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Nashville Rock Band at Brightside

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Alternative rock fans are in for a treat this Sunday June 23rd with a showcase of up-and-coming bands at Dayton’s newest music venue, The Brightside Music & Event Venue.  Better Off is on tour from Nashville. They’ll be  rockin out with area original bands Weathervein, Overgrow and Better Anyway.

The great things is that fellow music promoter, Ian Baldwin made playlists to get you in the mood for this exciting upcoming show! Check out links to custom lists for Apple Music and Spotify below.

How to Go?

The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St Dayton OH 45402

Sunday June 23, 2019. 7pm Doors

$10 advance tickets here

All ages!

Check out the music at links below!

Apple Music Playlist

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/better-off-at-the-brightside-6-23/pl.u-YGXgHxWrGXY?fbclid=IwAR0l5r64osdTVmDwZ-XEoAf0hKm3iiJ37rkF_xxk-0gOxK_YK_ndvHvCEJE

Spotify Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Hvkdsg3AReuwYIcoBHzNb?si=AYjSZn1uT_aZ5eke3E2H_Q&fbclid=IwAR2rATj57jxcRiU0lPxqDh4AqsbmnWXT4U4oAKvBszSJSFe1JvatVTi4du4

Walking Dead Food Adventure & Zombie Dogz at Horror Hound Weekend

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‘Juan of the Dead’ Zombie Dog

Here is something you will not see anywhere else.  The Big Ragu and Crew had a VIP experience at last weekend’s Horror Hound convention in Sharonville.  We had a Food Adventure with Merle & Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead (Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker)!  Featured along with the Cast of the Walking Dead and many celebrities was a Dayton’s own,  Zombie Dogz.  Typically a food truck, it was a little different this time for the gourmet hot dog masters.   They operated out of a catering booth inside the convention center.     Owners of  Zombie Dogz,  Lee and David VanArtsdalen and Horror Hound Magazine’s Eric Crowley personally invited us to the event and set us up for an unforgettable Food Adventure.

The Big Ragu and Crew shared some iconic Dayton foods with the celebrities:

We had a Zombie Dog with a Reservoir Dog.  That’s right, we dined and joked with Michael Madsen.  Michael was a great sport, and he didn’t carve our ear off.   He shared some good Hollywood stories and laughs with us.  We also learned he was telling other celebrities about his time with us and the Zombie Dogz.

Legendary horror film director John Carpenter also enjoyed one of Dayton’s Zombie Dogz with us, while he was wearing some pretty sweet black velvet sweat pants.  It was almost as scary as his film “Halloween.”   Meeting this giant of the film industry was priceless.

We gave a hungry Twisted Sister Frontman Dee Snider some Mikesell’s Good n Hot Potato chips.  In fact, the whole cast of his show “Holliston” shared the bag.  What does Dee wanna do with his chips?  ‘He wants them hot, HOT !’   This Celebrity Apprentice star loved the taste of Mikesells, and we were not ‘fired’ in the boardroom.

Dee Snider from Twisted Sister & Celeb Apprentice loves Mikesells Chips

The star of the scary Candyman movies Tony Todd, loved the box of Esther Price Candies we gave him.   He enjoyed them so much, he gave us a high five the next day.   Even movie stars like the Candyman love Esther Price Candies !

Remember the classic 60’s TV show The Munsters?  Well, we ate Muenster cheese with Eddie Munster, thanks to Murray’s Cheese from Kroger in Centerville.  Eddie, played by Butch Patrick, appreciated it so much, he signed a photo for us!

The  Big Ragu and Crew ate lunch with Bengals Defensive Tackle Domata Peko .  We enjoyed some LaRosa’s Pizza while sitting with his family.  Domata is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.  He is also a horror movie fan like us,  and was excited to meet the various celebs.

Where else can you see this kind of stuff?  Only here, only Food Adventures and Dayton Most Metro.  Often imitated, never duplicated.

