Dayton937

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

Archives for April 2017

Taka A Little Lady To High Tea!

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The Ronald McDonald House, the Red Shoe Society Dayton and the Jr. Red Shoe Society invites Moms, Daughters, Grandmas, and Friends to join them for a Little Ladies High Tea wit
h your American Girl Doll.

Share an afternoon together eating and laughing while enjoying a fashion show, crafts, doll boutique, raffle and much more. American Girl Dolls are welcome but not required.

When: Sunday, April 30,
Morning Tea: 10 A.M. – Noon

Afternoon Tea: 2 P.M. – 4 P.M.
Where: Sycamore Creek Country Club
8300 Country Club Lane Springboro, Ohio

Ticket price: $25  reserve online

 

 

All proceeds from this event benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton® and its mission to provide a home-away-from-home to
critically ill or injured families of  hospitalized babies and children.

If you would like to donate a raffle or silent auction item, please contact Karen Hunt, RMHC Dayton Special Events and Partnership Development Director at [email protected]. You can also sign up to volunteer to help with general event tasks such as set-up, tear-down, assisting the event committee during the event, directing attendees, working the check-in table and more.

Nibbles Announces Spring Menu

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Chef Maria Walusis has just announced her 15th seasonal menu. The Miamisburg eatery, that recently announced that they will be moving to a new location, two doors down from their current space on Second Street, changes it’s offering each time the season changes.

The spring menu will include the return of their rich, creamy Crab Fondue, and Tenderloin Sliders made with from their own special grind of Prime Filet!  Nibbles serves dinner Wed – Sat from 5 – 10 pm and reservations are suggested, as there less than 30 seats in the dining room.  The new location, which will be called Watermark  will add a bar area with 40 seats, 40 seats in the main dining room as well as a private party room, and most importantly a much larger kitchen. But in the meantime, you’ll want to visit Nibbles and enjoy an amazing dining experience, orchestrated by Chef Maria, recently named Top Chef in the 2nd Annual Chef Showdown at the Home and Garden show.

Below is Menu #15 from Nibbles:

Not Entrées
Crab Fondue – 14.
lump crab blended with creamy cheeses, butter, garlic, and spices
served with crispy tortilla points

Shrimp Griddle Cake – 12.95
Spanish paprika-dusted shrimp over corn griddle cake with sautéed peppers and onions,
smoky chipotle brown butter, pickled red onions, scallions

Spring Salad – 7.
asparagus salad with greens, shaved fennel, cucumber, lemon vinaigrette

Parsnip Bisque – 7.95
delicately seasoned creamy parsnip purée garnished with house-made croutons

Panko-Crusted Brie – 10.95
warm panko-crusted brie with fig jam and walnuts, served with wonton crisps

Tempura Green Beans – 7.95
tender green beans in a light and crispy tempura, with lemon-garlic aioli

Tenderloin Sliders – 10.95
house-ground tenderloin sliders on petite brioche topped with foie gras & bacon spread,
smoked gouda, pickled red onion, house-made pickles
Entrées
Thai Noodle Salad – 15.95
buckwheat soba noodles, shaved red cabbage, carrots, snow peas, Asian vinaigrette
Add Shrimp – 5

Pork Tenderloin – 25.95
pork tenderloin medallions roasted with Herbes de Provence, apple butter demi-glace
with savory apple-rosemary bread pudding and haricot vert with herbed butter

Grilled Swordfish – 28.95
7-oz steak topped with rhubarb salsa, accompanied by a quinoa grain salad
with red wine vinaigrette, diced cucumber, herbs, yellow pepper, black beans

Filet Tips Stroganoff – 26.95
tender cuts of beef filet simmered in a rich demi-glace and topped with mushrooms,
over hand-cut fresh pappardelle pasta

Prime Filet Mignon – 34.95
filet of beef tenderloin, with fresh asparagus,
sweet potato rosemary hash with caramelized onions
Desserts
Napoleon – 7.95
layers of flaky pastry with butter-rum cream and strawberry-rhubarb ginger compote

Chocolate Mousse Torte – 7.95
dark chocolate hazelnut torte with a soft mousse center, topped with chocolate ganache
on a chocolate graham cracker crust and dusted with hazelnuts

Pistachio Ice Cream – 5.95
creamy house-made ice cream served with a fresh butter cookie

Sides – 5 ea.
apple-rosemary bread pudding – fresh asparagus – sweet potato hash
haricot vert with herbed butter – quinoa grain salad

Local Performers Appear on Network Talent Show

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Two young Dayton performers will appear on this Sunday’s episode of NBC’s Little Big Shots hosted by comedian Steve Harvey. This hit show, now in its second season showcases talented and unique kids from all over the United States and the world. The feel-good, family-friendly series, executive produced by Harvey and Ellen DeGeneres, features Harvey in hilarious conversations and interviews with the young talent.
Grennan James Bartlett-Nealeigh; professionally know as Grennan the Green Monster performed a knife throwing bit on the show with the assistance of his sister Charlotte.  Eleven year old Grennan has just been accepted to Stivers Performing Arts Academy in Dayton.  When they filmed this show  last summer Charlotte also performed a contortion act.

