Dayton937

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

Dayton Visual Arts Center

Art is Everywhere During New Juried Show and Kickoff Event

By

Artinthecitylogo-01It’s not a difficult task to discover visual arts in downtown Dayton. Whether you’re exploring a gallery space or admiring local products sold in downtown businesses, Dayton’s rich arts amenities abound. Last year, we introduced our first event in the new Summer in the City series in May, and it was a blast. But we’ve got a lot more in store for art lovers at this year’s event. Pack your bags, because you’re in for a trip! Art in the City is the next signature event of the 2016 DP&L Summer in the City lineup, and it promises to be quite the visual feast.

IMG_1530The Downtown Dayton Partnership is helping to roll out a new juried art show. The Dayton Visual Arts Center pulled together 26 talented local artists whose work will be on display in different downtown businesses. Our goals are simple: We hope to encourage art lovers to discover a new downtown business, and we want to introduce regular patrons to incredible local art. We’re also throwing another element into the mix: You get to decide which artist nabs the title of “People’s Choice” by voting for your favorite artist or artwork. Voting starts Friday, June 3, and closes at noon on June 17. Visit downtowndayton.org for details.

To kick off the open voting session, we’re hosting a huge visual arts party, complete with live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and other interactive programs throughout downtown. It’s free! It’s fantastic! It’s fun for all ages! And it lasts from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, June 3.

IMG_1681You can meet the artists from the juried show pop-up galleries in their spaces, and you can check out an array of other arts activities sprinkled around downtown, including:

  • The Front Street Experience: Watch artists blow glass and create street art on canvas, get your face painted, and take a selfie at the art wall, located on Courthouse Square. While you’re there, check out more fun going on for the kickoff of Dayton Pride weekend, Affair on the Square.
  • K12 Gallery & TEJAS: The whole family will enjoy visual arts activities and special performances by SMAG Dance Collective. Get down on the dance floor with music by DJ Tony Whitfield and DJ Scorpius Max. Visit “Make n’ Take” stations and create garden art planters and garden wire sculptures. Juice bar and snacks also available for purchase.
  • Mendelson’s Mural: A new mural-painting company, The Mural Machine, is taking art to the streets and transforming buildings. Watch them work on their current project, Mendelson’s Outlet, off First Street.IMG_1563
  • Live demos: Several downtown arts businesses will have live demonstrations, and you can browse artwork in the shop for sale. Check out Gallery 510 Fine Art at 508 E. Fifth St., Vessels at 227 N. Main St., Ink & Hammer at 506 Wayne Ave., Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors on 48 High St. in St. Anne’s, and the Front Street Galleries in the warehouse at 1001 E. Second St.
  • Art on 5th: Following the success of its first art show and handmade craft sale, theNorthGate returns with its next gallery and market, located at Fifth and Wilkinson in the former historic Salvation Army building.
  • Dayton Art Institute: If you haven’t seen the latest exhibit, Into the Ether, you’ll be inspired to visit the interactive light gallery when you visit the museum’s special Art in the City location near Lily’s Bistro (329 E. Fifth St.). Make your own luminary with color-changing LED lights!
  • Innovative Arts Nexus (IAN): The University of Dayton’s former Art Street program has gone beyond art as a creative medium for expression and turned it into an application for creative problem solving and innovation. Learn more about the process and challenge your perceptions at their interactive experience in front of the Clair Lofts (St. Clair Street between Third and Fourth streets).
  • IMG_1582Nucleus CoShare: Not only will you get to see one of the largest pop-up gallery installations at this space, you can experience a variety of other local artists. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could work here? Memberships to the co-shared office space are still available. Chat with the staff on-site to learn more about rates and benefits (besides being surrounded by inspirational artwork).
  • The Mosaic Institute of Greater Dayton: Create your own unique mosaic while you enjoy the sights and sounds of Pickin’ in the Park at RiverScape MetroPark. Be sure to try the free demo of the new Urban Family Challenge Food and craft beer will be available for purchase at this location. (Heads up – Monument Avenue will be closed from Patterson to St. Clair for this activity.)
  • African American Visual Artists Guild: Watch computer art and thread painting demonstration at their station in the Oregon District.
  • Courteous Mass: Get a new perspective on your city from the seat of a bike. Join a group ride to tour public art installations on a new iteration of the Bike the Arts Bonus: The new culture-wrapped Link Bike also will be unveiled! The ride departs from Don Crawford Plaza (Fifth Third Field) at 6:30 p.m.

For the Love of Local Art

By

Did you miss the Dayton Visual Art Center (DVAC) Art Auction this year? If so, you missed out.

Billed as “Dayton’s biggest art party of the year,” the number of artists, art pieces, and active art IMG_1934lovers filling the space at the Ponitz Center confirm the hype. While the silent auction allows more tentative bidders (yours truly) to explore fascinating pieces by local artists, and raise the price in $10 increments, the live auction (hosted by Doug Sorrell) is always a treat. This year – especially so – as a beautiful piece from John Emery raised a IMG_1935whopping $6,100 for the cause!

Food, drink, music, fun, great conversation, and competitive art bidding (don’t worry – if $6,100 isn’t in your budget, you can get much more affordable pieces through the silent auction) makes this a night to remember.

But – that was last weekend. You might have missed out! How, dear friend, are you to get your own local art fix? Fear not! You can still support Dayton Visual Arts Center and talented, local artists here in Dayton by purchasing a share of the CSA (Community Supported ART!). For $650, you “buy into” the community and your share acts as seed funding to support six artists as they make fabulous work for you! Take a look at the artists and the type of work you may be able to expect.

 

Top Ten for Dayton Visual Arts, 2015

By

The Dayton region is alive with visual art—and every year I am amazed at how much took place, and regret not attending all the art exhibitions, performances and studios throughout the Miami Valley. And from what was seen, it was an amazing year in contemporary art. Well done, Dayton!

Mallory Tay: Malaise
ArtStreet White Box Gallery
University of Dayton
January 15 – February 19, 2015

IMG_4572

Mallory Tay gallery talk, January 2015

Mallory Tay transformed the ArtStreet’s White Box Gallery into a landscape of figurative/abstract, decorative/functional textiles. Her solo exhibition Malaise focused on family dynamics, both positive and negative. Tay, an alumna of the University of Dayton, crocheted walls, fabricated figures, and even made blankets to crawl under. Interaction was in full swing: visitors couldn’t stop taking selfies and kids (and adults) were delighted to weave through the textile maze. Learn more about the exhibition here.


