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Arts & Entertainment

Libby Recommendations For the End of The Year

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Many of you are off work for the holiday, and if you are looking for film, music, tv, podcast recommendations for the end of the holiday and year… here you go!! 🤗

HOLIDAY FILM – If you want something to watch as Christmas winds down, I love “A Very Murray Christmas” on Netflix. It’s a fun NYC romp that is delightful, entertaining, and lighthearted. It’s extra special if you’ve watched “Always at The Carlyle” documentary on Amazon Prime about the famous hotel where the Murray Christmas is filmed. 🎤
DOCUMENTARY– Having difficulty finding something to be grateful for this holiday season? “American Symphony” on Netflix shows that everyone’s life can be a roller coaster at times, including the brightest stars among us. Life can deliver the highest highs and lowest lows in the same moments. So much of the dynamics reminded me of when my Dad was sick at home. If you have your health, there is much to be grateful for! 💕
MUSIC – Local Dayton band Crabswithoutlegs had a banner year, winning Dayton Battle of the Bands, not just as a Dayton band, but also a JAZZ band. They were so compelling as a modern, fresh jazz band, they beat all the rock bands! Watch their BOTB finale video here:

PS – If you love them and want to support Culture Works – then come see them at the one-and-only Arcade NYE Countdown fundraiser! 🥂
TV SHOW – The Bear on Hulu – If you missed this one, definitely check out this show this winter. It came out of nowhere initially, and this year’s Season 2 was a thoughtful follow-up. The episode “Fishes” is a holiday episode for the history books. For my hard-working Midwestern friends, there is so much to relate to! 🐻
MUSIC DOCUMENTARY – Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert film – currently available to rent on streaming apps, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube. I was not into Taylor until a friend took me to the concert film, and I was hooked. I loved the variety and depth of her music, the dancing, showwomanship, and the unbeliveable production. This film will make you a fan – prepare yourself!

PODCAST / INTERVIEW – I love podcasts – and ending the year listening to the “How to be Happy” Arthur C. Brooks interview on the Tim Ferriss show was a great mental reset before the start of a fresh new year!

(also found in podcast form streaming everywhere)

Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical at La Comedia

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The story of the real Santa Claus, Miracle on 34th Street is one of the most beloved holiday films of all time, and one of the most popular shows La Comedia has ever produced.

This touching musical version of the classic holiday film proves that miracles do happen and is sure to fill both the young and the young at heart with the Christmas spirit. Along with La Comedia’s delicious buffet, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays.

Comedian Ryan Singer- Home for the Holidays

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Ryan Singer is a comics comic who electrihes mainstream audiences with material that is both uncompromising and unpretentious. He recently filmed his comedy special in an old, haunted school in Poasttown. Ohio, set for a 2022 release and there are few comics venturing into the unknown like he does.

He’s been seen on IFC, ScFy and has released 4 full-length comedy albums, FREE LOVE (2018), IMMORTAL FOR NOW (2015), COMEDY WONDER TOWN (2012) and HOW TO GET HIGH WITHOUT DRUGS (2010), 3 of which were chosen as Top Comedy Album of the Year. He is the creator and host of the popular ME & PARANORMAL YOU, the twice-weekly mindcast (podcast) in which he has in-dep:h interviews with paranormal investigators, experiencers and members of secret societies.

Selected by LA Weekly as one of lO LA Comics to Watch”, mentionea in NY Magazine as a “Comic to Watch,” was one of 4 finalists in the origin al CMT’s Next Big Comic Contest, i!; a frequent guest on the WTF Podcii!\t w/Marc Maron and the Bob & Tom Show, and his joke “United Snack:; of America” has nearly 1 1 million listens on Pandora.

Dayton Battle of the Bands 2024 Line-Up Announced

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It’s here! The Dayton Battle of the Bands 2024 line-up has been announced! The 4th annual local music showcase features 6 weeks of playoff rounds starting on January 18, 2024, and a finale on March 9, 2024 at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.

The series was launched in 2020 pre-pandemic by The Brightside, Venus Child Productions, and Sound Valley Dayton. A few of the features that differentiate this showcase from other Battle of the Bands include: playoff rounds are decided by a mix of audience and judge’s votes, each week of the playoff rounds features a different genre of music, and plays down the idea of it being a “competition.”

Photo by Jordan Lynn Freshour

Organizers explained that in this competition, simply participating is a “win.” All the bands who participate get to network with industry professionals, perform in front of area music bookers, and get professional photos from Jordan Lynn Freshour. The finalists who move on all get a cash prize, the opportunity to perform on the big stage at The Brightside, and get a live music video of one of their songs from Ashley Karsen, of Sound Valley Dayton. The grand prize winner gets all of the above, plus free pizza for rehearsals from Dayton Pizza Factory, custom band merchandise from Little Monster Printing, a performance next summer at Levitt Pavilion, and an EP recording session at Dayton Sound Studios.

