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North China – Best Damn Egg Roll Ever

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The best egg roll you will ever eat

We cant get enough egg rolls at a little place in Centerville.  This place is called North China. For our first food adventure posting we chose a favorite in our home town.  We are reformed Chinese buffet-ists.  No longer are we blinded by the tacky neon lights that adorn the buffets.  We have found a place that changes all that.

Since 1987, North China has been doing things the right way.. homemade.  They roll their own egg rolls, which have a peanut flavor that is downright addicting.  They press their own wontons, they handmake each crab rangoon.  This is one of Ragu’s Favorite places to eat, and the prices are an incredible value.  Folks, the lunch prices average 6 to 7 dollars and you get soup, wonton and a chicken wing.

Each dining experience at North China is like a family affair. It starts with being greeted by the owners, a friendly staff, and inviting decor.  We always enjoy comparing our bellys to the life sized Buddah statue in the lobby.

The menu has lots of options, traditional choices and not so traditional choices.  Want to be a food adventurer?  Then go for the Korean menu and play roullette (written in Korean, bring your own translator).  This is how we stumbled into the gelatinous sea cucumber, which is one of the most interesting, exotic and strange things we have tasted.

Orange Beef: A Labor of Love

Here is what we do recommend:

First and foremost, you have to try the best damn Egg Roll ever.  The hint of peanut and pork is amazing to even the grumpiest of people.

One of our current faves is Orange Beef, a dish that is made with hand sliced orange rind and bursting with flavor.  Not your bottled sauce here.

The House Noodle Soup is very tasty and is filled with noodles, shrimp, beef and scallops.  Even the Food Adventurers couldn’t finish this meal sized soup big enough for 2.

Ragu’s Fave: Crispy Shrimp

Ragu has been addicted to the Crispy Shrimp dinner since the late 80’s, a fried favorite with a sweet spicy sauce.  Ragu also loves the thinly sliced Mongolian Chicken lunch which is served over a bed of crispy rice noodles (he asks them to make it spicy!).

If you are looking for a great Chinese restaurant, we invite you to check out one of our favorites.  It is a great sit down dining experience.

Chef/Owner “George” is a master craftsman and takes pride in his dishes.   Your humble Food Adventurers say “RUN DONT WOK to NORTH CHINA !”

Check out FOOD ADVENTURES 

on FACEBOOK HERE.   If you’ve got a suggestion of a place we should visit, tell us below in the comments section.

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Kettering’s Newest Restaurant Opens Thursday!

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In a location that has gotten the better of several previous tenants (Barbie’s Bistro was there from June 2008- May 2010, followed shortly by Millie’ Philly Cheesesteaks)  Kent Kumbroch feels confident that Amicis Place will be successful.  “We’ve put together a fun place, done significant upgrades and have a menu that is right for the location.  We want people to eat local and eat fresh,” shared Kumbroch.  He stressed that just about everything that can be made in house is and he sources many of his ingredients locally.

Your chance to check it out begins on Thurs, June 23rd, when the restaurant opens for breakfast  at 7am.  Morning meals will run $6-8.  Lunches, which will feature sandwiches on bread from Belmont Bakery, run about $6.50 and salads for about $8.  Chef Josie describes the menu as casually elegant. Brick oven pizza’s will play a big part on the menu and run $7 -$13 for classics, while specialty pies, with your choice of  traditional white  or multigrain crusts will be in the $9-$18range.

The restaurant has a liquor license and the house specialty is a homemade Limoncello, which can be served frozen or on the rocks.  Sounds like the perfect patio drink, and since the patio is about 1/2 the seating at this quaint place, let’s hope for some good weather for their opening weekend.  And in what sounds kind of weird, the restaurant will not be serving beer or wine, since their liquor license doesn’t include them, at this time.

Kent mentioned that he’s been working since mid-April remodeling the building and feels like he’s created “a nice relaxed place to hang out.”  Once he gets things running smoothly, he has future plans to host a weekend farmers market in the parking lot.

We wish him luck and we’ll check it out soon. If you go, let us know by commenting on the bottom of this post!

1122 E. Dorothy Lane in Kettering.

Hours:

Mon – Thurs: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Fri – Sat: 7:00 am – 1:00 am
Sun: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm

Check Your Baggage at the Door

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If I had to sit down and intentionally write a screen play about life and love, I’d probably find great difficulty doing so. However, if I refer back to my own hot mess of dating life the material is endless. I should feel blessed that the events of my life have become so comical and entertaining, that they are fueling creativity. Part of me is ecstatic but part of me yearns for normalcy to return if I ever had any at all. This week my thoughts are that people in general carry over way too much baggage from past relationships into their existing or new ones. This may be the only time in life when losing your luggage would be golden. Let’s examine this shall we?

Caught in the Act.

I’ve been cheated on numerous times. I think most of us have either been cheated on or experience a time when questionable behavior lead us to the belief that we were being cheated on. It happens. That should be the attitude though, “it happens.” In conversation lately, I’ve learned that many people refuse to believe in the possibility of the blank slate factor. The factor that allows you to look at every new scenario as a fresh start. Unfortunately, we tend as scorned and burned individuals to immediately punish the new for what the old has done to us. One word. Sabotage. If you’re going into something with the idea that it will fail, it will indeed fail. The thing about me is that I don’t really care what your ex did to you. I don’t want to hear about how they’ve hurt you and I don’t want to hear that they’ve damaged you. Why? Because at the point you’ve reached me the only way I would entertain you is if I knew you were two words. Over it. This may seem abrupt, but the fact of the matter is that if anyone has had to deal with terrible things happening in relationships it is I. I should be the first person to shut down and put up walls but I don’t. Call it lacking in sympathy, call it what you want but it’s really acceptance and knowing that the past doesn’t have to rule my future and it shouldn’t yours.

Partially Broken Up.

It’s not stalking when a person is still living with you after the end of a relationship. You’re not broken up if you’re still communicating daily and hanging out. You’re not fully over a breakup if you’re still talking about the relationship and well, the breakup.  I like to refer to this as being “partially broken up.”  You’re still emotionally attached and in some cases there are those of us who like to live on the edge and remain physically attached. I can’t tell you how healthy that is.  When you’re getting to know some one new, please take past relationships and current drama off of the table of conversation. In fact, you shouldn’t even be having those conversations until you’re fully out of that other relationship. ENTIRELY. The new person has given you time and consideration, thinking of you as a potential dating prospect why burden them with the anti climatic soap opera state your life is currently in? Do you think people find that alluring because I have to tell you I’d rather discuss the dynamics of the periodic table and the chemical elements of each compound than discuss your crazy ex and why your relationship ended (sorta).

Ego Boosts and Comfort Seeking

What I have found is that there are a lot of “sorta” singles on dating sites or people in general scrounging for comfort on the internet. They are either in a bad relationship nearing it’s final countdown, in one and bored, or fresh out of one looking to jump into the arms of another. If I had only one wish, it would be that these people focus more on dealing with the issues at hand in their lives rather than seeking out innocent by standers to be there comfort through the storm. Part of being ready for a healthy relationship is having a healthy state of mind and not being bogged down by drama in an existing or recently ended relationship. Instead of seeking out someone new to jump in your bed, see a therapist. Abrupt again, but truth is truth. You need to work on you and allow ample healing time before you can even consider dating again. Otherwise, the things that happened to end past relationships, those patterns and behaviors have a really good chance of resurfacing. I’ve spent the last two years single. Both entertaining and difficult at times, I still consider myself being ready for something right, not something to pass the time. Pass the time being the underlining theme of this passage.  If you want a distraction you shouldn’t be on a dating site with a profile header that reads “Looking for someone to spend my life with.” Get a pet or something until you’re really ready for that.

