• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Event Calendar
    • Submit An Event
  • About Us
    • Our Contributors
    • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Where to Pick up Dayton937
  • Arts & Entertainment
    • Art Exhibits
    • Comedy
    • On Screen Dayton
    • On Screen Dayton Reviews
    • Road Trippin’
      • Cincinnati
      • Columbus
      • Indianapolis
    • Spectator Sports
    • Street-Level Art
    • Visual Arts
  • Dayton Dining
    • Happy Hours Around Town
    • Local Restaurants Open On Monday
    • Patio Dining in the Miami Valley
    • 937’s Boozy Brunch Guide
    • Dog Friendly Patio’s in the Miami Valley
    • Restaurants with Private Dining Rooms
    • Dayton Food Trucks
    • Quest
    • Ten Questions
  • Dayton Music
    • Music Calendar
  • Active Living
    • Canoeing/Kayaking
    • Cycling
    • Hiking/Backpacking
    • Runners

Dayton937

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

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Archives for September 2023

Elsten Torres at The Levitt

September 14, 2023 By Dayton937

A musical pioneer, having been credited as one of the prominent creators of the Latin Alternative Rock sound of the late 90’s in the USA, this eclectic and unconventional musician has cemented his artistic fingerprints in the music industry for over 3 decades now. Elsten is a multicultural bilingual artist who has performed on stages all over the world as well as an award-winning songwriter with major international hits. He has earned two GRAMMY nominations, two BMI songwriting awards, and six Billboard top ten hits throughout his career.

Filed Under: Dayton Music

Cowtherine’s Carousel Coming to Young’s Jersey Dairy

September 14, 2023 By Dayton937

Get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Young’s Dairy has just announced that they are in the process of creating Cowtherine’s Carousel, a 36′ carousel that will be here in the summer of 2024 and will be located just north of the Dairy Store, where the current Young’s World Headquarters is located. The building will be enclosed and heated for year-round use. The rides on the carousel will be horses, cows, pigs, goats and other farm animals you might see at Young’s.

Today they revealed the first carousel animal- a rooster. Naming rights of the carousel animals are available.

If you want to name one of these horses “Horsey McHorseface” – Youngs is ready to make that happen according to their website. They’ll have 6 cows, a rooster, a pig, a goat + 21 horses all ready for you to ‘Adopt’. For your ‘adoption’, you’ll receive:

• A free engraved brick that will go around Cowtherine’s Carousel
• Two free unlimited passes to ride Cowtherine’s Carousel for the duration of your adoption
• You can be the first to ride your animal on opening night
• A engraved plaque next to your animal with its’ name as well as yours
• A professional photo with you and your animal on opening night
• A sign of recognition in the Cowtherine’s Carousel building with your, and the other inaugural donors

100% of the funds raised for this program will go directly to Rocking Horse Community Health Center.  Sponsorships start at $5000 for 5 years.  There will also be a  chance to buy an engraved bricks for $100 (4×8)  or $200 (8×8  will go around the Cowtherine’s Carousel building when it opens in the summer of 2024. All bricks include the following:

• A free engraved replica of your brick
• One free ride on Cowtherine’s Carousel
• An invitation to our grand opening night

Cowtherine’s Carousel will be included in the family value wristband weekends,  corporate picnics and Club Cowvin, and Young’s  annual membership. So order now and be ready to ride those cows!

Filed Under: Community, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Cowtherine's Carousel, Young's Dairy

Will You Be Running in The Air Force Marathon?

September 14, 2023 By Dayton937

Join us the third weekend of September and celebrate the United States Air Force! 

Friday, September 15, 2023
Wright State University
– Tailwind Trot Starts at 6:00 P.M.
– 5K Starts at 6:30 P.M.

Saturday, September 16, 2023
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
– 10K Starts at 6:30 A.M.
– Half Marathon, Marathon, & Relay Start at 7:30 A.M.

You may register for the Marathon, Half Marathon, 3-Person Marathon Relay, 10K, 5K, Tailwind Trot 1K Kids’ Run, or either of the Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series.

Additional weekend events include the two-day Health & Fitness Expo, Gourmet Pasta Dinner, Finish Line Festival, Award Ceremonies, and After Party.

More info – usafmarathon.com

 

Filed Under: Active Living

Ownership Change For Bill’s Donuts

September 14, 2023 By Bryan Suddith

For the first time since its inception in 1960, Bill’s Donuts will no longer be owned by the Elam Family. Founder and namesake Bill (and Faye) Elam started the business in 1960 in downtown Dayton. Since 1995 two of Bill and Faye’s children, Lisa Tucker and her brother Jim Elam, have owned and operated Bill’s. They moved Bill’s to the current location, Main Street Centerville, in 1997 from a location a bit farther south in town.

