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

Archives for February 2022

What’s On Screen at The Neon

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Neon Movies on Fifth Street

This Friday, we’re bringing the film that Paul Thomas Anderson (writer and director of LICORICE PIZZA) calls “The best movie in the world” – Joachim Trier’s THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD…nominated for 2 Academy Awards. We’re also bringing back DRIVE MY CAR for 3 encore screenings due to high demand after it was nominated for 4 Academy Awards including “Best Picture.” And because our return engagement of BELFAST was met with so much enthusiasm this past weekend, it will stick around for another week. LICORICE PIZZA will stay for 1 more week, but if you need to see THE POWER OF THE DOG or THE LOST DAUGHTER, you only have a couple more chances. And don’t forget that we’ ll begin our engagement of Joe Wright’s CYRANO(starring Peter Dinklage) next Thursday, Feb. 24 (tickets are already on sale). If you need more details about any of these titles, please visit our official site – www.neonmovies.com

NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:
Synopsis for THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD: “Director Joachim Trier returns with another modern twist on a classically constructed character portrait of contemporary life in Oslo. Chronicling four years in the life of Julie, THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD examines one woman’s quest for love and meaning in the modern world. Fluidly told in twelve chapters, the film features a breakout performance by Cannes Best Actress winner Renate Reinsve as she explores new professional avenues and embarks on relationships with two very different men (Anders Danielsen Lie and Herbert Nordrum) in her search for happiness and identity.” (Neon Releasing) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer. This film has been nominated for “Best Screenplay” and “Best International Film.”
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
To read more about the few films that are still available, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works. Our Virtual Cinema is in its last days (at least for now), but you still have a chance to check out a couple titles from home.
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT:
“K. Carter, with film creator Jeremy Tkach, give a glimpse into the progress of a man’s passions in a city thriving after chaos. This documentary shines a light on the process of a native Dayton talent pursuing his passions: music and his community. After devastating tornadoes, a mass shooting, and in the midst of a global pandemic, K. Carter continues to work on his music and plan a music festival for a small urban city. Viewers will see the teams behind Carter’s endeavors and the words of those who look up to him. His journey to making an album not only spans across time but across state lines, while planning a festival has its own challenges. See the connections made and the leaps bound to bring something special to Dayton, Ohio.” Join us on Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 for the World Premiere of SON OF HIP HOP: A RAPUMENTARY – followed by a Q&A with K. Carter and Jeremy Tkach! Tickets only available at this LINK.
We’ve booked 2 special screenings of The West End’s ANYTHING GOES – set for March 27 & 30, and tickets are already on sale! What I’m even more excited about is that WSU’s Joe Deer, who was in the 1987 Broadway revival of ANYTHING GOES and has directed productions of this show several times, will introduce the screening on Wednesday, March 30. This is a filmed version of last summer’s West End production starring the luminous Tony-winning Sutton Foster. Don’t miss this Cole Porter treat on the big screen! Tickets are $12.50 and available now at our box office or on-line! More details can be found on our website. Click the image below to watch a trailer.
You’re hearing about this first! We’ve just booked a special event for Thursday, April 21. Many of you are familiar with THE DISASTER ARTIST – the story & film about the making of what is regarded as one of the worst movies of all time – the cult hit THE ROOM. On April 21, we will screen THE ROOM along with special guest actor & author Greg Sestero (he co-starred in THE ROOM and wrote the book THE DISASTER ARTIST). Mark your calendars now…you’ll be the first to get ticketing details in next week’s newsletter.
Details for this year’s screening party of the March 27 Academy Awards (always a FREE Event for NEON fans) will be revealed soon!

We’re delighted to be the sponsor for a wonderful program on WDPR Discover Classical – THE SCORE – “a celebration of symphonic music in film.” You can listen to this program on Sunday’s at 5pm on 88.1FM or via WDPR’s official site. To read more THE SCORE and the focus of each week’s program, visit this official

Zero Proof Cocktail Class

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You did it!  You made it through Dry January, and now it’s time to up your zero-proof cocktail game!  Join the  “bottle shop by Ghostlight” for a 90 minute zero-proof cocktail class with bartender, sommelier and spirits professional Evan Danielson.

