Dayton Dinner Theater features The Wizard of Oz! See the classic that transcends time and place on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.
Enjoy Chef-inspired themed food, desserts, and cocktails from Brock Masterson. Before the movie, we have live-themed music featuring the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble. During the movie, we feature our famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although our movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly.
When? Jan 16, 6:00 PM – 9:20 PM. Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm, a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.
Where? The Brightside Event Center, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.
Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.
About the Event
Themed Food: TBA (taste the rainbow, no dust bowl cuisine)
Themed Drink: TBA (maybe something emerald or that you drink from a ruby slipper)
Themed Attire: Take your pick of characters, but please ….. NO BLUE MONKEYS WITH LIPSTICK
DCDC’s “The Littlest Angel” is a Heartwarming Holiday Tradition
The holiday rush may be in full swing, but it’s not too late to experience a meaningful holiday tradition with your friends and family. The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s The Littlest Angel returns reimagined and renewed! It’s a Dayton tradition for anyone looking for a reason to believe. To believe in goodness. To believe in purpose. To believe that our lives are intentional.
Imagined as a legacy gift for her child and crafted as an adaptation of Charles Tazewell’s children’s book, The Littlest Angel delights and inspires as we follow the angel on a path of discovery toward the real meaning of giving and have a few laughs along the way. Each year we look on as the littlest angel makes her way through heaven and is challenged with choosing the perfect gift for the blessed infant. This holiday story asks us all to imagine the possibilities of giving and leaves audiences changed and inspired.
Get your tickets now for The Littlest Angel, DCDC’s inspiring stage adaptation of the classic children’s book that explores the real meaning of giving. There are discounts for students, military, seniors, and young professionals.
How to Go?
December 17, 2021 7:30 PM
December 18, 2021 3 PM & 7:30 PM
Performance at: University of Dayton
Kennedy Union Boll Theatre*
300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469
GET TICKETS HERE: LINK FOR TICKETS
You can also purchase tickets by calling Dayton Live at 937-228-3630.
*Masks will be required.
Dayton Dinner Theater launches new season on Sunday with “Star Wars”
Dayton Dinner Theater is back! This fun Sunday tradition starts back on November 21, 2021, with the showing of Star Wars (A New Hope) at The Brightside Music & Event Venue from 6-9pm.
“I think it’s the perfect cure for the winter blahs,” says Dayton resident John Boucuvalas and founder of the Dayton Dinner Theater which opens back up on Sunday, after being shut down last year due to Covid. “I think it’s important to have something fun to look forward to when the days are short and the weather is cold and grey.”
The time off has allowed time for exciting new upgrades and partnerships such as having the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble to feature live music before the movie. They’ve also partnered with local caterer Brock Masterson, to create themed food and drinks specific to each film.
“We were getting some big crowds and momentum when Covid hit, and now we are ready to be back and better than before,” says Boucuvalas. “Partnering with UD and Brock Masterson’s is great and adds a touch of class and familiarity for folks around here.”
With a full Sunday liquor license at The Brightside, the fully stocked bar features our signature $5.00 themed drinks along with a wide variety of mixed drinks, wines, and beer.
During the movie, Dayton Dinner Theatre features their famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, with a trivia contest during intermission. They truly make movies a social and interactive experience.
This year’s lineup mostly features comedies and quotable classics that line up with the interactive nature of the event. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. More information can be found at www.daytondinnertheater.com. Note: Tickets must be purchased in advance to allow for accurate food preparation.
Dayton Dinner Theater Schedule
Sunday, Nov 21, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Star Wars & live jazz
Sunday, Dec 5, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Christmas Vacation & live jazz
Sunday, Dec 12, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Elf
Sunday, Jan 16, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Wizard of Oz & live jazz
Sunday, Jan 30, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring The Princess Bride & live jazz
Sunday, Feb 6, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Caddyshack & live jazz
Sunday, Feb 27, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Airplane & live jazz
Sunday, March 13, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Holy Grail
Sunday, March 27, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Napoleon Dynamite
Sunday, April 10, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Big Lebowski & live jazz
Karaoke for a Cause benefits the Pink Ribbon Girls
“As Is” Jazz Quartet with Kung Fu BBQ to benefit The Collaboratory
HOW TO GO?
