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A Video Series for Making Cocktails At Home – UPDATED

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(This post, and schedule, can also be found on the website Smart Guy in a Tie)

Coffee CocktailsMost people would be surprised by the number of cocktail ingredients they have in their kitchen. Fruits, vegetables, prepackaged drinks, and many other ingredients are the same ones used in bars around the world. Everywhere from James Beard Award-winning bars to the neighborhood bar where the beer is always cold, and you can usually find a friend there. The only thing you need to add is liquor. When I started Kitchen Cocktails two months ago, the goal was to show people what they can do with a couple of bottles and ingredients in the house. If you could purchase it at the grocery store or the liquor store, you could make it at home. People seem to be enjoying it, and with so many topics to cover, I thought it would help if you knew the rest of the month in advance.

Every one of these events is scheduled on my Facebook page so that you can note them on your calendar. The events are also where I will be adding the ingredients or other materials you will need if you want to make the cocktails along with me, or later that night. Mondays are #MakeItMonday, where I will be showing you a new technique or talking about materials you need for a home bar. Wednesdays, I will focus on bottles of liquor or cocktails people watching have at home they want to explore. You can respond to the pinned post on my Facebook page if you’re going to add something to the list. On Friday, we look at a themed type of cocktail or category of cocktail to explore. One you can experiment with at home!

Tonic TastingHere is the schedule for the rest of June. Every episode is at 5 PM EDT:

June 8: Infinity bottle

Have some spare whiskey or rum in the house? This bottle could be an excellent way to create a unique blend.

June 10: Iced Tea

Summer is a week and a half away, and we all love a good glass of cold tea on the patio. Adding something to it never hurts.

June 12: Old Fashioned

Every bar has their version of the Old Fashioned, and they are all sworn to be the original. I will go through the basics for you.

June 15: Tools of the trade have a variety of tools laying in front of me for every cocktail I make. But what ones do you need to start a home bar?

June 17: Chartreuse

Which came first, the color or the liqueur? This herbal product of France slides deliciously into many cocktails.

June 19: Nathan “Nearest” Green

Mint infused RumJack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is one of the most well known global whiskey brands. For years, the history of the person who taught Jack how to distill was unknown, until a woman tracked it down and brought it to life.

June 22: Infusions

For the fourth Make It Monday of the month, we are going to explore how to infuse your favorite spirits with different flavors.

June 24: Cachaça

The national spirit of Brazil, this earthy, fruity cousin of rum, has a flavor all its own. Grab a bottle and see how you can use it!

June 26: Negroni

One of the classics. Three ingredients, all in equal measure. Like the Old Fashioned, it is a cocktail that has inspired endless variations.

June 29: Batching

Pitcher of cocktailsWhether you are planning on having a few socially distanced friends over or just want something simple to drink after work, there is always room for a bottle of cocktails!

July 1: St. Germain

Made with elderflowers, this lightly floral and sweet liqueur adds a little extra depth to many cocktails.

Thank you all for your support! I am always open to other ideas for episodes, so let me know what you want to see through Facebook, and I will do what I can to accommodate it.

A Walk Through the Cemetery is Just What You Need!

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We are living in strange times these days. Viruses are named after birds, pigs and now beer. New words for the dictionary will be added by the end of the year: “self-quarantining” and “social distancing.” Fake news. Real news. Wash your hands. And the hoarding of toilet paper! Bars and restaurants closed. Libraries and casinos closed. Strange times indeed.

There are things to do and places you can go that will allow you to be socially distanced from others yet enjoy the beauty of emerging spring. Visit the cemetery! Yes! We’re serious, visit the cemetery.  Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is an open air museum that will delight you with the the visuals of greening grass and emerging flowers. We’ve seen the crocus bloom and the daffodils should be fluttering forth very soon.

If you’ve never been to Woodland  Cemetery and Arboretum you just might be amazed with all of the architectural wonders and beautiful sculptures throughout the grounds. There are over 110,000 people buried at Woodland and nearly 100,000 markers and monuments ranging from rugged boulders, left here from the glaciers, to Greek statues and temples. You’ll see a full sized dog, angels and trumpeters and lambs, crosses and flowers all made of cut stone.

There are unique poems and stories etched into the stones and symbols of death from a long ago era. What’s more is that you can learn about the history of Dayton’s citizens through one of the virtual tours offered by the cemetery’s mobile app. There are three tours you can walk, drive or sit on your couch and attend. A free downloadable app is available from the cemetery’s website at woodlandcemetery.org or click here to go straight to the app site.

The Historic Tour features several of the buildings and notable residents at Woodland. This tour offers an audio feature where you sit back and listen to the narrative. There is also the Dayton’s Walk of Fame Tour and the Celebrated African -Americans at Woodland Cemetery Tour. Give it a try and learn about a few of the men and women who made it Great’n Dayton.

If going to the cemetery, there are over 200 verdant acres of rolling hills and 9 miles of paved roads. Truly a much better workout than you can get at the gym. There are at least nine remaining trees designated as “Ohio Champions.” How fun would it be to find them all. You can stop at the front office and get free brochures of several walking tours or purchase a booklet that features both walking tour and historical bios on each of the people on the tour. Bring a picnic and sit down by the pond. Dogs, bring your humans and get them off the couch. And definitely bring your camera to take in the view and a photo of the beautiful “Gem City.”

