The Featured Articles

Starbucks’ Summer Menu Just Dropped

May 20, 2025 By Dayton937

Starbucks announces the return of Summer Berry Refreshers, a line of berry-forward Refreshers with flavored popping pearls at the bottom of each drink, a brand-new Strawberries and Cream Cake Pop and the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso all available as of today at your favorite Starbucks location

-Returning Summer-Berry Refresher:: A sweet summer blend of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors mixed with water, lemonade or coconutmilk and shaken with ice. These beverages are poured over Raspberry Flavored Pearls.

-NEW Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso::Starbucks Blonde Espresso combined with new Horchata syrup that delivers a fusion of cinnamon, vanilla and rice flavors shaken together with ice and topped oatmilk.

-NEW Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop:: Strawberry Cream mixed with buttercream, dipped in chocolaty icing and finished with a strawberry design.

Country Music Legend Dwight Yoakam Coming to The Rose

May 19, 2025 By Dayton937

GRAMMY Award-winning country music legend Dwight Yoakam brings The Cosmic Roundup & Rodeo Tour with special guest The Mavericks to Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center on Saturday, September 27.

21-time nominated, multiple Grammy Award winner and country superstar Dwight Yoakam’s first new album in nine years, Brighter Days, is out now on Via Records/Thirty Tigers. Listen HERE.

Written and recorded over the last three years, Brighter Days features 12 brand-new songs written/co-written by Yoakam, as well as three seemingly disparate covers—“Keeping On The Sunny Side” by the Carter Family, “Bound Away” by Cake and “Time Between” written by Chris Hillman of The Byrds—artfully woven into the same body of work in the unmistakable style that could only be Dwight Yoakam.

At once timeless and timely, Yoakam self-produced Brighter Days, infusing a modern appreciation for country music’s history with the trailblazing rock and roll spirit of California. The result is an album that reflects a sense of craftsmanship and immediacy, capturing the quintessential Dwight Yoakam “cool” that has set him apart from his country contemporaries since the beginning of his legendary career. As always, Yoakam’s lyrics throughout the album are both deceptively effortless and profoundly poignant. The album was mixed by world-class engineer Chris Lord-Alge.

Dwight Yoakam has sold over 26 million albums worldwide, with five reaching the #1 spot on Billboard. He is a 21-time nominated, multiple Grammy Award winner. He has 12 Gold albums and nine Platinum or multi-Platinum albums. Yoakam is the recipient of the Artist of the Year Award from the Americana Music Association, the prestigious BMI Country Awards’ President’s Award and has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He received a Lifetime Achievement Honor at the 2024 Americana Music Awards. He has collaborated with everyone from Beck to Kid Rock, ZZ Top, Hunter S. Thompson and Jack White. He has toured with the likes of Buck Owens, Johnny Cash and Hüsker Dü. Yoakam’s last album, Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars…, was released in 2016. Rolling Stone Country raves, “Yoakam sounds right at home on these new versions,” while NPR Music praises, “You can hear Yoakam making masterful choices on every phrase.”

In addition to his musical career, Yoakam has appeared in more than 40 feature films including Sling Blade, Panic Room and Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky with Channing Tatum and Daniel Craig, as well as a role in the Amazon series “Goliath.” Over the course of his storied acting career he has worked with the likes of Jodie Foster, Tommy Lee Jones, Jared Leto, Matthew McConaughey and more.

In 1977, Yoakam left Kentucky for Nashville to embark on a music career but found that the Music City was moving away from traditional country roots to more pop-country. He found himself better suited to the post-Bakersfield movement and became one of the founding fathers of the L.A. Cowpunk Scene influenced by second-wave rockabilly and punk alongside X, Los Lobos, The Knitters, Rank & File and The Blasters.

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, May 23 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

Dayton at Work and Play: Samaneh Faramarzi

May 19, 2025 By Bill Franz

I met Samaneh (Sama) Faramarzi at the Second Street Market as she was selling her art and some of her baked goods. Then I visited one of the most versatile artists I’ve ever met.

When I arrived Sama was painting in her backyard. “I usually paint indoors but today was so beautiful I moved things outside” she told me.