Grennan is still the World’s Youngest Professional Knife Thrower. Photo by Kevin Foureman at Dark Mannequin Designs

According to the children’s father Thomas Nealeigh, “both Grennan & Charlotte have been on stage since they were babies. Grennan took his first steps on the stage of our theatre, The Empire Amusement Hall, that the family used to have in Hollywood. The day Charlotte came home from the hospital we bundled her up and took her to a show with us.”
Grennan started performing on stage at age 4 – and was on Nickelodeon’s FIGURE IT OUT doing the Bed of Nails when he was just six. Charlotte started on stage as soon as she could walk. Both children appeared on NBC’s America’s Got Talent in 2014, then on SuperKids for Germany’s Sat1 in 2015. Charlotte Lenore Bartlett-Nealeigh; professionally know as La Pequeña Arañita (the Little Spider)  is just nine years old and attends Charity Adams Earley Academy for Girls in Dayton.

Charlotte Lenore Bartlett-Nealeigh; pka La Pequeña Arañita (the Little Spider) photo by Kevin Foureman at Dark Mannequin Designs

Grennan & Charlotte have appeared onstage with FreakShow Deluxe and by themselves at George Washington’s Mount Vernon; Frontier City Amusement Park in Oklahoma City, OK; a fundraising event for WYSO in Dayton; the Sideshow Festival in Wilkes-Barre, PA; The Southern Sideshow Hootenanny in New Orleans, LA; the Hollywood Fringe Festival in Hollywood, CA; and the Texas Showdown Festival in El Paso, TX among other events. More locally, they have upcoming shows in May at the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus, OH and a feature show at Therapy Cafe in Dayton.

 Proud parents Thomas Nealeigh and Alice Bartlett, both performers themselves who own the touring FreakShow Deluxe Carnival Side Show, are hosting a Little Big Shots watch party this Sunday evening at Therapy Cafe.  Doors will open at 7:30pm and the show airs at 8pm.
The Nealeigh-Bartlett family on a visit to The Magic Castle in Hollywood last summer while they were  in California for the taping of Little Big Shots:
 

Nominate A Home Or Business for Dayton City Beautiful Award

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The City of Dayton is recognizing efforts to improve and maintain properties throughout the community. 

The Dayton City Beautiful Award will honor owners and occupants whose properties demonstrate civic and neighborhood pride. Eligible properties may be single or multi-family homes, or commercial/institutional buildings of any kind. 

The award program will accept nominations from April through October and will recognize properties monthly in each of Dayton’s five land use areas–north central, west, southeast, northeast and downtown. Nominations may be self-submitted or submitted by others. 

The new award is a reinvention of former Dayton City Beautiful programs that recognized outstanding properties, design and beautification throughout much of the 20th century (last active in the 1980s, with early influence by John Patterson following Dayton’s destructive 1913 flood). 

Winning properties must meet one or more of the following criteria: aesthetic appeal; landscaping (design, color, balance); architectural design and placement; landscape and building maintenance; treatment of parking areas; preservation of trees and natural amenities; awareness of City codes and ordinances; appropriate placement/design of new construction; use of paint to complement buildings; enhancement of overall appearance of the area; or removal of blight.

Award winners will receive a yard sign for display and invitation to a City Commission meeting for recognition of their efforts.

For more information or to submit a nomination, go to daytonohio.gov/citybeautiful. Forms may also be picked up at 101 W. Third St., 6th floor (Department of Planning and Community Development).

Who’d You Rather? Bob Evans or Cracker Barrel +$25 Gift Card

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Are you down with “Down on the Farm?”

Breakfast …the most important meal of the day.

We don’t think the health nuts had the country style breakfasts we are going to talk about in mind when they said that.  Biscuits, country gravy, pancakes, waffles, french toast, bacon, sausage, eggs, and list goes on.  When traveling  (or near home), there is nothing like a big, filling breakfast.  Today, we compare two places that have dominated that meal for travelers and church goers, or even just hungry people.

