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Seeing the City from New Eyes

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A native of Cincinnati, I didn’t really dip my toes into everything Dayton has to offer until my freshman year of college at the University of Dayton. While some of my classes exposed me to popular sites in the city, such as the Schuster Center, I took it upon myself to explore lesser-known pockets of downtown. After four years of living and working in Dayton, I am still finding interesting new places, but I am proud to say I definitely know more than I did when I was a freshman.

Making old new again

As a girl who perpetually has nothing to wear (yet a closet full of clothes), I’m always on the prowl for new additions to my wardrobe. In the past few years I have gained a huge appreciation for vintage clothing, although I am still learning how to filter through what’s gold and what’s just … old. The best place I’ve found to score some great finds? Feathers Vintage Clothing. Located in the Oregon Arts District, it’s the perfect place to browse before grabbing a stuffed burger at Blind Bob’s. Disclaimer: One glance at its front window, filled with the kinds of clothes you dream about stumbling across in such a store, and you will have no choice but to stop and see what’s inside.

Lights, Camera, Action

The best movie experiences are ones in which the whole audience connects over the film. While these occasions are rare, they make going to the movies special. At The Neon, one gets that sense of community during every film. Plus, the selection is awesome – way better than any other theater in the area. It offers everything from Oscar-nominated blockbusters to the lesser-known movies all the cool kids rave about. If you’re wary about seeing a movie that hasn’t been over-advertised, check out The Neon’s website. It provides great summaries, as well as a schedule for upcoming films.

Music to my ears

My inaugural trip to Omega Music was on a first date. After a delicious dinner at Thai 9, we went on a romantic walk down the brick-paved stretch of Fifth St. in the Oregon Arts District. While the night was awkward (Sorry I was more excited about buying that live concert CD than I was about being on that date with you), I still love going back and browsing the music selection. The staff also is really friendly, which I haven’t always encountered in music stores. I still think of that long-lost first date every time I walk into Omega, but at least there’s great music to make me forget it.

Get Lucky

As a lover of food (but by no means a connoisseur), my favorite places to eat are ones that have a unique, but not intimidating, menu. Enter Lucky’s Taproom. A descriptive beer menu for someone who knows nothing about beer (i.e., me) and a staff willing to make recommendations? Sign me up. The first time I went to Lucky’s I ordered the fish and got to choose the beer it was battered in. Awesome. Apparently quality is always Lucky’s standard, as the food is excellent every time I go.

Hit the pavement

A longtime runner before college, I saw my move to Dayton as a chance to get to know a new city – on foot. Confession: In high school I ran almost 10 miles daily with my cross-country team, but when left to my own devices, I am way too tempted to sit on the couch and watch reruns on E! instead of getting up and exercising. Having new, uncharted territory encouraged me to start running here, but it was the awesome routes that kept me going. I love cities, yet I love being in parks; lucky for me, downtown is a blend of both. Check out the Five Rivers MetroParks website for more information on all of the trails available.

This is by no means a complete list of things to do in downtown Dayton. Be sure to check out the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website for more information and other suggestions of great places in the city to visit.

We Challenge You To “Find It Downtown”

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A scavenger hunt team in a totally different city - it is the best stock photo we could find...

Not all projects end with the exact same plan they started with – in fact, most don’t.  However, the hallmark of any good team is the ability to adjust.

When the updayton nightlife team first met at the Young Creatives Summit last April, they rallied around the idea of using artist propelled rickshaws to connect various parts of downtown.  This plan was proposed in response to a challenge from the Downtown Dayton Partnership to add a new aspect to First Friday that would help connect the many offerings from the galleries, restaurants and bars around downtown.

Well… not even a week after the Summit, Tricab was unveiled.   Not wanting to compete with a new business, the nightlife team went back to the drawing board.  This resourceful group of volunteers quickly responded with another popular idea discussed at the Summit: a First Friday Scavenger Hunt.  Says, team lead Duante Beddingfield of the scavenger hunt idea, “The Downtown Dayton Partnership and AAA have a great passport incentive that’s designed to get people around to all the galleries on First Friday, and we wanted to design something similar to move people around through the businesses and special events that are available as well.”

After a couple months of planning, the team’s first hunt is set for this Friday, August 5th.  The evening promises to be jam-packed with fun clue finding at stops at some of downtown’s best restaurants, venues and street art spaces.  Finding businesses to participate hasn’t been hard, says Beddingfield, “We’ve been knocked out by how enthusiastic the response has been from the business owners who want to be involved.”  In fact, a number of businesses are already lined-up for the group’s next hunt this October.

To get started on the Hunt this Friday, pick up your clue sheet from First Friday volunteers at RiverScape immediately following the First Friday After 5 Concert.  After completing the clues, head to the after-party destination: Lucky’s Tap Room and Eatery where complimentary drinks await everyone who completes the Hunt.

If you have questions about the event, contact Duante Beddingfield at [email protected].

Aug. 5 First Friday has everything from skatedecks to a scavenger hunt

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Looking for a different way to explore downtown? The Aug. 5 First Friday is rolling in with a night of live music, art shows and entertainment.

Broaden Your Horizons

First Friday will be the continuation of the First Friday Passport Program. Pick up a First Friday Passport at RiverScape and other participating locations (click here for a list) to win prizes from AAA Miami Valley, which each month will award two prizes of one-year classic AAA memberships, with free renewals for existing members. Everyone who enters for the monthly prize now through Dec. 2 also will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize of a $1,000 travel gift certificate.