Digital Abstraction and Nathanial Smyth: The Higgs Field in Pictures
Dayton Visual Arts Center
January 20 – February 27, 2015

IMG_4612

Nathanial Smyth, “The Higgs Field in Pictures”

Two exhibitions at the Dayton Visual Arts Center explored digital technologies and artmaking, utilizing video, photography, print, animation, and more. The group exhibition Digital Abstraction, curated by the late Jud Yalkut with co-curators, Tom Baggs and Tess Cortes, featured artists Tom Baggs, Benjamin Britton, Lisa Britton, Netta Bits, Wynne Ragland, Jr., Ansen Seale, Jim Shupert, Andy Snow, Nancy Willman, McCrystle Wood, Sherman Walter Wright and Jud Yalkut. Concurrent to Digital Abstraction, Nathanial Smyth’s photo collage installation The Higgs Field in Pictures featured hundreds of images stapled together into a structure resembling a series of water drops, all depicting familiar Dayton hangouts. Learn more about the exhibition here.

Julie Green: The Last Supper
Dayton Art Institute
February 21 – April 12, 2015

IMG_6494

Julie Green, “The Last Supper: 600 Plates Illustrating Final Meals of U.S. Death Row Inmates”

Hundreds of plates lined the white gallery walls in Julie Green’s The Last Supper: 600 Plates Illustrating Final Meals of U.S. Death Row Inmates. Green immortalized illustrations of final meal requests from hundreds of death row inmates in blue glazes on ceramic plates. Spanning decades and cities, the series is a jarring humanization of people’s end of life rituals in our judicial system. The exhibition was part of the yearlong symposium “Human Rights, Faith and Reason” through the University of Dayton. Learn more about the exhibition here.

Landon Crowell: Constructed Landscapes
Rosewood Arts Centre
April 13 – May 8, 2015

Landon Crowell, "Constructed Landscapes"

Landon Crowell, “Constructed Landscapes”

Landon Crowell presented a series of sculptures reimagining building blocks. Highlights included the plywood sculpture “Score and Curl,” a seemingly simple manipulation of a massive sheet of plywood, displayed horizontal with a curled edge, scored surfaces, somehow adding a delicacy to a rough material. “This work is meant to be stark and, in some cases, even feel unfinished,” said Crowell. Exploring issues including memory and landscape, Crowell strives to “create an inner tension between the artwork and the viewer.” Learn more about the exhibition here.

Colleen McCulla: Daily Collages
Rollins/Welker Studio
May 2015

Colleen McCulla, “050615”

Colleen McCulla has been impressing the Dayton art world with her hand cut collages, one made every day since 2012. From floor to ceiling on every available wall in the Rollins/Welker Studios, McCulla’s collages are powerful images that evoke charm, wit, humor and mystery, further intriguing by the seemingly infinite process of being creative daily, no matter what each day’s circumstances. Learn more about her work here.

HWD Sculpture Exhibition
Rosewood Arts Centre
August 10 – September 11, 2015

Rob Millard-Mendez, “Vest for a Precocious Futilitarian”

HWD began at Rosewood Gallery as a celebration of ceramics, and has since expanded to include all three-dimensional artworks.  This year’s exhibition included a range of fibers, wood, metals, paper, organic materials, clay, and so much more. The magic of a group sculpture show continues to be the relationships between techniques, materials and content—and the way individual sculptures can relate to each other through this 3D language. Learn more about the exhibition here.

Holdfast
Dayton Visual Arts Center
September 4 – October 17, 2015

IMG_8626

“Holdfast” installation at Dayton Visual Arts Center

From a house boat anchored in the gallery to drawings and sculptures adorning the walls both inside the boat and out, Holdfast was a refreshing journey of sorts from the artist collective Four-Footed Fellows Correspondence Club (Travis Head, David Dunlap, Zach Stensen and Josh Black). In residence for several weeks to create the installation, the result was a diaristic approach to travel, artmaking and observations of the world around us. Learn more about the exhibition here.

Mychaelyn Michalec: No accounting for taste
Welker Rollins Studio
September

Mychaelyn Michalec installation

A mash-up of familiar American furniture and domestic environments in a muted palette, Mychaelyn Michalec’s paintings are incredibly seductive, comforting and offer a constant re-examination into each piece’s many layers. Learn more about Michalec’s work here.

WISH MOUNTAIN
Blue House Gallery
October 10 – 31, 2015

IMG_9202

VanHecke, “Glitterettes” detail

Walking through dangling balloons under the glow of a neon sign reading “Katy Perry,” Blue House’s latest exhibition Wish Mountain brings new context to everyday objects. Featuring the work of Chicago-based artists Brian Edward Selke and Casey VanHecke, humor, material exploration and unexpected dichotomies are joyously abundant. Learn more about the exhibition here.

KP Project 1
November 15 – 17, 2015
Front Street Warehouse

Arjan Zazueta, “I’ll Be Your Horse, If You’ll Be My Rider,” 2014

Tucked into the downtown Front Street Warehouse was the inaugural pop-up exhibition “Project 1” of Kelsey Projects. Project 1 featured paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and sculptures work of 16 artists from Dayton and beyond.  Installed on the rough white walls of the industrial warehouse studio, the exhibition was hinged on relationships between each artwork linked by color, form and patterns. Learn more about the exhibition here.

BONUS PICKS

Enchanted Forest
September 2015

bonus pick - enchanted forest
On a farm outside of Dayton, artists Christina Pereyma, Jane Black and Leesa Haapapuro led participants on an adventure in collaboration, spectacle and incredible creativity. Using sticks and wire, a wooly mammoth sculpture emerged in the forest and performances in both Ukrainian tradition and music were highlights, but the pleasure of enjoying the arts through making it with a group of folks that might not venture to do this for fun was the best part.

Downtown Dayton Murals

bonus pick - murals

Etch and Tiffany Clark mural at Toxic Brew Company

Dayton had an incredible year for murals. From the massive, 1,000 foot long “River Run Mural,” designed by Amy Deal, to the K12 Gallery and Tejas building façade, to murals by the collaborative team Etch and Tiffany Clark at Toxic Brew Company in the Oregon District and East End Community Services on Xenia Avenue, these murals are adding new color and character to Dayton’s urban spaces.

Terry Welker: The Consent
September 21 – October 16
Rosewood Gallery

P1010803The amazing architect, city planner and sculptor Terry Welker created an incredible kinetic installation inspired by the poem by Howard Nemerov of the ritual of ginkgo leaves each autumn. Kids and adults couldn’t stay away from the pillow pile at the installation’s center.

From the poem:

Late in November, on a single night
Not even near to freezing, the ginkgo trees
That stand along the walk drop all their leaves
In one consent, and neither to rain nor to wind
But as though to time alone: the golden and green
Leaves litter the lawn today, that yesterday
Had spread aloft their fluttering fans of light.

