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

LIbby Ballengee

Subterranean’s Intergalactic Meltdown this Saturday!

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Subterranean hosts the Intergalactic Meltdown Saturday night at Jimmie's Ladder 11

Subterranean hosts the Intergalactic Meltdown Saturday night at Jimmie’s Ladder 11

Subterranean, a local band on the rise, is hosting their 4 year anniversary with an epic show: The Intergalactic Meltdown! The name comes from their friends The Big Black Galactic, from Sandusky, who will be sharing the stage with the Sub-T boys for this special event.

“The Big Black Galactic will have you ebbing and flowing in the intergalactic with their dance worthy improvisation and then Subterranean will continue to meltdown your faces with their intense and provocative sounds” states the band’s event page. I’m a huge fan of technical improvisation, and I couldn’t be more excited for this show!

How to go? Head over to Jimmie’s Ladde11407107_729283640516998_8663440705574607392_nr 11, on Saturday September 26th, and pay usual $5 cover charge. What you’ll get in musical value is so much more! Definitely worth the cover.

 

And…. It’s my birthday! Celebrate with me and one of my fave local bands, and we celebrate our personal new years!

 

You don’t want to miss this one!

 

Dayton’s First Mass Meditation!

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I recently saw a Twitter post about a mass meditation happening in New York City, at Central Park. I thought it was such a neat idea, I re-tweeted with the quote: “This would be cool for Dayton to do!” Other Dayton residents thought it was a great idea too. Social media butterfly, Kayla Bradstreet, sent me a private message and encouraged me to organize this event. Knowing the fall equinox was coming up, it felt like a perfect time for such an event.

That’s how the ball started rolling, and in the process we were introduced to the Natural Path Meditation Center in Beavercreek. Bryan Suddith, who is running for Kettering City Council, made the connection for us. Everything fell into place once we connected with NPMC. The meditation trainers there, Anjali Mediratta Brannon and Uma Mullapudi, instantly were on board to help. When local yoga guru, Melissa Ledinsky, signed on to lead the optional yoga portion of the program, I knew this was meant to be!

How to go?

Dayton's first Mass Meditation is happening 9/23, on the Fall Equinox

Dayton’s first Mass Meditation is happening 9/23, on the Fall Equinox

Wed, Sep. 23rd, 2015 – The Autumn Equinox 

Courthouse Square, downtown Dayton, corner of 3rd and Main Streets

5:30pm – 6:00pm Free Yoga session (Please bring your own mat)

6:00pm – 7:00pm Mass Meditation (Please bring a chair, cushion, or blanket to sit on. If you don’t have a chair, read below on how you can reserve one.)

  • From 6-6:10: We will get everyone settled and get chairs to those who need them
  • From 6:10-6:20: We will give a short introduction and lead the audience in a guided relaxation and Heartfulness meditation experience
  • From 6:20-6:50: We will sit in silent meditation for 30 mintues
  • Namaste!

NOTE: We will sit for about a half hour of meditation so plan to be comfortable. Please bring minimal personal belongings, and remember a mat or blanket if you take part in the yoga session. A sunhat might be a good idea to bring as well. If you are unable to bring something to sit on, we can reserve a chair for you if you rsvp tomassmeditation.dayton@gmail.com. Street parking available as well as parking garages. Carpool if possible.

This event also observes International Day of Peace, which falls on September 21st. Although we are meditating a couple days later, our intention is to spread the idea of peace and love to our community.

Sweet bonus: Fronana will be on hand at 6:30pm with post-meditation treats for purchase!

If there is interest, we will hold weekly meditation sessions following the Mass Meditation at Tree of Life Community downtown at 1630 East Fifth Street on Tuesdays evenings at 7:30pm.

About the meditation:

The full schedule of meditation events planned for International Peace Week

The full schedule of meditation events planned for International Peace Week

Heartfulness is a simple practical way to experience the heart’s unlimited resources. It includes guided relaxation, and meditation techniques. Ongoing individual and group meditations are offered. We are a nonprofit organization and Heartfulness meditation is practiced in over 100 countries around the world. We are an associate NGO of the United Nations, sharing a similar mission in promoting peace and goodwill amongst humanity. All of our programs are free. We have a seven acre facility in Beavercreek devoted to meditation, but if there is interest, we will try and have weekly group meditations in Dayton following the mass meditation.

