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Archives for February 2019

Victoria Theatre Association Announces 2019-2020 Lineup

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Victoria Theatre Association announces the 2019-2020 Premier Health Broadway Series and Projects Unlimited Star Attractions, featuring two Broadway national tour Ohio premieres, some beloved classics and a whole lot of fun. Season Tickets for the 2019-2020 Premier Health Broadway Series are on sale now via Ticket Center Stage – the official ticket outlet for Victoria Theatre Association presentations by calling 937-228-3630 or toll-free 888-228-3630, online at ticketcenterstage.com and at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office.

 

“I’m excited about the lineup of shows we’re announcing for the 2019-2020 season,” says Ty Sutton, President and CEO of Victoria Theatre Association. “The Premier Health Broadway Series features two Ohio premieres, hot new titles such as THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL (Ohio premiere), SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, as well as beloved revivals likeCATS, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND: THE MUSICAL (Ohio premiere), and the RENT 20th Anniversary Tour. Plus, we have several great shows booked as part of our Projects Unlimited Star Attractions, including BLACK VIOLIN, THE COLOR PURPLE, THE MIDTOWN MEN: HOLIDAY HITS TOUR, WE SHALL OVERCOME: A CELEBRATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., DRUM TAO 2020 and more to be announced later.”

 

“Based on patron feedback, VTA has adjusted the Premier Health Broadway Series start times,” continues Sutton. “Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night performances will now begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday remains at 8 p.m. Saturday performances remain at 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday performances change to 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.”

 

Season Tickets for the 2019-2020 Premier Health Broadway Series are on sale now via Ticket Center Stage – the official ticket outlet for Victoria Theatre Association presentations. New Season Ticket Holders will be seated once current Season Ticket Holders’ renewals are fulfilled.  For Season Tickets, call 937-228-3630 or toll-free 888-228-3630, go online to ticketcenterstage.com or stop by the Ticket Center Stage Box Office.

 

 

2019-2020 Premier Health Broadway Series

 

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND: THE MUSICAL- OHIO PREMIERE!

OCT. 22 – 27, 2019 – SCHUSTER CENTER

“What a delight it is to enter the world of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND!” raves The New York Times. Winner of the 2018 Tony Award® for Best Revival of a Musical, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND is the sweeping, universal tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place in the world, and ready to risk it all for love. Guided by the mighty island gods, Ti Moune sets out on a remarkable journey to reunite with the man who has captured her heart.

 

 

 

 

 

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL – OHIO PREMIERE!

NOV. 19 – 24, 2019 – SCHUSTER CENTER

A legendary roster of Grammy® Award winners. A visionary director and a Tony Award®-winning design team. One of the world’s most beloved characters. Turn them loose on stage and what do you get? The musical The New York Times declares, “BRILLIANT!” Broadway’s best creative minds reimagine and bring to life the beloved Nickelodeon series with humor, heart and pure theatricality in “a party for the eyes and ears” (Daily Beast). Explore the depths of theatrical innovation in THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, 2018 Best Musical winner of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, where the power of optimism really can save the world.

 

 

 

RENT 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

JAN. 21 – 26, 2020 – SCHUSTER CENTER

 

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®- winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters– love. Some adult content.

 

 

SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL

MARCH 31 – APRIL 5, 2020 – SCHUSTER CENTER

 

She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed. With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls”, and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROALD DAHL’S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

APRIL 28 – MAY 3, 2020 – SCHUSTER CENTER

 

Roald Dahl’s amazing tale is now Dayton’s golden ticket! It’s the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of Hairspray. Get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!

 

 

 

 

 

CATS

MAY 26 – 31, 2020 – SCHUSTER CENTER

CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America! Rediscover the beloved musical with breathtaking music–including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater, “Memory.” Featuring new sound design, direction and choreography for a new generation – experience CATS for the first time as it begins a new life, or let it thrill you all over again!

 

2019-2020 Projects Unlimited Star Attractions

 

Projects Unlimited Star Attractions appeal to a broad variety of audiences and may include blockbuster Broadway hits, cutting-edge off-Broadway theatre, family-friendly shows and concerts. More Star Attractions will be announced as the 2019-2020 Season approaches.

