“What are you reading?” asked my husband.
“Well, no, actually, it was a free download. So I’m not actually reading it per se – but it’s here should I ever want to read it. Dean Koontz has a new one out so Dickens may have to wait a bit.”
“What are you reading?” asked my husband.
Happy November 7th; The American trumpeter and bandleader Al Hirt was born on this day in 1922.
Because many people in our area may not know some of the better local jazz artists who perform regularly in our area I’ve been doing a “Who Is” opening in each of my recent articles. I’m deviating slightly in this article with a performer from Chicago:
Who is Taylor Moore?
I have seen this young lady perform twice recently at Jazz Central and was so impressed I decided to showcase her in this month’s Gabriel Foundation benefit concert this Saturday, November 10th.
While in kindergarten, she entered an Afro-centric after school program that offered the rhythms that had always been a part of her. Over the years, Taylor honed her skills playing classical music pieces as a member of the Kenwood Academy H. S. Concert and Marching bands. Her classical music training also included playing with the Protégé Philharmonic and the All-City Concert Band in Chicago, Illinois.
A lover of all kinds of music, this talented young lady branched out into jazz in her sophomore year, playing with the Kenwood Jazz Band and the Jazz Links Ensemble. Taylor was identified as a gifted percussionist and was a scholar in the Ravinia Jazz Scholars program in the Chicago Public School system.
This percussion phenomenon recently made her debut at The Jazz Showcase in Chicago, a premier venue which has featured such jazz luminaries as Art Blakey, James Moody and Charlie Parker, among many. Taylor one of the youngest headliners ever at the club and one of the city’s most sought-after musicians also performed at this year’s Hyde Park Jazz Festival.
Taylor Moore has played with a multitude of great musicians like percussionist Shelia E., singer Patrice Rushen, world-class drummer Ndugu Chancler, jazz pianists Willie Pickens, Ken Chaney and Robert “Baabe” Irving III, gospel greats Andrae Crouch and Sandra Crouch, jazz singers Kurt Elling and Maggie Brown, legendary jazz organist Rueben Wilson, and blues guitarist Clarence Spadey. She has also been mentored by music legends such as world renowned percussionist/drummer, Steve Berrios and Grammy Award-Winning vocalist, Cassandra Wilson, just to name a few.
A college graduate, Taylor received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance (Jazz Drumset) and Production from theUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on May 15, 2011.
The rhythm that attracted Taylor Moore from infancy has become an integral part of her life. Her drumming has been called “crisp, passion-filled, expressive and all consuming.”
Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:
Tonight Wednesday, November 7 – Tonight, for you dancers, the Lizz & Rex Quartet is at The Dayton Event Connection and Rich Lopez performs at Rigsby’s in Columbus.
Thursday November 8 – Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra is at The Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cincinnati and Puzzle of Light closes the Vectren Jazz & Beyond series at the Dayton Art Institute. Stay tuned for when their next season begins in March of 2013.
Friday November 9 – Roderick Wilson & Friends perform at Al’s Smokehouse & Café while Terry Murphy and Company Band is playing The De’lish Café both in Dayton.
Saturday November 10 – Taylor Moore & Friends are doing a benefit concert for the Gabriel Foundation at Jazz Central and Bob Baldwin with Songstress Toni Redd is doing a benefit concert for WCSU-FM at Gilly’s both in Dayton.
Sunday November 11 – Byron Stripling Band plays Blues and Gospel at Gallagher Student Center Theater, XavierUniversity in Cincinnati and Dayton’s longest jazz jam continues at Jazz Central.
Monday November 12 – the John Taylor Trio is at the Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and the Clintonville Woman’s Club is hosting Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra in Columbus.
Tuesday November 13 – Park Street Tavern continues their Jazz Jam and the Tony Monaco Trio performs at The Rumba Café both in Columbus.
Wednesday November 14 – the Dave Cousino Trio performs at the Wright State’s Student Union Hearth Lounge inFairborn and Cuban Connections is at Sears Hall, Humanities Center University of Dayton.
Thursday November 15 – the Generations Big Band is back at Jazz Central in Dayton and Thompson House in Newport,Ky host Jane Bunnett & Hilario Duran w/ special Guest Candido.
Friday November 16 – Shawn Stanley Trio is at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville, OH and the Thompson House presents the Mike Wade Quintet in Newport, Ky.
Saturday November 17– the Jazz of the Month Clubpresents the Jamey Aebersold Quartet at the Cincinnati Public Library Atrium and the New Ed Moss Trio performs at Schwartz’s Point in Over-The-Rhine both in Cincinnati.
Sunday November 18 – Roderick Wilson will play at Huffies BBQ and John Hampton Wagner will host the regular Jazz Central regular Jazz Jam both in Dayton.
Monday November 19 – Tia Roseboro & Vernon Hairston is at the Old Bag of Nails in Columbus and Jazz Cab plays at The Greenwich in Cincinnati.
Tuesday November 20 – Sinclair Community College Jazz Ensemble performs at Blair Hall in Building 2 in Dayton and Tony Monaco Trio is at the Rumba Café in Columbus.
