Things to do in Dayton

Jane’s Best Bets (4/27 – 5/1)

April 26, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

I hope you were able to find many Easter eggs, and that they had some good things inside! I just found a bunch of empty ones (true story, just ask the Easter Bunny). Regardless of what was in or not in your Easter eggs, I’d like to provide you with an “inside” look at what is going on in Dayton this week!

On Wednesday, watch the Dragons as they play the West Michigan Whitecaps. If you enjoy opera, make your way to the UD Opera Workshop Performance. Get those dirty little secrets out of the closet at Wiley’s with the Dirty Little Secret Speakeasy. Don’t worry, it’s a variety show featuring many different types of performers, so you really don’t have to reveal anything about yourself! Hungry AND thirsty? Participate in the Belgian & Euro Craft Beer Dinner at Spinoza’s. At the Loft Theatre, catch Permanent Collection. And finally, make sure you stop at Baskin Robbins for their 31 Cent Scoop Night! For those of you who don’t like to do math, that means date night will only cost you 62 cents…or, ice cream for a family four will only cost $1.24!

On Thursday, have a Girls Night Out at The Melting Pot. If you’re a boy, then don’t go there…well, on second thought, you may want to go since there will be a pretty good ratio for you! Since the weather is getting warmer, you may want to attend Five Rivers MetroParks’ Intro to Smart Cycling. Head to Oregon Express for a wonderful combination of beer and theology (and their amazing pizza too!) for Dayton Theology on Tap. If you don’t feel like cooking dinner, head to the Dayton Canoe Club for their Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. At the Dayton Art Institute, you can listen to the sounds of the DPO Concertmaster & Friends. Permanent Collection, although not permanent, will still be playing at The Loft Theatre. And over at Fifth Third Field, see some Dragons and “Tin Men,” as the Dragons play the Fort Wayne Tincaps.

On Friday, get up bright and early and head to The Pub for a Royal Wedding Brunch. If you love horse racing and beer, you won’t want to miss The Kentucky Ale Trail: Horses & Hops, which will start at Jungle Jim’s. I just found out that another specialty grocery store, Trader Joe’s, discontinued one of my favorite items (salmon and spinach crepes), so I would be very much interested in going to the Kids Crepe Making Demo which will be going on at the PNC 2^nd Street Market. Bid on some wonderful, one-of-a-kind pieces of art at the DVAC Annual Art Auction. If you’re out in the Oregon District, head to Oregon Express for Half-Price Happy Hour Pizzas and Old Skool Acoustic Duo…featuring cover tunes by some great artists including Journey! Or make a stop at the Trolley Stop to listen to The Eric Jerardi Band. Some other musical options include Encore Theatre Company’s BIG fat CONCERT SERIES, vol. II – ‘I Feel So Much Spring’ and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensembles. Wear your green and take the kids to watch the Dragons vs. Fort Wayne Tincaps…which is also McDonald’s Friends & Family Night. At the Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club, you will be able to celebrate Spring Bierfest. And finally, some Friday theater options include Centerville’s Hello, Dolly!, Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre, The Wizard of Oz at Baum Opera House, and Zoot Theatre Company’s Phantom Tollbooth at the Schuster Center.

On the last day in April (Saturday), learn Smart Cycling Basics at Five Rivers MetroParks’ St. Clair Building or participate in the 5k Run for the Health of It at Archers Tavern. Avid readers will want to attend the Dayton Book Expo 2011 at Sinclair. Head to South Park to see some beautiful homes for their Historic South Park Spring Home Tour. Some art options include Sound Bites: Short Talks about Art at the Dayton Art Institute and the Free Artist Workshop at the Dayton Visual Arts Center. Any Germans out there? If so, make plans to attend the Spring Concert, followed by the Westphaelische Beef Rouladen Dinner (I’m part German but I have no clue how to say that) at the Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club. If you haven’t yet, consider getting tickets to one of the many shows going on: Phantom Tollbooth at the Schuster Center, The Wizard of Oz at Baum Opera House, Hello, Dolly! at Centerville Performing Arts Center, Gem City Ballet Victoria Theatre Gala (at Victoria Theatre), ETC’s BIG fat CONCERT SERIES, vol. II – ‘I Feel So Much Spring’ at Color of Energy Gallery, Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre, or The Apple Tree at Stivers School for the Arts. And if the weather is nice, you’ll be able to catch the Dragons as they play the Fort Wayne Tincaps at Fifth Third Field.

