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Tan Envy..What To Know And How To Get It!

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First thing is first, I dont want this article to scare people. Any of my friends and family who know me well will all say I can be intense about suncare and skin cancer. While I am overly cautious about my skin it also very important to me to make people aware that there is a real risk with our thinning ozone layer of skin problems. Now I am not going to sit here and type the A,B,C,D’s of moles to you in fact if I went by that chart I would covered in scar’s from skin removals. What I will tell you is what I have learned about skin/sun care and also safe ways to have a golden glow.

Dr. Magdy Migally and his brother Nabil have been my long time dermatolgists. I started getting skin checks when I was a teenager with my mom. When my mom was in her early thirties she went to the ER for an asthma attack while she was there a nurse pointed out a spot on her back that she suggested be checked. Thats when the Migally brothers came into our lives. He quickly removed it but with confident assurance said, “even if it is cancer we removed deep into the tissue and it will be fine” That was my first experience with a doctor that seemed so calm about something that could be very serious. He has such a calming manner and makes you feel like its really going to be okay. It turned out my mom’s mole was not cancer but it was pre cancerous which meant from now on not only would she get regular checks but also be more careful in the sun. As a kid that was very impressionable to me and I cant lie that I have an intense fear of skin cancer. With that in mind I will also admit that I have used tanning beds and laid in the sun my fair share but I do go get my body checked head to toe every August and I am now tanning bed free.

Dr. Migally has always been very straight forward about skin issues with me. Everytime I go in I am convinced that I have an evil mole waiting to ruin my life. I have had one removed in 15 years and it was fine. “It’s not the snake in the grass, it is the lion in the far distance” that is what Dr. Migally has drilled into my brain. Skin Cancer is a very slow growing disease that can easily be prevented with yearly checks. It also important to do your own checks at home to watch for changes. Color is the most important thing to look for anything black, purple or bluish needs to go for sure. Also watch for dry patches of skin that dont go away with treatment, sores that wont heal and moles that are getting bigger, changing, bleeding or itching. Again the thing to remember is that these are the warning signs, just make an appointment, get it removed and go on with your day.

So how do you still get that healthy tan we all love? There are lots of ways now and it’s easier than ever! My first rule is tanning beds are not good for you! I dont care what the companies and lotions say, the World Health Organization has stated that people who tan in tanning beds are 75% more at risk for skin cancer than the average person. The fastest growing group of people affected by this are women 15 to 25. Teenage girls are 80% more at risk for skin cancer than any other group and have a 1 in 5 chance of finding a melanoma on them before the age of 30! This is a scary statistic and is reflected by the tanning industry. So yes tanning beds are bad for you even the occasional session is equal to 10 hours in the sun.

What about self tanning? I used to self tan and it requires dedication. The exfoliating and mositurizing just never works out for me. I know people who are great at it and never have an uneven spot. I always seemed to have a darker elbow or a strange line on my neck. There are lots of great product lines out there now that even have paint rollar type applicators so you can get your back. I am a fan of the Sun Labratories product line for both self tanning and airbrush tanning. The color is very natural and has never appeared orange on my skin plus they have that nifty rollar lol. The other great thing about the company is that you can go on their website and get samples to try before you buy. Visit http://www.sunlabsonline.com/index.html or you can purchase the line at Enhance Spa and Lash Studio in Springboro.

My choice of tan is now the airbrush. I was nervous the first time having never been fully airbrushed and hearing the horror stories of the spray tan. Susan, my airbrush artist was quick to answer all my questions and assured me I would not turn orange. She had me put lotion on my feet and hands and I could either just wear underwear or tuck my bra straps for the application but lets face it I work at a boudoir studio so I went for just the bottoms lol. You stand in a little tent and the artist will direct you when you when to turn and move to get an even application. I ended up doing three rounds on my entire body which gave me more color than I could have ever achieved myself and it was stunning. The color was natural, didnt streak, and was dry within seconds. I got the tan at 2:00 on a Saturday and that evening around 8:45 boxed in the Dayton Knockout in front of a thousand people. No streaks, no orange shirt, just a perfect glowing tan that my opponent Jen Dean from Dayton History also got earlier in the day. Her result was the same, perfect glowing tan. It lasted for me about 3 to 4 days but I shower twice a day and exfoliate regulary. This service will run you about 45.00 but the price is worth it if you have a special event and many times spas will run specials on airbrush tanning. Tips before you go: dont wear makeup, dont use lotion and be sure and shower/shave before hand. Many places offer this service but since I am a fan of the Sun Lab line I get mine done at Enhance Spa in Springboro with Susan.

Finally the spray tan or the poor man’s airbrush as I call it. I recently tried this for the first time and did the same prep as I mentioned above. Once again I have friends who have had it done and it looks great but for me it was a little intense. I went to LA Tan for mine and was instructed to put way more than I thought I could even need of the barrier cream on my hands and feet. I stood in front of this giant spraying machine and waited for the magic. A friend of mine had told me to do a twisting motion so that the application was more even. I did everything right…..I thought. I went home and went to bed once it dried and in the morning I looked like a mess!! Orange lines on my arms, hands that were orange and my face looked like a bad jersey extra. What to do? Google of coarse! I searched and found out lemon juice, exfoliating and showering would help. I went to get in the shower and watched as the orange ran down the drain and I frantically scrubbed away at my skin. Once I got out it was better and managable but it was uneven. It has been a week today and the fading tan looks kinda like leprosy on me lol. I have patches on my legs and arms that are dotted orange and pale underneath. Maybe it works for some people, maybe I will try it again but for now the spray tan is not for me.

So the moral of this article is that there are plenty of safe ways to tan. You can get a healthy tan without baking yourself. Use an SPF with at least a 30 in it. (I use an 80) to keep your skin from getting burned or damaged,  I prefer the kids spray brands because they smell better. Get your skin checked!! I dont care if youre pale, tan, freckled or dont have a spot on you go and get a yearly exam.(most insurances cover this as preventive care)You dont have to avoid the sun you just have to be careful and like everything use moderation. Dr. Migally was very supportive of this article and would be more than happy to do body checks on anyone who is interested. He is located at 5212 Brandt Pike Suite A. Huber Heights , OH – 45424. 937-233-0748.

Air Camp Grows Future Aviation Leaders

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(Editor Note: the following was submitted by Scott Murphy)

Over the past few years, community leaders have a launched a number of new efforts that are helping put Dayton back on the map.  Initiatives to help our community become more immigrant friendly, secure Dayton as the Ohio hub for aerospace technology, and solidify our city as the starting place for the Road to the Final Four are big ideas (and many more) that help distinguish us from other cities.  We’ve realized that if we want people to think of Dayton, then we’ve got to give them something to think about.

Air Camp is another effort uniquely Dayton.  Started by local educators and retired Air Force and business community leaders, this program introduces middle school students from around the country to aviation and aeronautics.  Think Space Camp at Huntsville, AL, but for aeronautics and aviation at the birthplace of flight.  The intensive one week Air Camp combines the principles of aeronautics with hands on experience.  The program’s packed curriculum pulls together the many assets around the region that together distinguish Dayton as a world-leader in flight.

Want to get a young person excited about flight?  Show them airplanes… really cool ones.  Students visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force on the program’s first day and see firsthand how Dayton has been at the cutting edge in aviation since Orville and Wilbur made their historic flight in 1903.  Dayton remains on the cutting edge with the research that happens every day at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.  Air Camp shows students that almost all new developments in aerospace technology get their start or are at least impacted by researchers at Wright-Patt.  In Dayton at the Air Force Research Lab, new aerospace technology goes from theory to application – ideas turn into reality.  Program participants interact with these Air Force researchers and get a glimpse of what their future career could be like in science and technology.

Air Camp inspires and challenges its students with hands on learning in the principles of flight.  Participants get the unique opportunity to learn the basics of aeronautics by actually designing and testing a wing in a wind tunnel.  At Sinclair they participate in a half-day course on how to fly an airplane and get a thrill they’ll be sure to remember by piloting a motion-based flight simulator.  It’s one thing to understand the physical principles of how planes fly; it’s another thing to actually feel it by flying one yourself.  All Air Camp students get this opportunity at Wright Brothers Airport as a capstone activity near the end of the week.

