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Dayton Music

Reggae-influenced rock back at Bogart’s

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Popular reggae act Iration is performing at Bogart’s in Cincinnati. Photo Credit: Dane Hodgson

Spring and summer is the ideal season for certain types of music – reggae music being one of them! This week you’re in luck because reggae-influenced alternative rock band Iration is close by on their “Live From Paradise!” tour. They are performing with special guests Pepper, Fortunate Youth and Katastro. By tapping some unparalleled aloha spirit, these acts are combining forces to spread nothing but good vibes, creating a truly serene and exclusive environment at each of their 43 tour stops, including Cincinnati on Wednesday, May 15 at Bogart’s.

“We’re very proud to present to you Live From Paradise! – a night of music intended to transport you to your happy place,” shares lead vocalist/guitarist Micah Pueschel. “Four amazing bands, all unique, all bringing the fire. Come out and join us this spring and summer; let’s experience paradise together.”

Hawaiian-bred, California-based Iration features Micah Pueschel [lead vocals/guitar], Adam Taylor [bass], Joe Dickens [drums], Cayson Peterson [keyboards], Micah Brown [guitar/vocals] plus touring member Drake Peterson [trumpet]). They are touring behind their latest self-titled album, released May 2018 via their own Three Prong Records. The 17-track album, the band’s sixth full-length, features guest appearances from Slightly Stoopid, J Boog and Tyrone’s Jacket and the singles “Hit List,” “Fly With Me,” “Danger,” “Borderlines” and latest single“Press Play.” To check out their music, click here.

How to Go?

Iration along with special guests at Bogart’s (2621 Vine St, Cincinnati)

Doors 6pm. Show starts at 6:30pm.

Tickets: $27.50 plus fees

All ages are welcome. General Admission standing room only.

Enjoy the first Songwriter Showcase at The Brightside!

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Dayton’s newest music venue, The Brightside, is presenting its first Songwriter Showcase this Wednesday May 8th, 2019. The venue has two spaces for music, a large ballroom for larger concerts and events, and a smaller listening room, that is ideal for intimate evenings such as this special showcase.

The evening starts off at 8pm with Jack Ballengee Morris performing his all original songs, accompanied by Peter Fox on cello. Morris, a 4th-generation Appalachian singer-songwriter, originally from Clay County, West Virginia. His music is planted firmly by his roots but allows for the influences of Ramblin’ Jack, John Prine, Bob Dylan and Daniel Johnston.

At 9pm, Dayton’s own Amber Hargett takes the stage. Amber received raved reviews from her recent album release performance, and has been in the Top 5 Best Sellers at Dayton’s Omega Music record store. Amber Hargett blends folk, rock, pop, roots and soul sounds into her unique storytelling style. Her writing attempts to balance honesty with empathy and reflect truths about faith, life, and relationships.

The evening closes with a 10pm set from Closest Relative, coming to Dayton for the first time from Columbus. After a 2015 motorcycle accident took two fingers from his left hand, longtime guitarist Jack O’Connell adopted a new playing style and started performing solo as Closest Relative. His music is characterized by intricate two-fingered guitar work, and earnest lyrics. His latest EP “This Tree is Base” expands on his previous EP “Messes” and unfurls his songwriting in unexpected directions.

Making this show extra special is the live art happening on site. Artists Etch and Tiffany Clark will be creating the Dayton skyline outside the venue as a permanent art piece! Very cool. This promises to be a Wednesday evening out that you won’t want to miss!

How to Go?

The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Wednesday May 8, 2019

Doors 7pm. Show 8-11pm.

$7 admission.

All ages welcome

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s Golden Anniversary Celebrated with the Dayton Philharmonic!

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The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, under the leadership of Artistic Director and Conductor Neal Gittleman, is honored to be a part of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s 50th Anniversary celebration for a special DCDC Golden Anniversary Concert on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 6:30pm at the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton.

Founded in 1968 by the late Jeraldyne Blunden, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) is the oldest modern dance company in Ohio. DCDC serves as a cultural ambassador to Dayton, the state of Ohio, the Midwest, and the nation. The company holds the world’s largest archive of classic African American dance works and one of the largest of any kind among contemporary dance companies worldwide. Noteworthy choreographers who have worked with the company include Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Donald Byrd, Bill T. Jones, José Limón, Donald McKayle, Ray Mercer, Bebe Miller, Doug Varone, and Kevin Ward.

