Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Join Hannah’s Treasure Chest on January 29, 2016 from 6-10 PM for our 3rd annual Euchre Tournament at Star City Brewing Company in Miamisburg.
Every point you score can be used at the conclusion of the tournament to bid on items donated by local businesses. Earn a 10 point bonus by donating a new or gently used children’s item or by making a financial gift!
Join us for a gathering of freinds, family and community members celebrating a unified love of food and beer!
This month we’re highlighting Cincinnati’s very own MadTree Brewing Company, by combining delicious high-quality fare with MadTree craft brews in a festive, muli-course meal.
The Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC) has launched an inaugural program that will allow 50 lucky art lovers a special opportunity to connect with one-of-a-kind visual art and the talented artists behind the limited edition original artworks.
The Community Supported Art Program — CSA(rt) — is a spin on “Community Supported Agriculture” providing art lovers a share of fresh, handcrafted artwork. One art share will provide the shareholder with a crop of six unique, signed pieces of art created in editions of 50, as well as two tickets to a special Harvest Pick-Up Party to be held this summer in August. A total of 50 shares will be available for $650 a share. It’s a program designed to strengthen the art community by supporting the careers of emerging artists and cultivating collectors.
With only 50 shares available for purchase, the community is encouraged to sign up now as shares are expected to sell-out quickly. Shares will go on sale February 1 to DVAC members and then open up to the general public for sale on February 8. Artists will be announced to the art-loving public on Valentine’s Day (February 14). Guest juror helping select the featured CSA(rt) work is James Yood, adjunct Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and contributor to Artforum International.
“Purchasing a DVAC CSA share is an opportunity to collect work by acclaimed local artists at affordable prices, discover emerging artists and support DVAC and the local art community,” said DVAC Executive Director Eva Buttacavoli.
To learn more about DVAC’s CSA and to become an exclusive shareholder, please visit www.daytonvisualarts.org. To become a DVAC member and receive exhibition and sales opportunities all year long, visit www.daytonvisualarts.org and click on “Membership.”
“DVAC’s CSA is a year of grass-roots art buying, collecting, networking, parties and special moments,” said Amy Deal, DVAC CSA Coordinator who is co-coordinating the program with Alexis Larsen. “It’s 100 percent organic, fresh, locally sourced and good for you. With limited shares available the time to buy is now!”
The Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC) helps sustain the arts community by providing a place to show, market, and sell work and also helps satisfy the needs and wants of art-lovers who have a place to see artists’ work and, often, meet the artists. At its core, DVAC advances art for the community and a community for artists.
Originally started in 2005 Restaurant Week has become a major event in Dayton Dining. The original concept was a 3 course meal for a set price that related to the year, say $20.16 with $1 being donated to local charities. Since I left the helm of the MVRA, the program has morphed and now includes multiple price points, chains restaurants and more casual eateries, which offer meals deals for two at various price points. I’m not sure if they still do the $1 to charity, I could find no reference to that on the MVRA website or in the promotions for this years event. They have added a night, giving you more chances to sample some of the Miami Valley’s restaurants at a discount. It kicks off Sun, Jan 24th and runs through Sun, Jan 31st. Take some time and peruse the menu’s, some eateries offer 4 courses, some add beer or wine to the offering, and be aware of the restaurant’s hours, some are closed on Sunday & Monday.
Here are our suggestions to get the most out of Restaurant Week:
1. Reserve Early
Popular Restaurant Week choices will be booked up quickly, so the sooner you get on the phone to make your reservations, the better. Reservations for dinner early in the week (Monday – Wednesday) tend to be easier to get than Friday and Saturday. Some of the more casual restaurants don’t take reservations, so arriving before or after the dinner rush will minimize your wait.
2. Manage Your Expectations
It is Restaurant Week and most restaurants offer fairly limited choices on the Restaurant Week menu, so if you’re a very picky eater, it might not be the best option for you. Menu’s are predetermined for price, volume and ease of service, so don’t be surprised if substitutions aren’t possible. Frequently, the Restaurant Week menu won’t include a restaurant’s “signature” dishes, but you can often order them a la carte if you’d really like to give them a try. Some menu’s may actually differ from what’s listed here, due to product availability.
3. Understand the Price
The $20.16 – 35.16 prix-fixe meal doesn’t include beverages, tip or tax. Beverages can add up quickly, so if you’re concerned about your budget, ask about prices before you order. On the other hand, since your meal is discounted, this might be the best time to splurge on a bottle of wine. Many restaurants offer multiple price points options, so you can decide how much to spend. For the more budget challenged, check out the eateries offering to feed 2 for a set price, like Bunkers, Chappy’s, Hickory River Smokehouse and The Dublin Pub.
4. Vegetarians Beware
Some of the menu’s don’t offer a lot of options for you, but you’re probably not surprised by that. On the other hand places like Christopher’s and Meadowlark always offer creative and tasty options. The tilapia or mushroom options offered by many aren’t much of a restaurant week deal.
