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

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Subterranean’s Intergalactic Meltdown this Saturday!

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Subterranean hosts the Intergalactic Meltdown Saturday night at Jimmie's Ladder 11

Subterranean hosts the Intergalactic Meltdown Saturday night at Jimmie’s Ladder 11

Subterranean, a local band on the rise, is hosting their 4 year anniversary with an epic show: The Intergalactic Meltdown! The name comes from their friends The Big Black Galactic, from Sandusky, who will be sharing the stage with the Sub-T boys for this special event.

“The Big Black Galactic will have you ebbing and flowing in the intergalactic with their dance worthy improvisation and then Subterranean will continue to meltdown your faces with their intense and provocative sounds” states the band’s event page. I’m a huge fan of technical improvisation, and I couldn’t be more excited for this show!

How to go? Head over to Jimmie’s Ladde11407107_729283640516998_8663440705574607392_nr 11, on Saturday September 26th, and pay usual $5 cover charge. What you’ll get in musical value is so much more! Definitely worth the cover.

 

And…. It’s my birthday! Celebrate with me and one of my fave local bands, and we celebrate our personal new years!

 

You don’t want to miss this one!

 

Corks & Crafts – Coming To A Bar Near You

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Do you enjoy the new painting and drinking trend? Well why not add craft making to the mix? Corks and Crafts, a new local business, is traveling around town teaching you how to make the latest and greatest craft projects while socializing with friends and family.

This small local business explains their concept further: “We began our Corks and Crafts adventure this year, connecting people with their inner artists and craftsmen. We are four teachers on a mission to get people in touch with their creativity and to help people make socializing a priority! Our events take place at various establishments in and around the Dayton area. Each person goes home with a unique craft which they can wear, display, or gift.  Also included is the fulfillment that comes with learning and creating in the company of friends. We hope you will join us for an event soon!”

Here is the September – October schedule of events:Screen Shot 2015-09-18 at 1.38.14 PM

CNC Quickie: Tassel Necklace and Bead Bracelets

  • El Toro, 9190 N Main St, Englewood, OH, 45415
  • Cost $30

Burlap Wreath Making

  •  – 
  • Little York Tavern, 118 W Main St, Troy, OH, 45373
  • Cost $50

Sweetest Day Painted Glasses

  •  – 
  • Little York Tavern, 118 W Main St, Troy, OH, 45373
  • Cost $40

 

 

 

 

Welcome Back Disco Era Cocktails!

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Pina Colada in a pineapple

You like Pina Coladas, right?

The 1970’s and 80’s were not good for cocktails. The primary drinkers of the time were trying to distance themselves from the cocktails of their parents, meaning that vermouth and bourbon were out and sweet liqueurs and vodka were in. The balance that classic cocktails enjoyed started to tilt to the sweet side and chemical side. Fresh herbs and squeezed juices were replaced by schnapps of all flavors and hues and juice from concentrate.

Bartending in that era took a nose dive as well. Instead of a career in hospitality, it was seen as a quick fix between “real” jobs. This is still true today, but the perception is changing as hospitality workers see a career path in the industry. The bartenders were not looking to create new cocktails, they were looking to pump out drinks as fast as they could, maybe juggle some bottles while they did it. The craft of making cocktails disappeared into a sea of blue curacao and bottled sour mix.

Fortunately, modern mixologists took the time to brush off some of these discarded cocktails and give them new life. The art of making your own sour elements and syrups have come back into fashion, and there is a class that can teach you how to make these cocktails taste much better than their disco-era counerparts. This class will teach updated recipes for:

  • Stinger Cocktail

    The Stinger is back!

    The Stinger – Brandy has a lovely flavor all of its own. Burying it with something artificial and syrupy like Crème de Menthe does not showcase its nuances. We will remake this cocktail with simple syrup and freshly muddled mint.

  • Pina Colada – It is very easy to head out and buy some premade Pina Colada mix. It is almost as easy, and better tasting, to use the original Coco Lopez and fresh pineapple juice to make one yourself!
  • Tequila Sunrise – Not a difficult one to make, but there are elements you can make on your own to enhance the flavor! No cheap tequila here and juice from concentrate here. We’ll use fresh squeezed orange juice and homemade grenadine to enhance this 80’s staple.
  • Appletini 2.0 – Will it be neon green? No. But neon colors have not been popular for a long time. You can still make a delightful apple cocktail with all-American Applejack, fresh pressed apple juice, and a little sour mix.

“Re Imagining the Cocktails of the 70’s and 80’s”, taking place at Scratch Event Catering on September 29th, will help you make all four of these cocktails, plus give you the recipes to take home for your next cocktail party! There will be some time appropriate snacks to munch on while we make drinks to sample and learn how simple it is to make some popular ingredients. Space is limited, so get your tickets soon!

Welcome To Ohio Beers, Baseball Fans!

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Hello baseball fans!

Great American Ball Park

Welcome to Great American Ball Park!

We are at the midpoint of the season, and it has been an interesting start. Despite the loss of some key talent, the Cardinals and the Yankees are still holding on to their divisions. No one at the start of the season saw the Astros being one of the best teams in the league, or the White Sox being one of the worst. The Royals are proving they were not a fluke, and the Cubs are hoping this is the year they can get back into playoff contention. Experts saw the NL dominated by three teams, but the AL was anyone’s to take.  One thing that everyone knew was that this year, all eyes would be on our neighbor to the south Cincinnati for one week. That week begins today.

Great American Ballpark will be the center of the baseball world as it hosts the 2015 All Star Game. Cincinnati will be showcased in all her glory, and not just the stadium. We all know what an amazing city it is, but the thousands of people coming to visit may not see it that way. It was the second city founded in the state of Ohio, and the “Queen of the West” according to Longfellow. Before Chicago earned its reputation as a meat packing center, Cincinnati earned the nickname of “Porkopolis” because of its hog packing capacity. It is also the home of the first paid firefighting unit AND the first paid baseball team. That professional baseball team, the Red Stockings, evolved over the years into the team we see on the field today. And our own Dayton Dragon have had a hand in feeding that team some excellent talent.

National Prohibition Convention Image

The National Prohibition Convention was held in Cincinnati in 1892.

Many people also don’t know the rich beer and cocktail history that Cincinnati enjoys. Chicago and Detroit get most of the press as hotbeds of Prohibition activity, but the Queen City had its own bootleggers and criminals making sure that a thirsty nation did not got wanting. Samuel Adams founder Jim Koch is from Cincinnati, one of the first breweries to start building the craft landscape we see today. There are going to be tens of thousands of thirsty visitors milling around Cincinnati this week, looking for delightful beers to enjoy. The focus is on beer, because that is what goes with baseball. I have searched through the local beer scene (and by local I mean Ohio), and came up with suggestions for each of the teams represented this week at the game. I paid particular attention to the beers available at Great American Ball Park, and Cincinnati itself, before looking for other breweries to highlight.

Since this week’s game is going to be at a National League stadium, we’ll let the away team go first. The teams are in order of their standings as of this writing, and the number after the team is how many players represent them in the All Star Game. An asterisk indicates a beer that can be found in Great American Ball Park.

AL East

BORIS the Crusher Russian Imperial Stout

This is one tough frog out of Akron.

New York Yankees (3) – Chickow! by Triple Digit Brewing (10% ABV, 28 IBU) is one of the heaviest hitters on this list. Which is fitting, because the Bronx Bombers are close to the top of the home run leading teams in the league.
Baltimore Orioles (4) – Based in LeBron territory, Akron’s B.O.R.I.S The Crusher  by Hoppin’ Frog (9.4% ABV, 60 IBU) is an amazing Russian Imperial Stout, and another heavy hitter. It looks like you have to be to keep up in the AL East.
Toronto Blue Jays (3) – The Blue Jays have scored the most runs in baseball (470) at the break. They have been Rounding Third (Madtree (6.5% ABV, 51 IBU)) more than any other team in the bigs. And they are STILL third in their division.
Tampa Bay Rays (2) – The Columbus based Elevator Brewing’s Dark Force (5.9% ABV) came from out of nowhere in 2007 to win quite a few awards. The Rays can still take this division, but it is going to require some work.
Boston Red Sox (2) – The one exception to the Ohio rule. But not really. These boys of summer are sitting at the bottom of a tough division. *Sam Adams Summer Ale  (5.3%, 7 IBU) can keep them company while they are down there.

