Dayton937

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

DMM's Best Bets

This Must Be The Party!

By

This Must Be the Party! is a brand new benefit show produced by the Dayton Ballet Barre, as a fundraiser for the Dayton Ballet. This “dance party for the dancers” is a special collaboration by the region’s most talented musicians, performing songs from The Talking Head’s epic 80’s rockumentary “Stop Making Sense.” This classic performance will be recreated by this fantastic ensemble on Saturday April 15th at Oddbody’s Music Room. Doors open at 8pm, and Show runs from 9pm–11:30pm. The best part is that it’s a super affordable way to support the Arts in Dayton: Just $15 for pre-sale tickets or $20 at the door, day of show. 18+

Libby Ballengee, President of the Dayton Ballet Barre and a local music promoter through her own music production company, Venus Child Productions, explains the origin and inspiration for this event: “It was an easy ‘win’ all around – the Ballet Barre needed a fundraiser, a group of musicians wanted a reason to perform this album (because it’s so fun!), and lots of my friends would be in heaven if we did this show. I could not be more excited for this show! This is truly going to be an extremely fun event!”

The incredible line-up of Dayton, Cincinnati and Louisville musicians performing include: Brian Hoeflich, Patrick Himes, Nathan Lewis, Erich Reith, Greg Lewis, Aaron Holm, Dan Hereford, Keith Cost, Khrys Blank, Mykal, John Dubuc, Nathan Peters, Brian Spirk, Eric Cassidy, and Matt Byanski.

Big thanks go out to the sponsors of this event: Houser Asphalt & Concrete, Nightstar Security, Turner Property Services Group, On-the-Go Prints, and Oddbody’s Music Room.

How to go?

Saturday April 15th 2017 at Oddbody’s Music Room.

Doors 8pm. Show 9pm. 18+ with valid ID.

$15 advance. $20 day of show.

For tickets: https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1437688

Read Between the Lines with DCDC March 4th & 5th

By

Photo by Paul B. Goode

Last year, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company was awarded the highly-coveted Bessie award for Outstanding Revival, for it’s revival of Donald McKayle’s iconic “Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder.” The Huffington Post listed it as one of the top 10 dance performances for 2016.

Daytonians have the opportunity to see this work, along with two others, as part of DCDC’s newest production “Vantage Points: A Read Between the Lines,” March 4 & 5 on Dayton’s historic Victoria Theatre stage.

 

 

“It is very interesting that a piece choreographed in 1959 — by a master choreographer — is still very resonant, and unfortunately very relevant, today,” DCDC Artistic Director Blunden-Diggs said. Alastair Macaulay, dance critic for the New York Times wrote “Rainbow evokes how much there was for many African-Americans to transcend. It’s a strong piece of American dance history; I’m grateful to have seen it.”

The concert lineup also includes the world premiere of a new work by Ray Mercer, a longtime cast member of Broadway’s “The Lion King.” Mercer’s new work pulls the viewer into the choreographer’s mind to experience dance from the choreographer’s vantage point.

 

 

The concert doesn’t quite fall in Black History Month, but the audience could extend the celebration into that first March weekend with the show, Blunden-Diggs said. “To be able to put these works on stage that have been created by us, for us, makes a really strong statement,” she said. “Come celebrate black history with us, because DCDC is black history.”

The show is sponsored by the Dayton Power & Light Foundation with media sponsor Synchrony Financial. Catch it at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4 and 4 p.m. Sunday, March 5. Individual and group tickets are available at ticketcenterstage.com or by calling the box office at 937-228-3630.

For more information on DCDC and our upcoming shows, visit dcdc.org, and connect with us on social media: follow @daytoncontemporarydancecompany on Facebook and Instagram or @DCDCLive on Twitter.

How to Go? Vantage Points: A Read Between the Lines

Saturday, March 4, 2017 | 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 5, 2017 | 4:00 pm
Victoria Theatre, 138 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio

Tickets start at $24.50 +

Leap and the Net Will Appear Workshop

By

Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 11.37.43 AMRenowned local author and teacher, Katrina Kittle is presenting a new life workshop entitled LEAP & THE NET WILL APPEAR: Steps for Creating Positive Change. This is the first time the class has been presented as a one-day retreat on Saturday June 25th. Previous classes have been presented as a 3 part series. It’s exciting to get a whole day to learn, explore and evolve!

When I spoke with Katrina about this workshop, she explained: “This is a life class for anyone who’s feeling stuck or craving change in any aspect of their life. Someone asked me if the workshop was encouraging people to leave their jobs, but that’s not the focus at all. The change you seek can be ANY aspect of your life: personal, professional, fitness, relationships. One woman in my first group wanted to “give back,” she was tired of putting “volunteer” on her New Year’s resolutions year after year but not doing it. She has since created two libraries for St. Vincent’s homeless shelter. How cool is that? I really love doing it and I really feel it helps people.

