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Archives for December 2019

A Charlie Brown Christmas LIVE ON STAGE

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Back by popular demand, Sinclair Theatre will present A Charlie Brown Christmas LIVE ON STAGE in Blair Hall, Dec. 13-16, on the downtown Dayton campus. Listed by local media as a “Can’t-Miss Family Show to Celebrate the Holidays,” this 45-minute production is a perfect introduction for young children to LIVE theatre.

Directed by Gina Kleesattel with music direction by David Brush and choreography by Rodney Veal, this faithful stage adaptation of the 1965 animated TV special based on Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts characters features Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang as they grapple with the real meaning of Christmas. Featuring colorful costumes and scenery, the show is perfect for school, church, scout and other youth groups.

McCoy on Movies: Jumanji: The Next Level

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Cast and crew reunite for a worthy return to the wild in Jumanji: The Next Level

“All right, we can’t call ourselves the Wu-Tang Clan … But we’ll come up with something cool!” Alex a.k.a. Jefferson “Seaplane” McDonough (Nick Jonas), Bethany a.k.a. Professor Sheldon “Shelly” Oberon (Jack Black), Martha a.k.a. Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan), Spencer a.k.a. Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), Grandpa Eddie (Awkafina) and Fridge a.k.a. Mouse Finbar (Kevin Hart) prepare to face the boss fight moment in a scene from JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL. Credit: Frank Masi © 2019 CTMG, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:



 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, Akwafina, Rory McCann, Ser’Darius Blain, Nick Jonas, Alex Wolff, Colin Hanks, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman, Rhys Darby and Marin HinkleDIRECTOR(S): Jake Kasdan

THE BACK STORY: Despite almost having the game kill him and his friends, Spencer (played as a young man again by Alex Wolff) loved his experience in Jumanji – and why wouldn’t he? Whereas in real life he’s shy and awkward, in the game he was Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), a muscular, brave leader who the ideal alpha male. Now, in real life, he’s just a college student working a crappy job in New York City away from his girlfriend Martha (Morgan Turner) and friends/fellow Jumanji survivors Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain) and Bethany (Madison Iseman). 


Coming home for the holidays, Spencer is welcomed home by his mom (Marin Hinkle) and his grandfather Eddie (Danny DeVito), the latter of which is recovering from recent hip surgery. But as Spencer is dodging hanging out with his friends, it turns out Eddie is also less than happy to see an old face when his former business partner Milo (Danny Glover), who has turned up after 15 years away mysteriously.


But before Eddie, Fridge, Martha or Bethany is able to figure out why Spencer is avoiding them or why Milo has shown up, they make a discovery that is about to change literally game: Spencer has for some reason and somehow been sucked back into Jumanji – and the game has been upgraded to the next level. 

THE REVIEW: In action comedy, you want the movie to make you laugh, you want the action sequences to be intense and you want the characters to be likable. In a sequel to an action comedy, you need the film to prove there is more to the characters we haven’t seen yet, the jokes to pay homage to the original film without being re-treads of punchlines and additional characters that enhance the story as opposed to making it feel bloated, out of sorts or just a lazy money grab.And like all good video games, Jumanji: The Next Level checks off all these standards to make its players – or in this case, the audience – ready to jump back in to play another round.

The Next Level has all of the things that made the previous Jumanji film worthwhile: Great chemistry among its cast; Black gets to play another hilarious out of body experience as does Hart as the slow-speaking Milo with Gillan, Johnson, DeVito and Awkafina all getting their respective chances to shine while pushing their PG-13 language limitations. The action sequences are thrilling (one in particular with a group of rampaging mandrills that is possibly too intense for young children) and the story maintains the underlying heart of friendship present in the first film while making sure the sequel has enough stamina to stand on its own. Thus, if you enjoyed Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, you’ll likely find The Next Level a fitting sequel full of entertaining adventure.

Whether or not a likely third adventure doesn’t suffer pitfalls (pun intended), however, remains to be seen …

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

 

Christopher’s Chef John Prepares Two Last Themed Thursday Dinners

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Chef John

Themed dinners on Thursday night  have been a tradition for Chef John for years at Kettering’s Christopher’s Restaurant.  Recent health issues have plagued the Chef, and he’ll be retiring from the kitchen.  As he says, “my medical adventure continues, for another three to six months at least, and the treatment has left me too weak (and irritable) to reliably cook full time any longer.  I’m happy and excited to be able to present these holiday dinners.”

Here’s how he’s described his final two dinners:

On Thursday, December 12, we will prepare our version of the Italian ‘La Vigilia’, the Feast of the Seven Fishes. (It’s generally enjoyed Christmas Eve before Mass). Our version offers at least six fishes in the appetizer. We love the ‘ancient’ Cannelloni with Two Sauces, and we’ll fill these with shell and fin fishes. It’s a classic, beautiful dish with the colors of the season. We’ll fix a somewhat lighter entrée; the Red Trout fresh from Lake Huron pan roasted in Florentine style with creamed spinach and Hollandaise Sauce.

