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Ever Thought You Could Write A Film?

October 8, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

FilmDayton is presenting a two day workshop that is part ‘master class’ and part intensive professional development workshop. You’ll benefit from instructor Marisha Mukerjee’s curriculum that will guide you toward a finished script; you’ll share your ideas, get professional feedback and strengthen your writing.

What people have said about Marisha’s last writing workshop:

“So great! I’d come back for another workshop. Marisha was a fantastic instructor. Thanks!”
“Best weekend I’ve had in years!”
“I got everything I wanted out of the workshop and more. It was easy to understand and a great overview in order for us to begin writing our own projects.”
“Marisha did a great job. Very informative and supportive. Hope she does more workshops.”

WHERE: Red Oak at the Hook Estate: 1231 Hook Estate Dr., (off Philadelphia Dr.) Dayton, OH 45406

WHEN: Saturday, October 26-Sunday, October 27, 2013

COST: $225 ($200 for FilmDayton members) for the full weekend. Limited student scholarships available.

RSVP: Due to the interactive nature of this course, seating is extremely limited. Register now.

Students will need to come equipped with:

A laptop with screenwriting software installed (free programs can be suggested)
A story/concept to write about (completed scripts are welcome to further develop, but are not required)
Before the course, you’ll receive access to a reading list – please review the provided scripts and prepare any suggested assignments before the class

FilmDayton provides lunch and snacks with your registration.

About the instructor:Marisha Mukerjee holds a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and a Masters in Writingfrom Northwestern University focused on Screen and Stage. She also has a diploma in filmmaking from Le Femis, Paris, France. She co-produced the feature film The Grind as well as countless festival clad shorts and was post-production coordinator for Elisabeth Murdoch’s production company, Shine International. Marisha was the Head of the Film Faculty and Associate Director of the International Summer School of Scotland, and taught Screenwriting at Northwestern. Previously she has worked as a Feature Location Manager for Vertigo Films and Finelight films UK, and worked as a Development Executive for Ashridge Films UK in India. Marisha is co-founder of Relief Productions Theater Group and Madrina Films. She currently works for the Executive Producer of Justified/FX and was previously Development Coordinator at Cineflix Studios. Currently Marisha is also a writer/playwright. She is currently producing on a web series called Some Assembly Required starring Mallory Moye (Hart of Dixie), recently had her current play on Thomas Paine read at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, and is head of FEMPIRE an all female development group in LA. She is currently working on several television projects (by night of course!).

HOW TO GO:

Seats for the weekend workshop are $225 general public and $200 for FilmDayton members (limited student scholarships available – email Megan). If you need to check your membership status, please call Megan at 937-554-0031. Checks may be made out to FilmDayton and sent to:

FilmDayton
22 E. Fifth Street
Dayton, OH 45402

Please include the student’s name, phone, email and if there are any special dietary needs with your registration.

For your convenience, you may also purchase your seat for the class online ($2.50 Web fee charged). Note: To pay with a credit card, click “Don’t have a PayPal account” to enter your information.

PFLAG Dayton Fundraiser to Support Scholarships

October 2, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Michael Curtner & Dave Broering won one of the top prizes at the 2012 “When the Stars Come Out!”

Popular TV show “Dancing With the Stars” comes to Dayton this Saturday when PFLAG Dayton hosts its seventh annual fundraiser, “When the Stars Come Out!” Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N Ludlow St. in downtown Dayton.

This year, most of the participating couples are training with local dance instructor Johnny Glaze, who has volunteered to teach participating couples dance moves since the event began. In between the couples’ dance performances, individuals will perform as part of the “Dayton’s Got Talent” portion of the event, which this year will have a Great Gatsby theme.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, which are available at the door, are $25 each. The winning couple is selected by the number of audience votes received. Each admission ticket includes five votes, and additional votes can be purchased for five votes for $20 and one vote for $5.

All proceeds from the event fund scholarships offered by PFLAG Dayton and the Greater Dayton LGBT Center. PFLAG Dayton awards at least two $2,000 scholarships annually (one for a straight ally and one for an LGBT student). The Greater Dayton LGBT Center awards at least one $1,000 scholarship for an LGBT student each year. Proceeds from the 2012 “When the Stars Come Out!” allowed both organizations to award additional scholarships this year.

“PFLAG Dayton’s mission is to promote the health and wellbeing of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, as well as their families and friends, through advocacy, education and support,” said Jan Couchman, PFLAG Dayton president. “This scholarship program allows us to meet all aspects of our mission while supporting the next generation of leaders — and this fundraiser is what allows us to do that important work.”

Brandon Booher and Gaston Herndon, 2012 best dance performance

Brandon Booher and Gaston Herndon received the best dance performance award at last year’s event.

The Dayton chapter of PFLAG is affiliated with the national organization. PFLAG chapters are located in more than 360 communities throughout the United States and in 11 countries. PFLAG Dayton offers avariety of programs to support the LGBT community, as well as their family and friends. The group holds monthly meetings at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Harmony Creek Church, 5280 Bigger Rd. in Kettering. Each meeting offers both a program and a support group.

For more about PFLAG Dayton, visit http://pflagdayton.org, email [email protected] or call 937-640-3333. For more about “When the Stars Come Out!” contact Jan Couchman at 937-248-8621 or [email protected].

Grand Opening for Newly Expanded Clothes That Work Boutique Thursday

October 2, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Clothes That Work, a local Dayton nonprofit organization, invites the public to a Grand Opening of the newly expanded Boutique on Thursday, October 3, 2013. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 10 am and the Boutique will be open from 10am to 6pm

The CTW Boutique, located at the Montgomery County Job Center near the CTW offices, is an upscale resale shop open to the public featuring high quality clothing from many top designers and retailers. When donated clothing is too colorful, too dressy or not appropriate for interview or work situations, CTW sells it in the Boutique and online at eBay.

“At its core, this project supports greater earned revenue that will allow mission driven services for Montgomery County job seekers to increase,” said Paula Cosby, executive director of Clothes That Work. “We expect increased revenue of nine percent, allowing us to serve an additional 882 job seekers in the next five years.”

“We looked at several other location options in the Miami Valley, but ultimately the Job Center matches our mission here at Clothes That Work,” added Cosby.

The expansion, which has doubled the size of the Boutique, also features eight designated parking spots at the Job Center exclusively for Boutique shoppers as well as an exterior entrance.

