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Cityfolk: Culture Builds Community – Soul Rhythms

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Collaboration is an amazing gift! When you experience it, those moments of joined efforts and creative kinship are downright life changing. This is true in both cultural arts and community building. Collaboration means working together, engaging in common goals and welcoming folks from all traditions to share a common journey. That is Culture Builds Community!

Cityfolk engages in this process throughout the year, through the concert series, the summer festival and CBC. As Dayton’s traditional arts organization, we are grounded in the traditional arts – this generation’s “original,” knowing that it all trickles down to the next citizens/family members/artists to translate anew. Relationship patterns are horizontal and vertical; they thrive at a multitude of levels. Carried at each level are tangible takeaways: dance, cooking, music, poems, jewelry, quilts, paintings, puppets and more. We create it and hand it down. There’s a ladder of love in the abstract, a full life of expression in the real stories. That is Culture Builds Community!

When Cityfolk works in the schools, the effort is in sharing those art forms that represent an aspect of tradition that elementary aged children in 2012 may or may not know from family or educational experience. In some cases, families nourish their ethnic heritage through yearly celebrations or cherished belongings. Plenty of other folks may not know their ancestry, where their people came from. Many of us see ourselves as a fusion of cultures, a mix of many, and we bond with various traditions that move us or bring us joy. Whatever the case, Culture Builds Community celebrates the knowns and the unknowns. Every human being has a back story, a history with connections. CBC helps to both bring unique identity and common experience to the fore. The Welcome Dayton initiative celebrates the immigrant-friendly nature of the city. This inclusive approach fits beautifully with Cityfolk’s mission and CBC’s action.

For the past seven years, Culture Builds Community has lived into its identity by sharing arts-based cultural activities in Dayton’s urban neighborhoods. We’ve been building relationships with neighbors and area youth, through community events and the summer festival activities. Our signature piece is a residency project, bringing Visiting Artists together with Local Artists, Site Coordinators,Neighborhood School Centers and students to collaborate on a theme, through music and dance. This year is the most expansive program yet, involving all five NSC schools, five nationally acclaimed artists and a bevy of local talents and organizers to bring five cultural strands through an educational migration to a dynamic destination, the culminating performance. This year, Cityfolk presents CBC 2012 – Soul Rhythms: Traveling land and heart Through Music and Dance.

Soul Rhythms is engaged with the following schools:Fairview, Ruskin,Edison,Cleveland and Kiser. Each school is hosting a particular cultural expression, blending a team of intergenerational, multicultural folks together to make dances. These dances will be combined with works by visiting artists, local artists and collaborations between them, culminating in a dynamic performance!! While this project is one large collaborative effort, aspects of the whole are being realized in smaller pieces, to afford the most productive use of time and talent. Artists are working together, developing big ideas and sounds, swapping ideas with students; site coordinators are keeping the logistics tight, the attendance strong. It’s a well-oiled machine. Soul Rhythms is unfolding over seven weeks, taking us March through April. During week 1, the following artistic teams came together.

LaFrae Sci

LaFrae Sci

Fairview PreK-8 School welcomed percussionist and composer LaFrae Sci, nationally known artist, actively involved in Jazz atLincolnCenter, international teaching tours and her band, The Thirteenth Amendment. Ms. Sci is a native Daytonian! She is thrilled to be teaching in her hometown. She is working actively with Stivers Jazz band members, Renee McClendon (McClendon Institute) and Sierra Leone (Oral Funk Poetry), creating performance art with a group of 5th – 8th  graders.

Hasan Isakkut

Hasan Isakkut

Ruskin PreK-8, together with East End Community Services, is hosting Turkish kanun player, Hasan Isakkut, who is working closely with community dancers from theTwinTowers neighborhood. These young dancers from the Ahiska tradition will share their folk dance tradition with students from Ruskin. Mr. Isakkut will bring his beautiful music to the dancers, collaborating with LaFrae Sci to include the signature folk dance rhythms for the group.

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Step Afrika

Step Africa

Edison PreK-8 welcomed Step Afrika, nationally acclaimed dance troupe, specializing in the African American fraternity step tradition. They have partnered withCentral State’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, to teach advanced step routines to the young people of the Wright Dunbar neighborhood. CSU worked with young people atEdison in February as part of Black History Month.

Hammerstep

Hammerstep

Cleveland PreK-8 is proud to showcase the innovative work of Hammerstep, a dance company blending Irish step and Hip Hop, among other forms, bringing a whole new genre of dance to Daytonians. Founding member Garrett Coleman graduated from U.D, so this is a homecoming of sorts for him. Hammerstep is working closely with Beth Wright, formerly of Rhythm in Shoes, and The Corndrinkers, a long-established, local band, playing old time traditional country music.

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Sones de Mexico

Sones de Mexico

Kiser PreK-8 hosts Sones de Mexico from Chicago, bringing Mexican traditional music and dance to Old North Dayton. They are collaborating with local artist, Imelda Ayala and her local dancers, Orgullo Mexicano, along with Kiser students. The two artist teams bring dance from two different parts of Mexico!

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Artistic Director, Rodney Veal is pulling together the dances and collaborations into a beautiful dynamic sequence, a performance that will keep the audience riveted for an hour and fifteen minutes, packed with the pride of homelands, including our collective home,Dayton Ohio! The dances reflect a rich collaboration on the theme of migration. The performance features the live music of each tradition, film work to augment the various expressions and a masterful sense of the journey. All artists and participants will perform!

The big day is April 22nd, 2012!!! You won’t want to miss this performance!!! There is only one!! Tickets are on sale now – $12 per seat -through the Cityfolk website or in our office,126 N. Main St,. Suite 220. Follow the project on Facebook. Check out videos of CBC artists and previous CBC projects on our YouTube channel. Next year’s plans are already cookin’! CBC will be more places, with more folks involved! We would like YOU to be among them!!! Call 223-3655×3008 for more information.

Food Adventures visits Local Personality: Henrique Couto

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“Uncle Henny’s” Homemade Ginger Ale

Sometimes when we go on a Food Adventure, we meet someone that makes a big impression.  It is fair to say local talent Henrique Couto did just that.   About a year ago,  the Big Ragu randomly saw Henrique at a Chinese Buffet.  He was dressed in his trademark colorful pajama pants and a unique Hawaiian shirt.  His handlebar moustache was perfectly curled and he had rubber bands holding his beard tight.  Immediately, we knew we had to meet this interesting character.  After a couple of photos at the buffet, we went on our merry way, not even knowing his name.  Then, a few months later, we saw Henrique’s music CD’s at a local store and got in touch with him.

But who is Henrique Couto?  He is a filmmaker, musician and self described “raconteur” who finds any and all ways to express himself.  How does he fit into our Food Adventures? Well, he also makes some “Softened Drinks” which are available at unclehennys.com .  Being curious. we decided to check out these beverages.

We met Henrique at his home where he brews these special batches.  Couto shared with us how he got started in the beverage making business.  He told us that he had tried some incredible Ginger Ales from all over the country, yet there was nothing like this available in Dayton, Ohio.  Henrique decided to develop his own tasty sodas by cooking them himself in his kitchen, and people quickly took notice.  Henrique says, “I hope people to enjoy it, I hope they love the way it tastes, and I hope they buy lots more.  I like that level of validation!”

We each decided to buy a 6 pack of soda from Henrique.  We chose regular Ginger Ale, and the diet version.  The ginger ales are unique.  You have never tasted something quite like this.  They are made with pure cane sugar and real grated ginger root.  He shies away from using peppercorns and cayenne pepper, and instead adds habanero for a subtle heat.  Definitely a very individual taste.  Not for everyone, but we know he is going after the eclectic and adventurous soda seekers.

