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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

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Nashville Rock Band at Brightside

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Alternative rock fans are in for a treat this Sunday June 23rd with a showcase of up-and-coming bands at Dayton’s newest music venue, The Brightside Music & Event Venue.  Better Off is on tour from Nashville. They’ll be  rockin out with area original bands Weathervein, Overgrow and Better Anyway.

The great things is that fellow music promoter, Ian Baldwin made playlists to get you in the mood for this exciting upcoming show! Check out links to custom lists for Apple Music and Spotify below.

How to Go?

The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St Dayton OH 45402

Sunday June 23, 2019. 7pm Doors

$10 advance tickets here

All ages!

Check out the music at links below!

Apple Music Playlist

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/better-off-at-the-brightside-6-23/pl.u-YGXgHxWrGXY?fbclid=IwAR0l5r64osdTVmDwZ-XEoAf0hKm3iiJ37rkF_xxk-0gOxK_YK_ndvHvCEJE

Spotify Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Hvkdsg3AReuwYIcoBHzNb?si=AYjSZn1uT_aZ5eke3E2H_Q&fbclid=IwAR2rATj57jxcRiU0lPxqDh4AqsbmnWXT4U4oAKvBszSJSFe1JvatVTi4du4

Enjoy the first Songwriter Showcase at The Brightside!

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Dayton’s newest music venue, The Brightside, is presenting its first Songwriter Showcase this Wednesday May 8th, 2019. The venue has two spaces for music, a large ballroom for larger concerts and events, and a smaller listening room, that is ideal for intimate evenings such as this special showcase.

The evening starts off at 8pm with Jack Ballengee Morris performing his all original songs, accompanied by Peter Fox on cello. Morris, a 4th-generation Appalachian singer-songwriter, originally from Clay County, West Virginia. His music is planted firmly by his roots but allows for the influences of Ramblin’ Jack, John Prine, Bob Dylan and Daniel Johnston.

At 9pm, Dayton’s own Amber Hargett takes the stage. Amber received raved reviews from her recent album release performance, and has been in the Top 5 Best Sellers at Dayton’s Omega Music record store. Amber Hargett blends folk, rock, pop, roots and soul sounds into her unique storytelling style. Her writing attempts to balance honesty with empathy and reflect truths about faith, life, and relationships.

The evening closes with a 10pm set from Closest Relative, coming to Dayton for the first time from Columbus. After a 2015 motorcycle accident took two fingers from his left hand, longtime guitarist Jack O’Connell adopted a new playing style and started performing solo as Closest Relative. His music is characterized by intricate two-fingered guitar work, and earnest lyrics. His latest EP “This Tree is Base” expands on his previous EP “Messes” and unfurls his songwriting in unexpected directions.

Making this show extra special is the live art happening on site. Artists Etch and Tiffany Clark will be creating the Dayton skyline outside the venue as a permanent art piece! Very cool. This promises to be a Wednesday evening out that you won’t want to miss!

How to Go?

The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Wednesday May 8, 2019

Doors 7pm. Show 8-11pm.

$7 admission.

All ages welcome

Enjoy an early evening of folk music with Ellis Paul!

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Enjoy an early evening and intimate performance with the one and only, Ellis Paul at Brightside Music Room this Sunday April 14, 2019. It’s going to be a true Sunday Funday with doors opening at 5pm with food from Twisted Taco food truck, and music from 6-8pm. Cozy, early evening that is perfect for Dayton music fans!

Ellis Paul is a renowned troubadour, singer/songwriter, folky, and storyteller. He’s been inspired by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor, and their spirits seem to occasionally grace his work. With an acoustic guitar in hand, he weaves intimate, provocative, and romantic tales of lives that were obviously witnessed by a most-talented voyeur.

Based in Massachusetts, Paul has been called the quintessential Boston songwriter more than a few times and has garnered the recognition and awards to back up that claim, including a shelf full of Boston Music Awards. Since coming onto the scene in 1993 with his independent debut, Say Something, Paul hasn’t slowed or weakened as a performer or a writer.

Spending two-thirds of most years on the road has helped him perfect both crafts, with a lot of practice on-stage and a lot of people whose stories he retells in song.  Over the years and albums, his songs have gotten more personal. Paul is on tour celebrating his 20th and latest studio album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase.

How to Go?

Sunday April 14 at Brightside Music & Event Venue (903 E 3rd St).

Doors 5pm. Show 6-8pm. Tickets $20 each (available online and at the door).