 

 

BLACK VIOLIN

NOV. 5, 2019 – SCHUSTER CENTER

 

The amazing blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and even bluegrass music that is BLACK VIOLIN is back! Accompanied by their incredible band, featuring ace turntable whiz DJ SPS and a drummer, Wil Baptiste and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester have performed for more than 100,000 students in the past year alone. Since starting BLACK VIOLIN a little over a decade ago, this incredibly talented group has performed an average of 200 shows a year in 49 states and 36 countries as far away as Dubai, Prague and South Africa, while appearing at official NFL celebrations for three Super Bowls and the U.S. Open with Jordin Sparks. Their groundbreaking collaborations have seen them play their music for U.S. troops in Iraq as well as for Barack Obama’s Inaugural Ball and the Kids Inaugural in Washington, D.C. Individually and together, BLACK VIOLIN collaborates with the likes of superstars including P. Diddy, Kanye West, 50 cent, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin, and the Eagles. In 2018 they performed two sold-out shows at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra.

 

THE MIDTOWN MEN: HOLIDAY HITS TOUR

STARS FROM THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST OF JERSEY BOYS

DEC. 1, 2019 – SCHUSTER CENTER

 

THE MIDTOWN MEN, reuniting stars from the Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys, will ring in the yuletide season this year with their HOLIDAY HITS show. This evening of songs and stories will feature classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” as well as their signature renditions of the greatest rock and roll hits of the 1960s. The popular vocal group will treat their audiences to the songs of The Beatles, The Temptations, The Four Seasons, and more! Additionally, THE MIDTOWN MEN will perform their holiday single, “All Alone on Christmas,” which they recorded with Stevie Van Zandt and members of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Come celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year” with these seasoned Broadway veterans!

Not a performance of, not affiliated with the show JERSEY BOYS.

 

 

THE COLOR PURPLE

FEB. 14 & 15, 2020 – SCHUSTER CENTER

THE COLOR PURPLE is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival! Hailed as “a direct hit to the heart” (The Hollywood Reporter), this joyous American classic conquered Broadway in an all-new “ravishingly reconceived production that is a glory to behold” (The New York Times). With a soul-raising, Grammy®-winning score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE gives an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer Prize-winning story. Don’t miss this stunning re-imagining of an epic story about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South. Experience the exhilarating power of this Tony-winning triumph that New York Magazine calls “one of the greatest revivals ever.”

 

 

WE SHALL OVERCOME: A CELEBRATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

FEB. 19, 2020 – VICTORIA THEATRE

Inspired by the words and action of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this stirring production ties together a living lineage of music and culture that includes gospel, classical, jazz, Broadway and spirituals – from Aretha Franklin to Wynton Marsalis, from Duke Ellington to Stevie Wonder, from Nina Simone to Donny Hathaway, from traditional spirituals and music from The Wiz. African-American music traditions that electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders are interwoven with spoken word from Dr. King’s recorded speeches. Producer and Musical Director Damien Sneed’s broad experience across styles and genres brings everything together in a night of remembrance and celebration. Sneed has conducted and collaborated on major original works for Wynton Marsalis, regularly accompanied Jessye Norman, collaborated with Lawrence Brownlee, and toured extensively with Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin and The Clark Sisters.

 

DRUM TAO 2020

MARCH 14, 2020 – VICTORIA THEATRE

DRUM TAO 2020 is the latest production from TAO, internationally-acclaimed percussion artists. TAO’s modern, high-energy performances showcasing the ancient art of Japanese drumming have transfixed audiences worldwide. Combining highly physical, large-scale drumming with contemporary costumes, precise choreography, and innovative visuals, the performers of DRUM TAO 2020 create an energetic and unforgettable production.

 

 

 

 

WHY BECOME A SEASON TICKET HOLDER?

 

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS GET THE PERKS!

 

  • Guaranteed Seats. We know attending the best in touring Broadway is important to you. Getting these dates on your calendar and guaranteeing your seats to these fabulous shows is a way to invest in yourself and in your relationships – as well as the arts in Dayton.

 

  • The Best Seats at the Best Price. You have the first priority to sit in the best available seats at a savings of up to 1

 

  • Easy Exchanges! You can always exchange your tickets to another date of the same show title (if it is done at least 24 hours prior to your ticketed performance) without being charged the fee. You will be responsible for any upgrades when you exchange into a more expensive seat location or performance time.

 

  • Advance Sale Opportunities. As always, our Season Ticket Holders get first dibs on other shows presented by Victoria Theatre Association. Most shows go on sale to the general public in August, but Season Ticket Holders can purchase your tickets now!

 

  • Flexible Payment Options – or Pay in Full and Save! We continue to offer the opportunity to reserve your seats with a minimum of $100 deposit with a small handling fee of $10. Additional payment plans are available; however, all packages must be paid in full by June 3, 2019.

 

  • Purchase Parking in Advance and SAVE! Season Ticket Holders can purchase the same discounted parking packages for The Arts Garage that we’ve offered for the past several years. Just $36 for six vouchers – that’s $2 off the regular price for each time you park!

