Dayton937

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

Archives for November 2019

State Nearly Doubles the Region’s Funding To Invest In High-Tech Companies

By

The Ohio Third Frontier Commission has awarded The Entrepreneurs Center $10.8M to expand support for innovative entrepreneurs driving Dayton’s thriving startup scene.

The Entrepreneurs Center leads the region’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) network, an Ohio Third Frontier program that provides funding and assistance to high-potential technology-based startups to accelerate early growth.

“This award is a testament to the progress The Entrepreneurs Center has made helping Dayton founders launch and scale their companies,” said Scott Koorndyk, President of the organization. “This ESP grant represents funding at a level our region has never seen before and will allow us to not only continue, but to expand, our exciting work with Dayton’s most promising new ventures.”

Since taking over the region’s ESP network in 2017, The Entrepreneurs Center has aggressively worked to fuel local economic growth by deploying resources and mentorship to the area’s most promising high-tech startups.

By mid-2019, the number of startup companies in the center’s expanding portfolio was nearly double the program’s pre-2016 levels. In 2018, total third-party investment in those companies surpassed $35M — nearly triple the program’s highest pre-2016 numbers. The Entrepreneurs Center also assisted its innovative startups to secure 38 patents on new technologies, with an additional 95 patents pending across the medical, financial, agricultural, manufacturing and defense sectors.

“The Entrepreneurs Center has reinvented itself over the last three years and emerges at this pivotal moment with significant State backing to play an important role in ensuring the Miami Valley reaches its full potential as an innovation and technology hub,” said Gayle Rominger, Vice Chair of The Entrepreneurs Center Board of Directors. “This funding allows the organization to continue fueling our region’s startup momentum and building a more prosperous future for Dayton.”

As leader of the region’s ESP network, The Entrepreneurs Center has rallied more collaborators than ever before. Partners on this three-year grant include Wright State Research Institute, University of Dayton, Sinclair Community College, Miami University, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Dayton Partnership, Arcade Innovation Hub, Wright Brothers Institute, Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education, Ascend Innovations, Converge Technologies and Cornerstone Research Group.

This award will support The Entrepreneurs Center’s efforts to significantly expand programming and support for the region’s entrepreneurs as it moves operations into the Arcade. The Entrepreneurs Center joins University of Dayton as a proud partner in The Hub, an anchor tenant of the downtown revitalization project. Small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurial thinkers from across the region will have access to The Hub’s 95,000 square feet + events + amenities.

“By aiding these entrepreneurs in their efforts to launch and scale new businesses, we are increasing prosperity across the Dayton region,” said David Schoeff, Chair of the Entrepreneurs Center Board of Directors. “Startups bring vitality through their innovative ideas, the investment they attract, the talent they retain, and the jobs they create. These businesses represent a new wave of success stories for Dayton and we are proud to support them.”

About The Entrepreneurs Center
The Entrepreneurs Center (TEC) offers solutions to all Miami Valley entrepreneurs by assisting small businesses, scalable high-tech startups, and research institutes ready to commercialize. Mentorship, connections, business planning, professional services, and technology commercialization programs are available at little-to-no cost to local entrepreneurs. TEC also manages multiple properties offering affordable, flexible space solutions such as co-working, shared space, and private offices. In partnership with the University of Dayton, TEC drives innovation in the region as an anchor tenant at The Arcade revitalization project in downtown Dayton, scheduled to open in late 2020. The Entrepreneurs Center is also a proud collaborator in the Launch Dayton community. Learn more at TECDayton.com.

YWCA’s 2020 Women of Influence Announced

By

YWCA Dayton will honor seven women during its 2020 Women of Influence awards luncheon on March 12, 2020, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Dayton Convention Center. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the award; with an average attendance of 800, it is known as the largest nonprofit luncheon in Dayton.

Since 1998, the YWCA Dayton WOI Awards have recognized and honored more than 165 influential women in the Dayton area, visionaries and thought leaders who have made a difference in our community through their dedication to the YWCA mission of empowering women, eliminating racism, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Honorees in the Women of Influence Class of 2020 are:

  • Maribeth Graham, Retired Administrator, Iddings Foundation
  • Peggy Lehner, Ohio Senator
  • Marya Rutherford Long, Vice President – Community & Economic Development Manager, Fifth Third Bank
  • Jane Marx, Vice President/Controller, Culmen Real Estate Services
  • Julia Reichert, Independent Filmmaker
  • Becky Sorrell, Director, Preble County Job and Family Services

Additionally, Jenell Ross will be honored with the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award. Ross is president of Bob Ross Auto Group in Centerville, Ohio, the first African-American owned Mercedes-Benz Dealership in the world and the only one owned by an African-American woman. She is the only second-generation African-American female automobile dealer in the country. Ross was first honored as a Women of Influence honoree in 2012.

Honorees were selected from a pool of more than 130 nominations by YWCA leadership and the volunteer WOI Committee, led this year by Chair Belinda Matthews Stenson, director, Minority Business Partnership of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Co-Chair Diane Pleiman, president, Premier Health Physician Network.

