Arts & Entertainment

Bill Franz’s Hidden Figures: Elon

March 17, 2025 By Bill Franz

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.

McCoy on Movies: NOVOCAINE

March 16, 2025 By Tabari McCoy

Jack Quaid vehicle Novocaine likely to leave fans
of his work on The Boys in stitches

“Hello … Oh me? I’m just waiting around waiting on the next season of “The Boys” like everyone else …” Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) takes a moment to phone a friend after being caught in a snare trap in a scene from co-directors Robert Olsen’s and Dan Berk’s action/comedy/romantic comedy NOVOCAINE. Credit: © 2024 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

CAST:

Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid)

Sherry (Amber Midthunder)

Roscoe (Jacob Batalon)

Simon (Ray Nicholson)

Ben (Evan Hengst)

Andre (Conrad Kemp)

Mincy (Betty Gabriel)

Coltraine (Matt Walsh)

Earl (Lou Betty, Jr.)

DIRECTORS: Robert Olsen and Dan Berk

WRITER: Lars Jacobson

THE PLOT: Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) is mild-mannered 30 year-old man living in San Diego. He works as an assistant bank manager where he tries his best to help those like Earl (Lou Betty, Jr.) facing hard times. He lives alone in his apartment, playing his favorite RPG online with Roscoe (Jacob Batalon) and he is fond of wearing a tie with reindeer on it during the holidays, which, since it’s Christmas Eve, seems appropriate.

Nathan also has an extremely rare – and very serious – medical condition: Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA), which means is has the inability to feel pain or changes in temperature (and in real life, a very decreased sweating ability). People with CIPA often suffer a long road to recovery as a result of their injuries, marked by slower healing, especially when they do so incorrectly. This is why Nathan has read an extensive amount of medical books, has dummy-proofed his house to avoid running into sharp corners and even avoids chewing since he’s afraid he might bite his tongue in half – or worse.

But despite living a very simple (and safe) life, there is one thing that makes Nathan wonder if he should risk it all: Sherry (Amber Midthunder), the relatively new teller at the bank where they both work. Fast-forward to a wonderful night hanging out with Sherry at an art exhibition and let’s just say why he might not be able to feel pain, Nathan is definitely feeling something.

What he didn’t expect to feel, however, was the terror and panic that ensues when a trio of Santa Claus-dressed bank robbers led by Simon (Ray Nicholson) enter his bank and decide to make two withdrawals: a sizable amount of cash and Sherry as a hostage. Awakening after being temporarily disposed out to discover Sherry gone, Nathan decides to do something that could change his life forever: Pursue the bad guys, save the girl and embrace the nickname that has dogged him since middle school.

And it’s a good thing he can’t feel pain – because he’s about to experience more pain than most people will in their entire life to try to save the girl of his dreams.

THE REVIEW: Far be it for me to worry about Quaid becoming typecast as as a nice guy who specializes in playing nice guys thrust into the most insane of situations given his long run on Amazon Prime’s The Boys, but … If Quaid keeps delivering performance that balance chaos, charm and great quips as he does in NOVOCAINE, it might be hard for him to escape it – not that his fans will be mad about that.

It take a true talent to play a convincing nerdy individual who can also pull off action sequences and make the cartoonish feel realistic (when it’s obvious they are absurd), but if there’s ever an actor in 2025 that excels at that, it’s Quaid. In much the same fashion his character on The Boys always has a desire to do the right thing or find a resolution for a situation, once he is forced into action, he remains a sympathetic character for whom you root. His interplay with Midthunder rivals that of his interactions with his Boys co-star Erin Moriarty; his “please don’t make me do this” to “OK, I’m going to do this and if I die, so be it” transition being on display once again.

In short, Novocaine may feel VERY familiar to fans of Quaid’s work on The Boys, but it also shows that he can be the lead in a vehicle versus a co-star (albeit in the front) of an ensemble cast. There’s nothing wrong with knowing one’s formula and sticking to it, especially when it works as well as it does in NOVOCAINE.

