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Haunted Food Adventure at Amber Rose Oct 7th

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Rhinegiests & Poltergeists Returns Oct 7th to the Amber Rose

Sellout crowd expected again !!

FOOD, BEER, … GHOSTS

This is a post that many of you have been waiting for…  Dayton Most Metro is kicking of the fall season with a “BOO!”

—October 7th, the popular “RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS” ghostly beer dinner returns! A brainchild of local bloggers, the Food Adventure crew, this popular scarefest looks to again to have a sellout crowd of over 100 foodies at the Amber Rose restaurant. There will also be a special presentation from a nationally known paranormal investigative group, ParaSense.

Pierogies and More on the Menu

 

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON “RHINEGEISTS and POLTERGEISTS”

WHEN: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7th at 7pm

WHERE: AMBER ROSE RESTAURANT at 1400 Valley St. in Dayton

WHAT: 4 COURSE DINNER from AMBER ROSE and 4 BEERS from RHINEGEIST BREWERY

Visit the Haunted Amber Rose for this Food Adventure

—COURSE 1: Sausage, Potato and Sauerkraut Pierogies and German Bier Cheese Dip

—COURSE 2: Beef Rouladen (rolled) with Roasted, Rustic Vegetables

—COURSE 3: Apple Cinnamon Smoked Pork Chop with German Potato & Bavarian Hash

—COURSE 4: Cherry Almond Bread Pudding

Each course will be paired with a Rhinegeist Beer:

—BEER 1: “ALICE” a Belgium Style Ale

—BEER 2: “EXUM” a Pale Ale

—BEER 3: “HUGH” an Oktoberfest brew

—BEER 4: “STEVE” a Dark Lager

Parasense – Paranormal Investigator Team – Alicia, Shelly and Kat

WHAT ELSE:  A special presentation from a local paranormal investigative team with national exposure, called PARASENSE.  ParaSense will be sharing their findings from numerous overnight ghost hunts from 2015 and 2016.  NEW FINDINGS, NEW GOOSEBUMPS !

COST: $35 per person includes the tip ! Tickets are PRE-PAY and ONLY AVAILABLE at THIS LINK.  This event has always sold out and will be limited to 100 people.

EACH ATTENDEE GETS A FREE RHINEGEIST PINT GLASS !

ALICE from Rhinegeist Brewery

*****The party continues after the event, downstairs at the bar with “Happy Hour” pricing*****

As many of you may know, The Amber Rose is supposedly a haunted venue.  The ghost is believed to be the daughter of the former house owner.  She is a playful ghost named Genevieve Ksiezopolski aka “Chickie.”  Employees have many stories of glasses flying off of shelves, lights being turned on and even the appearance of a poltergeist.  Take for example this case, where a cook claimed to see a full apparition of a lady in a long dress who walked into the room, then turned and walked away.  When the frightened cook alerted the staff, they quickly pulled the security surveillance camera footage. What they saw at the same time the cook claimed to encounter the ghost was this: click to see video

 

Who is Haunting the Amber Rose? Some think it is this lady….

A local, three person “ghost hunter” crew will be investigating the Amber Rose facility in the weeks leading up to the dinner.  They have appeared on on National Television!  Their work has been featured in“America’s Most Haunted,” “My Ghost Story”, and Haunted Ohio VI.  Independent Paranormal Investigators Kat Powell and Shelly Suittor met in 1999 as tour guides for the Ohio State Reformatory, Prospect Place, and Snow Hill Country Club. Teaming up with Alicia Soich in 2012, they’ve logged hundreds of hours of field research and private investigations across the state.

What will their findings be?  Will they be contacted by “Chickie” or some other poltergeist?  Join us and find out !  And stay for the Happy Hour after party at the bar !

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE!  TICKETS ARE PRE-PAY ONLY! LIMITED SEATING!

Browse the photos below…

“LIKE” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK HERE !

Sausages Locally made

1400 Valley street – is it HAUNTED>>>

Bier Cheese Dip

Cut into a sausage with some sweet kraut

Staff at the Amber Rose make the whole experience

Beautiful upstairs area

wave hi

excellent food

Chef JT, Joe from Amber Rose and Trevor from Rhinegeist

Lucky guy

Pondering ghost evidence

Serving

Amber Rose Food

Bar upstairs

Happy Hour here “after party”

TIFF 2016 – Arrival & Prep

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tiff_logo_cmykHello Everyone.

I made it to Toronto with minimal delays…and made my way to the Industry offices to pick up my credentials and begin the madness.  This is just an intro!  Watching movies actually starts tomorrow (Thursday, Sept. 8).

I always give myself a buffer day when traveling to Toronto for TIFF.  It can come in handy if you have flight delays, ridiculous lines in customs or you’re carrying an expired passport (that was a nightmare 2 years ago)…that extra day can make certain that you don’t miss any of the good stuff.

If all goes as planned, tomorrow will be a busy day with 4 films – including the splashy Opening Night film with a friend who I first met when he was a guest of The Dayton LGBT Film Festival.  If all goes as planned, tomorrow’s screenings include new work by Kenneth Lonergan, Terence Davies and Olivier Assayas.

In the next couple hours, I’ll grab a bite to eat, check into my apartment and continue to plan my schedule for the next 9 days.

Here are trailers for a few films I can’t wait to see:

Check back in Friday morning…that’s when I’ll have my Thursday wrap-up posted.

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

Ohio’s Biggest Fair Ends Saturday in Darke County

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Huge Pieces of Fried Dough or as we call it “Pizza Frite”

The Great Darke County Fair ends a week long array of festivities this Saturday, so there is still time to get your fair groove up near the Greenville / Arcanum area.  It is about a 40 minute trip to the Darke County fairgrounds, but oh is it worth the drive.

Rides and and more rides, food and more food, and of course livestock to make your experience farm filled fun.

We have literally been having Food Adventures at this fair since the early 1970’s.  The Big Ragu has memories of his grandfather John Miller, who was born in Arcanum, taking the whole family from Centerville to Greenville.  So you could say we have 40+ years of expertise on this subject.

Cheese Curds from a Wisconsin Vendor

First of all, a NON-FOOD TIP

  1. Hit the Horse Races Friday night 5:30pm – 9pm.  The environment is a throwback like you wont experience at other racetracks.
  2. Hit the Demolition Derby on Saturday 6:30pm.  It’s like a Wal-Mart parking lot out there and maybe someone will give somebody the “Malachi Crunch” like in Happy Days.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Address of the Great Darke County Fair is 800 Sweitzer St, Greenville, OH 45331

So many food vendors, so little room in our stomachs

— OPEN 7pm – MIDNIGHT both Friday and Saturday – enough time to get your grit on… but the FAIR ENDS SATURDAY!

— Admission is $7.00,  people watching is free

 

So here we go with our often imitated never duplicated trademark…  “Must Eats.”

Here is the result of decades of studies…..

MUST EATS at THE GREAT DARKE COUNTY FAIR:

— THE FOOTLONG HOT DOG & ROOT BEER from the THE DOG N SUDS TRAILER:  The pride of Champagne, Illinois, you NEVER get to eat this stuff.  You may see their root beer plastic

Lots of rides

bottles in stores, but “aint nothing like the real thing baby.”

— THE CHEESE CURDS from MIKE’S CHEESE SHACK:  These cheeseheads are from Eau Claire, Wisconsin and every year they kill it at the fair.  And every year we load up and chow down.

— THE “LOADED RIBBON FRIES” or “TORNADO POTATOES”:  Ribbon cut potato chips, deep fried and topped with cheese, chives and bacon.  We love this stuff.  Eat them and devour them one string at a time.  People will stare as you lower the pinwheels of potatoes into your mouth.  That’s just jealousy.

Pulled Pork from Hog Wild

— THE TROLLEY BURGER WITH CANDIED BACON from KC CONCESSION’S TROLLEY CART: We eat it all, we know our stuff.  This burger is perfect for a browsing Food Adventure.  It is not too big and the candied bacon is definitely a nice attraction.  Chew on friends….

— DEEP FRIED ALLIGATOR MEAT ON A STICK from CRACKERBILLIES: Exotic, yet familiar, these nuggets on a stick had a great taste.  All the way from Cape Coral, Florida to your mouth!  We went back for seconds.

— BEEF BRISKET from GRUMPY’S BBQ: Cooked low and slow by Grumpy himself, this old farmer not only has a badass disposition but his brisket is just a s bad.  Actually , Grumpy is a pretty nice guy, we got him to smile  … once….

Ohio’s Largest County Fair

— THE HOT BROWN from FARMER BROWN’S FOOD STAND:  The restaurant that is a legend in Arcanum, is a hot spot at the fair with their food stand.  Farmer Brown’s serves up not a Hot Carl.. but the Hot Brown – which is a shaved top round sandwich, with provolone, lettuce, special sauce and mushrooms.  If that isnt enough they slap it on a grilled buttered bun.  You might call it a Hot Brown, we love to refer to it as an “Arcanum Cheesesteak.”

— PULLED PORK SANDWICH from HOG WILD SMOKE HOUSE:  Homemade sauce in huge squirt jars meant we loaded it up for a finger lickin, lip smackin helluva good ‘sammich’ (when its so good you can’t talk).  We went hog wild for sure.  These

— DEEP FRIED PECAN PIE from the PIE ON THE FLY:  This is frickin’ sinful.  The pies are “Wicks Pies” from Winchester, Indiana.  It makes the deep

Deep Fried Pecan Pie

fried snickers look like child’s play.  This is a piece of frickin pie deep fried in batter.  The pecan pie is the one to get, and it is AMAZING.  We actually had to sit down afterwards to take in the whole experience.  INSANE yet so logical….

