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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Archives for September 2014

McDonald’s Perks Up Miami Valley With Free Coffee

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coffee newFrom September 16 through 29, guests can get a free small McCafé coffee during breakfast hours at participating McDonald’s restaurants throughout the Miami Valley. This event builds on McDonald’s first-ever Free Coffee Event launched last March, where the company gave away millions of cups of free coffee during the two-week period.

 

“With our second Free Coffee program, we’re continuing to encourage people to try our McCafé blend and rewarding longtime guests with a free cup of coffee with their favorite McDonald’s breakfast,” said Jeremy Hamilton, President, McDonald’s Restaurants of the Miami Valley. “We were thrilled to offer a free cup of McCafé coffee during our first Free Coffee Event earlier this year and we look forward to sharing a great cup of coffee with the Miami Valley this fall.”

 

McDonald’s first launched its McCafé line in the U.S. in 2009. The collection included McCafé signature blend coffee and quickly expanded to include iced coffees, espresso-based drinks, such as lattes and mochas, blended-ice beverages including smoothies and frappes as well as limited-time seasonal offerings.  This holiday season, customers can again enjoy the White Chocolate Mocha, in addition to the new White Chocolate Latte and Hot Chocolate, for a limited-time.

 

McCafé fans in the  Miami Valley and nationwide will soon be able to enjoy their coffee whenever they want, including at home. McDonald’s recently announced a collaboration with Kraft Foods Group, Inc. to offer a variety of McCafé ground, whole bean and single cup coffees in grocery stores and other retailers nationwide starting in early 2015.

 

Historic South Park Food Truck Shindig and Street Party

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10342012_10152401666628763_3227515350543628153_n-1Dayton’s largest historic district  will hold its first-ever Food Truck Shindig and Street Party on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 4 to 8pm at the corners of  Burns Ave. & Nathan St. in Historic South Park.  Five food trucks from around the area will feature dishes made with produce grown in South Park Urban Garden and other South Park gardens. Along with great ingredients grown and sourced locally, this event will feature an iPod® music battle, on-site t-shirt printing, a raffle featuring gift certificates from local businesses, games and more.
Since 2010, South Park Urban Garden has been a growing fixture in the neighborhood now featuring 30 garden beds used by South Park neighbors to grow everything from arugula to zucchini and everything in between. “Like our neighborhood, the local food truck landscape includes independent, individual, fun, community-oriented vendors with the DIY spirit. South Park is so much more than an historic neighborhood,” said Craig Schrolucke, marketing chair for Historic South Park. “Hosting an event that showcases the South Park Urban Garden, local businesses and family fun seems quite natural. We invite everyone to come out and experience for themselves why South Park is such a great neighborhood.”cropped-harvest-mobile-cuisine-logo_grey-green

 

Patrick Sartin of Harvest Mobile Cuisine, a food truck that frequently serves up local fare outside South Park’s Ghostlight Coffee, organized a select group of food trucks with a focus on local produce for the event. The trucks will be using some late-season produce from the South Park Urban Garden and other South Park Gardens in their dishes for the event. The other participating food trucks are The Painted Pepper, The Shakery, C’est Cheese, and G’s Cue BBQ.  “We’re big fans of the food truck community that has sprung up here in Dayton and are excited
to partner with this select group to show off the neighborhood,” said Historic South Park board  member Amy Lee.

 

Along with great food, the Food Truck Shindig and Street party will feature on-site screen printing of locally designed t-shirts available for sale, printed on equipment provided by  Telephone Weekly; a raffle of gift certificates from South Park businesses including Coco’s, Custom Frame Services, Ghostlight Coffee, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Pizza Factory, South Park Tavern and more. Music will be provided by neighborhood DJs as they battle it out using their iPod® and their playlists, games and Local Love… A Roaming Boutique.
This event is made possible by the generous donations of local businesses listed above and more, a mini-grant from the City of Dayton and Historic South Park, Inc.

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Dayton Metro Library Launches Reading Hero Initiative

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readingheros2The Dayton Metro Library is launching a brand new initiative this fall called Be A Reading Hero. Presented in partnership with The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and 22 different community agencies, this literacy and safety collaboration connects first responders with children and families at the Library.

“With the enthusiastic participation of area police, fire and emergency personnel, we’re offering fun and educational programs for all ages this fall,” said Tim Kambitsch, Dayton Metro Library Executive Director. “The Library’s role as a community center makes it the perfect location for first responders to meet and build relationships with the people they serve.”

Free programs, including storytimes with police officers and firefighters, career talks with first responders, and safety presentations by Dayton Children’s Hospital, will take place at many Dayton Metro Library locations throughout the county.

As part of the Reading Hero initiative, the Library is assembling Cruiser Bags for first responders to use in the field. These bags contain small toys, stickers and books intended to provide comfort and distraction to children during stressful or emergency situations.

“We are grateful to our partners, Dayton Children’s Hospital, G4S and AAA/Allied Group, for working with the Library and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to make this exciting new collaboration a reality,” said Kambitsch. “We are especially indebted to the Reading Heroes themselves who work every day to make our communities safe.”