12096190_10153620216636101_7559983738525667160_n

Katrina Kittle is a local autor, teacher and presenter at Dayton’s Tedx event

Elizabeth Gilbert says “I’ve never seen any life transformation that didn’t begin with the person in question finally getting tired of their own bullshit.” That really resonated with Katrina a few years back. She does exercises that help people actually name what they want, what’s in their way (pretty often, our own bullshit!), and how to overcome those obstacles.

You know how so many life-shaping transformations happen because of personal disasters, heartbreaks, and hardships? Those external events push us off the cliff into change and that’s why so many of us resist creating our own change–we picture it being something huge and reckless like “I have to quit my job!” “I have to leave my partner!” or “I have to leave the country!” and it overwhelms us. But the reality is we can transform our lives and galvanize change through small doable steps. Those steps establish habits. That habit gathers momentum. An object in motion stays in motion.

The workshop will take place at the Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Centerville (8690 Yankee Street). They are offering us a comfortable, private space with a full working kitchen. Coffee and water will be provided, and you may bring your own lunch (there is a fridge and microwave), or add $10 to your registration for a box lunch from Boosalis Baking & Cafe (your specific order will be collected closer to the workshop date, but feel free to check out their website to see your yummy lunch options).

How to go?

Saturday, June 25, 2016
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Centerville
Cost: $150

Please register using the form here. For questions, please email katrinakittle@gmail.com. For more information about Katrina, please go to www.katrinakittle.com. To learn about Katrina, you can also listen to her recent interview with Gem City Podcast below!

http://gemcitypodcast.com/?p=2522

Join the Opera’s Cast for Free World Premiere Celebration!

By

12107191_10209130742524329_6960165597843968271_nPlease join the cast of “The Book Collector and Carmina Burana” at The Dayton Beer Company downtown for fun and food – and the best part? It’s free! Really! This is not a fundraiser… its’ a friend-raiser! The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance is celebrating the World Premiere of The Book Collector, an opera written specifically for the The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance through a grant by Music Alive.

Come on down Thursday evening May 5th from 6-9pm for the Cast Blast event at the Dayton Beer Company. There will be free appetizers starting at 6pm generously donated by Meadowlark restaurant. Yum! There is a cash bar with all the craft beers. The cast will start mini performances at 7pm. And around 8pm, the cast will start giving away free door prizes!!

Please join the DPAA for this fun and fabulous evening!

For information on The Book Collector / Carmina Burana performances, please click here. Performances are May 20th at 8pm and May 22nd at 3pm. Tickets start range from $24 for students, to $38-$94, depending on seating. Again this is a WORLD PREMIERE so don’t miss it!

13112784_10156807896520246_6862505252808387102_o

Grover Plays Free Show at Trolley Stop

By

Screen Shot 2016-04-26 at 7.32.21 PMInsider tip! There is a FREE show at Trolley Stop this Friday April 29th, 2016 with two incredible bands, Grover and Common Center. Plus that fabulous patio? It’s a no brainer for Friday night fun!

On the fringes of the jam band scene, local rock quartet Grover, blend funk, soul, and jazz, in a down and dirty rock band that comes across unpolished and “garage” as much as they do highly-skilled, almost veteran.

Common Center is a group of individuals from Covington, Kentucky that gather to form a collection of sonic exploration. Their all-original material arises from a vast array of influences morphing together to create a unique sound previously unheard, but longed for, by the ear. They combine powerfully upbeat as well as tranquil themes with mystic, other-world intertwining melodic elements from instrumental and vocal harmonies.

Enjoy a beautiful evening with some of the region’s funkiest talent!

Performance Schedule: 
Common Center – 9:30pm
Grover 11:30pm

Grover performs free at the Trolley Stop (Photo by Dayton Music Connection)

Grover performs free at the Trolley Stop (Photo by Dayton Music Connection)

Subterranean’s Regional Revue is best bet for weekend entertainment!

By

Springtime is coming and Subterranean is preparing an incredible night of pure shenanigans to rupture your mind & thaw out your soul. Subterranean’s Regional Revue is going to be one of epic proportions. This indoor festival features a unique lineup of hidden gems of amazing talent tucked throughout the region!
12658012_462483603961695_3586584671320778117_o
You won’t find another event that provides a cast of characters as distinct and special as this one. SubT’s Regional Revue showcases explosive & funky Cincinnati natives, The Almighty Get Down, the young & vibrant Electric Orange Peel out of Columbus, and Michigan-based movers and shakers, That Freak Quincy, Cincinnati’s jammy Peridoni, and new local Dayton Band The Willy Clark Band. If that wasn’t enough to entice you, the Heavyweight Champ of the saxophone, Ron Holloway, will be featured as the artist at large to accelerate and amplify the musicianship, fun, and excitement.Live Painters, food from Brick Haus BBQ, and various Dry Good vendors round out this incredible night so make sure you are there!


