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

Brightside

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “Airplane!”

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Dayton Dinner Theater presents “Airplane!” See a classic favorite on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting on Sunday, February 27th at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.

Enjoy Chef-inspired themed food, desserts, and cocktails from Brock Masterson. Before the movie, organizers have arranged for live-themed music featuring the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble.

During the movie, show your skills with DDT’s famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although these movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly.

When? Feb 27, 2022, 6:00 PM – 9:10 PM. Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.

Where? The Brightside Event Center, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.

Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

About the Event:

Themed Food: TBA (last time we had a choice of steak or fish…. I had the lasagna)

Themed Drinks: TBA (we cater to those with a drinking problem)

Themed Attire: pick your occupation… doctor, pilot, stewardess, auto pilot, or Hare Krishna salesman

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

 

 

Dayton’s Best Rock Bands Unplug for Rare Acoustic Show

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On Saturday February 1st, three of Dayton’s coolest original rock bands join together for a rare “unplugged” show at The Brightside. This intimate, all acoustic showcase featuring The New Old Fashioned, Salvadore Ross and RIND, is one of the “don’t miss” shows of the weekend.

When they describe this as a rare show, they mean it. Salvadore Ross has never performed acoustic before. And rumor has it, the headliners, RIND, are busting out percussion instruments they normally wouldn’t be able to use when performing electric. Their friends, The New Old Fashioned, rounds out and kicks off this truly unique evening in The Brightside’s cozy listening room!

This show kicks off a series of date night friendly concerts in February at this new downtown venue. Libby Ballengee, the music programmer at The Brightside explained: “We’ve hosted a lot of really great rock shows recently, but they’ve definitely been on the harder side. February is a romantic month, so we’re exploring a softer side this month. We are thrilled to start the month with this special ”

HOW TO GO?

WHEN: February 1, 2020. Doors 7pm. Show 8 – 11:30pm.

WHERE:  The Brightside –  905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH

WHO: All ages welcome!

COST:  $10 presale, 15 day of show.

TICKET LINK: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/unplugged-at-the-brightside-rind-salvadore-ross-the-new-old-fashioned

Exciting indie tour at Brightside Sunday Jan 26th

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You know what they say in the live music world: Never miss a Sunday show! This Sunday, January 26th is certainly one of those instances. BravoArtist is bringing an exciting indie tour to The Brightside Music & Event Venue featuring the up-and-coming pop-rock band Mike Mains & The Branches.

Mike Mains and The Branches is a pop-rock band based in Michigan. Since their conception in 2012, the group has built a reputation for their fantastical instrumentation and unforgettable live performances. Mains began writing songs early in his career between shifts at a casino, which is an apt illustration of Mains perspective on life: it’s a comedy, a tragedy, and a fairytale. (Check out their music for yourself at link below).

A big bonus to this particular show: three amazing area bands kicking off an evening of live music: Gabe Maas and the Bruins, The American Landscape and Year of the Buffalo. The best  part? The value. Tickets are only $13 advance, $15 day of show. Such a deal for this amount of raw musical talent!

How to Go?

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

When: Sunday, January 26, 2020. Doors 6pm. Show 7pm.

Who: All ages welcome! Handicapped accessible. On site parking.

Cost: $13 advance. $15 day of show. 

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mike-mains-the-branches-at-brightside-126-tickets-86353751395

 

 

 

Dayton Battle of the Bands Launches 6 Week Series

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The Dayton Battle of the Bands launches as a 6 week series, starting this week on January 14, 2020, running through February 25, 2020. The goal with this friendly competition is to shine light on new and upcoming bands in the Dayton area, while providing a prize package that helps launch them to their next level!

This new endeavor is a collaboration between The Brightside Music & Event Venue, Sound Valley, and Venus Child Productions. Carli Dixon, the owner and powerhouse behind The Brightside explained the motivation for this series: “Dayton has a long history of musical innovation, and we want to help elevate the next generation of Dayton talent.” For that reason, this competition is only open to bands and musical acts that have been performing (in their current entity) five years or less and are within a 35 mile radius of downtown Dayton.

Performing on The Brightside’s big stage in the Ballroom at the Sound Valley Winter Music Fest is part of the prize package for the Battle of the Band winner.

Twenty local acts were selected by a judge’s panel, with genres ranging from hip hop to metal, and from Americana to electronic originals.  The prize package for the winner includes an EP session with famed sound engineer Patrick Himes at Reel Love Recording Studio, a music video with Sound Valley, professional photo shoot with Mike Jones, and a premiere spot on the big stage at The Brightside for the Sound Valley Winter Music Festival. Along with support from those professionals, WYSO 91.3 FM and Prime Time Party Rental are sponsoring this first year’s competition.

Week 1 kicks off on January 14th and continues every Tuesday evening through February 25, 2020, which is when the finals will be held. In case of in-climate weather, February 18th will be used as a make up date. See full schedule and details on how to go below:

How to Go:

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

When: Week 1- Jan 14, 2020 / Week  2 – Jan 21, 2020 / Week 3 – Jan 28, 2020 / Week 4 – Feb 4, 2020 / Week 5 – Feb 11, 2020 / Week 6 – Rain date make up on Feb 18, 2020 (if needed) / Finals – Feb 25, 2020

Time: Doors 7pm, music starts promptly at 7:40 after some announcements

Cost: $5 advance tickets via https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/ – OR $10 at the door

Schedule: Band 1 – 7:40pm / Band 2 – 8:20 / Band 3 – 9:00 / Band 4 – 9:40
Music ends at 10pm. Winner announced at 10:30

All ages welcome! Handicapped accessible. On site parking available.

NOTE: Due to the volume of participants, there will be no friends and family guest list.

 

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.

Music and Art Go Hand in Hand on Fine Art Final Friday!

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Music fans are in for a treat on Friday June 28th when Marbin, the up-and-coming progressive jazz-rock band based in Chicago, comes back to town! This exciting act is taking the stage at Dayton’s hottest new music spot: The Brightside Music & Event Venue. Special guest Ben Delaurentis kicking off the night at 9pm!

Added bonus to this show! The Brightside is serving up food and amazing tunes on Friday night. The lovely ladies who run Drunkin’ Waffle / Twisted Taco will be on site as soon as doors open, to serve up some tasty food!

If you’re really looking to round out this cultural date night – I’d suggest getting out early and checking out some visual art around town. Fine Art Final Fridays is a new trend downtown, spurred by gallery owner Edward Dixon. This month he features three of Ben Ibebe‘s amazing pieces from his 6 painting “Jazz Series” which has never been shown outside of Dayton, Ohio! Meters are free after 6pm. So get your fine art on, and then get your groove on at The Brightside!

How To Go?

Friday June 28, 2019

Gallery Show: 5-9pm at Edward Dixon Gallery – 12 S Ludlow St Dayton, Ohio. No entry fee!

Marbin Concert: 

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

Doors 8pm. Show 9-11pm.

$10 at the door

All ages

Food: Twisted Taco food truck

Presented by Venus Child Productions

More about the Music

Marbin has a unique story that stands out in today’s music world. With a do-it-yourself approach, they started started touring extensively in 2011, bringing their original instrumental music to every part of the United States. Through word of mouth, Marbin has gained the attention of thousands of devoted fans all over the world. This is your chance to see them right here in Dayton!

Ben is a singer-songwriter from Lynchburg, Virginia whose warm tones and heartfelt lyricism create an authentic, intimate experience for the listener.

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

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!