The Big Ragu also shared French Bread and Perrier Sparkling Mineral Water with 80’s babe Diane Franklin from the movie “Better Off Dead.”  If you saw the movie, you get the significance of the food items, ‘and to drink…. Peru’ .  These days Diane is promoting her new book “Diane Franklin: The Excellent Adventures of the Last American, French-Exchange Babe of the 80s.”  You can buy the book here on Amazon.com.

We hung out with other famous horror actors including Lew Temple, Sid Haig, Tom Savini,  Irwin Keyes, Robert Mukes and many other costumed monsters.  The original car from the movie Christine was there, we wanted to take it to the Root Beer Stande Drive in but she turned us down.  Special mention to our friends at S.T.A.R.S Cincinnati, a costumed fan group of the movie “Resident Evil.”  They do charity appearances and their slogan is “We kill zombies for charity.”  Speaking of Zombies….

The “Calling in Dead” Zombie Dog has Mac N Cheese on top

About Zombie Dogz:

Have you tried a Zombie Dog?  These hot dogs are so big, that they almost look like kielbasa sausages.  The menu at Zombie Dogz is pretty simple.  It all starts with large, juicy all beef hot dog.    The hot dog is placed into a wonderful sandwich roll, strong enough to hold the hot dog and ingredients intact.  What makes a zombie dog special is the choice of toppings.  Each Zombie Dog has a creative name based on those toppings.  The menu is constantly evolving with new creations, but The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax ate these hot dogs all weekend and want to share our favorites.

Zombe’ Grande – The all beef hot dog is topped with cheese queso sauce, lettuce, cilantro sour cream, jalapeno bacon bits and crushed corn chips.  The mix of the cheese sauce and crushed corn chips are a gooey, tasty combination that won us over.  This was definitely one of our favorites

Juan of the Dead – An all beef frank topped with Swiss cheese, homemade bbq pulled pork, sweet and tangy mustard and pickles.  The pulled pork and pickles really make this gourmet hot dog.  The Big Ragu say this is a must eat!

The Nibbler – This time they wrap the hot dog in bacon, then smother it in spicy chili.  The zombie dog is then topped off with diced red onion, sweet & tangy mustard, and shredded muenster cheese.  This one really woke up our taste buds and is a Food Adventure in your mouth.

Owners Dave and Lee VanArtsdalen of Zombie Dogz, with Co-founder/Marketer Michael Whitaker

Calling in Dead  – This over the top creation tops the hot dog with homemade mac n cheese.  The creamy mac n cheese is cooked in truffle oil for a magnificent flavor.  The final touch in this hot dog is a sprinkle of truffle salt and cracker crumbs.  This hot dog was so rich, we could hardly finish it.  It packed a powerful punch on our appetites, but we couldn’t stop eating it.

Brain Daddy – This was the most Caribbean style hot dog that we tried.  The all beef dog is topped with slow roasted mango habanero pulled pork.  It was also topped with pineapple-cherry salsa.  The final dash of white and black sesame seeds finishes this masterpiece.  This gourmet dog promises to have your taste buds dancing the mambo.

The Horror Hound Weekend was incredible. We got to meet Dayton horror film makers like our pals from Concept Media Films.  We even bought a couple of their Dayton-made DVD’s!  Meanwhile The Big Ragu was distracted by the Jersey girls over at GorgeousAndGory.com.  Supporting local people and making new Food Adventure fans seemed to sum up this fantastic experience.

This Zombie Dog is called “The Nibbler”

Miami Valley foodies should keep their eye open for events featuring the Zombie Dogz Food Truck and their unique creations.  The hot dogs will satisfy your hunger at the not so bad price of $6.50 per dog.  There are even have veggie dog options.  Want to catch Zombie Dogz Food Truck’s next event?  Then visit Dayton’s Crafty-Con on April 5th.  The event will be held from 5pm to 11pm at the Yellow Cab Building on 700 East 4th St.   Tell the zombies that The Big Ragu sent you !

 

Feel free to comment on the Zombie Dogz Food Truck below.  Also share any thoughts about Horror Hound Weekend as well.

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here, unless you are scared of zombies and good times.

