The Featured Articles

Gift Ideas For The Beer Geek In Your Life

December 10, 2013 By Jeff Heater Leave a Comment

Surely at some point, you’ve been trolling Facebook and seen the snarky e-card that says;
If you think I’m hard to buy for, you don’t know where the liquor [beer] store is.

Well, frankly, it’s simply not that easy. As anyone with a true Beer Geek in their life can probably tell you, It can be a slippery slope. Beer? Which beer, what style, barrel aged, steeped over vanilla beans, a special cross over collaboration with three different locally produced yeast strains?!? What if they’ve already had it? What if someone’s brother said it wasn’t good?!

What if, indeed. With Christmas hot on our heels, I would like to offer a few suggestions for Beer Geek gift giving. Some are blatantly obvious, while others are quite specific. Still, getting those gears turning is sometimes half the battle.

This time of year there is always the packaged set with beer and glassware. Who doesn’t like their glassware?! But seriously, how many Mad Elf glasses does one need? While these boxes are nice, the selection is typically limited. Note: My Mother in Law gave me a box set of Triple Karmeliet last year, and I could not have been more satisfied.

While any good Geek will appreciate a wide variety of solid craft beers, let’s look past the beer and into the wider picture. Let’s accessorize that beer!

Nothing complements a good beer quite like good food. There are several great, local, places that offer the best of both. Chappy’s, Lucky’s, Spinoza’s,…, the list is long and often reported about. A few new chain stores have popped up in the area; BJ’s, Pies and Pints, and The Yard House in Cincinnati. Who doesn’t like a nice gift card?

Okay, on to specifics;

Hermetus Bottle Opener & Resealer

This bottle opener is all the rage within the local homebrew club. This opener is specifically designed to reseal the bottle (temporarily). Some geeks want more than one. It’s perfect for any tasting session, or that quiet night with a bomber of suds for one.

One-Handed Bottle Opener

This opener is my personal favorite. It removes the cap without any wear or tear. Which, I must add, also means the cap can be reapplied to the bottle. But that’s not what goes thru most beer geeks minds! Those caps are little treasures. Whether they become refrigerator magnets, part of a mosaic coffee table top, or simply tossed into cigar box, they are mementos.

The United States of Beer: Unique Beer Tasting Map

While there are a number of tasting journals out there, this one will be certain to attract attention. With apps like Untapped I don’t see a lot of traditional note taking these days.

So why not step up the game and offer a new challenge? Give your geek the task of logging a brew for all 50 States. The fine people at 33 Books offer a journal for just about everything. In the event that Santa is reading this…, you know, add it to my list.

Neoprene 6 Pack Bottle Tote

The Neoprene six pack holder. What better way to, recycle, reduce, and reuse?! I certainly can’t speak for anyone else, but it’s a rare thing for me to buy a whole four or six pack of anything. With stores like Belmont Party Supply, and the Liquor and Wine Warehouse, having the option of buying single bottles, I’m more apt to build my own sixer.

Of course there are several nationally published beer-centric magazines. There’s a whole section…, okay, shelf in any new or used book store devoted to beer. One can find some serious gems in a used book store. It’s always at the end of the food section, nestled warmly between the wine and cocktail bibles. Just in case you don’t want to walk in the book store asking for the beer section.

Last but not least, don’t forget those local breweries! It seems like every week there is something new in the Miami Valley. There are bus tours sprouting up. Explore that local beer. I know one geek that would be happy with an empty growler from Yellow Springs Brew Co. I won’t name any names…

Whatever you do, do not assume that your beer geek wants to be a home brewer! If they have mentioned it in passing, great! Beer geeks know how to drop hints. Not all who love good craft beer desire to make their own. Please don’t find yourself at Bed Bath and Beyond staring blankly at the Mr. Beer kits. If your geek is a brewer, go straight to Brewtensils!

In the end, it’s all about good beer and all that goes with it. There’s always that 750 of Chimay that no one will refuse. They’ll simply question why the White and not the Blue? Which, of course, is why they provide the handy little box set with the glass.

And I swear, if one of those Corkcicle things finds its way into my stocking…, well, look for my name on this year’s Oscar list for Best Actor.

Cheers!

The Artemis Center Introduce the “Krewe” Raising Funds To Be Named King & Queen of Mardi Gras Gala

December 9, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

In order to organize and stage the enormous Mardi Gras carnival every year, many New Orleans families have belonged for generations to krewes, groups that create elaborate costumes and floats for the many Mardi Gras parades in the two weeks leading up to “Fat Tuesday.” Not only do the krewes participate in the parades, but, as leaders of New Orleans society, they also hold balls and other elaborate events during the carnival season, which lasts from Christmas up to Mardi Gras itself. The krewes are responsible for electing Rex, the annual king of the carnival, whose parade is the climax of Mardi Gras.

The Artemis Center has thrown an annual Mardi Gras fundraising ball before, but for the first time, they are adding a “Krewe” element to the gala. Eleven young professionals will be raising funds and spreading the word about the issue of domestic violence in our community and the crucial services provided by Artemis Center.

The official kick off for the “krewe” was held this past week at a happy hour event in the Oregon District. These young professionals will be fundraising over the three months to compete for the titles of King and Queen of the Mardi Gras. The man and woman who raise the most funds will be crowned at the Gala to be held on March 8, 2014 at the Dayton Masonic Center. The funds raised by the Artemis Center ‘Krewe’ will provide crucial unrestricted funding to Artemis Center to allow us to continue offering our services at no cost to the client. Supporting Artemis Center is one of the most direct ways to improve the lives of domestic violence victims. Unrestricted funding allows us the flexibility to respond in whatever way victims and their children need. Whether its buying a bus ticket to safety, changing the locks on a clients home to increase safety, or providing therapy for a child witness of violence, your donation can make it happen.

Meet the “Krewe”

Cassandra Andres
Staff Attorney at Montgomery County Common Pleas Court

Cassandra graduated from University of Dayton School of Law and is thrilled to volunteer for the Krewe for Artemis Center this year “because our community is at a loss when it comes to services for women, and Artemis Center has taken great strides in attempting to fill in those gaps. Your donation will not only fund the housing services at Artemis, but will also provide volunteers with the tools needed to reach out to women with a helping hand across the Miami Valley Area.”

Jason Antonic
Manager of Business and Economic Development, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

Jason has a passion for community involvement. He is the VP of the Huffman Historic District, the past President of the Dayton Ballet Barre and member of the I-70/75 Development Association. He went Over The Edge for Big Brothers Big Sister of the Greater Miami Valley and fought in the 2nd Knockout. Jason enjoys spending time with his daughter, bird watching, playing basketball and Shakespearean acting. He lives in the Huffman Historic District with his fiancée, Jessica and their cat Ian.

Jennifer Bock

Mass Torts and Negotiations Attorney at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz

A graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law and chair of the Social Committee for the Young Lawyers Division of the Dayton Bar Association. Jennifer and her husband also support AIDS Resource Center Ohio, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Wave Foundation, and United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton. However, being a victim of domestic violence myself, the Artemis Center holds a special place in her heart and she is passionate about the cause.

Jen Cadieux
Business Development Manager at Downtown Dayton Partnership
A 2005 graduate of the University of Dayton, Jen was named to the Dayton Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Class of 2010. An ardent supporter of area non-profits, Jen has volunteered for Aids Resource Center Ohio, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and has served on the BBB Advertising Review Council. She chaired the Social Committee for Generation Dayton, and has served on the board of the Dayton Broomball Association and the Dayton Ballet Associate Board. Jen says, “becoming a part of the first Krewe and helping an organization that makes such an impact on women and children in our community is an honor.”

Conrad Dillion
Legal Counsel for Alternate Solutions Healthcare System

A graduate of Ohio University and the University of Dayton School of Law, where he was awarded the Commitment to Community Pro Bono Service Award . He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the Dayton Bar Association. Conrad enjoys reading, cycling, and spending time with my cat Simon. Having worked with Care House and in juvenile courts, Conrad has seen first hand the affects of domestic violence on both kids and their parents and by working on the Krewe wants to help by able to provide Artemeis Center with the tools they need to break the cycle.

Richard Kaiser

Co-Owner of Lion + Panda

An Ohio native, Richard was part of the class of 2010 at Wright State University where he studied marketing and advertising. In the past 3 1/2 years Richard has become a household name in the Dayton marketing community. Building upon his college experiences of working in print, television, and sales Richard brought an integrated approach to the digital industry. Active involvement in the local Dayton community has been a focal point of Richard’s personal life. He is currently the a board member of the Dayton Opera, the Muse Machine, Stiver’s High School Advisory Board, and often volunteers time to helping other nonprofits to craft their communications strategies.

