The Featured Articles

Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich and New Pineapple Dragonfruit Beverages at Chick-fil-A

March 17, 2025 By DiveDinerDivas

Chick-fil-A^® is celebrating the start of spring with vibrant new flavors to kick-start the warmer days. Starting March 17, the Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich returns to menus nationwide, this time featuring three options for Guests to create their own customized smoky twist. Also making its debut – and a perfectly sweet pairing – are the new Pineapple Dragonfruit beverages, also available at participating restaurants nationwide for a limited time.

A Bold Twist on Backyard Flavors: Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich
This spring, the Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich is back – this time with three filet options for Guests to customize their sandwich – original and spicy, alongside the classic grilled filet. The juicy chicken is paired with crispy bacon hand-tossed in a brown sugar and black pepper blend, topped with Colby Jack cheese, green leaf lettuce and a smoky BBQ sauce, served on a toasted, buttery, sweet yeast bun.

Spring’s Sweet Escape: Pineapple Dragonfruit Beverages

Chick-fil-A’s new Pineapple Dragonfruit beverages combine sweet and juicy pineapple flavors, along with a unique, tropical dragonfruit twist, featuring a line-up of four refreshing options:

Pineapple Dragonfruit Frosted Lemonade
- This treat combines Chick-fil-A^® Lemonade (or Diet Lemonade) and our signature Icedream^® dessert, mixed with natural pineapple and dragonfruit flavors.
Pineapple Dragonfruit Lemonade
- This combination is a mix of classic Chick-fil-A^® Lemonade (or Diet Lemonade) and natural pineapple and dragonfruit flavors.
Pineapple Dragonfruit Iced Tea
- Freshly-brewed daily from a blend of tea leaves, the Pineapple Dragonfruit Iced Tea mixes classic Iced Tea with natural pineapple and dragonfruit flavors.
Pineapple Dragonfruit Sunjoy^®
- This beverage combines Chick-fil-A’s Sunjoy^® beverage (Chick-fil-A^® Lemonade and freshly-brewed Sweetened Iced Tea) with natural pineapple and dragonfruit flavors.

“As warmer weather approaches, our Guests are craving flavors that are reminiscent of longer, brighter days and time spent outside with family and friends,” said Allison Duncan, director of menu & packaging at Chick-fil-A. “We’re thrilled to bring back the Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich, with an expanded lineup of options for our Guests, alongside our new Pineapple Dragonfruit beverages which offer a deliciously sweet and refreshing balance to the smoky BBQ flavors.”

Testing a New Take on a Classic Treat
Chick-fil-A is also introducing two new ways to enjoy its signature Icedream^® dessert with a playful twist on a classic – the Icedream Spin and Icedream^® Float, testing exclusively in participating restaurants in Chicago, Salt Lake City, San Diego and Tampa, Fla.

Icedream Spin
- This new spin on a classic treat features our signature Icedream dessert hand-spun with your choice of fountain beverage for a creamy texture and delicious taste.
Icedream^® Float
- A classic float, with your choice of fountain beverage, made special with a swirl of our signature Icedream dessert.

Both options are available now for a limited time at participating locations in test markets.

Customers can check the Chick-fil-A^® App or contact their local restaurant for availability of these menu items. To read about Chick-fil-A’s menu, innovations and more, visit chick-fil-a.com/press-room.

Bill Franz’s Hidden Figures: Elon

March 17, 2025 By Bill Franz

I’ve always assumed that undocumented immigrants were wage earners. I was wrong. Hundreds of thousands of them have built businesses here. Those businesses tend to be small because it takes capital to grow a business, and raising capital can draw unwanted attention. That’s what happened to Elon, according to an October, 2024 article in the Washington Post. The Post interviewed Elon’s business associates, reviewed court records and got copies of company contracts to tell the following:

In 1995 Elon and his brother went to California to start a business, but the two Canadians did not have legal work status. Like most undocumented immigrants they had little capital so they slept in their office to save money. They worked hard and by 1996 the business was taking off. Investors were ready to put in money, but when they learned that Elon and his brother were undocumented they protected themselves with an unusual funding agreement. If the brothers did not get legal work status in 45 days the investors could reclaim their money. “We don’t want our founder being deported” one director was quoted as saying.

We don’t know if Elon met that 45 day deadline. People tell me getting legal work status is a long, slow process that takes years. We do know that he wasn’t deported, and in 2002 the business was sold for $300 million. Elon became a U.S. citizen that same year.

