The Loft Theatre

Jane’s Best Bets (5/25 – 5/30)

May 24, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Can you believe Memorial Day weekend is almost here?!?! That means summer is right around the corner! Be sure to make the most of these last few days in May!

On Wednesday, make your way to the Fraze Pavilion (I LOVE the Fraze!) for the Kettering Block Party. If you want to sort of meet a former president, then head over to the Dayton Woman’s Club for the Abraham Lincoln Social & Luncheon. Beer lovers should plan to be at Archer’s as they’ll feature a new craft beer. Not only will you be able to think green, but you will also be able to “drink green” as part of Green Drinks May at Norton’s in Kettering. And if you love listening to adorable kids singing their hearts out, be sure to attend the Kettering Children’s Choir 25th Anniversary Concert at the Schuster Center.

On Thursday, check out 42nd Street at WSU’s Festival Playhouse. On the other side of town, you will be able to see the premiere of the documentary The Other Side at The Neon. And if you want to be close to somebody, come to Right Next to Me at The Loft Theatre. The only problem is, you really don’t know who “me” is. If you are in the Oregon District, walk over to Dayton Theology on Tap at Oregon Express. For all you old-fashioned book readers, check out a new option, The Nook, at Books & Co. at The Greene as part of their Nook Nights. “Hungary?” Make your way to Boston’s Bistro for their Hungarian Wine Tasting, which includes pizza, cheese, and chocolate! And finally, over at the Metropolitan Arts Center, check out A Wine and Yoga Practice…which I of course think is an awesome idea!

On Friday, celebrate the weekend with Fiesta Friday at Bar Louie. Or check out Trumpet Studio. You may be asking, “What may ‘trump’ that?” I’m not sure, but if you are looking to experience theater, there are several opportunities available, including 42nd Street at WSU’s Festival Playhouse, Right Next to Me at The Loft Theatre, and Mauritius at the Dayton Theatre Guild. Then, go to bed early so you can enjoy the rest of Memorial Day weekend!

On Saturday, make your way to Dorothy Lane Market for Lobstermania. If you’re downtown, be sure to participate in the Bike United Tour at Fifth Third Field and support the Dayton Dutch Lions’ campaign for healthy living with a fun downtown bike ride. Plus, you will receive a ticket to the Dutch Lions’ first ever game at Fifth Third Field, and a Bike United T-shirt. Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend by attending The Patriot Freedom Festival. If you’re like me and love summer concerts, be sure to listen to the sounds of The Highway Junkies at RiverScape as part of the Free Summer Concert Series. And finally, theater options for Saturday include Mauritius at Dayton Theatre Guild, 42nd Street at WSU’s Festival Playhouse, and Right Next to Me at The Loft Theatre.

On Sunday, make plans to attend the 2011 Dayton Heritage Festival at Carillon Historical Park. It is FREE! You will be able to enjoy exhibit buildings, special activities, and live music. You can make it an all-day affair, as there will also be food and drinks from a variety of local vendors. Plus, there will be fireworks following the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance featuring Live Americana music! If there isn’t something there that suits your fancy, then too bad! Just kidding (although that’s all I’m talking about for Sunday)! Also, if you want to give back and volunteer there, please shoot me an email!

My Team Last Year at the "Spike Out Blood Cancer" Sand Volleyball Tournament!

Usually I don’t talk about Mondays in Jane’s Best Bets, but this week I’m making an exception with it being Memorial Day. If you’re not having a cookout, then there are a couple options. Start the day off early by attending the ‘Spike Out Blood Cancer’ Memorial Day Sand Volleyball Tournament at J.D. Legends. I played in it last year and had a blast! Even if you don’t like volleyball or can’t attend, I encourage you to support Steve VanGorder’s Fight for a Cure, which supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There are many ways to help, including making a donation, attending the Beatles Tribute Concert by Ticket to Ride, or purchasing a raffle ticket to win a brand new Camaro! And if you don’t feel like sweating all day long or listening to Beatles music, consider staying inside for trivia! There will be live trivia at the Pour Haus as well as trivia at Beef O’Brady’s.

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

At first the man didn’t like his haircut, but then it started to grow on him.

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

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (4/20 – 4/24)

April 19, 2011 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Easter is this coming Sunday, so here’s to an EGGcellent week!