CTW worked with architectural firm Roll & Associates, Inc. and interior designer Elements IV on the project.

For more information on the Boutique, visit clothesthatwork.org.

Clothes That Work provides Montgomery County job seekers with professional clothing, knowledge and tools to present a work ready image throughout the process of a job search and initial employment.

Fetch a Fiat and Help Fido Raffle

September 29, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Get your motors running and buy your raffle tickets now for a 1 in 1,000 chance to win a brand new 2013 Fiat 500!

Raffle tickets cost $50 each and all proceeds from the event go directly to the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, the area’s oldest and largest ‘no-kill’ animal welfare agency.To purchase tickets stop by the Humane Society at 1661 Nicholas Road in Dayton or at the MeowZa Cat Boutique inside the Dayton Mall (across from Dick’s Sporting Goods). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.hsdayton.org/fiat.Tickets make great gifts, too! What better way to stuff some stockings this holiday season, then with a raffle ticket for each of your family members

Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Fetch a Fiat Raffle Ticket:

1. You can help animals get the food, shelter and medical care they need to have a second chance at a great life.

2. You never have to worry about parallel parking again.

3. You have better odds of winning a brand new Fiat than you do of winning the lottery!

4. You won’t have to spend your whole paycheck filling up your tank with gas each week.

5. You love animals just as much as we do!

6. You are too busy to volunteer or adopt, but want to still make a difference in the life of an animal.

7. You will get that great warm and fuzzy feeling from knowing you are impacting the life of an animal!

How Good are Your Odds?

You have a 1 in 1,000 shot at winning this car!

These odds are better than:

Winning the Mega Millions lottery – 1 in 176 million
Finding a four-leaf clover on the first try – 1 in 10,000
Getting a hole in one while golfing – 1 in 5,000

Winner will be announced on Saturday, December 29 at 2 p.m. at the Bob Ross Fiat, 91 Loop Road in Centerville.

A minimum of 600 raffle tickets must be purchased for the grand prize winner to receive a brand new red 2013 Fiat 500. If 600 tickets are not sold, the grand prize winner will receive a 50/50 cash split with the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. For a complete list of rules, click here.

Cheers to Oktoberfest Weekend & Your Chance To Win Preview Party Tickets

September 26, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby 30 Comments

Oktoberfest Chairs Marty Beyers and Lacie Sims

It’s the 42nd Oktoberfest weekend, the artisan’s have set up their tents, over 25 food vendors have stocked their kitchens, two stages have been set up for the dozen bands that have been booked, the crafts are ready for the kids tent, the craft beer tent has been expanded and the tv’s are tuned to football.

Many of us will head over and grab a beer and a brat for a few hours but for a dedicated group of volunteers, this weekends party is a lot of hard work. The DAI Associate board is made up of thirty two couples, who have all made a four year commitment to work and fundraise on behalf of the museum. With 2 major events to work on (Art Ball and Oktoberfest) the average board member puts in over 100 volunteer hours each year and will help raise over $20,000 during their four year term.

As 4th year Associate Board Members and Oktoberfest Chairs, Lacie Sims and her husband Marty Beyer have dedicated themselves to creating a bigger and better festival this year. Check out these new additions to the schedule:

Young Professional Happy Hour: Thursday, Sept 26 5-8pm Network and hang out with colleagues and friends on the grounds of The DAI at our first Oktoberfest Young Professionals Happy Hour event on Sept. 26! Get the FIRST pour of Oktoberfest beers and wines and grab a bite to eat from the hottest food truck in town – Zombie Dogz! Admission is $20 and includes two drinks, as well as a ticket for admission to Oktoberfest on either Saturday, Sept. 28 or Sunday, Sept. 29.

Oktoberfest Business Lunch : Friday, Sept 27 11am – 2pm With free admission and free shuttle service courtesy of RTA, you’re invited to grab a brats or mett for lunch, pick up a mug or souvenir t-shirt. Shuttle service starts at 10:30am and will run along Main Street, Fifth Street and Second Street. Check out the shuttle route here.

They’ve taken their positions very seriously, scouting bands, tasting beers and even hosting this writer for a beer and band preview. Lacie is especially excited with the Preview Party band, The Spazmatics – who perform 80’s, new wave and today’s popular music complete with “nerdography” and “spaztic” movements. You’ll hear live music all weekend long, both on the Main stage and in the food tent, with many of Dayton’s favorite bands, like Skilless Villans, Good English, Spungwurthy and Kick-N-Flava. And as you’d expect at any event called Oktoberfest, their will also be Polka and Accordian Bands in the mix, too!

Marty was most proud of the variety of beer being offered this year, including some Oktoberfest exclusives, like Harpoon Imperial Pumpkin, which will make it’s Dayton debut at the festival. You’ll also want to be sure and try a brew from Brauhaus Riegele, a small German brewery that began brewing in 1386 in Augsburg, which just happens to be Dayton’s sister city in Germany. A special cask tapping of Dry Hopped Nosferatu from Great Lakes Brewing will take place Saturday afternoon about 1pm. For true beer aficionados, you’ll want to check out these special scheduled tastings:

Saturday
1 p.m. – Hoppy Beers, presented by Bonbright Distributors Five different styles of hoppy beers
3 p.m. – Unibroue tasting, presented by Cavalier Distributing
5 p.m. – International Beer Tasting with five International favourites, hosted by Larry Leonhardt of Chappys Tap Room

Sunday
1 p.m. – Ohio Breweries, presented by Cavalier Distributing, featuring Jackie O’s, Hoppin’ Frog, and Fat Head’s
3 p.m. – Crispin Cider Tasting, hosted by Chris Fritz of Bonbright Distributors

There will even be some special seminars for Wine and Whiskey fans as well. All the seminars require you to purchase a tickets and will be limited to 40 attendees and will take place in the Leo Bistro.

Saturday
Seminar 1, 2 p.m. “BYOB” – Build Your own Bourdeaux
Seminar 2, 4 p.m. American Whiskey, presented by Heidelberg Distributing

Sunday
Seminar 1, 2 p.m. Presented by Heidelberg Distributing & Banfi Wianery
Seminar 2, 4 p.m. “Art Andalucian” – Tasting Wines from Spain Hosted by Nola Palomar Veleta Wines

For more information about Oktoberfest, please check the DAI website. And as a special treat, DaytonMostMetro wants to send a lucky reader and their guest to enjoy the Preview Party, this Friday Night. This exclusive sneak peek runs from 7-11pm and includes complimentary beer, wind and soft drinks, and the opportunity to buy the best of the artisans goods. These tickets are $45 for member, $60 for non-members and are quite limited. To be eliblible to win these tickets, like and share this article and fill out the form below. Winner will be randomly drawn at 11pm Thursday night.

