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

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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

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

Local listening room welcomes folk singer Laurie McClain on First Friday

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Dayton has been missing having a true “listening room” since the closing of Canal Street Tavern. The Brightside, a new music venue downtown, is looking to fill that void. 

On First Friday, May 4, 2018, they welcome Laurie McClain, a folk singer / songwriter all the way from Los Angeles. While Laurie accompanies herself expressively on guitar, ukulele, viola, and harmonica, it’s her honey voice that soothes and her powerful lyrics that heal hearts. Reminiscent of 60s/70s folk, her songs are messages of hope for a weary world.

Here’s what a few of her fellow singer-songwriters have to say about Laurie:

“Will very much touch your emotions in a most valuable way.” -Steve Forbert

“Laurie has got to be from another planet. I’ve never met anyone – except maybe Richie Havens – who is so open-hearted and full of love for humanity, yet who appears to experience life on a different plane than everybody else. Her music is as innocent as it is informed by experience, as playful as it is rooted, and as detail-oriented as it is grand in scope.” -Devon Sproule

“Laurie turns each venue into her own living room, and each listener into a new friend with her disarming humor and passionate performance. She is a gem of uniqueness and authenticity.” -Michael Kearns

“Laurie is a true artist. She opens hearts and sings from a place of depth and love. She held my tough NYC audience with her masterful storytelling, strong lyrics and vulnerable voice, moving them to tears and laughter.” -Kathryn’s House Concert Series (NYC)

How to Go?

The Brightside Event & Music Venue at 905 E 3rd St Dayton, OH 45403

Friday May 4, 2018. Performance from 7-10pm.

$5 admission

All Ages

Free off-street parking