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The Brightside

John Waters special screening kicks off Yellow Springs Mini-Fest

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The Yellow Springs Film Festival is excited to announce its annual Mini-Fest this spring, with a new addition this year: an expansion to Dayton! The event kicks off at The Brightside in downtown Dayton, featuring a special screening of the cult classic Cecil B. Demented to celebrate its 25th anniversary, along with a Q&A session with its legendary director, John Waters.

The Yellow Springs Film Festival, which began in 2023, is a newly established film festival that has received widespread acclaim from attendees, media, and both local and film communities. For the first time, the festival is extending its reach beyond Yellow Springs, with organizers hosting an event in Dayton, thanks to generous support from The Berry Family Foundation.

“We’re thrilled to host one of our all time favorite directors screening one of his finest — and to expand into Dayton for our first event outside of Yellow Springs will hopefully engage more film fans in the Miami Valley,” Yellow Springs Film Festival Co-Founder, Eric Mahoney, shared with us. “The Brightside is such a fantastic room and we love partnering with them in bringing exciting events to town.”

Waters, who began his filmmaking career in the mid-60s, is renowned for his low-budget, provocative films that garnered a devoted fanbase, including Hairspray, Cry-Baby, and Pink Flamingos, among others. This event offers a rare chance to explore the creative genius of one of cinema’s most fascinating directors! 

Cecil B. Demented offers a thrilling cinematic experience. The story revolves around an independent film director and his rebellious team of teenage filmmakers who abduct a top Hollywood actress, forcing her to star in their underground project.

Limited VIP tickets are available for an intimate post-event Q&A with Waters. Grab yours now and be part of this extraordinary celebration!


How to Go?

Thursday, April 17th

Doors 6pm / Show 7pm

The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

$35 general admission seated

$100 VIP – Limited VIP tickets are available for an intimate post-event Q&A with Waters.

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ysff-presents-cecil-b-demented-screening-with-john-waters-tickets-1247234555129?aff=oddtdtcreator

BREAKING NEWS: Kim Deal kicks off first-ever solo tour at The Brightside

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Photo of Kim Deal by Kristin Sollecito

The Brightside Music & Event Venue proudly announces that Dayton music icon Kim Deal will kick off her first-ever solo tour supporting her new album Nobody Loves You More right here in her hometown. This unforgettable evening will be held at The Brightside on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Tickets went on sale Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11 am.

Kim Deal is a transformative force in the music industry. Known for her pioneering work with two legendary alternative rock bands, The Pixies and The Breeders, her influence spans four decades. She is also a cherished figure in the Dayton music community, inspiring countless artists and fans alike. This concert celebrates Kim and her place in Dayton’s vibrant musical history.

Her debut solo album, Nobody Loves You More, released last month to much acclaim. Its diverse influences are evident throughout, thanks to collaborations with the late Steve Albini, members of The Breeders, and other respected musicians. Most importantly, this album showcases Kim’s exceptional abilities.


After the exciting Dayton concert on February 20th, the tour will continue on to the vibrant cities of London, Boston, New York, DC, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Barcelona, along with many other culturally rich destinations.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to get to host this show at The Brightside and add Dayton to the tour,” said Carli Dixon, co-owner of The Brightside. “And as a female-led venue, it’s a great joy for us to host Kim Deal, such a local female hero to all of us. We couldn’t be more excited!”

HOW TO GO?
Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, 45402
Doors open at 7pm / Show starts at 8pm
All ages (under 18 with parental supervision)
Tickets $30 General Admission here:
https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/kim-deal-nobody-loves-you-more-tour-2025-02-20-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-389968

More information on the venue at thebrightsidedayton.com
More information about Kim Deal at kimdealmusic.com

Exciting Local Music Showcase at The Brightside on Thursday, August 1st

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The Brightside Music & Event Venue is known for it’s Dayton Battle of the Bands series that showcases up-and-coming local musical talent. Last year’s DBB winners, crabswithoutlegs, a 9-piece jazz fusion band, is releasing their very first vinyl record and celebrating this achievement with their friends Six Foot Blonde and Eastwood.

 

Six Foot Blonde is a talented powerhouse coming from Bloomington, Indiana. They’re celebrating their own album release, And Then Some, with a major regional tour across the US. This stop in Dayton at The Brightside is extra special because they get to share the stage with their musical peers.