But, Couto does not only make beverages.  Henrique is a man of many talents.  He records music and has some of those videos online.  He plays an electric ukulele.  How cool is that?  He even has a website called UkeOrDie.com.  He also hosts a local game show on Wednesday nights at Milano’s Restaurant near University of Dayton called “Drink n Think.”   He is of Portuguese decent, and shares our love for food, like a good Pad Thai.

After swapping foodie stories, Henrique asked us if we would like to see his mausoleum.  That’s right, this horror film buff had set up a mini studio in his garage using his experience from his days in the film industry.  We also love horror movies, growing up with Dr. Creep and Shock Theater.  The 3 of us shared some laughs about our favorite creepy movie actors, then ended the visit with a few photos.

What is next for Henrique Couto?  He is currently developing a fruity root beer beverage that he intends to call “Froot Beer.”  We can’t wait to taste this, but it will not be available for a few weeks.

Henrique was very kind to take the time to invite The Big Ragu into his home for our Food Adventure.  We found out there is much more to him than the unforgettable outfits.   He is very witty with a great sense of humor. We will be seeing him around town and wish him much success in his “Softened Drink” endeavors, which you can check out HERE.  Whether being Dayton’s favorite electric ukulele player, game show hosting, or brewing his own beverages, we think Henrique Couto is an example of when nice guys finish first.

Have you met Henrique?  Have you tried one of  Uncle Henny’s Softened Drinks?  Have you seen his game show or been to one of his ukulele shows?  Then post you comment below !

Also, please visit FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE and “like” us to become an official fan!!

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Air Camp Grows Future Aviation Leaders

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(Editor Note: the following was submitted by Scott Murphy)

Over the past few years, community leaders have a launched a number of new efforts that are helping put Dayton back on the map.  Initiatives to help our community become more immigrant friendly, secure Dayton as the Ohio hub for aerospace technology, and solidify our city as the starting place for the Road to the Final Four are big ideas (and many more) that help distinguish us from other cities.  We’ve realized that if we want people to think of Dayton, then we’ve got to give them something to think about.

Air Camp is another effort uniquely Dayton.  Started by local educators and retired Air Force and business community leaders, this program introduces middle school students from around the country to aviation and aeronautics.  Think Space Camp at Huntsville, AL, but for aeronautics and aviation at the birthplace of flight.  The intensive one week Air Camp combines the principles of aeronautics with hands on experience.  The program’s packed curriculum pulls together the many assets around the region that together distinguish Dayton as a world-leader in flight.

Want to get a young person excited about flight?  Show them airplanes… really cool ones.  Students visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force on the program’s first day and see firsthand how Dayton has been at the cutting edge in aviation since Orville and Wilbur made their historic flight in 1903.  Dayton remains on the cutting edge with the research that happens every day at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.  Air Camp shows students that almost all new developments in aerospace technology get their start or are at least impacted by researchers at Wright-Patt.  In Dayton at the Air Force Research Lab, new aerospace technology goes from theory to application – ideas turn into reality.  Program participants interact with these Air Force researchers and get a glimpse of what their future career could be like in science and technology.

Air Camp inspires and challenges its students with hands on learning in the principles of flight.  Participants get the unique opportunity to learn the basics of aeronautics by actually designing and testing a wing in a wind tunnel.  At Sinclair they participate in a half-day course on how to fly an airplane and get a thrill they’ll be sure to remember by piloting a motion-based flight simulator.  It’s one thing to understand the physical principles of how planes fly; it’s another thing to actually feel it by flying one yourself.  All Air Camp students get this opportunity at Wright Brothers Airport as a capstone activity near the end of the week.

Air Camp’s founders saw a nation-wide need for more scientists, engineers, and technicians.  People like Vince Russo, a retired Air Force Executive who chose to make Dayton his home after retirement, hope Air Camp will inspire middle school students to choose a research and technology related vocation.  Says Russo, “Our vision is to inspire students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).  Air Camp is a ‘wow’ experience grounded by a solid academic curriculum to help create a technology savvy workforce for the future.”

Thanks to Air Camp, when these students grow up they’ll not only be more likely to pursue a career in aviation and aeronautics, they’ll know that Dayton, OH is the place to do it.

Air Camp applications are being accepted now for the 2012 summer sessions scheduled for June 17-22, July 8-13, and July 22-27. Up to 40 students will be chosen for each session by a competitive application process. Applications are being accepted online through April 30 at www.aircampusa.com from students entering the seventh through ninth grades in fall 2012.

Questions?  Contact Tom Severyn at [email protected] to learn more.

Celebrate SWAN Day – Support Women Artists Now in Dayton

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An international event for women artists is coming to Dayton as part of the celebration of Women’s History month.

Support Women Artists Now, or SWAN Day, features and celebrates the talents of female artists. The new event gained a lot of steam in its first four years and has had over 700 Swan Day events in 21 countries. Taking place on the last Saturday of Women’s History Month, it’s already been officially recognized in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and many more cities. Swan Day has yet to hit the streets of Dayton, but this year will be different.

On March 31st at 3:00 p.m. community members will gather at the Auditorium in the Dayton Metro Library Main Branch to see local female talent showcasing their finest work. Best of all, the program is free!

Co-founder of SWAN Day, Martha Richards, believes that women artists are creating a change in communities around the world. She says the celebration represents what the world would be like if female art and perspectives were fully integrated into everyone’s lives. Richards adds that the long-term goal is inspiring communities to recognize and support women artists as what she calls a basic element of civic planning. SWAN Day has attracted some high-profile attention. Award-winning novelist Isabel Allendale, Grey’s Anatomy actress Sandra Oh, and X-Men movie actress Famke Janssen have all made online video endorsements of the event.

Attending artists will include a wide range of local talents like authors, film-makers, poets, comedians, and more. There will be short films, poetry and novel readings, plays, and still more. For a little taste of what’s to come, I asked a few of the featured artists for their takes on SWAN Day and what they’ll be providing during the celebration.

Documentarian Maggie Price will be showing her film A Pretty Piece of Flesh. For Price, SWAN Day is something she considers not only an exciting opportunity for celebration, but also a chance for women artists to come together and support each other and the work they create. She hopes her film will start a dialogue about the difficult topic of cutting. Believing self-harm is often sensationalized in the media, Price says she wants to present something honest and personal that people can relate to and might help others gain some understanding.

Kristie LeVangie

Poet Kristie LeVangie, who will be reading excerpts of her work, says she’s honored to be able to share part of her vision and support her fellow artists. She thinks of SWAN Day as an opportunity to promote positive female endeavors in the arts and for female artists to share their art – no matter the form. LeVangie says that if she  can inspire another woman to reach out and interpret her world or just liberate a thought, it makes it all worth it.

Sara Berelsman will be reading the first chapter of her memoir about alcoholism, currently titled The Last Rock Bottom. Like LeVangie, she’s excited for the potential to inspire those who attend. For Berelsman, this event means a chance to celebrate women and creativity. She hopes it will raise awareness of female talent in the area and that this will be the first of many SWAN Days.

Tami Boehmer will be reading from her compilation, From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds. Boehmer, whose been interviewed by Cincinnati’s FOX 19, says she’s honored to be part of the program and looks forward to meeting fellow participants and experiencing their work. She thinks SWAN Day is a great opportunity and hopes it will help propel the work of female artists in Ohio to a larger audience.

Mary Curran Hackett

Novelist Mary Curran Hackett will be reading selections from her debut novel, Proof of Heaven. She says she thinks the purpose of the event is to enable people to envision a world that includes every woman’s contribution to art and culture as well as explore what women can offer their communities. Hackett hopes that not only will women and girls leave the celebration feeling empowered and inspired, but also that both genders feel inspired to support and admire women artists.

I don’t think I have to point this out, but there are some common threads here: inspiration, support, opportunity, community, unique contribution, encouragement, and perspective to name a few. These women are also adamant in a strong belief in the large talent pool here in the community. Not only are they eager to share their personal stories, artworks, and time; they’re excited to see what all the other attendees will bring to the event.

