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Arts & Entertainment

ARTeBRATION at Front Street

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ARTeBRATION is going to be our biggest event yet!
FRIDAY MAY 2ND 5PM – 9PM
* Brick City Mural Festival – live mural painting by local and visiting artists from Ohio, Kentucky, California and more!
* Food Trucks – Food trucks & Kool Beanz Cafe in the courtyard
* Open house Art Studios & Galleries – explore 3 buildings!
* Live Music throughout campus
* Scavenger Hunt – a chance to win a $150 Front St gift card!
SATURDAY MAY 3RD 11AM _4PM
LIVE ART DEMONSTRATIONS
* Brick City Mural Festival – day 2
* Raku Firing with Mudman
* Glass blowing
* Nearly 100 art studios and galleries OPEN across the complex!
BRUNCH! Dayton Food Truck Rally
* Claybourne Grill
* MamaBear’s Mac
* El Diablo Grill
* Order Up Food Truck
* Suga and Slices
* Cece’s Kitchen
* FirstBite Catering LLP
* Queen’s Table
* Cate’s Steakhouse
* More Than A Apron
* El Beuno Taco
* Monster Baby Donuts
* Spin City Cotton Candy
* Life’s Lemons
***Please note: Food truck lineup is subject to change
BEER GARDEN
Fifth Street BrewPub
LIVE MUSIC – Levitt Pavilion, Dayton Music tent features live music Sat 12-4PM, The Back Dock – live DJ’s
OUTDOOR MARKET
local art, handmade goodies, antiques, vintageware, and more!
FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES
* Boonshoft Museum of Discovery invites kiddos to become an archaeologist!! Dig up ancient ceramics, piece them together, and discover clues about the past!
* FREE Spin Art T-shirts
* Kids Korner
* Free Arts & Crafts at select studios & booths
* Scavenger Hunt! – your chance to win a $150 Front Street Gift Card!

Opening Night for Reefer Madness

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Inspired by the original 1936 film of the same name, this raucous musical comedy takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria caused when clean-cut kids fall prey to marijuana, leading them on a hysterical downward spiral filled with evil jazz music, sex, and violence. You won’t be able to resist the spoofy fun of Reefer Madness. The addictive, clever musical numbers range from big Broadway-style showstoppers to swing tunes like “Down at the Ol’ Five and Dime” and the Vegas-style “Listen to Jesus, Jimmy,” featuring J.C. Himself leading a chorus of showgirl angels. Reefer Madness is a highly stylized and satirical political commentary that will leave you wanting more.

Whispers in the Breeze Photo Exhibit at Rosewood Arts Center

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Rosewood Arts Center, Kettering Health Art Gallery announces the opening of Yiyun Chen X Fremaux-Valdez Solo Exhibition on April 21st.  It will run through May 24th. Yiyun Chen’s photographic project, Whispers in the Breeze, began as a pastime and was prompted by the artist’s wandering as a pedestrian along Lake Erie. The project became a ritual, and then a process of self-reflection and self-discovery for the artist as an Asian immigrant – exploring the relationship between people, environment and society.

The collaborative work of partners Ghislaine and Lando Fremaux-Valdez is on a gargantuan scale, executed in gouache and pastel on paper. Each drawing naturalistically portrays one or both of the artists’ bodies (sometimes many times over), but deranges them through fragmentation, anatomical corruption, and/or pictorial chaos

Closing Reception and Artist Talks: May 24, 2025, 1 – 3 p.m.

Burlesque at The Brightside

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You’re invited to an unforgettable evening at The Brightside’s “Vod-Vil Bar” on Thursday, April 24th! Get ready to indulge in:

Burlesque Entertainment: Experience the captivating artistry of Gem City Burlesque.
Live Music: Enjoy electrifying performances from Ayn Swann & The High Standards.
Delicious Cocktails: Sip on expertly crafted drinks that will tantalize your taste buds!

VIP and Standard tables are available as well as single tickets (seated, no table).  🎟️

HOW TO GO?

