By now, you probably already know that the Midwest Outdoor Experience presented by Subaru is the best weekend event to experience all things outdoors, from the intense (like the slackline skills area, practicing yoga on a stand-up paddleboard or trying out the mountain biking challenge course) to the more laid-back (fly fishing, orienteering and hiking are all great ways to relax with Mother Nature). But did you know that in addition to presenting a plethora of premier park pursuits, visitors to the annual Midwest Outdoor Experience also have access to fantastic local music, co-presented by public radio station WYSO and Dayton Music Fest?
The Midwest Outdoor Experience, set for Friday, October 4, through Saturday, October 5, will feature some of the best musicians Dayton has to offer. Celebrating nine years in the local music scene, the annual Dayton Music Fest “seeks to shine a spotlight on Dayton’s indie music scene” with performances taking place October 4-6 at several venues, including Eastwood MetroPark, home to the Midwest Outdoor Experience.
WYSO also contributes to the fun, presenting the musical lineup for Friday night, Oct. 4, featuring:
6:45-8:15 p.m. Jah Sol: With their combination of not only reggae, but soul, funk and disco, Jah Sol supplies the good times with their music. The eight member band gets the party going.
8:30-10 p.m. William the Accountant: Formed in 2009 in Columbus, Ohio, William The Accountant composes a musical playground of late ’70s new wave, Brazilian samba and New Orleans second line that defiantly incites activity and impulse.
Check out the Dayton Music Fest lineup at the Midwest Outdoor Experience, taking the stage 
Saturday, Oct. 5, featuring:
11 a.m. Josh Eagle: This Cincinnati coffee-house regular shares personal, soft, longing, winged Folk. Eagle’s gripping voice, touching finger picking and bleeding harmonicas snatch you up like the raw, intimate music of Ray Lamontagne. Soothing and originally raspy, songs hurt and heal, gliding into calmness.
12 p.m. Good English: Good English is a three-sister rock band from Dayton whose musical style is reflective of the indie, roots, blues, and folk rock that has influenced its members. Running counter to the usual young girl-band stereotypes, the band’s authentic instrumentation and rich vocals proves their budding talent as musicians, while their original songwriting and irresistible grace and beauty makes them a powerfully appealing package. They know how to rock, and they carry themselves with a sense of poise and style that is well beyond their years.
1 p.m. Meghna & the Majority: Singer/songwriter Meghna Mahambrey first stepped on stage for a solo performance in her elementary school musical. She went on to cover the hits of Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Etta James in her middle and high school talent shows. In college, she recorded an R&B/pop album; in graduate school, she recorded an acoustic/folk album. In December 2012, alongside her career in education, she released a jazzy, singer-songwriter album and formed her new band, Meghna & the Majority. With her soulful, seasoned voice, she sings – not for the fame, not for the fortune. She sings because she has a song.
2 p.m. Kris N: With his second release and first full-length, “Lo-Fi Movement,” Dayton-based Kris N. has made a great pop record. Marked by strong melodies and lyrics that explore the place he is in and his life as a husband and father.
3 p.m. Jah Sol: This group brings back the bass and keys, returning to the stage to bring the funk to attendees at the Midwest Outdoor Experience for a second time.
4 p.m. Starving in the Belly of the Whale: Starving in the Belly of the Whale is the music of Ricky Terrell. Terrell is accompanied by a changing cast of musicians on each album to capture a unique, desired sound.
5 p.m. The Repeating Arms: Max Nunery plays banjo, guitar, lap steel and sings back-up. Harold Hensley plays acoustic guitar and sings. Chip Pritchard plays upright bass and sings back-up vocals. Brian Spirk plays mandolin and fiddle.
6 p.m. New Vega: The Southern Ohio four piece New Vega brims with vibrant hooks and aching melodies. Their debut album Tempo has captured the attention of major festivals and media outlets.
7 p.m. PUBLIC: Formerly known as “crown” – PUBLIC is comprised of three friends who wish to always be allowed to dance, yell, and have fun with their music as long as inhumanly possible.
Other awesome activities that pair nicely with a fun-filled afternoon of outdoor adventure include:
- Great Lakes Brewing Co. Beer Garden: Hosted by Bonbright Distributors, funds from
the beer garden will benefit the Mad River Mountain Ski Patrol. (As if you needed more reasons to raise a glass around the campfire on a crisp, fall evening!) - Outdoor Food Truck Rally: Re-fuel your recreation-ravaged body with delicious fare from several local mobile eateries, including Fressa, Cheeky Meat Pies, Pa’s Pork and Smokin’ Bar-B-Que.
- Zuke’s Bark Zone: If you bring Fido to this pet-friendly event, be sure to check out the Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs competition and let Spot get a little exercise at Subaru Pooch Island.
- Exhibitor Village: Get the gear you need to “Get Out & Live” all year long at the Exhibitor Village.
That’s just a small slice of everything there is to do at the annual Midwest Outdoor Experience. Stop by (perhaps for a little overnight in the Eddie Bauer Campground camping) and discover why Dayton has rightfully earned the title “Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest”!
