Archives for November 2014

Sinclair Theatre Presents bare: a pop opera

November 12, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

(l-r): Natalie Sanders, Bobby Mitchum and A. J. Breslin.

Sinclair Theatre will present bare: a pop opera for 3 performances only, Nov. 13-15 in the Black Box Theatre located on the fourth floor of building 2 on the downtown Dayton campus.

Bare is a student-produced performance written by Jon Hartmere and Damon Intrabartolo. A group of high school seniors at a Catholic boarding school faces issues of sexuality and personal identity. As they struggle to come to terms with who they are, and who the world thinks they should be, they seek answers from their Church, their friends, and ultimately, from within themselves. Its rich, vibrant score draws on many styles of contemporary music.

Directed by Chris Harmon, bare’s performances are Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7 and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14-15 at 8 p.m.

General admission tickets cost $15 and are on sale now at: http://www.sinclair.edu/tickets

Preceding Thursday’s performance, there will be a Nacho Bar available for $7 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Green Room. A separate ticket must be purchased in advance and is available online when you purchase your Thursday performance ticket.

The box office is open one hour prior to performances if tickets are still available. Black Box Theatre performances often sell out because of the limited number of seats.

Bare is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 570 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2100, New York, NY 10018. (866) 378-9758 www.theatricalrights.com

WHIPLASH – Approved By Critics & Audiences Alike – Opens Friday at THE NEON!

November 11, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

We had a really good weekend with BIRDMAN and ST. VINCENT – our best weekend in the past few months. Thanks to everyone who came out! If you still need to see ST. VINCENT, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON. For remaining showtimes, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

On Friday, we will open a film that has garnered great reviews from critics and audiences alike – WHIPLASH. You don’t have to take my word for it. Take a look at all the great reviews on the film’s Rottentomatoes page.

Synopsis for WHIPLASH: “Andrew Neyman is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man’s life. Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability-and his sanity.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click on this link to visit the film’s official site.

REMINDER! VSOP Music & Film is bringing HARLEM STREET SINGER – THE STORY OF REVEREND GARY DAVIS to THE NEON for a one-time screening tomorrow – Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7:30. Tickets are still available! “The film tells the story of the blind, self-taught musician Reverend Gary Davis. It chronicles his hardscrabble life and the profound impact he made on musicians eager to explore his technique – a homegrown guitar style forged from ragtime, gospel and blues. In addition to archival footage and interview segments with Bob Weir, Jorma Kaukonen, John Cohen, David Bromberg, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and others, the film features newly recorded versions of songs Davis was closely identified with performed by a band led by Woody Mann. Blues and jazz historian (and frontman for the Classic Jazz Stompers) Dave Greer will lead a Q&A following the screeing.” (taken from VSOP Press Notes) Tickets will be $8 each and available starting Oct. 22 at THE NEON’s box office.

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, has secured titles for this year’s line-up. Films will screen at Noon on December 6, 13, & 20 – and the price is absolutely amazing. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. ELF will play on December 6, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL will play on December 13, and the Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play on December 20. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present to claim free tickets.

Thanks so much for your continued support!
We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Nov. 14 – Thursday, Nov. 20:

BIRDMAN (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday & Saturday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday:11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

WHIPLASH (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Nov. 26 – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Dec. 5 – CITIZENFOUR
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Dec. 25 – WILD
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – HOMESMAN

The Return of the Story Slamm

November 10, 2014 By Megan Cooper

Shelly “Gladgirl” Hulce had an idea. An idea to connect a community. An idea to have some fun. An idea to share some great stories.

A fan of The Moth radio hour, she contacted the national team, but was told Dayton wasn’t quite big enough to bring the show there. So, she started her own storytelling program in 2012.

As Story Slamm was just passing its one year anniversary in Dayton, Hulce shared with Sharon Short, “We’ve become very distant in our culture. We have mass communication and social media, and so we can hear and read each other’s stories, but rarely do we get in the same room, look into the storyteller’s eyes, observe their movements, while hearing a story. For the storyteller, it’s about giving a piece of yourself to the listener. For both storyteller and listener, it’s a deeper connection than reading or hearing the story from a distance.”

In 2013, Gladgirl stepped back from coordinating Story Slamms when other endeavors took priority. Story Slamms lost a bit of momentum, but the idea was always one that sparked a concept of community and fun for Dayton Metro Library Special Collections Manager and local actor Jamie McQuinn. Regarding bringing Story Slamms back to Dayton, McQuinn says, “I missed it. It was always a great time and I hated that it went away. I contacted Shelly and we thought this would be a great way to bring it back and connect people to the Library.”

Story Slamm is a great night that comes with some rules. McQuinn sums it up, “Tell a short story. First person. It happened to you. It should be “true”… It can be funny, or sad, or surprising. Tell your story in ten minutes or less. No notes or props. Don’t have a story to share? Come and listen. It is always entertaining.” (If you want some inspiration – check out some stories here.)

The crowds come for various reasons. Some people enjoy an expanded, first-person storytelling experience that expands beyond 140 characters. Others are practiced storytellers around the dinner table, and want to bring their favorite family tales to the public. Some just enjoy sitting back and being entertained. Patrick Hillier is a frequent attendee and fan of Story Slamm. He shares that he loves the event for the blending of the casual environment with the “intimate nature of sharing and learning about each other through tales from our lives. You get a chance to tell a short but interesting story from your past or sit back or just listen and maybe learn something.”

The final Story Slamm of 2014 will be at the Huber Heights Branch of the Dayton Metro Library on Tuesday, November 18 at 7 p.m. Six-eight presenters will each tell a 10-minute story based around a “Thankfulness” theme. McQuinn hosts. To fit everyone in, storytellers are asked to register by contacting Jennifer Spillman at 937-496-8611 or [email protected]. If you’d rather just sit back and listen, advance registration is preferred by not required. Judges or a small audience will vote on the best story based on uniqueness and delivery; best story of the evening wins a prize!

Run for a Change To Benefit Homefull

November 10, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Hit the pavement and help the homeless at this 5K run/walk.

Registration at 8 a.m.,
race start at 9 a.m.

Walkers and children welcome!

Proceeds benefit Homefull and the homeless of Dayton and Montgomery County. $30 (includes a t-shirt if registered by Nov. 1, or while supplies last after that). Online registration at http://www.homefull.org/run4achange.

Entry Fees: $30 (Includes t-shirt if registered by November 1st, or while supplies last!)

Awards: Top 3 male and female as well as age division winners; corporate/ organization teams; door prizes and other giveaways, too.

Divisions: Gender and ages as well as a competition for corporate/ organization teams!

Course: Five Rivers Bike Trail from Island Park to Wegerzyn Gardens and back.

Call for submissions: EarthFest 2015 Poster Contest!

November 10, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

2014 Earthfest Poster

EarthFest is a volunteer-created Earth Day Festival hosted by Garden Station featuring over 35 hands-on DIY Sustainable Living Workshops, Live Local Music, Booths by over 40 environmentally friendly organizations, a non-GMO Heirloom Plant Sale and more! The first EarthFest happened in 2013, was organized by 2 people and over 1000 attended. Last year a team of 7 volunteers organized the event that drew almost 5000 attendees. This year a Neighborhood Mini-Grant by the City of Dayton was awarded to expand the festival. A part of that expansion includes inviting local artists to design this year’s EarthFest poster and offering a $200 cash prize to the winning design.