Today, Food Adventures asks you to look inside yourself and tell us,

Or are you a Cracker Barrel addict?

“Who’d You Rather” get it on with … BOB EVANS or  CRACKER BARREL ?

Yes, these two giants are chains, and on rare occasions we will write about chains because we have no rules.   So relax, the parking lots at these places are full so there’s that…

This article is in the spirit of the TMZ headlines.. Who’d you rather??

Bob Evan’s Pancakes

You may have noticed our other head to head installments like “Five Guys or Smashburger?”  or “El Rancho Grande or El Toro?” or how about “Chipotle or Qdoba?” and even most recently Who’d You Rather, “Fricker’s or Rooster’s?”

Comment below on today’s article WHO’D YOU RATHER? BOB EVANS or  CRACKER BARREL and win a $25 gift card to your favorite choice, compliments of Food Adventures.  Winner will be chosen at random next week using random.org.

Let’s get to the breakdown…

 

HUNGRY JAX VOTE: CRACKER BARREL 
This skinny, hungry mom is hooked on two menu items that have stolen her heart … Cracker Barrel’s

Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Steak

Pancakes and Cracker Barrel’s Potato Casserole.  For her this makes the choice clear.  The kid from up North picks the place from down South.

 

BIG RAGU’S VOTE: CRACKER BARREL:
The Big Ragu took a more mathematical approach.   Bob Evans gets the edge for best breakfasts, although both have incredible French Toast.  You know the incomparable biscuits.  And Bob Evan’s Pancakes are to die for.   But when we talk lunch and dinner, Cracker Barrel kicks some butt.  The fish dinners are silly good.  The Country Fried Steak is delicious too.  Even the side dishes like the dumplings or the fried okra are amazing.  It is pretty much a deep fried pardise with gravy for lunch and dinner.  That solidifies Ragu’s vote !  We would be remiss if we did’t give honorable mention to Bob Evan’s salmon dinner.

We have our votes – What is yours?

Baked Salmon at Bob Evans

WHO’D YOU RATHER? BOB EVANS or  CRACKER BARREL??

Don’t forget …

***Win a $25 gift card to your favorite choice, by commenting below.***

Check out Food Adventures on Facebook HERE for more Dayton Foodie fun !

Browse our gallery for more photos, comments are below the gallery.

Bob Evan’s biscuits and honey

What is breakfast without OJ or chocolate milk?

Bob Evan’s French toast

Bob Evan’s Pot Pie

Delicious burgers at Bob Evans

Cracker Rockers

French Toast – Cracker Barrel

Old School Cracker Barrel decor

Barrel Syrup

Cracker Barrel Breakfast

Chicken Fried Steak dinner with okra and dumplings

Cracker Barrel French toast

Bob Evan’s bacon and home fries

Sweet tea

Country Style at Cracker Barrel

Mashed Taters at Cracker Barrel

the dumplings at Cracker Barrel are amazing

Cracker Barrel Fireplace

Home Fries – Bob Evans

Campfire meals at Bob Evans

Bob Evans Burger

Bacon cooked perfectly at Bob Evans

Biscuits and jelly

Bob Evan’s Biscuits

 

 

French toast- Bob Evan’s

Bob Evan’s breakfast

Biscuits and Jelly – Bob Evans

Biscuits, honey and butter at Cracker Barrel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dayton Businesses Give 20% Discounts For Equal Pay Day

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For Equal Pay Day (April 4), LeanIn.Org is launching #20PercentCounts, a campaign to raise awareness that women on average are paid 20 percent less than men in the United States. Black women are paid 37 percent less and Hispanic women are paid 46 percent less.

“Equal pay is essential to the goal of gender equality,” said Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and founder of LeanIn.Org. “This issue speaks to how we value women’s labor, knowledge, time, training, and so much more. In short, it’s about women’s worth. There’s nothing more fundamental than that.”

The gender pay gap disadvantages women and impacts families’ ability to buy groceries, pay for child care, invest in their children’s education, and more. If we closed the gender pay gap, the average woman would make $530,000 more over the course of her career, and millions of women and families would be lifted out of poverty. If we closed the pay gap, women on average could afford 78 more weeks of groceries each year—for Black and Hispanic women it would mean 155 and 193 additional weeks of food respectively.

 

In support of #20PercentCounts, businesses in twenty-five from Boston to St. Louis to Atlanta are offering 20 percent discounts on everyday purchases from coffee to pizza to pet supplies. Leaders from the Lean In Circles program, a global network of small peer support groups, are spearheading this grassroots effort. With support from LeanIn.Org, leaders recruited participating businesses and are serving as spokespeople for the campaign in their communities.