We started with saffron tea and raisin cookies. Then I tried a slice of her cake. “The cakes are similar to those found in Europe” she explained. “They are less sweet than most American cakes and have layers of cream and fresh fruits. The cookies are a traditional Iranian recipe.”

“I’ve always enjoyed cooking, and I started baking my own pastries and cakes because I missed these flavors from my home country. I made cookies and a cake for my son’s 3rd birthday party and people enjoyed them. Now more and more people want me to bake for them. I call that business Sama’s Sweet Kitchen.“

“People especially like my decorated cakes, and I enjoy making them. They are not just desserts. They are edible artwork. When I’m not painting on canvas, I find great fulfillment in making these cakes, and I know they bring happiness to others.”

Then Sama showed me some of her artwork. “I work in many mediums and in many styles. I use acrylic and water colors and colored pencils and alcohol and ink. Sometimes I paint precisely and sometimes I do pour paintings that make an abstract pattern. Sometimes I even do hand building in clay. Unless I’m doing a commission for someone I just make the art that will make me the most happy at that time.”

Sama sent me home with a few slices of cake and some cookies. My wife absolutely loved the cake and when she saw photos of some of the decorated cakes I could see she was thinking about using them for some event. For myself, I liked the cake but may have become addicted to Sama’s raisin cookies. I think I’ll tell my daughters that’s what I want for Father’s Day.

Contact Sama on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046469269811

7 Unique Recreation Adventures in Dayton

May 19, 2025 By Guest Contributor

Think you know Dayton? Think again. We’re continuing our “Discover the Unexpected” series with a splash, a climb, and a dash of gravity-defying fun. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a weekend wanderer, or just someone tired of the same ol’ summer activities, Dayton’s got some wild cards up its sleeve. Here are 7 unexpected recreation experiences that prove this city is anything but average!

1. Surf Dayton (Yes, you read that right!)

No ocean? No problem. Surf Dayton is redefining inland adventure with stand-up paddleboarding, whitewater kayaking, and even river surfing—right in the Great Miami River. Whether you’re a pro paddler or trying it out for the first time, Surf Dayton makes waves in all the right ways.

🌟Unexpected Factor: River surfing in the Midwest? That’s next-level summer.

Aullwood Troll with Kids

2. The Trolls at Aullwood

Hidden among the trees at Aullwood Audubon are massive, whimsical trolls crafted by artist Thomas Dambo, built entirely from recycled materials. These gentle giants spark curiosity and are perfect for families, nature lovers, and selfie enthusiasts alike. It’s an eco-adventure that’s both mysterious and magical.

🌟Unexpected Factor: Giant trolls in the woods? Yep, and they’re kind of adorable.

Urban Krag

3. Climb Inside a Church at Urban Krag

Housed in a beautifully restored 1890s church, Urban Krag offers indoor climbing walls that reach up to 56 feet high. Whether you’re bouldering or belaying, it’s the perfect vertical playground for climbers of all skill levels—and the stained-glass windows make it feel like a cathedral of adrenaline.

🌟Unexpected Factor: Rock climbing meets gothic architecture? Only in Dayton.

cox arboretum

4. Cox Arboretum’s Tree Tower

Tucked inside Cox Arboretum MetroPark is a 65-foot-tall tree tower with panoramic views that will make your jaw drop—and your Instagram pop. It’s a peaceful yet exhilarating climb, surrounded by lush gardens and butterfly habitats.

🌟Unexpected Factor: It’s like a treehouse for grown-ups. With better views.

mikes bike park 4

5. Mike’s Bike Park

This one’s for the two-wheeled rebels. Mike’s Bike Park is the Midwest’s largest indoor bike park, offering 50,000 square feet of ramps, jumps, and trails for BMX, MTB, and everything in between. Newbie? They offer rentals and lessons, too!

🌟Unexpected Factor: Ride like a pro—indoors, rain or shine.

Rob Drydek Skate Plaza

6. Rob Dyrdek Skate Plaza

Designed by Dayton native and pro skater Rob Dyrdek, this state-of-the-art skate plaza in Kettering blends street and park-style elements. Whether you’re perfecting your ollie or just rolling through, it’s a skater’s paradise with serious street cred.