Together, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will present a thrilling performance to honor DCDC’s 50th Anniversary as the region’s outstanding modern dance company rooted in the African American experience. The evening’s performance will consist of three engaging pieces that celebrate the artistry and athleticism of the full DCDC company of dancers.

The first of the three pieces presented will be the World Premiere choreographed by former DCDC artistic director Kevin Ward. The new work is entitledand each day you mean one more and is set to brand new music by composer and musician Derrick Spivey, Jr. and performed by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Neal, Derrick and Kevin–conductor, composer, and choreographer–have worked closely together over the last several months to bring this work to life.

and each day you mean one more is partly inspired by the poem “The Low Road” by Marge Piercy, which addresses the challenges faced by the lone actor for societal good and how, with the gradual attraction and enlistment of like-minded individuals, a real force for change can be built that can resist destructive reactionary forces. In creating the dance, choreographer Kevin Ward was inspired by many lone actors such as Fanny Lou Hamer, David Hogg, Fred Rogers, James Baldwin, Malala, Claudette Colvin, and many nameless actors, such as the U.S. prisoners who staged a massive strike against systematic abuse, even though it resulted in the cruelest solitary confinement, and how their efforts inspired millions to follow suit.

DCDC will also perform a signature work from their history called Children of the Passage. This work was co-created for DCDC by world-renowned choreographer Ronald K. Brown and Tony-nominated choreographer Donald McKayle, who passed away just over a year ago this April. The work follows a party of decadent lost souls that are haunted and later rescued by spirits that reconnect them to their ancient and ancestral character. The composition is a cadence that is drawn from the traditional marching jazz bands of New Orleans, with the grind and groove of the contemporary jazz and soul music. The language of movements is translated from the visual poetry of African and African American dance and the celebration of cultural rituals of yesterday and today.

The third work on the program is American Mo’, created by choreographer and DCDC Associate Artistic Director Crystal Michelle Perkins. The dance is a celebration of triumph over adversity. Dancers express freedom, courage and joy to Duke Ellington’s “Three Black Kings,” composed in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This work originally premiered on September 19 & 20, 2015 as part ofAmerican Mosaic, Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts and was performed with accompaniment by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Schuster Center. DCDC has performed the innovative piece in New York City, Kazakhstan, and the Bolshoi in Moscow.

How To Go!

Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 6:30pm at the Schuster Center
Tickets for DCDC Golden Anniversary Concert begin at $15.50 and are available for purchase by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or online at www.daytonperformingarts.org. 
For more information on the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, including by Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Opera and Dayton Ballet, visit www.daytonperformingarts.org.
For more information on Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, visit www.dcdc.org.

Get cultured at Fine Art Final Fridays at new downtown gallery

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We hear a lot about First Fridays downtown, but less so about Final Fridays. Edward Dixon who owns a new independent gallery downtown is celebrating Fine Art Final Fridays and I am here for it!

The Edward A. Dixon Gallery is a hidden gem on Ludlow, just show of 3rd St and Courthouse Square. On Final Fridays you’ll find lots of local and international art for your viewing pleasure, along with light appetizers and beverages and live music. Bringing music and visual art together, is absolutely one of my favorite things!

Senior Art Majors from Central State University will also be at the gallery with Professor Erin Smith-Glenn. Students will be gaining experience at a commercial art gallery, interacting with the public as emerging artists and being interviewed by the gallery owner.

Artwork from several local and international artists will be on display and available for purchase. The special exhibit this month features glass mosaic art from Philip Payne and abstract photography from Bill Franz. Entertainment provided by pianist & keyboardist, Denzel Hollis.

Also, look for other great events on Ludlow Street during Final Friday including Something’s Afoot at The Arts Collaboratory (2nd & Ludlow), Latin Dance at Hannah’s and music and spirits at Third Perk Coffee House.

How To Go?

Fine Art Final Fridays at Edward A. Dixon Gallery

The gallery is located at 12 South Ludlow Street – Dayton, OH 45402 near the corner of  Third and Ludlow.

Occurs final Friday of each month from 5-9pm (April 26 – June 28)

NOTE: Free parking after 6pm at meters!

The gallery is available by appointment most days including weekends by calling 937-985-2115 or emailing info@eadgallery.com.

Enjoy an early evening of folk music with Ellis Paul!

