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The Brightside

Dayton Dinner Theater launches new season on Sunday with “Star Wars”

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Dayton Dinner Theater is back! This fun Sunday tradition starts back on November 21, 2021, with the showing of Star Wars (A New Hope) at The Brightside Music & Event Venue from 6-9pm.

“I think it’s the perfect cure for the winter blahs,” says Dayton resident John Boucuvalas and founder of the Dayton Dinner Theater which opens back up on Sunday, after being shut down last year due to Covid. “I think it’s important to have something fun to look forward to when the days are short and the weather is cold and grey.”

The time off has allowed time for exciting new upgrades and partnerships such as having the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble to feature live music before the movie. They’ve also partnered with local caterer Brock Masterson, to create themed food and drinks specific to each film.

“We were getting some big crowds and momentum when Covid hit, and now we are ready to be back and better than before,” says Boucuvalas. “Partnering with UD and Brock Masterson’s is great and adds a touch of class and familiarity for folks around here.”

With a full Sunday liquor license at The Brightside, the fully stocked bar features our signature $5.00 themed drinks along with a wide variety of mixed drinks, wines, and beer.

During the movie, Dayton Dinner Theatre features their famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, with a trivia contest during intermission. They truly make movies a social and interactive experience.

This year’s lineup mostly features comedies and quotable classics that line up with the interactive nature of the event. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. More information can be found at www.daytondinnertheater.com. Note: Tickets must be purchased in advance to allow for accurate food preparation.

Dayton Dinner Theater Schedule

Sunday, Nov 21, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Star Wars & live jazz

Sunday, Dec 5, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Christmas Vacation & live jazz

Sunday, Dec 12, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Elf

Sunday, Jan 16, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Wizard of Oz & live jazz

Sunday, Jan 30, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring The Princess Bride & live jazz

Sunday, Feb 6, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Caddyshack & live jazz

Sunday, Feb 27, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Airplane & live jazz

Sunday, March 13, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Holy Grail  

Sunday, March 27, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Napoleon Dynamite

Sunday, April 10, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Big Lebowski & live jazz

 

Live Music is back at The Brightside with a 2021-2022 concert lineup

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The Brightside Music & Event Venue has announced their 2021-2022 concert season (listing below), which will run from November 2021 through early April 2022. The season offers a mix of concerts ranging in genre from jazz to metal, dinner theater, shopping events, burlesque, drag and wellness events.

The Brightside is a newer venue downtown, opening in the spring of 2019, just a year before the covid shutdown. After years of sitting in disrepair, the multi-purpose event space was rehabbed by local artists Carli and Hamilton Dixon

The venue hosted a mix of entertainment and private events their first year. During the covid shutdown, they didn’t stop working. While the building was empty, they took the opportunity to continue improving the space, by adding a second-floor loft and giving the exterior a facelift.

Financially, covid was very tough on independent venues across the nation. Pivoting to weddings helped the team make it through the shutdown. Through it all, the team has remained passionate about getting back to live music and public events.

“We were so grateful we got to host some really memorable concerts this summer,” Libby Ballengee, the venue’s event creator shared with us. “However, we’ve collectively decided that our time to shine is autumn through spring when the big outdoor venues like Levitt, Fraze, and Rose are closed for the season. We’re excited to host to bring Dayton audiences amazing up-and-coming national and local acts.”

The Nth Power performs at The Brightside on Nov 9, 2021.

The Brightside kicks off the season on Tuesday, November 9th with a very funky dance party featuring The Nth Power, a sensational trio born out of New Orlean’s Jazz Fest. They’ll be paired with Ernie Johnson From Detroit, a 10 piece afro-funk-rock band that is known for their electric on-stage energy.

Their season also features annual events with Ekoostik Hookah, Scythian, The Werks, and Miss May I, two all-day music festivals, and the Dayton Battle of the Bands. This season includes Sunday evening Dayton Dinner Theater engagements, with live jazz, dinner, and a cult favorite film.

“The winter gets so dark and depressing, I like to host events that lift people’s spirits, including my own!” John Boucuvalas, Dayton Dinner Theater’s owner told us.

