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Dayton Ohio

Dixon’s Violin is a mesmerizing performance you don’t want to miss!

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Dixon’s Violin performs at The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Friday October 18, 2019.

Downtown’s newest indoor music venue, The Brightside, is dedicated to providing a true variety of quality music to Dayton’s audiences. This weekend proves that point! On Friday they host Dixon’s Violin, as seen on TED.com, at Electric Forest, at Burning Man, and across North America. This is a rare opportunity to see this mesmerizing music up-close-and-personal in their intimate listening room space!

The world’s premier visionary violinist, Dixon’s life mission is to inspire people – and he has done so across North America, including giving three TED talks/performances, performing for over ten years at Burning Man, plus radio, TV, and film appearances. A former technology leader and symphony violinist, Dixon walked away from a distinguished career to follow his dream full-time, and invented a whole new music genre. Dixon now improvises on a 5-string electric violin with a looping system he developed to create an all-live one-man symphony, guided by his remarkable personal story of life transformation.

Kicking off the show is Dance Furiously, a rock and roll orchestration of funk, electronica, jazz, pop & soul that blends together a compelling sound which tells the story of a thriving music community in Columbus, Ohio. The group emphasizes live improvisation & expression thru their live show and consistently opens up their songs and reinterprets them to make them sound uniquely new, each time.

HOW TO GO?

Friday October 18th

at The Brightside Music & Event Venue
905 E 3rd St
Dayton, OH 45402

7:00 PM Doors Open
8:00 PM Dance Furiously
9:00 PM Dixon’s Violin

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dixons-violin-at-hannahs-tickets-67059632165
$12 advance tickets / $15 day of show

All ages are welcome, children 12 and under are free!

International Tap Dance Sensations Perform Exclusively at The Brightside on Sunday Sept 22nd!

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The Brightside is proud to present, The Tap Factor in “Soul’d Out!” a live music event featuring Tap dance sensations Christopher Erk, Derick K. Grant, Anthony J. Russo, and Jabu Graybeal. They invite you to share an evening with these four globetrotting Tap dancers as they give their only public performance locally after spending a month touring their show ‘Feet Speak” throughout Dayton area public schools on behalf of the Muse Machine. Accompanied by Dayton’s own Premium-Blend Music, this highly energetic and collaborative dose of music and Tap dance is a “don’t miss” event for all ages!

3 ticket options available for this show:
$20 General Admission advance ticket ($25 day of show)
$40 ticket plus Meet & Greet
$50 ticket plus Tap class and Meet & Greet

Schedule:
4:30-5:15 – All-inclusive Tap dance class – no experience necessary ($50 ticket option – includes all below too)
5:15-6:00 – Sound Check + Meet & Greet / Photo Op ($40 ticket option – includes performance too)
6:00-6:30 – General Admission Doors
6:30-8:00 – Performance ($20 ticket adv / $25 day of show)

More about performers and The Tap Factor:
– Christopher Erk (New York City/Los Angeles) – Performed in the Off-Broadway touring production of Tap Dogs; Founding Artistic Director of the Tap Factor; Absinthe, Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas; Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

– Derick K. Grant (Boston/New York City) – Performed in Broadway’s original cast, Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk; Creator of Imagine Tap

– Anthony J. Russo (St. Louis/New York City) – performed in Off-Broadway touring production of Tap Dogs; Cirque du Soliel; Founder of Tapademics; Absinthe, Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas

– Jabu Graybeal – Recipient of the Young Arts Award; Member of the North Carolina Youth Ensemble; Highlight in Dance Spirit Magazine as one of “Tap’s Next Generation of Stars”

The Tap Factor is performing on Sunday September 22, 2019 at The Brightside in downtown Dayton. PHOTO BY SARAH BABCOCK

– The Tap Factor was founded in Dayton by former resident Christopher Erk over ten years ago. While teaching at Wright State University, Sinclair Community College, Dayton Dance Conservatory and beyond, participants would meet weekly at the Tap Factor’s Front Street studio where donation-based Tap classes evolved into a local community of dancers that could be found sharing their joy for Tap at city events throughout the year. Since then, they have taken to the stage collaborating with organizations such as Best Buddies, the Boys and Girls Club of America, with performances at Carnegie Hall and more. Check out the Tap Factor’s journey online by visiting www.thetapfactor.com

World Class Jazz-Funk Duo performs at The Brightside on Wed Sept 18th!

