The Toledo Opera is hoping you’ll fall madly in love with its latest offering. The highly anticipated production of Gaetano Donizetti’s classic “L’elisir D’Amore” (“The Love Potion”) is set to open on May 1 at the Valentine Theatre.
“I try to give a certain balance to each season, I think of each production as part of a meal. This piece is very light and sweet, like dessert, in contrast to our last production, which was very serious,” said Renay Conlin, Toledo Opera general and artistic director. “It comes from the 19th century and is considered one of the classics of opera’s golden age. It really shows what the human voice was and is capable of, putting great demands on the singer. I think one of the reasons opera has endured all this time is because of the quality of the music, and because the themes that it so often deals with, like love, jealousy, and betrayal, are things that we still encounter today—they’re very universal, and simply because great art always endures.”
The show features performances by Heather Buck, Emily Ezzie, Bryan Griffin, Timothy Mix and Marco Nistico, as well as stage direction by Jeffrey Marc Buchman. Thomas Conlin will be conducting the show. The original production first debuted in Milan to great acclaim May 12, 1832. Donizetti is best known today for his tragic opera based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel “The Bride of Lammermoor.”
“I would say that you really don’t want to miss this show, because this particular opera hasn’t been done in our area since 1984, and while I’m sure you will be able to see the piece performed again at some point, you won’t be able to see this production of it, in the sense that it isn’t a traveling show, but something very special and unique to Toledo,” Conlin said. “Also, the piece of very funny, very accessible, you will understand everything, you go out whistling more than one tune, and nobody dies.”
Showtime is 7:30 p.m May 1 and May 7. There is also a 2 p.m. matinee on May 9. Single ticket prices begin at $30. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups of 10 or more. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (419) 255-SING.
The Valentine Theatre is located at 410 Adams Street.

Aaron Martinez thought he pinched a nerve one day in 1998 while changing a tire on his car.
“I fell down and my legs were shaking really bad,” he said. “I tried to stand up and my legs felt wobbly, like I’d just run a marathon.”
Martinez said he visited a chiropractor, hoping the problem could be corrected with a few minor adjustments. The chiropractor was unable to help.
“He told me I had bigger problems,” Martinez said.

MAS FiNA

Martinez was sent to a neurologist, who informed him he had either had a stroke, or he might have multiple sclerosis. Meanwhile, the problem got worse.
“Within a month and a half I ended up being paralyzed on the left side of my body,” he said.
Then he received the answer. It was indeed multiple sclerosis.
“The diagnosis came through on my birthday,” Martinez said. He had just turned 30.
Originally from Bryan, Ohio, Martinez has been involved in the local music scene for many years as bass player and vocalist for such bands as Tempest, the Zelda-Bender Band and Finster. Now, as a member of MAS FiNA, Martinez and bandmates Dan Strickland and Sid Siddall will make their second appearance at the 7th annual MS Jam at Tam-O-Shanter in Sylvania on May 1.
Martinez said he first became aware of the MS Jam after he saw a flyer for the show.
“I thought that was really cool that someone would put together something like that,” he said.
The MS Jam was started in 2003 by local musician Bill Gross to raise awareness about the disease and to act as a third-party fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Gross had been diagnosed with MS that same year.
Martinez said he had the opportunity to meet Gross when his band came to the Bryan area.
“I got to talk with Bill and his wife, Kathy, about having Finster come and play the next MS Jam,” he said. “Now that I’ve done it I want to keep playing it for as long as they put it on. It’s an  awesome setup.”
Martinez said playing at the MS Jam led to him becoming a member of MAS FiNA.
“Someone there saw that I could play bass and sing at the same time and knew that Sid was looking for a new bass player,” he said. “That worked out perfectly because, by then, my old band was breaking up.”
MAS FiNA was formed in 2002 by 104.7 WIOT program director and on-air personality John “Sid” Siddall, who has played drums for local acts Shyster, The Affair and Big Game. The band specializes in high energy, up-tempo rock, funk, punk and even old-school rap. R&B and country are also part of its repertoire.
Martinez said playing with the band has challenged him to step outside his comfort zone.
“I’ve played with bands that mostly did classic rock and I’m not a fan of country,” he said. “I’ve never attempted any of the songs we do now. A lot of the stuff we play, most bands won’t do.”
Martinez said he is grateful for the support Strickland and Siddall have given him in regard to his condition.
“I’m on injections three times a week and haven’t had a serious relapse in two or three years” he said. “There were a couple times, though, when I had really bad relapses and couldn’t play. They brought in a bass player who learned our entire set list in four days.”
Martinez said he has enjoyed his time with MAS FiNA so far and wants to stay put.
“It’s been a wild ride, but I want to keep doing it,” he said.
For more background on the band and to see its full touring schedule, vist www.masfinaband.com. To learn more about the MS Jam, visit www.themsjam.com.