More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com
While most of Dayton were watching election results, the Dayton Racquet Club was packed with some of the region’s most creative bartenders. Jägermeister Herbal Liqueur hosted an exclusive event for 25 area bartenders, who had submitted their best Jager recipes to earn a “Seat at the Table” for for the first ever Jagermeister Mix Off.
Tony Dea, State of Ohio Manager for Sydney Frank Importing Company, explained “that each bartenders recipes were sent to our New York headquarters where the brand team chose the top 10 to compete in the regionals. A similar event was held last night in Cincinnati and next week Columbus and Cleveland bartenders will compete in their regionals, and in January the finalists from all 4 cities will compete for the state title.”
The finalists from Dayton included Colleen Mescher from Taggarts Pub, Jonna Thompson of G & J’s Highspot, Nicole Hitte from Good Time Charilie’s, Tim Brant from MJ’s Cafe, Cheri Simmons of Brixx, Dave Thomas from Ned Peppers, Dave from Jimmie’s Ladder 11 and Seth Browning of Carvers Steakhouse.
Bartenders were introduced by DJ Fish, who shared their drink recipes while they had 5 minutes to mix 18 drinks, which were then served to 17 judges, 15 of them being the bartenders that did not make it to the top 10. Other judges included representatives from Southern Wine, the local distributor for Jagermeister. A caricature artist was on hand to make sure each guest left with a souvenir, and Connie from Tuty’s in Fairborn won a Jager Tap machine in the door prize drawing.
While the judges were tabulating the votes, guests where treated to a Flair Bartending demonstration by Scott Christian, the raining Bistro Franchise Champion. Just like Tom Cruise from Cocktails, Christian juggled up to 4 liquor bottles, while mixing drinks to the cheers of the crowd. He heads next week to Pittsburgh, where he claims “he’ll win and head on to the Top 10” and continue his touring with the Flair Bartending Associations World Tour.
The 3rd place winner, Marissa Todd from Bargos Grill and Tap (2nd from the left above) won a $100 with her Jager Mocha Mudslide: In a blender mix 1oz of Jager, 1oz of Van Gough double expresso, chocolate syrup, 1 scoop of Ben & Jerry’s phish food ice cream and half and half. Serve in a chilled 16oz glass.
In 2nd place Seth Browning (2nd from the right) took home $150 and will be happy to serve you a Chocolate Jager Mint at Carvers: 1 1/2 oz Jager, 1/2 oz dark creme de menthe, 1 1/2 oz Godiva White Chocolate served in a chocolate drizzled martini glass.
Taking home the Dayton regional trophy as well as $250, Jamie Gaulding, from PC’s Lounge on Gettysburg, winning nameless recipe is:
1 part Jager to 2 parts Italian sweet cream (aka coffee mate), half a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Blend with ice and serve in a rocks glass, top with whip cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
“All three of the top finalist will head to the State finals in Columbus, held in January according to represent Dayton,” according to Heather Taggart Robinson, the Ohio Sales Representative for Sidney Frank Importing Company.
Doing your civic duty can be your ticket to discounts around town today:
If you hear of more deals, feel free to add them in the comments below!
family tragedy, and need some temporary help. By partnering with the Greater Dayton Apartment Association (GDAA), the money raised will help benefit people living in those apartments communities across the Miami Valley. The Rent Foundation also financially supports the Linda Vista organization. this is a shelter for homeless women and their children, where the residents are helped to find better lives.Greater Dayton Apartment Association
What better way to help real people in the Dayton area, then to attend this event for a great cause. What a deal for drinks and dinner for such a low price. It is a no brainer!
Pre-Sale tickets may be bought for $15 by calling 937-293-1170 through Thursday 4pm, after that you must pay $18 at the door..
Come support the Rent Foundation this Friday night and horse around!
The region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink open Friday, November 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission to MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark (229 E. Monument Ave., Dayton) is just $7, which includes the cost of skate rentals.
Work off Thanksgiving indulgences on the ice and enjoy holiday music during the grand-opening weekend:
MetroParks Ice Rink will be open every day of the week—even special holiday hours—through Thursday, February 28, 2013. Patrons can take advantage of concessions at Café Vélo, which will be open during skating hours, serving snacks, such as hot pretzels and also featuring healthy fare, such as chicken wraps and salads. Visitors can warm up with seasonal favorites like hot chocolate and cappuccino.
Patrons who bring their own skates can skate for free Mondays through Thursdays when there is no admission to the rink. Rentals are available for $5 on these days. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays cost a $7 admission fee, which includes the cost of skate rentals.
MetroParks Ice Rink will be open during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays as well as several moreholidays and special events throughout the season. Visit metroparks.org/IceRink to find the complete schedule. Lessons and other skating programs also will be hosted at the rink throughout the season. On-ice dance parties, family skating, broomball and curling are among the available activities scheduled this winter. Visit metroparks.org/Skating or read the winter issue of ParkWays to learn more.
Season passes are available for purchase: $75 family passes cover admission and rentals for up to five people, and $40 individual passes cover the same costs. Visit the MetroPark Ice Rink page for a chance towin a family pass!
Private ice rink rentals are available. Rink rentals from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday and Thursday evenings include 50 pairs of ice skates and 50 cups of hot chocolate for $300. New this year: Bring Parker the Penguin mascot to your party for an additional $75. Call (937) 274-0126 for more information and available dates.