AL Central

Kansas City Royals (7) – Their fans are the kings of the ballot box. *Ermal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale by Warped Wing (5.4%, 20 IBU) has some similar qualities to Kansas City’s Tank 7 by Boulevard. And the can had a nice blue color, which their fans can appreciate.
Minnesota Twins (2) – I am not sure, but I think it is getting close to winter in Minnesota. Mt. Carmel’s *Nut Brown Ale (6.0%, 38 IBU) is a great beer to keep warm with, offering hints of maple syrup along with the rich brown ale.
Detroit Tigers (5) – Did you know that the state of Michigan produces the most blueberries in the United States? I am sure that Rivertown Brewing’s *Blueberry Lager  (4.3%, 19 IBU) has more than a few of them in their fruit forward beer.
Cleveland Indians (1) – Jason Kipnis was a beast in May. The seasonal Lake Erie Monster by Great Lakes Brewing Company (9.1%, 80 IBU) is a very appropriate beer from his team’s city. It is an Imperial India Pale Ale with plenty of bite to it.
Chicago White Sox (1) – Elliot Ness was a federal agent from Cleveland that spent some time in Chicago, helping to bring down one of its most infamous citizens. Great Lakes Brewing Company brewed a delicious amber ale (6.1%, 27 ABV) in his honor.

AL West

Rhinegeist Hustle, Zen, and Truth

A small portion of the Rhinegeist family of beers.

Houston Astros (2) – When you think success in baseball, you think money. The Astros are taking *The Lesser Path  (Blank Slate Brewing (6.5%, 70 IBU)) by being one of the best teams in baseball with the second lowest payroll.
Los Angeles Angels (2) – Californians seem pretty relaxed. A light sessionable sipper, Zen by Rhinegeist Brewing (4.8%, 45 IBU) is a perfect beer to kick back with while watching a baseball game.
Texas Rangers (1) – Is there any state that shows their independence like Texas? Divergent by Rivertown Brewing (3.8%, 10 IBU) is different, with sour fruit notes and a clean finish. It is a great beer to try if you have been considering sour beers, but just were not sure.
Seattle Mariners (2) – Coffee and Seattle go hand in hand. Named after the bridge connecting Cincinnati to Covington, KY,  Roebeling Porter by  Rivertown Brewing (7.9%, 35 IBU) uses local coffee and vanilla to enhance the roasted notes in the porter.
Oakland Athletics (2) – Fifty West Brewing created *Wire to Wire Wheat (4.8%, 18 IBU) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Reds last World Series victory. Who did they beat in that series? I’ll let you guess…

And now, the home team!

NL East

Washington Nationals (2) – A capital beer for the capitol’s team. *Leopold by Listermann Brewing (6.2%) is a blonde ale with Belgian spice notes. After a rocky start, they have finally climbed back to the top of their division.
New York Mets (2) – When I was doing research for another project, I discovered near where the Mets played there was a brewery dedicated to pale ales. *Altered Pale Ale by Christian Moerlein (4.3%) is a nod to that brewery.
Atlanta Braves (1) – I love peanut butter porters. Georgia grows the most peanuts in the United States. Is there any other beer for them than Nut Case by Listermann Brewing (5.0%)? If there was some sort of Waffle House beer (Waffle House is based in Georgia), that would be a close second.
Miami Marlins (2) – While doing research, I discovered that Dortmunder beers go very well with fish. Dortmunder Gold by Great Lakes Brewing Company (5.8%, 30 IBU) is one of the better examples of that style. It also represents the city the Marlins beat to get their first World Series win. They have that going for them.
Philadelphia Phillies (1) – When you are at the bottom of the league, you really could use a boost. Fortunately, Madtree Brewing has something you can use: a Lift (4.7%, 11 IBU). Light and delicious, you can enjoy a few of them in one sitting.

 

NL Central

PsycHOPathy by Madtree

A great local beer to enjoy at Great American Ball Park.

St. Louis Cardinals (6) – The entire division is looking to take over your throne. You have claimed it five of the last ten years. For that I give you Warped Wing’s Mr. Mean (9.7%, 96 IBU). It is named for the 13th album released by the Ohio Players. Lucky number for you?
Pittsburgh Pirates (4) – You may want to explore a different classically brewed amber lager while you are in town. Hudepohl’s  Amber Lager (4.7% ABV) is from a brewery established just twenty six years after Yuengling. Try it…you’ll like it.
Chicago Cubs (2) – It is crazy that this team is angling for a playoff position after last season. *PsycHOPathy by Madtree Brewing (6.9%, 70 IBU) is an amazing India Pale Ale, challenging Truth for the best IPA to come out of Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Reds (3) – Was there really any other choice? Rhinegeist Brewing Hustle (5.4%, 35 IBU) was brewed for baseball season and given the nickname of one of the most beloved Reds players of all time. It is a nice rye spice pale ale that hits all
Milwaukee Brewers (1) – Back to the classics for one of the big, German beer cities in the country. Over-The-Rhine Ale by Christian Moerlein (6.0%) shows off the German heritage of the area with a traditionally brewed ale. It harkens back to a time when generous hop profiles were needed for preservation, not just flavor.

 

NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers (5) – California grows the most strawberries in the United States. Which is why the seasonal Sol Drifter by Madtree (4.3%, 18 IBU) was selected for any Dodgers fans that may be heading to the Midwest.
San Francisco Giants (4) – When India pale ales were initially developed, they were highly hopped for long journeys. For the longest trip to Cincinnati (barely edging Seattle), we give you *Truth by Rhinegeist Brewing (7.2%, 75 IBU). Fresh beer for the end of an almost 2,400 mile journey.
Arizona Diamondbacks (2) – There are a wide range of flavors and great depth to Mystic Mama (7.0%, 130 IBU), a local favorite from Jackie O’s in Athens. And there are snakes on the can, which may have had more influence than I want to admit.
San Diego Padres (1) – If there is one thing I know about San Diego, it is sunny and 75 F at all times. Fathead Brewing has created Sunshine Daydream (4.9%), something light and easy to drink for looking out over the Ohio River. It is no Pacific ocean, but it still offers a nice breeze and a place to dip your toes.
Colorado Rockies (3) – Do you miss the mountains, Coloradans? Chomolugma by Jackie O’s (6.5%) derives its name from what the Tibetans call Everest. It is a delicious brown ale flavored with wildflower honey.

If you are looking for places to enjoy these beers while taking in the atmosphere of the All Star festivities, Holy Grail Tavern and Grill, Arnold’s Bar and Grill, the Moerlein Lager House are just few in the Cincinnati area with great food and some of the delightful beers mentioned. Have a great time this week on the historic banks of the Ohio River, and enjoy the efforts of the talented local brewers we have in the Buckeye State. Cheers!

Evolution of an Icon – National Martini Day

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Martini glasses

The cocktail. The myth. The legend.

The martini is an iconic drink. So iconic, in fact, that the glass it is served in with an olive is an almost universal symbol of a cocktail. June 19th every year is National Martini Day, one day we get to celebrate this legend and all of the varieties it has spawned. Starting with Mae West and James Thurber, to James Bond to Sex in the City, martinis in all their various forms have been embraced by pop culture as elegance in a glass. Maybe it is the simplicity of the ingredients. Maybe it is the balance of sweet and strong ingredients. Maybe it is the flexibility of the cocktail over the ages. Whatever the reason, more has been written and said about the martini than almost any other cocktail in history. And it all started in a little town in California.

The Golden (Rush) Age

The grandparents of the martini are just as distinguished as the cocktail itself. The Manhattan, well known to whiskey enthusiasts, is thought to be one of the original influencers on the cocktail. The use of vermouths and other aperitifs in cocktails was well established by the mid-nineteenth century. The other big influencer on the creation of the martini is the Martinez, a cocktail created in California during the Gold Rush. There are many stories told about how the Martinez was created, but the most common one involves a miner stopping at a bar in Martinez, CA and requesting that the bartender make him something special. Sometimes that bartender is the iconic Jerry Thomas, sometimes it is not. The bartender then created the cocktail as listed below:

The Martinez Cocktail

The Martinez utilized sweet vermouth and gin, but it soon evolved.

The Martinez

1.5 oz. gin
1.5 oz. sweet vermouth
¼ oz. Maraschino liqueur (some recipes call for orange curacao)
2-3 dashes of orange bitters
Garnish: Lemon Peel

Pour all of the ingredients over ice into a glass. Stir for 20 seconds until the cocktail is chilled; strain the ingredients into a martini glass. Twist the lemon peel over the cocktail then add to the drink.

Even the glass the martini is served is in designed for the enjoyment of the libation. The glass is stemmed so you can hold it away from the drink, keeping it is chilled as long as possible. In all martinis, the water you get from stirring or shaking is important to the enjoyment of the cocktail. It softens the gin and smooths out any rough edges. The reputation of this cocktail spread from California to the rest of the country, and the rest of the country had something to say about how the cocktail was made.