 On Thursday, December 19,  we will offer a British dinner. We’ll have very nice New York strip loins, which will be roasted prime rib style (as I was taught forty or so years ago). Guests love the walnut Brussels sprouts, and I make the Cottage Pie as an homage to my Dad, who insisted that the Christmas Eve prime rib should be served with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy. I’m remembering that in the early years, we had a farmer who raised wonderful Oyster mushrooms in Greene County… The Trifle is a fun dessert, and we will have some of my Saigon cinnamon roasted pecans floating on the Butternut Squash soup.

Chef John shares “the restaurant is in excellent hands with David and Erika at the helm. They have been working very hard in all of the areas of Christopher’s and have exciting plans for the future. My cooking buddies at Christopher’s are excellent and are cooking at a very high level, which our guests have become accustomed to.  The past few months have offered up many amazing dishes and I look forward to them even getting better.”

He closes this month’s newsletter with this:

“I like the French farewell; Au Revoir, until we meet again. I will continue to visit the restaurant and look forward to seeing you soon.  More to come as soon as I return to a reasonable semblance of health. I love you all.”

Christopher’s Restaurant & Catering

2318 E Dorothy Ln.

Kettering, Ohio 45420

(937) 299-0089

Mon-Sat 7:30a.m–9p.m

Sun Closed

Food Fight Chef Competition Sunday Night

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Roland Eliason, the chef at The Winds in Yellow Springs recently launched a company that focuses on  lowering the amount of unnecessary food waste going into landfills.  Mischievous Penguin is working with local restaurants on waste management.

This Sunday, Dec 15th from 6-11pm, Mischievous Penguin has partnered with Antioch College to host a Food Fight.  This event is a “chopped” style competition for cooks with music, food, and cash bar featuring local breweries.

Participation in the competition and judging is done via raffle at the start of the event. All are welcome! Home cooks, chefs, anyone could take home the cash prize for First and Second Place. Winners also get a trophy and bragging rights!  Tickets are $10 at the door.

Sunday, December 15th 6-11pm

Birch Kitchen

450 Corry St
Yellow Springs,OH45387 
Cost:$10

Local Women’s Businesses Partner on Dayton-Made Holiday Gift Set

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Four female founders have partnered on a 2020 Dayton-made holiday gift basket.

The Dayton Woman-Owned Business Gift Baskets include baking mixes & espresso salt from Mandy Groszko’s Ella Bella GF; coffee from Kait Brown’s Savorista; toffee from Sarah Thieben’s Sweet Nothings; and chocolate-covered coffee beans from Jen Larochelle-Starbuck’s Gourmet Berries.

Mandy had pulled together gift baskets in prior holiday seasons, but only featuring her own products, she recalled. This year, she decided to incorporate other products from local startups.

“I didn’t set out to do woman-owned businesses, but that’s who I’ve connected with at these events over the last year,” she said. “There are lots of woman-owned businesses in Dayton, & that’s awesome. We’re really excited to have something local all together and be able to share with the community.”

The baskets come in two sizes, small for $45 or large for $65.   Available for local pick-up only — order by Dec. 20 and pick up locally Dec. 16 or Dec. 23 between 2 & 7pm.

Clifton Mill Hosts “Relay For Life of the Gem City Area Night”

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Historic Clifton Mill and the ‘Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill’ the HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION of ABC’s “Great Christmas Light Fight presents ‘RELAY FOR LIFE of the GEM CITY AREA Night’ on Thursday, December 12, 2019, 5pm-9pm. Admission is $10 per person with a portion of the proceeds going to ‘Relay for Life of the Gem City Area.’

Cancer survivors get in free (just tell them at the gate) and will line the grounds with luminaries. Every hour on the hour names will be read in remembrance or support of loved ones battling the disease.

An inspiring and memorable evening.

The owners of Historic Clifton Mill feel strongly about supporting the American Cancer Society because of their help and care during the passing of family patriarch Mr. S along with other family members who are cancer survivors.

Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill: Gates open at 5pm, and precisely at 6pm, over 4.2 million lights brighten the night instantly, transforming the mill and gorge into a shimmering world of Christmas wonder. They are open 7 nights a week through December 30. 

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill is an outdoor event and weather permitting. Call beforehand. Admission is $10 per person, children 3 and under free. Concession Food is available. BEST TIME TO VISIT IS MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

Clifton is in Greene County, Ohio three miles east of Yellow Springs on State Rt. 343, six miles south of Springfield on State Rt. 72, and three miles north of Cedarville on Rt. 72.