 

Renewal packets for all current Premier Health Broadway Series Season Ticket Holders will mail the morning of March 1. The deadline for current Season Ticket Holders to request changes to Broadway Season Ticket packages is March 15. The deadline to renew 2019-2020 Broadway Season Ticket packages is March 28.  Season Ticket sales the Family Series and National Geographic Live Series, sponsored by Subaru of America and Wagner Subaru will be announced later in the spring along with Discovery Series and the Universal 1 Credit Union VIC150 Music Series presentations.

For more information about the 2019-2020 Season and the remainder of the 2018-2019 Season, please visit www.victoriatheatre.com.

CareSource Executive Leads 2019 Campaign for the Arts

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Dan McCabe. Photo by Andy Snow

Culture Works announces CareSource executive Dan McCabe as Honorary Chair of the 2019 Campaign for the Arts–a community-wide fundraising initiative that mobilizes individuals, companies, and foundations in support of Dayton region arts organizations.

The Culture Works Campaign for the Arts kicks off on Thursday, March 7 from 8:30-10:00am in the Schuster Performing Arts Center Wintergarden. The kickoff will feature performances by Culture Works grantees the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and The Human Race Theatre Company, opportunities for networking, and a light breakfast. There is no cost to attend; however, RSVP’s are required.

“Our local arts organizations provide world-class programming that makes our region a place where people want to live, work, play, and stay,” said McCabe. “Whether it’s music, dance, theatre, film, literary or visual arts, the arts create a vibrancy in our community that’s enticing for talented professionals looking for a place where they, and their families, will have plenty of opportunities for adventure and fulfillment.”

“The arts are one of our community’s greatest assets,” said Lisa Hanson, Executive Director of Culture Works. “We have an exceptional legacy of artistic excellence in the Dayton region, and it’s important that we nurture our tradition of creativity to ensure a bright and innovative future.”

“At CareSource, we build healthier communities,” added McCabe, “and we believe that the arts play a critical role in enhancing community members’ quality of life. I invite everyone to join me in supporting this year’s Campaign for the Arts.”

Immediately following the March 7th Campaign Kickoff Breakfast, Culture Works will host community leaders at the nearby PNC Arts Annex for Arts Encounters—an immersive event highlighting the innovative educational programs of arts organizations such as the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, The Dayton Art Institute, K12 Gallery & TEJAS, and Muse Machine. Registration is required for this event.

To learn more about Culture Works and the Campaign for the Arts, visit cultureworks.org or call 937.222.2787.

Activated Spaces Activate Offices in Liberty Tower

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Activated Spaces is excited to announce the first three tenants of the Activated Office project. This new program focuses on activating empty office space and providing entrepreneurs an opportunity to test out downtown as their business address. Liberty Tower (120 W. Second St) recently renovated outdated, traditional office space on the eighth floor to host the following three businesses in a non-traditional, open, collaborative environment:

Wes & Kathleen Hartshorn of Physis Films

  • Gemini Studios – Gemini Studios is a photography/videography business. They offer high quality and professionally crafted sessions with the convenience of a local studio.
  • Upsourced Accounting – Upsourced Accounting is a growing, technology-focused, full-service accounting firm. They specialize in servicing venture-backed start-up businesses and professional service firms.
  • Physis Films – Physis Films produces and manages feature films and TV programs.

 

Activated Office tenants received a short-term lease option for downtown office space, a small stipend to help offset startup costs, and a below market lease rate. In addition, each business was offered 10 hours of free legal services from Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling and 15 hours of free marketing support from either Catapult Creative or Creative Fuse.

 

Since 2011, more than 120 startups have launched downtown. Several recent initiatives and projects are building on this momentum, including Start Downtown, Dayton Startup Week, the plans for the Dayton Arcade, and partnerships between The Entrepreneurs Center, the Air Force Research Lab, and the Wright Brothers Institute. The Activated Office project is envisioned as another resource that will help provide a supportive environment for the growing downtown startup community.

 

The Activated Spaces Project is driven by volunteers with support from the Downtown Dayton Partnership. Activated Spaces is part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

 

Those interested in volunteering with Activated Spaces should e-mail [email protected].

 

 

 

Chicken Louies Making a Comeback

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That famous taste you know is coming baaaccck !

Food Adventures has some secret scoop.  It is so secret in fact that we can’t release all the details of the deal, but we can tell you . absolutely that an iconic chicken stop is about to be reborn in Dayton.