When? Saturday April 16th. Doors 4pm. Show 5pm – 2am
Where? Oddbody’s Music Room
$10 pre-sales $15 DOS. Get tickets: http://ticketf.ly/1QC7nr0

Schedule: Doors 4PM
5:00PM-6:00PM The Willy Clark Band
6:15PM-7:15PM That Freak Quincy
7:30PM-8:30PM Electric Orange Peel
8:30PM-9:00PM INTERMISSION (Cake and more!)
9:00PM-10:15 PM Peridoni
10:30-12:15AM Subterranean w/ Ron Holloway
12:30AM-2AM The Almighty Get Down 

The Boxcar Suite Celebrates New Life on the Limb EP

By

12779290_788187994614930_900709669285513899_oOne of the city’s most beloved local rock bands, The Boxcar Suite are celebrating the release of their newest EP, Life on the Limb, by throwing a huge April Fool’s Day Party with their friends the Nick Frye Band. Join in on the revelry Friday April 1st at The Trolley Stop. Show starts at 9pm.

If you’re not familiar with The Boxcar Suite – it’s long overdue that you get familiar with them! They are likened to Tom Petty, Neil Young, but definitely that Dayton rock’n’roll edge. To get a taste of their newest music, check out their Room Full of Cowards video below.

You can also check out and even snag your own digital copy of the EP on the band’s music site here. And certainly if you get a chance, the best way to experience this band is live!

How to Go: Friday April 1st. Trolley Stop. 9pm. $5 cover.

 

Subterranean’s Intergalactic Meltdown this Saturday!

By

Subterranean hosts the Intergalactic Meltdown Saturday night at Jimmie's Ladder 11

Subterranean hosts the Intergalactic Meltdown Saturday night at Jimmie’s Ladder 11

Subterranean, a local band on the rise, is hosting their 4 year anniversary with an epic show: The Intergalactic Meltdown! The name comes from their friends The Big Black Galactic, from Sandusky, who will be sharing the stage with the Sub-T boys for this special event.

“The Big Black Galactic will have you ebbing and flowing in the intergalactic with their dance worthy improvisation and then Subterranean will continue to meltdown your faces with their intense and provocative sounds” states the band’s event page. I’m a huge fan of technical improvisation, and I couldn’t be more excited for this show!

How to go? Head over to Jimmie’s Ladde11407107_729283640516998_8663440705574607392_nr 11, on Saturday September 26th, and pay usual $5 cover charge. What you’ll get in musical value is so much more! Definitely worth the cover.

 

And…. It’s my birthday! Celebrate with me and one of my fave local bands, and we celebrate our personal new years!

 

You don’t want to miss this one!

 

Downtown Dayton Will Come Alive (While Celebrating the Day of the Dead) During the Nov. 1 First Friday

By 1 Comment

S

The Dia de los Muertos parade was such a hit last year, organizers are again hosting the event during this year’s Nov. 1 First Friday.

By the time Dayton’s next free First Friday event hits the streets of downtown, Halloween will be over — but lots of people will still be costuming up. That’s because the Nov. 1 First Friday, which will take place from 5 to 10 p.m., includes the second annual Dia de los Muertos Parade. The event is based on the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, during which friends and family gather to celebrate loved ones who have passed.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. on the corner of Jefferson and Fifth streets. The parade includes life-size puppets, dancers, music and more. The public is invited to dress up and join the parade, which will proceed east on Fifth Street. In addition, the monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at 5:30 p.m. at Don Crawford Plaza (220 N. Patterson Blvd.) and will join the parade. Synergy Kitchen Incubators will host a pre-parade food truck rally at 200 S. Jefferson St. before the parade, which will end at the Missing Peace Art Space (234 S. Dutoit St.) with a reception and artwork created by local students.

DVAC gift gallery 4

The Dayton Visual Arts Center will celebrate the opening of this year’s ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery during the Nov. 1 First Friday.

But that is not all: As always, First Friday will include art exhibits, special events, live music and more throughout downtown. The Nov. 1 First Friday also will be an excellent time to start holiday shopping: For example, the Dayton Visual Arts Center (118 N. Jefferson St.) will celebrate the opening of its annual ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery, a great place to find a unique gift for anyone on your list. DVAC is open until 8 p.m. Call 224-3822.

A complete list of activities taking place during the Nov. 1 First Friday is available online. Many restaurants, taverns and retailers offer special discounts, host live music and offer other special activities during the event. Other highlights include:

Sew Dayton (261 Wayne Ave.), in collaboration with Telephone Weekly, will host a live T-shirt screen printing of exclusive “Sew Dayton” shirts. Each shirt is $20 and includes a free T-shirt re-design sewing class. The free sewing class is only offered to the first 40 T-shirt purchasers.  Call 234-7398.