Along with helping up-and-coming bands get to the next level in their music journey, the Dayton Battle of the Bands team is inspired to help introduce Dayton audiences to new music to love.

“People are busy, so it’s hard to keep up with what’s new with the local music scene,” organizer Libby Ballengee shared with us. “Having a curated showcase like this during the winter especially, when people have fewer other entertainment options, makes it more enticing to come out and check out new bands. We’re trying to stimulate Dayton’s curiosity about the music being created here. Plus the shows are 7:30-10pm, so plenty of time to get home and to sleep!”

FULL SCHEDULE:

Jan 18, 2024 – WEEK 1 – POP / ROCK

– Ace Slite, Arianna Holiday, Dukes of Owls, The Bruins

Jan 25, 2024 – WEEK 2 – AMERICANA / FOLK / SINGER-SONGWRITER

– Austin Wolfe, Jeff William Butcher, Mrs. Midwestern, The Nautical Theme

Feb 1, 2024 – WEEK 3 – HIP-HOP / R&B

– Blanch Robinson, Damac, D. Knight, Dos.Grandiose, MelinaMarie

Feb 8, 2024 – WEEK 4 – ALTERNATIVE / PUNK / METAL

– ATTN Deficit Squirrel, DayGloom, Sheller, Toxic Nobility

Feb 15, 2024 – WEEK 5 – COUNTRY / BLUEGRASS

– Controversy For Breakfast, Possum Creek Ramblers, The Barnharts, The Shady Pine

Feb 22, 2024 – WEEK 6 – FUNK / JAM / PROGRESSIVE / JAZZ

– EverybodyEats, Freakquency, Intergalactic Spaceforce, KindHost

HOW TO GO?

The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St., Dayton, OH

Tickets available at thebrightsidedayton.com by Jan 1, 2024

$10 advance / $15 day of show for the playoff rounds

7pm Doors open / 7:30pm – 10pm music starts

All ages welcome

More information: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com/

 

Gem City Burlesque Presents…SOLSTICE SOIRÉE

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Booty Swing is back and bringing the jazzy and sensual side of the holiday season!

This live band burlesque show will be taking place in the big ballroom of the The Brightside on Thursday, December 21st.

Come see The High Standards play live music with this lovely burlesque cast!

 

Doors open at 7pm. Must be 21+ to attend.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and We’re HOME ALONE!

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‘Twas The Night Before Christmas And We’re HOME ALONE! by Patti Frankhouser Celek, mashes two holiday favorites into a delightful “tail” of pets discovering the many different ways humans celebrate the holidays including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Las Posadas. Directed by Gina Kleesattel and presented December 14-17, 2023 in Blair Hall Theatre.

Geared toward children of all ages, this one-act comedy promotes “rescuing” each other and being kind ALL YEAR THROUGH! Families and groups can celebrate together with lively special effects, music,
and perhaps a visitor in red!

All performances are ASL shadow interpreted offering a unique experience to all audiences! 

All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket and an assigned seat (including infants).

Reindeer Sessions Dec 13 -23 at The Loft

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After a fight that left history’s most famous reindeer with a broken red nose, Blitzen is forced into a series of anger management therapy sessions by Kringle Enterprises. Tasked with finding the cause of this violent outburst, his therapist Dr. Arbor hopes to help him understand what led to this moment and if he can save his job on the reindeer squad. Instead, she hears what really happened on that foggy Christmas Eve. You won’t look at The North Pole the same way again in this hilarious and unexpected ride!

Season’s Greetings: A Holiday Cabaret

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SEASON’S GREETINGS once again brings together the amazing voices of Gina Handy and Philip Drennen, with Deron Bell and his Merry Melody Makers, for another festive cabaret experience! Relax with friends, laugh with family, grab a seasonal cocktail, and most importantly, “mail” your song requests to Santa! You never know what surprises are in store when the spirit of the holidays takes over!

