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WSU goes back to the Middle Ages with its Annual Madigral Dinner

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Bill Rickert – “Lord of the Manor”

Wright State University’s Student Union Apollo Room will once again be transformed into an English manor of the Renaissance era for the 30th annual Madrigal Dinner from Thursday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 16.

The Madrigal Dinner invites attendees to step back into a holiday celebration as it would have happened in the Middle Ages.

The evening begins with a reception featuring eggnog and wassail, a traditional hot holiday drink.

After the reception, guests will be summoned to the table by a fanfare and view the procession of the lords and ladies accompanied by the Wright State Chamber Singers.

Dinner will follow the procession of the boar’s head, an ancient yuletide custom. Guests will enjoy a medieval feast of stuffed turkey breast, beef and leek pie, plum pudding and many other delicious dishes.

Entertainment will be provided by lords and ladies, roving musicians, marionettes, singers, dancers and a court jester—all in full Renaissance attire.

Once again, Bill Rickert will preside at the head table as “Lord of the Manor.”

“I haven’t missed a night in the last 28 years,” said Rickert, a recently retired associate provost and professor emeritus of communication. “It seems each one is better than the last.”

Jim McCutcheon

Music will be directed by Drew Collins, assistant professor of music, and performed by the Wright State University Chamber Singers. Dancers and bearers are members of the Tudor Rose Dance Company, a group dedicated to recreating the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The early music ensemble Wind in the Woods will also perform.

“It’s always a wonderful time for the performers and the audience,” said Artistic Director Hank Dahlman, a Wright State professor of music and director of choral studies. “Everyone has fun and looks forward to returning each year.”

The Madrigal Dinner, a Wright State tradition since 1983, is presented by the Student Union and Department of Music.

Tickets are $50, $40 and $35 and can be purchased at the Wright State Student Union Box Office or at (937) 775-5544.

“For me, the Madrigal Dinner is both the start and the highlight of the Christmas season,” said Rickert.

Visit http://www.wright.edu/events/madrigal for more details.

(By , originally posted on the Wright State University Newsroom page)

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A Holiday Social Media Plan For Your Business

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By now, you should have a holiday social media plan in place for your business.  If not, don’t worry–there’s still time to put one together!

Before you plan a campaign, make sure you set some goals. Are you trying to raise awareness for your brand? Are you trying to increase your Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest fan base? Or, maybe you’d like to increase your sales conversion. Regardless of the goal, make sure you aggregate your baseline statistics so that you can check them against your campaign efforts to see what is working and what is not. The beauty of social media is that it is relatively easy to change tactics as needed. Be sure that any social media you do fits within your brand personality and parameters.

One last thing–don’t forget there are holidays other than the one you celebrate this month.  This December’s holidays include Hanukkah, Christmas and the Mayan-predicted end of the world.  Make sure your efforts include these.

Make life easy for your fans

Right now, coming off election season and immediately getting into holiday advertising, is not a good time to push your product or service.  We, the public, have developed a keen eye for ads and an ability to easily dismiss what we are seeing.  There are other ways to garner attention for your brand that are more consumer friendly during this season.

  • Share tips on de-stressing during the holidays.
  • Share favorite recipes and ask that your fans share theirs.
  • Offer daily gift ideas.
  • Offer reviews of your products and products suitable to your brand (i.e. if you sell homemade soaps, partner with a local natural lotion or candle business to share your message).

Reward your fans

Loyal fans are your biggest asset.  They are the best advocate for your brand to their family and friends.  You should reward them for the work they do on your behalf.

  • Create exclusive events for your followers
  • Create exclusive sales (you can differentiate the sale or a special code by social media channel to see which channel is most effective).
  • Create sales that are time-sensitive or require followers to bring a friend
  • Give a percent off or free gift for any fan who shares your page
  • Offer a free, brand-relevant gift for stopping in
  • In your location and on your other marketing materials, place notification of special discounts for social media followers

Engage your fans

Social media marketing is different from advertising in that advertising is telling your customer what you want them to know about your product or brand.  Social media marketing, however, is a conversation. You can’t just post an item and not check back to see what’s happening with it.  It’s important to respond to fan comments, good or–especially– bad.*

Since search engines now factor social media into the algorithms that help push your business to the top of search results, engagement is of the utmost importance.  The holidays offer many opportunities for engagement.

