Party Dream launches tour

November 22, 2007 at 2:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — Gil Mantera’s Party Dream, the Youngstown-based synth-pop rock duo, will launch a 23-city national tour next week. The tour will begin Wednesday in Rochester, N.Y., and end Dec. 22 at Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, and will include stops in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston and Charlotte. No Youngstown shows are on the schedule.

The Party Dream also has produced a live DVD, entitled “Live Video Archive Volume 1,” which was shot at two performances in Chicago. As a bonus, the 110-minute DVD also includes the video for the GMPD song “Elmo’s Wish” and an animated video. “Live Video Archive Volume 1” can be purchased at merchline.com/gilmantera.

Pike to portray Doris Day

YOUNGSTOWN — Damaris Peters Pike will perform at Stambaugh Auditorium in her “Women of Note” series at noon Dec. 3 in the Christman Room. She will portray Doris Day in “Que Sera, Sera — Remembering Doris Day.”

Contrary to her popular image of the smiling girl next door, Doris Day’s story is full of pain and sorrow. Pike’s show recounts her youth in Cincinnati, her start as a big-band singer and her rise to stardom in movies.

The cost is $25. Checks made payable to Stambaugh Pillars must be received by Nov. 29. Send payment to: Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44505 (including your seating preference). Tickets are also available at the Stambaugh Box Office or by calling (330) 747-5175. A light lunch will precede the performance at 11 a.m.

Presenting ‘Believe’

CANFIELD — Move Over Broadway will present “Believe,” a holiday show, at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16 at St. Michael Church on Route 46.

“Believe” is an Advent/Christmas celebration, featuring music, liturgical dance and narration from scripture, in a theatrical setting. It is an ecumenical service suitable for all ages. Marlene Menaldi Strollo is the director, with musical direction by Jodine Pilmer and choreography by Nick Opritza and Melanie Williams. Glenn Stevens of WFMJ Channel 21 will narrate. The 38-person cast is accompanied by a six-piece band.

Proceeds from “Believe” will benefit the St. Michael Family Life Center Building Fund. For more information, call (330) 533-8789.

All-ages variety show

YOUNGSTOWN — Entertainers, musicians and writers will perform at an all-ages variety show Friday to raise money and awareness for the Dom Leone Writing Competition. The benefit will take place at 7 p.m. in Ursuline High School’s Deibel-Morley Art Center on Bryson Street.

The Dom Leone Writing Competition is held annually for students in the Youngstown public and parochial schools, and is coordinated by area authors and professors Carmen and Teresa Leone. It is held in memory of Youngstown native Dom Leone, a published fiction writer, songwriter, poet and cartoonist, who died of cancer 17 years ago at 29. It encourages young people to be creative thinkers and writers. Monetary awards and gift certificates are given to over 40 student winners each year in the categories of poetry, short stories and cartoons.

This year’s performers will include the Finelli School of Dance, Rocky Chirchiglia and The Spurs of the Moment. There will also be a silent auction.

A donation of $3 for students and $5 for adults is requested. For more information, call Chris Leone at (415) 350-1712.