Clean up your Act.

As the days go by, I’ve hardened my outlook a bit. There is very little I will succumb (charming, swooning etc.) to because I’ve lived it all and this kind of thing isn’t enticing enough to cover up the red flags. All of the above paragraphs, I’ve done. We’re human but if you’re reading this thinking that you exhibit any of what is mentioned I can only suggest that you rethink what you’re doing and who you are potentially hurting. It’s not just the new potential dating prospects. It’s yourself. You’re only prolonging happiness. Getting over an ended relationship is a tough battle at times. There are those that we walk away from thinking good riddance and those which we walk away from feeling as though we are forever changed. I have experienced both. Love doesn’t come along only once in a lifetime though and what surfaces in our lives is entirely up to us, how we project ourselves and how we approach life afterwords. I might be the only person that does not believe in some karmic force that rules our dating lives but that doesn’t mean you have a right to crease someone else’s otherwise happy life with your baggage. Going in, be real because you may inadvertently miss a chance on something great, on someone right because you’re too busy thinking about your past or still living in it.  That’s the only advice I can give.

PS. If you’re dating profile headline reads “Ready for Life” or anything of the sort, do yourself a favor and truly be ready.

That is all. Till next week.

Jane’s Best Bets (6/22 – 6/26)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Holy moly, there are a ton of things going on this week!  Speaking of “holy,” this week there are several church festivals…plus many more great events.  Let’s check them out!

On Wednesday during your lunch hour, get moving with The Square Is Where… Dayton YMCA Presents Zumba at Courthouse Square.  If you feel like having a drink, head to A.Y.O.B. at Archer’s Tavern, where a new craft beer will be featured starting at 5PM or to Franco’s for Dayton Green Drinks, where they will be discussing the Pathways out of Poverty Program.  I do believe it is officially summer, so even though you may not be taking that big European vacation you’ve dreamed about, you can still have a Summer Around The World Wine Dinner at The Wine Loft.  If cycling is your thing, you will not want to miss seeing Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning feature-length documentary about the Race Across America, being featured at The Neon.  All women who are looking for an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others in the Dayton area should consider attending the Junior League of Dayton New Member Social.  This amazing group makes great contributions to our community, and you have the opportunity to be a part of it…as long as you’re not a man!  If you’re in need of a good laugh, make your way to Wiley’s for their Dirty Little Secret Sideshow – Deuxième Exécution.  And if you’re a Harley lover that also enjoys live music, head to Jackass Flats for Buddha & The Boogie Down Gig/Bike Night.

Disney's THE LION KING - Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton, OhioOn Thursday, complete some of your grocery shopping at the Centerville Farmers Market.  If you work or volunteer for a non-profit, consider helping the cause by attending Orientation to the Grants Information Center at the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch.  You will be able to hear live music at the Dayton Art Institute as part of their Twilight Concert.  Jim McCutcheon, a very talented guitarist (who also taught me two semesters worth of guitar when I was at UD!), will be one of the performers.  If you wish to show a bit of your athleticism, make your way to Wings Sports Bar & Grille for their Weekly Cornhole Tournament.  You know I’m corny, so I had to put that in here.  And finally, if you have not yet had the opportunity to check out The Lion King at the Schuster Center, now is your chance!

On Friday, there are an enormous number of wonderful events from which to choose!  In the afternoon, if you don’t have lunch plans, consider joining Generation Dayton for their 4th Friday Lunch Speaker Series.  Or have some fun at Courthouse Square with the Team Void Summer Twist Party.  In the evening, join me in attending the Hops Over the Moon Preview Party at the Boonshoft, which will feature too many great things to list…seriously!  (For more info, check out this article.)  If you’re in shape, run the 5th Annual 5 For the Kids 5K to benefit CARE House.  And even if you’re not, that is okay too!  There are several festivals happening around town, including the Fenwick Festival (my alma mater!), the Ascension Festival, and the St. Peter Parish Festival.  At Yankee Trace, many people will be playing golf as part of the 2nd Annual Glow Fore Wishes Golf Scramble to benefit A Special Wish Foundation.  Although registration is full for the event, there are still several sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, so if you are able to help, I encourage you to do so!  And if you feel like catching a show, Hair Spray at La Comedia and The Lion King at the Schuster Center are possible options!

On Saturday, start the day off with another 5k – the First Annual Back to Health 5k, held at Indian Riffle Park.  Up in Troy, get some great produce as part of the Troy Farmers Market.  If you are a teacher, consider going to the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch for the Grants for Classroom Projects.  There are a lot of family friendly options for Saturday, including the Family Fun Day Beach Party & Cruise in at Hueston Woods, the Fenwick Festival, the St. Peter Parish Festival, and the Ascension Festival.  In addition, if you’re of the corny type, Ascension will have its very own Festival Cornhole Tournament.  At RiverScape, rent a kayak and ride the river.  Make sure you wear a life jacket as I once flipped over in an “unflippable” kayak, or so I’m told.  Just leave it to me to do the impossible (I’m sure this won’t happen to you, however)!  In the evening, make your way to the Boonshoft (kids are welcome!) for Hops Over the Moon, which is sure to be a great time, and also supports a great cause!  There are a couple other fun events, including the Clambake For Kids’ Sake at McCormick & Schmicks to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and Party Arty! at the Commander Aero Hangar (Dayton Wright Brothers Airport) to support Culture Works.  Theater options include The Lion King (Schuster Center) and Hair Spray (La Comedia).  And if you’re downtown and love summer concerts, listen to the sounds of Kick-n-Flava as part of the Free Summer Concert Series down at RiverScape.  Wow, my fingers are getting tired from typing all this stuff going on around town!

On Sunday, if you (and your kids) have any energy left, make your way to one of the great festivals going on around town – the Fenwick Festival, the St. Peter Festival, or the Ascension Festival.  If your kids are Disney lovers, consider taking them to Dayton Disneyana at the Holiday Inn  close to the Dayton Mall.  Listen to some of the best local female jazz vocalists as part of the Downtown Summer Music Series – Michelob Women in Jazz Festival at Dave Hall Plaza.  Or at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater, listen to live music as part of World Music Fest!  And finally, hurry up and get to the Schuster Center to see The Lion King if you haven’t already done so!

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

How does a man on the moon cut his hair?

Eclipse it.

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!

Grants for Grads and other mortgage assistance programs for Ohioans

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Congratulations to everyone who met a graduation goal this June! Whether it was high school or some level of college, hard work is always to be commended. What is your next move? Staying in Dayton Ohio, we hope. Buying a home? If so, you might want to take a look at the Grants for Grads program. If you have graduated within the past 18 months, there is a down payment assistance program called Grants for Grads and it’s being offered through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, aka OHFA (pronounced Oh’-fuh). From the OHFA site:

Recent college graduates can now receive down payment and closing cost assistance and a favorable mortgage interest rate from an OHFA participating lender through the Grants for Grads Program. Eligible borrowers can use the grant to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses associated with buying a home.

If you are an income-eligible first-time homebuyer, graduated from an Ohio high school and have earned an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate or other postgraduate degree within the last 18 months, you can take advantage of the Grants for Grads Program.

* OHFA will issue a grant in an amount for 2.5% of your home’s purchase price.
* You can use the grant to pay for the down payment, closing costs, or other prepaid expenses incurred prior to closing. Keep in mind that while the grant will help cover some of your up-front costs, you may still be required to contribute some money as well.
* The grant will be issued as a second mortgage with a 0% interest rate with no payment due. The loan is forgivable after five years. However, if you move out of Ohio prior to the five-year mark, you are responsible for paying a portion of the grant back to OHFA as indicated (on their site).

