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Black History Month Art Exhibition

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Ed Dixon, owner of the Edward A. Dixon Gallery in Downtown Dayton has curated a Black History Month art exhibition for this February featuring several local artists from the Dayton area.

The artwork featured in the exhibition includes pieces from Clifford Darrett that center on the distinguished military service of Black Americans, artwork from Gregory DeGroat highlighting culturing figures and many other artworks that focus on Black History from the 20th century to present.

They Gave the Supreme Sacrifice by Clifford Darrett

“It’s a great collection of artwork. I not only encourage people to come see the exhibition and read the descriptions, but also take the opportunity to do further research on the people, places and events covered in the show. There are many layers to history beyond the highlights we often receive that can give us a better context and knowledge into who we are, how we got here and where we can go.” ~ Ed Dixon

Ben Carson – by Clarice Moore

This is the first formal exhibition at the gallery since moving to its new location at 222 N. St. Clair Street. The gallery initially moved from its original location next the Dayton Arcade to a small space inside the Talbott Tower when the COVID-19 pandemic started taking its toll on most businesses in 2020. When the country began to recover, a new location was scouted, secured and opened for business in August 2022.

 

Ali – by Gregory DeGroat

The Black History Month art exhibition is slated to open to the public on Thursday, February 2nd and run until February 25th. There will be a public reception and artist talk with light refreshments on Friday, February 17th from 6pm-8pm.

A university student exhibition is also planned for the Spring and the 3rd Annual We’re Doing It All Wrong® art exhibition will open in the Fall.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss at The Rose May 3rd

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On the heels of a triumphant year that saw Robert Plant and Alison Krauss reunite for their first international tour in more than a decade, the duo has announced new tour dates for 2023.

Kicking off in April, this latest run will bring the music of 2021’s T Bone Burnett-produced, Grammy-nominated Raise the Roof and 2007’s Grammy-sweeping Raising Sand to audiences across the US, including a stop in Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center on Wednesday, May 3.

Taking Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ return to the road, which included sold-out shows at NYC’s Beacon Theatre and LA’s Greek Theatre as well as headline slots at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Glastonbury, and Roskilde has been heralded as “a collaboration that should last for ‘Evermore,’” (Variety), and “a master class of a concert” (Chicago Tribune).

Backed by an all-star band of guitarist JD McPherson, drummer Jay Bellerose, bassist Dennis Crouch, string player Stuart Duncan, and Viktor Krauss on keyboards and guitar, setlists have included favorites from both Raising Sand and Raise the Roof, as well as reimagined arrangements of Led Zeppelin classics.

A highlight of their recent tour was the band’s performance at Denver’s storied Red Rocks Amphitheatre on September 1. Now, for the first time, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss: Live at Red Rocks will be available to stream in its entirety on March 16 at 8:00 PM GMT for viewers in the UK/Europe and 8:00 PM ET for US viewers, exclusively via Mandolin, the music industry’s leading digital fan engagement platform. Tickets for the stream, which will have a viewing window of 48 hours from its premiere, will be available for purchase starting on February 14. For more information, go to https://mandolin.com/

Raise the Roof is currently nominated for three GRAMMY Awards and was the #1 most played album at Americana radio in 2022, having occupied the #1 spot on the Americana radio chart for 21 consecutive weeks. Last week, Raise the Roof was named Best International Album at the UK Americana Awards ceremony in London. Since its release, the record has amassed critical acclaim from The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Variety, Pitchfork, NPR, and more. Additionally, Plant & Krauss appeared on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS, PBS, MSNBC, BBC, and beyond, and closed out the year with a special 90-minute episode of CMT Crossroads.

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10am on Friday, February 3 atTicketmaster.com and RoseMusicCenter.com.

Dairy Queen’s $7 Bacon Queso Cheeseburger Meal Deal

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Dairy Queen introduces the new Bacon Queso Cheeseburger as part of the brand’s new $7 Meal Deal.

The Bacon Queso Cheeseburger features a 100 percent seasoned beef patty topped with zesty queso and thick cut applewood-smoked bacon, served on a warm, toasted bun.

