Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

rock

Celebration of liFe at Blind Bob’s on Saturday

By

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.

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

By Leave a Comment

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

Sound Valley Summer Music Festival at Yellow Cab Tavern

By

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

By

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!

By

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!

By

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.

 

Miami Valley Music Festival raises money and spirits!

By

Miami Valley Music Festival is a beloved, family friendly music festival that raises money and awareness for local charitable causes. MVMF features multiple stages where you can experience the best regional, original musical talent, along with unique vendors and children’s activities. This year’s festival features over 20 exciting, up-and-coming bands on multiple stages. Lots of variety! Couldn’t be more of a win-win for everyone!

More information can be found at www.miamivalleymusicfest.com. See below for the full music schedule and event details: 

DATE AND TIME

Fri, Jul 20, 2018, 12:00 PM – Sun, Jul 22, 2018, 12:00 PM EDT

FULL MUSIC SCHEDULE:

Friday Music Schedule:

Stage 1: 6:30pm The Vibe / 10:00pm The Ark Band

Stage 2: 5:00pm Grampybone / 8:00pm Subterranean / 12:00am (midnight) Spikedrivers

Acoustic Stage: 6:00pm Joseph Gillis / 7:00pm Scott Lee

Saturday Music Schedule:

Stage 1: 11:30am Scott Lee / 1:30pm OldNews / 3:30pm Mike Perkins / 6:00pm Krunk Town Boogie / 8:00pm Charity Announcements and Movement Arts Performance / 8:30pm Wolf Moon Revival and Sharon Lane / 11:30pm D-Funk All-Stars

Stage 2: 10:00am Mystical Flutes and Tribal Drums with Yoga by Beth Weaver (The Space Between Studio in Tipp City) / 12:30pm Stringus Kahn / 2:30pm Typical Johnsons / 5:00pm Dustin Smith and the Daydreamers / 7:00pm R.I.N.D. / 10:00pm Jah Soul

Acoustic Stage: 12:00 – 3:00pm Open Mic (sign ups start Friday at the opening of the festival) / 3:00pm Vicki Brown / 4:30pm Dillon Brown / 6:00pm Tony Herdman / 7:30pm Amber Hargett

 

VIP EXPERIENCE

As with many festivals, there is a VIP upgrade, which includes the perks listed below. More information and pricing details here.

  • Access to the VIP Hospitality Tent, sponsored by local vendors
  • Beverages and water
  • Back stage & front of stage seating and viewing area access

Add to Calendar

LOCATION

Troy Eagle’s Campgrounds:2252 Troy-Urbana Rd

Follow signs to entrance on Cathcart Road

View Map

TICKETS

Full detailed ticket information here.

$60 for 2 day weekend, including camping

$60 VIP upgrade

$40 for single day passes

$25 VIP car pass

$75 Reserved camping spot

$25 Car camp pass (this allows you to camp by your car)

NOTE

No refunds. Please no pets.

Dayton Musicians Remember Music Fan With Special Benefit Show

By

Live music has a special way of bringing people together. Some refer to it as a scene, community, tribe, family, or simply “my people.” It’s a genuine form of self and group identity, that has a unique place in music lover’s hearts. When one of our people is tragically taken from us, it’s a ripple effect of sadness throughout the scene.

Sarah Vesey was a bright spot in the Dayton jam band family. She was a dedicated fan and friend to many in the area. This summer, Sarah died tragically, at the young age of 29, leaving behind a grieving family, parter and young son. Friends rallied together to pull together Stay Strong for Sarah Benefit Show to both remember Sarah, and help her family.

Sami Love, one of Sarah’s friends, and the organizer of this benefit described how the show came together. “Sarah’s passing has deeply affected us all. I wanted to put together this event in memory of Sarah. For all of us near and far to get together and show love for her, and for one another.”

The evening starts early, with music starting at 6:30pm, during the dinner hour with acoustic jams from Sway. A portion of dinner sales this evening will be donated to the family to help offset medical costs, and set up a college fund for Sarah’s son. What a great reason to stop in for food and fun with friends!

Music will be running on all evening, till 2:30am, with awesome local jam bands including Cheezcake starting at 9:30pm, followed by Subterranean and The Ohio All Stars. What an incredible line-up! This is certainly a don’t miss evening! Everyone will be feeling the love at this show!