Information about last year’s festival can be found at www.GoAShadeGreener.org Artwork is needed for an event poster, the event program and newspaper ads. The theme of the artwork should reflect the purpose of the event which is to teach residents to “Go a Shade Greener” with a lifestyle that is healthier for people and the planet. Some skills that have been taught in the past are growing your own food, including organic gardening and raising chickens for eggs; food preparation including cheesemaking, homebrewing and fermenting foods; and green energy including homemade Biodiesel and installing solar panels,

A committee comprised of artists, representatives from local eco-friendly organizations and EarthFest organizers will select the winning design. Designs will be judged based on originality, appropriateness for the event and design quality.

1496614_10153313606662971_751297266896190085_n

2013 Earthfest Poster

Multiple submissions are encouraged. Submissions may be submitted in any format or size, as long as the proposed design is clearly illustrated. Designs that can easily be used in computer design are encouraged.

Submissions are due by 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 10^th and can be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to:

Garden Station 509 E 4th Street Dayton, OH 45402

Additional donations are also being accepted to help fund EarthFest at http://daytongardenstation.org/ with an Indiegogo fundraiser starting in February. Environmentally friendly organizations are invited to sponsor a classroom and the music stage for EarthFest 2015. Donations help cover tents, advertising, workshop materials and other expenses. Any extra money raised will go towards expanding the urban farm at Garden Station by adding a hoophouse greenhouse and produce refrigerator next growing season.

Updates will be posted at www.facebook.com/GardenStation

EarthFest 2015 will take place at Garden Station on April 18^th 2015

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Lisa at [email protected] or 937-610-3845.

Another Broken Egg Cafe Hatches At Austin Landing

November 9, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby

Another Broken Egg Cafe (ABEC) officially cracks its doors open Monday, November 10 at 7am at 3450 Rigby Road at Austin Landing. The cafe bills itself as an upscale, breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch restaurant and will be open daily until 2pm, closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The restaurant has seats for about 120 guests inside and when weather cooperates, they’ll have patio seating for another 36 guests.

Lobster & Brie Omelette – Cream cheese filled omelette with Brie & sautéed lobster meat, topped with a light champagne butter sauce, diced tomatoes & scallions

I was lucky enough to take part in the sneak peek for charity, which served as practice dining for the staff this past Thursday through Sunday and raised over $10,000 for United Rehabilitation Services. We were able to sample the Southern-inspired dishes, starting with appetizers such as biscuit beignets dipped in powdered sugar and honey marmalade, and baked brie delight with apples, pecans and raisins sauteed in Grand Marnier and butter over brie cheese and toasted French bread.

The company’s philosophy that “Nothing Short of Right is Right” was on display at the preview. With fresh faced, eager servers, managers that were quick to correct and nonstop visits to keep coffee mugs full, the service was payed serious attention. As described on their website “Each restaurant is managed by hands-on owners who believe that every detail is important to make the customer happy. So from the time you enter the front door to the time you leave the Cafe, you should feel like you’re on a relaxing vacation and as comfortable as you would be in your own home.”

There are six varieties of eggs benedict, 11 gourmet omelette choices, an exceptional signature Bananas Foster over Belgian waffles, French toast or sweet potato pancakes, southern crabstack, along with handcrafted burgers, specialty sandwiches and fresh salads on the menu.

Prices on the menu vary from $3.29 for blackberry grits to 10.99 for the fried green tomatoes appetizers, traditional egg breakfasts start at $7.69, omelettes range from $10- $15, salads, burgers and sandwiches run about $9-$12.

Furthermore, ABEC’s Healthy Side menu, which includes granola, fruit & quinoa for $10.99, gluten friendly jumbo pancakes for $7.99, the skinny omelette, steel cut oats, just $4.99 and simply salmon or chicken, are all option for a healthy start to your day.

Bananas Foster French Toast

While I didn’t have a chance to taste it, we were told ABEC has an award winning bloody mary, made with house infused vodka, habanera peppers and spices, (perhaps they’ll join our MostMetro.com Bloody Mary Showdown in 2015). But it’s good to know you can add a refreshing mimosa, bellini or liquor laced coffee to your brunch here, which differentiates ABEC from most other area breakfast eateries.

The restaurant represents the first Ohio franchise of this Louisiana based award-winning restaurant concept. Local franchise owner Mike Craddick, who also has four local Five Guys Burger franchises, is planning at least three more restaurants in the Cincinnati-Dayton area.

Another Broken Egg Cafe is a leader in the morning restaurant sector with 37 restaurants to date across the southeast United States, California and Indiana. Ron Green founded the first ABE Cafe in 1996 on Girod Street in Old Mandeville, Louisiana. For more information about the restaurant locations, the history of ABEC and complete menus, please visit www.anotherbrokenegg.com

51 Artists’ Handcrafted “giftables” in DVAC’s Holiday Gift Gallery

November 8, 2014 By Dayton937

Sparkling glass ornaments, hand-turned wood bowls, eclectic jewelry, painted silk and chunky hand-knit scarves, charming pottery, architecturally-inspired ceramic, letterpress cards, black and white photography and small whimsical painting are what’s on view at DVAC to kick-off the Holiday Season.

DVAC’s annual gift gallery has become the BEST one-stop-shopping for friends, loved ones, workmates and …yourself! Everything is one of a kind and made by a DVAC member artists—either experienced or just starting out. All items are priced competitively and were chosen for their originality, quality craftsmanship and
contemporary or classic stye.

This year’s featured fine art and fine craft was selected jurors Kim Megginson, Owner/Buyer, ZIG ZAG Gallery, Dayton; Litsa Spanos, President, ADC Art Design Consultants, Cincinnati; and Betty Talbott, Executive Director, Ohio Designer Craftsmen and Ohio Craft Museum, Columbus.

DVAC helps sustain the arts community by providing a place for artist to exhibit, market, and sell work and also helps satisfy the needs and wants of art-lovers who have a place to see art and, often, meet the artists – it is how DVAC connects the dots in visual arts. In 2013 DVAC ARTtoBUY artists received over $18,000 in art sales commissions. At its core, DVAC advances art for the community and a community for artists.

DVAC’s popular Beer & Peanuts Shopping Party is back December 17, 5-8 p.m. featuring beers selected by Joe Waizmann of Warped Wing Brewing Company

The Dayton Visual Arts Center provides art for the community and a community for artists. DVAC receives operating support from the Ohio Arts Council, Culture Works, Dayton Power & Light Foundation, Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District, the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation; Community Partner Members Houser Asphalt & Concrete, LWC Inc., Mousaian Oriental Rugs and Premier Health; and Members.

DVAC is located at 118 N. Jefferson St in downtown Dayton. Ample metered parking; free after 6pm and on weekends. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Tele Novella In Dayton: No “Trouble In Paradise”

November 8, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Before Tele Novella was formed recently, lead singer Natalie Gordon was in a band titled Agent Ribbons. Gordon and her band mate at the time, Lauren Hess, met while Gordon was scrolling through the catalogs of music at a local record store in their hometown of Sacramento. Their newly formed friendship and love for music inspired them to set up the band. Once things started to pick up, setting up dates that spanned throughout the Western seaboard, and some other cities, Gordon and Hess enlisted Austin, Texas native Naomi Cherie to play violin.

Soon Agent Ribbons started seeing success come faster than they could ever imagine. The dreamy but eerie guitar play from Gordon, along with the simplistic drumming channeled a following of people who couldn’t stay away from the duo’s haunting mix of garage rock with pop melodies that were heavily influenced with The Velvet Underground and The Shaggs.

When Gordon and Hess added Cherie to the band, they began by buying her plane tickets to fly out to California to perform with them whenever they went out to tour. When Cherie was unable to move to California, along with the costs of getting Cherie to California all the time, Gordon and Hess made the decision to move out to Austin. What was believed to be what was best for the band only ended becoming an upsetting nightmare.

