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Free Summer Concert Series Kicks Off Tonight!

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It’s officially opening weekend for the Levitt Pavilion Dayton!

Starting tonight at 7pm tonight there will be four concerts in a row to kick off the grand opening of this new outdoor venue.  The $5 million dollar venue will host over 30 FREE concerts featuring  rock, blues, jazz, folk, R&B, country, pop and family friendly acts this summer, increasing to over 50 in 2019 when they will have the entire summer to program.  Showtime will be 7pm for Thursday- Saturday shows with the Sunday performance beginning at 3pm.

 

 

What you need to know:

Bring your own lawn chair or blanket.

Bring your own food & drink (yes that includes alcohol- just no glass please).

Your dog is welcome, if it’s well behaved and on a leash.

No smoking on the Levitt Pavilion Dayton lawn, including e-cigarettes or vapor cigarettes.

Wheelchairs can be parked all along the sidewalks or on the lawn. Ramps lead to the lawn on the Jefferson Street side of the park.

Weather Permitting- if a show has to be cancelled due to weather it will be  posted on  Levitt Pavilion website,  Facebook page and Twitter.

 

Don’t have time to pack a picnic?  Some local merchants are posting some great eats to gp making it easy for you to grab before you head to a show.  Here’s what we’ve seen on facebook today:

Crafted and Cured
531 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410

Offering a carryout package with everything you need for the shows. For only $25, receive two chef paired meat & cheese cones and one fresh canned 32oz Crowlered beer of your choosing. Transportable cone vessels double as cups for your Crowler.

 

 

Trolley Stop 
530 E 5th St, Dayton, Ohio 45402

Let Trolley Stop pack your picnic.
They’ve got hummus, falafel, tabouli, fruit with cottage cheese, chili dogs  and burgers, as well as salads they are happy to pack up for you  all in guilt free packaging!

 

Third Perk Coffeehouse & Wine Bar
46 W 5th St, Dayton, Ohio 45402

Pick up your wines or snack pack from Third Perk.  $5 wines or $10 wine snack packs that include grapes and cheesek

 

Food trucks will also be lined up around the park:

Thursday, August 9 – Drunken Waffle, Twisted Taco, Graeter’s Ice Cream, El Meson

Friday and Saturday – D Fish D Chicken and Gary’s Italian Ice

The Talent For Opening Weekend:

Opening Night: WORLD MUSIC   Gina Chavez .  AUGUST 9, 2018 AT 7 PM

Gina Chavez is blending the sounds of the Americas with tension and grace. As a multi-ethnic Latin pop songstress, Chavez’s passionate collection of bilingual songs traverse cumbia, bossa nova, vintage pop, indie-folk and reggaetón that takes audiences on a journey through the Americas as she discovers her own Latin roots through music. An eight-time Austin Music Award winner, Gina and her band have opened for Grace Potter, GRAMMY winners La Santa Cecilia, Gaby Moreno and Grupo Fantasma, and are winning audiences throughout the U.S. and abroad while on tour as official ambassadors with the U.S. State Department’s American Music Abroad program. She took home the Grand Prize in the 2014 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for Siete-D, a song about her experience volunteering in a gang-dominated suburb of San Salvador where she founded Niñas Arriba, a college fund for young Latinas.

EICHELBERGER JAZZ SERIES: Paul Brown ft. Chris Standring AUGUST 10, 2018 AT 7 PM

Two-time GRAMMY winning jazz guitarist, engineer, and producer Paul Brown career spans over two decades and includes the release of eight solo albums and countless collaborations with well-established smooth jazz artists like George Benson, Jeffrey Osborne and Kirk Whalum. His newest release One Way Backfeatures the #1 hit Put It Where You Want It. The Funky Joint had two #1 hits and was on the jazz charts for a year and a half, solidifying Paul as one of the prominent jazz guitarist on the scene today.

Performances in Dubai, Iceland, Japan, Canada, throughout Europe and the United States he has taken his trademark smooth groove with catchy melodic sound and made his mark on the international jazz scene. The Paul Brown sound is warm and inviting. His music is funky yet has elegance and beauty. He woos the crowd with understated confidence, as every note falls in the perfect place.  Called the “Baby Face of Smooth Jazz,” the 2011 Canadian Smooth Jazz “Best Vocalist” nominee currently has over 60 #1 hits on the Radio & Records’ smooth jazz chart, is considered to be the genre’s #1 producer and has earned the distinction of having a #1 Radio & Records chart hit as both an artist and producer.