— FRIED DOUGH from FISKE CONCESSIONS:  One of the deep fried candy bar booths has a treat we have enjoyed as kids.  It is called “pizza frite” or fried dough.  But this is the biggest slab of dough we have ever seen.  Our moms and grandmas never made it that large.  It is fried dough, with powdered sugar and it is the tick tick tick .. bomb!  This vendor is from Brookville, Florida.

Ribbon Fries or Potato Tornados

Honorable Mention:  The Deep Fried Mushrooms from Chuck’s Foods and the Deep Fried Twinkies from Fiske Concessions.

 

TWO MORE FOOD ADVENTURE TIPS:
— Use this chance to hit MAID-RITE HAMBURGERS down the street, on the way home… a loose meat sandwich that has a secret recipe that will keep you guessing and eating.  We will grab a sack and love the snack.
— Stop at KENNEDY VINEYARDS on the way home in New Madison.  Wine off the vine and we love the sweet, to the blush to the dry.  15 Minutes from the fair, you will fall in love with this place.

Alligator Meat on a Stick

Open til 10pm this Saturday, and we will see you there!

 

That’s it – the FULL BLOWN story on the biggest county fair in Ohio….  See you next week with another foodie filled story!

Check out Food Adventures on Facebook and see the difference.  This is not our job, it is our passion…..

 

Suds n Dogs !

Farmer Browns portable patio

The Farmer Brown “Hot Brown” sandwich or what we like to call the “Arcanum Cheesesteak”

Deep fried friggin pies

Grillin and we walkin

Lawwwd look at dem Baby Backs !

Sweating more than Ludlow Falls

Yo we got a tip in the third race for youse

Crackerbillies

Grilled Turkey Legs

Oreo Sundae Funnel Cake

Trolley Burger with Candied Bacon

More Darke Meat

The infamous bottle game

Cheese Curds from Wisconsin

kids whippin pigs butts

Fried and more fried

Favorite Treat as a kid

Dusk and Darke

Hog Wild Squirt a sauce

This cheese head

The Grumpy owner of Grumpys BBQ

Light up the sky

Best fried mushrooms in town

Son of a brisket

Deep fried twinkie

Coils of sausage

Big Ragu versus a footlong dog

Love the alligator chunks on a stick

Brisket from Grumpys BBQ

Pulled Pork from Hog Wild Smokehouse

Stringing them up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secrets of Cassano’s and The Dough Plant

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Chip Cassano inspects the hi-tech equipment in the dough plant

***** WIN A FREE PIZZA WITH THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW ***** JUST COMMENT BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN – winner will be chosen at random on Monday
For decades Daytonians have taken pizza for granted.  We don’t realize that Dayton, Ohio is one of the most important cities in the world when it comes to the history of pizza.  And it is all because of Vic Cassano and his mother-in-law Caroline “Mom” Donisi.

Now, 63 years later, The Cassano’s franchise is going strong, and not just in the pizza restaurants.  Cassano’s headquarters on Stroop Road in Kettering is also a facility for dough production.

Vic Cassano Sr. in his early Pizza Days during the 1950’s

— SECRET 1: What most Daytonians don’t know is their dough is produced here, and sold nationwide.  Whether balls of dough or sheeted pizza crusts, hundreds of restaurants serve products made with Cassano’s dough.  We are not allowed to name the companies, but let’s just say they are some big wig, national restaurants, that you definitely would recognize.  There are also hundreds of small restaurants that use Cassano’s, dough as a shortcut for great pizzas, calzones, breads and more.

After a year of preparation, Food Adventures is ready to tell you a story, much of which is unknown to Miami Valley residents.  It is the untold insight into the dough plant, the history and personal triumphs of the Cassano family.

Hand cutting hundreds of pounds of dough from the mixer

Before we get to secrets inside the dough plant lets get the scoop on Cassano’s history:

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON CASSANO’S

— JUNE 4th, 1953 – At the urging of a friend in New York, Vic Cassano decides to sell pizza at the Kettering grocery store of his in laws, Mom and Pop Donisi.  Using a thin crust recipe developed by Mom Donisi from her days in Italy, they make pizza available for the public.  It is a huge hit, and they sell 400 pies the first day on Schantz Avenue.  It is Dayton’s first introduction to pizza.  Needless to say the grocery store, soon became a

The Cutter presses 6 inch to 18 inch crusts for freezing

pizza shop.

— SECRET 2: THIS SUMMER DATE in 1953 ALSO MARKS THE INVENTION of THIN CRUST PIZZA in THE UNITED STATES.  Don’t let anyone tell you different, Dayton, Ohio is the center of that storm.  That would have been a hell of a day for a Food Adventure.   

Dough Balls are produced through a mostly automated system

— SECRET 3: Vic Cassano decides to cut the pieces in tiny squares.  WHY?  Because in 1953 it wasn’t “lady like” to be holding and handling big slices of pizza in your palm.  Cassano’s square slices were the polite and dainty way to enjoy the Italian treat.
— SECRET 4: Vic Cassano was not only a pizza genius, he was a mechanical genius.  He patented the first self cleaning oven.  To this day, his family  still finds dozens of papers in the office, detailing patented inventions from cooling and refrigeration systems to appliances.

Vic Cassano Jr. streamlined operations efficiently

 — SECRET 5:  Cassano’s was the first franchised restaurant in Ohio and possibly the United States.  The early 50’s were a time of business and law challenges, as many scenarios were never seen before.  Cassano’s was instrumental in the development of what we know today as franchising laws.  This allowed Cassano’s to steadily grow in the 50’s and 60’s.

Heart Shaped Pizza option in February

— SECRET 6:  Vic Cassano’s company was the first to ever freeze dough on a large scale.  He experimented with recipes and developed a full Italian menu.

— Owners of the local iconic pizza places like Marion’s Pizza and Ron’s Pizza, originally had affiliations with Cassano’s.

— In the 60’s and 70’s,  Cassano’s added affiliated restaurants like Sandy’s Hamburgers and London Bobby’s Fish and Chips.  They now had over 100 stores in total.  They served pizza on a cardboard slate, and “to go” orders were slid into bags and crumpled at one end, while leaving a”puff” in the bag, so not to damage the pizza or its toppings.

Unforgettable Tour of the Dough Plant – and Dough Samples !!

 — Here comes THE BIG CHEESE: In the early 80’s Cassano’s introduced their masterpiece pizza, the Big Cheese Pizza.  This was their deluxe pizza with double the cheese on top.  This became a menu staple and you can still order the Big Cheese “Vic’s Way” (with black olives) or “Mom’s Way” (with green olives).   During this time, Cassano’s started serving their “to go” and delivery pizzas in boxes.

—  In 1986, Vic Cassano sold the business.  A year later Mom Donisi passed away.  As the family saw their former business struggle in other people’s hands, so Vic Jr. decided to buy it back in 1989.  It was a short hiatus and the pizza business atmosphere was saturated with saturated with national and local companies.  To say it was extremely competitive is an understatement.

Side view of a legendary Cassano’s Pizza in the making

— With Vic Cassano Jr. at the helm, the 90’s were the start of a new, efficient direction of cutting waste and streamlining the business.  It worked.

— Vic Cassano Sr passed away in 2002, at the time his son kept rebuilding the brand and would expand operations at the dough plant.

Sheeted Pizza Crusts, stacked and ready to be packaged

— The amazing strides and improvements in efficiency, allowed more investment in equipment.  A centralized call center was finished in 2003.  Vic Cassano Jr. had turned the corner and was working on bringing back some nostalgia back to Cassano’s like the Pizza King logo, the London Bobby Fish and Chips and more.  In, 2010, Vic Jr. unexpectedly passed away.  To his credit, he had prepared his children Lora, Chip (aka Vic the 3rd), and Chris over the past decades to take on the new leadership role.  They did just that, carrying on the vision of their father and adding even more to the legendary name.

An up close look at the one and only BIG CHEESE PIZZA !

— Today, under the management of the third generation Lora Cassano-Hammons, Vic Cassano III, and Chris Cassano, there are almost 40 pizza shops and over 600 employees.

— Product developments included bringing back “Pizza Packs to go” and a new “Home Edition” Frozen Pizza line found in stores and available to be shipped nationwide.   The Stroop Rd. location has gone back to carry the “London Bobby Fish and Chips” meals again.

London Bobby’s Fish and Chips available at the Stroop Rd. Cassano’s

— About 3 years ago, The Cassano’s Cares Foundation  was set up.  It is the charitable arm of Cassano’s set up in memory of Vic Cassano Jr.  Their purpose is to give back to local charities and organizations.  Memorable events included an evening with Pete Rose and a Corvette giveaway.  There is also an annual golf outing to support the foundation as well.  There is even a Vic Cassano Health Center on Edwin C Moses Blvd.

— In June 2016, almost 63 years to the day after the first pizza was sold, the Ohio Historical Connection declared the Cassano’s Stroop Rd. office a historical site.  Now your Food Adventures on Stroop Rd, can be truly historical !

 

Now, let’s go from modern history to secrets inside the Dough Plant …..

These two flour silos hold 75,000 pounds of flour… EACH !

INSIDE THE DOUGH PLANT:

— SECRET 7:  The dough plant, located at 1700 East Stroop Rd.  produces approximately 50,000 – 70,0000 pounds of dough daily.  Only about 20 percent of that is for Cassano’s restaurants.  The remaining 80 percent is sold to other food establishments.

— SECRET 8:  The plant uses 30,000 pounds of flour each day.  The facility is equipped with 2 huge flour silos that each hold 75,000 pounds of flour.  WOW,  this place would make Willy Wonka proud.

Caroline “Mom” Donisi. Her recipe from Italy was the spark

— SECRET 9:  The plant has a capacity to produce about 8,000 pounds of dough in an hour.  Depending on the size, that can equate to 100-200 dough balls per minute during the morning shift.  In the afternoon shift, the plant switches gears to produce pizza crusts from 6 inches to 18 inches in diameter.  The crusts are shrink wrapped to prevent breakage and boxed and loaded into a freezer or  refrigerated delivery trucks.

The Chopped Steak Sub

— SECRET 10: The dough recipe has been tweaked slightly over the past 20 years.  When making pizzas these days they even “tack” the dough with a docker to control bubbling of the dough.  Remember those bubbles in the 70’s and 80’s on Cassano’s pies ?  You don’t see those anymore.

All this talk about dough has us a bit hungry.. may Food Adventures suggest some “Must Eats” from our decades of devouring Dayton’s original thin crust pizza?  CASSANOS !

Cassano’s Headquarters is named a Historical Site, June 3rd 2016

MUST EATS:

— THE BIG CHEESE “VIC’S WAY”:  Mounds of cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Onions and Red & Green Peppers, Black Olives and more cheese!  This is it.  This is the Cadillac of the Cassano’s menu.  So good, it will make you sleepy afterwards.  A flavorful, filling, and unforgettable pie.  As Vic used to say.. “It’s one heck of a pizza!”

— THE CLUB CASSINI: Ham, Pepperoni, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Provolone Cheese and Italian dressing on a Mediterranean flat bread bun.  This was a great

Packaged Dough, ready for the freezer

surprise and has such a meaty and creamy, delicious flavor.  This is an unknown menu gem.

— PEPPERONI PIZZA WITH EXTRA SAUCE:  The Big Ragu has been using this trick since 1986.  He suggests you always order your Cassano’s pepperoni pizzas with extra sauce. They take their time and spend a little more time on your pizza.

— THE CHOPPED STEAK SUB:  Get your messy groove on with this Steak patty, topped Provolone Cheese, Pizza Sauce,  dripping with Mushroom Gravy, sprinkled with Onions and Banana Peppers.

Dough off the conveyor belt

— THE 30 INCH PARTY PIZZA:  Get it, you only live once.  Perfect for parties – birthday or super bowl.  $100 gets you a deluxe and 80 bucks gets you a one topping pizza pie.   This humongous pizza is a party in a box…. a pretty big box.

We are honored to be able to take a behind the scenes view at the Cassano’s pizza and dough plant.   The factory employees and management are always friendly and

Top it with sauce and you got something going….

accommodating.  Thank you for letting us see the legendary Dayton magic firsthand.  Congratulations to the Cassano family on all of their accomplishments.  They are a great family and we are lucky to consider them friends.  We are excited to see what the future holds for this Dayton original.

Honorable Mention: The Spaghetti Dinner:  Sometimes we just crave the simple pasta and sauce combo.  So pure, so peasant, so good….

Don’t forget to check out our weekly Food Adventure feature articles on MostMetro. com

For daily Food Adventure updates, hit us up on Facebook and LIKE US HERE….

Pizza Kings and the Hit King – Pete Rose

1970’s pic of Mario Andretti with the famous pizza pie in a bag – old school

Now available frozen – cooked 80% for you to finish cooking at home

Frozen Dough ready to go

Chip has given us a few tours of the plant,.

Stroop Rd Headquarters

Part of the Cassanos Call Center

Chicken Parm

Trimmed dough gets recylced

Sheet Pizza Dough

Dough cutters

Sauce it up

Compressing the Dough to crust thickness

Look at those pallets

True dat

Hungry Jax’s kids were Cassano kids for a day !

THE BIG CHEESE – VICS STYLE

Dough balls

Pepperoni pie

Chip, PIzza King and Chris Cassano

Pizza with Pete Rose

London Bobby Fish and Chips Dinner

Did you know Cassanos has hand tossed pizza ?

Our friend Mike explaining the dough process

sealed !

Shrunk wrapped to prevent breakage

All those pizza crusts …..

The Big Cheese is the way to go …

Cassanos ships these all over the USA

Into the freezer

The Pizza King, Lora Cassano and Big Ragu !

Chip talking about the automated processes of the plant

Ravioli app

Dough coming through

Cassanos – always testing the dough

A pepperoni Cassini – Ragu loves them….

The Werk Out is Dayton Band’s Biggest Event Ever

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Phase2 Werk Out 2016It’s incredibly exciting when one of our own home grown Dayton bands makes it big. Many Daytonians are not aware of the incredible national following The Werks have created. After ten years of touring, most recently from an adventurous Alaskan tour, they are back to their native Ohio to throw their biggest party yet, the 7th annual Werk Out Music and Arts Festival.

The festival started closer to Dayton, but as it has skyrocketed in popularity, it found it’s home at the Grateful Dead’s old stomping grounds, Legend Valley Concert Venue in Thornville, Ohio (formerly known as Buckeye Lake Music Center). This year’s festival is the biggest and boldest yet. Music fans were thrilled to see the amazing line-up of both national and regional acts, which include some of the top names in the jam and electronica scene, including STS9, Lettuce, and Greensky Bluegrass.

This year’s festival includes special collaboration sets that are certain to be unforgettable:a daytime memorial set dedicated to the memory of beloved former Werks member Norman Dimitrouleas; Twerkapod, which is a late night 90’s music tribute set with members of Twiddle, The Werks, and Dopapod; Daft Funk, a tribute to Daft Punk by Earphunk; and an appearance by Everyone Orchestra with special guest Todd Stoops.

This is one of the premiere music festivals in Ohio, and Dayton Ohio couldn’t be prouder of our home town boys making it big! Congratulations to the Werks family, and for fans, don’t miss this highly anticipated summer festival!

How to Go?

General admission festival passes are available now for $139.99, Additional ticketing options are also available. The Werk Out Festival tickets are available now at http://www.thewerkoutfestival.com/site/get-tickets.

The Werks @ The Werk Out Festival 2014 | B.Hockensmith Photography

The Werks @ The Werk Out Festival 2014 | B.Hockensmith Photography

Gates open on Thursday, August 4th 2016 at 12:00 noon for those with full event passes. They will remain open until Sunday, August 7th at 12:00 noon. Music begins around 4:00 PM on Thursday, and Friday before Noon. The festival ends at 11:00 AM on Sunday. It is a rain or shine event. Please pack for possible inclement weather.

Beloved DARK HORSE Opens Friday at THE NEON! WEINER and MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY Continue!

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dark-horse-poster-lgHello Everyone,

We had a great holiday weekend at THE NEON. Thanks to everyone who came out. Though critics had luke-warm reviews of OUR KIND OF TRAITOR, many of our regulars truly enjoyed the film. In addition, THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY had a couple sell-outs over the weekend – it’s a film that has incredible word-of-mouth business. And then there’s WEINER – a documentary like you’ve never seen before. We will keep all three films for another week, and we’ll add a brand new film into the mix – DARK HORSE. This delightful documentary is currently rated “97% Fresh” on rottentomatoes.

Synopsis for DARK HORSE: “Set in a former mining village in Wales, DARK HORSE is the inspirational true story of a group of friends from a working men’s club who decide to take on the elite ‘sport of kings’ and breed themselves a racehorse. Raised on a slagheap allotment, their foal grows into an unlikely champion, beating the finest thoroughbreds in the land, before suffering a near fatal accident. Nursed back to health by the love of his owners – for whom he’s become a source of inspiration and hope – he makes a remarkable recovery, returning to the track for a heart-stopping comeback.” (Taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

 

Many thanks for everyone who came out to see CLOSET MONSTER last week. Though it wasn’t a sell-out, audience response was fantastic.  And I’m happy to report that we raised over $650 to send to victims’ families of the Orlando nightclub tragedy.

PUSH Dayton has rented our space to bring a one-time screening of TRAPPED to THE NEON on Thur, Aug. 4 at 7:30. “On June 27, 2016, the Supreme Court ruled in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, that restrictions on abortion clinics in Texas posed an undue burden on women seeking abortions. TRAPPED, a documentary by Dawn Porter, follows the struggles of the clinic workers and lawyers who are on the front lines of a battle to keep abortion safe and legal for millions of American women. US. reproductive health clinics are fighting to remain open. Since 2010, 288 TRAP (Targeted Regulations of Abortion Providers) laws have been passed by conservative state legislatures. Unable to comply with these far-reaching and medically unnecessary measures, clinics have taken their fight to the courts. What do these restrictions mean for the women of the United States? Their doctors? What’s the collateral damage when legislation plays politics with women’s health? PUSH (Professionals United for Sexual Health) is a Dayton-based advocacy group that raises funding and awareness for Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio.” Ticket details coming soon. Sponsored by Harmony Creek United Church of Christ, Drunk Think Tank, Blue Jacket Books, and Mark E. Owens, Dayton Clerk of Court.” Tickets are $5 each and are only available by clicking the official link above.

Local filmmaker Gino Pasi and his team are hosting a special screening of his new film on Thursday, August 11. “THE ARCHIVIST, a short-film written, produced, and directed by Pasi, tells the story of the brief and unusual relationship of Virginia Hirsch and Archie Vecchio, two people unable to forsake the past. The halcyon days of Virginia Hirsch’s youth are quickly fading no matter how hard she tries to hold on to them. For Archie Vechhio, history is much easier to navigate than the complicated present. When these two people meet, however, the past is buried and the present engaged. And both Virginia and Archie come to realize that living life to the fullest in the “here and now” means taking action – action that won’t come easy for either. Tickets available now at THE NEON’s box office or at the door the night of the showing for $5. One Time Only Public Showing! 9PM, Thursday, August 11, 2016.” (This film will screen earlier in the evening for invited guests.)

If you’re a FaceBook user and a fan of ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, be sure to visit our FaceBook page…There’s a contest you’ll likely want to enter. (More AbFab contests to come!)

Next week, I will roll out our campaign to assist with installing brand new chairs at THE NEON. A handful of people have already mentioned that they’d like to help – and that makes me quite hopeful. If you’d like to become a “NEON Lumbar Supporter,” you’ll find out all about it in next week’s newsletter.

