Dayton937

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

Archives for April 2017

Game Show Hanky Panky, Free Stuff & Beer

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A romp and a toast to the allure and the aftermath of Cupid’s bow!

Gather with friends and raise a glass to the power and pull of Lady Love! Bach Society of Dayton presents a brewpub social with fun, games, eats, prizes, and craft beer on Tues, April 17th from 6-8pm at Dayton Beer Company Bier Hall.  And even better  your first pint’s on Bach Society!

If you’re hungry, eat complimentary Wheat Penny pizza, Smales pretzels, and glorious gourmet treats. If you’re hankity-pankity, play the Not-So-Newlywed Game or the Dating Game with guest host Shaun Yu fromDiscover Classical. If you’re lucky, win free stuff and incredible raffle prizes from local artists and businesses, including season tickets to ArtsLIVE at UD.

Free admission.
Beer lovers, love lovers, and carousers are all welcome!

The Bach Society brings the art of great choral singing to Dayton with an awe-inspiring concert season that spans seven centuries of music. For more info, visit www.bachsocietyofdayton.org

Kristen Stewart’s Thriller & Oscar Nom Coming to THE NEON This Weekend

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Hello Everyone!

Once again, we’re moving right along at THE NEON this weekend. If you still need to see Shirley MacLaine in THE LAST WORD or Woody Harrelson in WILSON, Thursday will be your last chance to catch these films at THE NEON. The gorgeous & masterful film FRANTZ (by one of my favorite directors) will stick around for one more week, and we’ll add two new films to the mix. PERSONAL SHOPPER, the new film by Olivier Assayas starring Kristen Stewart, will open Friday for one week. We’ll also open a film that was nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Academy Awards – LAND OF MINE – for just three days beginning this Friday. For more details about our current films, please visit www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for PERSONAL SHOPPER: “Olivier Assayas, the internationally-acclaimed director of CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA and SUMMER HOURS, returns with this ethereal and mysterious ghost story starring Kristen Stewart as a high-fashion personal shopper to the stars who is also a spiritual medium. Grieving the recent death of her twin brother, she haunts his Paris home, determined to make contact with him.” (IFC Films) Richard Roeper of CHICAGO-SUN TIMES wrote, “I can’t explain everything I saw in this film, but I was entertained and enthralled by every second of it.” This film is only scheduled to play for one week!

Synopsis for LAND OF MINE: Nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Academy Awards, this powerful film is only scheduled to play for three days this weekend. “As World War Two comes to an end, a group of German POWs, boys rather than men, are captured by the Danish army and forced to engage in a deadly task – to defuse and clear land mines from the Danish coastline. With little or no training, the boys soon discover that the war is far from over. Inspired by real events, LAND OF MINE exposes the untold story of one tragic moment in post-war history.” (Sony Classics) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

Vu-Do Swing is now set to bring ALIVE AND KICKING to town on April 26 at 7:30. “ALIVE AND KICKING is a feature-length documentary that takes an inside look into the culture of swing dancing and the characters who make it special. We explore the culture surrounding Swing dance from the emergence of the Lindy Hop to the modern day international phenomenon. The film follows the growth of Swing dance from its purely American roots as an art form, to countries all over the world. Alive and Kicking looks at the lives of the Swing dancers themselves to find their personal stories and why this dance fills them with joy.” Click this LINK to watch a trailer and reserve your ticket.

The 2017 DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL has announced their line-up, and it’s terrific. To read all about the numerous films, to watch trailers, to see the schedule of screenings and to purchase advance tickets, please visit the festival’s official website by clicking this LINK. The following list only reflects films that will be screening at THE NEON:
Apr 27 at 7:15pm – ON THE MAP
May 1 at 7:15pm – IN SEARCH OF ISRAELI CUISINE
May 4 at 7:15pm – THE KIND WORDS
May 9 at 7:15pm – KEEP QUIET
May 11 at 7:15pm – SABENA HIJACKING
May 15 at 7:15pm – PERSONA NON GRATA
May 16 at 10am – THE PEOPLE VS. FRITZ BAUER
May 18 at 7:15pm – WOMEN’S BALCONY

On Friday, April 21, we plan to clear the decks and bring two new films to town…and we’ve decided to start them both a little early. COLOSSAL (starring Anne Hathaway) and LOST CITY OF Z (based on the beloved non-fiction book and starring Tom Holland & Robert Pattinson) will both have preview screenings on Thursday, April 20.

Thanks so much for your continued support.
See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, April 11 – Thursday, April 20:

THE LAST WORD (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Wednesday-Thursday (Apr 12-13): 5:10
FINAL DAY – Apr 13!

WILSON (R) 1 Hr 34 Min
Wednesday-Thursday (Apr 12-13): 3:10, 7:30
FINAL DAY – Apr 13!

FRANTZ (PG-13) 1 Hr 53 Min
Wednesday-Thursday (Apr 12-13): 2:45, 5:15, 7:40
Friday & Saturday (Apr 14 & 15): 3:00, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (Apr 16): 3:00, 7:30
Monday – Wednesday (Apr 17-19): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Thursday (Apr 20): 2:50, 5:10

PERSONAL SHOPPER (R) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday & Saturday (Apr 14 & 15): 12:15, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:30
Sunday (Apr 16): 12:15, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday (Apr 17-19): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Thursday (Apr 20): 3:00, 5:20

LAND OF MINE (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Apr 14-16): 12:45, 5:20

THE LOST CITY OF Z (PG-13) 2 Hrs 21 Min
Preview Screening – Thursday (Apr 20): 7:30

COLOSSAL (R) 1 Hr 50 Min
Preview Screening – Thursday (Apr 20): 7:40

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
April 21 – COLOSSAL
April 21 – LOST CITY OF Z
May 5 – THEIR FINEST
May 26 – THE LOVERS
TBD – CEZANNE ET MOI
TBD – MAUDIE
TBD – NORMAN

Family Friendly Food Adventures!

