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Dayton Music

A Barn, a Battle and Ben Folds

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What do a barn, a rap battle and Ben Folds have in common? All three will be part of the Dayton music scene this weekend. So round up your friends and check out one (or all three) of these events…

UD’s ArtStreet will be hosting a Freestyle Rap Battle/Slam Jam at the ArtStreet Amphitheatre on Saturday, April 17th from 9-11 pm. The event was initiated by Navigators, a Christian  student organization on campus, and has been a regular hit at ArtStreet’s Thursday Night Live over the past year. Think you have what it takes to be the next Rap Battle champion? Freestylers of all experience levels are welcome to participate, and no pre-registration is required. The event starts out casual, transitioning into one-on-one battles where a winner is eventually selected. The event is free, so if you are missing that college campus atmosphere, come check out this unique event. ArtStreet is located on the 300 block of Kiefaber Street on the University of Dayton campus. For more information and directions, visit http://artstreet.udayton.edu.

If freestyle rapping isn’t your style, then pack up your camping gear and head out to Eric and Meg Suttman’s farm for a night under the stars at the 24th semi-annual Barnjam.  Gates open at 6 pm on Saturday, April 17, and the music starts at 7 pm. The lineup includes Jahman Brahman, Drew LaPlante, Kelly Fine, Todd Day Wait, Rory Carroll, Pat McInnis, Jersey Joe and an all night drum circle. Admission is $10 and benefits the University of Dayton Appalachia Club. For more info and directions to the farm, visit http://barnjam.com/.

benfoldsFinally, wrap up your weekend with Ben Folds and a Piano at the UD arena on Sunday, April 18th. The concert is sponsored by the UD Charity Concert Committee, and all concert profits will be donated to the American Cancer Society. The concert begins at 8 pm with opener Kate Miller-Heidke. Great seats are still available to the general public for $27 each (plus Ticketmaster fees). On a budget? Tickets are only $15 each for upper level seats when you buy in groups of 4; order your tickets from Ticketmaster.

Dance with the Dead to Help the Sideshow

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n106479089380190_8105This Thursday, April 8th, Club Vex will host Disco of the Dead, an art show/concert/costumed dance party to benefit the Dayton Circus’ Sideshow event that happens during Urban Nights in May (we’ll be bringing you more details on the Sideshow and Urban Nights in the coming weeks).  The evening will include DJ sets from Etch a Scratch, Yeti Master, and 209 Sins as well as a performance by hip hop act, Zombies of Phunk.  The cost is $5 dollars and zombie attire is encouraged.

The Weekend in Music (It’s a big one)

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Before a certain rabbit brings baskets of chocolates and marshmallow birds, there’s going to be a lot happening in Dayton.  You’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to live music this weekend, so here’s a rundown of just some of the shows worth hearing and seeing:

FRIDAY – 8_bit

-Singer/songwriter, BJSR will perform at Practice Yoga on Fifth Street as part of First Friday celebrations.  Practice Yoga’s spring party runs from 7 to 10pm and will feature a photography display from Matthew J. Cline, free yoga class passes for first time visitors and more.

-Also part of First Friday, Puzzle of Light will perform at Jay’s Seafood Restaurant in the Oregon District.  Call ahead for dinner reservations, but if you’re planning on coming for dessert or a drink and the music, it’ll get started around 9pm.

–Bonneville and Shrug will be hitting the stage at Canal Street Tavern around 9:30pm.  This show is $5 and promises to be a great way to usher in the weekend.

–Over at Blind Bobs, 8-Bit Revival and The Lab Partners will be celebrating the duel release show along with Okay Lindon that I told you about a few posts ago.

SATURDAY-

–Me & the MountainMe & Mountains will perform at South Park Tavern with recently reformed Ed vs. Radio and Covington’s Frontier Folk Nebraska.  This all-ages show begins at 9pm and the cost is $5.

-Touring band Lollipop Factory will stop by Canal Street Tavern to celebrate the release of their new EP.  They’re sharing the bill with the Luxury Pushers and The Dirty Socialites who are making their local debut.  This show should be getting underway around 9pm.

–Mountain Screamer will celebrate the release of their debut album at Jimmie’s Cornerstone on Brown Street.  They’ll share the stage with Northwest Ordinance and last year’s Dayton Band Playoff winners, the Turkish Delights.  This show is $5 and the music starts at 9pm.

These are just some of the great shows you can catch this weekend right here in Dayton.  Who are you excited about seeing this weekend?  What other weekend plans do you have?

Thursday: Wake Up Mordecai at South Park Tavern

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n357909660348_5681Poptek Records artist Wake Up Mordecai will be playing at South Park Tavern on Thursday, April 1st.  Also on the bill are Cincinnati’s The Minor Leagues and local act Sleep Fleet (formerly All Alliteration Aside).  This all-ages show gets underway at 9pm – so perfect timing to enjoy one of South Park Tavern’s great pizzas and hear some great music.  Puns about being a fool for missing this show are entirely optional.

For a preview, check out Wake Up Mordecai’s live performance on Kaleidoscope from last summer.