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The Jennifer Hartswick & Nick Cassarino Duo makes their Dayton debut on Wednesday September 18, 2019 at The Brightside.

The world-class jazz-funk fusion duo Jennifer Hartswick and Nick Cassarino, set out on a limited engagement tour this fall, and have picked The Brightside Music & Event Venue in downtown Dayton, to be one of the featured and exclusive performances on this debut tour! You can sit in on this intimate set this upcoming Wednesday September 18, 2019.

Trumpeter and vocalist, Jennifer Hartswick is one of the most exciting performers in music today. She exudes confidence and joy and brings her own refreshing spirit to the stage every time she performs. Jennifer’s music is honest, soulful and comes with a maturity far beyond her years. She is joined by Nick Cassarino, an incredible guitarist from Brooklyn, who blew Dayton audiences away earlier this spring with his powerhouse band The Nth Power. This duo is doing a limited engagement fall tour, and have made a special stop to downtown’s newest listening room!

Bonus! Dayton’s own guitar virtuoso, Chris Houser (from The Werks) kicks off this dynamic evening that jazz , funk, and jam fans alike won’t want to miss! Music runs from 8-11pm, which is ideal for a week night out. Pre-sale tickets are available here.

Making it extra special? This show is presented by Venus Child Productions – and is doubling as a birthday party for the Venus Child herself – Libby Ballengee!

How to go?

Wednesday September 18, 2019
The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St Dayton OH 45402

Doors 7pm. Music 8pm – 11pm.
Chris Houser at 8pm / Jennifer Hartswick & Nick Cassarino Duo 9-11pm
All ages welcome!

Pre-sales just $15! Day of show $18.
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4299698

Get Soulfully Funkalicious with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company!

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Dayton is birthplace of amazing artistic as well as engineering feats. That spirit of innovation blossomed during the late 1960s-1980s in a couple of unique ways: the invention of funk music and the birth of modern dance.  In 1968, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company became the first modern dance company established in Ohio. Shortly after, Dayton become the proud capital of Funk music in the 1970s and 1980s.

On Saturday August, 24, 2019 both of those innovative art forms are celebrated together at DCDC’s Soulfully Funkalicious All-White Party! Enjoy delicious soul food while watching DCDC’s dance artists take to the floor in grand funk style with live music from the Dayton Funk All-Stars! Make sure to bring an appetite and your dancin’ shoes for this truly fun and fabulous way to support one of Dayton’s world-class artistic institutions!

How To Go?

What: Soulfully Funkalicious All-White Party

When: August, 24, 2019 from 6-11pm

Where: Dayton Convention Center (22 E 5th St, Dayton)

Tickets: $80 General Seating / $120 VIP Seating / $800 General Table (seats 10) / $1200 VIP Table (seats 10)

For this event only, please purchase tickets at Eventbrite or contact DCDC at 937-228-3232. Ticket purchases are non-refundable.

Please note: All white attire requested.

 

Dayton Porchfest offers free music in a beautiful neighborhood!

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Dayton Porchfest is an annual event occurring the final Saturday of August in St Anne’s Hill. PHOTO BY LIBBY BALLENGEE

Dayton Porchfest is back for a third year! It’s a day where music fills the streets and porches of St Anne’s Hill, one of Dayton’s most charming historic neighborhoods. It’s a free, family friendly event that runs from 1:30-7pm on Saturday August 24, 2019.

​Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene, which continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that in its selection of musical artists, from funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old timey that has deep Appalachian traditions here. The event also celebrates the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade.

​Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory, a civic innovation lab that moves ideas to action. The Collaboratory provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory.

How to Go?