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Chicken Tenders at Dorothy Lane Market

Dinner out as a family always sounds like a good idea. That is until you all have to agree on a place that everyone wants to eat at. We here at Food Adventures have a brief list of some favorite family friendly places to eat in the Dayton area!

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON SOME KID FRIENDLY EATERIES:

DOROTHY LANE MARKET, SPRINGBORO

We all know how awesome DLM is as a local grocer, but have you ever considered taking your crew there to eat? DLM offers a number of different options that would please the pallets of each one of your family members.

Enjoy a great view of DLM Springboro while you dine!

For starters, you can order a hot and fresh Neapolitan Pizza topped just the way you like it. Right in that same area, you can grab a custom sub sandwich as well! Want a salad? Go ahead and build your own from the huge salad bar stocked with fresh produce and multiple toppings.  Make it a combo and grab yourself a cup of soup from the soup station.

The deli case is the home to numerous prepared meals, including chicken tenders, mac and cheese, pasta dishes, salads, and more!  After your crew has picked out their eats, you can head upstairs and sit down to enjoy your meal in the spacious dining area.  Picked something that needs to be reheated? No worries! You’ll also find a microwave upstairs along with plates and cutlery.

After you all have indulged in dinner, be sure to leave room for desserts! DLM is home to an amazing variety of decedent desserts and a top notch coffee bar!

DEWEY’S PIZZA

Dewey’s has two locations in the Dayton area, one near the University of Dayton located at 131 Jasper Street, and their newest location at Austin Landing.  Dewey’s is known for their hand tossed pizzas and creative toppings.  Along with their pizzas, they have a variety of salads and calzones. But what is it that makes this pizza place stand out from the rest? While you wait for your meal, your little ones are welcomed to be entertained by the cooks in the kitchen tossing and spinning the pizza dough. The pizza makers aren’t just trained to make delicious pizzas, they are also trained to do so in an entertaining manner that engages their patrons and adds an extra flare to your dining experience!

 

Company 7’s Sausage Queso is good enough to eat with a spoon!

COMPANY 7 BBQ

Located at 1001 S. Main St. in Englewood, Company 7 BBQ offers a huge menu that’s guaranteed to have a dish that will make everyone happy. Being owned and ran by firefighters, Company 7 is loaded with fun decor making it very appealing for kids. And speaking of your kids, Wednesdays, kids 12 and under eat free! Also, if you join their birthday club, members 10 and up will receive a free meal for their birthday and kids under 10 receive a free kids meal.  Another bonus: you can also order through their drive through to bring dinner home!

 

ANOTHER BROKEN EGG

Another Broken Egg’s Epic Chocolate Milk!

This breakfast gem located at Austin Landing whips up a menu to please all ages but doesn’t sacrifice quality for the price. What we like about their family focus is that the kids’ menu is not only delicious, but the portions are just right. In addition, they don’t limit their seasonal menu to the main menu, they also get creative with the kids’. One of our favorites were the Mardi Gras Pancakes where they mixed in M&Ms for a special treat. But our favorite thing to order is the chocolate milk! Sounds like an every day drink, right? Not here! They take this beverage to the ultimate level by swirling in chocolate syrup and topping it off with a mound of whipped  cream. Young or old, we highly recommend this one!

 

 


2ND STREET MARKET

2nd Street Market is a great family experience

Here’s another example of why we love eating a places with multiple options. 2nd Street Market has a variety of local vendors selling everything from produce, to handmade crafts and yes, even delicious eats! Here you can find multiple eateries serving up everything from gourmet crepes to warm, soothing soups. Recently, 2nd Street Market just announced that they will be opening on Sundays extending their hours for what used to be just Thursday-Saturday!

 

MAGGIE MOOS

Maggie Moo’s never disappoints!

So it’s not just about eating a meal out, it’s also about figuring out where is the best place to grab a sweet treat! Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream is located in Cross Points Plaza in Centerville. What separates this creamery from others where you can request mix ins, is that your kiddo can help make their creation! The staff will let your child come behind the counter and mix up their ice cream right on the cold slab that they do it! Kids love this and their kid-sized portion is the perfect size that satisfies a sweet craving without overindulging!

 

 

Honorable Mention: CHICK-FIL-A

Chick-Fil-A nuggets can be ordered fried or grilled!

Yes, yes, we know it’s a fast food chain. But for a parent after a long day with the kids, Chick-Fil-A can bring some delicious relief for the whole family! They do have many healthy options on their menu, with the Yogurt Parfaits being one of our favorite eats. Aside from having a play area for the kids to get their energy out, Chick-Fil-A offers other services that just make life that much easier when having to feed your hungry and active kids! One example is how they provide multiple services to you at your table, including bringing you your food after it’s ordered so that you don’t have to wait up at the counter, coming by and checking to see if you need drink refills and they will also take up your trash for you! They’ve recently added the bonus feature of being able to order your food in the drive through and picking it up inside. No more juggling kids, your wallet and a tray of food!

 

There you have it foodie parents.  These are just some of the many places in our area that offer great eats for a family! We want to hear from you.  What are some of your favorite kid friendly spots?  Please comment below.  Also feel free to browse the photos below of our Food Adventures at family friendly places.

Want more info on Dayton’s best eats?  Follow us on TWITTER and FACEBOOK !

Dewey’s Candied Walnut Salad topped with gorgonzola and a basil vinaigrette!

Dewey’s Pizza with white sauce.

Heat up your eats in the DLM seating area!

Dorothy Lane Market Pizza station

Mac n Cheese from DLM is a must eat !

Dorothy Lane Market’s prepared stuffed peppers

Kids can have as much fun as adults browsing the colorful trays at Dorothy Lane Market

Condiment Area and plates and more – Make life easy to eat at the upstairs balcony at Dorothy Lane Market.