Rockin’ out to support Ronald McDonald House of Dayton!

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This weekend, April 12-13, 2019, you can rock out to a 2-night music event and fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House. Come for one or both nights of this special event at the new Brightside Music & Event Venue!

Friday night serves as the pre-party for Saturday night’s main event. There you’ll enjoy an extra special Happy Hour, which kicks off at 4:30pm, featuring a tasting from Cutwater Spirits and food available from Godfather’s Pizza. Music starts at 6pm with Last Call Trio, featuring special guest Danny Voris. At 8pm you can witness the 6 year old piano sensation Avett Ray (as seen on CBS News, Good Morning America, People, Inside Edition). At 8:30pm, the Kerry Smith Band rehearses for their big show on Saturday. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door. VIP ticket $30 (includes Saturday night ticket too + reserved seating) More info here.

Saturday night is the main event! Doors open at 6pm. Harvest Mobile Cuisine will be here and have food available for purchase. Avett Ray is back with another performance at 7pm. At 8pm, the Kerry Smith Band takes the stage for this rare reunion show. General admission tickets for Saturday are $15 advance, $20 at the door. VIP ticket $30 (includes Friday night ticket too + reserved seating.) More info here.

This is going to be a fantastic weekend for rock’n’roll fans, and a fabulous way to support Dayton’s Ronald McDonald House!

Celebration of liFe at Blind Bob’s on Saturday

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One of the things I admire most about the Dayton music community, is its ability to bring everyone together and to lift each other up. This Saturday April 13th is no exception with the Celebration of liFe concert at Blind Bob’s Bar.

Organizers explain: “One year ago, our community lost a beacon of light. In memory of our dear friend Fe Meier, please join us for Celebration of liFe. To honor her smile, kindness and memory, all proceeds will be donated to NAMI Montgomery County Ohio. NAMI is dedicated to providing peer support, education and advocacy to individuals and families affected with mental illness.”

The night’s lineup includes local rock bands Abertooth Lincoln, Kelly Renea Hanus, Weathervein, VICE ON VICTORYandSmall Words. The show is $5 at the door, although additional donations are gladly accepted! This is a 21+ event. Doors 9pm. Music till 2am.

Want to donate but can’t attend? Please visit www.nami-mc.org. Want to help but can’t donate? Call a friend or loved one and tell them five amazing things about themselves. Give someone a hug. Make sure that YOU are taking care of your mental health and reaching out to others when you need to. You are never a burden. You are never too much. YOU ARE LOVED.

Scythian warms up the Celtic Crowd!

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For all those missing Celtic Festival, there’s a fantastic event happening this weekend that’s just for you! One of the beloved annual headliners, Scythian, is making a winter stop in Dayton, to warm up our hearts and souls, and get us in the mood for St Patrick’s Day!

Scythian is crowd pleaser for many reasons, primarily because they are so energetic, and get people literally bouncing on their feet! The other reason is their undeniable talent, and clever interplay between musicians. If you’ve never seen them perform, this is the perfect show to see and hear them up close!

The upcoming March 8th performance is extra special for a couple of reasons. First off, the band is performing at one of Dayton’s newest venues, The Brightside Music & Event Venue. Dayton has been in need of a 400-600 person indoor room where national acts can perform during the colder months especially. Secondly, Scythian is joined by The Hussey Brothers (Indiana) & our beloved Celtic Academy of Irish Dance for this show!

When I spoke with this band about their upcoming show in Dayton, they said: “For every band that tours, there’s always a few cities that have a special place in their heart: places that have opened their doors, their hearts to them and given them the unconditional support to take risks and grow as musicians. For us Dayton is such a place and we can honestly say it feels like a home away from home – an oasis. During this 3,500 mile St. Patrick’s Day tour we’ve all been keeping our eye on March 8th. We’re excited to come home and are looking forward to introducing our Dayton family to the Hussey Brothers an brand new band on the Americana scene that will be turning heads this coming year. So be sure to come out early to hear these Indiana boys play and come ready for a great night of musical entertainment!”

The Hussey Brothers perform with Scythian at the Brightside Music & Event Center on Friday March 8, 2019. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.

How to Go?

Friday March 8, 2019. Doors 7pm. Show 7:30-10:30pm.

The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St Dayton OH 45402

Tickets $20 – purchase here.

All Ages!

Werksgiving is the biggest party of Thanksgiving weekend!

