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First Friday

July 5 Event to Feature Dance Lessons, Classic Movies, Contests, and Live Music

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image002Downtown’s next free First Friday event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 5. To celebrate the holiday weekend, many restaurant and stores are offering a variety of activities and entertainment for downtown visitors to enjoy. Events include art exhibits, live music, dinner and drink specials, retail sales, and special events will be featured at a variety of downtown venues.

Some of the highlights for the July 5 First Friday are listed below. A complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday is available on the DDP website.

MVMFA_logo circletagFood Truck Rally – 200 S. Jefferson St. (near the Dayton Convention Center): Synergy Incubators hosts the July First Friday Food Truck Rally, featuring Zombie Dogz, Go Cupcake, Ringo’s North Star Mobile Eatery Caribbacanas,Fressa Truck, G’s CUE BBQ Horseless Buggy Eatery, Tik’s Thai Mobile, @The Monchon, Kona Ice and Missouri Avenue BBQ from 5:00pm – 9:00pm

American Pi (37 S. St. Clair St.) is celebrating a new collaboration with “Life in Letters,” a local handcraft décor store. Visitors can create unique and personal pieces using photos taken in the Dayton area that resemble letters. For First Friday, the owners of “Life in Letters” will be at the store to meet with anyone who comes by. The store is open until 8:30 p.m. Call 937–938-7890.

Cincinnati artist Gregory Sitg will be showing light paintings at Clash Consignment (521 E. Fifth St.). Call 937-241-9434.

The Collaboratory (33 N. Main St.) will feature an exhibition by artist and designer Misty Thomas-Trout that is a visual representation of her personal journey into self-awareness. Enjoy drinks and food with while getting to know the artist. The Collaboratory will be open until 8 p.m. Call 937-732-5123.

The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet for two rides this month at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, (220 N. Patterson Blvd.). The first will ride leaves at 5:30 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. The July ride will include a tour of the McPherson, Grafton Hill, Five Oaks and Santa Clara District neighborhoods.

As part of the First Friday Salsa Music Series, Latin band Cla’ve Son will play live music from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark (111 E. Monument Ave.) on the MetroPark Pavilion Stage. Visitors can learn some salsa steps while listening to great music. Call 937-274-0126.

sewdayton_logoSew Dayton (16 Brown St.) will offer treats from the PNC 2nd Street Market and showcase work by fiber artist Pat Weaves. Those who stop by are encouraged to partake in a DIY “Make It Work” contest. Participants will be given three pieces of textiles and given the challenge to create something new from them. The contest will run through the end of July. Call 937-234-7398.

Kicking off the Cool Film Series at Victoria Theatre (138 N Main St.) is the classic comedy “The Apartment” starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine and directed by Billy Wilder. Free popcorn and soda are offered in the lobby and an old-fashioned sing-a-long begins 30 minutes before show time. Tickets are $5. Call 228-3630.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association and Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show that airs on Fridays from 8 p.m. to midnight on WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

Xenia First Friday Celebration

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249877_553684534660162_1367585236_nDowntown Xenia is the place to be on the first Friday of every month May through September. First Fridays in downtown Xenia kick off the fifth year on May 3, 2013 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

There will be free music to enjoy at the Greene County Courthouse performed by The Hathaways. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome. There will be children’s activities at the library, at the City of Xenia booth, and a bounce house in the Montgomery Insurance and Investments lot.
Head on over to X*ACT for their Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting of the new Xenia Arts Center at 7:30. At the Downtown Xenia Now
booth you can get information about things that are happening in your hometown and buy some pretty cool T-Shirts and mugs. The athletically inclined can bicycle into town and park your bicycle at the
beautiful new Bicycle Plaza at 3rd and Detroit. The Greene County Historical Society will hold their monthly historic tour of downtown commercial buildings, departing from the Courthouse (E. Main St.
side) at 6:30 p.m. The Xenia Area Young Professionals will be hosting a corn hole tournament on the patio at Willie’s Sports Bar to raise money for the anti-bullying program at Xenia Community Schools.
These are just a few of the things you will find going on Downtown Xenia!

The First Fridays events, now in its fifth year, continue to grow and flourish with repeat vendors and attendees each month returning for family-friendly fun and unique shopping opportunities.
The First Fridays events feature numerous food vendors at the Whiteman Parking Lot Food Court at the corner of E. Main and Whiteman. This year visitors can pick up a delicious meal of grilled chicken, pork chops, hot dogs, and other fair food as well as enjoy downtown festivities.

First Fridays run from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and will continue through September 2013. “This year we decided to shorten our event to five months to avoid numerous school conflicts, short days, and cold of
October” said volunteer co-coordinator, Heidi Hilderbrandt of The Flower Stop.

First Fridays is organized by the Downtown Xenia Now group (formerly Xenia Downtown Revitalization Committee.) For more information or to download an application for vendor space, visit their website at
http://www.xenianow.org. To learn about volunteer opportunities or other activities of the Downtown Xenia Now Committee, go tohttp://www.xenianow.org or their Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/xeniadowntown and “like” them

Downtown Dayton’s First Friday Features Derby & Dresses, Tiki Show, Arts Potluck & Demos, Flood Walk

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SAMSUNG CSCBrim is hosting a fashion show featuring Kentucky Derby hats and one-of-a-kind dresses by Tracy McElfresh of Sew Dayton. The models will walk at 6 and 8 p.m. and coffee will be provided by Ghostlight Coffee. Clash Consignments is hosting a Tiki Show that will feature Liz Dearth of Artifact Pottery as artist of the month, along with work by Greg Dearth, Scott Kustowski, Skull 13 and others. Eric Heilman and Rob Hale will provide rockabilly, surf, psychobilly and punk music throughout the evening.

Several art galleries and other venues will host special events this month. Blue Sky Gallery will host a closing reception for “Your Turn,” a collaborative exhibit, by Francis Schanberger and his wife, Bridgette Bogle, who have organized an arts potluck. Instead of bringing food, bring an example of something that inspires you — such as music, video, magazine clippings or books — to share. Dayton Visual Arts Center is opening new exhibit, “The Cline Show.” In memory of Barbara C. Cline and her dedication to student artists, this exhibit features works in all media produced by local students from Wright State University, the University of Dayton, Central State University and Sinclair Community College. Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center will feature paintings by artist of the month Annica Damico. Hands-on activities for children and a free introduction to Reiki and chair massage also will be offered. Bring your favorite wine bottle to “Functional Art “at the CADC. Christy Jennewein will demo wine bottle painting.  The Yellow Cab Building is hosting Dollar Holler, a free event to sell and buy — for only $1 —handmade, vintage, and arts and crafts supplies. Items at past events include vintage home décor and fabric, beads, and original art and prints. Donations will be accepted to support the 2013 Dayton Sideshow arts event.

