It's Great 'n Dayton

2009 Dayton Wishlist

On many local sites (see links to the right) many ideas have been proposed over the last year of things people would like to see in Dayton. I've compiled some of the frequent and more recent ones to create a wishlist for 2009. Do you agree with any of them? Have a priority for them? Or do you have ideas that aren't listed? Feel free to comment!

• More residential space downtown (will the Merc ever be finished?)

• More affordable residential space downtown (because I can’t afford to live at the Merc)

• Cleaned up/dressed up entryways into downtown from all directions

• A pedestrian and bike-friendly city utilizing “complete streets” concepts

• More public gathering spaces and stroll districts (think OD with 5^th street blocked off)

• Continued support of the arts (one of our top amenities, the soul of the community, likely to take a hit because of the economy)

• A couple more restaurants downtown

• An end to graffiti (or perhaps more places for legitimate tagging)

• Young people taking a grass-roots approach and making Dayton their own

• Nicely developed green spaces (where Patterson Co-op used to be, and Garden Station at 4^th/Wayne)

• More evening/weekend foot-traffic downtown even if it’s just to create a presence

• More citizens being vocal about improving Dayton instead of pointing fingers about everything that’s wrong

Dayton Dining Sites offer Food for Thought

Just stumbled across these. Thanks to grigs at Dayton Most Metro for this one: http://daytondining.ning.com/

Apparentely unrelated, also check out www.diningindayton.com. Looks to be pretty new but promising.

While we're on the subject, don't forget the Miami Valley Restaurant Association and Dayton's  Independent Restaurants. 

Dayton Metro Library Online

Forget Oprah's book club! If you're wondering what recent best bets are check out DML - yes DML (not DLM or Dorothy Lane Market) - but the Dayton Metro Library.

“Dayton’s Best Bets,” can be found at http://daytonmetrolibrary.blogspot.com.  The blog is a venue for promotion of all the great materials, services, and programs offered by the Dayton Metro Library.  They hope to update twice a day and become the go-to source for library stuff.

Both because of its great resources, and the fact that its free, the library is quite popular especially in the economic times were in. Regardless of the economy or your own demographics the library is a great resource and asset in our community. It is currently setting all-time lending records for itself as told in a recent Dayton Daily News article.

Put some rhythm into your holidays

If you've never seen them before, you'll want to see them now...before they don't exist anymore.

Local dance troupe Rhythm in Shoes is presenting it's annual "Holiday on Thin Ice" production this Friday and Saturday Night at Gilly's nightclub. Tickets are $20 each and the show promises to be a toe-tapping, hand-clapping good time. From live music and dancing to comedy sketches and political satire, this cabaret performance is sure to please.

To see a video of one of last year's popular pieces from the show check out "Christmas Boomwhackers" on YouTube.

 
photo credit: Andy Snow

To see a write up about the company, its history, it's holiday show, and its future check out Terry Morris' article in the Dayton Daily News.

When the Shoes stop tapping it will truly be a sad day for the arts in Dayton.

Dayton Arts Achieve High Honors

 

In the local arts community there's no higher honor than being selected to receive the Governor's Award from the Ohio Arts Council. Awards are given out annually to artists, arts organizations, and arts supporters all over the state. This year Dayton is the only city in the state which received an award in more than one category. The Community Development and Participation Award is going to Cityfolk and the Irma Lazarus Award is going to artist, Bing Davis. At an April 1 luncheon with the Governor, recipients will receive an original work of art by artist Jean Koeller, who just happens to be a local artist!

Being familiar with Bing Davis and Cityfolk, I can say that these awards are well deserved. If you haven't experienced either of them, or any Dayton arts organization, you should treat yourself to a fine arts and cultural experience by taking advantage of the quality artistic life we have in our community!

Original Dayton Entertainment

I'll start off by saying that I'm sorry I didn't post something prior to these experiences because I think you would have enjoyed them. But as I write about them, and you continue reading, hopefully you'll check these groups out in the future.

 

On Friday evening I enjoyed the production of A Christmas Carol at the Loft Theatre, home to the Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton's professional theater company.

The script was original and the cast even sang several numbers throughout the performance. The story is the traditional Scrooge story but was adapted locally by Human Race staffer Leigh Allan. A holiday favorite, this production is one of many throughout the year. The Human Race Theatre long has been known for producing cutting edge, thought-provoking shows and several premiers admid the classics of live theater. Finding its home at the Loft Theatre, the Human Race Theatre Company produces shows in an intimate setting of just a couple hundred seats - and there's not a bad seat in the house.

A first for me and a first (I think) for the Human Race was that one of the actors was sick. And there was no understudy. Not to worry, directors Kevin Moore and Scott Stoney filled the roll nicely and no one skipped a beat. If you plan to see the show you'll likely get to see the full cast! Buy your tickets now! It's a great holiday experience for young and old alike and can be a nice family outting. It's worth it just to see a ghost in drag. That's all I'm saying.

On Saturday night my holiday festivities continued as I attended the Dayton Gay Men's Chorus holiday concert. Did you know Dayton has a gay men's chorus? A blend of 25 or 26 voices, songs were sung with robust voice (gentle when called for), tight harmonies, superb dynamics, and a spirit that made all feel welcome! Since they only have one holiday show you'll have to check out their website for future performances. The next one is in May at the Victoria Theatre.

Buy Local - Dayton Originals Have Unique Gifts to Offer

A few posts below I highlighted some local shopping opportunities. Since they've been been bumped by other posts I thought I'd revisit them and also add some new ones:

Dayton Visual Arts Center - large and small works of art, jewelry and other handcrafts made by local artists.

Cannery Art & Design Center - more local arts

Urban Handmade - unique handmade gifts with an urban flare. limited weekends/times.

50 Under $50 - more unique gifts, available at First Friday festivities (Dec. 5) and also on Dec. 6th in one of downtown's newest creative spaces.

Fair Trade Artisan’s Market - unique gifts from third world countries. proceeds go directly back to those who made the items. This event is at Bergamo Center on December 6.

Also don't forget to patronize vendors and businesses at the Second Street Market and in the Oregon District!

For real Dayton lovers, and especially lovers of the Arcade, a new book about the Arcade is available for $25. Follow the link for more information on where to find this classic keepsake. It's available at many of the events/locations above and there are more details in the article.

BUY LOCAL!