Says Shannon Isom, president and CEO of YWCA Dayton, “We stand in awe of these women. They are thought leaders, innovators, literal care givers. They make our community stronger by sharing those gifts to break down barriers and help the most vulnerable among us thrive. That is the mission work YWCA Dayton has done for 149 years, and we are honored to lift up these women in pursuit of that vision.

“This year’s class represents not only women who have blazed new trails in their personal and professional lives, influencing our city and region for decades before and those to come, but they also represent a significant milestone: these honorees will be recognized as Women of Influence during YWCA Dayton’s 150th anniversary year.”

The Women of Influence luncheon is YWCA Dayton’s largest fundraiser. Sponsorship opportunities, program advertising, and table and ticket purchase information is available at www.ywcadayton.org/woi20.

For more information on YWCA Dayton, its Women of Influence awards, or to arrange a media interview, contact [email protected] or 937-416-3924. Follow the conversation on social media using hashtag #DaytonWOI.

Happy Anniversary, Doc; An Interview With Art Jipson

By

The University of Dayton campus during the fall is destined to be on the cover of a postcard.

Or it could be a picturesque backdrop for all Midwest college destinations photo shoots.

I walked around the primary corridor on campus and was impressed with what I was discovering on this late October afternoon. My time at the college had been pretty limited except on this day.  The colorful foliage falling entirely on the cemented paths to the traditional buildings was stunning. We must not forget the cool breeze tickling my senses ever so slightly.

I found my way over to the 300 block of Kiefaber Street, where the small architectural pleasing ArtStreet building stands. Within said structure is where I found Art Jipson conducting his weekly radio show titled Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative With Dr. J. Jipson sees me walking up through the glass windows overlooking the housing and grass area around ArtStreet and waves me in. I walked into the studio and was warmly greeted by Jipson as he was in the middle of a block of music currently playing. Show posters from various musicians and bands hang all around the walls; from top to bottom, a history of bands that have come and gone along current groups paint the story of Dayton music over the years. One small piece of wall is a letter from Ben Folds, with wording that can’t be repeated. The space that Jipson conducts his show is abnormally undersized compared to most studios I’ve been in. Jipson is aware of such; he mentions that there’s some talk about reworking some things within the room that will help with spacing.

Jipson has been producing his weekly show in the tiny studio surprisingly, only a handful of cancellations pop up a year. The three-hour event primarily consists of local talent with national acts old and new sprinkled Jipson himself has hand-picked and reviewed. “We try to give a little bit of listen to everything that comes in,” Jipson says. “I get about ten to twenty CD’s just sent to me…a a lot of stuff is sent to electronically as well.” When it comes to choosing what he will play, Jipson informs me that he is always looking for a good flow with the tracks. On top of this, Jipson tells me that he must include talking points within the space. “If I’m by myself and I have lots of talking points…we will talk about the nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we will talk about music news; we will talk about folks who passed like Kate Shattuck,” Jipson explains. The entire process for Jipson to create a three-hour show usually takes about six to eight hours. With so much work being put in, Jipson doesn’t see it as a burden. “The music and radio stuff…I started doing it for fun. I feel compelled to do it. I want to do it. When I feel weird in a day is because I didn’t listen to music. I need that exposure.”

After the first hour is completed, Jipson mentions that he needs to go out of the studio and welcome his guests today, Mikey Chappell and Eric Dino of Scary Hotel, in the lobby area of ArtStreet. The two individuals are spending the next hour playing a few of the songs that are their band’s upcoming album Love Like You’re Lonely. Dubbing their project as “melancholy music for happy people,” the indie rock band formed when Chappell and Dino met each other in a class. Both being transplants of Dayton via Air Force, Scary Hotel started as a three-piece ensemble to what’s now a five-piece. During their stint in the studio, Chappell and Dino performed two of the songs featured on Love Like You’re Lonely. The first song they play is “Big Waves,” a track that centers on the night Chappell declared his intentions to himself to stay around in Dayton. The harmonization between the bandmates soars throughout the room, capturing Jipson and myself cold in our tracks. The last string of the guitar fades away when I catch Jipson grasping for words to say; his body language presents an individual who fell into the singing of the duo like a soft cloud. Jipson emerges from the experience with excitement. “That was fantastic,” Jipson declares. “Love the falsetto, Eric. I totally know what you mean. I feel happy and sad (laughs).”

On November 22 and 23, Jipson will be celebrating his radio show with the “YTAA 15 Year Anniversary Weekend.” Taking place at the Yellow Cab, the two-day event will feature twelve artists that institute for the success of the show’s long tenure. Jipson and his wife Tracey, in many ways, have become pillars in the music community by attending a variety of shows, multiple in some evenings. My first interaction with them happened to be at a show with Ghost Town Silence at Blind Bob’s. This level of support for the local talent in Dayton is often why bands and musicians drop what they are doing and return the favor by supporting him. When he isn’t doing the show, Jipson is a professor at UD, where he focuses his teaching of social matters, ranging from white racial extremism to the sociology of music. Often Jipson will ask musicians to come and speak to his students, to which is done without any hesitation. “I feel like we are a team. We are working together to get people exposed to this great music.”