  • Share any holiday charitable involvement you are engaged in and allow your fans to share theirs (you could also include an offer of a free can of food for every specific purchase to get your fans involved – keep a running tally of total given to the charity of choice).
  • Upload a video of your charity/charities – these may be found on the charities’ YouTube (you’ll need to ask for permission).
  • Offer a backdrop within your location to take holiday pictures to post.  Make sure you ask for permission to tag the customer.  When the pictures are tagged, they will show up in the customer feed for their friends to see.
  • Or, take the same concept but put the effort into the customer’s hands: anyone who posts holiday photos taken at your location or with your product receive a gift, a discount, or are entered into a drawing for a brand-related prize.
  • In a more general sense, you can even ask fans to post pictures of anything holiday related (your Christmas tree, Hanukkah light display, favorite gift given or received).
  • Ask what is going on when the weather is inclement (i.e. too much snow – who’s going sledding?) and get photos. Non brand-related posts about the weather shouldn’t be relied upon regularly, but in general, posts about the weather are always a quick and easy way to engage local followers.
  • Create a poll around the holidays (favorite tradition, tradition lost, new tradition, who actually drinks champagne at midnight on New Year’s Eve, etc.). If you can find a way to tie it into your brand, even better.

Don’t forget to check your stats and measure before and after so you don’t get bogged down in something that isn’t working for you.

These are just a few ideas to boost your holiday social media marketing.  Use these directly or put your own special spin on them.  Feel free to let us know if you did something that was particularly clever or successful. We’d love to highlight your success stories.

*There is no possible way to please all your customers.  They have bad days.  You or your employees have bad days.  Sometimes a bit of service or individual product simply doesn’t turn out the way it should. Should a customer be upset enough to post a complaint on social media, you should immediately address the issue and try to rectify the situation.  Remember, other people are seeing and judging your interaction.  If, despite best efforts, you are unable to please the customer, your fans/followers will understand the lengths you went to and be there to support you.

Submitted by Bridget Oaks of Toucan CREATE – a local marketing company that  integrates social media with community presence through personalized marketing.

New Workout Spot In Centerville: Pure Barre

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Centerville welcome a new excercise spot to the neighborhood today, Pure Barre.  This franchised location is  located at 62 W. Franklin St, Centerville, OH and owned by Janna Williams and Joni Green.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this fitness technique to the Dayton area. This will be our second location and we have seen first hand what the technique can do for women of all ages, shapes and fitness levels. Anyone can try a class for free! ” says Janna Williams. Janna and Joni currently own and operate Pure Barre in Mason.

The ballet barre workout has exploded in popularity since its inception in 2001. Using small isometric movements at the ballet barre set to motivating music, Pure Barre lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs and arms and burns fat in record-breaking time. The workout launches a full-blown attack on the areas of the body all women struggle with: thighs, seat, hips, abs and back of the arms. Clients see results in just 10 classes. Since it began franchising in July 2009, more than 100 Pure Barre locations have opened nationwide.

The Studio at Pure Barre

According to their face book page you do not wear shoes in class and socks are required for both safety and sanitary purposes. They also ask that you wear an exercise pant or capri. It’s important to keep your legs covered to keep your muscles warm and prevent injury. Any comfortable shirt is fine, just keep your midriff covered.  Feel free to bring water with you. A towel is also helpful if you are a sweater!

Pure Barre will operate 7 days a week with classes ranging from 6am to 6:45pm.  Registering for a class is simple, and can be done in person, over the phone or online.

For more information on Pure Barre Dayton:
Please contact 937.535.BURN (2876)

Woodland Lights in Washington Township

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Woodland Lights offers a fantasy-land of holiday lights and displays along a half-mile wooded path.  The 26-night event enters its 20th season with more lights, more vignettes, and the same winter whimsy that enchants thousands of visitors every year.

Nature and nostalgia come together during a month of holiday lighting and festivities at the 20th annual Woodland Lights.

Visitors to the nightly event can enjoy the beauty of lights sparkling along a half-mile wooded path and reflecting against a woodland pond. Along the trail, whimsical characters and illuminated critters prepare for the holidays, while a real-life Santa Claus visits with children inside an historic log cabin decorated as a candyland.

“The front of Woodland Lights feels more like a festival with lighting and animation,” said Linda Madden, Woodland Lights coordinator. “The mood at the back of the park is quieter, more pristine, and emphasizes the park’s natural beauty.”

“When we started Woodland Lights 20 years ago, we wanted it to be something that was magical and enchanting. We’re staying true to that vision,” Madden said.

Woodland Lights opens Friday November 30 and runs through December 30 (closed 12/24 & 12/25) from 6-9pm and includes carriage rides and a number of entertaining detours such as interactive lights, bonfires, and a food booth serving hot chocolate and other treats. Select nights feature live deer, amusement rides, games and activities.

Visit Santa!

At Woodland Lights, it’s easy to find Santa. Just walk down a sparkling path until you see an historic log cabin decorated in lights.