Thanks to all who entered! Congratulations to Sarah Carter of Kettering – we’ll see you at the preveiw party!

Is There Room In Your Life For A New Furry Friend?

September 25, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Come, stay, adopt on September 28th at the third annual “WilmerHale Dogs of Fall Adoption Fest!”

International law firm WilmerHale is once again teaming up with the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and SICSA Pet Adoption Center for the “Dogs of Fall Adoption Fest” on Saturday, September 28, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held outside the WilmerHale Offices, 3139 Research Boulevard (located in the Miami Valley Research Park), Dayton, OH 45420.

“With the unwavering support of our staff and partners, we hope to find loving, lasting homes for as many pets as possible,” said Donna Smith of WilmerHale’s Dayton Business Services Center. “WilmerHale is committed to working with our community partners on important issues to improve the quality of life for people and pets alike.”

“We are proud to once again join forces with WilmerHale and our adoption partners on such an incredible event,” added Animal Resource Center Director, Mark Kumpf. “Every homeless pet deserves a chance to find a loving, lasting home and partnerships like this definitely strengthen our efforts.”

Dozens of dogs will be available for adoption at this family-friendly event featuring music provided by Montgomery County Auditor and DJ Karl Keith! Plus, McNasty’s food truck will be there, too!

WilmerHale is a leading full-service law firm with 1,000 lawyers in a dozen cities in the United States and abroad.

For more information on the WilmerHale Dogs of Fall Adoption Fest, contact:

Montgomery County Animal Resource Center: (937) 898-4457 or http://www.mcohio.org/animalshelter
Humane Society of Greater Dayton: (937) 268-PETS (7387) or http://www.humanesocietydayton.org
SICSA: 937-294-6505 or http://www.sicsa.org

Carroll HS Tennis Tourney Honors Memory of Woman Missing Since1985

September 20, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Jennifer Schmidt, 1984 Carroll Alumni who went missing in 1985

JENNIFER LEE SCHMIDT MEMORIAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT

This Saturday, September 21st from 9am-3pm, the Carroll High School Girls Tennis Team will be hosting a tournament in memory of 1984 Carroll graduate Jennifer Schmidt.

Jennifer disappeared and was feared abducted in August of 1985, while a student at Purdue University. Sadly, she was never found. Her memory lives on through this Saturday’s event which features many of Dayton’s best high school girls tennis players.

Local High School Tennis Teams featured in the tournament:

Carroll High School, Tippecanoe, Brookville, Beavercreek, Kenton Ridge, Catholic Central HS, Valley View and Wayne High School.

The event will be held at Thomas Cloud Park in Huber Heights.

Jennifer’s parents, Donald and Johnni Schmidt, will be there to support the tournament in her honor.

*******************************************************************************************

GRILLING FOR A GOOD CAUSE

There will be a makeshift grill and concession stand that will benefit Carroll HS girl’s tennis, featuring burgers, hot dogs, etc. Breakfast, lunch and dessert will be served.

Also, Dayton Most Metro’s own food guys, Superfry & The Big Ragu will be donating their time as “Guest Grillmasters” and helping raise money for local girls’ tennis teams in Jennifer’s memory. They will cook to order for players and fans alike

Please come out and grab a bite to eat and support Dayton area female athletes this Saturday at Thomas Cloud Park !

**SPECIAL NOTE: There is a chance of rain this Saturday, so in the event of a rain out, the tournament will be held Sunday at the same times 9AM-3PM at Thomas Cloud Park.

Local Display Graphics Company Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary with Nonprofit Giveaway

September 18, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

A social media contest for Dayton Area non-profits has the public commenting for votes on Insignia Display Graphics Facebook page. The contest began September 1, with all area nonprofits eligible to win a banner stand from the company, a $500 value.

“We are always trying to give back to the community somehow. Our staff chooses two charities per year to support annually, but this particular contest is just something a little extra to help celebrate our 10 year anniversary and to say thank you,” said owner Elizabeth Riley.

To enter a nonprofit organization, comment on the Insignia Display Graphics Facebook page with the name of the organization of your choice. One entry per person per day. The organization with the most votes/comments wins. Likes do not count as a vote. The contest runs through September 30. A winner will be announced October 1.

Insignia recently expanded, doubling the square footage of space at their 300 Gargrave Rd location in West Carrollton, and hiring two additional staff members.

Shyness – Small Talk is Big Talk

September 11, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 2 Comments

Shyness can be painful.
Shyness is discomfort and a lack of confidence in social situations. Shy people often “shy away” from social gatherings which can lead some to experience a less than fulfilling social and work life. When it comes to developing social and business relationships, Small Talk is Big Talk.

There is quite a bit of buzz around introverts on the internet these days. Being an introvert is not the same thing as being shy. Many introverts can, and do, socialize easily. Introverts get more energized by having quiet time rather than spending time in social situations. Extroverts tend to get energized by being in social situations.

Both extroverts and introverts can experience shyness, and may struggle with small talk and one-on-one conversations.

According to shyness researchers Carducci and Zimbardo, “most shyness is acquired through life experiences.” They also state “Shy people want very much to be with others but lack the social skills and self-esteem.”

When shyness has a negative impact on a person’s quality of life, it might be time to take some action on developing social skills and confidence.

Shyness is largely a “learned” behavior, which means it can be unlearned. That is great news for the shy!

Two primary components of becoming less shy are developing social skills and improving self-esteem. Small talk is an essential social skill for our personal and work lives.

Small talk has many functions in socializing. It is used to establish a mutual willingness to be friendly, as an opportunity to discover mutual interest, as a prelude to business conversation, to pass time, and as a way to transition from meaningful conversation to politely ending a conversation.

Small talk is the first step to developing friendships and business relationships. It is uncommon for two strangers to immediately engage in deep meaningful conversation without first exchanging at least a bit of small talk.