Tim Kambitsch and Sheriff Phil Plummer officially kick off the Be A Reading Hero program on Wednesday, September 17, 9:30-10:00 a.m. at the corner of Fourth Street and Patterson Boulevard in downtown Dayton. Representatives from the many participating agencies, including area police and fire departments, CareFlight and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, have been invited to attend. Fire trucks, cruisers and other vehicles will be on hand.  The cruiser bags will be premiered at this kickoff event.

For a complete list of Reading Hero programs, pick up a copy of the new Fall issue of Spotlight On Your Library or visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org\ReadingHero.

Participating Agencies:

Brookville Fire Department

Brookville Police Department

CareFlight Air & Mobile Services

Dayton Fire Department

Dayton Police Department

Harrison Township Fire Department

Huber Heights Fire Department

Huber Heights Police Department

Kettering Fire Department

Kettering Police Department

Miami Township Police Department

Miami Township Fire-Rescue

Miami Valley Fire District

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

New Lebanon Fire Department

New Lebanon Police Department

Ohio State Highway Patrol

Trotwood Fire & Rescue

Trotwood Police Department

Vandalia Fire Department

Vandalia Police Department

West Carrollton Fire Department

West Carrollton Police Department

Sponsored by: Dayton Children’s Hospital, G4S, AAA Allied Group

Presented by: The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and The Dayton Metro Library

TIFF 2014 – Day #9

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MV5BMjEwMDczOTU3Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDYyMDU0MjE@._V1_SX214_AL_Friday, September 12, 2014

Hello.

Thanks for coming back to check out my last day of screenings at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.  Even though I didn’t see as many as I have during some years, I had a great time and managed to see 30 films, visit with lots of people in various aspects of the industry, and attend a couple fun parties.

My first film today was Susanne Bier’s A SECOND CHANCE.  I was first introduced to Bier’s work at my first TIFF back in 2002.  That’s where I saw OPEN HEARTS (her film from the Dogme Movement) and I fell in love…BROTHERS, AFTER THE WEDDING, the Oscar winning IN A BETTER WORLS – all great films.  Bier is truly a gifted storyteller, but this new film is just too over-the-top for me.  A veteran police officer and his wife are new, proud parents…but when the baby dies in the night of SIDS, the cop decides to swap his dead child with a mistreated baby from an ill-kept apartment to help nurse back his terribly depressed wife.  This film is like a more cinematic, 2-hour episode of LAW & ORDER: SVU.  Though the craft is there, the story and the script seem too big and even trite at times.  Though I was engaged and wanted to see what happened, I was ultimately disappointed.  (The lead actor, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, is from GAMES OF THRONES.  I’m sure there will be added appeal due to his presence.)

I usually only name films that I finish.  If I walk out early, I don’t feel a review is warranted.  That said, I watched the first 20 minutes of a movie today to kill some time.  My plan was to leave early because I needed to get to a different screening.  The movie was X + Y, and I was truly engaged (Sally Hawkins is in it, so that adds to the allure). I wish I could have finished it, but I wanted to get to ST. VINCENT in time.

ST. VINCENT is Bill Murray’s most recent film.  It’s the story of a grumpy, older man who ends up babysitting his new next door neighbor’s kid when he gets home from school.  Murray takes the kid to the race tracks, teaches him to defend himself on the playground and adds a few new colorful words to his vocabulary.  Though a little “easy” sometimes, this film is a crowd-pleaser.

 

My last film of this year’s fest was LEARNING TO DRIVE – a film starring Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley.  What a perfect way to end the fest!  This is a film about a middle-aged woman who has just been left by her husband.  Feeling even more trapped in her life by not being able to pick up and go visit her daughter, she finally takes the driving lessons she needs in order to get a license.  Clarkson is luminous in this film, and her chemistry with Kingsley is spectacular.  Clarkson attended the Q&A, and she told this audience that this is a film she’s been trying to make for 9 years.  It’s touching, it’s very funny, and it’s a liberating film in regards to finding and taking control of yourself.  I hope it finds distribution!

learning-to-drive-ben-kingsley-patricia-clarkson

After the screening, I met up with a childhood friend who now lives in Buffalo.  It’s been 5 years since I saw him last, and it was so great to catch up.

Thanks so much for checking in on my TIFF experience.  It’s been a great year, and I’m going to miss this wonderful city.

In the next few days, I’ll try to upload a few photos I took on my phone and come up with a mini-recap.

All the best,

Jonathan

Meg Renee: Troy’s Music “Dream”er

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This past May, Meg Renee released her first album, Dream Awake.  While sitting inside the Winan’s Chocolates and Coffee located  in the heart of downtown Troy, Ohio, I asked singer/songwriter Meg Renee a simple question.  A question that I thought would be  probably be one of the easiest to answer for her.  A question that most musicians get immediately.  I questioned her on when she  realized that she wanted to go into music.

Her response?

“I honestly don’t know,” Renee replied with a giggle.

That’s it.  Nothing more.

At a time when people that when teenagers, like Renee, are slowly turning the corner on maybe knowing what they want to do, she  was already ahead of the curve.