Doors open for dinner at 6:30 PM. Music starts at 7:30 PM on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at The Brightside (905 E 3rd, Dayton)
$30 ticket includes concert and one (1) drink ticket.
Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/as-is-jazz-quartet-with-kung-fu-bbq-to-benefit-the-collaboratory-tickets-166554148943
Please Note: The Brightside is equipped with UV air filters that sanitize the circulating air and follows all current local, state and federal COVID response practices. Outdoor seat will be available. Please stay home if you have recently experienced COVID-19 symptoms, have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have recently had contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case.
DCDC is “Taking It to the Streets” on Sunday at Levitt Pavilion
HOW TO GO?Spice up your holiday with a special “Holiday at Home” feature with DCDC
After a year that’s kept us all at home, streaming our entertainment, I think it’s safe say we’re feeling a little Netflixed out. We’ve seen it ALL. Well, if you’re looking for something holiday themed, original, fabulous and local – check out the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s virtual “Home for the Holidays” performance this weekend.
Whether you’re new to modern dance, or a connoisseur, this show is both an opportunity for new patrons experience dance, as well as a dose of what longtime arts fans have been missing this year. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the holidays with our own world-class dance company through cheerful dance and song!
How to tune in? That’s the best part: it’s at your convenience. Buy a ticket and enjoy a single viewing of the performance sometime from Saturday, December 26, 2020 until Tuesday, December 29, 2020.
“This production will beckon us towards the memories that remind us of the things we treasure most: family, community, and home,” the company stated. They invite the community to “let this moving, joyful experience warm your family’s heart during the holiday season.”
Not only is this cozy production a great way to break up the online monotony with something cultural and original, purchasing access to this performance is also a great way to support this treasured local arts institution. All performing arts organizations could greatly use the community’s support during this challenging time.
After the performance, there will be a special feature where DCDC’s dancers perform their favorite holiday fireside stories. The company invites you to follow along with their special craft making session, which is perfect for the entire family. This is an up close and personal way for the dancers to share their memories of hope and joy with the community.
Ticket Information
Get your tickets at daytonlive.org or call 937-228-3630. $26.50 each.
This broadcast will be available for a single viewing between 12 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020 and 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Information about how to access the stream will be included on your email confirmation.
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company: www.dcdc.org
The Rubi Girls present “The Show Must Go On” virtually
Every nonprofit has had to pivot their fundraisers to online events, and The Rubi Girls are no exception. The group has awarded millions to a variety of local charities, and they’re determined to keep giving, especially now, when the need is greatest.
The Rubi Girl’s annual Thanksgiving production “The Show Must Go On” will be presented online on Saturday November 28th at 7:30pm and will also be accessible anytime after it starts.
The Rubi Girls were formed over 35 years ago, when a small group of friends started putting on drag shows for their own amusement. They later became a 501c3 dedicated to helping others. They’ve truly shown that giving to others can be outrageously fun and rewarding!
The tickets to the virtual performance and fundraiser are $25, which comes with your own copy of the 2021 Rubi Girls calendar. Calendars can be shipped anywhere in the US or picked up at the Rubi Girls Clubhouse on Friday November 27th from 11-2pm or Saturday November 28th from 11-2pm.
TO BUY TICKETS: https://www.therubigirls.com/shop
Mavin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” brought to life by the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
Almost 50 years ago, Marvin Gaye, the Prince of Motown, released the album What’s Going On to great acclaim. On Sunday, November 22, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) invites you to join them for an online watch party as their dance artists interpret the music of one of the world’s greatest vocalists!
The classic 1971 soul album was written at a tumultuous time in American history, when the Vietnam war was raging, young people were disillusioned, while millions of Americans continued to fight for racial justice. Nearly 50 years later, the songs and emotions from What’s Going On resonate now more than ever.
DCDC is interpreting Gaye’s work at the newly remodeled Rose Auditorium, inside the Dayton Art Institute. However, one piece will be shot on location at the Balsley House in the Oregon District. Both locations offer a new and exciting experience for DCDC fans and dancers alike!
After the virtual production, DCDC invites audiences to Lights Up!, a curated online conversation with the artists, which will immediately follow the performance via zoom.
The initial broadcast of this performance premieres on Sunday November 22nd at 4pm. There will also be a rebroadcast available for viewing between 12 a.m. on Saturday November 28 and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday November 29. Information about how to access the rebroadcast will be included on your email confirmation.