Turn right at the split rail fence and Santa will welcome you to his cozy cabin every night through December 23. The setting offers an inviting alternative to more commercialized visits with Santa. While young visitors whisper their wish lists in Santa’s ear, parents are invited to snap a picture. Photos also may be purchased for $5.

“This is a real, historic log home that originally was located in Hillsboro, Ohio,” says Woodland Lights Coordinator Linda Madden. “Everything about it is authentic – from the large beams over head to the old limestone fireplace.” A fire burns bright each night in a large hearth near Santa’s chair, greenery is draped across the mantle, and a tree is decorated in the corner.

After Christmas, Santa returns to the North Pole but his cabin stays open for visitors to stop and warm themselves by the fire.

Nostalgia Nights Monday & Tuesdays

View the lights, enjoy refreshments, and visit with Santa before Christmas in an historic log cabin. Musical entertainment in the cabin the day after Christmas.

COST: $3 (Free for kids 2 and under)

Festival Nights Wednesdays – Sundays

For visitors who want the most that Woodland Lights offers. Lights, Refreshments & Santa Visits PLUS carriage rides, amusement rides, costumed characters, live deer games, and activities musical entertainment after Christmas.

COST: $6 (Free for kids 2 and under)

(from the WashingtonTwp.org website)

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

We have FIVE FAMILY FOUR-PACKS of tickets to give away to visit the Woodland Lights – simply fill out the form below and then leave a comment saying that YOU would like to see the Woodland Lights Holiday Display in Washington Township.  We’ll draw winners on Friday 11/30 after 1pm – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to our winners!

Terry Bowers Larson.
Kristine Livingston
Rebecca Monce
Tina Gabrielson
Karin Teske

Cookies For A Cause

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Once a year you have an opportunity to indulge in scrumptious little bites of holiday heaven!  And that time is coming up on Sat, Dec 1st from 10am – 2pm for the annual We Care Arts Cookie Walk at the 3035 Wilmington Pike headquarters.  Visitors have the opportunity to stock up on holiday cookies while raising much-needed funds for the We Care Arts programs,  that help emotionally, mentally and physically disabled adults and youth achieve greater personal independence.    Through a variety of art classes and experiences, they promote the artist’s individuality, self esteem, community skills, ability to focus, life skills, responsibility, confidence and job skills.

 

How does the Cookie Walk  work?
Thousands of the most gorgeous,  melt-in-your-mouth cookies will be arranged on long tables. At the start of the cookie walk, you will receive a food service glove and a bakery box. Proceeding along the cookie tables, you select as many cookies as you want, in as many varieties as you want. At the end of the walk, your box (or boxes!) of cookies is weighed. The cost? Just $6 per pound.   Limited candy is available for $7.  Ms. Maples say, “We get such a wonderful array of cookies from high schools, chuches, colleges – they are just wonderful to us, it’s really an amazing event.”

How can you help?
Please consider helping We Care Arts by donating home-baked cookies for our event. The guidelines for donations are as follows:
1. Please contact Pat Maple at 252-3937 or [email protected] to confirm your donation to the Cookie Walk.
2. We’d prefer the cookies to be miniature, bite-sized (approximately 1-1/2”). Buyers feel they can get more variety if the cookies are smaller. If your cookie works better larger, that’s ok, we’ll take them all!
3. Make your cookies extraordinary! This is an event where people can purchase homemade cookies that they normally would not make themselves. Ethnic or unusual ingredients, dipped cookies, or a variation on an old favorite are big sellers. We also welcome diabetic-friendly cookies as well as bite-sized bar cookies.
4. Homemade candies and snacks are also accepted.
5. Please include a 3×5 card with the name of the cookie and listed ingredients to inform persons with food allergies. This card will be set out with the cookies, so please print! Also specify on your 3×5 card if the cookie is diabetic friendly or sugar-free. (If you wish to be contacted for donations for next year, please fill out the form below and return it with your donation.)
6. Cookies must be delivered to We Care Arts, 3035 Wilmington Pike, on Friday, December , between the 2hours of 10 AM and 3 PM. Please see their website for donation form.

 

 

We Care Arts is grateful for any participation you can offer. The Cookie Walk will help raise funds and awareness of We Care Arts while providing a fun (and yummy!) event for the community during the holiday season.  Please call We Care Arts at 252-3937 if you would like to volunteer to work at the Cookie Walk.