We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, July 5 – Thursday, July 14:

THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY (PG-13) 1 Hr 48 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (July 5-7): 3:00, 7:20
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (July 8-10): 3:00
Monday-Thursday (July 11-14): 5:15

WEINER (R) 1 Hr 36 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (July 5-7): 5:15
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (July 8-10): 5:00
Monday-Thursday (July 11-14): 5:20

OUR KIND OF TRAITOR (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (July 5-7): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Friday & Saturday (July 8 & 9): 12:20, 2:40, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday (July 10): 12:20, 2:40, 7:20
Monday-Thursday (July 11-14): 3:00, 7:40

DARK HORSE (PG) 1 Hr 25 Min
Friday & Saturday (July 8 & 9): 12:50, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30
Sunday (July 10): 12:50, 5:20, 7:30
Monday-Thursday (July 11-14): 3:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
July 15 – MUSIC OF STRANGERS
July 22 – ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
July 29 – CAFE SOCIETY
TBD – CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
Aug 5 – HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
Aug 12 – EAT THAT QUESTION
Aug 26 – OUR LITTLE SISTER
Sept 2 – EQUITY
Sept 23 – THE HOLLARS

One-Time CLOSET MONSTER Screening – Proceeds Benefit Orlando

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Dayton PRIDE will close out month-long events with the screening of the award-winning film CLOSET MONSTER…and 100% of the proceeds will go to victims’ families of the horrendous massacre in Orlando. “CLOSET MONSTER tells the story of Oscar Madly, a creative and driven teenager who hovers on the brink of adulthood. Destabilized by his dysfunctional parents, unsure of his sexuality, and haunted by horrific images of a tragic gay bashing he witnessed as a child, Oscar dreams of escaping the town he feels is suffocating him.” (taken from press notes) Tickets available now at THE NEON’s box office – just $8 each. (Editors Note: the showing for CLOSET MONSTER is Thurs, June 30th at 7:30pm)

THE NEON is located at 130 E. 5th St. in downtown Dayton.  The box office opens daily by 2:30 and by Noon on weekends. For additional information, call (937)222-8452 or visit THE NEON’s official site – www.neonmovies.com

 

 

 

12th Annual Patriot Freedom Festival This Weekend at the Dayton VA Campus!

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The Grotto (built in 1867-1868) at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. – May 5, 2016

Memorial Day Weekend is fast approaching. Area pools will be opening, The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights at RiverScape MetroPark in Downtown Dayton will start shooting water again plus there will be plenty of parties & barbeques with family and friends. This weekend is also the unofficial start of Summer. The main reason we have this extended holiday weekend is to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

It also happens to be the most fitting weekend for the 12th Annual Patriot Freedom Festival on Saturday & Sunday, May 28-29, 2016 from 11 AM to 6 PM (both days) at the historic Dayton VA Medical Center Campus on 4100 West Third Street. This event is hosted by the American Veterans Heritage Center, a non-profit organization whose sole mission is “To preserve the best of our past…by improving the present…to create a better future for our heroes, our United States Veterans.” In short, the AVHC is the VA’s historical society. This year’s festival theme is Honoring Women in the Military. The festival is family friendly including free admission and free parking.

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The bandstand (built in 1871) at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. – May 5, 2016


The Dayton V.A. (Veterans Affairs) Medical Center Campus was built in 1867 when it was known as the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers and later the Dayton Soldiers Home. President Abraham Lincoln signed the creation of the Dayton VA into legislation on March 3, 1865. In 2012, the entire Dayton VA Medical Center campus was awarded with a National Historic Landmark status. 2017 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Dayton VA Medical Center with many events and festivities going on throughout the year.

I recently sat down with Tara Browne, a very enthusiastic volunteer for the AVHC. She has many reasons and much motivation to volunteer for this organization. Her father and sister both served in the U.S. Air Force (30 years and 10 years respectively). Browne’s grandfather on her mother’s side served under General MacArthur in the U.S. Army during World War II. He had four brothers who also fought in WWII. One of them was actually in the Battle of the Bulge and survived.

“When I was out in California, I did a lot of work with the homeless. I just kind of started feeding the homeless on the street as I found them. The more stories I heard, the more people I got to know on the streets and the more I realized that a lot of them were veterans. When I moved back from California to Ohio, I actively sought out volunteer opportunities at the Dayton VA because I knew I wanted to get more involved with that. So that’s how it started. Now I’m involved with the VA as well as Team Rubicon, Team RWB and the Invictus Games,” said Browne.

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The Grotto (built in 1867-1868) at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. – May 5, 2016

In 2015, Browne’s first year volunteering for the AVHC, she served as Event Co-Chair for the Patriot Freedom Festival. “I think it’s great because for one it opens up the VA, this awesome historical location that most people don’t even know is there or have forgotten about it. It opens it up to the public. It provides a lot of interesting things to do and interesting ways to learn not only about the history of Dayton, but about the impact that Dayton itself has had on veteran history. The VA was one of the original three and is one of the only ones of those original three that’s still open and functioning to this day. That was Civil War era and has made it all that way through. So, I think it’s a really cool learning time and just a fun, safe place for families to be,” said Browne.

 Here is Browne’s rundown of what to expect at the festival.

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The Grotto (built in 1867-1868) at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. – May 5, 2016


 “There’s a lot of activities for families. There were pony rides last year. There are all these different displays around the area. They have a lot of Civil War displays. There are bands, food vendors, clothing vendors, different sorts of wares and all sorts of small businesses from the Dayton area set up tents. It’s an eclectic festival where you get to see different aspects of Dayton.”

 “There are tours of the cemetery, a Gold Star Wives & Mothers ceremony going on plus there’s a lot that goes on in the chapels. The Grotto is going to be open and that’s been really refurbished/redone over the past several years since 2014. The grounds itself are relatively open for people to walk around, see and really get the feeling for the campus.”



A couple of days ago, I briefly spoke with Mike Turner, United States Marine Corps veteran/volunteer Events Secretary for the AVHC and asked him to share some highlights of the Patriot Freedom Festival. “I would say the most popular thing to do is to see all the reenactors, military displays and our free entertainment.  The most unique thing about our festival is that we are on the National Historic Landmark Designated Campus and you can tour it. Also, our guests can see military groups and equipment from the Civil War to the current era plus being able to thank the Veterans that are here,” said Turner.

Building 116, formerly the Headquarters/library and future home of the VA National Archives at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. - May 5, 2016

Building 116 (built in 1871), formerly the Headquarters/library and future home of the VA National Archives at the historic Dayton VA campus, site of the Patriot Freedom Festival. – May 5, 2016



In April 2016, an announcement was made that the VA National Archives will be moving from Washington, D.C. to the Dayton VA campus. The plan is for the archives to be housed in Building 116 (formerly the Headquarters, built in 1871) and Building 129 (formerly the Clubhouse, built in 1881). “The National Archives has no timetable really since 20-26 million needs to be raised first,” said Turner.

Said Browne in reference to 2015’s Patriot Freedom Festival, “We have people who didn’t even realize the festival was going on and just stumbled on the campus because they saw signs and showed up so you have a variety of people. My personal favorite part of the festival is seeing everyone come, getting to educate people, getting to be there in a very veteran & family friendly atmosphere and being a part of the celebration of our American veteran history.”

Recap of festival activities: honoring ceremonies, historical military reenactors, guided historical tours, children’s activities, barrel train, kid’s corner, gardening, equestrian team, the Miami Valley Military History Museum and more.

For more information about the Patriot Freedom Festival, visit americanveteransheritage.org, facebook.com/patriotfreedomfestival and follow @theavhc on Instagram & Twitter. Also, donations to the American Veterans Heritage Center can be made by clicking here.

Photography by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram and Tom Gilliam Photography.

Susan Sarandon in THE MEDDLER, SING STREET Continues + MADONNA at THE NEON!

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The_Meddler_-_PosterHello Everyone,

If you still need to see CITY OF GOLD, it won’t be at THE NEON much longer. It will only screen for one matinee per day over the weekend. On Friday, we will open a film that many of you will adore – THE MEDDLER – starring Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and a great supporting performance by J.K. Simmons. SING STREET is going to stick around for one more week! (If you’ve already seen this gem, please help us spread the word!)

Synopsis for THE MEDDLER: “With a new iPhone, an apartment near the Grove, and a comfortable bank account left to her by her beloved late husband, Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon) has happily relocated from New Jersey to LosAngeles to be near her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne), a successful (but still single) screenwriter, and smother her with motherly love. But when the dozens of texts, unexpected visits, and conversations dominated by unsolicited advice force Lori to draw strict personal boundaries, Marnie finds ways to channel her eternal optimism and forceful generosity to change the lives of others – as well as her own – and find a new purpose in life.” (Sony Pictures Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

I can hardly believe it, but the documentary TRUTH OR DARE is now 25 years old! Take a Holiday with Madonna and her entourage as we celebrate the film’s anniversary on the big screen…one of the great concert films of the past 30 years…and an incredibly important film to me when I first saw it at age 17! “This documentary chronicles Madonna’s controversial 1990 ‘Blonde Ambition’ international tour (which ROLLING STONE has recently called “the best concert tour of the 1990’s”). The film is a behind-the-scenes look at Madonna’s relationships with her dancers and crew, her then-boyfriend Warren Beatty, and her family and friends, achieving an intimate glimpse into the boundary-pushing singer’s drive and individuality.” Gene Siskel said it was “One of the best and most entertaining films of the year.” Come dressed as Madonna or wear your favorite Madonna T-shirt for discounts at the Concession Stand! Tickets are now on sale. TRUTH OR DARE will screen this Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 and Saturday, May 21 at 10pm.  Watch the original (“scandalous” albeit censored) trailer from 25 years ago:

“Massie Creek Paddlers and Tomfoolery Outdoors are pleased to announce the Dayton screening of THE REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR. The festival is an international adventure film tour presenting the world’s best paddling films of the year – categories include: whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, SUP, action and lifestyle. Audiences will see hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, northern river canoe expeditions, international river travel films, motivating environmental documentaries, grueling kayak fishing battles and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of paddling life. Join us on May 25 at 7:30 for the best paddling films of the year.” Tickets are $10 in advance and are only available at this LINK. If tickets remain on the day of the show, they will be $15 each and available at our box office one hour before showtime.