The Martini Dries Out

A selection of dry vermouths

This is as close as the vermouth should come to your cocktail.

The first place the martini recipe was actually written down was in 1882 by Harry Johnson in his Bartender’s Manual. It is much different than the one we would recognize today, adding gum syrup for some sweetness and thickness and with liquor proportions like the Martinez. As the 19th century turned into the 20th, dry vermouth, or French, vermouth was becoming more and more popular in bars on the east coast. It even found its way into the martini, immediately changing the complexion of the cocktail. Originally a martini with dry vermouth was known as a Dry Martini, but the dry was dropped as dry vermouth became the go to aperitif for the cocktail. As the nation got closer and closer to Prohibition, the martini became drier and simpler, losing sweeteners and having the ratio of gin to vermouth drop. It eventually settled to a 3 to 5 parts gin to one part vermouth ratio.  In The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, author David Embury even went as far as to insist the perfect ration is seven part gin to one part vermouth. A dry martini indeed.

The Dry Martini

2 ½ oz. gin
½ oz. dry vermouth
2-3 dashes orange bitters

Pour all of the ingredients over ice into a glass. Stir for 20 seconds until the cocktail is chilled; strain the ingredients into a martini glass.  You may choose to add an olive or a twisted lemon peel for a garnish.

It was only called a Dry Martini at the time to distinguish it from its sweet vermouth based cousin. Time and other circumstances kept pulling the vermouth out of the cocktail.

Cocktails during Prohibition were not complicated at all. “Pour some liquor in a glass and drink” is a pretty accurate description of most drinks in the United States during this period. All of the great bartenders fled overseas and were creating new libations in Europe and the Caribbean. The ones still in the states were trying not to get caught serving cocktails, so ingredients like vermouth became novelties. Martinis became a little more than some chilled gin in a glass, and that is the way many people liked it. Even after Prohibition ended, the dryness of the martini stayed. Many luminaries of the time insisted the only way to drink a martini was to leave out the vermouth all together and just drink chilled gin in a martini glass. Maybe have a bottle of vermouth in the room or toast in the direction of France as you enjoyed your drink. This was also a time bartenders would use atomizers with vermouth or just wash the glass with vermouth to add a hint of the flavor, but not much of one. It was during this era that the dryness of the martini referred to a lack of vermouth as opposed to using different vermouth. This changed with the introduction of a new spirit to the American palate: vodka.

Leaving us Breathless

1953 Smirnoff Ad

A vintage 1953 Smirnoff ad. It even advocates the Vodka Martini.

Vodka is a relative newcomer to the U.S. cocktail menu. It arrived on the shores in the 1950’s, and became hugely popular with the “Leaves You Breathless” campaign used by Smirnoff. One of the advantages vodka had over gin was the fact that after a three martini lunch, you did not carry a piney smell around for the rest of the afternoon. Since the art of bartending was just still filtering back into the United States, most bartenders substituted gin with vodka in cocktails as experiments. One of those was the martini, which for some reason was then christened the Kangaroo.

The Kangaroo

2 oz. vodka
1 oz. dry vermouth
Garnish: Lemon Peel

Pour all of the ingredients over ice into a glass. Stir for 20 seconds until the cocktail is chilled; strain the ingredients into a martini glass. Twist the lemon peel over the cocktail then add to the drink.

Many bars today don’t even add the vermouth to a vodka martini. There is no other flavor to balance out the cocktail, so instead of overwhelming the vodka, they just leave it out. Vodka opened a door for other experimentation. Since it is odorless and flavorless, it is a blank canvas on which to work. This gave the men and women behind the bar more room to play with flavor and other ingredients, straining them into a martini glass, and called the concoction some form of martini. This led to a little darker era for the martini purists.

Appletinis, Chocolate Martinis, and Questionable Martini Creations

It could be argued that the Cosmopolitan, developed in the 1970’s but not reaching peak popularity until the 90’s, was the precursor to the flood of flavored martinis. It could also be argued the Cosmopolitan was the precursor to the flavored vodka boom, but that is a different article. Other cocktail historians point to the French Martini at Pravda in the late 1990’s as the flash point for flavored martinis.

Flavored martinis

So…this era happened…

French Martini

1 oz. vodka
1 oz. Chambord (any fine raspberry liqueur will do)
2 oz. pineapple juice

Pour the ingredients into a mixing tin over ice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds; strain into a martini glass.

This is a delicious cocktail, but is it a martini? Purists (myself included) would say no, that this is a delicious cocktail in a martini glass. A martini is gin (or vodka) and vermouth in a martini glass. The blank canvas expanded to include Lemon Drop Martinis, Appletinis, Cherry Cheesecake Martinis, Espresso Martinis, and all other manner of concoctions and variations. Menus became full of these cocktails, and for a while it was all the rage. Something in the bar community shifted in the early 2000’s, and classic cocktails fought their way back to the menu. This meant that the original martini, full of gin and vermouth and old world flavor, returned to menus as an option to the other martinis that were offered. You would be hard pressed to find a White Chocolate Martini in a craft cocktail bar these days. Though if you asked nicely, I am sure they would be able to make you one.

No matter how you enjoy your martini, June 19th, National Martini Day, is a perfect day to, as Mae West put it, “slip into a dry martini”. Plenty of vermouth or no vermouth, flavored or not, you have many options to explore in one day. Just pace yourself. There is still a whole weekend of martini drinking to get through, and you may want to have one with dad on Father’s Day. Cheers!

Bike the Arts: Exploring Downtown Dayton

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Since my car-less adventure way back in the day, I’ve always believed that one of the best ways to see our beautiful city is on a bike. With all the bike-love happening in Dayton these days – Link Dayton (bike share), recognition of our top ranking for the most off-street paved trails, the RiverScape bike hub, an increased number of bike lanes for commuting, our bronze ranking as a Bicycle-Friendly community and more – it’s no wonder that more cycle tours and races are popping up for community members of every interest level and ability to strap on that helmet and ride.

BikeArtsPostcardUpdate

On Saturday, June 20, there’s a fun, free and unique new addition to the cycling opportunities. Dayton Regional Green and Courteous Mass have teamed up to host Bike the Arts – Downtown Dayton. A total ride of just under 7 miles on a (mostly) flat surface – this event showcases both our bike-friendly environment and our talented arts community. Registration for the ride begins at 10:30 a.m. at RiverScape MetroPark; the ride goes from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00(ish) p.m.

An all-volunteer effort, born out of the Arts and Culture team from Dayton Regional Green and relying upon the experience from the cycling gurus at Courteous Mass, this ride is slow, smooth and filled cool visits to local arts spots.

Jane Black, co-chair of the DRG Livability pillar, is the lead docent on the tour. With oodles of experience as a both a professional artist, educator and administrator – Jane will share exciting insights and behind-the-scenes stories about the public art and spaces; she’ll introduce you to great pieces of art in plain view that you’ll see in a whole new way. Riders will also hear from staff at Dayton Art Institute and K12 Gallery, as well as artists/performers Bing Davis, Suzy Richardt, Ryan McCullough and Justin Howard. How’s it work? Ride a bit, meet an artist, ride again, see a performance, back on the bike to visit a gallery, and keep on going as you enjoy exploring your city!

The ride is escorted by Dayton Police Officer Jeff Brown for everyone’s safety and comfort (this is an on-street ride, we’ll follow all traffic rules). Helmets are recommended.

Bonus! The first 30 registrants receive a FREE 24-hour membership to try Link Dayton, and the first 50 registrants receive a FREE Take Back the Tap water bottle from the City of Dayton. Plus, snacks and water will be provided. Don’t miss your chance to bid to win a beautiful piece of art created by Suzy Richardt in honor of the ride.

No bike? No problem! You can rent one from Five Rivers MetroParks or try Link Dayton (multiple Link Stations are along the route, so you’ll be able to check-in as needed).

This program is part of a larger initiative of Dayton Regional Green. While many of the action teams are working closely with municipalities, organizations and corporations – the Arts and Culture team is working to provide fun and easy ways for individuals to learn more about multi-modal transportation, energy savings and personal steps to environmental sustainability.

Five For Drinking – Gin Edition for World Gin Day!

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Juniper Berries

The common juniper berry, the berry that gives gin its flavor.

