showcase

Enjoy the first Songwriter Showcase at The Brightside!

May 6, 2019 By LIbby Ballengee

Dayton’s newest music venue, The Brightside, is presenting its first Songwriter Showcase this Wednesday May 8th, 2019. The venue has two spaces for music, a large ballroom for larger concerts and events, and a smaller listening room, that is ideal for intimate evenings such as this special showcase.

The evening starts off at 8pm with Jack Ballengee Morris performing his all original songs, accompanied by Peter Fox on cello. Morris, a 4th-generation Appalachian singer-songwriter, originally from Clay County, West Virginia. His music is planted firmly by his roots but allows for the influences of Ramblin’ Jack, John Prine, Bob Dylan and Daniel Johnston.

At 9pm, Dayton’s own Amber Hargett takes the stage. Amber received raved reviews from her recent album release performance, and has been in the Top 5 Best Sellers at Dayton’s Omega Music record store. Amber Hargett blends folk, rock, pop, roots and soul sounds into her unique storytelling style. Her writing attempts to balance honesty with empathy and reflect truths about faith, life, and relationships.

The evening closes with a 10pm set from Closest Relative, coming to Dayton for the first time from Columbus. After a 2015 motorcycle accident took two fingers from his left hand, longtime guitarist Jack O’Connell adopted a new playing style and started performing solo as Closest Relative. His music is characterized by intricate two-fingered guitar work, and earnest lyrics. His latest EP “This Tree is Base” expands on his previous EP “Messes” and unfurls his songwriting in unexpected directions.

Making this show extra special is the live art happening on site. Artists Etch and Tiffany Clark will be creating the Dayton skyline outside the venue as a permanent art piece! Very cool. This promises to be a Wednesday evening out that you won’t want to miss!

How to Go?

The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Wednesday May 8, 2019

Doors 7pm. Show 8-11pm.

$7 admission.

All ages welcome

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

May 4, 2016 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon!
Jonathan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Secrets: Why Movie Theater Popcorn Tastes So Good

February 28, 2013 By The Food Adventures Crew 1 Comment

Buttery Popcorn from Rave Cinemas

A night at the movies can become a Food Adventure. Envision your buttery fingers reaching again and again into a bag of addicting theater popcorn. They charge outrageous prices for it, yet still will buy it. The Big Ragu and Crew took a moment from munching on kernels and reaching for the giant soft drink, to ask : “Why is movie theater popcorn so good?”

We never do things half-baked, so we scoured the 4 major cinemas in the Dayton area to get to the bottom of this mystery. Our investigation took us to the popcorn making experts at The Neon Movies, Danbarry Dollar Saver, Regal Cinemas and Rave Cinemas. Our findings lead us to some differing opinions.

Let’s start with a local icon, The Neon Movies’ explanation of why their popcorn is so good. They say the secret is in the canola oil. Popping in canola oil allows for a clean taste and it is a healthier alternative to other oils. Also, The Neon Movies pops their popcorn right before showtimes. They feel this gives them a freshness advantage over other theaters and produces a tastier treat. The prices are cheaper too ! The popcorn here is delicious, and served in round cups or buckets. There is more here than just popcorn. This Food Adventure minded theater, also serves beer, Esther Price chocolates, and specialty coffees. If you have not visited the locally owned Neon Movies, get downtown to the corner of 5th and Stone streets, grab some corn and watch an award-winning movie.

Neon Movies Food Adventure

Danbarry Cinemas also pops their popcorn in canola oil. But Danbarry’s management feels the secret is in the buttery topping. The staff uses these buttery topping machines to shower a glistening coating onto moviegoers’ popcorn. Definitely something you don’t have at home. This dollar saver theater near the Dayton Mall has great popcorn and even better movie prices. Their “Bargain Tuesdays” offer tickets at the insane low price of $1.75. Any other day, admission is $3. Sure the movies are a few weeks old, but what a deal! Also, don’t forget to take advantage of free refills of any large popcorn or soft drink.

Regal Cinemas had another take on the mystery. Their local management said the secret is the use of coconut/canola popping oil. No other cinemas use this combination. They claim this mix of oil gives a base flavor that is unmatched anywhere else. They also say their particular brand of buttery topping is key. It is different from anything one would use at home or in any other cinema for that matter. Regal’s employees also felt the “butter salt” adds a great finish to the masterpiece in a bag. These cinemas, located near the Fairfield Commons Mall, feature tiered stadium seating in a 20 theater complex. What a great way to enjoy a huge bag of popped goodness. Again, go large and get free refills!

Rave Cinemas on Mall Woods Drive and at The Greene would tell you the secret is how they cook the popcorn. Rave actually cooks their popcorn in an oil and butter salt mixture. This unique method is what they claim gives their popcorn a tremendous flavor. The reasoning is, that by adding the buttery salt to the oil before popping, the seasoning ends up perfect. so at Rave, it is all in the preparation. Rave is yet another cinema that offers free refills for any large popcorn or large drink purchase. So make sure you share as it helps keep the cost down. Also worth mentioning is the “self serve” flavored salt station. There is also a “self serve” buttery topping machine at Rave Cinemas. The Big Ragu practically uses this as a drinking fountain.

The Big Ragu abusing the self serve butter machine

In conclusion, we were surprised to find that the secret is not the type of popcorn cinemas use. We were also surprised that the secret is not the popping machine itself. Why does movie theater popcorn taste so good? It seems the style of preparation, particularly oil and seasonings is the answer to this mystery. Each theater not only had an answer for why theater popcorn was so good, but they also answered why their particular product was better than other cinemas. So next time you you are at a movie, grabbing a handful of buttery popcorn dashed with salt, share the mystery with your seated friend. Smile as you reach for a swig of soda to wash it all down. You may not know the ending of the movie, but you know the origins of that great popcorn taste.

Post a comment below to weigh-in on which theater popcorn is your favorite and why you think it is so good. Follow Food Adventures on TWITTER HERE

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Dance It Out

January 4, 2011 By J.T. Ryder Leave a Comment

Hip-Hop Dance Fitness Class For Youth

There are many problems facing today’s youth, not the least of which childhood obesity as well as being in the viselike grip of an apathetic technology. It is not enough to buy your children yet another diversion from the real world, such a Wii Fit, or to try and interest them in an activity that holds little charm against the instant gratification of a computer screen and a bag of Doritos. There has to be something that will not only hold a short attention span, but is uniquely positive, not only to build a physically fit body, but also to build a sense of confidence and character as well.

While you cannot deny the physicality of hip-hop dance, most people would not consider it a exercise regime, but when put all your preconceived notions aside, what better vehicle could you think of to get your kids off the couch and moving? Such a class has been created by Geborah Stephen for the City of Dayton Recreation and Youth Services. She has designed a program that not only teaches teens between the ages of thirteen and eighteen the fundamentals of hip-hop (which incorporates a lot of elements from jazz, step and even ballet.), but also subtly guides the youth into having more self confidence to raise their self esteem. Having dealt with dance/fitness instructor Geborah Stephen before, I can personally vouch for her talent, her determination as well as her positive spirit. We were able to have a lengthly discussion about the class and what she hopes the teens will take from the experience.

J.T.: What kind of things does the class encompass?
Geborah: The Hip-Hop Dance Class entails movements that range from jazz and into some more modern dance movements, like pop and locking, but on a little more faster pace.

J.T.: What do you hope that the kids will get out of this?
Geborah: I am hoping that with the experience that I have, I can naturally encourage and empower the youth that attend and I hope that they can walk away with a better grasp of hip-hop, range of motion and general dance movements. I want them to have a better outlook as far as their self esteem and a pride in their inner talents.

J.T.: Do you think that this could lead them to pursue other forms of dance?
Geborah: Yes, absolutely! Hip-hop stems from jazz and modern movements and even some ballet movements. I think that this would be a really nice transition to other classes and types of dance. You don’t even necessarily need to be a dancer. You can use dance as a way of expression using it during your own free time or as a fitness tool. You don’t have to use what you learn to become some type of entertainer. So, yes, it could take several different avenues, but all of them are positive paths.

J.T.: With the issue of childhood obesity being in the forefront of news reports, would this type of activity help them get moving and active?
Geborah: Absolutely! I think that hip-hop is an excellent way to get youth involved in fitness. I think that it is something that they can relate to and so I think that it is an easier way to get them active. It’s a very enjoyable form of exercise and kids love to jump around and express themselves through dance. With a lot of the youth having issue with their weight and trying to stay healthy, I think that my class will be a good tool to possibly get them on track and keep them on track.

J.T.: Well, it’s has real world applications whereas there are not too many instances where you can break out an exercise ball outside of the gym. Do you think that it will get the kids out there for more social interactions instead of in front of the television or the computer?
Geborah: Hopefully, but kids today are really into technology, so I’m hoping that it might spark an interest in getting up and moving more, but I think that technology will always hold sway, unfortunately. Hip-hop dance is evolving and it’s definitely becoming a bit more mainstream and I think it is a very good tool, especially for. I just think it is going to be a really good thing all the way around for the youth in Dayton to get involved in the hip-hop classes.

J.T.: If these premier classes go well, what could you see this thing branching into?
Geborah: Well, hopefully my class takes off in the community. I definitely see myself in the future running my own program that will involve hip-hop dance as well as some jazz movement in an atmosphere where youth can build their self esteem and character through dance and also incorporating some life skills and different things like that. I do have my own ultimate vision for a major project in the future, and I do want to produce and promote more projects like this.

The classes begin on January 5^th, but you can sign up anytime as it is a ten week course running every Wednesday and Friday until March 11^th. The cost is $25 for Dayton residents and $35 for non-residents and the price includes classes plus a recital and a final showcase at the end of the program. For more information or to find out the times for sign ups, call (937) 333-8336. The classes will be held at the Dayton Bomberger Teen Center located at 1306 E. Fifth St.