Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Getting Involved

Masquarage 2023: A Night on Olympus

By

Equitas Health has announced the theme for their annual Masquerage fundraiser for 2023. A Night on Olympus will happen on October 14 as a party that celebrates ancient Greek myths.  This massive dance party  will take place at the Dayton Arcade this year and guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite gods and goddesses. Attendees must be 21 and over, and while masks are not required, they are encouraged. This theme release video will give you some inspiration for costumes:

 

Since 2002 Masquerage has helped raise HIV/AIDS awareness and more than $1.5M, becoming one of Dayton’s premier see-and-be-seen events. The money raised at Masquerage supports the prevention and education efforts of Equitas Health. The prevention team at Equitas Health provides HIV/STI testing and prevention, educational programs, support groups, and more to the Dayton community.

Jackie O  & Cherry Poppins will return to host the party, Gem City Burlesque will also make a return this year with performances that are sure to titillate. Regional Events Manager for Equitas, Jostin Schimmoeler  also shared he has several other cool entertainers lined up, but he can’t reveal them until contracts are signed.

Be sure and bring money for the silent auction which will have restaurant gift cards, gift baskets and experiences available for your bidding pleasure.

There are 2 Ticket options for Masquerage:

General Admission – which gives you access to the event’s main areas, welcome drink at the beginning of the night, a full dance floor and entertainment through the night! $60 in advance.

Red Ribbon Lounge – includes access to both main and VIP areas, welcome drink, a designated VIP Bar with drinks included, a full dance floor and entertainment through the night and  a swag bag at the end of the night! Food for the Red Ribbon Lounge will be provided by Sueno. This year the Red Ribbon Lounge will be on two floors, on the main floor and The Tank.   $125 in advance.

Want to go but funds are low? Volunteers that donate eight hours or more of their time will earn a complimentary General Admission ticket. For information on volunteering, please reach out to jostinschimmoeller@equitashealth.com.

 

 

 

Sophia Learning Center Hosts Old-Fashioned Lemonade & Homemade Baked Goods Fundraiser

By

On Saturday, August 5, 2023, beginning at 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sophia Learning Center, a local Christ-centered preschool and private kindergarten, will host its third Drive by: Fresh Lemonade & Homemade Baked Goods.

Fundraiser at 1401 S. Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45409
This year’s sale will feature three flavors of old-fashioned lemonade:
• Classic Old-Fashioned Lemonade
• Berry Lemonade
• Pineapple Lemonade

Additionally, the sale will feature 24 different types of homemade desserts prepared by
local small business, home and hobby bakers from the Dayton and Cincinnati Region,
including local favorites like, Dorothy Lane Market, Klassi Konfections, Sugar Sweets by
Peeks and Twist Cupcakery. Desserts range from sweet potato pies and cobblers to
pound cakes, cheesecakes and more. The menu will also include gluten free options for
individuals with allergens.

Attendees can choose to stay in their cars or walk up to the booth to purchase from SLC’s
students and volunteers. Lemonade prices will begin $5.00 a cup or $10 and up for
specialty souvenir bottles. Desserts are $5 a slice/bowl or attendees can purchase the
entire dessert.

Sophia Learning Center was founded in 2019 and is a Christ-centered preschool and private kindergarten located in Kettering that works alongside of parents to train up world
changers, by ensuring that students have a firm foundation in Christ as well as a firm foundation in reading and math prior to entering the school system. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help Sophia Learning Center prepare for growth, purchase new technology for the school year and provide scholarships for students.

For more information about the Fresh Lemonade & Homemade Baked Goods Fundraiser,
or a full list of the desserts that will be available the day of the event visit.

For more information, visit: www.sophialearningcenter.org
https://www.sophialearningcenter.org/lemonad-sale, or follow Sophia Learning Center on
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SophiaLearningCenter.

