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Blues

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

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.

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

 

Thanksgiving Weekend features Rock’n’Roll Reunions at The Brightside

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Dayton’s finest guitarists reunite for an exclusive show at The Brightside on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday November 27, 2019

Thanksgiving weekend is a time to reunite with friends and family, from far and wide. It holds true for musicians too! This weekend, some very special reunions are happening at The Brightside over the holiday weekend.

On Wednesday November 27th, the weekend kicks off with a showcase that serves to reunite dozen of area’s finest psychedelic rock musicians and their fans for the ultimate Thanksgiving Jam! Dayton music lovers have been attending Werksgiving for years, so while The Werks are taking a break, lead guitarist Chris Houser has invited his friends for an epic line up featuring Subterranean, Kommunity Service (a super group featuring members from The Werks, Boogie Matrix, Subterranean & Arrows of Neon), and Oh Kee Pa performing a tribute to Phish. My advice? Wear comfy shoes and prepare to boogie!

This rockin’ weekend continues with a Black Friday Special on November 29th, which highlights an exclusive homecoming performance by Dayton native Charlie Tipton. He’s been working on his EP in Tennessee and is excited to perform this material with his hometown family! The night is topped off with high energy Blues Rock from Wolf Moon Revival! It’s going to be an incredible night of original Dayton music!

Bonus – both performances will have the Hunger Force Food Truck on site! Their specialty is comfort food, which is perfect for the holiday weekend. So come hungry for this special weekend of live music and reunions with old friends!

HOW TO GO?

Thanksgiving Jam! 

  • Wednesday, November 27, 2019
  • The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
    $10 advance at SoundValleyDayton.com through Tuesday at midnight
  • $15 day of show price
  • All ages welcome!
  • Doors 7:30pm / Show 8:30pm.
    • 8:30pm – Oh Kee Pa (a Celebration of Phish)
    • 10pm – Kommunity Service
    • 11:30pm – Subterranean (music over approx 1am)

 

Black Friday Special!

  • Friday, November 29, 2019
  • The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
    $10 advance at SoundValleyDayton.com
  • All ages welcome!
  • Doors 8pm / Show 9pm.
    • 9pm Charlie Tipton Solo Set
    • 10pm Charlie Tipton Band
    • 11:45pm Wolf Moon Revival (music over approx 1:45am)

Both shows are also produced by Venus Child Productions.

Old Bank Becomes A Jazzy Joint in Miamisburg

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What do you get when you cross a history-filled but empty, old school bank with a vision for the future with a nod to the hey day of the jazz age?20161016_142407

The Blue Note Bistro and Lounge at  23 E. Ccntral Ave. in Downtown Miamisburg.

Owner Julie Delph, who you may know as the owner of Miami Valley Sports Bar, wasn’t content to just remodel that south suburb staple. She took on the task of creating a new business in historic downtown Miamisburg. Armed with an amazing shell of a building and a lot of ideas, Blue Note was born.

With a focus on live music and a jazzy ambiance, Julie + crew took on thfb_img_1477109183202e detail enriched project of creating a vibe unlike any other in the Dayton area. Dim lights, cool tones and a lot of chill creates a feeling of stepping way back in time the second you walk in the door.

With sustainability being in the forefront of design decisions, you’ll be delighted to hear the back story of some of the permanent fixtures. The marble teller stations used as partitions, the wine cellar that was the actual safe, the antique pieces of furniture you find in the “speakeasy”, and all the way down to the brass light switches in the board room that has been buried under layers of paint for decades, each and every piece was well thought out to create a unique experience for customers in 2016 and beyond.

Ok, so it looks amazing, we all agree, but what about the food & service?

Let’s cut to the chase here, the food is ridiculous. I mean ridiculous as in “I could eat here every day”, *that* kind of ridiculous. Entrees are solid, drinks are well made and happily served. Apps are a treat- yes, you really DO want your Caprese Salad fried, you do, I promise.

If you have even a fraction of a sweet tooth, order light to save room for dessert. The truffles. THE DANG http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_pod21/dw/image/v2/AAKG_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-godiva-piece-master-catalog/default/dwb81dad53/large/Truffle%20Max/Dark%20Chocolate%20Flight/DCFLIGHT3.jpgTRUFFLES!!! Seriously people, get the super-rich chocolatey decadence that are the Blue Note Truffles. No real words, just nom nom nom. Blue Note Bistro has the market cornered on desserts, thanks to pastry chef and general manager, Gene Bowling. If you have even the slightest  enjoyment of cheesecake on any level, get it. Get it right now. You won’t be disappointed. The last one I had was a banana-strawberry concoction that I can’t fully describe but was amazing.

