ARC Ohio

Dayton’s Party of Parties Takes On Fairytales

September 3, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Dayton’s biggest party, ARC Masquerage, is just six weeks away! The signature event of AIDS Resource Center Ohio, held annually on the third Saturday of October, will take place October 19 in the Colesium at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds (1043 S. Main St., Dayton).

Thousands have attended the elaborate masquerade ball, billed as “Dayton’s party of parties,” since its 2002 inception, helping raise $1.1 million for HIV/AIDS treatment and awareness. This year, Masquerage is expected to bring in $160,000 in unrestricted funding for ARC Ohio, with $90,000 in corporate sponsorship alone. The funds raised will assist individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Each year, Masquerage carries a theme which inspires the decor and costume choices. This year’s, “Once Upon a Time…,” puts an adult spin on childhood fairy tales.

A costume isn’t required to attend Masquerage, only a mask or disguise; among the elaborate costumes each year, one can also find attendees in t-shirts and jeans, pajamas, tuxedos and evening gowns, and, well, almost nothing at all. But dressing up is a big part of the fun, and this year’s storybook backdrop is a bottomless wishing well of great possibilities.

If you’re having trouble coming up with an idea, you’re either thinking too much, or not thinking enough. The first thing you should do is break your mind out of the Disney box. Fairy tales go much farther and wider than the Disney Classics. They can be a great foundation to build upon here, but by no means should they be a limit to your choices. Here are some suggestions that go above and beyond Cinderella and Snow White.

http://swoz.deviantart.com/art/Greek-Gods-Cosplay-Ohayocon-2012-284460981

Greek gods in action: a little mythological cosplay.

Each culture has its own fairy tales. Do some research into those. (Western culture is, for example, quite familiar with Rudyard Kipling’s stories from Colonial India.)

Many cultures also have their own mythologies. Think of the leprechaun tales of Irish lore. Remember Iron Man’s Loki? That character is based on Loki, the Norse god of war. Do some looking into the Norse gods, or the fables of West Africa’s Anansi, the spider god. And, of course, the entire Greek mythological universe is fair play here. People looking for a clever group costume could deck themselves out as the Gods of Olympus. (Extra points for a good centaur costume!)

American’s tall tales are frontier fairy tales. Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill and Sluefoot Sue, John Henry, Casey Jones: these are American fairy tale heroes.

Another classic American fairy tale is frequently told around Halloween: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Rise to the challenge of being the Gingerbread Man, with a costume made of real candy!

Rumpelstiltskin is similar to a leprechaun. He shouldn’t be forgotten.

Think of the tales you were told as a child. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the reindeer and the elves. The tooth fairy.

Speaking of Christmas, there’s a whole world of characters right there. The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. Herbie the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. The Abominable Snowman. Heatmiser and Snowmiser. Frosty. Rudolph. The entire cast of The Nutcracker. (How great would it be to see a Sugarplum Fairy and a Rat King?!) And, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge and his spirits. The Midwest loves to shove Christmas in people’s faces before Halloween’s even arrived. Double up your holiday value and get in the Yuletide spirit a little early!

The Wizard of Oz is just one of many modern fairy tales.

Think of the urban legends from your childhood. Trolls under bridges. Bloody Mary. Candyman. The Boogeyman. When you imagined that monster that lived under your bed, what did it look like?

Think of our modern fairy tales that have become pop culture standards, like Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Wizard of Oz, E.T., Shrek, Toy Story, Mary Poppins, The Princess Bride, The Neverending Story, Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal, even Pan’s Labyrinth. If you stretch that just a little further, one might consider films like Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, and even Pleasantville (extra points for gray-toning yourself into black and white!) as sources, given their fantasy elements.

Speaking of Tim Burton, let’s try be a little original. Do we really want a party with fifty Johnny Depp Mad Hatters? Do we really? Think about it.
Look past Disney at the animated films from other parts of the world. Japanese anime, for instance, is rife with fantasy elements.

Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street, perhaps the ultimate modern fairy tale.

The best horror stories are grown from the fairy tale concept of predators masking as safe authority figures who lure heroes into traps. Magical setups, moralistic endings, corruption of innocence, tests of character and strength. This page offers a brief, beautifully drawn presentation of A Nightmare on Elm Street as a dark modern fairy tale “where the enchanted forest is filled with cul de sacs and the gingerbread house looks like a boiler room.” Freddy Kruger haunts children in their dreams, for crying out loud! That’s as fairy tale as it gets.

The horror genre has given us many brilliant fairy tale characters, including Frankenstein and Dracula. They’re right at home within this theme. And following the vampire theme, True Blood, Dark Shadows, and the Buffy-verse (The Gentlemen!) fit as well.

There are, um, many adult possibilities for Pinocchio. (And remember, the Disney version also includes the wicked fox, the Blue Fairy, and Stromboli.)

Look to Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a wonderful fairy tale everyone knows.

Doctor Who cosplayers! Come on down!