The Zoot Theatre Company presents “A Christmas Carol”

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The Zoot Theatre Company, Dayton’s only professional puppetry and mask company will produce Charles Dicken’s classic tale A CHRISTMAS CAROL in the Dayton Art Institute’s NCR Renaissance Auditorium, Zoot’s new home. A CHRISTMAS CAROL opens on Friday, November 30. This haunting tale of Scrooge and Marley is given new life in this all new production! This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story will feature a small cast of live actors and tone of puppets to help bring this age-old story to life. Get carried away this holiday season and remember that you’re never too old to make a change …it just might take a few ghosts to help. Aaron Vega, a founding artist of The Zoot Theatre Company and graduate of Wright State University’s Professional Acting Program is directing. Known for its creative and imaginative puppets and masks used in each show, Zoot fulfills its Mission by blending the visual and performing arts into a single medium.

Ebenezer Scrooge

A CHRISTMAS CAROL opens on Friday, November 30 and runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Saturday, December 15. Show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. All performances are held at the Dayton Art Institute’s NCR Renaissance Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.zoottheatrecompany.org and over the phone by calling 937.223.5277. Both single performance tickets and subscriptions are available. Groups of 10 or more can receive a special discount by calling 937.512.0140.  Tickets prices for A CHRISTMAS CAROL and the 2012-13 Zoot MainStage Season are: $18.00 for adults; $15.00 for seniors; $15.00 for students with a valid ID; and $12.00 for children 12 and under.

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

We have THREE PAIRS OF TICKETS to give away for The Zoot Theatre Company’s production of “A Christmas Carol”!  Simply fill out the form below and then leave a comment saying that you’d like to see this show.  We’ll pick three random winners on Friday 11/30 after 1pm – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to:

Rachelle Smith Stokes.
David E. Slivken
Renee Franck-Reed

Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus ‘Celebrate!’ the Holidays

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The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is pleased to once again be performing their annual Holiday Concert entitled “Celebrate” on Saturday December 1, 2012 6pm at the Westminster Presbyterian Church (125 N. Wilkinson Street in Downtown Dayton), which will kick off their 10 Year Anniversary Season. This year’s concert will feature audience and chorus favorites from the past ten years, as well as new compositions, which have been specifically written for Gay Men’s Choruses across the country.

DGMC Artistic Director, Jason Coatney-Schuler, has programmed a whimsical journey down memory lane, celebrating everyone’s favorite part of the holidays…food! Classics like “Fruitcake”, “Frim Fram Sauce”, and “Hard Candy Christmas”, are sure to leave the audience with a smile on their face and a belly full of Christmas cheer.

In celebration of their 10 year anniversary season, entitled “TEN: Then and Now”, the chorus is also pleased to partner with the historic Westminster Presbyterian for their first performance in this venue. The stunning grandeur of this magnificent building, combined with the elegant harmonies of the DGMC, sublime pipe organ talents of David Comer, and the incomparable piano styling of Raymonde Rougier, is sure be the largest holiday concert for them to date. Although seating is general admission, patrons are highly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online here.

The DGMC organized in 2003, under the leadership and guidance of former Managing Director, Fred Poland. Mr. Poland set the chorus in motion for success by accomplishing 501(C)3 non-profit status, drafting the chorus’s by-laws and constitution, and developing the infrastructure and standards for the chorus to follow. Local and regional appearances have included the community-based Dayton LGBT Center’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, United Church of Christ, First Baptist Church, Christ Episcopal Church of Springfield, Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Annual Holiday gathering, Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Miamisburg, and the Community Holiday Home Tour in McPherson Town (for which they will be appearing once again this season), and the Downtown Dayton Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting. These community outreach performances help the DGMC achieve its vision “to offer a broad repertoire of music in a variety of visible and accessible venues, to forge active community partnerships, and to educate the community at large about the value of diversity.”

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

We have THREE PAIRS OF TICKETS to the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus “Celebrate!” concert to give away – simply fill out the form below and leave a comment telling us that you want to see the show.  We’ll announce winners on Thursday 11/29 after 1pm – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to our winners!

Anna Black
Rachel DeFord
Donald Weaver

A Reason To Dine on Wed, Nov 28th

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Eight local restaurants are coming together this Wednesday, November 28, 2012 to offer Daytonians a unique dining experience in order to help raise critical funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS in honor of World AIDS Day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each participating eatery will donate a portion of their proceeds to AIDS Resource Center Ohio to support direct services for those living with HIV/AIDS and to provide education and testing to stop the spread of HIV. Originally launched in 2009 in  Columbus, A Reason to Dine has been a great collaboration with local restaurants who support the work and mission of AIDS Resource Center Ohio and has offered Ohioans an opportunity to dine out at local restaurants to help lead the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Supporters can become a Dining Ambassador for A Reason to Dine. Dining Ambassadors sign up and commit to bringing a group to one of the participating restaurants. By posting a photo of their group at the restaurant that night on the A Reason to Dine Facebook page, they will be entered to win $150 dining package.