Despite the term “small” small talk is a BIG deal. Small talk is used throughout our lives, at parties, in elevators, in job interviews, at church socials, and in the break room at work. Small talk is a very big deal in dating and finding romance.

Local life coach and trainer Clara Jackson is offering a 2 hour workshop on September 19th for shy people to learn some basic small talk skills. For more information on the workshop click here.

Classic Car Event Saluts The Stingray Ticket Contest

September 10, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 7 Comments

The seventh annual Dayton Concours d’Elegance at Carillon Historical Park will begin at 10:30 AM on Sunday, September 15th. Examine and admire 200 of the finest classic and antique automobiles and motorcycles in the country, amidst the beautiful and welcoming setting of the region’s premier outdoor museum. Guests will be treated to food, live music, and historical demonstrations in addition to the chance to see beautiful cars and motorcycles up close and personal.The iconic Corvette Stingray of the mid 1960’s will be honored at the Dayton Concours. Joining the Stingray will be the power and grace of Ferrari and the classic styling of Aston Martin as the British marque celebrates its 100th anniversary.The event will culminate with an awards ceremony around 3:00 PM. Winners of the “Best in Class” awards will parade to the awards stage, in addition to the R.H. Grant Best in Show, Charles Kettering People’s Choice, Col. Edward Deeds Judge’s Choice, Siler Spirit, Taj Ma Garaj, and Kid’s Choice Awards.

The Concours will also have special classes for automobiles built in 1913, 1938 and 1963. Guests will get to see up close, 200 antique and classic automobiles and motorcycles, displayed on the grounds of Carillon Historical Park. Tickets run $15 for adults, $5 for children 3-17 with children under 3 free. You can purchase online at Dayton History’s website.

To get you all revved up for the 2013 Dayton Concours d’Elegance you may want to attend the Saturday night Preview Party. This evening event features food, adult beverages, music, and entertainment at Carillon Historical Park. Guests will be treated to a first look of some of the incredible vehicles to be showcased in Sunday’s main event and will enjoy an exclusive shopping opportunity in the Art Pavilion. They will also be tempted by an array of auction items, including the original artwork featured on this year’s souvenier program!

The Preview Party will be held from 6:30 – 10:30 pm, tickets are $85 per person, $75 for Dayton History members and reservations are required. All proceeds from the weekend events go to Dayton History, Montgomery County’s official historical organization.

DMM is giving away a pair of tickets to Saturday’s preview party. To be eligible to win, like and share this article and fill out the entry form below. Leaving a comment below about why you should win may also sway our judges! :)[form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Land of Illusion Provides The Perfect Fright Night

September 7, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Every now and then being part of DMM has its perks. Thursday night was one of them. The Land of Illusion in Middletown hosted a bunch of media folks for a pre-opening night of fright. We were to arrive at 7pm and as I was driving out to the middle of nowhere, I was really hoping google maps was going to get me there, because as I drove through residential neighborhoods, I was really doubting my decision to attend. Finally I saw a Land of Illusion sign and sighed with relief. And then I drove right past the entrance and entered at the exit. Though I’m told that the traffic on nights they are open will be a good sign you’re heading to the right place, and you are probably more likely to find the entrance than I was.

Upon arrival we were warmly greeted, given a goodie bag and got a little history of the park. Darren, our guide is the son on the owner, and he was quick to point out that he’s only a volunteer, his real job includes building roller coasters for amusement parks (he showed us some construction shots of the new Banshee being built at Kings Island). The LOI started 16 years ago in the backyard of Brett Oakley. Originally called The Middlwtown Haunted Trail, Brett just thought it would be cool to do an event in the woods behind his house and hang out with his friends. Which they did for six years before adding the Temple of Terror. Then they moved to their current location, adopted the the Land of Illusion moniker and started adding attractions. Dr. Pyscho’s Haunted Estate was created from the original house on the land, and is truly haunted.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fcc6UYBuB5s’]

Then there’s the Temple of Terror with pitch-dark passageways and a host of rabid bats, spectral skeletons, and monstrous madmen. Scream through a nightmarish labyrinth as hideous horrors claw behind you…next to you…above you…beneath you…all sharing one twisted, bone-sharp wish: that you will remain their ghoulish guest for all eternity.

Killer Klowns came along next, and lets just say these aren’t the kind of clowns that juggle or hand out happy meals! This 3D adventure is full of murderous klowns lurking around every corner with laughing leering faces that will make you rethink your next visit to the circus.

The Voodoo Bayou Shanty was our next stop and while I know I have some creepy relatives, they are nothing like Jim Dubois, great-grandson of Bloody Bill. Dubois tipped his hat, showed us a mouthful of bloody teeth, and pushed open the door to welcome us inside. And what we saw… well you’ll just have to experience it for yourself.

The most know attraction at LOI, The Middletown Haunted Trail, has continued to evolve from it’s 1997 debut. This walk through the woods is filled with eery screams, whining chainsaws, ghouls and ghosts looking for their souls, and zombies wanting to eat you. Twisting and turning through the mile and a quarter of foggy, with blowtorch-wielding madmen in hot pursuit will make you think twice before you take your next walk.

Also new this year, The Vodoo Lounge, which was still getting finishing touches and hadn’t been stocked yet for our visit, looked like a great place to chill between attractions. But by far the addition that will be most appreciated are the brand new bathrooms. A huge upgrade from the wall of port-o-potty’s of years past, the ladies room had 24 stalls and I was assured the men’s room was equally elegantly finished.

On our tour, they saved the best for last, and after 3 hours of walking scares, the thought of a seated attraction was welcomed. As described on LOI’s website:

You just spent the evening running from the worst monsters and demons
of your wildest imagination. Now, it’s time to fight back!

The new Land of Illusion Zombie Sniper Patrol ride gives you the power to actually hunt down and shoot Zombies before they can escape the woods and run wild in the village.
Climb aboard our retrofitted US Army Cargo Truck, settle in behind one of the paintball
gun turrets and take aim and fire at the Zombie invasion as your unit navigates the treacherous woods. Turn back the Zombie Apocalypse! Protect the town from the undead! And pick off these freakish mutants before they pick on you.

The Zombie Sniper Patrol is a separate ride from the cost of your admission ($12.99). While your standard admission ticket gets you unlimited access to four haunted houses and one haunted trail, you’ll need a separate ticket to join this elite hit squad.

I’m not a video gamer, not a huge fan of paintball, but this was a total blast and I can see where it could be addicting! Overall, I have to say I was totally impressed with the entire expereince at Land of Illusion. The “talent” are totally into their characters, the exhibits are elaborate and creative and I have to admit, my heartbeat was on high alert most of the night, and not just from the 3 miles we walked during the tour.

We didnt have time to stop by the Stage of Rage, which will be programmed with entertaiment nightly- bands, escape artists, magincians and more. You can also grab a bite at the Creepy Cafe Concessions.

Admission Rates for LOI:

$34.99 – Friday and Saturday night 8pm -2am
$24.99 – Sunday night (October only) 8pm – 11:30pm – Middletown Haunted Trail closed on Sunday.

Fast Pass (optional)

$15.00 – Allows access to shorter, faster lines on all features including Zombie Sniper Patrol.

Parking is $5 per carload in the gravel lot. Parking proceeds donated to the following non-profit organizations: Somerville Volunteer Fire Department, Madison Athletic Gro LOI may even have some openings for local nonprofit groups to work the parking lot as a fundraiser. If you’ve got a group of 20 or more, you may want to contact them at (513) 423-9960 to schedule your group. Directions to the land of evilness can be found here.

Special thanks to Nate, who held my hand through the scariest parts, Bryan, who screamed louder than anyone and Jodi who squealed and jumped her way through the night with me!

owns and this season they’ve added The Voodoo Bayou Shanty and Club Zombie….along with

Road Trip! (or Vacation in Dayton?)

September 6, 2013 By Scott Sliver 2 Comments

My wife and I recently took a three-week road trip across the southeast United States. 4,400 miles and fifteen states over three weeks. Call me crazy…

For the record, my wife was not initially all that excited about my vision for our one-and-only vacation this year. I assured her we would have ample beach time to balance out all the longish stretches of driving and family visits sprinkled throughout. (You know the old saying coined by Benjamin Franklin about guests and fish? Both begin to smell after three days!)

We would drive a while, check into a hotel, have a meal or two hit the beach and move on. I lived out of a carry-on suitcase the entire time. I travel light.

Aside from a heart-stopping encounter with a colony of Golden Orb “Banana” Spiders at my mom’s home in Summerfield, FL, the trip was otherwise uneventful. No speeding tickets and thankfully, no breakdowns. Even the weather pretty much cooperated except for a torrential downpour that welcomed us to Virginia Beach! (We have a son in the Marine Corp. at Quantico, VA, who took some leave and met us there for a few days.) We also have concentrations of family around Houston and nearby Galveston, TX, and St. Louis, MO.

Along the way, we strolled the streets of Savannah, GA. Browsed historic St. Augustine, FL, ventured down Bourbon Street in New Orleans, searched for “la Petite Roche” (French for “the little rock,” a rock formation used by early river navigators to identify that particular river crossing, now known as Little Rock, AR!), paid a visit to Graceland in Memphis, even harassed some Cardinal fans in St. Louis!

Here’s my takeaway. Dayton stacks up pretty well against any of the cities we visited. Granted, Dayton is no Savannah with all its deep-south charm, history and architecture. Even though both cities have near-identical population of 142,000, Savannah’s River Street Market Place and Arts District are fantastic examples of what Dayton’s Oregon District and RiverScape aspire to be. Visionaries, leaders and community-builders in this region recognize Dayton’s potential and have been working toward a similar outcome for some time, making notable strides along the way!

Beale Street in Memphis exposes the potential of Dayton’s Oregon District… although B.B. King is not likely to open a blues club in our hometown anytime soon. What Memphis has going for them, aside from being nestled against the mighty Mississippi river and boasting of Tom Cruise’s “The Firm” having been filmed there, is a long music history that includes, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and of course, Elvis. Even U2 recorded a few tracks for Rattle and Hum at Sun Studio!

I understand cities have to play to their strengths. Virginia Beach was the first stop on our journey. It’s basically a tourist (beach) destination with a Naval base. Granted, they have nearly TWO HUNDRED years more history than Dayton. Nearby Jamestown, VA was established in 1607. (Dayton, 1796.) VA Beach is your standard touristy beach town with an avenue lined with shops selling boogie boards and beach towels and bars offering happy hour specials. Piercing and tattoo parlors are also beach-strip mainstays.

One of the first categories that I “yelped” (check out yelp.com, a social networking, user review, and local search web site) in VA Beach was “coffee.” My wife is pretty much a Starbucks snob. Nothing else satisfies. Starbucks is easy to find… There were two on the strip. But the local favorite I discovered was Bad A** Coffee, slightly off the beaten path. (Think Ghostlight or Press with a beach flair.) I enjoyed a vanilla latte there early one morning.

St. Augustine, FL, another stop along the way, was first explored in 1513 by Spanish explorer Ponce de León. Founded in 1565, there is deep history, being home to the Castillo de San Marcos, a magnificent star fort constructed mostly out of coquina, (Spanish for “small shells”) ancient shells that have bonded together to form a type of stone similar to limestone. Additionally, this region boasts 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches! (How can we complete with THAT?)

My wife’s cousin lives in nearby Jacksonville. She served as our tour guide through the narrow pedestrian-only streets of St. Augustine’s shopping/arts/restaurant/bar/live-music historic district. Home to both the oldest schoolhouse in the United States AND very first Catholic parish in our country!

Have you ever “yelped” Dayton?

It’s so easy to fall into a routine of simply frequenting our favorite restaurants again and again. That’s ok, but consider this…

I once saw a travel piece about “staycationing” in your hometown. It was all about venturing into different parts of town that you may not typically frequent. Instead of defaulting to the mall where you typically shop or defaulting to your favorite restaurant, explore other areas. Enjoy lunch at a café that you have never been to. Check out a park along the way that you may have passed a thousand times, but never bothered to visit. I did this a while back and was pleasantly surprised… even stunned by the beauty of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark on Siebenthaler Ave. in north Dayton.

Brush up on your hometown history to add a little interest to your day. For instance, DID YOU KNOW that archaeological investigations of the surrounding area suggest that the Miamisburg Mound was constructed by the prehistoric Adena Indians somewhere between 800 BC and AD 100! That’s right in our back yard and I wonder how many locals have actually visited that ancient site? If I were a tourist yelping Dayton and the surrounding areas, that is a factoid I might unearth during my research.