Think of fantasy-related children’s series from the last few decades. My Little Pony, Mighty Max, Care Bears (bonus points if your group has a Mr. Coldheart!), The Smurfs, Sailor Moon, He-Man and She-Ra… Slutty Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake costumes are always popular this time of year. Here’s another occasion to wiggle into them!

A big-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s fairy tale musical, Into the Woods, is currently in production starring folks like Meryl Streep, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick, Tracy Ullman, and Emily Blunt in an epic story that weaves together the sagas of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack the giant killer, Little Red Riding Hood, and many more. Look to that for inspiration.

Think about the video games you’ve played. The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., the Final Fantasy series.

Masquerage ’13: The geeks ARE the cool kids.

British author Roald Dahl wrote some fun, innovative stories that have been enjoyed for generations, including Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 2013 will prove a disappointing Masquerage indeed without an Oompa Loompa sighting.

Sci-fi and fantasy geeks unite! The hallowed halls of Hogwarts, the ethereal Kingdom of Narnia, and the shadowy forests of Middle Earth shall be made one at Masquerage. (And it would just be so friggin’ cool to see a really well done team of Dementors…)

And finally, if you are thinking of Disney films, don’t forget the supporting characters. The three fairy godmothers from Sleeping Beauty, the mice from Cinderella, the Siamese cats from Lady and the Tramp, the Seven Dwarves, the Magic Mirror.

That’s an awful lot to digest at once, but it’s a great reminder that there are literally thousands of choices under the umbrella of this year’s theme. There’s also no shame in picking a popular, classic fairy tale character — it’s all about adding a personal touch and bringing your individual style into the costume. Putting a new twist on a famous character is a great way to stand out. What would your favorite Disney princess or villain look like in the modern world? As a zombie? In a steampunk setting? As a human/animal hybrid? In a horror setting? Last year’s “Villains and Vixens” Masquerage had no less than a dozen attendees in costume as The Joker (myself included), and each one differed wildly from the next. Find the character that’s best for you, then make it your own. And, most important of all, have fun doing it!

As an added bonus, ticket buyers will find a 20% discount coupon for Halloween Express, on the back of their tickets. As one of Masquerage’s newest sponsors, this year round costume shop which recently opened on St Rt 741, north of the Dayton Mall, across from Applebees, understands the spirit of the event and will be happy to help you pull together your dream costume.

For more Masquerage inspiration follow them on Facebook and on twitter.com/ARC_Masquerage.

Wine Party in the Park this Sunday

May 16, 2013 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Dayton’s Annual Premier Wine & Gourmet Food Festival is this Sunday afternoon, from 1-4pm at Carillon Park. Advance tickets are available for $60 at Arrow Wine, Cuvee, Rumbleseat and Bruning’s Wine Cellar, or you can purchase online and print your own ticket. If you’re waiting to see what the weather is like on Sunday, tickets will be available at the park for $70. Your ticket includes your tastes, a souvenir wine glass as well as a beer glass.

Left to right: Vail Sr, Vail Jr, Mif Frank and Mike Frank

The original “Party in the Park” was the brain child of two friends, Vail Miller Sr. of Heidelberg and Mike Frank of Arrow Wine. With a mission of bringing wine out of just the wine cellars and homes of people to the general public, the idea of a wine festival was born. Now over twenty years later and with the second generation at the helm, Vail Miller Jr. and Mif Frank, Fleurs Et Vin has grown into a Miami Valley tradition.
With the support of over a dozen wine distributors, this years tasting list includes over 400 wines to be tasted. You can see it online if you’d like to plot your tasting strategy. A new addition this year is a selection of meads from Cavalier Distributing. Mead, also known as honey wine, is regarded as the oldest of fermented beverage(Learn more about mead from mixologist Brian Petro’s article Drinkable Honey.) The Belgian Beer Garden has expanded this year as well, featuring Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegarden, Duvell and Ommegang.

Music for your dining and drinking pleasure contemporary smooth jazz will be played by JT Fedrick and Sax Groove, back by popular demand from Fleurs 2011. The food at Fleurs et Vin is always spectacular, with returning restaurants like The Oakwood Club, Jay’s Seafood, Carvers, Coco’s and Hawthorne Grill competing to put out the best samples. Now that’s not to say that Neil’s Heritage House, Mamma DiSalvo’s, Scratch Event Catering, Brock Masterson’s, Meadowlark and Thai 9 won’t walk away with the best food of the fest this year. Restaurants like The Dock, Giovanni’s, Amber Rose and The Wine Loft always stand out for great eats and their decorative tables that give you a feel for their atmosphere. Newbies to the event this year include Serendipity Bistro and the soon to open Salar.

When you need to take a break from eating, be sure and stroll by the silent auction tables and place a bid or two. Some of the highlights this year include tickets to a Miami Heat basketball game, VIP tickets to a Conan taping, or ABC’s Mike & Molly, as well of lots of wine, theater tickets, spa packages and more. But get your bids in early, the silent auction will close down about 2:45. Ghost bidding will be available, for those of you who don’t want to waste your valuable tasting time at the auction table. Just allow one of our volunteers to place your bids up to your pre-set limit and enjoy the wine.