Dayton Dinner Theater presents Holiday Movie Classics

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Are you looking for fun holiday events to do this month? Dayton Dinner Theater is presenting three Christmas themed movie parties that are great for date nights, or small groups of friends & family: Elf, A Christmas Story, and Christmas Vacation.  See these classic holiday fils on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.
Before the movie starts enjoy live music and food that is directly inspired by the movie. The Brightside bar is open, and features themed drinks as well! During the movie, Dayton Dinner Theater features their famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although the movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly. Costumes are encouraged!
Schedule: Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.
When: Elf – Sunday, Dec 3, 2023
             A Christmas Story – Sunday, Dec 17, 2023
             Christmas Vacation – Friday, Dec 22, 2023
Where? The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.
Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

Actor’s Theatre Fairborn presents: The Christmas Tonight Show

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Come and visit us for our first “Tonight Show” at Actors Theatre Fairborn

This Christmas addition will include a
“Jolly” Ed McMahon, (Dino @Dinos Coffee Shop Yellow Springs) Mike DiCuirci and his five piece band, Christmas music Leah Landis Hawthorn, skits and more.
Come and help us navigate through our first (hopefully more to come) variety show December 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 2023. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinee at 2pm.
Tickets are priced for Christmas at $15.00.
“And now, heeeeeress…………

The Contemporary Dayton presents CoSHOP Holiday 2023

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The Contemporary Dayton presents CoSHOP Holiday 2023, a curated collection of over 500 holiday and winter-themed fine art and fine craft from select community-driven artists and benefitting the arts community and The Co. CoSHOP Holiday runs through Sat, Dec 23, 2023.

Delight in the creative wonderland of CoSHOP Holiday. This holiday season the CoSHOP theme is CO, WHAT FUN! and features a curated selection of  holiday “giftables.” These unique, handmade pieces reflect our talented local and regional artists, all of whom contribute to our vibrant arts community every day. With over 500 unique items, we are proud to present this dazzling destination for unique, one-of-a-kind gift hunting this festive season.

The CoSHOP is The Co’s lively, year-round marketplace that features a rotating selection of home decor, personal care products, greeting cards, books, ceramic and glass art, limited edition art prints, and more curated by our team of art lovers, historians, book nerds, and decor enthusiasts. Art-lovers can visit The CoSHOP for FREE or Shop online. Online items are available for pick up Wednesday-Sunday. Select items are available to ship for a modest charge. 

THE CONTEMPORARY DAYTON
GALLERY & CoSHOP HOURS

The Dayton Arcade
On 4th St, between Main & Ludlow  

Wednesday–Saturday 11 am–6 pm
Sunday 11 am–4 pm

Special Hours: Holly Days at The Dayton Arcade
December 6, 7 ‘til 8 pm; December 9 ‘til 9 pm

Magnolia Theatre Company presents “The Moors”

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Two sisters and a dog live out their lives on the bleak English moors, dreaming of love and power. The arrival of a hapless governess and a moorhen set all three on a strange and dangerous path. The Moors is a dark comedy that explores feminism, visibility and disruption in a pulp-Victorian-goth-satire. Featuring professionals from Magnolia Theatre Company with UD student actors, this collaboration is a romp, upending the gender and class norms of Charlotte Bronte’s era with contemporary comedic thrills.

November Story Slam Takes on Traditions

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Inspired by “The Moth”, an inclusive performance event that builds community!
This open mic event hosts some of Dayton’s best tellers.
Doors at 6:30
Stories start at 7:00
Storytellers are encouraged to prepare a 5-minute story relating to the theme and place their name in the hat. Tellers are drawn at random.
Bring a story and bring a friend. Best story of the night wins $50 and a guaranteed spot at the next month’s $5.00 in advance.
Tickets will be $10 at the door if available and there is a 2 item minimum for all guests in the showroom.

LaComedia Dinner Theatre Has New Owners

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Dave and Sherry Gabert posted this announcement on their Facebook page:

“For almost 50 years, LaComedia Dinner Theatre has been an iconic entertainment venue in the Miami Valley providing guests with Broadway-style shows combined with a delicious dinner. For over two decades our family has visited the establishment and was treated to a unique dining and theatrical experience we came to enjoy year after year. We applauded the Adkins family for their focus on providing such an amazing experience.

The last several years, as a family, we have become involved in various aspects of LaComedia combining this with previous years of restaurant, theater, and business experience.

So, it is an honor and privilege that the Adkins family have entrusted us to continue their legacy and become the new owners of LaComedia Dinner Theatre. As the Adkins depart from their almost 30-year ownership, we will continue to follow in the tradition of customer satisfaction as our family strives to deliver an amazing dining and theatrical experience to new and long-time patrons. We will ensure that the delicious signature menu items will continue to adorn the buffet such as the famous sweet potato soufflé, beer-battered fish, and signature salad. We promise to continue to offer professional theatrical productions created by a seasoned production team and talented cast members. Furthermore, we are ever so blessed to inherit such an amazing, dedicated, and hardworking crew and staff that continues to join us in offering every customer an unforgettable experience.
We are so excited to meet all of our guests, season ticket holders, and first timers, and welcome them into our family.”

BAN THIS! The RubiGirls ready for the 26th ‘Show Must Go On!’

