Location Music Store Warehouse
Classifieds
Continuing its support of aspiring artists, Guitar Center (www.guitarcenter.com), the world’s largest musical instrument retailer, today announced Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record with Slash, a first-of-its-kind, unsigned band competition that provides emerging artists the chance to win the ultimate career-altering opportunity: record a 3-song EP with legendary producer, Mike Clink (Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, Megadeth) and have Slash write, record and perform on the winning artists’ single. Starting today, through April 30th, 2010 bands across the United States are invited to submit their music at YourNextRecord.com for a chance to win the aforementioned prize package, which also includes:
* A management development deal with “The Collective” (Linkin Park, Slash, Avenged Sevenfold)
* Feature of winning artists’ single on iTunes
* Worldwide distribution of winning artists’ music through Tunecore
* $10,000 Guitar Center Shopping Spree
* New gear and endorsement deals from Ernie Ball Music Man
* An opening slot on Slash’s Monster Energy Bash
* An editorial feature on the winning band in Guitar World Magazine
A Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record with Slash teaser can be viewed here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWOluHHoccE.
“The formula that used to work for discovering new artists has been decimated and the opportunities for really talented bands to be heard is extremely limited,” said Slash. “That’s why it’s so important to me and Guitar Center to provide a situation where new talent can be discovered. This is an incredibly interesting way to find and help launch a really great band that hasn’t been able to get their foot in the door otherwise.”
Guitar Center commissioned leading entertainment platform developer, FameCast, adopting its proprietary contest management technology, known as “Buzz Factor,” to collect and present each band’s submissions and rank them using a variety of metrics such as online fan voting and community engagement, ensuring that the best bands standout. In addition, all bands will be armed with digital tools to help encourage their fans to vote for their submissions as well as other great unsigned artists. After the three-month submission and voting period the top bands will be personally evaluated and selected by Slash and Mike Clink.
Guitar Center is also a primary partner of Ernie Ball’s Shred with Slash promotion which offers musicians the chance to win over $50,000 in prizes, including a private master class with Slash, upon finding one of five custom, limited edition Slash guitar picks in select packs of Ernie Ball electric guitar strings sold exclusively at Guitar Center between February 1st and April 30th. Picks and corresponding prizes are as follows:
Gold Pick: (20 winners) A private 2-hour Master Class with Slash
Silver Pick: (10 winners): A custom Ernie Ball Music Man guitar or bass of winner’s choice
Red Pick: (20 winners): A $500 Guitar Center shopping spree
Black Pick: (100 winners) Signed copy of Slash’s new solo album
White Pick: (1,000 winners) Free pack of Ernie Ball electric guitar strings
The opportunity coincides with what will be Slash’s first true solo album. Slash announced today his CD, SLASH, will release in April 2010. The album features an all-star roster of guest musicians including Ian Astbury, Chris Cornell, Rocco DeLuca, Fergie, Dave Grohl, Myles Kennedy, Kid Rock, Lemmy Kilmeister, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Duff McKagan, M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold, Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, and Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother.
Guitar Center Presents Your Next Record with Slash is just one of many Guitar Center initiatives created to foster growth and success within the music community, including its annual King of the Blues, Drum-Off and On-Stage competitions, among others. Guitar Center’s King of the Blues is a nationwide amateur guitar skills competition with the goal of finding the next great undiscovered blues guitar player. Drum-Off is an annual drumming competition that, now in its 21st year, has been a launching pad for many drummers, including Cora Coleman-Dunham and Tony Royster Jr, two Drum-Off winners who have gone on to become highly acclaimed professional drummers (with Prince and Jay Z respectively). Guitar Center On-Stage is a musical competition judged by Motley Crue. The winning band, The Last Vegas, has since gone on to open for Motley Crue on tour and subsequently topped iTunes critics’ 2009 “Rock Singles of the Year List” with their hit single “I’m Bad.”
About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the world’s largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment. Our retail store subsidiary presently operates 214 Guitar Center stores across the U.S. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician’s Friend, Inc., and its catalog and Website
www.musiciansfriend.com.
In addition, our Music & Arts division operates more than 100 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company’s Web site at www.guitarcenter.com.