Their brunch is my new favorite, hands down, but to be brutally honest, I don’t want to tell you too much because I enjoy getting in quickly.

Ok, fine. First and foremost, reservations are appreciated. It’s a small business and we all want to set them up for success, so let’s just let them know in advance if we’re bringing a group. If you can agree to that, I’ll tell you about the good stuff.

Did we agree? Great!

YOU GUYS!!! BRUNCH IS THE BEST! It’s no real secret that brunch is the best meal of the week, but we’re going to move past that obvious fact for the purpose of this story.

Blood Orange Mimosas – amazing14355052_547910875394889_3296389308184089531_n
Bloody Mary’s (extra spicy) – amazing
Their coffee (some crazy special blend, percolated the old fashioned way) – amazing
Eggs Benedict Oscar with asparagus – amazing
Quiche & Omelet of the day – yep, amazing
Biscuits & Gravy – I don’t know what the hell is in that gravy, but it’s legit the best I’ve had (though I do plan to do a Miamisburg side-by-side with Koffee Kup at a later date for confirmation)

But let’s talk about the chicken & waffles for a second. Yes, it’s trendy. Yes it’s popping up on a lot of menus lately. Yes, I know all of these things. But Blue Note is serving theirs with smoked chicken. You might not think it makes a difference but, wow. There’s this combination of the smokey & sweet that’s just… All together now… AMAZING.

I don’t even feel the slightest bit bothered by the amount of times I’ve used the word “amazing” here. Not even a little bit. It’s worthy. So worthy.

0714

The upstairs parlor.

Here’s the deal, I’ve been there a few times now and I plan to be there regularly in the future. It’s my new spot. While I understand that it may be a bit off the beaten path, it’s worth checking out. It only takes one time. Their service has been on point every time, their food & drink is top tier, the music is unlike the norm, and the general coolness of the joint can’t be matched.

I am cordially inviting you to the coolest place to hit the Miami Valley recently. Come down to the Burg and experience this little gem…

… But don’t all come at once, because I’ll elbow you for a seat at the bar (in the nicest way possible, obviously).

fb_img_1477109228213Blue Notes Hours

Mon 8:00pm-1:00am –  Blues Night
Tue 5:00pm-11:00pm
Wed 5:00pm-11:00pm
Thu 5:00pm-11:00pm
Fri 5:00pm-1:00am
Sat 5:00pm-1:00am
Sun 11:00am-4:00pm

Here Comes Big Brews and Blues!

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Drink up and help Dayton Diabetes

Big Brews and Blues for Diabetes, is back!  2016 marks the  7th annual fundraiser, and it is going to be bigger and better than ever.  The event features incredible blues music, and dozens of beers to taste.    Dayton Most Metro will host one of the booths and will be pouring beers into the night…  Food Adventures is proud to again be participating in the event.

Chef House, The Big Ragu and Hungry Jax love this event because 100% of the proceeds go to Dayton Diabetes.  This is the blues and beer festival you want to support, because of where the money goes and because it is for a great cause.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

—WHEN: Big Brews and Blues is Saturday May 21st from 5-9 PM with a VIP hour from 4-5pm

 

—WHERE: Five Rivers MetroPark’s RiverScape Pavillion

Funky Blues, with a Horn Section

— WHY: To raise money for Dayton Diabetes while having a great time.

— COST: $35 presale

      $40 at the door for regular admission

      $50 for VIP admission, which gets you in one hour earlier, plus some additional tasting tickets.

Tickets are available on-line at www.bigbrewsandblues.com

 

THE BLUES:

4p-6pm  Jimmy D. Rogers

6:15p-7:15p  Micah Kesselring

7:45p-9p  Shake n’ The New Senders

And emceed by Earl “Southside’ Hayes

 

 

THE BREWS:

— ALL BEERS ARE DRAUGHT BEERS

— ALL BEERS ARE AMERICAN CRAFT BEERS

— ALL OF THE LOCAL BREWERIES WILL BE REPRESENTED !

Rain or Shine – we will be pouring !