Sitting here and thinking about why I have to postpone my article and listing of art studios in Toledo till next week …  and debating how to best utilize a new digital projector at Bozarts … I’m stopped dead in my tracks. Digi Gal comes to mind. Within a minute and a half of blips and whirs, synaptic pops and split second daydreams I realize a rare original thought, I think.
The idea is … A digital gallery with flat screens and projectors, weekly/daily art exhibitions synchronized with prints and perhaps originals on hand or available by order. Archival limited editions produced on a variety of materials chosen either by the artist or by the patrons. With a good lawyer, a savvy online presence, industrious marketing, good music, a great sound guy, awesome art and a sincere stance, boom, there it is. The possibilities are endless once you get over the little hump of start-up. I mean, it would probably cost about 50,000 smacks to throw the whole thing together, even if you have a group of good friends who would know how to assemble such a mess of ideas.
With the Internet and the ease of file sharing, representation “could” become relatively easy to acquire with artists, offering them solo digital shows, group shows, archiving, limited edition printing and all sorts of marketing and sales opportunities without them having to even give up the original image. A total commission for a digital file and specified printing and distributing rights.
Photography, film, print making and digital media, would be the obvious choices to focus on, painting and sculpture both typically have a more tactile aesthetic to them, even if you don’t touch them. Not to mention the music, in the same way (digitally) could be shared and distributed with rights of use negotiated, but not costing anybody anything accept a patron bringing in a flash drive and a gallery kiosk of some sort. Compilation DVDs of artists could be produced for all those wall mounted flat screens out there in the world. The music could be marketed on the same Web and social sites as the images and POW, patrons can simply buy digital files with hard contracts on use of the files, or not depending on the artist’s desires. If set up correctly, even buy copies of the live music performance they just saw that night.
So many ideas and possibilities come to mind as these thoughts come over me. I remember a similar idea from a couple years ago about a digital cultural archive and museum, local or not? A terabyte external drive is about a $100; 20 or 30 of them would be a good start. Then begin cataloging files, even marketing it as a service to artists along with slide and print worthy photo documentation which helps to support the existence of such a place. Digital media is so prevalent and easy to access, this could be an extremely comfortable and multifunctional method for patrons to purchase music and images.
OK, quick question: how much would you pay for a digital file of a symphony or rock show you just attended or perhaps for a digital image of your favorite painting at the museum or a gallery exhibition where you couldn’t afford what you wanted? You would be able to use the image on all kinds of digital devices, your phone, laptop, desktop, television, digital picture frames or perhaps print them yourself. If there is anything that I learned from  Andy Warhol, it’s the simple fact, the more popular an image is the more valuable the original(s) become. Somebody will want it and both the business/organization and the artist win.  So do it … or give me the money and I’ll do it, and name it after you, like Fifth Third Field. Cheers!

Jerry Gray is an artist, writer, vocalist, bartender, gallery owner and advocate of the Toledo Potential, including the retaining and featuring of
artistic talent and culture in our city.