Chicken Louie’s, a favorite for decades in the Dayton area, had a shop on N. Main St. and a store on the west side called “Lou’s Broaster Hut.”  Known for their broasted whole wings served plain or spun in one of 3 sauces, this “carryout only” spot became legendary in status.  Known for soulful sides, and late hours, people would travel miles or just walk up to the window to get a taste of Lou’s famous chicken.

Lou’s Broaster Hut was on 3rd Street

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE DEAL:

— In 1958, Chicken Louie’s began slinging wings in Dayton, and locals went berserk over the broasted style of cooked wings.  Marinated overnight, then deep-fried in a pressure cooker, the chicken had a distinct taste and the sauces complimented the chicken perfectly.  The menu featured wings, legs, thighs and breasts, and literally showed the price of each from 1 to 100 pieces.

Broasted Chicken and more

— Chicken Louie’s hit hard times in the turn of the century, as Lou had to take care of his ill mother.  He ended up closing for a while and selling to  his managing partner who ran the restaurant a little past Lou’s death in 2012.

— Chicken Louie’s was resurrected in 2014 in an unlikely place.  The same managing partner opened a side shop in the Super Subby’s restaurant in Miamisburg on Main St.  The shop served a limited Chicken Louie’s menu of wings, pies and broasted potatoes.  The location had spurts of greatness but never took hold in the Miamisburg community as expected.  As business dwindled, the Subby’s closed in December, 2018.

Coming in 2019

— Two private investors have stepped forward and bought all of the original equipment and recipes from the Chicken Louie’s establishment.  They will not only offer the famous broasted chicken wings, but they plan to offer the full original menu.  This means legs, thighs, broasted potatoes in butter, peanut butter pies, sweet potato pie, fish dinners, shrimp dinner, dinner rolls, cornbread and all the sides you remember.  Also available will be the 4 famous sauces: BBQ, mild, medium and hot.

— The plan is to open the first Chicken Louie’s in the city of Dayton proper, sometime before fall.  A site has been bought, signed and sealed, but we are not at liberty to disclose the exact location.  We can tell you that remodeling is about to begin.  The site layout will be similar to the popular carryout location on N. Main Street, that served up good food for decades.

Sweet Potato Pie

— The strategy is also to open a 2nd store eventually in the north or west Dayton area.  Again, we are not at liberty to disclose exact location plans, which would be premature of the 2nd location at this point.

Rarely is a Dayton iconic restaurant reborn from the ashes.  But, this will happen, and Miami Valley foodies will once again be able to enjoy Lou’s chicken.  Until the site opens, we will be licking our lips and deciding how many wings, pieces of shrimp and fish we are gonna order with our broasted potatoes.

See you at the window of Chicken Louie’s… real soon !

Are you a Dayton Foodie?  Then follow our weekly articles exclusively here on DaytonMostMetro .com.  We also have a Facebook page with nearly 8,000 followers.  Click here to like our page.

Feel free to browse our gallery below of Chicken Louie favorites.

Sauces

Famous dinner rolls

Hot Wing

Medium Wing

A mild whole wing

Broasted Potatoes

Peanut Butter Pie

BBQ Wings

Chicken Louie’s was on N Main for decades

 

 

To Kill a Mockingbird Killed at Dayton Playhouse

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The Board of Directors of The Dayton Playhouse, Inc. (DPI) announced the cancellation of the March 8-17, 2019 production of To Kill a Mockingbird due to circumstances beyond the organization’s control.

DPI did everything correctly to acquire the rights to the Sergel  adaptation of To Kill A Mockingbird; such rights were secured, and paid for properly, 14 months ago. However, the opening of the new production in New York has changed the business landscape and appears to have rendered DPI’s rights no longer valid.

The Board of Directors in partnership with legal counsel have thoroughly explored avenues to overcome these obstacles and present our production, but under threat of substantial legal action from Rudinplay the decision was made to cancel the production. Rudinplay holds the rights to the new production currently running on Broadway, also inspired by Harper Lee’s 1960 novel. The Board of Directors determined that DPI is not in a position to risk an expensive legal battle that could threaten the corporation’s future viability.

“We are in complete shock,” stated Matt Lindsay, Chair of the DPI Board of Directors. “I and the whole Board of Directors are devastated by this situation. I feel terrible for our artists, on stage and backstage, who poured their hearts into making something beautiful and meaningful, only to have it ended so suddenly.” The cast and crew have been hard at work on the production for weeks.

The Dayton Playhouse box office will be reaching out to purchasers of tickets to offer alternatives including tickets to another show, tax donation or simply a refund. DPI holds itself to a high standard of quality and professionalism. Please do not reach out to the box office – as DPI will be in touch with patrons within the next weeks.