Clash Consignment (521 E. Fifth St.) will feature artwork by John Knabe with live music from Matt Freeman and Mike Guidone. Visitors can browse pre-owned and vintage clothes in a lively atmosphere. Call 241-9434.

Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center (400 E. Fifth St., Suite C) will host a “khafla” — a small gathering centered on food and belly dance. Works by artist-of-the-month Ron Rollins will be on view to enjoy.  Activities for families will be available, along with a free introduction to massage therapy and Reiki and light refreshments. Open until 8 p.m. Call 723-6747.

Artist Mike Elsass will be painting live at Color of Energy (16 Brown St.) New artwork by Elsass, including large-scale pieces, will be on display. Call 266-3491.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors (48 High St.) will feature the work of some of its most dedicated members. Light refreshments will be served as guests browse artwork on view. Open until 8 p.m. Call 228-4532.

Live music and artwork by Doug McLarty will be featured at CADC (45 S. St. Clair St.). Call 313-9883.

New artwork and gifts will be on view and for sale at Gallery 510 Fine Art (508 E. Fifth St.). Call 672-6717.

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

Annual Downtown Dayton Photo Contest

By Leave a Comment

998702_10152509198158840_814700363_a Amateur and professional photographers are invited to participate in Downtown in Focus, a photo contest aimed at finding new and distinctive shots of our downtown. The City of Dayton, Downtown Dayton Partnership, Kaplan College and Dayton Daily News are sponsoring the contest.

One amateur winner and one professional winner will be selected in each of the following categories:

  • Downtown Living:  You know that place you and your friends go to every Saturday night downtown? Now is your chance to win some money for being a regular! Take photos showing off Dayton’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene, urban housing or anything else unique to living and playing downtown.
  • I Heart Downtown: The architecture of one of the historic buildings you have always admired. Your favorite spot along the river. That coffee shop where you buy your morning brew — this category is wide open to photograph anything and everything you love about downtown Dayton.
  • Skyline: It’s hard to single out the best thing about Dayton, so why not just capture the whole city? Show us your best shot of our downtown Dayton skyline!

A panel of judges ― consisting of professional photographers, photography editors and instructors, and arts community leaders ― will select the winners in each category and award a $250 cash prize to the Best in Show winner in each division. Honorable mentions also will be awarded at the discretion of the judges. In addition, City of Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell will select one photo that best represents the City’s “Dayton Originals” motto. This photographer will receive a gift basket from the City of Dayton. Contest winners will be recognized at the Sept. 20 Urban Nights, and all entries will be displayed in a special exhibit during Urban Nights.

From approximately 8 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, during First Friday, many of downtown’s buildings will be lit for photographers who would like to capture night shots of the city.

The deadline to submit photos is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, 2013. There is no fee for application or participation.

Photographers are not required to be Dayton-area residents, but winners must be age 18 or older. Photos must have been taken in Greater Downtown ― which includes the Central Business District, Oregon Arts District, Webster Station and the ring of neighborhoods that surrounds downtown ― within the past calendar year. Official contest guidelines and entry forms are available at www.downtowndayton.org and www.daytonohio.gov.

For more information, contact:

Kristen Wicker: 937-224-1518, ext. 228, or wicker@downtowndayton.org

Courtney Deutsch: 937-224-1518, ext. 231, or deutsch@downtowndayton.org

For contest submission details and entry forms: www.downtowndayton.org

 

 

July 5 Event to Feature Dance Lessons, Classic Movies, Contests, and Live Music

By Leave a Comment

image002Downtown’s next free First Friday event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 5. To celebrate the holiday weekend, many restaurant and stores are offering a variety of activities and entertainment for downtown visitors to enjoy. Events include art exhibits, live music, dinner and drink specials, retail sales, and special events will be featured at a variety of downtown venues.

Some of the highlights for the July 5 First Friday are listed below. A complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday is available on the DDP website.

MVMFA_logo circletagFood Truck Rally – 200 S. Jefferson St. (near the Dayton Convention Center): Synergy Incubators hosts the July First Friday Food Truck Rally, featuring Zombie Dogz, Go Cupcake, Ringo’s North Star Mobile Eatery Caribbacanas,Fressa Truck, G’s CUE BBQ Horseless Buggy Eatery, Tik’s Thai Mobile, @The Monchon, Kona Ice and Missouri Avenue BBQ from 5:00pm – 9:00pm

American Pi (37 S. St. Clair St.) is celebrating a new collaboration with “Life in Letters,” a local handcraft décor store. Visitors can create unique and personal pieces using photos taken in the Dayton area that resemble letters. For First Friday, the owners of “Life in Letters” will be at the store to meet with anyone who comes by. The store is open until 8:30 p.m. Call 937–938-7890.

