Folk duo whose adroit combination of distinct personalities and songwriting styles provides tension and an interesting balance.
Archives for February 2020
Backpacking Basics: Trip Planning, Safety & Logistics
Learn the basics of planning your trip, staying safe on the trail, and logistics to get you on and off the trail!
Great Miami Outfitters offers this FREE class to help you get started in backpacking or to refresh you on the latest in gear, apparel, backpacks, stoves and more! Our classes are held in our location at Cross Pointe Centre in Centerville.
Next Ethnosh Dinner Features Caribbean African Fusion
Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to live out their lifetime dream, but Theresa Barnes gets to do just that. From the time she was a young girl playing chef while watching her family cook, Theresa knew she wanted to own a restaurant. It seemed like an impossible goal, but she never stopped chasing it. The path was a rocky one filled with many detours, but in January 2019 her dream became reality when Eden Spice opened.
Theresa has spent most of her life in the United States, emigrating from Sierra Leone, in west Africa in 1991 with her large, close-knit family. She first joined her family in Philadelphia, who encouraged her to find success with a career in the medical field. Theresa tried to put her passion for cooking on the back burner to pursue an education in nursing since that seemed more secure.
Shortly after, her boyfriend was able to join her in the United States, and they moved to Columbus to be closer to his family. They got married, started a family, and then relocated to Dayton, where her family rejoined her. Once again, she tried to continue her education in the medical field, but her heart just wasn’t in it.
The calling to be in the kitchen was undeniable. “I tried to ignore it, but it just wasn’t going anywhere. It was just in my head.”, she explains. She recounts a time when she attended a loved one’s wedding and found herself in the kitchen helping with food preparation. Everywhere she went she volunteered to cook for people. “Wherever I worked, every time we had a potluck, I would volunteer, I would bring 3 or 4 different dishes.”
Theresa decided she would continue working to help provide for her family while pursuing cooking on the side. Getting some outside opinions of her food was the next step. One day, she cooked two different African inspired dishes and bravely went to various businesses and asked if they would like lunch. The meals were very well received, so she began to bring meals to new places weekly.
Theresa then received a phone call that would change the course of her future, setting things in motion leading to her dream come true. Her cousin provided the food for Horizon Science Academy in Columbus and had been asked to pick up the Dayton and Cincinnati branches. The first person she thought of was Theresa, telling her “If you help me with this, I’ll help you with a restaurant.” Theresa jumped on the opportunity and excelled. In time, her cousin made good on her promise and helped her find the perfect spot to open her restaurant. Theresa felt so grateful for her cousin who believed in her, “Somebody finally listened.”
Located on East Dixie drive in West Carrollton, in what used to be a Subway, Eden Spice was born. “Everything I prayed for from childhood until this point, it came true”. The work was just beginning, and there were many challenges ahead of her, but she knew “You have to work hard to get somewhere…You have to put everything on the table. It’s a big risk.”
Since she had been ready for this day her entire life, she used to think opening the restaurant would be the most difficult part but running it would be much simpler. She laughs as she tells me how mistaken she was on that account. Maintaining a restaurant has been a journey with many surprises, but you won’t find Theresa complaining about any of it. “I have the privilege of living my dream, so I’m ready for any challenge.”
Eden Spice quickly became a family business, with her daughters in the front, while she is in the kitchen. She affectionately calls her daughter the CEO. However, balancing family life while starting a restaurant has been trying. Theresa gives much credit to her family for supporting her and sacrificing much of their time to help at the restaurant and make her dream a reality.
Her family has always played a crucial role in her life. In fact, her inspiration to become a chef can be traced back to her family, “Basically everyone in my family are cooks.” Theresa has many memories of watching her Grandmother, Mother, and Aunties in the kitchen. She brings much of that tradition to her food, and particularly to one specific dish on her menu called “Grandma Tenneh Papaya Stew”. She recalls how this was a dish that her Grandmother would make for her on special occasions. In time, the recipe was passed down to her so she can pass it down to her children. It is a dish that is filled with love and sentiment. She chose to add this cherished family recipe to her menu to show her customers how she feels about them, stating, “This is the place we want you to come and feel like our family. This is home.”
As much as she loves cooking, it has taken some trial and error to figure out how to cater to the American market. Sometimes people are intimidated to try foods that seem foreign to their palate. Eden Spice serves food that blends the flavors of Africa, the Caribbean and America. As you can expect from the name, the food is flavorful and spiced with many seasonings from thyme and garlic, to secret family spice blends. In addition to a well-seasoned meal, you can count on a meal made from scratch, “I want everyone to know that everything is fresh. Nothing processed.” She explains.