As the show begins to make the final turn towards completion, Jipson recounts his introduction to radio. Taking his classes that led him towards gaining employment at a country station, Jipson’s father would take him to the station when he was a teenager. From there, Jipson himself worked at the University of Minnesota’s radio station KUMM. During graduate school and his previous employment at Miami University, Jipson furthered his work on radio. The University of Dayton has been an excellent fit for Jipson; the school, according to him, has been nothing but supportive and caring about Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative.

Throughout the show, a few minor hiccups occurred, which is expected. Jipson during our conversation often stopped mid-sentence from catching specific cues that needed to hit at certain times. “There are so many things that you are bouncing back and forth. No matter what you do, there’s always going to something that doesn’t work right,” he says. “I have learned to forgive the mistakes more…I was very unforgiving; I would feel bad about it or get upset about it. You think that it detracts from what you are trying to put together.”

Overall, another successful show will be in the books, and Jipson will go straight to work on next week’s broadcast in a matter of days. He looks at one of the main hardcopy calendars that he has on hand to see what the next week’s guest was going to be. On the day I shadowed Jipson, I’m informed that local hip-hop artist Kevin Carter will be joining him. The look on Jipson as he begins to wind down is one that shows a man who is beyond exhausted. Regardless, his energy throughout the three-hour window never wavered because he was doing that he loves. “I appreciate every person that listens to the show. I appreciate everyone that takes the time to give us any thought or consideration. I love music, and I want people to expose to this music. At the end of the day, if you go to a show, you buy a t-shirt, you buy a CD or record, that’s what its all for, man. That’s winning.”

The Yellow Cab Tavern will be hosting WUDR Flyer Radio 99.5/98.1’s Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative for their 15 Year Anniversary Weekend on Friday and Saturday, November 22-23, 2019.  Two-day tickets  $25 on the day of and one-day tickets are $15 on the day of. Cover starts both days at 6pm. This show is all ages, with guests under 18 requiring a guardian.

Friday, November 22: TEAM VOID, Age Nowhere, Charlie Jackson and the Heartland Railway, Me Time (performing solo), Cricketbows, The Boxcar Suite

Saturday, November 23: Ghost Town Silence, The 1984 Draft, Rok, Amber Hargett (performing solo), The Typical Johnsons, The New Old-Fashioned, Neo American Pioneers

Food trucks to be announced. Yellow Cab’s resident truck, The Pizza Bandit will be set up and serving all night long.

Catch Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative every Tuesday from 3-6pm online at wudr.udayton.edu and on 99.5 & 98.1FM. Follow Dr. J on twitter and instagram at drjytaa. Read the music blog at yourtuesdayafternoonalternative.com.

Dayton Filmmakers Score with 2020 Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations

By

Film Independent

Spirit Awards

Nominees Announced

 Recognizing the best (and budget-friendliest) in independent cinema this year marks the awards’ 35th anniversary. First begun as a casual industry luncheon tucked into the dining room of a small West Hollywood eatery, the Spirit Awards have steadily ascended in prominence and prestige, growing to its current state—to a much nicer lunch inside a tent a few miles West, in Santa Monica.
Nominated:

Clemency – Best Feature, Best Screenplay, Best Female Lead

Bernadine Williams, a Death Row prison warden whose job has taken a psychological toll on her, must confront her demons when she has to execute another inmate.

Datyon Connection: Chinonye Chukwu- former FilmDayton Board Member , former Professor at Tom Hanks Motion Picture Center at WSU

Give Me Liberty- Best Male Lead, Best Supporting Female, Best Editing and the John Cassavettes Award- given to the best feature made for under $500,000; award given to the writer, director and producer.

In this freewheeling comedy, medical transport driver Vic risks his job to shuttle a group of rowdy seniors and a Russian boxer to a funeral, dragging clients like Tracy, a young woman with ALS, along for the ride.

Datyon Connection: Karri O’Reilly Line Producer FilmDayton Advisor

American Factory – Best Documentary- Award given to the director and producer

End 2008, GM closes a plant in Ohio. A Chinese billionaire/Fuyao Glass buys the plant 2014 and invests in auto glass production. There are 2000 jobs there by late 2016. USA meets PRChina.

  • Director/Producers: Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert
  • Producers: Julia Parker Benello, Jeff Reichert
Datyon Connection: Steve was a FilmDayton Board Member and Steve & Julia are both FilmDayton members

TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD – now in its 25th year, is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.

América is a story of brothers confronting the chasm between adolescent yearning and adult realities when brought together to care for their ailing ninety-three year old grandmother.
AMÉRICA – Directors: Erick Stoll, Chase Whiteside
Datyon Connection: WSU Filmmakers, former FilmDayton Members
For a complete list of nominees, click here
The 2020 Film Independent Spirit Award nominees were announced this morning, November 21, at The LINE LA in Los Angeles—presented by Zazie Beetz (Atlanta, Joker) and Natasha Lyonne (Orange is the New Black, Russian Doll) and recognizing yet another tremendous group of independent storytellers.
“At a time when the film business is undergoing such change and challenges, it’s important to loudly celebrate the work itself–the films!–and to recognize 2019 as a year of bold, audacious and accomplished filmmaking,” said President of Film Independent Josh Welsh. “That’s what the Spirit Awards are all about.”
Spirit Award winners are voted on exclusively by FilmIndependent Members. Join by Dec 5 to receive awards screeners and full Spirit Award Member benefits. The 2020 Film Independent Sprit Awards will be held Sat, February 8 on the beach in Santa Monica, broadcast live EXCLUSIVELY on IFC at 5:00 pm ET.
‌