If that sounds like a journey you’re interested in taking, you’ll likely be a left in as many stitches as the film’s titular character.

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

“Ancient Surprise”, new works by Elena Dahl at The Blue House Gallery

March 14, 2025 By Dayton937

Ancient Surprise is a series of instant film photographs that explore relationships between queer desire, transness, landscape, and time. They celebrate the prairies, forests and waters in so-called “Ohio” and they also document my transitioning body in a moment of climate crisis and anti-trans legislation.

I deliberately overexposed some photographs and underexposed others, reveling in the way this technique can suggest a glowing subject or a concealed scene, mimicking the flickering I feel between wanting to be visibly trans in some scenarios and stealth in others. I look to plants for guidance as they negotiate when to make themselves available for pollination, when to camouflage and masquerade, and when to mount thorny defenses.

In the time between two photographs, vegetation grows around a billboard depicting the Ten Commandments, leaving visible only “thou, thou,” “shalt, sh.” As politicians use Christian fundamentalism to attempt to outlaw trans people, I see these trees and thistles as our accomplices; we, too, aim to overgrow cisheteropatriarchal rules with a reciprocal ecosystem that keeps us all breathing.

While some photographs remain straight, the majority embody a process of detachment and attachment as they become photomontages, transitioning from one form or season to another altogether.

We hope you can come join us Saturday March 15th for our newest exhibition! If you’ve been here before, the parking situation is a little different. Our friends at The DURC next door are willing to let us use the old Seibenthaler’s parking lot. Once you park, and visit our new horse neighbors! We’d like to leave the parking nearest the house for folks with any mobility issues. Please join us on Saturday!

Stay Black and Die: Black Life in 3 Acts

March 13, 2025 By Dayton937

Immerse yourself in a powerful fusion of art and poetry, celebrating Black life and culture through storytelling and breathtaking visuals.

Overview:
Step into a unique celebration of art, poetry, and storytelling that unites the power of visual expression and immersive design. This limited-capacity event offers a rare opportunity to engage intimately with an evocative narrative of Black life, culture, and identity.

What to Expect:

Live Performances: Witness Stay Black and Die: A Black Life in 3 Acts, a breathtaking three-part poem performed alongside curated art. Each act draws you deeper into the human experience, weaving words and visuals seamlessly.
Art Exhibition:
Experience the works of Markel Haralson, The Black Artist, whose evocative pieces explore the complexities and beauty of Black culture through raw, emotional storytelling.
Discover the poetry of Lindsay Haralson, The Poet & Author, whose thought-provoking verses blend rhythm and imagery to engage your soul and mind.
Take home a piece of the experience—whether it’s an inspiring poem, a signed copy of Why Can’t We: Beyond the Narrative—A Love Letter to Black Women, or a stunning artwork from the exhibit.
Immersive Storytelling Environments: Experience each act of the poem in an environment designed to reflect its themes, transporting you into the story in a way that engages all the senses.
Curated Atmosphere: Enjoy a warm, inviting ambiance with elegant finger foods, soft lighting, and a thoughtfully designed setting to enhance the experience.

Why You Should Attend:
This is more than an event; it’s an intimate journey through art, poetry, and identity. Designed for art lovers, culture seekers, and anyone who values the transformative power of storytelling, this one-of-a-kind experience will leave you inspired and reflective.

Secure your spot now – tickets are extremely limited, and this is a moment you don’t want to miss.

Take a trip to ‘Angel Street’ with BCT!

March 12, 2025 By Joshua Stucky

Beavercreek Community Theatre is strolling down ‘Angel Street’ and David Shough, the show’s Director is here to tell us all about it!

937: Hi David! Tell me, why did you choose ‘Angel Street’ to present to the community?

DS: Angel Street, originally known as ‘Gaslight’, is good, old-fashioned theatre. Its villain – heroine in distress – hero format makes for great story telling, and the period setting (1880s) gives an opportunity for beautiful, lush costumes, sets and lighting. It was a big hit on Broadway and the basis for a major 1944 movie.

937: Oh my goodness, that is literally one of my favorite films. Explain to folks the plot…ish!