Air Camp’s founders saw a nation-wide need for more scientists, engineers, and technicians.  People like Vince Russo, a retired Air Force Executive who chose to make Dayton his home after retirement, hope Air Camp will inspire middle school students to choose a research and technology related vocation.  Says Russo, “Our vision is to inspire students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).  Air Camp is a ‘wow’ experience grounded by a solid academic curriculum to help create a technology savvy workforce for the future.”

Thanks to Air Camp, when these students grow up they’ll not only be more likely to pursue a career in aviation and aeronautics, they’ll know that Dayton, OH is the place to do it.

Air Camp applications are being accepted now for the 2012 summer sessions scheduled for June 17-22, July 8-13, and July 22-27. Up to 40 students will be chosen for each session by a competitive application process. Applications are being accepted online through April 30 at www.aircampusa.com from students entering the seventh through ninth grades in fall 2012.

Questions?  Contact Tom Severyn at [email protected] to learn more.

Celebrate SWAN Day – Support Women Artists Now in Dayton

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An international event for women artists is coming to Dayton as part of the celebration of Women’s History month.

Support Women Artists Now, or SWAN Day, features and celebrates the talents of female artists. The new event gained a lot of steam in its first four years and has had over 700 Swan Day events in 21 countries. Taking place on the last Saturday of Women’s History Month, it’s already been officially recognized in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and many more cities. Swan Day has yet to hit the streets of Dayton, but this year will be different.

On March 31st at 3:00 p.m. community members will gather at the Auditorium in the Dayton Metro Library Main Branch to see local female talent showcasing their finest work. Best of all, the program is free!

Co-founder of SWAN Day, Martha Richards, believes that women artists are creating a change in communities around the world. She says the celebration represents what the world would be like if female art and perspectives were fully integrated into everyone’s lives. Richards adds that the long-term goal is inspiring communities to recognize and support women artists as what she calls a basic element of civic planning. SWAN Day has attracted some high-profile attention. Award-winning novelist Isabel Allendale, Grey’s Anatomy actress Sandra Oh, and X-Men movie actress Famke Janssen have all made online video endorsements of the event.

Attending artists will include a wide range of local talents like authors, film-makers, poets, comedians, and more. There will be short films, poetry and novel readings, plays, and still more. For a little taste of what’s to come, I asked a few of the featured artists for their takes on SWAN Day and what they’ll be providing during the celebration.

Documentarian Maggie Price will be showing her film A Pretty Piece of Flesh. For Price, SWAN Day is something she considers not only an exciting opportunity for celebration, but also a chance for women artists to come together and support each other and the work they create. She hopes her film will start a dialogue about the difficult topic of cutting. Believing self-harm is often sensationalized in the media, Price says she wants to present something honest and personal that people can relate to and might help others gain some understanding.

Kristie LeVangie

Poet Kristie LeVangie, who will be reading excerpts of her work, says she’s honored to be able to share part of her vision and support her fellow artists. She thinks of SWAN Day as an opportunity to promote positive female endeavors in the arts and for female artists to share their art – no matter the form. LeVangie says that if she  can inspire another woman to reach out and interpret her world or just liberate a thought, it makes it all worth it.

Sara Berelsman will be reading the first chapter of her memoir about alcoholism, currently titled The Last Rock Bottom. Like LeVangie, she’s excited for the potential to inspire those who attend. For Berelsman, this event means a chance to celebrate women and creativity. She hopes it will raise awareness of female talent in the area and that this will be the first of many SWAN Days.

Tami Boehmer will be reading from her compilation, From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds. Boehmer, whose been interviewed by Cincinnati’s FOX 19, says she’s honored to be part of the program and looks forward to meeting fellow participants and experiencing their work. She thinks SWAN Day is a great opportunity and hopes it will help propel the work of female artists in Ohio to a larger audience.

Mary Curran Hackett

Novelist Mary Curran Hackett will be reading selections from her debut novel, Proof of Heaven. She says she thinks the purpose of the event is to enable people to envision a world that includes every woman’s contribution to art and culture as well as explore what women can offer their communities. Hackett hopes that not only will women and girls leave the celebration feeling empowered and inspired, but also that both genders feel inspired to support and admire women artists.

I don’t think I have to point this out, but there are some common threads here: inspiration, support, opportunity, community, unique contribution, encouragement, and perspective to name a few. These women are also adamant in a strong belief in the large talent pool here in the community. Not only are they eager to share their personal stories, artworks, and time; they’re excited to see what all the other attendees will bring to the event.

Here’s hoping you’ll all join me on the 31st to celebrate SWAN Day and the artistic accomplishments of our local ladies. Many will be selling books and artwork and others will be signing copies – if you’re a fan of anyone scheduled to attend, be sure to bring something for their signatures. Each and every one of the attending artists has a lot to bring to the table, so be sure to check them out. You never know who or what might inspire you.

Follow these links for more info:  SWAN Day Dayton and the national site WomenArts SWAN Day.

Cash Mob the Oregon District this Saturday!

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Looking for a fresh way to support local businesses and meet new people at the same time? Be a part of Dayton’s first ever Cash Mob this Saturday, March 24th in the Oregon District! Show up at 521 E. Fifth Street at 5:00 PM and be ready to spend up to $20 at a nearby locally-owned retail shop! Afterward, Cash Mobbers are invited to show off their new purchases at Lucky’s Taproom! Mobbers will receive 20% off food and $1 off draft beers at Lucky’s.

What is a Cash Mob?

Cash Mobs create quick economic stimulus for local shop owners. They are similar to flash mobs but instead of dancing, you spend a few bucks supporting home-grown retailers and socialize afterward at a local watering hole (where some celebratory dancing may still occur). These events were started in Cleveland in 2011 and have since been held all over the world. Every Cash Mob shares the goal of supporting local businesses. March 24,2012 is the inaugural International Cash Mob Day and Dayton’s Cash Mob will be one of over 200 other mobs happening this Saturday. For more information on Cash Mobs, go to: www.cashmobs.wordpress.com

What can I buy at the Dayton Cash Mob?

To find out what retail shops are participating, you’ll just have to show up at 521 E. Fifth Street at 5 pm. Rest assured, you will be able to find whatever you are looking for and probably something you’re not, too! Products that will be available for purchase include: new and vintage clothing; original artwork; posters; jewelry; new and used books, music, and movies; new and vintage housewares; posters; specialty food items; unique gifts and accessories; bags, t-shirts, scarfs, bandanas, and more!

The first 25 Cash Mobbers will receive a free t-shirt from MerchFITS.  There will also be other free swag from participating retailers and MerchFITS. All participants will receive 20% off food and $1 off draft beers at Lucky’s.

How can I find more information?

Follow the Cash Mob on Twitter @CMDaytonOH and RSVP to the Facebook event. If you can’t make it but still want to support the event, retweet us to all your friends and share our Facebook event!

For more information, contact BAM! at [email protected]. The first ever Dayton Cash Mob is presented by BAM! Find more info on this new artist collective in Dayton at www.bamdayton.blogspot.com

Ohio Shock: a History of Horror Hosting in the Buckeye State

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Editor’s note:  The piece was submitted by Matthew Brassfield, a local filmmaker and the writer, director and producer of Baron Von Porkchop’s Terrifying Tales of the Macabre.