A local art gallery is set to showcase the work of an internationally award-winning artist.
From April 30 until June 4, River House Arts in downtown Perrysburg will display Chilean artist Veronica Leiton’s paintings, illustrating the images of her adopted home of Ciudad Juarez, which is known as the murder capital of the world.
Since its opening in November, River House Arts has  shown collections from World War II veteran and co-founder of Arts of the Round Table, Clay Walker, and “Absolut Europa: original prints.”
“Art speaks the truth and can bring to light ideas and concepts we can’t express with words,” said River House Arts co-owner Paula Baldoni. “We’re not wedded to any particular style, though our focus is on modern and contemporary, rough late 19th century to present.”
While River House Arts has a plethora of selections, the main focus is providing an environment for local artists.
“We want to provide a source of inspiration and stimulation in the community,” said co-owner of River House Art, Bill Jordan. “This small intimate space makes art more accessible, understanding and creates more opportunity for engagement and questioning.”
For an artist to get their works shown, they first have to go through a submission process.  The procedure consists of the artist sending an e-mail with a description of the work they have an interest in displaying along with a cover letter and resume.
An artist may submit three to five samples in a one megabyte or less JPG file.
Additionally, the artist has to submit the title, size, price and media information.
“We have a great deal of talent here and want to provide a venue that has strong work to promote local artists who haven’t been exposed yet. It’s like the old adage, you are never recognized in your own backyard,” Baldoni said.
The submission process is highly selective.
“If we don’t choose someone’s work, it’s not an indictment against the artist, we have to feel good about promoting it,” Baldoni said.
Since the opening of River House Arts, the public continues to be receptive, she said.
“We have been impressed with the community response and nothing makes us happier than people coming off the street and buying a piece that speaks to them,” Baldoni said.
As with any form of art, the purpose is to feel a personal connection and River House Arts hopes to epitomize the vibrant spirit of a person’s serenity when discussing a particular piece or promoting the works of an artist.
Gallery Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit the Web site www.river-house-arts.com.

If classic rock can be defined as songs you don’t like but know all the words to, Elton John’s catalog is overflowing with exceptions that debunk the rule: songs you may not realize you know but love as you find yourself singing along.
For nearly three hours during his April 25 “Rocket Man” concert at Huntington Center, John played extended jam versions of two dozen of his hits, from his 1970 debut “Your Song” to a new track set for release on a Leon Russel duet CD in October.
More than 8,000 fans screamed, applauded, sang and urged the 63-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member through a muscular set that showcased a violent workout on John’s Yamaha grand piano.

Elton John, photographed by Steve France

John’s vocal delivery is more staccato than during his glory days, with less elongation to stress lyrics, and, post-vocal chord surgery, he no longer reaches for the higher notes, but his performance was strong, clear and seemed to gain energy as the night wore on; his five band members took breaks at various points in the concert, but John never left the stage. John, dressed in a split-tail maestro jacket with an image of his white-suited self from “Greatest Hits” crawling out of a crocodile mouth, sang behind sunglasses bejeweled with “EJ” and a half-smile. He wasted little energy on between-song chatter, but he did walk the length of the stage several times, mouthing “thank you” to fans and acknowledging specific John-themed articles of clothing worn by those in the first few rows.
For $25, the company simfyLive provided a flash drive and Web link with the April 25 Toledo show in full. A post-concert listen to the sound board-quality mp3 files reveals a band in absolute perfect synch. Longtime John drummer Nigel Olsson and guitar virtuoso Davey Johnstone are not in the Rock Hall with John, but they deserve unquestioned consideration as two of rock’s most consistent and accomplished sidemen. Kim Bullard’s keyboards provided everything from synth effects on “Rocket Man” to harmonica for “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” stoic bassist Bob Birch maintained a rock-steady foundation with John’s piano and percussionist John Mahon provided flourishes that represented the only musical indulgences of the night.
Highlights included intense runs through “Tiny Dancer,” “Madman Across the Water” and “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” one of rock’s coldest break-up songs. A 14-minute version of “Rocket Man” brought the band together behind John in an alternatively baroque and rollicking jam that gave the radio staple new life.
John acknowledged the 14 years between his Toledo visits with an earnest end-of-show comment: “It’s not all about Chicago and L.A.; it’s about places like this, and coming here tonight was such a pleasure. You lifted us so high.”
Download the April 25 Toledo concert at the Web site http://simfylive.com.