The passport must be stamped by at least four locations, and visitors can get all four stamps during one First Friday or complete it another month. Once completed, they simply fill out their contact information and drop their passports in any of the First Friday Passport boxes that will be at all participating locations.

Get a Clue

The Aug. 5 First Friday is also the premiere of the First Friday Scavenger Hunt, an event hosted by volunteers from the young professional organization updayton. Teams of friends and families are invited to enjoy an evening packed with clues that include stops at some of downtown’s swankiest restaurants, venues and art spaces. Follow the clues to the final destination ― the First Friday After Party, where complimentary beer, wine and light snacks await everyone who completes the hunt. Clue sheets also will be inside First Friday passports.

Skateboards, Sculptures and Still-Life

Another featured event is the “The Art of Skate,” an art exhibit featuring skate decks and paintings celebrating skating culture past and present. Held at the Yellow Cab Building, 700 E. Fourth St, more than a dozen artists contributed to the project, including Amy Kollar Anderson, Rev. Chad Wells, Mike Guidone and Jason Goad, along with two California artists. The exhibit will be open until midnight, and the skate decks will be raffled later in August.

New to the city’s arts scene, the Dayton Arts Project will present local artists’ work, followed by a performance of choreography, dance and media at Sinclair Community College’s Blair Hall Theatre. Featured artists include Damon Sink, who will create new live music in a collaboration with choreographer Rodney Veal; choreographer Ashley Sass, who will present her work, Momentum; Tom Watson III, presenting his Stem/ReAssemblage series; and Ben Quinn, who will display five new large works in a mixed-media exhibit.

Additional art shows include:

  • The Blue Sky Project’s final exhibit will be showcased at 8 N. Main St. In this eight-week summer artist-in-residence program, five professional artists from throughout the world have worked with area teens in a collaborative art-making process that resulted in the new works of contemporary art that will be on display.
  • The Cannery Art and Design Center, , 434 E. Third St., will host Doug Benedict’s “Found Object Steel Sculpture,” along with live jazz, wine and hors d’œuvres.
  • Color of Energy, 16 Brown St., will present an introduction to the Record Gallery, a new store featuring collectible music items, along with new works by Mike Elsass and Bob Rhodes.
  • Color 2 Gallery, 519 E. Fifth St., will host Mike Elsass’ reception for the graduates of Stivers.
  • Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., will host its 20th Annual Open Members’ Show in the gallery. A selection of artists from the Members’ Show will give brief gallery talks about their work.
  • Elaine Balsley Fine Art, 523 E. Fifth St., will feature artwork by Stivers School for the Arts graduates.
  • Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St., will feature new figurative wood carvings by Marvin Olinsky and new still-life paintings by Nancy Hatton.
  • K12 Gallery, 510 E. Third St., will feature the work of TEJAS summer art camp students, as well as work by local painters in an exhibition centered on landscapes and showing films created by students throughout this year in K12’s first Film Fest.

Hitting the Right Note

In the Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., the Dayton Creative Circus Collective will host Free Music First Friday featuring a rare Dayton appearance by The Hiders from Cincinnati. After its 2006 debut, the band was named by NPR’s World Café as an “artist to watch.” Tim Pritchard of the local band Floods will open at 8 p.m.

More live music will be featured throughout the Oregon District. Check out the Trolley Stop, the Oregon Express, the Tumbleweed Connection and the Dublin Pub for a variety of performances all night. Additionally, Practice Yoga will be hosting the WYSO-FM Rev. Cool Around the Fringe Dance Party, and several participating First Friday locations will be playing the long-running radio show.

Rock Out

Local musicians Blind Karma will play the First Friday @ 5 show at RiverScape MetroPark. The concession will be open and beer will be sold during the performance from 5-7 p.m. The concert will wrap up in plenty of time to head to the galleries and other arts venues taking part in the First Friday art hop.

…And There’s More!

Celebrating its grand opening will be Clash Consignment Co., 113 E. Third St., which features items for adult women and men, including an eclectic and funky mix of vintage to modern clothing, jewelry, shoes and other accessories. The store also carries original work by local artists, and will be hosting DJs during First Friday. New to First Friday is District Antiques, 122 Van Buren St., which specializes in antiques, collectibles, home furnishings and artwork. Patrons will receive 15 percent off new items and 10 percent off consignment items during First Friday. Martha Mellon Interior Design Studio also will offer free 30-minute in-store design consultations. Visitors are asked to bring their room measurements, photos, fabric samples, and toss pillows and other accessories to help with the design consultation. A variety of roaming performers will provide entertainment (weather permitting). This month, catch The Dropbacks juggling duo, the Circle Nerdz breakdance crew, solo saxophonist Tyrone Martin, and accordion and violin duet Nathan Rogers and Liz Landis.

From approximately 8 to 11 p.m., many of downtown’s buildings will be lit for amateur and professional photographers who would like to capture night shots of the city in preparation for this year’s Downtown in Focus photo contest, held in conjunction with the Sept. 16 Urban Nights. Visit DowntownDayton.org for contest details.

Visitors also can get outdoors during First Friday for Courteous Mass, which will meet at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field at 5:15 p.m. for a bike ride through the event action. Gem City Circle Walks will host two historical walking tours led by longtime local history buffs Leon Bey, Nancy Roach and Curt Dalton. An Oregon Arts District walk will begin at 5 p.m. and the “Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders Walk of Downtown Dayton” will begin at 7 p.m. Each walk is $10 and advance reservations are required by contacting Bey at 937-274-4749 or [email protected].