Shortly after Gordon and Hess moved to Austin, Cherie decided to leave the band. On top of that, the momentum and success that Agent Ribbons built by being on the West Coast abruptly came at a standstill when the relocation to Austin was complete.

“It felt that the band should have ended before we moved to Austin,” Gordon disclosed.

However, the duo kept moving forward. In late 2012, Gordon and Hess passed through town and performed a show at South Park Tavern. The duo was touring in support of their latest album at the time Let Them Talk. During our phone conversation, Gordon couldn’t help but gush over how her experience went while visiting the Gem City.

“I really feel in love with that weird little town,” Gordon modestly said. “We had such a great show, and I met a lot of great people there.”

Nights like the one Gordon had in Dayton would be one of the few highlights of that tour. With Cherie leaving, and the unhappiness of moving to Austin looming over the duo, an unfortunate accident in Memphis was the final blow that would eventually end Agent Ribbons.

“We haven’t seen each other since Memphis,” Gordon says. “The whole tour was already so bad. And the accident just completely made everything so much more terrible.”

With Agent Ribbons dissolving, Gordon had a dilemma. She already had booked a showcase at South by Southwest Festival for the upcoming year, and wasn’t going to be able to cancel. Even though she explained to her label at the time what had transpired in Memphis, they still weren’t going to let Gordon cancel. As luck would have it, Gordon was able to throw together a band that included her boyfriend Jason Chronis, drummer Matt Simon, and Sarah La Puerta on keyboards. The group received high praise with their music, and decided to go and record their first EP Cosmic Dial Tone, which was released this past summer.

The newly formed Tele Novella feature Gordon’s alluring vocals that transcended when she was Agent Ribbons, along with Chronis and Simon’s English rock inspiration with their work in Voxtrot. The blend of the two results in a breezy, psychedelic pop sound that easily captures the essence of their influences from the great bands Os Mutantes and Belle and Sebastian. “Trouble In Paradise”, and “Umbrella at the Station” accentuate their progressing sound. As soon as this tour run is complete, Tele Novella will be headed into the studio to work on their first full length LP.

The run with Agent Ribbons will always be special for Gordon. As she looks back, she is introspective about how her time with Hess and Cherie helped mold her into being a better musician.

“I wished it hadn’t ended the way that it did. We had a seven-year run, and it blows my mind on how much I learned. Several European tours, and slumming it really hard, and also living high off the horse with these bigger bands-I feel like I just got this huge wide spectrum of experience.”

For us here in Dayton-we are very fortunate that one of the experiences was our little town.

Luckily for Gordon, she will have the opportunity to renew those feelings while being with Tele Novella.

Tele Novella will be performing at Blind Bob’s tonight with Dear Fawn, and Tree No Leaves. Doors open at 9pm. $5 cover and 21+. To hear more of Tele Novella, click onto their website: http://telenovella.bandcamp.com/.

Organizing 101 with Kim Metter of Designed to Organize

November 8, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Kim Metter – Professional Organizer and Owner of Designed to Organize, LLC

Kim Metter, owner of Designed to Organize, LLC, has always enjoyed putting things in their place and organizing the clutter. So much so that she decided to take her passion for organizing and create her own professional organizing business. Designed to Organize opened in July of this year and specializes in professional organizing and interior design.

Recently, we sat down with Kim to ask her some questions about her business and what they do.

Question: What made you want to become a professional organizer?

Answer: I have always enjoyed tidying up. Nothing makes me happier than organizing and making order out of chaos. I have a natural affinity for it. In every professional position that I have held, I have ended up organizing something. It’s like I can’t help it, I find something that needs to be organized and I just do it. I enjoy it immensely, it calms and centers me and makes me feel happy and fulfilled. I decided that with all of the organizing projects that I have completed over the years and the experience that I have had I needed to translate that into a career. I started planning Designed to Organize, LLC six years ago and decided that this was the year to pull the trigger.

Question: What is your organizing philosophy?

Answer: It is one of simplicity and logic. We require homeostasis (the tendency to maintain internal stability) to feel and perform at our best. When we are surrounded by clutter and chaos, we cannot be our best. We are stressed out, we become angry and we can lash out at others without realizing why we are doing it. We don’t feel calm or happy because our environment is not conducive to it. Clearing the clutter and organizing the chaos can eliminate that stress in our lives. We may have little control over the outside factors that cause us stress, but we can control the stress derived from living and working in cluttered and disorganized spaces. By getting and staying organized we are balanced, we perform better at our jobs, our home lives are better and we are more happy overall. That’s what it’s all about, clearing the clutter and organizing the chaos so we can live more healthy and happy lives.

Question: What are your favorite organizing tools?

Answer: I have so many, it is difficult to choose just one! My ultimate tool is probably my moleskin notebook that I use to make to-do lists or write down the many things that are racing through my head at any given time. I find that writing things down and organizing them into lists helps give me a road map to follow. That’s really half the battle, having a plan. If you have a plan to follow, the organizing part is pretty easy. Secondly, I love my label maker. Placing names on objects for quick reference is key. Whether you are organizing files in your office or dry goods in your kitchen pantry, the label maker is essential. I also have a love affair with Post-Its. I use them everyday for quick messages to myself or others, they help me stay organized for quick and short term tasks. They are really great for that.

Question: What thoughts enter your mind when you walk into a potential client’s space?

Answer: People think that they are judged on their space; that their disorganization or clutter is a direct reflection on them. Nothing is further from the truth. When I walk into a space that needs organization, I see nothing but potential. I see a project waiting to happen. I see the space as it can be, not as it is. If the space was perfectly organized, I wouldn’t be there in the first place! My goal is really to listen to the needs of the client. What is the space to be used for? What do you like or dislike about the space? What changes do you want to see in the space? All of my designs are client driven. I make sure that you are going to enjoy using the space as you intend to use it and that I leave you with the tools you will need to continue to keep the space organized and uncluttered so that the space can be used as it is intended.

Question: To conclude, what would you say to those people who say they can’t get organized?

Answer: Yes, you can. You may not be able to do it alone, and that’s okay. Getting the ball rolling is always the hardest part. But with my help, yes, you can.

Kim is hosting Designed to Organize, LLC’s first monthly meeting entitled, Tidy Talks, Monday, the 24th of November at 7 p.m. at the Oakwood Starbucks located at 2424 Far Hills Avenue Oakwood, Ohio 45419. Join her for tips, tricks and solutions that will be shared along with beverages and snacks. Please let her know you will be attending by following this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/designed-to-organize-llc-presents-tidy-talks-tickets-14231142731.

Designed to Organize, LLC aids clients in organizing, decluttering and creating beautifully designed spaces to maximize comfort and livablility.

Designed to Organize, LLC: Address: P.O. Box 291876 Dayton, Ohio 45429

Phone: (937) 479-5387 Email: [email protected]

Follow her on Facebook for quick tips and organizing ideas.

Byzantine Bring the Release and Resolve Tour to Dayton

November 7, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

Forces of Nature (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Oddbody’s brought the metal October 25th, from New York, Rhode Island, West Virginia and of course Dayton with four bands of different types and styles but all screaming for metal.

One of the rock-solid pillars of the Dayton metal scene Forces of Nature owned the stage as only they can playing set staples “Mary Hates Herself”, usual opener “Magnus Lee” and the newer enchanted “Forest of Corpses”. They gave what every male and some female metal-heads love with a set of double D’s playing “Deception and Devices”.