Smaller budget-friendly rink parties also make their debut this year. Parker Parties are priced at $150 and include 10 rink admissions plus skate rentals, 10 meal vouchers from Café Vélo (good for hot dog, chips and a drink), and two tables with chairs reserved onsite for the two-hour party.
Bring Parker the Penguin home: Plush toys featuring the MetroParks Ice Rink mascot are available for purchase for $10 at the ice rink rental office.
To learn more, visit the website or call the skating office at (937) 278-2607.
Help support DATV and be inspired by short films that aim to make a difference in our lives. DATV presents the “Media That Matters Short Film Festival” on Thursday, November 8th at 7:30pm, at The Neon in Downtown Dayton.
The “Media That Matters Short Film Festival” is the premier national showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day. “Media That Matters” engages diverse audiences and inspires them to take action.
The festival features 12 jury selected short films that tackle a broad range of social issues with humor, humanity and honesty in 12 minutes or less.
“By presenting this showcase DATV hopes to inspire Dayton area residents to use media to help make a difference in our community,” said Dan Suffoletto, Marketing Director.
Tickets to the festival are only $10 and may be purchased online at www.datv.org, at the Neon Movies box office, or at DATV’s Public Access Center located at 280 Leo St. in Dayton. PLUS DATV will be launching a new logo at the event. And all attendees will receive a DATV T-shirt and a “Take Action Guide” that gives information about how they can take the messages of the films and make a difference in their daily lives.
Proceeds from the event will benefit DATV. DATV’s mission is to be a community forum that empowers all citizens to learn, create and express their ideas through electronic media. To accomplish its mission DATV provides the training equipment and facilities for local residents to make a difference in their communities by creating their very own noncommercial cable TV programs.
Visit the DATV Website for a complete list of films that will be part of this year’s film festival.
We have TWO PAIRS OF TICKETS to the Media That Matters Short Film Festival to give away – just fill out the form below and leave a comment telling us that YOU want to win. We’ll announce winners on Tuesday 11/6 – GOOD LUCK!
CONTEST CLOSED
Congratulations to Paul Fleitz!
Cavalier Distributing, who describe themselves as Ohio’s Finest Specialty Beer Wholesaler, is partnering with Dogfish Head, Heavy Seas, and Sixpoint Breweries, all of which are located on the East Coast, to raise funds to support the American Red Cross in assisting those people affected by Superstorm Sandy. They will donate $1 per case sold from these breweries on Nov 5th – Nov 9th.
Additionally on Tues, Nov 6th, they are teaming up with Ohio bars and restaurants on a Craft for the Coast night. The participating bars will donate $1/pint sold and Cavalier will match the money raised, dollar for dollar for each Dogfish Head, Heavy Seas, and Sixpoint beer sold. Stop by your favorite local bar, restaurant, or store to help our fellow Americans in need!
Bunkers Sports Bar and Grill
893 East National Road, Vandalia, OH 45377
937-890-8899 Hours: 11am – 2am
Featured Beers:
Dogfish Head (Delaware) Chicory & Punkin
Heavy Seas (Maryland) Loose Cannon & Winter Storm
Sixpoint (Brooklyn NY) Lager & Bengal Tiger
Chappy’s Tap Room and Grille
2733 W. Alex Bell Road, Moraine, OH 45459
(937) 299-7427 Hours: 11am – 2am
Featured Beers:
Dogfish Head (Delaware) Positive Contact, Palo Santa Marron and Indian Brown
Sixpoint (Brooklyn, NY) Resin and The Crisp
Heavey Seas (Maryland) Loose Cannon & Winter Storm
It’s also 2 for $22 Dinner day at Chappy’s – each person can choose from 6 entrees, with 2 sides and Texas Chocolate sheet cake.
Lucky’s Tap Room and Grill
520 E. Fifth Street, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 222-6800 Hours: 11am -2:30am
Featured Beers:
Dog Fish Head (Delaware) Midas Touch
SixPoint (Brooklyn, NY) Resin.
Heavy Seas (Maryland) Small Batch Warning
Scene 75 Entertainment Center
6196 Poe Avenue, Dayton, OH 45414
(937) 619-3200 Hours: 3- 10pm
Featured Beers:
Heavy Seas Winter Storm
Wright State University supplies an entertaining production of the rarely attempted but incredibly tuneful 1964 musical comedy “Funny Girl,” the Jule Style, Bob Merrill and Isobel Lennart classic chronicling the rise of legendary vaudeville comedienne-turned-Ziegfeld Follies star Fanny Brice.
Director Greg Hellems, offering a fluid, cinematic vision, curiously double casts the spirited, vocally demanding leading role so it’s imperative to tell you this show specifically dazzles in the hands of Melissa Hall, a charming actress who was just as winning and hilarious last season as Penny Pingleton in “Hairspray.” A lively bundle of energy worth rooting for, Hall endearingly depicts Fanny’s larger than life personality, appealing go-getter spirit and the engaging stage presence that fueled her reputation throughout the early 20th century. She also handles Styne and Merrill’s lovely score with impressive vigor and nuance, adeptly conveying the rip-roaring determination within “I’m the Greatest Star” and the tender sentimentality of “People,” “Who Are You Now?” and “The Music That Makes Me Dance.” Most importantly, Hall beautifully interprets “People” as a philosophy and her dynamic “Don’t Rain on My Parade” perfectly captures Fanny’s firm resolve at the end of Act 1 and her amazing resilience at the end of Act 2.