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum sits in the heart of downtown Dayton on over 200 verdant acres of rolling hills with over 3000 tress on the property. This historic cemetery, founded in 1841, welcomes thousands of visitors who tour the grounds each year to visit the grave sites of inventors of powered flight, Wilbur and Orville Wright; poet Paul Laurence Dunbar; Matilda and Levi Stanley, Queen and King of the Gypsies; writer Erma Bombeck; inventor Charles F. Kettering; and entrepreneurs John H. Patterson (NCR); George P. Huffman (Huffy Bicycles); and George Mead (Mead Paper Co.).

Rock Bands Unite to Help Beat Cancer at Blind Bob’s

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I say it often: the Dayton music community is full of the most generous people I know. It’s often a two way street, and this weekend, musicians take care of three of their biggest supporters, who are currently battling cancer. If you love rock’n’roll, this show is a win-win all around!

Night of the Beat (Cancer) takes place at Blind Bob’s on Saturday January 25th, to benefit Jaime Testa, Amanda Hensler and Tyler Gilcher. All three of them have been major supporters of the Dayton music community, staples in the Oregon District, and have huge hearts! They absolutely deserve a fantastic party in their honor, raising money to help them continue their fight.

Music is of course on the agenda! Four area rock bands that are donating their time and talents to this party, including: Abertooth Lincoln, Weathervein, Business Casuals, and We Are The Movies.

Sabrina Cox, one of the organizers of this event, explains what makes this event so special: “Last year was really hard for Oregon District, and Dayton as a whole. In the midst of all the tragedies, three beloved members of the Oregon District community were also fighting cancer. We are a community that comes together to love each other in every situation – and this is no exception. The Cancer Cuties, as we lovingly call them, are our friends, family, and neighbors. All the money collected at the door goes directly to them.”

Amander Hensler is one of the “Cancer Cuties” who is benefiting from Saturday night’s Night of the Beat concert.

How to Go?

Saturday January 25th at Blind Bob’s

Doors 9pm

$7 at the door (additional donations encouraged!)

21+

FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1022647121404471/

Dayton Battle of the Bands Launches 6 Week Series

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The Dayton Battle of the Bands launches as a 6 week series, starting this week on January 14, 2020, running through February 25, 2020. The goal with this friendly competition is to shine light on new and upcoming bands in the Dayton area, while providing a prize package that helps launch them to their next level!

This new endeavor is a collaboration between The Brightside Music & Event Venue, Sound Valley, and Venus Child Productions. Carli Dixon, the owner and powerhouse behind The Brightside explained the motivation for this series: “Dayton has a long history of musical innovation, and we want to help elevate the next generation of Dayton talent.” For that reason, this competition is only open to bands and musical acts that have been performing (in their current entity) five years or less and are within a 35 mile radius of downtown Dayton.

Performing on The Brightside’s big stage in the Ballroom at the Sound Valley Winter Music Fest is part of the prize package for the Battle of the Band winner.

Twenty local acts were selected by a judge’s panel, with genres ranging from hip hop to metal, and from Americana to electronic originals.  The prize package for the winner includes an EP session with famed sound engineer Patrick Himes at Reel Love Recording Studio, a music video with Sound Valley, professional photo shoot with Mike Jones, and a premiere spot on the big stage at The Brightside for the Sound Valley Winter Music Festival. Along with support from those professionals, WYSO 91.3 FM and Prime Time Party Rental are sponsoring this first year’s competition.

Week 1 kicks off on January 14th and continues every Tuesday evening through February 25, 2020, which is when the finals will be held. In case of in-climate weather, February 18th will be used as a make up date. See full schedule and details on how to go below:

How to Go:

Where: The Brightside at 905 E 3rd St Dayton 45402

When: Week 1- Jan 14, 2020 / Week  2 – Jan 21, 2020 / Week 3 – Jan 28, 2020 / Week 4 – Feb 4, 2020 / Week 5 – Feb 11, 2020 / Week 6 – Rain date make up on Feb 18, 2020 (if needed) / Finals – Feb 25, 2020

Time: Doors 7pm, music starts promptly at 7:40 after some announcements

Cost: $5 advance tickets via https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/ – OR $10 at the door

Schedule: Band 1 – 7:40pm / Band 2 – 8:20 / Band 3 – 9:00 / Band 4 – 9:40
Music ends at 10pm. Winner announced at 10:30

All ages welcome! Handicapped accessible. On site parking available.

NOTE: Due to the volume of participants, there will be no friends and family guest list.

 

Muse Machine presents “In The Heights” with bonus Pre-Show Celebration!

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One the Dayton’s most valuable assets is its robust arts community, from visual art, music, and all forms of performing arts. We cultivate that talent in our youth, through innovative programs like Muse Machine, which serves over 75,000 students in southwest Ohio.

Every January, Muse Machine presents a musical that features more than 100 young people from across the Miami Valley. I was re-introduced to these musical performances last year, and I was simply blown away by the talent these teenagers display. There is no doubt, several . are bound for Broadway!

This year Muse Machine presents “In the Heights“, a musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Hamilton). The story explores three days of the characters’ lives in the NYC Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights. On the brink of change, friends and family bring their hopes and dreams to life. The score features hip-hop, salsa, meringue and soul music.

