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Archives for December 2011

Top 10 Theater of 2011

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Brenda Mhlongo in The Lion King

THE GEM CITY

1. Disney’s “The Lion King” (Directed by Julie Taymor)
The tremendous, long-awaited local premiere of this visually stunning, Tony-winning spectacle from Taymor, Elton John and Tim Rice was a hit for the Victoria Theatre Association. Hopefully the Victoria is securing a return visit to Pride Rock for a future season.

Full Review: Let the Spectacle Astound You

Beth Conley in Hairspray

2.“Hairspray” (Directed by Joe Deer)
Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan’s Tony-winning “Hairspray” received an extraordinarily jubilant presentation at Wright State University. Deer’s fluid vision, Teressa Wylie McWiliams’ fantastic choreography, Beth Conley’s spunk, Drew Helton’s authenticity and Ian DeVine’s divine dancing were among the many artistic joys. Every year, there are certain shows you crave to see over and over again. This was one of them. And I did.

Full Review: You Can’t Stop The Bliss

3.“Caroline, or Change” (Directed by Scott Stoney)
Since 2004, I patiently waited for a local premiere of this dynamic, evocative Tony-nominated musical by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori. Unsurprisingly, the Human Race Theatre Company impressively stepped up to the plate with splendid results as led by the fabulous Tanesha Gary of the original Broadway cast.

Full Review: Worlds Collide In The Bayou

SOUVENIR by Stephen Temperley - DAYTON THEATRE GUILD - Things To Do In Dayton - September 16-25, 2011

Reneé Franck-Reed and Charles Larkowski in Souvenir

4.“Souvenir” (Directed by Saul Caplan)
In Stephen Temperley’s intimate “Souvenir,” the life and folly of long-forgotten eccentric soprano Florence Foster Jenkins breezily unravels in a humorous and startling fashion. The Dayton Theatre Guild’s blissful production, deserving of an encore this season or next season, featured effortlessly charming performances by Reneé Franck-Reed and Charles Larkowski. What a duo!

Full Review: Delusions of Grandeur

5.“Permanent Collection” (Directed by Schele Williams)
The beauty of art and the pain of racial conflict compellingly collide in this heated drama by Thomas Gibbons. The Human Race Theatre Company’s gripping local premiere would not have been the same without the commanding presence of Alan Bomar Jones as the disaffected and unyielding Sterling North.

Full Review: The State of the Art in Black and White

6. “Death of a Salesman” (Directed by Greg Hellems)
Scott Stoney’s sublime portrayal of the hapless Willy Loman and Lee Merrill’s revelatory turn as Willy’s supportive wife Linda fueled the palpable heartache within Wright State’s expertly character-driven production of Arthur Miller’s masterpiece. Hellems’ impressive straight play directorial debut particularly featured one of the most moving father-son embraces I have witnessed.

Full Review: Heartache and Pain

Cast of 42nd Street

7. “42nd Street” (Directed by Rick Conant and Joe Deer)
Conant, a member of the original Broadway cast of “42nd Street,” memorably recreated Gower Champion’s choreography for Wright State’s knockout presentation which clearly astonished in the opening audition sequence alone. Those dancing feet never looked or sounded so sweet.

Full Review: Go Into Your Dance!

8. “Hello, Dolly!” (Directed by Robert and Ruth Clements)
Cedarville University’s splendidly designed, excellently performed production of Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart’s adaptation of “The Matchmaker” truly dazzled with striking, sophisticated elegance.

Full Review: ‘Dolly’ Is Back And Looking Swell

9. “Lost in Yonkers” (Directed by Fran Pesch)
Neil Simon’s heartwarming account of family dysfunction wondrously resonated at the Dayton Theatre Guild. In addition to Barbara Jorgensen’s stellar embodiment of a prickly matriarch, Philip Stock and Joel Daniel’s brotherly camaraderie and Amy Diederich’s endearing sensitivity were great assets.

Full Review: Family Matters

JJ Parkey as Hedwig

10. “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” (Directed by Shane Anderson)
Encore Theater Company, Dayton’s only community theater devoted to new musicals, simply relishes risk. The troupe delivered the goods with a comical and poignant production of John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask’s “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” This risqué rock opus concerning identity, heartbreak and transgender surgery could be viewed as off-putting but actually felt warmly universal and life-affirming in the flawlessly engaging hands of JJ Parkey and Abigail Nessen Bengson. In another bold move, Encore will offer the local community theater premiere of “Spring Awakening” in late January directed by Parkey. I have a feeling it could be a must-see.

Full Review: Botched But Indestructible

Biggest Disappointment: The DayTonys egregiously overlooking “The Producers”
It’s no secret that the annual DayTony Awards will provide its share of oddities. However, the utterly shocking shut-out of the Dayton Playhouse’s production of “The Producers,” one of the best shows ever staged by the organization, will forever serve as a reminder of a flawed voting system in need of a complete overhaul.

THE BIG APPLE

1. “Follies”
Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s marvelous tale of disillusionment and regret was a hit last spring at the Kennedy Center. Even so, it grew deeper and more thrilling in its duly acclaimed Broadway transfer over the summer. Although I adored the Kennedy Center production (Linda Lavin’s tantalizing rendition of “Broadway Baby” was among the best I have heard), the current mounting, particularly blessed with definitive performances from Bernadette Peters and Jan Maxwell, is an indelibly cohesive product. I only wish the show could continue past its Jan. 22 closing. Special kudos to Wright State University alum Nick Verina, whose terrific Broadway debut as Young Ben (and brief loving embrace with Peters in the ravishing “Too Many Mornings”) proved simultaneously delightful and surreal.

2. “The Normal Heart”
The Tony-winning, limited engagement revival of Larry Kramer’s powerful, educational polemic concerning the early days of AIDS, fueled with exemplary portrayals by Ellen Barkin, John Benjamin Hickey, Joe Mantello, Jim Parsons and Lee Pace, packed an emotional, visceral wallop. It’s important to note that a letter written by Kramer, entitled “Please Know,” was distributed following the performance I attended. A particular paragraph stated, “Please know that the world has suffered at the very least some 75 million infections and 35 million deaths. When the action of the play that you have just seen begins, there were 41.”

3. “The Book of Mormon”
This tuneful, crude and offensive Tony-winning laugh riot from “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and “Avenue Q” co-creator Robert Lopez took Broadway by storm, particularly garnering a male fan base not seen for a new musical since “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” Religion will always be a delicate subject but “Mormon” spoofs Joseph Smith, Africa, Bono, Orlando, Johnnie Cochran and musical theater conventions with a tongue-in-cheek flair seamlessly constructed to satisfy Broadway devotees and Cartman admirers.

4. “War Horse”
Stephen Spielberg is earning high marks for his adaptation of Michael Murporgo’s sentimental World War I account of a boy and his beloved horse. Still, there’s no denying the sheer epic beauty and whimsical puppetry on display in Lincoln Center Theater’s outstanding, deeply moving Tony-winning presentation.

5. “Good People”
David Lindsay-Abaire’s exceptionally authentic “Good People,” one of the best contemporary dramatic comedies to shed light on America’s struggling middle class, revealed the depths of cultural identity and hopelessness with brutal honesty. Tate Donovan and Tony winner Frances McDormand were perfect as former flames coming to terms with their past in South Boston.

6. “Other Desert Cities”
Jon Robin Baitz (“Brothers & Sisters,” “The Paris Letter”) could receive Tony and Pulitzer Prize consideration for his wonderfully engrossing saga about a wealthy California family battling ideologies while coping with secrets and lies. Rachel Griffiths, Stockard Channing, Stacy Keach, Judith Light and Thomas Sadoski stirred emotions on a fierce level that rivaled “The Normal Heart.” Anyone headed to New York City who can’t find a ticket to “Mormon” or “War Horse” should see “Cities,” which will likely become a regional theater hit in 2012-13.

7. “The Motherf**ker With the Hat”
Chris Rock’s Broadway debut could have been a fiasco but his hilarious turn as a disingenuous AA sponsor opposite the fiery machismo of Bobby Cannavale sent Stephen Adly Guirgis’ scathing, gritty, sharp and witty play through the roof.

8. “Sister Act”
If it wasn’t for the “Mormon” invasion, this totally uplifting, incredibly melodic adaptation of the Whoopi Goldberg film of the same name, heightened by Patina Miller’s breakthrough performance and Alan Menken’s delectable 1970s-inspired tunes, would have been a serious Tony contender.

9. “Jerusalem”
Jez Butterworth’s overlong yet impactful depiction of British misfits will always be remembered for Mark Rylance’s masterful, Tony-winning performance as raw, rebellious ringleader Johnny “Rooster” Byron.

10. “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying”
A highly commendable Daniel Radcliffe took his post-“Potter” career to a new level in this cool, sleek and underappreciated revival of Frank Loesser’s classic workplace satire.

Biggest Disappointment: “Anything Goes”
I didn’t return to “Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark” this year and cannot comment on whether it remained a disaster or improved following its substantial rewrites. So I’ll choose the overrated revival of “Anything Goes,” which failed to astound aside from a Tony-winning performance by Sutton Foster, one of Broadway’s most popular triple threats.

‘Dayton ready to help greet 1932’

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Eighty years ago, the Dayton Daily News gave the following report as Daytonians weathering the Great Depression made plans to celebrate the New Year holiday. The “clarion blasts” and “owl cars” have passed along with the heyday of hotel parties and public dances, but it’s likely their great-grandchildren will also see “many whistles made wet as usual.”

Dayton ready to help greet 1932 new year

Many public and private parties arranged for annual event

A few more hours and Dayton residents will greet a new year.

Indications Thursday were that the event which comes with the ushering in of a new cycle will be observed about as usual, with the celebrants finding their pleasure during the later hours of the evening.

All of the uptown hotels were prepared to greet little 1932 in a big way, with dances holding forth in some of them and with reservations having been received for dinner parties which will last through midnight.

‘Gaiety and splendor’

At the Biltmore the custom which was established with the opening of that hotel will be pursued, that of holding a dance to which the public is invited. The management of the hotel reported Thursday that a large number of reservations have been made and that the usual scene of gaiety and splendor is expected to prevail.

At the Miami, the Van Cleve and Gibbons there will be no public dances held, although there were numerous reservations made for private parties. On the roof of the Miami a dinner party will be given by Oscar Pryor.

All of the uptown theaters have announced that special late shows will be given. Some of these will begin at 11 p.m., some at 11:30 p.m. and a few not until the magic hour has struck.

Hangovers, ’30s style

The greater portion of the reception to the new year in Dayton, however, will have its setting in private homes. With Friday, New Year’s, a holiday on which most factories, offices and stores will be closed, the celebrants will be privileged to enter into the spirit of the occasion without the dread of what must come the “morning after” when otherwise another workday would beckon.

There have been indications for the past week that the usual noisemaking devices again will be in evidence. Bells will ring, whistles sound their clarion blasts, pistols and cannon will be fired and the new year will be given the greeting common with age-old custom.

So much for discouraging drunk driving

The managements of some of the street railway companies were undecided during Thursday as to whether extended service would be given on their lines for benefit of the merrymakers. Definite announcement was made by the City Railway Co. that its latest cars would leave Third and Main sts. at the usual hour of 12:10 a.m. The Peoples Railway Co. was not certain whether owl cars would be operated and the same was true of Oakwood and Dayton Street. The last Peoples cars under regular schedule on the Main st., Valley and Cincinnati-Leo divisions leave the center of the city at 12:10 a.m. north and south. On the Oakwood line the last car departs from Third and Main sts., south at 12:34 a.m. and north, 12:10 a.m.

When dancing actually meant dancing

The various night and dinner (venues) have announced special (merri)ment at the midnight hour. These, like the hotels, have reported that they have made heavy reservations. In all of these places dancing will be the principal attraction of the evening, with floor shows prevailing in some of them.

There were no evidence, on the surface at least, of a scarcity of some of the liquid adjuncts which go with a New Year’s celebration. Reports were to the effect that, in spite of the current economic depression, demands have been in keeping with previous years since prohibition, with every indication that there will be as many whistles made wet as usual. With it, reports say, the quality will be improved over former years and at the lower prices which have prevailed for the past few months in Dayton.

Get a Fresh Food Adventure at Voltzy’s

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Upon entering Voltzy’s Rootbeer Stand, we heard a gruff voice say “Where the Hell you been?”  We said you must have us confused with someone else, this is our first time here.  Voltzy himself looked at us and said.. “I know! I have been here for 21 years waiting for you, where the hell have you been?”  It is fresh service like this and fresh hamburgers that have made Voltzy’s a Dayton original, and the owner a local icon.  His “shtick” for a good natured ribbing of his new customers is part of the whole experience.  But make no mistake, people come here for the food, and you arent around 21 years in the restaurant business if you dont deliver on taste. Click here to see a video of Voltzy asking where you have been.