While Standring became a popular force in contemporary urban jazz with infectious, ubiquitous R&B-driven hits. When it comes time for Standring to start a new project, he seeks out that small, indefinable and sometimes hard-to-articulate moment of inspiration that becomes a catalyst and provides the perfect sonic through line. One can trace the multitude of cool, trippy textures on his new album Sunlight to the sparkling, hypnotic sound of what he calls “swirly guitars”—split between a panning to the left and then the right on the sonic spectrum—that sparked three of the album’s key tracks. He will join Paul Brown as his special guest.

LEVITT NATIONAL TOUR .  Paul Thorn & Blind Boys of Alabama     AUGUST 11, 2018 AT 7 PM

The 2018 Levitt National Tour presents a one-of-a-kind collaboration between acclaimed Southern raconteur Paul Thorn and his five-piece band and GRAMMY-winning gospel legends Blind Boys of Alabama. Billed as the “Mission Temple Fireworks Revival,” the show will include songs off of Thorn’s 2018 album Don’t Let The Devil Ride—which journeys through classic gospel, soul and spirituals, featuring guest vocals by Blind Boys of Alabama. Thorn is celebrated for his muscular brand of roots music—bluesy, rocking and thoroughly Southern American, while speaking universal truths. He has performed on major television shows like Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel Live!; been the subject of numerous National Public Radio (NPR) features; charted multiple times on the Billboard Top 100 and Americana Radio Charts; and performed alongside living legends like Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Sting, and John Prine. Co-headliner, Blind Boys of Alabama—dubbed “gospel titans” by Rolling Stone magazine—push musical boundaries with innovative approaches to traditional gospel and contemporary spirituals by songwriters such as Eric Clapton, Prince and Tom Waits. Blind Boys’ 75-plus-year career has been honored with five GRAMMY Awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS). They’ve recorded with fellow musical greats Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Susan Tedeschi, Patty Griffin and Taj Mahal. Blind Boys of Alabama have appeared on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, The Grammy Awards, 60 Minutes, The Colbert Report and many other television shows. Levitt National Tour audiences are in for an electrifying evening of gospel meets blues meets rock!

PNC FAMILY SERIES    Trout Fishing in America   AUGUST 12, 2018 AT 3 PM

Trout Fishing in America is the longstanding, four-time GRAMMY-nominated musical partnership of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet. A willingness to at once make fun of our most annoying daily habits, then to touch our hearts with tender and passionate images of family life, is what makes the connection between Trout Fishing in America and its audiences so compelling and poignant. The most recent family release is Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers. The CD features tongue twisters, mind-benders, spooky situations and instantly identifiable slices of a kid’s life. In 2017, they changed gears and released a folk/rock CD called The Strangest Times. The project is a return to the roots of the band. The songs explore a wide range of feelings and musical styles that blend seamlessly into an inspired and cohesive work. Their infectious mix of folk/pop and family music is the result of their diverse backgrounds as well as growing up in the musical melting pot that is Texas. Their recordings have garnered three National Indie Awards, multiple Parents Choice and NAPPA Gold awards, the American Library Award, as well as four GRAMMY nominations.

For the entire season line up, click here.

 

Artist Renderings of the Levitt Pavillion

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Friends of Levitt Pavilion Dayton, a local nonprofit, has unveiled the design renderings for Levitt Pavilion Dayton, which will be constructed at Dave Hall Plaza in downtown Dayton. Construction is expected to start later this summer and the pavilion will open for concerts in the summer of 2018.

Levitt Pavilion Dayton will be a state-of–the-art music venue where all members of the community can enjoy 50 FREE concerts each summer on the Levitt lawn. “This project will feature a covered outdoor amphitheater and open lawn seating in a newly revitalized park in the heart of downtown, creating Dayton’s “urban living room”, inspired by Dayton’s rich history of innovation and aviation”, said Kevin Deal, Levitt Pavilion Dayton Board member, who oversees the design phase.  The pavilion structure has taken its design cue from the elegance and clarity of early airplane construction and the innovation of flight. The amphitheater will sit in the southwest quadrant of the park facing northeast. Plans also include state-of–the-art sound and lighting as well as a large video board for enhanced viewing. Other amenities in the park will include connected pathways, support facilities, open green spaces, artistic sculptures, signage, and more.

 

Dayton needs economic stimulus and redevelopment as well as community building to keep the urban core strong and attractive for its businesses and residents.  Levitt Pavilion Dayton will produce 50 FREE family friendly concerts over the summer making high-quality performing arts available to everyone.  Local, national, and international musicians will be featured with an emphasis on high caliber, diverse programming. In addition, a beautiful place-making community owned asset will be created, transforming a neglected green space into a re-imaged park.  This destination will also be available for other non-profits, community groups and businesses to utilize.   Friends of Levitt Pavilion Dayton needs the community’s help to make this special place a reality.  The Capital Campaign Goal is $5 million and  $550,000 more must be raised before construction can start this summer.  Please consider making a tax-deductible charitable contribution on-line www.LevittDayton.org or mobile device Text Connect to 91999 or send your check to The Dayton Foundation, 40 N. Main Street, Suite 500 Dayton, Ohio 45423 Acct. #7769.