McCoy on Movies: 21 Bridges

By

Chadwick Boseman, Stephan James make compelling drama out of familiar subject matter in 21 Bridges

“C’mon – I think I see the dude that convinced me to do Draft Day is right over there!” Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman) and Frankie Burns (Siena Miller) rush in pursuit of two wanted suspects in a scene from director Brian Kirk’s 21 BRIDGES. Credit: Matt Kennedy / Motion Picture Artwork © 2017 STX Financing. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:


 

 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Chadwick Boseman, Stephan James, Sienna Miller, Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Siddig, Morocco Omari and J.K. SimmonsDIRECTOR(S): Brian Kirk

THE BACK STORY: Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman) is a detective in New York City. He had to be. It’s in his DNA, or at least that’s how he puts it. And given that his father was murdered on duty by three men – one of whom lived – his dedication to bringing criminals to justice rivals that of D.C. Comics’ biggest crimefighter Bruce Wayne. But while Batman may keep watch over a fictional Gotham, Andre is entrenched deep in New York City, which is why Internal Affairs is looking into his latest episode where he added to his growing body count of alleged criminals. Ray Jackson (Taylor Kitsch) and his partner Michael (Stephan James) don’t know Davis, but they soon will. For when it turns out the heist they’re involved in features 300 kilos of cocaine and not the 30 they were expecting, something seems off. Throw in an ensuing gun battle with a group of police officers who just so happen to show to the restaurant they’re robbing as if they were supposed to be there and Ray and Michael know something is wrong.

Arriving to the aftermath, Andre finds himself paired up with another detective, Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller) and a police captain in McKenna (J.K. Simmons) who want revenge moreso than justice for what has transpired. Quickly surmising the situation, Andre realizes the perpetrators have to still be in the city – which is why he orders all 21 bridges leading out of Manhattan closed. But the clock is ticking on Andre and Frankie … So there is no time to waste if they are going to catch the men responsible for what has happened.

THE REVIEW: While he has had plenty of roles in his acting career, Boseman has essentially become known for playing two kinds of people: Famous dead black people (Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get On Up and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall) and a certain costumed superhero from a fictional African country that helps save the world.21 Bridges showcases the depth of his talent – along with that of co-star James – to deliver an entertaining film despite having a very all-too-familiar style story with which to work.

Cops, robbers and conspiracy/cover tales are nearly as old as movies themselves; 21 Bridges doesn’t really do anything dynamic in regards to telling this type of tale (you can probably figure out most of what’s happening an hour or so into the film). What director Brian Kirk does do, however, is wisely present a stage where (1) the action sequences don’t feel forced and instead intense; (2) let Boseman take center stage and allow him to deliver a performance that is gripping enough to keep you interested as he breaks down scenarios and (3) trusts his actors, particularly Kitsch and James, to make their characters motivations, emotions and decisions relatable. Whereas last month’s Black and Blue dealt more with the issue of the thin blue line and which side of it African-Americans (both as police and possible perpetrators) fall on it, 21 Bridges is a standard tale of good vs. evil.

Whereas Boseman does a good job of playing the by-the-book-cop, he also does it enough style where it doesn’t feel so textbook that it lacks appeal. The same can be said for James, the co-star of the overlooked stellar 2018 release If Beale Street Could Talk. Giving his character a sense of humanity often lacking in shoot-em-up movies, watching Boseman and James play off each other adds to what would otherwise be another mash up of films that you’ve seen before.

Thus, while no one would – or should – expect 21 Bridges to do anything close to Black Panther business, it’s definitely worth seeing if you want to see Boseman flex his acting chops outside of spandex or a historical figure’s shadow.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

Thanksgiving Recipe – Easy Peazy Peanut Butter Pie !

By

Easy to Make Peanut Butter Pie

Hey fellow foodies !

Looking for a quick dessert to bring to family Thanksgiving that will please the masses?

It is really easy, too!  The old favorite “Peanut Butter Pie”  is simple, fun to make, and fairly inexpensive.

Let’s dive into this Food Adventure head first, and waste no time getting into this scrumptious recipe.

 

PEANUT BUTTER PIE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

—1/4 teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Mix the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract and peanut butter together until smooth.
  2. Fold in 1 of the whipped topping containers.
  3. Spoon the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
  4. Place the remaining whipped topping inside the 2nd container over the top of the peanut butter mixture
  5. Garnish with the peanut butter cups.
  6. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.

Voila ! There you have it …

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from The Food Adventure Crew: JESSIE, THE BIG RAGU and JACKIE !

Follow us on Facebook by clicking HERE, 8,000 followers can’t be wrong !

Enjoy Food Adventure EXCLUSIVE articles right here at Dayton Most Metro each week !

