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Dayton Battle of the Bands – Week 3 (Hip Hop / Rap)

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🎤 DAYTON BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2026 – WEEK 3!
HIP HOP / RAP NIGHT
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | The Brightside

Week 3 brings the heat with an incredible lineup of Hip Hop & Rap artists showcasing original music, high-energy performances, and Dayton talent on the rise! Catch these artists on stage:

🔥 Damac
🔥 The Eco
🔥 Tronee Threat
🔥 TYBEE & THE BUZZ

Not familiar with the performers? That’s the whole point! DBOTB is designed to introduce you to fresh, original artists making waves in our region. Every in-person ticket buyer gets one vote to help choose the Week 3 winner. 🙌

🏆 The winning artist advances to the Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale — plus additional prizes!

📅 Event Details: Thursday, January 29, 2026

📍 The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
🕡 Doors: 6:30pm
🎵 Show: 7:15pm – 9:45pm
🏅 Winner Announced: approx. 10:15pm
👉 Arrive early to catch every performance!

🎟 Tickets: $10 advance / $15 at the door

https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/dayton-battle-of-the-bands-week-3-hip-hop-rap-2026-01-29-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-2f6429
Advance tickets strongly recommended.

Your ticket purchase helps support production costs and prizes — thank you for supporting original music in Dayton!

🔎 Important Notes:

📩 Ticket email missing? Check Spam/Junk. If your card was charged, you’re on the list.

👧🧒 All ages welcome! Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

🚗 Free parking on both sides of the building.
🚫 No backpacks, outside beverages, or weapons.

🍽 No food truck is currently planned, but outside food is allowed (within reason). We highly recommend ordering from Tony & Pete’s, down the street on 3rd St.

🪑 General Admission. Seating not guaranteed, but we do our best.

🍺 Bar available with alcoholic & NA options.
🚫 No outside drinks allowed.

❌ Tickets are non-refundable. If you can’t attend, feel free to transfer your ticket or consider it a donation to the team supporting new, original music in Dayton.

🌨 Weather Notice: If roads are unsafe, a reschedule date will be announced.

Join us for Week 3 as Dayton’s Hip Hop & Rap community takes the stage! 🎶🔥

Jazz Jam at Brightside

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Calling all musicians and live jazz enthusiasts, it’s a hump day, PopUp Jazz Jam! All levels are welcome! Stiver’s Jazz Ensemble will bring a short set before the jam. Bring your instrument and sit in with our rhythm section. Hosted by vocalist, Kelli Campbell, Connor Smith (bass), Noah Ramirez (Drums) and Moses Mabarak, (piano). $10 cover

Día de los Muertos: Midnight Fiesta

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A VIP Paranormal Celebration of the Veil’s Thinning
Presented by P3: Paula’s Paranormal Project & Lucky Star Cantina

📅 Friday, October 31, 2025
🕙 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
📍 Lucky Star Cantina | 219 S 2nd St, Miamisburg, OH

🔞 Must be 21+ | Closed, ticketed event

💵 $25 per person — Alcohol & Midnight Flight Countdown are optional add-ons

This VIP extended Hallows’ Eve experience carries us into the magic of Día de los Muertos as we honor the spirits of Lucky Star Cantina and the haunted history of Miamisburg.

Your ticket includes:

🎶 Live music for part of the evening

🥂 Private VIP lounge with snacks provided

👻 Exclusive time with P3 on the spookiest night of the year

🎭 Costume contest with prizes for the spookiest, most spirited, and best Día de los Muertos look

🕛 Midnight Flight Countdown – optional add-on, not included in ticket price

🔮 Evening highlights:

Haunted tales of Miamisburg and Lucky Star’s ghostly legends as we count down to midnight

Group spirit box session at the stroke of midnight — you never know who (or what) will come through

🍹 Alcoholic beverages available for purchase — not included in ticket price.

