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Lowdown on the Makeup Meltdown

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It’s summertime, it’s miserable outside and you’re active. Every woman knows that leads to makeup melt. You covered up that blemish and added a perfect amount of blush to the apples of your cheeks, but the moment you stepped out into the sweltering heat, you felt like all your hard work was just running down your face. Now, you’re just hoping that your sweaty cheeks didn’t cause your mascara to run all over. I can’t promise you that the following products and tricks will work everytime or survive a workout in 100 degree weather but I can promise you that these are no fail products and tricks to get through the heat.

Face. Start with a foundation primer and moisturizer. It will give your skin a nice, smooth finish so your foundation will go on flawlessly. More important right now, though, it gives your foundation a bit of “stick” — it’s designed to outlast heat and a bit of sweat. I’ve had good luck with NARs foundation Primer, but for acne-prone skin, your best bet is probably Clear Prep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment, it is designed to give you that smooth finish while treating blemishes. I am also a big fan of tinted moisturizers in the summer and for workouts. I especially like Laura Mercier Illuminating Formula and Two Faced just came out with a new one that I am fond of.

Cheeks. If you sweat, a powder can look cakey and streaky. I am a long time fan of Benetint, which is a water-based gel that looks natural and has major staying power (especially when worn over the foundation primer).

Eyes. If you want to wear liner, your best bet is to go with a liquid.  I don’t like wearing anything actually labeled “waterproof” around my eyes. I hate trying to scrub it off and have the little flakes everywhere. If you’re wearing eyeshadow, once again, find a primer. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer, is a cult favorite but I prefer the classic Touch Base by Clinique. By using a primeryou avoid the caked-up line of shadow that always forms once your face gets a little greasy. Since there are about a million mascaras it’s hard to choose between them. If you stay away from waterproof mascaras, you might want to give Urban Decay Lush Lash mascara. It goes on well, stays in place and layers nicely. If you want a waterproof option I would recommend Dior Show Waterproof Mascara.

 Lips. I swear by CoverGirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor and Revlon All Day Colors (and, for under $10 a pop, it’s worth trying out lots of colors). When it’s hot outside and you’re constantly fighting dehydration, though, I say go with something that’s pretty and hydrating, even if you have to keep applying. Too Faced Beauty Balm Seductive Lip Balm, $11, is full of essential oils to keep your pucker plump and juicy. I also like to use the Benetint lip stain to give myself a bit of color without going over the top.

 

So you might be thinking what is with all the finishing sprays I am seeing at Sephora? Well here’s the scoop. They are like hairspray for your face. They claim to waterproof and set your makeup. Do they work? I have not had enough experience with Urban Decays line to give a review but I can tell you thanks to my fellow artist friend Nancy, I am in love with Model in a Bottle. It is a primer that does what it says. It keeps your makeup on through the toughest heat and even tears! I have had brides melting in the heat and their makeup has not moved! This product also comes in a sensitive skin formula for even the touchiest skin types. It feels weightless and although I don’t love the fragrance, many of my clients love it!

Hopefully these tips will help you and your makeup survive the coming weeks and if you have products and tips of your own please feel free to share them with us!

xoxo

Michelle

 

Katherine Mann: An Artistic Conversation

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Katherine MannKatherine Tzu-Lan Mann is a Washington, DC – based painter who works primarily on paper. She received her BA from Brown University and MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art.  She is the recipient of a Fulbright grant to Taiwan, the AIR Gallery Fellowship program in Brooklyn, NY, and the So-Hamiltonian Fellowship in Washington, DC.  She has participated as an artist in residence at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Vermont Studio Center, Salzburg Kunstlerhauss, Triangle Workshop and Anderson Ranch Art Center residencies, and will take part in the Bemis Center residency program later this year.  Mann is currently an instructor at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

Blue Sky Project is a summer experience that empowers professional artists from around the world and local youth to collaborate and build community through the creation of ambitious works of contemporary art and performance.  Katherine Mann participated in the Blue Sky Project in 2009 and is now one of six returning resident artist who have come back to the program for the summer of 2012.  I had the opportunity to sit down with Katherine and discuss her work and experiences.

Philip Titlebaum:  What was it that initially drew you to Blue Sky Project?

Katherine Mann:  I heard about Blue Sky Project when I was in grad school.  I think I just found it on a listing online and I liked the idea of doing something in the community.  Before that I had done a couple community projects but didn’t think of myself as a community oriented artist.  I mostly kind of just stuck to myself in the studio.  Working by yourself in the studio can be really great and your work changes as you take risks on your own but my work has always been about introducing incongruous elements into a larger environment and it seemed like the perfect way to do that was by using other people to help me make the work. Introducing high school students into the work sounded like a really interesting challenge and it was.  It was great.

PT:  Could you briefly discuss your 2009 Blue Sky experience?