5. Tip Your Server Well
Just because you’re getting a discount on your dinner doesn’t mean that the waiter or waitress is getting a break on their rent this month, so tip generously if you get good service. And as a former waitress, let me remind you 20% is the baseline for good service these days.
Restaurant Week menus are courtesy of the MVRA Site:
Lobster Shells and cheese, our homemade smoked gouda sauce tossed with lump lobster meat and finished with a seared shrimp. Filet of beef; fire roasted to perfection on a bed of mushroom ragu, layered on a seared redskin potato and, drizzled with our house made basil pesto sauce finished with crispy prosciutto. Pork Tostada; fried wonton topped with shredded 16 hour roasted pork accented with our house made chili lime slaw accented with homemade sriracha sauce.
$25.16
Other than Opening Night, going to an audition is perhaps one of the scariest parts of theater work. However, auditioning is a necessary part of being involved in the performing arts. If you want to be involved in the theater, knowing how to audition is a skill you’ll need to learn. While the process is not necessarily difficult, it can be more than just a little nerve-wracking. So we’ve shared 6 things that you should know in order to make the best impression possible, and to improve your chances of getting a part!
4. If you make a mistake, battle though it.
Even the best actors occasionally make mistakes on stage. But good actors know how to work through their mistakes without letting the audience realize that a mistake was made. If you do make a mistake, don’t apologize. Don’t ask to start over. Just pick up from where the mistake was made and push forward.
Upcoming Auditions:
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Monday January 25, 2016
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Auditins for The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife
Dayton Playhouse
Monday January 25, 2016 7:00 PM
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Tuesday January 26, 2016
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Auditins for The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife
Dayton Playhouse
Tuesday January 26, 2016 7:00 PM
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Auditions: ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES
Clark State Performing Arts Center
Tuesday January 26, 2016 7:00 PM
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Saturday January 30, 2016
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Local Auditions for Grease
La Comedia
Saturday January 30, 2016 9:00 AM
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OPEN AUDITIONS FOR TEEN ACTORS
X*ACT Gallery
Saturday January 30, 2016 10:00 AM
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Monday February 22, 2016
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OPEN Auditions: One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
Sinclair Community College
Monday February 22, 2016 6:00 PM – 10:00 AM
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Friday February 26, 2016
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Dare To Defy Auditions
Dare to Defy
Friday February 26, 2016 reserve your time
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Saturday February 27, 2016
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Dare To Defy Auditions
Dare to Defy
Saturday February 27, 2016 reserve your time
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Monday March 21, 2016
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Auditions for Southern Baptist Sissies
Harmony Creek Church
Monday March 21, 2016 7:00 PM
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Robert De Niro and Zack Efron team up for raunchy, raucous buddy comedy
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| “Sorry about your jaw … But you gotta memorize your lines!” Jason Kelly (Zac Efron) shares – uncomfortably from the looks of things – a bed with his retired military officer grandfather Dick (Robert De Niro) in a scene from Dan Mazer’s comedy DIRTY GRANDPA. Credit: Bob Mahoney © 2015 Lionsgate Pictures. All rights reserved. |
WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:
Of course, like almost every road trip/buddy comedy, Dirty Grandpa tries to insert a bit of a moral/life lesson at the end that Dick teaches his grandson, which is a nice touch … But let’s be realistic. NO ONE is going to leave Dirty Grandpa talking about the wisdom Dick passes along to his grandson. What they will be talking about, however, is the copious amounts of “did they just say that?!” moments found within the film. De Niro and company hold nothing back – vocally OR anatomically – in going for the most inappropriate (and in turn, hilarious) laugh possible. Race, sexual orientation, ageism … None of these things is off limits for Dirty Grandpa; the key is that as the film eventually goes on to prove is that there is no malice behind the jokes. Laughs are not made at the expense of others’ feelings in saying that any group is inferior to another, they are simply “here’s something about you ripe for comedic fodder” – and therein lies all the difference.
Then again, if you are offended/prefer not to see a 70-plus year-old man hitting on college age girls, are uncomfortable with anyone using racially-charged words in any capacity if they are not members of the ethnic group deemed “allowed” to use them and/or an admittedly graphic amount of graphic language, avoid Dirty Grandpa at all costs. Likewise, if you find the premise too outlandish, fear the sexual content will be too intense/perverse, you likely will be best served by staying away from the film.
Should those happen to not be issues, however, Dirty Grandpa will make you laugh possibly till your sides hurt … Or at least long enough to make you feel like you need to go to church to make up for watching and enjoying it.
Hey Guys! Remember me? Found Dayton, left Dayton, came back to Dayton, got married in Dayton now working, living and loving being back in the city, back home. There’s a little more to it than that and whole journey that brought me home but long story short I’m back writing for DaytonMostMetro only this time instead of dating adventures, I’m covering outdoor adventures and all that our great city has to offer for us nature enthusiasts.