New York’s IKillYa touring on their second release Vae Victis, naming their outfit after the boiling point where you just can’t take the stress, bullshit, stupidity and hopelessness of a situation anymore and go do something constructive about it. So it was fitting they started out loud, roaring and angry with a “Godsize” problem. The warrior spirit came out with a vengeance tearing up the stage with a DevilDriver rasp and Danzig’s yelling throat. “And Hell Followed With Him”…engraved upon these knuckles the frantic need to escape a car wreck before the flames attack, OH! The tempo changes of “Driven” were enough to trip up any mosh pit to fall into each other. “E.H.R”, screaming is just vocal therapy that must be exhaled to sooth the tortured voice of Jason Lekberg. “Jeckyl Better Hyde” was the good and the bad of dueling personalities always at war. Can’t let the darkness win. They finished with “Vae Victis” and woe ye to the vanquished and the conquered.

They Will Be Done (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Thy Will Be Done, began with the severe head beating, ear bleeding “Solemn Oath”. With the brutal tastes and stage tactics of Machine Head and Hatebreed they blasted and banged through eight throttle churning road burners. J. Costa had an eerie presence which probably had nothing to do with his odd resemblance and stage charisma to a late 60’s hippie guru. “Unto the Sanctified” spilled the blood of Rob Flynn’s fret fingers down the Nile with enough growling to appease the gods and enough gear rattling guitar work to keep the machine roaring. Taking a piece of the temple “The Apathy Divine”’s was a chug, head stomper leaving debris on the dance floor. YouTube video “Earth’s Final Embrace” was three minutes of pre-apocalypse warning. Crush the distracters, naysayers and spirit draining vampires with the strength and passion of “A Lion and A Lamb”.

The groove metallers of the underground have achieved cult status after a 2013 comeback after half a decade away, playing support to their upcoming 2015 release To Release is to Resolve early next year. Byzantine opened with The Fundamental Components of “Hatfield”, reviving the family feud, the metal way. The metal mathematicians went to work making us earn our penance the hard way by the “Stick Figure” and “Slipping on Noise”. They broke out the serpents on “Justica” and “Taking Up Serpents” and traded screeching/clean vocals on the sizzling groove thrash and bluesy melody of “Jeremiad”. Oblivion Beckons on “Nadir” then they came current on “Efficacy” and style defying “Signal Path”, finishing with the black tar grin of the “Soul Eraser”. A throwing wall of death of personal conflict and self-made chaos get thee behind me Satan.

Forces of Nature will be with us again on Saturday the 8th at Oddbody’s with Engine of Chaos and Columbus’s Lick the Blade for the University of Dayton Metal and Cultural Impact Conference Aftershow featuring legendary guitarist, Testament’s Alex Skolnick. All door profits are being donated to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund and Dayton’s Project Read! Come out and support the bands, the charities, and have a banging good time.

Where To Eat Out In Dayton On Thanksgiving

November 7, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby

Last year over 15 million Americans opted to sit back in a booth and let others cook the turkey for them. For all of us who work so hard and get so little time to spend with the people that we want to be with, the idea of spending the majority of our holiday preparing, cooking and cleaning just doesn’t cut it.

Or maybe you’re not going to be with your family this year, but you still want that delicious turkey. Behold, our handy-dandy guide to eating Thanksgiving dinner in the Miami Valley

And don’t forget to ask for leftovers, some restaurants will pack you a little take home box so you can have a turkey sandwich later.

Here are the places we’ve confirmed so far:

Carvers Steaks & Chops
1535 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Dayton, OH 45459 (937) 433-7099 noon to 7pm
Traditional Turkey Dinner $19, Kids Meal is $12, regular menu also available

Cracker Barrel
5770 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, (937) 432-2431, 6am – 10pm
7171 Miller Lane, Butler Twp, (937) 890-0047; 6am to 10 pm
3280 Town Blvd, Middletown, (513) 727-4727; 6am to 10 pm
105 West Leffel Lane, Springfield (937) 325-8221; 6am to 10 pm
Turkey and traditional sides. No reservations taken

Dayton Marriott
1414 South Patterson Blvd, Dayton 937.223.1000 ext.7731 seatings at 11:30pm & 1:30pm reservations required
Buffet with waffle station, make your own salad bar, Ham and Turkey carving, as well as other hot entrees, and assorted cakes, seasonal pies, pastries and bread pudding
$38 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity, $32 for seniors $15 for children ages 5 to 12 (4 and under eat free)

Dominique’s Bistro and Bar
2600 Far Hills Avenue, Kettering (937) 298-0022 noon – 6pm
Three Courses for $29.99, choice of 3 appetizers, 3 entrees and 3 desserts, reservations suggested

This drunken tequila turkey is one of El Meson’s menu options for Thanksgiving!

El Meson
903 E Dixie Dr, West Carrollton (937) 859-8229 4 – 9pm
Drunken Tequila Turkey, Chorizo & Bread Stuffing, Three Root Mash, Colombian Fried Rice. $29.95
Paella Valencia – Spanish rice dish with chicken, pork, chorizo, fish, shrimp, scallops, calamari, & mussels. All you care to eat. $29.95

Giuliano’s Tavern
67 S. Main Street, Miamisburg (937) 859-3000 11:30 to 7pm
Serving fresh roasted turkey, dressing, giblet gravy, fresh cranberry sauce, vegetable/salad, homemade pumpkin pie and homemade southern pecan pie. Many popular entrees from our regular menu will also be available, reservations accepted

Golden Corral
2490 Commons Boulevard, Beavercreek (937)431-7300 10am – 8pm,
8870 Kingsridge Drive, Dayton Mall (937)312-2400 10am – 8pm
6611 Miller Lane, Vandalia (937)264-3300 10am – 8pm
Turkey and traditional sides. No Reservations. $12.99, not including tax or beverage.

Harrison’s Restaurant
106 E. Main Street, Tipp City (937) 667-5200 noon – 6pm
Classic turkey dinner with celery and sage dressing, mashed potatoes & grevy, green been casserole, house made cranberry sauce and warm apple pie with ice cream
$15.50 adults, $13.50 seniors, $9.50 children 10 and under

Hasty Tasty
509 Linden Ave., Dayton, (937) 254-8431; 5 am to 6 pm
Thanksgiving dinner specials, no reservations. Cost: $8.95, includes dessert.

Max & Erma’s
3 area locations: Miller Lane, Fairfield Commons, Springboro 11am – midnight
Thanksgiving Dinner $14.99 for adults, $12.99 for children includes turkey, mashed potatoes, apple pecan stuffing, side of green beans, cranberry sauce and choice of salad or soup and slice of pumpkin cheesecake.

McCormick and Schmick’s
4429 Cedar Park Drive at The Greene, Beavercreek (937) 431-9200 noon to 8 pm
regular menu and Thanksgiving meal, which runs $24.95, reservations suggested

Mimi’s Cafe
4402 Walnut St. in The Greene in Beavercreek, (937) 426-9153; 8am – 8pm
regular menu and traditional Thanksgiving dinner, reservations accepted

The Barnsider
5202 North Main Street, Dayton, OH 45415 (937) 277.1332 noon – 7pm
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner, $15.95 adults, Children 10 and under $8.95
Reservations welcomed

Waffle House
To find the closest Waffle House to you use the store locator .
It’s open 24 hours and if you sit at the bar you can watch them flip your eggs- it’s like dinner theater.

Wellington Grille
2450 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek (937) 426-4600 | Noon to 6pm
Traditional meal, plus regular items. Reservations Recommended

Yankee Trace Golf Club
10000 Yankee St, Dayton (937) 438-3585
Turn the Turkey over to us! We’re taking reservations for our annual Thanksgiving Buffet on Thursday, November 27. There are two seatings: 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Cost is $26.95 for adults and $12.95 for children 6–12 years old. Children five and under eat free. Reservations are required and fill up very fast.

Young’s Jersey Dairy Golden Jersey Inn
6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd. (U.S. 68), Yellow Springs, (937) 324-2050. 10:30 am to 6 pm seating every 90 minutes. Traditional Thanksgiving buffet including turkey, ham, sides, and desserts. Reservations required. Adults $20.95, children 4-10 $8.95, children 3 and under free.

Also don’t forget the Community Feast of Giving at the Dayton Convention Center:

An event that reaches out to bring the entire community together. It is a dinner, a celebration, a community event based on the following principles:
• To provide a dinner for anyone that might be spending the holiday alone.
• To provide a dinner for those that are homeless or less fortunate.
• To provide a dinner for anyone who wants to attend.

• 11am – 2pm
• No tickets required

Additional Information:
This year there will be Free RTA and Project Mobility Transportation from 9:30am until 3pm. Call 937-425-8300 for RTA information. There will also be free parking in the convention center garage.

If you know of others, feel free to add in the comments below or contact me with more info.

The Top 25 Soups of Dayton

November 6, 2014 By Dayton937 6 Comments

Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup from Fresco – Click to Enlarge

As the weather turns colder, nothing warms the soul like a good bowl of soup. Our DaytonMostMetro Food Adventures crew, Chef House, The King, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu, have compiled our list of Dayton’s Best Soups. From the first steaming spoonful, to that little bit of liquid left in the bottom, these are the best bowls of chow that the Miami Valley has to offer. So, all you serious foodies sit back, get some crackers if need be, and check out our list of MUST EAT soups.

In no particular order, here they are…

DAYTON’S TOP 25 SOUPS

1) THE JUMBALAYA at BUCKIN’ DONKEY GRILLE: For 15 years, owner Sean McKown has perfected his Jumbalaya recipe. He tested it on friends and family, and the end product is a culmination of those efforts. The result is a masterpiece in a cup. Filled with sausage and seafood, it has just the right amount of tangy flavor and heat. We squirt some hot sauce on this bad boy and go to town..

2) CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP from FRESCO: Homemade chicken broth from scratch. Fall off the bone chicken pieces, vegetables tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream on top. This is one of those moments where you lose yourself in a heavenly bliss. This is the best chicken tortilla soup we have ever eaten, made by the best chef in Dayton, Jenn DiSanto. This soup is Chef House’s favorite !

“The Shrimp and Pork Soup” at Linh’s Bistro is Pho-nomenal !

3) SALMON BISQUE at SWEENEY’S SEAFOOD: Creamy, with fresh salmon chunks, this rich soup is a crowd pleaser. We can’t think of a better soup on a crisp cold day. The fresh thyme, dill and other spices, finish the flavor, making this soup one of our favorites. We already are in love with many of Sweeney’s appetizers, now we have another gem added to the list.

4) THE LOBSTER BISQUE from DELI at WEBSTER ST. & TOP OF THE MARKET: Served piping hot in a generous bowl, we were blown away by the lobster flavor balance with the creaminess of the bisque. The soup is absolutely delicious, and very filling. Congrats to the Deli on Webster & Top of the Market for staying true to the elegance of this soup,yet putting a hearty, delicious spin on it. This is one of The Big Ragu’s favorites !

5) THE SHRIMP and PORK SOUP at LINH’s BISTRO: Welcome to the enormous bowl world of the “Pho Soups” offered at Linh’s Bistro. This meal sized soup contains broth, shaved pork and pieces of shrimp. Sure you can get it with clear rice noodles, but we prefer this Vietnamese soup with the egg noodle option (#34 on the menu). Vegetables and scallions also line the bowl, but that’s not all. The soup is served with a side plate of jalapenos, bean sprouts cilantro and lime. Hand pull some cilantro and dump the rest of the side items into the bowl. This soup defines the words Food Adventure.

The Woodhouse Chili at Archer’s Tavern: A good story behind it

6) THE CABBAGE ROLL SOUP from VOLTZY’s ROOT BEER STAND: The best soup in a root beer stand in the United States. Voltzy homemakes this stuff with cabbage, tomatoes, rice and his signature burger meat. In his words, it is so delicious, it will make you sing “Touch me in the Morning.” Cabbage rolls not your style? Then try his almost equally delicious “Cream of Vandalia Onion Soup.” Yes, Vandalia like the city.. Voltzy is nuts.

7) THE POTATO SOUP at DOUBLEDAY’S GRILL & TAVERN: In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one shines. This soup has wowed Dayton crowds for decades, and has somewhat of a cult following. Doubleday’s large menu makes this a perfect starter to a great meal. The rich, creamy flavor is a great warm up, for a snowy day.

8) THE NEW ORLEANS STYLE GUMBO at JIMMIES LADDER 11: Hearty, rich and just the right spiciness, this soup is one of those “OMG” moments when you take a bite. Owner Jimmie Brandell is no stranger to soups, having cooked at one of the iconic “Upper Krust” locations for years. He hones his craft, and has hit the mark on this one. Order a bowl and wake up your taste buds. Goes perfect with their craft beer selections !

The Warm Goodness of North China’s “Sizzling Rice Soup”

9) THE CHILI AT ARCHER’S TAVERN: Now here is a good story. Every year, Archer’s holds a chili cookoff, and the winning chili goes on the menu for a year. All proceeds from the contest go to the Centerville High School’s Culinary Arts Program! The result is an amazing chili and a charitable donation! The current “Woodhouse Chili” is made with fire roasted tomatoes and jalapenos. It is topped with cheese and Fritos. Probably the spiciest of the delicious soups on our list. That’s why it is “The King’s” favorite on the list.

10) THE CLAM CHOWDER AT BULLWINKLE’S: Clam Chowder at a rib place? The answer is yes, young Jedi. This soup is homemade and downright addicting. Chunks of clams in a mix of potatoes and cream sauce make this one of our “Must Eats.” Not many people know about this soup, but now you do. We are not responsible for any addictions. Make sure you start your meal here with this savory favorite.

11) THE SIZZLING RICE SOUP at NORTH CHINA: This masterpiece is actually a meal sized bowl for 2 as listed on the menu. But sometimes, we get a wild hair, and order this as a meal. Sure you can get this soup as an appetizer, but who wants to share something this good? The flavor is a perfect balance of vegetables and rice in a broth flavored with a hint of salt. In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one can’t be ignored. They have another mega soup that almost made our list, the “House Noodle Soup” is a must eat too!

The Lobster Bisque at the Deli at Webster Street is delicious

12) CHICKEN GUMBO from DISALVO’S DELI: Another homemade soup from scratch. Perfectly carved, generous chicken pieces, line a delicately light broth. The bowl is filled with a treasure trove of vegetables and tremendous flavor. Chef Ronnie DiSalvo takes pride in his food, and this is another example of his incredible creations. It is made with love from the heart, straight to your mouth!

13) THE MUSHROOM BISQUE at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: Vegetarians rejoice! This Dayton soup is for you. A fresh, home made delicious recipe means a warm feeling in every spoonful. The taste of the fresh mushrooms is incredible. Christopher’s thrives on making quality, homemade soups, and this choice is the star. Check it out and pair it with one of their delicious sandwiches.

