Arts & Entertainment
McCoy on Movies: BACKROOMS
Backrooms proves not every viral sensation can translate its success to the big screen
CAST: Chitewel Ejiofor | Renate Reinsve | Finn Benett | | Mark Duplass
WRITER: Will Soodik
DIRECTOR: Kane Parsons
TRAILER:
THE REVIEW: “What the hell was that?!”
If you know anything – and I mean ANYTHING – about A24 as a studio, you know that the previous phrase is one not uncommon when it comes to their releases. From Heredity and Midsommar to The Killing of a Sacred Deer and more, if there’s a film that’s going to have you leaving the theater with questions and/or scratching your head processing it, it’s likely A24.
With its latest release BACKROOMS, that tradition will continue as the film never quite excels enough to make it worthy of being a front room display.
First, you need to know that BACKROOMS is inspired by both a popular Internet “creepypasta” and a YouTube series of the same name created by director Kane Parsons several years ago. Second, BACKROOMS is not anything close to today’s traditional horror entries, as it is never steps anywhere near the grotesque nature of the Terrifier films nor on the same plane as the traditional “jump scare” flicks that litter theaters yearly.
Problem is, while the film features some good acting from Ejiofor and Reinsve, the payoff of the thin plot doesn’t quite feel, for lack of a better term, worth it. While one can argue about the film making a statement on dealing with loss, grief and/or dealing with the realities of a world more concerned with consumerism than connection, BACKROOMS isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. (Or, as the case may be, favorite coffee table.) A clearer, more definitive direction – literally – could help engage the viewer more to bring about that desired effect; instead, many audiences may find themselves watching trying to figure out where the weird-for-the-sake-of-weird film is going, especially once things really go off the rails (in terms of the story being told, not in its execution).
Whereas viral sensations come and go, BACKROOMS will definitely have its diehard fans … But they may pale in comparison to the scores of those who see it and leave the theater thinking it as a prime example of the old adage that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.
RATING (OUT OF FOUR BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
Dayton Fashion Takes Center Stage: The Clash Spring/Summer Fashion Show Hits The Brightside
Get ready for an evening of bold silhouettes, fresh energy, and runway magic. On Sunday, May 31, the Clash Spring/Summer Fashion Show brings the region’s most exciting designers and emerging talent to The Brightside for a night where Dayton fashion takes the spotlight.
Produced by Clash Dayton and Paranormals Production, this highly anticipated showcase puts visionary designers and rising stars front and center. The event comes together in collaboration with The Dayton Sewing Collaborative and is sponsored by Dayton Creative Printing Inc. — a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and fearless style from start to finish.
Featured Collections
This season’s runway brings together a remarkable lineup of designers and makers:
- Amy Kollar Anderson
- Clash True Vintage
- FIONA
- Greta Grenadine
- Kaylee Paige Designs
- Strawb3rry Stitches
- Tailored by Britt
- Taylor Boothe
- The Rose and Thorn
- Trash-in Group Line
From vintage revival to avant-garde edge, each collection brings its own story to the runway. Expect striking looks, artistic expression, and the kind of vibrant community atmosphere that makes a Dayton night out unforgettable.
So dress to impress, grab your friends, and come celebrate the creativity pouring out of our city’s design scene.
Event Details
Clash Spring/Summer Fashion Show
Sunday, May 31, 2026
The Brightside — 905 E. 3rd St., Dayton
Doors 5:00 PM | Show 6:00 PM
Ages 13+
$25 Tickets available now:
DGMC presents Scream Queens
What is a better way to kick off summer than a little SCARY songs? The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus (DGMC) will be getting out CREEP on singing a variety of horror inspired music this weekend at the Roger Glass Center for the Arts at the University of Dayton. Founded in 2003, DGMC is committed to continually reaching for excellence in choral music, forging active community partnerships and educating others about the value of diversity. They offer a broad range of musical styles from serious to the sublime—heavy to hysterical.
DGMC has a special ensemble called “Noteworthy “ and they will be performing some real crowd pleasers at the “Scream Queens” concert this weekend.
The performance is this Saturday & Sunday May 30th & 31st. Tickets are only $30 for adults and $20 for students and active military and will be on sale now! Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door according to the groups website.DGM
Dayton Dance Initiative Presents “The Light In Between”
The Dayton Dance Initiative proudly announces its 8th season performance, The Light In Between, presented June 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the PNC Arts Annex in downtown Dayton.
This season features five new dance works choreographed and performed by artists from Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Cincinnati Ballet, Mutual Dance Theater, and an emerging student choreographer from Wright State University. The production continues Dayton Dance Initiative’s mission of fostering collaboration, artistic exchange, and innovative contemporary performance within the region’s professional dance community.
A major milestone for the organization, The Light In Between also marks Dayton Dance Initiative’s first-ever choreographic commission with an artist outside of Dayton. Supported through the Allegro Grant from The Dayton Foundation, the commission welcomes acclaimed artist David Morse of Cincinnati Ballet into the company’s expanding creative network.
Rooted in intimacy and connection, performances at the PNC Arts Annex place audiences in close proximity to the artists and creative process. Each evening will conclude with a post-show talkback, inviting audiences into deeper dialogue with the choreographers and performers.
“This season opens a new threshold for Dayton Dance Initiative,” says Artistic and Executive Director Jennifer Sydor. “Rooted in trust, time, and exchange, this first choreographic commission reflects our belief that connection-like light-travels, arrives, and reshapes the space it enters. What we practice here does not end in this space; it returns with us-not as answers, but as a subtle transformation that continues unfolding beyond the performance.”
Tickets are available through Dayton Live Ticketing, with prices ranging from $20-$36.50 plus fees. Student and professional artist discounts are available by phone or in person through the box office only by calling 937-228-3630.

Performance Information
The Light In Between
June 26 & 27, 2026 — 7:30 p.m.
PNC Arts Annex
46 W. Second Street, Dayton, OH
Tickets: $20-$36.50 plus fees
Student and professional discounts available through call in or the box office only.
Ticket link: Purchase Tickets Here
For more information, visit Dayton Dance Initiative
May Story Slam
Bring a story, and bring a friend.
The bar will be open, and there is a two-drink minimum. Tickets are $5.00 in advance and $10.00 day of ( if available).
The Wedding Singer: The Musical at La Comedia
Based on the film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, The Wedding Singer at La Comedia celebrates all the fun, love, and ridiculousness of the 80’s. With an electric soundtrack that gives nod to nostalgic hits, you’ll be dancing down the aisle while eagerly saying “I DO!” Opening Thursday, May 14th and running through June 21st with matinees on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and evening performances Thursday – Sunday.
It’s 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie tries to make every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.
Matinees: Thursday, Friday & Sunday: Arrival time, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Buffet opens around 11:15, show begins around 12:30 p.m.
Evenings: Thursday – Sunday: Arrival time, 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Buffet opens around 6:15 p.m., show begins around 7:30 p.m.
For Tickets click here.
FromOhio Festival Lands in Springfield May 29–30, and Yes, It’s Free!

Remember IndieCraft? It got a glow-up. The festival formerly known as IndieCraft is back this spring under a new name, a new mission, and a lineup that leans hard into its best instinct: that you don’t actually need to fly anyone in to throw a great music festival in this state. FromOhio Music Festival takes over downtown Springfield Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, with eleven Ohio indie acts, two historic venues, and a weekend of craft beer and local food — all free and open to the public.
The pitch is right there in the name. Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton have quietly been running one of the more interesting regional indie scenes in the country, and FromOhio is built around the idea that a great festival bill doesn’t have to look outward to fill itself out. This year’s lineup is a real cross-section of where the corridor is right now:
- The Ophelias (Cincinnati) are arriving fresh off Spring Grove, their new Julien Baker–produced LP on Get Better Records
- Carriers (Cincinnati) — Curt Kiser’s heartland-rock-meets-dream-pop project is touring behind their 2025 LP Every Time I Feel Afraid. Stereogum’s been calling them “dreamy, Dylan-esque” for a reason.
- M Ross Perkins (Dayton) is a 60s-inspired psych-pop charmer, written up in American Songwriter and Uncut
- crabswithoutlegs (Dayton / Columbus) is an amazing 12-piece neo-soul-fusion powerhouse and 2023 Dayton Battle of the Bands winners
- Heather Redman & The Reputation, Mol Sullivan, Visitor, Multi Ultra, Novel Vibrations, Rug, and Jess Lamb rounding out the bill across indie, soul, shoegaze, and rock

Mol Sullivan is one of the performers at this year’s FromOhio Music Festival
Performances split between Mother Stewart’s Brewing (a craft brewery in a beautiful old downtown warehouse) and the historic State Theatre, which are both walkable and genuinely lovely venues to see a band in. More food vendor and brewery partner announcements are rolling out in the weeks ahead, so keep an eye on socials.
Springfield’s about 30 minutes up I-70. Call it a day trip, call it a mini-vacation, call it the easiest free weekend on your spring calendar, but get it on the calendar!
The details:
- When: Friday, May 29 & Saturday, May 30, 2026
- Where: Mother Stewart’s Brewing (102 W. Columbia St.) & the State Theatre (19 S. Fountain Ave.), Downtown Springfield
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- More info & schedule: fromohiofest.com | @FromOhioFest | search “FromOhio” on Spotify for the official playlist
I Remember Mama at X*ACT
John Van Druten’s gratifyingly sentimental play shows how Mama, with the help of her husband and Uncle Chris, brings up the children in their modest San Francisco home during the early years of the 20th century. Mama, a sweet and capable manager, sees her children through childhood, manages to educate them, and helps one of her daughters begin her career as a writer. Mama’s sisters and uncle furnish a rich background for a great deal of comedy and a little incidental tragedy, while the doings of the children keep everyone in pleasant turmoil.
Ohio Goes To The Movies: 8 Free Films in May
Ohio Goes to the Movies™ (OGTTM) is a statewide celebration of movies showcasing Ohioans: actors, directors, writers, composers, locations, and topics, shown in cities and towns across the state. A Signature Event of America 250-Ohio, OGTTM will started in mid-February 2026 and runs through October 2026 – about 250 days of Ohio movie magic showcasing Ohio’s contributions to America’s film industry and moviemaking. Movies will include independent film, Hollywood blockbusters, and industrial/special interest films, from rare archival footage to contemporary works.
FREE SCREENINGS from Ohio Goes to the Movies series in May:
Fri, May 1 · 8:00 PM
Super 8
Fairborn Phoenix Theatre, Fairborn
Mon, May 4 · 6:00–8:00 PM Ready Player One
Tipp City Public Library, Tipp City
Wed, May 6 · 7:30 PM
Carol
The Neon, Downtown Dayton
Sat, May 9 · 3:00 PM
Carol (encore screening)
Regal Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek
Sat, May 9 · 7:00 PM
Triangle Park
Doc on Dayton’s 1920 first-ever NFL game The Packard Museum, Downtown Dayton
Sat, May 16 · 7:00 PM
Little Giants
Englewood Cinema, Englewood
Fri, May 22 · 8:30 PM
The Wizard of Oz
Troy-Miami County Public Library, Troy
May 30th 10:00pm
SEEDS, with guest filmmaker Brittany Shyne,
THE NEON
Henhouse Prowlers Bring Bluegrass to The Brightside
Thursday, May 7 | Doors 7PM
There’s bluegrass, and then there’s bluegrass that’s been around the world a few times.
Chicago’s Henhouse Prowlers fall squarely in the second camp. For two decades, the four-piece — Ben Wright on banjo, Chris Dollar on guitar, Jon Goldfine on bass, and Jake Howard on mandolin — have been crisscrossing the globe at a pace most bands couldn’t survive: 34 countries, 5 continents, and a songbook that’s picked up souvenirs from every stop. They land at The Brightside this Thursday, May 7, and if you’ve never caught them live, this is the one to break the streak for.
The Prowlers are rooted in bluegrass and classic country, but trying to pin them there misses the point. Their latest record, Unravel, was produced by Stephen Mougin of the Sam Bush Band and lands as their most expansive work yet — road-worn storytelling, flashes of modern Americana, and the kind of ferocious picking that reminds you why this music has stuck around for a hundred years. The four-part harmonies are gorgeous. The chops are absurd. But the real reason to show up is what happens between the songs.
That’s where 20 years of touring earns its keep. The Prowlers don’t just play sets — they tell stories. Tales from the road get woven through the songbook, and somewhere in the night you’re likely to hear a bluegrassy take on a tune in a language you’ve never encountered before. As founding members of Bluegrass Ambassadors and longtime partners of the U.S. State Department, they’ve taken American roots music to places it rarely travels and brought pieces of those places home with them. It’s a band that genuinely believes music builds bridges words can’t — and after two decades of doing the work, they’ve got the receipts.