Elon denies the Post’s account but has given little detail about his journey from being Canadian to becoming a U.S. citizen. Elon’s brother is more candid. In 2013 he told interviewers that when the two brothers started their first business in the U.S. “We were illegal immigrants.”

The Post article tells us that the world’s richest man started his business career as an undocumented immigrant. What an inspiration to the hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who have built businesses here. I wish Elon would share details of his immigration journey. I’m sure that his fellow entrepreneurs would like to know how to get legal status in 45 days. Then, with the threat of deportation removed, those small businesses might grow and bring benefits to us all.

LIVE + Collective Soul Coming to The Rose

March 17, 2025 By Dayton937

Today, Collective Soul and +LIVE+ announced their 2025 co-headlining Summer Unity Tour with an epic video. Watch HERE. The 30-date tour includes a stop in Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center at The Heights on Sunday, July 20. Special guests Our Lady Peace and Greylin James Rue will join on all upcoming dates.

The 2025 Summer Unity Tour marks +LIVE+ and Collective Soul’s first tour together in 17 years, since their extended 2008 co-headline run.

“+LIVE+ is thrilled to be joining forces with the amazing Collective Soul! The great vibes between our two bands on and offstage is something we have both enjoyed for years, and here we come in 2025! This will be a very special night of music for all of the fans; I know everyone is gonna get rocked and uplifted right along with us…come on out!” – Ed Kowalczyk

“It was August 1994, and we, Collective Soul, were on our way to Woodstock. As our van pulled up to the grounds, another one pulled up beside us and out jumped the band +LIVE+. We became immediate friends, exchanging guitar picks with each other as soon as we met. Since that day, the Ed and Ed show has been nothing but pure, genuine friendship, and rock and roll. We’re excited that 31 years later, we still not only enjoy each other’s company, but enjoy playing music. It’s going to be a fun summer sharing it with fans, friends and +LIVE+.” – Ed Roland

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, March 21 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

Reserved Seating: $58.50* – $108.50*

ABOUT +LIVE+

+LIVE+ have sold over 23 million albums worldwide and earned two number one albums: Throwing Copper and Secret Samadhi. Their catalog is filled with such gems as “Lightning Crashes,” “I Alone,” “All Over You” and “Lakini’s Juice,” which live on today as classics on rock radio. Throwing Copper—which the band celebrated in 2019 with a deluxe 25th anniversary edition along with a global tour across major festivals, amphitheaters and arenas–produced the band’s biggest single, “Lightning Crashes,” which was #1 at Modern Rock radio for ten consecutive weeks. Throwing Copper reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually surpassed sales of 10 million albums sold, with Rolling Stone honoring the album with placement on their list, “1994: The 40 Best Records From Mainstream Alternative’s Greatest Year.” Secret Samadhi (1997) immediately shot to #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually went double platinum. The release of the platinum-selling The Distance to Here (1999) turned +LIVE+ into an international powerhouse and moved the band from arenas into stadiums. +LIVE+ has been and remains today a global concert juggernaut.

ABOUT COLLECTIVE SOUL

Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Collective Soul celebrated their 30^th Anniversary in 2024 with the release of their highly anticipated and critically acclaimed 12^th studio album, HERE TO ETERNITY, May 17, 2024 on their Fuzze-Flex Records label. It was written and produced by E. Roland and co-produced by Shawn Grove, and recorded at Elvis Presley’s estate in Palm Springs, CA. They’re the only other music artist to ever record at the historical landmark. Very special guest appearances include Paul McCartney guitarist Brian Ray, longtime Sheryl Crow bandleader Peter Stroud, and Mickey Thomas of Jefferson Starship. With 11 studio albums—including 1995’s self-titled COLLECTIVE SOUL album, which went triple Platinum–and 8 #1 hits under their belt, frontman and chief songwriter Ed Roland is unwaveringly driven in his desire to double down on doing more of what he does best – making music, sweet music, both in the studio and onstage. Seeing eye to eye, and ear to ear, is part of the secret sauce of why Collective Soul continues to both record and play together at an uncompromised level of high quality. They were one of only five artists to have performed at both Woodstock festivals in ’94 and ’99. With electrifying newer material that accompanies the everlasting Collective Soul classic hits like “Shine,” “December,” “The World I Know,” “Heavy,” and “Where The River Flows,” these five fiery rockers are only just getting started with the next phase of their thriving career that has moved millions of records and wow multitudes of fans across the globe.