The Board of Directors sincerely hopes this will not tarnish the theatre’s relationship with any of its patrons, who we value deeply. We are disappointed to be unable to present this beautiful play to our audiences. We will work tirelessly to retain their trust and patronage.

The Push-Up Challenge

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Join us on March 2nd, 2019 for a battle of grit. Participants will push the limits of their own strength as they attempt to do 300 push-ups in just two hours. Don’t let your New Year’s Resolution dwindle! Register as an individual or a team, just be sure to bring your game face. In addition to regular contestants, two local gyms will battle for the title of “Gym Powerhouse.” Don’t miss this fight for the title!

TEDxDayton Call For Speakers for Oct 11th Event

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The 7th annual TEDxDayton signature event is now accepting applications from community members. The event will take place on Friday, October 11 at the Victoria Theatre in downtown Dayton, OH.

TEDxDayton 2018 Photo Credit: Knack Creative

TEDxDayton’s mission is to bring the spirit of ideas worth spreading to deep conversation and connections within the community. The event will feature TED’s signature format of brief talks, demonstrations and performances meant to inspire learning and curiosity while encouraging meaningful conversation.

In search of this year’s presenters, the Speakers Committee has issued a “Call for Speakers” on the TEDxDayton website. Applicants, who do not have to be professional speakers, can apply at tedxdayton.com/signature-event. TEDxDayton is looking for diverse topics from diverse speakers who can deliver a focused, thought-provoking message in about ten minutes.

The theme for this year’s signature event is “CONNECT.”

“Each year we receive feedback from the audience that one of the highlights of TEDxDayton is the opportunity to connect with Daytonians from all walks of life and perspectives, and it is fitting TEDxDayton recognizes the value of those connections,” said Brenden Wynn, who is co-chairing this year’s Speakers Committee along with Cory Owen and Lance Salyers.

“Staying true to a core tenant of TEDxDayton, we are looking for speakers who have a big idea worth sharing,” continued Wynn. “This can be a new idea, or a unique perspective on an existing idea. While a talk doesn’t have be formed around the idea of ‘connection,’ we do hope our slate of speakers can connect with their audience in a way that keeps their idea worth sharing alive long after the event.”

Aspiring speakers should complete an application by March 24. The Speakers Committee will review applications and invite selected candidates to auditions that will take place on May 6, 7, 11 and 14. Those selected to be TEDxDayton 2019 signature event speakers will be notified within a few weeks following auditions.

For inquiries regarding the application process, email Brenden Wynn at [email protected].

Dayton at Work and Play: Fazl-i-Umar Mosque

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The Fazl-i-Umar Mosque in Dayton’s Miami Chapel neighborhood.

This is one of Dayton’s most historic houses of worship. It is Ohio’s first mosque and the first mosque built in the United States by African American converts to Islam. The property was donated to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in 1949.

Although they are one of the smaller Muslim sects, Ahmadiyya Muslims are well known for their charitable work. When I visited the mosque one day I met a man who wore a baseball cap with the name Humanity First. That’s their agency that does a lot of disaster relief work. The Ahmadiyya Muslims have also built more than 30 hospitals around the world.

Every Wednesday at 6:30 pm the mosque has something it calls “Coffee, Cake & True Islam.” Everyone is welcome, and you can ask questions about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community or about Islam in general. For more information, call them at (937) 901-2408.

Fazl-i-Umar Mosque
637 Randolph St
Dayton, Ohio 45417

 

Dars ul Quran after Fajr Prayer Daily

Wednesdays Cofee and Cake at 06:30 PM (Open for Public)

First Adhan for Jummah prayer:  01:30 pm

Russell Florence’s Oscar Predictions

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And the Oscar goes to… fantastic stories about family, politics, royalty, pop stardom, race relations, and superheroes which defined film in 2018. The Favourite and Roma lead with 10 nominations apiece, but tonight I’m particularly looking forward to the presentation of Best Production Design thanks to Wright State University alumna Hannah Beachler, who made history as the first African-American nominated in the category for her superb work on Black Panther.


Knowing there will be surprises and upsets, here are my predictions in the top six categories:

BEST PICTURE
Black Panther
BlacKkKlansman
Bohemian Rhapsody
The Favourite
Green Book
Roma
A Star is Born
Vice

Overlooked: A Quiet Place; The Ballad of Buster Scruggs; Beautiful Boy; Ben Is Back; Boy Erased; Can You Ever Forgive Me?; Cold War; Crazy Rich Asians; Eighth Grade; First Man; First Reformed; The Hate U Give; If Beale Street Could Talk; Leave No Trace; Mary Poppins Returns; Mary Queen of Scots; Shoplifters; Widows; The Wife; Wildlife; Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Should Win/Will Win: Black Panther

I feel you’ve undoubtedly heard a lot about Roma, especially its momentum during this topsy-turvy awards season. Roma, which ranked high on my Top 10 films of the year, is a beautifully crafted and acted look at the life of a Mexican maid, but I also recognize it’s very love-hate. After all, it’s understandable that watching water stream down a drain or watching a car correctly park in a driveway, in black and white no less, would be agony for some. And as for the Academy, there’s still great uncertainty about embracing a foreign film and a Netflix film as Best Picture, especially when Roma seems guaranteed to win foreign film anyway. So, taking all this into consideration among many worthy contenders including Green Book which has been shrouded in controversy for a while, I’m going with the more universally attractive and compellingly entertaining Black Panther, the pop culture achievement of 2018 that transcended cinema and unified a divisive nation for young and old alike.

BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón, Roma
Yorgos Lanthimos, The Favourite
Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman
Adam McKay, Vice
Pawel Pawlikowski, Cold War

Overlooked: Ari Aster, Hereditary; Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade; Damien Chazelle, First Man; Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs; Ryan Coogler, Black Panther; Bradley Cooper, A Star is Born; Paul Dano, Wildlife; Joel Edgerton, Boy Erased; Peter Farrelly, Green Book; Debra Granik, Leave No Trace; Peter Hedges, Ben Is Back; Barry Jenkins, If Beale Street Could Talk; Hirokazu Kore-eda, Shoplifters; John Krasinski, A Quiet Place; Steve McQueen, Widows; Björn Runge, The Wife; George Tillman, Jr., The Hate U Give

Should Win: Lee
Will Win: Cuarón

The overdue Lee, receiving his first nomination here, deserves to win based on his decision to incorporate the relevant Charlottesville footage, but Cuarón remains unstoppable.

BEST ACTOR
Christian Bale, Vice
Bradley Cooper, A Star is Born
Willem Dafoe, At Eternity’s Gate
Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody
Viggo Mortensen, Green Book

Overlooked: Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther; Steve Carell, Beautiful Boy; John Cho, Searching; Ben Foster, Leave No Trace; Ryan Gosling, First Man; Jake Gyllenhaal, Wildlife; Lucas Hedges, Ben Is Back and Boy Erased; Stephan James, If Beale Street Could Talk; Joaquin Phoenix, Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot, You Were Never Really Here; Jonathan Pryce, The Wife; Lakeith Stanfield, Sorry to Bother You; John David Washington, BlacKkKlansman

Should Win: Bale
Will Win: Malek

The transformative Bale, in one of his finest and most complex performances, mesmerized behind the makeup to create a fascinatingly dark portrayal of Dick Cheney, but Malek, the darling of awards season, will be the champion for embodying Freddie Mercury’s legacy with fiery flair and enormous heart.

BEST ACTRESS
Yalitza Aparicio, Roma
Glenn Close, The Wife
Olivia Colman, The Favourite
Lady Gaga, A Star is Born
Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Overlooked: Sakura Ando, Shoplifters; Emily Blunt, Mary Poppins Returns; Toni Collette, Hereditary; Viola Davis, Widows; Elsie Fisher, Eighth Grade; Joanna Kulig, Cold War; KiKi Layne, If Beale Street Could Talk; Carey Mulligan, Wildlife; Julia Roberts, Ben Is Back; Saoirse Ronan, Mary Queen of Scots; Amanda Stenberg, Widows; Charlize Theron, Tully; Constance Wu, Crazy Rich Asians

Should Win/Will Win: Close

Aparicio, Gaga and McCarthy impressed and Colman truly delighted, but after seven nominations Close, tremendous as a gifted spouse suddenly finding her voice, will no longer be ignored.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR 
Mahershala Ali, Green Book
Adam Driver, BlacKkKlansman
Sam Elliott, A Star is Born
Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Sam Rockwell, Vice

Overlooked: Timothée Chalamet, Beautiful Boy; Coleman Domingo, If Beale Street Could Talk;; Joel Edgerton, Boy Erased; Josh Hamilton, Eighth Grade; Brian Tyree Henry, If Beale Street Could Talk; Jonah Hill, Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot; Russell Hornsby, The Hate U Give; Nicholas Hoult, The Favourite; Michael B. Jordan, Black Panther; Daniel Kaluuya, Widows; Ed Oxenbould, Wildlife; Anthony Ramos, A Star is Born

