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Archives for February 2014

The Dayton Sharks Professional Indoor Football Team Home Opener

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dayton-sharksThe Dayton Sharks Professional Indoor Football Team will Honor The Mobley Family at its Home Opener on Saturday, February 15th @ 7:30pm Vs the Detroit Thunder at Hara Arena. You may remember that Mr. Mobley, a Kettering man, lost his wife, two children and father-in-law to a house fire on December 12th.

The Dayton Sharks are donating 10% of ALL Season Ticket Sales and Box Office Sales from our Home Opener to benefit a college fund for Mr. Mobley’s two surviving children. We are asking the entire City of Dayton and surrounding areas to help us “sell out” Hara Arena in support of this most important cause. With your help, we will present Mr. Mobley with our donation at the end of the game in support of his two surviving children’s education.

In addition, the first 100 Kids under age 12 will have FREE ADMISSION to our home opener! Also, every fan that brings a receipt of any of amount from Walmart, Kroger, McDonald’s, or Dave & Busters will be admitted for only $10. Each fan will also receive $5 in Dayton Sharks Bucks to be redeemed on the purchase of Dayton Sharks Fan Apparel and merchandise. Fans must visit the Frontier Communications booth to pick up their $5 Sharks Bucks.

Five for Drinking…Chocolate

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Chocolate in a box

So much delicious, delicious chocolate…

Pink and red hearts, dinner, flowers, cards…all of the trappings of the perfect Valentine’s Day. The only thing that is missing is the chocolate. Last year, people bought 48 million pounds of chocolate, spending somewhere around $1.6 billion dollars on the sweet confection. Local favorites like Esther Price, Winan’s, Pure Madness, and Signature Confections look forward to this holiday, as it is the third largest holiday for buying chocolate of the year.

It is a little hard to believe that chocolate candy has only been around for 400 years.

Chocolate, while having a history that reaches back to the Aztecs, was enjoyed mostly as a bitter beverage by the ancient people of Mexico. It was not until the Spanish got a hold of it that it gained its sweet characteristics by adding milk, sugar, and a little cinnamon. That is what Europe fell in love with. Chocolate candies were made, but not common on incredibly good. The process to turn cocoa into the chocolate we enjoy by the heart shaped box was developed by John and Richard Cadbury (yes, of the crème egg fame) in the late 19th century.

That box of chocolate you have? Why not add a nice cocktail to it? Here are five options for you to explore:

Alexander

1 oz. gin
1 oz. crème de cocoa
1 oz. light cream

Pour all of the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Shake well, then strain into a rocks glass.

The Alexander (and its cousin the Brandy Alexander) is a popular classic cocktail, first seen in 1915 in Recipes for Mixed Drinks by Hugo Ensslin. Gin was hugely popular at the time, and this delightful mixture uses the sweet chocolate and cream to balance the spices in the gin.

Chocolate cocktail

Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker…

Oaxaca Chakas

4 oz. tequila
1.25 oz. agave nectar
2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cinnamon stick
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a medium saucepan, heat milk with cocoa powder, cinnamon stick, agave nectar and salt, whisking constantly until it comes to a full boil. Remove from heat and add the chocolate, whisking gently until it’s completely melted. Remove cinnamon stick. Whisk until smooth. Spilt the tequila between two mugs, then fill the mugs with the chocolate mixture. Garnish it with whip cream and enjoy.

Tequila and chocolate have very similar histories; both started out as native drinks in Mexico, and both were altered by the Spaniards using European technology to better reflect European tastes. This is a rich and spicy treat perfect to warm up with on a cold night. Or to make with someone special.

Chocolate Strawberry Martini

1 oz. vanilla vodka
1 oz. strawberry liqueur
1 oz. chocolate liqueur
Cocoa powder, for garnish

Set a cocktail glass into the refrigerator to chill. Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake briefly. Spread the cocoa powder on a small plate. Moisten the rim of the glass, and gently run the rim through the powder. Pour the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass and enjoy.

This is a cocktail with many, many, many variations, from the very simple to the incredibly complex. I would suggest Godiva Chocolate Liqueur and strawberry schnapps for an incredible flavor and mouth feel.

Classic cocoa grinding techniques

Cocoa during the roasting and grinding process.

From Russia with Love

1/2 ounce Dark Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 ounce raspberry liqueur
Champagne
Coco nibs, for garnish, optional

In a Champagne flute, pour the Godiva and the raspberry liqueur (Chambord is a great choice). Top with chilled Champagne. Sprinkle on a couple of nibs if you like.

What is Valentine’s Day without a little something special? Champagne is perfect for any celebration, and adding a little chocolate and raspberry can only enhance the enjoyment. It is an original from the famous Russian Tea Room in New York.

 Liquid Snickers

1 oz. dark creme de cacao
1/2 oz. Irish cream
1/2 oz. Frangelico® hazelnut liqueur
1/2 oz. light cream
Pour creme de cacao, irish cream and frangelico liqueur over ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass. Top with light cream, stir and serve.