Amelia Robinson

Columnist/Reporter Dayton Daily New

Originally from Cleveland, Amelia attended Ohio University in Athens and worked in Mansfield for several years before making Dayton her home. Amelia’s outgoing personality and quick wit make her a must read on Facebook and if she can convert her readers into donors for Artemis Center, the whole Community wins. When asked what motivated her to become part of the Krewe Amelia shared, “I’ve know women in my personal life and as a reporter I’ve gone to to many scenes where domestic violence has been involved and so I really want to be able to help the women and children who are affected by DV and Artemis does that in our community.”

Kara Shepherd
Hairstylist at The Mantra Salon and Day Spa

“As most people know, many women think of their hairstylist as some what of a “therapist”. I am very lucky to have a profession where I get to make women feel GREAT when they leave my chair, and that is a personal goal of mine with every client I see. In June, I had the honor of marrying my best friend. As a woman who has never been in an abusive relationship, I must admit, until learning some facts through Artemis, I had no idea how frequently a woman is battered per SECOND in our country….It’s every 9 seconds in case you were wondering. When reading such a terrible statistic, one tends to ask themself “WHAT CAN I DO”.

I am so very excited to get to give back to more women than the ones that just come see me in the salon. I think that Artemis is a crucial key to helping women and children right here in the Dayton area. There are so many who need our help, and with YOUR donations, we can make a difference!”

Anthony Shoemaker

Political/Military Affairs editor at Cox Media Group

Anthony is a 1998 graduate of Wright State University, and he and his wife Amelia recently bought their first house in the Oregon District. Anthony says he was flattered to be asked to help. He’s known too many people personally that have been involved in a situation that included domestic violence and that if he’s able to make a difference, why wouldn’t he?

Dan Sweeny
Manager of Patient Access at Miami Valley Hospital

Dan got his bachelors degree from The Ohio State University and his MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University. Newly married in the summer of 2013, Dan has already recruited his wife Janese to help him raise funds for The Artemis Center. Dan shared that his grandmother was on the Artemis board of trustees for years and he’s been a volunteer for many of their events. When asked to join the Krewe, he said it’s a no-brainer, of course he’s willing to give his time to help raise money that support and educate those in need of the options and help that are available in our community.

Taryn Ward
Membership Development Representative at Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

Taryn is motivated to make a positive impact on the community and volunteers regularly. She is an active member and leader of Generation Dayton, Taryn has a profound love for animals and serves on Advocates 4 Animals Board of Directors. She also serves on an associate committee for Clothes That Work.When she’s not working with businesses or volunteering, Taryn enjoys dancing, cooking, and reading and is a founding member of a local book club for young professionals. Taryn joins the Krewe to honor her friend who was helped out of a really bad situation by Artemis.

So now you’ve met the Krewe and stay tuned to see what they’ve got planned to help reach the $50,000 goal that Artemis has set for them to raise. Each Krewe members name is linked to their individual fundraising page, so why not support your favorite Krewe member on their quest to become the King or Queen of the Mardi Gras Gala?

Enjoy a Free Sounds of the Season Concert

December 7, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Enjoy “Sounds of the Season,” a FREE concert featuring performances by members of the Chaminade Julienne Performing Arts Department. We cordially invite you downtown for a musical celebration of Christmas. The evening will feature sacred and secular songs performed by the concert choir, concert band, liturgical choir, percussion ensemble, string ensemble, Hands in Harmony, and a cappella groups Vega and Age V. Guests are invited to stay for refreshments following the concert.

Sometimes love is waiting for us right where we live.

December 6, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Last Saturday, we all woke up early to a crisp, cool day.

As I made my cup of tea and folded the laundry I had left drying overnight, I got thinking about the Tedx Dayton Talk by London Coe. She talked about Dating Your City – getting out there and finding all the amazing people and amazing things happening at any time in any town. She said she went from thinking her town was grey and dying (all the news stories said so) to being madly in love with Dayton, Ohio.

So, after we were all dressed and had eaten a little something, we took off for a little local adventure.

I had been hearing about a fabulous pretzel kitchen for years and years, but had never been able to figure out where it was. These pretzels were supposed to be world class – the kind that people ship to their kids when they move away from home. It was supposed to just be some third generation pretzel guy making them in his garage and you had to drive through an alley and know a code to get in. But no one could tell me an exact address or hours or even a real name (“It’s like Schmales or Smalls or Smaylees… or something like that.”).

For whatever reason, everything fell into place this time. I Googled Dayton + pretzel + awesome + downtown. And there – where there had never been any information before, I swear – was the name “Smales” with an address and hours and everything. It was only open from 8:00am to 1:00pm and there was always a big line, so get there early.

We drove straight there and everything I had heard was true. We turned into a narrow alley and parked in a three-car dirt lot. We walked back along the alley to a small door under a decrepit metal awning and walked right into pretzel heaven. There was a giant mixer kneading a big ball of dough, there was a layer of flour over everything, and an otherworldly smell in the air.

We bought a dozen hand-twisted pretzels, still warm and liberally sprinkled with chunks of salt and walked back out into the crisp, cool air with our treasure.

Thanks, Smales!

Still in the mood for adventure, we hopped on down to the 2nd Street Market. This is a Dayton institution and always good for people watching and local shopping. We picked up sweet potatoes the size of Hani’s head, fresh eggs, local raw honey for my morning tea, Brussels Sprouts on the stalk, and Amish butter, and Dave found a beautiful leather bracelet made by VintageLiz.

This beautiful day was right there, just waiting for us to notice it… like a brilliant jewel under a leaf.

What jewels are waiting right there for you to notice them? What seems grey and dying that actually just needs some attention and love to come to brilliant life?

love.

Editors Note:

We found this great post on facebook, clicked through and found the Fierce Mothering blog. Written by two dynamic and passionate women, April Fine and Robyn Moore, who are both moms and friends. The post above written by Arpil just screamed with the mission of MostMetro (sharing the love we have for our town) we asked for and were granted permission to reprint this here. We hope you enjoy as much as we did!

And thanks to London Coe for inspiring so many Daytonians to “date their city.” If you’ve got a story about a date you’ve had with Dayton and would like to share it with us, please contact us.

VTA’s Starring Role Online Auction Benefit Discovery Series for Kids

December 5, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The 4^th annual Victoria Theatre Association online auction runs from Monday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 8. Titled, Starring Role, the auction features more than 200 one-of-a-kind items such as theatre memorabilia, restaurant gift certificates, unique travel experiences, and much more! Proceeds from the auction will support The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series, which offers live theatre experiences for schoolchildren.

Looking for the perfect gift? Look no further! Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction offers a myriad of items including:

4 day trip to California’s Wine Country
Cooking class for 8 w/ Chef Tim Schonsheck of Citilites at the Schuster
Gift certificates to local restaurants
Theatre Packages to SISTER ACT, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALTON BROWN: THE INEVITABLE EDIBLE TOUR and more!

UPCYCLED HANDBAGS TO BENEFIT ARC OHIO

Do you love the Broadway musicals WICKED and THE LION KING or know someone who does? Bid on handbags and totes created from a Broadway WICKED or THE LION KING banner. Local artist Tim Titer creates functional items by upcycling materials that were headed to the landfill and has transformed the banners hung outside the Schuster Center into beautiful and functional messenger bags and totes. Each one is unique in design! 10% of the proceeds from the sale of the bags will go to benefit AIDS Resource Center Ohio!.

Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction is the perfect way to get your holiday shopping done and support Victoria Theatre Association at the same time.

With a goal to raise $35,000, the online auction committee has been working hard to create creative and meaningful packages for Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction. Every item purchased through the auction will support The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series which reaches more than 30,000 students throughout the Miami Valley. Your support helps local kids experience the arts through Victoria Theatre Association. Be a hero this holiday season and buy the perfect gift through VTA’s Starring Role Online Auction!

Prices of the auction items range from $15 to $5,000 and all purchases will be received mid-December for holiday gift giving.

“Our committee worked hard to have a wide variety of auction items that appeal to a variety of interests,” says Karen Meade, VTA Advancement Director. “It’s fun to think of it as convenient, one-stop shopping in the comfort of your own home – or office – that benefits Victoria Theatre Association’s extensive education and outreach programs.”

How do I participate?

Visit http://victoriatheatre.com/support/auction and view all the auction items in advance of the auction start date. Or simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to www.biddingforgood.com.
Step 2: Find the “bidders” tab in the upper right corner of the homepage and click “Register.”
Step 3: Fill out the free and no obligation personal information fields.
Step 4: Once you have registered, enter your username and password in the upper right corner and click the “Sign In” button.
Step 5: When you are signed in, using the search field, search for Victoria Theatre Association.
Step 6: Bid on items you like.
Step 7: Check back and check often to make sure you aren’t outbid!

Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction ends at 8 p.m., December 8, 2013. Winners will be contacted regarding details of collecting their purchases. Dave Ahlstrom (Sebaly Shilito & Dyer) serves as the 2013 Online Auction Chair with committee members: Nina Anglin (Oakwood Florist), Jocelin Baker (Logos@Work), Mimi Combs (Oakwood Florist), Jennifer Enseleit (Harris Systems, Inc.), Kris Hopkins (Community Volunteer) and Regina Menza (Premier Health Partners).