Here’s hoping you’ll all join me on the 31st to celebrate SWAN Day and the artistic accomplishments of our local ladies. Many will be selling books and artwork and others will be signing copies – if you’re a fan of anyone scheduled to attend, be sure to bring something for their signatures. Each and every one of the attending artists has a lot to bring to the table, so be sure to check them out. You never know who or what might inspire you.

Follow these links for more info:  SWAN Day Dayton and the national site WomenArts SWAN Day.

Ohio Shock: a History of Horror Hosting in the Buckeye State

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Editor’s note:  The piece was submitted by Matthew Brassfield, a local filmmaker and the writer, director and producer of Baron Von Porkchop’s Terrifying Tales of the Macabre.

Ohio has always been a hot bed for what I like to call the “Art of Horror Hosting”, and many amazing characters have graced Buckeye State TVs in the late night and afternoons. Do you remember sitting in a dark living room under the glow of the TV set with a bowl of your favorite snacks and your eyes glued to the screen?  While you watched, the host seemed to be your friend and kept you safe from The Mummy, Frankenstein’s Monster and the ghouls of the film you were watching alongside him. Yes, I said alongside him. A good Horror Host becomes a friend that watches the terrors on the screen with you and makes it less scary as they joke their way through several hours. Many kids today haven’t experienced the wonders of cheesy horror films on late night television; kids can watch horror films directly on their cellphones or stream them from Netflix. Before the internet of course, we’d find out about older films from books or magazines and then wait for them to appear on TV. I learned about numerous films from seeing them on a horror host programs. Some of the hosts were on national stations like USA Network who had Commander USA hosting his “Groovie Movies.” Rhonda Shear and Gilbert Gottfried kept us “UP ALL NIGHT.” TBS had Grandpa Munster hosting “SUPER SCARY SATURDAY.” Elvira and her “Movie Macabre” filled the syndicated airwaves, and TNT had “MONSTER VISION” with host Joe Bob Briggs preceded briefly by comedy act Penn & Teller.

But it was the hometown hosts that seemed to really connect with viewers, making these ghouls into local super stars. So let’s take a look at some of these amazing late night icons of Ohio Horror. Some you may have watched growing up, some you might watch now and some you may have never heard of.

But first I should explain about the show title “Shock Theater” or “Shock Theatre.” Many Dayton folks think that this exclusively refers to Dr. Creep’s weekly host program, but that’s not the case at all. In 1957 Universal Pictures teamed with Screen Gems to allow 52 of their classic monster films to be aired on TV. This was called “The Shock Package,” and stations around the world employed costumed hosts to introduce the films and entertain viewers during commercial breaks. Most shows were called Shock Theatre, and the hosts were often people who already worked for the station or radio DJ’s. The Shock Package was a huge hit, and it spawned “The Son of Shock Package,” opening the door for more hosts and more films to choose from. Horror Host programs became must-see TV, and people flooded to see the hosts at public appearances. So now that you know a little about the Shock Package that helped start the ball rolling (along with Vampira, the first Horror Host), it’s time for us to take a look at some of Ohio’s hosts through the ages.

Alexander & Troggy

Alexander & Troggy

In the late 1950’s, Alexander and his pet troglodyte, Troggy, took over “Shock Theater” in Youngstown, Ohio from David Allen (a floating head who was the show’s original host) and made a small impact with viewers. Today no one is sure how many episodes and years the show ran leaving the scientist and his freakish pet a slight mystery. It’s a shame not much is known about Alexander and Troggy because from what I can gather, they would be Ohio’s second or third horror hosts ever. It also seems as if all shows have been lost, and that’s a heartbreaking for many fans and collectors who would have loved to see what misadventures these two got into. NOTE: Lost shows is a widespread issue with classic host shows. Many times stations would record over the past show to save money on film or the episodes were shot live and never recorded, leaving them lost forever.

Mad Daddy

Mad Daddy

Mad Daddy hosted “Shock Theater” for the summer of 1957 in Cleveland. Mad Daddy wore a black cape and would host the movies in all types of crazy ways including being broadcasted upside down. Viewers complained about the weirdness, and Mad Daddy went off the air pretty quickly. Mad Daddy’s run was just for a summer, but the Horror Host went on to be a radio DJ and semi-celebrity who recorded songs like “I Love a Good Practical Joke.” In June 1958, he parachuted over Lake Eerie while writing a poem as a publicity stunt. Mad Daddy continued to work in radio until 1968 when sadly he took his own life. Mad Daddy played his character very creepy and overly happy with a wonderful sinister laugh. After television he took the character on many radio shows for many stations. He also inspired punk rock band The Cramps who wrote the song “Mad Daddy” about the Horror Host/Radio DJ. Much like Alexander and Troggy, his short run of hosting Shock Theater seems to be lost forever as no known episodes have come to light.

Bargain City Kid and Willie Thall

The Bargain City Kid & Willie Thall

Cincinnati’s “Shock Theatre” was hosted by The Bargain City Kid and his sidekick Willie Thall in the early 1960’s and was sponsored by The Kid’s own discount store called Rinks. The Bargain City Kid wore a cowboy hat and toy guns and would spend most of the show doing silly things and featuring items that were on sale at the store. Many times they would also do skits with pro wrestlers like the original Sheik to promote the wrestling shows on the air or currently in town. The Bargain City Kid and Willie Thall would also announce for pro wrestling and are Cincinnati’s first horror hosts. Sadly, Thall passed away in 2005, and Kid passed away in 2007. Like the hosts mentioned above, all known shows are missing and are much sought after by fans of this classic host team.

Ghoulardi

Ghoulardi

In 1963 Ghoulardi began hosting Cleveland’s “Shock Theater” and would go on to become a local icon and one of Ohio’s most popular hosts. In addition to Shock Theater, Ghoulardi hosted numerous other shows around the area, always keeping him in the minds of the viewers. Ghoulardi was a hipster kind of guy with a quick wit, fake goatee and a mess of a wig. The fun, kid-friendly host opened doors for many hosts that followed, not to mention was the direct influence to such hosts as The Ghoul, Son of Ghoul and Big Chuck. In 1966, Ghoulardi stepped away from the show and went to California where he became the voice of ABC and did voiceovers for shows like McGyver and America’s Funniest Home Videos. Ghoulardi passed away in 1997 leaving a great legacy. Ghoulardi’s image was also shown many times in “The Drew Carry Show,” that was set in Cleveland. Another fun fact is that his son is Paul Thomas Anderson, director of films like “Boogie Nights” and “There Will Be Blood”. Ghoulardi’s show has some episodes floating around. While not available to the masses, they can be found on tape trade lists. In 2011 Ghoulardi was inducted into the new Horror Host Hall of Fame, making him one of three Ohio hosts to receive this high honor.

Hoolian, Little John and Big Chuck

Hoolihan, Big Chuck & Little John

1966 in Cleveland saw the exit of Ghoulardi but the start of “The Hoolihan and Big Chuck Show.” It took the true horror out of hosting but mixed in lots of humor with a sketch comedy approach, and the show proved to be a hit. Big Chuck, who worked on Shock Theater with Ghoulardi, was chosen alongside his friend Hoolihan to fill the time slot and host the night’s movie. The two were a beloved team until 1979 when Hoolihan left the show, and Little John stepped into the mix to co-host. The combo of Big Chuck and Little John was a perfect fit, and the two worked together until 2007 when the show finally came to an end. Big Chuck has over 40 years of hosting under his belt and still remains a popular local celebrity. He even wrote a book called My Favorite Stories From 47 Years On Cleveland TV. Many continue to argue about who was better to host the films with Big Chuck. Some say that it was Hoolihan because he was there when the show was fresh and new, but others say Little John who had great comedic timing. Whoever you prefer, the show was a great time, and lots of the Big Chuck and Little John shows are still around.