 

Eastwood, from Columbus, kicks off the evening at 7:30pm. They made their Dayton debut last year to high accolades, leaving local music fans wanting more! They are back and ready to knock our socks off once again.

 

Crabswithoutlegs members hail from both Dayton and Columbus, and have been wowing audiences across the state. Not only did they win Dayton Battle of the Bands, they won The Ohio State University Battle of the Bands too! If you have not yet seen them perform – this is your opportunity to see what all the hype is about.

 

This show is a also great opportunity to stock up on new music! Skeleton Dust Records, a local record shop, is posting up at The Brightside with crabswithoutleg’s vinyl. Six Foot Blonde will have merch and music available as well. Buying original music directly from the bands is a wonderful way to support local music!

 

✨ HOW TO GO? ✨
     August 1, 2024
     The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton (inside the VodVil Bar)
     Doors open at 7pm / Music at 7:30pm
     Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door
     Get tickets in advance here: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/101382/orders/new#/
     All ages welcome!

WYSO Presents snarls, Jess Lamb and the Factory with Siri Imani, and Dos.Grandiose

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WYSO 91.3 FM and The Brightside are teaming up to celebrate the southern hemisphere of Ohio music — Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati representing — with a benefit show to support WYSO on Friday, May 3, 2024.

 

Indie rock’s snarls (Columbus), soul’s Jess Lamb and the Factory with Siri Imani (Cincinnati), and hip-hop’s Dos.Grandiose are set to perform, blending an eclectic and electric night of live music.

The show coincides with the release of snarls’ second LP, With Love; a two-fer-one in an already three-fer-one show! See the music video for snarls’ single “Heavy Drinker” for the VHS-era fun video-pop vibes they’ll surely bring to Dayton. They were also deemed Five Guys’ Artist of the Month for April 2024. (Yes, the burger restaurant.)

snarls is Chlo White, Riley Hall, and Mick Martinez, who are all worthy of capital letters, even if their collective name is spelled otherwise. (Though the sources on that capitalization do vary.)

Jess Lamb can simultaneously harness a quivering, devastating voice like Tracy Chapman and command a room like Janis. (Yes, that one.) Lamb received worldwide recognition with an appearance on American Idol, though the Over-the-Rhine dream pop-soul tunes Jess Lamb and the Factory make would’ve caught our attention regardless of J-Lo’s input.

Alongside Lamb at the Brightside show is Siri Imani who can spit out the perfect amount of words within the ideal amount of syllables, stamping exclamation marks on everything she’s featured on.

Dayton’s performer/songwriter — and self-proclaimed cannabis connoisseur — Dos.Grandiose toys with trap and lo-fi beats while sprinkling in his brand of synth-based funk. To prep, check out the Bad Genes presents: Star Platinum EP with Dos.Grandiose and Zola182.

The three-act night is so mixed it’ll be like you’re listening to the radio — but in person. And what better way to do that than at The Brightside, for WYSO by WYSO?

 

**How to Go?**

Friday, May 3, 2024

The Brightside at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

Doors 7 pm / Show 8 pm

All ages welcome!

Tickets $20 advance: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/99957/orders/new#/

There are limited VIP tickets available with reserved seating (includes 4 tickets)

Tickets available at the door: $25 day of show

Special thanks to our sponsors Yellow Springs Brewery and Emporium Wines and Underdog Cafe

Dayton Debut: The Jared Stout Band

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The Jared Stout Band is making their Dayton debut on April 4 at the Brightside.

Based outta Roanoke, VA, these fellas are a healthy blend of forward and backward trucker hats, smoky bars, pool sharks, whiskeys, brewskies, and spontaneous makeout sessions on dancefloors with women fresh outta love (see: the music video for their song, “Cost”).

A little alt-country and a little alt-rock ‘n’ roll, the band could sonically fit on a good chunk of American radio stations. You’ll find most of it here: finger-picking, semi-hollows, acoustics, electrics, solos, harmonicas and shakers, but I think we can all agree that staying true to their Appalachian roots and leaving the ten-gallons to the cowpokes — and opting for the truckers mentioned above — was the appropriate aesthetic choice.

Opening the show is local singer-songwriter favorite (and New Old-Fashioned frontman), David Payne, who is also a big fan of hats.