DVAC Call For Artists

By

12310006_1081668951852159_7089434583652423082_o2016 DVAC CSA(rt) strengthening the art community by supporting the careers of emerging artists and cultivating collectors

Six artists will be selected to receive a commission of $1,500 to create an artwork in an edition of 50. Artists will be selected through representative images from this application. DVAC CSA Committee will work with individual artists to approve final artwork for edition. Artists must commit to creating edition between notification (Feb 13) and deadline of July 1, 2016. Commission payment 50% at agreement signing; balance at delivery.

JUROR
Guest juror: James Yood, adjunct Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and contributor Artforum International.

ARTIST SUBMISSION CRITERIA
All artists are eligible to apply. Emerging artists (artists exhibiting less than 3 years are particularly encouraged.) DVAC seeks to present work of the highest level of craftsmanship, originality and contemporary style. All work must be structurally sound, safe, non-toxic and fit for its intended use. DVAC will not accept commercially-produced items or structures.
REQUIREMENTS:

Media
Images – Minimum: 1, Maximum: 5
Total Media – Minimum: 1, Maximum: 5

Media: any; but selected artists must commit to creating an edition of 50 artworks (photographs, prints, multiples, small objects, etc.) between selection (Feb 14) and deadline July 1, 2016.

APPLICATION FEE
Free for Current DVAC Members; $10 for non-Members

CURRENT DVAC MEMBERS
DVAC Member Waiver Code (at checkout). Questions, email Gallery Manager at pmauk@daytonvisualarts.org or call 937/224.3822.

Why CSA?
CSA-Community Supported Art is a self-sustaining economic model based on the concept of Community Supported Agriculture. The program’s products are created by artists and income is sustained by the CSA members (and possible partner organizations). CSAs are built upon connections between and the community.

Timeline
2015
December 9:  Application Opens via callforentry.org
 
2016
January 16 or 21:   Open discussion/feedback session 6-7 p.m.; 1-2 p.m.
February 8:  Application Deadline
February 13: Artist Notification & Contract
February 14: Shares on sale to DVAC Members
February 21: Shares on sale to General Public
PENDING: Juror’s Talk: Why These Artists? (free & open to the public)
July 1:  Edition Deadline & delivery appointment
August TBA Harvest Party / Delivery of artworks to shareholders
 
How it Works: For Shareholders
In February DVAC will announce the six artists commissioned to create art editions and unveil bios and examples of their work on the DVAC website. Images will be representative of what shareholders will receive. Fifty shares will be made available to the public for $650 per share. In August, DVAC will host the first annual DVAC CSA Harvest party at which shareholders will receive six original, signed works of art.

CSA Art is limited edition for CSA Shareholders only—unavailable elsewhere. CSA artwork is created for the DVAC CSA in limited editions. This is what makes it, like an agricultural CSA, fresh and local.

Audience & Shareholder Sales
DVAC has a reach of 3,500 artists, collectors, faculty, curators, gallerists, the media and the general public; and a membership of 600. Our audience appreciates contemporary art and fine craft. In 2014-15 DVAC helped artists receive over $72,000 in art sales commissions.

A Family in Art – The Dayton Visual Arts Center 20th Anniversary Auction

By 1 Comment

 

The Dayton Racquet Club view

A view from the top.

The Dayton Racquet Club sits on top of the Kettering Tower, offering an amazing view of the city from any window you choose. Heading into this venerable Dayton establishment is special for any reason. This past Thursday night was no different; people mingling, smiling, and filling the 29th floor of the Kettering Tower with light conversation and laughter. If you did not know better, you would think that this was a family reunion. Everyone knew each other, and any stranger that came up was warmly greeted and introduced to the rest of the group. You would have been hard pressed to find two people in the room that were complete strangers. The only difference on this night is the main focus of the room. The views of all things grand in Dayton fades back as thirteen pieces step into the spotlight.

The thirteen pieces of art ranged from photography to ink drawings, from sculpture to charcoal drawings. This gallery represents just a fraction of the art that has been purchased over the past 20 years through various shows, Artist’s Palates, and auctions sponsored by the Dayton Visual Art Center (DVAC). DVAC is celebrating the 20th anniversary of this yearly tradition. The actual auction this year is on April 25th, but on this past Thursday evening they had a kickoff party leading up to the main event. Being on the top floor in the tallest building in Dayton can almost be seen as a metaphor of how far this institution has come.

DVAC started in 1991 in the Biltmore Hotel, where they were able to set up a small gallery for local artists to share their work with the community. Their goal was a simple one; expose Dayton to the original artistic talent they had in the city and provide a setting for art lovers to meet and discuss their passion. They had a few fundraisers in the early days through various shows, such as their Masquerades where they invited artists to create masks for auction. It was not long before the idea of organizing an auction where artists would donate work and the community at large could come in and bid on it was suggested. The first auction in 1994 was at the Dayton Art Institute. It was organized by artists and members Pam Hauk, Linda Lombard, and Ray Must, and it started a tradition that has helped build this community into a family over the last twenty years.

Just one of the beautiful pieces on loan for the show, Caryatids by Don Williams.

Just one of the beautiful pieces on loan for the show, Caryatids by Don Williams.

Everyone in the room had a story to tell. Each piece of art that silently drew all of the attention in the room belonged to a member. They sat as examples of some of the art that has been auctioned over the lifetime of the events. Eva Buttacavoli, the Executive Director of DVAC and host for the evening, did not just introduce each piece of art in the room, she was able to entice almost every owner to narrate the history of the piece and why they love it. Each piece was impressive, created by names like Andy Snow, Homer Hacker, and Palli Davis. What is equally impressive were the stories told by the collectors about the impact the piece had in their lives. Some did not just collect art from the artists, but were able to develop personal relationships with them. Relationships that led to deeper understanding of the art that was being produced. Some purchased from a variety of artists; some would buy every piece from one artist (if they had room in the house). As one of the collectors told her story, she spoke about how “DVAC becomes a part of your life” and how they “never buy work we don’t love to see every day.” Another woman spoke about how her children, growing up around all this amazing art, were able to not only meet these talented people, but pick out their work on the street. More than a few pieces were bought while the speakers spouse was away. There was a bond among all the people in the room, being either lovers of art, creators of art, or both.

