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Dayton Music

“After the Levitt” concerts continue at the Arcade’s new event space – The Tank!

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The “After the Levitt” event series is a live musical experience in the Arcade, which is the hottest and most coveted space in downtown Dayton. Under the Arcade’s famous Rotunda is a newly opened underground event space, called The Tank, inspired by CenterPoint Energy. It’s a vibrant venue that provides a cool, theater-in-the-round style seating for an intimate audience experience. 

After a few select Levitt Pavilion shows this summer, The Tank opens its doors for this “After the Levitt” live music series which features up-and-coming original musicians. For music fans who want to keep the music going, the Tank’s entrance is just a half block from Levitt Pavilion. It’s an easy walk over! Just look for the Large glass subway entrance on West 4th street in Dayton between Main and Ludlow Streets. 

The series, which is hosted by Culture Works, kicked off on June 23rd with an evening of female R&B/hip-hop style singer/songwriters Anna Nichole and Mariah J. The concerts continue Thursday, July 14th with the funk-rock band Solistic. This crowd pleaser has hints of blues, reggae, and psychedelic rock influences too! The cover charge is $10 and is open to patrons over 18. Doors open at 8pm. The music starts at 8:30pm. Beverages are available for purchase at the venue.

“As the leading Arts advocate in Dayton, Culture Works aims to use the After the Levitt series as a way of activating the Arcade, and more specifically, the Tank. We want to bring cultural vibrancy back into Dayton through a space that is both new and nostalgic, memorable, and magical. Having local artists in the Tank will bring crowds together and elevate the creative arts from an individual to collective experience!” Benjamin Baugham, the Community Engagement Coordinator of Culture Works, shared with us. 

The series will continue on July 28th with a night of reggae from Luv Locz, August 4th featuring spoken word from Broken English, August 11th is a country music evening with Drift Mouth, August 25th pop rock from Pagu & Isicile,  with more dates to be announced soon!

HOW TO GO?

The Tank under the Arcade (glass cube entrance near 35 W 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402)

$10 cover charge at the door

Ages 18+

Doors 8pm

Music 8:30pm

Drinks for Sale!

Culture Works launches “After the Levitt” concert series Thursday

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Culture Works, which recently relocated inside the Dayton Arcade, is launching an “After the Levitt” concert series on Thursday, June 23rd. The series will take place inside “The Tank” – which is a very cool, new subterranean venue under the rotunda. The venue is a short walk from Levitt, and is accessed from 4th St, between Main St and Ludlow, down a stunning, new glass-walled entrance. The first concert features two talented original Dayton musicians: Anna Marie and Mariah J.

The June 23rd event serves as a “soft opening” for the series, which will go into full swing in July. These “After the Levitt” shows will take place on Thursdays from approximately 8:30-10pm. The goal is to add to the vibrancy that is already being created by Levitt Pavilion Dayton and add to the music ecosphere that Dayton is continuing to build. Admission for this series will be a small cover charge of $5 – $10 at the door, which helps pay the artists and production costs. 

If you’ve never been to The Tank, it’s new eye and ear candy for downtown! The glass cube entrance is very cool, giving way to a graffiti-lined stairwell, into a swanky entrance donned with neon and a sleek bar area. (Alcohol is available for purchase by patrons over 21 years old). The Tank itself has colosseum-style seating, in an intimate, theater-in-the-round feel.

The first event celebrates a brand new album from one of Dayton’s up-and-coming r&b/soul artists, Mariah J. “Unfolding” comes out on Friday, June 24th, so this serves as a special preview listening party for patrons. Anna Marie, another rising star in the Dayton scene, will kick off at 8:30pm, which is generally around when things are ending over at Levitt Pavillion. The event wraps up by 10pm. Admission for this June 23rd concert is $5 at the door. 

Stay tuned here on Dayton937.com for information for the upcoming performers and dates for this series!

