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Arts & Entertainment

Hookahville Music Festival moves to Darke County over Labor Day weekend

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Hookahville, the Midwest’s longest-running music festival, will be held at J&M Ranch in Ansonia, Ohio, this Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-4. It’s a “don’t miss” festival for fans of psychedelic rock’n’roll, and includes day passes to all weekend long camping options.

The 55th installment of the iconic festival features host band ekoostik hookah — scheduled to play two sets apiece on Saturday and Sunday, including a pair of reunion sets on Saturday with former member Ed McGee — along with reggae stalwarts Passafire, Cleveland favorites John Welton and the Awakening, a Dead/Allman Brothers set by hookah side project Trial by Fire featuring Joe Marcinek, and many more.

The festival has traditionally been held around the Columbus area, and is moving to Ansonia this year, which is close to Greenville.

“Bringing Hookahville to this beautiful ranch in Darke County will create an intimate and unique event that our fans have come to expect after nearly 30 years,” said festival director Jim Garibaldi. “Hookahville has been a part of the Ohio music scene since 1994 and we aim to keep the spirit alive this weekend in Ansonia.”

Other acts over the long weekend include Zoo Trippin’, Restless Leg String Band, Heavy Spirits, Chloe & The Steel Strings, Big Blitz, and Kadie Meadows.

Tickets start at just $80 and include free camping and parking. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hookahville.com or email [email protected].

HOW TO GO?

Sept. 2-4, 2022

J&M Ranch located at 6129 Reed Rd, Ansonia, OH 45303

GA Ticket Prices:

  • Tier 1 GA Ticket – $100.00 + fees
  • Tier 2 GA Ticket – $115.00 + fees
  • GA Gate (Friday Arrival) – $140.00
  • GA Gate (Saturday Arrival) – $120.00
  • GA Gate (Sunday Arrival – $80.00

GA Ticket Includes:

  • Entry for three nights from gate open to gate close.
  • Other terms and conditions may apply.

VIP Ticket Prices:

  • Tier 1 VIP Ticket – $220 + fees
  • Tier 2 VIP Ticket – $240 + fees
  • VIP Gate (Fri/Sat/Sun Arrival) – $250

VIP Ticket Includes:

    • Entry from Fri – Mon
    • VIP Camp By Car campsite
    • Hookahville Travel Mug, 11×17 poster, and laminate for each person purchased
    • Access to VIP tent by the main stage stocked with refreshments all weekend
    • Access to real flushing toilets and showers
    • Full-time “V.I.P. Concierge” to ensure you have everything you need
    • Other terms and conditions may apply

Children and Families:

We welcome children and families to the event. We strive to provide a family-friendly atmosphere, and provide family camping areas. Kids 12 and under are free with a legal guardian and do not require a ticket. We will provide a section of “quiet camping” for families.

 

 

Dayton at Work and Play: Sharon Stolzenberger

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ARTIST OF THE WEEK:  Sharon Stolzenberger invited me into her spacious Front Street studio this week. It’s on the second floor of the Annex Building at Front Street.
“I’ve been here for years” she told me. “I love the light and the space. I use this area for watercolors, and another area across the room for acrylics. The only problem with having all of this space is that there’s never a reason to get rid of anything. A visitor can poke around and see how my work has changed over the years.”
“The piece I’m working on here features a crow. I’ve been using crows in quite a few of my work for a few years now, and recently I’ve been doing a series related to prairies.”
Like a number of successful local artists (e.g. Jon Barlow Hudson and John Emery) Sharon is a graduate of the School of the Dayton Art Institute. After school she was an illustrator and then Art Director for Gibson Greeting Cards before opening her own studio.
Sharon works primarily in watercolors but uses stenciling, patterning and collage to create densely textured works. As I photographed she added layers to a small piece. After each one of her steps I found myself thinking about whether there was a way for me to do something similar in my own digital wok. I think I need to hang around the studio some more and let Sharon teach me some new things.
Sharon’s studio will be open this week during First Friday. If you want, use her special entrance – the green staircase (fire escape) on the back of the Annex building.