In addition, all the restaurants, retail shops, bars and clubs, and other establishments throughout downtown will be open during First Friday. For regular updates about this event, follow First Friday on Facebook or text “FirstFridayDayton” to 90210.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from AAA Miami Valley, the Oregon District Business Association, Clear Channel Dayton, Heidelberg Distributing Co., Five Rivers MetroParks, Culture Works and 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. Click here for a complete list of events taking place downtown.

Add address – also, check for addresses throughout. Since this doesn’t start with the list, as in the release and brochure, there may be other places the address needs to be included.

First Friday band likes pop, rock, ‘unexpected elements’

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When Greg Bell plays a show with his band, Blind Karma, he goes for impact.

“My first job is to do something that will astound my band mates to break that ice on stage,” he says. “Then we can address the audience as a unit.”

From Bell’s description of the band’s performances, it is clear it set out to entertain, no matter the cost.

“I don’t mind looking foolish if that opens the door to get the audience involved,” he says. “Generally, if I see someone shoe gazing, I will do something so ridiculous they can’t shoe-gaze anymore.”

Audiences can expect this outgoing presentation when Blind Karma performs at the Aug. 5 First Friday @ 5 summer concert at the RiverScape MetroPark pavilion .

Formed in 2008, Blind Karma is a trio of Daytonians who bring crowds to its feet with a variety of cover songs from as early as the 1960s. Bell says the band likes to play rock and pop music, but also tries to include unexpected elements in their concerts.

Although the band has original material, they are currently only playing covers. They pull their material from a variety of decades as to find something that appeals to everyone in the audience.

“I’m always hoping for that little extra something to remind the audience how special that song, that time period was,” Bell says.

Off the long list of songs on Blind Karma’s setlist, Bell declines to list a favorite to play live (“That’s like asking me to choose amongst my children!”) but admits “Time” by Pink Floyd is especially meaningful to him.

“It’s one of the most beautiful, moving songs,” he says. “I want to do it justice and play it with conviction. It has the potential to be an emotionally charged song.”

As far as venues go, Bell looks forward to playing in Dayton for a variety of reasons: playing downtown at RiverScape MetroPark, working with sound engineer Monika Shroyer and participating in a community event, such as First Friday.

Bell recognizes Dayton as a grounded place to perform — each venue has unique strong points and the and want to create the best experience possible for the audience.

“There is a direct connection here in town of people wanting to do the best we can with what they’ve got,” he says.

You can catch Blind Karma when they play the August 5 First Friday @ 5 concert from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark Pavilion, 111 E. Monument Ave. The concession will be open and beer will be sold from 5-7 p.m. The concerts will wrap up in plenty of time to head to the galleries and other arts venues taking part in the First Friday art hop.


Get Gigs

URS Rubber Duck Regatta Adoption Agents Needed

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United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton (URS) is seeking volunteers to attend local festivals in the Dayton area during the summer to promote the 8th Annual URS Rubber Duck Regatta and sell $5 duck adoptions.   The 8th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta is the release and river race of up to 15,000 bright yellow rubber ducks for a controlled race down the Great Miami River. Ducks will be “released” south of downtown’s Pedestrian Bridge, float down the river and finish at RiverScape’s Festival Plaza. This event takes place on September 17th in conjunction with the Taste of Miami Valley. (One duck “adoption” equals one entry/duck in the race”)

Volunteers are needed to work Festivals throughout the Dayton Area – Promote and sell duck Ducksadoptions for the 8th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta (click here for more info)

    • German Fest Picnic – Saturday, Aug 13, 12 – 11 pm & Sunday, Aug 14, 12 – 6pm
    • Young’s Jersey Dairy – Saturday, August 20, 9 am – 3 pm
    • Popcorn Festival – Sat, Sept 10, 9 am – 8 pm & Sun, Sept 11, 10 am – 6 pm
    • Cheese & Quackers Wine Tasting – Friday, Sept 16, 5 – 8 pm
    • Rubber Duck Regatta – Saturday, Sept 17, 2 – 6 pm

To become a volunteer you must:

  • Be fifteen years old (unless acompanied by an adult)
  • Complete an application and orientation

To request more information about volunteering or how your corporation can team build at URS, email Diane Osman at [email protected] or call (937) 233-1230 ext.130.

Share The Power Of The Suit

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It’s time once again to clean out your closet and donate your gently-used professional clothing to help men and women enter the workforce.  For the fourth year Men’s Warehouse is partnering with Clothes That Work to help disadvantaged job seekers get a boost of self-confidence during the fourth annual National Suit Drive, the country’s largest collection of gently used business attire.

The suits will provide  men  with a fresh start and the ability to go into an interview feeling confident and well equipped to put into practice their new skills.  Although the recession has affected a broad spectrum of the American workforce, more than 70 percent of job losses have befallen men, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, due to the economy’s particularly heavy impact on male-dominated industries such as construction and manufacturing.

“With nearly one out of ten working-age men unemployed in this country, the weak economic recovery has disproportionately hurt the male workforce,” said George Zimmer, Men’s Wearhouse founder and CEO. “By collecting and donating professional clothing, Men’s Wearhouse aims to help men ‘suit up’ for job interviews and give them an important boost of confidence that will help them reach their goals.”