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Beat the Heat at July’s First Friday

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Downtown’s next free First Friday art hop will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 6. RiverScape MetroPark and the Oregon District will play host to two special First Friday events: the First Friday @ 5 concert series and the Call of the Tropics Festival.

Breakdancers perform at last year's First Friday @ 5 concert Series.

RiverScape MetroPark hosts the second concert in the First Friday @ 5 concert series, with Hey There Morgan performing from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The park’s concession stand will be open and beer will be sold from 5 to 7 p.m. MetroParks employees will demonstrate various kayaking skills on the river and free kayak rentals will be available, courtesy of Cox Media Group Ohio, and free bike rentals will be available as well, courtesy of AAA.  The First Friday @ 5 concert series is sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks, Clear Channel Radio, Bud Light Lime and the Downtown Dayton Partnership.

Call of the Tropics, a festival celebrating Tiki culture presented by the Fraternal Order of Moai’s Kon-Tiki chapter, will host a block party in the Oregon District from 5 to 10 p.m. Live surf and rockabilly bands will perform, including the Nick Kizirnis Band, Crazy Joe and the Mad River Outlaws, Team Void, and Cherry Lee and the Daddy Katz. The festival also will include Tiki carvers, street performers, hot rod displays and vendors. An exhibition of Tiki art will be displayed at Color of Energy gallery.

For parents who would like to enjoy First Friday without kids in tow, Mini University, located adjacent to Miami Valley Hospital at 28 Hill St., will offer discounted prices during First Friday. Childcare is offered from 6 to 11 p.m., and a light meal will be provided, along with plenty of fun entertainment. Reservations are required and will be accepted through June 29. Call 224-3916.

Galleries galore

July’s First Friday offers plenty of new exhibitions and gallery openings to check out. H. David Clay Studio, 33 S. St. Clair St, and the CADC, 35 S. St. Clair St., will feature a variety of works by multiple artists. Color of Energy, 16 Brown St., will host the opening reception for the Call of the Tropics art exhibition, featuring locally and nationally known Tiki artists and carvers. From 5 to 8p.m., the Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, 48 High St., will exhibit an eclectic show of artwork from more than 80 DSPS members. Acoustic guitarists Charlie Emmerich and Jonathan Besecker will perform from 6 to 7 p.m. Blue Sky Project, will host two new art shows. Abstract work by Katherine Mann will be exhibited at 8 N. Main St., with performance art by Mann and choreographer Rodney Veal. The 33 N. Main St. space will show “At Table,” a collection of photographs by Glenna Jennings.

Visitors browse featured art at K12 Gallery for Young People.

The Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., will feature karaoke and cornhole games during the exhibition of “Drawing Marathon,” a collection of work by various artists from 5 to 8 p.m. The opening of “Contemplations – Post-Modern Landscapes,” by Wisconsin mixed-media artist Jay Batista, will be held at Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St. A meet and greet with the artist will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Work by students from St. Anthony’s School will be exhibited at K12 Gallery for Young People and a display of mixed-media art will be show in the gallery’s TEJAS space at 510 E. Third St.

Music

If you’re in the mood for even more music after the First Friday @ 5 concert, you’re in luck. Many downtown venues will be hosting live bands during First Friday. Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., will have live music beginning at 9 p.m., featuring Brian Wilkinson, the Dirty Socialites, Brandon Hawk and Jamy Holiday. Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., will host the The Rolling Stones vs. Beatles English Invasion Tribute, featuring Miss Lissa and Company, Ambiant Drive, Citizens Unrest and others. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the concert begins at 9 p.m., with a $5 cover. “Feel Good Fridays” take place at De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St., with top-shelf drink specials from 6 to 8 p.m., as well as live jazz by the Wade Baker Quartet from 9 p.m. to midnight. $5 cover.

Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., will feature local artists performing protest-themed music for Protest in the Park from 7 to 10 p.m. Jay’s Seafood, 225 E. Sixth St., will host music by Puzzle of Light at 9 p.m., and Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St., will have live music beginning at 7 p.m. Bring your receipt from Basho Apparel to Omega and receive 15 percent off your purchase. Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., also will have live music beginning at 9:30 p.m. Remixx Lounge, 146 E. Third St., will have two-for-one martini specials during performances by Donnell Woods, Yvette “Diva” Williams and DJ Night at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Click here to purchase tickets.