Formerly of Dayton Cocktail Co, Evan has called Nashville, TN home for the past four years, running bar and wine programs for multiple restaurant groups. Although not currently behind the bar on a day-to-day basis, he keeps his skills refined with regular cocktail and drink recipe creation, using them especially as a vehicle to explore food and beverage pairings. Evan is currently in preparation for upper-level sommelier and spirits exams.

During the hands-on class, all participants will be able to make and drink three delicious cocktails featuring non-alcoholic spirits & ingredients from “bottle shop by Ghostlight.”  These are real drinks, not your typical “mocktail” of juices and sodas.  The recipes and techniques can be adapted at home for full or partial alcoholic cocktails as well.

Zero-Proof products to be used include Three Spirits Elixirs, Free Spirits Bourbon, Ritual Zero-Proof Tequila & Rum, Monday Gin, Tost and Jo Snow Aperitivo Spirito.

Participants will also be given a 25% discount code for use that evening after the class to purchase bottles to build their home bar cart. The evening will start will a welcome cocktail and some Ghostlight Coffee Bakery snacks to nosh on during the evening.

Zero-Proof Cocktails
with Evan Danielson

Presented by Ghostlight Coffee, ltd.

Friday, February 25th  7:00 PM — 8:30 PM EST
Solo Ticket $45
Couples Ticket $80
Register online:

Cirque Fatale presents “Ruin Your Childhood” Burlesque Show

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We’re riding those Valentine’s vibes right into the weekend with Cirque Fatale “Ruin Your Childhood” Burlesque! This talented group of dancers presents a burlesque and aerial show that promises to be the Magical Kingdom of fun! The cast will do their best to ruin your childhood favorites like Scooby-Doo, superheroes, and many of those magic castle animated princesses.

The performance is taking place on Friday, February 18, 2022 inside the Ballroom at The Brightside in downtown Dayton (905 E 3rd St) from 7-10pm. Along with Cirque Fatale, this show also features special guests The LeCamerons from CinCity Burlesque!

While this event is certainly fun, there is a charitable element happening too. Cirque Fatale is accepting donations of new bras (all sizes) for the YWCA. Sports bras are needed the most! So if you have some extra you never wore, or find some at the store, please bring along with you to the show!

“Dayton has been such a huge supporter of local entertainment like Cirque Fatale, that we want to give back to our local community,” organizer Cassie Guard shared.  

Cirque Fatale shows are known for flying performers over the crowd and making you laugh until your cheeks hurt. But they are also known for being safe in these covid times. They are taking measures to make sure you can still enjoy live entertainment are:

Masks required for entry and are to be worn  throughout the venue. Masks may be removed once seated at your table. All “tickets” are tables that seat 2-4 people. No rowed seating allowed. Venue HVAC system has UV-C bulbs to clean and purify the air!

Get your ticket today! Just a few table left: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ruin-your-childhood-burlesque-show-tickets-253806822037

Bonnie Raitt “Just Live That” Tour Comes to The Rose

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Bonnie Raitt will return to the live stage with Just Like That… a national tour in 2022 which includes music from her forthcoming, long-awaited studio album, ‘Just Like That…’. Raitt will release her first single off the upcoming album as well as launch a pre-order campaign February 25th. The ‘Just Like That…’ tour includes a stop at Rose Music Center at The Heights for a performance on Wednesday, July 20th with special guest Mavis Staples.

Raitt said, “To celebrate finally being able to play live concerts again by reuniting with my dear friend and inspiration, the great Mavis Staples, is a thrill words can’t really express. Mavis and her band are at the top of their game and I know they feel the same about us. Hope you can experience the magic when we come through on tour this summer!”

Continuing a long-standing tradition in conjunction with The Guacamole Fund and Raitt’sGreen Highway campaign, one dollar from every ticket purchased will be donated to grassroots local, regional, and national organizations whose work focuses on safe and sustainable energy, social justice and human rights, environmental protection, and blues/music education.