🎟️ Limited VIP tickets available — once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Halloween Funk-Rock Extravaganza: Ernie Johnson From Detroit & Subterranean Take Over The State Theater

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Get ready for a freaky Friday night as The State Theater transforms into a heavy funk-rock-jazz dance party on Halloween, featuring Cincinnati’s Ernie Johnson From Detroit and Dayton’s own Subterranean. With costumes encouraged and special performances by The Gorgeous Ghost Demon Dancers from Troupe Roja, this promises to be one of the most electrifying Halloween events in the region.

Ernie Johnson From Detroit has built a reputation for delivering explosive live performances that blend funk, afrobeat, and jazz with ’70s psychedelia and hard rock. The Cincinnati-based big band is known for creating what they call “a hypnotic, danceable sound that is both accessible and boundary pushing at the same time.” Their shows center on intense, spontaneous improvisation combined with sophisticated compositions that live inside the groove. They have the ability to transform any venue into an infectious dance party has made them one of the most sought-after acts in the regional music scene.

Subterranean. Photo by Jimmy Cummings

Complementing the headliners is Subterranean, a fearless jam rock quartet from Dayton that has been lighting up stages for over 15 years. With their sound rooted in rock, funk, jazz, and blues, Subterranean brings what they describe as “improvisation with intent.” The band’s lineup features Chris Coalt on guitar and vocals, Stephen Buttree on keys, saxophone and vocals, Chuckie Love on bass and vocals, and Rob Brockman on drums and vocals. Subterranean’s live performances are characterized by edgy improvisation burning at full throttle, ignited by infectious grooves and powerful, passionate delivery.

Adding to the spectacle, The Gorgeous Ghost Demon Dancers from Troupe Roja will provide visual entertainment throughout the night. With costumes strongly encouraged, attendees are invited to embrace the Halloween spirit while dancing to some of the most innovative music Ohio has to offer.

The State Theater, a historic landmark known for its stunning Art Deco architecture, provides the perfect backdrop for this fusion of musical genres and Halloween festivities. The venue’s intimate setting allows audiences to fully experience the chemistry and creativity that both bands bring to the stage.

For fans of jam bands, funk, and high-energy live music, this Halloween double bill represents a can’t-miss opportunity to experience two of Ohio’s most dynamic acts in one unforgettable night. Whether you’re there for the spontaneous improvisation, the infectious grooves, or just to dance in costume, this show promises to deliver an experience that goes well beyond the typical Halloween party!

HOW TO GO?

Date: Halloween Night, October 31, 2025
Venue: The State Theater, Springfield, OH
Doors: 7:00 PM
Show: 8:00 PM
Tickets: $15 Advance / $20 Door – https://www.springfieldstatetheater.com/event-details-registration/halloween-heavy-funk-rock-jazz-jam-dance-party-w-ernie-johnson-from-detroit-and-subterranean

 

Live Jazz from Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquini at Joui Wine

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Get ready for a night of jazz music and good vibes at Joui Wine! Join us for an intimate evening featuring the incredible talents of Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini, with special local guest Kammeron Frost. Let their music sweep you off your feet in this in-person event that promises to be nothing short of magical!

HOW TO GO:
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Joui Wine, 117 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH
Doors 7pm
Show 7:30 – 9:30pm
Tickets $20 advance ($25 at the door)- https://www.exploretock.com/joui-wine-dayton/event/570912/jazz-night-with-natalie-cressman-uab-faquini
Ages 21+

Presented by Venus Child Productions

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO GO?

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

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

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

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

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This Must Be the Party!

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO GO?