I still remember the euphoria I felt this past February 7th. It was just one week removed from the cover story I had done on New Orleans Saints wide receiver and former UT Rocket Lance Moore.

Moore had been told throughout his entire football career that he was far too small to play football period, let alone at the college and professional levels. I remember talking with Lance about the preconceived notions that dogged him his entire life, and the constant pressure to prove these notions wrong every season.

But one week removed from his appearance on the Free Press cover, Moore made the biggest catch of his career for a two point conversion, and the biggest catch in New Orleans Saints history that brought the franchise its first championship.

As the most recent NFL Draft approached, local sports fans were abuzz about where and when the best and the brightest of the MAC would be drafted. Realistically, it was clear that not all of the MAC players would be drafted, but certainly several would be seeing as how there were clearly players who were next level talent that played this past season.

As the dust settled after the final pick was made this past Saturday, a total of five players were drafted from the league, and it wasn’t just the fact of how few were drafted, but the fact of who was drafted and who was not.

Names like BGSU’s Freddie Barnes and UT’s Stephen Williams and Barry Church were not amongst the select group of MAC players who were drafted. While all three and BGSU’s Tyler Sheehan all signed free agent contracts after the draft’s conclusion, none had the pleasure of being selected during the three day draft held in New York City.

As I read the list of who’s who that was not picked by any of the NFL’s 32 teams this past weekend, I couldn’t help but reflect back to Moore’s catch in Super Bowl XLIV.

Hadn’t this guy, who went undrafted in 2005, struck a blow to the misconception that MAC players really couldn’t succeed at the next level with his spectacular catch?

Will anything ever change that perception?

I know one play does not establish the fact that everyone who plays in the MAC can play in the NFL, but it should stand for something.

I think of all the names that were not selected this past weekend, Barry Church and Freddie Barnes not being picked were the most surprising.

Church was a veritable one man show at times during UT’s season last year, almost at time willing his team to victory, like the game against Northern Illinois when he blocked an extra point and field goal to seal a Rocket victory. Church racked up four All-MAC first team nominations in his time at UT.

Maybe Barry Church isn’t the second coming of Ronnie Lott, but he is definitely a next level talent worthy of having been drafted. He can play safety or linebacker in the NFL, and he is valuable on special teams.

Freddie Barnes was a quarterback in high school, who moved to the wide receiver position at BGSU. In four years, he not only established himself as a feared wide out in the MAC, but in the nation as well.

Barnes set several conference and national receiving records in 2009, and he was a Biletnikoff Award finalist, which is given to college football’s top receiver annually. He was also an All-American according to several different media outlets.

There seems to be this standing thought that success on the MAC level does not translate to success at the NFL, which has been proven wrong time and time again.

Moore, Ben Roethlisberger (despite his off the field issues), Josh Cribbs, Nick Kaczur, Chester Taylor, Randy Moss, Byron Leftwich, and Chad Pennington are just a few names that have been stars in the NFL, all who played their college football in the MAC.

I know not all of this years MAC players were up to the level of some of the guys mentioned above, but they were certainly worthy of being drafted.

When the NFL preseason camp commences in early August, it is going to be a tough road to travel for Church, Barnes, and the rest of undrafted free agents to make their respective teams. Here’s hoping this new crop of players can chip away more of this anti-MAC façade.

Chris Schmidbauer is sports editor for Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. You can email him at cschmidbauer@toledofreepress.com. He also can be heard every Tuesday at 11 AM on the Odd Couple Sports Show on Fox Sports Radio 1230 WCWA.

The folks at Owens Community College are hoping area music lovers will come out to their latest concert event and give from their hearts. The student organized “Owens Has Heart” kicks off at the college’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre on April 30, at 5pm. Proceeds from the event benefit Missions International of America and Family Promise of Greater Toledo.

The concert came about as a result of a class taught by instructor Krista Kiessling, on multicultural diversity in the United States.

“We really just started talking about things we could do benefit the community. Krista refers to this as our “Final Action Project”, past classes have done poetry readings, community clean ups, a variety of things. It’s a really cool project that attempts to impact society in a positive way. It was Krista that first told us about the work that Family Promise does for those less fortunate and brought someone from the organization into the class to talk to interested students,” said Matt Thacker, Student Organizer.

