This weekend marks the first-ever No Stress Fest at c{space (20 North Jefferson Street) in Downtown Dayton. This two-day festival features 26 local and national bands. South Carolina punk band, The Independents will headline Friday night of the festival with Cincinnati’s The Dopamines headlining Saturday’s show. Local bands on the bill include 8-bit Revival, Akillis Green, Rad Company, Marijuana Johnson and many more. The show is 18 and up, and doors open at 6pm each night. Tickets are $10 per day in advance or $15 at the door. You can also get a two-day pass in advance for $15. For a complete lineup and information on advance tickets, visit c{space’s website.
Eclipse brings the music of Pink Floyd to Canal Street Tavern
On Wednesday night, you’ll have the chance to hear some classic Pink Floyd songs live right here in Dayton in the comfort of Canal Street Tavern. Eclipse is a Pink Floyd tribute band from Nashville that includes local musician Tod Weidner (Shrug) and former Daytonian Patrick Himes (Flyaway Minion) in its lineup. The band will present a three-hour show that highlights the best of Pink Floyd’s catalog. Tickets are $10.
Monte Montgomery at Canal Street Tavern on Saturday
Dayton’s in for a treat this Saturday night when Monte Montgomery brings his trademark electrified acoustic guitar music to Canal Street Tavern. The Austin native will be playing at Bonnaroo later this month, but his music will be right at home in Canal Street’s intimate setting. Tod Weidner from Shrug will open the show, which begins around 9:30pm (doors open at 8). Tickets are $14 in advance or $15 on the day of the show.
Here’s a YouTube taste of Monte Montgomery’s music:
Me & Mountains release debut album
This weekend you’ll be able to get your hands on a copy of yet another of the year’s great local releases. Me & Mountains will be celebrating the release of their debut album on Saturday, June 5th at Blind Bobs. The band will be joined onstage by Okay Lindon and the Harlequins (Cincinnati).
The self-titled album was recorded by Darryl Robbins from the Motels Beds and is being released under his Fictionband Mechanics label. Me & Mountains is offering a bonus CD of demo tracks to anyone who buys the album at the release show on Saturday.
You can also catch Me & Mountains performing live on Kaleidoscope tonight. The show is 8-11pm on 91.3FM WYSO and can be streamed online at wyso.org.
Local Bands Pay Tribute to Girl Groups, Riot Grrrls and Ladyfest
Ladyfest Dayton is still a few months away, but this Saturday night you can get in the mood and throw some support toward the festival all while hearing some great music. 10 local bands will take the stage at Blind Bob’s starting around 10pm and pay tribute to their favorite girl groups and riot grrrls. The $5 cover charge will go towards the expenses of this year’s Ladyfest Dayton, which will be August 9-8th at c{space. Here’s who’s playing:
Los Esposos
Human Reunion releases Carbonics 7″
This Friday night is your chance to celebrate yet another great release from one of our local bands. Human Reunion will unveil their new 7″ inch, Carbonics at their show at Blind Bob’s. There will be a limited number of white-vinyl copies available at the show as well as standard editions on gold vinyl from Detroit’s Five Three Dial Tone Records. Also available that evening is Prelude to A Miss Volume 1. This is the first installment of a cassette series from Five Three Dial Tone and will feature demos and instrumental versions of songs from Carbonics.
If the music collector in you isn’t already lining up for this show, then the rest of the lineup will have you sold. Human Reunion will be joined onstage by the Motel Beds (who just sent their new album Feelings off to press) and Pittsburgh’s Summer Lungs.
This Thursday at Blind Bob’s – The Young Republic, Wes Tirey and Sawgrass
Pairing well with the warm weather in the Dayton region, Blind Bob’s is hosting an evening of some great Americana music. Local folk singer Wes Tirey and Dayton/Springfield bluegrass duo Sawgrass will welcome the Young Republic, a folk-rock group from Tennessee. This show should get started around 9pm.
As a preview for this great lineup, check out Wes Tirey playing live on WYSO:
A Break in Format – Austin’s White Rhino at Canal Street Tavern on Tuesday
Tuesdays at Canal Street Tavern are traditionally reserved Musician’s Co-Op, but every once in a while Co-Op goes on hold for a week for a special event. This Tuesday Austin’s White Rhino will stopping by Canal Street as part of their national tour for some good old fashioned rock and roll. They’ll be supported by locals Electric Smoke with Fuzz Hound opening. This show gets started around 9:30pm and is $5.
Musician’s Co-Op will return next week, but if you’re really missing it, check out this great mini documentary about Co-Cop by former Daytonians Angelle Haney Gullett and Steven Gullett.
Two Great Shows for Your Sunday Night
The music doesn’t have to stop on Saturday. There are two great shows downtown on this Sunday night.