Kids are fascinated with pizza making

Dewey’s pizza window is a fun distraction for children

 

Style Encore Brings More

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This week is the Grand Opening of Style Encore

It’s going to be a busy week at Cross Pointe Center in Centerville! After a lot of planning and a TON of clothes-buying, the doors will finally open at Style Encore.

Style Encore is easily the best way to clean out your closet and find a new wardrobe all in one place. They buy and sell gently used women’s clothing and accessories.

Sure, that sounds nice, but you never know what you’re going to find, right? WRONG! I stopped in the other day and instantly fell in love with a pair of shoes I’m not going to tell you about because BACK OFF. But seriously, the walls are bursting with the brand names we all know and love. Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Gucci…the list is long and illustrious. 

Not only do they have a huge variety out on the sales floor ready for their big day, but they have more inventory than you could imagine so they are able to put out NEW merch every day.  

Buckle up, it’s going to be a big weekend – you aren’t going to want to miss any of this:

ALL DAY THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

  • Register to win a BRAND NEW Kate Spade handbag & mini-pouch and receive an extra entry when you check in to Style Encore Centerville on Facebook
  • Get a free gift* when you spend $100+ plus get an extra entry for the BRAND NEW Kate Spade handbag
  • Tons of prizes throughout the day* Follow us on social media for updates
  • Post a pic with your great finds, tag Style Encore Centerville on Facebook or Instagram and be entered to win brand NEW handbags daily*
  • Use #stylestartsnow Thursday through Sunday to be entered to win the brand new Kate Spade bag in drawing Sunday

THURSDAY, APRIL 13TH | DOORS OPEN AT 10 AM

– Ribbon cutting event with Chamber of Commerce and elected officials at 8:30 am

– Local radio personality Gina Ferraro from 9-11am

– Treat yourself to refreshments – coffee & snacks

– First 20 guests in line receive a $20 gift card*

– EVERY guest in line by 9:45 am receives a discount coupon*

– Like us, check in with us on Facebook, spin the wheel and get your deal at checkout*

– 11:30 AM NEW Coach cross-body handbag giveaway**

– Treat yourself to sweet treats – candy bar & snacks

– 2:30 PM NEW Michael by Michael Kors handbag giveaway**

– Food, Fashion, and Fun 5-8 pm – Finger foods & prizes

– With every purchase, receive a coupon to use the next day & a $10 coupon to use in May*

FRIDAY, APRIL 14TH  | DOORS OPEN AT 10 AM

– New inventory added daily!

– First 20 guests in line receive a $20 gift card*

– Treat yourself to sweet treats – coffee & snacks throughout the day

– Like us, check in with us on Facebook, spin the wheel and get your deal at checkout*

– 10-4 Spruce up your Spring look with make-up artist Joy Rentz

– 2:30 PM NEW Michael by Michael Kors handbag giveaway**

– 5-7 Cosmo Happy Hour – Free gift with purchase* & prizes!

– 6:45 PM NEW Kate Spade Wristlet giveaway**

– With every purchase, receive a coupon to use the next day & a $10 coupon to use in May*

SATURDAY, APRIL 15TH | DOORS OPEN AT 10 AM

– New inventory added daily!

– First 20 guests in line receive a mystery gift card ($5-$50)*

– Treat yourself to sweet treats – coffee & snacks throughout the day

– Like us, check in with us on Facebook, spin the wheel and get your deal at checkout*

– 10-3 Take a relaxation break with a chair massage from A Touch of Zen’s Oriana Adam

– 1:30 PM NEW Kate Spade handbag giveaway**

– 3:30 PM NEW Coach handbag giveaway**

– 5-7 PM Wine Tasting Happy Hour – Free gift with purchase* & prizes!

– 6:45 PM $50 Style Encore gift card giveaway**

– With every purchase, receive a coupon to use the next day & a $10 coupon to use in May*

SUNDAY, APRIL 16TH | DOORS OPEN AT 12 PM

– New inventory added daily!

– 11:30-1PM Mimosa Brunch

– Like us, check in with us on Facebook, spin the wheel and get your deal at checkout*

– First 20 people through the door get a gift*

– Easter Egg Hunt – Find an egg, win the prize inside*!

– 2:30 PM $50 Style Encore gift card giveaway**

– With every purchase, receive a $10 coupon to use in May*

– 5:30 PM Drawing for the BRAND NEW Kate Spade handbag & mini-pouch (Do NOT have to be present to win)

*While supplies last     **Must be present to win

Lots of goodies, give-aways, and fun! 

Get here early to have first pick of all the great gently used items that they have purchased. Jeans, tops, skirts, blazers, dresses, shoes, boots, jewelry, handbags, and much more – you name it, and they’ve bought it.   

Style Encore is the preferred store of fashion conscious, spending savvy women. We buy and sell the latest styles and brands in gently used casual and business clothing, accessories and handbags all day, every day.

 

Worth The Wait

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A few weeks ago I met a couple girlfriends at the Yellow Cab Building for the Brunch Food Truck Rally.   Since brunch is my favorite meal of the week, I was geared up to go.  I was properly caffeinated, had cash in my pocket, and my pants had a little stretch to make way for all the yummy food ahead of me.  When I got there I was shocked by the amount of people who had the same plan in mind.  Everywhere I turned the lines were long.  I thought to myself that surely no food that came out of a truck could possibly be worth waiting for, but wait I did.

We landed on the always fresh and delightful Shakery Juice Bar since my friends and I were looking for something light and healthy to eat…but smells of waffle batter and maple syrup kept wafting in my direction.  Where was this heavenly scent coming from…? Of course the truck with the longest line of the day: The Drunken Waffle.