  • LUNA is offering 20% off all LUNA Bars sold on lunabar.com (while supplies last) from April 3–11 and matching the discount amount with a donation of up to $100,000 to fund salary negotiation workshops in partnership with the American Association of University Women (AAUW)
  • Lyft, which completes 20 million rides per month, is donating 20 percent of proceeds from rides taken in over 240 cities on April 4 to organizations that serve women and families—and will share the campaign with their customers via their app and online channels
  • P&G is offering a rebate on its products through April 30 (via pre-paid card) and will be promoting the importance of equal pay to 46 million U.S. households

A local Lean In Circle  got Dayton businesses to participate in the campaign. The businesses will be offering 20% discounts on Equal Pay Day.

Dayton metro area specific pay gap data, provided by  the National Partnership for Women and Families (NPWF), shows for the Dayton-metro region.  Based on the data available from 2015, the wage gap in the Miami Valley is 25%.

Equal Pay Day marks how far all women need to work into 2017 to earn what men were paid in 2016. Because Black and Hispanic women face an even larger wage gap, they have to work until July 31 and November 2 respectively to catch up.

“We are committed to championing women in the push for equality—inspiring this generation to raise their voice so that the next generation of girls can focus on their efforts and not their paychecks,” said Kit Crawford, co-chief Visionary Officer of Clif Bar & Company and owner of the LUNA brand. “April 4th is Equal Pay Day, but our work to level the playing field doesn’t end here. We are proud to partner with LeanIn.Org and AAUW to work towards closing the gender pay gap and support equality for women everywhere.”

“We are proud to support LeanIn.Org’s efforts to raise awareness about the pay gap between women and men,” said Carolyn Tastad, P&G Group President North America & Executive Sponsor Gender Equality. “P&G is passionately committed to equal pay. P&G is passionately committed to gender equality. We know that when women have the opportunity for full and equal representation that businesses perform better, economies thrive, communities are healthier, and the world is a better place—for all of us.”

Schedule a Mammogram Near You in April

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Premier Health is making it easier for busy women to get their annual mammogram screening with its mobile mammography coach that travels to businesses, public venues and events throughout Southwest Ohio.

Equipped with advanced imaging equipment, the coach offers traditional 2D and Genius ™3D Mammography™ technology to detect breast cancer.

 

Schedule a mobile mammogram by calling 844-453-4199. For more information about the process and locations, visit http://www.premierhealth.com/mammo. 

 

The following dates and times are open for appointments:


• April 6, 10 am to 7 pm at SureCare Medical Center, 360 W. Central Ave., Springboro, OH 45066;

• April 7, 9 am to 4 pm at Jefferson Twp. Administration Office, One Business Park Dr., Dayton OH 45417;

• April 17, 9 am to 4 pm at Friendship Village Retirement Community, 5790 Denlinger Rd., Dayton, OH 45426;

• April 18, 9 am to 5 pm at Miami Valley Hospital Medical Imaging- Springboro, 630 N. Main St., Springboro, OH 45066;

• April 20, 9 am to 5 pm at Waynesville Pharmacy, 415 S. Main St., Waynesville, OH 45068;

• April 22, 9 am to 6 pm for Play for Pink basketball tournament at Kingdom Sports Center, 440 Watkins Glen Dr., Franklin, OH 45005;

• April 24, 9 am to 5 pm at Home Town Pharmacy, 3899 Indian Ripple Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45440;

• April 25, 9 am to 4 pm at Pristine Senior Living and Post-Acute Care of Jamestown, 4960 U.S. Route 35 East, Jamestown, OH 45335;

• April 27, 9 am to 5 pm at Coffman Family YMCA, 88 Remick Blvd., Springboro, OH 45066;

• April 28, 9 am to 6 pm at Miami Valley Hospital Jamestown Emergency Center, 4940 Cottonville Rd., Jamestown, OH 45335;

• April 29, 9 am to 5 pm at Dorothy Lane Market in Washington Square, 6177 Far Hills Ave., Washington Twp., OH 45459; 

 

Premier Health welcomes partnerships with area businesses and event organizers to bring the mobile mammography coach to their locations in the community. For more information, call 513-974-4794 or visit premierhealth.com/mammo.

 

Wishful Spring Drinking

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Hi there!  My name is Tess, a new writer to the Dayton Most Metro Community.  I live in Downtown Dayton with my husband Tim.  I am a restaurant professional, bartender, home baker and cook, and a food and party planning blogger.

