Columbus

Road Trip: Corn Maze Beer Fest, Columbus, IN

September 9, 2023 By Lisa Grigsby

The 6th Annual Corn Maze Beer Fest is a one-of-a-kind beer festival that will feature 80+ of the best breweries from around the country scattered inside an 11-acre corn maze. Find the breweries and receive unlimited beer samples all day long. Enjoy some live music and tasty food from local food trucks. This festival is in Columbus, Indiana, about a 2 hour drive from Dayton.

The event will welcome breweries representing 30 states from all over the country, and even one brewer from Greece.

Guests will receive unlimited beer samples all day long and can enjoy live music and food from... — Guests will receive unlimited beer samples all day long and can enjoy live music and food from local food trucks.(Lauren Solomon/450 North Brewing)

According to 450 North Brewing, the Corn Maze Beer Fest is one of (if not the) largest beer festivals in the state of Indiana. This year’s festival theme is “fiesta,” and the event plans to feature local Hispanic dancers and a mariachi band.

Limited-edition beers made by 450 North Brewing for the event will include a Mexican lager, Mexican chocolate stout, and fruited sours made with a variety of popular Mexican fruits like prickly pear, dragon fruit, and papaya.

This year marks the event’s sixth anniversary. It will be held Oct. 7.

Guests will receive unlimited beer samples all day long and can enjoy live music and food from local food trucks.

Tickets are expected to sell out prior to the event and will not be available for purchase the day of. VIP tickets are already sold out. This event is rain or shine. All attendees must be over 21.

General Admission: $60
Gate Entrance at 11:00AM.
Maze Entry at 2:00PM.
GA includes a complimentary taster glass.

For more event details and to buy tickets, visit 450 North Brewing’s website here.

Yellow Springs Brewery To Expand Into Columbus

August 6, 2023 By Dayton937

Yellow Springs Brewery will be opening a taproom in the Clintonville neighborhood in Columbus. They’ll be taking over the spot that has operated at The Crest since 2013.

The taproom and kitchen will undergo minor renovations only, retaining much of its current atmosphere. Yellow Springs Brewery plans to open the new space in October.

“Known for great tasting beers and strong brand authenticity, Yellow Springs Brewery has built a following of beer lovers in the Dayton and Columbus area that has grown year after year,” a press release stated.. “Considering that a large number of weekend customers in their Yellow Springs taproom come from Columbus, an extensive effort has been made to send more products into the Columbus area over the last couple of years.”

Yellow Springs Brewery

Coming this fall to:

2855 Indianola Ave
Clintonville, OH 43201

Dayton Jam Band fans gather at The Werk Out!

July 31, 2018 By LIbby Ballengee

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.

Full Scoop on the 2017 Dayton Area Fish Frys

January 14, 2017 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Alter HS Fish Fry is a huge event

Dayton Most Metro has the full list of the areas fish fry’s for 2017 listed RIGHT HERE. Food Adventures has been visiting all of these fish frys each year, for years and we have the scoop on each one.

How do we know? Because we actually go to each one and support the causes! Most fish frys serve Alaskan Pollok or Cod. A couple serve Haddock, and catfish !

NO ONE else breaks down 35 Dayton area fish frys like The Food Adventures Crew … join us…

So, cast your nets, throw your bait i, n the water and see what you can catch this fish fry season !!

We knock .em down below and list them from the MOST EXTRAVAGANT ones, to the TOP FISH FRYS, and BEST RESTAURANT FISH FRYS. We will list

A serving from Incarnation’s Fish Fry

some fish frys we are putting on our hit list to visit for the first time this year. Also we have scoop on a “Do it yourself Fish Fry” at home ! Start reading and be the smartest fish in your school.

First, Food Adventures starts with the big shows, the huge events, the largest production and biggest number of activities and selections.

Here’s the list of the MOST EXTRAVAGANT fish frys .. in order

St Peter’s in Huber Heights – huge selection of food & casino games

THE 4 MOST EXTRAVAGANT FISH FRYS:

—1. ALTER HIGH SCHOOL’S FISH FRY: FRI. FEB 24 at 7pm
940 E David Rd, Kettering
The Dayton area’s largest fish fry, it is a sight to behold. Located at Alter High School gym and cafeteria, it is a huge display of casino games and a gigantic amount of silent auction prizes. $15 gets you all you want fish, sides and pop. Beer and wine, is extra. Promises to draw a big crowd. If you want the big, Grandaddy of them all event .. this is it … Say hi to the Big Ragu who will be dealing blackjack.