As I practically licked the last of my acai berry bowl, I made a mental note to wait for some waffles the next time.  Fortunately the next time came around much sooner than I had expected.  The Drunken Waffle was parked out back of the Cannery Loft Apartments the very next weekend, so my husband and I decided to give some waffles a whirl.

We ordered two meals and decided to split them.  I went relatively traditional with the “50 Shades of Swine,” a bacon wrapped breakfast sausage cooked into the waffle batter.  It was accompanied by a jalapeno maple syrup that wasn’t overly spicy, but left a nice lingering tickle on the tip of my tongue.  My husband took a left at classic and went with a dish that was full of twists and delicious turns:  The War Pig.  This dish had ham, bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, and a scrumptious herbed mayo sandwiched in between a spicy, 3 pepper waffle.  He also got a side of asparagus that were perfectly seasoned and cooked.  

All in all,  the meal was as whimsical as the names of the dishes, the flavor combinations were spot on, and the portions were not overwhelming.  Most importantly, the waffles tasted good, they were fluffy and flavorful.  I always appreciate when a restaurant (or in this case a food truck) can introduce some creativity into their food without losing focus of the basics.  The Drunken Waffle’s food is fun and exciting while still keeping the flavors at the forefront.

So the next time you find yourself in a long line at a food truck rally asking “How good can food from a truck really be?”  

Trust that it can be really, really good, and yes, it may even be worth the wait!

Where you can find the Drunken Waffle this week:

Wednesday | Air National Guard Base in Springfield (Military access required) from 11am-2pm
Thursday | WHIO (1611 S Main Street in Dayton) from 11am-2pm
Saturday | Home Depot Rally in Centerville from 11am-6pm

Brunch! Food Truck Rallies at the Yellow Cab are held on the first Sunday of every month, through September.

Culture Works Announces New Director

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The Culture Works Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Hanson as Executive Director, effective immediately. Hanson succeeds Martine Meredith Collier, who left the organization late last year to serve as Executive Director of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County in Tampa, Florida.

Hanson brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and community engagement to the role. An entrepreneur, educator, performer, and seasoned nonprofit executive, she served most recently as the Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio.

Hanson’s appointment comes as the result of an extensive nationwide search. “Culture Works is a community organization, so we were very intentional about involving the community in this process,” said Steve Petitjean, Chair of the Culture Works Board of Trustees. “Before starting the interviews, we met with key stakeholders and arts partners to get a good understanding of the type of leader they envisioned taking our arts community to the next level. When our search committee met with Lisa, we saw immediately that she has the right mix of fundraising experience, creativity, collaborative nature, and a deep knowledge of our arts community.”

A native of South Florida, Hanson has lived in Dayton for 22 years and has served as a nonprofit executive for nearly a decade. During her tenure at the Epilepsy Foundation, she managed programs and services reaching over 11 counties, introduced an innovative art therapy program, Studio E, to the Dayton Region, and directed one of the region’s largest and top-rated fundraising events, Mud Volleyball, which draws over 5,000 attendees each year. As a public speaker, she was most recently invited to speak at a national conference on growing community engagement through successful fundraising events. She is also an award-winning, classically trained vocalist who has performed in Carnegie Hall and internationally. In Dayton, she can be seen on stage performing with the Dayton Opera Chorus and as a professional soloist.

“Throughout my years in Dayton, I have witnessed the evolution of our city’s unique arts landscape,” said Hanson. “This is thanks to the commitment of organizations and passionate individuals unifying to preserve and nurture all that defines this collective culture. I am truly honored to join such a dedicated team of individuals to share in promoting Dayton’s creative culture–preserving its legacy and investing in its future. Together, we are the seed planters.”
Hanson received her Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Miami, School of Music in Miami, Florida. The focus of her graduate work was vocal performance and pedagogy at Northeast Louisiana University.

Over the next few weeks, Hanson will meet with members of the cultural community to discuss current initiatives. Next month, Culture Works will bring together a group of local arts representatives to make legislative visits as part of Arts Day, an annual advocacy event in Columbus. “Lisa is an excellent organizer and advocate,” Petitjean added. “She’s going to be a powerful voice for the Dayton Region’s arts and culture, and we’re excited to be a part of putting her ideas into action.”

Luminaries of Dayton: The Anchor as a Cemetery Symbol

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Early Christians used the anchor as a disguised cross and as a marker to guide the way to secret meeting places. It is a Christian symbol of hope, it is found as funeral symbolism in the art of the catacombs. It is also an occupational symbol in sea-faring areas or the attribute of St. Nicholas, patron saint of the seaman, it symbolized hope and steadfastness. An anchor with a broken chain stands for the cessation of life. Anchors are also a Masonic symbol and often found on Mason’s graves as they were a symbol for well-grounded hope.

Woodland Cemetery, founded in 1841, is one of the nation’s five oldest rural garden cemeteries and a unique cultural, botanical and educational resource in the heart of Dayton, Ohio as you will see as you read through this new MostMetro.com series. Visit the cemetery and arboretum and take one of the many tours Woodland offers free of charge. Most of Dayton’s aviation heroes, inventors and business barons are buried at Woodland.

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the UD Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland website.

 

Dayton Bar Star: Amber Brady

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Amber Brady Dayton

Dayton Bar Star: Amber Brady of Lily’s Bistro

When you are bartending in a place like Lily’s Bistro, being curious is part of the job. They are constantly exploring what they can do with seasonal, fresh ingredients, meaning their menu is perpetually evolving. As their food menu changes, their cocktail, beer, and wine menus are always changing with it. Amber Brady, head bartender at Lily’s, has been handling that job for a long time and handling it well. She embraces the challenge of keeping up with all the working parts in the cocktail menu, from developing cocktails that pair well with food to navigating the complexities of Ohio liquor constraints.