I reached out to The Jared Stout Band via Instagram for some inane questions and they (ostensibly Stout) were gracious enough to play along:

What are your feelings going into playing Dayton, and how does it differ — if at all — from playing other cities for the first time?

Jared Stout: We’re excited! A new city always comes with some nerves, but more than anything we’re excited to play in Dayton and throw a little flair at some Dayton lore.

Did you know the pop tab was invented in Dayton? Probably not, why would you?

JS: Had no clue! (Called it.) That’s cool. Fun fact, there was about a year or two in my life I was afraid to open pop tabs. I opened one with too much enthusiasm as a kid and cut myself on the can. Lesson learned. Now I pop with caution. We heard there’s a pending Limp Bizkit show in town, too… eventually.

Same as question one, but reframed now that you know about the pop tab — and therefore beer can — factoid.

JS: [Canned laughter via text.] Well, now with that info, we’re gonna have to ask the crowd to pop one with us… safely, of course. [More canned laughter via text.]

For someone who’s never seen you perform, what feeling do you want them to leave with after the show?

JS: We want them to feel full — visibly, audibly, and emotionally. We aim to bring an entertaining show from start to finish [to] our listeners. From songs that make you think back, to ones you’ve never heard before. Our goal is to introduce you to our style, music and energy, and send you home happy and full of good life.

What do you think of David Payne’s music?

JS: [Insert democratic and complimentary response here.]

Well, there you have it: a band who comes off as no bull, nose-to-the-grindstone country music with enough of a sense of humor and humility to answer questions with the words “pop” and “tab” in them.

And I’d be remiss to end this riveting piece of music journalism without having asked opener David Payne a question, to which he replied: “Stoked to have those guys in town! Excited to be opening up the show.”

It seems all involved are excited, so let’s hope you and your hats are, too.

The Jared Stout Band makes their Dayton (pop tab invention capital of the world!) debut on April 4, 2024 at The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio 45402).

Doors are at 7 p.m.  Local songbird David Payne opens the show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 pre-sale at VenuePilot. $15 at the door.

This Must Be the Party — A Tribute to the Talking Heads

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This ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco, this ain’t no fooling around — except it is a party, it is a disco, and there is a fair amount of fooling around.

This Must Be the Party — a Dayton, Ohio all-stars celebration of the music of Talking Heads — is on Saturday, March 30 at The Brightside Music & Event Venue. 

From its impetus at the now-defunct Oddbody’s in 2017 to the Brightside ballroom in recent years, this annual stage show recreates the frenetic mannerisms of David Byrne and the rest of the Heads from Jonathan Demme’s 1984 concert film, Stop Making Sense.

Then again, This Must Be The Party might be closer to a Heads’ show than Demme’s documentary since the Dayton stage show also includes “Cities” and the mashup of “Big Business/I Zimbra”: songs that were part of the Heads’ 1983 performance but not the theatrical release.

From setlist to wardrobe to props to choreography, This Must Be The Party is as faithful to the show as Byrne was to (allegedly) snorting stimulants. But filling the many big suits of David Byrne takes a certain level of commitment.

“Nobody wanted to be David Byrne all night,” said Libby Ballengee, booker for The Brightside and owner-operator at Venus Child Productions. “That’s when we cooked up the idea of having multiple David Byrnes, literally just for stamina because there’s so much running on stage.”

Donning the loose-fitting gray Byrne suits this year are Nathan Peters (Turboslacker), Eric Cassidy (Human Cannonball), Matt Byanski (Nasty Bingo), and Asche Pooler (Abertooth Lincoln) as the newest member of the group, graciously taking the place of the late Brian Spirk who passed away unexpectedly in October.

“Brian was an immensely talented and beautiful soul,” said Brian Hoeflich, drummer for This Must Be The Party. “We hope to honor him by continuing this show and spreading the joy that he spent so many years bringing to everyone.”

Here are a few David Byrnes on being David Byrnes:

Eric Cassidy: “I think that being David Byrne for the night is the most fun you can possibly have entertaining people. Just like actual David Byrne, the crowd will follow you to some weird places. And the more you give, the more you get back from the crowd. Walking out in front of one of the best bands that you have ever heard is so empowering. They got the crowd moving. They got ME moving. And I can ride that wave and use it to explore the stage with dance that is partly inspired by the original show, and also kind of my own thing. And the songs are just so good and well-known. It’s a blast!”

