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Dayton’s Fastest Growing Podcast ‘DDQ’ Gets Pick-Up for Year 2!

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Dayton is known for its love of the arts and its dedication to theater. Thanks to the podcast ‘Dayton Drama Queens’ we get to go behind the scenes and meet those folks that make these iconic entertainment venues tick. In it’s first year the podcast featured: Jonathan McNeal-the Neon Movies; Brent Johnson-The RubiGirls; Darren Brown-traveling ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show‘; Philip Drennen-Off Broadway, ‘Big Gay Jamobree’; Shaun Yu-Classical Dayton; Kathleen Clawson-Dayton Opera; Mike Griest-DAI; Dan Zehringer-WSU Arts and Music; David Moyer and Mackensie King-TheatreLab Dayton; and Kappy Kilburn and Emily Wells-Human Race Theater Company. Check out this sizzle reel from Season 1.

The podcast, which is available on Spotify, iHeart, Apple and Amazon, has gained in popularity over the last few months and is now coming out with new episodes weekly.  The podcast also has a video component when viewed on YouTube. ‘DDQ’ is hosted by Joshua Stucky and Philip Drennen and is filmed at the Mitosis Studio on Jefferson in downtown Dayton.

With another season, which begins filming in January 2025, the hosts are looking to extend their reach in the Dayton area, bringing to light more amazing arts in the Miami Valley. ‘You’ll be amazed what we are finding in the area. Kids’ theater, choruses, banjo groups….you name it! Dayton has it. We want to highlight it!’ Highlights from Season One :

The podcast had a rocky start. Just as they got the ok to begin production, Drennen was off to NYC to kick-off his show ‘BGJ.’ Stucky was left to host the first few episodes alone, but Drennen helped complete the season. If all goes well, the ‘DDQ’ group hope to start doing some live remotes throughout the year at local events.

If you know of a group or individual that would like to be part on the podcast’s success, you can always contact the hosts at [email protected].

 

Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck Sworn in for 9th Term

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Today, Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck, Jr. was sworn in for his ninth term of office. Mr. Heck’s wife, the Honorable Cynthia M. Heck, Judge of the Vandalia Municipal Court, administered the Oath of Office. Following his swearing in, Mr. Heck administered the Oath of Office to his entire staff.

Prosecutor Heck reflected on his many years as the elected prosecutor, having been sworn in for the first time in August 1992. He noted that about half of his staff were hired during his most recent four-year term.

Mr. Heck noted that the past four years saw some significant changes, such as using Zoom to conduct business during the pandemic and gaining the ability to work from home. Since the end of the Covid-era restrictions, his office has moved to a business casual dress code and allows many of his staff to work from home one day per week.

Prosecutor Heck outlined some of the accomplishments his office has made over the past four years. The Criminal Division of the Prosecutor’s Office reviewed over 23,500 filings from law enforcement seeking charges. The Criminal Division also had more than 150 jury trials and over 70 bench trials. For all cases resolved over the past four years, the office has a conviction rate of 95% to the highest degree charged.

The Juvenile Division of the office reviewed over 6,300 new cases since 2021.

The Appellate Division files approximately 100 briefs in the Court of Appeals each year.

The Child Abuse Bureau at CARE House reviewed 418 filings over the past four years, most of which involved physical or sexual abuse and neglect of children. The Child Protection Unit had over 2,400 new cases involving in excess of 4,000 children, and the attorneys in that unit attended over 15,000 hearings.

The Criminal Non-Support Unit collected over a half-million dollars in child support payments, bringing the total since the unit was established in 2000 to well over $14,000,000 provided for the support of children. The Consumer Fraud Unit opened 155 new investigation cases and recovered over $1,100,000 in money taken from victims. The Diversion Division reviewed over 1,600 cases and accepted more than 700 new clients, recovering restitution for victims and allowing first-time, non-violent defendants the chance to avoid having a conviction on their record, and becoming responsible citizens.

The Civil Division initiated and oversaw several Opioid lawsuits, resulting in millions of dollars being recovered from opioid manufacturers and retailers for their role in the proliferation of those drugs. The DTAC Unit filed over 1,000 property tax foreclosures, resulting in the collection of over $7,000,000 from the sales.

The Grand Jury/Intake section of the office was very busy, with the Grand Jury hearing nearly 14,300 cases in just the past four years. The Victim/Witness Division added more than 5,300 new cases, providing much-needed assistance to victims of violent crimes. In December 2024, the 34th annual Homicide Victim Memorial Service was held.