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Enjoy an early evening and intimate performance with the one and only, Ellis Paul at Brightside Music Room this Sunday April 14, 2019. It’s going to be a true Sunday Funday with doors opening at 5pm with food from Twisted Taco food truck, and music from 6-8pm. Cozy, early evening that is perfect for Dayton music fans!

Ellis Paul is a renowned troubadour, singer/songwriter, folky, and storyteller. He’s been inspired by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor, and their spirits seem to occasionally grace his work. With an acoustic guitar in hand, he weaves intimate, provocative, and romantic tales of lives that were obviously witnessed by a most-talented voyeur.

Based in Massachusetts, Paul has been called the quintessential Boston songwriter more than a few times and has garnered the recognition and awards to back up that claim, including a shelf full of Boston Music Awards. Since coming onto the scene in 1993 with his independent debut, Say Something, Paul hasn’t slowed or weakened as a performer or a writer.

Spending two-thirds of most years on the road has helped him perfect both crafts, with a lot of practice on-stage and a lot of people whose stories he retells in song.  Over the years and albums, his songs have gotten more personal. Paul is on tour celebrating his 20th and latest studio album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase.

How to Go?

Sunday April 14 at Brightside Music & Event Venue (903 E 3rd St).

Doors 5pm. Show 6-8pm. Tickets $20 each (available online and at the door).

Rockin’ out to support Ronald McDonald House of Dayton!

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This weekend, April 12-13, 2019, you can rock out to a 2-night music event and fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House. Come for one or both nights of this special event at the new Brightside Music & Event Venue!

Friday night serves as the pre-party for Saturday night’s main event. There you’ll enjoy an extra special Happy Hour, which kicks off at 4:30pm, featuring a tasting from Cutwater Spirits and food available from Godfather’s Pizza. Music starts at 6pm with Last Call Trio, featuring special guest Danny Voris. At 8pm you can witness the 6 year old piano sensation Avett Ray (as seen on CBS News, Good Morning America, People, Inside Edition). At 8:30pm, the Kerry Smith Band rehearses for their big show on Saturday. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door. VIP ticket $30 (includes Saturday night ticket too + reserved seating) More info here.

Saturday night is the main event! Doors open at 6pm. Harvest Mobile Cuisine will be here and have food available for purchase. Avett Ray is back with another performance at 7pm. At 8pm, the Kerry Smith Band takes the stage for this rare reunion show. General admission tickets for Saturday are $15 advance, $20 at the door. VIP ticket $30 (includes Friday night ticket too + reserved seating.) More info here.

This is going to be a fantastic weekend for rock’n’roll fans, and a fabulous way to support Dayton’s Ronald McDonald House!

Celebration of liFe at Blind Bob’s on Saturday

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One of the things I admire most about the Dayton music community, is its ability to bring everyone together and to lift each other up. This Saturday April 13th is no exception with the Celebration of liFe concert at Blind Bob’s Bar.

Organizers explain: “One year ago, our community lost a beacon of light. In memory of our dear friend Fe Meier, please join us for Celebration of liFe. To honor her smile, kindness and memory, all proceeds will be donated to NAMI Montgomery County Ohio. NAMI is dedicated to providing peer support, education and advocacy to individuals and families affected with mental illness.”

The night’s lineup includes local rock bands Abertooth Lincoln, Kelly Renea Hanus, Weathervein, VICE ON VICTORYandSmall Words. The show is $5 at the door, although additional donations are gladly accepted! This is a 21+ event. Doors 9pm. Music till 2am.

Want to donate but can’t attend? Please visit www.nami-mc.org. Want to help but can’t donate? Call a friend or loved one and tell them five amazing things about themselves. Give someone a hug. Make sure that YOU are taking care of your mental health and reaching out to others when you need to. You are never a burden. You are never too much. YOU ARE LOVED.

Scythian warms up the Celtic Crowd!

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For all those missing Celtic Festival, there’s a fantastic event happening this weekend that’s just for you! One of the beloved annual headliners, Scythian, is making a winter stop in Dayton, to warm up our hearts and souls, and get us in the mood for St Patrick’s Day!

Scythian is crowd pleaser for many reasons, primarily because they are so energetic, and get people literally bouncing on their feet! The other reason is their undeniable talent, and clever interplay between musicians. If you’ve never seen them perform, this is the perfect show to see and hear them up close!