Nationally, Men’s Wearhouse hopes to collect more than 100,000 articles of clothing to benefit charities like Clothes That Work.  To thank donors for their generosity, Men’s Wearhouse will reward them with 50% off a purchase at Men’s Wearhouse and will donate a tie for every suit received in the month of August.  And besides clothing,  for every “like” on Facebook, Men’s Wearhouse will donate $1 to the cause, up to $10,000.

No complaining if the jury gets it wrong…

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(Taken from information provided by Dayton History)

Interior of Old Courthouse taken from the Visitor's Galley looking down (from Montgomery Co. Collection at Dayton Metro Library)

Innocent or Guilty? You Decide…

Join Dayton History for an interactive courtroom drama at the Old Courthouse. This summer, the sensational 1896 Bessie Little (don’t click on this link unless you want the WHOLE story pre-trail – and that takes the fun out of it) murder case will be re-tried, with the verdict decided by you – the audience. After listening to evidence from both the prosecution and defense, spectators will be left to determine whether Bessie Little met death as a result of suicide – or murder. With one of Dayton’s most notorious court cases re-enacted, audience members will learn what law and order was like in the Gem City at the turn of the twentieth century.

Performances will be held at the Old Courthouse at 3rd and Main on the following days:

  • Friday July 22, 7:30 pm Saturday July 23, 7:30 pm Sunday July 24, 3:00 pm
  • Friday July 29, 7:30 pm Saturday July 30, 7:30 pm Sunday July 31, 3:00 pm
  • Friday August 5, 7:30 pm Saturday August 6, 7:30 pm Sunday August 7, 3:00 pm

Ridge Ave Bridge over the Stillwater (from Dayton Metro Library collections)

$10 – Dayton History Members $12 – Non-members
Reservations suggested
Suggested ages: 14 and up
For more information call 937-293-2841 or visit www.daytonhistory.org
SPOILER ALERT:
In doing some research for this, I learned that lil’ Bessie Little’s ghost still haunts the bridge at Ridge Avenue over the Stillwater where the suicide/murder happened.

Arts Volunteering Opportunity

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Each season, 1,000 volunteers from the Dayton area donate more than 60,000 hours of their time to the Victoria Theatre Association. Volunteers primarily work as the ushers for our performance theatres at the Victoria Theatre, Schuster Center and The Loft Theatre. Ushers are responsible for taking tickets, seating patrons, enforcing house policies, assisting patrons and answering questions. They also assist with mailings, staff fair and festival booths, and other tasks.  We’ve just heard that the Variety Series is especially in need of volunteers.

Orientations dates are Wed, Aug 3rd at 3pm or 6:3opm and Sat, Aug 6th at 1oam.  Fill out the  application – download here and send it in our just bring it with you to orientation.

Here’s what’s coming up for the Variety Series:

THE FLYING KARAMAZOV BROTHERS

The Flying Karamazov Brothers Dayton Ohio October 7, 2011
Location: Victoria Theatre
More

GONE MADIGAN WITH KATHLEEN MADIGAN

Kathleen Madigan Dayton Ohio February 3, 2012
Location: Victoria Theatre
More

COLIN MOCHRIE & BRAD SHERWOOD: THE TWO MAN GROUP

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood Dayton Ohio April 28, 2012
Location: Victoria Theatre
More

Victoria Theatre Association 2011-2012 Season Brochure (PDF)

Can You Help Others Dress For Success?

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Clothes That Work is a grassroots non-profit that has been providing professional clothing, image counseling and training for job seekers in Montgomery County since 1998. More than 18,000 job seekers in need have benefited from the services provided by Clothes That Work.

In addition to providing interview appropriate clothing and training on how to dress for work, they also conduct seminars, give interviewing tips and coach on exhibiting appropriate professional behavior. By focusing on the skills our clients need to be competitive in the interview process, they help instill the confidence necessary to succeed.

Clothes That Work is currently seeking volunteers to assist in the areas of personal shopper, Boutique sales and inventory management.
Personal Shopper: Provide customers with the interview or work attire, support and encouragement to approach the workplace with confidence.

Openings every week:
Wednesday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Boutique Sales Associate: Coordinate attractive, colorful displays, price merchandise and aid customers with their purchases.

Openings alternating week:
Tuesday 12:30 to 3:00 PM
Wednesday 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM
Thursday 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM
Friday 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM
Inventory Management: Solicit and maintain a steady supply of clothing and accessories, collect and manage individual and corporate clothing donations; Transport clothing from drop sites, assure that customers receive top quality clothing and accessories appropriate for job interviews; Sort, repair, straighten, and display merchandise.

Openings every week:
Monday 12:30 to 3:00 PM
Tuesday 12:30 to 3:00 PM
Wednesday 10 AM to 12:30 PM & 12:30 to 3:00 PM
Thursday 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM & 12:30 to 3:00 PM
Friday 12:30 to 3:00 PM

Interested applicants may complete a volunteer application online or contact Melanie Tullis or phone 937-222-3778 ext.170.

Oldest Rug Store in Dayton Relocating to the Shops of Oakwood

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The following story submitted by press release:

Mousaian Oriental Rugs, the area’s oldest store for sales and service of handmade Oriental rugs and a family business spanning four generations, announces its relocation to The Shops of Oakwood.  They are currently located at 1918 Brown Street and will move to 2419 Far Hills Avenue in the Shops of Oakwood, next to William Rife Jewelers, on August 1, 2011.

Mousaian Oriental Rugs was established in 1922 as a small specialty business and has grown steadily for almost 90 years.   This move marks the fourth location for the family-owned business.  In 1987 the business relocated from Victoria Avenue in Dayton View to the Oregon District.  In 1999, it moved to its current location on Brown Street, near the University of Dayton campus.

The history of Mousaian Oriental Rugs can be traced through its various moves.  The original location in northwest Dayton marked the era of Joseph and Helen Mousaian, who assumed the business from founder Simon Kirkjian (Joe’s uncle), when the business was located behind the family home.  In 1986 the business was passed on to daughter Susanne (Mousaian) Weaver and her husband, Paul. They moved to the Oregon District, and later to Brown Street, dramatically expanding its retail operations.  With its large showroom and Brown Street presence, the business continued to grow for the past 13 years.  In 2008, the next generation of the business was signaled with the addition of the Weaver’s daughter-in-law, Jennifer Weaver, who developed its distinctive website and e-communication strategies.  The Shops of Oakwood is an ideal location for this modern, yet nearly century-old business.  The quaint hometown location on Far Hills Avenue is as rich in tradition as the business itself.

According to Susie Weaver, “Mousaian Oriental Rugs and the Weaver family are extremely excited to take this next step in the business’ long history as we approach our centennial.   We look forward to celebrating a century serving the Miami Valley as Dayton’s oldest Oriental rug retailer.”

The Crap We Bring Home from Vacation

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Ryan shows his Hampshire gilt.

What did you do over the holiday weekend? Cookout? Swimming at the lake? Sitting in a pig barn in Kentucky? Oh, wait. That last one was me.

While springtime is for auctions and piglets, summertime on our Farmersville farm means traveling to state fairs and national pig shows.

We just returned from the National Swine Registry’s Summer Type Conference and National Junior Swine Spectacular in Louisville. This is just a fancy way of saying we loaded some of our best purebred hogs on our trailer and headed to Kentucky for five days of pig-related competition.

So what happens at a pig show? This is my husband’s version of an industry trade show. He picks out his best pigs–looking for pigs that are muscular, among other qualities. At the show, each pig is washed up and put on display in a pen, usually bedded with wood shavings. The event organizers bring in a judge, usually another pig farmer who is held in high regard, who evaluates the pigs in a show ring. Breeding stock pigs, like the kind we show, are in classes based on age and breed.

For pros like my husband, the event culminates in big business–the auction of breeding stock pigs to other farmers. The better your pig does in the show, the earlier in the auction your pig sells.

My husband sells his Yorkshire boar at the auction.

In addition to showing their gilts (young female pigs), all three of our kids participated in a number of youth activities designed to develop young people’s knowledge of the swine industry. At the event, there was a pig poster contest, pig photo contest, pig skillathon (a test of swine knowledge) and a judging contest where young people learned how to evaluate and rank hogs like a judge.

Justin and Morgan both won ribbons with their pig posters.

The event in Louisville is one of the biggest of the summer, along with the World Pork Expo (yes, this is a real thing), which we skipped this year. Our summer will include multiple hog-showing trips to the Ohio State Fair, Indiana State Fair and conclude with the Montgomery County Fair in Dayton.

So while most people won’t choose to spend their summer vacation time bathing pigs or unloading trailers, we do bring home a lot of family memories, hard-earned ribbons and, yes, crap on our shoes.

Music. Dance. Hiking Boots?

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"Translations: an exploration in birdsong, sound and movement" BLUE SKY PROJECTTranslations:

an exploration in birdsong, sound and movement

Blue Sky Project

When first perusing this press release, I was not really certain into which section of DaytonMostMetro.com to place this article.  When I first spoke with fellow onStageDayton contributor Rodney Veal about this, my assumption was that this project he was so excited about would be featured in the “oSD” section.  Maybe, however, it belongs in the “Dayton Music” section as the project prominently features a very accomplished violinist, Shaw Pong Lui from Boston, participating through a residency here in the Gem City with the Blue Sky Project.

BIRDSONGAs I uncovered more details about the project it seemed that maybe it should be in the “Arts & Entertainment” section since it seems to equally features the creative choreography of Rodney Veal, alongside Liu’s musicality.  The further I read, the more difficult this classification task became.  Here is a collaboration between a dancer, a musician AND nature.  The performance takes place along the trails of Aullwood Garden MetroPark with the dancers and musicians mimicking the sounds and sights of the trails.  Perhaps we need to put this in “Active Living.” The audience has to build up a bit of a sweat during this particular concert, as they will have to traverse the trails.  They even warn you to wear hiking shoes!

iBird Explorer AppThen you throw in the iPod aspect.  Holy Cow!  Do we even have a “Technology & Arts” section?  Audience members can participate in the performance through the use of a special birdsong app! ? !  This is pretty cool.

Alright.  Looking at this, pondering the various aspects…the birds, the trees, the dance, the music…I am making an executive decision here: “Life.”

(fully expecting our illustrious publisher to override this decision and choose the perfect classification for this article)

Official Blue Sky Project Press Release:

Dayton, Ohio — Musicians, dancers and birders will come together for an unusual open-air art event in one of the Miami Valley’s most distinctive woodland parks.

The Blue Sky ProjectThe Blue Sky Project, in collaboration with the University of Dayton and Five Rivers MetroParks, will present “Translations: an exploration in birdsong, sound and movement” 6 p.m. Saturday, July 9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at the Aullwood Garden MetroPark, 955 Aullwood Road, Englewood, Ohio. It’s free and open to the public.

Violinist Shaw Pong Liu and choreographer Rodney Veal created the work, which invites audience members to walk along trails throughout the garden, encountering violinists mimicking birdsongs, dancers improvising on the shapes of trees and birders with iPods contributing the real songs of birds.

“The point of the piece is to get people to slow down and pay attention to the environment,” Liu said. “We lead such busy lives, it is rare to take time to attune to the environment, and truly listen. Through this creative exploration of a hidden gem in the Dayton community, we hope to inspire others to listen and see their environments more deeply.”

Liu said the piece is very much in the spirit of the garden’s founder, the late Marie Aull, who opened and donated the garden to the public, and placed inspirational quotes throughout, encouraging visitors to enjoy nature and meditate on its beauty.

Participants include professional musicians from the area, dancers from the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and the Dayton Ballet, and birders familiar with the region’s birds.

Liu said the some paths go over rugged terrain and recommended appropriate footwear. iPhone users may also participate by downloading iBird Explorer Lite, a free app, before the performance.

Liu’s role as community artist/investigator for Blue Sky is new for the organization, a juried international summer artist residency now in its seventh year and its third based in Dayton, that brings internationally recognized artists to the area to work with young people on public, contemporary art.

The new position was prompted by Liu’s work in 2010 with Blue Sky and the community connections she made, according to Peter Benkendorf, founder and co-creator.

“Collaboration and community are central to both Blue Sky Project and the University of Dayton. It’s exciting to see Blue Sky expand through an artist who is taking the Blue Sky model beyond collaboration of program participants, and out to the larger community,” said Benkendorf.

It’s a good fit for the University, according to Paul Benson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, because it combines the University’s commitment to community and its interest in infusing the creative process into education.

Blue Sky also makes good use of ArtStreet, an innovative living and arts community on campus, where the artists both live and make art in the facility’s studios, Benson said.

“We are pleased to support Blue Sky as well the new community artist/investigator position as part of our ongoing commitment to expand the arts on campus and in the community,” he said.

“Translations” is the second major collaboration for Liu and Veal. Their 2010 production “Of a River” transformed the Schuster Center Wintergarden with dancers, musicians and 600 yards of silk.

Shaw Pong LiuLiu is a Boston-based, classically trained violinist who performs internationally and creates innovative shows involving improvised music, narration and audience interaction. Her ongoing project, “A Bird a Day,” explores birds, sunrises and music at www.abirdaday.org.

Rodney VealDayton native Rodney Veal is a choreographer and interdisciplinary artist whose work has been featured at the Ohio Dance Festival, among others. Veal teaches at Stivers School for the Arts in Dayton and Sinclair Community College. A solo show of his work, “Reveal: Five Zones on Beauty,” opens July 23 at the Springfield Museum of Art.”

For information on Blue Sky and the “Transitions” performance, including an alternative venue in case of rain, visit http://www.blueskydayton.org

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Cardinal (actual):

Cardinal (violin):

SANCTUARY composed by Shaw Pong Liu (4/28/2011)

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Activated Spaces is back.

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My last adventure got me out of the car and exploring the region via bus, bike and good ol’ fashioned walking. And you know what I saw? Well, in addition to the random shopping cart and dude who was arguing about drugs – I saw great local art! And not by seeking out a gallery (although I recommend that, too) – but by just walking around.

The Activated Spaces team (powered by the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan) worked with local property owners and invited artists to share their work with the community while focusing on our region’s assets. It was a great success and resulted in 17 vibrant art displays filling downtown windows and the selection of Amanda Sue Allen as the People’s Choice award (work currently on display at the Cannery Art and Design Center). Everything from photography to quilt-work and paintings to cloth and pottery to cellophane was represented (and much, much more!) It was a great, diverse and eclectic celebration of Dayton’s professional and amateur artists.

Serida checks to make sure the QR code is working on the Dayton Creative Syndicate's installation featuring the Culture Works festival.

So – they’re doing it again! They have put the call out to local artists to submit work for a second round of storefront window art displays to be unveiled at the September Urban Nights. The fall 2011 installation theme, “Spotlight Dayton,” challenges artists to focus on our many downtown neighborhoods and highlight favorite places. They hope to include aspects of all areas of downtown–neighborhoods, parks, organizations and various community assets may be featured. It may be a challenge to remain strictly faithful to the theme, but the emailed prospectus states that they welcome artists’ interpretations of the theme however loose or literal it may be; if the artwork is not an exact demonstration of the theme, the artist statement may tie the work to the theme.

Details of the project and submission guidelines are available online. Submissions are due by Friday, August 12, at 5PM.

Check out the Activated Spaces web site for more information.

Trimming the Fat – “Lean Dating”

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Conversations with friends this week seemed to be all about when to cut your losses and walk away in dating. Determining a toad from a prince. It’s become a apparent however that a loss cause is not so obvious in matters of the heart. The signs are all there but instead of realizing a situation for what it is we make excuses to justify the road to nowhere we’re traveling down. A long list of common excuses or guy types which I will address in a few seem to be more common then I had thought. Earlier this week, I made a decision to eliminate my gaggle. A concept I learned about earlier this year which essentially just describes a group of men in your life who you “sort of” connect with but get no where with. They’re a good distraction while you sort out your wants but in my opinion at some point you have to walk away.

A Pack of Nothing.