If you’re like most of us in Ohio, the dreary months of Winter tend to bring you down, either from the gray skies or your Vitamin D deficiency you find yourself lacking enthusiasm to get up and move more than you have to. What I’ve learned over the years is that getting up and moving, despite how you feel – solves the problem.
Way before the season of New Year resolutions (December) – I made the decision that I had to make movement a regular thing in the Winter, even it made me miserable. In the Spring, Summer & Fall I absolutely love hiking and my woodland strolls, I would trade the gym and treadmill for a walk amongst the trees any day but in the Winter, well you know – you live here – it’s flipping painful to breathe some days but I realized that without the serenity that comes from my nature walks I wouldn’t make it through the long Winter months. For me, the outdoors and playing in nature is a must – year round. Luckily for me, Dayton and the surrounding region offers some of the most beautiful trails and winter landscapes.
So for those of you like me willing to brave the cold, here’s a list of my favorites places to walk the paths of Winter!
Wegerzyn Gardens – The Marie Aull Nature Trail
Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall Wegerzyn Gardens is one of my favorite places to find calm and serenity! It’s gardens are something out of a fairytale and landscape brings instant zen. The Marie Aull Nature Trail might be one of Dayton’s best kept secrets because I’m usually one of a few people walking it. If you’re looking for quiet serene place to get your daily cardio on a low traffic trail Marie Aull is your spot. Get ready to do some bird watching too!
Possum Creek
Photo Credit: Tom Gilliam
Possum Creek has over 5 miles of trails that are perfect for walking and hiking. For the nature enthusiast it’s trails are home to many furry little creatures. I love downtown, but when I am looking to get away from the city – quiet places like Possum Creek bring back the calm. The Barn and farm animals are always fun too!
Huffman Lake
What a view! Last year I was on a mission to visit all of our Metro Parks in Dayton. Huffman was early on my stops being so close to home. It was absolutely freezing the day I went and yet I walked the trails for over an hour. The winter sky is incredible from the top of dam and for all you Instagram junkies looking for the perfect shot – you may want to visit. Huffman is also one of my favorites for birdwatching and other wildlife.
Photo Credit: Tom Gilliam
Sugarcreek
Admittedly, I just discovered Sugarcreek this past Spring and it quickly became one of my favorite hikes in Dayton. The old oak trees and songbirds make my own heart sing. The wooded trails are some of the prettiest in Dayton and the prairie offers bird watching like nowhere else locally I have found. The Spring is really beautiful here, but the snow capped hills and branches are something you want to see.
Twin Creek
Metroparks.org describes Twin Creek as nature’s best and they’re not far off. The backcountry trail, babbling brook and wildlife quickly makes you forget that busy week you’re so desperately looking to get away from. This is one of the most peaceful nature walks that Dayton has to offer and the prettiest scenery at dusk. While you may not see many other hikers, you’re likely to run into four legged visitors on the Twin Valley Backpacking Trail.
There are so many amazing trails and miles upon miles of wooded wildlife in Dayton to experience, these are just five of my favorites. To learn more about what Five Rivers Metro Parks has to offer for the nature lover in you visit their site. In the meantime, put on a hat, scarf and some mittens and cross these five off of your list!
There are so many health benefits to getting outside, especially in the winter! The invigorating cold air can clear your mind and reduce stress.
Photo Credit: Tom Gilliam
Tell us about your favorite hikes and trails in Dayton on Facebook! I try to unplug on my nature walks but the Instagram junkie in me always has my phone handy. If you bring yours along make sure to capture your photos and share them with us! Tag @mostmetro.
Stayed tuned for more adventures, interviews and more!
Special thanks to @DaytonGram and @TomGilliam for the Possum Creek photos!
Musical theater romances are conceived in many shapes and sizes, but perhaps none more beautifully intimate than “Once,” the winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical currently receiving an outstanding local premiere at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series.
Set in Dublin and based on the 2007 Academy Award-winning independent film of the same name, “Once” chronicles the unlikely meeting between a struggling Irish street musician/vacuum repairman (identified as Guy) and an inquisitive young Czech woman (identified as Girl) who reawakens his gifted artistry through her persistent encouragement. These fascinating kindred spirits, brought together by fate, eventually embark on a simple yet complicated journey of self-discovery rooted in the promise of music as the driving force to overcome life’s tribulations. “No one who writes this song is finished,” exclaims Girl after her first meaningful duet with Guy.
Although the breezy, witty and touching libretto by Enda Walsh doesn’t fully broaden the lives of this intriguing duo (Guy’s relocated ex-girlfriend and Girl’s daughter and estranged husband could have been more significant dramatic factors in the storytelling), the action nonetheless evolves with a gently compelling ease. The terrific, angst-flavored folk-rock score by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, who starred in the film, certainly contributes to the material’s deep emotional resonance. The gorgeous ballad “Falling Slowly,” winner of the Academy Award for Best Original Song, remains a signature tune, but plaintive, introspective and descr
iptive songs such as “Leave,” “If You Want Me,” “Say It to Me Now,” and “Gold” are equally impactful. In the same regard, the exuberant essence of “North Strand” and “When Your Mind’s Made Up” adheres to sprightly Irish sensibilities.