Beyond her considerable talents, she has a personality that could light up a few city blocks. Her pride in the city she works in is almost a force in itself; she sees the wealth of culinary and bar talent Dayton possesses. The specials that Lily’s offers every evening are for a good reason. Emily and Amber use those to test concepts that, with a little bit of tweaking, could end up on a future menu. The well-curated cocktail, wine, and beer menus have something for every taste. If you love the classics, there are a few explorations of those cocktails. Those that want something more adventurous also have their Funky section to try out. And every new menu offers at least one gin, vodka, tequila, whiskey, and rum cocktail.

Lily’s chef,servers, Amber and owner Emily all have input on the cocktail menu.

Amber also knows how hard it can be to keep up the creativity. She enlists the whole staff to come up with their own ideas for cocktails, or suggestions for beer and wine. They know that there is wisdom in crowds, and they use it to keep their menu lively. The other challenge to the creativity, one that all Ohio bars face, is the state removing liquors to sell. Ohio controls what can and cannot be sold commercially in the state, so some of the bitters and Amari that Amber loves can be lost if they are not robust sellers. She does not lament it, she just sees it as an another challenge. This encourages more experimentation but ultimately is it difficult when a spirit can no longer be sold in a state. While a fine rhubarb liqueur can be replicated, there are subtle nuances that would be lost from a century-old family recipe.

If you have not met this bartending bundle of energy, you need to head over to Lily’s Bistro and experience Amber for yourself. Not only is she one of the top bartenders in the Dayton community, she is a huge advocate for the city where she creates those cocktails. If love is a secret ingredient in a drink, her drinks are filled with them.

How did you get into bartending?

I started in the service industry in the kitchens and back of the house. I have worked in several bar and restaurants and had bar-backed some. I had also worked auxiliary bars during high volume events. While I was working at Blind Bobs, Lily’s was born, and I came on as a server from the beginning. This opportunity grew into me bartending full time and eventually becoming the bar manager.  I had always wanted to go a bit beyond volume bartending, and more into the culinary side of the craft and learn more about obscure spirits.

What is your favorite drink to make?

I enjoy making most drinks! I have favorites of the moment, however, I just really enjoy finding a good balance, putting it in front of a guest, and getting an honest reaction, hopefully a good one!

Which drink makes you internally cringe?

I don’t think any specific drink does that. Possibly a mojito on a super busy night, when I’m low on mint. We call it the “Mojito Effect”: once one goes out, every guest wants one. However, it’s a great drink that I don’t mind making at all, as long as there is plenty of mint!!

Do you have a favorite spirit you like to work with?

I tried to narrow it down but I just couldn’t! I love bourbon and gin especially, but I absolutely love just about any Amaro you put in front of me. I love being challenged by a spirit that might not be that accessible to most people and I really appreciate the craft that is behind most Amari.

The story behind the name Porn or Pawn is amazing…

When you go out for a drink in Dayton, where is your favorite place to go?

We have so much bar talent in this city! I have a toddler, so I don’t get out much, but when I do I enjoy great cocktails at Coco’s, Wheat Penny, or Corner Kitchen, or a Porn or Pawn Pepper Ale at Toxic or a flight at Warped Wing. And of course, I love PBR’s on Bob’s patio!

Who is the most famous person you have served?

I made drinks for the Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio. Sean Lennon was in Lily’s for lunch one day and I poured his girlfriend a lemonade. I’ve made Dave Chappelle a few mules.

What do you do when you are not bartending?

Spend time with my husband and son. I also go to school, work on a horror podcast and try to find time to play in bands! I’m a busy gal.

What are your favorite trends from the last year?

The resurgence of mezcal! Keep it coming!

What trends do you see coming to Dayton over the next six months?

Beverage wise, I think more rose, more sour beers, mezcal, and coffee cocktails! And I don’t mean Irish coffees, I mean coffee as a bitter component rather than the main ingredient!

What advice do you want to give bartenders just getting into the business?

Experiment. Keep an open mind. Find balance, speed, and consistency.  Use jiggers. Learn as much as you can about everything behind your bar. Have fun with it!

What do you love most about Dayton?

We may be a smaller city, but we have a lot of heart. We find a way to reinvent and persevere and that’s inspiring.

Amber, her son and husband at Halloween.

Most interesting thing you have seen from behind the bar?

While I have definitely seen a lot of crazy stuff in this industry, each Hauntfest on 5th that I work brings a whole new set of interesting sights to see!

How has bartending changed in the time you have been in the industry?

I think that we think more of the bar industry than we once did. I think that in Dayton, Ohio, we are keeping up with the bigger cities and not just as bartenders, but as bar patrons. The bartending scene is constantly evolving. The business of booze is thriving. Here in Ohio, we have distilleries and breweries popping up everywhere. Social media has fueled the craft everything trend, including cocktails. As trends flow from bigger cities to smaller ones, we all grow. Our bar guests evolve as well. They are becoming more educated and open minded when it comes to their choices in beverages.  I think that rules.

What do you wish customers knew that helped you do your job?

That a bar’s signature cocktail list is theirs, and we don’t all have the same drinks and ingredients.  However, I will try my best to make something you’ll enjoy! Talk to us, we want you to enjoy your drink!

If you were not a bartender, what career would you be pursuing?

I am actually attending Sinclair Community College to hopefully one day become a Physical Therapist Assistant. However, it will be hard to get me out from behind the bar completely. I love what I do!

 

Lily’s Bistro Bar Hours are: Tuesday-Thursday, 5pm-10pm; Friday and Saturday, 5pm-11p.  Visit Lily’s at 329 E 5th Street in the Oregon District

Boney James WithMorris Day & The Time At the Rose

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Four-time GRAMMY nominee and multi-platinum selling sax-man Boney James is set to perform at Rose Music Center in Huber Heights, OH on Sunday, June 25th. The show will feature support by Morris Day and The Time.