Family Promise works to take families out of poverty and homelessness. They located in Toledo at 434 Western Ave. More information on can be found at www.ihntoledo.org More information on Missions International can also be found at www.missionsinternationalofamerica.com.

For Thacker, the concert is close to his heart. Before moving to Toledo in 2006, he spent a decade earning his living as a touring member of the popular bluegrass act Ernie Thacker and Route 23. The group still performs whenever possible. In addition to helping organize the concert, he will also be performing. Thacker is currently working on a liberal arts degree, which he plans to finish this summer, and hopes to transfer to a 4 year program in journalism or political science.

“I feel like that music really appeals to a very broad base of people, you may not like one band, one style of music, but there will be something here for everyone. We’re really just hoping to raise as much as we can with this event—it’s just a great cause. You give a little and get a lot in return.”

Other performers include Winfree, Crucial, Minus Elliot, and Grant Perry. Musical styles include hip hop, reggae, alternative rock, acoustic, and bluegrass. The event is scheduled to run until 8pm.Tickets are $10.

For more information, call (567) 661-7180 or visit www.owens.edu.

Quite often the biggest problem young people face when beginning to save or invest is simply getting started. As with many things, it’s also true of investing that the first step is the hardest. The financial world can be intimidating, and the prospect of building a portfolio that can last through retirement can be worrisome. To help ease the worries of those just starting out, this week’s column will explore the basics of investing, including some do’s and don’ts.

The immediate question for most beginning investors is this: “How much should I save?” Well obviously the ideal answer is “every penny possible,” a more realistic round-number expectation is to save, on average, 10% of each paycheck. If you find that you can’t live on 90% of your pay, you probably can’t live on 100%, and something needs to change with your spending habits.

Once some money has been put aside out of each paycheck, the next question, often the most intimidating and over-analyzed, is what kind of account to setup. Today’s laws allow for almost innumerable types of investment accounts, the most common being personal investment accounts, IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts), and Roth IRAs.

What investors really need to understand about the different types of accounts available is that they have little or no bearing on what investments are being bought or sold. These different types of accounts really only have tax implications, and the best choice for any investors usually comes down to their own circumstances. An accountant is typically a good person to consult on such questions.

However, there are some differences with employer-sponsored plans, like 401(k)s. Many of these plans limit the investments that employees can make, but they might also match employee contributions. All of these things need to be taken into consideration when decided whether to participate. Unfortunately, investors who qualify for an employee-plan are typically prohibited from setting up their own retirement accounts. You can thank the IRS for that little rule.

Another big thing to consider about retirement accounts, like IRAs, is that they usually impose restrictions on funds that enter the account. These restrictions don’t deal so much with what investments can be bought or sold, but when investors can get their money out. For example, if a 30-year old investor has $50,000 in an IRA, they can’t withdraw that money for cash without facing penalties until they are about 60 years old (with certain exemptions).

This leads into our next point: Think with a long-term perspective. It isn’t wise to invest money that you know you’ll need in the next two years. You run the risk of losing money, or maybe you missed the fine print, in which case you might have to pay penalties to get money out of an account.

Typically it’s best to avoid systems that lock-in money whenever possible. IRAs can be beneficial for tax savings, and they still allow for plenty of investment opportunities, but it’s usually best to avoid annuity and insurance products as investments. They typically carry massive penalties associated with early withdrawals.

For additional perspective, look for an advisor, even if you ultimately decide not to use one. Simply meeting with advisors can introduce a lot of ideas you may not have even considered before. Remember that these are people who make their livings in investments.

Whether you end up managing your own account, or relying on someone with additional expertise, the last piece of advice is not to swing for the fences. Hitting homeruns certainly is glamorous, but it’s not a reliable strategy. Getting started young provides investors with years to accumulate the next egg they need to support them through retirement. This is a race for the slow and steady.