For more information, go to www.arcohio.org/areasontodine.

 

About AIDS Resource Center Ohio

The mission of ARC Ohio is to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS through awareness, advocacy, and care. We are a client-focused, community-based provider of specialized HIV prevention, testing, care, advocacy and support services providing direct assistance in 62 of the 88 Ohio counties and education and advocacy work statewide. With offices in Athens, Chillicothe, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lima, Mansfield, Newark, and Toledo, ARC Ohio is the largest AIDS services organization in the state.

 

About World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.

 

 

Disney Live! present Mickey’s Music Festival at The Nutter Center

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Mickey Mouse and friends rock the world with the stars from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story in their new touring show Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival, coming to The Nutter Center on Friday November 30!  Disney hits are remixed to the hottest sounds of today featuring hip hop, pop, swing, reggae, rock, country and much more!  The irresistible lineup of performers, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy; Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie; and Woody, Buzz and Jessie; are among the more than 25 Disney stars featured in this jam session fit for the entire family! You can’t resist dancing, singing, playing your air-guitar and laughing with this band of characters! Come join them at Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival for a lively concert experience guaranteed to deliver enough rockin’ memories to last a lifetime.

Tickets are $17.00, $25.00, $40.00 (VIP) & $50.00 (Front row), available at TicketMaster.com for the 3:30pm and 6:30pm performances.

Check out this video that features Costume Designer Scott Lane talking about his inspiration for Disney Live!

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SPECIAL OFFER

People can use code DANCE to save $4 PER ticket on regularly $25 and $17 seating. This code is redeemable online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or at the Nutter Center Box Office.  (Disclaimer: Valid on all performances. No double discounts. This offer is subject to ticket availability. Additional fees may apply.)

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

We have TICKETS to give away for you and your family to see Disney Live’s “Mickey’s Music Festival”!  Just fill out the form below and then leave us a comment telling us that you want to win tickets, and we’ll randomly draw winners Tuesday 11/27 after 5pm – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to our winners:

Brad Hansen
Heather Krey
Abby Puterbaugh
Heather Lance
Ashley Hill

 

Coats For Cupcakes

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 Your gently used winter coats can be exchanged for cupcakes at Shroyer Road cupcakery Moore Desserts Please.  Starting today and running through Saturday, December 1st, the bakery will be giving those who donate their lightly used, clean coats one free cupcake. Donated coats will go to St. Vincent de Paul’s Gateway Shelter for Women & Families. The Dayton shelter sees up to 350 people on any given night, one out of five whom are children.

“We love giving back having a chance to say thanks,” said Brittany Moore, the store’s owner. “The best part is we have the opportunity to help people by simply doing what we do everyday, and that’s baking cupcakes.”

Moore Dessert Please, located at 1003 Shroyer Road is open Tuesday-Friday from 11 am to 6 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm.

 

It’s not a pen – it’s a FRINDLE!

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Nicholas Allen has plenty of ideas. Who can forget the time he turned his third-grade classroom into a tropical island, or the time he fooled his teacher by chirping like a blackbird? But when Nick learns an interesting tidbit about words and where they come from, it inspires his greatest plan yet: to invent a new word. From now on, a pen is no longer a pen–it’s a frindle. It doesn’t take long for “frindle” to take root, and soon the excitement spreads well beyond his school and town. His parents and Mrs. Granger would like Nick to put an end to all this nonsense. But “frindle” doesn’t belong to Nick anymore. All he can do now is sit back and watch what happens. This quirky, imaginative tale about creative thought and the power of words will have you inventing your own words before the curtain comes down.

Victoria Theatre Association is presenting FRINDLE December 1 and 2 at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the historic Victoria Theatre.  Tickets are on sale now at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office for $15, via phone (937) 228.3630 or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.  Purchase a season subscription and see the three remaining shows in the PNC Family Series for $30 dollars!

NEW FAMILY WORKSHOPS and PNC STORYTIME!

Family Workshops at just $5 per child—parents attend for free!

  • ·         Learn about juggling, miming, bouncing and more with the Cincinnati Circus Company.
  • ·         Workshops begin at 2:15 p.m. between the Saturday and Sunday shows.
  • ·         Workshop includes a tasty, kid-friendly snack.
  • ·         PNC Storytime begins at 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
  • ·         Appropriate for children ages 5-10.
  • ·         Parents may tag along to watch for free.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

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IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS, the stage adaptation of the beloved classic film is coming to the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center this holiday season.  Bring your loved ones for a heart-warming celebration of Americana from November 27 – December 2 at the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketcenterstage.com, by phone (937) 228-3630 or at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center.