Jonathan’s Weekly Neon Update

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It is award season, and every film on our horizon is a contender.  On Friday, we will open THE TWO POPES – a film I saw in Toronto and immediately knew I wanted to bring to all of you.  Just yesterday, nominations for The Golden Globes were announced, and THE TWO POPES garnered 4 nominations – including “Best Picture: Drama” as well as nods for both Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins.  I was not raised Catholic, yet I found this film to be intriguing, insightful and important (as well as full of warmth, hope and even with fun moments) – I hope you’ll support it.  Every film on our list is receiving recognition from critics and awards programs.  From LITTLE WOMEN and THE IRISHMAN to MARRIAGE STORY and GIVE ME LIBERTY (with its big local connection), we have the best line-up ever to wrap up 2019.  In addition to having TWO POPES, DARK WATERSwill stick around (audiences are loving it).  If you still need to see the phenomenal PARASITE or the crowd-pleasing JOJO RABBIT, Thursday will be your last chance.
Synopsis for THE TWO POPES: “The Catholic Church’s papacy is a singular institution, with unique demands placed on the men who would see themselves elevated to it. This decade saw one of the Church’s most important moments of transition, but news reports can fail in the face of such enormous, complex change. THE TWO POPES takes us beyond TV images of smoke rising from the Vatican chimney into the hearts, minds, and actions of those charged with leading over a billion faithful. Directed by Brazil’s Oscar-nominated Fernando Meirelles (CITY OF GOD) and starring two acting legends in Sir Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, this insightful story ushers us behind gilded doors to watch the once and future Popes grapple with faith and religious leadership in a rapidly changing world.” (TIFF Catalog) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.

Thanks to everyone who came out to our DARK WATERS talk-back on Sunday evening.  It was by far our highest attended screening of the weekend!  Though an exact date and time has yet to be solidified (an announcement will be made within the next couple days), you can come back and learn more about GIVE ME LIBERTY from line-producer (and WSU grad) Karri O’Reilly.  This film has been nominated for 4 Independent Spirit Awards – and it’s a wonderful story with incredible performances from actors we’ll certainly be seeing again and again.

Dale Farmer is bringing his award-winning film to THE NEON on Thursday, January 16 at 7:30.  “Deeply infused with the traditional Appalachian musical genres of Old Time and Bluegrass, THE MOUNTAIN MINOR tells an overlooked story about the people and culture behind the resurgence of American Roots Music today and highlights artful responses to the difficult circumstances of human migration. In the 1920s-1950s, millions of Appalachians left their homes in the mountains and migrated to urban Midwestern centers in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. The Mountain Minor is the story of a life-worn Charlie Abner, a generation later, as he struggles with leaving his present life and family in Cincinnati, Ohio to return to the Kentucky Mountain home and musical heritage that once defined him. The story is partially told in flashbacks to depression era Eastern Kentucky, when Charlie’s parents, Oza and Vestal Abner, face the difficult decision to leave the way of life they know and move to Ohio for employment and better opportunities. This is not only film director Dale Farmer’s family story, but the story of thousands of families that left their mountain homes to move to the Dayton, Ohio area to become the heart of the working middle class. This film is unique in that all of its principal actors are traditional musicians-such as Smithsonian Folkways artist Elizabeth LaPrelle and acclaimed banjoist and fiddler Dan Gellert-and they perform all of the music in the film. Pre-film music by The Corn Drinkers will start at 7:30, and the movie will play at 8:00.  A Q&A will follow the film with the writer/director Dale Farmer and actors Ma Crow, Warren & Judy Waldron and Amy Cogan Clay.” (press notes) Tickets are $12 each and will go on sale Dec. 16.

We need your help!  Sponsored by The Dayton Holiday Festival, Mix 107.7 and THE NEON, The Family Holiday Film Series started last Saturday with THE WIZARD OF OZ…and we had a lot of empty seats.  Tickets are FREE for kids 12 and under, and we’ll screen A CHRISTMAS STORY this Saturday, Dec. 14 at Noon.  And next week, THE GRINCH (2018) will screen on Saturday, Dec. 21 at Noon.  Tickets are FREE for children 12 and under and only $2 for anyone over 12.  These tickets will become available at 11:15am on the day of each screening, and they are limited to one ticket per person (aka: everyone must be present in order to pick up tickets – we can’t hold or disperse tickets for people who are not at the theater – thank you for your understanding).  Everyone is welcome!  If you have friends, neighbors, grandkids, or grandmas who like good holiday fun, let ’em know!
Many of you have been asking about showtimes for December 25.  Interestingly, Sony has asked us to go ahead and create showtimes and put tickets on sale for LITTLE WOMEN tomorrow morning.  We’ll go ahead and set showtimes for THE IRISHMAN and MARRIAGE STORY too.  You can get advanced tickets via our website starting tomorrow at 9:00am – www.neonmovies.com.
We hope to see you often over the next few weeks. It’s going to be quite a season!

One Bistro Needs Your Vote in National Contest

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Each community cafe is as unique as the community it serves. One World Everybody Eats is dedicated to increasing food security for all through the pay-what-you-can restaurant model. And we support nearly 50 independent nonprofit cafes with education, collaboration, best practice sharing, and networking opportunities to ensure every cafe and every community is empowered to ensure food security for all.