Work up an appetite

Get your night started by grabbing a bite to eat at a downtown restaurant. Franco’s Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. Fifth St., Smokin’ Bar-B-Que, 200 E. Fifth St., and Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St., will offer 10 percent off food during First Friday. Thai 9, 11 Brown St., Coco’s Bistro, 515 Wayne Ave., feature 15 percent off food. Sa-Bai, 200 S. Jefferson St., also has 15 percent off food as well as a $5 Long Island Iced Tea. Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., will have no cover and 20 percent off food.

Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, 520 E. Fifth St., will have dinner specials, along with the special tapping of a firkin of craft beer. Mr. Hyman’s Fine Dining, 40 N. Main St. Lobby, features a $10 all-you-can-eat buffet and live jazz. Olive, an urban dive, 416 E. Third St., will serve Jeni’s Ice Cream and broadcast Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show on 91.3 WYSO-FM. Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St., will have a happy-hour band and half-price pizza from 4 to 8 p.m., with additional live music at 9:30 p.m. Deaf Monty’s Wine, 22 Brown St., features 6-ounce glasses of red or white wine for $5. The Vault, 20 N. Jefferson St., will have an extended happy hour until 10 p.m., with a live band and free food.

Entertainment for the whole family

From climbing to comedy, downtown has plenty of entertainment options on First Friday. The Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders Walk of Downtown Dayton will begin at 7 p.m. at Courthouse Square. All walks are $10 per person, and advance reservations are required. Contact tour guide Leon Bey at 274-4749 or email grantsguru501c3@yahoo.com. The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at 5:15 p.m. for a ride through the city at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd.

Clash Consignments will feature sales and live music during July's First Friday.

Urban Krag, 125 Clay St., will have its climbing gym open until 11 p.m. The Yellow Cab Building, 400 E. Fourth St., will host a Hip Hop Art and Dance Show, featuring students of the Funk Lab and an exhibition of art inspired by hip hop culture from 5 to 11 p.m. The all-ages event will feature a tagging wall to learn and practice graffiti skills, and refreshments will be provided. Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., will show the 1962 film “The Birdman of Alcatraz,” part of the theater’s Cool Films Series at 7:30 p.m. Free popcorn and soda served starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and can be bought at the door. Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St., will host the second of the four-night Wiley’s Comedy Contest, showcasing up-and-coming comedians at 8 p.m.; tickets cost $3. The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., will have films running during First Friday. Call 222-SHOW (7469) for films and show times.

Downtown summer sales

Retail shops will be featuring sales and specials throughout First Friday. Amore! Designer Consignment Boutique, 16 Brown St., will debut new summer apparel. Basho Apparel, 521 E. Fifth St., will feature 15 percent off to anyone who brings in their receipt from Omega Music.  Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St., will feature free makeup lessons for visitors. Clash Consignments, 113 E. Third St., will have a sale on select items and live music. Feathers Vintage Clothing, 440 E. Fifth St., and Jimmy Modern, 605 E. Fifth St. will both be broadcasting Rev. Cool’s “Around the Fringe” show on 91.3 WYSO-FM. Hangar18, 114 N. St. Clair St., will feature 15 percent off all items. Peace on Fifth, 519 E. Fifth St., will have a fair-trade food tasting. ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St., will have a sale on select items, including new and used instruments, other music-related items, and original artwork.

First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with support from the Oregon District Business Association, the Ohio Arts Council and WYSO-FM 91.3. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

If you still need to see WEEKEND or MELANCHOLIA, you only have today (Dec. 22) to see them at THE NEON.  Even though I was a bit disappointed at the turn-out for WEEKEND, I’m so glad we brought it to THE NEON for a week.  It helps us maintain our status as a true arthouse cinema when we can bring films of this caliber that don’t have much of a marketing budget (meaning it’s a hard-to-find gem that didn’t get much play in the Midwest).  Just after I sent out last week’s newsletter, A.O. Scott of The New York Times listed WEEKEND as one of the best films of the year…and I’m in agreement.  For remaining showtimes for this week, please visit our official NEON site – www.neonmovies.com

Tomorrow (Dec. 23), we will open MY WEEK WITH MARILYN.  This is a film that was supposed to open several weeks ago…but the distributor decided to delay rolling it out into smaller markets in hopes of garnering award season buzz.  And that’s what has happened.  The movie has been nominated for 3 Golden Globes – “Best Picture: Comedy or Musical,” “Best Actress – Michelle Williams,” and “Best Supporting Actor – Kenneth Branagh.”  And don’t forget that the cast also includes Judi Dench (a favorite of NEON regulars) and Emma Watson (from the Harry Potter franchise).

Synopsis for MY WEEK WITH MARILYN:  ” In the early summer of 1956, 23 year-old Colin Clark, just down from Oxford and determined to make his way in the film business, worked as a lowly assistant on the set of ‘The Prince and the Showgirl’. The film that famously united Sir Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe, who was also on honeymoon with her new husband, the playwright Aurthur Miller. Nearly 40 years on, his diary account The Prince, the Showgirl and Me was published, but one week was missing and this was published some years later as My Week with Marilyn – this is the story of that week. When Arthur Miller leaves England, the coast is clear for Colin to introduce Marilyn to some of the pleasures of British life; an idyllic week in which he escorted a Monroe desperate to get away from her retinue of Hollywood hangers-on and the pressures of work.” (The Weinstein Company)   This film received an “R” rating due only to adult language…so we’re hoping the rating doesn’t hold back families with teens from coming over the holidays.  Visit the Official Website.

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Have you tried one of our new wines?  In addition to the Woodbridge Merlot and Chardonnay, we are trying Carernet Sauvignon and Moscato.  If you want to make certain that we keep these two wines in the mix, please order a glass during your next visit.

AIDS Resource Center Ohio has asked us to help them sell raffle tickets for their upcoming RED event (Reach, Empower & Dream of a world without HIV/AIDS) in the Spring.  First place is a trip to Paris.  Second place is a trip to stay in the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.  Tickets are $25 each or $100 for six.  We currently have these for sale at our box office…and they make a nice, last-minute gift.  I plan to buy a handful and tell people, “I’ve made a donation to ARC Ohio, and you might win a trip to Paris.”

Opening dates for our upcoming titles continue to move around.  As of right now, our next big film will be TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY starring Gary Oldman on Jan. 6.

We hope to see you soon at THE NEON,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for

Fri. December 23 – Thur. December 29:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

Friday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

Saturday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

Sunday:  12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (R) 1 Hr 39 Min

Friday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Saturday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

Sunday:  12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.

Many of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

Jan. 6   TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

Jan. 13   CARNAGE

Jan. 20   THE ARTIST  

Jan. 20   SHAME

Jan. 20   A DANGEROUS METHOD

WEEKEND This Weekend at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

Even though we’re going to hold both of our current attractions – THE DESCENDANTS and MELANCHOLIA – we are going to open a new film on Friday.  WEEKEND – which was the sold-out, closing film of this year’s Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival  – has been winning awards around the world.  In addition, it’s one of my favorite films of the year.  Eric Hynes of the The Village Voice wrote, “Naturalistic without being ineloquent, heartfelt yet unsentimental, WEEKEND is the rarest of birds: a movie romance that rings true.”  David Edelstein of New York Magazine wrote, “I hate to damage so fragile a work with overpraise, but, gay or straight, if you don’t see yourself in this movie, you need to get a life.”  This film has not screened much in Ohio…we’re hoping you’ll help support one of the small, true indie gems of the year.

Synopsis for WEEKEND:  “After meeting one lonely Friday night at a bar, Russell and Glen find themselves caught up in an lost weekend full of sex, drugs, and intimate conversation. Although they have conflicting ideas of what it is they want from life and certainly how to get it, they form a startling emotional connection that will resonate throughout their lives.” (Sundance Selects)

Click this link to visit the film’s official website.

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I’m delighted to announce that MY WEEK WITH MARILYN has now been set to open on December 23.  It seems like the date might really stick this time (but I’ll keep you posted regardless).  Just remember that we’re open 365 days a year…so we hope to be part of your plans during the holidays.

This Saturday marks the last of The Holiday Family Movie Series…sponsored by The Downtown Dayton Partnership, DP&L and THE NEON.  The film begins at noon and is free for children 12 and under; other tickets are only $2 each.  This Saturday’s movie is A CHRISTMAS STORY.  Last week’s screening was a huge success…so come early for a good seat (doors open at 11:30).  (presented via digital video projection)

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Have you tried one of our new wines?  In addition to the Woodbridge Merlot and Chardonnay, we are trying Carernet Sauvignon and Moscato.  If you want to make certain that we keep these two wines in the mix, please order a glass during your next visit.

When shopping for the holidays, don’t forget that NEON Gift Certificates are a perfect gift for film lovers…and for people who still need to be introduced to us.  For every $50 worth of gift certificates you purchase, we’ll give you a hearty-sized bag of Candy Cane Granola…making your gift all the sweeter.

NYC was a blast.  Thanks to all of you who sent well-wishes!

See you soon at THE NEON,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. December 16 – Thur. December 22:  

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

Friday,Saturday, Sunday:  12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:00, 7:20

MELANCHOLIA (R) 2 Hr 16 Min

Friday: 1:00, 4:00, 9:30

Saturday: 4:00, 9:30

Sunday:  1:00, 4:00, 9:30

Monday – Thursday:  2:30, 5:15

WEEKEND (NR) 1 Hr 37 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7:15

Mon-Thur: 8:00

A CHRISTMAS STORY  (PG) 1 Hr 40 Min

Saturday: 12:00 (Noon)

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Dec. 23  MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

TBD   THE ARTIST

Jan. 13   TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

Jan. 20   SHAME

Jan. 20   CARNAGE

Jan. 27   A DANGEROUS METHOD

WEEKEND – One week only!  Starts Friday!

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN…Opening Next week!

HIGHER GROUND & More at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone.

Many thanks to those of you who supported this year’s Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival.  It was the most successful festival yet!  While CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE received the most enthusiastic response (if you missed this, you missed a complete gem), many attendees were also in love with WEEKEND and TOMBOY.

This weekend, we’re going to hold onto THE GUARD and THE WHISTLEBLOWERwhile opening a new film both directed by and starring Vera Farmiga – HIGHER GROUND.

Synopsis for HIGHER GROUND:  “Higher Ground, depicts the landscape of a tight-knit spiritual community thrown off-kilter when one of their own begins to question her faith. Inspired by Carolyn S. Briggs’ memoir, This Dark World, the film tells the story of a thoughtful woman’s struggles with belief, love, and trust. Faith, love and honesty are the cornerstones of this story of a woman who learns that no matter how many times she loses her footing, she has within herself all that’s necessary to get to a higher place.” (Sony Pictures Classics)  Visit the film’s official site.

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This Sunday, The India Foundation will celebrate the birthday of Gandhi by presenting a reception and a free screening of the documentary MAHATMA.  “This one-hour documentary on the life of Mahatma Gandhi contains never-before-seen archival footage from the vaults of Films Davison of India.  Come over and join in Mahatma Gandhi’s 142nd birthday celebration.  Birthday cake, coffee, samaras in the lobby from 1:30 to 2:30.  The film starts at 3:00.  Admission is FREE – on first-come, first-seated basis.”

Below is a small collage of photos I took during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.  Sadly, I didn’t always have my camera with me…and in some instances, I didn’t want to be “that guy” snapping pictures at a big party.  How many people can you name?

Living City is putting the final details in place for this Fall’s VAMPIRE retrospective.  Ticketing details will be available soon.  That said, you can mark your calendars now for October 17 – THE HUNGER, October 24 – DRACULA (starring Bela Lugosi), October 31 – THE LOST BOYS, November 7 – INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, and November 14 – BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (1992).

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Next Friday (Oct. 7), we plan to open SENNA.  We’ve had numerous calls and e-mails about this film…so we hope that we’ll soon have another documentary hit on our hands!

Hope to see you this weekend,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Sept. 30 – October 6:

THE WHISTLEBLOWER (R) 1 Hr 52 Min

Friday, Saturday: 2:40, 7:15

Sunday: 7:15

Monday – Thursday:  3:10, 7:50

THE GUARD (R) 1 Hr 36 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  12:30, 5:00, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 5:30

HIGHER GROUND (R) 1 Hr 49 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 8:00

MAHATMAN (NR) 1 Hr

Sunday: 3:00 (reception begins at 1:30)

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Oct. 7   SENNA

Oct. 7 RESTLESS

Oct. 14  THE FUTURE

Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER

Nov. 18 MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 25   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

TBD   LIFE ABOVE ALL

Movies Galore This Weekend at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

I’m back from Toronto and throwing myself right into details for the upcoming weekend at THE NEON.  Toronto was fantastic – 34 Films, a couple great parties and a chance to meet numerous people in the industry.  If you want to catch up on my daily blogs from the festival, click HERE.  In addition to my reaction to each film, I posted trailers, clips and pictures (and in the coming days, I’ll manage to upload some personal photos I took – including pictures of Tilda Swinton, Antonio Benderas, Jessica Chastain and more.)

If you still need to see SARAH’S KEY , you only have until Thursday to see it at THE NEON (visit our site for remaining showtimes).  THE GUARD – starring Brendan Gleeson & Don Cheadle – had a solid opening weekend.  It will stick around.  In addition to this weekend’s LGBT Film Festival, we will open THE WHISTLEBLOWER – starring Rachel Weisz, Vanessa Redgrave and David Strathairn on Friday.

Synopsis for THE WHISTLEBLOWER:  “Inspired by actual events, Kathy is an American police officer who takes a job working as a peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia. Her expectations of helping to rebuild a devastated country are dashed when she uncovers a dangerous reality of corruption, cover-up and intrigue amid a world of private contractors and multinational diplomatic double-talk.” (Samuel Goldwyn Pictures)  Visit the official website to read more about the film.

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The 6th Annual Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is ready to go, and festival passes & single tickets are currently on sale at our box office.  Our closing movie on Sunday afternoon – a British film called WEEKEND – just received a fantastic review in The Village Voice.  To visit the official website for the festival, click HERE .  Trailers for each feature are on the site.  And don’t forget…if you get a ticket to the opening night film, you’re invited to the opening night party at Sidebar – which will include appetizers and complimentary sangria.  A movie starring Cheyenne Jackson & Julia Ormond + food & cocktails for only $8???  Almost too good to be true!

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On Thursday, September 29 at 7:30, director Lee Zellars has rented one of our auditoriums for the Dayton premiere of his Cincinnati-based film PURPLE HAZE. “Damian Ship was a talented musician in Haiti. He dreamed of coming to American and becoming a famous musician. This was made possible by CEO Sam Lucci – who signed him to his label but had no intention to living up to the agreement… When Damian is swindled out of monies due to him, he brings a wrath on Sam Lucci like nothing he ever experienced in all his shady dealings before. Damian Ship, later known as Purple Haze, brought forth a horror that would keep any record executive in check.”  Tickets are $10 each and are available at our box office.