While you’re there, check out the awesome raffle items they have gathered from various restaurants, tattoo parlours, music festival passes, art work, and surprise baskets donated from national to regional bands. Seriously, cool stuff they’ve gathered!

How to Go?

  • Stay Strong for Sarah benefit show at Jimmie’s Ladder 11
  • Thursday July 7th, 2017. Music from 7pm – 2:30am
  • Donations graciously accepted any time. Cover charge of $5 after 10pm.

 

Subterranean’s April 22nd album release is getting national attention

By

Subterranean, a band who got it’s start downtown at the old J-Alan’s club, has evolved into one of the hottest bands in the region. Their debut album, Loom, which releases on Saturday April 22nd, is already garnering attention from multiple national music publications, as one of the emerging acts to check out.

The members of Subterranean describe their music as “improv with intent.” There is no succinct way to describe them, as they genre-bend not just from song to song, but within songs themselves. I asked guitarist Chris Coalt how they manage to pull that off so seamlessly.

Subterranean. Photo by Libby Ballengee

 

“I think it starts with consuming music without boundaries. I’ve never liked titles or categories. Why can’t things just be what they are? So as a songwriter, I’ve always naturally blended different genres together, because it felt natural to me. As a band, we’ve wanted the freedom to do anything, so we have never let ourselves get pigeon-holed into one style.”

As an avid fan of their live music, I wondered how that improve sound would translate into recorded music. Would it alter or evolve once they got into the studio? Chris further explained that for the most part, the nuts and bolts of the songs remained. “Gary King (Refraze Recording Studio) is a great engineer, so he was able to give us some nice ideas on harmonies and vocal arrangements, but the majority of the songs were already in place. Although I will say, one song got created spontaneously in the studio!”

Subterranean’s debut album “Loom”

A song developing naturally and unexpectedly in the studio doesn’t surprise me. These veterans of the Dayton music scene schooled themselves on improv during tireless jam sessions all over the city. Replacing a rhythm guitarist or keyboardist with sax, proved to be their winning combination. Breaking the rules of the traditional 4-piece rock arrangement helped this band find their voice: a sound is extraordinarily dynamic, bouncing from moody jazz to funky jams to what borders on heavy metal.

Check out what all the buzz is about, and celebrate the release of the debut album Saturday April 22nd at Gilly’s Jazz. Cover $5. Parking is validated. Doors 8pm. Show starts at 9pm. Electric Orange Peel opens the show, followed by Subterranean.

Big Damn Holiday Jam at Therapy Cafe

By

533207_586871868020676_870648450_n

This holiday jam session is a Dayton music tradition!

Dayton area musicians and fans are gathering at Therapy Cafe on Wednesday December 21st for the Big Damn Holiday Jam, a special homecoming jam session for the holidays. This unique event includes touring local musicians we don’t get to see too often, so this is definitely a “don’t miss” event!

Not only is there amazing music provided, there’s delicious food provided as well. The theme for this week is holiday appetizers. Feel free to bring a dish if you’d like! It’s a family gathering vibe, which is what makes it extra special.

You can even get some holiday shopping done! Abyss Collections, Candis Young and Jonathon Gale will have some lovely creations for your last minute holiday gifts.

Most of all, I’m looking forward to seeing The Family favorites jam together, including Chris Houser, Dino Dimitrouleas, Jeremy Canonico, Ronald Frost, Jonny Dread, Eric Henry, Melissa Nicole Henry, Anthony SaxTone Arrington, Phil Bradley-Hutchison, Marcus Cornwell and Alex Delk. They’ve even have Blues favorite Bob Dellaposta at this session, to kick off the evening’s festivities with an acoustic hour from 8pm to 9pm.

How to go? Therapy Cafe on 3rd St downtown, in the Cannery District.

Doors and music start at 8pm.

Tickets $6 or $5 with a non perishable food item at the door.
1009529_584037034970826_1449795675_o

Hog Jam Adds Canoeing to the 11th Annual Music Festival

By

13874852_10208401248725947_1994616728_nOne of the area’s most beloved local music showcases, Hog Jam Music and Camping Festival, is back yet again with it’s eleventh year of musical goodness. This year festival organizers have added a fun twist, by changing the location of the festival to Adventures on the Great Miami in Tipp City, adding canoeing to the list of awesome activities this event has to offer!