Sometimes you don’t want fancy chocolate. You want something comforting, nutty, and satisfying.

Author Karl Petzke once commented that “Chocolate symbolizes, as does no other food, luxury, comfort, sensuality, gratification, and love.” Is there a better sentiment to describe this Valentine’s Day staple? Cheers!

Dayton Metro Library Celebrates Funk: Local Roots of a National Phenomenon

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Dayton, Ohio, was in many ways the epicenter of funk music in the 1970s and 80s.  Local funk bands achieving national success include the Ohio Players, Slave, Lakeside, Heatwave, Sun, Zapp, and Faze-O.  The Dayton Metro Library celebrates the local roots of funk music with local musicians, teachers and others who will share their experiences and reflect on the era.  The free program takes place on Saturday, February 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium, 215 E. Third Street, downtown Dayton.  The short film Dayton, Ohio: The Land of Funk by Adam Greaser will also be shown.

Boogie Nights GRAPHICFeatured guests at the program will be:

  • Dr. John “Turk” Logan  was a disc jockey and program director at WDAO Radio who promoted funk music, gave air time to local bands and helped propel them to national success. 
  • Marshall “Rock” Jones  was a founding and long-time member of the Dayton’s first nationally renowned funk band, the Ohio Players. Although they toured the world and gained 14 gold and platinum awards for their music, the Players kept Dayton as their home base and mentored many of the future funk musicians from Dayton.
  • Larry Lee was a former student mentored in music at Roosevelt and RothHigh Schools. He played with members of several local funk bands before becoming an NFL player with the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos.  After retiring from football, he returned to music and created the band Back in the Day.
  • Kweku Ayangade (formerly Donald Sutton), a former music teacher at Roosevelt and Roth High Schools, mentored many of Dayton’s outstanding funk musicians, including Larry Lee who said he was “instrumental in my life”
  • Basim Blunt is host of the funk music radio show Behind the Groove on WYSO.  He helped train students from Dayton Public School’s Ponitz Career Technology Center to interview artists and musicians in connection with the exhibit Visual Voices: Visions of the Funk at the SchusterCenter.  “I hope Dayton will realize that fans from all over the world revere the music that came from this city,” he says.

The library event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact the library’s External Relations Department at 937-496-8901.

2014 Dayton Does Dayton: 5 Bands To Check Out During Weekend Festival

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I don’t need to tell you about the amount of great music that has come and gone in Dayton.  Throughout the years, we have seen some of the most innovative, daring, and extraordinary artists and bands originating from the Gem City. It comes as no surprise to many when we see the acts go on and become more than just local idols.  We take pride in knowing that we were the first to see what these bands and artists were capable of.  Each of their shows would fill an entire bar up.  Sure it is hard to move around, but you knew that you were in for a night that would be epic.  You are with your friends, your lovers, your fellow fans.  People who couldn’t get into the show don’t sweat it.  They just light up a cigarette, take a puff, exhale and listen to the music outside while they lean on the walls outside.

Dayton Does Dayton pays homage to that vision.

On February 14th, Dayton Does Dayton will be kicking off its 4th year.  Previously the show was located at Canal Street Tavern.  This year, the music festival will be at another legendary location, Gilly’s.  21 bands and artists will bring their own unique style to other Dayton bands that have influenced them over the years, along with their own music.

Every act that performs will be certain to entertain.  Here are 5 bands that you should be paying a little more attention to during the two day experience:

Paige Beller

 Paige Beller isn’t a stranger to most of the folks who have caught a local show.  Being the lead singer of the  punk band Jasper The Colossal has cemented her and the band as a can’t miss watch.  Don’t believe me?!  Ask anyone that  saw the set they performed at this past year’s Sideshow at the Yellow Cab building.  Beller is also involved with a couple other  side projects :  she is the drummer with the alt-punk trio Mayliner, and she is also lead for Paige and the Belairs.   What a lot of people don’t realize is that Beller is an amazing solo singer.  Her voice is remarkable and will the people that  come to the show speechless.  The festival this weekend will give everyone more reason to not only catch Beller’s solo stuff  more, but will scurrying around trying to get ahold of her other projects.

 

 

 

The Leap Years

The Leap Years haven’t been together as a band for too long (almost a year).  All the members are currently attending the  University of Dayton, and that is where they all met.  The band’s currently finished working on their first EP in Michigan titled Just Some Things, and hope to have it released in the near future.  Each member of the group brings a different element that perfectly blends with the other.  The Leap Years have taken their fellow students by storm with their performances at the café/art center ArtStreet and other areas on campus.  With that being said, the band is now ready to expand and start imprinting their sound onto the Dayton music scene.  The pop/alternative band will be playing covers and originals that are filled with airy guitar and violin play along with catchy and meaningful lyrics.

