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

Archives for February 2015

Live Local DJ’s & Music from the 70’s and 80’s through today on 92.9

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10402957_925669050817326_1408703622351958212_nAlpha Media Dayton, OH announced today the rebranding of Miami Valley radio fixture WGTZ-FM from “Fly 92.9” to “Soft Rock 92.9.” Soft Rock 92.9 will continue to play many artists from Fly 92.9’s decades spanning library, from the 70’s and 80’s through today. Listeners can expect to hear artist such as The Eagles, Kelly Clarkson, John Mellencamp, Maroon 5, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John and Madonna. The station also promises “more music, less talk.”

Current on-air hosts Dan Edwards and Danielle will be joined by Dayton radio veteran, Paul Ellis, starting Monday, March 2nd. Their shifts will be adjusted slightly; Dan will be at the weekday morning helm from 6am to 10am, Paul will man the midday shift from 10am to 3pm, and Danielle will move to afternoons from 3pm to 7pm.

Alpha Media Executive VP of Programming, Scott Mahalick commented on the announcement, saying, “We are thrilled to be able to fill this music void in the Dayton market and bring a live and local connection to the community at the same time with our stellar on-air line up.”

According to Soft Rock 92.9 Program Director, Brad Waldo, Soft Rock 92.9 is WGTZ-FM’s natural evolution. “We have wanted to rebrand our station for a while to reflect the direction our music has been moving in. Soft Rock 92.9 is about variety and fun—whether you’re listening at work, at home, or in your car, we want to create the perfect music mix for our listeners!”

Alpha Media Dayton Market Manager, John King, added, “Soft Rock 92.9 will be the station everyone listens to at work. Our formula is simple: DJ’s who actually live in and know about Dayton, a great music mix, and less talk getting in the way of everything!”

Soft Rock 92.9 is live on-air now and can be streamed anywhere in the world at SOFTROCK929.com.

El Meson Previews Family Style Dining Menu

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Fiesta a la Familia Menu

It seems only right that a restaurant run by 3 generations of family would be the ones to introduce a family style dining concept to the Miami Valley.

On Tuesday, March 3rd  El Meson will roll out their “Fiesta al Famila” menu in a special preview night dinner . Guests will be seated at tables of 10 and enjoy a five course meal served family style.  Owner Bill Castro will be on hand explaining the history and make up of each dish as well as sharing Castro family stories.

Chef Mark Abbott and his kitchen staff will be sending out each course on platters, allowing guests to try many different foods, as opposed to just ordering one entree.  This allows the diner to be a little more adventurous with exploring the Latin American cuisine, which they may not be as familiar with.   This dinner is five courses and you’ll be tasting 12 different options from Appetizers to Dessert!  The menu includes seafood, steak, chicken and vegetarian offerings, including some Castro Family favorites.

Reservations for this special Fiesta ala Familia  5 course dinner run $39.95 plus tax and gratuity and are  prepaid.  The only way you can order tickets is online here.  The dinner will begin at 6:30pm.

 

 

 

The Bourbon and The Chainsaw: Jackyl Brings Their Own Party

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Richfield Coliseum

The home of great sports and great rock.

When I was younger, one of the first concerts I went to was a sold out show at the Richfield Coliseum on the Aerosmith “Get A Grip” Tour. The Coliseum was an amazing venue south of Cleveland, seeing many great musical acts come through there and hosting some incredible sports teams. It was the home of the Cavaliers for three decades (and the home of Larry Bird’s final game), and where every major band that came to Cleveland played. Thus the rock legends from Boston touched down there, bringing another, lesser known band to open for them. Jackyl was entertaining to watch and blended in well with the rock that was going to be the main course for the day. Their big hook was one of their songs, called “The Lumberjack”. Their front man, Jesse James Dupree, played a chainsaw on stage as part of the song. It was an interesting way to kick off the show, but not as interesting as you can kick it off now. Dupree has been fronting Jackyl since the late 1980’s. That is a lot of bars played at, and a lot of beer and whiskey sold. And by his reckoning, he has been “personally been responsible for millions of gallons of beer and whiskey that have been consumed over the years.” He rectified the beer part of that equation, releasing Jesse James America’s Outlaw Beer around 2008 and may still be available in Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota. A few years ago, American Outlaw Bourbon hit the scene, taking care of the whiskey.

Being from the South, Mr. Dupree knows something about whiskey. Jesse James Spirits was launched in 2010, the same year of Jackyl’s studio release When Moonshine and Dynamite Collide.  It brought the American Outlaw Beer under a solid home, and allowed the release of The Original Jesse James American Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey into the world. Distilled in Kentucky and rested in charred oak for three years, it is an uncommon find when you are roaming the liquor stores of Ohio, or many other places in the United States. Lest you think that Dupree went into this as a lark, American Outlaw won a Bronze Medal, along with Four Roses Yellow Label, at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. He has also planned some expansion into Trimble, Tennessee, butting heads with the state over being able to create a product labelled as Tennessee Whiskey. Jack Daniels has a lock on that title, and on the process, that it requires to be called a Tennessee Whiskey. He

Pick up a good bottle of hard-to-find bourbon!

Pick up a good bottle of hard-to-find bourbon!

was one of many voices that argued that the requirements listed in the law were the process Jack Daniels’s used to make their whiskey, and shuts out the small distillers like his.

If you are either a bourbon or Jackyl enthusiast, today is (somewhat) your lucky day! The lucky bit is that Jesse James Dupree will be selling, and signing, bottles of his American Outlaw Bourbon and Michael Balard’s Full Throttle S’Loonshine at Manor Wine and Liquor on Airway Road. The unlucky part of it is that his second stop of the evening, Oddbody’s Music Room, where Jackyl will be performing with Transylvania Hellhounds and Four Star Revival at 7 PM, is sold out.

A good deal of time has passed since that concert in 1993. The Coliseum is now a field in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Jackyl is no longer a little known opening act. They have become a powerful force in the rock world, with a new opening act they are looking to introduce to a broader audience. From what we have seen and heard about it, and with the continuing growth of the craft bourbon and whiskey scene, we may be seeing American Outlaw Bourbon eventually making a big name for itself. Cheers!

MR. TURNER Opens and Fun MARIGOLD HOTEL News at THE NEON!

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mr-turner-19Hello Everyone,

I’m sad to report that TIMBUKTU did not fare very well for us at THE NEON. Though it was an award winner at Cannes and it nearly swept the Cesar Awards last week (the “French Oscars” – it won 7 awards including “Best Picture”), today (Feb. 25) will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open a film that many art enthusiasts have been anxious to see – MR. TURNER. We’ll also hold onto the film that just garnered Julianne Moore her first Oscar – STILL ALICE. Remaining showtimes for this week are available on our website – www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for MR. TURNER: Given 100% reviews by The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and many more! “This film explores the last quarter century of the great if eccentric British painter J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851). Profoundly affected by the death of his father, loved by a housekeeper he takes for granted and occasionally exploits sexually, he forms a close relationship with a seaside landlady with whom he eventually lives incognito in Chelsea, where he dies. Throughout this, he travels, paints, stays with the country aristocracy, visits brothels, is a popular if anarchic member of the Royal Academy of Arts, has himself strapped to the mast of a ship so that he can paint a snowstorm, and is both celebrated and reviled by the public and by royalty.” (taken from Metacritic.com) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

“The Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton will sponsor a special screening of DEAR WHITE PEOPLE this Saturday at noon. DEAR WHITE PEOPLE is a 2014 American satirical film written and directed by Justin Simien. The film focuses on African American students who attend a predominately white university. This is the fourth annual movie sponsored by the Junior Leaguers of Dayton as a fundraiser for scholarships. The film will be followed by a community discussion led by Jeannette Taylor, program coordinator for NCCJ. The cost is $30 per ticket which includes the cost of movie, soda, a glass of wine, popcorn and the discussion.” (Taken from event press notes.) Tickets can now be purchased at THE NEON’s box office.

