Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Lisa Grigsby

Maxim Names 15 Best BBQ Sauces- 2 From Miami Valley

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Maxim Magazine recently released their 15 Best Damn Barbecue Sauces in America list.
According to the online article they used research from the National Barbecue News events to create their list:

The National Barbecue News holds two events every year that are NBN Rubs of Honor logofocused on helping readers and subscribers find the best barbecue sauce and rubs for chicken, pork, and beef. In 2017 we celebrate our 7th year of hosting and organizing these events that ANYONE can enter, regardless if you are a commercially available product or just a backyard enthusiast with a great product. Below you will find our winners list sorted for your convenience. We will also be posting up applications for upcoming events here as wel

Broken down by meat choices, here are the top 5 in each category for 2017.

Pork Sauces

#1  Roadhouse Blues by 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q

This Rustic Outdoor Eatery is open Thursday through Sunday at 10542 East State Route 73 in Waynesville on the grounds of the Renaissance Festival. Pitmasters Chris Cavender and Mike Tenore  have proved to be a winning combination at 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q.

Beef Sauces

3. Chief Smoky by Company 7 BBQ

This business founded by a family of firefighters has been winning awards since 2011. Visit them seven days a week at 1001 S. Main Street in Englewood, just off highway 70. They even have a drive through and a private banquet room that can seat about 100.

 

To see the lists in their entirety click here.

 

The Sons of Italy Invite You to Play Ball- Bocce Ball!

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In 1995, a group of bocce (pronounced BAH-chee) enthusiasts from the Sons of Italy in Dayton decided to host a small tournament in an effort to promote the game and their Italian heritage to the surrounding community.

The first tournament, played on five clay courts sported over 40 teams and was sparsely attended by those not familiar with the game. Little did those founders know, that this little tournament would become the unofficial “Ohio State Championship” and introduce thousands to their favorite pastime.

Since those days, The Bocce Classic has grown into an annual 3 day event that last year added an amateur contest.   They will be continuing with that on Friday night, July 21st, partnering  with UpDayton, who will benefit from the proceeds of this one night tournament.  The Bocce Bash,

Kevin Sorrice (center) with 2016 Bocce Bash champs

designed for those that are new to the game, will be just a part of the Friday night fun, with a 15 food truck rally and live entertainment. If you can roll a ball, you can play bocce! You just roll a big ball down the court toward a smaller ball. Whoever gets closest to the small ball (the pallina) gets a point. Teams of 4 will compete in a single elimination tournament with the winning team getting $200 cash and bragging rights.  Grab some friends, form a team and have some fun- sign up here.  Long time lodge member and Bocce enthusiast Kevin Sorrice explains, “While bocce was traditionally played by men, today women and kids enjoy the game as well. It’s a game that brings people together and you can play with a beer in your hand.”

For the more serious bocce players, consider the 2 day Bocce Classic Tournament.  This event, which kicks off on Sat, July 22nd has brought in teams from Canada, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky in the past. Teams of 4 will compete for some serious prize money:  First $2500 Second $1500 Third $1000.  You can find more info and entry forms online.

Since 1995, this event has generated proceeds of $208,000 for the support of local charities, the Bocce Classic Scholarship, and Italian Cultural endeavors. In addition to the competition of the game of Bocce, GarlicFest will be back with food & craft vendors, beverages along with the selected charities and their booths are part of the festivities as well as a garlic eating contest and a Prince tribute band.  This free event takes place on 10 acres of tree covered grounds and organizers are  expecting approximately 5,000 people to attend this event.

Dining Deals for Father’s Day 2017

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Want to show your Dad he’s something special? Here’s our list of restaurants offering deals to help you  honor your Father this Sunday, June  18th.  Please let us know if you have a local favorite we can add to the list!  Thanks!

