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Archives for September 2013

Toronto – Day #9+ – 2013

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Dear Readers,

I’m back in Dayton.  Yesterday evening and this morning were a whirlwind, so I didn’t have time to type this review until just now…sitting in the comfort of my living room.  Yesterday morning was taken leisurely, and I eventually saw 2 films in the afternoon and evening…then I went out for some cocktails.  Upon waking up this morning, I decided to fit in one more film before scurrying to the airport at Noon.  Thus this update includes films I screened on Friday and this morning.

EASTERN BOYS is a film about a French man who hires a male prostitute only to have his entire life uprooted by an entire gang of Eastern European hustlers.  It’s a scary film with long takes that forces us to deal with the situations, and it eventually makes way for a sort of love story that changes course.  There are moments in this film when my heart was beating so fast that I found myself holding my breath.   The film is sexually frank, and the lead hustler is both sexy and terrifying.  Though there are moments when we don’t understand a character’s motivations (like not immediately calling the police…though I’m guessing shame played a role), I ultimately really liked this film.

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ROCK THE CASBAH is a beautifully directed film about the gathering of a family for an important funeral.  Set in Morocco, this film is both funning and touching…and it’s full of amazing performances by a couple women I love – Hiam Abass and Nadine Labaki.  The film is narrated by the ghost of the recently deceased, played by Omar Sharif, and the film tackles some important issues – one being the role of women in Moroccan society.  Directed by Laila Marrakchi, this is a really solid crowd-pleaser by a woman who is shaking things up. (Abass, Marrakchi, and actress Morjana Alaoui came out for a Q&A after the screening.)

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A PROMISE was my last film of the festival.  Unfortunately not the best.  From veteran director Patrice Leconte, directing for the first time in English, this film is based on the novel JOURNEY INTO THE PAST by Stefan Zweig.  The story follows a love triangle about an ailing steel factory owner (Alan Rickman), his young wife (the lovely Rebecca Hall), and the factory owner’s assistant (the adorable, but new to me, Richard Madden – I’ve never seen GAME OF THRONES).  The costumes and sets are lovely, but the story is relatively bland with some clunky dialog and there’s some questionable camerawork (some camera moves actually made me angry).  There’s an audience for this film…but it just didn’t cut it for me.

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So here I am.  Back at home and just beginning to think of all the films I saw.  32 in fact!!  It seems like weeks ago that I was heading into CLOSED CURTAIN.  In 9 days, I’ve been to far off lands, outer space, and familiar territory.  I’ve seen a couple masterpieces, and I walked out on a couple stinkers.  TIFF is always a highlight of my year, and I appreciate your interest in reading my thoughts.

All the best.

I hope to see you soon at THE NEON!

Jonathan

Smash, Snap and Splash are the Sounds of This Fall’s Urban Nights

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Art galleries, retailers and other businesses will host special exhibits and other events during Urban Nights.

NOTE: Giant tents will cover downtown streets; more than 100 indoor venues participating in downtown Dayton’s Urban Nights, which takes place today (Sept. 20) rain or shine from 5 to 10 p.m. Follow Urban Nights on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UrbanNightsDayton for regular updates and any last-minute cancellations due to inclement weather.

Tents will cover the three Urban Nights Hotspots (listed below) and activity will take place as planned.

  • • International Street, Second Street between Main and Jefferson streets: Second Street will be closed to make way for dance performances from a variety of troupes, beer truck featuring import brews and a variety of food vendors.
  • • Arts Corner, St. Clair and Fourth streets: Fourth Street will be closed to make way for Paint Boxing, presented by CADC Art Gallery and Drake’s Downtown Gym — Home of Jab City Boxing. At 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., see boxing demonstrations in a ring in the middle of the street. Then, watch boxers dip their gloves in brightly colored paint and jab and punch a huge canvas to create a piece of art. In addition, enjoy a range of entertainment hosted by nearby businesses, including live entertainment, art exhibits and special sales.

• Live on Five, corner of Fifth and Pine streets in the Oregon District: Check out live music by some of Dayton’s best bands and a fashion show from Sew Dayton and Brim while enjoying a brew from the beer truck.

A map of participating venues and a complete list of their events and specials is available online at www.downtowndayton.org, at info tents located throughout the event area and at participating venues.

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Downtown is going to be a lively and noisy (in a good way!) place with all the events going on during Urban Nights from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, Sept 20. More than 100 businesses are participating to make this the best Urban Nights yet. With three hotspots scattered throughout downtown, the streets of our center city are going to be one big party.

Visitors who come to the Arts Corner hotspot on Fourth and St. Clair streets will see boxers fighting in the middle of the street — with a canvas, that is. CADC Art Gallery and Drake’s Downtown Gym—Home of Jab City Boxing  are partnering to put on an unusual performing arts event called Paint Boxing. Boxers will dip their gloves into brightly colored paint then “smash” it into a large canvas to create a one-of-a-kind artwork. Onlookers also will be invited to learn basic boxing techniques at Drake’s Gym or paint box a T-Shirt at CADC.

The cameras of many photographers went “snap” to capture fantastic photos of Dayton for the annual Downtown in Focus photo contest. The winners have been chosen, and all photos entries will be on display in the lobby of the Kettering Tower, including the best-in-show winners and the Dayton mayor’s pick for “Dayton Original.” Find out if your top picks match what the judges decided.

Some “splashes” will be heard at the Mini-Midwest Outdoors Experience in Courthouse Square. This event, presented by Five Rivers MetroParks , gives a taste of outdoors experiences offered in Dayton. Visitors can try stand-up paddleboating in the Square’s fountain and slacklining and a mountain bike course in the Square. Over the Edge, sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Miami Valley, also will be taking place in the Square. Brave adventurers will be rappelling over the side of the 27-story KeyBank Tower to raise money for the organization. Courthouse Square activities will run until 8 p.m.

Three hotspots will be located throughout downtown. Art vendors, live music, henna art and a special performance of select excerpts from Spamalot by Sinclair’s music and theater departments can be found at Arts Corner. International Street will feature cuisine and dance performances from around the world. Live on Five in the Oregon District will be the live music hub for the night, and downtown stores Brim and Sew Dayton will present a fashion show in between musical acts to celebrate their mutual one-year anniversaries. (A complete schedule for the hotspots is below.)

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Check out some of Dayton’s best bands and a fashion show by Brim and Sew Dayton at the hotspot Live on Five in the Oregon District.

More than 30,000 people come downtown to experience Urban Nights, a free event when more than 100 establishments showcase downtown’s numerous offerings. The best way to see as much as possible during Urban Nights is to walk, and Greater Dayton RTA also will provide free event busses to help visitors get around.

A map of participating venues and a complete performance schedule, including a listing of all participating locations’ events and specials, is available online. Follow Urban Nights on Facebook for regular updates and more information.

SEPT. 20 URBAN NIGHTS HOTSPOTS

International Street

Sponsored by Miller-Valentine Group: Celebrating 50 Years

Second Street between Main and Jefferson streets

Enjoy dance performances while you grab an import brew to go along with chow from one of many food vendors.

Dancing in the Street Stage Schedule

5-5:25 p.m.:        The Circle Nerdz

5:30-5:55 p.m.:  The Beseda Dancers

6-6:25 p.m.:        South Dayton Dance Theatre

6:30-6:55 p.m.:  Troupe Roja

7-7:25 p.m.:        McGovern Ceili Dancers

7:30-7:55 p.m.:  Vivian Zumba

8-10 p.m.:            Son del Caribe

 

Arts Corner

Sponsored by Sinclair Community College and DP&L

St. Clair and Fourth streets

Paint Boxing:

Fourth Street will be closed between St. Clair Street and Patterson Boulevard for this special activity, hosted by CADC Art Gallery and Drake’s Downtown Gym—Home of Jab City Boxing and funded by the DDP’s Urban Nights Grant. At 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., boxing demonstrations will be performed in the street.

Arts Corner Entertainment

Enjoy a range of entertainment hosted by nearby businesses, including live music, art exhibits, henna art and special sales.


Live on Five

Sponsored by Miami-Jacobs Career College, with media sponsor WYSO 91.3-FM

Corner of Fifth and Pine streets in the Oregon District

Grab a draft brew from the beer truck and rock out to a variety of live bands.

Entertainment Schedule:

5-5:40 p.m.:        Yvette “Diva” Williams, featuring Premium Blend

5:40 p.m.:            Molotov: Stupid Human Tricks

6- 6:40 p.m.:       Seefari

6:40 p.m.:            Molotov: Stupid Human Tricks

7-7:40 p.m.:        The Eric Jerardi Band

7:40-8 p.m.:        Fashion show from Brim and Sew Dayton celebrating both stores’ one-year anniversaries

8-10 p.m.:            Meghna & the Majority

The 1880s Are Alive and Well in Dayton

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mp1 Who knew Dayton had gone so retro?

We may have only recently entered the 21st century, but the turn of the 20th century is still alive here in Dayton. Thanks to the folks at Five Rivers MetroParks, you can experience what life was like in the 1880s right here in southwest Ohio.

 

Whoever said “what’s old is new again” obviously lived through the pain of watching fashion recirculate and stared in horrified amazement as his or her children begged and pleaded to purchase an outfit that eerily resembled an ensemble sent packing to Goodwill several decades ago. The same holds true in Dayton today. Know of anyone who knits from yarn they spun themselves and sews their own clothes? And would can their own vegetables for the winter and make their own cheese and soap? Or grow out their beards and curl up their moustaches and brew their own beer? You might refer to them as “hipsters,” but in the 1880s, they were just “people.”

 

That’s right; your great-great grandfather, who waxed his elegant moustache before snapping his suspenders and hopping on the seat of his fixed-gear bicycle, was a hipster before it was cool. Capitalizing on the re-emergence of the native hipster, Five Rivers MetroParks offers classes to teach you how to grow and pickle and can your own food. You can learn to make cheese and soap and even how to craft a microbrew. It’s all here. In Dayton. Again.

 

Grow your own

If you are passionate about growing your own food, MetroParks has programs that can help. mp2From tips about seed selection and planting to what to grow in the winter and even community gardening, Five Rivers MetroParks knows how to work with nature and wants to share that knowledge with you. Think you lack green thumbs? Maybe you just need the right instruction. Think about it – all those people living in the late 19th century didn’t simply wake up one day infused with vast botanical knowledge; they experimented, they failed a few times, but ultimately, they succeeded. They had to. The stakes were a little higher for pioneer who couldn’t simply shrug their shoulders and head to the nearest Wynn Dixie if they killed their sole source of sustenance.

 

Programs will take you from gardening newbie to horticulture diva and are available many of the facilities in the parks’ system including Wergerzyn Gardens, Cox Arboretum, Carriage Hill and many more. There’s even an annual gardening conference.

 

And as for resources, visit MetroParks.org for printable brochures with hundreds of tips, suggestions and helpful advice whether you’re starting out or trying grow your greenest garden yet.

 

It’s all here. At your MetroParks.