The best reason to go is the simply astounding line-up of local music, which includes The Almighty Get Down, Guthrie Brown, Subterranean, Tony Red Band, Jonny Dreads and the Mystiks, Sharon Lane, Reyna Spears and many more! Add camping, waterslide, vendors, canoeing, and the traditional hog roast to the event, and it’s a “don’t miss” event for music lovers and adventurers alike.

Hog Jam is family friendly, so don’t be afraid to bring the kids along! Kids under 12 are free!

How to go?

13883914_10208401248285936_468821857_nWhen: August 26th and 27th. Gates open 12pm Friday. Music starts at 5pm Friday. Saturday music starts at 12pm. 

Where: Adventures on the Great Miami, 1995 Ross Rd., Tipp City, Ohio, 45371

Tickets: Cost is $30-$70 depending on the ticket package you purchase. (Very affordable!) Click here for ticket information.

 

Dayton Music All-Stars Gather for Aria Marie Fundraiser

By

The Dayton music scene is a generous one, gathering often to give back to the community and loved ones through benefit shows. One that is particularly exciting is coming up at Oddbody’s Music Room. Nightbeast, Jasper the Colossal, Shotgun Surprise and Team Void are all performing together to benefit the Aria Marie Foundation on July 9th, 2016. 1i7ybcggc5nug60xqnsnl6j8f5dtmovd

The Aria Marie Foundation was founded in March 13, 2014 by Dale Spradling, lead singer of Shotgun Surprise shortly after Aria Marie, his daughter, lost her life tragically. She left behind a beautiful baby girl, Maleigha Nicole. Dale was inspired to start up the foundation to help children who have lost one or both parents by raising money to provide a small college fund for each child and providing Christmas presents to the children yearly.

Attending this show is a win-win for rock fans. Very reasonable, typical entry fee to see one some of Dayton’s best rock bands, plus help give back to a deserving charity! If you want to make a donation to the Aria Marie Foundation, click here.

How to go?

Oddbody’s Music Room

July 9th, 2016

Doors 7pm. Show 8pm.

Door Donation $5

All ages w/ ID.

This event is sponsored by Centerville Pizza And BBQ

Get to know Oddbody’s Music Room

By

12545390_968398669894547_77413996_nIn my early years of going to see live music in Dayton, I went to many memorable shows at McGuffy’s House of Rock in east Dayton, off Burkhardt Ave. It’s always been a great general admission venue, which is so much more fun than seated shows. In the last few years, the line-ups just weren’t calling to me, and it fell off my radar.

In 2014, the venue was sold to new owners. Now named Oddbody’s Music Room, I was cautiously optimistic about the venue’s future. When I first met with the new owners, Neilson Hixson, Skip Murray and Richard Eckhardt, I knew this historic space was in good hands. I was so impressed by their professionalism and dedication to bringing not only great sounding shows, but a more diverse offering of musical acts.

In the last couple years I can attest that have done a simply fantastic job bringing our former stomping grounds to new heights. What’s new? Well other than a fresh coat of paint, the sound and light system has been revamped and cranking! It’s definitely one of the best indoor venues in the regional area.

I got a chance to catch up with Neilson about his thoughts on taking a chance on the venue, the local music scene, and how to keep up with this exciting spot:

1. What inspired you to open a music venue? What an exciting venture!
It’s really simple. I think we’re crazy. This is a tough business, make no doubt about that. So many highs and lows. I’ve been promoting shows for well over 20 years and we had an opportunity to maintain this iconic Dayton stage. We took a leap of faith and did it.

2. Let’s say someone hasn’t heard of Oddbody’s Music Venue. How would you describe it? What differs it from other venues in town?
We look like a classic mid cap rock club that you’ll find scattered around the country. The room might not be fancy but what we really have going for us is our stage and production capabilities. And that’s really what matters doing what we do. The stage and the team we have running it. We put it on a pedestal to honor it. The production of a concert is hands down the single most important part in all of this. And I think the patrons, the fans, who come and see these artists really feel that.