The calendar tells me that it’s spring.  However, here in Ohio, “spring” could mean a myriad of things.  It could mean rain, it could mean 80 degrees, it could even mean snow.  When I was younger I used to spend spring break in Florida, we’d get home, pull into the driveway and see that our tulips had bloomed… and then died of frost.  Unfortunately adulthood ensures that I never get to celebrate spring break, so I have to endure the seasons’ “awkward phase” where it doesn’t know what the hell it wants to do.  But, I know what I want to do…I want to sit on a freakin’ patio and drink a freakin’ cocktail.  So, until the weather makes up its mind and decides to be sunny and 70 degrees, I will just be over here wishing for spring and the delightful drinks that come with it.  Here are my favorite things to sip on:

Rosé  

Rosé season is my favorite time of year.  Seriously, I don’t care a single bit about Christmas or my birthday…all I care about is that the newest batches of rosé are being bottled and I get to drink them.   But also, because I’m basic, I like a good wine spritzer.  Spritzers are great drinks for warm weather (and compliment a hangover perfectly!)  So combine these two delightful things and you’ve got yourself a rosé spritzer.  True to form, I’ve gussied it up a bit:

6 oz. Dry Rosé (not white zinfandel, I’m serious…through that away immediately)

2 oz.  Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic

Squeeze of fresh lime

Serve over ice

The elderflower tonic adds nice bubbles, a little touch of sweetness and lovely floral note to your wine.  Once rosé season really kicks off, I’ll be listing of my favorites for the year, but in the meantime I poured myself a glass of Italian rosé, known as Chiaretto.

Beer

I’m not a huge beer drinker, more often than not I’ll opt for a cocktail or a glass of wine, but if I’m out at a very casual restaurant enjoying “bar food,” beer is my drink of choice.  I recently tried Rhinegeist’s Bubbles Cider at Trolley Stop and I have become obsessed.  Highlighted with flavors of peach and cranberry, this cider drinks sweet, almost like a sangria.  But it’s got a crisp tartness that I love.  One sip of this and you’ll be feeling that Spring in your step, guaranteed.

Cocktail

Something about those first few warm days of spring makes me want to sit out on a patio, and sip on something fancy.  My sister “invented” this cocktail that sings of spring and is definitely worthy of a long night on a patio, and a basket of chips and salsa.  We call it a “Cosmopolita” because it’s all the cosmo fixings, but with tequila in place of vodka.  Because tequila is delicious and vodka is boring.

2 oz. silver tequila

½ oz. Triple Sec or other orange liqueur

½ oz. Lime juice

¼ oz. simple syrup

1 oz. cranberry

More than an ounce of cranberry and your drink turns red instead of pink, and I’m not sure if you’ve sensed a theme here…but apparently in spring I only drink pink.
So, now I hope you’re all very thirsty and ready to sit outside with a glass of wine…and possibly a parka.

 You can follow more of my party tips, and cocktail recipes on my blog Ciao Vella.  Cheers and Ciao!

Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day!

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Let’s face it. Holidays can be a whole lot of hype. The dressing up, cooking, shopping and party planning—it’s a lot of work! That’s why Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day is by far our favorite. What other holiday lets you show up to the party uninvited, wearing anything you want, and still gives you a gift? That’s right…no holiday ever. Use the following list to convince your boss or teacher that you need the day off to celebrate Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day 2017 on April 4.

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day - Everyone is invited.

Everyone is invited!

No guest list, no invite, no RSVP, just show up. We welcome everyone. Even your weird uncle.

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day - Shop until you drop.

Why shop ‘til you drop?

At Free Cone Day there’s no need to spend a dime, stress over what size someone wears, or wrestle with wrapping paper.

 

Wear whatever you want!

No black tie, ball gown or costume required, although we do suggest clothing of some kind.

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day - Leave the cooking to us

Leave the “cooking” to us.

Nothing (not even a root canal) is more painful than having to prepare a five course meal for a group of people who all want something different.

 

Smiles all around!

What’s not to love about a free cone of any flavor you want? Seriously! It puts a smile on everyone’s face (unlike that turtleneck you re-gifted that had the comfort of a cactus).

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day - Best Holiday Ever

No awkward family interactions.

We all love our families, but let’s face it…bring them ALL together under one roof for the first time in three years and you’re living on the edge!

 

You can put this holiday on repeat.

Why wait for next year’s Free Cone Day? Just get back in line for another free cone. Over and over again. We’re not counting. Really, go for it.

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day - We're scooping all day

Rain or shine, we’re scooping!