Ohio has always been a hot bed for what I like to call the “Art of Horror Hosting”, and many amazing characters have graced Buckeye State TVs in the late night and afternoons. Do you remember sitting in a dark living room under the glow of the TV set with a bowl of your favorite snacks and your eyes glued to the screen?  While you watched, the host seemed to be your friend and kept you safe from The Mummy, Frankenstein’s Monster and the ghouls of the film you were watching alongside him. Yes, I said alongside him. A good Horror Host becomes a friend that watches the terrors on the screen with you and makes it less scary as they joke their way through several hours. Many kids today haven’t experienced the wonders of cheesy horror films on late night television; kids can watch horror films directly on their cellphones or stream them from Netflix. Before the internet of course, we’d find out about older films from books or magazines and then wait for them to appear on TV. I learned about numerous films from seeing them on a horror host programs. Some of the hosts were on national stations like USA Network who had Commander USA hosting his “Groovie Movies.” Rhonda Shear and Gilbert Gottfried kept us “UP ALL NIGHT.” TBS had Grandpa Munster hosting “SUPER SCARY SATURDAY.” Elvira and her “Movie Macabre” filled the syndicated airwaves, and TNT had “MONSTER VISION” with host Joe Bob Briggs preceded briefly by comedy act Penn & Teller.

But it was the hometown hosts that seemed to really connect with viewers, making these ghouls into local super stars. So let’s take a look at some of these amazing late night icons of Ohio Horror. Some you may have watched growing up, some you might watch now and some you may have never heard of.

But first I should explain about the show title “Shock Theater” or “Shock Theatre.” Many Dayton folks think that this exclusively refers to Dr. Creep’s weekly host program, but that’s not the case at all. In 1957 Universal Pictures teamed with Screen Gems to allow 52 of their classic monster films to be aired on TV. This was called “The Shock Package,” and stations around the world employed costumed hosts to introduce the films and entertain viewers during commercial breaks. Most shows were called Shock Theatre, and the hosts were often people who already worked for the station or radio DJ’s. The Shock Package was a huge hit, and it spawned “The Son of Shock Package,” opening the door for more hosts and more films to choose from. Horror Host programs became must-see TV, and people flooded to see the hosts at public appearances. So now that you know a little about the Shock Package that helped start the ball rolling (along with Vampira, the first Horror Host), it’s time for us to take a look at some of Ohio’s hosts through the ages.

Alexander & Troggy

Alexander & Troggy

In the late 1950’s, Alexander and his pet troglodyte, Troggy, took over “Shock Theater” in Youngstown, Ohio from David Allen (a floating head who was the show’s original host) and made a small impact with viewers. Today no one is sure how many episodes and years the show ran leaving the scientist and his freakish pet a slight mystery. It’s a shame not much is known about Alexander and Troggy because from what I can gather, they would be Ohio’s second or third horror hosts ever. It also seems as if all shows have been lost, and that’s a heartbreaking for many fans and collectors who would have loved to see what misadventures these two got into. NOTE: Lost shows is a widespread issue with classic host shows. Many times stations would record over the past show to save money on film or the episodes were shot live and never recorded, leaving them lost forever.

Mad Daddy

Mad Daddy

Mad Daddy hosted “Shock Theater” for the summer of 1957 in Cleveland. Mad Daddy wore a black cape and would host the movies in all types of crazy ways including being broadcasted upside down. Viewers complained about the weirdness, and Mad Daddy went off the air pretty quickly. Mad Daddy’s run was just for a summer, but the Horror Host went on to be a radio DJ and semi-celebrity who recorded songs like “I Love a Good Practical Joke.” In June 1958, he parachuted over Lake Eerie while writing a poem as a publicity stunt. Mad Daddy continued to work in radio until 1968 when sadly he took his own life. Mad Daddy played his character very creepy and overly happy with a wonderful sinister laugh. After television he took the character on many radio shows for many stations. He also inspired punk rock band The Cramps who wrote the song “Mad Daddy” about the Horror Host/Radio DJ. Much like Alexander and Troggy, his short run of hosting Shock Theater seems to be lost forever as no known episodes have come to light.

Bargain City Kid and Willie Thall

The Bargain City Kid & Willie Thall

Cincinnati’s “Shock Theatre” was hosted by The Bargain City Kid and his sidekick Willie Thall in the early 1960’s and was sponsored by The Kid’s own discount store called Rinks. The Bargain City Kid wore a cowboy hat and toy guns and would spend most of the show doing silly things and featuring items that were on sale at the store. Many times they would also do skits with pro wrestlers like the original Sheik to promote the wrestling shows on the air or currently in town. The Bargain City Kid and Willie Thall would also announce for pro wrestling and are Cincinnati’s first horror hosts. Sadly, Thall passed away in 2005, and Kid passed away in 2007. Like the hosts mentioned above, all known shows are missing and are much sought after by fans of this classic host team.

Ghoulardi

Ghoulardi

In 1963 Ghoulardi began hosting Cleveland’s “Shock Theater” and would go on to become a local icon and one of Ohio’s most popular hosts. In addition to Shock Theater, Ghoulardi hosted numerous other shows around the area, always keeping him in the minds of the viewers. Ghoulardi was a hipster kind of guy with a quick wit, fake goatee and a mess of a wig. The fun, kid-friendly host opened doors for many hosts that followed, not to mention was the direct influence to such hosts as The Ghoul, Son of Ghoul and Big Chuck. In 1966, Ghoulardi stepped away from the show and went to California where he became the voice of ABC and did voiceovers for shows like McGyver and America’s Funniest Home Videos. Ghoulardi passed away in 1997 leaving a great legacy. Ghoulardi’s image was also shown many times in “The Drew Carry Show,” that was set in Cleveland. Another fun fact is that his son is Paul Thomas Anderson, director of films like “Boogie Nights” and “There Will Be Blood”. Ghoulardi’s show has some episodes floating around. While not available to the masses, they can be found on tape trade lists. In 2011 Ghoulardi was inducted into the new Horror Host Hall of Fame, making him one of three Ohio hosts to receive this high honor.

Hoolian, Little John and Big Chuck

Hoolihan, Big Chuck & Little John

1966 in Cleveland saw the exit of Ghoulardi but the start of “The Hoolihan and Big Chuck Show.” It took the true horror out of hosting but mixed in lots of humor with a sketch comedy approach, and the show proved to be a hit. Big Chuck, who worked on Shock Theater with Ghoulardi, was chosen alongside his friend Hoolihan to fill the time slot and host the night’s movie. The two were a beloved team until 1979 when Hoolihan left the show, and Little John stepped into the mix to co-host. The combo of Big Chuck and Little John was a perfect fit, and the two worked together until 2007 when the show finally came to an end. Big Chuck has over 40 years of hosting under his belt and still remains a popular local celebrity. He even wrote a book called My Favorite Stories From 47 Years On Cleveland TV. Many continue to argue about who was better to host the films with Big Chuck. Some say that it was Hoolihan because he was there when the show was fresh and new, but others say Little John who had great comedic timing. Whoever you prefer, the show was a great time, and lots of the Big Chuck and Little John shows are still around.

Cool Ghoul

The Cool Ghoul

In 1969 Cincinnati got another host by the name of The Cool Ghoul with a show called “Scream-In.” The Cool Ghoul wore a red wig, a goofy hat and cape and would spend time reading fan mail, talking to his off screen friend and being your every day silly ghoul. He became a hit and even recorded an album called “The Cool Ghoul’s Phantasmagorical Funny Fonograf Record.” There was also a dance called Cool Ghoul, naturally. The Cool Ghoul also made public appearances much to the delight of fans of all ages. Scream-In’s time was up in 1972, but despite such a short time on the air, The Cool Ghoul became an Ohio hosting icon and has inspired many other local hosts. The Cool Ghoul passed away in 2004, leaving behind many great memories for those who watched him late nights. Some of The Cool Ghoul’s show footage has survived and can be found in the hands of collectors and on trade lists. In 2011, the Cool Ghoul was inducted into the first class of hosts in the Horror Host Hall of Fame, acclaiming his importance in the community of hosts.

Superhost

Superhost

Superheros wanted to host films too, and in 1969 Cleveland had one who just did that when Superhost brought his “Supes On” pre-show and more important “Saturday Afternoon Mad Theater” to viewers. Superhost was a goofball of a hero who would wear a Superman inspired costume and a red clown nose. He would introduce the films, tell jokes and do a few sketches. His antics would entertain viewers so much that even when Saturday Afternoon Mad Theater was cancelled, Superhost continued to host Three Stooges shorts, cartoons, The Munsters and Batman for the station. He’s the first host I know of who had his own pre-show! Superhost was a child-friendly host who made his way into Cleveland culture by lasting on TV for many years. Superhost would hang up his cape in 1992 and step away from hosting. Clips and a few full shows can be found on trade lists and on Youtube.

