Archives for March 2014

Free Cab Rides for St Paddy’s Day Celebrators!

March 14, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Montgomery County Prosecutor Matt Heck has announced the return of the Arrive Safe program to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The program offers Montgomery County residents a free cab ride (up to $50) from Friday at 6pm to Tues at 6am. The program is supported It by funds seized from drug dealers and donations from AAA and Heidelberg Distributing Company.

“If we can get just one impaired driver off the highway we may save a life or lives,” said Mat Heck, Montgomery County Prosecutor.

Call 449-9999 to get a free ride.

The Doc of Comedy Rock Ticket Contest

March 13, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby 4 Comments

“My college roommate thought he was Hunter Thompson. He started calling me Dr. Gonzo. I asked him why, and he threw me the book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. ‘Gonzo’ refers to someone who takes it to the edge without falling off.”

And Gonzo sure has. After receiving his degree in 1977, he and a buddy moved to San Francisco to produce a play. “For a long time there, I worked at mindless jobs — putting boxes in boxes, sweeping rain off roofs. I made some money playing guitar.”

Gonzo started to get gigs at the Boarding House, in San Francisco, and other popular clubs — “the places where Steve Martin and Robin Williams performed,” he says. At that time, he was developing his special mix of humor and song. He opened for the Bay Area band Huey Lewis and the News for more than a year and appeared in the band’s videos.

Having fun for the camera at the Hard Rock Cafe in San Francisco in 1987 is comedian/actor Sam Kinison, right, and Dr. Gonzo

Means also toured with another San Francisco band, Jefferson Starship, did some shows with Stevie Ray Vaughan and told jokes on the syndicated Los Angeles comedy radio show, “Five O’Clock Funnies.”

“I was the cartoon before the movie. When I was on the road with a band, I stopped in local comedy clubs and met all these wise guys. Then I started working the clubs all the time.” In 1991, he was asked to open for Joe Walsh during a time when Walsh’s band, the Eagles, was not together. “I got to live my rock ‘n’ roll fantasy. I was playing with one of my idols.”

I first met Dr. Gonzo sometime in the late 80’s when he was one of the top touring comedy headliners and I was a young club manager, running the show and partying til dawn after the shows each night. I can’t say my memories are all that clear about a lot of what happened back in those days, but I do remember one weekend night Gonzo was playing a club I managed in Buckhead, the hot night spot in Atlanta. We were packed the first show, the bar was rocking and Gonzo was on stage living up to his “Doc of Comedy Rock” billing. The box office summoned me to deal with some dude that was saying he had a back stage pass that John left for him. I head up, see a scruffy looking guy in a ball cap that looked pretty wasted and insisting “John left me a back stage pass.” I laughed and said, sorry no such thing as a backstage pass at a comedy club and there was no John working the club.

In between shows Gonzo mentioned he was supposed to leave a ticket for a friend of his that was in town for a gig. I laughed and said oh, was it a backstage pass, making fun of the dude from the box office earlier. He laughed too, and said just leave a ticket for Lewis. Then he said, he may ask for me by my real name, John Means. Suddenly I got a weird feeling, I think I’d just turned away his friend. I told Gonzo that and just chuckled and told me I’d kicked out Huey Lewis. He was in town for a gig the next day and had asked Gonzo to jam with him. Gonzo, being the nice guy he was, just laughed and said it would be all right. And later that night, as all three of us were hanging out back at the hotel, we were all feeling pretty good and laughing and it was all right.

I haven’t seen Dr. Gonzo in years. He moved back to his hometown of Mason City, Illinois in the 90’s to raise his son. He ran for and won a place on the City Council, started teaching at the local college and as we all said in the comedy business, he grew up and went legit. He and his wife bought and ran an Italian restaurant in town and then a second. In 2011 Gonzo came out of retirement to perform at the 30th anniversary of Comedy Day in San Francisco, his old stomping grounds. What he learned is that after 30 years, he could still make people laugh. And he’ll be doing that this weekend in Dayton.

Catch Dr. Gonzo at Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District.

Friday March 14^th at 9:00pm with an admission of $12.00
Saturday March 15^th at 8:00pm and 10:30pm with an admission of $15.00

DMM Ticket Giveaway

DMM has 2 pairs of tickets for Friday night’s show. We’ll do a drawing at 4pm Friday and post the winner’s names on this post. To enter the drawing, like this post and fill out the form below.

Our contest is closed, congratulations to Scott Strawser and Patsy Sanders-Mercuri

Local Brewery & Local Coffee Shop Colloborate To Create Black Beer

March 13, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Warped Wing Brewing Company and Wood Burl, a newly launched specialty coffee roaster started by the owners of Press Coffee Bar have joined forces to create a new collaboration beer. The brew combines cold brew coffee derived from a proprietary brewing process developed by Brett Barker of Press Coffee Bar & Wood Burl Coffee Roasters with an innovative twist on a Belgian style Tripel that Brewmaster, John Haggerty, decided to turn BLACK! When asked why he engaged in this project, Haggerty said, “I have a lot of respect for what Brett is doing at Press and Wood Burl and he and I really wanted to get together to do something that was unique in terms of flavor profile.” Barker goes on to add “It was exciting to roast and blend coffees that I thought would be complimentary to the yeast flavor profile of the Black Tripel.”

The beer name is also unique as it has a direct tie to Dayton history. The beer, called Pirogue, is named after the type of vessel that carried the first settlers from Cincy up the Great Miami River to Dayton. “We liked the symbolism of the name “Pirogue” because it was instrumental in the first settlement of Dayton back in 1796. Fast forward to modern day with two young companies like WWBC and Wood Burl both committed to the resettlement of downtown Dayton through manufacturing unique products like coffee and beer and now doing it together. It just made sense,” says Nick Bowman, head of Sales & Marketing at WWBC.

The brewery will host a release party on March 20th at 5:00pm and will feature an opportunity to meet both brewers and discuss their collaborative creation. The beer will be available for sale in draught only to bars, restaurants and retail the following week.

‘Expecting Isabel’ Review – Dayton Theatre Guild – Whatever It Takes

March 13, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

The cast of Expecting Isabel includes (back row l to r) Rick Flynn, Dorothy Michalski, Ellen Ballarene, Joshua Lisec, Amy Taint (front row l to r) Rachel Wilson and Angela Timpone. Not featured: Shawn Hooks and Angele Price. (Contributed photo)

Lisa Loomer tackles the very delicate subject of infertility with humor and tenderness in her eye-opening 1998 contemporary comedy “Expecting Isabel,” breezily directed by Robb Willoughby at the Dayton Theatre Guild.