After just over a year of being opened, Theresa has learned a lot about being a restaurant owner. On the hard days, she calls her father for comfort, and he reminds her “Most people die with their dream, but you have a chance to fulfill yours. You have lived a complete life just because of this.” She says this always reminds her to be grateful for the entire experience, good and bad. “Eden Spice is my gift from God. Nothing in my background tells me I could be a restaurant owner,” she tearfully shares, “But I am…. Don’t give up on your dreams.”
Ethnosh DAY is heading to Eden Spice!
Join us on Monday, March 16 for a plate full of some great Caribbean / Sierra Leonean cuisine and meet the people who bring all of this goodness to your city. Vegan and Vegetarian plates are available. Please be sure to select your preferred option on your ticket order form.
There are 2 ticket seatings available for this event, 44 seats per seating, so this will sell out quickly! Order yours online now, just $18 plus a small processing fee.
- SEATING 1: 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM
- SEATING 2: 7:30 PM – 8:45 PM
No meat during Lent on Fridays? Restaurants That Offer Special Lenten Menus
No meat during Lent on Fridays?
Maybe you thought Lent was just giving up one food like chocolate or, we hope not, coffee. But there are more rules surrounding food you eat during Lent than that, it’s just that it’s becoming less common to follow the fasting and abstinence rules associated with the time leading up to Easter. These fasting and abstinence practices are part of the Catholic celebration of Eastertide, with churchgoers foregoing meat and all foods containing “flesh meat” products on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and every Friday during Lent. Fish is not included in this and is allowed on Fridays, which is why you see so many fish frys between now and Easter on April 12th.
Here’s a round up of menu’s created just for those of you who are honoring the no meat on Friday’s tradition.
If you know of others we should add to the list, either put in the comments below or drop us an email.
Archer’s Tavern
Bennett’s Publical
67 S Main St Miamisburg, Ohio 45342 (937) 866-4200
Company 7 BBQ
Two Fish Tex-Mex Tacos w/2 Sides*
Dewberry 1850
Fifth Street Brewpub
Each Friday during Lent we’re offering our Fillet O’Fifth sandwich for $8: two fried cod fillets, shredded lettuce, American cheese, and garlic aioli on a Kaiser bun w/ Saratoga chips. Perfect with a pint of Henry O’Fifth.
Dayton At Work and Play
The investor who bought the building said that in addition to creating housing units he hopes to make the school’s theater available for community use.
Young’s Annual Hot Fudge Sundae Sale
Young’s Jersey Dairy felt a good way to say goodbye to winter was to have a Hot Fudge Sundae Celebration as February ends and March starts.
Friday through Sunday at either The Dairy Store or The Golden Jersey Inn a one dip Hot Fudge Sundae is only $3.29!
A two dip Hot Fudge Sundae is only $4.29! You choose the flavor of homemade ice cream you want us to make it from, and they’ll add the hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry! What a deal!
Here are some flavor combinations they have grown fond of over the years. Try one of these or create your own!
Vanilla — just plain vanilla is hard to beat when combined
with the taste of good hot fudge.
Butter Pecan — there is something about the buttery caramel taste, with the pecans that brings out the best in hot fudge taste.
Green Mint Chip — chocolate and mint, one of the great flavor combinations.
Sea Salty Caramel — the taste salty caramel and hot chocolate fudge is just amazing.
Black Walnut — for those who like contrasting flavors, try this.
Chocolate P-Nut Butter — the first person to think of putting together the tastes of chocolate and p-nut butter should get some kind of award.
Then top it off with hot fudge for the best sundae of all.
French Vanilla — a slightly more flavorful combination than just vanilla. The French part of the name means the vanilla has egg custard added for a richer texture and taste.
Cookies & Cream or Cookie Dough — these two sweet ice creams only taste better with a generous portion of hot fudge sitting on top!
Cow Patty – Double dark chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips, chocolate cookie pieces and chocolate covered toffee, then topped with hot fudge. Are you kidding me!?
Black Raspberry – when you’re in the mood, the taste of a dark fruit like black raspberry is delicious with hot fudge.
