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Sam King + The Suspects and Strange Ranger at The Brightside

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Strange Ranger is pairing up with Sam King + The Suspects for a night of jazz, funk, rock, soul, and folk for a double-header show at the Brightside.

With an expansive repertoire like that, there’s gonna be a little something for everyone and a little of everything for someone — it’s like a three-day music fest packed into one night for the price of a couple of PBRs.

Dayton’s Strange Ranger — not to be confused with the Portland indie rock band of the same name — is, to borrow a word from the Romans, a badass triumvirate: Rob Brockman holds down the fort (the thumping backbeat); Rob Thaxton licks up his basslines; and Chris Coat commands the fretboard like a stoic.

Again, three for the price of one.

Sam King has a powerhouse voice further cemented by The Suspects she plays alongside. King wailed on the vocal solo in “The Great Gig in the Sky” in Black Jacket Symphony’s tribute to Pink Floyd and carved out a folky act back home, à la Joni Mitchell. Plus, opening up for Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire last year ain’t too shabby to have on a resume either.

Sam King + The Suspects have an acoustic set prepared as their drummer heals from an injury; Strange Ranger is the same as it ever was.

We’ve got a supportive music community here in Dayton; no band seems to step on another band’s toes to get ahead, and they often go the extra mile to say nice things about each other.

So, with that said, here is Strange Ranger on Sam King, and Sam King on Strange Ranger:

Strange Ranger: “Sam is an incredible musician supported by a group of other incredible musicians! They have such a great blend of soul, rock, and folk. We think it’s going to be an awesome mix that will highlight the similarities in our sounds but also showcase the diverse influences.”

Sam King: “It’s an honor to share an evening and stage with Strange Ranger. Their resumes are beyond impressive but beyond that, they’re incredible people who always put the music first. You can tell that they just dig every second of playing together and that’s a gift to witness. The Brightside has always done a sensational job of showcasing bands like that. I think the sets will be complimentary as some of our similar influences come through.”

There you have it, with a Brightside compliment to boot: nothin’ but good vibes, and nothin’ but a good time. How can you resist?

Sam King + The Suspects and Strange Ranger are playing The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio 45402) on Thursday, April 18. Doors are at 7:30 p.m. Show is at 8 p.m. All ages are welcome. Presale tickets are $10 at VenuePilot, $15 at the door.

Bohemian Funk releases “Roots” album with party at The Brightside

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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.

Jazz Supergroup Performs Exclusive Show at The Brightside

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I first saw Jennifer Hartswick perform at a sold-out concert in New York City.  She was playing trumpet for Trey Anastasio’s solo project. I was blown away by the entire horn section’s talent, which included trumpet, trombone, and sax players. It’s the kind of musical experience that truly removes you from your troubles, and delivers a true sense of joy. I longed to bring talent on that level to my friends in Dayton.

The members of The Jennifer Hartswick Band

A few years later, I had just an opportunity. My friend Carli Dixon had opened The Brightside on East 3rd St downtown and allowed me to host concerts of my choosing. What a gift! And funny enough, Jennifer had a solo project that was touring through venues just like The Brightside. I had the pleasure of hosting Jennifer not once,  but two times in our first year open, before the pandemic hit. In fact, Jennifer Hartswick was the last show we hosted, on March 10, 2020. Each time she’s brought her immense talent to our stage, the audience is enthralled, moved to actual tears of joy. 

So now that things are getting back to “normal,” I leaped at the opportunity to host Jennifer again. However, this time there was a twist. She is visiting us with a full band, including her writing partner Nick Cassarino on guitar, Conor Elmes on drums, and fellow Trey Anastasio Band members Dezron Douglas on bass and James Casey on sax. 

All of these musicians are superstars in their own right. Douglas is a protégé of the great Jackie McLean, and is currently a Jazz Studies professor at NYU Steinhardt. Elmes is a  member of the YoungBlood Brass Band. Cassarino may look familiar as he’s performed multiple times at The Brightside, and this summer on the Levitt stage with his band The Nth Power.

Casey being in Dayton is particularly special because he is currently going through cancer treatment for Stage 3 colon cancer. This week he posted: “The amount of planning it takes for me to be able to come on the road these days is more than you could imagine, and along with my fam, team and docs, they made (and continue to make) it happen. Total appreciation!”

I compare this group to the Wrecking Crew, who were the subject of a recent documentary. The Wrecking Crew was a loose collective of studio musicians who were the actual musicians who recorded hundreds of Top 40 songs during the 1960s and 1970s. The group was not publicly recognized but was viewed with reverence by industry insiders.

Dayton blues performer Steven Gregory

The Jennifer Hartswick Band is a live music version of the Wrecking Crew. You’ve probably seen them backing bigger names, but this is their time to shine! As a music nerd myself, I’m one of the industry insiders who views this group in absolute awe. 

A  lot of times, we have the tendency to want to hear what we know. That’s why tribute bands and cover bands are so popular. That’s why seeing bands that were popular during high school is so appealing. And while all of that is great, I’m interested in what’s happening now. Instead of clinging to nostalgia only, I’m wanting to bring musicians that are on fire right now, whom you normally can only see in the biggest cities. In fact, this group is only performing a very limited tour, and they selected Dayton specifically to visit because they enjoy visiting here so much. 

I truly hope Dayton audiences find some space in their lives for musical curiosity and check out this concert! Local blues musician, Steven Gregory, kicks off the show at 8 pm at  The Brightside on Thursday, October 13th.

 

HOW TO GO?

  • The Jennifer Hartswick Band
  • The Brightside Music & Event Venue  (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH)
  • October 13, 2022. Doors open at 7:30pm. Concert starts at 8pm.
  • All ages welcome
  • Tickets advance: $20 (Click link here)
  • Day of Show: $25

 

D Funk All-Stars present an Old School Groove Night

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If you’re feeling the biting winds of winter already, there is going to be a reprieve this weekend at the hottest dance party of the season: the legendary D Funk All-Stars present an Old School Groove Night in The Brightside’s Vodvil Ballroom!

Making this show extra special is the fact that it’s also longtime Dayton sound engineer Monika Shroyer‘s birthday party too! What a way to celebrate! The party kicks off with D Funk’s set and then moves into after party mode with DJ Dingo. 

So grab your dancin shoes on and head on over for a truly Funkalious event!

How To Go?

Saturday November 9, 2019
at The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St)

All ages are welcome!

Doors 8pm. Show 9pm.
$10 advance. $15 day of show.

Tickets available here: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/d-funk-all-stars-with-dj-dingo

 

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.

 

The Werk Out is Dayton Band’s Biggest Event Ever

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Phase2 Werk Out 2016It’s incredibly exciting when one of our own home grown Dayton bands makes it big. Many Daytonians are not aware of the incredible national following The Werks have created. After ten years of touring, most recently from an adventurous Alaskan tour, they are back to their native Ohio to throw their biggest party yet, the 7th annual Werk Out Music and Arts Festival.

The festival started closer to Dayton, but as it has skyrocketed in popularity, it found it’s home at the Grateful Dead’s old stomping grounds, Legend Valley Concert Venue in Thornville, Ohio (formerly known as Buckeye Lake Music Center). This year’s festival is the biggest and boldest yet. Music fans were thrilled to see the amazing line-up of both national and regional acts, which include some of the top names in the jam and electronica scene, including STS9, Lettuce, and Greensky Bluegrass.

This year’s festival includes special collaboration sets that are certain to be unforgettable:a daytime memorial set dedicated to the memory of beloved former Werks member Norman Dimitrouleas; Twerkapod, which is a late night 90’s music tribute set with members of Twiddle, The Werks, and Dopapod; Daft Funk, a tribute to Daft Punk by Earphunk; and an appearance by Everyone Orchestra with special guest Todd Stoops.

