Hello Everyone!

I'm delighted to let you know that we're able to squeeze in a powerfully touching film for a handful of shows this weekend.  FAMILIAR TOUCH, with an incredible central performance from Kathleen Chalfant, arrives for just 5 screenings starting this Friday.  This is a first feature film from director Sarah Friedland, and VARIETY writes, "Friedland’s film, as sharp as it is soft, conveys both the terror of losing the life you recognize, and the intermittent, fragmented joy of finding it again."

If you still need to see SORRY, BABY, you're in luck - it will stick around for one more week.  This film has been striking chords with many NEON customers. One NEON regular called it, "A perceptive drama that finds the black humor in the aftermath of trauma, SORRY, BABY will easily be one of my favorite movies of the year."

Last night, we opened the new horror film TOGETHER - starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie.  It will stick around for at least a week or more (if you need a refresher, click HERE).  Next Wednesday, we will open the truly wonderful "family friendly" film SKETCH...and we hope you're wrangling young people to come and see it with us.

"Open Caption Mondays" are a hit and much appreciated by many of our regulars.  On Monday, Aug. 4, our screenings of SORRY, BABY and TOGETHER will be presented with Open Captions (aka - captions presented on the screen). 

Synopsis for FAMILIAR TOUCH:  "Ruth (Kathleen Chalfant), a retired cook, prepares breakfast in her sunny and cozy kitchen — a dish she seems to have made many times before, although small and puzzling errors now punctuate her comfortable routine. When her son (H. Jon Benjamin) arrives to dine with her, she mistakes him for a suitor. Their “date” takes them to an assisted living facility, which Ruth does not remember that she had previously selected for herself. Among her fellow memory care residents, Ruth feels lost and adrift, certain she has found herself somewhere she does not belong." (Music Box Films) Currently rated "98% Fresh" on rottentomatoes.

Synopsis for SKETCH: "When a young girl’s sketchbook falls into a strange pond, her drawings come to life—chaotic, real, and on the loose. As the town descends into chaos, her family must reunite and stop the monsters they never meant to unleash." (Angel Studios)
I saw this film at TIFF last year, and I thought it was really special immediately...but I wondered if there would be a distributor willing to pick it up.  We don't play a lot of material that's suitable for families and can be appreciated by folks yound and old, but this one certainly is. When pitching it to financial backers, the director called it "INSIDE OUT meets JURASSIC PARK."  I hope you'll give it a chance.

A LIGHT AMIDST ASHES

TONIGHT! Local production team Alpha-Marshall Productions is bringing their newest film to THE NEON. 
"When a mysterious virus breaks out, 17-year-old Elijah Notch (Givan Onuaguluchi-May) is left alone in a time forever changed. With only his pet cat by his side, Eli must navigate the horrors of a world beholden to each remaining man and prove that there can still be good, even in a world on fire. A LIGHT AMIDST ASHES is Alpha-Marshall Productions' latest project, directed by Rosario Combs."
Tickets are $10 each.

WED, JULY 30 | 7:30

FRIDAY PATIO PARTY
August 1st!

THE NEON's Friday "Happy Hour" Patio Parties are heading into their last few weeks.  We've got special guest hosts, music and food trucks lined up for several more Friday evenings between now and August 15.  Mark your calendars and plan to join us for fun vibes, cocktails and great food on Friday evenings this summer!  Many thanks to our sponsor - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty - for their support in making these parties happen!

On August 1 from 5:30-7:30, join our guest host Polly Mobbs from Berkshire Hathaway.  DJ J[REDACTED] will be spinning tunes, and the ShowDogs HotDogs food truck will be parked out front!

OREGON STORIES - A Free Screening for Art In The City!

Join us during downtown's "Art In The City" for a special screening of  OREGON STORIES - created in 2007 chronicling the rollicking history of Dayton’s Historic Oregon District. Directed by John May & John Bognar, this 40-minute doc is full of great tales of people who lived it. OREGON STORIES brings history to life with a rich cast of characters and raises important contemporary questions about the nature of community.