About the Sophia Learning Center
The Sophia Learning Center is a Christ-centered preschool that prepares your scholar to
successfully navigate the school system. Through traditional teaching methods, biblical
wisdom principles, small group instruction, experiential learning field trips and daily fun
hands-on activities, we equip students with the reading fundamentals, math skills and
strategies to be Kindergarten ready, know who they are in Christ and ultimately grow up
to become world changers.

5K for Kelli Raises Special Wish Funds for Breast Cancer Patients

By

5k for Kelli is in memory of Kelli James

Join us in remembering the life of Kelli James and honoring all the breast cancer survivors, the Nghters and the love ones we’ve lost at the 11th Annual 5K for Kelli, presented by the Breast Wishes Foundation on Saturday, August 19th at 9am. 100% of proceeds go to granting wishes for women with breast cancer through the Breast Wishes Foundation.

The 5k for Kelli Run/Walk is a super fun event for the whole family. It is a 3.1 mile out and back course that begins and ends next to Wegerzyn Gardens and winds along the beautiful Stillwater River.

Because Kelli loved fairies, we encourage everyone to dress up in tutus, wings, and Wower crowns. No fairy gear? No problem! We have everything you need at the merchandise tent with all proceeds going to Breast Wishes Foundation. We also offer free fairy face painting and colored hair spraying! Registration and Merchandise tents will open at 7:30 am.

How to Go: 5K for Kelli on Saturday, August 19th at 9am at Wegerzyn MetroPark

Event Fees: Registration only $25! (Register by August 5th to guarantee a super-soft and comfy t-shirt)

Awards: Be sure to bring a few extra dollars to buy some raae tickets. Our top prize is $1,000 cash!
We will give medals, pint glasses and gift cards to the Top 3 Male and Female overall and the Top 3 Male and Female in each age category.

Age Categories: 19 and Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over

Event Parking and Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/OH/Dayton/5kforKelli

The Flying Field at Wegerzyn, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton, OH 45414

Pre-Registration packet pick up:

Friday August 18th from 8am-7pm at the Breast Wishes Foundation, 115 E National Rd Vandalia, OH 45377. Note – We highly recommend pre-packet pickup!

Additional race information can be found at http://breastwishesfoundation.org

Diced in Dayton Chef Competition Returns!

By

Launched last year, this fundraiser for Miami Valley Meals returns on Tuesday, Sept 19th at Top of the Market.  Diced in Dayton is an interactive, food-filled event that showcases and celebrates the creativity of local chefs as they craft unique dishes from a set of mystery ingredients. Guests vote for their favorite and the two chefs who get the most votes will compete “Chopped” style to create a dish from a box of ingredients they are given right then and there.   A panel of judges will evaluate the final two dishes and declare a winner.

2022 Diced Chefs

For your chance to  enjoy delicious bites and support a great cause you can purchase tickets to support Miami Valley Meals here.

General admission ticket – $75

  • 6:00 p.m. entry
  • Sample tastes from 8 chefs
  • Cast a vote for your favorite dish

VIP ticket – $150

  • Early entry for VIP-exclusive happy half-hour at 5:30 p.m.
  • 2 free drink tickets
  • Access to reserved VIP seating area
  • Sample tastes from all 12 chefs
  • Cast a vote for your favorite dish
  • Free deck of Dayton Foodie cards ($30 value)
  • Random chance to taste and judge in the final round

Miami Valley Meals team of chefs transform recovered (a.k.a. “rescued”) foods into hearty and nutritious prepared meals that are then distributed to a network of nonprofit partners serving the hungry in the Miami Valley—free of charge. They currently distribute an average of ~4,000 meals per week to 45+ partners per month.

AlphaTrips: CHICago is CHIC again!

By

   It’s time to travel again….and even though I use AlphaTrips to highlight cities and towns close to our beloved Dayton, it’s time to TRAVEL beyond. 4 and a half hours from Dayton’s city center is one of America’s great big cities…CHICAGO! Flanked by the beauty of Lake Michigan, highlighted by the amazing skyscrapers, filled with world-class hotels and dotted with more parks than you can shake a stick at…Chicago is vibrant again. Gone are the annoying masks, plastic dividers, and spacing that kept us all at bay. Back is an oasis for shoppers, a playground for water lovers, and a fulfillment for music and art aficianados.