Since that time Bill’s has been listed on every list of Must Visit, Best of, and Top Ten Donuts you should try. They also were named #2 Donut Shop in America in 2018 by the mobile App FourSquare. The accolades are long for a place many of us consider a sacred institution.

This morning I sat down with my friend and Bill’s owner to celebrate this milestone and hear the story. Lisa shared with me over a cup of coffee and sour cream donut that they listed the business and building for sale a year ago. It was in July of this year that the details all lined up for a local buyer to purchase the business. Lisa told me it was time to retire and the hours were beginning to take a toll on her and her brother Jim.
So I asked: How does it feel to be leaving the family business in the hands of someone new? Bittersweet was her answer. She said she is excited about what’s next for her but sad to leave behind the team, some of which have been there decades. The business employs almost 60 people and 50 of them are full time employees. At least one team member was there before Lisa and Jim took over 28 years ago.
Lisa shared that she doesn’t foresee any changes to Bill’s. She said you don’t buy this place with plans to change things. The community likes it as it is. She reassured me that the bakers are staying, the recipes and equipment are intact and everything we love will remain including the full staff.   Lisa will be spending a couple of week’s handing the business off to the new owner starting Friday the 15th.
We all know Bill’s Donuts as a longtime and faithful supporter of Dayton’s A Special Wish foundation and has been a central hub for the collection and donation of supplies to a variety of charities after disaster strikes. The new owner, a Centerville attorney, has committed to keeping public service and charitable work a focus of the business.
While our favorite Donut Purveyor is taking some time off, she still plans to be a fixture in Centerville. Looking to the future Lisa says she is most excited about being able to dedicate more time to disaster relief, A Special Wish and Hannah’s Treasure Chest. Maybe come spring time when she returns from a winter down south you may see her in line at Bill’s. I’ll be there with my regular order: one sour cream and one blueberry.

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles Tagged With: BIll's Donuts, Lisa Tucker

Great Miami Riverway launches new Food-n-Brew Challenge

September 14, 2023 By GreatMiamiRiverway

The Riverway communities are full of unique treats, gourmet meals, and craft brews. To encourage exploration of all the Riverway has to offer, a new passport will inspire you to eat and sip your way through the region and win prizes along the way.

The Food-n-Brew Challenge is available only on the new Great Miami Riverway app. The passport emphasizes that the Great Miami Riverway is more than just a river. This regional destination in southwest Ohio includes paved trails and connected communities where you can surf the river, cycle the bike trail, and find your way through historic downtowns.

Whether you love BBQ, donuts, international cuisine, or innovative craft beer, the challenge has something for you.

There are new craft breweries and local restaurants to enjoy along the Great Miami Riverway,” said Dan Foley, Manager. “The challenge also includes our long-standing favorites. If you’re a foodie or a craft beer enthusiast, the Food-n-Brew Challenge is for you”.

To play, download the Riverway app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and create an account. Complete an activity from the Riverway Challenge and then check that item off your list on the app. For an extra chance to win, post a photo on social media with #riverwaychallenge.

The more you explore, the more chances you have to win in the Food-n-Brew Challenge.

A grand prize winner will be announced November 17, Weekly prizes will be drawn from the participants who have completed activities that week. Weekly winners will be announced every Monday beginning September 18. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must visit at least one brewery or restaurant from each participating community between September 15th and November 15th. Winners will be notified by email.

FULL RULES

  • Weekly prizes will be drawn from the participants who have completed activities that week.
  • Weekly winners will be announced every Monday beginning September 18.
  • To be eligible for the grand prize, you must visit at least one brewery or restaurant from each participating community between September 15th and November 15th.
  • The grand prize winners will be chosen November 17, 2023.
  • The Riverway Food N’ Brew Challenge starts September 15 at 8AM and ends at 5PM on November 15, 2023.
  • All winners will be notified by email.

A grand prize winner will be announced November 17, Weekly prizes will be drawn from the participants who have completed activities that week. Weekly winners will be announced every Monday beginning September 18. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must visit at least one brewery or restaurant from each participating community between September 15th and November 15th. Winners will be notified by email.

The Great Miami Riverway is a program of the Miami Conservancy District’s River Corridor Improvement Subdistrict, and a partnership with local communities to support and encourage people to live, work, and play safely along the Great Miami River.

 

 

Filed Under: Dayton Dining Tagged With: Great Miami Riverway, The Food-n-Brew Challenge

Offensive & Outstanding!! ‘The PRODUCERS’ delivers the laughs.

