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Free Program Promotes Pedal Power Downtown

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Volunteers ride the Yellow Bikes downtown.

Volunteers give some of the first yellow bikes off the assembly line a spin downtown during the May 6 First Friday.

Cycling culture in downtown Dayton is about to burn rubber with the roll out of the Yellow Bike program.

This free bike sharing program is the brainchild of Jeff Sorrell, vice president and executive director of the Life Enrichment Center, a faith-based nonprofit organization serving Dayton. The center’s new Yellow Bike program will provide brightly painted yellow bikes available free of charge for anyone to ride between downtown destinations. People simply grab a yellow bike, ride it to their destination and park it in a bike rack for the next person to use.

“The Yellow Bike program provides a free means of transportation and gives anyone access to bicycles to use at any time,” Sorrell said. “This program also promotes a healthy lifestyle and encourges people to get outside and be active.”

The Yellow Bike program will be officially launched during the Friday, May 13, Urban Nights, held from 5 to 10 p.m. throughout downtown. Riders can pick up one of 50 yellow bikes at Courthouse Square or whereever they see one parked throughout downtown. The Life Enrichment Center is seeking donations of helmets in all sizes, which can be dropped off at Courthouse Square during Urban Nights or at the center, 425 N. Findlay St.

The Yellow Bike program is part of a larger effort to enhance cycling culture in the City of Dayton, the only Ohio city to be selected as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists in its spring 2010 rankings. Dayton was awarded a bronze-level status for its efforts to help make the city more bicycle and pedestrian friendly through such efforts as the addition of bike lanes to downtown streets and the opening of the bike hub at RiverScape MetroPark.

“Enhancing downtown Dayton as a bike-friendly city is about more than recreation ― it’s about regional economic development,” said Dr. Michael Ervin, co-chair of the Downtown Dayton Partnership and the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan. “That’s because cities where it’s easy to have the kind of active lifestyle that’s integral to cycling culture are more attractive to residents, visitors and businesses. Strategies that make it even more convenient to have an active lifestyle downtown, such as the Yellow Bike program, increase urban vibrancy, improve quality of life and, in the long term, attract new jobs and investment.”

Andy Williamson of Five Rivers Outdoors shows off the first yellow bike at the April 15 Young Creatives Summit.

Andy Williamson of Five Rivers Outdoors shows off the first yellow bike at the April 15 Young Creatives Summit.

The Yellow Bike program also is supported by the City of Dayton’s Bike/Walk Committee, which is overseeing the work of the City of Dayton 2025 Bicycle Action Plan. The City is seeking public input on the plan through this summer.

“A simple, accessible, inexpensive and environmentally friendly form of transportation, the bicycle continues to be a pivotal part of the City of Dayton’s vision for an active citizenry, vibrant economy and engaging street life,” said Dayton City Commissioner Nan Whaley. “Individuals and businesses are choosing to locate in areas where alternative transportation options are both abundant and convenient. The Yellow Bike program does much to help achieve this.”

The Yellow Bike program is one of several at the Life Enrichment Center’s new Bike Shoppe, renovated by volunteers and made possible by a grant from the UPS Foundation and private donations. The yellow bikes are refurbished by Life Enrichment Center clients, teaching them new skills while providing a service to the community.

To help keep the bikes in the downtown area, the Life Enrichment Center has worked with the Dayton Police Department, scrap yards and pawn shops. Anyone who finds a yellow bike that needs repaired or is outside the downtown area is asked to call the Bike Shoppe at 937-252-7780 so it can be picked up, returned to the center, repaired if necessary and put back into circulation. All the yellow bikes also will have stickers with the center’s phone number. Riders are reminded to always wear a helmet and obey traffic laws.

Urban Nights: Proving Downtown Dayton Is Alive and Kicking

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It’s no marketing scheme: Urban Nights really is one of the best nights to be downtown.

Downtown Dayton’s biggest street party returns from 5 to 10 p.m. this Friday, May 13. More than 100 venues in downtown Dayton, the Oregon Arts District and Wright-Dunbar Business Village will host special events, offer discounts and open their doors for an insider’s look. A variety of performers will entertain crowds on stages throughout downtown, and roaming performers also will liven up the event.

Below are some highlights of the May 13 Urban Nights, but there’s more going on than can ever be featured in one article ― and nearly everything is free. Click here to download a map of participating venues and a complete performance schedule, including a listing of all participating locations’ events and specials, a schedule for all the stages, and parking deals. Follow Urban Nights on Facebook for regular updates and more information.

Urban Nights gives people a chance to get artsy. Second Street will become a huge canvas when students from Stivers School for the Arts’ painting department create a paint-by-numbers style template on the street. The public then will be able to help Stivers students complete the mural, located in front of the Schuster Performing Arts Center between Main and Ludlow streets. The Paint the Street mural is sponsored by KeyBank and will be created with environmentally friendly liquid chalk that washes away with rainfall.

Juggling duo The Dropbacks will toss and catch with the crowd during Urban Nights.

Juggling duo The Dropbacks will toss and catch with the crowd during Urban Nights.

Also on Second Street, visitors also can create a piece of whimsical public art using jelly beans and have their pictures taken in a free photo booth. At the popular Community Stage, located at the corner of Third and Jefferson streets, an eclectic mix of 10-minute performances will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., then anyone can take the mic for open karaoke from 7 to 10 p.m. The Dropbacks, a comedic juggling duo, will toss and catch with the crowd throughout Urban Nights locations. Other hands-on activities will be available at participating venues. For example, the Dayton Metro Library will offer arts-and-crafts activities for children and adults.

Art is the heart of Urban Nights, and all of downtown’s numerous galleries will host exhibit openings and an array of more unusual offerings, such as a 7 to 8:30 p.m. performance by the Dayton Mandolin Orchestra at the Dayton Visual Arts Center. Some Urban Nights newbies are the Dayton Art Institute, which will offer a mixed bag of activities ranging from guided tours of its current exhibition to eye makeovers; Real Art Design Group, featuring jousting with shopping carts as part of “Urban Knights at Urban Nights;” and Atta Girl Art and Gardens Complex, where artists will open their studios for the public to have a look-see. At K12 Gallery for Young People’s new TEJAS studio, art by Rebecca Sargent will be featured.

Vote for your fave Activated Spaces window display during Urban Nights.

Vote for your fave Activated Spaces window display during Urban Nights.

Art also happens in unusual places during Urban Nights. Activated Spaces has worked with local artists to display their work in previously vacant storefronts throughout downtown, and the public can vote for a People’s Choice award during Urban Nights. Practice Yoga will host live music by BJSR, the Dayton International Peace Museum will host an opening reception for an exhibit of Chinese brush painting, and artists will take over the Southern Belle’s second floor, where local crafters will sell their handmade wares. And the Blue Sky Project is hosting an exhibition of Mequitta Ahuja’s works on paper in the lobby of the KeyBank Tower and an exhibit of photography by Sa Schloff, as well as work by Blue Sky participants, in the former Roly Poly space on Courthouse Square. Several downtown housing options will be open for tours, and many of them will feature artists’ work, too.

