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Raging Nathans Bring Punk Back to Dayton for First Hometown Show in 3 Years

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This Friday, May 29 at the SideDoor at The Brightside is going to get loud. Dayton’s own Raging Nathans are headlining their first hometown show in three years, and they’re not coming back quietly. Expect the melodic punk and full-throttle live energy that’s earned them a following on stages well beyond the Gem City.

They’re bringing friends, too. Sheller, Knavery, and Houseghost round out a four-band bill stacked with Midwest punk energy and heavy riffs. It’s a night built for anyone who likes their Friday fast, fuzzy, and unfiltered.

The details:

Friday, May 29

Doors at 7:00 PM, music at 8:00 PM.

Tickets are $15 presale / $20 day of show (if available)

The Brightside is at 905 E. Third St. in downtown Dayton.

All ages welecome

Grab your tickets before they’re gone: thebrightsidedayton.com

 

 

JD Simo and Luther Dickinson Land at The Brightside This Sunday

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If you’ve been on the fence about this one, this is your reminder. JD Simo, Luther Dickinson, and Adam Abrashoff bring their rare trio show to The Brightside on Sunday, May 17th, and there are still tickets to be had.

We covered the basics back in February: Luther’s lineage with North Mississippi Allstars and his four Grammy nominations, JD’s run from Phil Lesh’s band to Beyoncé’s studio, and the trio’s 2024 record Do The Rump! that topped the SiriusXM Bluesville chart with its single “Come On.” All still true. What’s worth saying now, with the show this weekend, is that this is the kind of date you only realize you should have gone to after everyone you know starts talking about it on Monday.

These three only play together a handful of dates a year. The trio’s much-anticipated second record is forthcoming, and a Sunday night in a 700-cap room is exactly the wrong size to hear them at, in the best way. Once that second record lands and the touring schedule expands, this kind of intimacy goes away.

If you’ve been wanting to make the case to friends in Cincy, Columbus, Indy, or Louisville: Dayton is about 70 minutes from all of them, and Sunday traffic is forgiving. Build a dinner around it. Make it a thing.

Special local guests Strange Ranger will kick off this show at The Brightside in Dayton, OH.

These trio shows are rare. The music is greasy. And this is your chance to feel it live.

HOW TO GO?

Sunday, May 17, 2026

The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)

Doors 6pm / Show 7pm 

$20 general admission advance – https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/event-details/jd-simo-luther-dickinson

$25 day of show 

Limited qty reserved tables available!

All ages welcome

FromOhio Festival Lands in Springfield May 29–30, and Yes, It’s Free!

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Remember IndieCraft? It got a glow-up. The festival formerly known as IndieCraft is back this spring under a new name, a new mission, and a lineup that leans hard into its best instinct: that you don’t actually need to fly anyone in to throw a great music festival in this state. FromOhio Music Festival takes over downtown Springfield Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, with eleven Ohio indie acts, two historic venues, and a weekend of craft beer and local food — all free and open to the public.

The pitch is right there in the name. Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton have quietly been running one of the more interesting regional indie scenes in the country, and FromOhio is built around the idea that a great festival bill doesn’t have to look outward to fill itself out. This year’s lineup is a real cross-section of where the corridor is right now:

  • The Ophelias (Cincinnati) are arriving fresh off Spring Grove, their new Julien Baker–produced LP on Get Better Records
  • Carriers (Cincinnati) — Curt Kiser’s heartland-rock-meets-dream-pop project is touring behind their 2025 LP Every Time I Feel Afraid. Stereogum’s been calling them “dreamy, Dylan-esque” for a reason.
  • M Ross Perkins (Dayton) is a 60s-inspired psych-pop charmer, written up in American Songwriter and Uncut
  • crabswithoutlegs (Dayton / Columbus) is an amazing 12-piece neo-soul-fusion powerhouse and 2023 Dayton Battle of the Bands winners
  • Heather Redman & The Reputation, Mol Sullivan, Visitor, Multi Ultra, Novel Vibrations, Rug, and Jess Lamb rounding out the bill across indie, soul, shoegaze, and rock

Mol Sullivan is one of the performers at this year’s FromOhio Music Festival

Performances split between Mother Stewart’s Brewing (a craft brewery in a beautiful old downtown warehouse) and the historic State Theatre, which are both walkable and genuinely lovely venues to see a band in. More food vendor and brewery partner announcements are rolling out in the weeks ahead, so keep an eye on socials.

