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Dayton Battle of the Bands taking applications through December 12th

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 Dayton Battle of the Bands is taking applications for the 3rd annual competition now through December 12th. The annual winter concert series shines a spotlight on the up-and-coming local talent within a 35-mile radius of Dayton (including Middletown, Springfield, and Greenville).

Dayton Battle of the Bands finalists from 2022

One problem local venues and promoters run into is that there are so many great bands in the Dayton region, it can be challenging to wade through all the songs, samples, and videos that are sent to them on a regular basis. Plus with auto-tune and effects, it’s hard to take those and know what a live show will be like.

The Brightside, Levitt Pavilion, and others use the Dayton Battle of the Bands as an audition space for opening acts for national acts, or even stand-alone shows. This “competition” is much more of a networking event and an opportunity to get on the radar so your band has a better chance at getting booked at future events.  (Clarification – does not need to be a band, solo artists are welcome too!)
The competition starts on January 12, 2023 at The Brightside, and runs through February.  The finale will take place on Saturday, March 11th. Tickets for the public will be made available soon.
Band rules and info can be found here: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com/official-rules
The application portal closes on December 12th!

Ekoostik Hookah with special guests Subterranean

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Two beloved, long-running Ohio psychedelic rock bands, Ekoostik Hookah and Subterranean, are back at The Brightside on Friday, November 18th. This much anticipated concert has become an annual tradition that local music fans look forward to.

This year, in particular, is special because the drummer for Subterranean recently underwent a life saving organ transplant. This is Rob’s first show back to the stage! Ekoostik Hookah’s lead guitarist has also had some recent health issues. The great news is that both bands are healthy – and can’t wait to get back to the stage doing what they love. It’s particularly special that they are performing here in Dayton for this comeback show.

“The Brightside is one of our favorite venues to play, and being able to bring Ekoostik Hookah in really makes for a special evening,” Subterranean’s guitarist Chris Coalt shared with us. “This is the 3rd annual year for this show and we plan on keeping the tradition going.”

To add to the fun, local food truck Phat & Rich will be on site selling food during the show.

How to go?

Friday, November 18, 2022

Doors 7:30pm

Show starts at 8pm

All ages.

Advance tickets $15 (with $2 fee)  – https://www.venuepilot.co/events/60272/orders/new

Day of show tickets $20All ages – anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent / guardian.

ID required for those over 21 to purchase alcohol

Werksgiving rocks the Wednesday before Thanksgiving!

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The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is known as one of the biggest bar nights of the year. This year, The Brightside is hosting the biggest party of them all with the annual Werksgiving concert event, featuring The Werks! If you’re not familiar, they are a nationally touring rock band that formed in Dayton, and this is their yearly big hometown concert.

This year they are joined by Dizgo, an up-and-coming band from Bloomington, Indiana.  Both bands will take the Ballroom stage at The Brightside located at 905 E 3rd St in downtown Dayton on Wednesday, November 23rd. 

For those who get hungry during the show, the beloved food truck Phat & Rich will be on site serving up their famous Tex-Mex inspired dishes.

Doors open at 7:30pm. All ages are welcome. Pre-sale tickets are $20 – and available here: https://werkoutpresents.ticketspice.com/werksgiving2022. At door, the cost is $25.

About The Werks

From the hungry young quartet that emerged out of Dayton, OH in 2005 to the mature, road-tested group they are now, The Werks are returning to their roots to reconnect with their identity. With over a decade’s worth of The Werk Out Festivals to their name, five studio albums, and a passport stamped with sets at Electric Forest, Summer Camp, The Peach, High Sierra, The Hang Out, and more, The Werks are bringing their musical wisdom and experience into a new chapter.

The four-piece jam-funk meets livetronica act was proud to welcome back original bassist Chuckie Love to the band in 2021, joining fellow founders Rob Chafin (drums/vocals) and Chris Houser (guitar/vocals) who play alongside Dan Shaw (keyboards). With Love back in the group, The Werks have tapped into the communal spark that birthed the band almost two decades ago, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose. Simply put, they are more of The Werks than ever before.