When: Saturday August 24, 2019. 1:30pm kickoff. 2-7pm music. Link to full . schedule – click here or see below

Where: Throughout St Anne’s Historic Neighborhood (E 5th St, just east of Keowee). Link to map – click here or see below

Who: All ages welcome!

Cost: Free (tips for musicians accepted!)

 

Arts & Drafts is the summer festival you never knew you needed!

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Can you believe it’s August already? I know, me either. Back to school time is around the corner. This is the point in the year when you have to ask yourself if you’ve really made the most of these fleeting summer months. If you’re in need of a rockin’ outdoor party with sweet bands, hot BBQ, root beer floats, tasty brews, with a kid zone  – without going far from home – you’re in for a treat this Saturday. The cynic might say “Well that sounds like any other festival…” Actually, no – on top of all that – there is a tattoo convention indoors too! Whoa!
The We Care Arts annual Arts & Drafts Festival is a true entertainment extravaganza! Join the party from 2-10pm on August 3rd at the We Care Arts Berkeley Studio at 3035 Wilmington Pk in Kettering. All ages welcome! $10 at the door or pre-sale. Check out all the fun and special treats in store for festival goers below. Plus! All proceeds directly go back to We Care Art’s mission to turn disabilities into possibilities!

A variety of regional acts are performing at We Care Art’s Arts & Drafts Festival on August 3, 2019.

For Music Fan’s listening pleasure:

* 2pm – Doug Hart – longtime staple in the Dayton Blues community
* 2:40pm – Woodsii – a California girl who will steal your heart!
* 3:30pm – Christopher Heider  – a Dayton guitarist and Arts & Drafts enthisiast
* 4:30pm – Nasty Bingo – a special set from this outstanding folkadelic four piece
* 5:35pm – Founding Fathers – an innovative alternative band from Cincinnati
* 6:45pm – isicle – our “in between sets” DJ performs a live looping set to get ya movin’
* 7:30-9:45pm – Wolf Moon Revival – takin’ it home with blues rock for your soul
Plus we have Zac Pitts from Sound Valley as our emcee and Brad Denson rockin’ sound!
Thinking about getting a tattoo? Get one on site! Yes really!
* Dustin Clark, Artie Perkins, and Jenny Reeves from Truth & Triumph
* Blake Moran and Natasha Woolley from Unfiltered Ink
* Cody Torres from Blue Byrd Tattoo
For the Thirsty & Hungry, we are thrilled to serve Dayton’s best:
*Craft Beers & non-alcoholic beers from Warped Wing Brewery
*Cocktails using Dayton made Buckeye Vodka – with an *exclusive* Arts & Drafts drink: The Dayton Mule – featuring Warped Wing ginger beer with Buckeye Vodka!
*Food from Bricky Barrels Smoked BBQ – featuring a memu of smoked bbq ribs, pulled pork, chicken, hot dogs, smoked cheddar Mac and cheese, coleslaw and baked beans and more!
*We Care Arts will also be selling Philly Pretzel Factory and homemade root beer floats featuring Warped Wing root beer and Fox & Hound ice cream!

Wild Hearts African Zoo is bringing an animal or two for kids to check out at the Arts & Drafts Festival on August 3, 2019.

For the Kiddos:
*Wild Heart African Farm will be stopping by with a special animal! Adorable!
*Prime Time Party Rental has generously donated a load of games to play.
*Our new Programming Director Caitlin Cartwright will be face painting too!
HOW TO GO:
  • The We Care Arts annual Arts & Drafts Festival  from 2-10pm on August 3rd
    • Address: 3035 Wilmington Pk in Kettering.
  • Parking is available in nearby lots or residential streets.
    • Going to drink? We encourage you to get a ride, Lyft or Uber on your way!
  • All ages welcome!
  • $10 at the door or for pre-sale click here.

Bar Granada reopens downtown with eclectic cultural events!

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An inside view of the newly remodeled Bar Granada located in downtown Dayton at the corner of Main & Monument Streets.

Bar Granda, the new bar and restaurant at the corner of Main & Monument downtown, has rebranded itself and reopened with an exotic flair! The decor and menu have been refreshed with a warm and cozy Mediterranean vibe, and food coming from the Latin Arepas Truck (indoors). They are equally as proud of their craft tequila menu, as their delicious mocktails for those choosing to stay sober.

The other big change to the venue is the addition of curated pan-cultural events. This Friday, they start their “Last Friday” series with The Dayton Salsa Project, who performs live Latin music (salsa/merengue/bachata/bolero) for your listening and dancing pleasure. Not sure how to dance Latin style? Watch and learn, and start with the merengue! You’ll be swaying your hips in no time. 9pm-12am. $10 cover. 21+

Later this summer, they are hosting a very special evening on Wednesday August 28th with The Flamenco Company of Columbus. Enjoy food, music and dance in a format rarely seen in Dayton – flamenco! Tickets include tapas & wine before the performance and dessert and Cava before final performance. What a wonderful cultural experience that will be! 7-10pm. $48 via Eventbrite. 21+

This flair of culture on the northern end of downtown is just the spark that area needs! Be sure to show your support of this new business next time you are planning a happy hour meet up, a date night or solo adventure downtown!

 

The Flamenco Company of Columbus will perform at Bar Granada on August 28, 2019.

More about Bar Granada

Bar Granada is located at 5 W Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402

Please note that parking lot adjacent to building is just $1 upon exit after 8pm.

Hours: Wednesday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM / Thursday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM / Friday 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM / Saturday 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Find out more: https://www.bardayton.com/

Street Names of Dayton: Gunckel Avenue

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The Honorable Lewis B. Gunckel

 

Lewis B. Gunckle was born on October 15, 1826 in Germantown, Ohio which was founded by his grandfather, Phillip Gunckel in 1804. He graduated from Cincinnati Law School in 1851 and won the first case he tried.

Gunckle was Hiram Strong’s senior partner in the law firm of Gunckel & Strong.  He developed a reputation as one of the most successful jury lawyers in southern Ohio and as a peacemaker who used his influence to settle controversies.

He was elected to the Ohio Senate and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention. He was a member of the reception committee when Abraham Lincoln came to Dayton in September 1859.

In the Ohio Senate, Gunckle was the author of the soldiers’ voting law, of measures to send medical aid and supplies to the battlefields, and of bills to provide care for the widows and children of those killed in service of the Union.

Gunckel Avenue on the east side of Dayton

In the middle of the Civil War he introduced a bill for the establishment of a state soldiers’ home and this became his pet project.  He canvassed the state as a presidential elector for Lincoln in 1864, and in that same year Governor John Brough established a state soldiers’ home near Columbus with Gunckel as one of its trustees.  The Honorable Lewis B. Gunckel was influential in the establishment of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers at Dayton. He picked the location and rallied the local citizens to get behind the move and donated $20,000 toward the land purchase. The first winter that the home was established, 750 soldiers were moved there. Gunckel would sit on the board for its first twelve years all without compensation. Today we know the home as the VA Medical Center.

In 1871 Gunckel was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant as special commissioner to investigate frauds practiced upon the Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw Indian tribes. His report was a milestone in the history of reforms in the Indian service.

He served in Congress as a representative from the 3rd district from 1872-1875 .   Mr. Gunckel served on the Military Committee and even turned down a pay raise which he was entitled to under the law. He lost his bid for re-election and spent the rest of his life in the practice of law in Dayton.

The Gunckel Family Monument at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum

The law firm of Gunckle & Strong became Gunckle & Rowe, his new partner being E.L. Rowe who had read law with him and became his partner in 1869.  In 1890 the firm became Gunckle, Rowe & Shuey with the addition of Webster W. Shuey. The law firm had many name changes throughout the years and today the firm is known as Coolidge Wall.

In 1860 Gunckle married the daughter of Valentine Winters.  When Winters and his son Jonathan founded Winters National Bank in 1882, Gunckle became of member of the bank’s first board of directors.   He served for three years as the state bar’s delegate to the National Bar Association and served as its treasurer and a member of its executive committee.

Lewis B. Gunckel died on October 3, 1903 at the age of 77. He and his family are buried in Section 44 Lot 1008.

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

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

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

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

How To Go?

Friday June 28, 2019

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

Marbin Concert: 

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

Doors 8pm. Show 9-11pm.

$10 at the door

All ages

Food: Twisted Taco food truck

Presented by Venus Child Productions

More about the Music

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

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

Nashville Rock Band at Brightside

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Alternative rock fans are in for a treat this Sunday June 23rd with a showcase of up-and-coming bands at Dayton’s newest music venue, The Brightside Music & Event Venue.  Better Off is on tour from Nashville. They’ll be  rockin out with area original bands Weathervein, Overgrow and Better Anyway.

The great things is that fellow music promoter, Ian Baldwin made playlists to get you in the mood for this exciting upcoming show! Check out links to custom lists for Apple Music and Spotify below.

How to Go?

The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St Dayton OH 45402

Sunday June 23, 2019. 7pm Doors

$10 advance tickets here

All ages!

Check out the music at links below!

Apple Music Playlist

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/better-off-at-the-brightside-6-23/pl.u-YGXgHxWrGXY?fbclid=IwAR0l5r64osdTVmDwZ-XEoAf0hKm3iiJ37rkF_xxk-0gOxK_YK_ndvHvCEJE

Spotify Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Hvkdsg3AReuwYIcoBHzNb?si=AYjSZn1uT_aZ5eke3E2H_Q&fbclid=IwAR2rATj57jxcRiU0lPxqDh4AqsbmnWXT4U4oAKvBszSJSFe1JvatVTi4du4

Enjoy the first Songwriter Showcase at The Brightside!

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Dayton’s newest music venue, The Brightside, is presenting its first Songwriter Showcase this Wednesday May 8th, 2019. The venue has two spaces for music, a large ballroom for larger concerts and events, and a smaller listening room, that is ideal for intimate evenings such as this special showcase.

The evening starts off at 8pm with Jack Ballengee Morris performing his all original songs, accompanied by Peter Fox on cello. Morris, a 4th-generation Appalachian singer-songwriter, originally from Clay County, West Virginia. His music is planted firmly by his roots but allows for the influences of Ramblin’ Jack, John Prine, Bob Dylan and Daniel Johnston.

At 9pm, Dayton’s own Amber Hargett takes the stage. Amber received raved reviews from her recent album release performance, and has been in the Top 5 Best Sellers at Dayton’s Omega Music record store. Amber Hargett blends folk, rock, pop, roots and soul sounds into her unique storytelling style. Her writing attempts to balance honesty with empathy and reflect truths about faith, life, and relationships.

The evening closes with a 10pm set from Closest Relative, coming to Dayton for the first time from Columbus. After a 2015 motorcycle accident took two fingers from his left hand, longtime guitarist Jack O’Connell adopted a new playing style and started performing solo as Closest Relative. His music is characterized by intricate two-fingered guitar work, and earnest lyrics. His latest EP “This Tree is Base” expands on his previous EP “Messes” and unfurls his songwriting in unexpected directions.

Making this show extra special is the live art happening on site. Artists Etch and Tiffany Clark will be creating the Dayton skyline outside the venue as a permanent art piece! Very cool. This promises to be a Wednesday evening out that you won’t want to miss!

How to Go?

The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Wednesday May 8, 2019

Doors 7pm. Show 8-11pm.

$7 admission.

All ages welcome

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s Golden Anniversary Celebrated with the Dayton Philharmonic!

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The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, under the leadership of Artistic Director and Conductor Neal Gittleman, is honored to be a part of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s 50th Anniversary celebration for a special DCDC Golden Anniversary Concert on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 6:30pm at the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton.

Founded in 1968 by the late Jeraldyne Blunden, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) is the oldest modern dance company in Ohio. DCDC serves as a cultural ambassador to Dayton, the state of Ohio, the Midwest, and the nation. The company holds the world’s largest archive of classic African American dance works and one of the largest of any kind among contemporary dance companies worldwide. Noteworthy choreographers who have worked with the company include Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Donald Byrd, Bill T. Jones, José Limón, Donald McKayle, Ray Mercer, Bebe Miller, Doug Varone, and Kevin Ward.

Together, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will present a thrilling performance to honor DCDC’s 50th Anniversary as the region’s outstanding modern dance company rooted in the African American experience. The evening’s performance will consist of three engaging pieces that celebrate the artistry and athleticism of the full DCDC company of dancers.

The first of the three pieces presented will be the World Premiere choreographed by former DCDC artistic director Kevin Ward. The new work is entitledand each day you mean one more and is set to brand new music by composer and musician Derrick Spivey, Jr. and performed by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Neal, Derrick and Kevin–conductor, composer, and choreographer–have worked closely together over the last several months to bring this work to life.

and each day you mean one more is partly inspired by the poem “The Low Road” by Marge Piercy, which addresses the challenges faced by the lone actor for societal good and how, with the gradual attraction and enlistment of like-minded individuals, a real force for change can be built that can resist destructive reactionary forces. In creating the dance, choreographer Kevin Ward was inspired by many lone actors such as Fanny Lou Hamer, David Hogg, Fred Rogers, James Baldwin, Malala, Claudette Colvin, and many nameless actors, such as the U.S. prisoners who staged a massive strike against systematic abuse, even though it resulted in the cruelest solitary confinement, and how their efforts inspired millions to follow suit.

DCDC will also perform a signature work from their history called Children of the Passage. This work was co-created for DCDC by world-renowned choreographer Ronald K. Brown and Tony-nominated choreographer Donald McKayle, who passed away just over a year ago this April. The work follows a party of decadent lost souls that are haunted and later rescued by spirits that reconnect them to their ancient and ancestral character. The composition is a cadence that is drawn from the traditional marching jazz bands of New Orleans, with the grind and groove of the contemporary jazz and soul music. The language of movements is translated from the visual poetry of African and African American dance and the celebration of cultural rituals of yesterday and today.

The third work on the program is American Mo’, created by choreographer and DCDC Associate Artistic Director Crystal Michelle Perkins. The dance is a celebration of triumph over adversity. Dancers express freedom, courage and joy to Duke Ellington’s “Three Black Kings,” composed in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This work originally premiered on September 19 & 20, 2015 as part ofAmerican Mosaic, Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts and was performed with accompaniment by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Schuster Center. DCDC has performed the innovative piece in New York City, Kazakhstan, and the Bolshoi in Moscow.

How To Go!

Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 6:30pm at the Schuster Center
Tickets for DCDC Golden Anniversary Concert begin at $15.50 and are available for purchase by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or online at www.daytonperformingarts.org. 
For more information on the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, including by Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Opera and Dayton Ballet, visit www.daytonperformingarts.org.
For more information on Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, visit www.dcdc.org.

Get cultured at Fine Art Final Fridays at new downtown gallery

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We hear a lot about First Fridays downtown, but less so about Final Fridays. Edward Dixon who owns a new independent gallery downtown is celebrating Fine Art Final Fridays and I am here for it!

The Edward A. Dixon Gallery is a hidden gem on Ludlow, just show of 3rd St and Courthouse Square. On Final Fridays you’ll find lots of local and international art for your viewing pleasure, along with light appetizers and beverages and live music. Bringing music and visual art together, is absolutely one of my favorite things!

Senior Art Majors from Central State University will also be at the gallery with Professor Erin Smith-Glenn. Students will be gaining experience at a commercial art gallery, interacting with the public as emerging artists and being interviewed by the gallery owner.

Artwork from several local and international artists will be on display and available for purchase. The special exhibit this month features glass mosaic art from Philip Payne and abstract photography from Bill Franz. Entertainment provided by pianist & keyboardist, Denzel Hollis.

Also, look for other great events on Ludlow Street during Final Friday including Something’s Afoot at The Arts Collaboratory (2nd & Ludlow), Latin Dance at Hannah’s and music and spirits at Third Perk Coffee House.

How To Go?

Fine Art Final Fridays at Edward A. Dixon Gallery

The gallery is located at 12 South Ludlow Street – Dayton, OH 45402 near the corner of  Third and Ludlow.

Occurs final Friday of each month from 5-9pm (April 26 – June 28)

NOTE: Free parking after 6pm at meters!

The gallery is available by appointment most days including weekends by calling 937-985-2115 or emailing info@eadgallery.com.

Enjoy an early evening of folk music with Ellis Paul!

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Enjoy an early evening and intimate performance with the one and only, Ellis Paul at Brightside Music Room this Sunday April 14, 2019. It’s going to be a true Sunday Funday with doors opening at 5pm with food from Twisted Taco food truck, and music from 6-8pm. Cozy, early evening that is perfect for Dayton music fans!

Ellis Paul is a renowned troubadour, singer/songwriter, folky, and storyteller. He’s been inspired by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor, and their spirits seem to occasionally grace his work. With an acoustic guitar in hand, he weaves intimate, provocative, and romantic tales of lives that were obviously witnessed by a most-talented voyeur.

Based in Massachusetts, Paul has been called the quintessential Boston songwriter more than a few times and has garnered the recognition and awards to back up that claim, including a shelf full of Boston Music Awards. Since coming onto the scene in 1993 with his independent debut, Say Something, Paul hasn’t slowed or weakened as a performer or a writer.

Spending two-thirds of most years on the road has helped him perfect both crafts, with a lot of practice on-stage and a lot of people whose stories he retells in song.  Over the years and albums, his songs have gotten more personal. Paul is on tour celebrating his 20th and latest studio album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase.

How to Go?

Sunday April 14 at Brightside Music & Event Venue (903 E 3rd St).

Doors 5pm. Show 6-8pm. Tickets $20 each (available online and at the door).

Rockin’ out to support Ronald McDonald House of Dayton!

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This weekend, April 12-13, 2019, you can rock out to a 2-night music event and fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House. Come for one or both nights of this special event at the new Brightside Music & Event Venue!

Friday night serves as the pre-party for Saturday night’s main event. There you’ll enjoy an extra special Happy Hour, which kicks off at 4:30pm, featuring a tasting from Cutwater Spirits and food available from Godfather’s Pizza. Music starts at 6pm with Last Call Trio, featuring special guest Danny Voris. At 8pm you can witness the 6 year old piano sensation Avett Ray (as seen on CBS News, Good Morning America, People, Inside Edition). At 8:30pm, the Kerry Smith Band rehearses for their big show on Saturday. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door. VIP ticket $30 (includes Saturday night ticket too + reserved seating) More info here.

Saturday night is the main event! Doors open at 6pm. Harvest Mobile Cuisine will be here and have food available for purchase. Avett Ray is back with another performance at 7pm. At 8pm, the Kerry Smith Band takes the stage for this rare reunion show. General admission tickets for Saturday are $15 advance, $20 at the door. VIP ticket $30 (includes Friday night ticket too + reserved seating.) More info here.

This is going to be a fantastic weekend for rock’n’roll fans, and a fabulous way to support Dayton’s Ronald McDonald House!

Celebration of liFe at Blind Bob’s on Saturday

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One of the things I admire most about the Dayton music community, is its ability to bring everyone together and to lift each other up. This Saturday April 13th is no exception with the Celebration of liFe concert at Blind Bob’s Bar.

Organizers explain: “One year ago, our community lost a beacon of light. In memory of our dear friend Fe Meier, please join us for Celebration of liFe. To honor her smile, kindness and memory, all proceeds will be donated to NAMI Montgomery County Ohio. NAMI is dedicated to providing peer support, education and advocacy to individuals and families affected with mental illness.”

The night’s lineup includes local rock bands Abertooth Lincoln, Kelly Renea Hanus, Weathervein, VICE ON VICTORYandSmall Words. The show is $5 at the door, although additional donations are gladly accepted! This is a 21+ event. Doors 9pm. Music till 2am.

Want to donate but can’t attend? Please visit www.nami-mc.org. Want to help but can’t donate? Call a friend or loved one and tell them five amazing things about themselves. Give someone a hug. Make sure that YOU are taking care of your mental health and reaching out to others when you need to. You are never a burden. You are never too much. YOU ARE LOVED.