The Ghoul

The Ghoul

Cleveland had its share of hosts that include Hoolihan & Big Chuck, Superhost and Mad Daddy. All made their mark on the area but none made as massive an impact as Ghoulardi who inspired this next host: The Ghoul. The Ghoul hit Cleveland airwaves in 1971 with his self titled show and would become yet another icon in Cleveland horror. The Ghoul was an almost re-birthed version of Ghoulardi, a quick witted hipster who wore the fake goatee, mustache and crazy wig like his idol. The Ghoul, who could have easily been a carbon copy of his idol, quickly showed he had his own oddball style that fans were quick to embrace. The Ghoul would go on to have his show in syndication and would make numerous public and radio appearances. With his show no longer on traditional television, he continues to make episodes that can be viewed via a subscription on his website. The Ghoul also started his career working for Ghoulardi as well as Hoolihan & Big Chuck as an assistant, gearing him up for his run as a beloved horror host. His show can be found on trade lists, youtube in clips and via his official website.

Dr. Creep

Dr. Creep

For years Dayton, Ohio got their horror host fix from bigger cities like Cincinnati and hosts like the Bargain City Kid. But in 1974 Dr. Creep hit the airwaves hosting “Shock Theatre,” and a true Dayton original was born. Dr. Creep started out as a spooky vampire-like ghoul named Dr. Death, but very quickly his character and name changed to a kid friendly goofy ghoul named Dr. Creep. He became so popular that he also began hosting Clubhouse 22, an after school kids’ show. In 1980 Shock Theatre ended, switched air-date and time and became Saturday Night Dead running until 1985. Years would go by and other horror hosts begin shows, but in 1999 New Shock Theater was unleashed on public access and Dr. Creep brought horror and laughs to another generation of viewers for six years. Dr. Creep was also a man with a big heart as he ran charities, hosted a horror movie marathon called Horrorama for years, did numerous conventions and guest spots on many other shows. One of the big attractions for The Creeper was his schedule of October public appearances at Foy’s Halloween Shop in Fairborn where he would make the Halloween season feel even more special. Sadly Dr. Creep passed away in 2011 leaving a legacy that will never be matched. Dr. Creep merchandise and episodes can be found on DVD via his official site and clips can be seen on Youtube. In 2011, Dr Creep was inducted into the Horror Host Hall of Fame, one of the first 13 hosts to receive this honor.

Fritz the Nite Owl

Fritz The Nite Owl

Fritz The Nite Owl started in 1974 and was Columbus’s first local horror host/ He hosted films 7 days a week,and became a staple of TV sets all over the city. Fritz is a laid back host who peppered witty comments into his segments and was known for his trademark owl sunglasses. The show had a very psychedelic feel with lots of bright colors and special effects. “Nite Owl Theatre” would run Monday-Thursday, Saturday and Sunday while “Double Chiller Theatre” would have Fritz hosting two films on Friday. His first run lasted until 1991, and he would come back two other times for other stations in smaller runs finally ending in 2003. But in 2010 he returned to hosting duties and is still going strong and building an even bigger fan base. Fritz became so big that he won 5 Emmy’s and even had a cameo in a DC comic book were he helped Superman and Captain Marvel save the world! If you would like to see episodes of Fritz The Nite Owl, you can get DVDs from his official website, watch clips on YouTube or find some on trade lists.

Moana

Moana

In the early 80’s Elvira became the “it” ghoul of horror hostesses and many imitations popped up, including Moana who hosted “Moana’s Place” in Columbus beginning 1983. She lived up to being a sexy goth ghoul in a tight black dress. The show, while short lived, did manage to gain a fan base who enjoyed Moana’s silly skits and her easy on the eyes look. At this time no known episodes are around leaving this Ohio horror hostess’ show a much sought after piece of horror host history.

We’ve made it to the early 80’s and there are many more hosts to explore. So look for part of Ohio Shock that will cover the rest of the 80’s to present day hosts. And if you would like to learn more about horror hosts, you can visit Horrorhound Weekend March 23-25 2012 in Columbus where hosts from around the world will gather to greet fans and induct the 2012 class into the Horror Host Hall of Fame. For more info visit www.horrorhoundweekend.com.

Till next time: stay scary Dayton!

Thanks to: Norman N. Brassfield, Bob Hinton, Richard Martin, Juliet Fromholt, Stephen Alexander II and Corpse S. Chris for their help with this article.

-Matthew Brassfield

Springfield, Ohio Museum Becomes Smithsonian Affiliate

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Springfield is now home to the only Smithsonian Affiliate art museum in the state of Ohio. The distinction celebrates the museum’s adherence to best practices and its exemplary permanent collection, which features artists such as Berenice Abbott, George Bellows and A.T. Bricher.

“Having this affiliation will connect the nationally-recognized name of Smithsonian with the high quality collections already featured at the museum,” said Ann Fortescue, director of the Springfield Museum of Art. “This affiliation enables us to showcase an even broader scope of exhibits and sustain a more vibrant public profile by sharing Smithsonian collections.”

The Springfield Museum of Art holds accreditation by the American Association of Museums, an achievement that helped garner the Smithsonian Affiliation. This distinction recognizes the museum’s adherence to best practices for museums. The Springfield Museum of Art exhibits strong, regionally focused collections of American art, which was also a factor in the decision-making process.

In addition to its local, regional and national exhibits, the Springfield Museum of Art regularly hosts community events, works with local schools to offer art education and teams with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for an outdoor summer concert series.

“It’s encouraging to see a local art museum have such a strong presence in the community,” said Harold Closter, director of Smithsonian Affiliations. “We’re proud to collaborate with the Springfield Museum of Art, because this museum is a true representation of the Smithsonian Affiliate Program’s continued push to broaden the experiences of museum-goers and the community as a whole.”

About Smithsonian Affiliations
Established in 1996, Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops collaborative partnerships with museums and educational and cultural organizations to share Smithsonian Institution resources with Americans in their communities. Smithsonian Affiliations works with affiliates to enrich communities with Smithsonian scholars, public programs and professional development opportunities. More information about the Smithsonian Affiliations program and a list of current affiliates are available at http://www.affiliations.si.edu.

About Springfield Museum of Art
Since 1946, the Springfield Museum of Art has served the region as a premier destination for the promotion, preservation, study and appreciation of historical and contemporary American artwork. Known for its amazing permanent collection and cutting-edge exhibitions, the museum collects, exhibits and preserves works of art for the benefit of all individuals while encouraging the education, participation and appreciation of the arts.

Visit the Museum at 107 Cliff Park Road – Springfield, Ohio 45501 – 937-325-4673

Museum Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday 12 pm – 4:30 pm
Monday CLOSED
Adults $5.00
Members and children 18 and under FREE
Wittenberg Students, Alumni, Staff and Faculty Members FREE
Sundays FREE

CityFolk Volunteer Registration Now Open

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Volunteer for the 2012 Cityfolk Festival, you’ll have fun and get a pretty cool t-shirt, too!

The Cityfolk Festival depends on the help of nearly 1,000 volunteers to make the Festival hum. The festival will run from Fri, June 29th through Sun, July 1st this year.  Volunteers greet Festival visitors at the entrance gates, pour beer as part of the Beer Crew, make sure the artists and staff are well fed as members of the Hospitality Crew, and much, much more. There’s a volunteer job for everyone!

If you’re willing to work at least one 3 hour shift, they need your help! All volunteers receive training and a free Cityfolk Festival Volunteer t-shirt. This year they’re using a new registration system that will make it easier for you to check on your shifts, and will remember you from year to year. Simply click here to get started.

Want to know the schedule first? They’ll start announcing artists at the end of March, and share the schedule in May.

Dynamite With A Laser Beam, DPO’S Rockin’ Orchestra Series Guaranteed To Blow Your Mind!

