Archives for October 2011

Media That Matters Short Film Festival

October 19, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

(from DATV)

Help support DATV and be inspired by short films that aim to make a difference in our lives. DATV presents the “Media That Matters Short Film Festival” on Thursday, November 17th at 7:30pm, at the Neon Movies in Downtown Dayton.

The “Media That Matters Short Film Festival” is the premier national showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day. “Media That Matters” engages diverse audiences and inspires them to take action. The festival features 12 jury selected short films that tackle a broad range of social issues with humor, humanity and honesty in 12 minutes or less.

“By presenting this showcase DATV hopes to inspire Dayton area residents to use media to help make a difference in our community,” said Dan Suffoletto, Marketing Director.

Tickets to the festival are only $10 and may be purchased online at www.datv.org, at the Neon Movies box office, or at DATV’s Public Access Center located at 280 Leo St. in Dayton. Attendees will also receive a “Take Action Guide” that gives information about how they can take the messages of the films and make a difference in their daily lives. Proceeds from the event will benefit DATV. DATV’s mission is to be a community forum that empowers all citizens to learn, create and express their ideas through electronic media. To accomplish its mission DATV provides the training equipment and facilities for local residents to make a difference in their communities by creating their very own noncommercial cable TV programs.

2011 Festival Line-Up

IT’S IN YOUR HANDS

Directed and Produced by Andrew Hinton | India I 2:34 I Documentary

A simple solution to some big problems.

JURY AWARD

THE LEAVES KEEP FALLING

Directed by Julie Winokur, Produced by Julie Winokur & Talking Eyes Media | Vietnam/USA I 12:02 I Documentary

As part of its herbicidal program during the Vietnam War, the U.S. military sprayed some 12 million gallons of Agent Orange defoliant on Vietnam. Forty years later, the toxin Agent Orange is still wreaking havoc on three generations of Vietnamese civilians.

HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD

AMEN

Directed by Yusef Haroun, Produced by Michelle Chan | USA I 4:35 I Narrative

A chance encounter in an urban diner sets a devout Christian and a devout Muslim on a collision course.

DIVERSITY AWARD

IT’S THEIR LIFE: LGBT TEENS IN CHICAGO

Produced by Free Spirit Media | USA I 5:13 I Documentary

Explore the challenges facing several LGBT youth in Chicago.

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER AWARD

TALKING ABOUT IT

Directed by Isaac Haney-Owens, Produced by BAYCAT | USA I 5:04 I Documentary

A young filmmaker and photographer brings us into his world of living with Asperger’s Syndrome.

EMERGING VOICE AWARD

ISA’S FINAL DRAFT

Produced by Global Action Project | USA I 9:24 I Narrative

Instilled with the dreams of her mother’s sacrifices, Isa encounters struggles that neither she nor her mother ever imagined.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER AWARD

MY FELLOW AMERICAN

Directed by Rob Gardner, Produced by Alex Kronemer and Unity Productions Foundation | USA I 2:49 I PSA

What if recognizable faces—faces of neighbors, colleagues, and friends—were suddenly vilified by public rhetoric? What would you do?

FAIR USE AWARD

SICK WID IT

Directed and Produced by Ryan Malloy and Briar March | USA I 10:01 I Documentary

One dance style, born on the streets of Oakland, is giving youth a way to express themselves on the dance floor and in life.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD

EVERYBODY’S NUTS

Produced and Directed by Fabian Euresti | USA I 12:00 I Documentary

Exploring the choice of two individuals whose economic circumstances 20 years ago are still much the same.

PERSPECTIVES AWARD

BURNING BARRIERS

Produced by Tribeca Film Institute/ Summer Arts Program | USA I 8:16 I Documentary

Out of 11,500 firefighters in New York City, only 31 are women

WOMEN’S JUSTICE AWARD

WALKING HOME

Directed by Nuala Cabral | USA I 4:03 I Experimental

For the walkers, talkers and those who say nothing

SPEAKING OUT AWARD

ARTICLE OF FAITH

Directed and Produced by Christina Antonakos-Wallace | USA I 10:00 I Documentary

A Portrait of Sikh-American activist Sonny Singh, as he organizes New York City Sikh-youth to combat harassment in their schools.

CHANGEMAKER AWARD

AFTER THE HARVEST

Directed by Brian Kimmel, Produced by Laura Peterson | 6:11

In coffee-growing communities, seasonal hunger is so common it has its own name: “Los Meses Flacos.” (The Thin Months).

Want to win tickets? Continue reading…

TICKET CONTEST

We have two pairs of tickets to see the Media That Matters Short Film Festival courtesy of DATV – just fill out the form below and we’ll randomly draw two winners on November 9th. GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to the following winners:

Karen Stephens

Esteban Ortiz

Evil Dead The Musical – What the F@#k Was That? (TICKET CONTEST)

October 19, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

“Evil Dead The Musical” is based on Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead” films, the series of classic horror B-movies that became a cult sensation in the 1980s. The play — which sounds like a horror show but really isn’t –, follows the adventures of five college kids who visit an abandoned cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash (a housewares employee, turned demon killing hero), and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. Blood flies. Limbs are dismembered. Demons are telling bad jokes… and all to music. The play made its debut in 2003 in Toronto, opened in 2004 in Montreal as a featured attraction at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival and, in 2006, made its Off-Broadway debut.

Beavercreek Community Theatre’s Edge of the Creek Productions will present the horror comedy at 8 p.m. on Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29 and at 3 p.m. on Oct. 23 and 30. Edge of the Creek is the production arm of BCT that specializes in shows for adult audiences and “Evil Dead The Musical” fits into that genre.

The Beavercreek Community Theatre cast, under the direction of Chris Harmon and choreographed by Annette Looper, includes Dean Swann, Lindsay Sherman, Angele Price, Bethany Locklear, Jonathan Berry, Michael Shannon, Lynn Kesson and Darren Brown.

Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students, BCT members and seniors, ages 55 and older. A group discount of $1 per ticket is available to groups of 10 or more when the tickets are purchased at the same time for the same performance.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 429-4737 and leaving a message or by emailing [email protected]. For more information, visit the theater’s Web site at www.bctheatre.org, where the tickets can be purchased online with a credit card. Credit cards are not accepted at the theater.

The video below is from the off-Broadway production:

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrDui7xeGv0′]

This is an Edge of the Creek Production containing violence, strong language, sexual references, strobe lighting and fog effects. Parental discretion is strongly advised.

WE’RE GIVING AWAY FREE TICKETS!

We have six pairs of tickets to give away for this show! Simply fill out the form below to be entered to win – we’ll announce the winners here on Thursday October 20th at 5pm… GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to our winners!

Eric Brockman
Janna Ross
Steve Strawser
Rebecca Monce
Shannon Fent
Alicia Marshall

The Formal Name… the “Gateway Arch…”

October 19, 2011 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Call it the city with a handle… Or MAYBE the city with just a little bit of an identity crisis?

Is it “St. Louis,” as in… oh, say the St. Louis Cardinals (now referring ONLY to a baseball team, now that the pesky “football Cardinals” moved on to some southern hospitality… not to say southern MONEY). Or is it “Saint Louis,” as in… Well, the newscasts who spell out the name. ESPN, for example, when they tell us how things went sports-wise. Baseball and such.

So, yeah. TV spells it “Saint Louis.” Newspapers spell it “Saint Louis.” Only radio sticks with “St. Louis…” (At least, that’s what it sounds like to me!)

Yep: I was born and raised in good ole’ St. Louis… south St. Louis, to be specific. And, yes… St. Louis. Yep: pesky habit, to this day. Still… at one point, my home sweet home when was a kid.

Oh. And I was kind of sure St. Louis was gonna’ be where I lived for my whole life.

Didn’t turn out that way, though. Nope.

If whatever powers that be have decided these days to get real real holy and proper about spelling the name of the place… the LAST batch of “powers that be,” the ones who were in control for most of my life, decided that St. Louis was… appropriate. That’s the word.

Worse… Whoever “they” are… Well: they also decided that St. (or Saint) Louis would grow OUT. Not UP. Out, by the way, as in “way WAY out.” Drive a long way “way WAY out.”

So here’s where little bitty (then and VERY MUCH now) Dayton comes in.

Having graduated with “yet ANOTHER” degreee from the University of Dayton, I was headed back “home,” to Saint (or St.) Louis University to work on a Doctoral degree, to begin life as an even MORE grown up person. First step: become a “teaching assistant” at “SLU.” Pronounced… well, “SLU.”

What it all meant I thought… naive little me… I BELIEVED I was finally home from my life’s travels.

That FEELING of “being home” lasted for exactly ten days: TEN DAYS.. Ten days of going down to to “SLU” from my childhood home in the “suburbs…” and ten days, one after another, in which I witnessed fatal auto accidents on what “we” Saint Louis-ans (I guess that’s correct)… what we called the “Mark Twain Expressway.” Yep: ten days, one after the other. Watching cars crash and people dying.

My home sweet home.

On the “Mark Twain Expressway…” aka: Interstate 70.

That’s when I knew I was NOT going to live there, but that I’d go back to Dayton as fast as possible when the whole education trip was over. Now, it’s not that I suffered or anything for the next two and a half years. Nope: it’s just that I consciously lived as a tourist. I went to Gaslight Square and enjoyed good jazz, went to Hrdlicka’s. and enjoyed a fantastic local restaurant specializing in “deep fried in beer batter chicken,” which did make me think about buying my own franchise (for Dayton, of course). I went to the wonderful “Muny Opera” in Forest Park, enjoyed the free seats as off-Broadway” musicals were presented (in case you’re curious: in Dayton, I would discover, we called this “The Kenley Players”)

Best of all that, though, was that I DID get reacquainted with lots and lots of my huge circle of relatives who had, when I was a kid, lived within blocks of our family “flat” in South St. Louis (from here on in, if you want it to be “Saint Louis,” you’ll have to do the transform yourself). That St. Louis, I think it’s safe to say, was small in size, still small enough for a kid to go VISIT anyone of the friends and relatives by walking.

But when I got back… aunts and uncles who had lived down the block or around the corner or next door in the same flat as my family lived in… well, now these aunts and uncles lived thirty… forty… even FIFTY miles away. Still in “St. Louis County,” but far, far away in the County. Well, you know: none of us, in those wonderful late ’60’s day, knew anything about “urban sprawl.” All those aunts and uncles and cousins and friends had just… moved. And it was never REALLY far… “why,” they’d say, “it’s just off highway 70.”

Of course, back then we didn’t complain about the amount of gas it took to make a hundred mile round trip to visit an aunt or an uncle. Nope: we always had gas wars to keep the “price at the pump” dirt cheap. No, the only thing we decided not to notice was how long an afternoon visit would really take.

But when I’d drive up with my wife and kids to VISIT good ole’ Dayton… well, people were nice and lived close even though there was this thing called “Interstate 75.” Sure, it was there. You just didn’t have to USE IT. The Interstate was for folks going to Florida from Michigan or vice versa.

In St. Louis, a traffic jam on OR off the freeway could take an hour or so to unwind. BUT Dayton… Dayton’s traffic jams?? Back then — and even NOW — traffic jams off the freeway back then and now take ten minutes or so to unwind.

But all in all, in a few very short years, St. Louis drew itself into being a big, big city: even had a new stadium back then — as it does now, as a matter of fact: a NEWER new Stadium — and a good thing back then was I could go see the Cardinals play in the World Series a couple of years in a row. But… the Cardinals and the NEW new stadium. You know what: that’s another story.

Oh. And another OTHER story was living with all those little restaurants in some of the living rooms in neighborhoods of… well: politely now. Italian Heights. Yep: helped my mom even back then kick the cooking habit. But again: you know… That’s another story.

But here in Dayton: it’s the same old story.

Yes sir. Yes INDEED.

Jane’s Best Bets (10/19 – 10/23)

October 19, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

At the Ghosts N' Goblins 5K - Can you guess my costume?!?!

Even though Halloween is about two weeks away, the Halloween festivities have officially begun with the Ghosts N’ Goblins 5K downtown on Tuesday night! There are many more great Halloween themed, as well as non-Halloween themed options for this week!

On Wednesday, if you love a good scare, then be sure to make your way to the Haunted Butcher House. To be honest, the name of it alone scares me! In addition to seeing lots of Halloween decorations this time of year, you also see lots of political signs, commercials, etc. The task of choosing who to vote for or how to vote on certain issues can be daunting. Get some help by attending the Voters Guide LIVE at Stivers. History buffs should make plans to attend Soaring at Kitty Hawk, 1911: Buster’s Vacation at The Engineers Club of Dayton. At the Dayton Convention Center, attend the TechNet-Aero Conference if you work in or are interested in business and defense information technologies (hopefully if you work in it, you are also interested in it!). And finally, I hope you were lucky enough to get tickets to the sold out Mix 107.7 Concert For A Cure at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, with some great acoustic performances by Safetysuit, Christina Perri, and Andy Grammer. And if you weren’t, it’s okay. As Andy Grammer would say, “you gotta keep your head up.”

On Thursday, make your way to the Dayton Racquet Club for their $10 Wine Tasting. Afterall, what could be better than sipping some great wine and enjoying their amazing views?!?! Head to Victoria Theatre for the Dayton Ballet’s Sleepy Hollow & Hyding Inside. And if you would prefer to celebrate in honor of the ballet, then dress in your favorite black and white costume and participate in the Ballet Barre’s 2001 Halloween Pub Crawl, which will take place in the Oregon District. Or wear your Halloween costume for Boo in the Burg in Downtown Miamisburg. If you want to do something fun with the kids, then take them to see Disney On Ice – Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey at the Nutter Center. And if you can’t take them Thursday night, there will be shows all weekend long!

On Friday, get a start on your holiday cooking plans by attending Tasty Party Appetizers at 2nd Street Market. It is FREE! Attention all you yoga lovers – make your way to Practice Yoga on Fifth for the screening of the new documentary ‘Yogawoman’ to benefit the YWCA of Dayton. If you have never been to the opera, now is your time, as the Dayton Opera will be presenting La Bohème at the Schuster Center. In addition, they are offering “Friday Nite Tweet Seats” for members of area Young Professional Networking Groups and their guests. These seats are valued at $66 but are being sold at the promotional rate of $15! So, if you think the arts are too expensive for young professionals, think again! At Victoria Theatre, you will be able to see the Dayton Ballet’s Sleepy Hollow & Hyding Inside. There are a couple other shows you can catch on Friday as well, including Lost in Yonkers (Dayton Theatre Guild) and The Crucible (Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater). And if you prefer to have fun in a less formal environment, then check out my friend’s band Buddha and the Boogie Down as they play at Flanagan’s!