ABOUT BONEY JAMES

Over 25 years James has racked up sales of more than 3 million records, four RIAA gold albums, four GRAMMY nominations, a Soul Train Award, nominations for two NAACP Image Awards and 10 CD’s atop Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. In 2009 Billboard magazine named him the #3 Contemporary Jazz Artist Of The Decade (trailing just Kenny G and Norah Jones).

Fusing his love for vintage soul music with his mastery of modern production, Boney has created another genre-bending work with futuresoul following The Beat, nominated for the GRAMMY for Best Pop Instrumental Album, which prompted The New York Times to praise “The relaxed charisma of Mr. James’ tone…”

James says, “When people ask me what category my music falls under, I always say, ‘It’s Boney James music’.” Known for blurring the lines between genres, with futuresoul, Boney is doing the same between eras. “Let’s just call it ‘retro music for a modern age.’”

ABOUT MORRIS DAY & THE TIME

Born in Minneapolis, Day went to school with Prince Rogers Nelson and sang in Prince’s first band Grand Central. Prince grew as an artist and so did the opportunity around him. The Time was originally created as Prince’s alter-ego to be seen as the cool, street-wise funk band contrasting Prince’s more soulful R&B sound. After looking at several lead vocalists, Prince wanted someone with mad talent so he cast his high school friend, the funky, the fabulous Morris Day. Soon after, Morris Day and the Time were cast in Purple Rain which captured the exploding Minneapolis music scene at its peak.

Morris Day burst onto the public scene with the group’s self-titled album, The Time, which included “Get It Up,” “Cool,” and “Girl.” Soon after the world was introduced the prolific Minneapolis music marvel, the group went on to record three more albums, including What Time Is It? (featuring the hits “777-9311,” “Wild and Loose,” “Walk,” and “Gigolos Get Lonely Too”) and Ice Cream Castle, (which included the hit “Jungle Love”). After three albums, Morris Day launched his solo career, releasing three albums: The Color of Success, Daydreaming, and Guaranteed. Combined sales of Morris Day’s solo work and The Time is in excess of 10 million units.

Tickets for the Huber Heights show will go on sale to the public beginning 11:00am on Friday, April 14th at www.Ticketmaster.com, www.Rosemusiccenter.com, and the Rose Music Center box office. Charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000. *Ticket prices include parking and are subject to applicable Ticketmaster fees.  

Dayton at Work and Play: Colleen Kelsey

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Colleen Kelsey is amazing. Just listing all of her activities makes me tired. In addition to making art she’s raising three kids, teaching at three local colleges, organizing pop-up gallery exhibitions under the name Kelsey Projects and founding the Dutoit Gallery, a cooperative exhibition space.    

 

Most recently, she’s become the Director of the Dayton Society of Artists.The DSA is hosting  a Collaborative Drawing Event on Wed, April 12th from 6 – 7:30pm.  This community drawing performative act involves bringing your own still-life object(s).   We will be building a collaborative environment to draw from.  Brown craft paper and charcoal will be provided but it is suggested individuals bring their own drawing materials if desired.  Tables, chairs and art easels are also available. This drawing event is part of DSA’s monthly drawing program.  This is free and open to the public.

Colleen is also active in groups such as the Dayton Chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and she went to the Women’s March in Washington.

I asked Colleen why she had chosen to pack so much into her life and she said “We might live just this one life so I want to make mine count. I don’t want to have regrets about things I didn’t do.” I asked about her art process.

“When I start to make art I start with a free form gesture, something organic and curvilinear. That often morphs into figures and the figures impact the space. I don’t know where it will end up. It depends on what I’ve experienced or thought about that day. The meaning and content are only discovered after I’ve finished the piece.”

“Sometimes I do have some forethought before beginning a work. I did a series called the Artist and Her Husband. Those works reference pieces by important male artists, with a switch. In my works my husband (artist Jeremy Long) wears the dress.”

Montgomery County Fair A ‘GO’ After Recent Wind Damage

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The 166th Annual Montgomery County Fair will start 7/10/17.

The Montgomery County Agricultural Society Board of Directors announce the July 10-15, 2017 Montgomery County Fair is ‘all systems go’ after some minor wind damage during last week’s storms.

 

“Our grandstands suffered a little damage which will be repaired in plenty of time before our #FAIRwellOnMain in July. Also, some older unused horse stables along shed row were damaged.” Says Montgomery County Agricultural Society President John Yancik.  “Wind gusts knocked down some siding and blew off a garage door at the grandstands with zero structural damage.” The popular Demo Derby, Rodeo and other events take place on the track in front of the grandstands during fair time.

“We encourage everyone to enjoy the fair, relive memories where many of us spent our childhood, July 10-15, for the final time on S. Main Street. Come celebrate as we look to the future with our new fairgrounds and event center at Arthur O. Fisher Park in Jefferson Township.” Yancik shares.

 

Again, the 2017 Montgomery County Fair is Monday, July 10, through Saturday, July 15, 2017 on South Main Street across from Miami Valley Hospital.

AIDS Walk Greater Dayton: Continuing to Make Progress Together

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We’ve made a lot of progress since those darks days at the beginning the AIDS epidemic. We’ve helped people come out of the shadows and seek treatment. We’ve developed a better understanding of the disease and treatment options. We’ve raised awareness about the importance of getting tested. And most recently, we’ve empowered people by creating a once daily pill, known as PrEP, that prevents the transmission of HIV. But our fight is far from over. In Ohio, approximately 24,000 people are currently living with HIV. 1 in 8 HIV-positive people don’t know their status, don’t receive HIV medical care, and can pass the virus on to others. If current trends continue, 1 in 6 gay or bi-sexual men will contract HIV in their lifetime. If that’s unacceptable to you, help continue the progress by signing up to participate in AIDS Walk Greater Dayton on April 22.