I realize it’s not Stonehenge… (I once heard an Englander refer to Stonehenge as a “pile of rocks on the side of the road!”) Americans are fascinated by Stonehenge. Englanders? Not so much. Such is life.

My quest for the best Memphis barbecue yielded four pits that are held in highest regard. It didn’t matter to me what part of town they were located. I just wanted their best barbecue!

While Dayton may not be known for its barbecue as North Carolina, Kansas City or Texas are renown, Dayton has some solid options. A regional favorite is City Barbecue. Old Hickory is a local mainstay. Up-and-comer OinkADoodleMoo stands ready to satisfy that urge for smoked meat. (Try the burnt ends!) Don’t forget Smokin’

Bar-B-Que at the west end of the Oregon District on Fifth Street at Patterson. Al’s Smokehouse Café is now located downtown on east Third Street, providing barbecue well into the wee hours of the morning on weekends!

(For the record, yes, I have eaten at all of those restaurants.)

But have you ever sampled the best of Huffie’s Bar-B-Que? It’s west of 75 south of 35 off Germantown Pike on McArthur Ave.

I have.

I assured them that I am a SERIOUS bbq guy. (I even own a 55-gallon “ugly drum smoker!”) I ordered a massive sampler platter, which I believe impressed them. I told them I wanted the full “Huffie’s” experience. I told them I searched “best bbq in Dayton” and their establishment was on that short list. This made the guy smile.

If I were just visiting Dayton for a few days, I would sample all that Dayton has to offer. I would end up in different parts of town, at different restaurants, shopping in different areas, absorbing the local history and culture along the way.

I might venture into the far reaches of the Miami Valley to visit Young’s Jersey Dairy or the Clifton Mill. I would definitely take in the National museum of the United States Air Force (it’s FREE!) and visit the Wright Brothers’ memorial (which offers a vista that rivals that of Woodland Cemetery, near U.D.) I’d visit the Oregon District, Brown Street, Second Street Market and Riverscape. I’d check out a couple of Dayton’s many impressive MetroParks.

Dayton is LOADED with great restaurants! Check out DaytonDining for online menus, photos, coupons and real life experiences from Dayton restaurants. (And did I mention Yelp?)

I realize I talk a lot about food and restaurants, but you don’t have to spend a ton of money to participate in what I am suggesting. Dayton’s Five Rivers MetroParks are FREE! And there are a lot of them scattered across the Miami Valley, and, many (if not most) of our local festivals offer free admission.

If you treated Dayton as though you were on vacation, I believe you would approach it differently.

And you would thank me for it.

Special thanks to Wikipedia.com for helping me fill in all the blanks with much needed detail.

New Pop-Up Shops to Open On Urban Nights

September 5, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Two new businesses will hold soft openings during Urban Nights downtown on Friday, Sept. 20, as part of the fifth phase of the Pop-Up Project, part of an initiative to fill downtown storefronts called Activated Spaces.

Spice Paradise is a retail spice store, specializing in spices and food from around the world. Products will include chutneys, pickles, chocolates and other pre-packaged food. The store also will feature easy-to-cook meals to go. Spice Paradise will be located in the Oregon District at 16 Brown St., formerly occupied by The Record Gallery and Amore.

Hicks’ Barber Shop is a traditional barber shop and shave parlor owned by James Hicks, aka “The Bearded Barber.” Hicks will specialize in a razor-fading technique and also sell his own signature beard oil. Hicks’ Barber Shop will be occupying the former Sew Dayton space at 16 Brown St., right next to Spice Paradise.

The opening of Spice Paradise and Hicks’ Barber Shop builds on the success of the Pop-Up Project’s first four phases. The project was launched in November 2011, and shops opened during subsequent phases in May 2012, September 2012 and May 2013. Two of the initial three businesses in the pilot still are thriving: Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., and Peace on Fifth, 508 E. Fifth St.

Still going strong from the second, third and fourth phases of the project are: American π, at its new expanded location on 41 S. Saint Clair St.; Vintage Barber Shop, 110 W. Fifth St.; Sew Dayton, expanding to 261 Wayne Ave. with a target open date of Oct. 1; Green Baby, 31 S. Saint Clair St.; and All Pilates, 27 S. Saint Clair St.

The Pop-Up Project is driven by volunteers from the young professional organizations Generation Dayton and UpDayton with support from the Downtown Dayton Partnership and other community volunteers. The project is a strategic effort to fill vacant street-level space and spur interest in opening a business downtown that’s part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

Since the inception of the program in fall 2011, Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Project has launched 11 shops (nine of which are still open), filled 11,326 square feet of previously vacant space and created 24 jobs.

“The Pop-Up Shops have helped enliven downtown while building on growing momentum for the center city,” said Tom Razauskas, who owns the building housing Beaute Box and Vintage Barbershop. “It has been refreshing to work with volunteers and business owners who really believe in downtown and are excited about its future.”

“Activated Spaces’ Pop-Up Project is working to add vibrancy to downtown through local retail businesses,” said Elise Huelskamp, Pop-Up Project volunteer chair. “We’re providing potential business owners the opportunity for shorter leases at below-market rates as a way for them to jumpstart their businesses in hopes it will convert into long-term success.”

“This project also supports local, creative entrepreneurs as they take a risk and test out their business concepts while bringing renewed life to downtown storefronts,” said Scott Murphy, immediate past chair of UpDayton and Activated Spaces volunteer. “Visitors who support these Pop-Up Shops will help spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown ― the next step in downtown revitalization.”

Visit www.activatedspaces.org or e-mail [email protected] for more information about Activated Spaces or to volunteer.

Dayton’s Party of Parties Takes On Fairytales

September 3, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Dayton’s biggest party, ARC Masquerage, is just six weeks away! The signature event of AIDS Resource Center Ohio, held annually on the third Saturday of October, will take place October 19 in the Colesium at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds (1043 S. Main St., Dayton).

Thousands have attended the elaborate masquerade ball, billed as “Dayton’s party of parties,” since its 2002 inception, helping raise $1.1 million for HIV/AIDS treatment and awareness. This year, Masquerage is expected to bring in $160,000 in unrestricted funding for ARC Ohio, with $90,000 in corporate sponsorship alone. The funds raised will assist individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Each year, Masquerage carries a theme which inspires the decor and costume choices. This year’s, “Once Upon a Time…,” puts an adult spin on childhood fairy tales.

