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

a ghost story

Route 66: A Celebration of the Mother Road

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Wright Library welcomes the Victor Samalot Duo performing “The Mother Road: A Celebration of Route 66” to kick off the Summer Reading Challenge and honor both the America 250 and the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

Get your kicks through essential road music, visuals and backstories of one of America’s most iconic highways – Route 66. Learn the rich history, cultural impact, the kitschy cool nostalgia, plus must-do travel tips along the way. This performance is sure to entertain and inspire reading lists, play-lists and perhaps spark your “bucket list” road trip!

Victor Samalot, Cleveland-born guitarist, fuses Latin grooves, jazz sophistication, and a rock edge into a vibrant world-fusion sound. His work has earned radio airplay locally and worldwide, along with press coverage from All About Jazz, JazzReviews.com, 20th Century Guitar, Progression Magazine, and more.

Bobbi Holt is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Cleveland Ohio. She is returning to the stage with her long-time collaborator adding bass guitar to Victor’s organic rhythmic vibe.

This free event is appropriate for all ages and made possible by the Wright Library Foundation.

A Christmas Haunting: Charles Dickens’ Spirits

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Waynesville’s rich history and reputation as a haunted village provide the perfect backdrop for this unique holiday experience. The Seth Silver Haines Mansion, with its storied past and eerie ambiance, enhances the immersive atmosphere of this Victorian ghost story.

About the event

Experience a chilling Victorian tradition at the historic Seth Silver Haines Mansion (McKee Manor) in Waynesville, Ohio. Did you know that ghost stories became a cherished part of Christmas during the Victorian era? Families would gather around the hearth on Christmas Eve, sharing tales of the supernatural, believing the long, dark nights were the perfect backdrop for such stories. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol revived this tradition, intertwining the festive spirit with eerie encounters. Now, you can experience this tradition firsthand at the Seth Silver Haines Mansion, a Gothic home built in 1854, believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. The original brick was covered with stucco in 1909, and parts of the tunnel used to bring runaway slaves up from the river are still in evidence. 

 

👻 Group Details

  • Limited to 12 guests per group

  • Intimate, interactive experience

 

🎭 Dress Code

Feel free to dress in holiday attire or embrace the spooky spirit of the season.

 

💰 Admission

$30 per person (includes performance, exploration, and refreshments) Fun for the family, Ages 10+ Are Welcome!

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Please refrain from arriving intoxicated.

  • This is a private residence; respect for the property and fellow guests is appreciated.

  • The venue includes stairs; please ensure you and your guests are able to navigate them.

A Christmas Haunting: Charles Dickens’ Spirits

By

Waynesville’s rich history and reputation as a haunted village provide the perfect backdrop for this unique holiday experience. The Seth Silver Haines Mansion, with its storied past and eerie ambiance, enhances the immersive atmosphere of this Victorian ghost story.

About the event

Experience a chilling Victorian tradition at the historic Seth Silver Haines Mansion (McKee Manor) in Waynesville, Ohio. Did you know that ghost stories became a cherished part of Christmas during the Victorian era? Families would gather around the hearth on Christmas Eve, sharing tales of the supernatural, believing the long, dark nights were the perfect backdrop for such stories. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol revived this tradition, intertwining the festive spirit with eerie encounters. Now, you can experience this tradition firsthand at the Seth Silver Haines Mansion, a Gothic home built in 1854, believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. The original brick was covered with stucco in 1909, and parts of the tunnel used to bring runaway slaves up from the river are still in evidence. 

 

👻 Group Details

  • Limited to 12 guests per group

  • Intimate, interactive experience

 

🎭 Dress Code

Feel free to dress in holiday attire or embrace the spooky spirit of the season.

 

💰 Admission

$30 per person (includes performance, exploration, and refreshments) Fun for the family, Ages 10+ Are Welcome!

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Please refrain from arriving intoxicated.

  • This is a private residence; respect for the property and fellow guests is appreciated.

  • The venue includes stairs; please ensure you and your guests are able to navigate them.

2 Hot New Films at THE NEON – THE BIG SICK and THE HERO

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Hello Everyone!

We’re moving forward in a big way this weekend. If you still need to see THE BEGUILED or BEATRIZ AT DINNER, Thursday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. You also have one last chance to catch Cate Blanchett in MANIFESTO on Wednesday evening. On Friday, we’ll officially begin two hot, new films – THE BIG SICK and THE HERO. (We’ll have a special preview screening of THE BIG SICK on Thursday evening with 10 extra bonus minutes of stand-up from cast members of the film.)

Synopsis for THE BIG SICK: This is the best reviewed romantic comedy in a long, long time. Critics and audiences alike are loving this film, and it’s currently rated “97% Fresh” on rottentomatoes.com! “Based on the real-life courtship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, THE BIG SICK tells the story of Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail (Nanjiani), who connects with grad student Emily (Kazan) after one of his standup sets. However, what they thought would be just a one-night stand blossoms into the real thing, which complicates the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents. When Emily is beset with a mystery illness, it forces Kumail to navigate the medical crisis with her parents, Beth and Terry (Holly Hunter and Ray Romano) who he’s never met, while dealing with the emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart. THE BIG SICK is directed by Michael Showalter (HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS) and producer by Judd Apatow (TRAINWRECK, THIS IS 40) and Barry Mendel (TRAINWRECK, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS).” (Lionsgate) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for THE HERO: Many of our regulars keep asking “When is that Sam Elliott movie coming?” Well it’s finally here! “Lee Hayden (Sam Elliott) is an aging Western icon with a golden voice, but his best performances are decades behind him. He spends his days reliving old glories and smoking too much weed with his former-co-star-turned-dealer, Jeremy (Nick Offerman), until a surprise cancer diagnosis brings his priorities into sharp focus. He soon strikes up an exciting, contentious relationship with stand-up comic Charlotte (Laura Prepon), and he attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Lucy (Krysten Ritter), all while searching for one final role to cement his legacy.” (The Orchard)

 

Joseph Bargdill of Broken Lamp Productions has rented our space to premiere his new film INCRUENTUS on Thursday, July 27. “Zoe finds herself trapped in a web of lies while she turns into a Vampire. Will she die or be sucked into a web of trickery from her husband and friends or overcome the poison of her infection? INCRUENTUS will have its world premier on July 27th at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased now for $7 at THE NEON’s box office. The film will be introduced and followed by a Q&A with the director and producer.” (Broken Lamp Productions)

Dayton filmmaker Alfred Powell is premiering his new documentary with us on Sunday, August 6 at 5:30. “WE BELIEVE IN US is an intriguing true story of a once prominent inner city football power located on the southwest side of Dayton. In a breathtaking manner this raw documentary brilliantly transports you through the daily saga and life a young black coach and his staff and his players during their unpredictable 2015 season. This story simultaneously captures the realism of generational poverty, stigma, stereotypes, and promise while embracing the power of hope and survival. Dunbar High School – where disappointment is often undefeated – provoked this team to make a promise to themselves. When no one else in the world believes in us…We Believe In Us.” (press notes) Tickets are $5 each and are currently available at THE NEON’s Box Office.

Thanks so much for your continued support.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, July 11 – Thursday, July 20:

THE BEGUILED (R) 1 Hr 33 Min
Tuesday & Wednesday (July 11 & 12): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Thursday (July 13): 3:00, 5:15
FINAL DAY – July 13!

BEATRIZ AT DINNER (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Tuesday (July 11): 3:15, 5:20, 7:40
Wednesday (July 12): 3:15, 5:20
Thursday (July 13): 3:15, 5:20, 7:40
FINAL DAY – July 13!

MANIFESTO (NR) 1 Hr 35 Min
Wednesday (July 12): 7:30
FINAL SCREENING!

THE BIG SICK (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Thursday (July 13): 7:30 Preview with Bonus – THE BIG(GER) SICK
Friday & Saturday (July 14 & 15): 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday (July 16): 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:30
Monday – Thursday (July 17-20): 2:45, 5:10, 7:40

THE HERO (R) 1 Hr 33 Min
Friday & Saturday (July 14 & 15): 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday (July 16): 12:50, 5:30, 7:40
Monday – Thursday (July 17-20): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
TBD – MAUDIE
TBD – A GHOST STORY
TBD – LADY MACBETH
TBD – LANDLINE