Dayton937

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

Archives for September 2025

Miami County Launces History Pass

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The Miami County History Pass takes you on a journey to local museums, historic sites, murals and sculptures. Be inspired, be educated, and become connected to the people, places, and events that make the Miami County such an important part of Ohio – and America’s – history.The  Visitors and Convention Bureau (MCVCB) have launched the Miami County History Pass. This pass is a free digital guide designed to take residents and visitors on a journey to local museums, historic sites, murals, and sculptures. Users will be able to check in at participating locations to earn prizes. The pass is part of a broader push to connect people with the region’s deep history through interactive experiences.

With over 30 locations on the pass, this is sure to be a fun and educational way to learn about Miami County history. This is a mobile-exclusive pass that is delivered via text or email. Once an account is created, users can save the pass to their home screen and begin their journey. Participants earn points by checking in at locations, which can then be redeemed for prizes. All Miami County History Trail participants must be 18 years of age or older. Click here to  sign up.

A variety of additional events, projects, and programs are being planned throughout Miami County to celebrate America’s sesquicentennial. To stay up to date on what’s happening, please visit the America250 webpage at HomeGrownGreat.com/America-250/ or follow the Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau on Facebook and Instagram.

“Miami County is proud to celebrate and be part of America250,” said Leiann Stewart, MCVCB executive director. “And we’re excited to help connect people to the stories, places, and traditions that make Miami County such an important part of Ohio – and America’s – history. Happy Trails!”

Live Music from Lee McKinney Trio

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Join us Thursday night September 18th as we welcome the Lee McKinney Trio back to the Whisperz Speakeasy stage. Cameron Vorhees and Tom Bresnick join Lee on stage for an evening of vibrant jazz and amazing musicianship. These guys will leave you stunned!!! They’ll play from 6-9pm during our Come As You Are Open House! Thursday night is also our $10 Tini Time offered every Thursday evening where an entire specialty list of martinis is just $10!
Please remember, we do not accept reservations. Guests are seated on a first come, first serve basis. We request guests adorn themselves in appropriate attire meaning business casual through evening elegance or period appropriate attire, if you wish (jeans are acceptable but must be well-kempt). We are 25 & up and require valid ID for entry!
Don’t forget, the password is required for entry and can be found on our website. www.thedrinkerys.com

Saturday Morning Run w/Gem City Stride

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A social running club that meets weekly. Don’t worry now….this isn’t just for the “runners” . We welcome runners of all paces, joggers and walkers. It’s all about having a good time and keeping it chill for our seasoned runners, while also welcoming and keeping those who are just getting started—let’s stride & catch a vibe together!

Every Saturday at 9am! Meet us by the splash pad at RiverScape! See ya there!

Woeber’s Hot Mustard and Horseradish Eating Contest

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Mustard lovers, mark your calendars for September 20th, 2025 at 3:00P, as the Woeber’s Hot Mustard and Horseradish Eating Contest returns to National Road Commons Park in downtown Springfield, OH as part of MustardFest!
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/daYBfkkKMk
Brace yourself for some spicy fun as contestants compete to see who can handle the heat and devour some of the hottest mustard and horseradish in the Nation including Woeber’s Jalapeno Mustard, Wasabi Mustard, Sriracha Mustard and 10X Hot Horseradish!
– COMPETITORS WILL CONSUME A TOTAL OF (😎 SMALL HOT DOGS WITH WOEBER MUSTARD ON EACH DOG. HOT DOGS MUST BE CONSUMED IN ORDER FROM LEAST SPICY TO MOST SPICY. HOT DOGS AND BUNS MUST BE FULLY CONSUMED TOGETHER – NO DUNKING OF BUNS IN WATER. FIRST CONTESTANT TO CONSUME ALL (😎 HOT DOGS WILL BE DECLARED THE WINNER PENDING JUDGES REVIEW –
The winner will receive the coveted Mustard Belt and a CASH prize!🏆

$1.99 Slurpee Today When You Bring Your Own Cup!