In contrast, Mimi Klipstine-Dick, who particularly portrays Fanny at matinees, eagerly desires to connect with the character but lacks surefire comedic timing and unwisely chooses to sing in the vein of Barbra Streisand, the iconic Fanny of stage and screen. Originality is the crucial requirement missing from Klipstine-Dick’s underwhelming performance, a committed effort that doesn’t evolve into the knockout this show demands.
Nonetheless, both ladies are surrounded by an excellent cast. Zack Steele, sharp, suave and exuding a maturity far beyond his years as flawed gambler Nick Arnstein, skillfully examines Nick’s pride, ambition and disappointment as a breadwinner. Justin Talkington, an exuberant presence recalling Broadway veteran Lee Roy Reams in his prime, lights up the stage as choreographer Eddie Ryan, Fanny’s pal who molded her talents in vaudeville and remained skeptical of Nick’s motives. The equally radiant Michelle Weiser takes her role as Fanny’s earthy mother Rose to compelling heights late in Act 2 when Rose confronts Fanny about Nick’s criminality. The absolutely delightful Kelsey Pohl as Mrs. Strakosh, fine tenor Mark Beyer’s resounding delivery of “His Love Makes Me Beautiful” and Emma Jordan as Fanny’s dutiful assistant Emma are also notable among the featured performers.
Additionally, Teresa Wylie McWilliams (“Hairspray”) creates wonderful routines once again from the busy activity of “Henry Street” and the seductive playfulness of “Cornet Man” to the tap dancing panache of “Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat” featuring scenic designer Pam Knauert Lavarnway’s grand staircase reminiscent of “42nd Street.” Andy Balmert’s first-rate lighting design, D. Bartlett Blair’s attractive period costumes and Scot Woolley’s outstanding orchestra are also pleasurable.
“Funny Girl” is a night and day experience due to Hall and Klipstine-Dick’s polar opposite tactics, but it clearly satisfies as feel-good musical theater.
“Funny Girl” continues through Nov. 11 in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Performances are Nov. 7-8 at 7 p.m., Nov. 3, 9-10 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 3-4, 10-11 at 2 p.m. Act One: 95 minutes; Act Two: 50 minutes. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, call (937) 775-2500.
Lately many people I love and admire have said either, 1) They refuse to vote, or 2) They have decided to vote for a 3rd Party candidate. Let me first discuss the issue of voting. The rationale for refusing to vote, is that “voting doesn’t matter” as expressed by the Facebook meme “If voting made a difference, it would be illegal”. While I am sympathetic to the frustration and disillusionment with the system as articulated (Citizens United, etc), I would like to offer evidence that voting does matter precisely because Republicans are going out of their way (and have been for many years) to make voting illegal. The recent Voter ID laws are simply the latest in a string of tactics designed to disenfranchise voters. In addition to more overt attempts to marginalize voters, we’ve seen some of the same disinformation and threatening tactics used in the past, resurface in Wisconsin. Recent examples in Ohio include attempts to curtail early voting, which was thankfully overturned. We have seen ‘creative’ tactics used in “swing” states to suppress the vote. For instance, mailers sent to voters that usually vote Democrat, that have the wrong voting date or polling place. These and the billboards in Milwaukee are just the latest, in efforts sustained over decades, schemes to keep folks away from the polls. Not to mention those disenfranchised by virtue of their criminal history.
It is hard to believe that “voting doesn’t make a difference” with so much money and effort being spent to disenfranchise voters. With such abysmal voter participation rates already (Presidential elections see the most voter turnout, with the 2008 election being decided by 56.8 of the electorate, while only 37.8 voted in the midterm election of 2010), someone(s) must think it is worthwhile to further discourage voting among target populations. Perhaps voting would make even more of a difference if more people voted, not less.
Bear with me, discussing the 3rd Party vote promises to be a bit more long-winded. The reasons most often expressed for voting 3rd party include, 1) “I cannot in good conscience vote for the lesser of 2 evils” and 2) “Until things get really bad, no one will wake up”. Let me preface my comments by saying I think a viable third party would be just grand. In fact, I would love to see even more viable parties. However, we work with what we’ve got. Let me also suggest, that I am just about as idealistic as one can be. My research, activism and teaching reflect my ideals. I make no claims to being neutral, because as Howard Zinn said, “You can’t be neutral on a moving train”. I long for a just world. I believe it is possible. I believe it will take a lot of work and I’m willing to engage in that work. Most of my friends could say the same, because I have great friends.
“I can’t in good conscience vote for the lesser of two evils”. Let’s discuss this one first, because I think it is so illogical. There are two important pieces to this statement, the part about conscience and the bit about the lesser of two evils. They overlap of course, but I want to tease them apart a bit. I think most folks acknowledge that the two presidential candidates are quite different. Romney wants to move the neoliberal project along as quickly as possible by privatizing everything- in other words, profit over people. He has made this crystal clear. He doesn’t care about 47% of the population-they are disposable. He wants to rip up the last shreds of the social compact. He will repeal “Obamacare” if given half a chance. He wants to wrest from the earth every last drop of profit, climate change be damned.
Obama is no progressive, but his vision is fundamentally different. He actually acknowledges climate change. He is the first president to be able to get some sort of health care reform passed, no mean feat in this political climate. Some folks suggest he used all his political capital on this venture and that it was a waste, since we didn’t get universal healthcare. Those in need of health care, that are now gaining coverage, probably think differently. Obama assumes that government plays a role in protecting its citizens, not just through the military (I know, this one is a sore spot-I hate drones), but also through social welfare programs and education. I am suggesting that there are many ways in which he falls short of what I would describe as progressive, but he is most definitely the lesser of two evils. I think all of us who would describe ourselves as some sort of left of center are in agreement on this point. So my real confusion with this statement, “ I can’t in good conscience vote for the lesser of two evils”, is that knowing that one candidate is “less evil” than another, we can somehow describe this as a calculation based upon good conscience. Particularly, when any alternative candidate that might be more closely aligned with our ideals and goals has no hope of being elected? How is that really different from voting for the greater evil or not voting at all? Wallerstein (2004) conceptualizes voting as defensive action, because “The world’s populations live in the present and their immediate needs have to be addressed” (p. 272). But, he reminds us, we don’t engage in electoral action to prop up the existing system, “but rather of preventing its negative effects from getting worse in the short run” (p. 272). We can hold a different vision for the world and still vote for “less evil”.
This brings me to the final point. “Until things get really bad, no one will wake up”. This argument, this one, makes me splutter in indignation. I wonder whom “we” mean when we say things have to get bad. Get bad for whom? Whose son or daughter? Whose parents? Things are already pretty bad for too many people. There seems to be this desire to rush the “revolution” through human misery (see, http://revs4romney.org/, for instance). Really? How is this different from Right wing propaganda suggesting we all take our lumps for the good of the market? Sure, they argue, some folks will have to tighten their belts, but that’s the price of progress (remember the applause for, “some will die”?). In other words, how are we any different from the ‘other’ side if we make this sort of argument? The hard-line adherence to a radical philosophy is one of the critiques of the Occupy movement I find relevant to this discussion. Journalists, primarily, have criticized the OWS movement for being too theoretical, or too ideologically rigid, for caring more for theory than for people, for eschewing praxis in service to process. It is certainly worth consideration in relation to voting or voting third party.
So here is where I lose my radical credentials, I suppose. Letting my emotions get the best of me (Because of course emotion is bad/feminine, and rationality is good/manly). However, I am not willing to sacrifice my brothers and sisters to any cause, with the knowledge that is exactly what I would be doing! Chomsky argues, for the same reasons as Wallerstein, that if we live in a swing state, we should vote for Obama.
In a recent interview, Cornell West argues similarly, despite his repeated and pointed critiques of the Obama administration, “We have to prevent a Romney takeover of the White House. No doubt about that. It would be very dangerous in terms of actual lives and actual deaths of the elderly and the poor. Those people who are dependent on various programs would have to deal with the ugly damage of the further redistribution of wealth from the poor and working people to the well off” [emphasis added]. It doesn’t get much clearer than that. I must, in good conscience vote for the lesser of two evils.
Voting matters. Voting, while not direct action, is defensive action. Voting is an act of solidarity with our brothers and sisters. Voting for the lesser of two evils is a sort of praxis. Voting is not where it ends, however. Voting in and of itself is not enough. To have a true democracy, we must work, shift, push, from outside the system as well, toward the world we would like to see (A third party, economic democracy, etc.) These scholar/activists also make this clear. Voting is but a beginning. But it is a beginning.
The award-winning short film “Sparkle” by local documentarians Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert has been picked up by PBS for viewing across the nation. Premiering February 7 at 9 PM, you can see the short as part of a new show on PBS.
“Sparkle” was created as part of the pilot for “Lifecasters”. From the Web site: “The goal of Lifecasters is to inspire, engage and motivate national PBS audiences to share their underdog journeys of overcoming the odds. In today’s climate, this series is designed to bring hope and models for achieving goals to viewers.”
Each episode pairs a filmmaking team with a “lifecaster” – someone who is overcoming great odds to accomplish something special. Dayton’s own Sheri “Sparkle” Williams is a featured lifecaster on the first episode due to her great determination and talent in overcoming what could have been a career-ending injury. The filmmaking team of Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar tells the story in a heartfelt and truthful way. Their efforts garnered them the audience choice award for shorts at the prestigious SilverDocs Film Festival.
At the conclusion of A Premiere Evening (a benefit for DCDC), Jennifer Lawson, Senior Vice President of Television and Digital Video Content for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, announced the big news. Lawson spoke with great enthusiasm about how Bognar and Reichert are great ambassadors for our community. Even in all their travels, Lawson shared, “wherever they are, they are talking about Dayton!”
Tune in to PBS (locally – ThinkTV / CET) this February to catch the first episode of “Lifecasters” and see a powerful Dayton story told to the world!
