The 3rd annual Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale is happening on March 11, 2023 at The Brightside, and the line-up is now set. After 6 weeks of competition at The Brightside, the top 6 bands will compete in one amazing show!
The finalists include the following bands (alphabetical order – not performance order of the night)
– Crabswithoutlegs
– Josh Webb & The Home Sown Band
– The Luv Locz Experiment
– R3G
– Sam King & The Suspects
– Wreck League
Not familiar with any of the bands participating? That’s the fun! This entire series is a fun way to check out new, local, original music!
How does it work? Each ticket buyer gets one vote (in person). You’ll be asked to rank your top 3 bands in 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Unlike the rounds, which were a combination of judge and audience votes, the finale is decided by the audience only.
The grand prize is an EP session at Dayton Sound Studios, the title sponsor of this series. The grand prize winner also gets to perform at Levitt Pavilion Dayton during the summer 2023 concert season, a merch package from Little Monster Printing, pizza for rehearsals from Dayton Pizza Factory & $1000 cash prize.
HOW TO GO?
March 11, 2023
Doors 6pm. Show 7pm.
Music starts at 7pm – we highly recommend you get there by 7 to see all the bands perform.
The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
Tickets are $15 advance
$20 at the door.
Note: Advance tickets are recommended (this event has sold out!)
Ticket link – https://www.venuepilot.co/events/70559/orders/new
downtown
This Must Be the Party returns to The Brightside this April
The Brightside is excited to announce This Must Be the Party – the fantastic local tribute to the Talking Heads is back in their Ballroom on Friday, April 14, 2023. It’s a complete recreation of the classic album & film “Stop Making Sense.”
Due to the covid pandemic, it’s been 4 years since the beloved local tribute show has been seen by Dayton audiences. This time around it’s serving as a fundraiser for The Seedling Foundation, which supports Stivers School for the Arts.
What’s even better? We have some very special guest joining the band! Sammi Garrett is flying in from Brooklyn to perform exclusively for this fundraiser. She’s well known for being in the bands Turquaz, Cool Cool Cool, & The Bump Assembly fame).
A “Solo Grooves” After Party with Freekbass is also planned. So if you’re still ready to keep dancing after the Talking Heads set, stick around for a fun after party with surprise guests.
Additionally – here are more performers to be announced!
HOW TO GO?
When: April 14, 2023
Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH
Tickets / Time: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/69946/orders/new
– $25 Early Bird General Admission tickets (available 2/10 – 2/12 only!)
– $30 Advance General Admission tickets (highly recommend purchasing advance to guarantee spot)
– $35 Day of show (if available)
– $100 VIP TICKETS (very limited quantity available) – includes early entry to event & parking, 1 hour cocktail hour with exclusive entertainment, drink ticket & appetizers. Entry time at 7pm.
This is Venus Child Productions event!
Hip Hop Showcase at The Brightside on Friday
This year marks 50 years since the birth of Hip Hop, and The Brightside is celebrating with a special local showcase put together by up-and-coming musical artist and songwriter, Eman Jones. Last year, Jones won The Brightside’s Dayton Battle of the Band’s Hip Hop round, and went to onto perform at Levitt Pavilion and other local venues.
Putting together these types of showcases is very fulfilling to Jones. “Every year I give artists that are my favorites their flowers,” he shared with us. “I’m just pushing the blessings forward and giving our artists and my friends a voice.”
The showcase features 11 performers, including Jones himself (see full schedule below).
How to Go?
Friday, February 10, 2023
at The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
Free on-site parking!
$10 advance ticket / $15 at the door
Ticket link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/68609/orders/new
Ages: 18+
Doors open 7:30pm
Makkiah malan 8:15- 8:20
Ken dawwg- 8:30-8:40
Vonna – 8:45- 8:55
Racks ima rental – 9:00-9:10
Vader- 9:15-9:25
Tay Dan- 9:30-9:40
Cee – 9:45-9:55
Sgb x Candy – 10:00-10:10
D Knight – 10:15-10:25
Eman Jones x Luther : 10:30-11:00
Bohemian Funk releases “Roots” album with party at The Brightside
The acclaimed local band Bohemian Funk releases their “Roots” album with an epic party at The Brightside Music and Event Venue on Saturday, January 28th. This band makes Dayton proud, and everyone is invited to join in the celebration!