🌟Unexpected Factor: A pro-designed plaza in a city park? That’s how Dayton rolls.

kayak mad river water feature

7. Whitewater Features for Kayakers

Paddlers, rejoice! Dayton’s downtown riverfront is home to engineered whitewater features ideal for kayaking and watersports. Bring your own gear or rent nearby—then ride the waves just steps away from the city skyline.

🌟Unexpected Factor: Urban kayaking with a view? Yes, please.

This post was created by Destination Dayton and originally appeared on their website.

Local Residents Hold “People’s Town Hall” in Dayton, Highlighting Urgent Community Concerns

May 16, 2025 By Dayton937

With the absence of their elected representative, concerned citizens of Ohio’s 10th Congressional District gathered on Thursday evening for a grassroots “People’s Town Hall” at Sinclair Community College in Dayton. Organized to address pressing local and national issues, the event offered a platform for residents to voice their concerns directly, despite Congressman Mike Turner’s decision not to attend.

Rose Lounsbury emceed the People’s Town Hall. Photo by Libby Ballengee

An empty chair on stage symbolized the Congressman’s absence, underscoring what many attendees described as a lack of accessibility and accountability to constituents.

Speakers at the event covered a wide range of issues currently affecting District 10 residents, including the impact of recent state and federal policy changes on immigration, Social Security, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, and layoffs of government workers.

“This town hall is about people standing up for each other, especially when our leaders won’t show up to hear us,” said one local attendee. “These are life-or-death issues for many in our community. We deserve to be heard.”

Speakers from The People’s Town Hall. Photo by Libby Ballengee

The town hall drew attendees from across the district, including retirees, veterans, public workers, and families concerned about the direction of policy decisions that directly affect their lives. Several speakers called for more transparent and responsive representation in Congress, and urged community members to stay engaged and active.

While Congressman Turner declined the invitation to attend, organizers say the event marks only the beginning of ongoing efforts to bring constituent voices to the forefront.

The People’s Town Hall was coordinated by a coalition of grassroots advocates committed to elevating civic engagement and local accountability, including Melissa Rodriquez, Leslie Merry, Kim Senft-Paras, Rose Lounsbury, and Laurel Kerr.

Attendees were encouraged to follow up with action items, including checking their voter registration status, signing the local petition against Ohio House Bill SB1, and contacting their representatives about their concerns.

Gulzar’s Indian Cuisine – Now Bigger and Better

May 16, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Deepika & Jay

After just 3 years in business Gulzer’s Indian Cuisine has moved. The new space more than doubles the seating going from 73 seats to 168, which includes private space to reserve for meetings or events. But don’t panic, they are literally moving just next door to the former Flyboy Deli spot at 219 N. Patterson Blvd, across from the Day Air Ballparkb downtown.

Deepika Singh, who owns the restaurant with her husband Jay, was kind enough to give me a tour, but was quick to point out that all the finishing touches were still in progress as I was taking pictures. She says they really weren’t looking for a new place, but when the space became available, it just seemed like the right thing to do. She also hinted that they’ll hold on the space next door and that may become an American restaurant in the future.

The transformation of the space is impressive, bringing in the bright colors, wall accents and more to create an Indian flare in the eatery. The Singh’s are proud to offer a sanctuary wher people can escape the stresses of daily and simply enjoy moments of good food and good company.

A bigger space means a bigger buffet and an addition of an ice cream cooler as well. The buffet is available for lunch, seven days a week and offers many vegetarian options.

You can now sit at the bar and enjoy a mango lassi, cocktail or a bottle of wine with your meal.

Or grab a table across from the bar.