— There will be multiple CASK BEERS and LIMITED RELEASE BEERS

 

MUST EATS:

— BOSTON’S BISTRO and PUB: We have never had anything here we didnt like…

— BOURBON STREET GRILL: Get the Bourbon Chicken

— HEART’S HOT DOGS:  The Chicago Style Hot Dog and The Steak Burger

— PITA POCKETS:  Get the Gyro !

— THE ORIGINAL PIZZA FACTORY:   Whether you get the Pepperoni or the Deluxe, you will have a nice thick slice on your hands.

Saturday’s Big Brews and Blues not enough for you??

Then get your thirsty mug to these related events for

American Craft Beer Week in Dayton (We love Craft Beer)

Tuesday, May 17th: It’s Taco Tuesday at Pour Haus.  Starts at 5 pm.

Wednesday, May 18th: The American IPA Showcase at The Barrel House.  Starts at 5 pm.

Thursday, May 19th: Ohio Beer Spotlight at Dayton Beer Company featuring MadTree, FatHeads, Jackie O’s, Dayton Beer Company, and others. Starts at 5 pm.

Friday, May 20th: Big Brews and Blues Pre-party at Boston’s Bistro & Pub, featuring Hungarian food. Starts at 6:00pm.

 

Brew it up with Food Adventures each and every day by “liking” us on Facebook by clicking here.  No rules, no food critics, just serious eats and original photos!  We leave no plate unturned!

Chef House serving up a thirsty customer

The Big Ragu Welcomes you to Fantasy Island

Chef House and the Big Ragu

The Goose is loose !

wasssup

Sold out of beer !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is like the Olympiad, but for ,music and beer

We have been goin for years !

He’s got those blues !

Dogs, diabetes, Dayton

BBQ

Thank you Dave Boston !

cincy brew

MostMetro #1 –

Whippet good

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So Good

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pins and Beers

Try em all

this guy was loving life

Blues Live

Clowns allowed

Matt Harris – and friend

Dive Bar Tuesday – Phone Booth Lounge

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And the the night began: with a cocktail or two).

And the the night began: with a cocktail or two).

Since the team started working on Dive Bar Tuesdays, one bar has been at the top of our list to get to sooner than later. It is one that we all discovered while working together and we had been attending for a while. The location was relatively central to where we all lived, the food and drink prices were right, and the atmosphere was incredibly relaxed. Schedules did not align, especially since on Tuesday nights the bar was packed. Packed to the point people were making reservations. Reservations? In a dive bar? When Tuesday Night Trivia is so popular that majority of the tables in the place are set aside, something special has to be happening. This week we were finally able to make it to the Phone Booth Lounge in Kettering. It was much quieter than the last few times we tried to enjoy the calm atmosphere we were accustomed to.

The Phone Booth just exudes calm. It could be the fact that they have been serving customers for the last five decades. That’s right, they have been sitting there taking care of customers since 1964. The wood paneled walls and stained ceiling tiles tell that tale well. And not in a “this place needs an update” way. It is just comfortable, like a well-worn sweater. The bartenders are friendly, going the distance to help me find a whiskey I enjoyed (I was feeling some Bushmill’s) and rooting through the beer cooler for me. There were photos of bands surrounding the stage, and lit signs indicating all of the upcoming events being held there. There is live music all weekend, including a Blues Jam on Thursday nights. Monday through Wednesday they have beer specials and something different each night; Wii bowling on Mondays, trivia on Tuesday, and warm up the stage on Wednesday with karaoke. This month they will also be teaming up with the Dayton Blues Society for their Second Annual Youth Showcase on February 20th.

Their cocktail menu reflects their claim of being the Home of Kettering Rock and Roll. The shot list falls on the more traditionally named side, with Black and Blues, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Sweet Tarts. When you look over to the cocktail menu, however, the rock comes out. You can find some Sweet Emotions, possibly Blinded by the Light, or end up Knocking on Heaven’s Door. There is a list of beers, wines, and other liquors they have on the back, but it is not a complete list. There is one thing that they took down that I really enjoyed using to see all their beers; a beer shelf that hung over the bar. It allowed you to look at the selection of specialty beers and be ready to order on a moment’s notice. This is also one of the few bars I have been to where all of the liquor is not up where it can be immediately seen. The hiding of the complete beer and liquor menu may just be a clever ploy to get you to chat with the staff.

So. Many. Nachos.

So. Many. Nachos.