HOW TO WATCH:
NOTE: Information about how to access the live watch party via Zoom will be included in your email confirmation. Please plan to log into the Zoom event at least 15 minutes before the watch party begins
MORE INFO: Visit dcdc.org or visit DCDC on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
Remarkable Jazz Duo Returns to The Brightside!
I run into lots of folks who have been missing the jazz offerings at Gilly’s, or the listening room vibe at Canal Street Tavern. At The Brightside Music & Event Venue, we are hosting an upcoming performance that is just for those missing those powerful, intimate performances. Jennifer Hartswick & Nicholas Cassarino Duo, are a truly remarkable jazz duo that you don’t want to miss!
The Brightside is thrilled to host this duo, who are back after popular demand! Last year they moved our audience to tears with their powerful jazz-fusion originals featuring Jennifer’s beautiful voice and trumpet accompaniment, along with Nick’s masterful, and even sexy, guitar work. Blues guitarist Steven Gregory, kicks off this exclusive performance. He wowed local audiences during the recent Dayton Battle of the Bands, earning himself a spot in the finals.
Jennifer’s live performances are renowned as spontaneous, joyful and contagious. Her natural charisma and sincerity shines through, and each performance is a celebration of musical collaboration. And whether she is wailing on the trumpet or singing an intimate vocal solo, her performance is all part of a single seamless instrument, one that is played not only with astounding technical proficiency, but also with sensitivity, conviction and heart. Hartswick is an original member of the Trey Anastasio Band and has recorded/shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, Phish, Christian McBride, Tom Petty, Aaron Neville, Carlos Santana, The Rolling Stones, Big Gigantic, Dave Matthews and countless others.
Nicholas Cassarino was born in Vermont into a musical family. He started singing publicly at age 5 and at age 11 began playing guitar. Through the genres of punk rock, classic rock, and folk he began studying jazz. The doors of jazz opened him up to classical, gospel, soul, hip-hop, funk, and music from around the world. In 2013 he formed his current touring outfit The Nth Power with Nikki Glaspie (Beyonce) and Nate Edgar (John Browns Body). They have been touring nationally and internationally since 2014 and have released an ep, full length studio album, live album, and will release a new studio album in the fall of 2018.
How to Go?
Tuesday March 10, 2020
The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton).
Doors 7pm. Show 7:30pm.
Pre-Sale Tickets $15: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/jennifer-hartswick-nick-cassarino-duo
Day of Show $18.
All ages welcome. Handicapped accessible. On site parking.
Ekoostik Hookah back in Dayton with Subterranean
For nearly 30 years, əkoostik hookah, Ohio’s original jam band, has been touring and inspiring musicians across the nation. Many of Dayton’s own psychedelic rock bands have been inspired by this talented group, including Subterranean, Dayton’s own up-and-coming powerhouse!
It’s been a few years since əkoostik hookah has performed on a Dayton stage, so it’s particularly exciting to have them back downtown for a show on the big ballroom stage at The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Friday February 28, 2020.
For old fans, seeing Hookah, as they are affectionally known, is a walk down memory late. Founding members, Dave Katz (keys, vocals, acoustic guitar), Steve Sweney (guitar), and longstanding drummer, Eric Lanese, have been the mainstays, providing the foundation and longevity that few acts have been able to maintain. Eric Sargent (guitar, vocals) arrived in 2010 and Matt Paetsch in 2018 (bass).
For new fans, this is an opportunity to rediscover not only one of Ohio’s most recognized and influential acts in the touring music scene, it’s also a chance to see the next generation in Subterranean! They approach improvisation with intent, pushing stylistic boundaries with their infectious grooves. Each show is truly a unique experience!
HOW TO GO?
When: Friday February 28, 2020. Doors 7:30pm / Music starts at 8:30pm
Where: The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton. On site parking available.
Cost: $12 adv ticket available at link above or via SoundValleyDayton.com / $15 day of show
Who: All ages welcome! Handicapped accessible.
DCDC’s Retro/ACTIVE with Special Guest Sparkle
After a stunning retirement announcement, Sheri “Sparkle” Williams will re-perform her final solo dance entitled Altar-ing at the up-coming Dayton Contemporary Dance Company performance Retro/ACTIVE on Saturday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 9 at 4pm at the Victoria Theatre, located at 138 N. Main St. in Dayton.
