Downtown Dayton

Once – For The First Time

January 20, 2016 By Nikki Nett

If you love music, if you like music, if you heard music one random Tuesday and didn’t hate it, you should make your way to the Schuster Center between now and January 24. Run, skip, interpretive dance your way there, just do it.

The Victoria Theatre Association has brought to Dayton a story of love and music and the way they intertwine in the complicated lives of a Guy and a Girl. Eight time Tony winner, Once The Musical, stormed into town on Tuesday (barely – due to travel delays!) an kept the audience in the Schuster Center captivated from the first note to the last.

On our way to our seats, the usher mentioned, “don’t forget to go on stage and have a drink at the bar”. What? I thought surely this was an error. I was wrong. On stage, before the show there was a raucous party underway. Live music being played, singing and dancing, drinks being poured, and you were encouraged to join in the fun!

The scene was set in Dublin, Ireland with a ragtag group of energetic musicians. As the first act progressed, the Guy stood out with his melancholy songs. We were then intoduced to the Girl, an immigrant who saw something special in this sad musician. From there, we witness their complicated lives unfolding and their relationship growing. Or not growing. Maybe just changing. But their story was beautiful and their songs together are both haunting and hopeful.

There were some scenes that reminded you of a mix of Mumford & Sons + Fiddler On The Roof + Bruno Mars combined. Weird combination? Maybe, but it worked. It worked magically.

We had the chance to chat with some familiar faces after the show. This is what they had to say:

Josh Stucky

I have to say, it’s music with mass appeal. I’d see Once, twice!

Jonathan McNeal

You don’t need to be a fan of the incredible film to fall in love with the great voices and musicians of Once!

Sunni Russo

We thought it was genius the way they handled the set changes and how the cast was also the musical accompaniment and played along the sides of the stage when they were not in the scene.

All in all, it was a fun night. I had no expectations going in, and although I had heard that Once was fantastic, I simply wasn’t familiar with the story before Tuesday night. It took the chill off this wintery week and I am still singing the songs today (fortunately for those around me, the songs are in my head and not out loud).

You can catch the Tony Award winning Once nightly through Sunday Jan 24th with 2pm matinee’s on Saturday and Sunday at the Schuster Center. Tickets range from $39-$92 and can be purchased at Ticket Center Stage

Hawthorne Heights puts on a Gem City Music Festival!

November 20, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Hawthorne Heights presents “Dayton Is For Lovers“, an all ages Gem City music festival tonight.

Presale tickets available, and are $15: http://hawthorneheights.limitedrun.com/tickets/13123

The band states, “We very rarely get to play a true hometown show, and are super excited to be able to make this happen. Dayton has a lot of very special and talented musicians, so choosing the line up was a difficult process. We tried to choose old friends, new friends, and total strangers that are both talented and working hard within the scene. What we came up with was an eclectic group of acts from a variety of genres. It is important for us to have the show be all ages, and at a venue in the downtown area of the city we love and call home.The Yellow Cab building is a great location downtown with it’s own private parking lot. It’s located just a block behind the post office in downtown Dayton.”

ALL AGES. The venue also has a bar area with a great selection of local beer for those of age and with I.D.

Food trucks on site for the show:
The Wicked ‘Wich of Dayton
Hunger Paynes Food Truck

Schedule:

6pm Doors.
Music starts at 6:30pm.
Hawthorne Heights will be on around 10:15pm.
Come early. Stay late. Watch all the artists perform original Dayton music across two stages throughout the night!

Hawthorne Heights headlines this showcase of Dayton original bands

Performing (not in this order):
Hawthorne Heights
Good English
Crosley Court
Second Story Anthem
ViFolly
You vs Yesterday
Jasper the Colossal
Bribing Senators
Goodnight Goodnight

Dayton Philharmonic’s Weekend Performance 50% Off!

October 15, 2015 By LIbby Ballengee

This weekend’s Dayton Philharmonic “Folk Rock of the 70’s” SuperPops series is being offered at a special 50% discount rate! This is a great opportunity to see one of Dayton’s finest performance arts groups, featuring songs many of you know and love.

Prepare to be transported by the talents of AJ and Jayne when they join the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra for an evening of folk rock favorites made famous by Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Jim Croce, James Taylor, The Eagles, Carole King and more.

Guest artists AJ Swearingen and Jayne Kelli are singer/guitarists steeped in the sounds of all-American rock, country and folk. Gifted artist Jayne Kelli started singing as a teenager and is a natural talent. Her partner AJ Swearingen provides a perfect complement with his approachable and nuanced delivery. You may remember him from his Dayton appearance here at the Schuster with Jonathan Beedle and the DPO in a superb show paying tribute to the music of Simon and Garfunkel.

Backed by the full, rich sound of the Orchestra, this talented duo bring a deep playlist including “Take It Easy,” “Father and Son,” “Wild World,” “Both Sides Now,” “Heart of Gold,” “Landslide,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Dreams,” “Sundown,” “The Boxer,” “Time in a Bottle,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sister Golden Hair,” “Fire and Rain,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” and more. 1970s folk rock is even better this time around!

SCHUSTER CENTER
SuperPops Series
Fire and Rain: Iconic Folk Rock of the 70s
8:00 pm Friday, October 16, 2015
8:00 pm Saturday, October 17, 2015

Single Tickets On Sale Now
P $78 | A $63 | B $54 | C $38 | D $27

BOX OFFICE (888) 228-3630 or click here for online purchase.

FOR 50% OFF TICKETS: use promo code “sweetbabyjames”

Won’t You Be Our Neighbor?

September 17, 2015 By Dayton937

Downtown Dayton residents share their stories on why they moved downtown and why they love it!

Housing developments in downtown Dayton have never been more popular. It seems as soon as a new project is finished, another one is announced. Who’s buying or renting these spaces and what motivates them to seek this kind of city-centric lifestyle? The Downtown Dayton Partnership showcases three families who’ve made the move. Get a glimpse into the lives of people who live downtown—and a sneak peek into some of the residential complexes featured on the Downtown Housing Tour from 1-5 p.m. September 19.

Kelly, Mike, and Noah Romano, Patterson Place

When Kelly and Mike Romano began shopping for a new home, they didn’t set out looking for a new-build property. “(Mike) likes the really urban looks and historic homes, I wanted something simple,” Kelly said. When they stepped into a model of Patterson Place, it seemed as though everyone would win with this home. The Charles Simms Development units combine such “urban” aesthetic as lofted ceilings and exposed brick with minimalist, clean design. The Romanos fell in love with the space, but there were still potential road blocks the Vandalia family had to confront.

The couple’s 14-year-old son, Noah, had grown up in the Vandalia-Butler school system and wasn’t keen on starting fresh at a different school. Encouraged by a family friend whose child attended Dayton Public Schools, Kelly and Noah made a trip to Stivers School for the Arts, located less than a mile and a half from the potential new downtown home. “The school was smaller for sure,” Kelly said. “There are about 900 kids in the whole school (grades 7 through 12) versus about 300 students per class at Vandalia-Butler.” The benefits of a smaller school became apparent when Kelly and Noah visited the recording studio. “There was a group of students who showed (Noah) around the studio and really started talking to him, getting to know him,” Kelly recalled. “It was a defining moment, I think.”

Noah agreed and went on to describe how Stivers’ school pride impressed him. “The school had a gift shop; that was pretty different,” he said. One hurdle down: Noah auditioned and was accepted to Stivers’ choral program. He began his freshman year in August.

Finite space is another hallmark of city life. There’s not much room for sprawling McMansions in an urban environment, which is why many lofts, townhomes and condos employ a creative use of vertical space. Still, the Romanos had some downsizing to do before they could call their new urban digs home. “It’s definitely smaller than I’m used to,” Noah said. “But there are so many other things that are closer and easy to walk to bike to.” It’s true that what the Romanos sacrificed in square footage for their home, they gained in access to amenities. No space for a six-burner-stove and island prep in the kitchen? No problem—there are seven places to grab a bite to eat that are two blocks away or closer (hundreds more within walking and biking distance). Running out of room for guests at a party? Spill out into the parking lot instead. The Romanos can attest to the friendly atmosphere of their cozy dwellings. “We didn’t interact with our neighbors much (in Vandalia),” Mike said. “Here, you’re so close, it’s hard not to interact with your neighbors. It’s not uncommon to see several get-togethers blend into one big gathering (along the ground-level spaces, patios and access drive).