—2. ST PETER’S FISH FRY: SAT. FEB 25 at 5:30pm

Carroll HS like most fish fry’s serve draft beer

6161 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights
Since it is on a Saturday, they offer fish, sausages, wings and much more. There is enough food to line the length of a basketball court. The entire gym is decked out from horse races to blackjack. The price is about $15 and includes a couple drink tickets. The line is a big one so get there EARLY. They usually surprise with one craft beer at the coolers. Big crowd, good times.

—3. INCARNATION PARISH FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 10 at 7pm
55 Williamsburg Ln, Centerville
Known simply as “The Fry,” This event has tents, and it has the biggest craft beer selection of all the fish frys. Also a BIG casino after party, with lots of folks.

Like St Mary’s some serve Sausages on Saturdays or Fridays before lent

Big Ragu deals blackjack here from time to time, so please come, eat, drink and be merry. This event gets extra points for decor and silent auction. Typically the cost is about $18 and includes all you can eat fish, sides and soda pop. Craft beer for sale too, the biggest selection of the fish frys.

—4. CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL’S ST PAT’S FEST FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 10 at 6pm
4524 Linden Ave. Dayton
Everyone is Irish for this fish fry celebration. $18 is admission gets you fish, sides and some draft beers. Held in the cafeteria and gymnasium, they have a baked fish option and lots of desserts. A friendly staff, with tons of silent auction items, raffle prizes and of course some games of chance. Will you hit the luck of the Irish at this party?(March 11th is a free family event).

Desserts are often a part of admission like this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake from Our Lady of the Rosary

Now Food Adventures turns to the best fish frys. The ones who give you best bang for your buck and maybe not the long lines of other fish frys. Must be 21 to attend, except for the fish frys that are family events.

THE BEST 15 CHARITY FISH FRYS:

—1. ST MARY’S FISH FRY: FRI. FEB 3 at 6pm
310 Allen St, Dayton
All you can eat dinner in the basement of the church. There is a fun circus atmosphere for the raffle prizes and of course the casino games. This is one of the best bangs for your buck. The cost is $15 and you get fish dinner with all the trimmings. You can buy beers on draft for about 50 cents. And a dessert table for extra $1 per item will knock your Aunt Connie’s socks off. Short lines, nice volunteers and a comfortable atmosphere.

Games of chance like this dice game at Holy Trinity are common

—2. OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY FISH FRY: FRI. Feb 10 at 6pm
22 Notre Dame Ave. Dayton
This is our old #1 fish fry. It is still the best, but the secret is out and the lines are long. Take advantage of their multiple dates and get there early. $17 gets you endless food and beer, they don’t nickel and dime you here. This is a fun, laid back party. All you can eat Icelandic cod, chicken strips, fresh sausage (hot and regular), French fries, salad, cole slaw, cabbage and noodles, chocolate cake, apple crisp, popcorn, beer and soft drinks, and Chef Joseph, you get us with that peanut butter sheet cake every year. Talk about religious experience… but the cat is out of the bag on this secret, so get there early or the line will be around the cafeteria, but the fish here is different than any other.

Dayton Rugby Clubs fish fry is delicious – Chef David Glynn makes sure of it

—3. HOLY TRINITY FISH FRY: SAT. MAR 4 at 6:30pm
272 Bainbridge St, Dayton
Points for the friendliest staff of volunteers and parishioners. They treat you like family. At a cost of about $15 you get 3 beer tickets and food. The lines are not long, and the casino games in the adjacent room are a blast. This is a real fun event that captures the essence of a fish fry.

—4. DAYTON RUGBY CLUB: FRI. MAR 31 at 7pm.
5384 Fishburg Rd., Huber Heights (Huber Heights Athletic Club)
This ranking is because the fish is so good. Chef David Glynn in the past has turned this into a fantastic event with his volunteers. Big lines, but the fish is worth it. It is the only Dayton fish fry with Panko fish breading. Go for seconds and pass out in a food coma like we do. A fun boisterous crowd. Lots of food, laughs and fun.