Sparkle, is an icon not only in the Miami Valley, but known through-out the contemporary dance world. She was the Individual Performance Winner of 1997 NYC Bessie Award and 2014 Ohio Governor’s Award for Individual Artist. People will be flocking to the Victoria to witness Sparkle’s final performance, and pay homage to her dance legacy.
The mixed repertory show also features a nod to Black History Month with Warren Spear’s On the Wings of Angels (premiered 1996), which is a soaring tribute to the Tuskegee airman. The performance also brings back Vespers (premiered 1986), Ulysses Dove’s touching poetic tribute to womanhood, and Indestructible (premiered 2018), Abby Zbikowski’s tribute to the endurance of those who struggle for justice. There will also be a world-premiere and special unveiling of a new work by DCDC’s Chief Artistic Administrator and Producing Director, Debbie Blunden-Diggs.
HOW TO GO?
Retro/ACTIVE
Saturday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 9 at 4pm
Victoria Theatre, located at 138 N. Main St. in Dayton.
Tickets for Retro/ACTIVE are available at www.ticketcenterstage.com or by calling 937-228-3630.
For the latest opportunities to engage with DCDC, visit www.dcdc.org and connect with us on social media: Facebook/Instagram: @daytoncontemporarydancecompany & Twitter: @DCDCLive.
Exciting indie tour at Brightside Sunday Jan 26th
You know what they say in the live music world: Never miss a Sunday show! This Sunday, January 26th is certainly one of those instances. BravoArtist is bringing an exciting indie tour to The Brightside Music & Event Venue featuring the up-and-coming pop-rock band Mike Mains & The Branches.
A big bonus to this particular show: three amazing area bands kicking off an evening of live music: Gabe Maas and the Bruins, The American Landscape and Year of the Buffalo. The best part? The value. Tickets are only $13 advance, $15 day of show. Such a deal for this amount of raw musical talent!
How to Go?
Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
When: Sunday, January 26, 2020. Doors 6pm. Show 7pm.
Who: All ages welcome! Handicapped accessible. On site parking.
Cost: $13 advance. $15 day of show.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mike-mains-the-branches-at-brightside-126-tickets-86353751395
Rock Bands Unite to Help Beat Cancer at Blind Bob’s
I say it often: the Dayton music community is full of the most generous people I know. It’s often a two way street, and this weekend, musicians take care of three of their biggest supporters, who are currently battling cancer. If you love rock’n’roll, this show is a win-win all around!
Night of the Beat (Cancer) takes place at Blind Bob’s on Saturday January 25th, to benefit Jaime Testa, Amanda Hensler and Tyler Gilcher. All three of them have been major supporters of the Dayton music community, staples in the Oregon District, and have huge hearts! They absolutely deserve a fantastic party in their honor, raising money to help them continue their fight.
Music is of course on the agenda! Four area rock bands that are donating their time and talents to this party, including: Abertooth Lincoln, Weathervein, Business Casuals, and We Are The Movies.
Sabrina Cox, one of the organizers of this event, explains what makes this event so special: “Last year was really hard for Oregon District, and Dayton as a whole. In the midst of all the tragedies, three beloved members of the Oregon District community were also fighting cancer. We are a community that comes together to love each other in every situation – and this is no exception. The Cancer Cuties, as we lovingly call them, are our friends, family, and neighbors. All the money collected at the door goes directly to them.”
How to Go?
Saturday January 25th at Blind Bob’s
Doors 9pm
$7 at the door (additional donations encouraged!)
21+
Dayton Battle of the Bands Launches 6 Week Series
The Dayton Battle of the Bands launches as a 6 week series, starting this week on January 14, 2020, running through February 25, 2020. The goal with this friendly competition is to shine light on new and upcoming bands in the Dayton area, while providing a prize package that helps launch them to their next level!
This new endeavor is a collaboration between The Brightside Music & Event Venue, Sound Valley, and Venus Child Productions. Carli Dixon, the owner and powerhouse behind The Brightside explained the motivation for this series: “Dayton has a long history of musical innovation, and we want to help elevate the next generation of Dayton talent.” For that reason, this competition is only open to bands and musical acts that have been performing (in their current entity) five years or less and are within a 35 mile radius of downtown Dayton.