Dock David Treece is a stockbroker licensed with FINRA. He works for Treece Financial Services Corp (www.TreeceInvestments.com) and also serves as editor of the financial news site Green Faucet (www.GreenFaucet.com) and as a business commentator for Toledo Free Press. The above information is the express opinion of Dock David Treece and should not be construed as investment advice or used without outside verification.

For a team that has been a early favorite to win the national championship next season, the Ohio State Buckeyes entered its annual Scarlet and Gray spring game with many questions to be answered.

Less than four months removed from a 26-17 victory in the Rose Bow over the Oregon Ducks, Jim Tressel’s Buckeyes provided plenty of highlights in a 17-14 win by the Gray squad over the Scarlet.

One question mark many wondered was which Terrelle Pryor would show up at the Scarlet and Gray game this past Saturday. Would it be the Pryor who led the Buckeyes to the stunning win over the Ducks this past January in Pasadena, or would it be the Pryor who struggled mightily during the season, which caused the Buckeyes to curtail the passing game near season’s end?

After an early Gray touchdown, Pryor led the Scarlet on a four play 78 yard drive to tie up the score. The sophomore quarterback was not allowed to use his most dangerous asset, his running ability, during the game, but he showcased his arm, completing all four passes. Pryor found Toledo native Dane Sanzenbacher three times on the drive, including the touchdown pass of 12 yards. He finished the game 8-12 for 108 yards.

Tressel was pleased with Pryor’s play, despite his limited action.

“I thought he looked good today,” Tressel said. “Terrelle knew what he was allowed to do and not do, and he focused on working on what he could do, like his footwork and reading coverages, but I thought he looked good.”

But it was fellow quarterback Kenny Guiton and receiver Taurian Washington who stole the show in the second half.

Guiton and Washington hooked up on two touchdowns, the final a 45 yard game winning connection, and the duo were the offensive catalysts for the Gray squad.

Guiton was 11-21 for 167 yards, and he was encouraged by his performance during the game.

“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “I think I did really well during spring practice. I think I could have done better during the game, but overall I feel it went really well today.”

Washington was one of the aforementioned questions for the Buckeyes heading into next season. With receiver Duron Carter still battling academic issues, many have tabbed Washington as the team’s third option at receiver after Sanzenbacher and DeVier Posey. While he had just three catches, Washington racked up 83 yards and the two touchdowns.

Washington was excited about his performance, but he needs to carry the success over to the field during the fall.

“I am just going to keep working hard and keep doing my best out there,” Washington said. “It felt great to get in the end zone a few times, and it felt great to be successful during the spring. I just need to improve and do it during the season too.”

On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers Etienne Sabino and Dorian Bell had good days for their respective squads. Sabino racked up seven total tackles to lead the Gray squad, and Bell led the Scarlet with five tackles. Both along with Storm Klein are looking to fill the third linebackers spot for the departed Austin Spitler.

Returning senior linebacker Brian Rolle was pleased with the defensive progression during spring practice.

“I think the defense has taken a huge step forward since the fall,” Rolle said. “I feel that we are really getting there, but I feel like we can always get better.”

Rolle also liked what he saw during the spring workouts from new starting safeties Jermale Hines and Orhian Johnson.

“We’ve got two guys stepping in who do a great job,” he said. “I feel like they are really coming together. It’s a good feeling.”

Tressel was pleased with the game overall, and he was happy that his team came away from the spring practices relatively healthy.

“I think we came out pretty good health-wise. That’s always goal number one,” he said.

Despite a successful spring game, Tressel said the Buckeyes have more to do before their first game.

“We know we’ve got a lot to do between now and August,” Tressel said. “It’s up to the players to kind of initiate that, and I know they’ll do that. Our staff will do a great job of planning a good preseason in August and be ready to see if we can meet the challenge of 2010.”

Ohio State kicks off the 2010 season against Marshall on Thursday September 2 in Columbus.

“American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert will play a concert at the Omni, 7:30 p.m. June 8. Special guest is fellow “Idol” veteran Allison Iraheta. Tickets for the all-ages show go on sale May 1 at 10 a.m. at the Omni box office, Culture Clash Records and Ticketmaster Outlets. Ticketmaster: 1 800 745-3000.