The Lifespan of a Fact at Dayton Theatre Guild

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A fresh-out-of-Harvard fact checker for a prominent New York magazine is assigned to fact-check an essay about the suicide of a teenage boy. It is written by a talented and established writer, and publishing his piece can save the struggling magazine from collapse. The two battle over facts versus truth, with the magazine’s editor, who wants to run the story and who assigned the fact-checker to look it over, serving as referee.

The Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy Announces Season

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The Arbogast Performing Arts Center (APAC) is thrilled to announce a return to the stage with a jam-packed agenda of performances as it announces its highly anticipated 2022‒2023 Season. Executive Director Jeanne Ward and the entire APAC team invite the community back for a new season overflowing with exciting performances that include everything from Rock to R&B to a taste of country to gospel performers to a variety of engaging programs sure to entertain both the young and the young-at-heart!

In its inaugural 2021-2022 Season, the APAC presented nine performances and welcomed over 6,500 attendees to its brand-new theater. The 2022-2023 Season is set to even further dazzle and delight audiences from the Upper Miami Valley and Greater Dayton Region with fifteen new performances spanning a variety of genres.

The APAC kicks off its 2022-2023 season in rockin’ style as The Guess Who takes center stage at the APAC on September 17. Once referred to by Rolling Stone magazine as “one of rock’s most consistently fascinating maverick bands,” The Guess Who will thrill audiences with the smash hits from their early years, along with a new batch of original songs, for a dynamic night of rock at the APAC.

The fall line-up continues at the APAC with a pop worship concert overflowing with inspiration as I AM THEY takes the stage on September 24 to share their journey and their faith with the greater Miami County community.

In October, a capella group Naturally 7 takes center stage, although “a capella group” so vastly underplays what they do that they had to coin the phrase “Vocal Play.” This dynamic group has been hosted by late-night comedian and “Carpool Karaoke” collaborator James Corden on “The World’s Best,” and musical maestro Quincy Jones has declared that “Naturally 7 is the future of vocal music!”

In November, one of the most recognizable voices on country radio comes to Troy as Josh Turner visits the APAC. Turner’s distinctive resonant baritone has brought him five Number One hits and five gold and platinum albums. Additionally, Turner has scored multiple Grammy, CMA, and ACM Awards nominations and has received six Inspirational Country Music Awards.

The holiday season launches with great fanfare when the APAC welcomes Sandi Patty at the end of November. As one of the most highly acclaimed performers of our time, with five Grammy awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three platinum records, five gold records, and eleven million units sold, Sandi Patty is simply known as The Voice.

In December, the APAC is delighted to welcome back The Texas Tenors for a performance they call Deep in the Heart of Christmas. With over half a million followers on social media and more than 20 million views on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, this trio is considered the most successful touring group in the history of America’s Got Talent.

Then, Lightwire Theater combines theater and technology to bring a festive holiday story to life through their internationally-recognized signature brand of electroluminescent artistry with A Very Electric Christmas. Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship, and hope, set to timeless holiday classics from famed artists including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey, and Tchaikovsky.

In January, bedtime has never been so exciting when Llama Llama -Live! arrives at the APAC. This hilarious new musical, based on the bestselling children’s books by Anna Dewdney, will warm every Llama and Llama Mama’s heart.

Magician and Illusionist Mike Super has pioneered a new form of magic with his down-to-earth style, infectious humor, and enchanting personality, resulting in him being named Entertainer of the Year, Best Performing Artist of the Year, Best Novelty Performer of the Year, and America’s Favorite Mystifier on NBC’s hit TV Show Phenomenon. He returns to the APAC in February with a brand new show for Troy that he likes to call Mike Super: Illusionist 2.OH!

Then, music royalty takes center stage at the APAC in February as The Oak Ridge Boys come to town. The Oaks bring four decades of charted singles and 50 years of tradition to Troy for a fantastic evening of Front Porch Singin’.

The APAC springs into action in March as the #1 Michael Jackson tribute show in the world, MJ LIVE!, comes to Troy. From iconic dance moves like the moonwalk to timeless hits like “Bad,” “Billie Jean,” and “Beat It,” the spot-on show brings all the Gloved One’s staples to life in a “Thriller” of a musical spectacular honoring the King of Pop.