Ballengee told us that more dates are to be confirmed soon yet. “We’re not done booking yet, so look for more dates to be announced! We may have a big show over the summer, here or there, but by and large, we’re going to enjoy our summers along with everyone else!”

Ekoostik Hookah performs at The Brightside on Nov 19, 2021.

They’re also focused on providing a safe, indoor experience. The venue has installed UV-C air sanitation filters in their HVAC units. There are also asking guests to wear masks unless a patron shows proof of vaccination, negative covid test, or antibody test result.

Tickets and information for The Brightside events can be found at https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/event-calendar. See list to date of events planned below. Note: Not all events tickets are available for purchase yet.

The Brightside is located at 905 E 3rd St in downtown Dayton and has free, on-site parking.

 

2021-2022 The Brightside Season

Ernie Johnson From Detroit performs at The Brightside on Nov 9, 2021

Tuesday, Nov 9, 2021 – Power Funk from The Nth Power & Ernie Johnson From Detroit

Sunday, Nov 14, 2021 – “A Night in Paris” featuring Howard Hewett & fashion from Curvy Kouture

Thursday, Nov 18, 2021 – Jazz Fusion with Jonathan Scales Fourchestra

Friday, Nov 19, 2021 – Ekoostik Hookah with special guests Subterranean

Sunday, Nov 21, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Star Wars & live jazz

Friday, Nov 26, 2021 – Celtic Rock with Scythian and Arbo

Saturday, Nov 27, 2021 – The 10th Annual Werksgiving Celebration featuring The Werks and Dustin Smith & The Daydreamers

Friday, Dec 3, 2021 – Soul-Reggae-Funk Dance Party with Jah Sol and Solistic

Scythian performs at The Brightside on Nov 26, 2021

Sunday, Dec 5, 2021 – Daytime: Katrina Reelfish Presents a Holiday Drag Brunch

Evening: Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Christmas Vacation & live jazz

Friday, Dec 10, 2021 – HoliDayton

Sunday, Dec 12, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Elf

Friday, Dec 17, 2021 – Miss May I with special guests TBA

Thursday, Jan 13, 2021 – Dayton Battle of the Bands – Round 1 featuring Funk, Rock’n’roll, & Jam

Sunday, Jan 16, 2021 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Wizard of Oz & live jazz

Thursday, Jan 20, 2022 – Dayton Battle of the Bands – Round 2 featuring Hip-Hop, R&B, & Soul

Jah Sol performs at The Brightside on Dec 3, 2021

Thursday, Jan 27, 2022 – Dayton Battle of the Bands – Round 3 featuring Alternative, Punk, & Metal

Sunday, Jan 30, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring The Princess Bride & live jazz

Thursday, Feb 3, 2022 – Dayton Battle of the Bands – Round 4 featuring Folk, Americana, & Singer-Songwriter

Friday, Feb 4, 2022 – Punk Rock Prom with Nightbeast, Safe Money, & Knavery

Sunday, Feb 6, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Caddyshack & live jazz

Thursday, Feb 10, 2022 – Dayton Battle of the Bands – Round 5 featuring Dance, Electronic, & Experimental

Monday, Feb 14, 2022 – Valentine Day Dinner & Jazz with the Blue Heron Trio

Thursday, Feb 17, 2022 – Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale

Friday, Feb 18, 2022 – Femme Fatale Dayton Burlesque Revue

Friday, Feb 25, 2022 – ENMY with special guests TBA

Blue Heron Trio performs at The Brightside on Valentine’s Day, 2022

Saturday, Feb 26, 2022 – Sound Valley Winter Music Festival – featuring the winner of the Dayton Battle of the Bands

Sunday, Feb 27, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Airplane & live jazz

Saturday March 5, 2022 – Mardi Gras Extravaganza featuring Solistic & special guests

Sunday, March 13, 2022 – Daytime: Venus Rising Wellness Workshop

Evening: Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Holy Grail

Sunday, March 27, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Napoleon Dynamite

Sunday, April 10, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Big Lebowski & live jazz

Tickets and information for The Brightside events can be found at https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/event-calendar. See list to date of events planned below. Note: Not all events tickets are available for purchase yet.