ABOUT BONNIE RAITT

Bonnie Raitt is a singer, songwriter and guitarist whose unique style blends blues, R&B, rock, and pop. After 20 years as a cult favorite, she broke through to the top in the early 90s with her GRAMMY-award winning albums, ‘Nick of Time’ and ‘Luck of the Draw,’ which featured hits, “Something To Talk About” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me” among others. The ten-time Grammy winner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and Rolling Stone named the slide guitar ace one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and one of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.”

Raitt’s widely-acclaimed 2012 independent release ‘Slipstream’ sold over a quarter-million copies, making it one of the top selling independent albums, and earned Raitt her 10th Grammy Award (Best Americana Album). In February 2016, Raitt released her highly-anticipated 20th album, ‘Dig In Deep’ (Redwing Records.) On tour for much of 2017-2019, Raitt and her band performed overseas in Australia, New Zealand as well as Canada before spending the summers touring as support for James Taylor in stadiums and arenas across the U.S., United Kingdom and Europe.

As known for her lifelong commitment to social activism as she is for her music, Raitt has long been involved with the environmental movement, performing concerts around oil, nuclear power, mining, water and forest protection since the mid 70’s.  She was a founding member of MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) which produced the historic concerts, album and movie NO NUKES and continues to work on safe energy issues in addition to environmental protection, social justice and human rights, as well as creator’s rights and music education.

ABOUT MAVIS STAPLES

Hailed by NPR as “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace,” Staples is the kind of once-in-a-generation artist whose impact on music and culture would be difficult to overstate. She’s both a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; a civil rights icon; a GRAMMY Award-winner; a chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer; a National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient; and a Kennedy Center honoree. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, and sang in Barack Obama’s White House. She’s collaborated with everyone from Prince and Bob Dylan to Arcade Fire and Hozier, blown away countless festivalgoers from Newport Folk and Glastonbury to Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, performed with The Band at The Last Waltz, and graced the airwaves on Fallon, Colbert, Ellen, Austin City Limits, Jools Holland, the GRAMMYs, and more. At a time when most artists begin to wind down, Staples ramped things up, releasing a trio of critically acclaimed albums in her 70’s with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy that prompted Pitchfork to rave that “her voice has only gained texture and power over the years” and People to proclaim that she “provides the comfort of a higher power.”

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10am on Friday, February 18 at Ticketmaster.com and RoseMusicCenter.com.

Jazz Royalty Carmen Bradford Joins the Dayton Philharmonic This Weekend

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On Friday, February 18, 2022 and Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 8:00 pm in the Mead Theatre of the Schuster Center, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, under the leadership of Conductor Patrick Reynolds, will present The Ladies of Swing, the third SuperPops concert in the 2021–2022 season of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance.

The Dayton Philharmonic and guest singer Carmen Bradford bring to the stage a program featuring hits performed and recorded by the great Swing legends Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and more. Carmen uses this collection of timeless standards and songs, made popular by the great vocalists of the swing era, to guide the audience with her dazzling vocal style and honor these incredible vocal songstresses.

Carmen Bradford is jazz royalty. Her grandfather Melvin Moore sang with Dizzy Gillespie’s Big Band and with the Ink Spots, and her parents are legendary cornetist and composer Bobby Bradford and world-renowned jazz vocalist, composer, and author Melba Joyce. It was no surprise, then, that at the age of 22, Carmen was discovered and hired by William “Count” Basie and became the featured vocalist in the legendary Count Basie Orchestra for nine years.

Since then, Bradford has sung with Big Bands and Symphonies across the country, and she has lent her voice from stage productions to the music of Hollywood films. But she has never stopped performing with her Basie family, the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Even after all these years, Carmen has always said, “when they call me, I go!” Her body of work reflects a vast depth of musical experience and technical brilliance, and she contributed to the perpetuation and preservation of this great American art form called jazz.

The DPO and Carmen bring the swing to Dayton with some of the most iconic jazz tunes from the golden era of music, including “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Love is Here to Stay,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,”  “Fascinatin’ Rhythm,” “I Won’t Dance,” “Mr. Paganini,” “Love Me or Leave Me,” “I’ve Got A Crush on You,” “A Tisket A Tasket,” and so many more jazz greats. Carmen Bradford and the Dayton Philharmonic deliver a show-stopping performance to the Schuster this February as together they honor the The Ladies of Swing.