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

Tickets:

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

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

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

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

 

3rd Annual Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert

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🌴🍹 PARROTS of the CARIBBEAN 🎸🦜
The 3rd Annual Jimmy Buffett Tribute Night
We’re back, baby—for the 3rd year in a row! 🏝️
Ready to escape to Margaritaville without ever leaving Beavercreek? 🏖️
Grab your flip-flops, your loudest tropical shirt, and your best laid-back attitude—it’s time to Celebrate the Life & Music of Jimmy Buffett with Parrots of the Caribbean, the ultimate tribute band bringing all the island vibes and Buffett classics you know and love.
🗓 Saturday, October 4th, 2025
⏰ 8:00pm – 10:00pm
📍 Wandering Griffin Brewery & Restaurant
3725 Presidential Dr, Beavercreek, OH
Expect tiki bar energy, cold craft beer, and margaritas on standby 🍸 (because duh). From “Cheeseburger in Paradise” to “Come Monday”—this is the night to sing, sway, and sip the night away.
Whether you’re a lifelong Parrothead or just chasing the salt life for a night, come get a taste of paradise with us.

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

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

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

Luv Locz Experiment headlines “From Dayton With Funk”

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO GO?

Thursday, September 18

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

The Brightside Music & Event Venue

All ages welcome!

🎟️ Tickets: http://bit.ly/44LlW9T

  • General Admission – $25 (Advance) Limited seating available throughout the venue 

  • VIP Table for 2 – $150 Reserved seating at premium tables near the stage (not on dance floor).

  • VIP Table for 4 – $200 Reserved seating close to the stage for your whole crew (not on dance floor).

  • General Admission Day of Show – $30 (we accept cash or credit at the door)

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

EMO Night with Flicker // Fade

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Get ready to scream your favorite lyrics and relive your Warped Tour days—EMO NIGHT is coming to Dayton! Featuring a full live performance by Flicker//Fade, this high-energy night will bring you the best of Emo, Pop-Punk, and nostalgic anthems from the golden era of angst.

Whether you’re a former scene kid or just discovering the genre, this is your night to sing, jump, and feel everything. Black eyeliner optional—but encouraged.

📅 Thursday, July 10, 2025
📍 The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
🕖 Doors at 7 PM

🎟 Tickets:

$17 in advance
$20 at the door
🎫 Advance tickets available here: https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/event-details/emo-night-with-flicker-fade
👥 All ages welcome (under 18 requires adult supervision)

Tim Gebard & The Hitmen, Deron Bell Band, Todd the Fox Trio

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Celebrate Dayton’s vibrant music scene with an unforgettable night of local talent! Tim Gebard & The Hitmen, Deron Bell Band, and the Todd the Fox Trio are coming together for one night only at The Brightside. From soulful grooves to high-energy Americana and rock, this lineup brings something for every music lover.

📅 Friday, June 13, 2025
📍 The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
🕕 Doors at 6 PM | Show at 7 PM

🎟 Tickets:

$10 pre-sale
$15 at the door
🎫 Get tickets here: venuepilot.com/e/tim-gebard…
👥 All ages welcome!

Support local music and enjoy a night of great vibes, hometown pride, and top-notch performances.

Jake Speed & The Freddies

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We are thrilled to welcome Jake Speed & The Freddies to The Brightside on Friday, May 30th! This fantastic Cincinnati-based band plays a mix of traditional & original folk, country blues, & ragtime tunes.

Known as the Woody Guthrie of Cincinnati, Jake Speed uses a traditional folksy delivery to compose timely and timeless songs that tell great stories with a bit of a lyrical edge. The band, built out of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, tenor guitar and upright bass (with hints of harmonica, kazoo, and washboard), has been hailed by CityBeat magazine as a “…a fixture of Cincinnati’s traditional Folk scene” since releasing its first of five albums, Queen City Rag, in 2002.

HOW TO GO?

Friday, May 30, 2025

Doors 6:30pm / Show 7 – 9pm

The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton – SIDEDOOR ROOM

All ages welcome

Food truck on site

Tickets $10 in advance here: / $15 at the door

The New Duncan Imperials

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We are delighted to welcome The New Duncan Imperials along with special guests Nick Kizirnis Rock’n’Roll Trio to The Brightside!