AIDS Walk Greater Dayton draws people from all walks of life with different connections to the cause. Teddy Thomas, a Daytonian who’s been a part of Equitas Health’s mpowerment program, Mu Crew since 2014, is looking forward to this year’s walk. “I walk because Mu Crew has helped me teach others about HIV awareness and safety. I want to be a part of creating a world where people aren’t afraid to talk about being HIV-positive. Participating in AIDS Walk Ohio helps me do that,” said Teddy. He also receives care at their Dayton Medical Center and Pharmacy and is thankful for the social services they provide. “Their housing assistance program allowed me to stay in Ohio and avoid homelessness. I would have a very different life if it weren’t for Equitas Health,” said Teddy. Teddy has achieved “Grand Walker” status by raising at least $1,000 to support HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. This is his second year achieving that milestone and he hopes to defend his title as the top fundraiser in Dayton again this year.

Whether you walk in memory of someone who’s passed, in celebration of someone who’s survived, or in solidarity with those affected or at-risk of HIV, your participation is necessary to continue making progress until one day when we have a cure.

AIDS Walk Greater Dayton takes place Saturday, April 22 at its new location at Fifth Third Field Plaza. Registration starts at 10am. Sign up at aidswalkohio.com to participate in the 1-mile stroll, 5K walk or run, or 20-mile bike ride. Come out and cheer people on as they return and enjoy music by DJ Dayna, food by the Drunken Waffle and the Wicked ‘Wich of Dayton, and craft beer from Warped Wing Brewery.

 

This post contributed by Alyssa Chenault, Communications Manager for Equitas Health.

BBB Announces 2017 Eclipse Integrity Awards Finalists

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Today, your Better Business Bureau announces the 2017 Eclipse Integrity Awards finalists. These awards are given to Miami Valley businesses and nonprofits who model ethics, honesty and integrity in our community. The winners will be announced May 9 at your BBB’s Eclipse Integrity Awards.

The Eclipse Integrity Awards finalists are:

1-6 Employees

The Allyn Conway Group – ACG, Inc. (Centerville)

Audio Etc…LLC (Centerville)

Solid Rock Roofing, Inc. (Centerville)

7-14 Employees

The Cakery (Riverside)

Roberson Law (Kettering)

15-99 Employees

Alpha Media Dayton (Kettering)

BarryStaff (Dayton)

HORAN (Dayton)

100+ Employees

Integrity Applications, Incorporated (Beavercreek)

Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC – Midwest Region (Dayton)

Nonprofit (0-99 Employees)

Humane Society of Greater Dayton (Dayton)

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton (Dayton)

Nonprofit (100+ Employees)

Echoing Hills Village, Inc. dba echoingU (Dayton)

TAC Industries, Inc., The Abilities Connection (Springfield)

Join your Better Business Bureau in honoring these organizations by attending the Eclipse Integrity Awards on Tuesday, May 9 at the David H. Ponitz Sinclair Center. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. The dinner and awards presentation will start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $99 per person or you can sponsor a table of eight for $999. Make your reservations today by calling (937) 610-2277.

John North, BBB president & CEO, says, “Integrity doesn’t necessarily come naturally in business. It is something instilled in the leadership and inspired in the organization’s team. These finalists’ nominations demonstrated how integrity is at work in their organizations every day. We are thrilled to honor them for their extraordinary efforts. Please join us and 550 other business leaders as we recognize all these finalists and announce our winners — the organizations that make our marketplace one to be proud of.” 

The Eclipse Integrity Awards are sponsored by many local organizations, including The Dayton Power and Light Company; WesBanco Bank, Inc.; Back To Business I.T.; WDTN-TV; Cox Ohio Media Group; and iHeart Radio. 

‘Dogfight’ Review –Dare to Defy Productions – Innocence Lost

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Composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and librettist Peter Duchan’s compelling, unnerving and romantic 2012 off-Broadway musical “Dogfight” receives a terrific regional premiere courtesy of Dare to Defy Productions in the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center.

Mackensie King as Rose Fenny and Ray Zupp as Eddie Birdlace in Dare to Defy Productions’ presentation of “Dogfight: The Musical” (Contributed photo)

Based on the 1991 film of the same name and set in 1960s San Francisco, “Dogfight,” deftly directed by Angie Thacker, is craftily told in flashback. At the center is a trio of young marines nicknamed The Three Bees: Eddie Birdlace, distraught and disillusioned; Boland, viewing duty to country and comrades as chief above all; and Bernstein, a straight-laced nerd determined to lose his virginity. Before deploying to seemingly uneventful Vietnam, they decide to have one final evening of rowdy fun by coordinating a dogfight, a mean game in which each member seeks to bring the ugliest date to a party and earn the collected winnings. However, when Eddie chooses shy waitress Rose Fenny, he inadvertently makes a much-needed leap into adulthood bolstered by valuable lessons in tolerance and acceptance. In fact, during one pivotal moment, Eddie adamantly tells Rose, “I don’t care what you look like.” She responds, “I wish you would.” At the outset, the story hints that not all will end well for Eddie or his close band of brothers (an unfortunately underwritten group), especially as views of patriotism and Vietnam shift greatly during its course. Nonetheless, there is hope that through Rose’s influence, a redemptive Eddie will become a better man, perhaps fulfilling his purpose beyond what he originally thought possible.

 
Long before Pasek and Paul took Hollywood by storm winning an Academy Award for writing the lyrics to “City of Stars” from “La La Land,” they molded their witty and insightful character-driven songwriting here with many Broadway and pop/rock influences. Eddie and Rose’s “Come to a Party” contains conversational shades of Jonathan Larson’s “Rent.” Rose’s beguiling and introspectively jumpy “Nothing Short of Wonderful” recalls the works of Stephen Sondheim and Adam Guettel. The rousing “Hey, Good Lookin’” and the thrilling yet devastatingly false anthem “Hometown Hero’s Ticker Tape Parade,” defiantly warning “no confetti for the boys who stayed,” fits comfortably into Billy Joel and Jason Robert Brown’s wheelhouse. Pasek and Paul could win a Tony and Pulitzer Prize this spring for their luminous hit “Dear Evan Hansen,” but “Dogfight” remains a signature moment of evolution for their fantastic partnership.