On Saturday, start the day off high on carbs with the Centerville Rotary’s 11th Annual Pancake Breakfast. Then, make your way to The Salvation Army Kroc Center for their Chili Cook Off. In the afternoon, take the kids to Victoria Theatre for the Dayton Ballet’s Children’s Halloween Party. And in the evening, take your date to Victoria Theatre for the Dayton Ballet’s Sleepy Hollow & Hyding Inside. Head to the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra’s Fall Concert at Shiloh Church. At Schindler Banquet Center, get a new wardrobe without spending a fortune as part of the 3rd Annual Fashion Swap ‘N Shop. If you are Irish (or just like Irish music), then purchase tickets to see bohola, featuring dancers from the Richens/Timm Academy of Irish Dance at Stivers School For the Arts. Theater options will still include Lost in Yonkers (Dayton Theatre Guild) and The Crucible (Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater). And finally, support United Rehabilitation Services, a wonderful organization who works to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities, by attending their 55^th Anniversary Gala at Sinclair’s Ponitz Center.

On Sunday, listen to the Duquesne Tamburitzans at the Centerville Performing Arts Center, the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra at Kettering Fairmont, or to the sounds of the Dayton Opera as they perform La Bohème at the Schuster Center. Watch the Dayton Ballet’s Sleepy Hollow & Hyding Inside at Victoria Theatre or the Dayton Theatre Guild’s performance of Lost in Yonkers. And finally…if you have been craving chocolate, you are in luck as there will be an All You Can Eat Chocolate Party at the Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why didn’t the skeleton go to the movies?

Because he had no body to go with.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar. There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today! Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE! And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Books by the Banks

October 19, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Readers and writers will appreciate the collection of literary minds at this year’s Books by the Banks event in Cincinnati.

The free event is held in the Duke Energy Convention Center on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10 am to 4 pm. Both young and old will find a favorite author from the 100+ local and internationally known authors.

The event is free and open to the public. The day consists of book talks, author readings, panel discussions and book sale opportunities. For the younger set, story times, kid’s crafts, and character appearances fills the day.

A Book for Every Reader

The topics and genres are diverse and broad, covering everything from local Ohio history to best sellers.

Younger children will enjoy Alyssa Satin Capucilli and her literary creation, Biscuit. Slighter older children will enjoy the DC Super Heroes: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book, brought to life by Matthew Reinhart. The day has plenty of children’s activities to keep your young ones entertained.

Foodies will enjoy Jeni Britton Bauer’s decadent book, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home. And if you indulge in too much Salty Caramel ice cream, you’ll be inspired by the authors of The SparkPeople Cookbook: Love Your Food, Lose the Weight.

New York Times best-selling authors are also on hand, including Dennis Lehane, the author of such greats as Mystic River, Shutter Island, and his newest book, Moonlight Mile. Paula McLain leapt onto the New York Times Bestseller list with her second novel, The Paris Wife. And Chris Bohjalia, also a bestseller, recently released The Night Strangers. Both Lehane and Bohjalia have panel discussions during the day.

Local Dayton YA authors, Katrina Kittle (Reasons to Be Happy) and Kristina McBride (The Tension of Opposites) will also be in attendance and hosting a panel addressing whether today’s tween/teen books are too dark.

For a free, word-filled day, plan to attend this annual event. At the end of the day, less books should be by the Banks and more by your bedside.

Tailgate of Terror – A Pre-Hauntfest Party (+ Parking)

October 19, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

(from Dayton Circus Creative Collective)

Want to ‘tailgate’ before the big Halloween Hauntfest in the Oregon district and get a premium parking space? The Dayton Circus Creative Collective (DCCC) is hosting the first annual “Tailgate of Terror” fundraiser on October 29^th at the Yellow Cab building at 700 E. 4^th St. For the price of a $20 ticket, you get a guaranteed parking spot for the Oregon District’s Hauntfest, three live bands, and a fun atmosphere. DCCC encourages you to bring your grill and your cooler and tailgate before the evening’s main event, Hauntfest on Fifth.

Anyone who has been to Hauntfest in the past knows that parking is always at a premium. A single $20 ticket is good for a carload – grab your friends and split the cost! The Yellow Cab parking lot is secure and within sight and easy walking distance of the main Hauntfest entrance at the corner of 5^th St. and Wayne Ave. Due to the size of the lot, this is an extremely limited offer – only 70 tickets for parking are available and we encourage you to buy early. Tickets will be available for purchase starting Oct. 7^th at the following Oregon District businesses: Feather’s Vintage Clothing (440 E. 5^th St.), ReCreate Music Store (438 E. 5^th St.) and Omega Music (318 E. 5^th St.). You can also contact us directly to purchase tickets either via email at [email protected] or by phone at (937) 490-9268.

The DCCC will also be hosting three bands. Kicking things off at 5pm will be The Fair Shakes. At 7pm, The White Soots, and finally C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks will perform at 9pm. And it’s all included in the price of your ticket, parking AND live entertainment! DJ Jay Madewell of Fab Gear will be spinning great tunes all throughout the evening. And expect other surprise entertainment to appear.

Changing areas will be available inside Yellow Cab for those who want to wait to put on their costumes. Don’t want to drive to the show but still want to see all these great bands? Walk-in tickets will be available at the door for $5.

The Yellow Cab parking lot will open at 4 p.m. on October 29^th for the Tailgate of Terror. It will remain open until 3 a.m. to allow everyone to have full enjoyment of Hauntfest.

Funds raised by this event will go to support the local arts organization, The Dayton Circus Creative Collective. Founded in 2007, The Circus is dedicated to building a nourishing environment that encourages community interaction, artistic collaboration, and the empowerment of the individual. In April of 2011, The Circus moved into the Yellow Cab building and has been working at transforming it into an arts hub for the community. Already two large art and music shows, The Sideshow and Ladyfest, have taken place there as part of Urban Nights, along with several other smaller monthly art shows and events. The potential exists in this building for much more. For more information about The Dayton Circus, contact Jeff Opt at (937) 490-9268 or at [email protected].

Presented by the Oregon Arts District, Hauntfest is the region’s largest and longest running Halloween Street Party. It features live music, food, drinks, costume contests and thousands of your closest friends in downtown Dayton. For more information about Hauntfest, contact Mike Martin at 937-974-2494 or [email protected].

For more Tailgate of Terror Information and Tickets

Call (937)490-9268 or email [email protected]

Facebook Privacy 101

October 18, 2011 By Michelle Ton Leave a Comment

Facebook has notoriety in messing with privacy options. Through the past few years, there have been numerous changes and additions that have most people wondering, “Who is looking at my information?” With so many options, it’s difficult to know which ones are the right ones to change. One wrong click can be the difference between having a “locked-down” profile and one that is open for the world (literally!) to see. Here are my top 3 tips to ensuring security and peace of mind for your Facebook account.

First, get friendly with the official privacy settings. In this area, you will see a list to set your privacy as one of 3 things: public (everyone), friends only, or custom. By choosing one of the options at the top, it will make a blanket change to all the areas listed below (how you connect, how tags work, apps and websites, audience for past posts, and blocked people and apps). Each of those sub areas also have their own set of settings, so be sure to look in there as well.

Next, check out your profile privacy settings. When you go to edit your profile, you will see a little dropdown that allows you to choose how you want to share each piece of information. It used to be that there was one setting for each option (education, interests, etc.) but now, Facebook offers you pretty much complete control on each item. The settings in here will affect not only how your friends view your profile, but also how you show up in Facebook search. Another new feature, noted at the top of the edit page, is the ability to “view profile as” a specific friend or the public – so you can see the changes you make along the way.

Finally, your status update is the last place where there are settings to be aware of. The default setting for who sees your updates are what you set in the “Official” privacy settings. However, you do have the option to change this to broadcast an update to a particular group of people (a Facebook list or group) or to make it public to the world.