On Wednesday, head to Bruning’s Wine Cellar for their Big-Ass Beer and Cab Tasting. For the record, those are their words, not mine. Or make your way to Nick’s Restaurant for the Rock and Roll Wine Tasting. If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up to network with other young professionals as part of Generation Dayton’s Speed Networking at the Racquet Club. Interested in photography but don’t know where to start? Head to the K12 Gallery for Young People’s Camera Class. By young, I believe they mean for the young and young at heart. Over at Fifth Third Field, catch the Dragons as they play the Bowling Green Hot Rods. And finally, get your tickets to see Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre. Don’t let the name fool you…the show won’t be running permanently.

On Thursday, all you green lovers will want to participate in the Dayton Metro Library’s Earth Day Extravaganza at their East Branch. Over at the Dayton Art Institute, learn how to draw by attending the Third Thursday Drawing Workshop with James Pate…hopefully the event will be a big draw for the museum. Sing your heart out at with Karaoke Thursdays at Champps Americana or at Karaoke Night at Therapy Café. And over at the amazing Schuster Center, catch the Zoot Theatre Company’s Phantom Tollbooth at Schuster Performing Arts Center.

On (Good) Friday, all you environmentally conscious people will want to attend the ‘Dump the Pump’ Kickoff at Wright Stop Plaza Transit Center. It’s the last day of “no meat” during Lent this year, so bring your significant other to The Melting Pot for their Couples Seafood Fondue Dinner. And if you don’t have a significant other, you can just have lots of leftovers! I’m sure that the Beatles would want you to catch the Dayton Theatre Guild’s performance of Blackbird. If you don’t care about what the Beatles would like, other performances for Friday include Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre and Zoot Theatre Company’s ‘Phantom Tollbooth’ at the Schuster Center.

On Saturday, learn about Wines for Easter at Jungle Jim’s. Make your way to church a day earlier (Southminster Presbyterian Church) for Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock, An All-New Multimedia Experience. The New York Times described it as “a cross between Yellow Submarine and Dr. Seuss.” Art lovers should make plans to attend the Dayton Art Institute’s Sound Bites: Short Talks about Art. In theater news, you will be able to catch Blackbird at Dayton Theatre Guild or Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre. Listen to the music of three legendary songwriters at Victoria Theatre in the performance, Soundtrack of Your Life – featuring Jimmy Webb, Barry Mann & Paul Williams. Support the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) with Dayton Acoustic (A Benefit Show) at Blind Bob’s Tavern. While you’re down in the Oregon District, you can also head to Oregon Express to catch the music of Uncle Rico.

On Easter Sunday, after church and after hunting for Easter eggs, it’s all about eating good food. There are numerous places offering Easter brunch, including The Caroline, The Winds Café and Bakery, the Hilton Garden Inn, C’est Tout, McCormick & Schmicks, The Hawthorn Grill, Yankee Trace Golf Club, Fleming’s, and Barleycorn’s. In addition, L’Auberge is offering a 3 Course Easter Sunday Supper. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter with your family!

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

Why did the Easter egg hide? He was a little chicken.

Have an eggcellent week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (4/13 – 4/17)

April 12, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It’s almost tax day. As many of you rush to get yours completed (don’t worry, I’m in that boat too), hopefully you get a break so you can enjoy some of these events going on in the Dayton area this week!

On Wednesday, learn The Basics of Excel 2007 (which may be helpful for everyone doing their own accounting) at Sinclair. At the Greene County Career Center, attend their “Sushi Galore” Cooking Class. Afterwards, you are more than welcome to make me some! If you are feeling artsy, attend the UD Celebration of the Arts: Closing Visual Arts Exhibition and Reception. All creative professionals should get happy (if you’re not already) by attending the Happy Hour Special Event: Cincinnati Creatives Head North at Harrigan’s Tavern South. Dayton Creative Syndicate (DCS) will welcome the American Advertising Foundation-Dayton and AIGA Cincinnati colleagues to the area for a networking/social event. If you’re a movie lover who likes to laugh, make your way to The Neon for a special screening of Punching the Clown. At the Dayton Racquet Club, help kick off the Dayton Dutch Lions’ soccer season by attending their VIP Party and Date Auction! Ladies – they always say soccer players are hot (even when they don’t have a fever)! And finally, put on your blue suede shoes and catch the music of “The King” with All Shook Up, which is being performed at Victoria Theatre.