Downtown retailers also get into the Urban Nights spirit. At Derailed: A Hair Salon, co-owner Austin Burkhart will try to break his record for giving free Mohawks, and Omega Music will host live music throughout the night. Pantorium Cleaners will host a party with special entertainment, and Valeria’s Beauty Center and Day Spa will offer special discounts to celebrate the launch of its new retail store, Bonito.

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to start the SCANvenger Hunt.

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to start the SCANvenger Hunt.

A fun way to get around Urban Nights is by playing Comtactics’ SCANvenger Hunt. Smart phone users are encouraged to visit participating businesses and search for two-dimensional QR codes. Players scan the codes, answer a trivia question about that business and are entered into drawings for giveaways.

A weekend-long event also will open during Urban Nights. The Dayton Circus Creative Collective will host its sixth annual multimedia arts event, Sideshow VI, at Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., and in the nearby Yellow Cab building, 700 E. Fourth St. This two-block arts experience will feature work by more than 32 artists and performances by 25 musical groups.

Urban Nights guests also will get a sneak peek of another weekend-long event, the FilmDayton Festival, held downtown May 20-22. Multidisciplinary artist and Springfield native Rod Hatfield has mixed a montage of silent films starring Lillian Gish, also a Springfield native. The Show will provide a live soundtrack to the projection on the east side of the Convention Center, which can be viewed from the Jefferson and Fifth street area.

In addition to the arts, cycling has become an important part of Urban Nights. The Life Enrichment Center will roll out its new Yellow Bike program, a free bike sharing program downtown, during Urban Nights. The center is providing brightly painted yellow bikes available free of charge for anyone to ride between downtown destinations. People simply grab a yellow bike, ride it to their

Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights meets at 5:30 p.m. in front of Fifth Third Field for a ride through the action.

Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights meets at 5:30 p.m. in front of Fifth Third Field for a ride through the action.

destination and park it in a bike rack for the next person to use. The center also is asking for donations of helmets in all sizes, which can be dropped off at Courthouse Square. In addition, Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights returns: Cyclists should bring their own bike and meet at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field at 5:30 p.m. for this ride through the Urban Nights action.

The best way to see as much as possible during Urban Nights is to walk, and many of the destinations are just a short distance from each other. Greater Dayton RTA also will provide free event trolleys to help visitors get around.

Urban Nights takes place rain or shine. The event is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Culture Works, Montgomery County and the City of Dayton, with additional support from WDTN-TV2, DP&L, Greater Dayton RTA, Budweiser Select, the Downtown Priority Board, Sinclair Community College, Clear Channel and Mix 107.7-FM, KeyBank, and the Ohio Arts Council.

Call 937-224-1518 or visit www.downtowndayton.org for more information.

Cannes Winner OF GODS AND MEN Now Playing!

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Hello Everyone.

New to THE NEON this weekend is a film that has won awards around the world. It has received a grade of 100% from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times and many more. Several of you have been asking about OF GODS AND MEN, and it’s finally coming to town. That said, it might not stick around too long…so please hurry down. In addition to the new film, we will hold JANE EYRE and WIN WIN for one more week.

Synopsis for OF GODS AND MEN: “Eight French Christian monks live in harmony with their Muslim brothers in a monastery perched in the mountains of North Africa in the 1990s. When a crew of foreign workers is massacred by an Islamic fundamentalist group, fear sweeps though the region. The army offers them protection, but the monks refuse. Should they leave? Despite the growing menace in their midst, they slowly realize that they have no choice but to stay… come what may. This film is loosely based on the life of the Cistercian monks of Tibhirine in Algeria, from 1993 until their kidnapping in 1996.” (taken from Sony Classics press notes)   Visit the OFFICIAL SITE.

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

“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) Tickets are now available on at THE NEON box office.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyv0JchtTpQ’]

The FilmDayton Festival is set for May 20-22. Their website is up and running with details about each film, each party, numerous special events and links for tickets. Check it out!

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 May 6 – May 12:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:45, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 7:30
Thursday: 2:45

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

OF GODS AND MEN (R) 2 Hrs 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:30, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
May 13 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 I AM
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
May 27 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 27 THE BEAVER
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
June 10 INCENDIES
June 17 MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
July 15 PAGE ONE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY
TBD BEGINNERS
TBD MEEK’S CUTOFF

Date Changes/Updates & More at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone.

We’re still going strong with our two exclusive films – WIN WIN and JANE EYRE. The response has been quite positive to both films, and it’s great that 2 such different movies are resonating so much with so many of you. To read a synopsis of each film, please visit our website.

As you already know, all dates on our upcoming calendar are tentative. Sometimes distributors change opening dates based on print availability or a change in release strategy, and sometimes we change dates based on our box office performance. Because our two current films are doing so well, we have to move OF GODS AND MEN back. Right now, it’s scheduled to open May 6….we’ll see if that’s possible next week.
On that same subject, the distributor of THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD just moved that opening date back two weeks (to May 27)…so our entire upcoming list is going to shift as a result. I’ll keep you posted.
And on yet another similar note, we have just added I AM – a film that many of you have requested – into our schedule…dated (tentatively) for May 13. Please help us spread the word.

“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) Click on the link 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 29 – May 5:

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

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

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
May 6 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 I AM
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
May 27 POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 27 THE BEAVER
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
June 10 INCENDIES
June 17 MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
July 15 PAGE ONE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY
TBD THE BEGINNERS
TBD MEEK’S CUTOFF

Blackbird

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Blackbird by David Harrower - Dayton Theatre Guild - April 22-24, 2011Blackbird

Dayton Theatre Guild

The Dayton Theatre Guild is set to present Blackbird by Scottish playwright David Harrower as a season extra offering, opening Friday evening.  The only opportunity to catch this intense psychological drama will be this weekend, April 22 – 24 at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape, 430 Wayne Avenue, in Dayton’s historic Oregon Arts District.

Blackbird by David Harrower - Dayton Theatre Guild - April 22-24, 2011

David Harrower

The bold award-winning play promises to be a thought-provoking, though potentially uncomfortable, evening for theatregoers.  The play was commissioned by the Edinburgh International Festival, where it received its world premiere in 2005.  In the years to follow, Blackbird was honored with a “Best New Play” award from both The Critics’ Award for Theatre in Scotland and The Lawrence Olivier Award.