 

 

 

 

Remarkable Jazz Duo Returns to The Brightside!

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I run into lots of folks who have been missing the jazz offerings at Gilly’s, or the listening room vibe at Canal Street Tavern. At The Brightside Music & Event Venue, we are hosting an upcoming performance that is just for those missing those powerful, intimate performances. Jennifer Hartswick & Nicholas Cassarino Duo, are a  truly remarkable jazz duo that you don’t want to miss!

The Brightside is thrilled to host this duo, who are back after popular demand! Last year they moved our audience to tears with their powerful jazz-fusion originals featuring Jennifer’s beautiful voice and trumpet accompaniment, along with Nick’s masterful, and even sexy, guitar work. Blues guitarist Steven Gregory, kicks off this exclusive performance.  He wowed local audiences during the recent Dayton Battle of the Bands, earning himself a spot in the finals.

Jennifer’s live performances are renowned as spontaneous, joyful and contagious. Her natural charisma and sincerity shines through, and each performance is a celebration of musical collaboration. And whether she is wailing on the trumpet or singing an intimate vocal solo, her performance is all part of a single seamless instrument, one that is played not only with astounding technical proficiency, but also with sensitivity, conviction and heart. Hartswick is an original member of the Trey Anastasio Band and has recorded/shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, Phish, Christian McBride, Tom Petty, Aaron Neville, Carlos Santana, The Rolling Stones, Big Gigantic, Dave Matthews and countless others.

Nicholas Cassarino was born in Vermont into a musical family. He started singing publicly at age 5 and at age 11 began playing guitar. Through the genres of punk rock, classic rock, and folk he began studying jazz. The doors of jazz opened him up to classical, gospel, soul, hip-hop, funk, and music from around the world. In 2013 he formed his current touring outfit The Nth Power with Nikki Glaspie (Beyonce) and Nate Edgar (John Browns Body). They have been touring nationally and internationally since 2014 and have released an ep, full length studio album, live album, and will release a new studio album in the fall of 2018.

How to Go?

Tuesday March 10, 2020

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

Doors 7pm. Show 7:30pm.

Pre-Sale Tickets $15: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/jennifer-hartswick-nick-cassarino-duo

Day of Show $18.

All ages welcome. Handicapped accessible. On site parking.

 

Dayton Battle of the Bands Announced for 2020

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Dayton is well known for our impressive history of pushing musical boundaries, from the invention of Funk to the incalculable influence of early 90s alternative bands Guided by Voices and The Breeders. As a new decade launches, a group of Dayton music enthusiasts are joining forces to launch the next generation of local music. 

Local music promoter Libby Ballengee (of Venus Child Productions) recently partnered with The Brightside, a new mid-size, multi-purpose event venue located in downtown Dayton. “I was so excited when The Brightside opened because there was finally a place downtown that could hold 500 person concerts. It’s the perfect size for grassroots promoters like me.” 

The key assets of The Brightside are its enormous stage and top-notch sound engineers. It’s a quality experience for performers and the audience alike. However, for new bands, it’s a big leap in cost and attendance to get up on that big stage. Ballengee felt bad about having to turn away inquiries, and sought a way to support new bands looking for a break. 

In conversations with fellow promoter and ticketing agent Zac Pitts from Sound Valley Dayton, and The Brightside’s owner Carli Dixon, Ballengee realized that they shared a mutual vision for the future of Dayton’s music community. Given Dayton’s rich musical history and impressive talent pool, how could they support the next generation of Dayton musical innovators?

The idea for a Dayton Battle of the Bands rose to the surface. Many Daytonians remember Canal Street Tavern’s Dayton Band Playoffs, although some like Pitts, were a bit too young to attend himself. While inspired by the idea, the group wants to use the platform of a competition to be more of an incubator for new bands. Bands will receive feedback from music industry experts during the playoff rounds, and the winner will get a full promotional package to take them to the next level.

