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Dayton Dance Initiative Presents “The Light In Between”

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The Dayton Dance Initiative proudly announces its 8th season performance, The Light In Between, presented June 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the PNC Arts Annex in downtown Dayton.

This season features five new dance works choreographed and performed by artists from Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Cincinnati Ballet, Mutual Dance Theater, and an emerging student choreographer from Wright State University. The production continues Dayton Dance Initiative’s mission of fostering collaboration, artistic exchange, and innovative contemporary performance within the region’s professional dance community.

A major milestone for the organization, The Light In Between also marks Dayton Dance Initiative’s first-ever choreographic commission with an artist outside of Dayton. Supported through the Allegro Grant from The Dayton Foundation, the commission welcomes acclaimed artist David Morse of Cincinnati Ballet into the company’s expanding creative network.

Rooted in intimacy and connection, performances at the PNC Arts Annex place audiences in close proximity to the artists and creative process. Each evening will conclude with a post-show talkback, inviting audiences into deeper dialogue with the choreographers and performers.

“This season opens a new threshold for Dayton Dance Initiative,” says Artistic and Executive Director Jennifer Sydor. “Rooted in trust, time, and exchange, this first choreographic commission reflects our belief that connection-like light-travels, arrives, and reshapes the space it enters. What we practice here does not end in this space; it returns with us-not as answers, but as a subtle transformation that continues unfolding beyond the performance.”

Tickets are available through Dayton Live Ticketing, with prices ranging from $20-$36.50 plus fees. Student and professional artist discounts are available by phone or in person through the box office only by calling 937-228-3630.

Performance Information
The Light In Between

June 26 & 27, 2026 — 7:30 p.m.

PNC Arts Annex
46 W. Second Street, Dayton, OH
Tickets: $20-$36.50 plus fees

Student and professional discounts available through call in or the box office only.
Ticket link: Purchase Tickets Here

For more information, visit Dayton Dance Initiative

Petty Thieves Are Coming to The Brightside and They Won’t Back Down

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There are certain songs that don’t just play, they land. They hit you somewhere between the chest and the memory, and suddenly you’re seventeen again, windows down, singing like no one’s watching. Tom Petty had a gift for writing those songs, and this Saturday night, a Dayton all-star band is keeping that gift alive.

Petty Thieves make their Brightside debut on Saturday, March 28th, and if you’ve ever loved a Tom Petty song, this is the show you didn’t know you needed right now.

The Petty Thieves aren’t just a cover band running through the hits on autopilot. They’re a local group with a genuine love for the man and his music, and on Saturday they’ll perform two full sets, one packed with the greatest hits everyone knows by heart, and a second diving deeper into the catalog with the kind of fan-favorite deep cuts that remind you just how rich that body of work really is. From the anthems to the album tracks, it’s going to be a night that does the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer proud.

The Brightside, tucked into the East Third Street corridor at 905 E. 3rd St., is exactly the kind of room a night like this deserves: warm, intimate, and built for music that means something. It’s all ages, so bring the whole crew!

Tom Petty always said he wrote for the people who felt like outsiders, the dreamers, the ones who refused to give up. Dayton has always been that kind of city. Saturday night at The Brightside, it all comes together.

🎸 The Petty Thieves — A Tribute to Tom Petty

📍 The Brightside | 905 E. 3rd St., Dayton, OH 45402

🗓 Saturday, March 28 | Doors 7 PM | Show 8–10 PM

👨‍👩‍👧 All Ages Welcome

🎟 Tickets: venuepilot.com

Montgomery County’s Special Projects Grant Now Accepting Applications

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Arts and cultural organizations across Montgomery County have the opportunity to bring creative projects to life. Applications for the 2026–2027 Special Projects Grant opened today, March 20, with up to $275,000 in total funding available through the Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District.

Dayton Dance Initiative is a past recipient of Special Projects Grant funding

Administered by Venus Child Productions, the grant awards up to $15,000 per project to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government agencies located in or primarily serving Montgomery County. This cycle features an extended 18-month project window running from July 2026 through December 2027, giving organizations more time and flexibility to plan and execute their work.