  • Applebee’s: Get a $10 bonus gift card with the purchase of $50 or more in gift cards until 7/2. Bonus cards valid until 8/13.
  • Beef O’Brady’s | Dads eat free with purchase of equal or greater value, up to $10
  • Bonefish Grill: Get a $10 bonus gift card with the purchase of $50 or more in gift cards until 6/18. Bonus cards valid upon next visit from 5/15 through 7/21.
  • Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Get a $10 bonus gift card with every $50 spent in gift cards until 6/18. Bonus cards valid upon next visit from 5/15 through 7/21.
  • Edible Arrangements: Receive a free 12 count box of Celebration Swizzle Berries with the purchase of the Ultimate Father’s Day Gift.
  • Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: Have a 35 oz. Prime Tomahawk Steak served as part of a three-course menu for only $89, available 6/16 until 6/18.
  • Frisch’s celebrates Dad with a FREE Fathers’s Day Breakfast Bar with the purchaseof breakfast bar, any sandwich or mini meal.
  • McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks: Get a steak and lobster entree for $28.
  • The Melting Pot: Melting Pot locations across the country are offering many different discounts on Father’s Day, such as endless fondue. Call your local Melting Pot for details.
  • Olive Garden: Get a $10 bonus gift card with every $50 gift card purchase until 6/25. Bonus cards valid from 7/1 until 7/31.
  • Omaha Steaks: Get four free burgers and free shipping with the purchase of a Father’s Day combo pack.
  • Spaghetti Warehouse is celebrating Dad’s special day by treating him to his choice of Lasagne or any Original Recipe Spaghetti Entree
  • Ruby Tuesday: Get a $15 bonus card for every $50 in gift cards you buy.

A Decade of Dumaine Ends July 2nd

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I knew it was coming, yet hearing the words out of Chef Anne Kearney’s mouth, “we’re closing down,” just hurt.

On so many levels Rue DuMaine  changed the course of dining in Dayton.  When Anne, a James Beard Winning Chef, and her husband Tom opened Rue Dumaine in 2007,  they set the standards high with Americanized version of classic French flavors. Duck rillette crepes, crispy Herb de Provence frog legs, Cabernet braised short ribs, classic cocktails and a standard of service that was casual and welcoming, with a keen eye for detail.  Each plate that came out of the kitchen at Rue lived up to Anne’s motto “Food of Love”

Tom served on the Miami Restaurant Association Board when I was President and we worked to bring more attention to our local food scene.  I can remember pitching story ideas to Mark Fisher at the Dayton Daily News and being told, “we’ve already done a food story this month.”  But Rue DuMaine helped changed that.  Anne’s insistence on working with local farmers, showcasing them in her regular newsletters, her collaborations with other area female chefs, they all turned Dayton’s food scene into something worth writing about.

I talked with Chef Anne last night, as she was composing her farewell letter and you could hear the pain and pride in her voice.  It’s been a rough road for her, fighting brain aneurysms, cancer, family illnesses, but the final nail in the coffin in this chapter of the Dumaine story was the sale of the shopping center to out of state investors and a sudden 80% increase in real estate taxes on the business that just became insurmountable.

Yet with strength and charm, she penned this love letter to her customers:

  Thank you! Thank you to any and all for your support of our efforts since November 2007. Tom and I returned from NOLA with a great deal of ambition, “We will make great things happen in Dayton, How hard can that be?” Sadly, due to circumstances beyond our control Bar Dumaine, Rue Dumaine and Anne Kearney will serve our last meals at 1061 Miamisburg-Centerville Road on Sunday, July 2nd, 2017

        Until that day we will open at 11 am, seven days a week. The details of our demise are known to many but ultimately we have run the course of our lease and were unable to come to a mutually agreed upon resolution in order for us to stay at this location.

During the past 10 years, I have grown to love my hometown of Dayton with greater appreciation. The quality of people that have become part of the RD/BD krewe has been pleasing for this childless woman. Watching the younger ones literally grow up before my very eyes. Many have completed their collegiate journey, met their true mates and even started families of their own. Others have gone on to make great things happen in the culinary world. I have so enjoyed watching their crafts defined and refined.

The farming community that has collaborated with me to bring quality, locally grown products to the table has been a rewarding experience, I am blessed for their efforts, I will miss those relationships. Our guests, you will not be forgotten, some of you I truly consider family. I have come to know many of you beyond a name and a face. You have shared your accomplishments, as well as your disappointments. I have enjoyed watching your love ignite, families develop, and children grow as well as offered comfort to you in times of despair.