Exclusive Dayton rock concert features actor from The Vampire Diaries

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Dayton rock band Shadyside was popular from 1999 to 2005. Shortly after their break-up, one of the band members went onto an acting career, famously landing the part of Enzo in The Vampire Diaries. Michael Malarkey returns to Dayton for a one-time, exclusive reunion show happening on Thursday, June 9th at The Brightside in downtown Dayton.

This special reunion show will also feature three other beloved Dayton rock bands: Clemmer, Bribing Senators, & Yardboss in the spacious ballroom at The Brightside. Tickets for this four band bill are just $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show. All ages are welcome.

How to Go?

The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton). Ballroom show.

Doors open at 7pm. The music starts at 7:30 pm.

Tickets $15 available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadyside-clemmer-bribing-senators-yardboss-tickets-317699185817

Day of show $20.

Off-street, free parking available – see map at https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/parking

All ages welcome!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Live Music at The Brightside!

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You’re invited to a special St Patrick’s Day String Music Celebration with FERD and special local guest Harold Hensley at The Brightside in downtown Dayton. It’s a gonna be a foot stompin’ night of Bluegrass, Appalachian, and Delta Blues you won’t want to miss!

FERD features Ferd Moyse, a singer & songwriter on the fiddle, and the Samsonite Drum. Moyse is known far and wide for his nearly 15-year run as the fiddler, singer, and songwriter with the Virginia-based band, The Hackensaw Boys. The band includes Matt Morelock who sings and plays the banjo and Chris Stevens o bass. The sound is Appalachian and Delta Blues spending time together on the Bayou.

Harold Hensely is a beloved local musician from the Dayton area. He plays solo and with his band The Repeating Arms. We’re excited to have him kick off this show!

How to Go?

Thursday, March 17th
Doors 7pm / Show 7:30-10pm
at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
$10 advance / $15 day of show
All ages are welcome!

Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-patricks-day-string-celebration-w-ferd-harold-hensley-tickets-294735851867

Local musician Mike Bankhead releases new single “Hold the Wick”

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Talented local rock musician, Mike Bankhead, is releasing a new single this month called “Hold the Wick” with a whopping 7 remixes, all of which are in different genres/styles. He plans to release them all together digitally, with each remix accompanied by a music video. 

Mike Bankhead is a bassist and songwriter from the Dayton, Ohio area. His songs feature crunchy guitar, occasional dissonance, and love of hooks.

His newest work, “Hold the Wick,” was recorded and mixed in just one day at ReelLove Recording Company here in Dayton. 

“I really wanted to work with other musicians and put a project around the single, so I commissioned seven remixes, each one in a different style,” Bankhead shared with us. “Remember the CD-singles from the 90s where you would buy a single, but the disc would have some additional songs on it? That’s the feeling I wanted to capture here.” 

Each of the collaborators who worked on the remixes received the same song building blocks – and each person had the freedom to create whatever they wanted to create with those pieces. “I hope that listeners also look into the other work from each of the 7 creative individuals who did remixes.” 

The new single “Hold the Wick” debuts on Bandcamp on March 4th, which is also a “Bandcamp Friday” – a day when musicians make their full payment on any music purchased. 

The single will be released on all other streaming services by March 15th. That is also the date Bankhead will appear on WUDR Flyer Radio and his music video will premiere on YouTube.

Find out more about Mike and his music at his website: MikeBankheadMusic.com 

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression kick off tour at The Brightside

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One of the hottest up-and-coming national acts: Joslyn & The Sweet Compression is kicking off their 2022 tour right here in Dayton. They’ll be performing at The Brightside Music & Event Venue in downtown Dayton, OH (905 E 3rd St) on Thursday, March 3, 2022.

Local legend, Eric Jerardi, kicks off the evening with his band. Doors open at 7pm with music from 7:30-10pm. Tickets $12 advance and $15 day of show. All ages welcome!

