Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Join us at Blue Sky Coffee for an evening of poetry!
The first half will be an open mic and all styles are welcome! For the second half, Dayton poet, Ada W. Wood, will be sharing a selection of original poems.
Whether you plan to read, listen, or just come out to support local artists, we look forward to seeing you there!
*FREE ENTRY
50 Years without Natalie Clifford Barney. Come celebrate her remarkable life in the place of her birth, Dayton, Ohio!
Natalie Clifford Barney
Producing gritty, sexy, energetic, poetry slam competitions is how it all began nearly four years ago for the poetry collective Metaphorically Speaking. Today the group has morphed into a major player in Dayton’s arts and entertainment community. The group has moved from producing monthly poetry slam competitions to producing full stage productions to nearly sell-out crowds. On Saturday, January 28 at Victoria Theatre Metaphorically Speaking presents Love, Sex, & Poetry: ‘Til Death Do Us Part, a tale of the highs and lows of the journey to find love and the sacrifices we make to hold on to it.
Love, Sex & Poetry features Metaphorically Speaking founders/spoken word artists Tony “Ace Metaphor” Nalls and Jay Martinez. Spoken word artist Tripp Fontane, comedian BooMan, lyricist JiGi, and actress/dancer Vanae Iesha round out the cast with DJ Big Al and Musical Director Terence O. Hayes, Jr. providing the soundtrack and musical backdrop for the show. “This show is different than what our fans are used to seeing from us,” said Nalls, “It’s not a slam, it’s a production in two acts with a lot of moving parts, high and lows. We want the audience to feel every emotion possible…sad, happy, excited, and angry. We want them to feel a part of the production.”
Metaphorically Speaking has come a long way from its start as a monthly poetry slam competition. Early shows saw modest turnouts but commitment, hard work, and dedication have yielded significant growth for the group. Each performance at the Victoria Theatre has grown with 900 attending the April 2016 Battle of the Sexes. The group seeks to sell out the venue for Love, Sex & Poetry. “This journey has been amazing,” said Natasha R. Moreland Spears, the groups manager, “They say slow and steady wins the race, and Metaphorically Speaking is winning in the pursuit to bring poetry and the arts to the masses.”
Metaphorically Speaking is not a small, exclusive group of artists. It is a collective that incorporates all forms of art to support and engage the broadest aspects of the community. This is most evident in the group’s work with elementary and high school students through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton, HRC and Dayton Public Schools, and the Montgomery County Juvenile Department. “Poetry is an amazing form of expression,” said co-founder Jay Martinez. “It’s a place to dump your secrets, your fears, and your hopes without judgement or vulnerability.” Metaphorically Speaking is creating movement of poetry and the arts that is expanding; broadening both its artistic and academic components.
The four partners of Metaphorically Speaking, Tony Nalls, Jay Martinez, Natasha R. Moreland Spears, and Frank “Buddy” Pitts, are excite about the future of the collective. From the launch of an academic arm later this year to the growth of its entertainment endeavors, the collective is positioning itself for longevity. “We are methodically and consistently expanding our brand,” said Pitts, the company’s strategist and graphic designer. “As creatives, we are always looking at new and innovative ways to expand our territory while remaining true to who MS is and to our fans.”
Metaphorically Speaking’s Love, Sex & Poetry: ‘Til Death Do Us Part will take place from 8-11 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main Street in Dayton. This show is rated mature for language and adult content. Tickets range from $33.50 to $83.50 and may be purchased at www.ticketcenterstage.com. To stay up to date on all things Metaphorically Speaking, check out their Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat pages @metaphoricallyspeakingdayton.
The Dayton Metro Library’s Poetry Contest is open and accepting entries through September 30, 2016. Residents of the Miami Valley region are eligible to enter in one of three age categories: Teen (age 13-18), Adult (age 19-59) and Senior (age 60 and over).
A panel of judges will read the entries in October, and awards will be presented at a Poetry Party awards ceremony with open mic on Saturday, November 5, 2016. The Friends of the Dayton Metro Library provide cash prizes in each age category, with first place winning $100, second place $75 and third place $50. Finalists are notified by phone.