12573762_460781210798601_4565642789232666291_n

Upcoming shows at Oddbody’s Music Room

3. You have been involved in the Dayton music scene for a long time. How has the scene changed over the years? Thoughts about it’s current state?
When I got started doing all this stuff I was primarily booking and promoting metal. That’s always where my heart has been. And the metal scene is still pretty solid around here. Great local artists and when we bring in these larger touring bands generally the attendance at the shows remains good. In the last two years I’ve learned a lot about other music scenes in Dayton. Some are extremely strong, others hit and miss. But there remains a lot of extremely talented local talent. Bottom line is the bands and the people actively attending shows will change over time. Change is constant in the music business. But if you book the right bands at the right time people will come out to see them. You absolutely can’t take anything for granted though. Just simply booking a band and expecting people to buy tickets will run you out of business as quickly as you started it. Getting butts in the seats remains hard work. And if you are not willing to do the work this business is not for you. That sure hasn’t changed much.

4. What advice would you give to musicians? Regarding promotion and/or professionalism?
Decide who you are. Are you doing it for fun or is this a business? Are you just happy being a local band playing some gigs here and there or are you going to try to “make it”. Are you willing to put in the work? Look it’s just as crazy being a young touring band as it is a venue owner. But it’s what we do. It’s in our blood. Practice your instrument, develop a sellable product, invest in your product, and fully commit to your product. Build a team to help you sell your product. It’s like running any other business. It’s not easy, you have to take some leaps of faith. You will still probably fail. But you only live once. And who wants to go through life thinking you never tried to do anything. In a matter of minutes venue owners and stage managers can see what choice you’ve made. Think about that too.

5. You have some amazing shows coming up. What’s the best way for way for people to keep up with the schedule?
www.oddbdoys.com or www.facebook.com/oddbodys would be the best two places to check out the always changing musical calendar! (Editor’s Note:  You can always check the DMM Calendar for upcoming shows as well.)

How to go? Located at 5418 Burkhardt Ave, Dayton OH 45431 

An easy 10 min drive from downtown Dayton, via US-35 East

Get out and support the Dayton music scene!!

After 42 years, “Rejects” Play Farewell Show Friday

By Leave a Comment

The Rejects playing at the Rock n Green Tomato Festival

What do you get when you mix some local teachers, drums, guitars, a keyboard and couple of kazoos?  The answer is the iconic, family friendly band that has been entertaining fans at special events and festivals since 1973.  The Rejects, however, are disbanding as a couple of members are moving out of state for retirement.  All good things must come to an end.

As a result, Friday, Sept 25th from 4pm – 7pm, The Rejects will play their last Happy Hour concert at The Soft Rock Cafe at  877 E. Franklin Street in Centerville.  Free Pizza will be served to attendees.. and of course there will be drink specials.

Known for playing classic rock, oldies and even some new hits, The Reject’s shows are never short on talent, humor or fun.

It all started 42 years ago when some Centerville teachers Dan Hill and Steve Flaum, joined with Dan’s brother, the drummer.  Over the years the lineup has changed slightly, but the basic core have remained.  Gary Knight of “The Fries” was once a part of the band, and the addition of Beth Hill many years ago allowed keyboards and more vocal variety into the repertoire.

In 1994, the band was inducted into the Kazoo Hall of Fame for their special contributions to “Kazoo Rock.”   But make no mistake, this is a great live Rock n Roll band.  People of all ages dance and sing along with the hits of the group.  Lots of gags apply such as Mr Flaum aka Dr Humm’s “severed mannequin hand” holding the microphone to the mic stand.  Or a suitcase marked BRAIN in a humorous misspelling of Brian Hinder’s name.  Who can forget the “You’re Sixteen” sing-a-long” where the band holds up signs of “60” during the lyrics, suggesting ” You’re 60, you’re beautiful and you’re mine” as a sign of the times.

From festivals to parties, from amphitheaters to bars, and even gymnasiums, The Rejects have kept a busy schedule over the years.  They have entertained thousands and thousands of people from the Miami Valley and beyond.  First performing to friends and students, to family members and just overall fans, the band now finds themselves performing to kids of their students and the band’s grandkids.  Far from rejects, the band members have proven themselves as pillars in the Dayton area communities.

The Rejects in Concert !