Young’s Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
General Information/The Dairy Store: (937) 325-0629
The Golden Jersey Inn: (937) 324-2050
Udders & Putters: (937) 325-0502
Picnics & Catering: (937) 605-2584
The Dairy Store & Young’s Farmstead Cheese Market
Winter Hours
Nov 2nd to Mar 8th
Sun-Thur 8am-9pm
Fri & Sat 8am-10pm
The Golden Jersey Inn
Mon-Thur 11am-8pm
Fri 11am-9pm
Sat 8am-9pm
Sun 8am-8pm
McCoy on Movies: The Invisible Man
An old horror icon gets re-envisioned for the #MeToo era in The Invisible Man
WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:
Then Adrian’s brother – and the director of his estate – Tom (Michael Dorman) informs Cecilia and her sister Alice (Harriet Dyer) with bombshell news: Adrian, a tech magnate who built his fortunate in the field of optics, has committed suicide and left her millions to be paid out in increments of $100,00 over the next few years – as long as she doesn’t commit any crimes and lives a generally good life. There’s just one problem …
Cecilia, over the course of a series of rather weird and unfortunate events, becomes convinced Adrian is still alive. And he’s apparently determined to drive her insane – or worse. Thus, Cecilia is forced to answer a question most people would never ponder.
How do you prove someone who is supposed to be dead is very much alive and torturing you when no one – including you – can see them?
On the pro-side, Moss delivers enough of an emotional performance to drive The Invisible Man, which is essentially a domestic abuse tale examining what happens to victims at the hands of their accusers. Moss carefully walks the line between movie dramatics and emotionally believability to keep her character’s credence valid, never giving in to the temptation to go bad 80s horror movie scream queen at each abusive turn. She is by far the most interesting character on screen, making her character interesting enough to keep watching the film to its climax. There’s also enough twists and turns to keep you intrigued in what will happen, a must in a film where too much predictably could have been present.
On the con-side, however, the majority of characters that aren’t Moss – Dorman is acceptable as Adrian’s brother – are lackluster in either direction or execution (again, no pun intended). Likewise, most of the scenes where Moss and others are attacked by, well, an invisible assailant just feel cartoonish despite the cast and crew’s best efforts. Thus, you get a mixed bag of push/pull that keep the film from diving too far off the deep end, but a lot of missed opportunities that could have pushed it into groundbreaking territory. However, by focusing on Moss’ character’s pain, The Invisible Man basically becomes a metaphor for all the abuse women have suffered at the hands of men in the #metoo era – and a stern warning to men about what could happen if they refuse to stop it.
All things considered, The Invisible Man isn’t a great movie by any means, but it’s not a completely unwatchable mess, either. It’s more a simple thriller for those seeking a simple thriller, but one that may catch fire due to today’s current socio-political climate. Some people may hate it, some people may love it – and arguments can be made to justify both’s point of view objectively.
Just don’t say you weren’t warned, however, if you come expecting to “see” something more.
‘An Enemy of the People’ Review – Wright State University – Bold and Unafraid
Within the past year, the following organizations and individuals chose to speak up even if there was hell to pay: CNN; MSNBC; The New York Times; The Washington Post; The Intelligence Community Whistleblower; Marie Yovanovitch; William Taylor; Gordon Sondland; Fiona Hill; Alexander Vindman; David Holmes; Joseph Maguire; Michael Atkinson; John Bolton; John Kelly; Lev Parnas; Andrew McCabe; Lisa Page; Adam Schiff; Nancy Pelosi; Mitt Romney; Bernie Sanders; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Ilhan Omar; Ayanna Pressley; Rashida Tlaib; Tulsi Gabbard; Beto O’Rourke; Greta Thunberg; The Hong Kong Protestors; Dr. Li Wenliang; Colin Kaepernick; Wade Robson; James Safechuck; Annabella Sciorra; Stacey Abrams; and Nan Whaley.
Those diverse notables have a kindred spirit in Dr. Thomas Stockmann, the emotional, determined and heroic truth-teller at the center of Arthur Miller’s 1950 adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 drama An Enemy of the People, dynamically presented in the Herbst Theatre of Wright State University under the remarkably astute, atmospheric and intimate direction of W. Stuart McDowell. In his small Norwegian town, well-respected Dr. Stockmann is put to the test when his shocking discovery of polluted waters rips his community apart. On the verge of becoming a booming tourist resort thanks to its purported healing waters, the town eagerly awaits reaping financial rewards regardless of whether or not society is destroyed in the process. Despite heated warnings from his brother Peter, the Mayor and chief champion of the town’s impending spa, Dr. Stockmann passionately persists, finding support among the local press but ultimately losing control of the narrative due to an overwhelming majority unwilling to budge. “The public doesn’t want new ideas,” he’s told. “The public is much better off with old ideas.” In addition to environmental issues, the incredibly timely themes bolstering this thought-provoking showcase, expertly staged in-the-round, include freedom of the press, political gamesmanship, corporate corruption, and majority vs. minority friction.