ABOUT OUR LADY PEACE

One of Canada’s most influential rock bands, Our Lady Peace has shaped the alternative rock landscape for over three decades. With multi-platinum-selling albums and global hits like “Superman’s Dead,” “Clumsy,” and “Somewhere Out There,” OLP has sold over 5 million albums worldwide and garnered more than 360 million streams. They are among the elite 13 Music Canada Diamond-certified artists, holding 3x-Triple and 5x-Double Platinum certifications. With 19 Top 10 radio hits in Canada—including five #1 singles – OLP has won four JUNO Awards and ten MuchMusic Video Awards, making them one of the most celebrated bands in MMVA history. Their extensive touring history includes sharing stages with The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, and Alanis Morissette. As they close the OLP30 chapter with OLP30 Vol. Three, the band looks ahead to a monumental year that includes their induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame on June 14, 2025, and a hometown show at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on July 24. Our Lady Peace is Raine Maida (lead vocals), Duncan Coutts (bass), Steve Mazur (guitar), and Jason Pierce (drums).

ABOUT GREYLIN JAMES RUE

Greylin James Rue’s music explores the deep shifts that accompany life’s transformations. A singer and songwriter whose work blends emotional introspection with life, Greylin draws inspiration from the natural world, finding beauty in its raw, unfiltered forms. Greylin debuted in her first major show in the summer of 2024, opening for the legendary Smashing Pumpkins in Muskoka Canada. On the horizon, Greylin is set to release new music produced by Gavin Brown, who is known for his work with artists like Billy Talent and Three Days Grace. Her next single will be featured in an upcoming thriller movie, marking an exciting new chapter in her growing career. Though primarily a musician, Greylin’s talents and interests extend far beyond music alone. Recently, she finished filming a horror movie in Belize, set against the mysterious backdrop of the Mayan ruins in San Ignacio. Greylin’s diverse interests showcase her range as an artist, blending the eerie and the beautiful in both her music and visual storytelling.

McCoy on Movies: NOVOCAINE

March 16, 2025 By Tabari McCoy

Jack Quaid vehicle Novocaine likely to leave fans
of his work on The Boys in stitches

“Hello … Oh me? I’m just waiting around waiting on the next season of “The Boys” like everyone else …” Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) takes a moment to phone a friend after being caught in a snare trap in a scene from co-directors Robert Olsen’s and Dan Berk’s action/comedy/romantic comedy NOVOCAINE. Credit: © 2024 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

CAST:

Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid)

Sherry (Amber Midthunder)

Roscoe (Jacob Batalon)

Simon (Ray Nicholson)

Ben (Evan Hengst)

Andre (Conrad Kemp)

Mincy (Betty Gabriel)

Coltraine (Matt Walsh)

Earl (Lou Betty, Jr.)

DIRECTORS: Robert Olsen and Dan Berk

WRITER: Lars Jacobson

THE PLOT: Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) is mild-mannered 30 year-old man living in San Diego. He works as an assistant bank manager where he tries his best to help those like Earl (Lou Betty, Jr.) facing hard times. He lives alone in his apartment, playing his favorite RPG online with Roscoe (Jacob Batalon) and he is fond of wearing a tie with reindeer on it during the holidays, which, since it’s Christmas Eve, seems appropriate.

Nathan also has an extremely rare – and very serious – medical condition: Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA), which means is has the inability to feel pain or changes in temperature (and in real life, a very decreased sweating ability). People with CIPA often suffer a long road to recovery as a result of their injuries, marked by slower healing, especially when they do so incorrectly. This is why Nathan has read an extensive amount of medical books, has dummy-proofed his house to avoid running into sharp corners and even avoids chewing since he’s afraid he might bite his tongue in half – or worse.

But despite living a very simple (and safe) life, there is one thing that makes Nathan wonder if he should risk it all: Sherry (Amber Midthunder), the relatively new teller at the bank where they both work. Fast-forward to a wonderful night hanging out with Sherry at an art exhibition and let’s just say why he might not be able to feel pain, Nathan is definitely feeling something.

What he didn’t expect to feel, however, was the terror and panic that ensues when a trio of Santa Claus-dressed bank robbers led by Simon (Ray Nicholson) enter his bank and decide to make two withdrawals: a sizable amount of cash and Sherry as a hostage. Awakening after being temporarily disposed out to discover Sherry gone, Nathan decides to do something that could change his life forever: Pursue the bad guys, save the girl and embrace the nickname that has dogged him since middle school.

And it’s a good thing he can’t feel pain – because he’s about to experience more pain than most people will in their entire life to try to save the girl of his dreams.

