Free Public Performances at the Main Library

The Dayton Metro Library’s Suzy Bassani Theater Off Third was named in honor of Muse Machine founder Suzy Bassani, so it’s the perfect venue to host a series of free, lively Muse Machine performances for young people each month, January through April.

Muse Machine worked with local arts organizations and independent artists to create performances that are both fun and linked to Ohio Learning Standards. Featured performers include the Dayton Brass Ensemble, Dayton Opera and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.

All programs are free and open to the public, 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the Suzy Bassani Theater, located on the third floor of the Main Library, 215 E. Third Street.

“Muse Machine is committed to bringing the arts to as many young people as possible,” said Mary Campbell Zopf, Muse Machine Executive Director. “Partnering with the Library allows us to bring these engaging learning experiences out into our community. It’s a perfect fit between the missions of two educational organizations.”

“We are fortunate to have the support of funders Doug and Sharon Scholz,” said Megan Cooper, Development Manager at the Library. “With the opening of the new Main Library, they saw an opportunity to share the gift of the arts with more children. Their donation to enhance the Suzy Bassani Theater Off Third allows the Library to offer a professional performance space and fill it with exciting arts experiences for all ages.”

All the programs are free. Families and all ages – especially tweens and teens – are welcome. For more information, call 937-463-2665 or visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org.

Muse Machine at the Library

OMG – It’s Opera

Featuring artists in residence with the Dayton Opera • Wed, Jan 31, 4:00-5:00pm

Before Rent, there was La Bohème… Before West Side Story, there was Romeo and Juliet… and before Bugs Bunny starred in The Rabbit of Seville, there was the original Barber of Seville. Some of your favorite musicals, cartoons and pop songs have their roots in opera! This program is a fast-paced blend of something old and something new.

Traveling Trio Trivia

Featuring musicians from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra • Wed, Feb 7, 4:00-5:00pm

Which came first – the radio or the electric guitar? Mario or the Walkman? Cell phones or Pac-Man? Discover the answers in a Musical/Historical Trivia Contest with the Greater Dayton Brass Ensemble. Learn how common inventions influenced music, then arrange them in the right order to win the game.

On The Air

Featuring filmmaker/performer David Sherman • Wed, Mar 7, 4:00-5:00pm

Based on curriculum standards in media literacy, this interactive event weaves together music, projected imagery, humor and imagination. Our love of media shapes how we think and live, but what we don’t know may surprise us.

Space/Time/Energy: The Physics Of Dance

Featuring dancers from Dayton Contemporary Dance Company • Wed, April 4, 4:00-5:00pm

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company beautifully merges the interplay between science and dance. With a narrated performance, conversation and audience interaction, DCDC dance artists demonstrate the use of movement (space), when movement happens (time), and how movement happens (energy).