Cool Ghoul

The Cool Ghoul

In 1969 Cincinnati got another host by the name of The Cool Ghoul with a show called “Scream-In.” The Cool Ghoul wore a red wig, a goofy hat and cape and would spend time reading fan mail, talking to his off screen friend and being your every day silly ghoul. He became a hit and even recorded an album called “The Cool Ghoul’s Phantasmagorical Funny Fonograf Record.” There was also a dance called Cool Ghoul, naturally. The Cool Ghoul also made public appearances much to the delight of fans of all ages. Scream-In’s time was up in 1972, but despite such a short time on the air, The Cool Ghoul became an Ohio hosting icon and has inspired many other local hosts. The Cool Ghoul passed away in 2004, leaving behind many great memories for those who watched him late nights. Some of The Cool Ghoul’s show footage has survived and can be found in the hands of collectors and on trade lists. In 2011, the Cool Ghoul was inducted into the first class of hosts in the Horror Host Hall of Fame, acclaiming his importance in the community of hosts.

Superhost

Superhost

Superheros wanted to host films too, and in 1969 Cleveland had one who just did that when Superhost brought his “Supes On” pre-show and more important “Saturday Afternoon Mad Theater” to viewers. Superhost was a goofball of a hero who would wear a Superman inspired costume and a red clown nose. He would introduce the films, tell jokes and do a few sketches. His antics would entertain viewers so much that even when Saturday Afternoon Mad Theater was cancelled, Superhost continued to host Three Stooges shorts, cartoons, The Munsters and Batman for the station. He’s the first host I know of who had his own pre-show! Superhost was a child-friendly host who made his way into Cleveland culture by lasting on TV for many years. Superhost would hang up his cape in 1992 and step away from hosting. Clips and a few full shows can be found on trade lists and on Youtube.

The Ghoul

The Ghoul

Cleveland had its share of hosts that include Hoolihan & Big Chuck, Superhost and Mad Daddy. All made their mark on the area but none made as massive an impact as Ghoulardi who inspired this next host: The Ghoul. The Ghoul hit Cleveland airwaves in 1971 with his self titled show and would become yet another icon in Cleveland horror. The Ghoul was an almost re-birthed version of Ghoulardi, a quick witted hipster who wore the fake goatee, mustache and crazy wig like his idol. The Ghoul, who could have easily been a carbon copy of his idol, quickly showed he had his own oddball style that fans were quick to embrace. The Ghoul would go on to have his show in syndication and would make numerous public and radio appearances. With his show no longer on traditional television, he continues to make episodes that can be viewed via a subscription on his website. The Ghoul also started his career working for Ghoulardi as well as Hoolihan & Big Chuck as an assistant, gearing him up for his run as a beloved horror host. His show can be found on trade lists, youtube in clips and via his official website.

Dr. Creep

Dr. Creep

For years Dayton, Ohio got their horror host fix from bigger cities like Cincinnati and hosts like the Bargain City Kid. But in 1974 Dr. Creep hit the airwaves hosting “Shock Theatre,” and a true Dayton original was born. Dr. Creep started out as a spooky vampire-like ghoul named Dr. Death, but very quickly his character and name changed to a kid friendly goofy ghoul named Dr. Creep. He became so popular that he also began hosting Clubhouse 22, an after school kids’ show. In 1980 Shock Theatre ended, switched air-date and time and became Saturday Night Dead running until 1985. Years would go by and other horror hosts begin shows, but in 1999 New Shock Theater was unleashed on public access and Dr. Creep brought horror and laughs to another generation of viewers for six years. Dr. Creep was also a man with a big heart as he ran charities, hosted a horror movie marathon called Horrorama for years, did numerous conventions and guest spots on many other shows. One of the big attractions for The Creeper was his schedule of October public appearances at Foy’s Halloween Shop in Fairborn where he would make the Halloween season feel even more special. Sadly Dr. Creep passed away in 2011 leaving a legacy that will never be matched. Dr. Creep merchandise and episodes can be found on DVD via his official site and clips can be seen on Youtube. In 2011, Dr Creep was inducted into the Horror Host Hall of Fame, one of the first 13 hosts to receive this honor.

Fritz the Nite Owl

Fritz The Nite Owl

Fritz The Nite Owl started in 1974 and was Columbus’s first local horror host/ He hosted films 7 days a week,and became a staple of TV sets all over the city. Fritz is a laid back host who peppered witty comments into his segments and was known for his trademark owl sunglasses. The show had a very psychedelic feel with lots of bright colors and special effects. “Nite Owl Theatre” would run Monday-Thursday, Saturday and Sunday while “Double Chiller Theatre” would have Fritz hosting two films on Friday. His first run lasted until 1991, and he would come back two other times for other stations in smaller runs finally ending in 2003. But in 2010 he returned to hosting duties and is still going strong and building an even bigger fan base. Fritz became so big that he won 5 Emmy’s and even had a cameo in a DC comic book were he helped Superman and Captain Marvel save the world! If you would like to see episodes of Fritz The Nite Owl, you can get DVDs from his official website, watch clips on YouTube or find some on trade lists.

Moana

Moana

In the early 80’s Elvira became the “it” ghoul of horror hostesses and many imitations popped up, including Moana who hosted “Moana’s Place” in Columbus beginning 1983. She lived up to being a sexy goth ghoul in a tight black dress. The show, while short lived, did manage to gain a fan base who enjoyed Moana’s silly skits and her easy on the eyes look. At this time no known episodes are around leaving this Ohio horror hostess’ show a much sought after piece of horror host history.

We’ve made it to the early 80’s and there are many more hosts to explore. So look for part of Ohio Shock that will cover the rest of the 80’s to present day hosts. And if you would like to learn more about horror hosts, you can visit Horrorhound Weekend March 23-25 2012 in Columbus where hosts from around the world will gather to greet fans and induct the 2012 class into the Horror Host Hall of Fame. For more info visit www.horrorhoundweekend.com.

Till next time: stay scary Dayton!

Thanks to: Norman N. Brassfield, Bob Hinton, Richard Martin, Juliet Fromholt, Stephen Alexander II and Corpse S. Chris for their help with this article.

-Matthew Brassfield

Springfield, Ohio Museum Becomes Smithsonian Affiliate

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Springfield is now home to the only Smithsonian Affiliate art museum in the state of Ohio. The distinction celebrates the museum’s adherence to best practices and its exemplary permanent collection, which features artists such as Berenice Abbott, George Bellows and A.T. Bricher.

“Having this affiliation will connect the nationally-recognized name of Smithsonian with the high quality collections already featured at the museum,” said Ann Fortescue, director of the Springfield Museum of Art. “This affiliation enables us to showcase an even broader scope of exhibits and sustain a more vibrant public profile by sharing Smithsonian collections.”

The Springfield Museum of Art holds accreditation by the American Association of Museums, an achievement that helped garner the Smithsonian Affiliation. This distinction recognizes the museum’s adherence to best practices for museums. The Springfield Museum of Art exhibits strong, regionally focused collections of American art, which was also a factor in the decision-making process.

In addition to its local, regional and national exhibits, the Springfield Museum of Art regularly hosts community events, works with local schools to offer art education and teams with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for an outdoor summer concert series.

“It’s encouraging to see a local art museum have such a strong presence in the community,” said Harold Closter, director of Smithsonian Affiliations. “We’re proud to collaborate with the Springfield Museum of Art, because this museum is a true representation of the Smithsonian Affiliate Program’s continued push to broaden the experiences of museum-goers and the community as a whole.”