THE REVIEW: Far be it for me to worry about Quaid becoming typecast as as a nice guy who specializes in playing nice guys thrust into the most insane of situations given his long run on Amazon Prime’s The Boys, but … If Quaid keeps delivering performance that balance chaos, charm and great quips as he does in NOVOCAINE, it might be hard for him to escape it – not that his fans will be mad about that.

It take a true talent to play a convincing nerdy individual who can also pull off action sequences and make the cartoonish feel realistic (when it’s obvious they are absurd), but if there’s ever an actor in 2025 that excels at that, it’s Quaid. In much the same fashion his character on The Boys always has a desire to do the right thing or find a resolution for a situation, once he is forced into action, he remains a sympathetic character for whom you root. His interplay with Midthunder rivals that of his interactions with his Boys co-star Erin Moriarty; his “please don’t make me do this” to “OK, I’m going to do this and if I die, so be it” transition being on display once again.

In short, Novocaine may feel VERY familiar to fans of Quaid’s work on The Boys, but it also shows that he can be the lead in a vehicle versus a co-star (albeit in the front) of an ensemble cast. There’s nothing wrong with knowing one’s formula and sticking to it, especially when it works as well as it does in NOVOCAINE.

If that sounds like a journey you’re interested in taking, you’ll likely be a left in as many stitches as the film’s titular character.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

Arrive Safe Offers $20 Uber Rides

March 14, 2025 By Dayton937

This program, sponsored by the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office, aims to provide safe rides home for Montgomery County residents, particularly during events like St. Patrick’s Day.

Free Uber Rides:

The program offers vouchers for free Uber rides, with a value of up to $30, to help people get home safely after celebrating.
Program Details:
The program is available until 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 19.

Vouchers are valid for rides anywhere within Montgomery County.

Residents can scan a QR code to add the voucher to their Uber account.
St. Patrick’s Day Focus:

Dayton is known for hosting the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Ohio, and this program aims to encourage responsible celebrations by ensuring people can get home safely after drinking.
Promoting Safety:

Prosecutor Mat Heck emphasizes the importance of safe travel and the program’s commitment to ensuring that anyone who needs a ride home gets one, regardless of impairment.

McCoy on Movies: Black Bag

March 13, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Steven Soderbergh’s spy drama starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender

latest definitely not an affair for Mr. or Mrs. Smith

“The Smiths? You mean the rock band, right? Who else could you possibly be talking about, darling?” Kathryn (Cate Blanchett) prepares to get up close and personal with her husband – and fellow UK intelligence agent George (Michael Fassbender) in a scene from director Steven Soderbergh’s BLACK BAG, a Focus Features release. Credit: Claudette Barius/Focus Features © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

CAST:

George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender)

Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett)

Meacham (Gustaf Skarsgärd)

Freddie Smalls (Tom Burke)

Stokes (Regé-Jean Page)

Dr. Vaughan (Naomie Harris)

Clarissa (Marisa Abela)

Stieglitz (Pierce Brosnan)

Vadim Pavlichuk (Daniel Dow)

Andrei Kulikov (Orli Shuka)

DIRECTOR: Steven Sodebergh

WRITER: David Koepp

THE PLOT: George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) is a top intelligence agent in the UK. He is married to Kathryn (Cate Blanchett), a top spy in her own right. The definition of opposite attracting, the tightly wound George loves his seemingly carefree spouse. Given his nature and attention to detail, it is understandable why after he is alerted to a mole in the agency’s ranks, George becomes highly concerned once he starts noticing signs that point to Kathryn as being the culprit. Make no mistake, George loves his wife, but he is a man of principle and dedicated to his country; the man did surveillance on his own father, for goodness’ sake.

So, as things begin to intensify and become a matter of international security, George has to determine who the mole is – even if it means putting his own marriage at risk.

THE REVIEW: Ever watch a movie that is well done in terms of what it wants to accomplish with taut direction and performances dedicated to bringing their characters to life … yet at the same time feels a bit pretentious and doesn’t make a strong enough impression where you will think about it months later? In the case of Black Bag, the latest aspiring to be dramatic thriller from writer David Koepp and director Steven Soderbergh, that is exactly what you get in a 90-minute package.

Fassbender’s character’s OCD-level of attention to detail is interesting … Yet his portrayal of George, a man torn between trusting his instincts or his wife, isn’t at all turns. It’s more of a vehicle to keep the story moving forward rather than something that inherently makes you interested in him as a character. The same can be said for Blanchett’s fashionable and overly confident Kathryn, who’s too-cool-for-school – and certainly George – feel as well matched as Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at this point. While the film’s trailers and marketing may give the tease of a MR & MRS. SMITH situation, the one between Blanchett and Fassbender fails to have either the sexual energy of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s pairing nor the tension, character depth and intrigue of Amazon’s recent entry.

It is Tom Burke’s portrayal as Freddie Smalls and Marisa Abela’s turn as Clarissa Dubose, however, that are the far more interesting co-workers/couple in the film that steal the show, Regé-Jean Page’s and Naomi Harris’ turns as a third couple/agency co-workers serve up more intriguing interplay with their obvious dislike of one another. Yes, they are possibly meant to be juxtaposed to George and Kathryn, but the fact they are more interesting to watch hinders the film’s overall enjoyability. There is no moment that showcases how much more interesting the other characters are than an extended interrogation scene, Abela getting the best lines – or perhaps, delivering them just that well – to steal the scene.

Likewise, the red herrings meant to make the audience feel like they are one step ahead of George feel more like a prank on them once the film reaches its apex. Unfortunately, the overwrought complexity of the explanation to what is truly happening feels like it is complex for the sake of Koepp flexing his screenwriting muscle – there are FAR simpler ways all the characters could have arrived at their final destination (and ultimately, more enjoyable, too).

The best way to determine whether or not you’ll like BLACK BAG is to ask yourself a question: If you don’t like sushi and a friend took you to a restaurant where they make the best sushi in the city, are you going to say, ‘OK, I like this’ or will you simply get there only to realize while it’s well made, it’s just not something for you based on your previous experiences with sushi?” If the answer is the latter, you’ll be better served letting BLACK BAG might not be one you will cinematically fashion.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

Take a trip to ‘Angel Street’ with BCT!

March 12, 2025 By Joshua Stucky

Beavercreek Community Theatre is strolling down ‘Angel Street’ and David Shough, the show’s Director is here to tell us all about it!

937: Hi David! Tell me, why did you choose ‘Angel Street’ to present to the community?

DS: Angel Street, originally known as ‘Gaslight’, is good, old-fashioned theatre. Its villain – heroine in distress – hero format makes for great story telling, and the period setting (1880s) gives an opportunity for beautiful, lush costumes, sets and lighting. It was a big hit on Broadway and the basis for a major 1944 movie.

937: Oh my goodness, that is literally one of my favorite films. Explain to folks the plot…ish!

DS: Jack Mannigham is trying to drive his wife Bella mad by convincing her she does not know what is real (this play is where the term “gaslighting” originated). Enter inspector Rough, who knows who Jack really is and what is plans really are. Conflict ensues, tension builds, and, in the end, justice prevails.

937: I’m hooked. I know so many folks love this story! What are you hoping people ‘feel’ after watching the show?

DS: One audience member said she “felt vindicated for all women.” Everyone longs to see the clever hero win, the villain get his due, and the victim come out on top.

937: I’m one of those types for sure! So, tell me a bit about those you are working with!
DS: I has an amazing cast of Dayton-area theatre luminaries – Megan Cooper as Bella, Jim Walker as Rough, Mike Beerbower as Jack, and Caitlin Larsen-Deer as the helpful housekeeper Elizabeth. They are joined by newcomer Olivia Burchfield, who brings vibrant life to the “saucy” maid Nancy. Further I’m blessed with three great designers, set designer Chris Harmon and lighting designer Andrew Darr who have created a gorgeous Victorian environment for this story to play out.

937: It sounds stunning. All the success to you and the gang at Beavercreek Community Theatre! BRAVO! OH! How do we go?
DS: The three remaining performances are this Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3. Tickets are available by following the Tickets link at bctheatre.org

Hidden Figures: Salona

March 12, 2025 By Bill Franz

Salona, part of my series Hidden Figures. Salona is a Haitian name that means “rare ruby” or “most beautiful.”

President Trump said the Haitians in Springfield are criminals who eat people’s dogs and cats. In fact they are legal, documented immigrants recruited by local businesses and supported by city officials as being good for the community.

The Springfield News-Sun quoted one of the Haitian immigrants: “No one wants to leave their native country, but a lot of bad things are happening right now because of the gangsters. We’re working here, we’re paying taxes here. We’re just trying to pursue a better life.”

The president says he is taking away the Haitian’s status as legal immigrants in August. That would force them to choose between returning to a violent, dangerous homeland and becoming “hidden figures” unable to work, drive or do other things legally. If he carries through with this threat the president will be hurting our local economy and increasing the number of undocumented immigrants.

It’s clear to me that the president’s attitude towards the Haitians employed in Springfield would be different if they were white. Just compare his statements about those Haitians with his statements about white farmers who are citizens of South Africa. He offered those white farmers a rapid pathway to U.S. citizenship if the South African government took actions that made them feel unsafe.

The president has always been in favor of immigration – as long as the immigrants are white. During his first time in office he repeatedly said he wanted more immigrants from “nice” (white) countries like Norway. Some of the people closest to the president are white immigrants, including his first wife, his current wife and his most important advisor, Elon Musk.

Facing discrimination because they are not white is nothing new for black undocumented immigrants. They have always been more likely to be deported than other immigrants, and more likely to suffer abuse during the process. I hope Salona and her family stay safe.

Toad The Wet Sprocket Coming to The Rose This August

March 11, 2025 By Dayton937

Toad The Wet Sprocket continue to uplift audiences with their melodic alt rock guitars, introspective lyrics, and signature vocal harmonies that catapulted them to mainstream success 30+ years ago on the 2025 Good Intentions U.S. headlining tour. The tour will come to Rose Music Center at The Heights on Tuesday, August 5 with special guests Semisonic and Sixpence None The Richer.

Throughout their career, Toad The Wet Sprocket have been staunchly independent in their artistic integrity. “We were young and it was us against the record company,” recalls guitarist Todd Nichols of their early days. “We had a bit of punk-rock ethos.”

This commitment to stay true to themselves, and DIY mentality also spilled over into the enduring relationship with their fans. Amassing a mailing list of 70,000 at the start of their career, the band forged deep connections with a devout and loyal core of fans, who they’ve continued to grow with.“It’s like a reunion of sorts,” reflects bassist Dean Dinning. “It’s almost like having family in the audience every night.”

Following the success of their second platinum selling album, Dulcinea, Toad The Wet Sprocket released a collection of B-sides and rarities, In Light Syrup, in 1995. The album single, “Good Intentions” – the namesake of this upcoming tour – found success at radio peaking at #23 on theBillboard Hot 100 Airplay chart and is featured amongst the likes of R.E.M., The Rembrandts, and Barenaked Ladies on the platinum-selling Friends soundtrack. It has since been in rotation on set lists including their most recent tours.

“I think the enduring appeal of our band is the songs,” says Dean. “Even though we were young when we made those early records, they don’t only speak to youth. As people have grown older, the songs have taken on new meaning in their lives.”

“As an artist, it feels good to know we can still make music that’s resonating,” adds singer Glen Phillips. “When we play ‘The Moment’ or ‘Transient Whales’ at our shows now, there’s a huge percentage of the audience who know every word of those songs, too.”

As in years past, Toad The Wet Sprocket will partner with a non-profit organization with shared values to inspire fans and give back. This year, Toad The Wet Sprocket will spotlight the National Parks Foundation (nationalparks.org) to support and protect our natural treasures.

The Rose Music Center box office will be open on Friday, March 14 from 10am – 3pm for the Toad The Wet Sprocket on sale.

Reserved Seating: $38.50* – $88.50* Click here to view ticket prices.

Dayton at Work and Play: Chef Dane

March 10, 2025 By Bill Franz

Conversation with Chef Dane Shipp at the Nood Bar, one of the four restaurants at the Silos (801 East First). I asked Chef Dane how he got into the food business.

“I went to Sinclair part-time and eventually got into their culinary program. I was also working at Chappy’s Tap Room. After 8 years at Chappy’s I went to Lock 27 and became their executive chef. When the pandemic hit in 2020 I had to lay off almost everyone at Lock 27. I was doing all of the ordering all of the cooking and all of the cleanup – and making less money. I quit and became an executive chef.”

“The pandemic was a great time to be an executive chef. People couldn’t go out to restaurants but they still wanted to have dinner parties and eat good food. Just a few weeks after I started I had a 4 month backlog of work. Some of the people I cooked for then have been great supporters of my restaurants.”

“In 2023 I opened my first restaurant, at 416 E Fifth in the Oregon District. It’s called “Culture.” It only seats 36 people so it has a cozy atmosphere.”

I saw an article in “Eater,” a website dealing with food all over the world, that included Culture in their list of the top 18 restaurants in Dayton. The article mentioned an item on your menu called the Drip Burger. What’s that?

“We change our offerings often, but the Drip Burger is always on the menu. It’s made with local Honey Creek beef, farm-made American cheese, caramelized onions, pickled cherry peppers, and Drip sauce on a potato bun.”