What people are saying about Joslyn & The Sweet Compression:

“Magical…gives everybody the joy.” — Billboard Magazine

“A refreshing take on the neo-soul / funk sound, unbound by modern cliches.” — Glide Magazine

“A marvel…an instant classic!” — Soul Tracks

“I’ve never seen a band come up more quickly…with more immediate skill and swagger than Joslyn & the Sweet Compression. Joslyn’s vocal command and stage presence is special, and her band is brick-sh**house tight.” — Travis Young, Moonshiner’s Ball

“The music Joslyn Hampton conjures o-stage is rich with the funk, soul, and rock ’n’ roll inspirations of multiple generations, and at the heart of the brassy attack of her band, The Sweet Compression, and in the clear and confident command of her singing, sits a core element: Groove.” — Walter Tunis, Lexington Herald-Leader

About Joslyn & The Sweet Compression:

After cultivating her dynamic voice and performance skills in backup roles and stage plays, Joslyn Hampton teamed with her stepfather, Marty Charters (a touring guitarist and songwriter who has shared the stage with legends such as Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, and Van Morrison), to compose a captivating set of tunes and assemble an ace band. Joslyn & The Sweet Compression (Marty Charters – guitar, Steve Holloman – keyboards, Smith Donaldson – bass, Rashawn Fleming – drums, Trevin Little – saxophone, and Chase Fleming – trombone and trumpet) combine to deliver a hook-filled mix of funk and soul on their self-titled debut album, released in 2019. A headlining favorite at regional clubs and music festivals, they are poised to engage fans across the country with widespread touring in 2021.

Hawthorne Heights back in Dayton for hometown show

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After a three-year break, Hawthorne Heights is finally back in Dayton, Ohio. They’ll be headlining the 6th annual “Dayton Is For Lovers” indie/alt-rock music festival. This year’s event will be held at The Brightside on Thursday, March 10, 2022.
The all-ages Gem City music festival also features a mix of established and up-and-coming Dayton original acts, including:
  • Nightbeast
  • Better Anyway
  • Abertooth Lincoln
  • RIND
  • Houseghost
  • Life in Idle
  • DJ Sadness
You’re invited to come early and stay late! Bands are in no particular order. Hawthorne Heights will set the line up on the day of the show, with their set ending the evening. Watch all the artists perform original Dayton music across two stages throughout the night!
“Hometown shows are truly special to us and we are excited to be able to make this happen!” the band stated.
HOW TO GO?
  • Thursday, March 10, 2022
  • The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH
  • All ages welcome.
  • 6pm Doors. Music starts shortly after.
    Limited Availability. Get tickets while you can.
  • Tickets and limited VIPS available now at HawthorneHeightsStore.com
  • The venue is equipped with UV-C filters to sanitize circulated air.
  • The venue has a bar area with a great selection of local beer for those of age and with I.D. No outside alcohol or drinks are allowed.

Cirque Fatale presents “Ruin Your Childhood” Burlesque Show

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We’re riding those Valentine’s vibes right into the weekend with Cirque Fatale “Ruin Your Childhood” Burlesque! This talented group of dancers presents a burlesque and aerial show that promises to be the Magical Kingdom of fun! The cast will do their best to ruin your childhood favorites like Scooby-Doo, superheroes, and many of those magic castle animated princesses.

The performance is taking place on Friday, February 18, 2022 inside the Ballroom at The Brightside in downtown Dayton (905 E 3rd St) from 7-10pm. Along with Cirque Fatale, this show also features special guests The LeCamerons from CinCity Burlesque!

While this event is certainly fun, there is a charitable element happening too. Cirque Fatale is accepting donations of new bras (all sizes) for the YWCA. Sports bras are needed the most! So if you have some extra you never wore, or find some at the store, please bring along with you to the show!

“Dayton has been such a huge supporter of local entertainment like Cirque Fatale, that we want to give back to our local community,” organizer Cassie Guard shared.  

Cirque Fatale shows are known for flying performers over the crowd and making you laugh until your cheeks hurt. But they are also known for being safe in these covid times. They are taking measures to make sure you can still enjoy live entertainment are:

Masks required for entry and are to be worn  throughout the venue. Masks may be removed once seated at your table. All “tickets” are tables that seat 2-4 people. No rowed seating allowed. Venue HVAC system has UV-C bulbs to clean and purify the air!

Get your ticket today! Just a few table left: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ruin-your-childhood-burlesque-show-tickets-253806822037

Musicians encouraged to apply to Dayton Porchfest

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Tim Spoores performs at Dayton Porchfest. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Musicians are encouraged to apply to be part of this year’s Dayton Porchfest. The annual neighborhood musical event is held on porches throughout the historic and charming downtown St Anne’s Hill. This year’s event is planned for Saturday, August 20, 2022.

Organizers at The Collaboratory are asking area musicians of all styles to apply to perform. Dayton Porchfest is a multi-genre festival, open to all Dayton-area musicians and bands. Dayton PorchFest is free to attend, and a tips-only festival. Organizers supply the tip jars and aggressively promote tipping the performers. Bands are welcome to sell CDs and merchandise.

For 2022 Dayton Porchfest will be selecting 45-50 performers. The selection of artists will be based on curating five-musically diverse music blocks. Sets are 45-50 minutes and start at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 PM. The application deadline is 11:59 PM, Monday, February 28, 2022. Link to application: https://daytonporchfest.wixsite.com/home/application

Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY. Today there are over 150 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada. Dayton was 94!

Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene, which continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that in its selection of musical artists, from funk and hip-hop to blues to indie rock, classical, and country, to bluegrass and old-timey music that has deep Appalachian traditions here. We also celebrate the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade. 

Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory, a civic innovation lab that moves ideas to action. The Collaboratory provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic, and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory.

SAVE THE DATE: DAYTON PORCHFEST SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2022.

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “Airplane!”

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Dayton Dinner Theater presents “Airplane!” See a classic favorite on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting on Sunday, February 27th at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.

Enjoy Chef-inspired themed food, desserts, and cocktails from Brock Masterson. Before the movie, organizers have arranged for live-themed music featuring the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble.

During the movie, show your skills with DDT’s famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although these movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly.

When? Feb 27, 2022, 6:00 PM – 9:10 PM. Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.

Where? The Brightside Event Center, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.

Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

About the Event:

Themed Food: TBA (last time we had a choice of steak or fish…. I had the lasagna)

Themed Drinks: TBA (we cater to those with a drinking problem)

Themed Attire: pick your occupation… doctor, pilot, stewardess, auto pilot, or Hare Krishna salesman

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “The Princess Bride”

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Dayton Dinner Theater presents “The Princess Bride”! See a classic family favorrite on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.

Enjoy Chef-inspired themed food, desserts, and cocktails from Brock Masterson. Before the movie, organizers have arranged for live-themed music featuring the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble.

During the movie, show your skills with DDT’s famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although these movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly.

When? Jan 30, 6:00 PM – 9:20 PM. Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.

Where? The Brightside Event Center, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.

Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

About the Event:

Themed Food: TBA (maybe some stew, something that looks like mutton, something w/fire in the name, and maybe a peanut?)

Themed Drinks: The Battle of Wits (sparkling grape juice, vodka, cherry, pixie stick poison), The Buttercup (Butterscotch liquor, light cream, rum, cinnamon stick stirrer)

Themed Attire: You can be a Prince, a Pirate, a Princess, a Pauper, a Giant, or a Swordsman.  If you dress up as a ROUS, we will give you extra cheese.

 

Dayton Battle of the Bands series kicks off at The Brightside

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The Katawicks, the 2020 winners of Dayton Battle of the Bands

The 2nd annual Dayton Battle of the Bands series kicks off at The Brightside on Thursday, January 20, 2022. The six-week series seeks to highlight emerging, original musical talent in Dayton through a unique community collaboration between The Brightside, Sound Valley, Venus Child Productions, and Levitt Pavilion Dayton.

The series runs on Thursday evenings from 7-10pm at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton) starting January 20th and running through February. Each Thursday evening features 4 bands performing 20 min sets. Each paying patron gets a ballot and one vote. There are also 3 local music industry judges voting too. Judges and audience votes are split 50/50 during the playoff rounds. The winner of each Thursday competition will move onto the finale, which is held on Saturday, February 26, 2022.

Dayton Battle of the Bands launched in January of 2020, ran 6 weeks, and concluded before the pandemic started. Organizers were unable to host the competition in 2021 due to the shutdown, so they are extra excited to be hosting this series once again.

One major thing that is different this time is that each finalist (6 total) will get an opening spot on Levitt Pavilion Dayton’s 2022 summer schedule! This is a major opportunity for all the bands. Each finalist will also receive a video of one song performed live during the finale from Sound Valley Dayton. The winner of the entire competition will earn studio time to record an EP, which was generously donated by Dayton Sound Studios.

“Despite ‘battle’ being in the name, this is actually a really friendly competition and a great way for bands to network with each other and get feedback from the judges,” Carli Dixon, owner of The Brightside, shared with us.

HOW TO GO?

Thursdays, January 20 through February 24, 2022

Located at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton).

Doors open at 7pm / Show 7:30-10:30pm. Please be prompt to see all the bands!

$10 adv or day of show. Advance tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/246759372927

NOTE: The venue has installed UV-C filters to sanitize the circulated air. Masks are strongly recommended.

Brooklyn’s Jonathan Scales Fourchestra Performs at The Brightside

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Brooklyn’s Jonathan Scales Fourchestra is in town on Thursday November 18, 2021 performing at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton). This inventive crew delivers complexities for the modern ear. It promises to be a joyous evening of steel pan jazz fusion!

Jonathan Scales is one of the most innovative steel pannists on the planet, and is redefining and challenging traditional expectations of his signature instrument. In his hands, the sonic palette of an instrument often associated with cruise ships and tropical resorts is radically expanded to mimic the role of horns, piano, vibraphone or marimba due to his stunning, virtuosic technique. Scales’ mesmerizing compositions have captivated listeners and elevated him to the status of a true composer, forging new territory in the medium of instrumental music.

This concert will take place in the Brightside’s cozy Vodvil Bar. $12 advance. $15 day of show. All ages are welcome. Thursday November 18, 2021. Doors open at 7pm. Music from 8-10pm. Tickets can be purchased at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jonathan-scales-fourchestra-tickets-204834614847

Covid Policy: The Brightside wants everyone to enjoy music safely, so they ask that patrons wear masks while moving through the building, unless patrons wants to optionally show proof of vaccination, or a negative covid test. The venue has installed UV-C air filters to sanitize superbugs, like covid.
To learn more about The Brightside’s concert season, visit thebrightsidedayton.com

Dayton Dinner Theater launches new season on Sunday with “Star Wars”

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Dayton Dinner Theater is back! This fun Sunday tradition starts back on November 21, 2021, with the showing of Star Wars (A New Hope) at The Brightside Music & Event Venue from 6-9pm.

“I think it’s the perfect cure for the winter blahs,” says Dayton resident John Boucuvalas and founder of the Dayton Dinner Theater which opens back up on Sunday, after being shut down last year due to Covid. “I think it’s important to have something fun to look forward to when the days are short and the weather is cold and grey.”

The time off has allowed time for exciting new upgrades and partnerships such as having the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble to feature live music before the movie. They’ve also partnered with local caterer Brock Masterson, to create themed food and drinks specific to each film.

“We were getting some big crowds and momentum when Covid hit, and now we are ready to be back and better than before,” says Boucuvalas. “Partnering with UD and Brock Masterson’s is great and adds a touch of class and familiarity for folks around here.”

With a full Sunday liquor license at The Brightside, the fully stocked bar features our signature $5.00 themed drinks along with a wide variety of mixed drinks, wines, and beer.

During the movie, Dayton Dinner Theatre features their famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, with a trivia contest during intermission. They truly make movies a social and interactive experience.

This year’s lineup mostly features comedies and quotable classics that line up with the interactive nature of the event. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. More information can be found at www.daytondinnertheater.com. Note: Tickets must be purchased in advance to allow for accurate food preparation.

Dayton Dinner Theater Schedule

Sunday, Nov 21, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Star Wars & live jazz

Sunday, Dec 5, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Christmas Vacation & live jazz

Sunday, Dec 12, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Elf

Sunday, Jan 16, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Wizard of Oz & live jazz

Sunday, Jan 30, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring The Princess Bride & live jazz

Sunday, Feb 6, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Caddyshack & live jazz

Sunday, Feb 27, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Airplane & live jazz

Sunday, March 13, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Holy Grail  

Sunday, March 27, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Napoleon Dynamite

Sunday, April 10, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Big Lebowski & live jazz

 

“As Is” Jazz Quartet with Kung Fu BBQ to benefit The Collaboratory

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The Brightside Music & Event Venue presents an evening featuring Kung Fu BBQ and As Is jazz quartet to benefit The Collaboratory on Thursday, August 26, 2021.
 
 
Kung Fu BBQ is Dayton’s underground culinary sensation. Jump to the head of their long waiting list to experience what Dayton foodies have been salivating over.  As Is is a nationally-acclaimed jazz duo of Alan and Stacey Schulman. They will be backed by Dayton rhythm section of James Leslie on drums and Chris Berg on bass. The Brightside is Dayton’s premier music and event venue located at 905 East Third Street in downtown Dayton.

 

HOW TO GO?

Doors open for dinner at 6:30 PM. Music starts at 7:30 PM on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at The Brightside (905 E 3rd, Dayton)

$30 ticket includes concert and one (1) drink ticket.

Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/as-is-jazz-quartet-with-kung-fu-bbq-to-benefit-the-collaboratory-tickets-166554148943

Please Note: The Brightside is equipped with UV air filters that sanitize the circulating air and follows all current local, state and federal COVID response practices. Outdoor seat will be available. Please stay home if you have recently experienced COVID-19 symptoms, have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have recently had contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case.

 

Live music is back at The Brightside – featuring locals Gabe Maas, Mariah J, & Isicle

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On June 3rd the mask mandate lifts in Ohio, and that means it’s a lot easier to get back to the fun things we’ve been missing since the pandemic shutdown. One of the types of gatherings people have been missing the most is seeing live music. Local venues, like The Brightside, are excited to be hosting concerts again.

The Brightside started hosting music in 2019, and just as they approached their one-year anniversary, the COVID shutdown went into effect. The independent venue located on East 3rd St, near the corner of Keowee, pivoted to weddings, sold merchandise, and hosted virtual events over the past year.

“We’re grateful to the community for their support during this challenging time,” music booker Libby Ballengee, told us. “Our biggest goal was to keep improving the venue and when it’s safe, get back to hosting music events. Those events are so joyful!”

The improvements have included adding UV filters to the ductwork in order to clean the circulating indoor air. The venue was also able to add a patio, where they can host outdoor concerts.

The venue’s first show back since the mask mandate has been lifted features three up-and-coming local musicians who perform an eclectic mix of Soul, R&B, Pop & Electronic music: Mariah J, Gabe Maas & The Bruins, and Isicle. These artists are pushing boundaries in their respective genres, and are thrilled to be performing for Dayton audiences again. This show is planned to be outdoors on patio unless inclement weather.

Learn more about The Brightside’s upcoming shows at: TheBrightsideDayton.com

HOW TO GO:

Where: The Brightside at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402

When: Thursday June 3, 2021 from 7-10pm

Cost:  $10

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-music-with-mariah-j-gabe-maas-the-bruins-isicle-the-brightside-tickets-156363237653