The Muse Machine musical has been praised by The Dayton Daily News as “a performing arts all-star effort,” while The Oakwood Register has called it “an evening of true theatrical joy… ” You can see it for yourself Thursday January 16th through Sunday January 19th at the Victoria Theatre in Dayton, Ohio, January 16-19, 2020. Tickets available now through Ticket Center Stage.

Of course attending the performance is a fantastic way to support the organization. If you want to go above and beyond, and have some pre-show fun with fabulous people, consider attending Muse Machine’s annual Social & Show from 5:30 – 7:30 on Friday, January 17, 2020.

There you’ll enjoy cocktails & heavy hors d’oeuvres at Table 33. Each ticket will include food and two drink tickets with choice theatre seating.  It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!  Ticket sales for the Social & Show end January 11, 2020, so don’t delay!

HOW TO GO?

Social & Show Pre-Show Party / Fundraiser

Friday, January 17, 2020

5:30 – 7:30pm
Cocktails & heavy hors d’oeuvres
Table 33 (130 W 2nd St, Dayton OH 45402)

Muse Machine presents the hit musical
IN THE HEIGHTS at 8pm
From Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of HAMILTON
Victoria Theatre (138 N Main St, Dayton OH 45402)

Each ticket includes food, two drink tickets and deluxe theatre seating (seats will be assigned on a first come, first served basis). $45 Ticket for Social only / $100 Social & Show

For info and registration: http://musemachine.com/social/

In the Heights performances:

Thursday January 16, 2020 7pm

Friday, January 17, 2020 8pm

Saturday, January 18, 2020 3pm

Saturday, January 18, 2020 8pm

Sunday January 19, 20020 2pm

Tickets start at $27 and can be purchased here:  https://my.ticketcenterstage.com/overview/6144?fbclid=IwAR04TtWvd-b5JrnGUPpTueUuNmU0tlgtFZOS2nboT3JzjTZBIG_wUJYA77w

My Favorite Films of 2019

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Hello Dayton MostMetro!

When asked to write a “Best of ” list about movies, it’s hard to decide what to write.  First off, it’s so subjective…do people really want to read about my personal tastes or should I look at films scholastically and determine what is the “best” in regards to craft?  In addition, what should I include – only films that got picked up for distribution? only films that screened in this market?  only films that got a release this year?

Here’s what I’ve decided.  The following list is a collection of films that I saw and loved this year.  (Though some films didn’t play until 2019 in Dayton, movies like CAPERNAUM and IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK and THE FAVOURITE are not on the list because I saw them in 2018.)  And contrary to popular belief, not all the films on the list screened at THE NEON!

I should make it known that I have not seen every film that got a release this year…once in a while, a film even plays at THE NEON that I can’t fit into my schedule.  I tend to shy away from science fiction (though not always), most horror movies and films with gratuitous violence and/or machismo-driven male plot lines (a la Tarantino).  (I have not yet seen THE IRISHMAN – as I intend to see it on our big screen on NYE.)

Here they are. 15 Favorite Films of 2019 (in alphabetical order):

AMERICAN FACTORY – Julia Reichert & Steve Bognar’s masterful documentary is stunningly heartfelt and equally scary.  It’s a call to action from and regarding America’s workforce (which also happens to be filmed in our own backyard).  I’m so happy for Julia & Steve’s success with this film!

BELLE EPOQUE – This little French gem with Daniel Auteuil and Fanny Ardant has not yet found a distributor in the US, but its existential ETERNAL SUNSHINE vibe is so much fun…I hope it makes its way to the States soon.  Here’s a trailer:

THE BLONDE ONE – I love a good, slow-paced, foreign film that’s beautifully shot and fraught with honest sexual tension…especially when I can empathize on some level.  This film is a slow burn, and I love it.  (It played at The Dayton LGBT Film Festival.)

BOOKSMART – This generation’s CLUELESS is smart, fresh and so endearing…the best teen comedy in years!  I watched this film on a flight to Germany…and again on the flight back. Beanie is a treasure! (trailer is for mature audiences)

CIRCUS OF BOOKS – This endearing doc about a straight Jewish couple who ran one of the most famous gay adult bookstores in the US while raising three children is poignant, personal and a great history lesson.  (This film screened as part of The Dayton LGBT Film Festival – there is no trailer yet.)


THE FAREWELL – This runaway hit is billed as a comedy, but it’s so much more.

JOJO RABBIT – My feelings about this film ebb and flow…today it happened to make the list. The child performances are extraordinary, and the production design is flawless.  This film has a lot to say about how our children are often taught to hate – and how easy it is to spread misinformation.

THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO – This poetic film isn’t getting much year-end discussion, but I absolutely loved it – from the performances to the score to the cinematography.

LITTLE WOMEN – Thoughtful and exquisite! I complain about movie runtimes a lot.  (I wish MARRIAGE STORY and WAVES were both 15-20 minutes shorter.)  But this film seemed rushed at times…I think it would be stronger with a slightly slower pace and perhaps a runtime of 20 minutes more. Regardless, this is a gorgeous film with a beautiful structure.

PAIN & GLORY – Almodovar’s best film in over a decade…and that’s quite a feat (JULIETA and THE SKIN I LIVE IN are also quite strong from the last several years). This quiet film is full of rich performances, inventive storytelling and fantastic production design.