McCoy on Movies: Frozen 2

By

Anna and her sister return for enjoyable but not as magical Frozen 2

“This winter, it’s personal – no, it really is!” From left to right: Olaf (Josh Gad), Anna (Kristen Bell), Elsa (Idina Menzel, center), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and Sven return for FROZEN 2. Credit: © 2019 Walt Disney Pictures. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:


KEY CAST MEMBERS: Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Sterling K. Brown and Evan Rachel WoodDIRECTOR(S): Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck

THE BACK STORY: Following up on the events of the first film, Frozen 2 finds the magical Elsa (Idina Menzel) living happily in the utopian Arendelle with her sister Anna (Kristen Bell), her wanting-to-pop-the-question-but-unsure-how-to-do-so boyfriend Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his beloved reindeer Sven and everyone’s favorite one-liner cracking snowman Olaf (Josh Gad). But not everything is as peaceful and happy as it seems.


As a flashback will reveal, the sisters’ parents told them of Northuldra, a forest where the people of Arendelle were enjoying a nice time with the natives until something happened and the two groups found their lives forever changed. And now, as fate would have it, a mysterious voice is calling Elsa, who has become more and more curious about the origin of her powers. Could the voice have something to do with her powers? Could there be a connection to Northuldra? 


There’s only way Elsa, Anna, Sven and Olaf are going to find out … Looks like a new adventure awaits! 

THE REVIEW: Sometimes a sequel is better than the original. Sometimes it’s worse. And then there are times where the sequel looks to deliver pretty much everything the first film had that made it successful … even if the second go round, while solid, lacks the magic of the original.The last option is the one that describes the collection of jokes and songs collectively known as Frozen 2.

Frozen 2 is not a bad movie. But if you are not a major fan of Disney’s princess collection of films, the plot is not likely to hook you in. Likewise, while some will undoubtedly find the collection of songs – especially Kristoff’s somewhat hilarious homage to 80s power rock ballads – entertaining, others may find them to be a bit repetitive in both tone and execution. (If you are not an opera fan, some of the jokes may feel a bit long in the ear, er, tooth.) Gad’s Olaf character gets to take center stage for much of Frozen 2 in terms of delivering a much needed levity to the affair, which is balanced by the cuteness factor of Bruni, the salamander representation of fire in the enchanted forest.

Frozen 2 adheres to the longstanding adage of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” by making sure that if was in the first film, try to wedge it into the second film. While Elsa and Anna’s sibling rivalry has subsided, there’s still plenty of bonding in the story, as well as the idea of self-discovery, teamwork … and of course, good ol’ Olaf. Frozen 2 isn’t here to break new ground as much as it is to keep it nice and chilled as fans sing the songs long after they leave the theater. Whereas the first Frozen felt special and unique, 2 is like a slice of pizza from your favorite restaurant: satisfying but extremely familiar.

Thus, while it might be better suited for young children and Disney die-hards only, those two groups will love it … Even if everyone else might be happier if they just let it go and stopped before there is a part three.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

Bluegrass At The Dayton Art Institute Friday

By

Dayton area bluegrass fans are in for a truly special treat this Friday November 22nd, 2019 when The Del McCoury Band makes a stop at The Dayton Art Institute during his 80th Birthday tour!  Vince Gill says it simply, and maybe best: “I’d rather hear Del McCoury sing Are You Teasing Me’ then just about anything.”

Even among the pantheon of music’s finest artists, Del McCoury stands alone. His six decades of bluegrass bliss brings new triumphs, new collaborations, and new music. With but a single change in membership in twenty seven years, The Del McCoury Band shows unprecedented stability, as well as garnering the respect and admiration of the industry for its unmistakable work.

The Del McCoury Band, the most awarded band in the history of bluegrass, will be joined on state with special guests The Tillers. Thumping their own distinctive sound of string band style folk music for a decade, riding it all over the country and across the sea. Four studio albums and one live record have won them praise as modern folk storytellers of the national soundscape.

Join in this exclusive event at the recently renovated Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium inside the Dayton Art Institute. Seating is limited in this beautiful, and intimate theatre. Museum doors, and bar open at 6pm. Guests are welcome to walk through the American Gallery into the Great Hall where the bar is located. This performance is presented by Early Drive Productions, Media partner WYSO Radio and The Dayton Art Institute – Celebrating 100 years in 2019.

How to Go?

Where: The Dayton Art Institute’s Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium

When: Friday November 22, 2019. Museum Doors 6pm. Theatre Doors 7pm. Performance 8-10pm.

Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2891663/the-del-mccoury-band-dayton-the-dayton-art-institute-special-events

Wobble Gobble 3K Fun Run/Walk

By

Before you chow down on Thanksgiving Dinner, join us for our 5th annual Wobble Gobble 3K Fun Run/Walk through beautiful Morris Reserve. This is an all ages, family (and pet) friendly event. All runners will receive a commemorative goodie bag!

Concert for Tornado Relief w/ Kevin Heider & The Honest Stand

By

Local singer-songwriter Kevin Heider is bringing his full band (The Honest Stand) to The Steam Plant in downtown Dayton on Thursday, November 21st for a concert to benefit relief efforts still underway from the Memorial Day weekend tornadoes.