Local entrepreneur Shannon Thomas was watching the tv reports on the devastation caused by Super Storm Sandy and it really got to him. He wanted to help. He realized that since his company, Four Ambition, prints
t-shirts, by could use his business to help raise money to help those in dire need. He created the Restore the Shore t-shirt and will be providing all printing and work for free so 100% proceeds from these shirt sales will go straight to American Red Cross Disaster Relief to aid those effected. T-shirts are $15 and are available on grey or white 100% cotton shirt. You can use this link to purchase your shirts: www.sandyaidrelief.bigcartel.com
He told a few of his friends, created the site and posted in on Facebook. It’s been up 20 hours and Shannon says he already gotten over 55 oreders. Orders have come in from California, New Jersey and even someone from Germany has contacted him. The site is going viral and here’s an easy way to help. Order a t-shirt, share this article or just make a straight donation. This is a temporary store to raise some fast money for Red Cross so buy a shirt or just go straight to Red Cross’s website to get them the money faster. Shannon says he’ll keep it up for a few weeks or until the orders stop. He did a similar fundraiser when the tsunami his Japan a while bak .
In talking with Shannon he said his biggest local customers are Cedarville University, Rockquest from Cincinnati and Welcome To College. With the heart this young businessman has for helping others, I’d sure like to ask anyone reading this that needs shirts, to please consider doing business with Four Ambition. Whether you order 12 shirts or 5000, if you need screen printed apparel or posters, embroidery, buttons, or graphic design, please check them out. They are located at 400 Linden Ave, Studio 201 in Dayton and can be reached at (937) 239-4479
Happy All Hallow’s day! November already. Hope you got out to see some of the spooky, Halloween-y themed offerings that Dayton served up. What’s next? Well, there are a few things closing this weekend, but enough opening to hopefully keep you busy!
West Milton Players
The Skinny: Dayton theatre audiences may remember this script as a FutureFest finalist in 2008, when it was voted “Audience Favorite.” A comedy set in New Jersey in 1965.It is a story of Howard Karchmer, a middle-aged tailor who indulges in daydreams to escape his humdrum existence. Norma, his suspicious wife, believes he is fantasizing about Dorothy, a sexy widow friend. Norma schemes to have Dorothy flirt with Howard to test his fidelity, but Norma’s plan backfires when Howard connives with Dorothy to turn the trick around.
Dates: Last performance is Saturday, November 3rd.
Tickets: For all production and ticketing information, please visit the Facebook Event page; here.
Xenia Area Community Theatre (X*ACT)
The Skinny: Fans of Aaron Sorkin’s TV and movie work will be delighted to take in his well-known military courtroom drama. Famously brought to the screen by, among others, Tom Cruise and Jack “You Can’t Handle The Truth” Nicholson, this is a gripping tale of whether or not something can be wrong, if your job is to do as you’re told.
Dates: Finishing this weekend, with the last performance on Sunday November 4th
Tickets: Please visit the X*ACT website, here.
Wright State University, Theatre Department
The Skinny: Funny Girl is the semi-biographical musical based on the life and career of Broadway and film star, the comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein. Audiences may be familiar with the movie starring Barbra Streisand and Omar Sharif. It is from this musical that we get such musical theatre classics as “People” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade”.
Dates: Closing this Sunday, November 4th at the Festival Playhouse.
Tickets: For tickets, please call 937-775-2500
Beavercreek Community Theatre
The Skinny: A Southern gothic comedy of romance, murder and alien abduction, Sugar Bean Sisters takes us back to the sticky, humid environs of Sugar Bean, Florida, where audiences last visited in its companion piece, The Sugar Witch, at Dayton Theatre Guild. Sugar Bean Sisters is a lighter, more comedic piece, dripping with the same spanish moss and thrum of supernaturalism.
Dates: Closing this Sunday, November 4th.
Full Disclosure: I’m in this, and in my (naturally, entirely unbiased!) opinion, it’s awesome
Tickets: Please visit the Beavercreek Community Theatre website, here.
Playhouse South
The Skinny: Pink-loving sorority princess Elle Woods follows her boyfriend, and her heart, to Harvard Law School. She makes friends, makes enemies and make decisions she never thought she’d have to, all the while, her beloved Delta Nus see her through.
Dates: Opening Friday, 11/2 and running through 11/17.
Tickets: For all ticketing information, please visit the Playhouse South website, here.
Sinclair Community College
The Skinny:This drama is based on the actual account of Mary Mallon, better known as “Typhoid Mary” and her struggle with the Public Health system of New York City in 1907. It’s Mary’s rights versus the “public good” which submerges us into medical ethics in our society then and perhaps even now.
Dates: ONE WEEKEND ONLY; Friday, 11/8-Sunday, 11/10.
Tickets: All ticketing information can be found on Sinclair’s website, here.
Brookville Community Theatre
The Skinny: It’s Christmas Eve at the Willow Inn. The hosts Jenny and Tom are having Art, (Jenny’s father who’s still mourning the passing of his wife) see their bed and breakfast for the first time. There’s a snowstorm raging outside and three travelers are forced to lodge at the inn and wait it out. Rudy and Marsha who run a costume business together and a mysterious but cheerful man who claims to be in the delivery business named Mr. Smith. Only the Inn’s handyperson Andy sees who Mr. Smith really is, the spirit of Christmas. Andy must help him make Art, who’s been in a dark place for a very long time, see the joy of Christmas and who Mr. Smith really is!
