Archives for January 2014

Home Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce Searching For Ambassadors

January 31, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers who may be interested in becoming Ambassadors in a new program beginning March 2014. Chamber Executive Director Mark Bruns said that the new program is designed to serve as the public relations arm of the Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce.

“The Ambassadors will be visible, prestigious volunteers who will be making goodwill calls to current members and welcome new members to the Huber Heights Chamber,’ said Bruns. “They will assist and help staff at official Huber Heights Chamber events, and serve as a representative of the Huber Heights Chamber throughout the community.

To qualify, Ambassadors must be must be knowledgeable of Chamber services and programs, as well as, the area business community. Ambassadors must support the Chamber and have a strong desire for community involvement. They will attend a New Member Orientation and will be asked to volunteer a minimum of three to five hours per month.

Ambassadors must be a member of The Ambassador Program. An annual membership fee of $20 will apply to each Ambassador. The annual membership fee will be used toward the initial membership badge cost and thereafter help to fund future Ambassador events and related costs. Ambassadors will make a one year commitment to the program.

Some of the duties of the Ambassadors will be to attend ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, and special ceremonies to represent the Chamber and participate in various activities. They will serve as a host or hostess at Chamber functions or by request assist with Chamber programs such as WINGS, the Chamber Bowl, Community Update, Risk Management Council meetings, Business Before and after Hours, Chamber Golf Outing, and Business Expo as well as other special events.

If you are interested in joining The Ambassador Program please call Mark Bruns or Mary Jackson at 233-5700, or e-mail the Chamber of Commerce at [email protected].

Independent Comics, Film and Music To Be Celebrated At Inaugural I.C.E.

January 31, 2014 By Juliet Fromholt Leave a Comment

Saturday February 1^st marks the debut of the Independent Creators Expo, seasonally appropriately nicknamed I.C.E., at Wright State University’s Student Union. To the naked eye, I.C.E. May appear to be like a comic book convention and that’s a good starting point for understanding the event. But you won’t see Wolverine, Batman or Spider-man playing a prominent role at this show.

Artwork from Jason Young’s Veggie Dog Saturn

“I want I.C.E. to be the show where people go to see original work and support the mediums they love at ‘ground zero,’ where it all begins,” says Brandon (Bjay) Johnson of Studio Akumakaze, the Kettering art/design studio hosting the event.

As the name suggests, I.C.E.’s focus is on the work of independent comic and graphic artists much like Columbus’ popular Small Press & Alternative Comics Expo (S.P.A.C.E.), which has celebrated many of the Dayton area’s independent comic creators for many years.

With its own manga-style comic book, SCRAP, Studio Akumakaze is part of a longstanding community of comic creators in the Miami Valley that includes Justin Wasson and Jason Young of Buyer Beware Comics, among many others.

“I thought that a show that focused entirely on original work and independent creators would be a nice companion show for Gem City Com Con [also held at Wright State],” says Johnson. “And also be a good way to kick off the year and stir up some excitement for the artistic community before the convention season begins in the spring.”

Another departure from the more traditional comic book convention is that in addition to comic/graphic artists, I.C.E. is welcoming local, independent filmmakers and musicians. Nightbeast and Red Hot Rebellion head up the musical offerings and filmmakers Eric Widing (Hellhounds) and Shawn Burkett (Concept Media) are among the motion picture guests who will also be joined by Dayton area horror host Baron Von Porkchop.

“In my opinion, it wouldn’t have made sense NOT to include [filmmakers and musicians],” said Johnson. “Independent music, film, and comics are all driven by the same desires: to create something new, to improve their individual genre/medium, to rebuild the heritage and credibility of their medium, to celebrate the things that inspire them to be an artist, and to challenge the mainstream with fresh new ideas/concepts. It only made sense to bring them all together and create an atmosphere that would be ripe with creativity and also be a place to share ideas, network and help one another reach a bigger audience.”

How To Go:
Independent Creators Expo (I.C.E.)
Saturday, February 1st, 10am-5pm
Wright State University Student Union Hall
Admission $3

Arepas & Co Reveals Soon To Be Open 2nd Location

January 31, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Arepas & Co humble beginnings go back to the Second Street Market in downtown Dayton where it’s been offering Colombian Comfort Food since April of 2012; its Arepas (grilled cornmeal patties), and Empanadas (stuffed cornmeal turnovers) are now very popular dishes among food lovers in the Dayton and surrounding communities. “The support we have received from our loyal customers has encouraged us to expand to a second location where we can continue to introduce fresh, flavorful and fun Colombian dishes” said Lisa Perdomo, owner of Arepas & Co, who grew up in Kettering. The new location is set to open in mid March at 1122 E. Dorothy Lane ( just east of The Dayton Beer Company) to commemorate its second anniversary where Arepas & Co will offer extended hours, dine-in and carry out menu.

At its new location, Arepas & Co will also offer “Tinto” (homemade Colombian coffee), fruit juices and monthly specials. Customer will

also find gluten-free and vegetarian friendly dishes such as their Mazorca Desgranada also known as “Party in your Mouth”, Colombian Platter (pictured) and “Tajaditas” (deep fried slices of plantain) topped with their flavorful and addicting sauces such as garlic mayo, cilantro and “El Scorcho”.“Our dishes are inspired by family recipes and finger foods made popular by street vendors in Colombia, who are known for providing simple yet delicious treats” said Lisa, “The way we marinade our meats is a recipe passed down to my husband by one of his aunts in Colombia whose finger-licking meals are highly rated by friends and family” added Lisa.The concept is co-owned by Lisa’s husband, who was born and raised in Colombia. “Our location in Kettering is perfect; it offers a cozy, family-friendly environment that reminiscences the old neighborhood hangout” said Jhembert, “we want to be known for our fresh, flavorful, fast yet affordable concept that reflects the ever growing diversity of Dayton and its surrounding communities”.