Donations for Tornado Relief will be accepted at the door by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Dayton, Ohio. If you prefer to give online, you may do so at www.stvincentdayton.org/how-to-donate (and be sure to put “Tornado Fund” in the comments section).

Our Food Adventure Crew Talks Turkey

By

Thanksgiving is almost here, and like everyone else, the Food Adventures Crew is getting ready for one of our favorite feasts of the year.   Today, we feature some fun Dayton Thanksgiving Trivia.   Share some of these at the table this holiday with family and friends.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL YOU FOODIES OUT THERE !

 

 

 

THANKSGIVING TRIVIA:

—Thanksgiving is always the 4th Thursday in November.

—People eat more on average on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year.

— The average person consumes 4500 calories on Thanksgiving

—Stuffing is what you put inside the bird, and dressing it what you serve and cook outside the bird.

— 54 Million people or 16% of the nation will be traveling this Thanksgiving.

 

HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING:

—The first Indian Tribe to celebrate with the pilgrims were the Wampanoag Tribe.  This first Thanksgiving lasted 3 days and took place in 1621.  They didn’t eat turkey, but had duck, deer and pigeon.

—Pilgrims did not wear buckled hats.

— At the first Thanksgiving they had spoons and knives, but forks weren’t invented until 10 years later !

—Thomas Jefferson thought Thanksgiving was a ridiculous idea for a holiday.

— In 1813 Ohio first set the 5th of May for a day of Thanksgiving. In Ohio in early times Thanksgiving was not always observed by the people, and not in November.

—Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a National Holiday in 1863

—Football was played on Thanksgiving starting with Yale and Princeton in 1876.

— In 1924 The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began with 400 employees marching in New York City. No large balloons, only live animals from Central Park Zoo.

 — Both Harry S.Truman, and John F. Kennedy are credited as the first Presidents to “pardon” a Thanksgiving turkey, depending on which source you believe.

 

TURKEY TRIVIA !

Deep Fried Turkey

—The age of the turkey that you are eating is usually between 14-20 weeks old.

— Turkeys can run 20 miles per hour when scared.

— The average turkey weights 15 pounds.

—The largest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds and was the size of a large dog.

— Benjamin Franklin wanted the Turkey and not the Eagle to be the national symbol of the USA.

—Local farm Bowman and Landes in New Carlisle raise over 80,000 free range turkeys each year and has been in business since 1948.

—In 1882 a wild turkey in Dayton cost $3 at the market, and the poorest Daytonians ate rabbit on Thanksgiving.  Other Dayton favorites purchased for Thanksgiving in 1882 were quarts of Kentucky bourbon for 60 cents, and mince meat pies made with 3 pounds of meat costing a quarter.

—Turkey can be substituted for Chicken in almost any recipe.

— On the West Coast of the USA, Dungeoness Crab is used instead of turkey

—Minnesota raises the most Turkeys in the U.S.

—Approximately 280 million turkeys are eaten every Thanksgiving.

— TV dinners were invented because of Thanksgiving in 1953.  Swanson had 260 tons of extra turkey after the holiday and a salesman suggested they should package it onto aluminum trays with other sides, and the first TV dinner was born!

—Turkeys have been known to drop dead at the sound of passing airplanes.

— After walking on the moon, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s first meal was roasted turkey from foil packets.

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from the Food Adventure’s Crew.  Jackie, Jessie and the Big Ragu are thankful for our social media followers, the people who attend our food events, charity relations, cooking classes, and festivals.  We hope you are surrounded by loved ones, family and friends this holiday season.  We hope it is an unforgettable Food Adventure.

Please “like” our Facebook Page by clicking here and get more fun food photos from around the Miami Valley !

We are thankful to have exclusive feature articles right here on Dayton Most Metro each week!

Look for some upcoming  Thanksgiving recipes next week.

 

 

Queen City Silver Stars at The Trolley Stop

By

Get on down to The Trolley Stop on Saturday, November 23rd as Cincinnati’s own, Queen City Silver Stars are bringing their original music that crosses over genres, rooting their sound in world rhythms while using homegrown songwriting techniques creating what they call “a midwest mind with a Caribbean soul.”  No matter what part of the world the musical inspiration comes from…it gives you the island vibes that everyone needs!

 

QCSS has two full albums currently available but wanted a new approach with their new batch of songs.  The idea is to record two songs at a time with various producers/engineers in the area, and release them online as virtual A-side, B-sides! After a few batches of songs…they will provide them as a collection that can be purchased at shows.

 

“Boomerang” and “Litte Bird” are available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and many other streaming services.   You can support the band by purchasing their tracks and albums through Bandcamp.    https://queencitysilverstars.bandcamp.com


How to go:
  • Where: The Trolley Stop – 530 E. 5th St.
  • When: Saturday, November 23
  • Time: 9:30pm – 1:30am
  • Cover: $5

3rd Rusty Taco Location Now Open Near Dayton Mall

By

Rusty Taco, formerly known as R Taco, moved into a 2,700-square-foot space at 2335 Miamisburg-Centerville Road in Miami Township across from the Dayton Mall.  The location, which was formerly El Toro has been completely remodeled to resemble a street-style taco stop, from the company’s Texas headquarters.