Prosecutor Heck said, “Today, we renew our steadfast commitment to justice, public safety, and the victims of crime and their families. I am extremely proud of what my office does for the citizens of Montgomery County. I believe we have the best staff in the state of Ohio. If we work together, support each other and never forget why we chose to serve the public, then great things are going to happen.”

Prosecutor Heck was first elected to office in 1992 and was re-elected in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024.

How to Help the People of Los Angeles Dealing With Fire Disasters

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According to the state-run site Cal Fire, there are five active wildfires, including the now-contained Sunset Fire which burned dangerously close to the heavily populated and iconic areas of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

According to reports, tens of thousands of acres of land have been scorched to the ground, with more than 2,000 homes, businesses, and houses of worship destroyed down to their foundations.

The fires — rare for this time of year — raged out of control mostly due to gusting hurricane-force winds which blew embers for miles, igniting new fires which quickly leaped from building to building. Though the winds have died down, Los Angeles is under a red flag warning with the probability of high winds returning tonight and tomorrow.

Although we’ve seen reports of celebrities like Paris Hilton and Tom Hanks losing their homes, with a population of nearly 10 million people, Los Angeles County is home to millions of regular people who will have no jobs or even homes to go to.

Making an appearance on the Tonight Show last evening, Jamie Lee Curtis (who personally donated $1 to relief efforts), fought back tears as she said her entire neighborhood was destroyed by fire. She pleaded with the public to donate to the American Red Cross and to assemble an emergency evacuation kit filled with papers and medications should you need to escape your home at a moment’s notice for any reason.

 

If you want to donate to the American Red Cross or other relief efforts, here’s a list of places to start. This is not a complete list, so if you have a favorite organization, please share it in the comments below or send us a note and we’ll update this list.

American Red Cross provides shelter for families, serves meals, supports emergency responders, provides medical care, and delivers emergency relief supplies.

World Central Kitchen provides food to evacuated families and first responders.

Los Angeles Noah’s Legacy Fund provides care for animals affected by the wildfires.

Baby2Baby provides diapers, food, formula, and hygiene items to families

California Community Foundation provides funding to nonprofits aiding fire recovery and rebuilding.

California Fire Foundation provides immediate financial assistance to wildfire victims.

Direct Relief delivers medical supplies and financial aid to health facilities across Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation provides critical equipment, technology, and emergency resources to support LAFD crews.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank provides emergency food assistance to people affected by the wildfires.

Pasadena Humane is rescuing, sheltering, and reuniting pets with their owners.

United Way of Ventura County provides immediate financial relief to communities affected by the Palisades Fire.

Canine Rescue Club provides shelter for displaced pets.

Los Angeles Pet Food Pantry provides food for pets through its pet food pantry.

Gobble Gobble Give provides food and shelter for Los Angeles’ homeless.

Habitat for Humanity provides assistance in rebuilding homes.

For updates on the situation in Los Angeles County, visit LAFD.org.

Sharp to Host American Dream TV

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One of our own has been selected as the host of the Emmy nominated American Dream TV. Brian Sharp a realtor and Director of Business Development for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional realty will host the real estate, culture and lifestyle program. Filming will begin this week.
The executive producer said specifically, they are looking for Sharp to interview and share the stories of the biggest voices in our city. The mover and shakers, innovators, philanthropists, etc. Those who are making a positive impact, as the show is meant to combat negative media with real and positive stories. This is a real show, not a fake reality show, and focused on positivity and the stories of our neighborhoods.  ADTV has featured some of the biggest names in real estate!
The show will be airing on cable, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and Roku…and a lot will happen on social media.

Sharp is excited to highlight many of the positives of our community and show all of the reasons to make this home.  If you are considering listing your home and think it would make a great home to showcase on the program, please reach out to Sharp.
There is so much good in our community. Sharp is looking forward to letting others know just what the Miami Valley has to offer from arts and culture to dining to museums, and even metro parks and real estate.  Be on the lookout for episodes coming soon.

Kawanzaa Starts Tonight

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The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal.

The candle-lighting ceremony each evening provides the opportunity to gather and discuss the meaning of Kwanzaa. The first night, the black candle in the center is lit (and the principle of umoja/unity is discussed). One candle is lit each evening and the appropriate principle is discussed.

Seven Principles

The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba are a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.

Unity:Umoja (oo–MO–jah)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo–GEE–mah)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.

Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa (oo–JAH–mah)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Purpose: Nia (nee–YAH)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Creativity: Kuumba (koo–OOM–bah)
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Faith: Imani (ee–MAH–nee)
To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Seven Symbols

The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba are a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.

Mazao, the crops (fruits, nuts, and vegetables)
Symbolizes work and the basis of the holiday. It represents the historical foundation for Kwanzaa, the gathering of the people that is patterned after African harvest festivals in which joy, sharing, unity, and thanksgiving are the fruits of collective planning and work. Since the family is the basic social and economic center of every civilization, the celebration bonded family members, reaffirming their commitment and responsibility to each other. In Africa the family may have included several generations of two or more nuclear families, as well as distant relatives. Ancient Africans didn’t care how large the family was, but there was only one leader – the oldest male of the strongest group. For this reason, an entire village may have been composed of one family. The family was a limb of a tribe that shared common customs, cultural traditions, and political unity and were supposedly descended from common ancestors. The tribe lived by traditions that provided continuity and identity. Tribal laws often determined the value system, laws, and customs encompassing birth, adolescence, marriage, parenthood, maturity, and death. Through personal sacrifice and hard work, the farmers sowed seeds that brought forth new plant life to feed the people and other animals of the earth. To demonstrate their mazao, celebrants of Kwanzaa place nuts, fruit, and vegetables, representing work, on the mkeka.

Mkeka: Place Mat
The mkeka, made from straw or cloth, comes directly from Africa and expresses history, culture, and tradition. It symbolizes the historical and traditional foundation for us to stand on and build our lives because today stands on our yesterdays, just as the other symbols stand on the mkeka. In 1965, James Baldwin wrote: “For history is not merely something to be read. And it does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the facts that we carry it within us, are consciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do. It could scarcely be otherwise, since it is to history that we owe our frames of reference, our identities, and our aspirations.” During Kwanzaa, we study, recall, and reflect on our history and the role we are to play as a legacy to the future. Ancient societies made mats from straw, the dried seams of grains, sowed and reaped collectively. The weavers took the stalks and created household baskets and mats. Today, we buy mkeka that are made from Kente cloth, African mud cloth, and other textiles from various areas of the African continent. The mishumaa saba, the vibunzi, the mazao, the zawadi, the kikombe cha umoja, and the kinara are placed directly on the mkeka.

Vibunzi: Ear of Corn
The stalk of corn represents fertility and symbolizes that through the reproduction of children, the future hopes of the family are brought to life. One ear is called vibunzi, and two or more ears are called mihindi. Each ear symbolizes a child in the family, and thus one ear is placed on the mkeka for each child in the family. If there are no children in the home, two ears are still set on the mkeka because each person is responsible for the children of the community. During Kwanzaa, we take the love and nurturance that was heaped on us as children and selflessly return it to all children, especially the helpless, homeless, loveless ones in our community. Thus, the Nigerian proverb “It takes a whole village to raise a child” is realized in this symbol (vibunzi), since raising a child in Africa was a community affair, involving the tribal village, as well as the family. Good habits of respect for self and others, discipline, positive thinking, expectations, compassion, empathy, charity, and self-direction are learned in childhood from parents, from peers, and from experiences. Children are essential to Kwanzaa, for they are the future, the seed bearers that will carry cultural values and practices into the next generation. For this reason, children were cared for communally and individually within a tribal village. The biological family was ultimately responsible for raising its own children, but every person in the village was responsible for the safety and welfare of all the children.

 

Excerpted from the book: The Complete Kwanzaa Celebrating Our Cultural Harvest. Copyright 1995 by Dorothy Winbush Riley.

Montgomery County Arrive Safe Program Back for the Holiday

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Free and safe rides home are available to Montgomery County residents over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

ArriveSafe is a partnership between the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office, Heidelberg Distributing Company/Budweiser and Key-Ads to provide $20 Uber vouchers to help eliminate impaired driving.

“When I first thought about ArriveSafe I never thought it would be such a well-received program,” said Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. “We have provided over 17,500 rides home since 2007.”

ArriveSafe will be available from:

6 pm Dec. 24 through 6 am Dec. 26 for Christmas
6 pm Dec. 31 through 6 am Jan. 2 for New Year’s.

Residents can scan a QR code to access the Uber voucher.