The upcoming March 8th performance is extra special for a couple of reasons. First off, the band is performing at one of Dayton’s newest venues, The Brightside Music & Event Venue. Dayton has been in need of a 400-600 person indoor room where national acts can perform during the colder months especially. Secondly, Scythian is joined by The Hussey Brothers (Indiana) & our beloved Celtic Academy of Irish Dance for this show!

When I spoke with this band about their upcoming show in Dayton, they said: “For every band that tours, there’s always a few cities that have a special place in their heart: places that have opened their doors, their hearts to them and given them the unconditional support to take risks and grow as musicians. For us Dayton is such a place and we can honestly say it feels like a home away from home – an oasis. During this 3,500 mile St. Patrick’s Day tour we’ve all been keeping our eye on March 8th. We’re excited to come home and are looking forward to introducing our Dayton family to the Hussey Brothers an brand new band on the Americana scene that will be turning heads this coming year. So be sure to come out early to hear these Indiana boys play and come ready for a great night of musical entertainment!”

The Hussey Brothers perform with Scythian at the Brightside Music & Event Center on Friday March 8, 2019. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.

How to Go?

Friday March 8, 2019. Doors 7pm. Show 7:30-10:30pm.

The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St Dayton OH 45402

Tickets $20 – purchase here.

All Ages!

Rock N Green Tomato Fest June 8th, Vendors needed !

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Ryan Roth and the Comeback Special Return

The green tomatoes will be frying again this summer in Miamisburg and the Elvis tribute band is tuning up.  Saturday, June 8th will be the 9th Annual Rock n Green Tomato Festival. 

There will be live music, food, kids activities, cornhole, hamburgers, and even a hula hoop and pie contest!

Free admission as always,  this family oriented fest will take place at Riverfront Park in downtown Miamisburg, behind Ron’s Pizza.

The event’s main sponsor is Mid USA Credit Union.

Expecting a big crowd this year

CRAFT AND BUSINESS VENDORS NEEDED !!
– Deadline to signup is June 1st, 2019

The festival is in need for craft and local vendors!  Booth spaces are 12 x 12 and only cost $50 for the day.  You are not allowed to sell food or drinks.  Food vendor booths are different and are available at $150.  You are expected to be there from 10am until 10pm unless sever weather persists.  For vendor info, or to sign up and register, for a booth please download the form and send it in per the instructions HERE.

 

Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest returns

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL:

— THE FESTIVAL IS SATURDAY, JUNE 8th FROM NOON- 11PM

— Live Music all day with the final band at 7:30pm being Elvis tribute band Ryan Roth and the Comeback Special.

— 10 Food Trucks /Food Vendors will include The Hamburger Wagon who for the first time in 106 years, will offer an option of green tomato on their burger !!   Also, Ron’s Pizza will have a booth selling Fried Green Tomatoes and Fried Green Tomato Pizza.

Kids Bouncy House and Pony rides in 2019

— At 11:30am Check in begins for the Cornhole Tournament with $250 Cash Grand Prize – SIGN UP HERE

— Kids games –  Bouncy House, Pony Rides, etc..

— There will be a Dunk Tank where you can soak it to Miamisburg Coaches and Athletes – proceeds go to Miamisburg Athletics

— At 2pm you have to sign-up or watch the Hamburger Eating Contest hosted by the Hamburger Wagon.

— At 2:30 pm is the Hula Hoop contest !  Trophy to the winner !

$250 will be paid to the cornhole winners

— Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest –5pm – judging by The Food Adventure Crew at the stage at 5pm..  Local restaurants and amateur chefs battle it out for the top 3 trophies.  Leftover pieces of pie will be sold to benefit the Miamisburg Athletic Boosters.

— Ron’s Pizza Tavern will be celebrating by selling Green Draft Beer in the dining room, bar area and on the patio

That is a full list of activities expected at the Rock n Green Tomato Festival.

All the rock, fun, food and Green Tomatoes you can take in a day !

FREE admission and family friendly as always – mark your calendars and tell your vendor friends to sign-up and pay by JUNE 1st .

Fried Green Tomatoes

Dunk Tank

Hamburger Eating Contest

hula hooper

The famous Hamburger wagon

Burger eating Champ 2016

Expecting 2000-4000 people

A double from the Hamburger Wagon

Mrs Pickles Green Tomato Pie Entry

Lots of eating for listening and eating

Ryan Roth leads the best Elvis Tribute ever ..

The Ice Cream Trolley is expected to attend

Werksgiving is the biggest party of Thanksgiving weekend!