About Smithsonian Affiliations
Established in 1996, Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops collaborative partnerships with museums and educational and cultural organizations to share Smithsonian Institution resources with Americans in their communities. Smithsonian Affiliations works with affiliates to enrich communities with Smithsonian scholars, public programs and professional development opportunities. More information about the Smithsonian Affiliations program and a list of current affiliates are available at http://www.affiliations.si.edu.

About Springfield Museum of Art
Since 1946, the Springfield Museum of Art has served the region as a premier destination for the promotion, preservation, study and appreciation of historical and contemporary American artwork. Known for its amazing permanent collection and cutting-edge exhibitions, the museum collects, exhibits and preserves works of art for the benefit of all individuals while encouraging the education, participation and appreciation of the arts.

Visit the Museum at 107 Cliff Park Road – Springfield, Ohio 45501 – 937-325-4673

Museum Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday 12 pm – 4:30 pm
Monday CLOSED
Adults $5.00
Members and children 18 and under FREE
Wittenberg Students, Alumni, Staff and Faculty Members FREE
Sundays FREE

Bicycle Delivery and Messenger Service Now Open

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Dayton Cyclery, 506 Wayne Ave., is on the go in Dayton making deliveries to downtown residents, businesses and employees. The company serves all parts of downtown — including the Oregon Arts District, as well as the McPherson Town, St. Anne’s Hill and South Park neighborhoods and Miami Valley Hospital — delivering carry-out and grocery items from downtown restaurants and shops right to customers’ doors.

Dayton Cyclery can deliver any items less than 10 pounds for $5, and deliveries outside the primary service zone are $10. The business also sells cycling gear and offers a variety of bicycle repairs.

It’s open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 223-2453.

Grand Opening of Second Location for Thai Restaurant

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First thing’s first.  Go to your calendar and clear any plans you may have for dinner next Monday, March 19.  ‘Why?’ you ask.  Because House of Thai in Miamisburg is having their Grand Opening!

House of Thai is a wonderful little venue located right off of South Springboro Park, owned and operated by Hemant Wiratsorn and his wife, Chuthamat Phornpiriyanon. This is the restaurant’s second location, as the other House of Thai is located in Beavercreek.  Actually, the Beavercreek venue helped get the ball rolling on opening a second location.  A loyal customer, who loved House of Thai’s cuisine, owned a vacancy within a building in Miamisburg, where he suggested Wiratsorn open a second restaurant.  This new location has the same delicious menu, with the scrumptious addition of sushi.

Business at this new location in Miamisburg has been steadily picking up, but more importantly to

Panang Curry

Hemant is the opportunity to develop a relationship with his new customers through this House of Thai Grand Opening on Monday.  It’s very important to him that his customers don’t feel rushed to eat and that they stay as long as they would like.  “I want people to come here for relaxation. That’s why we are the ‘House’ of Thai,” explained Hemant.  When I visited with my boyfriend, George, we definitely felt at home.  The dining environment was very casual and easy-going, and I especially enjoyed getting to know House of Thai’s friendly staff.  They made me feel like a long-lost family member, even though we had just met each other for the first time.  Hemant and his staff’s warm hospitality is surely what will bring me back to House of Thai many more times; at this little restaurant I have found a home—a house full of family and delicious food.

Bakery Rolls

Speaking of food, I have never tasted such delicious Thai cuisine before, nor have I seen such a gorgeous presentation of ANY type of cuisine.  I am, by no means, a food expert, but I would surely deem this food tasty.  To put it simply, House of Thai’s eats were spectacular. George and I felt like royalty on our visit.  I could tell Hemant and his staff were genuinely nice people simply through our conversation, but when it came to sampling some of the dishes, they went above and beyond for this interview.  When George and I were presented with seven different exquisite Thai dishes and two specialty drinks, we were awestruck.  For a few minutes, we said nothing but “thank you,” over and over again.  I honestly thought I was dreaming, but taking my first bite, I soon realized that I actually was living out this dream-come-true.  I still don’t think I can ever fully express my gratitude no matter how many times I thank them.

Pla Samors (three flavored fish)

While we were there, we had the great privilege of trying a number of delicious dishes.  George and I enjoyed every single dish, and we can honestly say there were no plates left unclean (embarrassing picture to follow).  As an appetizer, we dined on Chicken Satay, which is chicken marinated in coconut milk and herbs, accompanied with a peanut sauce that complements the chicken beautifully. From the seafood portion of their menu, Pla Samros is a scrumptious three-flavored fish, topped with bell pepper and a special three-flavored sauce.  I love fried fish, and the chef has perfected this fish dish.

Panang Curry was another great dish, which includes chicken, bell pepper, fresh basil, and kaffir leaves in a peanut curry sauce.  My person favorite was the Bakery Rolls, which were only being offered as a special for the night, but are definitely what I recommend ordering if they are on the menu Monday.  I also absolutely love sushi, so the three rolls the kitchen staff brought out were also

King Dragon Roll

plates of which I couldn’t get enough.  The first, the House-of-Thai Special Roll, was spicy tuna topped with salmon and crunchy flake (my absolute favorite of the three!).  The second, the King Dragon Roll, was a sushi roll made of barbecue eel on top of shrimp tempura.  And the last, the Rainbow Roll, was a rainbow of fish and avocado on top of a California Roll.  We were also presented with two wonderfully unique specialty drinks—Thai Iced Coffee and Thai Iced Tea.

Now, you can’t honestly tell me your mouth isn’t watering from reading about this pure scrumptiousness.  And all these pictures included in the article?  They were taken on that very day we were presented this feast (thank you again, Hemant!), and as this picture below can attest to, every dish was finger-licking good.

According to Hemant, House of Thai’s signature dish and favorite among customers is their Chicken Pad Thai, which I actually was able to try this last Saturday, when I visited again. It’s definitely worthy of its “signature” label.  All in all, if you asked me, I couldn’t pick a favorite dish on House of Thai’s menu. It is all that good!  Not to mention, House of Thai receives all of their produce locally, so all of the food is fresh, too! And I know some of you may be skeptical about trying Thai food, but if the spiciness is your concern, be rest assured that when you order, you will be able to determine the level of spice on a scale from one to ten.

It’s good for the soul to try something new every once and a while.  Meet that quota by attending the House of Thai Grand Opening in Miamisburg on Monday, March 19!  Come hungry, and you’ll leave with a family of new friends and a very happy tummy.

Nom nom nom.  Yum!

 

House of Thai in Miamisburg

59 Fiesta Lane   Miamisburg, OH 45342

(937) 938-9437

House of Thai Miamisburg Facebook

Check out their mobile site, too!

Lunch

Mon-Fri 11:00AM – 2:30PM

Dinner

Mon-Thu 4:20PM – 9:00PM

Fri 4:30PM – 9:30PM

Sat 12:00PM – 9:30PM

DPO presents Celtic Vistas with Cathie Ryan

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Dayton, the Celtic heart of Southwest Ohio.

No, I didn’t believe it either. Then I did a little poking around. It seems that there might be justification for such an expression.

For instance, there is the Annual Dayton Celtic Festival, which last year featured the Celtic (kel-tick, not sell-tick) bands Gaelic Storm, The Fuchsia Band, The Elders, Scythian, and Enter the Haggis (I’m not touching this one…).

Then one of my favorite haunts, The Dublin Pub, has a unique two-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The day before the feast day, March 16, the Pub holds rehearsals and calls it St. Practice Day. March 17, St. Patrick’s Day itself, is an all-day music festival starting at 7 am (!) that this year featured such Celtic groups as Bob Ford & The Ragamuffins, Castle Close, and the Miami Valley Pipes & Drums.

And Cityfolk hosts an annual Celtic Series.

But ever asked yourself what, exactly, is Celtic music? Answer Irish music, and you’d be right, sort of. If your ancestors were from Ireland, then you’re Celtic. The same holds true for folks from Scotland, of course. And Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Galicia, Cantabria, Asturias (Spain) and Portugal!