September 14, 2023 By Dayton937

TheatreLab is finding it’s footing in the Dayton performance scene…hence the 24 piece band, the largest cast in their history, and a show that demands all of it. This weekend, Friday September 15th and Saturday the 16th, Mel Brooks masterpiece ‘The Producers’ comes to life on the Victoria Theater Stage! Watching the Wednesday ‘dress,’ you can see this cast has worked themselves…into a frenzy!

‘The show is just soooo much fun,’ says Steve Lakes who plays gay costume designer Kevin. ‘It’s timely. With our news today being such a joke, this just seems to fit in….what’s great is it spotlights the problems we face like bigotry, racism and hate….but we get to chuckle at it. It’s a welcome relief!’ The play has long come with a warning…if you are easily offended this may not be for you. ‘It’s a comedy…you have to be able to laugh at what’s happening on the stage. It’s cathartic.’ says Lakes.

TheatreLab Executive Director, Philip Drennen chimes in, ‘It is so great to get to be in a play like ‘The Producers.’ For me, playing in a comedy (which he rarely does), being a straight love interest (which he never is) and sharing the stage with some of my dearest friends (which he has always hoped for.), it’s a dream come true.’ Drennen, who plays Leo Bloom, the hopeful Producer is perfectly matched with Jason Satterly who plays Max Bialystock. Where Drennen is the demure one, Satterly takes the role of the crass and crafty other Producer. The pair has found magic together. ‘I love this role, because it is so challenging.’ Satterly says. He is on stage a good 80% of the show. ‘Bialystock learns a great life lesson in this production. If you let poeple care for you…they will!’ And caring for him, and the entire musical is easy to do.The Producers pushes the envelope for sure. No one is left untouched….it is nicknamed ‘an equal opportunity offender.’ Women, gays, African-Americans, the Jewish Community, the elderly…..Brooks was fair about his ‘unfairness.’  Two of the chorus girls, Robin Shank and Taylor Reister, each have a take on it. Shank put it this way, ‘No one should take themselves so seriously. It’s a blast to laugh!’ For Reister, ‘I have watched this movie since I was little, and it’s iconic to me. The characters are people I have referenced in my own life for years!’

Of course, at its pinnacle, the show resurrects the German Dictator, Adolph Hitler. And that was, from the outset, an outrage. But Brooks adds a magical tongue in cheek approach to the evil Nazi and his gang. Hitler, played in this production, by the hysterical Joshua Stucky, is to be laughed at much more than with. Stucky has a way of performing roles with sarcasm and sass. He is matched up with Joshua Hughes (Carmen) who is scene stealer.

The cast gives its all through tap, song and silliness. The iconic Ulla is played by Abby Kress with spunk and sweetness. Also top of mind is Roger’s group of Gays….David Moyer, Lakes, Scott Winters and Shank are obviously having a ball. What’s more, the songs are just so memorable. ‘That Face,’ ‘When You Got it Flaunt It!‘ and ‘Springtime For Hitler’ made the multi-Tony Award winner a staple for theaters nationwide. The show is directed by Angie Thacker.

Grifters. Politicians. Swindlers. Phonies.  Although it sounds like a headline for today’s news, it all can be found in TheatreLab’s ‘the Producers!’

For tickets and info:

https://www.daytonlive.org/events/the-producers/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: On Stage Dayton, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Philip Drennen, The Producers, TheatreLab

TIFF Day #7 – 2023

September 14, 2023 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Dayton937!

24 hours ago, my schedule for today was slim.  I only had a couple potential screenings scheduled (and they were tentative)…then first thing this morning I mapped out 5 movies.  And a couple of them were fantastic.  It was a very full day!

My first screening of the day was a musical of sorts…all songs/performances are motivated from the radio or a boom box – and characters sing along. CHUCK CHUCK BABY, dir. Janis Pugh (UK). “A film of love, loss, music, and female friendship, set in and around the falling feathers of a chicken processing plant in industrial north Wales.” (TIFF Catalog) This love story is sweet and touching and some of it it is in a rather unlikely setting – a chicken processing plant. Though I found some of the story and motivations a little thin, there’s still a lot to like.

I had only read a little bit about my next film…and nothing had prepared me for it! MOTHER, COUCH, dir. Niclas Larsson (USA). “Three estranged children come together when their mother refuses to move from a couch in a furniture store, in this film boasting all-star talent including Taylor Russell, Ewan McGregor, Ellen Burstyn, F. Murray Abraham, Lara Flynn Boyle, and Rhys Ifans.” (TIFF Catalog) Very shortly after the start, I wondered, “Are we in purgatory?  Is this an existential crisis?  Is this the love-child of Charlie Kaufman and David Lynch?” With an ominous/0ften thriller-like score, this film is a strange one – set in a furniture store selling furniture from the past with current-day prices…but if you stick with with it until the end, it slowly reveals itself and has and you figure it out. I won’t give it away.