As they transition into this next chapter, The Werks are reaffirming their focus on live performances. With this rededication to the road, the band will come armed with a new studio album, their first since 2017’s Magic. Fans can look forward to the long-awaited full-length Sonder LP, the arrival of which signifies yet another artistic awakening for The Werks. With their 20th anniversary on the horizon, The Werks’ commitment to one another, to their fans, and to their craft strengthens with each passing note.

About Dizgo

Dizgo is a three-piece electro-psychedelic-funk-rock band from Bloomington, IN. Since their formation in 2016, the band has built a strong following, packing rooms and building a name for themselves in the jam circuit. Known for their electrifying performances, the band reels in their audience with a unique blend of funky, electronic rock-shredding guitar, synth-driven grooves, and ethereal vocals.

Jazz Supergroup Performs Exclusive Show at The Brightside

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I first saw Jennifer Hartswick perform at a sold-out concert in New York City.  She was playing trumpet for Trey Anastasio’s solo project. I was blown away by the entire horn section’s talent, which included trumpet, trombone, and sax players. It’s the kind of musical experience that truly removes you from your troubles, and delivers a true sense of joy. I longed to bring talent on that level to my friends in Dayton.

The members of The Jennifer Hartswick Band

A few years later, I had just an opportunity. My friend Carli Dixon had opened The Brightside on East 3rd St downtown and allowed me to host concerts of my choosing. What a gift! And funny enough, Jennifer had a solo project that was touring through venues just like The Brightside. I had the pleasure of hosting Jennifer not once,  but two times in our first year open, before the pandemic hit. In fact, Jennifer Hartswick was the last show we hosted, on March 10, 2020. Each time she’s brought her immense talent to our stage, the audience is enthralled, moved to actual tears of joy. 

So now that things are getting back to “normal,” I leaped at the opportunity to host Jennifer again. However, this time there was a twist. She is visiting us with a full band, including her writing partner Nick Cassarino on guitar, Conor Elmes on drums, and fellow Trey Anastasio Band members Dezron Douglas on bass and James Casey on sax. 

All of these musicians are superstars in their own right. Douglas is a protégé of the great Jackie McLean, and is currently a Jazz Studies professor at NYU Steinhardt. Elmes is a  member of the YoungBlood Brass Band. Cassarino may look familiar as he’s performed multiple times at The Brightside, and this summer on the Levitt stage with his band The Nth Power.

Casey being in Dayton is particularly special because he is currently going through cancer treatment for Stage 3 colon cancer. This week he posted: “The amount of planning it takes for me to be able to come on the road these days is more than you could imagine, and along with my fam, team and docs, they made (and continue to make) it happen. Total appreciation!”

I compare this group to the Wrecking Crew, who were the subject of a recent documentary. The Wrecking Crew was a loose collective of studio musicians who were the actual musicians who recorded hundreds of Top 40 songs during the 1960s and 1970s. The group was not publicly recognized but was viewed with reverence by industry insiders.

Dayton blues performer Steven Gregory

The Jennifer Hartswick Band is a live music version of the Wrecking Crew. You’ve probably seen them backing bigger names, but this is their time to shine! As a music nerd myself, I’m one of the industry insiders who views this group in absolute awe. 

A  lot of times, we have the tendency to want to hear what we know. That’s why tribute bands and cover bands are so popular. That’s why seeing bands that were popular during high school is so appealing. And while all of that is great, I’m interested in what’s happening now. Instead of clinging to nostalgia only, I’m wanting to bring musicians that are on fire right now, whom you normally can only see in the biggest cities. In fact, this group is only performing a very limited tour, and they selected Dayton specifically to visit because they enjoy visiting here so much. 

I truly hope Dayton audiences find some space in their lives for musical curiosity and check out this concert! Local blues musician, Steven Gregory, kicks off the show at 8 pm at  The Brightside on Thursday, October 13th.

 

HOW TO GO?