Still think Celtic music is just Irish music?

The term Celtic music derives from the music industry and encompasses a wide spectrum of music types that grew out of the folk musical customs of Celtic people.

So, say Celtic music, and you’re referring to both traditional music passed on literally by word of mouth as well as popular music that is recorded. It’s the music of the people of all 10 of those countries I referred to previously and whatever unique qualities each country’s music possesses.

Today, it’s become a great deal more than that.

Celtic music has incorporated elements from New Age, smooth jazz, folk rock, folk-punk, pop, rock, reggae, electronica, metal, punk, hip hop, Latin, and Andean. The new term for all of this is Celtic fusion (as opposed to confusion).

And, to further cloud the situation, if you write it and record it in a Celtic language, you can call it Celtic music.

All that aside, if you want to hear some of the very best Celtic music, you need to be at the Schuster Center at 8pm on either Friday, March 16 or Saturday, March 17 for the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s (DPO) presentation of Celtic Vistas with Cathie Ryan.

Featured on more than forty compilations of Celtic Music, Ryan has produced a critically acclaimed body of discography that includes Cathie Ryan, The Music of What Happens, Somewhere Along the Road, and The Farthest Wave.

Her recording successes notwithstanding, Ryan believes that there is nothing like a live show, being with an audience, and sharing the music. “That is the best part of being a singer and writing songs,” she states.

If you follow Irish music, you’ll remember Ryan being in the famous Irish music collection, A Woman’s Heart – A Decade On, placing her amongst Irish music’s finest female vocalists and songwriters. It was the first time Americans were featured in the series, and she shared the honor with Allison Krauss, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris.

Irish America Magazine voted Ryan one of the Top 100 Irish Americans. Chicago’s Irish American News honored her as Irish Female Vocalist of the Decade, and the LA Times recently named her, “One of the leading voices in Celtic music.”

No less stars in their own right, the members of Ryan’s band know – and perform – the genre brilliantly.

As a young child, New-York-born Matt Mancuso (fiddle, trumpet, octave mandolin, guitar, vocals) got his introduction to Irish Music from his father Pete, a respected guitarist and record producer. Mancuso studied with the renowned musician and teacher Maureen Glynn and went on to compete in the prestigious All Ireland competitions, placing second in three consecutive years. Not bad for an Italian-Irish American in what can be a very closed musical society.

The star fiddle player in Lord of the Dance and a founding member of the rousing ensemble The Mickey Finns, Mancuso has taken star turns in tours with Irish super-group Grada.

Percussionist Brian Melick’s career in World Music spans over 30 years and includes playing with a diverse range of musicians, being featured on over 250 commercial recordings, and sharing his love of percussion both as an educator and a consultant to school arts programs.

Dancers from The Richens/Timm Academy, one of the most recognizable and respected names in the world of Irish dance, will join Ryan and the band on stage.

So, whether or not you’re Irish the rest of the year, come to the Schuster Center and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the DPO, Assistant Conductor Paddy O’Reynolds (the rest of the year, he’s Patrick Reynolds), The Richens/Timm Academy dancers, and Cathie Ryan and her band, for the very best music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany….

No matter. It’s all good.

It’s all Celtic.

Drink Me, I’m Irish!

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Really...just coffee...nothing to see here...

St. Patrick’s Day. People are going to wear all the green they can find, and party as hard as they possibly can. This will all be before 10 AM, since most places are going to be open early so as many people as possible can enjoy the day. Most people are going to be drinking green beer and stouts, and washing it all down with Irish whiskey or other hard liquors of their choosing.

Keep an eye on the Irish whiskey this year. It is seeing a popularity that it has not seen since before World War 1. It is a very fine example of whiskey, and thought by most to be the earliest style of whiskey in the world. It is known that the Irish have been making it for at least 600 years, though some think it was distilled as early as the 12th century.  Barley is very easy to find in Ireland, and they roast that barley over the harder to find coal in the country. That is one of the key differences between Scotch and Irish whiskey; Scotch uses peat to roast the barley, which imparts a smoky flavor to the Scotch. The word “whiskey” itself comes from the Gaelic uisce beatha, “water of life”. They distilled this in various forms until the Irish placed a tax on barley malt in 1785, which drove many distillers to ply their trade illegally, and changed the overall complexion of the liquid by the addition of unmalted barley, which has remained part of the process to this day.  This began a long downward slide into near obscurity, with a book titled “The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom” by Alfred Barnard listing the number of legal distilleries in Ireland at 28.  This was also a time when, because of the distilling process Irish whiskey, it was considered one of the finest whiskeys in the world. It also gained in popularity around this time because the French vineyards were being ravaged by phylloxera, killing the French wine industry. By the turn of the 19th century, Irish whiskey was well on its way to taking over the alcohol drinking world.

And then everything went wrong. The growing temperance movements in the United Kingdom and the United States stared reducing demand in general, hitting bottom for the industry in when the 18th Amendment went into effect in the United States. World War I hit all of Europe hard, and then a generation of fighting in Ireland hit the island harder. Many distilleries closed or merged, leading to there being only four main distilleries now for all of the Irish whiskey produced. During this time, the Scotch producers stepped in and filled the void, as well as the Canadians. American whiskey production filled some more of the gaps after World War II. By the end of that war, there were only seven distilleries in Ireland. At its bottom in the 1970’s, Irish whiskey accounted for only 1% of the whiskey sold in the world.

The one to watch...rocketing the category to the top

Irish whiskey was considered one of the finest whiskeys in the world at one point. The requirements for being called an Irish whiskey are not remarkable complex, like they are for tequila or champagne, but they do contribute to its popularity. It is typically distilled three times in pot stills, which gives the distiller more control over the flavor. The triple distillation also takes out quite a few of the impurities that normally are not caught in only one distillation, which is more typical in other whiskey. It must be aged three years in a wooden cask, which goes a long way to mellow out and smooth over some of the rougher patches in many whiskeys. All of this helps to bring out some of the more subtle complexities while making it easy to drink. The bulk of all Irish whiskeys are blended, but if you look hard enough, you can find some single malt. If there is an age on a bottle of blended whiskey, each element in the bottle must be at least that age. Many whiskey lovers feel that because of the smoothness and sweetness of Irish whiskey, it is the ideal whiskey to use to introduce people who may not have been exposed to it before into the category.

In the last decade, Irish whiskey has been moving rapidly back to the top of the cocktail world. Part of this could be attributed to the owner of the Buena Vista Café in San Francisco, Jack Koeppler. He was served an Irish Coffee at an airport in Ireland, and was so enamored with it he was determined to recreate it. He did so, and has been serving it at that café ever since, up to 2000 a day. And with the craft cocktail boom hitting hard, bartenders all over the world are looking at old recipes and obscure liquors to try out. Irish whiskey fell neatly into that category, and they started to introduce those cocktails and flavors to their guests. Jameson has been leading the charge, driving up their sales by 30% over the last few years, and brining up overall industry sales by 20%. Sales are booming, and they are showing no signs of slowing. And all of it comes from just four distilleries in Ireland: New Middleton, Old Bushmills, Cooley, and the new kid on the block, reopened in 2007, Kilbeggan . Most of the brands come out of the New Middleton distillery.

When you are out for St. Patrick’s Day, or any night out on the town, take a moment to introduce yourself to this classically respected, yet newly discovered, style of whiskey. If you are looking for a great selection, the Dublin Pub has an amazing one, also boasting being the number one seller of Irish whiskey in Ohio (a popular seller: Jameson 12 year). Mix it in to your normal rotation, and you will also learn to appreciate this subtle and sweet liquor. Slainte!