14) THE TURTLE SOUP at THE AMBER ROSE: This soup is exotic, thick and hearty. We absolutely love Amber Rose’s spin on this old school favorite. We aren’t sure how traditional it is, but it is beyond good. This is one of those things that you eat and immediately want more. Try it for yourself as an appetizer to an Eastern European meal.

15) THE WILD MUSHROOM SOUP FROM HAWTHORNE GRILL: It is pure comfort in a bowl. The soup is creamy, bold and flavorful. Hawthorne Grill puts out some great dishes, and this is one you need to get your hands on. This weather is the perfect time to try this unique, homemade item.

“The Pickle Soup” at Blind Bob’s is a Dayton Original

16) THE PICKLE SOUP from BLIND BOB’S: Don’t be fooled by the sound of it, this is one of the best soups in Dayton. The flavor isn’t sharp, it is surprisingly level. If you like cream of broccoli soup, this is an even better spin on it. We congratulate Blind Bob’s for not only the uniqueness, but for the amazing taste. This is a great warm up right before you try one of their burger selections!

17) DUBLIN PUB’S “WORLD FAMOUS POTATO SOUP”: It must be world famous, because it is downright incredible. It is rich, filling and sinful. We suggest getting it in the Sourdough bowl and add cheese and bacon on it. We also recommend taking a nap after you eat it. This soup is Hungry Jax’s top pick!

18) CREAMY CHICKEN SOUP at CHINA COTTAGE: This is a house specialty, and we have never seen a creamy chicken soup offered at a Chinese restaurant other than here. There is good reason. No one else’s chicken soup could compare. It is a deliciously light cream soup that cleanses the pallet and readies your taste buds for those spicy dishes made from Chef Tiger Wang. This soup is definitely a Dayton Original.

19) THE GUINNESS ONION SOUP AT NICK’S RESTAURANT: Always made from scratch buy their “soup nazi.” This soup is served in a unique bowl, with a mound of cheese and few gigantic croutons. But what hit us most is the rich flavor. Hot broth dripping down your chin, as you swallow some of the gooey cheese. Take a spoonful and you will see why this restaurant is the pride of Xenia.

“The Chicken Gumbo” at DiSalvo’s Deli. You wont see this online anywhere else, we got the scoop !

20) THE HOT AND SOUR SOUP at YOUNG CHOW: Yes , it made the list because it is that good. And guess what else, the price is right. We scald ourselves every time, because we cant wait to get into this soup’s shredded goodness. A perfect balance of tofu, pepper and pork, this hot and sour soup is fantastic. We looked at your fortune cookie, it says you need to go to Young Chow.

21) HOMEMADE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP from ALL SOUPED UP: The 2nd Street market has some tremendous food shops. In the middle of the market, “All Souped Up” is impressing the masses with creations like their Chicken Noodle Soup. Homemade noodles, pieces of delicate chicken, and a small balance of vegetables make this soup. It tastes like something your mom or grandmother would make. It is fun to take a seat at the market and enjoy this soup and get lost in the goodness.

22) THE COCONUT SOUP at SIAM PAD THAI: Another exotic choice on this list. Cherry tomatoes, lime juice and mushrooms highlight the ingredients in this soup. The tangy, light flavor make this soup the most refreshing on our list. If you have not been to Siam Pad Thai, we suggest you pair it with one of their pad thai dishes, or specialty sushi rolls. We promise you will be craving this soup in no time.

23) THE GUMBO at RUE DUMAINE: This is a no brainer. Hello, the owner/Chef Anne Kearney studied under Food Netwoork superstar, Emeril Lagasse. Needless to say, when it comes to New Orleans’ flavors, she knows what she is doing. This award winning chef has a menu unparalleled n Dayton. We have found the perfect start to a meal at Rue Dumaine.

The Guinness Onion Soup at Nick’s Restaurant in Xenia is sinfully gooey

24) THE CLAM CHOWDER at JAY’S SEAFOOD: When a soup is a Dayton icon and a Dayton staple for decades, it has to make the list. Whether you are 8 years old, or 80, people love this soup and have fond memories associated with it. The creamy broth, the chunks of fresh clams, and the perfect dash of pepper make this soup. Cracker sor not, you are in for a treat when you sit down for a cup or bowl of this deliciousness… so go for the bowl.

25) TEQUILA CHILI at LUCKY’S TAPROOM: Unique blast of flavor from the kitchen at Lucky’s. Owner Andrew Trick has developed an underground mass following of his terrific food, and this chili is a highlight on the menu. They offer a regular or vegetarian option. Recommendation: There is no better pairing on this list than the Tequila Chili and one of Lucky’s numerous craft beers. So go to Lucky’s, thumb through the beer booklet, pick one out, and thank us later.

That’s it, that’s our list ! What did we miss? Do you agree or disagree with our choices ?? Please comment below and tell us your thoughts.

Meanwhile, check out our incredible photo gallery of Dayton’s best soups, below and “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by CLICKING HERE !

[flagallery gid=116]

Thinking About a Stout? – National Stout Day

November 6, 2014 By Brian Petro

Murphy’s Irish Stout. The other well known stout from Ireland.

In September of 2014, there was a secret experiment going on at Starbucks. They have always been working with trying out new flavors, but this was different. They were not going for your traditional riffs on traditional coffee. There was a new demographic they had their sights on: the beer drinker. Starbucks dabbled in the liquor industry before with a coffee liqueur. It was not on the market very long, but it did deliver the rich Starbucks flavor people expected. The company that ushered in the craft coffee boom was looking to capitalize on the craft beer boom, and they knew their path in. It was not brewing Starbucks beer. It was going to brew a coffee that tasted like beer. The profile they were looking for shared many of the characteristics coffee already has; hints of bitterness mixed with rich complexity, a slight roasted flavor, and something with the same deep brown color as their core product. They were looking to make a coffee drink that tasted like a stout.

November 6 is National Stout Day, and stout is a fascinating beer. Stouts first gained popularity in the early 18^th century, when it was discovered this hearty beer was a little tougher than the other ales, and had a little more kick. They were originally known as “stout porters”, since they were as dark as the porters being brewed at the time, but had a higher ABV. Eventually the “porter” was dropped and the style simply became known as stout. The question of “stout vs. porter” now causes some serious debate among the beer brewing and drinking crowd, some insisting the styles are as different as twilight and midnight, some saying that there is little difference other than a naming preference. The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) notes a few general differences between the two. Porters are lighter in color, ranging from reddish brown to dark brown, where stouts are dark brown to black. Porters are usually sweeter, while the roasting of the barley for stouts can impart a bitter flavor. Porters roll crisply right over the tongue; stouts are thicker and tend to linger, using less water than their lighter counterparts.

Once you are past the “stout vs. porter” conversation, you can begin discussing the different ways stouts are brewed. It is generally agreed there are six distinct styles of stout:

Dry Stout – Because of a little Irish brewery named Guinness, this is the most widely known style of stout, though most don’t call it dry. Most people will call it an Irish stout, again because of Guinness. There are some bitter notes in this one coming from the roasted barley and some extra hops. Guinness’ IBUs (International Bitterness Unit) sits is around 47. For comparison, Dogfishhead’s 60 Minute IPA is 60 IBUs. It is usually thinner and lighter than other stouts, making it great to drink over time. Murphy’s Irish Stout is another fine example of this style.

Hello milk stout! Nitrogen is used to smooth out the beer even more.

Sweet, or Milk, Stout – Advertisers are tricky. Trying to convince consumers of the healthy qualities of some stouts, they would add lactose, or milk sugar, to the brew to add sweetness. Milk is healthy, right? This type of chicanery caused the designation to be banned in England, but it can be used anywhere else in the world. The sugars mask the bitterness of the roasting and add some weight to the mouthfeel, leaving a rich and sweet flavor to embrace. Left Hand Brewing makes a delightful Milk Stout Nitro, and Southern Tier’s Crème Brulee Imperial Milk Stout are absolute delights to drink.