“There’s so much talent and creativity in our community, and not only among experienced writers,” said Gwen Owen, poetry contest coordinator. “Many people find they have something to say and a unique, creative way to say it. The Library’s Poetry Contest encourages them.”
Judging the contest this year are Dr. Herbert Woodward Martin, Professor Emeritus of the University of Dayton; Sinclair Community College English Department Faculty Adam Williams and Carl DeSantis; and poets T.J. McGuire and Aimee Noel.
Entry forms with official contest rules are available at all Dayton Metro Library locations, online at DaytonMetroLibrary.org or by calling the External Relations Office at 937-496-8901. Entries must be received at any Dayton Metro Library location no later than 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30, to be eligible.
ADULT CATEGORY:
MATT BIRDSALL – Poet, Editor of Dayton’s literary journal Mock Turtle Zine and author of The Long and Short of It (his first full-length collection of poetry).
DAVID GARRISON – Poet, Professor Emeritus, Modern Languages, Wright State University. Ohio Poet of the Year in honor of his book Playing Bach in the D. C. Metro.
SIERRA LEONE – Artistic Director of The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show, an urban creative arts production housed at The Loft Theatre. President of Tripple Croxx Entertainment and Director of Signature Educational Solutions; a leading independent, creative arts & educational organization in downtown Dayton.
The judges for the poetry contest are as follows:
SENIOR CATEGORY:
GARY PACERNICK – Poet and Professor Emeritus of English/creative writing/poetry at Wright State University.
GARY MITCHNER – Poet, Professor Emeritus of English and former Chair of English, Sinclair Community College.
FURAHA HENRY-JONES – Poet and Professor of English, Sinclair Community College since 2005. Speaker at TEDxDayton in 2013
TEEN CATEGORY:
M. ALICE CALLIER – Educator, Dayton Public Schools, Wright State University, Sinclair, Wilberforce University and Central State. Member of Dayton Metro Lifelong Library Advisory Council.
ELIZABETH SCHMIDT – Poet, Librarian, Coordinator of Wright Library Poets.
STEPHANY ARAUJO – Dayton Metro Library Teen Services Librarian, Brookville Branch.
Tripple Croxx Entertainment, OFP Productions and the Human Race Theatre Company, present The Signature’s “Poetic Soul Fusion” show June 17.
The night, hosted by national slam poet Will Evans, will include appearances by HBO Def poet Sunni Patterson, acoustic soul singer Ken J. Martin and internationally renowned violinist Shaw Pong Liu. The performances will also recognize Black Music Month, Juneteenth and the accomplishments of the late Gil Scott-Heron.
Sierra Leone, producer of The Signature, says the show synthesizes performance and visual arts and will have something for everyone.
“It’s a cultural experience,” she says. “But we want to pay homage to other things taking place as well.”
Patterson, the featured artist, brings her New Orleans heritage into her music by adding some soulful flavor. She is known for both her visionary styling and her powerful delivery. With a resume that includes appearing on BET’s “Lyric Café,” and HBO’s “Def Poetry,” Patterson promises to bring a show-stopping performance.
Leone says through The Signature, artists like Patterson and can reach people.
“We believe creative art is the tangible element that connects us to our humanity,” says Lee Croxx, CEO of Tripple Croxx Entertainment.
The show will be held at The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and cocktails will be available before the show. Tickets for The Signature cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. They are available at www.ticketcenterstage.com. 937-228-3630.
Atlantic Records recording artist Lupe Fiasco is the keynote speaker at the RACC music/entertainment summit on Oct. 2.
Grammy-nominated, national recording artist Lupe Fiasco is the keynote speaker at the second annual Regional Academic and Cultural Collaborative (RACC) – an urban arts and entertainment showcase and networking event -Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Dayton Convention Center.
The Chicago native, who has recorded with hip-hop heavyweights Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Snoop Dogg, will present “Being a Hip Hop Artist in the 21st Century: What Does Hip-Hop Mean to You?”, a examination of the hip-hop movement, the state of music industry and the responsibilities of the hip-hop artist today.