This free screening will be "first come, first served," with doors opening at 12:00 (Noon) on Aug. 2. One ticket per person (attendees must be present to claim a ticket).

SAT, AUG 2 | 1:00

THE NEON's Annual Poster Sale

During downtown's "Art In the City" event on Saturday, Aug, 2, we'll hold our annual poster sale.  Some old, some new, some rare, some huge! We're hoping the weather is good so we can really spread things out on our patio.
Stop by, check out our sale, grab a DORA drink and enjoy what downtown has to offer.

SAT, AUG 2 | 12:00-3:00

National Theatre Live presents
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

THIS SUNDAY! Join us for a one-time-only screening of STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE - Sunday, August 3 at 3:00.  Tickets are $12.50 each.
Gillian Anderson (THE X FILES, SEX EDUCATION), Vanessa Kirby (THE CROWN), and Ben Foster (LEAVE NO TRACE, LONE SURVIVOR) lead the cast in Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece.
As Blanche’s fragile world crumbles, she turns to her sister Stella for solace – but her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski.
The fastest-selling production in the Young Vic's history, directed by Benedict Andrews and filmed live in 2014, received critical acclaim and 5-star reviews.

SUN, AUG 3 | 3:00

THE LAST CLASS

ENCORE ADDED! American political economist, professor, author, and social media sensation Robert Reich teaches his final "Wealth and Poverty" class to 1,000 students at UC Berkeley, ending a 40-year career that reached 40,000 students. One thousand fill the biggest lecture hall on the UC Berkeley campus, the last class to receive Reich's wisdom and exhortations not to accept that the world has to stay the way it is. His belief in the next generation's ability to take on the fight is inspiring.Tickets are $12.50 each.

WED,  AUG 6 | 7:30 -  SOLD OUT!
SAT, AUG 16 | Noon -  Tix Available!

NEON Nostalgia Night - 
ROMAN HOLIDAY

Hop on the back of the Vespa — we’re heading to ROMAN HOLIDAY! 🍕🍨🍊 Join us for a dreamy night of Italian romance, classic film, and indulgent treats at the next Nostalgia Night on August 14th!  Happy Hour starts at 6:00, and the movie starts at 7:30!
We'll have Illy’s Wood Fired Pizza, a full-on affogato bar (yes, espresso + gelato = heaven), and a perfectly bittersweet Aperol Spritz Happy Hour.

 🎟️ Get your tickets now before Audrey and Gregory ride off without you!

Special thanks to our sponsor - Brian Sharp of SharpGroup Berkshire Hathaway Professional Home Realty.

THU, AUG 14 | 7:30

MEET-UP AT THE MOVIES: 
THE GRATEFUL DEAD MOVIE

This special cinematic event allows fans to come together and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead. This fan-favorite cult classic follows the legendary band on what at the time was believed to be their final performances, a five-night run at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom in October of 1974, the final night billed as “The Last One.” Featuring stellar live performances, mind-bending animation, interviews with band members and crew, the film has a rare focus on the band’s fans and their deep commitment to the Dead Head lifestyle. Be sure to stay till the end for the exclusive theatrical premier of “China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider,” a bonus live performance from the October ‘74 Winterland shows not included in the official film release.
2 Special Screenings Only!  Tickets $15 each.

SUN, AUG 17 | 5:00
MON, AUG 25 | 7:30

CORNER STORE presents a  FREE Screening of  ALMOST FAMOUS!

Ian Mullen, a former employee at THE NEON, has written a screenplay inspired by his time of employment with us...and he's hosting a free screening of ALMOST FAMOUS (the classic Cameron Crowe film starring Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup and Frances McDormand) along with a pitch to tell us all about the upcoming project.

To read more about the project and reserve your FREE ticket for the evening, click the button below.