Lots of pop – like this table at Holy Angels Fish Fry

—5. HOLY ANGELS FISH FRY: FRI. JAN 13 at6pm
1322 Brown Street, Dayton
Near the campus of U.D., this is one of the friendliest crews you can hang out with. A nice hot batch of fish hits the pan every few minutes. The line is not bad and the cafeteria area holds the eats and raffle prizes. Check out the goods and the beer is CHEAP. $15 bucks for a delicious fish fry cooked by the “Corpus Christi Fryers.”

—6. ST HELENS FISH FRY: SAT. JAN 28th at 6:30pm
605 Granville Pl, Dayton
Riverside’s best fish fry. $20 at the door includes pop, beer tickets and full fish dinner. They are also

St Helens and other fish frys are on Saturdays and offer chicken too

having sausages and chicken ! This is a comfortable crowd, not too busy, and not too empty. It is just right. Lots of chances for casino games as well.

—7. ST PAULS CATHOLIC CHURCH FISH FRY: NOT UNTIL DEC. 2017
1000 Wenger Rd, Englewood
(They already held their fish fry in December, catch them later this year, it is worthwhile).

The Fish from St Paul’s fish fry in Englewood

—8. OUR LADY of GRACE/OUR LADY of MERCY/CORPUS CHRISTI FISH FRY: SAT. MAR 4 at 6pm
249 Squirrel Rd, Dayton
Just $15 gets you into this fantastic party and fish fry. The lines are not long and the food is good. Fish Fries Sausage, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, and Beer included! The Corpus Christi Fryers will be serving up some lovin spoonfuls.

—9. ST ANTHONY’s FISH FRY: FRI. FEB 24 at 6pm
830 Bowen St., Dayton
Great atmosphere, great fish. Plenty of blackjack tables for afterwards fun. Cost is $15 and includes fish dinner, sides and a couple beer tickets. The lines can get long, so get there early for this one. Good Food, fun

The Corpus Christi Fryers are a great volunteer group

crowd, nice big pieces of Alaskan pollok.

—10. ST ALBERT THE GREAT FISH FRY: FRI. JAN 20, 6pm
3033 Far Hills Ave, Dayton
$20 at the door gets you a full, endless fish dinner. In the past the Hecht family has run this fish fry. Nice, big pieces of fish, breaded and cooked perfectly. You should get a couple of beer tickets with admission as well. this fish fry also has

St Anthony Fish Fry Volunteers

a lot of raffle prizes to win.

—11. ST CHARLES FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 17, 4:30pm
4500 Ackerman Blvd. Kettering
Kid friendly until 6pm. This fish fry gives you a chance to bring the whole family from 4:30pm -6pm. After that it goes to over 21. Great fish, short lines and a lot of fun. We suggest getting there about 5-530pm to get a good seat. Tickets are about $16 and include a couple of beer tickets, as well as fish, slaw and fries.

Lots of fish frys serve bread and tartar so you can make a sandwich – like this one from St Albert

—12. CHAMINADE JULIENNE’S FISH FRY: SAT. MAR. 18th at 6pm.
505 South Ludlow Street, Dayton
Cost is $20 at the door includes all the beer and food you want. We love this all inclusive approach and the fish is good so this one is the best up and coming fish fry. Held in the school they get a great crowd, get there early as lines form !

—13. ST LUKES FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 3rd and FRI. MAR 17th at 5:15-6:45pm
1440 N. Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek
This one is run by the school and is a delicious dinner, not all you can eat. You are offered baked and fried fish, slaw and fries. They have one of the biggest dessert selections we had run into. Plenty of soda available. This is a FAMILY fish fry, so no beer or alcohol is served. Cost is about $10 for adults, $5 children 4-12, 3 and under free.

Fish from St Charles Fish Fry

—14. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FISH FRY: FRI. JAN 20th, 6pm
4293 Powell Road, Huber Heights
The menu includes beverages, both fried and baked fish, sausage, chicken nuggets, beans, corn, macaroni and cheese, and all the fixings. The price is $14 for adults.

—15. ST. HENRY’S FISH FRY: FRI. FEB 3 at 7pm
6696 Springboro Pike, Dayton
They have a live auction and Texas hold em too ! Price is about 16 bucks for the all you can eat typical fish dinner with fries and slaw. Have fun and gamble. The atmosphere is very relaxed and jovial at this fun fish fry.

