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Arts & Entertainment

Third Thursday Art Lunch at DSA

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ART LUNCH AT HIGH STREET GALLERY

Bring a packed lunch, your artwork or other art to share, or just come for some community. Plenty of Street Parking Available. Handicap Accessible Entry in Back.

Art lunch is every Thursday:
Rosewood: Second and Fourth Thursday
DAI: First and Fifth Thursday

39th Annual Art on the Lawn Festival

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More than 100 artists from Ohio and beyond will gather under the shade trees at 200 S. Walnut St. in the heart of Yellow Springs, Ohio, to show and sell their original, fine arts and fine crafts at this year’s Art on the Lawn on Saturday, August 12, from 10 am-5 pm, rain or shine.

This popular, free, outdoor festival of art, food and music, now in its thirty-ninth year, is sponsored by Village Artisans Gallery of Yellow Springs. Both new and returning artists will present their ceramics, drawings, fiber art, garden art, glass, jewelry, leatherwork, mixed media, paper craft, paintings, photography and more. Food vendors and live music complement the outstanding,
juried artwork.

Premiere of Locally Made Film “Smart House”

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Come and see producer Henrique Couto and director John Oak Dalton’s latest thriller starring Iabou Windimere!
Shot in Dayton Ohio and Muncie Indiana
“An online influencer is trapped in a smart home by a sinister hacker, and forced to start a strange live stream while her family and friends fight to get her free.”
7pm $10.00 at the door

$60K in Artist Opportunity Grants Available

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The Artist Opportunity Grant program is back in 2023 with $60,000 available to foster the professional growth of local artists.

Montgomery County artists can use Artist Opportunity Grants to create new works and pursue imminent opportunities for professional development, such as residences, apprenticeships, and skill-building workshops. Since 2016, the program has awarded more than $220,000 to 77 artists to complete career-advancing projects. This year’s grants will support projects happening between January 1 and December 31, 2024.

The Artist Opportunity Grant program is funded by the Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District (MCACD) and administered by Culture Works, the Dayton Region’s local art agency and united arts fund. In this cycle, the maximum grant amount has increased from $3,000 to $5,000 and there is greater flexibility in how funds can be used. Artists applying for funding to create new works will now be able to use up to 20% of awarded funds to offset the cost of their time.

It is important for the community to support artists according to Matt Dunn, MCACD Executive Director. “As an economic sector, the arts contribute to our quality of life and our economy,” Dunn said. “Yet, at the same time, artists and many creative professionals struggle to cover their expenses.”

To support applicants, Culture Works will host a virtual information session on August 15th, project ideation sessions on August 22nd and 24th, and grant writing workshops during the application period. Additionally, applicants will have the opportunity to request a free consultation to gain feedback on their applications before submitting.

Lisa Hanson, Culture Works Executive Director

“Empowering local artists to grow and express themselves through their art benefits the community as a whole,” said Lisa Hanson, President & CEO of Culture Works. “The continued support of Montgomery County and their commitment to artist development inspires Dayton Region artists to evolve in their artistic practice and, in turn, enrich our lives.”

Artists can apply through the Culture Works website, cultureworks.org, beginning August 7th. The deadline to apply is October 6th. In November, an independent panel of artists, arts administrators, and other knowledgeable community members will review applications and make funding recommendations at a virtual public meeting.

For full program guidelines, key dates, and more about the Artist Opportunity Grant program, visit cultureworks.org.

Opening Night for Free Outdoor Play “The Wizard of Oz”

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Springboro Community Theatre is proud to present “The Wizard of Oz”, directed by Matt Kuntzman, with Music & Vocal Direction by Judy Mansky and Chorography by Lillian Robillard.
Performances are August 4-6 & 11-13 at 7:30pm at North Park Amphitheater in Springboro! This event is free to the public, and no tickets are required.
We’re off to see the wizard! Young Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. There, she encounters a host of whimsical characters: good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk, and things magical to behold. To find her way home, she must journey along the Yellow Brick Road to see the mysterious and all-powerful Wizard in Emerald City. Along the way, she makes new friends, but must also brave many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers. To make it home safely, Dorothy must learn an important lesson: there’s no place like home.

Spotlight on the 937 Community Theatre 2023-2024 Season!

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With all of the community theaters in town we thought we would spotlight their upcoming seasons. This will give you plenty of time to fill your calendars and purchase season tickets. This week I am happy to spotlight Brookville Community Theatre and Troy Civic Theatre.