My how time has flown and The Rejects fan base has proved strong through each generation.  Make sure you don’t miss this final concert celebration at Soft Rock Cafe  with free pizza!

DON’T FORGET or MISS THIS SHOW !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

WHAT: REJECT’S LAST HAPPY HOUR CONCERT

WHEN: FRIDAY NIGHT, SEPT 25th 4pm-7pm

WHERE: SOFT ROCK CAFE in Centerville at 877 E. Franklin Street.

 

We are former students and fans, and it is with heartfelt sadness and admiration that we will be attending the band’s last  Centerville performance tomorrow.  But, we also want to say  “Thank You,” to Dan, Steve, Beth and the rest of the band.  Thank you,  for teaching us about life, music and so much more.  Best of luck in all you do, from your adoring fans … THE REJECTS RULE !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bourbon and The Chainsaw: Jackyl Brings Their Own Party

By

Richfield Coliseum

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!

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!

Rock n Green Tomato Festival to Feature Pie Baking Contest !

By 4 Comments

Delicious pie

Green Tomato Pie – Can you make the best one?

Calling all bakers!!  Miamisburg needs you.  Saturday June 14th is the 4th Annual Rock N Green Tomato Festival.  One of the features is a “GREEN TOMATO PIE CONTEST.”  

Can you bake the best pie?  Do you have what it takes?  Can you be the champ?  Prizes will include 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies.  Register and prove you have the skills to make the most delicious pie of them all!

The judges for this contest are the only locals with mouths big enough to fit the bill, Chef House, Hungry Jax and Big Ragu from Food Adventures !

 

***TO ENTER THE BAKING CONTEST, Fill out and send in this form by June 11th !  —> click here for form

You have to register by June 11th, then bring your pie to Ron’s Pizza house at 5:30pm on June 14th.  The contest begins at 6pm.  Ron’s will keep your pie warm or cold for you at your direction.  The Food Adventures Crew are serious eaters, and are sure to have their taste buds tuned up and ready for the test …  Are you kitchen savvy enough to win?  Then get your oven mitts, pie crusts, and baking pans ready for this Green Tomato Pie Baking Contest.  But most of all, you have to sign up !

Green Tomato Pizza

Green Tomato Pizza? It was Delicious !

 

This event promises to be a festive Food Adventure at Miamisburg’s Riverfront Park!

The Rock N Green Tomato Festival is relatively new, but has picked up a loyal following in 4 short years.

This cozy festival is a blast and a MUST EAT on your summer list of festivities.  It is a friendly, fun atmosphere with plenty of food and drink.  Speaking of which..

We also have a side contest***  WANT TO WIN DINNER with THE FOOD ADVENTURE CREW at the Rock n Green Tomato Festival for you and a friend?  Then comment on the story below and tell us why you deserve it!  One winner will be chosen at random, and they may bring a guest and meet us at the festival at 4pm.   It looks like Hamburger Wagon Burgers and Ron’s Pizzas are on the menu !  You cant beat a free dinner for you and a pal with 2 original Dayton Food Adventurers!

Fried Green Tomatoes

We love the Fried Green Tomatoes at the festival

 

*******FESTIVAL INFO*******

WHAT: ROCK N GREEN TOMATO FESTIVAL

WHEN: SATURDAY JUNE 14th from Noon – 11pm

WHERE:  Downtown Miamisburg, next to Ron’s Pizza At Riverfront Park

WHAT ELSE:  

— CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT $250 to winner – click here to enter –

— LIVE MUSIC from Noon – 11pm   – schedule of bands here –

Hamburge Wagon Burger

This Hamburger Wagon Burger didn’t last long on our plate

 

— 5k RUN/WALK at 10am – click here to register –

— FOOD AND MERCHANDISE VENDORS – -want to be a vendor? CLICK HERE –

— HAMBURGER EATING CONTEST

— KIDS GAMES and BOUNCY CASTLE

— HULA HOOP CONTEST

— JITTERBUG CONTEST

 

*****For all the event info visit: www.rockngreentomato.com/   *****

The Food Adventures Crew will see you there !  Don’t forget to comment on this article for a chance to win dinner with them  the night of the festival !

Browse through our Food Adventure photo gallery below from past 3 years of “Rock n Green Tomato Festivals.”    Also, “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

[flagallery gid=88]