The ReelAbilities Film Festival is happening at numerous venues around Cincinnati, but one special screening is coming to Dayton on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30 – ON BEAUTY. “Rick Guidotti, who after 15 years of working for clients such as Yves Saint Laurent, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, grew tired of seeing the same ideal of beauty ‘spit up at us constantly.’ In a moment of serendipity, Rick walked by a young woman with Albinism at a New York City bus stop, and wondered why she wasn’t considered beautiful in his other world. This exploration resulted in a show-stopping magazine spread for Life Magazine called ‘Redefining Beauty.’ The Cincinnati ReelAbilities Film Festival, organized by LADD and presented by Macy’s, is our region’s largest film festival celebrating the stories, lives and art of people who experience disability; all of the film screenings benefit local nonprofit organizations.” For more information or to order advanced tickets, click this LINK to the official site.

On Sunday, March 8 at 3:00 (Please Note – the date/time in a previous newsletter was incorrect!), Taller Trees Productions will premiere THE FALL LEAGUE – a locally produced documentary about seniors, softball and life. “This heart-warming documentary captures the story of a Dayton senior league (all players are over age 63), but it goes much further, exploring the impact of the sport in regard to family relationships, the bonding and camaraderie between players, and topics of aging that are necessary considerations for active seniors…the movie has been accepted for the Indy Sports Film Fest Experience in Toronto…and Louisvilles’ International Festival of Film.” (taken from press notes) To read more about the film and its production and to view the trailer, visit the film’s official site by clicking this LINK. Tickets, just $7 each, are now available at THE NEON’s box office. Many people involved with the production of the film will attend the screening.

“On Sunday, March 15 at 3:00, The Turkish American Society is proud to present a special, one-time screening of director Hasan Kiraç’s TWO HEARTS AS ONE (Birlesen Gönüller). This powerful film – one of the most expensive productions in Turkish film history – is based on a true story. Starting in 1940’s Soviet Russia, and continuing into 1990’s, this is the story of four hearts which couldn’t be stopped by distances and years. Newlyweds Niyaz and Cennet are forced to separate when war rears a violent and chaotic head. Niyaz is taken to Red Army to fight on the Soviet side, while Cennet is sent to a camp when the Nazis took over their village…Woven into the narrative is the story of Yunus and Dilek, a loving couple from Turkey who leave for Almaty, then the capital of Kazakhstan, in the 1990’s. Ambitious Yunus is planning to build a school, but he has no resources at all. His wife Dilek sympathizes and supports him, but their enduring poverty wears her patience and resolve – until a chance encounter provides some much-needed perspective. Tickets for this special event are $10 and are now available at THE NEON’s box office. Presented in Turkish, with English subtitles.” (Taken from press notes) Check out the trailer – It looks lovely!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=154LpFZZBnI

Save the date for this year’s REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL. It is set for Thursday, March 19 at 7:30. More details will be available soon.

And here’s the fun news! THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL is slated to officially open on March 6. But if you just can’t wait, we’ve managed to get the film a day early. There will be a special screening on Thursday, March 5 at 7:40! Regular ticket prices will apply, but bragging rights are free! (Plus we’ll have some fun prizes!)

Thanks for your continued support.
See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Feb. 27 – Thursday, Mar. 5:

MR. TURNER (R) 2 Hr 30 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:15

STILL ALICE (PG-13) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Saturday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Sunday: 12:40, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Tuesday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:15, 5:20

DEAR WHITE PEOPLE (R) 1 Hr 48 Min + Discussion
Saturday: Noon

ON BEAUTY (NR) 32 Minutes + Discussion
Wednesday: 7:30

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG) 2 Hr 2 Min
Thursday: 7:40

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

March 6 – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
March ? – WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS
March ? – LEVIATHAN
March ? – RED ARMY
April 3 – WOMAN IN GOLD
TBD – MOMMY
April ? – WILD TALES
April ? – GREY GARDENS

Buttercream Bliss at The Cakery

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Cake please

Classic Cakery: Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Icing

DISCLAIMER: You may need a tall glass of milk in order to read  about our latest Food Adventure. 

When the Big Ragu asked Hungry Jax to name one of her favorite places to eat in the Dayton area, she didn’t even hesitate to yell out “THE CAKERY!”   She went on and on about their buttercream frosting and how it reminded her of a bakery back in her hometown.  So when an opportunity arose to highlight this local bake shop for an article, Hungry Jax about bit off Ragu’s hand claiming this mission!  Sure, Chef House, Big Ragu and The King have had a delicious Cakery cake here and there at Birthday Parties, and have even picked up a cake, but our stops have mostly been drivebys.  Not the case with Hungry Jax, who’s obsession with the greatness of the Cakery has made her a mini-expert.  So on a cold and snowy day, the Food Adventure’s crew ventured out again to see what Hungry Jax was so hyped up about.  And we were not disappointed with this full blown Food Adventure!

From buckeyes to wedding cakes, The Cakery can satisfy any craving big or small! This family owned business has been around for almost 20 years, and once you taste their products, you’ll see why!  The Cakery opened in July of 1995 (located at 140 Woodman Drive).  In 2008, Tom and Karla Kennedy became the third and current owners.  Their daughter, Jamie Burchfield, had started working at The Cakery in 2002 after graduating from pastry school.  Jamie started out as a cake decorator and most recently has taken on the role of Office Manager after the birth of her second son last year.  After seeing a rising need to serve their loyal customers from Jamie’s hometown of Troy, OH and the areas north of Dayton, the Kennedy’s expanded the business.  In May of 2013, the Troy location opened (1875 W. Main St.) and has been going strong ever since.  We had the privilege of sitting down with Jamie to learn some delicious and fun facts about their crafty creations.

6 pack

This is our kind of 6 pack!

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Cakery prides itself on baking all of their goods “in house” and they have the grocery list to prove it.   At 1,000lbs of powdered sugar and 200lbs of butter per week, The Cakery ensures that each and every creation is of the best quality and taste!

— There are three main traditional frostings offered for their cakes and cupcakes:  Buttercream, Chocolate Buttercream, and White Vanilla Cream.  Each week they go through 25 five-gallon buckets of the traditional Buttercream, 8 buckets of their Vanilla cream, and 3 of the Chocolate! But the flavors don’t end there. You’ll also find cupcakes topped with snickerdoodle frosting, lemon, strawberry, peanut butter, caramel, orange cream and more!

— The peak season for weddings tends to be from May-October.  During this time, The Cakery averages anywhere from 6-10 Wedding cakes per weekend! And don’t worry Brides, Jamie will ensure that your vision for the cake of your dreams is met.   The artists behind the scenes, have made cakes taller than Kindergarteners with all different types of embellishments from fondants and fresh flowers, to pearls and candles.  Check out the gallery on their webpage to see some of their amazing creations!

— Zagat.com voted their buckeyes as “The Best in Ohio” and most recently honored as Dayton Magazine’s “2014 Best in Dayton” bakery, beating out other top local confectioneries!

 

MUST EATS:

— CHOCOLATE CAKE with TRADITIONAL BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:  Keep it classic Dayton.  You can’t go wrong with indulging in this mainstay.  The chocolate cake is moist but not too dense. And the creamy buttercream frosting has just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. This is an annual combination for Hungry Jax’s birthday cake!  The Big Ragu has enjoyed these at many parties.  For The King, it was love at first bite.

Chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting!

— SNICKERDOODLE CUPCAKE: Yes, you read that right. The beloved cookie has been transformed into a cupcake that will leave you wanting more! This cinnamon sugar cupcake is topped with an equally delightful cinnamon frosting.

— ICED BUTTER COOKIES: A soft cake-like sugar cookie topped with the traditional buttercream frosting. You can buy these strait out of their display cases or order them to be decorated for a special occasion!

— BUTTER CREAM SHOTS: Fan of frosting? Well here you can buy a shot-sized dollop of buttercream to indulge in.  Be aware though, side effects include an immediate rush of pure joy and contentment that will leave you wanting more!  We love crazy foodies who do butter cream shots with us.

—CREAM PUFFS  These little puffs of joy are filled with a light and  creamy mousse.  Absolutely terrific, The Big Ragu and The King claimed these as their favorite.

— Somewhere over the the “RAINBOW CAKE“:  This cake is a layer cake sold by the slice. The layers are actually the tops of cakes that the bakers shave off when leveling out a cake prior to decorating.  Instead of wasting these perfectly delicious cake shavings, the bakers created a layered cake out of them, alternating the cake layers with strawberry preserves and buttercream frosting. This cake varies slightly from day to day depending on what types of cakes are being made.