Find out all the details about Grants for Grads, here.

What if you don’t qualify for Grants for Grads? There are several other programs through OHFA that are always worth looking into: First-time Home buyers, Target Areas, Ohio Heroes (for police, firefighters, teachers, healthcare workers, veterans).

Details are available on the OHFA site, or contact a participating lender. And best of luck to all 2011 graduates!

This communication is provided to you for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon by you. Teri Lussier and Exit Realty Central are not mortgage lenders and so you should contact your own mortgage lender directly to learn more about mortgage products and your eligibility for such products.

Photo credits:
Graduate: Andrew Mackenzie
Fire fighters: Brett Gustafson

Bicycle Dreams Coming To Dayton

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(from Garry Harrington – promoter for Bicycle Dreams)

Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning feature-length documentary about the Race Across America (RAAM), will premiere at several cities along the route of the epic 3,000-mile bicycle race that will be held for the 30th year in 2011. This year’s race begins on June 14 in Oceanside, California, and will end 10 days later in Annapolis, Maryland.

To commemorate the 30th edition of what is considered by many the most challenging sporting event in the world, Bicycle Dreams will follow alongside the racers by showing the film in 10 cities along the route, including Dayton. The film will be shown at The Neon at 130 E. 5th St. at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22.

The film, which has won numerous awards at film festivals all over the world, “is an up-close look at what RAAM riders go through,” says Stephen Auerbach, the director and producer of Bicycle Dreams. “They deal with searing desert heat, agonizing mountain climbs, and endless stretches of open road. And they do it all while battling extreme exhaustion and sleep deprivation. It’s a great subject for a film.”

“Bicycle Dreams is a spectacular and heartfelt film that offers a riveting portrait of extreme courage in the face of inhuman obstacles,” writes TheLoveOfMovies.com. “It is an artistic triumph that renewed my belief in the power of desire and the strength of the human will.”

The upcoming tour of the film is scheduled to coincide with the 2011 Race Across America, which begins on June 14 when riders leave from Oceanside, California. Bicycle Dreams will be shown in Flagstaff, Arizona; Durango, Colorado; Wichita, Kansas; Columbia, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana; Dayton, Ohio; and Cincinnati, Ohio, during the RAAM’s run across the United States. The race is expected to end on or about June 24.

“We are very excited to be able to bring Bicycle Dreams to so many locations along the route that have never had access to the film before,” says Auerbach. “Viewers will be overwhelmed by the amount of pain and suffering these riders go through, and they will be able to see it all first-hand in the days following the film when the 2011 racers come through their towns.”

To capture the mammoth scope of the race, Auerbach worked around the clock with a complement of 18 cameras. Embedded camera operators traveled inside the racers’ support crew vehicles, gaining unprecedented access to the cyclists and their teams. Their footage captured emotional and physical breakdowns, late-night strategy sessions, and great moments of personal triumph, all in intimate detail. Auerbach then took on the enormous task of editing hundreds of hours of material and forming it into a powerful and inspiring look inside the most difficult race on the planet.

Bicycle Dreams has won major awards at the Fallbrook and Breckenridge film festivals, as well as the Yosemite, Grand Rapids, Red Rock and All Sports LA film festivals, among many others.

Most recently the film added the Best Foreign Film trophy from the Krasnogorski International Festival of Sports Films in Moscow and was also invited to be included in the 2011 World Cinema Showcase in New Zealand as well as the Mountain Film Festival in Istanbul, Turkey. And before that it made its Australian debut at the Big Pond Film Festival in Adelaide.

Critical acclaim for the film continues to pour in from all sources.

“An astonishing documentary.  This film is a ride of many stark contrasts; when it ended I felt both shattered and triumphant. I realized I was experiencing its genius. A central theme of Bicycle Dreams is the profoundly inspiring strength of the human in facing monumental challenge and tragedy. Bicycle Dreams is a race of truth.” –  Pez Cycling.

“This film isn’t for those who want to shy away from the tragic side of the human experience, unwilling to risk the cracking of their shell of denial, not willing to risk their coping mechanism,” writes Cycling-Review.com. “Bicycle Dreams captures the human condition like few other films. Bicycle Dreams moves us to break through the barrier of the fear of death. I have seldom found a film that captures this ‘life drama’ as powerfully as does Bicycle Dreams.”

Adds Podium Café, “Bicycle Dreams is the ultimate inner journey. If you thought the life of a cyclist was an internal struggle, wait until you see what Auerbach unearths in this film. Bicycle Dreams is an unprecedented exploration of the subject of the suffering on the bike.”

About.com writes, “As we fall deeper and deeper into Bicycle Dreams, what we witness grows more terrifying, yet more compelling. Auerbach’s masterful direction exposes the raw lessons that drive people to push beyond the limits of human endurance. Revealing what lies at the heart of every impossible human endeavor is what Bicycle Dreams is all about.”

And finally, Bicycle Touring Pro comments, “If you’ve ever dreamed of challenging yourself to a place far beyond what you previously thought was possible, Bicycle Dreams is a film you must see. It’s beautiful, thought provoking, exciting, emotional and scary. The experience of watching this film will leave you with a new perspective on life that will remain with you for a very long time to come.”

Bicycle Dreams also has been named one of the top 10 adventure films of all time by both The Matador Network and Playground Magazine.

The upcoming nationwide tour to be held in conjunction with the 2011 Race Across America will include a screening at the Neon in Dayton at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. To purchase advance tickets go to www.imathlete.com/events/bicycledreams. For more information on the film, go to www.bicycledreamsmovie.com or find us on Facebook.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1ZWZrKSxxs’]

Introducing Food Adventures

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Food…. Dayton Food.

Who better to tackle this topic ?

Welcome to FOOD ADVENTURES!  The place for Dayton Foodies.

After generating some Facebook buzz, we were approached by Daytonmostmetro.com to  join them with a featured food blog. We are very excited over the new partnership, and promise to deliver our take on places to eat in the Dayton area. Our goal is an informative, entertaining blog, with a sense of humor.  Whether casual food, formal dining, street food, or festivals, we will leave no plate unturned.

Look for a new blog post every week on Dayton Most Metro!

Together, your humble Food Adventurers will seek out locally owned restaurants, unique places off the beaten path, and even give our slant on some familiar favorites. Whenever we visit a place, we call it a “Food Adventure.” You can expect pictures of each Food Adventure we embark on. You can expect us hugging waiters, posting nostalgic blogs, and emotionally eating our way through life. We are not food critics, we are just two guys that love to eat!

So get ready Daytonmostmetro.com fans, you are about to go on an adventure…..  

 

The Big Ragu destroying a footlong hot dog

Steve “The Big Ragu” Milano:

A lifelong Dayton resident, his early food influence was started by mom and grandparents’ Italian and German/Scottish cooking.  Ragu’s love of food is only matched by his love of sports, travel, karaoke and just needing to be held.  An attention seeking missile, Ragu’s favorite foods include Seafood, Italian Food, and Chinese/Japanese cuisine.  Other hobbies include overeating occasionally and a slight attraction to deep fried menu items.

VISIT US ON FACEBOOK  —> HERE and “LIKE” us to become an official fan of

FOOD ADVENTURES website – DaytonFoodies.com  We are the one and only, Dayton Foodies.

