Daytonian of the Week: Jeff Opt

They say a rolling stone gathers no moss, but that adage may not fit Jeff Opt precisely.

The 49-year-old, known by many for his work with the Yellow Cab Tavern in the Oregon District, considers himself a "community do-er" and has kept busy with various projects around town. But it's his willingness to get in the muck and help with the gritty tasks that sends the old saying spiraling aloft.

Several years ago, Opt noticed the former hub of Dayton's long-defunct Yellow Cab Company on East Fourth Street. The rundown building was empty and up for sale. So he approached the owner about using the space as a new location for his then fledgling arts festival, Dayton Circus Creative Collective's Sideshow.

“Our original deal with them was we would pay for all the utilities and all the upkeep on the building,” said Opt.

Years of hard work in making improvements with the help of partners Tara Moore and Mark Jeffers, who eventually purchased the building, have turned the former eyesore into a shining gem for downtown Dayton. The venue now hosts nearly 100 events every year, while managing to be most things to most people in the art community.

Opt was also one of the initial core members of the Garden Station project. On top of that, he's the principal organizer behind the annual The Last Waltz shows at the Dayton Art Institute before and after each Thanksgiving. The event features live performances from the film's soundtrack, with proceeds benefitting both the Art Institute and WYSO Public Radio.

And he’s not done yet.

Opt hopes to open a digital makerspace – a place where the public can learn to use high-tech tools – in the near future.

What’s your favorite spot in the Dayton area?

Yellow Cab just because I’m heavily involved with it. I like the whole Dayton community, really. There’s so much to see that I don’t know that I have a single favorite. (But) probably in front of one of my favorite bands would be one of my favorite places to be in Dayton.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I like Sprint car racing, but I don’t really feel guilty about it. We happen to be by one of the (top) tracks in the nation, Eldora Speedway.

What’s one word you think people would use to describe you?

"Friendly" I hope.

Why did you decide to stay in and settle in the Dayton area?

The Dayton region offers a whole lot. From cultural to great education to cheap rent. The beauty of Dayton is if you want to see something, you’re a day’s drive from most major metropolitan areas.

How did you get involved with running Yellow Cab Tavern?

I just started asking people if I could use their space. If I've learned anything in the last 10 years in all the different things I'm doing is you just have to do it. You have to put yourself out there and ask questions. Dayton is a very DIY kind of town. If you want to see something happen, just start doing it and people will usually follow you. I've always been amazed.

What was the most challenging part of that?

The hardest part is just figuring out how to steer it to the levels you want to see it get to.

How did you push through the challenge?

It’s a continual education process. When we started this building, we didn’t know anything about building management. Now I can tell you all sorts of things about building code.

What inspires you about Dayton?

My friends and my family. That's a big inspiration. Just the depth of talent in this town. My art is making opportunities for others to make and show art.

If you could change or bring one thing to Dayton, what would it be?

People’s attitudes. So often you hear, "Oh, there’s nothing to do in Dayton." If you’re not finding something to do in Dayton it just means you’re not getting off your couch, because there’s amazing things to do in Dayton.

What do you think Dayton will look like in 10-15 years?

Hard to say. I’m intrigued by how many people are moving downtown. I see it as a good thing. I’m intrigued to see how the Oregon District develops.

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