“LUNAFEST, a national festival of women’s films, comes to Dayton for the 7th time Sunday June 5 at 3:00 at THE NEON. The program features six award-winning short films that are international in scope, plus a short film by local filmmaker Aisha Ford. The films examine women’s stories told through the lens of women filmmakers in places ranging from Dayton, Ohio to the Philippines, Cuba and Iran. The diverse, thought-provoking stories for 2016 include challenges facing a woman boxer, a deaf woman dealing with cancer, the effects of drug addiction, raising a transgender child and more. Funds raised by this event will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and to Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region. Tickets are $10.00 ($5.00 for students) and donations over this amount are gratefully accepted. The event is sponsored nationally by Luna and locally by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance & the Dayton chapter of the American Association of University Women. Tickets can be purchased in advance at THE NEON.” (taken from press notes) To read about each of this year’s films, visit this LINK. And here’s a trailer for Aisha Ford’s film WREN:

Eric Totel has partnered with Tugg to hopefully bring the film RANGE 15 to town on Wednesday, June 15 at 7:30. As of this posting, they still need to sell 17 tickets in order to make the screening a reality. Here’s a synopsis: “A group of veterans wake up after a night of partying to find out that the zombie apocalypse has spread across the United States. Together, they must fight their way across the country in order to find a cure for the outbreak and restore freedom before it’s too late.” To watch a trailer and/or secure your ticket, visit this screening’s OFFICIAL PAGE. (If not enough tickets are reserved, the screening will not take place and your card will never be charged.)

If you were at THE NEON this weekend, you’ve already seen a sample of the chairs we’re hoping to purchase and install this September. Because we’re not a non-profit, I don’t like to seek or accept donations…but for this big project, we are going to ask for some assistance. (Interestingly, a couple people have approached me over the past year and asked how they might be able to help us financially – this is the way!) This June, I’ll start a campaign to help us raise a bit of extra money in order to make our auditoriums more comfortable for everyone – finally including our guests in wheelchairs. Stay tuned for updates!

Next week, we will bring Whit Stillman’s LOVE & FRIENDSHIP to town. This film is based on the novella LADY SUSAN by Jane Austen, and it is currently rated “100% Fresh” on rottentomatoes.com – a score that almost never happens! We will have a special sneak preview screening of the film on Thursday, May 26.

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, May 17- Thursday, May 26:

KRISHA (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (May 17-19): 5:15
FINAL DAY – May 19!

CITY OF GOLD (R) 1 Hr 36 Min
Tuesday & Wednesday (May 17 &18): 3:00, 7:15
Thursday (May 19): 3:00
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (May 20-22): 12:30
FINAL DAY – May 22!

SING STREET (PG-13) 1 Hr 46 Min
Monday – Thursday (May 16-19): 3:10, 5:30, 7:50
Friday (May 20): 2:50, 5:10, 7:20, 9:40
Saturday – Wednesday (May 21-25): 2:50, 5:10, 7:20
Thursday (May 26): 2:50, 5:10

MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE (R) 2 Hrs
Thursday (May 19): 7:30
Saturday (May 21): 10:00

THE MEDDLER (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday & Saturday (May 20 & 21): 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (May 22): 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday & Tuesday (May 23 & 24): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Wednesday (May 25): 3:00, 5:15
Thursday (May 26): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (PG) 1 Hr 32 Min
Thursday (May 26) – Preview Screening – 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 27 – LOVE & FRIENDSHIP
TBD – A BIGGER SPLASH
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE
TBD – HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
TBD – SWISS ARMY MAN
TBD – CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
July 22 – ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
July 29 – CAFE SOCIETY

2 New Gems – CITY OF GOLD & KRISHA – Open Friday + Madonna’s TRUTH OR DARE Turns 25!

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getmovieposter_city_of_goldHello Everyone,

I just got back from a short, revitalizing vacation, and we’re ready to tackle the next several weeks (which are currently overbooked). If you still need to see MILES AHEAD or A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING, you only have until Thursday to see them at THE NEON. Though audiences are loving SING STREET, I’m sad to say that it didn’t perform nearly as well as I had hoped. Though it will stick around, it won’t be here for long. On Friday, we will open 2 films that will likely only play for one week. First is a film that foodies and doc lovers will devour – CITY OF GOLD. Second is a film that won big awards at SXSW last year (and also played as part of the FilmDayton Festival – one of the best reviewed films of the year) – KRISHA.

Synopsis for CITY OF GOLD: “In this richly penetrating documentary odyssey, Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold shows us a Los Angeles where ethnic cooking is a kaleidoscopic portal to the mysteries of an unwieldy city and the soul of America. Combing through colorful neighborhoods in his green pickup truck, Gold is sniffing out his next strip-mall discovery-whether Oaxacan grasshopper soup, hand-cut tonkotsu ramen, or a particularly unctuous pad see ew. As piping-hot platters are served up, so are stories of immigrants whose secret family recipes are like sacred offerings pledged for the opportunity to build their American Dream. With eternal curiosity, razor-sharp intellect, and existential longing, Gold is a culinary geographer taking us where no critic has gone before.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

Synopsis for KRISHA: One of the best reviewed films of the year and a big winner from last year’s SXSW Film Festival! ONE WEEK ONLY! “When Krisha shows up at her sister’s Texas home on Thanksgiving morning, her close and extended family greet her with a mixture of warmth and wariness. Almost immediately, a palpable unease permeates the air, one which only grows in force as Krisha gets to work cooking the turkey and trying to make up for lost time by catching up with her various relatives, chief among them her nephew, Trey. As Krisha’s attempts at reconciliation become increasingly rebuffed, tension and suspicion reach their peak, with long-buried secrets and deep-seated resentments coming to the fore as everyone becomes immersed in an emotionally charged familial reckoning.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

It’s almost time for our Madonna celebration. I can hardly believe it, but the documentary MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE is now 25 years old! Take a Holiday with Madonna and her entourage as we celebrate the film’s anniversary on the big screen…one of the great concert films of the past 30 years…and an incredibly important film to me when I first saw it at age 17! “This documentary chronicles Madonna’s controversial 1990 ‘Blonde Ambition’ international tour (which ROLLING STONE has recently called “the best concert tour of the 1990’s”). The film is a behind-the-scenes look at Madonna’s relationships with her dancers and crew, her then-boyfriend Warren Beatty, and her family and friends, achieving an intimate glimpse into the boundary-pushing singer’s drive and individuality.” Gene Siskel said it was “One of the best and most entertaining films of the year.” Come dressed as Madonna or wear your favorite Madonna T-shirt for discounts at the Concession Stand! Tickets are now on sale. TRUTH OR DARE will screen Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 and Saturday, May 21 at 10pm.

“Massie Creek Paddlers and Tomfoolery Outdoors are pleased to announce the Dayton screening of THE REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR. The festival is an international adventure film tour presenting the world’s best paddling films of the year – categories include: whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, SUP, action and lifestyle. Audiences will see hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, northern river canoe expeditions, international river travel films, motivating environmental documentaries, grueling kayak fishing battles and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of paddling life. Join us on May 25 at 7:30 for the best paddling films of the year.” Tickets are $10 in advance and are only available at this LINK. If tickets remain on the day of the show, they will be $15 each and available at our box office one hour before showtime.

“LUNAFEST, a national festival of women’s films, comes to Dayton for the 7th time Sunday June 5 at 3:00 at THE NEON. The program features six award-winning short films that are international in scope, plus a short film by local filmmaker Aisha Ford. The films examine women’s stories told through the lens of women filmmakers in places ranging from Dayton, Ohio to the Philippines, Cuba and Iran. The diverse, thought-provoking stories for 2016 include challenges facing a woman boxer, a deaf woman dealing with cancer, the effects of drug addiction, raising a transgender child and more. Funds raised by this event will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and to Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region. Tickets are $10.00 ($5.00 for students) and donations over this amount are gratefully accepted. The event is sponsored nationally by Luna and locally by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance & the Dayton chapter of the American Association of University Women. Tickets can be purchased in advance at THE NEON.” (taken from press notes) To read about each of this year’s films, visit this LINK. A trailer for Aisha Ford’s film WREN can be viewed below.

Eric Totel has partnered with Tugg to hopefully bring the film RANGE 15 to town on Wednesday, June 15 at 7:30. As of this email, they still need to sell 22 tickets in order to make the screening a reality. Here’s a synopsis: “A group of veterans wake up after a night of partying to find out that the zombie apocalypse has spread across the United States. Together, they must fight their way across the country in order to find a cure for the outbreak and restore freedom before it’s too late.” To watch a trailer and/or secure your ticket, visit this screening’s OFFICIAL PAGE. (If not enough tickets are reserved, the screening will not take place and your card will never be charged.)

Next week, we plan to bring Susan Sarandon’s new film THE MEDDLER to town – a film that Rex Reed called “Charming, Insightful and Funny.”

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, May 10- Thursday, May 19:

MILES AHEAD (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (May 10-12): 5:10
FINAL DAY – May 12!

A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Tuesday (May 10): 2:50
Wednesday (May 11): 2:50, 7:30
Thursday (May 12): 2:50
FINAL DAY – May 12!