Not hail, nor sleet, nor snow, nor rain, nor…you get the idea. Rest assured, we’re scooping free Ben & Jerry’s no matter what!

 

No need to travel far.

Planes, trains and automobiles equal lost luggage, missed connections and flat tires. Lucky for you, there’s a solid chance you’ll find a Scoop Shop near you.

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day - Free ice cream!

Free ice cream!

Need we say more?

New Downtown Event Venue Opens

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Looking for a downtown venue for a small celebration?  The Brightside Event & Music Venue is now open for bookings!  Located at  905 E. Third Street, just west of Keowee, it has a large bar and table seating for about 50,  perfect for a birthday party, acoustic music show or small fundraiser.

Owners Carli and Hamilton Dixon have provided a  clean, neutral decor makes it easy to set the mood for your event at The Brightside.

 

  • Monday – Friday 5pm Rental ($100.00)
    Week day pricing applies for events taking place Monday – Friday 5pm . $100 rental includes 6 hours use, which includes set-up and tear down.
  • Weekend Party Room Rental ($200.00)
    Weekend pricing applies for events taking place between Friday 5pm – Sunday evening. Price is for 6 hours use to include set-up and tear down.

Book your dates with the online booking tool here: https://goo.gl/axc1aH. Select the Party Room Rental service category. Or, you can call with questions about booking at 937-672-0704.

Stay tuned for information on a larger 2nd room, than can hold about 300 coming later this year.

O’Jays Bring Their Love Train To The Rose

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The O’Jays are hitting the road with the same electrifying energy they’ve had for over 50 years bringing the sound that formed the soundtrack for the lives of several generations to Huber Heights, OH at Rose Music Center on Wednesday, June 28th.

Walter Williams and Eddie Levert first met when they were the ages of 6 and 7 respectively. As teenagers in Canton, Ohio, they formed a band originally consisting of Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey and Bill Isles. In 1963, the band took the name “The O’Jays” in tribute to Cleveland radio disc jockey Eddie O’Jay. Several members have changed, but the core, original lead singers Eddie Levert and Walter Williams, continue to front the group.

In 1972, Gamble & Huff, a team of producers and songwriters with whom the O’Jays had been working for several years, signed the group to their Philadelphia International label. With this magic formula, often called The Sound of Philadelphia, The O’Jays scored the first number 1 and million-seller, “Backstabbers.” Subsequently, they succeeded with various chart-topping pop and R&B singles including “Love Train”, “Put Your Hands Together”,  “For The Love of Money”, “I Love Music”, “Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love)”, “Livin’ For The Weekend” and “Use Ta Be My Girl.” This success propelled The O’Jays to be the first black vocal group to perform in arenas throughout America during the 70s and 80s.

Eddie and Walter have a rare lifelong bond that few of us will ever experience; friends and partners for almost 65 years. “We still appreciate our friendship, dedication to each other and the group and our love for good music.” Walter continues, “We probably could have had great solo careers, but I don’t think either one of us could have ever have been as big as The O’Jays.” Walter Williams could be considered a hero as he has battled Multiple Sclerosis or “MS” for 30 years and continues to execute his dance moves with perfection when performing on-stage with the group. Walter is also a volunteer National Ambassador for the MS Society and a spokesperson for MS Active Source. Eddie Levert is known for his raspy voice and has a range that takes him from alto to second tenor. Levert teamed up with his son Gerald for a duet on “Baby Hold On To Me”, which hit number one on the R&B charts. Eddie has also mentored his very successful sons Gerald and Sean who became major forces in the music industry.

The O’Jays were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005 and honored with BET’s Life Time Achievement Award in 2009. In 2013, they were inducted into The Official R&B Music Hall of Fame. Today, the songs of The O’Jays are still being used in many movies, commercials and TV shows. “For The Love of Money” continues to be the theme song for “The Apprentice.”

Eddie Levert Sr., Walter Williams Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant, who joined the group in 1995, continue to thrill fans today. Throughout their career The O’Jays have achieved 10 Gold albums, 9 Platinum albums and 10 #1 hits. It’s been a long journey but thanks to the fans the LOVE TRAIN is still going strong!

Tickets for the Huber Heights show will go on sale to the public beginning 11:00am on Friday, April 7th at www.Ticketmaster.com, www.Rosemusiccenter.com, and the Rose Music Center box office. Charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000. 

Dayton Bar Stars: MacKenzie Manley

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MacKenzie Manley knows Bloody Marys…and how to run a bar!