Dramatists Play Service synopsizes the play as follows:

Two people who once had a passionate affair meet again fifteen years later. Ray is confronted with his past when Una arrives unannounced at his office. Guilt, rage and raw emotions run high as they recollect their relationship when she was twelve and he was forty. Without any moral judgments, the play never shies away from the brutal shattering truth of the abandoned and unconventional love. Ray, fifty-six, after years in prison and subsequent hardships, has a new identity and has made a new life for himself, thinking that he could no longer be found. Una, twenty-seven, has thought of nothing else, and on finding a photo of him, sets out to find Ray. She is looking for answers not vengeance. Nevertheless, the consequences are shattering.

While the sexual themes of the show, particularly the ages of the two involved, may be difficult for many to handle for a holiday weekend’s entertainment, the play’s history, reviews and the fervor with which the cast worked to bring it to a Dayton stage indicate that the provocative 70-minute drama is well worth an evening of your time.

“The gifted David Harrower’s intense BLACKBIRD promises to be the most powerful drama of the season…masterly, mesmerizing…extraordinary…a miracle.” ~NY Times

“…an intense psychodrama that won’t let your mind wander even though there are times this story makes you wish you could switch channels.” ~Curtain Up

The play, which unfolds in real-time, ruthlessly examines the complicated history and bond between a man and a woman as they struggle through a deep exploration into what happened and why it happened, and what it all means now.

Blackbird by David Harrower - Dayton Theatre Guild - April 22-24, 2011

Heather Atkinson (L) and K.L. Storer (R) in Blackbird

The cast includes Heather Atkinson, last seen at the Guild in The Cashier and K.L. Storer, who appeared in last season’s A Case of Libel.  The play is directed by Natasha Randall.

This play contains harshly explicit sexual language, mature themes and subject matter.

-SA/DTG Press Release

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

Dayton Theatre GuildDavid Harrower’s BLACKBIRD – April 22-24 – (8pm on Friday & Saturday / 3pm on Sunday)

Tickets Prices: $10 student / $15 senior / $17 adult

Location:  Dayton Theatre Guild at The Caryl D. Philip’s TheatreScape – 430 Wayne Ave. Dayton, Ohio  45410 (MAP)

Contains adult situations and language.

Tickets are on sale now through DTG’s Online Box Office, or via phone at (937) 278-5993 (due to a volunteer staff, phones are not monitored continually).

For more information about Dayton Theatre Guild’s entire 2010-2011 season, visit www.DaytonTheatreGuild.org

Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

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

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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

The 2 Hottest Indie Films of Spring Open Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

Our two current films have been much loved but sparsely attended. I’ve seen a handful of posts on Facebook urging people to see HEARTBEATS (one friend even went as far as saying it’s “one of the three best films I have ever seen at THE NEON”)…and audiences of THE CONCERT have expressed their affection for the film to all of THE NEON’s staff. That said, Thursday will be the last day to see these films. Hurry down if you still need to see them.

On Friday, we start the two hottest indie films of the season – WIN WIN and JANE EYRE. These films have proven themselves as critical successes, audience favorites and box office champs in numerous markets across the country. I’ve seen both films recently and really liked them both, and I’m certain that Daytonians will like them, too.

Synopsis for WIN WIN: “Disheartened attorney Mike Flaherty, who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, stumbles across a star athlete through some questionable business dealings while trying to support his family. Just as it looks like he will get a double payday, the boy’s mother shows up fresh from rehab and flat broke, threatening to derail everything.” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) OFFICIAL SITE
We’ll be giving away some fun WIN WIN materials on opening night at 7:30…and we’ll have a drawing for a WIN WIN sweatshirt throughout opening week.

Synopsis for JANE EYRE: “Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender star in the romantic drama based on Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel, from acclaimed director Cary Fukunaga. In the story, Jane Eyre flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. As she reflects upon the people and emotions that have defined her, it is clear that the isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester’s coldness – have sorely tested the young woman’s resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. She must now act decisively to secure her own future and come to terms with the past that haunts her – and the terrible secret that Mr. Rochester is hiding and that she has uncovered.” (Focus Features)  OFFICIAL SITE

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

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

Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON this Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home. Tickets for the first screening have already sold out…so a 2nd screening has been added for 5:15.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie. (Garchen Rinpoche will not attend the 5:15 screening.)
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release)

LUNAFEST: Short Films By, For, and About Women is set for this Sunday, April 17 at 3:00. This will be the 3rd year for LUNAFEST at THE NEON – sponsored by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance and American Association of University Women – and it’s been quite successful the past two years. In addition to the touring LUNAFEST showcase, this event will feature REFLECTIONS – a short film by Tessa Trozzolillo, a junior at Stivers School for the Arts. In lieu of a set price for tickets, organizers are requesting a minimum donation of $5 or $10 per person (with $3 per student). Money raised will go to benefit The Breast Cancer Fund and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41TvvKTCg1Q’]

Lastly, I’d like to thank some of our community partners. Once a week, I make a jaunt to Meadowlark to hang a poster for our upcoming/current attractions. While there, I almost always run into someone who is a NEON regular (if you’ve never eaten at Meadowlark, you should really try it out…I love it). I always hang posters at a couple Boston Stoker locations as well as The Ohio Coffee Company, and when we have a British film, Basically British is always receptive. Special thanks to these businesses for helping us spread the word about what’s happening at THE NEON.

We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 15 – April 21:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday: 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40
Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 7:15, 9:40
Sunday: 12:10, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40

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

FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS (NR) 100 Min + Q&A
Saturday: 3:00*, 5:15
(* already sold out)

LUNAFEST (NR)
Sunday: 3:00

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
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY

Permanent Collection

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Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons - Human Race Theatre Co. - April 15 - May 1 - Dayton, OH

Alan Bomar Jones and Scott McGowan

Permanent Collection

The Human Race Theatre Co.

An art museum may not be the first place you’d think of when it comes to workplaces with intense conflict, but in Thomas Gibbons’ Permanent Collection the Morris Foundation has as much head-butting as an NFL game. And unlike in an NFL game, the production by The Human Race Theatre, Dayton’s own professional theatre company, doesn’t provide the players with helmets and pads.

Eccentric collector Alfred Morris pretty much guarantees the collisions when his will stipulates both that his museum go to an historically black college and that the displays be kept precisely as they are – leading to an inevitable battle over African artworks that have been kept in basement storage.

Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons - Human Race Theatre Co. - April 15-May 1 - Dayton, OH

Alan Bomar Jones

The Morris Foundation is loosely based on the Barnes Foundation of Philadelphia, a real-life private museum with a real-life eccentric owner, Barnes is the subject of the film documentary The Art of the Steal, though the film and Permanent Collection cover entirely different aspects of the aftermath of the collector’s death.

Permanent Collection is directed by Dayton native and current New Yorker Schele Williams, who did a masterful job at the helm of Ethel Waters: His Eye Is On The Sparrow two years ago. It is part of the 2010-2011 Eichelberger Loft Season of The Human Race, which will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of its incorporation during the run.