Knowing I was going to potentially screen 5 films today, I almost cancelled this one in order to meet up with some friends…but upon reading a bit more about it, I decided to keep on schedule.  The original French title for this film is HLM PUSSY – a codename the young ladies of this film give to themselves – meaning low income housing pussy. I’m so glad I went to see it.  SISTERHOOD, dir. Nora El Hourch (France). “Three teenage girls, inseparable friends, struggle with the aftermath of a pivotal incident that brings to light their differences in race, social class, and cultural privilege, threatening their seemingly invincible bond.” (TIFF Catalog). The performances in this film are incredible…the three young leads are all phenomenal – and I didn’t feel like I was watching performances.  The story of social media and class, and race and privilege are contemporary and so honest.  This is Nora El Hourch’s first feature, and I’m absolutely certain we’ll see more from her – I was shaken and moved and very invested in this great film.

My next film was my third film dealing with WWII…and it’s also based on a real person. IRENA’S VOW, dir. Louise Archambault (Canada, Poland). “In occupied Poland, a former nurse (Sophie Nélisse) risks her own life to shelter a dozen Jewish men and women from the Nazi war machine.” (TIFF Catalog). This is an absolutely fascinating story told with a lot of gloss.  There were some big eye roll moments (like the Jews hidden in the basement preparing food for a dinner party so Irena could keep up with the pace)…that said, there were some good moments of tension, too.  Overall, it wasn’t gritty enough for me to totally get behind it (I also questioned some of its messaging, t00)…but I think it will find an audience – particularly in the Jewish Film Fest circuit.  The historical updates at the end were a treat after seeing the film.

My last film of the day turned out to be a gem….something that really spoke to me. FLIPSIDE, dir. Chris Wilcha (USA). “Chris Wilcha helped adapt This American Life to television. His new documentary embodies the spirit of that show as he tries to save a New Jersey record store, in this comic yet deeply moving reflection on opportunities lost and gained.” (TIFF Catalog). This doc is about so many things…it’s about a filmmaker who has several unfinished projects, it’s about his closets in his parents’ house – full of stuff from his childhood and teenage years, it’s about writing and working, it’s about family, it’s about a dying record store.  In the course of making this film, the filmmaker is able to include segments of many unfinished films (which validates the initial work in some regard), and he went back home to talk with his parents about where he came from and what he’s achieved.  I related so much to this film, and it even had me in tears.  (I have to paraphrase because I can’t read my scrawling handwriting) – at one point in the film, Wilcha talks about being middle-aged and beginning to understand one of life’s great paradoxes…he said you can feel devastating, debilitating heartbreak for not accomplishing certain things you set out to do in life – while also feeling good about where you’re at and the choices you’ve made. This struck a real chord with me, and I hope we can bring this film to town.

 

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Community, On Screen Dayton Tagged With: Dayton Ohio, film festival, films, movies, TIFF, toronto

Tix Now On Sale for Triangle Park Movie

September 13, 2023 By Lisa Grigsby

In the fall of 2020, Centerville filmmaker Allen Farst held a press conference at Carillon Park, in front of the old locker room of the Dayton Triangles announcing he was making a movie about the first NFL football game played here in Dayton on October 3, 1920.

In an interview with Dayton Daily News reporter Don Thrasher Farst said, “to be honest, I can’t believe no one’s ever told the story about the first ever NFL football game. The thing is, you’d have to be from here to even know about it.”

Check out this behind the scenes video about Triangle Park.

The film will uncover the facts around this seminal game in over 100 years.  One of 14 original professional teams, the Dayton Triangles played on Sunday October 3rd, 1920 in front of 5,000 fans. Farst goes to the depths to connect family decedents of former players even finding never before seen football treasures while leaning on football greats such as Troy Aikman, Ben Roethlisberger, Eric Dickerson, Joe Buck, Cooper Kupp, Joe Theismann, Larry Fitzgerald, Cris Collinsworth, Tony Dungy and more to uncover this generational story.

In filming the reenactments of the game here in Dayton at Triangle Park, Farst used the helmets, pads and uniforms worn in the 2008 George Clooney comedy “Leatherheads.”

The film is now ready to be shared with our community and the first screening will be held on Oct 25th at The Plaza Theatre, in Miamisburg. Get Tickets here.