You can enjoy the Bacon Queso Cheeseburger a la carte, or as part of a $7 Meal Deal where you get one Bacon Queso Cheeseburger, plus a side of fries, a drink, and a small sundae for 7 bucks.

https://youtu.be/7T7hVZ56Wmg

Nutritional Information – Bacon Queso Cheeseburger

  • Calories: 430
  • Fat: 23g
  • Calories from Fat: 200
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Sodium: 1000mg

City Offers Free Tax filing for Income-Eligible Dayton Residents

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Presented by KeyBank and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Coalition (VITA). Super Refund Saturday and other tax preparation opportunities are designed to help working taxpayers take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. The federal tax credits are two of the nation’s largest anti-poverty programs, helping to lift over six million people out of poverty each year, including more than three million children.

Taxpayers earning up to $59,187 may qualify for free tax return preparation and filing even when not claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC). Tax returns are prepared and filed immediately by IRS-trained volunteers. Eligible taxpayers can get free tax preparation and filing by IRS-trained volunteers at Super Refund Saturday, on Feb. 4, from 9 am to 3 pm, at the Job Center (1111 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd).

The tax credits are more valuable than ever, ranging from $560 for workers with no dependents to $6,935 for some families. Eligible taxpayers must file a federal income tax return in order to claim the credits.

Presented by KeyBank and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Coalition.

WHAT INFORMATION MUST I BRING TO THE TAX PREPARATION SITE?

  • Photo ID
  • All W-2 forms for wages earned in 2022
  • Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for you and all persons in your family included on your tax return
  • Social Security Number or Employer ID Number (EIN) and address for any child care expenses in 2022. Bring payment documentation for the total amount you paid the Provider and the amount paid for each child
  • Any correspondence you received from the IRS in 2022 and 1098 and 1099 forms (if any)
  • If you want your refund directly deposited into your savings or checking account(s), bring your account number(s) with you to the tax site
  • If you are married filing jointly, both parties must be present in order to process the tax return

(EITC refunds do not count as income in determining eligibility for food stamps, SSI, Medicaid, cash assistance or public housing. The Child Tax Credit does not count as income for any federally-funded benefit program.)

More information on eligibility, Super Refund Saturday and other VITA tax preparation locations can be found at www.daytonohio.gov/eitc or by calling United Way HelpLink at 937-913-2000.

MELT closes Beavercreek and Canton Locations

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The Cleveland-based Melt Bar and Grilled chain, which opened it’s first restaurant in Lakewood in 2006 today closed two of their stores.

The Beavercreek store, which was between Fusian and JC Penney opened in June of 2017 and had 5000 square foot space that sat about 150 with another 40 or so on the patio. Melt specialized in specialty grilled-cheese sandwiches with many added ingredients — the founder called it “cool comfort food” — as well as craft beers, specialty cocktails, and an eclectic atmosphere. They offered  those who get a tattoo that featured a Melt logo got 25 percent off for life.

Cory Green, who served at the Assistant Kitchen Manager until today, shared in the Dayton Foodies group, “we put a lot of pride into what the kitchen was making up until the end.”

Also closed today, Melt’s 11th location in Canton at Belden Village Mall.

 Melt Bar and Grilled’s restaurant in Columbus’s Short North district  closed after nine years this past June.  “It’s been 9 great years in The Short North,” owner Matt Fish said in a news release. “However, with very difficult staffing challenges, major cost increases, and other new issues to navigate in the post-pandemic world, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close the Melt Short North location.”

Bob Evans New Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwiches

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Bob Evans has introduced  two new Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwiches to its breakfast menu. Both breakfast sandwiches are served with hash browns, home fries or fresh cut fruit.

 

The Sausage Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich features a fresh-cracked fried egg, American cheese and sausage patty on a flaky buttermilk biscuit

The Bacon Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich features a flaky buttermilk biscuit sandwiching a fresh-cracked fried egg, American cheese and bacon.

You can also enjoy the new sandwiches as part of a Farmhand Biscuit Sandwich Platter or Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich Bundle.

The Farmhand Biscuit Sandwich Platter includes two buttermilk biscuit breakfast sandwiches, one with sausage and one with bacon, plus a side of house-made sausage gravy for dipping and your choice of hash browns, home fries, or fresh-cut fruit.

The Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich Bundle comes with six classic biscuit sandwiches with fresh-cracked fried eggs, American cheese and choice of bacon or sausage, plus your choice of family size home fries, hash browns or fresh fruit.

Brunch & A Show Returns to Coco’s Bistro

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Savor Your Sunday Brunches are returning to Coco’s Bistro this February.  Each Sunday the Stivers School for the Arts performing arts magnet students will perform, while the kitchen at Coco’s serve up brunch from 10am – 1:30pm

 

 

The brunch runs $40 per person, $15 of which is donated to The seedling Foundation of Dayton Ohio to support the unique needs of the students at Stivers School for the Arts.

Reservations are highly suggested, as these brunches have historically sold out quickly.

Menu has not been published yet, but these pictures have been shared:

Coco’s Bistro

250 Warren St,
Dayton, OH, 45402
937-228-2626

Fraze Announces Four Summer Concerts!

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Fraze Pavilion is already thinking ahead to summer and has announced four summer concerts. Three shows are back by popular demand and are Fraze Fan Favorites. Tickets for these four shows will go on sale Saturday, February 4th at 10am.

Nelly
with special guest Chase McDaniel

Thurs, July 20th  8pm

Diamond Selling, Multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning rap superstar, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and actor, Nelly, has continually raised the bar for the entertainment industry since stepping on the scene in 2000 with his distinctive vocals and larger-than-life personality. His collaboration with Florida Georgia Line received Diamond status and he is only one of seven rappers to reach this honor.

$65.50 – Plaza & Orchestra, $45.00 – Lawn & Terrace
(Ticket prices increase $5 day of show)
Limit 4 tickets per person first day of sale

Killer Queen

A Tribute to Queen featuring
Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury

Thurs, July 6th 8pm

Back by popular demand! This wildly successful show is heading to Fraze Pavilion again in 2023.

Lead singer Patrick Myers said “It’s been an amazing journey. That first show changed my life. We thought our band would last maybe a summer at the most but it’s a very addictive thing performing these songs. The concerts grew and grew and we’ve ended up playing and selling out the same arenas that Queen played at their peak. It’s been quite a surreal ride. Becoming regular performers at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in America is another highlight. The Beatles, U2, Springsteen, Dylan all played on that stage. It’s really got it’s own kind of magic going on there”

$40 – Plaza, $35 – Orchestra, $20 – Lawn & Terrace
(Ticket prices increase $5 day of show)
Limit 4 tickets per person first day of sale.

Happy Together Tour 2023

Thurs, Aug 10th 8pm

Back by popular demand! The Happy Together Tour travels back to Kettering on August 10th… come on and return to the 60s and 70s on a summer evening!

2023 will mark the 14th year of the highly successful, hit-filled summer package, THE “HAPPY TOGETHER” TOUR. The touring sensation that has criss-crossed the nation delighting audiences with a show full of chart-topping hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s – an undeniable 61 Billboard Top 40 smashes. The Tour is once again joined by THE TURTLES, who also act as musical hosts for the evening. Along with THE TURTLES will be LITTLE ANTHONY, GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP, THE VOGUES, THE CLASSICS IV and THE COWSILLS.

$60 – Plaza & Center Orchestra, $55 – Side Orchestra $45 – Lawn & Terrace
(Ticket prices increase $5 day of show)
Limit 4 tickets per person first day of sale.

Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley presents
The Menus

Friday June 23rd 8pm $5 Concert Series

The Menus perform at Fraze Pavilion again in 2023. In an energetic give and take, The Menus bring the flair, the tunes and the jokes, while the audience gives thanks with shattering cheers, pumping fists and swaying hips.

The epic relationship between performer and audience member can be witnessed when The Menus take the Fraze stage every summer. Punctuated by crazy costumes and hilarious antics, it’s no wonder this show sells out every year.

$5 – General Admission
(Ticket prices increase $5 day of show)

 

Little Fish Chef Nominated for James Beard Award

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The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

Chef Becky Clark of Little Fish Brewing Company was nominated as a semi finalist in the Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH) category.  In talking with Becky last night, she shared she “was still a little shell shocked from the news.”  She found out when a wine rep congratulated one of her co-workers, and that co-worked called her and asked if she knew.  She didn’t until that call.  Clark said she’s followed the James Beard Awards for years, always trying to dine at restaurants nominated, but had no idea how she got nominated this year.  She knows it wasn’t anyone she works with, and hopes to find out who nominated her soon.

Finalists will be announced on Wednesday, March 29, and winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Becky has been the Executive Chef at the Athens brewery for over four years.  When they announced the Dayton location she was excited to oversee this kitchen as well.  She explains that her menu philosophy is driven by local agriculture and seasonal availability. She went on to say she’s been incredibly impressed with the local vendors and farmers and about how wonderful they are to work with.  She was recently checking on the availability of local radishes and was thrilled to find out she had a dozen options to choose from.  She’s been getting bread from Good Hands Bread Company, Ghostlight is doing her burger buns and she can’t wait to create more collaborations with our local farms.