 

Down on the Farm

Food preservation in 2013: Adorable place settings and thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Food preservation in 1880: Avoiding starvation. True, modern living has provided us with the means to live comfortably. Heck, we could obtain essential nutrients from a powdered capsule if we want. But there’s no excitement, adventure or well-meaning intent from ingesting a pill, so people are looking back to the 1800s again, and Five Rivers MetroParks offers programs that will help you live more sustainably by preserving the food you just learned how to grow.

 

At Carriage Hill MetroPark, members of the canning club learn to preserve fruits and vegetables in an inexpensive and efficient way. Pickling classes are also available at Carriage Hill and Possum Creek MetroParks.

 

Brewing was an everyday part of life in the 1880s. Carriage Hill also offers “Making Small Beers” where participants discuss the actual brewing process and make some small beers using ingredients like apple, sorghum or maple.

 

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The 2nd Street Market has all the programming you need to really go retro. With programs on handmade soap making, cheese making, canning and even sewing, knitting and quilting, you will find all of the homesteading skills you need. Check out the Heirloom Skills series of programs at MetroParks.org.

 

And if all this skill-building, growing, preserving and crafting sounds like too much for you, you are in luck. The vendors at the 2nd Street Market have done all the work for you.

 

You can find artisan bakers, canned vegetables or vegetables to can, knitted goods and home-spun yarn, fabrics to make your own clothes, fresh and organic meats like chicken and beef, handmade soaps and cheese, and so much more. More good news: By buying goods at the 2nd Street Market, you’re supporting local businesses and keeping your dollars at work right here in Dayton. That’s so 1880.

 

Great-great-grandpa had it right: Use resources wisely and make your own stuff. So go retro. Grow out a curly moustache. Take your horse and carriage (or ride your bike—fixie or otherwise) to a MetroParks facility today for everything you need to “live the dream of the 1890s.” [link to Portlandia]

Toronto – Day #8 – 2013

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My time in Toronto is wrapping up.  I’ll screen a couple films today and perhaps 1 film early tomorrow before I head to the airport.  It’s been a blast so far, but I am starting to drag.

The first film I saw yesterday was IGNACI M. – a Spanish documentary about an artist.  Brought up in a home with a mother and father who were also artists, this is an exploration of his relationships with his parents, children, and others in the community.  Ignaci is a colorful, gay, HIV+ man who takes 29 pills every day (the opening of the film has him explaining each pill – which is funny and heartbreaking all at once) and is willing to speak frankly with anyone.  Though I found this piece interesting, some of the interviews go on way too long.  I felt as though the editor was stretching this film to make it a feature – whereas it would make a much stronger 30-40 minute portrait. (The cheesy photoshoot moments didn’t help matters.)

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THE RAILWAY MAN, based on a memoir by Eric Lomax, is the story of a man who is dealing with the demons of having been tortured while a prisoner of the Japanese troops in Thailand.  Starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman (among many other great performances in the flashback scenes), this film has lush visuals and strong performances.  Lomax, in real life, died just last year…and the director of the film told the audience “Lomax loved that Colin Firth was playing him…his wife Patti was at the festival earlier in the week…she loved being here with her best friend Nicole.”  This film is well done, and it will appeal to people who love historical, war dramas – like THE EMPEROR from earlier this year.

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SALVATION ARMY is a quiet, directorial debut for Abdellah Taia – based on his own semi-autobiographical novel.  This is the story of a young Moroccan boy who is discovering his sexuality and social codes in Casablanca.  Told in two parts, we see his upbringing and familial relations…then we see him off to study in Geneva – where more political and social obstacles lay in wait.  With very little dialog and told in a very matter-of-fact style, this film is certainly not for everyone…but I liked it quite a bit.  (Below is just a clip – a trailer doesn’t exist yet.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_CB0aVpKsw’]

And off I go to start my day.

Thanks for reading!

Christopher’s Restaurant: Saintly and Sinful

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Mushroom Bisque one of many homemade soups

Some say the food at Christopher’s Restaurant is like a religious experience.  That would make sense because the eatery is named after St. Christopher, the patron saint of travel.  Owner/Chef Chip Pritchard and his staff have developed a cult following with the locals, and a favorite stop of foodies who are passing through town.  Why?  Because it is comfort food.  It is not pretentious, just good solid food.  We met the owners at a farmer’s market and it has been a favorite Food Adventure stop ever since.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Known for their extensive, fresh menu it is a salad, soup and sandwich lovers paradise.

— Vegetarian and Vegan friendly choices make it a favorite healthy dining spot.  Many gluten free menu items to choose from as well.

The Black Bean Burger: not just for vegans anymore

— Breakfast menu that rivals anyplace in Dayton.   Most overheard quote at Christopher’s  “you gotta come back for breakfast.”  Tasty indeed.

— Christopher’s employs two bakers who make the desserts from scratch twice a week.  Check the revolving choices and make sure you don’t miss out on these sinful offerings.

— Thursday nights are “theme nights.”    Probably our favorite time to visit Christopher’s.  Guaranteed great foodstuffs in a fun, inviting atmosphere.  Most recently, we went to Caribbean Theme Night on September 12th.

— Christopher’s uses local farms, local produce, naturally raised beef, organic salmon (from Foremost Seafood), local free range eggs, and organic coffee and teas.

Speaking of which, The Big Ragu and crew have to tell you about …. the MUST EATS at CHRISTOPHERS

Many organic items like Ice Teas served with fresh, local mint sprigs

— THE CHRISTOPHER SPECIAL:  A bacon sandwich with avocado, tomato, Neufantel cream cheese and bean sprouts. We crave this and get nights sweats thinking about this specialty sandwich.

— THE MEZZA PLATE:  House Hummus, falafel, feta cheese chunks, kalamata olives, tomato slices, cucumbers and carrots surrounded by pita chips.  This ain’t your grandparents vegetarian menu…

— BUFFALO CHICKEN SOUP:  Phenomenal homemade soup with a kick better than Pelé.  Eat some and become a Buffalo Soldier like The Big Ragu.

— THE BLACK BEAN BURGER: Even if you are not a vegetarian, you gotta try this delicious and filling burger.

— MUSHROOM BISQUE: One of our all time fave soups is simply divine.  Creamy goodness in every spoonful.

— CARROT CAKE:  The homemade icing will have you saying “dude, seriously?”  Try it, your tummy will thank us.

— BUMBLEBERRY PIE:   Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.  Yes, 3 berries, one pie.  Served cold or hot, you can’t lose with this fresh, local creation.  Big Ragu approved !

— TWO GOOD BREAKFAST: Two eggs, two pieces of bacon, two pieces of sausage and two pancakes or French toast.

Delicious, Fresh Breakfast Choices

Honorable Mention: Bacon & Tomato Omelette, Honey BBQ Chicken and The “Decent Breakfast” which features choices of fruit or home fries, choice of meat, 2 eggs and a biscuit, toast or English muffin.

This quaint dining establishment is a great place for a date, or a visit with your grandmother.  Expect great service, as the staff is friendly and very knowledgeable.  The eclectic menu at Christopher’s Restaurant is a great place for a serious eater.  From healthy, to vegan, from ethnic to good old fashioned American comfort food, they have it all.  It fits the bill for practically any occasion.  Best of all, many ingredients are fresh and local.    Give it a try next time you are near the corner of Woodman Dr and Dorothy Lane. They are open Monday – Saturday: 7:30am – 9pm.  They use organic to make meals that are fantastic.

Browse the many dishes in our photo album below from our many meals at Christopher’s.

Love Facebook?  Want some more from your favorite “foodies in their forties?”  Then check out Food Adventures on Facebook   —> HERE

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Toronto – Day #7 – 2013

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I saw 4 films yesterday…among them was one big, special effects movie.  I rarely go for the huge, Hollywood titles while in Toronto, but I decided that because Alfonso Cuaron directed GRAVITY, I’d give it a go…but let’s start at the beginning of the day.

First off, I saw MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS – a Swiss film (in English and French) based on the book MARY STUART.  Though I certainly appreciated elements of this film, there were also numerous elements that made me cringe.  The score was often overbearing, and a few devices (the narration at the beginning and end, the over-use of puppets) fell flat.  The costumes and sets were marvelous, but overall, it didn’t work for me.

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WE ARE THE BEST! is the new film by Lukas Moodysson.  Set in 1982 Stockholm, the movie is about 3 13-year old girls who start a punk band.  It’s a sweet portrait of rebellion and bonding, and the performances and situations are really wonderful.  That said, it’s not a film I’d revisit…there’s just something missing.  It’s good…just not great.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfPytPjV1xc’]

GERONTOPHILIA is a film by Canadian filmmaker Bruce LaBruce.  This is a movie about a young man who realizes he is infatuated and turned on by senior-aged men…so he gets a job at a nursing home where he forms a special relationship with one of the residents.  Whereas I think this film might have some interesting things to say about age and aging, I felt that the shifts in tone (some of it feels like a farce, other parts seem very serious) made me less interested.  Though some parts were genuinely funny…and some parts were genuinely touching…ultimately I’m not a fan.  (Below is just a clip from the film…no trailer yet.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP7Dg1fvEm0′]

Lastly, I saw GRAVITY in IMAX 3-D.  Starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, I think this is biggest small film ever to come out of Hollywood.  Set in space, there are only 3 on-screen characters (and 1 dies almost immediately – so it’s mostly Bullock and Clooney).  After an accident (debris from a Russian satellite), an astronaut and a medical engineer are forced to figure out a way to survive .  This film is simple and scary.  And though there are a couple moments of on-the-nose monologue material (which kinda ruined the moment for me), I ultimately really enjoyed it.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiTiKOy59o4′]

Thanks for reading!

Shyness – Small Talk is Big Talk

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shy Shyness can be painful.
Shyness is discomfort and a lack of confidence in social situations.   Shy people often “shy away” from social gatherings which can lead some to experience a less than fulfilling social and work life.   When it comes to developing social and business relationships, Small Talk is Big Talk.

There is quite a bit of buzz around introverts on the internet these days.  Being an introvert is not the same thing as being shy.  Many introverts can, and do, socialize easily.  Introverts get more energized by having quiet time rather than spending time in social situations.   Extroverts tend to get energized by being in social situations.

Both extroverts and introverts can experience shyness, and may struggle with small talk and one-on-one conversations.

According to shyness researchers Carducci and Zimbardo, “most shyness is acquired through life experiences.”  They also state “Shy people want very much to be with others but lack the social skills and self-esteem.”

When shyness has a negative impact on a person’s quality of life, it might be time to take some action on developing social skills and confidence.

Shyness is largely a “learned” behavior, which means it can be unlearned.  That is great news for the shy!smalltalk1

Two primary components of becoming less shy are developing social skills and improving self-esteem.   Small talk is an essential social skill for our personal and work lives.

Small talk has many functions in socializing.  It is used to establish a mutual willingness to be friendly, as an opportunity to discover mutual interest, as a prelude to business conversation, to pass time, and as a way to transition from meaningful conversation to politely ending a conversation.

Small talk is the first step to developing friendships and business relationships.    It is uncommon for two strangers to immediately engage in deep meaningful conversation without first exchanging at least a bit of small talk.

v14co4s2csapsx0vrip7lxfct61gwmmh-1Despite the term “small” small talk is a BIG deal.  Small talk is used throughout our lives, at parties, in elevators, in job interviews, at church socials, and in the break room at work. Small talk is a very big deal in dating and finding romance.

Local life coach and trainer Clara Jackson  is offering a 2 hour workshop on September 19th for shy people to learn some basic small talk skills.  For more information on the workshop click here.

Be A Part Of Selecting The New Menu at RiverScape Eatery

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silverfernThe care at RiverScape  wants your helpin in selecting their  new winter menu at the Silver Fern Café! This Saturday, September 14, from 4-6 PM, you are invited to taste and give feedback on some delicious foods that may find their way onto our menu this winter. Sample four different soups, a variety of Panini sandwiches, plus select a drink and dessert from an assortment of options for only $10!

After you’ve sampled, tell them what you think! Tickets for the Menu Tasting must be purchased in advance from Silver Fern Café. Check out their business hours, or call (937) 220-9670 for more information.

Coming Up in Local Jazz – September 11 through September 24

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jazzSome Early Jazz History Coming To Dayton:

 

In the early history of jazz there was a young boy who learned to play his cornet while in  a New Orleans reform school and went on to become America’s Ambassador for Jazz throughout the world. This coming Thursday, September 12th Dean Simms will present his uncanny recreation of Louis Armstrong at the Dayton Art Institute from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the Shaw Gothic Cloister:http://tinyurl.com/lhaacyh

 

louie

Dean Simms – Louis Armstrong Tribute

If for some reason you can’t make it to the Art Institute, you’ll have a second chance to catch Dean’s tribute to Louie performance as the finale act of a great free concert at the David H. Ponitz Career Center on Saturday, September 28. We will be celebrating the 45 years of Clay “The Cooker” Collins being on Dayton Radio, the WDPS-FM 3rd annual Listener Appreciation Concert and Jazz Advocate’s 8th annual Community Jazz Festival. Check it out at: http://www.jazzcentraldayton.com/#05

 

shinsings

ShinSings Orchestra at Dayton Metro Library

 

Speaking of early jazz history, I noted two birthdays this week covering the spectrum from the very beginning to current times: Buddy Bolden was born on Friday, September 6th, 1877. Only one dim photograph of him survived but in the annuals of jazz history Buddy Bolden, while almost a mythical character, stands out as being accredited by many as the originator of jazz. Today we have none of his music to listen to because unfortunately he was institutionalized as mentally ill in 1906 before the advent of any practical form of recorded music. Testimony by the likes of Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and many others who heard him play claimed him as the inspiration of those formative years of jazz in New Orleans. Jelly Roll was so inspired he wrote the tribute song Buddy Bolden’s Blues, which is performed regularly by Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers right here in Dayton, Ohio. Check out this cool Buddy Bolden Documentary:

http://tinyurl.com/mbr6ms4 and saxophone Colossus Sonny Rollins was born on Saturday, September 7th, 1930 has garnered many national awards for jazz including Kennedy Center Honors on his 81st birthday. Here is a recorded live in Sweden, 1959 video:http://www.jazzonthetube.com/page/11517.html

 

Two more quick items, both coming up in October: Jerry Gillotti tells they will be starting an open Jam Session every Thursday at Gilly’s. The house band will be Eddie Brookshire, Fenton Sparks & Kieago Hirakawa. In addition Charles Stone tells me JC and the Rowdy’s will be offering a Blues Jam every Friday at Jazz Central.

 

Jazz Calendar

Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:

 

Today Wednesday, September 11 – The Faux Frenchmen are starting a weekly series of jazz entertainment at the La Poste Eatery in Cincinnati.

Thursday September 12 – The Dayton Art Institute is the place to be when Dean Simms brings his tribute to Louis Armstrong to life at the Vectren Jazz and Beyond Series!  

Friday September 13 – The Shawn Stanley Trio plays every Friday at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville and they’re celebrating one year of Friday Night Jazz at the Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant in Cincinnati.

Saturday September 14 – Eddie Brookshire Quintet is at Gilly’s and Robert Sanae’s Indigo Blue CD Release Party is at Jazz Central, both in Dayton.

Sunday September 15 – Honk, Wail and Moan is at the Harrison Park Gazebo and Erik Augis, Woodson, Tsamous are at Third & Hollywood both in Columbus.

Monday September 16 – The John Taylor Trio is at Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.

Tuesday September 17 – The Part St. Tavern Jazz Jam continues in Columbus and the Marc Fields Quartet is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Wednesday September 18 –  The Eleven piece Different Hats Band is at the Dayton Event Connection and Ricky Nye & Bekah Williams are at Chez Nora in Covington, KY.

Thursday September 19 – The Generations Big Band returns to Jazz Central in Dayton and the Pete Mills Quartet featuring Matt Wilson is at Nighttown in Cleveland Heights.

Friday September 20 – ShinSings Orchestra is at the Dayton Metro Library and the Eddie Brookshire Quintet is at Serendipity Bistro for Urban Nights in Dayton.

Saturday September 21 – The NEW Ed Moss Trio w/special guests is at the Schwartz Point Jazz Club in Cincinnati and the Bobby Floyd Trio is at Boudin’s Bistro & Jazz Club in Columbus.

Sunday September 22 – The Jazz Jam Session with Kenny Baccus and John Hampton Wagner is at Jazz Central in Dayton and Bluesbent is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Monday September 23 – Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe is at Due Amici in Columbus.

Tuesday September 24 – Tony Monaco is at the Rumba Café in Columbus and the Derek DiCenzo Trio is at Local Roots in Powell, OH.

 

More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto – Day #6 – 2013

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Today is my last day of needing to wait in line for early-morning tickets…thus my last day of waking up at 6:00am.  How refreshing!

