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

Dayton

Heartless Bastards perform Friday at The Brightside

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Heartless Bastards

The Brightside Music & Event Venue and Sonic Springs Booking are thrilled to host a hometown Heartless Bastards show on Friday, December 16th at 8pm.

Anchored by the powerful vocals and incisive songwriting of Erika Wennerstrom, the Heartless Bastards are a roots rock band whose tough, emotionally resonant music incorporates elements of blues, hard rock, garage punk, and country. Their newest album, A Beautiful Life is their most stylistically diverse release to date.

Special guests Jess Lamb & The Factory and Visitor kick off the show. Jess Lamb, an acclaimed performer from Cincinnati, has put together a special set for this event. Visitor is a new band on the Dayton scene and will rock the Bar stage between sets.

Phat & Rich food truck will be on-site for this concert.

VIP tickets are already sold out, and a limited number of general admission are left. See the information below on how to go to this special holiday rock concert!

Phat & Rich food truck

How to Go?

Venue Info:

  • There is free off-street parking at the venue and surrounding areas. Please see the venue’s parking map here: parking map
  • There is alcohol for sale at the venue. No outside beverages are allowed.
  • Purses and small bags are allowed. No backpacks, please.
  • The venue is handicapped-accessible.
  • The venue has installed UV-C filters to sanitize circulated air.
  • More info at thebrightsidedayton.com

 

Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize at The Brightside

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Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize!

Looking to get in shape and have fun too? We do! Join us on Monday evenings for dance classes with TWO fabulous instructors for all fitness levels at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)! Starts Monday, September 12, 2022 (the Monday after Labor Day) and runs through Monday, December 12, 2022. Drop-in or buy a whole series!

Brittany Moves in the Upside Loft

5:30pm – Stretching (optional add-on to 6pm class!)

6-7pm – Adult Beginning Ballet & Jazz 

Instructor: Brittany Butler, retired Dayton Ballet dancer, founder of Brittany Moves

Register here: https://brittanymoves2021.wixsite.com/my-site-1

 

Innergize in the Brightside Ballroom

5:30-6:30pm – Dance Fitness / Cardio

Instructor: Kelly Gibson MSLD, Health-Coach/Personal Trainer | INNERGIZE™️

$10 drop- in / $40 per month

Register here: https://www.innergizeyou.com/classes/

Dayton Battle of the Bands taking applications through December 12th

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 Dayton Battle of the Bands is taking applications for the 3rd annual competition now through December 12th. The annual winter concert series shines a spotlight on the up-and-coming local talent within a 35-mile radius of Dayton (including Middletown, Springfield, and Greenville).

Dayton Battle of the Bands finalists from 2022

One problem local venues and promoters run into is that there are so many great bands in the Dayton region, it can be challenging to wade through all the songs, samples, and videos that are sent to them on a regular basis. Plus with auto-tune and effects, it’s hard to take those and know what a live show will be like.

The Brightside, Levitt Pavilion, and others use the Dayton Battle of the Bands as an audition space for opening acts for national acts, or even stand-alone shows. This “competition” is much more of a networking event and an opportunity to get on the radar so your band has a better chance at getting booked at future events.  (Clarification – does not need to be a band, solo artists are welcome too!)
The competition starts on January 12, 2023 at The Brightside, and runs through February.  The finale will take place on Saturday, March 11th. Tickets for the public will be made available soon.
Band rules and info can be found here: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com/official-rules
The application portal closes on December 12th!

Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize at The Brightside

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Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize!

Looking to get in shape and have fun too? We do! Join us on Monday evenings for dance classes with TWO fabulous instructors for all fitness levels at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)! Starts Monday, September 12, 2022 (the Monday after Labor Day) and runs through Monday, December 12, 2022. Drop-in or buy a whole series!

Brittany Moves in the Upside Loft

5:30pm – Stretching (optional add-on to 6pm class!)

6-7pm – Adult Beginning Ballet & Jazz 

Instructor: Brittany Butler, retired Dayton Ballet dancer, founder of Brittany Moves

Register here: https://brittanymoves2021.wixsite.com/my-site-1

 

Innergize in the Brightside Ballroom

5:30-6:30pm – Dance Fitness / Cardio

Instructor: Kelly Gibson MSLD, Health-Coach/Personal Trainer | INNERGIZE™️

$10 drop- in / $40 per month

Register here: https://www.innergizeyou.com/classes/

Dayton Ballet Barre offers fun holiday tradition with Sugar Plum Tea

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Dayton Ballet Barre offers fun holiday tradition with Sugar Plum Tea, a children’s tradition before the December 18th matinee performance of the Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker.This is the first Tea back since the pandemic shutdown, and organizers are planning a fun comeback event at the Dayton Woman’s Club, which is within walking distance of the Schuster Center.

The Dayton Ballet Barre is the Dayton Ballet’s volunteer booster organization, and one of their signature events is the long-running Sugar Plum Tea. Held prior to one of the matinee performances of the Ballet’s beloved Nutcracker production, it’s become a holiday tradition that families look forward to. Geared towards children and parents / grandparents, the afternoon tea promises to provide many cherished memories.

“We love hosting this children’s event!” Libby Ballengee, the Ballet Barre’s Secretary and past President, shared with us. “It’s like Prom for five-year-olds. We adore seeing all the kid’s sparkly dresses & suits. It’s a really special afternoon, and we’re so happy to be back hosting this after two years off.”

The Tea lasts for 90 min, enough time for to enjoy hot beverages & tea sandwiches, make a craft, learn a short dance from the Sugar Plum Fairy, and hear the story of The Nutcracker under the Christmas Tree. Each moment provides a beautiful photo opportunity against the gorgeous back-drop of the Dayton Woman’s Club.

All children and adults need a ticket to attend. The ticket includes tea party foods (cute sandwiches, fruit, & yummy desserts, with hot beverages including hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. This ticket does not include a ticket to the Dayton Ballet performance. Those are purchased separately through DaytonLive.org.
 

How to Go?

Sugar Plum Tea at Dayton Woman’s Club – 225 North Ludlow Street in Dayton
 
Sunday, December 18th
 
Note – Doors open at 12pm (due to event set-up, we cannot let patrons in earlier)
 
Event 12:30pm – 2pm (ballet performance starts at 2:30pm across the street – needs separate ticket)
 
Tickets $25 each (for adults and children)
 
Questions about the event can be directed to daytonballetbarre@gmail.com
 
 

Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize at The Brightside

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Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize!

Looking to get in shape and have fun too? We do! Join us on Monday evenings for dance classes with TWO fabulous instructors for all fitness levels at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)! Starts Monday, September 12, 2022 (the Monday after Labor Day) and runs through Monday, December 12, 2022. Drop-in or buy a whole series!

Brittany Moves in the Upside Loft

5:30pm – Stretching (optional add-on to 6pm class!)

6-7pm – Adult Beginning Ballet & Jazz 

Instructor: Brittany Butler, retired Dayton Ballet dancer, founder of Brittany Moves

Register here: https://brittanymoves2021.wixsite.com/my-site-1

 

Innergize in the Brightside Ballroom

5:30-6:30pm – Dance Fitness / Cardio

Instructor: Kelly Gibson MSLD, Health-Coach/Personal Trainer | INNERGIZE™️

$10 drop- in / $40 per month

Register here: https://www.innergizeyou.com/classes/

Dayton Dinner Theater announces 2022-2023 Schedule

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Get excited, The Dayton Dinner Theater is back with its much-awaited interactive movie party season for 2022 – 2023! It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends when the days are short and nights are long. Make the most of it by sipping the sublime themed drinks with your loved ones, while flaunting your movie-themed attire. What more do you need when you can have classic movies, gourmet food, and specially concocted drinks to enjoy with your friends, family, or that special someone?

What to expect from a Dayton Dinner Theater event? First off, make sure you indulge in the creatively themed food provided by Brock Masterson catering. While you indulge in the delicacies, you can feast your ears to live music and soundtrack presentations featuring acts by the likes of The University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble and acclaimed musician and producer Denny Wilson.

A big improvement from year’s past is the themed cocktail selections.The Brightside’s new Bar Manager, Suzy Switzer, has come up with a whole range of delicious offerings.

That’s not all. As it’s an interactive movie party, organizers will feature famous interactive quote and fun participation activities, pop-up fun facts, and our not-so-famous, but equally entertaining, theme-spotting drinking game. Enjoy some lip-smacking-themed desserts while you’re at it! To add the cherry on the cake, there are special surprises for the top costume contest participants.

Now let’s talk about the prices. “Inflation may have gone up, but our tickets have stayed the same price :)”. Book your tickets at just $35 but with so many added entertaining activities. Visit www.daytondinnertheater.com for more information. To make sure that we can serve you with all our scrumptious food, tickets must be booked in advance.