On Sunday, get off the couch and participate in the Kettering Medical Center Walk for Women’s Wellness at Carillon Historical Park. At the Dayton Masonic Center, attend the Graeter’s Symphony Sundaes Series: The Symphonic Sibelius…complete with ice cream from Graeter’s. Now how great is that?!?! At the University of Dayton, attend the Art of Foreseen Beauty – DCDC2’s Spring Concert. If you can, I encourage you to attend in order to witness some of the most remarkable dancing out there! If opera is your thing, catch some up-and-comers at the Opera Guild of Dayton Tri-State College Vocal Competition in Kettering. And if you haven’t yet had an opportunity to do so, luckily the show Permanent Collection seems to be a permanent fixture (this week only) at The Loft Theatre. Or spend part of the day with Dorothy and Toto (I do love the song “Africa”) at the Baum Opera House for The Wizard of Oz.

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

Three skunks went to church. The priest made them sit in their own pew.

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 (3/30 – 4/3)

March 29, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It is the end of March…although the madness continues, of course! This also means that it’s the beginning of April showers. However, instead of gifts, I’m going to shower you with things to do!

On Wednesday, make your way to the fabulous Jay’s Seafood Restaurant for their Groth Vineyards Tasting or to Bruning’s Wine Cellar for their Special Edition Tasting: All White Wines from Germany and Austria. Although Sammy’s El Pueblo in Springboro has been open for a little while, head to their Grand Opening Celebration, which will feature a live mariachi band and buy one get one lunch or dinner! Hopefully you’re like me and have your tickets to Avenue Q at Victoria Theatre (which is actually on Main Street). Entertainment Weekly called it “one of the funniest shows you’re ever likely to see,” so I am so ready to get my laugh on and I hope you are too! Just be sure to get your tickets ASAP as I have been told that there are only a few tickets remaining! (For more info on this show, check out Shane Anderson’s article on DMM.) And if you’re feeling like grabbing a beer and listening to some acoustic music, head to the Trolley Stop for the Old Time Acoustic Jam.

On Thursday, make your way to the PNC 2nd Street Market for Maple Syrup Maestro. Over at Coco’s Bistro, enjoy their delicious food and 1/2 Price Wine by the Bottle. Make your way to the Dayton Art Institute for DAI Movie Night: Steve McQueen in ‘Bullitt’. FYI – “Bullit” doesn’t look like it’s speled corectlee, but when I looked it up, it waz acshually correctt. If you love live music, make your way to the Centerville Schools Performing Arts Center to watch as The Centerville Orchestra presents, Mark Wood, a musician with an impressive resume! Or, combine your love for video games with music by attending the Dayton Philharmonic’s The Return of Play! A Video Game Symphony at the Schuster Center.

On Friday, don’t go out and do anything. Just be lazy, stay at home, and relax on the couch. April Fool! Of course you better not be doing that or else I’d have to try to drag you off the couch! Instead, you can make your way to the Dayton Visual Arts Center for their Auction Preview Exhibition. If you love cows and want to protect them, head to the Dayton Mall Chick-fil-A for their customer appreciation day, in which you will get a free Chick-fil-A sandwich(offered 4-7PM). I have to be honest – I am so disappointed because I LOVE Chick-fil-A but do the “no meat on Fridays in Lent” thing…I wish they had a Fish-fil-A Sandwich! Help raise money for music scholarships at Cedarville University by attending the ‘Musical Chairs’ performance. If you’re downtown, be sure to participate in First Friday, the art hop that happens the first Friday of each month. Kristen Wicker does a fantastic job telling you all about the events going on as part of First Friday, so I’ll shut my mouth (or stop typing) and encourage you to check out her article yourself…it’s really not a joke!

On Saturday, all you 5K lovers should head to Eastwood MetroPark for Celtic Academy’s Inaugural 5K Race for the Worlds Run/Walk. All you art lovers should attend the Auction Preview Exhibition at the Dayton Visual Arts Center. Some theater options include Beauty and the Beast at Victoria Theatre, Bill W. & Dr. Bob at Dayton Playhouse, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Playhouse South, The Boys Next Door at the Dayton Theatre Guild, and Smoke on the Mountain at the University of Dayton. Also at the University of Dayton, listen to the sounds of the Ebony Heritage Singers, Dayton’s gospel choir which will perform music from the African-American sacred music tradition. Take the stairway to the Schuster Center, which will seem like heaven as you see the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance, The Symphony Rocks: Music of Led Zeppelin. If you love football but hate to sit out in the cold, head to Hara Arena to watch as the Dayton Silverbacks play the Cincinnati Commandos. And if you love black tie events and supporting great causes, head to the Wright State University ArtsGala. I have heard that this is always an amazing event!

