Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, Holidayton is a tradition worth observing.  This mini-music festival serves both to highlight some great local music and to give all of our former Daytonians who are home for the holidays a great concert.

Now in its ninth year, the event was created by Mark McMillon of The Story Changes and features two stages to highlight solo performers and full bands at Blind Bob’s on 5th Street.  Here’s the lineup:

The Story Changes

The Story Changes
Invitation To A Bullfight
Oh Condor
C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks
Simply Waiting
JT Woodruff (of Hawthorne Heights)
King Elk
The 1984 Draft
Brandon Hawk
The New Old Fashioned

Hello Everyone,

Special thanks to all of you who came out over the weekend.  This was our best Thanksgiving Weekend ever, and THE DESCENDANTS is certainly a hit!!  (Interesting to note, 2nd place goes to the Thanksgiving weekend we opened AMELIE in 2001…3rd place to our Thanksgiving opening of SIDEWAYS – also Alexander Payne – back in 2004.)

If you haven’t had a chance to see MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON.  On Friday, we will open the latest film by my favorite filmmaker of all time – Pedro Almodovar.  THE SKIN I LIVE IN is a melodramatic thriller that reveals itself in a brilliant way.  I sat in the front row during its screening at the Toronto International Film Festival – when the film was introduced by its stars Antonio Banderas and Elena Anaya.  The film has stuck with me ever since – and I’ve grown to like it even more.  That said, I wish I hadn’t read much about it before seeing it on the big screen.  (Due to that reason, the description below will be relatively vague by comparison to the content of the film.)

Synopsis for THE SKIN I LIVE IN:  “Ever since his wife was burned in a car crash, Dr. Robert Ledgard, an eminent plastic surgeon, has been interested in creating a new skin with which he could have saved her. After twelve years, he manages to cultivate a skin that is a real shield against every assault. In addition to years of study and experimentation, Robert needed three things: no scruples, an accomplice and a human guinea pig. Scruples were never a problem. Marilia, the woman who looked after him from the day he was born, is his most faithful accomplice. And as for the human guinea pig…” (Sony Classics)   Visit the film’s official website.

As you can tell by now, the Weinstein Co. decided not to open MY WEEK WITH MARILYN in Dayton on December 2.   Right now, we don’t know their intentions for the film in this market.  Though we would certainly love to play the film, it will all be a matter of screen availability when they decide to move forward.

Starting this Saturday, we’ll be hosting The Holiday Family Movie Series…sponsored by The Downtown Dayton Partnership, DP&L and THE NEON.  The movies begin at noon and are free for children 12 and under; other tickets are only $2 each.  On December 3, we will play MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (original 1947 version).  On December 10 - POLAR EXPRESS.  And lastly, on December 17, we will play A CHRISTMAS STORY.  All of these movies will be presented via digital video projection.

For remaining showtimes for this week, visit our site.

Special thanks to our new friends at Ghostlight Coffee for letting us hang posters in their new, adorable coffeeshop.  If you haven’t had a chance to check them out, click on the link – they’re a great addition to Dayton.  Of course we appreciate all of our friends and partners – Meadowlark, Boston Stoker, Ohio Coffee Company, Olive, A Urban Dive, Blind Bob’s, Square One Salon & Spa, 5th Street Wine & Deli, Gem City Records,  and all of you…and of course DAYTON MOST METRO.  Without grassroots marketing and positive word-of-mouth, we wouldn’t still be here.  Thank you!

We hope to see you very soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. December 2 – Thur. December 8:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

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

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

THE SKIN I LIVE IN (R) 1 Hr 57 Min

Friday: 12:20, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

Saturday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

Sunday:  12:20, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

Monday – Thursday:  2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET 1947 version (G) 1 Hr 36 Min

Saturday: 12:00 (Noon)

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

???  MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

TBD   MELANCHOLIA

Dec. 25   THE ARTIST

Jan. 20   SHAME

Jan. 20   CARNAGE

Jan. 27   A DANGEROUS METHOD

TBD   WEEKEND

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG 

Marnie Stern (Photo by David Torch)

I often hear from other music fans that they wish that more out of town/touring artists would perform in our fair city.  Well, there are 2 amazing shows this week featuring touring acts.  Tonight the amazing Marnie Stern will be performing at Blind Bob’s along with R. Ring (Kelley Deal of The Breeders, Mike Montgomery of Ampline) and Astro Fang. Stern has released several albums for Portland-based label Kill Rock Stars (home to Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, Elliott Smith, Deerhoof and the early Decemberists’ albums among others), and combines a quick, sometimes chaotic guitar style with fantastic songwriting.  Check out the video below for a taste of what you’ll see tonight.

The show will get underway after 8pm and costs $8 at the door.

Check back to DaytonMostMetro.com later this week for info on another show featuring a touring artist.

Making old new again

As a girl who perpetually has nothing to wear (yet a closet full of clothes), I’m always on the prowl for new additions to my wardrobe. In the past few years I have gained a huge appreciation for vintage clothing, although I am still learning how to filter through what’s gold and what’s just … old. The best place I’ve found to score some great finds? Feathers Vintage Clothing. Located in the Oregon Arts District, it’s the perfect place to browse before grabbing a stuffed burger at Blind Bob’s. Disclaimer: One glance at its front window, filled with the kinds of clothes you dream about stumbling across in such a store, and you will have no choice but to stop and see what’s inside.

Lights, Camera, Action

The best movie experiences are ones in which the whole audience connects over the film. While these occasions are rare, they make going to the movies special. At The Neon, one gets that sense of community during every film. Plus, the selection is awesome – way better than any other theater in the area. It offers everything from Oscar-nominated blockbusters to the lesser-known movies all the cool kids rave about. If you’re wary about seeing a movie that hasn’t been over-advertised, check out The Neon’s website. It provides great summaries, as well as a schedule for upcoming films.

Music to my ears

My inaugural trip to Omega Music was on a first date. After a delicious dinner at Thai 9, we went on a romantic walk down the brick-paved stretch of Fifth St. in the Oregon Arts District. While the night was awkward (Sorry I was more excited about buying that live concert CD than I was about being on that date with you), I still love going back and browsing the music selection. The staff also is really friendly, which I haven’t always encountered in music stores. I still think of that long-lost first date every time I walk into Omega, but at least there’s great music to make me forget it.

Get Lucky

As a lover of food (but by no means a connoisseur), my favorite places to eat are ones that have a unique, but not intimidating, menu. Enter Lucky’s Taproom. A descriptive beer menu for someone who knows nothing about beer (i.e., me) and a staff willing to make recommendations? Sign me up. The first time I went to Lucky’s I ordered the fish and got to choose the beer it was battered in. Awesome. Apparently quality is always Lucky’s standard, as the food is excellent every time I go.

Hit the pavement

A longtime runner before college, I saw my move to Dayton as a chance to get to know a new city – on foot. Confession: In high school I ran almost 10 miles daily with my cross-country team, but when left to my own devices, I am way too tempted to sit on the couch and watch reruns on E! instead of getting up and exercising. Having new, uncharted territory encouraged me to start running here, but it was the awesome routes that kept me going. I love cities, yet I love being in parks; lucky for me, downtown is a blend of both. Check out the Five Rivers MetroParks website for more information on all of the trails available.

This is by no means a complete list of things to do in downtown Dayton. Be sure to check out the Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website for more information and other suggestions of great places in the city to visit.

1st Place: By Way of Sunstorm

2nd Place: God Bless and Asher Jones

3rd Place: Ludlow Falls

4th place: Black Cloud Syndrome

Starting at 2pm at Thai 9 in the Oregon District, New Holland’s Beer Ambassador, Clay Cooper, will be tapping a specialty Mad Hatter at 5 different
establishments throughout the day.

Thai 9 will feature Rye Hatter: This beer showcases it’s grain-bill, made up of rye and barley malt. The rye adds a slight spiciness to the caramel-malt base, while also creating a creamy texture. Dry-hopping contributes a fresh citrus finish.

At Blind Bob’s you can experience the FarmHouse Hatter: An I.P.A. aged in Kentucky Barrels. Round, smooth wood character brings
a new dimension to dry-hopped, aromatic hoppiness.

Lucky’s will feature Oak Aged Hatter: aged in Kentucky Barrels. Round, smooth wood character brings a new dimension to dry-hopped, aromatic hoppiness.

Trolley Stop is serving up Black Hatter: A blackened version of Mad Hatter brewed with black malt for a dark, roasty sweetness to the base of the flavor profile. Finishes with a strong Centennial hop character from dry hopping.

And the final stop on the tour will be South Park Tavern for Imperial Hatter: A robust renovation of the India Pale Ale. Assertive dry-hoppying provides an aromatic telltale nose, indicative of the bitter symphony to follow. Bold hop character with lively grapefruit and citrus notes.

“Come to one tapping or come to all! It’s a pay as you go event that is sure to enlighten your taste buds in this World Gone Mad,” according to New Holland’s Clay Cooper.

The weekend kicks off with a great lineup at Blind Bob’s.  Cincinnati’s Great Young Hunters will join three great local bands onstage: Ape the Ghost, which features members of Sleepybird, We Were Animals, which features members of Ed Vs. Radio, and Oh Condor, the new name for 8-bit Revival. In honor of their re-naming and this weekend’s show, our music video 8-bit Revival performing at Blind Bob’s last spring courtesy of The Music Seen.  Full details about this weekend’s show are available at the Dayton MostMetro Events Calendar. Don’t forget to post your events there as well!

Rue Dumaine is letting Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!!!!  They’ve ordered in lots of Oyters, made homemade hurricanes and are hosting at ABITA BREWING COMPANY  beer tasing featuring Abita S.O.S Charitable Pilsner, Restoration Ale
and Mardi-Gras Bock -$12 includes the beers and  an Amuse-Bouche prepared by the RUE DUMAINE kitchen.

Here’s Chef Anne’s  MARDI GRAS menu 2011 for March 8th:

Louisiana oyster & Gulf shrimp gumbo $6.5
Chilled Creole poached gulf shrimp and mirliton slaw with remoulade dressing-$9
Char-grilled oysters with garlic (4 per order)-$9
Oysters on the half shell-$10.5/half dozen $22/dozen
Pepper jelly glazed chicken livers** over griddled cornbread rusk-$7.5
Smothered chicken quarter with crawfish tails and spinach, served over cheesy grits-$15
Creole braised beef & French fry po-boy dressed with cabbage slaw (y’all are gonna need a napkin or 2 with this one)-$14
Cornmeal crusted catfish with house made tasso-black eyed pea salad and Creole mustard butter sauce-$14
Grilled Andouille sausage with red beans & rice-$13
Bananas Fosters bread pudding with caramel-pecan sauce-$5
Calas (classic Louisiana fried rice fritters) with triple berry jam filling -$5

Reservations are always suggested at Rue Dumaine, locatated at 1061 Miamisburg Centerville Rd in Washington Township.    Call  610-1061 for more info.

The Winds in Yellow Springs celebrates in style with Fried Oysters, Bananas Foster, Festive Cocktails and lots of Beads.
Reservatations are suggested,  call 937.767.1144

A trip to Troy may be in order to attend the Mardi Gras Ball at LeDoux’s Restaurant.  For $20 /guest you ‘ll enjoy a Live Dixieland band, dancing, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beads, games and more. Attendees are encouraged to wear a festive costume and/or mask for a costume contest. Raffle tickets for sale for a trip for two to New Orleans. A portion of the ball admission fee benefits the Piqua Arts Council. Call for reservations at  (937) 875-2000.

The Wine Loft has joined forces with Clothes That Work to host a Fat Tuesday celebration featuring a Dayton’s Best Legs Photo Shoot to kick off the 4th annual Hunks in Heels fundraiser.  For $20 guests get admission, 2 drinks, appetizers and 2 votes for their choice of Dayton’s Best Legs!

Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District invites you to come on out for cajun food specials, hurricane shots, pub science, the malibu girls, live DJs and Ashley will have SUPER SOAKERS FULL OF SHOTS!  Food specials are available all day!

TJ Chumps is hosting a party  with “crazy drink specials” including 75 cent well drinks for the ladies and $2 domestic pints for the guys from 11am – 9pm on Fat Tuesday

Don’t worry if you already have Tuesday booked, McCormick & Schmick’s is hosting a Creole Wine Dinner on Thursday at 6:30pm  $50 includes a four-course Creole menu paired with French wines.  Reservations required, call (937) 431-9765.

If you’re not celebrating out and about, may we suggest you stop by your favorite bakery and and least pick up a King Cake!

History of Mardi Gras King Cake

Hundreds of thousands of King Cakes are eaten during Mardi Gras each year in New Orleans, Louisiana. In fact, a Mardi Gras party would not be authentic without the traditional King Cake as the center of the party.

The cake is made with a rich Danish dough, baked and covered with a sugar topping in Mardi Gras colors; purple representing justice, green representing faith, and gold representing power.

Originally objects such as coins, beans, pecans, and peas were hidden inside of every King Cake. Wealthy Louisiana plantation owners in the later 1800s would sometimes put a precious stone or jewel in their King Cakes. In the mid-1900s, a small plastic baby became the symbol of this Holy Day and was placed inside of each King Cake.

The New Orleans tradition is that each person takes a piece of cake hoping to find the plastic baby inside. The recipient of the plastic baby is “crowned” King or Queen for the day and that person is obligated to host the following year’s party and supply the King Cake.

Here’s to becoming the King or Queen! Cheers!

The first comes to us from The Story Changes.  They filmed this music video in Dayton last summer so be on the lookout for familiar faces and places.

Our second video comes from Me & Mountains.  In addition to the Blind Bob’s show, they’ll be playing a free show at OMEGA Music for First Friday beginning at 6pm.  Details are for this performance are also at our events calendar.

You can catch Me & Mountains live at Blind Bob’s tomorrow night (Thursday, January 20).  They’ll be hosting two great Cincinnati bands: The Seedy Seeds and No No Knots.  The Seedy Seeds have played quite a few shows in Dayton over the past few years and are also prepping a new release due to come out in February.  Word has it, they’ll be unveiling some new material at Blind Bob’s.  No No Knots have just released an EP called Quiet to the Night.  You can download it for free here.

Full show details are available at the Dayton MostMetro events calendar.

Here’s one of my favorite tracks from Me & Mountains’ self titled debut album.