Springfield’s about 30 minutes up I-70. Call it a day trip, call it a mini-vacation, call it the easiest free weekend on your spring calendar, but get it on the calendar!

The details:

  • When: Friday, May 29 & Saturday, May 30, 2026
  • Where: Mother Stewart’s Brewing (102 W. Columbia St.) & the State Theatre (19 S. Fountain Ave.), Downtown Springfield
  • Cost: Free and open to the public
  • More info & schedule: fromohiofest.com | @FromOhioFest | search “FromOhio” on Spotify for the official playlist

Friday Live music from Mycota + crabswithoutlegs at The Brightside

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If your week needs a hard left turn into something genuinely interesting, the Sidedoor Room has you covered tonight. Mycota and crabswithoutlegs share a bill that sits squarely in the jazz fusion / experimental lane, the kind of show that rewards close listening and tends to leave you hunting for the Bandcamp page on the drive home.

The Sidedoor is the perfect room for this. Smaller, more intimate, and built for music where dynamics actually matter. Limited reserved tables are still available if you want to settle in and really hear it.

The details

  • Friday, May 1
  • The Brightside Sidedoor Room @ 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
  • Doors 7:30 PM / Show 8:00 PM
  • All Ages
  • $15 advance / $20 day of show

Henhouse Prowlers Bring Bluegrass to The Brightside

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Thursday, May 7 | Doors 7PM

There’s bluegrass, and then there’s bluegrass that’s been around the world a few times.

Chicago’s Henhouse Prowlers fall squarely in the second camp. For two decades, the four-piece — Ben Wright on banjo, Chris Dollar on guitar, Jon Goldfine on bass, and Jake Howard on mandolin — have been crisscrossing the globe at a pace most bands couldn’t survive: 34 countries, 5 continents, and a songbook that’s picked up souvenirs from every stop. They land at The Brightside this Thursday, May 7, and if you’ve never caught them live, this is the one to break the streak for.

The Prowlers are rooted in bluegrass and classic country, but trying to pin them there misses the point. Their latest record, Unravel, was produced by Stephen Mougin of the Sam Bush Band and lands as their most expansive work yet — road-worn storytelling, flashes of modern Americana, and the kind of ferocious picking that reminds you why this music has stuck around for a hundred years. The four-part harmonies are gorgeous. The chops are absurd. But the real reason to show up is what happens between the songs.

That’s where 20 years of touring earns its keep. The Prowlers don’t just play sets — they tell stories. Tales from the road get woven through the songbook, and somewhere in the night you’re likely to hear a bluegrassy take on a tune in a language you’ve never encountered before. As founding members of Bluegrass Ambassadors and longtime partners of the U.S. State Department, they’ve taken American roots music to places it rarely travels and brought pieces of those places home with them. It’s a band that genuinely believes music builds bridges words can’t — and after two decades of doing the work, they’ve got the receipts.

The Brightside is exactly the right room for this kind of show. Intimate enough to catch every harmony, loose enough to lean into the between-song stories, and the kind of venue where a band that’s logged this many miles can actually unwind and play.

Come hear what 20 years of chasing something beautiful sounds like.

Henhouse Prowlers at The Brightside

🗓️ Thursday, May 7, 2026

🚪 Doors 7PM / Show 7:30PM

📍 The Brightside — 905 E. 3rd St., Dayton

🎟️ $20 advance / $25 day of show

👨‍👩‍👧 All Ages

Ticket link 

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

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.

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

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. 🎸🌈

SCYTHIAN Returns to The Brightside to Kick Off St. Patrick’s Season in High Gear

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If you like your Celtic music turned all the way up, circle Friday, March 6 on your calendar.

Internationally touring Celtic rock band Scythian is bringing their electric live show back to The Brightside Music & Event Venue, and Dayton better be ready. Known for their relentless energy, tight musicianship, and infectious stage presence, Scythian doesn’t just play a show — they ignite one.