A costume isn’t required to attend Masquerage, only a mask or disguise; among the elaborate costumes each year, one can also find attendees in t-shirts and jeans, pajamas, tuxedos and evening gowns, and, well, almost nothing at all. But dressing up is a big part of the fun, and this year’s storybook backdrop is a bottomless wishing well of great possibilities.

If you’re having trouble coming up with an idea, you’re either thinking too much, or not thinking enough. The first thing you should do is break your mind out of the Disney box. Fairy tales go much farther and wider than the Disney Classics. They can be a great foundation to build upon here, but by no means should they be a limit to your choices. Here are some suggestions that go above and beyond Cinderella and Snow White.

http://swoz.deviantart.com/art/Greek-Gods-Cosplay-Ohayocon-2012-284460981

Greek gods in action: a little mythological cosplay.

Each culture has its own fairy tales. Do some research into those. (Western culture is, for example, quite familiar with Rudyard Kipling’s stories from Colonial India.)

Many cultures also have their own mythologies. Think of the leprechaun tales of Irish lore. Remember Iron Man’s Loki? That character is based on Loki, the Norse god of war. Do some looking into the Norse gods, or the fables of West Africa’s Anansi, the spider god. And, of course, the entire Greek mythological universe is fair play here. People looking for a clever group costume could deck themselves out as the Gods of Olympus. (Extra points for a good centaur costume!)

American’s tall tales are frontier fairy tales. Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill and Sluefoot Sue, John Henry, Casey Jones: these are American fairy tale heroes.

Another classic American fairy tale is frequently told around Halloween: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Rise to the challenge of being the Gingerbread Man, with a costume made of real candy!

Rumpelstiltskin is similar to a leprechaun. He shouldn’t be forgotten.

Think of the tales you were told as a child. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the reindeer and the elves. The tooth fairy.

Speaking of Christmas, there’s a whole world of characters right there. The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. Herbie the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. The Abominable Snowman. Heatmiser and Snowmiser. Frosty. Rudolph. The entire cast of The Nutcracker. (How great would it be to see a Sugarplum Fairy and a Rat King?!) And, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge and his spirits. The Midwest loves to shove Christmas in people’s faces before Halloween’s even arrived. Double up your holiday value and get in the Yuletide spirit a little early!

The Wizard of Oz is just one of many modern fairy tales.

Think of the urban legends from your childhood. Trolls under bridges. Bloody Mary. Candyman. The Boogeyman. When you imagined that monster that lived under your bed, what did it look like?

Think of our modern fairy tales that have become pop culture standards, like Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Wizard of Oz, E.T., Shrek, Toy Story, Mary Poppins, The Princess Bride, The Neverending Story, Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal, even Pan’s Labyrinth. If you stretch that just a little further, one might consider films like Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, and even Pleasantville (extra points for gray-toning yourself into black and white!) as sources, given their fantasy elements.

Speaking of Tim Burton, let’s try be a little original. Do we really want a party with fifty Johnny Depp Mad Hatters? Do we really? Think about it.
Look past Disney at the animated films from other parts of the world. Japanese anime, for instance, is rife with fantasy elements.

Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street, perhaps the ultimate modern fairy tale.

The best horror stories are grown from the fairy tale concept of predators masking as safe authority figures who lure heroes into traps. Magical setups, moralistic endings, corruption of innocence, tests of character and strength. This page offers a brief, beautifully drawn presentation of A Nightmare on Elm Street as a dark modern fairy tale “where the enchanted forest is filled with cul de sacs and the gingerbread house looks like a boiler room.” Freddy Kruger haunts children in their dreams, for crying out loud! That’s as fairy tale as it gets.

The horror genre has given us many brilliant fairy tale characters, including Frankenstein and Dracula. They’re right at home within this theme. And following the vampire theme, True Blood, Dark Shadows, and the Buffy-verse (The Gentlemen!) fit as well.

There are, um, many adult possibilities for Pinocchio. (And remember, the Disney version also includes the wicked fox, the Blue Fairy, and Stromboli.)

Look to Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a wonderful fairy tale everyone knows.

Doctor Who cosplayers! Come on down!

Think of fantasy-related children’s series from the last few decades. My Little Pony, Mighty Max, Care Bears (bonus points if your group has a Mr. Coldheart!), The Smurfs, Sailor Moon, He-Man and She-Ra… Slutty Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake costumes are always popular this time of year. Here’s another occasion to wiggle into them!

A big-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s fairy tale musical, Into the Woods, is currently in production starring folks like Meryl Streep, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick, Tracy Ullman, and Emily Blunt in an epic story that weaves together the sagas of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack the giant killer, Little Red Riding Hood, and many more. Look to that for inspiration.

Think about the video games you’ve played. The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., the Final Fantasy series.

Masquerage ’13: The geeks ARE the cool kids.

British author Roald Dahl wrote some fun, innovative stories that have been enjoyed for generations, including Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 2013 will prove a disappointing Masquerage indeed without an Oompa Loompa sighting.

Sci-fi and fantasy geeks unite! The hallowed halls of Hogwarts, the ethereal Kingdom of Narnia, and the shadowy forests of Middle Earth shall be made one at Masquerage. (And it would just be so friggin’ cool to see a really well done team of Dementors…)

And finally, if you are thinking of Disney films, don’t forget the supporting characters. The three fairy godmothers from Sleeping Beauty, the mice from Cinderella, the Siamese cats from Lady and the Tramp, the Seven Dwarves, the Magic Mirror.

That’s an awful lot to digest at once, but it’s a great reminder that there are literally thousands of choices under the umbrella of this year’s theme. There’s also no shame in picking a popular, classic fairy tale character — it’s all about adding a personal touch and bringing your individual style into the costume. Putting a new twist on a famous character is a great way to stand out. What would your favorite Disney princess or villain look like in the modern world? As a zombie? In a steampunk setting? As a human/animal hybrid? In a horror setting? Last year’s “Villains and Vixens” Masquerage had no less than a dozen attendees in costume as The Joker (myself included), and each one differed wildly from the next. Find the character that’s best for you, then make it your own. And, most important of all, have fun doing it!

As an added bonus, ticket buyers will find a 20% discount coupon for Halloween Express, on the back of their tickets. As one of Masquerage’s newest sponsors, this year round costume shop which recently opened on St Rt 741, north of the Dayton Mall, across from Applebees, understands the spirit of the event and will be happy to help you pull together your dream costume.

