Dayton937

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

GearFest

GearFest Brings Music to the Great Outdoors

By Leave a Comment

The great outdoors will get a little louder this weekend as the seventh annual GearFest sets up at Eastwood Metro Park.

The original vision for the festival was to create an event that brought the outdoor community together and showcased all the resources available in the area, said Tom Helbig, special events coordinator for Five Rivers MetroParks in his fifth year working on GearFest.

“The festival really offers something for everybody,” said Helbig. “There’s a lot of opportunity to get involved in the outdoor activities and competitions. But then, if you’re just going to check out the scene, there’s all the vendors, the beer garden and the music.”

“I’m very excited about the music line-up this year. We always try to match the type of music at the festival with the outdoor culture, so expect a folk/Americana/jam band vibe from the sound.”

GearFest was originally located at PNC 2nd Street Market, before moving to Eastwood Metro Park four years ago.

“Moving to Eastwood Metro Park gave us the ability to grow the event,” said Helbig

He said organizers hope to partner with a big name sponsor and eventually bring in a high profile, national act.

“The music is getting better each year,” said Helbig. “This is the best line-up the festival has had in my time coordinating it.”

Helbig said he is especially looking forward to the Buffalo Killers show Saturday at 6 p.m.

The Buffalo Killers (Photo by Erin Volk)

This is the first time the Buffalo Killers, a Cincinnati three-piece, have played GearFest, said Zach Gabbard, bassist and vocals.

The other band members are Gabbard’s younger brother Andrew on guitar and vocals and Joey Sebaali on drums.

Though this is their first time at GearFest, the band is no stranger to Dayton.

“In the last couple of years, we’ve been hitting Dayton pretty hard,” said Gabbard. “We were there a few weeks ago for the Dayton Music Festival.”

Gabbard said they have been playing the Dayton area more since they all recently moved north out of Cincinnati.

“Dayton is a very cool town,” said Gabbard. “It’s got a great music scene. People love coming out to see shows and have a good time.”

The Gabbard brothers write all their songs, have countless albums under their belts and are very comfortable playing with drummer Selaabi.

“We just put out a brand new album called ‘3’,” said Gabbard. “So we’ll definitely be playing a lot of that this Saturday.”

Even with the success of the Buffalo Killers- they opened for some Black Crowes shows in 2007 and Dan Auerbach of the The Black Keys produced their 2008 sophomore album “Let It Ride” – Gabbard still remains humble.

“I didn’t have any concept that I could ever make a living playing music,” Gabbard said. “Now, to play and perform for people is the best part of my day.”

He said seeing the success of bands like Guided by Voices, Brainiac and the Afghan Whigs was a great inspiration for him.

“We’re excited for GearFest,” said Gabbard. “Anything to get people outside.”

Check out the Buffalo Killers songs, albums and tour dates at their website: http://www.buffalokillers.com/

For more information on GearFest or to volunteer visit: http://www.metroparks.org/gearfest/

Jane’s Best Bets (9/29 – 10/3)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It was great seeing so many of you at Oktoberfest at the Dayton Art Institute this weekend!  Although Dayton’s Oktoberfest is officially over for the year, October is just beginning this week.  You’re probably thinking, “How in the world could this happen?”  I did too.  However, when I asked my buddy Jeeves, he told me that in another part of the world, Munich, Oktoberfest actually starts in September and ends in October.  Having this mystery solved, hopefully we can all sleep well tonight.  But before hitting the hay, let’s check out our options as Oktober…I mean October…begins.

On Wednesday, head on over to the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet for the SO Percussion: Workshop & Jam Session.  There are opportunities for audience participation, so if you have always dreamed of playing the triangle, here is your opportunity.  Are you a high school student?  If so, I’m surprised you’re reading this.  If not, do you know a high school student?  If you answered yes, encourage him/her to check out the College Prep Night presented by Fifth Third Bank at Fifth-Third Field.  Plus, there is an opportunity for those who RSVP in advance to win a $1,000 scholarship!  If you love flowers, consider going to Going Green in Dayton at GalleryBlue Man Group St. John, where you will have the opportunity to look at photos, sketches, and paintings by local artists of over 120 wild flowers in Dayton environments.  And finally on Wednesday, if you’re looking for something that is unique and fun, check out the Blue Man Group as they perform at the Schuster Center.  Although they describe themselves as blue, I have heard they are actually mauve…“mauvelous” that is!

On Thursday, Give the Best Pint in Town at the Community Blood Center! if you didn’t have the opportunity to do so last week.  While you’re there, get your very own, super cool Octoberfest t-shirt!  If you are looking for pointers on how to write grants (i.e. how to get free money!), check out the Southwest Ohio American Association of Grant Professionals Regional Conference at Atrium Medical Center.  If you grew up always wanting to be a princess, head on over to the Nutter Center for Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics.  Also, Tinker Bell (a.k.a. the “hottest fairy of them all”, according to a five-year old boy I know) will make an appearance.

On Friday, if fashion is your thing, check out the BRAVO! Fashion Show and Champagne Brunchat the Sinclair Ponitz Center to benefit the Dayton Opera.  If you’re feeling like a Friday after-work happy hour is in order, consider heading to Arrow Wine’s Centerville location for their 13th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration…which betcha by golly wow is actually in October!  On Friday night, downtown is definitely the place to be.  Head over to The Neon for a sneak preview of the award-winning documentary, The Elephant in the Living Room.  Or, before the weather gets too cold, get that bike out and join the Courteous Mass October Ride.  If you enjoy the outdoors, then you will definitely want to check out GearFest at Eastwood MetroPark.  This outdoor festival will feature athlete demonstrations, competitions, camping, the latest products/gear, and music!  Also, while downtown, check out First Friday, which will feature a variety of entertainment options, from live music to art galleries to bonfires!  (For more info on First Friday, click here.)   Or, head on over to the Firefly Building’s amazing rooftop for Pecha Kucha Dayton Vol. 5, which will involve snacks, drinks, social networking, and idea sharing with eight creative presenters.  And if you don’t mind the drive and would like to experience Oktoberfest again, head up to Minster for their version.  Although I’ve never been, I’ve heard that Minster’s Oktoberfest is famous for serving beer in half-gallon plastic jugs!

On Saturday, get off that couch and check out the 33rd Annual Spring Valley Potato Festival.  If you enjoy learning about other cultures, head over to Middletown for Middfest International 2010 Celebration of Botswana.  All you music fans will want to experience the Dayton Music Fest, which will feature numerous bands playing at several different Dayton venues.  If you want to be one of the first ones to get a pumpkin, head to Young’s Dairy for the 34th Annual Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival.

Also on Saturday…All you motorcycle lovers better rev up your engines and speed over to Thomas Cloud Park for the Pink And Chrome – Ride for the Cure for Susan G. Komen for the Cure! And in the evening, even though the “official” fish fry season hasn’t yet started, check out the Fenwick High School Fish Fry, Monte Carlo, & Silent Auction night…where all proceeds raised will support student athletes at my alma mater!  Also, Minster Oktoberfest, The Elephant in the Living Room – Movie, and GearFest will all still be strong options!

On Sunday, check out the 2010 Harvest Fest at Garden Station Community Garden and Art Park.  Or, head to one of the many events you may have missed this week/weekend:  the 33rd Annual Spring Valley Potato Festival, the 34th Annual Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival, Minster Oktoberfest, Blue Man Group, The Elephant in the Living Room – Movie, or Midfest International Celebrates Botswana.  It’s truly going to be a “mauvelous” week in Dayton!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What would you get if you crossed two fish with two elephants?
A pair of swimming trunks.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it – it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!   And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Five Rivers MetroParks – GearFest 2010

By 2 Comments

(From Five Rivers MetroParks)

No cash for a vacation? Too strapped for that new video game console? Relax! Bet you didn’t even know the Miami Valley offers lots to do that will let you escape from the rest of the world for a while – all within 20 minutes of driving or less! Five Rivers MetroParks has offered its visitors miles of recreational trails, acres of gardens and forests, and sprawling river corridors for years, but residents haven’t always taken advantage of these amazing – and free – facilities.

Outdoor recreation offers plenty of interesting, engaging and enjoyable ways to use the outdoors for pleasure. Hard-core recreation enthusiasts have plenty to choose from, and so do families looking for fun places to spend an afternoon together or seniors with limited mobility. People are getting out, getting healthy and having fun. And so can you!

New to outdoor recreation? Many activities require no equipment at all, such as walking or a game of hide-and-seek. Enjoy hundreds of miles of hiking trails that wind their way through your favorite MetroParks. Those who are ready to take their recreational experience to the next level have even more facilities to choose from, such as the MetroParks Mountain Biking Area (MoMBA), the 22-mile Twin Valley Trail backpacking experience, or the region’s extensive network of water trails.

If you’re just starting out, you can take advantage of several options to get you on the right track to a healthy, active, outdoor lifestyle. Consider joining a club or meet-up group. Members can share tips and techniques as well as pointers on acquiring gear. You could also get started with a buddy. The best part is when you want to engage in your new hobby at one of your Five Rivers MetroParks, independent use of the facilities is free, so you can enjoy your new activity as often as you like at no additional cost.

One of the best ways to learn more about an outdoor activity and potentially start off on the right path toward your active, healthy lifestyle is to check out GearFest Presented by Subaru Oct. 1-2 at Eastwood MetroPark. Watch live demonstrations or even try out an activity, such as kayaking, disc golf or fly fishing. If you love it, you can head over to the vendors who can hook you up with the gear you need to enjoy your new hobby. Local recreation clubs also will be on hand to lend insight and talent. If you try an activity that you discover isn’t exactly your “thing,” you’re not out anything; admission and parking are free at this event!
This weekend is jam-packed with outdoor adventure and live entertainment, such as the Friday night Yakima Beer Garden and live music presented by WYSO. Too much to take in just one weekend? We understand. Further development in your new favorite outdoor activity awaits through the Five Rivers MetroParks Outdoor Recreation Department. Visit metroparks.org/recreation to learn more about progressive programs that will give you the skills you need to confidently enjoy the outdoors. You can also try something new through a variety of “Try It” programs aimed at beginners.

Get the lowdown on this weekend’s action-packed demos, hard-hitting competitions, enjoyable hands-on activities, invaluable exhibitors and exciting entertainment when you visit www.metroparks.org/GearFest.