 

This third location for Dayton operators ThreeWitt Enterprises Inc. seats roughly 130 people, 90 inside and 40 on a patio. The location employs about 60 people.  Other location include the Brown Street store neat the University of Dayton and one in Beavercreek near the Fairfield Commons.

The Dallas-based taco chain now has 34 total stores across nine states. Rusty Taco specializes in street-style tacos along with house-made salsas, and also offers craft beers and margaritas. Rusty Taco was founded in 2010 and named for co-founder Rusty Fenton.

 

Charlie Campbell’s Things To Do

By

Poetry Reading at Flanagan’s Pub. Readers: Furaha Henry-Jones (Sinclair Professor) and Ron Rollins (Dayton Daily News Editor). Open Mic session will follow. Free and open to the public. The atmosphere is fun and festive. Come early and have a beer and a bite to eat! Monday, 7pm.
Annual Waffle Shop. Enjoy homemade waffles, sausages from Landes Meats, soups, sandwiches and desserts. In addition Waffle Shop includes a craft bazaar, bake sale, Elsie’s Attic rummage sale, and a raffle. Each day features a different celebrity baker! Christ Episcopal Church, Tuesday through Friday, 11am to 2pm.
Share a Pint at Warped Wing Brewery to support The League of Women Voters on Tuesday from 5 to 8pm.
‌
Central Jazz Big Band presents “Dance Mania!”The 16-piece band made up of local professional musicians plays the big band classics, with a special emphasis this month on music you can dance to. The show is to benefit Central’s food pantry; admission is a non-perishable food item or two, or a $5. This is at Central Christian Church of Kettering, Tuesday, 7:30 to 9pm.
MANAGING THE COLD WAR LEGACY: Mound and Fernald. This at the Mound Cold War Discovery Center,1075 Mound Road, Miamisburg on Wednesday, 7pm.
“Posters at Home and War” features more than 60 propaganda posters used in the U.S. from World War I through the Cold War. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force; opens on Friday.
Christmas in Springboro Sleigh bells ringing from the horse-drawn carriage, a sip of hot cocoa, the sound of children’s laughter and a nip in the air. Downtown businesses dress for the holidays with lights, decorations and holiday cheer. Food and craft vendors line the streets with delicious goodies and unique treasures. Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
Meet the Podcaster. Curious listeners can drop by the Downtown Dayton library for a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Podcaster George Drake, Jr. He has his new podcast, “Fifth and Ludlow…a five-part podcast about secrets, life, & perseverance.” Saturday, 3 to 5:30pm.
Ringing in the Holidays.This is Carillon Historical Park’s annual holiday gala. Featuring live music, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, delicious desserts, specialty cocktails, a silent auction, and more, this festive occasion is the perfect way to, well, ring in the holidays. Saturday, 6:30 to 10pm.
The Ethnosh Dayton NoshUp at La Costenita still has a few tickets for the 1:30 luncheon ….their two seatings at 4 and 6:30pm are filled up. It is Sunday 1:30 to 3:00pm.
A Russian Duo are teaming up for an exuberant performance from their extensive repertoire, including Russian folk music, dances, classical music, gypsy melodies, bluegrass and Soviet songs. Featured will be their version of “Free Spirit Rag!” St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Sunday, 3 to 5pm. FREE

McCoy on Movies: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

By

Hanks, Rhys shine in the Mister Rogers’ biopic A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

“Hey kids – if this was a Yeezy 350 Boost, I might tell you how to toss it on eBay to make a profit with which you could start a nice savings account!” Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) strikes a familiar pose in a scene from director Marielle Henner’s inspired by true events biopic A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Credit: Lacey Terrell © 2019 CTMG, Inc. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:


KEY CAST MEMBERS: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, Susan Kelechi Watson, Christine Lahti, Wendy Makenna, Enrico Colantoni, Tammy Blanchard, Noah Harpster and Maryann PlunkettDIRECTOR(S): Marielle Heller

THE BACK STORY: Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) is a journalist for Esquire magazine who’s used to doing hard-hitting, investigative pieces that often leave the subjects of his stories, much like a James Bond martini, a bit shaken if not internally stirred. So, when his boss (Christine Lahti) assigns him to write a 400 word piece on children’s television show host Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks), he’s a bit miffed to say the least. 


Then again, Lloyd’s negative predilection to get to dig deep to find the dirt on people might have something to do with his own issues. He’s still very mad at his dad (Chris Cooper) – whom he prefers to call by his first name of Jerry – for what he did when his wife/Lloyd’s mom got sick. And now that he’s got a newborn son of his own with his wife (Susan Kelechi Watson), he’s feeling a bit of pressure not to pass along any of his own pain to his offspring. 


Thus, what happens when a cynical, depressed reporter is asked to spend extended time with perhaps the most upbeat, positive person in the world? Something that is definitely going to not fit into 400 words but definitely may touch plenty of hearts in theaters nationwide. 
THE REVIEW: Inspired by true events biopics often take liberties with the facts of their subject matter, omitting certain controversial details, adding characters or sometimes straight up just diverting from the facts for the sake of the story the filmmaker wants to tell. And given the success of 2018’s documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, putting a well-known actor like Tom Hanks in the role of playing a beloved cultural icon like Fred Rogers could be a recipe for disaster if not done well with a compelling story.Anyone debating whether or not to see A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, however, should have no such concern – for the film is easily one of the finest releases of 2019.