You would be hard pressed to find people in Dayton that have not heard of Mack’s Tavern. Established in 2015, it made a splash quickly, earning national attention for rewarding their patrons for making good decisions. Had you not heard of them by that point, their yearly Irish Car Bomb Waterfall record has been the talk of the town every St. Patrick’s Day. Even before it was a physical bar, Mack’s Tavern was having an impact on the cocktail scene. If there has been a Bloody Mary Challenge in the city, they have won at least a share of first place. Mack’s Tavern has made such a large impact in the city because of its owner, Mackenzie Manley. It is her vision that has turned Mack’s into one of the best dive bars in the city.

Mackenzie was generous enough to answer some questions for our inaugural “Dayton Bar Stars” interview! Who better to kick off this series than one of the most beloved bartenders at one of the most loved bars in the city?

How did you get into bartending?

I got into bartending by working at a tanning salon. A customer asked if I wanted to bartend. I said I’m not a bartender just have waitressed. He said we will teach you, and off I went in 2006 to Pour Haus to work for Matt Hayden!

What is your favorite drink to make?

My favorite drink to make is my Green Iguana. I love seeing people’s faces after I tell them what’s in it and they taste how good it is.

Good luck finding MacKenzie without her sidekick Haze!

Which drink makes you internally cringe?

I don’t like to make anything with a sugared rim. It’s so sticky and messy to clean the glasses.

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

My favorite alcohol to work with is strawberry vodka. The possibilities are endless!

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

My favorite place to go out to is Theo’s Lounge.

Who is the most famous person you have served?

Most famous person I’ve served is the Denver Broncos player David Brunner

What do you do when you are not bartending?

When I’m not bartending at Mack’s, I’m here at Mack’s working on other parts of the business!

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

My advice to new bartenders: SMILE! Let customers know you see them and will be right with them.

What do you love most about Dayton?

I love the people!

Mack's Tavern in Centerville

Her home away from home…

Most interesting thing you have seen from behind the bar?

The most interesting thing I’ve seen from behind the bar belongs on Skina-Max!

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

Bartending has given me more confidence and made me more outgoing.

What is your least proud moment as a bartender?

Least proud moment having to kick people out of the bar for misbehaving or stealing and having to make a scene to get them out.

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

I wish customers knew to have money or a credit card ready when they order a drink. And knew what they wanted to drink!

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

If I was not a bartender I would like to think I would work with animals.

As a two-time winner of the Bloody Mary Challenge, what’s the secret to a good Bloody Mary?

The secret to the best Bloody Mary is LOVE!

 

This is the first in a series of articles featuring Dayton’s Best Bartenders. Feel free to nominate your favorite mixologist for a future post.  You can reach  us at [email protected]

Artists Call for Bicycle Themed Art

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BALANCE is a juried show of bicycle-based or themed 2D and 3D work—held in conjunction with Troy, Ohio’s 2017 Sculptures on the Square public art exhibit of Mexican artist Gilberto Aceves Navarro’s Las Bicicletas—and will be on display in the Mayflower Arts Center’s Lobby Gallery, May 1-June 24, 2017.

Participation in BALANCE is open to all artists over the age of 16. Artists making 2D and 3D art based loosely or directly on bicycles, bicycle history, and bicycle culture are encouraged to submit their work.

All submissions will be juried by the Mayflower Arts Center’s exhibition committee. Along with three jury awards, there will also be a People’s Choice Award based on popular votes cast by visitors during the exhibition. The exhibition will be on display during the 2017 Troy Strawberry Festival (June 3-6, 2017), one of Ohio’s premiere and highest attended festivals.

While BALANCE is being held in conjunction with the Sculptures on the Square public display, work submitted to Balance does not have to be related to Navarro’s work, style, context, or concept.

 


