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Arts & Entertainment

Unique concert experience supports Seedling Foundation & Stivers HS

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Crabswithoutlegs perform at The Brightside. Photo by Libby Ballengee.

Rise Up! is a unique concert experience and a joyful way to raise funds for the Seedling Foundation – the 501c3 non-profit that supports the art programs at Stivers School for the Arts. 

This fun & fabulous live music event features original reggae from Dayton’s own Luv Locz Experiment and Crabswithoutlegs, a young, Dayton jazz-fusion band. Please join us for a memorable evening at The Brightside Music & Event Venue. Phat & Rich food truck will be on site.

Show proceeds will go to the Seedling Foundation, which works to provide the additional funds required to make these immersive experiences possible. With broad community support, Stivers provides life-defining experiences for its students.

The Luv Locz Experiment

**How to Go?**

Friday, December 9, 2022

At The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

7pm – VIP Doors / Cocktail Reception w live music: Crabswithoutlegs

8pm – General Admission Doors

9pm – Luv Locz Experiment

**Tickets**

$20 General Admission Pre-Sale (+ $2 ticket fee)

$25 General Admission Day of Show

$75 VIP Ticket – includes early admission, cocktail hour with live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a drink ticket.

All available here – https://www.venuepilot.co/events/63898/orders/new

Season’s Greetings: A Holiday Cabaret Dec 8th -11th

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This all-new holiday cabaret reunites the voices of Gina Handy (Magnolia Theatre Company, The Human Race Theatre Company) and Philip Drennen (TheatreLab Dayton, Vegas! The Show) to share some of their favorite holiday songs. Accompanied by Deron Bell and his merry melody makers, this unique musical experience reimagines many of the season’s classics in a fun and casual way. Relax and laugh with friends and family, grab a seasonal cocktail at the bar, and even “mail” your song requests to Santa! You never know what surprises are in store as we close out the evening with a traditional sing-a-long!

Dayton Ballet Barre offers fun holiday tradition with Sugar Plum Tea

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Dayton Ballet Barre offers fun holiday tradition with Sugar Plum Tea, a children’s tradition before the December 18th matinee performance of the Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker.This is the first Tea back since the pandemic shutdown, and organizers are planning a fun comeback event at the Dayton Woman’s Club, which is within walking distance of the Schuster Center.

The Dayton Ballet Barre is the Dayton Ballet’s volunteer booster organization, and one of their signature events is the long-running Sugar Plum Tea. Held prior to one of the matinee performances of the Ballet’s beloved Nutcracker production, it’s become a holiday tradition that families look forward to. Geared towards children and parents / grandparents, the afternoon tea promises to provide many cherished memories.

“We love hosting this children’s event!” Libby Ballengee, the Ballet Barre’s Secretary and past President, shared with us. “It’s like Prom for five-year-olds. We adore seeing all the kid’s sparkly dresses & suits. It’s a really special afternoon, and we’re so happy to be back hosting this after two years off.”

The Tea lasts for 90 min, enough time for to enjoy hot beverages & tea sandwiches, make a craft, learn a short dance from the Sugar Plum Fairy, and hear the story of The Nutcracker under the Christmas Tree. Each moment provides a beautiful photo opportunity against the gorgeous back-drop of the Dayton Woman’s Club.

All children and adults need a ticket to attend. The ticket includes tea party foods (cute sandwiches, fruit, & yummy desserts, with hot beverages including hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. This ticket does not include a ticket to the Dayton Ballet performance. Those are purchased separately through DaytonLive.org.
 

How to Go?