Matt Byanski: “It’s an honor and a challenge. The coat is great — the pants need to stay on! Suspenders are your friend!”

Asche Pooler: “I can’t tell you honestly in context just yet (because it is my first year) but I can tell you this: the rehearsals alone are so incredible to be a part of and watch, so I have an immense feeling that the actual show will be something to behold as well. I’m realizing that David and I have more in common as “weird” sort of musicians while doing it. So, in short, it feels good, man.”

Another addition to this year’s show is keyboardist Damien Dennis, alongside the return of backup singer Mykal who was an integral part of past performances.

Alongside the musicians mentioned above, the cast for This Must Be The Party includes Khrys Blank, Nathan Lewis, Patrick Himes, Chris Corn, and Erich Reith.

“We hope to eventually develop a theater stage version of the show,” Hoeflich said. “With projection screens and mobile instrument risers — just like Talking Heads did originally.”

Every year, the show grows nearly indistinguishable from Byrne’s original concept. So even if this is not your beautiful house and this is not your beautiful wife, This Must Be The Party. It’s once in a lifetime and it happens once a year.

This Must Be the Party — A Tribute to the Talking Heads, a Venus Child Production, is on Saturday, March 30 at the Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio 45402). Doors are at 8 p.m. Funky esoteric post-rock trio The Social Q opens the show at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 and available at VenuePilot.

The Fourth Annual Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale

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The fourth annual Dayton Battle of the Bands finale takes place on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at The Brightside Music (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402), and features six winning bands from each of the playoff rounds.

The finalists from all six weeks include The Bruins (pop/rock), Sheller (alt/punk/metal), Austin Wolfe (Americana/folk), The Shady Pine (country/bluegrass), Melinamarie (hip-hop/R&B), and Freakquency (funk/jam/progressive).

While the finalists were determined in their categories via a combination of audience and judges’ votes, the final round will be 100% determined by the audience. 

“We do ranked-choice voting so that alleviates the popularity contest issue,” said Libby Ballengee, music booker and promoter at The Brightside. “People can come and vote for their fave band, but sometimes everyone loves one band and they get everyone’s 2nd place vote, and that puts them over the top.”

By eliminating the element of bias, relying entirely on the audience feels like an objective method of choosing a winner.

“I don’t know that any panel of judges I could put together would be fair considering we all have genres we like more than others,” said Ballengee.

Previous weeks’ performances were on The Brightside’s smaller Vod-Vil Bar stage, while final competing bands will make their musical cases and perform once more on the Ballroom stage.

Vying for the Grand Prize, the winner gets a free EP recording session with Dayton Sound Studios and the opportunity to perform at Levitt Pavilion Dayton, among other rewards from Little Monster Printing and Dayton’s Original Pizza Factory.

Dayton Battle of the Bands 2023 winner, crabswithoutlegs, a jazzy nine-piece, has quickly become one of Dayton’s darlings, playing the Levitt and becoming a staple act at The Brightside. There’s a good case to be made for the potential of this year’s winner.

Tickets to Dayton Battle of the Bands are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m. Each ticketholder will be granted one vote.

The Brightside Music & Event Venue is located at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402.

Ticket link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/94654/orders/new

Dayton Battle of the Bands Returns

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Week 1 features four local artists / bands in the pop / rock genre!
 Ace Slite
Arianna Holiday
Duke of Owls
The Bruins
Each week’s winner is selected by a combination of votes from the audience and from a panel of judges
All acts participating in the Battle of the Bands get professional live photos by Jordan Lynn Freshour Photography. All finalists receive a live performance video filmed and produced by Sound Valley’s Ashley Karsten.
Admission each week is $10 in advance or $15 the day of the show. A six-week pass is $60 and includes each preliminary round and admission to the finals.

Dayton Battle of the Bands 2024 Line-Up Announced

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It’s here! The Dayton Battle of the Bands 2024 line-up has been announced! The 4th annual local music showcase features 6 weeks of playoff rounds starting on January 18, 2024, and a finale on March 9, 2024 at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.

The series was launched in 2020 pre-pandemic by The Brightside, Venus Child Productions, and Sound Valley Dayton. A few of the features that differentiate this showcase from other Battle of the Bands include: playoff rounds are decided by a mix of audience and judge’s votes, each week of the playoff rounds features a different genre of music, and plays down the idea of it being a “competition.”