Eligible projects span six categories: Cultural Heritage, Cultural & Multi-Arts, Education, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts. In a notable change from previous cycles, the Letter of Intent phase has been removed. Applicants now proceed directly to the full application.

“We want to make this process as accessible as possible,” said Libby Ballengee, Program Administrator at Venus Child Productions. “Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a returning grantee, the streamlined application and extended timeline are designed to support strong, thoughtful projects.”

Two free virtual information sessions are scheduled for prospective applicants:

Signature Educational Solutions

Both sessions will be recorded and posted online. New applicants are especially encouraged to attend.

The application deadline is Friday, May 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST.

Full program guidelines, FAQs, and the online application are available at specialprojectsgrant.com.

Paid Leave Takes the Crown as Dayton Battle of the Bands Delivers Its Biggest Night Yet

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A sold-out Brightside ballroom, six fierce finalists, and a packed house that proved Dayton’s music scene is very much alive and loud.

If you weren’t at The Brightside’s Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale, you missed something special, and you probably heard about it from someone who was. The ballroom hit capacity, the energy was electric from the first chord to the last note, and somewhere in the crowd, a kid in the front row was watching a local band tear it up like it was the most important thing they’d ever seen. Maybe it was.

This year’s Battle of the Bands was a landmark. For the first time, all playoff rounds were held inside The Brightside’s ballroom and the finale sold out completely. Six bands, Catsteel, Good Soup, Obscured, Paid Leave, Tronee Threat, and Yuppie, brought everything they had to one of Dayton’s most beloved stages. The level of talent on display was a reminder that this city’s music scene is alive and well.

Paid Leave wins the 2026 Dayton Battle of the Bands. Photo by Victoria Swearingen

AND THE WINNER IS…

Paid Leave took home the top prize, with Good Soup earning runner-up honors and Yuppie finishing third. But ask anyone in that room and they’ll tell you all six bands showed up to win. The prize package for the champion is no joke: a headlining performance at Levitt Pavilion this summer, a recording session with Huge Face Productions, a merch package from Little Monster Printing, and $1,000 courtesy of The Brightside. That’s the kind of launchpad that can change a band’s trajectory.

THE AFTER PARTY (A FIRST)

This year also marked the first-ever Battle of the Bands After Party, hosted by Toxic Brew and headlined by past winner Freakquency. Because why let a legendary night end before it has to? Big thanks to title sponsors Tony & Pete’s and all the sponsors who helped make 2026’s Battle of the Bands the biggest one yet.

Dayton’s music scene has always punched above its weight. Events like Battle of the Bands are why, and if the next generation of fans crowding The Brightside’s ballroom is any indication, it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Gem City Groundlings Brings Tony Award–Winning Dark Comedy God of Carnage to Dayton This March

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Civility doesn’t stand a chance — and the results are absolutely hilarious.

Dayton’s Gem City Groundlings is bringing the Tony Award–winning dark comedy God of Carnage to the stage this month, and if the material is any indication, audiences are in for one unforgettable night out.

Written by playwright Yasmina Reza, the play drops audiences inside the Novaks’ living room, where two sets of parents gather to calmly sort out a playground altercation between their kids. Mature. Measured. Completely adult about it. For about five minutes. What unfolds from there is a razor-sharp, escalating demolition of social niceties — egos collide, alliances flip, and the thin veneer of civilized behavior peels back to reveal something far more entertaining underneath.

It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh, squirm, and quietly wonder if you’ve been in that exact living room before.

For Gem City Groundlings, it’s a natural fit. The company has built its local reputation on bold, actor-driven work that doesn’t shy away from complexity — and God of Carnage is exactly that kind of theatre. Sharp, intimate, and impossible to look away from.

A Few Dates Worth Noting

The run kicks off March 4 with a Preview Night, and Sunday, March 8 is Pay-What-You-Can Donation Day — a great opportunity to catch a sharp production at your own price.

Performance Schedule

God of Carnage plays two Dayton-area venues this month:

The Lift — March 4–8 114 S. June St., Dayton, OH 45404

Brick and Beam Event Center — March 12–14 55714 Hills Ave., Kettering, OH 45414

Tickets and info at gemcitygroundlings.com — or follow Gem City Groundlings on social media for updates.

 

 

Dayton Has a Music Scene. Battle of the Bands Is Proving It.

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The Bruins performing at Dayton Battle of the Bands at The Brightside

Six local bands battle for the crown at The Brightside on March 7, and the whole city’s invited.

If you’ve spent any time in Dayton’s music scene lately, you’ve probably felt it, something is happening here. New artists are finding audiences. Bands that used to play for twenty people are playing for two hundred. The 2026 Dayton Battle of the Bands didn’t cause all of that, but it’s been a pretty good mirror for it.

Six weeks. Twenty-seven bands. Hundreds of people showing up on weeknights to hear original music from artists they’d never heard of before. And now, on Saturday, March 7 at The Brightside Music & Event Venue, it all comes down to one night.

The six acts advancing to the Finale each won their respective genre night, earning their spot in front of a live crowd that voted with their applause and their feet. The bands include: Obscured, Catsteel, Tronee Threat, Good Soup, Yuppie, and Paid Leave.

Libby Ballengee has been running Venus Child Productions and booking at The Brightside long enough to know what a good scene looks like and what it takes to build one.

“Battle of the Bands isn’t just a competition, it’s an engine for growth,” she says. “Over six weeks, dozens of bands built professional skills, captured images and video, and put themselves in front of bookers, festival organizers, and audiences who are actively engaged in Dayton’s creative economy. That’s real ecosystem building.”

sheller performing at The Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale

Of the 27 acts that competed this season, every single one walked away with something stage time, exposure, connections, content. The six in the Finale just happen to be the ones still standing.

The Finale is a general admission, all-ages show at The Brightside, one of Dayton’s best rooms for live music. Doors open at 6:00 PM, music starts at 7:00 PM, and the night runs until 11:00 PM. Every ticket ($15 advance / $20 day-of) comes with one vote toward the championship, so you’re not just watching, you’re part of the decision.

New this year, you can pre-order sandwiches from Tony & Pete’s with your ticket for pickup at the venue. Because good music tastes better on a full stomach.

The winner walks away with a $1,000 cash prize, a professional EP recording session at Huge Face Productions, a custom merchandise package from Little Monster Printing, and a performance slot at Levitt Pavilion Dayton’s summer concert series, one of the most visible stages in the city.

Every finalist receives $250 cash, a live music video from Sound Valley with audio mastering from Huge Face Productions and Dayton Sound Studios, a merchandise discount from Little Monster Printing, and gift cards from Music Go Round and Dayton Pizza Factory. Not bad for a Tuesday night out.

The Details: Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale

Saturday, March 7, 2026

The Brightside Music & Event Venue

905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH 45402

Doors 6:00 PM | Show 7:00 PM | All Ages

Tickets: $15 advance / $20 day of show

https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/dayton-battle-of-the-bands-2026-finale-2026-03-07-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-b892e6

daytonbattleofthebands.com  |  thebrightsidedayton.com

The 2026 Dayton Battle of the Bands is presented by The Brightside in partnership with Venus Child Productions and Sound Valley.

Early St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Coming to The Brightside with Scythian

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If you’re looking to kick off St. Patrick’s Day season in style, mark your calendar for Friday, March 6th because Scythian is rolling into The Brightside and they are not coming to play it quiet.

Scythian (pronounced “sith-ee-yin”) is a DC-based Celtic-Americana powerhouse that blends Irish folk, Eastern European roots, Appalachian bluegrass, and flat-out rock energy into one of the most infectious live shows on the touring circuit. The Washington Post put it simply: “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.” Scythian That’s the vibe — and The Brightside on East Third Street is the perfect room for it.