Sugar Plum Tea at Dayton Woman’s Club – 225 North Ludlow Street in Dayton
 
Sunday, December 18th
 
Note – Doors open at 12pm (due to event set-up, we cannot let patrons in earlier)
 
Event 12:30pm – 2pm (ballet performance starts at 2:30pm across the street – needs separate ticket)
 
Tickets $25 each (for adults and children)
 
Questions about the event can be directed to [email protected]
 
 

A Tuna Christmas Opens Friday in Xenia

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In this hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna, it’s Christmas in the third-smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including the hot competition in the annual lawn-display contest. In other news, voracious Joe Bob Lipsey’s production of A Christmas Carol is jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. Many colorful Tuna denizens, some you will recognize from Greater Tuna and some appearing here for the first time, join in the holiday fun. A Tuna Christmas is a total delight for all seasons, whether performed by two quick-changing comedians as it was on Broadway, or by twenty or more. Production requirements are minimal, making the play suitable for school and community producers as well as large venues. Audiences who have and who have not seen Greater Tuna will enjoy this laugh-filled evening.

Family Holiday Film Series Returns to The Neon

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In what has become an annual December tradition, The Neon Movies will host the FAMILY HOLIDAY FILM SERIES

Admission for these films is FREE for children 12 and under and only $2 for guests over 12. Tickets will become available at 10:15am each Saturday, and there will be 1 ticket per person (aka – all patrons must be present in order to claim/purchase tickets).
Here’s this year’s line-up:

December 3 at 11am – HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE

Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That’s because he’s being raised by his miserable aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he’s really a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards, and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright. From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.

December 10 at 11am – ELF

On Christmas Eve, a baby at an orphanage crawls into Santa Claus’ sack and is unknowingly taken back to the North Pole. After the infant is discovered at the workshop, the elves name him Buddy after his diaper’s brand label and Papa Elf adopts him. Buddy is accepted by the elf community and grows up thinking that he is an elf, but soon learns he is really a human. Papa Elf explains that Buddy was born to Walter Hobbs and Susan Wells, and that Susan put him up for adoption prior to her death. Walter now works as a children’s book publisher at the Empire State Building in New York City and is unaware of Buddy’s existence. Santa reveals that Walter is on the Naughty List due to his selfishness, but suggests Buddy could help redeem him with some Christmas spirit.

December 17 at 11am – WHITE CHRISTMAS

On Christmas Eve in Europe in 1944, at the height of World War II, former Broadway star Captain Bob Wallace and aspiring performer Private Phil Davis entertain the 151st division with a soldier’s show. The men have just received word their beloved Major General Thomas F. Waverly has been relieved of his command. Waverly arrives and delivers an emotional farewell. The men send him off with a rousing chorus of “The Old Man”. After Waverly departs, enemy bombers attack the area and everyone takes cover. Phil pulls Bob away from a collapsing wall and is wounded by debris. Bob asks how he can pay back Phil for saving his life, and Phil suggests they become a duo act. Bob is not fond of the idea but feels obliged to agree.

All seating  is general admission with no assigned or reserved seats.

The Neon

Neon Movies on Fifth Street

130 East Fifth Street
Dayton, OH 45402

Office Phone: (937) 222-8452
For Showtimes: (937) 222-7469(SHOW)

Dayton Dinner Theater announces 2022-2023 Schedule

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Get excited, The Dayton Dinner Theater is back with its much-awaited interactive movie party season for 2022 – 2023! It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends when the days are short and nights are long. Make the most of it by sipping the sublime themed drinks with your loved ones, while flaunting your movie-themed attire. What more do you need when you can have classic movies, gourmet food, and specially concocted drinks to enjoy with your friends, family, or that special someone?

What to expect from a Dayton Dinner Theater event? First off, make sure you indulge in the creatively themed food provided by Brock Masterson catering. While you indulge in the delicacies, you can feast your ears to live music and soundtrack presentations featuring acts by the likes of The University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble and acclaimed musician and producer Denny Wilson.

A big improvement from year’s past is the themed cocktail selections.The Brightside’s new Bar Manager, Suzy Switzer, has come up with a whole range of delicious offerings.

That’s not all. As it’s an interactive movie party, organizers will feature famous interactive quote and fun participation activities, pop-up fun facts, and our not-so-famous, but equally entertaining, theme-spotting drinking game. Enjoy some lip-smacking-themed desserts while you’re at it! To add the cherry on the cake, there are special surprises for the top costume contest participants.

