After a 16 month vacation, the Sauerkrauts take the stage outdoors at sunny Lofino Park for a free concert
Archives for June 2021
Juneteenth Commemoration at Levitt Pavilion
Tank and the Bangas are a five-piece group that has a rare knack for combining various musical styles—fiery soul, deft hip-hop, deep-groove R&B, and subtle jazz—into one dazzling, cohesive whole that evokes the scope of New Orleans music while retaining a distinctive feel all its own. Tarriona “Tank” Ball came up in the strong local slam poetry scene before meeting her bandmates: Merell Burkett on keyboards, Joshua Johnson on drums, Norman Spence on bass and synth keys, and, eventually, Albert Allenback on alto sax and flute.
Spill the Wing performs at Zinks Tonight
Spill the Wine (formerly Toni Hates Jazz) is a five piece band that is perfect for clubs or parties that want a more quiet sound, but still what something energetic and powerful. The band features mostly acoustic style music, with an emphasis on vocals and harmonies. Some keyboard and electric guitar are added as well. Instead of a traditional drummer, they have a percussionist, which allows them keep their softer sound, yet still hold a good groove.The song list is diverse, and includes music from artists like The Eagles, America, The Beatles, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Crosby Stills and Nash, and others from the 70’s era
Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge Reopened
The Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Dayton reopened this morning.
The bridge is located between Deeds Point MetroPark and RiverScape MetroPark. It connects the northern portion of the Great Miami River Trail and the Stillwater River Trail to the southern portion of the Great Miami River Trail and the Mad River Trail.
“The Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge is a key connection located at the nexus of our region’s more than 350 miles of connected trails — the nation’s largest paved trail network,” said Carrie Scarff, chief of planning and projects for Five Rivers MetroParks. “Connections such as the bridge are critical to maintaining that paved trail network, which make it fun and easy for Dayton-area residents and visitors to enjoy a healthy, active outdoor lifestyle.”
The previous structure, built in 2003, has been replaced with a bridge constructed from galvanized steel and solid beams in lieu of tubes. The Deeds Point Pedestrian Bridge was closed in 2019 after an inspection of the structure revealed it was rusting from inside due to the spray from the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights. The new bridge has an estimated lifespan of 75 years.
A ribbon cutting for the new Deeds Point Bridge will take place on Monday, June 28 at 9:15 a.m. with representatives from local and state organizations that have been involved with the project, including Five Rivers MetroParks, Montgomery County, the City of Dayton, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, the Miami Conservancy District, Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Giovanni’s 4 course Dinner- Dine In or Carry Out
Catch The Little Mermaid at La Comedia
La Comedia offers a unique combination of fine dining and Broadway-style entertainment and has been presenting shows since 1975. Opening this week, Based on the classic Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid is a musical favorite for audiences of all ages. In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.
This production is sure to thrill the whole family in every way with its beautiful sets, dazzling costumes and an award-winning musical score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Revel in favorites including “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Les Poissons,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Kiss the Girl” and more!
A pre-show buffet is included with the ticket price, which runs from $65-76, with children 11 and under are just $35 for any regular show. La Comedia offers a “4 for 3” discount for Sunday brunch – buy three full price adult tickets and the fourth ticket is free! There is also an “Early Bird” discount of $4/adult ticket when attending a show during its first two weeks.
Wright Dunbar BBQ Joint To Shut Down
Texas Beef and Cattle Company announced today that they will cease retail, dine in, and carryout operations effective 27 June 2021. They will fulfill catering obligations through the end of July and expects to vacate the Wright Dunbar location they’ve occupied since June of 2016 shortly thereafter.
After months of reflection, surviving a Third street Bridge closure since January 2020, followed by an unprecedented pandemic since March 2020, and now extremely difficult labor shortage and ballooning meat prices, all the residual result of said pandemic, Texas Beef & Cattle Company has decided to take a step back, regroup, recharge, and reimagine TBCC version 2.0.
James Nunez, Pitmaster and owner of Texas Beef & Cattle Company said “This is a very difficult decision and one we have not taken lightly. This has always been a labor of love. We have poured ourselves into bringing Real South Texas Barbacue to the region. Our goal was to create a little piece of Texas right here in Dayton, Ohio.”