Over the past couple of years I have cultivated a group of men who seemingly would be great dating prospects but for whatever reason I or they never pulled the trigger. The men in my gaggle are ones which I can talk to about everything, that are generally really good guys, have taken me out from time to time and feed my ego with flirting and really just boost my confidence overall. So what’s the problem, right? Well I started to think about two factors which I hadn’t realized. One factor being that with a great amount of testosterone goodness in my life, the search for something a little more meaningful wasn’t such a priority. All of my needs were being met so why would I take dating seriously? Don’t let your imagination run wild on the needs thing, emotionally I was covered..but only “sort of.”  They were nothing more than a distraction hindering me from finding the real thing.  The other factor is that a lot these guys were typically using me as well as some sort of crutch too. So in my eyes, it was mutually beneficial to call it quits. I’m the “IT” girl and not the in the meantime type of gal. I know and believe this.

If you don’t think you have a gaggle, perhaps this next part will make you rethink this select group of men in your life.  Here is where I discuss the excuses. A lot of my females friends seem to be going through the same thing right now and it’s odd but we all generally make the same excuses about why we decide to linger and hold on to something that really isn’t going anywhere.

Do You Know This Guy?


I Still Want You in My Life – This is the guy you broke up with ages ago that you still remain friends with.  A part of you secretly feels as though somewhere along the line the universe will land you both back together. That the love you had with this guy is strong enough to bring you back together at some point. You talk often. He complains about his new love interest and you complain about how you just can’t seem to find someone new. It’s going no where and it’s unhealthy. Pull the plug.

Digital Dice Clay. – Hopefully he’s not as dirty as Andrew Dice Clay, but you know this guy. The one who always has something a bit risque to say about you or your derriere. He makes you blush and you like it. You know nothing will ever happen with this guy but you look forward to his texts, dms and emails. He puts you in a good mood, but never really seals the deal. This guy is a permanent tease, nothing more. He talks a big game but really you need to send him out to pasture.  There’s a huge different between attention and affection.

Mr. Unavailable – He’s been in many bad relationships and just hasn’t seem to get passed them.  He likes you and it’s obvious but for whatever reason nothing ever happens. You hold to Mr. Unavailable because it makes you feel good about yourself that you can eventually swoon him. He’s like a prize of some sort but the reality is you’re wasting valuable time pining over someone who is just not that into you. Don’t get me wrong, we never know what the future holds but if you’re putting your life on hold for this guy you may find yourself with a lot of valuable time lost. You know you’re a looker, a real find and he does too..it’s all in the way he looks at you but looking is all he does. He’s on the outside looking in and you’ve tried inviting him in. It hasn’t it happened. There’s a good chance it won’t.

I Don’t Want to Ruin the Friendship. – This guy is my favorite.  He’s the guy that has something to say about every guy you date. He thinks you’re better than those guys, that they aren’t on your level. In short, he thinks you’re awesome..he’s even said, “I wish I could find a girl like you.”  Good luck, there’s no one like me. This is what you should say as you shut him out of your life. This may be one the most unhealthy situations I could address, because as erroneous expectations goes this guy will have you on a roller coaster. You’ll be analyzing his every word. Thinking he feels more than he really does and in actuality you’re just his friend. For now anyway..again it could change but why wait?

Hot and Dry. – The guy you like horizontally but doesn’t fit anywhere else in your life.  Yeah, I said it.  Everyone meets someone they just can’t resist. We’re human. This guy is fun, he’s all about living life spontaneously and not being tied down to anything. He as the ability to make you forget that ultimately you really do want to settle down. This guy is not going to settle down and if he does, he’s not going to do so with the girl that has been readily available for months on end. The dynamic of your relationship doesn’t extend further than between the sheets. You’re not a challenge and men tend to be all about the hunt. Though it could happen, I’ve yet to see it. I’m not telling you not to enjoy it though but in my experience these situations tend include one person who feels more than the other, usually it’s us..the ones who act on emotion not well you know. This guy won’t think twice about leaving you hot and dry if it isn’t convenient for him, make no mistake.

The Good Guy. – This man is always there for you. You’ve dumped all over him, lead him on and have generally just been all that you complain about when it comes to men and how they treat you to this guy. You’re a total douche and he stays. He’s pretty much the ideal guy but you’re just not that into him. Now, I’ve thought about this one for a really long time and wondered what it is that keeps me or a gal from wanting more with a guy like this. Well, it’s simple. We women like that hunt as well and this situation is just to easy. We know at any given moment with one look this guy will be in the palm of our hands. Easy street isn’t so hot.

These Guys are the Gaggle. ( Not a pack of wolves, not anyone you really want)

What DO You Want?

Well isn’t that the real question? What the hell do we want? If you take a look at the men in your life you’re bound to find a few with the right things you’re looking for. For me, I want a little of all of the above, cocktail if you will. Just the right mixture to keep you on your toes and wanting more, but for the right reasons. He’d be accessorized with a beard, somewhat tech elite and passionate about music , if I had my way as well. Here’s the thing about dating, you really have to have a clear mind and heart to actually see something good when it is in front of you. Wasting your time making excuses about the guys in your life now  is really just a waste of time, deep down you know it. Perhaps you’re not really ready to date and the distractions right now are good, which is fine but have an expiration date on distractions before you find yourself in the face of some really great missed opportunities.  If you really find one of these guys and feel in your heart it could develop into something more, give it a shot. However, if you find yourself making the same excuses over and over and nothing really seems to change…that is a sign to move on.

I always say, “It’s easy to get me on the hook. It’s an entirely different thing to reel me in.”