KM:  I came there with one project idea, which was to make a large painting essentially.  We finished that and we had all this extra time on our hands.  The idea of the painting project was that I’m interested in pattern and abstraction so I sent all these kids out into the community and we built our own patterns and abstractions from sketching and looking at patterns of leaves and bricks and whatever else was out there in the wide world and then brought all those together and placed them into a larger painting that ended up being twenty-five feet long using a lot of print making.  In the end that piece looked very much like my work but it had all these other voices in it.  They all kind of came together and it was a really strong painting.  But since we had this extra time, we began looking at the space we were supposed to exhibit in and they had this big pit in the middle of the building.  Since my process has always incorporated pouring; I’ll begin paintings by pouring inks and water and allowing them to dry and then building on top of that and using that sort of as a skeleton of a larger abstract painting, so it seemed like I should do this on a really grand scale. This pit was about sixty by thirty feet in diameter so why not make something that large and have the kids work together with me to make something that felt truly immersive.  That initial idea then got grabbed onto by a bunch of the other artists especially Rodney [Veal], the choreographer and dancer and it turned into all of these other projects.

Katherine MannPT: Can you speak a little bit about the projects that came out of that?

KM: The pit projects began with two collaborative dance and painting performances, where the process of pouring paint into this giant architectural space became performative, with dancers in the same space and the act of pouring paint becoming choreographed.  We poured gallons and gallons of paint into that pit, then allowed it to dry and painted on top of that.  We ended up with a huge wall and floor drawing, but one in which the process of pouring and dancing was integral.

PT:  What effect did that experience have on you as an artist?

KM: I think it made my work stronger.  It made me understand that my work doesn’t have to only be painting; I can expand into other mediums and it’ll still be my work.  It also allowed me to understand that when you’re working with a bunch of other people somebody’s going to make a move that I don’t personally like and that I’ll cringe at but eventually all of that can come together.  Since my work is so much about systems anyway, there ought to be some parts of the painting that make me cringe.  Everything shouldn’t work seamlessly.  I’m not interested in a seamless painting, I’m interested in a fragmented painting that has elements of poetry and lyricism but then other jarring elements as well.  Working with other people really did that, especially going out of my comfort zone and working with other artists including sound, dance, choreography, and installation.

PT:  How has this year been different?

KM:  It’s more solitary, I’m not working with the kids but I am still working with the same dancer, with Rodney.  Everything that I said about 2009 is still true this year, I just have more time on my own.  It’s more like other traditional residencies that artists are used to in which you have a lot of solitary alone time; the time and the space to make work, which is in and of itself a gift, plus the risk taking ability that Blue Sky has.  The only thing that’s missing is the kids, which is too bad, but they’ll be back.

PT:  Can you speak a little about what to expect at your upcoming exhibition on June 27?

KM:  They’ll get to see the installation that I’m creating for Rodney to dance in; the beginning of a collaboration that I’ll be doing with Rodney and Shaw Pong [Liu]; so a painter, a chorographer/dancer, and a sound artist, beginning with me.  I’m creating this environment that the dancers and sound will become a part of.  We’ll see the beginnings of that environment.  I’ll install a twenty-five or thirty foot cut paper installation that will be hanging in the space.  Essentially what people will see is the work that I’ve done in June.

PT:  Is there anything you’d like to leave people with?

KM:  I’m really happy with the work that I’ve done over the last couple weeks.  Even what I was saying before about taking risks and moving into new mediums in 2009, when I was here with Blue Sky, I’ve still always thought of myself very much as a painter and a two-dimensional thinker, so this new piece that will be exhibited on June 27 is going to be my first foray into real three-dimensionality.  I’m working with a lot of cut, filigreed paper that’s kind of folded in on itself and hung so that it sways and moves in a three-dimensional manner.  That’s something that people should check out.

“New Works by Katherine Mann” is an exhibition that is free and open to the public. It will take place on Wednesday, June 27 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at 8 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio. The work also comprises 1/3rd of a collaboration with choreographer Rodney Veal and sound artist Shaw Pong Liu, which will be performed August 10 & 11 at 8 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio. “New Works by Katherine Mann” can be seen by appointment through August 1 by calling Blue Sky Project @ 937.732.5123.

(Submitted by Philip Titlebaum, an intern with Blue Sky Project)

Cityfolk Festival: Where You Make The Music Happen

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When Ohio’s #1 Multi-Cultural festival sets up shop June 29-July 1, at RiverScape MetroPark 700+ volunteers will be helping make it go and your donation at the entrance and onsite will be a key piece. While festivals continue to materialize throughout the summer months, this one, begun as the three year run of National Folk Festival in 1996, remains unique and completely dependent on community participation. The festival will take place between 6 and 11 pm on Friday, and 1-11 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The City of Dayton fireworks, the region’s largest, will cap the event on Sunday night at 10 p.m.

The festival will feature music from across America and around the world on this year’s Main Stage, located in the MetroParks Pavilion. Among the Main Stage artists featured will be bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent, the newly formed Royal Southern Brotherhood featuring Devon Allman, Cyril Neville and Mike Zito and a Sunday showcase for Dayton’s own Shoefly. A spacious dance floor situated at 1st and Patterson Streets will feature wild bhangra funk from Red Baraat, African and Caribbean sounds from Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca and Louisiana’s queens of Cajun and country, Bonsoir Catin.