The Guitar Center logo is a registered trademark of Guitar Center, Inc. Other brand or product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
About Slash
Slash is widely considered one of the greatest rock guitar players of all time. He has received countless accolades and awards including a 2007 star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside his idols Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix.
An original member of iconic rock band Guns N’ Roses, Slash helped the band create signature sounds like the guitar riff of #1 hit “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Welcome To The Jungle.” The band dominated the 1980’s and 90’s music scene selling more than 100 million albums worldwide and ushered in a decade of hard charging rock music. After the band’s break-up, Slash went on to critical acclaim in his personal project Slash’s Snakepit, and global success with supergroup Velvet Revolver.
Slash has been widely sought after by the biggest musicians of all time, performing with everyone from Michael Jackson to Stevie Wonder to Ray Charles. Slash is one of the marquee playable characters in Guitar Hero III, has two signature Gibson guitars in his name, and authored his own top-selling biography Slash in 2007.
About Ernie Ball/Music Man
Ernie Ball is a leading innovator of guitar strings. The company was the first to offer rock strings with the introduction of Slinkys, and further revolutionized the market by offering guitarists Custom-Gauge single strings. Ernie Ball also produces Music Man guitars and basses, volume pedals and other accessories. Strings and accessories are available in more than 5,500 music stores throughout the U.S. and in 75 countries. For more information, contact the Ernie Ball Company at (805) 544-7726, or visit their website at www.ernieball.com.
It’s easy (and sometimes entertaining) to poke fun of T-town, but when it comes down to it, there are a lot of reasons to be proud of our fair city. That’s why, we ask you each year to tell us what you enjoy most about Toledo — the people, the food, the entertainment — and every year, we discover more and more reasons to love this place we call home. Thank you, readers and voters! Here are your favorites!
LOCAL COLOR
way to improve Toledo:
create jobs
Runner up: improve Downtown Toledo
do-gooder
Mike Bell
Runner up: Ben Konop
troublemaker
Carty Finkbeiner
Runner up: Ben Konop
epitaph for Carty’s tombstone
Move me to the airport
Runner up: Big winds come from empty caves
high school
Central Catholic High School
Runner up: Whitmer High School
college
University of Toledo
Runner up: Owens Community College
company to work for
First Solar
Runner up: Buckeye Cable
Toledo’s best kept secret
Toledo Metroparks
Runner up: Toledo Botanical Gardens
COOL PROS
BEST DOCTOR: Dr. Kelly Emch
Family Practice of Toledo
What’s ailing you, Toledo? No matter how big or how small, Dr. Kelly Emch M.D. has been fine-tuning the perfect prescription for patients since 1992. “I love to care for people and I love to educate,” said Dr. Emch. She is continually educating herself to stay current in the ever-changing medical field.
Dr. Emch has great relationships with her patients and compares it to the likeness of a marriage. At Family Practice of Toledo, Dr. Emch and her partners maintain good communication with patients by calling them directly with test results and making morning hospital rounds to see patients before heading into the office. She stresses the importance of continuity of care and delivering good quality care to every patient. “All of us are very compassionate towards our patients,” said Dr. Emch.
Communication, compassion, education, and continuity make one perfect prescription for great patient care.