There will be more screening November 7th – 9th at the NEON Theater in Dayton. The worldwide release on digital platforms Amazon Prime & Apple TV will be on Thanksgiving Day.

Filed Under: On Screen Dayton, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Allen Farst, NFL movie, Triangle Park

TIFF Day #6 – 2023

September 12, 2023 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone.

I saw three films today, and that has my count up to 22 over the past  6 days.

I started my day with the biggest sob of the fest so far. ONE LIFE, dir James Hawes (UK). “Sir Anthony Hopkins stars as Sir Nicholas Winton, a British stockbroker who helped rescue hundreds of children from Europe on the verge of the Second World War, an act of compassion that was almost forgotten for 50 years.” (TIFF Catalog). Some might think this little film is too easy or on-the-nose…and I would understand where they’re coming from…but I don’t agree.  This film works and achieves exactly what it set out to do.   The narrative has parallel story lines – a more contemporary story about a man cleaning his office and remembering his past…and the memories come to life of the work he did just before WWII.  It’s powerful…it’s inspiring…it speaks to current political and humanitarian issues.  With handsome photography, score and production design, I know this would be a hit with our audience.  I’m showing two pics from this film because Hopkins isn’t the only big star in this film.

My next film covered some similar territory as ONE LIFE – but this biopic is itching to get Kate Winslet another Oscar nomination. LEE, dir. Ellen Kuras (UK). “Oscar winner Kate Winslet stars in this fascinating portrait of the great American war correspondent Lee Miller, whose singular talent and ferocious tenacity gave us some of the 20th century’s most indelible images.” (TIFF catalog) Lee Miller was a model turned photographer, and she most famously worked as a war correspondent for British Vogue.  The film is set up as Miller is being interviewed about her life and career – so the life story is told through flashbacks that are motivated by photos that she is showing her interviewer (played by Josh O’Connor from THE CROWN).  I questioned some tonal “shifts” in the film, but ultimately thought it was a strong endeavor and spurred my interest to learn more about the subject.  Some people might feel cheated by the last 15 minutes…I rather liked the ending (as well as the contextual photos and “update” at the end).

My final film today was a mini crowdpleaser – complete with audience applause in the middle of the movie…but sadly, it’s not the next JOJO RABBIT.  NEXT GOAL WINS, dir. Taika Waititi (USA). “Michael Fassbender, Elisabeth Moss, and Oscar Kightley star in Taika Waititi’s comedy about the American Samoa soccer team’s attempt to make a World Cup — 12 years after their infamous 31-0 loss in a 2002 World Cup qualifying match.” (TIFF catalog) This film treads familiar territory.  In fact, it’s so familiar that some of the jokes seem lifted directly from TED LASSO.  It’s an underdog story, and you really start rooting for the losing team – and I did find myself on the edge of my seat a few times.  Unfortunately, there were moments when Michael Fassbender’s disposition changed on a dime – and I questioned a few times if I had fallen asleep and missed something.  Regardless, there’s still a lot to like about this rag-tag soccer team, and I think audiences will embrace the movie together on the big screen…but it’s not great. (And I kinda hate that Waititi put himself in the film…his intro is so unnecessary, and his caricature is cringe-worthy.)

No big parties or anything crazy tonight.  I’m going to write THE NEON’s newsletter and hopefully get a good night’s slepp.

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

 

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, On Screen Dayton Tagged With: Dayton Ohio, film festival, films, movies, On Screen Dayton, TIFF, toronto

Trotwood Gets A New Locally Owned Eatery

September 12, 2023 By Lisa Grigsby

Meshell Palmer and her husband Paul Jr. met at their old workplace Mahle Behr Manufacturing. They became best friends, bonding over food, both liking to cook and eat.  Over the 6 years they worked together, they were  and just got married this past New Year Eve. They often talked about the need for better dining options in their neighborhood often saying someone should take that on.  Then one day Meshell realized that someone could be them.  They started making meals to sell to their co-workers that were very well received.  They continued to expand their audience and now finally they are opening their own eatery in Salem Plaza. The restaurant seats about 40 and guest can also do carry out. Their menu features salads and potatoes as the main stay.

They say everything is homemade with love. Here’s a copy of their opening menu:

Sunday’s they’ll feature a soul food with a rotating menu that will include baked ham, chicken, meatloaf, dressing, yams, potato salad, pinto beans, coleslaw and cornbread. Desserts will include sweet potato pie, lemon pound cake, cream cheese pound cake, strawberry pound cake and banana pudding.

Meshell shared that her goal is for people to walk out of their place with a little more sunshine than they come in with. Currently the business is just them, but they look forward to adding staff soon.