  • The Jennifer Hartswick Band
  • The Brightside Music & Event Venue  (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH)
  • October 13, 2022. Doors open at 7:30pm. Concert starts at 8pm.
  • All ages welcome
  • Tickets advance: $20 (Click link here)
  • Day of Show: $25

 

Free eats, pop-up arts performances, tech demos at new Launch Dayton Startup Week closing party

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Free eats, pop-up arts performances, tech demos at new Launch Dayton Startup Week closing party

Free festival celebrating Dayton artists, food business owners, and innovators happening this week!

Pop-up arts performances in the beautiful, historic Dayton Arcade Rotunda. Small plates from up-and-coming food businesses. Interactive tech demos from local startup companies.

And it’s FREE!

Join in the fun frrom 5-7pm on Thursday, September 15th for the art. food. tech. fest!,  a new closing party for Launch Dayton Startup Week, made possible through generous support from Culture Works.

Aerialists will spin through the air as you groove to a live jam band and find your new favorite small business to support. Eats are free until we run out! Continue your evening in Dayton by popping over to the free concert at the Levitt after the party, then make your way back to the Tank for Culture Works’ After the Levitt.

See + hear:

  • Live jam band lead by Isicle featuring Jared Bruns on drums, Matt Goodloe on guitar, Kainan Shank on bass, and Serin Oh on the mic.
  • Spoken word poetry from Leroy Bean
  • Live painting by Boy Blue
  • Aerial artists from Femme Fatale Dayton
  • Dance performances from Dayton Dance Initiative’s Quentin ApolloVaughn Sledge

Enjoy delicious small plates, including:

  • A bbq spread from Rich Taste Catering
  • Melt-in-your mouth rum cakes from The Scrumptious Dessert
  • Handheld cheesecakes from Cheezcake Lab
  • Pecan chicken + sweet potato waffles from Home Cooked Vibes
  • Smoked mushroom spinach dip bruschetta with mint pico from VeganItIz Eats
  • Mini French Quarter Seafood loaded potatoes from Simply Savory by Rachel

+ tech demos from:

  • Gem City Laser
  • Frame Push
  • Urban Mathoholics

Plus

The Contemporary Dayton (The Co) will open 5p.m. – 7p.m. for a sneak peak at their new exhibition featuring new solo exhibitions from the work of Teju Cole, photographer, curator, Gore Vidal Professor of the Practice of Creative Writing at Harvard, and former photography critic of The New York Times Magazine; Amy Powell, nationally published Dayton-based photographer; and James “Jamie” Nares, British and New York City-based filmmaker. The exhibitions will open the evening of Friday, September 16, 2022, with an Artist Talk by Teju Cole.

Small business owner yourself? Don’t forget to check out the conference itself, as well as the closing party! Launch Dayton Startup Week presented by Fifth Third Bank brings together nearly 1K entrepreneurs, small business owners, startup founders, and business resource providers. Be inspired by the stories of failure and success, and build your own business through hands-on workshops and classes. All for FREE! Check out the full lineup: https://launchdayton.com/events/dayton-startup-week/

About Launch Dayton Startup Week:
Launch Dayton Startup Week is the Dayton, Ohio entrepreneur community’s largest event, drawing roughly 1K attendees each September to celebrate, inspire and equip the Dayton region’s startup founders & business owners. This free conference brings together the region’s thinkers, dreamers, doers, makers, entrepreneurs and small business owners. All experiences are welcome — whether a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the community, there is space to jump in.

 

Hookahville Music Festival moves to Darke County over Labor Day weekend

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Hookahville, the Midwest’s longest-running music festival, will be held at J&M Ranch in Ansonia, Ohio, this Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-4. It’s a “don’t miss” festival for fans of psychedelic rock’n’roll, and includes day passes to all weekend long camping options.

The 55th installment of the iconic festival features host band ekoostik hookah — scheduled to play two sets apiece on Saturday and Sunday, including a pair of reunion sets on Saturday with former member Ed McGee — along with reggae stalwarts Passafire, Cleveland favorites John Welton and the Awakening, a Dead/Allman Brothers set by hookah side project Trial by Fire featuring Joe Marcinek, and many more.

The festival has traditionally been held around the Columbus area, and is moving to Ansonia this year, which is close to Greenville.

“Bringing Hookahville to this beautiful ranch in Darke County will create an intimate and unique event that our fans have come to expect after nearly 30 years,” said festival director Jim Garibaldi. “Hookahville has been a part of the Ohio music scene since 1994 and we aim to keep the spirit alive this weekend in Ansonia.”

Other acts over the long weekend include Zoo Trippin’, Restless Leg String Band, Heavy Spirits, Chloe & The Steel Strings, Big Blitz, and Kadie Meadows.

Tickets start at just $80 and include free camping and parking. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hookahville.com or email [email protected].

HOW TO GO?

Sept. 2-4, 2022

J&M Ranch located at 6129 Reed Rd, Ansonia, OH 45303

GA Ticket Prices:

  • Tier 1 GA Ticket – $100.00 + fees
  • Tier 2 GA Ticket – $115.00 + fees
  • GA Gate (Friday Arrival) – $140.00
  • GA Gate (Saturday Arrival) – $120.00
  • GA Gate (Sunday Arrival – $80.00

GA Ticket Includes:

  • Entry for three nights from gate open to gate close.
  • Other terms and conditions may apply.

VIP Ticket Prices:

  • Tier 1 VIP Ticket – $220 + fees
  • Tier 2 VIP Ticket – $240 + fees
  • VIP Gate (Fri/Sat/Sun Arrival) – $250

VIP Ticket Includes:

    • Entry from Fri – Mon
    • VIP Camp By Car campsite
    • Hookahville Travel Mug, 11×17 poster, and laminate for each person purchased
    • Access to VIP tent by the main stage stocked with refreshments all weekend
    • Access to real flushing toilets and showers
    • Full-time “V.I.P. Concierge” to ensure you have everything you need
    • Other terms and conditions may apply

Children and Families:

We welcome children and families to the event. We strive to provide a family-friendly atmosphere, and provide family camping areas. Kids 12 and under are free with a legal guardian and do not require a ticket. We will provide a section of “quiet camping” for families.

 

 

Sound Valley Summer Music Festival this Saturday

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The 2022 Sound Valley Summer Music Festival is happening this Saturday, August 27th at Yellow Cab Tavern. This year, they are teaming up with Channel 99.9 Dayton & Dayton’s New Country 103.9 to bring another incredible lineup to the Miami Valley. 

Each year organizers partner with a local nonprofit to continue their mission of building community through music. This year they are taking our mission quite literally and are proud to be teaming up with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton. The organization brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

This year’s festival features 13 local bands:

ENMY
Age of Nowhere
Ryan Mundy
K.Carter
Serin Oh
Seth Canan & The Carriers
Knavery
Seth Gilliam & The Fake News
Bribing Senators
Heather Redman & The Reputation
Scary Hotel
The Kadence
Dak Janiels & The Holy Smokes

There will also be plenty of good food on hand from The Pizza Bandit and Phat & Rich. Drinks available at the Yellow Cab bar. Gates Open at 4pm on Saturday, August 27th at Yellow Cab Tavern. Music starts at 4:30pm. Tickets are available at: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/SummerFestivalTickets

About Sound Valley: Sound Valley is a community driven initiative with the goal of bringing regional and national attention to Dayton’s vibrant and growing music scene. Sound Valley is a group of Dayton musicians, journalists, promoters, and music supporters who are working to build a vibrant music scene through promotion and production. We believe that by working together we can put a national spotlight on the natural homegrown talent that exists right here in the Miami Valley.

 

Dayton Porchfest delivers 50 free concerts this Saturday

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This Saturday, don’t miss the 6th annual Dayton Porchfest, a free neighborhood music festival in St Anne’s Hill Historic Neighborhood. This beloved community-building event is facilitated by The Collaboratory, a civic think tank that launches exciting new projects from idea to reality.

One of those ideas is Porchfest, which is held on International Play Music on a Porch Day. The event offers 6 hours of free live music held on porches throughout the St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood. It’s a lovely opportunity to meet the neighborhood and celebrate the quality and diversity of the Dayton music scene.

Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY, and Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, which was started in 2009. Today there are over 150 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada. Dayton was 94.

Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene, which continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that in its selection of musical artists, from funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old-timey that has deep Appalachian traditions here. We also celebrate the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade. The St. Anne’s neighborhood welcomes all Daytonians to join in this celebration!

Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory (www.daytoncollaboratory.org). This local volunteer organization provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic, and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory. Tips collected at the event go directly to the musicians performing. Please be generous!

HOW TO GO?

Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 1pm – 7pm

Free!

All ages welcome

St Anne’s Hill Historic Neighborhood – see map here

 

1:15 – 1:45 PM KICK-OFF

T.R.S.S. Drum Corps – 10 LaBelle

 

2:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

Amber Hargett, Singer/Songwriter – 1601 E. Fifth Street (Henry)

Five Rivers Drum Ensemble, African Drumming – 33 Potomac

Good Time Accordion Guys, Sing-Along – 624 McLain

Jimmy D. Rogers, Blues and Roots – 126 Henry

Our Sacred Vanity, Folk – 48 High Street

Patricia Berg Trio, Jazz  – 212 South Dutoit

Sadbox, Rock – 15 Henry

Syrodesy Flue Trio, Classical Contemporary – 48 McClure

​

3:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

As Is, Jazz – 1432 E. Fourth Street

Café con Leche, Acoustic/Jazz/Eclectic  – 126 LaBelle

Charlie and Amanda, Country – 214 South Dutoit

Chris Heider and The Red Bandana Band, Folk Rock – 154 South Dutoit

Fin Tan, Irish Pub Music – 600 McLain

Gabe Maas and the Bruins, Pop – 54 LaBelle

(CANCELED) Nick Kizirnis, Americana – 18 LaBelle

Rum River Blend, Americana – 1535 E. Fifth Street (Henry)

Sharon Lane, Blues – 62 High Street

The Nautical Theme, Modern Folk – 34 High

TINO, Hip Hop – 52 McClure

​

4:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

A Sweet Sound, Americana – 22 LaBelle

Age Nowhere, Country/Rock – 222 South Dutoit

Emory Road, Folk Rock – 616 McLain

Harold Hensley, Americana – 216 Henry

Jonathan Hamilton, Folk – 66 McClure

Kyleen Downes, Singer/Songwriter – 42 High Street

Miami Valley Klezmer Ensemble, Klezmer – 65 LaBelle

Mike Bankhead, Indie Rock – 133 LaBelle

Nasty Bingo, Folkadelic at Its Finest – 1514 E. Fourth Street

Novena, Folk Rock – 50 Henry

Sam King, Americana/Folk – 130 Henry

Ty Spacely, Hip Hop/Rap – 244 Henry

​​

5:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

Charlie Tipton, Singer/Songwriter – 1436 E. Fourth Street (Henry)

Cry Baby Cry, Rock – 51 McClure

Dayton Salsa Project, Salsa – 517 McLain

Ghost Town Silence, Rock/Americana – 39 Henry

John Dubuc’s Guilty Pleasures, Rock-N-Roll – 18 LaBelle

K. Carter, Hip Hop – 1616 E. Fifth Street (Backyard)

Kris n., Indie/Pop-Rock – 234 South Dutoit

Serin Oh, Alt Pop – 30 LaBelle

Somersault, Original Rock – 145 McClure

The Hitchhiker Band, Irish – 154 South Dutoit

The Touchy Feelys, Folk/Indie/Country – 201 Henry (McLain)

​​

6:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

Mariah J, Soul/Funk/R&B – 605 McLain

NeoAmerican Pioneers, Indie Rock – 222 South Dutoit

Rich Reuter, Rock – 234 Henry

Solistic, Little Bit of Everything – 44 High Street

The Jaywalkers, American Folk/Rock – 1514 E. Fourth Street

The Kadence, Pop – 10 Henry

Todd the Fox, Rockabilly & Blues – 55 McClure

Tori Adams, Roots/Folk/Americana – 630 McLain (High)

Wild Forrest Blackberri, Root Rock/Folk-Blues – 28 LaBelle

 

Sonic Springs Benefit Concert features Talib Kweli, Cloud Nothings, Monograms & more!