Yes, my heart is broken. I will somehow find a way to mend and I hope in my efforts, I will be able to create a space for you to join me again for a great dining experience. I will keep all of you posted on when and where this journey takes me next and ultimately how I intend to get myself back to Dayton so I am able to feed you once again.  I will likely take a respite from the owner/operator world to delve, discover and develop new culinary related skills.

Despite my efforts and the efforts of many to find the right place to relocate, we have come up empty handed. This leaves me with 34 employees and a restaurant full of quality equipment and amenities to find new homes for (including that beautiful bar and wine cellar). If you or anyone you know are interested in anything you see or use during your dining experience at BD, please reach out to me. It all needs a new home. [email protected]

Many of the Bar DUMAINE krewe have already gotten jobs, taken interviews or received offers and taken jobs. However, if you are industry linked with direction and/or in need of a great employee, please reach out.

Now I ask of you, one thing. Help me to say goodbye to this fine establishment by showing us your support as we “ride the wave to the shore.”

As per our usual, standard operating procedure, I, Anne Kearney will not compromise the quality of ingredients and dining services as the days begin to quickly fade away. I do appreciate your good wishes and curiosities about my next step. I will find my way into a professional position that will satisfy me while I rebuild and recharge. I will not lose you, those of you that have made a strong connection with me, or my food. I will continue to reach out with information about great things going on in the food world via my newsletters.

Let me know if you would like to be added to my newsletter list, 937.610.1061

Thank you so very much for reading my story, Anne Kearney

And while this is the end of this chapter in Chef Anne’s life, we have no doubt that after a summer spent wrapping up this business, some time off to rest, and rediscover herself, the future is still bright for this talented, charming and caring women, who gives so much of herself to others.

Let’s send her off with a rousing last month of business at Bar Dumaine and thank her for 10 years of fantastic food. Upcoming events at the Washington Township eatery include:

Tuesday 6-13: BD cellar favorites– Anne’s pulling several bottles from Bar DUMAINE wine cellar, “hidden treasures” she’s found during the last inventory. This is going to be fun. I will see what we can come up with for tasty treats to dine on as we move through as many wines as you are interested in.

 Thursday 6-15 from 6-9pm :Matt Schlop

He will be strumming his guitar and singing along to his favorite 60s & 70s

Sunday 6-18: Father’s Day Bruch

Monday 6-19: YELLOW SPRINGS BREWERY DINNER 6 pm, call now for reservations, seating is limited to 34 guests. The complete menu is below.

Tuesday 6-20: BEER Tasting TBA

Monday 6-26: Wine Dinner in the spirit of the ol’ RUE DUMAINE~
French flavors and wines all around. Michael Freeman stopped in yesterday with a fantastic line-up for this special event, ONE LAST TIME.  The 6 wines for this event are set into place. The menu is in the works, I am so excited about this, AWESOME! Limited seating 30 guests. Menu by June 11th.

Sunday, July 2nd: 12noon – 8pm
Join us for an OPEN HOUSE, good music, food, and libations will be flowing all day long.

Mamma DiSalvo’s 38th Anniversary = Dinner for Two for $38

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Elena DiSalvo (Mamma) her son, Chef Roberto DiSalvo, proudly celebrate the restaurants 38th anniversary this Thursday, June 8th by offering their homemade lasagna dinner, which comes with salad,bread and 2 large cannoli’s for just $38 tonight – Thursday.

Using Mamma’s family recipes, made fresh from scratch daily, Mamma’s truly is a family business, with 3 generations (Mamma, Chef Roberto and his son Vinnie) often found cooking together in the kitchen.

Whether it’s for dine in, take out or to catering for your office party, graduation or wedding, Mamma’s is proud to be a part of so many family celebrations in the Miami Valley for almost four decades. Mamma says, “We want to thank every customer of Mamma DiSalvos.  Please keep on coming, we love you guys and come back.”

To wind up the anniversary week, Mamma’s will host a car show in the parking lot Sunday, June 11th from 1-4pm.  Bring your antique, classic or custom car or truck out to show off. Cars will be on display in our back parking lot. DJ Dan Edwards will be our MC and tunes will be rocking!