Director John Tiffany’s remarkable ensemble of 13 actor-musicians, authentically on par with the original Broadway cast and terrifically interpreting choreographer Steven Hoggett’s character-conscious movement, is marvelously led by the tender and vocally strong performances of Sam Cieri and Mackenzie Lesser-Roy. The handsome Cieri, a dynamic indie-folk singer deserving of a major record deal, skillfully portrays Guy with a wounded, vulnerable fragility that astutely dissipates whenever music frees him from his introverted shell. The endearingly lovely Lesser-Roy, sharp, humorous and beguiling, maintains a pensive aura of attractive mystery throughout that gives credence to Girl’s innate charm as an unexpected muse. Marlene Ginader (Réza), John Hays (Billy), Nyssa Duchow (Ex-Girlfriend), Jenn Chandler (Bank Manager), Patricia Bartlett (Baruṧka), Isaac Haas (Andrej), and Bristol Pomeroy (Da) are among the featured standouts. Additionally, the cast merrily launches this top-notch presentation, expertly enhanced by scenic designer Bob Crowley’s unit bar set and Natasha Katz’s evocative lighting, long before the lights dim. In fact, the audience is encouraged to go on stage 30 minutes before curtain time for a better view (and grab a drink) during the lively pre-show atmospherics reflecting the easygoing jubilance and tuneful frivolity of a Dublin pub.
“Once” is so captivating you’ll wish you could purchase a cast recording of this touring company at intermission. At its core, it truly thrives as a genuinely earnest ode to the bonds of friendship, the therapeutic power of music, and the alluring complexities of love.
“Once” continues through Jan. 24 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 60 minutes; Act Two: 40 minutes. Tickets are $25-$82. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
Owner and instructor, Tabra Bilbrey, in her new TABS Fitness studio in Centerville
Over the years, I’ve worked out at gyms, group classes, yoga studios, you name it! Group classes tend to keep me motivated, so I’ve checked out a lot of them over the years. There are some instructors you immediate click with, and others not so much. One of the instructors I’ve always enjoyed over the years is Tabra Bilbrey. She’s fun, with just the right amount of spunk! Best of all, I’ve always found her workouts to be just right, hard enough to push me, but not so difficult I’m left panting in the corner.
Lucky us that she has opened her own studio, called TABS Fitness, specializing in dance workouts. I’m admittedly a bit late getting this congrats out there. This is the perfect time of year to get off the couch and get sweating. We all made those New Year’s Resolutions – right? The path to better stamina, and a better booty during bikini season, starts now!
The studio is located in Centerville, at 40 Westpark Road. Classes are varied, and offered 7 DAYS A WEEK! You can choose from Zumba, Zumba Toning, CIZE, Belly dancing, Hip Hop, Bollywood Fit, TAB Fit, Total Body Circuit and Cabaret classes. There is even a free kids play area for all you working Mom’s out there!
The great thing? The prices are super reasonable. Want to check it out? There is a free class coupon for new customers here.
To keep up with the latest class schedules click here, and make sure to Like the TABS Fitness FB Page: www.facebook.com/tabsfitness
For the 5th year in a row The Montessori School of Dayton will host a craft beer fundraiser, which will take place Sat, Jan 30th at the school. This year Dayton Brew Ha-Ha showcases world-class beer produced in the Midwest. Proceeds from the event will go to the school’s capital improvement fund.
While the East and West coasts are generally thought of as brewing epicenters, the Midwest has been not-so-quietly producing our own superstars. From established breweries like Founders, Bell’s, Jackie O’s, and Upland to rising stars like Rhinegeist, MadTree, and North High, to all of local breweries that dot the Miami Valley, the Midwest has become a beer scene that rivals both coasts. Kevin J. Gray, co-chair, explains that, “The goal of the MSD Brew Ha-Ha is to help showcase the remarkable brewing talent of our region. Most of the breweries at the event are easily within half a day’s drive from Dayton or less. There has been tremendous brewery growth in the region, so we’re pleased to present not only established breweries, but also newer ones that people haven’t had a chance to try yet.” The beer list will showcase approximately 50 beers from the region and is curated to appeal to those new to craft beer, hardcore beer geeks, and everyone in-between.
New this year, a VIP hour that starts at 5 pm. VIP attendees will receive an additional 5 beer tickets, appetizers, and will have early access to rare beers in a much smaller, more intimate crowd. We’ve been given an exclusive peek at some of the specialty beers you can expect:
The Brew Ha Ha Braintrust: Brandy Gorham, Michael Taylor and Kevin Gray.