Many of the people attending that night had memories of DVAC that went back to the beginning. Ray Must was there, one of the original three creators of the auction and an artist in his own right. He has been an active member in the Dayton art community for decades as an artist and an educator at Wright State University. His works range from large scale murals in acrylic paint to smaller, more detailed etching. In the opinion of one of the collectors, “what Ray has done for the community cannot be measured.” One of his works, “Edwin Moses and the Dayton Carousel”, will be available at the live auction on April 25th. Bobette ”BK” Olsen was also in attendance, carrying a file that showed some of the history of DVAC’s shows. Names like Connie Hanselman, Ernest Koerlin, Abner Cope and Bobette herself showed up over the years of shows. Sculptor Susan Zurcher, was also there as an early supporter. She chaired the second artist auction, helping to “expose all the hidden gems” within the city. She sees the organization as a microcosm of the city, “helping each other without blowing our own horns.” These three and many more have been involved with this organization over the years, building it slowly but surely. All of the people in the room that night helped build it from the ground floor of a donated space downtown to the top of the town.

The apron from the first art auction.

The apron from the first art auction.

The Friday, April 25th show is going to be the 20th Anniversary artist auction. Ten pieces will be on display at the live auction, with over one hundred more pieces being available online for a silent auction. The curators see this event less as a party and more of a family reunion. It is a chance for the art collectors in the community, some who may not have seen each other for years, to speak with old friends and meet new collectors in the community. This event has outgrown the auction’s home of the last few years, the Ponitz Center in Sinclair Community College, and has moved into a new home at The Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. It is a perfect opportunity for veteran art collectors to see all the newest talent Dayton has to offer, or for new collectors to meet the artists and patron that make Dayton such an original. Ms. Buttacavoli stated it best at the kickoff; this is a celebration “of a generation of artists giving to the community and people supporting art.”

 

Kettering Cultural Arts Manager Picks Her Top Moments in Dayton Visual Arts 2013

By 1 Comment

Dayton was home to numerous amazing art exhibitions, collaborations and projects in 2013. Although there were many, many more superb events that are not on this list, the arts listed below serves as a glimpse into the vitality of the Dayton region’s creative folks and spaces! Enjoy!

CIRCUS!
Dayton Visual Arts Centre

January 2 – 11P1100868
A collaborative project between artist Leesa Haapapuro and the Young People’s Homeschoolers program at K12 Gallery culminated into a short show at the Dayton Visual Arts Center. The young circus performers next to their murals, sculptures and paintings, created an incredible new world of possibility and magic for youth and adults.

Jud Yalkut: Visions and Sur-Realities
University of Dayton
Jan. 31 through March 7

40098

Nam June Paik and Jud Yalkut, Beatles Electroniques, 1969

One of Dayton’s most treasured artists, Jud Yalkut was revered for his advocacy of the arts, his pioneer video works, his collages and his writing.  The exhibition captured many of his artworks, including special screenings of his film and video works, many of which hadn’t been seen by the public in decades.  Jud passed away in July 2013, marking an end of an era and a huge loss to the Dayton arts community.  Learn more about the his timely retrospective and career here.

The week of May 4 – 12
Urban Nights, Sideshow 8, Art on the Playground and AIA Architecture Week
Throughout Dayton and Kettering

 

The high quality and numerous events that took place over the first and second weekends of May was inspiring; Dayton’s Urban Nights, The Circus Creative Collective’s Side Show 8, Kettering’s inauguralArt on the Playground and AIA’s Architecture Week brought thousands of people out to participate in Dayton arts and culture.

Reinvention Stories
Dayton Art Institute
June 30 – September 29

dcp_Twin Towers Portrait_Emily Evans

Emily Evans, Untitled (Twin Towers), 2012

As evidence of Dayton’s vitality, a special project launched in January captures the city’s pulse. Local radio station WYSO 91.3 and filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar teamed-up to create the multi-platform media project Reinvention Stories, a series of audio stories and short films of Dayton and its residents. The project, instigated by WYSO’s general manager Neenah Ellis, is based on a series of questions: how does a city of inventors reinvent itself? How are individuals reinventing themselves? How are people dealing with the economic turmoil of recent years? How is Dayton doing? Through this documentation, a collection of videos and photographs were selected by Eva Buttacavoli, Executive Director of the Dayton Visual Arts Centre, and partnership with the Dayton Visual Arts Center and WYSO 91.3. Learn more bout the project at http://www.reinventionstories.org.

Inside Out 11M
August 4
Missing Peace Art Space and Synergy Incubator

IMG_2807
Inside Out 11M at Missing Peace Art Space

Inside Out 11M is a project based on Jr’s Inside Out with a focus on the question of immigration. Focusing on the residents of Dayton, the project captured portraits of hundreds of kids, adults and seniors. From the website: “A nationwide participatory art initiative aimed at creating a portrait of America that includes immigrants and the descendants of immigrants alike.”  Learn more about the project here.

HWD: Regional Sculpture Exhibition
August 26 – September 27
Rosewood Gallery

rosewood_wilson_austere consumption
Roscoe Wilson, Austere Consumption

HWD, or Height x Width x Depth, featured dozens of artists working in three-dimensional form. Participating artists were featured from Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virgina, Kentucky, Michigan and Indiana.  Highlights included the work of  Don Williams, Terry Welker, Rebecca Emrick, Courtney Kessel, Carrie Longley, David Kenworthy, Erica Wine, and so many more. Learn more about the exhibition here and photos are here.

Soo Sunny Park
Unwoven Light
Wright State’s Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries
September 15 – October 13

sonnysoo
Image courtesy of Wright State University

Exploring the boundaries between drawing and sculpture, Park’s chainlink fence and plexiglass transformed the Stein galleries into a moving experience.  Originally commissioned by Rice University, Park’s beautiful installation has been traveling to galleries around the country.

National Bronze Sculpture Symposium
October 13 – 26
Yellow Springs Arts Council

carreno-pour
Image courtesy of Bernie Carreno

The Yellow Springs Arts Council launched its first symposium in October, focusing on the process of lost-wax bronze casting.  Commissioning four sculptors, including D’jean Jawrunner (New Mexico), Susan Byrnes (Cincinnati), Brian Maughan (Yellow Springs), and John Weidman (New Hampshire), the artists created works on site for two-weeks, culminating in a live pour of their molds.  Exhibitions, lectures and artist talks complemented the artmaking daily.  More info is here.

Object of Devotion:
Medieval English Alabaster Sculpture from the Victoria and Albert Museum
Dayton Art Institute
October 26  – January 5, 2014

object-dai
Anonymous, English, The Fifth Sign of the Last Judgment, c. 1440-1470. Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

A stunning collection of medieval alabaster sculptures, on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum, demonstrate the dramatic, narrative and intricate scenes interpreted from biblical texts.  An art form popular in the 15th and 16th centuries, alabasters were considered a low-end of medieval craft for centuries. Over 40 examples at the Dayton Art Institute show the merit of this art form, which finally gained recognition by scholars and collectors in the twentieth century.

