Arts & Entertainment

New Coen Brothers & Meryl Streep/Julia Roberts Movies Open Friday at THE NEON

January 8, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

In the last few days of 2013, PHILOMENA took a leap and became the most successful film of the year at THE NEON! That’s pretty awesome. Can you guess #2 and #3? (I’ll let you know next week.) If you still need to see PHILOMENA or NEBRASKA or BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR, Thursday (Jan. 9) will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. Check out our website for showtimes at www.neonmovies.com.

On Friday, we will open 2 highly anticipated films…the new film from The Coen Brothers – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS and the star-studded adaptation of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-Winning play – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. We’re hoping for an exciting weekend!

Synopsis for INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS: “INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS follows a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician against seemingly insurmountable obstacles-some of them of his own making.” (CBS Films) The latest from The Coen Brothers is one of the most anticipated films of the season – starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, John Goodman, and Justin Timberlake. Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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Synopsis for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY: “AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY tells the dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Letts’ play made its Broadway debut in December 2007 after premiering at Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre earlier that year. It continued with a successful international run.” (The Weinstein Company) This all-star cast has been getting a lot of buzz, and both Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts have been nominated for Golden Globe Awards for their performances! Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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In addition to these 2 new films, we have something that’s suitable for the entire family. For 2 special screenings only, we will play THE ADVENTURER: CURSE OF THE MIDAS BOX on Saturday and Sunday mornings. “Ancient mysteries. Powerful evil. A fearless hero’s quest through a fantastical realm of steam-powered wonders and sinister magic. In THE ADVENTURER: CURSE OF THE MIDAS BOX, seventeen-year-old Mariah Mundi’s life is turned upside down when his parents vanish and his younger brother is kidnapped. Following a trail of clues to the darkly majestic Prince Regent Hotel, Mariah discovers a hidden realm of child-stealing monsters, deadly secrets and a long-lost artifact that grants limitless wealth – but also devastating supernatural power. With the fate of his world and his family at stake, Mariah will risk everything to unravel the Curse of the Midas Box!”

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“VERY YOUNG GIRLS is Start Freedom Dayton’s first film of 2014. VYG takes a look at human trafficking from the victims’ perspective and introduces us to Rachel Lloyd, the founder of NYC based GEMS – an organization dedicated to empowering victims to escape and live new lives. VYG is sponsored by Peace on Fifth and newest friend the Zonta Club of Dayton – an organization advocating for the status of women worldwide. Amanda Arrington from the East End Community Center will lead discussion after the film. Learn what is happening locally and how you can get involved. Ticket prices help keep this film series going. A program of Peace on Fifth fully supported by the community. The screening is scheduled for January 23 at 7:30, and tickets are just $8 – available exclusively at THE NEON. Contact Peace on Fifth with questions at 937.367.7215 or at [email protected]” (Taken from Peace On Fifth press notes.)

Some fans of THE NEON have requested a special screening of a fantasy film called KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM (a film about Live Action Role Playing starring Peter Dinklage and Steve Zahn). They’re working with Tugg in hopes of drumming up enough interest to make the screening happen. If 66 tickets are reserved by Jan. 22, then the screening will take place on Wednesday, February 5 at 8:30. To reserve a ticket, follow this LINK. Your card will only be charged if enough people reserve tickets and the event moves forward.

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

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 10 – Thursday, Jan. 16:

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (R) 2 hrs 01 min
Friday, Saturday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:40

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (R) 1 hr 45 min
Friday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50
Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45

THE ADVENTURER: CURSE OF THE MIDAS BOX (PG)1 Hr 39 Min
Saturday, Sunday: 10:30am

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN
TBD – OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORTS
TBD – GLORIA
TBD – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
TBD – TIM’S VERMEER
TBD – LE WEEK-END
TBD – THE LUNCHBOX

Dayton Art Institute Announces Leo Bistro Winter Hours

January 7, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

From November 22, 2013 through January 5, 2014, Leo Bistro welcomed guest purveyor Ghostlight Coffee of South Park on weekday evenings. “Ghostlight at Night” featured exceptional coffees, espresso drinks, locally sourced snacks and speciality cocktails from The Dayton Cocktail Co. Special events included a Repeal Party and a Belgian Ale tasting.

Beginning Wednesday, January 8, Leo Bistro will be open 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, unless special programming is scheduled in the museum. For the most up-to-date information, check The Dayton Art Institute’s website, at www.daytonartinstitute.org/leobistro, or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Leo Bistro will remain open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Bottled drinks and a selection of favorite local snacks will be available for purchase at the Guest Services Desk during all hours the museum is open, and a seating area will be available for museum guests just outside The Museum Store or in the General Motors Entrance Rotunda.

Leo Bistro will be available to schedule private events from 4 – 8 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Please contact Kevin Tunstall (937-512-0162 or [email protected]) or Diane Haskell (937-512-0131 or [email protected]) to book your business meeting, reception, buffet or seated dinner.

The Dayton Art Institute enjoyed hosting Ghostlight Coffee during the 2013 holiday season and encourages everyone to visit Ghostlight’s location on Wayne Avenue. The museum looks forward to welcoming guests to its many exhibitions, social events and educational programs in 2014.

The first of these new events and programs takes place tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8. Warm up your Wednesday night at The DAI, with the debut of the museum’s new “Side By Side” docent program at 6 p.m. Rick Hoffman and Janet Estep will join forces to compare two narrative paintings in the museum’s collection: the Master of Marradi’s Judith and Holofernes and RobertBrackman’s Life About Me. Which painting was likely stripped from another object? Which one speaks to a Ukrainian heritage? Learn the back story with this lively discussion in the museum galleries.

Side By Side gallery talks take place on select Wednesday evenings, and they are free to members and included in the price of general admission for non-members. Meet in the museum rotunda at 6 p.m.

Start the evening or continue the fun afterwards by joining Director of Engagement Jane Black in Leo Bistro for a related pairing. In homage to the Master of Marradi’s Judith and Holofernes – Italian wine and beer, or a fine espresso from our “Dada Java” machine. And as a nod to Robert Brackman’s New York City in the 1950s – an assortment of spiced cocktail nuts. This limited menu will be available from 4 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8.

For more information about Leo Bistro and The Dayton Art Institute, visit www.daytonartinstitute.org or call the museum at 937-223-4ART (4278). Be sure to also connect with The Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and exclusive offers.

Kettering Cultural Arts Manager Picks Her Top Moments in Dayton Visual Arts 2013

January 6, 2014 By Shayna McConville 1 Comment

Dayton was home to numerous amazing art exhibitions, collaborations and projects in 2013. Although there were many, many more superb events that are not on this list, the arts listed below serves as a glimpse into the vitality of the Dayton region’s creative folks and spaces! Enjoy!

CIRCUS!
Dayton Visual Arts Centre

January 2 – 11
A collaborative project between artist Leesa Haapapuro and the Young People’s Homeschoolers program at K12 Gallery culminated into a short show at the Dayton Visual Arts Center. The young circus performers next to their murals, sculptures and paintings, created an incredible new world of possibility and magic for youth and adults.

Jud Yalkut: Visions and Sur-Realities
University of Dayton
Jan. 31 through March 7

Nam June Paik and Jud Yalkut, Beatles Electroniques, 1969

One of Dayton’s most treasured artists, Jud Yalkut was revered for his advocacy of the arts, his pioneer video works, his collages and his writing. The exhibition captured many of his artworks, including special screenings of his film and video works, many of which hadn’t been seen by the public in decades. Jud passed away in July 2013, marking an end of an era and a huge loss to the Dayton arts community. Learn more about the his timely retrospective and career here.

The week of May 4 – 12
Urban Nights, Sideshow 8, Art on the Playground and AIA Architecture Week
Throughout Dayton and Kettering

The high quality and numerous events that took place over the first and second weekends of May was inspiring; Dayton’s Urban Nights, The Circus Creative Collective’s Side Show 8, Kettering’s inauguralArt on the Playground and AIA’s Architecture Week brought thousands of people out to participate in Dayton arts and culture.

Reinvention Stories
Dayton Art Institute
June 30 – September 29

Emily Evans, Untitled (Twin Towers), 2012

As evidence of Dayton’s vitality, a special project launched in January captures the city’s pulse. Local radio station WYSO 91.3 and filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar teamed-up to create the multi-platform media project Reinvention Stories, a series of audio stories and short films of Dayton and its residents. The project, instigated by WYSO’s general manager Neenah Ellis, is based on a series of questions: how does a city of inventors reinvent itself? How are individuals reinventing themselves? How are people dealing with the economic turmoil of recent years? How is Dayton doing? Through this documentation, a collection of videos and photographs were selected by Eva Buttacavoli, Executive Director of the Dayton Visual Arts Centre, and partnership with the Dayton Visual Arts Center and WYSO 91.3. Learn more bout the project at http://www.reinventionstories.org.

Inside Out 11M
August 4
Missing Peace Art Space and Synergy Incubator

Inside Out 11M at Missing Peace Art Space

Inside Out 11M is a project based on Jr’s Inside Out with a focus on the question of immigration. Focusing on the residents of Dayton, the project captured portraits of hundreds of kids, adults and seniors. From the website: “A nationwide participatory art initiative aimed at creating a portrait of America that includes immigrants and the descendants of immigrants alike.” Learn more about the project here.

HWD: Regional Sculpture Exhibition
August 26 – September 27
Rosewood Gallery

Roscoe Wilson, Austere Consumption

HWD, or Height x Width x Depth, featured dozens of artists working in three-dimensional form. Participating artists were featured from Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virgina, Kentucky, Michigan and Indiana. Highlights included the work of Don Williams, Terry Welker, Rebecca Emrick, Courtney Kessel, Carrie Longley, David Kenworthy, Erica Wine, and so many more. Learn more about the exhibition here and photos are here.

Soo Sunny Park
Unwoven Light
Wright State’s Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries
September 15 – October 13

Image courtesy of Wright State University

Exploring the boundaries between drawing and sculpture, Park’s chainlink fence and plexiglass transformed the Stein galleries into a moving experience. Originally commissioned by Rice University, Park’s beautiful installation has been traveling to galleries around the country.

National Bronze Sculpture Symposium
October 13 – 26
Yellow Springs Arts Council

Image courtesy of Bernie Carreno

The Yellow Springs Arts Council launched its first symposium in October, focusing on the process of lost-wax bronze casting. Commissioning four sculptors, including D’jean Jawrunner (New Mexico), Susan Byrnes (Cincinnati), Brian Maughan (Yellow Springs), and John Weidman (New Hampshire), the artists created works on site for two-weeks, culminating in a live pour of their molds. Exhibitions, lectures and artist talks complemented the artmaking daily. More info is here.

Object of Devotion:
Medieval English Alabaster Sculpture from the Victoria and Albert Museum
Dayton Art Institute
October 26 – January 5, 2014

Anonymous, English, The Fifth Sign of the Last Judgment, c. 1440-1470. Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

A stunning collection of medieval alabaster sculptures, on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum, demonstrate the dramatic, narrative and intricate scenes interpreted from biblical texts. An art form popular in the 15th and 16th centuries, alabasters were considered a low-end of medieval craft for centuries. Over 40 examples at the Dayton Art Institute show the merit of this art form, which finally gained recognition by scholars and collectors in the twentieth century.

Bullet: Who Pulls the Trigger?
Art Street, University of Dayton
September 24 – November 3

James Pate and DECA students collaborative drawing

Art Street presented a complicated, difficult and important question within the multi-faceted collaborative art installation with artist James Pate, Dayton Early College Academy, South Chicago Art Center and Newtown, CT artists. Focused on creating a dialogue on issues of gun violence with a focus on South Chicago, Newtown and Dayton, panel discussions were a major component to the gallery exhibition. Artworks included New York artist S.B. Woods’ Meditation on Mourning, paintings made by Sandy Hook shooting survivors, Dayton-based artist James Pate and a group of DECA high school students. From the website: “This piece was conceived in part by James Pate, and in part by the students. After a conversation about gun violence, the students came to the consensus that ‘we as a society pull the trigger.’” Chicago artist Sarah Ward and students from the South Chicago Art Center created etchings of bullets to symbolize one for every person affected by gun violence on a daily basis. Read more about the exhibition here.

Dia de los Muertos
November 1

Dayton’s Day of the Dead parade and celebration took place on Friday, November 1, from the Oregon District to the historic St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood. Hundreds of folks participated, many donning costumes and painted faces as music, art and food commemorated our loved ones. Stivers School for the Arts students, professional and emerging musicians and artists contributed to the celebration. Spearheaded by volunteers, including Jean Howat Berry, MB Hopkins, Tonia Fish, Lisa Grigsby, and several others, the event found support from the community in its crowdsourcing fundraiser, as well as Welcome Dayton’s sponsoring of the parade, and Missing Peace Art Space and the Unitarian Fellowship for World Peace hosting.