Culture Builds Community (CBC) has become a centerpiece of Cityfolk’s year round effort and the CBC Family Funway, located at the intersection of St. Clair and Monument streets, will be brimming with activities that reflect the spirit of this initiative. Photo portraits of kids, ready to be framed with K12 Gallery artists, passport stations for each of five Latino countries and an interactive story stage with Zoo Beezoo Beezoo Story Works. The whole family can enjoy the group mosaic project with K12 Gallery, African, Bhangra and Bollywood dance classes and performances by Stiver’s Dancers and the The People’s Music.

Latino Ohio will showcase a vast range of artists, highlighting Mexican mural traditions, music and paper cut art, Puerto Rican mask making, Latino food traditions and much more. Latino Ohio is curated by Juan Dies, leader of the Grammy-nominated Mexican band Sones de Mexico, who will be performing throughout the festival site over the course of the weekend. The exhibit will include a workshop stage that offers a chance for festival attendees to learn about the artists, the traditions they represent and their methods. Latino Ohio hours will be 1-7 pm on Saturday and 1-6 pm on Sunday

Room With A View tickets are available for festivalgoers who are looking for prime seating near the Main Stage, easy access to beverages, a parking pass and other amenities.

An international beer garden will be located on Dragon’s plaza and delicious food will be on sale throughout the festival site.

To register as a volunteer, see a complete schedule and full listing of performing and Latino Ohio artists, directions, a map and other information visit cityfolk.org.

Photo Credit: Andy Snow

 

See the New Studios at WYSO’s Open House

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Editor’s Note: submitted by 91.3FM WYSO

On Sunday, June 24, public radio station WYSO will hold an open house at their new studios at 150 E. South College Street in Yellow Springs.

The new WYSO studios moments after going live on the air on May 1, 2012 (photo by Dennie Eagleson)

From 1pm til 5 pm, there will be live music and spoken word events in the new, expanded performance space. Visitors will have a chance to tour the new facilities, meet WYSO staff and resource board members, and to record a greeting in one of the new production booths.

On the same day, WYSO will officially power up to fifty thousand watts. A new transmitter and antenna have already been installed and tested. WYSO has also launched their annual fiscal year end fund drive and will be “selling watts for WYSO.”

Listeners can “buy” watts for two dollars each and help WYSO raise funds. Everyone who gives two dollars or more during June will receive a certificate.

During the Open House on June 24 there will be many musical and spoken work guests including Wheels from Yellow Springs, Dayton blues band Miss Lissa and Co and Ohio Heritage Fellow Rick Good, with more performers to be announced soon.

“Our open house will be fun and family-friendly,” says WYSO general manager Neenah Ellis. “ We’ll have snacks and drinks available and activities for kids as well.”

In addition to four consecutive hours of live music and spoken word guests, hosted by WYSO Music Director Niki Dakota, visitors will be allowed to record themselves and their families in new WYSO production booths. “We hope people will come and see what a community-friendly new space we have,” says Ellis.

Antioch University, which holds the WYSO license, invested one million dollars to renovate the first floor of the former Kettering Research Lab building for WYSO. The upgraded broadcast facilities were paid for in part by a matching federal grant.

“Antioch invested in WYSO because they recognize our value to the community and to the university,” says Ellis.

‘Thank God It’s Thursday’ Weekly Event

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(from left) Josh Egeland, Jason Weber and Jay Madewell onstage at One Eyed Jacks (photo by Todd the Fox)

Throughout the city of Dayton, and the cities around it, there are a vast number of bands and artists that take to the stage each and every night.  A lot of them have perfected their craft, whatever its rock, country, folk, etc.  It’s remarkable to go around town and see all the different styles that each band or artist perform to.   A couple of musicians from the Gem City have developed another concept that will make your Thursday nights a little more exciting.

Local DJs/musicians Jay Madewell and Josh Egeland are part of a duo called Dirty/Clean and on Thursday nights at One Eyed Jacks on Colonel Glenn Highway they host an event called ‘Thank God It’s Thursday’.   The concept of the duo is really out of the ordinary.  Egeland will spin retro tunes, while Madewell plays drums to the beat of the songs throughout the evening.  Other local musicians will come and play other instruments with the duo.  The end result is a stunning collaboration of great music that will no doubt leave people blown away.  It also will give people all the more reason to bring their dancing shoes, and dance the night away.

Josh Egeland of Dirty/Clean (Photo by Todd the Fox)

The show idea wasn’t thought up within a few minutes.  “I have been throwing around the idea for some time now.  I thought now would be a good time as any to set this idea into action,” Madewell told me before the inaugural show this past Thursday night.  “We hope that the event takes off and we can do shows on Friday and Saturday nights as well,”

The show is truly an experience that you have to see.  As Egeland supplied the crowd with classics from the days of disco and funk to Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, Madewell pounded away on the drums to the beat of the music.  Percussion was added to the mix on this evening from Jason Webber.  If the music didn’t keep people’s attention, the Gem City Rockers performed some Go Go Dancing, and also a light show just to the show’s unique style.

The crowd on the dance floor during Thank God It's Thursday (Photo by Todd the Fox)

As the night went on, the crowd at One Eyed Jacks grew larger and larger.  A large group of the patrons took to Dirty/Clean fun, groovy music playing beautifully.  People started displaying their best dance moves, while many others watched in amazement.  Some of the people that were in attendance at One Eyed Jacks mentioned to me that this was something that they didn’t think to imagine coming and seeing ever.  The concept was fresh and outside of the box, and they couldn’t wait to see the show evolve.   They also said that the bar was a perfect spot for the show to take place.  Madewell agreed.  “(One Eyed Jacks) is one of the best melting pots of music scenes I’ve seen in years in the Dayton area.”