WED, AUG 20 | 7:30

PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE

"Victor & Mal's 'Cult Movie Night' returns for the month of August to celebrate the 40th anniversary and the life of our generation's most beloved TV character Pee-Wee Herman.  Originally released on August 11th 1985 and being the feature film debut of director Tim Burton, it was a match made in weirdo heaven... And being one of the most quotable, memorable films of our generation, there really is nothing like watching it with a group of Pee-Wee Fans.  So pull up on your bikes, and let's all have a Pee-Wee Party on August 21!  There will also be an extremely rare screening of the short film THE ORKLY KID starring E.G. Daily, who starred as Dottie PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE in a very early performance. THE ORKLEY KID is an incredibly unique short film from the BEAVER TRILOGY starring a young Crispin Glover in a performance you just have to see. Sponsored by Dayton's own Blood Scream Comics.  
Tickets are $13 each.

THU, AUG 21 | 7:30

UNION

This one-time special screening of the award-winning documentary UNION is being presented by IUE-CWA Local 775 and 775 and the Dayton-Miami Valley Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
UNION is a documentary about the formation of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU). 
“Up against one of the most powerful companies on the planet, a group of Amazon workers embark on an unprecedented campaign to unionize their warehouse in Staten Island, New York.” 
Premiering at the 2024 Sundance Festival, UNION won the “U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for the Art of Change.” 
One time only - Tues, Sept 2 at 7:30 - followed by a Q&A panel!
Read more about it and secure your ticket by clicking the "Tickets" link below.
Tickets are $10 each.

TUE, SEPT 2 | 7:30

I had the pleasure of being a part of Ohlmann Group's podcast "Creating the Future with...," and you can click the photo above to access it.  It's a nice "glimpse" into what we do at THE NEON and how it happens (it also goes into a bit of my personal history as to how I got into film). Many thanks to them for wanting to help tell our story!

And speaking of "behind the scenes" at THE NEON, I gave our first in-depth tour to a handful of NEON patrons on Saturday morning.  11 NEON regulars joined me as we roamed the building and talked about the history of the space, the evolution of projection technology and other nuts & bolts of the industry. It was also a great time for everyone to share NEON memories.  I plan to offer these tours quarterly through our Quarterly Members' Newsletter.  To find out more about NEON membership, click HERE.

Thank you for all of your support,
Jonathan

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 – THURSDAY, AUGUST 7:

SORRY. BABY (R) 1 Hr 43 Min
Wednesday (July 30): 2:40, 5:00
Thursday (July 31): 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Friday (Aug 1): 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Saturday (Aug 2): 5:00, 7:20
Sunday (Aug 3): 7:20
Monday & Tuesday (Aug 4 & 5): 5:15, 7:20
Wednesday (Aug 6): 5:15
Thursday (Aug 7): 7:20

TOGETHER (R) 1 Hr 42 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (July 30 & 31): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Aug 1-3): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday & Tuesday (Aug 4 & 5): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Wednesday (Aug 6): 2:50, 7:30
Thursday (Aug 7): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

A LIGHT AMIDST ASHES (NR) 1 Hr 3 Min
Wednesday (July 30): 7:30

FAMILIAR TOUCH (NR) 1 Hr 30 Min – 5 Shows Only!
Friday (Aug 1): 12:40
Saturday (Aug 2): 3:00
Sunday (Aug 3): 12:40
Monday & Tuesday (Aug 4 & 5): 3:00

OREGON STORIES (NR) 40 Min
Saturday (Aug 2): 1:00 – FREE – First Come, First Serve

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (NR) 3 Hrs 22 Min
Sunday (Aug 3): 3:00 – presented with a 15-minute intermission

SKETCH (PG) 1 Hr 32 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (Aug 6 & 7): 3:00, 5:10

THE LAST CLASS (NR) 1 Hr 11 Min
Thursday: 7:30 - SOLD OUT!