Oral Funk Poetry Productions will launch its fifth season of “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” at The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., from 9 to 11 p.m. this Friday, April 20
About Kristen Wicker
Kristen has fancied herself a writer since she was able to make scribbles with a crayon, and particularly since winning the Miami Valley's Young Author's Contest in grade school with her debut novel, The Twixies' Journey to Fantasy Castle, a Smurfs rip-off, and since "self-publishing" (on a dot-matrix printer) a collection of poems in high school titled 101 Ways to Depress Yourself. Growing up the daughter of a military civilian, and later in life being a loose cannon, Kristen has lived in such places as Tehran, Iran; Cairo, Egypt; Grand Canyon, Arizona; and Myrtle Beach, S.C. These days, she lives, works, works out and hangs out in downtown Dayton and feels quite exotic when she ventures to the far-off locales of Piqua and Beavercreek.
On Becoming a Bad Ass
Girl, the jig is up,” my best friend is telling me on the phone as I’m freaking out about my recent discovery that I am not, after all, a born fighter. “Your shit is totally exposed.”
Forever Loving Your Crazy Self
Dedicated to Jason Braman. Things I want to remember: Hissing “yesssss” at each other through the phone. Listening to “Arnold Layne” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” at full blast in your room with the strobe light flashing. Drawings created with ball-point pens and colored pencils ― your doodles. Hippie beads, scarves and that cape… (continue…)
My Wild Safari in Ohio
No. 1 in an occasional series titled “Never Been There, Never Done That,” in which the author reports on a brand-new adventure. The date had been on my calendar for at least a month. “May 28: Columbus trip.” I’d added it when my girlfriend and I were on our way to a movie at The… (continue…)
A Lame Attempt at Car-Free Living
The aptly named Rattletrap has sat idle on McPherson Street for two weeks now as part of my car-less adventure as I hoofed it around downtown ― and I have to admit my life has been pretty much unchanged. Well, except for the fact that the act of walking has been a serious struggle. See,… (continue…)
Hoofing It: One Girl’s Guide to Walking the Streets of Dayton
Things I remember seeing during my 20-minute commute: Tree limbs swirling in a rain-swollen Great Miami River. Aged buildings with elaborate cornices rubbing shoulders with their modern-day glass and steel counterparts. Phil staggering down the sidewalk asking for spare change to buy a muffin. Things I remember hearing during my 20-minute commute: The splash and… (continue…)
Notes on Parenthood
I’m downloading photos of a baby from Facebook to email my mom and dad when I begin to cry. I know why I’m weepy even though, to be honest, babies give me the heebie-jeebies with their tiny, fragile bodies and late-night cries. It’s because this baby is special. Already, even though we haven’t met, I… (continue…)
Free Program Promotes Pedal Power Downtown
Cycling culture in downtown Dayton is about to burn rubber with the roll out of the Yellow Bike program. This free bike sharing program is the brainchild of Jeff Sorrell, vice president and executive director of the Life Enrichment Center, a faith-based nonprofit organization serving Dayton. The center’s new Yellow Bike program will provide brightly… (continue…)
Urban Nights: Proving Downtown Dayton Is Alive and Kicking
It’s no marketing scheme: Urban Nights really is one of the best nights to be downtown. Downtown Dayton’s biggest street party returns from 5 to 10 p.m. this Friday, May 13. More than 100 venues in downtown Dayton, the Oregon Arts District and Wright-Dunbar Business Village will host special events, offer discounts and open their… (continue…)