PARASITE – Must be seen.  This film changes genres on a dime and has so much to say about class.  Full of surprises and beautiful to look at – even when dark and disturbing.

PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE – This film will get a release in early 2020, and it is sublime.  I can’t wait to see it again.

ROCKS – This film has not yet been picked up for distribution.  It’s a gorgeous and heartbreaking story about a young girl trying to take care of her younger brother and herself after her mother has disappeared (again). There is sadly no trailer for this – just a clip.

THE TWO POPES – This film isn’t just a chamber piece – though simple moments between these two brilliant actors are certainly worth studying.

UNSETTLED – Winner of this year’s Audience Award at The Dayton LGBT Film Festival, this story about LGBT refugees in America is touching, timely, thought-provoking and powerful.

Don’t get me wrong.  There are many more solid films from this year.  There are movies with standout performances (like HARRIET) or incredible cinematography (like HONEYLAND) or great messages (like BIGGEST LITTLE FARM) or fascinating central subjects (like SOUND OF MY VOICE or PAVAROTTI) – but it’s the “Top 15” that really spoke to me in their entirety.  That said, these other films are certainly worth mentioning (also in alphabetical order): A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, BOMBSHELL, CLEMENCY, DARK WATERS, GLORIA BELL, HONEY BOY, HOPE GAP, HOW TO BUILD A GIRL (here’s Beanie again!!),  THE KINGMAKER, MARRIAGE STORY (sometimes I want to switch this with JOJO RABBIT), STRAIGHT UP, VARDA BY AGNES, and WAVES.

For the sake of trivia, here are the top 3 highest grossing films of 2019 at THE NEON:

#1 – JOJO RABBIT.  #2 – DOWNTON ABBEY.  #3 – HARRIET.   (LITTLE WOMEN could possibly join the list, but it will be split between 2019 and 2020.)

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.

See you at the movies,

Jonathan

Dayton Battle of the Bands Announced for 2020

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Dayton is well known for our impressive history of pushing musical boundaries, from the invention of Funk to the incalculable influence of early 90s alternative bands Guided by Voices and The Breeders. As a new decade launches, a group of Dayton music enthusiasts are joining forces to launch the next generation of local music. 

Local music promoter Libby Ballengee (of Venus Child Productions) recently partnered with The Brightside, a new mid-size, multi-purpose event venue located in downtown Dayton. “I was so excited when The Brightside opened because there was finally a place downtown that could hold 500 person concerts. It’s the perfect size for grassroots promoters like me.” 

The key assets of The Brightside are its enormous stage and top-notch sound engineers. It’s a quality experience for performers and the audience alike. However, for new bands, it’s a big leap in cost and attendance to get up on that big stage. Ballengee felt bad about having to turn away inquiries, and sought a way to support new bands looking for a break. 

In conversations with fellow promoter and ticketing agent Zac Pitts from Sound Valley Dayton, and The Brightside’s owner Carli Dixon, Ballengee realized that they shared a mutual vision for the future of Dayton’s music community. Given Dayton’s rich musical history and impressive talent pool, how could they support the next generation of Dayton musical innovators?

The idea for a Dayton Battle of the Bands rose to the surface. Many Daytonians remember Canal Street Tavern’s Dayton Band Playoffs, although some like Pitts, were a bit too young to attend himself. While inspired by the idea, the group wants to use the platform of a competition to be more of an incubator for new bands. Bands will receive feedback from music industry experts during the playoff rounds, and the winner will get a full promotional package to take them to the next level.

The winner of Dayton Battle of the Bands will perform on the ballroom stage at The Brightside, among other prizes. PHOTO BY LIBBY BALLENGEE.

On December 6th, 2019, a call for submissions will begin via daytonbattleofthebands.com. Bands or musical acts of any genre, that have been established 5 years or less and within a 35 mile radius of downtown Dayton are eligible to apply. There is no fee to apply or perform. Online registration opens December 6, 2019 and closes on December 22, 2019.

There is one more informational sessions for bands to get more information about the competition on Tuesday,  December 17th. A band representative MUST attend one of these sessions to show proof of residency and to review how competition will work. Bands have a few days after the December meeting to complete their online registration.

Twenty bands will be selected by a review process by local judges, which includes Dr. Samuel N. Dorf, Associate Professor of Music at the University of Dayton, Tiffany Johnson, CEO of GigMerge and former VP of A&R for a Sony affiliate, Don Thrasher, longtime musician and journalist at the Dayton Daily News, among many others. 

Once the 20 participating bands are selected, they will be scheduled to perform a 20 minute set in The Brightside’s listening room, over a 5 week period January 14th, 2020 – February 11th, 2020 on Tuesday evenings. Four bands will play their best originals each week, the winners moving onto the finale will take place on February 25, 2020. Bands proceeding to the finals are picked through an equal mix of audience and judge’s votes. The Final winner will be selected by audience votes only.

This is a wonderful promotional opportunity for all 20 bands that participate! The winner will receive a full promotional kit including their very own EP recording session with Reel Love Recording Studio, a music video by Sound Valley, a professional photo shoot, and a chance to play the BIG stage at The Brightside during the Sound Valley Winter Music Festival on Saturday March 7, 2020.

