Daytonian of the Week Tommy Owens: ‘Our kids are amazing’

Talent show leader has been showcasing Gem City’s ‘most precious gems’ for 15 years

Credit: Submitted

Credit: Submitted

Dayton’s T.O. is looking to shine the spotlight on the Gem City’s most spectacular treasures.

For the 15th year, Tommy Owens Jr.  is recruiting elementary through high-school age students for the Family Affair Talent Show.

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Credit: Submitted

Credit: Submitted

“It's more than just a talent show, it's a ‘LIFE’ show,” Owens told us.  “We have motivational speakers come and empower the kids. They also participate in community service. Our kids work very hard to bring the city the biggest talent show on Earth. It's our kickoff  to a Violence Free summer.”

Selected students must have approval from a staff member of their school and good grades, he said.

The talent show is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Ponitz High School, at 741 W. Washington St. in Dayton. Admission will be $10.

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Tryouts for the talent show are 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Horizon Science Academy, 250 Shoup Mill Road in Harrison Twp.; 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Orbit Fun Center, 5001 Nebraska Ave. in Huber Heights and 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday Feb. 23 at The Arena Sports Bar, 4515 Salem Ave. in Trotwood.

We caught up with Owens, the latest Daytonian of the Week.

Credit: Submitted

Credit: Submitted

What do you do?

Your Entertainment and Marketing Specialist/Consultant

What superpower would you love to have?

I would want to be invisible so I could watch everybody or a Wonder Twin.

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How did you get involved with Family Affair Talent Show?

I am one of the founders of the Family Affair Talent Show that started in 2005 at Fairview Middle School.

What do you love about life in Dayton?

I love the cost of living in Dayton. I love that I'm still friends with some of the people I've known since kindergarten. It's a close-knit city. More importantly, I love the talent that comes from Dayton.

What would you do on a perfect date in Dayton?

I would go have a couples massage at Lily of the Valley. I would get a manicure and pedicure at Lux Nails and Spa by Danielle Harrington. She's the best in the city. I would go eat at Huffie's BBQ. I'd catch a nice live band at the Taste. I would go to 937 Members Only and The Arena Sports Bar for old-school night on a Friday for a nightcap.

Why did you decided to settle in this community?

I was born and bred in this community. It's HOME.

What should people know about Dayton?

Dayton is the home of the funk. It is home of the Peace Museum. The Wright brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar were best friends in a time when it seemed to be taboo. Dayton is a great place.

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What’s your favorite Dayton hidden gem?

The Family Affair Talent Show. Our kids are amazing and people usually don't know these kids have this wonderful talent hidden inside of them.

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

Resilient

What inspires you about Dayton?

Our resilience. We've been dealt a bad hand economically, but we still end up with an ace when it's all said and done.

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

If I could bring something back to Dayton, it would be the west side. We had our own shopping centers, a bowling alley, a skating rink, multiple grocery stores and movie theaters. Three hospitals at one time. The west side of Dayton really thrived. We never had to go to the other side of town. Dollars in our community regenerated themselves and our schools were of quality.

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

It is my prayer that Dayton will look like the ‘70s and ‘80s again. The city really thrived. However, the only way Dayton can bounce back is if we take care of and protect our most precious gems. Those precious gems I speak of are OUR CHILDREN.

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