An Evening at the Museum with More Drama Than Night at the Museum

The college which inherits the collection hires African-American businessman Sterling North as director. North is played by Human Race Resident Artist Alan Bomar Jones, most recently seen at The Loft in A Christmas Carol, who recently garnered rave reviews for the Columbus one-man-play as folk artist Ezra Pierce, Pierce to the Soul.

Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons - Human Race Theatre Co. - April 15-May 1 - Dayton, OH

Melissa Joyner and Scott McGowan

North’s discoveries lead to the battles with the museum #2, Paul Barrow, played by New York-based Scott McGowan, who has won awards for performances in Miss Saigon and Evita, so he knows about culture clashes. The two men draw in the office staff, played by New Yorkers Sharon Hope (who has done numerous Law & Order episodes, so she knows verbal fracases) and Melissa Joyner (whose many credits include a turn as a student in Carrie II, so she know about the results of anger), into the fray.

A reporter who gets interested in the story is played by Christine Brunner of Middletown, who was in Human Race productions of A Christmas Carol and has appeared in many other shows in the region, and who has been a hand model in commercials for both Charmin and Bounty, so she knows when people have made a mess of things.

The imaginative set – you have to be imaginative when depicting a few billion dollars’ worth of art – is by Tamara L. Honesty. Costumes are by Janet Powell, lighting by HRTC Resident Artist John Rensel, sound by Matthew P. Benjamin, with Heather Jackson as Production Stage Manager.

Among the participants in the While We’re On The Subject talkback after the April 24 matinee, to which audience members are invited, will be Dayton Art Institute Chief Curator Will South.

Production sponsors are Rob and Leesa Comparin, Richard and Marni Flagel, Tyree L. Fields, Larry S. Glickler – Bradford-Connelly and Glickler Funeral Homes, Jon and Diana Sebaly, Maryann and Jack Bernstein, Alan and Marsha Pippenger, and John and Tamara Clough.

-Human Race Theatre Co. Press Release

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

http://www.humanracetheatre.org/PERMANENT COLLECTION by Thomas Gibbons

April 15 – May 1 – various performance times (note…there will be an additional “preview night” performance on April 14)

at the LOFT THEATRE – map

More information and tickets are available through www.humanracetheatre.org, by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630.  Tickets can be purchased in person at the Schuster Center box office, or at the box office at The Loft two hours before curtain.

Everything Must Go + NORTH DIXIE DRIVE News!

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Hello Everyone.

It’s time to move on. Our three current films – CEDAR RAPIDS, I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS and TINY FURNITURE – will only play through Thursday. Hurry down if you still need to see them (visit our website – www.neonmovies.com – for current showtimes). On Friday, we will open 2 new films – HEARTBEATS and THE CONCERT.

HEARTBEATS was one of my “Top 5” from Toronto…right up there with two films we’ve already shown from my list – THE KING’S SPEECH and RABBIT HOLE. Xavier Dolan, the 22-year old director of the film, has had both of his movies play and win awards at the Cannes Film Festival. He’s an incredible director with a stunning visual style. Don’t miss this incredible film – we’re one of the only cinemas in the midwest to play HEARTBEATS.
Synopsis for HEARTBEATS: “Francis and Marie are close friends. One day, during a lunch, they meet Nicolas, a young man from the country newly arrived in town. As one rendezvous leads troublingly to another – whether real or imagined, the signs are all bad – each of the two friends slides deeper into obsessive fantasies around the same object of desire. And the deeper they slide, the more their once cast-iron friendship begins to crack under the pressure of competing for the new kid on the block. Xavier Dolan’s second film, Heartbeats, is a study of the fall into love. We follow each stage of the typical love story’s progress – it starts with a meeting and ends in tears. The film reveals a fundamentally simple intrigue that careens through a whole gamut of poetic craziness: passions unleashed, expectations, sorrow, humiliation and, finally, loneliness.” (taken from IFC Films)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ_eE3kl2AA&playnext=1&list=PL2C4A0DE78FA187CE’]

THE CONCERT is a real crowd-pleaser. About 10 days ago, I received an e-mail from Rochelle Goldstein – one of our regulars at THE NEON. She wrote, “Last evening in DelRay FL, Mike and I saw THE CONCERT, hands-down one of the absolute best! Any chance it’ll come your way soon? If so, we need to see it again, and maybe even yet again!” That’s quite an endorsement, and I think many of you will feel the same way about this film.

Synopsis for THE CONCERT: “Thirty years ago, Andrei Simoniovich Filipov, the renowned conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra, was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Now a mere cleaning man at the Bolshoi, he learns by accident that the Chatelet Theater in Paris invites the Bolshoi orchestra to play there. He decides to gather together his former musicians and to perform in Paris in the place of the current Bolshoi orchestra. As a solo violin player to accompany his old Jewish or Gypsy musicians he wants Anne-Marie Jacquet, a young virtuoso. If they all overcome the hardships ahead this very special concert will be a triumph.” (taken from metacritic)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkMdBggI4Ws’]

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE Sold Out on Saturday and Sunday…so we’ve added more screenings. Tickets are now available for April 8, 9, & 10 at 1pm, and they’re just $5. “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoH26ARkeUs’]

PUNCHING THE CLOWN will have one special screening on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30…and Henry Phillips – the subject of the film – will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. “Winner of the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival, this uproarious and smart new comedy tells the story of Henry Phillips, a hapless modern day troubadour who grinds his way through the heartland, living out of his car and singing his twisted satirical songs to anyone who will listen. After a booking mishap involving a Christian fundraiser, he decides he’s hit rock bottom. Seeking to shake things up, he moves to L.A. where his luck changes overnight. Thanks less to his inept manager than to a wild case of mistaken identity, he falls backwards into a string of packed gigs, a record deal and even the promise of love. But he who lives by the whimsy of show business dies by it, and reality hits him like a fist in the face: an innocent miscommunication over a bagel brands him a neo-Nazi in the world of tabloid journalism…Hailed by comedy icon Sarah Silverman as ‘the best movie about comedy I’ve seen so far,’ this hilarious and evocative film is ‘totally primed for a fervent cult following.'” (taken from press notes) General admission will apply, and tickets will be available one week prior to the event.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08Xwrh-lYpU’]

Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home. Tickets for the first screening have already sold out…so a 2nd screening has been added for 5:15.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie. (Garchen Rinpoche will not attend the 5:15 screening.)
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release) Visit the OFFICIAL SITE.

LUNAFEST: Short Films By, For, and About Women has been set for Sunday, April 17 at 3:00. This will be the 3rd year for LUNAFEST at THE NEON…and it’s been quite successful the past two years. Mark you calendars now, and I’ll provide ticket details in next week’s newsletter.