“(Living downtown) feels like an on-going party that doesn’t stop!” he said.

Beyond folding them into their social circles, the Romanos said their new neighbors made them feel part of the community. “Everyone’s been so supportive of us,” Kelly said. “They ask about Noah and school. He even picked up some odd jobs for our neighbors like watering plants and walking dogs.”

Downtown’s communal atmosphere is not all the Romanos love about their new home. “We definitely walk more than we used to,” Kelly said. “We’re members of the Dayton Racquet Club and we can walk to the gym. It’s an easy walk to stores and restaurants on St. Clair or the Oregon District. We just got our Link (Dayton Bike Share) passes and we can get from place to place quickly.” Noah chimed in that he can walk to his karate lessons in the Oregon District. The 2^nd Street Market, RiverScape MetroPark, and Fifth Third Field were other walkable destinations the family named among their most frequented places. “When we first moved here, our neighbors told us we couldn’t leave when there are festivals,” Kelly said. Mike agreed; “It’s so easy when they’re practically in your backyard! We go to practically every festival and every event downtown.”

The slower pace of walking and biking also presents new things to discover. “You find things you never knew existed,” Mike said. “We found Urban Krag (Climbing Center in the Oregon District) that way.” Kelly echoed that sentiment and added her affinity for the shops in the St. Clair Lofts—Salon J Ladner, Pi Style Boutique, Linwood Men’s Specialty Shoppe, and Twist Cupcakery. Several blocks away at the Cannery Building, Kelly and Mike said they discovered Sherwood Florist and The Black Box Improv Theater, where they have returned many times for performances.

Now the Romanos are sharing their downtown love with friends and family. “People were surprised when we moved here,” Mike said. Kelly agreed, and added that they are happy to share their positive experiences with visitors. “We had some friends who we took to the Dayton Racquet Club, and they joined,” she said. “I think the common reaction is downtown is cooler than they expected. It was even cooler than we expected when we moved here!”

Amy and Kevin Rehfus, The Landing

Having just moved to their new digs at The Landing in June, the Rehfuses are still pretty fresh to downtown, but they’re acclimating rather quickly, particularly to their new-found free time. The couple moved from a home approximately 3,300 square feet with a huge, rolling lawn down to about 1,500 square feet with a deck and patio. Amy and Kevin found the process to be quite liberating. “(Moving from the suburbs to downtown) was freeing, if anything,” Kevin said. Amy agreed: “(At the old house) we were constantly working on the lawn and maintaining the house. We don’t miss that at all! It frees up your time so you can actually do more.”

Originally from North Canton, Amy and Kevin said they always lived in the suburbs, and the transition from their home of five years in Troy to The Landing downtown was big, but nevertheless a change they made with a clear vision for the type of lifestyle they craved. “We had to think what we wanted out of a home and community,” Amy said. The couple wanted to live somewhere affordable where they could be less dependent on a vehicle, and they wanted nearby amenities that would complement reduce car-reliance. “Dayton checked off all the items on our list,” Amy recalled. “We were surprised!”

Even though their new apartment home is physically smaller than their suburban digs, they said they don’t feel cramped or that they lack space. “There are so many places to visit and they’re practically in our back yard,” Kevin said. Giving one particular weekend as an example, the couple recounted attending a Big Band Nights concert at RiverScape MetroPark on Thursday, The Square Is Where Goes Over the Edge Drop Party on Courthouse Square Friday, then on Saturday, they hopped on the bike path that runs behind their apartment building and rode to Tank’s and Carillon Park, and topped that all off with a walk back to RiverScape for the Hispanic Heritage Festival. “You don’t feel like you’re exercising when you’re just traveling from place to place,” Amy said.

From the Rehfuses’ home, perched on the banks of the Great Miami River, they will have front-row seats to watch more active lifestyle amenities come online. Construction has started on the new RiverScape River Run project, which will stabilize the banks of the river and enhance habitat. Flow control structures also will be installed, mimicking the natural flow of a healthy river. The structures will create two passageways for kayaks, canoes and other paddle sports. One will be a slow-moving channel for novice and leisure paddle sport enthusiasts, and the other will be faster for more experienced kayakers, who will be able to use the channel for dips, flips and other tricks. The removal of the dangerous low dam will create a 7-mile river trail where paddlers can put in at Eastwood MetroPark and float all the way down to Carillon Park. Construction is expected to take a year to complete.

Alongside the river, a new mural is being painted on the floodwall, adding beauty and visual interest to the cityscape. K12 Gallery, another downtown business, has been contracted to apply the design created by local artist Amy Deal.

Being so close to so many amenities and events has provided the couple with more activities than they could possibly entertain. “We’ve been so busy, we haven’t taken a vacation or even bothered to hook up the cable yet!” Kevin mused.

The abundance of action wasn’t the only surprise downtown Dayton had in store for the Rehfuses. “We didn’t think we would experience a lot of nature (being in an urban environment), but we encounter a ton of birds and squirrels and rabbits,” Amy said. Downtown’s less furry denizens got a nod, as well. “You know, sometimes you hear about city life and how people living there are more stoic and cold,” she said. “I was surprised at just how friendly people are who live downtown!”

Local shops and restaurants rounded out the Rehfuses’ list of aspects of downtown life they love. Whether it’s walking to dinner, riding their bikes along the largest bikeway network in the country, taking in the sights and sounds of cultural festivals, or any other downtown activity, Amy said the transition has been rewarding: “Our lives have completely changed — for the better!”

April Alford, St. Clair Lofts

April Alford came to Dayton by way of New Jersey. She was working for the U.S. Postal Service when the opportunity to transfer to a higher position came up. “I applied to lots of locations, and Dayton was the first to respond,” she said. Alford moved to Dayton and took up residence initially in Shroyer Park. But when she checked out the St. Clair Lofts during an open house, it was love at first sight. “I worked downtown and I had a friend who lived in the lofts,” she said. “I thought the space was great and it put me right in the middle of arts, culture, events, food – all within walking distance of my home and work.”

Now a downtown resident for four years, Alford said she was initially surprised at how outgoing people are. “In New Jersey, people are busy, and you don’t see your neighbors a lot or really talk to each other. Moving to Dayton, I noticed people are more friendly, especially downtown,” she said.

Alford still works downtown at the Board of Elections. When she’s not at work or hanging out in her funky urban loft, Alford enjoys all the amenities downtown has to offer. “You can find me at The Neon (movie theater), Oregon Express, and probably the Schuster (Center) or Victoria Theatre,” she said. “I love plays; each year I make sure I get my Passport to the Arts from Culture Works so I can get great deals on attending performing arts events!”

She also spends her down-time volunteering with another group close to her heart – Activated Spaces. Since 2011, the program has been filling formerly vacant street-level storefronts with art and Pop-Up Shops. The latest iteration of Activated Spaces introduced the Pop-Up Office concept. Activated Spaces is managed by the Downtown Dayton Partnership and run by a team of volunteers, mostly from the UpDayton, a nonprofit focused on attracting and retaining young talent through civic engagement and volunteer initiatives, and the Dayton Chamber of Commerce’s young professional organization Generation Dayton. “I started out as a volunteer with UpDayton and from there got into (Activated Spaces),” Alford said. “I love that I get to play such a direct role in making the city where I live a better place.”