Think about what you want and deserve. Focus on that.

The Power of Once

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Photo credit: Anna Skinner

(The following was submitted by Anna Ritchie from updayton)

Starting your own business can be a terrifying thought. In 2004, Christian Prince set aside those fears and went full speed ahead with his dream. He started Acclimate Technologies, a supply chain software design company that allows data transmission between businesses with no human interaction. The software Prince has created with his colleagues enables other corporations such as Walmart and Honda to move data efficiently and cheaply, using fewer resources with the lowest number of human errors. Since starting his company, Price has proven his software data and materials can get from one place to another more efficiently without human interaction. He wants to do data the right way, the first way—coining the phrase, “The Power of Once.”

Prince has developed two pieces of software since his beginning. A devoted and loyal Ohio State football fan, his Simplic IT Software Suite, which works as a translator, is code named “Brutus” after Ohio State’s mascot. Additionally, his shipping software is code named “Tressel” after the (former) Ohio State football coach, Jim Tressel. These two software systems are vital to the existence of his company and how well it functions on a daily basis.

Although Prince can build a software application with ease, the financial aspects of starting Acclimate were challenging to understand. Prince jokingly stated, “I am a geek, not a businessman.” Unfortunately, he was rejected from The Entrepreneur Center (TEC) five times before they allowed him to set up his company within the firm, which teaches entrepreneurs the values and skills they need to succeed. With continuous hard work, he learned what he needed to begin his business and turned his technology expertise into a revolution in software data systems.

A leader at heart, Prince believes he wouldn’t do well working for other people. Fortunately, he does have a board of advisors to keep him from running into the ground. Although he enjoys running his own business, with all of the responsibility on his shoulders, he doted that he’s married to Acclimate. Prince, who calls himself a “workaholic,” begins his typical workday at 8:30 a.m. and doesn’t quit until he picks up his children at 6:00 p.m. Once he is home, he takes time to be a husband and father, cooking dinner and assisting his wife, Shannon, with putting the children to sleep. After spending time with his wife, he works from home, troubleshooting systems, answering phone calls and developing new software. Some days end as late as midnight. Although his workday can be as long as 18 hours, he has a passion for what he does and truly enjoys his job. He feels privileged to do something he loves.

Continuing to explain, Prince said 70% of becoming a young entrepreneur was passion and having his values intact. Mr. Prince believes that skills will only get you so far, bringing the entrepreneur to a brick wall. He explained that passion gets you past that brick wall. He created his value system in the form of a pyramid, putting God first with wife and family coming in second and third. With this pyramid he is able to achieve his goals without losing his morals and obligations.

Along with his devotion to his family, Prince is passionate about what he can do for future entrepreneurs in Dayton. With the rich history of entrepreneurship in Dayton, such as the Wright Brothers, Patterson, and Paul L. Dunbar, Prince feels we have an obligation to keep the reputation of intense entrepreneurs afloat. He wants to inspire young individuals to start their businesses in Dayton. For potential young entrepreneurs who are striving to start their own business, he has several tips for taking the initial leap. First, he explained, digging deep into your contacts is crucial to starting up and being successful. Prince had several contacts from working as a consultant for other data systems before he began Acclimate. These contacts became his potential customers. This taught him that reflecting upon and relying on prior experience is vital to beginning a new business venture.

After looking to the past, he emphasized the importance of identifying a target market of potential customers in order to adapt your product or service to that person’s wants and needs. Prince used this principle, basing his concept on potential customers’ user stories, developing software that suited everyone. Lastly, he said, “Do something you love for now, don’t let other side pockets get in the way where you think you can make some extra money.” Princes shares that their were several times when colleagues would seek him to start other ventures but he learned to decline to continue his primary focus on Acclimate.

In addition to personal tips, Prince thinks local leaders should focus on supporting and promoting young entrepreneurs in the Dayton region. Dayton could be a city of confidence, encouraging young entrepreneurs to chase their dream, he explained. The city of Dayton is filled with simple people with great ideas, but he thinks we fail miserably in inspiring entrepreneurs to take that next step. Prince suggested a solution could be offering young individuals a place where entrepreneurial resources can be found, instead of sending them away with false hope. To do his part, he is creating a radio spot that provides young entrepreneurs the leads and contacts needed to start their dream. With Prince’s devotion to Dayton’s young, talented citizens, the groundwork is being laid for a community of youthful, bright entrepreneurs to bring our city back to the top.

Volunteers Still Needed for CityFolk

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I’ll be volunteering all weekend as a Beverage Supervisor and last night we meet and found out we are short about 20 beer pourers, especially for the 7-11pm shifts.  So, why not sign up, hear some great music and meet some fun people!

Here’s the official volunteer info from CityFolk:

Volunteers are the heart of the CITYFOLK Festival. Here’s your chance to pitch in and help make the state’s finest multi-cultural festival a success while having fun and meeting new friends!  Volunteer NOW!

The Cityfolk Festival will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 1st, 2nd and 3rd. There are a number of volunteer opportunities being offered.  Please select the date you would like to volunteer and complete the registration form.

Note: You can volunteer for more than one job by clicking the checkbox next to each of your desired jobs/shifts. To volunteer for more than one day, go back to the day selection screen after submitting your entry.   You may also register family and friends by following the same steps. Please use your email as the contact for those registrations. Volunteers must be 21 years and over to serve beer. Other volunteers must be at least 18 or can be age 15 to 17 when they are accompanied by an adult working at the same location.