With the event taking place each Thursday night, Madewell and Egeland have their sights set on making the show have themes to them. “I would love to do different shows.  Maybe a super hero theme one night.   Playing the Superman theme would be cool.”  With the way the first night went, the masses are up for anything.

‘Thank God Its Thursday’ takes place at One Eyed Jacks, which is located on 2638 Colonel Glenn Highway in Fairborn, right across from Wright State University.  The show is Thursdays 9pm-2am; 18 and up, and it’s free.

Guest Review: Elite Catering Offers Elegant Experience

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This guest review submitted by Cittie Myers:

As a resource development coordinator it is occasionally my responsibility to put together small events for my organization. Finding a caterer can be one of the most difficult feats of that responsibility. A business that will work with your time frame, your “theme,” the peculiarities of your event or organizations and who does it with a charm and wit is very hard to find. I happily stumbled upon Elite Catering and they were everything I could hope for and more.

I wanted a menu that was light to match the Spring weather of our outdoor reception and distinctive and innovative enough to represent my organization. Their appetizer menu was just that. Beef tenderloin brushetta’s with a tomato jam I would happily over indulge in any day. Twice backed red new potatoes stuffed with pulled pork and crispy onions that was sublime and scrumptious. Bourbon Street Sweet Potatoes that were a luscious ode to your holiday yams with a drizzle of marshmallow sauce. Whimsical and witty Watermelon Gazpacho shooters, cool and refreshing with the hint of heat were refreshing. Those are just a sampling of the lush and exciting food they offer, I couldn’t have dreamed up a better menu.

Renee McClure, Owner Elite Catering

Michelle and Renee are wonderful ladies to work with. They met every challenge with grace and put me at ease no matter my untimely requests. Antoine, John and Sam created elegant and sophisticated vignettes that delighted our guests visually and enticed them to mingle and enjoy themselves. To top it off John and Sam provided excellent service throughout. Both of these young men were charming and yet unobtrusive and never allowed a display to be unattended all evening.
In short, if you are looking for a catering team who will be friendly, supportive, witty, charming and provide you and your guests with a uniquely sublime and elegant experience there is only one place in the area; Elite Catering.

Entropy & Reclamation: The Art of Tom Watson III

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Local artist Tom Watson III will  be the featured artist on display at Emporium Wines and the Underdog Cafe in downtown Yellow Springs. Please join him for the opening reception on Saturday, June 16th from 5 to 7 pm.

Tom Watson III was awarded the first annual RAISE Award from the National Stroke Association in October 2011.  The RAISE awards highlight individuals and groups who have impacted the lives of others through stroke advocacy and education.  Watson received the Outstanding Individual Award in recognition of his efforts to advocate for stroke awareness and prevention through his artwork (Watson had a severe brain stem stroke in 2005, from which his awarded artwork series is derived). The awards ceremony was held at the Denver Natural History museum in Denver, Colorado, and Watson was honored with the award by Henry “The Fonz” Winkler ofHappy Days fame.

The RAISE Award follows several exhibits showcasing Watson’s work over the last few years, including part of
his mixed media/screen print series, “Stem/ReAssemblage.”  In 2005, Watson suffered a massive brain stem stroke.  It was his passion for art that saved him. “While relearning how to write and regaining my fine motor skills, my artwork became a cathartic outlet to help me deal with the emotional turmoil and depression resultant from such a traumatic and life-changing experience.”

Watson’s recent work reflects outwardly the internal transformation that occurred during his physical recovery. While his mind learned to reconnect broken synapses, Watson deconstructed and then reassembled materials salvaged from earlier silkscreen projects to create a new body of art with a cohesive design. “I have used this as a chance to refocus and revive myself after battling discouragement, suppression, and other psychological hindrances both during my recovery and afterward.”

Watson will be participating in the second annual Cyclops Fest, also in Yellow Springs, a handmade arts and crafts fair taking place on Saturday, September 15th at the Yellow Springs Community Center.

Watson is also currently featured in the gift shop of We Care Arts in Kettering, OH (just south of Dorothy Lane/Wilmington Pike intersection), and should be in place for the next few months, along with other hand-crafted items. http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Care-Arts/160621882682

In addition to his fine art, Watson also creates hand-printed, silk-screened T-shirts, showcasing the Stem image inspired by his stroke experience and recovery.  These shirts are available from the artist, as well as Urban Handmade in downtown Yellow Springs, Clash Consignment in downtown Dayton, and Decoy Art Boutique& Studio  in Beavercreek, OH.  Watson will also be expanding to other locations in the future.

 

Art is alive in Miamisburg

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Ron Rollins

Come experience a vibrant collaboration of art by three local Dayton artists and community leaders at an Opening Reception Friday, June 15th in Downtown Miamisburg. The Opening Reception kicks off the beginning of a special exhibit that will run through July 5th, featuring: Painting on Rusted Steel by Mike Elsass, Abstract Expressionism by Ron Rollins and Urban Photography by Larry Faulkner. Join us for hors d’oeuvres, wine, music and mingling as we celebrate the eclectic work of these three Dayton artists.