Founded by Ukrainian-American brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka, the band started out as street performers busking in Old Town Alexandria before building a devoted national following. The quartet — featuring Alexander on fiddle, mandolin, and vocals; Danylo on guitar, accordion, and vocals; Ethan Dean on bass and percussion; and Johnny Rees on drums — brings various folk traditions together into something technically precise and undeniably fun. Scythian Nashville’s Music City Roots called it “what happens when rock star charisma meets Celtic dervish fiddling.” Scythian

In short: expect to be on your feet.

Doors open at 5 PM for VIP ticket holders, who get a Meet & Greet Happy Hour with the band plus guaranteed premium seating — a great deal if you want a little face time with these guys before the music starts. General admission doors follow at 6 PM, with the show running until 10 PM. Tickets are $20 in advance and $27 day of show. The event is all ages, with a chaperone required for guests under 16.

The Brightside is located at 905 E. Third Street in Dayton.

Grab your tickets now at Eventbrite before the advance price runs out — this one’s going to sell.

How to Go? Scythian at The Brightside

Friday, March 6, 2026

VIP Doors: 5 PM

General Doors: 6 PM

905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH

Tickets: $20 advance / $27 DOS

All Ages

Get tickets on Eventbrite

INNOVAtheatre Brings For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf to Dayton This February

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Dayton’s artistic pulse is set to thrum with poetry, movement, and powerful truth-telling as INNOVAtheatre presents For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf, the iconic “choreopoem” by celebrated playwright Ntozake Shange. This landmark piece of American theatre arrives at the Edward A. Dixon Gallery in downtown Dayton for a limited run February 20-22, 2026, offering audiences an intimate, unfiltered exploration of Black womanhood.

Originally premiering in 1976 and coined a choreopoem — blending poetry, dance, music, and drama — Shange’s work follows seven women through interwoven monologues that traverse love, trauma, resilience, reclamation, and sisterhood. Each performer embodies a color of the rainbow, using vivid language and evocative movement to bring their stories to life. Themes in the piece are rich and deeply human, confronting issues from abandonment and violence to joy and collective healing.

INNOVAtheatre’s production features a mature, sophisticated ensemble that promises to honor the emotional depth and narrative courage of Shange’s vision. Performed within the evocative space of the Edward A. Dixon Gallery — itself hosting Resilience, a Black History Month art exhibit — this staging invites audiences into an immersive experience that blurs the line between gallery and stage.

Performances run:

  • Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.

  • Saturday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m.

  • Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are available now, with general admission offered on a first-come, first-seated basis. Patrons are encouraged to be mindful that the production contains mature themes, including discussions of mental health, domestic violence, loss, and strong language, and is recommended for ages 16 and up.

This presentation not only honors a seminal work in American theatre but also underscores Dayton’s commitment to bold storytelling and inclusive cultural programming. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Shange’s choreopoem or experiencing it for the first time, this production is poised to leave a lasting impression long after the final bow.

Dayton Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty

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Join the Dayton Ballet for an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages, THE SLEEPING BEAUTY unfolds like a beautiful dream – where good triumphs over evil, love breaks a curse, and music and dancing transport you to a world of fantasy. You’ve seen the movie, but the ballet is an immersive experience for the senses boasting lush scenery, gorgeous recognizable music, and dazzling dancing.

How to Go?
Friday, Feb 20, 7:30PM – Buy Tickets
Saturday, Feb 21, 7:30PM – Buy Tickets
Sunday, Feb 22, 2:30PM – Buy Tickets
At the Schuster Center

Live at The Brightside: HYRYDER Brings the Grateful Dead Spirit to Dayton

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Get ready to ride the sonic wave with one of the most dynamic Grateful Dead tribute bands in the scene! Hyryder rolls into The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Saturday, February 28 for a night of improvisational grooves, extended jams, and faithful renditions of beloved Dead classics that have echoed through generations of music lovers.

Known for their passionate performances and deep reverence for the spirit of the Dead, Hyryder has carved out a reputation for delivering electrifying shows that capture the heart of Jerry Garcia’s legacy while inviting audiences on a fresh, psychedelic journey. Expect winding instrumental passages, soaring melodies, and that unmistakable feeling of communal connection that makes Grateful Dead music timeless.

This performance marks a special night in Dayton as Hyryder transforms The Brightside into a crossroads of rhythm and nostalgia, perfect for longtime Deadheads and curious newcomers alike. Whether you’re chasing the familiar licks of “Sugar Magnolia” or lost in the trance of “Dark Star”-era explorations, this show promises a vibrant celebration of musical creativity.

Details:
• Hyryder at The Brightside Music & Event Venue
• Saturday, February 28
• Doors: 7:00pm / Show: 8–11pm
• Tickets available now — grab yours and hit add to calendar!

Pull on your tie-dye, bring a friend, and tune in for a night where the music lives on in every note. 🎸🌈

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “Office Space” Movie Party

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Yeah… Hi. We’re Gonna Need You to Come in on Sunday.

Office Space Movie Party with Dayton Dinner Theater

If you’ve ever fantasized about smashing a fax machine in a field or quietly plotting your escape from fluorescent lighting and TPS reports, this one’s for you. Office Space is clocking back in for a fully interactive, nostalgia-soaked movie party from Dayton Dinner Theater at The Brightside.

This is not a “sit quietly and watch a movie” situation. It’s an evening of themed food, themed drinks, themed attire, live music, trivia, and plenty of opportunities to bond with fellow cubicle survivors. Think millennium-era office culture, awkward bosses, questionable management decisions, and just enough chaos to make it feel like a workday gone delightfully off the rails.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Office Space or just need an excuse to wear suspenders in public and complain about work with strangers, this interactive movie party promises laughs, comfort food, and just the right amount of corporate satire. So yeah… if you could come in on Sunday, that’d be great.

What’s on the agenda (besides hating your job):

🍕 Themed Food
Snacks and appetizers will be available in the commissary, followed by pizza and salad for your “lunch break.” If there’s a birthday in the room, yes, there will be cake and yes, you might get a piece. Management says morale is important.

🍹 Themed Drinks
Cocktails designed to get you through the workday… or the next century. Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.

👔 Themed Attire
Dig out your best stuffy 1999 office wear. Suspenders encouraged. Extra credit for excessive flair. BYORS (Bring Your Own Red Stapler).

🎶 Music & Trivia
Enjoy themed live music and a “Name That Tune” game inspired by work, bosses, the millennium, fax machines, and the general grind of earning a living.

The Schedule:

📅 Sunday, March 1, 2026
📍 The Brightside | 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
🕔 5:45 PM – Doors open
🕕 6:00–7:00 PM – Food & live music
🎬 7:00 PM – Movie starts
🍰 8:00 PM – Intermission with dessert & trivia
🕘 9:15 PM (ish) – Movie ends, existential dread optional

Tickets & Seating

🎟 $36 per ticket
👉 Tickets available here: https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/office-space-movie-party-with-cake

Table reservations are available for parties of 6 or more. Otherwise, seating is open. For table reservations or questions, email [email protected]

JD Simo + Luther Dickinson Bring a Power-Trio Blues Revival to The Brightside

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Two of the most electrifying forces in modern roots music are joining up for a rare trio performance in Dayton this spring — and it’s the kind of show that doesn’t come around often.

Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars, The Black Crowes) and JD Simo (Chris Isaak, Jack White, Beyoncé) hit The Brightside on Sunday, May 17 with powerhouse drummer Adam Abrashoff for a soul-shaking, roots-infused blues experience that’s equal parts greasy, hypnotic, and wide open.

Dickinson, a four-time Grammy nominee, is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of North Mississippi Allstarsalongside a brand-new album — continuing his long-standing mission to push Hill Country blues forward without sanding down its edges. His playing is deep in tradition but restless by nature, built for groove and exploration.