DS: Jack Mannigham is trying to drive his wife Bella mad by convincing her she does not know what is real (this play is where the term “gaslighting” originated). Enter inspector Rough, who knows who Jack really is and what is plans really are. Conflict ensues, tension builds, and, in the end, justice prevails.

937: I’m hooked. I know so many folks love this story! What are you hoping people ‘feel’ after watching the show?

DS: One audience member said she “felt vindicated for all women.” Everyone longs to see the clever hero win, the villain get his due, and the victim come out on top.

937: I’m one of those types for sure! So, tell me a bit about those you are working with!
DS: I has an amazing cast of Dayton-area theatre luminaries – Megan Cooper as Bella, Jim Walker as Rough, Mike Beerbower as Jack, and Caitlin Larsen-Deer as the helpful housekeeper Elizabeth. They are joined by newcomer Olivia Burchfield, who brings vibrant life to the “saucy” maid Nancy. Further I’m blessed with three great designers, set designer Chris Harmon and lighting designer Andrew Darr who have created a gorgeous Victorian environment for this story to play out.

937: It sounds stunning. All the success to you and the gang at Beavercreek Community Theatre! BRAVO! OH! How do we go?
DS: The three remaining performances are this Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3. Tickets are available by following the Tickets link at bctheatre.org

Hidden Figures: Salona

March 12, 2025 By Bill Franz

Salona, part of my series Hidden Figures. Salona is a Haitian name that means “rare ruby” or “most beautiful.”

President Trump said the Haitians in Springfield are criminals who eat people’s dogs and cats. In fact they are legal, documented immigrants recruited by local businesses and supported by city officials as being good for the community.

The Springfield News-Sun quoted one of the Haitian immigrants: “No one wants to leave their native country, but a lot of bad things are happening right now because of the gangsters. We’re working here, we’re paying taxes here. We’re just trying to pursue a better life.”

The president says he is taking away the Haitian’s status as legal immigrants in August. That would force them to choose between returning to a violent, dangerous homeland and becoming “hidden figures” unable to work, drive or do other things legally. If he carries through with this threat the president will be hurting our local economy and increasing the number of undocumented immigrants.

It’s clear to me that the president’s attitude towards the Haitians employed in Springfield would be different if they were white. Just compare his statements about those Haitians with his statements about white farmers who are citizens of South Africa. He offered those white farmers a rapid pathway to U.S. citizenship if the South African government took actions that made them feel unsafe.

The president has always been in favor of immigration – as long as the immigrants are white. During his first time in office he repeatedly said he wanted more immigrants from “nice” (white) countries like Norway. Some of the people closest to the president are white immigrants, including his first wife, his current wife and his most important advisor, Elon Musk.

Facing discrimination because they are not white is nothing new for black undocumented immigrants. They have always been more likely to be deported than other immigrants, and more likely to suffer abuse during the process. I hope Salona and her family stay safe.

Showcase Cinemas was Dayton’s Gen X Movie Theatre

March 7, 2025 By Greg Simms Jr.

It’s your favorite neighborhood Culture Celebrator again. I’m back with another awesome trip down memory lane. If you’re like me, a Generation Xer, you have to remember the movie theatre where you saw all of your favorite movies from 1989 to 2009…Showcase Cinemas. Did you go?

Showcase Cinemas was located at 7737 Waynetowne Blvd. in Huber Heights, Ohio. The exact opening date for the building was December 15th, 1989. Showcase boasted multiple theatres inside and a massive parking lot. It immediately became the place to be to watch movies for a large swath of the Miami Valley. It also was the number spot for Gen X to watch the latest blockbuster (later classic) flicks. I can vouch for this statement because I was one of those young people. Near every smash hit movie released from 1989 to 2005 I saw at Showcase, and so did most of my friends.

The Showcase party was over in 2010. That’s when Texas-based company Rave Motion Pictures bought the Huber Showcase Cinemas location. Two years later, Cinemark USA (also based in Texas) bought Rave, and now Cinemark Huber Heights 16 stands on Waynetowne Blvd.