The food menu is a perfect complement to the space. It is all very comfortable food. You are not going to hit many surprises on it, unless you order the nacho platter without understanding what you are asking for. There was other food on the table, like hot dog pretzel bites and fried mushrooms, but we all turned our heads when the nachos came. It was big enough to serve the five people that were sitting there, and there were enough toppings on it to hold it all together. Even after nibbling on it for the better part of an hour, we did not finish it. It was one hell of a surprise to see on the table, and makes me curious as to what other surprises may be lurking in that kitchen.

Why is this place packed on a Tuesday night? It is definitely more than for just the trivia. Good food and good company are part of the equation, even if you come alone. You have great bartenders to talk with, and there is pool, darts, and on Monday nights, bowling to keep you occupied. You can admire the art show on the ceiling tiles through the building, some of which has been there for years. In the warmer months there is a patio for your enjoyment. For a low key night with friends, it is the perfect place to meet, get cozy, and hang out for a few hours.

The Phone Booth Lounge is located at 155 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH 45459. You can call for information at (937) 298-8712.

 

 

Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials & Noah Wotherspoon Play The Blues

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11yec2bux1bopyeb5y7fudmdwihn72pcFrom smoking slide guitar boogies to raw-boned Chicago shuffles to the deepest slow blues, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Lil’ Ed Williams is an awe-inspiring master bluesman. He and his blistering, road-tested band, The Blues Imperials—guitarist Mike Garrett, bassist James “Pookie” Young, drummer Kelly Littleton—are celebrating 20 amazing years together. Live, Lil’ Ed And The Blues Imperials simply can’t be beat as Ed breaks out the deepest back-bends, the highest toe-walks, and the most authentic electric slide-guitar blues being played today. Not since the heyday of Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers has a Chicago blues band made such a consistently joyous, rollicking noise.

Get the Blues at the 29th Annual Dayton Blues Festival

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Free summer entertainment returns to downtown Dayton’s Dave Hall Plaza (Fourth and Jefferson Streets) on Sunday, July 20, as Recreation and Youth Services presents the 29th annual Dayton Blues Festival, with the finest in local and regional blues from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.The line-up includes:

  • Joe & Jack Waters – Dayton
  • The Wright Brothers Band – Dayton
  • Back Talk Blues Band, featuring Gary ‘Guitar’ Williams – Dayton
  • The Mojo Kings – Columbus
  • Mark May Band, with the Soul Horns – Columbus
  • Cheryl Renee Project – Cincinnati
  • Joey Gilmore ‘The Blues Legend’ – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
  • Emcee – Earl “South Side” Hayes

In addition to great blues, there will be food and merchandise vendors, and Heidelberg will offer premium beers. Concertgoers are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets.  However, shade tents, coolers, pets, outside food and drinks are not permitted.  The City of Dayton’s Take Back the Tap Trailer will offer free water (guests are encouraged to bring their own water cup or bottles).

The Dayton Blues Festival is the second of a three-festival Downtown Summer Music Series presented by the Dayton Department of Recreation and Youth Services, and is supported by Heidelberg Distributing, the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, WROU Radio, and Martin Romie Talent.  The Downtown Summer Music Series will continue with the Dayton Reggae Festival on August 31, also at Dave Hall Plaza and with free admission.

Recap: Big Brews & Blues.. and FOOD !

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Big Brews & Blues – one terrific event

Drinking craft beers while listening to a regional blues man hum away on his harmonica.  What better way to raise money for  Diabetes Dayton?   The annual Big Brews & Blues event was held last weekend at Carrillon Park and hundreds of attendees enjoyed dozens of craft beers.  There were Big Brews, there were Blues, and of course, there was food.   We were on hand for another Food Adventure supporting a local charity.   Pouring beer in full force were the staff of  Dayton Most Metro and Lisa Grigsby with Dayton Dining.  Tickets were $30 in advance or $35 at the door.  The event went from 5pm – 9pm and each guest received a souvenir beer tasting glass.  Full pint tickets were also available for a special price.

The crowd danced and drank.   They ate and socialized.  They sipped and quipped.    So which brews were our favorites?  What food items blues.. (ahem) blew us away?  All that is coming, but first a summary.

 

If you didn’t attend Big Brews & Blues…

HERE IS WHAT YOU MISSED:

—Endless samplings of almost 50 craft beers from local and national breweries.  A detailed list of the beers may be found HERE.