The Sunset Showdown Series at Blind Bob’s continues this Sunday night with three great acts. Singer-songwriter David Payne will perform along with Columbus band Old Worlds and Grey Leaves. This is show is 18 and up and gets started around 8pm.
The Story Changes is getting ready to go back on tour this summer. They’ll be playing an all-ages send-off show on Sunday night at South Park Tavern with Nightbeast and the Dirty Socialites. This one also gets started around 8pm.
The Weekend After Urban Nights – more music!
Great live music doesn’t stop just because another Urban Nights has come and gone. There are lots of great shows happening both Friday and Saturday nights this weekend. Here are some of the highlights:
Friday:
*The ever-funky Romeo Champagne will headline Canal Street Tavern. The show gets started around 9:30pm with Cleveland’s Deja Voodoo and is $5.
*If reggae is your thing, you won’t want to miss Seefari at the Trolley Stop. This show also starts around 9:30pm.
*For local blues, check out WG Blues Unit at J’Alan’s on Ludlow.
*The Black Who’s will be playing at The Brewery in Troy with Fuzz Hound and Valley of Visions. The Black Who’s performed live on Kaleidoscope this week, and you can stream that set from WYSO’s website.
Saturday:
*New Vega and Ed vs. Radio will play host to Louisville’s The Fervor. This South Park Tavern show gets started around 9pm.
*If you’re in the mood to dance, local DJ Jay Madewell will be hosting Fab Gear at Blind Bob’s. This dance party combines some of most danceable tunes from the soul, funk, Motown and disco genres.
*Over on Brown Street, C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks and Nine False Suns will be rocking the stage at Jimmie’s Cornerstone Bar.
*Regional favorites the Psychodots will perform at Canal Street Tavern with WYSO Excursions host and musician in her own right, Niki Dakota opening.
So Dayton – which shows are you excited about/playing in/can’t miss this weekend?
Thursday Night: Smug Brothers and Turkish Delights
Another great weekend of music in Dayton kicks off Thursday at South Park Tavern. Local favorites the Smug Brothers will will join the Turkish Delights in welcoming Columbus’ Kyle Sowashes to town. This all-ages show gets started around 9pm – perfect for grabbing a later dinner at South Park Tavern.
Dangerous Curves Ahead: Burlesque comes to Gilly’s
Burlesque shows have been enjoying a revival in recent years, and this Thursday night Dayton will get a taste of the glitter and glamor when Brooklyn’s Dangerous Curves Ahead come to town. Billed as “Burlesque on the Go-Go,” this cabaret-style show at Gilly’s starts at 8pm and is only $10. Several members of this year’s show performed to rave reviews in last year’s Monsters of Burlesque, and they’ll be joined onstage by local burlesque performer Champagne Shock.
Bonnett’s Book Store in the Oregon District is helping to promote the show. Kevin Bonnett says, “Burlesque is racy, but it’s about stagecraft and performance; not pole dancing and dollar stuffing. Regardless of the ‘sexy’ involved, these folks know how to put on a show that will make you smile!”
Urban Nights – A Musical Guide
Urban Nights showcases some of the best that downtown Dayton has to offer, and since we have a lot to offer, deciding what to see and hear can be a bit overwhelming. So I’ve compiled a list of some of the musical highlights Friday has to offer:
*The official Urban Nights program includes entertainment on a main stage at Courthouse Square and several satellite stages. My picks for main stage entertainment are the Reece Lincoln Band (6:00-6:45 p.m.) and The Rev. Cool Arkestra & Dance Ensemble (7:00-7:45 p.m.). Reece Lincoln is one of Dayton’s rising musical stars and puts on a high energy show that combines elements of blues and classic rock and roll. The Rev. Cool Arkestra & Dance Ensemble is the brainchild of WYSO host Rev Cool (Around the Fringe). It’s a unique combination of live music, DJ mixes and dance that’s not to be missed. The satellite stages include everything from local jazz, rock and roll covers and a preview of the Encore Theatre Company’s production of RENT to a spotlight on Sinclair’s musical offerings. A full schedule and a printable program and map can be found here.
* Friday is the first day of Side Show V, which features a wide variety music, performance and art. This year’s showcase takes place at the Armory building on E. Sixth Street and Friday’s musical highlights include Noah Wotherspoon and Jessi Bair (6-6:30pm), c.wright’s Parlour Tricks (8:40-9:30pm), Sohio (10:10-10:40pm) and Outside Residential (10:50-11:20pm). For a better idea of what the Side Show is all about, check out J.T. Ryder’s featured article right here on Dayton Most Metro. The full lineup for both days of Side Show V is available on their Myspace page.