 

 

 

 

Kevin Heider & the Guys

 In 2008, Kevin Heider was selected by singer/songwriter Ingrid Michaelson as the winner of Gibson’s “The Way I Am  Contest” on  the website MusicNation.com.  By winning the contest, Heider has had original compositions in radio jingles,  film documentaries, theatrical productions, television shows, and commercials.  He also traveled around the world,  from Europe to New Zealand.  He recently moved back to his hometown of Dayton after living in the  Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area for the past couple of years.  His recent double album, The Spark, was released back in  March of 2013.  Heider’s indie-folk/rock sound is solid and is paired with lyrics that dive into what being a human is all about.  From the  highs and lows, the way we think, the situations we go through-Heider takes us all through that journey with his own  experiences and stories in his songs.  For Dayton Does Dayton, Heider will be performing with his band.  Heider and his merry men will be entertaining the audience with an energetic set filled with great music.

 

 

 

Gem City

Formally known as Customer Service and the Gem City Horns, the band decided to change to their name, but thankfully, they didn’t change their music.  The eight member band will perform a set that will be jam-packed, high-energy music.  Gem City released their first EP Highlights in 2013.  You will get a little bit of everything with this band, including influences of rock, jazz, and funk.  They’ve been able to open for and perform with singer/songwriter Joe Pug, rapper Lupe Fiasco, and Dayton’s own popular jam band The Werks.  Gem City also had the great pleasure of being part of the Downtown Dayton Revival Festival.  No stage is too big or too small for these musicians.  As long as they are able to perform somewhere, they couldn’t be any happier.

 

 

The Repeating Arms

 The Repeating Arms are continuing to astound and amaze.  In 2013, the band released its long awaited full length LP Blackberry Winter, and in January of this year, they hosted their own festival at the  Yellow Cab building, the first Winterfolk Fest, which featured another Dayton Does Dayton band, Cinder Home.  The Repeating Arms possess a fantastic richness of Southern bluegrass in their music, along with smooth deep vocals from the lead singer Harold Hensley.  Max Nunery on banjo, Chip Pritchard on upright bass, and Brian Spirk on mandolin make up  the rest of this stunning band.  The Repeating Arms are on the threshold of really becoming one of the premiere bands in  Dayton.

 

The fourth annual Dayton Does Dayton will showcasing these 5 bands, along with 16 other artists and bands this weekend, February 14th and 15th.  Each band will have 30-34 minute sets, with an approximately ten minute wait in between each band/performer.  The festival takes place at Gillys, located on 132 S. Jefferson Street.  Show times for both nights will be at 8pm, with $7 cover.

To read more about the event and its organizer, Louie Wood Jr., make sure check out Art Jipson’s piece “Annual Music Festival Returns to Dayton: An Interview With Dayton Does Dayton’s Louie Wood Jr.”

Rue Farms Now Open at 2nd Street Market

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Rue FarmsThere’s  a new vendor at the 2nd Street Market-  Rue Farms!

“When one season ends, another begins” which is the case for Matt and Jeanne who call Springfield home to Rue Farms. Their Ohio Proud, natural farm focuses on growing hay and grassfed beef but since so much of their livelihood is so weather dependent they decided to branch out and create a whole line of farm fresh products like their delicious locally-made potato chips in 6 flavors.  They offer 4 Flavors of Fudge, Truffles, Natural Pecan, Caramel Candy, Peanut Brittle, Kettle Corn, Belgian Covered Bananas and Strawberries.

Their items are all ready-to-eat and are the perfect treat to have after lunch at the Market. Find them in the middle of the Market three days a week.  According to their website they also have a line of pies and bread and also offer catering.

Suggestions For Celebrating Valentine’s Day

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If you are part of a couple- there is a certain expectation that comes on February 14th- Valentine’s Day.  Whether or not we’ll admit it, we all like to feel appreciated by our loved one on that day.  It doesn’t have to be traditional, flowers and chocolates aren’t the only way to celebrate, here are a few ideas for you to share the love on  Valentine’s weekend in the Dayton region.

 

Send a Signing Valentine–SV Nothing says ‘ I love you’ like a song from a Barbershop Quartet. It’s a valentine they’ll never forget!
Package includes two songs, a card, a rose, and a small box of candy. February 13th – 15th, 2014.  Orders are accepted through Feb 14th.  $40

The Adventure Summit
This FREE 2 day event features inspiring presentations about cycling, outdoor skills, culture and experiences, featuring world class adventurer Dave Cornthwaite. Visitors can get active in bouldering and triathlon competitions, as well as paddlesports and fitness programs.

Full Moon Hike
Join the Glen Helen Ranger for an excursion beneath the Snow Moon. This moderately intense hike departs from our Yellow Springs parking lot at State Route 343, 8-9pm

Valentines Under The Stars
4hlchr5gyii9urxzuj915hbn1wdogywpEnjoy a romantic evening under the stars of the Caryl D. Philips Space Theater, where the latest in digital planetarium technology will accompany great love songs and state of the art special effects. Each couple receives and a beautiful flower.  $25/couple for each show, age 18 and older.

