Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Venus Child Productions

Making A Difference in Dayton: Libby Ballengee

By

Libby Ballengee’s career started as a photo researcher and studio photographer in the educational publishing industry. She found that job the old-fashioned way: a newspaper classified ad! She either took photos for the books or researched ones that were historical or otherwise too costly to photograph in the studio. She  also learned how to be an art buyer, which is someone who commissions custom illustrations from artists. 

It wasn’t until she was in her mid-thirties that she found a new career path: being a concert promoter. It very much started as a hobby. It started as just wanting to throw one show for her best friend’s birthday. He wanted New Riders of the Purple Sage to perform in our hometown, and she happened to know someone who recently bought a music venue. The venue owner was willing to show me the ropes, which was invaluable. That first show came together beautifully, sending me down a path of producing more concerts for my friends and neighbors in Dayton, Ohio, over the last decade. 

So this month is the official 10th Anniversary of Venus Child Productions!  After that first show with New Riders of the Purple Sage at Oddbody’s, she slowly started to get into promoting shows, including developing Dayton Porchfest with Peter Benkendorf and culminating with him connecting her to Carli Ricciardi Dixon, where we developed The Brightside Music & Event Venue!
May be an image of 9 people and text

With her production company she view concerts and live experiences through the lens of the audience. Musicians themselves produce a lot of the local concerts she has attended in the past, and they often have a different perspective on building a show. They like to book their friends rather than who would fit best together. There is also usually a lot of politics about who performs in what order, which doesn’t necessarily lead to the best outcome.

Libby likes to ensure there is a natural flow and crescendo of energy during the concert. So, she tend sto place bands in an order that feels good to her, not necessarily in an order of who has been a band longer or has more clout. She wants the experience to feel good to the people paying to be there.

She admits she’s a fan, first and foremost, so little things matter. Is the ticket staff-friendly when you arrive? How is the sound quality? Is there toilet paper in the bathrooms at the of the show? I’m proud of the reviews we’ve received, especially from other women who really feel cared for at our shows.

Libby always dreamed of being a ballerina when she was little, and while that didn’t work out,  she still wanted to support dancers in our community. For several years, she served on the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance board, which is home to the Dayton Ballet, Dayton Philharmonic, and Dayton Opera. She also volunteered for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Stivers School for the Arts as well as the  Board of Advisors for the Dayton Dance Initiative and the Dayton Ballet Barre.

“Anywhere can be boring – it’s up to you to engage with the community and explore. I’ve traveled a lot, but there’s no place else I’d rather be.  As a music lover, Dayton was the perfect place to grow up in the 90s. If I can keep that tradition alive in any small way, I’ve achieved my goal! “

Thanks Libby for all you bring to the Miami Valley, keep bringing us the music!
If you’d like to nominate someone for Making a Difference In Dayton, drop us an email and tell us about your nomineed.

The Brightside hosts $10 Classical Concert!

By

The Rodin Trio performs at The Brightside on October 30, 2019

The Brightside is committed to hosting a variety of events to the Dayton area, including classical music too! Dayton’s own Joshua Halpern (cello) is back home from globe trotting with his group, the Rodin Trio, to perform on Wednesday October 30th in the new venue’s beautiful Vodvil Ballroom. The trio is rounded out with Scott Cuellar (piano – faculty at Oberlin) and Philip Marten (violin – Assistant Concert Master at Cincinnati Symphony).

This particular performance is everything typical classical concerts are not: casual and affordable! Organizers are particularly encouraging students to attend for just $7, and $10 for adults – in advance. Quite the value to see performers of this caliber! Pre-sale tickets are available at SoundValleyDayton.com. Note: Ticket prices raise to $10 / $15 day of show.

When I asked Joshua why this hometown show is so special, he explained: “I got my start in Dayton in every way –– Nan Watson, my orchestra teacher at Oakwood, was the first person to put a cello in my hands. Early on I studied privately with her and a couple of other cellists in the Dayton Philharmonic. Betsey Hofeldt, a violinist in the DPO, was the first to introduce me to chamber music, which totally changed my life. I played for years in the Junior Strings Orchestra and the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. I wouldn’t have pursued music without all of these hometown influences and to be able to finally come back and not only see so many familiar faces but thank them with music, and show them (I hope) how I’ve continued to grow, is a really special kind of full-circle moment that brings me a lot of joy.”

If you’ve ever been curious about experiencing the power and beauty of classical music, this is the perfect opportunity!