The Symphony Rocks: The Music of Led Zeppelin

On Sunday, THEater seems like THE thing to do! Beauty and the Beast at Victoria Theatre, Bill W. & Dr. Bob at Dayton Playhouse, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Playhouse South, The Boys Next Doorat Dayton Theatre Guild, and Smoke on the Mountain at the University of Dayton are all options. Or bring your kids to the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance, The Beat Goes On at the Schuster Center.

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

How does a cow keep track of all her appointments?

She checks her COWander.

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (2/23 – 2/27)

February 22, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It’s time to start making plans for the week, as there are lots of events happening around town! Here are a few options!

On Wednesday, talk politics and help solve the world’s problems at the Drinking Liberally – Dayton event at Trolley Stop. Seriously, they will be talking about politics, but I don’t think their solution to the world’s problems will be drinking…although the research shows that drinking water can help solve the dehydration problem. If you own a business, you will want to attend Social Media for Business: How to Create and Use a Facebook Fan Page at Groundz4Living at The Greene…afterall, social media is a super cheap way to advertise! Over at Sinclair, help promote sustainable living and economic development with Green Drinks Dayton, which will include a tour and networking event. All you winos will want to attend the Wine Tasting at Rumbleseat Wine, the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery, Vina Robles Wine Tasting at Bruning’s Wine Cellar, or Wine Down Weekdays at Savona Restaurant & Wine Bar. Craving some sushi? Head to Sima Korean & Japanese Restaurants for 1/2 off Chef’s Specials Rolls. And over at South Park Tavern, check out the music of The Motel Beds, The Smug Brothers, and The Fervor. Hopefully “motel beds” isn’t indicative of the quality of their music!

On Thursday, all you art fans will want to attend REACH (Realizing Ethnic Awareness and Cultural Heritage) Across Dayton Joint Reception/Gallery Talk: Bucher/Moro, which takes place at both the Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC) and Sinclair. Please don’t “wine” if you didn’t have an opportunity to sip your favorite merlot on Wednesday, as you will again have your opportunity to do so at the Wine Tasting at The Wine Loft, A Wine Dinner with Philippe Magrez at Jungle Jim’s, the Wine Tasting at Heathers Coffee & Café, or Wine Down Weekdays at Savona Restaurant & Wine Bar. If you love the great outdoors, attend Fundamentals of Family Camping at Five Rivers MetroParks’ St. Clair Building. Some consider music therapeutic, so head to Therapy Café to Sing Your Heart Out for the American Heart Association. If you like theater, our local universities are the place to be! Head to Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater for The Foreigner, Wright State for Picnic, or Wittenberg for As You Like It. Regardless of what you choose to do, I hope you like it.

On Friday, join Generation Dayton for their Fourth Friday Lunch Speaker Series at the Dayton Art Institute, featuring Ginny Strausburg of the DP&L Foundation, who will be talking to young professionals about “Choosing Board Professionals Wisely.” Lunch will be provided, compliments of DP&L, so if you’re a young professional, be sure to register ASAP to secure your spot! Couldn’t get enough wine during the earlier part of the week? Head to the Southern Ohio Kitchens Showroom for the Go Red for Women Wine Tasting. If you haven’t yet been to a fish fry this season, you will without a doubt want to head to the Alter High School Fish Fry. There will be LOTS of people there (including myself!), so be sure to get there early! We’ve already had a few days with spring like temperatures, so be sure to take advantage of the Star-Late Skates at RiverScape’s ice rink before it closes for the season! Theater options for Friday include The Berenstain Bears on Stage at Victoria Theatre, As You Like It at Wittenberg, Fat Pig at Dayton Theatre Guild, Picnic at Wright State, and The Foreigner at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater. At the Schuster Center, attend the Dayton Philharmonic’s Virtuosos at Home. If you wish the doors would open to more musical options in the Dayton region, you’re in luck, as there will be a Doors Tribute at Canal Street Tavern. And finally, for all you sports enthusiasts, the Dayton Gems will be taking on the Evansville IceMen at Hara Arena.