When you visit, tell them DaytonDining sent you!


The Palmer Place
4823 Salem Avenue suite B
Trotwood, OH, U
(937) 204-3970

Hours:

11-8 Mon – Fri

Sat to be determined

Sun 2-8pm Soul Food

 

 

 

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Meshell Palmer, Paul Palmer, The Palmer Place

TIFF Day #5 – 2023

September 12, 2023 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

My first film of the day was a story I knew in part because we’ve played material over the years at The Dayton LGBT Film Fest  (now known as OUT HERE DAYTON FILM FEST) about Bayard Rustin.  RUSTIN, dir George C. Wolfe (USA). “George C. Wolfe brings Bayard Rustin’s story to life, with a joyous performance by Colman Domingo as the activist who organized the 1963 March on Washington while being forced into the background because of his sexuality.” (TIFF Catalog)  I was a little nervous about this film with its opening scenes.  There was a little too much camera mugging and the tone seemed too easy and light…but I ultimately think it was a device to get the masses hooked into sitting down for a good history lesson. Rustin was ahead of his time for a lot of his reasons, and I hope people of all backgrounds check out this crowd pleasing film.  One line that really stood out for me was when Rustin talks about his detractors.  “The day I was born, I was born a homosexual.  They either believe in freedom and justice for all – or they don’t.”  Domingo is fantastic!

My second film of the day was a public screening, and Elliot Page and director Dominic Savage were in attendance. CLOSE TO YOU, dir. Dominic Savage (Canada, UK). “Sam (Elliot Page) has a chance encounter with an old friend (Hillary Baack) on his way home to a dreaded family reunion that forces him to confront long-buried memories.” (TIFF Catalog) This trans story about a man visiting family who hasn’t been home in almost 5 years has some really incredible moments.  In fact, there’s a moment when my audience burst into applause about 80 minutes into the film.  Savage’s process for filmmaking is to essentially have a draft…he knows where he wants the film to go and the trajectory of the story – but dialog is up to the actors.  Some takes go 20-50 minutes long as actors play their roles and figure out the material together.  Unfortunately, I felt like this rawness didn’t always work…there were some moments that seemed a little too stilted – as though some of the family members had never met (and maybe that’s the point…they never really did get to know each other) – but I can’t help but feel like more editing would help.  This film is worth it for a few key moments and for the original story.

At my next screening, I fell in love.  The three lead character’s in Alexander Payne’s new film are incredible.  THE HOLDOVERS, dir. Alexander Payne (USA). “Paul Giamatti stars in Alexander Payne’s latest about the bond that forms between a strict professor and a belligerent student he’s stuck supervising over the winter holiday at an elite boarding school.” (TIFF Catalog)  The screenplay to this film is gold, and the performances are spectacular.  Underneath the bristling and biting dialog are warm and tender moments that are well-earned. Alexander Payne was in attendance, and he spoke of his love for TIFF audiences.  He said he loves how cinema culture is woven into the fabric of Toronto life…and “for my money, Toronto is the Paris of North America.” Da’Vine Joy Randolph (who also had a very small part in RUSTIN) and Dominic Sessa will hopefully become even bigger stars! I loved this film…and I can’t wait to see it again.

My last film of the day has a big Dayton/Ohio connection.  Produced by Daytonian Karri O’Reilly, this film had a lot of familiar names attached.  I attended the premiere, and Karri was one of the very first people Ethan Hawke thanked.  He said that she “willed this film into being.” WILDCAT, dir. Ethan Hawke (USA). “Ethan Hawke explores the life and art of American author Flannery O’Connor — played by his own daughter, Maya Hawke — in his latest interrogation of the artist’s way.” (TIFF Catalog) This film is a bit complicated as it is about an writer’s process…we hop around from Flannery’s life to her inspirations and her stories – being told on-screen using people from her daily life – so I can already hear some of our customers saying they’re confused.  That said, if you let the film wash over you, the visual styles are different enough to let you understand where you are in Flannery’s early days of writing.  For such an “intimate” story, it’s a really big film…and Karri told me they were able to do it with a very modest budget.  Flannery O’Connor fans, literature fans and people who enjoy thoughtful, well-crafted films will find a lot to love in this film.  The Q&A after the film and the after-party were a blast.  I’ve attached a couple photos for you below.  Maya Hawke, Laura Linney and Christine Dye are all terrific in this film…and they (among numerous other cast and crew) were at the party.

Maya Hawke as Flannery O’Connor in WILDCAT

Photo taken by Soozie Eastman of 502 Film in Louisville. (My hand is in the right corner taking a similar picture, but Soozie’s was better!)