  • The Program:
    • Beethoven: Piano Trio No. 2 in G major, Op 1 No. 2
    • Martinu: Piano Trio No. 2 in D minor, H. 327
      — Intermission–
    • Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66

________________________________________________

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

Since graduating from Oakwood High School in 2012, Josh has earned degrees from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston and from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Most recently, he completed a chamber music tour of Germany that took him to Berlin, Mecklenburg, and to Beethoven’s former home in Bonn. In June, Josh was guest principal cello with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra for performances in the Netherlands and WHERE, and on tour to Taiwan and China.

Josh first played cello as a fourth grader at Harman Elementary. During high school, he was principal cello for the Oakwood High School Orchestra and the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and was a founding member of the Blackbird String Quartet at OHS. As part of the prep program at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Josh was a founding member of the Polaris Quartet which won the gold medal in the junior division of the Fischoff International Chamber Music competition in 2011.

The Rodin Trio, established in 2017, also includes Philip Marten, violin, who is assistant concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Scott Cuellar, piano, who is on faculty at Oberlin Conservatory. The three musicians each maintain separate busy schedules, but are excited to be playing together again and bringing their music to Dayton.

3rd Annual Mass Meditation & Yoga Event at Courthouse Square

By

Dayton’s Mass Meditation and Yoga event at Courthouse Square is planned for September 21, 2017 from 5:30-7pm

For the third year in a row, the Heartfulness Institute of Dayton invites the entire community downtown to Courthouse Square on Thursday Septemeber 21st, 2017 for free, beginner-friendly yoga and meditation sessions. This lovely, community building event celebrates both the autumn equinox and the United Nation’s International Day of Peace.

The idea for this type of “mass meditation” came from Libby Ballengee, a local event organizer, who was inspired by a similar event that was planned for New York City’s Central Park. She dubbed the first event “Dayton Big Quiet” and sought out assistance from meditation experts. Ballengee explains, “It started as a “what if” conversation on Twitter, and the idea took off. It was recommended that I check out the Natural Path Meditation Center in Beavercreek for help, and I’m so glad I did! They were the perfect partner for this event.”

They were perfect for the event because teaching meditation to the community is their speciality. The Natural Path Meditation Center is also known as The Heartfulness Institute of Dayton, a non-profit educational organization. They offer free relaxation, meditation, and yoga classes, as a service to the community, so that everyone has the same tools to manage stress. They are not affiliated with any religions. The meditation trainers simply want to help spread inner peace to all, in an effort to achieve world peace. The Dayton organization has been recognized by the State of Ohio for its significant contributions to the region.

Most recently, the organization opened a center inside the Fairfield Commons Mall, which offers these same free classes. It’s an incredible way to disconnect from our busy, plugged-in world, and simply let our minds rest. You can try out this heart-based meditation style at the meditation center in Beavercreek, the mall location, or downtown at this unique first day of fall event!

How to Go?

 

3rd Annual Peace Day at Courthouse Square

5:30pm Free Yoga class

6:15pm Free Heartfulness Meditation for Humanity

Come to either event or both! #DaytonBigQuiet

NOTE: Please bring your own yoga mat, towel or blanket for yoga. Organizers will have some chairs provided for meditation if you don’t want to sit on mats during meditation.

 

Info on Heartfulness at Fairfield Commons:

Yoga 
Tuesday 6 pm – 6.45 pm
Thursday 1 pm – 1.45 pm
Sunday   2 pm – 2.45 pm

Group Meditation :
Monday   9.15 pm-9.45pm
Tuesday  6.45pm – 7.15pm
Thursday 1.45 pm -2.15 pm
Friday      9.15 am – 9.45 am
Sunday    2.45 pm – 3.15 pm

Drop-in Relaxation and Meditation Sessions at all other times.

 

Info on Heartfulness Meditation Center in Beavercreek:

Heartfulness Introductory Session: Every Sunday 12:15pm and Thursday 7:15pm.

Clink above for information on additional series classes, yoga classes, private sessions, and more. All no charge!

Dayton Big Quiet is back on September 21st

By

14291805_1788152114787860_2693349244618174545_nSeptember 21st is the United Nation’s International Day of Peace, and is the last official day of summer. The cusp of the Autumnal Equinox and a worldwide celebration of peace is the perfect day for Dayton’s 2nd annual Dayton Big Quiet.

Organizers from Heartfulness Dayton and Venus Child Productions have come together once again to host this free community event, to demonstrate the inner peace that comes from yoga and meditation. At 5:30pm, there is a free yoga 45 minute yoga class hosted by three area instructors: Melissa Ledinsky of Real Deal Yoga, Jeanine Parisi of Day Yoga, and Alex Keller of Do Yoga Dayton. Please bring a mat if you participate in the portion of the program.