Mamma’s will  have our pizza oven and grill out, with small pizza’s, hot dogs and sausage subs and soda for sale in the lot. The restaurant will open at 4:30pm.

About Mamma DiSalvo’s:

Rinaldo and Elena DiSalvo opened Mamma DiSalvo’s restaurant on July 8, 1979, with the help of Elena’s father Pasquale Berarado and their three sons, Nicola, Rinaldo Jr. and Roberto. Mamma DiSalvo’s restaurant started out small, serving their own family recipe from the Abruzzi Molise Region – One of Italy’s best kept secrets, and strive to provide your family with the best authentic Italian food in Dayton, Ohio

Even though Mamma DiSalvo’s has grown over the years, their traditions remain the same. The family still cooks everything from scratch using only the finest quality ingredients available. fresh meats and imported cheese, pasta and olive oil. The sauces and lasagna are made fresh daily by Roberto.

Friday is National Donut Day

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There’s something about Donuts that get people really excited.  That excitement level is rising for Friday’s celebration of National Donut Day, always celebrated the first Friday in June. National Doughnut Day started in 1938 as a fund raiser for Chicago’s The Salvation Army. Their goal was to help those in need during the Great Depression, and to honor The Salvation Army “Lassies” of World War I, who served doughnuts to soldiers.

Dayton is home to lots of independent shops, and yes a few of the national chains.  Don’t worry if you can’t get to all these donut stops at once, there are three other doughnut holidays: International Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day is widely recognized as June 8, National Cream-Filled Doughnut Day is celebrated on September 14 and Buy a doughnut Day occurs on October 30.

Here’s a round up the special promotions we know about  happening in the Miami Valley on Friday.  If we missed any, just let us know in the comments below.

Bear Creek Donuts –  80 S. Main Street in Miamisburg
Open daily at 6:30am

Wwill be offering a free 13th donut for every dozen purchased. This was our busiest day last year and they highly recommend preordering your donuts.  They’ll be sure to stock lots of their specialty donuts and will be bringing back their Monster Energy donut, that was a big hit last year.

Bill’s Donut Shop 268 N. Main St. in Centerville
open 24 hours

They’ve been cranking out the pastries for over 50 years and making lists  like Saveur magazine’s “The 50 Finest Donut Shops in America, USA Today’s “10 Great Places to Get Doughnuts,” Thrillists “best-in-the-U.S.” list and mentions on the Ellen tv show.  Bill’s will   be debuting a brand new donut and every one that visits will get a sample.

 

Cake, Hope & Love–  1490 N Fairfield Rd, Ste B in Beavercreek
Open noon – 6pm Mon- Tours, 11am – 5pm Saturday
CH & L will be abandoning their usual cupcakes for the day and will be serving up just donuts! But don’t worry cake nation- many of the fun flavors they are know for will be in doughnut form.  Look for Raspberry Red Velvet, Maple Bacon and salted caramel pretzel and of course their will be sprinkles, lots and lots of sprinkles.

 

District 6 Donuts–  6 Oakwood Ave, Dayton
Open 7AM – 8PM Daily – Sunday 10AM – 5PM

Making their debut this week, this shop, owned by retired police officer Bill Parson,  allows you to customize your golden fried delight by choosing your icing, toppings and drizzle for a custom selection.

Dunkin’ Donuts:  find a store near you 
Buy any beverage on Friday, June 2, and you’ll get a choice of any free doughnut at Dunkin.  They are also debuting two new donuts:

“The Vanilla Cake Batter Donut features vanilla-flavored cake batter filling, frosted with chocolate icing and topped with confetti sprinkles, while the Dunkin’ Donuts Sprinkles Donut is frosted with white icing and topped with pink and orange sprinkles shaped like the brand’s iconic ‘DD’ logo.

Jim’s Donut Shop – 122 E National Rd Vandalia
open 24 hours
Buy a large coffee and get a free donut.  Jim’s will also be offering a Special Spectacular Strawberry Donut, while supplies last

Each customer is welcomed to pick any style of doughnut—free of charge, no purchase required.