Twenty local acts were selected by a judge’s panel, with genres ranging from hip hop to metal, and from Americana to electronic originals. The prize package for the winner includes an EP session with famed sound engineer Patrick Himes at Reel Love Recording Studio, a music video with Sound Valley, professional photo shoot with Mike Jones, and a premiere spot on the big stage at The Brightside for the Sound Valley Winter Music Festival. Along with support from those professionals, WYSO 91.3 FM and Prime Time Party Rental are sponsoring this first year’s competition.
Week 1 kicks off on January 14th and continues every Tuesday evening through February 25, 2020, which is when the finals will be held. In case of in-climate weather, February 18th will be used as a make up date. See full schedule and details on how to go below:
How to Go:
Where: The Brightside at 905 E 3rd St Dayton 45402
When: Week 1- Jan 14, 2020 / Week 2 – Jan 21, 2020 / Week 3 – Jan 28, 2020 / Week 4 – Feb 4, 2020 / Week 5 – Feb 11, 2020 / Week 6 – Rain date make up on Feb 18, 2020 (if needed) / Finals – Feb 25, 2020
Time: Doors 7pm, music starts promptly at 7:40 after some announcements
Cost: $5 advance tickets via https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/ – OR $10 at the door
Schedule: Band 1 – 7:40pm / Band 2 – 8:20 / Band 3 – 9:00 / Band 4 – 9:40
Music ends at 10pm. Winner announced at 10:30
All ages welcome! Handicapped accessible. On site parking available.
NOTE: Due to the volume of participants, there will be no friends and family guest list.
Muse Machine presents “In The Heights” with bonus Pre-Show Celebration!
One the Dayton’s most valuable assets is its robust arts community, from visual art, music, and all forms of performing arts. We cultivate that talent in our youth, through innovative programs like Muse Machine, which serves over 75,000 students in southwest Ohio.
Every January, Muse Machine presents a musical that features more than 100 young people from across the Miami Valley. I was re-introduced to these musical performances last year, and I was simply blown away by the talent these teenagers display. There is no doubt, several . are bound for Broadway!
This year Muse Machine presents “In the Heights“, a musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Hamilton). The story explores three days of the characters’ lives in the NYC Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights. On the brink of change, friends and family bring their hopes and dreams to life. The score features hip-hop, salsa, meringue and soul music.
The Muse Machine musical has been praised by The Dayton Daily News as “a performing arts all-star effort,” while The Oakwood Register has called it “an evening of true theatrical joy… ” You can see it for yourself Thursday January 16th through Sunday January 19th at the Victoria Theatre in Dayton, Ohio, January 16-19, 2020. Tickets available now through Ticket Center Stage.
Of course attending the performance is a fantastic way to support the organization. If you want to go above and beyond, and have some pre-show fun with fabulous people, consider attending Muse Machine’s annual Social & Show from 5:30 – 7:30 on Friday, January 17, 2020.
There you’ll enjoy cocktails & heavy hors d’oeuvres at Table 33. Each ticket will include food and two drink tickets with choice theatre seating. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss! Ticket sales for the Social & Show end January 11, 2020, so don’t delay!
HOW TO GO?
Social & Show Pre-Show Party / Fundraiser
Friday, January 17, 2020
5:30 – 7:30pm
Cocktails & heavy hors d’oeuvres
Table 33 (130 W 2nd St, Dayton OH 45402)
Muse Machine presents the hit musical
IN THE HEIGHTS at 8pm
From Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of HAMILTON
Victoria Theatre (138 N Main St, Dayton OH 45402)
Each ticket includes food, two drink tickets and deluxe theatre seating (seats will be assigned on a first come, first served basis). $45 Ticket for Social only / $100 Social & Show
For info and registration: http://musemachine.com/social/
In the Heights performances:
Thursday January 16, 2020 7pm
Friday, January 17, 2020 8pm
Saturday, January 18, 2020 3pm
Saturday, January 18, 2020 8pm
Sunday January 19, 20020 2pm
Tickets start at $27 and can be purchased here: https://my.ticketcenterstage.com/overview/6144?fbclid=IwAR04TtWvd-b5JrnGUPpTueUuNmU0tlgtFZOS2nboT3JzjTZBIG_wUJYA77w