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Do you remember first time you heard the music of Beethoven, or stomped and clapped to “We Will Rock You” in a crowd? These shared experiences are so important and the arts are where we meet for such events. There’s a catch phrase I see around Dayton that I appreciate to the fullest, “Culture Creates Community.” This is being beautifully pulled off by the DPO with a series such as “Rockin’ Orchestra”

3 shows have come and gone in this seasons’ series, and the DPO has proven that music lovers of all ages are hungry to experience the soundtracks of their lives in a different way. I call this genre “Rockestra”. (I admit. I stole that word from an old “Wings” song title. It just seems to fit.) I’ve heard these called “jukebox musicals” but I don’t think that phrase captures the almost atom crushing power of what happens in the Schuster during these performances.

The current “Rockin’ Orchestra” season kicked off in Nov. of 2011with special guests, “Three Dog Night: Live with Orchestra”. In February the touring rockestra company “Windborne” brought “The Music of Pink Floyd”. I still have goose bumps from that show.

Last Saturday, “The Music of Queen. A Rock and Symphonic Spectacular”, rolled into town with a touring company from the UK led by guest conductor, Maestro Richard Sidwell.  This show, on the season calendar months in advance, was scheduled to run only one performance, 8:00. A sell out occurred quickly and the DPO added a second performance for 3:00 to fill the popular demand.

The company that brought us the “Queen” show this past weekend was comprised of theatrical performers who have been cast in various productions throughout London’s West End including, but not limited to, the musical, “We Will Rock You.”

“We Will Rock You” was written by British comedian and author Ben Elton in collaboration with “Queen” members Brian May and Roger Taylor and opened in London’s West End “Dominion Theatre” in 2002. The story is the classic tale of a misguided prophet as the central character, sent to warn the world about something and there’s doom against a dystopian back drop, all set to a heart pounding soundtrack. This musical was immediately panned by critics and lost the interest of Robert De Niro’s production company, “Tribeca”. That did not stop the show from going on. The musical has not only survived its critics, but continues to play to packed houses around the world and is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year.

Various cast members from this musical comprise a spinoff company specific to the London based show. Unlike other rockestra’s, they only do music as arranged for “We Will Rock You.” On tour they present the musical, without the story or the costumes. Included in this production touring company are 4 vocalists, a 6 piece rock band, (keys, guitars, bass, drums), and the original arranger of “We Will Rock You”, Maestro Richard Sidwell at the helm as conductor.

Including the DPO, over 70 musicians were on the stage for this spectacular; four vocalists, (Jenna Lee James, Rachael Wooding, Sean Jenness & Justin Sargent), lead the audience through 2 acts of the 27 song set list. They more than do Sidwell’s arrangements justice. Vocally stellar, they keep the energy in high gear from the first belted note to the encore.  The band was tight and in top form. Impeccable and talented, this ensemble cast really gave every sold out seat it’s money’s worth.

That said, I was disappointed in the “brand” of this show. The arrangements, although worthy of the high praise, were not the experience of the music of “Queen” and a live orchestra that I was ramped up for.  I was ready for eerie layered vocals and hypodermic guitars. The energy was there, the talent was there but the edge was not. Knowing Brian May has been loosely involved in the “We Will Rock You” production and reading about his hand picking “American Idol” star Adam Lambert to lead in a newly formed “Queen”, I understood where this vision might have come from.

I felt like amazing guitar players were almost hidden and didn’t surface accept for key moments such as the intro to “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Killer Queen” and “We Are the Champions”. Missing from the set list was “Best Friend” which features one of my all time favorite “Queen” guitar licks and vocal harmony tracks. Also missing, the backing vocal harmonies on “Somebody to Love”. This was a missed opportunity to redeem what was missing from the trademark “Queen” sound but was redirected to the big gigantic, (although perfectly delivered), ending. “Queen” is the only band in history to marry opera and rock, not just classical music and rock. As a fan, seeing any such performance that falls short of celebrating that core is not acceptable. Being a “feeler” it’s always more about the experience than the show. I wanted more goose bumps and expected more of an edge, but I respect the amount of hard work and skill that goes into a production like this.

Personal Highlights:

~ The intro piece,”Flash”. (my one goose bump moment)
~ The beautifully arranged and delivered “Who Wants to Live Forever”.
~ A very long haired guitar player head banging on stage with a full orchestra.
~The woodwind section laying down their instruments in their laps as Richard Sidwell turned to conduct the audience in the clapping on “Another One Bites the Dust” and stomping on “We Will Rock You”.
~ People of all ages raising their arms and swaying together during “We Are the Champions”.
~ The audience singing the entire second chorus of “Bohemian Rhapsody” without any vocals from the stage.

The Dayton Philharmonic is definitely right on track with bringing in a different demographic to discover what they do. The very pleasant surprise I got was the sight of elderly members of the crowd getting just as excited and animated during the songs as the younger folks. Community!

In a nutshell:
A heartfelt “2 stomps and a clap” for the touring company!  Dayton Philharmonic, You are the champions!

Check out the Dayton Philharmonic’s “Rockin’ Orchestra” series and all the other fine programs they offer! You’ll be glad you did!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ&ob=av2e’]

Bicycle Delivery and Messenger Service Now Open

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Dayton Cyclery, 506 Wayne Ave., is on the go in Dayton making deliveries to downtown residents, businesses and employees. The company serves all parts of downtown — including the Oregon Arts District, as well as the McPherson Town, St. Anne’s Hill and South Park neighborhoods and Miami Valley Hospital — delivering carry-out and grocery items from downtown restaurants and shops right to customers’ doors.

Dayton Cyclery can deliver any items less than 10 pounds for $5, and deliveries outside the primary service zone are $10. The business also sells cycling gear and offers a variety of bicycle repairs.

It’s open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 223-2453.

DPO presents Celtic Vistas with Cathie Ryan

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Dayton, the Celtic heart of Southwest Ohio.

No, I didn’t believe it either. Then I did a little poking around. It seems that there might be justification for such an expression.

For instance, there is the Annual Dayton Celtic Festival, which last year featured the Celtic (kel-tick, not sell-tick) bands Gaelic Storm, The Fuchsia Band, The Elders, Scythian, and Enter the Haggis (I’m not touching this one…).

Then one of my favorite haunts, The Dublin Pub, has a unique two-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The day before the feast day, March 16, the Pub holds rehearsals and calls it St. Practice Day. March 17, St. Patrick’s Day itself, is an all-day music festival starting at 7 am (!) that this year featured such Celtic groups as Bob Ford & The Ragamuffins, Castle Close, and the Miami Valley Pipes & Drums.

And Cityfolk hosts an annual Celtic Series.

But ever asked yourself what, exactly, is Celtic music? Answer Irish music, and you’d be right, sort of. If your ancestors were from Ireland, then you’re Celtic. The same holds true for folks from Scotland, of course. And Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Galicia, Cantabria, Asturias (Spain) and Portugal!

Still think Celtic music is just Irish music?

The term Celtic music derives from the music industry and encompasses a wide spectrum of music types that grew out of the folk musical customs of Celtic people.

So, say Celtic music, and you’re referring to both traditional music passed on literally by word of mouth as well as popular music that is recorded. It’s the music of the people of all 10 of those countries I referred to previously and whatever unique qualities each country’s music possesses.

Today, it’s become a great deal more than that.

Celtic music has incorporated elements from New Age, smooth jazz, folk rock, folk-punk, pop, rock, reggae, electronica, metal, punk, hip hop, Latin, and Andean. The new term for all of this is Celtic fusion (as opposed to confusion).

And, to further cloud the situation, if you write it and record it in a Celtic language, you can call it Celtic music.

All that aside, if you want to hear some of the very best Celtic music, you need to be at the Schuster Center at 8pm on either Friday, March 16 or Saturday, March 17 for the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s (DPO) presentation of Celtic Vistas with Cathie Ryan.

Featured on more than forty compilations of Celtic Music, Ryan has produced a critically acclaimed body of discography that includes Cathie Ryan, The Music of What Happens, Somewhere Along the Road, and The Farthest Wave.