Down-to-earth Manhattan couple Nick and Miranda, respectively relatable as an aspiring sculptor and greeting card writer, eagerly endeavor to have a child, but face continuous obstacles along the way. In addition to coping with colorful input from Nick’s larger-than-life Italian family and Miranda’s tipsy mother, the duo attempts everything from marriage counseling and support groups to fertility drugs and medical tests incorporating animal experiments. In fact, their painstaking pursuit leads them to separation, particularly as Miranda seeks solace with her mom while Nick moves back in with his animated brood. Even so, in spite of disappointing setbacks, they remain committed to their ultimate desire to start a family, a decision that eventually leads them on the complicated yet fulfilling road to adoption.
Rachel Wilson and Shawn Hooks are believably compatible in the leading roles. Quickly pulling the audience in at the outset during Miranda’s revealing opening monologue, Wilson delivers a firm, appealing portrayal. Her performance possesses the engaging complexity and tangible exasperation required to bring credence to the play’s most fascinating character, an emotionally scarred woman with a rocky family history who honestly hadn’t thought about having a child. Hooks, amiable and supportive in a less flashy role, earnestly conveys Nick’s genuine longing to become a father, especially in Act 2 as his benevolent impulses gets the best of him.
Loomer, perhaps best known as the co-screenwriter of “Girl, Interrupted,” propels the comedy by having the ensemble portray multiple characters. Ellen Ballerene (Tina), Rick Flynn (Sal), Joshua Lisec (Dominic), Dorothy Michalski (Yolanda), Angelé Price (Pat), Amy Taint (Lila), and Angela Timpone (Isabel) step up to the plate beyond stereotypical caricature. Most of their moments are geared toward comic relief, but Price deserves special mention for bringing substantive poignancy to her portrayal of Lupé, an overburdened Hispanic mom faced with a critical decision.
One day amid a parade of baby carriages, Miranda is gently reminded “everything you went through was part of the path.” Parenthood certainly spurs challenges and Loomer cautiously advises to expect the unexpected.

“Expecting Isabel” continues through March 16 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $11 for students. For tickets or more info: Call (937) 278-5993 or visit daytontheatreguild.org

ELAINE STRITCH Documentary At THE NEON and Wes Anderson News!

March 13, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

OK. I’ll admit it. I’m biased. I simply adore Elaine Stritch. I’ve seen her perform twice (her cabaret act at The Carlyle and in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC on Broadway), and I can’t wait to see the new documentary which opens Friday (March 14) at THE NEON. That said, we’re not bringing the film just because I love her. ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME is currently rated “100% Fresh” on rottentomatoes.com. That score almost never happens!

In addition to the new film, we will hold OMAR, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, and THE GREAT BEAUTY for limited shows for one more week.

Synopsis for ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME: “Now in her late 80s, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch remains as ferociously funny as ever. In this bold, hilarious and poignant portrait, the uncompromising Tony and Emmy Award-winner is revealed both on and off stage. Candid reflections about her life are punctuated with words from friends (including James Gandolfini, Tina Fey, John Turturro, Hal Prince, George C. Wolfe, Nathan Lane and Cherry Jones) and archival footage that showcases some of the great moments from her career. Whether dominating the stage, tormenting Alec Baldwin on the set of 30 Rock, or sharing her struggles with aging, diabetes and alcoholism, Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me reaches beyond the icon’s brassy exterior and reveals an inspiring portrait of a complex woman and artist.” Visit the film’s official site by clicking this LINK.

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

We’re terribly excited to open Wes Anderson’s THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL on March 21. Opening weekend in NYC and LA broke huge records! For a little taste of the film, click HERE for the official site. For even more flavor of the film, visit the site that is dedicated to its fictional world by clicking HERE.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fg5iWmQjwk’]

“Lion Apparel invites all area Firefighters & their friends to come to THE NEON to see the documentary BURN…’One year on the front lines of the battle to save Detroit.’ BURN is an award-winning, action-packed film that takes you closer than you’ve ever been, capturing a year in the lives of Detroit firefighters who are charged with the thankless task of saving a city that many have written off as dead. There will be 2 screenings – Tuesday April 1st and Wednesday April 2nd. Each screening starts at 7:30. Minimum $5 donation payable at the door. Money raised will go toward the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.” (taken from press notes)

Thanks so much for reading this newsletter and for your continued support of THE NEON!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, March 14 – Thursday, March 20:

ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME (NR) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:30

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (R) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:30, 9:40
Sunday: 2:30
Monday – Thursday: 7:50

THE GREAT BEAUTY (NR) 2 Hrs 22 Mins
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:50
Monday-Thursday: 5:10

OMAR (NR) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:20, 7:30, 9:15
Sunday: 12:20, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:40

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

March 21 – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
March 28 – TIM’S VERMEER
April 11 – THE RAID 2
April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX
April 25 – LE WEKK-END
May 5 – JODOROWSKI’S DUNE
May 16 – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
June 13 – FOR NO GOOD REASON

‘Queens Of The Scene’ Showcasing Local Music Scene To The World

March 12, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro 2 Comments

The Professors ontsage circa 2005 (photo by Juliet Fromholt)

Gretchen Kelly begins with the story of one of the most wild and exciting nights that she’s been a part of as a show booker for the Oregon Express. She goes in depth about the Saturday night when local band The Professors took the stage. The Professors are a fuzz-inspired, psychedelic rock band that featured heavy riffs and 1960s style songwriting. Their style of music made them a big draw and would capture the audience’s attention anywhere they would perform. The Professors were more than just a band that would come and play music; they became one of the premiere acts in town. The band decided that it needed to take a break, and after 14 months they decided to return to playing live. The band came to Kelly one night and expressed their interest in coming out of their hibernation and playing at Oregon Express. The show would be the very first the band would play after their hiatus. Kelly jumped on the opportunity and agreed to book the gig.

A typical live music show goes as follows- crowd will show up and grab a seat in the viewing area where the show takes place. The staff quickly serves everyone without really having any issues throughout the duration of the show. Number of people will roam around, back and forth between the two sections of the bar. At the end of the night, everyone walks away completely satisfied. A pretty typical night at any venue.