As Dr. Stockmann, towering knockout Nick Martin is a moral pillar of strength and unyielding purpose, stressing the importance of courageously standing in one’s truth specifically in Act 2’s unnerving town meeting. In fact, Martin is so convincingly attacked as The Other I’m surprised McDowell didn’t encourage his cast to shout “lock him up!” for the sake of contemporary rally relevancy. Charismatic, handsome and versatile Will Graber, slickly commanding the stage with top hat and baton in tow as if camouflaging as a genteel Macheath, outstandingly portrays arrogant Peter, who will stop at nothing to see his pet project succeed even if it forever fractures his own family. The splendidly matched Martin and Graber are so believably adversarial yet bonded (at the town meeting, Graber cautiously dials down Peter’s vitriol in an attempt to stop the citizens from resorting to violence against Thomas after getting them revved up) that I found myself wondering about the backstories of their fascinating characters. What fueled their sibling rivalry? Who was the favored son growing up? Is Peter jealous of Thomas for being the patriarch of a loving family? Miller and Ibsen keep matters in the present, but the possibilities of the past entice nonetheless due to Martin and Graber’s skillfully mature finesse.
Elsewhere in principal roles, Hailey Marshall is supportive yet formidable as matriarch Catherine Stockmann, Annika Whetstone sparkles as Thomas and Catherine’s bright, perceptive daughter Petra, Christopher Wells (Billing) Cole Frasher (Aslaksen) and Louie Kurtzman (Hovstad) are superb as fickle journalists, Aidan Lord exudes elderly credibility as Catherine’s father Morten Kiil, Matthew Shanahan (Ejlif Stockmann) and Mikey Fried (Morten Stockmann) charm as Thomas and Catherine’s rambunctious sons, Dylan Roll offers comic relief as The Drunk, and Jake Siwek tenderly embodies Captain Horster, Thomas’ friend soon journeying to America. The large, terrifically focused ensemble bringing furious rage to the town meeting and whose repeatedly whispered chants against the Stockmanns eerily haunt the recesses of the mind consists of Abbie Bookman, Kyle Channell, Abby Choi, Xiao Ni Denker, Branden Fisher, Sydney Freihofer, Chap Hollin, Amanda Jacobson, Theo Karras, Kevin Lausche, Alexis Muhlenkamp, Brie Parsons, Nick Salazar, and Alex Tischer.
In addition to costumer Tatyana Kowalski’s attractive period designs including Graber’s dapper, runway-ready suit, McDowell’s excellent production team includes scenic designer Carleigh Siebert, lighting designer Malia Dalba, sound designer James Dunlap, dialect coach Deborah Thomas, and properties master John Lavarnway. McDowell also incorporates Academy Award winner Hildur Guonadóttir’s (Joker) Emmy and Grammy-winning music from the HBO series Chernobyl as dramatic underscore and creates a striking, Equus-esque Act 1 finale recalling the visceral sensual nuance of recent Broadway revivals staged by Tony-winning avant garde director Ivo van Hove (A View From the Bridge, West Side Story).
In stinging fashion, walking a delicate tight rope between comedy and drama, impeccable dialogue overflows in this richly resonate play: “You’re an official – you keep your convictions to yourself”; “We live and die on what the outside world thinks of us”; “Without moral authority there can be no government”; “The majority is never right until it does right.” Without a doubt, Miller and Ibsen are speaking to us at this crucial moment in American history. You won’t hear exact references to current affairs but the subtext is absolutely inescapable. After all, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more important piece of theater happening in Dayton right now. In a perfect world, Wright State would take this show on tour to local high schools this spring and be remounted in some capacity this fall in conjunction with a voter registration drive as the presidential election intensifies.
Cutting deep as a fiercely urgent call to action, An Enemy of the People is simply one of the best productions of the season.
An Enemy of the People continues through March 1 in the downstairs, black box Herbst Theatre of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Dayton. Act One: 65 minutes; Act Two: 50 minutes. Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 775-2500 or visit wright.edu/tdmp
Ekoostik Hookah back in Dayton with Subterranean
For nearly 30 years, əkoostik hookah, Ohio’s original jam band, has been touring and inspiring musicians across the nation. Many of Dayton’s own psychedelic rock bands have been inspired by this talented group, including Subterranean, Dayton’s own up-and-coming powerhouse!