Now let’s talk about the prices. “Inflation may have gone up, but our tickets have stayed the same price :)”. Book your tickets at just $35 but with so many added entertaining activities. Visit www.daytondinnertheater.com for more information. To make sure that we can serve you with all our scrumptious food, tickets must be booked in advance.

The annual movie series commences on Wednesday, November 30 with an all-time holiday favorite movie Elf at The Brightside Music & Event Venue from 6-9pm.

This year’s list is dominated by comedy and clever and witty classics. See the full schedule below.

Dayton Dinner Theater Season Schedule:

Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Elf movie party and live music

Wednesday, Dec 7, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring the 80’s classic Christmas Vacation & live music

Sunday, Dec 11, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring A Christmas Story and live music

Sunday, Jan 15, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Raiders of the Lost Ark

Sunday, Jan 29, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring The Princess Bride & live jazz

Sunday, Feb 12, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Grease & live music

Sunday, Feb 26, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Dazed and Confused

Sunday, March 12, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Big Lebowski

*All events take place at The Brightside Music & Event Venue located at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton.

For more information, visit: www.daytondinnertheater.com

25th Anniversary: ‘The Show Must Go On’ hits a Milestone!

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It was 1996 when Dayton’s ‘To Care is to Cure,’ an all-night drag show that incorporated the local gay bars, came to end. The show, which had been a mainstay, at one time featured local drag celebrities hopping on a bus and performing all around the city. It was the end of an era, in a sense, but it wasn’t the end of HIV as so many had hoped.

Enter the RubiGirls…an organization made for fund-raising! ‘We were well into our ‘gig’ when TCITC decided to stop their performances. Josh Stucky, (AKA Dana Sintell), who had been on those buses doing those shows thought maybe, just maybe, the RubiGirls could take that event and move it forward in a different way. It would be a fundraiser by the RubiGirls for local HIV organizations, only it would be in one location like a production.He was on to something! From the first one up to today, The Show Must Go On has been a sell-out, bringing in ten of thousands of dollars over the years for all kinds of organizations!’ Says one-time RubiQueen Lupe Valezz.

This year, the show takes place at the historic Dayton Arcade. ‘It was so incredible last year to be the first big production at the Arcade since its re-opening. We were overwhelmed!’ Says India Summer (aka Brent Johnson.) Despite some sound issues, which we think we have remedied, it was one spectacular night. Coming out of COVID, it felt good to be with our people again!’ And people were there! The Show Must Go On brings in huge crowds, over 600 attended at the old Coliseum at the fairgrounds a few years ago. ‘It is supposed to be a holiday event, and it is in some ways, but ever-Rubi, it’s really a FUN-raieser!’

Speaking of fun-raisers, Stucky, one of. the original RubiGirls still performing (the other is the beloved Tim Farquhar, aka Fonda Peters) remembers those ‘old days.’ ‘In the days of ‘To Care is To Cure,’ we were losing friends monthly and the crisis was so real, so close that we had to do something. Big name Queens like Ashley West, Mona Dez, Amanda Kane and of course, Misty Knight were like our trusted leaders! I learned much from them that carries our RubiMission through today!’

 

The Show Must Go On has become, for many, a holiday tradition! Where some see the Saturday after Thanksgiving as the OSU-MICHIGAN game, others gather their friends and family for a night of laughs with the RubiGirls.

This being the Silver Anniversary of the big show, the RubiGirls are promising some favorite performances, some nice new numbers and of course, those naughty games! Farquhar had this advise for the new RubiFans attending, ‘Bring your besties, grab a cocktail, sit back and allow yourself a night of mayhem and memories!’

Stucky went on to remind us ‘This is a benefit. Out largest of the year. You will meet our RubiScholarship recipients and see the now-famous video of the beneficiaries we will sponsor in 2023…70 organizations in total! It’s just amazing!’

Some tickets remain for the BIG PRODUCTION! You can buy them at therubigirls.com. You will also see ways to donate to their scholarship on their webpage!