Stan the Donut Man –  1441 Wilmington Pike in Kettering
opens daily at 5am

Currently in the running to be voted “the Sweetest Bakery In America,” is offering a baker’s dozen (thirteen) for $7.90

The Donut Haus Bakery  – 305 W. Central Avenue in Springboro
Open daily 6am – 9pm

They are offering a Baker’s dozen for the price of a dozen,  Owner Mike Hemmert says, “this is my way of thanking my customers for their loyalty and patronage. We should sell over 800 doz. that day.”

Tim Horton’s – Find the one nearest you
Open 24 hours
Free donut with the purchase of any beverage

And finally I leave you with one of my favorite Mitch Hedberg bits about donuts!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R7n3vNcXW0

Announcing the first Levitt Dayton concert!

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Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the concert date.As a sneak peak to what will take place starting in 2018 on the Levitt Dayton stage, The Friends of Levitt Pavilion have announced a FREE Levitt Pavilion Preview Concert! The Levitt National Tour will present The Suffers on Thursday, August 17th at Dave Hall Plaza. The Suffers are a critical sensation and rising stars – an 8–piece powerhouse that will get you dancing to their fiery blend of Gulf Coast Soul meets rock meets funk!

Just as much influenced by classic rock & roll, country, Latin and Southern hip hop as they are the Stax/Volt or Muscle Shoals era.  Late night legend David Letterman proclaimed in early 2015 “If you cant do this, get out of the business”, let it be known that The Suffers are here to stay!  With a year that included performances for NPR’s Tiny Desk, Newport Folk Fest, Austin City Limits Music Festival and The Late Show, The Suffers have delivered over 150 stirring performances of their signature 3rd Coast Soul sound to thousands of new and old fans alike. The large ensemble packs each position of the rhythm and horn section with a level of talent and taste that provides the perfect foundation for singer Kam Franklin’s massive voice. The band’s sincerity and emotion are laid bare in their music, which has garnered an audience so broad and varied that they may prove to be the panacea for a jaded and stratified live music scene

 

Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the concert date.

The Levitt Pavilion is close to their $5 million goal to build a state-of-the-art music venue in Downtown Dayton. As of press time they $390,000 short of their goal and they are still looking for donors to help to close the gap. Donate online through the Dayton Foundation today and help make Levitt Pavilion Dayton a reality!! Every donation will make an impact, from $5 to $50,000 you will be part of Levitt Pavilion Dayton and help create a community through music. Donations of $2,500 and above will be permanently recognized in the park. Thank you to everyone in the community who has already contributed.

Wanna Own a Cupcake Truck?

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Jenny Cox launched one of Dayton’s first food trucks in 2011, when the GO CUPCAKE truck started rolling up at events around town. For six successful years she showed up at businesses, celebrated weddings, birthday parties, athletic events, neighborhood parties and plenty of Food Truck Festivals (selling more than 4000 cupcakes at one festival alone.

Cox says it’s been a sweet ride, but she’s now ready for something new. So she’s put the business up for sale.

 

According to the listing on Ebay.com you’ll get:

 

Absolutely everything you need to begin your own food truck adventure is all packed up in the fabulous Go Cupcake Food Truck. You provide the oven & fresh ingredients, we provide a turn key business opportunity with all the following sweet accompaniments:

  • The Cupcake Truck
  • The original Go Cupcake Business Plan will be included with sale
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Promotional Materials
  • Website

 

Grand Opening of DogBeery Brewing Taproom

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In 2014 Tony Meyer and Chris Fede opened the DogBerry Brewing company in West Chester. The two had met while working at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and became beer buddies, often venturing out to try different beer styles and then began brewing beer together.  What started as a hobby turning into DogBerry Brewing, the name derived from  names of the streets they lived on—Dog Leg Court and Twinberry Court.

The brewery was a big success, which Meyer credits to the expanding craft beer industry, the demographics in West Chester, and the lack of craft breweries in the area.  Such a success that the partners decided it was time to grow, so they’ve moved 4 miles down the road and the new taproom at 9964 Crescent Park Drive, will open today at 4pm.

DB2 is bigger- almost twice the size, they’ve doubled their taps from 10 to 20 and upgraded their equipment to become a 10-barrel brewhouse. You can check out DogBerry Brewing’s all NEW taproom, enjoy their fabulous craft beers and of course some delicious grub from the BrewCity Sausage “Brat Mobile”.