To send us private messages, email us at:  [email protected]

Check us out on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM

Behind the Masks – The Lion King

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Disney’s The Lion King ~ presented by The Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton, OH ~ June 14 - July 10, 2011

Nick Cordileone & Ben Lipitz

Disney’s THE LION KING

The Victoria Theatre Association

I have a confession to make:  I, Shane Anderson, admittedly know very little about The Lion King.  In fact, I know very little about most of the Disney films and musical adaptations.  I’ve certainly seen some, but I have no children of my own, therefore I typically don’t choose to spend my entertainment budget on a movie ticket to a film marketed to kids.  I get it…I get it… I hear that they are terrific for anybody at any age, but I don’t have that added motivation of a really excited 5 year old persuading me to go catch the latest Disney princess or talking/singing animal movie.

Characters from Disney's Lion King, as interpreted by Noah, age 5

The Lion King mask illustration by Noah, age 5

So, since I am not the Disney aficionado that many Americans are, I had to do a little research about Disney’s THE LION KING, which just rolled into town and opened at the Schuster Center this evening.  So what else was I to do?  I called up my favorite nephew, 5 year old Noah.

First bit of information I needed, was what is the plot of this show? Noah replied with a knowing smile (did I sense the slightest amount of a smirk at his silly Uncle Shane?) that THE LION KING is all about this baby lion named Simba, who’s daddy Mufasa dies because of a bad lion named Scarrrr (grrrRR..!), then the Pumbaa and Timon (not sure which is which, but one is a warthog with big horns) come in and sing Hakuna Matata and then Simba gets big and the girl lion tells Simba to come back and be king.  Oh, and be careful of the 3 Hyenas, they laugh.

Ok, stay clear of the laughing Hyenas.  Of course I already knew a little bit about this classic musical adaptation, it is a legendary production that very successfully melded together a very cool artistic vision with the business sense of a major corporate producer.  I know that it was directed by the very talented Julie Taymor.  I realize that even though the musical premiered on Broadway nearly fourteen years ago,  it is still selling tickets both on the “Great White Way” and in multiple touring companies.  This collaboration between a truly gifted artist and a major corporate entity has been highly successful, with no signs of slowing down.  I knew all of that, but this is one highly acclaimed Broadway spectacle that I have yet to experience, and I am thrilled that the show will be spending four weeks right here in Dayton, Ohio!

Disney's The Lion King ~ presented by The Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton, OH ~ June 14 - July 10, 2011

Ben Roseberry

I got the opportunity to spend some time chatting with three cast members of the show on the phone last week.  The cast was in Toronto, Canada, where they had an extended stay.  I spoke with vocal ensemble member and “Sarabi” understudy Electra Weston, Ben Roseberry who portrays “Ed” the laughing hyena, and the ever-popular Ben Lipitz who livens up the stage as “Pumbaa”  the optimistic warthog.

I asked the group of actors about touring with Disney Theatricals, working with Taymor and what the experience is like in a production that thrills audiences of all ages.

The first thing of note is the appreciation the actors express for the company itself.  “It is the best contract I’ve ever worked for,” Roseberry declares, “we are in each city for four weeks or more.” All three of the actors pointed out the fact that through Disney’s intention to keep the company in a city for an extended run of at least four weeks, allows the actors time to settle in and actually experience each city. Most other touring shows will have shorter runs, some as little as a day in each city, which leave the actors living out of their suitcase.  Roseberry, an aviation enthusiast, says that he is very excited to have time in Dayton to explore the Aviation Trail, Hall of Fame and Wright Brother sites.

Disney's The Lion King ~ presented by The Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton, OH ~ June 14 - July 10, 2011

Electra Weston

A surprise to me was the fact that the touring company has the opportunity to make their own housing arrangements, some choosing extended stay hotels, others are able to find short-term furnished apartments.  Electra Wilson indicated that in her four years on the tour, she’d never stayed in a hotel.  She ships her bicycle and typically manages to find an apartment within biking distance to the venue.  This gives her the opportunity to become a member of the community, if only for a short time.

I was curious to know more about the experience of being onstage for these actors, what it was like to be on the other side of the curtain.  The technical aspects of performing the show utilizing these puppets and intricate scenic elements must certainly be an incredible thing to watch not only from the audience perspective, but also from backstage.

All three actors found their roles very taxing, but for very different reasons.  Weston says that her most difficult transition into the role was the English language. She had previously been a part of the German company of the show, so even though she is American, she found it difficult to sing her parts in English.  She had to relearn the show in her native tongue, and had a tough time doing so!

“I can’t say it’s a bigger thrill than what the audience is experiences, but it certainly is comparable.” says Ben Lipitz, ” Performing in The Lion King is a rare experience in theatre, it is a landmark event for the audience, as a performer I have to take the storytelling very seriously.  We have a responsibility to live up to the expectations [of the audience].  It is a privilege to tell this story”

“It took a good eight weeks of performing for the role to get in my body.” Roseberry said he was very nervous performing in his “Ed” the hyena puppet for the first several weeks he was on tour.  He pointed out that he had to learn to harness that nervous energy, translating it into a good energy.  Additionally he spent hours in front of a mirror learning how to operate the hyena puppet in as many expressive ways as possible, since the character does not speak, but simply communicates through laughter.  (btw…”Ed” is not “stupid”, but rather he is “verbally challenged”)

Ben Lipitz has been with the show for nine years, both on Broadway as well as the touring company.  He recounted that while his very first entrance on stage in this show was very exciting, that the thrill continues to this day.  Ben’s experience as an actor (on stage, film & television, including a role on The Sopranos) didn’t really prepare him for operating the puppet, especially Pumbaa which weighs in heaviest at 46 pounds.  Creating the physical articulation with the puppet is his biggest challenge, but also the biggest reward.

Disney's The Lion King ~ presented by The Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton, OH ~ June 14 - July 10, 2011

Ben Lipitz

The beauty of Julie Taymor’s design is the duality of the character on stage.  You see the actor manipulating the puppet, but you also see the humanity within the animal character.  The actors praise the brilliance of Taymor’s vision and her famous “hands-on” approach to direction an upkeep of her vision.  They report that there is a touring director and staff that continually monitor the show, maintaining the quality of the performance.  This team works with the cast so that what we see in Dayton is precisely the same as the original intent of every step, word and note performed when Julie Taymor’s vision became reality in 1997.  Taymor will even  stop in to check on the show herself occasionally to be sure that her vision is never compromised (though this hasn’t happened recently due to her involvement in another theatrical project).

“I have been truly touched by how inspiring working with Julie is,” claims Lipitz, “[it is] her spirit and her energy.  She is a gifted, visionary artist.”

While THE LION KING is a very complex machine of a show, with many moving parts and people manipulating every aspect of it, it is also child’s play.  Experiencing this show on our side of the curtain will certainly be exciting, but imagine how thrilling it must be to make it all happen behind the scenes.  These actors spoke as if it was truly an honor to tell this story, and be a part of the magic daily.

Before I got off the phone with Pumbaa, I had one more question I was required to ask.  Noah wanted to know “what do you do with your horns?” Pumbaa claimed that his daily regimen included trying not to stay up too late, staying out of the sunlight and plenty of moisturizer.  Pretty good advice for all you warthogs reading this.

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

Disney's THE LION KING - Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton, OhioDisney’s THE LION KING

Wednesday, June 15 through Sunday, July 10, 2011

at The Schuster Center’s Mead Theatre – Performance Times Vary

Tickets range from $27 – $141

Tickets are ONLY available through Ticket Center Stage.

Visit the  Schuster Center box office in downtown Dayton or order by phone, at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630. Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, noon – 4 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance.

Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

For more information about Victoria Theatre Association visit www.victoriatheatre.com.