You can learn more about Arepas & Co by visiting their Facebook page or by calling Lisa Perdomo at 937-620-4099.

Sleep Fleet Celebrates Release of New EP

January 30, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

So far the new year in Dayton has brought great music around town for us all to enjoy! This weekend is no exception!

On Saturday, February 1st, Sleep Fleet returns to Dayton after six months – a time far too long for music fans. The Sleep Fleeters are releasing their brand shiny and new EP, Hudson & High, at a show at Blind Bob’s in our fine city. The album courtesy of the fine folks at Brain Candy Records is available at the band’s bandcamp page and is not to be missed.

Sleep Fleet is joined by the dynamic new trio Brat Curse! Their new self-titled record is another great new release for 2014! These ex-Pharohs musicians play a pop-tinged punk that is a reminder of the excitement of the D-I-Y and post-punk movements before alternative became commercial!

Dayton’s own Dear Fawn will be playing their first set with their all new five-person line up! You can hear some of Dear Fawn’s fine songs from their terrific CD, I Played the Queen on the band’s Soundcloud page! This is another new band that promises to be another great addition to our music scene.

Track List for Hudson & High

	1.	I Wanted It All 02:04
	2.	I’ll Stay 02:49
	3.	Happy Alone 02:55
	4.	Chief 02:10
	5.	Three Sides 02:18
	6.	Why Don’t You Want Me? 02:39

Cross-posted at Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative

Ronen Koresh and a Fresh Choreographic Vision for DCDC

January 30, 2014 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

Choreography that combines technical agility, emotional resonance and visceral impact; there are few choreographers working today with this level of acumen. This makes seeing the work of Ronen Koresh, being set on Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, all the more necessary.

Ronen (Roni) comes to the International dance scene via early training in folk dancing in the Yemenite tradition in his native Israel. Ronen actively pursued his dance training in Israel while serving his three year enlistment in the Israeli army. In 1983 he left for the United States to actively pursue his dance training and career. He is a multi-year recipient of fellowships from the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. While he has his own namesake company, he is also a highly sought after choreographer and teacher renowned for his choreographic inventiveness and transformative teaching skills; That will be on full display February 8th and 9th at DCDC’s winter concert.

Check out the following youtube clips and you will see why he was selected to create work for this seminal moment in the forty -five year history of the one artistic institution in our community with well deserved international credentials.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHPd95IJ2Rg&list=UU2b9I5D1i1R7xaW-eJHr1iQ&feature=share&index=2′]

And also check out http://youtu.be/HI8ZB1p8Vdw.

This gives you a point of entry to the choreographer’s aesthetics and movement vocabulary. Brave the weather forecasts and get tickets to what promises to be must see art event.

ReVisioning 45: New Works Unveiled
Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 3:00pm
Victoria Theatre, 138 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
For tickets to ReVisioning 45: New Works Unveiled please contact Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630 or 888-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

‘Sister Act’ Review – Victoria Theatre Association – A Joyful Noise

January 30, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

The cast of “Sister Act: The Musical”

The local premiere and national tour of the immensely tuneful 2011 Tony Award-nominated musical “Sister Act” arrives at the Schuster Center as an uplifting, endearing, silly, and thoroughly entertaining experience.
Presented by the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series and based on the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film of the same name, “Sister Act” concerns the humorous, redemptive journey of wannabe diva Deloris Van Cartier (amiable understudy Mary Searcy), who is forced to hide in a convent and disguise herself as a nun after witnessing a murder at the hand of her gangster boyfriend Curtis (a sharply menacing Melvin Abston). Along the way, Deloris finds her purpose by transforming the convent’s hopelessly inept choir into an overnight sensation much to the chagrin of the Mother Superior (a splendidly resolute Lynne Wintersteller).

This funny, predictable fish-out-of-water premise, adapted by librettists Cheri & Bill Steinkeller (“Cheers”) and Douglas Carter Beane and accented with spirited direction by Jerry Zaks, could use more depth but basically adheres to the foundation of Joseph Howard’s original screenplay, particularly the delightful, clashing exchanges between sassy Deloris and the no-nonsense Mother Superior that shape the show’s themes of love, friendship, sacrifice and forgiveness. Even when a few jokes written for Curtis’ corny cronies misfire, the feel-good spirit of the show never wanes. In fact, the key decision to transplant the material from the early 1990s to late 1970s Philadelphia is an outright winner, specifically from a music standpoint. After all, the main attraction is the fantastic score by lyricist Glenn Slater and Tony- winning and eight-time Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken. Menken’s marvelous melodies are a delectable, toe-tapping blend of disco (“Take Me to Heaven,” “Sunday Morning Fever”), pop (“Fabulous, Baby!,” “Sister Act”), R&B (“When I Find My Baby,” “Lady in the Long Black Dress”), and peppy show tunes (“It’s Good to Be a Nun,” “Raise Your Voice,” “Spread the Love Around”) with a sunny pinch of Disney thrown in for extra measure (the darling “Bless Our Show”).