But you never know how the evening is going to go. The night that Kelly talks about was a night that the script was changed. It’s the nature of the beast when it comes to setting up live shows. Before the night of the show, Kelly warned the staff that because of the popularity of The Professors there will be a need of additional help that night. As the night came, one of the staff called off due to illness. Being short staffed seemed okay at first due to the low volume at the start. Then out of nowhere, the crowd came in large numbers. The bar was difficult to move around as soon as everyone came in. Kelly goes on to end the story explaining that this was the second biggest night of door money that she ever obtained, right behind the CD release of another Dayton local band The Rebel Set’s Ghost Town Silence. After her story wrapped up, Kelly proceeded to fire up The Professors song ‘Pay the Price’.

Kelly, along with Emily Wegh, hosts a weekly show called Queens of the Scene on RadioPureGently.com. Radio Pure Gently is an internet radio station that has been in production for a couple of years now, and is still growing. The website began when Rob Puricelli was doing an internet radio show in 2010. Puricelli was producing his own show on a community based station Radio Thetford. The show was based in his home country in England and it focused on independent music. Unfortunately, Puricelli couldn’t continue the show due to his employment changing and other commitments.

Four dedicated listeners of Puricelli’s show felt that there was a void afterwards. After getting together and doing some talking, they decided that they would set up their own radio station together. On August 16^th, 2012, Rohan Tarry (Bristol, UK), Larry Lang (Dayton, OH), Chris Duff (The Midlands, UK), and Micky Dodds (Armagh, UK) each did a half hour set, and would have their shows broadcast every Thursday at 7pm (UK time). The four men would call their project Radio Pure Gently because Tarry thought that it sound very similar to Puricelli. On August 16^th, 2012, the first show went live. In 2013 Terry passed on his slot to Matt Clayton, who resides in Sellersburg, Indiana. In the summer of 2013, RadioPureGently.com was launched, and the focus turned to promoting and introducing new bands, artists, and musicians.

Kelly has been part of the scene in Dayton for many years. She started waiting tables and helping out the bands that played at Oregon Express. In 2007, the folks that were setting up the shows decided to step down and recommended Kelly to take over.

“I had no experience in booking bands”, Kelly said during our conversations. “However, I knew that I could be good at it, and I developed a system that worked.”

Kelly would book one band for Saturday nights, and have them bring in any 2 bands that they wanted. By coordinating shows this way, Kelly gives the bands all the control of door sales and how it trickles down. It also is a wonderful opportunity for the band that was originally booked to have another band come in and play. In 2009, Kelly decided to step down as booker. She returned to the position after the owner of Oregon Express called her up and asked her to come back. “I am so very glad the owner called, because I missed being a part of the Dayton Music Scene. It’s where my heart is.”

For Emily Wegh, home is a little farther away. Born and raised in the outer parts of Chicago, Wegh decided to study marketing at the University of Dayton. Wegh loved the campus and the friendly atmosphere, but what really drove her were the opportunities for community involvement. Currently, Wegh works in the UD dining services on campus, where she met Kelly. The two quickly bonded over the local music scene, along with independent music. “She eventually ended up asking me if I would be interested in doing a radio show with her and the RPG guys,”Wegh explained. Being part of the show, along with her majoring in marketing, has also given her another job. “As soon as the guys found out that I’m a marketing major, I was promoted to heading up our marketing campaign.”

Queens of the Scene, which debuted on January 21, 2014, is a two hour show broken up into two parts: one hour features Kelly, and the other hour features Wegh. Kelly dives into more of the music that is being played and produced in the Dayton scene. The New Old-Fashioned, Motel Beds, Shrug, SOHIO are among some of the local bands that Kelly presents on her segment. Wegh explores other independent artists in her hour’s segment. She also dives into how the songs and/or artists she has played as impacted her. On the Valentine’s Day show, Wegh jokingly played music about love and heartbreak. Both hours are full of great music, both local and from around the world. Each week, both ladies record their vocals and insert the music into the recording software program REAPER. With the vocals and music in place, the ladies will then transfer it to Micky Dodds. The original idea was for both Wegh and Kelly to produce the show together. Unfortunately it hasn’t been able to happen due to the schedules. Kelly and Wegh do plan to eventually have them both do the show together instead broken into two segments.

The road is paved for Radio Pure Gently to really make a splash, especially over the pond, Kelly explains. “I was talking to my friend in who lives in London, Shamus Dark, who is a jazz singer. We were talking about how RPG will be adding more programing and he message me something that I though was interesting. The live music scene is slowly dying in the UK. There was a program on BBC about all the small venues that have closed in the last few years. They’re called ‘toilet venues’ because they’re so small, but it’s where Oasis, Manic Street preachers, Pulp and many others started out. It’s all very worrying. He thinks RPG and others like it can help save the real music versus the television talent shows.”

The shows on the website are constantly working on improving not only their sound, but also their content. Independent artist and bands all over the world are being able to have their music played. Listeners can go to this website RadioPureGently.com, or they can click on to http://mixlr.com/radio-pure-gently/chat.

For Kelly, Wegh, and everyone involved with Radio Pure Gently, the experience of being a part of the website is thrilling. “It’s especially exciting for me to be working on something like this because it’s so diverse and international. It has been a terrific and one of a kind experience for me so far, and I’m really stoked to see where it continues going,” Wegh said.

Kelly added, “We all love doing this. It’s like having a bunch of new brothers.”

Queens of the Scene is broadcast every Tuesday afternoon at 2pm when you can also hear more stories just like the one about Kelly’s wild and magical Saturday night with The Professors, and of course more music.

A Triumph of the Will and Artistry: DCDC Returns to the Victoria Theatre Stage

March 12, 2014 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

As a diverse cross-section of concert-goers filled the Victoria Theatre there was a palpable buzz that vibrated through the space. Seasoned lovers of dance and neophytes alike, eagerly awaited the concert of “world” premieres to begin. Seeing this many patrons still clamoring for artistic offerings of this Dayton institution, one cannot help imagining one angel in particular is smiling from heaven.

To make the case for being a world class dance troupe, it requires that the talents and skills of the dancers and choreographers be showcased and presented to maximum effect. Performing at the Victoria Theatre truly provided the best framing vehicle for the beauty and youthful vitality that moved before us.