“The trick is to take what the media says with a grain of salt.” Says Mischa K, a local food vendor and lifelong dweller. “We are facing what all big cities are facing. This need to make everyone feel that Netflix is better than the Lincoln Park Zoo. I mean, come on!” Mischa is not alone. While visiting the Windy City, I chatted it up with others…sentiments the same! “Magnificent Mile has seen some closures, but all-in-all, the street is packed with visitors, and you can’t find a restaurant with availability.” Says Fred H. “I dunno, I keep hearing the same stories about Miami, NYC and LA….so we are in good company.” laughs Dan D. “You adjust. You find a way to make the new way of doing things a better way of doing things. We are still Midwest…people are still as friendly as it gets here!”

For me and the gang I traveled with, we found a ton to do! Plopping ourselves at the Viceroy on State Street…we were near the beating heart of the town. A short walk to Michigan Ave. and you could feel it…life is BACK! On the streets families with popcorn, lovers holding hands and obnoxious drivers laying on their horns in hopes they get much needed attention! Shopping felt good…no clicking Amazon for a new shirt, but rather, trying it on…and having the clerk find a better size…HEAVEN! (By the way, Ralph Lauren’s POLO on Michigan is a must now….WOW…packed and pretty!!) Starbucks three level signature store is bit much, but its worth a drop in. To be real, I was more interested in finding the old hotels with those dimly lit bars, and amazing Old-Fashioneds…and they didn’t disappoint! (Champagne stops are a good idea as well.)

The Aquarium, the zoo, the beach, the pier…all in full-swing and ready to take on your family with new sites to see as well. And, honestly, is there any city near us with a more diverse collection of architecture!! STUNNING STUFF!  One place I always enjoy is Andersonville. Filled with shops from the sublime to the silly, the area boasts a lot of great variety. Take a minute to grab a drink at Lady Gregory’s, Farragut’s or Hopleaf Brewery! Feeling adventurous? Sneak into Simon’s (Oldie but goodie)!

Dining is also back in Chicago. We ate dinner at Somerset, a patio restaurant, with great people-watching in the Gold Coast. After dinner, take the elevator to the 18th floor to Devereaux…this pool-side party place is inviting and sophisticated. Of course, I could list dozens of places to find food, and everyone would have an opinion how right or wrong I was…with that, I will say, there is something for everyone in Chi-Town! (We loved grabbing a coffee at Whispers and sitting in the triangular garden among the college kids and locals.)

It’s time peeps! Grab your pet (they were everywhere)…pack your car (or just buy everything there)…and put on your walking shoes (we averaged 15,000 steps a day)….and head NorthWest(ish) to one of America’s Best….the city of BIG SHOULDERS….CHICAGO!

 

 

 

 

 

Packard Museum’s Annual Spring Fling is Coming!

By

 America’s Packard Museum, located in Downtown Dayton has put together a jam packed agenda of events for The 2023 Packard Spring Fling, featuring Packard and Racing. Events will take place April 28-29 (Friday and Saturday) 2023.

Photo by Bill Franz

A new exhibition, Pole Position Packards, includes many Packard and modern race cars. Friday’s Welcome Reception begins with an unveiling and book signing event. Saturday’s race car collection tour and pro-tips sessions are sponsored by Max Merritt Auto Parts, with a display for purchase or pick up (if you preorder). Saturday’s Gala Banquet spotlights our distinguished speaker, Price Cobb, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Jaguar in 1990. The Kim Kelly Orchestra guest stars renowned vocalist Dominic Inferrera, as we dance to Sounds of Sinatra.