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Doors 6:30pm

Show 7:30pm

The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

GA tickets $30 each / Reserved Tables for 2 $100 – $150

Get your ticket here: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/gem-city-burlesque-2025-04-24-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-3631e0

Ages 21+

McCoy on Movies: Sinners

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Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan turn in a near perfect Southern Gothic tale in SINNERS

The teaser poster for writer/director Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Creed, Fruitvale Station) southern gothic horror thriller SINNERS. Credit: Alon Amir © All Right Reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

 

CAST: 

The Smokestack Twins Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan)
Sammie a.k.a. Preacher Boy (Miles Caton))

Beatrice (Tenaj Jackson)

Mary (Hailee Steinfeld)

Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo)

Remmick (Jack O’Connell)

Annie (Wunmi Mosaku)

Grace (Li Jun Li)

Bo Chow (Yao)

Pearline (Jayme Lawson)

 

WRITER /DIRECTOR: Ryan Coogler

THE PLOT: Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan) are twins who left their native Clarksville, Mississippi for a better life up north in Chicago long ago. Now, they are back and throwing around cash like it’s going out of style … For it seems that good fortune up north has led them back to Clarksville where they plan to open up their own juke joint. (It is 1932, after all.)

 

Their cousin Sammie a.k.a. Preacher Boy (Miles Caton) is a talented musician who’s pastor father (Saul Williams) has warned him about the perils of picking up the guitar he is fond of and playing secular music, a.k.a. the blues. But Sammie wants to follow his dreams, dreams which become stronger once he meets local legend Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo). Meanwhile, Smoke and Stack are building up their staff for their new venture, which, in addition to Delta Slim, includes local general store owners Grace (Li Jun Li) and Bo Chow (Yao), sharecropper Cornbread (Omar Benson Miller) and potions expert (and Smoke’s old flame) Annie (Wunmi Mosaku). Also hanging around is Mary (Hailee Steinfeld), a woman whose ethnic background has complicated her relationship with Stack, a.k.a. her former lover. Then again, Pearline (Jayme Lawson), a married woman in her own right, has caught the fancy of Sammie who is ready to let his little light shine.

 

All the parties find themselves in for an enjoyable opening night at Club Juke – until it isn’t. For once a man named Remmick (Jack O’Connell) comes a calling, their entire night is about to change … And all sinners will be punished for their deeds.

THE REVIEW: “No notes.” Those were the two words I texted a friend after finishing SINNERS, the latest collaboration between writer/director Ryan Coogler and his frequent muse, Michael B. Jordan. For in mixing in themes of music and its importance to the soul (literally), southern gothic themes relating to race and horror elements, Coogler’s latest film might be his best effort to date. For it is a cinematic experience of culture and storytelling that is a masterclass in creating and investing in characters and moments topped off with themes of love, loss and music.

Jordan has already staked his claim as one of Hollywood’s best young (aka under 40) talents; SINNERS finds him pulling off the remarkable task of playing twins and giving each enough depth to stand on their own. Whereas Stack is fast and smooth, Smoke is calculated, much more rough around the edges and yet both are passionate about their dreams and losses (as well as the impact of the women in their lives). Whereas Robert DeNiro’s recent turn as two mob bosses in The Alto Knights has been criticized by some as too much self-indulgence, it’s hard to imagine someone else turning in a dual performance that begs attention as much as Jordan does watching SINNERS. 

 

Likewise, whereas Steinfeld’s and O’Connell’s character could quickly become one dimensional, both – just like Mosaku as Annie – craft personalities that are intricate to Smoke and Stack’s respective stories. While most will come to SINNERS for Jordan as the headliner, it is newcomer Miles Caton that is the film’s center, both musically and in terms of many of the various themes explored during the film’s two hours and 17 minutes. Caton’s future should be as bright as his performance is memorable which, given all he asked to do in his feature film debut, is saying something.

There have been many great duos in history from Abbott & Costello to Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson … With SINNERS following their previous efforts (Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Coogler and Jordan have proven yet again they can make fantastic cinema together, this time exploring a new realm while maintaining all the elements – humor, timing, emotion and captivating scenes – that made all their prior journeys together work. Is that because of Jordan flexing his prowess to bring Coogler’s vision to life or Coogler putting his actors in the best possible light to shine? It’s both – and that’s what makes SINNERS a top film so far in 2025. 

For like all of us, SINNERS may not be perfect, but it’s about as close to perfect as any human making a movie of its nature could hope to be. 

 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

Sexy, Silly and Satisfying….the ‘FULL MONTY’ is FUN!

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Few musicals have humor, heart, and happiness wrapped in music that is catchy and memorable….one of those is David Yazbek and Terrence McNally’s ‘Full Monty!’ With a lot of love in tow, the show is filled with surprises and uplifting human resilience. TheatreLab Dayton‘s version is quite timely. The story is of six unemployed steelworkers in  New York, facing economic troubles, who decide to give stripping a try…for the money! Along the way, these men and their loved ones must face their inner demons and social norms. Through their journey, and heading to the ‘Full Monty‘ (Yes, the men come through with their ‘tease’ to bring the title to life,) the men learn much about themselves and the real definition of what it means to be a ‘man!’