On Thursday, music lovers should attend the 2011 WGI Percussion World Championships to see talented percussion ensembles from across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Young professionals will not want to miss the Generation Dayton Thirsty Thursday at Blind Bob’s, which will provide an awesome opportunity for YPs to network/socialize. If you put wine and yoga together, some say you get “woga” or “yine.” However, at the Metropolitan Arts Center, you get Grape and Lotus – A Wine and Yoga Practice. All you green wannabes should Go Green At PNC 2^nd Street Market, where you will learn about the top ten ways to go green at home. Support a great cause by attending Guest Grillers Kramer & Clober at BD’s Mongolian Grill. In addition to food grilled by local DJs, there will be a silent auction, raffles, games, and prizes. If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, take them to see Charlotte’s Web at the Dominion Academy of Dayton. And if you want a good laugh, check out the award-winning musical comedy Nunsense at Chakeres Memorial Theatre. Sounds like my kind of show, as it is described as having hilarious puns! In other theater news, you can attend All Shook Up at Victoria Theatre or Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre. And finally, if you prefer to do the performing yourself, make your way to Champps for their Karaoke Thursdays.

Voice Pathologist Jennifer Rettig Taking A Look at My Vocal Folds

Friday is World Voice Day, so head to The Blaine Block Institute for Voice Analysis and Rehabilitation, one of the most well-respected voice clinics in the nation as they celebrate 2011 World Voice Day! Be sure to schedule your appointment for a FREE voice screening, in which you will be able to see pictures/video of your vocal folds! I have had it done and I assure you, it is painless! If you haven’t yet, be sure to register for the 2011 Young Creatives Summit at the Dayton Convention Center in which you will be able to voice your opinions about our community. Join jumpstART as they Jump into Photography at Stivers School for the Arts. It’s a Friday in Lent, so that also means a Fish Fry (American Legion Post 707)! And finally, if you are looking to attend a show/musical, here are a few options: Nunsense at Chakeres Memorial Theatre, All Shook Up at Victoria Theatre, Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre, The Boys Next Door at Dayton Theatre Guild, The Daughter of The Regiment (opera) at Schuster Performing Arts Center, Charlotte’s Web at Dominion Academy of Dayton, and The Phantom Tollbooth at Town Hall Theatre.

On Saturday, celebrate Earth Day by heading to the PNC 2^nd Street Market for their Tree Seedling Giveaway. (I planted a few of them a couple years ago and they are now over three feet tall!) Get in shape by participating in the 5K Run for the Cure in Tipp City, which starts at Harrison’s. Music lovers should head over to Omega Music for the National Record Day Celebration. Take the kids to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery for the Junior League of Dayton’s ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ Event at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, which will feature seven different healthy lifestyles stations, including such things as zumba for children and dental care. Help raise money for scholarships for the Dayton Alumnae Panhellenic Association by attending Sashay Into Spring’ Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center. Also, be sure to bring job interview clothing donations for Clothes that Work! Support another great cause by attending a Wine Tasting to benefit Children’s Medical Center at Arrow Wine & Spirits. You can also support the Greene Community Health Foundation at their Bowling For Babies event at Beaver-Vu Bowling Lanes. All you soccer lovers will not want to miss the Dayton Dutch Lions FC Home Opener ‘All Things Dutch’ at Miami Valley South Stadium! Be sure to wear your orange! Several shows are going on around town that were mentioned above, so be sure to check out the DMM Calendar! At Kira’s Oasis, attend the Burlesque Show & ARC (AIDS Resource Center) Benefit. Or, attend Flappers & Dappers, a 20s Gala benefiting Hannah’s Treasure Chest which will be held at the Schuster Center.

On Sunday, don’t miss your chance to get All Shook Up at Victoria Theatre. Or catch Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre, The Boys Next Door at the Dayton Theatre Guild, or The Phantom Tollbooth at Town Hall Theatre. At The Neon, check out Lunafest, which is an event featuring short films by, for, and about women. Sorry men. And finally, for a little musical entertainment, head to the University of Dayton for their Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Band or their Music Ensembles.

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

There are three kinds of accountants in the world. Those who can count and those who can’t.

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (2/9 – 2/13)

February 8, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Some of you may be suffering from cabin fever, as the weather last week wasn’t conducive to enjoying all the wonderful activities in Dayton. Although it’s supposed to be cold this week according to our local meteorologists, hopefully you will have the opportunity to get out and experience some of the wonderful things going on in our city!