Safety Protocols
The DPAA is excited to welcome audiences back to the 2021–2022 Season. The health and safety of patrons, performers, staff, and volunteers is our top priority. Beginning November 22, 2021, in partnership with DPAA’s venue partner Dayton Live, the following new health and safety protocols will be in place at all performances and events until further notice:

  • Vaccination and Testing – Proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing will no longer be required to attend performances at Dayton Live venues, including the Schuster Center and the Victoria Theatre.
  • Masks – Masks will be required for all patrons over the age of 6 during the entire visit while attending a DPAA performance or event. Mask must cover both nose and mouth.

Tickets for The Ladies of Swing start at $5 and are available at the box office by calling (937) 228-3630 or online at www.daytonperformingarts.org.  Senior, teacher and student discounts are available at the box office. For more information or to order subscriptions, including flexible subscription types that include performances by Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Opera and Dayton Ballet, visit www.daytonperformingarts.org.

Basic Bicycle Maintenance

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This hands-on session will cover basic bicycle repair as we transition from winter to spring riding season. Learn how to properly clean and lube your drivetrain, how to fix a flat tire (feel free to bring your tire!), basic adjustments and safety checks. The session is not designed to diagnose and repair specific issues, but a learning opportunity for routine maintenance and repair on bicycles. Otto Bohn owns and operates Spoken Bicycles in Downtown Middletown, which sells and repairs bicycles, accessories and also conducts spinning and road riding classes and rides.

Wee Bit O Trouble Release

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It’s time for the yearly release of Crooked Handle’s Scotch Ale, Wee Bit O Trouble! A favorite beer of many and definitely a must-try next time you’re in the taproom
Fun fact… this brew got its cheeky name from a wonderful Scottish 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 friend during his visit to the states.

Earth, Wind & Fire are Coming to The Rose!

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The legendary music group, Earth, Wind & Fire will head to Huber Heights, OH for their first ever performance at Rose Music Center at The Heights on Thursday, July 28.

Earth, Wind & Fire are a musical institution. 2020 marked a year-long celebration of their 50th anniversary in entertainment – one that has taken them all around the globe playing sold out concerts. In 2019, their contributions to arts and culture were acknowledged in Washington DC with the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery also awarded Earth, Wind & Fire with its Portrait of a Nation Prize.

The band has scored eight number one hits, have sold over 100 million albums worldwide and released 23 albums. Eight of those albums went Double Platinum and hit the Top 10, making them one of the best-selling artists of all time. They’ve won an impressive nine Grammy Awards including one for Lifetime Achievement (2012). In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their lasting impact on popular music.

For their record-breaking success, they’ve also been awarded with Lifetime Achievement honors from ASCAP, NAACP, BET, and have star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their reach extends to heads-of- state. They have been invited to perform for Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, who said in an interview with Rolling Stone that Earth, Wind & Fire was a “rhythm and blues and pop staple.”

Their achievements are equally matched by their generosity. Over the years the band has supported various charity organizations including the Make a Wish Foundation, Race to Erase MS, the American Cancer Society, and the Human Society. In 2007, leader Philip Bailey founded Music Is Unity, which helps youth in foster care successfully transition into adulthood and provides music instruments to youth with musical aspirations but lacking the resources. Co- founder, Verdine White has led important initiatives with the Girls & Boys Club of America and opened The Verdine White Foundation in Los Angeles as a mecca to serve youth with music scholarships and other programs.

The music of Earth, Wind & Fire is more alive than ever as they continue to inspire new audiences and thrill those who have been with them from the beginning. Like the elements in their name, Earth, Wind & Fire’s music has withstood ever-changing trends in the world and shows no sign of vanishing as they continue to create joy and uplifting music that will forever reach a sacred universal atmosphere.