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Summer may be winding down, but 7-Eleven, Inc. isn’t letting Slurpee® drink season melt away. 7-Eleven is bringing back one of the most legendary days of the year: Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC) Day! On Saturday, September 13, customers are invited to bring their fishbowls, flower vases, pitchers, popcorn buckets and other fun container to fill up with any flavor of Slurpee drink for only $1.99 at participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway® and Stripes® stores.*

Celebrate BYOC Day on September 13 with two new Slurpee® drink flavors at participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway® and Stripes® stores

To make things even more exciting, this year’s BYOC Day is bigger and bolder with the debut of two new Slurpee drink flavors:

  • POWERADE XTRA SOUR Grape Shocker Slurpee: A tongue-tingling, sour twist on juicy grape that hits you with an electrifying sour blast.
  • NERDS Strawberry Slurpee: A sweet-tart punch, blending juicy strawberry flavor inspired by the classic candy for a playful burst of fruity fun in every sip.

On Bring Your Own Cup Day, the rules are simple: cups must be clean, watertight, leak-proof and able to stand upright inside the 10-inch cutout in the in-store display, showing it fits under the Slurpee dispenser. Cups can only be filled with Slurpee drink. Let the fun begin!

TIFF Day #9 – 2025

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Hello Dayton937 & NEON Fans,

My last day was short but very sweet.  The morning was spent exploring Toronto a bit…and then in the afternoon, Jake and I attended two films – both of which were treats for very different reasons.

My first film of the day is almost certainly getting a big Hollywood release – ROOFMAN (dir: Derek Cianfrance – USA) “Starring Channing Tatum and Oscar nominee Kirsten Dunst, this wildly entertaining drama from Oscar-nominated director Derek Cianfrance (TIFF ’10’s Blue Valentine) tells the real-life story of Jeffrey Manchester, the “Rooftop Robber,” and his efforts to evade capture.” (TIFF Catalog) Though I came away wondering a bit more backstory and motivation, the film ultimately worked for what it set out to do.  Tatum and Dunst have incredible chemistry on screen, and the performances are fun and embraceable.  It’s a fascinating story with documentary footage at the end to clarify the “reality” of it all, and overall, I was glad to be along for the ride.

My last film of the festival is from a TIFF favorite – Guillermo del Toro – who has played films like PAN’S LABYRINTH and THE SHAPE OF WATER here – FRANKENSTEIN (dir: Guillermo del Toro – USA) “Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro’s visually sumptuous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece finds Oscar Isaac as the brilliant scientist whose unearthly creation, eerily and ingeniously conjured by Jacob Elordi, blurs the boundaries between life, death, and madness.” (TIFF Catalog). Going into this film, it seemed like it would be ready-made material for del Toro (and perhaps treading old territory)…and that notion isn’t wrong.  But I was somehow still surprised at how much I liked this film.  The 2.5 hours seemed quite tight, and the production designs (mostly practical and not so much CGI) were stellar.  I’ve read a couple reviews that say the film lacked intimacy, and I think they’re terribly wrong.  There are some really tender moments, and though quite different than the novel on which it is based, I think it poses many of the same great questions that Shelley had in mind.

So that’s it!  32 Films over 9 Days, great Q&A’s, running into old friends and colleagues, appreciating the community’s embrace of great cinema…Toronto knows how to throw a festival, and TIFF is a special time of year for me.  I appreciate you reading about my adventures, and I can’t wait to bring some of these films to our screens at THE NEON.

Thank you so much to Dayton937 for allowing me to use their platform!

My best,
Jonathan

Catch Jonathan’s previous tiff posts:

The illuminated sign on King Street West indica

Day 1 post

Day 2 post

Day 3 post

Day 4 post

Day 5 post

Day 6 post

Day 7 post

Day 8 post

Bella Sorella Pizza Opens in Clayton This Weekend

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Owners Elizabeth & Gail

Tonight the doors open in Clayton for guests to enjoy an authentic, Italian wood fired pizza meal at Bella Sorrella Pizza Co. In Italian Bella Sorella  means beautiful sisters and Elizabeth and Gail are indeed just that. The idea for the business came from a wood fired pizza oven Elizabeth and her husband built at their farm 20 years ago. They had friends and family over most weekends and made pizza; everyone raved about it and wanted more. Gail had been a chef in the San Francisco area for over a dozen years, but wanted to move back closer to family. So the mobile pizza truck was created 14 years ago.  The business was a success and they added a 2nd truck and became in high demand for weddings and special events.