It was stated in one of the three curtain speeches of the evening that it had been the dream of the artistic director, Debbie Blunden-Diggs , that she was committed to a vision of an all new choreographic works concert in honor of the forty-five year anniversary of the DCDC. That commitment produced one of the strongest concerts performed by the company in years.

with Marlayna Elyse Locklear, Dorse Brown, Kimberly Jones, Abby Leithart and Hershel Deondre Horner III. Photo provided by Geek With A Lens Photography.

The concert began with a polymorphic collage of kinetic movement specificity from Ronen Koresh. “Exit 7” began with a taut, repetitive ensemble section that evocatively set the the tone for the loosely linked dance vignettes to come. Dancers moved with a punchy precision while navigating rows of chairs highlighted individually by shafts of overhead lights. The choreography had a refined ritualistic tone that echoed throughout the rest of the work. There was a collective need to make sense of our rapidly splintering and fragmented society. This fragmentation led us on a journey, that was filled with at times moments of sensual despair, cheeky humor, and audacious physicality. It was brought to a dazzling close by the ensemble of dancers generating a sound collage of their own voices as an accompaniment to the visceral climax of the highly engaging and unique work of Mr. Koresh.

The work of Donald Byrd was a master class in combining engaging modernist movement material with spoken word in a heady mix of social and geo-political commentary and satirical undertones. It is the type of artistic work that only someone of his elevated artistic ability can accomplish.

Watching this work unfold and weave its intellectual spell on us in the audience, I could not help but envision this as being a truly post-modernist effort in every sense of the word. From the sublime verbal barrage of the narrator, exquisitely brought to life by Nabachawa Ssensalo, to the beautifully patterned and group movement invoking the bio-mechanics of cotton picking, this is a work worth savoring and repeating.

In the work of Rodney Brown”The Gatherer/wee Thing”, a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Sheri “Sparkle” Williams. One comes away with a sensory trip contemplating of not only Sheri as 40 year veteran, but also the future of DCDC as relevant fixture of the arts community. I would argue that DCDC is the only element of our community as a cultural component that transcends the bounds of our provinciality. An exportable cultural product that would hold up well under the glare and scrutiny of the world stage. All this from watching a “lion in winter” dancing star perform a nuanced solo on the Victoria theatre stage.

All photos provided by Geek With A Lens Photography.

The evening concluded with the work of Ray Mercer, “Tossed Around”; a work whose brevity was not welcomed. This work felt incomplete for all of the right reasons. Visually engaging, physically energized choreography that hit you in the solar plexus and that filled this reviewer with with pure unmitigated joy for being in its presence. As the yellow chairs flew from the wings to be caught by the dancers as they moved in ever increasing complex movement patterns, you were left wondering if and how frenzied and complex the choreography could evolve into. It was like getting your hands on the first chapters of an amazing serialized page-turning novel. You were hungry for more.

Seeing this company of young dancers and seasoned veterans in this concert performing such world class and dynamic artistic works left me breathless and most importantly hungry for more.

Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus announces return of their annual benefit: “Benefit Musicale 6: A Night at the Castro”

March 11, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is pleased to announce the return of their annual benefit, “Benefit Musicale 6: A Night at the Castro.” Celebrating over 10 years of performances and outreach into the community to provide a “gay affirming presence in the Greater Miami Valley,” this year’s benefit promises to be the largest and most anticipated event to date.

Get out your bell bottoms and platform shoes as the DGMC transforms Dayton’s historical Top of the Market into the 1970’s Castro District of San Francisco. On Saturday, March 15, 2014 they will transport you to a time of the disco era complete with live entertainment courtesy of the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus and multiple special guests, amazing food, cash bar, silent auctions and of course… Dancing courtesy of LiftOff entertainment!!

Special Auction: I Dreamed of Africa! A trip for two to the Zulu Nyala Game Lodge in South Africa on a 6 day/6 night, 3 meal, 2 excursion per day adventure with a total value of $4,950!

The DGMC’s annual Benefit Musicale directly support the DGMC and its mission to sustain choral excellence and promote a gay affirming presence in the Greater Miami Valley. This year’s proceeds will directly enable the chorus to stage an original oratorio titled “I am Harvey Milk” (www.IamHarveyMilk.com). This work, co-commissioned by the chorus and written by Tony Award nominated composer Andrew Lippa, depicts the life of one of the nation’s greatest icons in social equality.

The chorus’s goal is to exceed $18,000 in revenue from this year’s benefit, enabling them to be joined on stage at the Victoria Theatre by members of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Please join them, Saturday, March 15, 2014 for this extraordinary fundraiser! 70’s attire is ENCOURAGED but not required.

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is a 501c3 not for Profit Arts Organizations, and all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extend allowed by law.

Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus, P.O. Box 642 Dayton OH 45401-0642, www.daytongaymenschorus.org, Find us on Facebook

REVIEW: Alrosa Villa Host Amplified Awareness II Benefit

March 11, 2014 By Mike Ritchie Leave a Comment

Jasmine Caine performs at Amplified Awareness II (photo by Samantha Stewart Photography)

On Saturday February 7^th, the second annual benefit fundraiser raising awareness for children with Autism and Tourette Syndrome was held at Alrosa Villa in association with the Make It Fit Foundation and the Iron Brothers of Ohio. Last year’s inaugural show featured Loboz, Fat Dog and Jasmine Cain. This year the sultry, bass-hammering songstress returned continuing the party where she left off last time, stage diving and all.

Event organizer and Make It Fit founder Mike Hoover has made Autism awareness/research his mission, working tirelessly with local businesses, charities and musical talent to raise money for research with events like the Ohio Ride for Autism and the 2^nd annual Make It Fit fundraiser party with reigning 3-time Mr. Olympia/2013 Arnold Europe Champion Phil ‘The Gift’ Heath February 28^th at Encore Columbus. Iron Brothers of Ohio, with special assistance from Jon Clevenger, once again worked hard sponsoring the event and raising awareness for both the show and the causes to make the event a success. Beckner’s Costume Cycles, QFM 96, CA Harley Davidson, Thunder Roads Magazine, Quaker Steak & Lube of Columbus, Boyd’s Tire & Service Centers also stepped up again this year sponsoring the event. QFM’s Sue Leighton MC’d the evening along with Hoover.