The winner of Dayton Battle of the Bands will perform on the ballroom stage at The Brightside, among other prizes. PHOTO BY LIBBY BALLENGEE.

On December 6th, 2019, a call for submissions will begin via daytonbattleofthebands.com. Bands or musical acts of any genre, that have been established 5 years or less and within a 35 mile radius of downtown Dayton are eligible to apply. There is no fee to apply or perform. Online registration opens December 6, 2019 and closes on December 22, 2019.

There is one more informational sessions for bands to get more information about the competition on Tuesday,  December 17th. A band representative MUST attend one of these sessions to show proof of residency and to review how competition will work. Bands have a few days after the December meeting to complete their online registration.

Twenty bands will be selected by a review process by local judges, which includes Dr. Samuel N. Dorf, Associate Professor of Music at the University of Dayton, Tiffany Johnson, CEO of GigMerge and former VP of A&R for a Sony affiliate, Don Thrasher, longtime musician and journalist at the Dayton Daily News, among many others. 

Once the 20 participating bands are selected, they will be scheduled to perform a 20 minute set in The Brightside’s listening room, over a 5 week period January 14th, 2020 – February 11th, 2020 on Tuesday evenings. Four bands will play their best originals each week, the winners moving onto the finale will take place on February 25, 2020. Bands proceeding to the finals are picked through an equal mix of audience and judge’s votes. The Final winner will be selected by audience votes only.

This is a wonderful promotional opportunity for all 20 bands that participate! The winner will receive a full promotional kit including their very own EP recording session with Reel Love Recording Studio, a music video by Sound Valley, a professional photo shoot, and a chance to play the BIG stage at The Brightside during the Sound Valley Winter Music Festival on Saturday March 7, 2020.

Exciting details and updates to come! For additional details follow: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com

NEXT EVENT:

Musician Open House and Dayton Battle of the Bands Sign Up

at The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St Dayton, OH

Tuesday December 17, 2019 from 6:30-8:30pm.

Free Admission!

 

Pop Punk Tour Makes Only Ohio Stop in Dayton on Tue Dec 10, 2019

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Don’t miss the only Ohio stop for two up-and-coming southern Progressive Pop-Punk bands:  Frontside  (North Carolina) and LIKE MIKE (Georgia), with special local guest Gabe Maas and the Bruins!. This exclusive performance is happening on Tuesday December 10th, 2019 at Dayton’s newest music venue: The Brightside! It’s promises to be a fun Tuesday night out!

Frontside is a 3-piece Progressive Pop-Punk band based in the heart of North Carolina. This trio puts a twist on the pop-punk scene. Their music weaves progressive sensibilities and influences, while maintaining traditional song structures. The end result is a new breed of pop-punk that is instantly catchy and technically impressive.

Like Mike hails from Marietta, Georgia, and is making their Dayton debut at this exclusive show! Local openers Gabe Maas & The Bruins kick off the music early at 7:30pm! It’s an early evening of music, with plenty of time to get home for work or school in the morning!

HOW TO GO?

The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St Dayton, Ohio

Tuesday December 10th. Doors 7:30pm. Show 8pm.

Tickets $10 advance:https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/pop-punk-from-frontside-and-like-mike

All ages welcome!

 

 

Thanksgiving Weekend features Rock’n’Roll Reunions at The Brightside

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Dayton’s finest guitarists reunite for an exclusive show at The Brightside on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday November 27, 2019

Thanksgiving weekend is a time to reunite with friends and family, from far and wide. It holds true for musicians too! This weekend, some very special reunions are happening at The Brightside over the holiday weekend.

On Wednesday November 27th, the weekend kicks off with a showcase that serves to reunite dozen of area’s finest psychedelic rock musicians and their fans for the ultimate Thanksgiving Jam! Dayton music lovers have been attending Werksgiving for years, so while The Werks are taking a break, lead guitarist Chris Houser has invited his friends for an epic line up featuring Subterranean, Kommunity Service (a super group featuring members from The Werks, Boogie Matrix, Subterranean & Arrows of Neon), and Oh Kee Pa performing a tribute to Phish. My advice? Wear comfy shoes and prepare to boogie!