Exciting details and updates to come! For additional details follow: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com

NEXT EVENT:

Musician Open House and Dayton Battle of the Bands Sign Up

at The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St Dayton, OH

Tuesday December 17, 2019 from 6:30-8:30pm.

Free Admission!

 

Pop Punk Tour Makes Only Ohio Stop in Dayton on Tue Dec 10, 2019

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Don’t miss the only Ohio stop for two up-and-coming southern Progressive Pop-Punk bands:  Frontside  (North Carolina) and LIKE MIKE (Georgia), with special local guest Gabe Maas and the Bruins!. This exclusive performance is happening on Tuesday December 10th, 2019 at Dayton’s newest music venue: The Brightside! It’s promises to be a fun Tuesday night out!

Frontside is a 3-piece Progressive Pop-Punk band based in the heart of North Carolina. This trio puts a twist on the pop-punk scene. Their music weaves progressive sensibilities and influences, while maintaining traditional song structures. The end result is a new breed of pop-punk that is instantly catchy and technically impressive.

Like Mike hails from Marietta, Georgia, and is making their Dayton debut at this exclusive show! Local openers Gabe Maas & The Bruins kick off the music early at 7:30pm! It’s an early evening of music, with plenty of time to get home for work or school in the morning!

HOW TO GO?

The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St Dayton, Ohio

Tuesday December 10th. Doors 7:30pm. Show 8pm.

Tickets $10 advance:https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/pop-punk-from-frontside-and-like-mike

All ages welcome!

 

 

Exciting New Alternative Rock Takes the Stage at Jimmie’s Ladder 11

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The local promotional group Hear&See presents an exciting night of alternative rock with Pollyanna, on tour from New Jersey and making their only Ohio stop right here in Dayton!  They’ll be performing with support from Ohio bands COLLY, snarls andBeloved Youth at Jimmie’s Ladder 11on Saturday December 7, 2019.

Pollyanna is an up-and-coming pop punk trio (see video below).  Cincinnati’s Colly nimbly balances robust rock songcraft and electronic pop ambition with Kings of Leon influences. Snarls is an emo glitter pop group from Columbus, OH. And . Beloved Youth is a 4-piece alt rock band from the Cincinnati area, boasting strong pop melodies and compelling guitar arrangements. 

Don’t miss these fresh new alternative acts!

HOW TO GO?

  • Saturday December 7, 2019
  • Jimmie’s Ladder 11 – 936 Brown Street, Dayton, OH 45409
  • Music 10pm –  1:30am.
  • $5 cover at the door

Thanksgiving Weekend features Rock’n’Roll Reunions at The Brightside

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Dayton’s finest guitarists reunite for an exclusive show at The Brightside on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday November 27, 2019

Thanksgiving weekend is a time to reunite with friends and family, from far and wide. It holds true for musicians too! This weekend, some very special reunions are happening at The Brightside over the holiday weekend.

On Wednesday November 27th, the weekend kicks off with a showcase that serves to reunite dozen of area’s finest psychedelic rock musicians and their fans for the ultimate Thanksgiving Jam! Dayton music lovers have been attending Werksgiving for years, so while The Werks are taking a break, lead guitarist Chris Houser has invited his friends for an epic line up featuring Subterranean, Kommunity Service (a super group featuring members from The Werks, Boogie Matrix, Subterranean & Arrows of Neon), and Oh Kee Pa performing a tribute to Phish. My advice? Wear comfy shoes and prepare to boogie!

This rockin’ weekend continues with a Black Friday Special on November 29th, which highlights an exclusive homecoming performance by Dayton native Charlie Tipton. He’s been working on his EP in Tennessee and is excited to perform this material with his hometown family! The night is topped off with high energy Blues Rock from Wolf Moon Revival! It’s going to be an incredible night of original Dayton music!

Bonus – both performances will have the Hunger Force Food Truck on site! Their specialty is comfort food, which is perfect for the holiday weekend. So come hungry for this special weekend of live music and reunions with old friends!

HOW TO GO?

Thanksgiving Jam! 

  • Wednesday, November 27, 2019
  • The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
    $10 advance at SoundValleyDayton.com through Tuesday at midnight
  • $15 day of show price
  • All ages welcome!
  • Doors 7:30pm / Show 8:30pm.
    • 8:30pm – Oh Kee Pa (a Celebration of Phish)
    • 10pm – Kommunity Service
    • 11:30pm – Subterranean (music over approx 1am)

 

Black Friday Special!

  • Friday, November 29, 2019
  • The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
    $10 advance at SoundValleyDayton.com
  • All ages welcome!
  • Doors 8pm / Show 9pm.
    • 9pm Charlie Tipton Solo Set
    • 10pm Charlie Tipton Band
    • 11:45pm Wolf Moon Revival (music over approx 1:45am)

Both shows are also produced by Venus Child Productions.

Food Adventures Air Fryer Recipe: Chicken Parm Balls

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A Finished Parm Chicken Ball

Hey all you Miami Valley foodies!!  The Food Adventure Crew is back at it with a last minute recipe for Thanksgiving.  This time it is an Italian classic for all “youse guys”out there with air fryers!

Jackie recently got an air fryer and absolutely loves it.  She felt compelled to share this easy and delicious recipe which is a perfect option for a unique Thanksgiving side, or a feature in an upcoming pasta meal you are planning.

This hungry Italian mom knows her parm, and now you will too!

 

Without further delay we present to you one of our favorites …

JACKIE’S CHICKEN PARM BALLS (The Air Fryer Edition)

INGREDIENTS: (makes about 10 Parm Balls)

Placing the cheese inside

1lb ground chicken
1 egg
1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parm/Romano
1 tsp of dried parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
Dash of red pepper flakes

2 cups Panko bread crumbs (for rolling)
1 tbs Olive oil
2 mozzarella sticks cup up into chunks (5 each) and frozen

DIRECTIONS:
—Mix the first nine  ingredients together and let sit for 10 minutes. It’s a wet mixture so the breadcrumbs need a few minutes to help give it more structure.

 

—Take a large spoonful of mixture and place a chunk of cheese in the middle. Roll the meat around it to form a ball.

Ready for the Air Fryer !

 

—Toss the Panko bread crumbs with olive oil and roll the balls in it. This will also be when you can better shape the balls as they won’t be as sticky.

 

—Air fry for 12 minutes (turning once half way) at 400 degrees.

 

There you have it. A cutting edge recipe for the new air fryer.  If you are considering getting an air fryer, Jackie definitely recommends it.  She uses hers often and has been experimenting with various foods and recipes.  So far so good!

 

Read our Food Adventures articles each and every week, right here,  EXCLUSIVELY on DaytonMostMetro.com.

 

Until then have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING from our Food Adventure Crew: Jackie, The Big Ragu and Jessie!

Rolling the balls in bread crumbs

Formed and ready to fry

Fried to a golden brown

Serve as an appetizer or with pasta !

One of Jackie’s first experiments with chicken parm balls was this batch..

The Asylum’s Industrial Dance Club Reunites Friday November 29th!

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If you came of age in the Dayton area in the late 90s / early 2000s, there is a good chance you hung out at the Asylum! It was the quintessential alternative club that pumped out the latest industrial dance music. Definitely one of the coolest places to be seen in those days!

The club is no longer there but the spirit lives on! The Asylum Reunion grows in numbers every single year, with last year’s reunion being the biggest turnout with over 300 people through the door! Organizers and DJ’s Matt Freeman and Eric Heilman are thrilled to have been a part of such an incredible club, and then 20 years later still have the opportunity to again gather with such an incredible and fun group of Daytonians!

The latest reunion is happening Friday November 29, 2019 with a pre-party at Barrel House from 7-9pm. After 9pm, the party kicks into high gear at Therapy Cafe. Just a $5 cover to re-live all those awesome memories!  If you’re new to the scene, no worries, you are more than welcome too!

Bonus! To get into the mood of this dance party – there is a Spotify playlist just for you!

HOW TO GO?

Official Preparty
The Barrel House, 417 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
7-9PM | 21+ Welcome

Asylum Reunion
Therapy Cafe, 452 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
9 PM DOORS | 18+ WELCOME
$5 COVER

Bluegrass At The Dayton Art Institute Friday

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Dayton area bluegrass fans are in for a truly special treat this Friday November 22nd, 2019 when The Del McCoury Band makes a stop at The Dayton Art Institute during his 80th Birthday tour!  Vince Gill says it simply, and maybe best: “I’d rather hear Del McCoury sing Are You Teasing Me’ then just about anything.”

Even among the pantheon of music’s finest artists, Del McCoury stands alone. His six decades of bluegrass bliss brings new triumphs, new collaborations, and new music. With but a single change in membership in twenty seven years, The Del McCoury Band shows unprecedented stability, as well as garnering the respect and admiration of the industry for its unmistakable work.

The Del McCoury Band, the most awarded band in the history of bluegrass, will be joined on state with special guests The Tillers. Thumping their own distinctive sound of string band style folk music for a decade, riding it all over the country and across the sea. Four studio albums and one live record have won them praise as modern folk storytellers of the national soundscape.

Join in this exclusive event at the recently renovated Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium inside the Dayton Art Institute. Seating is limited in this beautiful, and intimate theatre. Museum doors, and bar open at 6pm. Guests are welcome to walk through the American Gallery into the Great Hall where the bar is located. This performance is presented by Early Drive Productions, Media partner WYSO Radio and The Dayton Art Institute – Celebrating 100 years in 2019.

How to Go?

Where: The Dayton Art Institute’s Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium

When: Friday November 22, 2019. Museum Doors 6pm. Theatre Doors 7pm. Performance 8-10pm.

Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2891663/the-del-mccoury-band-dayton-the-dayton-art-institute-special-events

Smart Mouths Love Food at Smart Aleck “Voltzy’s” + ***win $20 Gift Card***

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We ordered a tray of different burgers on our last trip

Many foodies in the Miami Valley know the unforgettable hamburger cooker in Moraine named Rick aka “Voltzy.” He has been through a lot in the past year health wise, but is still going strong with his Hamburger and Rootbeer Stand.

Known for his sharp tongue, and slapping ground chuck and onions with a spatula, Voltzy has become a Dayton Icon over the past 30 years.  He is the Smart Aleck that smart mouths locally have grown to love.  Take his teasing in stride.  This is his “schtick”and when he gives you grief, it means he likes you.

This month we thought we would urge our readers to visit Voltzy.  He is back open after the recent setbacks and illness and the food is still great.