 

Brookville Community Theatre located at 770 Arlington Rd Brookville, OH 45309 is at the end of their 38th Season. The Neil Simon comedy Plaza Suite, Directed by James Nelson will be performed September 7-17.  Brookville will tie up their season with Stuck At Home, directed by Bonnie Bertelson. You can see this comedy November 9-19, 2023.  Tickets for all shows at Brookville Community Theatre can be purchased here:  https://thebct.org/

 

Troy Civic Theatre, which has been producing shows at The Barn in the park since 1965 will open their 2023-2024 Season with I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick and is to be directed by Erin Gibbons. Performances run September 15-24.

November 10-19,  you can see Lysistrata by Aristophanes, directed by Derek Dunavent. In the midst of an ongoing war between Athens and Sparta, the Athenian Lysistrata calls together an assembly of women from throughout Greece to present her plan for peace. Continuing into 2024, Troy will produce Moon Over the Brewery by Bruce Graham which will be directed by Steve Dietrich. Performances: March 1-10, 2024

Wrapping up their season, Derek Dunavent will direct Godspell by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.  Based on the Gospel of Matthew, Godspell features an eclectic group of people who team up with Jesus to teach his lessons in a new day and time.  Performances of this fan favorite musical will be May 3-12, 2024. You can get tickets for the season at https://troycivictheatre.com.

 

Thank you to all of the Theatres for helping me with information to put this series together. There are many great options for everyone in 2023-2024. I hope you visit some of these theaters and are amazed by the wonder that is Community Theatre.

Interested in Comedy Sketch Writing? There’s a Class For That!

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Interested in learning sketch comedy writing from a professional writer? Looking to learn from the comfort of your own home? The Black Box is bringing you their second sketch writing course taught by the one and only Jonterri Gadson, writer on HBO’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show” and Netflix’s “The Upshaws.” Students will write their own sketches and be considered for sketch writing at the Black Box Improv Theater. Classes take place every Sunday for four weeks starting August 6th from 3-6pm.
Students can receive the full experience, sit in on classes, write sketches, and receive professional feedback for $125, or sit in on classes and learn to write sketches without feedback for $75.
Register online at daytonblackboximprov.com (link in bio). You will receive a Zoom link prior to the start of classes.

Life in the City 5th Annual Juried Exhibition

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Explore what Life in the City means to nearly 30 artists through a range of media including paintings, photography, collage, sculptural work, glasswork, fiber art and more.

Join featured artists in the gallery and learn about their experiences and perspective.  From urban gardens to forgotten spaces this show is designed to evoke connection and inspiration.  Doors open at 5PM.  The evening will feature live music, food trucks, and additional galleries, studios, and boutiques to explore.

Live music back at the Dayton Arcade on Thursday!

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Last summer, Culture Works, presented a 6-week local music series in the Tank space, which is located in the basement of the Dayton Arcade, under the Rotunda. This year, the series kicks off again on Thursday, July 27, 2023 with the Dayton Battle of the Bands winner: Crabswithoutlegs!

This series and show in particular is highly anticipated by the community because the Tank is such a unique entertainment space, and the band performing is such a phenomenal talent. This space and series is “inspired by Centerpoint Energy.”

What makes the Tank unique starts with its entrance, which is located at 35 W 4th St, between Main Street and Ludlow Streets in downtown Dayton. Look for the walls of glass coming out of the sidewalk. That marks the entrance! Go downstairs to a space with intentional, artist c reated graffiti, and into a cool space with blue neon lights leading you to a theater in the round. It’s like nothing you’ve seen before!

Eleanor Dakota will kick off the evening with a couple solo songs. Photo by Fea Fotos

The band is a 9-piece jazz ensemble of very young musicians (age 20-23), several of whom studied at Stivers School for the Arts and are currently studying music on the collegiate level. Led by singer Eleanor Dakota and bass player Carter Griffin, the band has been wowing audiences since they made their debut at The Brightside Music & Event Venue (also located in downtown Dayton).

What makes this concert even more special is that there will be 3 live artists paining in the lobby, curated by Culture Works, and a pop up photo booth by Fea Fotos. A bar is on site for patrons as well!

“This is the first of several concerts we are planning for the back end of the summer season,” Libby Ballengee shared with us. She is working with Culture Works on the music booking, and is a big supporter of live music downtown. “We’re looking forward to having an eclectic season again with jazz, hip hop, Latin, and rock bands. If you’ve been missing Gilly’s – this first show is a don’t miss event for sure!”

