Boston’s hoping for a third “Most Arrogant Bar in America” win

By Alexis Larsen | Thursday, November 5, 2009, 12:34 PM

Boston’s Bistro & Pub, 7500 N. Main St., Dayton, is proud to have nabbed the title “Most Arrogant Bar in America” not once, but twice. Still, owner Dave Boston is hoping 2009 proves that the third time really is the charm.

The national award bestowed by Escondido, Calif., brewer Stone Brewing Co. goes to the bar or pub that sells the most Arrogant Bastard Ale in the country.

This year’s competition will be held Nov. 7-13. And this time around, patrons won’t just be drinking to help with a title, they’ll be drinking for a good cause. Boston will be donating some of the profits from the sales of ABA to the Diabetes Association of the Dayton Area — 50 cents for every $2.50 Imperial Pint sold and $1 for every $9 pitcher of ABA sold.

This year, growlers don’t count — the beer has to be consumed at Boston’s. But daily food specials and events should help add incentive to stick around. Event highlights include a midnight kick off on Friday, Nov. 6, live entertainment throughout the week including music by the Skilless Villains, Jim Jennings, Nick Mitchell and Magic Jackson; and a “Smart Bier Trivia” contest Wednesday, Nov. 11. For more information, visit www.bostonsbistro.com or call (937) 461-1002.

Previous “Most Arrogant Bar in America” winners

2003: Brews Cafe in Granville, Ohio

2004: Naja’s in Redondo Beach, Calif.

2005: Naja’s in Redondo Beach, Calif.

2006: Boston’s in Dayton

2007: The Taproom in San Diego, Calif.

2008: Boston’s in Dayton

2009: That all depends on how Nov. 7-13 goes.

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Three best bets at the bars this weekend

By Katie Wedell | Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 05:28 PM

Whatever your passion, whether it be vampires, college football or just good ‘ol rock and roll, there is an event for you this weekend at a Dayton bar.

Bloodbath at Club Vex

Vex is keeping the Halloween spirit alive a bit longer with a night of vampires and vampiresses. Wear your best vampire attire; fangs will be provided. DJ Kris, Infidel-Icious and Matt Freeman will be spinning EBM, Industrial, Goth, Darkwave and more.

Where: Club Vex, 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton

When: 9 p.m. to close, Friday, Nov. 6

The bite (pun intended): $5 for 18-20, $3 for 21 and up, ladies get in free before midnight.

Buckeye Blast at Z’s Sports Bar

See the OSU vs. Penn State game on the big screen while enjoying live music by Blind Karma. There will be free hot dogs and bar snacks, several raffle items, a 50/50 drawing and of course a cash bar. All proceeds benefit the Piqua Arts Council. Must be 21 to enter.

Where: Z’s Sports Bar, 319 N. Wayne St., Piqua

When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

The bite: $15

Scorpio Birthday Bash at Blind Bob’s

Andy Rowe of the Goody Two Shoes and Tim Krug of 8-bit Revival are celebrating their shared birthday this Saturday. Their bands will be joined by Rad Company. If it’s your birthday too, then celebrate at Blind Bob’s. If it’s not your birthday, pretend it is and make people buy you drinks.

Where: Blind Bob’s, 336 E. Fifth St., Dayton

When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

The bite: $5

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Halloween parties for grown-ups only

By Katie Wedell | Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 07:18 PM

Boo! Don’t be scared if you haven’t made your Halloween plans yet. The ghouls, goblins, vampires and vixens will be out all weekend across the area. Although Hauntfest on Fifth is downtown Dayton’s biggest bash, alternatives abound. Pick your poison from one of the parties below, or check out our FULL LIST of adult-only Halloween haunts.

Get started really early: Wednesday, Oct. 28:

• Smokey Bones Halloween Bash: Live DJ, costume contest, the Bud Light Girls, half-priced appetizers, beer pong and bobbing for shots. 9 p.m. 21 and up only. 6744 Miller Lane, Dayton. (937) 415-0185.
• Speak Easy Night at Club Vex: Flappers and gangster costumes will be all the rage. 9 p.m. 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton. (937) 222-7620.