The 28-year old, one of the brightest, wittiest and lyrically gifted artist in rap, tackles a broad range of topics in his rhymes. He skillfully avoids traveling down the well-worn formula of “sex, drugs and money” by remaining true to the core values of hip-hop music and crafting songs that inspire, educate and entertain. Since the release of his debut album, 2006’s Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor, the outspoken activist has addressed social issues like terrorism, poverty and religious intolerance in his music.
“When the music cuts off, you have to go home and live with what you say.”
Preceding the keynote presentation Saturday is a music seminar featuring local and national music and entertainment industry executives. Aspiring artists or anyone interested in breaking into the music industry will find the Business of Entertainment/Music Seminar informative and well worth the price of admission.
“We are examining numerous areas of music so everyone will find the seminar informative and beneficial,” said Andrew Bryce Hudson, event co-organizer. “We hope everyone who loves music, Hip Hop, business entertainment and more will support this collaborative effort from greater Dayton’s colleges and universities.”
After Lupe Fiasco’s keynote presentation, RACC continues with “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show,” a spoken word and poetry showcase with headliners Lemon Andersen, who has appeared in Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway, and author, actress and musician Jessica Care Moore. Local poetry and spoken word artists will also be featured.
Tickets to the events are available through Ticket Center Stage by calling 937-228-3630 or visiting www.ticketcenterstage.com. Prices are:
• Business of Entertainment/Music Seminar, $15
• Lupe Fiasco’s keynote presentation, $10
• The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show, $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Friday, Oct. 1
Hop Hop Tribute: The Cipher
8 p.m. to midnight: c{space, 20 N. Jefferson St.
$5 donation
Philly Phill Entertainment and Wright State University present DAS EFX, along with opening acts Yeti Master; world champion beat boxer Amotions; Ohio Hip Hop Award winners Status Flo, Money Baby and JR 150; and the Skratchmatik DJ Crew featuring Many Styles and Bah Daddy Shabazz. 18 and older.
Saturday, Oct. 2
The Business of Entertainment/Music Seminar
presented by the International College of Broadcasting
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St.
$15
• 10:30-11 a.m.: registration
• 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: workshops
• 12:30-12:45 p.m.: business card exchange session
• 12:45-2 p.m.: celebrity panel discussion
• 2-3 p.m.: workshop action session
Learn more about the entertainment/music industry during this seminar, which will offer two workshop tracks: one for independent artists and the other for aspiring executives. The seminar will include small workshop sessions and a panel discussion with national and local entertainment executives and artists. Workshop presenters and panelists include:
• Byron Wright, director of writer/publisher relations for Broadcast Music Inc.
• Luther Adamson, A & R and special events for Disturbing The Peace
• Dr. Ebony Utley, hip hop expert
• Rockey Love from Urban Radio 95.7, The WMIX in Toledo, Ohio
• Keith Harrison, a Grammy Award winner, producer and singer
• Scott Sharp, WDHT-FM 102.9
• Lee L. Croxx, CEO of Tripple Croxx Entertainment
• Jay, CEO of JManagement “Pretty Boy Swag Production Rep”
• Lemon Andersen, actor and spoken word artist
• representatives from the International College of Broadcasting, studio engineering and TV broadcasting
Dear Dr. Hip Hop Keynote Presentation by Lupe Fiasco
“Being a Hip-Hop Artist in the 21st Century: What Does Hip-Hop Mean to You? In its Realist and Essence … Is Hip Hop Dead?”
5 to 7 p.m.: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St.
$10*
Grammy award-winning hip hop artist, community activist and actor Lupe Fiasco will give a presentation on the basic elements of hip hop, the core culture of hip hop as a movement and what it means to be a hip hop artist in the 21st century. Also a producer and the CEO of 1st and 15th Entertainment, Lupe Fiasco hit the scene in 2006 with his album Food & Liquor. He also has made music with such well-known artists as Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, Jay Z and others. Lupe Fiasco recently finished his third album, rumored to be titled Lasers and set to be released by the end of the year.
This event also will include live music and performances by the Stivers School for the Arts Dance Ensemble and the Street Style Hip Hop Dancers: 20/Twenty Cru and Mighty Zulu Kingz .