Comedy, R&B and Country Coming to Fraze

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Fraze Pavilion announced three more shows for the summer season with tickets going on sale Saturday:

Steve Martin and Martin Short

featuring Jeff Babico with Alison Brown & Fair Weather Friends

Saturday, May 28  8pm

Icons, collaborators, and dos amigos Steve Martin and Martin Short have teamed up once again, and they’re bringing it to venues across North America in 2022 and beyond!  Promising a bit of music, plenty of new sketches, and tons of laughs, the duo’s new show is a delight for comedy nerds and casual fans alike — and should absolutely be on your schedule. After all, how often does a hilarious Steve Martin tour costarring his rubber-faced friend Martin Short come along?

$139 – Plaza, $129 – Orchestra, $49 – Lawn & Terrace

Jeffrey Osborne & Peabo Bryson

Saturday, June 18, 8pm

Jeffrey Osborne’s solo career has brought him four grammy nominations, five gold and platinum albums, including his debut self entitled album Jeffrey Osborne, Stay with Me Tonight and Only Human. He scored an international hit with “On the Wings of Love” in 1982. After his six albums released on A&M during the ’80s, he moved to Arista for Only Human (1990), then switched to a series of independent labels.

His releases during the 2000s included That’s for Sure (2000) and Music Is Life (2003), as well as cover albums From the Soul (2005) and A Time for Love (2013). His latest project entitled Worth It All was released in 2018 on Artistry Music. This project was written and produced by Jeffrey Osborne, with the exception of one song entitled “Work It” which was co-written with his son Jeffrey Osborne Jr. who also performed on the track with him. This project, inspired by the late great George Duke has taken Osborne back to his deep R&B roots.

$98 – Plaza, $88 – Center Orchestra, $78 – Side Orchestra, $40 – Lawn & Terrace

Justin Moore

with special guests Dillon Carmichael and Jake Worthington

Friday, July 15,  7:30pm

Justin Moore has built a loyal following over the past decade with his traditional Country sound and captivating live shows. Those fans helped boost his fifth studio album, Late Nights and Longnecks, to the top of the charts upon its release. Lead track “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” and follow up “Why We Drink” both peaked at No. 1 on both Mediabase and Billboard bringing the Arkansas native’s tally to nine chart-toppers.

Moore’s previous project, Kinda Don’t Care, earned the singer his third consecutive No. 1 album debut and features his chart-topping singles “You Look Like I Need A Drink” and “Somebody Else Will.” It served as a follow up to his second No. 1 album release, the GOLD-certified Off The Beaten Path.

Over his 10+ year career, Moore’s No. 1 hits have also included “Point at You,” “Lettin’ The Night Roll” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” “Small Town USA” and “Till My Last Day” as well as seven Top 10 hits and PLATINUM-certified albums Justin Moore and Outlaws Like Me. His latest offering “We Didn’t Have Much” reminisces on Moore’s simple upbringing and appreciation of life’s most precious moments.

Tickets for all three of these shows go on sale Saturday Feb 19th at 10am at Fraze FanFare Store, Online at fraze.com or etix.com or Charge By Phone 1-800-514-3849.

McCoy on Movies: I Want You Back

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Jenny Slate, Charlie Day team up for affable
I Want You Back in time for Valentine’s Day

“And if you look here, you’ll find the scenes were we could insert our old sitcoms respective co-stars!” Emma (Jenny Slate) and Peter (Charlie Day) star in a scene from director Jason Orley’s romantic comedy I WANT YOU BACK. Credit: © 2022 Amazon Studios. Courtesy of Amazon Studios. All rights reserved.
 
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE: 

DIRECTOR: Jason Orley
KEY CAST MEMBERS: Jenny Slate, Charlie Day, Scott Eastwood, Gina Rodriguez, Manny Jacinto, Clark Backo and Luke David Blumm
THE BACK STORY: Emma (Jenny Slate) is in love with Noah (Scott Eastwood). Peter (Charlie Day) is in love with Anne (Gina Rodriguez). The problem is Noah and Anne are no longer in love with them, Noah and Anne having respectively found their ideal partners: A woman with her own baking business – and the ambition Noah seeks in a mate – in Ginny (Clark Backo) and the physically fit artist, well, as much an artist as a middle school theater director can be in Logan (Manny Jacinto).
What Emma and Peter don’t know, however, is that their very sad, dumped paths will cross since they work in the same building. That chance meeting will lead to the hatching of a plan to break up their exes’ new relationships, making them realize they should go back to Emma and Peter.