TheatreLab has brought some strong talent to the stage for this version. The 6 men are so well suited for their roles. Zach King plays Jerry with full heart and strong vocals, as a man doing his best; Dustin Evans’ take on Dave is real and relatable; Aaron Hill, as the sweet mama’s boy Malcolm, is perfectly cast; John Woll‘s deep voice and solid persona fit well with his portrayal of Harold; Joshua Hughes, a TheatreLab staple, once again lights up the stage with his comedic timing; and Tim Wilson‘s smooth, assured ‘Horse’ provides the quintessential ‘Big Black Man.’

The show is taking place at the Dayton Convention Center, which has gone through some renovations. The stage is perfect for the factory feel, and the orchestra fits nicely to bring the score to life. The show is Directed by Philip Drennen and the Stage Manager is Jennifer Barnaba. There are definitely some stand-out performances and numbers provided by the ladies in the show. Katie Pees brings a ton of energy to ‘Life with Harold,’ and the women don’t hold back on ‘Women’s World.’

Probably the moment that will provide the sweetest of reactions will be Aaron Hill‘s heart-tugging ‘You Walk with Me’….kleenex worthy! Josh Stucky, once again playing a woman, adds levity to the tale with ‘Jeanette’s ShowBiz Number.‘ And of course, the boys bring it home with the giddy ending ‘Let it Go!’

The show is FUN. It really is….and we all need joy about now. Leave politics, angst, and ugliness at the door. Join the boys in Buffalo as they bear all….both physically and emotionally!

The show is April 18 – 19, 2025.

For tickets…go to

bit.ly/tldfullmonty

 

 

 

 

 

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙑𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙪𝙚𝙨

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Sinclair Theatre presents the award-winning play 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙑𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙪𝙚𝙨 on April 16 and April 17 in Blair Hall Theatre. Run time 75 minutes
Witty and irreverent, compassionate and wise, 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙑𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙪𝙚𝙨 gives voice to real women’s deepest fantasies, fears, anger, and pleasure, and calls for a world where all women are safe, equal, free, and alive in their bodies.
This event is free and open to the public!

Julius Caesar April 10 – 13 at PNC Arts Annex

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This all-female JULIUS CAESAR, adapted by Caitlin McWethy, dives headfirst into power, ambition, and identity in a patriarchal world where a small group of women are calling the shots. It unpacks the fear of powerful women and the strategies they use to lead in a system stacked against them. The cracks in solidarity, the clash of personal and political agendas, the relentless demand to appear flawless while hiding every vulnerability – it’s all laid bare. This isn’t just Shakespeare; it’s a raw, unfiltered look at what it means to lead when the pressure is coming at you from all sides – society, your peers, and even yourself.

Post Show Talk Backs will happen after the matinée performances on April 12 and April 13, 2025.

An Evening of Poetry with David Matthews

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Don’t miss this chance to see celebrated poet david matthews as he brings his latest collection, Poetry Classics, to life! From intimate reflections to explosive moments of raw energy, matthews will captivate with every word. The night will conclude with a dynamic dialogue/talk back, where you can engage directly with the poet, unraveling the inspirations behind his work and sharing in the creative journey – a truly immersive literary experience!

Joui’s Cork-Aoke Features Nominated Host!

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Another rainy day is in store this Sunday, April 6. It’s time to get out of the house!!!  Joui Wine is offering a sing-along karaoke brunch like no other! The event, a new kind of karaoke for Dayton, features food from Salt Block and is hosted by Philip Drennen from TheatreLab Dayton. Drennen recently found out his Off-Broadway show ‘Big Gay Jamboree’ has been nominated for ‘Best Musical’ in the Lucille Lortel Awards. The awards are the Tonys for Off-Broadway shows. ‘I am so excited,’ Drennen stated, ‘I am heading to the awards event in May!’
Although Drennen’s hit show took place in NYC, he is committed to his hometown, and looks forward to having some fun this weekend!
The Cork-Aoke brunch starts with a mimosa from Joui and a buffet spread at Salt Block Biscuit Company from 10:30am to 11:30am. Then,  the
musical escapades begin. Drennen, joined by Josh Stucky of area trivia fame, will lead the crowd in group karaoke!!
Performances from TheatreLab will have you singing along as well. Participants can sing a solo, a group number, or just sit back and watch!  You can also meet members of the upcoming Full Monty musical, directed by Drennen.
Throughout the event, the hosts will be giving away tickets and discounts to the show are available.
Karaoke lasts from 11:30 am to 1 pm.
Joui Wine is located at 117 E Third St in Dayton
Proceeds benefit TheatreLab Dayton.
For tickets to the event, click the link below!