Phillip Fox Band (photo by Samantha Stewart Photography)

This year Columbus southern rock charmers The Phillip Fox band and Dayton’s blues maestro Scotty Bratcher warmed up the crowd for the sweet Jasmine. The Columbus country-fried rock started Phillip Fox style with a bit of country, a bit of rock n roll and a lot of good ole boy southern comfort. They start with the Allman Brothers tale of woe, romancing the wrong lady, ending up on the Whipping Post. They play their first original from the Motor City Blood EP, Goin’ Out With You, a bar romping, beer clanking good time tune about spending time with that special lady that warms a country boy’s heart. They rock the depression and loss right out of the old-school genre. Thanks to Kip Moore, we can make tonight legendary and do anything we want honey, because we got some Beer Money. We take a ride with The Cars and that girl that keeps us up all night. We fly with The Eagles in the Fast Lane. Next stop’s Strait to the Heartland with a swampy slide guitar intro into a country stomp as old grandpa spins photographic tales of a hard long-life well-lived In Color. We take a ghostly night journey through thunderous clouds with the man in black; time to change your ways, there’s no reason to chase the devil today. Telling life stories on the guitar strings with rainmaker drums and bass galloping through the sky stretched desert.

Now a tune from the greatest movie ever made (someone yelled Goonies), going Eastbound and Down with Burt, Jackie, Sally and Jerry. We’re taking the southbound train to Georgia with Marshall Tucker and getting away from that damn woman. The Alrosa floor ‘pit’ had some different kind of dancing that night, with some swagger and style. Next is the title track to Motor City Blood cause family’s hands and roots are bled and bred in Detroit. The big ole stand-up bass got pulled out on I’d Be Runnin’ Too. They answer the call of the south and the Simple Man and play some Skynyrd (without being asked). Ozzy sang it; Sam Kinison made her reputation worse and Mountain created her story, now it was time for Phillip to sing her tune. We get one more original Just One Step Behind, also getting originals We All Lose Somethin’, Been Workin’ and I Ain’t Angry all slated for upcoming release. Influenced by Blackberry Smoke and CCR they’ve been together for three years releasing their debut EP Motor City Blood in 2012 and plan to have a full length CD out this year. With 175 shows last year, they plan on continuing their road dog ways. They have a foxy lady blues sound with a Skynyrd meets Hank Williams country rock done flannel style, with bassist Jonathan Kampfe being the sharp dressed man of the bunch. Fox having a unique vocal range sounding a combination of ZZ Top, Gavin Rossdale, Chad Kroeger and John Melloncamp. They’re a Charlie Daniels spiked cocktail, boot stompin, hot rockin country mess of good sound.

Scotty Bratcher (photo by Samantha Stewart Photography)

Scotty Bratcher shreds playing the blues with Van Halen force and precession with video-game like soloing. Stevie Ray Vaughan meets Bach on guitar with hypnotizing sound and flair. He plays a hard-edged style, with a little 80’s sheen and some Clapton and Eric Jerardi for good taste. He brings out the attitude, anger and fury of the instrument setting notes and frets on fire. What guitars can’t say on their own, he spells out with fingers. Using the slide to paint a musical picture making it a fire breathing machine, multiple conversation piece or one moody bitch. Leaving no inch of the neck untouched, bringing out the most complex emotions from a gentle touch to full-finger petting. Bratcher’s a blues version of Angus Young playing the blues partner to Eruption.

We get Rollin’ with some original tunes then get backwoods dreaming with roadhouse rocker Back Home to You. Watch out, Bratcher plays a mean Cold Blooded Killer guitar with bad intentions, though he makes it sound so alluring. We get caught playing ‘teacher’ with that little school girl thanks to Jonny Lang. We go old-school vintage with guns blazing playing the 32-30 Blues with Robert Johnson. We get the Funk out 49 different ways with the James Gang and lay our money down for Zeppelin, living and loving. Then the eight minute blues rock feast of Ready for Rain. They pay homage to the great Muddy Waters as the King Bee. We’ve got one more silver dollar for the Allman Brothers and the Midnight Rider.

Bratcher then played with his wah-wah pedal tuning up the headband wearing wizard’s guitar to play homage to the master with some Voodoo Chile. Playing guitar since age 2, he’s developed an incredible, aged sound ‘taking notes’ from some of the all-time greats. He got his first live music experience at 11 and in 2000 entered the National Jam With Kenny Wayne Shepherd Contest in which KWS’s new single at the time was downloaded and contestants made up the lead solo. Out of 1,200 entries, Scotty received 1^st runner up. He’s opened for Ted Nugent, Blue Oyster Cult, Chris Duarte, Foghat, 38 Special, Styx, Peter Frampton, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Lou Graham and many more. He’s also an accomplished multi-genre studio musician recording with blues, rock, country, gospel, funk and metal artists. Since 2007 he’s played with Kenny Wayne Shepherd singer Noah Hunt as guitarist and second vocalist of The 420 All-Stars. In 2013, the album “All and Nothing More” was released featuring new original songs and a few covers featuring legendary Southern rocker Jimmy Hall. After the release, Mr. Hall contacted Scotty about starting a side project together, adding yet another set of opportunities to see Scotty do his thing.

Jasmine Cain (photo by Samantha Stewart Photography)

The road gypsy herself Jasmine Cain just made it from a show in Cincinnati, throttling herself into a Paranoid state of mind. She made her presence known the red hair blazing, gothic muse raising hell, dressed to kill like Stevie Nicks in fishnet delight. We get buried in with the Man in a Box. Jasmine thanked Mike Hoover and Jon Clevenger for all their hard work for tonight. All their Dirty Deeds didn’t go unnoticed as Jasmine puts some raspy Angela Gossow vocals on the tune originally sung by Bon Scott then Brian Johnson. The drinks were flowing but we had the right tool to stay Sober. They played the night’s first JC original the Sons of Anarchy themed Highway Prophet. We take a trip to late eighties LA and the rough streets of Hollywood, Welcome to the Jungle baby. Jasmine doesn’t take time out to drink, she drinks during the song. A Molotov cocktail with a match to go, Jasmine plays her bass with style. For all the lovely ladies in the house we got crazy bitches everywhere. We hop aboard Jasmine’s Crazy Train off through the blizzard of Columbus on the way to Ozz. We get another dose of firearms and flowers, It’s So Easy, when everyone’s trying to please Jasmine. With a feminine smile and snarl The Symphony of Destruction begins.