The Brightside is exactly the right room for this kind of show. Intimate enough to catch every harmony, loose enough to lean into the between-song stories, and the kind of venue where a band that’s logged this many miles can actually unwind and play.
Come hear what 20 years of chasing something beautiful sounds like.
Henhouse Prowlers at The Brightside
🗓️ Thursday, May 7, 2026
🚪 Doors 7PM / Show 7:30PM
📍 The Brightside — 905 E. 3rd St., Dayton
🎟️ $20 advance / $25 day of show
👨👩👧 All Ages
Mother’s Day Buffet Brunches for 2026
A buffet brunch on Mother’s Day isn’t just a meal—it’s a strategy. A delicious, stress-free, crowd-pleasing strategy that turns what could be a logistical juggling act into something relaxed, festive, and genuinely enjoyable for everyone involved. First, there’s the gift of choice. Mothers—like most people—don’t fit neatly into one menu. A buffet brunch lets her build her perfect plate, whether that means fresh fruit and pastries, made-to-order omelets, carving stations, or a little bit of everything. No compromises, no settling. Just exactly what she wants, at her own pace.
Buffets also shine when it comes to groups. Whether it’s a small family outing or a multi-generational gathering, everyone—from picky eaters to adventurous foodies—finds something to love. Kids can grab pancakes, grandparents can linger over coffee, and Mom can sample a little bit of everything without feeling rushed.
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
Amber Rose Restaurant and Catering
1400 Valley St, Dayton
All your favorite brunch dishes including eggs, french toast bake, omelet casserole, biscuits & gravy, chicken and waffles, honey ham, salmon, carving statin, cabbage rolls, herb roasted pork loin, Desserts include bread pudding, cheesecakes, pies
1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton
Treat Mom to a festive buffet featuring a carving station, made-to-order omelettes, seasonal cocktails, mocktails, live music, and a photo booth to capture those special memories.
Please note: reservations of 6 or more require a deposit.
The Dayton Woman’s Club
225 N Ludlow St, Dayton
Seatings at 11:00 am, 12:15 pm & 1:30 pm
Adults: $35 (includes 2 drinks – Mimosas or Bloody Marys)
Children ages 5-10: $12, Ages 4 & under: Free
Reservations with Payment Required
Dublin Pub
300 Wayne Ave. Dayton
10am-3pm
$37.99, $15.99 for kids 6 – 12, 5 and under eat free
Bring mom in for brunch and bubbly this Mother’s Day. We have Bloody Marys & a Bloody Mary bar too if that’s more moms style. Omelet & hash brown bar, carving station with prime rib as well as all your breakfast favorites.
Limited reservations still available, please email [email protected] for reservation inquiries
3680 Rigby Rd., Miamisburg
9am-3pm
$35 per person, $12 Kids under 10
El Meson
903 E Dixie Dr, West Carrollton
937-859-8229
11am – 2pm
$48, 12 and under $12, under 6 free
Engineers Club of Dayton
110 E Monument Ave, Dayton
$38.95
Make reservations via email: [email protected]
Omelette station, french toast casserole, biscuits & gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon & sausage, sliced beef tenderloin, stuffed chicken breast, butter herb spaghetti, roasted broccoli and red peppers, lox display
The Florentine
21 W Market St, Germantown
Brunch Buffet: 11AM–2PM
Dinner Service: 3PM–7PM
Seats are limited and filling fast!
Lock in your table now:
www.theflorentinerestaurant.com
Parties of 6 or more, call directly: 937-855-7759
The Foundry Rooftop
124 Madison St. , Dayton
11am – 4pm
Adults $80/Person with one complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary upon arrival, Kids $25
Giovanni’s
215 W Main St, Fairborn
11:30am – 6pm
937-878-1611
$33.99
kids 5 – 12 $14.99, under 4 free
Manna Uptown
61 W. Franklin St., Centerville
11am – 2pm
Prime rib carving station, Omelette Station, Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Chorizo & spinach Shakshuka, Bacon & sausage
Fried chicken & bourbon syrup, Salmon Fritters & aji Amarillo sauce, Tuna tartare shots with crispy tortillas
Spanish shrimp, Butternut squash & champagne soup, Grilled cheese, Roasted sweet potatoes
House-made baked goods including profiterols, muffins, Greek orange cake, and more
6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs
Dinner Seating Times: 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
– 29.95 per adult ages 12 and older
– Register here: https://youngsdairy.com/mothers-day-buffet/
The RubiGirls Make their Mark…and Dayton is PROUD!!

The two, Still-Performing, originals!
42 years in the making, Dayton’s hometown heroes, the RubiGirls, are finally getting the recognition they so deserve! Helping to raise nearly $4 million for non-profits and charities, the ‘Girls’ have proven they truly have found ‘A Different Way to Make A Difference!’ The group, which started on Rubicon Street in Dayton, in 1984, found that during the late ’80s, the best way to get folks to open up about the HIV/AIDS crisis was through laughter. They began doing shows around the area which continued to gain momentum, and money. In those early years, the Girls were in demand at ‘Healing Weekends’ where people with HIV could get away and learn about new treatments, new therapies, make new friends….and be entertained by Rubi in the evenings. They were a beacon of peace and laughter for a time when there was little of either. From there, the Girls began using any and all platforms available to bring relief to a population of people, and their families, that were facing tough times. Cost of medicines, housing, hospital stays….any and all things Rubi could help with, they did!
It was at Celebrity Night Club on North Main that things really took off! Packed houses, overflowing parking lots, and demands for more performances made for a group on the rise. In the 90’s, a documentary by Dayton Local Jonathan McNeal. entitled ‘The RubiGirls‘ hit screens worldwide. The film premiered in San Francisco in 2003, played in film festivals from Reno to Adelaide, Australia, and won awards in Atlanta, Long Island,

Rubi Girls – The Show Must Go On! – 2025
and Cleveland…and the celebrity status was set! The Girls, even today, make yearly appearances out of state, helping raise funds for non-profits in communities there. Today, the Girls, a bit older…the eldest being 63….still pride themselves on helping others. Moreso, the Girls are proud to shout from the rooftops, ‘We are From Dayton Baby!’

Shirt designed to commemorate their legacy!
For Rubi, recently finding out, after 5 years of scrutiny, that they were receiving an Ohio Historical Marker, seemed surreal. For the troupe, it’s always been about finding fun with the family together…and of course, ‘fun-raising!’ This weekend, a permanent bronze marker will be set in Dayton to say ‘Thank You’ to the Girls! 42 years into a ‘charitable way of life,’ the RubiGirls have given to the city a reason to be Proud. It was in our city that this group of men committed to helping the community. They have done just that. A huge congratulations to them….we are all head over HEELS for you!
For more information or to donate to the RubiGirls, RubGirls Scholarshp or RubiGirls Foundation go to http://therubigirls.com.
The 39 Steps at Beavercreek Community Theatre
Danger, espionage, and unexpected twists.
When a mundane man meets a mysterious woman claiming to be a spy , his life takes a thrilling turn filled with danger, espionage, and unexpected twists. Witness a whirlwind performance as a dynamic quartet embodies over 150 roles in this uproarious and fast-paced caper, promising an evening of suspenseful delight.
Dayton at Work and Play: Bill Cunningham
Certified Human Night: The Birthday Bash
The Human Race Theatre Company is turning 40 and you are invited to the biggest celebration of the year!
Certified Human Night: The Birthday Bash Edition is a totally radical, 1986-inspired party celebrating 40 years of The Human Race Theatre Company. Get ready to party like it’s 1986!
The night will also feature festive surprises and the honoring of this year’s Special Certified Human—a bold believer in the arts whose impact truly deserves the spotlight.
Every ticket purchased helps fund the future of live theatre in Dayton. This isn’t just a party—it’s a celebration with purpose.
Join the party. Support the mission.
Because being human never goes out of style.
TICKET OPTIONS
VIP ($150)
Premium Center Seating
Exclusive Backstage VIP Pre Party Starting at 5:00 PM
Deluxe Human Race Swag
Wing Seating ($40)
Come for the food, the fun, and the full birthday bash experience starting at 6:00 PM.
