Ron Rollins of Kettering is an editor at the Dayton Daily News and paints colorful, highly gestural images in the style of the Abstract Expressionists he has studied and admires. He recently showed his work at the Dayton Circus arts collective’s Sideshow 7 exhibition at the Yellow Cab building in downtown Dayton. The Miamisburg show will be his second exhibition.

His work is multi-media on paper and canvas, usually combining pastel and conte crayon layered over with acrylic. He seeks to create unusual shapes and color combinations that are lyrical and moody — and which another local artist recently described as “pugilistic.”

Rollins’ work at the DDN includes nearly a decade as arts and entertainment editor, during which he wrote extensively about the local arts scene, including visual arts and the Dayton Art Institute. He is currently editor of the Ideas & Voices opinion pages.

Larry Faulkner

The type of photography Larry Faulkner focuses on is typically centered on urban landscapes.  An urban environment allows him to break down scenes to a minimalist view.  He looks for scenes that can be broken down to basic elements, yet still have a high impact for the viewer. This particular exhibition will emphasize Maimisburg’s downtown.  Faulkner believes most residents see their environment every day and, therefore, miss the appealing visual drama that exists in their downtown. With these photographs, Faulkner hopes to remind residents of the attractiveness of their built environment.

Mike Elsass paints abstract on rusted sheets of steel, and his art is spiritual and meditative. By painting, sponging, and sanding, the steel evolves until the final coating. Many pieces have over 40 coats of paint and glazing. To Mike, the steel represents strength, life’s elements, aging, imperfection and beauty. Mike’s spirit lies on the road; from his first series in Quebec, Canada to the Gulf Coast winter and the Louisiana swamps, he draws his energy from nature and life. The Arizona desert and the Kentucky countryside blend his art. His beautiful Ohio country barn loft and studios on Easy Avenue and Front Street in Dayton give him time to reflect and paint in solitude.  Mike’s art can also be seen his Oregon District art gallery The Color of Energy.

Experience a dynamic exhibit unlike any other, as these three artists blend their work into a collaborative series in the heart of Miamisburg.

(submitted by the show’s guest curator Annie Bowers)

Ralphie May “Too Big To Fail” in Dayton

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Ralphie May’s popularity exploded after the success of the first season of NBC’s hit reality series, “Last Comic Standing”. Long-time fans of Ralphie’s stand-up were joined by countless new fans when America thought he was robbed of the winner’s title. Despite the show’s outcome, Ralphie’s special brand of comedy combines the familiar elements of hip-hop and topical comedy with a dash of southern down-home flavor and quick wit making Ralphie May one of the most popular comedians in the country.

His first DVD, appropriately titled “Just Correct,” went PLATINUM! Released on February 10th of 2004 by Melee Entertainment, a division of DreamWorks, the collection has been described as “fresh and very, very funny.” The DVD also includes footage of his USO Tour to Iraq where he could be seen swimming in Saddam Hussein’s pool.

His special brand of humor and incredible timing has allowed him to cross social, cultural, and ethnic barriers and has earned him roles in such films as FOR DA LOVE OF MONEY and GAS, to name a few of several independent productions. Ralphie has worked as an actor, writer and producer on ESPN’s Mohr Sports starring Jay Mohr and had four appearances on CBS’s The Late Late Show w/ Craig Kilborn as well as eleven appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live.  He has been seen on Tough Crowd, The Man Show and MTV’s Bash as well as in guest-starring roles on numerous television shows including NBC’s Whoopie. In an appearance on The Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno he received a standing ovation, the first comedian in 10 years to receive this honor. The New York Times raves, “Ralphie is phenomenal…”The Washington Post describes his comedy style as a “Tour de Force.” At the age of seventeen, Ralphie entered a talent show, to which the winner would get to open for Sam Kinison. A dream came true… Ralphie won the contest and after the show, Sam turned to Ralphie and said, “That was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”

A long way from that first night opening for Sam Kinison, Ralphie’s 2nd DVD/CD just recorded in Knoxville, Tennessee April 2006.  “Girth of a Nation” was released in the fall of 2006. His new Comedy Central Hour Special, “Too Big To Ignore” just aired in the spring. Ralphie is currently touring the Nation’s finest Theatres and Comedy Clubs.

On Tuesday July 24th, 2012 7:30pm, Ralphie May will perform at the historic Victoria Theatre ( doors opening at 6:30 PM)  Reserved tickets will go on sale at 10:00 am on Friday, June 8th.  Please call (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com to order tickets.

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Ticket Contest

Dayton Most Metro has FOUR PAIRS of tickets to see Ralphie May at the Victoria Theatre on July 24, 2012 – simply fill out the form below and then leave a comment below telling us who the last stand-up comedian you saw was.  We’ll draw four random names on Friday June 8th at 4pm – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to Jesse Barnett, Kristen Hammaker, Michelle Wysong and Felicia Dellis – they’ve each won a pair of tickets to see the show!

Take A Hike- Win A Car!

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You could win this Honda Insight hybrid!