The 5th anniversary will also see an expanded silent auction. Silent auction items include craft beer-themed gift baskets, as well as larger items like date night packages (that include dinner and babysitting), a meat smoker, a tennis club package, and an overnight in a local B&B just to name a few of the many items up for auction. You’ll also find games of chance, like beer ring toss, spin to win and a floating beer pond for prizes to amuse yourself with. You can also pick up a souvenir Brew Ha-Ha t-shirt.
With all the great beer available, you’ll want to grab some some good eats and One Bistro will be on site with a variety of beer-inspired food options available for purchase. One Bistro is a “pay it forward” restaurant located in Miamisburg, where patrons pay what they can afford or trade service for food. The event will also feature complimentary desserts and coffee at the end of the evening.
Fitting for an event held in an elementary/middle school, craft beer education will be a focus of the evening. Curious about what to try? Tasting guides will be provided to help attendees navigate the room and find beers that match their favorite flavor profiles. Attendees can also talk to one of the roving Beer Ambassadors, who can steer them in the right direction. Those interested in beer history can chat with Carillon Brewing to understand Dayton’s role in brewing. Want to learn to brew beer? Members of DRAFT, the Dayton Homebrewing Club, will be on hand to discuss beer making at home. The program will also include clone recipes of several of the event’s beers, recipes put together by the staff of BrewTensils homebrew supply.
How To Go:
The school is located in Kettering, at 2900 Acosta Street. The event takes place at the school on Jan 30, 2015 from 6-10 pm, with the VIP hour starting at 5pm. General admission tickets are $35 and VIP are $50 (while they last). Tickets and more information are available online at brewhahadayton.com.
About the School
Montessori Center of Dayton (MSD) was originally founded as a non-profit Montessori School in 1964 offering a true Montessori education to children between three and nine years old (pre-K through 3rd grade). In 2008, the school made the decision to purchase the current building with the intention of further expanding the curriculum to serve students from the toddler years (18 months) through the eighth grade. Through the purchase of the building, MSD has been able to expand and modernize the classrooms, refurbish the gymnasium and school stage with new flooring, stage curtains and lighting, and add to the extracurricular activities including art, foreign language (Spanish), band, chorus, theater arts and will soon add sporting activities.
DMM Ticket GiveAway:
We love to share Dayton’s best events with our readers, so if you’d like to enter our drawing for a pair of tickets to Brew Ha-Ha, just like like this article, fill out this form and leave us a comment telling us about your favorite beer or why you should win. We’ll post our winner here Saturday, Jan 23rd. [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]
Daytonians bundle up this weekend and spend Saturday evening participating in an extra special outdoor activity. The first full moon of the year is coming up and what better way to enjoy it than out in nature. Head over to Yellow Springs and experience some magnificent moon magic!
The full moon hike at the Glen Helen Preserve will occur on Saturday, January 23, 2016 from 8:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
This event is free for members and only $5.00 for nonmembers. Enjoy hot chocolate and the warmth of a fire before an exploration of the Glen by moonlight with naturalist Paul Sampson. This is the first full moon of 2016 and it is a great time to get back to connecting with the natural elements to help balance the body’s energy levels during the winter months. Bring the whole family out for an active evening and enjoy some time with your fellow community members!
Here’s another unique activity to try out this new year, a hike guided by the moonlight. This is the perfect way to spend Saturday evening – doing something active that is good for your mental and physical health in a beautiful and serene setting with the magic of the moon. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton!
If you love music, if you like music, if you heard music one random Tuesday and didn’t hate it, you should make your way to the Schuster Center between now and January 24. Run, skip, interpretive dance your way there, just do it.
The Victoria Theatre Association has brought to Dayton a story of love and music and the way they intertwine in the complicated lives of a Guy and a Girl. Eight time Tony winner, Once The Musical, stormed into town on Tuesday (barely – due to travel delays!) an kept the audience in the Schuster Center captivated from the first note to the last.
On our way to our seats, the usher mentioned, “don’t forget to go on stage and have a drink at the bar”. What? I thought surely this was an error. I was wrong. On stage, before the show there was a raucous party underway. Live music being played, singing and dancing, drinks being poured, and you were encouraged to join in the fun!
The scene was set in Dublin, Ireland with a ragtag group of energetic musicians. As the first act progressed, the Guy stood out with his melancholy songs. We were then intoduced to the Girl, an immigrant who saw something special in this sad musician. From there, we witness their complicated lives unfolding and their relationship growing. Or not growing. Maybe just changing. But their story was beautiful and their songs together are both haunting and hopeful.
There were some scenes that reminded you of a mix of Mumford & Sons + Fiddler On The Roof + Bruno Mars combined. Weird combination? Maybe, but it worked. It worked magically.
We had the chance to chat with some familiar faces after the show. This is what they had to say:
Josh Stucky
I have to say, it’s music with mass appeal. I’d see Once, twice!
Jonathan McNeal
You don’t need to be a fan of the incredible film to fall in love with the great voices and musicians of Once!