Then, Hollywood comes to the APAC as the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra delivers the sights and sounds of cinema’s biggest box office hits. This gala symphonic concert features over 80 musicians and chorus members celebrating the music of John Williams, James Horner, and, of course, Hans Zimmer. The music of Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Forrest Gump, Batman, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more come to life in epic fashion this March.

In April, Fairytales on Ice transports audiences to the heart of France, where magic is alive and memories are made. Join our heroine Belle as she journeys to the castle of the Beast to rescue her father. A cast of world champion ice skaters, cirque performers, and live singers bring this magical tale to life right on the APAC stage!

Then, the unique ballet company Ballet 5:8 engages the Greater Miami Valley community through breathtaking dance. Ballet 5:8 will perform BareFace, a brand-new full-length story ballet by Ballet 5:8 co-founder Julianna Rubio Slager, inspired by the C.S. Lewis novel Till We Have Faces. The intriguing ballet uses the passion-filled myth of Cupid and Psyche to examine love’s motivations, pitfalls, and blind spots. The artistry and athleticism of the Ballet 5:8 dancers will captivate the APAC audience this April.

Finally, the APAC season draws to a close in May with a riveting performance that brings the legendary power and presence of music’s greatest icon, Elvis Presley, in the world premiere concert tour called Elvis: The Concert of Kings. Featuring three of the world’s finest Elvis tribute performers, the evening promises to leave audiences “all shook up” by the spot-on look, vocals, and charisma, all brought to life in this sensational salute to The King.

SEASON MEMBERSHIPS: One of the best ways to secure a seat at any APAC performance is to become a Season Member. An APAC Season Membership provides attractively discounted tickets on select performances, depending on the level of membership selected. In addition, a Season Membership includes the ability to select specific seats in the theater, special recognition in the APAC lobby, a VIP Dining Card offering a 10% discount at participating community dining partners on performance days, and other perks offered throughout the 2022-2023 Season. Most importantly, an APAC Season Membership will contribute to the APAC’s mission of creating community with its Pay It Forward program, allowing the APAC to give away tickets to those who may not be able to purchase tickets on their own.

For more information, to order tickets to any of the APAC performances, or to become an APAC Season Member, call the Box Office at (937) 418-8392 or visit online at www.arbogastperformingarts.org.

Dayton at Work and Play: Anthony Murrill

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Anthony Murrill of ASMurrill Art describes himself as an artist and a carpenter. I asked him to explain:
“I was an art major, but when I left college I went to work as a carpenter. I was good at it and eventually had my own successful remodeling company.”
portrait of artist A.S Murrill
“About seven years ago my wife encouraged me to try painting again, even though I’d been away from art for 16 years. After a short time painting I came to realize that was what I was meant to do. Now I spend almost all of my time painting at my studio in Springboro. I may sneak off to the wood shop to make a custom frame or to build a piece of furniture, but I am primarily a painter.”
Here he was getting ready for  Kettering’s Art on the Commons:
He also does custom pet portraits, “I love to paint your pets! Dogs, cats, horses, cows, iguanas, birds… I love painting them all! I enjoy all of the color and texture variation in animals. I love to capture their joy and energy. Using photos that you provide, I will create a custom painting of your beloved animal. I typically paint these portraits on canvas.”

His work  can be viewed-

• in the gallery and studio at 140 S. Main St, unit E, Springboro, Ohio 45065 during normal business hours and by appointment.

•Pendleton Art Center, Cincinnati Ohio studio 313,  on the final Friday of the month and by appointment.

Anthony is currently accepting commissioned orders and usually has several original pieces for sale.

Dayton Porchfest delivers 50 free concerts this Saturday

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This Saturday, don’t miss the 6th annual Dayton Porchfest, a free neighborhood music festival in St Anne’s Hill Historic Neighborhood. This beloved community-building event is facilitated by The Collaboratory, a civic think tank that launches exciting new projects from idea to reality.