Satisfy your taste for blood this Thirsty Thursday Oct. 29:

• Night of Mayhem at Milano’s Brown Street: Live music from Farewell Fischer, apple bobbing and a costume party with $50 Visa Card for three best costumes judged as scariest, funniest, sexiest. 10 p.m. 21 and up only. No cover. 1834 Brown St., Dayton. (937) 222-7072.
• Costume Party at Boston’s Bistro and Pub: Prizes for being in costume, DJ music and lots of beers on draught including Hobgoblin. 7 p.m. No cover. 7500 N. Main St., Dayton. (937) 461-1002.
• Halloween Bash at W.O. Wright’s: Karaoke, costume contest with prizes and $4 pitchers. 10 p.m. 18 and up welcome. No cover. 3979 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn. (937) 427-0101.
• Blood Thurs-ty at Club Vex: A Halloween-themed ’90s night. 9 p.m. 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton. $5 for under 21, $3 for over after 11:30 p.m. (937) 222-7620.

Get Freaky on Friday, Oct. 30:

• 11th Annual Halloween Party at Wings Sports Bar and Grille: Games, costumes contests, DJ Reggie, drink specials, and bloody beer. 21 and up only. 7902 N. Dixie Drive, Dayton. (937) 898-0280.
• “Hippie” Halloween at J-Alans: Wear your best hippie get-up and party with Terrapin Moon. Doors open at 3 p.m. for Happy Hour, show starts at 10 p.m. $3 cover. 121 N. Ludlow St., Dayton. (937) 222-4811.
• Costume Party at Dixie Cowgirls: Live music from Bronson Hetzer, plus prizes, games, costume contest for cash, a MDA fundraiser for Jerry’s Kids, and of course the mechanical bull. 9 p.m. 5500 N. Dixie Drive, Dayton. (937) 275-7424.
• Halloween FreakFest at The Pub: Costume contest with prizes, music from DJ Street and DJ 501, plus specials on Vampire Vodka all night. 9 p.m. 21 and up only. No cover. 38 Greene Blvd., Beavercreek. (937) 320-1199.
• Devil’s Night at Club Vex: EBM, Darkwave, Gothic, Industrial, Synthpop and more from DJ Kris, Infidel-icious, Matt Freeman and DJ Copper Top. It’s a night for saints and sinners, so wear your most devilish or most angelic costume. 9 p.m. 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton. (937) 222-7620.
• Tink’s Bar and Grill: Free food and $3 bottle buckets; costume contest with $50 first-place prize and DJ music. 7 p.m. No cover. 2049 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering. (937) 299-2202.
• Fricker’s Vandalia: Come out for the usual food and spirits. Employees will be dressed up in Halloween costumes, DJ music. 8 p.m. 22 Foley Drive, Vandalia. (937) 454-9464

And of course All Hallows Eve, Saturday, Oct. 31:

• J-Alans: Four bands for $5. Once-ler, Blaxeed, Dark Backward and The Black Who’s will perform an all-ages show. Drink specials on whiskey and beer, plus Myron’s BBQ, Chicken and Fish Co. grilling on the patio. Doors open at 8 p.m. 121 N. Ludlow St., Dayton. (937) 222-4811.
• Halloween Deals at Bar Louie: Anyone in costume will receive half off their meal. Meal is free for kids dressed up all day. $100 gift card to best costume. Party starts at 9 p.m. DJ music at 10 p.m. 4492 Glengarry Drive, Beavercreek. (937) 427-3900.
• Annual Carn Evil party at Club Masque: Costume contest will include $2,000 in prizes. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the drag revue begins at 10:30 p.m. $7 for 21 and up, 18-20 is $10. 34 N. Jefferson St., Dayton. (937) 228-2582.
• “Vamps and Tramps” at One Eyed Jacks: Costume contest with prizes, bloody drink specials and live music from Magic Jackson and guests Nine False Suns. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. No cover. 2638 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn. (937) 426-3400.
• Halloween Party at Hammerjax: Enjoy drink specials including $2 Bud Select at an unofficial Hauntfest Afterparty. Costume contest with more than $750 in cash prizes. $5 cover for 21 and over. Reduced cover with a Hauntfest wristband. Doors open at 8 p.m. 111 E. Fourth St., Dayton. (937) 641-1114.
• BoJangles: Three bands, TINJ, These Last Few and Chapter of Progress, will rock BoJangles this Halloween. There will be a costume contest at each band change plus $3 orange and black shot special. Bands start at 9:30 p.m. $5 cover. 1925 S. Alex Road. (937) 866-4758.
• Heaven and Hell Halloween at Bada Bing Lounge: Metal show featuring Negative Process, Gnashing of Teeth, Zuel, Forever Burn, Blood Red Winter and Assailant. 8 p.m. $5 for 18 and up. 1916 Whipp Rd. Kettering. (937) 438-2255.
• Saint Hellion at W.O. Wright’s: Costume party with cash prizes, raffles and music by Saint Hellion. 10 p.m. 18 and up welcome. 3979 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn. (937) 427-0101.
• Penny Tration’s Halloween Tranny Shack at Aquarius: Costume contest with $500 in cash prizes for the best costumes. Two drag shows. 9 p.m. $5 cover. 135 E. Second St., Dayton. (937) 554-2433.
• Octo-Boo-Fest at Aquarius: The second floor at Aquarius will be hosting a very Industrial Halloween with DJ Dit Dot and Mr. Industrial Pants. 9 p.m. $5 cover. 135 E. Second St., Dayton. (937) 554-2433.
• Dead Pumpkin Blowout Bash at Coyote’s Pub: Celebrate the Dead Pumpkin Krew’s latest CD release, plus pumpkin carving contest, costume contests, prizes and more. 9 p.m. $5 cover. 21 and up only. 5853 Springboro Pike, West Carrollton. (937) 435-7620.
• Adobe Gila’s: DJ Oz from All the Right Tunes plus $10 buckets and costume contest. No cover. 78 Plum St., Beavercreek. (937) 458-0330.
• Monster Hop at Canal Street Tavern: Music from Luxury Pushers and Jackalopes. 9:30 p.m. $5 cover. 308 E. First St., Dayton. (937) 461-9343.
• Halloween Party at McGuffy’s: Lineup includes Scum of The Earth (featuring Riggs from Rob Zombie), Lascivious and Fluwid. Cost $12 in advance and $15 the day of the show. Tickets at www.mcguffys.net. Doors open at 7 p.m. 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton. (937) 256-3005.
• Second Annual Marriott Halloween Party: Head to the Marriott Dayton Ballroom for live music from The Menus and a costume contest. Plus don’t worry about driving home, room and party packages are available. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. $10 cover. 1414 S. Patterson Road, Dayton. (937) 223-1000.
• Stubbies: Live bands and costume contests both Friday and Saturday. Saturday, The Modrats. 10 p.m. 722 W. National Road, Vandalia. (937) 898-9373.
• The Emery Crew Halloween Bash at Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers: Costume required for admission. 8 p.m. 33 S. Jefferson St., Dayton. (937) 222-2337 ask for Chlore or Regg.
• Halloween Party at Katz Lounge: Shadowlife and the Jager Girls will entertain. Plus a costume contest. 21 and up only. 1221 E.Stroop Road, Kettering. (937) 294-9554.
• Tippecanoe HarvestFest in Tipp City: Live music with Dirtybone. Bud Light, Amber Bock and Jacks Pumpkin Spice Ale as well as assorted soft drinks will be available. Come in costume to save $2 off admission and compete in costume contests. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. rain or shine. $5 admission. Must be 21 with proper ID. Second and Main street, downtown Tipp City. www.tippecanoeharvestfest.com
• Halloween Party at Snickers: Classic rock from Ryan Roth. 9 p.m. No cover. 9372 U.S. 35 West, Dayton. (937) 835-5524.

STAFF WRITER LAUREN BEACH contributed to this report.

If we missed your event feel free to leave all the details in a comment!

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It’s Halloween already at the bars

By Katie Wedell | Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 05:06 PM

Don’t just plan your Halloween night early, celebrate a whole week in advance. It’ll give you a chance to get more than one wear out of that expensive costume. Check out these local bars that just can’t wait another week for the Halloween fun to begin.

Studio 54 Flashback Party at Atmosphere: Get into the Halloween spirit by dressing up in your disco best for a party thrown by Kate Worldwide on Friday, Oct. 23. Disco-house set by DJ Nostalgic. The first 54 people will get their first drink free. Doors open at 10 p.m. $5 cover. 21 and up only. VIP available; call (937) 232-0980 to reserve a table. 507 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville. (937) 433-3996.

Masquerade Party at The 88 Club: Wear a costume and get in for only $5 on Friday, Oct. 23. No costume; cover is $15. 21 and up only. 10 p.m. 219 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton. (937) 222-1188.

Gangstaz and Goblinz at Jay and Jean’s: Seven hours of local underground music including Menace 2 Sobriety, Section 8, N.B.O.T and Seth Rock on Friday, Oct. 23 . Free beer while it lasts. 1124 Leo St., Dayton. (937) 228-9778.

Naughty Nurse Party at Vue Ultra Lounge: If you’re already planning on dressing as a Naughty Nurse this Halloween, you’re in luck! 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 No cover. 1004 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville. (937) 438-1155.

Nightmare on St. Clair at Club Vex: The week-long Halloween celebration at Vex starts Friday, Oct. 23 with a Costume Ball thrown by TattooedTV.com. The first 100 people get a $25 gift card to Truth and Triumph Tattoo and Smartbomb Tattoo. 9 p.m. $5 cover for 18-20, $3 cover 21 and up. 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton. (937) 222-7620.

The rest of the schedule at Vex:

• Saturday, Oct. 24: Costume and lingerie ball
• Monday, Oct. 26: Rockabilly night. Wear your best pinup or greaser getup for the costume contest.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27: ’80s Night Dead Man’s Party. Best costumes will win Atari Flashback 2s and lots of ’80s horror films.
• Wednesday, Oct. 28: Speak Easy Night, flappers and gangster costumes will be all the rage.
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Blood Thurs-ty ’90s Night
• Friday, Oct. 30: Devil’s Night featuring EBM, Darkwave, Gothic, Industrial, Synthpop and more from DJ Kris, Infidel-icious, Matt Freeman and DJ Copper Top. It’s a night for saints and sinners, so wear your most devilish or most angelic costume.
• Saturday, Oct. 31: Hauntfest Afterparty. Once the chaos in the Oregon District dies down, head just around the corner and keep the party going.

Did we miss you? Tell us about any other early Halloween celebrations by leaving a comment.

What about Halloween weekend?

Also, if you’re planning any special bar and club events on Halloween weekend, we want to know about those too. Please include the name of the event, basic description of the event, date, time, location, cover charge information, drink specials and a phone number or Web site for more information.

Get excited for a full list of Halloween night haunts, coming soon!

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Where’s your favorite bar in the Dayton area?

By Michelle Fong | Monday, October 19, 2009, 06:15 PM

Everyone has a favorite bar.

Whether it’s a place to groove with your friends, a place for a potential hookup, a place to watch the game, a place to eat, drink and be merry or just a place to kick back and relax, we want to know which one’s your favorite.

Best Bar is up for official vote in ActiveDayton.com’s weekly Best of Dayton poll beginning Monday, Oct. 26. And we need your help to assemble the list of nominees that will appear on the poll.

Please visit the Best of Dayton nominations page at ActiveDayton.com and nominate your favorite bar. The bars that earn the most nominations this week will be the ones included in next week’s poll.

So make sure you tell us your favorite by noon Monday, Oct. 26.

And don’t forget to come back next week and actually cast your official vote!

Just think of this as a warm-up to Election Day.

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5 reasons to get off the couch this weekend

By Katie Wedell | Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 07:04 PM

If you say you’re bored this weekend, we’re going to come to your house and duct tape you to that stupid couch you love so much. Check out these best bets at the bars instead — because it seriously hurts to remove duct tape.

Zombies Revenge at Vex

Club Vex threw a killer Zombie party back in June, proving that Dayton may be dying, but it’s coming back to eat your brains. They’re doing it again as a warm-up to their week-long Halloween celebration that begins Oct. 23. DJ Kris and Matt Freeman will be spinning Industrial, Goth, Darkwave and more for your flesh-eating pleasure.

WHERE: Vex, 101 S. St. Clair St., Dayton

WHEN: 9 p.m. til late, Friday, Oct. 16

THE BITE: No cover for zombies before 11 p.m., and ladies are free until midnight. Humans 18-20 are $5, over 21 $3.

Rock show at Hammerjax

Hammerjax isn’t the first place you think of for live music in Dayton, but the lineup this Friday may be worth giving this dance club a second chance. Springfield’s own pop-punk powerhouse Callahan will be joined by local alt rock favorites Mona, Long Island rockers Big City Lights, and The Hit, a Dallas band playing upcoming shows with the likes of Cobra Starship and Boys Like Girls.

WHERE: Hammerjax, 111 E. Fourth St., Dayton

WHEN: 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16

THE BITE: 18 and up welcome, call (937) 641-1114 for more information.

Jonathan Dayton’s Birthday Party at Newcom’s

Celebrate the birthday of our city’s namesake at Newcom’s Tavern. Admission is FREE. Score cool stuff. Eat some pizza and birthday cake and enjoy signature drinks. There will be music, trivia, contests and an appearance by “Jonathan Dayton”. The party starts at 8 p.m., and ActiveDayton.com’s own Party Crashers will be there around 9:30 p.m. For more information on the party, and to find out who the heck this Jonathan Dayton guy is, visit www.jonathandayton.com. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Miami Valley Firefighters/EMS Memorial Association.

WHERE: Newcom’s Tavern, 418 E. Fifth St., Dayton

WHEN: 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16

THE BITE: No cover

Reality star at Cheeks

We don’t usually give much space to events at strip clubs, mainly because if you like that sort of thing you pretty much know what’s up. But we thought we’d let you know, for those that are interested and legally able to partake in this sort of thing, that Cheeks is hosting a special guest this Friday. Ashley from “Rock of Love” will be performing on stage and possibly even in your lap. So if you’re a VH1 reality junkie, or just like strip clubs, this is the party for you.

WHERE: Cheeks Gentleman’s Club, 906 Watertower Lane, West Carrollton

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 16

THE BITE: Call (937) 384-0183 for more information.

Sweetest Day at Vue

Yes, it’s that time of year again. Get ready for the scariest holiday ever created by Hallmark - Sweetest Day. Luckily, ladies, you don’t have to be in a relationship to score some free champagne and roses at Vue Ultra Lounge’s Sweetest Day Party this Saturday.

WHERE: 1004 Miamisburg Centerville Road., Centerville

WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17

THE BITE: No cover

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Miami Valley Beer Fest is coming your way, but tickets are limited

By Alexis Larsen | Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 05:17 PM

The first annual Miami Valley Beer Fest will have beer, and plenty of it.

Not all that surprising for a festival with beer in its name, but it’s the types of beer that will have some folks looking twice. The event, being held at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, will feature a selection of more than 100 craft beers and barley wines — some rare. All will be over 7 percent ABV (alcohol by volume) where a typical beer is in a range of 4 to 6 percent. Only 600 tickets will be sold to the event, but on Oct. 21 organizers said that plenty of tickets were still available.

“To the beer connoisseur, it’s probably one of the most awesome beer lists put together at one festival,” said organizer Mike Schwartz of Belmont Party Supply, who, with his wife Donna and his store staff, have teamed up with the Resident Home Association (RHA) to present the event.

Proceeds will benefit RHA, a nonprofit agency that has provided residential services and support for people with developmental disabilities in Montgomery County since 1966.

While some of the big beers on the menu might be familiar, many are limited brews that will surprise and delight even the most discerning aficionado.

A few of the highlights, according to Schwartz, include: BrewDog Paradox Port Dundas (aged imperial stout), Delirium Tremens (Belgian strong pale ale), Founders Old Curmudgeon (old ale) and J.W. Lees Lagavulin (a barley wine aged in a scotch barrel).

A ticket gets attendees a commemorative tasting glass and 20 samples of craft beer. Local act Skilless Villains will give attendees something to sip to with rock ‘n roll tunes, including originals and covers. Food from Chappy’s Tap Room, Thai 9 and MONCO Catering will be available for purchase, but bring cash if you plan on eating because there is not an ATM on site.

Schwartz says event organizers hope to raise more than $15,000 to benefit RHA. “It’s an awesome beer list for an awesome cause,” he said.

how to go

WHAT: The first annual Miami Valley Beer Fest

WHERE: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 1043 S. Main St., Dayton, inside the Roundhouse

WHEN: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24

COST: $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Only 600 tickets will be sold, which gets attendees a commemorative tasting glass and 20 samples of craft beer. Tickets are available for purchase in advance from Belmont Party Supply, 2621 S. Smithville Road, Dayton, and participating bars and restaurants including Boston’s Bistro & Pub, Chappy’s Tap Room, Dublin Pub, The Filling Station, Harrigan’s Tavern, Pizza Factory, South Park Tavern, The Pub, Trolley Stop, Thai 9 and 5th Street Wine & Deli. Be sure to call ahead to make sure tickets have not sold out at these locations. Designated drivers may attend and purchase a ticket at the door the day of the event for $10, which includes a water and commemorative glass upon exit.

MORE INFO: www.mvbeerfest.org or call Pam Skelly (937) 278-0791

ARTIST INFO: http://skillessvillains.com/fr_home.cfm

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