Activated Spaces’ most recent Pop-Up Shops are two eatery concepts, frozen banana dessert scoop shop Fronana, and Twist Cupcakery, a café and full-service bakery that happens to be located in the first-floor of the St. Clair Lofts. The bakery joins another Pop-Up Shop alumna, Pi Style Boutique, and three other businesses, Anthony James Painting and Contracting, J Ladner Salon & Spa and Linwood Men’s Specialty Shoppe. Alford said she loves having shopping; hair, nail and spa services, and a lunch or dessert spot steps from her loft. But really, she’s invested her time in the program to encourage Dayton’s small business scene. “These are people with dreams of opening a shop, and those dreams are in our hands,” she said. “It’s important for me to volunteer because I can make an impact for the city and help (entrepreneurs) achieve their dreams.”

Alford invites anyone considering making a switch to living downtown to at least check out a space. “I love living here; it’s the complete package,” she said. “If you’re into the arts and culture, good food, exciting nightlife, and friendly people, come downtown!”

The Downtown Housing Tour takes place from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Start at any location, or at an info table. There will be an info table stationed on Don Crawford Plaza (Fifth Third Field) at Patterson Boulevard and Monument Avenue; at Monument Avenue and Wilkinson/Perry streets; and in the Oregon District at Fifth and Brown streets. See as many locations as desired. Walk or bike from spot to spot, or use the free hop-on, hop-off shuttle. More information is available at http://bit.ly/housingtour.

Bendy Beer – Yoga at Warped Wing

August 9, 2015 By Nikki Nett

Warped Wing is opening it’s big door for a new class. Beermaking? No. Beer tasting? Nope.

Yoga. You can do yoga at Dayton’s very own Warped Wing Brewing Company. Flying Rye kind of sounds like a yoga pose, right?

It’s always so exciting to see former co-workers moving on to bigger, better, and in this case, bendier things. That’s why I was doing headstands of excitement (ok, I wasn’t, I’m just not there yet) to see my friend Kate putting together this unique event. She has spent the last few years becoming a yoga instructor and wanted to introduce yoga to those who may not normally be the “yoga-type”.

You may be thinking “what’s the yoga type?” and if given a list of descriptions, you’d probably not choose “craft beer drinker”. But, Kate is betting those two will go together like barley and hops, or warrior pose and lululemon.

When I asked her why she put this event together, she said, “I love bringing the community together for a fun and care-free afternoon. What a better way to spend your time than with yoga and a craft beer? I am passionate about spreading the joy of yoga and bringing craft beer into the mix opens the door to many new people that may have not tried a yoga class.”

Due to the increasing popularity of this event, participants must purchase tickets in advance to guarantee a spot (yes, the last one sold out!) The next class is scheduled for Sun, Sept 6th, click here for tickets.

From Kate’s event page:

Could yoga & beer ever exist? You bet your flexible-ass they can! Join us at Warped Wing Brewing Company for a rocking one-hour yoga class followed with a beer from the local brewery.

We will move through a fluid sequence of postures (asanas), focus on our breath (pranayama), that invigorate, strengthen, and restore the body.

This all levels class is ideal for anyone who is interested in exploring yoga in a different & chill environment & wants to expand their minds in respect to local beers.

Cost is $12, which includes a 1-hour yoga class followed by a pint of your choice. Must be 21 to attend.
Class will start right at NOON, so come early to get settled in!
BYOM (Bring your own mat) & water.

Hope you’ll join us for this fun afternoon of yoga & beer. I’ll be the one in the back, perfecting the childs pose and waiting for the Ermals.

Sláinte: United Irish of Dayton’s Celtic Fest comes to Riverscape

July 21, 2015 By Dayton937

Kim Metter, volunteer at the Dayton Celtic Fest.

I start to get really excited the weekend before. I start listening to my favorite Irish bands and look through my old photos that remind me how much fun I have every year. This coming weekend, July 24th-26th, we celebrate the United Irish of Dayton’s Celtic Fest!

The first Celtic Fest, held in 2002, gave birth to one of the largest and best festivals that Dayton has to offer. The Celtic Fest is the last free festival held in downtown Dayton. Throughout the year, fundraisers known as Celtic Crushes are held at various small businesses. Patrons go and support local vendors and the businesses donate a portion of the bill to help fund the Celtic Fest. Also, festival goers will see donation buckets that allow them to do their part to support the Celtic Fest.

Four stages allow festival goers to be immersed in Celtic culture. Four headliner bands: Gaelic Storm, Scythian, Socks in the Frying Pan and We Banjo 3 plus a handful of local and regional bands provide lots of great music. Band merchandise is sold at the United Irish of Dayton Stage, so if you hear a band and love them, you can purchase their latest CD, T-shirt and other novelty items.

Look at these lovely ladies volunteering!

For those wishing to really connect with their Celtic roots, you can see dancers, jam with pipes and drums and even dance in a Céilí! Celtic Academy of Irish Dance, Dwyer School of Irish Dance and the McGovern Ceili Dancers provide dancers of all age groups. Miami Valley Pipes and Drums give a lively performance that stir the Celtic soul and Éamonn de Cógáin calls out the dance moves so that you get to become a participant in the Irish Céilí!

In addition to the awesome music that fills the streets, multiple merchandise and food vendors are present to satisfy your tastebuds and shopping desires. Traditional fare along with regional food provide ample dishes to try. Jewelry, clothing, pottery, bar ware, home goods and trinkets are just some of the items available to be purchased from local vendors and those from across the pond.

Dayton Celtic Fest in full swing!

Want more? Various activities such as the cultural exhibits and demonstrations, Parade of Kilts, Rainbow’s End Children’s area, Celtic Breakfast, 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run, Beer Tastings and a Celtic Bike Ride are happening all weekend. Also, all are welcome to attend the Gaelic Mass held Sunday morning at the United Irish of Dayton Stage in the new Five Rivers MetroParks Pavilion. Irish dancers and pipes accompany a Catholic mass service held in both English and Gaelic.

And no Celtic Fest would be complete without beer. This year’s main beer will be Murphy’s Irish Stout which has been consistently brewed in Cork, Ireland, since 1856. The main beer trucks will offer: Murphy’s Irish Stout, Murphy’s Irish Red, Boddington’s Ale, Stella Artois Cider and Bud Light. The craft beer truck (adjacent to the Pub Stage & Wright Flyer on Monument Ave) will be offering: Bellhaven, Fuller ESB, Highland Gaelic Ale, Thirsty Dog Irish Setter, Goose Island Summer Shandy, Blue Point Toasted Ale and Bud Light. For those of you who are disappointed that Guinness and its sister beers will not be offered, I ask you to keep an open mind. The listed beers are a comparable selection to what has been offered in years past. This will give you a opportunity to try a different beer while you enjoy the festival! A new addition to the festival this year is a pairing of the Celtic Fest with Uber. First time Uber users get a free first ride up to $20 with the code CELTICFEST15 (download the app, create account, and use the code). The designated Uber pick up/drop off location is at the corner of Monument and Jefferson. This is a great way for you to enjoy the festival and get home safe and sound!

The Elite Volunteers of the Celtic Fest.

The United Irish of Dayton’s Celtic Fest will happen rain or shine. For more information about the festival, you can visit: www.daytoncelticfestival.com or check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DaytonCelticFestival. If you are interested in becoming a fellow volunteer, you can email your request to [email protected].

Thanks to Diane Leo, who introduced me to this whole Celtic Fest thing, this will be my seventh year volunteering! Look for us: riding in the gator, me squeezing my bike horn to part the crowds, delivering pop, water and ice. Hope to see you all there!

Bike the Arts: Exploring Downtown Dayton

June 14, 2015 By Megan Cooper

Since my car-less adventure way back in the day, I’ve always believed that one of the best ways to see our beautiful city is on a bike. With all the bike-love happening in Dayton these days – Link Dayton (bike share), recognition of our top ranking for the most off-street paved trails, the RiverScape bike hub, an increased number of bike lanes for commuting, our bronze ranking as a Bicycle-Friendly community and more – it’s no wonder that more cycle tours and races are popping up for community members of every interest level and ability to strap on that helmet and ride.