Voltzy at the Grill

Located at 4668 Springboro Pike in Moraine,  Voltzy’s has been serving up their special hamburgers that are ground fresh every day, so their hamburger meat is never frozen.  He uses 80/20 chuck and it is just the right combo for a juicy mouthful.  All sandwiches are cooked to order.  He also steams the onions on the flat top grill with his burgers.  Oh but dear fellow foodies, you must know this, Voltzy’s has more than burgers.  His menu is extensive and unique, with many sandwiches, sausages, and hot dog creations named after special people in his life.    They even have a 17 pound hamburger on the menu called the “Bill Clinton Divorce Finale” at the great price of just $40.

In the wintertime, Voltzy prepares soups from scratch for his hungry customers who want to warm up.  Customers like them so much that last winter he sold 900 gallons of soup!  While we were visiting the restaurant, two customers ordered a gallon of the stuff! Being soup connoisseurs, we were very impressed with Voltzy’s homemade creation of “Cream of Vandalia Onion Soup.”  Yes, that spelling by Voltzy is done on purpose as a shout out to the Dayton suburb.  We also loved Voltzy’s homemade  Cream of Potato Soup, and some would tell you his favorite menu items at Voltzy’s are the soups.

Voltzys Burgers are #1

The Big Ragu loves Voltzy’s fresh burgers like “The Murph” which is a double cheeseburger with onions and peppers.  We also thought the Patty Melt was incredible.  Your Food Adventurers had a couple of Root Beers too, which were some of the best we have ever tasted.  Want Value? then try Voltzy’s “10 burgers for 10 bucks deal,” which could feed 2 or 3 people… or one Ragu.

During the summer, Voltzy drops the soups and features “Slaw Dogs,” which are said to be out of this world.  Voltzy told Ragu, “Wait til you try the slaw dogs, I’m gonna feed you till you explode.”  Aww that’s sweet, and would be a Food Adventure first.

Voltzy’s is a unique place, and was a perfect stop on our list of Food Adventures.  In fact, we had to come back twice to try more menu items.  We sampled the burgers and even tried a wrap called the “Fazio” that had sausage, ham, peppers, onions, cheese and 2 fried eggs.  This wrap was huge, and trying to finish it was a Food Adventure in itself.  Other interesting food items were the fried mac n cheese, deep fried pickles, and the philly cheesesteak.  We also saw some nice looking coney dogs leaving the kitchen.

Voltzy making his Cabbage Roll Soup

Like the owner,  Ft. Wayne Indiana native Rick Volz, Voltzy’s Restaurant has personality.  They are proud of their menu and even proud that they have a bathroom at the new facility.  The restaurant is literally a lobby and an outside patio that they have enclosed.  We love the place and when we sat down with Voltzy, we saw that he is a good, hard working, regular guy.

Want some tips about Voltzy’s? Make sure you bring cash because they do not take credit cards!  Voltzy’s can get busy, so we recommend that you call ahead with your order.  Please remember Voltzy’s hours of operation are Monday -Saturday from 11am – 2pm.

Big tastes come out of this small kitchen, which in the future hopes to open up a covered car-port and extend their hours.  Get yourself to Voltzy’s in  Moraine, and when you come in, prepare to hear some of Voltzy’s unique humor.  Do not be surprised if he asks “Where the hell have you been?”  Tell him you were reading about him on Food Advetures, Dayton’s favorite food blog on DaytonMostMetro.com!

 

 

Please leave comments and thoughts about Voltzy’s below.

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Also check out FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK HERE.  Please “like” us to become an official fan of these “Foodies in their Forties” !

 

Women Vs. Glitter-New Years Eve Guide

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It’s that time of year again when all things shiny are brought into stores. Like most of you I am similar to a ferret and will grab anything glittery and want it. There is so something so mezmorizing about all that color and shine but as we become women and not little girls there is a fine line on what it exceptable to put on our faces. I have been found guilty more than once of adding a little too much sparkle to my face but there is one time of year that it’s okay right??

New Years, that one day where we think we can throw glitter and sparkle everywhere and get away with it. Although you can be sparkly one must be careful not to over do it and age ourselves. Glitter is one of those things that if applied correctly can be super cute and if applied incorrectly can make you look like an extra out of Twilight. Relax I am here to give you some easy tips on how to wear it, keep it on, and look glam all night long. For those of us who are not going to be rocking the glitter this New Years I also have some looks for you to make you fabulously flawless.

So you’re feeling glam enough to wear some sparkle? I think many of us have had the unfortunate nights where we leave the house with beautiful glittery eyes only to go into the bathroom at a party and see a melted mess. This is a common problem that can leave you feeling less than pretty. There are lots of good products now that can prevent this makeup mess and better yet some are at your local drugstore!

Here are some simple tips for how to wear glitter:

  • Play With Placement “It’s really easy to go over the top with glitter, so experiment with how much and where you put on product,” says NYC makeup artist Tina Turnbow, “If you want to balance out a glittery  dress but still have fun with your eye makeup, keep shimmer to the center of the lid or inner corner of the eye.” We’re not the biggest fan of glittery lips for a New Years look, but if you love the effect, stick with rosy pinks or ruby reds and apply in the center bottom of the lip.
  • Experiment with Technique Glitter is known for fallout, but who wants sparkling cheeks? “There are many ways to keep glitter sticking onto the surface of your skin,” Tina says. “Lash glue gives something for the glitter to adhere to, and it’s perfectly eye safe since you already use it for false lashes.” For a quick stick, dab a bit of tacky lip gloss onto the center of the lid or the inner corner of the eye before patting on glitter with fingers. For bedazzled lashes, use clear mascara and stick glitter onto the lash tips.
    • Choose Color Wisely Just like any eye shadow, it’s important to find a color that complements your coloring and your outfit. “If you choose glittery and sparkle shades with matching undertones, it looks more organic on your skin,” says Tina. Cool skin tones tend to favor silvers, mauve pink, and navy glitters, while warm undertones like yellow, bronze, and white gold glitter. “Taupe, platinum, or opal glitter are the greatest colors if you’re stumped on what shade to choose,” Tina says. “The mix of warm and cool is universally flattering.
    • Use The Correct Brushes If you’re not using your fingers, you should stick to flat synthetic brushes for application. Taklon brushes made for concealer are the best and most affordable choice because they apply a concentrated amount of glitter with precision. Conversely, use a fluffy eye shadow brush like a MAC 224 for a sheer wash of sparkle on the lids, brow bone, and tops of cheekbones.
    • Clean Up Stray Shimmer What’s the best way to clean up glitter (whether there’s fallout on your cheeks or at the end of the night)? Scotch Magic tape. Gently press the tape on skin and when you peel it off, glitter will stick to it (and not your face). You must use the Magic type because it peels off more easily than typical tapes. Of course, if you’re dealing with the delicate eye area, make sure to do as much clean up with an eye makeup remover first, then fine tune with the Scotch tape, being extra careful to avoid the lashes.