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the bargain.  Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” and the unforgettable title song, IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family!

The New York Times claims “this cozy trip down memory lane should be put on your wish list.”  And, the New York Daily News hails IRVING BERLIN’SWHITE CHRISTMAS as “a holiday card come to life.”

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS features Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin with Book by David Ives and Paul Blake and is based upon the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.

This brand new production of IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS is produced by Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars. The creative team includes direction by Norb Joerder, choreography by Randy Skinner, scenic design by Anna Louizos, scenic supervision and adaptation by Kenneth Foy, lighting design by Ken Billington, and sound design by Peter Fitzgerald and Erich Bechtel.  The tour is produced by agreement with R&H Theatricals, an Imagem Company.

Tickets start at $15*.  For tickets call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 at (888) 228-3630,  Go online to www.ticketcenterstage.com or visit the Ticket Center Stage Box Office in person, located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center.

The 2012-2013 Premier Health Partners Broadway Series presentation of IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS receives support from Leadership Sponsor Fifth Third Bank and Performance Sponsor WHIO-TV, a product of CMGO. The official hotel of the Premier Health Partners Broadway Series isCrowne Plaza Dayton.  Assistive hearing devices are provided by Hillcrest Hearing Aids & Balance Center. Victoria Theatre Association’s recycling partner is Waste Management with DataYard as the official internet service provider. 

*$15 tickets are limited and located in the Upper Balcony.

Woodland Lights Gingerbread Art Competition Seeks Entrants

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Amateur bakers are invited to help create one of the most enjoyable displays at Woodland Lights – the twelfth annual collection of gingerbread houses.

“The gingerbread house display at Woodland Lights brings joy to thousands of people every year. Adults and children working inGingerbreadHouse their kitchens throughout the Miami Valley make it possible,” said Woodland Lights Coordinator Linda Madden. “We hope people will get into the holiday spirit early this year by sharing their favorite gingerbread creations with the community.”

Entries for the Woodland Lights Gingerbread Art Competition are due on Monday, Nov. 26. Bakers can enter individually or in groups. Categories include: adults, youth 7 to 18, preschoolers, and groups such as families, community organizations and schools. Professional bakers also have a category.

Families especially are encouraged to submit entries, Madden said. “Working in the kitchen helps bring families together. Designing, baking and decorating a gingerbread house provides a wonderful intergenerational opportunity.”

GingerbreadContestantIndividuals who place first in their category will receive an Active 90 Pass which provides free entrance for 90 days to the recreation center’s aquatic activities, fitness center, running track, open gym and climbing wall and to Rec West’s gym, theater and game room. Second place winners receive five daily passes. Registered participants who win as part of a group will receive two daily passes.

Gingerbread house entries should be taken to the Stolz Building, behind the Washington Township Recreation Center, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26. Gingerbread judging takes place Thursday, Nov. 29th. Entering is free. For additional information, call 438-7985 or  check their website.

Happy Birthday, Ghostlight Coffee!

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Recreate the audio atmosphere of Ghostlight Coffee as you read about the journey from an idea to the first anniversary of this local gem.
 Sounds of Ghostlight Coffee by Shelly “Gladgirl” Hulce (Opening Song: Me & Mountains – “Dayton, Ohio” from their LP “Feral”)

It’s 1:30am on a hot summer Thursday. As I make my way home up Wayne Ave. from a local rock show when I see the dim lights through the steamed up front window of Ghostlight Coffee. A usual sight, Shane Anderson is behind the bar alone until the wee hours of the morning tending to his shop while most of Dayton sleeps.

It’s been a good 7 months since the shop opened. Lot’s of drinks have been invented, served and consumed. On this late night / early morning Shane is toiling over the popular summer “cold brew” coffee, making sure to meet the demands of the specialty drinks fans. It’s a long tedious process, taking place over a 24 hour period. Special grind, soaking in special crocks on the shelf with ice cold temperatures that need constant monitoring. On the 25th. hour, the laborious steps of pour, drain, sift, squeeze, repeat begins for the concentrated elixir that’s served over an ice filled mason jar.

A task that would test anyones patience, this process could stand as metaphor for the previous 5 years of Anderson’s pilgrimage from the life of a school teacher to his dream of owning a coffee house. A long time coffee connoisseur and student of the coffee arts, it only made since to embark on such an endeavor.

That endeavor would take the better part of a decade to get off the ground.