On Saturday, June 20, there’s a fun, free and unique new addition to the cycling opportunities. Dayton Regional Green and Courteous Mass have teamed up to host Bike the Arts – Downtown Dayton. A total ride of just under 7 miles on a (mostly) flat surface – this event showcases both our bike-friendly environment and our talented arts community. Registration for the ride begins at 10:30 a.m. at RiverScape MetroPark; the ride goes from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00(ish) p.m.

An all-volunteer effort, born out of the Arts and Culture team from Dayton Regional Green and relying upon the experience from the cycling gurus at Courteous Mass, this ride is slow, smooth and filled cool visits to local arts spots.

Jane Black, co-chair of the DRG Livability pillar, is the lead docent on the tour. With oodles of experience as a both a professional artist, educator and administrator – Jane will share exciting insights and behind-the-scenes stories about the public art and spaces; she’ll introduce you to great pieces of art in plain view that you’ll see in a whole new way. Riders will also hear from staff at Dayton Art Institute and K12 Gallery, as well as artists/performers Bing Davis, Suzy Richardt, Ryan McCullough and Justin Howard. How’s it work? Ride a bit, meet an artist, ride again, see a performance, back on the bike to visit a gallery, and keep on going as you enjoy exploring your city!

The ride is escorted by Dayton Police Officer Jeff Brown for everyone’s safety and comfort (this is an on-street ride, we’ll follow all traffic rules). Helmets are recommended.

Bonus! The first 30 registrants receive a FREE 24-hour membership to try Link Dayton, and the first 50 registrants receive a FREE Take Back the Tap water bottle from the City of Dayton. Plus, snacks and water will be provided. Don’t miss your chance to bid to win a beautiful piece of art created by Suzy Richardt in honor of the ride.

No bike? No problem! You can rent one from Five Rivers MetroParks or try Link Dayton (multiple Link Stations are along the route, so you’ll be able to check-in as needed).

This program is part of a larger initiative of Dayton Regional Green. While many of the action teams are working closely with municipalities, organizations and corporations – the Arts and Culture team is working to provide fun and easy ways for individuals to learn more about multi-modal transportation, energy savings and personal steps to environmental sustainability.

Welcome to The Collaboratory!

January 19, 2015 By Brian Petro

Cities are amazing things. Their growth during the 17^th and 18^th centuries helped lay the foundation for some of the largest leaps in thought in that era, and have continued to be a source of innovation ever since. A conversation in one of the booming coffee houses in 17^th century London lead to the writing of Newton’s Principia; another chat lead to the creation of Lloyd’s of London, the world’s first insurance agency. The Industrial Revolution grew slowly within cities, drawing people in with opportunities for economic growth. The density of people in urban centers helped to spread ideas by developing a fertile environment for it. The more seeds of ideas that are planted in one area, the better the chances those thoughts will bump into each other and spawn completely new, innovative thoughts. The internet may have us more connected to more resources than ever before, but there is still something special about meeting people face to face. Adding a personality and a voice to all those interesting Facebook posts and LinkedIn updates. That is where The Collaboratory, a new place for people to connect, share, and develop, comes in.

The Collaboratory is located at Courthouse Square, the hub of downtown Dayton, and provides a space for everyone to use. There is a wealth of talent in this area, and we are seeing it grow in leaps and bounds. It is being developed in homes and small offices through the city, people working long days on labors of love. The Collaboratory is a space for people who are looking for more tools, a change of scenery, and more access to expert advice on building a business. It is for entrepreneurs who are just starting out and looking for help and for established businesses needing a place to work on larger projects. Being downtown encourages a wider group of people to come and utilize the space, attracting politicians, students, non-profit experts, and civic leaders to interact and develop new ideas to enhance the Miami Valley. It is within walking distance to many resources, like the Metro Branch of the Dayton Public Library, Sinclair Community College, and Boston Stoker. Physically, it offers one of the largest white boards in the Miami Valley, as well as internet access, public and individual tables, and the ability to be reserved for morning and evening meetings. All of this access costs just $5 and a mention on social media!

Connect and collaborate for the cost of a few beers. What could be better?

This venture has been spearheaded by Peter Benkendorf, someone who has believed strongly in this community since he moved here in 2008. He is head of Involvement Advocacy, a group dedicated to encouraging collaborative efforts and creating support systems for those seeking to build a better Dayton. By developing spaces and events that bring people together, better known as Collaborative Infrastructure, Involvement Advocacy is looking to put our city on the map with St. Louis, New York, and Oakland as leaders in innovation. Spaces like this foster interaction with thinkers in diverse industries, ones that may not otherwise have a chance to sit down at a table together. This is where new concepts are developed, ones that can add a fresh sparkle to the Gem City.

Cities are engines for developing new ideas, and Dayton has the talent and imagination to make its own future. The Collaboratory wants to collect that imagination and turn it into businesses, actions, and inspiration to go out and connect with members of your community. There are many places in Dayton you can go outside of your office to get some work done. There are few where you have all of the resources you need to assemble something new. This space will be open on Monday, January 18^th from 10 AM to 4 PM. We look forward to seeing and reporting about all of the phenomenal new ideas to come out of The Collaboratory! What will you be heading downtown to build?

The Second Century

November 26, 2014 By Brian Petro

Shhhhh…they’re sleeping.

Bourbon is complex. It starts off as any ethanol does, trapped in corn kernels and barley shells. Those grains, the proportions of which are known as a mash bill, are warmed up to release the sugar. While the meal is still warm, the yeast and a little sour mash feast on it in stills made of a variety of materials. The completed wash is then poured into unused, charred white oak barrels, where they take a nap of two years or more. After that long nap, they are usually blended from their 65 percent (130+) proof) or higher barrel strength down to a more drinkable 40 to 50 percent (80 to 100 proof). The aging process at that point it stopped, and it is ready to be enjoyed. According to Travel and Leisure, in Dayton you can enjoy it at one of the best bourbon bars in the country, The Century Bar on Jefferson. Joe Head, the driving force behind that bar, has been patiently guiding it for over a decade to where it stands now. Where it stands now is changing.

The changes started to occur around the end of summer/beginning of fall this year. “It was time to get into the cocktail world,” states Joe. Through the urging of Molly Wellmann, a Cincinnati-based purveyor of bourbons and fine spirits at places like the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar and Japps Since 1879, and his own exploration of craft cocktails, he discovered one he had an affinity for. The venerable whiskey sour rose above the rest. Joe’s reasons are ones that many loves of this cocktail site. “It is light and airy, and the egg white adds some smoothness to it. The ingredients are simple and fresh, so you know where they come from.” This led to the creation of Whiskey Sour Sundays at The Century, as well as a seasonal craft cocktail menu. “The bartenders decide the whiskey sour we are going to feature. It gives anti-sport fans something to look forward to on Sunday,” he states. By the look of some of the images they have posted on their Facebook page, they have some innovative sours. Joe’s favorite sour is the traditional one, but of the ones his staff has created, the Smokehouse Sour stands out most in his head. It features smoked sugar and vanilla, with fresh lemon juice.

The whiskey sour is making a triumphant return to the bar scene.

The fall season is ending, so it is time for a new seasonal menu! That menu will be introduced after Thanksgiving, and will feature “drinks that make sense for that time of the year.” It will have figs and other popular winter flavors on the menu, as well as spirits other than bourbon. According to Joe, “We use a variety of spirits, but on a limited basis. Summer is going to be for gin. We are going to use spirits that enhance the cocktail, not just using them for the sake of making a cocktail.” You are not going to see any recommended brands, either. What you will see, though, are cocktails with eggs in them. Turning through the pages of any classic cocktail book, you will see many recipes with eggs as an ingredient. The Century makes their sours with egg white in it, to enhance the richness and the mouthfeel of the drink. Their customers enjoy them as well. “You have a better chance of choking on a bar nut than getting sick from eggs,” Joe states with a wide smile. They shake it warm as well, to minimize and possible risk of illness.