Levitt Dayton Board member Dave Dickerson remarked, “The construction of Levitt Pavilion Dayton on Dave Hall Plaza will be a catalyst for development in this historic and urban neighborhood.  By creating social interactions among all ages and backgrounds in a family friendly environment, Levitt Dayton will be the tipping point where downtown becomes a more vibrant and bustling center for work, living, and entertainment.”

 

Levitt Pavilion Dayton is an unique partnership between the City of Dayton, Friends of Levitt Pavilion Dayton, and the national Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation. Building a destination like the Levitt Pavilion Dayton in the city center will strengthen our community amenities, creating a more diverse urban core. Levitt Pavilion Dayton is an opportunity to engage people of all ages and backgrounds and bring people together through music.  Everyone is encouraged to bring their blankets and coolers to Levitt next summer to experience new music, familiar favorites, and make new friends at Levitt Pavilion Dayton.

Rock Out at Reggae Fest

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Groove with the best of the beat at the 27th Annual Dayton Reggae Festival on Sunday, August 31. The free-admission event comes to Dave Hall Plaza (Fourth and Jefferson Streets), from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The 2014 Dayton Reggae Festival will be hosted by WYSO’s Niki Dakota and will include performances by:

1:00 p.m. – Haile Lya Israel

2:00 p.m. – Jah Soul


3:00 p.m. – Demolition Crew

4:00 p.m. – Jonny Dreads & The Mystiks

5:00 p.m. – Seefari

 

6:00 p.m. – Reggae Infinity

 

A variety of food and merchandise vendors will be present. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome; alcoholic beverages, coolers, tents and pets are not permitted. Dayton Water’s “Take Back the Tap” wagon will be on hand for complimentary cold water, and valet parking for bicycles will be available.

 

The Dayton Reggae Festival is presented by the City of Dayton Department of Recreation and Youth Services, with support from the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Heidelberg Distributing, Crowne Plaza Hotel, WROU Radio and Martin Romie Talent.

 

 

 

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.

Jazz Up Father’s Day with “Women in Jazz”

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Women in Jazz

The Downtown Dayton Summer Music Series kicks off on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 15) with the 32nd Annual Women in Jazz Festival, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Dave Hall Plaza (Fourth at Jefferson). Admission is free.

The line-up includes Chicago-based headliner the Petra van Nuis Quartet, featuring guitarist Andy Brown. Other performers include:  Donna & Friends; Audrey Whitaker; Kate Ross; Sabrina Tutstone & Friends; The Jazz Central Band featuring The Ladies of Jazz Central; and April Aloisio with the Phillip Burkhead Trio.

A variety of food and merchandise vendors will be present, with free water provided by the Dayton Water Department. Lawn chairs, blankets, empty water bottles and individual umbrellas are welcome. Outside food or beverages, coolers and tents are not permitted.

The Women in Jazz Festival is presented by the City of Dayton Department of Recreation and Youth Services, with support from the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Heidelberg Distributing, Crowne Plaza Dayton, WROU Radio and Martin Romie Talent.

The City of Dayton’s Downtown Summer Music Series will continue with the Dayton Blues Festival (Sunday, July 20) and the Dayton Reggae Festival (Sunday, August 31). Both events will be held at Dave Hall Plaza, with free admission.

For more information, call 333-8400.

The first Sunday of Summer means Women In Jazz Festival

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f625pw30h0xy6v9t0czfnw89waakuuygA day of soul and swing returns to downtown Dayton on Sunday, June 23, as the 31st annual Women in Jazz Festival kicks off the City of Dayton’s Downtown Summer Music Series. The free-admission event takes place at Dave Hall Plaza (Fourth and Jefferson Streets), from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The line-up includes Chicago-based headliner the Petra van Nuis Quartet, featuring guitarist Andy Brown. Also appearing will be: Hott Number, Valeria Lark, Tony’s Hotel, Heidi Reynolds & Jazz Karma, a special guest band to be announced and the Jazz Central Band featuring the Ladies of Jazz Central.

A variety of food and merchandise vendors will be present. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted. Free valet parking for bicycles will be available.

Women in Jazz is presented by the City of Dayton Department of Recreation and Youth Services and Michelob, with support from the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Heidelberg Distributing, Crowne Plaza Dayton, WROU Radio and Martin Romie Talent.

The City of Dayton’s Downtown Summer Music Series will continue with the Dayton Blues Festival on Sunday, July 21, and the Dayton Reggae Festival on Sunday, September 1, also at Dave Hall Plaza and with free admission.