The annual movie series commences on Wednesday, November 30 with an all-time holiday favorite movie Elf at The Brightside Music & Event Venue from 6-9pm.

This year’s list is dominated by comedy and clever and witty classics. See the full schedule below.

Dayton Dinner Theater Season Schedule:

Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Elf movie party and live music

Wednesday, Dec 7, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring the 80’s classic Christmas Vacation & live music

Sunday, Dec 11, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring A Christmas Story and live music

Sunday, Jan 15, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Raiders of the Lost Ark

Sunday, Jan 29, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring The Princess Bride & live jazz

Sunday, Feb 12, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Grease & live music

Sunday, Feb 26, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Dazed and Confused

Sunday, March 12, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Big Lebowski

*All events take place at The Brightside Music & Event Venue located at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton.

For more information, visit: www.daytondinnertheater.com

Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize at The Brightside

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Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize!

Looking to get in shape and have fun too? We do! Join us on Monday evenings for dance classes with TWO fabulous instructors for all fitness levels at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)! Starts Monday, September 12, 2022 (the Monday after Labor Day) and runs through Monday, December 12, 2022. Drop-in or buy a whole series!

Brittany Moves in the Upside Loft

5:30pm – Stretching (optional add-on to 6pm class!)

6-7pm – Adult Beginning Ballet & Jazz 

Instructor: Brittany Butler, retired Dayton Ballet dancer, founder of Brittany Moves

Register here: https://brittanymoves2021.wixsite.com/my-site-1

 

Innergize in the Brightside Ballroom

5:30-6:30pm – Dance Fitness / Cardio

Instructor: Kelly Gibson MSLD, Health-Coach/Personal Trainer | INNERGIZE™️

$10 drop- in / $40 per month

Register here: https://www.innergizeyou.com/classes/

Ekoostik Hookah with special guests Subterranean

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Two beloved, long-running Ohio psychedelic rock bands, Ekoostik Hookah and Subterranean, are back at The Brightside on Friday, November 18th. This much anticipated concert has become an annual tradition that local music fans look forward to.

This year, in particular, is special because the drummer for Subterranean recently underwent a life saving organ transplant. This is Rob’s first show back to the stage! Ekoostik Hookah’s lead guitarist has also had some recent health issues. The great news is that both bands are healthy – and can’t wait to get back to the stage doing what they love. It’s particularly special that they are performing here in Dayton for this comeback show.

“The Brightside is one of our favorite venues to play, and being able to bring Ekoostik Hookah in really makes for a special evening,” Subterranean’s guitarist Chris Coalt shared with us. “This is the 3rd annual year for this show and we plan on keeping the tradition going.”

To add to the fun, local food truck Phat & Rich will be on site selling food during the show.

How to go?

Friday, November 18, 2022

Doors 7:30pm

Show starts at 8pm

All ages.

Advance tickets $15 (with $2 fee)  – https://www.venuepilot.co/events/60272/orders/new

Day of show tickets $20All ages – anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent / guardian.

ID required for those over 21 to purchase alcohol

Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize at The Brightside

By

Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize!

Looking to get in shape and have fun too? We do! Join us on Monday evenings for dance classes with TWO fabulous instructors for all fitness levels at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)! Starts Monday, September 12, 2022 (the Monday after Labor Day) and runs through Monday, December 12, 2022. Drop-in or buy a whole series!

Brittany Moves in the Upside Loft

5:30pm – Stretching (optional add-on to 6pm class!)

6-7pm – Adult Beginning Ballet & Jazz 

Instructor: Brittany Butler, retired Dayton Ballet dancer, founder of Brittany Moves

Register here: https://brittanymoves2021.wixsite.com/my-site-1

 

Innergize in the Brightside Ballroom

5:30-6:30pm – Dance Fitness / Cardio

Instructor: Kelly Gibson MSLD, Health-Coach/Personal Trainer | INNERGIZE™️

$10 drop- in / $40 per month

Register here: https://www.innergizeyou.com/classes/

“Asylum” Nightclub Reunion Hosted at Bar Granada

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For Gen X-er’s it was a downtown staple: The Asylum nightclub on S. Patterson. Famous for pumping alternative music and goth kids dancing in cages from 1993 to 2005. And for one night a year, former patrons of the club can relive the spirit of nightclub together at an annual reunion event hosted by club DJ’s Matt Freeman, Eric Hellman, and Doug Collins.
This year’s reunion is happening over Thanksgiving weekend, on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Bar Granada located at 5 W. Monument Ave. Enjoy your favorite 80’s and 90’s Industrial Electronic Alternative dance music with old friends! You can follow along and get in the mood with the Asylum’s own playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3dXrAQe6B2nYFc4IiJpJoo

Throwback march is also available at: https://www.freemandesignco.com/products

How to Go?
Asylum Reunion
Saturday, November 26, 2022
Bar Granada, 5 W. Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402
9:30pm Doors
$10 cover
Must be over 21 to attend

Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize at The Brightside

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Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize!

Looking to get in shape and have fun too? We do! Join us on Monday evenings for dance classes with TWO fabulous instructors for all fitness levels at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)! Starts Monday, September 12, 2022 (the Monday after Labor Day) and runs through Monday, December 12, 2022. Drop-in or buy a whole series!

Brittany Moves in the Upside Loft

5:30pm – Stretching (optional add-on to 6pm class!)

6-7pm – Adult Beginning Ballet & Jazz 

Instructor: Brittany Butler, retired Dayton Ballet dancer, founder of Brittany Moves

Register here: https://brittanymoves2021.wixsite.com/my-site-1

 

Innergize in the Brightside Ballroom

5:30-6:30pm – Dance Fitness / Cardio

Instructor: Kelly Gibson MSLD, Health-Coach/Personal Trainer | INNERGIZE™️

$10 drop- in / $40 per month

Register here: https://www.innergizeyou.com/classes/

Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize at The Brightside

By

Monday Dance Classes with Brittany Moves & Innergize!

Looking to get in shape and have fun too? We do! Join us on Monday evenings for dance classes with TWO fabulous instructors for all fitness levels at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)! Starts Monday, September 12, 2022 (the Monday after Labor Day) and runs through Monday, December 12, 2022. Drop-in or buy a whole series!

Brittany Moves in the Upside Loft

5:30pm – Stretching (optional add-on to 6pm class!)

6-7pm – Adult Beginning Ballet & Jazz 

Instructor: Brittany Butler, retired Dayton Ballet dancer, founder of Brittany Moves

Register here: https://brittanymoves2021.wixsite.com/my-site-1

 

Innergize in the Brightside Ballroom

5:30-6:30pm – Dance Fitness / Cardio

Instructor: Kelly Gibson MSLD, Health-Coach/Personal Trainer | INNERGIZE™️

$10 drop- in / $40 per month

Register here: https://www.innergizeyou.com/classes/

Dayton Ballet kicks off 85th Season with “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

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The Dayton Ballet proudly celebrates its 85th anniversary in an electric and exciting 2022–2023 Season. In this anniversary season, the company presents a spooky time with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the classic holiday story of The Nutcracker, a celebration of all things dance in the 85th Diamond Anniversary, and a family favorite with Peter Pan.

The launch to this anniversary season starts on October 28, 2022 with a historic spooky tale. Halloween weekend is the perfect setting for Dayton Ballet’s brand-new production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

The haunting story of the Headless Horseman comes to life with all the same characters of this familiar tale. Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, and the full ensemble of Dayton Ballet take the stage to bring to life Artistic Director Karen Russo Burke’s fresh approach to the timeless classic. Composer Austin Jaquith provides a brand-new original score, performed live by musicians from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Dayton Ballet rehearses for Sleepy Hollow

How To Go?

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at the Victoria Theatre

7:30 pm Friday, October 28, 2022

7:30 pm Saturday, October 29, 2022

2:30 pm Sunday, October 30, 2022

Tickets to performances are $5 – $86 and available at https://www.daytonlive.org/events/legend-of-sleepy-hollow/






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

 

New Orleans Night featuring John “Papa” Gros & Solisitic

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New Orleans Night featuring John “Papa” Gros & Solisitic!

Sharing New Orleans with the world is my calling,” says pianist and organist John “Papa” Gros (pronounced  grow).“That’s what I have been doing and that’s what I’ll do with the rest of my life.

We’re excited to host a special celebration of the Big Easy! For over three decades, Gros has brought his city’s celebratory culture to listeners around the globe. Gros mixes all the sounds of New Orleans – funk, trad jazz, brass band, blues – and makes it his own signature gumbo. His new solo album Central City, shows Gros capturing New Orleans’ distinct feel-good charm with help from some of its’ most renowned players.

He will be joined by the local funk ensemble, Solistic, which is one of our favorites!

How to go?

Wednesday, September 14

Doors 7:30pm

Show 8pm

Located at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)

This is planned for patio show (will move indoors if it rains)

$15 advance / $20 day of show