I’ve recently been to Cinemark, and it’s an impressive movie house. But Showcase Cinemas has my memories and my heart. I’m sure you fellow (slightly) older folks feel the same way. Talk to me, did you go see your favorite films at Showcase? What were they? Let’s rap…and celebrate our culture.

New Photo Series By Bill Frana: Hidden Figures

March 5, 2025 By Bill Franz

The inspiration for this series was President Trump’s lies about the Haitian immigrants in Springfield. His statement that they are criminals who eat people’s cats and dogs caused even Ohio’s Republican officials to complain. When a powerful person lies it makes me wonder what he’s hiding. It makes me want to know more about all of the immigrants he’s threatened and lied about. That eventually led me to this series.

As I post the pieces in this series I’ll share some of the things I’ve learned about our country’s immigrants. In this piece some basic facts are built into the image. The boy is standing on an orange floor that takes up 11% of the image because 11% of the people now in the U.S. were born elsewhere and have documents that show they are now U.S. citizens or legal residents.

The gold band represents the 3% of people in the U.S. who were born elsewhere and don’t have documents. These are the millions of “hidden figures” President Trump says he’ll round up, imprison and send out of the country.

The background in blue refers to the 85% of people in the U.S. who are descendants of immigrants.

The top line is 1% of the image. It represents the only U.S. residents who are not immigrants or their descendants – Native Americans.

This series is about undocumented immigrants – hidden figures – and in this piece I’m using a photo of the boy I call Mateo to represent one of them. I have no idea whether this boy is actually an undocumented immigrant. He could be a fifth generation American. When I’m given the opportunity to photograph a child like this I don’t ask about his immigration status. I just say thank you and take the photo.

Dayton at Work and Play: Judd Platternburg, Sugarcereek Photography Gallery

March 3, 2025 By Bill Franz

I’m inspired every time I visit this gallery showing more than 300 prints by 12 excellent photographers. Recently I asked one of the founding members, Judd Plattenburg, to tell me about the start of the gallery.

“We’d been talking about starting a gallery for years” he told me, “and we finally took the plunge in 2022. The founding group was Jeff Smith, Bill (and Marty) Welch, Bill Woody and me. Since then we’ve added photographers and there are now a total of 12 of us.”

“Each photographer here has a different style and each focuses on a different subject area. My work includes a lot of shots taken from the water. Paddling is a hobby of mine and I love connecting my paddling hobby with my photography hobby. I am also showing quite a few shots taken in Cuba right now. I’ve visited there six times and have gotten great photos on each trip.”

“The photos you see on that wall are by Bill and Marty Welch. They are nature photographers and they’ve travelled from the Amazon to the Arctic Circle to get great photos. Marty has a photo of a polar bear cub cuddling with its mother that I just love. To get it they took a small plane to an island in the Beaufort Sea north of Alaska.”

“The photos on display here are always changing, and sometimes even the whole theme of an area in the gallery changes. Bill Woody has been exhibiting his Urban Exploration photos for a while and he gave a talk about it last Saturday. Now I think he’s going to change everything and show his rural Ohio landscapes.”

I asked about the price range of the work in the gallery.

“Photography is generally less expensive than other art forms such as painting and sculpture. We have some pieces priced below $100 but most of the work is in the $200 to $400 range. Photography is also a lot more flexible than other art forms. Sometimes a person will like a work on display but its size is too great, so we print a smaller (and less costly) version for the customers. Other times a person is trying to make a dramatic statement in a large room, so we enlarge a photo he likes and make it 5 feet long.”

Sugarcreek Photography Gallery
15 West Franklin St.
Bellbrook, OH 45305

Hours:

Thurs & Fri

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Sat & Sun 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Or call 973-317-0170 for Appt

Auditions for The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

March 2, 2025 By Dayton937

Dayton Playhouse is excited to invite you all to audition for the revival of The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

Directed by: Aaron Eechaute-Lopez
Music Direction: Lorri Topping
Choreography: Sandy Hyde
**Audition Location information at bottom of post**

Synopsis:
The Unsinkable Molly Brown is the rags-to-riches love story of Molly and James Joseph “J.J.” Brown, owners of one of the richest mines in the U.S. at the turn of the twentieth century.