Elizabeth told us  they’d talked about opening a restaurant for so many years and  looked at many locations, but having to move from their current kitchen made it a necessity.  They “also want to grow Bella Sorella, be a staple in the community, bring jobs and a cozy family place for people to come and have a great pizza or a fantastic salad and side for lunch. It’s so difficult to find a home grown meal in this area (Northmont).”

On Feb 20th they broke ground for the restaurant under the guidance of Ferguson Construction.  I had a chance to enjoy the beautiful building, featuring 2 red pizza ovens a warm dining room and great patio. Gail told us she’s “excited to be able to present more than just pizza on the menu”, while Elizabeth shared that “it’s really nice to cook inside and not fight the elements.  They’ve cut back on food truck events, but after the restaurant settles in they’ll continue to be out in the community with the mobile ovens.

Here’s a look at the opening menu, and they have a full bar offering, beer, wine and cocktails.

 

Tonight and tomorrow  they’ll be open from 5 -10pm, Saturday from noon – 6pm and then beginning on Monday,Sept15th they’ll begin there permanent hours.

Last we heard  they are still in need of the following:
-front of house shift manager, must have experience
     -servers;  who can work lunch shifts,18 and older with some experience, confidence, and can lead a team.

Please contact Rae if you are interested.

Bella Sorella Pizza
1405 Esther Price Way
Clayton, OH, 
(937) 503-3482

Hours staring Sept 15th:|Mon, Wed & Thurs 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm
Sun 11am – 7pm

Condado Tacos Adds More Protein, More Flavor

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Fresh off a rebrand that turned up the volume on creativity, culture, and unapologetic flavor, Columbus based Condado Tacos is rolling out a fall menu built for today’s diners: fuel-packed, flavor-forward, and full of value. The brand is leaning into a game-changing shift sweeping diners everywhere: high-protein eating is no longer optional. It’s essential.

Condado Tacos introduces three High-Protein Bowls designed to deliver serious flavor and serious fuel.

More Americans are eating more protein than ever—61% increased their intake in 2024, compared to just 48% in 2019. Younger generations are especially driving the trend, with 51% of Gen Z and Millennials actively boosting protein consumption. Condado’s high-protein Swole Bowl is already one of the brand’s most re-ordered items, proving that guests want protein done the Condado way: craveable, colorful, and creative.

This week, Condado introduced three High-Protein Bowls designed to deliver serious flavor and serious fuel:

  • Loaded Taco Salad – Choice of Tex-Mex ground beef, roasted chicken, or veggie chorizo, stacked with beans, guac, salsa, and crunch from tortilla strips and fresh romaine lettuce. Up to 53 g of protein.
  • Korean BBQ Bowl – Pulled pork with gochujang BBQ, pineapple salsa, and habanero-mango heat. 43 g protein.
  • Verde Chicken Bowl – Shredded roasted chicken with tomatillo salsa and chopped cilantro, layered with rice, black beans, jicama + cabbage slaw, pickled jalapeños, and Monterey Jack cheese. 56 g of protein, the heavyweight of the lineup.

Because every bold bowl deserves a bold pour, Condado is also debuting its Fall Margarita Flight—three seasonal flavors with Condado’s rebellious twist, giving guests a way to try more for less.

fall margarita flight

  • Harvest Pear – Crafted with real pear purée, cinnamon, and allspice, house tequila, citrus, and triple sec, finished with a cinnamon-sugar rim. A returning seasonal favorite.
  • Tangerine Cardamom – Made with real tangerine purée and ground cardamom, house tequila, citrus, and triple sec, garnished with a fresh bay leaf.
  • Cranberry Sage – A cranberry and sage purée balanced with house tequila, citrus, and triple sec, topped with fresh sage.

High-Protein Bowls start at just $13.25, making serious fuel seriously accessible. Margaritas start at $9.50; flights at $14; pitchers at $34.50. For guests skipping alcohol, Mock-a-Ritas are available brand-wide starting at $7.