It’s been a few years since əkoostik hookah has performed on a Dayton stage, so it’s particularly exciting to have them back downtown for a show on the big ballroom stage at The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Friday February 28, 2020.
For old fans, seeing Hookah, as they are affectionally known, is a walk down memory late. Founding members, Dave Katz (keys, vocals, acoustic guitar), Steve Sweney (guitar), and longstanding drummer, Eric Lanese, have been the mainstays, providing the foundation and longevity that few acts have been able to maintain. Eric Sargent (guitar, vocals) arrived in 2010 and Matt Paetsch in 2018 (bass).
For new fans, this is an opportunity to rediscover not only one of Ohio’s most recognized and influential acts in the touring music scene, it’s also a chance to see the next generation in Subterranean! They approach improvisation with intent, pushing stylistic boundaries with their infectious grooves. Each show is truly a unique experience!
HOW TO GO?
When: Friday February 28, 2020. Doors 7:30pm / Music starts at 8:30pm
Where: The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton. On site parking available.
Cost: $12 adv ticket available at link above or via SoundValleyDayton.com / $15 day of show
Who: All ages welcome! Handicapped accessible.
Apply Now for City Of Dayton Neighborhood Mini-Grants
Since 2008, the City of Dayton has awarded over $730,000 to neighborhood groups and business associations through the Neighborhood Mini-Grant program.
Mini-grants of up to $5,000 may be awarded for projects and programs benefiting neighborhoods, such as physical improvements, marketing materials, community events, and other initiatives benefiting the community and increasing organizational capacity.
Recipients are required to use mini-grant funds to leverage a 50 percent match from other funding sources and in-kind contributions. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee and ranked on standardized criteria.
Training sessions for the 2020 application process will be held Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m., or Monday April 20, at 5:30 p.m., at the Northwest Recreation Center, 1600 Princeton Dr. Following mandatory training session attendance, applications will be mailed to applicants on May 1.
For more information, contact Verletta Jackson, Community Engagement Supervisor, at [email protected] or 937-333-3288.
The 2019 MINI-GRANTS Awarded:
Grants totaling $102,098 were awarded to the following 23 neighborhood projects.
- Belmont Eastmont Hearthstone Community Council: Nordale Bark Trail and Park Improvements
- Burkhardt Springfield Community Association: Burkhardt Festival
- Carillon Civic Council: Rediscover Carillon
- DeWeese Ridgecrest Civic Association: 7th Annual Art in the Garden Affaire
- Downtown Dayton Partnership: Urban Arts Intersection
- Downtown Priority Board: Wagtown Dog Trail and Barking Spots
- FROC Priority Board: Neighbors Wellness Outreach
- Grafton Hill Association: Stoddard Avenue Pumpkin Glow
- Grafton Grows Green: Community Garden
- Greater Edgemont Community Coalition: Children’s Garden
- Greater Old North Dayton Business Association: National Night Out & Taste of Old North Dayton
- Historic Huffman Neighborhood Association: Spirit of Huffman Tour
- Innerwest Priority Board: Annual Art Day
- Linden Heights Neighborhood Association: Highland Park Restoration
- Longest Table Dayton: Longest Table Community Dinners
- Oregon District Business Association: Taste of Oregon
- Oregon Historic District Society: Grand Holiday Tour of Homes
- Jane Reece Neighborhood Association: Improving Sustainability for the Salem Garden
- Preservation Dayton, Inc.: Walking Tour Brochure and App
- Salem Avenue Peace Corridor: Gateway Improvements
- Twin Towers Neighborhood Association: 2019-A New Beginning
- Wesley Community Center: Community Garden
- Wright Dunbar Business Association: Banner Project
From Restaurateur to Food Blogger- Chef Candace Rinke
In 2010 Candace Rinke opened the Hawthorne Grill in Kettering, running a scratch kitchen for over seven years. After a good run, she decided it was time for a change and she shut the restaurant down to focus on more family time. Just last week we noticed some posts on facebook with a food theme. So we asked her what this was all about and here’s what she had to say:
You’ve been out of food service for a while, what made you return?