 

 

Rainbow Cake

Rainbow Cake: No pot of gold is necessary at the end of this rainbow!

— FLAVORED CUPCAKES: Along with the traditional cupcake flavors of  chocolate and white cake, you’ll also find a large variety of specialty cupcakes.  Orange cream, strawberry lemonade, strawberry cream, peanut butter and jelly, almond, and banana are just a few.  Each of these are topped with unique frosting s to complement the fun flavors of the cake.

— FILLED CUPCAKES: In addition to the tasty flavors, The Cakery also creates cupcakes that are filled with frosting, mousse, or custards.  Some flavors are cookies and cream, key lime and chocolate truffle.

— BUCKEYES: Zagat.com got it right! These peanut butter filled bites of delight are truly some of the best around!  The King could have eaten a couple dozen of these things.

Honorable Mention: Gourmet cakes that deserve mention are the Carrot Cake, Spice Cake, and Humming Bird Cake (tropical cake made with pineapple and coconut with an apricot filling). The King, loved the carrot cake.   Also, don’t forget the Layer cakes, which can be filled with a variety of fruit preserves, fresh fruit, custards, mousse and more!

 

The choices and combinations of cakes and desserts are endless!   Cakes start around $17 and cupcakes at $1.50.  If you have a special order to place, be sure to give them at least 2-3 days notice to ensure that the bakers can meet your needs.

If you’re a bride, it’s highly recommended you book them once you have a sate set as their schedule fills up fast. They also have a variety of goodies you can order, such as brownies, tarts, pastries, cookies, and other treats that you can indulge in.

Shots on us

Shots are on us !

So, the next time you have a sweet craving or need a cake to celebrate a special event, let the creative team at The Cakery meet your needs.  Stop in and try some of these tasty treats and let us know what you think!  Check out their website for more information,  or follow them on Facebook!

The next time you are hosting a party, and need some desserts, stand up on your chair and announce to the family.. “LET THEM EAT CAKERY !”

Please browse of photo gallery below, and leave your comments about The Cakery.  We would love to hear your take!

Follow Food Adventures on Facebook for more foodie scoop from all over Dayton !

We are not food critics, we are just four people that love to eat !

You can check out our weekly feature articles here on Dayton Most Metro every Thursday.

 

 

 

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#HashtagLunchbagDayton- Using Social Media To Fight Hunger

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“#HashtagLunchbag is a movement dedicated to utilizing
social media to bring awareness to and eliminate hunger in local communities.”

 

#HashtagLunchbag was born on Christmas Day 2012 in a Los Angeles apartment with just a small group of friends. The intent was simple, to prepare and deliver a hearty and well-balanced meal to our local homeless community. Friends all chipped in a few bucks before taking a quick trip to the grocery store and purchasing a few goodies. They invited over a few more friends to help assemble the lunch bags, blasted some music, and then hit the streets.

Not uncommon for this day and age, they decided to share their experience via social media and crafted the unique #HashtagLunchbag tag. Before they knew it, other friends starting asking about #HashtagLunchbag and requesting invites to the next outing. That’s when they knew they were on to something BIG and  had to make this an ongoing event.

Living in an era where digital media reigns and word-of-mouth chatter quickly spreads, they realized that their grassroots effort had the potential to go viral. In less than two years, hundreds of volunteers have helped  to spread the #HashtagLunchbag movement.

 

#HashtagLunchbagDayton started May of 2014 and was introduced here by Ashley Yancey. She got involved in NYC and decided to bring it to her hometown after a guy from Cleveland at the NYC event was talking about how he started the movement in his town of Cleveland then asked her “What have you done for your city?”
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She reached out to Jordan Hockett (the man behind DaytonBaton)  to coordinate the first event and he’s been quietly doing it monthly ever since, since she lives in NYC.

Dayton follows the same concept of putting together lunch bags (sandwich, chips, fruit, cookie, water) with the # inside a heart on one side and a positive post-it note on the other side of the bag.

Then volunteers distribute the lunches to those living on the streets and to outreach centers such as St. Vincent DePaul, YWCA, House of Bread, DayBreak and neighborhoods in need.  Jordan  shares, “I host the events at local establishments as I’m about the community and the small businesses. The first was at Agnes All Natural Grill and all others have been at Wheat Penny.”

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Jan volunteer crew: 9 people/96 lunches/countless socks, hats, scarfs and gloves … You can do a LOT with a LITTLE!

You can make a difference by donating a few hours  this Sat, Feb 28th at 10am at the American Czechoslovakian Club, located  at 922 Valley St.  All they ask is volunteers bring a minimum donation of $10 to help cover food costs.  Socks, hats and gloves are appreciated, too.  All ages are welcome, so teach your children the importance of giving back.

 

  #HashtagLunchbagDayton

Can’t make it? DONATE .

 

Landmark ‘Lion King’ centerpiece of Victoria’s appealing 2015-16 season

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Tshidi Manye as “Rafiki”THE LION KING National Tour. Disney. Photo Credit Joan MarcusIt’s good to be the king.

Julie Taymor’s six-time Tony Award-winning, artistically astonishing adaptation of Disney’s “The Lion King” returns to Dayton next summer as the highly anticipated centerpiece of the Victoria Theatre Association’s 2015-2016 Premier Health Broadway Series.

Announced Feb. 24 at an elegant ceremony attended by more than 500 guests inside the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center, “The Lion King” serves as the climax of a six-show season containing some of the strongest productions assembled by the Victoria in recent years. Having seen all of them I assure you there is immense appeal within each totally guaranteed to satisfy multiple tastes and demographics.

The lineup includes the exhilarating 2013 Tony-winning, circus-themed revival of Stephen Schwartz’s “Pippin,” 2014’s breezy and nostalgic Woody Allen adaptation of “Bullets Over Broadway,” the intimate 2012 Tony-winning adaptation of “Once,” the gorgeous 2013 Tony-winning revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” and composer Jason Robert Brown’s beautifully romantic, Tony-winning adaptation of “The Bridges of Madison County.”

“The Victoria Theatre Association is in the quality of life business,” stated Victoria Theatre Association and Arts Center Foundation CEO & President Ken Neufeld, who served as emcee. “I am really excited about the new shows on this year’s Premier Health Broadway Series. Each Tony Award-winning production will give our audiences a unique and rich theatrical experience.”
The 45-minute ceremony was particularly heightened by a selection from each show wonderfully rendered by Wright State University musical theater students Sean Jones, Lauren Schorr, Keaton Eckhoff, and Emma Jordan with professor Jamie Cordes and accompanist Amy Gray. Various business and community leaders such as Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley and Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge notably assisted Neufeld with the announcements.

A complete rundown of the 2015-2016 season information follows courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association.

2015-2016 Premier Health Broadway Series

PIPPIN
Oct. 6-11, 2015 – Schuster Center

PIPPIN is Broadway’s high-flying, death-defying hit musical! Full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of Wicked, PIPPIN will lift you up and leave you smiling. This unforgettable new production is the winner of four 2013 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival. Hailed as “an eye-popping, jaw-dropping extravaganza” (NY1), it’s unlike anything Broadway has ever seen! Come experience PIPPIN, one young man’s journey to be extraordinary.

BULLETS OVER BROADWAYBULLETS_PRE-TOUR_Photo_1_(Photo_By_Matthew_Murphy) 3
Nov. 3-8, 2015 – Schuster Center
Hailed by Time Magazine as “Musical Theatre Gold,” BULLETS OVER BROADWAY is the hilarious new musical comedy about the making of a Broadway show. Written by Woody Allen, with direction and choreography by Susan Stroman, and based upon the screenplay of the acclaimed film by Woody Allen and Douglas McGrath, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY is the story of a young playwright who, in desperate need of financial backing for his next show, accepts an offer he can’t refuse from a mobster looking to please his showgirl girlfriend. Don’t miss what The New Yorker exclaims as, “a fun machine from start to finish!” Loaded with big laughs, colorful characters, and the songs that made the ‘20s roar, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY is bringing musical comedy back with a bang.

ONCE
Jan. 19-24, 2016 – Schuster Center

Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actors/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights… but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA
Feb. 9-14, 2016 – Schuster Center

The world’s most famous makeover story just got a makeover! Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA is the Tony Award®- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream… or a really great pair of shoes.