A word of on-stage advice, tequilas bad for you, whiskies worse, we get Thunderkissed down Highway 65 and get the Zombie’s curse. The Sandman enters the room as the light exited hours ago, drowning the crowd in a pool of war, liars and dragon’s fire and the things that bite. We finish with Filter, raising glasses and giving new meaning to ‘hey man, nice shot’. Cain promises a killer stage dive driven by rage, finishing with Killing in the Name of.

Jasmine jams with newest member, self-taught guitarist Mickey Bradam, a multi-styled player, teacher and studio musician. She’s come a long way since playing the Full Throttle Saloon in 2000, releasing her debut album The Inside and title track video in 2004. Videos for Sweet Euphoria and Help Me were released in ’05. Headlines Easyrider shows three years in a row starting in ’07, then released Locks & Keys in ’08 and Highway Prophet in 2011 winning Female Rock Vocalist of the year award at the first annual Music City Mayhem Awards. www.jasminecain.com

The Make It Fit foundation has spearheaded attention for Autism awareness since November 2011. Working with professional athletes from MMA, football and baseball and also appearing at the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia 2011 and 2012. They’ve donated to numerous charities including Autism Speaks, The Autism Society of Ohio, Cookies for Ipads, Recreation Unlimited, Oakstone Academy and several more. They’ve also partnered with the owners of White Castle who donated 10 million dollars to further Autism research and also donated to Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in a joint venture called The Ingram Autism Research Center. Make It Fit also donated to The Ingram Center and the Tourette Syndrome Society of Ohio. The Alrosa Villa hopes to make Amplified Awareness an annual event.

Autism is described as a neural disorder affecting mental, emotional development resulting in impaired social interaction, communication and repetitive behavior. It is one of three disorders in the autism spectrum (ASDs) the other’s being Asperger Syndrome which lacks delays in cognitive/linguistic development but greatly affects social behavior. Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is diagnosed when the whole set of criteria for the other two aren’t met. Autism has a strong genetic base and signs are noticed within the first two years of life. Hollywood has featured characters with autistic characters including Rain Man, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Bless the Child and Mercury Rising and TV’s Parenthood, Grey’s Anatomy, House, Law &Order Criminal Minds, The Shield and most recently Touch.

Tourette Syndrome is an inherited mental disorder triggered in childhood characterized by multiple physical (motor) and vocal (phonic) tics that come and go and can be temporary suppressed occurring from an oncoming pre-urge. TS is defined as a tic disorder which are sudden, repetitive, body movements, sounds and vocalizations which include sniffing, blinking, facial movements, body jerks and spasms. Audio tics include making noises, involuntary cussing, swearing and other derogatory language, though the tics generally subside with age. TV shows featuring TS characters include Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Sopranos with documentaries Twitch and Shout, Magic Camp and the film short Harvie Krumpet. The 2008 TV movie Front of the Class is based on the real life story of TS diagnosed Brad Cohen who became a gifted teacher. Depending on your sense of humor TS has also been lampooned in Deuce Bigalow and mentioned in The Wedding Singer. May 15-June 15 is national TS awareness month.

Images by Samantha Stewart Photography

Goodwill Shopping Safari

March 10, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Join us on Saturday, March 15, 2014, for a fun-filled day of Treasure Hunting… Goodwill style!

$25 Registration fee includes bus transportation to four Goodwill Stores, buffet lunch, snacks/water/sodas, contests and prizes
Bring clothing donations and receive chances to win a Goodwill Store gift certificate
(up to four bags)
Free gift to those who register by March 7th
Get your thrifting friends together for a great day of treasure-hunting
One bus begins & ends at Kettering Patterson Store, one bus begins & ends at Centerville Store (your start-end location will be confirmed after registration)

Itinerary includes:

Shopping at four Goodwill Stores
Kettering Patterson Store – 1040 Patterson Rd..
Centerville Store – 950 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd.
Kettering Dorothy Store – 1970 E. Dorothy Ln.
Oregon District Store – 501 E. Fifth St.
Buffet Lunch – LaRosa’s on Wilmington Pike

Space is limited – register now!
Registration and payment information online here or call Ally at 614.266.2006.

Lucky’s Celebrates 3rd Anniversary With Beer Dinner

March 8, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Drew Trick had a vision: A comfortable place where people can enjoy a wide variety of draught beer and eat fresh food with their friends and family, as well as see couple-hundred model cars. On October 23, 2010, Trick made this dream a reality, purchasing what is now known as Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, located in the Oregon Arts District.

When he walked in the building for the first time, Drew Trick knew he had to remodel a restaurant that had been established by many other owners before. Trick considered how he wanted people to describe his restaurant/bar. He did not want to have the typical loud bar filled with neon signs and cluttered space. It was not his intention to open a bar and grill or sports bar. He wanted to create a place for people to come casually and feel comfortable. Using his initial vision, he decided the floors, bar ceiling, display units, and draught systems had to be updated, or added, before completion.

Lucky’s owner Drew Trick

While hunting for the name, Trick first started with “Lucky’s,” because it was his late father’s nickname. Trick then searched dictionaries and thesauruses looking for descriptive words that were generational in nature. Trick chose “taproom” because of the large supply of draught beers that would be rotating all year long. He chose “eatery” simply because people could come and enjoy a good meal.

It was exactly three years ago today we ran the above story, by Christina M. Dyer as part of the updayton Entrepreneurship Team. Now it’s hard to remember when Lucky’s wasn’t part of the District. Drew and his staff have established Lucky’s as a huge part of the community, supporting numerous non-profit events and has helped grow the craft beer movement in Dayton, by rotating a wide array of featured beers. And what a better way to celebrate their 3rd anniversary than with a Beer Dinner, featuring local beers.