 

Product Recommendations:

 

    • NYX Loose Glitter
    • Makeup Forever Glitters
    • Loreal High Pigment Shadows
    • LA Splash Loose Glitter
    • MAC High Pigment Loose Powder

 

 

Now for those of you that arent exactly thinking that glitter is for you; there are plently of options for a New Years glam look. I am personally going with purples and golds this year. If you are still thinking that you maybe want a natural look think about going for a brighter lip color. There are plently of all night wearing lip colors that will prevent you from constantly touching up and getting it all over. My personal favorite is Revlon Long Lasting lipcolors.

Purple is an easy color to build on such as this one in the picture. The drama is added with the winged liner and then the shades of pinks and purples are built on one another to give a dramatic effect. Purple is more versatile than you may think and works on nearly every eye color. For this particular look start with an eye shadow base (Clinique Touch base) then add an off white all over the lid (MAC Shroom) Next start building the pink all over the lid. (Any pink will do Dior makes a fab purple and pink palette) Once you get the pink all over to an almost sun kissed shade grab a medium shade purple and begin tapping around the arch of the eyelid. Start off light and build to your desired shade. If you mess up and make it too dark grab your off white and lighten it up. When mixing shades it is easy to blend things out and make them work. Finally line your eye with black liquid liner starting in the inner corner with the thinest point and gradually making the line fatter until you wing it out. Dont fear the liquid liner! Loreal and Lancome make artliners that are like felt tipped pens and are very easy to control. Finish off with some false lashes and mascara and there you have it!

 

So maybe glitter and purples are not your thing but you still want something different. I am a huge fan of the copper/brown smokey eye. It’s dramatic enough for evening, something we all have in our makeup bags, and doesnt make us look like a Jerseylicious extra. Again you are going to start with both your eyeshadow base and an off white shadow. Now this may scare some of you but pick your darkest brown and begin tapping on the eyelid and building the color. It looks scary in the case but it takes alot once you start tapping on the color to build it up. Also be sure a tap your brush in the sink before applying to your eye to avoid a messy face. Once you get the lid to your desired shade take the coppery medium shade and use on the arch of the eye. Be sure and blend into the dark to get the blended effect. Now to finalize the eye take either the off white or a white and apply from the arch up to the brow to finish it with a frosty look. Now the other great thing about this is that there is not any liner on the top but shadow on the bottom. Using the same technique with the dark brown use a q-tip or small brush to guide along the bottom of the eye to create an easy smokey look.

To finish up our New Years guide there is one thing I always hear from clients, “will this last all night?” The answer is, it can with the right product. There are two makeup sealers that I recommend and personally use. One is “Model in a Bottle” and the other is “Ben Nye Makeup Sealer” once you apply all your makeup, spray either of these all over your face to make your makeup last until the ball drops. I hope all of you have a fabulous New Years!! xoxo

 

 

 

THE NEON is Going Strong!

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Hello Everyone,

Things are really hoppin’ at THE NEON.  Yesterday (Monday) was busier than any day over the holiday weekend…and we have more than 60 people in the auditorium for MY WEEK WITH MARILYN as I write this note (for a Tuesday afternoon, that’s incredible).

As it stands, we’re going to hold steady next week with THE DESCENDANTS and MY WEEK WITH MARILYN.  On January 6, we plan to open TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY.  (Click each title to visit that film’s official site…and watch the trailers below.)

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As we head into 2012, I’d like to thank you so much for your constant support of THE NEON.  We will end 2011 in the black, and it’s quite possible that it will be our best year ever (we didn’t think 2010 could be beat)…I’ll keep you posted.  Without your patronage and your positive word-of-mouth, we wouldn’t still be here.  Thank you so much!!

Wishing you a wonderful, fun & safe New Year’s!

We hope to see you soon at THE NEON,

Jonathan

 

SHOWTIMES for  Fri. December 30 – Thur. January 5:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:00, 7:20

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (R) 1 Hr 39 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:10, 7:20

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

Many of these dates will change.  In some cases, titles may disappear.

Jan. 6   TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

Jan. 13   CARNAGE

Jan. 20   THE ARTIST

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

TBD  SHAME

TBD   A DANGEROUS METHOD

Top 10 Best Beers of 2011 (Video)

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This is a very special episode of Snobby Beer. This is the Top 10 Best Beers of 2011, or rather the Top 10 Best Beers That I Shot Video Reviews Of. I had some incredible craft beers in ’11, and I didn’t even get a chance to post all the reviews I shot. You can’t get all of these beers in Ohio (unfortunately), but you can get the majority of them here.

Here is the spoiler list.

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Did any of your favorite beers make the list? Are there any that you think shouldn’t be on here? Grab a beer and leave me a comment!

Love146 Task Force in Dayton Co-Founder Elizabeth VanDine Needs Support

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Ending Modern Day Slavery

“The first time I really heard of human trafficking was back in 2008. My husband (boyfriend at the time) was about to be deployed for a tour in Iraq when he had to take a class on human trafficking. I began researching human trafficking and the more I learned, the more I knew I had to get involved. Human trafficking is modern day slavery that takes many forms (i.e. sexual exploitation, labor, or child soldiers) My heart breaks for each and every victim, but my passion is to bring an end to child sex trafficking. Specifically, domestic child sex trafficking. Many people are aware that forced sexual exploitation is prevalent in places like Thailand and Cambodia. However, very few people know the same slavery happens in their backyard. Ohio is currently ranking #5 in the nation for human trafficking, and had over 1,070 reported cases of child sex trafficking within its borders in 2010. I have seen the heartbreak and devastation such abuse causes, and will not just stand by and let it happen.”

In October if 2009 Elizabeth co-founded the Love146 Dayton Task Force. Love146 is an international non-profit that raises awareness and fights child sex trafficking through aftercare and prevention programs both here and abroad. The Dayton Task Force is a volunteer expression of Love146 that is committed to being an educated voice in our community, raising awareness and funds for Love146, and partnering with like-minded organizations.