The praises of Daytonian Karri O’Reilly were flowing from Ethan Hawke.  I even overheard “let’s do more” while posing for this pic!

Thanks for reading.  It’s super-late…and I have an 8:30 screening.

My best,

Jonathan

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, On Screen Dayton Tagged With: Dayton Ohio, film festival, films, movies, TIFF, toronto

Arby’s Debuts Elk-Venison Burger

September 11, 2023 By Lisa Grigsby

You’ve likely heard the slogan hundreds of times, “Arby’s, we have the meats.” While that originally only meant roast beef, Arby’s has extended its menu to include fish, chicken, corned beef, gyro meat, turkey, and, most recently, burgers.Just in time for football and tailgate season, Arby’s is releasing its brand new Big Game Burger—however, in this case, “big game” has a different meaning. While the hefty burger is great to enjoy while watching your favorite team, the burger got its name because it’s made from a blend of ground beef and game meat.

Arby’s Launches New Big Game Burger Nationwide

The Big Game Burger features a unique blend of venison, elk, and ground beef, topped with melty Swiss cheeses, crispy onions, sweet garlic and dill pickles, and a Dark Cherry Steak Sauce served on a toasted Brioche bun. Starting at $8.79, the Big Game Burger will be available at participating locations nationwide for a limited time only starting Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

The patty itself is made with 34% Venison, 33% Elk, and 33% Ground Beef Blend.

You can find the Big Game Burger at participating locations nationwide for a limited time while supplies last.

Nutritional Information: Big Game Burger (272g)

  • Calories: 718
  • Calories from Fat: 318
  • Fat: 35g
  • Sodium: 1109mg
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Protein: 48g

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles Tagged With: arbys, Big game burger, elk, venison

𝐅𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 at Possum Creek

September 11, 2023 By Lisa Grigsby

AGE: 14 and up | $10.00 per person
Fly fishing is fun, but not if you are struggling with your cast. Hoops in the air, hoops on the ground, kneeling, standing; all designed to simulate real-life fishing situations.
Have fun at this casting skills course and improve your cast at the same time.
Instructors will be on hand to help you through the course.
Equipment provided, or feel free to bring your own.
For those ages 14 and up; $10/person.
Space is limited;
Registration is required:
https://www.metroparks.org/programs-events-finder/…

Filed Under: Active Living

Little Exchange Bourbon Raffle

September 11, 2023 By Dayton937

The Little Exchange  is bringing back their bourbon raffle. You could win this  highly sought after 8-bottle full Blanton’s set! Purchase one ticket for $50 or 3 tickets for $100 with 100% of all ticket sales benefiting Dayton Children’s Hospital. Purchase in-store, by phone at 937-299-2561 or on their website at thelittleexchange.org

Winner will be drawn at their Private Bourbon Tasting Event on Thursday, October 5th. That event is by invitation only-for more information please contact us at 937-299-1561 or [email protected]
* Drawing will be held October 5th @ 7PM (via Facebook Live)
* Winner need not be present to win
* Winner must be 21+
*Free delivery within a 50 mile radius of Oakwood, OH 45419
*Bourbon CANNOT be shipped
*Winner living outside of the 50 mile delivery area must make arrangements for pick up

Filed Under: Charity Events, Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Blanton's, Little Exchange

TIFF Day #4 – 2023

September 11, 2023 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone!

I discovered a great feature about my industry pass which allows me to gain access to even more films.  I was afraid some of my days would only have a couple screenings…but now I’m certain I’ll have at least 3 each day.

Today I screened 4 films and popped into Janus’s industry party where I saw a few familiar faces (sometimes you have to go to Toronto to see people from Columbus and Cincinnati).

UNICORNS, dir. Sally El Hosaini, James Krishna Floyd (UK, USA, Sweden) “An alluring fusion of forbidden romance and colliding cultures, Unicorns stars Ben Hardy and newcomer Jason Patel as two people who might become lovers, if only they can build a bridge between their very different worlds.” (TIFF Catalog) Though rather predictable and familiar, this tale will find an audience based on strong performances – particularly from Ben Hardy.

My second film of the day was such a treat! WICKED LITTLE LETTERS, dir.Thea Sharrock (UK) “Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley play neighbours who get on each other’s nerves in this dark comedy about a small English town where residents start receiving anonymous, expletive-laden letters, igniting a scandal in their community.” (TIFF Catalog) Because the director and producers (one of whom is Olivia Colman’s husband) had a flight to catch, they were interviewed about the making of the film before we screened it…and I’m so glad I went in with a bit of background.  Based on a true story, this cheeky comedy is laugh-out-loud funny but has so much to say (about gender and even religion).  The absolutely splendid performances and production design/cinematography/costumes make for a terrific film.  Certainly a favorite so far! (I was filled with glee when Eileen Atkins appeared on screen…a personal favorite!)