The best entertainment of the day is often the live auction, which begins at 4pm, after tasting tables are closed. A must for true wine collectors, the bottles up for bid are often incredibly rare. Register for a bidding paddle and you’ll be treated to sparkling wines and chocolates from Winans.

Whether you win the bidding or not, the big winner of the day is AIDS Resource Center Ohio, the beneficiary of Fleurs et Vin. Funds raised on Sunday will be used to provide medical care, comprehensive case management, housing, HIV testing & counseling, prevention education, linkage to care, education & advocacy in Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Health, young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 account for 27 percent of all new HIV diagnoses in the state in 2011 and that number is growing. “The HIV/AIDS epidemic has changed dramatically over the years, however we are beginning to see a second-wave of infection among young people who have never known a world free from the stronghold of HIV and so our response must evolve as well,” states Tyler TerMeer, ARC Ohio’s Prevention Director.

36 Local Artists Create Keith Haring Inspired Art To Benefit ARC Ohio

April 12, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Local artist and promoter Matt Freeman is known for his inventive, unusual events. And this time he’s using that creativity to inspire local artists to apply their talents to design a piece of artwork to pay homage to 80’s Pop artist Keith Haring. Throughout his career, Haring devoted much of his time to public works, which often carried social messages. He produced more than 50 public artworks between 1982 and 1989, in dozens of cities around the world, many of which were created for charities, hospitals, children’s day care centers and orphanages. The now famous Crack is Wack mural of 1986 has become a landmark along New York’s FDR Drive.

By expressing universal concepts of birth, death, love, sex and war, using a primacy of line and directness of message, Haring was able to attract a wide audience and assure the accessibility and staying power of his imagery, which has become a universally recognized visual language of the 20th century. Haring was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988. Haring enlisted his imagery during the last years of his life to speak about his own illness and generate activism and awareness about AIDS. He died of AIDS related complications at the age of 31 on February 16, 1990.

When Freeman put the call out to local artists to encourage them to participate in Art Salvo, A 22 Day Silent Art Auction to Benefit ARC Ohio, he originally hoped to get at least 20 participants. Response was overwhelming, and the 30+ pieces of art on display at Clash Consignment Co, located at 521 E. Fifth St. in the Oregon District, show the creativity and talent of many local artists. The exhibit debuts on Fri, April 12th and will continue until Friday, May 3rd, when all of the art will be auctioned off to benefit our local AIDS service organization. Here are just a few highlights of what you’ll see:

Ben Riddlebarger:

DMM: Where did you find inspiration to complete your Keith Haring inspired piece?
Keith was well know because he would take popular iconic ideas or situations and create new ways of looking at them. Well,I have always been a huge comic book dork since before I was born. I remember when I was in gestation and I would combine different particles floating around and mash them together to form different superheroes and make up stories about them, so when the time came to do an inspirational piece inspired by Keith Haring it was only natural for me to do the x-men and their villains. My work usually is painstakingly detailed and it was nice to be able to just create something that was a simpler design and aesthetic, edit myself down to focus on basic shapes and to convey much more detail through just a couple lines and curves.

Kevin Pittman

DMM: How complicated was it to created a piece which combined your unique style with those of Keith Haring’s?
I wouldn’t say anything was complicated in a technical aspect of the work. Haring used a lot of repeated symbolism to express his messages. knowing that its really a matter of employing it… much like communication and how it first began… some people utter some sounds… the other understands it… then repeats it back… All im doin with this is trying to use his symbolism in a way to convey my own thoughts. My personal style doesnt seem work with this project so i abandoned it.

Tracy McElfresh

(Model Leslie Randall, photographed by Shana Ramsey)

DMM: Where did you find inspiration to complete your Keith Haring inspired piece?
Vintage Vogue and Keith Haring inspired fabric and color!

DMM: Do you personally know anyone who has ever been directly affected by HIV / AIDS?
Yes I had a cousin by marriage pass away in “92

How complicated was it to created a piece which combined your unique style with those of Keith Haring’s?
I really enjoyed this project and it came with ease, I’m fortunate.

DMM: How long have you considered yourself an artist?
I have been exploring the art of dress making for 12 years

Liz Dearth

DMM: Where did you find inspiration to complete your Keith Haring inspired piece?
I found a heart graphic he had done and make it and I thought it might be cool as a candle holding piece. The hearts and action lines of all the people let light pass through when a candle is lit within the wall sculpture.

DMM: How complicated was it to created a piece which combined your unique style with those of Keith Haring’s?
I may have failed that part! I make a lot of ceramic lanterns, this was my attempt to make an “interactive” haring piece of art, making “it” into a lantern.

Adam Redding

DMM: How complicated was it to created a piece which combined your unique style with those of Keith Haring’s?
It was somewhat complicated. In the end I felt that using some subtle cues and elements from his work translated well for my piece.

