Archives for April 2014

BUDAPEST HOTEL, TIM’S VERMEER and Other NEON News

April 10, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL continues to hit milestones. In less than 3 weeks, the film is already at #4 on our “Highest Grossing Films” list. (The Top 3 are SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, SIDEWAYS and MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING – each of these films played at least 12 weeks). This is really spectacular, and we truly appreciate your support and positive word-of-mouth.

This week, we are going to hold both current attractions. Though TIM’S VERMEER didn’t have record attendance, it did well enough to stick around. With all the kudos from audience members, we think it’s worth holding for a 2nd week. That said, we plan to move forward with THE LUNCHBOX on April 18. Hurry down if you need to see TIM’S VERMEER. Details and showtimes for each of our current films are available at www.neonmovies.com

If you haven’t already seen the trailer for this wonderful little movie, take a look at the website for THE LUNCHBOX by clicking this LINK.

The TAB Entertainment has rented one of our auditoriums this Sunday for a special, one-time screening of MY DREAM BESIDE ME. “MY DREAM BESIDE ME is a romantic dramedy based on the true love story of Paul Rich and Mary Kay Slesinger Rich. At 84 years young Paul lost his wife of 66 years – Mary Kay was married for 34 years and she was left a widow when she was in her mid 60’s. After a few years Paul and Mary Kay met and fell in love. This union of marriage is a testimony that people can be strong, vital and full of life at any age.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this screening are $9 each. Advanced tickets are only available on the film’s official website (Click HERE to visit the official site). Remaining tickets will be sold at THE NEON’s box office on the day of the screening.

“The Massie Creek Paddlers will be hosting Rapid Media’s 9th annual REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL showcasing the world’s best paddling films to audiences in Canada, United States and around the world. The festival inspires more people to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push physical and emotional extremes, embrace the lifestyle and appreciate the heritage of the wild places we paddle. The Reel Paddling Film Festival is a film contest awarding winning films in 10 categories. The winners and other shortlisted films are then toured to more than 100 cities around the world, screening for an audience of more than 30,000 outdoor adventure enthusiasts and their friends and families.” Advance tickets, just $10 each, are available on the official site (click this LINK). This special, one-night screening will stop by THE NEON on Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30.

The 2014 Dayton Jewish Film Festival has prepared an exciting line-up for this year’s festival. It kicks off on Thursday, April 24 at THE NEON, and the films look excellent. With all the extras that are being planned, this promises to be a truly exciting festival. Click this LINK to visit the festival’s official site…details for buying advanced tickets can be found there. Here are a list of films that are screening at THE NEON:

Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 – THE ZIG ZAG KID
Tuesday, April 29 at 7:15 – AFTERMATH
Thursday, May 1 at 7:15 – BETHLEHEM
Tuesday, May 6 at 7:20 – QUALITY BALLS: THE DAVID STEINBERG STORY
Thursday, May 8 at 7:15 – SUESKIND
Monday, May 12 at 7:15 – THE PRIME MINISTERS: THE PIONEERS
Tuesday, May 13 at 9:30am – ESTHER BRONER: A WEAVE OF WOMEN
Thursday, May 15 at 7:15 – WHITE PANTHER
Sunday, May 18 at 7:15 – THE THIRD HALF
Program guides are currently available in our lobby!

Take a look at the trailer from the opening film – THE ZIG ZAG KID. It looks like great fun:

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

THE NEON is currently helping AIDS Resource Center Ohio sell tickets for a special raffle. Tickets are $25 each or 6 for $100. There will be 2 great prizes – one from the Red Rock Resort & Spa in Las Vegas and the other from Elizabeth Diamond Company. Each prize is valued at $4900. Raffle tickets are available at our box office.

Thanks for your continued support of THE NEON!
We couldn’t do it without you!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, April 11 – Thursday, April 17:

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (R) 1 Hr 39 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 10:00
Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:10, 7:30

TIM’S VERMEER (PG-13) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15
Sunday: 1:00, 5:30, 7:15
Monday, Tuesday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:15
Wednesday: 3:00, 5:15
Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

MY DREAM BESIDE ME (NR) 1 Hr 24 Min
Sunday: 3:00

REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL (NR) 2+ Hrs
Wednesday: 7:30

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

April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX
April 25 – LE WEKK-END
May 5 – JODOROWSKI’S DUNE
May 16 – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
May 16 – GOD’S POCKET
June 13 – FOR NO GOOD REASON
TBD – DOM HEMINGWAY
TBD – BELLE
TBD – UNDER THE SKIN

5K AIDS Benefit Walk/Run

April 10, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

(DE-FI) Introduces: Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing

April 9, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

(DE-FI) Designer Sonya Mills of Kerapa Klothing

What can I say about Sonya Mills? Well, for starters I can say that she has been one of the voices that have helped to shape the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC into what it is today. In the early stages of (DE-FI) long before we had a name…months after I stepped down from DFW; I remember sitting out on the patio of De’Lish Café along with Sonya, her mother (DE-FI) Designer Brenda Marone, and (DE-FI) Advisory Board and Steering Committee Ed Dixon discussing what the next step should be in terms of what the next step should be to get a strong fashion movement going in Dayton.