This summer, Five Rivers MetroParks has teamed up with The Nature Conservancy in Ohio and Honda of America Mfg. Inc. to help Ohio residents experience the outdoors in a new way with Natural Treasures of Ohio contest. Now through August 8, Ohioans can enter for a chance to win a 2012 Honda Insight hybrid at www.nature.org/naturaltreasuresohio or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ohionatureconservancy.

As part of the challenge, Ohio residents must visit one or more specially selected natural areas and upload a photo of themselves with that site’s designated landmark. Participants can locate nearby treasured areas and site-specific details online. One grand prize winner will receive the 2012 Honda Insight hybrid and five second-place winners will receive $500 REI gift cards.

Englewood MetroParkis one of the eligible landmark locations. “Martindale Falls has long been a fun hiking

photo by Jeffrey Patrick

destination for visitors to Englewood MetroPark,” says Executive Director Becky Benná. “We hope this contest will encourage those who haven’t visited this park—or the other Natural Treasures locations—to explore their local parks and really enjoy the simple beauty of nature.”

To find the location, access the park from the entrance at 4361 National Road (U.S. Route 40) and park near the trailhead at Patty’s Shelter. From there, visitors can customize their hiking experience to find Martindale Falls. Taking the yellow trail north to the green trail will be the shortest hike, or visitors can make a longer hike using any of the connecting trail loops. Maps are available online or at the trailhead. Downloadable apps also will help visitors navigate Englewood and other MetroParks.

While at Englewood MetroPark, visitors can partake in disc golf, picnicking, fishing, kayaking or canoeing, biking and horseback riding. Englewood also is the site of the new Venture Quest GPS game.

Other Natural Treasures of Ohio southwest locations include Charleston Falls, Edge of Appalachia, Clifton Gorge, Mt. Airy Forest and Ault Park.

For more information visit www.metroparks.org or call (937) 275-PARK (7275) weekdays.

 

 


Show Review: Todd the Fox, Anatomy of Frank, Sam at Eleven at South Park Tavern-May 19th

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Todd the Fox and Lisa Bunny (Photo by Tommy Johnson)

On Wayne Avenue, just about a couple of miles away from the Oregon District lays South Park Tavern.  The tavern was introduced to me when I first started to becoming a Dayton native.  The selection of beer and micros that South Park offers is incredible.  The taps are always in rotation, which can always make any avid beer fan come back time and time again.  Also, the establishment has been labeled by many to have some of the best pizza in the entire Dayton area.  What makes South Park so charming, however, is the atmosphere.  The people who work there are engaging, and nice.  Its no shock to anyone that the people who visit soon become good friends with the staff.  Patrons also become friends with each other.  They share their thoughts of the beer being served, their world views, and stories about their journey thru life among other topics.

South Park Tavern also hosts music on a regular basis.  On May 19th, the tavern hosted two local acts, Todd the Fox, and Sam at Eleven.  Anatomy of Frank, originating from the state of Virginia, also performed this night.

First up was Todd the Fox.  Alongside Todd during the set was Lisa Bunny, who played on a washboard.  Yes-a washboard.  The crowd wasn’t sure what to think when they saw Todd, dressed in all black (vest, shirt, pants) and Lisa, holding a washboard that looked like it was well broken in.  And that’s exactly how they wanted it.

The minute Todd strung the first chord on his guitar, you felt like the tavern became an intimate venue for bluegrass and folk.  Todd’s southern voice was textbook blues and soul.  Lisa strummed on the washboard as flawless as you can get.  Both played fast, and played loud.  Their chemistry was impeccable.  Both fed of each other’s emotions.  Todd and Lisa played some of his original work, including one that I’m thinking about titled ‘I’m Feeling Fine’.  The duo also added some blues-injected covers of The White Stripes ‘Seven Nation Army’ and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s  ‘Pride Joy’.  You just could see and sense the two were just having the time of their lives.  Both playing in front of packed establishment.  Both realizing that we were in the palm of their hands.  At the beginning of the night, Todd and Lisa came in with just a guitar, and washboard.  At the end of their set, they left with their two instruments, along with everyone’s appreciation and attention.

Anatomy of Frank (Photo by Tommy Johnson)

The second act of the evening was Anatomy of Frank.  The band, as mentioned earlier, hailed from the state of Virginia.  As the lights turned to a very low dim, the band came out to having a festive display of lights on their fingers.  Anatomy of Frank goes outside of the box when it comes to their sound. Their show was jam-packed with experimental sounds, with the banjo, and synthesizers overlapping each other so perfectly.  Their possibilities were endless with their play. The band took the audience into a fantasy.  All of us in the crowd and jumped onto clouds and took a flight into the sky.  Their songs were catchy.  ‘Saturday Morning’ is still tossing around in my head to this day.  The finale of their set was wild and free.  The lead singer started to climb over the
tables and chairs.  Another member of the band grabbed a drum and started wailing on it.  Wild display of freedom.  Dayton showed them the love they deserved.