Should Win/Will Win: Ali

Ali should’ve shared lead category placement with Mortensen, but he’s a sure bet nonetheless for bringing nobility and charm to his portrayal of musician Dr. Don Shirley.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS 
Amy Adams, Vice
Marina de Tavira, Roma
Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk
Emma Stone, The Favourite
Rachel Weisz, The Favourite

Overlooked: Emily Blunt, A Quiet Place; Linda Cardellini, Green Book; Elizabeth Debicki, Widows; Ann Dowd, Hereditary; Claire Foy, First Man; Danai Gurira, Black Panther; Regina Hall, The Hate U Give; Nicole Kidman, Boy Erased; Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie, Leave No Trace; Debra Messing, Searching; Lupita Nyong’o, Black Panther; Margot Robbie, Mary Queen of Scots; Annie Starke, The Wife; Maura Tierney, Beautiful Boy; Michelle Yeoh, Crazy Rich Asians

Should Win/Will Win: King

King has dazzled on television for years (Southland, American Crime, Seven Seconds), but her return to the big screen as a supportive mother fighting to save her daughter’s wrongly imprisoned boyfriend was an absolute knockout!

Dr. Ruth to be Keynote Speaker for Jewish Federation June Dinner

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The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton is proud to announce our keynote speaker for the June 2019 Presidents Dinner: Dr. Ruth Westheimer!

Dr. Ruth Westheimer may best be known for having pioneered talking explicitly about sex on radio and television, but that is only a small part of her rich and diversified life. Born in Germany in 1928, Dr. Westheimer was sent to Switzerland at the age of ten to escape the Holocaust, which wiped out her entire immediate family. At seventeen she went to then-Palestine. She joined the Haganah, the Israeli freedom fighters, was trained to be a sniper, and was seriously wounded in a bomb blast. She later moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne and in 1956 went to the U.S. where she obtained her Masters Degree (M.A.) in Sociology from the Graduate Faculty of the New School of Social Research and Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in the Interdisciplinary Study of the Family from Columbia University Teacher’s College.

She is the author of 44 books, the latest of which are Stay or Go and Roller Coaster Grandma and the executive producer of five documentaries. A one-woman show about her life, Becoming Dr. Ruth has played in the Berkshires, Hartford and off-Broadway and continues to tour. A documentary about her life, Ask Dr. Ruth, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this past January and will be shown in theaters and then on Hulu. Dr. Westheimer, a widow, has two children, four grandchildren and resides in New York City.

Tickets will be available online Wednesday, May 8!

Dinner will be Monday, June 17 at 6pm
Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture & Education – CJCE
525 Versailles Dr. Centerville, Ohio 45459

Street Names of Dayton: Torrence Street and Huffman Avenue

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HUFFMAN AVENUE and TORRENCE STREET are named for Torrence Huffman, real estate developer and owner of Huffman Prairie where the Wright Brothers flew and tested their airplanes.

Torrence was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Woodland Cemetery Association from May 1903 until his death on January 6, 1928. He also served as its treasurer from 1890 to 1896. He was a graduate of Denison University in Granville, Ohio and served as one of their trustees and chairman of the finance committee. He was one of the original organizers of the Fourth National Bank and first served as its vice-president for five years and then president for twenty five years until the bank merged with the Dayton Savings and Trust Company. In 1916, he became financially involved with the Buckeye Iron & Brass Works serving as its director and principal owner until his death in 1928. He was also a director at the Dayton Railway Company as well as the Dayton State Hospital. 

 

Torrence Huffman was born in Dayton, Ohio on March 20, 1855 and died on January 6, 1928. He was married to Annie Beckel, daughter of Daniel and Susannah (Harshman) Beckel. Torrence and Annie had four children: Susannah, William, Geraldine and Charlotte. The entire family is buried in Section 52 Lot 1167 in Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum.

Woodland Cemetery, founded in 1841, is one of the nation’s oldest rural garden cemeteries and a unique cultural, botanical and educational resource in the heart of Dayton, Ohio. 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 University of Dayton 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 and until 7 pm during Daylight Saving Time. The Mausoleum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 937-228-3221 or visit the Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum website.

 

COhatch Takes Over SparkFairborn

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The City of Fairborn and COhatch, a social enterprise offering a new kind of shared work, social, and family space built on community, reached an agreement to bring the coworking lifestyle brand to Fairborn, Ohio.

Under the terms of the deal, COhatch will take over the city’s business incubator Spark including its shared kitchen and coworking spaces that was launched in 2018. The City of Fairborn represents the first licensee under the COhatch Community Investment Program.