Downtown Dayton Partnership and the Victoria Theatre Association have teamed up to provide roaring deals and promotions for the The Lion King patrons.  Read more about these exiting offers HERE.

The Lion King - ROARING DEALS - Dayton, Ohio

Click for details.

Sing it Strong, Sing it Loud

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Altar Boyz

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

The quintessential Boy Bands: upbeat (and often emotional) music… slick choreography… the perfect individual and group images… slightly-too-perfect rhymes… the Soul Sensor DX-12? Well, maybe not for any other boy band, but for the Altar Boyz, it’s key! During the final concert of their “Raise the Praise” tour, the Boyz seek to reduce the number of burdened souls in the audience (indicated by the number on the Sensor) to zero.

“Jesus called me on my cell phone / No roaming charges were incurred / He told me that I should go out in the world / And spread His glorious word”

Altar Boyz, presented in real time as that concert, is a satirical, “foot-stomping, rafter-raising musical comedy,” and the fictitious Christian boy band includes five Ohio members: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham (who, actually, is Jewish). Some of the Boyz’ signature hits include “Rhythm in Me,” “The Calling,” and “I Believe.” Directed and choreographed by Lauren Morgan and musically directed by Mark Barnhill, this Dayton premiere kicks off Encore Theater Company’s summer season, and runs for one weekend only, June 16 – 18.

“We think that church is super fine / We are the Altar Boyz / We love the wafers and the wine / We are the Altar Boyz / And I think / You’ll find….. We’re gonna altar your mind!”

This show is unique in that each cast member must be a triple-strength performer, because everyone is acting, singing, and dancing for nearly the entire show! Therefore, learning the show has been hard work, but the actors I spoke with were excited about the challenges they’ve faced and the strides they’ve taken as performers. The cast includes students and/or Dayton residents Drew Bown, Andrew Koslow, Korey Harlow, Zack Steele, and Zach King, with a special appearance by local Muse Machine alumnus and Broadway performer Tyler Maynard as “the Voice of God.”

“When I hold your body next to mine / it feels so good / and feels so right / and it also makes my Levis feel real tight… / and I know that there is something about you, baby…/ Girl, you make me want to wait.”

Not only does the cast play a great team onstage, but everyone has an excellent collaboration as well. Each of the cast members are or have studied some type of theatre at the collegiate level, and most are new to Encore Theater Company’s mainstage; however, they’ve all contributed unique talents and abilities to make this show strong and fluid, to refine timing of the show’s extensive humor and rehearse even the most difficult 5-part harmonies. Koslow, who plays Mark, explained in an interview with onStageDayton,

Andrew Koslow, "Mark"

“The most rewarding thing for me about this show is how much we’ve truly banded together (pardon the pun) to make this show happen. We’ve run into a thousand road blocks, from losing cast members to sometimes only having two Boyz available for certain rehearsals due to commitments to other shows. Despite all that, we’ve put together an incredible and entertaining show… I truly couldn’t be prouder of our entire cast and production team.”

That commitment and collaboration have paid off: Zack Steele, who plays Juan, praises,

Zach Steele, "Juan"

“[Altar Boyz] will have [audience members] crying from laughing so hard. The script is bulletproof and the Boyz’ chemistry on stage will carry you on a journey all the way through curtain call. The singing is great and the satire is ever-present.”

Koslow added,

“I truly believe there is something for everyone in this show, and no one can prove me wrong unless they come and see for themselves.”

“You know The Bible tells you God’s the one that made you / So get out on the dance floor And shake what He gave you!”

So, whether you’re holding onto music of the early ‘90s or just love to make fun of boy bands, Altar Boyz is the perfect show for you. Don’t miss it!

Tickets & Performance Information

Altar Boyz – June 16 – 18, 8:00 pm

Encore Theater Company

Performances will be held at Sinclair Community College’s Blair Hall Theatre. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved through http://brushfire.e-vent.info/Events/Sinclair/Default.aspx, by contacting (937) 512-2808 (be sure to leave a message) or [email protected]

For more information, check out the Altar Boyz blog or Encore Theater Company.

~KN

The Independent Shadow Cinema – Underground No More

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Zombies, Lesbian Vampires and Mexican Wrestlers..Oh My!


Having grown up nurtured by Dr. Creep on Shock Theater, fighting sleep while watching the dusk to dawn horror fests at the Captain Kidd and Belmont Drive-In Theaters and relishing the peculiarities found at the bottom of bargain bins full of obscure DVDs, I felt an immediate understanding of what he is trying to create with the Independent Shadow Cinema. Andy himself is quite an accomplished aficionado within  the world of the weird, having worked with Dr. Creep, being one of the people behind the annual Horrorama charity film festival and directing six of his own horror genre films, including The Mutilation Man, The Atrocity Circle and Black Sun.

While other people may look down their collective noses at people like us for being drawn towards entertainment that they would deem sophomorically disgusting or visual training manuals for psychopaths, we know that those kind of people are eaten first by the zombie hordes, usually in a humorous manner, thus stripping them not only of their flesh, but also their self deluded decorum.

What Andy Copp is trying to bring to the screen, as well as to the darkened streets of Dayton, is a world unseen by the masses. A world of the uncanny, the unbridled, the uninhibited. A world shown is a series of stroboscopic scenes splashed with copious amounts of arterial red. With the Independent Shadow Cinema, Andy is trying to breathe life into the self indulgently dying corpse of local cinema and allowing it, for a moment, to live within the minds of an audience hungering for visions of the weird and wonderful.

J.T.: I guess the first question would be: What was the impetus to start the Independent Shadow Cinema?
Andy: Well, the idea came out of me wanting to do the old school midnight movies that I grew up going to. The ones like Flicker Palace had years ago and Page Manor had back in my college days. There hasn’t been anything like that in a long time and back in the nineties, I worked at the Neon Movies as one of the managers back before the switchover and I brought in a lot of movies from Hong Kong and things like that and they were really successful. I realized that there was an audience for it here in town, but there was nothing catering to that right now and there hasn’t been since I had done it in the nineties. I’m also one of the guys that run Horrorama (Horrorama is a charity movie marathon that has been active since 1997) and we have a dedicated audience here in town that comes to that event every year. Since I had worked with Englewood Cinema with Horrorama, I approached Mike who runs things there and presented the idea of running underground midnight movies and he said, “Well, let’s try to do this then” and so we went ahead and launched it. So we went for it, trying to bring more interesting movies that you’re not going to see anywhere else, like the old midnight pulp movie shows, and to give the people something interesting to do on Friday nights.

J.T.: Are you targeting more of the grind house/horror show genre?
Andy: A little bit. Right now, what I’m doing is I’m bringing in a lot of the really obscure, indie/underground stuff, but the people who are interested in that type of thing are also going to be interested in the grind house/exploitation films and people who like that are going to like the stuff that we’re currently playing. The stuff that we’re playing right now is pretty obscure and relatively unknown, but definitely, that’s the crowd we’re going for.

J.T.: What do you have coming up for the next show?
Andy: On Friday, we have a movie that was made in 2000 called Meatmarket and it’s a zombie flick…actually, it’s a really wild zombie flick. It’s got everything. It’s got zombies, lesbian vampires, Mexican wrestlers and things blowing up. It’s a movie that aims to please. It was made in Canada for just under $2,000. It’s incredibly low budget, but you wouldn’t know that by watching it because the production values are really high. That’s the kind of stuff that we’ve been showing: the stuff that’s made for peanuts, but that are incredibly ambitious.