Here’s the schedule of events:

Friday, April 28 6:30pm
Packard Spring Fling Welcome Reception Sponsored by White Allen European Auto Group Pole Position Packards – New Exhibit Opening Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres, Live music, Book Signing Event Remarks by Robert Signom III, Curator APM and by Josh Russell, Director, Gilmore Car Museum

Casual attire for Friday. Cocktail attire for Saturday night.

Saturday, April 29 9:30am
“Up Close and Personal at America’s Packard Museum” An all-ages educational experience where families and friends can sit in Packards and learn more about styling and design with Rob Signom, Curator

11:30am “Back from the Barn” a discussion and demonstration with Pat Aldrich, esteemed Packard restorer on techniques, pitfalls and common misconceptions about preparing your collector car for winter storage and spring driving.

12:30pm Box Lunches at America’s Packard Museum 1:00pm Bus Departs for Automotive Collection Tour

2:00pm The Robert McConnell Race Car Collection – a tour of Ohio’s most significant private collection of racing cars. Bob McConnell is considered the leading collector and restorer of Indy Roadsters and has shown at Concours around the world. Sponsored by Max Merritt Packard Parts Co.

3:15pm Bus Departs for America’s Packard Museum

4:15pm Bus Arrives at America’s Packard Museum

6:00pm 2023 Packard Spring Fling Cocktail Hour “Sounds of Sinatra” Dancing to the Big Band sound of the Kim Kelly Orchestra, Dominic Inferrera, award winning vocalist Silent Auction Begins

6:15pm VIP Reception in the Turnquist Packard Library

7:00pm 30th Anniversary Gala Packard Spring Fling Banquet Guest Speaker, Price Cobb, renowned Racecar Driver and winner of 24 Hours of LeMans, “Life’s Speedbumps: A Racer’s Perspective” Fine Dining provided by Elite Catering

8:30pm “Sounds of Sinatra” continues with The Kim Kelly Orchestra. Dancing.

9:30pm Silent Auction Concludes, Winners Announced

10:00pm Farewell Toast

Hotel reservations are available at the University of Dayton Marriott. Please contact America’s Packard Museum (937) 226-1710) for any hotel questions.

This Must Be the Party hits the stage this Friday at The Brightside

By

One of the most celebrated music events in Dayton during the last decade is back! This Must Be the Party is a local super group who performs a fantastic tribute to The Talking Heads. Fans love the complete recreation of the classic album and documentary film Stop Making Sense that they perform! Catch them for an exclusive show Friday April 14, 2023 at The Brightside, in downtown Dayton.

Few bands are as well-known in the music industry as the Talking Heads. The band, which was founded in the middle of the 1970s, contributed to the development of a new musical genre that would later come to rule the radio in the 1980s. The Talking Heads were one of the most innovative and forward-thinking bands of their period with their special fusion of rock, groove, and New Wave. It’s no wonder that Dayton audiences love this tribute show!

Due to the Covid shutdown, This Must Be the Party hasn’t performed since 2019, so this is a highly anticipated event! The best part is that part of the proceeds from this show go to benefit The Seedling Foundation, an organization that supports the arts magnet at Stivers School for the Arts. It’s a musical celebration to support music education!

If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing this amazing show already, you know how much fun to expect! (Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes!) This go around, there is a very special guest joining the show. Sammi Garett, from the national touring acts Turquaz, Cool Cool Cool, & The Bump Assembly, is flying in from Brooklyn to join the crew! She’s an absolutely fabulous singer and performer, and she’s excited to perform in Dayton for the first time.

Local original band, Intergalactic Space Force, is kicking off the show at 8:30pm, shortly after doors open. They were Dayton Battle of the Bands finalists last year, and always love an opportunity to perform at The Brightside.

After the Stop Making Sense headlining show, if you’re still ready to boogie, Freekbass will be making his Brightside debut with a “Solo Grooves” after party.

If you get hungry, the venue has coordinated with Phat & Rich to be on site to serve your needs. The Mexican inspired cuisine is a hit with concert goers, so go hungry and hang on the Brightside’s awesome patio between sets.