—Blues acts with roots from Chicago, Tennessee, Detroit, Cincinnati and Columbus.  It was an incredible night of good blues music.  Groups included Joe and Jack Waters, Them Bones, Johnny Mack & the Heavyweights, and finally Big Joe Blues.

—Food Vendors.  This is our thing, so we enjoyed the likes of Brock Masterson Catering, Hickory River Smokehouse, Fressa Food Truck and Kaimelsky’s Food Cart.

— Breweries Represented:

Dayton Beer Company, Yellow Springs Brewery, Valley Vineyards, Weasel Boy, Listermann, Mt Carmel, Rivertown,  Christian Morlein, Hoppin Frog, Barley’s, Ohio Brewing Company, Jackie O’s, Great Lakes, Erie Brewing, Thirsty Dog, Triton, Anderson Valley, Hinterland, Fathead’s,  Revolution, Two Brothers, Stone Brewing, Brew Kettle Taproom, Bell’s, Southern Tier, Founders, Troegs,  Ommegang, Uinta, 21st Amendment, Atwater Brewery,  Elevator, Finch’s Beer Company,  Anchor Brewing, Kona, Redhook, Shocktop, Widmer Brothers, Goose Island, Boston Beer Co.,   Leinenkugel, Harpoon,  and Ace Premium Hard Ciders.

 

What goes better with beer than a Nathan’s hot Dog from Kaimelsky’s Food Cart?

There were so many good beers and decent food, that we were pressed to pick just one favorite, but here we go…

OUR FAVORITES FROM THE FESTIVAL:

HUNGRY JAX’s FAVORITE BIG BREW:   The Sam Adam’s Honey Queen Braggot was her top pick.  It is made with 3 types of honey, and had a nice hoppy flavor.   They tapped the keg right in front of her, and she was in heaven.  It was one of those “Damn, this is good!” moments.

HUNGRY JAX’S FAVORITE FOOD OFFERING: What goes better with beer than a Nathan’s hot dog from Kaimelsky’s Food Cart?  This hot dog was topped with spicy mustard, onions and Sriracha sauce.   It was worth it.

THE BIG RAGU’s FAVORITE BIG BREW:  Whippet Wheat from Thirsty Dog Brewery gets his vote for its crisp taste with touch of banana flavor.  It was the first time we had a Thirsty Dog beer on tap since the mid 1990’s.  It was like a flashback, so we put on some MC Hammer pants and danced in the tent until security showed up.

THE BIG RAGU’s FAVORITE FOOD OFFERING:  Hickory River’s Pulled Pork Sandwich is Ragu’s pick.  The slow cooked pork was great, but the real secret was the incredible BBQ sauce.  Choices of topping were Sweet, Hot or Mixed sauce on your sandwich.  We chose mixed, and that made all the difference.

This was a fun filled night.  We poured a few beers for MostMetro.  We had delicious crab cakes from Brock Masterson’s catering, and some tasty buffalo chips with blue cheese dip from Fressa Food Truck.   We talked at length with the owners and managers of  Star City Brewery, which will be opening in the former Peerless Mill site before the end of 2013.   Event photographer Sarah Browning, also chatted with us, while snapping  a few pics of  The Big Ragu.

We even had an ‘America’s Got Talent’ moment, when we were getting our groove on near the stage with the blues band.  We even snapped a photo of the lead singer during one of the blues sets.   You won’t see that anywhere else,  unless they copy our soulful dance moves.

Here’s to not having to hear about hiking and heartburn anymore ! Brews & Blues is a blast

The best part of this event is that it benefits Diabetes Dayton each year.  Proceeds from the Big Brews & Blues help uninsured local residents with diabetes.  Funds pay for desperately needed supplies.  Diabetes Dayton also educates people in the Miami Valley who are suffering from diabetes, as well as paying for summer camp for diabetic children who just want to lead a normal, active life.  Thank you to Diabetes Dayton Executive Director Susan McGovern for welcoming us as special guests to this benefit.  Canned Soft Drinks and  Bottled Water were for sale benefiting the Dougie Apple Tree Memorial Scholarship Fund.   Dougie was a local resident, who passed away from diabetes at just 26 years old.

If you missed Big Brews & Blues, make sure you catch it this time next year.  Stay tuned to Dayton Most Metro for info!   The Big Ragu will be there in 2014, at this Food Adventure for a good cause.  It will be another ‘blast in a glass.’   We promise not spill any beer or BBQ sauce on you.