“Protein has moved from niche to mainstream, and our guests are hungry for value and options that fuel their lifestyle without ever compromising flavor,” said Sara Kear, Chief Marketing Officer of Condado Tacos. “This menu was designed to meet that demand in a way only Condado can—bold, colorful, unapologetically creative, and always a great value.”

This fall launch is more than a menu expansion. It’s a flavor rebellion with purpose. Condado doubling down on its promise to deliver fuel, flavor, and fun at a price that keeps guests coming back.

Media interested in photos, full menus, or an interview with Condado leadership about the brand’s focus on protein, flavor, and energy can reach out for more information.

Condado Tacos
4482 Glengarry Dr
Beavercreek, OH 45440

(937) 705-6528

Sun – Thurs 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat 11am – midnight

Happy hours: 3–6pm

Gravity Defied! WSU’s StageWright Flies High, Again!

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Packed house. Excellent Performances. Beautiful Evening! Once again, Wright State’s Arts prove their national recognition is well-earned. The StageWright concert at the Levitt Pavilion on September 11th was nothing short of magical. From the bands, to the dancers, to the singers…WSU knows how to perform for the crowd, and they did it again!

Put together by WSU’s Dan Zehringer, the event, now three years old, continues to grow in performances and crowd size. The weather was cooperative as well…cool breezes, cold beers, and a fabulous sunset. Supporters of all things WSU ‘raidered-up’ in the audience to hear their colleagues and friends perform.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The event kicked off with WSU Army and AFROTC color guard, and a rousing trumpet ensemble, which included the National Anthem. Following was a percussion ensemble that got the crowd ‘going!’ Two performances by WSU Dance students stunned the crowd; one with it’s intricate percussion, the other, lively and fun . The Jazz ensemble followed suit, bringing some ‘swing to the thing!’ The event closed with a invigorating version of Wicked’s ‘Defying Gravity!’

 

Sue Edwards, WSU President, addressed the crowd, reminding them to join the university for all their shows throughout the year. and of course the beloved ArtsGala 2026. Bravo Raiders!! Bravo!

     

 

TIFF Day #8 – 2025

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Hello Dayton937 & NEON Fans,

Today was a short day with just 2 films…this is due to things partially slowing down and to the fact that I went to see Lady Gaga tonight at Scotiabank Arena.  It’s been a pretty terrific day, but I’m certainly showing signs of slowing down. I have a couple films tomorrow (Friday), and then it’s back to Dayton on Saturday.

My first film of the day was a teen comedy – DRIVER’S ED (dir: Bobby Farrelly – USA) “Bobby Farrelly’s charming Driver’s Ed follows a high school senior (Sam Nivola from The White Lotus) who hits the road to save his relationship with his college-bound girlfriend, with his principal (Molly Shannon) and driving instructor (Kumail Nanjiani) in hot pursuit.” (TIFF Catalog) There are some teen comedies that I really like – CLUELESS, MEAN GIRLS, and EASY A to name a few.  This new film from the director of DUMB & DUMBER, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY and CHAMPIONS (which we played) is not one of them. Though not without some funny moments, this film had plot holes galore and was mostly not funny.  It also seemed quite possible that the screenwriter hadn’t spent much time recently in a high school classroom.  There are enough f-bombs and some sweet character chemistry to make this film popular on a streaming service, but I don’t see it being a theatrical hit.
There is no trailer yet for this movie, but here’s a still photo:

My second film for the day will be a big contender this year – HAMNET (dir: Chloé Zhao – United Kingdom) “Academy Award–winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, TIFF ’20 People’s Choice Award) helms this lush and tender drama about William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his family, as seen through the eyes of his thoughtful wife Agnes (a luminous Jessie Buckley).” (TIFF Catalog) Though lovely and deliberate from the start (visually, musically, performance-wise), it took a little while for me to be completely swept away.  But I did indeed get swept.  Jessie Buckley will get an Oscar nomination (and possibly win), and the film will be recognized in many other categories. Upon walking back to my apartment, I started crying again thinking of a couple scenes…and again upon recounting the film to my boyfriend.  Chloé Zhao has made a really impressive film about family, loss and the healing power of art, and I will certainly be seeing it again.

Lady Gaga put on a really terrific show tonight.  My boyfriend has been wanting to see her perform live for nearly 20 years…and we had good seats in a very energized arena.