While every cafe is doing great work in its community, One World Everybody Eats would like to honor one cafe in the coming year and highlight the impact it is making.  Locally One Bistro is in the running for Community Cafe of the year.  You can vote online once daily between now and  December 15th at

One Bistro in Xenia opened in 2015 and is a  full service bistro serving lunch on Wednesday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm and Brunch on Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm Some patrons pay what they can; while others pay it forward!

Their concept is quite simple:

All menu prices are a “suggested price” as we embrace a “pay what you can afford” concept with the following payment options.

  1. Pay what you can afford. If unable to pay, give your time in service as payment.
  2. Pay the full amount of the suggested price.
  3. Pay the full amount of the suggested price, plus a little extra to “pay it forward.” When you “pay it forward” by $6, you cover the cost of one meal for someone else to enjoy.

How You Can Volunteer:

Volunteers must be age 15 and above. Anyone under age 15 may serve with supervision, however, the adult must contact the Manager at 937.736.2358 prior to signing up online. For every 2 children under age 15, 1 adult must be present and tasks are at Manager’s discretion. Prior to volunteering, please read and sign the following policies, and view the training videos. Forms may be submitted when volunteering for the first time.

  1. Training Manual
  2. Volunteer Agreement
  3. Video: Host Training
  4. Video: Taking Orders
  5. Video: Handwashing
  6. Video: Pay It Forward

Volunteers are encouraged  to sign up online in advance, anyone may stop in during café hours to see if help is needed. Groups are also welcome to serve together.

One Bistro XENIA
87 East Main Street
Xenia, Ohio 45385
937.736.2358
[email protected]

Grandpa John’s Beer Cheese Dip

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Beer Cheese Dip

Hey all you foodies out there… This is the Big Ragu from the Food Adventures blog.

Today we share a recipe you can put to use this Holiday Season.

This one comes from the secret vault of Big Ragu’s family.
Dusted off and not shared since 1978, it is time for a special treat.

HISTORY OF THE RECIPE:

John J. Miller was born in Arcanum in 1912.  He served in WW2 and was a third shift foreman who retired from

“Grandpa” John J Miller

McCall’s Printing Press in 1976.  Known for his green thumb, handyman skills, and love of auctions and garage sales, he was also a foodie.  From rural foods like Darke County farm feasts, to fried fish at Elder Beerman and eve his rotisserie BBQ, he enjoyed comfort foods.  His family was used to making meals from scratch, so he had  few good recipes up his sleeve.

I know this, because he was my grandfather.

Although he passed away unexpectedly in 1978, when I was 8, I was lucky enough to share times with him playing bumper pool, playing catch, listening to Reds games and cheering on Flyers basketball.

One vivid memory I had was a cheese dip or  “spread” he would make called “Beer Cheese.”

He would mix a batch and keep it in an old washed out margarine container.  It was amazing.  We would sit next to each other on the couch and share the dip while watching TV.  I cherish those memories.

Today I share not only a small recipe with you, but I share a piece of my heart …. My grandfather loved Christmas and I hope this recipe brings joy to a “get together” you have this season.

 

GRANDPA JOHN’S BEER CHEESE DIP

Ingredients:
4 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of beer
6 Tablespoons of Tomato Paste
4 Teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder

Directions:
Let the cheddar cheese stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
In a medium bowl combine cheese, beer, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.

Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined.

Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours.

Makes about 3 cups of dip.

Serve with Club Crackers like Grandpa did or Big Ragu’s twist is serve it with Tomato and Basil flavored Wheat Thins.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your family from the Food Adventures Crew.

Enjoy and cherish each day with your loved ones.  We hope you make some wonderful memories this year.

Please look for feature articles from Food Adventures each week, exclusively here on Dayton Most Metro.

 

 

Pop Punk Tour Makes Only Ohio Stop in Dayton on Tue Dec 10, 2019

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Don’t miss the only Ohio stop for two up-and-coming southern Progressive Pop-Punk bands:  Frontside  (North Carolina) and LIKE MIKE (Georgia), with special local guest Gabe Maas and the Bruins!. This exclusive performance is happening on Tuesday December 10th, 2019 at Dayton’s newest music venue: The Brightside! It’s promises to be a fun Tuesday night out!

Frontside is a 3-piece Progressive Pop-Punk band based in the heart of North Carolina. This trio puts a twist on the pop-punk scene. Their music weaves progressive sensibilities and influences, while maintaining traditional song structures. The end result is a new breed of pop-punk that is instantly catchy and technically impressive.

Like Mike hails from Marietta, Georgia, and is making their Dayton debut at this exclusive show! Local openers Gabe Maas & The Bruins kick off the music early at 7:30pm! It’s an early evening of music, with plenty of time to get home for work or school in the morning!

HOW TO GO?

The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St Dayton, Ohio

Tuesday December 10th. Doors 7:30pm. Show 8pm.

Tickets $10 advance:https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/pop-punk-from-frontside-and-like-mike

All ages welcome!

 

 

Pitch Competition For Early-Stage Hardware Startups

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The AlphaLab Gear Hardware Cup is a national pitch competition with semifinal rounds held in Pittsburgh, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, Research Triangle (NC), and San Jose.

Dayton is one of eight cities within driving distance of Pittsburgh that will host an AlphaLab Gear Hardware PittStop. Six startups from the Dayton region will be selected to pitch on Jan. 16, 2020 at 5p at the Nucleus coworking space in the Kuhns Building, located at 15 W. 4th Street in downtown Dayton.

Apply now for the Jan. 16, 2020 AlphaLab Gear Hardware Cup Dayton PittStop and you could earn a shot at $50,000 for your early-stage hardware startup.

The PittStop winner will receive a travel stipend and two-night hotel stay in Pittsburgh, plus a chance to compete in the semifinal competition on Feb. 27, 2020. The winner of the semifinal will win $3,000 and a shot at the $50K AlphaLab Gear Hardware Cup grand prize in May.

To be eligible, a startup must have at least one physical product component. These products range from manufactured products, IoT/connected devices or health/medical devices to consumer products, consumer electronics, food, fashion, robotics, etc.

The deadline to apply for the Dayton PittStop is Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. A panel of representatives from area entrepreneurial support organizations will select the top six startups to pitch on Jan, 16.

Each startup will have 3 minutes to pitch, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A from a panel of judges which will include a rep from the Pittsburgh Hardware Cup semifinal team.

The Dayton Hardware PittStop will be held during the Jan. 16 LaunchPad, a monthly event designed to connect and support the Launch Dayton community. LaunchPad events offer a series of workshops, meetups and networking opportunities for the region’s entrepreneurially-minded individuals, whether they’re launching a tech startup, a retail storefront, a new product line, a community project or a nonprofit.

Apply at: https://gust.com/programs/alpha-labgear-hardware-cup-pittstop

Learn more about the AlphaLab Gear Hardware Cup here: https://alphalabgear.org/hardwarecup/

Tedeschi Trucks Band’s Wheels of Soul Tour Returns To The Rose!

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Tedeschi Trucks Band’s Wheels of Soul Tour – a standout of the summer concert season – is returning next year with two performers who embody the best of the modern soul movement.  Wheels of Soul 2020 welcomes St. Paul and The Broken Bones, as well as TTB’s own talented keyboardist Gabe Dixon and his trio, to the sixth annual amphitheater run.  Kicking-off June 26th in TTB’s hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, the five-week tour will visit more than 20 cities across the country, including a stop in Dayton, OH at the Rose Music Center on July 12. Wheels of Soul will be a highlight of TTB’s 2020 itinerary, as the GRAMMY-winning group plans to reduce their touring load after 200+ days on the road each year.

 

Tickets for the Dayon show will go on sale to the public beginning at 11am on Friday, December 13 at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices include parking and are subject to applicable Ticketmaster fees. Dates, times and artists subject to change without notice. All events rain or shine.

 

Led by the husband and wife team of guitarist Derek Trucks and vocalist/guitarist Susan Tedeschi, the 12-member strong Tedeschi Trucks Band is acclaimed by critics and fans alike for their uncompromising commitment to bringing the highest level of musicianship to the stage.  TTB has meticulously curated their flagship multi-band summer tour with the same focus on putting together not just a spectacular triple bill, but a true musical collaboration among the three bands to create a unique and unparalleled evening of music.  Past guests have included Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Los Lobos, The Wood Brothers and The Marcus King Band among several others and earned the tour a reputation as “nothing short of exhilarating,” (Salon) and “nonstop excellence, virtuosity and musical community on all fronts.” (Chicago Blues Guide).

“We’ve talked about having St. Paul and The Broken Bones out with us before – their sound is fantastic and certainly a natural fit for Wheels of Soul.  And we enjoy the fun of touring and collaborating with another big band,” says Derek Trucks. “Adding Gabe to the bill was a no brainer. He’s insanely talented and it will be a privilege to be able to showcase what he can do.”

Paul Janeway of St. Paul and The Broken Bones says:  “It’s an honor to open for such talented and kind people. I hope they enjoy having us as much as we enjoy getting to see their show every night.”

In what has become a tour tradition, fans can expect 2020’s installment of Wheels of Soul to deliver onstage guest sit-ins and unpredictable set lists with a large catalog of songs covering a wide range of musical tastes.  Gabe Dixon will pull double duty, taking the stage first with his trio, then joining his TTB bandmates to close out the evening.