SEVEN VEILS, dir. Atom Egoyen (Canada). “Atom Egoyan and his Chloe star Amanda Seyfried reunite for this knotty psychodrama about a young theatre director forced to re-examine her own trauma while working on a remount of Salome.” (TIFF Catalog) Fans of opera will certainly like this visually intriguing, behind-the-scenes film about the mounting of a SALOME production – but something was missing for me. I like seeing an artist at work, and I like seeing how a show/performance/film comes together…but I never really felt an honesty in the home-video flashbacks and in Seyfried’s performance to feel like we were getting to a real place.  There were some laughable moments in the material in some of the drama (as in several audience members started laughing) that had me question tone/intention.

My final film of the day was perhaps the most “mainstream” of my selections so far. KNOX GOES AWAY, dir. Michael Keaton (USA). “Michael Keaton directs and plays Knox, a hitman losing his memory, putting him in a race against time to help his estranged son (James Marsden) cover up a messy crime.” (TIFF Catalog) This entertaining film is surprisingly touching with some laughs and tense moments along the way.  I think it will certainly find distribution. This film also stars Al Pacino and a sweet, small role with Marcia Gay Harden.

Off to bed.  Looking forward to WILDCAT and THE HOLDOVERS tomorrow!

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, On Screen Dayton Tagged With: Dayton Ohio, film festival, films, movies, TIFF, toronto

CALL FOR ENTRY: Holiday CoSHOP Submissions

September 10, 2023 By Dayton937

The Contemporary Daytin is currently seeking artist / artisan-created items, ornaments, and decor for consignment for the holiday season.
The CoSHOP features small works of fine art as well as a selection of design-and foodie-forward home goods, wearables, wellness items, and paper goods that are created by Dayton, Ohio, and Midwest artists and artisans. SHOP items are selected on an ongoing basis through submission through the Co’s website codayton.org/call-for-entry. Items are accepted on consignment with artists receiving 60% of the retail sale of their item(s).
Submission Deadline: Sep 30, 2023
Inventory Drop-off: Oct 23-Nov 5, 2023
How to Apply:
1. Complete online submission form at www.codayton.org/shop or submit images to [email protected]
2. Upload JPEG images of proposed items
• up to 5 images of items of the same media (eg 5 handblown glass vases)
• up to 10 products will be accepted (exceptions apply to smaller items such as ornaments & jewelry)

Filed Under: The Featured Articles, Visual Arts

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Submit An Event to Dayton937

- Featured Events -

7 events found.
  • Previous week
  • Next week
Notice
No events scheduled for June 1, 2026.
Notice
No events scheduled for June 2, 2026.
Trivia Night at Alematic

Trivia Night at Alematic

7:00 pm
Alematic Artisan Ales
Fun Trivia! Prizes!

Fun Trivia! Prizes!

7:00 pm
Bock Family Brewing
Dayton Pride 2026

Dayton Pride 2026

6:00 pm
PRIDE
Notice
No events scheduled for June 6, 2026.
Dayton Poetry Slam

Dayton Poetry Slam

7:30 pm
yellow cab tavern

Week of Events

Mon 1
Tue 2
Wed 3
Thu 4
Fri 5
Sat 6
Sun 7
June 3, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring
Trivia Night at Alematic
June 3 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Trivia Night at Alematic

Grab some friends and join us every Wednesday night at the brewery for a pint of your favorite ALEMATIC brew...

June 4, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring
Fun Trivia! Prizes!
June 4 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Recurring

Fun Trivia! Prizes!

Please join us every Thursday from 7-9 for trivia at Bock Family Brewing!  Prizes available for 1st and 2nd place...

Free
June 5, 2026 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Dayton Pride 2026
June 5 @ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Dayton Pride 2026

Save the dates! Dayton Pride 2026 will be Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6, 2026.

June 7, 2026 7:30 pm Recurring
Dayton Poetry Slam
June 7 @ 7:30 pm Recurring

Dayton Poetry Slam

Dayton's longest running poetry show is celebrating it's 24th year.  Open mics, competitions, and featured poets await you twice a...

$3
View Calendar

Join the Dayton937 Newsletter!

Trust us with your email address and we'll send you our most important updates!
Email:  
For Email Marketing you can trust
Back to Top

Copyright © 2026 Dayton Most Metro · Terms & Conditions · Log in