Following today's tastiest stories
Email not displaying correctly? View Online

RUSSELL FLORENCE JR.
Thursday, September 12, 2024
 
 

Hello, readers! Dayton’s theater scene is in the spotlight as this week’s edition of Gem City Living brings you arts and entertainment news.

Trust me: Muse Machine, Dayton’s longstanding arts education organization, decided to produce “Cats” this season long before rumors swelled about anyone seeing anybody eating pets in Springfield. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic 1980s dance musical is among the 120 shows (and counting) heading across Dayton area stages over the next nine months. Here’s a deeper dive into the 2024-25 theater season.

The national touring company of

This week’s newsletter also explores a legendary Dayton artist’s social justice-inspired exhibitions, the opening of numerous haunted attractions, yummy tailgating delights, gardening tips, and more.

Let us know what you think. If you have thoughts, feedback or news tips, please email me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.

ADVERTISEMENT

***


😊9 things to do this weekend

A celebration of classic cars at Carillon Park, food trucks stopping by family-friendly events in Miamisburg and Trotwood, the opening of the Dayton Philharmonic’s 2024-25 season, and the importance of mental health and environmental awareness are among top events this weekend.

The 17th annual Dayton Concours d’Elegance will take place at Carillon Historical Park on Sunday, Sept. 15. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam


🎭Stage Notes: Shows to see in September

Classic musicals, murder mysteries, charming comedies and a 1970s throwback are among shows appearing on stages this month. Check out our list.

La Comedia Dinner Theatre's production of

Credit: JUSTIN WALTON


🏈The winners of our tailgating food competition brought the flavor

Football is back (has Joe Burrow fully recovered from his wrist injury?), which means it’s time for some quality tailgating. Cox First Media (Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal-News) recently asked readers to submit their best tailgating recipes. Check out the results.

Cox First Media asked readers to submit their very best, easy-to-follow tailgating recipes. A panel of judges selected the top three. JIM NOELKER/STAFF

Credit: Jim Noelker


🍎Where to go apple picking in the Dayton region

When it comes to fun fall activities, apple picking is always at the top of the list. From Dayton to West Milton to Yellow Springs, keep these places in mind.

Monnin's Fruit Farm has been operating for more than six decades, offering a variety of u-pick fruit throughout the year - CONTRIBUTED

🎃Guide to 2024 haunted attractions in the region

The Land of Illusion

🤡Secret Chamber House of Oddities and Artwork hosts ‘Phobia’ art show

Looking to celebrate Friday the 13th? Clash Dayton’s annual “Phobia” art show will take place at the Secret Chamber House of Oddities and Artwork in Fairborn.

Chuck Ferrel's sculpture depicts Coulrophobia or the fear of clowns.  

Each piece of art in the show is based off a fear people have, including blindness, clowns, spiders, fish and more.


🚗Daycations: This town heavily celebrates Mothman, and a festival is happening soon

Lovers of the paranormal creature Mothman will be heading to the small town of Point Pleasant, West Va. Sept. 21-22. The city will have a festival dedicated to the creature with food, live music, speakers and more.

The legend of Mothman lives on at the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, WV. PHOTO: MOTHMAN MUSEUM

🍽️Food & Dining: Tickets still available to attend Dayton Chef’s Challenge

Tickets are still available for the Diced in Dayton Chef’s Challenge, which will take place Sept. 17 at Top of the Market. The event showcases the creativity of local chefs making unique dishes from a set of mystery ingredients. Twelve chefs from across the area will participate.

The final round of the Diced in Dayton Chef's Challenge saw the team from Corner Kitchen led by executive chef Gavin St. Denis (far left), face off agains the team from Rich Taste Catering led by chef and owner Gerald Richardson (far right).

Credit: Alexis Larsen

The third annual event is a fundraiser for Miami Valley Meals, an organization that distributes 4,000 meals each week with the majority of meal ingredients coming from donated foods. Last year’s festivities raised $34,000 thanks to ticket sales, sponsorships and an onsite raffle for the organization.


🧶What’s the Buzz: DIY studio opening in St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood of Dayton

A new DIY arts and crafts studio is expected to open in early 2025 in the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District offering an assortment of classes such as watercolors, rug tufting and textured art.

Devon Stinson is opening Cozy Craft Studios, a DIY arts and crafts studio in the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District featuring workshops, classes and rentable space. NATALIE JONES/STAFF

Credit: Natalie Jones


🎾Get Active: Adult Red Ball Tennis

Tennis continues to evolve. Schroeder Tennis Center in Tipp City is among the more than 500 tennis facilities across the country participating in the USTA pilot program Adult Red Ball Tennis, which uses a smaller court and racket.

The new USTA Red Ball Tennis program is designed to make it easier for new adults and families to enjoy the game - CONTRIBUTED

Community spotlight: Shayna McConville

Shayna McConville is cultural arts manager at Rosewood Arts Center in Kettering. Throughout her many years at Rosewood, she has led her team through a major renovation of their building — a former elementary school — while significantly growing the program. Read more about her story.

McConville at home in the South Park neighborhood in Dayton with her rescue dogs Merlin and Bea. CONTRIBUTED

🪴Gardening: We need more rain, badly

The Dayton region is still coping with a drought that has taken its toll on gardens and landscapes. Read our story on the best way forward to protect your landscape plants and lawn.

Fall-planted mums showing a lack of water; flowers are more susceptible to dying than foliage. CONTRIBUTED

🖼️On display: University of Dayton hosting free Bing Davis exhibitions

Willis

Credit: Lisa Powell

“Reach High, Reach Back: The Life of Bing Davis” explores the artist’s inspiring journey promoting social justice and championing the importance of representation in the arts.

“On the Shoulders of Ancestors: Ceremony and Ritual” is a continuation of Davis’ “Ancestral Spirit Dance” in addition to his works addressing social issues that impact people of color in America and beyond.


📷Photos: Italian Fall Festa and Dayton Greek Festival

The 47th annual Italian Fall Festa took place Sept. 6- 8 at Bella Villa Hall in Kettering.

The 66th annual Dayton Greek Festival returned Sept 6.-8 to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dayton’s Grafton Hill Historic District.


🎸ICYMI: Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to the area in December: How to get tickets

Trans-Siberian Orchestra will return to the region for two shows on Dec. 7 at Wright State University’s Nutter Center in Dayton.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which combines progressive rock and musical theatre into a holiday mashup and multimedia stadium rock show, will present

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

This year’s tour marks the return of “The Lost Christmas Eve” to the stage for the first time since 2013. Audiences can expect an all-new presentation with pyrotechnics and lasers along with a high-energy second set featuring the group’s greatest hits and fan favorites. Tickets go on sale Sept. 13.


TELL US

Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I encourage you to keep in touch. Share story tips or feedback about this newsletter by emailing me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.

ADVERTISEMENT
MORE NEWS
Marias Unique Foods has opened a second location at The Greene in Beavercreek after operating as a vendor at Daytons 2nd Street Market for nearly 12 years. Pictured is owner Michael Allen and his daughter, Alejandra Espinoza Allen. NATALIE JONES/STAFF
2nd Street Market vendor opens new spot at The Greene in Beavercreek
Maria’s Unique Foods has opened a second location at The Greene in Beavercreek after operating as a vendor at Dayton’s 2nd Street Market for nearly 12 years.
Ziya Mccullar (left) and her mom, Joyous Johnson, are the owners of Zs Lemonade Stand in Dayton. JIM NOELKER/STAFF
Mother, daughter continue to grow lemonade stand in Dayton
Joyous Johnson and her daughter, Ziya Mccullar, started a lemonade stand five years ago as something to do during the summer. After much success, their business has grown into several partnerships in the Dayton region — the latest with Dayton Barbecue Company at Hidden Valley Orchards.
Thai Village is now open at 5201 Cornerstone N. Blvd. in Centerville. The restaurant is holding a soft opening with a limited menu through Sept. 1. NATALIE JONES/STAFF
In August, the Dayton region saw 11 restaurants open, 6 announce closures
Even though the Dayton region saw another set of new restaurants open this month, foodies are grappling with the news of a longtime Riverside bar closing next month and the oldest tavern in Dayton now for sale.
Dayton Daily News
You received this email because you signed up for Gem City Living or because it is included in your Dayton Daily News subscription. If you don’t want this weekly newsletter, unsubscribe here.

You can manage your email preferences here.
Stay connected anywhere, any time with the Dayton Daily News app.
Get it on Google Play Download on the Apple App Store
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Instagram TikTok
Today’s ePaper  |  Manage Account  |  Terms of Use
Privacy Policy  |  Unsubscribe