Folks from Cirque du Soleil are offering NEON subscribers 15% off select tickets to their new show OVO – described as “…a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy…” OVO will take place in Cincinnati under the Big Top at Coney Island. (In the coming days, Cirque will send us some free tickets which I’ll be using as prizes at THE NEON. I’ll keep you posted.)
Discounted tickets are available HERE.
See you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 8 – April 14:

HEARTBEATS (NR) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday & Tuesday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Wednesday: 3:00, 5:10, 9:45
Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

THE CONCERT (PG-13) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE (NR) 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00

PUNCHING THE CLOWN (NR) 91 Min + Q&A and Stand-Up Teaser
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 JANE EYRE
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY

TINY FURNITURE + 2 New Films Next Week! LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS!!

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Hello Everyone.

In addition to holding onto I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS and CEDAR RAPIDS, we will open a film festival darling called TINY FURNITURE.  Visit www.neonmovies.com for the current showtimes.

Synopsis for TINY FURNITURE (I love this synopsis): “22-year-old Aura returns home to her artist mother’s TriBeCa loft with the following: a useless film theory degree, 357 hits on her Youtube page, a boyfriend who’s left her to find himself at Burning Man, a dying hamster, and her tail between her legs. Luckily, her trainwreck childhood best friend never left home, the restaurant down the block is hiring, and ill-advised romantic possibilities lurk around every corner. Surrounded on all sides by what she could become, Aura just wants someone to tell her who she is.”   OFFICIAL SITE

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

I’m so excited to announce that we will open 2 new films next week (April 8th)…but they will only play for one week. One is the crowd-pleasing film THE CONCERT (see trailer). The other is another film from my “Top 5” from last year’s Toronto Film Fest – HEARTBEATS – which is the 2nd, full-of-style feature from my newest, favorite director – Xavier Dolan. Mark your calendars. We’re one of only a handful of cinemas in the MidWest play the film!! These films will only play for one week!
HEARTBEATS Trailer!

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is underway. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit the official site.
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HANK GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE tickets are completely SOLD OUT!  I’ll keep you posted if we’re able to add additional screenings.  “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website)

On Tuesday, April 5, Andrew – one of our employees – will premiere his latest work. “ONE SUMMER HERE is an independent short film by local filmmakers and Wright State Motion-Pictures alumni Andrew Fiscus (writer, director) and Cole Pisano (director of photography) that will be holding its world premiere screening on Tuesday, April 5th at 9:30PM. It’s a sweltering Ohio summer, and Emma and Dan are growing up. They’re eighteen, hovering somewhere between child and adult. Emma is dreaming of leaving, and Dan is dreaming of her. All the nuance of growing up and the confusion and impetus to be something new, something more than yourself, is explored in the dreamy ONE SUMMER HERE. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help offset the high cost of film festival submissions. You can view the trailer for the film by visiting this link . Find out more about the film by joining the facebook fan page.”

PUNCHING THE CLOWN will have one special screening on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30…and Henry Phillips will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. “Winner of the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival, this uproarious and smart new comedy tells the story of Henry Phillips, a hapless modern day troubadour who grinds his way through the heartland, living out of his car and singing his twisted satirical songs to anyone who will listen. After a booking mishap involving a Christian fundraiser, he decides he’s hit rock bottom. Seeking to shake things up, he moves to L.A. where his luck changes overnight. Thanks less to his inept manager than to a wild case of mistaken identity, he falls backwards into a string of packed gigs, a record deal and even the promise of love. But he who lives by the whimsy of show business dies by it, and reality hits him like a fist in the face: an innocent miscommunication over a bagel brands him a neo-Nazi in the world of tabloid journalism…Hailed by comedy icon Sarah Silverman as ‘the best movie about comedy I’ve seen so far,’ this hilarious and evocative film is ‘totally primed for a fervent cult following.'” (taken from press notes) General admission will apply, and tickets will be available one week prior to the event.

Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home. Tickets for the first screening have already sold out…so a 2nd screening has been added for 5:15.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie. (Garchen Rinpoche will not attend the 5:15 screening.)
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation. ” (taken from press release)

See you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 1 – April 7:

CEDAR RAPIDS (R)
Fri & Sat: 3:00, 7:30
Sun: 5:15 PM
Mon – Thu: 3:00, 7:30

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (R)
Fri & Sat: 5:10, 9:40
Sun: 9:40 PM
Mon – Thu: 5:10, 9:40

TINY FURNITURE (NR)
Fri – Sun: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Mon: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Tue: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20
Wed & Thu: 2:50, 5:00, 9:40

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE (NR) 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00

ONE SUMMER HERE (NR) 20+ minutes
Tuesday: 9:30

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday: 3:00 – WHERE I STAND
Sunday: 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday: 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday: 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 8 HEARTBEATS
April 8 THE CONCERT
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 JANE EYRE
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY

Las Americas Extends Hours, Hosts Live Music

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Las Americas signLas Americas Caribbean Cuisine has extended its hours, and the restaurant now is offering entertainment and a special menu during First Fridays.

The historic Oregon Arts District restaurant, 524H E. Fifth St., now is open until 10pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. Las Americas specializes in authentic cuisine that features the aromatic spices and flavors of Puerto Rico, home country of owner Dolores Quinones, as well as Cuban and Spanish dishes.

On First Friday, Las Americas has started offering special menu items, as well as live music. During the next First Friday on April 1, Armando Garcia will perform.

“Featured is a very special troubadour performer, Armando Garcia, a most talented singer, guitarist and performer ― what a combination,” Quinones said. “Armando delights in bringing guests a serenade right to their table that will be one of the highlights of their visit to Las Americas Caribbean Cuisine.”

April First Friday special menu items will include off-the-grill pork chops with pineapple mojo, tilapia tacos topped with Las Americas’ own un poco picosita white sauce, colossal shrimp with green peas over white rice, and a beef empanada platter with arroz con gandules and yucca salad, along with special appetizers and desserts.

Regular menu items, which range from $4 to $10, also will be available. Those include soups, salads, wraps, quesadillas, mofongos and nachos ― many of them vegetarian. Desserts include flan and tres leches, and the restaurant offers a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, such as nectar juices and Puerto Rican coffee, pocillo.

Las Americas is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 10 p, and Sunday it offers a special brunch menu from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 937-266-3086 and follow Las Americas Caribbean Cuisine on Facebook for more information.

Las Americas Caribbean Cuisine started as a popular vendor at the PNC Second Street Market. Quinones expanded and moved to the Oregon Arts District in 2010, adding new menu items to customer favorites from the Market.

Sofia Coppola’s SOMEWHERE + NORTH DIXIE DRIVE!

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Hello Everyone.

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS performed better than anticipated last weekend, so we’re going to at least be able to keep it for a handful of screenings for another week. Though CEDAR RAPIDS fell substantially, we’re going to keep it, too. In addition, we’re going to open a new film. Scholars of cinema recognize its influence from Italian masters like Antonioni and Bertolucci, and A.O. Scott of THE NEW YORK TIMES (and several others) gave it a 100% review. Sofia Coppola’s SOMEWHERE, starring Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning, won the Golden Lion at last year’s Venice Film Festival.

Synopsis for SOMEWHERE: “You have probably seen him in the tabloids; Johnny is living at the legendary Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood. He has a Ferrari to drive around in, and a constant stream of girls and pills to stay in with. Comfortably numbed, Johnny drifts along. Then, his 11-year-old daughter Cleo from his failed marriage arrives unexpectedly at the Chateau. Their encounters encourage Johnny to face up to where he is in life and confront the question that we all must: which path in life will you take? ” OFFICIAL SITE

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9n9hP_LtL8&playnext=1&list=PL845C4146D848875D’]

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL had it’s first screening at THE NEON on Thursday evening…and there are many more great screenings. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit the official site.
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sunday, March 27 at 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday, March 30 at 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HANK GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE tickets are really starting to move for our additional screenings. Tickets are now available for April 1, 2 & 3 at 1pm, and they’re just $5. “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoH26ARkeUs’]

On Tuesday, April 5, Andrew – one of our employees – will premiere his latest work. “ONE SUMMER HERE is an independent short film by local filmmakers and Wright State Motion-Pictures alumni Andrew Fiscus (writer, director) and Cole Pisano (director of photography) that will be holding its world premiere screening on Tuesday, April 5th at 9:30PM. It’s a sweltering Ohio summer, and Emma and Dan are growing up. They’re eighteen, hovering somewhere between child and adult. Emma is dreaming of leaving, and Dan is dreaming of her. All the nuance of growing up and the confusion and impetus to be something new, something more than yourself, is explored in the dreamy ONE SUMMER HERE. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help offset the high cost of film festival submissions. You can view the trailer for the film by visiting this site.

PUNCHING THE CLOWN will have one special screening on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30…and Henry Phillips will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. “Winner of the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival, this uproarious and smart new comedy tells the story of Henry Phillips, a hapless modern day troubadour who grinds his way through the heartland, living out of his car and singing his twisted satirical songs to anyone who will listen. After a booking mishap involving a Christian fundraiser, he decides he’s hit rock bottom. Seeking to shake things up, he moves to L.A. where his luck changes overnight. Thanks less to his inept manager than to a wild case of mistaken identity, he falls backwards into a string of packed gigs, a record deal and even the promise of love. But he who lives by the whimsy of show business dies by it, and reality hits him like a fist in the face: an innocent miscommunication over a bagel brands him a neo-Nazi in the world of tabloid journalism…Hailed by comedy icon Sarah Silverman as ‘the best movie about comedy I’ve seen so far,’ this hilarious and evocative film is ‘totally primed for a fervent cult following.'” (taken from press notes) General admission will apply, and tickets will be available one week prior to the event.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08Xwrh-lYpU’]

Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie.
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release) Official site.

Hold the date:  LUNAFEST is set for April 17th!  Ticket details and additional information will be available in early April, but I wanted you to know that the date has just been set.

Next week, we’re scheduled to open TINY FURNITURE.  We’ll then open the crowd-pleasing film THE CONCERT.  THE NEON is buzzing, and FilmDayton will soon be unveiling their line-up for May. With so much happening, I’m sure we’ll see you soon.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 25 – March 31:

SOMEWHERE (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Saturday: 12:45, 2:50, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30

CEDAR RAPIDS (R) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday, Saturday: 3:00, 7:30
Sunday: 3:00, 7:45
Monday, Tuesday: 3:00, 7:30
Wednesday: 3:00
Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (R) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:50, 5:10, 9:40
Sunday: 12:50, 9:45
Monday, Tuesday: 5:10, 9:40
Wednesday: 5:10, 9:50
Thursday: 5:10, 9:40

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE (NR) 52 Min + Q&A
Saturday: 5:00

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday: 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday: 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday: 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.

April 1 TINY FURNITURE
April 8 THE CONCERT
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 or 22 JANE EYRE

May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
TBD POTICHE, OF GODS AND MEN, BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 03/24 – 04/06

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011

Rainbow Bricks

Limestone Bricks: rainbow base painting (Photo Credit: Denise Yvette Serna)

When I wandered into the theatre today, a scenic artist was busily painting a stone wall – with nearly every color of the rainbow, rather than a traditional brick red or tan. The stones looked gorgeous, although not yet like the limestone bricks on the set model. “Real bricks aren’t flat – they’re unique,” she said, explaining her process of basing the bricks with rainbow scumbling, then applying multiple washes to mute the colors but bring out the pigments and bright undertones. However, when the set is complete, audience members will never know just how many layers were essential to make such a realistic stone wall.

So many layers and colors go into every one of these shows, as well. From the sound designer to the box office intern to the actors and directors, shows are necessarily collaborative and layered, to an extreme. Often, we are never aware of these affectations, but each one contributes to the show that we see.

Limestone bricks: completed! (Photo Credit: Denise Yvette Serna)

Likewise, we and the people around us bear the same intricacies and layers. We are products of years of existence and influence; each personal experience has added color to the scumbled wall that is a life. Part of the magic of theatre is its influential power to reflect people; part of that, and of shows in general, illustrates the deep and layered nature of those other human beings around us. It does this not only through the literal act of a show, but also through the subtle things, like the rainbow layers underneath the bricks.

This week, go see one of the following shows. Whether exploring cupcakes, alcoholism, or sex, each one deals in some way with real people, in all of their layers and depth; therefore, through them, we can better understand the people and world around us. You could even take a friend or two to one of the shows below, then discuss it over drinks or dinner afterward. Understand the layers, one at a time.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

Bill W. and Dr. Bob

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Bill W & Dr. Bob: DPH

The Story: Bill W. – famous New York stockbroker who loses everything in the 1929 crash, then turns to alcohol – and Dr. Bob Smith – Ohio surgeon who often operates hung over – meet and form a relationship, each helping to keep the other sober. This courageously blunt, uncompromisingly straight forward docu-drama explores the lives of these two men and the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Dates: April 1 – 3, 2011 (Season Extra)
Tickets and More Information: 937-424-8477, Dayton Playhouse

The Boys Next Door

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Four emotionally and/or mentally challenged men live together as part of an independent living program; social worker Jack attempts to guide them in their distinct trials and pursuit of a happier life.
Dates: April 1 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: 937-278-5993 or Dayton Theatre Guild

Joseph: PHS

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

The Story: This musical, the first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, explores the Biblical saga of Joseph through an exciting variety of musical styles. The prophetic Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, where he “endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged” as he struggles to survive in a new land and move past his brothers’ betrayal.
Dates: March 25 – April 9, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Playhouse South

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Pinkalicious!

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Photo Credit: Mike Long

The Story: Young Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes, even though her parents and friends warn her to stop. But when she wakes up one morning to discover she has turned bright pink from head to toe, her doctor diagnoses her with Pinkitis. In this adaptation of the beloved children’s book, families see if there can ever be too much of a good thing.
Dates: March 11 – 27, 2011
Tickets: (937) 433-8957
More Information: Town Hall Theatre: Pinkalicious

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Encore Theater Company: Summer Mainstage Season

The Basics: Altar Boyz. In My Blood. Pump up the Volume. The Consequences. In its exciting 2011 season, ETC collaborates with Sinclair Community College and the Human Race Theatre Company to bring Dayton several developing and contemporary musicals throughout the summer.
Auditions: March 27 – 29, 2011 (schedule appointment)
More Information: Encore Theater Company

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Avenue Q

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Story: Princeton moves to NYC with bright eyes, big dreams, and a tiny bank account, and ends up on Avenue Q, where everyone is looking for the same things: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a “purpose.” Sponsored by Logos@Work, Square One Salon & Spa, and with DaytonMostMetro.com as media sponsor, this national touring production of the sassy, irreverently hilarious puppet show that took Broadway by storm explores the ups and downs of life and “the real world.”
Date: March 30, 2011 – One Night Only!
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage , but they’re almost sold out!
More Information: DMM Feature

~KN

It’s No Joke: April 1 First Friday Packed with Art, Entertainment

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Comedic juggling duo The Dropbacks will return to First Friday in April to wow crowds with their feats of daring-do.

Comedic juggling duo The Dropbacks will return to First Friday in April to wow crowds with their feats of daring-do.

The next First Friday, downtown Dayton’s free monthly art hop, will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. April 1. As the weather warms, First Friday also heats up with the return of outdoor entertainment.

The popular street performers will return to First Friday (weather permitting) with roaming entertainers including breakdance crew Circle Nerdz, the comedic juggling troupe The Dropbacks and saxophonist Tyrone Martin. The street performance is supported by grant funding from the Ohio Arts Council.

Also returning to First Friday will be two historical walking tours by Gem City Circle Walks. Longtime local history buffs Leon Bey, Nancy Roach and Curt Dalton will lead an Oregon Arts District walk beginning at 5 p.m., and the “Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders Walk of Downtown Dayton” will begin at 7 p.m. Each walk is $10 and advance reservations are required by contacting Leon Bey at 937-274-4749 or [email protected].

Another outdoor event in April will be presented by The Broken Dayton Art Machine, a group of local artists who will present a single-piece digital exhibit titled “I Have No Rival.” The artists will create a three-story video projection in the floors above The Southern Belle, 134 N. Patterson, which can be viewed from Patterson Boulevard from 8 p.m. to midnight. Artists Nicholaus Arnold, Ian Breidenbach, Frank Travers, Phillip Evans and Ren Cummings will at The Southern Belle to discuss their work.

As always, there will be plenty of action in downtown’s galleries and other establishments during First Friday, including in some nontraditional spaces. As part of the 510 Project, visitors can watch two local artists set up art installations in two spaces located right off Courthouse Square. In the former Roly Poly space (33 N. Main), Landon Crowell will install a video piece that examines the workers’ rights issues facing Ohio and Wisconsin’s public employees. In the lobby of the KeyBank Tower (10 W. Second) from noon to 6 p.m., Leesa Haapapuro will create a sculptural installation created in conjunction with her “Canal Man” project, which will feature cast human figures installed in the granite pools along Patterson Avenue. The sculptures will represent the men who labored to dig the Miami Erie Canal.

The Cannery Art and Design Center will host live music during First Friday.

The Cannery Art and Design Center will host live music during First Friday.

In its newest space, TEJAS, K12 Gallery for Young People, 510 E. Third St., will feature the exhibit “Dirt and Matter,” paintings by Rebecca Sargent, from 6 to 9 p.m. K12 also will display artwork by the HAALO (Helping Adolescents Achieve Learning Objectives) program of the Montgomery County Juvenile Courts and works from St. Luke School. The Cannery Art and Design Center, 434 E. Third St., will feature paintings by Clifford Darrett, whose jazz/salsa five-piece band will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. Nearby Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., will host live music, including Shade of Red at 8 p.m.

Open from 5 to 8 p.m., the Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., will host a preview party to launch the countdown to its 18th Annual Art Auction, which will be held April 29 at Sinclair Community College. At 7:30 p.m., DVAC will announce the live auction line up.

The Wine Gallery, 5 W. Monument St., will host the photography of local artist Josh Mayes in his exhibit “A Taste of Spring,” which emphasizes flowers and celebrates the change in seasons.

In the Oregon Arts District, Press, an espresso bar and arts space at 257 Wayne Ave. will feature the exhibit “April Fools,” a group art show and live performance by John Gassett, Eric Dunn and Wes Tirey from 7 to 11 p.m. Elaine Balsley Fine Art, 523 E. Fifth St., will host an open house featuring a variety of contemporary art from 3 to 10 p.m. ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St., will feature original art, instruments and other music-related items.

At the Color of Energy, 16 Brown St., gallery owner Mike Elsass will show a preview of his work that will be featured in Laguna Beach, Calif., next fall. Elsass’ second gallery, Color 2, 519 E. Fifth St., will host an exhibit of new works by Jennifer Rosengarten, Bob Rhoades, Ann Kim, Ben Norton, Amanda Baker and Darren Haper.

Jazz saxophonist and music aficionado Tyrone Martin will perform at First Friday. This photo was taken by Josh Mayes, who will exhibit his work at The Wine Gallery during the event.

Jazz saxophonist and music aficionado Tyrone Martin will perform at First Friday. This photo was taken by Josh Mayes, who will exhibit his work at The Wine Gallery during the event.

Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St., will show Christina Pereyma’s “Yellow Box,” an interactive artwork constructed of yellow satin. Visitors will be able to enter the enclosed space and be photographed as part of the exhibit. Gallery 510 also will introduce the wood turnings of Maryland artist Michael Batista. 5th street clayworx, 521 E. Fifth St., will highlight the “Tree of Life” sculptures by Paula Vasquez. Nancy Snyder also will offer functional pottery for the Easter holiday, as well as gifts for weddings and special occasions.

Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St., will host live music from 6 to 9 p.m. Patrons who present a receipt from another Oregon Arts District business will receive 10 percent off new CDs and LPs, as well as 15 percent off used music.

Other entertainment options abound during First Friday. For example, the monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, on the corner of Patterson Boulevard and Monument Avenue, at 5:15 p.m. for a ride through the city. The Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, presents The Boys Next Door at 8 p.m. and the urban arts showcase “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” will take place at  The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., from 9 to 11 p.m.

Jay’s Seafood Restaurant, 225 E. Sixth St., will host Puzzle of Light at 9 p.m. with no cover charge. Las Americas Caribbean Cuisine, 524H E. Fifth St., will offer a special menu and musical entertainment by Armando Garcia. Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., will host the Lab Partners at 9:30 p.m.

Click here for a complete list of events taking place downtown.

In addition, all the restaurants, retail shops, bars and clubs, theaters, The Neon, Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, Urban Krag Climbing Center, and other establishments throughout downtown will be open during First Friday. For regular updates about this event, follow First Friday on Facebook. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.