Grounds For Hounds Fundraiser Returns For January 20255

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Grounds For Hounds, presented by Planned2Give, is a self-guided coffee tour that highlights shops throughout the Dayton region.  Buy a coupon book for $25 and you’ll receive a cup of coffee (up to a $5 value) at each of the 10 coffee shops in the month of January 2025.  You can buy your book online and it will be mailed to you or you can stop by SICSA (8172 Washington Church Rd.) to purchase a coupon book or they will also be available at Wright Dunbar Cigars  located at 1153 West 3rd Street in Dayton.

Participating Coffee Shops:

  • B-Side Coffee Bar (6178 Chambersburg Road in Huber Heights)
  • Boston Stoker (Centerville, Clayton, & Troy)
  • Curious Styles and Coffee Shop (16 S. Main St. in Miamisburg)
  • Gather By Ghostlight (37 W. Fourth St. in Dayton)
  • Ghostlight Coffee (1201 Wayne Ave.  in Dayton)
  • MidDay (800 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton)
  • Tastefully Roasted Coffee (6 Oakwood Ave. in Dayton)
  • This Guy’s Coffee (284 W Central Ave, Springboro)
  • Wholly Grounds (825 Wayne Ave. in Dayton)
  • Winans Coffee & Chocolates (5839 Far Hills Avenue in Dayton)

Planned2Give co-founder Lisa Grigsby says, “we love this opportunity to promote support local independent coffee shops and be able to donate to SICSA as well.  They are such a great community resource for our animals.  We encourage all caffeine lovers to grab a coupon book and visit all of these shops in the month of January.”

Grounds For Hounds will benefit SICSA in 2025.

Planned2Give is grateful  to our print sponsor Pet Butler.  

 

Wanna Drive The Weinermobile?

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Oscar Meyer has opened up applications for new drivers for its iconic Weinermobile . If you’ve dreamed of driving a 27-foot-long hot dog up and down the roads of America, you’ve got until Jan. 31 to apply for the job.

It’s a paid gig, too! Hotdoggers, as the drivers are called, earn a base salary of $35,600 as well as a weekly allowance of $150 for meals and personal travel. They also get 18 days of paid time off, full health benefits and (naturally) 100% of all of their hotel expenses covered.

Think you can cut the mustard and stand above the competition? Here’s what you’ll need to be considered for the job. ( You can apply here .) 

You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in public relations, journalism, communications, advertising, or marketing. It helps to be bilingual. And introverts need not apply.

You’ll also need a driver’s license  and be able to work major holidays. And you’ll need to clear a background check.

Not only will you drive the iconic vehicle all over the country, you’ll represent Oscar Meyer at more than 200 events throughout the year. That will involve handing out more than 250,000 Wiener Whistles to fans.

Just be warned: A a lot of people relish this job. Less than 1% of applicants are selected for the 12 openings. Oscar Meyer says that makes it harder to become a Hotdogger than it is to get into an Ivy League university.

This will be the 38 th round of Hotdoggers. The Wienermobile has been traveling the U.S. since 1936.

 

Troy Theater & Cocktail Bar Ownership Changes

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The historic Mayflower in downtown Troy is set to undergo a change in ownership and operation on January 1, 2025.
Following a year-long renovation that has transformed the theater into a restaurant, live music venue and retail store. The Mayflower has been operated by A.M. Scott Distillery since May 2, 2024. The last day of operations as The Mayflower by A.M. Scott Distillery will be December 31, 2024.
A.M. Scott Distillery is a spirits company led by Anthony Scott and housed at 214 S Mulberry Street in Troy. The company has decided to shift focus to its core revenue stream of manufacturing and distribution. You can continue to enjoy their spirits at Scotty’s Bottle Parlor located at the distillery.
“A.M. Scott Distillery and its team has thoroughly enjoyed its partnership with Martin and being an integral part of the Mayflowers development. We now look forward to our primary focus of creating and distributing quality spirits.” stated Scott.
Wes Martin, owner of Busted Brick Realty, LLC and Village Vantage, purchased the Mayflower building in 2022. Under the umbrella of Village Vantage, Martin and his partners will lead The Mayflower ownership and operations beginning January 1 2025. While the legal name and identity of The Mayflower is subject to change, the intent is that the nature of the entities remain.

Wes Martin

“I would like to thank the A.M. Scott team for their efforts towards this project. We now look forward to the future with the intent of creating an inclusive space rooted in entertainment and hospitality.” stated Martin.

2025 hours of operation and additional information regarding the future of The Mayflower will be announced in the coming weeks.

BREAKING NEWS: Kim Deal kicks off first-ever solo tour at The Brightside

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Photo of Kim Deal by Kristin Sollecito

The Brightside Music & Event Venue proudly announces that Dayton music icon Kim Deal will kick off her first-ever solo tour supporting her new album Nobody Loves You More right here in her hometown. This unforgettable evening will be held at The Brightside on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Tickets went on sale Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11 am.

Kim Deal is a transformative force in the music industry. Known for her pioneering work with two legendary alternative rock bands, The Pixies and The Breeders, her influence spans four decades. She is also a cherished figure in the Dayton music community, inspiring countless artists and fans alike. This concert celebrates Kim and her place in Dayton’s vibrant musical history.

Her debut solo album, Nobody Loves You More, released last month to much acclaim. Its diverse influences are evident throughout, thanks to collaborations with the late Steve Albini, members of The Breeders, and other respected musicians. Most importantly, this album showcases Kim’s exceptional abilities.


After the exciting Dayton concert on February 20th, the tour will continue on to the vibrant cities of London, Boston, New York, DC, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Barcelona, along with many other culturally rich destinations.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to get to host this show at The Brightside and add Dayton to the tour,” said Carli Dixon, co-owner of The Brightside. “And as a female-led venue, it’s a great joy for us to host Kim Deal, such a local female hero to all of us. We couldn’t be more excited!”

HOW TO GO?
Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, 45402
Doors open at 7pm / Show starts at 8pm
All ages (under 18 with parental supervision)
Tickets $30 General Admission here:
https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/kim-deal-nobody-loves-you-more-tour-2025-02-20-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-389968

More information on the venue at thebrightsidedayton.com
More information about Kim Deal at kimdealmusic.com

Urban Elevation Accelerator Accepting Entrepreneur Applicants

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The Urban Elevation Accelerator  is now available to help Dayton entrepreneurs access critical resources to elevate in business.

The Urban Elevation Accelerator is a nine-month program to help entrepreneurs start or grow their business with the intention of creating positive profits and a strong business foundation for underrepresented and under-resourced entrepreneurs.

A mix of educators, subject matter experts, successful entrepreneurs, students and others will work with entrepreneurs at all stages of their business development.

Up to twenty entrepreneurs will be accepted into the program, which begins with a six-week bootcamp called the Elevation Academy on Saturdays from 10am – 2pm  starting February 1, 2025 – March 8, 2025. There is no cost to participate.

Program Benefits

  • Six weeks of business skill training through the Elevation Academy

  • Three months of free mentoring from business owners and entrepreneurs

  • Student consulting for a special project

  • Connections to community resources to help your business grow

  • Access to the Cultural Capital Micro-lending Program and other funding opportunities

  • Promotion of your business in on the GWDI website and social media platforms

  • Additional training and classes to support your business

  • Access to office and or co-working and meeting space at the Greater West Dayton Incubator at the Hub powered by PNC Bank

As an Urban Elevation Accelerator participant, you can take advantage of coworking space at The Hub powered by PNC Bank and at the GWDI while particpating in programs to help your business grow. All businesses are eligible to apply for the fellowship. Preference will be considered for GWDI clients who have participated in past programs, identify as underrepresented, under-resourced, and/or historically marginalized, and is located or serve customers in Greater West Dayton.

The deadline to apply for the program is January 10, 2025. Applicants will be notified of a final decision by January 20, 2025.  If you have any questions about the program, please contact Whitney Barkley, program facilitator at 614-772-9800 or [email protected]

From The Painting Studio To Her Own Gift Shop

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I met Shelly Massey at the studio she once had at Front Street and learned that before moving to Dayton she had taught at large art retreats all over the country.
When I heard she’d opened her own store – Luck Gallery and Gifts . I was curious what type of store an artist would have. I decided to stop by.
“After leaving my Front Street studio I had wanted to open a store for some time, but couldn’t find the right space” Shelly told me. “Then in September I visited my friend Holly at her store “Suburban Hippy.” She told me that the building next door to her was about to become vacant. I contacted the landlord right away, signed the lease in October and opened this store November 1.”
“Creating this new store has been as creative in its own way as painting. I’ve made a space here that I love to spend time in and I’ve filled it with a lot of gift items that make me happy. The reaction from customers has been great to hear. One woman told me “I’ve just been smiling the whole time I’m in your store.”
Luck Gallery and Gifts is filled with an interesting mix of things -puzzles, scarves, mugs, candles, coloring books, cards, bags, etc. I asked about the art on the walls.
“That’s all my art” Shelly said. “I hope to have more of my art up and for sale as soon as I get a handle on things. So the store will have a different look the next time you stop in. In fact, I want that to always be the case. I want to fill the store with a constantly changing mix of things that I love.”
Luck Gallery and Gifts
337 South Main
Springboro, OH 45066
 Tues –  Sat, 10am – 5pm

TheatreLab’s Popular ‘Merry QUIZMas’ Trivia and SingAlong returns!!

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HO, HO, HO!

How many reindeer paws landed on the roof if all the deer showed up at your house? What is Cindy Who’s middle name? What is the longitude and latitude of the North Pole? Phew!!! You know them all??? Prizes await at the return of TheatreLab Dayton’s ‘Merry Quizmas 2.0!’ The popular sing-along and trivia night is set and ready to go, Tuesday Evening, Dec 17,  6:00 PM – 8:00 PM!!

The night promises to be a fun one, as music fills the air, cookies fill your bellies and a trivia fills your brain! ‘We had such a positive response last year, we knew we had to bring this back.  Similar to last time, we will have our little spread of food, hot chocolate and cookies, and of course, the space will be decorated in a fun and fanciful theme! If you like libations, yep, they will be there as well!’ says David Moyer, who can’t wait for the evening. ‘People love to sing holiday songs and get into the spirit!’

The event features Philip Drennen, TheatreLab’s Executive Director and Josh Stucky, Dayton’s Trivia Queen at the microphones. It is never a dull moment! Brennan Paulin tickles the ivories to keep music in the air! Some of the TheatreLab Company will perform as well!! ‘What makes the night so special is we all gather together and just enjoy an evening of fun! It’s a great kick-off for the holidays and, for trivia buffs, it’s a great way to show your smarts! Prizes are always a fun incentive!’ says Stucky. ‘Last year, one of winners said she planned to give her prize as a gift….so I guess it can be a shopping experience as well???’ he chuckles.

Although most of the trivia revolves around the season, there are Broadway Questions, Dayton trivia and more. The event takes places at the TheatreLab Dayton Studio, 116 North Jefferson St. 45402. Proceeds benefit TheatreLab’s ongoing goal of bringing amazing productions to the area. ALSO OF NOTE…THEATRELAB WILL ANNOUNCE THEIR SEASON AT THE EVENT!!! UH-OH!!

The space is limited, and tickets are moving…so click below and join the holiday fun!!

Tickets:

https://www.simpletix.com/e/merry-quizmas-2-0-holiday-trivia-tickets-196032

Nominations Open For 2025 Dayton Walk of Fame

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Wright Dunbar, Inc. announces that 2025 Dayton Region Walk of Fame nominations forms are now available online. They can be submitted online or mailed to Wright Dunbar, Inc., 1139 W. Third Street, Suite 200, Dayton, OH 45402.  Nominations must be typed and received by noon on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Individuals or groups from the Dayton region or who have spent a significant amount of time in the region and have made an enduring impact on the local community, the region, the nation and or world are eligible for nomination. Arts/Culture, Aviation, Business/Corporate Leaders, Community Service, Education, Entertainment/Media, Environment, Government/Military, Invention/Innovation, Law, Medicine, Philanthropy, Science, Significant Personal Achievement and Sports are the categories highlighted.  

2024 honorees were The Breeders, Clay and MaryAnn Mathile, Idotha “Bootsie” Neal, The Osborne Brothers, and G. Douglas Talbott, M.D. A list of past inductees is available at the above website.

The Walk of Fame is located on West Third Street in the historic Wright Dunbar Commercial District between Shannon Street and Broadway. Visitors are welcome to tour and see stones.

Sunset at the Market: Holiday Magic

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Events, vendor updates and highlights from downtown Dayton's favorite Market.

Erika Wennerstrom in Dayton for special “Up Close & Personal” shows

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Erika Wennerstrom, the lead vocalist of the renowned rock band Heartless Bastards, is returning to her hometown of Dayton this holiday season. She will perform two special “Up Close & Personal” shows at The Brightside Music & Event Venue. The December 19th performance sold out so quickly that Wennerstrom decided to add a second date on December 18th. Although this show is nearly sold out, a few tickets remain available.

“We are excited to welcome Erika back to Dayton for the holidays,” said Music Booker Libby Ballengee. “It’s a rare opportunity to see her in such a cozy venue. What a delight!”

Tickets for the show on December 18, 2024, cost $30 and can be purchased on the venue’s website: thebrightsidedayton.com. Doors open at 7pm., with the show starting at 8pm. It’s an all-ages event.