The Fairborn Development Corporation (FDC) tapped COhatch as a logical extension of its extensive community work to provide access to additional resources and support to help local businesses grow using a collaborative business model and community driven culture which is the centerpiece of COhatch’s mission.

For its part, COhatch will provide further direction and consultative services to Fairborn as it helps city officials take its shared services property to the next level. As a result, COhatch is already working with the FDC to develop and implement a development plan for an entire block of Main Street. This plan will provide unprecedented opportunity to offer a variety of services and growth opportunities for incubator members, as well as additional dining and shopping for the city.

“The citizens of Fairborn couldn’t be happier or more proud of our ongoing downtown redevelopment,” said City Manager Rob Anderson. “We know our citizens love to work, meet and live in the communities they care about. With assistance from COhatch, we are leapfrogging our development for the city, so everything will happen more quickly and at a higher intensity with greater results.”

“The Fairborn location caters to small businesses, start-ups and socially-minded entrepreneurs, who are looking for office space as well community members that want access to space to host social events, meet ups and the like,” said Patrick Williams, local owner/operator for COhatch. “This location currently offers dedicated desks, meeting rooms and coworking space with private offices available this summer. We also offer meeting and event spaces to the public and can accommodate off-site company meetings and the hosting of life events.”

The Fairborn location fits well with the recently launched community investment initiative that enables local owners to build a COhatch at a new location 30 to 50 miles outside of larger metropolitan areas such as Dayton, Ohio. The City of Fairborn will have access to all COhatch shared resources, branded and operational materials, website and digital tools and its network of professional service providers among other assets.

“We are very excited to onboard Fairborn,” said Matt Davis, founder of COhatch. “Fairborn is just one of many inquiries we have received from in-need municipalities that would love to plug into our model for connecting people and communities through our work, meet and live lifestyle concept. In addition, this gives us and the City of Fairborn the opportunity to give back to their community.”

To help facilitate a smooth transition, all existing agreements with current Spark members will be honored, while providing access and opportunity to pursue additional COhatch-related services including workshops, member benefits and business support for the incubator.

Members will also be able to access all COhatch resources and space at any of its locations. They include a standard set of business amenities such as Wi-Fi, desk and fax/mail services. In addition, each COhatch has a unique feature to it like The Madery Makers & Market space in Worthington and a 30-person theater at the Delaware location.

COhatch currently has three locations: “The Hardware Store” and “The Library” in Worthington, Ohio; and “The Newsstand” in Delaware along with “The Hub” at Polaris Fashion Place. Three other locations are under construction and include: The Upper Arlington location “The Overlook”, Polaris Fashion Place “The Pub” that will open in early 2019 and “The Market” in Springfield which is set to open in mid-2019.

Basil’s On Market Announces New All Day Menu!

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Basil’s On Market, in Dayton on N. Patterson Boulevard, is rolling out a new menu to be served all day long. This menu will feature some new items like Basil’s Gourmet Wings, Calamari Frito Misto, the Derby Salad, and Baby Back Ribs. Favorites from past lunch and dinner menus will also be available all day like the JF Burger, Lobster Shells & Cheese with Grilled Shrimp and The Cruban. A new Veggie Burger option, the Impossible Burger, is also being added to the menu.
Co-owners Jeff Finklestein and Todd Uhlir are looking forward to serving a wider and more diverse menu all day long. “It just makes sense for us. People love our burgers for lunch and dinner and our Shrimp & Chicken Rockafeller is just as rich and delicious at lunch as at dinner! Feedback from our customers drove these changes, and we feel this menu continues to reflect our desire to offer a creative menu which invites you to Come As You Are and Eat What You Like.” says Finklestein. Chef Todd Uhlir collaborated with the chefs at each location, and is looking forward to the menu saying, ”These changes continue to embody our desire to offer Inspired Comfort Food to diners!”
Regular Basil’s On Market customers can still enjoy weekly and daily specials at all three restaurants. Prime Rib Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Sunday Brunch, and Half Price Bottles of Wine on Monday and Wednesday, are sticking around. All You Can Eat Crab moved from Wednesdays to Fridays in February.
Basil’s On Market in Dayton offer a scenic view of the Ohio River with patio seating in-season. Diners can enjoy the same menu at two other Basil’s locations in Troy, Ohio and Mason, Ohio. Basil’s offers diners Inspired Comfort Food, bringing modern twists on classic American fare, inviting guests to, “come as they are, and eat what they like”.

Basil’s On Market

312 N. Patterson Blvd.
Dayton, Ohio
(937) 818-4390
Monday – Thursday 11am -8pm
Friday & Saturday 11am – 9pm
Sunday 10am – 2pm