Urban Nights(2)This First Friday also offers outdoor events. The Courteous Mass Ride will host its monthly cycling expedition throughout the city.  Bikers meet at 5:30 p.m. in front of Fifth Third Field. The Great Dayton Flood Walk starts at 7p.m. and is $10 per person. The tour allows guests to view vintage photos of the great flood, visit buildings that made it through the flood, see high-water marks from 1913 and much more. Call 274-4749 or email grantsguru501c3@yahoo.com for required reservation and meeting location.

First Friday includes sales and special event at retail shops, discounts at restaurants, special events, live music, and more. A complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday is available on the DDP website.  First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

 

Warm Up With Ice Skating, Gallery Openings, Live Music at Downtown Dayton’s First Friday

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SAMSUNG CSCDowntown’s next free First Friday art hop will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2013.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map, event calendar (powered by Dayton Most Metro) and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

Art

• CADC, 35 S. St. Clair St.: Featuring live music and appetizers. Call 313-9883.

• Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, 48 High St.: (Open 5 to 8 p.m.) The closing weekend reception of the New Members Invitational Exhibit. Call 228-4532.

• Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St.: (Open 5 to 8 p.m.) Featuring a short show exhibition by Leesa Haapapuro and the K12 Gallery for Young People’s home-schooled students, as well as free popcorn and public workshops. Call 224-3822.

• Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St.: View local art and shop a variety of handmade items, including ceramics, jewelry, scarves, art, purses and more. Call 672-6717.

Music

• Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Live music by The Footmenat 9 p.m. Call 938-6405.

• De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St.: Hosting jazz band Premium Blend and happy hour specials for a mix and mingle with downtown business professionals. Call 461-2233.

• Jay’s Seafood, 225 E. Sixth St.: Live music by Puzzle of Light at 9 p.m. Call 222-2892.

• Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St.: Live music beginning at 7 p.m. Call 275-9949.

• Trolley Stop,530 E. Fifth St.: Live music by the Winter Sounds beginning at 9:30 p.m. Call 461-1101.

Food and Drink

• Coco’s Bistro, 250 Warren St.: 15 percent off food. Call 228-2626.

• Deaf Monty’s Wine, 22 Brown St.: $2 tastings of select wines. Call 225-9463.

• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: No cover and 20 percent off food. Call 224-7822.

• Franco’s Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. Fifth St.: 10 percent off food. Call 222-0204.

• Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, 520 E. Fifth St.: Dinner specials, along with the special tapping of a firkin of craft beer. Call 222-6800.

• Olive, an urban dive, 416 E. Third St.: Featuring photography by local artist Elizabeth Cambron. Call 222-DIVE (3483).

• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Featuring a happy-hour band and half-price pizza from 4 to 8 p.m., with additional live music at 9:30 p.m. Call 223-9205.

• Smokin’ Bar-B-Que,200 E. Fifth St.: 10 percent off food. Call 586-9790.

• Thai 9, 11 Brown St.: 15 percent off food. Call 477-7758.

• Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St.: 10 percent off food. Call 910-8000.

Entertainment

• Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center, 400 E. Fifth St. Suite C: (Open 5 to 8 p.m.) Featuring photographs by Randy Jennings, a free introduction to Reiki and massage therapy, hands-on activities for kids, and information on upcoming programs for children, teens and adults. Call 723-6747.

• The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St.: Call 222-SHOW (7469) for films and show times.

• RiverScape MetroPark, MetroParks Ice Rink, 111 E. Monument Ave: Ice skate from 5 to 9 p.m.; $7 includes admission and skate rental. The park’s concession will be open to purchase hot chocolate and other snacks. Call 278-2607.

• Urban Krag, 125 Clay St.: Climbing gym open until 11 p.m. Call 224-5724.

• Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub,101 Pine St.: Tyrone Hawkins at 9 p.m.; tickets $12. Call 224-5653.

Shopping

• Amore! Designer Consignment Boutique, 16 Brown St.: Hosting a winter sale with complimentary appetizers. Call 367-5941.

• Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.: Free makeup lessons. Call 903-3165.

• Hangar18, 114 N. St. Clair St.: Featuring 15 to 20 percent offselect items. Call 830-9875.

• Peace on Fifth, 510 E. Fifth St.: Fair-trade food tasting. Call 367-7215.

• Record Gallery, 16 Brown St.: Featuring 20 percent off collectable albums and 10 percent off general merchandise. Call 224-3277.

• Sew Dayton, 16 Brown St.: Hosting a gift basket raffle to benefit local charity Clothes That Work. The gift basket contains fabrics, buttons and other sewing items and is valued at $100. Tickets to the raffle are $2 each. Call 234-7398.

• ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St.: Sale on select items, including new and used instruments, other music-related items, and original artwork. Call 938-8181.

Holiday Gift Shopping, Activated Spaces Tour Featured During Downtown Dayton’s First Friday

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Shoppers browse the Dayton Visual Arts Center's ARTtoBUY holiday gift gallery during December 2011's First Friday.

Shoppers browse the Dayton Visual Arts Center’s ARTtoBUY holiday gift gallery during December 2011’s First Friday.

Downtown’s next free First Friday art hop will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7.

Downtown’s specialty retail stores and art galleries will be open late for shoppers who want to pick up one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, including vintage clothing and housewares, handmade gifts and art, gift certificates, and much more. Here is a sampling of downtown’s holiday gift galleries:

• CADC, 35 S. St. Clair St.: The gift gallery, “Art Box,” will be open and CADC will feature “Mobiles and Lights,” an exhibit featuring artists’ interpretations of mistletoe and twinkle for the season, along with live music, appetizers and drinks. Call 313-9883.

• Cachet G! International Boutique, 133 E. Third St.: Featuring watercolors and fabric art by Francine Cummings, as well as wearable art and handmade notecards. Call 461-2665.

• Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St.: (Open 5 to 8 p.m.) Featuring art by Deborah Melton Anderson and the ArtToBuy Holiday Gift Gallery. Call 224-3822.

• Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St.: Shop a variety of handmade items perfect for gift giving, including ceramics, jewelry, scarves, art, purses and more. Call 672-6717.

• K12 Gallery for Young People/TEJAS, 510 E. Third St.:  (Open 6 to 9 p.m.) Showing “American Immigration: A Local Perspective,” a mixed-media exhibition, as well as artwork from Horizon Science Academy.  Vendors will be selling handmade art and gifts. Call 461-5149.

• The Yellow Cab Building, 700 E. Fourth St., will host Handmade Holiday Dayton. This annual event features more than 30 local artisans vending gift items, ranging from soaps to hand-crafted jewelry, and prizes will be raffled off from local establishments. Handmade Holiday Dayton will continue from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8.

A tour of the window clings installed during Activated Spaces’ Street Team initiative will take place during First Friday. These two clings, designed by local artists, are hung in the Talbott Tower.