Bohemian Funk hit many people’s radars last spring when they won the Dayton Battle of the Bands competition. They were electrifying live and seemed to come out of nowhere. Who are these guys? the audience asked themselves. They formed in 2019, shortly before the pandemic hit, so they didn’t get the opportunity to play out much. What they did have time for was lots of practice and time to refine their signature look and sound. They were preparing for that kind of opportunity!
Bohemian Funk’s style is best categorized as Rock’n’Soul since they combine a contemporary interpretation of traditional rock’n’roll with nuances of gospel, alternative, southern rock, reggae, and blues. They have created a rich and diverse music collection with more than 40 unique songs they wrote and performed.
Since their big win at the Battle of the Bands, the 4-piece has been touring the Midwest extensively. While touring, the band was discovered by a talent scout while visiting Nashville, who introduced them to the Grammy award-winning producer and engineer Jeffrey Thomas. Working with musicians like Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Metallica, and many more, Jeff has a resume that is miles long. He became interested in the band right away. Jeff’s industry knowledge and rock music experience made the two an ideal match. The band started working with him to make their first debut album in June 2021 in his Nashville, Tennessee, facility, Stormbringer Sound. They released “Back Home,” the first song they had made with Jeff, in December 2021.
Bohemian Funk is comprised of Rocko Dalian (lead vocalist, guitarist), Patrick Arnold (lead guitar), and Graham Werts (drums). Casey Beasley (bass) is the newest member of the band, who joined in late 2021. They deliver a fantastic live experience with their stage presence, contagious energy, and expert musicianship at every performance.
“I am excited and proud to share this record with the world for many reasons but most of all I just want to give people a glimpse of light in their darkness because music has always been my light, my church, and my therapy,” Dalian shared with us. Drummer, Werts, continued, “You can expect greatness from us, and greatness is what we will give! I’m extremely thankful for the help we had throughout this whole experience and the love Dayton has shown in the process. This album release party is going to be one for the books!”
Join in the album release celebration – get all the details on how to go below!
HOW TO GO?
Event Name: “Roots” Album Release Party
Venue: The Brightside Music & Event Venue
Address: 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio
Date: Sat, January 28, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM Doors, 8:00 PM Show
Tickets Available at: https://bit.ly/3iyt4B3
Ticket Price: $15 advance which comes with an event poster! Or $25 at the door.
All ages welcome! No outside beverages, weapons or backpacks allowed in.
Heartless Bastards perform Friday at The Brightside
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?
- Friday, December 16th
- The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH)
- VIP Doors: 7pm
- Doors 7:30pm
- Show starts 8pm
- Food truck on site: Phat & Rich
- All ages are welcome!
- Tickets $25 advance; $30 day of show. Tickets are on sale at link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/62660/orders/new. Tickets are non-refundable. VIP is sold out.
- There is no re-entry at this event. Thank you for understanding in advance!
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
Dayton Battle of the Bands taking applications through December 12th
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.
The application portal closes on December 12th!
Dayton Ballet Barre offers fun holiday tradition with Sugar Plum Tea
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 [email protected]
Dayton Dinner Theater announces 2022-2023 Schedule
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
“Asylum” Nightclub Reunion Hosted at Bar Granada
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
9:30pm Doors
$10 cover
Must be over 21 to attend
Meet local author of “See You At San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and the Triumph of Geek Culture”
Local author Mathew Klickstein completes his national book tour promoting his latest pop culture history book, See You At San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and the Triumph of Geek Culture, right here in Dayton!
Klickstein will be making appearances at stops throughout the Greater Dayton area during November. He is particularly looking forward to his author talk with Dayton937 writer and editor, Libby Ballengee from 6:30-8:30pm on Friday, November 4th at Omega Music (318 E. 5th St in Oregon District). He’ll also be signing books, which will be available at the beloved local record store.
See list below for additional local dates to meet the author. More info on dates, special guests, and locations: www.MathewKlickstein.com
Local tour schedule includes stops at:
Dayton Ballet kicks off 85th Season with “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
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
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
Free eats, pop-up arts performances, tech demos at new Launch Dayton Startup Week closing party
Free eats, pop-up arts performances, tech demos at new Launch Dayton Startup Week closing party
Free festival celebrating Dayton artists, food business owners, and innovators happening this week!