Elizabeth currently a Psychology major at WSU. She plans to use my future degrees to continue the fight against child sex trafficking. Elizabeth was also names on of the Top 25 Women to Watch in Dayton, this past January by WiBN.

A Journey Towards Change: Love146 Partner Trip

In May of 2012, Elizabeth will be traveling to South East Asia with Love146 to gain firsthand knowledge and experience in fighting the epidemic of child sex trafficking abroad. Elizabeth and others will be traveling 3 countries in 9 days (Thailand, Cambodia, and The Philippines).The group will be involved in the Asia aftercare and prevention programs Love146 has established.

A STORY IN AFTERCARE from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

 

Elizabeth hopes to return from this trip better equipped to lead the members of the Dayton Task Force and implement such programs for domestic aftercare and prevention.

How You Can Help

Elizabeth needs to raise funds in order to make this trip a reality. If you would like to help sponsor this trip, please send cash or a check directly to the Love146 headquarters.

P.O. Box 8266

New Haven, CT 06530

Please be sure to include a note or an earmark on the check stating the donation is ‘Intended for Elizabeth Van Dine May Partner Trip’. All donations are tax deductible.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in learning more and getting behind the cause, Love146 Dayton Task Force meets the first Monday of every month at the Dayton campus of Indiana Wesleyan University ( 2912 Springboro West Road Dayton, OH 45439). Meetings run from 6:30pm-8pm and are open to the public.

 

 

 

Ninth Annual Holidayton Show This Friday

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Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, Holidayton is a tradition worth observing.  This mini-music festival serves both to highlight some great local music and to give all of our former Daytonians who are home for the holidays a great concert.

Now in its ninth year, the event was created by Mark McMillon of The Story Changes and features two stages to highlight solo performers and full bands at Blind Bob’s on 5th Street.  Here’s the lineup:

The Story Changes

The Story Changes
Invitation To A Bullfight
Oh Condor
C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks
Simply Waiting
JT Woodruff (of Hawthorne Heights)
King Elk
The 1984 Draft
Brandon Hawk
The New Old Fashioned

 

Dining Out Options on Dec 25th

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For all those folks who may not celebrate Christmas, or just don’t want to cook that day, there are indeed a few restaurants that will be open for your dining pleasure. Of course you can always dine at Waffle House- they never close, but no matter where you dine out, please remember that the staff of these places have given up their holiday to serve you, so please tip generously. (And the former server in me feels compelled to explain to you that 25% would be what I mean!)

 

(937) 429-9000  open noon to 8pm reservations suggested
72 Plum St at The Greene in Beavercreek
Mediterranean fusion cuisine and an affordable and creative selection of wine and specialty cocktails.

(937) 439-9005 open 2 – 6pm
2759 Miamisburg Centerville Road, across from Dayton Mall

 

(937) 293-4000 open from 7am til about 5pm, management suggests calling to confirm closing time- which they’ll determine by how the customer flow is that day.
4090 Wilmington Pike near Stroop in Kettering

 

937-433-2333 open 4pm – 1am
7880 Washington Village Dr. Centerville, OH 45459

Huge burgers made fresh by hand. Crisp salads piled high. Turkey and chicken roasted in our own rotisseries. Ribs slowly basted for hours until they’re falling off the bone. And decadent desserts that just might be worth the trip all by themselves will be served up from 5

7 area locations open 5pm – 2am

Specializing in chicken, they even have salads, pasta, ribs and a one pound Porterhouse steak on the menu.

 

(937) 431-9200 11am – 8pm

4429 Cedar Park Drive (at The Greene) Beavercreek, OH 45440

Featuring their signature “Fresh List” highlighting an impressive number of fresh seafood varieties, in addition to aged steaks, poultry, entrée salads and pasta. McCormick & Schmick’s commitment to local freshness is apparent in the seasonally inspired dishes and regionally inspired preparations offered.

(937) 898-3860 open noon – 9pm
7580 Poe Ave Dayton, OH 45414 (off Miller Lane exit of 75)
Only dinner menu will be served all day.
Chef prepares each meal with a blend of texture and color, as well as flavor and temperature to achieve overall harmony in the tradition of Ying and Yang. Excellent sushi, too.

(937) 439-3743  2022 Miamisburg Centerville Road  near Dayton Mall
(937) 236-3200 7777 Troy Pike in Huber Heights
both locations are open from 3-11pm

If you know of others places that will be serving on Christmas, please feel free to add them in the comment section below.

 

 

Food Adventures Crew Offers Some Last Minute Gift Ideas

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SMALL BITES for 12/22/2011:

When it comes to Christmas, do you procrastinate like The Food Adventures Crew??  Need some last minute gift ideas??

Your humble and favorite Dayton foodies offer up some food related suggestions to fix your problem in this edition of  SMALL BITES!

Winan’s White Mint Jewels

WINAN’S CHOCOLATES:

One of our favorite items to give to friends at Christmas time is chocolate and he feels nobody does chocolate better than Winan’s Candies.  There are many gift sets to choose from or you can create your own.  We love the White Chocolate Wetzels, Bourbon Cherry Cordials, and the their staple….the White Mint Jewels.

 

 

TROPHY NUT:

Got Nuts?

For those shopping for the extremely picky……buy them some nuts!  Who doesn’t like nuts?  (Excluding those who are anaphalactically challenged.)  We feel that nuts from Trophy Nut make an excellent Christmas gift.  Purchase a prepared tin of nuts or bust your nuts and create a personalized tin.  Either they will love them or “re-gift” them.

 

 

 

Boston Stoker’s Most Popular Coffee Flavor: Highlander Grogg

BOSTON STOKER:

For the coffee lover on your list or someone who fancies a high quality cigar, Food Adventures recommend heading over to the closest Boston Stoker store.  They offer a variety of whole bean coffees, cigars, sweets, and gift baskets from which to choose.  They also have coffee makers, french presses, coffee grinders, and espresso machines with a knowledgeable and friendly staff to assist shoppers. We love the Highlander Grogg!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Flavors Upon Flavors of Popcorn available

WHAT’S POPPIN’:

Gourmet Popcorn at its best!  Located in the Washington Square shopping center in Centerville on State Route 48, this place has a variety of gifts and treats.  Their popcorn comes in a multitude of flavors ranging from different cheeses, to different kinds of spices, and even chocolate covered creations!  These bags or tins make perfect gifts and guess what.. they will ship them anywhere!!  Oh, there is more than popcorn at this store.  They also have a nice selection of fudge, buckeyes, jellybeans, shaved ice and soft pretzels.  The staff is attentive and very welcoming.  If you have not tasted their items, you are missing out !  Check out their website for more info.

