The Update | New Coffee Shop in Vienna; Rauschenbach Art Studio Opens

VIENNA, Ohio – The Twisted Peacock coffee shop has opened at 888 Youngstown Kingsville Road NE.

The shop, owned by Cyndi and James Koehler, is in the former clubhouse of the Vienna Short Holes golf course and driving range. The Koehlers operated the golf course for almost 20 years before closing it in 2017.

The Twisted Peacock has a colorful peacock theme.

Student Short Film Fest Seeks Submissions

WARREN, Ohio – Submissions are being sought from local students for a student short film festival Jan. 30-31 at Kent State University at Trumbull’s Digital Media Production Center.

The festival is in partnership with Kent Trumbull Theatre, Hounding Productions LLC and Trumbull Satellite (a student-run digital magazine).

Northeastern Ohio students from preschool to college are invited to submit 15-second to 12-minute videos appropriate for a general audience. Prizes are gift cards, ranging in value from $30 to $300.

The contest will be part of KSU at Trumbull’s Digital Media Production Center’s grand opening.

The new center will provide opportunities for students to learn about the industry and acquire skills to promote themselves during and after college.

“Our students will learn the nuts and bolts of the digital media industry and enjoy using the newest equipment,” said professor Carol L. Robinson.

“This is a great opportunity for students, whether they pursue that degree or want to add valuable experience to another degree.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 114,300 digital media job openings from 2023 to 2032.

The submission deadline for the film festival is Monday, Jan. 15. For instructions and more information, click HERE.

Rauchenbach Studio Opens in Struthers

STRUTHERS, Ohio – Local artist Daniel Rauschenbach has opened Rauschenbach Studio at 171 Bridge St.

The shop offers paintings, ornaments, ceramics, prints, drawings, home décor gifts and clothing for adults and babies. For information, go to rauschenbachart.com.

Rauschenbach is the former co-owner of Soap Gallery in Youngstown. He will launch Struthers Mercantile, a gallery and maker space, in downtown Struthers in the future.

Karaoke Every Thursday at Penguin City

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Penguin City Brewing, 460 E. Federal St., downtown, will present karaoke from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Thursday, beginning this week, with DJ Spruce. 

Each event will include specials and a theme. Admission is free. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Synthetic Ice Rink to Open at the JCC

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Winter Campus at the JCC of Youngstown will open Nov. 24 for skating on its synthetic ice rink and curling lane. The Winter Campus, 505 Gypsy Lane, will be open through Dec. 31.

Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays and noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Skating is free, and skates will be available to rent. The rink does not require below freezing temperatures, which allows for skating anytime.

Special events include Hanukkah on Ice from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 13 and a “Noon” Year’s party from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 31. These events are free for JCC members and $5 for nonmembers.

Author to Sign Books at Source Gallery

LISBON, Ohio – Craig Wetzel, author of “Along the Little Beaver,” will appear at Source Gallery, 40 N. Park Ave., from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, to sign and sell copies of his book. 

The gallery will be open for extra hours Thursday.

Modern Methods will Again Brew Ghost Light

WARREN, Ohio – Modern Methods Brewing will again celebrate the ghost light – a single bulb traditionally left burning on the stage of a dark theater that some say chases away mischievous spirits – with the launch of its Ghost Light Porter during Sips and Scripts on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at The Darlene Lounge, 145 W. Market St.

That night, actors will read the play “(Wo)Mansville,” written by Laura Barbieri, a playwright, actress and director from northeastern Ohio. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the reading begins at 7:30 p.m. 

Sips and Scripts represents a partnership between Kent Trumbull Theatre and Modern Methods Brewing. The monthly script readings are free and open to the public.

The partnership began in 2021 when Eric Kildow, associate professor and Kent Trumbull Theatre director, approached Adam and Sarah Keck, owners of Modern Methods, with an idea to connect local theater and craft beer. The Kecks instantly loved the idea of creating community get-togethers and opportunities to enjoy craft beer and the arts – especially original, local art.

“Our goal with Ghost Light Porter was to brew a porter, one of Eric’s favorite styles, worthy of enjoying at intermission for attendees and thespians alike,” Sarah Keck said.

Ghost Light Porter is a classic American dark beer brewed with six specialty malts for a complex flavor profile, evoking chocolate and hints of nuts and finishing with dark fruit. It will be available on draft and in cans. A portion of sales supports the theater. The label features artwork by Elijah DuPonty of Youngstown.

Queen Tribute Band Show Coming to Packard

WARREN, Ohio – Almost Queen, a tribute to the famed rock band, will come to Packard Music Hall on March 1.

Tickets range from $19.75 to $59.75 and will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at ticketmaster.com and the Packard box office.

An online-only presale will take place Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; use the code word PACKARD.

Auditions for ‘Cabaret’ at Millennial Theatre

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Auditions for Millennial Theatre Company’s production of “Cabaret” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Hopewell Theatre, 702 Mahoning Ave.

Rehearsals will begin Nov. 20 and run from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hopewell Theatre. All actors will be required to have received a Covid-19 shot within the past year. Proof of vaccination will be required before the first rehearsal.

Auditionees (age 16 and up) should prepare a 30- to 60-second cut of a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. There will also be a cold read from the script and a dance call. Auditionees should come dressed to move with comfortable dance shoes. All roles are open. A headshot and resume are encouraged, but not required. 

The show is being directed by Joe Asente, with music director Tyler Stouffer and choreographer Danielle Mentzer.

“Cabaret” will run Jan. 19-21 and 26-28, with a possible extension Feb. 2-4.

Pictured at top: The Twisted Peacock Coffee Shop in Vienna has a colorful decor.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.