Family Practice of Toledo, 3740 W. Sylvania Ave., Suite 100, 419-473-6677
bank
Fifth Third Bank
Runner up: Huntington National Bank
dentist
Turner & Turner Family Dentistry
4410 W. Alexis Rd.
419-473-9450
www.turnerandturnerfamilydentistry.com
Runner up: Dr. Scott Kalniz, Corner Dental
orthodontist
Dr. Simon
Runner up: Dr. Namay
lasik eye surgeon
Dr. William Martin, Optivue
485 W. Dussel Dr., Maumee
419-891-1391
www.optivue.com
Runner up: Dr. Steve Reed
chiropractor
Dr. Nick Dumas
4157 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-474-6500
Runner up: Dr. Bryan Royer
doctor
Dr. Kelly Emch, Family Practice of Toledo
3740 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-473-6681
Runner up: Dr. Mohammadene
veterinarian
Sylvania Veterinary Clinic
4801 N. Holland Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-885-4421
www.sylvaniavet.com
Runner up: Reynolds Road Animal Hospital
real estate agent
Lance Tyo
419-290-3713
www.lancetyo.com
Runner up: Fred Mundt
lawyer
E.J. Leizerman
E.J. Leizerman and Associates
717 Madison Ave.
419-243-1010
Runner up: Kim Conklin
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Rose Toth, Rose Custom Interiors
With its sixth anniversary on February 17, Rose Custom Interior is making a name in the design business. Founded by Rose Toth, the company caters to residential, senior living and small commercial businesses. Even though she did not begin in design (she started out in sales), Rose says that she found her calling in the creative outlet that interior design offers.
Her inspiration comes from her clients and their vision. “I take time to listen and see the needs of my client,” said Toth. “I don’t design around trends, I design around people.”
With this motto, she sets herself apart from other companies. Services include everything from tile design to full concept design of a new home. She is also mindful of budget constraints.
“Good design does not have to be expensive,” said Toth. “It’s all about creativity and satisfaction.”
419-265-0369/www.rosecustominteriors.com
Runner up: John Duvall
builder
Buckeye Commercial Construction
2256 Centennial Rd.
419-843-2625
www.buildwithbuckeye.com
Runner up: Forrestor Werle Homes
alternative healthcare
Dr. Bryan Royer
7430 W. Central Ave.
419-517-5055
www.harmonychirocenter.com
Runner up: Dr. James Roberts
local non profit
4 Paws Sake
www,4pawssake.org
Runner up: Cherry Street Mission
company/organization website
www.toledomuseum.org
Runner up: www.toledocitypaper.com
IN THE NEWS
print journalist
Dave Hackenburg, The Blade
Runner up: Johnny Hildo, Toledo City Paper
sportscaster
Dan Cummins, WTOL, News 11
Runner up: Howard Chen, FOX Toledo
Filmmaker: Tom Hofbauer
A true renaissance man, Tom Hofbauer, has worn the mask of many filmmaking roles, including writer, director, editor as well as camera operator and local producer for the 2005 Academy Award nominated film Twist of Faith.
“I’m very detail-oriented and critical — not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing,” said Hofbauer. “I really try to serve the story because that is the heart of the film.”
Also a regular judge at the Falcon Film Festival at Bowling Green State University, his passion for filmmaking is indescribable. Hofbauer’s first film In the Company of Strangers, produced in 2001, is still going through some editing — “after eight years, and I’m still trying to make it better.” The film earned the Director’s Choice - Gold Medal for Excellence award, at the Park City Film Music Festival, and earned other honors.
“I just want to make what comes out on the screen match what comes out in my mind,” said Hofbauer. “The city of Toledo has been so supportive of me over the years, I’m really thankful for that.”
419-349-6607/www.thomashofbauer.com
TV news anchor
Jerry Anderson, WTOL, News 11
Runner up: Diane Larson, 13 abc
weathercaster
Bill Spencer, 13 abc
Runner up: Stan Stachak, 13 abc
local TV station:
13 abc
www.13abc.com
Runner up: WTOL, News 11
radio station
92.5 Kiss FM
www.925kiss-fm.com
Runner up: K100 Country
morning radio show
Andrew Z in the morning
www.925kiss-fm.com
Runner up: Shores and Steel, K100 Country
local TV commercial
Appliance Center
321 Illinois Avenue, Maumee
419-893-3374
www.,appliancecenterdirect.com
Runner up: Car Stereo One
local blog
www.GlassCityJungle,com
Runner up: www.SwampBubbles.com
local You-Tube video
“Boo Ben Konop”