Simo, meanwhile, has built a career on fearless reinvention. In addition to touring with Chris Isaak, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from Jack White to Beyoncé and recently played a major creative role on the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere, directed by Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart). Simo worked closely with Springsteen and Cooper, supervised the music script, coached lead actor Jeremy Allen White (The Bear), and contributed extensively to the film’s score and soundtrack — a testament to how deeply trusted his musical instincts are.

Together, their chemistry is undeniable. Their collaborative album Do The Rump! has been making serious waves, with the lead single “Come On” hitting #1 on SiriusXM Bluesville. The sound is raw and thrillingly alive — Hill Country trance meets psych-soul meets electrified jam, played without a safety net.

These trio shows are rare. The music is dirty. And the live experience is the point.

Local favorites Strange Ranger open the night, setting the tone before the main event takes over the room.

HOW TO GO:
📍 The Brightside — 905 E Third St, Dayton
📅 Sunday, May 17, 2026
🕕 Doors: 6:00 PM | Show: 7:00 PM
🎟 $20 GA advance | $25 day of show
🪑 Standing show — seating not guaranteed
🍾 Limited reserved tables available
👶 All ages welcome

Get tickets here: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/jd-simo-luther-dickinson-2026-05-17-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-d36fb4

This is one of those shows you feel more than you watch. Catch it live.

Roots, Rhythm, and Relief: Bob Marley Bash Comes to Dayton’s Brightside

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Dayton’s live-music scene turns toward unity and purpose this February as Bob Marley’s legacy takes center stage at The Brightside Music and Event Venue. On Friday, February 6, music lovers and community builders will gather for the Bob Marley Bash: Music, Unity & Jamaica Relief, a night of reggae-infused performance and collective celebration.

The show features a lineup of artists whose sounds span reggae fusion, high-energy grooves, and community flavor. Luv Locz Experiment brings live reggae fusion rooted in soul and rhythm, blending Caribbean funk with uplifting vibes. Da Squad adds spirited energy and flavor to the night’s flow, while DJ YMS keeps the party moving with selections from three Wheels of Steel.

More than a concert, this birthday bash honors Marley’s message of love, resistance, and togetherness. Organizers are using the night to support Jamaica Relief, a fundraising effort for families affected by Hurricane Melissa, with donations and proceeds benefiting the cause.

Hosted with intention and community at its heart, the Bob Marley Bash invites Dayton audiences to move their bodies, lift their spirits, and connect through music that has inspired generations across the globe.

How to GO?

Location: The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Date: February 6

Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM

For tickets and more details, visit thebrightsidedayton.com

THE BATTLE IS BACK: Dayton’s Biggest Musical Showdown Returns to The Brightside

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The search for Dayton’s next breakout artist begins this winter. The Dayton Battle of the Bands is officially back for its sixth season, turning up the volume at The Brightside Music & Event Venue starting Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Dayton Battle of the Bands at The Brightside / Photo contributed

With new title sponsor Tony & Pete’s on board, this year’s competition is more than just a series of concerts, it’s a six-week gauntlet of talent featuring over two dozen local acts. From the heavy riffs of Metal night to the smooth grooves of Funk and Blues, the series offers a front-row seat to the best the Gem City has to offer.

What’s at Stake? This isn’t just for bragging rights. The overall winner will walk away with a massive prize package designed to jumpstart their career:

  • $1,000 Cash Prize

  • EP Recording Session with Huge Face Productions at Dayton Sound Studios

  • A Featured Slot on the Levitt Pavilion Dayton summer series

  • Custom merchandise and professional media assets

“We want every band to feel the ‘win’ of playing to a packed house,” says organizer Libby Ballengee. “Between the professional photos and the industry exposure, this is a launchpad for the entire scene.”