Thanks so much for reading.

My best,

Jonathan

Deals For National Cheeseburger Day Sept 18th

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Get ready to sink your teeth into one of America’s most iconic creations—because September 18th is National Cheeseburger Day! From backyard grills to gourmet gastropubs, this juicy classic has earned its place as the king of comfort food. Whether you like it piled high with toppings, smothered in melty cheese, or kept simple and traditional, today is the perfect excuse to indulge.

The cheeseburger’s exact origins are debated, but most food historians credit Lionel Sternberger, a 16-year-old fry cook in Pasadena, California, who supposedly topped a sizzling hamburger with a slice of cheese back in the 1920s. That simple addition transformed a good sandwich into a legendary one. Since then, cheeseburgers have grown into a cultural staple, with countless variations around the world.

Restaurants across the country often celebrate with special deals, making it the ultimate time to try something new—or stick with your tried-and-true favorite. So gather your friends, bring your appetite, and honor the timeless marriage of beef and cheese. After all, nothing brings people together quite like a perfectly cooked cheeseburger. Here are the deals we’ve found:

Applebee’s  – This National Cheeseburger Day, enjoy any of 3 Classic Burgers: Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Classic Cheeseburger, or Classic Burger – served with fries for just $8.99!

Buffalo Wild Wings  -All Blazin’ Rewards members can snag buy one, get one free burgers all day long.

Burger King – order through the BK app, you can score a free cheeseburger with a purchase of $1 or more.

Dairy Queen is offering fans a free Double Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with any app or online order of $1 or more between September 15 and 19, exclusive to DQ rewards members.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – Guests with the reward app can snag a free Freddy’s Original Double Steakburger with a $10 minimum purchase between September 18 and 21

McDonald’s is offering a 50-cent Double Cheeseburger on Sept. 18 to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day –  offer will be available exclusively through the McDonald’s app

Rally’s – From September 16 to 18, customers can enjoy the signature Big Buford for just $3 at participating locations nationwide, while supplies last.

Red Robin – Get the Big Yummm Burger Deal for $9.99, with a Red’s Double Tavern Burger, bottomless side and bottomless beverage at participating locations.

 Smashburger – any single  for just $4.99 on September 18 at participating locations.

Sonic Customers can enjoy buy-one-get-one-free Double Smasher burgers when purchasing through the Sonic app.

Wendy’s – Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for $0.01 (App only, Sept. 18–22)

White Castle- Get one free slider with the promo code SAYCHEESE at checkout online or in-app from Sept. 18 to 21.

TIFF Day #7 – 2025

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Hello Dayton937 & NEON Fans,

Today was a full day!  In addition to the movies and a nice star appearance surprise, my boyfriend flew into town to join me for my last few days here.  He and I will see del Toro’s FRANKENSTEIN together on Friday (as well as Lady Gaga in concert on Thursday night)…but otherwise, he’s here to enjoy the city while I’m screening films.

It’s my rule that if I don’t watch a movie from beginning to end, I can’t include it here in my TIFF blog.  But I’m going to make a bit of an exception.  For my first movie today, there were only 2 people in line when I arrived – so I knew it wasn’t going to be hard to get a spot…so I popped into POETIC LICENSE for about 20 minutes.  This is the directorial debut from Maude Apatow, and from what I saw, it was pretty charming.

My first film of the day was a touching lesbian drama based on a true story – JULIAN (dir: Cato Kusters – Belgium, Netherlands) “Two women’s unique campaign for marriage equality inspires a poignant screen love story by director Cato Kusters.” Fleur & Julian decide to get married…and in an effort to bring more awareness to same-sex marriage, they decide to get married in all 22 countries that allow it.  Unfortunately, Julian it’s revealed that Julian isn’t well…and this story hops back and forth in time to tell their story.  It’s beautifully made and certainly unique.  I think it will find a lot of success on the festival circuit.

Next up was a film with Jodie Foster in the lead – Speaking French! – A PRIVATE LIFE (dir: Rebecca Zlotowski – France) “Oscar winner Jodie Foster stars in this slyly comic psychological thriller from director Rebecca Zlotowski (TIFF ’22’s Other People’s Children), in which a suspicious death yields a series of twists that lead back to old grievances — and maybe even to past lives.” (TIFF Catalog) This film is fun, twisty, and full of surprises…until it loses a bit of steam.  Jodie is really wonderful, but the last 15 minutes were like someone snuffed the candle. With Sony Classics pushing this title into 2026, I suspect they’ve lost hope of much award-season play/recognition.
There’s no trailer for this film yet, but here’s a clip:

I quickly made it to my next screening (which was largely on my list because of Tilda Swinton) – BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER (dir: Edward Berger – United Kingdom) “This seductive character study from Oscar-winning director Edward Berger (TIFF ’24’s Conclave), stars Oscar nominee Colin Farrell as an obsessive travelling gambler and Oscar winner Tilda Swinton as the dogged detective determined to track him down.” (TIFF catalog) At first glance, this blaring and colorful film that’s full of excess seems nearly impossible to have come from the same director who brought us CONCLAVE – but interestingly, there are some similarities.  The score (also by Volker Bertelmann) hits some similar notes….and there’s an embrace of ritual (despite the chaos) at its core.  Set mostly in Macau (of which the producer said, “puts Vegas to shame”), this film is visually stunning.  And of course Swinton brings a fresh energy to the film.  Overall, I liked it…but that was partially heightened due to the Q&A.  This film merits the big screen…but I don’t think Netflix will push to really get it out.

My next film was a real treat – CALLE MÁLAGA (dir: Maryam Touzani – Morocco, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium) “Senior Maria (Carmen Maura) finds herself at odds with her adult daughter who has begun, without first consulting her mother, the process of selling the family home in Tangier where Maria still lives.” (TIFF catalog) Since the late 80’s, when I first saw WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN (on VHS), I’ve been in love with Carmen Maura.  Since this wasn’t the first screening of this film, and because it was at Scotiabank (a multiplex), I didn’t think Maura would attend…but she did, and it was a treat.  This film is one of my favorites of the fest.  It’s very fresh, and it comes with equal parts comedy and heartbreak.  Maura, who will soon be 80, announced that she’ll soon likely retire. This film is special, and seeing her in person was incredible.
There’s no trailer yet for this film…but here’s a still photo from the film and a photo I snapped (lighting was not good – so it’s pretty grainy).

My next movie was another from the “Midnight Madness” section…and it was more than I bargained for – F*!K MY SON! (dir: Todd Rohal – USA) “Todd Rohal (The Catechism Cataclysm, Uncle Kent 2) violates all boundaries of good taste in this gleefully profane adaptation of Johnny Ryan’s underground comic about a decrepit mother (Robert Longstreet) who will stop at nothing to get her mutant son (Steve Little) laid.” (TIFF catalog) This movie started out with so much promise.  The “pre-show” was hysterical, the introduction of characters had a certain John Waters-vibe…it was irreverent, campy and in terrible taste.  There were certainly some big laughs (and the audience was all in), but then it became revolting and offensive.  Sure – that’s exactly what it wanted to be – but it wasn’t for me.
There’s no trailer yet for this one, but here’s a still photo:

Only 2 more days of TIFF left for me.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

The Beat Goes On: Dayton’s Next Generation Carries Forward the City’s Legendary Funk Legacy

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On Thursday, September 18, The Brightside Music & Event Venue will transform into a celebration of both Dayton’s storied past and its promising musical future. “From Dayton With Funk” promises an electrifying evening featuring three dynamic local acts: Luv Locz Experiment, MelinaMarie, and Freakquency. These rising stars will perform a carefully curated mix of iconic funk classics alongside their own original compositions, creating a bridge between the city’s golden age of funk and its contemporary renaissance.

The event offers more than just entertainment. Attendees will have the opportunity to view exclusive Dayton-centric segments from the PBS documentary WE WANT THE FUNK! providing historical context and celebrating the city’s often-overlooked contributions to American music culture. It’s a rare chance to see how Dayton’s musical DNA continues to influence artists today.

Luv Locz Experiment headlines “From Dayton With Funk”

What sets “From Dayton With Funk” apart from typical concert experiences is its commitment to supporting the region’s cultural infrastructure. Proceeds from the event will benefit PBS stations ThinkTV (Dayton) and CET (Cincinnati), and the Yellow Springs Film Festival, organizations that champion public media and arts programming throughout the area. In an era where funding for public broadcasting and independent arts initiatives faces constant challenges, events like this demonstrate how local music scenes can support broader cultural initiatives.

“It’s about more than just a night of great music,” explains event organizer, Libby Ballengee. “We’re investing in the platforms that help preserve and share our community’s stories.”

While the evening will undoubtedly feature beloved classics that have defined Dayton’s sound for generations, the focus on original material from contemporary artists ensures this isn’t merely a nostalgia trip. Luv Locz Experiment, MelinaMarie, and Freakquency represent different approaches to funk’s evolution, each bringing their own influences and innovations to the genre’s traditional foundation.

The Brightside Music & Event Venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, provides the perfect setting for this multi-generational celebration.

The beat that started decades ago in Dayton continues to pulse through the city’s venues, studios, and hearts. On September 18, that beat will be louder than ever, carrying forward a legacy while writing new chapters in the ongoing story of Dayton funk.

HOW TO GO?

Thursday, September 18

Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM

The Brightside Music & Event Venue

All ages welcome!

🎟️ Tickets: http://bit.ly/44LlW9T

  • General Admission – $25 (Advance) Limited seating available throughout the venue 

  • VIP Table for 2 – $150 Reserved seating at premium tables near the stage (not on dance floor).

  • VIP Table for 4 – $200 Reserved seating close to the stage for your whole crew (not on dance floor).

  • General Admission Day of Show – $30 (we accept cash or credit at the door)

For more information about The Brightside Music & Event Venue and upcoming shows, visit their website here, or follow them on social media.

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb this Saturday

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As the nation approaches the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the UD Arena will play host to the 11th annual LION Gem City 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Sponsored by Dayton’s LION Group and presented by Premier Health, registration is now open through September 12 at www.gemcityclimb.org.

This year’s climb will be held on Saturday, September 13, beginning at 9 AM at the University of Dayton Arena. The event welcomes everyone who wants to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, as well as those who have died since then.

All proceeds will go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Funds raised from the LION Gem City 9/11 Stair Climb directly support the NFFF’s mission to honor our nation’s fallen firefighters, support their families, and reduce firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries across the fire service. The Foundation also provides scholarships, peer support, grief and mental health resources, and crucial safety training to departments nationwide.

The LION Gem City 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at UD Arena remains one of the largest events of its kind in the area. Since it began in Yellow Springs, it has drawn nearly 3,000 participants from the fire service community, their families, friends, and the public, who together have raised over $180,000 for the NFFF.

Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories, the height of the World Trade Center towers, on the iconic steps of UD Arena. Each climber will carry an honor badge bearing the name and photo of one of the fallen firefighters and police officers, symbolically completing the journey those heroes began. Upon completion, climbers will ring a fire bell in solemn tribute. The climb is not a race but rather a moving tribute to the heroes of 9/11. (Participants are not required to climb the entire climb.)

Panera’s Ciabatta Dippers are Back!

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Panera Bread announces the return of fan-favorite Ciabatta Dippers to the menu. Available starting today at participating cafes nationwide, guests can enjoy the beloved French Dipper alongside the brand-new Chicken Pesto Dipper, both crafted on Panera’s rustic, crisp ciabatta bread. Inspired by the satisfying combination of sandwiches and soups that Panera guests already love, both are served with the perfect portion of soup for dipping.

FAN-FAVORITE FRENCH CIABATTA DIPPER RETURNS SEPTEMBER 10, JOINED BY ALL-NEW CHICKEN PESTO CIABATTA DIPPER

Panera’s Ciabatta Dippers are available in two delectable, dippable duos for a limited time:

  • French Dipper – A returning favorite sandwich dipping pair featuring tender, marinated steak, melty provolone and asiago cheese, and garlic aioli drizzle on Panera’s iconic Ciabatta paired with a dipping portion of Bistro French Onion Soup.
  • NEW! Chicken Pesto Dipper – A new combination of grilled chicken, melty provolone and parmesan cheese, and basil pesto spread on Ciabatta paired with a dipping portion of Creamy Tomato Soup.

“Dipping sandwiches into soup is one of our guests’ favorite rituals and we love seeing it coming to life in our cafes every day,” said Mark Shambura, Chief Marketing Officer, Panera Bread. “That’s why we created Ciabatta Dippers – they make dipping easier, more delicious and more enjoyable. The French Dipper was a fan favorite when first launched last year, and now our new Chicken Pesto Ciabatta Dipper give guests another crave-worthy reason to ditch the spoon and embrace the dip.”

Miami Valley Meals Diced Fundraiser Crowns New Champion

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Last night at the Schuster Center thirteen chefs took on the challenge faced by Miami Valley Meals team on a daily basis, how to create a tasty dish from donated food for over 4000 meals/week.

Each chef got  a mystery box of four ingredients a few days before the friendly competition so they’d have time to compose a winning dish.  They were asked to prep 300 portions to be tasted by a sold out crowd of over 300 guests for the 4th annual DICED fundraiser. All 4 ingredients most be featured in the dish and they were also given a gift card to the Gem City Market to pick up additional items for their dish.

There were 4 different boxes randomly given to this years competing culinarians:

Box A: breakfast sausage, yukon gold potatoes, okra, blackberry glaze

Blueberry Cafe created a Midwest Tartiflette

Box B: brisket, lentils, turnips, sweet pickles

Box C: tofu, bell peppers, ketchup, farro

Chef Jay Jones dish from the plant based box

Box D; whole turkeys, kohlrabi, corn on the cob, cabbage

Guests at the event visited each Chef’s table and sampled their dish, eventually casting their vote for the people’s choice winner.

A panel of 5 judges also rated each dish based on use of ingredients, creativity, taste and presentation. Judges from left to right:  Liz Valenti,  Chef/owner Wheat Penny, Rick Schaefer, Chef and former owner of Brock Masterson’s Catering, Keith Taylor, Executive Chef Table 33, Chef Laura Cotton of Miami Valley Meals and Dustin McGillivray, aka crustymcg- digital content creator. 

The judges selected Chef James Blythe from Otterbein’s fresh corn tamale, filled with shredded turkey, and wrapped in a fresh corn husk, topped with candied red and green cabbage and cilantro as their top dish,  while the people’s choice was Chef Jacob Rodibaugh from Bistecca’s sausage meatball with with blueberry dijon glaze over a potato a potato rösti, served with a charred fresh corn and okra salsa.

Both were presented with a new mystery box of ahi tuna, watermelon radish, pickled ginger and  couscous and given 20 minutes to create their final dish.

Here were the final dishes, Chef James on the left -wild mushrooms, watermelon and couscous topped with crushed cashews. Chef Jacob on the right served a veggy couscous with an Ahi tuna salad,  pickled  watermelon chips with  toasted sesame seeds.

And the Diced Champion for 2025 is Chef James Blythe from Otterbein
Senior Life.

Upon being named the winner Chef James shared he “had a great time creating his dishes and was  happy to be part of such a great cause.” He was also quick to thank his sous chef Pam Hayes and invites the public to  visit the 3 restaurants at Otterbein, the 1912 Dining Room, Great Wave Cafe and outdoor dining at Terrace Place.

Diced finalists and judges

Miami Valley Meals Executive Director and co-founder Amanda DeLotelle was overjoyed with the success of the event,  ““Celebrating service during Hunger Action Month with such amazing local culinary talent and community support is what Miami Valley Meals is all about. The awareness and funds raised tonight uplift meals made with love, creating a ripple effect that nourishes and supports our neighbors who need it most. Thank you to the many sponsors, volunteers, guests, donors, partners and my board and team for making the event a success and our work possible”

Last night’s event worked with the Food Bank  and are “excited to share that thanks to all of the great volunteers and folks who helped plan and use the composting stations, we were able to divert 365 pounds of compostable items from going to the landfill, says Courtney Curtner, the Garden Lead at the Food Bank.

While they are still calculating the numbers the early estimate is a gross of $70,000, which will allow MVMeals to continue to feed nourishing meals made with love that honor and  dignity to the people in our community that need of assistance.  That’s currently about 4000/meals a week, distributed by 50 nonprofit partners.