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The Werks, who started their musical journey right here in Dayton, are always happy to come for the holidays and host their annual “Werksgiving” show. This year is even more exciting, as the band shifts locations to directly downtown, at the newest music venue: the Brightside! For years music lovers have longed for a big room to see music in Dayton, and that time is finally here!

Kicking off this special celebration is a massive group of special guests who are performing with local band Kommunity Service. The featured special guests include:

Johnny K AllDay guitar/vocals
Dino Dimitrouleas bass/vocals
Rob Brockman drums/vocals
Stephen Buttree Sax/keys/samples/vocals
Nathan Springhart keys/vocals
Megan Fitzpatrick fiddle/vocals
Aaron Armstrong percussion
Chris Houser guitar/general awesomeness
Bob Maltby guitar/genius
And many more of your favorite musicians!

This is guaranteed to be the biggest party of Thanksgiving weekend – especially for music lovers!

How to Go?

What: The 11th Annual Werksgiving

When: November 21, 2018 from 8pm-1am

Where: Brightside Music & Event Venue at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton OH

How: Tickets are $12.50 and available for advance purchase here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/werksgiving-the-werks-brightside-dayton-oh-tickets-51051330905

The Brightside Celebrates its Grand Opening

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The renovated Vodvil Ballroom will be revealed at The Brightside’s Grand Opening on October 12, 2018.

The much anticipated grand opening of The Brightside Event & Music Venue is happening this weekend, Friday October 12th, 2018. Lots of love and labor has gone into this once forgotten space near the corner of 3rd & Keowee. Now this renovated industrial event space is ready for parties, weddings, concerts, art shows, and community events, right in the heart of downtown Dayton.

Owners and artists Carli & Hamilton Dixon started this project a decade ago, drastically transforming the space into multiple businesses, The Brightside being the final installment. They are ecstatic to invite the community to celebrate with them as they reveal their finished Vodvil Ballroom, in addition to the cozy bar space that has been open for events the last year. (To learn more about their story, click here)

The grand opening party will kick off with a two-hour VIP party, from 5:30-7:30pm, which requires tickets and will feature a ribbon cutting! Then the space is open to the public from 8pm-12am. Please feel free to drop in to check out this newest multi-use space in downtown Dayton!

HOW TO GO?

Where: The Brightside Music & Event Center, 905 East Third Street Suite B, Dayton, Ohio
When: Friday October 12, 2018. VIP Party 5:30-7:30pm (tickets here). General public 8pm-12am.
More Info: https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/
https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/video-the-brightside-story

Join “Influencers for Action” Launch Party on October 5th

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October 5, 2018 marks the launch of Influencers for Action, an Instagram Influencer-led register to vote project based in Dayton, Ohio. The organization features a team of 80 Influencers, of which approximately 2/3 are from the Dayton-area, who will use their platform on social media to relay useful information about the upcoming voter registration deadlines to their followers.
Cumulatively, the Influencer team possesses an audience of over 200,000 followers. Notable Dayton Influencers include Lauren White, the new executive director of UpDayton, and Libby Ballengee, co-host of Gem City Podcast. Other Influencers from outside of Dayton such as Julianna Van Golen, a high-fashion model who was featured in NYFW, have also joined the project.
To celebrate the start of this unique project, Influencers for Action is hosting a launch party at W.O Wright’s Pub on October 5th. Doors open at 9pm, and is a free event until 11pm. Entry is $5 after 11pm as live music will be provided from two Dayton Influencers, Ty Spacely and Tony Splvsh. Drink specials include $3 draft beers and $2 well shots. To RSVP or get more information, click here.
How to Go?
When: Friday October 5, 2018. 9pm. Live music starts at 11pm.
Where: W.O. Wrights at 3979 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Beavercreek.
Cost: Free 9-11pm. $5 at the door, after 11pm.
Who: 18+

Sound Valley Summer Music Festival at Yellow Cab Tavern

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The inaugural Sound Valley Summer Music Festival is being held over Labor Day weekend, at the Yellow Cab Tavern on Saturday, September 1st. This festival has a dual purpose: one, to showcase talented rock bands from across the Miami Valley, and to raise awareness and funds to help combat the heroin epidemic through the local non-profit, Brigid’s Path.

“Dayton has been considered the heroin capital of the United States. We want to shift the national perspective and reclaim our reputation as a place for innovation, creativity and artistic expression through music,” Zac Pitts, co-owner of Sound Valley said.