Pop-up arts performances in the beautiful, historic Dayton Arcade Rotunda. Small plates from up-and-coming food businesses. Interactive tech demos from local startup companies.
And it’s FREE!
Join in the fun frrom 5-7pm on Thursday, September 15th for the art. food. tech. fest!, a new closing party for Launch Dayton Startup Week, made possible through generous support from Culture Works.
Aerialists will spin through the air as you groove to a live jam band and find your new favorite small business to support. Eats are free until we run out! Continue your evening in Dayton by popping over to the free concert at the Levitt after the party, then make your way back to the Tank for Culture Works’ After the Levitt.
See + hear:
- Live jam band lead by Isicle featuring Jared Bruns on drums, Matt Goodloe on guitar, Kainan Shank on bass, and Serin Oh on the mic.
- Spoken word poetry from Leroy Bean
- Live painting by Boy Blue
- Aerial artists from Femme Fatale Dayton
- Dance performances from Dayton Dance Initiative’s Quentin ApolloVaughn Sledge
Enjoy delicious small plates, including:
- A bbq spread from Rich Taste Catering
- Melt-in-your mouth rum cakes from The Scrumptious Dessert
- Handheld cheesecakes from Cheezcake Lab
- Pecan chicken + sweet potato waffles from Home Cooked Vibes
- Smoked mushroom spinach dip bruschetta with mint pico from VeganItIz Eats
- Mini French Quarter Seafood loaded potatoes from Simply Savory by Rachel
+ tech demos from:
- Gem City Laser
- Frame Push
- Urban Mathoholics
Plus
The Contemporary Dayton (The Co) will open 5p.m. – 7p.m. for a sneak peak at their new exhibition featuring new solo exhibitions from the work of Teju Cole, photographer, curator, Gore Vidal Professor of the Practice of Creative Writing at Harvard, and former photography critic of The New York Times Magazine; Amy Powell, nationally published Dayton-based photographer; and James “Jamie” Nares, British and New York City-based filmmaker. The exhibitions will open the evening of Friday, September 16, 2022, with an Artist Talk by Teju Cole.
Small business owner yourself? Don’t forget to check out the conference itself, as well as the closing party! Launch Dayton Startup Week presented by Fifth Third Bank brings together nearly 1K entrepreneurs, small business owners, startup founders, and business resource providers. Be inspired by the stories of failure and success, and build your own business through hands-on workshops and classes. All for FREE! Check out the full lineup: https://launchdayton.com/events/dayton-startup-week/
About Launch Dayton Startup Week:
Launch Dayton Startup Week is the Dayton, Ohio entrepreneur community’s largest event, drawing roughly 1K attendees each September to celebrate, inspire and equip the Dayton region’s startup founders & business owners. This free conference brings together the region’s thinkers, dreamers, doers, makers, entrepreneurs and small business owners. All experiences are welcome — whether a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the community, there is space to jump in.
Sound Valley Summer Music Festival this Saturday
The 2022 Sound Valley Summer Music Festival is happening this Saturday, August 27th at Yellow Cab Tavern. This year, they are teaming up with Channel 99.9 Dayton & Dayton’s New Country 103.9 to bring another incredible lineup to the Miami Valley.
Each year organizers partner with a local nonprofit to continue their mission of building community through music. This year they are taking our mission quite literally and are proud to be teaming up with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton. The organization brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
This year’s festival features 13 local bands:
ENMY
Age of Nowhere
Ryan Mundy
K.Carter
Serin Oh
Seth Canan & The Carriers
Knavery
Seth Gilliam & The Fake News
Bribing Senators
Heather Redman & The Reputation
Scary Hotel
The Kadence
Dak Janiels & The Holy Smokes
There will also be plenty of good food on hand from The Pizza Bandit and Phat & Rich. Drinks available at the Yellow Cab bar. Gates Open at 4pm on Saturday, August 27th at Yellow Cab Tavern. Music starts at 4:30pm. Tickets are available at: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/SummerFestivalTickets
About Sound Valley: Sound Valley is a community driven initiative with the goal of bringing regional and national attention to Dayton’s vibrant and growing music scene. Sound Valley is a group of Dayton musicians, journalists, promoters, and music supporters who are working to build a vibrant music scene through promotion and production. We believe that by working together we can put a national spotlight on the natural homegrown talent that exists right here in the Miami Valley.