Sam at Eleven (Photo by Tommy Johnson)

Last act to hit the stage at the tavern was Sam at Eleven.  In April, I saw these guys play at Blind Bob’s for a benefit show.  It was their first live in over a year, and they had no signs of rust.  And this night didn’t differ from that night in April.  Sam at Eleven plays effortlessly. Their music has such a way of grabbing you and not letting you go.  The band’s broad punk feel has you almost convinced that they listened to the band’s before them (Iggy Pop, Alkaline Trio), and perfected their spin of the sound.  One thing I have noticed from watching two of their sets is just how raw they are.  The emotion coming from them when they playing each song are hard to touch.  Their songs, which are about their lives, their families, are some oft he most catchiest I have ever heard in a local band.  They are simply just cool guys that love playing music together.

South Park Tavern had three amazing bands take their stage, and took the crowd on a journey thru all kinds of different types of music.  From bluegrass to punk, the night seemed to blend together beautifully.  The three acts gave praise to one another, and admired what they witnessed.  Overall, the night was awe-inspiring.  Truly, the night was one of those nights that had Dayton’s best foot forward.

DGMC Presents ExtrABBAganza

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Release your inner Dancing Queen at this summer’s presentation of the DAYTON GAY MEN’S CHORUS (DGMC), whose high-energy, fast-paced ExtrABBAganza concert hits the historic Victoria Theatre stage on June 2nd at 8pm. What more can we say about a title that says it all!  Happy, fun, and flashy. this musical revue guarantees to get you toe tapping and singing out the door.

Featuring live music inspired by the iconic Swedish band, ABBA, DGMC’s ExtrABBAganza is a one-of-a-kind treat that is sure to inspire and excite people of all ages. The 90-minute ExtrABBAganza unleashes DGMC’s colorful and talented spirit through choral song, dance and disco, and is to be a proud successor of their 2011 hit performance, Let’s Hear It For The Boys.

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is pleased to be entering its 5th year with the Victoria Theatre once again to partner with The Miami Valley Pride Partnership and The Greater Dayton LGBT Center to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Pride Celebrations in the Dayton Region.  The culmination of these activities is the Annual Pride Day on June 2nd, which will feature a Parade route from the Downtown Public Library to Courthouse Square at 12 noon, followed by a day of entertainment and festivities on the Square.  The capstone to Pride Day is the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus ExtrABBAganza concert at 8pm

With previous performances including 2009’s BraviSEAmo, 2010’s Yankee Doodle Dandies, and 2011’s Let’s Hear It For The Boys, Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is no stranger to the Victoria Theatre.  Their recent Benefit Musicale IV, “The Directors Cut,” raised proceeds to help produce the upcoming ExtrABBAganza concert.  DGMC welcomes the experience and musical arrangement of nationally recognized composer David Maddux.  Maddux, who has arranged performances for several other men’s choruses around the country, brings a fresh, collaborative involvement to the DGMC and their vision of diverse, community-oriented performances in the greater Miami Valley.

Date: June 2, 2012
Time: 8pm
Location: Victoria Theatre, 138 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402

Ticket information:
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
www.daytongaymenschorus.org
www.ticketcenterstage.com, 937-228-3630

(Submitted by Dayton Gay Mens Chorus

Ticket Contest

We have FIVE PAIRS of tickets to see  ExtrABBAganza – simplythis article, fill out the form below and then comment below and tell us if you’ve ever been to a DGMC concert, and if so – what did you think?  We’ll draw five random names on Thursday May 31st at 3pm – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congrats to our winners:

Desiree Kowash, James McQuinn, Shelley Gompers, Irene Hanley and Kevin Mabrey

Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest Announces Third & Final Line-up Addition

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The Ohio Players

The Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival has just announced its third and final list of additions to its lineup for this year’s two-day street festival on September 8-9 on three stages in Downtown Dayton, which includes Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Cowboy Mouth, Clifftones, Crusher, Green Light Morning (Cincinnati), and The Right Now PLUS Dayton bands Buffalo Killers, Good English, Lauren Eylise, Customer Service and the Gem City Horns, Prima Luce, Jordan Hull AND Dayton, Ohio’s own Ohio Players!  Added to John Legend, Train, Guided By Voices and many others, this inaugural music fest is not one to miss! (full line-up is below)

“With the final additions to our inaugural lineup I can honestly say – our list of performers rocks!  From legends like the Ohio Players to the local college band just coming up – festival goers will be exposed to the best music out there.” said Matt Luongo, President of Downtown Revival LLC.  “The lineup is so diverse, there’s funk, soul, R&B, reggae, rock, pop, jam bands – truly something for everybody.  You cannot beat the price and we cannot wait to fill the streets of downtown Dayton with two days of incredible music!”

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

All tickets are two day passes and are available at www.DowntownRevival.com.  Early bird ticket prices (until May 31st) are $55 and include entry into a contest for a VIP package upgrade including access to the VIP hospitality tent, invitations to a Friday night preview party, artist meet and greet, and other exciting upgrades.

Dayton Most Metro is a proud media sponsor for the Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival!  Check out our previous articles with additional links and videos here:

Presenting The Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival

More Bands For Your Buck: Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest Adds to Lineup

 

Confirmed acts include:

Cowboy Mouth

Buffalo Killers

Good English

Green Light Morning

 
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Real Estate Featured Home: 111 Harries Street #401 (Cooper Lofts)

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Once a candy factory, later a warehouse… the history of the beautiful old building at the corner of Ice Avenue and Harries St. has been resurrected as the “Old Side” of the Cooper Lofts – 7 stunning warehouse conversions and one commercial space, currently occupied by Hangar18, a retail clothing outfit. Perhaps the most stunning of the units is on the top floor, with amazing views of the sunrise over the Cannery and sunsets behind the city skyline.