J.T.: What’s the main message that you want to get out?
Andy: That we’re here and that we’re doing something different. In Dayton, there’s always this grumbling that there’s nothing interesting going on; “Oh, Dayton doesn’t have anything cool or different!” but here we are on Friday nights with these kick ass, interesting movies that you probably haven’t heard of that are definitely satisfying. For five bucks, you can see some wicked ass movie that will leave you feeling satisfied. Also, the way I have structured it, there’s always a free movie, a second feature, and I never say what it is so it’s always going to be a surprise. So, from 11:30pm until 2:30am, you get two crazy movies for five bucks.

J.T.: Now, with most people’s experiences of midnight movies is limited to Rocky Horror Picture Show, are there people that show up with a certain amount of misconceptions?
Andy: Right! This isn’t Mystery Science Theater 3K or Rocky Horror Picture Show. I’m not inviting people to come and yell and throw things and make fun of these films…that’s not our thing. This is to come and appreciate something unusual and have a good time. I don’t want this to be Troll 2. These are genuinely interesting movies, so if people are coming to make fun of them, I’m not so interested in them being there, but if they are there to find something that they have never seen or experienced, then those are the people we are looking for. Also, with the more people that we can get to come out, the more crazier and bigger movies that we’ll be able to bring in. There’s a whole world of these types of movies that just don’t make it to Dayton. The Gateway in Columbus plays new movies like this every Saturday night. If we raised our audience numbers, we’d be able to get movies like Hobo With A Shotgun or The Troll Hunter…we just can’t afford those right now.

The next Independent Shadow Cinema event is scheduled for Friday June 17th at 11:00pm at the Englewood Cinemas, 320 West National Rd, Englewood, Ohio and will feature the zombie movie Meatmarket along with an as yet to be announced second feature.

Jane’s Best Bets (6/15 – 6/19)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

After two weeks free of Jane’s Best Bets, you may have thought that you had successfully gotten rid of me (and my dumb jokes).  Sorry to burst your bubble, but that is not the case.  Here is a listing of some events going on this week, including the opening of The Lion King. Speaking of lions, let’s go ahead and get to the “mane” events!

On Wednesday, bring out your creative side with Creative Card Making at the Dayton Art Institute.  For those of you thinking of starting your own business, make your way to The Entrepreneurs Center for their New Business Information Session.  At the Fraze, enjoy the Austrian Festival Spass Nacht…which is absolutely free!  Listen to Jazz on the Green at Yankee Trace Golf Club.  And finally, I’m not “lion” to you when I tell you that you don’t want to miss Disney’s The Lion King, which is being performed at the Schuster Center.  (It is being performed through July 10th, so even if you don’t get to see it this week, you’ll still have an opportunity!)

On Thursday, all you gardening gurus can put your talents to good use at Riverscape as part of RiverScape Gardeners.  I’m definitely not in that crop.  Instead of planting my own garden, I’d prefer to get vegetables at the grocery or at a place like Centerville Farmers Market, located at Centerville Shopping Center.  If you are all about networking and live up north (or don’t mind making your way up there), attend ‘Be An Exceptional Presenter’, which is a free networking event featuring Gary Mull as the guest speaker at Club 55.  At the Dayton Art Institute, attend the Twilight Concert (not to be confused with that Twilight vampire series, which I am still clueless about).  Let your hair down (or put your hair back) and head to La Comedia to see the popular musical Hair Spray.  Or go to Veteran’s Park Amphitheater for Annie Get Your Gun.  And if you feel like singing yourself, make your way to Champps for Karaoke Thursdays.

The Fabulous Menus!

On Friday, all live music lovers will want to attend the Ole’ Tyme Music Festival at Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village.  If you’re not there, then I order you to catch one of my favorite bands, The Menus, as they play at Sharkey’s.  Beer lovers should make plans to attend the 6th International Beer Fest at Jungle Jim’s.  At Fifth Third Field, watch as the Dragons take on the Lansing Lugnuts.  And if you want to experience theater, be sure to get your tickets to see Hair Spray at La Comedia, Annie Get Your Gun at Veterans Memorial Park, Disney’s The Lion King at the Schuster Center, or The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show at The Loft Theatre

On Saturday, visit Practice Yoga on Fifth for their Birthday Party/Open House, which will include FREE classes, live music, mini-massages, and much more!  Don’t know how to bake but love to decorate?  Consider heading to Ele Cake Company and decorate a cake for your dad for their Father’s Day DYO Cake.  It’s picnicking season, so find out about Healthy Picnic Foods at PNC 2nd Street Market.  While downtown, you’ll also be able to participate in the Kayak Float/Ride the River Rentals at RiverScape and then later listen to the sounds of Bonneville as part of the Free Summer Concert Series.  All you 80s music lovers should go go to the Fraze to catch the GoGo’s and the B-52’s as part of Mix 107.7 Summerfest.  I just couldn’t keep my lips sealed about that one.  If you would prefer to stay inside, then catch one of these shows:  Disney’s The Lion King (Schuster Center), Hair Spray (La Comedia), or Annie Get Your Gun (Veterans Memorial Park).  And if you want to get groovin’, head to Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village for the Ole’ Tyme Music Festival.

On Sunday, be sure to wish the fathers you know a Happy Father’s Day.  Several places will be offering brunch, including the Dayton Woman’s Club (I find that kind of ironic), Boulevard Haus, Blind Bob’s, or the Dublin Pub.  Afterwards, take your dad to watch the Dragons play the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth-Third Field.  And if he likes doing outdoor activities, take him to RiverScape where there will be Ride the River Rentals.

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

What do you call a show full of lions?

The mane event.

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!

Olive An Urban Dive Sets Opening!

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If you’ve been following the saga of Olive, An Urban Dive,  which owner Kimberly Collett has bloggesd about honestly and openly on facebook,  has finally set an opening date.  And while that date is about 6 months later than predicted, Collett has used that time to create a legion of fans  (close to 1100 at last look) and supporters that have never even tasted their food.  Pretty amazing use of facebook, huh?  And credit Collett with another brilliant business move- she put tickets on sale for a week of preview dinners a couple of months ago and sold out every ticket for a then undetermined date.

local over import, labor over convenience and service over everything else.

And now after building and rebuilding, fighting one zoning issue after another, Dive into Olive week has been set for the last week of June for those who hold those sold out tickets.  The general public will get their first chance to dine at the new eatery for lunch the week of July 5th. The former Wympee diner will seat 30 or so inside and has added a patio in the back for another 15.  Menu’s will include vegan and gluten-free items and their facebook has promised Olive will have nary a can in the kitchen.  They’ve spent the spring sourcing local foods and and making friends, and now we wish them the best of luck as they start feeding all the friends they’ve cultivated!

Summer of Love “Sizzling Hot Ideas for Date Night”

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Tis the season for love or a summer fling or a really hot date. Hopefully I will get to experience one of the above before the leaves start changing colors.  It’s this time of year that I am reminded why I love Dayton so much. From festivals to concerts to some of the best bar patios around, this city is filled with great things to do. This week I bring to you the best spots in Dayton for a great night out with that special person but if you’re into self love like myself you can also take yourself out to one of these places.

Play Ball!

What’s better than peanuts, cold beer and baseball on a Summer day or night? Not much really. If you haven’t been to a Dayton Dragon’s game, I suggest you do. It really is the perfect setting for a date, especially a first one. A relaxed setting and sports tends to make it easier on the guys. So if he doesn’t suggest it, you should. If you’re a planner, here’s their season schedule. I’ve always found that my favorite dates are those at sports events. They’re fun and simple.

Patio Perfect.