📸 @s_blanks_

One of the newer dishes to hit the menu is spanakopita. This plate features flaky phyllo dough, filled with spinach and feta cheese, all set on top of preserved lemon hummus, olives, dill yogurt, and spiced harissa carrots.

Risotto is a staple on the menu, though the version seems to change frequently.  Currently their is a cod rissoto and this special saffron rissoto made a guest appearance last week.

 

Want to try her food?  There are still a few tickets left for the Tuesday, Jan 31st 5 course Beer Paring Dinner.  Not lucky enough to score a ticket, you can still dine at Little Fish for lunch or dinner Wednesday – Sunday. It’s an elevated enough spot for a great date night dinner, yet casual enough you can stop by for a beer while out for a run.

Little Fish is a family friendly place. Chef Becky shares that The little Minnows menu that just rolled out follows her fresh food beliefs, featuring house-made cod fish sticks, hummus and veggies for dipping and a hand patty beef or veggie burger.

Catch happy hours Wednesday through Friday with special happy hour food and drink menu from 3-6pm. There are $5 dollar beers, cocktails, and small plates!

Little Fish Brewing Company

116 Webster Street
Dayton, OH 45402

(937) 949-3055

Wed & Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat 11am – 11pm
Sun 10am – 10pm

 

Nominate For The Officer Steve Whalen Memorial Policing Award

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Officer Steve Whalen epitomized the community oriented servant during his career as a Dayton Police Officer.  Officer Whalen was killed in the line of duty in March 1991, however his involvement in community affairs and easy availability to both individuals and groups will always be remembered.

In light of Whalen’s legacy of dedication to the Dayton community, the Steve Whalen Memorial Policing Award was established in 1993 to recognize Dayton Police Department officers whose work and commitment to those they serve mirrors that of Officer Whalen.

Each year the city accepts nominations for this award from the Dayton community and City of Dayton employees.

copy of the Steve Whalen Memorial Police award

The Steve Whalen Memorial Fund Committee chooses the winning officer from the submitted nominations. The officer selected is announced and given his or her award during the annual Dayton Police Department Awards Ceremony, which will be held in late April.

NOMINATE AN OFFICER

Jurassic Quest Brings Dinosaurs to Dayton!

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You’re gonna need a bigger weekend! The world-famous, life-size dinosaurs of Jurassic Quest–billed as the world’s largest, most-realistic dinosaur event–return to the Dayton Convention Center the weekend of February 3-5.

Jurassic Quest features more than 100 life-size animatronic dinosaurs that are meticulously painted and animated to be “realer-than-real.” Guests walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods, experiencing for themselves what it was like to be among living, breathing dinosaurs. Whether you’re 3 or 103, this is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t soon forget!

Enter to Win Tickets!

We’ve got an exclusive chance for you to win a family four-pack of tickets to visit Jurassic Quest!

Simply follow this link and complete the form to be entered

We’ll pick and notify the winner on January 31. The deadline to enter is noon on January 31.

About Jurassic Quest

Jurassic Quest offers unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. There’s no better place to make pter-iffic memories, playing with adorable baby dinos, excavating fossils, and even training a raptor, while surrounded by behemoths like sky-scraping Spinosaurus, Apatosaurus, an incredible 50-foot-long Megalodon, and the king of the dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus Rex! A few of the show’s highlights include:

Ride a Dino
Jump on a dino’s back and hang on tight! Some of the shows animatronic dinosaurs are ridable and kids always find their favorite.

Explore Bounce Houses
The show’s dinosaur-themed bounce houses are full of roars … of laughter. Jurassic Quest also includes bounce houses designated specifically for small children. (Note: socks are required and sold at the event.)

Create a Dino Craft
Create a paper dinosaur, color a dino, or choose from other exciting crafts at the free crafts table.

Dig for Fossils
Paleontologists of all ages are welcome – uncover ancient secrets like triceratops and T-rex “fossils” and more at the science tables.

Meet Baby Dinos

Jurassic Quest features more than 100 animatronic dinosaurs
If you think the huge dinos are awesome … just wait until you meet the baby Triceratops, Camarasaurus and more! A guest favorite, the baby dinos are amazingly life-like and cute.

Walk with Dinosaurs
Adolescent dinosaurs like to run around and play with the audience! You can take photos and hang out with the dinos while exploring the show.

Discover Ancient Oceans
Discover the secrets of underwater sea dwellers like the enormous prehistoric sea turtle, the earliest discovered dolphins and, of course, the 50-foot megalodon!

Get Tickets to Jurassic Quest

You’ll want to get your tickets for Jurassic Quest before they go EXTINCT!

Kids Unlimited Tickets are $36 (includes admission, plus unlimited access to stationery and walking dinosaur rides, fossil dig, and dinosaur themed inflatable attractions);  (Note: maximum weight for rides is 140lbs.); Kids Standard Admission is $22 (includes live shows, arts and crafts activities, dinosaur and marine exhibits. Tickets for other individual activities available on-site; Adult Standard Admission is $22; Senior Standard Admission is $19; and admission is free for children under 2.

Follow this link to buy tickets now

Show hours are Friday, February 3, 1-8 p.m., Saturday, February 4, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, February 5, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

This post first appeared on the Dayton CVB blog.

Known as the Birthplace of Aviation, Dayton/Montgomery County is located at one of the busiest Crossroads of America, where the I-75 north/south meets the I-70 east/west. Visit daytoncvb.com to request a Destination Dayton Visitors Guide!

Bohemian Funk releases “Roots” album with party at The Brightside

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The acclaimed local band Bohemian Funk releases their  “Roots” album with an epic party at The Brightside Music and Event Venue on Saturday, January 28th. This band makes Dayton proud, and everyone is invited to join in the celebration!

Bohemian Funk hit many people’s radars last spring when they won the Dayton Battle of the Bands competition. They were electrifying live and seemed to come out of nowhere. Who are these guys? the audience asked themselves. They formed in 2019, shortly before the pandemic hit, so they didn’t get the opportunity to play out much. What they did have time for was lots of practice and time to refine their signature look and sound. They were preparing for that kind of opportunity!

Bohemian Funk’s style is best categorized as Rock’n’Soul since they combine a contemporary interpretation of traditional rock’n’roll with nuances of gospel, alternative, southern rock, reggae, and blues. They have created a rich and diverse music collection with more than 40 unique songs they wrote and performed.

Since their big win at the Battle of the Bands, the 4-piece has been touring the Midwest extensively. While touring, the band was discovered by a talent scout while visiting Nashville, who introduced them to the Grammy award-winning producer and engineer Jeffrey Thomas. Working with musicians like Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Metallica, and many more, Jeff has a resume that is miles long. He became interested in the band right away. Jeff’s industry knowledge and rock music experience made the two an ideal match. The band started working with him to make their first debut album in June 2021 in his Nashville, Tennessee, facility, Stormbringer Sound. They released “Back Home,” the first song they had made with Jeff, in December 2021.

Bohemian Funk is comprised of Rocko Dalian (lead vocalist, guitarist), Patrick Arnold (lead guitar), and Graham Werts (drums). Casey Beasley (bass) is the newest member of the band, who joined in late 2021. They deliver a fantastic live experience with their stage presence, contagious energy, and expert musicianship at every performance.

“I am excited and proud to share this record with the world for many reasons but most of all I just want to give people a glimpse of light in their darkness because music has always been my light, my church, and my therapy,” Dalian shared with us. Drummer, Werts, continued, “You can expect greatness from us, and greatness is what we will give! I’m extremely thankful for the help we had throughout this whole experience and the love Dayton has shown in the process. This album release party is going to be one for the books!”

Join in the album release celebration – get all the details on how to go below!


HOW TO GO?

Event Name: “Roots” Album Release Party

Venue: The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Address: 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio

Date: Sat, January 28, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM Doors, 8:00 PM Show

Tickets Available at: https://bit.ly/3iyt4B3

Ticket Price: $15 advance which comes with an event poster! Or $25 at the door.

All ages welcome! No outside beverages, weapons or backpacks allowed in.

Lily’s Brings Back Oyster Fest!

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Oyster fest is back at Lilys for the 7th year, staring tonight and will run Wednesday -Sunday nights Jan 25-Feb 5.  They’ll be serving east and west coast oysters on the half shell with your choice of cocktail sauce, horseradish, or mignonette for $2.5/each, optional hot sauce and/or saltines, all along with some of their favorite baked and fried preparations!
Walk ins are always welcome, but reservations are a good idea too and can be made online at https://www.exploretock.com/lilys or by giving us a call at 937-723-7637.
For non-oyster eaters, don’t worry, they’ll have their regular menu available, too!

Lily’s Dayton

329 E 5th St,
Dayton, OH 45402

937-723-7637

BBQ is Back on Byers Road

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Founder Al Shamburger is back in business!  Having closed his Huber Heights BBQ shop in 2020, he’s found a new home on Byers Road, in the space formerly know as Byers Inn, Dark Horse Tavern, Oinkadoodle Moo and most recently Steve & Tammy’s Tavern.   Big A’s BBQ & Grill is now in their “quiet opening phase,” according to big Al.

They’ll be open daily this week from 3-10pm and then next week they’ll add lunch service from 11am – 10pm, including their all you can eat catfish special on Friday.

Live music will start in March as well as dart leagues and trivia night.

Here’s a look at their menu:


When asked, Shamburger said he’s “best known for his Smoked Ribs, pork chops and bourbon chicken.”  So check it out and tell them DaytonDining sent you!

Trader Joe’s 14th Customer Choice Award Winners

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Today, Trader Joe’s announced their 14th Customer Choice Award winners—these are the best products according to customers like you and me. Here are the winners by category:

P.S. You may be surprised that certain beloved Trader Joe’s products didn’t make the cut this year—namely Mandarin Orange Chicken, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Unexpected Cheddar, Soy Chorizo, and Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets. That’s because these recurring winners were inducted to Trader Joe’s Hall of Fame and are no longer eligible to win.

Trader Joe's Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
Simply Recipes / Trader Joe’s

Overall Winner: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

The Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips are the overall winner and favorite in the snack category too. At least twice a month I get pitches from writers that want to share their love of these chips with the world. That’s how popular these are. I suspect these snacks are going to fly off the shelves now that the word is officially out about their awesomeness. Grab a bag or four while you can!

Trader Joe's honey crisp apple juice
Simply Recipes / Trader Joe’s

Favorite Trader Joe’s Beverage: Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice Beverage

Of all the 2022 winners, this is the only product I’ve never tried because it’s seasonal—it typically shows up around the end of October through December. According to a friend, these taste just like honeycrisp apples and are amazing with apple bourbon and ice. At $3.99 for a pack of four cans, I’d say they are a pretty good deal, too.

Trader Joe's cheddar cheese
Simply Recipes / Trader Joe’s

Best Trader Joe’s Cheese: Cheddar with Caramelized Onions

What a genius combination! There are so many ways this creamy cheddar with caramelized onions can elevate any recipe:

  • Shred it over pita bread and bake it until melty for the best cheesy bread.
  • Make grilled cheese with it.
  • Shred and sprinkle it over scalloped potatoes.
  • Stuff a burger for the most delightful gooey surprise when you bit into it.
Trader Joe's hold the cone
Simply Recipes / Trader Joe’s

Favorite Trader Joe’s Dessert: Hold the Cone!

Writer Stephanie Ganz introduced me to these mini ice cream cones that come in three standard flavors—vanilla (my favorite), chocolate, and chocolate chip—plus the occasional seasonal flavors like peppermint, coffee, and pumpkin ginger. What. a. delight! Not only are they delicious, as a parent of three boys, I’m grateful that they are small enough to curb a sugar rush yet big enough to scratch an itchy craving for something sweet.

Trader Joe's butter chicken
Simply Recipes / Trader Joe’s

The Best Trader Joe’s Entree: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

Trader Joe’s does frozen Indian meals very well, and the butter chicken is no exception. Stock up on them for quick desk lunches for work. From a scale of zero to five (zero being not spicy and five burning your mouth), this one is a zero point five. Trader Joe’s Fiery Chicken Curry is spicier, and in my opinion, better. I would recommend buying one of each, the butter chicken, the chicken tikka masala, the fiery chicken curry, and all other vegetarian options, to find your favorite.

Trader Joe's banana
Simply Recipes / Trader Joe’s

Most Loved Trader Joe’s Produce: Bananas

19 cents for one conventional banana is half the point of going to Trader Joes. (Organic ones are a quarter each—still a steal.) You might think, a banana is a banana is a banana, so what’s so special about TJ’s bananas? It’s cheaper, and unlike bananas sold at other grocery stores, you can buy them by the unit—yes, you can walk out of the store with one banana—rather than pre-packaged bunches. ICYMI, we love bananas here at Simply Recipes, so we are fans are buying more than you’ll need to snack on, because overripe bananas mean banana bread.