The shift to the craft cocktails, among other pursuits, reflects a shift Joe sees in the clientele. “People are drinking differently,” he notes. “They used to drink to get drunk. Now they are drinking for an experience. They want to watch their drink being made. They want to be educated on what is going into it.” The foodie culture is making its way into the cocktail realm, and just knowing the ingredients is not enough. They want to know where those ingredients are coming from, how they are made, and what is unique about them. That is another angle that lead to the creation of the cocktail menu and its seasonal rotation.

Bourbon barrels, as mentioned earlier, can only be used once for the creation of bourbon. After that, they are typically sold to a variety of industries to be reused for other purposes. One of those purposes is to rest another liquor in it. Most of the flavor components that give bourbon its caramelly, sweet flavor have been extracted, but all of the bourbon has not. Even after pulling out the excess liquor from the staves, some of the flavor still remains. Joe and Tim Fry of The Century Bar recently collaborated with John Haggerty of Warped Wing Brewing to create Whiskey Rebellion. Using barrels from Angel’s Envy, they married bourbon with a locally brewed Russian Imperial Stout, creating a beer with a delightful bitter chocolate flavor backed with a sweet bourbon finish. It has been available locally at many brewpubs and bars, including Warped Wing, The Century, Chappy’s and soon at Fifth Street Brew Pub for an event with ARC Ohio!. The beer has been immensely popular, not only for the outstanding flavor but the limited availability as well. Joe and his team did not stop there. He is also working with the team at Toxic Brew Company on another bourbon barrel beer, this time utilizing a Belgian quad (much like Toxic’s Abby XXXX) and used barrels from StillWrights in Fairborn. It will be released exclusively at Toxic in early December, so keep an eye out for an early holiday present!

The collaboration with Warped Wing, Whiskey Rebellion, was a hit.

Cocktails…beer…there is plenty going on with Joe Head. He has his eyes set on more things as he prepares for 2015: expansion. “We need to expand, as it makes sense for us to do it. Some people will not go downtown, and there are some limits to our downtown location that prevents us from exploring certain concepts.” The second location of The Century is going to be in the south of the city, near the Dayton Mall. It will have two patios, one for smoking cigars and one for the non-smokers just wanting to enjoy a fine bourbon outside on a warm summer evening. Another expansion in the works is not as far from their current location. In fact, it is right next door to it. “There is going to be a speakeasy attached to The Century, with a false store front and a secret entrance in the back of our bar. We are only going to have it open on Friday and Saturday only with reserved bar stools, so we can know the numbers better. That will allow us to know how much we need to prepare and keep all of our mixers fresh. Because it is a speakeasy, it should also be something that is a little elusive.” And if that is not enough on his platter, he is also considering a tequila and taco bar on a corner near The Century.

The Century Bar’s Joe Head

More locations for any business means hiring more staff. One of the hallmarks of The Century, and what keeps people coming back night after night, is not just membership to the Century Club. It is the atmosphere that the employees have created of educating their customers, not just serving them. It is talking with the customers and finding out what bourbons they enjoy, suggesting similar bourbons, and making non-bourbon drinkers feel right at home at the bourbon center of Dayton. “We have an apprenticeship program for anyone who wants to become a bartender here. I need to know that when I am away from the bar, the brand is still being well represented.” Joe requires that anyone interested in becoming part of the team to work as a bar assistant for six months, learning not only the technical specifications of the cocktails and bourbon, but the culture that The Century has developed. “I want to see that you can educate and entertain the customers while you make the drinks. There will be timing for the drinks, but I want to hear how you speak and interact with people.” The final test is over 150 questions, in front of a panel of judges. The Century’s move to the south does not mean you are going to get less of an experience. The quality is expanding too.

Joe, The Century Owner Diane and Tim

“The Century will always be about whiskey. The cocktails will make us well rounded.” Joe was very matter of fact about what was important to him: no matter where he expands to, from collaborations to new locations, the quality of the product stays the same. The Century had twenty bourbons when he began, and he has grown the small bar to over one hundred bourbons and a top stop in the country for bourbon enthusiasts. The respect he has for the industry, his guests, and his community is evident. It is one of the pieces that makes The Century such a great place to sit down and have a bourbon, beer, or any cocktail with friends. And say hello to Joe while you are there. He would love to make a few more friends over a nice glass of whiskey.

Thinking About a Stout? – National Stout Day

November 6, 2014 By Brian Petro

Murphy’s Irish Stout. The other well known stout from Ireland.

In September of 2014, there was a secret experiment going on at Starbucks. They have always been working with trying out new flavors, but this was different. They were not going for your traditional riffs on traditional coffee. There was a new demographic they had their sights on: the beer drinker. Starbucks dabbled in the liquor industry before with a coffee liqueur. It was not on the market very long, but it did deliver the rich Starbucks flavor people expected. The company that ushered in the craft coffee boom was looking to capitalize on the craft beer boom, and they knew their path in. It was not brewing Starbucks beer. It was going to brew a coffee that tasted like beer. The profile they were looking for shared many of the characteristics coffee already has; hints of bitterness mixed with rich complexity, a slight roasted flavor, and something with the same deep brown color as their core product. They were looking to make a coffee drink that tasted like a stout.

November 6 is National Stout Day, and stout is a fascinating beer. Stouts first gained popularity in the early 18^th century, when it was discovered this hearty beer was a little tougher than the other ales, and had a little more kick. They were originally known as “stout porters”, since they were as dark as the porters being brewed at the time, but had a higher ABV. Eventually the “porter” was dropped and the style simply became known as stout. The question of “stout vs. porter” now causes some serious debate among the beer brewing and drinking crowd, some insisting the styles are as different as twilight and midnight, some saying that there is little difference other than a naming preference. The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) notes a few general differences between the two. Porters are lighter in color, ranging from reddish brown to dark brown, where stouts are dark brown to black. Porters are usually sweeter, while the roasting of the barley for stouts can impart a bitter flavor. Porters roll crisply right over the tongue; stouts are thicker and tend to linger, using less water than their lighter counterparts.

Once you are past the “stout vs. porter” conversation, you can begin discussing the different ways stouts are brewed. It is generally agreed there are six distinct styles of stout:

Dry Stout – Because of a little Irish brewery named Guinness, this is the most widely known style of stout, though most don’t call it dry. Most people will call it an Irish stout, again because of Guinness. There are some bitter notes in this one coming from the roasted barley and some extra hops. Guinness’ IBUs (International Bitterness Unit) sits is around 47. For comparison, Dogfishhead’s 60 Minute IPA is 60 IBUs. It is usually thinner and lighter than other stouts, making it great to drink over time. Murphy’s Irish Stout is another fine example of this style.

Hello milk stout! Nitrogen is used to smooth out the beer even more.

Sweet, or Milk, Stout – Advertisers are tricky. Trying to convince consumers of the healthy qualities of some stouts, they would add lactose, or milk sugar, to the brew to add sweetness. Milk is healthy, right? This type of chicanery caused the designation to be banned in England, but it can be used anywhere else in the world. The sugars mask the bitterness of the roasting and add some weight to the mouthfeel, leaving a rich and sweet flavor to embrace. Left Hand Brewing makes a delightful Milk Stout Nitro, and Southern Tier’s Crème Brulee Imperial Milk Stout are absolute delights to drink.

Oatmeal Stout – If milk is a healthy addition to the brewing of stouts, why not oats? Oat is a grain, and beer needs grains. You have warm water, oats, flavor…it is like oatmeal! A hearty breakfast in a bottle! They were most popular in Scandinavia, which maintained the tradition until beer explorer Michael Jackson reintroduced the nearly extinct species. The oats added to the mash add their own version of sweetness, while adding some thickness to the beer as well. If you are looking for a local one, you are in tons of luck. Warped Wing’s 10 Ton Stout, Eudora Brewing Company’s Thunderball, Yellow Spring Brewing’s Prowler, Star City’s Old Mill Stout, and Lock 27’s Oat Rodeo are just a few local selections for you.