With a full day of live music, Sound Valley Summer Music Festival will feature local rock, indie, and alternative bands, including: Life In Idle, Knavery, Beesly, Yardboss, Weathervein, NOVAGOLD, Seth Canan And The Carriers, Crosley Court, Isicle, Flee The Valley, Dave Zup, ThunderTaker, and A Voice of Your Own.

“This event is meant to connect those who want to take Dayton’s music scene to the next level.” Pitts said. “There will be two stages, both indoor and outdoor, and some amazing local food trucks throughout the day to keep hungry fans happy!”

In addition to great music, half of Sound Valley Summer Music Festival’s proceeds will benefit the Dayton organization, Brigid’s Path. This local non-profit provides inpatient medical care for drug-exposed newborns, non-judgmental support for mothers and education services to improve family outcomes. “The heroin epidemic has hit our community hard,” Pitts said. “We want to work alongside those that are taking away the stigma and standing with our neighbors who are struggling.”

Life in Idle is one of the bands set to perform at Sound Valley Music Festival at Yellow Cab Tavern on September 1, 2018.

HOW TO GO?

Sound Valley Summer Music Festival

Saturday, September 1 at 4pm

Yellow Cab Tavern 700 E 4th Street Dayton, OH

$10 in advance / $13 at doors

 

 

 

PorchFest – 40 Mini-Concerts In One Day

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Play Music on The Porch Day started out as an idea…“What if for one day everything stopped…and we all just listened to the music?”

Even though this seems like a simple idea, if it worked, it could produce profound results. So in 2013 the organizers of the first “Play on a Porch Day” decided to share this idea with the world and to their surprise the idea spread even faster than they could have ever imagined.

In 2017 thousands of musicians from at least 40 countries and over 400 cities – including Dayton for the first time – participated and the movement continues to grow every day. Musicians from across the globe, regardless of their differences, are finding common ground through music.

This year Dayton again participates in this growing international music phenomenon as the now annual event known as Dayton Porchfest, a free, family friendly event for all ages. The festivities take place in the historic St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood, just east of downtown. There you will find over 40 live Dayton musical acts performing on home owner’s porches. Not only do you get to listen to music all afternoon, you get to experience one of Dayton’s most charming neighborhoods!

This event celebrates Dayton’s rich and diverse music scene, with musicians and bands covering funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old time muisc that has deep Appalachian roots here. This event also celebrates our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade.

Dayton Porchfest is organized by The Collaboratory, a non-profit incubator for community enterprises and initiatives, located on Courthouse Square. Proceeds from Porchfest go to benefit The Collaboratory. Tips for the musicians are appreciated!

St Anne’s is home to the Fifth Street Brew Pub, who will be open during the festivities. Four food trucks will also be on site, including: McNasty’s, Courtland’s Mobile Grill, Pa’s Pork, Chi-Dogs, and Gary’s Italian Ice. Be sure to scroll below for map and music schedule.

How to Go?

When: Saturday August 25th from 1:30pm – 7pm aka “International Play on the Porch” Day. See schedule below.

Where: Throughout St. Anne’s Hill Historic District located between 4th and Josie St. Please do not park in the neighborhood. Parking is available at the Liederkranz building, Stivers High School, Becker Electric, RSC Graphics, and Miami Valley Gasket. Signs will be present. See map below.

Cost: Free!

Ages: All ages welcome

Remember to bring: Sunscreen, chair, and umbrella (just in case!)

Take photos? Please use #DaytonPorchfest #MusicOnTheHill #DiscoverDayton

Bellwether Music Festival busts out the best alternative rock!

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There is certainly no shortage of summer music festivals in the greater Miami Valley region, however many of them lean towards jam, folk, bluegrass, and country fans. For the many alternative and indie rock fans, there are far fewer festival options, especially ones with camping.

That’s the gap that Bellwether Music Festival is hoping to fill. Referred to as a “mini-Bonnaroo”- this two-day, two-stage alternative music festival features an impressive lineup of both national and local acts, along with one of the most unique festival grounds anywhere: The Renaissance Park in Waynesville! Last year, my friend mentioned how great it would be to have a music festival there, and low and behold, someone did it!