Renee claims that there was no “a-ha” moment when she discovered she wanted to be in music.  She maintains didn’t she have the switch flipped to the opposite end, and have the light bulb flicker on that’s above all of our heads.

She just simply couldn’t tell me as we sat there in that small coffee shop.

Regardless of what she says on what knowing when the opportunity struck her, Renee started to show signs that a career in music was inevitable early in her life.  At the age of six, Renee and her friend would hang out the house and sing Brittany Spears songs, and talk about maybe one day forming an all-girl band.  They would write songs that they would hope to one day be able to play in front of an audience.  Renee would also write and create stories with stickers that incorporated with them, along with poetry on the side.

It was at age nine when Renee started learning how to play the guitar.  Renee’s father, who also was a musician years ago when he would perform in a country band, began instructing her and then she followed it up by taking lessons at Sound City Music in town.  After a while, Renee wanted to separate herself away from other musician’s songs and try to work on some of her own.  “I wanted to try to teach myself a little bit.  I felt like I got a lot of skills from it (taking lessons) and it was time to make myself practice on my own stuff,” Renee said.

During one of her music classes when she was in the sixth grade, the teacher requested that each of the students write down a musical goal for themselves to obtain that year.  Renee’s goal was to fill a notebook that she brought to class full of songs that she wrote.  It was then that she fully understood that her aspiration to become a musician was more than just a silly fantasy.  It was going to become her life.  Her purpose.

Maybe there was the “a-ha” moment after all, I sheepishly said to myself.

Renee’s first gig was at the age of thirteen when she opened for a band that was slated to play at the recreational center in town.  The organizer of the show was impressed with Renee, and helped her get into some other events.  She sang in the local church that she attended, and was in some talent shows.  She has also participated in Miami County Fair, Troy Strawberry Festival, Rohs Café in Cincinnati, 2nd Street Market in Dayton, Courthouse Square in Dayton, Miami Vallley Music Festival, Holiday at Home Show, Brandeberry Winery among others.

In the beginning of January, Renee went into the studio to record Dream Awake in Popside Recording, located in Troy.  Being recommended to go and record, Renee worked with engineer/producer, and guitarist for Hawthorne Heights Micah Carli.  “I was very nervous going in,” Renee says when describing the first day of recording.  “You are taking your songs and that’s your baby, and they said, “Let us help you with it.””  Along with Renee singing and playing rhythm guitar, Cali recruited some others to help record the other instruments while he played on lead guitar.

The album begins with the terrific, country-influenced “Calloused Wings”, and is followed by the jazzy “Chase Me Through The Streets”.  Much like the playful song “Crazy”, Dream Awake captures the softness of Renee’s vocals, following her influences of Brandi Carlisle and Regina Spektor.

After high school, Renee mentioned that she would like to move to Nashville.  She has her eyes focused on attending Belmont University, though she is still looking at some other schools.  She visited the campus last summer, and soon started to adore the city of Nashville-where the school is located.  She became fond of the possibilities of advancing her music career there.  “I love the music there,” Renee explains with a twinkle in her eye the minute she begins talking about the city.  Also as an added bonus-there is a songwriting major there.

With her focus squaring straight up on being a better singer/songwriter, there are times when Renee misses out on being a typical teenager.  Most of her weekends consist of gigs, while sometimes the occasional dance is not going to be attended.  However, the music comes first for her.  Renee is hopefully that when she arrives in Nashville, and gets settled-she would like to set up a band.

First things first, though-Renee’s high school football team has a home game that she is going to.  “I am going to be painting faces and hang out with my friends.”  Across from the coffee shop where we sat at, The Fries Band are setting up on the stage as part of The Summer Music Concert Series.  The Fries Band play of popular and obscure cover songs from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. They blend their complex vocal harmonies driven by acoustic guitars with keyboards, bass, and drums to re-create very distinctive musical arrangements of bands like Crosby Stills Nash & Young, America, The Beatles, Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, etc.  Renee takes a peak to see the band setting up outside the window.

You just know that she would love to be the one setting up to be playing.

The Dayton Foundation Wants To Know How You #SpreadtheGood in the Dayton Region?

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10671288_10152681799828485_1579886657158281525_nThe Dayton Foundation is launching a new social media campaign to celebrate and share the good work happening in the Dayton Region.

 

#SpreadtheGood: Dayton Region will kick-off on Friday, September 12, 2014, at Downtown Dayton Partnership’s Urban Nights, and run through December 2, 2014 (#GivingTuesday). The campaign will highlight the efforts and stories of not-for-profit organizations and volunteers in the community, while encouraging others to #SpreadtheGood in the region by performing a good deed on behalf of a local nonprofit.

 

Participants will be encouraged to snap a photo of themselves performing the good deed and share it on the Foundation’s social media pages. Each photo entry will enter the featured nonprofit into the Foundation’s Retweet to Give (RT2Give) challenge that will award a one-time $1,000 grant on #GivingTuesday.

Anyone in Greater Dayton is invited to participate in the #SpreadtheGood challenge and can do so by visiting the Foundation’s table on Courthouse Square during Urban Nights and signing up to take the challenge by answering the question “How do you #SpreadtheGood in the Dayton Region?” Additionally, individuals and organizations unable to attend Urban Nights also are encouraged to participate by following the steps below.