This Monday, March 6th at 6:30 Lucky’s will present a four course dinner, paired with beers from Toxic Brew Company and Warped Wing. Reservations can be made in advance at Lucky’s, the cost is $40 and the menu is as follows:
Pre Dinner tastes;
Abby Blonde-Toxic Brew & Ermal’s Cream Ale

Appetizer: Duck Drumsticks with Abby Brunette maple glaze served over corn mush paired with Abby Brunette by Toxic Brew Co.
Salad: Grilled beet and kale winter salad paired with Winter Ale buy Toxic Brew Co.
Entree: Ale braised pork chops (Chuck’s favorite) served on a bed of root vegetable hash paired with Warped Wings #4 brew(Maa Durga)
Desert: 10 ton mousse topped with no bake crumbles and house made whipped cream paired with 10ton by Warped Wing

As a thank you to Holy Trinity for their community support and the great works of the ARC (Animal Resource center) 20% of all sales the day of March 10, our official anniversary date, will go to these great establishments. Also we will be doing random raffles throughout the tasting featuring Warped Wing Brewing Company and Toxic Brew Company swag!!!

Montgomery County Solid Waste District Offers Grant Program to Encourage Businesses to Recycle More

March 7, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

For the first time ever, the Montgomery County Solid Waste District will offer $200,000 in grant funding to promote recycling at local businesses.The district is now accepting applications for the 2014 Business Recycling Incentive Grant Program. The deadline to apply is April 25, 2014.

“I’m proud of our business leaders,” said Dan Foley, president of the Montgomery County Board of County Commissioners. “They’re an innovative group and they understand that recycling offers a good return on investment. These grants will provide them an extra incentive to do even more.”

The Business Recycling Incentive Grant funds are available on a competitive basis to all Montgomery County businesses. A total of $200,000 in funding will be available for the program, including $125,000 to fund capital equipment purchases and $75,000 for new recycling service contracts.

Funding can be used for any of the following projects:
 capital equipment purchases to initiate or expand recycling;
 new or expanded contracts for on-site recycling service;
 composting service;
 equipment, materials, and software purchases to increase or expand operations for recycling processors.

Interested applicants must attend a mandatory briefing session at 9 a.m. on March 26, 2014. The session will be held at 2550 Sandridge Dr., Dayton, Ohio 45439. Awards winners will be announced in June 2014. For an application, visit www.mcswd.org or call (937) 225-4999.

About the Montgomery County Solid Waste District
The Montgomery County Solid Waste District is an innovative collaboration between all of the jurisdictions in Montgomery County, who came together to manage solid waste and recycling for their citizens in a responsible and environmentally-sound manner. The District members include: Butler Township, City of Brookville, City of Centerville, City of Clayton, City of Dayton, City of Englewood, City of Huber Heights, City of Kettering, City of Miamisburg, City of Moraine, City of Oakwood, City of Riverside, City of Trotwood, City of Union, City of Vandalia, City of West Carrolton, Clay Township, German Township, Harrison Township,
Jackson Township, Jefferson Township, Miami Township, Perry Township, Village ofFarmersville, Village of Germantown, Village of New Lebanon, Village of Phillipsburg andWashington Township.

The Rumors Are True — Apple is Coming to Dayton and MacTown Is Making Its Move

March 7, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Apple has confirmed that it plans to open an Apple Store at The Greene Towne Center in early summer. In response to this exciting development, Apple representatives and MacTown, the Miami Valley’s premiere Apple Specialist, have decided to move the current MacTown store and re-open it south of Dayton.

There has been lots of talk about Apple coming to Dayton and the opportunities and benefits that Apple’s arrival will bring to our community. We at MacTown couldn’t agree more! Our entire team is excited to welcome an Apple retail store to the Dayton market; knowing full well the value that such a facility will provide for local individuals and business. However, Apple stores do have limitations in their portfolio of offerings, and the professionals at MacTown are working with Apple to make sure those gaps are filled.

Apple Inc. is a highly successful consumer giant focused on driving a high volume of sales transactions through its corporate retail stores. Its size prohibits it from developing long-term technical support relationships with its customers. With that said, Apple is working closely with MacTown to ensure that Dayton Apple users have access to a complete range of consumer and business offerings, including the service specialties that are not part of Apple’s business model.

MacTown has EXCITING plans moving forward! In strategic cooperation with Apple Representatives, MacTown has decided to relocate its storefront from the Greene Town Center to a new and exciting location south of Dayton. “We are thrilled about our new change of venue and the way this move will allow us to remain professionally focused on what we do best, designing and implementing a range of product/service solutions that will complement and enhance the presence of Dayton’s new Apple retail store,” says MacTown leadership.

The Greene MacTown store closes March 31st.

MacTown’s relocation process will begin with the closing of our Greene Town Center store on March 31, 2014. This closing will serve as a prelude to a temporary consolidation of business operations within our store on Kingsridge Drive, located behind the Dayton Mall. Once this consolidation is complete, MacTown will immediately begin finalizing plans to close our Kingsridge store and move our entire operation to a new primary business location.

The projected summer opening of our new store south of Dayton will re-launch MacTown as the premiere Mac/Apple products support and services provider in the Miami Valley. As it has in the past, MacTown will offer technology solutions such as site deployments, Mac-based platform management, configuration management, change management, systems administration, network management, home business setup, and repair for out-of-warranty Mac computers. In addition to the Apple line, MacTown will also offer Meraki networking products, Adobe Creative Cloud team licenses, Dropbox for Business, Crashplan backup solutions, and Promise Raid storage solutions.

In other words, if you use Macs or other Apple products, MacTown is ready to build a long term relationship with you that will support your ability to use these products smarter and more efficiently. In keeping with our distinguished eight year service history, MacTown will remain passionate about supporting and optimizing your Apple technology lifestyle in innovative and affordable ways that no other local provider can.

The above post from press release sent by MacTown.

The Final Discovery By UD Students Hidden Gems Project: Kramer’s

March 7, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Looking to discover new dining venues with character around the City of Dayton? As part of the “Hidden Gems Project” conducted by students at the University of Dayton, this article was written to communicate the uncovering of a few local dining spots and their historical background. We were required to make visits to each place, interview the owners and/or workers, and record our experiences of each “Hidden Gem”. The benefit that came from this project is that it serves as a means to learn about the history of Dayton through restaurants which have been around for generations. It also helps to spread the word that these restaurants are still around and have their own story to tell—along with their food and spirits.

Kramer’s Tavern

Location: 1018 Irving Ave Dayton, OH 45419

Contact Number: 937-294-9141

Hours of Operation: Monday 4pm-1am

Tues-Sat 11am-1am

Sunday 12pm-1am

By Xirui Yin

Kramer’s has been in establishment for 70 years, with 3 generations under the family name (Kramer). Kramer’s used to have factory workers come in after their shifts all the time. They would line up at the bar and just relax. Kramer’s was their hangout.