Not only did organizers nab a prime location, they are pulling in some major acts, including: MGMT, The Flaming Lips, Local Natives, Echo & The Bunnymen, Dr. Dog, The Psychedelic Furs, Whitney, AJ & The Woods, Allah-Las, Japanese Breakfast, Bob Schneider, Erika Wennerstrom (of Heartless Bastards), This Pine Box, Alex Lahey, Dawg Yawp, Speaking Suns, The Cordial Sins, Cherry Lee & The Hot Rod Hounds and Carriers. Full schedule is posted here. Plus there are After Parties in the campground, as well as morning yoga. For the best experience, download the Bellwether app on the App Store or Google Play for map, schedule and info.

These festival organizers are tuned into what festival audiences want, so they put the stages are across from one another and set times don’t overlap. YES! Nothing more frustrating than going to music festival, and you can’t see everyone on the lineup because they are playing at the same time. Organizers say you’ll have time to grab a beer or run to the restroom and catch every band. Plus they have people and performers coming from 45 states and 8 countries. What a great event to meet all kinds of people! Plus, this festival is already committed to year two and will offer special early-bird ticket prices to those who attend this year. They thought of everything!

How To Go?

When: August 10-11, 2018. Campers can load-in starting at noon on Thursday, August 9 and must load-out by 11am on Sunday, August 12. Click here to learn more about camping at Bellwether. Not into camping? That’s cool. Click here to book your hotel room through Hotels for Hope and get the best rate.

Where: The Renaissance Festival grounds in Waynesville. The entrance to the camping grounds and festival is off OH-73. If you are traveling west, you’ll cross OH-52 and then it will be on your right. If you are traveling east, you’ll cross Harveysburg Road and then it will be on your left. They have a big ol’ field with plenty of parking. Buy your parking pass now for only $5. It’s $10 – cash only – at the gate. (see festival map below)

NOTE: Bellwether is a rain or shine event. We monitor the weather and have various protocols based on the severity of the weather. We ask you pay attention to announcements and follow instructions, so we can keep everyone safe and sound.

Who: The Bellwether Festival is a family friendly event. Kids 10 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. The number of free admissions is at the discretion of gate management. IMPORTANT! Kids that enter for free DO NOT have access to the VIP tent. Only VIP wristbands will be admitted.

Tickets: LOTS of ticket options! You can get passes for all weekend, or Friday or Saturday only. There are VIP options plus camping options. Bonus -Complimentary tickets to the Ohio Renaissance Festival when you purchase either Friday or Saturday tickets. Get the full run down of ticket options here: https://www.xorbia.com/e/bellwetherfest/2018

 

Bellwether Map

Dayton Jam Band fans gather at The Werk Out!

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If you are one of the many avid jam band fans in the Dayton area, no doubt you have heard of The Werk Out. In it’s 9th year, this major music and arts festival is one of the “don’t miss” events of the summer. It takes place on the historic grounds at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio, just east of Columbus, where the Grateful Dead, among others, took the stage many times. The venue’s storied past is why Dayton’s homegrown heroes, The Werks, chose to host their yearly musical extravaganza there.

The natural valley serves as an ideal spot for viewing multiple stages and comfortably camping all weekend long. You pull in right off of I-70, get parked, put your tent set up, then wander down the tree lined path, which is peppered with hammocks, vendors, food on your way to the massive stage set up. There you’ll get to see some of the most exciting national jam and rock bands touring today, including: Umphrey’s McGee (2 sets), Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (2 sets), Lettuce, Papadosio, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (2 nights), Twiddle, Turkuaz, Spafford, The Marcus King Band, KNOWER (full band), Zach Deputy, Steady Flow, ekoostik hookah, TWERKAPOD: A Tribute to the 90s,, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Octave Cat, Ghost Light featuring Holly Bowling, Tom Hamilton, Steve Lyons, Raina Mullen, Scotty Zwang Music, Mungion, Mom and Dad (featuring Chuck Jones & Neal Evans of Dopapod), Mike Perkins, Electric Orange Peel, and Conscious Pilot. 

When I think of seeing all that great music individually, it would be so expensive. That’s what makes this festival a real value for music fans like me! Plus, it’s not just music that you can take part in, as there are tons of cool classes and “Werkshops” happening as well. From yoga and classes on tarot reading, to ecological leadership classes (yeah!) and kids activities, there is something for everyone. Or just kick it at your camp site with all the new friends you are bound to make!

How to Go?

Legend Valley Music Center and Campground: 7585 Kindle Rd, Thornville, OH 43076

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 6:00 PM –Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

NOTE: Wednesday “early bird” admission is an extra fee.

Click here for ticketing information.