Sunni Russo
We thought it was genius the way they handled the set changes and how the cast was also the musical accompaniment and played along the sides of the stage when they were not in the scene.
All in all, it was a fun night. I had no expectations going in, and although I had heard that Once was fantastic, I simply wasn’t familiar with the story before Tuesday night. It took the chill off this wintery week and I am still singing the songs today (fortunately for those around me, the songs are in my head and not out loud).
You can catch the Tony Award winning Once nightly through Sunday Jan 24th with 2pm matinee’s on Saturday and Sunday at the Schuster Center. Tickets range from $39-$92 and can be purchased at Ticket Center Stage
Chicken & Egg Pictures was founded in 2005 by Julie Parker Benello, Wendy Ettinger, and Judith Helfand. Their mission is create a space where women could learn from one another, test their limits, challenge the status quo, and break new ground both as artists and activists. This year they launched the inaugural Breakthrough Filmmaker Awards.
The award responds to the reality that only a few women non-fiction directors in the U.S. are able to work full-time as independent storytellers. The program recognizes and elevates five mid-career women directors with unique voices who are poised to reach new heights and to continue to be strong filmmaker-advocates for urgent issues. This award consists of a $50,000 unrestricted grant and a year-long mentorship program tailored to each filmmaker’s individual goals
Yellow Springs resident Julia Reichert is one of the five award winners. Here’s the 
official bio Chicken & Egg released as part of the awards:
Julia Reichert is a three-time Academy Award nominee for her documentary work. She lives in Ohio, and has chosen to focus on class, gender, and race in the lives of Americans. Julia’s first film, Growing Up Female, was the first feature documentary of the modern Women’s Movement. It was recently selected for the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. Her films Union Maids and Seeing Red were nominated for Academy Awards for Best Feature Documentary, as was The Last Truck, a short (co-directed with Steven Bognar) which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and on HBO. Her film A Lion in the House (an ITVS co-production, made with Bognar) premiered at Sundance, screened nationally on PBS, and won the Primetime Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking. She co-wrote and directed the feature film Emma and Elvis. Julia is co-founder of New Day Films, the independent film distribution co-op. She is author of “Doing It Yourself,” the first book on self-distribution in independent film, and was an Advisory Board member of IFP. Reichert is currently directing a film about the 9 to 5 movement, telling the stories of the millions of low wage, invisible women who populated the clerical pool, served coffee, and suffered sexual harassment before it was named. In the 1970’s they gathered their courage and rose up against their bosses, large corporations, and institutions. She’s also begun filming a verite follow-up to The Last Truck, chronicling the arrival of a new plant in her economically devastated Midwestern city.
On being named a winner, Julia shared, “It is such an honor to be among these engaged, brilliant, committed filmmakers. I have so much to learn! DEEP Thanks to the women of Chicken & Egg for their vision. We are all here at Sundance together, having great talks, sharing war stories.”
The other chosen filmmakers are Kristi Jacobson (A Place at the Table), Yoruba Richen (The New Black), Elaine McMillion Sheldon (Hollow), and Michèle Stephenson (American Promise). This award consists of a $50,000 unrestricted grant and a year-long mentorship program tailored to each filmmaker’s individual goals. For more information on these filmmakers and Chiken & Egg, please visit their website.
Second Generation owners of K & R Pretzel Bakery, sister and brother team of Pattie & James Glaze are now serving Hard Pretzels too !
For the first time in 10 years, the K & R Pretzel Bakery is offering Hard Pretzels, made on site. Yes, it is true, you can have them hard or soft now.
We are also giving away $20 worth of product from this bakery, just comment below for a chance to win.
Have you been to this bakery? It is in a neighborhood, near the corner of Patterson and Woodman Dr. It is one of the most interesting Food Adventure spots we have ever encountered. And we discovered, there is a lot to love about this place.
K & R reminds many Daytonians of their childhood elementary school days, and 10 cent pretzel Tuesdays. These exact pretzels were the ones we ate as kids. We are very happy to have found the place where they make these soft bites of heaven.
HERE’S THE SKINNY:
— Tucked into a neighborhood at 1700 Flesher Avenue in Kettering, is a humble building with a great products and a great prices. They are open Tues – Fri 10am – 4pm, and Sat 11am-4pm.
— K & R Pretzel Bakery is a family owned business and the entire operation is based on a huge soft pretzel making machine, and a hard pretzel stone oven.
The Hard Pretzels now being served at K & R Pretzel Bakery on Flescher Ave, near the Woodman and Patterson intersection
— Started in 1967 by Karen & Ralph Glaze, hence the K & R name, Ralph learned pretzel making from a German pretzel maker. In their heydey, they manufactured 7,000 pretzels a day.
— Today the bakery is run by the next generation, siblings Pattie and James Glaze. The friendly duo have carried on the tradition of their parents. If you have not been here, you are missing out on a piece of Dayton nostalgia.