DVAC Presents: The Cline Show

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By Ashley Malloris

The Dayton Visual Arts Center presents The Cline Show, an exhibition of bold new works by 17 art and design undergrads. DVAC established this annual program in memory of Barbara C. Cline, former DVAC staffer, who affected the lives of hundreds of student interns and emerging artists before her sudden passing in 2006.

Through the Cline Show program, art and design students are nominated by faculty from Central State University, Miami University, Sinclair Community College, University of Dayton, Wittenberg University and Wright State University. Nominated students are also eligible to interview for the program’s three mentorships, in which winners take on the roles of curator, registrar and preparator for the exhibition. DVAC provides specialized training to these artists through the process of organizing and participating in a professional gallery exhibition.
This year, DVAC visitors will enjoy prints, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, installation and video from students representing Sinclair Community College, University of Dayton and Wright State University. Maggie McCollum, Sinclair Community College, is represented by her richly-toned, cropped figurative portraits. Ashley Malloris, Wright State University, presents bright and playful still life prints. The Cline Show is one of DVAC’s most dynamic, diverse and anticipated exhibitions of the year — that our audiences enjoy tremendously and many times walk away as proud owners of art by emerging Dayton artists.

By Maggie McCollum

Exhibiting artists are: Suzanne Bock (Wright State University), Wesley Brown (Sinclair Community College), Jacob Compston (Sinclair Community College), Patricia Emerson (Sinclair Community College), Kate Ervin (Wright State University), Ben Girmann (University of Dayton), Megan Hague (Wright State University), Clayton Kindred (University of Dayton), Lisa Lorek (University of Dayton), Ashlee Malloris (Wright State University), Alicia Marshall (Sinclair Community College), Maggie McCollum (Sinclair Community College), Rebecca Roman (University of Dayton), Heather Sandy (University of Dayton), William Stauffer (Wright State University), Ali Stonerock (Sinclair Community College), and Kyle Wilkinson (Wright State University).

The Dayton Visual Arts Center provides art for the community and a community for artists. DVAC receives operating support from the Ohio Arts Council, Culture Works, Montgomery County and the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation.

When
Exhibition on View
March 2-24, 2012

Gallery Talk
Friday, March 10, 4 p.m.

Where
Dayton Visual Arts Center
118 N. Jefferson St.
Dayton, OH 45402

Gallery Hours
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday Closed Sunday and Monday

Dayton Ballet’s “The Spring Series”

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Justin Koertgen and Erica Lehman Downey (photo by sskphoto)

The Spring Series, at Victoria Theatre from March 15 – 18, 2012, will feature four ballets in one amazing performance:  two world-premiere ballets:  one by Dayton Ballet’s Ballet Master, Justin Koertgen titled Violin Concerto and performed to Max Bruch’s Violin Concertos #2 and #3; 2011 New Music for New Dance choreography winner, Susanne Payne’s Parádeigma; and two ballet revivals:  Dermot Burke’s Interlude, performed to Dmitri Shostakovitch’s Piano Concerto No.2, Op. 102 and Gregory Robinson’s Hot Riffs and Blue Notes, performed to music by The Pointer Sisters.  For tickets visit TicketCenterStage.com or call 937-228-3630.

A feature on the program, Violin Concerto, is choreographed by Dayton Ballet’s 11 year veteran, Justin Koertgen, and is a return to the pure roots of classical ballet.  With tutus, tiaras, and tunics, Violin Concerto, is performed to Max Bruch’s Violin Concertos #2 and #3 with the elegance, energy and glorious partnering of true ballet.

Dayton favorite, GregoryRobinson, presents his popular revival, Hot Riffs and Blue Notes, performed to the melodically-layered music of The Pointer Sisters.

Dermot Burke, former Executive and Artistic Director of Dayton Ballet, returns with his revival, Interlude. This Neo-Classical ballet is danced by two couples to the romantic Piano Concerto No. 2, Op 102, by Dmitri Shostakovitch.

Grant Dettling and Halliet Slack (photo by sskphoto)

The Spring Series program concludes with a contemporary ballet choreographed by Dayton native, Susanne Payne.  Susanne is the 2011 Choreography winner of New Music for New Dance.  Her world premiere ballet, Parádeigma, pushes the company dancers to explore their limitations both physically and mentally.  Parádeigma challenges the dancers and audience to move beyond their perceptions of what traditional ballet should be.  The goal is for all is to experience the freedom achieved by breaking loose from the routine.

Performances of The Spring Series are at theVictoria Theatre, March 15, 16, & 17 at 8:00 pm, and March 17 and 18 at 3:00 pm.

Tickets are on sale now! Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or (888) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.  Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Noon-4 p.m. and two hours prior to each performance.

TICKET CONTEST

We have four pairs of tickets to give away for this show, courtesy of the Dayton Ballet!  Simply likethis article to share with your FB friends, and then comment below.  We’ll announce winners Wednesday March 14th at 2pm – good luck!

Food Adventures Get Lucky at Dunaway’s Beef and Ale

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Summer Shandy and a Brooklyn Lager

With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, Dunaway’s Beef and Ale in Troy, Ohio is gearing up for their annual event.   With huge crowds and outdoor tents, Dunaway’s  hosts one of the biggest St. Patty’s Day parties in the Dayton area.   Big Ragu and the Food Adventures Crew visited the pub recently and was impressed with the menu and drink offerings.  Since 1991 owners Brenda and Sandy have offered good food and spirits to the Troy faithful.   Known for their roast beef, the friendly staff is always eager to share the daily specials and 11 draft beer choices.  Dunaway’s is a mom and pop place.  It is in an old house facing main street, and is big on personality.

We were seated at our table and promptly ordered a couple of pints.  The Big Ragu grabbed a Brooklyn Lager, which is brewed in Utica, NY, then we went for a Wisconsin favorite, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy.   We decided to order some cheese and crackers to match our beers.   We grabbed a jalapeno stuffed hot pretzel, because pretzels go well with beer.. right??

Our favorite appetizer of the day was the peel and eat shrimp.  The shrimp were like our own personal pot of leprechaun gold at the end of the rainbow.  Served cold and with Cajun spice on the shells, they were downright addicting and to die for.  The fresh shrimp sparked our taste buds, and paved the way to try some more specialties.

Dunaway’s Pastrami Sandwich

Dunaway’s menu is heavy on sandwiches and pizza.  We ordered an incredible looking pastrami sandwich which was enormous!  This huge, flavorful sandwich was pure heaven.  The Big Ragu ordered a burger with everything on it.  Plenty of toppings adorned the perfectly cooked hamburger, which was more than a handful.

Your Food Adventurers sampled other items like fish, and the very tasty pizza.  The pizza sauce has just the right amount of kick and will satisfy your cravings for a decent pie.  One special item offered on the menu is the “Garbage Truck Pizza.”  This pizza is loaded with toppings including fresh mushrooms, garlic, onions, tomatoes, sausage, pepperoni, ham, meatballs, black olives, green olives, ricotta cheese, banana peppers, and you can request jalapenos!  How is that for a deluxe pizza?

Another menu item worth mentioning is their “6-Pound Sandy-wich.”   They tout this challenge as “1 person, 45 minutes to eat it and it is free.”  This mountain of a sandwich is filled with beef, ham, turkey, corned beef, pastrami, cole slaw, American cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, horseradish and fries.  It is probably easier to find a 4 leaf clover than beat this monster.

The Hamburger at Dunaways

Dunaway’s  also offers soups, salads and has a full catering service for your next party.  They pride themselves on using local meat markets and vegetable farms including Caven’s Meats, Bowman Landis, Fulton Farms, and Troy Meat Shop.

This place has everything you need for a fun, casual dining spot.  Locally owned, with good food, good drink in a unique atmosphere, it is everything we look for in a Food Adventure.  Just a couple of minutes off of Interstate 75 in Troy, put this place on your radar for good eats.  Don’t forget to grab a pint and toast to St Patty’s day, no matter what day it is!