* Friday also marks the start of the 2nd FilmDayton Festival. This year’s festival is bigger and better, and in addition to featuring more films than last year, there’s also more music! Lisa Grigsby’s post here on Dayton Most Metro features the full festival lineup. There are two great great musical offerings on Friday night: Gladgirl will present “Dayton Rock and Roll Home Movies,” a free kickoff event at the old Greyhound Station on Fifth Street that’s been transformed into the festival lounge. This event will feature music videos from current and past local bands and live music from Flotation Walls. Later that night, the Lab Partners will perform at the first festival after-party at Gilly’s with the Now Device (headed by Springfield native Rod Hatified) providing a video and light show.
*As if that weren’t enough, A World A’Fair also begins on Friday at the Dayton Convention Center with tons of music, dance and delicious food from around the world. A full performance schedule can be found at their website.
*The Ohio Coffee Company is providing Urban Nights entertainment for a good cause. Hugs for Maya is a musical showcase to benefit Maya Claude, a 5 year old girl who recently had a brain tumor removed. Local artists will be selling donated pieces and a host of local musicians have donated their time including Suicide Hill, Eric Cassidy, Rob Young and more.
*If you miss Noah Wotherspoon at the Side Show, he’ll also be performing at the Oregon Express beginning around 9:30pm.
*While you’re in the Oregon District, be sure to stop by Practice Yoga. Local singer-songwriter BJSR will perform from 6 to 10pm.
*Down the street, the Eric Jerardi Band will be headlining the Trolley Stop beginning at 9:30pm.
*Over at Canal Street Tavern, the Spikedrivers will perform with Luther Wright. It’s the perfect place to go after checking out the Urban Nights showcase at the Southern Belle loft (right next door to Canal Street Tavern). This will feature the work of many local artists and musicians including music from local ukulele folk artist Henrique Couto.
*And although it’s not music-related, audiophile will want to stop by the StoryCorps airstream trailer parked in front of the Schuster Center. The mobile recording booth will be open until 7:30pm on Friday night for tours.
So what’s your must-see event this Urban Nights? Any tips for beginners on the best way to get the most out of the evening? Share your thoughts, tips, tricks and anything I may have missed in the comments.
Former Guided by Voices member unveils new novel at local readings
James Greer wrote the book on Guided by Voices…literally. The former editor for Spin Magazine is the author of Guided by Voices: A Brief History: Twenty-One Years of Hunting Accidents in the Forests of Rock and Roll, a book about the band with which he played bass. More recently Greer has been focusing on novels and screenwriting. He’ll be in town this week promoting his new novel, The Failure (Akashic). There are several opportunities to see Greer and learn more about The Failure, which is partially set in Dayton:
-On Wednesday night, I’ll be interviewing Greer on Kaleidoscope on WYSO 91.3FM. The show is 8-11pm and will also feature information on the FilmDayton festival.
-On Thursday, Greer will reading at the Town & Country Books & Co. in Kettering beginning at 7pm.
-On Friday, Greer will hold a private house-show style reading in Dayton. There are still a few slots open for this event. You can find out more and reserve a slot by emailing [email protected]. This reading will also be broadcast live on Ustream beginning at 7:45pm. Click here to sign in as a guest and watch.
-Greer will also be part of a Q&A session about an upcoming film project, Cleo, at the FilmDayton Festival (May 14-16).
First Friday in music
First Fridays are always full of activity and opportunities to enjoy some of the best our area has to offer. This month is no exception. Here’s just a taste of the musical offerings this Friday night:
Canal Street Tavern will host three great local bands: The Black Who’s?, Fuzz Hound and 2006 Dayton Band Playoff winners, Orange Willard. The show starts at 9:30pm and is $5
The Rubbles will bring their 60’s style rock and roll to Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District, starting at around 8pm.
Down the street at the Trolley Stop, the Curious Animals will hit the stage around 9:30pm.
If you prefer your music with a seafood dinner, Puzzle of Light will perform at Jay’s Restaurant from 9pm until midnight. You can just come for dessert or a drink and, of course the music, but if you’re going to do dinner, call ahead for a reservation (937-222-2892).
Or if you feel like taking a drive out to Yellow Springs, Sohio will be headlining Peaches Grill with the Black Owls starting at around 9pm.
What are your musical plans for Friday night? Do you know of another great that’s not on this list? Share it in the comments!
Rock-n-Roll Play Date – a different kind of open mic
A couple of months ago, South Park Tavern began hosting an open mic night on Wednesday nights, but instead of sticking with a traditional acoustic-style evening, they decided to do something a little different. Thus the Rock-n-Roll Play Date was born. The event is open to a wide variety of performers including comedians, rappers, acoustic and electric acts and the idea is to foster collaboration. Interested performers can sign up for a 25 minute time slot in advance on South Park Tavern’s website and even put in a request for other musicians they’d like to play with (say a drummer or bass player). It’s a good environment to try out new material or for solo musicians to meet other people to play with. The first act gets started around, and the last act goes on between 12 and 12:30am