The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show featuring Lemon Andersen and Jessica Care Moore
9 to 11 p.m.: Dayton Convention Center
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
RACC /Oral Funk Poetry Productions presents The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show. This monthly showcase features a vibrant production that includes local and national poets, musicians, actors, vocalist, dancers and visual arts. This month’s theme is “flowing lava.”
Lemon Andersen is an original member of the Tony Award-winning Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway who will be on tour in South Africa this fall performing his staged memoir, Country of Kings. Andersen also has appeared in several films, including Inside Man, Sucker Free City, The Soloist and the upcoming Son of No One, starring Al Pacino and Channing Tatum.
Jessica Care Moore is an internationally known award-winning poet and author of three books, including God is Not an American. In addition, she had a lead role in the film Love Never Gets Lost and currently is recording the rock music album Black Tea. Moore also is the CEO of Moore Black Press and executive producer for Spoken TV.
In addition, El Coats and The Funk Point will perform a melting pot of R&B and jazz with a neo-soul twist. This month’s host will be spoken word artist Cola Rum, a poetic icon in the South. This two-hour production also will include a variety of local poets and singers, and Lupe Fiasco will make a special guest appearance
Local slam mistress Miss Purity follows up last month’s sizzling poetry/spoken word show by serving up a hot bowl of word stew on Feb. 26, at North River Coffee House.
This month’s “Utterance Project” features two accomplished poets: Ill Poetic and Huntor Prey.
Dayton native Ill Poetic is a poet and an underground hip hop artist and producer, blending rock, soul and jazz with an introspective lyrical style. His musical influences are diverse – ranging from rhythm and blues singer Curtis Mayfield to multi-platinum rapper Jay-Z.
“I never really thought of my music as thoughtful,” he says on his myspace page. “I think what I produce or write is usually an extension of me. I usually just try and let my personality bleed into a song, because that’s what instantly separates it from anyone else’s music.”
Along with his own solo releases, Ill Poetic boasts an impressive array of collaborative efforts, producing and/or providing remixes for artists including Slum Village, Lyricist Lounge emcee Wordsworth and a host of others.
Having toured nationally and internationally, with acts like Pharoah Monche, Talib Kweli, Chuck D and GZA, Ill Poetic is poised to be a major player in the music scene in 2010.
Joining Poetic is Toledo native Huntor Prey. This internationally-known poet infuses his lyrics with a funky spiritualism intended to motivate and stimulate his audiences.
“The Utterance Project” is a monthly series of showcases featuring local and regional poets, spoken word artists and musicians. The event is held every fourth Friday from 5 to 8 pm.
Admission for this all ages event is free. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Replace those winter blues with a hot night of rhythm and blues. And as always, tell ’em Dayton Most Metro sent ya!
Image courtesy of Ambitious Productions
Rhyme, rhythm and poetry will convene on Friday, January 22 5-8pm at North River Coffee House, as Ambitious Productions and Noir Words present “The Utterance Project”, an eclectic offering of spoken word, poetry and musical performances.
This event is the second of a series of monthly showcases featuring local performers, many of who have performed in regional and state poetry competitions.
This month features performances by spoken word artist Remedy, and vocalist William Boatright. Remedy, a Cincinnati resident, won the Ohio Hip-Hop “Best Spoken Artist” award in 2008. Boatright, a Sinclair Community College graduate, boasts a variety of vocal styles, including R&B, soul, jazz and gospel.
An open mic, poetry slam will be hosted by “Slam Mistress” Miss Purity, a staple of the local and national poetry slam scene.
Admission to this “all ages” event is $5.00. Student discount is $3.00 w/ college I.D.
North River Coffee House
323 Salem Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45406
Sinclair Community College’s English Department is sponsoring the 25th Annual Paul Laurence Dunbar Poetry Contest.
The contest features four categories: Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult. Each entrant can submit up to five (5) unpublished poems. The contest is open to the public.
The winners of each category will receive a $100 prize.
Entries must be postmarked by February, 7 and must be submitted to:
Professor Susan Callender
Sinclair Community College
444 W. Third Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402-1460
Please include category(Elementary, Middle School, High School or Adult) on all submitted works.
For additional information, please contact Susan Callender at 937-512-2369 or susan.callender@sinclair.edu.