On Saturday, start the day early by participating in Ray’s Mountain Bike Trip at Five Rivers MetroParks’ St. Clair Building. If you have it in you, join The Greene as they “go red” for the American Heart Association by participating in their 2 Mile Run/Walk. At the Victoria Theatre, consider taking your kids to their own “Mardi Gras” with Creole for Kidz and the History of Zydeco. All you fashionistas (my spell check underlined that word so sorry if I “mispeled” it) have a couple great options from which to choose. Attend either The Noble Circle Project’s AWear Affair Fashion Show and Luncheon at Sinclair or the 11th Annual Crown Jewels Hat Show at Books and Co. at The Greene. Be sure to bring your “hatitude”, as the event’s founder Sharon Howard calls it! I attended last year and it was seriously a blast! Have a few beers and support United Rehabilitation Services by participating in the Bud Light Barstool Open North. If you’ve always wanted to be in the movie business, attend the Production Assistant Training Seminar at Sinclair Community College. Saturday’s theater options include Fat Pig at Dayton Theatre Guild, As You Like It at Wittenberg, Picnic at Wright State, and The Foreigner at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater. Or attend the Dayton Philharmonic’s Virtuosos at Home at the Schuster Center. All you “Dancing with the Stars” fans will want to get tickets to see Julianne Hough at Kuss Auditorium. At the Dayton Masonic Center, the Hermes Awards Ceremony will be going on to honor those in the advertising industry. At Hara Arena, you will be able to see the Dayton Gems take on the Quad City Mallards. And if you are sick and tired of winter, head to the Beach Party featuring the Parrots of the Caribbean at Jiffy Lube…oops I mean Quaker Steak & Lube.

On Sunday, head to the Schuster Center for their Visual Voices Art Exhibit: Dayton Skyscrapers 2011. Over at Coco’s, Savor Your Sunday & Support Stivers. If you feel like experiencing the sights and scenes of theater, see Picnic at Wright State, As You Like It at Wittenberg, or Fat Pig at the Dayton Theatre Guild. If you couldn’t get a babysitter to watch your kids so that you could go to a show with your honey, then take the kids to Creole for Kidz and the History of Zydeco at Victoria Theatre. All you Oscar fans should consider watching the movie awards show AT the movies, as The Neon and the The Little Art Theatre will both be having Oscar screenings. Just don’t be a grouch if your favorite movie/actor/actress/director does not win! And finally, head to the UD Arena to watch the UD Flyers as they take on Xavier. I have to say – I am completely jealous of all of you who have tickets! (And if you have any extras, please feel free to send them my way!)

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

What did the hat say to the tie?

You hang around here…I’ll go on a head.

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (2/16 – 2/20)

February 15, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

You may or may not have been with the love of your life this Valentine’s Day, but hopefully it was a great one! Guys…now with the pressure off, hopefully you’ll be able to relax and have some fun at some of these events!

On Wednesday, all you writers can head to Books & Co. for their Second Sunday Free Writers’ Workshop. Is your bike just collecting dust in the garage or are you going to try cycling for the first time? If so, you’ll want to participate in Five Rivers MetroParks’ Introduction to Bicycle Maintenance. It may not be such a secret that this is going on, but over at Wiley’s, you will be able to see the opening night of Dirty Little Secret, which is co-presented by DaytonMostMetro.com’s very own J.T. Ryder. (There is also a DMM article on this show, so if interested, check out the following link!) And finally, for some good beer, check out the Sam Adams Beer Samplingat Heathers Coffee & Café or Green Flash Brewing Beer Tasting at The Caroline.

On Thursday, if you’re in the doghouse because you totally forgot about Valentine’s Day, try to make it up to your significant other by arranging flowers for him/her at PNC 2^nd Street Market as part of February Flowers. Or take that special someone to Spinoza’s for their Dinner and a Movie Package. Even if your boyfriend’s/husband’s name is Scott, Fred, or Sam, you can still have a Romantic Dinner for 2 at Christopher’s and not get into trouble. Over at Thai 9, attend their Tapping Firkin of Bell’s Hopslamand eat some of their delicious food. I LOVE that their food can accommodate a diverse group of people in terms of spice preferences…and they don’t make you feel badly if you order a level zero like me! Over at Hara Arena, catch the Dayton Gems as they take on the Quad City Mallards. Even though it may be a little too cold to have an outdoor picnic, you can see the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award–winning play, Picnic at Wright State. Also, if you love live music, head to South Park Tavern to see Ryan Roth and the Grand Plan with Seryn.