In addition to seeing 3 films yesterday, I got to hang out with a dear friend, Bill Taylor, who I met in line at a screening of TALK TO HER (one of my favorite Almodovar films) back in 2002 (my first year at TIFF).  Bill just completed his first feature film (which I will soon get a chance to see), and we have played 2 of his short films at the Dayton LGBT Film Festival over the years.  It was great to catch up.

VIOLETTE was the first film of the day, and it made me want to go out and pick up a bundle of books.  This is a film about Violette Leduc and how she became a well-known author.  A large portion of the film focuses on her relationship with Simone de Beauvoir, and several other renowned French authors work their way into the narrative.  The film is gorgeously directed by Martin Provost – director of SERAPHINE (if you haven’t seen this film, I highly recommend it – available via netflix, etc.), and it’s a wonderful story of self-discovery through writing.

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IDA, perhaps the most visually stunning film I’ve seen this year, is a lovely, quiet film (shot in black & white in a 1:37 aspect ratio (which means it appears more like a square than a rectangle)).  A young Catholic girl – about to take her vows as a nun – goes into the city to meet her aunt for the first time.  During the trip, she discovers her true roots and the life she had before being brought to the convent.  I loved this film.

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TOM AT THE FARM is the new film by Xavier Dolan.  Based on a play, this is the first time Dolan has directed material that was in-part written by someone else…and it works.  I felt that Dolan’s last film suffered from its length – this one feels just right.  Tom visits the family of his recently deceased lover, and the mother didn’t know of her son’s homosexuality.  Very different in tone from Dolan’s first three films, this is a psychological thriller that becomes rather creepy.  Though I questioned a couple script choices, I ultimately really liked this film.  (The clip below doesn’t do the film justice…but at least you’ll get a small glance.)

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Thanks for reading!  Off to more screenings!

Music for Teacups: Melissa Haviland & David Colagiovanni

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teacupsA composition in image and sound, the exhibition “Music for Teacups” employs video, sculpture and installation that utilize one object —the teacup—as a whimsical metaphor through which to explore and subvert notions of class and etiquette.

 

The video Music for Teacups, 2013 is a composition in image and sound that recombines captured footage of falling and breaking teacups. Like the “Drop Art” movement of the early 1960s and more recently a 1995 photographic triptych by prominent dissident Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei in which he is shown dropping a Han dynasty urn in an irreverent gesture to the worship of China’s past, the artists are in good company making art that expressive and even beautiful in its destruction. Central to Music for Teacups, however, are the sounds you are hearing as a direct representation of what you are seeing. Watch how the artists have captured both the image and sound of the moment a teacup or bell opens up, bounces on the ground or violently shatters and find the musicality hidden within these transformative events.

 

A Host of Options (wallpaper), 2013 is an installation of 2,400 small laser cut teacup shapes to create a fluttering wallpaper effect in the gallery. Installed with mother-of-pearl headed corsage pins, the teacups dangle by the handle—shifting as the viewer walks through the space. The black silhouette emphasizes the patterns that begin to develop as well echo true multiplicity available in porcelain production.

 

In addition, the video For Best, 2013 and the installation, To rend and to mend, 2013 document a performance in which the artists walk a simple, oval shaped balance beam (12′ long by 5′ wide) while Haviland balances china on her head. After balancing and breaking five full sets of china the remnants of the performance are mended and presented as sculpture. Haviland and Colagiovanni have said “Porcelain for us isn’t precious and neither are the roles associated with its use. We hope our work can communicate the fragility of both.”

 

Haviland and Colagiovanni are artists who live and collaborate in Athens, Ohio. Haviland, who is Associate Professor of Art, Ohio University, straddles the boundaries between printmaking and installation-performance exploring lineage, ritual, and practice within objects that are gendered and classed. Colagiovanni, who also teaches at Ohio, is a video and sound artist with interests in the reconfiguration of image and sound and the effects of gravity and immersion in virtual and physical space. They have exhibited nationally both singly and as a duo; been awarded numerous grants, fellowships, and residencies and have works in several permanent collections. In October, Music for Teacups will be included in the 2013 British Ceramics Biennial in England’s former Spode factory.  You can learn more about the artists and their work on their websites: www.colagiovanni.net  and www.melissahaviland.com.

 

The exhibition was selected from 117 applications through DVAC’s 2012 Biennial Call for Exhibitions.

 

You can check out this exhibition through October 19th at DVAC, located at DVAC 118 North Jefferson, downtown Dayton.  The galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 6pm.

Classic Car Event Saluts The Stingray **Ticket Contest**

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6974390667160768504The seventh annual Dayton Concours d’Elegance at Carillon Historical Park will begin at 10:30 AM on Sunday, September 15th. Examine and admire 200 of the finest classic and antique automobiles and motorcycles in the country, amidst the beautiful and welcoming setting of the region’s premier outdoor museum. Guests will be treated to food, live music, and historical demonstrations in addition to the chance to see beautiful cars and motorcycles up close and personal.The iconic Corvette Stingray of the mid 1960’s will be honored at the Dayton Concours. Joining the Stingray will be the power and grace of Ferrari and the classic styling of Aston Martin as the British marque celebrates its 100th anniversary.The event will culminate with an awards ceremony around 3:00 PM. Winners of the “Best in Class” awards will parade to the awards stage, in addition to the R.H. Grant Best in Show, Charles Kettering People’s Choice, Col. Edward Deeds Judge’s Choice, Siler Spirit, Taj Ma Garaj, and Kid’s Choice Awards.

The Concours will also have special classes for automobiles built in 1913, 1938 and 1963. Guests will get to see up close, 200 antique and classic automobiles and motorcycles, displayed on the grounds of Carillon Historical Park.  Tickets run $15 for adults, $5 for children 3-17 with children under 3 free. You can purchase online at Dayton History’s website. 

interior_photos_9To get you  all revved up for the  2013 Dayton Concours d’Elegance  you may want to attend the Saturday night Preview Party. This evening event features  food, adult beverages, music, and entertainment at Carillon Historical Park. Guests will be treated to a first look of some of the incredible vehicles to be showcased in Sunday’s main event and will enjoy an exclusive shopping opportunity in the Art Pavilion. They will also be tempted by an array of auction items, including the original artwork featured on this year’s souvenier program!

The  Preview Party will be held from 6:30 – 10:30 pm, tickets are $85 per person, $75 for Dayton History members and reservations are required. All proceeds from the weekend events go to Dayton History, Montgomery County’s official historical organization.

DMM is giving away a pair of tickets to Saturday’s preview party.  To be eligible to win, like and share this article and fill out the entry form below.  Leaving a comment below about why you should win may also sway our judges! :)[form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Rue Dumaine Dinner Features Treme Cookbook Author

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9781452109695_custom-4331a2e53a7b47d2fb9f771e6d6d15db22938971-s2-c85If you’re a fan of  the HBO series TREME  or just a  fan of New Orleans food,  you are in for a treat on Wed,  Oct 2nd when Rue Dumaine welcomes  Lolis Eric Elie,  a writer for David Simon’s Treme,  who has compiled a cookbook of traditional and contemporary recipes titled Treme: Stories and Recipes from the Heart of New Orleans. Recipes come from NOLA restaurants and celebrity chefs who appeared on the show, including Anthony Bourdain, Eric Ripert and David Chang. Broudain wrote the introduction to the book. The cookbook is divided into sections, each told in the voice of one of the characters — from Janette Desautel, the chef, to Antoine Batiste, the trombonist. Elie says he wanted them to have their own chapter so they wouldn’t interrupt each other.

“These are the voices I hear when I walk down the street: ‘Boy, you gotta soak your red beans the night before or otherwise they’re going to take forever to cook. Or you need to put pickle meat in those beans — I don’t know what all this vegetarian stuff is about,’ ” Elie says. “People talk about the fact that they’re sitting in the supermarket line in New Orleans, and people say, ‘How you gonna fix that? White beans and shrimp? What you gonna do with that?’ I don’t think that happens as much in other cities.”

Before writing for the show, Elie produced other projects focused on food and the Treme neighborhood. He authored Smokestack Lightning: Adventures in the Heart of Barbecue Country, which he wrote while working as a road manager for Wynton Marsalis. He also edited Cornbread Nation 2: The United States of Barbecue.

Rue Dumaine is currently taking reservations for the $50 dinner created around the recipes featured in the cookbook including:

Ruth Fertel’s garlicky white shrimp remoulade
Poppy Tooker’s crawfish calas with green garlic mayonnaise
Cochon’s braised pig with stewed turnips and cabbage
Bayona’s Cafe au lait pots de crème with mudslide cookies

 

Author Elie wil be on hand to chat as well as sign copies of his cookbook, which will be available for purchase.

 

Toronto – Day #5 – 2013

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Hello!

Yesterday ended up being not as productive as I had planned. I only saw 3 films in their entirety…and the festival is officially starting to wear me out.  The early morning line-up is dwindling.  Some industry folks have already left town, and some of this drop-off is due merely to communal exhaustion.

First off, I saw a film called BELLE – a Fox Searchlight film (which means we’ll more than likely play it…but it won’t come out until next Spring)  set in 18-century Britain about a mixed-race woman who is accepted by her affluent father and is brought up in high class society.  Though not given all the same treatment due to her skin color and the fact that she is “illegitimate,” she is given a good education and is rather free-spirited.  After asking lots of questions and meeting an idealistic son of the town vicar, she becomes instrumental in ending slavery in England.  This film is beautifully shot and will be a crowd-pleaser – on par with films like YOUNG VICTORIA and THE DUCHESS.

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THE INVISIBLE WOMAN is based on the true story of Charles Dickens and his secret relationship with a younger woman.  Directed by and starring Ralph Fiennes, this is a lovely, intelligent film about a strong-willed woman facing her past.  The lead character is played with a rich, layered performance by Felicity Jones (she had a small part in the under-appreciated HYSTERIA), and Sony Classics is positioning this film for a limited Christmas release – which makes it clear that they will push for some Oscar attention.  The art direction, the costumes, and the performances are all lovely, and though the pacing is slow, lovers of mid-career Merchant Ivory films (like THE BOSTONIANS and MAURICE) will be delighted.  Fiennes and Jones were present for a Q&A after the screening.

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UNDER THE SKIN is the new, highly anticipated film by Jonathan Glazer – director of SEXY BEAST and BIRTH.  (It’s been a decade since his last film.)  Each of his films is distinctly different, and UNDER THE SKIN is partially experimental in form.  The movie is about a young woman who stalks the streets of Scotland – looking for single, unattached men.  The film is sexually charged and absolutely captivating.  There’s very little dialog in this film, but the images and score create poetry.  A lot more could be added in describing the plot to this film, but as the catalog states, “it’s best to allow UNDER THE SKIN to reveal itself.”  Lead actress Scarlett Johansson and director Jonathan Glazer were in attendance for an insightful Q&A.  I can’t remember the last time I saw such an abstract film with over 1500 people…it was a nice feeling…but it won’t be appreciated by the masses.  (That said, there will certainly be a cult-like following for this film.)  Watch the teaser to get a small sense of tone for this film.

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More soon!

Thanks for reading!

Remodeled Rusty Bucket Now Open **Gift Certificate Giveaway**

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Rusty-Bucket3Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern by the Dayton Mall is celebrating its new design enhancements and an updated menu.   The neighborhood gathering place now features an updated three-sided bar, and all-season patio space including heaters and a fireplace. The remodel also incorporates new wood tables and chairs in the dining room along with black leather booths and upgraded lighting.  Additional design enhancements include a “video wall” big-screen projection television, which can be used as one large screen or individual screens and a new private dining room that will seat up to eight guests.

Guests visiting Rusty Bucket for the Grand Re-Opening will also be introduced to an updated menu, fresh cocktails and 12 additional draft handles. Some of the new menu items include an appetizer featuring fresh Mussels sautéed in white wine, an Asian inspired Thai Steak Salad, an exceptional burger for bacon lovers – the Double Bacon Cheddar and the highly popular Saturday Blue Plate Special Backyard BBQ Ribs have made their way to the menu every day. In addition, the Rusty Bucket’s Daily Drink Specials have been updated to include popular drinks such as a Mule cocktail on Mondays or Throwback Thursdays that feature three classics – Luxardo Old Fashioned, Pink Gin Fizz and Pecan Manhattan. The additional draft handles will give guests 24 draft beers to choose from including Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA, Fathead IPA, Great Lakes Seasonal and Sam Adams Seasonal.

Rusty Bucket is located at 2812 Miamisburg Centerville Rd just outside the Dayton Mall. Rusty Bucket offers a kid’s menu, a gluten-free friendly menu, as well as Blue Plate Specials available all day, a weekday happy hour and daily drink specials featuring house made cocktails. Call-ahead seating is available by calling 937-436-2426.

DMM wants to send some of our readers to enjoy the new Rusty Bucket, so we’ere giving away two $25 gift cards.  To enter to win, like this post, share it on facebook and fill in the form below.  We’ll announce our winners Tuesday night.

Congratulations to contest winners: Nathan Driver of Miamisburg and Ashley King of Franklin!

Toronto – Day #4 – 2013

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Hello!

Yesterday was another epic day.  After seeing 5 films, I still managed to meet up with a couple friends for drinks…a nap is certainly in store at some point today.  One person I met up with is a Dayton native (a former Neon regular and Stivers grad) – Rachel Allen.  She now lives in Brooklyn and works for a PR firm in NYC…and she’s in Toronto working with a handful of films at the festival.  It was great to see her, and I was delighted to hear of her recent successes.

The first film I saw in the morning was THE F WORD – a romantic comedy starring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan.  This charming film is full of fast, witty dialog (and sadly way too many poop-obsessed jokes), and it doesn’t try to be anything beyond a sweet film targeted at young adults.  The story centers on 2 young people who meet at a party.  The young girl, delightfully played by Kazan, is an animator who is in a relationship.  The young guy, played by Radcliffe (he has 3 films at TIFF this year), is still getting over a broken heart (the opening scene has him finally deleting a year-old voicemail from his ex-girlfriend).  The 2, upon meeting, have great chemistry…but they determine that they can only be friends.  Thogh predictable and at times a bit too screwball for my taste, this film ultimately works.

THE F WORD

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB was the 2nd film of the festival that I really loved.  Based on a true story, this is a film about a man in the 1980’s who is diagnosed with HIV.  Frustrated by the lack of FDA-approved drugs, he sets out to smuggle non-approved treatments into the US.  Matthew McConaughey plays the main character, and his performance is mind-blowing.  That said, Jarred Leto – who plays a trans character – is also out of this world.  With lots of interesting choices (great sound design and an urgency that makes the film not seem like a period piece), this will go down as one of the best films of the year…stay tuned for lots of award season recognition.

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Next up was a romantic, modern musical by John Carney (director of ONCE) – CAN A SONG SAVE YOUR LIFE?  Starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, this film is full of great music and good performances.  It’s the story of two broken people who begin working together to produce an album of fresh, new music.  I’ve heard many people raving about this film.  Though I liked it, I didn’t think it was amazing.  There are some magical moments, but I didn’t buy into the film entirely.  (There’s a scene where Ruffalo imagines orchestrations over Knightley’s simple, guitar-accompanied performance…and I found it terribly cheesy.)  There will certainly be an audience for this film, but I don’t think the results are as successful as ONCE.

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PHILOMENA, the new Judi Dench film by Stephen Frears, is absolutely wonderful. This is the story of a relationship between a journalist and an aging woman.  Philomena gave birth to a boy in a convent when she was 14, and the nuns found a home for him when he was an toddler.  After years of feeling guilty for her sins of the flesh (the nuns were successful at shaming her for decades), a journalist takes interest in Philomena’s attempt to locate her son.  The story is ultimately a mystery, but it’s so much more.  The script is absolutely terrific, and the performances are rich and layered.  This film is 100% NEON material!  Without harping, the film has very interesting things to say at the Catholic Church, contemporary journalism and the Republican Party.

LE WEEK-END – a new film about a retirement-aged, British couple during a weekend is Paris – is clearly inspired by (and even references) films of the French New Wave.  Though there are several great scenes in this film, and the performances of Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan are terrific, I had a hard time connecting.  Duncan’s hot/cold character changes moods on a dime, and I ultimately found her so frustrating that I found it difficult to care about anybody.  Though I was ultimately moved by the film, I didn’t love it overall.  Directed by Roger Michell (NOTTING HILL, THE MOTHER, VENUS, HYDE PARK ON HUDSON), I don’t see a lot of commercial success with this title.

I’m about to head into a screening of BELLE…then 3 other films today.

Thanks for reading!  More tomorrow!