 

 

Esther Price’s Chocolate Covered Mikesells’ Potato Chips

ESTHER PRICE CANDIES:

The Big Ragu has always thought Esther Price has the best chocolate, and he likes the variety of gifts available at their stores.  From light and dark chocolates to chocolate covered potato chips, they have you covered.  They even offer diabetic friendly candies for your sugar free family members and friends.  You can get a great box of candy for around 15 bucks.  If your special someone lives outside of the Dayton area, they can ship your order nationwide.  Their candies are also conveniently located at many local grocery stores.  In Ragu’s opinion, you just cant beat the taste.

 

DOROTHY LANE MARKET:

Another legendary Dayton place offers great gifts for the people on your Christmas list.   Food Adventures thinks the

Killer Brownie Tray

“Killer Brownies” at Dorothy Lane Market are to die for.  We recommend the “original” kind, because we are old school.  Another tip is that you can get a platter of brownie bites that are cut into fourths so you can stretch your dollar for more small bites.  The display tray prices make it a decent option for a party or gift idea.  The bakery also offers a ton of exclusive desserts, unique items and flavors that are definitely worth checking out.

We hope these ideas may help out with a last minute gift need, or give yourself a special treat and make your own personal FOOD ADVENTURE.   Enjoy the photo album associated with this story, below.  Click on any image to enlarge and get a true taste of Christmas!

Check out FOOD ADVENTURES  on FACEBOOK and “like” our page to become an official fan.

[album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Small bites 122211/]

 

Holiday Beers

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‘Tis the season! Sure, you can have some Egg Nog, but with all of the Holiday-themed beers all over the place this time of year why not grab a brew? But where do you start? Here’s a short list of beers that are available in the Dayton area that are sure to give you a festive attitude (but hopefully not too festive, if you know what I mean). Each has a link to either a written or video review of the beer.

Happy Holidays!

 

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

Sierra Nevada Celebration AleSierra Navada‘s Celebration Ale is an american IPA brewed with fresh hops, meaning that the hops were used in the brewing process very soon after they were harvested. This is a seasonal beer that comes out every year in winter. This 6.8% ABV IPA contains no spices or other adjuncts. Read the review for this beer.

 

 

 

 

 

Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza

Jolly Pumpkin Noel De CalabazaNoel De Calabaza is brewed by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales in Dexter, Michigan. This beer is released once a year around the Holidays. Unlike other “Christmas” beers, this ale features no spices or adjuncts. Like all Jolly Pumpkin brews, this beer is open-fermented and aged in oak barrels. Batch 903, bottled 10-3-11. 9% Alcohol by volume. Enjoyed on 11-23-11. Read the review for this beer.

 

 

 

 

Great Lakes Christmas Ale

Great Lakes Christmas Ale This is the Snobby Beer Review of Christmas Ale from Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland, Ohio. This beer is released once a year in November and December, and sells out extremely quickly. It’s a winter warmer, and is brewed with cinnamon, ginger, honey, and Yule Tide Cheer. There’s a Facebook page dedicated to this beer, and it has almost as many Likes as the Great Lakes page!. Watch the review for this beer.

 

 

 

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale This is the Snobby Beer Review of Christmas Ale from St. Bernardus in Watou, Belgium. This beer is released once a year in Winter. Similar to the Abt. 12, and classified as a Belgian Strong Dark Ale, this beer comes in at a hefty 10% ABV. The label on the bottle claims that this beer can be aged for up to 15 years due to the living yeast that remains in the bottle. This is the most recent offering from St. Bernardus, which was brewed all the way back in 1946! Watch the review for this beer.

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

If you still need to see WEEKEND or MELANCHOLIA, you only have today (Dec. 22) to see them at THE NEON.  Even though I was a bit disappointed at the turn-out for WEEKEND, I’m so glad we brought it to THE NEON for a week.  It helps us maintain our status as a true arthouse cinema when we can bring films of this caliber that don’t have much of a marketing budget (meaning it’s a hard-to-find gem that didn’t get much play in the Midwest).  Just after I sent out last week’s newsletter, A.O. Scott of The New York Times listed WEEKEND as one of the best films of the year…and I’m in agreement.  For remaining showtimes for this week, please visit our official NEON site – www.neonmovies.com

Tomorrow (Dec. 23), we will open MY WEEK WITH MARILYN.  This is a film that was supposed to open several weeks ago…but the distributor decided to delay rolling it out into smaller markets in hopes of garnering award season buzz.  And that’s what has happened.  The movie has been nominated for 3 Golden Globes – “Best Picture: Comedy or Musical,” “Best Actress – Michelle Williams,” and “Best Supporting Actor – Kenneth Branagh.”  And don’t forget that the cast also includes Judi Dench (a favorite of NEON regulars) and Emma Watson (from the Harry Potter franchise).

Synopsis for MY WEEK WITH MARILYN:  ” In the early summer of 1956, 23 year-old Colin Clark, just down from Oxford and determined to make his way in the film business, worked as a lowly assistant on the set of ‘The Prince and the Showgirl’. The film that famously united Sir Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe, who was also on honeymoon with her new husband, the playwright Aurthur Miller. Nearly 40 years on, his diary account The Prince, the Showgirl and Me was published, but one week was missing and this was published some years later as My Week with Marilyn – this is the story of that week. When Arthur Miller leaves England, the coast is clear for Colin to introduce Marilyn to some of the pleasures of British life; an idyllic week in which he escorted a Monroe desperate to get away from her retinue of Hollywood hangers-on and the pressures of work.” (The Weinstein Company)   This film received an “R” rating due only to adult language…so we’re hoping the rating doesn’t hold back families with teens from coming over the holidays.  Visit the Official Website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbmFLbDBwF0′]

Have you tried one of our new wines?  In addition to the Woodbridge Merlot and Chardonnay, we are trying Carernet Sauvignon and Moscato.  If you want to make certain that we keep these two wines in the mix, please order a glass during your next visit.

AIDS Resource Center Ohio has asked us to help them sell raffle tickets for their upcoming RED event (Reach, Empower & Dream of a world without HIV/AIDS) in the Spring.  First place is a trip to Paris.  Second place is a trip to stay in the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.  Tickets are $25 each or $100 for six.  We currently have these for sale at our box office…and they make a nice, last-minute gift.  I plan to buy a handful and tell people, “I’ve made a donation to ARC Ohio, and you might win a trip to Paris.”

Opening dates for our upcoming titles continue to move around.  As of right now, our next big film will be TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY starring Gary Oldman on Jan. 6.

We hope to see you soon at THE NEON,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for

Fri. December 23 – Thur. December 29:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

Friday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

Saturday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

Sunday:  12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (R) 1 Hr 39 Min

Friday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Saturday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

Sunday:  12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

Many of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

Jan. 6   TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

Jan. 13   CARNAGE

Jan. 20   THE ARTIST  

Jan. 20   SHAME

Jan. 20   A DANGEROUS METHOD

Here we come a-wassailing!

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Why, we would to a warm drink!

It is a scene is almost every classic Christmas movie. People outside going door to door, freezing, singing songs of good cheer to their friends and neighbors. In this age of synced iSomethings and radio stations with twenty four hour holiday music, we take for granted that holiday music (or any music at all, really) is so readily available. At the time caroling started, in the later part of the Middle Ages, people did not have all of the musical options we have today. People of the community would wander through town and sing to their neighbors, and for their singing would be rewarded with a glass of warmed, mulled wine. That something was called wassail, from the Anglo Saxon phrase “waes hael”, which translates to good health. And what is more traditional and social than wishing your neighbors good health? It is a recipe that ranges from high end ingredients to nonalcoholic ones, and is the precursor to many other holiday punches, like eggnog.

The tradition of the wassail toast is written as early as the 12th century. At a noble banquet, a woman came out carrying a goblet full of wine and offered it to the guest of honor and said “waes hael”. According the record, the proper response to waes hael is “drink hael”. Then the person who offers the goblet drinks, then the person honored drinks. This proved much more effective in protecting royalty and nobles from poison than floating toast in wine and hoping for the best. Wassail was only enjoyed by the rich initially because it was expensive to create. Its traditional base is red wine, with rare spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg added for more flavor.

Good cheer to you trees! Please give us some apples.

Like any good game of historical telephone, as time went on the details became a little jumbled. It went from a personal salutation at feasts to a passing of the cup to the entire party. Next time you are at a big to do, think about sharing big cup of wine with everyone in the room. As it trickled down, the wish for good health was no longer confined to humans. Farmers would have a wassail cup for their livestock to encourage them to grow and be healthy. People would toast the good health of the apple trees to make sure the crops came in well, or soak bread with wassail to ward off evil spirits. The English added said apples to the drink as, opening the door to other fruit. Towards the 17th and 18th centuries, people would go from door to door singing, and the hosts would kindly offer them a glass of wassail for their talents. That, as they say, is where our problems began.

Once people realized that there was something to be gained from the tradition, it started to go downhill. The wine was replaced by brown ale (since that is what they could afford), and the spices and fruit were replaced by crab apples, which happened to pop in the warm, frothy beer. This concoction became known as Lamb’s Wool, since the froth on top of the beer looked like wool. This is what became taken from house to house, with almost a demand for payment for bringing by this poorer wassail. This was also coupled by a general decent of the holiday. The Puritans tried to banish holiday celebrations in early America because of how wild they had become, often including break ins, cross dressing, and other debauchery. Charles Dickens and other authors of the time tried to keep the older images alive through their books. There was a spike in wassailing in the 1820’s, but the reality was that the light festivities and merry making had become so sinful it lead to an English bishop to comment that “(m)en dishonour Christ more in the twelve days of Christmas, than in all the twelve months besides.” By the beginning of the 20th century most of the traditions of the wassail had been abandoned or handed off to children, who got small gifts instead of a sip of warmed alcohol. It is still carried on in very rural parts of England and the United States.

Warm, delicious, spicy...and ready to serve!

There is no real recipe for the punch, but there are some commonalities to the ones that are out there. A red wine or a brown beer is usually used, sometimes both in the same recipe. There is also a variety of spices added, typically Christmas spices like cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. Apples have also become a part of the recipe, with other fruit like oranges and lemons. Every now and then, you will see eggs as an ingredient. Do not fall for this. At some point eggs were added to try and thicken up the drink, and they have migrated into a few of the recipes you will find. It is not advised to add them. Most recipes I have seen and tried are just as good without the eggs. There are even recipes out there for nonalcoholic versions,

A Traditional Shropshire Wassail Recipe (via history.uk.com)

10 very small apples
1 large orange stuck with whole cloves
10 teaspoons brown sugar
2 bottles dry sherry or dry Madeira
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 cloves
3 allspice berries
2 or 3 cinnamon sticks
2 cups castor (superfine) sugar
12 to 20 pints of cider according to the number of guests
1 cup (or as much as you like) brandy

Core the apples and fill each with a teaspoon of brown sugar. Place in a baking pan and cover the bottom with 1/8-inch of water.

Insert cloves into the orange about 1/2″ apart.
Bake the orange with the apples in a 350° oven.
After about 30 minutes, remove the orange and puncture it in several places with a fork or an ice pick.

Combine the sherry or Madeira, cider, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice berries, cinnamon, sugar, apple and orange juice and water in a large, heavy saucepan and heat slowly without letting the mixture come to a boil.

Leave on very low heat.

Strain the wine mixture and add the brandy.

Pour into a metal punch bowl, float the apples and orange on top and ladle hot into punch cups.

Serves 15-20

Here is a beer based recipe, thanks to Imbibe:

1 qt. brown ale
8 oz. dry sherry
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
3 apples
finely grated peel of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp. each ground nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Peel and core two apples and cut in thick slices. Place in layers in a baking dish and sprinkle with the brown sugar. Drizzle with 2 oz. of brown ale. Bake until the apples are very tender, about 45 minutes. Chop the apples and their cooking juices in a food processor until smooth. Place in a saucepan over medium-low heat and add the remaining ale, sherry, lemon peel and spices. Simmer gently for a few minutes. Peel and core the remaining apple and slice. Add the slices to the bowl and serve while still warm.

This is a time of year that breeds good cheer and plenty of social gatherings. If you are looking for something new to add to the holiday traditions, try one of the above wassail recipes, or look around the web for one of your own. It is a very tasty, warming drink, perfect for this chilly time of year. Waes hail!

 

 

Rudolph in Dayton-land

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On Tuesday evening, I watched the 1964 TV show “Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer” for the first time since I was 9 or 10 years old. What a time machine! For a few precious moments I was a foot shorter, my hair in tangles, wearing my scratchy pink pajamas, watching the tiny television in our basement apartment to the rhythmic creak of Mom’s rocking chair. I still love the Christmas season, and yes, I wear a Santa hat almost everywhere I go, but it took that flashback to remember just how giddy with excitement I used to be during the most magical time of the year.

The time machine took me other places, too. A time when bosses – Santa, the elf overseer, and Rudolph’s father, the lead reindeer Donner – were angry, isolated men whose wives nagged at them to eat and tried to smooth over the feathers they ruffled. A time when “good work” meant a factory job, being happy producing goods for no wages for the world. A time when only boys played sports or could get picked for Santa’s sleigh team. A time when only people of northern European ancestry were represented, even in fantasy stories.

But also a time when things were changing. Instead of raining more authoritarian abuse on their heads, Comet tells the reindeer fawns: “I’m here as your coach, but I’m also here to be your friend, right?” Not quite the note we’d hit today – I see our culture swinging back toward structured, safe authority figures as we learn the balance of compassionate leadership – but a positive step nonetheless. And the message that misfits, too, have their place, was a nice break from the monotonous Levittown mentality of the 1950s.

If I were to write a Dayton version of “Rudolph,” I’d make him the kid with the hippie hair and an artist’s vision who no one can quite understand. The Island of Misfit Toys? The latest Occupy encampment. Christmastown would be Stivers School for the Arts, of course, and Santa the president of the school board. As for the Abominable Snowman, instead of yanking out all his teeth and shoving him off a cliff, we’ll find out he was only chasing people and roaring because he had a bad cavity, and good old Hermey the Elf Dentist will save the day by figuring it out and helping him feel better.

Yeah, this version’s not likely to delight a nation of children for decades to come! So I’ll stick to my day job. Happily, the generation that grew up on Rudolph helped make it possible for me to be a freelance writer instead of a factory worker, and I’m free to play with both reindeer and misfits. Marvelous misfits like you! How would things look in your version of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Daytonian”?

Dayton Memories: Pat Kilbane

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In the fall of last year, I found myself back on Kingsridge Drive behind the Dayton Mall. I was on my way to pick up an order from Prime Digital Printing and glanced over at the property across the street from Max & Erma’s. What I saw caught me off guard; “This can’t be” I thought, “It’s a vacant lot.” Sure, nothing lasts forever, and sometimes progress means doing away with the old to make room for the new, but how could they tear down Jokers Comedy Café? It wasn’t just my home as a comedian; it was part of Dayton’s proud history.

I grew up in the Dayton area, and when I graduated from Beloit College in 1990, I returned to Centerville to live in my parents’ basement and pursue lofty dreams of a career in stand-up comedy. I had about seven minutes of rudimentary material and a lot of youthful enthusiasm, but what I didn’t have was the slightest clue where to begin. Like any genius with a newly minted bachelor’s degree, I grabbed the Yellow Pages and looked under “C” for “comedy.”

Moments later, I discovered that Jokers had an open mic night every Tuesday where beginning comics could try their stuff; and even better, the club was holding a contest called the “Jokers Comedy Joke-Off” where comedians could compete to win a contract with the largest booking agent in the Midwest. That would mean (gulp) road gigs and a fledgling career in show business.

It’s important to note, for those who don’t remember, that the late ‘80s and early ’90s were a boom time in the comedy industry. Stand-ups were getting lucrative network deals left and right, and those deals were meaning millions for people like Tim Allen and Roseanne Barr. It seemed that the sky was the limit, and thanks to the Jokers open mic night, such magical things felt entirely within reach.

We members of the open mic crew became a tight-knit group, mutually supportive and coursing with creativity. Mentored by local legend Dow Thomas (the open mic host), we wrote jokes together, laughed together, drank together, and traveled together to perform at the tough “one nighters” at bars and restaurants outside of town. Those were among our first paid gigs, again, made possible by the staff of Jokers.

Pat Kilbane's comedy head shot

I was lucky enough to win the Jokers Comedy Joke-Off in late summer of 1990, and as promised, I was awarded a contract with Louisville booking agent Tom Sobol. Mr. Sobol’s company later represented me in LA and landed me a theatrical agent, and that theatrical agent gave me a thrilling career in film and television. They always say in show business that if you are going to succeed, someone has to take a chance on you; someone has to give you the opportunity to try, fail, learn and grow. For me and a whole stable of young comics, Jokers Comedy Café was that someone – the first to let us jump up there and see what we could do.

In 1996 I appeared on the “Bizarro Jerry” episode of NBC’s #1 show “Seinfeld,” and it became a local news story in Dayton.[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnXOAWoNADw&feature=related’] I remember seeing the television field reporter standing in the rain in front of Jokers saying “This is where it all began…” Indeed. That might have been the proudest moment of my life. I felt like somehow I had made good for the comedy club I owed so much to.

Dayton has a rich comedy history, which includes natives such as Gordon Jump and the incomparable Jonathan Winters; I believe that Jokers Comedy Café also belongs in our comedy Hall of Fame. During a time of exciting revolution in the entertainment industry, Jokers gave a voice to an entire generation of young comedians and helped the Gem City hold its own.

Editors Note: DMM’s Lisa Grigsby owned Jokers Comedy Cafe.  Pat also is very modest above where he breezes by his career in film and television.  Best known for his three-year run on Fox’s “MADtv” (1995), Pat Kilbane made his mark on the show with outrageous physical comedy and uncanny celebrity impressions. Among his more memorable characters were Stan the Java Man, the shady Spishak spokesman, and the floppy superhero “Rubberman. Kilbane’s impressions are too numerous to list, but notably his mimicry of Howard Stern and Lyle Lovett fooled some viewers into believing that the stars actually appeared on the show.

After the expiration of his contract with “MADtv” , Kilbane was signed to a two-year deal with Dreamworks, during which he appeared in the movies Evolution  and EuroTrip , and on ABC’s hit show “Spin City”.  More recently, he appeared on My Name is Earl and Frank TV and in the movies Meet Dave, Day of the Dead and Semi-Pro.  Pat’s latest endeavor is promoting a book he  co-authored,  The Brain Eater’s Bible.

 

Read other posts in out Dayton Memories series:

Audrey Buckman
Jill Bishop

Music Video Monday: December 19, 2011

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Just in time for the holidays, Henrique Couto and Flannel Bear have released a new ep called Yule Be Sorry.  Not for faint of holiday heart, it’s a very look at the season set to some fantastic music.  Here’s the first music video:

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PA8uiyOgcI’]

Henrique Couto and Flannel Bear will be joined by Todd the Fox at South Park Tavern this Thursday, December 22nd for a holiday show.