Cincinnati artist Gregory Sitg will be showing light paintings at Clash Consignment (521 E. Fifth St.). Call 937-241-9434.

The Collaboratory (33 N. Main St.) will feature an exhibition by artist and designer Misty Thomas-Trout that is a visual representation of her personal journey into self-awareness. Enjoy drinks and food with while getting to know the artist. The Collaboratory will be open until 8 p.m. Call 937-732-5123.

The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet for two rides this month at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, (220 N. Patterson Blvd.). The first will ride leaves at 5:30 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. The July ride will include a tour of the McPherson, Grafton Hill, Five Oaks and Santa Clara District neighborhoods.

As part of the First Friday Salsa Music Series, Latin band Cla’ve Son will play live music from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at RiverScape MetroPark (111 E. Monument Ave.) on the MetroPark Pavilion Stage. Visitors can learn some salsa steps while listening to great music. Call 937-274-0126.

sewdayton_logoSew Dayton (16 Brown St.) will offer treats from the PNC 2nd Street Market and showcase work by fiber artist Pat Weaves. Those who stop by are encouraged to partake in a DIY “Make It Work” contest. Participants will be given three pieces of textiles and given the challenge to create something new from them. The contest will run through the end of July. Call 937-234-7398.

Kicking off the Cool Film Series at Victoria Theatre (138 N Main St.) is the classic comedy “The Apartment” starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine and directed by Billy Wilder. Free popcorn and soda are offered in the lobby and an old-fashioned sing-a-long begins 30 minutes before show time. Tickets are $5. Call 228-3630.

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

Holiday Best Bets (Dec 7 – 11)

By Leave a Comment

Have you found your holiday spirit yet?  Perhaps a Candlelight Christmas Tour of the Oregon District will do it,  or a stop at Trolley Stop’s monthly Beer Tasting on Wed night or  UD Department of Music Christmas Concert may be just the thing it takes to put you in the mood for ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery at DVAC.

You can start your Thursday out with Morning Meditation or a Breakfast Briefing: Street Smart Secrets for Change Management.  Then move on to An Evening of Song and Celebration: Herald Angel Night at Calvary Cemetary or you can attend WSU’s 29th Madrigal Dinner or check out some Dayton Originals at Pecha Kucha Night Volume 9.  A Taste of Wine has declared it THREE WINE THURSDAY while Therapy Cafe says it Karaoke Night.
On Friday enjoy Bach’s Lunch: Holiday Favorites from Carillon Brass  then you can shop the Christmas Downtown Annual Holiday Bazaar and stop by the Opening Reception for A Modern Focus: Photography by Major Larry Faulkner.  For a little refreshment Miami Valley Wine & Spirits has a Super Beer Tasting or maybe All You Can Eat Fish $7.25 will get you ready for Star-Late Skates or an evening with Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker.  Maybe you’d rather laugh your night away with Bob & Tom favorite Donnie Baker & The Pork Pistols & Friends  then head over to Blind Bob’s for Vanity Theft, Good Sir Con Artist, and Okay Lindon.

On Saturday you can have Breakfast with Woodland Santa, shop The Tike’s Shop, then run across the street for Pizza with Santa  before your see the  Family Movie Series: The Polar Express.  After that you’ll be ready for the Sugar Plum Tea and the Behind the Magic Backstage Tour at the Schuster.  Then drop of the kids and get ready for the Santa Pub Crawl in the Oregon District or do your own tour of  Woodland Lights   and then stop by the Beer Tasting at Heather’s in Springboro.  For a non-traditional holiday outing you can enjoy Tidings of Pasties & Joy Burlesque Show w/Viva Valezz or head out to hear the Springfield Symphony Orchestra: The Music of Billy Joel.

Start your Sunday with a Santa Claus Brunch at Yankee Trace or explore the European Christmas Brunch at L’Auberge. then make your way to the Community Christmas Concert or enjoy the inspiring acrobats at Traces playing at the Victoria.  Or relax with a little football and HOLIDAY BEER TASTING or maybe you’d rather have an endless spaghetti Sunday.  It’s not the holiday without Handel’s Messiah  or The Great Cane Hunt and Dayton has them both!

This column was created  by Jane Krebs, and while she’s taking a break, we’re doing our best to keep bringing you the best that Dayton has to offer.  and now in honor of Jane’s love of jokes:

 Why does Santa have a garden?

So he can hoe, hoe, hoe!

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, we encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!

 

DMM’s Best Bets (11/30 – 12/4)

By Leave a Comment

Now that we’ve had snow it it’s easy to believe the holiday’s are almost here!  You can do your holiday shopping at the Give Art! Gift Gallery at the Cannery or DVAC’s ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery .  Perhaps you need to get in the mood first, so why not attend a Wednesday Wine Tasting at Earthfare or perhaps Beer Tasting with Beer Guru Charles at Rumbleseat Wine is more to your style.

You can start Thursday out with Morning Meditation at the Peace Museum or head to the 2nd Street market for  Wreath-Making Demonstrations or head to Centerville’s Savona to a  ‘Meet the Artist’ Luncheon and Painting Workshop.  After work you could attend an  Artist Reception for Wind Me Up Wear Me Out at Stivers or head to Gilly’s because Roger Troutman: The Music Lives On.  Attend the World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil  at First Baptist Church or get a free HIV Test at Club Masque’s RED Tie Affair. You could join the  GEN D Wine Tassting at Winans, find your holiday spirit at the  Vandalia Christmas Tree Lighting or  treat yourself to HOLIDAY APPETIZERS WITH LOU  at A Taste of Wine, but it all might be Much Ado About Nothing!

Friday starts the weekend so perhaps you can warm up with a leisurely  Tour and Tea at the DAI, then head to the Greek Isle Deli for All You Can Eat Buffet.  You might want to stop by the Key Band Tower Exhibit: ‘Moneybags, Inc. LLC’ to get ready for First Friday that features the Courteous Mass Ride, a Christmas Candlelight Dinner at The Dayton Women’s Club,   The Wood Show  at Press, a FIBER Art Show at Yellow Cab and pick up gifts at  Handmade Holiday .  Make time to watch the
Mayor get his nails painted as part of the Activated Spaces and don’t forget to stop at RiverScape for Star-Late Skates.  You could end your night with a little Romeo Champagne at Oregon Expesss.  If  you prefer an evening in the suburbs you could head to Kettering for the  Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting or tour Woodland Lights in Washington Township.

Start your Saturday with a Cookie Walk to benefit We Care Arts or stop by the Psychic Fair to see what your future holds. It might just be Pizza with Santa, an afternoon with the Golden Dragon Acrobats or a ride on the  North Pole Express.  Need to get your holiday shopping on?  Stop by The Tike’s Shop, Handmade Holiday or Christkindlmarkt (German Christmas Market).  Keep the holiday spirit going at Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert or the Dayton Mandolin Holiday Show or perhaps you might enjoy the  Dirty Little Secrets Sensual Circus.  If a bar crawl is more your style, check out  Santarchy Dayton 2011.  De’Lish will be celebrating their  One Year Anniversary Customer Appreciation Weekend  and the New Schu Band will be at Trolley Stop.

Sunday is a great day to enjoy a Buffet Brunch at Barnsider or Brunch and a Movie  in Yellow Springs or have a Doll’s High Tea.  Maybe you’d rather learn Fundamentals of Skating or try Candle Dipping at the Farm  or just see The Blue Moon Dancing.
In the mood for a little music?  How about the   Bach Society Sweet Sounds of the Holidays  or Natalie MacMaster: Christmas in Cape Breton  or even the Savoy Truffle at Canal Street.

This column was created  by Jane Krebs, and while she’s taking a break, we’re doing our best to keep bringing you the best that Dayton has to offer.  and now in honor of Jane’s love of jokes:

Why does Santa always go down the chimney?
Because it soots him!

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!

Jane’s Best Bets (11/23 – 11/27)

By Leave a Comment

 

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It’s that time of year when you get asked the question, “What are you thankful for?”  I am thankful for the many blessings in my life, including such things as my family, friends, food, shelter, etc.  In addition, I am thankful for the fact that there are always great things going on in Dayton…and I’m here to share a few of them with you.   

On Wednesday, head to the 2nd Street Market to get some of your last minute Thanksgiving items for their Stock-Up Wednesday.  If you didn’t get to catch opening night of Les Miserables at the Schuster Center, you will still have an opportunity on Wednesday (as well as a few other opportunities later in the week).  Also, many people say that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the biggest party day of the year, so if you are heading out to the bars (or anywhere, for that matter!), please remember to be safe! 

On Thanksgiving/Thursday, perhaps you’ll be one of the brave runners out there for the 33rd Annual Turkey Trot in downtown Miamisburg, which I am told is sold out!  I am also told that if you participate in it, you can eat WHATEVER you want on Thanksgiving and the calories don’t count!  If nobody in your family is cooking, then you can make your way to the Dayton Convention Center for Thanksgiving in Dayton: ‘A Feast of Giving’.  Or head out to one of several great restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner, such as McCormick & Schmick’s, L’Auberge, Amelia’s Bistro, C’est Tout, or Carver’s.  In addition, Neil’s Heritage House will be having their Grand Opening celebration on Thanksgiving Day!  Whatever you do, I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

 On Friday, I’m sure many of you will be out there bright and early to get some of those Black Friday deals!  After you go back to sleep for a few hours, be sure to make your way downtown for the Dayton Holiday Festival.  The Tike’s Shop and Wonderland Windows at the Schuster Center, as well LES MISÉRABLES November 22 – 27, 2011 – Schuster Centeras the Ice Rink at RiverScape will be open.  There will be the The Grande Illumination at Courthouse Square and the Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights.  Also, you will be able to see Les Miserables at the Schuster Center and The Blue Moon Dancing (by the way, that is a great beer!) at the Dayton Theatre Guild. 