Texas Beef & Cattle Company has sincerely appreciated the support of all its customers, members, and community throughout the past 5+ years and look forward to seeing all of you again in the not-too-distant future.
The Pitmaster continues “Erica Hubler and the Wright Dunbar Board have been wonderful landlords to Texas Beef & Cattle Company. We encourage you to continue to support this hidden gem part of town!”
Stop by 1101 W. Third St. Dayton, OH – Texas Beef & Cattle Company over the next two weekends: June 19th and 20th and 26th and 27th to show your support.
Order bulk meat for your freezer, buy some Merchandise – who knows what a Texas Beef & Cattle Company version 1.0 T-shirt will get you in the future – or set up your next fandango.
Hours will be Saturday’s 3pm-9pm and Sunday’s 12pm-5pm.
Follow Texas Beef & Cattle Company on Facebook, Instagram, and sign up for the email list on their website to be kept in the loop on their future plans.
Quest for The Best Soul Food
I grew up just south of Dayton. In between Springboro and Lebanon and I grew up eating beans and cornbread on Sundays. The cornbread was made in a cast-iron skillet, and the beans were cooked all day on the stovetop. Sometimes the beans, or peas, would have a piece of ham, most times not. My little brother and I ate them with a wedge of onion. Fried potatoes were cooked in an electric skillet in lard or Crisco.
At my grandma’s apartment in Alabama fried okra, canned tomatoes that she put up, and a “mess” of greens were always part of Saturday dinners. She never cooked on Sunday. I always classified these foods as southern. A roasted chicken, a ham bone in a pot of peas, and that cornbread, white cornmeal, no sugar, baked in a skillet with lard. I now can make that cornbread and will sometimes buy a quart of buttermilk so I can eat soak the cornbread in a glass of the buttermilk and eat it with a spoon like my dad did.
It wasn’t until I was older that I learned in the north this is called soul food. Soul food scholar, author and fellow BBQ Judge Adrian Miller, says this about soul food:
“My contention is soul food is really the interior cooking of the Deep South that migrates across the country. I think of soul food as an immigrant cuisine and ultimately a national cuisine, because black folks just landed in all parts of the country.” -Adrian Miller
My grandma was born in Georgia, poor, lived in Alabama for the last 75 years of her life and worked in cotton fields, factories, and kept house for an old rich guy in the little city where she raised 7 kids on her own.
Like many others, she took the cheapest and least desirable foods and made created meals that created some of my favorite memories with my cousins and Alabama family. After her death, I began to search out the foods that reminded me of her table and the recipes my mom took from her mother-in-law’s kitchen. I have found two places that fit the bill perfectly here in Dayton.
Benjamins The Burger Master
1000 N Main St Dayton, OH 45405
When I need some beans and greens, my first stop is Benjamin’s Burger Master on Main. Most of you go there for the burger, but I go for the cornbread, collard greens, and pintos, or soup beans they always have on the line for lunch. There are always bbq ribs, made like my mom did in the crockpot, and fried chicken wings as well. But I am there for the memory of those soup beans poured over a piece of cornbread with a dash of hot sauce. When I close my eyes I can taste and smell the memories of that little eastside apartment where my cousins gathered in the tiny kitchen.
Huffies BBQ
925 McArthur Ave Dayton, OH 45417
Recently my work has me working on Edwin C Moses and that means Huffies BBQ is around the corner. This family-owned spot has been there forever. Literally. Their menu has it all. Black-eyed peas, pinto beans, fried okra, collard greens, ribs, and chicken. I had the greens, peas, and bbq ribs recently and the flavors were all there. There’s more to the menu, including burgers and fries, but that’s not what I am after when I am there.
I think southern food, soul food, is a lot like bbq. It takes a lot of time and love to create something special from foods that are often overlooked as cheap or difficult.
There has been a bevy of places that create some amazing food that gets close. Eden Spice in West Carrolton has the best fried cabbage. Stuffed Enuff on North Dixie didn’t survive the pandemic- but is still doing pop-ups, and Fat Boyz BBQ hits all the right notes as well if you find them around town.
Where do you go for soul food and when can we meet for lunch?