Her recording successes notwithstanding, Ryan believes that there is nothing like a live show, being with an audience, and sharing the music. “That is the best part of being a singer and writing songs,” she states.

If you follow Irish music, you’ll remember Ryan being in the famous Irish music collection, A Woman’s Heart – A Decade On, placing her amongst Irish music’s finest female vocalists and songwriters. It was the first time Americans were featured in the series, and she shared the honor with Allison Krauss, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris.

Irish America Magazine voted Ryan one of the Top 100 Irish Americans. Chicago’s Irish American News honored her as Irish Female Vocalist of the Decade, and the LA Times recently named her, “One of the leading voices in Celtic music.”

No less stars in their own right, the members of Ryan’s band know – and perform – the genre brilliantly.

As a young child, New-York-born Matt Mancuso (fiddle, trumpet, octave mandolin, guitar, vocals) got his introduction to Irish Music from his father Pete, a respected guitarist and record producer. Mancuso studied with the renowned musician and teacher Maureen Glynn and went on to compete in the prestigious All Ireland competitions, placing second in three consecutive years. Not bad for an Italian-Irish American in what can be a very closed musical society.

The star fiddle player in Lord of the Dance and a founding member of the rousing ensemble The Mickey Finns, Mancuso has taken star turns in tours with Irish super-group Grada.

Percussionist Brian Melick’s career in World Music spans over 30 years and includes playing with a diverse range of musicians, being featured on over 250 commercial recordings, and sharing his love of percussion both as an educator and a consultant to school arts programs.

Dancers from The Richens/Timm Academy, one of the most recognizable and respected names in the world of Irish dance, will join Ryan and the band on stage.

So, whether or not you’re Irish the rest of the year, come to the Schuster Center and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the DPO, Assistant Conductor Paddy O’Reynolds (the rest of the year, he’s Patrick Reynolds), The Richens/Timm Academy dancers, and Cathie Ryan and her band, for the very best music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany….

No matter. It’s all good.

It’s all Celtic.

South by Southwest Interactive: Emerging Ideas

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South by SouthWest Interactive was a huge discovery for me when I first attended in 2011. Everything was new and incredible. This year, I’m every bit as excited about all the new ideas and technology, and SXSW has definitely  delivered.

This year, I was selected to speak on a panel called “It’s Alive: Interactive Machines that Captivate”. South by Southwest has an intense selection process, so it was a huge honor for me. I was also excited to have accomplished co-panelists: Nathan Martin, CEO of Deeplocal, FK Funderburke from SapientNitro, Justin Bayer, founder of Welcome to College, and our moderator, Arundi Venkayya Cox, editor of Dayton B2B.

At SXSW, you never know how popular a session will be, but our room was full of people. I shared two of Real Art’s interactive machines, The Santa Claw and our Dip-A-Drip pitching machine for 7-Eleven. We had a lively discussion about the risks and rewards of interactive robotic projects, and each of us shared the ways other brands can develop campaigns that use these techniques. I was glad to see our panel discussion transition into a lot of great audience questions. I can’t think of any better way to kick off the SXSW experience. Our slideshow is available on Slideshare.

There are a lot of new ideas emerging this year, so I’m sharing a few favorites before heading out for a few more panels:

In-person Connections: Facebook connects many of us online. With the proliferation of smart phones that have geolocation tools, social apps are popping up that connect humans in the real world. The app Highlight is talked about a lot this year. Using GPS combined with a Facebook login, it shows you other people that are close by that share common interests. That is pretty handy at a large conference like this.

Data: There is still a lot of untapped potential in all the data generated by our online activities. Data visualization was an emerging trend last year. This week, Visual.ly announced the launch of their platform that allows anyone to easily create visualizations.

In case you’re not sure that data is an important focus:

“90% of the data in the world today has been created in the last two years alone.” – IBM

Dynamic Pricing: The growing mobile market is opening opportunities for retailers to engage customers and draw them offline, as well as to enable dynamic pricing. It’s been mentioned in a lot of talks, and two focused on it. One was from the founder of Loopt.com, the other session featured Julia Fitzgerald, Chief Digital Engagement Officer at Sears.

Transmedia: Storytelling through transmedia is a big theme this year. It represents the idea of storylines crossing platforms to reach fans in different ways, such as combining video with Twitter with an online chat. On Saturday, the producers of Bravo’s Top Chef shared the process behind creating the online Top Chef Last Chance Kitchen, where chefs could interact with an online audience for a chance to reappear on the show.

There are also a lot of creative promotions that aim to capture the attention of attendees. Here’s one, a twitter-connected vending machine that dispenses journals to anyone that follows @bohemianllc on Twitter.

I’m glad to still be here, finding new ideas and interesting people wherever I turn (some of them from Dayton!), and I’m headed back to more panels today to find more new technology to absorb.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SXSW Brings Talent From Both Sides of the Ohio River to Austin

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The South By Southwest (SXSW) Music and Media Conference — a series of creative events held every spring celebrating underground music, independent film and innovative technology through trade shows, panel discussions, conferences and performances at Austin Convention Center — kicked off this past Friday. SXSW music festival brings in nearly 2,000 acts, national and international, to play for six nights. Austin lures thousands of music lovers from all over to register and get their fill of the stuff they love: music and excitement.

“It isn’t one of the standard festivals of our time. It celebrates simply being a musician or a fan or a follower. This place, South By Southwest, [you will] find that essential noise,” said Irish singer, songwriter, humanitarian Bob Feldof at SXSW in his 2011 keynote.

And to anyone who’s been following Ohio’s indie-rock music scene, it’s probably no surprise to them these local bands are taking the spotlight at SXSW this month. These are the artists we search on YouTube to watch nearby locales get rocked by the sounds that once rang out of Cincinnati, Dayton, or Athens. Let’s take a look at the showcasing bands from our turfs.

Wussy (Cincinnati)

What to call them: Chuck Cleaver (vocals, guitar), Lisa Walker (vocals, guitar), Mark Messerly (bass, keys), Joe Klug (drums)

Where you’ve seen them: Northside Tavern

Their sound: Walker adds balance with her airy crooning to Cleaver’s puling backups and regular bouts of feisty outbursts. Klug’s hard-hitting drums sound like a ticking time bomb for the emotive vocalists. Wussy’s banging, gritty guitars and hefty distortion take us back to ‘90s garage rock.

Tracks to check out: A presence of tension between ex-lovers Cleaver and Walker in “Asteroid” exists in their heart-to-heart about feelings unknown to us. “Pulverized” is a group effort where bandmates join forces and chant to share the happiness of being in love, inviting enough to encourage listeners to sing along.

What makes them awesome: Despite recognition in SPIN and Rolling Stone, Wussy haven’t lost their heads as a result. Walker acknowledges Cincinnati’s music scene by telling Village Voice, “People play music here (Cincinnati) because they love to do it. It’s their outlet. When you live here, you have the free time to do that — have a family, have a job and you can go play in a band.”

What’s in store: After taking the stage at SXSW on March 13, Wussy arrive home on March 24 to play at Northside Tavern to celebrate the establishment’s 10-year anniversary.

More at: Official Site | Facebook

 

The Lions Rampant (Cincinnati area)

What to call them: Stuart MacKenzie (lead vocals, guitar), Johnny Walker (guitar, vocals, harmonica, bass), Richard Sherman (guitar, bass) Matthew Ayers (drums, vocals)

Where you’ve seen them: MidPoint Music Festival (four times), Northside Tavern, MTV

Their sound: The Lions Rampant are just feel-good and rugged; the kind of band that puts on shows in a buddy’s basement and where that sweaty guy can be seen flailing around among the others who don’t have a care in the world besides their friends and the music around them.

Tracks to check out: Lions’ SXSW showcasing artist promo video for “Crazy or a Liar” is up on YouTube. Not only is the video entertaining (anyone up for tribal cannibalism?) but the song is electric. “Lights On” sounds like it was recorded at a rowdy house party; but the tracks on It’s Fun Doing Bad Things were laid down in a trailer way out in the boonies of Burlington, Ky. A band that can bring this much fist-pumping energy makes any Kentuckian or Ohioan proud. Kentucky’s stereotypes of race tracks and moonshine and Ohio’s stock banalities of cornfields and the good ol’ Buckeyes are all meaningless when The Lions Rampant is around — forget the clichés. Go crazy.

What makes them awesome: As if MacKenzie’s tawny curls weren’t lion-like enough, the group takes an in-your-face approach to their name by performing in lion suits.

What’s in store: Soon after they pack up their gear at the SXSW performance on March 13, they’re hitting up Mainstay in Cincinnati on April 29 to promote the release of their 7-inch, which features new songs “Crazy or a Liar” and “The Push and Pull.”

More at: Official Site | Facebook

 

Motel Beds (Dayton)

What to call them: Tommy Cooper (guitar), Ian Kaplan (drums), PJ Paslosky (vocals), Derl Robbins (guitar), Tod Weidner (bass)

Where you’ve seen them: Southpark Tavern, Canal Street Tavern

Their sound: Motel Beds’ crisp guitar sounds make the band seem like a ‘60s and ‘70s British Invasion throwback. The indie-rock band could blend in with bands like The Who, and Paslosky’s scratchy voice has charismatic similarities to Jagger’s.

Tracks to check out: “Laugh Until You Die” is a simple, harmonious song that emphasizes Paslosky’s vocal orchestration with the sound of fingers zipping down an acoustic’s strings. “Tango Boys” does carry a particular sweetness but is more mind-bending and dreamlike. How Interpol and TV on the Radio cast feelings of sitting in a dark and empty room with an unseen musical power, Motel Beds set up a mental disposition that’s spacey like Modest Mouse’s The Moon & Antarctica.

What makes them awesome: They invited new-wave/garage-rock singer Kelley Deal, another Gem City native, to sing on “Tropics of the Sand” — a romantic song fragile lovers would want to listen to while locking lips for the very first time.

What’s in store: No word on what is next for Motel Beds after SXSW on March 13, but continue checking their website and become a fan on Facebook (as you should for all of these bands) for information on upcoming shows.

More at: Motel Beds Official Site | ReverbNation

 

Southeast Engine (Athens)

What to call them: Adam Remnant (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Jesse Remnant (bass, vocals), Billy Matheny (piano, organ, guitar, banjo), Leo DeLuca (drums)

Where you’ve seen them: Northside Tavern

Their sound: On one hand, the banjo plucking and the Remnant brothers’ sharp vocals ring similar to Middle Brother and Monsters of Folk. On the other hand, Southeast Engine don’t restrict their music to southern influence. The power of Matheny’s organ and the band’s guitars take over and bring on the handclaps from the audience.

Tracks to check out: The organ and fast picking in “Holy Ghost” makes this song stand out against the others, knocking the rest of the mellifluous tracks out of the water. Adam and Jesse’s vocals ride the rattling current of DeLuca’s percussion. This twangy jam has a way-out-west feel, and the wind chimes add a new ingredient, proving the song is of its own flavor. “Malcontent” masters the art of segueing from one emotion and style to the next in just four minutes.

What makes them awesome: Last year, Adam and Black Swans’ Jerry DeCicca went on a living room tour in exchange for bars and music venues. The two played, unplugged, in several Ohioans’ living rooms, where roughly 40-50 others gathered to watch.

What’s in store: After SXSW (March 15), Southeast Engine head back to Athens to play at Casa Nueva on April 3. Next is a show at The Treehouse in Columbus on April 21.


 

R. Ring (Dayton, Ohio) (Dayton, Ky.)

What to call them: Kelley Deal (The Breeders) and Mike Montgomery (Ampline)

Where you’ve seen them: Carnegie Arts Center

Their sound: Rocking two guitars, Deal and Montgomery have a quirky, unique sound that remains quite the mystery to anyone who hasn’t been to their shows. Deal describes it to Huntsville Times as “up-tempo and quieter stuff; kind of across the board.”

Tracks to check out: R. Ring have yet to officially release any recordings, but you can check out a small handful of clips from live performances on YouTube.

What makes them awesome: After kicking a heroin habit in the ‘90s, Deal has turned to knitting for comfort. She released a book in 2008 (“Bags That Rock: Knitting on the Road with Kelley Deal”) and will be holding a knit-a-long in Austin after SXSW. Like Adam Remnant of Southeast Engine, R. Ring have also been in cahoots with Jerry DeCicca (they performed together on Feb. 20 in Alabama at Crossroads Music Hall).

What’s in store: They play at SXSW on March 15 and plan on releasing a 7-inch followed by a full-length through Misra Records as soon as possible. April 18 marks R. Ring’s return to Ohio to perform at the Taft Theater.

More at: R.Ring Official Site

 

 

If you’re not in Austin now, there’s always next year. SXSW continues to get bigger and bigger, so make sure to  register through the website early. And if you are there, enjoy seeing our friends on stage doing what they love in front of those who love it. It starts tonight.

 

DVAC Presents: The Cline Show

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By Ashley Malloris

The Dayton Visual Arts Center presents The Cline Show, an exhibition of bold new works by 17 art and design undergrads. DVAC established this annual program in memory of Barbara C. Cline, former DVAC staffer, who affected the lives of hundreds of student interns and emerging artists before her sudden passing in 2006.

Through the Cline Show program, art and design students are nominated by faculty from Central State University, Miami University, Sinclair Community College, University of Dayton, Wittenberg University and Wright State University. Nominated students are also eligible to interview for the program’s three mentorships, in which winners take on the roles of curator, registrar and preparator for the exhibition. DVAC provides specialized training to these artists through the process of organizing and participating in a professional gallery exhibition.
This year, DVAC visitors will enjoy prints, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, installation and video from students representing Sinclair Community College, University of Dayton and Wright State University. Maggie McCollum, Sinclair Community College, is represented by her richly-toned, cropped figurative portraits. Ashley Malloris, Wright State University, presents bright and playful still life prints. The Cline Show is one of DVAC’s most dynamic, diverse and anticipated exhibitions of the year — that our audiences enjoy tremendously and many times walk away as proud owners of art by emerging Dayton artists.

By Maggie McCollum

Exhibiting artists are: Suzanne Bock (Wright State University), Wesley Brown (Sinclair Community College), Jacob Compston (Sinclair Community College), Patricia Emerson (Sinclair Community College), Kate Ervin (Wright State University), Ben Girmann (University of Dayton), Megan Hague (Wright State University), Clayton Kindred (University of Dayton), Lisa Lorek (University of Dayton), Ashlee Malloris (Wright State University), Alicia Marshall (Sinclair Community College), Maggie McCollum (Sinclair Community College), Rebecca Roman (University of Dayton), Heather Sandy (University of Dayton), William Stauffer (Wright State University), Ali Stonerock (Sinclair Community College), and Kyle Wilkinson (Wright State University).

The Dayton Visual Arts Center provides art for the community and a community for artists. DVAC receives operating support from the Ohio Arts Council, Culture Works, Montgomery County and the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation.

When
Exhibition on View
March 2-24, 2012

Gallery Talk
Friday, March 10, 4 p.m.

Where
Dayton Visual Arts Center
118 N. Jefferson St.
Dayton, OH 45402

Gallery Hours
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday Closed Sunday and Monday

Dayton Ballet’s “The Spring Series”

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Justin Koertgen and Erica Lehman Downey (photo by sskphoto)

The Spring Series, at Victoria Theatre from March 15 – 18, 2012, will feature four ballets in one amazing performance:  two world-premiere ballets:  one by Dayton Ballet’s Ballet Master, Justin Koertgen titled Violin Concerto and performed to Max Bruch’s Violin Concertos #2 and #3; 2011 New Music for New Dance choreography winner, Susanne Payne’s Parádeigma; and two ballet revivals:  Dermot Burke’s Interlude, performed to Dmitri Shostakovitch’s Piano Concerto No.2, Op. 102 and Gregory Robinson’s Hot Riffs and Blue Notes, performed to music by The Pointer Sisters.  For tickets visit TicketCenterStage.com or call 937-228-3630.

A feature on the program, Violin Concerto, is choreographed by Dayton Ballet’s 11 year veteran, Justin Koertgen, and is a return to the pure roots of classical ballet.  With tutus, tiaras, and tunics, Violin Concerto, is performed to Max Bruch’s Violin Concertos #2 and #3 with the elegance, energy and glorious partnering of true ballet.

Dayton favorite, GregoryRobinson, presents his popular revival, Hot Riffs and Blue Notes, performed to the melodically-layered music of The Pointer Sisters.

Dermot Burke, former Executive and Artistic Director of Dayton Ballet, returns with his revival, Interlude. This Neo-Classical ballet is danced by two couples to the romantic Piano Concerto No. 2, Op 102, by Dmitri Shostakovitch.

Grant Dettling and Halliet Slack (photo by sskphoto)

The Spring Series program concludes with a contemporary ballet choreographed by Dayton native, Susanne Payne.  Susanne is the 2011 Choreography winner of New Music for New Dance.  Her world premiere ballet, Parádeigma, pushes the company dancers to explore their limitations both physically and mentally.  Parádeigma challenges the dancers and audience to move beyond their perceptions of what traditional ballet should be.  The goal is for all is to experience the freedom achieved by breaking loose from the routine.

Performances of The Spring Series are at theVictoria Theatre, March 15, 16, & 17 at 8:00 pm, and March 17 and 18 at 3:00 pm.

Tickets are on sale now! Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or (888) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.  Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Noon-4 p.m. and two hours prior to each performance.

TICKET CONTEST

We have four pairs of tickets to give away for this show, courtesy of the Dayton Ballet!  Simply likethis article to share with your FB friends, and then comment below.  We’ll announce winners Wednesday March 14th at 2pm – good luck!

Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus – Benefit Musicale IV

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The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus has announced the fourth annual Benefit Musicale, “The Director’s Cut”, to be held on March 17th, in the beautiful cloister of the Dayton Art Institute.  The evening begins with a cocktail hour (cash bar) from 6-7pm, with hor’s d’oeuvres prepared by Elegant Fare.  Entertainment will be provided by the DGMC Ensemble, accompanied by Raymonde Rougier, and under the Artistic Direction of Jason Coatney-Schuler.  In addition, Dayton’s own RubiGirls will be on hand with their comedic drag interpretations and as accompaniment to the chorus, who will perform yet unheard selections from last season’s “Let’s Hear it For the Boys” concert.

There will be a Silent Auction, chock full of art items, experiences, and themed baskets, with additional live auction items, including a 6 day/6 night African Safari trip for two (Zula Nyala in South Africa) and opening night tickets to Carrie Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking” performance at the Victoria Theatre.

In the midst of its ninth performance season, the DGMC is preparing for a high-energy, fast-paced, “ExtrABBAganza” concert on June 2, 2012, at the Victoria Theatre, featuring the music of the iconic Swedish band ABBA.  Proceeds from the March benefit will be specifically earmarked to help to produce the June concert.  Board President, Allen Kimbrough notes, “the selection of music of ABBA for our Summer concert follows on the heels of the DGMC’s success from last year’s Let’s Hear it For the Boys performance at the Victoria.”  The DGMC, along with six other men’s choruses across the country, commissioned nationally recognized composer, David Maddux to arrange the music for this concert.  Kimbrough adds,  “it was our first venture at commissioning a choral work and the collaborative process proved to be a milestone in our history”.  The chorus will again bring Mr. Maddux’s talents to the Dayton Region, as he is the composer/arranger for the June ABBA tribute concert.

Though fast approaching a sell out, advanced tickets for “The Director’s Cut” Benefit Musicale are still available, $60.00 each, or a table of ten $600.00.  Tickets may be purchased through any chorus member, or by contacting tickets@daytongaymenschorus.org

Women in Business Networking to Recognize Miami Valley’s 2011 Top Women to Watch Nominees

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Miami Valley’s most influential women—as named February 2011 by Women in Business Networking as the Top 25 Women to Watch—will be honored during an awards ceremony and gala this Saturday, March 10. The Oscars-themed event will take place starting at 6:30 p.m., Dayton Country Club, 555 Kramer Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio.

Entering its fourth year, WiBN’s Top 25 Women to Watch program recognizes women from a notable list of candidates. This includes women who are exceptional in their roles, respected in their field, and causing more than a ripple in the public arena and in their communities. The ‘watchables’ are influential women who stand out for leadership, community service, and professional achievements.

“There are now 100 remarkable women on WiBN’s ‘watchable’ list, including the new group of 25 (named February 10, 2012). Many of these individuals will be attending the 2011 awards ceremony. WiBN is known for building relationships so women will achieve career and personal success through education, resources, and recognition”, says Jeanne Porter, WiBN founder and president.

Sponsors for the 2011 Top 25 Women to Watch gala are Deck the Walls, Kettering, and Windward Design Group LLC, Dayton/Eaton. Celebrity MC for the event is Michelle Kingsfield, WDTN-TV. Photography is being provided by Easterling Studios, Dayton. Live entertainment is planned for the evening.

Honorees from Top 25 Women to Watch 2011:

  • Debbie Agnew, Owner, Bella Garden Florals
  • Shondale Atkinson, CEO and Founder, The Mustard Seed Foundation
  • Regina Bier, Detective, Kettering Police Department / Scuba Program Coordinator, Adjunct Faculty Wright State University
  • Molly Bordonaro Hall, School Secretary, Fairborn Digital Academy
  • Sarah Carter, Principal, Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling
  • Melissa Cutcher, Director of Business Development, Better Business Bureau
  • Shana Douglas, Global Marketing Digital Brand Strategist, La Senza
  • Amy Gantt, Owner, Lula Bell Designs
  • Lyn Hogrefe, Executive Director, Happy Hormone Cottage
  • Barbara Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Miami Valley Hospital
  • Iris Juergens, Development Director, St. Vincent DePaul
  • Michelle Kaye, Vice President & Community Relations Director, PNC Bank
  • Yvette Kelly-Fields, Executive Director, updayton / Owner and President, FundSource
  • Katrina Kittle, Author
  • Elizabeth Lenon Van Dine, Founder, Dayton Love 146
  • Jennifer Mason Andrade, Owner, Luv Bug Pet Nanny
  • April Mescher, Vice President of National Accounts, Excellence In Motivation
  • Cheryl Oliver, Executive Director, Oasis House
  • Beth Redden, Legacy Partnership Development Officer, The Dayton Foundation
  • Marta Rey, Owner/President, Marta Rey European Skin Care
  • Jennifer Reitz, Voice Pathologist, The Blaine Block Institute
  • Susan Sparks, Chief Business Development Officer, American Red Cross
  • Sasha VanDeGrift, Litigation Associate, Coolidge Wall
  • Marcia Venus, Owner/Principal, Venus Leadership
  • Teresa Zumwald, Owner/President, Zumwald & Company

About Women in Business Networking (WiBN)

WiBN—the leading organization for women in business—provides forums for building relationships so women will achieve career and personal success through education, resources, and recognition. WiBN’s circle of influence and frequent programs have reached more than 1,500 women living and working in the Greater Dayton, Ohio, region. Women from all walks of life participate in WiBN: leaders and employees of corporate, nonprofit and community organizations; entrepreneurs and small-business owners; and women in career transition. Founded in 2008, WiBN currently offers ten programs:

  • a weekly e-newsletter, Monday Morning Moments;
  • a weekly club of Toastmasters International, Downtown Morning Toasters;
  • a monthly Lunch N Learn with a featured speaker;
  • a monthly “Hot Topic” Koffee Talk with a facilitator;
  • monthly roundtables for small-business owners, Entrepreneur Groups;
  • a bimonthly social event, After5 Business Showcase, at a local venue;
  • a quarterly Leadership Series workshop, Winstitute;
  • an annual 25 Women to Watch recognition program;
  • an annual, daylong professional development conference; and
  • an annual, optional membership for event and member-to-member discounts, Status +Plus.