 
The outstanding duo of Ray Zupp and Mackensie King are perfectly compatible while navigating the complexities within Eddie and Rose. Zupp, arrogant yet tender with sharp intensity, truly masters Eddie’s charming duality of appearing brutish with his buddies and outright vulnerable with Rose. He also vividly expresses Eddie’s insecure quandary of holding tightly to his tough guy façade when he’s actually attempting to simply figure out his place in the world. In one of her finest roles, King, appropriately introverted but far from a pushover, accomplishes the feat of ensuring the emotionally wounded Rose is credibly openhearted enough to look past Eddie’s immaturity and recognize his potential. It’s tough to love a jerk, but King’s grasp of Rose’s dilemma and her willingness to forgive resonates.

 
Thacker’s excellent, vocally strong cast is also filled with commendable featured players. The commanding Layne Roate dynamically intimidates with Southern swagger as cocky Boland. Bobby Mitchum, a bundle of energy and nervous trepidation, delights as bespectacled Bernstein. Tia Seay brings comedic flavor to her portrayal of shrewd and savvy Marcy, Boland’s deceitful date. Seay also joins King for a marvelous rendition of the fiery title song in which Marcy and Rose come to terms with the cruelty of the game. David Baker (Stevens), Jesse Daniel (Fector), Brett Norgaard (Gibbs), and TC Schreier provide enthusiastic vigor as fellow marines. Skyler McNeely offers lighthearted levity throughout in multiple roles. Danielle DeLorme (Mama), Samantha Creech (Ruth Two Bears) and Natalie Sanders are also effective, especially Creech’s funny choices during the dogfight.

 
In addition, Zupp’s striking scenic design, complete with a tattered American flag as an ominous backdrop, aptly evokes the memory play concept inherent in the material. Olivia Dakin’s fine assortment of period-appropriate wardrobe includes an endearingly tacky costume party outfit for King. Choreographer Lisa Glover skillfully establishes conversation in dance in the sprightly “Hey, Good-Lookin.’” Along with Lorri Topping’s music direction, the show notably features a six-piece orchestra accented with splendid piano accompaniment from conductor Nick Garvin.

 

“Dogfight” stings but it’s an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss it.

 
“Dogfight: The Musical” continues through April 8 inside the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Act One: 60 minutes; Act Two: 50 minutes. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets range from $19.50-$24.50. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com. The production contains adult themes and language. Patrons should also note understudy Jesse Daniel portrays Eddie Birdlace at the Saturday matinee.

This Must Be The Party!

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This Must Be the Party! is a brand new benefit show produced by the Dayton Ballet Barre, as a fundraiser for the Dayton Ballet. This “dance party for the dancers” is a special collaboration by the region’s most talented musicians, performing songs from The Talking Head’s epic 80’s rockumentary “Stop Making Sense.” This classic performance will be recreated by this fantastic ensemble on Saturday April 15th at Oddbody’s Music Room. Doors open at 8pm, and Show runs from 9pm–11:30pm. The best part is that it’s a super affordable way to support the Arts in Dayton: Just $15 for pre-sale tickets or $20 at the door, day of show. 18+

Libby Ballengee, President of the Dayton Ballet Barre and a local music promoter through her own music production company, Venus Child Productions, explains the origin and inspiration for this event: “It was an easy ‘win’ all around – the Ballet Barre needed a fundraiser, a group of musicians wanted a reason to perform this album (because it’s so fun!), and lots of my friends would be in heaven if we did this show. I could not be more excited for this show! This is truly going to be an extremely fun event!”

The incredible line-up of Dayton, Cincinnati and Louisville musicians performing include: Brian Hoeflich, Patrick Himes, Nathan Lewis, Erich Reith, Greg Lewis, Aaron Holm, Dan Hereford, Keith Cost, Khrys Blank, Mykal, John Dubuc, Nathan Peters, Brian Spirk, Eric Cassidy, and Matt Byanski.

Big thanks go out to the sponsors of this event: Houser Asphalt & Concrete, Nightstar Security, Turner Property Services Group, On-the-Go Prints, and Oddbody’s Music Room.

How to go?

Saturday April 15th 2017 at Oddbody’s Music Room.

Doors 8pm. Show 9pm. 18+ with valid ID.

$15 advance. $20 day of show.

For tickets: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1437688

Luminaries of Dayton: Richard N. Comly

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Richard N. Comly was part owner and editor of the Dayton Journal which in 1834, was the largest newspaper publication in Ohio. Comly served on the City Council in 1842 and welcomed John Quincy Adams to Dayton that year. He later served as Postmaster of Dayton in 1861.

Richard had a brother, William. He was also appointed as Postmaster. William bought out John Van Cleve’s interest in the Dayton Journal and his connection with the Journal lasted more than 60 years. During the “Harrison Campaign,” the Comly brothers published the Log Cabin Newspaper. Both Richard and William were original subscribers to the 1841 Woodland Cemetery Association.

Mr. Comly died on October 25, 1891 at the age of 83. He is located in Section 33 Lot 113.

Woodland Cemetery, founded in 1841, is one of the nation’s five oldest rural garden cemeteries and a unique cultural, botanical and educational resource in the heart of Dayton, Ohio as you will see as you read through this new MostMetro.com series. Visit the cemetery and arboretum and take one of the many tours Woodland offers free of charge. Most of Dayton’s aviation heroes, inventors and business barons are buried at Woodland.

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is located at 118 Woodland Avenue off of Brown Street near the UD Campus. The Woodland Office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm. The Cemetery and Arboretum are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland website.