— The machine which cooks the tremendous soft pretzels on a conveyor belt method. Simple huh? Make good pretzels, and they will come. They have perfected the treat, and K & R’s Soft Pretzels, are some of the best we have ever eaten. (Although Chef House is a die hard fan of Smales Pretzel Bakery)
GET THEM HARD- Here’s how they get them hard at K &R Pretzel Bakery:
— The old brick oven is heated up, and the soft pretzels and dried out until hard. The oven is about as big as a closet, and looks very old fashioned. (Did you know hard pretzels were discovered by accident when a baker fell asleep and cooked the pretzels too long?)
They have fired up the old brick oven and started making Hard Pretzels again after over a decade !
— The hard pretzels are packaged into bags of 20 each, and sold for $4.00
— WARNING! When we say “hard,” these babies are hard! Great for dipping in all kinds of dips, cheese, mustard, or even beer!
GET THEM SOFT- Here is the process K & R uses to make some of the world’s most delicious soft pretzels:
— First, they brought a tray of already twisted pretzels out and laid them on the metal conveyor belt at the front of the machine.
— The pretzels get a water bath then they are hand salted before they enter the machine’s oven.
— The pretzels then make their way through oven part of the machine and come out piping hot at the end. In fact, they are so hot you can barely hold on to them.
The whole process takes about 10 minutes, and you can choose with salt, without salt or light salt.
The Big Ragu will go on record as saying “K & R has the best Soft Pretzels in the world.”
Watching this machine work is a mini-event in itself. It is a great place to bring kids, as it has a slight, old Willy Wonka feel to it, and it is a memorable place with lots of personality.
Our important tip on the soft pretzels: The fresher these pretzels are, the better they taste. It is better to eat them now than later. They even sell various packaged sauces for dipping your pretzel, but we like them plain or with mustard.
Oh but wait, there’s more …. K & R Pretzel Bakery also has one of the most extensive offerings of “old time” candies we have seen recently. Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House share some of their favorites below.
Win $20 worth of pretzels by commenting below, we will pick a winner at random next week.
OTHER MUST EATS:
— CANDY CIGARETTES: Where else on earth can you corrupt your nieces or nephews with some candy cigarettes for only 25 cents a pack? At that price, the candy cigarettes are a steal.
Who remembers Candy Buttons on paper ?
— CANDY BUTTONS: As a kid, do you remember candy buttons on a piece of paper? They have the exact same candies as K & R Pretzel Bakery.
— SWEDISH FISH: Chewy and flavorful, just like you remember them. They might pull out a filling or a loose tooth, but the taste is worth it.
— BUBBLE GUM CIGARS: Green, yellow, pink and other colors, the gum cigars were always favorite. Your jaws will be sore after taking this trip down memory lane.
— CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS: White or milk chocolate covered pretzels. You can’t go wrong here with this treat. Best served around the holidays, or tucked into a bag somewhere so you can indulge yourself.
Honorable Mention: K & R Pretzel Bakery has popcorn for sale too. The popcorn, popped on site are in little or large bags.
Hard to find, Nostalgic Candy like “Sugar Babies”
They even have a cooler with cold soft drinks.
The bakery is old and unique. It is different and some may say odd, but we love this place. They maintain their roots and the pretzels have the same great taste with a recipe that is unchanged for decades. Every time we are in the area, we try and stop by for a pretzel or three.
Now, how do like them Hard or Soft? Get down there and find out. Order your pretzels today!
Please browse even more photos of the bakery below.
WANT A CHANCE at $20 WORTH OF PRODUCTS at K & R PRETZEL BAKERY?
JUST COMMENT BELOW AND ONE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM NEXT WEEK.
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Soft Pretzels
Bags of Hard Pretzels for Sale
Bubble Gum Cigars
The Big Ragu getting some pretzel goodness
Pattie takes fresh pretzels from the machine and bags them up
The machine that makes the pretzels
Mustard with that?
Bakery at 1700 Flescher Ave
Candy cigarettes for 25cents
Incredble
Satellite Wafers
Popped on site
Chocolate covered
Size comparison
Old oven with Hard Pretzel Racks
Signage
Swedish fish
Soft or Hard? SOFT on this one
Hand thrown salt
Up close
Dogs and Burgs
Kookabura lives in the old gum tree
Slices
Soft Pretzels since1967
Pretzel Bath
File this post under gross gender-based generalizations.
In my experience women are most insecure about what they look like, which leads to a host of issues around not eating enough, feeling shame, and misguided attempts to “lose weight.” Social pressures and cultural discrimination against aging women have something to do with this. Just ask any woman in Hollywood when well-written, three-dimensional roles start drying up. Amy Schumer hilariously skewers this hypocrisy in the definitely NSFW clip below (seriously don’t click if salty language offends you). The basic message in Hollywood is one that I think gets filtered through the rest of our culture, which is, “women, don’t get older.”
Men, on the other hand, tend to feel less secure about what they can do. My theory is that one can split men into two categories: men who go to the gym in their teens and twenties, and men who don’t go to the gym during that timeframe. The men who go to the gym in their teens and twenties spend a lot of time at the bench press and doing various curl movements to achieve big arms. The men who don’t go to the gym as young men perhaps never will, especially if they’re not able to perceive how their unfit status holds them back from enjoying greater quality of life.
I spend a lot of my energy with older male clients trying to get them to understand the benefits of gradually progressing, avoiding injury, and working on movement patterns instead of ego-boosting exercises like bench presses and dumbbell curls. They look over and see the kid in his early twenties pressing a bunch of weight over his head and they immediately think less of themselves if they can’t lift the same weight. I have to work hard to convince them to do things like warm up properly and stretch post workout. They just want to load a bar with as much weight as possible and move it, especially with their upper bodies.
That’s not the most difficult obstacle to overcome for me as a coach. The biggest hurdle consists of the guys who used to work out in their twenties but stop going to the gym because, well, they got older, and they’re not as strong as they used to be. So rather than face the indignity of a long warmup and lighter weights they just stay home and talk about their “bad back” or “bad knees.” Sound familiar? I spend a lot of time thinking through how to convince guys like this to go to the gym and most of the time I feel like Sisyphus pushing an Indiana Jones-sized boulder up a hill.
Women in my experience are more willing to ask for help in the gym because they haven’t internalized the cultural pressure to already know everything about it. Remember, a woman’s only job in our culture is to stay as young-looking and thin as possible. So for the women who seek out personal trainers, yoga instructors, or Pilates coaches they’re more willing to say “help.”
I’ll be forty next month, so I know a little bit about the aging male demographic. And I know more than a little about ego because I’m constantly battling my own in the gym. There’s a voice in my head who sees stronger men as confirmation that I’m less than rather than as an inspiration. It’s not difficult to see how this destructive thought process could turn–even subconsciously–into “I’ll just not work out” with some sort of half-baked justification thrown in to massage the ego.
I’ve had too many conversations with the children of aging parents who report that they just cannot get dads to pay attention to their health and wellness for me to stay silent or ignore gender-based culture differences. If I had one wish for my female readers it would be for them to learn how to love their bodies as they are. For the men? It would probably be to learn how to swallow their pride, ask for help, and learn how to get stronger step-by-step. (Actually, I’d have the same hope for women. The learning to love their bodies thing is almost always the first step toward a willingness to strive for step-by-step strength).
If you’ve been struggling to get your dad or grandfather into the gym, try talking him through the logic.
1.) He doesn’t have to wake up hurting every day just because he’s older.
2.) Strength training isn’t just for young guys. The benefits go well beyond the aesthetic and performance.
3.) He can still build muscle well into his 70s–it’s never too late to start. Even in his 80s, he can still see neurological benefits from strength training that will manifest as improved movement and strength.
As for the aging women? Let’s talk next week…
Nasty Bingo
Local band Nasty Bingo is pleased to announce the release of their second CD, entitled “Take to Air” with a party of epic proportions! Do not miss this epic event!
This special event is taking place at the Yellow Cab Tavern (2 blocks north of the Dublin Pub). Music starts at 8 with a set from the Trey Stone & The Ringers. There will be additional musical appearances by Sharon Lane, Paige Beller, Steve Makofka and Scott Loy. Local artists will display and sell their art (more information about the artists below). Food provided by Bad Dog Nice Taco and beer provided by an assortment of local microbreweries. $15 cash at the door and receive your copy of the CD.
Self described “Folkadelic”, Nasty Bingo’s sound fuses folk, rock, blues, pop, country, gospel and a bunch of other stuff to create a very unique and accessible sound in the Dayton, Ohio area. Our original music blends all of the above with improvised portions and pop hooks that you will instantly fall in love with. Going strong since 2006!
The band is made up of: Matt Byanski – vocals, harmonica, kazoo, shakers; Brian “Red” Baumgardner – guitar, banjo; Ron White – bass guitar; Brian Spirk – Mandolin; and Steve Phelps – drums, percussion, ukulele, guitar
The Visual Artists:
Lisa Maryanne: Lisa’s Inspiration for her work comes from: nature, love, spirituality, physics, biology, joy and pain. Using a modern and surrealist style derived from shapes found in nature and the subconscious.
Tristan Cupp: As Artist Director/Puppet and Mask Designer for The Zoot Theatre, Tristan’s artistic eye has become synonymous with “Zoot’s style” that has become recognizable to audiences throughout Soutwestern Ohio. Tristan hones his skills by working with artists from all over.
How to go?
Saturday January 23rd
at The Yellow Cab Tavern (“Old” Yellow Cab Building) at 700 E 4th St Dayton OH
Doors 7pm. Music 8pm. 18+ $15 entry (includes CD)
Craft beer, food and visual art will be on hand!
