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New Electric Vehicles Join City Fleet

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Today, Mayor Jeffrey Mims and Commissioner Matt Joseph unveiled the City of Dayton’s latest purchase of electric vehicles, five new Chevrolet Bolt EUVs.The new electric vehicles replace internal-combustion engine vehicles that are aging out of the municipal fleet.

The EV acquisition is driven by “Strategy for a Sustainable Dayton,” a Commission-approved plan to move City of Dayton operations to more environmentally sensitive and sustainable conditions by pursuing continuous reductions in fossil fuel consumption. As part of the plan, the City pledged to convert its fleet to 100% electric vehicles by 2035.

“As a strong advocate for sustainability initiatives in Dayton, I am excited to see our commitments in action today” said Commission Matt Joseph. “We still have a long way to go to reach our goal to be fully electric by 2035, but we as a Commission are committed to electrifying the City fleet, which will not only reduce carbon emissions but save our residents money.”

“The purchase of these five vehicles is a continuation of our initiative to move Dayton in a more sustainable direction,” said City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “Our early implementation of the 2020 Sustainability Strategy and the 2021 Climate Emergency focused on making our electric energy consumption more efficient and renewable across the various City departments, buildings and facilities. These electric vehicles complement that initial work and will serve as a visible reminder of our progress toward being a greener community.”

The City of Dayton spent roughly $140,000 to obtain the five new Bolt EUVs, with plans to purchase several more electric vehicles in the coming months. On average, an electric vehicle can save $1,000 on fuel each year. Additionally, EVs are significantly less expensive to maintain as they do not require oil changes and other maintenance required by traditional vehicles powered by internal combustion engines.

The new vehicles will be deployed throughout the City organization. Departments or programs receiving vehicles from the purchase include Police, Planning, and the Dayton Mediation Center. The Bolt EUVs have a driving range of 247 miles per charge.

Julia Reichert, Oscar-Winning ‘American Factory’ Documentarian Dies

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Our community is poorer for the loss of Julia Reichert. The world knows her as an award winning documentary filmmaker and celebrates her unwavering dedication to exploring issues impacting women and the working class.
Dayton knows her as a friend and neighbor, who used her celebrity to support local causes and assist emerging filmmakers.
Reichert started as a social activist and never intended to be a documentary filmmaker. “That was a job overwhelmingly for the wealthy,” said Jim Klein, Reichert’s partner from the 1960s to the 1980s and co-director of her early films. “We were social activists rather than filmmakers, doing it by the seat of our pants.”
Their first film, “Growing Up Female,” was completed 50 years ago with a budget of $2,000. It was one of the first documentaries chronicling the modern women’s movement. In 1971, Reichert used the film as an organizing tool, traveling around the country and screening it for small groups one city at a time. Frustrated with the lack of distribution options for films by and about women, Reichert and Klein co-founded New Day Films, a documentary film distribution cooperative.
According to IndieWire “Reichert extended her faith in progressive political ideals to her films. The subjects of her work ranged from activist women, seen in the 1976 Oscar-nominated “Union Maids” co-directed with Klein and last year’s “9to5: The Story of a Movement,” co-directed with Steve Bognar, to members of the American Community party (the Oscar-nominated “Seeing Red: Stories of American Communists,” also with Klein) and the autoworkers of the Oscar-nominated films “The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant” and “American Factory,” both co-directed with Steve Bognar. Reichert, after all, ended her Oscar acceptance speech for “American Factory” by declaring: “Things will get better when workers of the world unite.”

Melissa Godoy, who worked as a line producer on “A Lion in the House,” “The Last Truck,” “American Factory,” and “9to5,” said Julia and Steve respected their collaborators and crew in the same way. “They value our lives, time and families, give credit, include us — even the little guys — in everything, and offer opportunities to grow as artists,” she said. “So for a woman who makes films about labor and women, Julia walk[ed] the walk.”

“American Factory” follows a Chinese billionaire opened a Fuyao factory in a shuttered General Motors plant in Dayton, Ohio. For thousands of locals, the arrival of this multinational car-glass manufacturer meant regaining their jobs—and dignity—after the recession left them high and dry. American Factory takes us inside the facility to observe what happens when workers from profoundly different cultures collide.

At first, the culture clash is humorous. Transplanted Chinese workers attend trainings on dealing with their peculiarly casual and “chatty” American counterparts. But tensions mount. Slack safety standards and meager wages ignite serious doubts among the American rank and file. Low productivity and talk of unionization trigger a cascade of controls from Chinese management. Meanwhile, something ominous—the specter of job loss from automation—looms.

With precision and astonishing access, directors Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar capture every key moment in this high-stakes intercultural chess game, revealing how American and Chinese workers view themselves within systems of authority. What results is an epic masterwork about the future of American labor and Chinese economic dominance, all within the confines of a factory in Ohio.

This film was acquired by the Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, and went on to win the 2020 Oscar for Best Documentary.

AMERICAN FACTORY

IndieWire shares “Reichert will be fondly remembered as an intrepid and courageous fighter for her colleagues and liberal causes — from women’s and worker’s rights to, more recently, Black Lives Matter, as shown in her yet-to-be-released final film with Bognar, the Untitled Dave Chappelle Documentary — as well as a tenacious filmmaker adept at capturing moments of extraordinary intimacy in concert with complex social-political issues.”

But over the last year, in interviews, Reichert spoke with a sense of joy and hopefulness in being able to take a break from filmmaking. “Now that I’m coming toward the end of my life, it makes me want to focus on the things I didn’t get to do,” she told NPR’s Terry Gross in early 2020, such as cooking with her daughter or taking walks with her grandchildren. “Because all the films over 50 years, they exist.”

Dayton Made: Famous People From Our City: Luke Grimes

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Luke Grimes, who was born Jan 21, 1984,  grew up in Dayton, Ohio.  His father Randy was as a Pentecostal pastor at Open Bible Christian Church until passing away in Feb of 22.  He and his wife Angie Barker had 4 children, Lisa Chafin,  Rev. Joshua Grimes, Jacob Grimes and Luke Grimes.

Luke Grimes graduated from Dayton Christian High School in 2002. Grimes  told Interview magazine, he’s “not really a fan of organized religion.” Still, mom and dad supported their son, even taking out a mortgage on their home to send him to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for acting school in New York City.

Luke in American Sniper

In 2006, he made his screen debut in the horror film ‘All the Boys Love Mandy Lane’. He played the lead role in his next film, the sports drama ‘War Eagle, Arkansas’. He then played supporting roles in two vastly different films before appearing on TV for the first time in ‘Brothers & Sisters’. In 2008, Grimes co-won the Best of the Fest accolade at the Breckenridge Festival of Film for ‘War Eagle, Arkansas’, with his co-star, Dan McCabe.

He went on to  garner fame for portraying Marc Lee in the biographical war drama and Elliot Grey in the ‘Fifty Shades’ film series. He has also played  James in the HBO supernatural horror drama show ‘True Blood’.

With Kevin Costner on the set of Yellowstone.

Grimes is currently part of the main cast of Paramount Network’s neo-western drama series ‘Yellowstone’ (2018-present), which also stars Kevin Costner.

Grimes had never ridden a horse before until the show and that he actually went to cowboy camp. He admits he lied on his resume, as did co-star Wes Bentley,  who plays his brother Jamie Dutton.

During a recent interview with the New York Post, the Yellowstone star spoke about his father’s thoughts about the show. “Big-time fan, huge, huge,” Grimes shared. “This was his favorite thing I’ve done, by far. I took him to the set a couple of times, him and my mom, and they got to meet Kevin and Taylor [Sheridan, the show’s co-creator]. It was really special to do something he was so proud of. I’m so glad he got to see me realize a dream in that way.”

Along with speaking about his father’s approval of the show, Grimes also talked about his Yellowstone co-star, Kevin Costner. “[He] always wants you to come hang out at his trailer down by this creek,” Grimes explained. “He’s got a fire pit, and he’s a musician, so he’s always got a guitar around and won’t hesitate to play you a song. He does a really good job of taking the pressure off what a huge icon he is.”

He’s been married to his wife, Brazilian model Bianca Rodrigues Grimes, since November 2018, and the couple only offer occasional glimpses into their lives on Instagram.

They reside in Montana for much of the year, as Yellowstone films in the state.  The model also has a sweet nickname for her actor husband. In most of her Instagram posts featuring Luke, Bianca refers to him as “anjo,” which means “angel” in Portuguese.

Luke has musical aspirations, including his plans to record an album. He shares a taste for country music with his wife and what they listen to when they’re at home. Luke and Bianca are reportedly huge fans of Canadian country singer Colter Wall. ”

 

Last Call for Cheeky Meat Pies

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Cheeky Meat Pies, the sellers of the New Zealand sandwich sized pies have become a staple at the 2nd Street Market.  You can pick up a hot buy or grab them frozen to cook ahead later. Some of their top sellers include The Kiwi Classic- Tender‎ chunks of tender roast in an onion gravy with Monterey jack cheese encased in a tasty flaky crust. The Tandoori Chook -is chopped chicken breast and potato in mildly spicy tandoori sauce encased in a tasty flaky crust and the Naughty Bird-  Chunks of chicken breast in a rich buttery cream spicy sauce with rice

But you better act quick as today they posted this note on their Facebook page:

“We have decided, after long deliberation, that we are closing at the end of the year. We are currently looking for a buyer.

We will be selling hot and frozen pies thru Sunday, Dec 11th. We will then be back on Dec 23rd to sell just the remaining frozen pies.

We have loved doing this for so many years but it’s time for us to move on. We wish you all well and thank you for supporting us.”

Naughty Bird

Kiwi Classic

Dayton Holiday Festival & Grande Illumination Tonight

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Celebrating its 50th year in 2022, the Dayton Holiday Festival, kicks off at 4pm today with lots of family-friendly holiday fun in downtown Dayton!

Started by Mrs. Virginia Kettering in 1972 so that all children could enjoy the holiday season regardless of their economic means, the festival continues today with free attractions for the community.

Activities planned for the day include:

The Grande Illumination tree-lighting ceremony – FREE – The Grande Illumination is going gold for our 50th anniversary! Watch the holidays light up during Dayton’s traditional tree lighting. At 7:55 p.m., we’ll throw the switch and approximately 50,000 gold lights will brighten the two-story-tall tree on Courthouse Square in honor of the festival’s 50th anniversary!

Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights – FREE – Immediately following the tree lighting, the Children’s Parade will round the corner of Second and Main streets to start its route through downtown, sparkling with more than 100,000 lights! Watch decorative seasonal floats, horses, drill teams and bands, and some special holiday treats.

Live musical entertainment – FREE – Enjoy holiday songs and other live entertainment on the Courthouse Square Main Stage leading up to the lighting ceremony.

Live Reindeer – FREE – Meet our North Pole ambassadors! Two of Santa’s reindeer will be available to meet on Courthouse Square. Don’t miss your chance to take your picture on Santa’s sleigh!

Street Fair on Third – FREE – Enjoy free rides and other activities for kids throughout the evening!

Horse-drawn Wagon Rides – Enjoy a wagon ride through downtown! Plan to come early, as the rides are very popular and lines can be long (Please note that in order to ensure everyone in line will get a ride, it is often necessary to close the line earlier than the scheduled end time.) Suggested donation: $1 per person.

Holiday Village – FREE – Fun children’s activities in the Stratacache Tower lobby

Memory Lane on Main – Main Street windows will be transformed into Memory Lane with this display of historical photographs from the past 50 years! Take a look back at the first magical years of the Dayton Holiday Festival as we celebrate another year of community tradition.

Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays – FREE – View all the delicious contest entries and the award-winning houses, and vote for your favorite, located inside the old Montgomery County courthouse.

More holiday festivities all season long with these events:

Rike’s Holiday Windows – FREE – Located inside the Schuster Center Wintergarden starting Nov 18, experience a reimagining of the Rike’s department store holiday window displays that once stood at this busy downtown corner.

Virginia Ketterings Holiday Train Display – FREE – View this one-of-a-kind model train display given to the community by Mrs. Virginia Kettering.

Family Movie Series – Bring the family to The Neon for fun, festive holiday films. Free admission for kids 12 and under, $2 for adults.

Downtown Jingle Lights – FREE – Drive along Main Street and Monument Avenue starting Nov 25 to see our downtown streets transformed into an interactive, drive-thru light show, choreographed to the beat of your favorite holiday tunes! Tune your radio to 105.3 FM as you drive the route throughout the holiday season.

Ice Skating – The MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark opens for the season on Nov. 25.

Yuletide Village – Season of Lights Adds Charitable Components

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You are invited into a world filled with lights, music, cheer, and memories to cherish. Santa has set up a workshop in the village and is ready to hear your holiday wishes!

This year, Yuletide Village – Season of Lights becomes Yuletide Village – Season of Giving. Organizers of the holiday event decided to support two local charities after seeing the need in the community. There are a handful of ways that you can help Yuletide Village support these local charities while enjoying the magic of the village all aglow. 

The first charity is the Found by Faith Food Pantry. This organization has been serving the Harveysburg community for over a year, helping provide food to those in need. They delivered over 5,500 pounds of food to the elderly and low-income families in the area during an October pantry day. 

The second charity is the Massie Township Fire Department. The department consists of an all volunteer staff of around 24 people, two-thirds of which commute from other counties. The department covers 22 1/3 square miles including Caesar’s Creek State Park, I-71, and State Route 73. All donations will go towards the department’s operating budget so they can continue to keep the township safe. 

Photos with Krampus. If you’re on the naughty list, you probably already know who this is. Krampus is a mythical fixture in several European countries this time of year. As part of the myth, Krampus has one night that he will take the children who are on the naughty list – Krampus Nacht – typically a few weeks before traditional Christmas Eve when the big man in a red suit comes. This year, Krampus will be seated on this throne in the Aleing Knight Pub in two shifts, 5:30 – 6:30pm and 7pm – 8pm. You can purchase a photo with Krampus and proceeds go towards the Found by Faith Food Pantry in Harveysburg. Remember, Krampus doesn’t speak – just one of his tall, dark, and mysterious qualities.  

Gift Wrapping Station. From bespoke jewelry to classic wooden toys, you’ll find something for everyone on your list at our Yuletide Market’s unique booths and shops. You can then head on over to the Yule Market tent for the Massie Township Fire Department gift wrapping station. A small donation is all it takes to keep those presents a secret. Boxes, bags, wrapping paper selections, ribbons and bows done up with festive cheer.  

Donations. Both organizations accept cash donations to the following addresses. 

Massie Township Fire Department Found by Faith Food Pantry

PO Box 91 73 South Street

Harveysburg, OH 45032 Harveysburg, OH 45032

You can also choose to add a few dollars onto your Yuletide Village ticket purchase (online only) to go to the Massie Township Fire Department. Tickets can be purchased at www.yuletidevillage.com. 

Ugly Christmas Sweater. Who doesn’t already have a handful of ugly, gawdy Christmas sweaters in their closet and couldn’t use at least one more because ‘this one’ is the ugliest? We’ve got you covered! The Yuletide Village design might not be the ugliest you’ve seen, but we guarantee you it’s going to be the talk of the holiday gathering. Start your collection this year and get a new one each Yuletide Village! Proceeds from sales of the ugly Christmas sweaters at the souvenir booth will be donated to the Found by Faith Food Pantry.  

Explore the outdoor marketplace, listen to live music, get your picture taken with Woodland Santa, and enjoy the Winter Magic light display. Located at Renaissance Park in Warren County, home of the Ohio Renaissance Festival. For tickets and more information visit www.yuletidevillage.com. 

Yuletide Village

10542 E State Route 73Waynesville, OH 45068

Nov 25th – Dec 17th
Saturdays, 3pm – 9pm

Tickets $15
Under 12 free

Parking is free

Cincinnati Airport Adds Direct Flight to London

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British Airways has just announced it will have direct flights from CVG to London-Heathrow Airport starting in June 2023 . Tickets are on sale now on British Airways’ website, with the first flight on a Boeing 787-8 scheduled for June 5.