On a summer night, what’s better than an outdoor patio? There are a lot of great places in Dayton to sit outside and enjoy conversation under starlit sky. Some of the places listed in my last column on dating by mood would apply here. Locally, Sidebar if you’re looking for fine dining, Blind Bob’s if you’re looking to just relax and have a cold one but there are more. Since I spend enough time there though, for a date there are other place I would suggest. I love Yellow Springs, especially this time of year and there is a little place I visit at least a few times in the summer, Ye Olde Trail Tavern. Nothing fancy about it, but the patio is great and if you’re a people watch you’re right on the street and can stare at passerbys. This maybe convenient if your date is a real dud. Also for a great patio experience and a great margarita there’s always Elsa’s on Linden in Kettering, though sip Bad Jauns gingerly. Being a drunk hot mess on a date could effect the chances of being asked out again, or not. While we’re on latin food, El Meson is one of my favorites and the patio, also great.

Wine Tasting. Outdoor Excursions. Dairy.

Back to Yellow Springs, The Winds Cafe. If you have not been here yet I suggest you really take a drive and do so.  Seasonal menu with wines to fit. It’s a great little place, casual yet a fine dining experience. I’d like to also add that it’s very close to local bike trails. If you’re into that sort of thing, cycling that it, bike paths and hiking in Glen Helen and John Bryan State Park would be a great way idea as well. I once rode a 30 mile trail on a date, it was great. If wine is not something you’re looking for after exercise .. cool off with ice cream. Young’s Dairy is close by. What’s better than a good old fashioned date over an ice cream cone? I was born in the wrong time, I think or just enjoy the simple things either way it still works.  I also hear Peach’s Grill is great, it’s on my list to try.

Music and More.

Feel like keeping it indoors and staying cool. Tis the season for great shows! The Lion King is coming to town along with many other productions. The Victoria Theater Association has events listed on their site. Riverscape downtown always has something going on as well and really is one of my favorite spots downtown, especially this time of year. Sitting on bench for a few hours talking at times can be better than anything else you’d do on a date.  Check out their Summer Concert Series as well. Also, if you’re into music I would also check out Gilly’s and Blind Bob’s for there upcoming shows as well.

Festivals.

I saved the best for last. One of the things I love most about Dayton in the summer time are the festivals.  Music. Food. Art. Three staples in my life. This list below are some of my favorites, but if I’ve missed something feel free to add one in comments.  I’m sure I’ve missed plenty, being a transplant and all. These are upcoming.

CityFolk

Celtic Festival

Alefest

Americana Festival

It’s sometimes hard to come up with ideas for a date because usually the first ones can be pretty awkward. I always like to go with anything that involves having fun, is simple, in a comfortable setting and local for a few reasons.  The more comfortable and fun what you plan is the less it feels like a date, the part that makes you nervous. If that doesn’t work and the date sucks, if you’re local it’s easier to plan your getaway by meeting friend close by. Yes, I’ve done this. It is what it is. If you’re in a loving relationship, these ideas also apply to you. Mix it up and have a little fun.

Till next time, thanks for reading!

An Interview In Five Easy Pieces

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Dave Dugan: Corporate Comic, Stand-Up Comedian And Voice Over Talent

When you see Dave Dugan perform, you may be reminded of some of those well meaning television dads who mete out their sage wisdom in a fumblingly laconic manner, usually with horrific results. His stand up comedy hinges on eloquent misdirection and an ironic demeanor that is somewhat incongruous with the situations he finds himself in. Having done hundreds upon hundreds of voice over gigs, from Midas Mufflers to Microsoft, it’s a good bet that you have heard of Dave Dugan before and just don’t know it. Having seen him perform several times, I wanted to talk with him in more depth about his voice over talents…

J.T.: Since you do so much voice over work, do you have a ritual to prepare for the particular mood or emotion you need to convey?
Dave: Sure, if they want a manly, gritty read, I chop some kindlin’ and gargle some Jack Daniels. If they want me to be all sensitive, I crank up the Tori Amos and shave with a Daisy Razor.

J.T.: Do you ever have to perform a series of intentional “outtakes” just to get some of the funny stuff out of your head so you can do a serious take?
Dave: Recently, I voiced fun facts about California for anyone renting a car in the state to hear on their navigation system. The script was of record length …took 8 days to record! Outtakes were plentiful just to keep from going stir crazy.

J.T.: What is probably the most difficult voice over that you have had to so?
Dave: I auditioned for roles in an Italian animated series that was sold to an American (broadcaster) and therefore needing English speaking voices to translate the original lines. I ended up getting the roles of two characters. One voice was a very screechy, evil bird character and for the audition I went way out of my voice range. Then when it came time to do the actual read for the show, the character had tons of lines. I strained myself big time. Pretty sure I may have collapsed a lung…

J.T.: With your comedy, your approach is so deadpan…do some audiences have difficulty in picking up on the subtleties of your act?
Dave: Sometimes a few audience members just don’t get it… and they are always asked to leave. No, not really…I’m just kidding. I usually try and play off their not following me with a series of random audience involvement comments. After doing standup comedy this long, I know I may have to make adjustments from time to time to please all audiences.

J.T.: What is your ultimate Spinal Tap moment?
Dave: A booker once scheduled me to headline ‘ a club’ in Napa Valley, California. I had visions of smart, jaded audiences sipping fine wine and appreciating my most obscure comments. Turned out to be a biker bar. Before the show was over a biker chick came up on stage and tried to wrestle me to the ground.
To save face, I made cracks about the absurdity of it all, which only seemed to make her angrier. Fortunately, her 300 pound boyfriend found that part of the show amusing and I was allowed to settle up and leave without being maimed or beheaded.

You can check out Dave Dugan live at Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub at 101 Pine St. on Thursday June 9th at 8:00pm, Friday June 10th at 9:00pm and June 11th at 8:00pm and 10:30pm. Tickets range from $5 to $12, but for our DaytonMostMetro.com readers, you can mention you read this article when you make your reservations and receive a two for one admission price.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDIRm_u8p-g’]

The People in my Neighborhood

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Who are the people in your neighborhood?
…in your neighborhood?
…in your neighborhood?
Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood?
The people that you meet on the bus…

As I’m wrapping up my week on the bus and bike routes, I’m thinking about the people. Some people I had conversations with. Some people I overheard conversations. Some people I avoided. Here are some of the highlights.