It was Sonya who first shared with me the struggles that she faced as an emerging designer, as we continue to learn more about the Fashion Industry and grow as an organization, I think that is fair to credit Sonya with the idea of creating the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund which will be launched during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance May 9^th-10^th. The Fashion Fund will be used to help designers purchase materials such as fabrics to produce their lines, pay entrance fees into influential Fashion Weeks that will put them in front of buyers, as well as helping to pay for some travel expenses!!

As with each of the designers that are showcasing during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, we asked each of them the exact same questions in an attempt to not only introduce them to you but to help everyone have a better understanding of why supporting our local talent and providing a platform for them to showcase their work is important to the success and future of Dayton. So I take much pride in introducing (DE-FI) Designer and Co-Founder of the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC Sonya Mills–

Q) How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

A) I guess it was a mid-life crisis. I have dabbled off and on with sewing, crochet, and designing, but had never seriously pursued that dream until I turned 40. I just made up my mind and started doing small local shows.

(DE-FI) Model Megan Krug wears a Kerapa Dress at The Taste of (DE-FI)ance

Q) Who were your influences personally and professionally?

A) Personally my Mom Brenda Marone of B. Marie Fashions is my influence. She did many shows in the 80’s using African textiles with American styles, and I guess it rubbed off. Professionally I see myself as a Black Betsy Johnson. I make clothes for the young and young at heart.

Q) What were some of the struggles you faced as an emerging designer and what do you consider to be your “Big Break” that took you from being an emerging designer to an established designer?

A) My main struggle is always financing. I still feel like I am emerging even though I did Mid-West and Plitz’s Fashion Weeks last year.

Q) What has been your biggest challenge trying to get your start in the industry?

A) It is a challenge to find backing and make people understand that everything they see is for sale. We want to clothe you.

Q) There are so many misconceptions about what the Fashion Industry is or what it represents, if there was one myth about the fashion industry that you could debunk what would it be and why?

A) Showing in New York does not make you an overnight success.

Q) Who is your target market, and when people think of your brand what is the image that you want people to see or represent??

(DE-FI) Child Model wears Kerapa Kids at (DE-FI) Presents: Fashion In The Mystic Garden

A) My target market has just recently changed, or should I say, I finally owned it. I started making clothes for women, but more people have asked for children’s wear. Now I would say my target is Infants to Teens.

Q) Why is it so important for Fashion to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton, OH?

A) I think fashion should be embraced here because Dayton has so much talent.

Q) What are you most excited about in terms of your participation in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance and what are you hoping to get out of this experience?

A) I hope to get clients. I will be showing Children’s day wear and Teen evening wear.

Q) What advice do you have for those seeking a career in fashion?

A) I always tell people to go for their dreams. Don’t wait until you’re 40 like I did. But even if you do start late, know that your talent and will can take you far.

For more information on how you can purchase a custom made dress by Sonya Mills and Kerapa, please send all inquiries to [email protected]. You can also see her work first hand at during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance by purchasing your tickets today at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH. You can also purchase your tickets online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-tickets-10948422025. For VIP Tickets http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-vip-seating-tickets-10948458133 NOTE: VIP Tickets included premium seating, Swag bags, and a complimentary drink.

For more information on the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC or how you or your company can be a part of this ground breaking event, text “DEFI” to 55469. We are currently looking for volunteers, Makeup Artist, and Hair Stylist to help with production. Also, if you would like to become a sponsor or take out an ad in (DE-FI)ance Magazine we have affordable packages available that start as low as $35!! We’re #TakingItToTheNextLevel #FirstFlightNowFashion.

NFL Films Select-Dayton’s Own ‘The 1984 Draft’

April 8, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The last seconds of the National Football League’s season winds down at the Super Bowl, and a champion will be crowned. For those who root for the soon-to-be champions, they will be taking in the sweet taste of knowing that their team just won the most prized trophy in the world. The euphoric feeling is beyond anything they could dream of or explain. For those whose teams just simply can’t get out of being an absolute bottom-dweller embarrassment of a franchise, they will be in despair. They wonder if that day will ever happen. For most, they deal with the realization they will never get to that moment-that moment they see their team win the championship. Those same fans will just want to go into the fetal position and have a good cry after really diving into that reality.

In the spring after the Super Bowl, the beginning stages of the NFL season give all the teams a fresh start, regardless of the previous years ending standings. The first stage of the season getting underway is the annual yearly draft. The draft is designed to increase the competitive parity between the teams as the worst team would, ideally, have chosen the best player available. Teams select eligible college football players in seven rounds.

Local musician Joe Anderl’s father grew up a Nebraska Cornhusker fan. Growing up in the state, Anderl’s father became an avid Husker fan. However, the life of being in the Air Force forced him to move all around the United States. Older Anderl’s wife gave birth to Joe in California, and it was there that he would instill his passion and dedication of the Cornhuskers to his newborn. Anderl’s loyalty with the University of Nebraska’s football program runs deep. He will go in detail on the glory years that the team had during the 90s under Tom Osborne era. He will explain just how awful the Bill Callahan era was, as he tried to implement the West Coast offense. He will even tell you the story about how he and his father finally had the chance to catch their beloved Huskers in Indianapolis in 2012 for the Big Ten Championship against the Wisconsin Badgers.