In this spirited tale of a legendary American original, we follow the exploits of Margaret “Molly” Tobin Brown, a miner’s wife in Leadville, Colorado who becomes an overnight millionaire with her equally feisty husband J.J. But high society is no match for Molly. As she turns the upper crust of Denver upside down, stands with the miners of Leadville, traverses Europe, and famously survives the Titanic, Molly proves her mettle wherever she goes.

Auditions: March 3 & 4 @ 7pm (Callbacks will be March 5 @ 7pm)

Performance Dates: May 2-18 (three weekends)

Casting Call: Age Descriptions are a guide only and may be flexible.

Molly Brown (F) Age 25-40 – A simple country girl who leaves home in search of a new life. She is stubborn, independent, determined and, above all, always true to herself. Spirited with a deep kindness and compassion for others. Needs to portray a range of ages. Strong singer/dancer, powerhouse of the show. (Vocal Range: F3 – E5)

JJ Brown (M) Age 30-45 – A strong willed man. He is often gruff, but has a sweet, tender side, especially where Molly is concerned. A simple man at heart.(Vocal Range: F2 – F4)

Julia Gerrard (F) Age 20-35 – Earthy, grounded, practical, good hearted. Lives in the mining town and becomes best friends with Molly. (Vocal Range: B♭3 – B5)

Arthur (M) Age 20-35 – An Asian miner with a strong sense of fun and humor. Sings a few lines in Mandarin. (Vocal Range: B♭2 – G4)

Vincenzo (M) Age 20-35 – An Italian miner who falls in love with Julia. Sings in Italian in this production. (Vocal Range: B♭2 – B♭4)

Erich (M) Age 20-35 – A German miner. Passionate and principled. Sings a few lines in German. (Vocal Range: A♭2 – G4)

Horace Tabor (M) Age 30-50 – The owner of the mining company in Leadville. Not a natural public speaker, but respected and loved by the men that work for him. (Vocal Range: A2 – D♭4)

Baby Doe Tabor (F) Age 25-45 – Horace Tabor’s wife, and his clear better half. Has been described as small town chic. Has some things in common with Molly. (Vocal Range: B♭3 – D♭5)

Louise Sneed-Hill (F) Age 25-45 – The leader of the Sacred 36, the rich and powerful families in Denver. Imperious and intimidating. (Vocal Range: B4 – G5)

Pearl, Birdie, Nelva (F) Age 18-40 – Dancers at the saloon and members of the Leadville community. Must be very strong dancers. (Vocal Range: B♭3 – E5)

Mary Nevin (F) Age 18-40 – Tough talking, tender-hearted maid of Molly and JJ in Denver. Non-singing role.

Dolce Trio (M) Age 25-45 – Three men (Italian, English, and French) in Molly’s later life who seek her love and attention. Strong singers.

Ensemble – Various smaller parts and ensemble roles available. Seeking strong dancers, singers, and actors with range to play multiple roles. We are also in need of at least one younger male and female actor for this production (approx. age 13-18).

Please prepare approximately 32 bars (1 minute) that best shows off your vocal abilities and bring sheet music in your key. An accompanist will be provided. If you wish to use a Bluetooth Speaker, please bring your own to ensure it is compatible with your phone.

Additionally, please bring a change of clothes and dance appropriate shoes for the dance call portion of the audition.

Finally, after the dance call, individuals will be held back to complete cold readings from the script.

Any questions can be directed to Aaron Eechaute-Lopez ([email protected]).

**PLEASE NOTE AUDITION LOCATION:
PNC Arts Annex
46 W. 2nd St.
Dayton, Ohio 45405

Parking in Arts garage or free parking on the street after 6pm

Exploring The Forgotten: An Urbex Exhibit / Artist Reception For Bill Woody!