In addition to the aforementioned actors and a terrific female ensemble, first-rate performances extend to the supporting players. Chester Gregory reprises the role of insecure police officer Eddie Souther (which he originated) with endless charm, particularly producing a heartfelt, Lou Rawls-tinged version of “I Could Be That Guy” complete with one of the best costume changes in recent musical comedy. Florrie Bagel is a bouncy bundle of gleeful energy as Sister Mary Patrick. As timid Sister Mary Robert, dynamic soprano Ashley Moniz fills “The Life I Never Led” with sincerity and gusto. Richard Pruitt enjoyably embodies Monsignor O’Hara with lighthearted authority.
Scenic designer Klara Zieglerova’s striking stained glass motif, Lez Brotherston’s stylish, era-appropriate costumes, and Anthony Van Laast’s cheery, sprightly choreography also boosts this glitzy showcase that remains as infectious as the first time I saw it in London’s West End in 2009.

“Sister Act: The Musical” continues through Feb. 2 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Performances are today and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 65 minutes; Act Two: 60 minutes. Tickets are $40-$96. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com. There is a special Super Bowl discount for the Sunday evening performance if purchased by Jan. 31 (use code HAILMARY at www.ticketcenterstage.com or call Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630).

Crooks On Tape: Schmersal Putting ‘Fingerprint’ Back On His Hometown

January 30, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

John Schmersal is frantically running around his Los Angeles apartment during our recent phone conversation. In the background, you can hear him shuffling papers, closing and opening doors to what could be cabinets and his vehicle. “Sorry, I’m just getting everything taken of around here before I head out,” Schmersal says to me. He’s heading out to start touring around the United States and parts of Europe with his band, Crooks on Tape, and they’ll be stopping in Dayton Thursday night for an album release show at the Rockstar Pro Arena on East Third Street.

In 1994, Schmersal joined Dayton area band Brainiac. The band had originally formed in 1992 with vocalist/guitarist/keyboard player Tim Taylor, bassist Juan Monasterio, guitarist Michelle Bodine and drummer Tyler Trent. A typical Brainiac show would consist of an exhilarating high-energy mix of punk and electronic blasts.

With the shows being dubbed some of the best to catch, the band quickly received attention outside Dayton. They opened for bands like The Breeders and Jesus Lizard, and Beck. In 1993, Brainiac released their first album Smack Bunny Baby. After Bodine left, Schmersal joined and Brainiac went back to the studio soon releasing Bonsai Superstar. The following year Hissing Prigs in Static Couture dropped. The albums sparked major record labels to start coming and sign the band. Brainiac was ready to take the world by storm, and highlight just how incredible the music scene in Dayton was.

Then tragedy stuck. In 1997, a car accident took Taylor’s life, and soon after, the band disbanded. “We tried to make it work after his passing”, Schmersal said. “It just didn’t feel right.”

After the disbanding of Brainiac, Schmersal formed the band Enon in 1999 while living in New York. That band consisted of Schmersal and Rick Lee and Steve Calhoon, previously of the New York rock band Skeleton Key. Enon would follow the footsteps of Brainiac with synthesizers and with a number of percussion sounds that Lee created. The band would release their first full length album Believo! in 1999 with Onhold following in 2001, High Society in 2002, and Hocus Pocus in 2003. In 2005, Enon released Lost Marbles & Exploded Evidence, which was a collection of singles and internet-released songs along with a bonus DVD. 2007 came, and Enon dropped it’s final album Grass Geysers…Carbon Clouds, and disbanded for good in 2011.

In the winter of 2010, Schmersal and Lee met up with drummer Joey Galvan in Los Angeles. The plan was simple, according to Schmersal. “The three of us got together and started to jam out. See what happened. We didn’t record anything, which was really a shame.” Following the sessions, the trio realized they had something special. So, the next time they reconvened, they started the tape and began recording everything. Those sessions went on until the spring of 2012 and were then compiled and edited into Crooks On Tape’s first album Fingerprint.

Fingerprint is a dazzling display of the blending of Schmersal and Lee’s work with guitars, synthesizers, samplers, and loopers and Galvan’s drumming. “Galvan really brings a different style to the music. It really comes together”, Schmersal says.

The opening song, ‘Duper’ is full with compelling hooks that immediately grab your attention. The heavy-guitar riffs on ‘River Bait’ give you the glimpse on what Schmersal took out of the Brainiac and Enon experiences. Geto Boys sampled ‘A Hazmat Dream’ gives way to distorted vocals. The slow-build to quick finish ‘Clergyman Segway’ gives way to the dreamy, beautiful, R&B-like ‘Barging In’. Fingerprint doesn’t let you get you comfortable. It jumps around with all kinds of diverse sounds and rhythm. The improvisation of the recordings gives the album a freedom of experimentation, which is wonderful.

For Schmersal, the show Thursday will be a great homecoming for him. “I still have family around town. So it will be fun to get to see them, catch up, and enjoy being home again”, Schmersal said when asked about returning to Dayton. “It will be cool to see the old town again.” What’s even special about the return of Schmersal is the fact that Crooks On Tape’s Fingerprint is the first album released from their venture with Misra Records, now located in Dayton, Ohio. “Leo [DeLuca, head of Misra] and I was always kept in touch, and he really wanted to sign the band”, Schmersal explained.

Crooks On Tape are currently on tour, and will perform at the Rockstar Pro Arena Thursday night, starting at 7:30pm. $8 cover in advance and $10 at the door. The show is for all ages.

Fingerprint is now available from Misra Records.

Track List:

1. Duper

2. If Feelings Mean a Thing

3. Tito’s Riser

4. The Regiments

5. Melting the Ice

6. Summer’s End

7. River Bait

8. Milo’s Creeper

9. A Hazmat Dream

10. Wandered Again

11. Clergyman Segway

12. Barging In

Looking Forward to Days To Come

January 30, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

There are bands that become successful because of intense and expensive record company promotion that repeatedly tell us that this entertainer is a musician, regardless what your ears may tell you. There are bands that dominate the radio, the ‘net stream, and iTunes because they have a look. There are bands that become well known because of the producer that records the music, even before we hear that first chord. And there are bands that become successful for the simple reason that they are good, they successfully write music that captures the often ignored inner need we all have for a great song. Dayton’s own Motel Beds are one example of a band that is simply a good band that consistently delivers great songs.

With the Misra Records recent release of their recent collection, These Are The Days Gone By, PJ Paslowsky, Tommy Cooper, Ian Kaplan, Derl Robbins, and Tod Weidner remind us that even without the music industry machine, without some hypoallergenic created look, great music can not only be consistently created – it can be created in your home town.

Days starts with the eponymous album track, a rocking reminder that art and commerce should connect when the time is right. And for this band, the time is right with every song you hear on this collection. These are the Days Gone By – a standout track from the ‘Beds Tango Boys album – demonstrate the way that the guitars-bass-drums approach of rock and roll can still be made fresh and exciting. If you do not start to sway when you hear the twin guitars of Cooper and Robbins, you should check your pulse; and if the bass does not make you dance… “Well, how you feeling right now? Are you still with us?”

The next song Ocean Flows from the ‘Beds 2009 EP Go For A Dive connects the listener to the best in high intensity yet rocking lofi-ish sound. Songs such as this recall the early and best of bands like R.E.M. when the vocals did not have to be so highly mixed as to over-power the music. While this lesson is repeatedly ignored by Top 40 radio, The ‘Beds are able to make the most out of a mix that encourages the listener to feel the different instruments of the song. It is important to note that the current arrangement of Ocean Flows illustrates the impressive drop-your-jaw drumming of Ian Kaplan that becomes a full out attack on later ‘Beds recordings such as Sunfried Dreams and Dumb Gold. And live, wow… you will wonder how Kaplan can lift his arms after a show.

With Skymade Suit and Cactus Kiss the band reveals early ideas that will be more fully realized on later work. Skymade Suit was the first track on the ‘Beds 2003 EP Hasta Manana and show a different side to the band. Suit was recorded with only Paslosky, Cooper and Kaplan before being joined by current members Derl Robbins and Tod Weidner. The evolution of the band is demonstrated when comparing songs such as Skymade Suit and more recent work such as Surfjerk, Smoke Your Homework, and Valentimes. Cactus Kiss originally appeared on the 2007 collection Local Losers – a release to benefit WWSU radio — and then on The ‘Beds Moondazed album and more importantly helps place The ‘Beds into a constant evolving swirl of Beach Boys influenced rock psychadelia.

The alternative version of Sunfried Dreams is a welcome visit into the creative process of the band. It is one of only two songs on the album to include keyboards; the alt version of Dreams has a different all around feel than the version that ended up on the album of the same name. One has to wonder if this alternative version is a glimpse of a band that would have moved along a different path than the road taken.

Standouts on the record include Tropics of the Sand that include the vocals of the always terrific Kelley Deal (R. Ring, The Breeders), Surfjerk, Lights On and Smoke Your Homework – Songs that have long been featured on local radio, all four songs in rotation on WUDR. It is impressive how Paslosky and Deal wrap their vocals around the song. They sing and sound as if they have been singing together for years! When their cascading vocals hit the song title together, you believe that they are yearning for a tropic somewhere together. You feel it. With Lights On and Surfjerk you hear the welcome addition of Tod Weidner (Shrug and heck too many projects to list here). The additional strength on bass and on vocals on other tracks greatly strengthens the overall sonic texture of The Motel Beds. And if you have seen the band live, you know firsthand how much Weidner adds to the performance!

One of the best discoveries on the album is the cover – and it is the only cover on the album – of Matthew Sweet’s I’ve Been Waiting, an often overlooked track from his terrific album Girlfriend! The ‘Beds demonstrate their understanding of indie-college music by tacking the song and infusing urgency in the song that Sweet’s focus on classic indie-pop melody understates. The Motel Beds make the song feel more immediate and more plaintive than Sweet ever could. And considering that Matthew Sweet once had an indie hit with a song called Sick of Myself – that is really saying something.

Throughout all twelve tracks on this album you almost miss noting the captivating vocals of PJ Paslosky. Instead of grand standing and singing in some strange grandiose manner, Paslosky extends his voice in ways that draw the listener into the songs. Whether listening to an early song by the band or something from their latest album of new material, Dumb Gold, you find yourself drawn to him. Drawn not because of an industry manufactured buzz or some odd notoriety, but a gravity that a gifted vocalist creates.

Do not miss this collection – part retrospective, part review, and part exploration – consider this a road map of good songs for your music loving soul.

Information about the band can be found at motelbedsmusic.com and misarecords.com.