Now it is becoming more diverse in a sense. We see new faces but there is still a type of community. It’s a location where people can meet and enjoy a beer together. Kramer’s is a community that allows workers gather together after their work. People chat with each other and enjoy a cold beer.

We went to Kramer’s on November 5th. Because it’s very close to our campus (University of Dayton), it only took us 5 minutes to drive there.

My first impression walking inside was that it reminded me of a big sports bar. There were more than 5 TVs hanging on the wall, which showed different sports games. A huge freezer was behind the bar, it was full of beer. There were 15~20 people in Kramer’s. A group of men sitting around a table, with some bottles of beer, were chatting with each other. Some of them looked like retired workers. There was a family sitting in the corner of the restaurant. A baby boy was having his fried fries, while his parents were drinking beer and talking.

As a group of four people, we found a table and waited for a waiter to take our order. After waiting for 5 minutes, we started wondering why no one came to us. Here’s a thing you should notice when you come to Kamer’s, don’t wait at table, order at the bar. There were only two staff members present. One was busy taking order and bar tending, the other one was cooking in the kitchen.

We ordered a cheese pizza and chicken nuggets. The price was really reasonable, less than $15 total for 4 people. The homemade pizza was good, full of cheese and pepperoni. The chicken nuggets were just so so. It’s a pity we didn’t have a bottle of beer during our visit. We considered coming back here again on Friday or Saturday. By the time we were leaving, more and more people came to Kramer’s. We even met a group of girls who were also students at UD.

All in all, it’s a very nice experience to having a meal in Kramer’s. It’s a good choice for hanging out with a lot of friends.

Other stories in our UD student series of articles by a team from Professor Blust’s Engineering students:

UD Students Hidden Gems Project Discovers Falb’s Restaurant

The Second Discovery by UD Students Hidden Gems Project: Frank’s Tavern

UD Students Hidden Gems Project Discovery # 3: Carmichael’s Pub

The Fourth Hidden Gem Discovered By Our UD Team: Carmel’s Grill

Ready, Set Give! Crowdsource Funding For The Arts….

March 5, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Power2give.org is an online cultural marketplace connecting donors with projects they are passionate about. Based on a crowd-funding model, Power2give is a flexible platform which can adapt to evolving trends in fundraising and make giving to the arts more accessible. The site allows arts organizations to post and promote projects in need of funding and invites donors to contribute directly to the projects that are most intriguing to them.

Culture Works goal in launching the site, made possible by a founding gift from the CareSource Foundation, is to broaden the base of support for the arts by engaging and mobilizing new donors and funds. Key to Power2give’s success are matching funds, which provide an incentive for organizations and motivate people to donate through the site so that their gift will have the maximum impact. For the initial launch the DP & L Foundation will match the first $50,000 in gifts. The provision of matching funds enables CultureWorks to help arts groups reach thousands of new donors, generate a new stream of revenue for the local non-profits, increase the organizational capacity of these organizations, reach out to underserved communities and new organizations and help arts groups better tell their own stories.

How it works

With Power2give.org, anyone can make a difference! Find creative projects focused on a personal cause, make a gift, watch your gift get matched by a sponsor, and share the project with friends and family. Organizations post projects with funding needs up to $10,000 and invite donors to contribute to those projects most intriguing to them. Projects are listed on the site for a maximum of 90 days, or until they meet their financial goals. All power2give donations are tax deductible. There are currently 35 projects on the site and some need as little as $500 to achieve their goal. Whether it’s helping Musica purchase a piano, teaching the teacher filmmaking, or helping folks runaway to the circus, the projects are as varied as the residents of the Miami Valley. Don’t take our word for it, find a project you like and help fund it!

Then leave us a comment telling us who you funded and why and Dayton Most Metro.com will make a $100 donation to the organization with the most mentions by Friday, 3/ 7/14.

Academy Nominated OMAR Opens Friday at THE NEON!

March 5, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

f243d_movies_omar-96613-poster-xlarge-resized Hello Everyone,

This might be a first…we’ll be featuring 5 films this weekend! In addition to holding all of our current attractions (PHILOMENA, THE GREAT BEAUTY, GLORIA and DALLAS BUYERS CLUB), we will open the Academy Award nominated film OMAR. (PHILOMENA will only play through the weekend…it will screen for the last time on Sunday, March 9!) Visit our website for links to each of the film’s official sites as well as showtimes for the remainder of this week – www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for OMAR: “A tense, gripping thriller about betrayal, suspected and real, in the Occupied Territories. Omar is a Palestinian baker who routinely climbs over the separation wall to meet up with his girl Nadja. By night, he’s either a freedom fighter or a terrorist – you decide – ready to risk his life to strike at the Israeli military with his childhood friends Tarek and Amjad. Arrested after the killing of an Israeli soldier and tricked into an admission of guilt by association, he agrees to work as an informant. So begins a dangerous game – is he playing his Israeli handler or will he really betray his cause? And who can he trust on either side? Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad (director of PARADISE NOW) has made a dynamic, action-packed drama about the insoluble moral dilemmas and tough choices facing those on the frontlines of a conflict that shows no sign of letting up.” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site. Nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Academy Awards!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuvO65EPWFo’]

For the next few weeks, it’s all about our traditional engagements at THE NEON. But starting in April, we will have special events galore for the rest of the Spring. Stay tuned for all the fun details.

Next week, we will open ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME! Have you already seen the trailer? If not, check it out below. And on March 21, we will open Wes Anderson’s latest film – THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. We can’t wait!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQysjiUA68U’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fg5iWmQjwk’]

Many thanks to ThinkTV and Square One Salon & Spa for their support of our Annual Oscar Party (click on either business to visit their official sites). Snowy weather hurt our turn-out a little, but the 80+ people who attended still had a great time.

And thanks to YOU for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, March 7 – Thursday, March 13:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15

GLORIA (R) 1 Hr 50 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (R) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:20, 9:45
Sunday: 2:20
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

THE GREAT BEAUTY (NR) 2 Hrs 22 Mins
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7:00
Monday-Thursday: 7:45

OMAR (NR) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15,
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 14 – ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME
March 21 – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
TBD – TIM’S VERMEER
TBD – LE WEEK-END
April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX