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

Roost

Roost Closes After 13 Years in the Oregon District

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Roost, an Oregon District staple since November of 2011 operated by owner/Chef Dana Downs, showcased a menu of Italian dishes with a modern approach. This past August they rebranded as Culina, offering a small plates with a “fine casual” service model.

After just 3 months Downs announced November 14th  “While the change to the Culina concept from Roost has been well received, our loyal customers have spoken -So much so, that the decision has been made to return to the Roost Italian offering classic Roost entrees and sneaking in some of Culina’s most popular small plates.”

Fast forward to January 2025, the restaurant closed for a week long winter break.  Then suddenly the social media presence for Roost/Culina disappeared, reservations were turned off on the website and posts on the Instagram accounts were taken down and then the entire site was taken down.  We reached out to Chef Downs, but have heard nothing back.

Just a bit ago we were able to confirm the following communication was sent to Roost staff from owners Dana & Katherine Downs:

“Thank you all for your hard work and dedication during the holiday season. We deeply value the effort each of you has contributed to Roost, and it has been a privilege working alongside such a talented an committed team.  

After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to terminate al employment relationships at Roost, effective immediately….We are currently engaged in discussion with potential buyers for the restaurant, and they have expressed interest in retaining the current staff.”

The email continued with info about final paychecks and W2’s and wished them the very best in their future endeavors.

After so many years of great food and service, we hate when a restaurant goes out like this and we hope the entire staff lands on their feet quickly.

 

Oregon District Eatery Roost Returns To Its Roots

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Owner and Chef, Dana Down has listened to the people. While the change to the Culina concept from Roost has been well received, she says their loyal customers have spoken. They have heard that Roost is missed! So much so that the decision has been made to return to the Roost Italian offering classic Roost entrees and sneaking in some of Culina’s most popular small plates! You have known and loyally supported for 13 years! This weekend, we will be featuring a Surf & Turf entree and Champagne Special to celebrate our 13th Anniversary of Roost!

Dana Downs

Downs says that “change will allow a return of many of the menu favorites that you have loved. Additionally, soon we will have free valet parking again!

They have also heard the comments of the needs for some casual options – so we are in early discussions about offering a casual environment in what has been known as the “Dough Room”.
We understand the desire to make the Oregon District walkable and safe during the warm weather months. However, the complete closing of Fifth Street and lack of access to close parking and use of a valet took a significant toll on our traffic and business. We are hopeful that these changes will help us return to the Roost everyone has known and loved for 13 years. We are also hopeful that there can be some adjustments to that in the future.”
These changes will take place over the next few weeks but our hours immediately going forward will be
Wed & Thurs 5-9:30
Fri & Sat from 5-10
Sun from 5-9, but then adding brunch starting in December!

Oregon District Eatery to Rebrand

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Roost Modern Italian – to get a new approach for Dayton! Roost is going through more than a name change, but also a concept change to include lunch hours. Dana Downs owner and Executive Chef of Roost Modern Italian announced today that the name will be changing to Culina, and the concept shifts from fine dining to an upscale casual small plate approach. After 13 years, Chef Dana believes that Dayton is ready for a new concept and another option for lunch as well as dinner. 

The ‘fine casual’ service model is defined by a commitment to exceptional quality and a chef-driven approach, focusing on superior ingredients and culinary artistry. Guests can expect a more refined atmosphere that surpasses traditional fast casual dining, while still enjoying a relaxed and approachable environment. “Guests can customize their experience to suit their preferences for their visit. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick salad for lunch or planning to celebrate a special occasion with a group, Culina is here to cater to your needs.” Downs went on to clarify that while Culina will not be taking reservations, accommodations can be made for groups of 8 or more. “Offering a ‘small plate’ service makes it challenging to accommodate small reservations, as this casual style differs significantly from the previous fine dining and structured meal service approach.”

Chef/Owner Dana Downs

Culina will offer Italian-inspired small plates, akin to what Americans would consider ‘tapas style’. Small plates will on average be priced between $14 and $26, allowing guests to enjoy fresh pastas, seafood and steaks & chops. Culina will also continue on Roost’s focus of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan offerings. Downs commented “As a chef, my goal is to provide inventive dishes that cater to special dietary needs, particularly gluten-free options.”