Voltzy at the Grill – his natural habitat

This week he starts serving some of the best hot soups you will ever try.  Whether you have never been there, or if you are a longstanding regular, please try and stop in at least once or twice this month and get some of the best burgers in America.

To show our appreciation for you helping him out, Food Adventures is gonna give away a $20 in Voltzy food to two different foodies !

****COMMENT BELOW FOR A SHOT AT WINNING $20 WORTH OF VOLTZYS FOOD ! ****

 

4668 N Springboro Pike, Moraine

THE TRUE STORY OF THE BEGINNING OF VOLTZY’s:
Growing up in Ft. Wayne, Indiana he learned his burger craft from his grandfather.  Grandfather Voltzy had a small restaurant in Ft Wayne that was open 24 hours a day.  It was started in 1917 and he was extremely successful.  After Rick moved to Dayton, he wanted to get a restaurant started in honor of his grandpa.  Thirty years later he is still cookin.’

 

FROM TRAILER TO ROOTBEER STAND:
In 1988 he started serving burgers out of a 12 foot trailer.  It was parked outside Driftwood lanes.  The trailer grew to 16 ft then 24 ft, and in 2013 he built the Root Beer Stand on 4668 Springboro Pike.

This guy had a double hog Heidelburger and ate it all.

 

VOLTZY CHALLENGED WITH HEALTH ISSUES:
After a bout with diabetes he had to have 3 toes amputated over the past few years.  He is recovering and is back serving customers at his full business hours.

As always, our patented Food Adventure bullet points will give you the scoop on this Dayton Dining Legend.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON VOLTZY’S ROOTBEER STAND TODAY:

—OPEN 11am-2PM Monday – Saturday

The sandwich that did it all – The Cheeseburger (we added ketchup behind his back)

—It is highly recommended that you call your order in – they take orders starting at 9am.

— The beef is ground fresh everyday for 31 years and when it is soup season, they are also fresh homemade everyday.

 

Voltzy has a huge menu – so here are our patented “Must Eats” to help you wade through the offered items.

We know because we have actually tried everything on the menu, and as always, that’s why our photos are original and not borrowed.  It sets us apart.

 

MUST EATS AT VOLTZYS:

— 10 CHEESEBURGERS For $12:

The 20 oz Hog Cheeseburger – they always finish it !


This is his hallmark.  Ten sliders with grilled onions, cheese and sweet heat sauce.  These are the burgers that put this man on the map.  He has the best burger in Dayton, hands down.  Why?  He grinds the meat daily and his grilling and steaming process has been perfected over the years.  Lets put it this way, his food is so good he can playfully insult people and they come back for more.  Probably our favorite burger.

 

— THE 20 oz HOG CHEESEBURGER:
Voltzy’s version of a Whopper… and it puts Burger King to shame.  This HUGE burger has a big bun and is topped with grilled onions, cheese, and sweet heat sauce.  When you start eating you think, “my goodness this is the biggest hamburger I have seen..” Then it tastes so good you find yourself finishing it.  Yeah, you will surprise yourself.  If you have a big appetite, we promise this will be one of the best burgers you have ever tried.  He named this burger after his ex wife, and the double hog and triple hog burgers after his 2nd and 3rd wives !  This is our other favorite burger.

The Betty Ann

— THE BETTY ANN CHEESEBURGER:
This is like a Big Boy, however it is 3 times better.  This is a double slider generously topped with double cheese, raw onion, mayo and pickles.  We just had one of these last week and again were blown away.  One of the best burgers we have ever eaten.  The taste of the onion, pickle, mayo and his fresh ground chuck is simply fantastic.  He named this sandwich after his mother.

 

— CABBAGE ROLL SOUP (ONLY IN WINTER):

We are in love with his Cabbage Roll Soup


Slightly spicy, this homemade soup is an original recipe.  We noticed that he uses his freshly ground beef, and freshly steamed cabbage in this incredible broth.  Served in a Styrofoam coffee cup, we suggest you get two of them.  He sold hundreds of gallons of this soup last year.  One taste and you will see why it might be the best soup in Dayton.  Voltzy says if you try this soup, you will wake up singing the song “Touch Me in the Morning.” Whatever the hell that means.

 

Inside the Slammer Wrap

— THE SLAMMER WRAP:
Large burger with ham, sweet heat sauce, horsey sauce, grilled onions, and melted cheese inside a wrap.  Good item if you are on the go and dont want a gooey mess.  Unmistakable Voltzy beef taste and those wonderful condiments, make this a “must eat.”  Remember if you vary from the ingredients on any menu item, he will give you grief, but he will eventually cave in.

 

— THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK:
Philly meat with peppers, onions and horsey sauce on a sub bun with cheese on top.  An overstuffed, finger licking good sandwich, that will knock your socks off.  This gooey, cheesey hot mess is not recognizable as a philly cheesesteak.  You gotta just grab it and go in like you are storming a castle !

 

— THE PATTY MELT:

Patty Melt

Another popular choice at Voltzys.  Its a burger on a Rye bread with onions and melted cheese.  He usually doctors it up with a little sweet heat and horsey sauce.  We have a lot of friends that swear by this sandwich.

 

— THE HEIDELBURGER:
A larger Double Cheeseburger with egg and bacon on the sandwich. This one is very popular and is a nice meal in itself.   Add a bottle of Frostie Root Beer and you are in heaven.