This isn’t your sit-in-your-seat kind of concert. Expect a high-octane fusion of Celtic traditions, folk influences, and rock intensity that feels tailor-made for kicking off St. Patrick’s season. If you’ve seen them before, you already know: the room won’t stay still for long. If you haven’t, prepare to be converted.

Upgrade Your Night: VIP Meet & Greet

Want to make it extra special? Upgrade to the VIP Experience and join the band for a pre-show Meet n’ Greet Happy Hour. VIP includes:

• Early entry
• Meet & greet with Scythian
• Guaranteed premium seating
• A more intimate start to the evening

It’s a great option for longtime fans or anyone who wants to make this a full celebration.

Whether you’re Irish by heritage or Irish for the night, this is the kind of show that shakes the winter off your boots and gets the whole city leaning toward spring. Grab your crew, grab your tickets early, and get ready to shamrock The Brightside. 🍀🔥

How to Go

📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
📍 The Brightside, Dayton

5:00 PM – VIP Doors
6:00 PM – General Admission Doors

🎟 General Admission:
$20 in advance
$27 day of show

🎟 VIP:
$60

🎶 All Ages Show (Chaperone required for guests under 16)

Advance tickets are available now:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scythian-at-the-brightside-in-dayton-tickets-1977307467864

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.

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!

 

The Beat Goes On: Dayton’s Next Generation Carries Forward the City’s Legendary Funk Legacy

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On Thursday, September 18, The Brightside Music & Event Venue will transform into a celebration of both Dayton’s storied past and its promising musical future. “From Dayton With Funk” promises an electrifying evening featuring three dynamic local acts: Luv Locz Experiment, MelinaMarie, and Freakquency. These rising stars will perform a carefully curated mix of iconic funk classics alongside their own original compositions, creating a bridge between the city’s golden age of funk and its contemporary renaissance.

The event offers more than just entertainment. Attendees will have the opportunity to view exclusive Dayton-centric segments from the PBS documentary WE WANT THE FUNK! providing historical context and celebrating the city’s often-overlooked contributions to American music culture. It’s a rare chance to see how Dayton’s musical DNA continues to influence artists today.

Luv Locz Experiment headlines “From Dayton With Funk”

What sets “From Dayton With Funk” apart from typical concert experiences is its commitment to supporting the region’s cultural infrastructure. Proceeds from the event will benefit PBS stations ThinkTV (Dayton) and CET (Cincinnati), and the Yellow Springs Film Festival, organizations that champion public media and arts programming throughout the area. In an era where funding for public broadcasting and independent arts initiatives faces constant challenges, events like this demonstrate how local music scenes can support broader cultural initiatives.

“It’s about more than just a night of great music,” explains event organizer, Libby Ballengee. “We’re investing in the platforms that help preserve and share our community’s stories.”

While the evening will undoubtedly feature beloved classics that have defined Dayton’s sound for generations, the focus on original material from contemporary artists ensures this isn’t merely a nostalgia trip. Luv Locz Experiment, MelinaMarie, and Freakquency represent different approaches to funk’s evolution, each bringing their own influences and innovations to the genre’s traditional foundation.

The Brightside Music & Event Venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, provides the perfect setting for this multi-generational celebration.

The beat that started decades ago in Dayton continues to pulse through the city’s venues, studios, and hearts. On September 18, that beat will be louder than ever, carrying forward a legacy while writing new chapters in the ongoing story of Dayton funk.

HOW TO GO?

Thursday, September 18

Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM

The Brightside Music & Event Venue

All ages welcome!

🎟️ Tickets: http://bit.ly/44LlW9T

  • General Admission – $25 (Advance) Limited seating available throughout the venue 

  • VIP Table for 2 – $150 Reserved seating at premium tables near the stage (not on dance floor).

  • VIP Table for 4 – $200 Reserved seating close to the stage for your whole crew (not on dance floor).

  • General Admission Day of Show – $30 (we accept cash or credit at the door)

For more information about The Brightside Music & Event Venue and upcoming shows, visit their website here, or follow them on social media.