This is one of the premiere music festivals in Ohio, and Dayton Ohio couldn’t be prouder of our home town boys making it big! Congratulations to the Werks family, and for fans, don’t miss this highly anticipated summer festival!

How to Go?

General admission festival passes are available now for $139.99, Additional ticketing options are also available. The Werk Out Festival tickets are available now at http://www.thewerkoutfestival.com/site/get-tickets.

The Werks @ The Werk Out Festival 2014 | B.Hockensmith Photography

The Werks @ The Werk Out Festival 2014 | B.Hockensmith Photography

Gates open on Thursday, August 4th 2016 at 12:00 noon for those with full event passes. They will remain open until Sunday, August 7th at 12:00 noon. Music begins around 4:00 PM on Thursday, and Friday before Noon. The festival ends at 11:00 AM on Sunday. It is a rain or shine event. Please pack for possible inclement weather.

SassafraZ Boogies Down at Jimmie’s Ladder 11

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Philadelphia-based super group Swift Technique will be in town Friday night!

Philadelphia-based super group Swift Technique will be in town Friday night!

If you like to dance to funky live music, Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is your spot this weekend. SassafraZ, a Columbus-based band, is in town and bringing along their friends Swift Technique, out of Philly. They love the live music scene in Dayton, and can’t wait to rock out Jimmie’s on Friday February 26th!

SassafraZ is a super collection of six great guys who make their music and live their lives with the emphasis on the offbeat. All of them really enjoy holding a groove, grooving out, grooving in, and just plain moving and grooving. Started by multi-instrumentalists Jack Gould and Zach Pontzer in 2012, SassafraZ quickly took the midwest music scene by storm, playing shows with notable groups such as Snarky Puppy, Galactic, Papadosio, The Werks, Dopapod, and many more. The band released its first album “Time Will Tell” in 2013 and the follow up “Move Your Body” a year later in 2014.

Swift Technique is a fiery funk extravaganza, who are entering 2016 after completing their most successful year to date. Most recently, the band has held several high profile support slots, including sharing the stage with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Motet, Fishbone, The Main Squeeze, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, JoJo Mayer, Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Sophistafunk. While introducing the powerhouse lead vocal tandem of Chelsea ViaCava & Nik Greeley, the band released two new singles, “Dress Shoes” & “Jay’s the Name” to critical acclaim. 2015 saw the debut of Swift Technique’s “Ultimate Funk Throwdown: Prince Vs. Morris Day”, which will continue to be performed on select dates throughout the country.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to see these rising stars in the midwest music scene! Only $5 admission!

SassafraZ is making a stop in Dayton on their Spring tour.

SassafraZ is making a stop in Dayton on their Spring tour.

How to go?

Friday February 26th. 

Jimmie’s Ladder 11

Music 10pm

$5 Cover

Back In The Dayton Groove: Gem City Releases First LP

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On January 30th, Dayton band Gem City celebrated the release of their long awaited first album REDUX at the Yellow  Cab Building.  Being released by local independent record label Only WonderUS, REDUX offers a collection of  ballads and up-tempo songs that are beautifully woven together throughout.  The James Brown-influenced opener  “Gotta Get Up (Before You Get Down” sets the down early with a groovy soulfulness to it.  Th vibrate, jazzy  instrumental “Britney Called” gives way to what could be the John Legend-approved crooner “Jonesin’”.  “Turn  Up”  and “Automatic” showcases each member letting loose, and being unrestrained.

Located on East 4th Street, Yellow Cab was brimming with spectators and a majority of the bands loyal fans; which  Gem City affectionately call “customers”.  While sitting with the lead singer of Gem City Willie Four and Dave  Zupkovich from Only WonderUS Records recently, the two individuals talked vividly about the evening’s festivities.    They mostly spoke on what the experience was like to see such an amazing turnout. Zupkovich mentions that with  the minimal amount of press on the show, the crowd reached close to a couple hundred.

“It was beautiful, man.  It was a lot of fun,” recalls Zupkovich.  “That was the first time we ever threw any sort of event  like that…especially with little how little promo there actually was.”

“I was getting confused.  ‘Are these people still coming in the door?’ (Laughter),” Four said in jest.

“There were people coming when you guys were still playing.  That was definitely a grassroots kind of show, which was really cool to see.  People who were there told their friends.  Also the band’s fan base-they come out.”

The band formed at the University of Dayton back in 2012 when Four and most of the members of the band were students at the school.  While performing in the university’s jazz ensemble, most of the members all lived together in the lofts and homes surround the ArtStreet area.  When a project came up at ArtStreet, Four and eight others of the ensemble performers thought it would be fun to form a band.  The friends/bandmates called themselves the Customer Service and the Gem City Horns at the time and received rave reviews from those that caught the set.  Attendees wanted to get their hands on more music from them.  People from other music venues soon began sending requests for the band to come perform.  What was supposed to be initially started as a project that was designed to be only temporary had become an opportunity.  Customer Service had to choose; continue to pursue making more music or just have it be a onetime deal.  That response that they got after their first show made it easy for the decision to be made.

Along with trimming down the title of the band’s name and the signing with Only WonderUS, Gem City traveled to Nashville to begin recording REDUX at the Sound Emporium.  The large acoustic area allowed the band to record all together, of which the goal was to create retro/soulful sound. Working with a producer that they already worked with before, the studio’s history was also another deciding factor.

“We were looking through the archives-Johnny Cash was there in the 70s, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift did her first record at the studio,” Zupkovich mentions.  “It was really an aspiring place to be.”

Production for REDUX lasted a little over a year.  A majority of that time involved going back and forth between studios.  Vocals were recorded at Eric Suttman’s Farm in Dayton and not at Sound Emporium.  A lot of time was also spent on mixing and mastering.  Even though the making of REDUX was a long and vigorous process, for Gem City it was all for the best.

“We made sure that we got it right,” Four says

In support of REDUX, Gem City have released a video directed by Marc Robert Graham.  Filmed all throughout the city of Dayton, the main story focuses on a young couple who decide to head to a hotel room for a little fun.  Along with stunning aerial footage of the city skyline, the video also has scenes of the band performing on top of a parking garage.  Filming the core part posed to be a little bit of a hassle in part due some minor delays, Zupkovich and Four mentioned.

“We did not start the camera rolling till 1:30am,” Zupkovich said.  “(Graham) got here at midnight, went to a parking garage, and ensemble.  Everyone was kinda upset with me.  I was upset.  It was definitely one of those of things that was annoying that day, but turned out to be a pretty funny story.  We didn’t stop shooting till 5am.“

“We woke up at 8am to record the second part of the video,” added Four.

“The product turned out great, though.”

Gem City have been slowly building their status as can’t miss within the city limits and beyond. Infusing elements of rock, funk and some old school Motown; Gem City brings to the table a rejuvenated feel to the jazz scene has been somewhat needing some fresh voices.  Their electrifying live performances have captive audiences across the Miami Valley, and places like Detroit, New York.  Gem City became quite crowd favorite at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival in Cape May in 2013 and 2014.  They have also were named the winner of this year’s Battle of the Bands at The Underground in Cincinnati.  Gem City have also been given a “Dayton Original” patent by the City of Dayton.

With the horizon looking as bright as it is, Four says that there’s no plans for Gem City to slow down anytime soon.

“We’ll keep going to we can’t no more.”

REDUX is available on iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/redux/id950328764

Gem City can be found on Facebook and on Twitter: @gemcityhorns.

To find out more about the band, click on Gem City’s website:  www.gemcityband.com

Dayton Metro Library Celebrates Funk: Local Roots of a National Phenomenon

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Dayton, Ohio, was in many ways the epicenter of funk music in the 1970s and 80s.  Local funk bands achieving national success include the Ohio Players, Slave, Lakeside, Heatwave, Sun, Zapp, and Faze-O.  The Dayton Metro Library celebrates the local roots of funk music with local musicians, teachers and others who will share their experiences and reflect on the era.  The free program takes place on Saturday, February 15, 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium, 215 E. Third Street, downtown Dayton.  The short film Dayton, Ohio: The Land of Funk by Adam Greaser will also be shown.

Boogie Nights GRAPHICFeatured guests at the program will be:

  • Dr. John “Turk” Logan  was a disc jockey and program director at WDAO Radio who promoted funk music, gave air time to local bands and helped propel them to national success. 
  • Marshall “Rock” Jones  was a founding and long-time member of the Dayton’s first nationally renowned funk band, the Ohio Players. Although they toured the world and gained 14 gold and platinum awards for their music, the Players kept Dayton as their home base and mentored many of the future funk musicians from Dayton.
  • Larry Lee was a former student mentored in music at Roosevelt and RothHigh Schools. He played with members of several local funk bands before becoming an NFL player with the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos.  After retiring from football, he returned to music and created the band Back in the Day.
  • Kweku Ayangade (formerly Donald Sutton), a former music teacher at Roosevelt and Roth High Schools, mentored many of Dayton’s outstanding funk musicians, including Larry Lee who said he was “instrumental in my life”
  • Basim Blunt is host of the funk music radio show Behind the Groove on WYSO.  He helped train students from Dayton Public School’s Ponitz Career Technology Center to interview artists and musicians in connection with the exhibit Visual Voices: Visions of the Funk at the SchusterCenter.  “I hope Dayton will realize that fans from all over the world revere the music that came from this city,” he says.

The library event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact the library’s External Relations Department at 937-496-8901.

See The Vision, Feel The Funk ** Ticket Contest**

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Most Metro is giving away tickets to see The Ohio Players

Most Metro is giving away tickets to see The Ohio Players

Get Funky

The arctic temperatures have us all in a bit of a funk. The best way to warm your weekend up is with some fire. Fiiiire. It’s in your head now. Don’t be ashamed to stand up and sing it. Pay no attention to your co-workers staring at you awkwardly. They want to sing, too. Invite them to come along to the Love Rollercoaster (unless that violates your company’s HR policy, of course).

This weekend, funk is alive right here in Dayton, where it all started. Our very own, Ohio Players will take the stage at The Schuster Center to kick off the interactive Visual Voices art exhibit. 

A collaborative effort between The Victoria Theatre Association and EboNia Gallery, Visual Voices: Visions of Dayton Funk tasked artists  to create visual art pieces that reflect the feel of the “Dayton Sound”.  To further examine that sound, students from Dayton Public Schools at the Ponitz Career Technology Center have interviewed the artists to provide the history which will allow the funk sound to move into the future with younger generations.

The night begins with The Dayton Funk All Stars bringing the Dayton sound to the stage.  A brief intermission will allow more time to take in the art exhibit before the Ohio Players close out the evening as only they can.

Tickets for the event on Sunday, February 9th are on sale at ticketcenterstage.com.

The Ohio Players will perform Feb 9 at the Schuster Center

The Ohio Players will perform Feb 9 at the Schuster Center

 

 “Upside down on the big dip dipper

1,2, 1,2,3 I´ve got a ticket come ride with me…”

DMM has your ticket to see the Ohio Players, if you’re our lucky winner! Just like this story and fill out the form below, winner will be posted Wed night.  [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

 

Faze-O Reunites to Bring the Funk to Gilly’s

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Faze-O

In the 1970’s Dayton was a hotbed for funk.  One of the great bands that’s often mentioned in the same breath as the Ohio Players, Lakeside and Slave is Faze-O.  Produced by Clarence Satchell of the Ohio Players, one of the band’s most famous song is the title track from their 1977 album, Riding High.  That song has gone on to be sampled by many modern hip hop artists, including Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, but you can hear the real thing this weekend at Gilly’s.

After 30 years, Faze-O has reunited and will be performing at show at Gilly’s on Saturday night, April 23rd, beginning at 9pm.  The show also features a guest  appearance by Cherlyn Aikens. Tickets are available at Omega Music.

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