On Friday, if you feel like having a home cooked meal but are lacking Rachael Ray’s or Emeril’s cooking genes, head to the Dorothy Lane Market in Springboro for their DLM Family Style Dinner. Down in the city (RiverScape), head to Gone Country, where you will be able to ice skate while listening to country music. All you graffiti artist wannabes should branch out to Olive for their Graffiti Party. Hopefully you are fortunate to have a ticket to the sold out 6th Annual Valentine’s Dance for Special Wishat the Schuster Center. If not, I encourage you to support this great cause by purchasing raffle tickets or making a donation. I know a child whose wish was sponsored by Special Wish and I am so impressed by the work that they do! If you prefer to have dinner and see a show all in the same place, go to the Spaghetti Warehouse for their Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre ‘Tragedy in the Theater’. Head to Cedarville University to watch High School Musicians Showcase Their Talent. And for additional theater options, be sure to get your ticket to Fat Pig at the Dayton Theatre Guild, Picnic at Wright State, or The Foreigner at Sinclair.

On Saturday, start your day off at the Yellow Springs Winter Farmer’s Market. If you became engaged on Valentine’s Day, then you’ll want to head to the DRC Bridal Show. For some live music, go to the University of Dayton for their Jazz Ensemble, Shiloh Church for the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Concert, or Omega Baptist Church for their Omega Black History Celebration: Song, Dance & Praise. However, if you prefer to add a little “boogie-ing” to your music (the dancing kind, not the nose kind), check out the band Crooked Style at Talegators or head to Alex’s to listen to the band Off the Hook. Some theater options for Saturday include Fat Pig at the Dayton Theatre Guild, Forbidden Broadway: Dances with the Stars at Victoria Theatre, Picnic at Wright State, and The Foreigner at Sinclair. I know it’s not a Friday, but you will still be able to join in the fun and food at the Carroll High School – Carrolleer Fish Fry. And finally, be sure to check out the UD Flyers as they take on Duquesne…we are definitely due for a victory!

On Sunday, start your day off right by eating great food and supporting a great cause as part of the Savor Your Sunday & Support Stivers event at Coco’s Bistro. Some musical options include Afternoon Musicales at the Dayton Art Institute, the Dayton Philharmonic’s The Symphonic Beethoven at the Dayton Masonic Center, the University of Dayton Jazz Band’sperformance at the University of Dayton, and Omega Black History Celebration: Song, Dance & Praiseat Omega Baptist Church. At the Dayton Marriott, all you brides will want to attend The Dayton Bridal Expo. Those poor guys…I have yet to hear about a Groom Expo or Groom Show! Or perhaps they might actually be the fortunate ones because it gets them off the hook! Over at RiverScape, participate in Fundamentals of Skating if you have yet to learn how to skate. Also, some Sunday theater options include Fat Pig at the Dayton Theatre Guild, The Foreignerat Sinclair, and Picnic at Wright State University. And finally, if you are stressed out and don’t know what to do about it, make plans to attend the Introduction to Mindful Meditation Workshop at Practice Yoga on Fifth.

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

The wise never marry…and when they marry they become otherwise.

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 (2/2 – 2/6)

February 1, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Hello February…and hello icky weather! If you’re reading this, that means you still have power, which is a great thing! I hope you also have the power to get up off the couch and enjoy some of these events!

On Groundhog Day (a.k.a. Wednesday), eat lunch at Smokey Bones for their $5 Lunch Special. Over at the Schuster Center, check out the Visual Voices Art Exhibit: Dayton Skyscrapers 2011, which celebrates “women and men who stand tall as role models in the Dayton African-American community.” There will be a sea of food at Dorothy Lane Market as part of their Oyster Bar Happy Hour, as well as at Bonefish Grill for their Bang Bang Shrimp Wednesday. If you are a fan of environmental causes and would like to know more about the lives affected by the water industry as well as public water rights, then you will want to attend the Environmental Film Series: Tapped at Cox Arboretum. Enjoy an adult beverage at The Wine Loft for their Happy Hour, The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting, or Bruning’s Wine Cellar for their Taste the Wines of Frog’s Leap event. If you’re downtown, head to the Schuster Center to see 9 to 5: The Musical (I’m looking forward to it after my 9 to 5 job!) or to The Loft Theatre to see Twelfth Night. Over at Clark State Performing Arts Center, watch Fiddler On The Roof…I’m hoping he doesn’t fall down with it being icy! And finally, support the UD Flyers as they play St. Bonaventure at UD Arena…and hopefully get a victory!