American Stout – We have our own stout! American stouts shoot for the full, smooth mouthfeel of the richest stouts while adding extra hops, coffee, chocolate flavors to heighten the natural ones that emerge from the roasting process. They find their way to the higher end of the ABV scale, and are a product of brewers wanting to experiment with the traditional stout formula. The carbonation, usually not overly present in other stouts, emerges more in the American version. Dayton Brewing Company’s new Java Man Cometh would fall in this category, as would Deschutes’ Obsidian Stout and Revolution Brewing’s Rise.

Russian Imperial Stout – This was brewed in England for the Russian court of Catherine II. Since it was brewed for a country where vodka dominates all other liquor (they put down almost five times the vodka the Unites States does), it had to be stronger than normal and built for a long journey. Most stouts pack a reasonable 6-7% ABV punch. The low end of the spectrum for Russian Imperials is 8%, heading as high as 12%. Toxic Brewing’s Black Tonic sits in this category, as does Hareless Hare’s Rabbit Hole Chocolate Stout. A personal favorite, Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Blackout Stout (our own Max Spang has some thoughts on it as well) and North Coast Brewing’s Old Rasputin are other well respected versions of this strong style.
Max Spang and I agree: This is a delicious Imperial stout.

Foreign Extra (Tropical) Stout – The home of the stout is a long way from the tropics. Especially in the 18^th century, when ocean going wooden ship was the only way to get there. It was brewed with some extra malt, making it sweeter and sturdier to survive the month long journey across the Atlantic. It was nicknamed “Tropical” because the earliest versions of this beer went to the warmer colonies of the British Empire. They are typically a stronger version of a dry stout, but any style can be made into a Foreign Extra Stout. The most well-known of this style is the Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, and most breweries dabble in this style, offering it on tap in smaller batches or seasonally. Ridgeway Brewing’s Lump of Coal is a tip top example of a seasonal foreign extra stout.

Starbucks may still be testing their coffee stout concoction for all we know. There is no need to wait for them to enjoy the hearty flavors stouts can provide. And some of them even have healthy ingredients in them (sort of)! Despite the heaviness of these beers, many of them are not much more calorie dense than light beers. Guinness has only 15 more calories per 12 oz. serving than Bud Light, and for the same ABV. Enjoy a stout or two on National Stout Day. You can drink a Founder’s Breakfast Stout or Southern Tier Mokah instead of the Starbucks, right?

Catapult Creative Branding Dayton Bike Share

October 20, 2014 By Guest Contributor

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]It’s hard to believe that only 10 months ago we were sitting in one of the four rooms that made up our office on Linden Avenue late one evening and began concepting ideas for how we could share our love and appreciation for the city we call home. Namely, to create the landscape and platform to help showcase and motivate others to truly embrace exploring and discovering all the wonderful things Dayton has to offer – to date your city.

The positive response to these initial concepts has been very humbling, especially how much we’ve managed to accomplish in such a short amount of time, with so much yet to come. These efforts have paid off, and now we are charged with developing an identity for one the most exciting expansions to hit downtown in recent years.

Baton founder Jordan Hockett with Matthew and myself

Left to right: Josh, Baton founder Jordan Hockett, Matthew

But first, let’s take a look at what got us here.

With the rise of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram it’s never been easier to showcase what moves and inspires you, and then share it with the world. We saw this happening everyday with three Dayton-centric social media accounts who used gorgeous photos to prove that Dayton is a great American city. We contacted and met with the creators of these accounts – Dayton Baton, Daytongram and Dayton’s Best – and shared our vision with them. That Vision: Work cooperatively and our goals will be that much easier to achieve. They got it immediately. So we united them under a thematically similar brand and began concepting the various ways they could work together.

The next step was joining forces with Dayton Most Metro to provide an additional platform and unifying entity to tie these social media accounts together. Matthew and I were brought on as co-publishers and got to work on planning the redesign for the next iteration of the site to actualize our vision. The first step was building a portal that both explained who the social media accounts were, their mission, and gave them the online tools to achieve that mission. The Mission: To inject our community with positivity and self-worth, and show everyone every day a new perspective on what makes our city great.

Meeting at 5th Street

We continued to put these social media accounts in touch with other community members who shared the same ideals, which led to a meeting with Olivia Barrow, of the Dayton Business Journal. What was supposed to be a quick meetup over a drink at 5th Street Brew Pub with Jordan Hockett, Tom Gilliam, Matthew, Oliva and myself became a two hour discussion that led to the idea of developing a well-branded self esteem campaign for the city. Tentatively called “I Love Dayton,” Olivia presented the idea at the UpDayton Summit. Amazingly our collaborative idea was chosen.

Provided by Dayton Inspires

Soon a committee was formed to develop the concept and Catapult became an obvious choice to participate in both the vision for the campaign and to create the brand itself. In the end our idea for Dayton Inspires was chosen among a number of different great brand names. We then designed the logo, and worked closely with Olivia and the committee to concept and design everything from stickers, posters, temporary tattoos and even a photobooth backdrop that have been unrolled over the past two months.

During all of this we also participated in the Activated Spaces program to move our offices downtown into the Talbott Tower. Downtown is where the action is, which is where we wanted to be, and just being here has led to a tremendous amount of growth and opportunity. Our street level office lets Dayton see our creativity on a daily basis, and demonstrate that a young creative agency can succeed here.

With Batman donning the cowl in our window, he has become a mantle of inspiration for us to focus on something greater than ourselves. To absorb ourselves in our city, to give back and help change the perception of fear, apathy and doubt into a calm, renewed sense of community. Everyday we are in the thick of it and are reminded of why we chose to be here.

All of these efforts have culminated in an exciting announcement and opportunity for Catapult Creative. We have been selected to concept and create both the name and logo for the Dayton Bike Share Program. We believe this project ties in perfectly with our vision of a Dayton that’s both growing and redefining what it means to live here. It is also perhaps a key reason we were selected among some true goliaths in the industry. We are excited to bring a youthful energetic passion, outside the box solutions, and outstanding design and branding to this elemental project for downtown.

We are Dayton. Dayton is us. This must be great.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”50501″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

Provided by Bike Miami Valley

Some key points on the Dayton Bike Share:

When it launches in spring 2015, Dayton will be one of 25+ cities across the U.S. with bike share systems.

There will be 22 bike stations within a two mile radius of downtown, with each station containing six to ten bikes – totaling more than 200 bikes.

Customers, who range from one-day users to annual subscribers, unlock the bikes and may ride to any other station or back to the original location at the end of their trip.

Made up of 9 local organizations, The Bike Share Planning Team is a fantastic example of the collaborative mindset that is so crucial to Dayton’s continued development.

There’s been a refreshing new appreciation for the value of knowing your community, and the Bike Share Planning Team has made that a primary focus for this branding effort.

We begin our journey with the Dayton Bike Share Program this week with an excitement fueled by fresh ideas and a sense of ownership that this must be great not only for the program and for our business, but for the citizens of this city we love.

I look forward to taking the first ride around this spring, and seeing a much more connected downtown.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

If You’re Hoppy and You Know It

August 7, 2014 By Brian Petro Leave a Comment

Yes, they do really glow like that.

Behold humulus lupulus – a plant that grows in very similar climates that grapes do. It is dioecious, which means that the male and female part flower separately. There are a wide variety of them, found all over the world. It is a climbing plant, so when cultivating it you will see rows and rows of upright poles for the plant to grow on. The female flowering cones are the part of the plant we are most familiar with. We refer to them as hops, and they are used mainly as a bittering agent in beer. The bitterness comes from alpha acids that are natural to the plant. They stay with the brew, protecting it from wild bacteria and filtering the beer to make it look clearer. If that is not enough, they add a variety of flavors to the beer (most often herbal, citrusy, or earthy ones), as well as cut down the sweetness of the fermented malt.

Why are hops so important? The first Thursday in August is rapidly being established as International IPA Day, and the most important thing to an IPA is hops. Lots and lots of hops. IPA is the shortening of “India pale ale”, a style of beer that is almost 200 years old. IPAs are most noted for their bitterness and complexity, having enough malt to balance out the hops. Some brewers also add other ingredients to the mix (Three Floyd’s Apocalypse Cow adds milk sugar) to tame the hoppiness. The colors of IPAs usually fall into the golden or amber hues, but some will get dark as the malts are given a deep roast (like 21^st Amendment’s Back In Black).

Where it all began…British India.

The history of the IPA is, say it with me, muddy at best. The most common story is this one: Britain was colonizing India in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The soldiers out there still wanted a fine beer to drink, and getting fine British ales out to the troops was problematic. Popular British ales had a tendency to spoil on the long trip over, so they needed something that was a little hardier. A gentleman named George Hodgson was the first to crack to code with October beer. It was well hopped and intended to be cellared for up to two years. It was considered “pale ale” because it was lighter than the porters and ales England was used to. It also traveled much better than normal ales because of the hops’ nature of keeping the beer protected from microbes. While Hodgson was the first to send such pale ales over to India, the breweries in Burton-on-Trent became the most popular. Because of certain impurities in the water there, the beer was a little more bitter than normal. The soldiers (and people of India) fell in love with the ale, and it became a staple. It was popular until nearly the 20^th century, when it was replaced with a mix of whiskies, gins, and teas. Mainly teas.

Over the years IPA has evolved into three distinct subcategories. American Style IPAs are more citrusy and herbal than their traditional counterparts, looking to go for big flavors. English Style IPAs are brewed in the traditional style, focusing more on the balance of the malt and English grown hops, and creating a well crafted and consistent beer. Belgian Style IPAs often employ American hops, but are bottle conditioned with Belgian yeast, giving the beer a little more cloudiness. American craft brewers have fallen in love with the style (and substyles) over the last few years, going out of their way to cross breed hops to try new flavors. They have imported hops from New Zealand, as well as emulated classic hops from England. The United States is one of the three largest growers of hops in the world, after Germany and Ethiopia. All of them have their characteristic bitterness, and that bitterness is measured in something called International Bittering Units, or IBUs. It is a scientific, chemical calculation. Sometimes it is listed on the bottle, depending on how proud the brewer is of the hoppiness in the beer. Most American Lagers, like Budweiser and Coors, have an IBU rating between 5 and 17. IPAs tend to range from 40-60, some going higher. Imperial stouts actually have higher IBUs (50-80), but the heavily roasted malt overpowers the bitter hops. Green Flash’s Palate Wrecker is an off the chart 100+ IBU (there is no good measurement for over 100, but their site claims 149 IBUs), and is available at the Van Buren Tap Room if you are looking for a challenge to your mouth, or you just hate your taste buds.

There is even a hashtag! They are serious about this…

Some of you may be unfamiliar with what beers to celebrate with, and that is okay. We also have a Snobby Beer Guy on staff, and I ran into him at the Kegerator. We have perks here at the office. When I asked him what some of the best IPAs are out there, he offered up Fat Head’s Head Hunter IPA and Brew Kettle’s White Raja. Ohio’s own Great Lakes Brewing Company also has a highly recommended IPA, Commodore Perry. Other highly recommended IPAs I have tried (and read about) include Flying Dog’s Raging Bitch (also banned in Michigan), Sam Adams’ Latitude 48, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, and Stone Brewing’s Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale. Our own local Dayton Beer Company is also brewing an IPA for you to enjoy. With the popularity of IPAs right now, any brew house will have a fine selection on hand. Some places you may look to are Chappy’s Tap Room, South Park

Tavern, and Boston’s Bistro. If you are looking to celebrate at home, you can stop at Belmont Party Supply for all of the beers mentioned above, and a few more that only their staff knows about.

If you have been hiding safely in the realm of lighter, sweeter beers, go out and wake your taste buds up with a few India pale ales. It took months of creativity and dedication to create something this complex, and you should go out and try them at least once. It is International IPA Day, and every beer deserves a chance at a good home. Cheers!

NOTE: This article originally noted that hops added alcohol content. After further research, that turned out to be false. Hops add bitter notes, antiseptic qualities, and balance.

This article originally ran in August of 2012 and we find it just as relevant today, only with many more IPA’s to choose from!

Free Summer Party Downtown

August 2, 2014 By Megan Cooper

The Dayton Metro Library is inviting the whole community to a Summer Party. There will be free entertainment, games, contests and hands-on activities for the whole family on Saturday, August 9, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Main Library and in Cooper Park, downtown Dayton.

Chuck Duritsch from the Dayton Metro Library says, “We want to celebrate not only our summer readers who worked hard and met their goals, but also have a fun afternoon for everyone!”

What’s in store?

Visit the Technology Petting Zoo to see the latest gadgets, then pet puppies from the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Make your own cotton candy, then ride a blender bike and make a smoothie. Time the Rubik’s Cube champ, learn break dancing skills from Deja Kru, and meet a young Yo-Yo Master. Book swaps, henna tattoos, physical challenges, chess games, storytimes, oh my! There’s too much to mention. Suffice it to say there are activities throughout Cooper Park and inside the Main Library as well – plenty for adults and children to have a fun, free afternoon. Food vendors will be on hand for the purchase of food and beverages, but all other activities (from the Active Zone to the Zoot Theatre puppets) are FREE.

“This is a chance for families to come together for a fun, free event to celebrate the summer,” said Diane Farrell, Director of External Relations for the Library. The Library invites you to come enjoy an afternoon with your friends, family and neighbors at the Dayton Metro Library as we wrap up a super summer and get ready for a fabulous fall!

More details from the Library:

The event features:

Hands-on activities, crafts and experiments
The Kids BookMobile
The Batmobile with Batman and Robin
Curious George, The Cat in the Hat, Heater and Gem from The Dayton Dragons and costumed Star Wars characters
The Zoot Theatre Company puppets
Music by DJ Dan Edwards
An active zone with hula hoops, jump ropes, Frisbees, bubbles and bikes
A Book Swap for all ages, plus more!

Partner organizations and guests include:

Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission teaching bike safety
Humane Society of Greater Dayton showcasing pet adoptions
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery meeting animals up close
Muse Machine – leading active story and dance
Ohio Virtual Academy and Chaminade Julienne High School – getting hands on with STEM labs and slime
Rosewood Arts Center – exploring comic book art
ThinkTV – PBS Kids Island
Time Warner Cable – science behind cotton candy
Dayton Mom-Spot Blog – book and swag bag giveaways
Welcome Dayton – language activities
Prevent Blindness Ohio – coloring and eye health
EarthFare – Sun Safety
Yo-Yo demonstrations, break dancing and the national Rubik’s Cube champion

Admission and all activities are free. Food trucks will be on hand for the purchase of food and beverages. Summer Reading Club participants of all ages can bring their completed folders to the Party for special prizes.

For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s External Relations Department at 937-496-8901.

New condos on the block: The McCormick

June 15, 2014 By Teri Lussier 1 Comment

More residential options are coming to downtown Dayton, which is good news as more people living downtown should bring more business, more activity, more stuff! This time it’s the old Park Place apartments on E 1st St that are being converted into urban loft-style condos, and the building will be called, appropriatelyenough, The McCormick.

Baseball lovers, Dayton Dragons fans take note- 5 units have views of the 5/3 Field, but because the building is in a relatively open part of the city, all units have unrestricted urban views. The McCormick lofts are listed by Steve Seboldt at Sibcy Cline (937-224-1234). Steve is very familiar with all the condo developments in downtown Dayton and tells me one of the features he most enjoys about the McCormick is the location. He spent one evening watching a game from the unit on the fourth floor. “It’s like you are right in the stadium,” he said.

Steve hails from Chicago and has an appreciation for urban loft living. He describes the condos as “laid out as true lofts with exposed beams, bare brick exterior walls and open duct work. Unique feature of these lofts include sliding “barn doors” especially in the front bed room which is next to the open living area. This feature, in addition to being a neat “architectural” loft feature, allows the front bedroom to be kind of an extension of the living area since most of these sliding doors have wider openings than normal doors. This allows for a flexibility in living space where the front bedroom can be an office, a tv room or a second bedroom.” Thefloorplans I saw had tons of character with a nice blend of industrial and warmth- gorgeous exposed brick, fantastic glass shelving, warm wood finishes. The large windows let in lots of natural light as well.