This is a Double Hog HeidelBurger usually it is just double cheeseburger meat

 

It would also be heavenly to win a $20 gift card to Voltzys….

**** COMMENT BELOW on WHY YOU COULD USE A $20 GIFT CARD TO VOLTZYS and WE WILL PICK 2 WINNERS AT RANDOM, NEXT WEEK **** ONE ENTRY PER PERSON

Even if you don’t win the gift cards, make sure you stop in and visit Voltzy.  May we recommend you wash down all your favorite foods with Frostie Top Bottles of Root beer?  He has them cold on site.  His crinkle cut fries and onion rings are also favorites.

Bottle of Root beer and 10 cheeseburgers

Remember during the winter he has soups and the entry is in the lobby with no tables or seating (to go only).  But in the summer and warmer months, he opens the patio for picnic table seating.  It is a great place to people watch and observe Voltzy harassing his guests.

Thank you for reading our weekly Food Adventure article.  We are featured right here on Dayton Most Metro, every week with an EXCLUSIVE article.  We try and visit the best places in Dayton and share our favorites.  No rules here !

For your daily dose of Dayton Eats, visit us on Facebook by clicking HERE.

 

 

2 Hogs – 20 ounces of beef each

The 14 pound BILL CLINTON DIVORCE FINALE BURGER

10 cheeseburgers, fries and onion rings !

We were hungry !!

A Hog Heidelburger ! 20 oz of beef ,bacon, egg, onions, cheese , condiments & oh boy you are on your way

Double Hog – 40 ounces of beef

A Betty Ann burger and Yuna Lee burger (has onion ring on it )

Voltzy Hog means he puts ham on it .

The Murph double cheeseburger. (has peppers on it)

The Stephy is ham, bacon and a split sausage

 

D Funk All-Stars present an Old School Groove Night

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If you’re feeling the biting winds of winter already, there is going to be a reprieve this weekend at the hottest dance party of the season: the legendary D Funk All-Stars present an Old School Groove Night in The Brightside’s Vodvil Ballroom!

Making this show extra special is the fact that it’s also longtime Dayton sound engineer Monika Shroyer‘s birthday party too! What a way to celebrate! The party kicks off with D Funk’s set and then moves into after party mode with DJ Dingo. 

So grab your dancin shoes on and head on over for a truly Funkalious event!

How To Go?

Saturday November 9, 2019
at The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St)

All ages are welcome!

Doors 8pm. Show 9pm.
$10 advance. $15 day of show.

Tickets available here: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/d-funk-all-stars-with-dj-dingo

 

The Brightside hosts $10 Classical Concert!

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The Rodin Trio performs at The Brightside on October 30, 2019

The Brightside is committed to hosting a variety of events to the Dayton area, including classical music too! Dayton’s own Joshua Halpern (cello) is back home from globe trotting with his group, the Rodin Trio, to perform on Wednesday October 30th in the new venue’s beautiful Vodvil Ballroom. The trio is rounded out with Scott Cuellar (piano – faculty at Oberlin) and Philip Marten (violin – Assistant Concert Master at Cincinnati Symphony).

This particular performance is everything typical classical concerts are not: casual and affordable! Organizers are particularly encouraging students to attend for just $7, and $10 for adults – in advance. Quite the value to see performers of this caliber! Pre-sale tickets are available at SoundValleyDayton.com. Note: Ticket prices raise to $10 / $15 day of show.

When I asked Joshua why this hometown show is so special, he explained: “I got my start in Dayton in every way –– Nan Watson, my orchestra teacher at Oakwood, was the first person to put a cello in my hands. Early on I studied privately with her and a couple of other cellists in the Dayton Philharmonic. Betsey Hofeldt, a violinist in the DPO, was the first to introduce me to chamber music, which totally changed my life. I played for years in the Junior Strings Orchestra and the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. I wouldn’t have pursued music without all of these hometown influences and to be able to finally come back and not only see so many familiar faces but thank them with music, and show them (I hope) how I’ve continued to grow, is a really special kind of full-circle moment that brings me a lot of joy.”

If you’ve ever been curious about experiencing the power and beauty of classical music, this is the perfect opportunity!

  • The Program:
    • Beethoven: Piano Trio No. 2 in G major, Op 1 No. 2
    • Martinu: Piano Trio No. 2 in D minor, H. 327
      — Intermission–
    • Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66

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ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

Since graduating from Oakwood High School in 2012, Josh has earned degrees from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston and from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Most recently, he completed a chamber music tour of Germany that took him to Berlin, Mecklenburg, and to Beethoven’s former home in Bonn. In June, Josh was guest principal cello with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra for performances in the Netherlands and WHERE, and on tour to Taiwan and China.

Josh first played cello as a fourth grader at Harman Elementary. During high school, he was principal cello for the Oakwood High School Orchestra and the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and was a founding member of the Blackbird String Quartet at OHS. As part of the prep program at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Josh was a founding member of the Polaris Quartet which won the gold medal in the junior division of the Fischoff International Chamber Music competition in 2011.

The Rodin Trio, established in 2017, also includes Philip Marten, violin, who is assistant concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Scott Cuellar, piano, who is on faculty at Oberlin Conservatory. The three musicians each maintain separate busy schedules, but are excited to be playing together again and bringing their music to Dayton.