One of those ideas is Porchfest, which is held on International Play Music on a Porch Day. The event offers 6 hours of free live music held on porches throughout the St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood. It’s a lovely opportunity to meet the neighborhood and celebrate the quality and diversity of the Dayton music scene.

Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY, and Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, which was started in 2009. Today there are over 150 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada. Dayton was 94.

Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene, which continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that in its selection of musical artists, from funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old-timey that has deep Appalachian traditions here. We also celebrate the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade. The St. Anne’s neighborhood welcomes all Daytonians to join in this celebration!

Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory (www.daytoncollaboratory.org). This local volunteer organization provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic, and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory. Tips collected at the event go directly to the musicians performing. Please be generous!

HOW TO GO?

Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 1pm – 7pm

Free!

All ages welcome

St Anne’s Hill Historic Neighborhood – see map here

 

1:15 – 1:45 PM KICK-OFF

T.R.S.S. Drum Corps – 10 LaBelle

 

2:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

Amber Hargett, Singer/Songwriter – 1601 E. Fifth Street (Henry)

Five Rivers Drum Ensemble, African Drumming – 33 Potomac

Good Time Accordion Guys, Sing-Along – 624 McLain

Jimmy D. Rogers, Blues and Roots – 126 Henry

Our Sacred Vanity, Folk – 48 High Street

Patricia Berg Trio, Jazz  – 212 South Dutoit

Sadbox, Rock – 15 Henry

Syrodesy Flue Trio, Classical Contemporary – 48 McClure

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3:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

As Is, Jazz – 1432 E. Fourth Street

Café con Leche, Acoustic/Jazz/Eclectic  – 126 LaBelle

Charlie and Amanda, Country – 214 South Dutoit

Chris Heider and The Red Bandana Band, Folk Rock – 154 South Dutoit

Fin Tan, Irish Pub Music – 600 McLain

Gabe Maas and the Bruins, Pop – 54 LaBelle

(CANCELED) Nick Kizirnis, Americana – 18 LaBelle

Rum River Blend, Americana – 1535 E. Fifth Street (Henry)

Sharon Lane, Blues – 62 High Street

The Nautical Theme, Modern Folk – 34 High

TINO, Hip Hop – 52 McClure

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4:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

A Sweet Sound, Americana – 22 LaBelle

Age Nowhere, Country/Rock – 222 South Dutoit

Emory Road, Folk Rock – 616 McLain

Harold Hensley, Americana – 216 Henry

Jonathan Hamilton, Folk – 66 McClure

Kyleen Downes, Singer/Songwriter – 42 High Street

Miami Valley Klezmer Ensemble, Klezmer – 65 LaBelle

Mike Bankhead, Indie Rock – 133 LaBelle

Nasty Bingo, Folkadelic at Its Finest – 1514 E. Fourth Street

Novena, Folk Rock – 50 Henry

Sam King, Americana/Folk – 130 Henry

Ty Spacely, Hip Hop/Rap – 244 Henry

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5:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

Charlie Tipton, Singer/Songwriter – 1436 E. Fourth Street (Henry)

Cry Baby Cry, Rock – 51 McClure

Dayton Salsa Project, Salsa – 517 McLain

Ghost Town Silence, Rock/Americana – 39 Henry

John Dubuc’s Guilty Pleasures, Rock-N-Roll – 18 LaBelle

K. Carter, Hip Hop – 1616 E. Fifth Street (Backyard)

Kris n., Indie/Pop-Rock – 234 South Dutoit

Serin Oh, Alt Pop – 30 LaBelle

Somersault, Original Rock – 145 McClure

The Hitchhiker Band, Irish – 154 South Dutoit

The Touchy Feelys, Folk/Indie/Country – 201 Henry (McLain)

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6:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

Mariah J, Soul/Funk/R&B – 605 McLain

NeoAmerican Pioneers, Indie Rock – 222 South Dutoit

Rich Reuter, Rock – 234 Henry

Solistic, Little Bit of Everything – 44 High Street

The Jaywalkers, American Folk/Rock – 1514 E. Fourth Street

The Kadence, Pop – 10 Henry

Todd the Fox, Rockabilly & Blues – 55 McClure

Tori Adams, Roots/Folk/Americana – 630 McLain (High)