Dinner & A Show 
For $75.00 per couple, you will enjoy the  musical see the hit musical ‘I love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ performed by Playhouse South a communitytheater and  have a three course meal.  Cash bar available, Feb 14 & Feb 15 at Holiday Inn Express Dayton South.

Couples, Comedy & Cupcakes
The evening includes a cupcake reception from 7:30–8:30 followed by a 8:30–10 p.m. showtime with Anthony Griffin. He presents a unique outlook on life with non-offensive humor coupled with the ability to bring his characters to life. See Anthony on The Tonight Show, HBO and Comedy Central. Or better yet, see him LIVE at SouthBrook!. Cost is $10 per ticket if registered Feb. 13 or before. On Feb. 14, tickets will be $15 online or at the door1900105_750028885008432_1081831587_n

Couples Spa Package
Share a day of pampering that can include 60 minute massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and a spa lunch at either the Downtown or Centerville Square One Salon & Spa.

Skate with Your Sweetheart
Head to  RiverScape MetroPark during Valentine’s weekend! During regular Ice Rink Hours from Friday, February 14, through Sunday, February 16, you can purchase the ‘Sweetheart Deal’ and get two rink admissions with skate rental, plus two cups of hot chocolate and a Parker the Penguin plush for only $22!

Annual Women’s Valentines Dance
The Biggest Lesbian Party of The Year! It will be held at the Dayton Women’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow Street, Dayton. Great music and raffle prizes, cost $15.00 or $10.00 for LBGT center members. All tickets sold in cash at the door.rixt3iuso510fb4lu43afiw69ct84tgk

 Old School R & B 
Their performances transport audiences tothe 60s and 70s, serving up songs made well-known by the Temptations, the Stylistics, and the Delfonics. Combined with their backup band, the Touchups, they have opened for such performers as the Whispers, the Manhattans, and the Floaters.  Sun, Feb 16th 7pm at Gilly’s

Train Ride & Dinner
Departing Friday and Saturday on Valentine’s weekend, take a nostalgic train ride from historic Lebanon to the Brazenhead Irish Pub in Mason. Once you arrive, you and your sweetie can take pleasure in an Irish ambiance with excellent service and a delicious all you can eat buffet. Be adventurous by trying one of Brazenhead’s 30 rotating draft beers, including a great selection of Irish beers! After a night of fun at the Pub, you can reboard the train for a relaxing ride back to Lebanon.

Valentine’s Dinner for 2
El Meson – 3 course Dinner $49.95
Golden Jersey Inn – steak dinner $32.96
Whiskey Barrel – beer & Pizza for 2 $20

Dayton is for Lovers – A Valentine’s Day Dance
his Valentine’s Day, spend a romantic evening dancing the night away to some funk, reggae and rock ‘n’ roll rhythms featuring music from Jah Soul, Lost on Iddings and DJ Jay Madewell at the ‘Old’ Yellow Cab Building. BYOB.

 Traditional Gifts with an Extra BenefitGFB_13_BRR10112_W1_SQ
Stop in Winans Dayton this week and pick up some chocolate covered strawberries. Mention Artemis Center and they will donate 20% of your purchase to support Artemis.

Order your Valentine’s Day flowers from The Flower Shoppe  and 10% will be donated to Artemis Center to help victims of domestic violence.

 

For even more ideas on how to share your love this Valentines weekend check the DMM Calendar!

Sunny Drake To Perform Transgender Seeking… at Antioch College

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Sunny Drake (photo by Tania Anderson)

Sunny Drake (photo by Tania Anderson)

The Antioch College performance program is hosting Transgender Seeking…, a solo performance by artist Sunny Drake on Friday, February 21, at 7:00 p.m. in the Glen Helen Auditorium.

Drake, an award-winning Australian queer and transgender theater maker, performer and educator will explore queer relationships as “the space between our big political visions and our messy lives in trying to live up to them.”

Recently featured in Gscene Gay Magazine, writer Eric Page wrote, “Drake is one of those rare provocative performers who are uber-smart but ultra cozy at heart… one of the most interesting and touching performances I’ve seen in a while.”

Based in Toronto, Drake has toured his work extensively in Canada, Europe and the United States. He recently won the SummerWorks RBC Professional Artist Award (Canada’s biggest juried theater festival), and was honored by NOW Magazine (Toronto) for “Outstanding Performance” and “Outstanding Design.”

Transgender Seeking… has been generously supported by Antioch College’s Community Council, and is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Gabrielle Civil, associate professor of performance, at [email protected].

Little Art Theatre Brings London’s National Theatre Live to the Miami Valley

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littleart-reopen-mThe Little Art Theatre, which completed a half-million dollar renovation in 2013, will present productions from London’s National Theatre beginning this month. National Theatre Live is a groundbreaking project that broadcasts the best of British theatre from the London stage to cinemas around the world. Each broadcast is filmed in front of a live audience in the theatre, with cameras positioned throughout the auditorium to ensure that cinema audiences get the “best seat in the house” view of each production.

Shakespeare’s Coriolanus will open the series, with screenings on Saturday, February 22, at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, February 26, at 7 p.m. The hit production War Horse will be shown on March 22 and 26, followed by King Lear on May 24 and 28 and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time on May 31 and June 4.

Coriolanus, Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge, stars Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers, War Horse, Thor) in the title role and Mark Gatiss (BBC’s Sherlock) as Menenius. Variety offered this praise: “Making enthralling theater out of one of Shakespeare’s best-known titles is one thing. It’s an achievement of an altogether higher order to take the austerely forbidding ‘Coriolanus’—an argumentative tragedy discussing the demands of politics and the power of the people—and turn it into a theatrical triumph. But that’s exactly what [director] Josie Rourke has done. Thanks to an ideally dovetailed ensemble led by a scorching Tom Hiddleston, tension builds, fills the theater and never flags throughout an all-consuming evening.” Coriolanus has a running time of 180 minutes.

Tickets for the National Theatre Live presentations are $20 for everyone and are available in advance online at www.littleart.com (under the Calendar tab) and at the door. The Little Art Theatre is located at 247 Xenia Avenue in downtown Yellow Springs, Ohio. Information and directions are available at www.littleart.com or by calling 937-767-7671.

Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame Nomination Forms Now Online

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hof_medal_300Nominations are being sought for 2014 Dayton Theatre Hall Of Fame inductees. Any member of the Dayton arts community is eligible to receive this annual award designed to recognize individuals who have dedicated themselves to theatre arts in Dayton. Completed nomination forms and two letters of recommendation must be received by May 10, 2014 and will be reviewed by the Hall of Fame Committee. Online nominations can now be submitted by going to www.daytonys.org or you can receive a nomination form by contacting the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame Nomination Committee Chair, Barbara Jorgensen, at [email protected].

Established in 2002, the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame was created to honor local theatre artists and patrons of the arts. It is designed to acknowledge people whose life-long participation, innovation, and creativity have influenced the Dayton arts culture. The Hall Of Fame recognizes their contributions to the arts by perpetuating their legacies. The Induction Ceremony will be held in conjunction with the annual DayTony Awards Presentation on August 9, 2014 at Sinclair Community College.  The Awards Ceremony is open to the public. The 2013 inductees were Darrel Anderson, Chris Harmon, John Kenley, and Kay Frances Wean. The Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame is operated and governed by the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame Executive Committee.

 

 

 

 

2014 Top 25 Women to Watch Announced

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2010-1

Women in Business Networking(WiBN) is a Miami Valley based organization in which women in business encourage one another in professional growth and success. Their members are a mix of female entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and key players in business to business services as well as the non-profit environment.

 

They host a monthly Lunch & Learn event at the Dayton Racquet Club, as well as Hot Topics Koffee Talk programs to encourage members to enhance their networking abilities, foster meaningful partnerships with others, and help one another to grow and prosper. Founder Jeanne Porter just recently announced that WiBN has formed a partnership with the Better Business Bureau.

 

In 2009 Women in Business Networking began a tradition of spotlighting 25 women making a difference in our community. These women are being recognized for their leadership, community service and professional achievements. The initial class was then asked to nominate the next class and so on. The 2014 class of Women To Watch has just been announced and we invite you to watch them! For bio’s and more information on these women, check the WiBN website.

 

You can help celebrate these ladies at the 5th Annual Top 25 Women to Watch Gala on Sat, March 8th at Country Club of the North.

 

 

 

The Human Race Theatre Company Offers Winter/Spring Theatre Classes for Adults and Kids

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The Human Race Theatre CompanyThis March and April, The Human Race Theatre Company is offering three theatre classes for Dayton-area adults, and two classes for young girls. The classes run 4 to 8 weeks and are taught by professionals in the theatre industry, including three Human Race Resident Artists. All classes take place at The Human Race’s Philips Creativity Center at 116 North Jefferson Street in downtown Dayton.

CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Acting Basics
Human Race Resident Artist Kay Bosse teaches the craft of acting and auditioning in a safe and non-threatening atmosphere. Students will explore the vocabulary and techniques essential to understanding the world of the actor, and discover how to build a realistic and original character and the secrets to analyzing a script. Personal attention will also be focused on individual interests and exploration of media trends. This six-session class runs Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 and April 7, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The class fee is $150.00.

Playwrighting – Level II

Playwright Michael M. London continues the instruction begun in this winter’s Playwrighting ­– Level I course. While still looking closely at the dramatic structure of a story, students will also focus attention on other aspects of storytelling and the building of a play. There will be a lot of writing, a lot of thinking, some mutual support from other playwrights, a fair amount of laughing, some tasty food at breaks, and a general atmosphere of fun and learning. Each playwright will have a goal of completing a one-act play that will be presented in a public reading. Playwrights will have the opportunity to hear their work read aloud by actors and prepared by directors. Prerequisite: Playwrighting – Level I or permission from the instructor. This eight-session class runs Saturdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29 and April 5, 12, 19 and 26, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.The class fee is $200.00.

Reading Music

Learning to read music has been compared to learning a new language, very daunting for many. However, if you can count to seven, you may find this process easier than you thought. Assigning seven tones of the scale to the numbers 1 through 7 allows for easier recognition of notes, intervals, chords and even keys. Lead by Human Race Resident Artist Scott Stoney, this course is designed to get would-be singers started on the road to reading music and hearing pitches. A bit of homework will be given from week to week. This five-session class runs Saturdays, March 29 and April 5, 12, 19 and 26, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. The class fee is $120.00.

CLASS FOR GIRLS

Becoming Annie

Human Race Resident Artist Katie Pees leads this month-long adventure in musical theatre where girls ages 8 – 12 work on vocal coachings, dance techniques and character development using songs and choreography from the Broadway hit Annie. Aspiring actresses will be ready to sing their favorite songs and dance like a star to “It’s a Hard Knock Life”, “Tomorrow” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” There will be a sharing session on the last day of class. This four-session class runs Saturdays, March 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The class fee is $110.00.

Becoming Cinderella

Almost every young girl has a magical wish to become Cinderella and now they get to try on that glass slipper! Guided by professional actress and music educator Kandis Wean, students learn the gorgeous song melodies and lyrics of Rogers and Hammerstein’s current Broadway musical, Cinderella. Girls will kick up their feet with dance choreography that brings the enchantment to life as they strive to be a believable princess on stage. Students will perform a short show for parents and guests on the last day of class. This five-session class runs Saturdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The class fee is $110.00.

Registration is required one week prior to the first class date and can be made through The Human Race Theatre Company’s website – www.humanracetheatre.org.

For more information on classes and scholarship opportunities for children, interested students and parents may contact Education Director Marilyn Klaben at (937) 461-3823 ext. 3132 or[email protected].

The Human Race Theatre Company was founded in 1986 and moved into the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence at the 212-seat Loft Theatre. In addition to the Eichelberger Loft Season, The Human Race produces for the Victoria Theatre’s Broadway Series, the Musical Theatre Workshop series, and special event programming. The Human Race, under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore, also maintains education and outreach programs for children, teens and adults, as well as artist residencies in area schools, The Muse Machine In-School Tour, and summer youth programs. Human Race organizational support is provided by Culture Works, the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, the Shubert Foundation, the Erma R. Catterton Trust Fund, the Jesse & Caryl Philips Foundation Fund for the Development of New Works, the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, which helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The 2013-2014 season sponsor is the Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation of the Dayton Foundation, with additional support from Jim and Enid Goubeaux, KeyBank, the Sam Levin Foundation, Premier Health, Heidelberg Distributing Company and Morris Home Furnishings.

DLM To Host Bacon Fest

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baconfestEverything’s better with bacon — any time of the day! Join Dorthy Lane Market Sat & Sun, Feb 15 & 16 from 11am to 5pm at all three stores and sample unique products made with bacon. Look for the Bacon Fest logo on our favorite bacon items throughout the store!

Jack Gridley, VP of Meat & Seafood for DLM
shared the following in his Market Place Report:

According to folklore, the phrase “bringing home the bacon” comes to us courtesy of a 12th century church in Great Dunmow, England. The church offered a side of bacon to any man who would swear before God and man that he had not quarreled with his wife for a year and a day. That man was well respected in the community. It’s a wonder that town did not become vegetarian, but as we all know, even a vegetarian can be tempted when it comes to the wonderful aroma of bacon cooking!

The inception of large-scale bacon production dates back to the 18th century with John Harris in Wiltshire, England, a county still widely recognized for its bacon manufacturing. It was in 1924, however, that Oscar Mayer introduced us to pre-sliced, pre-packaged bacon, so now we can have a realistic goal of a month and a day for “bringing home the bacon.” (Just kidding, honey!)

Today, more than 2 billion pounds of bacon are produced each year in the United States alone, and the bacon craze has expanded to include bacon-scented car air fresheners, bacon salt, and even bacon lip balm.
Life is too short, so eat the good stuff. I’m talking about flavor….and flavor is everything! With bacon, it’s not just a spice that can be added. It is the whole process from breed of pigs, to farm, to curing and smoking. That’s why our DLM Uncured Bacons are so good. We start with the bellies of the the Duroc hog, known for its excellent flavor profile and creamy fat. The pigs are raised on small family farms, never administered any antibiotics or growth promoting hormones, and fed a 100% vegetarian diet. The animals are raised on deep bedding so they can root, dig, and socialize like nature intended, as opposed to on a cement floor. The bellies are “cured” using a natural cure made from celery seed culture and vinegar as a preservative. No nasties! The bellies are then smoked using hardwood from the apple, hickory, or cherry trees depending on the flavor.