This rockin’ weekend continues with a Black Friday Special on November 29th, which highlights an exclusive homecoming performance by Dayton native Charlie Tipton. He’s been working on his EP in Tennessee and is excited to perform this material with his hometown family! The night is topped off with high energy Blues Rock from Wolf Moon Revival! It’s going to be an incredible night of original Dayton music!

Bonus – both performances will have the Hunger Force Food Truck on site! Their specialty is comfort food, which is perfect for the holiday weekend. So come hungry for this special weekend of live music and reunions with old friends!

HOW TO GO?

Thanksgiving Jam! 

  • Wednesday, November 27, 2019
  • The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
    $10 advance at SoundValleyDayton.com through Tuesday at midnight
  • $15 day of show price
  • All ages welcome!
  • Doors 7:30pm / Show 8:30pm.
    • 8:30pm – Oh Kee Pa (a Celebration of Phish)
    • 10pm – Kommunity Service
    • 11:30pm – Subterranean (music over approx 1am)

 

Black Friday Special!

  • Friday, November 29, 2019
  • The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
    $10 advance at SoundValleyDayton.com
  • All ages welcome!
  • Doors 8pm / Show 9pm.
    • 9pm Charlie Tipton Solo Set
    • 10pm Charlie Tipton Band
    • 11:45pm Wolf Moon Revival (music over approx 1:45am)

Both shows are also produced by Venus Child Productions.

D Funk All-Stars present an Old School Groove Night

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If you’re feeling the biting winds of winter already, there is going to be a reprieve this weekend at the hottest dance party of the season: the legendary D Funk All-Stars present an Old School Groove Night in The Brightside’s Vodvil Ballroom!

Making this show extra special is the fact that it’s also longtime Dayton sound engineer Monika Shroyer‘s birthday party too! What a way to celebrate! The party kicks off with D Funk’s set and then moves into after party mode with DJ Dingo. 

So grab your dancin shoes on and head on over for a truly Funkalious event!

How To Go?

Saturday November 9, 2019
at The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St)

All ages are welcome!

Doors 8pm. Show 9pm.
$10 advance. $15 day of show.

Tickets available here: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/d-funk-all-stars-with-dj-dingo

 

The Brightside hosts $10 Classical Concert!

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The Rodin Trio performs at The Brightside on October 30, 2019

The Brightside is committed to hosting a variety of events to the Dayton area, including classical music too! Dayton’s own Joshua Halpern (cello) is back home from globe trotting with his group, the Rodin Trio, to perform on Wednesday October 30th in the new venue’s beautiful Vodvil Ballroom. The trio is rounded out with Scott Cuellar (piano – faculty at Oberlin) and Philip Marten (violin – Assistant Concert Master at Cincinnati Symphony).

This particular performance is everything typical classical concerts are not: casual and affordable! Organizers are particularly encouraging students to attend for just $7, and $10 for adults – in advance. Quite the value to see performers of this caliber! Pre-sale tickets are available at SoundValleyDayton.com. Note: Ticket prices raise to $10 / $15 day of show.

When I asked Joshua why this hometown show is so special, he explained: “I got my start in Dayton in every way –– Nan Watson, my orchestra teacher at Oakwood, was the first person to put a cello in my hands. Early on I studied privately with her and a couple of other cellists in the Dayton Philharmonic. Betsey Hofeldt, a violinist in the DPO, was the first to introduce me to chamber music, which totally changed my life. I played for years in the Junior Strings Orchestra and the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. I wouldn’t have pursued music without all of these hometown influences and to be able to finally come back and not only see so many familiar faces but thank them with music, and show them (I hope) how I’ve continued to grow, is a really special kind of full-circle moment that brings me a lot of joy.”

If you’ve ever been curious about experiencing the power and beauty of classical music, this is the perfect opportunity!