On Saturday, sit down and enjoy Les Miserables at the Schuster Center.  Do you have an old instrument that is just collecting dust in the garage?  If so, take it to the 2nd Street Market for “It’s Instrumental,” where the market is collaborating with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra in collecting instruments for Dayton Public Schools’ music programs.  Enjoy UD’s annual exhibit of international nativities as part of the At the Manger: World Nativity Traditions Open House.  Make your way to Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm for Candle Dipping and their Holiday Art Fair and Open House.  At Hara Arena, watch the Dayton Gems as they play Fort Wayne.  And finally, if you’re a boxing fan, head to US Bank Arena for HBO Boxing After Dark.   

On Sunday, enjoy a little R & R after the craziness of the holidays!  Be sure to check out Les Miserables at the Schuster Center if you haven’t already done so!  Prior to the show, check out some of the great things going on there, including The Tike’s Shop and Wonderland Windows. Or make your way to the Dayton Art Institute to see American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell. 

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week.  Drum roll please…

Why can’t you take a turkey to church?

Because they use such “fowl” language. 

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (11/16 – 11/20)

By Leave a Comment

 

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Life is busy with the holidays drawing near, but hopefully you still can find time to get out and enjoy some of these events! 

On Wednesday, you’ll have an opportunity to eat some delicious food!  In the morning/mid-morning, eat some made from scratch waffles at Christ Episcopal Church for their 82nd Annual Waffle Shop.  In the evening, make your way to the Greenfire Bistro for a dinner to benefit Aullwood, Giuliano for their Lasagna Dinner, or to Jay’s for their Kokomo Wine Dinner.  Afterwards, make your way to The Loft Theatre to see Caroline, or Change or to the University of Dayton, as Cityfolk will be presenting Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba. 

On Thursday, attend the Junior League of Dayton Town Hall Lecture & Luncheon at Sinclair entitled, 55 Years in the Making: A Celebration of Tradition and Transformation with Daryn Kagan.  Head to Deaf Monty’s Wine, The Wine Loft, A Taste of Wine, or Arrow Wine in Centerville for “Beaujolais Noveau”.  I figured “Beaujolais Noveau” was important since it was happening at so many of the places around town where you go to get wine, but I had to google what it meant.  For those of you wondering, it’s a special type of wine whose arrival means that Thanksgiving is one week away…gobble gobble!  If you love the movies, be sure to make your way to The Neon for the Media That Matters Short Film Festival.  At the Schuster Center, catch the DBJ Business of the Year Awards.  And if you’re interested in theater, check out Caroline, or Change at The Loft Theatre.

On Friday, chocolate lovers should make their way up to Greenville for the Greenville Chocolate Walk.  And beer lovers should get their fill at the Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club’s Fall/Winter Bierfest.  If you love theater, there are plenty of opportunities for you, including The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School; The Ladies Man at Centerville Schools Performing Arts Center; Violet: The Musical at Hugh G. Heiland Theatre (Wilmington College); and Caroline, or Change at The Loft Theatre.  At the Schuster Center, listen to the sounds of the Dayton Philharmonic with Promethean Exploits.  And if you are a young professional, you can get a special “Encore Friday” deal!  And finally, even though it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet, you can make your way to Springboro for their famous Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival. 

On Saturday, take your kids to the Dayton Art Institute for their Family Workshop with Children’s Book Illustrator Tim Bowers.  If you’re a yogi (not the bear kind), then make your way to Practice Yoga on Fifth for GROOVE + FLOW: Power Yoga with live beats by DJ HyFi.  At UD, check out their Dance Ensemble Fall Concert.  Theater options include The Ladies Man (Centerville Schools Performing Arts Center), The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet (Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School), Violet: The Musical (Wilmington College’s Hugh G. Heiland Theatre), and Caroline, or Change (The Loft Theatre). At the Schuster Center, you will still be able to listen to the Dayton Philharmonic’s Promethean Exploits.  You will also again be able to attend the Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival.  The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center is also starting Christmas early, so bring the whole family there for Christmas at the Kroc 2011: Believe.  And finally, if you enjoy good food, good drinks, and Dayton history, be sure to get your tickets to Ringing in the Holidays at Carillon Park, which I am told is an awesome event! 

On Sunday, get moving for the Hometown Holiday Walk in the heart of Centerville.  If you have or know someone who has a child with autism and would like to get his/her picture taken with Santa, bring him/her to the Dayton Mall for Sensitive Santa for Children with Autism.  You will still be able to catch a couple shows you may have missed over the weekend, including Caroline, or Change at The Loft Theatre and The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School.  And finally, don’t miss your opportunity to see American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell at the Dayton Art Institute!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week.  Drum roll please…

What do you call a deer with no eyes?  No ideer…

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (11/2 – 11/6)

By 1 Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Happy November everyone!  I hope everyone had a fabulous and safe Halloween…and that your kids (or your neighbors’ kids) shared their candy with you!  Even though there may not be any more opportunities to dress up in costume for a while (unless you’re an actor), there are still plenty of opportunities to have fun in Dayton this week!

On Wednesday, get a jump start on your holiday shopping by visiting the ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery at the Dayton Visual Arts Center or the Give Art! Gift Gallery at the Cannery Art and Design Center.  Or make your way to the Oregon District for some good fun – head to the Trolley Stop for the Old Time Acoustic Jam, Oregon Express to listen to The Doug Hart Band, or to Blind Bob’s for Karaoke with DJ Nancy.

On Thursday, purchase a holiday gift or a piece of artwork for your home or apartment at the 9th Annual Holiday Student Art Sale at Sinclair.  Listen to the music of Khalid Moss and Michael Bashaw as part of the Vectren Just Jazz Series at the Dayton Art Institute.  Have you ever wondered what a near-death experience is like?  Learn Everything You Wanted to Know about Near-Death Experiences from someone who has been researching this topic for over 20 years.  If you feel like your day has gotten off to a “rocky” start, then make your way to Bullwinkle’s in Miamisburg for Guilty? Or Not – A Mystery Dinner Theatre, to benefit the Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg.  Does the thought of dating and relationships leave you feeling confused like the rest of the world?  If so, make it to Sinclair’s production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.  Yes, I know love sometimes “cuts like a knife.”  Others are “all for love.” Regardless of your attitude towards love and relationships, you will not to want miss seeing music legend Bryan Adams perform at the Taft Theatre!

On Friday, make your way downtown for First Friday, the fabulous art hop that occurs once per month.  They always say men won’t go to the doctor, so please help raise funds and awareness for men’s cancer/research by participating in the Movember Mustache Ride.  And men – if your lady doesn’t like a little stubble on your face, just let her know it’s for a good cause!  In addition to growing a mustache for a good cause, you will also be able to drink some great beer for two great causes!  Attend the AutoberFest Craft Beer Tasting at Taj Ma Garaj to support Dayton History and the Epilepsy Foundation.  There are lots of theater options throughout the weekend, including I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at Sinclair Community College;  Pinkalicious the Musical at the Schuster Center; ‘Master Harold’ …and the Boys at the Dayton Playhouse; Caroline, or Change at The Loft Theatre; and Lost in Yonkers at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  And if you enjoy music, there are plenty of opportunities for that as well!  Check out the Pride of Dayton Marching Band at UD; Lynda Carter: The Wonder of Song at the Schuster Center; or Chamber Orchestra Kremlin as part of the Vanguard Concerts at the Dayton Art Institute.

On Saturday, participate in Hospice of Dayton’s 7th Annual 5K Remembrance Walk (which means you don’t have to be a runner!).  Get a start on your holiday decorations by participating in the Gingerbread House Making Workshop at the Dayton Cultural Center.  If you’re a train fanatic (not the music group kind, although you can like them too), then chugga chugga choo choo your way to the National Model Railroad Association Dayton Train Show at Hara Arena.  Visit We Care Arts’ art gallery and gift shop as part of their Holiday Open House.  There are several theater options including those mentioned under Friday, as well as My Fair Lady at Kuss Auditorium in Springfield.  If you would like a show that will have you rolling (hopefully with laughter!) and dancing, then make your way to Victoria Theatre for BAM Percussion:  The Blue Barrel Show.  Halloween may be over, but at the Schuster Center, you will be able to see “Wonder Woman”  Lynda Carter perform.  And at the Taft Theatre, Lily Tomlin will be performing…and that’s the truth.

On Sunday, you will still be able to check out some of the events/shows that have been going on throughout the weekend, including the National Model Railroad Association Dayton Train Show (Hara Arena), BAM Percussion:  The Blue Barrel Show (Victoria Theatre), Caroline, or Change (The Loft Theatre), and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Sinclair).  At UD, attend the Family Pops Concert featuring the University of Dayton Symphonic Wind Ensemble.  Or get in the spirit of the holidays by attending Holidays in the Heartland at the Schuster Center.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What do you call a train loaded with toffee?  A chew chew train.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!