Oatmeal Stout – If milk is a healthy addition to the brewing of stouts, why not oats? Oat is a grain, and beer needs grains. You have warm water, oats, flavor…it is like oatmeal! A hearty breakfast in a bottle! They were most popular in Scandinavia, which maintained the tradition until beer explorer Michael Jackson reintroduced the nearly extinct species. The oats added to the mash add their own version of sweetness, while adding some thickness to the beer as well. If you are looking for a local one, you are in tons of luck. Warped Wing’s 10 Ton Stout, Eudora Brewing Company’s Thunderball, Yellow Spring Brewing’s Prowler, Star City’s Old Mill Stout, and Lock 27’s Oat Rodeo are just a few local selections for you.

American Stout – We have our own stout! American stouts shoot for the full, smooth mouthfeel of the richest stouts while adding extra hops, coffee, chocolate flavors to heighten the natural ones that emerge from the roasting process. They find their way to the higher end of the ABV scale, and are a product of brewers wanting to experiment with the traditional stout formula. The carbonation, usually not overly present in other stouts, emerges more in the American version. Dayton Brewing Company’s new Java Man Cometh would fall in this category, as would Deschutes’ Obsidian Stout and Revolution Brewing’s Rise.

Russian Imperial Stout – This was brewed in England for the Russian court of Catherine II. Since it was brewed for a country where vodka dominates all other liquor (they put down almost five times the vodka the Unites States does), it had to be stronger than normal and built for a long journey. Most stouts pack a reasonable 6-7% ABV punch. The low end of the spectrum for Russian Imperials is 8%, heading as high as 12%. Toxic Brewing’s Black Tonic sits in this category, as does Hareless Hare’s Rabbit Hole Chocolate Stout. A personal favorite, Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Blackout Stout (our own Max Spang has some thoughts on it as well) and North Coast Brewing’s Old Rasputin are other well respected versions of this strong style.
Max Spang and I agree: This is a delicious Imperial stout.

Foreign Extra (Tropical) Stout – The home of the stout is a long way from the tropics. Especially in the 18^th century, when ocean going wooden ship was the only way to get there. It was brewed with some extra malt, making it sweeter and sturdier to survive the month long journey across the Atlantic. It was nicknamed “Tropical” because the earliest versions of this beer went to the warmer colonies of the British Empire. They are typically a stronger version of a dry stout, but any style can be made into a Foreign Extra Stout. The most well-known of this style is the Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, and most breweries dabble in this style, offering it on tap in smaller batches or seasonally. Ridgeway Brewing’s Lump of Coal is a tip top example of a seasonal foreign extra stout.

Starbucks may still be testing their coffee stout concoction for all we know. There is no need to wait for them to enjoy the hearty flavors stouts can provide. And some of them even have healthy ingredients in them (sort of)! Despite the heaviness of these beers, many of them are not much more calorie dense than light beers. Guinness has only 15 more calories per 12 oz. serving than Bud Light, and for the same ABV. Enjoy a stout or two on National Stout Day. You can drink a Founder’s Breakfast Stout or Southern Tier Mokah instead of the Starbucks, right?

BIRDMAN (with Amazing Cast & Stellar Reviews) Opens Friday at THE NEON!

November 5, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

Audiences are loving all three of our current attractions, but if you still need to see PRIDE or MY OLD LADY, you’ll need to move quickly. PRIDE will screen for the last time tonight (Wednesday) and MY OLD LADY will screen for the last time on Thursday afternoon. ST. VINCENT is sticking around. If you need a refresher about any of our current films, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

On Friday, we’re excited to open BIRDMAN – a film by the brilliant Mexican director Alejandro G. Inarritu, director of AMORES PERROS, 21 GRAMS, BABEL and BIUTIFUL. This new film, which has garnered 100% reviews from some of today’s most esteemed critics, has also garnered a lot of great press for the lead performance by Michael Keaton.

Synopsis for BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE): “BIRDMAN is a black comedy that tells the story of an actor (Michael Keaton) – famous for portraying an iconic superhero – as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself. ” Also starring Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, and Naomi Watts. Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

VSOP Music & Film is bringing HARLEM STREET SINGER – THE STORY OF REVEREND GARY DAVIS to THE NEON for a one-time screening on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7:30. “The film tells the story of the blind, self-taught musician Reverend Gary Davis. It chronicles his hardscrabble life and the profound impact he made on musicians eager to explore his technique – a homegrown guitar style forged from ragtime, gospel and blues. In addition to archival footage and interview segments with Bob Weir, Jorma Kaukonen, John Cohen, David Bromberg, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and others, the film features newly recorded versions of songs Davis was closely identified with performed by a band led by Woody Mann. Blues and jazz historian (and frontman for the Classic Jazz Stompers) Dave Greer will lead a Q&A following the screeing.” (taken from VSOP Press Notes) Tickets will be $8 each and available starting Oct. 22 at THE NEON’s box office.

Next week, I’ll announce our line-up for the Annual Family Holiday Film Series – presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival & The Downtown Dayton Partnership. Films will screen at Noon on December 6, 13, & 20 – and the price is absolutely amazing. Stay tuned!

Thanks so much for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Nov. 7 – Thursday, Nov. 13:

BIRDMAN (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday & Saturday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday:11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

ST. VINCENT (PG-13) 1 Hr 42 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday – Tuesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10
Thursday: 2:50, 7:45

HARLEM STREET SINGER (NR) 1 Hr 16 Min + discussion
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

Nov. 14 – WHIPLASH
Nov. 28 – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Dec. 5 – CITIZENFOUR
Dec. 19 – THE IMITATION GAME
Jan. 9 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE

‘Hot Mikado’ Review – Wright State University – Gotta Dance!

November 5, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Without a doubt the first pleasant surprise of the fall is the area premiere of Wright State University’s highly entertaining and fabulously choreographed “Hot Mikado,” Rob Bowman and David H. Bell’s little-known 1986 jazz-era twist on Gilbert and Sullivan’s 1885 comic opera “The Mikado.”

Kyle James Adam and Scotti Marie Stoneburner in Wright State University’s production of “Hot Mikado” (Contributed photo)

With great skill and efficiency, Bowman and Bell impressively dusts off this silly, thin tale of love, law and customs in the quaint, cutely named Japanese town of Titipu. Instead of taking a more familiar, traditional approach to the material and Gilbert and Sullivan’s legacy as particularly evident in Mike Leigh’s acclaimed 1999 film “Topsy-Turvy,” this duo fills their adaptation with a colorfully clever assortment of musical flavors from gospel and swing to R&B and rock and roll. By all means, the sheer power of musicianship and distinctive arrangements (catapulted by the expertise of musical director Scot Woolley’s superb orchestra) is a key factor to the show’s conceptual appeal, which brilliantly doubles as a refreshing history lesson in American music and an enjoyable, respectful homage to one of the most beloved works in the Gilbert and Sullivan canon.

Director Greg Hellems, adept at musical comedy, keeps the carefree action breezy and light (think “42nd Street” or “Crazy for You”) aided by the spectacular, Broadway-caliber contributions of ever-reliable choreographer Teressa Wylie McWilliams, who choreographed Hellems’ first-rate “Oklahoma!” last season. Here, McWilliams, in a return to form recalling her outstanding work for WSU’s 2011 production of “Hairspray,” pulls out the stops at the outset as the handsome, agile male ensemble exuberantly performs a slick, seductive and cheery version of “We Are Gentlemen of Japan,” a terrific, tone-setting opener. Her tap-happy routines continue with feverish aplomb with the scintillating, breathtaking, encore-worthy Act 1 finale and the fiery, playful duels within Act 2’s rousing “Mikado Song.”
Drew Bowen delightfully leads the proceedings as the charming Nanki-Poo, a musician in love with the innocent Yum-Yum (the lovely Bradley Farmer) who is actually betrothed to Ko-Ko (the comical Sean Jones in pure vaudeville mode). Bowen and Jones are crowd pleasers, but Farmer deserves special mention for bringing an enchanting grace and a contemporary sensibility to “Sun and I,” an Act 2 highlight and one of the finest songs ever written by Gilbert and Sullivan. This trio receives excellent support from the suave Alimamy Barrie as the Mikado, vocal powerhouse Paige Dobkins as Pitti-Sing, striking tenor Mark Beyer (“Braid the Raven Hair”) as Pish-Tush, the equally amiable Nathan Pecchia as Pooh-Bah and Bailey Rose as Peep-Bo, and the marvelously formidable Jasmine Easler as the fiery Katisha, who vows to make Nanki-Poo her husband. The exceptional Easler, recently featured in WSU’s remarkable “Fences” and conveying a sinister diva mentality recalling Evilene from “The Wiz,” delivers knockout, amazingly soulful renditions of “Hour of Gladness” and “Alone and Yet Alive” that absolutely bring down the house.
The overt beauty within this impressively produced showcase is fueled by the inviting Japanese décor of Pam Knauert Lavarnway’s set, costumer Jeremy W. Floyd’s attractive mix of Cotton Club-esque attire and gorgeous kimonos, and Matthew P. Benjamin’s evocative lighting and projections.
If you don’t have plans to catch “Hot Mikado” before it closes you need to immediately reschedule your agenda. This must-see is too hot to miss.

“Hot Mikado” continues through Nov. 9 in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 63 minutes; Act Two: 60 minutes. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. For tickets or more information, call WSU box office at (937) 775-2500.

‘Mame’ Review – Human Race Theatre Company – Live, Laugh, Love

November 5, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Lisa Ann Goldsmith and Peanut Edmonson in the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of “Mame” (Contributed photo by Scott J. Kimmins)

The Human Race Theatre Company’s warmly intimate production of Jerry Herman, Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s endearing and splendidly tuneful 1966 musical “Mame” has a lot of heart but lacks pizzazz at its core.
Based on Lawrence and Lee’s 1956 play “Auntie Mame,” adapted from Patrick Dennis’ 1955 novel of the same name, “Mame” chronicles nearly 20 years in the life of Mame Dennis, a lively, eccentric socialite who throws lavish soirees in her posh Beekman Place apartment no matter the occasion. In 1928, Mame’s unrestrained, attention-seeking existence quickly changes when she becomes the guardian of her timid, sheltered 10-year-old nephew Patrick. As Mame energetically shows Patrick just how eye-opening life can be within colorful Manhattan, an education thriving in the unconventional sense, their tender, loving bond grows stronger even as the ensuing years bring its share of hardships, sorrow, misunderstanding, and disappointment.

Lisa Ann Goldsmith and the cast of Mame. Photo courtesy of Scott J. Kimmins.

As the flashy, larger-than-life Mame, one of the juiciest roles in the musical theater canon, Lisa Ann Goldsmith, previously known at the Human Race for roles in “Macbeth” and “Torch Song Trilogy,” adopts a gentler, subdued and mildly coy approach that feels off-kilter to the jubilant spirit of the brassy material. Mame is fashioned to be an earthy, outspoken and flamboyant center of the universe, but Goldsmith embodies the role as a woman second guessing her extravagant flair rather than a woman completely confident in her own skin. As so, her musical numbers, intended to illuminate Mame’s vivacious electricity, are short on vim and verve. The cheerful vigor and excitement pulsating throughout Herman’s dandy score (“It’s Today,” “Open a New Window,” “We Need a Little Christmas,” “That’s How Young I Feel”) just doesn’t credibly land in her hands which deflates momentum despite assistance from the vocally strong ensemble. Even Mame’s signature torch song “If He Walked Into My Life” startlingly comes and goes as if its mere filler rather than the full-throttle, show-stopping epiphany it was written to be. Goldsmith, stunning in costumer Christie Peitzmeier’s stylish outfits, is comfortable in the book scenes that allow her ample time to mold the nuances of her characterization opposite the earnestly sweet Peanut Edmonson as young Patrick, but her musical numbers, the lifeblood of the show, are not equally assured.
Still, there is consistent, grounded work elsewhere under the fluidly fast-paced and atmospheric direction of producing artistic director Kevin Moore, who astutely conceptualizes the show as a portal into Patrick’s memory and effortlessly scales down its traditionally large framework to incorporate a 20-member cast. Leslie Goddard is outstanding as goofy secretary Agnes Gooch, particularly as Agnes attempts to embrace life to the fullest with great consequence. Torie Wiggins, in a refreshing dose of non-traditional casting, is a real comedic find as prominent theater actress Vera Charles, Mame’s boozy best friend. Jamie Cordes is the epitome of a true Southern gentleman as the wealthy Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside, Mame’s husband. Zack Steele supplies charisma and conviction as the adult Patrick although he struggles vocally in his upper register. Annie Pesch (Ito), Scott Stoney (Dwight Babcock), Robb Willoughby (M. Lindsay Woolsey), Marya Spring (Sally Cato), Sherri L. Sutter (Mother Burnside), Sarah Naughton (Gloria Upson), Darrin Murrell (Mr. Upson), Layan Elwazani (Pegeen Ryan), Shavey Brown (Ralph Devine), Cooper Taggard (Gregor), and Michael McCrary (Junior Babcock) solidly perform in flavorful featured roles. Fierce, attractive couple Sarah Agar and Adam Soniak, attacking Katie Johannigman’s sharp choreography as if auditioning to become a part of next season’s “Dancing with the Stars” troupe, exhibit dazzling finesse as a pair of steamy ballroom dancers in “Open a New Window.”

Peanut Edmonson and Lisa Ann Goldsmith in Mame, photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

Additionally, Dick Block’s terrific set features a revolving layout for Mame’s apartment as well as large, colorful postcard backdrops. John Rensel’s expert lighting heightens various locales from the coziness of Mame’s bedroom to the Shubert Theater stage in New Haven, Connecticut. Musical director John Faas, a Herman aficionado, leads a well-balanced and peppy seven-member off-stage orchestra.
Captivating joy has always been a primary component to the success of Herman’s most beloved musicals. Whether it’s a matchmaker descending a staircase to the delight of admiring waiters or the euphoric empowerment shared between drag queens, Herman’s sunny, feel-good repertoire absolutely uplifts the spirit. In order for the inherent joy within “Mame” to shine with credible magnetism this production needs to dig deeper.

“Mame” continues through Nov. 23 at the Loft Theatre of the Metropolitan Arts Center, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. Performances are Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday and Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Act One: 80 minutes; Act Two: 65 minutes. Tickets are $40-$50. Prices vary depending on performance date. Discounts are also available. Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com or www.humanracetheatre.org

DMM Ticket Giveaway

If you’d like a chance to win a pair of tickets to see this classic show, just like this post, fill out the form below and leave a comment about why we should pick you as a ticket winner! We’ll announce our winner late night on Thurs, Nov 6th.

Thanks to all who entered! Congrats to Doug Kershner, Renee Reed and Diane Carter, our ticket winners!