In 1984, the NFL draft was especially significant for the Anderl’s. Two highly talented All-American Cornhuskers-wide receiver Irving Fryar,and offensive tackle Dean Steinkuhler-were selected first and second in that year’s draft. It has been the only NFL draft that has had two Nebraska Cornhuskers to be picked first and second. For his obsession with the college football team, and due to some of the greatest players to ever put on the Husker jersey, it propelled Joe Anderl to name his band The 1984 Draft.

Anderl’s chance to showcase his talents won’t be the first for him. His has been around the music scene for some time now. His high school ska band at the time took second place at the Canal Street band playoffs. He played in a hardcore band called Keaton that had the opportunity to record with Chris Common, who has helped produced and engineer albums for indie bands such as Minus The Bear, and Native. Anderl also ran a boutique label Bettawreckonize Media, releasing records from the likes of Southeast Engine, The Kyle Sowashes, and 8 Bit Revival in the mid ‘00s. He has supported the likes of Maritime, The New Amsterdams, The Wrens, Murder By Death, Limbeck and Ink and Dagger, to celebrated songwriters like John Vanderslice, party rocker Andrew WK. It’s pretty hard to not be impressed with Anderl’s resume.
This month, NFL Films will be releasing a documentary on the 30^th anniversary of the 1984 NFL draft, and Anderl’s band have been given an amazing gift-they will be showcased in the show. The band was noticed by the folks at NFL mostly in part due to the amount of videos that are on YouTube. The large collection of videos are Anderl and the band performing all around town caught the folks who were putting together the movie. “I thought that it was a joke”, Anderl explains when he was notified about the inquiry of being part of the documentary. “I thought that it was a buddy messing around with me. So, I went to the internet and looked up the person that contacted us. Everything that came up was true on the person.” The person who contact Anderl was Greg Frith, a senior producer at NFL Films.

The NFL Films crew arrived in Dayton back in January, and the experience was pretty surreal for Anderl. “I was headed to Justin’s house when I noticed these black SUV’s following me. When I arrived to the house, the vehicles stopped as well. You could tell these guys had no clue where they were at (laughs). After they spent some time with us, they loosened up.” The documentary is scheduled to be aired April 30^th on NFL Network, just in time for this year’s draft. The NFL film crew stayed all day interviewing and filming the band. Footage was even recorded when the band performed a set at Blind Bob’s that evening.

To help celebrate the airing of the film, The 1984 Draft have released a 3-song EP Bo Jackson Up The Middle. The 1984 Draft went to the studio to record Bo Jackson Up The Middle in the middle of January this year at Popside Recording Studio in Troy, Ohio. Anderl, along with drummer Justin Satinover and guitarist Eli Alban, worked with Micah Carli, guitarist for Dayton’s own Hawthorne Heights. The recording session only took a single day to complete. The EP, which features alt-folk sensibilities along with a ‘90s emo and hardcore vibe, is heavily-driven with football themes and imagery. “Clear Heads Full Hearts” gives a bruising bird’s eye view of small town men who played high school football recounting playing under those glorious Friday nights under the brightest of lights, feeling invisible.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9uSr2QNwDQ&feature=youtu.be’]

Now those same men live normal lives, driving minivans and trying to recapture those missed opportunities through their own children. “Scarlet and Cream” pays homage to a deceased Cornhusker that was special to Anderl, his grandfather. “Straight Out Of Will Compton” completes the blistering EP with Anderl giving everything he has. The EP truly doesn’t do justice on the instrumental play that Satinover and Alban bring.

Currently, Anderl and company are slowly putting together the follow-up to their first LP that was released in late 2013, Return to Tallboy Mountain. The band hopes that the album, which will be called Return to Tallboy Mountain, Again, will be recorded at Popside with Carli again. For now, however, the excitement of the NFL Films documentary and the EP being released is the band’s primary focus.

Hey-it’s not every day that you can be ‘selected’.

To listen to the EP Bo Jackson Up The Middle, you can go to iTunes here. You can also hear the EP on Spotify, eMusic, Rhapsody, and Amazon.

NFL Films presenting the 30^th anniversary on the 1984 draft will be aired on April 30^th on the NFL Network.

Ben & Jerry’s 35th Anniversary Means Free Cones!

April 8, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Thirty five years ago today Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield celebrated surviving their very first year of running their business. To thank those that supported their little ice cream store, Ben & Jerry’s, they decided to give everyone a free cone. And on every April 8th since then they’ve continued that tradition. The event grows larger every year and this year there are 26 countries taking part with over 700 scoop shops serving free ice cream and frozen yogurt (for those wanting a few less calories) from all participating stores.

Fans can choose any flavor they’d like, but they’ll also be able to try Ben & Jerry’s newest flavors, which include:

Salted Caramel Blondie: Sweet cream ice cream with blonde brownies and a salted caramel swirl
Hazed and Confused: Hazelnut and chocolate ice creams with fudge chips and a hazelnut fudge swirl
Cotton Candy: Cotton candy ice cream loaded with cotton candy piece

For me it will be a touch decision between Phish Food (chocolate ice cream with marshmallow, caramel and fudge bits) or Chocolate Peppermint Crunch (Chocolate Ice Cream with Peppermint and Fudge Swirls and Mint Chocolate Cookie Balls) or if I’m trying to be good Chocolate Fudge Brownie (Low Fat Frozen Chocolate Yogurt with Fudge Brownies).