When asked about the casual service Downs replied “We are excited to provide our guests with a unique dining experience that celebrates the best of Italian cuisine.”

 
All Roost gift cards will be honored at Culina. Roost will remain open until Culina is ready to launch in a few weeks.

Culina

524 East Fifth Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402

Mon -Thurs  11am to 9pm
Fri & Sat from 11am-10pm

Spaghetti Day Dining Deals Today

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The first Western pasta was likely long, thin forms made in Sicily around the 12th century; till this day, spaghetti is the most common round-rod type of pasta and in Italian, “spaghetti” means “little lines.” However, the popularity of pasta only spread across the whole country of Italy after the establishment of pasta factories in the 19th century, substantially shortening the time needed for making dishes like spaghetti and enabling the mass production of pasta for the Italian market.

Spaghetti Warehouse

36 W 5th St,
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 461-3913

‪Friday, January 4th Celebrate National Spaghetti Day at The Warehouse and take home FREE a Classic Spaghetti Entree with the purchase of any entree at regular menu prices and a coupon! ‬
‪
Choose your FREE Spaghetti Entree from one of 3 Classics, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Spaghetti with house-made tomato sauce, or Spaghetti with Marinara. Each is prepared fresh, then chilled and ready to take home. Soup, salad or Sourdough bread are not included.  Click here for your coupon! ‬ http://bit.ly/2F3ou8D

 

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

937-438-9690

900 Miamisburg Centerville Rd
Washington Township, OH 45459-6554

GET DIRECTIONS

 

Open for weekend lunch11AM – 11PM

Celebrate with $10 Pasta Dishes
Enjoy Spaghetti Pomodoro, Linguine Positano or Penne Alfredo — all freshly sautéed-to-order, so every bite is full of flavor.

 

Roost

524 E 5th St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 222-3100

Will be offering a Scottish smoked salmon spaghetti carbonara as their special.

 

Mamma DiSalvo’s would usually appear on this list, but they are closed for their winter vacation.  We did not hear back from Giovanni’s or Franco’s or Troni’s when we requested information about spaghetti day specials.

Roost Hosts Wine Dinner

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On Thursday, November 8th Roost Modern Italian in the Oregon District will host a five course  dinner, featuring the wines of Pine Ridge Vineyards.  This California winery founded in 1978 by Gary Andrus, sits in the heart of the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, famous for Cabernet Sauvignon wines of distinctive power and elegance.  The dinner will begin at 6:30pm and reservations are required.

 

 

Pine Ridge Wine Dinner Menu:

Malene Rose ‘17 by Chamisal
Paired with Roast halibut with fig Sugo and prosciutto

Dijon Clone Chardonnay ‘14
Paired with Crisp Joyce Farms chicken And mascarpone creamed spinach

Seven Hills Red Blend Walla Walla ‘14
-The inaugural release of this wine is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot.
Paired with Duck Confit & ‘Candy’
Confit with Butternut Squash and Ricotta Caramelle Pasta with pan jus

PR Stags Leap District Cab ‘12
You don’t want to miss this Cab!
Paired with Rosemary Glazed Lamb and Scallop Affumicato

Pine Ridge Napa Cab ‘15
Paired with a Cheese course

The dinner will start at 6:30pm and tickets are $92 for wine and dinner, $60 for dinner only. Call 937-222-3100 to make your reservation for the Pine Ridge Wine Dinner!

Roost
524 E 5th St
Dayton, Ohio
 (937) 222-3100
Hours:
Tues- Thurs 5-10pm
Fri  & Sat 5-11pm
Sun 5-9pm

10 ?’s With Chef Dana Downs

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We first got to know Chef Dana Downs when she was running the Black Rooster Pasta Bar at the Second Street Market.  Getting to know her better we found out that she started her culinary career as a dishwasher at Franco’s Ristorante Italiano.  She realized that while she was sweating back in the dish room, Franco was out visiting with all of his customers and drinking wine and that’s what she wanted to do.  

So she headed to Sinclair Community College’s to begin her training as a chef. Over the years she worked at Zola’s and then was recruited by Country Club of the North, where she worked as the Assistant General Manager and Marketing Director.  But she missed the kitchen and began a catering company and opened that shop at the market, where we met her.