DMM: What Galleries / Venues have you been involved with, or displayed your art?

Rosewood Art Center, Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors.

RökenRõl

DMM: What made RökenRõl want to sponsor this exhibit?
Our mission is to provide the world with creative and authentic lifestyle street wear reflecting our influences, that made us who we are today.
At the heart of RökenRõl comes a recognition of the commonalities within us all, while celebrating our own unique individuality. This is what influenced us to create the RökenRõl brand and share it with those who have these same appreciations.

DMM: Whats next for RokenRol?

The future for RökenRõl looks bright. We are currently in the process of updating our web site and store. RökenRõl is producing limited edition skateboard decks from artists Jeff Richard and Mike Guidone and hand made belt buckles by artists Craig Tirey. We are sponsoring and cross-promoting with bands such as The Gas Light Anthem and Hawthorne Heights, and recently signed an agreement to create back to school products for international markets. Those involved in RökenRõl have a passion for the co-creative process. From conception to the finished product we enjoy seeing our visions take shape.
As you can see here, there are many people that have come together to bring Art Salvo to life. So head out to Clash and bring your wallet to support AIDS Resource Center Ohio. 40% of new HIV infections today are among young people ages 13 – 29. Funds raised will help them continue to offer FREE HIV/AIDS testing and work with our youth about safe sex and getting tested. Visit www.arcohio.org for testing times and locations and encourage a young person to get tested today!

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine students to host 5K AIDS Benefit Walk/Run on April 14

March 21, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

While there have been significant advancements in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) research in recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 50,000 people in the United States are newly infected with HIV each year. One in four new HIV infections occurs in youth, ages 13-24 years.

To raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) of the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, along with the Boonshoft School of Medicine and Five Rivers MetroParks, is sponsoring the annual 5K AIDS Benefit Walk/Run on Sunday, April 14, at 9 a.m., at Wegerzyn Gardens, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., in Dayton. The race check-in begins at 8 a.m.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the AIDS Resource Center Ohio in Dayton.

“A quarter of those living with HIV are unaware of it,” said Joey Resch, a second-year medical student who is part of WSU AMSA. “Thanks to resources like the AIDS Resource Center Ohio, people in Dayton who suffer from HIV and AIDS are able to find treatment help. Hosting a 5K to help raise awareness of HIV and AIDS is a way for us to give back to our local community.”

Pre-registration costs $20 before April 1. After April 1, registration costs $25. To register, go to http://www.med.wright.edu/clubs/aids5k.

ANNA KARENINA and HITCHCOCK are Hits At THE NEON!

December 19, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

HITCHCOCK and ANNA KARENINA are performing quite well for us, so we’ll hold both for another week!
I’m happy to announce that along with our upgrade to digital projection, we also installed hearing assisted devices. These headphones are available for check-out when you purchase your tickets, and the devices work for all titles. For select titles, “Audio Description” is available. This is a service for the blind and visually impaired…and HITCHCOCK makes use of this technology. (A person narrates the on-screen action via headphones.) Please let us know if you’d like to try these out…and please help us spread the word to people who might be interested in these services.

Check out this lovely featurette about ANNA KARENINA:

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Check out this fun scene from HITCHCOCK…it’s all about editing and makes me nostalgic for our 35mm projectors (not to mention the way I learned to edit 16mm film at WSU).

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Do you use Facebook? If so, we’ve got a fun contest going on that uses the HITCHCOCK photobooth in our lobby. Check out our Facebook page for details on how you could win a HITCHCOCK prize pack – which includes dvds of PSYCHO and NORTH BY NORTHWEST. Only a handful of people have entered, so your chances are very good! But hurry up – the contest ends on Dec. 23! Here’s our page – www.facebook.com/neonmovies

If you were a fan of the one-night only screening of RIDE THE DIVIDE, mark your calendars now for January 23. We will host a one-night only screening of the new film REVEAL THE PATH. “REVEAL THE PATH is a genre-defying adventure film that contemplates what it means to live an inspired life using the bicycle as a mechanism to explore, dream and discover. Regions explored include Scotland’s lush valleys, Europe’s snow capped mountains, Morocco’s high desert landscapes, Nepal’s rural countryside and Alaska’s rugged coastal beaches…Meet the locals living modest yet seemingly fulfilling lives, leading us to question what it means to live an inspired life – however humble or extravagant. Join in as the creators of RIDE THE DIVIDE take you on an adventure that will leave you with an eager desire to chart your own course to far away lands or simply to discover with eyes wide open what’s right around the bend.” (taken from press notes) Check out the official site to find out more about the film and to purchase advanced tickets. (We will not be selling advanced tickets for this event at our box office…they will only be available on the official site.)

If you are in need of a fun stocking stuffer, we have day planners featuring The Rubi Girls in our lobby for $20 each or 2 for $30. The Rubi Girls are a comedic drag troupe here in Dayton who have now helped to raise over One Million Dollars for HIV Charities in Ohio. 100% of the price of the planner goes back to AIDS Resource Center Ohio. (These planners are intended for mature audiences.)