Bullet: Who Pulls the Trigger?
Art Street, University of Dayton
September 24 – November 3

bullet_DECA

James Pate and DECA students collaborative drawing

Art Street presented a complicated, difficult and important question within the multi-faceted collaborative art installation with artist James Pate, Dayton Early College Academy, South Chicago Art Center and Newtown, CT artists. Focused on creating a dialogue on issues of gun violence with a focus on South Chicago, Newtown and Dayton, panel discussions were a major component to the gallery exhibition. Artworks included New York artist S.B. Woods’ Meditation on Mourning, paintings made by Sandy Hook shooting survivors, Dayton-based artist James Pate and a group of DECA high school students. From the website: “This piece was conceived in part by James Pate, and in part by the students. After a conversation about gun violence, the students came to the consensus that ‘we as a society pull the trigger.’” Chicago artist Sarah Ward and students from the South Chicago Art Center created etchings of bullets to symbolize one for every person affected by gun violence on a daily basis. Read more about the exhibition here.

Dia de los Muertos
November 1

 

Dayton’s Day of the Dead parade and celebration took place on Friday, November 1, from the Oregon District to the historic St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood.  Hundreds of folks participated, many donning costumes and painted faces as music, art and food commemorated our loved ones. Stivers School for the Arts students, professional and emerging musicians and artists contributed to the celebration.  Spearheaded by volunteers, including Jean Howat Berry, MB Hopkins, Tonia Fish, Lisa Grigsby, and several others, the event found support from the community in its crowdsourcing fundraiser, as well as Welcome Dayton’s sponsoring of the parade, and Missing Peace Art Space and the Unitarian Fellowship for World Peace hosting.

ON STAGE DAYTON REVIEW: 100 Saints You Should Know (Dayton Theatre Guild)

By Leave a Comment

(l to r): Barbara Jorgensen, Maximillian Santucci, Alex Carmichal, Katrina Kittle, Corinne Engber in 100 Saints You Should Know (Photo by Craig Roberts)

(l to r): Barbara Jorgensen, Maximillian Santucci, Alex Carmichal, Katrina Kittle, Corinne Engber in 100 Saints You Should Know (Photo by Craig Roberts)

Kate Fodor’s darkly comedic 2007 character study “100 Saints You Should Know,” currently receiving a fine regional premiere at the Dayton Theatre Guild, brings faith, faithlessness and forgiveness to the forefront in an engaging and compelling fashion under the delicate direction of Ellen Finch.

Alex Carmichal, who left an indelible impression earlier this season as the titular villain of the Dayton Playhouse’s production of “Dracula,” brings understated potency to his excellently conflicted portrayal of Father Matthew McNally, the play’s centerpiece. Grappling with unmentionable desires that betray his duties, a predictable yet reasonable notion, Matthew leaves his parish without a game plan for the future, causing him to question his beliefs as never before while returning to his childhood home for refuge. The reason behind Matthew’s hurried, vague departure, involving the provocative artwork of George Platt Lynes, is reserved for late Act 1, but Carmichal’s astutely perplexing nature remains thoroughly intriguing, especially as Matthew finds solace in reading “Dark Night of the Soul” and comes to grips with the acknowledgement that his spirituality, his connection to God, is completely broken. Amiable cleaning woman and single mom Theresa (a first-rate, emotionally distressed Katrina Kittle) inquisitively looks to Matthew for answers to her burgeoning thoughts of religion, but Fodor primarily keeps their budding relationship and insightful faith discussions ambiguous, which some may find perturbing. After all, this lonely pair feels very bonded as lost souls in search of intimacy and purpose, elements heartwarmingly fueled by Carmichal and Kittle’s innate chemistry.

Kittle also establishes a wonderfully exasperating rapport with the sassy Corinne Engber as Abby, Theresa’s startlingly rebellious, foul-mouthed 16-year-old daughter who deeply resents her and their meager existence. Theresa and Abby’s bickering showdowns are off-putting (Abby is one of the nastiest characters to come along in years), but Kittle and Engber build to a heartfelt climax nonetheless as Abby particularly grows to understand the cost of being utterly mean-spirited for selfish gain. The cast also includes the very endearing Maximillian Santucci as the gawky, gullible Garrett, a sexually confused delivery boy ridiculed by Abby to devastating proportions, and the marvelously grounded Barbara Jorgensen as Matthew’s stern, caring, Scrabble-adoring Irish mother Coleen, who has difficulty grasping his sudden change of heart and the sheer importance of acceptance.

Marcia Nowik’s efficient set as well as Patrick Hayes’ appropriate costumes and believably bloodied makeup for Santucci are also significant as this impactful tale of inner fulfillment runs its surprisingly heartbreaking course.

“100 Saints You Should Know” continues through March 10 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Act One: 60 minutes; Act Two: 45 minutes. Cost: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $11 for students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 278-5993 or visit online at www.daytontheatreguild.org. Also, in conjunction with the Dayton Visual Arts Center, the Guild will display the works of local artist C.A. Tiedemann in its lobby during the run of “100 Saints,” which contains mature subject matter.

 

 

Jane’s Best Bets (8/10 – 8/14)

By Leave a Comment

Guest Bartending Last Week at The Moraine Embassy!

There are lots of great things going on this week in Dayton, so let’s jump right into it!

On Wednesday, support DATV by attending the DATV Fishing Derby at Gettysburg Fish Lake.  If you’re like me and can only draw stick people, then you may want to attend the Drawing Studio with Loretta Puncer at Gallery 510 Fine Art.  Head to Courthouse Square to see the Blue Sky Project ‘Artists without Borders’ Solo Exhibition.  No matter what you’ve been thinking about the national debt crisis, you will be able to share your opinions at ThinkTV with their Citizens Forum on the National Debt.  Over at Chappy’s, participate in their Southern Tier Creme Brulee Tapping…sounds delicious!  There are also some great musical options for Wednesday!  You can see Muse Machine in Concert as they perform ‘Tonight’ at Victoria Theatre, Alien Ant Farm at McGuffy’s House of Rock, or Miranda Cosgrove at the Fraze.

On Thursday, make your way to Courthouse Square for the The Square Is Where featuring Beseda Folk Dancers.  Enjoy fresh local produce at the Centerville Farmers Market.  If you have young kids, consider taking them to Story Hour at Cooper Park or to the Salvation Army Kroc Center for the Shoot! Score! Success! Back2School Family Event.  Both are FREE!  If you enjoy good food, you will not want to miss The Taste of The Greene, which will feature great food from The Greene’s wonderful restaurants.  And be sure to get your tickets in advance in order to get the discounted price!  Meet some great young professionals at Generation Dayton’s Thirsty Thursday at Milano’s on Brown Street.  If you Muse Machine in Concert - TONIGHT: The Songs of West Side Story & Moredidn’t get to see the Muse Machine’s ‘Tonight’ performance on Wednesday, then tonight is definitely the night!  Or catch live music at the Dayton Art Institute for their Twilight Concert, at RiverScape for Big Band Nights featuring the Hal Harris Orchestra, or at the Fraze to see Willie Nelson.

