Dayton Music

10th Annual Miami Valley Music Fest This Weekend!

July 29, 2015 By LIbby Ballengee

The Dayton music scene has always been exciting and innovative, and it can certainly be difficult to keep up with all the great bands and musicians playing around town. This weekend offers the perfect opportunity to see a large grouping of local talent, at the 10th Annual Miami Valley Music Fest. This two day music festival based in Troy, features over 50 musical acts on four stages, over the course of just two days! The lineup is eclectic and really showcases the best of Dayton’s music scene. What’s more, the proceeds benefit local charities. It’s a win-win for sure, making this the “don’t miss” event of the weekend!

Photo by j. Allen Laack, LaackPhotography.com

Your ticket price includes all the fabulous music, and also camping at the beautiful Eagles Campground they have prepared (address below). There are also children’s activities for those bringing the little ones, and a special VIP option, for those who want to step up their game! For the complete schedule, click here.

The Miami Valley Music Festival Association is a 501(c)(3) public charity organized in Miami County, OH with the purpose of hosting music events to raise funds and awareness for local charitable causes. Their “Charity Rocks!” initiative seeks to educate the public on opportunities to give back to the community, and expose younger festival audiences to the public services offered by non-profit organizations. The MVMFA continually develops programming that shows how charitable giving cannot only be easy and accessible, but also fun.

Want to learn even more about this festival? Check out the interview with Gem City Podcast here. It’s a great way to dig in and get the inside info on this awesome festival.

How to go?

When? July 31st & August 1st. Music runs 5pm – 2am on Friday, and 11am – 2am on Saturday. (Did I mention there are FOUR stages?!)

Where? Troy Eagles Campground at 2252 Troy-Urbana Rd, Troy, OH 45373

How much? $45 Pre-sale, $60 at Gate. $125 VIP. Additional options available. Click here to purchase or get further information.

Why? Because Charity Rocks!! And Dayton does too!

Funk Fusion Jams at Jimmie’s

July 24, 2015 By LIbby Ballengee

If you are interested in the excitement and dynamic energy that comes from improv, funk, and jams, you are in for a real treat Saturday night at Jimmie’s Ladder 11. Family Jam Productions is hosting one of the regular “Big Damn Jam” sessions, this time featuring Mr. Todd Stoops. Stoops was the keyboardist for the ultra popular funk fusion band, Kung Fu. Now solo and on the road, Stoops is making his first appearance in Dayton at this epic jam session.

You will also see all the usual stars from the Big Damn family, including Bryan Russell, Dale Lutz, Kevin Dumont, George Stix Furman, Tracy Sax Lakes, Jonny Dread,Melissa Nicole Henry, Eric Henry, and Norman Dimitrouleas! Zane Gerlach will be opening the show. Don’t miss this one!
Doors at 9pm
Music at 10pm
18+ W/ VALID ID
$5 Cover

Sláinte: United Irish of Dayton’s Celtic Fest comes to Riverscape

July 21, 2015 By Dayton937

Kim Metter, volunteer at the Dayton Celtic Fest.

I start to get really excited the weekend before. I start listening to my favorite Irish bands and look through my old photos that remind me how much fun I have every year. This coming weekend, July 24th-26th, we celebrate the United Irish of Dayton’s Celtic Fest!

The first Celtic Fest, held in 2002, gave birth to one of the largest and best festivals that Dayton has to offer. The Celtic Fest is the last free festival held in downtown Dayton. Throughout the year, fundraisers known as Celtic Crushes are held at various small businesses. Patrons go and support local vendors and the businesses donate a portion of the bill to help fund the Celtic Fest. Also, festival goers will see donation buckets that allow them to do their part to support the Celtic Fest.

Four stages allow festival goers to be immersed in Celtic culture. Four headliner bands: Gaelic Storm, Scythian, Socks in the Frying Pan and We Banjo 3 plus a handful of local and regional bands provide lots of great music. Band merchandise is sold at the United Irish of Dayton Stage, so if you hear a band and love them, you can purchase their latest CD, T-shirt and other novelty items.

Look at these lovely ladies volunteering!

For those wishing to really connect with their Celtic roots, you can see dancers, jam with pipes and drums and even dance in a Céilí! Celtic Academy of Irish Dance, Dwyer School of Irish Dance and the McGovern Ceili Dancers provide dancers of all age groups. Miami Valley Pipes and Drums give a lively performance that stir the Celtic soul and Éamonn de Cógáin calls out the dance moves so that you get to become a participant in the Irish Céilí!

In addition to the awesome music that fills the streets, multiple merchandise and food vendors are present to satisfy your tastebuds and shopping desires. Traditional fare along with regional food provide ample dishes to try. Jewelry, clothing, pottery, bar ware, home goods and trinkets are just some of the items available to be purchased from local vendors and those from across the pond.

Dayton Celtic Fest in full swing!

Want more? Various activities such as the cultural exhibits and demonstrations, Parade of Kilts, Rainbow’s End Children’s area, Celtic Breakfast, 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run, Beer Tastings and a Celtic Bike Ride are happening all weekend. Also, all are welcome to attend the Gaelic Mass held Sunday morning at the United Irish of Dayton Stage in the new Five Rivers MetroParks Pavilion. Irish dancers and pipes accompany a Catholic mass service held in both English and Gaelic.

And no Celtic Fest would be complete without beer. This year’s main beer will be Murphy’s Irish Stout which has been consistently brewed in Cork, Ireland, since 1856. The main beer trucks will offer: Murphy’s Irish Stout, Murphy’s Irish Red, Boddington’s Ale, Stella Artois Cider and Bud Light. The craft beer truck (adjacent to the Pub Stage & Wright Flyer on Monument Ave) will be offering: Bellhaven, Fuller ESB, Highland Gaelic Ale, Thirsty Dog Irish Setter, Goose Island Summer Shandy, Blue Point Toasted Ale and Bud Light. For those of you who are disappointed that Guinness and its sister beers will not be offered, I ask you to keep an open mind. The listed beers are a comparable selection to what has been offered in years past. This will give you a opportunity to try a different beer while you enjoy the festival! A new addition to the festival this year is a pairing of the Celtic Fest with Uber. First time Uber users get a free first ride up to $20 with the code CELTICFEST15 (download the app, create account, and use the code). The designated Uber pick up/drop off location is at the corner of Monument and Jefferson. This is a great way for you to enjoy the festival and get home safe and sound!

The Elite Volunteers of the Celtic Fest.

The United Irish of Dayton’s Celtic Fest will happen rain or shine. For more information about the festival, you can visit: www.daytoncelticfestival.com or check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DaytonCelticFestival. If you are interested in becoming a fellow volunteer, you can email your request to [email protected].

Thanks to Diane Leo, who introduced me to this whole Celtic Fest thing, this will be my seventh year volunteering! Look for us: riding in the gator, me squeezing my bike horn to part the crowds, delivering pop, water and ice. Hope to see you all there!

Jimmie’s Jams

June 25, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

The first annual Jimmie Jam starts this weekend! It’s owner Jimmie Brandell’s birthday, and the folks over at Jimmie’s Ladder 11 are celebrating all weekend. They have joined together with Family Jam Productions and Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery, to host three days of music, food, and brews.

Not everyone can afford or get the time off to attend music festivals over the summer. This “stay-cation” is a great option for people who have limited time and funds to travel. The bands are coming to us, undeterred by weather and travel conditions. What a great idea!