Desserts from Chaminade Fish Fry

—16. ST. FRANCIS of ASSISI‘s FISH FRY: FRI. MAR 3, 6pm
6245 Wilmington Pike, Bellbrook
If you get there early, you will be having round 2 of food before most people have even gotten into line. This is a big fish fry held in the cafeteria and the seating gets full. The fish is filling and they offer some other sides besides just slaw and fries.

Many events have baked fish option like this one from St Luke’s Church

Chef House, the Big Ragu and Hungry Jax are all about the restaurant scene too. Take it from us, here are the fish frys you want to experience. Some are year round, some are limited times. All are worth it !

Here they are…

THE TOP 8 DAYTON AREA RESTAURANT FISH FRYS:

—1. HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE:
3509 Linden Ave, Dayton
$8.75 – endless fish fries and cole slaw offered 52 weeks a year on Fridays. What a deal! The fish is delicious, light, huge pieces cooked with a perfect and crunch. Excellent food, old school atmosphere, nuff said.

St Henry’s Fish Fry

—2. YANKEE TRACE GOLF CLUB:
10000 Yankee St, Centerville
Endless fish, cole slaw and fries for $15 per person. This goes every Friday through April 14th. Delicious, filling, and ooohh is that fish good and crunchy!

—3. TIPP O’ THE TOWN:
1150 W. Main St, Tipp City
All you can eat on Fridays and Wednesdays every week all year, all day long. For $9.79 it comes with fries and slaw. A great place, that gets overlooked up north.

St Francis fish fry in Bellbrook is a busy one

—4. K.J.’S RESTAURANT:
35 W Center St, Germantown
This Germantown restaurant features all you can eat farm raised catfish, 2 sides, for $8.99. What a price! The catfish is nice and flaky and not “fishy.” We think you’re gonna enjoy this one!

—5. GAMEDAY GRILL and PATIO:
7576 OH-48, Waynesville, OH
Popular spot at the edge of Waynesville/Centerville. Their fish fry runs every Friday during lent (Ash Wednesday to Easter). It is not all you can eat. The price is $12.25 for Alaskan Pollock includes 2 big pieces, fries and slaw and extra filets are +$3 each. These guys know how to cook good food. Try it for some of the best around.

Hasty Tasty Fish Fridays are year round and the best deal

—6. SLYDER’S FISH FRY:
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton
Every Friday, is the deal. Three pieces of walleye (not all you can eat) for $7.75. Served with fries and slaw. This is the only time you will not get a burger here.

—7. WHOLE FOODS FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL:
1050 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Centerville
Fish dinner by the pound. Beer Battered Cod, every Friday in the hot plate area sold with french fries at $8.99 a pound.

Yankee Trace has an excellent fish fry for $15

—8. CRACKER BARREL FRIDAY FISH SPECIAL:
5770 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, and 7171 Miller Ln, Dayton
Fried Cod on Friday for $9.99. Add the best sides in show business like the dumplings or okra and you’ve got a cure hitting your hunger. They start serving at 11am and you can choose from Cod or Catfish. We’re HOOKED ~

SIX FISH FRYS ON OUR HIT LIST IN 2017 (They should be on yours too !):

—1. BRICK CITY BLAST BASEBALL FISH FRY: SAT JAN 21, 6pm

Gameday Grill in Waynesville has a Fish dinner on Fridays

6161 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights
$12 in advance gets you fried fish, Swedish Meatballs, Hot Dogs, Mashed Potatoes, Cole Slaw and more!! Unlimited beverages (Beer, Pop and more) also included. Games will include: Poker, Showdown, Chuck A Luck, and more! Proceeds to the Brick City Sports Club.

—2. EINTRACHT SINGING SOCIETY FISH FRY: APR 7 at 6pm and MAY 5 at 6pm
2707 Old Troy Pike, Dayton
Baked & Fried Cod, French Fries, Baked Beans, Sausage, Pasta Salad, and Cole Slaw. Soda & draft beer included in the price so, for $14 a person, it is all you can eat night !

Alter’s silent auction area

—3. HUBER HEIGHTS ROTARY FISH FRY: SAT. FEB 11 at 6pm
5384 Fishburg Rd., Huber Heights (Huber Heights Athletic Club)
$15 tickets include food and drink. There will be raffles, door prizes, cards, instants and Monte Carlo games. All funds raised benefit “Needy Family Christmas Program.”