In 2011 she took a big leap and opened ROOST modern italian on Fifth Street in the Oregon District. Read our story on their grand opening here.   In 2014 Dana guided the restaurant through a major renovation, enclosing the patio, adding a beautiful bar and a private dining room, nicknamed the Dough Room.

Today that eatery has shortened it’s name to just ROOST italian and celebrates it’s 6th anniversary and Chef Dana took time out of her day to do our Chef 10 ? interview:

 

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Vinegar, mostly different sherry vinegars. Incorporating acid in almost every dish will excite your customers palate, even in the smallest way! I crave it!

What ingredient do you dread?

Dishes should not only taste good, but plate nicely too. It roots back to Dana’s love and appreciation for the food being prepared. Plated here are the sea scallops with Cremini mushrooms (“baby bellas”) with ricotta raviolis, asparagus, and a white truffle besciamella sauce.

Green Peppers. I can’t even stand the smell of them. They are too overpowering. There has never been a green pepper in one of my kitchens, ever.

What’s your favorite dish to make?

I love cooking for my staff, they are like my kids. So, like a good mom, I love cooking them my Chicken Pastina soup. Learned from Franco’s mamma, Adolarata, its the best comfort food you could ever eat!

What’s your favorite pig out food?

Tacos. Tacos. Tacos.

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?

I am fortunate to be a part of a great group of women chefs here. So you will see me at Meadowlark, Wheatpenny, Watermark and the Winds. And I’ll probably thank you for coming in, just because that what we chef’s do.

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

Be adventurous! If you think you screwed it up, pull up your boot straps and fix it. There is no perfect science to casual cooking, so have fun with it!

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

Ralph Lauren- the genius of branding

David Beckham- I love soccer and great style!

Ina Garten- I love her and I’m sure she has some great stories

Tom Downs- my father. We love spending time together, and we can relive the dinner thru stories forever!

Chef Dana and Scott Conant at Fusco, San Fransisco

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

Scott Conant. Not only is he a great chef, I applaud his entrepreneurial spirit and his professionalism.

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?

I would love to say golf, but I’m probably too busy building something for a project I have created.

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:

It was a random Summer Sunday morning, I was out running errands in my flip flops and soccer shorts and I get a phone call from a catering client. She called to ask what time she should come by the restaurant to pick up the food for her get together. I immediately told her I would call her back. I looked up her email and she had mistakenly emailed me that the event was the next Sunday. I called her back and told her I would bring the food, “no worries”. I ran to DLM, bought everything that I though I might have needed and ran down to Roost. The place look like a tornado hit it! Dishes and stuff everywhere. I had the food ready in 3 hours, 9 different items for 55 people

I threw the food in the car and headed out. I was 12 minutes early and I looked like a train wreck. Everything was on point, and she was very pleased.  I never told her this story, because the get together was in honor of the recent passing of her mother. Sometimes people are more important than proving a point. Cheers!

Visit Roost at 524 E 5th St in the Oregon District, open Tuesday – Sunday nights.  You can also experience the Roost cuisine in their special events venue, Roost Events, at 580 Lincoln Park Boulevard, by the Fraze in Kettering.  They’ll be serving up a Thanksgiving Buffet from 11am -3pm (reservations suggested- either online or by calling 937-222-3100) as well as opening on Christmas Eve, Mother’s Day, Easter, and Fraze season events as well as Pop Up Dinners.

 

Battassiolo 5 Course Wine Dinner at ROOST

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Prolific wine expert, Stefano Poggi, from Batasiolo Wines continues to redefine the country’s wine scene, this time teaming up with Executive Chef, Dana Downs, to create a laid-back trend on wine dinners that focuses on the latest wine pairings with five of ROOST Restaurants favorite wines.
This event is extremely limited to 40 seats. Tickets are $65 per person and include 5 courses with wine pairings. Reservations are required and expected to sell out quic

The Top 20 Green Foods of Dayton

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Cobblestone Cafe’s Honey Fried Chicken Salad

Guacamole – hard to get a good pic of that stuff

Happy St Patricks Day from the Food Adventures Crew to you… Today, Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House are getting into the Irish spirit by exploring the colorful green foods of Dayton.  From salads to side items, these menu offerings are luckier than a four leaf clover.

Now may we present with Faith and Begorrah,

 

THE TOP 20 GREEN FOODS OF DAYTON

1) HONEY FRIED CHICKEN SALAD at COBBLESTONE CAFE:  Hungry Jax points to this as one of her favorites.  Not only are the greens crisp and fresh, but the chicken is fried perfectly.  The quaint atmosphere always adds to our Food Adventures at Cobblestone.

 

Saag Paneer – An India Oven Traditional Creamy Spinach dish, you MUST TRY

2) GRILLED KALE SALAD at LUCKY’S TAPROOM:  Chef House says this is a “Must Eat.”  One of her “go to” menu items in the Oregon District, it is fresh, delicious and local!

 

3) ASIAGO CRUSTED CHICKEN at ROOST MODERN ITALIAN: When Executive Chef Dana Downs is at the helm, you can expect some divine food.  The pesto linguine and spinach make this dish….

 

4) SAAG PANEER at INDIA OVEN:  Creamy, wonderfully prepared traditional Indian dish served with white, basmati rice.  The fresh, cheesey mixture melts in your mouth.  Want to branch out and try a delicious dish?  Here is your chance.

 

5) MALA PORK from CHINA COTTAGE: Stir fried magic performed by Tiger Wang and his cooking staff.  Green onions and thinly sliced pork tossed in a light brown sauce.  This dish highlights that signature taste, from an iconic Dayton restaurant.  The Big Ragu gives it 2 chopsticks up!

 

6) THE AVOCADO & GOAT CHEESE BLT from LUCKY’S TAPROOM & EATERY:  Drew Trick is serving up the mainstay favorites on his menu, and this is one has a cult following.  Chef House says “you gotta try this sandwich.”  The local ingredients are amazing.

 

Mala Pork from China Cottage – an amazing dish, with a little heat

7) DRESSED GREENS SALAD at WHEAT PENNY OVEN & BAR:  Known for their pizza, the delightful, delicious salads are the perfect accompaniment or a meal in themselves.  Your choice of dressing drizzled… for rizzle.

 

8) PICKLE SOUP from BLIND BOB’S: One of the more unique Dayton creations on this list, and one of the most surprisingly delicious.  A soup with a fan following like now other, get in here and try this one-of-a-kind soup.

 

9)  BACON WRAPPED ASPARAGUS at OLLIE’S PLACE:  A perfect appetizer to go with the unmatched beer selection at this eatery.  Warning- people at your table will want you to share this, so get a couple of orders to pass around.

 

10)  GREEN CHICKEN CURRY at SIAM PAD THAI: A flavorful dish in a flavorful restaurant.  Get it spicy or mild.  The sauce is derived from green chilies, coconut milk, eggplant, bamboo shoots, green beans and bell pepper.

 

Dressed Greens at Wheat Penny – Healthy never tasted so good

11) FRIED GREEN TOMATOES at RUE DEMAINE:  A simple southern side, perfected by a decorated chef.  Try these delicately fried slices, that simply melt in your mouth.

 

12) GUACAMOLE from TAQUERIA MIXTECA:  Authentic mix from the local authority in authentic Mexican cuisine.  If you want guacamole like they make it in Mexico City, then you’ve found the right place.

 

13) GARLIC EDAMAME at KABUKI:  Healthy bean sprouts that slide into your mouth.  This appetizer can be perfectly described as “addicting.”  Simple and so good, it is a perfect warm up for a sushi roll.

 

14) KEY LIME PIE at COCO’S BISTRO: A heartier version of the original, it is almost like a key lime cheesecake.  Go green with this dessert, and make your day special.  The elegant atmosphere adds to the dreamy experience.

 

Deep Fried Asparagus wrapped with bacon

15) SPINACH CON QUESO DIP from DOUBLEDAY’S GRILL & TAVERN: The type of appetizer where you fight over the last scoops of dip when the others at the table.  Yeah, it is that damn good.

 

16) CHILE RELLENO from TACO LOCO: Ohh si, si, si!  One of the Big Ragu’s favorite dishes and one of his favorite places.  Not only is this food great and homemade, the prices are extremely reasonable.

 

17) BUTTERCREAM COOKIE SANDWICHES from THE CAKERY:  So good you get a sugar high when you eat them.  Typically decorated in green these cookies are probably the most sinful thing on this list.

 

18) ZUCCHINI TACO BOATS at FLAVOR’S EATERY:  Carved out zucchini, filled with taco toppings, these “boats” are delicious and a healthy spin on tacos.  Get some at the Centerville Flavors and they even make them for healthy “to go” meal plans.

 

 19)  SQUASH SPAGHETTI from FLAVOR’S EATERY:  Thinly shredded squash, made to look like small noodles.  Tasty, healthy and as filling as pasta.  It is a good way to “fool” your tastebuds into thinking you are eating carbs, but it s all healthy squash.

Garlic Edamame at Kabuki

 

20) FRIED PICKLES at THE DUBLIN PUB: What’s a St Patty’s list without an Irish place.  Hand dipped crunchy, pickle slices, battered, deep fried and served with some ranch dip.

 

We are not food critics.. we just love to eat.  Food is our passion, and so are the original events, photos and festivals.

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Pickle Soup at Blind Bobs

Zucchini Boats – “Meals by Flavors”


Chile Relleno – Taco Loco

The Cakery – Buttercream cookie sandwich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guacamole – hard to get a good pic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shredded squash –

 

SLEEPWALK WITH ME at THE NEON + Big Benefit News!

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Hello Everyone,

Huge changes are just around the corner for THE NEON. Before I get to the source of my anxiety, let’s talk movies. If you still want to see THE MASTER, Thursday will be your last chance to see it with us. On Friday, we will open a film that has had the most requests this year – SLEEPWALK WITH ME. ARBITRAGE had a solid opening weekend…so it will stick around.

Synopsis for SLEEPWALK WITH ME: From the producers of THIS AMERICAN LIFE, this is the film that Ira Glass has been talking about! “When an aspiring stand-up fails to express his true feelings about his girlfriend and his stalled career, his anxiety comes out in increasingly funny and dangerous sleepwalking incidents.” (IFC Films)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9tRN7bok4o’]

This weekend is the last chance to see movies via 35mm film at THE NEON. On Sunday evening, we will close our doors for 4 days as we make the transition to digital projection (the new industry standard). Our “Things To Do” list is jam-packed. Over the past 11 years, we’ve opened our doors for business every single day…while we’re closed, we’re going to take advantage of the opportunity and do some major cleaning, lay some new carpet and add some fresh paint to floors and walls.

And speaking of this weekend, Sunday marks the day for our big Digital Conversion Benefit featuring AMELIE. (If you missed Sunday’s nice article from Dayton Daily News, you can check it out here.) The festivities will start at 4:00 with delicious appetizers provided by Meadowlark, Roost and Coco’s Bistro. Around 5:00, everyone will head to the large auditorium for our “Dayton Meets Hollywood” auction (more details below) We’ll plan to begin our 35mm presentation of AMELIE by 5:30. Tickets are still available! 100% of the proceeds will go toward helping us make the switch to digital. They can be purchased at our box office or by visiting this link.

To check out all the items in our auction, we’ve listed each item (along with a picture below).  Here’s the skinny:

If you’re unable to attend the benefit but would like to place a bid on one of the auction items, you can send me an email with your name, phone number, and your highest bid. I will need this e-mail by Saturday at noon. send to: theneon@msn.com (If you’d like to see one of the items in person, you can schedule an appointment with me for this Saturday.)

We hope to see you this weekend.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Oct. 12 – Sun. Oct. 14:
(We will be closed Mon, Oct 15 – Thu, Oct 18)

ARBITRAGE (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:30, 8:30

SLEEPWALK WITH ME (NR) 1 Hrs 30 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 1:00, 8:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
Oct. 19 SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
Nov. ? SAMSARA
TBD LIBERAL ARTS
TBD THE SESSIONS
TBD KILLER JOE
TBD NEIL YOUNG JOURNEYS
TBD ANNA KARENINA
TBD HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

AUCTION ITEMS:

Screenplay from the Pilot episode of THE WEST WING – Signed by Martin Sheen & Allison Janney.  Includes signed Martin Sheen Photograph.  Starting Bid: $75

Screenplay for THE WEST WING, Season 1, Finale – Signed by Martin Sheen + Signed Photograph.  Starting Bid: $50

THE WEST WING Lot of Call Sheets and Script Changes with Signed Martin Sheen Photograph. Starting Bid: $50.