The fun starts at 936 Brown Street on Thursday, and goes through Saturday. Doors open at 9pm, music begins at 10pm. Cover price is $10 each night, except Saturday which requires just a $5 cover. Attending all weekend is a grand total of $25 – which is super affordable, especially when you consider the pricing of typical music festivals.

What to expect? Here is the rundown…

Thursday, the line up consists of Magic Jackson (local funk masters), The Dirk Quinn Band (jazz funk from Philadelphia) and Jahman Brahman (jam band from Asheville, NC).

Friday is a split bill with Scott Lee & The Whiskey River Boys (local progressive folk), and Elementree Livity Project (reggae jam rock from Cincinnati).

Saturday caps the weekend off with Subterranean (local improv jam band) joined by special guest Sharon A. Lane (local piano and vocal legend).

Mr. Kevin Dumont will be MC/Artist at Large for the weekend.

This promises to be a weekend to remember!

New Location, Long Lasting Memories Remain With BarnJam 31

April 13, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

While you drive to or around 3948 Soliders Home-Miamisburg Road in Miamisburg, Ohio, the large steel barn stands firmly on the property. The generously proportioned structure is showing the beginning stages of typical wear and tear on the rooftop. Meanwhile, the inside of the barn is still intact. You take notice of the wood beams that are steadily holding up the shed and high rise ceiling. The picturesque farm land that accompanies the barn is tranquil and pleasing. Not much traffic flows through, which gives it the serene tone.

The barn has been the centerpiece to many events since the day of its construction. Stories from the past and present are quietly cemented within its walls. Tales of life will be forever etched in memory. While he lived on the five acres of land that also included the barn, Eric Suttman would let others create their own unforgettable moments in the barn as well. In 1999, Suttman began the bi-annual musical experience BarnJam. Come rain or shine, patrons were allowed to camp, build fires, and enjoy the music together in their own way on the property. Starting out as a few bands jamming together, the festival has become one of the most anticipated events in the area that hundreds of people look forward to each spring.

Born in 1959, Suttman went to St. Albert the Great School and was a graduate of Alter High School. Being well known as a lifelong musician and being respected for his work in recording, Suttman was fortunate enough to be the winner of multiple local Emmy Awards for music and production. What Suttman will be forever known for, however, is his dedication and passion for teaching at the university he received his degree from-the University of Dayton. For over thirty-three years, he brought a genuine love to the classroom each day that reached his students in ways that he would never realize. Although Suttman passed away last April from cancer, the lives he touched will not be forgotten.

BarnJam was more than just a festival to Suttman. He saw it as an opportunity to promote the music scene by showcasing local and regional musical talent. He also aimed to raise money for local arts-based charitable organizations. On top of all that was his desire to help build communities. Have individuals reach out to one another as a way of connecting, while building friendships on his land.

This year, the group that will run the event wanted it to be accessible to the public more than what it has been. The decision was made for BarnJam to be located on the Great Miami River just outside Dayton in Tipp City.

On April 18^th, 3948 Soliders Home-Miamisburg Road in Miamisburg, Ohio will be oddly quiet. The sounds of music won’t be blaring out to the night sky. Lights all hung around will be essentially turned off. The land won’t be occupied with hundreds of tents sprawling all over. It’s hard to imagine that BarnJam will no longer be the backdrop at the farm, but the new location promises to continue the spirit of what Suttman wanted when he first organized the festival.

The memories and stories made on Suttman’s land, and more importantly the barn, will always live on.

BarnJam 31 will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Adventures on the Great Miami. Rain or Shine. $10 at the door, $5 with student ID.

The musical acts performing this year are:

Gin-soaked Angels
Gem City
Dave Zup
Jersey Joe
The Backporch Jam
LOOPRAT
R & D Blues
Chastity Dragons
Andy Mustang and the BarnJam All-Stars

Camping available & encouraged

B.Y.O. tent, beverages, drums, and instruments

NO glass & NO dogs

No More “Silence”; An Interview With Tom Gilliam Of Ghost Town Silence

April 10, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

(Photo Courtesy: Art Jipson)

This Saturday, Ghost Town Silence will take the stage in support of the release of their EP Shadows at Oregon Express. Formally The Rebel Set, the set will mark the end of an era for the band.

Before Ghost Town Silence, the five piece group The Rebel Set formed in 2005 when lead singer/guitarist Tom Gilliam and vocalist/upright bass Gavin Spencer enlisted members Jason Johantges (rhythm guitar), Adam Kempf (drums/trumpet) and Ken Hall (keyboards/trombone) to join. With the releases of their 2008 debut Ghost Town Silence and the 2009 follow up Across The Relentless Sea, The Rebel Set saw their live performances at the local establishments filled to near capacity. Their fanbase followed them to every place they played at. In 2010, Gilliam mentions while we met up recently that they were at their highest point of being together. It was hard to not mention The Rebel Set as being one of the most popular bands in town.

With all of the work they were putting in around that time, life began to start take over. What was pretty standard of playing on most weekends now transitioned-with the band performing a few shows during the year. Most of the members starting having their families grow larger when children started coming. Johantges made the move to Marysville and has been the most recent to have a baby. Overall-the band started to shift their focus onto their other responsibilities.

Even with all of the changes happening with each member of the band’s lives, they continued to get together and write music. In August of 2013, The Rebel Set went into the studio to lay down some songs at In the Red Recording, hopeful to release a full-length. The first five songs were mix, mastered and put on CD while the last half was still being worked on. In November while the band was taking a break from recording, Hall made the decision to leave the group to concentrate more on his newborn and his other bands-Human Cannonball and Shrug. With his parts already done with the first five songs, the second half of the full-length was up in the air.

“(Hall) committed to doing the rest of the album,” Gilliam mentions. “It was just the other five or six songs were in various levels of completion. We just let him go.”

The Rebel Set decided to release the finished five songs now planned on being released as an EP titled Shadows. Right as they were getting prepped to set up photography with EP cover, the band faced even more roadblocks. In 2010, a Tempe, Arizona band that also went under the name The Rebel Set bought the naming rights to trademark themselves. The signing of Burger Records, supposed radio airplay with their music overseas, and an upcoming tour propelled the group to send a message to Gilliam requesting him to change his band’s name. It was also mentioned that legal action would be taken if the adjustment wasn’t made. The Dayton group could have gone to court and fought to keep the name. Gilliam and the band instead opted to adjust the title.

“It just seem that the time was right for one anyways,” Gilliam said. “There were all these signs that were saying ‘do it’”.

No longer being allowed to be called The Rebel Set, the band went to work on configuring a new name. While Gilliam went to work scrolling through the internet, other members began logging down names. Along with it being the title of their first album and Gilliam simply liking it, Ghost Town Silence had some history. It was also a lyric in the song “130” and had a huge part to do with the cover. The choice of Ghost Town Silence was chosen by the band during a practice down in Spencer’s basement. Before he could declare the name to be a contender, Spencer uttered the name out loud. Ghost Town Silence was greenlighted from that moment on.

The other business that needed to be taken care of was the departure of Kempf in June of last year. With accepting a new job occupation, the need to fill in the holes became menacing. Lucky for Ghost Town Silence, the empty roles that Hall and Kempf held in the band were quickly filled with Nathan Warden on keyboards and drummer Brian Winter. Warden has been already playing at times with the band, but Winter was brand new.

No longer does the looming cloud of uncertainty covers the band. Gilliam indicated that there was times when the band’s status as active was seriously in doubt. All was not lost in that time, though. With the somewhat hiatus that Ghost Town Silence was ensuing, Gilliam took his passion for photographer to another level. He started snapping pictures of a variety of subjects; raging from landmarks to various events. Today-Gilliam currently is the founder of the well-known account DaytonGram. Sharing the Dayton, Ohio area’s past, present and future through photography & community (aka Instameets).

With Winter and Warden being integrated as full-time members of Ghost Town Silence, the duo have brought new life into the band. Gilliam mentions that has soon as the EP Shadows is released, Ghost Town Silence will be moving on. The band has been currently working on new material. With a name change, new members, and an upcoming slot in the upcoming Sideshow festival-it will start a new era.

And it will start this Saturday as soon as their set is finished.

Ghost Town Silence will be releasing their EP Shadows this Saturday at Oregon Express. Performing with them will be Todd theFox and Akillis Green. Showtime is at 10pm, $5cover. 21 and up

A Call To Arms; An Interview With Tim Anderl Of Arms Race

April 2, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

For almost twenty years now, Tim Anderl has written some of the most compelling stories and informative interviews for several outlets. He has been in contact with artists/bands that span all over the world. From cutting his teeth in the business as an intern at Alternative Press magazine to now being frequently featured in publications like Ghettoblaster Magazine and New Noise Magazine-Anderl has spent a large portion of his life involved in the world of music. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone then when you are made aware that Anderl is also in a band-right here in the heart of Dayton, Ohio. The band is called Arms Race. This past fall, the foursome released their debut EP (and one of the best releases in 2014) Brought a Hug to a Gunfight.

The other members of Arms Race; bassist Cole Bohanon, drummer Justin Satinover, guitarist Kris Neises began the work on music together back in 2013 with another guitarist at the time, Seth Ratliff. The lineup consists of members from other local bands such as The Black Hearts of Men, Kris N, Giant Defiant and The 1984 Draft. Satinover’s basement became the setting to where most of the music started to be written. As soon as some demos were recorded, Satinover presented them to his 1984 Draft band mate Joe Anderl, who is also Tim’s brother. Satinover’s intention was to optimistically recruit him to come onboard and sing lead vocals. Unfortunately due to timing not being ideal to join at that time, Joe respectfully declined the offer. He did listen to the demos though and immediately knew who should be contacted-Tim.

“I get this email from Kris saying that him and some buddies of his were playing in this band and were wondering if it would be something I would be interested in,” Anderl explained during a recent sit down.

It wasn’t going to be the first time Tim was possibly going to be involved in a band. In college, Anderl performed in another 90s-era emo band titled Low Pan. The 5-piece set went on a 10 day tour at one point and also played all over Ohio. When Anderl graduated from Ohio University, Low Pan parted ways. After spending some time in Cleveland working and returning back to Dayton, Anderl performed in a few other bands that lasted briefly.

When Anderl started listening to the instrumental demos, the sound coming out echoed the classic definitive sound that the 90s emo scene provided. The songs reminded him of the days when while he was growing up in Beavercreek as he would attend D.I.Y. basement/hall shows around the surrounding area. Memories of listening to bands like Texas Is The Reason and Braid began to resurface when the demos rolled on. It has been ten years since he last performed in a band. However-Anderl was hooked and agreed to join. Shortly after Anderl integrating himself within Arms Race and they began playing a little, Ratliff exited from being in the band due to becoming busier in another band was in and also getting married. With Ratliff’s departure, Arms Race made the decision to keep things were they were.

In July 2014, Arms Race went to work on recording Brought a Hug to a Gunfight at Popside Recordings Studio in Troy with ex-Hawthorne Heights’ guitarist Micah Carli. While recording, Carli stepped in a little to play some guitar to add some layers. The end result is an EP that influences include mid-90s alt-rock, grunge and emo. With Neises recording Thankful Parade with his other band Kris N in 2013, along with Joe Anderl and Satinover’s The 1984 Draft recording the EP Bo Jackson Up The Middle in 2014, the choice to work with Carli was a simple decision.

“He’s so easy to work with and was just a nice person,” Anderl said. “He also has such amazing equipment.”

Among Columbus and Dayton already under their belts, Arms Race plan to play more shows hopefully in 2015. An LP being recorded with Carli has also been discussed, but for now Arms Race plans on staying focused on writing new songs and having their performances stay as strong as possible. If Arms Race were to never have gone to the studio, play live, or simply do anything but just jam with really no intention of doing anything-Anderl would have been okay with that also.

“It felt like the kind of band that could be really fun to practice with and never play a show live,” Anderl says. “Once we graduated to actually doing things in public-that was icing on the cake.”

Arms Race will perform during the APUNKolypse Now! event on Saturday, April 4 at Canal Public House, 308 E. First St. The Loveless, Kill City, Red Hot Rebellion, Bribing Senators, Movehome and Daymare are also on the bill. Show begins at 7 p.m.

For more information and to hear the band’s EP, Brought a Hug to a Gunfight, visit soundcloud.com/arms-race-dayton-ohio.

Back In The Dayton Groove: Gem City Releases First LP

March 31, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

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

Nice And Steady “Pace”: An Interview With Tim Korenich

March 22, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

In a couple of days, singer/songwriter Tim Korenich will pack up his vehicle with his music gear and head back onto the road solo. He revealed during our phone conversation that he will be performing to audiences at not only bars, but a variety of house shows that will also feature other singer/songwriters. When the performance are over, he will be choosing to sleep on people’s couches and floors instead of forking over money to stay in a hotel. While being out on tour, he will engage and interact with some of the most incredible people that want to help. For example, Korenich talked about one person in particular during his last tour. The booker at the place where Korenich performed in Muncie, Indiana offered him to come stay at his place for the night. It was pretty common for the booker to allow artists and bands to crash at his place, so they wouldn’t have to worry about sleeping arrangements. When Korenich arrived to the housing of the booker, he saw what is common used as the band room.

“He opened the door to a big room with bunk beds, pull out couch, a couple of little practice amps. He said the door is open, front door is unlocked-help yourself,” Korenich recalls.

Accounts like this is just one of many that like Korenich get to experience-and there is no better feeling than that. This past September, he released his first EP Change Of Pace.

Growing up in one of the suburbs of Pittsburgh, North Hills, Korenich played in bands throughout his time in high school. When he attended Ohio University, he continued performing with several bands. Although the groups he played in never really took, the aspiration of being a full- time musician became clearer. Especially after reading Our Band Could Be Your Life.

“Hearing about Black Flag touring constantly and just scrapping by, but doing it because they loved it. That kind of stuff really stuck with me, and really made me want to go on tour whenever I was a freshman in high school,” Korenich exclaims.

In his senior year at Ohio, Korenich was fortunate enough to be part of a group of students in the School of Media Arts & Studies that were making short films. A troupe of 24 students took part in producing/directed the short movie Monhegan Light that took place at Monhegan Island, Maine. Based on the short story written by author Richard Russo, Monhegan Light tells the story of Hollywood cinematographer Martin. Out of nowhere, Martin receives a painting that is a panting of his now deceased wife. He soon discovers who the artist is behind the painting, which leads him to go to Monhegan Island. While being at the island, Martin will discover the truth, along with finding out details about his wife that he never imagined could be true. Filmed on location at Monhegan Island for 8 days in early spring of 2013, the 25-minute film is visually beautiful, and the acting is extraordinary. With the money raised from a successful campaign on Indiegogo, Korenich composed all the music with the movie. In return to getting the opportunity to record what would become the EP Change Of Pace, Korenich cooked all the meals for the crew and actors on set.

“I made some pretty decent meals from time to time,” Korenich said. “The last night we were there, I got to cook fresh lobster right out of the ocean.”

Each song of the EP Change Of Pace is crafted to indie movie soundtrack perfection with some compelling storytelling. Soft harmonies, along with Korenich’s deep vocals accompany the pleasing instrumentals are spellbinding. Korenich nails the tone of each moment that comes along not only in Monhegan Light, but in our everday life. The 6 songs complement each other with such ease and fluidity. According to Korenich, the EP title was representative of what was going on during that time in his life. He was starting to be a solo artist when his previous band The Beauregards decided to cease writing songs. Another big leap Korenich has taken recently is moving from his hometown to Toledo. The relocating has proved to be successful as he now getting to work with musicians like Zach Shipps from Electric Six.

As he now goes on his own path of being a full-time musician, the future is bright for Korenich. Plans to release later this spring the debut LP of Korenich’s What a Weird Thing on vinyl. A more expansive tour is being worked on, which could possibly have stops ranging to the West Coast. When he was a freshman in high school, Korenich picked up the book Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground, 1981-1991. The book explored influential bands like Black Flag, The Replacements, Dinosaur Jr. to start paving the way for other alternative/indie rock bands to succeed. Without having little to no mainstream success, the artists featured in Michael Azerrad’s book found ways to continue making a living as full-time musicians through constant touring and records released on small, regional independent record labels.

It’s good to see that Korenich paid close attention to what was written.

Tim Korenich will be performing at Blind Bob’s Sunday night. Showtime is 9pm.

The Bourbon and The Chainsaw: Jackyl Brings Their Own Party

February 27, 2015 By Brian Petro

The home of great sports and great rock.

When I was younger, one of the first concerts I went to was a sold out show at the Richfield Coliseum on the Aerosmith “Get A Grip” Tour. The Coliseum was an amazing venue south of Cleveland, seeing many great musical acts come through there and hosting some incredible sports teams. It was the home of the Cavaliers for three decades (and the home of Larry Bird’s final game), and where every major band that came to Cleveland played. Thus the rock legends from Boston touched down there, bringing another, lesser known band to open for them. Jackyl was entertaining to watch and blended in well with the rock that was going to be the main course for the day. Their big hook was one of their songs, called “The Lumberjack”. Their front man, Jesse James Dupree, played a chainsaw on stage as part of the song. It was an interesting way to kick off the show, but not as interesting as you can kick it off now. Dupree has been fronting Jackyl since the late 1980’s. That is a lot of bars played at, and a lot of beer and whiskey sold. And by his reckoning, he has been “personally been responsible for millions of gallons of beer and whiskey that have been consumed over the years.” He rectified the beer part of that equation, releasing Jesse James America’s Outlaw Beer around 2008 and may still be available in Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota. A few years ago, American Outlaw Bourbon hit the scene, taking care of the whiskey.

Being from the South, Mr. Dupree knows something about whiskey. Jesse James Spirits was launched in 2010, the same year of Jackyl’s studio release When Moonshine and Dynamite Collide. It brought the American Outlaw Beer under a solid home, and allowed the release of The Original Jesse James American Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey into the world. Distilled in Kentucky and rested in charred oak for three years, it is an uncommon find when you are roaming the liquor stores of Ohio, or many other places in the United States. Lest you think that Dupree went into this as a lark, American Outlaw won a Bronze Medal, along with Four Roses Yellow Label, at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. He has also planned some expansion into Trimble, Tennessee, butting heads with the state over being able to create a product labelled as Tennessee Whiskey. Jack Daniels has a lock on that title, and on the process, that it requires to be called a Tennessee Whiskey. He

Pick up a good bottle of hard-to-find bourbon!

was one of many voices that argued that the requirements listed in the law were the process Jack Daniels’s used to make their whiskey, and shuts out the small distillers like his.

If you are either a bourbon or Jackyl enthusiast, today is (somewhat) your lucky day! The lucky bit is that Jesse James Dupree will be selling, and signing, bottles of his American Outlaw Bourbon and Michael Balard’s Full Throttle S’Loonshine at Manor Wine and Liquor on Airway Road. The unlucky part of it is that his second stop of the evening, Oddbody’s Music Room, where Jackyl will be performing with Transylvania Hellhounds and Four Star Revival at 7 PM, is sold out.

A good deal of time has passed since that concert in 1993. The Coliseum is now a field in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Jackyl is no longer a little known opening act. They have become a powerful force in the rock world, with a new opening act they are looking to introduce to a broader audience. From what we have seen and heard about it, and with the continuing growth of the craft bourbon and whiskey scene, we may be seeing American Outlaw Bourbon eventually making a big name for itself. Cheers!

Renaissance Man: An Interview with Singer/Songwriter Jason Trout

February 16, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Singer/songwriter Jason Trout, who spent most of his early days growing up in the city of Marion, Indiana, has been a pretty free spirit throughout most of his life. Without any proper training or push towards it, Trout was around eight or nine when he started writing music. Late last year, Trout released his solo debut LP Out Of My Mind And Into Yours. The album is a lo-fi indie/folksy album that was recorded in his home using a Tascam 4 track. The new album, which follows his debut EP Off The Field Issues, marks a new direction for Trout. A path that didn’t come easy.

Creating and playing music at one point was put onto the side temporary when Trout started attending Ball State University in 1995 to study law. “I went into college thinking, ‘Okay, I’ll be a lawyer. Be will be a 4.0 student’,” Trout mentions. “That’s what my mom and dad wanted.” His progression into law was short-lived, because for Trout-law was never the direction he was supposed to go. Trout switched majors, going to theater. “I didn’t think I was a good enough vocalist or guitarist to major into those,” Trout added. The musical side of Trout, his desire to create something special, was growing larger and stronger. He couldn’t accept the fact that the direction of life is headed toward a future that wasn’t thrilled about.

Between the age of nineteen and twenty, Trout finally accepted that playing music full time was inevitable. He packed his belongings and moved to Austin, Texas. “I’ll be honest with you-Austin is the only place that ever felt that I belong. Without question,” Trout said. In spite of moving to Austin, the city wasn’t Trout’s first choice. The goal was to originally move to Los Angeles. With the guidance of his college theater group, along with his love of director Richard Linklater’s work, Trout almost immediately felt at home within the city. He quickly started to develop a following with his music, and soon started to see his hard work paying off. Large record labels started courting Trout-flying him back and forth from city to city, riding in limos. A year of writing and performing included, along with the dream slowly starting to become reality-things were looking good. The payoff was coming.

However, the toll on Trout started to mount. What was slowly a dream developing into reality quickly evaporated. There was an unraveling infrastructure inside one of the labels that were interested in Trout. He also was led astray from someone, giving false hope. Around that same time span, the relationship that he is in suddenly ended. The emotional toll began to weigh down on Trout. “I wasn’t able to think straight or move correctly. My body was affected. I didn’t know what was going on,” Trout explained. With his world crumbling all around him, Trout went to get away and visit his folks, whom at the time lived in Knoxville. While we was there, he was diagnosed with having a nervous breakdown.

Even though he wanted desperately to get back to Austin, there was something that pulling him to stay in Knoxville. The decision to stay turned out to be beneficial. As the healing began, Trout spent a great deal of his time there being with his mother. They would spend every single together, catching up. Trout mentions that his mother was a key component to getting healthy again. Little did they both know, the time together would be meaningful than they could imagine. Trout’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, and passed two months later.

Trout’s time in Knoxville also got back to doing what he loved-playing music. He led the formation of his band The God Star Social. They band began playing some gigs at local clubs like The Pilot Light, Axis, and Java. After the release of their first EP A Queer Sultry Summer in 2002, the band released their 2003 debut LP Decidedly Lo-FI/Revolution And Static Sky. The album garnered national and internationally acclaim, with critics singing the praise of the band, the record, and most of all-Trout’s vision. Trout spent the next 5 years touring the U.S. as The God Star Social, both solo and with a rotating cast of musicians. He released the last God Star Social record in 2008. During that period of time, Trout met his now ex-wife during a show in Columbus. When they were married, they lived in Austin briefly before moving back to Ohio.

Although we has had to overcome some obstacles from the past couple of years, ranging from divorce and family tragedy, Trout explained that he views this time in his life as a renaissance of sorts. With the release of Out Of My Head And Into Yours, it marks the first time is releasing music under his own name. He has found peace within himself, which is remarkable considering at one point-he didn’t write a single song for years. Now, he is currently planning and prepping on new records with The Touchy Feelys, his indie vocal duo with Andrea Dawn Courts, and City Deer, his punk folk band with drummer Lucas Longanbach and bassist Chris Lute. Trout is also working on a cover album on his favorite artist, Daniel Johnston. “I never been a big cover guy,” Trout says. “These songs feel like my own, so it’s real easy to do it.”

As he sits in his home in Athens, Ohio, longer is that struggle to be happy for Trout. One main reason is what came out of his now finished marriage-his wonderful daughter. Trout beams over the phone when we talks about his deeply introspective daughter. “We talk about what she could be when grows up. I ask her what she wants to be, an actress or a doctor. She says, ‘When I grow up, I just wanna be me.’,” Trout says.

That’s exactly what the older Trout is doing.

To get a copy of the new album, click on Trout’s website: http://www.jasontroutmusic.com/

From Stratocaster to Stratosphere – Noah Wotherspoon Takes Big Win At 2015 International Blues Challenge!

February 3, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

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Noah Wotherspoon band with Rob Thaxton on bass and Brian Aylor on drums

Custom Gibson 335 Albert King Blues Guitar

The legendary Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee was the scene of an international showdown. For four days in January, (20-24), 250 blues acts from around the world came to compete at the 31st. Annual International Blues Challenge. Daytonian Noah Wotherspoon took top prize, the coveted “Albert King Guitar Award” for best guitarist and placing 2nd. in the band category. To recap, best international blues guitarist, 2nd. best international blues band. That’s “international”, as in, “the world.” He confesses that late night “did that happen?” texts to his mother help to wrap his mind around the experience.

This trip to Beale Street was not the first. Representing the Dayton Blues Society, Noah and his 2 man crew of Rob Thaxton on bass and Brian Ayler on drums, were accepted into the challenge in 2012, 2013 & 2014. As in past years, Dayton and Cincinnati were well represented with area favorites such as Doug Hart. In three days, Performers passing each round of quarter and semi-finals end up on the Orpheum stage for the final showdown. Noah remarked on the ever-present spirit of Elvis inside the Orpheum, a venue where a teenaged Elvis Presely held a job as an usher. Just working on that stage is a prize that many artists dream of.

The take home prize for the “Albert King Guitar Award” included cash for travel reimbursements, billing on prominent blues fest venues, a “Category 5” Amp and the custom Gibson 335 Albert King guitar.

It’s a long way to Beale Street, just ask Dayton native Noah Wotherspoon. A child prodigy, Noah spent much of his teen years sharing the stage with every major blues great you can name. He also spent many years on Dayton stages such as Gillys Bar and Jazz club with his band “Noah and the Stratocasters.”

Noah Wotherspoon, 16 years old

Many interviews are archived with a 14 year old Noah. At the time, most questions centered around what it was like to share the stage with legendary blues artists around the world, then come home to play venues that required him to be accompanied by a parent. Even now in his early 30’s, his youthful appearance and humble demeanor add to the shock value for those who are new to the Wotherspoon guitar wizardry. Noah recalled one of his favorite stories of being 16 years old with shoulder length blonde hair and commonly being mistaken for a cute girl. Being blessed with a sense of humor, he shared some of his favorite incidents with me. One such story involved a blues hero of his, Bobby “Blue” Bland. Before taking his turn on the stage, Noah was up front in the crowd, admiring Bland’s set. As any performer might react to a young attractive fan, he was singled out for a very special serenade of “Little Red Hot Mama” from the stage. The audience of blues fans familiar with Noah’s work felt they should inform Mr. Bland of his faux pas by collectively yelling “HE’S A DUDE!” Now, many years later, this is a “family” joke between Noah and one of his closest friends Rodd Bland, the son of Bobby who played drums for many years in the band. Bland and Wotherspoon’s bond deepened over the last couple of years when the two lost their fathers within a short time frame.

Tonight, (Tues. 2/3), you can hear Noah recount the experience of the International Blues Challenge, growing up on the stage, and more as he joins Gene Charles during “Blues Corner” on WSWO Oldies 97.3FM and streaming at . Tune in from 7pm-9pm Eastern.

On Thursday, (2/5), from 9am to noon, he will be talking about the Cincinnati Blues Society Winter Blues Fest on WNKU.org.

Keep tabs on Noah, his bands and his side projects, such as “Nowhere Bear” custom guitar straps,
here:

Here is a brief excerpt from an interview Tony Peters of WSWO Oldies 97.3 did with a 14 year old Noah:

Sound Check: An Interview with Tim Anderl and Frank Steele of Sound Check Chat

February 3, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

It’s a relatively low-key night at South Park Tavern when I join Tim Anderl and Frank Steele. The patrons are all scattered around the establishment, as the televisions above the bar are showing one of the few college football games left in the season. The three of us dive into a nice little collection of pizza and wings, and partake in some of the draft beers that are available to choose from. Being in the journalism field since 1996, focusing primary on the music side, Anderl’s bio comprises thousands of hours invested and countless interviews conducted with artists that are listed in every category and genre that could be ever thought of. Bands that tour around the United States to perform in local bar/venues, along with the ones that are seeing success that expands beyond their wildest dreams-Anderl has the privilege and fortune of being part of the music scene for some time now. With his current roles of web editor/writer for Ghettoblaster Magazine, New Noise Magazine, along with his local work at Dayton City Paper-Anderl has become widely known for his celebrated work in the music business. The next step towards bolstering his name started in March of last year, when Steele and himself begun a bi-monthly podcast that is titled Sound Check Chat.

With the aspiration of writing for publications like Rolling Stone and Spin growing up, Anderl took the proper steps to fulfill that desire by earning his degree in journalism at Ohio University. Even with landing great opportunities like interning for Alternative Press magazine during his college days, the hope to release work in the popular music periodicals never truly materialized. “I was dating someone that I wanted to marry who was still in college,” Anderl explained. “I went and got a day job and waited for her to graduate. By that time, we had family in the area, and I had settled into the job.”

Coming to terms with not writing for large publications was difficult, but Anderl went to work on finding different outlets to release his writing. He created his own website magazine formats for a period of time, including one that is still rolling-YouIndie.com. Opportunities to do some freelance work for other publications, such as Strength Skateboarding, Substream Music Press and blogs DoneWaiting, Delusions of Adequacy came along the way soon after. Podcasting was something that had never crossed Anderl’s mind. He mentions that he has listened to an assortment of shows, mainly on NPR, but when he reflected on venturing into the medium-he decided against it. “I really didn’t have the time to do it myself,” Anderl says.

As luck would have it, Steele was already setting up possible ideas and formats that would eventually become a podcast. With a background specializing in web, television, movie, production and design, Steele has been creating video media content around the Dayton area. Success has come to Steele, and with good reason. With his work in production, he has been awarded with having winning music videos with artists who have appeared on MTV, VH1, and CMT. He bounced around some concepts for the podcast, and settled on having the show concentrate on music. Steele pitched the idea to Anderl, and he quickly hopped onboard. The two friends had previously done some work, with a video production that was shot in Rumbleseat Wine when Jonathan Kingham (singer/songwriter that also was a touring member of Toad The Wet Sprocket) came to town in 2012.

Sound Check Chat’s nucleus is pretty straightforward-the show is centered on Anderl speaking with musicians from all over the United States and beyond. Roughly closing on the 30 minute marker (some longer than others) with each interview segment, Sound Check Chat is an insightful look for music lovers. “Tim is one the phone for a lot of the interviews anyway. I said to him let’s record the conversation, and make a podcast of that,” Steele explained. “It would be an extra product that you can offer.” With the tight editing courtesy of Steele, you don’t get much in the way of prolonged silences, questionable motives, and delayed responses. Anderl’s remarkable interviewing with his extensive research on each guest captures moments that you would normally wouldn’t get with most podcasts being aired, which is what gives the show such a pleasure to listen to.

With sixteen episodes already released, Sound Check Chat is still continuing to grow month by month. The duo already has sponsorship for the show, which for beginning podcast obtaining such a feat is worth being noticed. Some highlights of shows that have been released already include JT Woodruff from Hawthorne Heights, Chris Simpson of Mineral, and Violent J from Insane Clown Posse, it’s clear that Anderl and Steele will be providing listeners a wide array of musical talent to hear from.

Steele and Anderl reference that the whole development and growth of the show has taken a little bit of time, and possible will be slowly built. However, the duo have made the decision to keep it way. They aren’t about going out and chasing numbers. They want to have a show that is true to them. “We have been letting it happen organically,” Anderl says. “It would be disingenuous for us do to any other way…people seemed to be enjoying it, and that’s good enough for me.”

To listen to the show, go to the website http://soundcheckchat.com/. You can also subscribe to the show in iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

REVIEW: Operation: Giving Back Christmas Gets Pink Velvet Krushed

December 20, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

PInk Velvet Krush (photo by Mike Ritchie)

On Saturday December 13^th The Old Crow Bar in Middletown hosted a special benefit for two families of the Heavy Metal Church of Christ in need over the holiday season. All bands, contributors and supporters volunteered their time and talents (many driving a distance) to help out making sure the families had necessities and the combined seven children, infant to mid-teen, had goodies and toys from Santa under the tree. The Skull Dollz also made an appearance for photo ops and other assorted good natured skullduggery. A donation bin was also previously set up to collect items all of which along with show proceeds will be given to the family on the 23rd.

The owners and staff of the Old Crow were generous with the event, assisting organizer Teri Spence with the offered buffet and setup. Spence also expressed sincere gratitude to Steven Van Skoyck and Tiffany Zulock Van Skoyck, Jessica Tinch, Allen Phyllis, Ann Mason, Ericka McGowan and Michael Anspach along with Rachel Smith, Chrystal Kay, Angie Johnson Castle and Samantha Noble Baumgartner from the Dollz for their hard work and assistance. Tim Guilfoyle from Queen City Drums and Wildman Walker were also in attendance to help support.

Raffled items included numerous gift cards from PF Chang’s, First Watch Restaurant, Frickers, Godfathers Pizza, Chipotle, Rose Retro Rock Shop, assorted metal CD’s, jewelry custom made by Spence and stem wear from BJ’s Brewhouse. The two most popular items of the night were autographed memorabilia/merch personally donated from Straight Line Stitch and Jerry Only of The Misfits.

Cody Ridenour opened with a one man acoustic jam, sharing the spotlight with his lovely wife Chelsea a few songs in. Almost all originals from the Germantown by way of St. Petersburg Florida solo guitarist. Starting with original “Today We Pray” followed by “How Long”, he played and sang with passion pulling unexpected power out of the ‘unplugged’ strings. Thinking ahead he one-upped the crowd and played some Skynyrd with the “Simple Man”. He finished with the impassioned “Cyanide” (You’ve Wrecked Me) ending with a co-written duet with his wife on “Broken Hearted.”

Casey and the Nobodies were next, as the one man jam trend continued. Known for acoustic blues, rock and classic country Casey took over the stage starting with original “Knock on My Door” followed by Alice’s sweet song of war and the “Rooster”. Another of Casey’s originals said “Gotta Get Out” and Chris Isaak said it was a “Wicked Game” to play, to make the video feel that way. The king of pop comes clean about “Billie Jean” sort of, she’s just a girl, alas we’ll never know if he’s the father. The Black Crows still talk to angels and Neil Young is ageless and timeless rocking his crazy horse in the free world.

All the Children made the 3 ½ hour drive from Morehead, KY to help the cause. Playing a set of original alternative rock with a few covers they jammed out “Free Slave”. Alex Clare got a shout out on “Too Close” then made a statement with “We Are One”, the first tune played off their demo. There’s a “Man Overboard” as water engulfs the lungs played with early Nirvana attitude, before the baby went swimming. EP opener “Battle Cry” was next followed by the catchy bounce of “Prepare for War”. Alternative Aussies Silver Chair got some rare love on the lesser known “Pure Massacre” off Frogstomp. They finished with the honkey-tonked electric sound of “Airlock” with a touch of a space odyssey.

Rocky Candy (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Cincinnati’s Shadow of Shepherd is a three brother alternative rock trio. Opening with a one-two “alt” punch they decided to “Send the Pain Below” with Chevelle and Wonder What’s Next opener “Family System”. They switched genre’s slightly with “Somewhere in the Sky” by Kutless. They played original “Fight” then switched feet with Switchfoot on “Meant to Live”. They let their light “Shine” down with some Collective Soul finishing with original “I am Alive”.

All right ladies pay attention and guys, listen up. Rock Candy was here and they took all the good little boys to school. The all- female trio from Cincinnati kicked out some sweet tunes starting right up your alley with one of the classiest lady rebels of early 80’s rock and 2015 RNR Hall of Fame Inductee Miss Joan Jett. Yeah, we’ve all been there cause I “Hate Myself for Loving You”. They pulled out a youthful Sammy Hagar and some of his “Rock Candy”, not in a three lock box. They went old 80’s LA back to the Hollywood Sunset with a young, hungry Crue that’s “Too Fast for Love.” He toured with them in ’83 but for tonight Ozzy’s riding solo on the “Crazy Train”. They got humble playing the “Fool for a Pretty Face”, we’ve all been hurt by love. They finished with an all-girl original “Calling all Girls”.

Coming from Milford Ohio, Dear Agony “smoked” the stage playing a set of originals and covers. Only being together as a band for a couple months they played with experience from their previous stint as Arcadia Backfire. They were kinda like “Whatever” with Godsmack, shared their “Epiphany” with Staind and staged an electric sit down “to get to know everyone’ like “Nothing Else Matters” according to Hetfield. Two of the five originals played included the smooth rocking “Face the Day” and the more emotionally charged “Survive”.

Clockwork Soul (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Dayton’s new and improved for the next generation ClockWork Soul was next with the killer eyes and growl of Mystie Rose. One could and probably would think to see them all on stage that they’re a bit “Out There”. Rose speaks the voice of experience about bad relationships. Make sure the person shares the same feelings you do or you’re living in a “Masquerade”. They play with the BulletBoys and declare, they’ll come back to you “When Pigs Fly”.

Pink Velvet Krush is a modern day throwback to the decadent 80’s glam and sleaze under the blazing LA sunset. Reminiscent of Faster Pussycat and LA Guns, with former members of Bullet Boys, Pretty Boy Floyd, Britney Fox, Steelheart, Dust N’ Bones and Vaudeville, it’s a mass super-group of hair-sprayed experience still swimming in the Aqua Net. They can talk about the Head Bangers Ball days cause they lived it, bringing an 80’s arena show style and delivery to the club stage in the vein of Motley Crue with guitar mannerisms of Tipton and Downing.

Doug Savage keeps the frontman flame alive with everything we fondly remember from the days of decadence with a finger point or raised fist. The Krush started with “Nothin’ to Lose”. Metallica said “Misery Loves Company” on the black album but PVK’s saying it now. They slowed it down a little bringing the symbolic lighters up feeding their lonesome, twisted “Obsession”. The dirty blues blasted rocker “F.S.O.A” (Fifty Shades of Anything) chugged along, accompanied by the more serious, life on the road retro feel of “You Take My Life”. Ladies, Savage and the boys wanna make you “Scream”!

That good ole’ damn “Ball and Chain” came out swinging, kicking out the blues and they got two bullets, “One Shot” left to shoot to thrill. They ended the originals with EP title track “Break These Chains”, then asked if anybody was in the mood for some classic ‘hair’ metal.

They decided to break all the rules at the Girlschool with Britney Fox, then got Smooth Up in Ya with the BulletBoys because there were no Congo drums for St. Christopher. They finished with that lovely lady who just can’t go living after midnight as she cries “Somebody Save Me”.

REVIEW: Bobaflex Rocks Oddbody’s

December 15, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

They avoided or skipped the chaos of Black Friday in Dayton this year but West Virginia’s hardest working band Bobaflex brought the diesel fumed rock as only they could as the black leathered bad men hit the Dayton stage once again on Saturday December 5th.

Desalitt (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Locals Desalitt brought a unique blend of grunge, punk and metal, and the long haired/dreadlocked blokes from across the sea October Rage brought their version of hard rock bordering on metal to the heartland.

Created in 2008 in Xenia, Desalitt plays rock with a grungy metal twist. They played a few originals with heavy covers mixed in. The dual vocals of the leather and spiked clad, green haired, mic fisted in your face Shug played a nice opposite to the ‘calm, long sleeved but not flannel, and collected’ guitar playing “more serious” Greg Crawford. A ten song set of originals and covers included a mix and match of punk, rock and grunge as the “Bodies” hit the floor. They had a little bit of rage to get out before the Aussie’s had their turn with “Bulls on Parade.” It was time to Take a Look in the Mirror with Korn “Right Now.” Original “Broken Strings” carried a melancholy atmospheric mood in the guitars with a mix of Scott Stapp and Scott Weiland vocals. “Insane” had a swampy guitar attitude digging deep into the Sabbath blues. “Want Me to Be” had Eddie Vedder invading on vocals with Pearl Jam’s angst riddled creed behind him.

Dubbed one of the “hardest working bands in rock” on their seven month USA Outrage Tour racking up over 70,000 miles and 120 shows traveling across the country spreading their October Rage to America, the brother’s and co. have brought their metal tinged Aussie rock to Yankee ears.

Formed by brothers Nick (vocals, guitar) and William (bass) Roberts in late 2008, they’re from the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia and quickly gained notoriety supporting Bon Jovi on their Circle Tour at sold out shows in Sydney.

With their 2011 debut Outrage and this year’s Fallout, Dust and Guns release under their belts they’ve played with Steel Panther, Saliva, Sevendust among others.

Bobaflex (photo by Mike Ritchie)

The rage began with “Wayside” with Nick and William’s hair and locks flying around the stage like Rob Zombie whiplashing the post at a roadhouse back porch witch burning. “Valkyrie” hits a little harder with some dirt under the wheel riding by with rebel thunder. Beware of the “White Walkers,” you can feel them “Coming in the Air Tonight.” They add in a little acoustic charm with the rock on “Silver Line” floating close to Skillet territory and ‘dangerously’ close to Nickelback. They turn the rock back up on “Set You Free” finishing with the slow bluesy sing along “Reign of Fire”, adding a bit of Skynyrd to the mid-section jam, prompting a lighter tribute, once thought extinct in the era of the cell phone glow.

With hell in their hearts the men in leather and black started with “Low Life.” It was George Thorogood on steroids as they cruised down the “Chemical Valley” screaming loud and proud before crashing and burning with style with the help of some sweet liquid sin. Charlatan’s deadly venom made its first appearance with the loving neck caress of “Strangle You.” The camera does strange things to the “Pretty Little Things” next door. Sweet and innocent turned addicted media queen. From all of us to you, with true sincerity, “I’m Glad you’re Dead.” Can’t you hear me laughing as I dance on your grave? Break out the bubbly.

The life of the trailer park says come back to me but the pleasures and excess of touring say never. It’s so hard to resist the seductive sharp kiss of the “Vampire.” She’s a blood boiler, life sucker. Exorcise her demons with the back of your hand, “Bad Man.” Simon and Garfunkel along with Depeche Mode enjoy “The Sound of Silence.” Bringing a bit of the 60’s hippie folk vibe rocked up with some guitar rev.

They’re losing their minds on motor fuel, decibels and live octane doing it on stage their way. Don’t fall in love and get hurt, they just want a meaningful one night romance, enough time for a “Rogue” dance. They brought the hands up with the ultimate West Virginian rebel rouser anthem. Members of Desalitt and October Rage came out to jam the way any road weathered rock star wants to go out. Die with your boots on so they’ll “Bury Me with My Guns On.” Hey! Sending the crowd home happy, they encored with an attitude on “Better than Me.”

www.theofficialbobaflex.com

www.oddbodys.com

Oddbody’s Host UD Metal Conference after Show with Alex Skolnick

November 25, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

Forces of Nature (photo by Mike Ritchie)

There was an addictive, contagious energy in Oddbody’s on Saturday November 8^th. Maybe it was due to the night being the top off, after party to three days of multi diverse and cultural information given by respected academic scholars at the University of Dayton on the global impact and culture of metal music and its growing community of supporters. Maybe it was because each of the three bands that performed on stage were handpicked from a group of over a dozen hopefuls from around the state to play for a crowd of appreciative metalheads and also….because one of the distinguished conference guests of the day was in attendance to watch them throw down.

The three full days of lectures and presentations were a true international experience for the 85+ in attendance. With 32 of the 36 presenters being from esteemed collegiate institutions bringing their knowledge and expertise to the eyes and ears of over 50 undergraduate/graduate students and a few select pillars of the local community. Seven countries were represented including the US, England, Canada, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Puerto Rico with Ohio, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Utah, Missouri, Texas, California, Florida and Illinois also represented. Over the course of the conference over 40 attendees averaged each presentation so all information brought and taught was welcomed, wanted and assimilated by ‘suit and tie guys’ and ‘long haired metal heads’ possibly at the same table. Mr. Skolnick averaged the biggest audience with over 50. The film March of the Gods on opening night drew 32 attendees and the art exhibit “Mask: Face Paint, Head Coverings, and Masks in Popular Culture” drew approximately 35 for the formal showing plus more during the week.

Conference topics included: “Queer Metal Matters: Metal, Sexuality, and the Future”, Metal and Religion, Community and Metal, Extreme Metal and the Aesthetics of Community, Metal Under Totalitarianism, Metal and Culture, Cultural Legitimation of Metal, Metal and Education, Metal to the Extreme, Women and Metal, Metal as Performance, “Louder Education–Alex Skolnick,” Defining Metal, and “Heavy Metal: A Business, A Lifestyle, Past, Present, Future”

Lick the Blade (photo by Mike Ritchie)

It’s not every day an Ohio band gets to play a show with a man who’s traveled and performed on the world’s stages with the roaring bellow of Chuck Billy and Bay Area thrash legends Testament. A man many on stage with a guitar idolized and many within the crowd grew up head banging and moshing to his music. On the evening of Saturday November 8^th, Alex Skolnick was at Oddbody’s.

The event helped raise money for Project Read of Dayton and the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. Each band played with sincere strength, passion, energy and vigor representing their scene and the Ohio scene as a whole. As the night progressed the musicians performed as if standing in front of a packed, screaming arena.

Cleveland’s Lick the Blade brought the second coming of Iron Maiden from the north with the soaring, searing Ted Anderson hitting Manowar pitch notes with a power metal groove. Dayton reps Engine of Chaos brought the middle ground dividing the night with a slower, smoother bluesy groove mixed in its Dio meets Cornel Seattle sound and finished with the always intense mammoth thrash attack of Forces of Nature.

An arena sized passion was present and played from the beginning with a collective unity showing visitors from other cities, states and countries what Dayton can deliver.

Cleveland’s Lick the Blade brought the modern day classic sound of Iron Maiden mixed with power metal sounds and the endlessly high octaves of vocalist Ted Anderson who ranged from Dickinson, to Halford to Tate peaks. Formed in 2004, they decimated locally, going through a few member changes before acquiring Anderson and songwriter/guitarist Brian French. Signing with Cleveland based metal label Auburn Records in 2006 they released their debut Graveyard of Empires in 2009. From growing popularity overseas they were invited to perform at the sold-out Headbanger’s Open Air Festival in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany. “Royal Blood,” from Graveyard, earned spots on compilation CDs from both Germany’s Heavy and Poland’s Hard Rocker magazines and Lick The Blade was voted “Best Metal Band of 2009″ in Cleveland Scene magazine’s 2010 issue of its annual “Cleveland Music Awards” feature. They’ve opened for Loudness, Exodus, Vader, and 3 Inches of Blood and more currently with a certain amount of musical irony, former Iron Maiden vocalists Paul Di’Anno and Blaze Bayley. Their second album The Sun and Time is out now.

The “Mark of Nero” opened with galloping guitars as Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens aka Anderson owned on old school early Dickinson era maiden. There was history in them riffs on “Guns, Germs and Steel” as they went back to the Di’Anno club days when Eddie was just a face on a sign. They headed back to the inspiration of Ra and the Powerslave era on “Blood-Soaked Majesty.” The chalice runneth over with glorious crimson on the celebration table. “Voyage of the Damned” could be their “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” as the ship traveled through the sea of madness through murky fog, where spirits of dead pirates waited to steer their vessel a foul. A majestic opening with Anderson singing a soft wail of woe of land not seen till forever’s end. “Twilight of the Idols”, it’s metaphysical with twilight in the sky of the ancient and eternal idols. The hooded Charon the Ferryman made an appearance, pointing his oar to all souls looking for transportation after adding to his pouch of coins. “Charon’s Obol” gave protection to the soul with safe passage to the next world. Album title track “The Sun and Time” was next followed by “Thanatos” bringing the death of us all riding the battle plight of “The Trooper.”

Engine of Chaos with Alex Skolnick (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Engine of Chaos came out ready to deliver the midsection of the night’s metal from Ohio selection with a set heavy with jam, groove and blues. Sirens went off as guitar reverb filled the speakers and bass thundered in. The first crunch of the almighty riff hit with the thunderous melodic yell of Scott Toops. Title track from Uncover the Bones brought forth some dirty buried secrets straight from the depths of Nola, LA. They went Down with conformity playing the warriors call, marching with stained feet from “Blood on the Shore.” The guitars got slow, moody and melodic with their own super-“Unknown.” The silence of the swamp was mucked up and smashed by the “Tug River” as watery guitar notes slithered down the river like hissing snakes venom. The bouncy thrash infused blues of “The One” was fused and followed by the dark tale of the “Deceiver.” Some bitches were born to deceive. They got a lil’ Sabbathy on the “Change” then the premiere of the new/unreleased “Dream the Past.” Dude Mounts guitar chugged and marched with searing notes, telling them God-Damned “Lies.” “7 Demons” finished up the set with special guest vocalist Joseph Palmer.

Then a special encore happened with the world renowned guest guitarist. “This song needs no introduction. If you’re a metalhead you’ll know this.” Toops proudly proclaimed. “Are you guy’s metalheads out there? Are you mother——‘s metalheads out there?” The opening notes of one of the greatest metal anthems began. “I wanna hear ya Dayton Ohio, get the f- up off your chairs (in the back) and get up here!” Tonight Dayton gathered in their masses, to see Alex Skolnick on stage, shredding Sabbath, kicking our asses.

Forces of Nature came forth and played with the power and passion of the gods and goddess’s. Marc Godsey took the mic speaking with genuine, heartfelt emotion about how incredible the last few days had been, the knowledge gained at the conference and the feeling of true love, unity and dedication displayed by the local scene. Not to mention meeting one of your guitar idols and being on stage with him. He stamped the statement with “and I CAN’T WAIT to play this set.”

The opening iron welding riff and yelling notes of “Magnus Lee” shot out of Jimmy Rose and Marc Godsey’s guitars laying inflamed ground work for Tate Moore’s screeching serpent’s tongued dark demonic delivery. It was a sharp, hard punch to the face with a warm hello, saying we’re here, now f—–g pay attention! It started raining blood in the “Forest of Corpses” from a lacerated sky. Drums hit guitars grinded and riffed upward in a tale of tortured self-hate. Mary’s one messed up bitch, in a moshed up f’n mess.

“Throwing Fists” in a cage or a concert, you’ll get hit back either way… and the cage is safer. Drums tapped ushering in the ram-rodder guitars smashing TV’s with wrecking balls, sledgehammers and other hardcore fist shaking plunder. It’s the only way to get that crap off “A.S.O.T.” “Nevermore” slows it down ‘a bit’, enough for a short pit-break before your personal “Apocalypse” comes on reentry. Get ready you stupid, stupid, stupid son of a bitch! Rose shined on the six minute instrumental opus “Dark Carnival” bringing the addictive emotional darkness and thrash poetry from his fingers. Something wicked as shit, this way came. The heavy pair of double D’s was shown in public again with “Deception” and “Devices.”

After the show Rose got his guitar neck signed by Skolnick and enjoyed a few surreal, inspirational moments with the guitar legend as did other members of Forces and other audience members throughout the evening.