The Lions Rampant and The Professors at South Park Tavern

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ProfsCincinnati-based act The Lions Rampant will be celebrating the release of their new full-length album, It’s Fun to Do Bad Things this Saturday, March 27 at South Park Tavern.  They’ll be hitting the stage with local act The Professors whose latest album, Will Not Lie Down, is available for free download here. This is an all-ages and the cost is $5.  Don’t forget that shows at South Park Tavern generally start and end a little earlier than some of the other venues in town so get there at 9:30pm to catch all the music.

For more on The Lions Rampant’s new album, check out my interview with members of the band a few days ago on Kaleidoscope.

Squids Eye Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with 2 New Releases at Blind Bob’s

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Squid's EyeSquids Eye Recording Collective has been responsible for releasing some great albums from area bands for the past three years.  On Saturday, March 27, they’ll celebrate their third anniversary and two new releases with a show at Blind Bob’s featuring live music from members of the Squids Eye lineup including Yakuza Heart Attack, Astro Fang, Creatures and Golden Kong.

Local hip hop collective and Squids Eye artist Trunk Bound Regime is also on the bill for the evening and will be celebrating the release of their new album.  Squids Eye will also be releasing their Dayton, OH Vol II compilation that night.  Both albums are available for preorder on the Squids Eye website.

Dayton Native Returns to Miami Valley with Corigliano Quartet

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headshot-MELIADayton native Melia Watras will soon be returning to the Miami Valley for two performances with the critically-acclaimed Corigliano Quartet, of which she is a founding member. The string quartet, named in honor of the Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer John Corigliano, will perform in Yellow Springs on Sunday, March 21, and again at the University of Dayton on Monday, March 22.

Melia, a graduate of Colonel White High School, also served as chair in the viola section of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and in the Dayton Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. After high school, she attended Indiana University, where she co-founded the Corigliano Quartet in 1996. The group has since performed in many of the nation’s leading music centers. In fact, Corigliano himself has said that this quartet is “truly one of the great quartets of the new generation.” Anything but average, the Corigliano Quartet is dedicated to presenting new American music as well as the standard classical repertoire. To preview their performance, check out the audio clips at http://www.coriglianoquartet.com.

The Chamber Music Yellow Springs performance will be held Sunday, March 21, at 7:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church (314 Xenia Avenue in Yellow Springs). Tickets are $18 ; $6 for students. For more info, call 937-374-8800.

The University of Dayton Arts Series performance will be held on Monday, March 22, at 8 pm in Sears Recital Hall on the UD campus. Tickets are $14; $8 for seniors, University faculty, staff and alumni, and non-University of Dayton students, $5 for University of Dayton students. For more info, call 937-229-2545 or 937-229-2787.

Photo from http://www.coriglianoquartet.com.

8-Bit Revival and the Lab Partners to Release Albums on April 2

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8bitRevivalA while ago I had predicted that 2010 would be a big year for local music and between what’s already been released this year and what’s coming up, I stand by that prediction.  Two big names in local music are teaming up for a joint release show on April 2nd at Blind Bob’s.

8-Bit Revival (pictured on the left) will unveil their second full-length album, You’ve Been Believed (Minor Manor) as they prepare to kick off a spring tour.  The Lab Partners will celebrate the release of their latest album, Moonlight Music (Pravda Records).  They’ll share the stage with Middletown’s  Okay Lindon.

8-Bit Revival will also stop by WYSO’s studios on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) for a live performance on Kaleidoscope (8-11pm).

Monday Night Girl Fight Brings an All-Ages Show to C-Space

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l_81c56c399f2e42c0ba3901c6e6c395f8Start your week off with some good old fashion rock and roll.  On Monday, March 15th, local ladies Jasper the Colossal will play host to national act The Dollyrots (Blackheart Records).  It’s all an all-ages show called Monday Night Girl Fight at C{Space (20 N. Jefferson St, Dayton, Ohio 45402) and will also feature music from Sucker Punch Sally and Misunderstood.  The doors open at 8pm, and entry is $5

Swearing at Motorists to Play Local House Shows

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298549289_bd1825a732It’s always an occasion for excitement when Swearing at Motorists plays a show in the Miami Valley, and their up coming trip to Dayton is no exception.  They’ll be playing two very intimate house shows, one of which is already sold out.

There are a limited amount of tickets to the show on Thursday, March 18 so if you’re interested in going, I recommend getting tickets soon.  Here’s how to do it.

Go to this link to purchase tickets to the show, and a few days before the show, location and details will be emailed to you.  You’ve also got the option to get tickets by pledging to WYSO’s Spring Pledge Drive during Kaleidoscope on March 10 8-11pm.

Ed vs. Radio is Back

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EVR--Flyer-2-13-2Ed vs. Radio was a big name in local music between 2004 and 2006 when band members decided to pursue individual interests.   Toward the end of last year, there were rumblings of the band’s return, and I’m happy to report that Ed vs. Radio is indeed back in action.  Original members Jason Gilmore (guitar and vocals) and Jeff Coates (drums) will be joined by James Daniels on bass and Jasper the Colossal’s Paige Bellar on vocals.