For more information on Heartfulness meditattion, please visit www.Heartfulness.org

If you want to experience Heartfulness meditation fully, it is suggested to receive three initial introductory meditation sessions, ideally on three consecutive days, to jump start your practice. All sessions are always offered free of charge. You can attend any of the following events for FREE!

All events below are FREE. All events below will be held at the Natural Path Meditation Center, 3153 Lantz Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432. Except on Weds Sep. 23rd, Yoga & Mass Meditation is at Courthouse Square downtown Dayton

Sunday, Sep. 20th, 2015

We will kick off the week with

11:30am Free Family Yoga

12:30pm Heartfulness Meditation Introduction & Experience

Venue: Natural Path Meditation Center, 3153 Lantz Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432

Monday, Sep. 21st, 2015

UN International Peace Day

7:00pm Universal peace prayer & Heartfulness group meditation

Venue: Natural Path Meditation Center, 3153 Lantz Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432

Tuesday, Sep. 22nd, 2015

3:00pm – 7:00pm Heartfulness Meditation sessions

Venue: Natural Path Meditation Center, 3153 Lantz Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432

Wednesday, Sep 23 = Courthouse Square event

Thursday, Sep. 24th, 2015

Heartfulness Meditation sessions can be arranged throughout the day, in person or remotely (sit where you are and tune in)

6:30pm Free Yoga

7:30pm Heartfulness group meditation

Venue: Natural Path Meditation Center, 3153 Lantz Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432

Friday, Sep. 25th, 2015

Heartfulness Meditation sessions arranged throughout the day, in person or remotely (sit where you are and tune in)

Venue: Natural Path Meditation Center, 3153 Lantz Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432

Saturday, Sep. 26th, 2015

9:00am– 12noon Heartfulness Meditation sessions

Venue: Natural Path Meditation Center, 3153 Lantz Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432

Get To Know Local Comedian, Trace Martin

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10690289_578420465636009_9007341565315405199_nI had the pleasure of catching up with local funny guy, Trace Martin. He’s hosting the upcoming open mic night at Wiley’s, as well as other events all over town. I wanted to see what makes this new comedian tick, and where I can catch his next sets!

Q. What made you take the leap of faith to actually do your first stand-up gig? 

A. I have been telling jokes since I was 11 years old, but writing and performing your own material, that was a different beast altogether. I have always loved stand-up and thought it would be fun to try to get laughs off of something I had written, not just being a goofball, although that still gets a laugh. Performing actual stand-up comedy is much harder than it looks. I wrote jokes for about 8 years, and made it my goal to perform before I turned 50 years old.  I saw a guy do his set at the old Jokers Comedy Café and I wasn’t impressed, but he still got some laughs.  I thought “Well hell, I can do better than that.”   So I started writing my set and practicing in the bathroom mirror.

 

Q. Is doing stand-up intimidating or the ultimate rush? 

A. Hosting a comedy show is actually a lot of work.  Not only do you open the show – so you have to be funny right out of the gate – but you have to know how to warm up the audience, gauge the room and get them fired up to receive the upcoming comedians. Then you have to get each comedian’s name, a bit about them, and be witty on your feet, so you can introduce them in an interesting and funny way that helps them launch into their particular bits. There’s a lot of thought and planning that has to happen quickly, not to mention keeping the energy of the room going between acts.

Q. What is the inspiration of your material typically?

A. I have so much life experience to draw from… and I use it all.  I served in the military as a Combat Engineer in the Army and I’ve worked for a police department in Colorado.  Work-related stuff is fun because everyone has a work history, good or bad.  I drink and have have done “experimental research” with various forms of mind-altering substances in the past, as a lot of people have. Those experiences are always great material. I have been married for 26 wonderful years and I get a lot material from that, because many can relate to that. My wife, Samantha, is also my writing partner, and a great sounding board for new material.  She has been to enough comedy shows to know what works and what needs more work.  We still make each other laugh every day.

 

Q. Who are your favorite comedians?

A. First and foremost, George Carlin. His observational humor captured my heart as a kid from the first time I saw him. Steve Martin gave me a love of slapstick and physical, goofy humor, from his early days on Saturday Night Live. Robin Williams gave me a love of improvisation – he could do it like no one else.  Finally, Tim Allen, during his early stand-up comedy days, had such a great way of communicating “funny”, often without words. All of these guys still make me laugh to this day!