Many potential partners and locations came and went. With each disappointment and unmet expectation came bigger better possibilities. A resident of the South Park neighborhood of Dayton, Anderson maintained 3 jobs, (working in a local credit union, employed by Muse Machine and executive director of ETC Music Theater), while scrimping and saving towards his dream. That dream lined up with those of his South Park neighbors for betterment of the areas business district. The Wayne Ave. corridor has been under transformation and tight bonds have been made between those business owners and the residents of the neighborhood. Out of such relationships came the offer of a South Park property owner to house the coffee shop of Andersons dreams. Going only on his savings and without a business partner, he began a long exhausting journey of gutting, building, refurnishing and swimming through the sea of red tape it takes to open the doors. Endless long days of getting off work from one job to spending entire days and nights in the shop. During the anticipated stalled out period of zoning issues, he went to work finding the most beautiful re-claimed / recycled wood from demolished Dayton homes via St. Vincent DePauls Deconstruction Depot, eBay auctions for furniture and restaurant equipment and oh the sanding sanding sanding and hours of staining…..”all this for coffee?” you may say.

Now, one year later, it’s clear, this dream included coffee but is more about community. A community of friends, neighbors and an accent on art. As diverse as it’s customer base, the arts that cross the stage, tables and walls of Ghostlight Coffee are an example of the reinvention process taking place not only on the Wayne Ave. corridor in the South Park area of Dayton, Ohio. It’s become a home base for personal growth through new found relationships, exposure to all levels of arts and artists in the area.

The artisan coffees, all made by scratch by outgoing and personable Baristas, are a reflection of the highly creative edge in the area. The art created within the shop itself is indicative of the core of Ghostlight regulars. (and you can see that art on display during the month of November.)

You may enter Ghostlight as a coffee drinker but you quickly skip the step of customer and become family.

In the last year, a band of regulars have found this coffee shop to be “home base”.

Much like the shows “Friends” and “Cheers”, friendships have been fostered, almost creating a cultural event.

Ghostlight Coffee Owner Shane Anderson (photo by Arielle Thomas)

Having a background in education and the performing arts, Anderson is sensitive to the working needs of artists and students in the area, employing many actors, musicians and students. This sets up an almost revolving door of staff, which is more of a delight than a hardship for his staffing.

In Nov. of 2011, his opening staff included 2 actors which have gone on to successful productions in New York and Boston. When actor JJ Parkey left in March of ’12 for the boards of Broadway, Anderson quickly networked with artisan coffee houses in New York City, assisting Parkey in landing a position in upscale shop “Kava”. The Ghostlight spirit of love and support wasn’t left in Dayton, Ohio. Quickly Parkey was serving notable celebrities of the arts world at “Kava”, including his long time idol, Joel Grey, star of the musical “Cabaret”. Call it kismet, but Parkey was up for the role as portrayed by Grey decades earlier. With the encouragement of “Kava” owner, he struck up a conversation with Grey and a coffee chat birthed a mentoring friendship.

(Parkey got the part and has since been nominated for Best Actor as a result of that production.)

Tales like this are not unusual among Ghostlight regulars. The power of attraction, a positive and nurturing atmosphere….yes, there’s something “in” the coffee at Ghostlight!

Plans for a small expansion are coming for 2013. Anderson is still surprised by the large and steady stream of patrons. Demand for more music and art based events are also reason to expand.

There’s always room for one more, around the table at this shop.

Happy First Anniversary to Ghostlight Coffee, where everybody knows your name!

“Where Everybody Knows Your Name” (Cheers Theme)

By Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got.

Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.

Wouldn’t you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name,

and they’re always glad you came.

You wanna be where you can see,

our troubles are all the same

You wanna be where everybody knows

Your name.

 

Here are some photos from Ghostlight Coffee’s first year…

Antioch College to present Meme: Culture in Transmission at the Herndon Gallery

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Antioch College is pleased to announce the opening MEME: Culture in Transmission, a multimedia exhibition that invites investigation of the concept and the phenomenon of memes, considering their origin, evolution, mechanisms, and role in contemporary society. An opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Friday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. in the Herndon Gallery in South Hall on the Antioch College campus.

The word “meme” originated as a term coined by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in the 1976 book The Selfish Gene. Dawkins’ term derives its concept from the behavior of genes, which replicate from an organism to its offspring to ensure the duplication and transmission of genetic code. Similarly, Dawkins’ “meme” is defined as a “unit of cultural transmission,” such as an idea, tune, catch phrase, style, fashion, symbol, practice, etc. that spreads from one person to another through imitation.

Since its introduction, there has been a great deal of scholarly study of the concept of memes. In the late 1990s, the term became used, and is now commonly known to define a style of internet-based image/text posting shared broadly on the web via blogs and social media. These Internet memes have proliferated as the influence of the Internet has grown.