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The Werks, who started their musical journey right here in Dayton, are always happy to come for the holidays and host their annual “Werksgiving” show. This year is even more exciting, as the band shifts locations to directly downtown, at the newest music venue: the Brightside! For years music lovers have longed for a big room to see music in Dayton, and that time is finally here!

Kicking off this special celebration is a massive group of special guests who are performing with local band Kommunity Service. The featured special guests include:

Johnny K AllDay guitar/vocals
Dino Dimitrouleas bass/vocals
Rob Brockman drums/vocals
Stephen Buttree Sax/keys/samples/vocals
Nathan Springhart keys/vocals
Megan Fitzpatrick fiddle/vocals
Aaron Armstrong percussion
Chris Houser guitar/general awesomeness
Bob Maltby guitar/genius
And many more of your favorite musicians!

This is guaranteed to be the biggest party of Thanksgiving weekend – especially for music lovers!

How to Go?

What: The 11th Annual Werksgiving

When: November 21, 2018 from 8pm-1am

Where: Brightside Music & Event Venue at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton OH

How: Tickets are $12.50 and available for advance purchase here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/werksgiving-the-werks-brightside-dayton-oh-tickets-51051330905

PorchFest – 40 Mini-Concerts In One Day

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Play Music on The Porch Day started out as an idea…“What if for one day everything stopped…and we all just listened to the music?”

Even though this seems like a simple idea, if it worked, it could produce profound results. So in 2013 the organizers of the first “Play on a Porch Day” decided to share this idea with the world and to their surprise the idea spread even faster than they could have ever imagined.

In 2017 thousands of musicians from at least 40 countries and over 400 cities – including Dayton for the first time – participated and the movement continues to grow every day. Musicians from across the globe, regardless of their differences, are finding common ground through music.

This year Dayton again participates in this growing international music phenomenon as the now annual event known as Dayton Porchfest, a free, family friendly event for all ages. The festivities take place in the historic St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood, just east of downtown. There you will find over 40 live Dayton musical acts performing on home owner’s porches. Not only do you get to listen to music all afternoon, you get to experience one of Dayton’s most charming neighborhoods!

This event celebrates Dayton’s rich and diverse music scene, with musicians and bands covering funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old time muisc that has deep Appalachian roots here. This event also celebrates our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade.

Dayton Porchfest is organized by The Collaboratory, a non-profit incubator for community enterprises and initiatives, located on Courthouse Square. Proceeds from Porchfest go to benefit The Collaboratory. Tips for the musicians are appreciated!

St Anne’s is home to the Fifth Street Brew Pub, who will be open during the festivities. Four food trucks will also be on site, including: McNasty’s, Courtland’s Mobile Grill, Pa’s Pork, Chi-Dogs, and Gary’s Italian Ice. Be sure to scroll below for map and music schedule.

How to Go?

When: Saturday August 25th from 1:30pm – 7pm aka “International Play on the Porch” Day. See schedule below.

Where: Throughout St. Anne’s Hill Historic District located between 4th and Josie St. Please do not park in the neighborhood. Parking is available at the Liederkranz building, Stivers High School, Becker Electric, RSC Graphics, and Miami Valley Gasket. Signs will be present. See map below.

Cost: Free!

Ages: All ages welcome

Remember to bring: Sunscreen, chair, and umbrella (just in case!)

Take photos? Please use #DaytonPorchfest #MusicOnTheHill #DiscoverDayton

Bellwether Music Festival busts out the best alternative rock!

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There is certainly no shortage of summer music festivals in the greater Miami Valley region, however many of them lean towards jam, folk, bluegrass, and country fans. For the many alternative and indie rock fans, there are far fewer festival options, especially ones with camping.

That’s the gap that Bellwether Music Festival is hoping to fill. Referred to as a “mini-Bonnaroo”- this two-day, two-stage alternative music festival features an impressive lineup of both national and local acts, along with one of the most unique festival grounds anywhere: The Renaissance Park in Waynesville! Last year, my friend mentioned how great it would be to have a music festival there, and low and behold, someone did it!

Not only did organizers nab a prime location, they are pulling in some major acts, including: MGMT, The Flaming Lips, Local Natives, Echo & The Bunnymen, Dr. Dog, The Psychedelic Furs, Whitney, AJ & The Woods, Allah-Las, Japanese Breakfast, Bob Schneider, Erika Wennerstrom (of Heartless Bastards), This Pine Box, Alex Lahey, Dawg Yawp, Speaking Suns, The Cordial Sins, Cherry Lee & The Hot Rod Hounds and Carriers. Full schedule is posted here. Plus there are After Parties in the campground, as well as morning yoga. For the best experience, download the Bellwether app on the App Store or Google Play for map, schedule and info.

These festival organizers are tuned into what festival audiences want, so they put the stages are across from one another and set times don’t overlap. YES! Nothing more frustrating than going to music festival, and you can’t see everyone on the lineup because they are playing at the same time. Organizers say you’ll have time to grab a beer or run to the restroom and catch every band. Plus they have people and performers coming from 45 states and 8 countries. What a great event to meet all kinds of people! Plus, this festival is already committed to year two and will offer special early-bird ticket prices to those who attend this year. They thought of everything!

How To Go?

When: August 10-11, 2018. Campers can load-in starting at noon on Thursday, August 9 and must load-out by 11am on Sunday, August 12. Click here to learn more about camping at Bellwether. Not into camping? That’s cool. Click here to book your hotel room through Hotels for Hope and get the best rate.

Where: The Renaissance Festival grounds in Waynesville. The entrance to the camping grounds and festival is off OH-73. If you are traveling west, you’ll cross OH-52 and then it will be on your right. If you are traveling east, you’ll cross Harveysburg Road and then it will be on your left. They have a big ol’ field with plenty of parking. Buy your parking pass now for only $5. It’s $10 – cash only – at the gate. (see festival map below)

NOTE: Bellwether is a rain or shine event. We monitor the weather and have various protocols based on the severity of the weather. We ask you pay attention to announcements and follow instructions, so we can keep everyone safe and sound.

Who: The Bellwether Festival is a family friendly event. Kids 10 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. The number of free admissions is at the discretion of gate management. IMPORTANT! Kids that enter for free DO NOT have access to the VIP tent. Only VIP wristbands will be admitted.

Tickets: LOTS of ticket options! You can get passes for all weekend, or Friday or Saturday only. There are VIP options plus camping options. Bonus -Complimentary tickets to the Ohio Renaissance Festival when you purchase either Friday or Saturday tickets. Get the full run down of ticket options here: https://www.xorbia.com/e/bellwetherfest/2018

 

Bellwether Map

Dayton Jam Band fans gather at The Werk Out!

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If you are one of the many avid jam band fans in the Dayton area, no doubt you have heard of The Werk Out. In it’s 9th year, this major music and arts festival is one of the “don’t miss” events of the summer. It takes place on the historic grounds at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio, just east of Columbus, where the Grateful Dead, among others, took the stage many times. The venue’s storied past is why Dayton’s homegrown heroes, The Werks, chose to host their yearly musical extravaganza there.

The natural valley serves as an ideal spot for viewing multiple stages and comfortably camping all weekend long. You pull in right off of I-70, get parked, put your tent set up, then wander down the tree lined path, which is peppered with hammocks, vendors, food on your way to the massive stage set up. There you’ll get to see some of the most exciting national jam and rock bands touring today, including: Umphrey’s McGee (2 sets), Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (2 sets), Lettuce, Papadosio, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (2 nights), Twiddle, Turkuaz, Spafford, The Marcus King Band, KNOWER (full band), Zach Deputy, Steady Flow, ekoostik hookah, TWERKAPOD: A Tribute to the 90s,, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Octave Cat, Ghost Light featuring Holly Bowling, Tom Hamilton, Steve Lyons, Raina Mullen, Scotty Zwang Music, Mungion, Mom and Dad (featuring Chuck Jones & Neal Evans of Dopapod), Mike Perkins, Electric Orange Peel, and Conscious Pilot. 

When I think of seeing all that great music individually, it would be so expensive. That’s what makes this festival a real value for music fans like me! Plus, it’s not just music that you can take part in, as there are tons of cool classes and “Werkshops” happening as well. From yoga and classes on tarot reading, to ecological leadership classes (yeah!) and kids activities, there is something for everyone. Or just kick it at your camp site with all the new friends you are bound to make!

How to Go?

Legend Valley Music Center and Campground: 7585 Kindle Rd, Thornville, OH 43076

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 6:00 PM –Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

NOTE: Wednesday “early bird” admission is an extra fee.

Click here for ticketing information.

