Fairborn commencement
Badin graduation
Division I regional track finals
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Friday, May 28, 2010
Blues, wine, baseball, zombies and, um, Lady Gaga.
Ahhh, Memorial Day weekend. Hope you’re grilling and sipping something pleasant over the next few days…
— I ran into local bluesman extraordinaire Eric Jerardi last weekend at Fleurs et Vin, where he was working a food table in his other guise: proprietor of Jerardi’s Little Store, his wine shop in Butler Twp. He passed along a copy of his newest CD, “Waukesha Blues Festival 2009,” recorded live in Wisconsin, and it’s a crunchy piece of work. Jerardi and his band, drummer Joe Prescott and bassist Jon Arnold, make some serious noise, and Jerardi’s playing has just gotten richer over the years. He said he feels as though this disc closed out an era for him, and that he’s looking ahead to trying some new things in his music; stay tuned to see what that meant. You can follow the band at www.ericjerardi.com.
— Speaking of the blues, I caught a bit of Michael Locke’s gritty jam at the Oregon Express Thursday evening. The guy’s a fine guitarist, backed by a stonewall band. One thing about Dayton: our blues scene cooks.
— Speaking of the Oregon District, the 2010 edition of the Zombie Walk is Friday, June 4, starting at 11 p.m. in front of the old Gem City Records building. Start mixing up your fake blood now!
— Speaking of the old Gem City Records building, I noticed that the big red-lettered sign for the store was lit up and burning bright. It made me a little curious, and a lot sad. Wonder what the zombies will think?
— Speaking of Fleurs et Vin, our visit to this year’s was our first for the huge charity-fundraiser at Carillon Park, which features wonderful wines and samples from the best restaurants in the Dayton area. I’m kicking myself for never having attended before. And if you’re looking for a wonderfully entertaining local jazz band to play your next event, call up JT Fedrick/Sax Groove; they were smooth and sweet. This year, by the way, proceeds went to Culture Works and AIDS Resource Center Ohio.
— Speaking of ARC Ohio, the “theme release” party for the next edition of Masquerage (oooooh!) is at Coco’s the evening of June 27. My vote, if it matters: Something to do with Lady Gaga. Either way, I’m so there.
— Speaking of follow-ups, a few weeks ago, I wrote about the newish literary ‘zine published by Dayton writer Christina Dendy as Mock Turtle Press. She just turned out the very latest edition under the name “Mock Turtle Issue #1,” in time for the last Urban Nights. It’s packed with good writing and art, all by local folks. Contact mockturtlepress@gmail.com for details.
— Speaking of local publications, here’s a quick shout-out to Brian Botos, marketing manager for the Dayton Dragons — the guy who produces the fun little “Play Ball!” program booklets passed out at every home game. I’ve always enjoyed them; quick turn-around, too! Well done.
— Speaking of Urban Nights, I keep hearing raves about the Dayton Visual Arts Center’s contribution, in which they used a by-gosh steamroller to make prints, atop the Arts Garage near the Schuster Center. Steam on!
— Speaking of Urban Nights, the next edition is Sept. 10. Seeya there.
Isn’t it time to go turn the burgers? Don’t want ‘em to burn….