  • The Program:
    • Beethoven: Piano Trio No. 2 in G major, Op 1 No. 2
    • Martinu: Piano Trio No. 2 in D minor, H. 327
      — Intermission–
    • Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66

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ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

Since graduating from Oakwood High School in 2012, Josh has earned degrees from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston and from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Most recently, he completed a chamber music tour of Germany that took him to Berlin, Mecklenburg, and to Beethoven’s former home in Bonn. In June, Josh was guest principal cello with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra for performances in the Netherlands and WHERE, and on tour to Taiwan and China.

Josh first played cello as a fourth grader at Harman Elementary. During high school, he was principal cello for the Oakwood High School Orchestra and the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and was a founding member of the Blackbird String Quartet at OHS. As part of the prep program at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Josh was a founding member of the Polaris Quartet which won the gold medal in the junior division of the Fischoff International Chamber Music competition in 2011.

The Rodin Trio, established in 2017, also includes Philip Marten, violin, who is assistant concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Scott Cuellar, piano, who is on faculty at Oberlin Conservatory. The three musicians each maintain separate busy schedules, but are excited to be playing together again and bringing their music to Dayton.

GRAMMY award winning jazz comes to The Brightside Sunday October 20th!

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The Brightside Music & Event Venue invites you to another intimate evening of world class jazz-funk-world music from 3x Grammy award winning guitarist Bob Lanzetti, of Snarky Puppy fame!

Bob Lanzetti is a Brooklyn, NY based professional guitarist, composer, producer, and educator. He has performed and recorded with many artists throughout the NYC area as well as played in over 40 countries with the three time Grammy Award Winning jazz/funk collective, Snarky Puppy: Best R&B Performance in 2014 (“Something” featuring Lalah Hathaway), and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2016 and 2017 (“Sylva” with Metropole Orkest and “Culcha Vulcha”, respectively).

Bob Lanzetti’s group consists of a collective of old friends who have been playing together in a variety of settings for over a decade. The band is able to move as one, effortlessly changing styles as well as weaving between composition and improvisation. The group draws inspiration from many genres of music. In a given performance you can hear hints of Americana, jazz, avant-garde, rock, afro-beat, country, and free improvisation, sometimes all within the same tune. Currently the group consists of Jordan Perlson on drums (Adrian Belew, Banda Magda, Becca Stevens Band) and Matt Aronoff on bass (Banda Magda, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner).

Bob released his debut record as a leader entitled, Whose Feet are These That are Walking, in fall of 2017 to positive reviews and has done a number of US tours in support of the album.

HOW TO GO?

Sunday October 20, 2019

at The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St

Doors 7pm. Show 8-10pm

Advance tickets $10 (https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4372687)
Day of show $15

All ages Welcome!

Dixon’s Violin is a mesmerizing performance you don’t want to miss!

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Dixon’s Violin performs at The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Friday October 18, 2019.

Downtown’s newest indoor music venue, The Brightside, is dedicated to providing a true variety of quality music to Dayton’s audiences. This weekend proves that point! On Friday they host Dixon’s Violin, as seen on TED.com, at Electric Forest, at Burning Man, and across North America. This is a rare opportunity to see this mesmerizing music up-close-and-personal in their intimate listening room space!

The world’s premier visionary violinist, Dixon’s life mission is to inspire people – and he has done so across North America, including giving three TED talks/performances, performing for over ten years at Burning Man, plus radio, TV, and film appearances. A former technology leader and symphony violinist, Dixon walked away from a distinguished career to follow his dream full-time, and invented a whole new music genre. Dixon now improvises on a 5-string electric violin with a looping system he developed to create an all-live one-man symphony, guided by his remarkable personal story of life transformation.

Kicking off the show is Dance Furiously, a rock and roll orchestration of funk, electronica, jazz, pop & soul that blends together a compelling sound which tells the story of a thriving music community in Columbus, Ohio. The group emphasizes live improvisation & expression thru their live show and consistently opens up their songs and reinterprets them to make them sound uniquely new, each time.

HOW TO GO?

Friday October 18th

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

7:00 PM Doors Open
8:00 PM Dance Furiously
9:00 PM Dixon’s Violin

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dixons-violin-at-hannahs-tickets-67059632165
$12 advance tickets / $15 day of show

All ages are welcome, children 12 and under are free!

International Tap Dance Sensations Perform Exclusively at The Brightside on Sunday Sept 22nd!

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The Brightside is proud to present, The Tap Factor in “Soul’d Out!” a live music event featuring Tap dance sensations Christopher Erk, Derick K. Grant, Anthony J. Russo, and Jabu Graybeal. They invite you to share an evening with these four globetrotting Tap dancers as they give their only public performance locally after spending a month touring their show ‘Feet Speak” throughout Dayton area public schools on behalf of the Muse Machine. Accompanied by Dayton’s own Premium-Blend Music, this highly energetic and collaborative dose of music and Tap dance is a “don’t miss” event for all ages!

3 ticket options available for this show:
$20 General Admission advance ticket ($25 day of show)
$40 ticket plus Meet & Greet
$50 ticket plus Tap class and Meet & Greet

Schedule:
4:30-5:15 – All-inclusive Tap dance class – no experience necessary ($50 ticket option – includes all below too)
5:15-6:00 – Sound Check + Meet & Greet / Photo Op ($40 ticket option – includes performance too)
6:00-6:30 – General Admission Doors
6:30-8:00 – Performance ($20 ticket adv / $25 day of show)

More about performers and The Tap Factor:
– Christopher Erk (New York City/Los Angeles) – Performed in the Off-Broadway touring production of Tap Dogs; Founding Artistic Director of the Tap Factor; Absinthe, Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas; Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

– Derick K. Grant (Boston/New York City) – Performed in Broadway’s original cast, Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk; Creator of Imagine Tap

– Anthony J. Russo (St. Louis/New York City) – performed in Off-Broadway touring production of Tap Dogs; Cirque du Soliel; Founder of Tapademics; Absinthe, Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas

– Jabu Graybeal – Recipient of the Young Arts Award; Member of the North Carolina Youth Ensemble; Highlight in Dance Spirit Magazine as one of “Tap’s Next Generation of Stars”

The Tap Factor is performing on Sunday September 22, 2019 at The Brightside in downtown Dayton. PHOTO BY SARAH BABCOCK

– The Tap Factor was founded in Dayton by former resident Christopher Erk over ten years ago. While teaching at Wright State University, Sinclair Community College, Dayton Dance Conservatory and beyond, participants would meet weekly at the Tap Factor’s Front Street studio where donation-based Tap classes evolved into a local community of dancers that could be found sharing their joy for Tap at city events throughout the year. Since then, they have taken to the stage collaborating with organizations such as Best Buddies, the Boys and Girls Club of America, with performances at Carnegie Hall and more. Check out the Tap Factor’s journey online by visiting www.thetapfactor.com

Free Trauma Relief & Healing Workshop on Sunday August 11th

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Many Daytonians are feeling extremely traumatized from the recent mass shooting and the Memorial Day tornadoes. We are all in need of healing.

To fill that need, The Ayurveda Natural Health Center is partnering with a collection of Dayton healers to present a FREE Trauma Relief Day of Healing on Sunday August 11th from 1:30pm-5:30pm at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St). Donations will be accepted and donated to the victim’s families and Moms Demand Action.

Classroom sessions:

  • 1:30 – 2:30 Somatic Trauma Resolution with Anjali Brannon from Ayurveda Natural Health Center
  • 2:30 – 3.30 Guided Relaxation and Meditation with Julie Bowen from Heartfulness Dayton
  • 3:30 – 4:30 Yoga with BeTrice Casada
  • 4:30 – 5:30 Pranic Healing with Felisha Beverly

*Please bring a yoga mat, blanket or towel if participating in yoga session.

Mini sessions will be offered throughout the event, including Thai Yoga & Swedish Massage, Pranic Healing, Somatic Trauma Resolution, Meditation, Reflexology, Reiki & Bemer from the above mentioned practitioners along with Janae Christopher, Lori Slone, Kathryn Stomps, Colleen Curran, Susan Nunn and more to be announced.

VeganDayton’s Shelly Gompers is providing snacks and information.

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