Runner up: Free Hugs Toledo
SHOPPING AND SERVICES
GETTING GRUB
bakery
Wixey's
2017 Glendale Ave.
419-382-6684
Runner up: Tiger Bakery
grocery store
Kroger
multiple locations
www.kroger.com
Runner up: Churchill’s
ethnic food store
Sofo Foods
5400 Monroe
419-882-8555
www.shopsofo.com
Runner up: Tiger Bakery
natural food store
Claudia's Natural Food Market
5644 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-534-3343
www.claudiasmarket.com
Runner up: Bassetts Health Foods
butcher shop
House of Meats
multiple locations
www.houseofmeats.com
Runner up: Stanley’s Market
WHAT TO WEAR
buy shoes
DSW Shoe Warehouse
5001 Monroe St.
419-472-1706
Runner Up: Dave's Performance Footgear
locally-owned men’s clothier
Damschroder;s Suit Connection
5333 Monroe St.
419-841-5034
Runner Up: Neil's Men’s Shop
Locally-owned Women’s Boutique: Lady C
In-the-know area women have been shopping at Lady C for twenty years. Owner Candy Sturtz knows what women want when it comes to fashion and looking their best. Not only do they offer distinctive fashions, Lady C carries Pandora and Brighton jewelry, and ever-so-stylish Vera Bradley bags and accessories.
“We have great customer service,” said Sturtz. The staff is very knowledgeable and customers know they can find unique, updated styles with a ‘true missy fit’ according to Sturtz. “We know what looks good on somebody.”
Boutique doesn’t have to equate to expensive, either. Lady C has great sales, and occasionally you can find coupons on their website.
And don’t be shy, gentlemen. The fabulous staff will make you feel comfortable and assist you in all your shopping needs when you are looking for something special for your someone special.
5632 N. Main St., Sylvania (in the Chandler bldg.)
419-882-4177/www.ladycsylvania.com
Runner Up: Bella Brie Boutique
resale clothing store for adults
Plato’s Closet
multiple locations
www.platoscloset.com
Runner Up: CJ's Closet
Tailor
Alterations Express
4809 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-885-0222
Runner Up: Elegant Alterations
Jewelry
Harold Jaffe Jeweler
4211 Talmadge
419-472-4480
Runner Up: David Fairclaugh Fine Jewelers
PLACES TO GO
New local store
Pandora Store of Toledo
Franklin Park Mall
419-473-2100
Runner up: Shakin’ Street Records
mall/shopping area
Westfield Franklin Park
www.westfield.com
Runner up: The Town Center at Levis Commons
furniture store
Banner Mattress
multiple locations
www.bannermattress.com
Runner up: Ashley Furniture
consignment furniture store
Consign-It Home Interiors
6925 W. Central Ave.
419-841-4663
www.consignithomeinteriors.com
Runner up: Christopher’s New & Used Furniture
locally-owned home boutique
Loft and Home Essentials
123 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-843-7200
www.loftandhome.com
Runner up: Lily’s at Levis
paint store
John’s Color Concepts
67258 W. Central Ave.
419-843-5600
Runner up: Sherwin Williams
hotel/motel
Holiday Inn French Quarter
10630 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg
419-874-3111
www.hifq.com
Runner up: Hilton Garden Inn
liquor store
Joseph’s Beverage Center
4129 Talmadge Rd.
419-472-1421
www.josephsbeveragecenter.com
Runner up: Pauken Wine & Liquor
smoke/cigar shop
La Casa de la Habana
4962 Monroe St.
419-472-4427
www.lacasadelahabana.com
Runner up: Cigar Affair
adult book/video store
Airport Adult Video
9410 Airport Hwy., Monclova
419-866-0750
www.airportvideo.com
Runner up: Cirilla’s
photographer
Jan Richard
20 N. Third St., Waterville
419-494-1952
www.janrichard.com
Runner up: Shutter Love Studio
florist
Keith H Brooks Florist
6600 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-882-1106
www.keithhbrooks.com
Runner up: Bartz Viviano
place to buy a car
Yark Automotive Group
6019 W. Central Ave.
800-848-9275
www.yarkauto.com
Runner up: Brondes Ford
limo service
Childers Corporate Transportation & Limos
5314 Dorr St.
419-535-7019
www.childerslimos.com
Runner up: Total Image Limousine
romantic getaway
Belamere Suites
12200 Williams Rd., Perrysburg
419-874-2233
www.belameresuites.com
Runner up: Maumee Bay State Park
place for cool eyewear
Optical Arts
2934 W. Central Ave.
419-535-7837
www.opticalartsinc.com
Runner up: Franklin Park Vision
place to have a wedding
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
www.toledomuseum.org
Runner up: Toledo Botanical Gardens
movie theater
Showcase Cinemas Maumee
1360 Conant St., Maumee
419-891-5039
Runner up: Franklin Park 16: Cinema de Lux
psychic/astrologer
Janet Amid
6600 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-882-5510
www.janetamid.com
Runner up: Kimmie Rose Zapf
computer service/repair
Computer Discount
multiple locations
www.compudiscount.com
Runner up: Computer Renaissance
design firm /ad agency
Thread Information Design
1700 Woodlands Dr., Maumee
419-887-6801
www.experiencethread.com
Runner up: Madhouse Creative
store in Perrysburg
Ragazza
103 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-872-4850
www.ragazzaperrysburg.com
Runner up: The Baker’s Kitchen
store in Sylvania
Bumble
5693 Main St., Sylvania
419-517-5552
www.bumbleonmain.com
Runner up: Lady C
LOOKING GOOD, FEELING GORGEOUS
facial/skin care
Shamas
102 W. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-872-9908
6407 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-882-1220
www.shamas.com
Runner up: Beauty Bar
place to go for a haircut
Reve Salon & Spa
5633 Main St., Sylvania
419-885-1140
www.revesalonandspa.com
Runner up: Studio 101
day spa
Shamas
102 W. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-872-9908
6407 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-882-1220
www.shamas.com
Runner up: Beauty Bar
tattoo shop
Infinite Art Tattoo studio
3930 Secor Rd.
419-292-1990
www.iatattoo.com
Runner up: Toledo Tattoo
piercing studio
Steel Addictions
3237 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-292-2114
www.steeladdictions.com
Runner up: Perfectly Pierced
Yoga/pilates Studio: Joe Sparks Hot Yoga with Joe
Yoga has received a “hot” makeover thanks to Joe Sparks’ hot yoga classes, the first to be offered in the Toledo area. Part of Fitness with Joe, these classes build up a sweat while still incorporating mind and body relaxation. With temperatures ranging from 90-102 degrees, the muscles have increased flexibility, making the poses easier.
“People do not like to sweat, but this is a way to cleanse the body,” said Sparks. “I encourage my students to come well-hydrated because it is a detoxification process.”
A former tri-athlete, Sparks understands the benefits of balance of mind and body. He refers to it as a “moving meditation.”
“It a quiet moment where a person can be comfortable,” said Sparks. “I focus on the people, not the place.”
Participants choose from a 60- or 90-minute class, with a free first visit. Pose Running Method (reduces the shock created by running) and Kettle Bell (core training) classes are also offered.
29101 Hufford Rd., Room 103, Perrysburg. 419-874-2911/www.hotyogawithjoe.com
Runner up: Lotus Yoga Center
massage therapist
Rebecca Carpenter, LMT
Serenity Salon & Wellness Center
4405 Talmadge Rd.
419-720-7070
Runner up: Massage Envy
personal trainer
Nathan Vandenbroek
419-205-0394
www.adramaticchange.com
Runner up: Dale Sheppard
athletic club
Urban Active
multiple locations
www.urbanactive.com
Runner up: Wildwood Athletic Club
GOOD EATS
burger
Nick and Jimmy’s
4956 Monroe St.
419-472-0756
www.nickandjimmys.com
Runner up: Berger’s Old Tyme
steak
Mancy’s Steak House
953 Phillips Ave.
419-476-4154
www.mancys.com
Runner up: Rockwell’s
calamari
Real Seafood Co.
22 Main St.
888-456-3463
www.realseafoodcorestaurant.com
Runner up: Mancy’s Italian
sushi
Koto Buki
5577 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-882-8711
www.kotobukitoledo.com
Runner up: Sakura
hot dog
Rudy’s Hot Dog
multiple locations
www.rudyshotdog.com
Runner up: Tony Packo’s
barbecue
Shorty’s Bar B Que
5111 Monroe St.
419-841-9505
www.mancys.com
Runner up: Famous Dave’s Barbeque
wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
multiple locations
www.buffalowildwings.com
Runner up: Fricker’s
Pizza: Marco’s Pizza
Making a home in Toledo since 1978, Marco’s Pizza claims 2009’s best place to go for a pie. With restaurants and pizza shops popping up throughout the city, what set’s Marco’s apart?
“We believe that it’s the quality of our ingredients. People from Toledo are pretty consistent in saying they love Marco’s,” said Peter Wise, vice president of marketing. “From my vantage point in the pizza business, I can see that the people of Toledo have high standards for pizza quality.”
The company was founded by Pasquale “Pat” Giammarco, who emigrated to the U.S. from Italy at the age of 9. He grew up working in his parent’s pizzeria, which led to his mission — making “Ah!Thentic” Italian pizza.
Marco’s recently opened a distribution center in Maumee, providing ingredients and supplies to hundreds of Marcos locations throughout the Midwest. There are currently 190 stores in 17 states, with 11 stores in the city of Toledo alone. With 880 new stores signed, the franchise plans on quadrupling its size within the coming years.
www.marcos.com
Runner up: Vito’s Pizza
chili
Tony Packo’s
multiple locations
www.tonypackos.com
Runner up: Big Apple Deli
ice cream
Handels Ice Cream & Yogurt
5908 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-882-1118
5655 Secor Rd.
419-474-8861
www.handelsicecream.com
Runner up: Cold Stone Creamery
gourmet bakery
Cake in a Cup
6801 W. Central Ave.
419-491-1104
www.cakeinacuptoledo.com
Runner up: Eston’s Gourmet Creations
tea shop
Elaine’s Tea Shoppe
6600 Sylvania, Sylvania
419-885-1515
www.thetealady.com
Runner up: The Tea House
coffeehouse
Biggby
multiple locations
www.biggby.com
Runner up: Maxwell’s
bagels
Barry Bagels
multiple locations
www.barrybagels.com
Runner up: Panera Bread
diner
Star Diner
multiple locations
www.thestardiner.com
Runner up: Mayberry Diner
hibachi
Sakura Japanese Steak House
5294 Monroe St.
419-843-1300
www.sakuratoledo.com
Runner up: Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
irish pub
The Blarney Irish Pub
601 Monroe St.
419-418-2339
www.theblarneyirishpub.com
Runner up: Claddagh Irish Pub
fine dining restaurant
Mancy’s Steakhouse
953 Phillips Ave.
419-476-4154
www.mancys.com
Runner up: Georgio’s Café International
Italian restaurant
Mancy’s Italian
5453 Monroe Street
Toledo, OH 43623-2817
(419) 882-9229
Runner up: Ciao! Ristorante
chinese restaurant
Gourmet Garden
5817 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-885-0151
Runner up: New Empire Restaurant
polish restaurant
Ski’s Restaurant
5834 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-882-1199
www.skisrestaurant.com
Runner up: Busia’s
indian restaurant
Tandoor Cuisine of India
2247 S. Reynolds Rd.
419-385-7467
Runner up: The Indian Jewel of Toledo
Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant
The Beirut
4082 Monroe St.
567-202-0017
www.beirutrestaurant.com
Runner up: Rumors
Mexican restaurant
El Camino Real
2500 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-472-0700
www.elcaminorealoh.com
Runner up: Loma Linda’s
NIGHT LIFE
Dance Club
The Omni
2567 W. Bancroft St.
419-535-6664
www.omnimidwest.com
Runner up: Club Soda
Bar
Doc Watson's
1515 S. Byrne Rd.
419-389-6003
www.docwatsonstoledo.com
Runner up: Chuck's
Beer Selection
Easy Street Cafe
822 Washington St.
419-255-0010
Runner up: Maumee Bay Brewing Co.
Bar to Watch
Buffalo Wild Wings
6710 W. Central Ave.
419-843-2400
www.buffalowildwings.com
Runner up: Fricker's
Last Call
Village Idiot
309 Conant St., Maumee
419-893-7281
www.villageidiotmaumee.com
Runner up: Daddy Oh's
Hole in the Wall (despite this category's negative connotations, TCP and our readers see it as a term of endearment):