SING STREET (PG-13) 1 Hr 46 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (May 10-12): 3:10, 5:30, 7:50
Friday & Saturday (May 13 & 14): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (May 15): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday (May 16-19): 3:10, 5:30, 7:50

CITY OF GOLD (R) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (May 13-15): 12:50, 3:00, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday (May 16-18): 3:00, 7:15
Thursday (May 19): 3:00

KRISHA (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (May 13-15): 5:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday (May 16-19): 5:15

MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE (R) 2 Hrs
Thursday (May 19): 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 20 – THE MEDDLER
May 27 – LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
TBD – A BIGGER SPLASH
TBD – THE CONGRESSMAN
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE
TBD – HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
TBD – SWISS ARMY MAN
TBD – CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
July 22 – ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
July 29 – CAFE SOCIETY

Audiences & Critics Love SING STREET – Opening Friday at THE NEON!

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-132434-poster-xlarge-resizedHello Everyone,

We had a really nice weekend at THE NEON. Folks in the packed house on Saturday night really loved the screening of PURPLE RAIN…so we’re bringing it back one more time this Saturday at 10pm (last week’s screening sold out, and numerous people were disappointed not to get tickets). In addition to holding both MILES AHEAD and A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING, we’re opening a brand new film that is currently rated “97% Fresh” on rottentomatoes – SING STREET. This charming, uplifting and funny film is a complete gem, and it’s from John Carney – director of ONCE.

Synopsis for SING STREET: “In 1980s Dublin, 14-year-old Conor is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents’ relationship and money troubles, while trying to adjust to his new inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious, uber-cool and beautiful Raphina, and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band’s music videos. There’s only one problem: he’s not part of a band…yet. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he’s promised – calling himself ‘Cosmo’ and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the decade, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

Don’t forget about this Thursday, May 5th’s special screening! Stivers School for the Arts is coming back to THE NEON with a new edition of student work – THE SHOWCASE. “This eclectic compilation of short films includes comedies, documentaries, animations, music videos, as well as experimental work. Some of these films have won national and regional awards. Following the show we’ll have a Q & A with the student filmmakers. All proceeds go towards updating equipment in the film and animation studio. Tickets will be $5.00 during the pre-sale and $7.00 day of the screening. Tickets are now available at THE NEON’s box office. Our students thank you for your continued support!” (taken from press notes)

“The Dayton International Peace Museum invites you to save Sunday, May 8, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. for HIP-HOPERATION. In conjunction with our ‘Invent Peace’ theme, this funny documentary follows the Journey of Seniors from New Zealand as they not only learn to dance Hip Hop, but attend a World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Las Vegas. Enjoy their delight in discovering a new world. Suggested Donation: $10 (includes popcorn!) More info at: daytonpeacemuseum.org or call Jerry at 937-999-7314.” (If you liked YOUNG AT HEART – the documentary about seniors singing rock songs – you’ll love this film.) Check out the trailer by clicking this LINK.

Mark your calendars! I can hardly believe it, but the documentary TRUTH OR DARE is now 25 years old! Take a Holiday with Madonna and her entourage as we celebrate the film’s anniversary on the big screen…one of the great concert films of the past 30 years…and an incredibly important film to me when I first saw it at age 17! “This documentary chronicles Madonna’s controversial 1990 ‘Blonde Ambition’ international tour (which ROLLING STONE has recently called “the best concert tour of the 1990’s”). The film is a behind-the-scenes look at Madonna’s relationships with her dancers and crew, her then-boyfriend Warren Beatty, and her family and friends, achieving an intimate glimpse into the boundary-pushing singer’s drive and individuality.” Gene Siskel said it was “One of the best and most entertaining films of the year.” Come dressed as Madonna or wear your favorite Madonna T-shirt for discounts at the Concession Stand! Tickets are now on sale. TRUTH OR DARE will screen Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 and Saturday, May 21 at 10pm.

“Massie Creek Paddlers and Tomfoolery Outdoors are pleased to announce the Dayton screening of THE REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR. The festival is an international adventure film tour presenting the world’s best paddling films of the year – categories include: whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, SUP, action and lifestyle. Audiences will see hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers exploring remote coastlines, northern river canoe expeditions, international river travel films, motivating environmental documentaries, grueling kayak fishing battles and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of paddling life. Join us on May 25 at 7:30 for the best paddling films of the year.” Tickets are $10 in advance and are only available at this LINK. If tickets remain on the day of the show, they will be $15 each and available at our box office one hour before showtime.

“LUNAFEST, a national festival of women’s films, comes to Dayton for the 7th time Sunday June 5 at 3:00 at THE NEON. The program features six award-winning short films that are international in scope, plus a short film by local filmmaker Aisha Ford. The films examine women’s stories told through the lens of women filmmakers in places ranging from Dayton, Ohio to the Philippines, Cuba and Iran. The diverse, thought-provoking stories for 2016 include challenges facing a woman boxer, a deaf woman dealing with cancer, the effects of drug addiction, raising a transgender child and more. Funds raised by this event will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and to Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region. Tickets are $10.00 ($5.00 for students) and donations over this amount are gratefully accepted. The event is sponsored nationally by Luna and locally by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance & the Dayton chapter of the American Association of University Women. Tickets can be purchased in advance at THE NEON.” (taken from press notes) To read about each of this year’s films, visit this LINK. A trailer for Aisha Ford’s film WREN can be viewed at this LINK.

Next week, we plan to bring a film that will absolutely delight foodies – CITY OF GOLD. If we have room, we’ll also open the big SXSW winner KRISHA.

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, May 3- Thursday, May 12:

MILES AHEAD (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Tuesday & Wednesday (May 3 & 4): 3:00, 5:10, 7:30
Thursday (May 5): 3:00, 5:10
Friday (May 6): 12:20, 5:00, 9:30
Saturday (May 7): 12:20, 5:00
Sunday (May 8): 12:20, 5:15
Monday – Thursday (May 9-12): 5:10

A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (May 3-5): 3:10, 5:20, 7:40
Friday & Saturday (May 6 & 7): 2:45, 7:15
Sunday (May 8): 7:30
Monday (May 9): 2:50, 7:30
Tuesday (May 10): 2:50
Wednesday (May 11): 2:50, 7:30
Thursday (May 12): 2:50

STIVERS FILM & ANIMATION – THE SHOWCASE (NR)
Thursday (May 5): 7:30

SING STREET (PG-13) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday & Saturday (May 6 & 7): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (May 8): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday (May 9-12): 3:10, 5:30, 7:50

PURPLE RAIN (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Saturday (May 7): 10:00pm

HIP HOP-ERATION (NR) 1 Hr 33 Min
Sunday (May 8): 3:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 13 – CITY OF GOLD
May 13 – KRISHA
May 20 – THE MEDDLER
May 27 – LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
TBD – A BIGGER SPLASH
TBD – THE CONGRESSMAN
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE
TBD – HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
TBD – SWISS ARMY MAN
TBD – CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
July 22 – ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
July 29 – CAFE SOCIETY

Tom Hanks Fever + Cincinnati & Dayton’s MILES AHEAD at THE NEON!

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26004198166_ffa375b1b8_oHello Everyone,

We’re cleaning house this week!  On Friday, we will start two brand new films. First is Don Cheadle’s MILES AHEAD. This film was shot in Cincinnati and Dayton, and many filmmakers and actors from the region participated in the production (I even had the privilege of being an extra for a day back in 2014). In addition, we’ll open A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING – starring Tom Hanks. Dayton is currently quite excited about Hanks and his attachment to Wright State University. Interestingly, Stuart McDowell of WSU visited Hanks on the set of HOLOGRAM FOR A KING in Berlin. It was during this meeting that Hanks agreed to put his name on the new “Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures” at WSU. (Would you like to win an autographed poster? Keep reading.)

Synopsis for MILES AHEAD: “In the midst of a dazzling and prolific career at the forefront of modern jazz innovation, Miles Davis (Don Cheadle) virtually disappears from public view for a period of five years in the late 1970s. Alone and holed up in his home, he is beset by chronic pain from a deteriorating hip, his musical voice stifled and numbed by drugs and pain medications, his mind haunted by unsettling ghosts from the past.” (taken from Sony Classics) Shot in Cincinnati & Dayton, this improvisation on the life of Miles Davis is a treat for music lovers! Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

 

Synopsis for A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING: This film is based on the beloved novel by Dave Eggers and directed by visionary director Tom Tykwer. “Cultures collide when an American businessman (Tom Hanks) is sent to Saudi Arabia to close what he hopes will be the deal of a lifetime. Baffled by local customs and stymied by an opaque bureaucracy, he eventually finds his footing with the help of a wise-cracking taxi driver (Alexander Black) and a beautiful Saudi doctor (Sarita Choudhury).” (taken from Roadside Attractions) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website. (More about Hanks, HOLOGRAM and WSU below.)

On Monday, April 25 at 7:30, Gathr Films along with Tricia Rau-Hammond will present a one-time screening of the new documentary MILK. “Through an intimate and artistic lens, MILK brings a universal perspective on the politics, commercialization and controversies surrounding birth and infant feeding over the canvas of stunningly beautiful visuals and poignant voices from around the globe. Inspiring, informative, provocative and sensitive, MILK celebrates bringing a new life into this world with a strong call to action and reflection.” (taken from Press Notes) In addition to the screening, the evening will feature a raffle of prizes from Luna Blue’s Boutique. Advanced tickets must be purchased on the Gathr site by following this LINK. If tickets remain, they will be available at our box office one hour before the screening.

“The seniors from the award winning Motion Picture program at Wright State University are showcasing their thesis work at the annual BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL. The film festival of new work is scheduled for May 1st, 2016 at 7:30. There will be work from Joe Cook, Alan Lewin, Mitch Centers, Sydney Waltz, Brian Roll, C. B. Hovey, Jessica Barton, Michaela Scholl, Eric Risher, and Liz Lowe. Past participants in Big Lens have won awards at festivals such as Slamdance, Student Academy Awards, and Sundance.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $7 and can now be purchased at THE NEON’s box office.