 

Local talent on display at the 5th Annual WinterFolk Festival

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Although it’s considered “off” season for music festivals, wintertime ones are some of my favorites! We’ve all got cabin fever, and just need to get out of the house and have fun! One of the most highly anticipated of those winter festivals is right around the corner: The 5th annual WinterFolk Festival at Yellow Cab Tavern on Sat, Jan 13th.

It’s a spectacular night of  music, art, food, & fun for all ages. This includes a non-stop line-up of best roots and folk musicians from the tri-state area, including beloved acts The Repeating Arms, Tod Weidner, David Payne, Starving in the Belly of the Whale, Kyleen Downes, The Goldberrys, OldNews, Bloody Tambourine, and several more!

It’s also about this time of year, I’m missing food trucks. Come hungry and catch the Drunken Waffle serving food on-site, along with Yellow Cab Tavern’s craft brews and cocktails. This year’s event has expanded, with even more artisans and vendors selling handmade goods. It’s an all around perfect night out!

How did this event come about? Well, it was inspired by a love of music, of course, and also the venue itself, Yellow Cab Tavern. In its infancy, WinterFolk organizers could see the potential in YCT, starting the festival as a fundraiser, which led to the venue’s recent upgrades. This type of collaboration is sign of a true music community! Make sure you stop on out to support these wonderful folks!

 

How to Go?

Where: The ‘Old’ Yellow Cab Building (700 E Fourth St. Dayton, Ohio 45402) is located at the corner of Fourth St and Walnut just outside Dayton’s historic Oregon District. Plenty of FREE parking is available on and off street at the event.

Time / Cost: Doors will open at 7pm and the first performance will start promptly at 8pm. Tickets available exclusively at the door for $10, children 12 & under are free.

Music, Art & Education-Ladyfest is back!

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Ladyfest Dayton hopes to bring together and inspire people through music, art, and education. While the festival itself is a celebration of women in the arts, we hope to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity. On top of enjoying some of the best live music from Dayton and our neighbors, you get to know you’re making a direct contribution to your community. Past Ladyfests have benefited PUSH Dayton, Artemis Center, and Planned Parenthood

Grover Plays Free Show at Trolley Stop

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Screen Shot 2016-04-26 at 7.32.21 PMInsider tip! There is a FREE show at Trolley Stop this Friday April 29th, 2016 with two incredible bands, Grover and Common Center. Plus that fabulous patio? It’s a no brainer for Friday night fun!

On the fringes of the jam band scene, local rock quartet Grover, blend funk, soul, and jazz, in a down and dirty rock band that comes across unpolished and “garage” as much as they do highly-skilled, almost veteran.

Common Center is a group of individuals from Covington, Kentucky that gather to form a collection of sonic exploration. Their all-original material arises from a vast array of influences morphing together to create a unique sound previously unheard, but longed for, by the ear. They combine powerfully upbeat as well as tranquil themes with mystic, other-world intertwining melodic elements from instrumental and vocal harmonies.

Enjoy a beautiful evening with some of the region’s funkiest talent!

Performance Schedule: 
Common Center – 9:30pm
Grover 11:30pm

Grover performs free at the Trolley Stop (Photo by Dayton Music Connection)

Grover performs free at the Trolley Stop (Photo by Dayton Music Connection)

Subterranean’s Regional Revue is best bet for weekend entertainment!

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Springtime is coming and Subterranean is preparing an incredible night of pure shenanigans to rupture your mind & thaw out your soul. Subterranean’s Regional Revue is going to be one of epic proportions. This indoor festival features a unique lineup of hidden gems of amazing talent tucked throughout the region!
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You won’t find another event that provides a cast of characters as distinct and special as this one. SubT’s Regional Revue showcases explosive & funky Cincinnati natives, The Almighty Get Down, the young & vibrant Electric Orange Peel out of Columbus, and Michigan-based movers and shakers, That Freak Quincy, Cincinnati’s jammy Peridoni, and new local Dayton Band The Willy Clark Band. If that wasn’t enough to entice you, the Heavyweight Champ of the saxophone, Ron Holloway, will be featured as the artist at large to accelerate and amplify the musicianship, fun, and excitement.Live Painters, food from Brick Haus BBQ, and various Dry Good vendors round out this incredible night so make sure you are there!


When? Saturday April 16th. Doors 4pm. Show 5pm – 2am
Where? Oddbody’s Music Room
$10 pre-sales $15 DOS. Get tickets: http://ticketf.ly/1QC7nr0

Schedule: Doors 4PM
5:00PM-6:00PM The Willy Clark Band
6:15PM-7:15PM That Freak Quincy
7:30PM-8:30PM Electric Orange Peel
8:30PM-9:00PM INTERMISSION (Cake and more!)
9:00PM-10:15 PM Peridoni
10:30-12:15AM Subterranean w/ Ron Holloway
12:30AM-2AM The Almighty Get Down 

The Boxcar Suite Celebrates New Life on the Limb EP

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12779290_788187994614930_900709669285513899_oOne of the city’s most beloved local rock bands, The Boxcar Suite are celebrating the release of their newest EP, Life on the Limb, by throwing a huge April Fool’s Day Party with their friends the Nick Frye Band. Join in on the revelry Friday April 1st at The Trolley Stop. Show starts at 9pm.

If you’re not familiar with The Boxcar Suite – it’s long overdue that you get familiar with them! They are likened to Tom Petty, Neil Young, but definitely that Dayton rock’n’roll edge. To get a taste of their newest music, check out their Room Full of Cowards video below.

You can also check out and even snag your own digital copy of the EP on the band’s music site here. And certainly if you get a chance, the best way to experience this band is live!

How to Go: Friday April 1st. Trolley Stop. 9pm. $5 cover.

 

Downtown Businesses Here To Rescue You From Lame Valentine’s Day

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Skate with your sweetie and pick up a Parker plush. Photo courtesy Five Rivers MetroParks

Whether you truly “heart” Valentine’s Day, shun the celebration, or are simply ambivalent to arrow-slinging amoretti, if you’re looking for heartfelt gifts, awesome dinner specials, or great local music, downtown Dayton has you covered. Choose your own adventure in today’s post to create the best weekend experience plopped in the middle of a frigid February.

Date Night

Find out why Amazon.com rated Dayton in its top 20 list of most romantic U.S. cities. If you need gifts and activities for you and your sweetie, here are a few suggestions to squeeze every last drop of romance out of your city:

  • Sweetheart Skate, Feb 13-14, MetroParks Ice Rink: Spend Valentine’s weekend at RiverScape MetroParks Ice Rink! During regular ice rink hours Friday through Sunday, you can purchase the “Sweetheart Deal” and get two rink admissions, two ice skate rentals, two cups of hot chocolate and a Parker the Penguin plush for only $20.
  • February Fantasy, Feb 13-14, Victoria Theatre: The Dayton Ballet presents a powerful ballet program with four diverse works, including two world-premiere ballets. A pre-performance talk will take place 45 minutes prior to each performance. Visit com for details. Don’t forget to bring your receipt from your recent purchase at a downtown Dayton business for discount tickets to this performance!
  • Valentine’s Day Gift-Making, Feb 13-14, Proto BuildBar: Nothing says “love” like 3D printing your own customized Proto Heart and filling it with gifts. Proto also offers pre-stuffed hearts, full of sweets and a piece of locally made, handcrafted jewelry by Brooke Medlin!
  • Super Saturday Family Days, Feb 13, Dayton Art Institute: Maybe your special someone is a little on the short side. Take the kids to create your own beautiful valentines using classic and vintage valentines as your inspiration. Enjoy a gallery hunt featuring some of the most romantic paintings at The Dayton Art Institute.
  • Salsa Saturday Valentine’s Celebration, Feb 13, Therapy Café: DJ Danny D plays a mixture of Latin dance music consisting of salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, dembow, line dance, reggaeton, soca, punta, and vallenato, music that will definitely heat up the dance floor. Learn the basics of this sexy, sultry dance with a free lesson at 9:45pm.
  • Annual Valentine’s Show with Touch, Feb 13, Gilly’s Jazz: Dayton-based Touch, a five-member, “old school” rhythm-and-blues band, covers baby-makin’ hits by the Temptations, the Stylistics, the Delfonics, and more at Gilly’s during the annual Valentine Party Saturday night.
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A night of hilarious improv beats a box of those chalky candy hearts any day!

Who Needs Cupid?

Does that chubby cherub even have a license for his amorous arrows? If you’d rather avoid the slings and arrows of outrageous corporate holidays, here are a few ways you can still have a great time without a heart-shaped box.

 

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A romantic dinner is a great way to begin your Valentine’s experience. (Actual view at downtown Dayton restaurants may vary.)

Eat Your Heart Out

Coupled or not, everyone’s gotta eat! Here are a few drool-worthy dining specials this weekend: