Credit: MUSE MACHINE
Credit: MUSE MACHINE
This week’s edition also spotlights the local return of a “Saturday Night Live” alum, a Johnny Cash tribute concert, winter hiking and a local food photographer.
Let us know what you think. If you have thoughts, feedback or news tips, please email me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.
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😊Around Town: 10 things to do in Dayton this weekend
LEGO fans will want to make the Dayton Convention Center a prime destination this weekend as Brick Fest Live comes to town. And if you’re planning a wedding this year, be sure to check out the Buckeye Wedding Expo and Bridal Show at the Dayton Arcade. Lovers of classical music will be pleased to witness guest pianist Ian Parker tackle Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto backed by the Dayton Philharmonic at the Schuster Center. Here’s a look at more events happening in Dayton this weekend.
🎵Music: WinterFolkFest songwriters take spotlight at Dayton’s annual acoustic showcase
Folk and acoustic music is the foundation of Dayton’s annual WinterFolkFest, which will take place for the first time at Oregon Express. The Shady Pine, Midwestern Mrs., Wakelight and Harold Hensley are on the bill.
🎭 Stage Notes: Governor’s Award for the Arts include Dayton-area recipients, and other local arts news
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Yellow Springs-based WYSO-FM and Dayton-based educator, conductor, singer and musician William Henry Caldwell have been selected to receive a Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio this year. Read more about this year’s recipients and other local arts news.
😆Comedy: An interview with comedian Molly Kearney, who got stand-up start in Dayton
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Comedian Molly Kearney spent two seasons on “Saturday Night Live” spreading goofy joy throughout numerous skits and nailing impressions of Chris Christie and Andy Reid among others. The Cleveland native and University of Dayton alum performs tonight in Springfield.
🎵Music: Johnny Cash tribute artist brings storytelling show to Troy
Scott Moreau is bringing his Johnny Cash tribute show, “Walkin’ the Line,” to the Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy on Jan. 11. The show features 28 songs and covers Cash’s rural upbringing in Arkansas, his friendship with Bob Dylan and his relationship with June Carter Cash. Read more about Moreau’s obsession with the legendary Man in Black.
🥾Get Active: Winter hiking in the Dayton area: Icicles, frozen waterfalls provide wonderland of views on the trails
Eager to hike this winter? Andy Niekamp, founder of the Dayton Hikers, offers some worthwhile advice before you head out on the trail. Read his tips.
📷A Day in the Life: Brieanna Moore captures the flavor of Dayton
Credit: Dorothy Beam Photography
Credit: Dorothy Beam Photography
Brieanna Moore of Dayton is passionate about combining her love of food and photography. The owner of Feed Creative Photo, Moore has photographed food for such local businesses as Butter Cafe, Lily’s Bistro and Austeria Wine Boutique. Read more about her journey and daily routine including her favorite spots around town, specifically her beloved South Park.
🎬Movie of the Week: “The Last Showgirl”
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Oscar buzz! Pamela Anderson is in full comeback mode in “The Last Showgirl,” a tale of a glamorous Las Vegas entertainer contemplating her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run. Anderson was nominated for the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award for her acclaimed performance as Shelly opposite Jamie Lee Curtis. A career-best Demi Moore (”The Substance”) is still the Best Actress frontrunner but don’t be surprised if Anderson is in the mix when Oscar nominations are revealed Jan. 19. For more information, visit neonmovies.com.
📺TV: Dayton native among cast of ‘The Traitors’ Season 3
Credit: FACEBOOK PHOTO
Credit: FACEBOOK PHOTO
The Emmy Award-winning Peacock reality competition series “The Traitors” returns for Season 3 Jan. 9 featuring Dayton native and “Big Brother” veteran Danielle Reyes.
Reyes is among the 21 celebrity contestants from various reality shows and segments of pop culture vying for the chance to win a grand prize of up to $250,000. She’s best known for her legendary runner-up status on “Big Brother 3″ in 2002. She returned for “Big Brother 7: All-Stars” (2006) and, most recently, “Big Brother Reindeer Games” (2023).
Read more about the show and who’ll be competing.
🛷Outdoors: Locals sled at favorite spots across Dayton region
Credit: Natalie Jones
Credit: Natalie Jones
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! What a week it’s been as Dayton saw its first major snowfall of the season (with more to come). In many ways the snow brought the city to a halt with multiple schools still closed today. But snow days also invite winter fun and a chance for overdue sledding. Read more about how some kids are enjoying their favorite sledding spots around the region.
📷Photos: Snow covers southwest Ohio in first winter storm of 2025, Family Skate Day at RiverScape MetroPark and Celebration of Unity with the Haitian Community of Springfield
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
The Haitian Community Alliance, in collaboration with the World House Choir and Yellow Springs Community Foundation, hosted a Celebration of Unity at The Springfield Metropolis on Jan. 4.
Five Rivers MetroParks hosted Family Skate Day at the MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark on Jan. 5.
Kids having fun sledding at Bomberger Park in Dayton on Jan 6.
🎤ICYMI: Dayton Dragons national anthem tryouts begin in January
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Auditions to sing the national anthem during the 2025 Dayton Dragons season are underway. Presented by the Dayton Daily News, the auditions are strictly virtual. Deadline to apply is Feb. 16. Read more about the auditions.
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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.
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