What constitutes a meme? How do we observe the influence and evolution of memes? How do artists affect the transmission of their own ideas? Work in the exhibition explores archetypes, prevailing ethical mores, cultural icons, environments and institutions through a broad range of media including photography, sound, video, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and performance.

Will Davis: “Leave Britney Alone”

Visitors to the exhibition will encounter artwork ranging from Jeanne Philippe and Judith Huacuja’s “Unseen Rain” an installation that includes a deerskin canoe modeled after those made by Kutenai women in British Columbia, to Will Davis’s audio piece appropriating an impassioned YouTube plea to “Leave Britney Alone.”  Chris Shea and Charmaine Renee trace the path of phrases from Shakespeare to their usage in contemporary culture, while Glenna Jennings mines the National Cash Register archives to create images of laborers in her wallpaper piece called “Right To Work.”

Each artist featured in the exhibition is engaged with the generation and transmission of contemporary culture on multiple levels, also playing roles as curator, teacher, choreographer, dancer, actor, director, comedian, program director, audio producer, gallery director, etc. All artists reside in Ohio.

Exhibition events also include a night of performance featuring Will Davis, Rodney Veal, and Free Shakespeare! on Thursday, January 24, at 7:00 p.m., and a community roundtable discussion on Thursday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Dennie Eagleson, creative director of the Herndon Gallery at [email protected] or 937-768-6462.

18th Annual Ringing in the Holidays at Carillon Historical Park

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Dayton History is kicking off the Holiday season with an extra “ordinary” celebration! Join us for the 18th Annual Ringing in the Holidays located at Carillon Historical Park.

  • Enjoy an array of martinis, select beers, wines, coffees, and more
  • Indulge in delicious hors d’oeuvres
  • Meet local artist Nathan Musser
  • Live Entertainment by the Lizz & Rex Review featuring Elizabeth Hayes
  • “Dayton’s Most Delightful Dessert Contest” featuring 6 local chefs
  • Tour the Heritage Center of Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship
  • Enter our Winter Get-Away Raffle
  • Participate in our Silent Auction

The following is a list of participants in the “Dayton’s Most Delightful Dessert Contest”:

  • The Brick House Café & Catering: Carrot Cake Two layers of spiced carrot cake with sweetened cream cheese icing topped with crunchy walnuts.
  • The Cakery – Lemon Cake with Key Lime FillingA light tropical lemon cake with a light and fluffy key lime mousse filling, topped with their famous buttercream icing.
  • Culp’s Café – Whoopie PieDevil’s food cake with three different fillings: Culp’s caramel icing, traditional marshmallow & holiday candy cane.
  • Maria Joseph Nursing & Rehab Center – Apple Crème Caramel Brandy Snap A crunchy brandy snap filled with creamy confection,
  • served with apple and caramel.
  • Olive Urban Dive – Chocolate, Earl Grey Mousse Cake with Bourbon Chocolate Sauce Black Earl Grey tea infused mousse served on buttermilk, chocolate sponge cake with bourbon chocolate sauce.
  • Taste/Delizioso Sweet Potato Praline Pie – A delicious sweet potato pie baked in a pecan rolled crust topped with a warm praline sauce, made with the finest gourmet ingredients.  A Southern favorite!
  • Sweet Nothings – Chocolate Gingerbread Layer Cake with Sea Salt Toffee Filling Moist gingerbread cake with Sweet Nothings’ sea salt toffee bits and whipped cream cheese frosting
  • Coffee Bar PRESS Press is a specialty shop that focuses on the preparation and service of a good cup of coffee! They feature multiple roasters from across the country, which are prepared using various brewing methods such as the French Press, Pour Over, and more!

Ticket prices are $60 per Dayton History member and $75 per non-member. To purchase tickets go to www.daytonhistory.org or visit our Museum Store at
Carillon Historical Park.

Dayton History is Montgomery County’s official historical organization. The organization boasts multiple campuses in the greater Dayton, Ohio area: Carillon Historical Park, Hawthorn Hill, the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial, the Patterson Homestead, the Old Court House, Memorial Hall and the Archive Center. Dayton History brings the past to life to understand the present and inspire the future by collecting, preserving, interpreting, presenting, and promoting the region’s past.

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

We have a pair of tickets to give away to Dayton History’s Ringing In The Holidays event ($150 value) to a lucky reader!  Just fill out the form below, and help us get the word out to others by leaving a comment saying that YOU want to win tickets.  We’ll draw a lucky winner on Thursday November 15th – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to Rebecca Hughes Johnson!