Q. What is the Dayton comedy scene like, especially for those who are new to going to comedy here?

A. The Comedy scene in Dayton is Fan-FREAKIN’-tastic!!  Whether you’re a new comic or a seasoned veteran who wants to work on new material, you can get stage time 5 to 6 times a week at various clubs and venues around town.  Sometimes you can hit 2 shows a night. If you like to enjoy laughing as a great evening out with friends, there are many Open Mic nights and comedy showcases happening all over Dayton, almost any day of the week!  Check on Facebook for Dayton Comics for show listings, or any of the many other resources dedicated to local comedy.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish through your comedy?

A. I like to give people the opportunity to relax and laugh. So much of life is so serious these days. I like to make people laugh, in a way that stays with them, far after the show. I love to hear that people are still thinking of one of my bits days–even weeks–later, and still laughing about it. That gives me great satisfaction. Making a room full of strangers laugh is the the best thing ever!11800010_10203302446640556_8282494149135515096_n

 

Where to see Trace Martin perform this weekend:

Friday August 21st at Chimney’s of Oak Creek in Kettering. Show starts at 9pm. It’s BYOB with $5 admission. Residents get in free. If you haven’t been to a Chimney’s show… you just gotta! These shows are off the hook and usually sell out.

Saturday Aug 22nd, performing at 2pm at Samson’s Summerfest in Jamestown. $5 cover for entire day of music and comedy.

Sunday August 23rd at Wiley’s Comedy Joint in the Oregon District, Dayton. Show starts at 8pm and I get to Feature!! Mention Trace’s name when making reservations (@224-JOKE) and get in FREE! This will be a great evening of hilarity.

 

 

3rd Annual 5k for Kelli at Wegerzyn Gardens

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5k for Kelli is in memory of Kelli James

5k for Kelli is in memory of Kelli James

Sure there are plenty of 5k races in the area, but the upcoming 5k for Kelli is particularly close to my heart, as well as many other people in the Dayton area. Kelli James, a beloved wife, mother and sister, passed away in 2006 at the age of 40 to that cruel beast known as breast cancer. Kelli’s two ambitious sisters, Elesha Snyder and Mandi Moore, set to work. They wanted to honor their sister and help others going through this horrific situation.

Elesha explains the motivation for this race: “She was a very healthy person who never smoked or drank, and enjoyed outdoor activities. She was always so much fun and encouraged those around her to live life to the fullest. As you can imagine, losing her was devastating, not just to us, but to her two young children as well.”

She continues: “We wallowed in our depression for a few years but then Mandi and I decided to take action. We started by running and walking charity events that raised money for breast cancer charities like Susan G. Komen and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. In 2012, we decided to do our own 5k and 5k for Kelli was born. The first event was in August 2013 and we had over 300 participants. In two years, the 5k for Kelli has raised about 15,000 and given it to Hospice of Dayton, The Noble Circle Project and Good Sam. We received the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation’s Community Champion Award for 2013 and the Dayton Dragon’s Community All-Star Award in 2015. We are 100% volunteer based and there are ZERO administrative fees in our organization. We are a registered 501(c)(3).”

1488137_1447337692156225_1595091691_nThis year, Elesha and Mandi have created their very own charity in memory of Kelli called Breast Wishes. They grant wishes and give the gift of joy to local women and their families affected by breast cancer by presenting them with spa days, nice dinners, yoga retreats, and even family vacations.

This race has some great assets: First, it’s run at the gorgeous Wegerzyn Gardens Metro Park. Any excuse to see that park in the summertime is well worth it! Second, in honor of Kelli’s fondness of fairies, runners are encouraged to wear wings, flower crowns, and/or tutus during the race. What fun! Lastly and most importantly, 100% of the funds raised from this event will go to supporting local women living with breast cancer to help with nutrition, education, medical expenses, and the new “Breast Wishes” fund.