One of two area’s that be reserved for private events:

Also with the new space, a new menu, with Owner Jay and his father, Paramjeet, are the chefs. Tbey are best known for recipes from the northern region of India, especially their Karai dishes – which blend three sauces cooked with ginger, garlic, onions, and pepper as a base. In Indian food its all about the curry and gravy’s are the foundation for each dish and then flavors are built from there. Here’s just a peek of the menu:

Monday – Friday, (Lunch Hours) 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Gulzer’s Indian Cuisine

219 North Patterson Blvd
Dayton, OH 45402

937-985-9420

Mon Thurs 11am – 2:30pm and 5-9pm
Fri 11am – 2:30pm and 5-10pm

Sat 11am – 3:30pm and 5-10pm

Sun 12 – 3:30 and 5-9pm

Wasabi To Open in Springboro

May 15, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

After much anticipation Wasabi Japanese Cuisine is ready to open it’s doors in Springboro. Owner Leona Li took a few minutes to talk with us while she was waiting on the health inspector to give them their final occupancy permit. If all goes well, they will open Friday May 16th at 11am. Located in the former China Cottage space, the 130 seat eatery been remodeled into a serene space with lots of greenery and booth seating, though the kitchen lay out remains the same with some new equipment.

contributed photo

Leona says she’s worked in restaurants since she was 17 and after 20 years decided it was time to open her own place. She choose Springboro because she feels it will allow her to create a small town community feel, where she’ll get to know her customers and enjoy a slower pace than big city life.

From expertly crafted sushi and sashimi to sizzling teppanyaki and comforting ramen, the menu is a celebration of traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist. The menu is vast, offering raw and hibachi options some fried food and a few signature Chinese dishes as well. Here’s a peek at some of the menu:

Leona explained that all sauces and salad dressing are made in house with fresh ingredients.

Asian Dishes:

While mostly staffed up, they are still currently hiring for servers and hosts.

Wasabi Japanese Cuisine

784 N. Main Street
Springboro, OH 45066

937-907-5010

Mon – Thurs 11am -3pm, 4-9:30pm
Fri 11am -3pm, 4-10:30pm
Sat noon – 10:30pm

Sun noon – 9:30pm

Springboro, OH 45066

937-907-5010

Mon – Thurs 11am -3pm, 4-9:30pm
Fri 11am -3pm, 4-10:30pm
Sat noon – 10:30pm
Sun noon – 9:30pm

Are You Dating in Dayton?

May 15, 2025 By Greg Simms Jr.

It’s your favorite Culture Celebrator here again with a question.

How is dating in the Miami Valley in 2025?

As a culture guy, I like discuss all facets of popular culture, including local culture. And a big part of any local culture is its dating scene. I’m genuinely curious about the social landscape of the Dayton area when it comes to meeting new people. If you are familiar with my work, I’ve written about this topic before. Dating habits can reveal other social information that can be very useful for think tank discussions among social scientist types.

So, if any of you are single, how do you date? Where do you go to meet people? What kind of potential mate are you looking for? Are you even looking? What online dating sites do you use? Is dating easy these days in the Dayton-ish area? Or is it difficult?

If you’re a fan of my content, you know the drill. If you’re a newbie, give me your answers either in the comments section of the social media site you read this article on, or, you can send them directly to me at [email protected]. Let’s rock out…to culture.

Win a Harley, Grant a Wish!

May 14, 2025 By Dayton937

A stunning 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob (1746cc Milwaukee-Eight Engine, 15,600 miles) has been donated to Breast Wishes for a special raffle! This bike has had just one owner, and she’s thrilled to support our mission—helping bring joy to those living with breast cancer.

She hopes this raffle gives someone the chance to ride a Harley who might not otherwise be able to afford one.

Raffle Details: Tickets: Buy online: $50 each or 3 for $125
Only 200 tickets will be sold—incredible odds!
They must sell at least 100 tickets or all purchases will be refunded by 6/21 Sales close: 6/14

Winner drawn live at the 16th Annual Chrome Divas Ride on June 14th Don’t miss your chance to ride away for a cause!

Chrome Divas Ride for Breast Wishes

Saturday, June 14, 2025

This ride starts and ends at the Union VFW Post 5434. Registration starts at 10am and kickstands up at noon.

Breast Wishes Foundation was started to honor the memory of Kelli James, who lost her battle to breast cancer at the age of 40. We granted our first wish in 2017 and now average about 100 wishes per year. Each wish is $1,500 and we rely on the generosity of our community to make these wishes come true!

Zen Grill Now Open in Kettering

May 13, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Zen Grill at 2821 Wilmington Pike is now open, between Jersey Mike’s Subs and Wingstop in Kettering! Owned by Hannah & Bob Hannah Huang, say their meals are a balance of simplicity and taste—grilled proteins, crisp vegetables, and fragrant rice, elevated with their signature sauces. It’s everything you love, with nothing you don’t.

The express hibachi menu is thoughtfully crafted to highlight fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the timeless art of Japanese cooking.

All food will be cooked to order with customers choosing the base, meat, vegetables and sauces for their bowls. Their signature sauce for the bowls is a yum yum sauce (a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce), but other options include ginger, teriyaki, soy or siracha sauces.

Discover the beauty of less at Zen Grill—where flavor speaks louder than words.

Zen Grill
2821 Wilmington Pike
Kettering, OH 45419

937-716-1369

Tues – Thurs: 10:30am – 9pm

Fri – Sun 10:30am – 9:30pm

Take One Small Step with WYSO and StoryCorps

May 13, 2025 By Dayton937

Created by StoryCorps, One Small Step is an effort to remind the country of the humanity in all of us, even those with whom we disagree.

The initiative brings strangers with different political beliefs together for a conversation — not to debate politics — but to simply get to know each other as people. WYSO and StoryCorps are inviting the southwest Ohio community to join the nearly 6,000 people in 50 U.S. states who have participated in a One Small Step conversation.

In collaboration with StoryCorps and other community organizations throughout southwest Ohio, we invite you to meet someone new—a fellow resident with different perspectives from you, who you might never talk to otherwise—for a meaningful 50-minute conversation.

WYSO is one of just four stations selected nationally to host One Small Step in 2025.

With participant permission, these conversations will be preserved for future generations at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

We’re teaming up with civic organizations, churches, and other community groups and leaders to spread the word and connect southwest Ohio residents from all backgrounds who are ready to take One Small Step. Do you want to get your group or organization involved in the effort? Contact Ryann Beaschler for more details.

We’ll be matching participants and hosting recorded conversations throughout 2025.

Apply to be matched for One Small Step

Matching Partners & Preparing:

For people interested in getting matched for a conversation, the first step is to fill out the One Small Step Questionnaire
Your responses will help us find the best conversation partner for you. Remember: People are complex and rarely, if ever, “exact opposites.” We’ll read your answers carefully to pair you with someone with a perspective different from your own. Thoughtful matching takes time, so thank you in advance for your patience.
If we find a match for you, we’ll reach out to hear more about your goals. When we schedule the One Small Step conversation, we share materials to help you prepare.
The One Small Step conversation takes place virtually or in person
Requirements for virtual participants: reliable internet connection and a computer with a video camera and a microphone.
A day or two before the virtual recording appointment, the facilitator will do a short “tech check” with you to make sure the StoryCorps virtual recording platform works on your device. If the recording appointment is in person, the facilitator will contact you to confirm appointment details, and recording location.

The One Small Step Experience:

At your One Small Step appointment, you meet your conversation partner, and a facilitator provides an orientation, ground rules, and suggested questions.
When ready, the facilitator starts the recording and helps you begin the conversation by prompting four kick-off questions. After that, participants drive the conversation by choosing more questions and listening with an open mind.
The conversation lasts about 50 minutes, and the whole process takes 75-90 minutes (including time for addressing tech issues, the orientation, and a post-conversation debrief and paperwork).

Participant Agency and Privacy:

Your comfort level and consent in this process is our first priority.
You drive the conversation. You choose what questions to discuss, and you can decide to conclude the conversation at any time. The facilitator’s chief role is to ensure you and your partner both feel comfortable, respected and in control during the discussion. They may suggest follow-up questions, but all questions are optional.
After the recording ends: you decide whether you want to share it with our station, StoryCorps and the Library of Congress. There is no obligation to share. You can keep the conversation private if you wish. You can also share the conversation, but keep your name/identity anonymous.
Regardless of your decision, you and your conversation partner receive a digital copy of the recording.
The recording can be preserved in the StoryCorps collection at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.—only if both participants agree to share it.