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On Friday, July 22nd, 2022 at 7:00 pm The Brightside in Dayton, OH will host a benefit concert featuring national recording artists Talib Kweli, Cloud Nothings, local DJ Fatty Lumpkin, and Brooklyn-based indie rock band Monograms. All proceeds above operating costs will be donated to the independently owned radio station WYSO in Yellow Springs.

Since its inception in 1958, the mission of WYSO has been to serve the Miami Valley and beyond with trusted journalism and artistic inspiration that improves lives and builds community. In 2023 WYSO will be moving from their home on Antioch’s campus to a new studio, including much-needed equipment upgrades and new performance spaces for live-in studio music concerts.

The event will be held under the moniker of “Sonic Springs” and is slated to be an annual concert to bring unique musical performances to the Dayton area. The event is being curated and produced by Eric Mahoney, a filmmaker/producer best known for directing the feature documentary Brainiac: Transmissions After Zero. Eric and his family recently moved to Yellow Springs from Brooklyn, NY.

 

HOW TO GO?

Friday, July 22nd, 2022 at 7:00 pm

The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio)

Food truck on-site: Phat & Rich

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sonic-springs-a-benefit-concert-for-wyso-tickets-304403126947

“After the Levitt” concerts continue at the Arcade’s new event space – The Tank!

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The “After the Levitt” event series is a live musical experience in the Arcade, which is the hottest and most coveted space in downtown Dayton. Under the Arcade’s famous Rotunda is a newly opened underground event space, called The Tank, inspired by CenterPoint Energy. It’s a vibrant venue that provides a cool, theater-in-the-round style seating for an intimate audience experience. 

After a few select Levitt Pavilion shows this summer, The Tank opens its doors for this “After the Levitt” live music series which features up-and-coming original musicians. For music fans who want to keep the music going, the Tank’s entrance is just a half block from Levitt Pavilion. It’s an easy walk over! Just look for the Large glass subway entrance on West 4th street in Dayton between Main and Ludlow Streets. 

The series, which is hosted by Culture Works, kicked off on June 23rd with an evening of female R&B/hip-hop style singer/songwriters Anna Nichole and Mariah J. The concerts continue Thursday, July 14th with the funk-rock band Solistic. This crowd pleaser has hints of blues, reggae, and psychedelic rock influences too! The cover charge is $10 and is open to patrons over 18. Doors open at 8pm. The music starts at 8:30pm. Beverages are available for purchase at the venue.

“As the leading Arts advocate in Dayton, Culture Works aims to use the After the Levitt series as a way of activating the Arcade, and more specifically, the Tank. We want to bring cultural vibrancy back into Dayton through a space that is both new and nostalgic, memorable, and magical. Having local artists in the Tank will bring crowds together and elevate the creative arts from an individual to collective experience!” Benjamin Baugham, the Community Engagement Coordinator of Culture Works, shared with us. 

The series will continue on July 28th with a night of reggae from Luv Locz, August 4th featuring spoken word from Broken English, August 11th is a country music evening with Drift Mouth, August 25th pop rock from Pagu & Isicile,  with more dates to be announced soon!

HOW TO GO?

The Tank under the Arcade (glass cube entrance near 35 W 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402)

$10 cover charge at the door

Ages 18+

Doors 8pm

Music 8:30pm

Drinks for Sale!

Culture Works launches “After the Levitt” concert series Thursday

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Culture Works, which recently relocated inside the Dayton Arcade, is launching an “After the Levitt” concert series on Thursday, June 23rd. The series will take place inside “The Tank” – which is a very cool, new subterranean venue under the rotunda. The venue is a short walk from Levitt, and is accessed from 4th St, between Main St and Ludlow, down a stunning, new glass-walled entrance. The first concert features two talented original Dayton musicians: Anna Marie and Mariah J.

The June 23rd event serves as a “soft opening” for the series, which will go into full swing in July. These “After the Levitt” shows will take place on Thursdays from approximately 8:30-10pm. The goal is to add to the vibrancy that is already being created by Levitt Pavilion Dayton and add to the music ecosphere that Dayton is continuing to build. Admission for this series will be a small cover charge of $5 – $10 at the door, which helps pay the artists and production costs. 

If you’ve never been to The Tank, it’s new eye and ear candy for downtown! The glass cube entrance is very cool, giving way to a graffiti-lined stairwell, into a swanky entrance donned with neon and a sleek bar area. (Alcohol is available for purchase by patrons over 21 years old). The Tank itself has colosseum-style seating, in an intimate, theater-in-the-round feel.

The first event celebrates a brand new album from one of Dayton’s up-and-coming r&b/soul artists, Mariah J. “Unfolding” comes out on Friday, June 24th, so this serves as a special preview listening party for patrons. Anna Marie, another rising star in the Dayton scene, will kick off at 8:30pm, which is generally around when things are ending over at Levitt Pavillion. The event wraps up by 10pm. Admission for this June 23rd concert is $5 at the door. 

Stay tuned here on Dayton937.com for information for the upcoming performers and dates for this series!

Exclusive Dayton rock concert features actor from The Vampire Diaries

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Dayton rock band Shadyside was popular from 1999 to 2005. Shortly after their break-up, one of the band members went onto an acting career, famously landing the part of Enzo in The Vampire Diaries. Michael Malarkey returns to Dayton for a one-time, exclusive reunion show happening on Thursday, June 9th at The Brightside in downtown Dayton.

This special reunion show will also feature three other beloved Dayton rock bands: Clemmer, Bribing Senators, & Yardboss in the spacious ballroom at The Brightside. Tickets for this four band bill are just $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show. All ages are welcome.

How to Go?

The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton). Ballroom show.

Doors open at 7pm. The music starts at 7:30 pm.

Tickets $15 available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadyside-clemmer-bribing-senators-yardboss-tickets-317699185817

Day of show $20.

Off-street, free parking available – see map at https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/parking

All ages welcome!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Live Music at The Brightside!

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You’re invited to a special St Patrick’s Day String Music Celebration with FERD and special local guest Harold Hensley at The Brightside in downtown Dayton. It’s a gonna be a foot stompin’ night of Bluegrass, Appalachian, and Delta Blues you won’t want to miss!

FERD features Ferd Moyse, a singer & songwriter on the fiddle, and the Samsonite Drum. Moyse is known far and wide for his nearly 15-year run as the fiddler, singer, and songwriter with the Virginia-based band, The Hackensaw Boys. The band includes Matt Morelock who sings and plays the banjo and Chris Stevens o bass. The sound is Appalachian and Delta Blues spending time together on the Bayou.

Harold Hensely is a beloved local musician from the Dayton area. He plays solo and with his band The Repeating Arms. We’re excited to have him kick off this show!

How to Go?

Thursday, March 17th
Doors 7pm / Show 7:30-10pm
at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
$10 advance / $15 day of show
All ages are welcome!

Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-patricks-day-string-celebration-w-ferd-harold-hensley-tickets-294735851867

Local musician Mike Bankhead releases new single “Hold the Wick”

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Talented local rock musician, Mike Bankhead, is releasing a new single this month called “Hold the Wick” with a whopping 7 remixes, all of which are in different genres/styles. He plans to release them all together digitally, with each remix accompanied by a music video. 

Mike Bankhead is a bassist and songwriter from the Dayton, Ohio area. His songs feature crunchy guitar, occasional dissonance, and love of hooks.

His newest work, “Hold the Wick,” was recorded and mixed in just one day at ReelLove Recording Company here in Dayton. 

“I really wanted to work with other musicians and put a project around the single, so I commissioned seven remixes, each one in a different style,” Bankhead shared with us. “Remember the CD-singles from the 90s where you would buy a single, but the disc would have some additional songs on it? That’s the feeling I wanted to capture here.” 

Each of the collaborators who worked on the remixes received the same song building blocks – and each person had the freedom to create whatever they wanted to create with those pieces. “I hope that listeners also look into the other work from each of the 7 creative individuals who did remixes.” 

The new single “Hold the Wick” debuts on Bandcamp on March 4th, which is also a “Bandcamp Friday” – a day when musicians make their full payment on any music purchased. 

The single will be released on all other streaming services by March 15th. That is also the date Bankhead will appear on WUDR Flyer Radio and his music video will premiere on YouTube.

Find out more about Mike and his music at his website: MikeBankheadMusic.com 

Brooklyn’s Jonathan Scales Fourchestra Performs at The Brightside

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Brooklyn’s Jonathan Scales Fourchestra is in town on Thursday November 18, 2021 performing at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton). This inventive crew delivers complexities for the modern ear. It promises to be a joyous evening of steel pan jazz fusion!

Jonathan Scales is one of the most innovative steel pannists on the planet, and is redefining and challenging traditional expectations of his signature instrument. In his hands, the sonic palette of an instrument often associated with cruise ships and tropical resorts is radically expanded to mimic the role of horns, piano, vibraphone or marimba due to his stunning, virtuosic technique. Scales’ mesmerizing compositions have captivated listeners and elevated him to the status of a true composer, forging new territory in the medium of instrumental music.

This concert will take place in the Brightside’s cozy Vodvil Bar. $12 advance. $15 day of show. All ages are welcome. Thursday November 18, 2021. Doors open at 7pm. Music from 8-10pm. Tickets can be purchased at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jonathan-scales-fourchestra-tickets-204834614847

Covid Policy: The Brightside wants everyone to enjoy music safely, so they ask that patrons wear masks while moving through the building, unless patrons wants to optionally show proof of vaccination, or a negative covid test. The venue has installed UV-C air filters to sanitize superbugs, like covid.
To learn more about The Brightside’s concert season, visit thebrightsidedayton.com

Live music is back at The Brightside – featuring locals Gabe Maas, Mariah J, & Isicle

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On June 3rd the mask mandate lifts in Ohio, and that means it’s a lot easier to get back to the fun things we’ve been missing since the pandemic shutdown. One of the types of gatherings people have been missing the most is seeing live music. Local venues, like The Brightside, are excited to be hosting concerts again.

The Brightside started hosting music in 2019, and just as they approached their one-year anniversary, the COVID shutdown went into effect. The independent venue located on East 3rd St, near the corner of Keowee, pivoted to weddings, sold merchandise, and hosted virtual events over the past year.

“We’re grateful to the community for their support during this challenging time,” music booker Libby Ballengee, told us. “Our biggest goal was to keep improving the venue and when it’s safe, get back to hosting music events. Those events are so joyful!”

The improvements have included adding UV filters to the ductwork in order to clean the circulating indoor air. The venue was also able to add a patio, where they can host outdoor concerts.

The venue’s first show back since the mask mandate has been lifted features three up-and-coming local musicians who perform an eclectic mix of Soul, R&B, Pop & Electronic music: Mariah J, Gabe Maas & The Bruins, and Isicle. These artists are pushing boundaries in their respective genres, and are thrilled to be performing for Dayton audiences again. This show is planned to be outdoors on patio unless inclement weather.

Learn more about The Brightside’s upcoming shows at: TheBrightsideDayton.com

HOW TO GO:

Where: The Brightside at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402

When: Thursday June 3, 2021 from 7-10pm

Cost:  $10

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-music-with-mariah-j-gabe-maas-the-bruins-isicle-the-brightside-tickets-156363237653