How to #SpreadtheGood in the Dayton Region:

  •  “Like” The Dayton Foundation on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
  • Volunteer for a local nonprofit. Contact your favorite organization for available volunteer opportunities.
  • Snap a photo of yourself performing a good deed then show the community how you #SpreadtheGood in the Dayton Region by mentioning the Foundation on Twitter (@DaytonFdn) or uploading your photo to The Dayton Foundation’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/TheDaytonFoundation) using the hashtags #SpreadtheGood and #Dayton.
  • Finally, continue to #SpreadtheGood by challenging friends, family members or co-workers to also participate.

Submitted photos will periodically be shared on the Foundation’s social media pages and will automatically enter the  represented organization into the Foundation’s Retweet to Give (RT2Give) challenge.

 

 

‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ Review – Dayton Playhouse – Corporate Charm

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how to succeed

Photo caption (Center left and right) R.J. Steck, Jim Lockwood and the cast of the Dayton Playhouse’s production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” (Photo by Art Fabian)

The Dayton Playhouse’s 2014-15 season is off to a promising start thanks to its delightful staging of Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows, Willie Gilbert and Jack Weinstock’s 1962 Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical satire “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

Based on the 1952 book by Shepherd Mead and directed by Jeff Sams, this “Succeed” succeeds primarily because it doesn’t have to survive on the confident shoulders of R.J. Steck, a tall, lanky and personable presence who conveys the proper amount of gumption and shrewdness as window washer-turned-corporate honcho J. Pierrepont Finch. Steck charmingly handles Finch’s fascinating ascension within the World Wide Wicket Company circa 1965, a goofy, dated playpen where men behave badly and women long for marriage. However, as with any star-driven musical from “Mame” to “Fiddler on the Roof,” it’s important for the lead to be supported. It’s satisfying to know Steck is surrounded by a strong ensemble and featured performers despite the cast overtly skewing younger than most productions of this show.
Brad Bishop is a hoot as philandering company president J.B. Biggley, particularly mastering Biggley’s idiosyncrasies and no-nonsense attitude while validating how easily manipulated he is. He also memorably partners with Steck for a comical rendition of “Grand Old Ivy” reminiscent of the 2011 Broadway revival starring Daniel Radcliffe. Lovely vocalist Taylor Winkleski is sweet and appealing as Rosemary Pilkington, the secretary smitten by Finch. The playful Tori Kocher, a breakthrough performer last season as Penny Pingleton in the Playhouse’s “Hairspray,” shines again as a wonderfully witty Smitty, Rosemary’s close friend and fellow secretary. Desmond Thomas, precise and intuitive, schemes with glee as Bud Frump, Biggley’s jealous nephew and Finch’s nemesis. As dim-witted vamp Hedy LaRue, Hannah Thompson cutely seduces and entraps. Jim Lockwood is terrifically distinctive as Mr. Twimble and Wally Womper. J. Gary Thompson (Bert Bratt), Richard Young (Milt Gatch), Rebekah Skaroupka (Miss Jones), and Steve Peters (Voice of the Book that gives Finch the tricks of the trade) commendably round out the principals. The enjoyable ensemble consists of Maggie Carroll, Malcolm Casey, Naman Clark, Janice Lea Codispoti, Paige Combs, Allison Eder, Karla Enix, Tyler Henry, Marabeth A. Klejna, Matt Lindsay, Grace Lindsley, Joe Meyer, Trevor Meyers, Jim Spencer, Sydney Thomas, John-Michael Vanover, Stacy Ward, and Andrew Wood.
From a notable musical standpoint, the Act 1 finale spotlighting Steck, Winkleski and Thomas will send you into intermission with a smile due to their very pleasant harmony and the strength of Nancy Perrin’s fine orchestra.
Elsewhere, choreographer Annette Looper supplies another series of energetic and flavorful routines as evidenced in the hilarious frenzy of “Coffee Break,” the mindful caution of “A Secretary is Not a Toy,” and the rousing unity of “Brotherhood of Man.” Chris Newman, the Playhouse’s resident scenic designer this season, supplies a colorfully authentic workplace complete with an efficient elevator and large walls cleverly serving as office doors. Kathleen Carroll’s attractive costumes are also era-appropriate. John Falkenbach’s lighting design, K.L. Storer’s sound design, Melanie Davis’ properties, and Steve Burton and Tim Grewe’s wig and hair design are added benefits of this thoroughly entertaining production.

 

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” continues through Sept. 21 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors and students. The production is performed in 3 hours including a 15-minute intermission. For tickets or more information, call (937) 424-8477 or visit online at www.daytonplayhouse.com

UpDayton Launches Dayton Inspires

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1451421_10151715023832337_2096711741_nOlivia Barrow came to Dayton two years ago to work for the Dayton Business Journal.  And she quickly saw through the inferiority complex that our town seems to have and is excited about helping others see that, too. Olivia says, “I saw a lot of untapped potential in the Dayton region. Dayton’s outdoor adventure possibilities, especially the rivers, really capture my imagination and inspire me to be active. The opportunities for young people to become influential in the community and in business also inspires my desire to make a difference.”