Neighborhood‘s storytelling, under the direction of Marielle Henner (2018’s Can You Ever Forgive Me?), is almost like watching an episode of Rogers’ beloved television show itself – a simple yet genius move that brings the story to life. Instead of digging deep into its subject’s personal life (that aforementioned documentary does exist, after all), the film shows how the relationship between Vogel – based on Esquire writer Tom Junod who’s article served as a basis for Neighborhood – and Rogers. In doing so, it showcases the reasons Rogers became and remains an inspiration to millions of people throughout North America: In talking with Vogel about what drives him, Rogers works Vogel through his myriad of problems, making the writer learn about him but more importantly, himself.

Of course, this wouldn’t happen without Heller’s excellent direction that incorporates elements of both Rogers’ show and Hanks’ full immersion into the role. From his voice affectations and mannerisms to his legendary calm tone of speaking and self-deprecation, Hanks does about a fine a job as you’d hope for in a portrayal of a beloved figure without crossing into saint territory (which the movie directly addresses). Hanks’ ability to channel Rogers own approach to tough subject matter shows how his wisdom rings true for both children and adults to this day.

Rhys, however, may arguably deliver the strongest performance in the film, giving his reporter a layered depth to serve as the canvas on which Rogers’ true magic is fully revealed. Rogers hoped to create healthy positive adults instead of the type of adult Rhys’ character is: angry and wrongs done to him and unable to let it go, cynical, distrustful and afraid they’ll screw things up worse than their parents did. (Sound like anyone you know in your own life?) In showcasing the juxtaposition between the two, Heller crates a walking, talking exercise in a lesson typical of an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with her two male leads playing their parts perfectly. Strong supporting turns by the always strong Cooper and Watson further complete the exercise, the latter’s enthusiasm for life and peace playing well against Cooper’s apologetic manchild father trying to make amends.

All things considered, the thing that will stay with you after the film is over is how dedicated Rogers was to making the world a better place, no small feat in a world where so many of us let so many things destroy our happiness. An atypical film in a cinematic landscape filled with remakes, the perennial sex and violence and hokey family fare that often misses the mark,  A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood proves that good people still exist in the world – and good movies about them do, too.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN): 

 
 

Clifton Mill Needs Your Vote in the USA Today’s Best Public Lights Contest!

By

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill, located in Clifton, Ohio, has been nominated for USA Today’s best public lights holiday display.  It’s the only Ohio nominee, this unique attraction boasts nearly 4 million lights and has been illuminating the holiday season for 32 years.

Clifton Mills finished #2 in this poll in 2018, but with your VOTES they are hoping to land the #1 spot this year.   You can vote daily here until  polls close on Monday, December 2 at noon. The 10 winning displays will be announced on 10Best.com on Friday, December 13 just in time for Christmas.  As of this post on Sun, Nov 17th Clifton Mills is in 6th place.  Please VOTE!

 

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill’s gates open at 5pm, and precisely at 6pm, over 4 million lights brighten the night instantly, transforming the mill and gorge into a shimmering world of Christmas wonder. The lights come are open 7 nights a week through December 30th. 

What began as a simple idea of stringing a few strands of lights on the historic mill for the enjoyment of family and friends is now one of the largest outdoor holiday displays in the country. Now, millions of lights later, the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill decorate the mill, trees, river banks and almost everything in between. Including the water wheel.

One of the big crowd pleasers is the covered bridge synchronized light & music show, which occurs hourly each night.

Also 32 years ago, the owners began work on a miniature village with scaled down versions of some of Clifton’s historic buildings built by an artisan in Pennsylvania. There have been new additions each year by a variety of artists and today it is a sight to behold with street after miniature street of scaled down homes and businesses, a tiny Fire Dept. putting out a “house fire”, an outdoor train, a 1950s drive-in theatre, a County Fair and much more lit up for the holidays! Clifton Mill has over 3000 examples of ‘Santa Claus’ on display dating back to 1850. Some are toys, some used for advertising, odd to elegant, all are interesting. Plus, a real live Santa popping out of the chimney.

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill is an outdoor event and weather permitting. Call beforehand. Admission is $10 per person for everyone age 7 and older. Concession Food is available. BEST TIME TO VISIT IS MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

 

Join Dayton Brew Tours on a trip to see the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill!

We’ll board the 937 Party Bus at Dayton Mall, Elder Beerman parking lot and treat you to a holiday beer or wine tasting as we ride out to Clifton, we’ll drop you right at the entry gate to take a walking tour through the grounds for a couple hours and then we’ll get back on the bus and head back to the South Suburbs. Your ticket will include the beer, the bus ride and your ticket into Clifton Mill. Reservations Required. $35

Tuesday, Dec 3rd Holiday Lights Tour

Tues, Dec 17th Holiday Lights Tour