Trader Joe's kale, cashew, basil pesto
Simply Recipes / Trader Joe’s

The Best Vegan or Vegetarian Product: Kale Cashew Pesto

Last year, writer Micah Siva shared her secret to easy weeknight dinners using this vegan pesto. She says, “When it first came out, I was skeptical. Did I really need more kale in my diet on top of the kale gnocchi, kale chips, kale salads, and kale smoothies? Well, of course! I can’t do without this stuff. It’s fresh, flavorful, and my secret ingredient to quick and easy weeknight dinners.”

Trader Joe's scented candles
Simply Recipes / Trader Joe’s

Favorite Non-Food Product: Scented Candles

If you fall in love with a fragrance, buy them in bulk and stock up. The scents are seasonal, so if you run out you’ll have to wait another year for it to hit the shelves again. I love the sweet smell of mango tangerine, but I did notice that the coconut-soy wax blend does melt quickly and the candle doesn’t burn as long as other brands.

This article originally appeared on the Simply Recipes website and was written by  MYO QUINN.

2023 Governor’s Awards for the Arts Winners

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Eight winners have been selected to receive Governor’s Awards for the Arts in Ohio this year.

A tradition since 1971, the Governor’s Awards showcase and celebrate exceptional Ohio artists, arts organizations, arts leaders and patrons, educators, and business support of the arts. Award recipients are presented with the only arts award in the state that is conferred by the governor.

In recognition of their impactful and visionary leadership in Ohio’s creative sector and their sustained dedication to promoting artistic excellence, awardees will be honored during a ceremony on May 17, 2023.

“Ohio features a wealth of artistic talent, creative entrepreneurs, and innovative arts leaders and educators. Our shared strength in the arts makes the Buckeye state a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We’re proud to showcase and celebrate Ohio’s cultural assets through the Governor’s Awards for the Arts,” said OAC Executive Director Donna S. Collins.

Each of the winners will receive an original work of art by painter Brian Robinson of Dover.

Registration for the event opens soon, and additional information will be available in the coming weeks. Visit the Governor’s Awards page for regular updates.

The 2023 award recipients and categories follow:

  • Arts Administration | Kathy Wade | Cincinnati (Hamilton)
  • Arts Education | Dr. Douglas Marrah | Ashland (Ashland)
  • Arts Patron | Louella Reese | Granville (Licking)
  • Business Support of the Arts | Walnut Street Gallery, LLC | Wooster (Wayne)
  • Community Development and Participation (co-winner) | Michael London | Dayton (Montgomery)
  • Community Development and Participation (co-winner) | Black Swamp Arts Festival | Bowling Green (Wood)
  • Individual Artist | Tricia Kaman | Cleveland (Cuyahoga)
  • Irma Lazarus Award | Ann Hamilton | Columbus (Franklin)

 

Here’s more info about Michael London | Community Development and Participation
Dayton (Montgomery), our local winner.

Michael London is a playwright, arts administrator, and arts management educator with a strong belief that the arts are for everyone. He currently serves as the director of the Ohio Playwrights Circle—a service organization dedicated to providing encouragement, opportunity, and education for Ohio playwrights. In 2021, he was elected as Ohio’s regional representative for the Dramatist Guild of America. Over a career spanning five decades, Mr. London has worked to help strengthen arts access for diverse communities across the state. From 1978 to 1985, he was a member of the Ohio Arts Council’s Minority Arts Task Force. He also served from 1985 to 2010 as arts advisor for the Ohio Arts Council’s Minority Arts Program, where he helped hundreds of organizations serving communities of color and marginalized communities grow their capacity and outreach. Mr. London also worked, from 1993 to 1998, as the policy consultant and community liaison for the Ohio Appalachian Arts Initiative. A Native American descendant, Mr. London has worked with Indigenous organizations for many years as an arts and management advisor. Currently, he is the planning director for the 2023 Native Voices Project, which will share Story Circles with Native Americans living in Ohio and inspire a new work of art.

A lifelong student of the arts, Mr. London’s studies include The Ohio State University and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in theatre, along with an additional Master of Arts in screenwriting for film and television, from Royal Holloway at the University of London. His work has been performed on stages in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom—where he currently serves as the Playwright-in-Residence for the London-based Benjamin Franklin House Museum.