As a way to give back to her town, Olivia became involved with UpDayton, a non profit group focused on the attraction and retention of young talent in Dayton.  When their annual UpDayton Summit came around last April, she knew it was her time to ignite others with the passion she felt for the region.  At the Summit, attended by hundreds of area young professional, the challenge posed was:  How can we IGNITE change to make Dayton an even better place to live, work and play? How can we improve the quality of life for young professionals?

 

The group agreed to create three new projects to tackle these questions.  Olivia stepped forward as a Project Leader and shared her idea – pictured to the right.

Attendees of the summit heard many pitches, and voted to narrow down the ideas. The three projects ideas selected for for 2014: 1) Disc Golf Course Along the River 2) Welcome Day for WPAFB in Downtown Dayton and 3) “I Love Dayton” Campaign.

558153_290105481123261_1785217115_nAfter the summit, Matthew Sliver, one of the co-founders of Catapult Creative, says,  “I saw an update about which projects had been chosen, and who pitched them. “I Love Dayton: was one of the chosen projects, which Olivia had pitched. I sent her a text with a screen grab asking her if she needed help naming the project, her response, ” I’ve already conscripted you to come up with it :).”

Sliver shares, “As long as I have lived here people have talked about the Dayton mindset of “mine. My idea, my client, my plan.” The trend that I know a lot of the people involved in this project have seen is that we end up with numerous ideas that are all similar, but no one wants to work together. They want IT to be their idea.  An idea is always better when it’s numerous pieces of different ideas from all over, pushed into one great idea.”  So his goal was to help steer the project into something that could be communal.

Matthew and his creative team got to work. At the May Project Launch “I Love Dayton” morphed into Dayton Pride.

10450846_729597617081299_1510010075035586284_nIn June the  Dayton Pride group met at Warped Wing Brewing Company to start to plot out a campaign to create a media buzz for the region.  What they ended up sharing was their vision for Dayton Inspires.

According to the recently launched website:
We have created a new positive interactive brand for Dayton that is reflected in our Web and social media presence. We’re giving everyone access to our designs so they can take our campaign and run with it. We will succeed by inspiring Daytonians to use our branding to promote themselves and their pride in the city in any form they choose.

 

With your help, we will cover the city with our logo by distributing it through posters, stickers, murals and other physical images at businesses and community gathering spaces in downtown Dayton and in the suburbs. When we finish, it will be almost impossible to go to downtown Dayton without encountering our logo, and the positive vibes it inspires.”

According to Updayton Executive Director Laura Estandia, a young professional who came to Dayton to attend UD and has stayed, explains, “I like this campaign because it encourages the user to be interactive. It’s open source creative. No trademarks, just free space. I am excited to see how people interact with it. It could be messy at times, but overall this is going to be a very colorful, diverse celebration.”

Barrow is excited to see how the community will embrace Dayton Inspires.  She shared, “I hope it will inspire the region to take pride in 1795555_854250707933554_5018015499721029488_nitself and truly see Dayton for the wonderful place to live that it is. And while many people who live here recognize that it’s a great place to live, they still talk down about it as if it’s something to apologize for. When people take pride in where they live, they’re more invested in the community and willing to spend money locally, and they look for ways to take advantage of the city’s amenities instead of always going out of town. If the 850,000 people who live in the region began to celebrate all of the great businesses and parks and unique shops and restaurants that make Dayton awesome, downtown and the region would be bustling with activity all the time. ”

Sliver hopes “to see a chain reaction. It will start with several businesses and people, then as others see what Dayton has inspired them to do, they will inturn show what inspires them. Ultimately, I just want people to start seeing the amazing things that Dayton has to offer, instead of focusing on the bad.” As 10590452_853038854721406_5433646713438210754_nfor measuring success, he shares, ” This is a social based campaign, so the more posts I see, or the more that #Daytoninspires is used, that will measure the short-term. I will know we are successful when we are approached by another group of like-minded individuals wanting to take the voice of Dayton Inspires over and grow it even further.”

1488919_869665046392120_5991589807105802675_nAnd now Dayton- it’s your turn to participate.  What inspires you?

 

The Dayton Inspires crew will be on hand tonight at Urban Nights with their photo booth at the UpDayton Splatter Zone, located at 125 N Wilkinson St in the parking lot near the Westminster Presbyterian Church .

Share what you love about Dayton! Bring a T-shirt (or other clothing item) and get “tagged” with the Dayton Inspires logo at the spray painting station. 

Keep up with Dayton Inspires by liking their Facebook Page.

 

 

 

 

TIFF 2014 – Day #8

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movies-benedict-cumberbatch-the-imitation-game-filming-3Thursday, September 11, 2014

Welcome back!  Thanks for checking out my Day #8 blog of my TIFF adventures.

This morning was so different than the others.  I slept in!  Because I didn’t need to be in line by 7:00, I woke up at 9:15 instead of 6am.  It was glorious!

My first film of the day was LOVE IN THE TIME OF CIVIL WAR – a French-Canadian film about a 20-something guy with a crack problem.  An alternate title for this film could be DON’T DO CRACK.  I’ve never seen such a gruelingly monotonous film about drug use.  The lead character smokes to get high, has some sex (in what is generally very unsexy footage), buys some drugs and gets high again.  Sometimes, he has to find money – so he robs someone, gets paid for sex and then buys more drugs and gets high.  This film could essentially be a 2-hour PSA about the horrors of crack.  As much as I wanted to go, I felt like I needed to stay.  I didn’t make the right decision.

There is no trailer available for this film.  Below is a picture.

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I went into my next film with a qualifier in place.  If the film failed to reel me in within the first 12 minutes, I would leave to go to a different selection.  It failed and I walked.  The next selection was worse.  Including eye-rolling situations with characters that were much too twee or playing on archetypal stereotypes, I failed to see the backbone of good storytelling…so I left that screening and got lunch instead.

After a 30-minute nap, I was off to AN EYE FOR BEAUTY – the new film from Denys Arcand (director of BARBARIAN INVASIONS, JESUS OF MONTREAL and more).  It’s the story of a married man and how he’s both interested in another woman and dealing with the mental instability of wife.  This film is full of stunning landscapes, the changing seasons, and well-written dialog.Though fully engaged, I felt the film fell flat with a lack of focus.

There is no trailer with English subtitles, but take a look at this anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1QO8SXywHs

THE IMITATION GAME was my final film for the day.  I am quite certain that this film will be nominated for “Best Picture.”  I’ll bet the farm on it! Based on the story of Alan Turing and the breaking of the Enigma codes, this film is filled with familiar NEON favorites Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode.  The art direction is superb, the story is touching and suspenseful with quite a few laughs, and the packed 1200+ audience was truly engaged.  Though I wasn’t as emotionally attached to this film as I was to THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, I still think this film will play very well.  (For those who know the story, NCR was only mentioned once very quickly. No other mention of Dayton was made.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5CjKEFb-sM

A last-minute decision for a late-night cocktail in the neighborhood where I’m staying ended up creating a nice evening.  I ran into some old and new friends and was able to talk about highlights of the festival before wrapping it up for the night.  More than likely, I’ll see at least 3 films tomorrow…and I head home Saturday.

More soon!

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

Locally Produced Reality Show, “The Valley”, To Premiere Sept 14th

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TheValley-1Dayton’s CW (WBDT-TV) has announced that The Valley, Dayton’s first locally produced reality show, will premiere on Sunday, September 14th at 8:00 pm on Dayton’s CW.  The Valley centers around six high school graduates as they prepare for the next big step in their lives. The cast, which includes Alexys Bardonaro and Christopher Harrison from Centerville, Ally Lewber from Springboro, Donald Boone from Huber Heights, Nathan Baker from DeGraff and Stephanie Patino-Garfias from Dayton, embark on a series of adventures throughout the greater Dayton region and explore important topics, such as drinking and driving, self-exploration, peer pressure, etc.

“The Valley isn’t your typical reality show. This is reality with a purpose,” said Joe Abouzeid, President and General Manager. “The show is enlightening and entertaining for viewers of all ages. It really captures what teenagers are going through during this important right of passage in their lives. There has been a lot of buzz around the show and we are all excited about its debut in September.”

 

“These young adults are not scripted characters produced for an adolescent melodrama, but they are actually real people with real experiences,” said Steve Bailey, Executive Producer of The Valley. “Each cast member has something unique to prove and we are pleased to share their exciting journey with our viewers.”

 

The Valley was produced by WDTN-TV and will wrapped up production in August. To learn more about the cast, see behind the scenes video of production, and to watch a launch promo for the show visit www.daytonscw.com. The Valley will air each Sunday evening at 8:00pm with 8 episodes in season one. Full episodes will also be available at www.daytonscw.com.

 

 

 

“Scratch Food” Caters the Suzy Pender Memorial for the 14th year

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BBQ Baby Back Ribs from Scratch Event Catering

In all of our Food Adventure articles, we feature extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. And even then some people stand out among the rest.  Take Chef Matt Hayden for example, owner of Scratch Event Catering.  He has owned bars, eateries, and learned to hone his culinary skills. Whether it is  taking an egg to whisk it, or smoking brisket, he is on top of it all.  He donates times to various charities, and never boasts or asks for recognition.  Matt does it for his love of the cause, and his love of pleasing people with good food.

One such event is the Suzy Pender Memorial Golf Outing.  This annual event will have its 14th golf outing this Saturday at Jamaica Run Golf Course.  Suzy was a Centerville native who had a love for golf and children.  She passed away unexpectedly in 2001,  at the age of 30.  She was an absolute angel, who was taken from this world, way too soon.  The golf outing honors her memory and helps causes that were close to her heart.  The purpose of the event, is to raise money to buy stuffed animal Teddy Bears.  These bears are given to hospitalized children to help comfort them.  Tens of thousands of bears have been given to children at Miami Valley Hospital over the past 14 years.

Matt Hayden has also been there over the past 14 years donating his food, time and resources to make this event what it is today.  Matt’s wife Carey along with a committee of Suzy’s friends, run the benefit without a hitch.  Saturday’s event  has already sold out the maximum  # of golfers.  Again, we can’t say enough good things about the committee that organizes this golf outing each year.  The door prizes and fun times are second to none.

Scratch Event Catering typically makes and incredible BBQ buffet spread featuring all you want baby back ribs, pulled pork, roasted chicken and some tasty southern style soul sides.  It is nothing short of a great Food Adventure !  Every year we see Matt running around, serving hot food, and providing a delicious and filling meal.  He and his staff work hard, and it shows in the end product.

Chef Matt Hayden, a Dayton Native who gives back to the Community

Today we recognize Matt’s dedication of 14 years and counting to this charity.  We also say THANK YOU, for giving back to the community, year after year.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Want to donate to the Suzy Pender Memorial Fund ?  Email Debbi  at [email protected]

Do you need a catering company with some savory food or a healthy menu?  Contact Scratch Event Catering at (937) 567-7850.  Learn more about Chef Hayden in his DMM 10? interview.

Please feel free to browse some photos of the last 14 years of the Suzy Pender Memorial Outing, catered by Scratch Food.

 

Want to stay on top of the best food happenings in Dayton?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !  All food, all Dayton, all the time !

 

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‘Miracle on South Division Street’ Review – Human Race Theatre Company – Kitchen Table Revelations

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The charming Nowak family of Buffalo, New York receives a rude awakening in Tom Dudzick’s lighthearted and lightweight 2013 comedy “Miracle on South Division Street,” currently receiving a breezy regional premiere at the Loft Theatre courtesy of the Human Race Theatre Company.
Strongly Catholic and affectionately Polish, the Nowaks have been tending to their late patriarch’s shrine to the Virgin Mary for decades. Built in 1943, the 17-foot-tall shrine (which Buffalo native Dudzick based on a local legend) was established after Grandpa Nowak had a vision of the Virgin Mary in his barbershop, which now serves as a soup kitchen. The shrine has been an inspirational source of faith, hope and goodwill for the downtrodden city with the likelihood of a miracle not out of the question. However, the Nowaks are completely and humorously thrown for a loop due to a pivotal deathbed confession. As they attempt to make sense of what appeared on the surface to be utterly preposterous, the close-knit family grows to understand the importance of change, growth and tolerance, which all families must face during times of overwhelming joy or nerve-rattling dysfunction.

south division street

(Left to right): Lauren Ashley Carter, Kyle Nunn, Wendy Barrie-Wilson and Jennifer Joplin in the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of “Miracle on South Division Street.” (Photo by Scott J. Kimmins)

Director Richard E. Hess, a Buffalo native, coaxes warm authenticity, sprightly energy and a loving rapport from his delightfully compatible four-member cast who are absolutely comfortable within the confines of Eric Moore’s attractively homey kitchen set. As devoted mom Clara, tough yet compassionate, Wendy Barrie-Wilson (marvelous as Sister Aloysius in the Human Race’s 2009 local premiere of “Doubt,” directed by Hess) is a great source of genuine motherly concern, but also supplies funny doses of utter dismay as Clara’s world, particularly the traditions she holds close to her heart, collapses. As eldest daughter Beverly, an underwritten component with a penchant for bowling, Jennifer Joplin (equally radiant in “Doubt” as Sister James) is fittingly agitated and shocked as the big news resonates. As amiable son Jimmy, Kyle Nunn, very appealing and down-to-earth, provides fine comic relief as the only Nowak who couldn’t be more thrilled about the revelation at hand since it ensures a brighter future far more than he imagined. As youngest daughter Ruth, an aspiring actress whose actions propel the play, Lauren Ashley Carter is believably apprehensive yet totally engaging as Ruth brings her family together to announce the various aspects of the secret. Carter also shares a terrifically layered moment with Barrie-Wilson toward the conclusion which refreshingly takes the sitcom-esque proceedings to a deeper emotional plateau.
This “Miracle” takes a while to reveal itself as the amusing diversion it is, but it will make you appreciate the universal commonality of family all the same.

 

 

“Miracle on South Division Street” continues through Sept. 21 in the Loft Theatre of the Metropolitan Arts Center, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. Performances are Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Tuesday at 7 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. The play is performed in 80 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $27-$45, but discounts are also available. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com or www.humanracetheatre.org.

Locally Grown Food & Local Beer On The Menu at Brewery Dinners

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ceh1jvfc6mm01rxkwqwmiuuudywnsx0vThe Yellow Springs Brewery,  located at 305 N Walnut Street in Yellow Springs, is celebrating the Autumn Equinox with two  local food special events this month.

On Tuesday, September 23rd starting at 6:30pm Yellow Springs Brewery will partner with Chef Patrick Sartin of Harvest Mobile Cuisine to host a 3 course beer dinner to celebrate Nature’s Bounty.   Reservations are required for this dinner and can be made for $55 per person by calling 767-0222.  The three courses, which will be paired with beers to be named later, are:

 

Seasonal Greens
Variety of Patchwork Gardens field greens with roasted beets, toasted pecans, crumbled goat cheese and maple vinaigrette, served with a butternut squash fritter

Free Bird
One half of a slow roasted Hill Family Farms Chicken, acorn squash, braised Swiss chard, and fennel puree with sage brown butter

Pumpkin Cheesecake
with graham cracker crust, and apple chipsimages-1

 

The following week, on Tuesday, September 30th from 7-9pm the brewery will partner with Andrea and Chris Hutson, the culinary duo behind Harvest Moon to offer vegan tapas centered around fresh locally sourced ingredients.  Brewmaster Jeffery McElfresh will discuss each food and beer pairing.  Tickets for this event will run $40 per person and again, reservations are suggested.

TIFF 2014 – Day #7

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out-of-nature-posterWednesday, September 10.2014

Hi Again!

I only saw three films today, but I also attended a pretty great, intimate party.

First off, I saw OUT OF NATURE – a Norwegian film about a man who decides to spend the weekend hiking in the mountains…away from his job, his wife, his son.  In film school, you’re taught to – “Show.  Don’t Tell.”  This simply means that an audience should be able to figure out what someone is thinking by their strong performance…not by what a narrator or bad dialog is telling us.  This film is a rule-breaker – but it’s also the point.  As the protagonist is getting ready for his trip and as he’s hiking up the mountain, we get his interior dialog and realize exactly what he’s thinking, what he’s feeling.  In earlier scenes, we understand that he has issues connecting with people, and through the voice-overs, we understand that his thoughts are mostly of sex and breaking free from the routine of his current life.  Ultimately, I liked this film…but it’s a tough sell.  Including everything from a naked jogging scene to masturbation and urination, we truly live with this character over the course of the weekend.  It’s an inner journey we take with this character, and though you may not be on the same page with his thoughts, you can certainly empathize with the idea of an interior monologue.

Because this trailer contains graphic content, you’ll have to follow the link to find it on youtube.

MAPS TO THE STARS was next up.  It’s the new, darkly satirical film about “Hollywood-types” from David Cronenberg (that said, it could be about any “types” where greed and narcissism play a role in success).  Julianne Moore won “Best Actress” this year at Cannes for this film (but I think her performance in STILL ALICE is even stronger).  If you’re familiar with Cronenberg’s work, you know you’re in for a non-traditional ride in MAPS TO THE STARS.  It’s unsettling, it has awkward moments when laughter seems imminent but also wildly inappropriate, and the stellar cast is committed to the long, crazy ride.  Not a favorite…but not bad.

ELEPHANT SONG was the big treat today.  I went to see this film because I wanted to see Xavier Dolan in a film that he didn’t direct…and one in which he’s speaking English.  Though this film certainly shows its roots of being based on a play, I didn’t mind.  The performances (Dolan, Catherine Keener, Bruce Greenwood), the set design, the screenplay – they are all terrific.This is the story of a young man in a mental institution who may know the whereabouts of a doctor who has recently disappeared.  Taking place mostly in the doctor’s office, the film has a claustrophobic feel…and Dolan at times channels a young Jack Nicholson.  I went on a lark to this screening, and I’m so glad I did.  I hope this film find distribution!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMjQ9i6J5B0

At the end of the evening, I was invited by a friend to attend a party being thrown for Ethan Hawke’s new documentary called SEYMOUR: AN INTRODUCTION.  It was a small party at the Trump Hotel, and it was lovely.  I ran into a couple folks from indiewire as well as got to hang out with a festival programmer I met several years ago.  Hawke was in attendance, but I never felt like interrupting him.  On my way out, someone whispered, “Did you see who just walked by you?”  “I didn’t,” I responded.  “That’s Mike Tyson.”

More tomorrow – including one of the most talked about/buzzed about films of the festival season – THE IMITATION GAME.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

Girls High School Tennis Tourney Honors Missing 84′ Grad

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Jennifer Schmidt ,1984 Carroll HS Grad

Carroll High School has decided to turn a tragedy, into a celebration of a past student’s life.

Some of the area’s best high school, girls tennis players will be facing off in the Jennifer Schmidt Memorial Tennis Tournament this Saturday.

The annual event is held in the memory of 1984 Carroll HS graduate, Jennifer Schmidt.  Schmidt went missing her freshman year at Purdue, and was never seen again.  The tournament is hosted each year by Carroll High School in her honor.

Eight area high school teams will be competing at this tournament.

As a special treat, the Dayton Most Metro’s own Food Adventures crew will be guest GRILL MASTERS at the event!

 

Eat burgers & dogs grilled by The Big Ragu, watch tennis Saturday at Thomas Cloud Park!

HERES THE SKINNY:
Date: 9/13/2014
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Thomas Cloud Park, Huber Heights

 

MUST EATS:

— Donuts and Coffee will be available at the concession stand for breakfast

— Lunch Concessions will include Hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by The Big Ragu and crew !

Come support this charity event and watch some of the Miami Valleys girls tennis stars !

Please feel free to check out more foodie fun on Food Adventure’s Facebook page.  “Like” them HERE !

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