Photo by Jordan Lynn Freshour

Organizers explained that in this competition, simply participating is a “win.” All the bands who participate get to network with industry professionals, perform in front of area music bookers, and get professional photos from Jordan Lynn Freshour. The finalists who move on all get a cash prize, the opportunity to perform on the big stage at The Brightside, and get a live music video of one of their songs from Ashley Karsen, of Sound Valley Dayton. The grand prize winner gets all of the above, plus free pizza for rehearsals from Dayton Pizza Factory, custom band merchandise from Little Monster Printing, a performance next summer at Levitt Pavilion, and an EP recording session at Dayton Sound Studios.

Along with helping up-and-coming bands get to the next level in their music journey, the Dayton Battle of the Bands team is inspired to help introduce Dayton audiences to new music to love.

“People are busy, so it’s hard to keep up with what’s new with the local music scene,” organizer Libby Ballengee shared with us. “Having a curated showcase like this during the winter especially, when people have fewer other entertainment options, makes it more enticing to come out and check out new bands. We’re trying to stimulate Dayton’s curiosity about the music being created here. Plus the shows are 7:30-10pm, so plenty of time to get home and to sleep!”

FULL SCHEDULE:

Jan 18, 2024 – WEEK 1 – POP / ROCK

– Ace Slite, Arianna Holiday, Dukes of Owls, The Bruins

Jan 25, 2024 – WEEK 2 – AMERICANA / FOLK / SINGER-SONGWRITER

– Austin Wolfe, Jeff William Butcher, Mrs. Midwestern, The Nautical Theme

Feb 1, 2024 – WEEK 3 – HIP-HOP / R&B

– Blanch Robinson, Damac, D. Knight, Dos.Grandiose, MelinaMarie

Feb 8, 2024 – WEEK 4 – ALTERNATIVE / PUNK / METAL

– ATTN Deficit Squirrel, DayGloom, Sheller, Toxic Nobility

Feb 15, 2024 – WEEK 5 – COUNTRY / BLUEGRASS

– Controversy For Breakfast, Possum Creek Ramblers, The Barnharts, The Shady Pine

Feb 22, 2024 – WEEK 6 – FUNK / JAM / PROGRESSIVE / JAZZ

– EverybodyEats, Freakquency, Intergalactic Spaceforce, KindHost

HOW TO GO?

The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St., Dayton, OH

Tickets available at thebrightsidedayton.com by Jan 1, 2024

$10 advance / $15 day of show for the playoff rounds

7pm Doors open / 7:30pm – 10pm music starts

All ages welcome

More information: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com/

 

Dayton Dinner Theater presents Holiday Movie Classics

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Are you looking for fun holiday events to do this month? Dayton Dinner Theater is presenting three Christmas themed movie parties that are great for date nights, or small groups of friends & family: Elf, A Christmas Story, and Christmas Vacation.  See these classic holiday fils on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.
Before the movie starts enjoy live music and food that is directly inspired by the movie. The Brightside bar is open, and features themed drinks as well! During the movie, Dayton Dinner Theater features their famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although the movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly. Costumes are encouraged!
Schedule: Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.
When: Elf – Sunday, Dec 3, 2023
             A Christmas Story – Sunday, Dec 17, 2023
             Christmas Vacation – Friday, Dec 22, 2023
Where? The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.
Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

The Big Lebowski Movie Party happening at The Brightside

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Dayton Dinner Theater’s Big Lebowski Movie Party is happening at The Brightside this Sunday, March 12, 2023.

DDT is a great way to spend time with family and friends when the days are short and nights are long. Make the most of it by sipping the sublime themed drinks with your loved ones, while flaunting your movie-themed attire. 

What to expect from a Dayton Dinner Theater event? First off, make sure you indulge in the creatively themed food provided by Brock Masterson catering. While you indulge in the delicacies, you can feast your ears to live music and soundtrack presentations featuring acts by the likes of The University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble and acclaimed musician and producer Denny Wilson.

That’s not all. As it’s an interactive movie party, organizers will feature famous interactive quote and fun participation activities, pop-up fun facts, and our not-so-famous, but equally entertaining, theme-spotting drinking game. Enjoy some lip-smacking-themed desserts while you’re at it! To add the cherry on the cake, there are special surprises for the top costume contest participants.

This is the last DDT event of the season. Their movie party series runs from the fall through early spring every year, so you won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience all the fun!

Read more below about the specifics for this movie party!

World Famous  Themed Cocktails:

“The Dude Abides” –  Captain, Malibu, Melon and Orange Liqueur, and pineapple juice

“The Caucasian” – Vodka, Kahlua, and half and half with a bowling ball drink pick

“The  Lady Friend”-  Pink lemonade and sprite with fresh lemons

Themed Attire:  Pick your character….  Slacker robe and sandals, Nihilist-Euro trash, porn star, Jesus leisure suit, regular bowler guy, urban combat vet, etc …

HOW TO GO?

Mar 12, 6:00 PM

The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402, USA

Tickets available at 
https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/the-big-lebowski-movie-party
 
 

Werksgiving rocks the Wednesday before Thanksgiving!

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The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is known as one of the biggest bar nights of the year. This year, The Brightside is hosting the biggest party of them all with the annual Werksgiving concert event, featuring The Werks! If you’re not familiar, they are a nationally touring rock band that formed in Dayton, and this is their yearly big hometown concert.

This year they are joined by Dizgo, an up-and-coming band from Bloomington, Indiana.  Both bands will take the Ballroom stage at The Brightside located at 905 E 3rd St in downtown Dayton on Wednesday, November 23rd. 

For those who get hungry during the show, the beloved food truck Phat & Rich will be on site serving up their famous Tex-Mex inspired dishes.

Doors open at 7:30pm. All ages are welcome. Pre-sale tickets are $20 – and available here: https://werkoutpresents.ticketspice.com/werksgiving2022. At door, the cost is $25.

About The Werks

From the hungry young quartet that emerged out of Dayton, OH in 2005 to the mature, road-tested group they are now, The Werks are returning to their roots to reconnect with their identity. With over a decade’s worth of The Werk Out Festivals to their name, five studio albums, and a passport stamped with sets at Electric Forest, Summer Camp, The Peach, High Sierra, The Hang Out, and more, The Werks are bringing their musical wisdom and experience into a new chapter.

The four-piece jam-funk meets livetronica act was proud to welcome back original bassist Chuckie Love to the band in 2021, joining fellow founders Rob Chafin (drums/vocals) and Chris Houser (guitar/vocals) who play alongside Dan Shaw (keyboards). With Love back in the group, The Werks have tapped into the communal spark that birthed the band almost two decades ago, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose. Simply put, they are more of The Werks than ever before.

As they transition into this next chapter, The Werks are reaffirming their focus on live performances. With this rededication to the road, the band will come armed with a new studio album, their first since 2017’s Magic. Fans can look forward to the long-awaited full-length Sonder LP, the arrival of which signifies yet another artistic awakening for The Werks. With their 20th anniversary on the horizon, The Werks’ commitment to one another, to their fans, and to their craft strengthens with each passing note.

About Dizgo

Dizgo is a three-piece electro-psychedelic-funk-rock band from Bloomington, IN. Since their formation in 2016, the band has built a strong following, packing rooms and building a name for themselves in the jam circuit. Known for their electrifying performances, the band reels in their audience with a unique blend of funky, electronic rock-shredding guitar, synth-driven grooves, and ethereal vocals.

Exclusive Dayton rock concert features actor from The Vampire Diaries

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Dayton rock band Shadyside was popular from 1999 to 2005. Shortly after their break-up, one of the band members went onto an acting career, famously landing the part of Enzo in The Vampire Diaries. Michael Malarkey returns to Dayton for a one-time, exclusive reunion show happening on Thursday, June 9th at The Brightside in downtown Dayton.

This special reunion show will also feature three other beloved Dayton rock bands: Clemmer, Bribing Senators, & Yardboss in the spacious ballroom at The Brightside. Tickets for this four band bill are just $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show. All ages are welcome.

How to Go?

The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton). Ballroom show.

Doors open at 7pm. The music starts at 7:30 pm.

Tickets $15 available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadyside-clemmer-bribing-senators-yardboss-tickets-317699185817

Day of show $20.

Off-street, free parking available – see map at https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/parking

All ages welcome!