No matter what flavor you pick- the best part is it will be free from noon to 8pm at the ice cream parlor located at 1934 Brown Street. And be warned- for some silly reason, the Ben & Jerry’s at The Greene never seems to participate in this promotion.

For more info and to find your nearest participating shop, click here.

Ohio Lottery’s Cash Explosion Road to Riches Coming to Trotwood

April 7, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Cash Explosion Show is ready to travel this spring, and on Saturday, May 17, 2014, the Road to Riches will bring the lights, cameras and action to the gymnasium at Trotwood-Madison High School, 4440 N Union Rd, Trotwood, OH 45426.

Cash Explosion makes stops in cities across Ohio each year giving fans the chance to sit in the live audience and cheer on contestants. Most recently, the show has traveled to Barnesville and Lima, and now its sights are set on Trotwood where approximately 2000 seats will be available for the general public. The event is free to the public so no tickets are required. General audience seating will be on a first come, first seated basis. The actual taping will take about two hours.
Starting at 1:00 p.m. audience members can come out and play the Cash Explosion Express Games for a chance to win merchandise and cash prizes. They have more than $10,000 in cash and merchandise prizes to give away the day of the show. The general audience seating will begin at 4:15 p.m. with the show taping set to begin at 5:00 p.m. Audience participants should expect the taping to last two hours.
As part of the Cash Explosion Road to Riches, they’ll be collecting non-perishable food items for The Food Bank, Inc. to benefit residents of Trotwood and the Miami Valley. Everyone who brings a donation will receive a gift for their generosity.

The economic impact of bringing the show to Trotwood will be felt in the booking of hotel rooms booked for crew, staff, contestants and volunteers, Rental fees for the use of auditoriums/gymnasiums, local catering used for production contestant/crew meals and limousine service rentals for Cash Explosion contestants. They will also hire off-duty police officers for security and traffic detail. Estimated spending from this event is over $30,000.

Cautiously Optimistic Step in the Right Direction

April 7, 2014 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

As I arrived at the Victoria Theatre on spring-like Sunday afternoon, I was curious to see how this season would end for this venerable troupe. While there were a few surprises, the final spring concert of the Dayton Ballet season ended on a quiet note.

The concert began with former artistic director Dermott Burke’s Fete des Courtiers; a swirling confection of neoclassical formalism, it was perfectly perfunctory in form and execution as couples moved through formations that hinted at a noble engagement. While Fete Des Courtiers broke no new ground choreographically, it nevertheless engaged both the performers and the viewer.

Susanne Payne’s Interactions was a winner of the choreographic competition that Dayton Ballet held three years ago and it has not lost any of it’s charm or choreographic vitality. I have always believed that Ms. Payne is a tremendous artistic asset to Dayton Ballet and to the cultural fabric of our community when she creates works like this. Her talents for generating unique movement vocabulary is wildly entertaining. This was the first time we had a chance to explore the talents that she possesses and she continues to grow and develop artistically. It is evident that over the past few years Dayton Ballet has benefited from an influx of new performers with their energy and ability to tackle the modernist movement vocabulary of Ms. Payne; in turn helping to illuminate her work to dazzling effect. Interactions felt as vibrant and thrilling now as its did during its world premiere a few years ago.

Jessica Lang

Next up on the bill was Jessica Lang’s From Foreign Lands and People. And what a powerful and unique work. When the curtaine opened we were presented with several four-sided columns from five to ten feet tall as well as a group of dancers. As a viewer you were automatically expecting some interaction or engagement with the columns. As the work progressed you were surprised just how farthat interaction would go. The dancers manipulated the columns into slides and hurdles that they moved across, rolled and leaped under and over, respectively. They then proceeded to stack the columns into evocative sculptural tableaus. The choreography was sublime in the economy of its construction. Jessica Lang weaved a magical spell on the audience that left more than one person in the theatre swooning with giddy satisfaction. This is a work that bears repeating and deserves to be in the repertory of the company. It is a sure fire audience pleaser and beautifully constructed work of art.

The concert concluded with Karen Burke Russo’s Canyons, a semi-abstract work that highlights her skills as a choreographer to maximum effect. Canyons evoked a Native-American motif in the imagery and movement vocabulary without being so literal as to fall into tropes and mawkish triviality. The dancers danced it with a beautifully modulated sense of control and abandonment, which they displayed consistently throughout the concert. Dayton Ballet is benefiting from a similar scenario that exists for Dayton Contemporary Dance Company; an A company of young and eager performers that are pushing the performance quality of older works in the rep as well providing a blank canvas for new and thrilling choreographers in which to create their particular form of artistic alchemy. Now is the time to be bold and decisive. While it may not draw record crowds, it makes a better case for relevancy and the right for continued support from the community.

Happy New Beer!

April 7, 2014 By Brian Petro Leave a Comment

This bar was about to become really busy…

December 5^th, 1933 is the official day that liquor flowed back into the very dry veins of the United States. No more sneaking whiskey across the frozen Detroit RIver, no more gin made of questionable liquor, no more rum runners sneaking hooch into the country through Florida. This country could get back to the business of distilling and selling liquor, creating jobs and giving a financial shot in the arm during the long dark days of the Great Depression. Before that day there were some cracks in the dam. Trickles of legal liquor started to flow from wineries, which was not a big surprise. The religious leaders of the country made sure that communion was not interrupted by social change. Brewers, on the other hand, were able to clean out the tanks and fire up the bottling machines for the first time in over a decade earlier in the year.

Representative Thomas Cullen (D-NY) and Senator Pat Harrison (D-MS) put together a bill that allowed the brewers to stop making ice cream and malt syrup and get back to brewing. The Cullen-Harrison Act was signed into law on March 22^nd, 1933 by FDR, and allowed breweries to brew alcohol at a strength of 3.2%. Still very low by our standards, but at the time it was a glass of water after a long trip to the desert. This law went into effect on April 7, 1933, and tavern owners could not have been happier. Ever since that initial celebration, every year we as a country have come together and celebrated that day as National Beer Day, or New Beer’s Eve.

If you are paying any attention, you may have noticed that there are a few new breweries in Dayton. One, two…maybe about nine that are in operation. We are going to celebrate National Beer Day by taking a look at these outstanding new breweries and asking them about their favorite brews and most popular beers.

You don’t have to drink them all today, but here are some suggestions.

Hairless Hare Brewery: The brewery of the north, working their magic in Vandalia, is drawing fans from all over the Miami Valley. Their fans are raving about the Hoppin’ Hare IPA, and they have just recently started to serve delightful food you can wash down with their beers.

Eudora Brewing: Located in Kettering on Wilimington Pike, their space contains some big flavors. They are working towards allowing members of the community to use their space to brew, but in the meantime are creating their own outstanding brews. Their Boomerang IPA is one of their best sellers, with the Thunderball Stout coming right behind it. The brewer I spoke with suggested the easy drinking Bee’s Knees Pale Ale. It is a light, crisp beer brewed with local honey.

Star City Brewing: This group of local Miamisburg brewers saw some potential in the old Peerless Mill Inn. They set up shop and the beer started to flow. They have a core group of four taps that have been pleasing the crowds. And those crowds are drinking down the Oatmeal Stout and Bavarian Hefeweizen the quickest. On their rotating tap, their Milk Stout gains quite a bit of interest.

Lock 27 Brewing: The brews here rotate on a regular basis, but there are a few that people make sure they follow. Their Map Reader IPA is a big hit with the people who seek it out, and the Bear Trap brown ale is high on the list of beers to keep an eye on. Fortunately Lock 27 makes it easy to follow what they have on tap through BeerMenus, who will email you when their taps rotate. Try their food while you are there. We hear it is as good as the beer.

Toxic Brew Company: Celebrating your one year anniversary is great for any business. This new Oregon District staple just celebrated theirs, and they show no signs of stopping. They offer an incredibly wide selection of beers, but a few rise to the top of the menu. Abby’s Cure, a Belgian Tripel, is one of them that rises, as well as Porn or Pawn Pepper Pale Ale, named after an old Oregon District drinking game (which I will someday learn). Another staff recommendation? The Practice Yoga IPA, named after another local business and a gentle introduction into the world of IPAs.

Warped Wing Brewing Company: Let’s stay in downtown Dayton and welcome the newest addition to the local beer community! Their following has been growing, and they can see some great things coming in the near future for their brewery and the local craft brewing scene in general. The Flying Rye has received excellent reviews (and is a top seller), as well as Ermals. Keep a look out for the return of the Red IPA, which was released in a limited batch and could come back soon.

This one is for you Dayton. Cheers!

Yellow Springs Brewery: Surrounded by nature and also to the north, this brewery has been growing at a rapid pace. Not only are their great beers available in their tap room, you can find them in bars and restaurants all over the city. What to choose from on their extensive list? Their most popular requests are the Captain Stardust saisson and Wyatt’s Eviction English-style pale ale. Fans of hop may also look for their Wobbly Wheel or Breaking Edge IPAs. They also have an award winning smoked brown ale, Smokin’ Handsome, which makes special appearances. You just have to be on the lookout.

Dayton Beer Company: The first one to the party is the anchor of our list. Right on Dorothy Lane in Kettering, they were the first new brewery in the area. They have been building their small batch magic into some award winning palette-pleasers. Their Mad River Milk Stout has been a hit with their patrons, as well as the Investor’s India Pale Ale. Their influence continues to expand, spreading out to local hot spots in Dayton and Columbus.

The craft beer boom keeps growing, with even more great beers on the way from Fifth Street Brewing Coop getting ready brew, and Carillon Brewing Company getting ready to open later this year. There has been such a boom of breweries in the Gem City, you can even take a tour of them via Dayton Brew Tours! These are what the brewers and bar tenders of these establishments know are their best beers, but what about you? What beers do you think are the best local ones in Dayton? Let us know in the comments! Take some time tonight to celebrate your right to drink a great craft beer. Maybe two. Cheers!

Rwandans Who Now Call Dayton Home Celebrate 20 years of Recovery in Rwanda

April 6, 2014 By Bryan Suddith 1 Comment

Almost 20 years ago on the campus of Murray State University I watched news coverage of the beginnings of the Rwandan Genocide. Standing in the midst of fellow classmates we watched the reports of Rwandan’s seeking refuge to escape the brutality falling them. Over 100 days in April, May, June and July of 1994 more than 1,000,000 Rwandans were murdered by their neighbors, friends and co-workers. In the simplest of terms the Hutu majority constructed a campaign to eliminate the Tutsi minority. For my generation this would come to pass as the largest ethnic cleansing genocide of our lifetime.

Bryan’s family, Claude’s family and Laurent’s family in Bryan’s Kettering home after pizza!

This past week I found myself at my dining room table sharing pizza and chocolate chip cookies with new and old friends. My newest friend is Claude. Claude is a website developer from Rwanda. He and his wife emigrated from Rwanda two weeks ago and have settled in Dayton Ohio. Sitting at the far end of the table was my friend Laurent. Laurent’s family are Rwandan and he too has settled in Dayton Ohio. We discussed American food, weather, church, kids, family and work.

What made this evening special is that Claude’s tribal ancestry is Hutu. Laurent’s tribal ancestry is Tutsi. 20 years ago these two men would have been risking their lives to be in fellowship with one another. 20 years is not a long time to erase such a devastating event. These two men see each other now only as Rwandan brothers who are making a life in America for themselves and their family. I simply invited them over for pizza and soaked in the sight of forgiveness and a renewed pride for the homeland Rwanda. The Genocide and its after shocks are not forgotten or ignored, simply forgiven among men who have a common country and common hope for the future.

My wife, Melissa, is working with Laurent to plan a celebration of Rwanda’s progress since those dark days in 1994. Laurent’s vision is to pull together all of Dayton’s Rwandan population for an evening that celebrates the Love and Hope Rwandan’s hold of their future in spite of their history.

First Baptist Kettering has agreed to host this event where local Rwandan’s will share their music, their culture and most importantly their stories of what forgiveness can do for a nation in need of healing. Dayton Ohio has welcomed more Rwandan’s that most any other city in the United States and the East African community continues to grow. Many men and women from the Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda were affected by the genocide and now are neighbors again here in Dayton

You are invited to join us on April 12th, 7:00 pm to share in this celebration. Opportunities to meet men and women who escaped the genocide will be on hand to tell their stories and share their love for Rwanda. Music, dance and stories will fill an evening that remembers the past and celebrates the bright future before Rwanda.

For more details on this event, visit our calendar.

(DE-FI) Introduces Erika Berthy of Gowns By Beartie

April 5, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Illumination by Gowns by Beartie

Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you, I’m not easily intimidated or at a loss for words but the very first time that I met Designer Erika Berthy designer of Gowns by Beartie, I found myself being both. We were attending a committee meeting for the Opera Guild of Dayton; I had been a fan of her work for some time but given her level of talent I wasn’t quite ready to reach out to her to see if she would be interested in showcasing at a (DE-FI) event, after all we are still rather new and we have a lot of work to do to prove that Fashion has a home here in Dayton!! Long story short I somehow managed to get the words out of my mouth to introduce myself to her without sounding like a rambling buffoon and to my surprise, she was equally excited about meeting me and said that she had been following the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC from the beginning and the rest as they say—is history!!

To say that Erika’s approach to fashion is different would be an understatement simply because she doesn’t even refer to her work as fashion, she calls it Wearable Art. When she first started explaining the concept of her work, I really didn’t understand what she meant BUT then she brought out a design called “The Passion” and I was in awe! “The Passion” wasn’t just a dress, it was literally a piece of art constructed to look like a dress and to top it off the description of each detail of “The Passion” was poetic, from the plunging neckline that exposes our heart to the slashes along the side that represent the ribs to protect the heart literally and #MetaphoricallySpeaking.

Spoken Word Artist Jay Martinez will be collaberating with Gowns by Beartie to bring a Fashion meets Poetry experience you wont’ forget!!

Each piece from Gowns by Beartie tells a story. So of course we couldn’t just have Erika’s runway showcase set to music…we needed a Story Teller or a Spoken Word Artist to help us deliver this #FashionExperience to the attendees of The First Flight Now Fashion Vintage Couture Ball taking place on Saturday May 10 as a part of A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance…and the first person that came to mind was local Spoken Word Artist Jay Martinez of Metaphorically Speaking. When I shared the concept of fusing Poetry and Fashion with Erika she fell in love with the idea and believe me when I say you do not want to miss her showcase that will be set to the whimsical and rapid fire lyrics of Jay Martinez who has written custom poetry for each piece that Erika will be showcasing including “Contained Energy”, “Delicate Balance”, “Discovery”, “Inner Passion”, and “Transient Layers”!!

The Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC is excited to introduce participating designers that will be taking part in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance May 9-10, 2014!! A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance will be showcasing both emerging and established designers to help raise money for the Art of (DE-FI)ance Fashion Fund! The Fashion Fund will be used to help designers purchase materials such as fabrics to produce their lines, pay entrance fees into influential Fashion Weeks that will put them in front of buyers, as well as helping to pay for some travel expenses!! As we’ve done with Anne Agoren designer of Izzi Bags and Rebecca Huber designer of Maderas Beach Co., we set down for a Q & A with Erika to share her story and journey in Fashion with the community!

Q) How did you get your start in the fashion industry?

A) I first became interested in Fashion when I was in elementary school while watching a program on FIT I later went on to attend the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP (Design, Architecture, Art and Planning) where I completed six Co-ops and full time internships.

Q) Who were your influences personally and professionally?

A) My parents, Audrey Hepburn, Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy, Charles James, Julie Pollack, Elma Camargo, Cynthia Lockhart, Ann Firestone, Margie Voelker-Ferrier, Julie Liveris…I could go on and on!

Q) What were some of the struggles you faced as an emerging designer and what do you consider to be your “Big Break” that took you from being an emerging designer to an established designer?

A) Funding my art has been my biggest struggle. Working with the wonderful photographer Adam Leigh-Manuell and makeup/hair artist Lydia Brock has been my biggest break.

Q) What has been your biggest challenge trying to get your start in the industry?

A) Marketing my work has always been a challeng.

Q) There are so many misconceptions about what the Fashion Industry is or what it represents, if there was one myth about the fashion industry that you could debunk what would it be and why?

A) One fashion misconception is that women always wore white for their weddings. This tradition didn’t start until Queen Victoria in 1840.

Q) Who is your target market, and when people think of your brand what is the image that you want people to see or represent?

A) My brand is wearable art, fabric sculptures designed to enhance your body, reflect your style and transcend stereotypes of purpose. My target market is strong women who appreciate art and stand out from the crowd.

Q) Why is it so important for Fashion to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton, OH?

A) Fashion needs to be embraced in smaller markets like Dayton to help support and keep artists in the community.

Q) What are you most excited about in terms of your participation in A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance and what are you hoping to get out of this experience?

A) I’m excited to be involved in an event that promotes emerging designers, I’m hoping to introduce my work to a new audience.

Q) What advice do you have for those seeking a career in fashion?

A) Read Steven Pressfield’s The War on Art. Also check out Nine Heads, a fantastic Fashion Illustration book. Go on internships, explore the many facets of the industry and ask questions.

For more information on how you can make a fashion Statement in A Gown by Beartie, please send all inquiries to [email protected]. You can also see her work first hand at during A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance by purchasing your tickets today at Salon J Ladner located at 37 S. St.Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402, American Pi Dayton located at 39. S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402 Beaute Box located 116 W. 5th St., Dayton OH, 45402, American Pi Lebanon located at 748 E. Columbus Ave., Lebanon OH. You can also purchase your tickets online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-tickets-10948422025. For VIP Tickets http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-of-de-fiance-first-flight-now-fashion-vintage-couture-ball-vip-seating-tickets-10948458133 NOTE: VIP Tickets included premium seating, Swag bags, and a complimentary drink.

Spring Menu Has Arrived At Lily’s Bistro

April 5, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Spring house salad at Lily’s

Lily’s Bistro, located at 329 E. Fifth Street in Dayton’s Oregon District, has launched their latest seasonal menu featuring springtime fare.

General Manager Emily Mendenhall says, “everyone is so beyond ready for spring time, and we are thrilled to have a new menu that reflects the season. I love root vegetables but we’ve been eating them for months. Our new menu drops them in favor of springtime produce like asparagus and sugar snap peas. Additionally, our wine, beer, and cocktail offerings have changed with the season. No more apple cider in cocktails, and a lot more focus on refreshing, crisp white wines.

Executive Chef Mariah Gahagan says “This menu is a big milestone for us. We opened late last spring, so thisis the first time we’ve brought back an existing entrée, which is the Cobia surf n’ turf. Cobia is a meaty white fish and it’s served with Spanish chorizo and fingerling potatoes in a sherry broth—kind of my version of a bouillabaisse. We’ve also brought back lamb chops, which to me are the perfect spring protein. We are serving them grilled over a light chickpea and tomato stew with roasted asparagus, then topped with flash fried kalamata olives and harissa-a Tunisian hot pepper chili paste.”

Lily’s Bistro offers their seasonal lunch menu Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-3pm, and their full dinner menu Tuesday-Thursday from 5-10pm as well as Friday and Saturday from 5-11pm. On Friday and Saturday they also have a full bar and late night kitchen until 1am. On Sundays, Lily’s serves their brunch menu from 11am-3pm, and has “Family Style Fried Chicken Dinner” from 5-10pm, a more casual dinner menu focusing on local, free-range fried chicken and assorted sides with a good deal of southern influence.

Greater Dayton Derby Slated for Friday May 9th ! TICKET CONTEST

April 4, 2014 By Dayton937 5 Comments

How can you help support a local charity, have a blast, and even get a chance at winning some cash and prizes? Then get a ticket to the Greater Dayton Derby being held May 9th at 7 pm at the IUE/CWA Hall on Woodman Dr..

The Greater Dayton Apartment Association’s charity The Rent Foundation is hosting this extravaganza. You can tell your friends that you helped house a family. Dont’ miss your chance to help real families in the Miami Valley.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE RENT FOUNDATION.

What is the Rent Foundation ? Founded in 1993, it is a charitable organization that helps families pay their rent during times of crisis. This charity settles apartment debt for families who
through unforeseen tragedies or illness are unable to pay their monthly rent. Won’t you help them prevent homelessness, one family at a time?

WHAT: THE GREATER DAYTON DERBY (Bet Cash/Win Cash on Horse Races on the Big Screen)

WHEN: FRIDAY NIGHT, MAY 9th at 7pm

WHERE: IUE/CWA Hall at 1675 WOODMAN DRIVE (2 doors down from the Root Beer Stande)

WHAT ELSE: Pull tabs, and Dozens of Raffle Prizes to be won !

COST: $15 for admission includes endless beer, food and soft drinks – call (937) 293-1170 to buy tickets, or buy them at the door – OVER 21 event !

Our Food Adventure guys, The Big Ragu & the Crew are donating 2 tickets to this event for one lucky winner !

To have a chance at the 2 free tickets, please comment on this story below. One winner will be chosen at random next week. SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE !!

A sychronized DCDC at the Dayton Art Institute

April 3, 2014 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

Another excellent chance to see the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company as it presents Synchronicity, a unique concert in collaboration with student musicians attending two of the company’s university partners, Central State University and Wright State University as well as South Dayton Dance Theatre. Special guest artist, Dayton’s very own renowned jazz musician, Khalid Moss and his Trio, will also perform. Mr. Khalid’s trio features Eddie Brookshire on bass and Fenton Sparks on drums. The performance takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 7:30pm and Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 3:00pm in the Renaissance Auditorium at the Dayton Art Institute.

For tickets to Synchronicity please contact Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630 or 888-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Game of Thrones Ommegang Brewing Flight Night @ Spinoza’s

April 3, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Where the Rivers Meet: Sequel to Playing for Change Video

April 3, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Michael & Sanday Bashaw. Photo credit: Blue Sky Project

Since its release in June 2013, the first locally-produced YouTube sensation “Where There is Love” has been viewed by over 200,000 people in more than 200 countries. Local artists, Michael & Sandy Bashaw, from the local band Puzzle of Light, organized the original video which featured 14 acts from jazz, reggae, spoken word and even The Burundi Royal Court Drummers.

The video presented Dayton to the world – via YouTube – in a very positive light to lots of people. Using music in this way to celebrate diversity and collaboration demonstrates to those outside Dayton that this is a great place to live, work and do business.

Prompted by its continued success and great enthusiasm from both the regional and global communities they are gearing up for making a brand new Dayton music video. As before, this project will be shot on-location in the greater Dayton area, and will feature artists from our home town. Filming will commence in mid-May. Producer David Sherman who directed the first video and will also be part of the creative team producing the sequel.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cABVKIPk_u0&hd=1′]

“During our first collaboration, we discovered we absolutely loved working together and did so very efficiently as a team. So with this production experience under our belts we’re ready for a more ambitious project” shares Sandy Bashaw. “Micheal Bashaw explains, “we’ll be renting some specialized photographic equipment, and we’re delighted that Andy Snow has joined our team as Director of Photography. The new cast of musicians, singers and dancers is stellar!

This time, our community has the opportunity to play a part in making this new video happen. Welcome Dayton and Involvement Advocacy are partners as well as Culture Works and their new crowdfunding initiative – Power2Give. Through Power2Give, Dayton Power & Light is matching every dollar donated. Donors can simply go to power2give.org/DaytonRegion and look for our project, which is entitled “S.O.S – Share our Song.”

Dayton sits at the convergence of rivers – a perfect metaphor for the blending of people, cultures and ideas. Great things happen at the point of convergence. But we need for our regional and global communities to join us to make this happen. In this case, every dollar really DOES count.

Art Bike Competition at Garden Station’s EarthFest 2014

April 2, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Why should your best throw-aways go to the curb when those recyclables also make the best art supplies? This year you can show your neighbors just how creative you are when you participate in the first ever Garden Station Recycled Art Bike Contest. Be outrageous. Be daring. Bring on the flair and win prizes and bragging rights for the year.

Turn your bicycle in a functional work of art by reusing materials that would normally go to a landfill or recycling center. Anything you can think of can become a part of your ride when you make a statement about reuse of materials, everyday art and the best form of transportation for you and the community.

Best of Show, Most Creative, and Best use of Recycled Materials are three of the categories to win. Entries must be ride-able as you dazzle the community with your cycling-flair, talent and skills.

Bikes will be reviewed at 1pm, Saturday, April 26th at Garden Station by our panel of highly capable judges including local artists and representatives from Bike Miami Valley. After judging, participants will embark on the parade ride lead by Courteous Mass Dayton. The ride will leave Garden Station to cruise through the Oregon District to the 2nd Street Market and back to Garden Station where the winners will be announced.

As word is getting out about this event, more prize donors are stepping up, but be prepared to win some really fun gifts from local merchants and sponsors. There is no entry fee and registration and the lineup of entries will take place just before the judging at 1pm.

If you would like to participate as an artist, a rider, or a prize sponsor visit the Garden Station Facebook page or email [email protected] or join the event at the Facebook Page: Recycled Art Bike Contest @ EarthFest!