P&D's Sports Page
3340 W. Laskey Rd.
419-474-1189
Runner up: Village Idiot
College Bar
Chasers
3529 Dorr St.
419-534-4961
www.toledochasers.com
Runner up: Chuck's
40 And Over
Avenue Bistro
6710 W. Central Ave.
419-841-5944
www.centralavenuebistro.com
Runner up: Club Soda
Gay/Lesbian
R House
5534 Secor Rd.
419-474-2929
www.rhousebar.com
Runner up: Bretz Bar
Not To Take Home To Mom
The Omni
2567 W. Bancroft St.
419-535-6664
www.omnimidwest.com
Runner up: Deja Vu
Take Home To Mom
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
www.toledomuseum.org
Runner up: Metroparks
Karaoke
The Bier Stube
5333 Monroe St.
419-841-7999
www.bierstubetoledo.com
Runner up: Diane's Roadhouse
Touring Live Music
Frankie's Inner City
308 Main St.
419-691-7464
www.frankiesinnercity.com
Runner up: Headliners
Local Live Music
Frankie's Inner City
308 Main St.
419-691-7464
www.frankiesinnercity.com
Runner up: Mickey Finn's Pub
Late Night Dining
Big'z Bar and Grill
2600 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-720-9090
Runner up: Nick & Jimmy's
EAR CANDY
New Act
Boogie Matrix Mechanism
www.myspace.com/boogiematrixmechanism
Runner up: Scheme Game
Rock Band
We Are The Fury
www.myspace.com/wearethefury
Runner up: 56 Days
Blues/jazz band & most underrated local band/artist: Buck 69
Since forming in 2005, Buck69 has had the rare opportunity to share their music with the world. Yet, despite their success, they take the vote for Toledo’s most Underrated Band.
“It’s hard for bands to get noticed when you don’t have the backing of Disney like Miley Cyrus,” said singer, songwriter, guitarist Tom Clawson. “There are so many bands and so much talent, just in Toledo alone, that it’s really difficult for a band to be successful.”
Despite the odds, Buck69’s album When She Whispers Your Name was considered for the 2008 Grammy for Contemporary Blues. With another album due out later this year, Clawson said, “I think that the musicians in my band are just as good as any,” and the people of Toledo agree, also naming Buck 69 Toledo’s Best Blues/Jazz Band.
“We have a good sound, a unique sound,” Clawson continued, “and that’s the biggest thing for us as musicians.”
www.buck69.net
Runner up: Moon Dogs
Hip Hop Group
My Family Needs Food
www.myspace.com/mfnfhiphop
Runner up: Great Lakes Crew
Singer Songwriter
Kyle White
www.myspacetoledo.kylejwhite
Runner up: Tom Clawson
Cover Band
MAS FiNA
www.myspace.com/masfinaband
Runner up: Moon Dogs
Club DJ
Rob Sample
www.myspace.com/djrobsample
Runner up: Geeked Out
Underrated
Buck 69
www.buck69.net
Runner up: Elevated Thinking
Best Band Name
Boogie Matrix Mechanism
www.myspace.com/boogiematrixmechanism
Runner up: Bonkers
Place to hear spoken word: Ground Level Coffeehouse
When the former Brewed Awakenings on Central Ave. announced it was closing its doors, longtime performance artists Jesse Lipman and Imani Latees saw an opportunity to continue its tradition of spoken word poetry. The Ground Level Coffeehouse emerged, bringing a new identity and renewed life to the location.
“We like connecting a lot of good poets from the region. We have local college age poets, experienced poets and poets from Detroit,” said co-owner Jesse Lipman.
A prototypical college coffeehouse with an eclectic variety of furniture, Ground Level is filled with a warm vibe where you’d expect to see students working away on their laptops, playing chess, or a poet talking Kurt Vonnegut with a man wearing a beret and horn-rimmed glasses.
Stop by Thursday, February 4 for the Slam Poetry Championship where the best come to battle for a ticket to another contest in Hawaii.
2636 W. Central Ave. 419-671-6272/
www.groundleveltoledo.com
Runner up: Basin Street Grille
Record Store Staff
Culture Clash
4020 Secor Rd.
419-536-5683
www.thecultureclash.com
Runner up: Ramalama Records
Non-chain Music Store
Culture Clash
4020 Secor Rd.
419-536-5683
www.thecultureclash.com
Runner up: Allied Record Exchange
Recording Studio
Pretend Records
www.pretendrecords.com
Runner up: Old West End Records
Equipment Rental
Prodigy Music Co.
3434 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-473-9993
Runner up: Crosby Equipment
Music Teacher
Chuck Stool
Runner up: Rob Desmond
Gallery
Toledo Art Museum
Runner up: 20 North Gallery
Studio space: The Secor Building
Located between the Seagate Center, the Mud Hens Stadium, and The Lucas County Arena, The Secor Building at 425 Jefferson is an artist’s haven. Musicians, painters, and illustrators, as well as The Toledo Opera Association and The Performing Arts School of Toledo, build the creative atmosphere that makes this building an attraction. Keith Hasenbalg, an architectural illustrator for 30 years now turned fine artist, uses the space for his creations and exposure.
“Just being here creates that comradery between artists and art lovers,” Hasenbalg said.
Besides the arts shows and programs like the “Toledo Arts Zone Third Thursday Art Walk,” The Secor Building consists of individual studios, mostly located on the sixth and seventh floors, for artists to display their designs, independent from the first floor Gallery. In addition, the building staff adds extra points.
“The management is understanding and easy to get along with,” said Hasenbalg. “It adds to the positive flow of the building.”
Runner up: Olive Street Studios
Local Art Event
Crosby Festival of the Arts
Runner up: Artomatic 419
Frame Shop
Laura's Framing Place & Gallery
2554 Parkway Plaza, Maumee
419-893-7263
Runner up: Frameworks Art and Frame
Sculptor
George Carruth
www.carruthstudio.com
Runner up: Bob Garcia
Glass Artist
Rob Duvall
Runner up: Matt Paskiet
Art Photographer
Art Weber
Runner up: Tito Slack
Filmmaker
Tom Hofbauer
Runner up: Mark Von Sell
Ballet
Toledo Ballet
5001 Monroe St. #1115
419-471-0049
www.toledoballet.net
Runner up: Ballet Theater of Toledo
Local Theatre Group
Village Players
2740 Upton Ave.
419-472-6827
www.thevillageplayers.org
Runner up: Toledo Rep
Live Theatre Venue
The Valentine Theatre
410 Adams St.
419-242-2787
www.valentinetheatre.com
Runner up: Stranahan Theater
Spoken Word
The Ground Level Coffeehouse
2636 W. Central Ave.
419-671-6272
www.groundleveltoledo.com
Runner up: Lourdes College
Fine Art Gifts
Toledo Museum of Art
Runner up: Copper Moon
JOCK STOP
Sports Team
Toledo Mudhens
Runner up
Toledo Walleyes
Local Mascot
Muddy the Mudhen
Spike the Walleye
Bowling Alley
Southwyck Lanes
5255 Heatherdowns Blvd.
419-865-8815
www.southwycklanes.com
Runner up: Jugs Bowling Center
Martial Arts
American Kenpo Karate
1417 Bernath Parkway
419-868-6616
Runner up: Toledo Martial Arts Center
Bike Shop
Wersell's Bike & Ski Shop
2860 W. Central Ave.
419-474-7412
www.wersellsbikeandskishop.com
Runner up: Reggie's Bike Shop
Bike Path
University Parks (UT)
Runner up: Wildwood Bike Path
Pick Up a Basketball
YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo
1226 Woodsdale Park Dr.
419-385-9622
www.ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Jamie Farr Park
Disc Golf
Ottawa Park
Corner of Bancroft and Parkside
Runner up: Carter Park
Skateboards
Just Skateboards
2130 Middlesex Dr.
419-534-3433
www.justskateboarding.com
Runner up: Mountain Man Sports
Chillin' Out
Shoot Pool
Miss Cue
1720 S. Reynolds Rd.
419-865-3792
www.misscuetoledo.com
Runner up: 21 West Lounge
Downtown Hangout Spot
Blarney Irish Pub
601 Monroe St.
419-418-2339
www.theblarneyirishpub.com
Runner up: Homeslice Pizza
College Spot
The Oasis
3303 Dorr St.
419-329-0000
www.eatatoasis.com
Runner up: Chuck's
Festival
German-American Festival
Runner up: Greek-American Festival