Thursday, May 5 at 7:30 has been reserved for a showcase of student work from Stivers School for the Arts. I’ll have more details for you soon!

“The Dayton International Peace Museum invites you to save Sunday, May 8, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. for HIP-HOPERATION. In conjunction with our ‘Invent Peace’ theme, this funny documentary follows the Journey of Seniors from New Zealand as they not only learn to dance Hip Hop, but attend a World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Las Vegas. Enjoy their delight in discovering a new world. Suggested Donation: $10 (includes popcorn!) More info at: daytonpeacemuseum.org or call Jerry at 937-999-7314.” (If you liked YOUNG AT HEART – the documentary about seniors singing rock songs – you’ll love this film.) Check out the trailer by clicking this LINK.

Would you like to win a poster from HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING signed by Tom Hanks? During our run of the film, you can enter your name for a chance to win one. Stuart McDowell helped to get posters autographed for us during yesterday’s festivities at WSU with Hanks – a truly fantastic event! Here are a couple photos I took from the ceremony.

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Thanks for your continued support.
I hope to see you soon at THE NEON,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, April 22 – Thursday, April 28:

MILES AHEAD (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday & Saturday (Apr 22 & 23): 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (Apr 24): 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:30
Monday-Thursday (Apr 25-28): 3:00, 5:10, 7:30

A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday & Saturday (Apr 22 & 23): 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday (Apr 24): 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20
Monday (Apr 25): 3:10, 5:20
Tuesday-Thursday (Apr 26-28): 3:10, 5:20, 7:40

MILK – BORN INTO THIS WORLD (NR) 1 Hr 30 Min
Monday (Apr 25): 7:30
ONE NIGHT ONLY!

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
TBD – THE DARK HORSE
TBD – KRISHA
TBD – THE CONGRESSMAN
May 6 – SING STREET
May 13 – LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
May 27 – THE MEDDLER
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE

Sally Field’s DORIS Soars! Hank Williams Biopic Opens Friday at THE NEON!

By

I SAW DMMHello Everyone,

Many thanks to everyone who came out to see HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS this weekend. The response was terrific, and DORIS will certainly stick around. If you’re a Terrence Malick fan (or a fan of Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett or Natalie Portman) and you still need to see KNIGHT OF CUPS, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open the new Hank Williams biopic – I SAW THE LIGHT – featuring an incredible central performance by Tom Hiddleston.

Synopsis for I SAW THE LIGHT: “I SAW THE LIGHT tells the story of the iconic, tormented singer-songwriter Hank Williams who revolutionized country music with his raw charisma, haunting voice and original songs, most of which are considered American standards today and have been recorded many times over by pop, rock and country artists alike. Hank Williams (Tom Hiddleston) emerged from the local Alabama music scene after World War II. Wife Audrey (Elizabeth Olsen) was desperate to sing by his side despite being of lesser talent, which fueled an extremely turbulent home life.” (Sony Classics) Stephen Hubbard of ABC-Nashville wrote, “Not since Sissy Spacek portrayed Loretta Lynn as an actor inhabited a legend like Tom Hiddleston playing Hank Williams.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

We’re only a week away from THE DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, and this year’s selections look like a winning line-up! The fest begins in early April with screenings and speakers all around town. Here’s a list of films that will screen at THE NEON:
Thursday, April 7 – 7:15pm – ATOMIC FALAFEL
Sunday, April 10 – 7:15pm – THE LAST MENTSCH
Tuesday, April 12 – 9:30am – GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM
Tuesday, April 12 – 7:15pm – BORROWED IDENTITY
Thursday, April 14 – 7:15pm – APPLES FROM THE DESERT
Sunday, April 17 – 5:20pm – MAKING MORNING STAR
Sunday, April 17 – 7:15pm – DOUGH
Advanced tickets are available on the festival’s official site.

On Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30, “Go Wild for Earth Month at the WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL presented by Aveda and the SierraClub. The evening will be a celebration of wilderness and waterways as we take a cinematic tour of rivers, lakes, oceans and the individuals exploring, enjoying, and protecting them. Over 15 films spanning the globe highlight why our waterways should be wild.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $10 each in advance, and they can be purchased via this LINK. If tickets remain, they will be sold one hour before the event at our box office for $12 each. All proceeds benefit the Sierra Club.

On Monday, April 25 at 7:30, Gathr Films along with Tricia Rau-Hammond will present a one-time screening of the new documentary MILK. “Through an intimate and artistic lens, MILK brings a universal perspective on the politics, commercialization and controversies surrounding birth and infant feeding over the canvas of stunningly beautiful visuals and poignant voices from around the globe. Inspiring, informative, provocative and sensitive, MILK celebrates bringing a new life into this world with a strong call to action and reflection.” (taken from Press Notes) In addition to the screening, the evening will feature a raffle of prizes from Luna Blue’s Boutique. Advanced tickets must be purchased on the Gathr site by following this LINK. If tickets remain, they will be available at our box office one hour before the screening.

Next Friday (April 8), we’re slated to open DEMOLITION – the new film from Jean Marc Vallee (director of WILD and DALLAS BUYERS CLUB). It stars Jake Gyllenhaal & Naomi Watts, and it was the Opening Night Film at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. I think many of you will love it!

We hope to see you soon!
Thanks for your continued support,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Monday, March 28 – Thursday, April 7:

KNIGHT OF CUPS (R) 1 Hr 58 Min
Monday – Thursday (March 28-31): 3:00, 5:30, 8:00
FINAL DAY – March 31!

HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Monday – Thursday (March 28-31): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Friday & Saturday (April 1 & 2): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday (April 3): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Wednesday (April 4-6): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Thursday (April 7): 3:00, 5:15

I SAW THE LIGHT (R) 2 Hrs 3 Min
Friday & Saturday (April 1 & 2): 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Sunday (April 3): 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday – Thursday (April 4-7): 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Thursday (April 7): ATOMIC FALAFEL (NR) – 7:15

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
April 8 – DEMOLITION (Opening Night film from TIFF)
April ? – REMEMBER
April 22 – MILES AHEAD (shot in Cincinnati & Dayton)
April ? – THE DARK HORSE
April ? – KRISHA
May 6 – SING STREET
May 13 – LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
May 27 – THE MEDDLER
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE

Sally Field’s DORIS & Star-Studded Malick Film Open Friday at THE NEON!

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rs_634x939-151119112930-634-hello-my-name-is-doris-posterHello Everyone,

We’re cleaning house this week! If you need to see HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT, MUSTANG, SON OF SAUL or LADY IN THE VAN, Thursday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. On Friday, we’ll begin a film that many of you have expressed excitement about – HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS – starring Sally Field. In addition, we’ll begin a film by master filmmaker Terrence Malick with a star-studded cast – KNIGHT OF CUPS.

Synopsis for HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS: “When Doris Miller meets John Fremont, her company’s hip new art director, sparks fly-at least for Doris. In the cluttered house she shared with her late mother, Doris mines the Internet for information on her one-and-only, guided by the 13-year-old granddaughter of her best pal Roz. When Doris begins showing up at John’s regular haunts, she wins over his Williamsburg friends. Her new life brings Doris a thrilling perspective, but also creates a rift between her and her longtime friends and family, who believe she’s making a fool of herself over a guy half her age. Eager for all the experiences she has missed out on, Doris throws caution to the wind and follows her heart for the very first time.” VARIETY wrote, “A showstopper. Sally Field shines.”

Synopsis for KNIGHT OF CUPS: “Knight of Cups follows writer Rick (Christian Bale) on an odyssey through the playgrounds of Los Angeles and Las Vegas as he undertakes a search for love and self. Even as he moves through a desire-laden landscape of mansions, resorts, beaches and clubs, Rick grapples over complicated relationships with his brother (Wes Bentley) and father (Brian Dennehy). His quest to break the spell of his disenchantment takes him on a series of adventures with six alluring women: rebellious Della (Imogen Poots); his physician ex-wife, Nancy (Cate Blanchett); a serene model Helen (Freida Pinto); a woman he wronged in the past Elizabeth (Natalie Portman); a spirited, playful stripper Karen (Teresa Palmer); and an innocent Isabel (Isabel Lucas), who helps him see a way forward. Rick moves in a daze through a strange and overwhelming dreamscape — but can he wake up to the beauty, humanity and rhythms of life around him? The deeper he searches, the more the journey becomes his destination.” THE VILLAGE VOICE wrote, “KNIGHT OF CUPS might be both the most intoxicating film [Malik] has ever made-a deluge of gorgeous, kinetic images and sounds-and, in some ways, the most perplexing.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

It’s almost time for THE DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, and this year’s selections look like a winning line-up! The fest begins in early April with screenings and speakers all around town. Here’s a list of films that will screen at THE NEON:
Thursday, April 7 – 7:15pm – ATOMIC FALAFEL
Sunday, April 10 – 7:15pm – THE LAST MENTSCH
Tuesday, April 12 – 9:30am – GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM
Tuesday, April 12 – 7:15pm – BORROWED IDENTITY
Thursday, April 14 – 7:15pm – APPLES FROM THE DESERT
Sunday, April 17 – 5:20pm – MAKING MORNING STAR
Sunday, April 17 – 7:15pm – DOUGH
Advanced tickets are available on the festival’s official site.

On Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30, “Go Wild for Earth Month at the WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL presented by Aveda and the SierraClub. The evening will be a celebration of wilderness and waterways as we take a cinematic tour of rivers, lakes, oceans and the individuals exploring, enjoying, and protecting them. Over 15 films spanning the globe highlight why our waterways should be wild.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased in advance via this LINK. If tickets remain, they will be sold one hour before the event at our box office. All proceeds benefit the Sierra Club.