Strong colors, Movement and Motion in Sway Exhibit

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Inspired by mid-century artists such as Robert Motherwell, Joan Mitchell, and Franz Kline Susanne Scherette King’s strong colors, movement and motion, and wide range of style make up the title of her show: Sway
– Opening Reception on Thursday, April 3rd from 6pm-9pm
– Artist Talk on Saturday, April 12th from 2pm-4pm
For Susanne, sway is motion, range, and scope. Over the 25 years of painting, her style continues to change and evolve. She has created a diverse range of work for this show.  Susanne has a B.S. degree in education from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree in differentiated instruction from Graceland University. She is a self-taught artist. Professionally she taught jr. high language arts and also independently designed. perennial gardens for many years After two life changing medical events, her teaching career ended, but by making some modifications in technique she continued to paint. She has had gallery shows in Dayton, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia.
Free and Open to the Public.
Lite refreshments served. Free on-street parking.

Auditions for Between Riverside & Crazy

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Open audition notice for BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY by Stephen Adly Guirgis
Auditions will be held Mon & Tue, March 31 & April 1, 2025, starting at 7:00 pm both nights.
Production dates: May 23-June 8, 2025

 

Directed by Robert Wayne Waldron
Produced by Christina Tomazinas-McQuinn & Rick Flynn
Stephen Adly Guirgis’ BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY delivers a raw, darkly comedic look at urban life through the lens of Walter “Pops” Washington and his son, Junior. Set in a rent-stabilized New York City apartment, the play explores themes of family, redemption, and the struggle to navigate a complex world.
Pops, a former cop battling the NYPD in a lawsuit, clings to his home as a sanctuary, while Junior, recently paroled, seeks a fresh start. Their lives intertwine with eccentric houseguests, revealing past traumas and present-day challenges. The play masterfully blends humor with poignant drama, exposing the characters’ flaws and vulnerabilities.
Casting Requirements:
• Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
• A résumé and headshot are not required but are appreciated.
• Please provide a list of all known conflicts between Apr 2 & June 8, 2025
-) Walter “Pops” Washington:
50-60’s A retired black NYPD officer who is central to the story. He’s a complex character, filled with anger, wit, and vulnerability, as he struggles with his past, his identity, and his ongoing legal battle with the police department.
-) Junior:
20-30’s Pops’ son, who has recently moved back in with him. He’s trying to turn his life around but is also tangled in questionable activities and relationships.
-) Oswaldo:
20-30’s A recovering addict and one of Junior’s friends. He’s staying with Pops and has moments of both humor and poignancy as he works on his sobriety.
-) Lulu:
20-30’s Junior’s girlfriend, who is cheerful but perhaps a bit naïve. She often provides comic relief while also revealing deeper emotional layers.
-) Church Lady:
30-40’s An enigmatic and spiritual figure who visits Pops. Her presence in the play adds an unexpected and surreal twist.
-) Lieutenant Caro:
40-50’s A current NYPD officer and friend of Pops. He brings tension into the story as he tries to navigate loyalty and duty.
-) Detective O’Connor:
40-50’s, is Pops’ former partner on the NYPD. She is a layered character, torn between her personal loyalty to Pops and her professional responsibilities.
For more information, please contact Rick Flynn at [email protected]
Dayton Theatre Guild is a community theatre that values community representation, and we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion on and off stage. People of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate and will be given full consideration in casting and all volunteer opportunities. Unless explicitly specified by the playwright in the text of the play, all roles will be open to all performers.
The show runs weekends May 23-June 8, 2025
First Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm
Second & Third Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 5pm, Sunday 3pm
*Children under seven will not be admitted
Individual tickets on sale now
Adult: $25
Senior (60 or older): $23
Student: $18
To purchase:
– https://daytontheatreguild.thundertix.com/
– or call 937-278-5993
– or at the box office day of the show
* All individual tickets purchased in advance via our on-line ticket system or by telephone will also include a $1 convenience fee.
for more information, including auditions, see http://www.daytontheatreguild.org/

Chancers Opens at Dayton Theatre Guild

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Shop owners Aiden and Dee are down and out and on the verge of losing everything. One lucky customer has their ticket out of the poorhouse—they just need to get their hands on it without her knowing.