The Schedule:

  • Jan 15: Alternative / Rock

  • Jan 22: Americana / Country / Folk

  • Jan 29: Hip Hop / Rap

  • Feb 5: Hard Rock / Metal / Punk

  • Feb 12: Pop / Rock

  • Feb 19: Funk / Blues / Jam

  • March 7: THE GRAND FINALE

Doors open at 6:30 PM each week. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. All ages welcome! Grab your tickets at daytonbattleofthebands.com

An Evening of Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Global Harmony at Joui Wine

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This Wednesday, Dayton music lovers are invited to experience something truly special: an intimate concert featuring the remarkable musical partnership of trombonist and vocalist Natalie Cressman and composer and guitarist Ian Faquini at Joui Wine. Presented by Venus Child Productions, the evening promises an evening of sophisticated jazz, Brazilian grooves, and enchanting vocals that will transport audiences across continents and musical traditions. Local singer and recent Berklee graduate Kammeron Frost opens up this special evening of live music.

Though calling Cressman and Faquini a duo understates the depth of their musical collaboration, their partnership represents something far more expansive. Hailing from San Francisco and Brasilia respectively, the two artists have cultivated a singular creative communion that draws from their shared love of the Brazilian songbook, jazz, Impressionism, and sophisticated pop songcraft.

What sets this duo apart is their fearless eclecticism. Their original compositions weave lyrics in Portuguese, French, and English into a rich tapestry of sounds that borrows from multiple stylistic traditions. Accompanied by the warm tones of acoustic guitar and trombone, their sumptuous two-part vocal harmonies create a richly orchestrated sound that belies the intimate duo format, seeming to emanate from a much larger ensemble.

Cressman, a trombonist, vocalist, and songwriter, brings sophisticated melodic sensibility to the ensemble, while Faquini’s composition and guitar work provide both harmonic depth and rhythmic vitality. Together, they’ve created a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary, sophisticated yet deeply soulful.

HOW TO GO?

Join Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini for an evening of live music this Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Joui Wine, located at 117 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the show running from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 at the door. This is an event for ages 21 and up.

To learn more about the artists, visit Natalie Cressman’s website

This Must Be the Party Returns to The Brightside for “Stop Making Sense” Celebration

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This Must Be the Party!

Get ready to dance. One of Dayton’s most acclaimed musical events is back, and it’s bringing the legendary energy of The Talking Heads to The Brightside‘s Ballroom this October.

This Must Be the Party returns for an all-star musical celebration that features a complete recreation of the iconic Stop Making Sense album, one of rock music’s most beloved records. If you’ve experienced this event before, you know it’s not just a concert—it’s a full-throttle dance party that captures the experimental spirit and infectious groove of David Byrne’s masterpiece.

The evening kicks off with special guests The Nth Power from New York, a trio that brings together an impressive mix of musical talent and diverse backgrounds. Fronting the band is singer and guitarist Nick Cassarino, whose previous work with the Jennifer Hartswick Band and tours with hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane showcase his versatility across genres.

On bass is Nate Edgar, whose credits include the bands Groovechild and John Brown’s Body, providing the low-end foundation for the group’s groovy sound. Completing the trio is drummer Nikki Glaspie, a powerhouse musician who spent five years as Beyoncé’s world-touring drummer before joining Ivan Neville’s New Orleans funk outfit, Dumpstaphunk.

Together, The Nth Power demonstrates that great music knows no boundaries—bringing together artists from jazz, funk, hip-hop, and rock traditions into one unified sound.

HOW TO GO?

Date: October 10, 2025
Venue: The Brightside (905 E 3rd St., Dayton, OH)
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show Starts: 8:00 PM

Tickets:

  • $25 presale general admission
  • $30 day of show general admission
  • $160 reserved tables with 4 tickets (limited quantity)

Get tickets here: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/this-must-be-the-party-with-special-guests-the-nth-power-2025-10-10-the-brightside-music-event-venue–9dcc83

All ages are welcome, though patrons under 18 will need parental supervision. Those 21 and over should bring valid ID if they wish to purchase beverages.

A heads-up for attendees: this is a standing show with limited seating available for those who need it. This is a dance party, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended—you’ll want to be able to move freely as the music takes you on a journey through one of the greatest albums ever made!