—4. PARTNERS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING FISH and CHIP FRY: FRI. MAR 3 at 6pm
5367 Fishburg Rd, Huber Heights
Highly acclaimed fish fry. Tickets are $20 at the door, and the buzz is nothing but good about this event. We can’t wait to sink our teeth into their fish!

The dessert table at Carrolls Fish fry

—5. ST. BRIDGID FISH FRY:FRI. MAR 24 at 6pm
312 Fairground Road, Xenia
Sounds like besides a great fish fry, they will have lots of casino games like Black Jack, Texas Hold’em, Horse Races, Beat the Dealer, Instant Bingo. Tickets are $15 for this one.

—6. ST CHRISTOPHERS FISH FRY: SAT. JAN 28 at 6pm
435 East National Road, Vandalia
$15 cost to enter and it is being run by the Corpus Christi Fryers, so you know it is gonna be great.

One last thing to consider….an option of having your very own fish fry….

Foremost Seafood can help you with your own fish fry (fresh tilapia here)

*** DO IT YOURSELF FISH FRY OPTION ***:

— FOREMOST SEAFOOD‘S “DO IT YOURSELF FISH FRY”: Here is an option you wont see anywhere else. How about hosting your own fish fry party? Foremost Seafood, off of Woodman Drive, sells everything you need to make sure you have the perfect party. And you can pick which type of fish you want. From Catfish, Walleye, Haddock, Perch, pollack, to tilapia and much more. Call (937) 298-1986, ask for Tom to talk about your fish fry.t’s it

WHEWWWWWW ! That’s it ! Hook, line and sinker….

Always the most thorough scoop on Dayton eats, Food Adventures can be found on Facebook by clicking HERE. Please “like” our page.

Carroll HS baked fish option

A pile of fish at Chaminade

Hasty Tasty Pancake House – a fish refill looks like this

Pull tabs at Our Lady of the Rosary Fish fry

Holy Angels Fish Fry

A Labatts in a Yeungling cup at Holy Angels Fish Fry

Holy Trinity – our first plate

Incarnation Fish fry casino area

Desserts at Our Lady of the Rosary in the kitchen

Dayton Rugby Club fish Fry crowd

Bread for St Alberta Fish fry

St Anthony has the typical condiments

St Charles Fish Fry

St Francis offers baked fish too

Hush puppies at St Helens

Pabst at St Helens

St Mary’s fish fry prep

St Marys desserts

St Paul’s dessert table

Wings, dogs, and more at St Peters

Yankee Trace Fish Fry

REVIEW: Battle For Rock On The Range 2013 Finale at Alrosa Villa

July 8, 2013 By Mike Ritchie 1 Comment

Saturday May 11th, the regional music community came out in full force supporting the Columbus rock scene and the 7 bands that made it to the battle of the bands finale for the coveted opening spot on the hallowed ground of Crew Stadium for Rock on the Range 2013. The winning band would perform on the same stage as Thousand Foot Krutch and Beware of Darkness among others. They’d also be performing on the same collective bill as In This Moment, Ghost, Lamb of God, Skillet, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden…no pressure.

The showcase was sponsored by Columbus’ Fox 28 News, 99.7 The Blitz, Zombie Tapdance Productions, Columbus Recording Studios, Music To Go, Local Rock Showcase, Stover Photography, Chris A Photography and X13 Sound Services.

Starting on March 22 with Auntiem, Devil By Design, Ironhead and The Last Rise, 37 bands played their best to earn the holy grail of local gigs. Other participants included 3rd Degree Burden, Autumn Burning, Blanch Devereaux, Despiragon, Exist Beyond Ruin, Overtheory, Trabue, Murnane Tribe, Error 504, Downsick, Liecus, Dressed in Electric, 8lb Pressure, A Nameless Tragedy, Hollywood Red, Black Dragon, Citizens Brigade, Viper, Liquid Ghandi, Antaean, Mason Made of Scars, Grit n Steel, Detrimental, Echoes of Empathy, Enemy By Mourning, Infidel, Mari Jayn, Second Sight, Imperium, Roxy Mae, Strikken, Country Club Commandos and Cross Solder.