Gin has been around for a very, very long time. There are stories that date it back to the times of the Black Plague, where people would sip on juniper-flavored spirits to stop the spread of the foul disease. It was the Italians that initially started adding herbs, including juniper, to base spirits. The Dutch perfected the flavor, balancing the juniper with other herbs to create liquor known as genever, which is where gin earned its name. It was not until the British put their hands on it that is became the spirit we all know and love today. June 13th is the seventh World Gin Day, recognizing of the global popularity of this herbal liquor.

Gin, like tequila, is a flavor that people either love or hate. Bartenders and Britons through the ages have loved it, because of the powerful flavors it adds to any cocktail. When William III (or William the Orange if you like) ascended to the British throne in 1688, he brought gin with him for the British people. The British then brought it to the rest of the world through their empire.  When they started to explore more tropical climates, they discovered more than just new people and lands. They found malaria. They also discovered that an element in cinchona bark, quinine, helped stave off the disease. Cinchona bark is incredibly bitter on its own, so the Brits tipped a little gin into the tonic they were given, added the lime they always had on had (scurvy, you know), and created the cocktail they are best known for, the gin and tonic.

Hendrick's Gin and Tea Cup

Care for a spot of gin?

Bartenders also fell in love with gin due to the fact it was readily available and offered a unique flavor. Many modern cocktails began with a gin base, and eventually evolved as palates changed and other liquors became popular. The martini glass, and the cocktail it holds, is the default icon for cocktails and drinking establishments. Vodka martinis are more popular in this day and age, but the three martini lunch was a gin based affair. Because of this affinity bartenders have with gin, and the fact we may be in another Golden Age of bartending, the spirit has evolved. Craft distillers have played with the flavors, reviving older styles of gin like Old Tom and adding other elements to it like barrel aging. If you are someone who has not tried gin in a long time, here are five classic recipes for you to explore:

Tom Collins

2 oz. Old Tom gin
1 oz. lemon juice
1 oz. simple syrup
Club soda
Garnish: Lemon wedge

Pour the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake vigorously, and strain over ice into a tall glass. Top off with club soda and add the lemon wedge.

The Tom Collins is one of many cocktails mention by Jerry Thomas in his 1877 book “How to Mix Drinks: The Bon Vivant’s Companion”.  It was one of many other Collins drinks that he mentioned, all of them containing a base spirit, lemon juice and simple syrup. It is whispered that this cocktail is based off a punch created by a gentleman named John Collins, a server at Lattimer’s Old House in London. Like many other cocktail origin stories, that may or may not be true.

Sean Connery James Bond

Of course he made his own cocktail. What can’t he do?

Vesper

3 oz. Gordons Dry gin
1 oz. vodka (Belle of Dayton or Buckeye would be lovely)
½ oz. Lillet
Garnish: Lemon Peel

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Twist the lemon peel over the cocktail, then drop into the drink.

Ian Fleming created this cocktail for his hero, James Bond, to sip on in Casino Royale. It is named after the female agent Bond was sharing it with at the time. Gordon’s is what is mentioned in the text of the book, but any London gin will work. Over the years the cocktail evolved into a martini, and now into Heineken. How the mighty have fallen…

Negroni

1 oz. gin
1 oz. orange liqueur
1 oz. Campari
Garnish: Orange Peel

Pour the ingredients into a short glass over ice and stir. Twist the orange peel over the cocktail then drop into the drink.

The Negroni has been growing in popularity over the years, as evidenced by Negroni Week, a celebration of the cocktail and all of its varieties. After a long day doing whatever Italian counts do, Count Camillo Negroni went to his favorite bar, Caffé Casoni, and asked the bartender substitute gin for the club soda in an Americano. It became an instant hit, and spread quickly through Europe.

Classic Martini

2 oz. gin
½ oz. dry vermouth
Orange Bitters (optional)
Garnish: Lemon Peel

Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass over ice. Stir for 10 seconds or 30 turns of the spoon. Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. Twist the lemon peel over the drink, then drop peel in.

There are hundreds of ways to make even the classic gin martini. You can garnish it with olives or twists, change the proportions by adding more gin or removing some of the vermouth, or leave the vermouth out altogether. Winston Churchill once said that the only way to make a martini was to chill the gin, pour it into a cold cocktail glass, and bow in the direction of France. Some will make the martini “wet”, which is equal parts gin and vermouth. Yours should fall somewhere in between.

Aviation Cocktail

This is Dayton. Of course aviation was going to be mentioned.

Aviation

2 oz. gin
½ oz. Maraschino liqueur
¼ oz. Crème de Violette
¾ oz. Lemon Juice
Garnish: Maraschino cherry

Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry and enjoy.

This is a lovely cocktail. Nicely balanced with the sweet and savory elements in it, and the light purple-bluish hue makes it stand out in a bar. It was created just before Prohibition hit, then promptly lost as the country went dry and Crème de Violette disappeared. This purple, sweetly floral liqueur has reemerged because of the craft cocktail boom. The name came from its bluish color, celebrating the fact that flying was becoming quite the rage.

The liquors that may be unfamiliar to you can be found at Arrow Wine. They may only have a bottle or two of some like Crème de Violette, but they will have them. They have a wonderful selection of gin as well. Ransom is a fabulous Old Tom Gin, and there are many other great newcomers on the scene like Hendrick’s, Death’s Door, Aviation, Plymouth, and Watershed Gin. And as a secret sixth cocktail, if you want to substitute champagne for the soda water in the Tom Collins, you will have a French 75 (named after the World War I gun that provided quite a kick).  Or you can just grab a bottle of tonic water, a few limes, and enjoy a simple gin and tonic on World Gin Day. Cheers!

 

WOMAN IN GOLD Opens Friday at THE NEON!

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woman_in_gold_ver3_xlgHello Everyone,

If you still need to see THE WRECKING CREW, IT FOLLOWS or WILD TALES, you’re in luck. We’re going to hold them for one more week (April 16 will be the last day for all three films). In addition, on Friday, we will open a film many of you have been anxious to see – WOMAN IN GOLD. For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for WOMAN IN GOLD: “Sixty years after she fled Vienna during World War II, an elderly Jewish woman, Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), starts her journey to retrieve family possessions seized by the Nazis, among them Klimt’s famous painting ‘The Lady in Gold.’ Together with her inexperienced but plucky young lawyer Randy Schoenberg (Ryan Reynolds), she embarks upon a major battle which takes them all the way to the heart of the Austrian establishment and the U.S. Supreme Court, and forces her to confront difficult truths about the past along the way.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

LUNAFEST returns this Sunday! “Established in 2000, LUNAFEST connects women, their stories and their causes through film. This traveling film festival spotlights the work of a diverse array of talented women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes. 100 percent of all net proceeds are donated to charity. LUNAFEST’s main beneficiary, the Breast Cancer Fund, is dedicated to eliminating the environmental causes of breast cancer. Through education, policy initiatives and other innovative campaigns, the Breast Cancer Fund mobilizes the public to help stop this devastating epidemic affecting 1 in 8 women.” In addition to the traveling line-up, this special screening will include the short film ESTRAGON’S BOOT by local filmmaker Rani Deighe Crowe. LUNAFEST will be held on Sunday, April 12 at 3:00. Tickets (now available at THE NEON) are $5 for students with valid IDs and $10 for general admission. Dayton’s Lunafest is sponsored by The Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance – a feminist organization whose members work to promote and protect the rights of women of all classes, races and cultures. Money raised from this screening will additionally benefit Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio. Click this LINK to find out more about this year’s films.

“On Sunday, April 19 at 3:00, join The Dayton International Peace Museum at THE NEON for an upbeat rally to inspire, inform and prepare Team Captains for their essential role in the upcoming May 2 Peace Heroes Walk at RiverScape MetroPark. Featured speaker will be Captain Paul Chappell, author, educator and Peace Leadership Director at the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. Featured musical entertainment will be Michael and Sandy Bashaw. Artists/musicians Michael and Sandy Bashaw are based in Dayton, Ohio. Michael is a musician, visual artist, and educator. For over 25 years, he has conducted residencies and workshops in hundreds of schools. Sandy began her musical career as a folksinger and recording artist for the Vanguard Recording Society. Both are BMI-affiliated, Emmy-nominated composers. More information about the walk at: PeaceHeroesWalk.org This event is sponsored by the Dayton International Peace Museum and NCCJ of Greater Dayton. It is open to anyone interested in helping organize a team for this year’s Walk.” (taken from The Dayton International Peace Museum press notes)

THE DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL has grown considerably over the years, and the line-up is always terrific. The following are films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sun, April 26 at 3:10 – 70 HESTER STREET & THE STURGEON QUEENS
Sun, April 26 at 5:00 – ZAYTOUN
Tue, April 28 at 10am – THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER
Tue, April 28 at 7:15 – 24 DAYS
Wed, May 6 at 7:15 – DANCING IN JAFFA
Tue, May 12 at 7:15 – FOR A WOMAN
Thu, May 14 at 7:15 – RUN BOY RUN

Visit The Jewish Community Center’s Event Page by clicking this LINK. The official website will include all local screenings and events…and it will be up and running soon!

Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition is brining a special screening of GROWING CITIES to town. “Growing Cities is a film about urban farming in America. At a time when so much negative attention is paid to the food system – from mad cows to factory farms – this film tells the inspiring stories of city-dwellers who are transforming their communities one vacant lot, backyard beehive, and rooftop farm at a time. Join the filmmakers on a cross-county road trip, along the way these growers show that the urban farming movement is about a whole lot more than simply food and that everyone can take part in creating a healthier, more just, and sustainable food system.” This film will screen on Saturday, May 2 at 3:00. Tickets are free, but reservations must be made by call or emailing Emily Bradford at (937)225-6470 or [email protected]

In the next couple weeks, we plan to really keep moving with our traditional engagements. On April 17, we will open TRUE STORY – starring Jonah Hill and James Franco. On April 24, we will open one of my favorite comedies of the past few years – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG.

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, April 10 – Thursday, April 16:

WOMAN IN GOLD (PG-13) 1 Hr 49 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:55, 5:15, 7:40

WILD TALES (R) 2 Hr 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

THE WRECKING CREW (PG) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:50, 7:20
Sunday: 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00

IT FOLLOWS (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday & Saturday: 5:10, 9:30
Sunday: 5:20
Monday – Thursday: 7:50

LUNAFEST w/ ESTRAGONS BOOT (NR) 2 Hrs
Sunday: 3:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
April 17 – TRUE STORY
April 24 – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG
TBD – RED ARMY
TBD – MERCHANTS OF DOUBT
TBD – GREY GARDENS
TBD – ’71
May 22 – FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

A Lighthearted Look At The Heart Of Dayton Love

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Calm down. Seriously. Before you create another twitter account, just calm down.

 

“But Dayton is awesome and I want the world to know!!!!!!!!!!”i_love_dayton_ohio_postcard-r8f30bb3fcea74d3c81c8d412d3a5d9c2_vgbaq_8byvr_324

Yes, indeed it is, and other people feel that way, too.

 

“But I have the best idea ever, EVER for a totally unique to Dayton hashtag that is about to change the landscape and economic development of our entire region!!!!”.

Nah. That’s not how this works. That’s not how any of this works.

 

“But I am a super special with a unique perspective on our area that no one has ever thought of before. Have you tried talking positively about Dayton?? Gamechanger”.

Take a seat.  Grab a beverage. Then take notes.

 

“Dude, I really like this area and like to take pictures and / or string words together so maybe I should talk about Dayton”.

Come on in, the water’s fine. Snap, talk, and write until your heart is content. But for the love of all things holy, talk to some people before you try to reinvent the wheel.

 dayton_rocks_sticker-r44b7c3fea4b745a7b9524d67753141e1_v9waf_8byvr_324

“I need to boost my resume and look like I’m making a difference”. It’s cool, there’s room for you and your self-promotion. Just jump on in beside the people already doing the work for the good of the big picture – not just a 6 month project. There are ideas that need a face, need someone with the rockstar mentality, and need someone tenacious enough to be out there waving the flag of (insert cause here). Ask around. There is a 97.9% chance someone is waiting for a “you” for a project that may already be under way.

 

Well, now what?

I promise, I am not trying to rain on your parade. Or parades. Because there seem to be 746 parades marching to their own band right now. Let’s get the drum majors at least on the same beat. At the very least some semblance of a similar tempo. Keep reading to see where you might fit in here.

 

“I want to promote events in Dayton / get more exposure for the events I care about / the ones at my business / the ones at non-profits I like / fundraisers I -1want to organize / parties I want to throw.”

Dang it, we love you. Help spread the word, you are awesome. First stop, enter your event on the mostmetro.com event calendar. It’s free. It’s easy. The entire website was created for exactly this purpose. There is so much happening in the Miami Valley. SO.MUCH. This was created as one stop shopping for all events. All sorts of organizations around the area use it as their official calendar. It is referenced by the organizers of the largest events in the area to try to plan around each other. Other websites pull content from the calendar for their stories sometimes, or even to update their own calendars. It’s alllll good. Most Metro knows it, other websites know it, it’s cool and what it was built for. Not being self promoting here, I realize you’re reading this ON Most Metro. Sure, there are gobs of other great things on the site, but the calendar is what it’s all about. It was built for you, and you, and you and even that guy over there to use for this purpose. It was built because as soon as Wilbur & Orville landed their plane, this community realized a need for a big ol’ magic calendar such as this. Ok, not *that* long ago. But about 8 or 9 years ago DMM answered the call of community members and UpDayton attendees and this baby was born. So use the calendar.

 

n36945691737_5629“I am the voice of a generation. I must use my powers for good.”

Being the voice of a generation is a pretty kickass responsibility. Building & maintaining a website takes the one thing many of us are lacking – time. Consistently putting out fresh content ain’t for the faint of heart. There are several outlets that will be happy to publish your content. It’s a win win. You get to run your big ideas up the flagpole and see if you have what it takes for your movement. You also get the benefit of not carrying that weight by yourself. Obviously, Most Metro is one of them, I’m saying that because here we are. But if you don’t think this is a good fit for you, shoot us an email, we’re happy to point you in the right direction. Yeah, seriously. Another site talking Dayton isn’t competition, just different, and we’re happy to connect you to the best megaphone for your awesome ideas.

 

“Someone else has a similar idea to my awesome idea, but they are a big jerkface and I don’t want to work with them”.$_35

Been there, done that. The beauty of Dayton is there are a lot of enthusiastic people trying hard to make a difference. These people come in all shapes, sizes, colors, styles, ages, genders, affiliations, cliques, you name it, we’ve got it. The best part? They are all probably more connected than you think and definitely more than willing to help get you connected. Just ask. If you don’t know who to ask, holla in the inbox. If you don’t want to work with so and so, you don’t have to. It’s 7 degrees of Kevin Bacon around here. We’ll get you connected.

 

“I have created this amazing business / attraction / activity and people should flock here to see it in person”.

Start with the CVB. What the heck is a CVB? Dayton Convention and Visitors Bureau. They reach out to people all around the country to attract people here to our city. You know how you want to tell your friends about Dayton? They do that…but everywhere. Do you know what visitors bring when they come to Dayton? Money that stays in Dayton.

n46609968049_2919

 

So why is this bloggy article happening? For a hot minute Dayton was in that angsty, emo, “I don’t like myself” mode. We’re coming out of that now and it is in large part to an endless well of good feelings, some hope and the willingness to get out there. We are coming to an interesting point in our resurgence. We want to make it easy for people who aren’t already in the know to find the good stuff happening in the 937. When there is a different hashtag for every little thing, it makes it hard for people to get to the nitty gritty of what we have to offer. Do you know how many people search for #DaytonGoingUpOnATuesday or #DaytonCanadianGeeseHuntersClub or #937islikeheaven, etc. The person who made it and 3 of their friends. Let’s work on simplifying things a little bit. Let’s bring people into the mix before we confuse them. Let’s be accessible and open, rather than like a secret rave with a password. (Do people still have raves? I may have watched too many Stefon SNL sketches). This area is known for its innovation. so let’s innovate strategic ways to collaborate.

 

It’s Spring, literally and figuratively. We’ve got the UpDayton Summit coming up in April, a time when our city is revived with a new batch of ideas. It’s also almost patio weather. Let’s be honest, there’s something about sitting on a patio in warm weather with some good wine or Bad Juans that makes people get creative. Let’s give these ideas the best chance possible to get off the ground. Part of that means not starting from scratch where it’s not needed. Tap into the resources with an audience. If everyone is re-inventing the wheel, we’re all just rolling around with no where to go unless we find a hill to roll down somewhere. No one wants that.

 

Before you pay godaddy $12.99 a year, before you try to come up with another way to use some iteration of Dayton DYT D8N in a twitter handle, before you take a big bite out of a bigger project, research what we have and use these to your advantage.

 

Here’s a cheat sheet:dayton-patented-original-lo

 

  • An event is coming up or you want to write your view on Dayton- mostmetro.com
  • One of the above, but it involves food or alcohol – DaytonDining (part of mostmetro.com)
  • You’re starting a new business – daytonbusinessjournal.com
  • Something just happened that needs a news crew- whio.com / wdtn.com / wkef.com
  • Something is happening that needs more in depth coverage or some investigating- daytondailynews.com
  • You want to highlight a day in the life of a person or business- @daytonbaton
  • Does anything look cool in Dayton? – @daytongram
  • There is something cool IN Dayton that might attract people from OUTSIDE of Dayton to come here – daytoncvb.com
  •  Is there a place, a person or a story that mystifies or intrigues you? Submit a question to WYSO Curious

 

 

The Bourbon and The Chainsaw: Jackyl Brings Their Own Party

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Richfield Coliseum

The home of great sports and great rock.

When I was younger, one of the first concerts I went to was a sold out show at the Richfield Coliseum on the Aerosmith “Get A Grip” Tour. The Coliseum was an amazing venue south of Cleveland, seeing many great musical acts come through there and hosting some incredible sports teams. It was the home of the Cavaliers for three decades (and the home of Larry Bird’s final game), and where every major band that came to Cleveland played. Thus the rock legends from Boston touched down there, bringing another, lesser known band to open for them. Jackyl was entertaining to watch and blended in well with the rock that was going to be the main course for the day. Their big hook was one of their songs, called “The Lumberjack”. Their front man, Jesse James Dupree, played a chainsaw on stage as part of the song. It was an interesting way to kick off the show, but not as interesting as you can kick it off now. Dupree has been fronting Jackyl since the late 1980’s. That is a lot of bars played at, and a lot of beer and whiskey sold. And by his reckoning, he has been “personally been responsible for millions of gallons of beer and whiskey that have been consumed over the years.” He rectified the beer part of that equation, releasing Jesse James America’s Outlaw Beer around 2008 and may still be available in Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota. A few years ago, American Outlaw Bourbon hit the scene, taking care of the whiskey.

Being from the South, Mr. Dupree knows something about whiskey. Jesse James Spirits was launched in 2010, the same year of Jackyl’s studio release When Moonshine and Dynamite Collide.  It brought the American Outlaw Beer under a solid home, and allowed the release of The Original Jesse James American Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey into the world. Distilled in Kentucky and rested in charred oak for three years, it is an uncommon find when you are roaming the liquor stores of Ohio, or many other places in the United States. Lest you think that Dupree went into this as a lark, American Outlaw won a Bronze Medal, along with Four Roses Yellow Label, at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. He has also planned some expansion into Trimble, Tennessee, butting heads with the state over being able to create a product labelled as Tennessee Whiskey. Jack Daniels has a lock on that title, and on the process, that it requires to be called a Tennessee Whiskey. He

Pick up a good bottle of hard-to-find bourbon!

Pick up a good bottle of hard-to-find bourbon!

was one of many voices that argued that the requirements listed in the law were the process Jack Daniels’s used to make their whiskey, and shuts out the small distillers like his.

If you are either a bourbon or Jackyl enthusiast, today is (somewhat) your lucky day! The lucky bit is that Jesse James Dupree will be selling, and signing, bottles of his American Outlaw Bourbon and Michael Balard’s Full Throttle S’Loonshine at Manor Wine and Liquor on Airway Road. The unlucky part of it is that his second stop of the evening, Oddbody’s Music Room, where Jackyl will be performing with Transylvania Hellhounds and Four Star Revival at 7 PM, is sold out.

A good deal of time has passed since that concert in 1993. The Coliseum is now a field in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Jackyl is no longer a little known opening act. They have become a powerful force in the rock world, with a new opening act they are looking to introduce to a broader audience. From what we have seen and heard about it, and with the continuing growth of the craft bourbon and whiskey scene, we may be seeing American Outlaw Bourbon eventually making a big name for itself. Cheers!

Everyone Loves That New Car Smell: The Dayton Auto Show 2015

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IMG_2583

The Fiat 500 Family

Walking in the showroom of the 2015 Dayton Auto Show, vehicles of every color, contour, make, model and style greet your eye. From American made to European imports, there is a vehicle for everyone at this year’s Dayton Auto Show.

Vehicles were arranged by manufacturer and dealer, with counters offering informative literature and spokespeople willing to share the latest and greatest about the newest models. The smell of car polish and new rubber are a pleasant and welcome aroma, enticing the viewer to step closer and peer into each of the gleaming cars, trucks, vans, coupes, hot hatchbacks, SUVs and sedans. Dealers are showcasing new products are reintroducing models that have been improved over the years.

The overall feeling is one of too much eye candy initially, then as you move through the showroom and stop to view each vehicle, it settles down and the excitement builds as you move from vehicle to vehicle.

IMG_2581

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

Bryan Vanover of Voss Cadillac offered his views on why Cadillac decided to deliver a fresh, new look for their booth this year: “Well, I think they did because they know the Dayton market is a strong market for Cadillac. You know the two stores that are here locally are strong stores, you know, they support Cadillac very well and they, I think, looked at it and said we need to be back in Dayton.”

When asked what new and exciting products viewers should look out for this year from Cadillac, Bryan stated: “Well, with Cadillac, a lot of the exciting things we have the new 2015 Escalade, all new, redesigned. We have two other models, the 2014 and 15 CTS, that was Motor Trend Car of the Year and our ATS was 2013 North American Car of the Year. So we have a lot of exciting product, we have a new ATS coupe that’s out that we’re excited about, so, like I said, a good time to be with Cadillac.”

 

The New and Improved GMC Canyon

The New and Improved GMC Canyon

Al Verscheure from Productions Plus, a subcontractor of General Motors, was asked what was his role here at the 2015 Dayton Auto Show. He commented that his role is “to inform people of the new products, typically as a display lead I’ll come in a day before and we’ll help do the car placements, set ups, fuses, things of that nature.”

When asked what is new for General Motors Al stated that “Probably this time around the main thing that we would be probably focusing on would be the Canyon, it’s the newest to our mix. It comes out this year, it took a two year hiatus while they moved the plant to Wentzville, and now it’s just coming back, completely redone from the ground up, so essentially it’s not the same truck that it used to be.”

New tech is always appreciated and the 2014 BMW i3 does not disappoint. Fully electric, it offers powerful performance with perfected handling. Panoramic views bring the outside in, which makes this sustainable vehicle a guilt-free, fun to drive experience.

2014 BMW i3

2014 BMW i3

 

From the car enthusiasts who loves to talk shop to the new learners who can appreciate the total package, there is something for everyone at the 2015 Dayton Auto Show. Contests and vendors add to the total package. The 2015 Dayton Auto Show will be running this weekend, Thursday, February 19th from noon to 9:00 pm, Friday, February 20th from noon to 9:00 pm, Saturday, February 21st from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday, February 22nd from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Dayton Convention Center located at 22 East Fifth Street Dayton, Ohio 45402.

 

Tickets are $8 for adults, or buy online for just $6. Children 9 and under are free with a paid adult. SpongeBob will be wandering around the show ready to say hi and take pictures with all the young auto show goers.Come out and enjoy window shopping for your next dream vehicle.

From Stratocaster to Stratosphere – Noah Wotherspoon Takes Big Win At 2015 International Blues Challenge!

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Noah Wotherspoon band with Rob Thaxton on bass and Brian Aylor on drums

Noah Wotherspoon band with Rob Thaxton on bass and Brian Aylor on drums

Custom Gibson 335 Albert King Blues Guitar

Custom Gibson 335 Albert King Blues Guitar

The legendary Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee was the scene of an international showdown. For four days in January, (20-24), 250 blues acts from around the world came to compete at the 31st. Annual International Blues Challenge. Daytonian Noah Wotherspoon took top prize, the coveted “Albert King Guitar Award” for best guitarist and placing 2nd. in the band category. To recap, best international blues guitarist, 2nd. best international blues band. That’s “international”, as in, “the world.” He confesses that late night “did that happen?” texts to his mother help to wrap his mind around the experience.

This trip to Beale Street was not the first. Representing the Dayton Blues Society, Noah and his 2 man crew of Rob Thaxton on bass and Brian Ayler on drums, were accepted into the challenge in 2012, 2013 & 2014. As in past years, Dayton and Cincinnati were well represented with area favorites such as Doug Hart. In three days, Performers passing each round of quarter and semi-finals end up on the Orpheum stage for the final showdown. Noah remarked on the ever-present spirit of Elvis inside the Orpheum, a venue where a teenaged Elvis Presely held a job as an usher. Just working on that stage is a prize that many artists dream of.

The take home prize for the “Albert King Guitar Award” included cash for travel reimbursements, billing on prominent blues fest venues, a “Category 5” Amp and the custom Gibson 335 Albert King guitar.

It’s a long way to Beale Street, just ask Dayton native Noah Wotherspoon. A child prodigy, Noah spent much of his teen years sharing the stage with every major blues great you can name. He also spent many years on Dayton stages such as Gillys Bar and Jazz club with his band “Noah and the Stratocasters.”

Noah Wotherspoon, 16 years old

Noah Wotherspoon, 16 years old

Many interviews are archived with a 14 year old Noah. At the time, most questions centered around what it was like to share the stage with legendary blues artists around the world, then come home to play venues that required him to be accompanied by a parent. Even now in his early 30’s, his youthful appearance and humble demeanor add to the shock value for those who are new to the Wotherspoon guitar wizardry. Noah recalled one of his favorite stories of being 16 years old with shoulder length blonde hair and commonly being mistaken for a cute girl. Being blessed with a sense of humor, he shared some of his favorite incidents with me. One such story involved a blues hero of his, Bobby “Blue” Bland. Before taking his turn on the stage, Noah was up front in the crowd, admiring Bland’s set. As any performer might react to a young attractive fan, he was singled out for a very special serenade of “Little Red Hot Mama” from the stage. The audience of blues fans familiar with Noah’s work felt they should inform Mr. Bland of his faux pas by collectively yelling “HE’S A DUDE!” Now, many years later, this is a “family” joke between Noah and one of his closest friends Rodd Bland, the son of Bobby who played drums for many years in the band. Bland and Wotherspoon’s bond deepened over the last couple of years when the two lost their fathers within a short time frame.

Tonight, (Tues. 2/3), you can hear Noah recount the experience of the International Blues Challenge, growing up on the stage, and more as he joins Gene Charles during “Blues Corner” on WSWO Oldies 97.3FM and streaming at . Tune in from 7pm-9pm Eastern.

On Thursday, (2/5), from 9am to noon, he will be talking about the Cincinnati Blues Society Winter Blues Fest on WNKU.org.

Keep tabs on Noah, his bands and his side projects, such as “Nowhere Bear” custom guitar straps,
here:

Here is a brief excerpt from an interview Tony Peters of WSWO Oldies 97.3 did with a 14 year old Noah:

Welcome to The Collaboratory!

By

The Collaboratory Logo

Cities are amazing things. Their growth during the 17th and 18th centuries helped lay the foundation for some of the largest leaps in thought in that era, and have continued to be a source of innovation ever since. A conversation in one of the booming coffee houses in 17th century London lead to the writing of Newton’s Principia; another chat lead to the creation of Lloyd’s of London, the world’s first insurance agency. The Industrial Revolution grew slowly within cities, drawing people in with opportunities for economic growth. The density of people in urban centers helped to spread ideas by developing a fertile environment for it. The more seeds of ideas that are planted in one area, the better the chances those thoughts will bump into each other and spawn completely new, innovative thoughts. The internet may have us more connected to more resources than ever before, but there is still something special about meeting people face to face. Adding a personality and a voice to all those interesting Facebook posts and LinkedIn updates. That is where The Collaboratory, a new place for people to connect, share, and develop, comes in.

The Collaboratory is located at Courthouse Square, the hub of downtown Dayton, and provides a space for everyone to use. There is a wealth of talent in this area, and we are seeing it grow in leaps and bounds. It is being developed in homes and small offices through the city, people working long days on labors of love. The Collaboratory is a space for people who are looking for more tools, a change of scenery, and more access to expert advice on building a business. It is for entrepreneurs who are just starting out and looking for help and for established businesses needing a place to work on larger projects. Being downtown encourages a wider group of people to come and utilize the space, attracting politicians, students, non-profit experts, and civic leaders to interact and develop new ideas to enhance the Miami Valley. It is within walking distance to many resources, like the Metro Branch of the Dayton Public Library, Sinclair Community College, and Boston Stoker. Physically, it offers one of the largest white boards in the Miami Valley, as well as internet access, public and individual tables, and the ability to be reserved for morning and evening meetings. All of this access costs just $5 and a mention on social media!

The Collaboratory pricing

Connect and collaborate for the cost of a few beers. What could be better?

This venture has been spearheaded by Peter Benkendorf, someone who has believed strongly in this community since he moved here in 2008. He is head of Involvement Advocacy, a group dedicated to encouraging collaborative efforts and creating support systems for those seeking to build a better Dayton. By developing spaces and events that bring people together, better known as Collaborative Infrastructure, Involvement Advocacy is looking to put our city on the map with St. Louis, New York, and Oakland as leaders in innovation. Spaces like this foster interaction with thinkers in diverse industries, ones that may not otherwise have a chance to sit down at a table together. This is where new concepts are developed, ones that can add a fresh sparkle to the Gem City.

Cities are engines for developing new ideas, and Dayton has the talent and imagination to make its own future. The Collaboratory wants to collect that imagination and turn it into businesses, actions, and inspiration to go out and connect with members of your community. There are many places in Dayton you can go outside of your office to get some work done. There are few where you have all of the resources you need to assemble something new. This space will be open on Monday, January 18th from 10 AM to 4 PM. We look forward to seeing and reporting about all of the phenomenal new ideas to come out of The Collaboratory! What will you be heading downtown to build?

“The Twin Towers Climb”; or “How To Hang A Star In the Dayton Sky.”

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piv6St. Mary’s Star ( 2.0 )

This time last year, I wrote a piece about the holiday star that has been a part of the East Dayton skyline for nearly 60 years.

A Star In The East – A Dayton Tradition.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church is located on Xenia Avenue, in the neighborhood named after the churches “Twin Towers”.
Each year, on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, parish members go through the laborious task of suspending this holiday landmark between the two towers of the church. The tradition has been passed down through at least 3 generations of parish families.

 

There are no cranes or cherry pickers or specialized pieces of equipment used in this job. What may seem like an old fashioned way of doing things, it’s clear that this is more about the love and community of the St. Mary’s church family than a task. The process is treacherous and tedious but they have it down to a science. At the beginning of November, they start checking the star components and the equipment used in the job. Lights, wires and tools are checked and the staging process is finalized 2 weeks before. The morning of the job starts at 8:30 with a meeting in the basement for instructions, gearing up with tools, gloves and walkie-talkies. Of course, doughnuts and coffee are an important part of the process. The pieces are then assembled on tables on the sidewalk in front of the church and within 90 minutes, the ascent begins. Teams are divided by West Tower, East Tower, roof and ground. The ground team prepares the star and the guide wires to hold it in place as the teams in the towers are instructed via walkie-talkie to begin cranking the attached cables, in unison, raising the star evenly between the two. A team on the ground hold on to tails of rope on the bottom points of the star to keep it from swinging and hitting the church as it’s raised.

 
The men in the parish that created this production still participate with their sons and grandsons. One such patriarch of the St. Mary’s Parish is Mr. Vic Woeste. At 89 years old, he is still there, marveling at the sight of the ongoing tradition. His son, Jerry Woeste, joined the team when he was 16 and now serves as the project coordinator. Vic’s grandson, who just returned from a tour of duty, is part of the tower team. This is where it gets really interesting. The “tower team” is not for the faint of heart. The 150 year old building is a challenge to maneuver. Beyond nerves of steel, a tower team member must be more narrow than the numerous steep passages that lead to the domes of the towers. Once arriving in the dome of the tower, stamina is a must in order to crank the cables on the mounted hoists in the tiny space. The dome area of the towers is big enough for two people and the logistics of moving equipment while not falling through the hatch can be tricky.

 
Climbing the towers also provides the opportunity for “Pigeon Duty,” a task that requires a somewhat strong stomach and a few large trash bags. November temperatures can be uncomfortable and the dust is hard on the eyes, nose and mouth.

 

Having sketched this out, you can tell this tradition is a true labor of love that has stood the test of time.
For an insider view, we sent professional climber and owner of “Urban Krag,” Karl Williamson, to join the tower team. Photographer Jay Woessner equipped Karl with a GoPro helmet cam to capture the adventure. Leading Karl on the tower team is a third generation parish member of the Woeste family. In the embedded video, we show you an abbreviated 10 minute version of the nearly 2 hour effort in the towers. Prepare for sweaty palms and an elevated heart rate.

For some additional breathtaking views, we invited photographer Andy Snow to take some aerial footage with his DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus. Due to the cold and the electrical interference of the RTA trolly lines, the GPS required to navigate the device proved to be a challenge. We have two short test flight videos that where just too cool to stay on a disc drive. You can see that footage on YouTube by following the links at the end of this story.