On Wednesday, in the afternoon, take a trip to the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch for Special Events: Putting the FUN in Fundraising, in order to learn how to plan and execute a successful fundraising event. Over at the Schuster Center, check out Visual Voices Art Exhibit: Dayton Skyscrapers 2011. If you missed the Trolley Stop’s Monthly Beer Tasting last week because of the ice/snow, no worries, as it has been rescheduled for Wednesday. Afterwards, be sure to stay for the Old Time Acoustic Jam!

On Thursday, join Generation Dayton as they partner up with jumpstART for their Thirsty Thursday at De’Lish. Afterwards, Jump into Theatre with these two great organizations by checking out the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of Twelfth Night. Make sure you ask for the “jumpstart” deal in order to get half-off tickets! Plus, the Human Race will offer a private tour after the production! For those of you who love the sport of skiing, head to The Neon for their screening of ‘The Story’, which is a documentary on the topic. At the Schuster Center, listen to the sounds of the Dayton Philharmonic for Heroes & Journeys: Strauss & Mozart. In addition, A Streetcar Named Desirewill be playing at Victoria Theatre and True West will be playing at the University of Dayton.

On Friday, for those of you who like the color green, you’ll want to attend the ‘Ohio Leads the Way: Green Markets and Green Jobs’ Expo at the Dayton Convention Center. If you’re feeling a little anti-social and would prefer to just watch a movie, head to UD for ArtStreet Friday Film Series Presents: The Social Network. I still haven’t seen this movie, but have definitely heard good things about it! Over at the Nutter Center, meet Achmed the Terrorist, Bubba J, and Jose Jalapeno on a Stick, as they take the stage alongside the hilarious Comedian Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham! All you beer lovers may want to take a trip to Cincinnati for the Cincy Winter Beerfest – just bring a DD, or rather have the DD bring you! For a fun way to start off Valentine’s Weekend, attend the Valentine’s Masquerade Ball Fundraiser at the Cannery Art and Design Center to benefit the YMCA Youth and Teen Programs. If you’re looking for some theatre/music options, there are plenty! Get your tickets to The Berenstain Bears Onstage: A Bear Country Musical (Town Hall Theatre), A Streetcar Named Desire (Victoria Theatre), Fat Pig (Dayton Theatre Guild), Stauss: A Hero’s Life(Dayton Philharmonic at the Schuster Center), The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee (Dayton Playhouse), Twelfth Night (The Loft Theatre), or True West at the University of Dayton. At Alex’s, you can see The Fries, one of my favorite local bands (and foods) perform as part of their 2011 Debut! Speaking of fries, be sure to check out the St. Henry/Bishop Leibold Fish Fry! After all, what Friday would be complete without one?!?!

On Saturday, head out to the PNC 2^nd Street Market for their Valentine’s Celebration, featuring perfect gifts for your sweetheart. All teens are welcome to attend the Game Day @ Your Library, which will take place at the East Branch of the Dayton Metro Library. Be sure to reserve your spot for the Do-It-Yourself Valentine Cookie Cakeat the delicious Ele Cake Company…I just can’t get enough of their butter cream icing! If you have any leftovers, feel free to send them my way! Over at the UD Arena, watch the UD Flyers as they play Temple. The ‘Ohio Leads the Way: Green Markets and Green Jobs’ Expo will still be going on at the Dayton Convention Center. If you so desire, you can see A Streetcar Named Desire at Victoria Theatre. All you Sex and The City lovers will want to see the new show, Hot Mess in Manhattan. There are also several other theater options listed on the DMM calendar. At the University of Dayton, you will be able to check out the Libby Larsen Residency: Grand Finale Concert. If fish fryin’ is your thing, head to St. Peter’s for their Fish Fry and Monte Carlo. Several restaurants are also having Valentine’s specials or “couples specials,” such as the Sweetheart Package at The Melting Pot. Over at the Nutter Center, attend the WYSO’s Silent Auction and Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting, featuring one of my favorite types of chocolates – Winans! At Hara Arena, catch the Dayton Gems as they play the Fort Wayne Komets…kind of reminds me of that song I used to sing when I was little about comet making your mouth turn green and tasting like Listerine. Darn, now I’m going to have that song in my head all day! And finally, you will not want to miss the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s (DCDC’s) Black History Month Performance entitled In the Spirit of…The Spirit Within. They are an amazing group of performers!