We hope to see you soon!
Thanks for your continued support!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, March 22 – Thursday, March 31:

THE LADY IN THE VAN (PG-13) 1 Hr 44 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (March 22-24): 3:00, 7:30
FINAL DAY – March 24!

SON OF SAUL (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (March 22-24): 5:10
FINAL DAY – March 24!

HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT (PG-13) 1 Hr 19 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (March 22-24): 5:15
FINAL DAY – March 24!

MUSTANG (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (March 22-24): 3:15, 7:30
FINAL DAY – March 24!

HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday & Saturday (March 25 & 26): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday (March 27): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday (March 28-31): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

KNIGHT OF CUPS (R) 1 Hr 58 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (March 25-27): 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:00
Monday – Thursday (March 28-31): 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
April 1 – I SAW THE LIGHT
April 8 – DEMOLITION
April ? – REMEMBER
April 22 – MILES AHEAD (shot in Cincinnati & Dayton)
April ? – THE DARK HORSE
April ? – KRISHA
May 6 – SING STREET
May 13 – LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
May 27 – THE MEDDLER
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE

New Michael Moore Film Now Playing at THE NEON!

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Where_to_Invade_Next-727341632-largeHello Everyone,

We just opened a documentary that is insightful, optimistic and terribly funny – Michael Moore’s WHERE TO INVADE NEXT. Knowing Moore’s work, you might look at the title and feel as though you already know where this film is going…but it’s actually quite a different tone (more below). In addition, we’re holding ANOMALISA as well as the OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS (we’ve even brought back the documentaries for a few screenings). On February 19, we will open the new highly-anticipated Maggie Smith film – THE LADY IN THE VAN.

Synopsis for WHERE TO INVADE NEXT: “WHERE TO INVADE NEXT is an expansive, rib-tickling, and subversive comedy in which Moore, playing the role of ‘invader,’ visits a host of nations to learn how the U.S. could improve its own prospects. The creator of FAHRENHEIT 9/11 and BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE is back with this hilarious and eye-opening call to arms. Turns out the solutions to America’s most entrenched problems already existed in the world – they’re just waiting to be co-opted.” (taken from Drafthouse Films) Entertainment Weekly wrote, “Where to Invade Next is so heartfelt and sincere, it’s tempting to say that Moore’s mellowed with age. But beneath its innocent-abroad optimism, the film has a stinging truth that’s hard to ignore.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Our friends at ThinkTV are helping us once again to get a signal for our Annual FREE Oscar Party! This year’s telecast will happen on Sunday, February 28, and Ballots (where you can predict the winners for awesome prizes) are now available in our lobby. Our friends at Square One Salon & Spa are once again donating a fantastic prize that will part of our Grand Prize – “The Star Treatment.” Keep tuning in for more details!

“The Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton will sponsor a screening of OPPOSITE FIELD on March 5, 2016 at Noon. This is the club’s fifth annual fundraiser at THE NEON, and this movie is a classic underdog sports story about an Ugandan Little League team. This documentary is inspiring and will have the audience displaying a wide range of emotions as the team makes history as the first African team hosted by the Little League World Series. This is a great film for adults and our youth. The funds raised will go into the Junior Leaguers Club scholarship fund. The tickets are $30 for adults (which include movie, glass of wine, glass of soda, and popcorn) and $15 for students (which include soda and popcorn). Tickets can be purchased at THE NEON. Guest speakers for this screening will be Mr. Ron Johnson, president First Dayton Little League and Mr. Keith Byars, former NFL professional player and a little league player in his youth.” (taken from press notes)

Due to the upcoming holiday, we will have later hours on Sunday and earlier hours on Monday. Please see all of our upcoming showtimes below.

We hope to see you soon!
Thanks for your continued support!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Saturday, Feb. 13 – Thursday, Feb. 18:

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: ANIMATION (NR) 1 Hr 26 Min
Saturday, Sunday (Feb 13-14): 9:30
Monday (Feb 15): No Screening
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (Feb 16-18): 3:15

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: LIVE ACTION (NR) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday – Thursday (Feb 12-18): 5:10

ANOMALISA (R) 1 Hr 30 Min
Saturday, Sunday, Monday (Feb 13-15): 12:00, 7:30
Tuesday (Feb 16): 7:30
Wednesday (Feb 17): No Screening
Thursday (Feb 18): 7:30

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: DOCUMENTARY (NR) 2 Hr 44 Min
Saturday, Sunday, Monday (Feb 13-15): 1:50
Tuesday (Feb 16): No Screening
Wednesday (Feb 17): 7:30
Thursday (Feb 18): No Screening

WHERE TO INVADE NEXT (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Saturday, Sunday (Feb 13 & 14): 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50
Monday (Feb 15): 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (Feb 16-18): 2:50, 5:20, 7:45

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Feb. 19 – LADY IN THE VAN (Maggie Smith – need we say more?)
Mar. 4 – JANIS: LITTLE GIRL BLUE
TBD – 45 YEARS (Oscar Nomination for Charlotte Rampling)
TBD – SON OF SAUL (Oscar Nominated “Best Foreign Film”)
March 25 – KNIGHT OF CUPS
April 1 – I SAW THE LIGHT
TBD – THE LOBSTER, DEMOLITION, THE BRONZE

CAROL Soars at THE NEON! PEGGY GUGGENHEIM Doc & Return of SPOTLIGHT Start Friday!

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5117f5ba-f6a8-4f2d-a3fa-47bb154f4766Hello Everyone,

What a fantastic weekend! Many thanks to everyone who came out for CAROL at THE NEON! This stunning film surpassed the national average for us and has already reached “hit status” in our books. Don’t forget that your ticket stub to CAROL gets you 50% off admission to America’s Packard Museum – just a few blocks away.

We’re holding everything we’ve got (CAROL, THE DANISH GIRL and TRUMBO), and we’re adding a couple more films to the line-up. First off, we’re bringing a documentary that has received several requests – but it will only play for a handful of screenings – PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: ART ADDICT. In addition, we will bring SPOTLIGHT back into the mix…we’re pretty certain it will receive numerous Oscar nominations on Thursday.

Speaking of Oscars, I’m happy to announce that our friends at ThinkTV have once again agreed to help us get a signal for our annual Oscar Party. Save the date for Sunday, February 28. More details coming soon!

Synopsis for PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: ART ADDICT: “Lisa Immordino Vreeland follows up her acclaimed debut DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL with PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: ART ADDICT. A colorful character who was not only ahead of her time but helped to define it, Peggy Guggenheim was an heiress to her family fortune who became a central figure in the modern art movement. As she moved through the cultural upheaval of the 20th century, she collected not only art, but artists. Her colorful personal history included such figures as Samuel Beckett, Max Ernst, Jackson Pollock, Alexander Calder, Marcel Duchamp as well as countless others. While fighting through personal tragedy, she maintained her vision to build one of the most important collections of modern art, now enshrined in her Venetian palazzo.” (Submarine Deluxe) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

Garry Harrington is bringing a cycling film to town on Wednesday, February 3 at 7:30. Sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks, “INSPIRED TO RIDE is the followup film from the creators of the wildly popular and award-winning film RIDE THE DIVIDE, as well as their second film, REVEAL THE PATH. On June 7, 2014, forty-five cyclists from around the world set out on the inaugural TransAm Bike Race, a 4,233-mile cross-country, self-supported race from Astoria, OR, to Yorktown, VA. The route roughly follows the TransAmerica Trail as created by the Adventure Cycling Association, traversing through ten states in a transcontinental adventure of epic proportions…These athletes will endure agonizing climbs in the Rockies, driving winds in the Great Plains and sawtooth switchbacks in the Appalachians all for a pat on the back, potential bragging rights and a cold beer when it’s over. Some are out to make history and set records, while others are simply trying to finish.” Advanced tickets are $12 each and are only available at this LINK. Same day tickets (if available) will be $15 at our box office one hour before the screening.

We hope to see you soon!
Thanks for your continued support!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, Jan. 12 – Thursday, Jan. 21:

THE DANISH GIRL (R) 2 Hrs
Tuesday – Thursday (Jan 12-14): 2:40, 7:45
Fri, Sat, Sun (Jan 15-17): 7:15
Monday (Jan 18): 5:45
Tuesday – Thursday (Jan 19-21): 5:15

TRUMBO (R) 2 Hrs 4 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (Jan 12-14): 5:15
Fri, Sat, Sun (Jan 15-17): 4:45
Monday (Jan 18): 3:20
Tuesday – Thursday (Jan 19-21): 2:40

CAROL (R) 1 Hr 58 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (Jan 12-14): 2:50, 5:20, 7:50
Friday & Saturday (Jan 15 & 16): 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:20, 9:50
Sunday (Jan 17): 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:20
Monday (Jan 18): 3:15, 5:40, 8:00
Tuesday – Thursday (Jan 19-21): 2:50, 5:20, 7:50

PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: ART ADDICT (NR) 1 Hr 39 Min
ONLY 4 SCREENINGS OF THIS FILM!
Fri, Sat, Sun (Jan 15-17): Noon
Wednesday (Jan 20): 7:45

SPOTLIGHT (R) 2 Hrs 8 Min
Friday & Saturday (Jan 15 & 16): 2:10, 9:45
Sunday (Jan 17): 2:10
Monday (Jan 18): 8:10
Tuesday (Jan 19): 7:45
Wednesday (Jan 20): No Screening
Thursday (Jan 21): 7:45

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Jan. 22 – ANOMALISA (Charlie Kaufman’s new film)
Jan. 22 – YOUTH (starring Michael Caine & Harvey Keitel)
Feb. 12 – WHERE TO INVADE NEXT (Michael Moore’s new film)
TBD – OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS
Feb. 19 – LADY IN THE VAN (Maggie Smith – need we say more?)
TBD – SON OF SAUL (almost certain to get an Oscar nomination)
TBD – 45 YEARS (Big Oscar Push for Charlotte Rampling)