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

Lisa Grigsby

Finally a Food, Wine & Beer Festival north of town

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corks&forkslogoCelebrating  Fine Wines, Cool Brews & Tantalizing Tastes in a casual environment to benefit local charities, Corks & Forks will  debut Sunday, Sept 20th from 1-4pm. With over 100 wines being poured, a Belgium Beer Cafe, Chef Demonstrations and tastes from local restaurants, this first time festival is shaping up quickly.

Confirmed restaurants include The Buckhorn Tavern,
The Caroline, Chin’s Ginger Grill, Michael Anthony’s at the Inn at Versailles, Sopranos, Thai 9, TJ Chumps and Tony’s Italiain Kitchen, with more to come.  Miami Valley Grown, a new local foods initiative, will be showcasing farm fresh foods with local chefs presenting recipes that highlight the flavors of garden fresh products.

To help raise funds for the Blake LaForce and Wahid Abdullah Fund’s as well as Miami Valley Grown, a silent auction will also take place.  Some of the early highlights of the auction include a weekend use of a BMW convertible with picnic basket, UD basketball tickets with $100 to dine at The Pine Club, and gift certificates to local restaurants, shops and shows.

Tickets are just $45 in advance and can be bought online or at Cork & Vine Wine Market and Lounge.  Tables of 10 can also be reserved for just $500.  Day of event tickets will run $55, if still available.  Ticket include beer, food and wine samples as well as souvenir glassware for all guests.

Warped Comedy Warblings of Tim Wilson

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images-11Don’t let Comedian Tim Wilson’s slow southern drawl fool you, his wit is razor sharp.   Wilson puts a humorous spin on everything from gun control to the government. He ranges from talking about the frustrations of trying to reason with a bank teller to taking on construction workers that never get anything done.  “I don’t do observational comedy. I do kind of opinionated, issue-type stuff,” Wilson says.  “I’m kind of a curmudgeon.”

His humor, and opinions, get a frequent airing on syndicated radio shows -like Bob and Tom, heard locally on WTUE.

Watch Tim sing First Baptist Bar & Grill on Bob & Tom

Wilson is best known for such ditties as “The Jeff Gordon Song,” “Chucky Cheese Hell” and “First Baptist Bar & Grill,” which he refers to as “my Freebird.” Since inking a deal with Capitol Records in 1998, he’s released more than a dozen albums, including “The Real Twang Thang,” “I Should’ve Married My Father-in-Law” and “Hillbilly Homeboy.”  “I’m meaner than the Blue Collar Comedy guys, and I have more opinions,” says Wilson. “I like to find someone in the audience who is young enough to be my kid or my niece and explain to them how America is really supposed to be.”

Somewhere in between comedy gigs, Wilson got serious and co-authored a book with fellow comedian Roger Keiss.   “Happy New Year, – ted: Theodore Bundy and the Columbus Stocking Stranglings.” The book theorizes that Bundy, a notorious serial killer, killed one of the Stocking Stranglings in 1978, after escaping from the Glenwood Springs, Colo., jail. It also theorizes that Bundy, rather than William Hance, killed two prostitutes in Columbus. Georgia, Wilson’s hometown.

So whether it’s laughs or history you’re after, you’ll get both at a Tim Wilson comedy show.  Catch  his latest “philosophies” on the everyday frustrations of the working man to The Dayton Funny Bone Sept 17th -20th at The Greene.

Experience Oregon’s Award Winning Wines

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2001Even though Adelsheim wines–the pinot noir especially–rank among the very best that Oregon produces, David Adelsheim didn’t know, when he and his wife bought 19 acres on a hillside in 1971, that he was going to start a winery.   Says David: “When we started planting grapes, we sort of fantasized that we might make some wine down the road.”

Now,  Adelsheim wines are praised by widely as some of the best wine Oregon produces.  The Adelsheim Vineyard estate includes nine vineyard sites on the Chehalem Mountains, totaling 168 acres, and annual production has grown to 40,000 cases.

Second generation wine maker, Michael Adelsheim will be at Arrow Wine in Kettering on Sept 3 from 5-7pm hosting a tasting of their Willamette Valley wines.  Don’t miss this chance to taste some of Oregon’s best wines and while you are there have Michael sign a bottle or two for your collection.

Arts Exhibit to Celebrate Dayton’s Legacy of Creativity

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creativesoulThe Armory building will become the latest exhibition space in the Oregon Arts District, when it hosts Creative Soul of Dayton, starting Friday, Oct 2nd.    “Our goal is for Creative Soul of Dayton to include a wide variety of works representing the many talented artists, including students, in our community,” says Susan Byrnes, director of UD’s ArtStreet and lead exhibit organizer. “We hope all Daytonians with an artistic spirit will participate.  “This project is being designed to display the highest quality of individual artistic achievement in the visual arts.”

Prior to the exhibit opening, prize juror Eva Buttacavoli will select winning works in a variety of categories.  Buttacavoli is an independent curator and art educator who recently moved to Dayton. Previously, she was the director of exhibitions and education at the Austin Museum of Art, where she was recognized for creating art experiences that connect to everyday life and  was awarded museum educator of the year in Texas in 2006.

Three artists will be awarded best of show, and each will receive a solo exhibit of his or her work in Link Gallery in the Oregon Arts District, a sponsor of Creative Soul of Dayton, as well as exhibition and professional development consultation from Buttacavoli.

Creative Soul of Dayton also will include artist talks and other fun, educational activities throughout the month, with details available closer to the exhibit opening. A group of faculty, staff and students from the University of Dayton, Wright State University, Central State University and Sinclair Community College ― along with local artists, gallery owners and community members ― are organizing the exhibition.

It will be on display on the third floor of the Armory Building, 201 E. Sixth St., on the corner of Sixth Street and Patterson Boulevard in downtown Dayton, from Friday, Oct 2, through Friday, Nov 6, 2009.  An opening reception for the exhibit will be held during the free monthly downtown arts hop, First Friday, from 5‐10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, when award winners will be announced. A closing reception will be held from 5‐10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, during that month’s First Friday event.

Creative Soul of Dayton was inspired by the DaytonCREATE effort that began in March 2008, when “creative class” economist Richard Florida and his Creative Communities Leadership Project came to Dayton. DaytonCREATE includes five initiatives. One of them, This is Dayton, is aimed at building civic pride, and Creative Soul of Dayton is part of this initiative. For more on DaytonCREATE, see www.daytoncreate.org.

Urban Nights Seeks Volunteers, Community Performers

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urbannightsThe fall edition of Urban Nights is set for Friday, September 11, and you can help make it the best “walk on the creative side” ever!  One way to get involved is to become part of the Urban Nights Crew. Volunteers are needed to help serve as shuttle guides, walking guides, info table staff, survey crew members and more.  Volunteer shifts run from 4:45-7:30 p.m. and from 7:15-10 p.m. Or, if you have a creative talent you’d like to share with the public, you can apply to perform on the Urban Nights Community Stage!  Several “Dayton Originals” will be chosen from the pool of applicants to have their ten minute performances included as part of the Urban Nights entertainment lineup.  If you are interested in being an Urban Nights performer or volunteer, you have until August 31 to apply. Application forms are available at downtowndayton.org. For more information call Molly Eaton at (937) 224-1518, ext. 229.

Versailles FareFest-Food, Beer & Wine Festival

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farefestBilled as the First Annual Versailles FareFest, West Main Street in V-town will be blocked off for an event the likes of which have probably never before been witnessed in their quaint little village.  as they play host to an invasion of oenophiles from all over the Upper Miami Valley on Saturday, August 29th.

Now don’t be scared.  Oenophiles are not something found on cable television’s SyFy.  Nor are they are related to the dreaded Emerald Ash Borer.  And shame on you for thinking they might be seen on Dateline NBC!  Believe it or not, we have plenty of oenophiles in our very midst, and they are not scary at all.

To the uninitiated, an “oenophile” is a lover of fine wines.  These aficionados don’t just dwell in places like LA, NYC, or CHI-town.  Yes, they live in Darke County, too.  And they have been waiting patiently for this opportunity.  From 2:00-5:00 in the afternoon, the area around Fountain Square in beautiful downtown Versailles will come alive with activity.  There will be cool music, great wines, cold beers, and scrumptious food available for three of the best hours any late-summer afternoon could offer.  Want some details?  OK.

The price of admission for this prestigious happening is a mere $35 presale ($40 at the door).  Events such as this one customarily cost twice that amount and are wildly popular in such faraway realms as Lima and Dayton.  For that ONE LOW PRICE, FareFesters can sample wines from dozens of different vendors, hosted by our very own Winery at Versailles.  Up to 300 different wines will be available–all right there under the tents on West Main Street.  Wineries committed thus far are: Trinchero, Menage A Trois, Don Sebastiani, Wente Family, Foster Wine Estates, Penfolds, Rosemount, Louis Latour, E&J Gallo (premium), Louis Martini, Alamos, Easley Winery, Kenwood, Valley of The Moon, Lake Sonoma, Korbel, Specialty Wines (Italy), Banfi, Napa Ridge, Columbia Winery, Georges Dueouf, Volteo, XYZin. Just wander through the various booths and ask the pourers to fill your very own souvenir wine glass with a sparkling potable.  There is no limit.  Sample to your heart’s content!

Maybe wine is not your particular favorite beverage.  Beer, you say, is what you drink at any celebration such as this one.  Well, the FareFest will gladly take care of your request.  Whether you prefer an easy-drinking smooth brew or a glass of something a bit heartier, it will most likely be available from one of the many beer distributors on site.  Goose Island, Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegarrden, Becks, Samuel Adams, and the ever-popular Wooden Shoe will be there, along with a plethora of pilsners from all four points of the compass.

Of course, one must have something in his or her stomach in order to comfortably consume wine and beer for three hours.  Never fear.  The  Inn at Versailles will be the host restaurant for a profusion of top-notch chefs from all over.  A partial listing of restaurants that plan to be present with their own specialties includes:  Coldwater Café (Tipp City), The Main Street Bistro (Lima), Coco’s (Dayton), Ghyslain’s (Union City/Richmond/Indy), The Montage (Greenville), The Bistro (Greenville), Bake House Bread Company (Troy), Caroline’s (Troy), Davis Meat Co. (Sidney–doing BBQ), Toone P. Wiggins (Sidney) and obviously Michael Anthony’s at the Inn (Versailles).

If you still want more, here it is.  Higgins-Madewell, a very popular duo  will be performing on Fountain Square all afternoon.  Their folksy/bluesy style has been a big favorite at all sorts of venues from West Milton to New York City.  Just perfect for a brand new festival desiring to be just a bit edgy in terms of food, wine, beer, and music!  Maybe it’s time for you to broaden your horizons just a little.  Unlimited food, beer, wine, and music for only $35.  Wow!

The Versailles FareFest is sponsored by the Versailles High School Alumni Association, with proceeds going toward college scholarships.  Tickets can be obtained by visiting The Inn at Versailles or by calling (937) 526-3020 or by going online to www.innatversailles.com

Beer Drinkers Unite!

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alefestblog1This Saturday, Aug 29th, over 3000 HopHeads and Beer Geeks will head to Carillon Park for the 11th edition of AleFest Dayton.  Joe Waizman founded this festival “to share my love of beer with others.”  He hopes folks  “will discover that AleFest and craft beers are an enjoyable & educational culture.”

With over 100 beers to choose from, having a strategy on how to experience AleFest is best. I asked local beer expert, Aaron Spoores (who sells beer for Cavalier Distributing and hosts beer tastings across the Valley) for his suggestions:

TIPS FROM AN EXPERT:

  1. Upon entering make your first beer be the one closest to you.
  2. Find a place to sit and examine the tasting guide, highlighting beers you want to taste and map out a plan.
  3. Taste from light to dark.
  4. Drink lots of water, in between beers and take a break to grab some food, too.  There’s plenty of beer, so enjoy and remember to take care of yourself.

Waizman adds, “Talk to the knowledgeable pourers & let them know your beer, wine, &/or food tastes so they can make recommendations. This is an excellent opportunity to sample beers  & styles you’ve not previously experienced, so step outside your list of favorites.”

TIPS FROM A CASUAL BEER DRINKER- My suggestions from attending the fest in the past:

  1. If there’s a huge line, there’s probably something special being tasted- check it out.
  2. Create your own rating system and take notes on your tasting guide.  (Things you remember  may not help the next time you go to order-Wild Blue sticks out in my head- but it was because I hated it…too fruity!)
  3. Bribe a teenager to pick you up when the event is over- you won’t want to drive home.
  4. Don’t make plans for going out that night- you’ll probably want a nap and a mellow night on the couch.

Look for an expanded offering of draught beers this year – about 30 will be available including Great Lakes Oktoberfest, Grassroots Saison, Eliot Ness Amber Lager, & Admiral Perry IPA, Chimay Trappist White, Goose Island Matilda, Pere Jacques, & 312 Urban Wheat.

Special  LIMITED Goose Island EDITION DRAUGHTS:

  • 2:30-Night Stalker Imperial Stout
  • 3:30-Demolition Belgian Strong Pale Ale
  • 4:30 Fleur Belgian Sour Ale With Hibiscus

TO GO: Sat, Aug 29th 2-6pm (they often let folks in at 1:30 so arrive early)
$30 in advance-they can be picked up at 30 bars & wine stores around town or  buy online, $35 day of event.
Admission includes 20 samples of craft beer, tasting glass and guide & live entertainment. Designated driver/non-drinker $10.00 – purchase at the gate. Admission includes a bottle of water and an AleFest sampling glass as you exit. Must be 21 years of age to attend.