Expansive and original wood floors shimmer with the light of 17 windows that frame the cityscape views of Downtown Dayton. Erected in 1904, the building was restored as residential space in 2003, with an eye for both luxury and preservation. Unit 401 showcases many original components, including adapted reuse of staircase railings, original windows and immense French doors – integrated into the open space to build rooms and logical separations while maintaining a floorplan that honors the building origins.

With over 2300 sq. feet, the main living area of the unit emanates comfort and warmth with a fall color pallet. The entrance welcomes you with an infusion of light from the skylight and windows. The skylight was added where the original freight elevator had been. Outfitted with special padding to absorb sound, plush carpets virtually engulf your feet in the study and master bedroom. The master bath calls you to relax in the whirlpool tub built for two. Outfitted with custom drawers and fittings, the walk-in closet is just one example of several clever storage options.

The kitchen is built to please a gourmet chef. A tiled, piano sized island separates the open, L-shaped kitchen from the dining area. With granite counter tops, a bar, and high-end stainless steel appliances that include a GE Monogram grill/stove/convection oven combination & exhaust hood, side by side refrigerator and wine chiller, the kitchen is truly the heartbeat of this incredible space. The possibilities for creating delicious meals and hosting amazing parties are truly inspiring. The dining room buffet with granite topper welcomes your guests to enjoy the food and hospitality.

Unit 401 could proudly grace the cover of any home and garden magazine. This unique and inviting 2 Bedroom/2 Bath unit is available for lease with utilities and cleaning service included for $2300/mo. Several custom features, including the HD movie projector and 11 foot screen, washer/dryer, area rugs and dining room buffet are included. The unit comes with 1 parking space (a 2nd is available) in the heated garage and use of a storage unit in the basement. A furry friend is welcome, but smoking in this unit is against the condominium bi-laws. The unit can be rented partially or fully furnished.

The Cooper Lofts is an extremely secure building with 24 units, mostly owner occupied, in the heart of the downtown Cooper Park residential district. Surrounded by plentiful green space, community gardens and metro parks, the neighborhood represents a vibrant community committed to the Downtown Dayton resurgence. It is walking distance to everything and seconds to bike trails and the riverfront.

Envision yourself basking in the luxurious life this unit offers, while enjoying all of downtown’s wonderful amenities.  If you can see yourself living in this warehouse loft condo, contact [email protected] today!

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DMM has just started featuring area homes for sale/rent and so far the response has been incredible!  If you are interested in advertising in our real estate section or you’d like to feature your listing, please contact us today and we’ll be happy to work with you!

 

 

United Way’s Day of Action Mobilizes Hundreds of Volunteers

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United Way of the Greater Dayton Area’s Volunteer Connection will mobilize nearly 450 people in our area to participate in Day of Action – a community-wide day of service and volunteering. Volunteers will work on various projects throughout Montgomery, Greene, and Preble Counties on June 8th with additional projects in Preble County on May 31st.

United Way’s Day of Action is an annual day of volunteerism mobilizing hundreds of local volunteers to complete community service projects. Last year’s event attracted nearly 500 volunteers who contributed 1,877 hours of service. Volunteers are individuals and groups from local companies, organizations, and the community. Volunteers already committed to this year’s event come from AFL-CIO, Battelle, Bullen Ultrasonics, CareSource, Chapel Electric, Coldwell Banker, Fifth Third Bank, GE Aviation, Henny Penny, PNC, Preble Shawnee Local School District, Silfex, Teradata, Thorn Lewis and Duncan, UPS, Vectren, and the community.

Projects include such activities as neighborhood clean-ups, landscaping, festival preparations, clothes-sorting, etc. for nonprofit organizations including: Bellbrook Family Resource Center, Community Action Partnership, Campfire USA, Catholic Social Service of the Miami Valley, CIRGV, Community Blood and Tissue Services Center, Compassion 1st, Daybreak, Dayton Christian Center, Eaton Daycare, The Foodbank, Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley, Garden Station, Graceworks, House of Bread, Kid’s Learning Place, Life Enrichment Center, Life Resource Center, Ronald McDonald House, St. Clair Academy Daycare, United Rehabilitation Services, Xenia Adult Recreation & Services Center ,YWCA Dayton, and YWCA Preble County.

Those interested in participating may still sign up at www.LiveUnitedDayton.org. Many of this year’s volunteers will be seen wearing United Way’s LIVE UNITED shirts. The shirts were donated by Dayton Power & Light and Logos@Work.

In addition to Day of Action, United Way of the Greater Dayton Area’s Volunteer Connection also coordinates four other community-wide volunteer service days throughout the year including: Join Hands Miami Valley, Global Youth Service Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and 9/11 National Day of Service. United Way of the Greater Dayton Area supports local health and human service programs provided by over 70 Partner Agencies in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble Counties.