Don’t go “bacon my heart”, have flavorful bacon anytime of the day!

Some of the bacon goodies that will be on display at DLM Bacon Fest are:

BACON-WRAPPED SEA SCALLOP KEBABS

Stop by the Seafood department and pick up these delicious sea scallops wrapped in bacon for a tasty, quick meal.

BACON CHEDDAR BURGER

DLM’s Uncured Bacon and shredded Cheddar cheese combined with DLM Natural Beef Ground Beef make this burger a family favorite. Serve on our Bakery’s Golden Hamburger buns and don’t forget the pickles!

BLACK AND BLUE BURGER

DLM Natural Beef Ground Beef and DLM Uncured Bacon dusted with Cajun seasoning and stuffed with blue cheese. Excellent on our Kaiser roll topped with DLM Blue Cheese Dressing and crisp iceberg lettuce.

BROCCOLI RAISIN SALAD

Dorothy Lane Market nitrate- and nitrite-free bacon, red onion, and Hellmann’s Mayonnaise add the finishing touch to this favorite.

VOSGES MO’S MILK CHOCOLATE BACON BAR

Sulfite-free hickory smoked bacon is baked in small batches before it is hand chopped it into fine nibbles. Alderwood smoked salt exudes a campfire aroma and perfectly offsets the sweetness of the chocolate.

KETTLE BRAND MAPLE BACON POTATO CHIPS

Kudos to Kettle Brand for developing this unusual flavored potato chip. A hint of smokiness erupts after opening the bag. The thick, hearty, extra-crunchy chips capture the taste of bacon and maple syrup. What’s also impressive is that Kettle Chips are GMO-free, gluten free, and have no MSG, and are safe for people with peanut allergies.

SEASONAL SELECTIONS GOURMET BACON SALSA

Located in Waynesville, Seasonal Selections produces salsas with no preservatives or fillers that can obscure the natural ingredients. Their bacon salsa starts off with a sweet, smoky flavor, and ends with a mild touch of spice. Makes a great topper for baked potatoes or omelets.

 

 

John Legend To Return to Springfield For Hometown Concert

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John LegendNine-time Grammy winner and Springfield native John Legend will perform a live show on the campus of Clark State Community College March 1 in support of a nonprofit agency that’s working to make a positive impact on Springfield’s youth with a pre-concert college fair.

The Be About It Movement celebrates fathers and seeks to motivate them to step up and be involved in their kids’ lives. The agency seeks to leverage the combined strength of all of Springfield’s social agencies to improve the community and support families throughout the region.

The college fair will be held Saturday, March 1, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center at 300 Fountain Ave. in Springfield from 4 to 6 p.m. Families and students from all backgrounds and ages will benefit from the fairs participants and the resources they share.

The concert will be held in the same building from 7 to 9 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30. The show will feature local artists, including Vaughn Anthony, and will close with a performance by Legend.

Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at the Clark State Box Office Tuesday–Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (937) 328-3874.

The college fair/concert is the third Be About It Movement event since December 2012. Anthony, John Legend’s brother, is the founder of the nonprofit and is organizing the event.

Spend Father’s Day With Bill Cosby!

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Bill-Cosby-620x480The last time Bill Cosby was in Dayton was 2003, when he was the last act to play at Memorial Hall, before they mothballed it.  Now 11 years later, one of America’s most beloved comedians of all time, Cosby, whose comedy transcends age, gender and cultural barriers, will return to town to play  the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, Sunday, June 15 at 7 pm. Cosby has captivated generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums and best-selling books, including “Fatherhood,” “Time Flies” and his current bestseller, “I Didn’t Ask to Be Born, (But I’m Glad I Was.)”

 

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Bill Cosby broke television’s racial barrier with “I Spy,” becoming the first African American to co-star on a television series while winning three consecutive Emmys©. He created and produced the Emmy©-winning cartoon “Fat Albert” and the “Cosby Kids,” which began airing in the 1970s and was made into a film in 2004. The show, based upon Cosby’s childhood in Philadelphia, was designed to educate and entertain.

The former Navy serviceman’s illustrious list of accomplishments includes roles on the children’s educational show “Electric Company” and creating and producing the Emmy© award winning “Little Bill,” which is based on his bestselling book series. Cosby has received the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom (America’s highest civilian honor), the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Marian Anderson Award. Among his many awards for his stand-up comedy albums are five Grammy© Awards, eight Gold and five Platinum records.

Perhaps Cosby’s greatest contribution to American entertainment and culture is “The Cosby Show,” about a close-knit, upper class black family. Cosby said his intent was to portray an American family. Time magazine called the show “an encouraging sign of maturity in matters of race.”  “The Cosby Show” dominated the No. 1 spot for years, earning nearly unanimous critical praise. Life magazine described the program as “a gentle, whimsical, warmhearted” show whose “delicious ordinariness of its pleasures and tribulations has given millions a fresh, laughter-splashed perspective on their own domestic lives.”

Don’t miss the iconic Bill Cosby at the Schuster Center, on his Comedy Central “Far From Finished Tour“, Sunday, June 15 at 7 pm! Tickets go on sale Feb. 14, and start at just $39.25. Ticket are available the Ticket Center Stage Box Office, located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center or by phone at 937-228-3630, 888-228-3630 and online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

 

Godzilla Set To Invade Yellow Springs Playhouse

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QUICK!  LOOK!

RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!

IT’S GODZILLA!

The 500 foot dinosaur-like creature that has rough, bumpy gray scales and  a long tail that could wipe out buildings with a single swipe.  The lizard that has terrorized Japan and the world will once again come to instigate havoc on the mainland.

The Yellow Springs Kids Playhouse will be presenting the musical parody of GODZILLA!, written by Corrie Van Ausdal in collaboration with Phillip and Gordon Reynolds and musician Blaze Wright.  The show will begn  starting tonight at the Glen Building in Yellow Springs.

For those who aren’t aware of the story involving Godzilla, the story begins in the island called Lagos Island.  By surviving the extinction of the dinosaurs, Godzilla mutated to be the its size by the nuclear fallout of atomic bomb tests performed on the island near Lagos Island called Rongerik.  Godzilla was awakened when an American hydrogen bomb was tested in the Pacific Ocean.  The large monster made its way toward Tokyo, with the goal of destroying much of the city.  The fictional character was conceived and came to the big screen for the first time in 1954.  Since then, Godzilla has become a huge phenomenon in the entire monster movies ever created.  In the Japanese pop culture, Godzilla is still widely popular and is still one most recognizable feature.

The Yellow Springs Kids Playhouse was founded in 1995 and was a summer theater experience for the youth.  The playhouse started commissioning original musicals from playwrights regional and nationally couple of years later.  The mission is simple-develop youth who are interested in being future actors, leaders, patrons, and audiences and enhance art awareness in the community.  To achieve this, they will do it through the education of arts and the creation of original multimedia theater for youth.  Over 1200 youths have participated in the productions, with some going off to becoming professionals in theatre and performing arts.

 GODZILLA! centers around the 500 foot monster rising from the sea and destroying everything that gets in its way.  The cast of teens and young adults will travel around the world, risking their lives and hoping the save all mankind.  The play will feature visual effects by local graphic artist Zane Reichert, as well as live sound effects and music directed by Xavier Suarez.  Also part of the production are Bear Wright, Duard Headley and Sumayah Chappelle.  Along with these folks are  musicians Sam Salazar and Jason McClean , sound effects creator Maddie Allen, Assistant Director/Antioch student Hannah Craig, and Stage Manager Amy Cunningham.  All of the  performances will also showcase a one-night only celebrity guest star.

GODZILLA! will be taking over Yellow Springs starting tonight at Glen Building, which is located at 405 Corry Street.  The performance dates and times are:

February 8th @ 7pm

February 9th @ 3pm

February 14th @ 7pm

February 15th @ 7pm & 10pm

Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students.

Pitch, Vote, Ignite!

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ignite-logoWe’re proud to announce the 2014 Summit keynote speaker, Cynthia Bowen. RW Armstrong’s Director of Planning and Urban Design and the Region 4 Representative on the board of the American Planning Association, Bowen has traveled the world redesigning cities into vibrant urban centers. She’ll have an idea or two for how we can help build Dayton.

New this year: Summit attendees will be able to submit ideas beforehand for improving Dayton, which will be voted on at the summit. They will also be able to indicate whether they’d like to lead a project. The actual summit will be where we discuss and vote on the ideas. Registration and the “Idea submission form” will open on the day of February 17th. You can submit ideas until April 4th.

Each of the three top ideas will get a year’s worth of support from UpDayton and its community partner and $1,000 seed money from UpDayton, to aid in project completion. Ideas should fall within the project guidelines and must not be and already existing project or program to be considered for voting at the Summit.

Need help formulating ideas? Want to meet with other young people your age to discuss how to ignite change in Dayton? Then, join us from 6-8pm in one of our three “Pints and Perspectives” (P&P) events, where we will learn more about livability in Dayton and what kinds of information and resources are available from UpDayton’s community partners Five Rivers MetroParks, the Downtown Dayton Partnership and Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. The event dates are:

February 17th – Fox & Hound (Beavercreek) 
March 5th – Warped Wing Brewing Co. (Dayton)
March 19th – TJ Chumps (Miamisburg)

After you attend a P&P, come to the 6th annual UpDayton Summit at the Dayton Art Institute on April 11th from 2:00- 6:00 PM. The theme of our summit this year is “IGNITE!” This grassroots gathering offers a chance to come together with your peers to brainstorm ideas on how to make Dayton a better place to live, work, and play.