If you’re looking for a place to pre-game, organizers recommend going to Tender Mercy for their amazing cocktails. “Not only is Tender Mercy our neighbor, they are one of the primary sponsors of this event!” event organizer, Libby Ballengee told us. “Their sister restaurant Sueño, is an amazing spot for dinner too, but I’d get reservations first!”

This Must Be the Party promises to be one of the most memorable events of the spring!

*The band includes: Khrys Blank, Nathan Lewis, Patrick Himes, Brian Hoeflich, Erich Reith, Aaron Holmes, Matt Byanski, Eric Cassidy, Nathan Peters, Christopher Corn, Brian Spirk, with special guest Sammi Garett.

HOW TO GO?

When: April 14, 2023

Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH

– $30 Advance General admission tickets (highly recommend purchasing advance to guarantee spot)

– $35 Day of show

TICKET LINK: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/69946/orders/new

 

PRG Blooming with a Purpose Fundraiser

By

Join the Pink Ribbon Girls for their Blooming with a Purpose event on Wed, March 22nd to support families suffering breast and gynecological cancers in the Dayton region.

You can support a great cause at PRG Dayton’s first ever Blooming with a Purpose event! Funds raised will support PRG in providing essential services for families battling breast and gynecological cancer in the Dayton region.

Attendees will enjoy acoustic music, charcuterie, mocktails, a flower crown tutorial, the essence of a photoshoot at Furst’s greenhouse, and lots of fun! Individual tickets will be $50.00. This would be a great mother daughter date or best friend date! We encourage you to bring someone special to you!

Pink Ribbon Good provides meals, rides to treatment, housecleaning essentials and peer support FREE of charge to breast cancer or gynecological cancer patients at their time of greatest need.

Please contact Cara Salazar Community Engagement Coordinator, Dayton csalazar@pinkribbongood.org with any questions.

Get Tickets online

Wednesday, March 22 · 5:30 – 7:30pm

Furst The Florist & Greenhouses
1306 Troy Street
Dayton, OH 45404

“Sing Out Loud” community choral event kicks off the Campaign for the Arts!

By

Culture Works invite you to join them as they launch their 2023 Campaign for the Arts this Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the Victoria Theatre for a special “Sing Out Loud” event. During this special performance you’ll hear from the Culture Works team and Dr. Sue Edwards, President of Wright State University and this year’s Campaign Chair, about the importance of supporting our local creative community.

The stars of the program are our friends and neighbors! Sing Out Loud will feature more than 100 local arts champions coming together as one choir singing familiar songs from the stage and the screen. You’ll be certain to spot a familiar face or two on stage, and you’ll leave with a smile on your face and a song in your heart!

HOW TO GO?
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
at the Victoria Theatre
Doors open by 7pm
Program begins promptly at 7:30pm
Tickets available at this link: https://www.daytonlive.org/events/sing-out-loud/

SING OUT LOUD SPONSORS:
Dayton Live
Agape Media
The Dayton Foundation

Humane Society’s Trips for Tails Raffle

By

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton has announced their 3rd Annual Trips for Tails Raffle Drawing!  The lucky winner will experience the trip of a lifetime to Disney World!
TRIP DETAILS:
* A 4-night stay in a luxe condo near Walt Disney World Resort for 6 guests
* 3 complimentary day passes per guest to one of four Disney Theme Parks
* Exclusive condo amenities including a water park, PGA golf and world-class shopping and dining
* Dedicated concierge services
* In addition to the trip, the Grand Prize winner will receive a cash prize of $2,357.96 that will be used to cover the income taxes associated with the winnings.
HOW TO GET TICKETS:
* Tickets are 1 for $25, 2 for $40 6 for $100 or 35 for $500.
* All purchases must be done online at www.TripsForTails.com
* You must be 18 or older to participate
* You must be within the state lines of Ohio to purchase tickets
DRAWING DATES:
* Early Bird drawing one (for a pet-themed gift basket) – drawing takes place at 2:00 pm on February 24th
* Early Bird drawing two (for a pet-themed gift basket) – drawing takes place at 2:00 pm on March 24th
* Grand Prize Drawing for Disney trip – drawing takes place at 2:00 pm on April 14th
All proceeds from the sale of these tickets benefits the homeless animals at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton – a no-kill animal welfare agency that has been supporting animals since 1902!