The New Duncan Imperials is a roots rock band from Chicago, Illinois, established in the late 1980s by members of the band The Service. Nick Kizirnis, based in Dayton, Ohio, is a songwriter and guitarist known for his uniquely moody approach to Indie-Rock, Americana, and Surf Rock, providing catharsis for those facing life’s toughest challenges.

How to go?

May 21, 2025

Doors 7pm / Show 7:30pm

All ages welcome!

$15 advance / $20 at the door

Reserved tables for 2 and 4 are also available = $45 bistro w 2 tickets / $90 table w 4 tickets

Ticket link: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/the-new-duncan-imperials-wsg-nick-kizirnis-rock-n-roll-trio-2025-05-21-the-brightside-music-event-ven-813e55

Chayce Beckham

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Join the incredible Chayce Beckham live at The Brightside on Friday, May 9th! After making history as the only artist to win American Idol with his original songs, Chayce has proven that he knows how to carve his path.

With a fiery spirit and a dedication to his art, he has captivated audiences everywhere. Don’t miss the chance to hear his #1, PLATINUM hit single “23,” which has earned him a nomination for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year at this year’s CMT Music Awards.

Experience an unforgettable night filled with authentic music and passion! Come join Chayce’s journey and witness his unique creative vision live.

HOW TO GO:

Friday May 9th!

Doors @ 7:00pm / Show @ 8:00pm

Tickets $28.84 – https://dice.fm/event/ry78dw-chayce-beckham-at-the-brightside-9th-may-the-brightside-dayton-tickets

Presented by BravoArtist

All Ages welcome!

Levitt Season Announcement Concert ft Subterranean

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Join your community on May 1 as Levitt Dayton announces the 2025 Eichelberger Concert season with…a concert!

Cut the ribbon on the new concession stand and pick up your season schedule as early as 6 p.m. and Subterranean takes the stage at 7 p.m.

Subterranean:

Subterranean is an improvisational rock band from Dayton, Ohio that is best experienced at a live show. Their infectious grooves and spontaneous yet polished musical ventures create a unique adventure for their audience every time they step onto a stage. The band has been together for over 10 years. Subterranean has played venues all around the region from Michigan to Kentucky, Tennessee,  Indiana and West Virginia. They have played many prestigious festivals such as The Werkout, Resonance, The Mad Tea Party Jam, and Hookahville. They have shared the stage with icons such as Ron Holloway, Bernie Worrell, Johnny Neel, and Doug Wimbish.

Plan you Visit

At the Levitt Pavilion Dayton you can tailor your experience to you! Whether you bring in your own food, beverage and lawn chair or purchase refreshments and rent a chair, your experience should be easy!

About Levitt Dayton

Friends of Levitt Pavilion Dayton is the non-profit that manages, programs, and fundraises for the Levitt Pavilion in downtown Dayton. Levitt Pavilion Dayton is reinvigorating Dayton’s urban core by reactivating Dave Hall Plaza, which in turn inspires people’s health, happiness, and well-being by offering enjoyable experiences through a rich spectrum of music genres. The venue also provides access to high quality cultural and educational experiences for all audiences from the community. Levitt Pavilion Dayton presents free family-friendly concerts with a reach annually to over 70,000 individuals of all ages and backgrounds in the Dayton region. As the only free major outdoor performance space in Dayton, they provide access to all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, or socioeconomic status.

Brainiac with special guests Bomb Bunny & The Heartthrobs

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We are thrilled to welcome Brainiac, the legendary Dayton Band, back to our Ballroom stage! They are joined with special guests Bomb Bunny (Dayton) and The Heartthrobs (Toledo). If you love that classic Dayton alternative sound, this is a “don’t miss” concert. We highly recommend buying in advance for this one – it normally sells out fast.

How to Go?

Saturday, April 5th

The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

Doors open 7pm

Show at 8pm

All ages welcome

$25 pre-sale / $30 at the door (if available)

Ticket link: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/brainiac-with-special-guests-bomb-bunny-the-heartthrobs-2025-04-05-the-brightside-music-event-venue-d-8c51b9