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here and becoming an Official Food Adventure Fan !

Have you been to Dunaway’s Beef and Ale?  Please comment below!

[album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Dunaways Beef and Ale/]

Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus – Benefit Musicale IV

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The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus has announced the fourth annual Benefit Musicale, “The Director’s Cut”, to be held on March 17th, in the beautiful cloister of the Dayton Art Institute.  The evening begins with a cocktail hour (cash bar) from 6-7pm, with hor’s d’oeuvres prepared by Elegant Fare.  Entertainment will be provided by the DGMC Ensemble, accompanied by Raymonde Rougier, and under the Artistic Direction of Jason Coatney-Schuler.  In addition, Dayton’s own RubiGirls will be on hand with their comedic drag interpretations and as accompaniment to the chorus, who will perform yet unheard selections from last season’s “Let’s Hear it For the Boys” concert.

There will be a Silent Auction, chock full of art items, experiences, and themed baskets, with additional live auction items, including a 6 day/6 night African Safari trip for two (Zula Nyala in South Africa) and opening night tickets to Carrie Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking” performance at the Victoria Theatre.

In the midst of its ninth performance season, the DGMC is preparing for a high-energy, fast-paced, “ExtrABBAganza” concert on June 2, 2012, at the Victoria Theatre, featuring the music of the iconic Swedish band ABBA.  Proceeds from the March benefit will be specifically earmarked to help to produce the June concert.  Board President, Allen Kimbrough notes, “the selection of music of ABBA for our Summer concert follows on the heels of the DGMC’s success from last year’s Let’s Hear it For the Boys performance at the Victoria.”  The DGMC, along with six other men’s choruses across the country, commissioned nationally recognized composer, David Maddux to arrange the music for this concert.  Kimbrough adds,  “it was our first venture at commissioning a choral work and the collaborative process proved to be a milestone in our history”.  The chorus will again bring Mr. Maddux’s talents to the Dayton Region, as he is the composer/arranger for the June ABBA tribute concert.

Though fast approaching a sell out, advanced tickets for “The Director’s Cut” Benefit Musicale are still available, $60.00 each, or a table of ten $600.00.  Tickets may be purchased through any chorus member, or by contacting tickets@daytongaymenschorus.org

Women in Business Networking to Recognize Miami Valley’s 2011 Top Women to Watch Nominees

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Miami Valley’s most influential women—as named February 2011 by Women in Business Networking as the Top 25 Women to Watch—will be honored during an awards ceremony and gala this Saturday, March 10. The Oscars-themed event will take place starting at 6:30 p.m., Dayton Country Club, 555 Kramer Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio.

Entering its fourth year, WiBN’s Top 25 Women to Watch program recognizes women from a notable list of candidates. This includes women who are exceptional in their roles, respected in their field, and causing more than a ripple in the public arena and in their communities. The ‘watchables’ are influential women who stand out for leadership, community service, and professional achievements.

“There are now 100 remarkable women on WiBN’s ‘watchable’ list, including the new group of 25 (named February 10, 2012). Many of these individuals will be attending the 2011 awards ceremony. WiBN is known for building relationships so women will achieve career and personal success through education, resources, and recognition”, says Jeanne Porter, WiBN founder and president.

Sponsors for the 2011 Top 25 Women to Watch gala are Deck the Walls, Kettering, and Windward Design Group LLC, Dayton/Eaton. Celebrity MC for the event is Michelle Kingsfield, WDTN-TV. Photography is being provided by Easterling Studios, Dayton. Live entertainment is planned for the evening.

Honorees from Top 25 Women to Watch 2011:

  • Debbie Agnew, Owner, Bella Garden Florals
  • Shondale Atkinson, CEO and Founder, The Mustard Seed Foundation
  • Regina Bier, Detective, Kettering Police Department / Scuba Program Coordinator, Adjunct Faculty Wright State University
  • Molly Bordonaro Hall, School Secretary, Fairborn Digital Academy
  • Sarah Carter, Principal, Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling
  • Melissa Cutcher, Director of Business Development, Better Business Bureau
  • Shana Douglas, Global Marketing Digital Brand Strategist, La Senza
  • Amy Gantt, Owner, Lula Bell Designs
  • Lyn Hogrefe, Executive Director, Happy Hormone Cottage
  • Barbara Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Miami Valley Hospital
  • Iris Juergens, Development Director, St. Vincent DePaul
  • Michelle Kaye, Vice President & Community Relations Director, PNC Bank
  • Yvette Kelly-Fields, Executive Director, updayton / Owner and President, FundSource
  • Katrina Kittle, Author
  • Elizabeth Lenon Van Dine, Founder, Dayton Love 146
  • Jennifer Mason Andrade, Owner, Luv Bug Pet Nanny
  • April Mescher, Vice President of National Accounts, Excellence In Motivation
  • Cheryl Oliver, Executive Director, Oasis House
  • Beth Redden, Legacy Partnership Development Officer, The Dayton Foundation
  • Marta Rey, Owner/President, Marta Rey European Skin Care
  • Jennifer Reitz, Voice Pathologist, The Blaine Block Institute
  • Susan Sparks, Chief Business Development Officer, American Red Cross
  • Sasha VanDeGrift, Litigation Associate, Coolidge Wall
  • Marcia Venus, Owner/Principal, Venus Leadership
  • Teresa Zumwald, Owner/President, Zumwald & Company

About Women in Business Networking (WiBN)

WiBN—the leading organization for women in business—provides forums for building relationships so women will achieve career and personal success through education, resources, and recognition. WiBN’s circle of influence and frequent programs have reached more than 1,500 women living and working in the Greater Dayton, Ohio, region. Women from all walks of life participate in WiBN: leaders and employees of corporate, nonprofit and community organizations; entrepreneurs and small-business owners; and women in career transition. Founded in 2008, WiBN currently offers ten programs:

  • a weekly e-newsletter, Monday Morning Moments;
  • a weekly club of Toastmasters International, Downtown Morning Toasters;
  • a monthly Lunch N Learn with a featured speaker;
  • a monthly “Hot Topic” Koffee Talk with a facilitator;
  • monthly roundtables for small-business owners, Entrepreneur Groups;
  • a bimonthly social event, After5 Business Showcase, at a local venue;
  • a quarterly Leadership Series workshop, Winstitute;
  • an annual 25 Women to Watch recognition program;
  • an annual, daylong professional development conference; and
  • an annual, optional membership for event and member-to-member discounts, Status +Plus.

Bach Society of Dayton Joins with the Central State University Chorus “For the Joy of Singing”

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The Bach Society of Dayton, under the direction of John Neely, will join forces with the renowned Central State University Chorus, under the direction of William Henry Caldwell, for two inspiring concerts on March 10 and 11.

The combined choirs will perform Schubert’s Mass in G, as well as a selection of contemporary and traditional works by African-American composers. The Bach Society will perform Bach’s Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden (Praise the Lord, all the nations). Lee Hoffman, assistant professor at Central State, will be the soprano soloist. The choirs will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra and organist R. Alan Kimbrough.

“The Central State University Chorus is recognized as one of the finest choral ensembles in the region, and we are excited to perform on stage together for the first time,” said John Neely, music director, Bach Society of Dayton.

March 2012 marks the 125th anniversary of Central State University. The Central State University Chorus will begin a tour of China shortly after the March concerts.

For the Joy of Singing

March 10, 7:30 p.m.
Central State University, Wilberforce
Paul Robeson Performing Arts & Cultural Center

March 11, 4:00 p.m.
Kettering Adventist Church
3939 Stonebridge Road, Kettering
3:00 p.m. Concert preview by Dr. James Arthur Williams, University of Dayton

Tickets
Adults $15; Students free with ID on March 10 and $10 on March 11; 12 and under free
Available at the door or call to reserve: 937-294-2224