In addition, Activated Spaces will host a tour of newly installed window clings featuring the work of local artists during First Friday. The tour begins at American Pi, 37 S. St. Clair St., at 5:45 p.m. The tour will last about 30 minutes, and a reception at American Pi will continue afterward. The installation theme, Colorful Dayton, aims to show the vibrancy of the Dayton community. The 10 clings have been placed in several locations throughout the core of downtown, featuring work by eight local artists, as well as contributions from the City of Dayton and the Miami Conservancy District.

First Friday also will include roaming entertainers, including The Dropbacks, a juggling troupe; the Miami Valley Music Men, an a cappella choir singing carols; and holiday characters in costume.

A complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday is available on the DDP website.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

Day of the Dead Celebration, Mural Unveiling, Holiday Gift Buying at November First Friday

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Pick up holiday items such as these festive ornaments at DVAC’s Art to Buy gift gallery, opening this First Friday.

Downtown’s next free First Friday art hop will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2.

Cityfolk’s Culture Builds Community program will host a Day of the Dead Community Ofrenda Celebration beginning at 6 p.m. with a parade in the Oregon District. The parade will begin on Wyandot Avenue, near Hauer Music, and will continue down East Fifth Street. The community is invited to participate in the parade, led by artist and musician Michael Bashaw and students from Chaminade-Julienne High School and Stivers School for the Arts. The parade will end around 6:30 p.m. at Missing Peace Art Space, 234 S. Dutoit St., just off East Fifth Street near Stivers School for the Arts. A reception will run until 10 p.m. at the art gallery with food provided by Taqueria Mixteca. The reception will feature an exhibit of community art created for the occasion.

Fair trade retail store Peace on Fifth will host its grand opening in its new location at 510 E. Fifth St., where it will share space with art studio and shop Gallery 510 Fine Art. Peace on Fifth will take over part of Gallery 510’s art gallery space at the front of the store, and the businesses will continue to operate as two separate stores coexisting in the same space. For First Friday, Peace on Fifth will host a fair trade food tasting in the store.

Peace on Fifth, a sucessful Pop Up Shop from the first round of Activated Spaces’ program, will move into a new space in Gallery 510 Fine Art and will host a grand opening during November First Friday.

With the holidays just around the corner, visit downtown retail stores and art galleries to pick up a one-of-a-kind gift.  The Dayton Visual Arts Center and CADC both will host openings of their holiday gift galleries, featuring unique gift items made by local artisans, and K12 Gallery for Young People/TEJAS will host a handmade arts and crafts event. Several other art galleries will host show openings, and retail stores will feature items for the holiday season.

A new series of murals along East Third Street will be unveiled, with a meet-and-greet reception with the artists held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the nearby studio of Hamilton Dixon, 811 E. Third St. This album of photos shows the mural project in progress. Look for the murals on East Third between Keowee and Webster streets.

A complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday is available on the DDP website.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.

The Scream, Art Battle, Dayton Music Fest Among Highlights of Oct. 5 First Friday in Downtown Dayton

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Downtown’s next free First Friday art hop will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5.

Fire dancers from the Soul Fire Tribe, belly dancers from Roja and solo musician Jason Trout will provide entertainment while roving the streets of downtown. Triclectic, an alternative bluegrass band, will play on East Fifth Street across from Omega Music from 6 to 8 p.m.

Artists compete during 2011's Art Off at K12 Gallery for Young People. Round two of the 2012 contest will be held during October First Friday.

The eighth annual Dayton Music Fest will kick off during First Friday, with live music at Omega Music and Canal Street Tavern. On Saturday, Oct. 6, the festival will continue at several other downtown venues, including Trolley Stop, Tumbleweed Connection, Blind Bob’s and Oregon Express. Dayton Music Fest aims to spotlight local musicians and other acts with ties to the Dayton area. Weekend passes are $10 for the festival, which features more than 30 musical acts.

Several art galleries will host special events this month. The CADC will host a Halloween tribute, featuring several artist renditions of the famous impressionist painting “The Scream.” Patrons are encouraged to dress as their own version of the painting. K12 Gallery for Young People/TEJAS will host round two of the Art-Off Battles. At the top of the hour from 6 to 10 p.m., watch artists compete while creating works of 2-D art within the theme of “Time, Memory and Place.” The final round will take place Nov. 9. Blue Sky Project will feature a closing reception for Michael Casselli’s “Slackwire,” a contemporary art show that utilizes high-voltage plasma traveling across music wire and asks viewers to consider the space they inhabit and how impositions affect them. Work by folk artist Omope Carter Daboiku will be shown at Cachet G! International Boutique, including tiles, drawings and weavings.

Band Boston Spaceships rocks out at a past Dayton Music Fest. The festival will kick off during October First Friday at Omega Music and Canal Street Tavern.

More than 40 downtown businesses will participate in September First Friday; see a complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday on the DDP website.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.

Explore a Block Party & Urban Nights Previews During September First Friday

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Downtown’s next free First Friday art hop will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7.

The United Way of the Greater Dayton Area will host the Live United Block Party in the Oregon District from 4 to 7 p.m., when 19 partner agencies of the organization will set up booths along Fifth Street, including Goodwill, a Special Wish Foundation, the Girl Scouts and Catholic Social Services. Guests who visit more than 10 of the booths will be entered into a raffle to win several prizes, including a diamond tennis bracelet and a pair of tickets to a Cincinnati Bengals football game. Select restaurants, including Blind Bob’s, Dublin Pub, Oregon Express, Coco’s Bistro and Trolley Stop, will donate a portion of proceeds during

Folk musicians Todd the Fox will provide roving entertainment during September First Friday.

the event to the United Way. Look for Heater, the Dayton Dragons’ mascot, wearing a Live United T-shirt during the block party from 5 to 6 p.m. The United Way of the Greater Dayton Area supports local health and human service programs provided by more than 70 partner agencies in Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties.

Sew Dayton, the newest Pop-Up Shop in the Activated Spaces initiative to fill vacant downtown storefronts, will host its soft opening during First Friday at its new home in the Color of Energy Gallery, 16 Brown St. The shop, owned by two Dayton seamstresses, will sell a variety of fabric and patterns, bags, and accessories, in addition to offering sewing classes. Sew Dayton be open until 9 p.m.

Blue Sky Project, CADC, Gallery 510 Fine Art, Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center, K12 Gallery for Young People/TEJAS and the Yellow Cab Building will debut new works of art during First Friday. The Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders Walk of Downtown Dayton will begin at 7 p.m. at Courthouse Square; contact tour guide Leon Bey at 274-4749 or email grantsguru501c3@yahoo.com for a reservation. The Loft Theatre will host the opening night of “Managing Maxine,” a new comedy, at 8 p.m. More than a dozen restaurants and bars will offer dinner and drink specials, and several retail stores will host sales and other special events.

More than 40 downtown businesses will participate in September First Friday; see a complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday on the DDP website.

During First Friday, fire dancers from the Soul Fire Tribe and folk musicians Todd the Fox also will provide entertainment while roaming the streets of downtown.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.

New Pop-Up Shop “Sew Dayton” to Open in Downtown Dayton

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A new business will open downtown on Friday, Sept. 7, as part of the third phase of the Pop-Up Project, part of an initiative to fill downtown storefronts called Activated Spaces. Sew Dayton, owned by two seamstresses, will offer fabric and patterns, custom party dresses, bags, and a variety of accessories, as well as offer classes.

Sew Dayton will pop up for an initial six months at 16 Brown St. in the Oregon District. The store will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours will be extended to 9 p.m. during First Fridays and Urban Nights. The store’s number is 937-234-7938.

Tracy McElfresh, left, and Jesy Anderson are opening Sew Dayton, a new Pop-Up Shop operated through Activiated Spaces. The store, which will host a soft opening during the Sept. 7 First Friday, will offer sewing classes, custom clothing items and accessories.

Sew Dayton is a collaboration between two existing businesses, Dresses by Tracy McElfresh and JKessel Design. McElfresh is a third-generation seamstress. Her business partner, Jesy Anderson, began sewing three years ago and has not stopped. Together, the pair is excited to bring their love for fabric to a downtown storefront as they continue to offer their custom-designed products and as they teach the art of sewing to others.

Sew Dayton also has a Kickstarter fundraising webpage, and its $5,000 goal has been met through pledges by more than 70 backers. In return for their pledge, these backers will receive anything from handmade zipper pouches or headbands to private sewing lessons, depending on their level of investment.

The opening of Sew Dayton builds on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s first two phases, launched in November 2011 and May 2012. Two of the initial three businesses in the pilot are approaching their one-year anniversary: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St. All three shops from the second phase remain open for business and include: American π, 37 S. St. Clair St., Arin, 27 S. St. Clair St. and Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.

Two more Pop-Up Shops will open as part of the third phase of the project. They will be announced soon and are anticipated to open this fall.

Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Project, which helped fill 5,730 square feet of retail space during its first two phases, is led by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and updayton. The project is a strategic effort to fill vacant street-level space and spur interest in opening a business downtown that’s part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

“The Pop-Up Shops have helped enliven downtown while building on growing momentum for the center city,” said Tom Razauskas, who owns the building housing Beaute Box and Vintage Barbershop. “It has been refreshing to work with volunteers and business owners who really believe in downtown and are excited about its future.”

“The Pop-Up Project provides a low-risk, low-cost, flexible way to showcase local businesses while adding vibrancy to downtown,” said Shanon Potts, a past chair of Generation Dayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “The long-term goal of the project is to convert temporary leases into traditional leases, while establishing downtown as a regional destination for shopping for one-of-a-kind items and retail services.”

“This project also supports local, creative entrepreneurs as they take a risk and test out their business concepts while bringing renewed life to downtown storefronts,” said Scott Murphy, immediate past chair of updayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “Visitors who support these pop-up shops will help to spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown ― the next step in downtown revitalization.”

Visit www.activatedspaces.org or e-mail getinvolved@updayton.com for more information about Activated Spaces.

Downtown Buildings Will Be Lit Friday for Photo Contest

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Amateur winner Bruce Soifer's photo of the Dayton skyline, taken during downtown's light up night in 2011.

From 8 to 11 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 3, most of downtown’s buildings will be lit for photographers who would like to capture city nightscapes to enter in the photo contest Downtown in Focus. While photographers can enter photos taken during the night or day, tomorrow evening will be an opportunity to take shots when downtown Dayton’s skyline will be brightly lit.

The owners of 27 downtown buildings — including the Kettering Tower, KeyBank Tower, CareSource building and new Premier Health Partners Center — have agreed to light up for the evening.  A complete list follows, and photographers interested in knowing if a specific building will be lit up can visit www.downtowndayton.org or contact Anna Beyerle at 224-1518, ext. 235.

Downtown eatery Smokin' BBQ lights up near the Oregon District.

The buildings will be lit during First Friday, downtown’s free monthly art hop. This week’s event will feature a free concert by Stranger at RiverScape MetroPark from 5 to 7:30 p.m., as well as gallery openings at locations throughout downtown, a variety of roaming entertainers, and much more from 5 to 10 p.m. Click here for details about events taking place during this month’s First Friday.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership, City of Dayton, Kaplan College and Dayton Daily News are sponsoring Downtown in Focus. One amateur winner and one professional winner will be selected in each of the following categories:

  • Downtown Festivals: Images showcasing individuals or unique moments at any of downtown Dayton’s summer events or festivals.
  • Active Downtown: Photographs featuring people participating in active lifestyle activities, such as biking, kayaking, dancing and running in downtown Dayton.
  • Scenic Downtown: Creative images featuring buildings, architecture, skylines, parks, the river or any other picturesque view of downtown.
  • Best in Show (selected by the judges)

CareSource Management Group's building is a staple among downtown's bright lights.

A panel of judges will select the winners in each category and award a $250 cash prize to the Best in Show winner in each division. Honorable mentions also will be awarded at the discretion of the judges. Contest winners will be recognized at the Sept. 14 Urban Nights and all entries will be displayed in a special exhibit during Urban Nights.

The deadline to submit photos is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31. Official contest guidelines and entry forms are available at www.downtowndayton.org.

Aug. 3 First Friday to Feature Free Kayaking and Cycling, Live Music, New Art Exhibits, and Much More

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Downtown’s next free First Friday art hop will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3.

RiverScape MetroPark will host the final First Friday @ 5 concert in this year’s series, with Stranger performing from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The park’s concession stand will be open and beer will be sold from 5 to 7 p.m. MetroParks employees will demonstrate various kayaking skills on the river and free kayak rentals will be available, courtesy of Cox Media Group Ohio. Free bike rentals will be available, courtesy of AAA, and the Junior League of Dayton will sponsor free bike helmets and fittings.

At the event, RTA will debut its new “On the Road” bus, a hands-on, retrofitted bus available for tours. The bus has special features, including computer kiosks for website training, interior LCD monitors with video montages and an exterior monitor for outside viewing. The bus is part of a mobile community outreach program that connects RTA to special events in the Dayton community.

Kayak raffle tickets will be sold to raise money for the Last DAM Summer, the fundraising effort for the RiverScape River Run project.

Also during the First Friday @ 5 concert, guests can show they give a DAM about the RiverScape River Run project by making a donation to the Last DAM Summer fundraising campaign. Basho Apparel will be at RiverScape hand printing special I Gave a DAM T-shirts. The shirts usually are reserved for those who donate $100 or more to the project, but only during First Friday @ 5, the shirts will be available to those donating $50 or more. In addition, Whitewater Warehouse will be selling raffle tickets for $10 each or three for $20 to win a Perception Prodigy 10 kayak the business has donated, with all proceeds going toward the River Run project.