Wild Forrest Blackberri, Root Rock/Folk-Blues – 28 LaBelle

 

McCoy on Movies: THIRTEEN LIVES

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Colin Farrell, Viggo Mortensen lead dramatic based on true events tale that should garner Academy Award contention

“Yes, there is more water up ahead … But luckily, no sharks!” (L to R) Colin Farrell as John Volanthen, Joel Edgerton as Harry Harris and Viggo Mortensen as Rick Stanton in THIRTEEN LIVES, directed by Ron Howard, a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film. Credit: Vince Valitutti / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures © 2022 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:
 

 

DIRECTOR: Ron Howard

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Colin Farrell, Viggo Mortensen, Joel Edgerton, Tom Bateman, Chris Jewel, Paul Gleeson, Thira ’Aum’ Chutikul, Sahajak ’Poo’ Boonthanakit, Popetorn ‘Two’ Soonthornyanakij, Thiraphat ’Tui’ Sajakul, Sukollawat ’Weir’ Kanarot and Pattrakorn ’Ploy’ Tungsupakul
THE BACK STORY: In 2018, a Thai soccer team of twelve boys and their head coach (Teeradon Supapunpinyo) ventured into a cave after practice. Then, much to their dismay, monsoon season started far earlier than expected, flooding the cave and trapping them inside. Once their families realized what had happened, their story captivated the nation and then the world, drawing attention from rescue volunteers around the globe.
Among those who find themselves motivated to help John Volanthen (Colin Farrell), the grizzled Rick Stanton (Viggo Mortensen) and anesthesiologist Harry Harris (Joel Edgerton), three veteran British cave divers. On a short list of recommended experts, the trio arrive on the scene only to discover things are far worse than they ever anticipated. But with a combination of help from the local governor (Sahajak ‘Poo’ Boonthanakit), the leader of his rescue team (Thira ‘Aum’ Chutikul) and the thousands of villagers and volunteers that come to help, the boys and their coach may have a chance to survive an extremely dire situation just yet.

THE REVIEW: There are two compliments I can give THIRTEEN LIVES that should sum up how good the Ron Howard-directed drama is: One, it’s the best work I’ve ever seen Colin Farrell do, which is high praise considering I have not always been a fan of his work (see Recall, Total) and two, the film at times feels more like a documentary than a scripted affair based on true events. There are no hokey “man up” inspirational speeches, the doubt, panic and anxiety of the situation is felt by multiple characters in a manner that never feels forced or inauthentic and the story, which is captivating on its own, features multiple insights into everything from Thai culture to the commonalities of humanity across borders. At no point in time do you feel like you’re watching characters; instead, you are watching people simply trying to help other people do something extraordinary than few of us likely could.
If the film has one flaw/deterrent, it would be it’s 2-and-a-half-hour run time. Then again, given the two-plus weeks the boys were stuck in the cave, that’s a small sacrifice to make to take in a compelling tale worthy of Academy Award consideration in several categories come next year.
THIRTEEN LIVES almost feels like a bit of a misnomer for the film title-wise. For the movie may begin with your focus on 13 lives, but by its end, it’s incredibly difficult to think about the thousands of people that came together to save them and others that will be inspired by their efforts.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

“Oliver!” at North Park Ampitheatre And It’s Free!

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Springboro Community Theatre is proud to present our summer production of “Oliver!” at North Park Ampitheatre! Grab a lawn chair or blanket and come join us under the stars!
Note: This is a free event – No tickets necessary!
The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family.

McCoy on Movies: Bullet Train

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Brad Pitt leads ensemble cast through violent, entertaining action comedy

“So … Who’s your favorite character on Atlanta, man?” Lemon (Brian Tyree Henry, left) gets acquainted with Ladybug (Brad Pitt) in a scene from David Leitch’s BULLET TRAIN. Credit: Scott Garfield © 2022 Sony Pictures Entertainment. All rights reserved.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:
 
 
DIRECTOR: David Leitch
KEY CAST MEMBERS: Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Hiroyuki Sanada, Bad Bunny, Zazie Beets, Joey King, Logan Lerman, Andrew Koji, Michael Shannon … And three special players in small but entertaining roles
THE BACK STORY: An Americanized re-envision of the 1975 Japanese film of the same name, Bullet Train stars Brad Pitt as Ladbybug. Ladybug, of course, is a fake name, one given to Pitt’s character by his employer, a mysterious voice on the other end of a cell phone that has left him several supplies in a locker at a Japanese train station.
You see, Ladybug has been instructed to get on a bullet train heading toward Kyoto and simply grab a briefcase with a sticker on the handle. That’s it. It’s so simple, in fact, that Ladybug knows something must be wrong the job. But, having been trying to get himself in order following deep conversations with his therapists, he takes the gig as a fill in for the person who was supposed to do it and aboard the train he goes.
As fate – and trust me, fate will play a big role upon this train – would have it, Ladybug’s instincts prove right. For you see, upon this train is quite the cast of characters. There are Tangerine and Lemon (Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Brian Tyree Henry, respectively), a pair of brothers who have the briefcase in question as well as the facially-tattooed son of the White Death, a well-known Japanese crime lord.
Also on the train is Kimura (Andrew Koji), the son of the mysterious Elder (Hiroyuki Sanada), a man who knew the White Death would be, well, the death of the crime family to which they both once belonged. Kimura’s son is in the hospital after being pushed off a roof, which has driven him (at the Elder’s behest) to seek revenge … But on whom? Then there’s the Prince (Joey King), a seemingly innocent school girl who is definitely not what she seems.
And with the train stopping at stations along the way – and various characters being able to enter and exit at will – Ladybug is going to learn and learn rather quickly that he’s likely going to need a lot more therapy if he ever gets off this train.
THE REVIEW: What happens when you let the director of Deadpool 2 create a film that features just the right amount of insane violence with humor and plot twists to keep you engaged? You get Bullet Train, a near perfect thrill ride of gun, knife and swordplay, characters that should not be charismatic since they, for the most part, are all terrible people and 2 hours of turn-your-brain-off-and-just-enjoy-it fun.
As much as he has been tabloid fodder for most of his career, it’s easy to forget just how good of an actor Pitt can be. Bullet Train finds him at his comedic best, exhibiting flawless comedic timing while making you intrigued to see what his character will do (or have to deal with) next. The same can be said for Taylor-Johnson and Tyree (in what might be his best big screen role to date, presenting a character who is capable of both great violence and great sensitivity (and sometimes in the same moment).
That’s not to overlook Zoey King in her role as Prince, a character that the audience will love to hate but can’t just because of how great her performance is. Even the minor/secondary characters are given roles that add up to big laughs/moments under Leitch’s direction, a skill he utilizes as well here as he did in Deadpool 2.
Now, that’s not to suggest Bullet Train is for everyone. The language is harsh and the violence is on a Mortal Kombat level from start to finish (and I mean the video games, not the most recent movie) to the point the recent-released The Gray Man might feel competition. Unlike that film, however, Bullet Train never takes itself too seriously and instead is presented in a tongue-in-cheek fashion that knows you’re in on the jokes and balances that with characters dedicated to their cause.
In short, in a summer in short supply of competition, Bullet Train should reach no. 1 with a bullet given its high joke ratio, body count and quality of all the things that happen in between.
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

Local Filmmaker Victor Bonacore Debuts Woke-Exploitation Girl-Gang Thriller: THRUST!

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Local film crew Tranzient Pictures brings you their first feature length film THRUST! A low budget, exploitation film shot almost entirely in and around Dayton, Ohio. After a year of production the movie is ready for an audience! THRUST! Takes place in a dystopian world run by girl gangs.

The story centers on two lovers, Aloe & Vera hailing from The Punk Boiz as they embark on a mariujana fueled, revenge journey. Weaving their way through the colorful apocalypse to try and rid the world of the last scumbag alive, who is wreaking havoc amongst the female, fronted future. THRUST!

THRUST! Will make its OHIO PREMIERE at The Little Art Theater in Yellow Springs Ohio on Saturday August 6th 2022 at 10pm. This screening will be presented by the cast & crew live in person including scream queen legend Linnea Quigley, director Victor Bonacore (Diary of a Deadbeat) and star Erin Brown, Allison Egan, Scarlett Storm, Sadie Tate, Felicia Fisher & more surprises!  THRUST! Runs 1:59:00 Minutes long, unrated & for mature audiences only!

THRUST! Will have its Ohio encore showing on Sunday August 7th at 7pm at The Neon located in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Linnea, cast & crew will be in attendance for this show as well! THRUST!

Stars a plethora of local talent lead by a cast of indie starlets including Erin Brown (The artist formerly known as Misty Mundae) Allison Egan (Primordial, Eat it Up) Linnea Quigley (Return of the Living Dead, Night of the Demons) Ellie Church (Headless,Harvest Lake) Roni Jonah (Space Babes from Outer Space) Sadie Tate (Feaster Sunday) Independent wrestlers Queen Aminata (AEW) Jessicka Havok (Impact Wrestling) Ace Austin (Bullet Club) and Madman Fulton (EX-WWE,Impact).

Featuring a score from local new wave artists Dirty/Clean and featuring songs and more from Yellow Springs electro punk duo Yikes A Band! THRUST!

Kick off show!
Friday August 5th, 8pm
Yellow Cab Tavern, featuring live performances from:

Mike Hunchback
(guitarist of Screeching Weasel and ex-Nightbirds)

Weedghost
(Ohio Noise)

Yikes A Band!
(first show in 3 years)

La Comedia Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

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Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.

McCoy on Movies: The Gray Man

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Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans star in the Russo’ brothers shootout-heavy live-action video game that isn’t one

“Say something else about Drive and you’re gonna get it!” Six (Ryan Gosling) in a scene from Anthony and Joe Russo’s action thriller THE GRAY MAN. © 2022 Netflix. All rights reserved.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

 

DIRECTOR: Anthony and Joe Russo

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Billy Bob Thornton, Regé-Jean Page, Ana de Armas, Dhanush, Jessica Henwick, Alfre Woodard and Julia Butters
 
THE BACK STORY: Based on the novel of the same name by Mark Greaney, THE GRAY MAN stars Ryan Gosling as Six. Serving time in a Florida prison, he is offered a chance to leave by the mysterious Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton) … But there’s a catch: He must work for the FBI as an assassin called in to take out the worst of the worst – but as a shadow operative, working “in the gray” allows them to disavow any knowledge of his existence.
After a job goes sideways, however, Six learns that what he thought he knew to be true may not exactly be the truth – and now, his life may be in danger as a result. So once he starts digging for answers, CIA Director Carmichael (Regé-Jean Page) starts intensifying his efforts to stop him – which results in bringing in the loosest canon possible: Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), a washout of the same program that birthed Six. Lloyd is determined to bring down Six by any means necessary … And if that means involving Six’s former partner (Ana de Armas), Fitzroy or even Fitzroy’s niece Claire (Julia Butters) in his scheme, so be it.
But Six is going to do whatever he has to do to survive and protect those closest to him, no matter how high the body count may be.
THE REVIEW: Ever wonder what would happen if you could make a movie that was 1/2 standard spy thriller and 1/2 a live action video game with guns a’blazing? Well, if so, THE GRAY MAN – which by its end feels like an AR-15 lovers’ best dream – delivers on that premise exponentially.
Gosling does the thing you would expect him to do fairly well, mixing his “I’m good looking, but I can be serious and brooding” thing well against Evans’ absolute playful yet psychopathic Lloyd. If there was ever a role to make people not just think of him as Steve Rogers’ alter-ego, this would be it as Captain America would likely vomit in disgust at what Lloyd does from the moment he gets on screen to the final credits. The ladies of THE GRAY MAN get in their fair share of moments as well, be it de Armas in the standard sexy-yet-serious-and-troubled foreign spy operative you’re not supposed to be sure of who’s side she’s on or young Butters in the too smart for her own age until gunplay starts Dakota Fanning/Man on Fire role.

Seriously though: THE GRAY MAN‘s tonal shift from worldwide spy thriller to live-action video game is so dramatic that it almost – almost – becomes comically enjoyable. Then again, in a country where 330-plus mass shootings have occurred this year, it might be either the best-or-worst timed release this summer. Having not read the source material, I cannot speak to whether or not the novel on which THE GRAY MAN is as standard issue as it is on film, but once the bullets start flying and body count piles up sky-high, it really doesn’t matter.

What will matter is how much you enjoy watching good-looking people in wild, crazy shootouts (replace the cars in the Fast & Furious franchise with bullets) … And given its mix of humor and gunplay coupled with our current national vibe, THE GRAY MAN will likely add up to plenty of views in theaters and streaming smart devices nationwide.

 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
 

 

 

The Circus is Coming To Ren Park

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Ladies & gentlemen! Boys and girls! Plus, everyone in between! Step right up and get ready to experience ‘One of the Greatest Shows on Earth.’

Renaissance Park Event Center proudly presents the 20th Century Circus, an inspiring, family-friendly event that will give audiences young and old a night to forever remember. The 20th Century Circus is one of the last touring tented circuses in the United States. Set in the era of the 1920s, the show brings old-world circus skills from second-generation circus performers and acclaimed acts from the Vegas strip together to create one and a half hours of entertainment.

 Shows will be Friday, Saturday, Sunday July 22nd thru August 7th. One show per day at 7pm. For more information and ticket sales visit www.20thcenturycircus.com.

Many have described the 20th Century Circus as bringing back great memories, introducing youngsters to days gone by with a modern twist. The show is fun, frolicking, and ‘in-tents.’

Renaissance Park Event Center is locally owned and operated located in rural Warren County, near Waynesville and Caesar Creek State Park.  With beautiful, landscaped venues, Renaissance Park is just far enough from the hustle and bustle to be quiet and private, yet close enough to be convenient to hotels, shopping, restaurants, and other entertainment while you are visiting. 

Sonic Springs Benefit Concert features Talib Kweli, Cloud Nothings, Monograms & more!

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On Friday, July 22nd, 2022 at 7:00 pm The Brightside in Dayton, OH will host a benefit concert featuring national recording artists Talib Kweli, Cloud Nothings, local DJ Fatty Lumpkin, and Brooklyn-based indie rock band Monograms. All proceeds above operating costs will be donated to the independently owned radio station WYSO in Yellow Springs.

Since its inception in 1958, the mission of WYSO has been to serve the Miami Valley and beyond with trusted journalism and artistic inspiration that improves lives and builds community. In 2023 WYSO will be moving from their home on Antioch’s campus to a new studio, including much-needed equipment upgrades and new performance spaces for live-in studio music concerts.

The event will be held under the moniker of “Sonic Springs” and is slated to be an annual concert to bring unique musical performances to the Dayton area. The event is being curated and produced by Eric Mahoney, a filmmaker/producer best known for directing the feature documentary Brainiac: Transmissions After Zero. Eric and his family recently moved to Yellow Springs from Brooklyn, NY.

 

HOW TO GO?

Friday, July 22nd, 2022 at 7:00 pm

The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio)

Food truck on-site: Phat & Rich

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sonic-springs-a-benefit-concert-for-wyso-tickets-304403126947

Improv Comedy Show at The Fraze

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Prepare to laugh until you cry when six of the world’s most masterful improv artists take you on the high wire act of comedic acrobatics. The rapid-fire wit and non-stop jokes will have your sides splitting and begging for mercy…and also begging for more. If you are a “Whose Line?” fan, get ready for the same relentless laughter that you grew to love, but without the commercial breaks! If you are new to improv comedy, then you are in for a show unlike anything you have ever seen before.

This particular style of improvisational comedy is rife with countless gags, one-liners, hilarious games and even songs so good you will hardly believe they were made up on the spot. The teamwork and trust that it takes to perform a show with no script is apparent, but when the best of the best do it, they do it effortlessly.