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY
March 15-20, 2016 – Schuster Center

One of the most romantic stories ever written, this irresistible, two time Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical first captured the nation’s attention as a best-selling novel. This stunning new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award®-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that the Daily News hails as “one of Broadway’s best scores in the last decade.” With a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman (The Secret Garden, The Color Purple) and direction by Tony® winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza), THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is the unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more.

Disney’s THE LION KING
June 7- July 3, 2016 – Schuster Center

More than 70 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING, and now you can, too, when Dayton’s best-loved musical returns to the Schuster Center. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING.

2015-2016 Projects Unlimited Star Attractions

Projects Unlimited Star Attractions appeal to a broad variety of audiences and may include blockbuster Broadway hits, cutting-edge off-Broadway theatre, family-friendly shows and concerts. Ranging from single-evening events to a three-week run, most Projects Unlimited Star Attractions tickets go on sale to the general public this summer or in 2016. More Star Attractions will be announced as the 2015-2016 season approaches.

THE BOOK OF MORMON
Aug. 18-23, 2015- Schuster Center

Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” Entertainment Weekly says it’s “the funniest musical of all time.” From “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of nine Tony Awards® including Best Musical. Jon Stewart of “The Daily Show” calls it “a crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry.”

Contains explicit language.
Recommended for 17 and up.
On Sale to general public June 22, 2015.

ROSEANNE CASH
Oct. 4. 2015 – Schuster Centerrosanne cash ap

When you’ve charted twenty-one Top 40 country singles, including eleven Number Ones, you’re no stranger to hit music – especially if you’re your last name is Cash. But ROSEANNE CASH isn’t just about hit music; she and her stand up band are about beautiful, expressive, amazing, award-winning, bone-chilling music. And you can experience it live at the Victoria. Her latest project The River and the Thread won three 2015 Grammy® Awards, among others and is the most played album in Americana radio for the past year. Featuring a long list of guests from young guns like John Paul White (The Civil Wars) and Derek Trucks, to such legends like John Prine and Tony Joe White, the album’s unique sound draws from country, blues, gospel, and rock. Cash’s last two albums, Black Cadillac (2006) and The List (2009), were both nominated for Grammy® Awards; The List—an exploration of essential songs as selected and given to Rosanne by her father, Johnny Cash—was also named Album of the Year by the Americana Music Association. In addition, her best-selling 2010 memoir, Composed, was described by the Chicago Tribune as “one of the best accounts of an American life you will likely ever read.”

EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL
Nov. 5-7, 2015 – Victoria Theatre

All the elements of Sam Raimi’s cult classic films combined in one crazy theatrical experience! “BLOODY HILARIOUS!” cheers The Toronto Star. This may be the only musical where you can choose to sit in the “Splatter Zone” and get drenched from the mayhem, or watch from a safe (and dry) distance.

Theatrical gore, adult language and situations.
Recommended for 17 and up.
On Sale to Season Ticket Holders in July.

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS
Dec. 2, 2015 – Schuster Center

Experience the magic! MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for the past 30 years! Grammy Award® winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller. Their holiday CDs have become synonymous with Christmas and continue to occupy top spots on Billboard’s Seasonal Charts every year!

On sale to season to Season Ticket Holders in July.

2015-2016 Victoria Theatre Family Series

THE BERENSTAIN BEARS LIVE! in FAMILY MATTERS THE MUSICAL
Oct. 17, 2015 ─ Victoria Theatre

Stan and Jan Berenstain originally published The Berenstain Bears in 1974 and have gone on to publish over 300 books, create three animated television series, an upcoming feature-length movie, and now a brand new musical! Approved by the authors themselves and appropriate for Mamas, Papas, and Young Cubs of all ages, this live musical production is filled with fun songs and dancing. Using the iconic stories and imagery of the books, you and your family will see Bear Country come to life on stage while learning about the importance of honesty, health, and safety. In the end, it becomes clear to each of the Berenstain Bears that what truly matters is family!

“A bear-y big blast, a kid-a-thon of giggles!” – Big Apple Parent

“Spirited, energetic and hilarious for all generations!” – Time Out New York

THREE LITTLE BIRDSThree-Little-Birds-150-150x150
By Cedella Marley & Gerald Hausman
Music & Lyrics by Bob Marley
Jan. 30, 2016 – Victoria Theatre

A show for kids with songs by music icon Bob Marley? Sure! Bob Marley’s songs are known the world over for their powerful message of love, peace, and harmony. Now a whole new generation can discover his most joyous songs. Adapted by Michael J. Bobbitt from a children’s book by Cedella Marley (Bob’s daughter) and directed by Nick Olcott, THREE LITTLE BIRDS tells a tale of triumph over anxiety – quite a common problem among children today! Ziggy is so terrified of hurricanes, mongooses and other things in his native Jamaica that he is afraid to leave the house. Adding to his apprehension is the lurking presence of a bogeyman named Duppy, who sneaks up on people and steals their hair (now that is frightening!). This fresh musical production is drenched in upbeat tunes, bright colors and Caribbean flavor!

“With a jammin’ score… and buoyant design to match, the show flaunts such jubilant, tropical candy tones that the outside world looks drab in comparison.” – The Washington Post

“Bob Marley’s music and songs are performed in a way that is lively and fun, with the universal message of love, joy and celebration.” – DCMetro Theatre Art

TIM AND THE SPACE CADETS
Feb. 20, 2016 ─ Victoria Theatre
Brooklyn-based TIM AND THE SPACE CADETS play songs about the important things in life: pizza parties, snow days, and summer vacations. Songwriters Tim Kubart and Matt Puckett weave their own childhood memories through textured pop tunes, rockers, and lullabies, including their XMKiDS chart-topping single “Superhero.” Their new album, Anthems for Adventure, aims to inspire everyone to turn off their TVs and computers, and get outside and play. It celebrates adventures as grand as riding a cardboard rocketship to space and as small as giving up an old pair of sneakers for new ones. The band takes on familiar and iconic childhood experiences with indie flair, distorted guitars, and lyrics that bridge the gap between innocence and wisdom in a way for listeners of all ages to appreciate and understand, bravely exploring the full spectrum of childhood emotion. TIM AND THE SPACE CADETS are veterans of renowned festivals like Lollapalooza’s Kidzapalooza, and venues like Symphony Space, The Smithsonian Museum, and New York City’s South Street Seaport. Tim’s energy is infectious, and a Space Cadets set is engaging and interactive – a true indie rock experience for families and fans, full of strong musicianship, and a tap dancing sidekick.

“I like to say TIM AND THE SPACE CADETS isn’t music for kids, it’s music about being a kid, so kids can relate and everyone else can relive those memories.” – Tim

ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY!
From the Kennedy Center Theatre for Young Audiences
March 12, 2016 ─ Victoria Theatre

Elephant Gerald is an elephant: lumbering, formally attired, prone to melancholy. Piggie is (what else!) a piggie: perky, smiley, full of fun. Total opposites? No way! In Mo Willems’s beloved, award-winning, best-selling children’s books, Elephant Gerald and Piggie are best friends! And in WE ARE IN A PLAY! a brand-new vaudevillian romp of a musical, Elephant Gerald and Piggie sing and dance their way through plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense – facing fundamental questions like: What do you wear to a fancy pool costume party? Should you share your ice cream? How can two friends play with one toy? Backed by nutty back-up singers The Squirrelles, our duo even gets the audience involved in the action. So get ready for a musical experience ripped from the pages of your favorite books. You’ll be doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance all night long!

“A fun experience, and a great way to introduce your child to theater.“ – BroadwayWorld.com

“Families will be clapping, singing, and dancing along at this unforgettable, lively show.” – Northern Virginia Magazine

“Gerald and Piggie are special characters with a friendship that translates to all types and ages.” – MD Theater Guide

POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATERPopovich-150-150x150
April 16, 2016 ─ Victoria Theatre

Get ready for an afternoon of fun as you watch pets jumping, dancing, flying through the air, or balancing in ways you’ve never seen before! This unique and hilarious show features amazing cats, dogs, birds and mice –many who have been rescued from animal shelters – performing a variety of stunts and skits! The ring-leader is Moscow Circus superstar and master juggler Gregory Popovich, winner of many international circus competitions. He and his furry friends have been featured in People magazine and The New York Times Sunday Magazine and have captivated audiences in Las Vegas and around the world! Gregory has made guest appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” a Penn and Teller special, “Extreme Variety,” “Thirty Seconds to Fame,” and Animal Planet. Enjoy this extravaganza of European-style clowns, amazing juggling and balancing acts, and of course, very talented performing pets.

“Five stars… Very entertaining show. If you like magic, juggling, and pet tricks, this is your show… Funny, funny and funny. The fact that the animals were all rescues made it even better.” – viator.com, Las Vegas Travel Review Site

2015-2016 The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series

The Frank M. Tait Discovery Series brings more than 18,000 students to downtown Dayton’s Victoria Theatre for a live theatre experience.

THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE
Oct. 28, 2015

MADELINE AND THE BAD HAT
Nov. 19, 2015

DR. KABOOM’S ELECTRICITY SHOW
Dec. 7-8, 2015

THREE LITTLE BIRDS
Jan. 29, 2016

HARRIET TUBMAN AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Feb. 5, 2016

ERIC CARLE’S THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR
Feb. 29, 2016

THE B.F.G
April 20, 2016

For more information about the 2015-2016 Season and the remainder of the 2014-2015 Season, please visit www.victoriatheatre.com.

WHY BECOME A SEASON TICKET HOLDER?
GUARANTEED SEATS AND THE BEST SEATS
With series shows playing the Schuster for only one week (with the exception of Disney’s THE LION KING), Season Ticket Holders’ seats are more valuable than ever. Season Ticket Holders receive the first priority to sit in the best available seats!

ADVANCE SALE OPPORTUNITIES
Season Ticket Holders receive advance opportunities to buy tickets to other shows that are not part of the Premier Health Broadway Series, including all Projects Unlimited Star Attractions, as well as and extra tickets to the shows on the series.

SAVINGS
Renewing Premier Health Broadway Series Season Ticket Holders SAVE 15 percent off individual ticket prices! New Subscribers save 10 percent. Family Series subscribers save $34 over purchasing individual show tickets and may purchase a package of four shows for $40 per person or five shows for $50 per person.

CONVENIENCE, FLEXIBILITY AND FREE EXCHANGES
Many find reserving these “nights out” on the calendar in advance ensures time to relax and rejuvenate with loved ones. Season Ticket Holders can easily exchange into another performance date and time if their normal Season Ticket date is no longer convenient. Season Ticket Holders are responsible for any upgrade fees if exchanged into a more expensive seat location or performance time.


PAY IN PART- OR PAY IN FULL AND SAVE
Season Ticket Holders have the opportunity to renew Season Tickets with a minimum of $100 deposit with a small handling fee of $10.

PURCHASE PARKING IN ADVANCE AND SAVE
Season Ticket Holders can purchase the same discounted parking packages for The Arts Garage Victoria Theatre Association has offered for the past several years, saving $2 each time they park for their series performances.
Groups may also make reservations at this time. Group rates will vary; however, groups of 10 or more traditionally save 10 percent. More group sales information is available by calling Betty Gould, Group Sales Manager, 937-228-7591 x 3074.
Individual tickets to shows go on sale at a later date.

Tickets may be purchased in person at Ticket Center Stage, located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center, by phone at 937-228-3630, toll-free at 888-228-3630, or by visiting www.ticketcenterstage.com. Ticket Center Stage Box Office hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday noon-4 p.m. and two hours prior to each performance.

Are You A Part of The New Media Revolution?

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social media network background with icons vectorDo you want to network with the “New Influencers” and learn from the most successful podcasters, bloggers, video creators and social media superstars?

Are you looking for the latest tools and technologies?

Have you been looking for answers on how to use social media and content marketing strategies to give your business a competitive edge?

Then you need to spend Tues, March 3rd at Sinclair Community College for  the 6th annual SummitUp Conference.

SummitUp is a full day conference dedicated to exploring the integration of creativity, communication, and technology.   Featuring 4 keynote speakers, 14  breakout sessions with 22 speakers, there  are so many amazing and varied topics, you should plan on bringing a number of people with you, so you all can hit the sessions, then compare notes.

Hosted by a team of Dayton Professional representing the  Dayton Chapter of the American Advertising Federation,   the Better Business Bureau and New Media Dayton, this event brings together some of the brightest, most influential minds in modern business.   Carla Hale, Director of Client Services for The C3 Group share, “I’ve attended SummitUp since it began and each year it proves to be one of the best events in Dayton to both learn and network. The conference is great for businesses seeking ways to grow through digital media. I leave inspired every year.”
Highlight will include  keynote speaker Krista Seiden, who has worked as a digital analytics expert at Google. This maybe your chance to figure out what’s behind those  algorithms we all keep hearing about and try to conquer.   Eric Deckers, president of Pro Blog Services will help you understand more about Content Marketinga and three-time Emmy winner and marketing guru Steve Lance will enlighten us on how different platforms require different styles of writing, and why one size does NOT fit all with New Media.summitup

You’ve still got time to get in at the   Early Bird price through Thursday.   Prices increase Friday and availability is limited.  For a full schedule of speakers, bio and registration info, please visit the Summit Up site.

Brave The Cold To Find Dayton’s Hidden Gems

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Illustration by Libby VanderPloeg

So you had enough fun on my Valentine’s Day tour of Dayton that you’re ready to go back? Well that’s good, because while you hit some of the highlights, you missed all the real local hangouts.

 

I know it’s wicked cold out, but that shouldn’t deter you from spending a whole day downtown — parking is so plentiful on weekends (and weekdays after 6 p.m.!) that you’ll rarely have to walk more than a block to your destination. Last time I checked, the trek from the Outer Mongolia sections of The Dayton Mall’s parking lot clocks in at about a quarter mile.

 

You’ll have to wake up earlier this time, because your day starts with the most kick-ass workout you can get at the grittiest, most hard core gym you’ll ever experience. It’s Drake’s Downtown Gym, where walk-ins are always welcome for beginner boxing classes. The Saturday class starts at 9 a.m., and it’s not for the faint of heart. Show up 15 minutes early so you can get a quick tutorial on basic boxing combinations, and rent gloves and wraps. Rental will run you $2, class costs $10.

ymca-dayton

YMCA Dayton

After 90 minutes, you’ll understand a new definition of sweaty.  The gym doesn’t have showers — hey, quit your griping, a yearago it didn’t have heat, and yours truly trained there for three bitterly cold winter months for Knockout 2014 — so if you’re close enough to home, clean yourself up and come back downtown. If you live in the suburbs, we’ll forgive you this time if you’re willing to have an adventure. The Downtown YMCA will provide a free guest pass to first-time visitors if you mention this article and MostMetro.com. It’s just down the street from Drake’s, and also offers plenty of parking just outside the door. So drop in, hear about their awesome membership special they’ve got going on ($25 a month for young adults ages 18-27 say WHAT?), and shower off.

 

Next up is a delicious brunch from Olive, an urban dive. If you blink you might miss this tiny diner in a converted burger joint that still bears the name of its predecessor — Wympee — on the building. Don’t miss a chance to try Jeni’s Ice Cream from Columbus, if you can resist the other dessert options on the menu.

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Packard Museum

Now you’re going to stray off the beaten path. You’re headed to the Packard Museum, and unless you got married there, you’ve probably never heard of it, but it’s an antique car lover’s dream. It’s open 1 p.m to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and admission is $6.

 

After touring the museum, check out one of Dayton’s newest shops, Confetti Card & Party.  You’ll probably suddenly remember your best friend or relative’s birthday that you were going to forget as you’re searching for an excuse to buy one of the clever, adorable or heart-melting greeting cards sold there.

 

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Fifth Street Wine & Deli

Head to the east side of downtown to Mendelson’s Liquidation Outlet, the “first place to look for every last thing.” Unless you’re looking to outfit a new casino or build a supercomputer from scrap parts, your best bet for finding anything useful is the first floor. But it’s worth feigning an interest in old F-16 electronic parts to get a ride in the giant, creaky freight elevator up to the fourth floor, or higher, to see the view. Mendelson’s commands an excellent view of downtown’s high rises on its western side, as it overlooks Patterson Boulevard and beyond. While you’re up there, blur your eyes and try to see past the aisles and aisles of crates of miscellaneous electronics, to the bones of the building. Imagine what future a solidly built, charmingly industrial building like that could have as hip residential lofts, with a pulsing music club on the first floor playing dubstep. Don’t worry, the walls and floors of this building are so thick you’d never hear a beat drop from the next floor up.

 

Take a second to think about what parts of downtown could be reimagined, and what spaces are missing from the mix. Mendelson’s is just one of many awesome future opportunities. In fact, the building next door, formerly known as the Delco building, was just purchased for residential and retail conversion!

 

All this imagining has probably worked up an appetite by now, and I bet you’re hungry for the city’s best sweet potato fries at Lucky’s Taproom in the Oregon District. Head to Fifth Street, and sample the best of the local and regional brews from Lucky’s ever-rotating taps. Stop in at Fifth Street Wine & Deli and pick up a bottle of wine or a six pack of beer, because the show you’re about to attend — a comedy show at Black Box Improv Theater — is BYOB. You can also do the same at the newly opened Barrel House, which is a stone’s throw from the theater.

 

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Warped Wing Brewing Co

Black Box Improv Theater seeks to inspire, motivate and entertain guests with a hilarious show that’s made up on the spot. Founder Justin Howard studied improv in Chicago and decided to bring the format back to Dayton. He’s making a splash in town, and warming up a corner of Third Street with his weekly Thursday, Friday and Saturday night shows. The Saturday show starts at 8 p.m.

 

For a final drink, walk over — I know it’s negative 4, but it’s 0.2 miles away, so tough it out — to Dayton’s largest production brewery, Warped Wing Brewing Co., on Wyandot Street and sip a beer while taking in the sights and sounds of the bubbling cathedral of steel that works tirelessly to keep Daytonians buzzed with quality beer.

 

They’re Back….Shamrock Shakes!

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MAC-11-454-Shamrock-Shake-Banner-Ad-300-X-250After this amount of snowfall, you’re probably not interested in hearing about anything else frosty heading your way. But before you run for your shovels, know this one comes with a straw. Yes, McDonald’s has brought back the brightly colored green Shamrock Shake! Which also means March, and warmer weather, is drawing nearer.

Much like the beloved McRib, devoted fans often look forward to the return of this seasonal drink, which stays on menus until a week after St. Patrick’s Day.  The shake — low-fat vanilla ice cream and mint flavoring — leaves more of a legacy than just a green tongue. It was first introduced in 1970 as the “St. Patrick’s Day Green Milkshake.”

Some of us might remember seeing commercials in the late ’70s when the shake was touted by O’Grimacey, a big, green, amorphouab4234739393b8947283746b5f27cf1bs Golden Arches mascot who sported an Irish accent and visited his nephew in McDonaldland every year for St. Paddy’s Day.

Obviously that name wasn’t catchy enough and was scrapped years later for the more alliterative Shamrock Shake. But the beginnings of the Shamrock Shake are a bigger part of McDonald’s history than you might know.

In 1974, after years of watching his 3-year-old daughter undergo treatment for leukemia and effectively living at St. Christopher’s Hospital For Children, Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill thought there should be a better way. He reached out to the community to raise money for families that couldn’t afford hotel rooms while their sick children were being treated. The Eagles’ GM connected with a local McDonald’s ad agency and the restaurant’s regional manager, and together they created the St. Patrick’s Day Green Milkshake promotion

It was perfect: The milkshakes were green – the Eagles’ color! With the support of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc and regional manager Ed Rensi, Tuckerman launched a week-long promotion around the Shamrock Shake, with all profits to be donated to the cause.
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Proceeds from the seasonal promotion sales went to purchase a four-story, seven-bedroom house Evans had found near the hospital in Philadelphia, a “home away from home” for families dealing with a sick child.

This became the very first Ronald McDonald House.

Now that’s a reason to celebrate the return of the Shamrock Shake!

Bowling For Pride

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gI_129091_prideThe Greater Dayton LGBT Center is pleased to announce the continuation of the ‘Bowling for Pride’ fundraiser for 2015! The fun will once again return to Poelking Lanes in Kettering (1403 Wilmington Ave) on Saturday, February 28th. This bowling event is always a great time and lots of fun.

All participants will bowl three games – each with a different strategy. There will be ‘8 to Eat’, ‘Bingo Bowl’, and everybody’s favorite – ‘Garbage Bowl’! We will have prizes available to win throughout the event and a huge raffle prize drawing as well.

Ethan Hawke’s Shout Out to Dayton

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Nicolas-Genin-photo-of-Ethan-Hawke

Photo by Nicolas Genin (used with permission)

Like many in Dayton, Ohio I was extremely pleased when actor/director Ethan Hawke (Boyhood) mentioned filmmaking in my hometown at this year’s Oscars. But it really should not be that astonishing since Dayton is so closely associated with performing arts.  Theater certainly is well represented with the Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton Performing Arts, the Loft Theatre, the Victoria Theatre Association and The Human Race Theatre Company (just to name a few).

Dayton also has a history of famous actors within the community: from the voice of Bart Simpson (Nancy Cartwright) to Apocalypse Now’s Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) to President Kennedy (Rob Lowe in Killing Kennedy – it is interesting that both Sheen and Lowe have played President Kennedy in their acting careers, and that Sheen has played both John and Robert Kennedy.)  At the inception of the silver screen Dayton was there in the form of silent film star Dorothy Gish.  Dayton residents Katt Williams and the late Jonathan Winters have caused the world to laugh through their creative comedy antics.  And of course there were, and are, many more from the Miami Valley who made or make Hollywood their home.

Dayton, Ohio

Dayton is also the home of budding filmmakers. Wright State University has a well-recognized film school and FilmDayton is a growing community of filmmakers who demonstrate their creative art.  Nor does one have to travel far to find other filming communities; both the Southern Ohio Filmmakers Association (SOFA) and Mid Ohio Filmmakers Association (MOFA) are near Dayton. And of course the Ohio Film Office, and the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Film Commission are there to help creative filmmakers.

The point is that while my hometown was mentioned by name, it should come as no surprise. Nor, for that matter, if it were your hometown; for while these groups and associations are always helpful, the truth is that any art can flourish wherever there are creative people. Location certainly can be a benefit in building an artistic career, but nothing replaces individual creativity and ingenuity. Which when you go back and listen to Mr. Hawke’s comments, you realize that was his point. Art’s only limits are found in our lack of expression or use of our creative gifts. So let your art grow – whatever it is and wherever you are. When you do, there really are no limitations.

YouTube Link (a special thank you to Dayton’s own Gina Ferraro for capturing Hawke’s comments at the right moment)

 

Tom

Film Director Tom Dallis

Born in Columbus, Ohio and raised in Dayton, Tom Dallis is an American film director, producer, editor and scriptwriter. To date, Tom has produced dozens of documentaries and features including award winning films such as: Through A Lens Darkly, The Fall of Jericho, We The People: The Character of a Nation, Ancient Ways, Future Paths (a 6 episode film series), The Shortest Way Home, and the science fiction feature film The Watchers: Revelation.  He will also be directing the upcoming horror film, Vestiges, and a science fiction web series.

He and his wife Amy have been married since 1994 and have one daughter, actress Carissa Dallis.
Be sure and check out his Creative Crosswalk Blog.
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Let’s Have an EPIC City-Wide Snowball Fight

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11001662_10206029314757038_3395796550186587434_o-1Hello Dayton,

You may have noticed we received quite a dumping of perfectly packable snow, which is really only good for one thing…

…AN EPIC SNOWBALL FIGHT!

We’re going to test the power of social media and see how many people we can gather at Island MetroPark in less than 24 hours for the best snowball fight of your life.

Wear red or blue. Park in the parking lot, or along N. Bend Blvd.

If you are wearing red, meet left of the stage (if you’re facing the stage). If you are wearing blue, meet on the right. Boot-Camp-Games-Snowball-fight-1

If you are epic and cool, show up early and help your team build fortifications and prepare ammo!

The fight will begin at 12:30 p.m. sharp. It will end as most snowball fights end — with a lot of smiles and people leaving to find hot chocolate.

Spread the word. This will be epic.

And The Oscar Goes To…

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The 87137982_0963th annual Academy Awards salutes the best of 2014 cinema tomorrow night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Go ahead and anticipate one of the most predictable Oscars in recent memory considering most categories have been cemented since the Golden Globes. However, anything is possible when it comes to the 6,000 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Here are my predictions in the top six fields.

BEST PICTURE
American Sniper
Birdman
Boyhood
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
Selma
The Theory of Everything
Whiplash

Overlooked: A Most Violent Year; Belle; Dear White People; Foxcatcher; Fury; Get On Up; Gone Girl; The Homesman; Ida; Inherent Vice; Interstellar; Into the Woods; Love is Strange; Nightcrawler; Pride; The Skeleton Twins; Snowpiercer; St. Vincent; Two Days, One Night; Unbroken; Under the Skin; The Way He Looks

Should/Will Win: Boyhood

Let’s face it. Selma, the most culturally relevant nominee, has no chance. Sniper, the highest grossing nominee raking in $300 million and counting, has a slight chance. But in the end, this (art house) race is all about a boy and a bird(man). Birdman brilliantly captured the idiosyncrasies of actors (hence its ensemble victory at the Screen Actors Guild Awards), but Boyhood’s groundbreaking, universally engaging portrait of adolescence in all its crazy, confusing and thought-provoking complexity will be rightfully rewarded.

BEST DIRECTOR

Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel
Alejandro G. Iñarritu, Birdman
Richard Linklater, Boyhood
Bennett Miller, Foxcatcher
Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game

Overlooked: Paul Thomas Anderson, Inherent Vice; Damien Chazelle, Whiplash; JC Chandor, A Most Violent Year; Ava DuVernay, Selma; Clint Eastwood, American Sniper; David Fincher, Gone Girl; Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler; Angelina Jolie, Unbroken; Tommy Lee Jones, The Homesman; Bong Joon-ho, Snowpiercer; James Marsh, The Theory of Everything; Christopher Nolan, Interstellar; Pawel Pawlikowski, Ida; Ira Sachs, Love is Strange; Tate Taylor, Get On Up; Matthew Warchus, Pride

Should Win: Linklater
Will Win: Iñarritu

The sheer originality and artistic perseverance of Linklater spearheading a project for 12 years (with cast incredibly intact!) would be enough in a less competitive year. Still, Iñarritu’s dazzlingly dynamic flair, bolstered by the impressive fluidity of crafting a film as if it were one long tracking shot, is the stronger technical achievement and likely seals the deal.

BEST ACTOR

Steve Carrell, Foxcatcher
Bradley Cooper, American Sniper
Benedict Cumberbatch, The Imitation Game
Michael Keaton, Birdman
Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything

Overlooked: Ben Affleck, Gone Girl; Chad Boseman, Get On Up; Ellar Coltrane, Boyhood; James Corden, Into the Woods; Robert Downey, Jr., The Judge; Chris Evans, Snowpiercer; Ralph Fiennes, The Grand Budapest Hotel; Brendan Gleeson, Calvary; Jake Gyllenhaal, Nightcrawler; Bill Hader, The Skeleton Twins; Tom Hardy, The Drop and Locke; Oscar Isaac, A Most Violent Year; Tommy Lee Jones, The Homesman; Irrfan Khan, The Lunchbox; John Lithgow, Love is Strange; Matthew McConaughey, Interstellar; Alfred Molina, Love is Strange; Bill Murray, St. Vincent; Jack O’Connell, Unbroken; David Oyelowo, Selma; Joaquin Phoenix, Inherent Vice; Miles Teller, Whiplash; Denzel Washington, The Equalizer; Ben Wishaw, Lilting; John Lloyd Young, Jersey Boys

Should Win: Keaton
Will Win: Redmayne

The immense wave of acclaim given to Keaton’s amazing tour-de-force as washed-up action star Riggan Thomson reminds me of Mickey Rourke’s awards season respect for The Wrestler. After all, Hollywood loves a comeback, especially when the actor or actress in question had seemingly disappeared. Keaton was mesmerizing but Redmayne, a Tony Award winner and one of the finest actors of his generation, pulled out the stops in prime Daniel Day-Lewis fashion as physicist Stephen Hawking. Redmayne’s tremendous physicality alone will probably be enough to take the Oscar from Keaton akin to Sean Penn (Milk) edging Rourke in a similarly nail-biting contest six years ago.

BEST ACTRESS

Marion Cotillard, Two Days, One Night
Felicity Jones, The Theory of Everything
Julianne Moore, Still Alice
Rosamund Pike, Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon, Wild

Overlooked: Jennifer Aniston, Cake; Emily Blunt, Into the Woods; Scarlett Johansson, Under the Skin; Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Belle and Beyond the Lights; Jenny Slate, Obvious Child; Hilary Swank, The Homesman; Agata Trzebuchowska, Ida; Kristen Wigg, The Skeleton Twins

Should/Will Win: Moore

Moore, a four-time nominee, should have reaped Oscar gold in this category for Far From Heaven, but will finally win for her marvelously detailed, poignant and heartbreaking portrayal of a linguistics professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. She’s an absolute shoo-in and deservedly so.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Robert Duvall, The Judge
Ethan Hawke, Boyhood
Edward Norton, Birdman
Mark Ruffalo, Foxcatcher
J.K. Simmons, Whiplash

Overlooked: Riz Ahmed, Nightcrawler; Alec Baldwin, Still Alice; Albert Brooks, A Most Violent Year; Nelsan Ellis, Get On Up; Zach Galifianakis, Birdman; James Gandolfini, The Drop; Domhnall Gleeson, Unbroken; Neil Patrick Harris, Gone Girl; Bill Nighy, Pride; Logan Lerman, Fury; Tyler Perry, Gone Girl; Tim Roth, Selma; Martin Short, Inherent Vice; Channing Tatum, Foxcatcher; Tom Wilkinson, Selma

Should/Will Win: Simmons

Norton stole the show with brazen finesse and no one oozes compassionate masculinity like Ruffalo, but Simmons, resurrecting the visceral evilness he displayed on HBO’s Oz, will reign for his sensational performance as a music teacher from hell.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Patricia Arquette, Boyhood
Laura Dern, Wild
Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game
Emma Stone, Birdman
Meryl Streep, Into the Woods

Overlooked: Jessica Chastain, A Most Violent Year; Carrie Coon, Gone Girl; Carmen Ejogo, Selma; Agata Kulesza, Ida; Sienna Miller, American Sniper; Rene Russo, Nightcrawler; Amy Ryan, Birdman; Imelda Staunton, Pride; Tilda Swinton, Snowpiercer; Tessa Thompson, Dear White People; Katherine Waterston, Inherent Vice; Naomi Watts, Birdman and St. Vincent

Should/Will Win: Arquette

Streep gave a phenomenal Sondheim master class and Stone ignited the screen in her fiery tirade opposite Keaton, but it’s all about Arquette. With beautifully gentle understatement, Arquette, the emotional center of Boyhood, brought anguish, grace and sensitivity to her captivating portrayal of a single mother coping with disappointments, new beginnings and the passage of time.

The 87th annual Academy Awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will be telecast live Sun. Feb 22 on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. In related news, The Neon Movies, 130 E. Fifth St. in downtown Dayton, and the Little Art Theatre, 247 Xenia Ave. in Yellow Springs, will host Oscar parties. FilmDayton is offering a virtual Oscar party.

No Troubles In ‘Paradise’: An Interview with Smug Brothers

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Smug Brothers left to right: Brian Baker, Kyle Melton, Don Thrasher, Larry Evans (photo by Jay Woessner)

The four members of Dayton’s own Smug Brothers are hanging around Kyle Melton’s kitchen on a cold February afternoon.  Inside  one of the small rooms that have been designated as the office, the Beatles come blaring out of the computer stereo speakers.  Deep,  raw cuts, along with some of their usual hits flooded over the entire house.  The group is awaiting local photographer Jay  Woessner as he will be updating the bands press photos today.  In only a few weeks away the Smug Brothers will be releasing their  latest album Woodpecker Paradise, and the band has their hands full.  After photos are taken, the band plans to practice some of  the new material.  Woodpecker Paradise reunites Smug Brothers with longtime producer, and former member, Darryl Robbins.