 

Learn To Kayak

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One day on-water course taught by our certified ACA instructors.

Discover the joy of kayaking! Or if you already kayak, do you want to build on your skills and enjoyment? This one-d
ay course is for you! Start your kayaking adventures off right by learning essential paddling and safety skills on calm water. This comprehensive course will cover equipment, strokes, paddling technique, capsizing, dealing with a swamped kayak, and re-entries. Come ready to get wet and have a good time on this skill and confidence building class. No experience necessary. We’ll show you that kayaking is an activity that everyone can enjoy.

You Can Join The Burger Club of Dayton

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Hamburgers are big business.  Nearly 60 percent of all sandwiches sold worldwide are actually hamburgers.  In America alone, 50 billion burgers are eaten in one single year!  If all Hamburgers eaten by Americans in a year are arranged in a straight line, it would circle our Earth 32 times or more!  Beef is also the most common meat used in burgers worldwide. Hamburgers, along with cheeseburgers, account for 71 percent of beef served in American eateries. Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice of cheese on burgers followed by American, blue cheese and Swiss.

Burger is actually the shortened name of Hamburger. The term, Hamburger, was derived from Hamburg steaks introduced in the US by German immigrants.  During World War I, the US government and soldiers referred hamburgers as ‘liberty sandwiches’ to avoid its German connection.

With so many fans of the beef patty, it’s no surprise that it has a fan club.  The  Burger Club of Dayton meets up each month at a different eatery, on a quest to find the region’s best burgers.  We found the club on Facebook and asked the Founder Fletch to tell us about the club:

How did the Burger Club begin?
  I started the Burger Club in August of 2016. I was watching Jeopardy and one of the contestants had mentioned that she was a member of a Burger Club where she lived.  I thought is was a Genius idea.

Who can attend your meet ups?
We welcome everyone. No age minimum or maximum. We’re definitely family friendly.

What happens at your meet ups?
We get together and socialize, order food and typically share food we think others in the Club might like.

How do you pick your burger spots?
 We keep it local.  We want to go to restaurants that are not a national chain,  We choose local businesses within 25 miles of Dayton. 

Bennett’s Burger

Where’s your favorite burger joint?
Some of the places that have stood out, so far, are Bennett’s Publical in Miamisburg, EO at the Greene and Bunker’s in Vandalia. 

What else should we know?
We’re a friendly group, averaging around 15 people each month.  You don’t have to eat a Burger, we don’t judge.  Come out and join us.

The next meeting of the burger club is  Tuesday, May 23 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at Sea Jax Tavern on Bigger Road in Kettering.

Hamburger Harley

And if that doesn’t fulfill your burger cravings, perhaps you should plan a visit to the Hamburger Hall of Fame in Seymour, Wisconsin, which claims to have the World’s Largest Collection of Hamburger-Related Items, or The International Hamburger Hall of Fame, aka The Hamburger Museum,  in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The Book Fair Roundup- Donate Your Books* Now

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The Book Fair Foundation is comprised of a group of civic-minded people who work together collecting books to support community charities, carrying on the good works the group began in 1970. They  work all year collecting books, media and findings and resell those during their annual Book Fair held during the second weekend in November at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

Money raised from the sale of books is donated to selected Dayton-area nonprofit organizations. In 2017, proceeds from the sale will benefit the Artemis Center, Caesar’s Ford Theatre and Discover Classical -Dayton Public Radio.

 

Through the generosity and cooperation of Grismer Tires they are extending Round Up at every Grismer location in the Miami Valley, Springfield and Troy from Monday, May 15th through Monday, May 22nd. Just bring your books inside to the barrel in the waiting room– don’t forget to get your receipt and new bookmark from the Grismer staff while you’re there.

On Saturday, May 20th, they’ll  also be at all their regular locations as well, from 10 am to 1 pm, and at our Book Loft Location, 2181 Embury Park Road, Dayton at least ’till 3 pm and probably longer.

Please note that we will not be collecting at Montgomery County Fairgrounds this spring, even though it said so in the ad– but we WILL be at Fairgrounds for our annual sale, this year September 8 -September 11, 2017.

The Book Fair Foundation is a 501c3 registered charity, and your donations are tax-deductible. Proceeds from this year’s sale benefit Artemis Center, Caesar’s Ford Theatre Company and Dayton Public Radio.

*They welcome donations of books, vinyl records, VHS, DVD, CDs, puzzles, board games, prints and maps.

And if you can’t manage to bring your donations to them, give them a call to ask about their free pick-up service at 937.999.4491.

Pecha Kucha presents Hack Your City

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Art by Kelley Booze

Hack Your City Returns!

Thursday, May 18, 7:30pm at 33 Barnett Street
Dakota Center – one block south of W Fifth

Shayna, Matt & Jill

Pecha Kucha (PK)   was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work publicly. It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in 455 cities around the world, inspiring creative people worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat,” PK rests on a presentation format of 20 images x 20 seconds. In 2009, Jill Davis started Dayton’s PK Nights, partnering with Matt Sauer and Shayna McConville and presenting these nights of quarterly presentations and rotating locations.  Over the years we’ve heard about creative candy making, illegal trips to Cuba, Evel Knievel and and how lunches are delivered in India.  The beauty of these nights is for 6 minutes and 40 seconds you’ll be exposed to a presenters world and then another and another.  
For this month’s PK night head to the Dakota Center for a special welcome and a night of knowledge hosted by  Yvette Kelly-Fields of Wesley Community Center. Come be inspired!  Topics will include:

  • Amaha Sellassie – Building a cooperative grocery in a food desert
  • Bryan Stewart – Improving race relations
  • Jared Grandy – Reducing gun violence
  • Charlie Setterfield – Auditing Dayton architecture with students
  • Elizabeth Koproski – Voices of immigrants
  • Dot Schnering – Revitalizing a neighborhood
  • Trudy Elder – Creating equitable housing and homeless solutions
  • Nick Christian – Taking action against the opioid epidemic
  • Amy Lee – Promoting community democracy
  • Lela Klein – Enabling worker-owned manufacturing

PARKING: The Dakota Center has a small lot, so expect to use the plentiful free street parking nearby. There’s also public parking at W. 4th and S. Broadway behind Chase Bank. (You are just steps away from Texas Beef + Cattle if you’d like to eat before PKing)

Mystery Monday for May 15th

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Last weeks winner, Rob Strobel of Dayton had no problem identifying these beautiful stained glass windows in the Oregon District.  Free Rapid Fired Pizza is coming his way.

Located on the corner of Clay and Cass streets, this  church built in 1888  had been condemned and set for demolition.Until Dayton native Karl Williamson decided that it would be the perfect space for an urban climbing center.  After much restoration The Urban Krag Climbing Center opened in November of 1996 with  eight thousand square feet of vertical courses ranging in heights from twenty-eight to fifty-six feet, including options for all levels of expertise.

 

Now let’s see who can identify this weeks Mystery.   If you know the location of this photo enter it here:  http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48.  We’ll let you know next Monday if you got it right!  Good Luck!

 

Dayton Gets A Pedicab!

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Kicking off on National Bike to Work Day on May 19, First Through Fifth will be providing free pedicab service – with tips encouraged – throughout downtown Dayton.

“From the Wright Brothers’ shop to the two new brewery peddling buses, Dayton has a long history with cycling,” Earl Hatmaker, operator of First through Fifth said. “With all of the great development going on across downtown too, we wanted to get out there and help connect the dots for people. There’s a lot of stuff that’s closer together than you might think. It’s a chance to park your car and go experience all that the city has to offer.”

For National Bike to Work Day, First through Fifth will operate in the morning out of RiverScape MetroPark for their pancake breakfast and then later on in the day out of Yellow Cab for the Yellow Cab Food Truck Rally. The service is free, though tips for the drivers are encouraged.

“Summertime is always fun in the city,” Hatmaker said. “We want to be out there peddling people around from everywhere from festivals, to Dragons games, to just a nice weekend of patio hopping.”

For those interested, First through Fifth free pedicab service begins operations on National Bike to Work Day on May 19. Private bookings, advertising opportunities, and following engagements can be found on their Facebook page.