This Must Be the Party returns to The Brightside this April

By

The Brightside is excited to announce This Must Be the Party – the fantastic local tribute to the Talking Heads is back in their Ballroom on Friday, April 14, 2023.  It’s a complete recreation of the classic album & film “Stop Making Sense.”

Due to the covid pandemic, it’s been 4 years since the beloved local tribute show has been seen by Dayton audiences. This time around it’s serving as a fundraiser for The Seedling Foundation, which supports Stivers School for the Arts.

What’s even better? We have some very special guest joining the band! Sammi Garrett is flying in from Brooklyn to perform exclusively for this fundraiser. She’s well known for being in the bands Turquaz, Cool Cool Cool, & The Bump Assembly fame).

A “Solo Grooves” After Party with Freekbass is also planned. So if you’re still ready to keep dancing after the Talking Heads set, stick around for a fun after party with surprise guests.

Additionally – here are more performers to be announced! 


HOW TO GO?
When: April 14, 2023
Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH
Tickets / Time: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/69946/orders/new
– $25 Early Bird General Admission tickets (available 2/10 – 2/12 only!)
– $30 Advance General Admission tickets (highly recommend purchasing advance to guarantee spot)
– $35 Day of show (if available)
– $100 VIP TICKETS (very limited quantity available) – includes early entry to event & parking, 1 hour cocktail hour with exclusive entertainment, drink ticket & appetizers. Entry time at 7pm.


This is Venus Child Productions event!

Bloody Mary Showdown Returns!

By

Last held in 2020, the pandemic prevented this annual event from happening for 2 years, but on Sunday, February 5th the competition for Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary resumes in 2023! Produced by Planned2Give, co-founder Jeff Jackson shared, “we are so please to be able to bring this event back, it’s a fun easy way to raise funds for a local nonprofit each year.”

Bartenders from Dayton’s bars and restaurants will compete, bringing their own bloody mary mix and garnishes to the table.  Guests will have a chance to sample the different cocktails and then vote for their favorite.

At the very first Showdown, held in  MacKenzie Manley took the title.   She described her winning cocktail as Mack’s BBQ Burger Mary- a smokey, hearty, beefed up BBQ bloody mary that has a spicy sriracha  salted rim and garnished with a sweet lil smokey wrapped in yummy caramelized bacon slice.

The next year MacKenzie tied with Scott Conrad, from The Vue Ultralounge. In year 3 Scott took the undisputed  top prize. Since then Conrad has gone on to launch a commercial business selling his award winning RADS Bloody Mary Mix.

In 2019 bartender Jenn Elsass from TJ Chumps in Miamisburg took home top prize thanks to an impressive garnish that included a large shrimp, a deviled egg and a shot of beer back.

In 2020 the winning cocktail was “Papi’s Sassy Bloody Mary” by Vicki Wedworth of Papi Joe’s Tennessee Pepper Sauce Company.

The event takes place this year from noon – 2pm on Sun, Feb 5th at Top of the Market on Webster Street.  There are two options to purchase your judging credential:

VIP Tickets: Include a buffet breakfast of eggs, bacon & sausage, and toast and an exclusive VIP hour from at 11am and 12 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $75

General Admission: Includes 8 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $30. Doors open for GA at noon and event concludes at 2pm.

Guests will also vote for best garnish and best table decor. Best Bloody Mary walks with bragging rights and a $500 cash prize!

Purchase your tickets here.

Bartenders- think your Bloody Mary has what it takes? PROVE IT!
To enter, click here. There is a $25 entrance fee and we will provide you with  Vodka, sample cups, ice and a covered table. You bring your own bloody mary mix and any special garnishes you’d like. Winning bartender walks with bragging rights and $500 cash.
The charity beneficiary for this event is The Castle– a safe haven for adults with with mental disorders in Centerville. Their representative will be on hand to share information about their program and host a fundraising auction as well.

Dayton Battle of the Bands taking applications through December 12th

By

 Dayton Battle of the Bands is taking applications for the 3rd annual competition now through December 12th. The annual winter concert series shines a spotlight on the up-and-coming local talent within a 35-mile radius of Dayton (including Middletown, Springfield, and Greenville).

Dayton Battle of the Bands finalists from 2022

One problem local venues and promoters run into is that there are so many great bands in the Dayton region, it can be challenging to wade through all the songs, samples, and videos that are sent to them on a regular basis. Plus with auto-tune and effects, it’s hard to take those and know what a live show will be like.

The Brightside, Levitt Pavilion, and others use the Dayton Battle of the Bands as an audition space for opening acts for national acts, or even stand-alone shows. This “competition” is much more of a networking event and an opportunity to get on the radar so your band has a better chance at getting booked at future events.  (Clarification – does not need to be a band, solo artists are welcome too!)
The competition starts on January 12, 2023 at The Brightside, and runs through February.  The finale will take place on Saturday, March 11th. Tickets for the public will be made available soon.
Band rules and info can be found here: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com/official-rules
The application portal closes on December 12th!

Dayton Ballet Barre offers fun holiday tradition with Sugar Plum Tea

By

Dayton Ballet Barre offers fun holiday tradition with Sugar Plum Tea, a children’s tradition before the December 18th matinee performance of the Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker.This is the first Tea back since the pandemic shutdown, and organizers are planning a fun comeback event at the Dayton Woman’s Club, which is within walking distance of the Schuster Center.

The Dayton Ballet Barre is the Dayton Ballet’s volunteer booster organization, and one of their signature events is the long-running Sugar Plum Tea. Held prior to one of the matinee performances of the Ballet’s beloved Nutcracker production, it’s become a holiday tradition that families look forward to. Geared towards children and parents / grandparents, the afternoon tea promises to provide many cherished memories.

“We love hosting this children’s event!” Libby Ballengee, the Ballet Barre’s Secretary and past President, shared with us. “It’s like Prom for five-year-olds. We adore seeing all the kid’s sparkly dresses & suits. It’s a really special afternoon, and we’re so happy to be back hosting this after two years off.”

The Tea lasts for 90 min, enough time for to enjoy hot beverages & tea sandwiches, make a craft, learn a short dance from the Sugar Plum Fairy, and hear the story of The Nutcracker under the Christmas Tree. Each moment provides a beautiful photo opportunity against the gorgeous back-drop of the Dayton Woman’s Club.

All children and adults need a ticket to attend. The ticket includes tea party foods (cute sandwiches, fruit, & yummy desserts, with hot beverages including hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. This ticket does not include a ticket to the Dayton Ballet performance. Those are purchased separately through DaytonLive.org.
 

How to Go?

Sugar Plum Tea at Dayton Woman’s Club – 225 North Ludlow Street in Dayton
 
Sunday, December 18th
 
Note – Doors open at 12pm (due to event set-up, we cannot let patrons in earlier)
 
Event 12:30pm – 2pm (ballet performance starts at 2:30pm across the street – needs separate ticket)
 
Tickets $25 each (for adults and children)
 
Questions about the event can be directed to daytonballetbarre@gmail.com
 
 

SICSA to offer Mediocre Pet Portraits on Giving Tuesday

By

“The definition of mediocre is ordinary, common, or average.  That accurately describes how many of us draw.  With that in mind, our Giving Tuesday event was appropriately named Mediocre Pet Portraits,” said Nora Vondrell, CEO and President of SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center (SICSA).  “No one thinks of their pets as ordinary, but for a minimum donation of $10 to SICSA on Giving Tuesday, we’ll provide a Mediocre Pet Portrait of their pet.”

The Mediocre Pet Portrait event will take place on Giving Tuesday, November 29, 2022.  Giving Tuesday is a global movement unleashing the power of generosity that encourages people to give to or collaborate with charitable organizations.  Members of the public can participate in Mediocre Pet Portraits through SICSA’s Facebook Fundraiser page where they will be able to provide their donation and then upload a photo of their pet in the comments section.  Later that day, the completed mediocre pet portraits will be uploaded into a Giving Tuesday Mediocre Pet Portraits Photo Album on SICSA’s Facebook page.     

“Local SICSA supporters and volunteers have signed up to help us draw all the portraits,” stated Vondrell.  “Last year we had close to 30 people drawing more than 300 portraits in this fun event!”  At the conclusion of the event, people may pick up their completed drawings from SICSA’s Adoption Lobby during business hours.  SICSA is located at 8172 Washington Church Road, Dayton, OH 45458.  The fundraiser can be found online at facebook.com/sicsapets. 

25th Anniversary: ‘The Show Must Go On’ hits a Milestone!

By

It was 1996 when Dayton’s ‘To Care is to Cure,’ an all-night drag show that incorporated the local gay bars, came to end. The show, which had been a mainstay, at one time featured local drag celebrities hopping on a bus and performing all around the city. It was the end of an era, in a sense, but it wasn’t the end of HIV as so many had hoped.

Enter the RubiGirls…an organization made for fund-raising! ‘We were well into our ‘gig’ when TCITC decided to stop their performances. Josh Stucky, (AKA Dana Sintell), who had been on those buses doing those shows thought maybe, just maybe, the RubiGirls could take that event and move it forward in a different way. It would be a fundraiser by the RubiGirls for local HIV organizations, only it would be in one location like a production.He was on to something! From the first one up to today, The Show Must Go On has been a sell-out, bringing in ten of thousands of dollars over the years for all kinds of organizations!’ Says one-time RubiQueen Lupe Valezz.

This year, the show takes place at the historic Dayton Arcade. ‘It was so incredible last year to be the first big production at the Arcade since its re-opening. We were overwhelmed!’ Says India Summer (aka Brent Johnson.) Despite some sound issues, which we think we have remedied, it was one spectacular night. Coming out of COVID, it felt good to be with our people again!’ And people were there! The Show Must Go On brings in huge crowds, over 600 attended at the old Coliseum at the fairgrounds a few years ago. ‘It is supposed to be a holiday event, and it is in some ways, but ever-Rubi, it’s really a FUN-raieser!’

Speaking of fun-raisers, Stucky, one of. the original RubiGirls still performing (the other is the beloved Tim Farquhar, aka Fonda Peters) remembers those ‘old days.’ ‘In the days of ‘To Care is To Cure,’ we were losing friends monthly and the crisis was so real, so close that we had to do something. Big name Queens like Ashley West, Mona Dez, Amanda Kane and of course, Misty Knight were like our trusted leaders! I learned much from them that carries our RubiMission through today!’

 

The Show Must Go On has become, for many, a holiday tradition! Where some see the Saturday after Thanksgiving as the OSU-MICHIGAN game, others gather their friends and family for a night of laughs with the RubiGirls.

This being the Silver Anniversary of the big show, the RubiGirls are promising some favorite performances, some nice new numbers and of course, those naughty games! Farquhar had this advise for the new RubiFans attending, ‘Bring your besties, grab a cocktail, sit back and allow yourself a night of mayhem and memories!’

Stucky went on to remind us ‘This is a benefit. Out largest of the year. You will meet our RubiScholarship recipients and see the now-famous video of the beneficiaries we will sponsor in 2023…70 organizations in total! It’s just amazing!’

Some tickets remain for the BIG PRODUCTION! You can buy them at therubigirls.com. You will also see ways to donate to their scholarship on their webpage!