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression kick off tour at The Brightside

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One of the hottest up-and-coming national acts: Joslyn & The Sweet Compression is kicking off their 2022 tour right here in Dayton. They’ll be performing at The Brightside Music & Event Venue in downtown Dayton, OH (905 E 3rd St) on Thursday, March 3, 2022.

Local legend, Eric Jerardi, kicks off the evening with his band. Doors open at 7pm with music from 7:30-10pm. Tickets $12 advance and $15 day of show. All ages welcome!

What people are saying about Joslyn & The Sweet Compression:

“Magical…gives everybody the joy.” — Billboard Magazine

“A refreshing take on the neo-soul / funk sound, unbound by modern cliches.” — Glide Magazine

“A marvel…an instant classic!” — Soul Tracks

“I’ve never seen a band come up more quickly…with more immediate skill and swagger than Joslyn & the Sweet Compression. Joslyn’s vocal command and stage presence is special, and her band is brick-sh**house tight.” — Travis Young, Moonshiner’s Ball

“The music Joslyn Hampton conjures o-stage is rich with the funk, soul, and rock ’n’ roll inspirations of multiple generations, and at the heart of the brassy attack of her band, The Sweet Compression, and in the clear and confident command of her singing, sits a core element: Groove.” — Walter Tunis, Lexington Herald-Leader

About Joslyn & The Sweet Compression:

After cultivating her dynamic voice and performance skills in backup roles and stage plays, Joslyn Hampton teamed with her stepfather, Marty Charters (a touring guitarist and songwriter who has shared the stage with legends such as Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, and Van Morrison), to compose a captivating set of tunes and assemble an ace band. Joslyn & The Sweet Compression (Marty Charters – guitar, Steve Holloman – keyboards, Smith Donaldson – bass, Rashawn Fleming – drums, Trevin Little – saxophone, and Chase Fleming – trombone and trumpet) combine to deliver a hook-filled mix of funk and soul on their self-titled debut album, released in 2019. A headlining favorite at regional clubs and music festivals, they are poised to engage fans across the country with widespread touring in 2021.

Hawthorne Heights back in Dayton for hometown show

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After a three-year break, Hawthorne Heights is finally back in Dayton, Ohio. They’ll be headlining the 6th annual “Dayton Is For Lovers” indie/alt-rock music festival. This year’s event will be held at The Brightside on Thursday, March 10, 2022.
The all-ages Gem City music festival also features a mix of established and up-and-coming Dayton original acts, including:
  • Nightbeast
  • Better Anyway
  • Abertooth Lincoln
  • RIND
  • Houseghost
  • Life in Idle
  • DJ Sadness
You’re invited to come early and stay late! Bands are in no particular order. Hawthorne Heights will set the line up on the day of the show, with their set ending the evening. Watch all the artists perform original Dayton music across two stages throughout the night!
“Hometown shows are truly special to us and we are excited to be able to make this happen!” the band stated.
HOW TO GO?
  • Thursday, March 10, 2022
  • The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH
  • All ages welcome.
  • 6pm Doors. Music starts shortly after.
    Limited Availability. Get tickets while you can.
  • Tickets and limited VIPS available now at HawthorneHeightsStore.com
  • The venue is equipped with UV-C filters to sanitize circulated air.
  • The venue has a bar area with a great selection of local beer for those of age and with I.D. No outside alcohol or drinks are allowed.

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “The Princess Bride”

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Dayton Dinner Theater presents “The Princess Bride”! See a classic family favorrite on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.

Enjoy Chef-inspired themed food, desserts, and cocktails from Brock Masterson. Before the movie, organizers have arranged for live-themed music featuring the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble.

During the movie, show your skills with DDT’s famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although these movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly.

When? Jan 30, 6:00 PM – 9:20 PM. Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.

Where? The Brightside Event Center, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.

Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

About the Event:

Themed Food: TBA (maybe some stew, something that looks like mutton, something w/fire in the name, and maybe a peanut?)

Themed Drinks: The Battle of Wits (sparkling grape juice, vodka, cherry, pixie stick poison), The Buttercup (Butterscotch liquor, light cream, rum, cinnamon stick stirrer)

Themed Attire: You can be a Prince, a Pirate, a Princess, a Pauper, a Giant, or a Swordsman.  If you dress up as a ROUS, we will give you extra cheese.