But if you think that plan is going off without a hitch, you’ve apparently never watched a romantic comedy …

THE REVIEW: You know what’s nice about I Want You Back? It’s not the comedy, which works more than it doesn’t. It’s not the chemistry among the leads, which feels a lot like they are such best friends that it almost becomes annoying when they don’t see it. No, it’s how the film doesn’t really insult your intelligence with over-the-top zaniness and delivers characters whose actions never feel like they happen for the sake of a joke. Instead, you get a film with nice enough, likable people that by the time the film gets to its eventual conclusion, you’ll think about the qualities of each character you might wish to find in a partner of your own.
You’ll think about the nice aspects of relationships, the path one must take to discovering what they are meant to do in life, risks and rewards and how little things truly do make for the most significant memories, or perhaps the most significant aspects that determine who is and isn’t right for you if you’re lucky enough to find them.
At the very least, it should make you realize it’s not the person you used to have you want back, but rather the feelings they made you feel when things were great – and for that, I Want You Back is worth renewing your Amazon Prime membership back (at least for another month of movie watching).
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

 

 

 

HRC and First Financial Bank Team Up On Micro-Lending

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The Dayton Human Relations Council’s Minority Business Assistance Center, in collaboration with First Financial Bank, is re-introducing its Micro-Lending Program.
First Financial has committed $100,000 to the program, which offers loans of up to $10,000 to provide opportunities for groups which historically have not had ready access to early-stage startup and expansion capital.
The Greater Dayton Minority Business Assistance Center serves hundreds of minority-owned businesses in a 12-county region with business development resources and education programs. These include resources for improving access to funding opportunities through activities such as technical and business advising, marketing and financial literacy. MBAC will recommend qualified applicants for loans through First Financial Bank.
“The MBAC has made it its mission to do everything we can to help our small businesses in this critical time,” said Erica Fields, Human Relations Council executive director. “Too many times during the pandemic small, minority, and at-risk businesses within the Dayton community have missed out because the system simply doesn’t reach them. I am excited to work with First Financial to ensure that entrepreneurs will have easier access to capital essential for growth and success, regardless of background.”
“First Financial is teaming up with the Dayton Human Relations Council to support local businesses because it will ultimately help Dayton communities thrive through creation of greater economic opportunities,” said Roddell McCullough, First Financial’s chief corporate responsibility officer. “Providing access to working capital can make a huge impact on minority businesses, which are often undercapitalized and may experience difficulty accessing the credit they need for stability and growth.”
Micro-Lending Program details:
· The First Financial microloan amount is limited to a maximum of $10,000 per borrower.
· The Human Relations Council program offers an enhanced microloan feature with micro-lending to a maximum of $10,000 per borrower.
· Loans will carry a fixed interest rate.
· The repayment period is up to 48 months with no penalty for early repayment.
· The borrower has six months from the loan approval date to draw the funds.
· Borrowers are allowed one microloan at a time.
Who should apply, how to apply:
· Businesses with revenues up to $500,000 per year and with with 10 or fewer employees.
· Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), defined as businesses that are at least 51% owned by a member of a minority group.
· Businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing due to loan size or other terms.
· Applications are available through the Dayton Human Relations Council.
· Start-up business applicants are recommended to provide a business plan which includes an explanation of how funds will be used and a description of business operations (not required).
For more information, contact the Human Relations Council at 937-333-1030.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company presents World Premiere of “Inside Out”

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In February, there are two opportunities to experience the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, both in-person and Livestream.

The in-person performance is entitled, Inside Out, featuring a unique collection of interdisciplinary and collaborative pieces imagined by Debbie Blunden-Diggs, DCDC’s Chief Producing and Artistic Director. Witness the unveiling of three world premiere works rooted in DCDC’s legacy and sponsored by the Ohio Arts Council. 

If we learned anything during 2020 and 2021, we’re reminded that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. The world has changed, and we’ve evolved the way we think about craft, art, and society. DCDC’s resident choreographers embark upon new collaborations to explore life in a new world.

