The Update | Danielson Art Exhibit; Amazing History Race Returns; ‘Lennon’ Auditions Set

YOUNGSTOWN – An exhibition of paintings, photographs and drawings by Billy Danielson of Youngstown will open Friday at Soap Gallery, 117 S. Champion St., downtown, and run through Aug. 26.

The exhibition, “The Review,” will feature select works from 2003 to 2022. It will be the first time that Danielson, who is co-owner of Cedars West End bar and music venue, will exhibit paintings, photographs and drawings in one show. The motifs include Aix-en-Provence, France; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Youngstown, Ohio.

Danielson summed up the process of his work.

“Art is a reflection of time and place,” he said. “Medium, color and content can change per environment. Different places – different inspiration.”

The opening reception will be 5 to 11 p.m. Friday. Soap Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.

Amazing History Race Returns

YOUNGSTOWN – The Amazing History Race – the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s annual scavenger hunt that tests participants’ knowledge of local history and geography – will take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at Tyler History Center, 325 W. Federal St., downtown.

To register or for additional information, contact Linda Kostka at lkostka@mahoninghistory.org, or call her at 330 743 2589, ext. 125. Participation fee is $7 per person ($5 for seniors 60 and up and students 5-13).

Teams receive a set of clues directing them to six different historic sites throughout the Mahoning Valley. One “lifeline” call will be available to each team during the race. Once all historic sites are discovered and photographed with a smartphone or digital camera, teams will proceed to the finish line at Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave. The first team to correctly identify all of the sites wins the trophy. A casual outdoor pizza party for all participants will follow.

Street Closings for Festival Downtown

YOUNGSTOWN – This weekend’s Greater Youngstown Italian Fest will cause several street closings downtown.
The following streets will be closed from 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, until 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 8:

• Federal Street from Phelps Street to Walnut Street.
• Market Street from Commerce Street to Boardman Street.
• Champion Street from Commerce Street to Boardman Street. 

All vehicles must be removed from parking spaces within the closed area prior to 5 a.m. Aug. 8. Any vehicles remaining within the closed-off area will be towed by the Youngstown Police Department.

Also, from 6 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 6, South Champion Street from East Boardman to East Front streets will be closed for the Kool Boyz Foundation’s Cigars and Sundresses fundraiser event

Musical Theater Workshop at JCC

YOUNGSTOWN – The Jewish Community Center’s theater school, 505 Gypsy Lane, is offering a musical theatre triple threat workshop Aug. 15-19, for ages 10-18.

Participants will learn to ace auditions in this intensive week of training culminating in mock auditions. Students will receive instruction in several styles of music, acting and dance, and a professional headshot.

The cost is $200 for JCC members and $250 for nonmembers. Go to jccyoungstown.org to register.

‘John Lennon’ Auditions at Playhouse

YOUNGSTOWN – Auditions for the Youngstown Playhouse’s production of “The Day They Shot John Lennon” will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 28 and 29 in the theater’s Moyer Room.

Those unable to attend can submit a video audition by email to auditions@youngstownplayhouse.org.

Written by James McLure, “The Day They Shot John Lennon” relives the last day of singer and songwriter of The Beatles.

A group of strangers meet at the location of his murder to reminisce on his life with humorous and moving anecdotes. The play is set in December of 1980.

The director, Frank Martin, is seeking actors age 18 and older. Auditionees should be prepared to read from the script.

Rehearsals will begin Sept. 25 with a read-through and cast meet and greet. Technical rehearsals will take place the week of Nov. 7, with performances Nov. 11-13, and 18-20.

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