Salar’s Vineyard Vacation Wine Dinner
Neon News: Martin Sheen in 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS
This week, we’re moving right along with another film that has a Dayton connection. 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS, the new film based on the beloved bestseller, stars Dayton’s own Martin Sheen! Though our much loved WSU grad combo of HOLLER and WE STILL MAKE THINGS will stick around for a second week, Thursday will be your last chance to catch SUBLET on the big screen. And don’t forget that we have 2 special in-person screenings of TRUMAN & TENNESSEE happening in this week’s schedule.
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Graeter’s Newest Bonus Flavor Released
Graeter’s Ice Cream has unveiled their latest summer bonus flavor. Midnight Snack is a malt ice cream and a mix of peanut butter cups, chocolate-covered pretzels and brownie pieces, officials said.
Bonus Flavors are considered a “Limited Time Only” flavor, and once the flavor is gone from scoop shops and online, the flavor is retired for the year. Previous bonus flavors realeased already this summer include pralines & cream and black raspberry. Expect a new bonus flavor about every 3 weeks with the last announcement on Aug. 9.
Stillwrights Lives!
“I’ve always had a great relationship with the Cincinnati Distilling team and had a blast every time I’ve worked with them in the past. When I was contacted about continuing that relationship, it was a no brainer for me.” James Bagford added. “ I’m really excited about joining the Cincinnati Distilling team and looking forward to continuing the Stillwrights brand as well as getting to work on all of their other fantastic products.”
A Celebration of the Emancipation of Enslaved Blacks in America.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.
Here are some ways you can celebrate Juneteenth around town:
Juneteenth Commemoration Webinar Sinclair College – Friday, June 18, 11:30am
Guest speaker Dr. Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., Professor of African Studies at Princeton University, will discuss the importance of Juneteenth for all Americans. – Register here
Juneteenth Community Block Party
June 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Join The Wood Shoppes for a community Juneteenth celebration. The event is free to the public. There will be food, music, local vendors and activities for children. All are welcome!
Springboro’s Juneteenth Jubilee
June 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Springboro is a significant landmark in the history of the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement. Our founding Quaker community played a major role as a safe harbor for slaves paving the way for freedom for Black Americans.
Explore real sites of the Underground Railroad. With map in hand, visit 5 unique sites on a self-guided tour where volunteers at each stop will teach you more about how our Quaker ancestors were able to help slaves on their path to freedom. The Springboro Area Museum will be open from 9 am to 3 pm for visitors while the tours take place throughout the city. Visitors can get their map for the tour at the Springboro Area Museum located at 110 S. Main St. Springboro, OH 45066.
A 3-on-3 basketball tournament for all ages from U-12 to 40+. Event will take place at the Coffman YMCA of Greater Dayton at 88 Remick Blvd, Springboro, OH 45066. All games will be played outside, weather permitting, with indoor facilities available, if needed. First game will tip off at 9:00 am Check in will begin at 7:45 a.m.
Sankofa Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 18, 4:30pm –
Dusk at Liberation Park
(Corner of Superior and Broadway)
Saturday, June 19, 9:30am,
Parade from Gem City Market to Liberation Park
Vendors, Live Performances,
Elder’s Recognition at Liberation Park from 11am – Dusk
Juneteenth Festival,
Saturday, June 19, 1 – 8:30pm
RiverScape MetroPark
Live Band: Premium Blend
Drill Team Competition
Hosted by Terry Da Voice
Oregon District Juneteenth Block Party, Saturday, June 19, Noon – 4pm, 200 Wayne Ave, Dayton
Food trucks, visual arts, music, and more! Bring your family as we pay homage to the true day of liberation for African-Americans in the US.
Juneteenth Commemoration at Levitt Pavilion
Saturday, June 19,
5 – 9pm
Poetry
Dance
Drumming
Musicians
Selfie Wall
Food Trucks
Live Concert with Tank and the Bangas
Lily’s Father’s Day 3 Course Meal
-Charred Zucchini, Eggplant, Tomato, and Corn Panzanella- Grilled vegetables, toasted French bread, fresh mozzarella, tossed in red wine vinaigrette, fresh herbs and served with a side of green bean poriyal and topped with balsamic reduction $26 (V)
Classic Rock Experience at Wing’s Vandalia!
Free Concert with The Menu’s
Rip Rap Roadhouse presents a free concert with The Locals, Rusted Reserve and The Menus! Bring blankets and chairs. Music starts at 2pm.