Hope to see you this weekend,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Sept. 23 – September 29:

THE WHISTLEBLOWER (R) 1 Hr 52 Min

Friday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

Saturday: 12:30, 5:10, 7:30

Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:30, 8:00

THE GUARD (R) 1 Hr 36 Min

Friday:  12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 9:50

Saturday: 2:50, 5:15, 9:50

Sunday: 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

Monday – Wednesday: 3:10, 5:30, 7:50

Thursday:  3:10, 5:30

DOWNTOWN DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL

Friday at 7:30 – THE GREEN

Saturday at 12:30 – GEN SILENT

Saturday at 3:00 – TOP DRAWER SHORTS

Saturday at 7:30 – TOMBOY

Saturday at 9:30 – GOING DOWN IN LA-LA LAND

Sunday at 12:30 – CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE

Sunday at 3:00 – WEEKEND

PURPLE HAZE (NR) 1 Hr 26 Min

Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Sept 30   HIGHER GROUND

Sept. 30   THE FUTURE

Oct. 7   RESTLESS

Oct. 7   SENNA

Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER

Nov. 18  MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Nov. 25   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

TBD   LIFE ABOVE ALL

British Comedy THE TRIP – Opens Sept. 2 at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

A special thanks to all of you who came out for opening weekend for SARAH’S KEY…we had a terrific weekend.  I’ve heard back from many of you that word is spreading about getting to THE NEON to see the film.  I certainly appreciate this…as word-of-mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools for us.

SARAH’S KEY will hold over as well as ANOTHER EARTH (for one screening a day).  In addition, we will open the new British comedy THE TRIP.

Synopsis for THE TRIP:  “When Steve Coogan is asked by The Observer to tour the country’s finest restaurants, he envisions it as the perfect getaway with his beautiful girlfriend. But, when she backs out on him, he has no one to accompany him but his best friend and source of eternal aggravation, Rob Brydon. As the brilliant comic duo, freestyling with flair, drive each other mad with constant competition and showdowns of competing impressions, the ultimate odd couple realize in the end a rich amount about not only good food, but the nature of fame, relationships and their own lives.” (IFC Films)  Click HERE to be directed to THE TRIP’s official website.

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The 6th Annual Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is in the final prep stages.  Visiting artists are booking their flights, posters and postcards are showing up all around town, and community partners are helping to spread the word.  Check out this wonderful clip from CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE …it’s an interview in which she talks about Jacqueline Kennedy visiting backstage during HELLO DOLLY.  (This particular screening is sponsored by The Human Race Theatre Company)

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The official website is now up and running!  Check out www.daytonlgbt.com to read a synopsis about each film…you’ll also find embedded trailers and links to official websites.  One special treat…The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will give a pair of tickets away at each LGBT screening to see Lynda Carter when she’s in town!  Festival passes go on sale tomorrow at THE NEON’s box office.  $50 for all seven screenings + the Opening Night Party at Sidebar.  (Single tickets go on sale Sept. 8 for $8 each.)

Living City’s Fall Festival is officially booked.  This year?  Vampires!  From Bela Lugosi’sDRACULA (in 35mm) to Catherine Deneuve & David Bowie in THE HUNGER – the line-up is lots of fun.  More details soon…the series begins Oct. 17!

Don’t forget…Take your NEON ticket stub to our new neighbor Sa bai: Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar – and receive 15% off your meal.

We’ve got some new great bookings below.  From Pedro Almodovar and Gus Van Sant to the much-requested SENNA.  Check out titles below.

I leave for the Toronto International Film Festival next Wednesday…and I can hardly wait!  Beginning next week, I will blog on a daily basis (right here on DaytonMostMetro.com) about the films I’m seeing, the parties I’ve attended, and the stars I’ve sighted.

See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Sept. 2 – September 8:

SARAH’S KEY (PG-13) 1 Hr 51 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:30, 8:00

ANOTHER EARTH (PG-13)  1 Hr  32 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  5:10

Monday – Thursday:  5:20

THE TRIP (NR) 1 Hr 47 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 7:30, 9:50

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:50

COMING SOON:

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

Sept. 9   THE GUARD
Sept 9   THE WHISTLEBLOWER
Sept 16  BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE: A TRIBE CALLED QUEST
Sept 23   HIGHER GROUND
Sept. 30   THE FUTURE
Oct. 7   RESTLESS
Oct. 7   SENNA
Nov. 4  TAKE SHELTER
Nov. 18  MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE
Nov. 25   THE SKIN I LIVE IN
TBD   LIFE ABOVE ALL