On Thursday, celebrate the Chinese New Year with dinner specials at both The Nanking Inn and Kabuki. Have you always wanted to dance, but keep putting it off? If so, boogie your way to Michael Solomon Pavillion for International Folk Dance Lessons. Over at the Dayton Racquet Club, attend the Go Red for Women/American Heart Month Kickoff. At The Neon, check out Pecha Kucha Night Dayton, Volume 6, in which there will be several short presentations by noteworthy people around the city about their creative endeavors. The presentations will be followed by a screening of the documentary DIVE, which is based on the topic of food waste at L.A. supermarkets. For more information about Pecha Kucha, click here. If you like meeting new people, head to Cedarville University to meet Dolly… be sure to tell her Hello, Dolly! Also, at the Schuster Center, you will be able to see 9 TO 5: The Musical, and at The Loft Theatre, you can catch Twelfth Night.

On Friday, after you get out of the shower, be sure to put on your red for the National Wear Red Day, in honor of the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” Movement. If you wish, you can continue to celebrate the Chinese New Year at China Dynasty, The Nanking Inn, or Kabuki. Get out your dancing shoes and head to the Michael Solomon Pavilion for the Contra Dance Party – Cityfolk. If you love a good fish fry, head to either the Ascension or the St. Mary Fish Fry. All you art lovers will want to participate in First Friday, the fabulous art hop which happens the first Friday of each month downtown. There will also be many wonderful shows going on in our great region, including 9 to 5: The Musical (Schuster Center), The Octette Bridge Club (Beavercreek Community Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee (Dayton Playhouse), Twelfth Night (Loft Theatre), The Berenstain Bears Onstage; A Bear Country Musical! (Town Hall Theatre), and True West (University of Dayton-Kennedy Union Boll Theatre). And finally, listen to The Rocket Man, The Eagles, Diana Ross, and The Beatles as you skate at RiverScape for their event, Peace, Love, and Skate: 60s and 70s.

On Saturday, bring your Valentine and go to the wonderful El Meson for their Cooking Class for Lovers. For all you techies, head to the Dayton Diode Open House which has been called a “YMCA for nerds”…perhaps I should go then! When tragedy strikes, it is important for a community to join together. Over at St. John’s Lutheran Church, bring your friends and participate in the Dodgeball Tournamnet to benefit the Suzanne Waughtel Hopper fund. In the evening, there are opportunities to support other great causes. You can attend the 21st Annual Artemis Center Gala ‘Be a Star, a Purple Carpet Event’ at Sinclair or Sing your Heart Out For A Good Cause (the American Heart Association) at The Wine Loft. All you “pasghetti” lovers (as many kids call it!) will want to go to the American Legion Post 598 for Franco’s FAMOUS Spaghetti. Over at RiverScape, participate in the Star-Late Skate. Also on Saturday, there will be a plethora of theatre options, including 9 to 5: The Musical, The Berenstain Bears Onstage; A Bear Country Musical, The Octette Bridge Club, The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, Twelfth Night, and True West.

On Sunday, consider going to Alex’s for their Jazz Brunch. Or you can Savor Your Sunday & Support Stivers at Coco’s Bistro. If it’s not too cold, perhaps you’ll want to learn the Fundamentals of Skating at RiverScape. Sundays are a great day for the arts, so consider checking out the Wright State University 2011 Faculty Exhibition, Visual Voices Art Exhibit; Dayton Skyscrapers 2011 at the Schuster Center, Folk Art from the Collection of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP at The Dayton Art Institute, or A Student of People Exhibit at Troy-Hayner Cultural Center. Or check out one of the many theatre productions going on around town. If you still haven’t done so, be sure to check out DMM’s onStageDayton, where Shane, Katherine, and Russell keep you up to date on the Dayton theatre scene!

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

How many pessimists does it take to change a lightbulb?

Nevermind. Nobody would get the joke anyway.

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!