This is the last summer a dangerous low dam in the Great Miami River will stand in the way of paddlers and others who want to enjoy the river. River Run, the next phase of development at RiverScape MetroPark, includes the removal of the low dam, making a seven-mile stretch of river navigable from Eastwood MetroPark to Carillon Park. In place of the dam, two smaller drops will be installed upstream near The Landing and RiverScape. These peninsulas will span the river and be notched with two openings where water will pass — an easy pass-through for novice paddlers and a more challenging route for skilled paddlers. The River Run project has some DAM good benefits for downtown Dayton and the region, including a safer river, improved water quality and aquatic habitat, and the creation of a regional destination for outdoor recreation.  Call 224-1518 for more information.

During First Friday, saxophonist Tyrone Martin, magician Scott Miller and steel drum performer Joseph Glenn also will provide entertainment while roaming the streets of downtown.

Tyrone Martin, a saxophonist, will perform as part of First Friday's roaming entertainment.

Club Masque, 34 N. Jefferson St., will host the Theme Release Party for AIDS Resource Center Ohio’s 11th annual Masquerage from 6 to 8 p.m. Masquerage raises funds to provide HIV/AIDS outreach, prevention programs, free HIV testing and counseling to the Dayton area. The release party will feature a fashion show by the Rubi Girls, produced by Square One Salon and Spa, as well as drink specials and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $20 before the event and $25 at the door. Tickets for Masquerage will be available, and the cost of the $20 release party ticket can be applied toward the $50 Masquerage ticket. Theme Release Party tickets can be purchased at masquerage.org or by calling 461-2437.

Tap into your inner artist

Several of downtown’s art galleries will be hosting special events and openings for August’s First Friday. Blue Sky Project, will host the opening of a collection of work by Adam Parker Smith in Blue Sky’s 8 N. Main St. space and a showing of art by Charlotte Gordon in the 33 N. Main St. space. CADC, 35 S. St. Clair St, will feature mixed-media furniture and paintings by Christy Jennewein and music by classical guitarist Eric Loy. Guests can sign up for September furniture classes taught by Jennewein. Color of Energy, 16 Brown St., will display works of art by gallery owner Mike Elsass. The Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, 48 High St., open 5 to 8 p.m., hosts the opening of an exhibit of landscape paintings by Sinclair Community College students and a preview of the Plein Air exhibit opening Aug. 19. Vega, Chaminade-Julienne High School’s a Capella group, will perform at 6:30 p.m.

The Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St.:, open 5 to 8 p.m., will host a gallery talk featuring artists from the 21st annual Open Members Show, starting at 6:15 p.m. Artists include Matthew Burgy, Steve Hill, Kelly Joslin, Martin Hunter, Terry Welker and Jud Yalkut. Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St., will show new work by ceramist Tim Carter and laminated wood turnings by Tom Drummer. H. David Clay Studio, 33 S. St. Clair St., featuresFunctional and decorative pottery made on the premises. Lastly, K12 Gallery for Young People/TEJAS, 510 E. Third St., hosts the opening of “Distance,” a contemporary photography show from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibition will feature more than 40 national and local artists.

Rock out with live music

Hey There Morgan performs at the First Friday @ 5 concert series at RiverScape during July 6, 2012's First Friday. This month's concert features local band Stranger, as well as free kayak and bike rentals.

The music doesn’t end after the First Friday @ 5 concert! Explore downtown’s other rockin’ live music spots. Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., will have live music at 9 p.m., featuring GB&AJ, Gold Shoes and Hazy & the Rugged Child. Jay’s Seafood, 225 E. Sixth St., will host Puzzle of Light at 9 p.m. Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St., also will have live music starting at 7 p.m. Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., hosts live music by the Andy Shaw Band beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Food and drink specials

If you’ve worked up an appetite during some fun downtown activities or want to quench your thirst with a drink special, we have plenty of choices for you. Many downtown restaurants offer dinner and drink specials for First Friday patrons.  Smokin’ Bar-B-Que, 200 E. Fifth St., Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St. and Franco’s Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. Fifth St., feature 10 percent off food. Coco’s Bistro, 515 Wayne Ave. and Thai 9, 11 Brown St., both offer 15 percent off food. Sa-Bai, 200 S. Jefferson St., offers 15 percent off food and a $5 Long Island Iced Tea. Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., has no cover and 20 percent off food. Deaf Monty’s Wine, 22 Brown St., features $5 for a 6-ounce glass of red or white wine.

De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St., will host “Meet the Mixologist,” a meet-and-greet event from 6 to 10 p.m., during which De’Lish’s new drink menu will be unveiled. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres and wine and cocktail tastings. Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, 520 E. Fifth St., will have dinner specials, along with the special tapping of a firkin of craft beer. Olive, an urban dive, 416 E. Third St., will feature Jeni’s Ice Cream and broadcast Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show on 91.3 WYSO-FM. Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St, will have a happy-hour band and half-price pizza from 4 to 8 p.m., with additional live music at 9:30 p.m. The Vault, 20 N. Jefferson St., has extended happy hour until 10 p.m., a live band and free food.

Entertainment for all ages

If you want to experience something different – like a bike ride, walking tour or indie film – downtown has options for you as well. The Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders Walk of Downtown Dayton will begin at 7 p.m. at Courthouse Square, Third and Main streets. All walks are $10 per person, and advance reservations are required. Contact tour guide Leon Bey at 274-4749 or email grantsguru501c3@yahoo.com. At Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., the monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at 5:15 p.m. for a ride through the city. Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., will host auditions for Dayton Out Loud, a variety show to be performed during the Sept. 14 Urban Nights. Open auditions begin at 7 p.m. for acts less than three minutes, including a Cappella, spoken word and poetry, and comedy. To sign up for an audition time, e-mail daytonoutloud@gmail.com.

Visitors observe paintings at Gallery 510 Fine Art. This month, the gallery will feature ceramist Tim Carter and laminated wood turnings by Tom Drummer.

Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center, 400 E. Fifth St. Suite C, open 5 to 8 p.m., will feature art by Scott Ryan and have information about upcoming programs for children, teens and adults in the center’s new space above the Record Gallery in the Oregon District. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities and light refreshments will be provided. To check out a movie at The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., call 222-SHOW (7469) for films and show times. Urban Krag, 125 Clay St., will have the climbing gym open until 11 p.m.

The Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., will play the 1962 film “Murder on the Orient Express,” part of the theater’s Cool Films Series at 7:30 p.m. Free popcorn and soda served starting at 6:30 p.m.; tickets cost $5. Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St., will feature comedian Touchee Jackson, with opening acts by Adrian Cosby, Greg Sparks and Jack Wilson. Show begins at 9 p.m., tickets are $15. The Yellow Cab Building, 700 E. Fourth St., will host an art show featuring Robert Blackwood working on a 3D installation piece called “Crystal Vision,” from 6 to 11 p.m. Visitors can watch Blackwood work on the sculpture, which will be completed in time for the Sept. 7 First Friday.

Shop ‘til you drop

Many downtown retail shops have sales and special events during First Friday. From clothing to music stores, check out these downtown deals. Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., will have free makeup lessons. Clash Consignments, 521 E. Fifth St., is hosting a celebration of the store’s one-year anniversary and move to its new location in the Oregon District. Live music by Infidel-icious, Ronin Ichi and Black Lotus Clan will start at 6 p.m., as well as henna by Lily Whitehead. Elysian Fields Books, 436 E. Fifth St., will have a book signing and reading at 7 p.m. by children’s author Scott Mallory, who recently released “Bad-Off Boris and the Cupcake Cave-In.” Hangar18, 114 N. St. Clair St., features 15 percent off all items.

 

Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St., will host a fair-trade food tasting. Record Gallery, 16 Brown St., will feature 20 percent off collectable albums and 10 percent off general merchandise. ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St., will have a sale on select items, including new and used instruments, other music-related items, and original artwork. Amore! Designer Consignment Boutique, 16 Brown St., Bonnett’s Bookstore, 502 E. Fifth St., Feathers Vintage Clothing, 440 E. Fifth St., Found Treasures 4 You, 502 Wayne Ave., and Jimmy Modern, 605 E. Fifth St., will be broadcasting Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show on 91.3 WYSO-FM.

The First Friday @ 5 concert series is sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks, Clear Channel Radio, Bud Light Lime and the Downtown Dayton Partnership. First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.

Beat the Heat at July’s First Friday

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Downtown’s next free First Friday art hop will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 6. RiverScape MetroPark and the Oregon District will play host to two special First Friday events: the First Friday @ 5 concert series and the Call of the Tropics Festival.

Breakdancers perform at last year's First Friday @ 5 concert Series.

RiverScape MetroPark hosts the second concert in the First Friday @ 5 concert series, with Hey There Morgan performing from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The park’s concession stand will be open and beer will be sold from 5 to 7 p.m. MetroParks employees will demonstrate various kayaking skills on the river and free kayak rentals will be available, courtesy of Cox Media Group Ohio, and free bike rentals will be available as well, courtesy of AAA.  The First Friday @ 5 concert series is sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks, Clear Channel Radio, Bud Light Lime and the Downtown Dayton Partnership.

Call of the Tropics, a festival celebrating Tiki culture presented by the Fraternal Order of Moai’s Kon-Tiki chapter, will host a block party in the Oregon District from 5 to 10 p.m. Live surf and rockabilly bands will perform, including the Nick Kizirnis Band, Crazy Joe and the Mad River Outlaws, Team Void, and Cherry Lee and the Daddy Katz. The festival also will include Tiki carvers, street performers, hot rod displays and vendors. An exhibition of Tiki art will be displayed at Color of Energy gallery.

For parents who would like to enjoy First Friday without kids in tow, Mini University, located adjacent to Miami Valley Hospital at 28 Hill St., will offer discounted prices during First Friday. Childcare is offered from 6 to 11 p.m., and a light meal will be provided, along with plenty of fun entertainment. Reservations are required and will be accepted through June 29. Call 224-3916.

Galleries galore

July’s First Friday offers plenty of new exhibitions and gallery openings to check out. H. David Clay Studio, 33 S. St. Clair St, and the CADC, 35 S. St. Clair St., will feature a variety of works by multiple artists. Color of Energy, 16 Brown St., will host the opening reception for the Call of the Tropics art exhibition, featuring locally and nationally known Tiki artists and carvers. From 5 to 8p.m., the Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, 48 High St., will exhibit an eclectic show of artwork from more than 80 DSPS members. Acoustic guitarists Charlie Emmerich and Jonathan Besecker will perform from 6 to 7 p.m. Blue Sky Project, will host two new art shows. Abstract work by Katherine Mann will be exhibited at 8 N. Main St., with performance art by Mann and choreographer Rodney Veal. The 33 N. Main St. space will show “At Table,” a collection of photographs by Glenna Jennings.

Visitors browse featured art at K12 Gallery for Young People.

The Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., will feature karaoke and cornhole games during the exhibition of “Drawing Marathon,” a collection of work by various artists from 5 to 8 p.m. The opening of “Contemplations – Post-Modern Landscapes,” by Wisconsin mixed-media artist Jay Batista, will be held at Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St. A meet and greet with the artist will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Work by students from St. Anthony’s School will be exhibited at K12 Gallery for Young People and a display of mixed-media art will be show in the gallery’s TEJAS space at 510 E. Third St.

Music

If you’re in the mood for even more music after the First Friday @ 5 concert, you’re in luck. Many downtown venues will be hosting live bands during First Friday. Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., will have live music beginning at 9 p.m., featuring Brian Wilkinson, the Dirty Socialites, Brandon Hawk and Jamy Holiday. Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., will host the The Rolling Stones vs. Beatles English Invasion Tribute, featuring Miss Lissa and Company, Ambiant Drive, Citizens Unrest and others. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the concert begins at 9 p.m., with a $5 cover. “Feel Good Fridays” take place at De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St., with top-shelf drink specials from 6 to 8 p.m., as well as live jazz by the Wade Baker Quartet from 9 p.m. to midnight. $5 cover.

Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., will feature local artists performing protest-themed music for Protest in the Park from 7 to 10 p.m. Jay’s Seafood, 225 E. Sixth St., will host music by Puzzle of Light at 9 p.m., and Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St., will have live music beginning at 7 p.m. Bring your receipt from Basho Apparel to Omega and receive 15 percent off your purchase. Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., also will have live music beginning at 9:30 p.m. Remixx Lounge, 146 E. Third St., will have two-for-one martini specials during performances by Donnell Woods, Yvette “Diva” Williams and DJ Night at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Click here to purchase tickets.

Work up an appetite

Get your night started by grabbing a bite to eat at a downtown restaurant. Franco’s Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. Fifth St., Smokin’ Bar-B-Que, 200 E. Fifth St., and Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St., will offer 10 percent off food during First Friday. Thai 9, 11 Brown St., Coco’s Bistro, 515 Wayne Ave., feature 15 percent off food. Sa-Bai, 200 S. Jefferson St., also has 15 percent off food as well as a $5 Long Island Iced Tea. Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., will have no cover and 20 percent off food.

Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, 520 E. Fifth St., will have dinner specials, along with the special tapping of a firkin of craft beer. Mr. Hyman’s Fine Dining, 40 N. Main St. Lobby, features a $10 all-you-can-eat buffet and live jazz. Olive, an urban dive, 416 E. Third St., will serve Jeni’s Ice Cream and broadcast Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show on 91.3 WYSO-FM. Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St., will have a happy-hour band and half-price pizza from 4 to 8 p.m., with additional live music at 9:30 p.m. Deaf Monty’s Wine, 22 Brown St., features 6-ounce glasses of red or white wine for $5. The Vault, 20 N. Jefferson St., will have an extended happy hour until 10 p.m., with a live band and free food.

Entertainment for the whole family

From climbing to comedy, downtown has plenty of entertainment options on First Friday. The Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders Walk of Downtown Dayton will begin at 7 p.m. at Courthouse Square. All walks are $10 per person, and advance reservations are required. Contact tour guide Leon Bey at 274-4749 or email grantsguru501c3@yahoo.com. The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at 5:15 p.m. for a ride through the city at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd.

Clash Consignments will feature sales and live music during July's First Friday.

Urban Krag, 125 Clay St., will have its climbing gym open until 11 p.m. The Yellow Cab Building, 400 E. Fourth St., will host a Hip Hop Art and Dance Show, featuring students of the Funk Lab and an exhibition of art inspired by hip hop culture from 5 to 11 p.m. The all-ages event will feature a tagging wall to learn and practice graffiti skills, and refreshments will be provided. Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., will show the 1962 film “The Birdman of Alcatraz,” part of the theater’s Cool Films Series at 7:30 p.m. Free popcorn and soda served starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and can be bought at the door. Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St., will host the second of the four-night Wiley’s Comedy Contest, showcasing up-and-coming comedians at 8 p.m.; tickets cost $3. The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., will have films running during First Friday. Call 222-SHOW (7469) for films and show times.

Downtown summer sales

Retail shops will be featuring sales and specials throughout First Friday. Amore! Designer Consignment Boutique, 16 Brown St., will debut new summer apparel. Basho Apparel, 521 E. Fifth St., will feature 15 percent off to anyone who brings in their receipt from Omega Music.  Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., will feature free makeup lessons for visitors. Clash Consignments, 113 E. Third St., will have a sale on select items and live music. Feathers Vintage Clothing, 440 E. Fifth St., and Jimmy Modern, 605 E. Fifth St. will both be broadcasting Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show on 91.3 WYSO-FM. Hangar18, 114 N. St. Clair St., will feature 15 percent off all items. Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St., will have a fair-trade food tasting. ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St., will have a sale on select items, including new and used instruments, other music-related items, and original artwork.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.

New Businesses Popping Up Downtown

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Peace on Fifth in the Oregon Arts District is a success story from the pilot phase of Activated Spaces' Pop-Up Project.

Peace on Fifth in the Oregon Arts District is a success story from the pilot phase of Activated Spaces' Pop-Up Project.

Three businesses will be up and running by May 4, the next First Friday art hop downtown, as part of the second phase of the Pop-Up Project, part of an initiative to fill downtown Dayton storefronts called Activated Spaces. The businesses selected for the second phase of the project are:

• American π, 37 S. St. Clair St.: This gift and accessories boutique will carry items made in the United States, including handbags, greeting cards, candles and food items. The store will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Arin, 27 S. St. Clair St.: Shop owner and jewelry designer Brooke Medlin will collaborate with Dayton artists and other creatives to showcase beautifully designed goods for self and home, along with Medlin’s line of jewelry that includes rings, earrings, personalized necklaces and more. Visitors will be able to watch the creation process in action in Arin’s on-site studio. Rotating guest artists will set up mini-studios in the store and spend two weeks working on a collection of products to be launched at every month’s First Friday art hop. The store will be open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 937-640-0117.

• Vintage Barbershop, 110 W. Fifth St.: This old-school, classic barbershop will offer haircuts, hot steam towel shaves, facials and more. Haircuts will be $12 and shaves and facials will be $16, with special pricing for seniors. “Our goal is open a classy, professional barbershop while doing our part to make downtown a better place and trying to influence other businesses to follow suit,” owner Ron West said. The barbershop will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 937-321-6165.

The women who participated in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project.

The entrepreneurs who participated in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project. Lisa Scott (far right) of Beaute Box extended her lease, as did London Coe (second from right) of Peace on Fifth.

These businesses have three- or six-month leases, although the hope is the business owners will extend those leases ― as happened in the pilot phase of the Pop-Up Project. Indeed, the second phase of the project builds on the success of its pilot, launched in November 2011 for the holiday shopping season. Two of the three business owners in the pilot extended their leases: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St. In addition, Amore! Designer Consignment Boutique, 16 Brown St., which opened at the same time as the Pop-Up pilots, plans to remain open on a long-term basis, and Basho Screen Printing and Apparel, 521-523 E. Fifth St., opened in a space occupied by a Pop-Up retailer after becoming interested in the location due to the buzz surrounding the project.

Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Project, which helped fill 2,300 square feet of retail space during its pilot phase, is led by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and updayton. The project is a strategic effort to fill vacant street-level space and spur interest in opening a business downtown that’s part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

“The Pop-Up Shops have helped enliven downtown while building on growing momentum for the center city,” said Tom Razauskas, who owns the building housing Beaute Box and the Vintage Barbershop. Razauskas and other participating downtown property owners have supported the project by providing reduced rental rates. “It has been refreshing to work with volunteers and business owners who really believe in downtown and are excited about its future.”

A kickoff event for the Pop-Up Shops will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 18. It will start at Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and end at Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St., with stops at all the Pop-Up Shops in between.  Raffle tickets will be sold that night $5 each, with all proceeds benefiting Activated Spaces, and prizes will be drawn at each stop. Additional details will be available soon at www.activatedspaces.org.

Basho Apparel

Basho Apparel was attracted to open a downtown location in part due to the buzz surrounding the Pop-Up Project. (Photo courtesy of Carly Short)

“The Pop-Up Project provides a low-risk, low-cost, flexible way to showcase local businesses while adding vibrancy to downtown,” said Shanon Potts, past chair of Generation Dayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “The long-term goal of the project is to convert temporary leases into traditional leases, while establishing downtown as a regional destination for shopping for one-of-a-kind items and retail services.”

“This project also supports local, creative entrepreneurs as they take a risk and test out their business concepts while bringing renewed life to downtown storefronts,” said Scott Murphy, immediate past chair of updayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “Visitors who support these pop-up shops will help to spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown ― the next step in downtown revitalization.”

Visit www.activatedspaces.org or e-mail getinvolved@updayton.com for more information about Activated Spaces.

Music Video Monday: April 2, 2012

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This Friday (which also happens to be First Friday), the Dublin Pub is offering music fans a chance to check out some of the best in modern bluegrass with Bloomington, Indiana’s The New Old Cavalry.  They’ll give you plenty of opportunity to tap your feet along to some great arrangements that go from Bluegrass to Jazz to Psychedelia.  More info on this and other shows is available on our events calendar.

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Music Video Monday: February 27, 2012

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First Friday is once again upon us, and there are tons of great options for live music this month.  There are also tons of great food options downtown so why not combine the two and head over to Jay’s Restaurant on 6th Street.  Puzzle of Light will be performing at 9pm so you can do a late dinner (reservations recommended) or just enjoy desert or something from the bar and some tunes.  Puzzle of Light will be joined by guest artist Laylia, a local dancer.

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Celebrate Spring at March First Friday

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Complementary chocolate is served to visitors during December 2011's First Friday at Peace on Fifth. The shop will offer fair trade chocolates to visitors again March 2.

Explore downtown Dayton during the next free First Friday art hop, held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 2, with activities for all to enjoy.

This month’s First Friday will feature a variety of live music, shopping opportunities and gallery openings.  As the weather warms up, many downtown shops will feature sales on winter items. Roving musicians and entertainers will perform in downtown’s public spaces for visitors to watch and enjoy, and many businesses will offer specials to First Friday visitors.

Explore your artistic side

First Friday gives downtown visitors an opportunity to explore numerous art exhibit openings. Check out the Dayton Visual Arts Center’s opening at 118 N. Jefferson St. from 5 to 8 p.m. “The Cline Show: An All-Area University Exhibit,” will feature works in all types of media and showcase art by more than 20 local students from Wright State University, the University of Dayton and Sinclair Community College. Mike Elsass will premiere new works of art at his gallery, Color of Energy, 16 Brown St., and works of art by students from St. Luke’s Elementary will be displayed at K12 Gallery for Young People, 510 E. Third St.

Making their First Friday debut, the Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, 48 High St., will highlight artists from the Dayton Printmakers Cooperative for the DSPS’ seventh annual Printmakers Show. Featuring printmaking demos and refreshments, the DSPS will be open from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Cannery Art and Design Center, 434 E. Third St., will show work by Springboro calligrapher Ann Bain in celebration of her 80th birthday. The exhibit, “Exuberance,” will showcase a variety of 2D and 3D pieces. Press, 257 Wayne Ave., will feature work by local artists Glen Clark, Craig Tirey, Erich Reith and Amanda Barb

osa. Stop by H. David Clay Studio, 33 S. St. Clair St., to check out functional and decorative pottery made on site. Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St., will showcase a variety of work created by local artists for sale, including jewelry, quilts, scarves and ceramics.

The Record Gallery will broadcast Rev. Cool's show, "Around the Fringe," on 91.3 WYSO-FM during this month's First Friday.

Get your groove on

First Friday offers a variety of ways to get your live music fix, whether you’re in the mood to rock out or kick back to some lighter tunes. Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., will host a CD release party for local band BJSR featuring Ape the Ghost, Young Heirlooms and Lauren Eylise. The Ohio Coffee Company, 46 W. Fifth St., will feature Sara and Mic Riley playing “A Sweet Sound” beginning at 7 p.m. This event has no cover and the coffee bar and kitchen will be open. At De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St., “Feel Good Fridays” will be in full swing from 6 to 8 p.m., with top-shelf drink specials in the De’Lish lounge, and live jazz by the Wade Baker Quartet from 9 p.m. to midnight.

If you prefer something more classical, the Dayton Philharmonic will perform “Bartók’s Musical Tapestry,” inspired by the work of Hungarian pianist and composer Béla Bartók at the Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St.

Oregon Arts District venues will a variety of musical opportunities. Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., will have live music beginning at 9:30 p.m., featuring New Vega, Grenades!? and other artists. Puzzle of Light will play beginning at 9 p.m. at Jay’s Seafood, 225 E. Sixth St.  Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St., will feature Moon High and M. Ross Perkins beginning at 6 p.m. At Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., Sarah Beck and Jessica Campbell will take the stage at 9:30 p.m.

Entertainment from shows to skating

Local musicians Moon High and M. Ross Perkins will take the stage at Omega Music in the Oregon Arts Distrct starting at 6 p.m. on First Friday.

If you’d like to explore downtown on your bicycle, check out Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., where the monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at 5:15 p.m. for a ride through the city. For athletic enthusiasts, the climbing gym Urban Krag, 125 Clay St., will be open until 11 p.m. The RiverScape MetroParks Ice Rink, , 111 E. Monument Ave, will host a Wild West Skate from 7 to 10 p.m., featuring a DJ playing a variety of country and western music. Admission is $5, which includes skate rental.

First Friday is a way to discover some of the theater and performance options downtown. The Human Race Theatre Company presents the world premiere of “Tenderly,” a musical about the life of renowned singer and actress Rosemary Clooney, at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St. If you’re in the mood for a laugh, John Evens will perform at Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St., at 9 p.m.; tickets are $12. The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., shows a variety of new releases and independent movies. Call 222-SHOW (7469) for films and show times.

Shop the winter sales

Getting a fashion fix is easy to do downtown. Amore!, 16 Brown St., will premiere new spring items and offer 50 percent off select winter fashions. Munch on Japanese snacks at the sushi and sake shopping party Clash Consignments, 113 E. Third St., with sushi provided by Fusian. The party will feature local DJ The Snark and a storewide sale on winter items until 10 p.m. Basho Apparel, 521 E. Fifth St., will have a featured print design on baby clothes by local artist Janell Barker of Press.

The Oregon Arts District features several stores that offer unique gifts, art and furniture. Shop for vintage and one-of-a-kind furniture, housewares, art and more at Jimmy Modern, 605 E. Fifth St. Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St., a slave-free and eco-friendly gift shop, will be serving free fair-trade chocolate. The Record Gallery, 16 Brown St., will broadcast Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show on 91.3 WYSO-FM for visitors shopping their vast record selection. ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St., has new and used instruments, other music-related items and original artwork.

In addition, staff from the day spa Beaute Box, located at 116 W. Fifth St., will be on the go on the streets of the Oregon Arts District raffling prizes.

Work up an appetite

In addition to its art gallery space, Gallery 510 Fine Art also will showcase a collection of jewelry, scarves, ceramics and other art created by local artists for sale.

After wandering the streets of downtown, check out the dinner and drink specials offered on First Friday. Boulevard Haus, 328 E. Fifth St., features $1 off tap beer for those who mention First Friday. At Deaf Monty’s Wine, 22 Brown St., it’s only $5 for a 6-ounce glass of red or white wine. Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., has no cover and 20 percent off all food during First Friday. Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, 520 E. Fifth St., will feature dinner specials, along with the special tapping of a firkin of New Holland Poet, an oatmeal stout. Olive, an urban dive, 416 E. Third St., will have several dinner specials until 11 p.m., in addition to broadcasting Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show on 91.3 WYSO-FM. Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St., has half-price pizza from 4 to 8 p.m. and live music at 9:30 p.m.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.