After closing my restaurant and spending a few years at the helm of my household, I decided it was time to get back out into the world. Real estate had always been another interest for me, so I spent some time getting licensed. As the spring arrived, I was getting down to the business of helping friends and family buy and sell homes. Fate stepped in and (as I’ve heard many others say), 2019 became a year of health challenges. After a springtime injury that resulted in a spinal fusion, I was on the road to recovery when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which resulted in the difficult decision to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction. In all that time, real estate was the last thing on my mind. Food – and entertaining my family – were the things that kept my spirits up during those dark days. I decided that God and Fate were showing me the way. Now I am here, sharing my love of cooking with everyone. But not just cooking – to me, it’s a complete package. The way the house feels, looks and smells when friends walk through the front door all work together to make every occasion special. That doesn’t always mean a meal that took days, or even hours, to prepare. It could be something as quick and simple as a few slices of cheese laid out beautifully on a platter, next to store bought meat, olives and crackers with glasses of cold wine to enjoy a warm spring evening. If your guests are welcomed into open arms and a happy home, they will remember the good times you shared.
What exactly is Full Frontal Entertaining?
Full Frontal Entertaining is a food and lifestyle blog. I have spent my career (and lifetime really) learning about food, cooking and hospitality. My goal is to convey the things I’ve discovered to help take the anxiety out of entertaining. It doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. It’s about having fun and creating delicious experiences.
Will you be offering catering? Classes?
I will not be offering catering right now. Parties happen at night and on the weekends and that is precisely when I want to be with my own family. I am available for restaurant consulting, but I haven’t ironed out any details yet. I’m considering hosting some underground dinners and/or cooking classes, perhaps once or twice a month, for old friends. And I’m in the process of having my memoir edited by a local author/editor and planning to self-publish by the end of the summer.
I’m also going to be one of the chefs participating in the Doors of Compassion for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton. I never had time to participate in great events like that when my restaurant was open, but I have the freedom now to help make a difference.
What else would you like folks to know?
I didn’t realize what I was getting myself into when I decided to be a blogger. It’s been a surprisingly steep (technology) learning curve as I navigate this new world, but I’m getting there. I’d love for everyone to sign up for my mailing list – it’s on my webpage: FullFrontalEntertaining.com and I’ll be doing some giveaways in the next few months to get people engaged.
I feel blessed to hear from former guests and friends of The Hawthorn Grill. Many of them have reached out to me with well wishes and compliments on my blog. I’ve come full circle since the day I opened the door to my restaurant. I learned so much, gained and lost so much, took some time to heal (emotionally, physically AND mentally), left for a while, and now I’m excited to be getting back to food and sharing my recipes and love of entertaining with the world. I hope it brings others as much joy as it does me. Here’s to living a beautiful life.
Red Star” New Soviet-Era Russian Vodka Bar and Cocktail Lounge Opens in Downtown Dayton
Alex Todd, who served as the GM of Proto Buildbar and Chris Wire, owner of Real Art were sitting around having a beer one day and got to talking about what might be next for that space. Chris shared they’d had a lot of fun with Proto, but were thinking after 5 years it might be time for something new.
Chris said they “were brainstorming and felt like craft beers were covered, the Cbar does bourbon better than anyone in the country and then they thought VODKA. We’d both been watching Chernobyl and from there the ideas just spiraled out of control. I’d been to a Vodka bar in NYC that was gorgeous and underground and pretty upscale. But we wanted something much kitschier and fun.” He went on to describe it as a being lots of leather and velvet, and dark. Hence Red Star, a themed, Soviet-Era Russian Vodka Bar was born.
According to Chris, Red Star, a “Proletarian Pub,” blends the opulence of the Cold War-era Kremlin with the vibe of a straight-forward working-man’s dive bar “in a look only your Ukrainian grandmother could love.” The Grand Opening will be Friday, February 28th, from 4:00 pm–2:00 am. Unlike Proto Buildbar, this bar will be for those 21 and up.
Wire describes Red Star’s Soviet-era themed-decor as an eclectic mix of vintage Victorian and Mid-Century Modern furnishings dripping in red velvet accompanied by historical Russian photography and Cold War, propaganda-inspired graphics. With 2 bar areas and a mix of low tables, it will have a comfortable feel. Alex Todd will be the general manager and a few familiar favorites and some newbies will make up the staff.
Red Star features a full cocktail bar along and with eight select draft beers, an extensive selection of vodkas, and a rotating selection of more than a dozen house-infused vodkas. Flavored vodkas will include strawberry mint, tomato basil jalapeño, mixed berry, vanilla, espresso, apple pie, cinnamon, and a not-to-be missed pickle-infused vodka cocktail. Flights of the infused vodka will be available. Come springtime they may event host some food trucks in the parking lot.