Showdown Visual to Open Downtown Location

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Showdown Visual will join a growing community of creative services firms when it opens a downtown office in April.

The Showdown Visual team is comprised of PJ Perretta, Kenny Mosher, Rachel Mosher and Chip James.

Visual media production company Showdown Visual, which recently won 11 prestigious Hermes Awards, will join a growing community of creative services firms located in downtown Dayton when it opens an office in a renovated space at 124 E. Third St. in mid-April.

“We are excited to move downtown to be around so many of our clients, as well as other design firms,” said Kenny Mosher, co-founder of Showdown Visual. “Also, our new space provides the exact creative environment we need.”

Indeed, the move will put Showdown Visual in the company of a dozen creative services firms located in the center city, including Jon Morton Photography, which also will open this spring in the same building. Showdown Visual’s new space will be approximately 2,000 square feet, and it will share a 500-square-foot video and photography studio with Jon Morton Photography.

“The concentration of creative services firms, such as Showdown Visual, in downtown Dayton creates an environment where these firms, located within a walkable distance of each other, can easily network and collaborate,” said Sandy Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “Downtown also continues to attract these firms because it offers a variety of nontraditional, architecturally interesting office space that’s well suited ― and even inspiring ― to creative services firms.”

Showdown Visual, founded in spring 2009 by Kenny and Rachel Mosher, won a coveted gold Hermes Award in cinematography as an element of advertising on Feb. 26. The company also won eight silver awards and two bronze. The Hermes Awards, conducted by the American Advertising Federation, recognizes and rewards creative excellence in the art of advertising. Showdown Visual now will advance to one of 14 district competitions and, if it wins at this level, will go on to compete in the national ADDY Awards.

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

In addition, Showdown Visual created a video for the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan that has been widely distributed among the dozens of public and private sector partners involved in the Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown Dayton. Thousands of people have viewed the video, which continues to receive lots of glowing feedback.

“In an era when visual media is impacting every area of our lives, Showdown Visual produces videos that combine creativity, storytelling, cinematography and top-notch editing techniques to separate our clients from their competition,” Kenny Mosher said. “Visual media is the fastest growing and most effective form of marketing in the world today. We believe our locally owned company is changing the game for clients on the local and national levels.”

[yframe url=’http://vimeo.com/groups/beyondthestill/videos/9188506′]

Showdown Visual already has garnered national attention. The company created a music video shot entirely on an iPhone 3GS titled “Play” that has more than 200,000 online views to date. In addition, Showdown Visual and Real Art Design Group, a Dayton-based firm with a client list that includes Fortune 500 companies, have partnered on several projects. They were a national Top 5 finalist in The Story Beyond the Still for a webisode chapter titled Alderwood, a mystery-thriller short film for a national Lexis Nexis marketing campaign. The two companies also partnered on a documentary for Mead introducing its new Builder Research Paper Software.

Showdown Visual already has compiled an impressive client list. Clients include Lexis Nexis, the University of Dayton, Wright State University, Sinclair Community College, Antioch Midwest, Five Rivers MetroParks, Mead, CIN Legal Data, Atomic Interactive, Health Partners Clinic, Miami Valley Research Park, Productive Parenting, Children’s Medical Center Dayton, the Dayton Development Coalition and more.

Also making up Showdown Visual’s creative team are Rachel Mosher, creative director; PJ Perretta, who records audio, writes and produces music, and works with post-production sound design and web programming; and Chip James, who manages project production and client relations.

Jim Carrey & Ewan McGregor in I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS + Lots More!

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Hello Everyone.

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS was released in the bigger markets back in early December…so in that regard, we’re a little “late” in bringing it to Dayton. In December, we simply got too busy with big hits – and that’s a good thing! That said, we didn’t want to skip this Sundance darling all together. Starting Friday, you’ll be able to see this film that has seen positive reviews from Entertainment Weekly, Variety, The Chicago-Sun Times and many more. Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote, “A Jim Carrey movie all the way: a good one, I might add. With his manic glare, ferociously eager smile, hyperkinetic body language and talent for instant self-transformation, Mr. Carrey has rarely been more charismatic on the screen.”

Synopsis: “I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS is the improbable but true story of a spectacularly charismatic conman’s journey from small-town businessman to flamboyant white-collar criminal, who repeatedly finds himself in trouble with the law and on the lam, brilliantly escaping from the Texas prison system on four separate occasions – all in the name of love.” Starring Jim Carrey & Ewan McGregor. Visit the film’s official website.

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CEDAR RAPIDS performed quite well over the weekend. It will be sticking around. If you still need to see BIUTIFUL or BARNEY’S VERSION, you only have through Thursday (3/17) to see them at THE NEON. Check www.neonmovies.com for showtimes.

Last year marked the first time that THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL made a stop in Dayton. Folks loved the show, and the fellas are on the road again. On Sunday, March 20 at 7:30, THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL will return to THE NEON with a new batch of material. Visit the official website to find out more about the show. Advanced tickets ($11 each) are only available on-line by visiting this link.

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is just around the corner. Screenings at THE NEON begin on Thursday, March 24th…but the festival has even more events and screenings around town. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit the official site.
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Thursday, March 24 at 7:10 – AJAMI
Sunday, March 27 at 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday, March 30 at 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HAND GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

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THE NEON has booked additional screenings of NORTH DIXIE DRIVE, and tickets are already moving. Tickets are now available for April 1, 2 & 3 at 1pm, and they’re just $5. “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site.

On Tuesday, April 5, Andrew – one of our employees – will premiere his latest work. “ONE SUMMER HERE is an independent short film by local filmmakers and Wright State Motion-Pictures alumni Andrew Fiscus (writer, director) and Cole Pisano (director of photography) that will be holding its world premiere screening on Tuesday, April 5th at 9:30PM. It’s a sweltering Ohio summer, and Emma and Dan are growing up. They’re eighteen, hovering somewhere between child and adult. Emma is dreaming of leaving, and Dan is dreaming of her. All the nuance of growing up and the confusion and impetus to be something new, something more than yourself, is explored in the dreamy ONE SUMMER HERE. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help offset the high cost of film festival submissions. You can view the trailer for the film by visiting this site.
Find out more about the film by joining the facebook fan page.

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Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie.
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release)

There’s so much happening at THE NEON. We hope to see you often over the coming weeks.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 18 – March 24:

CEDAR RAPIDS (R) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (R) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 9:45
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Thursday: 3:00, 5:00, 9:45

FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL (NR)
Sunday: 7:30

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Thursday: 7:10 – AJAMI

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Due to Oscar Season, we know that many of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 8 OF GODS AND MEN
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 or 22 JANE EYRE
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
TBD POTICHE
TBD – late March/early April? – SOMEWHERE
TBD – late March/early April? – TINY FURNITURE