On Friday, during your lunch hour, head to Courthouse Square for The Square Is Where featuring Mindy Galvin Band…just don’t be a square and not attend.  If you see food and then enjoy eating it, you’ll want to attend the Seafood Extravaganza at The Dock.  And if seafood is not your thing, then make your way to Oregon Express for their amazing Half-Price Happy Hour Pizzas.  Although the end of summer is drawing near, you will be able to see A Midsummer Night Dream which is being presented by Free Shakespeare at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet.  Make your way to Fifth Third Field for Friday Night Fights.  At Victoria Theatre, see The African Queen as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  And finally, get a brat (the food kind) and drink some German beer at the Germanfest Picnic, which is being held at Carillon Park.

On Saturday, get fresh local produce with City Beets at the Market at the PNC 2nd Street Market or at the Troy Farmers Market.  I don’t know how to say the name of this wine, but if you like Sauvignon Blanc, then make your way to Jungle Jim’s for their Sauvignon Blancs of the World tasting.  Speaking of wine, the Fraze will be hosting the Festival of the Vine, which will feature fine wine and cool jazz.  Help make history by bringing a canned good to Brixx for their Canned Food Drive and possibly setting a new Guinness World Record for the most food collected in a 24 hour period.  Head up to Boston’s Bistro for their 10th Semi-Annual Greek Night or to the Dayton Visual Arts Center for the High-Rise Harmony Artist Palate Party.  At Carillon Park, join the many Germans (and wannabe Germans) drinking German beer and eating German food as part of the Germanfest Picnic.  At Stubbs Amphitheater, listen to the Centerville Community Band.  Watch Free Shakespeare’s presentation of A Midsummer Night Dream at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet.  And finally, enjoy the summer weather and head to Fifth Third Field as the Dragons play the Lake County Captains.

On Sunday, all arts and crafts lovers should make plans to attend Art on the Commons, which will take place at Civic Commons Park in Kettering.  The Germanfest Picnic will still be going on over at Carillon Park.  If you didn’t get to make it to the 2nd Street Market earlier in the weekend, then perhaps you should go to the Garden Station Sunday Market.  Sit in the air conditioning at Victoria Theatre in order to see The African Queen as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  At the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet, you will still be able to see A Midsummer Night Dream presented by Free Shakespeare.  Catch the Dayton Dragons as they play the Lake County Captains.  And finally, there are a few opportunities for live music – Pizzazz in the Park Summer Concert Series: Jake & Elwood Blues Revue at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg, The Sauerkraut German Band at Stubbs Amphitheater, and The Charlie Daniels Band at the Miami County Agricultural Society.  Their show may be “the best there’s ever been.”

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What do you call a bear with no teeth?  A gummy bear.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (7/27 – 7/31)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Happy Restaurant Week! Hopefully you have already started taking advantage of some of the great deals at our area’s fabulous restaurants.  In addition to Restaurant Week, here are a few other options of things to do in Dayton.

On Wednesday, celebrate the Submarine House’s One Year Anniversary (Beavercreek Bar and Grill), where they will have great specials, as well as prizes and raffles.  During your lunch hour, listen to Frequency, an a’capella group who will be performing at Courthouse Square as part of The Square Is Where.  Wish you could be like Tiffany’s and make your own jewelry?  Consider heading to the Cannery Art and Design Center for Art by the Glass.  Learn about how to shop at farmers’ markets and what questions to ask, all the while consuming a tasty beverage as part of Dayton Green Drinks at Company7 BBQ.  Flock to Pasha Grill for their FLOC (For the Love of Children) Charity Dinner, which will help to support children who have been neglected, abused, or are in foster care.  And if it’s not too hot, consider listening to music as part of Jazz on the Green at Yankee Trace or watching the Dragons play the Fort Wayne Tincaps.

On Thursday, utilize what you learned on Wednesday at the Dayton Green Drinks event and pick up some fresh local produce at the Centerville Farmers Market.  If you love wine but don’t want to break the bank, stumble your way to Arrow Wine in Centerville for a wine tasting featuring wines under $20.  You will be able to drink wine AND exercise as part of Grape and Lotus: A Wine and Yoga Practice at Metropolitan Arts Center.  For some live music, make your way to Dublin Pub to see Nick Mitchell or to RiverScape for their Big Band Nights featuring the Dayton Jazz Orchestra.  In addition, the Dragons will continue their series against the Fort Wayne Tincaps.

On Friday, be sure to be downtown, as that is where all the best bets are.  Listen to another concert at Courthouse Square during your lunch hour for The Square Is Where, where Minions of Fate will be performing.  If you are a beer lover, you are in luck, as there will be an Epic Brewery Welcome to Ohio Party at Lucky’s.  At Victoria Theatre, watch Young Frankenstein as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  At Fifth Third Field, catch the Dayton Dragons as they once again play the Fort Wayne Tincaps.  And finally, whether you are Irish or not, you will not want to miss the Dayton Celtic Festival!

On Saturday, take the kids to the 2nd Street Market for Kids Day.  I told you not to miss the Dayton Celtic Festival on Friday, but if you did, you must put it at the top of your list for Saturday.  And if you already went on Friday, you can still go as well!  In addition to the many festivities already going on, there will be 5K Run/Walk in order to burn off the calories from all that Irish beer!  Also at RiverScape, you will be able to take part in the Dayton River Ride.  Over at Wegerzyn Gardens, watch A Midsummer Nights Dream, presented by Free Shakespeare.  If you feel like catching a movie in an ultra cool place, then be sure to head to Victoria Theatre for the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series, where Blazing Saddles will be shown.  Art lovers should plan to attend DVAC’s 20th Birthday Bash.  After all, who doesn’t love a birthday party?  And if you’re caught up in good 80s music, then be sure to get your tickets to see 38 Special at the Fraze…and hold on tightly to them!

On Sunday, start your day off right with the Dayton Celtic Festival Breakfast at RiverScape, followed by their Bike Ride.  Then enjoy the rest of the Festival’s festivities.  You will also be able to listen to live music at Stubbs Amphitheater in Centerville by the Sound Body Jazz Orchestra or at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg for the Pizzazz in the Park Concert Series featuring Chazz. And if you prefer to stay indoors, watch The Producers as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series at Victoria Theatre.

Plus…don’t forget that this week is Restaurant Week, so be sure to make reservations at your favorite restaurants all week long!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What’s the definition of a farmer?  One who is outstanding in his field.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (7/13 – 7/17)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

First off, I would like to say congratulations to the Dayton Dragons on setting the national record for sports sell-outs this past weekend…what an accomplishment!  We do truly live in a great city!  And I’d like to prove it once again by letting you know about some of the great things going on here this week!

On Wednesday, take a break from work and head to The Square Is Where… Yoga Class from Practice Yoga at Courthouse Square.  If you haven’t been getting enough beauty sleep lately, consider going to La Comedia to see Sleeping Beauty.  Listen to music at Yankee Trace with Jazz on the Green or at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater with The Dark Star Orchestra.  And if you’re in need of a good laugh, then head to Wiley’s for their Dirty Little Secret Superhero Show.

On Thursday, there are several great happy hour options so you are going to have some tough decisions to make!  If you are an enthusiastic young professional, join Generation Dayton at El Meson for Thirsty Thursday.  It’s Thursday Night Live at the Moraine Embassy, so let DaytonMostMetro.com’s very own Bill Pote and Lisa Grigsby help take care of you, as they will be the celebrity bartenders on hand.  Grab dinner and drinks at one of the fabulous restaurants at The Greene such as McCormick & Schmick’s and then sit on the green (literally) to watch as Ed Kowalczyk, the lead singer of Live performs.  Check out three of the Oregon District’s new businesses as part of their Progressive Open House, where each business will have live performances by jazz and classical musicians, as well as raffles!  Bring the whole family to see Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Salvation Army Kroc Center – tickets are FREE!  Or help support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by getting your tickets to see ‘The Sound of Music’ at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  And finally, listen to live music at the Dayton Art Institute for a Twilight Concert or at RiverScape for their Big Band Nights featuring the Eddie Brookshire Orchestra.

On Friday, bring your kids to the PNC 2nd Street Market for Pasta Making for Kids…afterall, wouldn’t it be nice if they made you dinner for a change?!?!  If you love biking, consider taking part in the Greene Trails Cycling Classic at the Greene County Fairgrounds Recreation Center.  Although this is a four-day event, you are able to “Design-A-Ride” that fits your schedule.  Art lovers should make plans to attend the 20th Annual Open Members’ Show: Light at the Dayton Visual Arts Center.  Head to the Beavercreek Kroger for their Wine and Food Extravaganza.  Once again, you will be able to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by going to Epiphany Lutheran Church for The Sound of Music’.  Have a nerds night out at Xenia Area Community Theater as part of Nerd Comedy Night.  If you prefer to be cool, head to Victoria Theatre to see “Some Like It Hot” as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  And if you actually do like it hot, then make your way to Bella Villa Hall for the The Bocce Classic XVI.

On Saturday, if you enjoy seeing beautiful irises (the flower kind), then you will want to be at the PNC 2nd Street Market for their Iris Sale.  At RiverScape, get in shape with Zumba in the Park or participate in their Kayak Float.  Support A Special Wish Foundation by attending Fajita Fest at the Polish Club.  Listen to the sounds of  Michael Bashaw & Puzzle of Light and the Rippingtons at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater, the Bob Gray Orchestra at Stubbs Amphitheater, Son Del Caribe as part of the Free Summer Concert Series at RiverScape, or Trace Adkins at the Fraze Pavilion.  Over at

Trace Adkins at the Fraze

Fifth-Third Field, the Bob Ross Classic will be going on, which is an All-Star Baseball Game for local high school baseball players.  And if you would like to watch some great fights, head over to Drake’s Downtown for Fight Night…just be sure you don’t get into one yourself!

On Sunday, the Fraze will be having WTUE’s Breakfast with The Beatles and The Beatleburys.  Baby you can drive your car there…sorry I’m not going to let you drive mine!  If you would rather ride a bike, then participate in the Greene Trails Cycling Classic, which will still be going strong.  Watch belly dancers and fire jugglers, listen to live music, and MUCH more at the Fling in the Springs (downtown Yellow Springs).  A trip to Dave Hall Plaza for the Downtown Summer Music Series – Michelob Dayton Blues Festival is a must for all blues fans out there!  You will also be able to listen to music at Stubbs Amphitheater in Centerville (The Termites) and at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg (Pizzazz in the Park Concert Series: Paragon Quartet).  And if you’re not the outdoors type, then you can go to Victoria Theatre to see “Some Like It Hot” as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series or to Epiphany Lutheran Church for The Sound of Music’.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why did the coach kick Cinderella off the baseball team?

Because she ran away from the ball.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (5/11 – 5/15)

By Leave a Comment

My Awesome GenD Day Team at DVAC!

I hope you had a terrific week!  Thanks to all who “got out” and “gave back” this past Friday for Generation Dayton Day…it was a huge success!  Dayton is fortunate to have many wonderful young professionals!  This week, be sure to “get out” again, as there are many great things going on in our community!

On Wednesday, find out how trash can be turned into treasure with the exhibit, ‘Trash? Look Again’ at the Dayton Art Institute.  For some great networking, attend Business After Hours at Dayton Convention Center.  Afterwards, head to Fifth Third Field as the Dragons play the Lake County Captains or to Wiley’s for Dirty Little Secret Sanitarium.  If you’ve had a crazy day and need to relax a bit, make your way to The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting.

On Thursday, attend the Junior League of Dayton Town Hall Lecture Series at the Schuster Center, featuring Gina Barreca, a best-selling author who will keep you laughing.  Over at the Dayton Visual Arts Center, attend their Gallery Talks, in which artists Maureen Schaffer and Deborah Barr will talk about their art.  While you’re there, check out the fantastic spackling/sanding/paint job my GenD Day team did there!  Meet fellow Gen D’ers (a.k.a. fantastic young professionals!) at the Generation Dayton Thirsty Thursday at The Pub at The Greene.  ALL young professionals are welcome!  Also at The Greene, if you’re hungry for some delicious food, make your way to McCormick & Schmick’s for their Benziger Wine Dinner.  At Oregon Express, you will be able to grab a beer and learn about religion as part of Dayton Theology on Tap.  While there, be sure to have some of their amazing pizza!  I had some this past weekend and it was delicious!  And finally, don’t delay in getting your tickets to watch the Dragons as they play the Lake County Captains at Fifth-Third Field.

On Friday, downtown is THE place to be, even if you call the suburbs home.  The main attraction is Urban Nights, which is a free event in which you will be able to see downtown’s dining, nightlife, art, music, retail, urban living options, and MUCH more.  It only happens twice a year, so don’t miss your chance to attend this huge downtown open house!  For more info, be sure to become a fan of the “Urban Nights” fan page.  Urban Nights truly has something for everyone, so that is really my only best bet for Friday.  If you’re not there, you’re missing out…and I’m going to leave it at that!

On Saturday, all you car lovers will want to drive to the Webster Street Market for the British Car Meet (not to be confused with “meat,” although I’m sure they’ll have that too!).  Many of our dogs may have gained a few pounds over the cold/snowy winter since they haven’t been able to get out and exercise.  So, get them moving at the Furry Skurry 2011 at Miami Valley Hospital South to support the Humane Society.  If you don’t have a furry friend, you can still walk as part of the Walk Away From Violence event at RiverScape MetroPark, in which funds raised will benefit the Artemis Center, which helps to raise funds for victims of domestic violence.  At The Greene, watch the Hunks in Heels race, all the while supporting Clothes that Work.  This should be a super fun event!

Photo Credit: Andy Snow

Support Dayton Children’s Medical Center by attending Cha-Cha: Reasons to Celebrate at Sinclair’s Ponitz Center, which will feature live entertainment, fine dining, and both live and silent auctions!  You will be able to contribute to the Breast Cancer Foundation of Dayton by attending the 2nd Annual Sis-Boom-Ball at St Paul’s Episcopal Church.  All you “creatives” will want to attend The Sideshow VI at Garden Station Community Garden and Art Park.  At the Dayton Convention Center, the Come to the Cabaret – DCDC’s Soulstice event will be happening, which will include a wonderful mixture of live music, casino games, dancing, and dance performances by the amazing DCDC (although it says “D.C.” twice, they are actually located in Dayton…and we are so blessed to have them!).  If you enjoy watching dance but are on a strict budget, consider attending Order My Steps at Stivers Schoool for the Arts.  At the Schuster Center, you will be able to see the Dayton Philharmonic’s ‘Bernstein’s MASS’.  In addition, other options for Saturday include Honk! Jr. at Town Hall Theatre, Mauritius at the Dayton Theatre Guild, and The Women of Lockerbie at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater.

On Sunday, start the morning off with Sunday Brunch at The Barnsider…I’m hoping the lines won’t be as long since it’s not Mother’s Day!  Sunday also has several theater options, including  42nd Street at WSU’s Festival Playhouse, The Women of Lockerbie at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater, Honk! Jr.at Town Hall Theatre, and Mauritius at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  And if you love beer, you won’t want to miss PubFest at The Pub at The Greene!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why did the mouse run under the beer truck?  Because he wanted to get smashed.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (3/30 – 4/3)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It is the end of March…although the madness continues, of course!  This also means that it’s the beginning of April showers.  However, instead of gifts, I’m going to shower you with things to do!

On Wednesday, make your way to the fabulous Jay’s Seafood Restaurant for their Groth Vineyards Tasting or to Bruning’s Wine Cellar for their Special Edition Tasting: All White Wines from Germany and Austria.  Although Sammy’s El Pueblo in Springboro has been open for a little while, head to their Grand Opening Celebration, which will feature a live mariachi band and buy one get one lunch or dinner!  Hopefully you’re like me and have your tickets to Avenue Q at Victoria Theatre (which is actually on Main Street).  Entertainment Weekly called it “one of the funniest shows you’re ever likely to see,” so I am so ready to get my laugh on and I hope you are too!  Just be sure to get your tickets ASAP as I have been told that there are only a few tickets remaining!  (For more info on this show, check out Shane Anderson’s article on DMM.)  And if you’re feeling like grabbing a beer and listening to some acoustic music, head to the Trolley Stop for the Old Time Acoustic Jam.

On Thursday, make your way to the PNC 2nd Street Market for Maple Syrup Maestro.  Over at Coco’s Bistro, enjoy their delicious food and 1/2 Price Wine by the Bottle.  Make your way to the Dayton Art Institute for DAI Movie Night: Steve McQueen in ‘Bullitt’.  FYI – “Bullit” doesn’t look like it’s speled corectlee, but when I looked it up, it waz acshually correctt.  If you love live music, make your way to the Centerville Schools Performing Arts Center to watch as The Centerville Orchestra presents, Mark Wood, a musician with an impressive resume!  Or, combine your love for video games with music by attending the Dayton Philharmonic’s The Return of Play! A Video Game Symphony at the Schuster Center.

On Friday, don’t go out and do anything.  Just be lazy, stay at home, and relax on the couch.  April Fool!  Of course you better not be doing that or else I’d have to try to drag you off the couch!  Instead, you can make your way to the Dayton Visual Arts Center for their Auction Preview Exhibition.  If you love cows and want to protect them, head to the Dayton Mall Chick-fil-A for their customer appreciation day, in which you will get a free Chick-fil-A sandwich(offered  4-7PM).  I have to be honest – I am so disappointed because I LOVE Chick-fil-A but do the “no meat on Fridays in Lent” thing…I wish they had a Fish-fil-A Sandwich!  Help raise money for music scholarships at Cedarville University by attending the ‘Musical Chairs’ performance.  If you’re downtown, be sure to participate in First Friday, the art hop that happens the first Friday of each month.  Kristen Wicker does a fantastic job telling you all about the events going on as part of First Friday, so I’ll shut my mouth (or stop typing) and encourage you to check out her article yourself…it’s really not a joke!

On Saturday, all you 5K lovers should head to Eastwood MetroPark for Celtic Academy’s Inaugural 5K Race for the Worlds Run/Walk.  All you art lovers should attend the Auction Preview Exhibition at the Dayton Visual Arts Center.  Some theater options include Beauty and the Beast at Victoria Theatre, Bill W. & Dr. Bob at Dayton Playhouse, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Playhouse South, The Boys Next Door at the Dayton Theatre Guild, and Smoke on the Mountain at the University of Dayton.  Also at the University of Dayton, listen to the sounds of the Ebony Heritage Singers, Dayton’s gospel choir which will perform music from the African-American sacred music tradition.  Take the stairway to the Schuster Center, which will seem like heaven as you see the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance, The Symphony Rocks: Music of Led Zeppelin.  If you love football but hate to sit out in the cold, head to Hara Arena to watch as the Dayton Silverbacks play the Cincinnati Commandos.  And if you love black tie events and supporting great causes, head to the Wright State University ArtsGala.  I have heard that this is always an amazing event!

The Symphony Rocks: The Music of Led Zeppelin

On Sunday, THEater seems like THE thing to do!  Beauty and the Beast at Victoria Theatre, Bill W. & Dr. Bob at Dayton Playhouse, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Playhouse South, The Boys Next Doorat Dayton Theatre Guild, and Smoke on the Mountain at the University of Dayton are all options.  Or bring your kids to the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance, The Beat Goes On at the Schuster Center.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

How does a cow keep track of all her appointments?

She checks her COWander.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!