$35,000 Budgeted For Artist Proposals

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Washington-Centerville Public Library RFP for Artwork Woodbourne Library Renovation & Expansion Project:

 

Art Speaks Volumes

 

Open To: Artists with ties to the Greater Miami Valley

Commission Amount: $35,000 is budgeted for artwork at Woodbourne Library Entry Open Date: May 15, 2017

Entry Deadline: July 7, 2017

Commissions Announced: August 1, 2017

Projection Completion: June 1, 2018

Project Summary: Washington-Centerville Public Library seeks to commission site-specific pieces of artwork for four spaces within the renovated and expanded Woodbourne Library slated to reopen in the Summer of 2018.

Artists are invited to propose newly created artworks, of any medium, that reflect the communities of Centerville/Washington Township and the Modernist tradition of the building. Artists may propose more than one work if they so choose. Proposed artworks should resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds and contribute to the inviting, engaging and stimulating library environment. The committee welcomes, but does not require, submissions that relate to the Washington-Centerville Public Library’s mission to be the community’s connection to diverse opportunities for education, enrichment and entertainment.

From the submissions, a committee of local citizens and Library Trustees will select the winning artists. Winning artists will meet with Library staff, architects and construction representatives to confirm plans for the commission and will be required to sign a Letter of Agreement by September 2017 and complete the work by June 2018.

Centerville/Washington Township Community Background: Centerville/Washington Township is a well-educated suburban community of approximately 53,000 people. Known for its strong school district, parks and library system, it is an attractive community for families with children.

 

Centerville has the largest collection of early stone houses in the state of Ohio. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown Centerville, also known as “The Heart of Centerville”, is an Architectural Preservation District that reflects the “Main Street” downtown era that shaped American towns and cities in the early 1900s. Many of the downtown buildings were built prior to World War I and represent diverse architectural styles rich in craftsmanship and detail.

Woodbourne Library Background: Woodbourne Library is an elegant, metal-frame building with perimeter posts supporting a roof overhang that shades set-back glass walls. Originally constructed in 1965 as a bank branch, the building is considered one of the most significant and beautiful Mid-Century Modernist buildings in Southwest Ohio.

The building was designed by Woodford (Woodie) Garber, one of Cincinnati’s most original Modernist architects. Garber designed some of the region’s most innovative buildings but over time his buildings have suffered considerably from neglect and demolition. The Woodbourne Library is now one of his rare buildings that survives intact and in good condition, despite its change in function over time.

Beginning in 2015, the Woodbourne Library began a transformation to take three separate parcels of land, owned by the Library, and make a unified campus that will serve more than 70,000 library cardholders. As part of this master plan, more parking and green spaces will be added; the existing Library will be completely renovated; and a 10,000 sq. foot expansion will be added. When finished, the Library will be approximately 30,000 sq. feet and have active and quiet zones that meet the needs of all library users. New amenities will include conference/meeting spaces in a variety of sizes, larger spaces for teens and children’s collections, and a creativity space.

 

Practical Considerations: The artwork must be durable, safe and easy to maintain. Potential locations for artwork include vaulted ceiling space near front entrance, a wall outside the Children’s Room, a ‘nook’ in the central marketplace and a wall in a quiet reading area. Some locations for artwork will be accessible to Library patrons. Renderings from LWC Architects can be found at the end of this RFP that illustrate these potential locations with their dimensions. Architectural plans are still subject to revision.

Submissions: Proposals will only be accepted electronically, in the form of a single pdf of no more than 10 pages and no more than 10 MB. Proposals for each art submission must include the following and be organized in the order below:

1. A sketch and narrative explanation of the proposed artwork

2. An explanation of the relationship between the proposed art and the community/building

3. Size range and suggested location for each proposed artwork

4. Four- six images of completed artwork, preferably of similar scale and material

5. Budget range for each proposed artwork

6. Brief artist CV or bio (1 page maximum)

Proposals and questions should be emailed to: [email protected]

Additional Information: The Library will hold a pre-proposal meeting for artists on June 6th, 4 PM at Centerville Library, 111 West Spring Valley Road, Centerville OH. LWC architects and Library representatives will be on hand with building plans and to answer questions.