WYSO Public Radio, located in Yellow Springs, delivers local news and storytelling, along with news from National Public Radio. The station is particularly dedicated to highlighting and featuring literary, performing and visual art, and artists. In total, the station offers 21 music shows, resulting in more than 40 hours of music from local and national artists offering diverse styles and genres. Recently, the station launched Novaphonic.FM, a 24-hour streaming channel and app featuring more locally curated music. WYSO also plans to open a new headquarters in summer 2025. The new facility will feature a 110-seat auditorium to be used for interviews, concerts and speakers and to collaborate with the Yellow Springs Film Festival to offer screenings.
In 1979, Caldwell joined the faculty of Central State University, where he served as head of the vocal and choral department for 34 years and chair of the department of fine and performing arts. He retired from the university in 2013. His work as a conductor, singer and choral director spans the state with ensembles in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Dayton. In addition to serving as music director at the historic First Baptist Church in Dayton, he has also worked with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra to prepare community choral ensembles. He also serves on the boards of the Cincinnati May Festival, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, Bach Society of Dayton, Discover Classical, Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts and Cincinnati Youth Choir among others.
The 2025 award recipients and categories:
- Arts Administration: Zachary Thomas of Cleveland
- Arts Education: Padma Chebrolu of Cincinnati and James Swearingen of Grove City
- Arts Support: Sara Jane DeHoff of Perrysburg and WYSO-FM of Yellow Springs
- Community Development and Participation: William Henry Caldwell of Dayton and Artsbridge, Inc. of Marietta
- Individual Artist: Gerardo Teissonnière of Cleveland
- Irma Lazarus Award: BLINK of Cincinnati
“Through their work, this year’s Governor’s Awards winners have brought positive national and international acclaim to Ohio,” said Ohio Arts Council Executive Director Donna S. Collins, in a press statement. “Their artistic talents and contributions have improved the lives of Ohio’s residents. These honorees share efforts that align with the Ohio Arts Council’s mission to strengthen our communities culturally, educationally and economically.”
Each of the winners will receive an original work of art by painter Tara Yarzand of Sylvania.
The awardees will be honored during a ceremony on May 28.
Dayton Theatre Guild announces 2025-2026 season
The Dayton Theatre Guild’s 2025-2026 season will consist of: Lorraine Hansberry’s classic drama “A Raisin in the Sun” (Performances: Aug. 22-Sept. 9, 2025, Auditions: July 7-8, 2025); Frederick Knott’s suspenseful “Dial ‘M’ For Murder” (Performances: Oct. 10-26, 2025, Auditions: Aug. 25-26, 2025); Jim Geoghan’s dramatic comedy “Light Sensitive” (Performances: Dec. 5-14, 2025, Auditions: Oct. 13-14. 2025); Amy Herzog’s Tony-nominated contemporary drama “Mary Jane” (Performances: Jan. 30-Feb. 15, 2026, Auditions: Dec. 8-9, 2025); Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman’s musical “I Love You Because” (Performances: March 27-April 12, 2026, Auditions: Feb. 2-3, 2026); and Nancy Harris’ drama “The Beacon” (Performances: May 22-June 7, 2026, Auditions: March 30-31, 2026).
The Guild is also seeking directors for the upcoming season. Applications can be found online at forms.gle/2KXLjgUVGEUtjuUC9. The deadline to submit an application is Saturday, Feb. 1. For all questions concerning the director’s call, contact Jared Mola by email at mola.jared@gmail.com. For more information, visit daytontheatreguild.org.
Staged reading of ‘The Wonder’ in Cincinnati
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is presenting a staged reading of resident artist Maggie Lou Rader’s play “The Wonder” at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17.
Based on a true story, “The Wonder” is inspired by the first documented case of spiritual possession in America.
“Mary Roff’s unearthly illness turns her family and the town of Watseka, Illinois upside down, that is, until Lurancy Vennum follows in her footsteps,” according to press notes. “‘The Wonder’ is a journey of hope, loss, undying familial love and healing beyond the bounds of this world.”
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
Credit: SCOTT J. KIMMINS
“This play had its world premiere in Chicago and a second production in Oklahoma City, and I’m thrilled to bring it to Cincy,” said Rader, who has appeared in such Human Race Theatre Company productions as “Family Ties,” “The Revolutionists” and “Grounded.” She was seen earlier this season as Watson in “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B.”
Tickets are $10. For tickets or more information, visit cincyplay.com/about/Arts-Culture-Incubator. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is located at 962 Mt. Adams Circle.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Beta Eta Omega Chapter 90th Anniversary Archival Exhibit
An exhibit celebrating the 90th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beta Eta Omega Chapter will be presented Jan. 13-Feb. 28 on the second floor outside the Dayton Room at the Dayton Metro Library, Main Branch, 215 E. Third St.
This special showcase honors the chapter’s nine decades of achievements with a curated collection of artifacts, photographs and documents dating from its founding in 1934 to the present day. This is a unique opportunity for the Dayton community to explore and appreciate the rich history and enduring legacy of Beta Eta Omega Chapter.
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