On Valentine’s Day Eve, be sure to Savor Your Sunday & Support Stivers. At the Dayton Art Institute, check out the Afternoon Musicales. If you’re looking for something to do with your sweetheart (or your mom or grandma), you can check out Spinoza’s Dinner and a Movie Package, the Valentine Sharing Menu at Fleming’s, 3 course dinner for 2 for $25.99 at Mimi’s, or the Sweetheart Package at The Melting Pot. If your mom, grandma, or sweetheart enjoys theatre, take her to one of the many shows going on, including The Berenstain Bears Onstage at Town Hall Theatre, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at the Dayton Playhouse, Twelfth Night at The Loft Theatre, A Streetcar Named Desire -Passport Performance at Victoria Theatre, or Fat Pig at the Dayton Theatre Guild. If the lady in your life likes music, take her to listen to the sounds of the Dayton Philharmonic for The Magic Orchestra with Dan Kaminat the Schuster Center. And finally, another wonderful Sunday option is DCDC’s Black History Month Performance In the Spirit of…The Spirit Within.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week…well actually, a couple cheesy pickup lines in honor of Valentine’s Day. Drum roll please…

Let’s make like a fabric softener and snuggle.
Are your legs tired, because you’ve been running through my mind all day long.
Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?

Disclaimer: The success of these pick-up lines is not guaranteed.

Have a LOVEly week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (1/26 – 1/30)

January 25, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It’s that time of year when many of us have already failed on our New Year’s resolutions. If you fall into this category, then perhaps you’ve already been sampling some different foods as part of Restaurant Week, one of the many events going on in the Miami Valley!

On Wednesday, if you can’t find something you’d like to eat as part of the 2011 Winter Restaurant Week (which would mean you are too picky!), there are also other food specials, such as Oyster Bar Happy Hour at Dorothy Lane Market, Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesday at Bonefish Grill, and All You Can Eat-Ribs, Chicken or Pork at Bullwinkle’s. If you would rather consume your calories through drinking, participate in the Wine Tasting at Bruning’s Wine Cellar, the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery, or Wine Down Weekdays at Savona Restaurant & Wine Bar. Or check out Green Drinks Dayton at Norton’s, where the environmental manager for the City of Dayton will be speaking. If you’re feeling overloaded with all that paperwork on the job (I know I do a lot of the time!), attend/view the online webinar, Take charge of your paperwork in 2011! And for all you adventure movie lovers, be sure to check out the movie Ride the Divide at The Neon.

On Thursday, make a trip to PNC 2^nd Street Market for their Soup Sampling and Recipes. Attend Lunch and Learn: Incredible Edibles at Cox Arboretum to find out techniques for building a vegetable garden. After all, spring is right around the corner. Sorry, that was a lie, but let us at least think that! If your New Year’s resolution involves improving your finances, attend the Dayton Metro Library’s Financial Literacy Class. And in case you were wondering if that event would fit into your budget, you’ll be glad to know that it is free! Enjoy happy hour and do some Networking with Dayton’s Marketing Professionals at Fox and Hound. Hear poets and vocalists perform as part of Chris Wiley: Poetry in Motion at De’Lish. I’m not sure if they’re talking about tape or liquor, but if you like scotch, then attend the Scotch Tasting/Class at Boston’s Bistro. And for a couple theater options…at Wright State, you can see Jekyll & Hyde or you can go to The Loft Theatre for Twelfth Night, which is actually taking place on the 27^th night of the month.

On Friday, join fellow young professionals for the Gen D 4th Friday Lunch Speaker Series, in which former Governor Taft will be talking about Education and Innovation. In the evening, go out to dinner with friends or that special someone as part of 2011 Winter Restaurant Week. If you’re on a budget but still want to try some good food, many restaurants are offering two dinners for the price of one! After dinner, catch one of the many shows going on in town, including The Berenstain Bears Onstage: A Bear Country Musical (which was one of my favorite book series growing up!) at Town Hall Theatre, the Dayton Opera’s Fidelio at the Schuster Center, I Hate Hamlet at Playhouse South, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State, Twelfth Night at The Loft Theatre, or The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at Dayton Playhouse. I’ve always heard that Bridge is for old people, so if you’re old, check out The Octette Bridge Club at Beavercreek Community Theatre. If you’re young though, don’t worry…I don’t think they card! Over at Alex’s on 725, get your dancing shoes ready as the band Off the Hook will be performing. If you love Dayton music, make your way to Canal Street Tavern for Dayton Does Dayton! And if you’re a Rascal Flatts fan like me, be sure to get tickets to see them perform at the Nutter Center as part of their “Nothing Like This” Tour!

On Saturday, if you don’t mind being super cold, help support the Special Olympics by participating in Freezin’ For A Reason- 2011 Polar Plunge at Caesar’s Creek. Again for some theater/musical performances, check out The Berenstain Bears Onstage at Town Hall Theatre, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State, The Octette Bridge Club at the Beavercreek Community Theatre, I Hate Hamlet at The Playhouse South, Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State University, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at Dayton Playhouse, or Twelfth Night at The Loft Theatre. If you want to drink wine but want to help counteract the killing of your brain cells, head to the Boonshoft Museum for the Science of Wine. Over at the Dayton Masonic Center, join the wonderful jumpstART with their Jump into Bluegrass for discounted tickets to see bluegrass superstar Ricky Skaggs! Or if you want to be a cowboy baby, “moooo”ve over to the Nutter Center to see Kid Rock. If you have some “spare” time and would like to “strike” up a conversation with some other young professionals, come to Woodman Lanes for Generation Dayton Goes Bowling! After you “split”, head to the St. Helen’s Fish Fry or to the Christopher Club for the Knights of Columbus 4022 Fish Fry.

On Sunday, take it easy with Gentle Yoga at the Sri Yoga Center. If you still don’t know how to skate (don’t worry, I’m in that bunch too!), attend Fundamentals of Skating at RiverScape. Again, there will be a multitude of shows to see, including Jekyll & Hyde at Wright State University, The Berenstain Bears Onstage at Town Hall Theatre, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee at Dayton Playhouse, Twelfth Night at The Loft Theatre, the Dayton Opera’s Beethoven’s Fidelio at the Schuster Center, and The Octette Bridge Club at Beavercreek Community Theatre. And finally, for a “purr-fectly” good time, help support the Humane Society of Greater Dayton by coming to the Cat Walk 2011: Diva Las Vegas, in which Dayton’s top hair salons compete on the catwalk! There will be music, drinks, food, dancing, and live entertainment!

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

Why is a moon rock tastier than an earth rock?

Because it’s a little meteor.

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (12/1 – 12/5)

December 1, 2010 By Dayton937 2 Comments

: Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Just think…in less than four weeks, Santa Claus is coming to town. You better watch out for the many fun things going on this week!

On Wednesday, head over to the University of Dayton for their Narrative Enchantment: Nativity Stories in Gold and Blue, which is a visual display created by an award-winning illustrator. You better not cry when you see Scrooge in A Christmas Carolat the Victoria Theatre. At the Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries, bring in canned goods to create an artistic display, which will then be donated to the Foodbank as part of the Show of HeART: The Foodbank Installation. At the Oakwood Dorothy Lane Market, attend the Season’s Greetings Beer Tasting. And in the evening, make your way over to UD Arena to watch the Flyers play East Tennessee State!

On Thursday, learn how social media can help grow your business by registering for Social Media Boot Camp at Sinclair. If you’re a young professional interested in marketing and new media and would like to give back (after all, Santa knows if you’ve been bad or good), you will definitely want to learn about a new and wonderful group in town called CultureMASH at their launch event at Wright State. And if you’re a young professional in the defense industry, definitely check out the Young AFCEAn End of Year Social at the Pub at the Greene. For a good laugh, head over to the Victoria Theatre to see the stand-up comic Lisa Lampanelli. Santa knows who is naughty and nice, and according to what I’ve heard, Lisa’s stand-up routine is more of the former, as she has been hailed the “Queen of Mean”…however, she is well-liked by many! If you’ve been making a list of all the songs of the 70s you know and love, then you’ll be able to listen to them as part of 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre. And if you would like to hear another style of music, watch the University of Dayton Orchestra, as they put on a FREE show!

On Friday, head over to the PNC 2^nd Street Market to make Azra’s Favorite Christmas Cookies. Watch the Miami Valley Dance Company’s Performance of the Nutcrackerat Bellbrook High School. Attend the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s First Friday, which is an amazing art hop downtown. Don’t worry, if you’re not an art fanatic, there are plenty of other things to do while you’re downtown! Ice skate at RiverScape (that sounds like the beginning of a tongue twister) to some music like the professionals do as part of their DJ Skate: Holiday and Top 40, or take a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride. At the Schuster Center, check out the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance, ‘Twas the Night: Holiday at Home’. At The Loft Theatre, be entertained by 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s. And finally downtown, I am so pleased to announce that Bryan Adams will be performing at Victoria Theatre! Yeah, I’m pretty sure that “Bryan Adams” is a common name, but I checked and it is THE Bryan Adams…you know, the singer! Please forgive me for the fact that my words come straight from the heart…I’m just that excited about it! At Triangle Park, take the kids and attend the City Of Dayton Winter Wonderland to experience a fun, outdoor light display…just tell them to be good for goodness sake. And if you are in the suburbs, consider seeing A Christmas Carolat the Beavercreek Community Theatre, the Washington Township Woodland Lights, or Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smellsat Town Hall Theatre in Centerville. I don’t think little Junie is aware of the fact that Santa knows if she’s been good or bad!

On Saturday, you better be making a list of the things you would like to do, as there are so many awesome events from which to choose! Santa Claus will REALLY be coming to town and you can have breakfast with him at Rusty Bucket at the Dayton Mall or at Polen Farms. Also at Polen Farms, you can attend their Holiday Boutique to find unique holiday gifts. Not sure how unique they are, as there will also be the Christkindlmarkt German Christmas Bazaar at Dayton Liederkranz Turner and the Omega Holiday Bazaar at Omega Baptist Church, which both offer one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Kind of reminds me of the quote, “You’re unique, just like everybody else.” I guess it’s the same way with Christmas gifts. Sorry, I digress. I’m thinking Santa must have a pretty busy day, as he will also be at Uno’s Chicago Grill and at the PNC 2nd Street Market for Pet Pictures with Santa. While at the PNC 2^nd Street Market, you can also participate in the Christmas Walk, which is my kind of walk as it is a “noncompetitive walk for the health of it”. Although my kind of walk is probably more like the We Care Arts Cookie Walk going on at We Care Arts in Kettering, which is a wonderful organization that seeks to change disabilities into possibilities through art. If you’re in downtown Lebanon, check out the Historic Christmas Festival and Horse Drawn Carriage Parade.

Continuing with Saturday…At the Victoria Theatre, check out Mooseltoe: The Moosical…gotta love puns! Also for more theater action, check out Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at Town Hall Theatre, the Miami Valley Dance Company’s Nutcracker at Bellbrook High School, or A Christmas Carol at the Beavercreek Community Theatre. If you enjoy music, consider listening to The Dayton Philharmonic ‘Twas the Night: Holiday at Home’at the Schuster Center, the UD Ebony Heritage Singers at the University of Dayton, or 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre. Eat and dance the night away with The Soul Express Band at the Dayton Neighborhood Ballat the Dayton Masonic Center. Give those vocal chords a workout (although you may need to see one of my colleagues for voice therapy afterwards!) by cheering on the Flyers as they take on Miami at UD Arena. At the University of Dayton’s campus, you will be able to see Holiday Happenings – DCDC2’s Family Holiday Performance, in which there will be fun-filled dance performances to traditional and non-traditional holiday music. And finally on Saturday evening, I am excited to be celebrating with Generation Dayton at their Annual Holiday Party at the Old Courthouse downtown!

On Sunday, you will once again be able to get some holiday shopping accomplished at the Omega Holiday Bazaar at Omega Baptist Church and the Christkindlmarkt German Christmas Bazaarat Dayton Liederkranz Turner. If you’re looking for something musical, check out Mooseltoe: The Moosical at Victoria Theatre, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s at The Loft Theatre, Afternoon Musicales: Dayton Music Club at the Dayton Art Institute, Advent Dinner and Choral Program at Westminster Presbyterian Church, or the UD Choral Union/ World Music Choir/ Hands in Harmony at the University of Dayton. And if you love all the Christmas decorations this time of year, hit up the Washington Township Woodland Lights!

You better not pout because you can’t hit up all these awesome events this week! I’m confident that whatever you choose to do, you’ll have an awesome time!

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

What do you call Santa when he has no money?
Saint “Nickel”-less!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (11/3 – 11/7)

November 3, 2010 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Election season is over! No matter your political stance and your state of happiness/unhappiness following the elections, at least celebrate the fact that you won’t have to deal with any more campaign commercials, fliers, or annoying phone calls! In order to start the celebration, here are some options this week!

On Wednesday, support the Humane Society by attending Pet Afflaire 2010: 20th Anniversary at the Presidential Banquet Center, which will include dining, socializing, “barktinis”, and an auction. Or sip a variety of wines at Dorothy Lane Market’s Wine Tasting (Centerville location) or at the The Wine Gallery’s Weekly Wine Tasting. Even though you might be bummed that fall is here, spring is in the air at the Victoria Theatre! Be sure to attend their presentation of the Tony Award winning musical, Spring Awakening. Plus, if you’re a student and you bring your student ID to the Ticket Center Stage Box Office, you can get half-off tickets two hours before the show!