February 26, 2025 By Dayton937

📢 Exploring The Forgotten: An Urbex Exhibit 📢

🎨 Artist Reception For Bill Woody! 🎨
🗓 Saturday, March 1st | 🕒 4:00 – 6:00 PM (Artist Talk at 5:00 PM)

Step into the haunting beauty of abandoned places through the lens of Bill Woody in his latest Urban Exploration (Urbex) exhibit. His powerful images breathe life into forgotten spaces—capturing the mystique of Kirkbride asylums, the historic Dayton Arcade, Pittsburgh’s Rivers of Steel, Buffalo’s Silo City, and more.

📍 Sugarcreek Photography Gallery
📍 15b W. Franklin St., Bellbrook, OH

🌟 What to Expect:
🔹 Bill Woody’s stunning Urbex photography—where decay meets artistry
🔹 Ghostly figures & flowing dancers woven into abandoned grandeur
🔹 A chance to hear Bill’s captivating stories behind each location (Artist Talk at 5:00 PM)
🔹 Adult beverages & hors d’oeuvres to enjoy while mingling
🔹 Great conversation with fellow art lovers & the artist himself
🔹 Enter to win a free print! Drop your name in the hopper for a chance to take home a piece of the show

Beyond the visuals, Bill’s deep knowledge of these lost places—from asylums to Dayton’s hidden corners—makes his insights as compelling as his images. His passion for forgotten history brings these places back to life in a way that is both eerie and mesmerizing.

📢 Don’t miss this thought-provoking exhibit & artist talk! Tag a friend and experience the world of Urban Exploration through a masterful lens.

How the Upcoming EPIC: ART MATTERS came to be!

February 26, 2025 By Joshua Stucky

When it comes to Dayton Creatives, Rodney Veal is top of list. Along with a group of area artists, Veal has created EPIC, “ART Matters, Dayton Art and Design Symposium” to be held on February 28, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at The Tank Theatre inside the historic Dayton Arcade.Renowned artists, architects, designers, city leaders, and creative visionaries will come together to explore opportunities for artists and the economic impact and importance art has at the intersections of innovation, culture, and community. Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr., will provide opening remarks, and closing remarks will be made by Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein. The keynote address “Empowering Creativity: Advancing Art and Design in Ohio” will be presented by Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council.

I was fortunate enough to catch up with Rodney Veal to get the lowdown on the event.

D9: Hi Rodney! Thanks for meeting me. Tell me how this event got its wings….and what exactly is the goal?

RV: Hi Josh! The Epic Committee came together just under a year ago, which we didn’t name ourselves right away. We all came together from a variety of professions, mostly creatives who had the crazy idea that we create events and activities to support the arts in a more organic and grassroots way. One of biggest goals was to help was to assist Dana L. Wiley galleries activate their spaces with events to help that convene artists and lovers of art.

D9: The spaces are beautiful in the gallery and the Arcade in general. I’m wondering why ‘Art Matters’ as the theme for the event?

RV: The theme for our upcoming Art and Design Symposium is “Art Matters” with a series individual presentations and group panel discussions that explore the various aspects of the arts and design world, from the Artistic Director of Dayton ballet, to architects and visual artists and even a philanthropist. All of them speaking about their experiences and how the arts have shaped their careers and indeed lives. The passion these individuals possess for their chosen careers is astonishing and we hope that people who attend will be inspired by what they hear and witness that day. Now more than ever the arts serve a powerful role in a fractured world and have the power to restore our collective humanity…. which would be another awesome outcome of the symposium.

D9: Definitely in a strange time relating to the Arts. Any work artists can create towards bridging the gap is so appreciated. What will people experience at the event?

RV: There will not be massive showing of artworks, but there will be an opportunity to hear from some of the most amazing artist and creatives who live in the Miami Valley. They will speak powerfully and from the heart about the personal impact the arts have and will continue to have on our world. And there will be even five person panel discussions about creating and painting spaces for creativity to thrive and flourish.

D9: Now that sounds cool!! And again, who are we likely to rub shoulders with at this event?

RV: We have people from all walks of life, artists , dancers, photographers, architects, interior designers. we are excited that the Executive Director of the Ohio Arts Council , Donna Collins will be our Keynote speaker for the day. Donna will share with us the state of the arts in our state. There is a lot to celebrate and be inspired by and we hope our panelists speakers will do just that.

D9: What a great choice for keynote!! So, I have to ask…why the name EPIC?

RV: The EPIC name is really an acronym for our core tenet, to educate, promote, inspire and connect; and we took a chance believing anyone can make a change and do something really quite amazing! Considering that none of us has ever planned a event of this size is a game-changer, but we dared to dream and we feel pretty cool about what we are doing in service of our love for the arts!

D9: Best to you Rodney….excited to be there!

And you can too: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-matters-dayton-art-and-design-symposium-tickets-1144784283609

DATE & TIME: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-matters-dayton-art-and-design-symposium-tickets-1144784283609

February 28 @ 9:00 am – 5:30 pm

COST: $20 – $65

BAGELS & BROADWAY

February 23, 2025 By Dayton937

Ever wonder what it takes to prepare a stage for a show? Join us for BAGELS & BROADWAY, a unique opportunity for you to find out first-hand. Have a cup of coffee and a bagel – then watch the show’s crew and members of IATSE Local 66 set up the sights and sounds for PETER PAN!

Please note, this BAGELS & BROADWAY is on a Wednesday.

BAGELS & BROADWAY is free, but you must register.*

Two One-Act Plays in One Night Through Sunday

February 21, 2025 By Dayton937

Double the laughs, double the fun! Experience a night of side-splitting entertainment with two hilarious one-act plays back-to-back.

Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche: Come join the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein at their 1956 Annual Quiche Breakfast, where they pay tribute to the most perfect food in the world, the egg. Secrets will be revealed and laughs will be had, as the women face the unknown… and the possibility of a world without eggs.

The Butler Did It: Next, enjoy a classic whodunit comedy, where nothing is as it seems! This cast of colorful characters, plenty of misunderstandings, and, of course, a butler, create a witty and entertaining mystery that is sure to make you laugh out loud.

Don’t miss this double feature of comedy! It will be an evening full of laughter.

Dayton At Work and Play: Ed Dixon

February 17, 2025 By Bill Franz

I remember showing some of my work at the gallery’s original location near the Arcade. Now it is in a great space near RiverScape.

Ed’s gallery is best known for its annual “We’re Doing it ALL Wrong” exhibition that runs from August 1 to September 28 this year. Artists from across the country submit work that highlights important social issues. I asked Ed where he got the idea for this annual show.

“I started my gallery 7 years ago” he told me. “From the first I wanted to do an exhibition with art work that was thoughtful and thought provoking – maybe even art that spurred people to take action. I didn’t want it to be political. I wanted it focused on issues. During that annual exhibition we sometimes have nonprofit nights, where people can learn more about the local groups that are addressing the issues referenced by the artists in the show.”

There is an interesting mix of art currently in the gallery, with prices ranging from $100 to $8,500. In the first photo above, Ed is standing in front of a beautiful painting by Beavercreek resident Alisa H Workman. She describes her work as lightly abstract floral art.

A group of colorful abstracts currently in the gallery was painted in Cuba by the late Julio Antonio Pino Varens. He had a friend in Dayton who arranged to have the work sent here.

Also traveling a fair distance are the two pieces currently in the corner by California artist Juko. “She grew up in Dayton” Ed told me. “We went to school together. We lost touch when she moved away and only recently reconnected. In California she got a PhD and has had a great career in forest conservation. And she paints amazing abstract works that I’m happy to bring to Dayton.”
“One of the things I like most about having a gallery is choosing what work to show. This spring we’ll be showing work by Dayton’s Susanne Scherette King. I’ll enjoy being surrounded by her work for a month.”

Next time you’re downtown you should stop by Edward A Dixon Gallery and see what art Ed is currently surrounding himself with.

222 North St Clair
Dayton, OH 45402

Hours:
Thurs, Sat & Sun 12pm – 5pm
Friday 3pm – 8pm

Can’t visit during normal hours? Make an appointment!
Click here to make an appointment or
You can also call 937-985-2115 or email [email protected].

McCoy on Movies: Captain America: Brave New World

February 15, 2025 By Tabari McCoy

Mackie solid despite underwhelming adventure awaiting Captain America: Brave New World

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito, Danny Ramirez, Carl Lumbly, Shira Haas and Xosha Roquemore

DIRECTOR: Julias Onah

THE BACK STORY: Steve Rogers may have walked off into the sunset … But that doesn’t mean America won’t continue to face threats, domestic, international and – as any dedicated Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) watcher can tell you – across galaxies and multiple universes. That’s why Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is on the case, taking up his mentor’s mantle, complete with a new Falcon – a.k.a. Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) in training by his side. In addition to a new title, Sam also has a new boss in the form of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford, taking over the role left vacant by the late William Hurt), a.k.a. the newly elected President of the United States of America.

The discovery of adamantium on a celestial island (yes, X-Men fans and the five of you that liked the Eternals movie, adamantium has made its way into the main MCU) is set to once again change the world. That’s why a seemingly changed Ross is looking to shed his hotheaded reputation and lead a peace treaty involving all the world’s major nations.

Problem is, Ross hasn’t been exactly honest about a few things, leaving Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito) on the hunt to steal the precious metal for an unknown buyer. But as things unfold and land his role model, the original Captain America Isiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) behind bars, Sam ends up trying to prevent an international incident … Even if Samuel Stearns (Tim Blake Nelson) has plans that might otherwise sending Ross into a rage where he – and the entire world – will end up seeing red as a result.

THE REVIEW: Given the current political/social state of America, it should come as zero surprise that if you are the type that has demonized the letters “DEI,” CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD is not the film for you. Likewise, if you are suffering from superhero fatigue and/or cannot see past the skin color of the film’s titular character, you should stay home as well.

However, if you enjoy most of Marvel Studios’ releases and are able to watch a story that focuses more on traditional superhero values (peace, a man with designs on revenge and/or justifiably using his intelligence/force for the right reasons but in nefarious ways), BRAVE NEW WORLD hits the mark more than it misses.

Much moreso than in the lackluster Falcon & the Winter Soldier Marvel limited series, Mackie carves out his own niche as Cap in BRAVE NEW WORLD, paying homage to Chris Evans work in the role while putting his own stamp on the character. Wilson’s status as a black man is a minimal part of the story, which instead focuses on a man trying to honor his predecessor and serve the country that, in 2025, all of its citizens may or may appreciate his service. With Mackie’s Sam Wilson rumored to lead the next iteration of The Avengers, his performance shows he has the stamina to step into the role Evans helped define … Even if he still needs a bigger defining experience to firmly establish him as such.

In fact, if there is one thing that could be seen as more of a letdown, it’s the fact that BRAVE NEW WORLD simply follows the beats required of a standard Marvel adventure: There’s a hero facing some sort of internal crisis, a villain with motivations you can somewhat understand and some really good fight sequences with jokes throw in occasionally for good measure.

What BRAVE NEW WORLD needs, however, is a truly remarkable villain and definitive moments that make it feel like less of a prelude to other adventures. Nelson’s version of the man known to many comic book fans as The Leader doesn’t feel like he’s truly capable of such a name and you’ll either enjoy Ross’ gamma antics or find them too familiar to drive you. (The latter crowd is the type that almost takes more enjoyment in not enjoying something ala Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons.)

All things considered, in trying to show Sam Wilson can be just as good as other heroes, BRAVE NEW WORLD is fine … But it fails to do the one thing it needed to do, which is the exact opposite of the aforementioned sentence: Give him a adventure that make his heroics stand out in definitive fashion as compared to the rest of his peers.

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

Arts & Entertainment

Jack Quaid vehicle Novocaine likely to leave fans of his work on The Boys in stitches

COST: $20 – $65

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Jack Quaid vehicle Novocaine likely to leave fans
of his work on The Boys in stitches