Ed vs. Radio will be playing an all-ages show at the Attic in Kettering on Saturday, February 13. The following Friday (Feb 19th), they’ll hit the stage at Blind Bob’s with Me & Mountains, The Javeline Dance, and 8-Bit Revival.  As a prelude, the band will be playing live on Kaleidoscope on Wednesday, February 10 beginning at 8pm on WYSO.

Smug Brothers, Motel Beds, and John Gassett Unveil New Albums at Blind Bob’s

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It’s certainly a cause for celebration whenever a local artist releases a new album, but on Saturday, February 6th, the excitement will be tripled.  The Smug Brothers, the Motel Beds and John Gassett will each be releasing a new album that night at Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District.  Toads and Mice will round out what’s sure to be a great night of live music.

20537_243124511706_117612601706_3725853_794707_nWhether you’re a longtime fan of Dayton’s music scene or this will be your first show downtown, Saturday is going to be a great opportunity to add 3 local albums to your music collection.  I’ve mentioned before that I think 2010 is going to be a big year for music in Dayton, and this seems like a really solid start.

The Smug Brothers and the Motel Beds will also be playing an acoustic set live on Kaleidoscope on Wednesday, Feb 3rd beginning at 8pm and talking about their new albums.  You can catch Kaleidoscope every Wednesday night (8-11pm) on WYSO 91.3FM or online at wyso.org.

Looking Back on Local Music in 2009

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SkylineOn Saturday night I  was standing at Blind Bob’s in a huge crowd of new and old friends for HoliDayton.  It was a great night, and the perfect way to cap off a great year of music.

True, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.  Bands have broken up or moved away.  Ace Music closed, and I’m still getting a lump in throat every I drive down Fifth Street and see the “store closing” sign on Gem City Records.

The good news is that the future of Dayton’s music scene is looking brighter than ever.  I counted at least 20 new releases from local artists in 2009.  We had our 5th Dayton Music Fest and our 7th HoliDayton.  We saw some of our favorite bands celebrate anniversaries and newer venues like Blind Bobs and the Dayton Dirt Collective increase their commitment to local artists.

I was originally going to write about some of my favorite local music moments of 2009, but there are simply too many to choose from.  Plus  it’s way more fun to hear from all you.  So tell me, Dayton Most Metro reader, what was your favorite musical moment from 2009? What or who surprised you this year and what albums and shows do you want to see in 2010?

Tis the Season for Holidayton

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HolidaytonSeven years strong, Holidayton brings together some of the area’s best bands to celebrate the year in music and enjoy the season with friends from near and far.  This year’s show will take place on Saturday, December 26th at Blind Bobs.  Two stages will play host to ten acts ranging from the singer-songwriter David Payne to the Story Changes who’ve just returned to town after touring with Hawthorne Heights and Nightbeast.  To sweeten the celebration, the Motel Beds and the Smug Brothers will be offering up new EPs the night of the show.

The Story Changes’ Mark McMillon will be on Kaleidoscope on Wednesday, December 23 to play an acoustic set and talk about Holidayton.  Tune in Kaleidoscope Wednesday nights, 8-11pm on 91.3FM WYSO or listen online at wyso.org.

Holiday Cheer Comes to the Dayton Dirt Collective

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BillyWillyThis year the Dayton Dirt Collective has become a home to many of Dayton’s aspiring comedians, and this Thursday, they’ll put a holiday spin on the laughs.  Friendly, West Virginia’s Billy Willy will headline an evening of music, comedy and good cheer at the Dayton Dirt Collective on Thursday, December 17th.  The show is called Billy Willy’s Miracle on Third Street will feature the songs and stories of Billy Willy and local comedians Michelle Metzner and I Que.  Local musician Akillis Green will perform live music at this Toys for Tots benefit show.

The show starts at 8pm, and the evening’s cost is a new, unwrapped toy or a $5 donation that’ll go to Toys for Tots.

Billy Willy, Akillis Green and show organizer, Shelly Hulce will be appearing on Kaleidoscope on WYSO on Wednesday, December 16th to talk about the show.  Kaleidoscope airs 8-11pm on 91.3FM or wyso.org.

Shrug to record live album at Canal Street Tavern, open for MINK reunion

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ShrugShrug recently celebrated their 15th anniversary of bringing music to Dayton and beyond.  That celebration will continue on Friday, November 27th at Canal Street Tavern, and it promises to be quite a treat for local music fans.  Shrug will open the show with a set of songs ranging from their 1995 album, Straight to Beta to present-day material.  Shrug’s set will be recorded for a live album (so come out and make some noise!).  The evening will be headlined by a reunited MINK, who took the Dayton music scene by storm in the 90’s.  It should be a great night to be thankful for our local musical offerings.

Shrug will also appear on Kaleidoscope on Wednesday, November 25.  They’ll be doing an acoustic set and chatting about Friday’s show, the live album, and their 15 years of making music.  Tune in from 8 to 11pm on 91.3FM WYSO or listen online at www.wyso.org