 

St. Mary’s Church is located at 310 Allen St, Dayton, OH 45410

(937) 256-5633

Equally impressive is the massive nativity scene inside the church. This set takes months to build, (an approx. 120 man hours in a concentrated few weeks), and has been part of the St. Mary’s church tradition for generations. The annual nativity open house is held Dec. 26 & 27 6:00 – 8:00 pm and Sunday Dec. 28 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

For more information about the nativity and St. Mary’s Church, visit www.stmarysdayton.org

The video of the tower climb was a team effort.
Thank you to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church families, Karl Williamson of Urban Krag for making the climb; Jay Woessner for providing the GoPro camera, controlling it from the ground and managing the massive files created by that footage; Steve Ross, Executive Director of DATV for supporting me with some much disc space for editing; and Andy Snow for joining me in this vague experiment with much enthusiasm and an unmanned device that takes us where the birds live.
Thank you most of all to everyone at the church for blessing our city with this beautiful gift for generations.

Aerial test flight shots from Andy Snow, follow YouTube links below:

 

 

 

Best Picture Nominee THE IMITATION GAME Opens Thursday at THE NEON! WILD a Big Success!

By

The-Imitation-Game-Final-Poster-1Hello Everyone,

WILD was a big success over the weekend.  Many thanks to all of you who came down to support it at THE NEON.  It will be sticking around through the end of the year.

We’re pretty excited for what we hope will be our next big film – THE IMITATION GAME – opening this Thursday. This film about Alan Turing and the breaking of the Enigma Codes during WWII has been nominated for 5 Golden Globe Awards including “Best Picture.” (In addition to already winning the “Audience Choice Award” in Toronto, it has also garnered lots of recognition from critics this season.) Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley are sensational, and the screenplay is terrific. In addition, the story has an interesting connection to Dayton. Though there’s only a fleeting reference to NCR in the film, Dayton’s connection to Alan Turing (he actually visited Dayton in the early 40’s) and cracking codes during the war was pretty significant. (To find out more about this compelling connection, tune into WDTN for the news this evening (Monday, Dec. 22). Mark Allan will have a story about Dayton’s important role in helping to end WWII.)

If you still need to see THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING or THE HOMESMAN, Wednesday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. Remaining showtimes for this current week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for THE IMITATION GAME: “THE IMITATION GAME portrays the race against time by Alan Turing and his team of code-breakers at Britain’s top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the Second World War. The group of scholars, mathematicians, linguists, chess champions and intelligence officers had a powerful ally in Prime Minister Winston Churchill who authorized the provision of any resource they required. The film spans the key periods of Turing’s life: his unhappy teenage years at boarding school; the triumph of his secret wartime work on the revolutionary electro-mechanical bombe that was capable of breaking 3,000 Enigma-generated naval codes a day; and the tragedy of his post-war decline following his conviction for gross indecency, a criminal offense stemming from his admission of maintaining a homosexual relationship.” (Lucy Powell, Optimum Releasing) This film will almost certainly be nominated for “Best Picture” at this year’s Academy Awards. Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

KRW Cycles is hoping to bring another motorcycle-inspired film to town. “ON ANY SUNDAY: THE NEXT CHAPTER is an exploration into the pursuit of excitement, passion and life in the two-wheeled world of motorcycle riding. Experiences that are as relatable to a rider as a day with friends, others that explore human triumph and overcoming fear, and some which occur once in a lifetime. One moment of riding a motorcycle – On Any Sunday.Critically acclaimed director Dana Brown (“Step Into Liquid” and “Dust to Glory”) teams up with his father, Academy Award Nominee Bruce Brown (“The Endless Summer” and “On Any Sunday”) to journey deeper into the humanity, thrills and excitement of the global culture of motorcycle riding; those who are bonded by their passion for the race, the love of family and friendship, and on a deeper level – their quest for the thrill of the next ride.” This is a tugg event. The movie is scheduled to screen on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7:30. If not enough reservations are made by Jan. 2, the event will be cancelled. Visit this LINK to reserve your ticket.

Don’t forget that we sell gift certificates in $5 and $10 denominations at our box office. They make perfect holiday gifts for the film lovers in your life…or for people who have never experienced THE NEON. Diana also ordered some delicious 2-pack biscotti from Tastes of Nostalgia – they’d make a perfectly sweet pairing to our certificates.

Thank you for your continued support.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Thursday, Dec. 25 – Thursday, Jan.1:

THE IMITATION GAME (PG-13) 1 Hr 54 Min
Thursday (Dec. 25): 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Friday & Saturday (Dec. 26 & 27): 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday (Dec. 28): 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday (Dec. 29-Jan. 1): 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

WILD (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Thursday (Dec. 25): 2:45, 5:15, 7:45
Friday, Saturday (Dec. 26 & 27): 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday (Dec. 28): 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday (Dec. 29-Jan. 1): 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – MR. TURNER
TBD – STILL ALICE
TBD – OSCAR SHORTS
TBD – TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT
TBD – LEVIATHAN
TBD – WILD TALES
TBD – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

WILD – Starring Reese Witherspoon – Opens Friday + More About IMITATION GAME, TOMMY LEE JONES Yogananda & More

By

wild-reese-witherspoonHello Everyone,

We’re going to end the year at THE NEON with some very high profile films. On Friday, we will open WILD – the new film based on the #1 Bestseller by Cheryl Strayed. I saw this film in Toronto, and I immediately knew that Witherspoon would receive nominations galore for this role. She’s a shoe-in for an Oscar nomination! Next Thursday (Dec. 25), we will open THE IMITATION GAME – a film that was on the top of the list to see in Toronto. This is one that will undoubtedly get a “Best Picture” nomination. It’s a really terrific film, and I know Daytonians are going to love it!

If you still need to see THE HOMESMAN (starring Hilary Swank and Tommy Lee Jones – directed by Jones) or THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (do not miss Eddie Redmayne in this incredible performance), they will stick around until Wednesday, Dec. 24! And due to high demand, we are playing AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA two more times this weekend (Friday and Sunday only).

Remaining showtimes for this current week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for WILD: “After years of reckless behavior, a heroin addiction, and the destruction of her marriage, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) makes a rash decision. Haunted by memories of her mother Bobbi (Laura Dern) and with absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail all on her own.” (taken from Fox Searchlight) Reese Witherspoon is absolutely incredible in this film. WILD was directed by Jean-Marc Vallee – director of DALLAS BUYERS CLUB. Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

To read more about AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YODANANDA, click on this LINK.

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, only has one film left. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. The Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play this Saturday, December 20 at Noon. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present in order to claim free tickets.

KRW Cycles is attempting to bring another motorcycle-inspired film to town. “ON ANY SUNDAY: THE NEXT CHAPTER is an exploration into the pursuit of excitement, passion and life in the two-wheeled world of motorcycle riding. Experiences that are as relatable to a rider as a day with friends, others that explore human triumph and overcoming fear, and some which occur once in a lifetime. One moment of riding a motorcycle – On Any Sunday.Critically acclaimed director Dana Brown (“Step Into Liquid” and “Dust to Glory”) teams up with his father, Academy Award Nominee Bruce Brown (“The Endless Summer” and “On Any Sunday”) to journey deeper into the humanity, thrills and excitement of the global culture of motorcycle riding; those who are bonded by their passion for the race, the love of family and friendship, and on a deeper level – their quest for the thrill of the next ride.” This is a tugg event. The movie is scheduled to screen on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7:30. If not enough reservations are made by Jan. 2, the event will be cancelled. Visit this LINK to reserve your ticket.

Don’t forget that we sell gift certificates in $5 and $10 denominations at our box office. They make perfect holiday gifts for the film lovers in your life…or for people who have never experienced THE NEON. Diana also ordered some delicious 2-pack biscotti from Tastes of Nostalgia – they’d make a perfectly sweet pairing to our certificates.

Thank you for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 19 – Wednesday, Dec. 24:
Please note: These showtimes are only good until Wednesday!
A New Schedule (due to the holiday) Will Begin on Dec. 25!

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (PG-13) 2 Hr 3 Min
Friday & Saturday: 5:00, 9:55
Sunday: 5:00
Monday – Wednesday: 5:30
Final Day – Dec. 24!

THE HOMESMAN (R) 2 Hrs 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 7:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 8:00
Final Day – Dec. 24!

WILD (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

THE BISHOP’S WIFE (NR) 1 Hr 49 Min
Saturday: Noon

AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA (PG) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday & Sunday: 12:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – MR. TURNER
TBD – STILL ALICE
TBD – OSCAR SHORTS
TBD – TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT
TBD – LEVIATHAN
TBD – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL