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Glenn Beck | Unconditional | Trouble With The Curve | The Master

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Hello Dayton!
This week mainly focuses on new openings for the week. Opening the week of 09/21 will be a faith based movie Unconditional, Clint Eastwood’s Trouble With The Curve, a repeat performance of Queen Live in Budapest, and Glenn Beck’s Unelectable.

 

GLENN BECK’S UNELECTABLE TOUR (09/20 & 09/25)

Glenn Beck has broken so many boundaries that he created a whole new realm of talk radio and caused a stir on cable television. This time Glenn Beck is featured in a comedy tour, where he will address everything from Democrats, Republicans, law makers and law breakers, no one is spared his wrath of humor! Election day is coming whether we like it or not, so you might as well laugh before you cry! Join Beck for an unforgettable night that will have you wishing he ran for office if for no other reason than to be the first politician that got laughed at on purpose! This will be playing at Dayton South and Huber Heights on Thursday 09/20 at 8pm with a repeat performance Tuesday  09/25 at 730pm.

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHyAZ9xrhm4′]

 

UNCONDITIONAL (09/21-09/27)

Samantha Crawford (Lynn Collins) is living the dream life: she is happily married, she lives on a ranch with her cherished horse, and the stories she both writes and illustrates are becoming published. When her husband Billy (Diego Klattenhoff) is killed in a senseless act of violence, Samantha not only loses her faith but also her will to live. Then a death-defying encounter with two children leads to a reunion with a childhood friend Joe (Michael Ealy). Sam then watches Joe taking care of the kids in his under-resourced neighborhood and begins to find her faith again. Inspired by true events. This film will open on 09/21 with weekend showtimes as follows: 11:40am, 2:15pm, 4:45pm, 7:15pm, and 10pm. For Monday-Thursday the showtimes will be 2:15pm, 4:45pm, 7:15pm, and 10pm.

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOW9w-j6_1Q’]

 

TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (09/21-09/27)

Also opening this week is Clint Eastwood’s newest movie, Trouble with the Curve. And starring Amy Adams, Chelcie Ross, and Raymond Anthony Thomas, this feature is about an ailing baseball scout who decides to have his daughter come with him on his last trip to recruit new players. A movie that teaches the audience to handle “whatever life throws at you,” this feature will open in theaters on September 21st.

This is Clint’s first film as an actor with a director that’s not himself since 1993 In the Line of Fire.  I am looking forward to this film as Clint never disappoints in anything he does.  Who doesn’t love Clint Eastwood?  I would like to see him win an Oscar and maybe star in another Western before he goes to the Hollywood in the sky.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHZd0FTX8lk’]

THE MASTER (09/21-09/27)

I am really looking forward to this film!  Paul Thomas Anderson is a great director in my view and add in a cast of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phonenix and Amy Adams and this film is primed and ready to deliver a great telling of a story!  The film was released in five theaters this past weekend, four of which showed in it 70mm.  It was a huge success and had a very high per-screen average, setting new box office records.  No doubt because people did want to see it on 70mm which isn’t around much these days anymore and because of it’s awards it has taken.  The huge opening for “The Master” beats the per-screen-average record for a live-action feature debut set earlier this year by Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom,” which made $522,996 when it opened on four screens in May for an average of $130,749.  Master did $729,745 for a per-screen of $145,949, breaking box office records.

Synopsis; A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future – until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ1O1vb9AUU’]

Click here for showtimes…

ENTER TO WIN TWO MOVIE PASSES!

Fill out the form below, then leave a FB comment telling us that YOU want to win a pair of movie passes from Rave Cinemas Dayton South. From the list of correct trivia responses with post, we will randomly draw a winner and notify same. Contest closes 09/19/12. Passes awarded will be valid for 30 days from close date at Rave Cinemas Dayton South only and must be used by then or will be forfeited. Valid for any showing, except special events. Please bring ID to verify your name and just ask for a manager when attending informing them you won the Dayton Most Metro contest.

This week – another easy trivia question: simply name your favorite Phillip Seymour Hoffman movie/role.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congrats to this week’s winner: Karri O’Reilly

Volunteers for Dayton! Opportunities Sep. 18-25

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Admiring the work of the You Are Here! team at Urban Nights

Welcome back to my column on getting involved in urban community improvement projects! I hope that you’ve recovered from another fabulous Urban Nights event last Friday. The Downtown Dayton Partnership coordinated the event, which required not only the work of dozens of their own volunteers, but also that of the hundreds providing art and entertainment, and even eighteen climbing experts who kept novices from falling off a 27-story building! I enjoyed guiding visitors on the RTA shuttles and got to see the public art installation You Are Here! which reminded us to be more involved in the place and times in which we live. So with that in mind, here are this week’s volunteer opportunities:

Get your neighborhood outside!

Just because it’s getting a little colder doesn’t mean you have to retreat inside! Its important for urban neighborhoods to have the face-to-face interaction that comes from walking, biking, and being outdoors in general.

  • Bike valet at Oktoberfest: As part of their efforts to encourage biking, Bike Miami Valley is providing a bicycle valet area at various local events. They need a crew of volunteers to staff the valet at the DAI Oktoberfest in Dayton’s Grafton Hill neighborhood this weekend, Sep. 22-23. Volunteers get free admission! E-mail Laura if you can help.
  • Help build a pocket park: Our updayton Streetvival team meets this Thursday to plan fundraising & work days for a new park at the corner of Xenia & McClure in the Twin Towers neighborhood. We especially invite handy people with construction and landscaping knowledge to join our team!  Sep. 20, 7pm at the Trolley Stop patio. Contact me for more info and stay tuned for more efforts to turn Twin Towers into the Street Art Capital of Ohio!

  • Volunteers are needed to staff PARK(ing) Day parks and lead creative activities.

    PARK it in the streets! PARK(ing) Day is a celebration of urban greenspace in which volunteers in cities around the world transform parking spaces into temporary parks. Lisa Helm has instigated local parklets for the last few years and needs volunteers to help with the Garden Station-sponsored space in front of Blind Bob’s, this Friday, Sep. 21. Assistance needed setting up the park at 7am, tearing down at 5pm, and programming/staffing it in between – e-mail Lisa if interested. There will also be City Hall and Library parks as well.

  • Dayton World Soccer Games: Support our immigrant communities through soccer (er, football) spectating at the first ever Dayton World Soccer Games. I’m sure you’ve seen the endless international press the City of Dayton has gotten for its Welcome Dayton initiative – here’s a fun way to take part. Sep. 21-22, Action Sports Center.
  • Dog park clean-up: Dayton Unleashed is organizing a clean-up of downtown Dayton’s new volunteer-run dog park at Deeds Point for the weekend of Sep. 29-30. Bring your dog, gloves and any brush removal tools you own; they’ll start at 9am and work until about 1pm. If you can do both days great, if not, pick a day and bring your best bud. Make new friends for the both of you! Questions? Contact Karen Stephens at 937.510.6900 or e-mail her. Follow their group  for more ways to get involved, discuss downtown dog issues, and get details on the upcoming Doggie Fashion Show.

    Help cyclists and others enjoy the Midwest Outdoor Experience. Photo: On the Run Photography

  • Midwest Outdoor Experience (formerly GearFest) has grown beyond just gear and exploded into a multi-day event, featuring camping, competitions, regional music acts, exciting demos, a Friday and Saturday night beer garden and more! So bike on down to Eastwood MetroPark at the city’s eastern edge, October 5-6. Volunteers can sign up and and find all the information they need, including info an upcoming training, here.

If you must stay inside…

  • Help Dayton school kids succeed! There will be an event this Thursday at Ruskin Neighborhood School Center to show how community members can help the K-8 students succeed in reading and more. Sep. 20, 5-6:30pm, 407 Ambrose Ct.
  • Cityfolk was launched in 1980 by Five Oaks volunteers in a neighborhood park to showcase cultural diversity. In three decades it’s grown far beyond that original series to include the festival, year-long concert series, and educational programming that we know today. Unfortunately a terrible weekend of festival weather threatens Cityfolk’s future and they need to replace the $100,000 loss to allow it to continue. Please donate at Cityfolk.org.
  • I-75 construction update: Learn how the final(!) stage of downtown interstate modernizations will impact you at one of six information sessions ODOT is holding this week. Download the flyer here. Bike Miami Valley is encouraging cyclists to attend the Wednesday evening session to discuss impacts on cyclists.
  • Engage in poverty reduction: Learn about local efforts to fight poverty at the next of the City of Dayton’s 2012 Community Engagement Workshops. More information here and to RSVP, contact Verletta Jacksonor 937-333-3670.

    The brawn behind Demo Day at Fifth Street Brewpub.

Have a great week and remember to share your opportunities and report your successes back here!

Second Annual Art Off at K12 Gallery/TEJAS

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This Friday’s downtown Urban Nights celebration marks the exciting first round of the second annual Art Off at K12 Gallery/TEJAS in The Cannery. Stop by and check out the sights and sounds as dozens of artists age 16 and up go head-to-head in a live competition set on three stages, complete with heart-pumping music and a whole host of spectacles created by the artists themselves. The Art Off, a major fundraiser for K12/TEJAS, kicks off its opening night this Friday, September 14th with four rounds of live painting beginning at 6 p.m. The artists will have 50 minutes per round to create a piece of 2D art reflecting the theme Transformation. Jurors will then judge each round’s art and select winners who will advance. Competitors will be fighting for a spot in Round Two of the Art Off, which will be held Friday, October 5, and ultimately hope to be selected to compete in the finals to be held at the November 9th fundraiser finale where they will compete against reigning champion Donivan Hahn, a printmaker and local artist who currently teaches art at the Summit Academy in Cincinnati. In addition to bragging rights, the 2012 Art Off champion and runners up will receive coveted “knot awards,” crafted especially for the Art Off by Dayton’s own famed metal sculptor, Hamilton Dixon.

Last year’s inaugural Art Off kicked off with nearly 200 participants, and K12’s Rebecca Sargent was excited to say, “This year we went above and beyond!” since the event was such a hit in 2011. They plan to have three stages setup for the artists- one outside and two inside TEJAS- along with a DJ, food, beer and wine, theatrical lighting and some surprise “spectacles” provided by the artists themselves. Judging criteria this year will be based on not only the artist’s finished product and interpretation of theme, but the overall spectacle created by each artist as well.

"Knot Award" by Hamilton Dixon

The Art Off event is free to attend although donations can be made to K12/TEJAS. The public is encouraged to not only attend but participate in this fabulous event, as no artistic ability is required to compete. The entry fee of $5 covers the costs of materials, which are provided by K12, and competitors can opt to join in the fun as late as the night of the event itself, as long as space permits. Round One begins this Friday at 6 p.m. with three more rounds following at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Bring friends and family, art lovers and newbies alike to enjoy this entertaining evening of artistic expression and friendly competition.

To purchase tickets or learn more about the Art Off, contact Rebecca Sargent and Kelly Sexton at 461-5149 or visit the website at www.k12gallery.com. The 2012 Art Off is generously sponsored by: DP&L, Ron and Janet Shuff, Lexis Nexis, and the University of Dayton.

Urban Nights, Downtown’s Biggest Street Party, Returns This Friday

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Musicians perform on stage in the Wright-Dunbar Business Village. The area will have different performers on several stages from 5 to 10 p.m.

Fall Urban Nights will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 14, in downtown Dayton, the Oregon Arts District and Wright-Dunbar Business Village. An estimated 30,000 people attend Urban Nights, which is held in downtown Dayton, the Oregon Arts District and Wright-Dunbar Business Village, and there are more than 100 activities planned during the event — including live music on outdoor stages, art exhibit openings, tours of downtown housing, discounts at restaurants and retail shops, and much more. A full list of events is available online. Highlights include:

• Dancing in the Street: First Street will be closed between Ludlow and Main streets to make way for performances by DCDC, the South Dayton Dance Theater, Funk Lab, SMAG Dance Collective, ZumbAtomic and the McGovern Ceili Dancers.

• I Am City Folk: Cityfolk will launch this year-long project that is part of its Culture Builds Community initiative. It will feature mosaics, compiled by local photographer Andy Snow using photos of Daytonians taken by Nicole Christian, on display throughout downtown. Contact Jean Howat Berry, Cityfolk’s education and outreach/Culture Builds Community coordinator, at 937-223-3655, ext. 3008.

Customers eat at the Oregon Express during Urban Nights in May. Many downtown eateries will offer specials and discounts the evening of Urban Nights.

• Dayton, Ohio! You Are Here! This large-scale performance piece will transform the Old Courthouse on Third and Main streets into a work of art through video projection and architectural lighting on the building’s exterior, as well as visual art and performances of dance, music and spoken word inside the historical building. Contact Peter Benkendorf at 732-5123 for more information.

• Over the Edge: Returning to the fall Urban Nights will be this challenge that combines fundraising with adventure. Participants who raise at least $1,000 will rappel over the side of the 27-story KeyBank Tower, which visitors can watch from Courthouse Square. All proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Miami Valley. For more information, contact Matt McDowell at 937-220-6855.

•Taste of the Miami Valley: This weekend-long event will kick off during Urban Nights at RiverScape MetroPark. Guests can sample food from more than 30 area restaurants. Admission is free, and most tastes are $3 each.

• Downtown in Focus: Winning entries from this annual amateur and professional photography contest will be on display in the PNC Center lobby.

• Business grand openings: Three new downtown businesses will host grand openings during Urban Nights: OinkADoodleMoo in the lobby of the KeyBank Tower, 10 W. Second St.; Brim, a new hat shop at 464 E. Fifth St.; LIVV Interior Designs, a home and office interior design firm at 520 E. Third St. in the Cannery; and Sew Dayton, featuring fabric and patterns, at 16 Brown St.

• Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights: Cyclists will gather at 5:15 p.m. at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field for, a community ride through the Urban Nights action hosted by Bike Miami Valley and ending at Courthouse Square. While the ride will be in parade fashion with a police escort, it is not appropriate for small children on their own bikes.

A family participates in Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights, a biking group that will ride through the city, meeting at 5:15 p.m. near Fifth Third Field.

This is just a small sampling of the many activities that will be part of the Sept. 14 Urban Nights. The event also includes live music on five outdoor stages, art exhibit openings at galleries and other creative spaces, discounts and specials at downtown restaurants and retail shops, a chalk walk, roaming entertainers, and more. In addition, Greater Dayton RTA will provide free event buses to help visitors get around; bus routes are included in the event map.
Follow Urban Nights on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UrbanNightsDayton for regular updates and more information. Urban Nights is a program of the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the City of Dayton, Montgomery County, Bud Light Lime, the Downtown Priority Board, Wright Dunbar Inc., DP&L, Mix 107.7-FM, Greater Dayton RTA, Kaplan College, Business Furniture, Bob Ross Auto Group and the Ohio Arts Council.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website, www.downtowndayton.org, has a complete list of downtown businesses, as well as a list of business resources, arts and cultural amenities, a dining guide, parking map, and much more.

DVAC Opens “In Vivo” – Artists, Scientists, Photosensitive Lab Coats and Wine in the Studio

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Erin Holscher Almazan - "Elaine" from the series Tethers

To kick-off its fall season, the Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC) presents In Vivo: Erin Holscher Almazan, Francis Schanberger and Diane Stemper, opening for Urban Nights, Friday, September 14, 5-10 pm and running through October 20.  A homegrown showcase of the area’s most talented artists, the exhibiton features drawing and prints by University of Dayton (UD) faculty member Erin Holscher Almazan; photographs and prints by UD Artist-in-Residence Francis Schanberger; pen & ink drawings and artist’s books by Diane Stemper; and is curated by Bridgette Bogle, painter and art department Associate Professor, Sinclair Community College.

In Vivo: Latin for “within the living” exemplifies the artists’ investigations into biology, cosmology and anatomy. They approach their chosen subjects—classifying, categorizing and organizing—with a degree of the romantic, humorous, political or metaphorical.

Special Site Specific Project:  Anthotype and Photogram Coats by Francis Schanberger

Get ready for this: Schanberger will be tackling a fugitive photographic process called Anthotype—considered “fugitive” since the the image is created by the fading power of light.

With a background in biochemistry and cell biology, Schanberger’s affinity to lab coats is tied to their appeal as a symbol for a scientist, doctor or nineteenth century naturalist as well as an early experience in which his lab supervisor admonished him to “Never wear your lab coat outdoors. If you do, you will bring back spores that will contaminate our cell lines.”

Since 2004, he experimented with a dark ground (cyanotype) and light ground (anthotype) photogram designs on coats. For him, it is a way of brnging the outdoors back inside to “contaminate” the research being displayed. Experiments of the naturalists, both processes were used and invented by an early photographer.

The anthotype process is a very “green” photographic process that utilizes the fading power of light to “etch” an image on material coated with plant pigments. Berries, flower petals and beet roots are the favorite of practitioners of this photographic technique. It is considered a fugitive photographic process since the image is created by the fading power of light.

For DVAC’s Site Specific installation, the progress will be seen on Ash Seed Coat (In Progress During Exhibition), a saffron stained coat which will get about two hours of late, late afternoon exposure. He will also create an ash seed light resist which will form an image on both sides of the garment. The coat will have the added context of using a fabric dye used by monks in Asia. This final coat will be a mixture of the spiritual and scientific; an ephemeral recording of its time at the Dayton Visual Arts Center.

Francis Schanberger - "Don't Take This Personally"

Wait. What’s this About Wine in the Studio?

Picture this: a late Saturday afternoon: start at UD’s Print Studio; get an up-close and personal view of three artists’ materials and methods in a casual, behind-the scenes gathering; follow-up with a glass of wine or beer with the artists at Jimmie’s Ladder 11; head-out with your very own signed, limited edition print to start or add to your collection by one of your new artist friends. Ends before your Saturday night plans.

And that’s just what DVAC has organized for a small group of 24 guests. Studio Visit: A DVAC Field-trip will take place on Saturday, September 22, 2012. Tickets available on a first-come; first-served basis and are $85 each; $100 couples. For Field-trip only (studio + 1 drink ticket each): $35 each, $50 couples.  A new experience. A deeper connection to art. A good time. RSVP to [email protected] or call 937.224.3822.

Diane Stemper - "Tropical Pursuits"

About the Artists

All three artists live, work and teach in Dayton; have won numerous grants and fellowships; and whose artwork is known and widely collected throughout the region and across the country. They will be featured in DVAC’s Fall exhibition: In Vivo: Erin Holscher Almazan, Francis Schanberger and Diane Stemper, Sep 14-Oct 20. Erin received her BFA from Minnesota State University Moorhead and her MFA in Printmaking from Rochester Institute of Technology, New York and is Associate Professor of Printmaking and Drawing at the University of Dayton. Francis received a BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from University of California San Diego and MFA in Photograph and Digital Imaging from The Ohio Stte Unveristy and is Artist-in–Residence at the University of Dayton. Diane received a BFA in Printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute and an MA in Interdisciplinary Arts from San Francisco State University.

Festival Recap: Food Survivial at Dayton Revival

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“Jerk Chicken Wrap” from Caribbacanas

Did you get a chance to sample some of the “street eats” at The Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival?   The Big Ragu did !  In between our favorite musical acts, he experienced a truly unique Downtown Food Adventure.

It is so great not to have to deal with anyone in weird festival mode anymore, or a “sudden health kick for a night.”  You know the ones, who then they eat biscuits and gravy the next day after hiking in Kentucky.  Just eat the festival food and quit trying to impress your girlfriend.

The bash was hosted around 3 separate concert stages with indie bands, Ohio bands and some national feature acts.  Were you  listening to John Legend and enjoying legendary sandwiches? How about listening to Train while eating plantain?  Whatever the case, good food was available throughout the event in a 3 block area.  Some vendors were local, others were in from as far away as Miami, Florida.  The two day festival gave Daytonians plenty of time to sample vendor food in iconic places such as Cooper Park and in front of Memorial Hall.

 

Fried Pickles from The Dublin Pub

There were food trucks, grill setups and deep fryers a plenty! The aroma of freshly prepared specialties filled the air at the Dayton Revival.  Food vendors included local favorites like  Bessie’s Noodles, The Dublin Pub, Ritter’s Frozen Custard,  and Smokin’ Bar-B-Que.  Other Dayton based vendors we love included Red Wagon Cafe, Brock Masterson’s Catering and Frickers.

The Big Ragu also sampled food from places we were not so familiar with such as Caribbacanas, The Burrito Bus, D-Fish D-Chicken, Bourbon Street Grill and Cafe, Los Tucanes, Ma & Pa’s Kettle Corn, G’s Barbeque and Enrique’s Place Latin Grill.

Pork Sandwich from Bourboun Street Grill and Cafe

Take some time to browse through the incredible photos in the album below to get a taste of what was available for consumption.  From Gyros to fried fish, from beers to jerk chicken wings, we tried almost all of the offerings.  We covered the eats from fried pickles to kettle corn.  On this Food Adventure we learned this: nothing is better than good music, good food, with good friends in a great hometown.  What more could you ask for?

Did you get a chance to sample some of the foodstuffs at the Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival ?  If so, what did you think?  Please comment below!

Do you REALLY want to like Food Adventures? Then hit us up on FACEBOOK by clicking here and “liking” our page !

[album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/DaytonRevival/]

“Last Ounce” | “Finding Nemo 3D” | “The Birds” | “Queen Live in Budapest” + Ticket Contest

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Hello Dayton!
This week brings many special events, from advanced screenings, to old classics, to talk shows. Now on with the show!

THE LAST OUNCE OF COURAGE (09/11 SPECIAL ADVANCED SHOW!)

Producers of a fictional movie about a mayor fighting a religious freedom battle in his own small town that mirrors the real-life culture wars in the U.S. have launched a social media campaign in hopes of starting a movement in support of liberty.

“‘Last Ounce of Courage’ is more than a movie with heart, it cries out for freedom and brings awareness to the issue that our personal liberties are slowly being threatened and questioned,” said the director, Kevin McAfee. “While the film is bipartisan, it reminds us that it’s our personal rights as Americans that bring us together, and we must join in sending an important message about freedom to our nation’s leaders during this critical election season.” Veritas Entertainment describes the movie as a powerful story of a grieving grandfather inspired by his grandson to take a stand for what’s right against a tide of apathy and vanishing liberty. Amid a backdrop of military conflict abroad and domestic wars against freedom, a highly decorated combat veteran is reminded that we best honor our fallen he-roes by holding dear to what they gave their all to defend.

“Last Ounce of Courage” is the first theatrical motion picture to receive “The Chuck Norris Seal of Approval.”

Dayton South and Huber Heights will have a special advanced screening on Tuesday, September 11th at both 2pm and 7pm for only $5. The film will open on Friday, September 14th.

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FINDING NEMO 3D (09/14)

It’s been 9 years since this Disney/Pixar film first warmed everyone’s hearts in theaters.  Now, Disney is bringing it back for a limited run and has enhanced it in 3D!  A clown fish named Marlin lives in the Great Barrier Reef loses his son, Nemo. After he ventures into the open sea, despite his father’s constant warnings about many of the ocean’s dangers. Nemo is abducted by a boat
and netted up and sent to a dentist’s office in Sydney. So, while Marlin ventures off to try to retrieve Nemo, Marlin meets a fish named Dory, a blue tang suffering from short-term memory loss. The companions travel a great distance, encountering various dangerous sea creatures such as sharks, anglerfish and jellyfish, in order to rescue Nemo from the dentist’s office, which is situated by Sydney Harbor. While the two are doing this, Nemo and the other sea animals in the dentist’s fish tank plot a way to return to Sydney Harbor to live their lives free again.

Please join Dayton South for LIVE fish from Jack’s Aquarium, games and Coloring Contest 09/14 6pm-8pm, 09/15 12pm-2pm, 09/16 12pm-2pm.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPHfeNgogVs’]

 

THE BIRDS (09/19)

On September 19th Dayton South and Huber Heights will be playing Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds for one night only. Originally
released in 1963, The Birds follows Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren) as she plays a practical joke on her friend Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor). When birds begin attacking everyone’s instinct is to survive.  Turner Classic Movies Host Robert Osborne will introduce Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birdsand share with you an exclusive interview he conducted with the film’s star Tippi Hedren specifically for this special presentation. Hedren will not only reveal how “Hitch” hand-picked her to play the part of Melanie Daniels but also how the movie that launched her career — ended it. Osborne will even reach deep into the TCM Archives to share more on set stories from Hedren’s co-stars: Rod Taylor and Suzanne Pleshette.

Don’t miss your chance to see this chilling horror classic return to the silver screen, newly restored by Universal for their 100th Anniversary for only one day and experience it like never before.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bvNkSvjLnI’]

 

QUEEN HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY LIVE IN BUDAPEST (09/20)

A concert film focusing on a historic 1986 performance Queen gave in Budapest, Hungary, during the band’s final tour with late frontman Freddie Mercury. Will feature 5.1 surround sound audio and digitally re-mastered footage of the show, which took place in front of a crowd of 80,000 at the city’s Nepstadion. Beginning with a 25 minute documentary and leading in with a concert, shows unreleased scenes of both band members and in the rehearsal studio. Dayton South and The Greene will host this concert for two dates, 9/20at 7:30pm and 9/23 at 2pm.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q7ztDgXg4Y’]

 

Click here for showtimes…

 

ENTER TO WIN TWO MOVIE PASSES!

this post and fill out the form below (don’t forget to comment), then leave a FB comment telling us that YOU want to win a pair of movie passes from Rave Cinemas Dayton South. From the list of correct trivia responses with post, we will randomly draw a winner and notify same. Contest closes 09/13/12. Passes awarded will be valid for 30 days from close date at Rave Cinemas Dayton South only and must be used by then or will be forfeited. Valid for any showing (including “Finding Nemo 3D”), except special events. Please bring ID to verify your name and just ask for a manager when attending informing them you won the Dayton Most Metro contest.

This week’s trivia question: Oakwood native Allison Janney lends her voice to Finding Nemo – what is her character’s name?

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to our winner for this week – Gretchen Henrich!

Volunteers for Dayton! Opportunities: September 11-18

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Welcome to our new column for urban volunteer opportunities! I’ll be posting all kinds of ways to get involved in city neighborhoods – from hand-on service to crowdfunding to fun community-building events – so if you have items for submission e-mail me or add them to our Facebook group!

Spotlight on: Garden Station

Have you driven on Wayne Avenue downtown and wondered what that raucous splash of color was by the railroad tracks? Or maybe you’re a regular at the many frequent events occurring at this two-acre community art park, such as the weekly Sunday Market or ‘Free Music First Friday.’ Launched in 2008 as an initiative of the Dayton Circus Creative Collective, Garden Station is now a stand-alone organization led by Lisa Helm with a small crew of volunteers. It is an “urban hub where the Dayton community can come together to enjoy art, campfires, festivals, movies, concerts and community gardens.” They always need help on Saturday work days throughout the growing season, and this week, they are holding Wine and Weeding Wednesday to get spruced up for Urban Nights. The garden’s current fiscal sponsorship agreement expires on September 14 and its estimated monthly costs are $300, so they’d love if you made a tax-deductible donation before Friday! Or if you don’t fancy yourself a philanthropist, you can still give by eating at Blind Bob’s on the first Monday of the month and mentioning Garden Station Night. For more information, follow their page or e-mail Lisa.

Some of the 170 K12 & East End volunteers installing the mosaic

Get Involved!

  • Guide our county’s future: Montgomery County is asking citizens to give input through a series of public forums. The topic for Tuesday, Sep. 11th is “Where Do We Stand vs. Other Communities?” Seen any great ideas in other areas that you’d like to bring back here? Chime in!
  • Show your art on downtown streets: Activated Spaces, the Downtown Dayton Plan’s joint project of Generation Dayton and updayton, is conducting a final call for submissions for art to fill downtown storefronts. Artists will appreciate that they’re printing the art on vinyl window clings this time, making installation much easier! Click here for more information and to apply by the September 14th deadline.
  • The November library levy (Issue 70) includes an “upgraded main library that will be a regional information, reading and cultural attraction for downtown Dayton.” Their online volunteer form asks for help with phonecalls, going door-to-door, endorsers, poll greeters, and public speakers.
  • Bike sharing for downtown was recently a hot topic of discussion in our group, and we learned that Bike Miami Valley is exploring the idea. Fill out their brief online survey to share your thoughts on a ‘smart bike’ system!
  • Which urban neighborhoods are on Facebook? Several years ago, DMM publisher Bill Pote and I led a training at City Hall to get more neighborhoods on social media. Let us know how far we’ve come by adding to my running list.
  • Urban Nights: Still a few more slots availablefor volunteers!

    Monica Wirick-Schultz doing some park planting with other volunteers last Friday

  • Clean up North Main Street: Volunteer help is needed for cleaning up litter and overgrown vegetation; supplies such as gloves, brooms and bags are provided. Saturday, Sep. 15, 8:30am-1pm, 2141 N. Main St. For more information, contact FROC Priority Board Coordinator Verletta Jackson at 333-3288 or e-mail her.
  • Demo Day at the Fifth Street Brewpub: Meet at the community-owned brewpub (1600 E Fifth) at 10 am, Saturday, Sep 15 to demo the interior of the brewhouse. Email them if you can make it so they can plan accordingly (e.g: buy enough beer)
  • Community-Police Action Planning: Learn about community-police relations, give feedback, and sign up for volunteer opportunities at the Dayton Community Police Council’s Community Day Party. Saturday, Sep. 15 11am-3pm, Convention Center.
  • Help make peace in Dayton neighborhoods: The Dayton Mediation Center is looking for volunteer mediators to attend upcoming trainings and commit to helping with conflict resolution. More details can be found here.

Success!

  • Adding color to Xenia Avenue: Over 170 volunteers participated in the year-and-a-half long mosaic mural project led by K12 Gallery for Young People in partnership with East End Community Services Corporation. The finished project can now be seen at 504 Xenia Ave. Like K12’s page to get involved in future projects! The new mosaics decorate the facade of the future location of the Corner Cupboard Charities thrift store, a volunteer-run organization that raises money for other local nonprofits. Check them out!

    One of the many streetscape transformations underway in the South Park neighborhood

  • DDR volunteers rocked it!: Over 200 volunteers came out to support the Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest this past weekend and a good time was had by all.
  • Invest in the city through real estate! Theresa Gasper of Full Circle Development, LLC recently shared some amazing before-and-after pictures of the homes she and partners have transformed in the Historic South Park neighborhood, an area which saw a 23% value increase in the last reappraisal. There are plenty of great urban realtors who would love to get you started!
  • First Friday Park Planters: A dozen volunteers organized through our Facebook group planted about 40 shrubs and perennials at a little downtown park on Friday night before exploring First Friday together. This was made possible by a grant that volunteer Brian Ressler obtained from Keep Montgomery County Beautiful. Thanks everyone!

 

Holy Cannoli ! It’s all Greek to us !

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Italian Fest is this weekend !!

The weekend after Labor Day is always a big one in Dayton.  Why?  Because, that is the weekend of two huge annual festivals, The Italian Festival and The Greek Festival.
Both events expect to draw big crowds from Friday through Sunday.  Make sure you visit each venue for lots of authentic food items!

Here are some “must eats” that The Big Ragu recommends from each festival for a perfect Food Adventure:

Italian Fest: Cannoli, Italian sausage, Raspberry Sparkletini and the stuffed shell dinner inside the office on Saturday night

Greek Fest: Gyros, baklava, pastisio (Greek lasagna), and the spinach and cheese trigona pies.

Did you ever know that you’re my Gyro ?

For directions and more details visit the respective websites:

www.ItalianFallFesta.com and DaytonGreekFestival.com

 

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook HERE !

 

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Cinema Classic, Barfi! + TICKET CONTEST

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Hello Dayton! This week brings a special event that many people follow but we wanted to continue to spread the word. Every Monday at 1p.m. (except holidays) Rave Cinemas Dayton South 16 is proud to present our Rave Cinema Classic series. For just $3 audiences can be transported back in time to watch a feature from yesteryear up on the big screen. Each admission includes a 16 ounce drink and a 46 ounce popcorn. What a treat!

Showing on Monday, September 10th will be the feature Taras Bulba. Originally made in 1962, Taras Bulba is a “Romeo and Juliet” story that takes place in the late 16th century in Ukraine. Taras has finally slowed down and embraced farm life comfortably enough to send his son, Andrei, to a Polish school. In the time frame the Ukrainians are trying to free themselves and their land from the Polish. Once Andrei gets to the new school, he falls romantically in love with the daughter of a Polish man. From here, drama ensues, as the two struggle with their newfound love, family honor, and their national identities. The stars of the feature are Tony Curtis, Yul Brynner, and Sam Wanamaker.

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BARFI!

We will also be featuring a special Bollywood film called Barfi! on September 14th (exact show times are not yet available). A love  story that takes place in the 1970’s, Barfi! finds three popular Indian film stars learning about love and that love does not always find itself within “normal” societal boundaries. Barfi, a boy that has both hearing and speech impairments falls in love with Shruti, who ignores her feelings for him instead to pursue a “normal” lifestyle. Many years go by and Shruti and Barfi’s lives intersect again, but this time Barfi is seeking his love Jhilmil, who has gone missing. From this point weaves a love triangle that teaches life lessons.

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AND DON’T FORGET…

On September 7 to September 13th, 2012 The Greene 14 will be showing IMAX Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark for a one week special engagement only. The original film has been completely digitally remastered with stunning visuals. Add in the one of a kind sound system IMAX provides and audiences are able to feel that they are actually part of the movie…that’s a
BIG boulder Indy!

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CELL PHONE POLICY

Have you ever been sitting in a dark theater intently watching a movie when suddenly a slight glow catches your eye from a few rows in front of you? We understand that is distracting to the other patrons. At our theater we consistently monitor the theaters and are constantly on the lookout for cell phones in the auditoriums. Those who use their cell phones are promptly issued a warning. Next strike…you’re out! We enforce this policy  so everyone can enjoy their movie with the least amount of disruptions as possible.

For showtimes… http://ravecinemas.com/theater.aspx?id=47

ENTER TO WIN TWO MOVIE PASSES!

“Like” this post and fill out the form below then leave a FB comment telling us that YOU want to win a pair of movie passes from Rave Cinemas Dayton South and what your favorite movie of all time is. We will randomly draw a winner and notify same. Contest closes 09/05/12. Passes awarded will be valid for 30 days from close date at Rave Cinemas Dayton South only and must be used by then or will be forfeited. Valid for any showing, except special events. Please bring ID to verify your name and just ask for a manager when attending informing them you won the Dayton Most Metro contest.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congrats to this week’s winner: James McQuinn!

Explore a Block Party & Urban Nights Previews During September First Friday

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Downtown’s next free First Friday art hop will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7.

The United Way of the Greater Dayton Area will host the Live United Block Party in the Oregon District from 4 to 7 p.m., when 19 partner agencies of the organization will set up booths along Fifth Street, including Goodwill, a Special Wish Foundation, the Girl Scouts and Catholic Social Services. Guests who visit more than 10 of the booths will be entered into a raffle to win several prizes, including a diamond tennis bracelet and a pair of tickets to a Cincinnati Bengals football game. Select restaurants, including Blind Bob’s, Dublin Pub, Oregon Express, Coco’s Bistro and Trolley Stop, will donate a portion of proceeds during

Folk musicians Todd the Fox will provide roving entertainment during September First Friday.

the event to the United Way. Look for Heater, the Dayton Dragons’ mascot, wearing a Live United T-shirt during the block party from 5 to 6 p.m. The United Way of the Greater Dayton Area supports local health and human service programs provided by more than 70 partner agencies in Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties.

Sew Dayton, the newest Pop-Up Shop in the Activated Spaces initiative to fill vacant downtown storefronts, will host its soft opening during First Friday at its new home in the Color of Energy Gallery, 16 Brown St. The shop, owned by two Dayton seamstresses, will sell a variety of fabric and patterns, bags, and accessories, in addition to offering sewing classes. Sew Dayton be open until 9 p.m.

Blue Sky Project, CADC, Gallery 510 Fine Art, Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center, K12 Gallery for Young People/TEJAS and the Yellow Cab Building will debut new works of art during First Friday. The Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders Walk of Downtown Dayton will begin at 7 p.m. at Courthouse Square; contact tour guide Leon Bey at 274-4749 or email [email protected] for a reservation. The Loft Theatre will host the opening night of “Managing Maxine,” a new comedy, at 8 p.m. More than a dozen restaurants and bars will offer dinner and drink specials, and several retail stores will host sales and other special events.

More than 40 downtown businesses will participate in September First Friday; see a complete list of what downtown businesses have on tap for First Friday on the DDP website.

During First Friday, fire dancers from the Soul Fire Tribe and folk musicians Todd the Fox also will provide entertainment while roaming the streets of downtown.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.

Volunteers for Dayton! Opportunities: September 4-11

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Greetings MostMetro-land!

Welcome to our new weekly round-up of urban Dayton volunteer opportunities!

Mural by David Kenworthy at Garden Station

As someone who’s been involved in a lot of community improvement projects at both grassroots & government levels, I’ve sensed a need to better coordinate all the amazing energy that people have for our center city these days. I’ll be pulling these from our Facebook group and items that you e-mail me. So if you’re looking for ways to get involved in Dayton’s revival, check back here every week. Be sure to report back what you’ve accomplished!

Get Your Hands Dirty – Help Wanted!

    • Install a mosaic mural:  East End Community Services and K12 Gallery need your help at 504 Xenia Avenue in the Twin Towers neighborhood. Tues. & Wed., Sep. 4-5; drop in any time from 8:30am until 2pm. Bring work gloves if you have them and dress to get messy! For more info call Amanda at 259-1898 or e-mail her.
    • “First Friday Park” Planting & Volunteer Social:  Downtown volunteer Brian Ressler took it upon himself to get a grant to beautify the highly-visible triangle between St. Clair & Patterson at Fifth. Now he needs some extra hands to help plant flowers! Gather for drinks, pizza, and First Friday after. Friday, Sep. 7, 6pm; more info & RSVP here.
    • Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest: Talk about slacktivism! All you need to do to show your support for downtown is buy a ticket and show up to hear great music. Saturday & Sunday, Sep. 8-9.
Downtown Mural Volunteers

Downtown Mural Project volunteers cleaning. Photo: Carli Dixon

  • Volunteer at Urban Nights: Downtown’s favorite street party needs your help! Visit the Downtown Dayton Partnership and sign up to be a trolley or walking guide, serve beer, or survey guests at this Friday, Sep. 14th event.
  • The Dayton Skatepark Project: Join other skateboarding enthusiasts in their quest to start a downtown skatepark by following their page.
  • Dayton Unleashed is a grassroots group improving a fenced area at Deeds Point for use as a dog park. Learn more at their page and stay tuned for volunteer clean-up dates.
  • Donate Dayton items for the RNNC basket: Each year neighborhood activists represent Dayton at the Regional Neighborhood Network Conference and contribute a Dayton-themed basket (including gift certificates, mugs, T-shirts, etc.) to be raffled off. Contact Sandy Melke to contribute.

Crowdfunding

We know that money is often tight these days, but remember that there is power in numbers – even the smallest donations can add up for grassroots projects!

Future Fifth Street Co-op Brewpub

  • Build a park in St. Anne’s Hill: This historic neighborhood just east of downtown hopes to raise $1500 as a match to their City of Dayton mini-grant. Learn more and contribute on Razoo.
  • Own a brewpub: Speaking of St. Anne’s, their cooperatively-owned Fifth Street Brewpub is still seeking inaugural members, so for $100 you could be an owner too!
  • Cityfolk Post-Festival Appeal: The weather was truly unkind this year, shutting down the downtown festival twice and resulting in a 60% loss compared to other years. To keep the festival, the concert season, and the Culture Builds Community educational program going, Cityfolk hopes to raise $100,000 by the end of the year. Please give at the Cityfolk website.
  • Give a Dam!: Over $3.8 million has already been raised for the River Run project, but now it’s your turn to give a dam.
  • Success! Congrats to Sew Dayton and the Downtown Mural Project for meeting their recent crowdfunding goals (although I’m sure they’ll continue to take your money).

 

You can also join our group to participate in discussions on Dayton activism–this week’s hot topics include food trucks, bike share programs, and the Priority Board system–send me volunteer opportunities, or just check back here next Tuesday!

 

 

The Anatomy of Dayton Fashion Week(Part 2): The Success Stories

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International Fashion House Azucar

The bar was set high for the Inaugural Dayton Fashion Week, what started out as just a fun idea grew and grew and in the age of social networking word soon traveled outside of the city, outside of the state, and oh yeah outside of the country!!  Who would have thought that little old Dayton, OH would cause such a stir in the Fashion World that even the people at Italian Vogue’s party during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Miami would be talking about us and watching us…after all this was just the first one! The designer submission for DFW 2013 have already started rolling in starting with South Africa’s International Fashion House Azucar who has already signed on!

In this first year, we faced it all controversy, skepticism, criticism, and attempts of sabotage, yet we were lifted up each time by friendships, support, faith, determination, shared visions, encouragement, opportunity, and outreach, making dealing with the negativity from a handful of individuals much easier to ignore and here we stand today with success in our hands.

In the days and weeks leading up to and following Dayton Fashion Week, I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions from a huge sense of accomplishment to asking myself if I ever wanted to be a part of something like this again…especially since I wasn’t in it for personal gain; I was and still in it because I love this city!  Each time I thought about throwing in the towel I was reminded and motivated by those who stood behind me and had my back when we faced adversity, next to me when there was work to be done, and in front of me when it came time to take the lead and show the world just who and what Dayton Fashion week was and is all about.  I found that the support far out numbered the naysayers…and I can proudly look back at our first year with ABSOLUTELY NO REGRETS!!

The success stories that have followed in the past couple of weeks speak for themselves and have made it all worth it, starting with:

“The Face” of Dayton Fashion Week

Celebrity photographer Rich Jackson was in the building during Dayton Fashion Week doing some scouting.  Rich has been credited

DFW Model Olivia Nichols wearing designs by Dlang Ferguson, Jewelry by Serket, photo by Rich Jackson

with discovering some of the today’s top models and entertainers.  During his stay here in Dayton he hand selected 9 models from Dayton Fashion Week that caught his eye during our Kids Couture and Ready To Wear shows. Including Jessica Ventus, Kayla Holts, AjA Howard, Ashley Jones, Grace Langshaw, Dana Langshaw, Erica Skrylac, Jeanne Kinne, and Olivia Nichols who was named “The Face” of Dayton Fashion Week; Olivia has gone on to do other shoots with Rich for national campaigns!

Abercrombie & Fitch signs Dayton Fashion Week Model

Model Josh Reid signs with Abercrombie & Fitch

Joshua Reid was discovered while walking the runway of Dayton Fashion Week by scouts from Abercrombie & Fitch who were in attendance and as of today Josh is officially the newest face of A&F!

“The Hidden Gem”

According to McKinley Pierre, the Executive Producer of Miami, FL based fashion series Inside Couture Dayton designer L’Amour Ameer stole the show! From his creative runway presentation to his multipurpose multifunctioning designs—“Look!  Up on the runway!! It’s a bag, it’s a—wait for it…wait for it…Wow it’s a jacket??”  Mr. Ameer’s  showcase during DFW had  people cheering in their seats and left the people from Inside Couture in awe naming him the “Show Stopper” and “Hidden Gem” of Dayton Fashion Week!

Sew Dayton Opens for Business!

What can I say about Dayton designer Tracy McElfresh other than the fact that she was a God send during DFW!  Not only was she one of our most popular designers appearing with us on Living Dayton, FOX 45 In The Morning,  and appearing in F.I.Q. Magazine but when Junda suffered her stroke days before the kickoff of DFW Tracy stepped up, took over some of my duties and became my right hand woman when it came to answering most of the contractual questions being asked of me by designers.  So, I’m super excited for her new business Sew Dayton;  in conjunction with Activated Spaces Tracy and her business Partner Jesy Anderson will open their own clothing shop complete with original designs from Tracy, hand bags designed by Jesy, and they will even offer sewing lessons!  Located in the Oregon District across from Thai 9, Sew Dayton will open its doors this Friday Sept 7!

Sarah Tyrchniewicz of Pretty In Dayton

 

Pretty In Dayton gets invited to the Big Apple

Another God send was Fashion blogger Sarah Tyrchniewicz of Pretty In Dayton, like Tracy, Sarah stepped up and took over some of my duties when Junda fell ill and helped us to keep the ball rolling. And in the process, her honest, sincere, and edgy writing style caught the attention of designers who are participating in New York Fashion Week which kicks off this week!  They invited her to sit in the audience and do what she does best give her thoughts and opinions on the latest fashion trends hitting the runway and the streets!  Though she had to decline the late invites we’re pretty confident that Sarah and Pretty In Dayton will continue to capture the fashion worlds attention!

Photographer of the Year!

Dayton Fashion Week Photographer Lamar Pacley has been nominated for Photographer of The Year for the 2012 Ohio Hip Hop Awards!  Lamar played a huge role in the success of Dayton Fashion Week, from scouting models, shooting the cover of F.I.Q. Magazine, and working with the designers to name a few. Lamar definitely has our vote you can vote for him too at http://survey.websitegear.com/launch/29437/173!

Moving Forward

Photographer Lamar Pacley of Shuttereye Photo

These are just a handful of the success stories that have unfolded in the last couple of weeks from members of Team DFW! I’ve been approached about creating a Designer Incubator for the Midwest, Dayton Fashion Week caught the eye of producers from  Naomi Campbell’s new reality show “The Face” and requested some information about several of our models, Dayton Fashion Week models and designers will be on a big screen near you soon after being cast as extras and stylist for a feature film being shot locally, DFW Events Manager Cindy Gaboury is writing for a new magazine called Envision Chronicle, you’ll also see the work of one of DFW’s models on a national hit show soon, and DFW Designer and CEO of Midwest Fashion Week Berny Martin will be showcasing his Spring 2013 designs during New York Fashion Week Emerge Show just to mention a few more!

The Inaugural Dayton Fashion Week has made its mark in the Fashion Industry and Fashion Weeks from across the country and fashion insiders from around the world have reached out to us for support and to help us grow to make it to the next level!  The 2012 Dayton Fashion Week consisted of a lot of educating, trial and error, lessons learned, adjusting, adapting, communication, and corrections.  Coming into this year we only had 3 people who were familiar with Fashion Weeks– myself, Junda, and one other model– now we have 300!  The planning for the 2013 Dayton Fashion Week is currently underway.  Stay tuned for details on how you can become a part of the planning process! For more information on Dayton Fashion Week be sure to “Like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/daytonfashion .

 

 

 

 

New Dinamita Doritos: Where are they in Dayton?

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New Dinamita Rolled Chile Limon Doritos -HOT and ADDICTING!

Attention junk food junkies: there is a new Dorito in town, but it is like finding a needle in a haystack.  Why?  Because they are so popular that they sell out within a few days.   They are called Dinamitas, a rolled Dorito snack, and the Chile Limon flavor is so hot and addicting that they are flying off shelves.  The Big Ragu has actually only seen these briefly at Wal-Mart stores , but a couple of days later, they are sold out.  Frito Lay’s website supposedly has a search tool HERE where you can see where they are sold, but the two Speedway gas stations listed in Franklin and Springboro, Ohio did not have them.

But what is this addicting snack?  Frito Lay has teamed up with Mexican snack company Sabritas, to present these little taquito shaped munchies in limited release.  The goal was to capture the essence of Hispanic style snacks in a rolled Dorito.  Mission accomplished.  The product, Chile Limon Dinamitas is one of the best snacks we have eaten.   Be warned, you will get hooked on these.  You will have red fingertips and a burning mouth in no time, but you just won’t be able to stop eating them.  The worst part is you cannot get another fix, because they are so hard to find!

They are simply HOT and ADDICTING .. just like The Big Ragu.  Trust us, Chile Limon Dinamitas are a Food Adventure in a bag !

Have you tried the new Chile Limon Dinamitas?  Please comment below and tell us what you thought about them.  Better yet, tell us where we can buy some more!

“LIKE” FOOD ADVENTURES with THE BIG RAGU on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE !

Lebanese Festival: A Unique Food Adventure

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Chicken Schwarma, such a great sandwich wrap

Dayton’s Lebanese Festival was held on August 23rd through the 25th at the Saint Ignatius Maronite Catholic Church on 741 across from Meijer.  The festival featured authentic Lebanese food, carnival rides, traditional dancers, various craft vendors and adult gaming.  Your favorite Dayton foodies, the Food Adventure Crew, set out to try the various tasty treats that this unique fest had to offer.  We parked our cars in the grass of the festival grounds and made our way towards the large white food tent.  A fantastic aroma filled the air as we approached.   Inside the tent, was a large, easy to read menu at the “food line.”   The man at the carving station explained that almost everything is homemade at this festival.  Our Food Adventure was about to begin.

Fresh, Homemade Tabouli Salad

The menu showed the various dinners and sandwiches.   We recognized some of our favorites like Chicken Schwarma & Beef Schwarma.  These Lebanese sandwiches are a little like a gyro or soft taco and are filled with lettuce, meat and a garlic cream sauce.  Also on the menu were some familiar items like spinach pie, hummus and stuffed grape leaves.  The makeshift eatery even offered tabouli salad.  Tabouli is  typically made with bulgur or couscous.  It also includes tomatoes, finely chopped parsley, mint, onion and garlic,  olive oil, lemon juice and salt.  It is a fresh, healthy snack and one of our favorites.   We noticed another favorite,  falafel which are tiny “hushpuppies” made with ground chick peas.  This was a full blown Food Adventure, so we had to try it all.  We also sampled skewers of grilled beef called kafta kabobs. 

Beautiful Dancers Entertaining the Crowd

We sat at one of the tables in the tent and began eating.  Traditional music played and some wonderful dancers entertained the crowd.  The performers wore wonderful costumes and sometimes held fans and fabric which they used to dazzle the festival goers.  No better way to enjoy a Food Adventure with authentic Lebanese food than with authentic music and dancing.  The Big Ragu learned some great dance moves that they intend to use at a future date.

After one of the dance performances ended, we walked over to a station where they were making flatbread with a machine.  The sign said “Mountain Bread,” so we tried it.  The Big Ragu loved this grilled flatbread topped with a nice garlic and sesame seed  pesto like sauce and folded in half for easy eating.

Finally, The Big Ragu went for the dessert area.  There were lots of baked goods that looked homemade.  Most of them we had never seen before.  Cookies called Mamool, Burma, Barazik and Ballourie.  These traditional treats were great and featured varied items like dates and pistachio as ingredients.

The carving station at the Lebanese Festival

All in all, the Lebanese Festival is yet another unique eating experience in the Miami Valley.  It was wonderful to see the cultural displays, listen to traditional music and enjoy some Lebanese food.  Make sure you catch this festival next year in August, 2013.  It is one you do not want to miss !

Have you been to the Lebanese Festival?  Please comment below on you experience.

The Big Ragu wants you to “like” Food Adventures on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE !

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Montgomery County Fair – Win Tickets

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One of Dayton’s oldest traditions, the Montgomery County Fair starts Wednesday, Aug. 29 through Labor Day. Dayton Most Metro has two four-packs of passes to give away.

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The Montgomery County Fair runs August 29-September 3 at the fairgrounds in downtown Dayton. Free, on-site parking is available off the Main Street gate.

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Attractions include livestock shows, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, garden club flower show, midway rides, food concessions, harness racing, prize vegetables and much more. Kids under 12 are admitted FREE every day.

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To win a four-pack of tickets, fill out the form and then comment below with your favorite fair attraction: animals, rides, vegetable display, food, demo derby, etc. Two winners will be selected at random on Wednesday 9/29 – good luck!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to our two winners: Mindi Patterson & Maribeth Simpson!!!