Dayton

Dayton Dance Initiative Presents “The Light In Between”

May 19, 2026 By Dayton937

The Dayton Dance Initiative proudly announces its 8th season performance, The Light In Between, presented June 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the PNC Arts Annex in downtown Dayton.

This season features five new dance works choreographed and performed by artists from Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Cincinnati Ballet, Mutual Dance Theater, and an emerging student choreographer from Wright State University. The production continues Dayton Dance Initiative’s mission of fostering collaboration, artistic exchange, and innovative contemporary performance within the region’s professional dance community.

A major milestone for the organization, The Light In Between also marks Dayton Dance Initiative’s first-ever choreographic commission with an artist outside of Dayton. Supported through the Allegro Grant from The Dayton Foundation, the commission welcomes acclaimed artist David Morse of Cincinnati Ballet into the company’s expanding creative network.

Rooted in intimacy and connection, performances at the PNC Arts Annex place audiences in close proximity to the artists and creative process. Each evening will conclude with a post-show talkback, inviting audiences into deeper dialogue with the choreographers and performers.

“This season opens a new threshold for Dayton Dance Initiative,” says Artistic and Executive Director Jennifer Sydor. “Rooted in trust, time, and exchange, this first choreographic commission reflects our belief that connection-like light-travels, arrives, and reshapes the space it enters. What we practice here does not end in this space; it returns with us-not as answers, but as a subtle transformation that continues unfolding beyond the performance.”

Tickets are available through Dayton Live Ticketing, with prices ranging from $20-$36.50 plus fees. Student and professional artist discounts are available by phone or in person through the box office only by calling 937-228-3630.

Performance Information
The Light In Between

June 26 & 27, 2026 — 7:30 p.m.

PNC Arts Annex 46 W. Second Street, Dayton, OH
Tickets: $20-$36.50 plus fees

Student and professional discounts available through call in or the box office only.
Ticket link: Purchase Tickets Here

For more information, visit Dayton Dance Initiative

Henhouse Prowlers Bring Bluegrass to The Brightside

May 1, 2026 By Dayton937

Thursday, May 7 | Doors 7PM

There’s bluegrass, and then there’s bluegrass that’s been around the world a few times.

Chicago’s Henhouse Prowlers fall squarely in the second camp. For two decades, the four-piece — Ben Wright on banjo, Chris Dollar on guitar, Jon Goldfine on bass, and Jake Howard on mandolin — have been crisscrossing the globe at a pace most bands couldn’t survive: 34 countries, 5 continents, and a songbook that’s picked up souvenirs from every stop. They land at The Brightside this Thursday, May 7, and if you’ve never caught them live, this is the one to break the streak for.

The Prowlers are rooted in bluegrass and classic country, but trying to pin them there misses the point. Their latest record, Unravel, was produced by Stephen Mougin of the Sam Bush Band and lands as their most expansive work yet — road-worn storytelling, flashes of modern Americana, and the kind of ferocious picking that reminds you why this music has stuck around for a hundred years. The four-part harmonies are gorgeous. The chops are absurd. But the real reason to show up is what happens between the songs.

That’s where 20 years of touring earns its keep. The Prowlers don’t just play sets — they tell stories. Tales from the road get woven through the songbook, and somewhere in the night you’re likely to hear a bluegrassy take on a tune in a language you’ve never encountered before. As founding members of Bluegrass Ambassadors and longtime partners of the U.S. State Department, they’ve taken American roots music to places it rarely travels and brought pieces of those places home with them. It’s a band that genuinely believes music builds bridges words can’t — and after two decades of doing the work, they’ve got the receipts.

The Brightside is exactly the right room for this kind of show. Intimate enough to catch every harmony, loose enough to lean into the between-song stories, and the kind of venue where a band that’s logged this many miles can actually unwind and play.

Come hear what 20 years of chasing something beautiful sounds like.

Henhouse Prowlers at The Brightside

🗓️ Thursday, May 7, 2026

🚪 Doors 7PM / Show 7:30PM

📍 The Brightside — 905 E. 3rd St., Dayton

🎟️ $20 advance / $25 day of show

👨‍👩‍👧 All Ages

Ticket link

Go Behind the Glass at Belle of Dayton Distillery on Thursdays

March 3, 2026 By LIbby Ballengee

If you’ve ever sipped a well-crafted spirit and wondered how it got from grain to glass, Belle of Dayton Distillery has you covered, and it’ll only cost you ten bucks.

Every Thursday at 6:30 PM, the distillery at 122 Van Buren Street opens its doors for a behind-the-scenes tour of their production space. A knowledgeable spirit expert walks you through the copper still, fermentation tanks, and bottling line, plus gives you a peek at their limited-release spirits. Along the way, you’ll learn about the distillation process and get a few liquor myths busted for good measure. The tour wraps up with a guided tasting of their handcrafted spirits, right in the heart of the production area.

At $10 per person, it’s one of the more affordable nights out you’ll find in Dayton, and a genuinely fun one. Whether you’re planning a date night, a friends’ outing, or just looking to geek out about craft spirits, this is the kind of low-key, high-quality experience the 937 does well.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in and grab a drink in the Van Buren Room before the tour kicks off. Spots are first-come, first-served, but you can reserve your place online ahead of time, and the payment is collected at check-in. Note that all guests must be 21+ with a valid ID.

Reserve your spot at belleofdayton.com/pages/tours.

Belle of Dayton Distillery | 122 Van Buren Street, Dayton, OH 45402

Every Thursday at 6:30 PM | $10/person | 21+

Six Dayton Women Are Changing Everything — And YWCA Is Here for It

February 28, 2026 By LIbby Ballengee

The YWCA Dayton Women of Influence Awards Luncheon returns March 12, and this year’s honorees represent the very best of what our city has to offer.

This year, YWCA Dayton pauses to ask a simple but powerful question: who are the women making Dayton a better place? The answer shows up on March 12 at the Women of Influence Awards Luncheon, held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dayton Convention Center.

Now in its 28th year, this is no small affair. More than 800 of the region’s leaders, influencers, and community champions fill the room, making it the single largest daytime nonprofit luncheon in the entire Miami Valley. If you’ve never been, this is the year to go.

Meet the 2026 Honorees

This year, six women from across the fields of business, education, health, and the performing arts will be recognized for the impact they’ve made not just in their industries, but in the fabric of Dayton itself.

Debbie Blunden Diggs, CEO and Artistic Director of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, has spent her career keeping one of Dayton’s most celebrated cultural institutions alive and thriving.

Myla Cardona Jones, CEO of the Brunner Literacy Center, is doing the quiet, essential work of making sure Dayton’s residents have the literacy skills they need to build better lives.

Robyn Lightcap, Executive Director of Preschool Promise, is fighting for the city’s youngest kids, making sure quality early childhood education isn’t a privilege, but a promise.

Heather Salazar, President and CEO of Pink Ribbon Good, has built an organization that centers the real needs of those navigating breast cancer in our community.

Lisa Wagner, Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion Dayton, has turned a riverside stage into one of the most beloved free music experiences in the region.

Rounding out the class is Vicki Giambrone, Partner at CBD Advisors, who will receive the Betsy Whitney Lifetime Achievement Award, the evening’s highest honor, reserved for women whose contributions to Dayton span decades.

Why It Matters

The YWCA’s mission: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, and dignity for all isn’t just a tagline. It’s what connects every woman on this list. As Interim CEO Teresa Sanders says, the luncheon exists to “help women break the glass ceiling.” Year after year, the honorees prove that ceiling doesn’t stand a chance.

Whether you’re coming to support a friend, connect with Dayton’s movers and shakers, or simply celebrate women who are doing the work — this is one of those events that leaves you feeling proud to call this city home.

Get Your Tickets

Thursday, March 12 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Dayton Convention Center

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now here: https://www.ywcadayton.org/womenofinfluence

For sponsorship inquiries, reach out to Teresa Sanders directly at [email protected].

Early St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Coming to The Brightside with Scythian

February 21, 2026 By Dayton937

If you’re looking to kick off St. Patrick’s Day season in style, mark your calendar for Friday, March 6th because Scythian is rolling into The Brightside and they are not coming to play it quiet.

Scythian (pronounced “sith-ee-yin”) is a DC-based Celtic-Americana powerhouse that blends Irish folk, Eastern European roots, Appalachian bluegrass, and flat-out rock energy into one of the most infectious live shows on the touring circuit. The Washington Post put it simply: “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.” Scythian That’s the vibe — and The Brightside on East Third Street is the perfect room for it.

Founded by Ukrainian-American brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka, the band started out as street performers busking in Old Town Alexandria before building a devoted national following. The quartet — featuring Alexander on fiddle, mandolin, and vocals; Danylo on guitar, accordion, and vocals; Ethan Dean on bass and percussion; and Johnny Rees on drums — brings various folk traditions together into something technically precise and undeniably fun. Scythian Nashville’s Music City Roots called it “what happens when rock star charisma meets Celtic dervish fiddling.” Scythian

In short: expect to be on your feet.

Doors open at 5 PM for VIP ticket holders, who get a Meet & Greet Happy Hour with the band plus guaranteed premium seating — a great deal if you want a little face time with these guys before the music starts. General admission doors follow at 6 PM, with the show running until 10 PM. Tickets are $20 in advance and $27 day of show. The event is all ages, with a chaperone required for guests under 16.

The Brightside is located at 905 E. Third Street in Dayton.

Grab your tickets now at Eventbrite before the advance price runs out — this one’s going to sell.

How to Go? Scythian at The Brightside

Friday, March 6, 2026

VIP Doors: 5 PM

General Doors: 6 PM

905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH

Tickets: $20 advance / $27 DOS

All Ages

Get tickets on Eventbrite

Dayton Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty

February 16, 2026 By Dayton937

Join the Dayton Ballet for an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages, THE SLEEPING BEAUTY unfolds like a beautiful dream – where good triumphs over evil, love breaks a curse, and music and dancing transport you to a world of fantasy. You’ve seen the movie, but the ballet is an immersive experience for the senses boasting lush scenery, gorgeous recognizable music, and dazzling dancing.

How to Go?

Friday, Feb 20, 7:30PM – Buy Tickets

Saturday, Feb 21, 7:30PM – Buy Tickets

Sunday, Feb 22, 2:30PM – Buy Tickets

At the Schuster Center

Prisoner of Love 4 Course Wine Dinner

February 15, 2026 By LIbby Ballengee

Are you The Prisoner of love, or are you Unshackled? Find out at Bonefish Grill’s exclusive dinner — with four chef-crafted courses, each paired with an irresistible wine from The Prisoner, Unshackled, Kim Crawford and Meiomi.

COURSE 1 – CRISPY BANG ARTICHOKE SALAD

Fresh spinach tossed in house-made citrus herb dressing, topped with goat cheese, pickled vegetables and crispy artichokes tossed in the one and only Bang Bang sauce you know and love.

KIM CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC

With a bouquet of citrus and tropical fruits, this wine has a vibrant acidity that brightens the flavors of the salad.

COURSE 2 – SCALLOP & SHRIMP RISOTTO

Creamy parmesan corn & bacon risotto, topped with roasted bay scallops and wood-grilled shrimp.

MEIOMI PINOT NOIR

The ripe berry notes complement the scallops while the subtle spice notes enhance the smoky and savory risotto.

COURSE 3 – LOBSTER IMPERIAL FILET

Wood-grilled 7 oz filet mignon crowned with rich lobster cream imperial, topped with crouton crumbs and drizzled with lemon butter, served with roasted new potatoes and grilled asparagus..

THE PRISONER RED BLEND

The robust profile of this wine is the perfect pairing to the flavors of the wood-grilled filet and creamy seafood topping.

COURSE 4 – RED WINE CARAMEL BROWNIE

Rich, flourless brownie, chef-crafted Unshackled red wine caramel sauce, garnished with cranberries, and served with fresh whipped cream.

UNSHACKLED CABERNET SAUVIGNON

An extension of The Prisoner, Unshackled’s dark fruit flavors and hint of spice complement the rich and indulgent flavors of the flourless brownie.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 | 6:30PM | $70 PER PERSON*
*Excludes tax and gratuity. Time, price and participation may vary by location.

Bonefish Grill, 2818 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton

Make reservations here: https://www.opentable.com/r/bonefish-grill-dayton

SCYTHIAN Returns to The Brightside to Kick Off St. Patrick’s Season in High Gear

February 11, 2026 By Dayton937

If you like your Celtic music turned all the way up, circle Friday, March 6 on your calendar.

Internationally touring Celtic rock band Scythian is bringing their electric live show back to The Brightside Music & Event Venue, and Dayton better be ready. Known for their relentless energy, tight musicianship, and infectious stage presence, Scythian doesn’t just play a show — they ignite one.