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RubiGirls Getting Ready for the BIG SHOW!

There is a lot of talk these days about drag shows…ban them, see them, boycott them, applaud them. In Dayton, none compare to the powerhouse of the RubiGirls’ ‘The Show Must Go On!’ The stage is being set for this tradition, and even in these strange times for drag, the RubiGirls stand united.

Bringing their 26th Annual Holiday Show to Dayton’s Arcade, the RubiGirls look to provide funds for charities here, there and everywhere…and beyond that, educate people on the power of Drag Shows! It’s very easy to stand on the sidelines and decide what is and isn’t good about drag….but when it comes to what drag can do for a community, the Girls have it in the bag!

We were lucky enough to catch up with 3 of the famed ladies  (Minnie Skirt, Alex; Fonda Peters, Tim; and Dana Sintell, Josh)…fresh from rehearsal in their studio.

                    Fonda Peters.

D9: The 3 of you are icons in the RubiGirls. What does ‘The Show Must Go On’ Mean to you?

DS: For me, especially now, it means no matter the obstacles, we have a job to do…drag bans, HIV, COVID…raising funds for groups and folks who need it happens no matter what. We have to move forward…regardless.

MS: Knowing why we call it ‘The Show Must Go On’ is important. Rubi was born at a time of death…the AIDS crisis was taking lives left and right and many were friends of the original four members. When they aligned themselves charitably to see an end to HIV/AIDS, that was a saying that stuck

                Minne Skirt.

D9: It’s been around a long time. Next year is year 40 for you ladies as an organization….to what do you attribute the longevity?

FP: We keep it relevant as well as we aren’t afraid to make fun of ourselves and each other as well as never losing focus on what matters.

MS: Right Fonda….and so much is serious and we just wish to make people laugh! ‘Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!’ Dolly Parton.

D9: What drag numbers define ‘The Show Must Go On?’

FP:  The one from ‘Rent’ definitely.

DS: Yep, ‘Seasons of Love.’ People sign our banners during that number. Those remain in our Clubhouse forever. We have signatures dating back to ‘To Care is to Cure’ which was the predecessor to the ‘Show Must Go On’….mid-90s.

MS: And ‘The Year in Review’ is an absolute must and is different every year because we poke fun at all the events that have happened. Taj and Dana do a fantastic mocking Entertainment Tonight and every segment is of course based in humor!

                         Dana Sintell.

D9: Your work assisted 70 Non-profits last year. WOW girls…wow! What about this year?

DS: Maybe a few more…like 75 or so. We are having a huge sponsorship year! That helps us help those organizations.

MS: The amazing thing is that while it is work it doesn’t truly feel as if it is. It’s natural to our group to want to continue to add to our portfolio of recipients as long as it aligns with our mission statement and bettering our community.

D9: And your scholarships? After 3 years you got the fund to perpetuity?? Ummmmm, that’s amazing as well.

FP: I believe in the butterfly effect so I am not sure we can ever know what the effect of these scholarships can have on the people’s lives that have received them or the lives of the people that they touch through the education they have received.

MS: We solidified our place even further in the Dayton community as a group who cares about education and the recipients who are part of the queer community.  Showing that kindness love and respect truly paid off. People love that piece.

D9: Next year is 40 years…..and in the anniversary world, that is Ruby!  RUBY! How cool! What will the year hold for all of you!!

MS: Red everywhere darling…RED!!! The fun part of it is being the Ruby Anniversary of Rubi and being in the Gem City the titles of shows is basically written for us. I hope we have a show that rivals all shows, at the Victoria, to sold out fans…a gal can dream. But think of it really…we started in bedsheets and now we are here 40 years later, assisting in raising over 2 million, let’s just pull the machine and keep struttin’.

DS: Minnie, I Love It. And I’m working on the Victoria! I will say, nothing lasts 40 years anymore….so we have to to make this more than just an anniversary….more of an homage to all we have lost, all we gained and ALL WE HAVE to be thankful for. Everyone, gay , straight, bi, trans, Republican must be acutely aware that we are ALL in this together….and 40 years later, much has changed, but much has not!

D9: So true. Proud of all of you, you are great Daytonians! Any parting words?

FP: I just want all the present and past Rubi Girls to know how much of an honor it is and pleasure to be a part of this amazing family.

MS: Ditto.

DS: Yep!!

INFO: tickets at therubigirls.com

The RubiGirls in “The Show Must Go On: A Night To Remember.” 

Saturday, November 25,  at the beautiful Dayton Arcade. Show Starts at 8pm.

Merchandise is available on-site. The show is a RubiGirl show, and is recommended for adults.

You can always SPONSOR the GIRLS at therubigirls.com.