The Dates: Ring in the Christmas spirit early! This show opens 11/8 and closes 11/18
Tickets: Reservations in advance are highly recommended as shows do sell out. To reserve tickets, please call the Brookville Flower Show at 937.833.3531
It’s well-documented that the Dayton community is one of extraordinary innovation, arts and collaboration. That synergy will be on display at tonight’s sold-out November 2 (and newly added second performance November 4) with A Premiere Evening – a benefit for the world-renowned Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.
The evening includes the local premiere of the newest hit from award-winning filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar. Their latest project, SPARKLE, won the Audience Award for Best Short Documentary at SilverDocs, the largest documentary film festival in the United States.
Sparkle tells the story of celebrated Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) dancer Sheri “Sparkle” Williams as she recovers from the first major injury in her 38-year career. Reichert and Bognar followed Williams through her months-long recovery process and offers the project to answer the question “Will she ever dance again?” The film offers audiences a rare behind-the-scenes look at DCDC’s rehearsals and performances. A Q&A with the filmmakers follows the screening.
After the film screening, the audience will be treated to the world premiere of a dance created by the impassioned choreographer Rodney Brown for Sparkle “The Gatherer/weething” and a short performance by the world-renowned Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Truly a premiere evening! Tickets are available now.
I talked to the woman of the hour – Sheri “Sparkles’ Williams – to learn about her experience as the subject of the short film by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert and what audiences may expect.
Film is a very different medium than dance – was it a challenge from your perspective blending the two?
As documentarians – they don’t interrupt at all. It’s our regular rehearsal and they capture that – nothing is affected by their filming. Most of the time you don’t realize they’re there – you forget. They didn’t affect our day at all – no retakes, no stopping to get another angle or anything.
Were you concerned to have them following you during this vulnerable and challenging time of your career?
No, not all at – no pressure – no anything. My only concern had nothing to do with the documenting – my only concern was getting myself together.
What do you hope people will come away feeling after seeing the film and seeing you on stage?
I would hope people will get an opportunity to feel good about something. This may be dance and how it affects me, but (people) can be pushed back and overcome it. Know you’re not alone. You can make it happen. And it’s uplifting – the film is uplifting. And the whole evening together – from film to live movement – we are a family – we support each other, there’s camaraderie running amok. We work hard, but it’s a family and they were rooting me on. All of us get affected in some way – what we do is strenuous and people get hurt, but we’re there for each other.
Anything else?
Filmmakers of the caliber of Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar – it’s just amazing that they would want to spend their time with me. It’s been such an amazing experience – I’ve learned so much from them. I’ve had a great time and I have two more friends now. This whole evening is such an honor and such a joy -I’m so excited by it.
Don’t miss this great event! If you haven’t got your tickets for the Friday night benefit, don’t fear! By overwhelming demand a second show has been added on Sunday, November 4 at 5:30 PM at the Dayton Art Institute. Tickets are general admission and available for only $25 at TicketCenterStage.
A little girl checks a book out of the library. It is a story about the queen of Daytonia.
The queen realizes it is a great responsibility bestowed on her, and she must keep her kingdom safe and happy. The King of Daytonia really rules the kingdom, but the queen has a lot of power. King has strict rules, and the queen wants people to be happy and go along with the rules.
After listening to her subjects, the queen realizes that there is a desperate need in the kingdom for new libraries. So she sets about building one big library and several small ones. She finds some consultants that tell her it will cost 230 million in gold. The queen knows that the King will not giver her permission to spend that much of his gold, so she tentatively asks him a series of questions (through polling) to find his spending limit. After a lot of hinting around, she figures out that the limit is probably 187 million in gold.
How will you reduce the price of the libraries you want to build? asks her good friend Belinda.
“I will just make the work go faster and really push the workers to be efficient. If I do it faster, I don’t spend as much money.” replied the queen.
Belinda was dubious. She knows that you can go fast and do less, or go cheap and go slow (or do less), but has never seen anyone go fast and cheap and do the same amount of work. “Can you still build all the buildings and make sure that the kingdom is not filled with empty buildings?” Of course replied the queen confidently.
Belinda was concerned. She knew that the big library was very important to the kingdom. She knew that the plan the queen had come up with for the big library was not very detailed.
“Are you going to build the library in the same place? Because so often it floods.”
“Oh yes, and I think it would be super if we provided space underground for all of the horses to be parked while the people were in the library.” Replied the queen.
“But couldn’t the horses drown if they are so close to the water underground?”
“I don’t know…” said the queen. “Maybe we could build them a room on the first floor in the open garden to put the horses… and build more space for the library on top. We will figure it all out later.”
Belinda was confused. The horses always parked on the street and there was a lot of space there to look out over the garden where the children played and the people of the kingdom enjoyed their lunch. It seemed like it might upset the people if the garden is ruined.
Belinda tried a different tactic. “Wouldn’t it be easier to just build a new library in a safer place and build exactly what the people want?”
“Belinda, I would do that we can’t build that for 90 million in gold, which is how much we can spend on the big library. That would cost 96 million in gold. I can renovate the existing library for less money and just use the garden and current land because it is “free.””
Belinda was thoughtful for a moment. Perhaps the queen had a good idea, but still… only a difference of 6 million in gold? Belinda thought maybe it would make more sense to spend a little more money to get something perfect. She wanted to know more. She asked…
“How much of the garden would you use?” “Oh, I don’t know…” said the queen.
“How much would you save if you just used the parking space that is already available for the horses?” “$7 million in gold” said the queen.
What will the library look like? “Oh, I don’t know.” said the queen.
“Will it have all the important new features that the kingdom wants?” asked Belinda.
“Oh certainly.” said the queen.
“Tell me how the 90 million in gold would be spent…”
“Well, I can give you some rough estimates from the consultants, but I don’t really have any details” said the queen.
Belinda shook her head and said. “My dear queen, I think a new library is a great idea. But I know the king and he will want more answers before he will approve spending all that gold.”
“Well, I am going to ask anyway.” said the queen testily. “We can just figure out the details later.
Belinda said “Dear queen, the king would be foolish to give you that money without a way to hold you accountable. You need a detailed plan and a timeline that makes sense, and to be 100% certain you could deliver what is truly needed – and best for all -to take on such a project. The big library must be built very thoughtfully.”
The little girl put the book down and went to eat dinner with her parents. As she ate she saw saw a page of facts about the library being proposed for downtown Dayton.
[dropshadowbox align=”left” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]“About half of Cooper Park, which abuts the library, will be preserved under the current plan…” Tim Kambitsch, director of the Dayton Metro Library[/dropshadowbox]The concept of the levy is solid, but the implementation details are too light for voters to make an informed decision or to hold the library accountable to the promise that the levy holds for the main branch. The plan to renovate the existing facility (vs. build new) does not make sense financially (nor does the parking component) given the loss in property values and income tax revenue over the next four years, nor has it been fully vetted. With a little creativity and additional time, I am confident that the library can come up with a facility plan that gives us a new building, possibly cheaper, while still meeting all of the site selection criteria identified for a main branch. This could allow the expansion of green space rather than the retraction of it. Please vote no on Issue 70 so that we can get the library and green space that we deserve downtown.
Editor’s Note – this article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Dayton Most Metro or its contributors. Your opinions are welcome in the comment section below.
The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House are not food critics, we are Food Adventurers. That’s like comparing Roger Ebert to Indiana Jones. We always eat big, never use generic stock photos, and always hit a place multiple times. If it is something we love, we write about it. Piada is one such place. Since the grand opening of this new spot, in our hometown of Centerville, the lines have been out the door. So we bided our time, until the frenzy died down. What is the excitement about? This popular Columbus based franchise has capitalized on the “assembly line” serving style which has brought countless comparisons to the likes of Chipotle.
Here is the rundown, when you enter the place you pick your meal type. You have four choices: A piada (a huge burrito), a pasta bowl, a chopped salad bowl or a select two in which you can choose mini versions of any of the items mentioned earlier. After you pick your meal type, you pick your meat: calamari, grilled chicken, crispy chicken fritte , Italian sausage, steak, salmon or vegetarian. Be forewarned that the grilled chicken is a mix of white and dark meat. The crispy chicken is strictly chicken breast.
You are then asked to choose a sauce: pomodoro, diavolo(spicy tomato sauce), alfredo, red pepper pesto, basil pesto, or creamy parmesan. After that, you are moved down the line to choose from a variety of vegetable toppings, including unique choices such as eggplant, sun dried tomatoes, and papadew peppers.
Hungry Jax liked the pick two two combo, but her recommendation is to go for the BIG chopped salad bowl instead of the smaller combo portions. It is simply a better deal. Fresh greens with your choice of veggie and meat toppings make this a healthy and flavorful choice. The Big Ragu says go for the Calamari Piada or Salmon Piada, but don’t put any pasta in the “burrito.” Instead, save room to stuff more kinds of veggies in there!
One thing we love are the artichoke piada sticks and the parmesan reggiano piada sticks. They are cheesy, dusted with garlic powder and delicious. Another attraction for us is that they have Peroni, on tap. We always enjoy the crisp taste of this Italian import beer. Other unique beverages included the Italian Teas and Sodas. Our favorite was the raspberry soda. Piada even offers Peach Bellini’s, which are made with sparkling wine. Finally, we tried the of cannoli dip. It is a bag of mini-cannoli shells and a side of cann0li filling for dipping. An interesting concept for a dessert on the go.
Ragu’s Italian ancestors are not sure if this is authentic street food, but it tastes great. Prices run $6 – $9 for your typical entree. Check out our album below for lots of food photos. Do you want a lunch that is a fresh, fast and furious? Then visit Piada Italian Street Food and get some chow…. or should we say… Ciao !
Often imitated but never duplicated, you can find Food Adventures HERE on Facebook.
Piada Italian Street Food is located at 1047 Miamisburg-Centerville Road. Hours are 10:45 am – 10:00 pm every day.
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