This isn’t your sit-in-your-seat kind of concert. Expect a high-octane fusion of Celtic traditions, folk influences, and rock intensity that feels tailor-made for kicking off St. Patrick’s season. If you’ve seen them before, you already know: the room won’t stay still for long. If you haven’t, prepare to be converted.

Upgrade Your Night: VIP Meet & Greet

Want to make it extra special? Upgrade to the VIP Experience and join the band for a pre-show Meet n’ Greet Happy Hour. VIP includes:

• Early entry
• Meet & greet with Scythian
• Guaranteed premium seating
• A more intimate start to the evening

It’s a great option for longtime fans or anyone who wants to make this a full celebration.

Whether you’re Irish by heritage or Irish for the night, this is the kind of show that shakes the winter off your boots and gets the whole city leaning toward spring. Grab your crew, grab your tickets early, and get ready to shamrock The Brightside. 🍀🔥

How to Go

📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
📍 The Brightside, Dayton

5:00 PM – VIP Doors
6:00 PM – General Admission Doors

🎟 General Admission:
$20 in advance
$27 day of show

🎟 VIP:
$60

🎶 All Ages Show (Chaperone required for guests under 16)

Advance tickets are available now:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scythian-at-the-brightside-in-dayton-tickets-1977307467864

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “Office Space” Movie Party

February 8, 2026 By Dayton937

Yeah… Hi. We’re Gonna Need You to Come in on Sunday.

Office Space Movie Party with Dayton Dinner Theater

If you’ve ever fantasized about smashing a fax machine in a field or quietly plotting your escape from fluorescent lighting and TPS reports, this one’s for you. Office Space is clocking back in for a fully interactive, nostalgia-soaked movie party from Dayton Dinner Theater at The Brightside.

This is not a “sit quietly and watch a movie” situation. It’s an evening of themed food, themed drinks, themed attire, live music, trivia, and plenty of opportunities to bond with fellow cubicle survivors. Think millennium-era office culture, awkward bosses, questionable management decisions, and just enough chaos to make it feel like a workday gone delightfully off the rails.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Office Space or just need an excuse to wear suspenders in public and complain about work with strangers, this interactive movie party promises laughs, comfort food, and just the right amount of corporate satire. So yeah… if you could come in on Sunday, that’d be great.

What’s on the agenda (besides hating your job):

🍕 Themed Food
Snacks and appetizers will be available in the commissary, followed by pizza and salad for your “lunch break.” If there’s a birthday in the room, yes, there will be cake and yes, you might get a piece. Management says morale is important.

🍹 Themed Drinks
Cocktails designed to get you through the workday… or the next century. Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.

👔 Themed Attire
Dig out your best stuffy 1999 office wear. Suspenders encouraged. Extra credit for excessive flair. BYORS (Bring Your Own Red Stapler).

🎶 Music & Trivia
Enjoy themed live music and a “Name That Tune” game inspired by work, bosses, the millennium, fax machines, and the general grind of earning a living.

The Schedule:

📅 Sunday, March 1, 2026
📍 The Brightside | 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
🕔 5:45 PM – Doors open
🕕 6:00–7:00 PM – Food & live music
🎬 7:00 PM – Movie starts
🍰 8:00 PM – Intermission with dessert & trivia
🕘 9:15 PM (ish) – Movie ends, existential dread optional

Tickets & Seating

🎟 $36 per ticket
👉 Tickets available here: https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/office-space-movie-party-with-cake

Table reservations are available for parties of 6 or more. Otherwise, seating is open. For table reservations or questions, email [email protected]

JD Simo + Luther Dickinson Bring a Power-Trio Blues Revival to The Brightside

February 5, 2026 By Dayton937

Two of the most electrifying forces in modern roots music are joining up for a rare trio performance in Dayton this spring — and it’s the kind of show that doesn’t come around often.

Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars, The Black Crowes) and JD Simo (Chris Isaak, Jack White, Beyoncé) hit The Brightside on Sunday, May 17 with powerhouse drummer Adam Abrashoff for a soul-shaking, roots-infused blues experience that’s equal parts greasy, hypnotic, and wide open.

Dickinson, a four-time Grammy nominee, is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of North Mississippi Allstarsalongside a brand-new album — continuing his long-standing mission to push Hill Country blues forward without sanding down its edges. His playing is deep in tradition but restless by nature, built for groove and exploration.