The Nood Bar has a whole different menu than your first restaurant. Tell me about that.

“When I was younger I had three roommates from Laos and I fell in love with the Asian food they cooked. The Nood Bar takes their Asian style dishes and puts our own twist on it. Take our chicken ramen, for example. My roommates from Laos wouldn’t have topped their dish with collards.”

“I like being located here at The Silos and I think it’s going to be even better once the weather warms and patio seating opens up. We’re getting a lot of large groups and families, because with four restaurants sharing the same bar and seating area there’s food to appeal to everyone.”

Nood Bar at The Silos

810 E 1st St.

Dayton, OH, 45402

authentic noodles, bao buns, and dumplings, a celebration of Asian cuisine

Tuesday – Thursday 4-10 PM
Friday 4 PM – Midnight
Saturday 11 AM – Midnight
Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM

New Photo Series By Bill Frana: Hidden Figures

March 5, 2025 By Bill Franz

The inspiration for this series was President Trump’s lies about the Haitian immigrants in Springfield. His statement that they are criminals who eat people’s cats and dogs caused even Ohio’s Republican officials to complain. When a powerful person lies it makes me wonder what he’s hiding. It makes me want to know more about all of the immigrants he’s threatened and lied about. That eventually led me to this series.

As I post the pieces in this series I’ll share some of the things I’ve learned about our country’s immigrants. In this piece some basic facts are built into the image. The boy is standing on an orange floor that takes up 11% of the image because 11% of the people now in the U.S. were born elsewhere and have documents that show they are now U.S. citizens or legal residents.

The gold band represents the 3% of people in the U.S. who were born elsewhere and don’t have documents. These are the millions of “hidden figures” President Trump says he’ll round up, imprison and send out of the country.

The background in blue refers to the 85% of people in the U.S. who are descendants of immigrants.

The top line is 1% of the image. It represents the only U.S. residents who are not immigrants or their descendants – Native Americans.

This series is about undocumented immigrants – hidden figures – and in this piece I’m using a photo of the boy I call Mateo to represent one of them. I have no idea whether this boy is actually an undocumented immigrant. He could be a fifth generation American. When I’m given the opportunity to photograph a child like this I don’t ask about his immigration status. I just say thank you and take the photo.

Restaurants That Offer Special Lenten Menus

March 5, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

No meat during Lent on Fridays?

Maybe you thought Lent was just giving up one food like chocolate or, we hope not, coffee. But there are more rules surrounding food you eat during Lent than that, it’s just that it’s becoming less common to follow the fasting and abstinence rules associated with the time leading up to Easter. These fasting and abstinence practices are part of the Catholic celebration of Eastertide, with churchgoers foregoing meat and all foods containing “flesh meat” products on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and every Friday during Lent. Fish is not included in this and is allowed on Fridays, which is why you see so many fish frys between now and Easter.

Here’s a round up of menu’s created just for those of you who are honoring the no meat on Friday’s tradition.
If you know of others we should add to the list, either put in the comments below or drop us an email.

Archers Tavern

9496 Dayton Lebanon Pike, Centerville

2030 E DOROTHY LN, Kettering,

Bullwinkles
19 N Main St, Miamisburg

George’s:
5216 N Dixie Dr, Dayton

Tuna salad plate, greek Salad, cod sandwich, Triple grilled cheese, waffles, meatless biscuits and gravy, and many more!

Hanks’s Local

2529 Patterson Rd, Dayton,

937-254-7527

Mulberry & Main

130 Main Street, Brookville

Bob Evans

Bob Evans’s Lent-friendly menu features wild-caught Alaska Cod, shrimp platters and more.

The restaurant said the menu is high-quality, natural, and sustainable. It will be offered daily at all locations and there will be kid’s portions available, to include the entire family. The restaurant chain considers the annual recipes a core staple of its menu. It will offer a Fish Fry Platter for $12.99, a Fish Fry Sandwich for $12.49 and a Fried Shrimp Dinner for $14.19.

Rip Rap Roadhouse

6024 Rip Rap Rd, Dayton

Corner Kitchen Announces Closure

March 4, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

We received this press release this afternoon:

“With heavy hearts, Corner Kitchen announces that this will be their final week of service. For the past three years, we have poured our passion and dedication into creating memorable dining experiences, and it has been an absolute honor to serve this community. We are incredibly grateful for the amazing customers who have celebrated life’s moments with us. Your support, laughter, and shared meals have meant the world, and we will truly miss each and every one of you.

As they prepare to close, their focus remains on our incredible team. They are working diligently to assist our staff in finding new opportunities and ensuring a smooth transition for them. Their talent and dedication have been the heart of Corner Kitchen, and we are committed to supporting them through this change.”

Their final service will be Sunday brunch.

Final week:

Tuesday – Thursday: 5 PM – 9 PM Friday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 3 PM | 5 PM – 9 PM Sunday (Final Service): 11 AM – 7 PM

We remain hopeful for the future of the Oregon District and for the businesses that continue to call it home. It has been heartbreaking to witness the decline in foot traffic and the impact on so many of our neighbors. We sincerely hope to see this beloved community thrive once again.

Additionally, if you are interested in purchasing furniture, equipment, or the liquor license, please contact us at [email protected].

From the bottom of our hearts thank you, Dayton. We love you and will cherish the memories we’ve made together.

Freakin Rican Carryout & Catering Now Open

March 4, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Owner Adrian Padilla is proud to serve food from his island in his new Dayton carryout shop. Having moved to the area in 2019, and operated a food truck for a couple of years. When the spot he’d been eyeing on Smithville became available he rented it. Sadly the restaurant hood was stolen during his remodeling, putting his plan on delay for a while. Having grown up in business, Padilla’s grandmother had 2 restaurants in Puerto Rico. He will be using family recipes. He shared this menu, though says it will grow as he gets him team up to speed.

Freakin’ Rican Carryout & Catering

2615 S. Smithville Rd.
Dayton, OH,

937-951-2043

11 am – 11 pm Mon – Thurs
11 am – 3 am Fri & Sat
noon – 9 pm Sundaydelivery available via DoorDash or Grubhub.

Dayton at Work and Play: Judd Platternburg, Sugarcereek Photography Gallery

March 3, 2025 By Bill Franz

I’m inspired every time I visit this gallery showing more than 300 prints by 12 excellent photographers. Recently I asked one of the founding members, Judd Plattenburg, to tell me about the start of the gallery.

“We’d been talking about starting a gallery for years” he told me, “and we finally took the plunge in 2022. The founding group was Jeff Smith, Bill (and Marty) Welch, Bill Woody and me. Since then we’ve added photographers and there are now a total of 12 of us.”

“Each photographer here has a different style and each focuses on a different subject area. My work includes a lot of shots taken from the water. Paddling is a hobby of mine and I love connecting my paddling hobby with my photography hobby. I am also showing quite a few shots taken in Cuba right now. I’ve visited there six times and have gotten great photos on each trip.”

“The photos you see on that wall are by Bill and Marty Welch. They are nature photographers and they’ve travelled from the Amazon to the Arctic Circle to get great photos. Marty has a photo of a polar bear cub cuddling with its mother that I just love. To get it they took a small plane to an island in the Beaufort Sea north of Alaska.”

“The photos on display here are always changing, and sometimes even the whole theme of an area in the gallery changes. Bill Woody has been exhibiting his Urban Exploration photos for a while and he gave a talk about it last Saturday. Now I think he’s going to change everything and show his rural Ohio landscapes.”

I asked about the price range of the work in the gallery.

“Photography is generally less expensive than other art forms such as painting and sculpture. We have some pieces priced below $100 but most of the work is in the $200 to $400 range. Photography is also a lot more flexible than other art forms. Sometimes a person will like a work on display but its size is too great, so we print a smaller (and less costly) version for the customers. Other times a person is trying to make a dramatic statement in a large room, so we enlarge a photo he likes and make it 5 feet long.”

Sugarcreek Photography Gallery
15 West Franklin St.
Bellbrook, OH 45305

Hours:

Thurs & Fri

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Sat & Sun 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Or call 973-317-0170 for Appt

Did You Rock Out To Z-93?

March 2, 2025 By Greg Simms Jr.

If you belong to Generation X, or you’re a late-stage Baby Boomer and you lived in the Miami Valley in the 1980s and 90s, chances are, you did. Often. Z-93, otherwise known as WGTZ, was Dayton’s premier Top 40 radio station. If you wanted to hear the biggest pop music hits in America, you went to the 92.9 dial on your stereo. For many of us, Z-93 was the first time we ever heard Prince’s “When Doves Cry”, or Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name”. Or even Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. Hell, you might even hear a Tupac song. Z-93 was the place for pop smashes.

If you’re feeling nostalgic, check out these awesome Z-93 signs and pics. You can also listen to old WGTZ broadcasts via the links below.

Talk to us. Did you love Z-93? What was your favorite Z-93 experience? What songs/artists did they play that you loved? What did you love about the station?