The new flight from British Airways, which is listed online as lasting just under eight hours, will be the only direct flight to London from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The flight will operate five times a week in the summer, Monday through Wednesday and on Friday and Saturday. The service will switch to a different schedule for the winter months of four days a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Norma Rios, North American vice president of British Airways says “We cannot wait for you to experience everything that London has to offer.”


According to the British Airways website, fares start around $1,100 for economy seating before taxes and fees. Travelers will have a choice of three cabins while booking: economy, premium economy and business.

Dayton Dinner Theater announces 2022-2023 Schedule

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Get excited, The Dayton Dinner Theater is back with its much-awaited interactive movie party season for 2022 – 2023! It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends when the days are short and nights are long. Make the most of it by sipping the sublime themed drinks with your loved ones, while flaunting your movie-themed attire. What more do you need when you can have classic movies, gourmet food, and specially concocted drinks to enjoy with your friends, family, or that special someone?

What to expect from a Dayton Dinner Theater event? First off, make sure you indulge in the creatively themed food provided by Brock Masterson catering. While you indulge in the delicacies, you can feast your ears to live music and soundtrack presentations featuring acts by the likes of The University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble and acclaimed musician and producer Denny Wilson.

A big improvement from year’s past is the themed cocktail selections.The Brightside’s new Bar Manager, Suzy Switzer, has come up with a whole range of delicious offerings.

That’s not all. As it’s an interactive movie party, organizers will feature famous interactive quote and fun participation activities, pop-up fun facts, and our not-so-famous, but equally entertaining, theme-spotting drinking game. Enjoy some lip-smacking-themed desserts while you’re at it! To add the cherry on the cake, there are special surprises for the top costume contest participants.

Now let’s talk about the prices. “Inflation may have gone up, but our tickets have stayed the same price :)”. Book your tickets at just $35 but with so many added entertaining activities. Visit www.daytondinnertheater.com for more information. To make sure that we can serve you with all our scrumptious food, tickets must be booked in advance.

The annual movie series commences on Wednesday, November 30 with an all-time holiday favorite movie Elf at The Brightside Music & Event Venue from 6-9pm.

This year’s list is dominated by comedy and clever and witty classics. See the full schedule below.

Dayton Dinner Theater Season Schedule:

Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Elf movie party and live music

Wednesday, Dec 7, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring the 80’s classic Christmas Vacation & live music

Sunday, Dec 11, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring A Christmas Story and live music

Sunday, Jan 15, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Raiders of the Lost Ark

Sunday, Jan 29, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring The Princess Bride & live jazz

Sunday, Feb 12, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Grease & live music

Sunday, Feb 26, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Dazed and Confused

Sunday, March 12, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Big Lebowski

*All events take place at The Brightside Music & Event Venue located at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton.

For more information, visit: www.daytondinnertheater.com

SICSA to offer Mediocre Pet Portraits on Giving Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

Drop Your Letters To Santa at Lula Bell

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Lula Bell, Whimsical Cards & Gifts in Oakwood is once again hosting the North Pole Mailbox.  They will be collecting letter to Santa this holiday season.

Drop your letter in the red mailbox in the front of the store by December 18th and Elmer the Elf will deliver the letters to Santa.  While you are there you can  pick up a complimentary candy cane once you have mailed your letter.
Letters with a legible return address will be answered by Christmas Eve from Elmer the Elf.

Lula Bell Whimsical Art and Stationery

23 Park Avenue
Oakwood, OH 45419

937-294-3000
Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm

Culture Works “Our Town” Grant To Help Pre-Professional Artists

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Our Town is a creative placemaking initiative administered by the National Endowment for the Arts. Through project-based funding, the program supports activities that integrate arts, culture, and design into local efforts that strengthen communities. Our Town projects advance local economic, physical, or social outcomes in communities, ultimately laying the groundwork for systems change and centering equity

Culture Works, the Dayton Region’s local arts agency and united arts fund, has been awarded a $50,000 Our Town Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This is the second grant Culture Works has received from the NEA in less than 12 months. Our Town Dayton will mobilize local artists to create a community-developed art installation at the Edgemont Solar Garden in West Dayton. Culture Works will use Our Town funding to train a core team of regional artists and financially support their efforts to physically transform a neighborhood amenity into an icon of community pride that fosters connections with the people and businesses surrounding it. These artists will also gain valuable planning and business skills that will enable them to benefit economically from their creative work as they move forward in their professional careers.

Are you a pre-professional artist who wants to earn a living through your creative work? Our Town Dayton is an ideal opportunity for you to learn from other local professional artists while participating in a community-based art project. You will gain valuable insight into the business-side of being an artist, and you will help transform a part of our community. Space is limited, so sign up today!

Applications for this program will be accepted through the end of business on Thursday, December 15. Artists who are selected to continue with the program will be notified by January 8, 2023.

The Oregon District’s Annual Grand Holiday Tour of Homes is Back

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The Oregon Historic District Society invites you to participate in the Annual Grand Holiday Tour of Homes fundraiser as they are back in person this year!

You will enjoy a self-guided tour through six beautifully decorated historic homes. Arrive at the starting location and receive a tour book, map and wristband. After your tour is complete, stop back at Newcom Park under the gazebo and enjoy some complimentary treats, hot chocolate or mulled cider with all the fixings. Get your photo taken in period garb at our selfie station!

Tour dates: December 3rd and 4th

Tour Times: 11:00 AM, 11:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:15 PM, 12:30 PM, 12:45 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:15 PM, 1:30 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:15 PM, 2:30 PM, 2:45 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:15 PM, 3:30 PM

Tour ticket: $25 per person available online.

  • Tickets are non-refundable
  • Adults only is encouraged
  • No pets or comfort animals are allowed on the tour
  • On-Street parking is available throughout the neighborhood, and at lots in the business district.
  • OHDS is not responsible for any loss, damage, or injury, and participation in the event is at your own risk.
  • Holiday Tour guests are welcome to visit any of the Oregon Historic District Restaurants after their selected tour.  Guests should contact the restaurants directly to make reservations.
  • Tickets will be sent to you by email with instructions on where the tour begins.
  • Tickets must be brought with you on the day of your tour time for admission to the homes.

 

Ekoostik Hookah with special guests Subterranean

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Two beloved, long-running Ohio psychedelic rock bands, Ekoostik Hookah and Subterranean, are back at The Brightside on Friday, November 18th. This much anticipated concert has become an annual tradition that local music fans look forward to.

This year, in particular, is special because the drummer for Subterranean recently underwent a life saving organ transplant. This is Rob’s first show back to the stage! Ekoostik Hookah’s lead guitarist has also had some recent health issues. The great news is that both bands are healthy – and can’t wait to get back to the stage doing what they love. It’s particularly special that they are performing here in Dayton for this comeback show.

“The Brightside is one of our favorite venues to play, and being able to bring Ekoostik Hookah in really makes for a special evening,” Subterranean’s guitarist Chris Coalt shared with us. “This is the 3rd annual year for this show and we plan on keeping the tradition going.”

To add to the fun, local food truck Phat & Rich will be on site selling food during the show.

How to go?

Friday, November 18, 2022

Doors 7:30pm

Show starts at 8pm

All ages.

Advance tickets $15 (with $2 fee)  – https://www.venuepilot.co/events/60272/orders/new

Day of show tickets $20All ages – anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent / guardian.

ID required for those over 21 to purchase alcohol

Werksgiving rocks the Wednesday before Thanksgiving!

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The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is known as one of the biggest bar nights of the year. This year, The Brightside is hosting the biggest party of them all with the annual Werksgiving concert event, featuring The Werks! If you’re not familiar, they are a nationally touring rock band that formed in Dayton, and this is their yearly big hometown concert.

This year they are joined by Dizgo, an up-and-coming band from Bloomington, Indiana.  Both bands will take the Ballroom stage at The Brightside located at 905 E 3rd St in downtown Dayton on Wednesday, November 23rd. 

For those who get hungry during the show, the beloved food truck Phat & Rich will be on site serving up their famous Tex-Mex inspired dishes.

Doors open at 7:30pm. All ages are welcome. Pre-sale tickets are $20 – and available here: https://werkoutpresents.ticketspice.com/werksgiving2022. At door, the cost is $25.

About The Werks

From the hungry young quartet that emerged out of Dayton, OH in 2005 to the mature, road-tested group they are now, The Werks are returning to their roots to reconnect with their identity. With over a decade’s worth of The Werk Out Festivals to their name, five studio albums, and a passport stamped with sets at Electric Forest, Summer Camp, The Peach, High Sierra, The Hang Out, and more, The Werks are bringing their musical wisdom and experience into a new chapter.

The four-piece jam-funk meets livetronica act was proud to welcome back original bassist Chuckie Love to the band in 2021, joining fellow founders Rob Chafin (drums/vocals) and Chris Houser (guitar/vocals) who play alongside Dan Shaw (keyboards). With Love back in the group, The Werks have tapped into the communal spark that birthed the band almost two decades ago, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose. Simply put, they are more of The Werks than ever before.

As they transition into this next chapter, The Werks are reaffirming their focus on live performances. With this rededication to the road, the band will come armed with a new studio album, their first since 2017’s Magic. Fans can look forward to the long-awaited full-length Sonder LP, the arrival of which signifies yet another artistic awakening for The Werks. With their 20th anniversary on the horizon, The Werks’ commitment to one another, to their fans, and to their craft strengthens with each passing note.

About Dizgo

Dizgo is a three-piece electro-psychedelic-funk-rock band from Bloomington, IN. Since their formation in 2016, the band has built a strong following, packing rooms and building a name for themselves in the jam circuit. Known for their electrifying performances, the band reels in their audience with a unique blend of funky, electronic rock-shredding guitar, synth-driven grooves, and ethereal vocals.

Downtown Dollars Holiday Bonus Buy

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This holiday season, shoppers can treat themselves while crossing off their holiday shopping lists. The Downtown Dayton Partnership is offering a special Bonus Buy deal for those who purchase Downtown Dollars for themselves or as a gift this holiday season. Starting Thursday, November 17, at 12  noon, for every $50 Downtown Dollars purchased, an extra $25 of Downtown Dollars will be delivered in a separate e-gift card to the purchaser.

Downtown Dollars is one e-gift card that is redeemable at more than 80 participating businesses in downtown Dayton. Several restaurants, pubs, retailers, and service providers are included in the program, so Downtown Dollars make a great gift for even those hard-to-buy for folks on holiday shopping lists. A full list of participating businesses and more information on the program, as well as instructions to purchase Downtown Dollars is available here.

“The holidays are about giving and giving back, both to your loved ones and your community,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “The Downtown Dollars program is an easy way to finish your holiday shopping and support the independent businesses that make downtown unique. Downtown Dollars make a great gift no matter the time of year, but this Bonus Buy is the perfect time to shop for everyone on your list and even yourself this holiday season!”

Downtown Dollars Bonus Buy funds will be delivered to the purchaser in $25 gift vouchers separate from their original $50 purchase. The $50 Downtown Dollars e-gift card purchased by the customer does not expire, but $25 Bonus Buy cards will expire if not used by Saturday, December 31, 2022. Each customer may earn a maximum of four $25 Bonus Buy cards.

When you purchase Downtown Dollars for yourself, or to give to others as a gift, the e-gift card is delivered via email or text message. Bonus Buy cards are limited and only available while funds last, so be sure to get your Downtown Dollars before this special offer runs out!

Benefits of the Downtown Dollars e-gift cards include:

  • Downtown Dollars are accepted at more than 80 participating merchants in Downtown Dayton.
  • No monthly inactivity fees.
  • Your Downtown Dollars balance is listed directly on the e-card and is updated as you use your card.
  •  Purchasing e-cards is fast, personalized and instantaneous – great for holiday gifts!
  •  Monthly reminders are sent via email and/or text message to help customers remember they have the e-gift card available for use.