The seven finalists would all play in one night, the winner to be determined by 2 anonymous judges and crowd voting. Cross Solder, Devil By Design, OverTheory, Error 504, 8lb Pressure, Hollywood Red and Infidel all earned their spot in the night’s grand finale to go play ‘Where Rock Lives’ the following weekend. Each band put on a spectacular performance giving their very best to the crowd, playing like they were already at ROTR. Whether you were a die-hard local, casual club goer or from elsewhere stopping by, you could tell by the crowd’s energy and the excitement, electricity, adrenaline and vibe pumping through the place that tonight would be epic. Tonight Columbus was united, jamming the house in support of the local scene. Regardless of whoever you followed or liked, everyone wanted and got a great musical showcase.

Devil by Design (Photo by Mike Ritchie)

The Alrosa Villa staff was very impressed with the promotion by bands, sponsors and the local community, making the finale a victory in and of itself. The competition started 4 years ago with club founder Rick Cautela sending one local winner to the big show. Assistant Director of Entertainment Tara Cautela has taken it to new heights in recent years.

The first of the finalists Lancaster’s Cross Solder opened the show with What I’ve Become impressing with some down and dirty southern raunch rock and blues. Chadd Lunn’s raspy vocals paid tribute to Bobby Ellsworth and borrowed the ‘Blitz’s’ intense wide eyed glare. The boys played like they were hungry for their next meal whether it was up from the gutter or down from the penthouse. If Dave Mustaine was in a hard rock blues band and looked like Tom Cruise, we’d have Mr. Lunn. Soldering their own sound, they Light Up the Sky playing All I Need and the brand new dark sing along ballad If I Die. Another new one, Shameless, changed between slow melody and fast hard chug with butterfly knife quickness. They finish, playing the pied pipers with a private symphony for Mr. Mustaine. Look for their first record coming soon.

Playing the night’s sophomore set from the depths of hell with a sound straight from the narrow Harley riding rockslide looping roads under the LA sun were Devil by Design. Though some of them might be too young to remember the beer soaked, hairspray drenched metal heyday of the sunset scene, they play with a healthy appetite and appreciation for their musical forefathers. Think if LA Guns, Motley Crue and GNR had a chance to defend their stripped turf from the Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden Seattle invasion. The seeds of DBD would’ve been spewed out on the pavement, pushed to the curb and left to spawn. They open going hog-wild turning the keys on their EP title track Let the Devil Drive, and why not, there’s no need to sell their souls… yet, but having the devil at the wheel can give them rock n roll immortality. It’s better to Burn out than fade away as the song goes. They play their music like the hard drinking road gypsies they emulate with a little bit of hair, punk and Ramons thrown in to balance the octane with heavy sedation. Travis Halley has channeled the presence of Jim Morrison, Danzig and Layne Staley with a rosy swagger minus the suspenders. They break out the state plated ballads singing about the west coast wonderland bringing the 1980’s to 2013 without roses or thorns. Revolver video-single What if I Die cranks out the praises and hard luck perishes of the lifestyle accompanied by a little shelter from the Stones. You never know when it’ll be your time to go to paradise city. Can’t get the new album tune Outta My Head and for good reason. They finish blowing their set to Pieces taking the tour bus to home sweet home. Their 6 song EP Let the Devil Drive from BFX records is available on iTunes.

And now for the thinking man’s metal mind, Battle for Rock on the Range gives you Columbus’s Overtheory. The band’s philosophy is to keep it simple but sounding damn good doing it. They’ve already accomplished quite a bit in their 2 year history playing Newport Music Hall and Screamin Willies among others, performing live on 99.7 The Blitz, and earning a Fishtank Audio contract by winning first place at Captain Jacks’ battle of the bands. Singer Dorian Gray was definitely the night’s unsilent Bob singing with a distinctly disturbed tone belting out Fatal Flaw for the fans. Bassist James Guest spent the set hauling his self-catapulting massive frame around stage, his body anxiously awaiting his head to fly off and crowd surf. Resembling a bald Vinnie Jones, it’s no wonder he plays like a meat train madman. They break out the toys tossing out the killer red balloons and the glow stix for trippy illumination. They’ve developed a sound bending the Alter Bridge between Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin and their own combination of technically complex, strong heavy rock.

Error 504 (Photo by Mike Ritchie)

Error 504 is the last thing you want to see on your computer screen but definitely worth the drive to hear if you’re in the area. The band is an amped up mix of mashed up hard rock and metal that’s shared stages with Bobaflex and Mushroomhead among others. Led by Dayne Sauder, the crew played a set heavy in sound and loud on performance with fans and followers yelling loud and proud for the 504. Opening with Give it Away, new tune Devil’s Angel and growling riff chugger Lil Red, Alex Mayer, part Eddie part Dimebag, shreds his way through their future early classics flailing his blonde terror mop, shredded mesh and well worked guitar strings through the evening set.Kin of Infidels Larry Coak, lil Evan was brought out on stage for the first of a few early rockstar of the future training sessions. They were all playing for a spot at Rock on the Range but also for their love, passion and dedication for the art, crowd and scene. Even if it meant piling $5000 worth of gear into a $500 dollar vehicle and driving the miles for the price of a tank back home. The crowd showed gratitude opening a nightmarish pit as they unleashed the evening’s ending tune The Reckoning. Check out new CD Vol 1 The Awakening on Amazon.

How many pressure points does the human body have? How many pounds of pressure does it take to break bones, crack joints and skulls or choke someone out? 8lb of Pressure was Columbus’ best sounding answer to Korn meets Metallica and Godsmack. Singer Brandon Sin spent 8 years with Tainted 13, bringing a Mike Muir/Evan Seinfeld resemblance and his angry, snarling attitude with him. No amount of pressure can Break them down. Cranking out loud solid metal peppered with some COC playing Sick of It, special guest star Mark from Sever made an appearance on War and Lil Evan came back up to adrenalize the crowd with a frenzied air guitar solo helping out the heavy Machine Head chug on Lies.

Hollywood Red (Photo by Mike Ritchie)

Now for the evening’s second helping of Hollywood and Vine, hair metal with a touch of Aerosmith and some harder spiked rock and roll punch, Hollywood Red. All the thrills are there as guitarist Jonathan Suh rips the notes out of his guitar with Van Halen speed playing Back for More and Burned Out sung with a soft smooth Mark Slaughter delivery by the young Harry Connick Jr looking Dominic Frissora. Don’t call him a pretty boy… or Floyd. Their sound incorporates the back canyon road tales of Wasp, LA Guns and GNR. They get a little weezy on Save Me, guys… say it ain’t so! They may be too young to remember most of the 80’s, but they’ve taken the classic sound bringing back memories for all the ‘older’ kids to remember the good times. They play their own semi-autobiographical Misfit Anthem aided by the visual lyrical dance interpretation of some lovely young lust. The young guns have been around since late 2011 and have a self-titled EP out.

Rounding out the evening with a crowd full of vocal supporters, tonight’s blasphemous heathens Infidel hit the stage. Music is their life, metal is their passion, mosh pits are their calling and they just kinda sorta happen when they play. Are you ready for some metal?! Larry Coake yells out calling for the opposite of murder with a shining gleam in his eye. With the inflamed skull Obituary’esque logo banner backing their deadly sound, they all get on their soapbox performing their best. There was no need to Beg for crowd participation. Though all bands were asked not to encourage pits being an all-ages show, sometimes the power of music just compels you. Coake’s spoken word screechy screaming delivery left his vocals Hangin by a Thread but didn’t stop him from touring the club spreading the word asking all patrons to follow him to Rock on the Range.

The excitement and tension built as the bands waited for the announcement of who would be playing Crew Stadium. The vocal majority was split between Infidel and Error 504. As the votes were tallied, the staff thanked all bands for playing a great show and welcomed them all to come back anytime. Regardless of who shared the Jagermeister stage next Sunday morning, the Columbus music scene was the winner tonight. Each band played like they belonged on stage holding nothing back and were destined for greatness. Then the announcement was made. The winner of the Battle for Rock on the Range was….. Error 504!

Congrats to Error 504 who played a great set at Rock on the Range, to the final 7 for making such a memorable night happen and all the bands that played and rocked The Villa over the past several months and to all the fans that make the scene happen.

Participants in Battle for Rock on the Range
(Photo by Mike Ritchie)

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre: 06/09 – 06/22

June 9, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

THURSDAY, JUNE 9 – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011

Evil Dead: the Musical at CATCO (Photo Credit Dave Alkire and CATCO-Phoenix)

The unexpected happens a lot in theatre. Everything rarely goes exactly as planned; that is the nature of live theatre, and we have to learn to deal quickly to make things work. And yesterday, the show I’m ASMing (Evil Dead: the Musical at CATCO; it’s a professional show and well worth the drive out to Columbus, so come see it!) was no exception. Halfway through the show, the hinge on the trap door broke when one character stomped to close it; so my crew and I scrambled around backstage alerting actors and shuffling duties so that a crew person could be underneath the door as needed. We averted any potential injuries or changes to the blocking, finished the show well and fully, and fixed the door immediately after.

At first, the thought of problems is irritating. Why can’t things just work all the time? Why can’t we be in control of everything during a show? As Assistant Stage Manager, if something backstage goes wrong, it’s my fault. I really like when the show and the effects run smoothly.

However, thinking about it, I realize a certain exhilaration, too. Having something go wrong, but being able to work together to get past it and make the show work, is a mark of good collaboration and communication within a show. If our cast and crew weren’t working well together, we couldn’t fix problems like the cellar door on the spot. Those elements are part of the very essence of theatre, whether garage, community, or Equity, and seeing them lived out successfully reminds me why I love theatre, and why Dayton theatre is so great. These next couple of weeks, we have venue and artistic collaborations on shows, as well as the individual process of each performance. Support those this weekend, and go see one of these great productions.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Story: John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster, desperately loves his music student, Miss Rosa Bud, who is engaged to Jasper’s nephew, Edwin Drood. However, when Edwin Drood disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve, suspicions abound. In this adaptation of Dickens’ last and unfinished manuscript and a show-within-a-show, audiences choose the ending!
Dates: June 10 – 19, 2011
Tickets & More Information: BC Theatre: Edwin Drood

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

right next to me

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: A war widow, attempting to cope with her Marine husband’s death in Iraq, goes with her brother-in-law on a quest to scatter her husband’s ashes where he required, remembering and seeing flashbacks along the way in an emotionally moving and uplifting journey. This show premiered in an earlier and very different version as part of the Human Race Musical Theatre Workshops in 2009.
The Dates: May 21 – June 12, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Human Race Theatre Company

…ONE WEEKEND ONLY

Southern Comforts

YOUNG AT HEART PLAYERS and DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Some people thrive and grow enervated with change; others, run from any potential unsettlement. In a Victorian era New Jersey, a taciturn Yankee widower and a vivacious Tennessee grandmother find a second chance at love, but the relationship is filled with surprise and unpredictable tribulation. A collaboration between two theatres, “this off-Broadway success is an affecting, late-in-life journey of compromise and rejuvenation, of personal risk and the rewards of change” (DTG).
Dates: June 10 – 12, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Dayton Theatre Guild, DMM Event

Altar Boyz

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

The Story: In this foot-stomping, rafter-raising, musical comedy, a fictitious Christian boy band performs on the last night of their national “Raise the Praise” tour. The Boyz are five all-singing, all-dancing heartthrobs from Ohio: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham. Performed in Sinclair CC’s Blair Hall Theatre, this show is perfect for those who love (and to love to make fun of) boy bands!
Dates: June 16 – 18, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Encore Theater Company

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Into the Woods

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

Auditions: June 13 & 14
Performances: August 12 – 21, 2011
The Story: After a Witch curses a Baker and his wife with childlessness, the couple embarks on a quest for special objects from classic fairy tales to break the spell, stealing from and lying to Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel, and Jack (of beanstalk fame). But the characters didn’t count on the consequences of their actions or the disasters that would ensue…
More Information: Playhouse South: Into the Woods

Harvey

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

Auditions: June 13 & 14, 2011
Performances: August 26 – September 4, 2011
The Story: Elwood P. Dowd begins introducing his imaginary friend, Harvey (a six and a half foot rabbit) at a society party; his sister, Veta, can’t tolerate the embarrassment and has him committed to a sanitarium. However, problems arrive when Veta explains that years of living with Elwood have made her see Harvey, too! The doctors commit Veta instead of Elwood, but when the truth comes out, the search is on for Elwood and his invisible companion.
More Information: BC Theatre: Auditions

~KN