We just confirmed our line-up for the next few weeks. On December 28, we will open SMASHED for one week – featuring a fantastic performance by Mary Elizabeth Winstead (who was just nominated for an Independent Spirit Award). On January 4 we will open 2 new films – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON (with Bill Murray as FDR) and PROMISED LAND (starring Matt Damon, John Krasinski and Frances McDormand – directed by Gus Van Sant)! I think we’ll start the year off with some enthusiastic audiences.

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Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
Just a reminder – we’re open 365 Days a Year!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Dec. 21 – Thur, Dec. 27:

ANNA KARENINA (R) 2 Hr 10 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:10, 9:45
Monday: 2:30, 5:15
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

HITCHCOCK (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Monday: 3:00, 5:30
Tuesday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 7:50

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Dec. 28 – SMASHED
Jan. 4 – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
Jan. 4 – PROMISED LAND
Jan. 11 – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL
Jan 25 – RUST AND BONE
Jan. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Feb. 8 – ON THE ROAD
Feb. 15 – AMOUR
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS

Cake Hope & Love- baking a difference in our community!

October 16, 2012 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

There’s a Beavercreek bakery that believes they can help change the world, one cupcake at a time. For the last year and a half, owners Shannon Teague and Connie McFarren have been serving up sweets with a commitment to also serve the community. Cake, Hope & Love’s name is straight from The Bible- Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Each month the shop picks a different charity to partner with and donates 20% of their profits to a community partner. Some of their past recipients include American Red Cross, Hospice of Dayton, Hope Foundation of Greater Dayton, Dominion Academy of Dayton, AFP and A Special Wish.

For the month of October they’ve chosen the AIDS Resource Center Ohio. For each Red Velvet

Cupcake purchased this month Cake Hope & Love will donate to help fund the education and prevention efforts of ARC Ohio. “Connie and I both made the decision when we signed papers (for the new shop) back in January that we wanted to make sure that we were giving back as much as we got,” Teague said. “Changing the world one cupcake at a time,” Teague said. “That really seems to sum up what we do, just trying to change the world with what we have.”

You can stop by the bakery located at 490 N. Fairfield Road, Suite B in Beavercreek Tues- Thurs 10am – 6pm and Fri and Sat 10am -9pm. The upscale bakery specializes in over the top cakes, gourmet cupcakes, novelty cake items, and gorgeous fondant work. They even offer free wi-fi, so you can take your lap top and work your way through their menu of flavors, which change daily.

Grab Your Mask for Dayton’s Party of Parties “MASQUERAGE”

October 15, 2012 By Lisa Grigsby 11 Comments

As charity fund-raisers go, the AIDS Resource Center Ohio’s Masquerage has earned a reputation as being an over the top, all out bash. The masked ball was dubbed Dayton’s Party of Parties by Ron Rollins of the Dayton Dayton Daily News several years ago and this themed event has continued to grow. Started in 2002 by Square One Salon owners Brent Johnson, Doug Henderson and Josh Stucky at Therapy Cafe, the party has grown and moved across town, to such unusual venues like The Merc, The Foundry and it’s latest home- the Roundhouse at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

Designer Chris Newman

Hundreds of volunteers will spend the week transforming the two story white barn into a fantasy set, under the direction of designer Chris Newman, owner of Cheeky Monkey, an interior design and faux painting company. Newman volunteered in 2009 to help with one room at the Circus themed event that year, as then stepped up the next year as the creative visionary behind the Heavenly Pleasures and Sinful Delights 2010 Masquerage. In 2011 the ARC Ohio party celebrated a Decade of Decadence, bringing back some of the scenery and entertainment of the past 10 years.

Masquerage 2012…Where Evil Can Be Tempting will pay homage to Vixens and Villains. This theme was chosen to encompass a wide range of costume possibilities- from Gangsters and Molls of the 2o’s and 30’s, to B Movie Vixens, and without a doubt there will be some Disney villains like Cruella De Vil, Ursulas and Maleficent. While costumes aren’t required, over the years more and more of the crowd has gotten into the spirit, and last year about 70% of the crowd were decked out. But the one thing that is required of all party guests is a mask, and whether you choose an elaborate professionally created head, a mardi gras mask or have one painted on, your options are endless. Make up Artist Kelly Heuss explains “the painted on masks are the most comfortable, as often the plastic ones get pretty hot and sweaty when you’re dancing the night away. ” You can make an appointment with Kelly of www.airodynamic.net to get a mask painted on at Square One Salon, the Beauty Box and Mac cosmetics counters are also offering the service.

Cake Hope & Love’s Red Velvet Cupcakes will help raise $ for Masquerage.

What makes Masquerage more than just a dance party is the entertainment. Over the years there have been Aerialists dangling from silk ropes, escape artists, contortionists, dance crews, fire dancers, knife throwers, and more. While ARC Ohio won’t reveal the line up for this year, they promise to continue the tradition of sexy, sultry and super eye catching performers.

And what’s a party without great food. Chef Matt Hayden of Scratch Catering has created amazing munchies over the years and always has something tasty planned. Cake Hope & Love will be featuring some sweet treats this year and has even gone a step further by offering to donate a a portion of all proceeds from the sale of their red velvet cupcakes from their Beavercreek store to ARC Ohio.

All guests will be welcomed with a Jaegermesiter cocktail and Yeungling Beers and Buckeye Vodka are the barsponsors this year. General admission tickets are $50, which is exactly what it costs ARC Ohio to administer one HIV test. Testing is provided free to anyone who asks, and the test is a swab of the cheek with results in just 20 minutes.

If you prefer to attend Masquerage as a VIP, splurge for the Red Ribbon Lounge tickets, which include valet parking by Lexus of Dayton, face painting, all of your drinks, appetizers, entry into the 2nd floor lounge and the always coveted Swag Bag for $150. Tickets can be purchased online or at Square One Salons, Lexus of Dayton or Ghostlight Coffee. Tickets will be available at the event, but will cost $10 more there. The party starts at 8pm and runs til 1am, but the fun won’t end then, the official Masquerage After Party is hosted by MJ’s Cafe at 119 W. Third Street.

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Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

Dayton Most Metro is a proud sponsor of Masquerage and we’ve got a ticket hook up for three of our loyal readers! Just fill out the form below, and then leave a comment telling us that YOU want tickets to go to Masquerage from Dayton Most Metro (and what VILLAIN or VIXEN you might go as) – we’ll announce winners on Wednesday October 17th after 3pm – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to our winners:

Carol Narigon

Jamie McQuinn

Annette Looper

Volunteer For Dayton’s Premier Wine & Gourmet Food Fest

May 2, 2012 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

On Sunday, May 20th over 1000 folks will converge on Carillon Park for one of Dayton’s most anticipated wine festivals, Fleurs et Vin. Now in it’s 20th year, the fest has proved to be a spectacular party in the park. This years event will benefit AIDS Resource Center Ohio and Dayton History.

To pull off this event, that features over 300 wines and 25 of Dayton’s finest independent restaurants, hundreds of volunteers are needed. From helping to direct parking, checking ID’s, handing out glasses and plates, distributing ice and water, helping in the beer garden and monitoring the live and silent auctions, there are lots of jobs to do.

And one of the fringe benefits for volunteers at this event, free tasting. That’s right, once you’ve completed your work, you can get a glass and enjoy! Of course all voluteers do need to be 21 or over. So grab your friends and sign up today.

Do You Have A Flair For Design?

January 19, 2012 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

RED – Reach, Empower, Dream of a World without HIV/AIDS – AIDS Resource Center Ohio presents the 2012 RED Table Design Gala – Oooh La ROUGE! – “A Magnifique Evening to help “ARC de TRIUMPH”. To be held Saturday, April 28, 2012, at the Roundhouse at The Montgomery County Fairgrounds, this biennial affair is the most anticipated and talked about gala in the entire Miami Valley. Funds raised at this event allow ARC Ohio to continue our prevention and education efforts, as well as providing service to thousands of Ohioans who are infected, affected, and at risk of HIV/AIDS.

The RED Table Design Gala highlights the talents, creativity and imagination of the area’s top designers. This year, the gala will have 43 tables of ten all embracing a “French” flair as the unifying theme. To pull this fabulous event off as we do every two years, ARC Ohio needs the help of inventive, original, clever and over the top designers who are willing to volunteer their time and talents to produce a table for RED. If you are interested please contact Lisa Grigsby, Special Events Director at ARC Ohio.

Be A Part of Dayton’s Party of Parties!

August 31, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Masquerage is the signature annual event of AIDS Resource Center Ohio, raising critical unrestricted funding for individuals infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS. Since Masquerage’s inception in 2002, “Dayton’s Party of Parties” for a cause has become the fastest growing, must-attend event in Dayton, bringing people together to have a great evening, generate greater awareness of HIV/AIDS issues and raise much needed funds to benefit client services and people living with or affected by this disease.

It takes hundreds of volunteers to pull off an event this size. From artists and designers that can help with the decor, to bartenders and servers to keep the smiles on everyones faces. We’ll need folks to work event check in, coat check and even first aid. A crew is needed to work the silent auction area and so many other behind the scenes jobs that help keep the party going for an expected 1000 guests this year.

We’ll spend the week of Oct 11th transforming the RoundHouse at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds into a decadent venue for the 10th anniversary Masquerage, to be held on Sat, Oct 15th.

So if you’re willing to pitch in and help ARC Ohio by volunteering, sign up here, or contact [email protected] or by phone at 937-461-2347 x 2029.

2 Hits Are Sticking Around + New Event Announcements at THE NEON!

April 20, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

With our current two exclusive films – WIN WIN and JANE EYRE – we’ve got two hits on our hands. Thanks to all of you who came out and supported these films on opening weekend – we were quite busy. To read a synopsis of each film, please visit our website.

Be sure to sign up for WIN WIN prizes in our lobby. We’ll have two drawings within the next 10 days for a WIN WIN prize pack. (The WIN WIN sweatshirts are a hot commodity, and they’re part of the pack.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8J6Cjn06kA’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbe33D59euY’]

“Start your Miami Valley Cycling Summit experience a day early with Bike Film Night at THE NEON on Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 – featuring the Dayton premier of VEER. This critically acclaimed documentary tells the stories of people who have made a difference in the world of cycling, and how cycling has made a real difference in people’s lives. Join us for this inspiring film and support one of the Miami Valley’s own cycling advocate organizations: Bike Miami Valley. All proceeds from your $5 admission will benefit this growing cycling non-profit organization.” (taken from press release) Visit the official site to learn more about the Miami Valley Cycling Summit.

I’m currently working on putting together a panel discussion to follow a screening of a powerful and moving documentary called WE WERE HERE. “WE WERE HERE is the first documentary to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco. It explores how the City’s inhabitants were affected by, and how they responded to, that calamitous epidemic. Though a San Francisco-based story, We Were Here extends beyond San Francisco and beyond AIDS itself. It speaks to our capacity as individuals to rise to the occasion, and to the incredible power of a community coming together with love, compassion, and determination.” WE WERE HERE will screen on June 16 at 7PM. Tickets are $8 each and are currently available at THE NEON box office. This screening is sponsored by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.
Be sure to take a look at the trailer, and get your tickets early.
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCxqJgpejbs’]

We hope to see you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 22 – April 28:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40

WIN WIN (R) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
May 27 THE BEAVER
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
June 10 INCENDIES
June 17 MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY
TBD BEGINNERS

Red Velvet Cupcakes For A Cause!

February 13, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Need a treat for your office for Valentine’s Day? Why not order up something sweet that can help others as well?

Butter Cafe on Brown Street in Dayton is raising money for AIDS awareness, with a RED VELVET CUPCAKE and delicious Frosted SUGAR COOKIE sale. (Having sampled these, I can tell you the generous topping of cream cheese frosting is finger licking good!)

One of the co-owners, Sarah, will be riding the AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride 545 miles from San Francisco to LA on June 5th – 11th. To raise money for the ride, Butter Cafe got creative and decided to use their goodies to gain the necessary funds. They will also be partnering locally with AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio) to keep some of the proceeds here in the Miami Valley.

Cupcakes $2.99 – buy a dozen and save $6

Cookies $1.50

Butter Cafe also delivers, so why not give them a call at 937-985-9917
and order up some today?!

Scan Your Way To Masquerage

September 11, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Dayton’s Party of Parties is just 5 weeks away -Masquerage, AIDS Resource Center Ohio’s (ARC Ohio) annual masked party for a cause fundraiser. But for one lucky winner, visiting the sponsors of this year’s Masquerage will pay off in a big way- they can Scan Their Way to a $500 Red Ribbon Lounge Ticket package that includes VIP event tickets, an overnight package at the Dayton Marriott with breakfast on Sunday and transportation to and from the event.

In a unique partnership with Dayton-based Comtactics, participants can use their smart phones to scan a QR code from a poster at each sponsor’s business and when they visit at least 10 sponsors, they will automatically be entered in a drawing to win the Red Ribbon Lounge ticket package. Participants can download a free code reader for their smartphone on the ScanDayton.com site. Participants can even enter the drawing by texting the word “SCANDAYTON” to 41411 and then follow the instructions.

Comtactics, LLC, a multiplatform communications company based at Dayton’s Tech Town, developed the “ScanVenger Hunt” idea as a creative way to introduce the technology to the Dayton-area. They’ve successfully hosted ScanVenger hunts at The Greene and during Urban Nights. “This will be our first partnership with a nonprofit fundraiser and we’re excited about using 2d technology for this dynamic interactive contest, says Sean Fields, President and CEO of Comtactics.

Since Masquerage’s inception in 2002 , this party for a cause has raised more than $650,000 in unrestricted funds in support of HIV/AIDS case management, education, prevention, testing and advocacy; allowing attendees to have a unique and entertaining experience while supporting ARC Ohio and its mission of impacting those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. With offices in Dayton, Lima, Mansfield and Toledo, ARC Ohio is recognized as the leading provider of HIV/AIDS related programs within a 40 county region of Ohio. For more information about ARC Ohio, log onto www.arcohio.org or call (937) 461-2437.

To be entered in the drawing to win a $500 Red Ribbon Lounge Ticket package you’ll need to visit at least 10 of the sponsors- but since we like our friends at DaytonMostMetro.com you can scan the code pictured here and you’ll only need 9 more!

You can visit American Family Insurance, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Better Business Bureau, Coco’s Bistro, Digital Fringe, The Flower Shoppe, Lexus of Dayton, MacTown, any of the Marion’s Piazza, Masque, Meadowlark Restaurant, Preen Apothecary, either of the Square One Salons and Urban HandMade. Keep checking the Masquerage website for more additions!

Tickets for the Masquerage party can be reserved online at www.Masquerage.org or charged by phone by calling 461-2437 x 2029. General Admission tickets include welcoming cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, and nonstop dancing and entertainment for $50, while entry to the Red Ribbon Lounge runs $150 per guest and includes heavenly delicacies created by The Meadowlark, valet parking courtesy of Lexus of Dayton, a swag bag full of sinful delights, and, for the first time ever, a complimentary array of lustful libations!

Want to GoGo to GaGa?

July 30, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

AIDS Resource Center Ohio is raffling off 3 tickets to “The Monster Ball” Tour at The Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It’s the hottest summer tour out there and you can purchase a raffle ticket online for just $10 or up your odds of winning by getting 3 tickets for $25.

“It’s still called Monster Ball, but it’s more of a musical and less of a concert,” Lady Gaga said in a recent interview with KIIS-FM’s Ryan Seacrest. “It has a New York theme, it’s a story, and the story is that me and my friends are in New York and we’re going to the Monster Ball, and we get lost.”

Critics around the world raved about the first leg of The Monster Ball Tour, which Gaga described as “the first-ever pop-electro opera.” The Sun called it “breathtaking stuff” and “the best live show you will see this year,” while London’s Independent wrote: “Gaga’s got it, which is why, right now, the whole pop world wants to take a ride on her disco stick.” Writing about her show at Radio City Music Hall, the New York Times noted that “her Monster Ball tour always provided something worth a snapshot: a sci-fi tableau, perhaps, or a skimpy, glittery costume. The more her image gets around, the better Lady Gaga does.”

The drawing will be held on Sat, Aug 28th during the Northwest Ohio AIDS Walk. The winner must be 18 or older but need not be present to win. If winner is not present, they will be notified by phone and/or email. Positive ID must be presented in order to claim your prize.

Covering 36 counties and with four offices in the region, ARC Ohio is geographically the largest AIDS Services organization in Ohio today. In the midst of growing complacency, difficult financial times, and still no cure or preventative vaccine, your help has never been more crucial!    AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio) is a nonprofit, community-based organization whose mission is to provide services to those infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS. They provide comprehensive support services, HIV testing & counseling, prevention education, linkage to care, and advocacy.

Wanna Propose With A $20,000 Ring?

March 8, 2010 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

On Sat, April 24th Elizabeth Diamond Company and AIDS Resource Center of Ohio join forces to raise much-needed funds and help one lucky couple take home a $20,000 Tacori engagement ring with a one and a half carat EDC diamond.

Theme and clues for the scavenger hunt will incorporate the Dayton region’s rich musical history. The winning couple will be announced at the EDC Far Hills Avenue location following the scavenger hunt .

The hunt will take place in downtown Centerville. Only 200 couples are eligible to participate. Couples can register right now in person at EDC or online at www.shopedc.com/huntfortherock. The registration fee is $25.00 with all proceeds benefiting ARC Ohio. In addition, every couple that participates will receive a gift bag featuring a $250.00 gift certificate to use towards the purchase of an engagement ring at Elizabeth Diamond Company. In addition to Tacori, other local businesses such as, Square One Salon, Heidelberg Distributing, Erika’s Photography, Visceral Gallery, Coolidge Wall Law Offices and Grapes Wine Lounge will be participating as sponsors to help truly make this a community wide event.

The EDC Hunt For The Rock will take place Saturday April 24^th 2010 from 11 AM to 3 PM. Check-in starts at 10 AM. Theme and clues for the scavenger hunt will test participants knowledge of music including, the Dayton region’s rich musical history. EDC will announce the winning couple at its’ Far Hills location after the scavenger hunt has concluded. For more info, eligibility requirements and to register please visit www.shopedc.com/huntfortherock.

According to Sonu Singhvi, owner of Elizabeth Diamond Company, “In the current economy, most couples have a lot of financial fears about how to take that next big step. That’s why we devised this with a $20,000 engagement ring as the prize, so they can take that step free from the burden of having to pay off a large loan. So, we hope that whichever couple wins, they’re ready to propose!” Mrs. Singhvi went on to state, “We’re also really excited to be partnering with ARC Ohio for this event. They do such incredible work in the community and it’s an honor to help ensure that it continues.”

Elizabeth Diamond Company was voted best jewelry store by a recent poll conducted by activedayton.com. The company is locally owned and operated. Located one-quarter mile south of I-675 on Far Hills Avenue in Centerville.

ARC Ohio is geographically the largest AIDS Services organization in Ohio today. In the midst of growing complacency, difficult financial times, and still no cure or preventative vaccine, the need to raise funds and awareness has never been more crucial!   Celebrating its 25th anniversary, AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio) is a nonprofit, community-based organization whose mission is to provide services to those infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS. They provide comprehensive support services, HIV testing & counseling, prevention education, linkage to care, and advocacy. 