Simo, meanwhile, has built a career on fearless reinvention. In addition to touring with Chris Isaak, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from Jack White to Beyoncé and recently played a major creative role on the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere, directed by Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart). Simo worked closely with Springsteen and Cooper, supervised the music script, coached lead actor Jeremy Allen White (The Bear), and contributed extensively to the film’s score and soundtrack — a testament to how deeply trusted his musical instincts are.

Together, their chemistry is undeniable. Their collaborative album Do The Rump! has been making serious waves, with the lead single “Come On” hitting #1 on SiriusXM Bluesville. The sound is raw and thrillingly alive — Hill Country trance meets psych-soul meets electrified jam, played without a safety net.

These trio shows are rare. The music is dirty. And the live experience is the point.

Local favorites Strange Ranger open the night, setting the tone before the main event takes over the room.

HOW TO GO:
📍 The Brightside — 905 E Third St, Dayton
📅 Sunday, May 17, 2026
🕕 Doors: 6:00 PM | Show: 7:00 PM
🎟 $20 GA advance | $25 day of show
🪑 Standing show — seating not guaranteed
🍾 Limited reserved tables available
👶 All ages welcome

Get tickets here: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/jd-simo-luther-dickinson-2026-05-17-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-d36fb4

This is one of those shows you feel more than you watch. Catch it live.

Roots, Rhythm, and Relief: Bob Marley Bash Comes to Dayton’s Brightside

February 3, 2026 By Dayton937

Dayton’s live-music scene turns toward unity and purpose this February as Bob Marley’s legacy takes center stage at The Brightside Music and Event Venue. On Friday, February 6, music lovers and community builders will gather for the Bob Marley Bash: Music, Unity & Jamaica Relief, a night of reggae-infused performance and collective celebration.

The show features a lineup of artists whose sounds span reggae fusion, high-energy grooves, and community flavor. Luv Locz Experiment brings live reggae fusion rooted in soul and rhythm, blending Caribbean funk with uplifting vibes. Da Squad adds spirited energy and flavor to the night’s flow, while DJ YMS keeps the party moving with selections from three Wheels of Steel.

More than a concert, this birthday bash honors Marley’s message of love, resistance, and togetherness. Organizers are using the night to support Jamaica Relief, a fundraising effort for families affected by Hurricane Melissa, with donations and proceeds benefiting the cause.

Hosted with intention and community at its heart, the Bob Marley Bash invites Dayton audiences to move their bodies, lift their spirits, and connect through music that has inspired generations across the globe.

How to GO?

Location: The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Date: February 6

Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM

For tickets and more details, visit thebrightsidedayton.com

An Evening of Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Global Harmony at Joui Wine

October 10, 2025 By Dayton937

This Wednesday, Dayton music lovers are invited to experience something truly special: an intimate concert featuring the remarkable musical partnership of trombonist and vocalist Natalie Cressman and composer and guitarist Ian Faquini at Joui Wine. Presented by Venus Child Productions, the evening promises an evening of sophisticated jazz, Brazilian grooves, and enchanting vocals that will transport audiences across continents and musical traditions. Local singer and recent Berklee graduate Kammeron Frost opens up this special evening of live music.

Though calling Cressman and Faquini a duo understates the depth of their musical collaboration, their partnership represents something far more expansive. Hailing from San Francisco and Brasilia respectively, the two artists have cultivated a singular creative communion that draws from their shared love of the Brazilian songbook, jazz, Impressionism, and sophisticated pop songcraft.

What sets this duo apart is their fearless eclecticism. Their original compositions weave lyrics in Portuguese, French, and English into a rich tapestry of sounds that borrows from multiple stylistic traditions. Accompanied by the warm tones of acoustic guitar and trombone, their sumptuous two-part vocal harmonies create a richly orchestrated sound that belies the intimate duo format, seeming to emanate from a much larger ensemble.

Cressman, a trombonist, vocalist, and songwriter, brings sophisticated melodic sensibility to the ensemble, while Faquini’s composition and guitar work provide both harmonic depth and rhythmic vitality. Together, they’ve created a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary, sophisticated yet deeply soulful.

HOW TO GO?

Join Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini for an evening of live music this Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Joui Wine, located at 117 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with the show running from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 at the door. This is an event for ages 21 and up.

To learn more about the artists, visit Natalie Cressman’s website

This Must Be the Party Returns to The Brightside for “Stop Making Sense” Celebration

October 9, 2025 By Dayton937

This Must Be the Party!

Get ready to dance. One of Dayton’s most acclaimed musical events is back, and it’s bringing the legendary energy of The Talking Heads to The Brightside‘s Ballroom this October.

This Must Be the Party returns for an all-star musical celebration that features a complete recreation of the iconic Stop Making Sense album, one of rock music’s most beloved records. If you’ve experienced this event before, you know it’s not just a concert—it’s a full-throttle dance party that captures the experimental spirit and infectious groove of David Byrne’s masterpiece.

The evening kicks off with special guests The Nth Power from New York, a trio that brings together an impressive mix of musical talent and diverse backgrounds. Fronting the band is singer and guitarist Nick Cassarino, whose previous work with the Jennifer Hartswick Band and tours with hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane showcase his versatility across genres.

On bass is Nate Edgar, whose credits include the bands Groovechild and John Brown’s Body, providing the low-end foundation for the group’s groovy sound. Completing the trio is drummer Nikki Glaspie, a powerhouse musician who spent five years as Beyoncé’s world-touring drummer before joining Ivan Neville’s New Orleans funk outfit, Dumpstaphunk.

Together, The Nth Power demonstrates that great music knows no boundaries—bringing together artists from jazz, funk, hip-hop, and rock traditions into one unified sound.

HOW TO GO?

Date: October 10, 2025
Venue: The Brightside (905 E 3rd St., Dayton, OH)
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show Starts: 8:00 PM

Tickets:

$25 presale general admission
$30 day of show general admission
$160 reserved tables with 4 tickets (limited quantity)

Get tickets here: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/this-must-be-the-party-with-special-guests-the-nth-power-2025-10-10-the-brightside-music-event-venue–9dcc83

All ages are welcome, though patrons under 18 will need parental supervision. Those 21 and over should bring valid ID if they wish to purchase beverages.

A heads-up for attendees: this is a standing show with limited seating available for those who need it. This is a dance party, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended—you’ll want to be able to move freely as the music takes you on a journey through one of the greatest albums ever made!

The Beat Goes On: Dayton’s Next Generation Carries Forward the City’s Legendary Funk Legacy

September 10, 2025 By Dayton937

On Thursday, September 18, The Brightside Music & Event Venue will transform into a celebration of both Dayton’s storied past and its promising musical future. “From Dayton With Funk” promises an electrifying evening featuring three dynamic local acts: Luv Locz Experiment, MelinaMarie, and Freakquency. These rising stars will perform a carefully curated mix of iconic funk classics alongside their own original compositions, creating a bridge between the city’s golden age of funk and its contemporary renaissance.

The event offers more than just entertainment. Attendees will have the opportunity to view exclusive Dayton-centric segments from the PBS documentary WE WANT THE FUNK! providing historical context and celebrating the city’s often-overlooked contributions to American music culture. It’s a rare chance to see how Dayton’s musical DNA continues to influence artists today.

Luv Locz Experiment headlines “From Dayton With Funk”

What sets “From Dayton With Funk” apart from typical concert experiences is its commitment to supporting the region’s cultural infrastructure. Proceeds from the event will benefit PBS stations ThinkTV (Dayton) and CET (Cincinnati), and the Yellow Springs Film Festival, organizations that champion public media and arts programming throughout the area. In an era where funding for public broadcasting and independent arts initiatives faces constant challenges, events like this demonstrate how local music scenes can support broader cultural initiatives.

“It’s about more than just a night of great music,” explains event organizer, Libby Ballengee. “We’re investing in the platforms that help preserve and share our community’s stories.”

While the evening will undoubtedly feature beloved classics that have defined Dayton’s sound for generations, the focus on original material from contemporary artists ensures this isn’t merely a nostalgia trip. Luv Locz Experiment, MelinaMarie, and Freakquency represent different approaches to funk’s evolution, each bringing their own influences and innovations to the genre’s traditional foundation.

The Brightside Music & Event Venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, provides the perfect setting for this multi-generational celebration.

The beat that started decades ago in Dayton continues to pulse through the city’s venues, studios, and hearts. On September 18, that beat will be louder than ever, carrying forward a legacy while writing new chapters in the ongoing story of Dayton funk.

HOW TO GO?

Thursday, September 18

Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM

The Brightside Music & Event Venue

All ages welcome!

🎟️ Tickets: http://bit.ly/44LlW9T

General Admission – $25 (Advance) Limited seating available throughout the venue
VIP Table for 2 – $150 Reserved seating at premium tables near the stage (not on dance floor).
VIP Table for 4 – $200 Reserved seating close to the stage for your whole crew (not on dance floor).
General Admission Day of Show – $30 (we accept cash or credit at the door)

For more information about The Brightside Music & Event Venue and upcoming shows, visit their website here, or follow them on social media.

Prepping for Toronto International Film Fest – 2025

August 30, 2025 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Dayton937!

It’s hard to believe that Labor Day is here…and it will soon be time to head to Toronto again for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The line-up at TIFF is extensive – “209 features, 6 Classics, 10 Primetime films, and 66 shorts” – so I have a lot of decisions to make. The pass that I have will allow me to see dozens of dozens of films with other press and industry folks (these are no-frills screenings…just the movies plus lots of networking and movie-talk while waiting in lines). In addition, I will get 10 tickets to public screenings – the events that get media attention – red carpets, big stars, Q&A’s, etc.

I’ve been scanning the line-up and making some initial picks, but I definitely leave room for some word-of-mouth and industry buzz to guide my decisions once I’m in Canada.

On this side of the festival, here are a few titles I’m looking forward to seeing:

HAMNET is the new film directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao (NOMADLAND). I love the cast, and the film looks lovely.

ETERNITY looks like it will be fun. I love the entire cast.

Richard Linklater’s NOUVELLE VAGUE – about the making of the French New Wave classic BREATHLESS (Linklater has 2 films at the festival…clearly a busy man).

There are a handful of films playing at TIFF that I’ve already seen – like ELEANOR THE GREAT (starring National Treasure June Squibb – opening Sept. 26 at THE NEON), BLUE MOON (Richard Linklater’s fantastic film starring Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Andrew Scott & Bobby Cannavale – which will be playing at the OUT HERE DAYTON Film Fest on October 10), and NUREMBERG (a fascinating courtroom drama about the Nuremberg trials starring Rami Malek, Russell Crowe and Michael Shannon – certain to be a NEON fan favorite this Fall). Because I won’t be screening them at the festival, I won’t be “reviewing” them in this blog per se…but I urge you to find out more about each of them.

Starting Thursday, Sept. 4, I’ll keep track of each film that I see at TIFF in this daily blog. I appreciate Dayton937 for allowing me to use this platform to keep my thoughts in order and stay in touch with NEON fans. www.dayton937.com/tag/tiff

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan McNeal, manager of THE NEON

Heartsiq’s Third Annual “Mixtape” Festival is this Saturday with Two Stages, Vendors, and Art at The Brightside

June 5, 2025 By Dayton937

Heartsiq is a queer focused arts and entertainment group based in Dayton, OH that presents monthly curated live music and visual arts events around town, monthly “Queeraoke” events at The Oregon Express, and other queer focused events throughout the year.

On June 7th, they’re presenting their 3rd Annual Mixtape Festival featuring queer artists, live musicians, DJs, MCs, vendors, and more on multiple stages at The Brightside Music and Events Venue.

“We’ve changed the game this year for Pride!” Kacie Clover, Heartsiq Partner said. “Get ready for a local vendors market, a DJ rave room with go-go dancers, a talk show, local acts, and so much more!”

Heartsiq has grown over the last three years from a monthly showcase to their third annual Mixtape Festival over Pride weekend with dozens of events at multiple venues every year.

“We need Pride now more than ever. Queer joy is important. Queer joy is necessary. Queer joy is revolutionary” Ky Heart, Founder and Partner said. “We’re here and we’re not going anywhere. This festival is going to be Heartsiq like you’ve never seen it before! ”

If you’re interested in attending Heartsiq’s Mixtape Festival or other events, organizers say these events are for everyone.

“The definition of queer people and queer identities is always growing,” Clover said. “Heartsiq is a home for every single person.” She continued “Hosting Heartsiq has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The opportunity to promote LGBTQ artists, as well as spread queer joy has been a dream,” Heart said.

Attendees can get more information and tickets at heartsiq.com