For more information about Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction, visit http://victoriatheatre.com/support/auction, call Karen Meade at 937-228-7591 ext. 3063 or email her at [email protected].

Loose Meat: The Mystery of MAID-RITE Sandwiches

December 5, 2013 By Dayton937 5 Comments

Maid-Rites with a Little Kings: Click on photo for full effect

Usually when someone says “loose meat” it has never been a compliment, until now. On the outskirts of the Miami Valley, in the town of Greenville, a legendary burger joint has existed since 1934. It is called Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe.

Over the years it has developed a cult following. People drive miles, and even come from out of state to taste their ‘burgers.’ They aren’t even burgers, they are “loose meat sandwiches” or “Maid Rites.” Why are so many people coming to eat these sandwiches and why are they so good ?? The Big Ragu and Crew set out to solve the mystery.

We have a had a handful of Food Adventures to Maid Rite either after the Darke County fair, or on a whim, or to satisfy an insatiable craving.

Over the years we realized that there are 2 types of people, those that have never tried Maid Rite Hamburgers, and those who have tried it and cant figure out how they make them.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The main attraction is the maid rite loose meat sandwich. The sweet taste of the meat has developed three major theories of how they are prepared 1) Some think they are steamed in pepsi or coke 2) Some claim they are steamed in beer 3) Others say that sugar is added to the meat before cooking.

A Greenville Icon Since 1934

— The eatery is a small, no frills, brick building located at 125 N. Broadway St. in Greenville, Ohio and worth the trip. Locally owned they claim no relation to the MAID-RITE sandwich shop franchises in Iowa etc…

— Limited menu with 4 sandwich choices which include loose meat, chicken salad, egg salad or ham salad sandwiches. Shakes, sundaes, beer, soft drinks and chips are available too.

— The employees are very protective of the recipe and process of the sandwiches. We were unable to get the secret recipe after badgering the employees and managers. We were threatened with spatulas and told we would be picking shards of Little Kings bottles out of our rumps for a week. Sorry for the letdown, folks.

— For some unknown reason, it is now customary to stick your gum on the outside of the building. Literally thousands of wads of chewed gum have been stuck on every outside wall of the establishment.

— Bathrooms are located in a separate building around back, adding even more uniqueness and oddness to this place. They also have a drive up window for a quick meat fix.

How do they make the meat so sweet ???

MUST EATS:

— THE CHEESE RITE SANDWICH: This is the classic maid rite sandwich with cheese. What is a Maid-Rite Sandwich? Think of it as a sloppy joe but with no sauce. It is served on a soft bun, slapped with meat and toppings, and wrapped tightly in wax paper. The meat has a sweet taste to it. This sandwich is topped with a squirt of mustard, a couple of pickle slices and a slice of cheese. They run about $1.95 and the average person could eat 2 or 3 of them. You can get the Big Jim version which adds ham, but we prefer the original Cheese-Rite. Eating one is a unique experience, and you have to try it. Warning: once you unwrap one, we hold no responsibility for future addiction.

— CHOCOLATE MALT: Creamy, sinful and made just for you. You cant go wrong with this delicious, cool classic.

— LITTLE KINGS CREAM ALE BOTTLES: Oh come on , you gotta make it a full blown Food Adventure and wash it down with a icon from Schoenling Brewery. Ok, wanna be a snob? Then grab a Heineken instead.

— MIKESELLS POTATO CHIPS: No fries in this establishment, so choose your hometown chip instead. They have a nice selection of Dayton’s favorite potato chip. It is a good pairing with the simple, classic sandwich.

Click to enlarge: Partial shot of the Gum Wall outside Maid-Rite

A couple of sidenotes: Make sure you bring cash, because that is the only form of payment they accept. Also, hours are 10am-10pm except Fri and Sat when they stay open until 11pm.

Amazing isn’t it? A formula for success being a squished, sloppy joe like sandwich served in a small diner with people sticking gum to the walls outside. But people come back every day in droves. WHY?? It is the curiously sweet tasting, delicious loose meat sandwiches. The workers feverishly tossing the ground meat, stuffing buns, wrapping it quickly, and tossing across the counter. It is the personality of the place. If you have never visited this spot, make sure you put it on your “Food Adventure hit list.” Maid Rite is one-of-a kind.

Want more One-of-a-Kind foodie fun? Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK BY CLICKING HERE !

2013 Dayton Holiday Festival Continues Downtown Throughout December

December 5, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Grande Illumination and Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights kicked off the Dayton Holiday Festival this past Friday, but events continue throughout the season as part of this month-long celebration that has been kindling the holiday spirit downtown for 41 years.

In addition, a special holiday edition of First Friday will be held throughout downtown from 5 to 10 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 6. Shop for unique and locally made items, view festive window displays that are part of the first Downtown Holiday Decorating Contest, enjoy live holiday-themed entertainment, and take advantage of discounts and special deals. A complete list of this Friday’s activities is available online.

The Dayton Holiday Festival’s Family Weekends, sponsored by DP&L, include:

Family Movie Series

Dec. 7, 14 & 21 — noon

The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St.

Bring the family for fun, festive films. Enjoy the following movies during this year’s series: Dec. 7 – Rise of the Guardians, Dec. 14 – Home Alone, Dec. 21 – White Christmas. Titles subject to change. Free for kids 12 and younger, $2 for adults. 937-222-7469.

MUSICAL WONDERLAND

Dec. 7 — 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Dec. 8 — 11:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Schuster Center DP&L Stage, Second and Main streets

Enjoy several talented music groups performing during the first weekend in December. 937-228-7591.

Uno’s Pizza with Santa

Dec. 7, 14, 21, 22 — 11 a.m.

Dec. 9 and 16 — 6:30 p.m.

Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St.

Have a meal with Santa before or after visiting The Tike’s Shoppe and other downtown holiday attractions. Reservations required. Call for cost. 937-910-8000.

Virginia Kettering’s Train Display

Through Jan. 6 — Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Chase Bank lobby, Kettering Tower, Second and Main streets

View this one-of-a-kind model train display, given to the community by Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering. The train can be viewed through the building windows at Second and Main streets at any time.

Wonderland Windows

Through Jan. 2 — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed for private functions some days)

Schuster Center Wintergarden, Second and Main streets

Experience the magical Rike’s holiday displays. 937-228-7591.

The Tike’s Shoppe

Through Dec. 23 — hours vary

Schuster Center Wintergarden, Second and Ludlow entrance

A special shop run by kids, for kids ― and priced within a kid’s budget. Santa is available for pictures from 2-5 p.m. each day of the Tike’s Shoppe. Managed by YES! For Youth. 937-212-1878.

The Dayton Holiday Festival is presented the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the City of Dayton, Montgomery County and the Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering Dayton Holiday Festival Fund. A complete list of festival events is available online, as well as a calendar of other downtown holiday events.

The DDP’s website has a complete list of downtown’s events, a dining guide, parking map and more at www.downtowndayton.org. Follow the DDP on Facebook to keep up with downtown events and news.

Multimedia Artist J-Walt’s Spontaneous Fantasia Comes To DAI

December 4, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Art Institute’s visual arts theatre series, Fifth Third Bank Arts Night Out, wraps up its 2013 season on Thursday, December 5, with the visual spectacle, Spontaneous Fantasia.

Spontaneous Fantasia is a live, musical visual experience that incorporates elements of animation, theater, dance, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, and interactive art into a seamless new art form that amazes audiences.

Spontaneous Fantasia is the digital live performance work of pioneering multimedia artist J-Walt. He utilizes the latest in interactive computer graphics techniques to bring paintings to life. The result is an improvised real-time immersive animated movie that unfolds before audiences.

“With my performances, I take literally the meaning of the word ‘animation’: making images come to life,” says J-Walt. “I use my drawing skills to give directions to computer programs I’ve written. I aim to capture the sensitivity of gesture, but I also use techniques which amplify and augment the gestures. The wave of the arm or the stroke of the pen is my foundation, but the effect is much more. My creative process for these pieces is to continually shift between painting, programming, composing music, and performing. My goal is to create a wholly integrated experience for the eye, ear, and mind.”

J-Walt is a performer, interactive designer, filmmaker, graphic artist, and composer. For 25 years, he has been at the forefront of interactive art and computer performance, expanding the uses of computer animation into uncharted territories. He is an award-winning pioneer of computer-generated puppetry, having created many digital puppets over the years. In March of 2006, he won a Technical Academy Award for his development of a real-time pre-visualization system.

For a sample of J-Walt’s work, go to www.spontaneousfantasia.com/videos.

Spontaneous Fantasia takes place in The Dayton Art Institute’s NCR Renaissance Auditorium on Thursday, December 5, at 8 p.m.

The Dayton Art Institute’s Leo Bistro will be open for dinner on December 5, 4:30-8:00 p.m., offering a special menu for the show. Advance reservations are recommended, by calling 937-512-0146. Go to www.leobistro.com for more information about the menu.

Tickets for Spontaneous Fantasia are $30 for adults and $26 for seniors. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased by phone, at 937-223-4ART (4278), in person at The Dayton Art Institute’s Guest Services Desk during regular museum hours, or online at www.daytonartinstitute.org/artsnightout.

For more information about this and other programs at The Dayton Art Institute, please visit www.daytonartinstitute.org or call the museum at 937-223-4ART (4278). Be sure to also connect with The Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and exclusive offers.

Santa Claus & Friends Coming To Town To Benefit Toys for Tots

December 3, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

The 8^th Annual Santa Pub Crawl, benefitting the local chapter of Toys for Tots, will take place in the Oregon District on Saturday, December 14^th beginning with a pre-party at Fifth Street Brewpub.

This is the eighth year for this event where Santa Pub Crawl participants don their most festive holiday attire, anything from complete Santa Clause gear to elf ears and reindeer antlers and everything in between. To participate, attendees need to dress in festive holiday gear, which gets them into each participating bar for free and take advantage of drink specials. They must also bring one new unwrapped $10 toy as a donation to Toys for Tots. More than half a dozen Marines will be on hand to accept donations. In lieu of a toy, attendees may also make a $10 donation to Toys for Tots.

Festivities during the Santa Pub Crawl include a pre-party starting at 4:30 at Fifth Street Brewpub, seven additional participating bars offering drink specials to those dressed in holiday attire, a costume contest with prizes for first, second, and third place male and female, and best group. Prizes this year include mini fridges, large coolers, corn hole game, gift certificates to local restaurants and bars, and cash. Participants may also have their pictures taken with the Marines during the event.

Last year, the Santa Pub Crawl collected more than 600 toys along with $1,000 in cash donations, which was distributed by the Marines to local children in need. This event allows thecommunity to come together and ensure that children right here in the Miami Valley have something under the tree on Christmas Day. Santa Pub Crawl Chairperson, Brian Young, stated, “While last year was big, we anticipate over 1,000 people to participate in the event this year, double last year, and that translates to a lot of toys and cash donations for kids in our community. Because of the generous support of our sponsors, Budweiser, Buckeye Vodka, Folio Designhaus, and Monster Energy Drink, we have a much larger prize pool for the costume contest, which will be held at Blind Bob’s, and the extra advertising allows us to get the word out to that many more people.”

The route for the Santa Pub Crawl is as follows:

Fifth Street Brewpub (pre-party, located at 1600 E. Fifth Street – 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Dublin Pub – 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Trolley Stop – 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Tumbleweed – 9:00 – 10:00 pm

Blind Bob’s – 10:00 – 11:00 pm (costume contest)

Oregon Express – 11:00 – 12:00 am

Ned Peppers – 12:00 – 1:00 am

Newcom’s – 1:00 am – close

Toys can be collected wherever the Marines are posted, and also dropped off at Fifth Street Brewpub. Participants may join the pub crawl at any point in the night. Crown Plaza, located at 33 E. Fifth Street will have discounted rooms while they last for participants. Please call 937-224-0800 and ask for “Toys for Tots Santa Pub Crawl Rate” of $82.00. Be responsible: Don’t drink and drive.

For more information on the Santa Pub Crawl, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DaytonSantaPubCrawl

Photo’s by Peter Wine

Experience a Medieval Holiday at WSU

December 2, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Join your fellow guests for hot wassail and eggnog before dinner. As the trumpeter leads you into the Great Hall to await the royal party, you will be transported back to the 16th century where you will be surrounded by a wave of talented performers—musicians, singers, dancers, the puppet master, and the jester. The bountiful feast will please both your stomach and your heart. Whether it’s your first visit or your 31st, the Madrigal Dinner
will fill you with the joy of the holiday season!
During the Middle Ages and continuing well into the Renaissance, the holiday season was a time when guests traveled great distances to the castles of wealthy friends and family members to feast, dance and exchange news in a celebration that lasted several days. After the rigorous fast of the Advent season, elaborate preparations were made to ensure a truly festive event.

The banquet at Christmas, as on other great holidays, was not an isolated meal, but rather a series of celebrations filled with pageantry and circumstance. After prayers in chapel or at the table, trumpet fanfares signaled the service of specific courses and dishes within the feast. Guests danced, told stories, and sang in enthusiastic outbursts of merrymaking.

Since 1983, the annual Madrigal Dinner, produced each December by the Wright State University Student Union with the Department of Music, has provided the greater Dayton community with a musical and dramatic interpretation of these fabulous medieval ceremonial feasts. What began as a single performance has become an established tradition that spans four evenings and entertains over 1,300 guests.

So, come one, come all, and enjoy traditional English fare, amidst the antics of jesters and manorfolk, dancing and revelry, the Puppet Master, and the wonderfully interwoven lines of the madrigal song. See the Student Union Apollo Room transformed into the Great Hall of Wright Manor where guests are treated to the voices of the Wright State Chamber Singers, medieval dances choreographed by the Tudor Rose Performing Troupe, and the music of Wind in the Woods Early Music Ensemble.
Wes Hale!

Dinner Menu:
Wassail
Medieval Sallat
Beefe and Leeke Pie
Appyl Almynde Stuffed Turkey Breast
Wylde Ryse Blend
Honey Glazed Carrotes and Parsnips
Brannbrede
Bûche Noël
Plomme Poddyng

Introducing a Taste of (DE-FI)ance

December 1, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Graphic Design by Quincy Macklin of On Q Design

Q. What happens when you take one of Dayton’s hottest Chefs and you team him up with 3 of Dayton’s hottest fashion designers??

A. Well, you’ll find out on January 3, 2014 when the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC presents “Taste of (DE-FI)ance” featuring Chef Anthony Head and (DE-FI) Designers Brenda Marone of B.Marie, Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing, and Misti Leigh of iii Creations (Pronounced Third Eye)!

Q. So, what exactly is “Taste of (DE-FI)ance”?

A. Glad you asked because fashion has never looked or tasted so good–no there won’t be any Lady Gaga inspired meat dresses making their way down the runway! But “Taste of (DE-FI)ance” is inspired by Italian Designer and Chef Anna Marconi’s Taste of Runway. Chef Head will be working one on one with all three designers, to create three different appetizers that not only compliment the origin of the fabric used but he will also draw on his artistic skills by using only ingredients and colors that reflects the design. For example, if the main fabric in being used in a design is Silk, then chances are Chef Head will create a Chinese inspired appetizer that looks just like the design on the runway.

Q. What else will “Taste of (DE-FI)ance” feature?

A. “A Taste of (DE-FI)ance will also feature a Designer Trunk Show! So come ready to shop till you drop by purchasing local designers clothing, and then building your energy back up with some awesome food!

Q. How much are tickets and where can they be purchased?

A. The cost is $35/person and includes three appetizers, the Trunk Show, a cash bar, and a Runway Experience you’ll never forget!! Tickets go on sale on Saturday Dec. 7, 2013 at Salon J Ladner located at 37 St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 in the St. Clair Lofts and at Beaute Box located at 116 W 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402.

Q. What time and where is “Taste of (DE-FI)ance” taking place?

A. “Taste of (DE-FI)ance” takes place during First Friday’s January 3, 2014 at Therapy Café located at 452 E. 3^rd St, Dayton, OH 45402, and the doors open at 6:30pm.

Q. Are you ready to #TasteTheRunway? #(DE-FI) #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion

Special Holiday Dec. 6 First Friday

December 1, 2013 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Downtown’s next free First Friday event will be held from 5 to 10 pm Friday, Dec. 6. During this special holiday edition of the event, visitors can shop for unique and one-of-kind items, view festive window displays that are part of the first Downtown Holiday Decorating Contest, enjoy live entertainment and take advantage of discounts and special deals.

Roaming performers — drummer Joseph Glenn, choir Girls Inc. and juggler Tony Steinbach — will entertain throughout downtown, while performers on stilts and dressed as candy canes and holiday trees will walk through the streets. A stage area also will be set up next door to the Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St. The schedule for those performances is:

Viva La Strings

6 to 7 p.m.: Viva La Strings

7 to 8 p.m.: Miami Valley Music Men

8 to 9 p.m.: String orchestra FPAC

Listed below are the 20 businesses participating in the inaugural Downtown Holiday Decorating Contest. The winning business will be selected the week of Dec. 2 and announced during First Friday.

510 Gallery Fine Art, 508 E. Fifth St.

All Pilates, 27 S. St. Clair St.

American Pi, 41 S. St. Clair St.

Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.

Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.

Boston Stoker, 34 W. Second St.

Brim, 464 E. Fifth St.

CADC Art Gallery, 45 S. St. Clair St.

Clash Consignment, 521 E. Fifth St.

Derailed: A Hair Salon, 506 1/2 E. Fifth St.

The Flying Pizza, 223 N. Main St.

Green Baby, 31 S. St. Clair St.

Lily’s Bistro, 329 E. Fifth St.

Price Stores, 52 S. Jefferson St.

Riff Raff on the Canal, 130 N. Patterson Blvd.

Sew Dayton, 261 Wayne Ave.

Sherwood Florist, 444 E. Third St.

Spice Paradise, 16 Brown St.

Valeria’s Beauty Center and Day Spa, 21 W. First St.

The Wine Gallery, 5 W. Monument Ave.

“The holidays are a special time downtown, and this event is designed to make our center city even more festive,” said Sandy Gudorf, Downtown Dayton Partnership president. “With so many locally owned businesses located in our downtown, it’s the perfect destination to find unique gifts, enjoy dinner or drinks at a local restaurant, and so much more.”

Dec. 6 First Friday Events

Art & Shopping

• CADC, 45 S. St. Clair St.: Hosting its annual Art Box gift gallery, featuring handmade and one-of-a-kind gift items. Call 313-9883.

• Clash Consignment, 521 E. Fifth St.: Have your photo taken with Santa and his elves. Call 241-9434.

• Color of Energy, 16 Brown St.: (Open until 8 p.m.) Exhibiting new art by Mike Elsass and live painting. Call 266-3491.

• Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: (Open until 8 p.m.) Showing the exhibits Object of Devotion and A Buckeye Abroad: Frank Wilcox in Paris. Call for cost. 223-4278.

• Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, 48 High St.: (Open until 8 p.m.) Hosting a reception for DSPS New Member Invitational. Light refreshments will be served. Call 228-4532.

• Dayton Visual Arts Center 118 N. Jefferson St.: (Open until 8 p.m.) Exhbiting Close to the Edge: Vera Scekic and this year’s ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery. Both will be open through Dec. 21. Call 224-3822.

• Gallery 510 Fine Art, 508 E. Fifth St.: Bring in your receipt from any other Oregon District business and receive 20 percent off any Gallery 510 Fine Art pashmina/scarf. Free gift wrapping. Call 672-6717.

Retail Stores

• American Pi, 41 S. St.Clair St.: Featuring work by artist ColorBash, a local family business that produces furniture and home accents made from salvaged wood. Also featuring its 12-Hour Annual Sale from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6 (excludes artist/consignment items). Call 938-7890.

• Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.: Free makeup lessons and holiday-themed refreshments. Call 903-3165.

• Brim, 464 E. Fifth St.: Featuring gift baskets that include items from local businesses and store gift registries and certificates. Also offering complimentary tea from Ghostlight Coffee and candy canes. Call 222-4287.

• Green Baby, 31 S. St. Clair: Hosting a toy exchange at 6:30 p.m. and accepting donations for Hannah’s Treasure Chest. For every $25 spent on gift cards, receive an additional $5 or for every $50, receive an additional $10. Call 469-8665.

• Found Treasures 4 You, 502 Wayne Ave.: Offering 20 percent off everything in the store. Call 580-8803.

• Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St.: Bring in a receipt from any Oregon District business and receive 10 percent off your total purchase. Call 275-9949.

• ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St.: Sale on select items, including new and used instruments, other music-related items, and original artwork. Call 321-3517.

• Sew Dayton, 261 Wayne Ave.: Featuring $1 scrap bags, button bags and vintage patterns, as well as half-off all vintage fabrics. Call 234-7398.

• The Yellow Cab, 700 E. Fourth St. Hosting the annual Handmade Holiday show featuring more than 30 vendors selling art, crafts and other original, handmade items. Mugshots Studios will be set for fun holiday pictures. Alcoholic beverages will be available to purchase.

• Sherwood Florist 444 E. Third St.: Offering 10 percent off all holiday pre-orders and all in-store items. Call 298-3655.

Entertainment

• Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd.: The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at 5:30 p.m. This month will be a glow-ride. Dress up your bike with lights, wear glow bracelets or necklaces — anything to make you glow. All tours are free and welcome any skill level.

• Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center, 400 E. Fifth St., Suite C: (Open until 8 p.m.) Featuring artist-of-the-month John Todd, along with activities for families and light refreshments. Call 723-6747

• Salon J Ladner, 37 S. St. Clair St.: Downtown’s newest salon will host the special event “Light Up The Night,” its first after-hours “glow in the dark” styling party focused on giving back to a Dayton charity. The event, held from 6 to 10 p.m., features $10 women’s styling and $5 men’s style or edge up. All proceeds go to AIDS Resource Center Ohio. In addition, Salon J Ladner will offer 20 percent off throughout the month of December to all new customers.
• The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St.: Call 222-SHOW (7469) for films and show times.

• RiverScape MetroPark, MetroParks Ice Rink, 111 E. Monument Ave: Skate under the stars by the Great Miami River at downtown’s outdoor rink. $7 includes admission and skate rental. The park’s concession will be open to purchase hot chocolate and other snacks. Call 278-2607.

• Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St.: Featuring comedian Thai Rivera. Show begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. Call 224-5653.

Food and Drink

• Deaf Monty’s Wine, 22 Brown St.: $2 tastings of select wines. Call 225-9463.

• Franco’s Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. Fifth St.: 10 percent off food. Call 222-0204.

• Lily’s Bistro, 329 E. Fifth St.: Offering complimentary holiday cookies to all customers. For every $50 spent on gift cards, receive $5 free. Call 723-7637.

• Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, 520 E. Fifth St.: Dinner specials and tapping of a firkin of craft beer. Call 222-6800.

• Riff Raff Tavern on the Canal, 130 N. Patterson Blvd.: Drink specials offered throughout the night. Call 361-3131.

• Salar, 400 E. Fifth St.: DJ in the lounge, cigars on the back patio and drink specials starting at 10 p.m. Call 203-3999.

• Smokin’ Bar-B-Que, 200 E. Fifth St.: 10 percent off food. Call 586-9790.

• Thai 9, 11 Brown St.: 15 percent off food. Call 222-3227.

• Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St.: 10 percent off food. Call 910-8000.

•The Wine Gallery, 5 W. Monument Ave.: Offering wine and appetizer specials and a $10 chair massage from 6 to 9 p.m. Call 224-9463.

Music

• Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Featuring happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m., $2.50 well drinks, 75 cents off bourbon and other drink specials and live music. Call 938-6405.

• De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St.: Featuring happy hour from 5 to 10 p.m. and live music during a mix and mingle with downtown business professionals. Call 461-2233.

• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Featuring happy hour until 6 p.m., a performance by the Miami Valley Pipe and Drum group starting at 6 p.m., and live music starting at 9 p.m. Call 224-7822.

• Gilly’s, 132 S. Jefferson St.: Old Skool Groove Night from 8 p.m. to midnight. Call 228-8414.

• Jay’s Seafood, 225 E. Sixth St.: Live music by Puzzle of Light at 9 p.m. Call 222-2892.

• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Featuring half-price pizza from 4 to 8 p.m., Linda Prevo and Friends from 5-8 p.m., and the Eric Jerardi Band starting at 9:30 p.m. Call 223-9205.

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.

‘The Gifts of the Magi’ Review – Dayton Theatre Guild – A Heartwarming Delight

November 27, 2013 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

The Dayton Theatre Guild’s production of “The Gifts of the Magi” features
Back row, l to r: Kelli Locker, Jared Mola, Bobby Mitchum, Shawn Hooks
Front row, l to r: Dave Nickel, Megan Kuchan (Contributed photo)

The Dayton Theatre Guild provides an absolutely charming production of Randy Courts and Mark St. Germain’s 1984 off-Broadway musical “The Gifts of the Magi.”
Set in New York City circa 1905 and based on O. Henry’s short stories “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Cop and the Anthem,” the musical, delicately directed with precision by Kathy Mola, nicely balances two engaging, straightforward tales. The primary story chronicles the love and hardships of Jim and Della Dillingham, a sweet couple struggling to make ends meet as Christmas approaches. In order to provide each other with a present, both make a great sacrifice, which ultimately reflects the spirit of the biblical example set by the Magi. The secondary, more consistently lighthearted account involves Soapy Smith, a gallantly good-natured bum whose only desire is to be arrested in order to obtain food and shelter during the holidays. The wonderfully meaningful, life-affirming journeys of Jim, Della and Soapy, combining rewarding themes of faith, family, forgiveness, friendship and goodwill as narrated/guided by amiable newsboy Willy Porter, epitomize the true significance of the season.
In addition to grasping the harmonic challenges within the tuneful score, particularly accented with beguiling ballads, Mola’s cohesive cast offer highly enjoyable portrayals. Shawn Hooks and Meagan Kuchan, making their Guild debuts, are very compatible as the Dillinghams. The mature Hooks, given a poignant moment of reflection in “How Much to Buy My Dream,” doesn’t diminish Jim’s serious frustration of being unemployed, a topical element deeply felt today as it did when the “Magi” story was first published in 1903. The gentle Kuchan delivers her most touching performance to date as the devoted, encouraging Della. Some of her best scenes stem from Della reminding Jim that money isn’t the foundation of a home and pondering life with a different hairstyle in “The Same Girl.” As Soapy, who quips at one point that he’s been “cursed with good fortune,” the delightful Dave Nickel treads carefully in terms of the music, but his humorous character choices are endearingly sound. Versatile partners Jared Mola (in his local musical theater debut) and Kelli Locker terrifically embody different personalities and disguises as The City: Him and The City: Her. As Willy, Bobby Mitchum is so effortlessly excellent in his Guild debut I’m tempted to brand this production as simply “Bobby Mitchum: Live at the Guild.” Willy isn’t a flashy or grueling role, but surely requires a considerably strong tenor with a thoroughly appealing ability to connect with the audience. The magnetic Mitchum, blessed with a voice that soars while containing enormous warmth, unquestionably fits the bill right at the outset leading a gorgeous rendition of the alluring title song, one of many numbers propelled with beautiful flourishes courtesy of music director Luke Williams.

In addition, costumer Linda Sellers supplies striking period attire. Blake Senseman is responsible for an equally attractive set evoking turn of the century New York. Courtney Wheeler’s choreography is apt and colorful, specifically “Christmas is to Blame.” Nick Vanderpool’s suitable lighting design and Deirdre Bray Root’s fine properties are also noteworthy components of this utterly heartwarming treat.

“The Gifts of the Magi” continues through Dec. 8 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Performances are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Act 1: 45 minutes; Act 2: 40 minutes. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $11 for students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 278-5993 or visit online at www.daytontheatreguild.org.

A Primer To Help You Shop Local

November 27, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

This weekend, ditch the Black Friday crowds and go local. Many independent Dayton businesses will participate in Small Business Saturday, offering shoppers a unique shopping experience away from the malls.

“Small Business Saturday is the opposite of Black Friday,” said Amelia O’Dowd, co-owner of Brim on Fifth. “No camping out, no lines. Great retail, lunch and drinks with your family and friends.”

16 businesses in the Oregon District will be participating. Each business will offer unique sales, products, and discounts for the event. The Downtown Dayton Partnership is holding a window display contest starting on Friday that will last the holiday season.

“Downtown Dayton is home to one of the largest collections of independent retailers in the region,” said O’Dowd. “In addition to great shopping, restaurants and bars will offer gift certificates… Wellness/yoga studios and salons will be offering gift certificates and merchandise.”

At Sew Dayton, 261 Wayne Avenue, pre-purchase classes for the sewing enthusiast. If sewing isn’t your thing, premade aprons, toiletry bags, bunting and beautiful fabrics are available for purchase. Sew Dayton is offering 25% off Riley Blake fabrics, $10 Oliver & S patterns, and new Brother Sewing Machines. Artwork by Erin Pryor is available for purchase; 10% of art sales will be donated to Hannah’s Treasure Chest.

Brim on Fifth, 464 E. Fifth Street, has the largest selection of hats in Ohio. Brim features American made Bailey’s of Hollywood, hats worn by the likes of Sinatra and most recently seen on NBC’s The Voice. There is a hat for every lady and every style; try a cloche by Betmar for a classic look. Recherche NYC and Grace Tokyo have unique and edgy styles for the adventurous. The jewelry and accessories are all handmade and curated by O’Dowd and husband Brian Eastman. Jewelry by Son of Sailor and Dea Dia are beautiful options. Bow ties by Fox & Brie will add professorial flair to any man’s wardrobe.

Stop by Clash Consignment, 521 E. Fifth Street, for original apparel, including the popular Gem City hoodies and t-shirts. Fulfill your vintage fix at Feathers, 440 E. Fifth Street. The vintage lover will swoon over their selection of clothing, fixtures, lamps, toys and other oddities. Get to Feathers early to buy up their selection of bad Christmas sweaters for your next holiday party.

Stop by Spice Paradise, 8 Brown Street to pick up spices, exotic ingredients and gourmet flours that your foodie friends will love. Hop next door to Hick’s Barber Shop and get your bearded friend a gift certificate for a straight razor shave.

At the St. Clair Lofts, American Pi, 41 St. Clair Street, offers American made apparel, including denim, T-Shirts, and dresses. The soothing DayLight candles make an excellent gift for even the pickiest friend. At Green Baby, 31 St. Clair Street, pick up cloth diapers and holistic products for mom and baby. Green Baby also offers a selection of mom and baby consignment, for the budget minded parents.

Looking for all-in-one shopping convenience? Stop by the 2^nd Street Market, 600 E. Second Street. Grab bottles of maple syrup at Dohner’s Maple Camp. Flavored olive oil and balsamic vinegars from the Olive Tree are a guaranteed hit. Spring for a leather watch by Vintageliz and art at Decoy Art Boutique. Grab a bottle of wine for your next holiday party at The Wine Gallery. Need an eco-friendly gift? Try the Dayton Urban Green shop. Don’t forget the furry friends in your life. The Friends of the Humane society booth has treats, toys, and gifts for cats and dogs.

After a long day of shopping, relax with a cocktail at Lily’s Bistro, 329 E. Fifth Street. The Elderflower Gin & Tonic is sure to clear your mind. Need a pick me up after all that shopping? Head to Ghostlight Coffee, 1201 Wayne Avenue. Try a single origin pour over coffee. If you forgot someone on your list, Ghostlight also offers gift certificates, bags of coffee, gift baskets and coffee makers.

To Canal Street: With Love, Dayton

November 26, 2013 By Juliet Fromholt 20 Comments

photo courtesy of Shelly Hulce

On Saturday night, Shrug will take the stage at 308 East 1st Street and when they are finished, the space will no longer officially be called Canal Street Tavern as founder Mick Montgomery’s association with the venue he founded over 30 years ago will end. Right now reports say that the space will continue to host live music under its new ownership, and both fans and musicians will keep careful watch in the months to follow to see how this new reality for the space fits into our music community.

photo courtesy of Greg Simerlink/Grog

Like so many of us, Canal Street was the cornerstone of my musical education with side lessons in friendship and community. I learned to be a listener in that room whether I was jumping up and down screaming along to the Luxury Pushers or finding truth in Tod Weidner’s lyrics in a room paying such close attention, you could have heard a pin drop.

I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Mick tell the story of the founding of Canal Street a few times. Once, I even got to sit on a panel with he and Jerry Gillotti about the Dayton music scene, an honor I still question whether I deserved. Mick certainly succeed in his goal of creating a listening room, a place for music to be appreciated without pretense, but I wonder in those early days in 1981, if he knew that he was also creating a family as tight-knit and diverse and downright quirky as anything you’d see in a movie but a thousand times better. This family would celebrate weddings on stage, send some of our best and brightest out into the world with one last show and welcome newcomers from near and far with open arms.

It’s in this spirit that I’ve invited some of my musical family, individuals who I met either directly or indirectly because of Canal Street, to share their thoughts, their memories and to say thank you to Mick for the time and energy he’s given our community. It won’t be forgotten, and things we learned onstage and in the audience will carry on wherever we find ourselves playing or listening.

**UPDATE: an online fund has been set up to help with bills from Mick’s Montgomery’s recent hospital stays. More information on how to donation via the link.

photo by Juliet Fromholt

Eric Cassidy

I played my first Musician’s Co-op, when I was 15 years old. Brian Wells, Thadd Brittain, and I played a bunch of Velvet Underground, Smashing Pumpkins, and Pearl Jam covers. We were probably terrible. Regardless, we were on a real stage, with real lights, PA, sound tech, listening audience…it was unbelievably cool. With King Droopy, Shrug, Human Cannonball, and solo performances, I’ve since been on that stage more times than I can count. KD did the Dayton Band Playoffs a couple of times. We got more votes than we deserved, and got to play with some great bands that blew our minds, and taught us about etiquette and connecting with audiences. When we got knocked out of the competition, we started getting show offers from the guy who counted the ballots. Enter Mick Montgomery.

If you love Canal Street Tavern, you love Mick Montgomery…the man behind the curtain. He has channeled passion, charm, elbow grease, and unrivaled stubbornness into the improbable anachronism that is CST. As a result of this work, he provided the community with an incubator for young performers, a reliable source of gigs for local bands, and intimate access to some of the best acts in the world. I’m very grateful to have been in this time and place to enjoy the spoils of Mick’s labor. I have shared that stage with incredible performers, who have often become incredible friends. I can’t express how much joy CST has brought into my life.

You want to sit 10 feet from Arlo Guthrie? Done.
You want to see Glenn Tilbrook stand on your table with no PA, singing your favorite Squeeze song? Done.
You want to hear Jay Bennett dish about Jeff Tweedy pretending to be sick in the Wilco movie (whether that’s true or not)? Done.
I could name drop all day. Just as special to me are the many weddings, birthday parties, and unforgettable events that I got to see and be a part of. The memory of hearing the words “This is for Gregg Spence” still sends waves of emotion over me.

Mick has also provided a place for like-minded and not-so-like-minded music lovers to get around the normal bar nonsense, and focus on the music. It’s such a great place to be a fan or performer; there are no TVs, blenders, games, or anything else that makes noise. If it’s a quiet performance, loud talking is not tolerated. The patrons enforce the rules as often as the staff. It’s just the right thing to do. Would you have a conversation during a movie? My CST friends replaced most of my school friends. The club is at least partly responsible for my wife and I getting together. Maybe it was the right time. It was certainly the right place. How many happy relationships can draw a path back to this room?

In return for giving us this special place, Mick has received very little. He never made a fortune, sold out, or compromised (much) for anybody. I hope that he feels satisfaction of doing things his way, and the love of an obviously appreciative group of fans and friends. I can’t thank him enough.

photo courtesy of Greg Simerlink/Grog

Greg Simerlink/Grog

All Good Things…

Yeah, I know but still! I for one love change and really am not a fan of tradition, but Canal Street Tavern has been such a part of my life I have a hard time seeing it cease to exist as it has for so very long.

Among some of the most memorable moments for me:
– Playing my first show with The Oxymorons!
– Being the last place I played on stage (11/24/12)
– Having my first wedding & reception there (Mick gave away the bride!)
– Went on the first date there with my current wife
– Playing on stage to bring in the New Year
– Held several benefit shows there for my old zine Mutant Renegade
– Played my first sold out show

I’m sure I’ve played on that stage over 100 times and have seen hundreds of other bands there over the years. I’ve made countless friends with patrons, fans, employees & musicians at Canal Street. I have shared so many wonderful experiences there I cannot think anywhere else can ever replace it.

So, Mick it was great while it lasted. Thank you for doing so much for the Dayton music community. I for one really appreciated everything you did even if I didn’t always say it. Also thank you to all of the wonderful friends who have worked at Canal Street over the years.

R.I.P Canal Street Tavern…

Photo courtesy of Shelly Hulce

Tim Pritchard

Canal Street Tavern is where I cut my teeth as a musician, bought my first (legal) drink, played my first sold out show, and basically came of age. As a kid, it was the only place I wanted to hang out and my folks were gracious enough to make that happen once and a while. I may have even snuck in under the radar from time to time on my own. My teenage band landed a gig there when I was 17 and I accomplished what had perhaps been my most lofty goal to that point of my life.

I could go on and on about all the shows I’ve played and seen there since, but I’ll just mention a few of the moments that I’ll never forget.
-Playing Tod Weidner’s beat-to-hell Takamine for the first time at a Musician’s Co-Op, followed by “guess what I just got to do” type phone call to my best friend who’d moved to Nashville to go to school. We both kind of idolized Shrug at that time.
-Flyaway Minion’s EP release in 2006 to a sold out bar sponsored by Camel (what the fuck?). Crazy night. Incredible.
-Seeing Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson a few years ago. Still perhaps the best performance by a two-piece I’ve ever seen and completely enthralling as Hillman is a person hero of mine.
-Talking to Mick Montgomery for well over an hour, after closing time, about Donavan’s visit to Canal Street.

E. Ryan Roth

My fondest memory of Canal Street

I had been to my first show about a month earlier. I had snuck into a Velour/Shrug show. Shrug was just a 3 piece at the time, but I instantly was a fan. I liked the music, but the lyrics were pure poetry. Such playful use of language used to paint Hemmngway-esque verbal pictures. On my way out, an old hippy approached me. I figured I was busted, but instead he asked me if I liked what I heard. I of course said “yes”. The man then told me if I liked that, then I should tell my parents to bring me back the next week to see a “Songwriters in the Round”. I found a friend who was going the next weekend ( a member of Velour named Patrick Himes) who’s Dad would claim me as his own. The next Sunday I entered the club legit for the first time in my life. The first set of 3 songwriters wasn’t bad. One guy wrote joke songs that were mildly funny, the other two were country guys….not my cup of tea. At that point, I felt like the old hippy had steered me wrong. Then set 2 happened.

photo by Sara Lynne Walsh

The old hippy, now known to me as owner Mick Montgomery, introduced possibly the best set of music I have seen to date….and this includes Radiohead shows. A possible giant named Tod Weidner was to play first. I recognized him from the previous weekend. A quite petite lady sat next to him. Her name was Jayne Sachs. Next to her was a pretty exotic looking lady named Phyllis Turner.

The sounds and words I was exposed to for the next hour rival the thrill of a skydive. Tod played a song called “Drowsy” that instantly forced me to buy his album. Jayne followed with a song called “Waiting”. A beautiful melody and heartbreaking song that forced me to ask to buy her album as well. She gave me both of her CDs for the price of 1 instead. Phyllis lacked song titles that evening, but her voice cut through the other two like ginsu. “Disposable Soul”, “My Problem, “Special Neurotic Boy”, “On the Edge” and more followed. I talked with Tod, possibly the most intimidating experience of my life the same night. He and Mick told me about their musicians co-op on Tuesday nights if I liked what I heard that night. In the years to come I would play a hundred or so times on that stage. Some big shows, some for just a few people, some shows with bands, a ton of shows solo including a few dozen times getting to play a Songwriters in the Round, but like anything else in life, nothing burns brighter than the first time. Thanks to Mick realizing that the 16 year old kid that just snuck into his bar was there for the love of music and not to get drunk, he made a fan for life.

Thank you sir. The universe owes you at least three.

Chad Wells

photo by Ian Bonnett

You hear about those places… Magical musical venues where magical musical things happened – CBGB’s, The Fillmore, The Ritz, The Whisky A Go Go, The Troubador, First Avenue, The Bluebird Cafe, The 40 Watt Club and so many more – some still presenting music several nights a week – many fallen to history. Dayton, Ohio has Canal Street Tavern.

My first time stepping inside that building was around 1992 and I’ve played that wonderful little stage many times and whether the crowd was spilling over onto the stage and into the street or if we just played to a half dozen other singer songwriters at a Musician’s Co-Op, there has always been magic in that room. The historical location is likely beholden to some sort of energetic power spot or maybe it’s just the apparent amount of true love poured into that old wood through the years by Mick Montgomery and the myriad of musical spirits that have drifted up those steps and onto that stage.

There’s something about Canal Street that very few people understand – I had the awakening while attending a show at the Ryman in Nashville – all that old wood and organic material is, nightly, vibrated with the sounds that are pushed through the air and it retains an impression of that energy. Those old church pews and hard wood floor really are haunted by the songs that have been played there. If everything that exists is made of the same subatomic space stuff and the illusion of solidity is really just particles and waves acting and reacting at different frequencies then you have to imagine the intricate patterning inside that structure that we’ve come to know as Canal Street Tavern. Just like the graffiti and stickers that wallpapers the tiny backstage area, the sounds and spirit and love that has been shared and received at that particular longitude and latitude will be forever there. Whether the bank papers state the same name or even if that building eventually falls to the ages and some new, strange creature erupts from that corner… You will always be able to hear – or feel – the music that has been concentrated into that piece of ground. Thank you to Mick Montgomery and the countless staff members who made the room feel like home and kept the music playing.

photo courtesy of Shelly Huce

Tod Weidner

Memories of Canal Street: Can’t choose. Won’t choose. Here are some, though. Meeting and becoming good friends with Peter Mulvey. Iodine, any time they played there. Christopher Corn’s co-op set after Tim Taylor died. The 93 and 95 Playoffs. The Monster Hops. Bill Frisell. Opening for the Aquarium Rescue Unit. Meeting Sharon A. Lane within minutes of walking in there for the first time. Opening for Richard Lloyd and listening to him reminisce about roller skating with Cheetah Chrome to a star-struck me and Jamy Holliday. Bill Kirchen. Opening for Ronnie Dawson. James McMurtry. Filling in as a janitor for a week for Will Dalgard. Going to the Century Bar and helping put in the bench seats along the walls. Hammel On Trial. Brian Cates. Settling up with Mick Montgomery and having him call me an “old rounder” (the highest compliment one can get from him). Songwriters In The Round. Gregg Spence. Hosting Co-op. Flying by the seat of my pants onstage more times than I can count. Being so pissed off at my performance one night that I punched a hole in the dressing room wall (it’s still there- I can show you). Hell, THE DRESSING ROOM WALL (and trying to remember where the perfectly-camouflaged electrical outlet is on it). Meeting girls. Meeting my wife. Weddings. Wakes. Learning how to be a musician and person over the course of 22 years and literally thousands of gigs on that stage.

photo courtesy of Shelly Hulce

Gladgirl Shelly Hulce

I invented myself there, many times over. And I witnessed the same of others.

It was my life in my early 20’s, then I dropped out of the scene to do the pregnancy/parenting thing. When I was released from “baby jail,” I started revisiting my old identity to see if it was in tact. Not long after re-entry, a band I was in entered the band playoffs. One night after a playoff session, Mick pulled me in the office saying, “Good to see you back, kid. You look happy.” I said “Yeah, I guess I’ve come full circle Mick.” Mick, as usual, put things in perspective with one sentence “ Life isn’t one big circle Shell, it’s lots and lots of circles. You have lot’s of circles ahead.” Mick is one of a few “gurus’ in my life. He and the late Greg Savage (Dingleberries founder) have big notches on the timeline of my life.

CST is home base for me. I was there watching the birth of GBV. I was there watching the birth of The Breeders. Had we only known what that would mean to the rest of the world….!

That room was everyone’s living room. The transition is like having your parents move out of your childhood home. I always went there for comfort. I always felt safe, and there was never any trouble. It was my home. Not a lot of people have that luxury in their towns, a safe place you can go and be with your “family”. A very forgiving place where, if you fail, people help you back up. When you succeed, they lift you on their shoulders. This is where we got our news, and where we “made” our news.

Canal Street is a state of mind, a culture. It’s in Dayton’s DNA. (And most of Dayton’s DNA is in there as well.) I witnessed many couple meet there for the first time. I’ve attended weddings there, and witnessed some break-ups and the awkward re-entry after those break-ups. That goes for bands too, not just couples.

From the outside, the place might not look like much, but for those who live and breath Dayton music, it’s romantic and gritty and real. It’s to Dayton what CBGB was to New York. I have many heroes locally, and in my mind they will always be bathed in the red glow of the CST stage. Some have aged and dropped out, others moved on to international fame, some are from the more current circle. I watched my heroes grow up there too: Tod Weidner, Jesse Remnant, Eric Cassidy, Dan Stahl. We, as a family, celebrated the birth of many new voices, and clung to one another as some of our favorites fell silent.

If you’ve ever seen CST in the day time, or with all the lights on, it’s a real shocker. It’s like seeing your favorite performers at the pool or something. It messes with my perception. I like the dreamy mind set it created for me. I got most of my hug therapy there! For me, the most beautiful and iconic piece of Dayton art is the dressing room of CST. The saying “If these walls could talk…” is fitting to say the least.

One personal favorite memory of mine is being in the Playoffs in 2003 ( I could be wrong on the year) .The band I was in, Ruetschley, advanced a few rounds and it was fun. We decided that I would transfer over to synth, and I was scared to death, having never played keys in a band before. So I took clear tape and wrote the chord on the keys and had a cheat sheet for which patch numbers to dial in for which songs. We had in ear monitors too (looking back, that was insane for that stage). So the first night I am to play keys in this band, during Playoffs, I put the monitors in my ears and I could hear my heart racing and every breath I took. This made me even more nervous, like I was ready to walk on the moon or something. Knowing I had all these notes and keys written was my safety net and my only source of comfort…..THEN they turned the house down and the red stage lights on. I couldn’t read a damn thing. I was terrified, but I faked my way through the first song. When it hit me that all the people in front of me were on my side, I was okay.

The biggest surprise to me when it came to playoffs was how supportive the bands were, at least the year I was in it. When we would beat a band in a round, they would rally their fans to come support us, and we did the same when we got beat. It was then that I realized that Mick was a leader in building community.

As an events promoter, Mick taught me a lot too. I cut my teeth there by throwing shows. He knew I was there to learn. He has a lot of grace for people who care to keep learning. Must be the old school teacher in him. I appreciated his love for antiques and whimsical things too. The styles of handwritten signs, the file they are kept in, the boards of THIS WEEK and COMING UP that flank the stage…. I love those. Sharon’s piano, Rev. Cool’s big head, Woody Guthrie big as life, the crows nest with chairs that always ruined your pants, the creaky floor….. I love it all. It’s home.

I love it that I could stand inches away from a guitar player and watch every pedal being used, read every note and setlist they had on the floor and feel the breeze come out of their amps. It’s magic and church and love and sex one song at a time. I can truly say I have had a religious experience there many times over, especially with the Buffalo Killers. Those shows were every bit as Pentecostal as any alter call I experienced as a child raised in the church. The stained glass windows were no accident if you ask me!

photo courtesy of Shelly Hulce

Steven Gullett

November 30th is the last show at Canal Street Tavern. I worked there for 10 years and played onstage in 7 different bands, I grew up in that bar. It will always be a major part of who I am as a person musically and otherwise. I hope it gets a great sendoff. Thanks for everything Mick.

Angelle Haney Gullett

I knew about Canal Street as soon as I was old enough to read. The weekly ad in the newspaper seemed like a window into a rarefied and exotic world where people made lives around the most important thing in the world – music. I used to clip those ads, even though I didn’t know any of the bands, and paste them into a scrap book. It was the world I desperately wanted to be a part of.

When I was in grade school, my friend’s mom was a jazz and blues artist. I thought Sharon Lane was just about the most glamorous, amazing woman I had ever seen, and she worked at Canal Street Tavern.

When I finally got my job at Canal Street, I was neither glamorous nor amazing. I was 19, an unemployed high school drop out, and scared beyond belief because I had no idea what I was going to do with my life.

Canal Street Tavern had all my answers, even if I didn’t know it.

I watched my friends enter, lose, and eventually win the Dayton Band Playoffs. I got my high heels stuck in those hundred-year-old floorboards. I learned how to say no. I learned how to say yes. I met the man who would become my husband and the people who are my lifelong friends. I made the decision to get my GED. I started college. I waited tables, worked the day bar, remembered people by the drinks they ordered and saw hands-down the greatest live music of my entire life, night after night.

And I mean, I saw everything. Because Mick booked live, original music six nights a week, I found myself listening to everything from folk to alt-country to zydeco to Hawiaan slack-key guitar, all against the never-ending thrum of local punk, metal, and rock n’ roll. I only worked there for three years, but I kept coming back to see music, several nights a week, until I finally moved away. When I wanted to make my first movie, of course it was about Canal Street’s Musician’s Co-Op and how special it was.

Today, I live, work and see music in Los Angeles. I would like to say that I didn’t know how special Canal Street, and by extension the Dayton music scene was until I got away, but that would be a lie.

It was obvious to me that I was part of something very special the first time I stepped through those doors. I knew that bands like Iodine and Braniac and Shrug and Real Lulu and The Mystery Addicts were giving me the best nights of my life, even as it was happening.

And I owe that to Mick Montgomery, who always allowed 18 year olds in, because that’s the age when music matters to you so much you can’t survive without it. Who never let a blender, a pool table or a television screen through the door. Who always cared about the music first, the bar second, and the business third. Who made it very clear that, even though I was a cocktail waitress, I did not have to take a drunk’s disrespect, and neither did the people on stage.

Mick’s children are all grown now, and like them, I grew up in Canal Street Tavern. It made me who I am. It showed me what was possible, if people cared enough to make it happen. Whatever happens to the building and the bar, that’s a legacy that will grow and live on.

That’s Mick’s gift to all of us. And I will be forever in his debt.

Angelle Haney Gullett
Canal Street Tavern, Class of ‘94

This is for Mick, Sharon, Steven, Jamy, Amy, Heather, Rob, Cates, Stacy, Melissa, Elizabeth, Katy, Liz, Sandra, Doug, and Kimberly.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGkN2pjKGWw’]

The Show Must Go On- The Rubi Girls- One Night Only!

November 26, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby 2 Comments

Thanksgiving- the kind of holiday where you slave in the kitchen, spend time with the family, eat turkey for dinner, express thanks for the great people in your life, eat turkey sandwiches, shop, eat more turkey, watch football and start to really wonder how you are related to those people!

So lets face it, by Saturday night you’re going to need to get out! May we suggest you make plans to head downtown and catch The Rubi Girls as they make their traditional Thanksgiving appearance with The Show Must Go On. For those of you who haven’t seen one of their shows (gasp) we should warn you- they are a little risque (and sometimes as the night goes on they can get just downright nasty (but in a good way)!

Grown men dressed as women, dancing, singing and performing in a way that will have you laughing and screaming! Together over 25 years The Rubi Girls perform only to raise funds for AIDS related causes. Having to helped raised over $1,000,000 with their shows and calendars, The Rubi Girls have a cult following in Ohio.

Rumor has it that this may be the largest cast for a Rubi Girl Show ever! With over 14 Rubi Girls, who range from their 20’s to their 50’s, the “ladies” will perform to holiday classics as well as some of the latest pop hits. The costumes alone are works of art. and you always have to wonder what the newest version of The Rubi Dance will be…

VIP seating, which is the front 5 rows is already sold out, but you can reserve your general admission tickets online for just $10, they’ll be $15 at the door- if still available.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

UE-CWA Union Hall- doors open at 7pm, show begins at 8pm
313 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OHBenefitting AIDS Resource Center Ohio