Track List for These are the Days Gone By:

1. These are the Days Gone By
2. Ocean Flows
3. Skymade Suit
4. Cactus Kiss
5. Surfjerk
6. Valentimes
7. Lights On
8. Western Son
9. Tropics Of The Sand
10. Sunfried Dreams (alternate version)
11. I’ve Been Waiting
12. Smoke Your Homework

Cross posted at Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative

Ralph Fiennes’ INVISIBLE WOMAN Opens Friday at THE NEON

January 29, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

It’s time to start moving along at THE NEON. If you still need to see AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, tomorrow (Thursday) will be its last day with us. The Coen Brothers’ INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS will stick around for another week, and on Friday we’ll open the new film directed by (and starring) Ralph Fiennes – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN. Remaining showtimes for this week can be found at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for THE INVISIBLE WOMAN: “Nelly (Felicity Jones), a happily-married mother and schoolteacher, is haunted by her past. Her memories, provoked by remorse and guilt, take us back in time to follow the story of her relationship with Charles Dickens (Ralph Fiennes) with whom she discovered an exciting but fragile complicity.” (Taken from Sony Pictures Classics) This lovely film, also starring NEON-favorite Kristin Scott Thomas, will delight our regulars who love period costume dramas…but it goes beyond that. Giving the film a 100% review, Scott Foundas of VARIETY wrote, “So tastefully mounted and brilliantly acted that it wears down even the corset-phobic’s innate resistance to such things.” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDMHb3GetIc’]

Fans of THE NEON have requested a special screening of a fantasy film called KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM (a films about Live Action Role Playing starring Peter Dinklage and Steve Zahn). They worked with Tugg to see if there was enough interest in screening the film in Dayton…and the required reservations crossed the threshold. This means that the screening will happen on Wednesday, February 5 at 8:30. To buy tickets in advance, visit this LINK. If any tickets remain, they will be sold at the door on the night of the screening.

“The Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton, an African American based organization, will hold a fundraiser with the film SANKOFA on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Noon. This film is about an African American model on a photo shoot in Africa who has an ancestral experience which transforms her life and consciousness. ‘Sankofa’ is an Akan word that means ‘we must go back and reclaim our past so that we can move forward.’ The profit from this event will fund scholarships to graduating seniors in the Miami Valley. Applications will be available at the event in case you know a worthy student to submit to the organization. Tickets may be purchased at the Neon for $30. (Student tickets are $15 each.) The price includes a movie ticket, popcorn, soda, and a glass of wine for adults.” (Taken from press notes.)

Thanks for your continued support.
Mark your calendars for our annual Oscar Party – March 2! More details coming soon.
We hope to see many of you this weekend!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 31 – Thursday, Feb. 6:

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN (R) 1 hrs 51 min
Friday, Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:15, 7:40

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (R) 1 hr 45 min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:30
Monday & Tuesday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45
Wednesday: 3:00, 5:20
Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45

KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM (R) 1 Hr 26 Min
Wednesday: 8:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
TBD – OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS
Feb. 7 – THE ARMSTRONG LIE
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – GLORIA
TBD – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
TBD – TIM’S VERMEER
TBD – LE WEEK-END
TBD – THE LUNCHBOX

The MOOSE & THE GOOSE: Exclusive FOOD ADVENTURE EVENT Feb 22nd !!

January 29, 2014 By Dayton937 5 Comments

Get your tickets now, because THE BIG RAGU & Crew have done it again. Along with DaytonMostMetro they have put together another one-of-a-kind, one night only extravaganza called “THE MOOSE and THE GOOSE.” This time we team up BULLWINKLES TOP HAT BISTRO and GOOSE ISLAND BEER COMPANY for and incredible 5 course dinner with 5 beer pairings !

WHAT: 5 Course Dinner and 5 Beer Pairings = one heck of a Food Adventure night

WHERE: BULLWINKLE’S TOP HAT BISTRO in MIAMISBURG (19 N. Main St., Miamisburg, OH 45342) in the upstairs private party room

WHEN: Sat, Feb 22nd 7pm – 9:30pm with a special “after party keg tapping” from Goose Island with drink specials

COST: $30 per ticket -INCLUDES GRATUITY !!
Purchase your tickets online now!
Tickets are limited, and once they are sold out, THEY ARE SOLD OUT !

WHAT ELSE: DOOR PRIZES, SOUVENIRS, GIVEAWAYS, and the GOOSE ISLAND GIRLS ! Who knows what other surprises are in store !!

TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE HERE AT THIS LINK and WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU AT THE FRONT DESK the night of the event !

Don’t miss this exclusive FOOD ADVENTURE EVENT with THE BIG RAGU & CREW !!

[flagallery gid=75]

Countdown to DCDC’s return to the Victoria Theatre stage Ticket Contest

January 29, 2014 By Rodney Veal 5 Comments

In two weeks Dayton Contemporary Dance Company will return to the Victoria Theatre for what promises to be a highlight of the arts season. How often do we get to pay homage to the perseverance and relevancy of a modern dance company that has been in existence for forty five years. The significance can honestly never be overstated. DCDC bucks the trend of dance companies that fold once the visionary artistic leadership departs this mortal coil. This company has roared back with a renewed sense of artistic vitality.

Several reviews past, I intimated that Dayton audiences needed to do their homework and investigate the people, concepts and histories that inform and are the fabric of the artistic endeavors being presented. So I have decided to highlight every day this week one choreographer presenting work on February 8th & 9th.

The first choreographer being highlighted is the masterful Donald Byrd.

Donald Byrd is one the leading and seminal figures in Modern Dance, his biography highlights an artist who has created works all over the globe. His work has been performed by Alvin Ailey, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Opera, Seattle Opera and New York City Opera. In 2010 his company appeared in New York in a new interpretation of a John Zorn composition as part of the Guggenheim Museum’s Works & Progress series. This prolific and vital choreographer has set his latest work “Geography of the Cotton Fields” on the upcoming Dayton Contemporary Dance Company concert.

I have selected a couple of youtube clips that are wonderful examples of Mr. Byrd’s prodigious choreographic talents:
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr2eMHEyDAo&feature=youtu.be’]

You’ll also want to check out this Youtube video. This gives you a point of entry to the choreographer his aesthetics and movement vocabulary. Brave the weather forecasts and get tickets to what promises to be must see art event.

ReVisioning 45: New Works Unveiled
Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 3:00pm

Victoria Theatre, 138 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
For tickets to ReVisioning 45: New Works Unveiled please contact Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630 or 888-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

DMM want to send a couple of our readers to see the DCDC Show. To enter our random drawing, like this article and fill out the form below. Feel free to comment below on why you should win. Good Luck! [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

The Art of Brunch Returns To Coco’s To Benefit Stivers

January 28, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

It’s happened every February for the past six years. On Sunday’s in February Coco’s Bistro opens up for a fabulous musical brunch. Each Sunday a different group of Stivers artists will entertain you as you dine at the fabulous Coco’s Bistro.

Reserve your Sunday(s?) in February:
Feb 2 The Stivers Singers
Feb 9 The Stivers Strings
Feb 16 The Stivers Jazz Group
Feb 23 The Stivers Concert Pianists

Reservations from 10am to 1:30pm.
Tickets are $30 per guest ($15 is a tax-deductible donation). Brunch is ordered off the menu which hasn’t been finalized yet. If it follows previous formats, you will probably have about a half dozen choices including traditional breakfast meals, salads and entrees, as well as vegetarian options. Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s will be available for an additional charge

Call (937) 228-Coco (2626) to make your reservations. These fill up very quickly.

This year, the Marc Chagall painting, “I and the Village” is the featured art. This 12-ft-high-by-9-ft-wide rendition was painted live in 7 minutes by 12 Stivers visual artists while on stage at Stivers Celebrates, the school’s annual winter performance. The Stivers Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied the painters with Led Zelppelin’s “Kashmir” in front of a sold out house.

It takes a village to support arts education. Make your reservations today and everyone wins.

Jean Woodhull Recognized For Lifetime Of Local Green Space Advocacy

January 28, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Jean V Woodhull Prairie at Possum Creek

Long-time nature enthusiast, green space advocate and Oakwood resident Jean Woodhull has been selected as the recipient of The Outstanding Citizen Award from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA).

Parks and recreation professionals, citizens and legislators were nominated by parks and recreation professionals and agencies from throughout the state. The award winners will be recognized at the annual OPRA Awards Celebration and Dinner on Feb. 4 in Sandusky, Ohio.

Woodhull, along with other visionary citizens, recognized the need to preserve open space in Montgomery County and the greater Dayton region. She was instrumental in organizing the “Save Open Space Committee” in the 1960s that ultimately gained community support and funding for the park district now known as Five Rivers MetroParks. In addition to her role in helping establish the park district, Woodhull also served on its Board of Commissioners for a decade.

“These individuals really represent some of the best in parks and recreation, past, present and future,” said OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward. “Each of these winners understands the vital role that parks and recreation plays in establishing and maintaining community and building quality of life.”

Dayton Brewery Brings Home The Gold!

January 28, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Congratulations to The Dayton Beer Company for bringing home the GOLD! At the Seventh Mountain Resort in Bend, Oregon this past weekend at “America’s Newest Craft Beer Contest,” Mad River Milk Stout was awarded the Gold Medal!

MAD RIVER MILK STOUT

An American sweet stout; this beer is brewed with roasted barley, caramel and black barley malts to give it a complex body of flavor. We then add lactose to give it that distinct sweetness associated with milk stouts. Just the right amount of hops balances this beer out to make it very drinkable.

Prices:
Pint$4.00, Tasting$1.50, New Growler$19.00, New Howler$13.00, Growler Refill$12.00, Howler Refill $7

You can visit Dayton Beer Company at 912 East Dorothy Lane in Kettering Wed-Fri from 4-10pm or Sat they are open 2-10pm.

REVIEW: Moshpits & Lighters IV Return to McGuffy’s

January 27, 2014 By Mike Ritchie Leave a Comment

Sleepers Awake (Samantha Stewart Photography)

On Saturday December 21, Daniel DeDoncker’s musical masterminded showcase of rock and metal returned to the scene of last year’s event to celebrate another year of great local, regional and out of state music. M&L alumni Amongst Villains, Avenue Sky and headliners In The Cut returned this year joined by 2013 newcomers Springfield’s Abrade the Regal, Gathering Mercury, Sleepers Awake, newly formed Soul Shadow, Columbus scene vets Overtheory and War of Change.

Columbus’ result of Tool, Opeth and Mastodon in a car wreck after killing the gecko and the cave man together, Sleepers Awake started the show with the eight minute Slave Within. The first 90 seconds sounding like Maynard Keenan fronting Opeth before Chris Thompson’s Akerfeldt growl hit. An acoustic laced metal tune with bits of Serj Tankian added in, playing four songs from the Ascensions record and taking their name from a line by Kyle MacLachlan’s character in Dune. Apparitions is another eight minute mood swinger of dark melodic blues, subdued singing and virtually growless. Saint Condemned is Opeth thrash meets death metal vocals tag teamed with impassioned singing and Burdened. Formed in 2005, their June released Ascensions is an homage to the prog-rock metal ingredients of their Canadian brethren. They’ve shared stage time with Ceterum, The Black Antler, Red Sun, Neon Warship and Grand Mammoth among others.

Soul Shadow

Dayton’s newest father and son double-team, times two Soul Shadow came out for their trial/baptism by fire playing their first live gig ever in front of a packed McGuffys house. The music’s definitely in the family for these guys as drummer Aaron Mayes is the offspring of singer/guitarist Kyle Mayes and bassist Justin Ankeney was reaped by guitarist Shad Ankeney. They’ll spend 2014 playing and recording, building a loyal army of Shadow Soldiers until world domination occurs. They debuted a set of originals and covers starting with the Mudvayne’ed beginning of Forgiveness with elder Mayes giving a BLS flavored singing style/biker’s growl to the lyrics. They then introduced the next metal Symphony of Destruction asking if everyone’s ready for some Metallica? Are you ready? Well, too damn bad, here’s some snarled Mustaine done Soul Shadow style. Old-schoolers that know their history laughed off such snide musical treachery. Their second original, a social commentary on governmental operation, growls you’re No Damn Good. We get the sweet demonic kiss of the zombie and one way ticket down highway 666 to 1965. A tribute to all those we lost in 2013 was played slow, with dark, deep reflections. For Now we must move on, but we will see them again.

Springfield’s Abrade the Regal is a band that has and will play, well, just about anywhere and seem to fit in no matter who’s on the bill. With a mix of grunge and rock, they can please just about any ear and leave it ringing. Starting with Fight for You, they mix a recipe of rock and STP meets Creed with the cretin Creedins rightfully getting their asses kicked. They don’t plan on stopping ever and will See You in the Afterlife at the great big gig in the sky. They spent most of their stage time Screaming at the World that there’s way too much to be pissed about. But they always Reach the End with style.

Gathering Mercury (Samantha Stewart Photography)

The new and improved Gathering Mercury version late 2013 and beyond debuted bassist Parisa Samavati and keyboardist Alyssa Welker playing with a harder more aggression edge. Singer/guitarist Ashley Stacy turned up the spunk and machismo, surrounded by a bill of heavier bands. They got Down With the Sickness immediately, showing off their Disturbed new creation. They brought out the tranquil Bliss to calm everyone down. While the rain brought floods outside, we got off on a Halestorm inside. They debut new tune Detox and play show set closer Carousel.

The second reps from C-Bus and returning M&L cast mates Amongst Villains brought back the hard driven southern rock sound that kept them coming back. Josh Marshall forsakes his seasonal sweater (bah, hum-bug) switching to denim, and we don’t blame him. They start with the anti-networking anthem Every Bridge Burned then Marshall laid his Henry Rollins singing voice on crowd pleaser Black River Ruin then hits vocal weight on Heavy Is the Crown. My Name In Vain’s Dave Nester helped out behind the kit. They came with mistletoe, warm salted nuts and kisses for everyone.

Overtheory (Samantha Stewart Photography)

Columbus scene vets Overtheory came to Dayton to spread their version of intellectual hard rock. Slamming bodies forward, they showed McGuffy’s what Alrosa, O’Shecky’s and all other venues ‘up the road’ already knew. Played crowd favorites for new ears Decide, Fatal Flaw, Break and new tune Solution, bassist James Guest, once again managed to not self-decapitate during the set, hard as he may try.

Dayton’s champions of Christ-like metal War Of Change came waving the flag of spiritual warfare high. Birthed early in 2012, they’re following in the hallowed footsteps of Alice in Chains, Pillar, Disciple, Pantera and many other metal warriors. Singer Johnny Baxter came out gas masked, dressed for combat. He’ll make you a believer of the shield and otherwise. Though he resembled a bearded Last Samurai, he charged the stage like a protesting/determined William Wallace ready to take a few souls to a better place. He pulled the best Lajon Witherspoon out of his throat for the bass-groovin opener Our Allegiance, singing out a loud battle cry for all our brave men and women fighting for our freedom. We’re put into the stranglehold of a Stronghold. They played the crimson Sabbath for U2 and on any given Bloody Sunday. Hero is about the ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. When the devil delivers temptation and brings the evil, This Means War. Speaking of temptation, Baxter also confessed to being a 20 year A-Z recovering addict, heroin bringing him to his knees during the last two. Finding God during a 2 year prison sentence and released in May 2010, he’s been clean for three years and three months, as he loudly, triumphantly proclaimed ‘yes, HE is real.’ They finish, filing a biblical Chapter 13 on Revelations refusing to be marked by the beast.

Avenue Sky (Mike Ritchie)

Back from Flint Michigan, Avenue Sky returned with new material and some familiar favorites. It’s another ‘show of a lifetime’ and was the return of the Day of the Intruder for these hard rock melody makers. What We Seek takes a hard thumpin sound of Disturbed with some metal-core screams slide-fingering into some nice metal rhythms. The slow but heavy beginning melody of Pattern of Descent took us ‘down there’, picking up some meaty riffs on the way below. They slowed it down (a little) with the speed of Dragonflies, playing rock that could blow out most coffee house windows. They paid tribute to the Deftones with the dreamlike eerie Passenger car ride with Matt from In The Cut. They also paid tribute to Iron Maiden on the opening riff of Don’t Make Waves. Avenue Sky incorporates hard rock melodies, with loud, heavy riffs borrowing from both metal-core and NWOBHM bands creating a distinct musical hybrid of Lamb of God, Disturbed and Deftones.

In the Cut (Mike Ritchie)

Event MC’s In the Cut took the stage to the late night devoted standees. The Xmas Aftermath intro played signaling in the hellaciously happy holiday season and maybe taking a piece from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Opening up Wasted, they played two new tunes but there’s Dust on the lyrics sheet as DeDoncker multi-tasks. They go six degrees of Kevin Bacon on Tremors. They got the Eye of the Tiger for Rocky IV displaying a profound love for 80’s training montages with the song they ripped off/wrote No Easy Way Out. F-Drago! Apollo lives and comes back as a robot to fight later (it was past midnight and past a few drinks). Until the End came off the new CD, a fun fan sing-along. In the words of hand-written guitar slogans everywhere, lettuce faq and Cross the Rubicon. Also from the new CD, Our Hearts Our Fire followed by dark ballad If Tomorrow Never Comes. DeDoncker took a minute as the set progressed to introduce/serenade the family matriarch as Mrs. DeDoncker had the best seat in the house. The next tune they wrote in the 70’s and sold it to a little known band (at the time) called Journey. Then they went their Separate Ways. They’re headlining the fourth Moshpit & Lighters show and thankfully no one Left Bleeding. Some of their shows have been known to Break personal-space boundaries. They reminded us we’re all imperfect mortals trying our best to walk the right path From Eden to Exile. They finished the fourth M&L with some loving Hatred Divine encoring with an old-school tune all about Love.

Human Race Takes On Torch Song Trilogy Ticket Contest

January 27, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro 4 Comments

TORCH SONG TRILOGY publicity photo with Jamison Stern, Jon Hacker, Patricia Linhart, Philip Thomas Stock and Jamie Cordes. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

The Human Race Theatre Company starts 2014 with Harvey Fierstein‘s award-winning and rarely-produced three-act play, Torch Song Trilogy. Poignant and filled with witty, sharp humor, Fierstein’s deeply personal story of self-discovery redefined an era in gay America. What begins as a chance encounter in a New York nightclub leads drag-queen Arnold Beckoff in a hilarious, yet touching, pursuit of love, happiness and a life of which he can be proud. From a failed affair with a reluctant lover, to a committed relationship with a young model and the promise of a stable family, Arnold’s struggle for acceptance meets its greatest challenge in his intolerant mother.

Torch Song Trilogy originated as a series of one-act plays - International Stud, Fugue in a Nursery and Widows and Children First! – that premiered individually Off-Off-Broadway at La MaMa ETC beginning in 1978, when actor/writerHarvey Fierstein was just 23 years old. The three plays were then united under the umbrella title Torch Song Trilogy and presented Off-Broadway in 1981 at the Actors’ Playhouse, where it received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The production then transferred to Broadway in 1982, ran for 1,222 performances, and won Fierstein Drama Desk and Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Actor. Fierstein has been an icon for Gay America since the 80s and is well-known to audiences for his gravelly voice and witty dialogue. In addition to his early success with Torch Song Trilogy, he also wrote the books for the Broadway musicals La Cage aux Folles (for which he won a second Tony Award), A Catered Affair, Newsies and Kinky Boots. He has performed onstage in such Broadway shows as La Cage aux Folles, Hairspray and Fiddler on the Roof, as well as in numerous films and television shows.

TORCH SONG TRILOGY publicity photo with Jamison Stern as “Arnold” and Patricia Linhart as “Mrs. Beckoff”.

“Torch Song was written in a time before AIDS, before the debate over Marriage Equality,” says Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore. “Revisiting this amazing script was not a political choice, it was a ‘human’ choice. This story speaks volumes about our individual struggles for love and acceptance – and it applies to any era. By setting the play in its original time period-the late 1970s to early 1980s-we are given a chance to see both how far we have come…and not come.”

Director and Human Race Resident Artist Scott Stoney (Next to Normal; Caroline, or Change; August: Osage County) leads The Human Race’s production with a talented cast of six actors: Jamison Stern (Broadway’s By Jeeves and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, national tours of Beauty and the Beast and Little Shop of Horrors) as “Arnold”, Resident Artists Jamie Cordes (Next to Normal, right next to me) as “Ed” and Patricia Linhart (Becky’s New Car, The Drowsy Chaperone) as “Mrs. Beckoff” and “Lady Blues”, Lisa Ann Goldsmith (Macbeth, Pittsburgh Public Theatre’s As You Like It) as “Laurel”, Jon Hacker (Next to Normal, Wright State University’s Oklahoma!) as “Alan” and Stivers School for the Arts student Philip Thomas Stock (Muse Machine’s All You Need Is Love, Dayton Theatre Guild‘s Lost in Yonkers) as “David”.

The Dayton-based drag performance group The Rubi Girls will serve as hosts for the Friday, January 31 opening night performance. The Greater Dayton LGBT Center has partnered with The Human Race to present “LGBT Pride Night at The Loft Theatre” for the Tuesday, February 11 evening performance. Center members can purchase discounted tickets through its website: www.daytonlgbtcenter.org.

Ticket Contest:
DMM will be sending 2 lucky winners and a guest to see Torch Song Trilogy as our guests. To enter our contest, just like this article, tell us why you should win in the comments below and fill out this form. We’ll post our winner Tues after 9pm.

Congratulations to our ticket winnerss Shelly Hulce & Brian Coleman