CHANCERS by Robert Massey is a fast and furious comedy set in 2014 County Kildare, Ireland. The country is still reeling from the 2008 recession which followed the economic Celtic Tiger boom of the previous two decades. Aiden and Dee are married with kids and are barely scraping by, trying to keep their corner convenience store and their family from total bankruptcy. Their friend J.P . is in even worse shape, drifting from one get-rich scheme to the next. Gertie is a cranky, nosy older woman who has done quite well for herself financially through her miserly ways and cutthroat land deals. A winning lottery ticket in Gertie’s possession becomes the center of the plot and the central question of the play: When being a good person gets you nothing, how far will you go when your back is against the wall?

 

Run time: Act 1: 55 Minutes. Intermission: 15 Minutes. Act 2: 45 Minutes.

Camelot Opens at The Loft March 26th

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Embark on a majestic journey to a realm where honor, dignity, and morality pave the way for a new era under the youthful King Arthur’s reign. This tightly focused adaptation of the classic musical Camelot breathes new life into the legendary love triangle with the same musical favorites “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “The Lusty Month of May,” “I Loved You Once In Silence,” and “Camelot”

Witness as this beloved musical is reborn, offering a spellbinding experience that celebrates love, leadership, and the quest for an ideal world.

By order of King Arthur himself… Camelot shall reign for one more week! The people have spoken, and Camelot is extending its stay through April 13th. But beware—once these final tickets are claimed, no wizard nor knight can conjure more.
Hear ye, hear ye! By royal decree, Camelot hath been extended! Due to overwhelming demand, four final performances have been added April 10-13. Premium seats remain for those swift of foot and bold of heart. Delay not, for when these tickets vanish, they shall be lost to time!
By royal decree, Camelot has been extended! FOUR FINAL PERFORMANCES have been added April 10-13—but once they’re gone, they’re GONE. Don’t miss the breathtaking music, timeless romance, and epic storytelling.
You asked, we listened! Camelot has been extended for ONE FINAL WEEK—April 10-13. This spellbinding production will thrill audiences—and now’s your chance to experience the magic!
Purchase tickets by following this link: https://humanracetheatre.org/shows/camelot

FutureFest 2024 Winning Script: The Cure

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Extending the wonder of FutureFest we will be bringing the 2024 Winning Script to life on stage for 6 performances in March of 2025. We are honored to offer this opportunity for the playwright to see their work fully realized and for the community to experience new and compelling storytelling.  FutureFest supports emerging playwrights and brings fresh voices to the forefront of the theatrical experience.

Winner and Audience Favorite of FutureFest 2024

When her twenty-four year old son wills himself to death and donates all his organs, Joan goes on a quest to understand why.  Along the way, she meets five of the organ recipients who all seem to remind her of different parts of her son’s personality, but it’s not until she meets her son’s heart that she finally realizes the truth.

Bill Franz’s Hidden Figures: Elon

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I’ve always assumed that undocumented immigrants were wage earners. I was wrong. Hundreds of thousands of them have built businesses here. Those businesses tend to be small because it takes capital to grow a business, and raising capital can draw unwanted attention. That’s what happened to Elon, according to an October, 2024 article in the Washington Post. The Post interviewed Elon’s business associates, reviewed court records and got copies of company contracts to tell the following:
In 1995 Elon and his brother went to California to start a business, but the two Canadians did not have legal work status. Like most undocumented immigrants they had little capital so they slept in their office to save money. They worked hard and by 1996 the business was taking off. Investors were ready to put in money, but when they learned that Elon and his brother were undocumented they protected themselves with an unusual funding agreement. If the brothers did not get legal work status in 45 days the investors could reclaim their money. “We don’t want our founder being deported” one director was quoted as saying.
We don’t know if Elon met that 45 day deadline. People tell me getting legal work status is a long, slow process that takes years. We do know that he wasn’t deported, and in 2002 the business was sold for $300 million. Elon became a U.S. citizen that same year.
Elon denies the Post’s account but has given little detail about his journey from being Canadian to becoming a U.S. citizen. Elon’s brother is more candid. In 2013 he told interviewers that when the two brothers started their first business in the U.S. “We were illegal immigrants.”
The Post article tells us that the world’s richest man started his business career as an undocumented immigrant. What an inspiration to the hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who have built businesses here. I wish Elon would share details of his immigration journey. I’m sure that his fellow entrepreneurs would like to know how to get legal status in 45 days. Then, with the threat of deportation removed, those small businesses might grow and bring benefits to us all.