Nashville native Countess Winfrey collaborates with jazz composer Wesley Winfrey on new music and dance. The exquisite score is brought to life by The University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble and DCDC’s performing artists. The set design and projections created by visual artist Kanetha Scott are inspired by Winfrey’s choreography and the spirit of Memphis. Winfrey’s new work is the centerpiece of this concert, and you won’t want to miss it!

Performances will be held on February 26 at 7:30pm and February 27 at 4:00pm, LIVE at the Victoria Theater. For tickets call 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org/dcdc. Tickets start at $15!

Livestream event alert: On February 17, 2022 | 11:30 AM – 1 PM – DCDC presents Up Close & Personal: Anatomy of a Dance. Viewers will have the opportunity to see what happens during the creative process. Countess Winfrey will share a part of the evolution of her work for the February event Inside Out. Rehearsals in the studio, practices with the band, and conversations with the creative minds for this production will be shared virtually with our audiences as they get an inside look into the World Premiere of “Human Nature.”  Tickets & info at: info.dcdc.org/performances-tickets/seasons-series/up-close-personal
 
 

Valentine’s Celebration at the Brightside features Live Music & 3-course Dinner

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Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year. There’s not a lot usually going on Mondays, especially romantic date night fun, so the folks over at The Brightside Music & Event Venue are offering a special Valentine’s Celebration just for the lovers out there: a limited 40 person seating for a night of live music, cocktails, and delicious food. It’s a perfect date night for the ultimate romantic holiday! 

Enjoy a surf and turf or vegetarian 3-course dinner from Phat & Rich, with live, romantic music from Alyssa Hanson, Kevin Milner & Andy Rush. The ticket price alsoincludes a drink from the Brightside’s VodVil Bar for each person too! (does not include top shelf)

Guests are invited to arrive at 6:30pm on Monday, February 14, 2022. Dinner will be served at 7pm. Music starts at 7pm and goes on till 9pm. The venue has installed UV-C filters to sanitize the circulated air.

Andy Rush

MENU:
1st Course – Mixed greens salad with carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette

2nd Course – NY Strip Steak over mushroom risotto with sautéed asparagus
Or
King Trumpet Mushroom Medallions over mushroom risotto with sautéed asparagus

Dessert – Shared Slice of Strawberry Chocolate Cheese Cake

Tickets: Cost for dinner, 2 drinks and entertainment is $69 per person (purchased as 2 top individual tables). Tickets are sold in Pairs. You will receive one QR code for 2 entries. Secure your spot here: https://myclicktickets.com/product_view/42G5MKS70HDNA/7

Alyssa Hanson

The Brightside is located at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio. Website: https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/

Kevin Milner

Who Dey Gets You Free Bus Rides

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The Greater Dayton RTA isn’t sticking to the sidelines, and is instead showing its support for the Cincinnati Bengals ahead of the Super Bowl through several promotions to share the Who Dey spirit in Who Dey-ton.

As a treat for riders, anyone boarding RTA buses on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday can ride at no charge by simply saying “Who Dey” to the bus driver. Drivers and staff will also be sporting either Bengals or Rams attire Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to support their favorite team during this Super Bowl run.

In addition, while the agency can’t show its stripes by painting buses orange and black before the big game on Sunday, RTA’s administrative office building at the corner of Third and Main streets in downtown Dayton is lighted in Bengals colors for the big game.


The RTA had the foresight to purchase affordable local ad time in December for pregame coverage of the Super Bowl to support its hiring efforts. As luck would have it, this “Hail Mary” move paid off as a local team is playing, and Bengals super fans who are looking for a super career may see the ad. Check out RTA’s career ad showcasing veteran driver Jackey Nash and why you should join the #WhoDeyRTA team this Sunday. To apply, visit .

 

POWER OF THE DOG, LOST DAUGHTER, BELFAST & More at The Neon

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On Monday, while making predictions and confirming our engagements of THE POWER OF THE DOG and THE LOST DAUGHTER, we decided to throw in a handful of screenings of BELFAST. I’m glad we did. Our slate for this weekend is golden. (I’ll go into more details with each synopsis.) In addition to those 3 films arriving on Friday, you’ll still have chances to see LICORICE PIZZA (nominated for 3 Academy Awards including “Best Picture”) and PARALLEL MOTHERS (nominated for 2 Oscars including “Best Actress”). If you still need to see WHO WE ARE: A CHRONICLE OF RACISM IN AMERICA, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON.

