will definitely be back and may do a follow up “2nd helping” article. We suggest you try the flavors and menu items you find at any other sports bar in Dayton. Live it up!

Want more from FOOD ADVENTURES ? Then “like” them on Facebook here.

Don’t be scared, browse our photo gallery below for pics of “Haunted House on Sorority Row” and photos from our Food Adventure !

See you on the Sidelines or at the movies !!!

BELOW is HENRIQUES top 6 horror movies of all time. What’s your list?? Comment below !

[flagallery gid=79]

Haunted House On Sorority Row Looks To Recruit New Horror Pledges

February 20, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Local filmmaker Henrique Couto has just had his first experience into the huge fundraising website Kickstarter wrap up. He shows signs of exhaustion and fatigue. Almost as if he personally executed his campaign like a Jerry Lewis televised marathon on the local television channel. He quickly perks up, though. It truly is amazing. Immediately, his attitude changes and it’s as if he suddenly took some miracle pill that completely wiped out any tiredness that was rummaging around him.

This isn’t the first time Couto went to trying out crowd funding. He first tried indiegogo.com to help get his first family film, A Bulldog For Christmas, up and rolling back in March of last year. The movie centered on a cynical college student that was on Christmas vacation and then was transformed into a bulldog. The college student needed to learn the true meaning of the holiday spirit, along with what being part of a loving family entails in order to become her normal self again. Couto wanted to make the goal he set of $1600, which would help feed the cast during production, hire composer Buzz Amato to do the music score of the film, and help with the manufacturing with the DVD and Blu Ray copies of the film. Couto was able to raise over $2400.

With the success of the first one in the books, Couto looked to Kickstarter to go and help get his one of his newest projects he currently is working on, the dark comedy Awkward Thanksgiving. Like A Bulldog For Christmas, Couto wanted to do the same things with Awkward Thanksgiving with the post production, music, and treating his actors to a great meal or two. Unlike Indiegogo, Couto knew that with Kickstarter you make your goal or you get nothing at all. The goal was set a little higher-$2400. Within the first 24 hours, the goal was made. At the end of the drive, the movie raised over $6000.

Couto continues to deliver micro-budgeted films that captivate his audiences all around the world. With his first voyage in comedy Depression: The Movie, to A Bulldog For Christmas hopefully being released nationwide later this year, and coming soon Awkward Thanksgiving, it’s clear to see the Couto continues to dive into the realm of different genres. For most that know better, the true passion that this director has when it comes to his work is producing horror and suspenseful films. Friday night, Couto will be releasing his newest film, Haunted House on Sorority Row at Englewood Cinemas.

Haunted House on Sorority Row centers around a group of young college girls who have become disenchanted with the other sororities on campus. The leader of the group has located a house that is a little outside of town. When the girls are checking out the house, they learn that there has been some talk that it’s haunted. The girls brush it off, and purchased the house. After doing some repairs and refurbishing of the home, the fledgling sorority is ready to get some new recruits in to be with the first four girls. As soon as they unpack and start to get situated, some dark and disturbing incidents start to occur. The screenplay writer, John Oak Dalton, along with Couto take these young girls through psychological horror as they try to find out what’s truly the reasoning for what is happening between the four walls. “It really is about you have to face your fear if you want to move on”, explains Couto. “Otherwise, it will kill you.”

The movie was shot in Waynesville, Ohio in a house that actually belongs to a member of the production’s family. Owned by at least eight individuals in the family, the house is primary used for storage and for family gatherings. “We didn’t know that it had a basement”, Couto says. “It turns out that it had a root cellar with a basement…and it’s terrifying. To walk down into, it’s scary. So, we have some good scenes down there.” The filming didn’t take long, only taking two weekends. With the work on Haunted House on Sorority Row, Couto decided to throw out his normal ways of recording and really let loose. He experimented with different camera angels, different lightning, and even tinkered around with fog. What viewers should expect is a movie that is terrifying, and will make sit at the edge of your seat. “I’ve been making horror movies on and off for a long time, and I think that this is the scariest thing I’ve made”, proclaims Couto. “The combination of experience and the playground that I had to work with, I was able to make a scarier movie. Its visually scary. I feel like once you are in that house, you aren’t getting out.” When you hear Couto discuss Haunted House on Sorority Row, you see and hear how excited he is about this film. “The movie has so much set pieces, special effects, makeup…it’s hugely ambitious”, declares Couto.

After making Haunted House on Sorority Row, Couto mentioned that he wants to make another film that involves ghosts. “I enjoyed the experimenting”, explained Couto.

What Couto doesn’t realize-he is always experimenting.

The world premiere of Haunted House On Sorority Row will be shown at Englewood Cinemas on Friday night, February 21. 10pm showing. $8 admission.

Champps No More!

February 19, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Champps Americana located at 7880 Washington Village Drive in Washington Township has officially closed as of today. According to company spokesman Rick VanWarner, “despite our best efforts, that location just continually underperformed and as of today it is closed. All employees were given severance packages based on length of service with the company.” The 300 seat restaurant opened in the 1998 at a site that had previously been Damon’s Grill, which specialized in BBQ ribs.

According to VanWarner, this was strictly a business decision and employees were offered the option to transfer to other locations as available. The closing affected 4 managers and about 70 employees. Champps locations in West Chester and Columbus remain open.

RALLY ‘ROUND YOUR BUCKET AND WIN DINNER FOR A YEAR

February 19, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

As Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern’s roll out a new website, they are also picking one grand prize winner to receive Bucket dinner for a year (twelve $100 gift cards valid for food only) and a Bucket Fastpass, which guarantees seating at the next available table upon arrival at the winner’s selected Rusty Bucket location. To register, guests are asked to join the Rusty Bucket e-mail list now through March 16^th. Additionally, Rusty Bucket will select one winner from each of the 15 locations to receive a Bucket Fastpass.

Rusty Bucket guests previously had interacted with each other through social media, sharing their photos and experiences and even developing widely used hashtags. Rusty Bucket will utilize their new website to engage directly with their associates and guests. “Each Rusty Bucket restaurant is incredibly community oriented, and many of our guests are very loyal to a specific location. We wanted to create that same sense of localization and community online as we do in the restaurants,” said Rusty Bucket founder and president Gary Callicoat.

To accomplish, this Rusty Bucket encourages guests to “compete for their local Bucket” and upload their Bucket experience photos through social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and hashtag their local Bucket (#rustybucketdayton), which then live streams the Instagram photos to each location’s website. Official Rusty Bucket hashtags were created for each location so guests and associates can directly interact with each other and the brand. As guests join social media channels, Buckets will compete for the most fans. A weekly tally graph of the Buckets will be displayed on the “fresh, new and Rusty all over” website.

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern, which operates 15 neighborhood eateries in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, can be found on Facebook.com/Rusty-Bucket-Restaurant-Tavern, @MyRustyBucket on Twitter and Instagram and LinkedIn.com/company/rusty-bucket-restaurant-and-tavern.

Exploring Dayton’s Public History

February 18, 2014 By Megan Cooper 1 Comment

George Willeman was featured in the documentary THESE AMAZING SHADOWS.

Each year, the public history students at Wright State University hold a graduate symposium to enable them to present their research and capstone projects. If you love local history, you won’t want to miss some of the great stories these students have discovered.

PLUS: The featured speaker this year is George Willeman (pictured right), Library of Congress Film Vault curator and WSU film grad.

The symposium will be held on Friday, March 14, in the WSU Student Union. The Symposium is free, but please RSVP by March 7. RSVP by calling the Wright State University Archives at 937-775-2092 or register at http://www.libraries.wright.edu/calendar/events.php. Free parking is available in the Visitor Lot of the Student Union. See map at www.wright.edu/university-maps/campus-maps.

It’s a full day of great local history compiled by the students. The schedule includes:

8:15-9:00 Registration and Refreshments

9:00-9:15 Welcome

9:15-10:00 Keynote Speaker, George Willeman, Library of Congress Nitrate Film Vault Manager

10:00-10:15 Break – Snacks provided

10:15-11:15 Session I: The Legacy of World War I

Kaitlyn Goss: “Miami Valley African-American Communities During World War I”
Karis Raeburn: “The Amazing Adventures of Alice Carr”
Kyle Yoho: “A Long Way from Home: The Story of Clark County Men Serving with the 324th Field Artillery in the Great War”

11:15-12:45 Lunch – Enjoy a meal at the Student Union or one of the many area restaurants

12:45-1:00 Introduction to Wright State University’s Public History Program, Dawne Dewey, Head of Special Collections and Archives and Director of Public History

1:00-2:00 Session II: Interpreting Local History

Christopher Erb: “Dayton and Its Gem of an Arcade”
Seth Marshall: “Interpreting the Battleship: USS Indiana”
Rebekkah Mulholland: “A Forty-year old Legacy: The Unique History of Wright State University”

2:00-2:30 Poster Session and Break- Snacks provided

2:30-3:10 Session III: Women with Nerve

Sarah Aisenbrey: “Virginia Kettering: A Legacy in Dayton”
Marcus Manchester: “The Legacy of Dorothy Stang”

3:10-3:15 Public History 40th Anniversary Preview

3:15-3:30 Closing Remarks

PH Symposium_2014Flier_final

Mikesells Introduces Cincinnati Style Chili Potato Chips

February 18, 2014 By Dayton937 2 Comments

New Cincinnati Chili Flavored Chips from Mikesells

Attention Dayton Foodies !!

Here is something you wont see anywhere else .. YET.. The Food Adventures Crew love Mikesell’s Potato Chips, and we love Cincinnati chili. What an incredible idea the people at Mikesell’s had to combine to two !

We first tried the proto-type chip last summer, with the founder of Mikesells, D.W. Mikesell’s, great-grandson Luke Mapp. We have been sworn to secrecy about the flavor until now …. Verdict ???

The chips are delicious. So what makes them a MUST EAT ??

— The spices have captured the chili taste to a tee, even the hints of chili powder and Greek spices.

— The flavor level is perfect, not overpowering, which means great snack time enjoyment with a high “eatability factor”

— The flavor and freshness that is typical of the local Mikesells brand

Actually, you can see these chips somewhere else… We ran into bags of them at Speedway, and lets just say “we boosted our Speedy Rewards points.” Terrific stuff from your hometown potato chip company. We highly suggest you grab some of these and share them with your friends… or be selfish, we don’t care.

The Big Ragu loves the new Cincinnati Style Chili Flavor

Want a Food Adventure in a bag? Then make sure you get the new Cincinnati Chili Style Potato Chips from Mikesells!!

Want more Food Adventures?? Check out their spicy Facebook Page and”like” them HERE !

Want more on Mikesell’s Potato Chips? Check out our FOOD ADVENTURE at the Mikesell’s Plant HERE !

[flagallery gid=78]

Dayton Art Institute Features Contemporary Still-Life Paintings of Isabella Kirkland

February 17, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Rendered in the crystalline clarity of 17th-century Dutch still-life paintings, Kirkland’s portraits of flora and fauna present a dazzling array of detail that straddles art history, scientific illustration and natural history. Isabella Kirkland: Stilled Life will be on view February 22 – May 18 at the museum.

“Shown together for the first time, the works in Isabella Kirkland: Stilled Life are sure to be of interest to lovers of art as well as scientific study,” says The DAI’s Director and CEO Michael R. Roediger. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to bring this timely exhibition to Dayton.” The special exhibition is made possible by support from Patron Sponsor DP&L Foundation, and Supporting Sponsors Energy Optimizers, USA, The Miami Valley School, Miller-Valentine Group, Perfection Group, Square One Salon and Spa, and Tridec Technologies, LLC.

Still-life painting first flourished in the Netherlands during the early 1600s, although German and French painters were also early participants in the development, and less continuous traditions of Italian and Spanish still-life painting date from the same period. Many of the objects depicted in these early works remind the viewer of an edifying concept, such as worldly vanity or temperance. Moralizing meanings were also common in still-life paintings of the 17th century. Floral still lifes were especially prominent in the early 1600s, and their highly refined execution, subjects and symbolism were addressed to a cultivated audience. Painters from this period, such as Jan Fyt and Roelandt Savery, often referred to herbals and other botanical texts when composing “bouquets,” which typically combined flowers from different countries, and even different continents, in one vase and at one moment of blooming. For many courtly collectors and wealthy merchants, a flower picture was part of a private domain that included a garden with rare specimens, colored drawings or watercolors of rare tulips and other unusual flowers, and a small library of botanical books and prints. “Building on this tradition, contemporary artist Isabella Kirkland composes her own unique 21st-century ‘bouquets’ that deliver an arresting and timely narrative about the degradation and homogenization of our own environment,” says The Dayton Art Institute’s Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, Dr. Aimee Marcereau DeGalan, who organized and curated the exhibition.

Isabella Kirkland: Stilled Life brings together more than 50 of Kirkland’s works, as well as a host of preparatory drawings and studies in a variety of media. With their luscious colors and high-gloss finishes, some of which took more than a year to create, these elaborate paintings provide a bridge between science and the humanities in brilliant color.

In conjunction with Isabella Kirkland: Stilled Life, The Dayton Art Institute will present In Bloom: Selections from the Collection of The Dayton Art Institute. The exhibition includes nearly 20 works from The DAI’s permanent collection, ranging from the 17^th through the 21^st centuries. From floral still lifes to garden delights, it will present some of the museum’s finest examples, as well as some lesser-known works, to highlight and explore this popular genre.

A companion Lecture Series will examine the fascinating overlap of science, history and art. The speakers will discuss and consider evolving ideas about art and nature, in response to Isabella Kirkland’s remarkable paintings that document and comment on species loss and environmental change. Scheduled talks include an Artist Lecture by Isabella Kirkland on February 20 at 6:30 p.m., Dutch Still-Life Painting of the Golden Age on March 1 at 3 p.m., Isabella Kirkland: Transforming Perception on March 15 at 3 p.m., Gathering Nature in a Time of Extinction: Isabella Kirkland’s Ecological Art on April 12 at 3 p.m., and Bio-Diversity and Isabella Kirkland on April 26 at 3 p.m.

The Isabella Kirkland: Stilled Life Lecture Series is free to students and museum members, and included in museum or special exhibition admission for non-members. All lectures will be held in the museum’s NCR Renaissance Auditorium, with the exception of Bio-Diversity and Isabella Kirkland on April 26, which will be held at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. The Stilled Life Lecture Series is supported by a grant from the Ohio Humanities Council.

Visit www.daytonartinstitute.org/stilledlife to learn more about the exhibitions, the Isabella Kirkland: Stilled Life Lecture Series, and related events and programs. Admission to the exhibitions is free for museum members; $12 adults; $9 seniors (60+), students (18+ w/ID), active military and groups (10 or more); and $6 youth (ages 7-17). Children (6 & under) are free. Prices include admission to both special exhibitions and the museum’s permanent collection. A $1 per transaction Historic Preservation Fee will be added to all ticket sales. Docent-led tours of the special exhibition are available for individuals, groups and schools. Contact Group Sales and Tour Coordinator Donna Young, at 937-512-0152 or [email protected], for more information or to book a tour. For more information about exhibitions, events and programs at The Dayton Art Institute, please visit www.daytonartinstitute.org or call the museum at 937-223-4ART (4278). Be sure to also connect with The Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and exclusive offers.

Ha Ha Pizza with Local Artist, Tom Watson III

February 17, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Pizza with Artichokes, Spinach, Fresh Garlic, Pesto, and Turkey Sausage

Some Food Adventures are inspiring. Take the case of local artist, scenester and zinester, Tom Watson III. In March 2005, he survived a brain stem stroke. What did he do next? He used art to recover his motor skills and heal his mind. Today some of his collection adorns the walls of Ha Ha Pizza in Yellow Springs for a limited art showing. Tom’s art show, titled “Entropy & Reclamation” will be running though March 2014. The event is named for his initial decay and chaos from the stroke, and his eventual reclaiming of a normal life.

We have actually eaten with Tom at HaHa Pizza a couple of times, since his first art show in 2007. We will get into the pizza in a bit, but first some history.

Tom’s story is one of overcoming obstacles, and never giving up. Since his stroke, his life has changed. He used the artwork not only to recover, he finished his degree, he married a loving wife, and has two wonderful sons. Again, an inspiration and not bad for someone who wasn’t expected to live through the massive stroke. He not only lived, he turned the entire ordeal into a learning experience. He tackled his nightmare head-on, using scans of his brain stroke in many of his paintings.

You might be cool, but are you “get a National Award from ‘The Fonz’ cool” like Tom ?

Tom exhibits his art locally from time to time but in 2011, it received NATIONAL attention, when Tom was awarded the first annual RAISE Award from the National Stroke Association. Watson received the Outstanding Individual Award in recognition of his efforts to advocate for stroke awareness and prevention through his artwork. The awards ceremony was held at the Denver Natural History museum in Denver, Colorado, and Watson was honored with the award by Henry “The Fonz” Winkler of Happy Days fame.

Tom’s art is unique and takes you through his mind and recovery. We asked why he uses cardboard instead of canvas for his paintings. His answer was that it all about recycling. Tom had to learn how to recycle certain uses of his brain and muscles, so the cardboard is a message passed down from his struggle. Today, Tom announced he is facing another hardship, as he was diagnosed with cancer in his tongue. With his positive attitude, he is certain to conquer this challenge as well.

So if you want to support an incredible story of a local man beating the odds, please take some time to visit Ha Ha Pizza this Friday or visit TOM’S WEBSITE HERE. You may find a piece you like. It is more than art, it is a symbol of perseverance.

Some of Tom Watson’s artwork on display at Ha HA Pizza Through March

WHAT: Art Reception Event “Entropy & Reclamation” at Ha Ha Pizza at 108 Xenia Ave in Yellow Springs

WHEN: Feb 21st, 5:30pm – 10pm

WHY: Showcasing local artist and stroke survivor Tom Watson’s artwork.

MORE INFO: http://www.facebook.com/tomwatson3rd.art

UPCOMING ART: Tom will also be the featured artist for April 2014 at North South Studios in Wilmington, Ohio.

Watson is also in discussions to be a featured artist at X*ACT Gallery in Xenia for the Xenia Arts Council in May or June 2014.

Want to support Tom? Then check out the art show or buy some hand-printed, silk-screened T-shirts, available at Urban Handmade store in downtown Yellow Springs.

Now about our FOOD ADVENTURES to HA HA PIZZA with Mr Watson…………

******HA HA PIZZA******

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

A slice from Ha Ha Pizza with Feta cheese option and more

— Iconic pizza joint located in Yellow Springs since 1971

— An Urban Legend says the name “Ha Ha” Pizza came from the sprinkling of a certain wacky weed on the pizza and the effects on customers. Other rumors swirl about “magic mushrooms” being used on 70’s pizzas.

— All pizza dough is made daily from scratch. Crusts choices include a Whole Wheat Crust option or a Traditional Flour Crust in 9 inch, 12 inch or 16 inch pies

— Causal atmosphere, also offering Calzones, Subs and a Full Salad Bar

MUST EATS:

— THE SALAD BAR: We recommend the one trip salad bar deal, it will fill you up for sure ! No iceberg lettuce here, just some fresh Romaine Greens. Grab some of the many toppings including Tofu and Garbonzo Beans ! Ohh did we mention incredible in-house dressings too ??? Yeah … they got that.

The salad bar features Romaine lettuce, Tofu and Garbonzo Beans for openers

— THE LUNCH SPECIAL: Your choice of a slice of pizza with 2 toppings and one trip to the salad bar for $5.99. Tasty and filling!

— THE EGGPLANT SUB: Perfectly broiled slices of Eggplant, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Ha Ha pizza sauce. Served with Mikesells Groovy chips, how appropriate !

— THE FALAFEL CALZONE:An interesting Garbonzo Bean mix, with green peppers, onions, HaHa Pizza Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese. This has to be a one of a kind, right?

— ARTICHOKE, SPINACH, PESTO, GARLIC and TURKEY SAUSAGE PIZZA: Want to try a delicious flavor combo? Try these 5 toppings on your pizza pie.

The bottom line, is this place is not a legend for nothing. Want a real Food Adventure? Try unique topping choices like bananas, water chestnuts, zucchini and falafel.

Whole Wheat Crust or White Flour Crust options on all pizzas

The Big Ragu and Crew are gonna try an anchovy and smoked oyster topping pizza next time for sure! Won’t you join us for a bite and a laugh at HA HA PIZZA???

Remember, we are not food critics, we are just 2 guys that love to eat. Want more from FOOD ADVENTURES? Then check out these “Miami Valley Foodies” and like them on Facebook HERE !

Check out our photo gallery below, showing off some of the numerous tasty meals we have had at Ha Ha Pizza. Have you been to Ha Ha? What is your take on local artist Tom Watson’s journey? Please comment below and be heard.

If you are interested in his artwork or a T-shirt feel free to contact the man, the myth, the legend, Tom Watson HERE ON FACEBOOK

[flagallery gid=77]

What Daytonian Belongs On The Walk of Fame?

February 17, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Who has had a great impact on the Dayton region? And who would YOU like to see get their paver on the Walk of Fame?

The Wright Dunbar Walk of Fame was established in honor of Dayton’s bicentennial celebration in 1996. The legacy of this community is rich with individuals who have made their mark regionally, nationally and often, internationally. The Walk of Fame exists to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments—and to share our pride with the rest of the world.

Click here to download a Walk of Fame walking tour brochure, that will include a list of past inductees.

Individual granite pavers line the sidewalks throughout the Wright Dunbar Business district with descriptions of inductees and their unique contributions to the Dayton landscape. New inductees are welcomed into the Walk of Fame family at a celebration each fall. We encourage your participation in the process!

Nominations open now through April 2. Get the form and more info here:http://www.wright-dunbar.org/walk-of-fame-nomination-period-opens/.

Day Of Caring Creates Pancake Brunches All Over Town

February 17, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Established in 1991 by Jan Venkayya, Day of Caring is a grass roots organization based in Beavercreek, made up of volunteers committed to increasing personal awareness and involvement toward confronting the ever-increasing national plight of hunger and homelessness.

Not only have the number of brunch locations increased but the number of cities, towns, and counties have also grown. In 2014, there are brunches scheduled in Clinton, Greene, Miami, Hamilton and Montgomery counties as well as the City of Dayton. They’ve also reached beyond our local boundaries to sites in Cinicinnati and Richmond Indiana. Brunches run on average $6 per person.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-wB0CxwdyI’]

Day of Caring is more than just a one-day fundraising event; Day of Caring is first and foremost, designed to create personal awareness. By making people aware of the needs in their community, individuals can come together as one and help. We create opportunities for people to get involved.

In philosophy, Day of Caring is similar to Thanksgiving, where one day a year we come together as a nation to give thanks for our good fortune. Likewise, Day of Caring, through its ever increasing number of volunteers, sets aside one day – the last Sunday in February – where we, the community, can come together to help our less fortunate neighbors.

A new addition to the brunch includes the forming of a personal hygiene pantry which will include items that cannot be purchased with food stamps and are often difficult for those in need to get.

Sunday February 23, 2014

Click on address for map links

Hygiene Pantry Items Drop Sites Are Noted Below

RICHMOND INDIANA
First Baptist Church 1601 South “A” Street, Richmond, IN 47374 11:30am – 1:00pm	New Life Church of the Nazarene 1004 North “A” Street Richmond, IN 47374 9:00am – 11:00am
CINCINNATI OHIO
St. Monica-St. George Parish 328 W. McMillan St. Cincinnati, OH 45219 9:00am – 2:00pm	St. Bernard Church 745 Derby Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45232 11:00am – 1:00pm
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 1522 Race Street Loveland, OH 45202 10:00am – 12:00pm	St. Mary’s Church, Hyde Park 2853 Erie Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45208 8:00am – 1:00pm

DAYTON OHIO And Surrounding Areas
Abiding Christ Lutheran Church 326 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Rd. Fairborn, OH 45324 10:00am – 1:00pm	Mad River Lions Club Community United Methodist 339 Meyer Ave., Dayton, OH 45431 9:00am – 1:00pm
Apex Church 5200 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, OH 45429 9:30am – 1:00pm Hygiene Pantry Drop Site	New Paris Food Pantry @ National Trail School 6940 Oxford Gettysburg Rd New Paris, OH 45347 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 500 Belmont Park North Dayton, OH 45405 “Time: After Church” – HONEY PUFFS	National Council Of Negro Women St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church 5301 Free Pike, Trotwood, OH 45426 9:00am – 2:00pm
Beavercreek Nazarene Church 1850 N. Fairfield Rd Beavercreek, OH 45432 8:00am – 11:00am	North Riverdale Lutheran Church 45 Kurtz Ave Dayton, OH 45405 11:30am – 1:30pm Hygiene Pantry Drop Site
Beavercreek Senior Center 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road Beavercreek, OH 45432 9:00am – 12:00pm Hygiene Pantry Drop Site	Host a Brunch Site Next Year
Belmont United Methodist Church 2701 S Smithville Road Dayton, OH 45420 8:00am – 12:00pm	Omega Baptist Church 1821 Emerson Ave Dayton, OH 45406 7:00am – 12:00pm
A Pancake Day Keeps Hunger Away	Our lady of Mercy & Corpus Christi & Queen of Martyrs & St. Vincent DePaul 220 West Siebenthaler Ave Dayton, OH 45405 9:30am – 1:00pm

Concordia Lutheran Church 250 Peach Orchard Oakwood, OH 45419 10:30am -12:30pm	Polk Grove United Church Of Christ 9190 Frederick Dr. Dayton, OH 45414 9:00am – 2:00pm Hygiene Pantry Drop Site
Eaton United Church of Christ 113 W. Decatur St. Eaton, OH 45320 11:30am – 1:00pm	Queen Of Apostles Church 4400 Shakertown Road, Dayton, OH 45430 11:00am – 1:00pm
Epiphany Lutheran Church 6430 Far Hills Avenue Dayton, OH 45459 9:00am – 1:00pm Hygiene Pantry Drop Site	Shiloh Church Philadelphia and Main, Dayton, OH 45415 9:00am – 1:00pm
Support the Day of Caring	St. Leonard – Station House 8200 Provincial Way. Centerville, OH 45458 10:00am – 2:00pm
Germantown United Methodist Church 525 Farmersville Pike. Germantown, OH 45327 8:00am – 12:30pm Hygiene Pantry Drop Site	Pancake Brunches are Awesome
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 901 E. Stroop Rd Kettering, OH 45429 8:00am – 12:00pm Hygiene Pantry Drop Site	Stillwater United Methodist Church 6911 Fredrick Pike Dayton, OH 45415 8:00am – 1:00pm Hygiene Pantry Drop Site
Grace United Methodist Church 1001 Harvard Blvd Dayton, OH 45406 10:00am – 1:30pm Hygiene Pantry Drop Site	Target Dayton 111 Xenia Road, Dayton, OH 45415 am – pm
Harmony Creek Church 5280 Bigger Road, Kettering, OH 45440 9:00am – 12:00pm	Help the Hungry and Homeless
Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton 525 Versailles Dr, Dayton, OH 45459 am – pm	Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine White Hall (Phi Rho Sigma) 3640 Colonel Glen Highway Dayton, OH 45324 11:00am – 2:30pm
Your Site Could be Here Next Year	Xenia Adult Recreation and Services Center 130 E. Church Street Xenia, OH 45385 8:00am – 1:00pm Hygiene Pantry Drop Site
Lewisburg United Methodist Church 3147 US Route 40 East Lewisburg, OH 45338 11:00am – 2:00pm	Zion Lutheran Church 5550 Munger Road Dayton, OH 45459 9:00am – 1:00pm
Lutheran Church of Our Savior 155 East Thruston Blvd. Dayton, OH 45419 9:00am – 1:00pm	Think of Others

REVIEW: Butcher Babies Massacre Cincinnati on Hellpop II Tour

February 16, 2014 By Mike Ritchie Leave a Comment

Before the Mourning (photo by Mike Ritchie)

On Jan 12, ¾’s of the 2014 Hellpop II tour came to Bogart’s in Cincinnati. Due to strep throat taking her voice with a high fever, Maria Brink was unable to perform. However the rest of the twisted circus showed up and gave fans a loud, rowdy show that brought many screaming, thrashing bodies over the crowd barrier eager to say hi.

From LA comes Before the Mourning, a new dawn for heavy music injected with young blood and passion. Three guys and one hot iron maiden came to play for the early evening pit ready crowd. The sweat, saliva, testosterone and estrogen flew as they christened their first stop at Bogarts with a definite Need to Bleed out. Clean melodic yelled vocals by Adam Ryan started the adrenaline opener sweeping over intense opening guitar interplay with pulsing bass and slamming drums. The industrial steam pump beginning of Grim went on a roller coaster ride of impassioned tortured vocals with a violent frantic guitar sound playing up and down your neck like a human fret-board. Slipping through the icy-cold clutches of darkness into mental oblivion. We got a very short break from the nerve wracking mental catacombs with the twangy guitar build of Damned & Forsaken only to be hit by thick Meshuggah riffs. ‘We’re all angels and demons, who’ve lost all feeling,’ the message screamed from the broken heavens as we fall earthbound lying face down slammed in the dirt to wither. By our deeds, not everyone has the right to live but we all have The Right to Die. Someone will be there to bury you. No worries, the light brings loud angels with screaming guitars that will carry you skyward or drop you south. Their sound is as catchy as it is deadly with modern day thrash and infectious melodies. They’re a dangerously delicious taste of deadly absinthe. They finish opening the floor for The Abyss proving humans can throw down just as hard as demons. Before the Mourning is a reminder to celebrate and honor the life of those we lay to rest.

All Hail the Yeti (photo by Mike Ritchie)

LA’s monstrous mythological contribution of not yet but someday legendary status, All Hail the Yeti turned the stage into the Sawyer/Hewitt family game room, spread with time-weathered skulls, bones, animalized upholstery and some tenderized taxidermy. Either they shop at the international house of bones or trap and kill their stage props before the tour. It’s a coonskin, gator bait grim reaper starring center stage in the bull-headed bazaar, draped and dapper with tribal feathers and fishnet. The Loch Ness was probably hidden somewhere in this wild-west nightmare sipping on dehydration and dust.

They open by taking us on a trip down to the Deep Creek in Big Bear where special chemicals and pollutants mix to create the Alice in Chains version of Creedence Clearwater spiked with some BLS swamp water. The flannel-soaked whisky’s flowing When the Sky Falls, shooting bullets at the moon as sky-bound vermin fall in the fire. We get hot and heavy in the dark Suicide Woods, screaming through the trees in search of the wildebeest. Fee fi fo fum, it smells the blood of everyone. We’re held by impaled burning wood scorched by flame as After the Great Fire graphically tells the haunting tale. The spirits and souls of charred victims young and old cry through the guitars searing notes: I am the devil in the smoke, I am the ghost. After the fire we get three minutes of drowning intensive Bloodguilt. It was time to move the f’n place around. The dirty, fighting, bullet flying old west comes to modern day Cincinnati on The Art of Mourning. Campfire harmonicas fire up a blaze of sound as bodies sway in the fragile wind, tried running from the angel of death, roped, drawn and quartered by noon, wife, victim of outlaw rape and shot, gone and buried too soon. Revenge is sought, the cross will lead you. Blood spilt for blood; the crow’s eyes see all. Walk with her in spirit to heavens call. Turning their backs on their Hollywood home and better for it, they’re a nasty, smelly boogie man campfire tale come to life. AHTY is the 2006 brain child of singer, tattoo artist Connor Garritty and guitarist K.J. Duval. Quickly earning a reputation of stalking their audience with a dead in the eye stare, their shows have left behind a metal hunter’s stake of human remains, oddities, parts and limbs lying about. With savage guitars riffs and dark melodious melodies AHTY is what you’d listen to, blocking out the pain trying to escape out of a bear trap.

Devour the Day (photo by Mike Ritchie)

From Memphis and the remains of Egypt Central, Devour the Day start out with a Joey Chicago bass funkin, air hammering, sheet-metal sparks flying beat with jamming guitars of Get Out of My Way or be trampled. It’s electric dance floor destruction at its schizophrenic best. You and Not Me cries for salvation that can’t be seen through another’s eyes. Handshakes to Fistfights comes in looking for trouble, road weary from death’s hand in back-street Memphis. They’ve risen and fallen, too late to turn back now, no point in relapsing to rehab, time to evolve. Ft. Wayne drove them crazy, infatuation isn’t love. Respect… must be earned, and you don’t deserve it. Run away, like a little bitch, you’re not worth it. Their classical piano keyed rock anthem Oath is a promise of a homeward bound to that special someone. Time for a Blackout, everybody freak out, the sign of the times is here. It’s a catchy, bouncy hard rock sing-along. The ‘closer’ opening beat of Move On has infectious techno-pop effects carried by strong emotional vocals and punctuated bass slides. Blake Allison pulls a strong vocal ‘tool’ out on Good Man trying to cast the demons out with the light. New CD Time & Pressure is available at www.devourtheday.com.

The Butcher Babies‘ massacre began when three guys and two loud and proud women teamed their admiration of Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Cannibal Corpse, Joan Jett and Gwen Stefani (yep) into their version of musical butchery. Their style is also heavily influenced by iconic grindhouse horror classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the modern day malicious theater of House of 1000 Corpses and The Devils Rejects. However the person holding the most influence, watching from the metal heavens above, is the queen of early 80’s punk, metal and shock, The Plasmatic’s Wendy O’Williams. Her bad ass, don’t give a s—t what people thought attitude resonated with the band not only influencing their on stage attitude but for the first several years Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey’s stage attire consisted of black nipple tape in tribute to Williams persona. What young, impressionable youths wouldn’t be impacted by a crazy mohawk sporting chick driving a school bus into a wall of TVs in the desert? They also took their pluralized name from the Plasmatic song Butcher Baby and gained early attention via YouTube for a performance of F—–g Hostile. They’ve recently retired the tape for more fully dressed metal garb stating that they’ve paid respect and now it’s time to evolve. They self-released their first EP in 2011 and a comic book at Comic Con by Harvey, who’s also a novelist and licensed funeral director and embalmer.

The Butcher Babies (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Their show is a wild, vicious display of power with decibel shredding double vocals, pulverizing guitar, bass, drums and hot female aggression. In January 2012, they released Mr. Slowdeath and in May premiered the video from their EP, signing with Century Media in November and embarking on a two month tour with Marilyn Manson. Days later they began recording Goliath, releasing the I Smell a Massacre single in June. Goliath was released in July, touring the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival Jagermeister stage in support. Touring continued with Danzig, Texas Hippie Coalition and A Pale Horse Named Death. The album is a story about the forsaken, shunned by society, festering in the underground, transforming into the Goliath in a world where the more heinous the act, the greater your legend becomes. Thematic songs about the demons around us and trauma suppressed memories that still scream in our sleep. The alluring demonic hell-bred combination of two beautiful voices singing and screaming out ravaged throat-tearing angst counter balancing hope and rage in the same cage with intense brutality.

The blood red illuminated curtain opens, the crowd stands ready for pit-stance. The smell of bloodshed fills the room with Heidi’s impassioned emerald-ended blonde warrior scream. The massacre’s back here again from a year ago, as the audible mauling begins with the opening throat slit riffs of Henry Flury. The beast inside comes out at night. Two predatory animalistic voices ready to drive insanity into your brain. We see the dark side of the mirror; if these broken glass feelings won’t cut you with frenetic speed, the Butcher Babies will. We feel Harvey’s agony with these feelings of remorse, it’s gonna be a long ride. Shepherd’s high peaked shredding shrieks prove it’s amazing the stuff you do and the sh- you f- up when you’re In Denial. Brunette song siren Harvey lays down the hypnotizing strong melody as the perpetual movement continues. They’re plasmatic princesses of battle-torn burlesque in a Mad Max world.

The Butcher Babies (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Heidi and Carla, much to the chagrin of front stage security invite everyone in the back to ‘find a way’ to the front. Going back to the Butcher Babies EP and a visit from Dr. Feelgood himself, Mr. Slowdeath, as no less than 20 ‘surfers’ did the climb of life during the, hungry for more guitar/bass riffs, making their human-handed way towards the stage within arm’s reach during blood-drenched, emotionally scarred words. The babes and babies called for that one ugly word with fists in the air, screeching like a tortured soul with unanimous headbanging. It was a leather and lace request/order with boot-licking loud good taste from the crooning voice of a hell’s angel on aged whisky. They wanted the biggest Bogart‘s circle pit ever as they enraptured everyone in full Hi-Def sledge-thudding, secret candle lit meeting Deathsurround sound. Let’s hear you scream Cincinnati! This city of angel’s creeps down the alleys of disease, destroying your innocence, passion and dreams, turned into a different person by drugs, booze and sleaze. Every town has a Magnolia Blvd. The babies get ready to end the show with an old-school Axe Wound to the damaged ear and soul. The crowd falls into the enchanted banshee delivered curse as Heidi, Carla and Henry each take to the railing, standing tall, surveying all who lingered.

They bow, exiting as the house lights come on. But…wait, an attendant ran on stage flashing the index finger. We get one more song. Like a shot call in a riot, or moshpit, we get chemically compounded by octane with C8H18 as the Gasoline flows.

(Due to severe illness Maria Brink and In This Moment were unable to perform on Sunday January 12 at Bogart’s. The show was made free, and Before the Mourning, All Hail the Yeti, Devour the Day and Butcher Babies performed as scheduled. In This Moment rescheduled for February 3rd with tickets honored.)

Anne Agoren and Izzi Bags to Headline A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance

February 15, 2014 By Dayton937 4 Comments

London born Anne Agoren of the Accessories Council, designer of Izzi Bags, Shorty Award Finalist, Media Personality, Fashion Writer, and NYC Socialite.

London born Anne Agoren, designer of Izzi Bags, Shorty Award Finalist, Media Personality, Fashion Writer, and NYC Socialite.

Trying to shine a spotlight on Dayton’s emerging fashion industry has been no easy task, whether it’s dealing with people who don’t take the industry seriously and dismiss it simply as vanity, to those who watch shows like Project Runway or America’s Next Top Model which just give a slight glimpse into how the industry really works, and those who simply don’t understand how embracing the fashion industry can be a huge boost for the local economy. Yet for the past 2 years, there has been a core group of area professionals, business owners, community leaders, and fashion insiders who have been working diligently to educate the community about the positive impact the fashion industry could have on Dayton, from producing quality events and products to showcase local talent, and helping those who have dreams to be a part of the fashion industry to reach their goals,and together this network is called the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC also known simply as (DE-FI).

Since our official Launch Party in July 2013, we’ve grown in numbers, reach, and we took on a more direct approach and by direct I mean, we went straight to the fashion capital of the world New York City. While I’m not at liberty to share the details of my work and experiences during the past two fashion week seasons, I can say that the Dayton area was blessed when Wright-Patt Air Force Base welcomed the family of Joshua Ladner to the area. Not only, has his presence had an instant impact on the growth of Downtown Dayton with the opening of the very popular #HairJourney at Salon J Ladner but he also brings with him additional experience in the world of fashion!! As a part of the Adam Project, Josh has spent the past few years being a part of almost every aspect of the production of New York Fashion Week from casting models for major designers, to show layouts, to working one on one with designers, and blogging.

Two weeks ago, Josh dropped a bombshell on me when he informed me that several high profile designer from NYC and London have committed to being a part of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week taking place in May. Well, last week Josh and I hit the streets of New York City during Fashion Week and while we were there, he introduced me to Anne Agoren, designer of Izzi Bags, Shorty Award Finalist, and Fashion Writer. Over dinner at one of NYC most posh restaurants the Rogue Tomate, Josh and I shared the vision, direction, and work of (DE-FI) with Anne and colleague Sony Loren. To sum up the night, it ended with Anne and Sony saying they are all in and committed to not only showcasing during (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week but assisting with the of planning events!!

I wanted to give Anne a proper introduction to the people of Dayton and the Miami Valley areas and what better way to get to know someone than a Q & A session? So without further ado, introducing the newest member of Team (DE-FI) Anne Agoren!!

Q: Who is Anne Agoren? You came from humble beginnings and you are now a well-respected designer who takes the time to give back, why is giving back so important to you and why is it important for notable people like yourself to lend a hand to organizations like (DE-FI)?

A: Every day I get up and am thankful for who I am, where I am, and the opportunities that have been given to me. It has not been an easy journey, I have struggled through much heartbreak from two divorces, but been blessed with 3 fabulous boys, moved continents 3 times, had to learn another language just to survive. I had it all, lost it, and now trying once again to rebuild. When you suffer a knock back you just have to put on your big girl panties, put on your lipstick, and carry on.

Failure is not an option for me. Don’t think for one minute I am a hard faced business woman, I cry all the time when I am frustrated, when I am sad, when I am happy and that’s not a bad thing. I get very hurt by other people’s opinion and I wish sometimes I could let it run down my back as they say, but I am human, have feelings and can’t. The most important thing is to pick yourself up, brush yourself down and carry on to fight another day.

I really believe I have had the most amazing opportunities given to me, I have traveled all over the world and I want to help those that are less fortunate or who need a break. Let’s face it without a little bit of help from others the world can be a difficult place to be.

Q: How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

Izzi Bags are all hand made in Turkey. However, Anne is currently looking to bring production of Izzi Bags to the U.S.

A: When I got divorced I went to live in Cyprus, the Northern part which belongs to Turkey, I could not speak the language, I had no family or friends there and so I took a job working for a large European Design House overseeing the design, pattern making, cutting, stitching, packing and shipping. Can you imagine how hard that was when I couldn’t even communicate for over 6 months with a factory of over 300?

I went to school to learn to speak Turkish and I could actually say ” these buttons are not lined up” before I could order a glass of wine. This experience gave me the basis of what was to come in the following years. I owe a lot to the patient Turkish people who taught me well and as you can imagine I still have difficulty in keeping my hands by my sides because this was the only form of communication I had during the early stages of my fashion years. I also tend to talk loudly when I get excited about something, for some reason I believed the louder I spoke one day they would understand me!

Q: Who were your influences personally and professionally?

A: Professionally, I want to say the biggest influence over my career is probably Coco Chanel, she was a chic, sophisticated lady who never let the outside world get to her, she believed in what she did and ignored those that doubted her. I learned that lesson from her, one of her most famous quotations stands out for me “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”.

Personally, the person that has influenced me the most is my mother, when I was a child I would sit in her closet, with the door closed, in the dark, I would hold her leather handbags, I would caress them, smell the leather and I would dream that I was walking along Bond Street in London carrying one of her bags that they were in fact mine. When I used to leave the closet I would always mumble to the bags… “One day you will be mine”.

But the one person that has kept me going is my son, Steven, He had a rare form of cancer that only hits men, when I got the call from him, there are no words to describe that feeling for a mother and I can’t even begin to tell you what we as a family went through. But today I am so blessed, Thanks be to God that he is now cancer free, for that reason I get up every day and know that whatever is thrown at me I can get through it.

Q: What is Izzi Bags? Who is your target market, and when people think Izzi Bags what is the image that you want people to see or represent?

A: Izzi bag was created because like most women, I had and still have a great passion for handbags and every single woman I know looks for something different when buying one. I know that when you purchase your first Izzi bag you will come to understand how much love and respect we have put into each and everyone’s creation. As they are all hand crafted using a woven technology, from the finest leather available every single piece in the collection becomes slightly individual. My target market? Well, my answer to anyone that ask’s me that question is quite simply this “I had you in mind when I first put my pencil on the sketch pad”.

Q: Where are Izzi Bags currently produced?

Anne Interviews Tim Gunn of Project Runway on the Red Carpet for Ace Awards

A: As my journey in fashion began in Turkey, this is currently where they are made, but we are now working with other manufacturer’s in sampling to try and bring the production closer to home in the USA.

Q: Why is it so important for Fashion to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton, OH? Why do you think the Midwest in general has gone untapped or overlooked by the Fashion industry?

A: Just because women or men for that matter do not live in Milan, London, Paris or New York should not mean they do not care about fashion and I believe that there are up and coming designers across the world in the smallest of villages who need to be embraced by the industry. I am all for helping, mentoring and speaking out to help these individuals. It does not matter what age you are, look at me I was over 40 before one Izzi bag was ever sold in the market place. I do not think I can generalize and say the “Midwest” has been untapped, I think across the world there are thousands of towns and areas that are in the same boat and it’s about time we opened the doors of opportunity to all.

Q: What were some of the struggles you faced as an emerging designer and what do you consider to be your “Big Break” that took you from being an emerging designer to an established designer?

A: For me the biggest struggle was getting buyers to see me, When I had my samples ready I would go by myself and knock on doors, I would go again and again and again. It was soul destroying when they sent me away. Having worked for a large company that is known worldwide I was suddenly there on my own. I could not afford a branding agent, a publicist or any help. I was the designer, the salesman, the tea maker.

The biggest break for me was when I was nominated and then a finalist at the Shorty Awards in New York. Bare in mind that at the time this happened to me was right at the beginning of twitter and there were only 17 million people on it compared with today 218 million!!!!! There I was a small brand in the final 6, no Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, No Chanel, No Hermes, no Prada, No Gucci…that in itself was a major achievement and the Wall Street Journal even mentioned me in their post about the event.

The next morning my telephone rang off the hook, I was asked to talk at breakfasts, lunches, dinners about how I used Social Media to build a brand. From there I opened my second company that now teaches, advises and executes social media for small brands, large worldwide brands and celebrities. I really believe that you never know what tomorrow holds. My mother always says when one door closes you must circle the house to see which window is ajar.

Social Media has played a big part in building my brand, it has enabled me to have a world platform, how difficult it was years ago to get your name known on the other side of the world. Now in 140 characters or less you can communicate in a split second with someone 5000 miles away or in your own back yard!

Q: There are so many misconceptions about what the Fashion Industry is or what it represents, if there was one myth about the fashion industry that you could debunk what would it be and why?

Anne interviewing Constance White, former Editor in Chief of Essence Magazine at the Ace Awards.

A: One of the biggest misconceptions about fashion is that it costs a lot to look good…. that is rubbish, you can buy a few staple items and switch them around, add accessories and make the outfit look like a million dollars. These days a lot of the high street brands reel out season after season collections that resemble designer wear. Oscar Wilde once opined that “fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months”. I disagree because I have pieces in my closet older than my 28 year old son and they are now called ‘vintage’ and worth more than the pieces I bought last week.

Q: What is the biggest mistake that most people make when trying to get their start in the industry?

A: Everybody thinks they are a designer they think it is so easy to just create a brand and run with it. It takes a lot of dedication, a lot of blood, sweat and tears. It really is not about how much money it takes, it is really about belief. I spent many nights without sleep, worrying would the industry and members of the public like my designs would they believe in me? It is easy to think we can all start our journey as Coach, LVMH or Gucci but in reality you must start small, build your brand and grow.

Anne and Celebrity Stylist Robert Verdi

Q: You’ve had the opportunity to speak one on one with some of Fashion’s most elite designers and personalities(Including Diane Von Furstenberg head of the Council for Fashion Designers of America) , how do you prepare yourself for their interviews and have you ever asked them for their advice or keys to their success? If so what was the best advice you’ve ever received?

A: I remember interviewing Christian Louboutin on the Red Carpet just over a year ago and I have to tell you that nothing could have prepared me for that opportunity. I seriously was like a giggly little school girl, I did not want the moment to pass. Izzi even bought me a pair of shoes to wear for the occasion which cost nearly $1000. I want you to know that was madness but Louboutin was impressed I was wearing them, but to be honest as soon as he passed by I took them off as they were so uncomfortable. I have never asked a celebrity or designer for their advice because I believe we are all in charge of our own destiny.

Q: What are you most excited about in terms of your participation and your role in helping to produce (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week?

A: I am excited for the (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week mainly as it is my chance to help you make a mark on the world’s fashion stage, I am really looking forward to being able to show that it does not matter how old you are, from what background you come from, you can achieve what you want with a little determination. I want to be able to convey my message to the young and old alike it is never too late and you are never too old to make it in life. I am really excited to walk on the runway in the Stylish Mom Show with my son a cancer survivor and I am really blessed that God spared him. He is an inspiration to all of us. Seeing Izzi bags on the runway will reduce me to tears, here I go again!

Q: What advice do you have for emerging designers ready to make their mark in the industry?

A: I have only two things to say to them: Believe in what you do and grow skin as thick as an elephant you are going to need it.

You can find out more information about Anne and Izzi bags by following her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/izzibag‎ , http://blog.izzibag.com , and of course meet her in person during (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week! For more on the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC visit our website at http://www.daytonemergingfashionincubator.com or text “DEFI” to 55469. Tickets for (DE-FI)ance Fashion Week go on sale on March 8, 2014 at Salon J Ladner, American Pi, and Beaute Box. Casting Calls for models, designers, and volunteers take place on March 8, 2014 from 12p-2p at the St. Clair Lofts located at 35 S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 right next to Salon J Ladner and American Pi.

Healthy Body/Healthy Mind Workshop with DCDC

February 15, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Victoria’s 2014-2015 season offers ‘Billy,’ ‘Joseph,’ ‘Mormon’ & More

February 14, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

Cast members of “The Book of Mormon”
Photo by Joan Marcus

The Victoria Theatre Association combines recognizable titles with fresher fare for a 2014-2015 season absolutely bound to please unlike any other lineup from the organization in recent memory.
The Premier Health Broadway Series, Projects Unlimited Variety Series, Star Attractions and PNC Family Series were announced Thursday, Feb. 13 in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center. Emceed by Larry Hansgen of WHIO AM/FM, the event incorporated business and community leaders, media personalities and Victoria subscribers in addition to Victoria donors and friends. Attractive promotional banners and an assortment of entertaining production snippets also accented the breezy ceremony.

Curiously, the Star Attractions can be considered the true headliners, especially 2011’s “The Book of Mormon,” the irreverent, naughty, nine-time Tony-winning joy ride from the creators of “South Park” and “Avenue Q.” The musical, which will only run one week and is sure to quickly sell out, should have jumpstarted the organization’s 2015-2016 lineup (it arrives in August 2015 after all), but kudos to the Victoria for securing such a hot commodity and being willing to push the envelope as never before. Also, Stephen Schwartz’s popular “Wicked” will return to the Schuster Center for the third time and for three weeks. Even so, I’m particularly thrilled for the overdue local premiere of 2010’s “Billy Elliot,” the remarkable 10-time Tony-winning Best Musical based on the outstanding 2000 film of the same name about a young boy’s passion for ballet.

The Broadway Series, always the main attraction, supplies a very promising six-show slate. Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” is an odd inclusion (a tour has launched in celebration of the show’s 135th anniversary), but be thankful for 2012’s five-time Tony-winning play “Peter and the Starcatcher” (a “Peter Pan” prequel full of brilliant storytelling and stagecraft), 2012’s charming Gershwin outing “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” the tuneful return of 1995’s “Smokey Joe’s Café” (which played the Victoria Theatre during its last engagement well over a decade ago) featuring legendary troupe the Coasters, a new, vocally enticing production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” starring “American Idol” alums/husband and wife Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo, and the Human Race Theatre Company’s local premiere of Christopher Durang’s dysfunctional family comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” the 2013 Tony winner for Best Play.

The Variety Series supplies evenings with Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee/singer-songwriter J.D. Souther (ABC’s “Nashville”), mind reader/comedian Eric Dittelman, and the Nobodies of Comedy Tour featuring up-and-coming comedians who have appeared on Comedy Central, “Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” The Family Series features Zoot Theatre Company’s production of “The Velveteen Rabbit” in addition to tours of “Pinkalicious: The Musical” and “Robin Hood.”
“Every show and every Season is a leap of faith,” said Victoria and Arts Center Foundation CEO and President Ken Neufeld in a press statement. “Certain shows touch us and inspire us to share the story, the songs and the message with our audience. 2014-2015 will be a season audiences will reconnect with some familiar titles that may surprise them as well as connect with some of the very best work from the contemporary stage for both the Premier Health Broadway Series and Star Attractions.”

Season tickets for the 2014-2015 Broadway Series and Variety Series are on sale now by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visiting online at www.ticketcenterstage.com. Single tickets will go on sale this summer. Single tickets for “The Book of Mormon” and “Wicked” will specifically go on sale in 2015. Additional Star Attractions and Family Series selections as well as the lineups for the Cool Films Series and National Geographic Live! Series will be revealed at a later date.

2014-2015 Premier Health Broadway Series

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Oct. 21-26, 2014 – Schuster Center)

Smokey Joe’s Café (Nov. 11-23, 2014 – Victoria Theatre)

The Pirates of Penzance (Jan. 20-25, 2015 – Schuster Center)

Nice Work If You Can Get It (Feb. 10-15, 2015 – Schuster Center)

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (March 10-22, 2015 – Victoria Theatre)

Peter and the Starcatcher (June 9-14, 2015 – Schuster Center)

2014-2015 Star Attractions
Billy Elliot: The Musical (Nov. 28-30, 2014 – Schuster Center)

Wicked (Apr. 29-May 17, 2015 – Schuster Center)

The Book of Mormon (Aug. 18-23, 2015 – Schuster Center)

2014-2015 Projects Unlimited Variety Series

Singer/songwriter J.D. Souther (Oct. 10, 2014 – Victoria Theatre)

Mind reader/comedian Eric Dittelman (Feb. 6, 2015 – Victoria Theatre)

The Nobodies of Comedy Tour (Apr. 10, 2015 – Victoria Theatre)

2014-2015 PNC Family Series

The Velveteen Rabbit (Dec. 6, 2014 – Victoria Theatre)

Pinkalicious (Feb. 2, 2015 – Victoria Theatre)

Robin Hood (May 2, 2015 – Victoria Theatre)

For more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com or www.victoriaheatre.com

Shampoo	Deodorant	Dental hygiene products	Razors
Feminine hygiene products	Baby wipes	Shaving cream	Body soap
Hair brushes/Combs	Band-aids	Diapers	Toilet paper
Dishwashing liquid	Laundry detergent

The Big Read is Back and It’s Wild!

‘On The Way To The Punchline’ Gives Smug Brothers Boost For 2014

Dine and SLASH with Local Filmaker Henrique Couto + TICKET CONTEST !!

Haunted House On Sorority Row Looks To Recruit New Horror Pledges

Champps No More!

RALLY ‘ROUND YOUR BUCKET AND WIN DINNER FOR A YEAR

Exploring Dayton’s Public History

Mikesells Introduces Cincinnati Style Chili Potato Chips

Dayton Art Institute Features Contemporary Still-Life Paintings of Isabella Kirkland

Ha Ha Pizza with Local Artist, Tom Watson III

What Daytonian Belongs On The Walk of Fame?

Day Of Caring Creates Pancake Brunches All Over Town

Sunday February 23, 2014

Click on address for map links

Hygiene Pantry Items Drop Sites Are Noted Below

REVIEW: Butcher Babies Massacre Cincinnati on Hellpop II Tour

Anne Agoren and Izzi Bags to Headline A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance

Healthy Body/Healthy Mind Workshop with DCDC

Victoria’s 2014-2015 season offers ‘Billy,’ ‘Joseph,’ ‘Mormon’ & More

Trivia Night at Alematic

Fun Trivia! Prizes!

Dayton Pride 2026

Dayton Poetry Slam