For more Masquerage inspiration follow them on Facebook and on twitter.com/ARC_Masquerage.

Homefull Set To Celebrate 25 Years With Gala Event

September 2, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Today two young children will be playing with their toys on their living room floor. Their favorite cartoon will be streaming through the television. The kids are laughing and sharing their toys with one another. Later, they will go outside and run around the yard, letting their imaginations running as wild as free as any child’s mind should. Their lives are completely free from any cares in the world.

Meanwhile, the parents of those same children are experiencing a different situation. They just received a letter on their front door. They have just two days to pack up all their belongings and leave their home. A home that they have worked to build to provide those children playing outside a safe haven. A home that has collected memories that would last a lifetime. In a moment’s notice-it’s all gone. The parents haven’t been able to pay rent in the recent months leading up to this day. Both have been barely been able to keep food on the table. They have had to make some difficult decisions. Can they afford to pay the power bill?! If so, what bill will they not pay?! Is the gas bill going to be payed?! How our they both going to get to work, because they aren’t able to afford to fill up their vehicles. For many, including in the city of Dayton, these are everyday questions. The uncertainty of everyday living is more stressful than most could ever imagine. Luckily, there is support for those individuals who need it when the worst circumstances occur, like getting the evection notice on the door, or if some of the household bills need to be taken care of. The support is called Homefull.

Homefull, located at Edwin C. Moses Blvd in Dayton, is a nonprofit organization that is working to end homelessness for people mentioned earlier by providing housing, services, advocacy and education. Formally called The Other Place, Homefull is celebrating their 25^th anniversary this year. To honor the milestone, the 25^th Anniversary Gala will be transpiring on September 19^th at the Dayton Art Institute.

Homefull opened their doors to help those in need in 1988 at the Christ Episcopal Church in town. Soon after opening, the organization started to slowly build their shelters to what they are today. One thing has always been the same-to be the support for people who are or about to experience homelessness. The group feverishly works to educate the community about how homelessness happens and what can be done to prevent it. Homefull also works to help provide individuals who are struggling direct services, such as helping them find housing, paying bills and the mortgage by offering assistance. By doing this, Homefull gives guidance to these folks by enrolling them in programs to get them back on their feet. The programs include learning how to budget what you have money wise, providing job development, among others. Homefull have this for their yearly goal:

800 men, women, & children housed
500 dedicated volunteers helping in their organization
100 corporate partners being part of the organization
Accumulate $250,000 in financial support

The 25^th Anniversary Gala being held at the Dayton Art Institute is going to be an evening that will be simply magical as the museum will provide the perfect backdrop for the event. The evening’s mission will be asking one question-what will be possible? To explore that question, chorographer Rodney Veal will be presenting a mind-blowing musical/theatre/dance/visual show that will have the attendees be blown away. Veal’s astounding vision includes presenting a gown that will be completely made out of recycled newspapers. Another featured outfit will have LED lights hanging over the gown. These are just a few things that will be presented as you head to the dinner. While enjoying your dinner you will be hearing great music from local musician Danny Voris along with a special treat that will surely make your evening. Local artwork will be part of the silent auction. Artists such as Amy Kollar Anderson, Erin Holscher Almazan, Mark Echtner, William Jones, Nick Stamas are just a few that will artwork presented, expanding the boundaries of elements from all angles that truly explore what is possible.

September 19^th promises to be an evening that will show all who attend what is truly important-Homefull is doing extraordinary things in the fight against homelessness. The volunteers that are part of the organization express how much of a joy it is to help their fellow neighbors who are of in need. Last year, Homefull helped over 3500 people. More recent success includes more than 400 units are available for supportive housing and chronic homelessness is down by 65%. However, they are more than 1000 men and women a night aren’t able to be so fortunate. By attending the Gala at Dayton Art Institute, you will be doing your part to help the cause. To ensure seating, Homefull said that would like attendees to RSVP as soon as possible, but no later than September 3^rd.

To register to attend, visit homefull.org, or call (937) 293-1945.

Special Events Indoors and Out Part of Sept. 6 First Friday in Downtown Dayton

August 31, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

CACD is one of many locations that will display artwork during First Friday.

Warm up for Urban Nights by attending downtown Dayton’s next First Friday, held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Art exhibits, live music, dinner and drink specials, retail sales, and special events will be featured at a variety of downtown venues.

A complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday is available on the DDP website. Highlights include:

Internationally known artist Robert Walker will display work at Clash Consignment (521 E. Fifth St.).

The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet for two rides this month at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, (220 N. Patterson Blvd.). The first will ride leaves at 5:30 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. This month’s route will go through the heart of downtown and tour part of East Dayton.

The Dayton Visual Arts Center (118 N. Jefferson St.) will be exhbiting Music for Teacups: Colagiovanni and Haviland, a selection of video, artist books and original prints by two artists from Athens, Ohio. The gallery will be open until 8 p.m.

Several restaurants, including Lily’s Bistro pictured here, will offer dining specials and a food truck rally also will be held during First Friday.

Garden Station (509 E. Fourth St.) will be offering an introduction to herbal remedies class at 6 p.m., a compassionate communication workshop at 7 p.m. and live music by Meghna & the Majority at 8 p.m. The Urban Farmer’s Market begins at 5:30 p.m.

The Great Dayton Flood Walk will start at 7 p.m. View vintage photos of the flood, visit buildings that made it through the flood, see high-water marks from 1913 and more. $10 per person. Call 937-274-4749 or email [email protected] for required reservations and meeting location.

Synergy Incubators hosts a food truck rally at 200 S. Jefferson St., featuring many popular local food trucks, music, children’s activities, Hope Foundation Motorcycle Raffle, Inside Out 11M Photobooth and a local artisan marketplace.

The Yellow Cab (700 E. Fourth St.) will feature exhibit “The Art of Music,” with artwork created by musicians and inspired by music. University of Dayton professor Al Carrillo will read his poetry, and an open mic will be available for anyone who wants to perform.

Steel drummer Joseph Glenn, pictured here with saxophonist Tyrone Martin, will again perform on the street during First Friday.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association and Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show that airs on Fridays from 8 p.m. to midnight on WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more. Download the Find It Downtown mobile search tool for smartphones at http://mobile.downtowndayton.org.