After reading this post, I suggest you go back, take a look at what your personal settings are and adjust them as needed. With all the security issues that happen beyond our control, this is one thing you can do to prevent any information from getting out that you might not want published.

Entries Sought for Seventh Annual “Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays” Contest

October 17, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Holiday Festival is looking for the area’s most creative confectionary decorators to compete in the seventh annual Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays contest on Friday, Nov. 25. Located inside the Old Court House at Third and Main streets in downtown Dayton, entries will be judged and displayed for public viewing that day only, during the Grande Illumination and Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights from 4-9 p.m.

Stir up your icing and your imagination! All ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this free contest by entering a gingerbread house in the youth (12 and younger), teen (13-17), adult (18 and older) or professional category. Entry forms and a complete list of contest rules are available for download at www.daytonholidayfestival.org. Forms may be submitted to the Downtown Dayton Partnership at 10 W. Second St., Suite 611, Dayton, OH 45402 or by e-mail to [email protected]. Entry forms are due by Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Get rolling and win dough! Traditional houses, replicas of buildings, a purchased kit or even cardboard entries are permitted (as long as all exposed surfaces are covered with edible materials). First place in each category will receive a prize package featuring a variety of items. Awards also will be given to second and third place winners in each category. In addition, one amateur and one professional house will be selected as the “Best Houses on the Block” and each will win a $500 cash prize.

“The entries get more creative each year,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “The imagination and skill that goes into creating each of these gingerbread houses makes for a really special exhibit ― it’s always a fun part of our holiday season kickoff.”

Contest entries are to be delivered to the Old Court House between 10 a.m. and noon on Friday, Nov. 25. They will be judged from 2-4 p.m., and the winners will be notified by telephone. All contest winners will have the opportunity to be recognized on the Main Stage in Courthouse Square before the Grande Illumination tree lighting ceremony at 7:45 p.m.

The Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays contest is supported by media sponsors Times Community Newspapers and Mix 107.7 FM. The contest is part of the month-long Dayton Holiday Festival, presented by Time Warner Cable and sponsored by the Downtown Dayton Partnership, City of Dayton, Montgomery County and the Virginia W. Kettering Dayton Holiday Festival Fund. For more information on the contest and other Dayton Holiday Festival activities, call 937-224-1518 or visit www.daytonholidayfestival.org.

Wine Tasting For A Cause Thursday

October 17, 2011 By Dayton937 1 Comment

If you’re an alumnus of Wright State University, currently working in the nonprofit field, or if you just enjoy testing out a good wine now and then, don’t miss the Wright State University Alumni Association’s Nonprofit Leadership Alliance wine tasting and silent auction fundraiser on Thursday, October 20, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance is a national organization that helps students make connections within the nonprofit sector. The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance offers a national nonprofit management and leadership credential, the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP). In order to become certified, students must meet a number of requirements, which includes taking three required courses and attending one management institute. Through the Alliance, students can strengthen their leadership abilities, gain access to internship opportunities, learn more about the world of nonprofits, and enjoy many other benefits.

According to Sarah Williams, the Associate Executive Director at the Dayton Christian Center, the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance exists to “helps develop students who are going through the certification process.” One of the most significant ways that the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance helps students is by raising money for the Alumni Society and the Student Alumni Association. The money raised goes towards scholarships and funds events organized by the students. There is a management institution that takes place every January, and a portion of the funds “help provide a little assistance” to students who would like to attend. There are also workshops held in the fall and in the spring that are orchestrated by students, with the help of money raised by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

For more information on how to join the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance or to check out the other fundraising events that will be taking place, visit http://webapp3.wright.edu/web2/americanhumanics/.

As a fairly new organization, the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance at Wright State University is excited about trying their hand at new events, such as the wine tasting and silent auction that is taking place later this month. The organization is specifically reaching out towards alumni who are currently working in the nonprofit field.

“[We are] looking to expand our horizons,” said Williams. “We’ve had a good response from the alumni thanks to our great partnership with the Alumni Association.” Alumni of the program include Lindsay Ackley, recently named Executive Director of Clothes That Work, Debbie Fox, Grants Manager at Levin Family Foundation, and Mary DeMar, Annual Fund Manager at Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley.

If you’re interested in coming out to support Wright State alumni or students who are looking for work in the nonprofit sector, you can register for the wine tasting and silent auction at https://www.wrightstatealumni.com/component/registrationpro/event/148/Nonprofit-Leadership-Alliance-Wine-Tasting-and-Silent-Auction.html. The event will be held at the Therapy Café in Dayton, located at 425 E. Third Street. Tickets cost $20 and include four wine tastes and hor d’oeuvres. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the tickets will go towards the Alumni Association. If you would like to show support but cannot attend the event, feel free to purchase a ticket anyway! If you purchase a ticket but do not attend the event, the Alumni Association will receive 100% of the profit. Any and all support is appreciated – it’s guaranteed to be a tasty time!

Horrorama 2011 Q&A Session w/ Matt Brassfield & Andy Copp

October 17, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

In anticipation for Halloween, a tried and true Dayton tradition is attending the horror film marathon, Horrorama. As they prepare for the 15th anniversary of Horrorama, moderators Matt Brassfield and Andy Copp discuss topics including their plans for the upcoming event, their opinions concerning the current climate of the horror genre, and the obstacles that they’ve faced in lieu of the untimely passing of Horrorama creator, Dr. Creep.

DaytonMostMetro.com: What’s your favorite horror movie? Why?

Matt Brassfield: Technically, I have two favorite horror films: as far as a classic its 1941’s The Wolf Man and for a more modern pick, John Carpenter’s Halloween from 1978. The Wolf Man is a favorite because of the character development. You’re made to care about Larry Talbot as a man and a beast. As a director, it made me pay attention to developing my character, and it inspired my very first film, Werewolf of Ohio. Characters were also a factor in Halloween. Michael Myers is fascinating to me, this slow, silent hulking evil, and then in contrast Dr. Loomis is a great, smart hero. The first Halloween film is evidence that you can do a lot with a smaller budget.

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Andy Copp: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is my favorite horror film of all time, the original of course (I still hate that I have to make that distinction). After several dozen viewings, it’s still a scary and effective movie. There is true madness in the film captured in the hot Texas summer from a rookie crew suffering from heat exhaustion and a lot of frustration. No one involved has made anything even remotely as good since. It is one of the horror films that made me realize I wanted to direct movies myself. It also helped change the way the genre worked, helping to really push it towards a new uncharted territory in the 70’s.

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DMM: How did you become involved with Horrorama?

MB: I started out just attending Horrorama and occasionally helping hand out prizes. I was already friends with Rick Martin, Andy Copp, and Dr. Creep (the three creators of the event). Later I called upon some of my connections in both the horror and business communities when there were needs for event sponsors. After awhile, Rick, Andy and Dr. Creep considered me a part of the event and began inviting me to help with planning. I’ve been heavily involved for the last five years and am really committed to this event. It’s great to be able to give back to the community through the charity we help each year and to create something fun for horror fans. Now that Dr. Creep has passed, this event has become even more important for me because we’re continuing something that mattered to him – both the event itself and the fact that it was helping people out in our community.

AC: Fifteen years ago myself, Rick Martin and Dr. Creep wanted Dayton to have their own horror movie marathon. Columbus has theirs and that was the only one in the immediate area at the time. No one else was doing it. There was no other way to see these movies on 35mm prints in a theater at that point in our area. So we scraped our funds and just did it. We also decided that it was a good idea to do it for charity. At the time, Dr Creep was heavily involved with a charity that helped children during the holidays. That charity eventually folded about six or seven years ago, but we’ve continued to pursue other worthwhile charities with our event. That is another thing that sets us apart from other marathons as we are giving back to our community with what we do. Yes we are doing this because we love horror films and want to watch vintage prints of hard to find horror films on the big screen. But we also want to give something back. We have raised a lot of money for families over the years. Last year we gave a very nice chunk to the Susan G. Komen Cure Foundation. This year we intend to give our earnings to the St. Jude Hospital.

A lot has changed over the years though. We have changed venues several times until we landed at the Englewood Cinema which has been our home now since 2002. Rick Martin has stepped down this year for personal reasons, Matthew Brassfield has become a partner in our event for the last few marathons which has been a huge help. Of course the most unfortunate passing of Dr. Creep this past year has left us all very saddened and without our closest friend.

DMM: What obscure/underrated horror movie would you like to recommend to the horror community?

MB: One of my favorite obscure horror films is Trick or Treat from 1986. It combines my love of horror and 80’s metal (Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osborne both have cameos). The film’s about a metal head who’s picked on and inadvertently summons the spirit of his dead idol, rock star Sammi Curr, by playing one of his records backwards. Then usual horror film mayhem ensues. Sammi Curr, is one of my favorite lesser known horror villains.

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AC: This is something that I sort of live to do. I spend a lot of time recommending obscure movies to people. In fact, at Horrorama I have always tried to program at least one unknown or obscure movie every year that people can walk away feeling like they have “discovered” on their own. Movies like The Candy Snatchers, The Unseen, Satan’s Children, or Night Warning have all played to great audience reaction. There is a book called Nightmare USA by Stephen Thrower that is devoted to American Horror from 1972 to 1985 and only covers unknown or underrated films and filmmakers. That book is a like a bible for this sort of stuff. I highly recommend a filmmaker named Fredrick Freidel and his films; Axe and Kidnapped Co-ed both of which are super poetic rural tone movies. Another one called, The Child, is a very unusual sideways look at zombies being controlled by a telekinetic kid. There are hundreds I could rattle off.

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DMM: What/ if any difficulties have you faced organizing the first Horrorama since Dr. Creep’s passing?

MB: Planning the event itself has gone on as usual. The biggest thing for me is the heavy responsibility of honoring Dr. Creep’s legacy and his relationship with his fans. He meant so much to so many people (myself included), and we don’t want to let anyone down. Although in recent years, he hasn’t always been able to make it due to his health problems. It’s still really hard imagining the event without him.

AC: Besides the fact that we just miss him terribly? Putting this together without him is difficult because the media in Dayton knows Dr. Creep, but they do not know Andy Copp or Matt Brassfield. Even though this event is a decade and a half old, getting the mass media to pay attention without Dr. Creep at the masthead is proving to be difficult. We are also going to hold some auctions during the evening to raise some money for a proper tombstone for Dr. Creep, as for whatever reasons not enough money was available for him to get one.

DMM: What influenced the choice of films screening at this year’s Horrorama?

MB: We always try to have a good variety of films, and this year, since it’s the 15th anniversary, we were hoping to be able to offer some premieres. We were very lucky to end up with two films making their debut at Horrorama: Witch’s Brew (making its Ohio premiere) and Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (making its area premiere).

AC: This is another “behind the scenes” element most people do not always understand. Sometimes it comes down to what 35mm prints are available, and make no mistake we take a lot of pride in the fact that we screen most of our films on 35mm. We have titles we want to get, usually spend some time throwing those around, and try to chase them down. We were lucky this year as we got a couple of those, but a lot of times we are looking for certain films and they are not available, or prints have deteriorated over the years, and we have to find alternatives. Sometimes that can be very heartbreaking or very difficult. We have made a lot of friends over the years doing this though and that helps a lot.

DMM: What additions/changes do you have planned for this year’s Horrorama?

MB: Usually at Horrorama we have several costume contests and a few other games. This year we’re introducing a Miss Horrorama mini-pageant that will be judged by Baron Von Porkchop, Todd the Fox (a local musician), David J. Getz (actor) and another guest judge yet to be announced. The winner gets a $100 prize and the illustrious title of Miss Horrorama.

DMM: Do you have any tributes planned in memory of Dr. Creep?

AC: Yes of course. This year since he is no longer with us we are opening the show with an episode of the New Shock Theater from the late 90’s that I directed and co-produced with Rick Martin. The episode is the Filipino horror film, The Killing of Satan. The film itself is totally insane, but I think it is one of the best episodes of The New Shock Theater. Hopefully it will feel like Dr. Creep is still there with us for a little while. Of course he is there is spirit.

DMM: What’s your opinion of the current state of the horror genre?

MB: There are some really solid original films coming out, especially out of the indie/DIY horror community. If you look outside Hollywood, you can find some amazing films. Hollywood is certainly not ignoring the genre either, but I’m not wild about all of the remakes of classic horror films. I prefer to see how some of the classic franchises are being continued with sequels/additional chapters.

AC: Horror fans love nothing more than to sit and talk about how awful the genre is. They seem to be in a perpetual state of complaining sometimes. They say there are too many remakes (and there are), or if something they have not heard of comes out then the fans pile up on it and rip it apart for other reasons. The truth is that there are more horror movies being made now than maybe ever before. At least since the heyday of the 70’s and a lot of them are quite good. Some are just cash-ins to be sure, but on the edges of the mainstream, the genre is alive and well. We have great indie films like Stake Land, Red White and Blue, and Ratline, as well as intense foreign horror films that are constantly redefining what can be accessible such as The Dead, I Saw the Devil or The Horde. Every once in a while the current homegrown product will get it right. The genre is alive and well, new media has given older films a way to constantly be rediscovered and the horror film is not going away any time soon.

Horrorama 2011 is on Friday, October 28th at 6:30pm – October 29th at 9:00am. The event is located at the Englewood Cinema on 320 West National Rd.

This year’s screenings include From Beyond, Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, Blacula, The Killing of Satan, Witch’s Brew, and Demons.

Music Video Monday: October 17, 2011

October 17, 2011 By Juliet Fromholt Leave a Comment

There are shows you plan to attend for months ahead of time. And then there are the ones that sneak up on you last minute, causing you to drop everything to attend. I’ve been spending the last few minutes rearranging my schedule for tomorrow night (and rearranging my Music Video Monday schedule) for what’s going to be a great show at South Park Tavern. UK band, the Indelicates will be at SPT tomorrow night performing with locals Revampire. This is the Indelicates first US tour, so come out and give them a Dayton welcome. As with all shows at South Park Tavern, the music starts around 9pm, and it’s all-ages.

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Red and Loving It

October 14, 2011 By Brian Petro 2 Comments

Hello red...

In this second week of October, we are heading towards the end of grape harvesting season in North America and Europe. We are also heading towards National Red Wine Day, which is on October 15^th. Wine is an ancient drink, known to be created as early as 6000 B.C., and has been popular throughout history. Red wine has been the base for two very historically popular drinks, sangria and mulled wine, as well as the center of a debate around the health benefits of wine specifically and alcohol in general. There are plenty of red wines out there for you to enjoy, so a little knowledge is key to helping you find the right red wine for you.

Red wines are wines created from grapes that are dark in color, ranging from red to purple, with some blues thrown in for good measure. These are also known as black grapes. Now, grape juice in and of itself is clear, no matter what grape you get it from. What gives red wine its vibrant color is the presence of the skin during fermentation. Not only is the juice being transformed into a tasty delight, it is absorbing the color out of the skins. Skin color is not the only thing that is being absorbed into the wine. Another defining characteristic of red wines is the presence of tannins, something that is found primarily in the skins and seeds of grapes. Along with the ruby color, tannins are a defining characteristic in the difference between white and red wine. Tannins are still present in white wine, just not dominant. Tannins also help define how bold a wine is on the palate; it can range from lower tannin, sweeter flavor to a strong tannic, dryer taste. They also are a reason that red wines are served closer to room temperature; as tannins get cooler, they also start to drift from a dry taste to a bitter taste. Tannins and acids have a similar drying effect on your mouth, and red wines possess qualities. Acidic wine will go down dry, but your mouth will start to salivate soon after you take a sip. A wine that is tannic dries out the mouth…and leaves it dry.

Another factor in how a red wine tastes is the type of grape that is used. There are between forty and fifty different grapes that are currently favored in wine use globally, but most people look to six major grapes to do the heavy lifting:

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes on the vine

– Cabernet Sauvignon (Cabernet, or just Cab to close friends) is grown globally, from California to Chile, from France to South Africa. It is very high in tannins (due to the grape having a thicker skin), which gives it a very powerful flavor profile. It also makes it very susceptible to blending, Merlot being a very popular partner. Those wily Australians like to blend their Cabs with Syrah. Cabs typically have notes of black currant in their flavor.

-Merlot is the most planted grape in the Bordeaux region of France, but it is also popular in Italy, New York, and California. Merlot grapes produce a sweeter (most describe the flavor as chocolaty or plummish) and full flavored red wine, which make it very popular with wine drinkers. Some wine makers feel the need to blend it with a fuller bodied wine. Merlot grapes typically produce a wine with higher alcohol content.

-Pinot Noir is a bit delicate. Not in flavor; it falls in the middle of the road in terms of tannins, and often tastes of berries. It also falls into the middle ranges of alcohol content. Its delicacy comes from the grape. It is temperamental, and does best for growers looking to produce a small yield. It is much harder to grow that many of its red brethren, and has travelled to New Zealand, Australia, and California with some success. But, the French are the ones that rely on it most, especially in the Champagne region.

-Syrah (if you are in France) or Shiraz (if you are in Australia) adds some zest to the red wine world, offering hints of black pepper, smoke, herbs, or berries in its various incarnations. It stands well on its own, but in some regions it is blended with other wines. The grape has a thick skin which puts the wine very high on the tannin scale and very deep red in the color spectrum. It is most famously grown in France and Australia, but can also be found in Chile and, of course, California.

See...Zinfandel does start off red

-Zinfandel (it really is a red grape) makes its home in the United States, primarily in California. Italy also grows the grape, but not like we do here. There are some hints of blackberries and raspberries in the flavor profile. Zins can have a very high alcohol content, getting up to 15% ABV, and higher than average tannins. White Zinfandel, which has sales that are six times that of Zinfandel, is a byproduct of this grape.

-Nebbiolo has enjoyed a great deal of success being grown in northern Italy. It is a thick skinned and durable grape, but oddly does not travel well to make a good wine. The Italian wines it does make, though, can be a little rough on the tongue due to its high tannin content, but has black cherry, herbal, and floral notes to help smooth out the ride. The high alcohol content goes a long way to win some favor as well.

There are plenty of other popular red wine varieties, like Sangiovese (Italian) and Malbec (French). The above mentioned are the most commonly found, discussed, and seen as good examples of the red wine family. Many feel that the color of the wine has some bearing on how it tastes, and the darker the better. Some wine makers cater to that by artificially darkening the wine. Pinot Noirs are naturally lighter reds, yet still have interesting flavor and complexity.

Red wines are served at warmer temperatures than white wines, but not quite at room temperature. Unless the room we are discussing is in an English castle. Red wines are best served between 60⁰ and 68⁰ F. If you go too much warmer, it saps the life out of the wine. Cooler, and you could be bringing more of the dryness out, which may mask some of the subtle flavors of the wine. To bring out those flavors, red wines are served in a glass with a wider bowl, which serves a few purposes. It allows more oxygen to get to the wine, which helps release the more subtle flavors. They are designed to be held by the bowl, not the stem, which allows the body to warm the wine ever so slightly, also opening the wine’s flavors.

There are many questions people ask about red wine and wine in general. One of them is “When do I drink red wine?” The best answer to that is “Whenever you want to!” Many people will drink a red wine with a meal, to balance out or enhance the stronger flavors of the wine. More often, though, people are just drinking red wine to enjoy the flavor of the wine. Traditionally, red wines went with red meat, and white wines went with fish and poultry. Red wines, as noted above, have a wide range of flavors, and can go with a wide range of foods. It becomes a question of do I want to balance out the flavor of the food with something opposite, like something sweet with something salty or sour, or do you want to enhance the flavor of what you are eating, like drinking a spicy wine with spicy food. Another question people will ask is “What is the best red wine?” Everyone, including the experts, has a different palate. That means a wine one person may find delicious, another person may find awful. And higher price does not mean a better wine. There are plenty of wines out there that can be purchased for a low price that can stand up to the most expensive ones. There is a red wine for every palate, and it is worth the time to explore the wines yourself to see which one is right for you.

Flights are great ways to experience variety

And how do you explore these wines? One method is to find wine tastings in the area, and chat with the people that frequent them. Arrow Wine offers pay-per-taste sessions every Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM, and their Far Hills location offers them Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 9 PM. Keep an eye on Dorothy Lane Market’s website, as they also offer frequent wine tastings, as well as downloadable guides for food pairings and ratings charts. Rumbleseat Wine in Centerville offers a weekly wine tasting menu. Another good way to try out wines is going to bars that specialize in wine and ordering flights. The Wine Loft offers many flights of wine, grouped by style or region. The Wine Gallery offers flights of wine as well as an amazing view of downtown. There are many other bars that specialize in wine in the area, and that is another opportunity for you to explore what each has to offer. Just check the DaytonMostMetro.com calender wine category for the latest tastings.

So go out this weekend and try out some red wines. Have a flight, visit a tasting, or buy a bottle or two from a friendly and knowledgeable vendor and have a wine tasting of your own. If you try red wines long enough, you may find this website to be particularly useful as well. Accidents do happen. Cheers!

Abie’s Irish Rose at The Dayton Playhouse (TICKET CONTEST)

October 13, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Dayton Playhouse Cast of "Abie's Irish Rose"

American playwright Anne Nichols wrote several successful Broadway plays in the 1920’s and 30’s, beginning with her first and most famous play called Abie’s Irish Rose. The story is about an Irish Catholic girl who marries a young Jewish man despite the objections of their families. The basic story premise was copied several times, and Anne Nichols actually sued one imitator (Universal Pictures) over its movie The Cohens and the Kellys. The judge in the appeal case found in favor of the defendant, and summarized the plot as follows:

Abie’s Irish Rose presents a Jewish family living in prosperous circumstances in New York. The father, a widower, is in business as a merchant, in which his son and only child helps him. The boy has philandered with young women, who to his father’s great disgust have always been Gentiles, for he is obsessed with a passion that his daughter-in-law shall be an orthodox Jewess. When the play opens the son, who has been courting a young Irish Catholic girl, has already married her secretly before a Protestant minister, and is concerned to soften the blow for his father, by securing a favorable impression of his bride, while concealing her faith and race. To accomplish this he introduces her to his father at his home as a Jewess, and lets it appear that he is interested in her, though he conceals the marriage. The girl somewhat reluctantly falls in with the plan; the father takes the bait, becomes infatuated with the girl, concludes that they must marry, and assumes that of course they will, if he so decides. He calls in a rabbi, and prepares for the wedding according to the Jewish rite.

Meanwhile the girl’s father, also a widower, who lives in California, and is as intense in his own religious antagonism as the Jew, has been called to New York, supposing that his daughter is to marry an Irishman and a Catholic. Accompanied by a priest, he arrives at the house at the moment when the marriage is being celebrated, but too late to prevent it, and the two fathers, each infuriated by the proposed union of his child to a heretic, fall into unseemly and grotesque antics. The priest and the rabbi become friendly, exchange trite sentiments about religion, and agree that the match is good. Apparently out of abundant caution, the priest celebrates the marriage for a third time, while the girl’s father is inveigled away. The second act closes with each father, still outraged, seeking to find some way by which the union, thus trebly insured, may be dissolved.

The last act takes place about a year later, the young couple having meanwhile been abjured by each father, and left to their own resources. They have had twins, a boy and a girl, but their fathers know no more than that a child has been born…

The Dayton Playhouse is presenting this play under the direction of Richard Brock, beginning Friday October 14th through October 23rd. Click the link for more info and ticket information, or call the box office at 937-424-8477.

Win Tickets!!!

DaytonMostMetro.com and The Dayton Playhouse are giving away THREE PAIRS of tickets to the Saturday October 15th show at 8pm. Simply fill out the form below to be entered to win (winners will be selected randomly at 3pm on Friday October 14th). Also, be sure to like our On Stage Dayton Facebook page for up-to-date information, reviews and ticket giveaways in local theatre! GOOD LUCK!

Ticket Contest Closed

Congratulations to our winners – enjoy the show!

Jacqueline W. (Piqua)
Lindsay S. (Beavercreek)
Lynn K. (Dayton)

The Future, Restless & Big NEON News!

October 13, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

If you still need to see LIFE, ABOVE ALL or HIGHER GROUND, you only have today (Thursday, October 13) to see them at THE NEON. On Friday, we open two new films. First is the new film from Miranda July – THE FUTURE. The second is the new film from Gus Van Sant – RESTLESS. Of course there’s lots more to announce…but I’ll get to that in a minute. As a warning, it’s quite possible that both of our new films will only play for a week. So hurry down if you want to see them!

Synopsis for THE FUTURE: “When Sophie and Jason decide to adopt a stray cat, their perspective on life changes radically, literally altering the course of time and space and testing their faith in each other and themselves.” (Roadside Attractions) From visual artist and filmmaker Miranda July comes the follow-up film to her incredible first feature ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW. Visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for RESTLESS: “Eccentric funeral crasher Enoch (Henry Hopper) finds his ideal soul mate in beautiful but mysterious Annabelle (Mia Wasikowska), who claims to work in a hospital but harbors a sensitive secret. Later, after Enoch opens up to Annabelle about his only friend, an outspoken ghost named Hiroshi, their fledgling romance is put to the ultimate test. Director Gus Van Sant teams with playwright Jason Lew to adapt Lew’s play of the same name.” (All Movie Guide) Visit the film’s official site .

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Monday will kick off Living City’s VAMPIRE retrospective. First off is a classic with David Bowie, Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon – THE HUNGER. The series will include 5 Films over the course of 5 Mondays at 7:30. Single tickets will be available at the door before each screening for $8 each. Festival passes – good for all 5 screnings – are already available at our box office for just $30 (members of FilmDayton will receive $5 off the festival pass price). Here are the dates and films:

October 17 – THE HUNGER (digital video projection)

October 24 – DRACULA (1931, starring Bela Lugosi – 35mm)

October 31 – THE LOST BOYS (digital video projection)

November 7 – INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE (35mm)

November 14 – BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (1992 – 35mm).

Within the past 24 hours, we finally received confirmation that we can open THE WAY on October 21 (“the Martin Sheen film” as so many people has referred to it). You more than likely saw or read details about Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez (who directed the film) visiting Dayton (their hometown) as they toured the country with this film. Since then, we’ve received numerous calls about the film having a traditional engagement – but we could never get the distributor to commit to opening with us. Alas it’s now set – so please help us spread the word. THE WAY will open next Friday!

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In the next few days, I hope to also have some good news regarding TAKE SHELTER. This film, one of my absolute favorites from this year’s Toronto Film Festival, was shot in Ohio and has been garnering awards and kudos around the world. Once Sony Classics confirms our opening date, I’ll get busy trying to secure some special details for audiences at THE NEON. I’ll keep you posted!

For remaining showtimes for this week visit THE NEON’s site.

Hope to see you this weekend,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for October 14 – October 20:

SENNA (PG-13) 1 Hr 46 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:15

Monday – Thursday: 5:30

RESTLESS (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:20, 9:30

Monday: 3:15, 5:20

Tuesday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:20, 7:45

THE FUTURE (R) 1 Hr 31 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:15, 7:30, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 7:50

THE HUNGER (R) 1 Hr 37 Min

Monday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Oct. 14 THE WAY

Oct. 21 THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE

Oct. 28 THE HEDGEHOG

(check out the Trailer for THE HEDGEHOG…I love it!)

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Oct. 28 MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITTE

Nov. 4 TAKE SHELTER

Nov. 18 MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 25 THE SKIN I LIVE IN

Nov. ? MARGIN CALL

Dec. 2 MELANCHOLIA

TBD WEEKEND

Something wicked this way comes: Downtown Dayton’s Halloween Haunts

October 11, 2011 By DowntownPartnership Leave a Comment

With Halloween fast approaching, downtown is filled with spine-chilling festivities. From haunted houses to a spooky showing of the Bride of Frankenstein, there is plenty of eerie activities waiting.

Tuesday, Oct. 18: Ghost N Goblin 5k, RiverScape MetroPark, 111 East Monument Ave.

Get ghoulish for a good cause with this 3.1-mile run around downtown that benefits The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costumes. The race will start at 6:30 p.m. For registration information and costs, click here.

Buildings decorate for the Hauntfest activities.

Thursday, Oct. 20: Halloween Pub Crawl 2011 starts at Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.

The Dayton Ballet Barre hosts this pub crawl that includes numerous bars in the Oregon Arts District. Each $10 ticket covers drink and food discounts. Locations include:

6 p.m. Oregon Express
7 p.m. Tumbleweed Connection
8 p.m. Lucky’s Taproom
9 p.m. Trolley Stop
10 p.m. Dublin Pub

Thursday, Oct. 20- Sunday, Oct. 23, Haunted Series, Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St.

The Dayton Ballet presents the haunting world premiere of Sleepy Hollow. The series also features the return of Hyding Inside, a depiction of man’s struggle between good and evil loosely based upon Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. For ticket information, call 449-5060.

Saturday, Oct. 29: Hauntfest on Fifth, Oregon Arts District on East Fifth Street

Dayton’s largest and longest-standing Halloween bash returns for another spooktacular night. It will feature a roundup of entertainment, including live music by such bands as Back Stabbath, a Black Sabbath cover band, and roving performers. The event also will include a chance to win cash prizes in a costume contest, food and drinks, and more.

Another Hauntfest highlight is the Third Annual Boo & Bruise pro wrestling contest. Rockstar pros will compete for the chance to become the first ever Cicero Cup winner. The contest will be held on Fifth and Jackson streets, next to the Cicero Law Office.

Costumed customers sit down for a drink at Hauntfest.

Join emcee Jim Bucher and the Bud Girls for the costume contest, which will be held on the main stage at 10 p.m. A crew of Bud Girls will roam Hauntfest and select partygoers with the best costumes in three categories and give them passes to participate in the contest, when a panel of celebrity judges will pick the winner in each category. First, second and third prizes will be given in the following categories: (1) best group costume, (2) best individual costume and (3) best witch costume.

In addition, many of the bars and taverns in the Oregon Arts District will host live bands and other entertainment the night of Hauntfest. Many will not charge a cover the night of the event. Tickets will be $5 in advance, available at most Oregon Arts District taverns and clubs, and $5 at the gate from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets purchased at the gate after 10 p.m. will be $10.

Hauntfest on Fifth is sponsored by Budweiser, Bud Light, Budweiser Select, Buckeye Vodka, 104.7 WTUE, 103.9 The X, 99.9 The Channel, Mix 107.7, WDTN Channel 2, Dayton City Paper and the Oregon District Business Association.

Saturday, Oct. 29: 1^st Annual Tailgate of Terror, Yellow Cab Building, 700 E. Fourth St.

Get the Hauntfest party started with this Halloween fundraiser. Each $20 ticket guarantees a parking spot for Hauntfest and live music by The Fair Shakes at 5 p.m., The White Soots at 7 p.m. and C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks at 9 p.m. DJ Jay Madewell of Fab Gear also will spin tunes throughout the evening. The parking lot will be open from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Act fast — there are a limited number of tickets for parking spots. Walk-in tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets will be available at the following Oregon Arts District businesses: Feather’s Vintage Clothing (440 E. Fifth St.), ReCreate Music Store (438 E. Fifth St.) and Omega Music (318 E. Fifth St.). Tickets are also available through the Dayton Circus Creative Collective via email at [email protected] or by phone at 490-9268.

A smiling skeleton walks down Fith Street during Hauntfest.

Saturday, Oct. 29: Sidebar Spooktacular, 410 E. Fifth St.

Take a rest bit from Hauntfest and stop inside this Oregon Arts District bar for a drink. The costume party kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and will continue until 2:00 a.m. Each ticket is good for food all night, music provided by a DJ and one glass of Sidebar’s sangria. For ticket information, contact Tess Vella at 723-9415.

Saturday, Oct. 29: The Monster Hop at Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St.

Check out live music featuring rock Robthebank. The show will start at 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $5.

Saturday, Oct. 29: PhilharMonster Halloween Concert, Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St.

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Neal Gittleman leads this special performance of Peter and the Wolf. The performance will include scenes from Bride of Frankenstein. The concert is at 3 p.m., but come early at 2 p.m. for some pre-concert fun. A costume contest will award prizes to the most creative ensembles in three different categories. For ticket information and cost, click here.

Saturday, Oct. 29: “Bride of Frankenstein” with Orchestra, Schuster Center, 1 W. Second Street

The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will provide live music alongside this Halloween classic in a performance that will send chills down your spine. The show will begin at 8 p.m. For tickets, click here.

Dayton’s Haunted Butcher House on Wayne Ave., 508 Wayne Ave.

Downtown Dayton’s newest and wildest haunted house attraction promises to make each scare “memorable and original by igniting all of the senses.” The haunted house will be open Thursday to Saturday from 7 p.m. to midnight now through Nov. 1.

Jane’s Best Bets (10/12 – 10/16)

October 11, 2011 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

I hope you have been able to enjoy these nice fall days! And even if the weather does get bad this week, there are some indoor options along with the outdoor options!

On Wednesday, attend The Fundraiser’s Guide to Social Media at the main branch of the Dayton Metro Library. This is great (and free!) opportunity, particularly if you serve on a board or work for a non-profit. And in the evening, you’ll be able to support one of those non-profits, Agape for Youth, by attending the Fostering Changes for Future Generations Gala at the Schuster Center. At Wright State, listen to Arlene B. Mayerson, a national expert on disability rights law, as part of the Wright State University’s Presidential Lecture Series. Listen to classical music as the Tiberius String Quartet from Rumania performs at the University of Dayton. And if you want music you can jam to, then make your way to the Oregon District’s Trolley Stop for the Old Time Acoustic Jam or to Oregon Express to listen to The Doug Hart Band.

On Thursday, bring your kids to the 2^nd Street Market for Pizza Making for Kids. You’ve been making dinner for them for a while, so why not let them learn how to make dinner for you for a change?!?! If you consider yourself a “techie,” then make your way to Brixx for Tech Town Thursday. Attention all you vegetarians out there – don’t “wine” because there aren’t any food options for you, as McCormick & Schmick’s is offering a Vegetarian Wine Dinner. In Centerville, listen to the music of Sean Jones (R&B and Soul) presented by the Miami Valley Community Concert Association. Join some great young professionals in the area with Generation Dayton’s Thirsty Thursday at The Wine Gallery. At Oregon Express, catch Theology on Tap. Or make your way to the Schuster Center to listen to the Dayton Philharmonic’s performance, Romeo, Juliet & Prokofiev.

On Friday, aspiring artists should make their way to Wright State for Draw on the Walls. If your kids love animals but you don’t want to bring them into your house (the animals that is, not the kids), take them to the Bison Hayride Tour at Heaven’s Corner Zoo. Halloween is right around the corner, so make your way to the Spaghetti Warehouse for their Mayhem & Mystery Dinner Theatre: ‘Costume Carousing’. If you get a laugh when Jay Leno and David Letterman make fun of all things political, then be sure to make your way to Springfield to see The Capitol Steps, as they will take on a variety of current events…including the Octomom. Head up to Yellow Springs for Fling in the Springs. At the Schuster Center, listen to the Dayton Philharmonic with Prokofiev Meets Shakespeare. You may have read the Cliff Notes in high school, but what is even easier (and more entertaining) is watching The Crucible live at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theater. And if you enjoy being scared, then make your way to the Land Of Illusion Haunted Scream Park.

On Saturday, get your girlfriends together and participate in the Girlfriend Ride Dayton to benefit the Artemis Center. This won’t just be any ride, as some stops along the way include a hand massage station, a chocolate fountain, and a wine tasting. Or make your way to Fifth Third Field for the 2011 Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk. At the 2^nd Street Market, it’s Fall Family Fun Day, so be sure to bring the kids! Typically, it would be inappropriate to bring your kids to the Funny Bone (unless they are your adult children). However, in the afternoon, you will be able to take them there for the Family, Food, & Fun Comedy Magic Show. And if you don’t have any, I have friends that would probably be happy to lend theirs to you. If you live up north, make your way to the HarvestFest Street Fair in downtown Tipp City…it sounds like fun and it’s free! In addition, in the evening, you will be able to hear live music by the 80s cover band Stranger. In Yellow Springs, you’ll be able to attend Fling in the Springs. If you enjoy German music, head to the Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club for their German Fall Concert. Have some fun and support the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio with the Fall Treasure Hunt Road Rally…sounds like a mini amazing race! You will be able to listen to music at both the Schuster Center (Romeo, Juliet & Prokofiev) and Victoria Theatre (The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra). And finally, put on your mask and attend a major party in Dayton – ARC Ohio’s Masquerage…a decade of decadence, which will benefit the AIDS Resource Center.

On Sunday, make your way to Garden Station Sunday Market, which is the only Sunday Farmer’s Market in the area. If you like to write, then attend the Second Sunday Free Writers’ Workshop at Books & Co. It says “free writers” so I wonder if they’re in jail for something. Make your way to Belmont for their Neighborhood Jam Fest, which will feature food, music, drinks, artists, and a car show. If you enjoy shopping, head to The Event Connection for the Home, Lifestyle and Craft Expo…after all, it’s not too early to start your Christmas shopping! Listen to the sounds of the University of Dayton Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble at South Park United Methodist Church. At Sinclair, catch a performance of The Crucible. And if you’re looking for a little Sunday fling, then enjoy Fling in the Springs.