 

HOW TO GO?

July 27, 2023

At the Dayton Arcade’s Tank (35 W 4th St – look for glass entrance in stairwell)

Doors open 6pm

Music 7:30-9pm from Eleanor Dakota & Crabswithoutlegs

$10 cover at the door

18+

Find out more about the Tank here:

https://www.arcadedayton.com/arcade-events/category/the-tank-inspired-by-centerpoint-energy/

Get a preview of Crabswithoutlegs here:

 

Dead Roses Art Exhibit

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Art Has No Rules is Back after 6yrs | Come Experience The Creative Genius of Taliaferro Sebastian as He Presents His New Collection Dead Roses.

This Will Be His First Solo Exhibit in a Commercial Gallery Presented By Black Palette Art Gallery. This Will Be a Red Carpet Event so come Dressed in your Best. The Color is Red and the Theme is Roses. The General Admission is Free but we do Offer a Rose Package that includes a Print of Artwork as well as a Bottle of an Exclusive Limited Edition ROSÈ

McCoy on Movies: Barbie: The Movie

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The beloved children’s doll comes to life in a perfect for adults comedy/musical/drama that will entertain, inspire

“Where’s Allan and Skipper? Oh don’t worry – they’re around!” Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) as seen in the official poster for director/co-writer Greta Gerwig’s comedy/drama/musical BARBIE. © 2023 Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

 
DIRECTOR: Greta Gerwig

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Simu Liu, America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Michael Cera, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Will Ferrell, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman and the voice of Helen Mirren

THE BACK STORY: Inspired by the iconic doll of the same name, Barbie stars Margot Robbie in the titular role as a stereotypical Barbie doll living in Barbieland. She is stereotypical in that she walks with arched feet perfect for her high heels, every day is the best day ever and she spends most of her time hanging out with her fellow Barbies like President Barbie (Issa Rae), Mermaid Barbie (Dua Lipa) and other more career-minded versions of herself. Also propagating Barbieland are the Kens, including her boyfriend (Ryan Gosling) and his top rival (Simu Liu). There’s also Ken’s sidekick Allan (Michael Cera), but no one pays any attention to him.
Things start to take a turn for our golden girl, however, when she begins having thoughts about death and her feet flatten out unexpectedly. This leads her to seek out the wisdom of the abused but resilient Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon), who explains what’s happening: A very sad girl in the real world – yes, the Barbies know there is a difference between them and humans – is playing with her and altering her existence in Barbieland. Thus, she must travel the mystical space from Barbieland to the real world and help make her sad real world owner happy again.
Also tagging along for the ride? Well, her boyfriend Ken of course. Arriving in Los Angeles, Barbie and Ken discover that real world is nothing like either of them thought … Which leads to some very precarious situations. And once the head of Mattel (Will Ferrell) finds out, the desire to literally put stereotypical Barbie back in her box becomes paramount.
But how do a simple receptionist (America Ferrera) and her estranged daughter (Ariana Greenblatt) fit into helping Barbie get back home, restore Barbieland and prevent a potential disaster that could alter both of their worlds forever? You’ll have to watch the movie to find out!
THE REVIEW: How do you take a beloved yet controversial children’s toy and make a two-hour opus of comedy, music and drama that is funny, poignant and – dare it be said – inspiring? You do what director/co-writer Greta Gerwig and her script partner Noah Baumbach have done with BARBIE.
 
Barbie – which is probably best left in the viewing pleasure of those 16 and up so they can catch all the cultural references and homages to decades of the character’s history – features a perfect mix of self-awareness, irreverence and heart. With Robbie and Gosling leading the way under Gerwig’s watchful eye, the film acknowledges all of the factors that have made her a staple of many children’s childhood while at the same time having fun with all of the things it has been criticized for throughout its history.
The twist, however, is that while it acknowledges those flaws, the film uses them as opportunity to talk about change in a way that shows how BARBIE is really just a reflection of the society in which she exists. This leads to moments of self-discovery for Barbie (and thus the audience), realization and empowerment in a way that genuinely may lead to inspire women of all ages.
That being said, the BARBIE experience is a phenomenal ride of comedy, music and sentiment thanks to the aforementioned stellar performances of Robbie, Gosling and their cast mates. The skill with which they bring their characters – none of whom are exactly known for their verbal history – to life is a masterclass in acting. Whereas Robbie gets to look pretty (she is Barbie, after all), she brings a score of humanity to a toy that has been criticized for the plastic nature – pun intended – of her supposed existence and affect on little girls worldwide.
This in turn makes her journey of self-discovery one that is not about a toy, but coming to grips with reality and finding your place in the world in which you live. That, of course, is just one of the messages that is delivered without being preachy or forced, making the film’s rather dramatic final 40 minutes a perfect compliment to the lighthearted 80 that precedes it.
Gosling’s performance is pretty much everything you could want out of playing the most famous fake boyfriend of all-time. Aloof and goofy to perfection while showing his character’s desire to just be respected, it feels like Gosling is channeling Terry Crews’ President Camacho from Idiocracy (which sadly feels more like a documentary than comedy at this point) with his comedic timing. His singing, dancing and rivalry moments with Liu’s character are just as outstanding, proving that his La La Land work wasn’t just a fling.
The same can be said for the rest of the cast, be it Cera’s perfect “This is what Michael Cera excels at” turn as all-around good guy Allan or Rae’s encapsulation of President Barbie. Whereas McKinnon’s excellent portrayal as the Barbie little girls mangle is hits every beat about the reality of what being a Barbie can be, Ferrell’s portrayal as a man who profits off of a woman’s idea but is (mostly) self-aware of it are both uproarious. Add Ferrera’s and Rhea Pearlman’s characters to the mix as older, wiser women who know just how special Barbie can be and it’s easy to understand how she became an iconic figure long before she hit the big screen.
Performances aside, there are just so many details that Gerwig places into the film that significantly impact the audience’s enjoyment of the film in a positive way. This includes everything from a masterful use of Barbie’s signature color palette to life-size constructions of notable toys and wardrobes to breaking the fourth wall and playing on the idea of what would Barbie really say and do if she were alive. From “what did they just say?!” moments to homages to classic Barbie fare, the film never really misses anytime it swings since the cast and crew are all committed.
Make no mistake: In the wrong hands or with a different vision, BARBIE could easily become a mess of a film that feels cartoonish, a half-baked money grab or just unnecessary. Instead, Mattel’s ability to step back and allow Gerwig and company to virtually have no limits on their creativity has created a film that will likely be viewed as classic as the doll that inspired it.
In short, BARBIE features a girl living in a Barbie world – and we would all be better off if we could live in it, too.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

 

Spotlight on the 2023-2024 Dayton Theatre Seasons- Part 4

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Continuing our local theatre season spotlight, this week we are featuring Yellow Brick Theater and INNOVAtheatre. 

Yellow Brick Theater founded by Dionne Meyer and Jessi Stark. Their mission is to strengthen the vibrant youth culture of the Greater Dayton area by providing children and their families with theater education, performance experiences, and opportunities for artistic self expression. We accomplish this through teaching classes, workshops, and producing family- friendly performances.

Yellow Brick will produce Mean Girls: High School Edition. Performances will be October 20 & 21. Tickets and more information can be found here.

Just a little outside of the 937, and often featuring Daytonians you’ll find INNOVAtheatre Performances take place at the beautiful Sorg Opera House 63 S Main St, Middletown, OH 45044. INNOVA is a Community Theatre that was founded upon inclusivity and diversity has the following productions to offer us for their 2023-2024 Season. 

Hunchback of Notre Dame, Directed by: Richard Lee Waldeck, Vocal and Orchestral Direction by: Lorri Topping & George Drewyor, and Choreography by: Isadore Karrick performances are August 25 – September 3.

Love to do the time warp? Get ready, the cult classic, Rocky Horror Show Directed by: Richard Lee Waldeck and Musical Direction by: Hayden Floro will run October  20- 29, 2023.

In 2024 INNOVA will bring the musical American Idiot. Green Day’s powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion.  Performances will be April 19- 28. 

Tickets can be purchased here:

UK band makes a stop in Dayton on US Tour!

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UK’s Project Blackbird is on their first US tour, and are prioritizing Dayton as one of their stops! You can see them Tuesday, July 18th at 8pm at The Brightside.

This “extraordinary” band, as BBC 6Music’s Tom Robinson has described them, offers an atmospheric, genre-fluid listening experience that draws equally upon intellect and emotion. They are made up of 5 core members are vocalist Ming Nagel (originally from the USA), multi-instrumentalist Jon Read (former trumpet player for The Specials), guitarist Alan Roberts, multi-instrumentalist Jamie Varley, and drummer Eddie Dublin.

“Imagine a party at Ronnie Scott’s,” one fan suggests, “where Sade, Björk, Jeff Beck, and David Byrne meet Portishead and then go for a late night curry to exchange ideas…sublime”.

Local support comes from Rude Scholar. On site food truck, Phat & Rich, will be on site!

HOW TO GO?

July 18, 2023

Doors 7:30pm

Show 8:15pm

All ages welcome!

$10 advance /  $15 day of show.  
Advance tickets: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/75846/orders/new

Venue address: 905 E 3rd St (free, on-site parking available)

Spotlight on the 2023-2024 Dayton Theatre Seasons- Part 3

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With all of the local theaters in town we thought we would spotlight their upcoming seasons. This will give you plenty of time to fill your calendars and purchase season tickets. Our third installment will spotlight X*ACT and Actor’s Theatre Fairborn. 

Located at 45 East Second Street in Xenia, X*ACT will produce A World of Entertainment for their 2023-2024 season. The have selected a diverse lineup which opens with Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe, written by Eric Coble and directed by Dee Berdine. Production dates are October 20-22, and 27-29, 2023.  In December (1-10, 2023) Melodee Bass will direct Svetlana’s First Christmas, written by Dwayne Yancy & A Holiday Surprise is promised. 

The new year will bring No Exit, written by Jean Paul Sartre to the X*ACT stage directed by Mike Taint, production dates are March 1-10, 2024. Following No Exit will be the classic Lysistrata, by Aristophanes and directed by T. C. Kimmet. Lysistrata will run April 5-14, 2024. 

In April Lysistrata, directed by T. C. Kimmet, and written by Arsitophanes is a comic account of a woman’s extraordinary mission to end the Peloponnesian War. Production dates are April 5-14, 2024

Ending this season will be World Builders written by Johnna Adams and directed by Julie Hauwiller will be performed May 10- 19, 2024. “…a brilliant script with precise and punctuated dialogue that is as entirely believable as it is bizarre. A fascinating exploration of what it takes to truly love another person, WORLD BUILDERS is profoundly thoughtful, transformative storytelling at its finest.” —BroadwayWorld.com

Tickets and more information can be found here: xeniaact1.org

Jim Harworth has brought Actor’s Theatre Fairborn back to life. Located at 23 N Main Street, this vintage theatre has brought community theatre back to Fairborn and this upcoming shows promises to continue to bring quality entertainment to you. Jim stated that he is glad to be able to have audiences back after Covid, and is very thankful for the support of many local volunteers, like Craig Smith and former owner of the building Don Campbell. He also appreciates all of the support he’s had helping give back to the community. While there isn’t a set season for Actor’s theatre they do have a few shows coming up.

At the end of September the ghoulish comedy Moan Alone, by Mark Aloysous Kennerly, directed by Olivia Simpson will tell the tale of two couples (played by real life married couples) who go off for a Halloween getaway and get caught in a freak snowstorm. Due to unforeseen circumstances, they all slowly become zombies. Performance dates are September 29- October 7, 2023

 

In March of 2024 Craig Smith will direct the Neil Simon comedy Barefoot In The Park, this classic romantic comedy features Paul and Corie Bratter who are newlyweds in every sense of the word. He’s a straight-as-an-arrow lawyer and she’s a free spirit. After a six-day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie’s mother and decide to play matchmaker with their neighbor, Mr. Velasco. Everything that can go wrong does. Barefoot In The Park will run March 1- 10, 2024.

 

May brings the sentimental favorite On Golden Pond, by Ernest Thompson. Brian Sharp will introduce you to Ethel and Norman Thayer as they return to their summer home of 48 years. “…a rare and memorable theatrical experience…” —Variety. On Golden Pond will take the stage May 10-19, 2024. 

Tickets can be obtained by going here: ​​Actorstheatrefairborn.org

Children of Eden July 13-23 at Epiphany Lutheran Church

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Epiphany Players Drama Ministry invites you to its 2023 Summer Musical, “Children of Eden” with six evening performances and two matinees July 13-23.

From musical theater greats Stephen Schwartz and John Caird comes a joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children and faith… not to mention centuries of unresolved family business! Adam, Eve, Noah and the “Father” who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children. The show ultimately delivers a bittersweet. but inspiring. message: that “the hardest part of love… is letting go.”