Archives for March 2014

Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg presents: The Music Man!

March 5, 2014 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg

The Music Man

The Theatre: Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg, or CPAM, is a non-profit children’s theater dedicated to promote, to all area youth, the appreciation of the performing arts through education, practice and performance. Our goal is to enrich the lives of those participants by strengthening the performing arts community. They feature classes and performances in the historic Baum Opera house in Downtown Miamisburg.

The Show: Later this week, the kids of CPAM are going to take on Meredith Wilson’s classic piece of Americana, The Music Man. This musical tells the tale of Harold Hill, a traveling ~~con artist~~ salesman who inspires the stiff-necked citizenry of fictional River City, Iowa to invest in the future of their town by putting together a Boys Band. Of course, Hill himself will lead it, and all the instruments, music and uniforms are available from him. For a fee. He never expected to meet Marian Paroo, the suspicious librarian-cum-piano teacher. The result is a beloved piece of musical theatre that gives us the songs, “76 Trombones,” “(Ya Got) Trouble,” and “Shapoopi,” among many others. By the end, you’ll wish you could play right along with the band.

Dates: Music Man opens Saturday, March 8th. The times and dates run as follows: 3/8 and 3/15, 2 pm and 7 pm. 3/9 and 3/16, 3 pm and next week, 3/13 and 3/14 at 7 pm.

Tickets: Tickets are available by following the link at CPAM’s page, here, and the prices are $17 for reserved seating, $15 for general admission and $13 for seniors (60+), military members and children ages 3-11.

Location: The Baum Opera House is located at 15 First St in Downtown Miamisburg.

TICKET GIVEAWAY
DMM has 2 pairs of tickets fro the Thursday, March 13th 7pm show. To enter our drawing, please like this post and fill out the form below. We’ll announce our winner this Friday. [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Local Love – A Mobile Boutique

March 5, 2014 By Nikki Nett 1 Comment

Love Local, Local Love

By now, we’re all familiar with the food trucks, bringing deliciousness to where ever our hearts desire. Of course, we’re also very familiar with the joys of online shopping. And, we’ve been touting the wonders of local business since we started here at Most Metro.

What if we told you there was a new venture bringing all of those things to life – in one spot? We know, mind = blown.

Welcome to Local Love A Roaming Boutique!

Boutique Shopping On Wheels

How It Started

Owner, Beth Presher, thought she found her “forever job”, one she loved. Due to unforeseen circumstances, she (like many) soon saw that forever job fall victim to downsizing. While it would have been easy to sit around and be sad, our girl Beth became inspired! She quickly embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship and combined a passion for fashion with the on trend concept of mobile retail. After a chance conversation with a friend of a friend, she began her research and unearthed a world of resources, including getting in contact with the American Mobile Retail Association. The Roaming Boutique concept was born.

Put The Local In Local Love

Not content to just roam out in the world stockpiling loads of cash, Beth felt inspired to give back to her community. She created a special line of t-shirts with proceeds going to a local non-profit doing fantastic things in the area. Bogg Ministries has a motto: “We love people, we feed people” and feed them they do! They load up their food truck and deliver essential meals to those that are in need. (Stay tuned for an upcoming story about these guys soon!). Just imagine the good you can do when someone asks you where you got that awesome Local Love t-shirt you’re wearing and you tell them that it is actually helping to feed dozens of people! Who knew being stylish could make such a difference?

Fashion Forward

So now you’re intrigued and ready to shop. You’re ready to fill your closet with the Spring essentials such as adorable sundresses, chevron tops, magnificent maxis and scarves for days. Where to begin? For the time being, you can click around until your heart is content at roamingboutique.com. There you’ll find some must-haves for the upcoming months.

The Truck Has It’s Big Debut

Now that you and your girlfriends have found something fun to wear while shopping their online boutique, get ready to head out for a night of fun! The “roaming” part of the Roaming Boutique makes it’s big debut on March 29th. It’s Girls Night Out at Victoria Theatre. The store on wheels will be there with exclusive finds you can’t find online. Do a little shopping then head in for one of the funniest musicals you’ll see in a long time!

We hope you join the adventure that Beth and Local Love A Roaming Boutique are about

to embark on. Here’s a sneak peek at some of their fun, flirty spring looks:

Love Local Mobile Boutique

Food Adventures Crew to Bartend at Fifth Street BrewPub

March 4, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

OK, this is a MUST drink … we have a cure for your next Monday doldrums!!

Mark your calendar for a charity event, Monday March 10th … at the Fifth Street Brewpub

Dayton Most Metro’s own Food Adventures Crew, will be tapping and pouring beers, while working the bar.

ALL of their tips will be donated to Dayton’s Ronald McDonald House Charity.

The Brewpub has 12 taps of craft beers.. Want to know a secret? One of them will be Conway’s Irish Ale from Great Lakes Brewing Co. A Food Adventure favorite and will be on special with $1 off pints.

Not only do they have beer, but the menu features soups, salads, beef on weck, Salmon BELT (bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato), saratoga chip specialties and more. So have your own little Food Adventure on March 10th !

Come drink, come eat, come harass The Big Ragu for a great cause !! For more great stuff, “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on Faceboook HERE !!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHEN: MARCH 10th, 6pm – 10pm

WHERE: Fifth Street Brew Pub,
at 1600 E. Fifth St, Dayton Ohio

WHAT: Food Adventure Crew are guest bartenders for a night

WHY: All tips they receive will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dayton

WHAT ELSE: $1 off Bumbleberry beer pints (Ragu’s Fave) and $1 off Conaway’s Irish Ale (because we love Great Lakes’ Beers)

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Human Race Announces 2014-2015 season

March 4, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton’s only professional regional theatre company, launches its 28th season next September with a richly diverse 6-play combination of productions on its Eichelberger Loft Series. “Selecting the season is one of the hardest, yet most exciting parts of my job,” says Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore. “Thanks to a wonderful committee of readers, I am able to hand select just the right shows for our audience. It’s a season for everyone, with something old and something new; something funny, and something blue.”

The 2014-2015 season includes Miracle on South Division Street, a wholly divine intervention; Mame, a larger-than-life laugh riot; the world premiere of Family Shots, a still life in motion; Taking Shakespeare, a lesson in self-discovery; and Crowns, a celebration of spirit; as well as a special added production of the current Off-Broadway hit Buyer & Cellar, a diva lover’s delight.

The six plays perform in The Loft Theatre, The Human Race’s intimate 212-seat downtown performance space, located in the Metropolitan Arts Center at 126 North Main Street. The plays are scheduled for three-week runs and musicals are scheduled for four-weeks, with a number of associated special events: a Thursday night preview performance, preceded by the “Inside Track” discussion with the director; Friday Opening Night with a free post-show party with the cast in The Loft Lobby; Lite Fare at The Loft, a Tuesday night pre-show dining in The Loft Lobby, with food items provided by Citilites Restaurant; a “While We’re on the Subject” talkback following a Sunday matinee; and a Saturday night signed and audio-described performance opportunity.

THE 2014-2015 EICHELBERGER LOFT SERIES SEASON LINEUP

Miracle on South Division Street

by Tom Dudzick

September 4 – 21, 2014

60 years ago, Grandpa Nowak had a vision of the Virgin Mary in his Buffalo, New York barbershop and had an unusual statue of her made to commemorate the miracle. For decades, his family has faithfully tended to his quirky shrine—a source of hope and inspiration in an otherwise run-down part of town. That is until a deathbed confession knocks them for a loop in this hilarious hit comedy that proves when it comes to local legends, there’s more than meets the eye.

Mame

Book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Based on the novel by Patrick Dennis, and the play Auntie Mame by Lawrence and Lee

October 30 – November 23, 2014

Mame Dennis is a free-wheeling eccentric without a care until she becomes the guardian of her ten-year-old nephew, Patrick. Now it’s up to her to open new windows and show the boy worlds he never knew existed. Through the Roaring 20s and the Great Depression, Mame teaches Patrick how to “live, live, live”—whether he’s willing or not. It’s the dazzling Broadway musical that proves life’s a banquet, featuring the classic songs “We Need A Little Christmas”, “It’s Today”, “Bosom Buddies” and, of course, “Mame”.

A World Premiere Production!

Family Shots

by Michael Slade

January 22 – February 8, 2015

Charming family patriarch Sam Baker lies in a hospital bed, recovering from an apparent heart attack, but his wife, Marsha, won’t stop making the crisis all about her—much to the dismay of their son, Aaron. The young photographer wonders why his parents even stay together while dealing with his own issues as a newlywed. Intimate, yet universal, this new work by Michael Slade (Under a Red Moon, Gingerbread Children) is a wildly funny and touching comedy about marriage—its joys, challenges and responsibilities—and what’s worth fighting for.

A Special Valentine’s Event!

Buyer & Cellar

by Jonathan Tolins

February 12 – March 1, 2015

An out-of-work actor in Los Angeles, Alex takes on the oddest of odd jobs when he’s hired to work in the museum-like basement “mall” of an American entertainment icon’s lavish home. He spends his days alone and in awe, tending to a lifetime of countless mementos, until the lady of the house—the “Funny Girl” herself—appears and they strike up the unlikeliest of friendships. It’s an outrageously unbelievable comedy that will go down “like butta” as one talented performer takes on all the roles, even the dynamic “Babs”.

Taking Shakespeare

by John Murrell

April 16 – May 3, 2015

When a longtime, disillusioned college professor is asked to tutor her dean’s son through his freshman Shakespeare class, she finds it to be as much a test for her as it is for him. Although they seem to have nothing in common, as they explore the Bard’s Othello together, they learn more about each other—and themselves—than either is ready to admit. While they draw strength from the play, they come to understand what it means to live up to expectations.

Crowns

by Regina Taylor

adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry

June 11 – July 5, 2015

When troubled Brooklyn teenager Yolanda is sent to live with her church-going grandmother down South after the death of her brother, she finds healing in the personal stories of the ladies of the congregation and the hats that adorn their heads. Through time and space, their intimate histories create a soulful, joyous triumph of song, dance, culture and glorious “hattitude” in this powerhouse gospel musical like no other.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND TICKETS

Subscriptions are available in 3-, 4- and 5-show packages, as well as in Flex Pass plans. Package prices range from $102 – $190, and discounted subscriptions are available for students. Both renewing and new subscribers may place their orders with Ticket Center Stage by calling (937) 228-3630 or by visiting the Schuster Center Box Office. New subscribers will be seated starting May 5. Single tickets to Miracle on South Division Street and Mame go on sale August 5, tickets to Family Shots go on sale October 28, tickets to Buyer & Cellar go on sale December 2, and tickets to Taking Shakespeare and Crowns go on sale February 10. Buyer & Cellar is not part of subscription packages, but subscribers can purchase tickets in advance when renewing or ordering a new subscription. Productions, performance dates and ticket prices are subject to change.

More ticketing and performance information on The Human Race Theatre Company’s 2014-2015 and 2013-2014 Loft seasons are available online or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office.

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.

Wine Dinner Featuring Sonoma County Family Vineyard

March 3, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Rue Dumaine will host a special wine dinner this Wed, March 5th featuring 5 select wines from the Northern California Field Stone Winery. Known primarily for its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and century-old vine Petite Sirah, Field Stone is also recognized for its select, handcrafted quantities of other award-winning, low-production wines, that are typically only offered through the vineyard or by special order. The family owned winery handcrafts only about 10,000 cased of wine each year.

The wines and menu are as follows:

Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, 2011
Grilled sea scallop, roasted grape tomato flecked barley “risotto”, Lucky Penny goat cheese-chive crème fraîche

Viognier*
Alexander Valley, 2012
Salad of arugula, blood orange, Black River blue cheese, mandarin gastrique, black pepper-walnut wafers

Cabernet Sauvignon*
Alexander Valley, 2011
Wild boar crépinette, pea shoots, blackberry moutarde rouge, Cabernet demi reduction

Petite Sirah*
Alexander Valley, 2010
Anise scented lamb loin, fennel-bacon Yukon confit, grilled escarole, currant reduction

Petite Sirah Port*
Alexander Valley, 2009
Macadamia nut-chocolate cake, passion fruit mousseline, passion fruit coulis

*Staten Family Reserve, Estate bottled

The cost is $85 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Sarah at Rue Dumaine at (937) 610-1061 to reserve your spot!

TEDxDayton Talks Now on YouTube

March 3, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

It was one of the most talked about events of the fall last year and 900 lucky folks were inspired by some of the region’s brightest minds sparking deep discussion and an invitation to Date Your City.

And now finally for all those who missed it (or those of you who want to relive it), 27 videos from TEDxDayton were posted to YouTube. Fans of the event can view the Dayton TEDx presenters to choose from approximately two and a half hours of magical moments, inspired by the TED talks mantra of promoting “ideas worth spreading.”

“It’s been so exciting to experience this community’s overwhelming support for TEDxDayton,” said event co-chair Sean Creighton. “Dayton is a community full of passionate, inspired and engaged people, of dreamers and doers in the world. The way this community has embraced TEDxDayton really illustrates this.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

Planning is currently underway for the 2014 TEDxDayton event. Visit www.tedxdayton.com in April for updates and more details on what Dayton has in store for year two.

And The Oscar Goes To…

March 2, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

It’s time to find out which films and artists will reap Oscar gold according to the over 6,000 voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who determined nominees for the 86th annual Academy Awards. American Hustle and Gravity tie with 10 nods, but 12 Years a Slave follows with nine. Additionally, local filmmaker Julia Reichert, an Emmy winner and three-time Oscar nominee, served as associate producer of Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall, nominated in the documentary short subject field.
Anything is possible when winners will be revealed tonight at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Here are my predictions in the top six categories.

BEST PICTURE
12 Years a Slave
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Gravity
Her
Nebraska
Philomena
The Wolf of Wall Street

Overlooked: 42, Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, All is Lost, August: Osage County, The Bling Ring, Blue is the Warmest Color, Blue Jasmine, Enough Said, Frances Ha, Fruitvale Station, Inside Llewyn Davis, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Lone Survivor, Mud, The Place Beyond the Pines, Prisoners, Saving Mr. Banks

Could Win: Gravity or Hustle
Should Win/Will Win: 12 Years a Slave

By and large, it’s a three-way race between Gravity, Hustle and Slave. Hustle, David O. Russell’s clever, entertaining 1970s throwback, had momentum in January during the height of awards season, but passion seems to have cooled. Gravity captivated with stunning visuals and special effects recalling Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 2001: A Space Odyssey, but its screenplay wasn’t nominated, tainting its overall impact. Slave is overtly chilling and tough to watch, but it’s also the most emotional, profound and significant when categorizing the kind of prestige film that typically grabs this coveted honor. In a close call, Slave feels on the verge of making Oscar history as the first best picture winner to chronicle the African-American experience.

BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
Alexander Payne, Nebraska
David O. Russell, American Hustle
Martin Scorcese, The Wolf of Wall Street

Overlooked: Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine, J.C. Chandor, All is Lost, Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, Inside Llewyn Davis, Ryan Coogler, Fruitvale Station, Sofia Coppola, The Bling Ring, Lee Daniels, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips, Spike Jonze, Her, Jean-Marc Vallée, Dallas Buyers Club, Denis Villeneuve, Prisoners

Could Win: McQueen
Should Win/Will Win: Cuarón

McQueen crafted an indelible look at the horrors of slavery, especially plantation life, but Cuarón will be duly recognized for his technological, visionary artistry.

BEST ACTOR
Christian Bale, American Hustle
Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
Chiwetl Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Overlooked: Casey Affleck, Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, Chadwick Boseman, 42, Idris Elba, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips, Oscar Isaac, Inside Llewyn Davis, Hugh Jackman, Prisoners, Michael B. Jordan, Fruitvale Station, Robert Redford, All is Lost, Forest Whitaker, Lee Daniels’ The Butler

Could Win: DiCaprio
Should Win: Ejiofor
Will Win: McConaughey

Ejiofor’s powerful, splendidly nuanced portrayal is the lifeblood of Slave and there is a late surge for DiCaprio’s finest work to date, but McConaughey will likely prevail for his physical and professional transformation as AIDS activist Ron Woodroof.

BEST ACTRESS
Amy Adams, American Hustle
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock, Gravity
Judi Dench, Philomena
Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

Overlooked: Berenice Bejo, The Past, Adele Exarchopoulos, Blue is the Warmest Color, Greta Gerwig, Frances Ha, Brie Larson, Short Term 12, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Enough Said, Emma Thompson, Saving Mr. Banks

Could Win: Adams
Should Win/Will Win: Blanchett

Sentiment could favor Adams, who has been an Oscar darling since she wowed voters in Junebug. Even so, and despite unexpected Woody Allen backlash, this category, as it has since last August, belongs to the brilliant Blanchett whose phenomenally exquisite interpretation of a washed-up Manhattan socialite superbly evoked the riveting complexity of Blanche DuBois.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Overlooked: Bobby Cannavale, Blue Jasmine, Keith Carradine, Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, Steve Coogan, Philomena, Chris Cooper, August: Osage County, Paul Dano, Prisoners, Dane DeHaan, Kill Your Darlings and The Place Beyond the Pines, Harrison Ford, 42, Ben Foster, Lone Survivor, Will Forte, Nebraska, James Gandolfini, Enough Said, Jake Gyllenhaal, Prisoners, Tom Hanks, Saving Mr. Banks, Matthew McConaughey, Mud, David Oyelowo, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Sam Rockwell, The Way, Way Back, Geoffrey Rush, The Book Thief

Could Win: Abdi
Should Win: Fassbender
Will Win: Leto

The fact that Abdi received more support from the Academy than Tom Hanks speaks volumes about how much his terrifically authentic performance lingered in the minds of voters. Fassbender, who should have been nominated for best actor two years ago for Shame, took insanity and terror to another dimension as a vicious slave owner. Still, Leto, nearly unrecognizable, seems a sure bet for his gentle, striking portrayal of Rayon, a transgender woman living with AIDS.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
June Squibb, Nebraska

Overlooked: Amy Adams, Her, Nicole Beharie, 42, Melonie Diaz, Fruitvale Station, Jennifer Garner, Dallas Buyers Club, Naomie Harris, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Allison Janney, The Way, Way Back, Scarlett Johansson, Her, Melissa Leo, Prisoners, Margo Martindale, August: Osage County, Juliette Nicholson, August: Osage County, Sarah Paulson, 12 Years a Slave, Lea Seydoux, Blue is the Warmest Color, Octavia Spencer, Fruitvale Station, Emma Watson, The Bling Ring, Oprah Winfrey, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Alfre Woodard, 12 Years a Slave

Could Win: Lawrence
Should Win/Will Win: Nyong’o

Lawrence ignited the screen with her fiery, flashy turn and probably would be the frontrunner if she hadn’t won best actress last year for Silver Linings Playbook. Expect Nyong’o to reign for her impeccable, heart-wrenching, breakthrough portrayal of the haunting Patsey, a prized and abused slave.

The 86th annual Academy Awards, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, will be telecast live tonight on ABC at 8:30 p.m. In related news, The Neon Movies, 130 E. Fifth St. in downtown Dayton, and FilmDayton will host Oscar parties tonight. For information about the Neon’s festivities, call (937) 222-7469 or visit www.neonmovies.com. For FilmDayton’s festivities, visit www.filmdayton.com.

March 7 First Friday to Feature Art Exhibits, Live Music, Derby Day Preview Party, Pete Seeger Tribute, Elvis, Bicycle “Glow Ride” & More

March 1, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Downtown’s next free First Friday event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 7.

Several businesses will offer specials and discounts. Local musicians will pay tribute to the late Pete Seeger, businesses will collaborate to present a Kentucky Derby preview fashion show, and local art exhibits can be found in many galleries and shops.

Details are below about other events taking place at participating locations during the March 7 First Friday.

Art

• CADC, 45 S. St. Clair St.: Featuring artist Ben Frederick with live music by the Chris Comer Trio. Call 313-9883.

• Clash Consignment, 521 E. Fifth St.: Featuring artwork by artists-of-the-month Nicole Eccles, Chyanne Moore and Talia Shade. All winter clothing will be half off the already reduced prices. Call 241-9434.

• Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: Showing several exhibits, including Isabella Kirkland: Stilled Life. Also hosting Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii party as part of the Prime Time Party Series from 7-11 p.m. Must purchase advance tickets. Call 223-4278 for party or art exhibit ticket prices.

• Dayton Visual Arts Center 118 N. Jefferson St.: (Open until 8 p.m.) Featuring The Cline Show, an annual university and college art and design student scholarship exhibit. Call 224-3822.

• Gallery 510 Fine Art, 508 E. Fifth St.: Featuring new artwork and gifts by a variety of artists. Call 672-6717.

• K12 Gallery/TEJAS , 341 S. Jefferson St.: (Open until 8 p.m.) Opening the art exhibit Vanquish, featuring artwork from all ages about serious subjects like mental disorders and domestic violence. Also featuring student art from St. Luke School. Call 461-5149.

Music

• Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Featuring happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m. Music by Mouth of the Architect, Grand Mammoth, Zuel, Blast Flag. Call 938-6405.

• De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St.: Featuring happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. during a mix and mingle with downtown business professionals. Call 461-2233.

• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Featuring happy hour until 6 p.m., a performance by the Miami Valley Pipe and Drum group starting at 6 p.m., and live music by FINTAN starting at 9 p.m. Call 224-7822.

• Gilly’s, 132 S. Jefferson St.: Old Skool Groove Night from 8 p.m. to midnight. Call 228-8414.

• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Featuring half-price pizza from 4 to 8 p.m. and live music by the Sean Carney Band at 9:30 p.m. Call 223-9205.

• The Trolley Stop 530 E. Fifth St.: Live music starting at 9:30 p.m. and happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Call 461-1101.

• Yellow Cab Building, 700 E. Fourth St.: Hosting Sailing Down My Golden River: A Tribute to Pete Seeger, featuring several local musicians. Show begins at 8 p.m. with a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds will go to WhyHunger, a charity the late Seeger supported. Call 419-953-4548.

Food and Drink

• Deaf Monty’s Wine, 22 Brown St.: $2 tastings of select wines. Call 225-9463.

• Franco’s Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. Fifth St.: 10 percent off food. Call 222-0204.

• Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, 520 E. Fifth St.: Lucky’s third anniversary week celebration continues with New Holland’s Charkoota Rye beer tapped earlier that day. Call 222-6800.

• Riff Raff Tavern on the Canal, 130 N. Patterson Blvd.: Drink specials offered throughout the night. Call 361-3131.

• Salar, 400 E. Fifth St.: DJ in the lounge and drink specials starting at 10 p.m. Call 203-3999.

• Smokin’ Bar-B-Que, 200 E. Fifth St.: 10 percent off food. Call 586-9790.

• Thai 9, 11 Brown St.: 15 percent off food. Call 222-3227.

• Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St.: 10 percent off food. Call 910-8000.

Entertainment

• The Black Box Improv Theater, 518 E. Third St.: Black Box brings Chicago-style improvisational comedy to Dayton with shows at 8 p.m. ($7) and 9:30 p.m. ($5). $10 for both shows. Call 369-0747.

• Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave.: Presenting a performance of Expecting Isabel at 8 p.m. Call 278-5993.

• Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd.: The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will depart at 5:30 p.m. This month’s route will go through the Oregon District, Woodland Cemetery and the University of Dayton area, and will be a “glow ride,” where riders are encouraged to deck out their bikes with lights, glow bracelets and more. All tours are free and welcome any skill level.

• Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center, 400 E. Fifth St., Suite C: (Open until 8 p.m.) Featuring artwork from members of Spire, an art program for adults with disabilities. Activities for families and light refreshments will be provided. Call 723-6747.

• The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St.: Call 222-SHOW (7469) for films and show times.

• Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St.: Featuring comedian Etta May. Shows begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Call 224-5653.

Shopping

• American Pi, 41 S. St. Clair St.: Karen Dogget from Pinot’s Palette will giving away prizes and inviting anyone who stops by to participate in a collaborative painting. Trish Clark-Baker will be selling Jewelry Candles and an independent consultant will have In A Pikle bags for sale. Beverages and snacks also will be available. Call 938-7890.

• Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.: Featuring a monthly VIP event. VIPs will receive complimentary massages and spa treatments with wine and cheese service. Email [email protected] or call 903-3165.

• Brim, 464 E. Fifth St.: In collaboration with Sew Dayton and Clash Consignment, Brim will host the Derby Day Preview Party and fashion show with models walking at 6 and 8 p.m. Call 222-4287.

• Found Treasures 4 You, 502 Wayne Ave.: Offering 20 percent off everything in the store. Call 580-8803.

• ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St.: Sale on select items, including new and used instruments, other music-related items, and original artwork. Call 321-3517.

• Sew Dayton, 261 Wayne Ave.: Offering 20 percent off T-shirts and coffee cups. Local artist Julie Jamison will be selling re-imagined vintage jewelry pieces. Call 234-7398.

• Sherwood Florist, 444 E. Third St.: (Open until 9 p.m.) Offering 10 percent off all in-store items. Call 298-3655.

• Spice Paradise, 16 Brown St.: Offering samples of various foods to anyone who stops by the store. Call 224-3227.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

Dayton Area Residents Can Win Free Electricity for a year!

March 1, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Paying less for your electric supply is great. Getting it for free is even better.

Duke Energy Retail – a lower-cost, market-priced electricity supplier in the Greater Dayton area – knows how high electric costs can be. To provide relief to four lucky Ohio residents, Duke Energy Retail is launching a new sweepstakes to give away free electricity for a year (a $2,000 value). One winner will be named each season – winter, spring, summer and fall.

“In addition to the sweepstakes, we can help folks in the Dayton area save as much as $250 per year on supply portion of their electric bills just by chosing an alternate electric supplier,” said Duke Energy Retail Manager Kim Vogelgesang. “Paying less for your electric supply is a great thing, and the only thing that could be even better is getting it free for an entire year.”

To enter the sweepstakes, simply visit www.WinFreeEnergy.com, enter information and click on the link in a confirmation email. Up to 10 additional entries can be earned by sharing contest information with friends and family. Entrants will remain eligible for each drawing without the need to reenter each season.

The first winner will be chosen on March 25. Other drawings will take place on June 23, September 24 and December 15. Winners will be notified by email. All Ohio residents who are customers of one of the state’s investor-owned utilities are eligible for the sweepstakes – and do not need to be a Duke Energy Retail customer. For complete rules and details about Duke Energy Retail’s Win Free Energy For A Year Sweepstakes, visit www.WinFreeEnergy.com. The sweepstakes relates to the electric supply portion of the utility bill, not to the delivery charges of the local utility.

About Duke Energy Retail

Duke Energy Retail provides lower-cost, market-priced electricity to businesses, non-profit organizations and residential customers throughout Ohio. Duke Energy Retail Sales, LLC is a Certified Retail Supplier of electricity and natural gas and an affiliate of Duke Energy Ohio, Inc. located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Learn more at www.DukeEnergyRetail.com