On Thursday, all you Buckeye fans will want to head to the Schuster Center to see Archie Griffin as part of the Junior League of Dayton Town Hall Lecture Series. At the Dayton Art Institute, attend the last DAI 2010 Vectren Just Jazz Series, featuring Khalid Moss. If you enjoy baking and want to perfect your cookie decorating skills, consider heading to Cooks’ Wares in Springboro for their Holiday Cookie Decorating. If you need a taste tester or have any “goof-ups,” let me know…I’d be happy to help! At the First Baptist Church of Dayton, attend the Local Foods Chili Dinner, where UD students from the Nutrition & Dietetics Department will prepare a meal in order to promote local foods. In addition, all donations received will benefit the Foodbank. And if you love musicals, attend ETC’s Big Fat Concert Series: Indulge Yourself at Sidebar in the Oregon District for cocktails and a FREE concert!

On Friday, “accord”ing to me, you should consider attending the Commemorative Banquet as part of the Dayton Peace “Accords” 15th Anniversary Event at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center. In the evening, get your bike from out of the garage (and in my case, dust it off and put air in your tires), and participate in the Courteous Mass Ride. While you’re downtown, check out many of the events going on there as part of First Friday. Even though I’m typically on the side of the good guys, this weekend I’ll recommend the Bad Boys & Beer at the Belly Bomb Cafe Event at Taj Ma Garaj for fine food, samples of craft beer, and live music! Plus, proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Foundation and Dayton History. Or, if you want to catch a show/concert, some of your options include ‘Chopin’s Circle’at the Schuster Center, Irving Berlin’s White Christmasat La Comedia, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at Town Hall Theatre, The 39 Steps at The Loft Theatre, The Sugar Witch at the Dayton Theatre Guild. Also, if you are a theater lover, be sure to check out the onStageDayton section of DaytonMostMetro.com for more detailed info about the Dayton theater scene!

On Saturday, attend the We Care Arts Holiday Open House. If you love Thomas, The Dayton Train Show at Hara Arena is where it’s at. (Sorry English teachers – prepositions are what my sentences sometimes end in.) If you can’t get enough of the King and the Rocket Man, come to the Mandalay Banquet Center for Rock the House – Elvis & Elton. In addition to music, there will be a dinner, raffle, silent auction, and much more. The Kettering Medical Center will thank you, thank you very much, as the proceeds will benefit oncology services there. There will also be some theater options, including The Sugar Witch at the Dayton Theatre Guild, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at Town Hall Theatre, The 39 Steps at The Loft Theatre, and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia. If you enjoy classical music, attend ‘Chopin’s Circle’ at the Schuster Center. Also at the Schuster Center, consider attending Justin and Ryan: A Night of Improv…I think just about anything with improv in its name is going to be funny! Are you among the Flyer Faithful? If so, hopefully you will be checking out Brian Gregory’s team as the Flyers play Findlay in an exhibition game at UD Arena. Gotta love UD basketball! And finallly on Saturday, if you want to get a head start on your Christmas shopping (after all, Christmas is less than two months away!), head down to the Dayton Visual Arts Center for the ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery for some unique options!

The 39 Steps at The Human Race Theatre Company

On Sunday, after you enjoy an extra hour of sleep (or perhaps you used your extra hour partying on Saturday!), all active duty, reserve, guard, retired military personnel and their families should head to Young’s Jersey Dairy, where they are offering a 20% off discount as part of their Support the Troops 20% Off Weekend (just show them your military ID). Also, The Dayton Train Show will continue on at Hara Arena. Sundays are also great days to visit museums, so you may want to take a trip to the Dayton Art Institute for one of their many exhibits, including 100 Years of African-American Art: The Arthur Primas Collection, Marking the Past/Shaping the Present: The Art of Willis ‘Bing’ Davis, and the Max May Memorial Holocaust Art Exhibition. If you’d like to catch more theater, here are your possibilities: The Sugar Witch at the Dayton Theatre Guild, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs at Town Hall Theatre, The 39 Steps at The Loft Theatre, and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at La Comedia.

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

Why shouldn’t you tell secrets when a clock is around?

Because time will tell.

Have a great week Dayton!