 

 

 

 

Legally Blonde – The Musical at The Schuster

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Fabulously fun and international award-winning LEGALLY BLONDE – THE MUSICAL is the ultimate Broadway tribute to girl power! The story follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves that you can be legally blonde and STILL the smartest person in the room. This contemporary, sassy musical moves at a breakneck pace driven by memorable songs and explosive dances. LEGALLY BLONDE – THE MUSICAL warms the heart by proving that self-discovery can be way too much fun and hilarious to boot.

Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down, however, when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting more serious about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her ingenuity and charm to get into Harvard too. School begins with endless struggles, but with the help of her new friends, Elle quickly realizes her potential, and her true assets, as she sets out to prove herself to the world and make everyone a believer.

Based on the beloved movie, LEGALLY BLONDE – THE MUSICAL will take you from the sorority house to the halls of justice with Broadway’s brightest new heroine and, of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser.

Springboro Community Theater Show Runs Through Sunday

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An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

Ekoostik Hookah with special guests Subterranean

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Two beloved, long-running Ohio psychedelic rock bands, Ekoostik Hookah and Subterranean, are back at The Brightside on Friday, November 18th. This much anticipated concert has become an annual tradition that local music fans look forward to.

This year, in particular, is special because the drummer for Subterranean recently underwent a life saving organ transplant. This is Rob’s first show back to the stage! Ekoostik Hookah’s lead guitarist has also had some recent health issues. The great news is that both bands are healthy – and can’t wait to get back to the stage doing what they love. It’s particularly special that they are performing here in Dayton for this comeback show.

“The Brightside is one of our favorite venues to play, and being able to bring Ekoostik Hookah in really makes for a special evening,” Subterranean’s guitarist Chris Coalt shared with us. “This is the 3rd annual year for this show and we plan on keeping the tradition going.”

To add to the fun, local food truck Phat & Rich will be on site selling food during the show.

How to go?

Friday, November 18, 2022

Doors 7:30pm

Show starts at 8pm

All ages.

Advance tickets $15 (with $2 fee)  – https://www.venuepilot.co/events/60272/orders/new

Day of show tickets $20All ages – anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent / guardian.

ID required for those over 21 to purchase alcohol

Werksgiving rocks the Wednesday before Thanksgiving!

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The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is known as one of the biggest bar nights of the year. This year, The Brightside is hosting the biggest party of them all with the annual Werksgiving concert event, featuring The Werks! If you’re not familiar, they are a nationally touring rock band that formed in Dayton, and this is their yearly big hometown concert.

This year they are joined by Dizgo, an up-and-coming band from Bloomington, Indiana.  Both bands will take the Ballroom stage at The Brightside located at 905 E 3rd St in downtown Dayton on Wednesday, November 23rd. 

For those who get hungry during the show, the beloved food truck Phat & Rich will be on site serving up their famous Tex-Mex inspired dishes.

Doors open at 7:30pm. All ages are welcome. Pre-sale tickets are $20 – and available here: https://werkoutpresents.ticketspice.com/werksgiving2022. At door, the cost is $25.

About The Werks

From the hungry young quartet that emerged out of Dayton, OH in 2005 to the mature, road-tested group they are now, The Werks are returning to their roots to reconnect with their identity. With over a decade’s worth of The Werk Out Festivals to their name, five studio albums, and a passport stamped with sets at Electric Forest, Summer Camp, The Peach, High Sierra, The Hang Out, and more, The Werks are bringing their musical wisdom and experience into a new chapter.

The four-piece jam-funk meets livetronica act was proud to welcome back original bassist Chuckie Love to the band in 2021, joining fellow founders Rob Chafin (drums/vocals) and Chris Houser (guitar/vocals) who play alongside Dan Shaw (keyboards). With Love back in the group, The Werks have tapped into the communal spark that birthed the band almost two decades ago, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose. Simply put, they are more of The Werks than ever before.

As they transition into this next chapter, The Werks are reaffirming their focus on live performances. With this rededication to the road, the band will come armed with a new studio album, their first since 2017’s Magic. Fans can look forward to the long-awaited full-length Sonder LP, the arrival of which signifies yet another artistic awakening for The Werks. With their 20th anniversary on the horizon, The Werks’ commitment to one another, to their fans, and to their craft strengthens with each passing note.

About Dizgo

Dizgo is a three-piece electro-psychedelic-funk-rock band from Bloomington, IN. Since their formation in 2016, the band has built a strong following, packing rooms and building a name for themselves in the jam circuit. Known for their electrifying performances, the band reels in their audience with a unique blend of funky, electronic rock-shredding guitar, synth-driven grooves, and ethereal vocals.

WSU presents 6 shows for Bright Star

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Equal parts Appalachian folk tale and true-life events combine in this joyous and heartfelt bluegrass musical story of love and redemption. An uplifting theatrical journey that will hold you in its grasp—as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful. Directed and choreographed by guest artist Leslie Goddard Baum.

“Asylum” Nightclub Reunion Hosted at Bar Granada

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For Gen X-er’s it was a downtown staple: The Asylum nightclub on S. Patterson. Famous for pumping alternative music and goth kids dancing in cages from 1993 to 2005. And for one night a year, former patrons of the club can relive the spirit of nightclub together at an annual reunion event hosted by club DJ’s Matt Freeman, Eric Hellman, and Doug Collins.
This year’s reunion is happening over Thanksgiving weekend, on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Bar Granada located at 5 W. Monument Ave. Enjoy your favorite 80’s and 90’s Industrial Electronic Alternative dance music with old friends! You can follow along and get in the mood with the Asylum’s own playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3dXrAQe6B2nYFc4IiJpJoo

Throwback march is also available at: https://www.freemandesignco.com/products

How to Go?
Asylum Reunion
Saturday, November 26, 2022
Bar Granada, 5 W. Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402
9:30pm Doors
$10 cover
Must be over 21 to attend

Harvey at Dayton Playhouse

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For tickets visit Dayton Playhouse website.

Annual Dayton Book Fair Sale is This Weekend

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This is the weekend Dayton Book Fair holds its annual book sale.  They collect books all year long and with the help of lots of volunteers they set up a 4 day event at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds that encourages book lovers to come shop from the 50 tons of books.  Oh we should also mention-they also have vinyl, movies, jigsaw puzzles, board games, holiday items and more. Books are broken down into 85 categories to help you find books that interest you. There are tons of children’s book ranging from board books to chapter books, and including picture books, beginning readers, elementary non-fiction and novels. They also have books for teens in a separate section near pop culture and graphic novels.

The proceeds from the sale are distributed in the form of grants to different organizations in the Miami Valley. Since 1970, the Dayton Book Fair has donated nearly two million dollars. New beneficiaries are chosen each year. In 2022, proceeds from the sale will benefit Crayons to Classrooms, Five Rivers MetroParks and Hannah’s Treasure Chest. Volunteers from these organization are required to help with the Book Fair, to help earn their grants.

Montgomery County Fairgrounds,
645 Infirmary Road, Dayton
Free parking

Hours for the Book Sale:

Friday, November 11, 2022
9 am to 7 pm
$10 admission, all day

Saturday, November 12, 2022
9 am to 5 pm
Free admission

Sunday, November 13, 2022
9 am to 5 pm
Bag Sale Day – Free admission – $10 per bag (sales tax included)

Monday, November 14, 2022
8 am to 11:30  am
Clean Sweep Day – Pay $1 admission, and take all the books you want

Food will be available. Some boxes and a small fleet of shopping carts— you’re welcome to bring your own. Scanners welcome.

 

Broadway Bound Plays through Nov 20th

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Broadway Bound is one of Neil Simon’s highly acclaimed autobiographical plays, and was a 1987 Pulitzer Prize finalist in Drama. Eugene and his older brother Stanley are trying to break into the world of show business as comedy writers, while dealing with the break-up of their parents. They write what they know, which is what is going on in their household, giving it all a comedic twist.