Those who may revel in Soviet-era, along with those who enjoy a darned-good dive bar (Pabst will be on draft for just $2.50), and not to exclude the odd Dayton-based Bolshevik—all will enjoy, real (non-electronic) dart boards, a premium sound system, and broad selection of music on vinyl that guests are free to pick and play.
“We’re really pleased to be able to add to the variety and quality of entertainment options that are part of the resurgence of downtown Dayton,” said Wire. “And, in our own way, we are adding to the fabric in this flourishing area of downtown with something that is cool, fun and funny, and a little off-center.”
RED STAR VODKA BAR
AND COCKTAIL LOUNGE
534 East First Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402.
937-474-9418
Instagram: @redstardayton
Twitter: @redstardayton
Facebook: @redstardayton
HOURS:
Tuesday–Thursday 4pm–midnight
Friday–Saturday 4pm–2am
Sunday 4pm–midnight
Call For TEDxDayton 2020 Speakers!
The 8th annual TEDxDayton Signature Event is now accepting applications from community members. The event will take place on Friday, October 16.
“After the difficult events we faced in Dayton last year, we are more impressed than ever with the sense of community and resiliency we have when we work together. Community leaders in Dayton offer true examples of the strength of the city and its people,” said Bridget Shingelton, who is co-chairing this year’s Signature Event Committee along with Ron Rollins. “TEDxDayton is all about passionate people sharing what they know to try to change the world, one idea at a time.”
TEDxDayton’s mission is to bring the spirit of ideas worth spreading to deep conversation and connections within the community. The event will feature TED’s signature format of brief talks, demonstrations and performances meant to inspire learning and curiosity while encouraging meaningful conversation.
In search of this year’s presenters, the Speakers Committee has issued a “Call for Speakers.” Applicants, who do not have to be professional speakers, can apply at tedxdayton.com/signature-event. TEDxDayton is looking for diverse topics from diverse speakers who can deliver a focused, thought-provoking message in about ten minutes.
For this year’s Signature Event, they will focus on the speaker’s topics in their talks rather than centering around one theme as in the past.
“We made the decision to forgo an underlying theme this year because we wanted to encourage applicants of all backgrounds, expertise, and passions. Our leadership group felt that TEDxDayton 2020 is bold enough to stand alone as our theme and we are hopeful this change inspires more Daytonians to complete a speaker application,” said Brenden Wynn, who is co-chairing this year’s Speakers Committee along with Lance Salyers and Julie Servaites.
“We are seeking a diverse group of individuals, with direct ties to Dayton, who have a new or unique perspective on an idea worth spreading,” continued Wynn. “Our hope is that our speakers inspire the audience, challenge perceptions, and deliver a talk that prompts conversation well after the event is over.”
Aspiring speakers should complete an application by March 23. The Speakers Committee will review applications and invite selected candidates to auditions that will take place on May 4, 7, 12, and 16. Those selected to be TEDxDayton 2020 Signature Event speakers will be notified within a few weeks following auditions.
For inquiries regarding the application process, email Brenden Wynn at [email protected].
Beavercreek Weekend of Jazz February 27 @ 6:00 pm
The Beavercreek Weekend of Jazz is an annual educational jazz festival organized and presented by the Beavercreek Music Parents Association. Its primary objective is to expose the youth and residents of Beavercreek and surrounding communities to a variety of jazz forms and styles,and provide opportunities to learn about careers in music directly from professional jazz musicians.
Boney James Release New Album and Announces Dayton Tour Stop
Four-time GRAMMY nominee and multi-platinum saxophonist Boney James has announced plans for a 2020 tour in support of his new album Solid, set to release on April 17 by Concord Records. Solid is Boney James’ seventeenth album and the follow-up to his smash 2017 release Honestly – his eleventh #1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz Album. The Solid Tour 2020 will stop in Huber Heights, OH at Rose Music Center on Saturday, June 27th.
“A solid relationship is when someone has your back and will stand by your side no matter what,” explains Boney James about the title of his new album. “Solid is a word that has a few meanings, but this one really resonated with me and became the theme of the record.”
Sometimes, inspiration is slow in coming, evasive and stubborn. Other times, if an artist is very fortunate, it simply flows, the music practically writing itself. That’s how Solid, the latest release from Boney James came to be. “This record really flowed at an unusually quick pace,” Boney says. “There was a lot of positive energy in making this music. Solid is a very upbeat record. As I was writing them, these songs put a smile on my face.”
All of Solid’s eleven tracks were produced and written or co-written by James. Three songs – “Full Effect,” “Tonic” and the title track—were built from licks played at sound-check by touring guitarist Kendall Gilder on the road in support of Honestly. “I said, hey, what’s that riff you’re playing?” James recalls, “And Kendall said, ‘that’s just something I’m messing around with.’ I got my iPhone and recorded them, then took it home and wrote the songs!”
Four other songs were initiated by longtime James collaborator, acclaimed writer/producer Jairus ‘J-Mo’ Mozee (Anderson Paak, Nicki Minaj, Anthony Hamilton). One of those, “Be Here,” was ultimately transformed into Solid’s Adult Urban single featuring special guest Kenny Lattimore, best known for his Top 10 R&B hit “For You.”
Says James, “We met at the Soul Train Awards twenty years ago and he said, ‘Some day we need to work together!’ As I was working on ‘Be Here’, I started to hear his voice in my head. I reached out to him and he wrote and recorded the lyrics. It’s such a romantic song and it really reinforced the theme of the record, strong and positive relationships.”
James crafted many of the song titles (“Fresh Air”, “On The Path”, “Tonic”) to play off this theme, “Similar to my last CD Honestly, this new music is a reaction to how stressful the world feels these days. Music is a respite, it’s always ‘solid’ and it never lets me down.”
Boney James’ personal relationship with music has never been anything but solid. Picking up the sax at age 10 in his native New Rochelle, New York, “I immediately loved it, and it pretty quickly became my favorite thing to do.” By the time he entered his teens, James was gigging with bands, and he turned pro at 19. He apprenticed as a sideman for artists like Morris Day, The Isley Brothers, Teena Marie and many others, touring and doing sessions for seven years before cutting his first solo album in 1992. The independently released Trust led immediately to a major label deal and a string of increasingly successful recordings and nonstop touring.
Now a four-time GRAMMY nominee with four RIAA Gold records and career sales topping three million units, James continues to defy musical genres; A two-time NAACP Award nominee, a Soul Train Award winner and named one of the Top 3 Billboard Contemporary Jazz Artists of the Decade.
James says he’s looking forward to heading out on the road and seeing how the Solid material evolves from night to night. “I love playing live, maybe more than I ever did. A lot of guys get tired of the traveling but it’s still a joy for me every time I go out there and play.”
It’s still a joy to his multitude of fans too. “I try to ‘be there’ for the people who are interested in my music,” says James, “to beSolid in that relationship and to not let anybody down. I often get great compliments from the people that come to my shows, that I ‘never disappoint’ them, and that’s very gratifying to me. That’s what I was trying to express with this title, that sense of character… to stand for something principled.”
Tickets for the Huber Heights show will go on sale to the public beginning at 11:00am on Friday, February 28th at www.Ticketmaster.com and www.Rosemusiccenter.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.
April Kline’s “Small Changes Profound Results” Book Launch Party
Local practitioner April Kline has built her career on nurturing freedom and progress by inspiring self love. With the release of the book “Small Changes Profound Results,” April has beautifully packaged 25 simple tools to help you live your best life and release yourself to become the most fulfilled version of yourself that you can possibly be.
This Thursday, Kline will celebrate the release of her book with a public launch party, where she is hoping to gather friends old and new to celebrate the next steps.
The launch party will kick off at 6 pm at The Brightside, located at 905 E Third St., and include an intimate reading from the book. Kline said the event will be an opportunity to connect with friends old and new, with delicious hor d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Joe Fish, juicy beverages and a cash bar. The highlight of the event will be an opportunity to hear from Kline herself and reflect on the book, which encapsulates attainable acts and easy steps to create abundance and profound change.
“We are all moving forward into a beautiful journey together,” Kline said. “This book was an opportunity for me to reach out and offer some insights and reflection along the way.”
Copies of the book are available now on Amazon, and additional autographed copies of the book will be available for sale for $20 at the event.
The launch event is free and open to the public, though tickets are limited and will be available on AprilKline.com until they are all reserved.
April Kline is a Certified Professional Midwife and Doula, and a highly experienced Craniosacral and Somatoemotional Release Therapist. April is also the founder and creator of the Birth With Spirit Doula Certification training program. April graduated from the Healing Hands Institute in New Jersey in 2001 and is certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, is a fourth-degree Craniosacral bodyworker through the Upledger Institute, and is also a Reiki Master and teacher.