BROWSE THROUGH THE PHOTO ALBUM BELOW FOR ALL THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS of BIG BREWS & BLUES !!

BREWERIES REPRESENTED INCLUDED:

Dayton Beer Company, Yellow Springs Brewery, Valley Vineyards, Weasel Boy, Listermann, Mt Carmel, Rivertown,  Christian Morlein, Hoppin Frog, Barley’s, Ohio Brewing Company, Jackie O’s, Great Lakes, Erie Brewing, Thirsty Dog, Triton, Anderson Valley, Hinterland, Fathead’s,  Revolution, Two Brothers, Stone Brewing, Brew Kettle Taproom, Bell’s, Southern Tier, Founders, Troegs,  Ommegang, Uinta, 21st Amendment, Atwater Brewery,  Elevator, Finch’s Beer Company,  Anchor Brewing, Kona, Redhook, Shocktop, Widmer Brothers, Goose Island, Boston Beer Co.,   Leinenkugel, Harpoon,  and Ace Premium Hard Ciders.

Want more Food Adventures?  “Like” us on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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Dayton Blues Fest this Sunday

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The Michelob Dayton Blues Festival is the second of three free summer festivals presented by the City of Dayton Department of Recreation & Youth Services and The Downtown Dayton Partnership.  It’s a day of music from Ohio blues acts beginning at 1pm.  San Antonio’s Jose’ Alvarez with Los Blancos will headline at 8pm.  The festival takes place at Dave Hall Plaza (Fourth & Jefferson Streets) and is hosted by Earl “Southside” Hayes

Jose Alvarez

Here’s the full lineup:

1pm  Austin “Walkin’ Cane” (Cleveland)
2pm  Swamp Rhinos (Dayton)
3pm  The Soulcasters (Dayton)
4pm  Average Joe’s (Dayton)
5pm  Jimmy Baker & Blues Encounter (Dayton)
6pm  Long Tall Deb & The Drifter Kings (Columbus)
7pm Mississippi Red & The Bumble-Bee-Licious Blues Band (Dayton)
8pm  Jose’ Alvarez with Los Blancos (San Antonio)

There’s also an after-party/birthday celebration for the Dayton Blues Society hosted by the Soulcasters.  That’s at Brixx Ice Company on First Street.  The music starts at 9:30pm.

John Nemeth Brings the Blues to Gilly’s

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If you’re a fan of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, then do yourself a favor and check out John Nemeth.  This 34 year old Boise native is getting lots of buzz for his vocal and harmonica stylings that mix classic blues with 60’s-style R&B.  You can catch Nemeth and his band at Gilly’s on Thursday, June 24th at 8pm.  Tickets are $10 at the door for this must-see show.

Dayton Blues Society

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dbs(the following is from our friend Kelly Marie Weiler)

In August 2008 at the Dave Hall Plaza Blues Festival, on a tent near the stage hung a brand new banner with a really cool logo announcing the arrival of a new 501c3 non-profit, the Dayton Blues Society.  Enthusiastic volunteers wearing a variety of shirts and caps (with the really cool logo) sold memberships and apparel all afternoon as they shared the mission of DBS.

Fifteen months later, the Dayton Blues Society now has over 200 members, an increasing team of dedicated volunteers and talented musicians, and new community partners helping increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of blues music while presenting excellent blues performances.

DBS helps expand the presence and vitality of the blues locally through promotional events, educational programs like Blues in the Schools, and opportunities to strengthen the link between the community and local musicians.

Board President Jeff Hill leads the all-volunteer team with passion, commitment and vision. He and his crew sure know how to throw a party! In addition, they endeavor to be a resource for blues lovers. Visit the Dayton Blues Society website and you will find the world of local, regional and national blues at your fingertips. From calendars, to links to bands, venues and other blues societies, there is also a link to a fascinating uncensored history of the blues.

The Dayton Blues Society provides opportunities to experience music like blue jeans for the soul. DBS, like many things in Dayton, is still a secret treasure. Dayton has many secret treasures: people, places and things that create the intangible, hard-to-describe quality of life feeling that makes Dayton a wonderful place to live. Take a minute to learn more about DBS, attend the Winter Blues Showcase in January and resolve to make 2010 the year to experience some of the secret treasures that make our community “blue jeans for the soul.”