AKRON, Ohio – “Wayward,” a film produced by Austintown native Ian Michaels, will be screened at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at Nightlight Cinema. 

Michaels will take part in a post-screening question and answer session moderated by Johnny Chechitelli, a fellow Youngstown native and filmmaker.

They will discuss Michaels’ journey from the Mahoning Valley to Hollywood, the making of “Wayward” and the state of indie filmmaking.

Michaels, an Austintown Fitch High School graduate, has produced several films, including “Face 2 Face” (Paramount+), “Rainbow Time” (SXSW) and “Unlovable” (MGM/Orion Classics). 

“Wayward” was directed by Jacquelyn Frohlich. It tells the story of 11-year-old Cleo, who becomes enchanted with a charismatic female hitchhiker whom her mother picks up as they drive to their new home in Los Angeles. When Cleo and the hitchhiker form an unlikely bond, the line between kidnapping and running away becomes dangerously blurred.

The film will be available to stream starting April 4. To learn more or view the trailer, go to WaywardFilm.com.

Vintner’s Dinner with Nick Ferrante

GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ohio – The Vintner’s Dinner, a five-course dinner and wine pairing event featuring Nick Ferrante, owner and winemaker of Ferrante Winery, will take place at 6 p.m. March 22 at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.

The event will include a tasting reception, followed by a multicourse dinner with wine pairing.

“I try to make it a fun and memorable event,” Ferrante said. “I’ll share insights about the winery, its history, our family involvement and its role in the Grand River Valley. Throughout the event, guests will hear more about the evening’s menu, how the particular wines were selected, the history of those wines and what I do as a winemaker. I also make it a point to visit with each table during the dinner.”

A variety of interesting wines were selected for the event, ranging from Star Seeker Bubbly Rosé N/V to bourbon barrel-aged vidal blanc ice wine, which will be used in a cocktail.

Tickets are $119 (plus tax) per person (must be at least 21 years old). For reservations, call 440 466 7100, ext. 0. Dietary restrictions must be made 48 hours in advance. 

Exhibition Showcases Works by Trumbull Students

HOWLAND, Ohio – An art show featuring works by Trumbull County high school students will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. March 18 at the Medici Museum of Art.

The awards ceremony will start at 5:30 p.m.

The event is presented by the Trumbull County Educational Service Center and includes more than 140 works of art from students in 16 school districts.

Youngstown Symphony Seeks Musicians

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra will hold auditions for second oboe and English horn players May 6 and for assistant concertmaster and section violin players May 7 at the DeYor Performing Arts Center. 

Qualified applicants should register HERE before April 15. For information, email auditions@youngstownsymphony.com.

The YSO is a per-service ensemble with a season consisting of approximately 25 regular services and varying educational and outreach services.

Pay for the 2025-26 season: Principal: $133.40 per service; Section: $116 per service. Cartage and doubling are added when applicable. The YSO’s members benefit from a collective bargaining agreement with Local 86-242 of the American Federation of Musicians.

Auditions for ‘Faust’ by Opera Western Reserve

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Open auditions for the chorus in Opera Western Reserve’s production of “Faust” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. April 30 at DeYor Performing Arts Center.

Rehearsals will begin in late July. All vocal types are needed. Auditionees should be prepared to perform one short French Art song; songs in English and Italian are also acceptable. For information, click HERE.

“Faust” will be presented Sept. 20 at Powers Auditorium.

Art Exhibit Delves into Blue-Collar World 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – “Portraits,” an exhibition of art by Frank Oriti of Cleveland, is on view in the Solomon Gallery, in Bliss Hall at Youngstown State University, through April 4.

Admission is free. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

“Portraits” explores the complex culture of blue-collar individuals who returned to the hometowns and neighborhoods they once sought to escape,” Oriti said. “Through each portrait, I delve into the tension between suburban landscapes and their inhabitants, probing questions like, ‘What has my life become?’ and ‘How will others see me now?’”

State Tourism Agency Guide to Spring Events

COLUMBUS, Ohio – TourismOhio’s Spring Events Guide is now available at Ohio.org.

The guide highlights five standout events from each of Ohio’s 88 counties. Organized by month and region, the guide is a roadmap to discovering Ohio’s most unique spring adventures.

Events range from opening days at amusement parks and baseball parks to festivals featuring ice wine, maple syrup and birding. Travelers can also find anniversary events and holiday celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day parades and Easter egg rolls.  

Pictured at top: Ian Michaels, an Austintown native and film producer.