Dayton Porchfest delivers 50 free concerts this Saturday
This Saturday, don’t miss the 6th annual Dayton Porchfest, a free neighborhood music festival in St Anne’s Hill Historic Neighborhood. This beloved community-building event is facilitated by The Collaboratory, a civic think tank that launches exciting new projects from idea to reality.
One of those ideas is Porchfest, which is held on International Play Music on a Porch Day. The event offers 6 hours of free live music held on porches throughout the St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood. It’s a lovely opportunity to meet the neighborhood and celebrate the quality and diversity of the Dayton music scene.
Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY, and Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, which was started in 2009. Today there are over 150 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada. Dayton was 94.
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. We also celebrate 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. The St. Anne’s neighborhood welcomes all Daytonians to join in this celebration!
Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory (www.daytoncollaboratory.org). This local volunteer organization 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. Tips collected at the event go directly to the musicians performing. Please be generous!
HOW TO GO?
Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 1pm – 7pm
Free!
All ages welcome
St Anne’s Hill Historic Neighborhood – see map here
1:15 – 1:45 PM KICK-OFF
T.R.S.S. Drum Corps – 10 LaBelle
2:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK
Amber Hargett, Singer/Songwriter – 1601 E. Fifth Street (Henry)
Five Rivers Drum Ensemble, African Drumming – 33 Potomac
Good Time Accordion Guys, Sing-Along – 624 McLain
Jimmy D. Rogers, Blues and Roots – 126 Henry
Our Sacred Vanity, Folk – 48 High Street
Patricia Berg Trio, Jazz – 212 South Dutoit
Sadbox, Rock – 15 Henry
Syrodesy Flue Trio, Classical Contemporary – 48 McClure
3:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK
As Is, Jazz – 1432 E. Fourth Street
Café con Leche, Acoustic/Jazz/Eclectic – 126 LaBelle
Charlie and Amanda, Country – 214 South Dutoit
Chris Heider and The Red Bandana Band, Folk Rock – 154 South Dutoit
Fin Tan, Irish Pub Music – 600 McLain
Gabe Maas and the Bruins, Pop – 54 LaBelle
(CANCELED) Nick Kizirnis, Americana – 18 LaBelle
Rum River Blend, Americana – 1535 E. Fifth Street (Henry)
Sharon Lane, Blues – 62 High Street
The Nautical Theme, Modern Folk – 34 High
TINO, Hip Hop – 52 McClure
4:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK
A Sweet Sound, Americana – 22 LaBelle
Age Nowhere, Country/Rock – 222 South Dutoit
Emory Road, Folk Rock – 616 McLain
Harold Hensley, Americana – 216 Henry
Jonathan Hamilton, Folk – 66 McClure
Kyleen Downes, Singer/Songwriter – 42 High Street
Miami Valley Klezmer Ensemble, Klezmer – 65 LaBelle
Mike Bankhead, Indie Rock – 133 LaBelle
Nasty Bingo, Folkadelic at Its Finest – 1514 E. Fourth Street
Novena, Folk Rock – 50 Henry
Sam King, Americana/Folk – 130 Henry
Ty Spacely, Hip Hop/Rap – 244 Henry
5:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK
Charlie Tipton, Singer/Songwriter – 1436 E. Fourth Street (Henry)
Cry Baby Cry, Rock – 51 McClure
Dayton Salsa Project, Salsa – 517 McLain
Ghost Town Silence, Rock/Americana – 39 Henry
John Dubuc’s Guilty Pleasures, Rock-N-Roll – 18 LaBelle
K. Carter, Hip Hop – 1616 E. Fifth Street (Backyard)
Kris n., Indie/Pop-Rock – 234 South Dutoit
Serin Oh, Alt Pop – 30 LaBelle
Somersault, Original Rock – 145 McClure
The Hitchhiker Band, Irish – 154 South Dutoit
The Touchy Feelys, Folk/Indie/Country – 201 Henry (McLain)
6:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK
Mariah J, Soul/Funk/R&B – 605 McLain
NeoAmerican Pioneers, Indie Rock – 222 South Dutoit
Rich Reuter, Rock – 234 Henry
Solistic, Little Bit of Everything – 44 High Street
The Jaywalkers, American Folk/Rock – 1514 E. Fourth Street
The Kadence, Pop – 10 Henry
Todd the Fox, Rockabilly & Blues – 55 McClure
Tori Adams, Roots/Folk/Americana – 630 McLain (High)
Wild Forrest Blackberri, Root Rock/Folk-Blues – 28 LaBelle
This Summer, a Once-in-a-Half-Century Party Calls Neighbors Back to South Park
The 2001 Rehabarama of “The Weis-Leissentritt House” at 307 Oak Street was once two houses. These 1800s-era homes were updated with a unique glass-walled passageway to create one classic home with warm, comfortable living space and bold design statements.
With music, food, storytelling, and a beer garden, South Park’s Reunion Block Party celebrates its 40-year struggle to become safe, livable and inviting.
DAYTON, Oh. July 7, 2022 – On Saturday, July 30, from 3-6pm, a massive meet-up of neighbors who live in South Park or have called it home over the past forty years will gather to mark the 40-year anniversary of becoming Dayton’s largest Historic District.
In 1981, South Park’s historic landmark designation gave neighbors powerful leverage to reverse blight, combat slumlords, and drive out crime. It launched South Park’s evolution from a neighborhood of last resort to a desirable place to live.
“It’s been quite a journey,” shares Mark Manovich, president of the Historic South Park neighborhood council. “When my wife Karin and I moved here in 1992, it was known to be rough. The parents of our kids’ school friends wouldn’t allow them to come here for playdates.”
ut even then, Mark recalls, it was unpretentious and friendly with that “we’re all in this together” camaraderie. Many neighbors have become lifelong friends after bonding over alley sweeps, beautification projects, old-house repairs, grant-writing, crime-fighting, but most of all the parties.
“We have a reputation for our parties,” says event coordinator Karin Manovich. “We’ve got great stories and before-and-after pictures to share at the Reunion, along with food and drink from South Park’s own establishments.” Even the sponsoring organizations were founded by South Parkers – Square One Salon & Spa, The Brightside Venue, and The Rubi Girls.
The sense of community in South Park has always been as unique as its built environment. It brings people closer. This 150-acre area south of downtown Dayton includes 800 structures, circa 1880 to 1900, designed for people from all walks of life. “There’s no other neighborhood that we know of with housing stock like this that attracts such interesting and diverse people. Tiny cottages next to big showy Victorians, corner storefronts, and everything in between,” says Karin.
The 2001 Rehabarama of “The Weis-Leissentritt House” at 307 Oak Street was once two houses. These 1800s-era homes were updated with a unique glass-walled passageway to create one classic home with warm, comfortable living space and bold design statements.
As with any inner neighborhood, South Park’s work continues. But it’s time to hit pause and celebrate. Says Karin, “We want everyone to enjoy their share of credit for taking a chance, investing the sweat, money and emotion it takes to create a neighborhood that feels like family.”
HOW TO CELEBRATE: Plan to meet up with old friends and neighbors, bring a lawn chair, enjoy the party, take a stroll, and congratulate yourself for helping make South Park a place to live kindly, fearlessly, and prosperously.
Who: South Parkers past and present, and all who have contributed to the neighborhood’s recovery (City staff, contractors, Rehabarama partners, AIA architects, former Community Based Police Officers, preservationists, patrons of our tours, plays and festivals) and those interested in the neighborhood today.
What: South Park Reunion Block Party is a free event presented by the Historic South Park neighborhood council, Square One Salon & Spa, The Brightside Venue, and The Rubi Girls.
When: Saturday, July 30, 3-6pm
Where: The Gazebo and Boulevard at Park Drive (near Wayne Avenue). Park at Oak Street Health (Wayne & Wyoming), Hope Lutheran Church and Emerson Academy (both at Perrine & Hickory).