Last year TTB performed over 65 songs during the summer trek, drawing on all four of its studio albums, including new fan favorites “I’m Gonna Be There” and “Shame,” from the 2019 releases Signs, and companion EP, High and Mighty.  Fans were also treated to surprising debuts like Elton John’s “Border Song,” Leon Russell’s “Stranger in a Strange Land,” and rarities like The Band’s “Don’t Do It”.

One of contemporary music’s most respected bands, Tedeschi Trucks Band is unrivaled in their blend of American soul, blues, country and rock.  Now celebrating 10 years together, the ensemble’s commanding performances and exceptional musical chemistry are perpetual hallmarks of the can’t-miss-concert experience fans have come to anticipate live.  Simply stated by the Houston Press, “The band seamlessly showcases the genuine transformative power of music.”

Formed in 2012, St. Paul and The Broken Bones has spent the last seven years touring the world, receiving critical acclaim for stirring and dynamic live performances. The Birmingham, Alabama-based rock ‘n’ roll/soul band has opened for The Rolling Stones, headlined two nights at Ryman Auditorium, appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan, Austin City Limits and twice on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and has issued an EP alongside three full-length albums, Half the City (2014) Sea of Noise (2016) and Young Sick Camellia (2018).  Led by the insightful lyrics and vocals of their electrifying front man Paul Janeway, St. Paul and The Broken Bones possess the unique ability to make you dance and shout while simultaneously making you think.

Nashville bred singer-songwriter and keyboardist Gabe Dixon has been penning honest and heartfelt tunes to a growing fan base since he first emerged in 1999.   His song “Live Again” was recently covered by Garth Brooks and many of his songs have been featured in films including The Proposal and TV shows such as Nashville, Grey’s Anatomy and Parks & Recreation.  Along with his own appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Late Show, Dixon has performed with Paul McCartney, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Supertramp, Loggins & Messina, and O.A.R.  In 2019, he began touring with Tedeschi Trucks Band while also working on his new album, which is slated for release in 2020.

Winter Wine Express on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

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Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville, Ohio presents the Winter Wine Express on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway on Saturday, December 14th at 7:00pm! This is a fundraiser for Stuart’s Opera House. Enjoy some wine and cheese and other treats while taking a ride through the Hocking Valley.

 The coach car is a renovated historic train car with cushioned bench seats. Relive a little railway history.  First Class features a more modern experience with airline-style seats. You may pick up your tickets after 6:00pm at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway depot, which is located at 33 Canal Street in Nelsonville. It’s on the other side of the tracks, behind the train, so if you see the train, you’re almost there!

The ride will take approximately an hour and a half. Wine will be served throughout the trip, and your complimentary box of cheese, bread and other treats will be served once the train is underway. This train will also include carolers for the holiday season! Feel free to bring along your own food, but outside alcohol is prohibited by our liquor license. Water and soda will be available for those who want to support the Opera House but would rather not drink, or are the designated driver. You must be 21 or over to consume alcohol on the Winter Wine Express. Please bring your photo ID with birthdate.

The train leaves promptly at 7:00 pm. First Class tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door, Coach tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door and are on sale right now at (740) 753-1924 or by visiting www.stuartsoperahouse.org. Tickets will also be available at the Nelsonville Depot (33 Canal Street in Nelsonville) starting at 6:00pm. 

‘Icebergs’ Review – Dayton Theatre Guild – Tinseltown Anxiety

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Hip thirtysomethings evaluating life and love is the foundation of Alena Smith’s 2016 contemporary comedy Icebergs, currently receiving an enjoyable local premiere at the Dayton Theatre Guild through Sunday, Dec. 15.

(back row left to right) Sha-Lemar Davis (Abigail), Lorin Dineen (Molly), (front row left to right), Maximillian Santucci (Calder), S. Francis Livisay (Reed), and Titus Unger (Nicky) comprise the cast of the Dayton Theatre Guild’s production of Alena Smith’s comedy “Icebergs,” continuing through Dec.15. (Photo by Craig Roberts)

Set in Los Angeles on the Day of the Dead and adeptly directed by Debra Kent with realistic casualness befitting a laid-back get-together among close friends, Icebergs revolves around the latest film project from up-and-coming indie writer/director Calder (Maximillian Santucci, terrifically fretful and passionate). Calder has his heart set on adapting a melancholy memoir about a couple facing adversity at the North Pole, but situations aren’t going according to plan at work or at home. In fact, he’s without a major female star and has begun to second-guess his decision not to have initially offered the role to his aspiring actress wife Abigail (Sha-Lemar Davis, believably distraught and paranoid). As Calder deals with questions surrounding his film and Abigail grows uncertain about her career, their evening is broadened by the eventful arrivals of Calder’s old college buddy Reed (outstanding S. Francis Livisay), Abigail’s longtime friend Molly (quirky yet sophisticated Lorin Dineen) and Calder’s slick, supportive agent Nicky (admirable Titus Unger). Together, this opinionated quintet, nestled comfortably within the attractive suburban chic domain of set designer Chris Harmon, engages in a series of random, thought-provoking topics ranging from earthquakes, climate change and carbon footprints to parenthood, homophobia and social media.

Smith, who notably served as writer and producer of Showtime’s The Affair and also wrote for HBO’s The Newsroom, captures the spirited essence of L.A. to the tee. For example, if you’re a cinefile, you’ll love the references to Jessica Chastain, Kirsten Dunst, the Oscars, and Children of Men among others. But on a deeper level, she effectively uses Calder and Abigail’s marriage to expose the complexities of family planning, specifically whether or not it’s ever an apt time to bring innocent children into a world in which the odds seem stacked against them environmentally and socially. In particular, Davis, smoothly maintaining a sense of depressed unease throughout, excellently accelerates the stakes at play for the future of humanity. Elsewhere, the delightfully charismatic Livisay receives a prime moment of chilling reflection late in Act 2 as the previously upbeat Reed reveals details surrounding the racism he has encountered back home in Missouri.

Icebergs isn’t life-changing theater, but it’s certainly a refreshing change of pace for the Guild, in the midst of celebrating its 75th anniversary season. It’s been a while since this troupe, carrying an affinity for the classics and other works with a tendency to look back, has embraced a script containing a distinctively young, cool, profane, and progressive off-Broadway vibe. Seeing this wonderfully diverse cast feel the groove of Drake’s Hotline Bling is a hopeful sign that the Guild is prepared to take more risks, loosen up, and embrace the possibilities of unchartered territory.

Icebergs continues through Dec. 15 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Act One: 55 minutes; Act Two: 40 minutes. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $13 for students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 278-5993 or visit daytontheatreguild.org. Patrons are advised the show contains strong adult language.

 

 

U.S. Air Force Band of Flight Free Concert

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The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight will perform a free concert at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Due to the popularity of these free concerts, tickets are required and limited to four tickets per person. The Air Force Band of Flight, stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio presents more than 240 performances annually, providing quality musical products for official military functions and ceremonies as well as civic events and public concerts. Since its founding in 1942, the band has performed for presidents and vice presidents, visiting heads of state, cabinet officers, members of congress, U.S. and foreign military leaders, and millions of Americans and foreign citizens.

Dayton Artists United: Samantha Mang

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DAU—Samantha Mang, tell me about yourself.

 

SM–Oh Gosh. well, I am an army brat. 

 

DAU–In an air force town, you’re an army brat?

 

SM–Yep, dad is a retired Lt. Colonel. Mom is a retired Drill Sgt. 

 

DAU–so, you’re not from Dayton?

 

SM–No, but I feel like I’m from here, or Centerville, really. I got here when I was 12. Before that we’d moved nine times. Having said that, I have to admit that, when I was younger, I wanted to leave here for someplace else. I might have even said “escape here” in those days, because I wanted something more exciting. And my older brother died here, and my feelings about Dayton were all tangled up with grief. 

 

DAU–I can see how that would influence your feelings. 

 

SM–Yeah, you know, but I read this thing recently I really liked. It said, “its ok to breakdown, just don’t unpack your bags and stay there.” It’s advice I’m trying to follow. I realize now how much brother shaped me. I can think of him, and how he liked to draw, and how private he was about his drawings–I drew too, but not like him. It’s funny. I won awards for drawing in high school, but that never imprinted on me as a thing I did. My older brother was an artist, my grandmother was an artist, my uncle is an artist. Me, I graduated HS and went to college for Early Childhood Education, then changed to social work.

 

DAU–So, how did you come back to art? 

I always do things backwards. I had a child. I quit my job to stay home with my son. After 4 months I was looking for something to do. I took a social work job, but that wasn’t right either. Then I went to this sip and paint event. I loved painting. I bonded with the person teaching the class and got recruited to teach classes. When that business sold, I opened my own business, Hang Loose Painting, as a place to teach painting and raise funds. Then I went to Front Street.

 

I told you my uncle is an artist. In my teens, I spent some time with him in his studio in Pennsylvania. He does copper plating and makes these huge structures. His studio is in an industrial building with a big freight elevator. It is such a happy place. 

 

So, I walked into Front St, and there was this big freight elevator. I was astonished! Here was the happy place. I actually took a picture in front of the elevator. Then I went upstairs. I HAD NO IDEA. I mean it, all caps emphasis with periods in between. I.HAD.NO. IDEA.

The community there. I wandered up and down the halls, feeling the undercurrents of energy, feeling the welcoming scents and sounds. It was a happy place. It was familiar.

Then I  saw Mike Elsass working in his studio. He was surrounded by people, painting and talking. He looked up and said “come paint with me.” He seemed to be talking only to me. I painted under him for two years. I started off carrying things, then organizing things, then mixing paint. All the time I was absorbing and absorbing. Mike is still one of my strongest mentors and supporters. I have my studio down the hall from his, and still occasionally help out in his. 

 

DAU–Your work is very different from Mike’s.

 

SM–Our life situation is different, we come to the work from different spaces. But I’ve learned so much from Mike. Before I painted with Mike, everything I did was intentional. I thought about the work and where it was going all the time. Mike taught me to think about the moment, to focus on the moment and relax. He taught me to push the mediums, to experiment, to let the work happen.

 

DAU–You’ve come a long way in two years. You’re selling work from your studio, you’re running your business and you’ve just curated your first show. 

 

SM–Yes, that was so much fun. Curating is a good place for intentionality. The show “Then and Now” at The Orphanage gallery featured 23 female artists. They submitted an early work and a recent work, the juxtaposition was supposed to inspire reflection. Certainly, viewers could see the progression. We charged a small exhibition fee to cover advertising and the costs of the opening reception. It was so exciting for me to see 23 women artists of varying backgrounds (and areas of the Dayton Region) come together to support and learn from each other.   And it’s more than just the show. Multiple people connected through this event and continue to work together to share skills and build each other up. Artists from the suburbs now paint in their downtown studios…….downtown artists have started visiting studios in the suburbs. ALL stemming from the connections made by their efforts at ONE event. It is very rewarding to me, to be able to create opportunities for people to grow and succeed. It is humbling that people share with me and invite me along in their journey. It’s amazing. I feel lucky to get a front row seat in watching their successes unfold .I think it was a successful event, people were talking about it and we had good sales from it. I’d like to put together another show. 

 

DAU–In your copious free time? Aren’t you also on the board for ARTfest? 

 

SM–Yes. That is Tabitha Peters-Guidone’s fault. I met her at Decoy Arts. First she asked me to submit something for ARTfest and then she asked me to join the board. 

 

DAU–Talk to me about ARTfest. 

 

SM– ARTfest is an annual  community event in Beavercreek that happens at the end of September. The idea is to showcase the art of our area. I’ve noticed that the suburbs and the city are really separated. At artfest, we try to connect our communities through art. It’s really exciting.  I am currently working with the ARTfest Board on hammering out exciting new details for 2020. Follow https://www.facebook.com/infusionartofthemiamivalley/ to stay updated on dates, deadlines, and more!

 

DAU–Tell me something you like to do in Dayton.

SM–My husband and I are looking forward to ice skating by the river during the holidays.  When we can get a sitter, we like to have lunch or dinner at Blind Bob’s, and usually find ourselves playing arcade games at Ned Pepper’s by the end of the night.

We have a young family and have been members of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery for the past 6 years. That’s a great place for kids.  We like taking our kiddo to the Dragons games. Before it got too cold,  y husband and I got to spend a morning whizzing around Dayton on the new spin scooters.  That was really fun. We are looking forward to the Dayton Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Schuster Center and taking a glass workshop with Ohio Valley Glass after the first of the year.  It’s not hard to find things to do in Dayton. Our community is very welcoming. 

 

DAU–And what’s next for you?

 

SM—Having experimented with the use of salts in my work part of this year, I am excited to expand and enlarge my Salt series.  Currently the largest salt work I have is a 16″ x 20″ triptych on stretched canvas. I want to create a larger work, maybe double that size. Something that reflects my experiences with floatation therapy. I go to Gravity Spa – the only spa in Dayton that offers flotation therapy.  Floating in a tank of water saturated with over 1000 lbs of epsom salt promotes relaxation and overall physical and mental well being similar to the Dead Sea. It is one of my favorite ways to relax and relieve chronic pain. The epsom salt in the tank makes you buoyant and has a ton of benefits for the body.  I am thrilled that they’ve given me access to some salts to use in my work. Creating a work incorporating the same salts that provide me with so many benefits feels like a double dose of relaxation and healing!

 

Other 2020 goals, good question for this time of year! I want to show my work in Dayton,  I recently became a member of Dayton Society of Artists and am excited to get involved with their 2020 calendar of events. I hope to focus on drawing in 2020 – that will be a challenge.  I actually find drawing tedious and sometimes frustrating. But I believe strongly that it betters my skills as a painter and that’s beneficial. Plus it’s good for all of us to have some form of a little discipline, don’t ya think?

 

I will be looking into curating a show or two this year.  I don’t know when or where yet, but I really enjoyed curating the group show “Then and Now” at The Orphanage Gallery. Curating gives you a different view of art, you know. I turn back to my own process with fresh eyes. And then, there is all the other work and interaction of artists to enjoy. 

 

DAU–Sounds like you’ll be busy. Thanks for making time to talk to us. 

 

SM–Thank you and Artists United for helping artists connect with each other. I really enjoyed the last gathering at Wholly Grounds.

 

DAU–Then, I hope to see you Wednesday, December 11 from 6-8 for the next Artists United gathering. Spread the word. Artists in all media, not just visual artists, are invited to discuss art, the artists community, and the future of the arts in Dayton. Artists Create: Artists United Create Change.