Immediate following the yoga session, meditation trainers from the Natural Path Meditation Center in Beavercreek will do a brief introduction to the silent, heart-based meditation style known as “Heartfulness.” It’s non-denominational, and can be practiced by all faiths. Some chairs will be available, however if you can, please bring a blanket or pillow to ensure you are comfortable. The event will wrap up by 7pm.

Remember world peace starts with each of us individually!

 

13701037_1764845687118503_7609450017736600618_o

Live Music Showcase in Downtown Troy

By

Screen Shot 2015-11-12 at 1.33.01 AMLocal original music groups Trey Stone & The Ringers, Tim Prichard & The Boxcar Suite, and Jack Ballengee-Morris will perform at a new music venue, Square Roots Records, in downtown Troy, Ohio on Saturday November 14th. Doors open at 7pm, Show starts at 8:30pm. Admission is $10 per person. BYOB.

Square Roots Records, a new listening room, recording studio and event space, is officially cutting the ribbon on their space at 106 Market St in downtown Troy on Thursday November 12th. Two days later, they are hosting three of the area’s brightest original music groups: Trey Stone & The Ringers, Tim Prichard & The Boxcar Suite, and Jack Ballengee-Morris. This is the perfect opportunity to check out the incredible sound system, bohemian decor, and cozy vibe!

This event is being presented by Venus Child Productions, a new local business that specializes in producing concerts and special events. This is the first all-local concert for VCP, and the first event presented outside the immediate downtown Dayton area. Libby Ballengee, the owner of VCP explains how the idea for this event came about: “I’m a huge fan of the Such A Night: The Last Waltz  event at The Dayton Art Institute. I realized a lot of the musicians in that super group have their own original bands. Two groups in particular, Trey Stone & The Ringers and Tim Pritchard & the Boxcar Suite, have the biggest representation of musicians in the Last Waltz. That’s how I got hip to both of these amazing bands. Bringing their original bands together on one stage has been a labor of love.”

Capping off this labor of love, is the addition of Ballengee’s own nephew, Jack Ballengee Morris, to the mix. This third-generation Appalachian traditionalist plays acoustic guitar along with a cello player, bringing a contemporary twist to his traditional mountain music sound. Morris was raised in West Virginia, and currently resides in the Columbus area. He is excited to be performing his first concert in the greater Dayton region. Morris’s music is featured in a new documentary, Shelter, by Academy Award winning documentary film maker, Barbara Kopple.

The Boxcar Suite takes the stage next, performing their signature sound: home-grown, Midwestern rock’n’roll. Their songs feature thoughtful lyrics set against dynamic guitar arrangements. Fans of Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young will be delighted with this Dayton-based four piece. Check out their newest album, Across the Vast and Deep, on iTunes or by clicking here.

Trey Stone & The Ringers headline this incredible evening of live music

Trey Stone & The Ringers headline this incredible evening of live music

Trey Stone & The Ringers are headlining this talented showcase. This eight-piece ensemble is led by keyboardist and songwriter, Trey Stone. Trey served as Musical Director at the famed Second City comedy theater for 15 years, working with many of the greats of modern comedy, including SNL’s Horatio Sanz, Jason Sudeikis, and Vanessa Bayer. His music and sound is inspired by the great New Orleans piano masters, including Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, James Booker, and Professor Longhair. This is good time music that will leave you with a smile on your face!

 

Cost of admission to this show is $10 and can be purchased at the door. Doors open at 7pm. Music will begin at 8:30pm. Please bring your own food and beverages.

Music by Jack Ballengee-Morris is featured in a new documentary by Academy award winning film maker, Barbara Kopple.

Music by Jack Ballengee-Morris is featured in a new documentary by Academy award winning film maker, Barbara Kopple.
 
About Square Roots Records
Square Roots Records is a revolutionary event space in Troy, Ohio. It’s a space for music, creativity and community.
Square Roots is a place to hear music in a listening room atmosphere where the emphasis is on presenting live music in an ideal setting for both the listener and performer.
Square Roots is a recording studio where artists can realize their vision.
Square Roots is a flexible space where you can hold wedding receptions, birthdays, holiday parties, corporate events, fundraisers – whatever event you envision, the staff can help you realize it.
 
About Venus Child Productions
Venus Child Productions delivers exciting and eclectic entertainment events to the Dayton area. Venus Child Productions is the love child of Libby Ballengee, a promoter, photojournalist, podcaster, and philanthropist. Libby is presenting eclectic and exciting special events that showcase her love of live music, dance, art, yoga, mediation, and more!
 
Keep up with VCP events on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VenusChildProductions