 

How to go? Here are the details:

5k for Kelli – Charity Run/Walk

Saturday, August 15th, 2015

7:30am – Registration Opens
9:00am – Run/Walk Begins
10:00am – Costume Contest
10:30am – Awards Ceremony
11:00am – Raffle Drawings

Wegerzyn Gardens
1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave Dayton, Ohio 45414

Cost for registration: $25

You can register online until August 11th. After that date, please come early to the event to register in person.
Please visit: 5kforkelli.com for registration and more information

Online Charitable Donation at: 5k for Kelli PayPal Donation

Don’t have any fairy attire? Don’t worry! The Merchandise Booth will be stocked with cool fairy gear for you to purchase on race day – with proceeds going towards our charities.

 

 

 

Kids Superhero “Party in the Park”

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Party in the ParkKids are you ready to have fun before school starts back up? Grab your favorite superhero costume and get your Mom or Dad to bring you downtown to Cooper Park for an epic “Party in the Park.” This is a free event – so no allowance money necessary!

The Dayton Metro Library is hosting this awesomeness, which includes: international dancing and singing, live animals, an activity zone, puppets, sidewalk art, face painting, and more! There are going to be contests for costumes, dancing and paper airplane flying, with prizes. Wow! The whole day is planned to be fun for the whole family – so remember to invite your brothers and sisters too.

The Library is also revealing the name for their new mascot! Adults and kids from across the region voted, and this will be the grand unveiling of their names.

This party is August 8th from 1-4pm at Cooper Park. Rain or shine. Cost of admission and activities is free. Food trucks will be on hand for purchase of food and beverages.

PS… Kids, I’ve heard a rumor that some of your favorite cartoon characters may make an appearance – so don’t miss it! (virtual fist bump)

Boas & Bowties Bar Crawl to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research

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11312825_1509692566019526_964392899661426696_oThere is something so fun about wearing a boa or bowtie, but often, it’s totally inappropriate to do so in public. Well this Saturday you have your chance to bar hop around town wearing those very accessories. In fact, they are provided to you as part of the ticket price for this weekend’s inaugural Boas & Bow Ties Bar Crawl. Cool! Better yet, this event is a benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Love when having fun and giving back are a package deal!

How did this event come about? Organizer Samantha Redden explains, “The Dayton Advisory Council for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation wanted to do an event that would bring attention to Type One Diabetes and the need for a cure. A pub crawl is a fun way to bring education and awareness to not only to the people attending, but also the general public that will be out in the Oregon District that evening. I’m hoping people will stop us and ask why we’re dressed in blue. That will provide an opportunity for us to explain what type one diabetes is and what JDRF is doing to find a cure. We are so excited for this event and the support we’ve received from the Dayton community has been absolutely amazing. It’s going to be a blast!”

The fun kicks off this Saturday, August 1st at Warped Wing at 4:30pm.658343309039705542
Ticket price includes:
•One boa or bow tie
•Boa & Bow Ties lanyard with crawl map
•One free drink at Warped Wing
•5 raffle tickets
•Drink discounts and specials at other bar locations

Cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door. You can purchase tickets here. This event is for guests ages 21+ only.

Route includes: Warped Wing, Toxic Brew Company, Trolley Stop, Lucky’s Taproom & Grill, and Blind Bob’s

Wear your JDRF blue for your chance to win our “best dressed in blue” prize, two tickets to see the Blue Man Group, which will be offered along with other fun contests and games!

 

 

10th Annual Miami Valley Music Fest This Weekend!

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The Dayton music scene has always been exciting and innovative, and it can certainly be difficult to keep up with all the great bands and musicians playing around town. This weekend offers the perfect opportunity to see a large grouping of local talent, at the 10th Annual Miami Valley Music Fest. This two day music festival based in Troy, features over 50 musical acts on four stages, over the course of just two days! The lineup is eclectic and really showcases the best of Dayton’s music scene. What’s more, the proceeds benefit local charities. It’s a win-win for sure, making this the “don’t miss” event of the weekend!

mvmusicfest

Photo by j. Allen Laack, LaackPhotography.com

Your ticket price includes all the fabulous music, and also camping at the beautiful Eagles Campground they have prepared (address below). There are also children’s activities for those bringing the little ones, and a special VIP option, for those who want to step up their game! For the complete schedule, click here.

The Miami Valley Music Festival Association is a 501(c)(3) public charity organized in Miami County, OH with the purpose of hosting music events to raise funds and awareness for local charitable causes. Their “Charity Rocks!” initiative seeks to educate the public on opportunities to give back to the community, and expose younger festival audiences to the public services offered by non-profit organizations. The MVMFA continually develops programming that shows how charitable giving cannot only be easy and accessible, but also fun.

Want to learn even more about this festival? Check out the interview with Gem City Podcast here. It’s a great way to dig in and get the inside info on this awesome festival.

How to go?

When? July 31st & August 1st. Music runs 5pm – 2am on Friday, and 11am – 2am on Saturday. (Did I mention there are FOUR stages?!)

11194445_897470310276410_4111308668780361348_oWhere? Troy Eagles Campground at 2252 Troy-Urbana Rd, Troy, OH 45373

How much? $45 Pre-sale, $60 at Gate. $125 VIP. Additional options available. Click here to purchase or get further information.

Why? Because Charity Rocks!! And Dayton does too!

 

Funk Fusion Jams at Jimmie’s

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If you are interested in the excitement and dynamic energy that comes from improv, funk, and jams, you are in for a real treat Saturday night at Jimmie’s Ladder 11. Family Jam Productions is hosting one of the regular “Big Damn Jam” sessions, this time featuring Mr. Todd Stoops. Stoops was the keyboardist for the ultra popular funk fusion band, Kung Fu. Now solo and on the road, Stoops is making his first appearance in Dayton at this epic jam session.

You will also see all the usual stars from the Big Damn family, including Bryan Russell, Dale Lutz, Kevin Dumont, George Stix Furman, Tracy Sax Lakes, Jonny Dread,Melissa Nicole Henry, Eric Henry, and Norman Dimitrouleas!  Zane Gerlach will be opening the show. Don’t miss this one!
Doors at 9pm
Music at 10pm
18+ W/ VALID ID
$5 Cover

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Yoga Nutrition Workshop & 14 Day Detox at Day Yoga

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11694775_10207028081039106_6591499772163671576_nReady to cleanse, detox and lighten up after the Summer holiday festivities and BBQ’s? Join nutritionist and yoga instructor Melissa Ledinsky on July 18th for a yoga and nutrition Workshop and Detox Yoga Class.

There are lots of detox programs out there, why should you attend this one? Because you’re learning from one of the most educated and experienced nutritionists and yoga instructors in the area, Melissa Vivi Ledinsky. She didn’t just gather info off the internet, Melissa has a Dietetics degree from The University of Dayton, so she actually knows what she’s talking about! She also learned yoga from some of the original folks that brought yoga to the US, and continues to be an active partner with Sianna Sherman’s Academy in Los Angeles. Learn yoga, nutrition and detox from the best in town.

Saturday’s workshop will consist of a 75 min Vinyasa yoga class, which will get your body’s own detoxification process started. There will be a 75 min nutrition class to follow. You can cool down, learn about super foods, and how to detoxify your body, naturally and the most healthy way possible. If you decide to do the optional 14 day detox program, you will get those materials too.

  • When:  Saturday July 18th, 12-2:30pm
  • Where: Day Yoga, 1100 Brown St, Dayton, OH
  • Cost: $50 for 75 min Vinyasa class & 75 min Nutrition Workshop. $50 for the 14 Day Detox. $90 for both.
  • For more information or to reserve your spot, contact: [email protected]

Register ahead to reserve your spot! Namaste!

Greek Night at Boston’s

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GreekNight-DMMGreek Night is back at Boston’s Bistro! If you are in the mood for Mediterranean flair, delicious Greek food, wine and music, then stop by 7500 North Main Street between 7 and 11pm on Saturday July 11th. One of the treats of the evening is Middle Eastern belly dancing by the beautiful, Deniz with Caravan Workshops. Bouzouki music provided by George Karras and Themi. $5 cover gets you in the door. The authentic Greek Kebab dinners are an additional $14.95, and served from 6-8pm.

 

Where: Boston’s Bistro

When: Saturday July 11th

When: Dinner 6-8pm, Live Music and Dancing 7-11pm

How Much: $5 cover, $15 optional Greek dinner

 

 

Burlesque Life Drawing Comes to Dayton

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Burlesque Life Drawing Comes to Dayton!

When many artists think “life drawing,” they think of sterile rooms, bad lighting, and bored, silent, models with nary a hint of personality. Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School is here to change all that.


Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School is the little New York art event that became a movement. Started in 2005 by artist Molly Crabapple, the concept is simple: Artists draw glamorous models, compete in contests, and win drinks and prizes. From it’s humble Brooklyn beginnings, Dr. Sketchy’s now has over 100 branches around the globe, including Los Angeles, London, Rome, Tokyo, and Melbourne. Since it’s inception in 2005, Dr. Sketchy’s movement has received coverScreen Shot 2015-06-30 at 12.32.55 PMage from the likes of The LA Times, The Washington Post, BBC Radio, NPR, The Village Voice, WNBC, Time Out London, and The New York Times.


A Dayton branch has been started by Sarah Musick and Crystal Ash, who are organizing  monthly Dr. Sketchy sessions at Therapy Cafe. These events feature burlesque babes, roller derby girls, belly dancers, drag queens fetish models, and a plethora of other strange lovely people along with contests, prizes and alcohol galore.


Sarah Musick explains: “In a nutshell, Dr. Sketchy is all about creating the perfect fantasy comic book world you’ve been looking for. Therapy Cafe brings you the best cocktails in Dayton while we bring you the inspiration you’ve been looking for. And by inspiration we don’t just mean unique costumes and sets, but also suggestively dressed, gorgeous men and women emanating your favorite stories ready to become your next creation. This month we are honored to introduce her royal majesty, Queen Elisabeth I! She will show you the path to true artistic power… And she will probably do it with a sumptuously pale bosom.”


Sounds like fun!! The next Dr. Sketchy is July 1st at Therapy Cafe from 7-10pm. Tickets are $5 pre-sale, and $7 at the door. For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/762127940566718/


You can view the Founding website at  www.drsketchy.com  and the Dayton branch at  www.drsketchydayton.com or on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/drsketchydayton.

 

Breathe & Brew Yoga at Dayton Beer Company

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Yoga-Class-at-Holy-City-BrewingJoin the newly opened Dayton Beer Company in downtown Dayton for a Breathe and Brew all-levels yoga class this Sunday June 21st from 10:30am – 11:45. This is the perfect way to uplift each other, connect to our community, and celebrate Dayton! Enjoy the open air patio as we practice next to the beer being made. With the purchase of your ticket, you will receive a 75 minute yoga class + a flight of beer (a $10 value). Food trucks will be available for post class snacks as well. Oh, and don’t forget to bring Dad — this is a great way to spend Father’s Day together!

Tickets are $20.00 pre-sale or $25.00 at the door, and can be purchased at DBC via e-mail only ([email protected]) or directly via *PayPal, cash, or credit card.  Upon any purchase you will receive an e-mailed receipt that will need to be shown at the door to get in. You may print it out, or simply show us your confirming e-mail on your phone!! Cheers!
*If you are purchasing your ticket via PayPal, please send money to e-mail address: [email protected] and simply put in the “comment” line: Breath and Brew.

Dayton Rotary Ride Launches June 20th

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Biking in Dayton has become all the rage, and for good reason! We have amazing trails and a new Link bike system, that makes biking easier and more enjoyable than ever. Now the Rotary Club of Dayton is taking the love of biking one step further by starting their own charity ride. The inaugural Dayton Rotary Ride will be held this Saturday June 20th, with proceeds benefiting their popular International Exchange Student program.

Phil Parks, one of the organizers of this event explains how the event will work: “The start of the ride has been carefully chosen as family friendly. We acknowledge that some members of the family may not want to ride a 50k or 100k ride. So we offer the family the opportunity to ride the first 3 ½ miles together. Then those wanting to return can turn onto a paved bike path and return to the starting point, Xenia Bike Hub. The more experienced riders can still ride together as a family for the first 14 miles. At the 14 mile mark we offer our first of 4 rest stops where the riders can take their first break. They will find food, water and toilet amenities offered by one of our many sponsors. After that, the 50k and 100k separate for their chosen scenic ride back to Xenia.”

Not only is this a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors – this is also a fantastic way to support a great cause! The Rotary Club of Dayton has been sponsoring Dayton Public School students, as an International Exchange Student, for many years. Likewise, members of the Club always host families for an inbound exchange student. During their years of running the exchange program, they have found that both outbound and inbound students always have a trip, or various needs, that require extra funding that their families cannot afford. The Dayton City School Students parents have skin in the game, but most times need some financial support in order to offer their children this wonderful international opportunity. Walt Hibner, Heath MacApline, and Phil Parks, all avid cyclers, hatched the plan for a fundraising event to help support these student’s unexpected needs and costs during their travels.

Phil Parks explains the goal of this event: “Long-term, we hope to see Dayton Public School Students volunteering for various duties along the ride. This collaborative effort is meant to show them how people working together can provide meaningful results. We want to make a BIG SPLASH, with the community and the students. But it all starts with this first little rock being thrown into the pond. Hopefully the little wave it makes will eventually turn into the big splash!”

If you are interested in participating, here are the details:

Website: http://www.daytonrotaryride.info/home.html

When: Saturday June 20th. Registration starts at 7am. Ride ends at 2pm

Where: Xenia Station, Xenia Ohio.  The physical address is 150 N. Miami Ave, Xenia, OH 45385.

Cost: $20 – $35 (depending on the package you choose)

NOTE: Everyone must wear a helmet, no exceptions.

Cityfolk Celebration Preview Party!

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10982244_1041624339183668_4150855490984839058_nCityfolk is celebrating this summer – and you are invited to the party! This Thursday, May 14th, is the Cityfolk Celebration Preview Party. Stop by Lily’s Bistro in the Oregon District, any time between 5pm – 10pm for happy hour prices ALL night long!  One of my local favorites, The Blackbirds, will be among the local musicians playing during the evening. They are ethereal and lovely, and will set the perfect mood for Lily’s. Show them some love and support this great event!

A portion of the proceeds from the Preview Party will go to support the Cityfolk Celebration, which will be held on June 27th at Courthouse Square. This is a way to get a taste of Cityfolk, for all of us who miss that beloved local festival. The fun starts at 1pm and runs through 9pm, and admission is Free! The music lineup is fantastic, including Gem City, Page Beller, Acarya, The Blackbirds, Corndrinkers, Seefari, and the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance. Hope to see you there!

For questions or more information call 937-838-2875 or email [email protected]

4th Annual Ladies Arm Wrestling Sunday!

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1239401_10202026358039157_1315011833_nWhat do you get when you combine Sunday Funday, The Trolley Stop, and a dozen women in crazy costumes? The 4th Annual Ladies Arm Wrestling tournament of course! It’s only one of THE most outrageously fun charity events in the city. This year’s event is Kentucky-Derby themed, so come grab a mint julep and get in on the fun!

The event is hosted by the volunteer organization, PUSH Dayton (Professionals United for Sexual Health), which benefits Planned Parenthood. Typically proceeds from these events specifically help fund exam rooms updates in the downtown Dayton facility. The group also raises awareness about safe sex and access to health care – but in a fun way!

This year’s event runs from 7pm – 11pm this Sunday May 3rd at The Trolley Stop in the Oregon District. Get there on time to catch the “Parade of Wrestlers” – so you can get your brackets ready – and then promptly after the battles begin! Pre-sale tickets are available online for $10 (http://bit.ly/1De8DXN), or at The Trolley Stop in person. You can also snag a pre-sale ticket in front of Clash Consignments (also in the Oregon District) during First Friday evening activities on May 1st. Day of tickets are $15. Special VIP tickets are $40 – and trust me – the view is worth the ticket price!

DCDC2: Definition of Exquisite

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This Sunday, April 26th, from 4pm-6pm you have the opportunity to experience the Definition of Exquisite with the DCDC2, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company‘s repertory-training ensemble. The intriguing program promises to explore the essence of exquisite, through creative choreography and modern dance. Movement is one of the most powerful tools for artistic expression, and DCDC uses it in a truly soul stirring way.

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DCDC was founded in 1968 by the visionary pioneer Jeralydyne Blunden, who later established the DCDC2 ensemble. Both groups perform locally and tour regionally, performing for the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Dr Maya Angelou. Highly regarded for their artistic excellence and community partnerships, they are truly a gem in the Gem City! If you have not been to one of their productions, please do yourself a favor and attend this performance at The University of Dayton’s Boll Theatre. Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased via Ticket Center Stage (937-228-3630).