How WYSO Works with These Recordings:

A few conversations, with participants’ permission, will be edited for brevity and broadcast on the radio.
If your conversation is selected for editing/broadcast by the station, we will notify you, and preview the edited clip for you to ensure you’re comfortable with it before it’s broadcast.

Rob’s Restaurant and Catering Has New Owners

May 12, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Rob’s Restaurant and Catering in Brookville has new owners. Chad and Heather Pennington are the The husband and wife team are the 3rd set of owners to lead this family friendly eatery. Opened originally in 1976 by Bob and Brenda Kilgore, it was then purchased in 2003 by Joe and Shelley Swartztrauber. Joe passed away in 2017 and Shelley posted today on her facebook page that she has officially retired. Here’s an excerpt from her post:

Shelley

“Rob’s has been a family business from the beginning with generations of family and friends working here. To the hundreds of people who have worked here through the years, I thank you. I’m sure you all have at least one memorable story to tell.

To Candi and Emily, we have been together since the beginning. You know how I feel about you and your support has meant the world to me.Jake and Sheila, thank you for being by my side the last 8 years and I’m thankful for your diligence and support. I wouldnt have made it without the four of you.

To my children Kelby & Kinsey, my dad, and my husband, Eric, thank you for being my strength and walking with me through the difficult times and celebrating the great times. Rob’s has provided a great life for us and we do not take that for granted.

The new owners, Chad and Heather Pennington,plan to continue the Rob’s traditional recipes both in house and for catering. I hope everyone will come see the renovations they have done and support them and my amazing staff. A final thank you to the Brookville Community.

Bob & Joe, I hope I carried on your legacy. It has been my honor.

“

We’ve reached out to the new owners and they have asked for some time to “get their ducks in a row” before they are ready to chat with the media.

Rob’s Restaurant & Catering
705 Arlington Rd
Brookville, OH 45309

(937) 833-3310

Hours:

Tues- Thurs : 8am – 8pm
Fri & Sat 7am – 9pm
Sun 7am – 8pm

Warped Wing Celebrates 11 Years with Beer Bash & Urban Smokeout

May 12, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Warped Wing Brewing Company announces the return of their Anniversary Beer Bash & Urban Smokeout, taking place Saturday, May 17th starting at noon at their original Downtown Dayton Taproom to celebrate 11 amazing years of craft beer and community.

“Last year’s 10-year party was an absolute blast – we had such a great time, we thought, why not do it again?,” said Nick Bowman, Co-Founder and VP of Sales & Marketing. “It’s the perfect way to kick off summer – cold beer, smoked foods, good friends, and live tunes”.

The party kicks off at noon, rain or shine, with festivities expanding outdoors under a tented lot and featuring the beloved Trotwood Trailer, live music and DJs all day, and a lawn-chair-friendly setup perfect for hanging with friends.

The tap list is stacked with fan favorites like Fly Light Lager, Gamma Bomb IPA, and Ermal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale, alongside limited releases like Trotwood Lime and the long-awaited return of Magic Melon Watermelon Gose and SeñorWITa Mexican Style Witbier. Guests can also look forward to the debut of Gamma Juice IPA (available on draft), Superdelic Double IPA (available on draft and in cans), as well as Agave Spring Maibock aged in Tequila Barrels (available on draft and in bottles). Plus of course Warped Seltzer and housemade soda cans too!

On the menu: Outside you’ll find house-smoked brisket and pulled pork sandwiches along with classic beef hot dogs. Inside, the kitchen will be firing up a full lineup of crave-worthy options including Tater Bombs, smoked wings, burgers, sandwiches, and more – designed to pair perfectly with a pint (or two).

Music Schedule:
12–1pm: DJ Set
1–3pm: Benny Hill (acoustic Americana, rock, country)
3–4pm: DJ Set
4–6pm: Steven Gregory (singer-songwriter vibes)
6–7pm: DJ Set
7–9pm: Nothing But Treble (acoustic trio)
9–10pm: DJ Set

So grab your crew, bring a lawn chair, and come raise a glass with us at the Warped Wing 11th Anniversary Beer Bash & Urban Smokeout!

The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center at The Hights Celebrates 10 Years!

May 12, 2025 By Dayton937

The wildly successful Rose Music Center at The Heights is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a stellar 2025 season featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment (see full list of 2025 concerts announced to date below). Located just north of Dayton in beautiful Huber Heights, Ohio, The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center at The Heights is a 4,200-seat, fully covered outdoor amphitheatre located in The Heights development of Huber Heights, Ohio.

The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center at The Heights is owned by The City of Huber Heights and managed by MEMI (Music and Event Management, Inc.) The Heights is a destination for retail, dining and entertainment conveniently located off of I-70. Construction of the Music Center began in 2013 and was completed in 2015.

More than 430 artists have performed at the venue to date (2015-2024) including Billy Strings, Brandi Carlile, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Goo Goo Dolls, Hank Williams, Jr., Diana Ross, John Legend, Lainey Wilson, Santana, Shawn Mendes, Sugarland, The Doobie Brothers, Train, Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many, many more. Rose Music Center has hosted 298 Concerts, 61of which were SOLD OUT! Since opening its doors Rose Music Center has welcomed more than900,000 fans!

“The Rose is a special venue because there’s nothing like it in the region and it draws concert goers from all over the country to our city to see the incredible acts year after year,” said Huber Heights Mayor, Jeff Gore. “The Rose has also been a tremendous economic growth engine for Huber Heights as it is the center of our emerging entertainment district. The Rose generates a buzz of excitement that businesses and individuals want to be around and be part of. Our residents are proud that Huber Heights is the home of The Rose and attend the venue every opportunity they have to do so. It offers a great night out to enjoy with friends and family.

The relationship that we have also established with Stuart and Mimi Rose is vital to our success,” Gore continued. “MEMI has fostered that relationship and friendship into what it has become today. The name Rose and Huber Heights are synonymous to music, fun and entertainment. It’s impossible to express our gratitude to Rose’s foundation but there isn’t a person around who doesn’t understand how respected they are and what they mean to us as a city.”

“For 10 years The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center has been more than a stage – it’s been a home for artists, a place where crowds become family, and the heart of Huber Heights,” saidMEMI Director of Marketing, Lane Kolkmeyer. “MEMI is grateful to Stuart & Mimi Rose and The City of Huber Heights for their decade of partnership. To every concertgoer – whether you’ve been with us since opening night or just discovered our stage last week – we’re here because of your passion, energy, and support. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we wouldn’t want to. We look forward to the next 10 years of community, unforgettable memories, and the beats that bring us together.”

In celebration of the 10^th Anniversary the venue has created special merchandise to commemorate the occasion, including the following items:

Two different 10^th Anniversary T-shirts available for purchase
A 10^th Anniversary Poster that highlights 115 artists that have performed at Rose Music Center – available on-site
Two different 10^th Anniversary Koozies – available on-site

Where to purchase 10^th Anniversary Merchandise: items will be sold at the venue this summer. The T-Shirts are also available to purchase online HERE.

10^th Anniversary 2025 Concerts at The Stuart & Mimi Rose Music Center at The Heights:

May 18 – The String Cheese Incident w/ The Wood Brothers

May 24 – Brit Floyd – Wish You Were Here 50^th Anniversary Tour (1st show)

June 10 – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ w/ Abraham Alexander

June 13 – Chase Rice w/ Drake White

June 14 – Buddy Guy w/ Eric Gales

June 15 – Lynyrd Skynyrd

June 19 – David Foster & Chris Botti feat. Katharine McPhee

June 20 – The Wiggles

June 23 – Rick Springfield w/ John Waite, Wang Chung, & Paul Young

June 27 – The Fab Four – Ultimate Beatles Tribute

July 2 – Greensky Bluegrass

July 3 – Kansas & 38 Special

July 6 – Chicago

July 12 – Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms w/ Spin Doctors

July 16 – Leftover Salmon & The Infamous Stringdusters w/ Kitchen Dwellers

July 19 – Let’s Sing Taylor – Taylor Swift Tribute

July 20 – +Live+ & Collective Soul w/ Our Lady Peace & Greylin James Rue

July 25 – Straight No Chaser w/ O-Town

July 26 – Bachman-Turner Overdrive & The Marshall Tucker Band w/ Jefferson Starship