As I took off my coat, and placed it in the living room, Melton asks if I would be interested in having a beer.  “We have high brow  beer, and non-high brow to choose from.  Feel free to pick whatever,” he says to me.  I choose the non-fancy beer, which is  Genesee-one of bassist Larry Evans’ favorite selections.  Having known that Evans enjoys Genesse, I also have drunk the beer before and became a fan of it also.  I make mention to bassist Larry Evans that he is partially to blame for my appreciation of the  beverage.

“Really?” says Evans with a shocked look.  I explained to him that I took a case over to a get together over the past summer.  I received a mix reaction from the party goers when I arrived-ranging from some that were enthused to know that I knew what the beer was, to outright ribbing because of how cheap you can get it.

“Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” Evans, ever so kindly says to me with compassion written all his bearded face.

The conversation between everyone jumped around from topic to topic.  Baker begins talking about a recently purchasing an amp that now has been blown out.  Even though Baker claims it’s pretty old, Melton makes mention that he may know some people that could possibly repair to amp.  The discussion then shifts to how the popular 80’s television show Cheers opener has a longer version to it online, and it’s actually good.  Baker’s girlfriend declares that she wants to make a trip over to Ghostlight Coffee, and would like to know where it’s located.

Within a half hour or so at being at Melton’s house, Woessner comes to do the photo shoot.  The first location was inside the small kitchen.  Woessner flips and fluffs the curtains some to block some of the light reflected in.  After the photos were shot in the kitchen, everyone is directed outside.  The band stands in front of an old, decaying structure that closely resembles a barn.  After the shooting of the new pics was finished, we moved downstairs to where the band practices.

As you walk a little farther into the basement area, you stumble upon the recording equipment placed on a table, with a cushioned couch placed beyond it.  Stacks of cassettes are laying around behind the boards.  The few demo cassettes that sit on the table are just the tip of what Melton has.  He has archived most of the demos of  his early bands, including a jam band he was part of  in 1994-1996 titled Critical Mass.  “I have hundreds of tapes of every live show we did (laughter),” says Melton.  This space is also where most of the Smug Brothers are recorded.  In the beginning stages of recording, Melton and Thrasher will lay down the basic tracks with demos on a four-track cassette machine, then pull from the best songs.  With Woodpecker, Smug Brothers went to the studio to lay down the tracks with the whole band together for the first time as the new lineup.  While the end result is a more polished album, the band’s mid-fi sound that their fans have come to love stays the same.  Smug Brothers follow the Bob Pollard blueprint of quick songs but tight in structure.  Much like Pollard, the finished product is also a perfect blend of catchy guitar riffs and vocals, and Thrasher’s fantastic work on drums.

The members of the band take their spots within the second area of the basement.  Stone walls encase the practice vicinity, and colored LED lights hang loosely on the beams above us.  The space isn’t made for tall people like myself and Evans, as we had crouch down some while walking around.  Luckily for Evans, though, he has a spot where he can stand somewhat normally.  After mic checks from Melton and Evans are situated, the group begins to torch through songs of Woodpecker Paradise.

Going into the tenth year of existence, it’s amazing to see how Smug Brothers have blossomed into what they are today.  The duo of Melton and Robbins were in the rock group Montgomery Greene at the time when they begin what would be Smug Brothers.  The plan was to be a recording band, and nothing more.  The duo released their first album under the Smug Brothers moniker Buzzmounter in 2005.  A couple of years later, Robbins and Melton went back to work on some new material.  They enlisted a local musician to do some of the drums for the new music who had runs with legendary local bands Swearing At Motorists and Guided By Voices.  Robbins and Melton loved the drummer’s style, and were eager to include him into the project.  That drummer turned out to be Thrasher.  With Thrasher getting involved, Smug Brothers started to take off.

Since then, the group has gone through various lineup changes, with departing members going to other projects and ventures.  Jason Short, who played with Melton in Montgomery Greene, played two songs on Fortune Rumors.  When the decision was made to start playing live, Marc Betts (also from Montgomery Greene) and Baker joined Smug Brothers in 2009.  In 2011, Betts left the band. The group had a small sabbatical for a short time, back in 2012.  Smug Brothers had recorded On The Way To The Punchline with Robbins, but the members got tied up in other things.  Melton and Thrasher were heavily involved in setting up another Dayton Music Fest.  Baker was playing in a couple of other bands around the area.  The band’s bassist Shaine Sullivan became heavily involved with the purchasing of what is now Canal Public House.  When Melton and Thrasher wanted to get the band rolling again, Sullivan bowed out.  Evans hopped onboard shortly after, and the rest is history.

The week of the album release party  I join Thrasher and Melton for drinks at one of our favorite meeting spots.  It’s always a pleasure to sit with two of the pioneers that will be engraved in the history books of the Dayton scene.  Much like the day of the photo shoot, our conversations bounce around with ease.  Melton and Thrasher talk about how with the latest lineup, they feel that it’s fresh.  “I feel like we are just at the tip at whatever this band is going to be able to do,” Melton says.  “The four of us are at a pretty good page.”

With everyone being excited with the release of Woodpecker Paradise, Smug Brothers have already been setting their sights on getting some new music rolling.  Melton and Thrasher have already laid down some tracks, while Baker and Evans are beginning to get their parts put together.  Smug Brothers would love to quickly release as much material as they can.  “I just want this songs out,” Melton says enthusiastically.  “We can sit here and work on them, pick the best ones…do a thousand different things.  At the end of the day, why?  Let’s go with our gut.  What sounds good?  Is that right?  Great.  If its not, say no.  Redo it.”

“We are still making up for lost time, too,” Thrasher added.  “And we love to make songs.  So it all feeds together.”

Like most of the times we get together, our conversation bounces around.  Melton mentions that he would love to take the trip around the United States and see the open land sometime.

“Got to do it at least once, man,” Melton says.

“Probably better when you’re younger (laughter),” Thrasher quips.

“True, but you see I would have perspective, be able to appreciate it more,” Melton responds back.

Smug Brothers celebrate their latest release Woodpecker Paradise tonight at Blind Bob’s Bar.  The release party will also include Human Cannonball and Forage.  Show time is 9pm.  21+.  Copies of the album will be available at the show.

Check out Brunch at Chappy’s

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chappy'sExciting news from our friends at  Chappys Tap Room and Grille, starting tomorrow they will be serving brunch from 11am -2pm on Saturday and Sunday.  You can start your day with one of their many beers on tap or try their  brand new Bloody Mary made with Belle of Dayton Vodka, their  new housemade mix and garnished with Pickled Okra, Celery, Olives and a strip of our new Praline Bacon. (It’s practically a meal in itself!!)
Here’s the menu,
 
CHAPPYS BIG A** BEER BISCUIT BOWL 
 10.95
Our homemade Beer Biscuit topped
with an egg cooked your way with choice of
Grilled or Fried Pork Chop or Fried Chicken Breast,Zink’s Sausage Patties or Applewood Smoked Bacon
Topped with Sausage Gravy and Cheese and served with Home Fries

 

CHICKEN & WAFFLES – 9.95
Homemade Vanilla Belgian Waffle served with two Fried Chicken Tenders, Home Fries and

Your choice of Regular or Spicy Tabasco Syrup

 

PO BOY BREAKFAST SANDWICH – 8.95

Toasted French Bread with an egg cooked your way,
mayo, cheddar cheese and

Your choice of Applewood Smoked Bacon or Zink’s Sausage Patties, served with Home Fries.

 

THICK CUT PRALINE BACON – 6.95

A ½ Lb. of bacon (4 strips) coated with carmelized brown sugar and molasses topped with Pecans

 

CREATE YOUR OWN BRUNCH

Homemade Big A** Beer Biscuit and Gravy – 5.95
Belgian Waffle – 5.95
Two Eggs cooked your way – 2.95
Home Fries – 2.95
Applewood Smoked Bacon (4 strips) or Zink’s 3 oz. Sausage Patties (2) – 3.95
Homemade Big A** Beer Biscuit – 2.95

 

Chappy’s is located at 2733 West Alex-Bell Road, Dayton, OH 45459.  There second location (the former Champp’s) is still a couple of months away.