Interior finishes can be upgraded, but each unit as is has bamboo flooring in all main living areas, carpet in bedrooms, and durable man-made flooring in baths and kitchen area. Kitchens have stainless appliances. To make the unit even more flexible, each kitchen has a island/breakfast counter that is on casters so it can be re-positioned throughout the condo for more flexibility when entertaining. That’s a great touch, and with the “barn door” sliders, you have more option for living and entertaining in each unit.

Everyone wants to know about parking and security. Seboldt says “Parking is fenced, and each unit gets 2 assigned spots. The parking lot will be restriped and an architectural fence will replace current fence.” There is also an electronic card key access and a keypad protected elevator.

So. Really, what’s the neighborhood like? Downtown Dayton is your neighborhood so it’s baseball, performing arts, 2nd St Public Market, Riverscape, the new Water Street development. It’s a great location to be close to everything. Floor plans and prices will vary from unit to unit depending on number of bedrooms andupgrades, but Steve says “Pricing is way less than you would expect to pay for this type loft with this location.” Currently, pricing is listed as $56,000- $187,000, which make these a great option for anyone who is looking not only for a primary home, but also a 2nd home, and for empty-nesters looking to move to downtown.

You can find out more information at the Sibcy Cline website, or talk to your Realtor about seeing one today!

Warped Wing & Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Team up for Food Adventure Event July 31st

June 12, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Dayton’s own brewery, Warped Wing!

It is time to “GET WARPED” at JIMMIES LADDER 11 in July, with a one-night-only, 5 course Food Adventure ! Mark your calendars for July 31st and get your tickets before they sell out !

Only Food Adventures could help deliver such a night. For the first time ever, Dayton’s own WARPED WING BREWING COMPANY will team with Dayton’s own Ladder 11 for and exclusive event!

For all of you who have always wanted to go on a full blown Food Adventure, here’s your chance!

WHAT FOOD: 5 Course dinner at JIMMIE’s LADDER 11. This meal will feature some special menu items, presented and paired, especially for this night.

WHAT DRINK: 3 beers on tap from Dayton’s WARPED WING BREWING CO. paired with 3 food courses and each attendee gets a Warped Wing souvenir pint glass !

MENU FOR THE NIGHT:

COURSE 1: Jimmie’s Homemade Gumbo

COURSE 2: The Cornerstone Salad paired with Ermal’s Belgian Cream Ale from Warped Wing

COURSE 3: Roast Beef Po’ Boy Sandwich paired with Warped Wing’s Flying Rye Pale Ale

COURSE 4: 10 Ton Pulled Pork Quesadilla’s paired with Warped Wing’s 10 Ton Stout

COURSE 5: Double Chocolate Cupcakes topped with 10 Ton Chocolate Gnache.

Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Five course meal, 1 night only

**** Also a SPECIAL AFTER DINNER KEG TAPPING of a NEW WARPED WING BEER – so fresh, we don’t even know yet what the brew will be! The tapping will feature special drink prices on pints !

You can also expect The Big Ragu to pass out some samples of a favorite Jimmie’s Food Truck item.

WHEN: THURSDAY NIGHT, JULY 31st at 6:30pm

COST: $30 per person (pre-pay only) and that includes the tip !!!! Tickets may only be bought online here. We are expecting another sellout, so get your tickets now !

WHAT ELSE: Door prizes, gift cards, t-shirt giveaways, souvenir pint glass, meet and greet with Jimmie and the Ladder 11 family, and a look at the brand new Jimmie’s food truck with The Big Ragu!

Don’t miss this unique, one-of-a-kind Food Adventure! See you at Jimmie’s in July !!

BUY TICKETS Now– limited seating available, when spots are gone, they are gone !

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Bike Share to Roll Into Dayton Spring 2015

March 28, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Community leaders gathered at Second Street Public Market today to announce the required $1 million in capital funding has been secured to launch a bike share program in Greater Downtown Dayton in 2015. Earlier this month, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) approved 2014 funding from the Federal Highway Administration Surface Transportation Program to cover capital costs for 22 bike share stations. Mayor Nan Whaley announced that the City of Dayton has committed to providing $250,000 which includes a needed local match to secure the capital funds and partial operating support to launch the program.

Dayton’s bike share, which will launch in spring 2015, will feature 22 strategically located stations, all within an approximate two mile radius of downtown Dayton. Each station will contain six to ten bikes, totaling more than 200 bikes. Stations will be placed within 1/4 mile of one another so it users will not have to walk more than 5 minutes to find an available bike. All bikes are securely locked, require a membership or credit card to access and will allow for GPS tracking. Customers – who range from one-day users to annual subscribers – are able to take unlimited trips on the bikes. Trips may be up to 30-45 minutes in length and may go to any other station or back to the original location.

Brian Martin, Executive Director of MVRPC shared, “The role of alternative transportation modes—such as bike share—in enriching their communities is extremely important, and our own bike share program will enable Dayton to keep pace with similar cities who already enjoy the benefits of bike share.”

The Downtown Dayton Partnership has seen evidence that that bike share programs bolster urban vibrancy, are a major factor in downtown livability, and maximize the connectivity of existing public transit infrastructure. Dr. Michael Ervin, DDP Co-Chair said, “Advancing Dayton’s cycling culture is an important strategy in the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan.” But it’s not just the Downtown Dayton Partnership who want to see this happen. Ervin continues, “Organizational partnerships have been crucial to the establishment of a viable strategy for Dayton’s bike share program, and they are a testament to the community’s enthusiasm for this initiative.”

The organizations that have stepped up to implement the bike share program include Greater Dayton RTA, Bike Miami Valley and MVRPC. Bike Miami Valley be securing staff over the next year to oversee customer management, sponsorship outreach, customer memberships, organizational partnerships, and marketing and promotions with plans to hire an Executive Director in late summer or early fall. Once the program is launched, RTA will maintain the bike share equipment and balance the distribution of bikes across the station network. MVRPC identified the capital funding source and will provide additional support, including office space for bike share staff. Combined, these partnerships will lower the annual bike share operational costs by more than $135,000 each year. Immediate next steps will be to issue an RFP (a required step since bike share will be run by a public agency) to select an equipment vendor and develop the program branding and name.

Mark Donaghy, Executive Director of Greater Dayton RTA sees bike share as a “last mile connector” and a long-anticipated asset in better serving RTA patrons and promoting bus ridership. Users can ride the bus into downtown and pick up a bike to get to their exact destination with fewer transfers and more convenience; bike share adds to a system of transportation options within the downtown area. Donaghy says, “We look forward to seeing this important community asset grow.”

Andy Williamson, with Bike Miami Valley shared, “Bike Miami Valley is excited that Dayton will join the collection of more than 25 cities across the U.S. with bike share transportation systems.”

Although bike share is growing in popularity across the nation, Dayton is the second city to announce that they’ve completed the process of securing the needed capital funds. An appropriate fit since Dayton was designated in 2010 as a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists (with the goal to reach platinum level by 2020). Cincinnati is currently fundraising with hopes to launch Cincy Bike Share in the near future, and both Cleveland and University of Toledo are in research/planning modes with hopes to create their own bike share program.

But is Dayton ready? Scott Murphy with Bike Miami Valley says yes. Murphy explained, “We set out about a year and a half ago to study the feasibility of bike sharing in the Dayton region by benchmarking our community against others of similar size who have done bike sharing successfully. We looked at factors that correlate to actual bike share usage in other cities; things like population density, job density, where young people are clustered in our community. What we found surprised us; not only does Dayton measure-up to these communities, we actually outpace other bike share cities of similar size for key bike share design factors. The community is ready to do this.”

The idea is there, the plan is set, the money is confirmed: the reality of bike share roll out for Dayton in spring of 2015.