August 2 – April Wine & Molly Hatchet w/ Sweet

August 3 – Air Supply

August 5 – Toad The Wet Sprocket w/ Semisonic & Sixpence None The Richer

August 6 – The Black Crowes

August 7 – The Temptations & The Four Tops

August 8 – America

August 9 – Dark Star Orchestra – Grateful Dead Tribute

August 16 – Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder + The Oak Ridge Boys

August 17 – Brit Floyd – Wish You Were Here 50^th Anniversary Tour (2nd show)

August 18 – Rob Thomas w/ A Great Big World

September 6 – Bonnie Raitt w/ Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band

September 21 – X & Los Lobos

MORE SHOWS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

Get tickets at Ticketmaster.com, RoseMusicCenter.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

QUICK HITS- 60 Second Movie Reviews

May 12, 2025 By Tabari McCoy

Reviews for movies you’ve likely thought about seeing in 60 seconds or less

Don’t have time to read a full, detailed movie review? Been meaning to talk about a movie for a while but just haven’t gotten around to telling a friend? Have no fear – get caught up with Quick Hits!

THE AMATEUR

Miss the days when Rami Malek was running around help take down evil corporations as Elliot Anderson on Mr. Robot? Get your fix of him taking out the people responsible for the murder of his wife while exposing government corruption in THE AMATEUR while it’s still in theaters. Instead of being your typical action movie shoot-em-up, Malek’s portrayal of mild-mannered Charles Helle to bring more of a thoughtful exploration of a man seeking vengeance and justice, his brain being more intriguing than sheer brutality. While the film’s climax is the one moment that feels the most implausible, the near two hour joyride en route to getting there is strong enough to overcome it. Think of THE AMATEUR like watching the nerdy, undersized kid show you why you should never underestimate someone determined to use the one skill they have – their intelligence – to play chess with a bunch of criminals barely skilled at checkers.

RATING:

THUNDERBOLTS* (a.k.a. *THE NEW AVENGERS)

Miss the days when Marvel Studios paired up fish-out-of-water people who had to learn how to work together otherwise the entire world – if not universe – might perish? THUNDERBOLTS* brings those days back with a fantastic mix of humor, action battle sequences and most importantly, humanity helping to showcase the different aspects of being a hero (not to mention life) and dealing with one’s own personal demons. THUNDERBOLTS* might not only help those who often don’t feel seen to do so and come to terms with their own pasts so they don’t continue affecting their future, but also do the same for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Florence Pugh shows how a strong female lead should work (looking at YOU, Captain Marvel entries) while David Harbor provides enough laughs as The Red Guardian that you should definitely consider booking his limousine service.

RATING:

Rolled Ice Cream Shop Reopens

May 10, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Today is the Season Opening for I Heart Ice Cream, Dayton’s first & only Rolled Ice Cream spot, located at 9 N. Williams St. in the Wright-Dunbar District of Dayton. Starting at noon today there will be $5 milkshakes, and all guest can enter to win free ice cream for the month of June!

The Thai inspired ice cream shop, run by Liz Smith began as a vendor at 2nd Street Market and a food truck. The shop offers a rolled ice cream, made by pouring a liquid base onto a super cold surface and then scraping and rolling it into thin, long strands, creating a visually appealing, almost artistic dessert. This method, sometimes called stir-fried ice cream, results in a denser, creamier texture and allows for endless customization with toppings and flavors. Toppings are often added to the base with Oreo, Berries & Cream and Resse’s Peanut Butter Cup among the most popular.

Bring Mom in on Sunday for a FREE Mother’s Day Ice Cream when you buy one for yourself!

I Heart Ice Cream

9 North Williams Street,
Dayton, OH 45402

Wed – Fri 4-8pm
Sat noon – 8pm
Sun noon – 6pm