Jane’s Best Bets (9/29 – 10/3)

September 29, 2010 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

: Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It was great seeing so many of you at Oktoberfest at the Dayton Art Institute this weekend! Although Dayton’s Oktoberfest is officially over for the year, October is just beginning this week. You’re probably thinking, “How in the world could this happen?” I did too. However, when I asked my buddy Jeeves, he told me that in another part of the world, Munich, Oktoberfest actually starts in September and ends in October. Having this mystery solved, hopefully we can all sleep well tonight. But before hitting the hay, let’s check out our options as Oktober…I mean October…begins.

On Wednesday, head on over to the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet for the SO Percussion: Workshop & Jam Session. There are opportunities for audience participation, so if you have always dreamed of playing the triangle, here is your opportunity. Are you a high school student? If so, I’m surprised you’re reading this. If not, do you know a high school student? If you answered yes, encourage him/her to check out the College Prep Night presented by Fifth Third Bank at Fifth-Third Field. Plus, there is an opportunity for those who RSVP in advance to win a $1,000 scholarship! If you love flowers, consider going to Going Green in Dayton at Gallery St. John, where you will have the opportunity to look at photos, sketches, and paintings by local artists of over 120 wild flowers in Dayton environments. And finally on Wednesday, if you’re looking for something that is unique and fun, check out the Blue Man Group as they perform at the Schuster Center. Although they describe themselves as blue, I have heard they are actually mauve…“mauvelous” that is!

On Thursday, Give the Best Pint in Town at the Community Blood Center! if you didn’t have the opportunity to do so last week. While you’re there, get your very own, super cool Octoberfest t-shirt! If you are looking for pointers on how to write grants (i.e. how to get free money!), check out the Southwest Ohio American Association of Grant Professionals Regional Conference at Atrium Medical Center. If you grew up always wanting to be a princess, head on over to the Nutter Center for Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics. Also, Tinker Bell (a.k.a. the “hottest fairy of them all”, according to a five-year old boy I know) will make an appearance.

On Friday, if fashion is your thing, check out the BRAVO! Fashion Show and Champagne Brunchat the Sinclair Ponitz Center to benefit the Dayton Opera. If you’re feeling like a Friday after-work happy hour is in order, consider heading to Arrow Wine’s Centerville location for their 13th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration…which betcha by golly wow is actually in October! On Friday night, downtown is definitely the place to be. Head over to The Neon for a sneak preview of the award-winning documentary, The Elephant in the Living Room. Or, before the weather gets too cold, get that bike out and join the Courteous Mass October Ride. If you enjoy the outdoors, then you will definitely want to check out GearFest at Eastwood MetroPark. This outdoor festival will feature athlete demonstrations, competitions, camping, the latest products/gear, and music! Also, while downtown, check out First Friday, which will feature a variety of entertainment options, from live music to art galleries to bonfires! (For more info on First Friday, click here.) Or, head on over to the Firefly Building’s amazing rooftop for Pecha Kucha Dayton Vol. 5, which will involve snacks, drinks, social networking, and idea sharing with eight creative presenters. And if you don’t mind the drive and would like to experience Oktoberfest again, head up to Minster for their version. Although I’ve never been, I’ve heard that Minster’s Oktoberfest is famous for serving beer in half-gallon plastic jugs!

On Saturday, get off that couch and check out the 33rd Annual Spring Valley Potato Festival. If you enjoy learning about other cultures, head over to Middletown for Middfest International 2010 Celebration of Botswana. All you music fans will want to experience the Dayton Music Fest, which will feature numerous bands playing at several different Dayton venues. If you want to be one of the first ones to get a pumpkin, head to Young’s Dairy for the 34th Annual Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival.

Also on Saturday…All you motorcycle lovers better rev up your engines and speed over to Thomas Cloud Park for the Pink And Chrome – Ride for the Cure for Susan G. Komen for the Cure! And in the evening, even though the “official” fish fry season hasn’t yet started, check out the Fenwick High School Fish Fry, Monte Carlo, & Silent Auction night…where all proceeds raised will support student athletes at my alma mater! Also, Minster Oktoberfest, The Elephant in the Living Room – Movie, and GearFest will all still be strong options!

On Sunday, check out the 2010 Harvest Fest at Garden Station Community Garden and Art Park. Or, head to one of the many events you may have missed this week/weekend: the 33rd Annual Spring Valley Potato Festival, the 34th Annual Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival, Minster Oktoberfest, Blue Man Group, The Elephant in the Living Room – Movie, or Midfest International Celebrates Botswana. It’s truly going to be a “mauvelous” week in Dayton!

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

What would you get if you crossed two fish with two elephants?
A pair of swimming trunks.

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!