  • First things first – the driver sets the mood, and the drivers all had a great attitude. Every time I got on or off a bus – the driver was welcoming and friendly and always wished people well when they left the bus.
  • Good start to my week: Conversation with dude on my first bus when we got off at the same transfer stop. Guess what – new to town! Moved here from Baltimore two weeks ago to start a new job, and RTA is his main source of transportation. He wasn’t a fan of the B-more mass transit; he considers the Dayton system to be comprehensive and easy to use. Already he’s a pro and was totally helping me and giving me advice on how to catch the right bus and not to get stuck in “alternating routes.” Super nice.
  • When I climbed onto my first really full bus, I slid to the back and tried to get out of the aisle. A gentleman offered me his seat. Now, I’m not limping or on crutches or with multiple bags, but I am a girl in heels who’s trying to hold on. And he offered me his seat. Not turning this into a ‘Giving Tree’ moment – I know it was just a seat on a bus – but I was grateful for the simple demonstration of courtesy. Three cheers for Midwestern politeness, because you don’t always get that.
  • On one ride, I decide to be a snoop; I’m wondering what people are doing on the bus. Lots just sitting, lots reading, multiple ipod buds in ears. Right in front of me is a lady reviewing her daughter’s writing assignment (yeah, I looked) and there’s woman with a toddler playing across the aisle. People just doing their thing and getting where they’re going. As an older guy got on, a 20-something girl proactively moved to the back to give him her seat. He passed it by and wandered toward the back where someone else made the move and stood for him.
  • You already know that the grocery shopping wasn’t an easy experience for me. But what made it better was help from the people who were waiting at the stop with me. As I started to pick up my bags, the young guy waiting offered to help carry them. Then, a woman (who already had her hands full) said she could rearrange and take a bag or two. It wasn’t necessary, but it was so incredibly nice.
  • When the intention is good, but the delivery fails, those acts of kindness can be tougher to see. That’s when it becomes a challenge to give someone the benefit of the doubt. I got off the bus at the hub downtown, and I got hit on with the fancy line: “You make me wish I was taller. You’re real pretty.” I’m an independent woman, don’t hit on me, you can’t demean me like that way, I want to say, “of course, because the only reason we’re not dating is because I’m taller than you.”  But I resist the urge to be a big jerk and I say, “Thank you.” That simple acknowledgement solicited “It’s hot today, you be careful and have a nice day.”  And he walked on…  He wasn’t aggressive. He didn’t want money, he just wanted to (politely, albeit awkwardly) compliment a girl who was walking by.
  • Of course, sometimes what could be uncomfortable turns into something slightly humorous when you’re sharing it with other people. On one crowded bus, a rider was speaking loudly into his phone. He was explaining that he had purchased food (“a fish sandwich and fries… and it smells good”) with his paycheck and not drugs. A little weird? Yup. Kinda funny? Yup – especially if you consider the woman across the aisle from me who was offering commentary under her breath.  He wasn’t threatening anyone; he wasn’t even addressing anyone on the bus. He was having his own conversation and we just happened to be present. It was one of those events that bonds you to other people who are experiencing it.
  • There was also the woman at the bus stop who really, really wanted to talk to me. She shared personal tidbits about her medication and conversations she has with her doctor. She talked about her family. She talked about which bus she was going to take. And she talked about a few other things that I couldn’t catch. My response? I listened and talked with her for a bit and then decided that I was done, so I picked up my cell phone and excused myself b/c I had to make a call.

    Those friendly bikers! (Photo from Five Rivers Metroparks Web site)

  • I also got to enjoy a handful of musical interpretations. Hanging out at the hub, there are plenty of people listening to music via earbuds. One particularly boisterous teenager included some dancing and singing as he was enjoying his music. He was doing it for himself – perfectly content to feel the music and let it come out. We just happened to be honored and/or annoyed to witness it.
  • AND bike related: I don’t know if cyclists follow the rules of the sea, but everyone I passed who was on a bike when I was on my bike either nodded or said hello or somehow acknowledged that we share a common bond. I almost felt like a fake (“I’m not really one of you”), until I embraced it and decided that regardless of what comes tomorrow – I’m a cyclist today!

So, what am I getting at? I think when my car is my main source of transportation, I lose that personal interaction. And some of that interaction is creepy. And some of it makes you uncomfortable or compels you to hold your purse closer.  But some of it is just someone wishing you a nice day and wanting to offer a smile. Some of it is a person offering a total stranger a seat. But, even when it was weird, it was okay. For good or bad, those are the people in my neighborhood.

“Excuse me, sir – what is your job in the neighborhood?”
“You’re kidding me.”
“No, really – what’s your job?”
“I’m an elephant trainer…  Look at me – I’m driving a bus!”
“Then you must be a bus driver.”
“Oh, you’re brilliant.”

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRi92cH3V7w&feature=related’]

Yellow Springs Street Fair is Coming!

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Street Fair is Coming!

Plans for summer events are really brewing around Yellow Springs.  The Chamber is full of signs ready to go out and huge maps of booth positions.  Artists are dropping in with questions.  You can feel the energy in the air.  Street Fair is coming June 11th 9 a.m.-5 p.m.! Everywhere I turn, artists are working feverishly to get a booth full of pottery, sculpture, paintings, hand-crafted clothes, bags or unique jewelry ready for you.

One of my favorites is Jennifer Float’s booth with her colorful and whimsical paintings.  Jenny is a happy painter.  She has a very high “Awww” factor.  Everyone smiles when they see her work.   For the last 2 months, every time I see Jenny shop sitting at Village Artisans (an artist co-op in Yellow Springs) she has half-done canvases stacked on every surface and a brush in hand.  Jenny doesn’t do much sitting when she shop-sits.

So, you probably know about Street Fair, but do you know about some of the other cool events being planned for this summer?  On June 17th, the Friday after Street Fair, is Yellow Springs’ Art Stroll from 6-9 p.m.  One of my favorite shows is happening that night.  Every 2 years is the Miniature Show at “would you could you In A Frame,” at 113 Corry Street. This year, fifty-two artists have created over 100 pieces of fabulous, tiny art. Included are 3-D works, paintings, embroideries, encaustics and more, all no larger than 3 inches x 2 inches.

Art by Lance Rudegeair

The new gallery in town is Springs Gallery in King’s Yard, 220 Xenia Avenue. It will have its Grand Opening celebration during Art Stroll.  I’ve already had a peek inside and  loved the art.  Many of their artists will be present at the opening.

The Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery, 309 Xenia Ave. is having a great reception that will include art, live music and belly dancing.

Also on Art Stroll night, the Art’s Council in partnership with the Jafagirls is going to have a truly disgusting, Interactive Public Art Project at the Art Park at 100 Corry Street. The world’s first Traveling Gum Wall will be there. This summer and fall the Traveling Gum Wall is going to be popping up all over town, serving as a fundraiser for the Arts Council.  Gum is sold for a buck a piece.  You buy the gum, chew, chew some more, squish it onto the Gum Wall, and then sign the back.

Whoops, almost forgot, the Gum Wall will be at Street Fair too at the Arts Council’s Oasis,  309 Xenia Ave.

Much more is going on during Art Stroll, Art Sale at Village Artisans, live music, beer making demo, wine tasting, Free Art Friday,….

Maybe I better explain Free Art Friday.  It’s a movement around the world to leave art on the streets for anyone to find and take home. It’s been a while since the Jafagirls of Yellow Springs have done a Free Art Friday. But the word is out, Friday the 17th there will be art for the finding.  (Check the trees!)

Quick run down of other offerings for the summer:  Twice a month, 1st and 3rd Saturdays, will be “Dance Piazza” with DJ Juju at the Art Park, 100 Corry Street.

From 7-8 p.m. there are dance instructors to show steps to anyone who wants to join in.  From 8-10 p.m. It’s an international Dance Party with DJ Juju.

Here is a list of the styles of Dance taught for the first hour of each Dance Piazza. The last  two hours dance any which way you please!

  • JUNE 18 – International Folk Dances with Miami Valley Folk Dancers
  • JULY 2 – Bhangra (Punjabi Folk Dance) with Karanvir Singh
  • JULY 16 – Swing Dance with Jill Christie of the Dayton Ballroom Dance Club
  • AUGUST 6 – Mexican Folk Dance with Nuestro Orgullo youth dance troupe
  • AUGUST 20 – Flamenco Dance & Guitar with Mariya Tarakanova & Brent Del Bianco of Flamencotalk
  • SEPTEMBER 3 – West African Drum & Dance with BabaaRitah Clark
  • SEPTEMBER 17 – Appalachian Clogging & Old Time Music with Rick Good (formerly of Rhythm in Shoes) & Friends

July brings : The Cotton Club” a YS Kids Playhouse jazz musical and  the “Yellow Springs Experience.” July 15th –17th three days and nights filled with the “Cirque Carnival,” Live music and Dance, Wellness and Spa Sessions, Nature Hikes and Art Workshops.  Woo hoo!  Tell you more about that later.

See you in the Springs!