SUBMISSION DETAILS


– All 2D and 3D media accepted (no audio or video files will be accepted). 3D works must be free-standing. 2D works must be framed or have finished edges and be delivered ready to install. Any work not properly prepared will not be included in the exhibit.
– The Mayflower Arts Center is a family-friendly arts center. Work depicting gratuitous nudity, profanity, or obscenities cannot be accepted. If you have a question about the acceptability of your art, please contact us before submitting.
– All entries will be submitted via the exhibition submission form on the Mayflower Arts Center’s website.
– Artists/designers may submit up to 5 works for a $40 non-refundable entry fee. Artwork submitted without payment will not be considered.
– For 3D work, submit images depicting the work as best you feel are needed. We prefer at least 2 images per work (full view and detail), but if you have 5 works you are submitting, then make sure the single image of each work shows the best angle and details of the work possible.
– For safety reasons, extremely large works may not be accepted. If you have any questions about the size of your work fitting in our gallery, please contact us before submitting.
– All artwork must be original and be accompanied by title, medium, dimensions, year of completion, and retail value.
– Entries will be judged from digital files. Images should be JPEG or PNG format, 72dpi, 800 pixels at their longest side, including your name in the digital file name.
– Artwork will be juried based on artistic vision, originality, technical execution, and adherence to the theme.
– Accepted artists/designers will be required to submit a high-resolution photograph of the accepted artwork for use with online and print media for marketing purposes. The artist’s name, website, and information about the work will be displayed alongside the work.
– All artwork must be for sale. The MAYFLOWER ARTS CENTER will take a 30% commission (plus 7% sales tax) from artwork sold during the exhibition.
– You will be notified of the jurors’ decisions by email and website posting on Saturday, April 15.
– Exhibiting artists will be required to deliver artwork to the Mayflower Arts Center by no later than April 24. Work shipped must include return postage. No packing peanuts please. Any artwork received after 5:00pm on April 24 may not be included in the exhibit.
– By submitting artwork to Balance you grant the Mayflower Arts Center and the Sculptures on the Square organizations the right to use and publish images of your artwork for promotional purposes. Artist retains all other rights to the artwork.
– If you have a question about the acceptability of your art, please contact us at MayflowerArtsCenter@gmail.com before submitting.
– Recognition will be awarded to the top three works as selected by the Mayflower Arts Center Exhibition Committee.
– Recognition will be awarded for a People’s Choice Award based on votes received by exhibition visitors.
​


LAS BICICLETAS BACKGROUND:
Las Bicicletas (http://lasbicicletas.org/) is an urban art exhibit created by Mexican artist Gilberto Aceves Navarro. It comprises 250 bicycle sculptures in black, white, red and orange; colors that were used by the Mayan culture to symbolize the four cardinal points. Over 30 sculptures will be on display throughout downtown Troy for the public to view. One of the sculptures will be on display in the Lobby Gallery of the Mayflower Arts Center.

The mission of Las Bicicletas is to promote through art, the use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation and to procure better living conditions for all people in friendlier cities. Las Bicicletas’ objective is that bicycles are universally recognized as vehicles of happiness and health.

THE MAYFLOWER ARTS CENTER
The Mayflower Arts Center provides a community-friendly environment to create art, and enlighten and inspire a deeper appreciation of art among artists and patrons. Located prominently on the vibrant downtown square of Troy, Ohio—in the historic 1928 Mayflower Theater building—the Mayflower Arts Center offers gallery and exhibit spaces, classes and workshops, indie/art films, fine art retail, art lectures, performances and concerts. The Lobby Gallery presents work from local, regional, and national artists throughout the year.

ENTRY DEADLINE: April 10 (11:59pm EST)
Entry Fee: $40.00 (non-refundable)

Mayflower Arts Center Lobby Gallery
9 West Main Street
Troy, Ohio, 45373
Artist Reception: May 6 (6:00-8:00pm)

IMPORTANT DATES (all times reflect EST)
April 10 (11:59pm): Submission Deadline
April 15: Jurying Announcement (entrants notified by email / website)
April 24 (5:00pm): Drop-off/Delivery Deadline
April 24 – 30: Curation/Installation
May 1 – June 24: Exhibition Dates*
May 6 (6:00-8:00pm): Artist Reception
May 1 – June 4: Public Voting*
June 4 (5:00pm): Voting Closes
June 9 (7:00pm): People’s Choice Award Announcement
June 24 – July 1: Art Pick-up/Delivery*

COMPLETE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS and ENTRY FORM are available at http://www.mayflowerartscenter.com/balance-exhibit.html.

Zombie Dogz Hits The Road

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The Zombie Dogz food truck will make it’s first appearance of the season today from 11am  – 8pm at Laser Web in the Normandy Square Shopping Center, located at 533 Miamisburg Centerville Rd. in Centerville. 

What’s on the Menu:

The Grambie Zombie: ground beef, sausage, chilis, cheese, and salsa all mixed together topped with chopped romaine lettuce, corn chips, and drizzled in cilantro sour cream.

Smells Like Zombie Spirit: sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and drizzled with your choice of 1000 island or brown mustard.

Dead Dixie: diced green apples, blue cheese crumbles, bacon bits, and drizzled with BBQ sauce.

Home on Deranged: slow cooked shredded chicken topped with Swiss cheese, bacon, and drizzled with ranch dressing.

Of course you can always visit their Brown street eatery which is open  Mon – Sun 10:30 am – 10 pm.