Looking Back At The Best In Visual Art For 2013

January 3, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

It’s not too late to look back at the best in visual art for 2013. Here are some of my favorites

Longing: Sculpture and Photography, curated by Francis Schanberger, Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors (DSPS)

I wanted to somehow use the terms languid, languorous and louche to describe the photos in this show paired with coy, clever sculptural counterparts. And just lovely in the elegant setting of the recently gussied-up High Street Gallery.

Jud Yalkut: Visions and Sur-Realities, curated by Jeanne Phillip, Gallery 249, Roesch Library 1st & 2nd floor Galleries, and Art Street Gallery, University of Dayton

Almost too much to take in. Heady.

Meme: Culture in Transition, curated by Dennie Eagleson and Susan Byrnes, Herndon Gallery, Antioch College

“Artists coming as close as one can to grasping such a speeding concept.”

Works on Paper 2012, juror Robert Robbins, Rosewood Arts Centre

Ongoing proof of the region’s artististic mastery of watercolor, drawing, printmaking and photography. Oceans of achingly good lines.

Construction of Space: Tess Little and Jennifer Rosengarten, self-curated, Dayton Visual Arts Center

Enveloped by swirling jewel and pastel-toned flowers, grasses, weeds and scribbles embedded in a forest of earth, stone, metal. Preternatural.

The Fixed Shadow: Camera–less Photography, juried by Carol Panaro-Smith and James Hajicek, The Robert & Elaine Stein Galleries at WSU

How do I love thee, let me count the ways: photograms, scanograms, lumen prints, chemigrams, and photogenic drawings. Mysterious and beautiful.

Storm: Paintings by April Gornik, curated by Jane Black, Dayton Art Institute

Spectacular. Too few of these roaring waterscapes by this underappreciated Cleveland-born nationally recognized painter.

Jack Earl: Modern Master – A Retrospective, curated by Charlotte Gordon, Springfield Museum of Art

A keen sense of humor, magical tableaus, regional references, family values. In porcelain. Turned this painting snob into a ceramic stalker.

Your Turn: A collaborative exhibition by Bridgette Bogle and Francis Schanberger, self-curated, organized by Peter Benkendorf and Mark Chepp, The Collaboratory

Obvious and not-so-obvious quietly trippy photo and explosive painting pairings by this husband-wife team that made you so fascinated by their shared visual vocabulary that you poke your significant other and say [insert random snarky spousal barb here] as a reality check.

TODT: Heartland, presented by Gallery 249 and ArtStreet, University of Dayton

A retrospective of the Cincinnati-born, globally exhibited anonymous artist collective of works depicting a futuristic world controlled by science and government. Possibly on this list for the mere fact that it surprised the students that such bad-ass work was happening in the 90s.

Where is the Love I Playing for Change, Video, produced by CityFolk, Music by Puzzle of Light, various Dayton performers.

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Warm, dance-like-nobody’s-watching, beautifully shot.

Stanley Lewis: Works on Paper, self-curated, The Robert & Elaine Stein Galleries at WSU

A beautiful mess of the best kind of sure-handed mark-making. Like peering at the world through a “sketchbook” filter. Wonderous.

Streets of Dayton, Video, Reinvention Portraits, Steve Bognar, Julia Reichart and the Reinvention Team, Dayton Art Institute and www.reinventionstories.org.

A riveting looped video that merged three perspectives of travelling up and down the city streets. Literally unraveling and then raveling the city up again and again. Heartpulling. Spectacular.

BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR Opens at THE NEON!

January 2, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Snowy out? No worries! THE NEON is open!!

Word of mouth continues to be amazing for PHILOMENA. In fact, both PHILOMENA and NEBRASKA saw spikes in attendance over the weekend. That said, we still want to move forward with BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR before we get busy with 2 huge titles on January 10. If you want to see any of these three films, you’ll only have until January 9.

Synopsis for BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR: “The sensation of the Cannes Film Festival and the most controversial film of the year, BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR made cinema history as the first film ever awarded the Palme d’Or to both its director and its actresses. In a star-making role, Adèle Exarchopoulos is Adèle, a passionate young woman who has a yearning she doesn’t quite understand until a chance encounter with the blue-haired Emma ignites a flame and brings her to life. Léa Seydoux (Midnight in Paris) gives a fearless performance as Emma, the older woman who excites Adèle’s desire and becomes the love of her life. Abdellatif Kechiche’s intimate epic of tenderness and passion charts their relationship over the course of several years, from the ecstasy of a first kiss to the agony of heartbreak. Pulsing with gestures, embraces, furtive exchanges, and arias of joy and devastation, BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR is a profoundly moving hymn to both love and life.” (IFC Films) Click this LINK to visit the official site. Because this film is rated NC-17 for explicit sexual content, patrons must be 18 or over for admission.

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Next Friday (Jan. 10), we are slated to open 2 highly anticipated films – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (the new film from The Coen Brothers) and AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (starring Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and numerous other incredible actors). We think it will be a pretty amazing weekend.

“VERY YOUNG GIRLS is Start Freedom Dayton’s first film of 2014. VYG takes a look at human trafficking from the victims’ perspective and introduces us to Rachel Lloyd, the founder of NYC based GEMS – an organization dedicated to empowering victims to escape and live new lives. VYG is sponsored by Peace on Fifth and newest friend the Zonta Club of Dayton – an organization advocating for the status of women worldwide. Amanda Arrington from the East End Community Center will lead discussion after the film. Learn what is happening locally and how you can get involved. Ticket prices help keep this film series going. A program of Peace on Fifth fully supported by the community. The screening is scheduled for January 23 at 7:30, and tickets will be $8 and available exclusively at THE NEON (beginning this Friday). Contact Peace on Fifth with questions at 937.367.7215 or at [email protected]” (Taken from Peace On Fifth press notes.)

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Some fans of THE NEON have requested a special screening of a fantasy film called KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM (a film about Live Action Role Playing starring Peter Dinklage and Steve Zahn). They’re working with Tugg in hopes of drumming up enough interest to make the screening happen. If 66 tickets are reserved by Jan. 22, then the screening will take place on Wednesday, February 5 at 8:30. Click HERE to watch a trailer for this film. To reserve a ticket, follow this LINK. Your card will only be charged if enough people reserve tickets and the event moves forward.

I’d like to thank you for your continued support of THE NEON. Early figures suggest that 2013 was THE NEON’s most successful year…and it’s your constant support that has helped make that happen.

Thank you so much!
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Jonathan

Revised SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 3 – Thursday, Jan. 9:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 hr 38 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:10, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

NEBRASKA (R) 1 hr 55 min
Friday, Saturday: 2:45, 4:30, 9:30
Sunday: 2:45, 4:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR (NC-17) 2 Hr 59 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 7:00
Monday- Thursday: 2:45, 7:15

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

Jan. 10 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
Jan. 10 – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

Brilliant Leaps and Cautious Steps A Review of Dance in Dayton 2013 and What to Watch for in 2014

December 31, 2013 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

Another year has waltzed by, creating a beautiful stir in the Dayton dance community. I have been privileged to bear witness to some incredible moments of sublimeness amidst the cautious backdrop of these uncertain times in regards to patronage and audience building. Now more than ever we as patrons of the arts have to reinforce our commitment to the arts in our community. While financial support is critical to keeping the lights shining, an education and connoisseurship is vital to elevating our community collectively. These moments and individuals made this year a tantalizing appetizer for a brighter future.

In no particular order:

Sheri “Sparkle” Williams

How often do we have a goddess walking amongst us? For over forty-five years Sheri has illuminated and turned up the heat on the stages of Dayton and around the world. When they describe DCDC as a “world class” organization, they are really describing Sheri. What she brings to the world can only be attributed to the divine. Her artistry is on the level of Dame Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep and Aretha Franklin, an ageless category defying artistic genius that we are privileged to witness. She is worthy of our continued attention.

Dayton Ballet-crop of new choreographic voices

Kudos to Dayton Ballet and their commitment to elevating female choreographers in the realm of classical ballet. This season saw the beautiful work of Gina Gardner-Walther, Amy Seiwert and Susanne Payne. They released the aesthetic beauty and artistic abilities of the dancers and challenged them to new heights and we as an audience were grateful to witness.

DCDC Urban Impulse

This is what a satisfying concert looks like; one that combines community outreach and artistic ambition. It was a gamble that payed off brilliantly. I cannot imagine any lover of dance not leaving that show ecstatic.

DCDC Emergence
This company came back in the fall with a concert of original works that was inspired. The luscious, diverse choreographic works that made Boll Theatre feel like Lincoln Center for a brief autumn evening.

Paul Gilliam, Dayton Ballet

A physically gifted performer who brightens the stage with charm, grace and intelligence. I have been very fortunate to briefly witness his choreographic skills. And I believe we are witnessing a diamond in the rough. Breakout star of 2014

Jammie Walker, Dayton Ballet

A welcomed soulful and passionate presence at Dayton Ballet. A dancer who can handle classical and contemporary work with ease. I look forward to seeing more of him in 2014.

Shed by Kiesha Lalama

Ms. Lalama set an energetic work that was wonderfully constructed and rendered by the dancers at DCDC. The company came roaring back to prominence with this piece and this reviewer was incredibly grateful.

Extremely Close by Alejandro Cerrudo

Okay, so this piece was performed by Cincinnati Ballet, but I would be remise in not discussing it. I had no expectations for this evening of dance at the Aronoff, but as we entered the auditorium, we were greeted with a blank stage, except for a white wall partition and a steady stream of feathers lazily drifting into a pile center stage. It took this reviewer/audience on an unexpected journey, one that we all gladly took. Note to artistic directors in Dayton this guy is worth the investment.

Prodigal Son by George Balanchine

Closing the same concert for Cincinnati Ballet was a re-staging of Prodigal Son with coaching by Edward Villlella. They delivered a bravura performance that brought down the house.

Smag Dance Collective

Congratulations on the 10th anniversary of Smag Dance Collective. The tenacious Artistic Director Michael Groomes fights for his vision of dance that is interwoven into the fabric of our community quilt. This is dance by the people and for the people. He is truly an urban visionary walking amongst us and he and the company deserve our support.

The Brown Dance Project

A poignant, funny and beautifully rendered work created by choreographer Rodney Brown and danced by members of DCDC. MODULE is an educational community outreach work that deals with HIV prevention. A brilliant example of the power of art to address social issues. I was particularly impressed by the audience Q & A afterwards and the fact that they came out on a Saturday afternoon to embrace this necessary work.

2014

I am looking forward to several things: The choreography of DeShona Pepper Robertson for Dayton Ballet in the fall. The site specific installation piece being presented by Ohio Dance and created by Crystal Michelle Perkins. Amy Seiwert and Susanne Payne creating new choreography for Dayton Ballet. Dance concerts returning to the Blair Hall Theatre stage at Sinclair Community College. The return of DCDC to the Victoria Theatre stage and the revival of the Dayton Arts Project.

I can think of no better resolution than to see more dance. And in the immortal words of London Coe, #dateyourcity.

Ring in the New Year with First Friday Fun

December 30, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Jan. 3 First Friday to Feature Art Exhibits, Live Music, Ice Skating & More

Downtown’s next free First Friday event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3.

Several businesses will offer post-holiday shopping sales and discounts. Students can represent their schools during a School Pride Ice Skate at RiverScape MetroPark and the monthly Courteous Mass bike ride will seek to light up the night.

Details are below about other events taking place at participating locations during the Jan. 3 First Friday.

Art

• CADC, 45 S. St. Clair St.: Featuring an after-holidays close-out sale with appetizers and eggnog to snack on while shopping. Call 313-9883.

• Clash Consignment, 521 E. Fifth St.: Showing art exhibit Sight Sizeby Adam Mitchell and Stephanie Riolo with live music by the Left Hooks. Call 241-9434.

• Color of Energy, 16 Brown St.: (Open until 8 p.m.) Reception with Abby Rose who will discuss her involvement in the art community and her new position as events director for Mike Elsass. Call 266-3491.

• Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North: (Open until 8 p.m.)Showing the exhibits Object of Devotion and A Buckeye Abroad: Frank Wilcox in Paris. Call for cost. 223-4278.

• Dayton Society of Painters and Sculptors, 48 High St.: (Open until8 p.m.) Exhbiting work from new members and serving light refreshments. Call 228-4532.

• Dayton Visual Arts Center 118 N. Jefferson St.: (Open until 8 p.m.) Exhbiting paintings by Zachary Armstrong. Call 224-3822.

• Gallery 510 Fine Art, 508 E. Fifth St.: Featuring new artwork and gifts by a variety of artists. Call 672-6717.

• Olive, an Urban Dive, 416 E. Third St.: Hosting “Buy It off the Wall,’ featuring the up-close nature photography of Diane Stava available for purchase, and offering Esther Price hot chocolate to go. Also featuring Olive’s new winter menu. Call 222-3483.

Music

• Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St.: Featuring happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m., $2.50 well drinks, 75 cents off bourbon and other drink specials. Music by Cherry Lee and the Hotrod Hounds, and The Sandwich. Call 938-6405.

• De’Lish Café, 139 N. Main St.: Featuring happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. during a mix and mingle with downtown business professionals. Call 461-2233.

• Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave.: Featuring happy hour until 6 p.m., a performance by the Miami Valley Pipe and Drum group starting at 6 p.m., and live music from Mothergrove starting at 9 p.m. Call 224-7822.

• Gilly’s, 132 S. Jefferson St.: Old Skool Groove Night from 8 p.m. to midnight. Call 228-8414.

• Oregon Express, 336 E. Fifth St.: Featuring half-price pizza from 4 to 8 p.m. and live music by Linda Prevo and South Side Slackers from8:30 p.m. Call 223-9205.

• Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St.: Live music starting at 9:30 p.m. and happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Call 461-1101.

Food and Drink

• Deaf Monty’s Wine, 22 Brown St.: $2 tastings of select wines. Call 225-9463.

• Franco’s Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. Fifth St.: 10 percent off food. Call 222-0204.

• Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, 520 E. Fifth St.: Dinner specials, along with the special tapping of a firkin of craft beer. Call 222-6800.

• Riff Raff Tavern on the Canal, 130 N. Patterson Blvd.: Drink specials offered throughout the night. Call 361-3131.

• Salar, 400 E. Fifth St.: DJ in the lounge and drink specials starting at10 p.m. Call 203-3999.

• Smokin’ Bar-B-Que, 200 E. Fifth St.: 10 percent off food. Call 586-9790.

• Thai 9, 11 Brown St.: 15 percent off food. Call 222-3227.

• Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St.: 10 percent off food. Call 910-8000.

Entertainment

• Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd.: The monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at 5:30 p.m. This month will be a glow-ride. Dress up your bike with lights, wear glow bracelets or necklaces — anything to make you glow. All tours are free and welcome any skill level.

• Grass Roots Enrichment and Wellness Center, 400 E. Fifth St., Suite C: (Open until 8 p.m.) Featuring teen artist Sarah Libassi, along with activities for families and light refreshments. Call 723-6747.

• The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St.: Call 222-SHOW (7469) for films and show times.

• RiverScape MetroPark, MetroParks Ice Rink, 111 E. Monument Ave: School Pride Night Ice skate from 7 to 10 p.m.; $7 includes admission and skate rental; half-priced admission available with student ID. Call 278-2607.

• Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St.: Featuring comedian Steve Lott. Shows begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person. Call 224-5653.

Shopping

• American Pi, 41 S. St. Clair St.: Featuring a store-wide 50 percent off sale (contact store for details). Call 938-7890.

• Beaute Box, 116 W. Fifth St.: Free makeup lessons. Call 903-3165.

• Found Treasures 4 You, 502 Wayne Ave.: Offering 20 percent off everything in the store. Call 580-8803.

• ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St.: Sale on select items, including new and used instruments, other music-related items, and original artwork. Call 321-3517.

• Sew Dayton, 261 Wayne Ave.: Offering 10 percent off all independent patterns and sweet treats from the 2nd street market. Call 234-7398.

• Sherwood Florist, 444 E. Third St.: (Open until 8 p.m.) Offering 10 percent off all in-store items. Call 298-3655.

• Spice Paradise, 8 Brown St.: Offering samples of Indian food to visitors. Call 224-3227.

Come out to enjoy all the best that Dayton has to offer!

Dayton Theatre Auditions

December 29, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Washington Township’s Town Hall Theatre will hold auditions for it’s spring production of SEUSSICAL JR on January 4th beginning at 1pm and January 9th beginning at 4pm. The theatre for young audiences will cast children in grades 2 up to adult for some roles. The show will run March 7 – 23rd.

Registration for auditions is online. Please do not call the box office to schedule auditions. You will receive an email confirmation with your date and time. We cannot guarantee your choices for audition dates and times, however we will try our best to provide one of your three choices.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for auditions scheduled on Saturdays must be received by 6pm on the Thursday before the audition. Our box office is closed on Fridays.

Playhouse South in Kettering is holding auditions for Hamlet by William Shakespeare, directed by Jen Skudlarek, on January 6th & 7th at 7pm, with callbacks on January 8th. The performances are on February 28, March 1, 2, 7, 8 at 8:00 pm and March 2 at 2:00 pm. They will be doing cold readings from the script. Please bring any conflicts you may have to auditions. They are looking for 16-20 people, with a minimum of 7 men and 3 women ages 16 and up. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jen Skudlarek at [email protected].

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus will be holding open auditions for men of all ages on January 8, 2014 starting at 7pm at St John’s Lutheran Church located at 141 S Ludlow St, Dayton, OH 45402. Auditions will not only be to become a member of the chorus directly, but to also have the chance to participate in the new ground breaking commissioned oratorio “I am Harvey Milk” written and composed by Tony nominated Andrew Lippa, the be presented at the historic Victoria Theatre. Those wishing to audition should prepare a short piece demonstrating their range, an accompanist will be provided. Audition reservations are not required but a short RSVP or expression if interested is appreciated.

Returning members and new members will also have the opportunity to work directly with the composer at an all day workshop, which is to be announced shortly. Rehearsals are Monday evenings with a preview performance March 15,2014 at the DGMC Benefit, and final performance June 7, 2014 at the Victoria Theatre. For questions an interested please email [email protected] or call 937-530-0642.

Dare to Defy Productions, LLC is proud to announce open auditions for our company,

on Jan 11, 2014. General Auditions – (Ages 16+) will take place on January 11, 2014. To request an audition, please call 937-999-9949 or through e-mail [email protected]. Please specify an audition window 8:30-10:30 or 11:30-1:30. Please note any actors selected to attend callbacks for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown will be required to attend callbacks from 2:00-5:00, on January 11, 2014. Audition spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with your audition time confirmation, audition location and a reminder of the audition requirements.Open Auditions will be held for: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Altar Boyz, Nunsense and Rent (the role of Angel has been pre-cast, all other roles are available)Please note: Auditioners will be auditioning for Dare to Defy Productions, LLC for the period January 2014-March 2015. This means that if other performance opportunities arise actors from these auditions may be invited to callbacks for those productions, as they occur.

Audition Requirements: Come prepared with 1 one-minute comedic monologue, 1 one-minute dramatic monologue and 1 song (up to 32 bars). Please have a 2nd song, of contrasting style, prepared. Bring your sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. No a cappella singing or recorded music. Please bring a recent headshot and resume, which will not be returned to you.Dare to Defy Productions, LLC is a non-equity professional production company. All roles are paid contract positions. Performances are done in a touring style, at several venues over a 3-month run.Rehearsals will primarily occur Monday – Thursday evenings, and daytime on weekends.

KILL YOUR DARLINGS – One Week Only – Opens Friday at THE NEON!

December 24, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Word of mouth has been great for both of our current films. Ticket sales at THE NEON are above national averages for both titles, and that’s pretty great news! Thanks for all of your help in telling your friends and family about what we’re playing…word of mouth is one of our best marketing tools!

NEBRASKA will stick around, and because PHILOMENA has bounced back, it will hold through the New Year (be sure to pay close attention to showtimes). In addition, we will open the new film KILL YOUR DARLINGS – but only for a handful of screenings. Check out the showtimes below and hurry down if you want to catch this film!

Synopsis for KILL YOUR DARLINGS: “Daniel Radcliffe stars as Beat Generation icon Allen Ginsberg in this biopic set during the famed poet’s early years at Columbia University, and centering on a murder investigation involving Ginsberg, his handsome classmate Lucien Carr, and fellow Beat author William Burroughs. The year is 1944. Ginsberg (Radcliffe) is a young student at Columbia University when he falls hopelessly under the spell of charismatic classmate Carr (Dane DeHaan). Alongside Carr, Ginsberg manages to strike up friendships with aspiring writers William Burroughs (Ben Foster) and Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston) that would cast conformity to the wind, and serve as the foundation of the Beat movement… Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kyra Sedgwick, David Cross, and Michael C. Hall co-star.” (Jason Buchanan, Rovi) Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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

“Peace on Fifth is at it again with their knockout film series START FREEDOM DAYTON. Save the date for January 23rd at 7:30, as Peace on Fifth is slated to screen a film about human trafficking. Zonta Club of Dayton is the sponsor for the first film of 2014 and a human trafficking professional will lead the after viewing discussion. Tickets will be $8 and will be available exclusively at THE NEON. Contact Peace on Fifth with questions at 937.367.7215 or at [email protected] The film title will be announced in January.” (Taken from Peace On Fifth press notes.)

Don’t forget that we sell gift certificates at our box office in $5 and $10 denominations. These are a perfect gift for the film lover in your life…or perhaps the person who still needs to discover what THE NEON has to offer.

Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday Season.

Thank you for your continued support,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 27 – Thursday, Jan. 2:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 hr 38 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

NEBRASKA (R) 1 hr 55 min
Friday, Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:45

KILL YOUR DARLINGS (R) 1 Hr 44 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 9:30
Sunday: 12:30
Monday- Thursday: 5:15

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

Jan. 3 – BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR
Jan. 10 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
Jan. 10 – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

Rosewood Arts Centre Winter Classes Registration Now Open

December 18, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The City of Kettering’s Rosewood Arts Centre announces the start of its Winter 2014 season! Offering youth and adult classes in painting, drawing, clay, dance, languages, photography, writing and more are now open for registration!

Adults, discover your new hobby with beginning- level classes like Introduction Workshops in Wheel Pottery and Handbuilding, Creative Knitting, Photography, Beginning Acrylic Painting and Beginning Watercolor. Learn to move in new ways with fun programs in Ballet, Tap, Ballroom Dance, Modern Dance and even Belly Dancing! Check out the listing of adult classes here.

Rosewood has plenty of fun activities for kids – come for the sledding hill; stay for theatre, cartooning, Color Me Rad! and Clay Creatures. They offer ballet, tap and jazz dance for all skill levels, including a brand-new master class, Ballet Essentials, taught by professional ballet dancer, Barbara Pontecorvo. There are also offerings in classes in puppetry, acting and music. For more details check out the children’s listings here.

They are also excited to announce some very special new programs. Local artist and art educator Leesa Haapapuro offers the chance to create altered book art with The Repurposed Library Project and Altered Book Arts, both for

ages 14+. Artists can learn the ins and outs of filing taxes, get unique ideas for signatures and overcome artistic blocks with three brand-new workshops.

Back for another year is our popular Comic Book Studio Day for youth and adults. Enjoy a day of workshops in writing and illustration, as well as guest speakers. Register for all three workshops by March 28 to receive two free tickets (a $20 value!) to the Gem City Comic Convention. All those registering for all three workshops will receive a special discount.

Rosewood Arts Centre is also available for rental and can host groups as few as five and as large as 150. The facility offers a comfortable atmosphere and numerous amenities. Conveniently located in the heart of Kettering at 3600 Shroyer Road , Rosewood Arts Centre is near major interstates and hotels.

The rentals include free room set-ups. Theatre rental does not include a lighting package. Lighting will be contracted out separately with Rosewood Theatre’s technical company. Each classroom has a sink and cloak area. Chalkboards are available for use. The parking is free, convenient and very well lit. Concession set-ups include complete coffee service and condiments.

Big Date Changes – Coen Brothers Added to Upcoming NEON Engagements!

December 17, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Once again, big changes are happening to our upcoming release dates. It was determined yesterday (by “the powers that be”) that MANDELA won’t open after all at THE NEON. We’re quite disappointed by this, but the decision is out of our hands. That said, we’re glad that we will be able to open two smaller gems between now and our next big titles on January 10. On Dec. 27, we plan to open KILL YOUR DARLINGS – a story about the early life of poet Allen Ginsberg (a brave choice for actor Daniel Radcliffe of the HARRY POTTER films). On Jan. 3, we plan to open BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR – the French sensation that is garnering numerous awards and lots of attention around the world. Then on January 10 – a potentially huge day for us – we are slated to open AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY as well as the new Coen Brothers film (we’re delighted about this) – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS.

This will more than likely be the final week for PHILOMENA – so hurry down if you still need to see this wonderful film (or if you need to see it again). NEBRASKA opened quite well this weekend, so we think it will stick around for a couple weeks. Click on either title above to visit that film’s official site. Both of these films are big contenders at this year’s Golden Globes!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd7uDrc5IpI’]

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

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl8DidbbTQM’]

This year’s Family Holiday Film Series is already coming to a close! Tickets are FREE for children 12 and under, and all other tickets are $2 each. The final film – the holiday classic WHITE CHRISTMAS – will only screen this Saturday at Noon. Tickets will be available starting 45 minutes before the show.

An additional encore screening of THE TRIUMPH has been set for Monday, December 23 at 7:30. The local, faith-based non-profit hosting this screening is delighted that the demand for these tickets is so high. “THE TRIUMPH is a powerful new documentary film about our Blessed Mother’s apparitions in Medjugorje. On June 25, 1981, in the mountain village of Medjugorje in Bosnia Herzegovina, Our Lady appeared to six children. She identified herself as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, and continues to appear to several of the visionaries even today.” (taken from Lovey Dovey, Inc. press notes) $10 presale tickets will only available via this LINK from Love Dovey, Inc. Remaining tickets will be sold at THE NEON on the night of the screening.

“Peace on Fifth is at it again with their knockout film series START FREEDOM DAYTON. Save the date for January 23rd at 7:30, as Peace on Fifth is slated to screen a film about human trafficking. Zonta Club of Dayton is the sponsor for the first film of 2014 and a human trafficking professional will lead the after viewing discussion. Tickets will be $8 and will be available exclusively at THE NEON. Contact Peace on Fifth with questions at 937.367.7215 or at [email protected] The film title will be announced in January.” (Taken from Peace On Fifth press notes.)

Thanks for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 20 – Thursday, Dec. 26:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 hr 38 min
Friday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Saturday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20
Monday: 5:15
Tuesday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

NEBRASKA (R) 1 hr 55 min
Friday, Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday: 2:40, 7:45
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:45

WHITE CHRISTMAS (NR) 2 Hrs
Saturday: Noon

THE TRIUMPH (NR) 1 Hr 45 Min + Discussion
Monday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Dec. 27 – KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Jan. 3 – BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR
Jan. 10 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
Jan. 10 – INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

DCDC’s Christmas Concert Ticket Contest

December 11, 2013 By Megan Cooper 3 Comments

You’ve never seen the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company like this before. Sure you know their cutting-edge, contemporary, world-renowned choreography and talent. But for Christmas, you get to see that exciting skill matched with multiple choirs (adult and children’s), live music, a recording star from gospel music and more. And – you just might get to see if for free if you’re one of Dayton Most Metro’s ticket winners.

IN THE SPIRIT OF… BEHOLD HIS HOLY NAME

Saturday, December 14th at 7:30pm , and Sunday, December 15, at 4:00pm, 2013

Dayton Convention Center, 22 East Fifth Street, Dayton, Ohio For Tickets call 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com Seating for this concert is general admission – so get there early for a great seat!

This will be the seventh production of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s most beloved dance concert. This time around the production will be a festive holiday season extravaganza!

The “In the Spirit of...” series taps into the deepest origins of the African-American community that gave birth to the dance company. The resulting blend of the art of globally-informed contemporary dance with the African-American Church, whose history and art have had global impact, will make for a dance-music concert experience not to be found anywhere else. Highlights include a community choir, a children’s choir, live instrumentalists, liturgical dance and plenty of holiday song, dance, and joy! Lift your spirit up and behold His Holy Name! Guest appearance by nationally renowned Gospel singer and recording star – Shirley Murdock!

To enter to win our random drawing for tickets to Sunday’s show, just like this post, tell us why you should win and fill out the form below.
Our contest is closed. Congratulations to our winners Mark Brewer & Amy Kiser! Enjoy

Alexander Payne’s NEBRASKA – Starring Bruce Dern – Opens Friday at THE NEON!

December 10, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal 1 Comment

Hello Everyone,

Distributors are playing with opening dates like crazy. Sometimes it works to our advantage, and sometimes it really changes everything. We got news on both sides of that fence today! Though AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY has now moved into January, I’m delighted to announce that we will open Alexander Payne’s new film NEBRASKA this Friday. In addition, it looks like we’ll now be able to open MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM on Dec. 25.

If you still need to see DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, Thursday will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON. PHILOMENA, which has had spectacular word-of-mouth business, will stick around.

Synopsis for NEBRASKA: “After receiving a sweepstakes letter in the mail, a cantankerous father (Bruce Dern) thinks he’s struck it rich, and wrangles his son (Will Forte) into taking a road trip to claim the fortune. Shot in black and white across four states, Nebraska tells the stories of family life in the heartland of America.” One of the best reviewed films of the year, NEBRASKA was just nominated for 5 Independent Spirit Awards – including Best Feature. Alexander Payne also directed other NEON hits – SIDEWAYS and THE DESCENDANTS. Click this LINK to be directed to the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT5tqPojMtg’]

This year’s Family Holiday Film Series is already off and running! Tickets are FREE for children 12 and under, and all other tickets are $2 each. Two films remain – on December 14 we will screen HOME ALONE, and on December 21 – the holiday classic – WHITE CHRISTMAS. Each film will only screen one time – at Noon. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each show.

Dayton-native Toni Dixon will premiere her new short film on this Sunday, December 15 at 7:30. “FROM HIDDEN PAIN TO FREEDOM is an emotional depiction of the life of Tia. It is a powerful story of survival against all odds – the story of a little girl caught up in a world of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. The setting takes place in the inner-city projects of Ohio where Tia resides with her grandmother because her mother chose the company of men over family. There, she quickly realizes how cold and cruel the world can really be. Gaining strength from within, she grows up to overcome her pain to new found freedom.” (taken from Press Notes) Tickets are $10 each and are now available at THE NEON’s box office.

Thanks for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 13 – Thursday, Dec. 19:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 hr 38 min
Friday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Saturday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

NEBRASKA (R) 1 hr 55 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:45

HOME ALONE
Saturday: Noon

FROM HIDDEN PAIN TO FREEDOM (NR) 30 minutes + Q&A
Sunday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
TBD – KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Dec. 25 – MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
Jan. 10 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

The Dayton Visual Art Center Presents Close to the Edge: Paintings by Vera Scekic

December 8, 2013 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Although some critics argue that painting is an obsolete art form, artists like Vera Scekic are demonstrating that contemporary work can reference 2D works on canvas yet encapsulate the physicality of other media; it can challenge traditional applications propelling it into new territory. Scekic’s inventive manipulation of this fluid medium allows her to explore textures and a vibrant palette of “unnaturally natural” colors in assemblages that become sculptural. Her interest in biology finds form in metaphoric images evoking cells, the fundamental building blocks of all nature.

Scekic pours viscous acrylic paint onto prepared surfaces and then either air-dries the wet layers to create cracks and fissures or waits for natural processes to dry the paint into smoother finishes. After the pours have dried, she cuts and layers shapes to compose new combinations of color and form that she affixes to wood panels, canvases or walls. She juxtaposes nature’s hues with chromatic, chemically-produced colors to reference the endemic condition of our environment in which we accept that organic and manufactured exist side-by-side, seamlessly intermeshed; whether it is in the food we eat, the dye-infused flowers we buy, the pharmaceuticals we ingest, or the genomes we alter in labs.

Imagery from the biology lab fuels Scekic’s work. She states that she is “interested in not only what is presented (cells and their constituent parts) but how that information is presented: in isolation from the whole organism, magnified, backlit, colorized, on a monochromatic background and typically framed by a clean circle or square. This act of isolating and framing irregularly shaped, highly particular contents generates a compelling visual and conceptual tension. Cells have been analyzed and manipulated extensively, and they are at the forefront of recent developments to synthesize novel life forms.”

DVAC is thrilled to present Scekic’s paintings as form and content in her explorations are fused so deftly to express ideas at the confluence of representation and abstraction; painting and sculpture; science and art; natural and synthetic; traditional and contemporary.

Vera Scekic’s work is a 2012 Biennial Call for Submissions juried selection.

This exhibit will be on display through December 21st.

Contributed by Lesley Neufeld, Guest Essayist

VTA’s Starring Role Online Auction Benefit Discovery Series for Kids

December 5, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The 4^th annual Victoria Theatre Association online auction runs from Monday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 8. Titled, Starring Role, the auction features more than 200 one-of-a-kind items such as theatre memorabilia, restaurant gift certificates, unique travel experiences, and much more! Proceeds from the auction will support The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series, which offers live theatre experiences for schoolchildren.

Looking for the perfect gift? Look no further! Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction offers a myriad of items including:

4 day trip to California’s Wine Country
Cooking class for 8 w/ Chef Tim Schonsheck of Citilites at the Schuster
Gift certificates to local restaurants
Theatre Packages to SISTER ACT, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALTON BROWN: THE INEVITABLE EDIBLE TOUR and more!

UPCYCLED HANDBAGS TO BENEFIT ARC OHIO

Do you love the Broadway musicals WICKED and THE LION KING or know someone who does? Bid on handbags and totes created from a Broadway WICKED or THE LION KING banner. Local artist Tim Titer creates functional items by upcycling materials that were headed to the landfill and has transformed the banners hung outside the Schuster Center into beautiful and functional messenger bags and totes. Each one is unique in design! 10% of the proceeds from the sale of the bags will go to benefit AIDS Resource Center Ohio!.

Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction is the perfect way to get your holiday shopping done and support Victoria Theatre Association at the same time.

With a goal to raise $35,000, the online auction committee has been working hard to create creative and meaningful packages for Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction. Every item purchased through the auction will support The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series which reaches more than 30,000 students throughout the Miami Valley. Your support helps local kids experience the arts through Victoria Theatre Association. Be a hero this holiday season and buy the perfect gift through VTA’s Starring Role Online Auction!

Prices of the auction items range from $15 to $5,000 and all purchases will be received mid-December for holiday gift giving.

“Our committee worked hard to have a wide variety of auction items that appeal to a variety of interests,” says Karen Meade, VTA Advancement Director. “It’s fun to think of it as convenient, one-stop shopping in the comfort of your own home – or office – that benefits Victoria Theatre Association’s extensive education and outreach programs.”

How do I participate?

Visit http://victoriatheatre.com/support/auction and view all the auction items in advance of the auction start date. Or simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to www.biddingforgood.com.
Step 2: Find the “bidders” tab in the upper right corner of the homepage and click “Register.”
Step 3: Fill out the free and no obligation personal information fields.
Step 4: Once you have registered, enter your username and password in the upper right corner and click the “Sign In” button.
Step 5: When you are signed in, using the search field, search for Victoria Theatre Association.
Step 6: Bid on items you like.
Step 7: Check back and check often to make sure you aren’t outbid!

Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction ends at 8 p.m., December 8, 2013. Winners will be contacted regarding details of collecting their purchases. Dave Ahlstrom (Sebaly Shilito & Dyer) serves as the 2013 Online Auction Chair with committee members: Nina Anglin (Oakwood Florist), Jocelin Baker (Logos@Work), Mimi Combs (Oakwood Florist), Jennifer Enseleit (Harris Systems, Inc.), Kris Hopkins (Community Volunteer) and Regina Menza (Premier Health Partners).

For more information about Victoria’s Starring Role Online Auction, visit http://victoriatheatre.com/support/auction, call Karen Meade at 937-228-7591 ext. 3063 or email her at [email protected].

PHILOMENA and DALLAS BUYERS CLUB Are Hits at THE NEON!

December 5, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

For the second week in a row – Wow!! We had one of our best Thanksgiving Weekends ever at THE NEON! Audiences are loving both DALLAS BUYERS CLUB and PHILOMENA, and I want to Thank YOU for being such loyal and wonderful patrons at THE NEON. Even though other theaters jumped in on PHILOMENA, you made us come out on top! Thank You! (To visit the official site for each of our current titles (which we will hold), click on the titles above.)

Though we are doing well with our current titles, I’d suggest hurrying down if you still need to see them. We have other titles we need to get to before the end of the year – including Alexander Payne’s new film NEBRASKA and the star-studded AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huQkhv0xQEk’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFQctZ-Mhc4′]

This year’s Family Holiday Film Series starts this Saturday! Tickets are FREE for children 12 and under, and all other tickets are $2 each. We will screen RISE OF THE GUARDIANS on December 7, on December 14 we will screen HOME ALONE, and on December 21 – the holiday classic – WHITE CHRISTMAS. Each film will only screen one time – at Noon. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each show.

Dayton-native Toni Dixon will premiere her new short film on Sunday, December 15 at 7:30. “FROM HIDDEN PAIN TO FREEDOM is an emotional depiction of the life of Tia. It is a powerful story of survival against all odds – the story of a little girl caught up in a world of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. The setting takes place in the inner-city projects of Ohio where Tia resides with her grandmother because her mother chose the company of men over family. There, she quickly realizes how cold and cruel the world can really be. Gaining strength from within, she grows up to overcome her pain to new found freedom.” (taken from Press Notes) Tickets are $10 each and are now available at THE NEON’s box office.

Thanks for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 6 – Thursday, Dec. 12:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 hr 38 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (R) 1 hr 57 min
Friday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Saturday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:45

RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
Saturday: Noon

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
TBD – KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Dec. 20 – NEBRASKA
Dec. 25 – AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
TBD – THE ARMSTRONG LIE