 

THE BIG LEBOWSKI Storyboard Print.  Hand-signed by The Coen Brothers’ storyboard artist and Oakwood resident J. Todd Anderson.  Includes $25 gift certificate from Patterson Chase – perfect to use toward framing your storyboard.  Starting Bid: $50.

3 DVDs from local filmmakers Julia Reichert, Steve Bognar & Jim Klein.  Emmy-Winning A LION IN THE HOUSE, Oscar-Nominated THE LAST TRUCK and recently inducted into The National Film Registry – GROWING UP FEMAL.  It’s incredible that all these award-winning films were born right here in the Miami Valley.  These films will be personalized by the filmmakers for your collection.  Starting Bid: $75.

THE RUBI GIRLS documentary on DVD & Poster (which will be kissed and signed by The Rubi Girls before THE NEON’s benefit).  This award-winning documentary has played at numerous film festivals around the world…but has not yet been released on DVD.  Starting Bid: $50.

 

2 Original Chairs from THE NEON.  These chairs, with their original upholstery, are 27 years old.  Though they have slight imperfections, they still are quite cozy and would make a perfect addition to you screening room.  (As a note of caution, these chairs require being bolted to the ground.)  Starting Bid: $50.

Naming Rights to our Small Auditorium.  Our small auditorium seats 74 people.  The name you chose (perhaps your name, your company name or the name of your favorite director) will be placed on a plaque above the door to the auditorium.  (The name is subject to approval from THE NEON’s Board…vulgarity or insensitive language will not be permitted.)  Starting Bid: $100.

THE NEON Announces Benefit with AMELIE

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Hello Everyone,

In October, THE NEON plans to shut down for a few days in order to install new digital projectors. Though we’d love to keep our 35mm projectors running, we’re being “forced” by the industry to make this change in order to stay in business. Within the coming year, bigger distributors will stop making 35mm prints, and their titles (like THE KING’S SPEECH, THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, MOONRISE KINGDOM, etc.) keep us in business…and subsequently allow us to play smaller gems like THE KID WITH A BIKE and I AM LOVE.

In addition to exploring the options and trying to obtain an understanding of the new technology (this has been a big learning curve for me), there comes the challenge of paying for this new equipment. The cost will be approximately $140,000. We will be able to borrow some of this, and we have some money saved…but we have about a $25,000 gap.

The multiplexes are obtaining financial assistance from distributors to make these costly changes, but for us to maintain our community-driven mission (which includes film festivals, assisting local artists and organizations with special screenings, etc.), these programs don’t work for us.

On October 14, we will have a benefit at THE NEON to assist with the transition to digital projection. We will screen the film AMELIE on 35mm, and 3 of Dayton’s best restaurants will provide appetizers – Meadowlark, Coco’s Bistro & Roost and Heidelberg Distributors have given us a couple cases of wine.   In addition, we’ll hold a small auction of film-related items with Dayton roots. (Martin Sheen has given us some fun items, Allison Janney is on-board to provide us with something, and J. Todd Anderson will donate a storyboard from one of the Coen Brothers’ films to auction. And there’s more to come!)

Here’s our benefit announcement that you might start seeing around town:

Though we’ll be sad to see our 35mm projectors go away, we’re excited about some of the changes that will come along with our new equipment. THE NEON will finally be able to offer hearing assisted devices! We’ll also be able to occasionally offer screenings with closed captions for the hearing impaired (and I know some of our customers prefer subtitles when accents are hard to discern). We’ve got lots of options, and we’re looking forward to the new opportunities.

Within the next couple weeks, we will have a live website for purchasing tickets to our benefit…but I wanted you to know that tickets will go on sale at our box office on Wednesday, August 22.
THE INDIE LOVER Ticket is $100 – This ticket gets you your first beer or wine, appetizers from 3 great restaurants, and the screening of AMELIE.
THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Ticket is $150 – This ticket comes with unlimited beer and wine, delicious appetizers, the screening of AMELIE and 1 Entry into our drawing for Naming Rights of our large auditorium. We think it will be a fun night!

Thanks for taking the time to read through the lengthy post!

My regular newsletter will arrive later this week.

We’ll see you soon at the movies.
All the best,
Jonathan