This Sunday, February 13, we will have our first ever FREE POPCORN DAY! Whether you’re just passing by or joining us for a movie, any beverage purchase starting at Noon until closing on Feb. 13 will get you a FREE SMALL POPCORN (one free popcorn per customer). You can stop by and grab a beer “to go” before you kick-off your pregame at home…or grab a soda for your screening of THE POWER OF THE DOG – either way, the popcorn will be on us!
Please pay close attention to this week’s schedule. Some movies are only screening a handful of times, so I’ve moved them all around in order to get a mix of matinee and evening times throughout the week.
More nominees are on the way! THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD (nominated for “Best International Film” and “Best Original Screenplay”) opens next Friday. CYRANO and many of the OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS will open on Feb. 25. Other surprises are also in store. (FYI – Tickets for opening weekend of CYRANO are slated to go on sale this Friday morning!)
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:
Synopsis for THE POWER OF THE DOG: Nominated for 12 Academy Awards including “Best Picture” and “Best Director” (Jane Campion is the first woman to ever be nominated twice for this award – how is that possible?). “A domineering rancher responds with mocking cruelty when his brother brings home a new wife and her son, until the unexpected comes to pass.” Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee – all nominated for their performances! Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for THE LOST DAUGHTER: Nominated for 3 Academy Awards including “Best Actress” for Olivia Colman. In the feature directorial debut from Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colman gives a strong and unsettling performance – one that has been winning awards around the world. “A college professor confronts her unsettling past after meeting a woman and her young daughter while on vacation in Italy. Her obsession with the woman and her daughter prompts memories of her early motherhood.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer. Gyllenhaal was nominated for her “Adapted Screenplay” for this film!
Synopsis for BELFAST: We had a feeling that nominations might renew interest in this gem…so we re-booked it without knowing it would garner 7 Academy Awards nominations including “Best Picture” (and a surprise nomination for the much-loved Judi Dench). We’ll have BELFAST for 5 special screenings starting Friday, Feb. 11. Director Kenneth Branagh’s “semi-autobiographical film which chronicles the life of a working class family and their young son’s childhood during the tumult of the late 1960s in the Northern Ireland capital.” (Focus Features) With Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench and Ciaran Hinds…and introducing Jude Hill. Click on the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
To read more about the few films that are still available, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works. Our Virtual Cinema is in its last days (at least for now), but you still have a chance to check out a couple titles from home.
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT:
“K. Carter, with film creator Jeremy Tkach, give a glimpse into the progress of a man’s passions in a city thriving after chaos. This documentary shines a light on the process of a native Dayton talent pursuing his passions: music and his community. After devastating tornadoes, a mass shooting, and in the midst of a global pandemic, K. Carter continues to work on his music and plan a music festival for a small urban city. Viewers will see the teams behind Carter’s endeavors and the words of those who look up to him. His journey to making an album not only spans across time but across state lines, while planning a festival has its own challenges. See the connections made and the leaps bound to bring something special to Dayton, Ohio.” Join us on Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 for the World Premiere of SON OF HIP HOP: A RAPUMENTARY – followed by a Q&A with K. Carter and Jeremy Tkach! Tickets only available at this LINK.
We’re set for 2 special screenings of The West End’s ANYTHING GOES – set for March 27 & 30, and tickets are already on sale! What I’m even more excited about is that WSU’s Joe Deer, who was in the 1987 Broadway revival of ANYTHING GOES and has directed productions of this show several times, will introduce the screening on Wednesday, March 30. This is a filmed version of last summer’s West End production starring the luminous Sutton Foster. Don’t miss this Cole Porter treat on the big screen! Tickets are $12.50 and available now at our box office or on-line! More details can be found on our website. Click the image below to watch a trailer.
Details for this year’s screening party of the Academy Awards (set for March 27)…always a FREE Event for NEON fans…will be revealed soon!