Each week, arts writer Meredith Moss shares news about the people and events making arts news in our region.
If you have information you’d like to have included, write to Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
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If you haven’t been to a TEDx event, you’re missing something special. It’s a wonderful mix of short, carefully prepared talks, demonstrations and performances that “foster learning, inspiration, and wonder” while also prompting fascinating conversation.
It’s also a great opportunity to mix with some interesting new people.
The fourth TEDxDayton event will take place Oct. 14 at the Victoria Theatre in downtown Dayton. This year’s theme is “Search” and the event committee is now searching for a number of thought-provoking speakers.
“We’re searching for informed, thoughtful, passionate speakers who will honor the tradition of TED with topics focused on technology, entertainment and design,” said TEDxDayton chair Diane Farrell. In addition to the application process, visitors may also nominate a person they would like to see on stage.
In addition to original, timely and locally relevant topics, the speakers committee is looking for speakers who can address socially pressing issues, such as technology’s impact on engagement in politics; perceptions of epidemics and how they impact public health and well-being and the transformation of philanthropy and what that means about culture.
Potential speakers should complete the speaker application on www.tedxdayton.com by May 3. The speakers committee will review all applications and invite selected candidates to auditions from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on June 7, and from 9 a.m. to noon on June 11. Participants will be notified within a few weeks of auditions if they have been selected.
Stivers Dancers featured at next Mid-Day Arts Cafe
This week’s Mid-Day Arts Cafe is slated for Tuesday, April 12, and will feature the Stivers Dance Ensemble. The lunchtime program, now in its sixth year, showcases Dayton’s vibrant arts community through live performances, interactive Q&As, and premieres of upcoming productions.
The programs are held in the Mathile Theatre at the Schuster Performing Arts Center. They begin with a box lunch provided by Citilites Restaurant & Bar at 11:30 a.m., and the presentation starts promptly at noon. You’ll be out by 1 p.m.
At the upcoming program patrons will witness a performance illustrating a typical school day in the life of a Stivers dance major. Students will perform to music ranging from Phillip Glass’ “Mishima” to gospel singer Smokie Norful, as well as a work performed at the January International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference.
Tickets to the Mid-Day Arts Café events are $13.00 each with a $2 discount with a Culture Works Passport Card. There’s discounted parking in the Arts Garage. Call Ticket Center Stage at (937-228-3630) to reserve your tickets.
“Erma” performance at UD workshop
We wrote about the one-woman show entitled “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End” when it premiered at Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage.
The 350 participants at last weekend’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop at the University of Dayton had the opportunity to see the entertaining show with the actress who originated the role of Erma —the talented Barbara Chisholm. The production explores Erma’s life, often in her own words.
What made the evening even more special was the presence of the playwrights — Allison Engel and Margaret Engel — as well as Erma Bombeck’s three children. After the show, all took the stage to reminisce and respond to questions from the audience.
For those who missed it, the play can next be seen in our area at Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park May 6-June 4, 2017. It’s been confirmed that Barbara Chisholm will return to portray a role she obviously loves.
Free day at Pyramid Hill
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Hamilton is teaming up with University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning to celebrate International Sculpture Day on April 24. In addition to offering free park and museum admission for the day, the DAAP Sculpture Showcase brings artwork from all levels of makers to the park in a variety of styles, materials and sizes.
It’s a great opportunity to see the amazing park and museum for free. Jeni Barton, director of programming and administration, said the museum’s founder, Harry Wilks, envisioned that Pyramid Hill would be a catalyst for dialog, collaboration and contemplation. “Working with early-career artists, supporting them by providing opportunities to help them grow — it’s the kind of program he would have loved,” she said.
From 2-5 p.m. there will be a free reception at the Ancient Sculpture Museum. The 10,000 square foot Ancient Sculpture Museum displays Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Etruscan sculptures dating to 1550 B.C. The newly created Museum Gallery is an exhibition space dedicated to featuring different local and regional artists each month. Both serve as juxtapositions to the large, modern outdoor sculptures across the more than 300-acre park.
Pyramid Hill’s mission is bringing people to art in nature.
Video Contest will celebrate Dayton
The Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau is running a Video Contest to celebrate Dayton and National Tourism Week. Two winners will each receive a GoPro Camera.
You don’t have to be a professional. The one-to- two minute videos can be taken on a smartphone or other equipment. Submit as many entries as you like by Friday April 22.
For more information and to submit a video : http://www.daytoncvb.com/lovedaytonvideo/
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