Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Dayton’s in for a treat this Saturday night when Monte Montgomery brings his trademark electrified acoustic guitar music to Canal Street Tavern. The Austin native will be playing at Bonnaroo later this month, but his music will be right at home in Canal Street’s intimate setting. Tod Weidner from Shrug will open the show, which begins around 9:30pm (doors open at 8). Tickets are $14 in advance or $15 on the day of the show.
Here’s a YouTube taste of Monte Montgomery’s music:
This weekend you’ll be able to get your hands on a copy of yet another of the year’s great local releases. Me & Mountains will be celebrating the release of their debut album on Saturday, June 5th at Blind Bobs. The band will be joined onstage by Okay Lindon and the Harlequins (Cincinnati).
The self-titled album was recorded by Darryl Robbins from the Motels Beds and is being released under his Fictionband Mechanics label. Me & Mountains is offering a bonus CD of demo tracks to anyone who buys the album at the release show on Saturday.
You can also catch Me & Mountains performing live on Kaleidoscope tonight. The show is 8-11pm on 91.3FM WYSO and can be streamed online at wyso.org.
Ladyfest Dayton is still a few months away, but this Saturday night you can get in the mood and throw some support toward the festival all while hearing some great music. 10 local bands will take the stage at Blind Bob’s starting around 10pm and pay tribute to their favorite girl groups and riot grrrls. The $5 cover charge will go towards the expenses of this year’s Ladyfest Dayton, which will be August 9-8th at c{space. Here’s who’s playing:
Los Esposos
This Friday night is your chance to celebrate yet another great release from one of our local bands. Human Reunion will unveil their new 7″ inch, Carbonics at their show at Blind Bob’s. There will be a limited number of white-vinyl copies available at the show as well as standard editions on gold vinyl from Detroit’s Five Three Dial Tone Records. Also available that evening is Prelude to A Miss Volume 1. This is the first installment of a cassette series from Five Three Dial Tone and will feature demos and instrumental versions of songs from Carbonics.
If the music collector in you isn’t already lining up for this show, then the rest of the lineup will have you sold. Human Reunion will be joined onstage by the Motel Beds (who just sent their new album Feelings off to press) and Pittsburgh’s Summer Lungs.
Pairing well with the warm weather in the Dayton region, Blind Bob’s is hosting an evening of some great Americana music. Local folk singer Wes Tirey and Dayton/Springfield bluegrass duo Sawgrass will welcome the Young Republic, a folk-rock group from Tennessee. This show should get started around 9pm.
As a preview for this great lineup, check out Wes Tirey playing live on WYSO:
Jonathan Larson's RENT at C{Space June 3-5 www.RENTdayton.org ~ Win Tickets Below!
On June 3rd Encore Theater Company will open it’s summer season of musicals with a show which has become a cornerstone for the musical theater world of the past decade and a half. ETC will present Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway musical RENT in C{space on three evenings next week, and if you don’t plan ahead, you just might miss out this highly provocative production in a truly unique downtown venue (Saturday is nearly sold out & tickets are selling fast for the other performances).
The musical, which is based loosely on Puccini’s opera La Boheme, follows a year in the lives of seven friends living the disappearing Bohemian lifestyle in New York’s East Village. AIDS and both it’s physical and emotional complications pervade these characters as they struggle to find their place in a quickly changing world.
We think of RENT as this iconic “rock opera” legend but what RENT was saying and how it was saying it was revolutionary in 1996 and the theater world has never been the same. The number of doors RENT opened for new musical theatre writers was unprecedented. Shows that have followed – like SPRING AWAKENING & 2010’s AMERICAN IDIOT (Yes, the GreenDay one) – are indebted to Larson & his show for their success. RENT’s influence is still profound in shows opening today, fourteen years after it quietly opened it’s Off-Broadway run the night after Larson died of an aortic aneurysm.
When talking with cast members of the show, it’s interesting, almost comical actually, to realize that for many of them, their first knowledge of this show was the 2005 film version. As depressing as that is to this almost-40-year-old, who could’ve been in the original Broadway cast (if he could act & sing that is), it’s also refreshing. This cast is approaching this material with such an infectious energy! They are exploring the souls of these characters, but through a new point of view, in a very different world.
“To be able to experience something so beyond myself in sharing with my fellow castmates and it’s viewers, the very real struggle that these characters live through has been life-changing. This chance to live in love, to spread the message to carry on and be thankful every single day has been a gift.”Drew Bowen, “Roger”
“Being a part of RENT is something deeply profound that I’ve strived for in my art and I finally have the chance to play my dream role. I’ll carry with me the artistic lessons that I’ve learned from this production as I pursue my stage career.”JJ Parkey, “Mark”
Since ETC carries as its mission the development and preservation of new musical theatre, it seemed only fitting that we honor Jonathon Larson – the pioneer who made our work and our mission possible. Along with a unique group of collaborators including C}Space, Sinclair Community College Theatre Department, AIDS Resource Center of Ohio, and Project Runway Finalist Althea Harper, ETC invites you to rediscover why you fell in love with RENT all over again and see this generation-defining musical in a fresh innovative production against the backdrop of one of Downtown’s Dayton’s most unique spaces.
Jonathan Larson’s RENT will play June 3, 4 & 5 in downtown Dayton’s C{space at 7:30pm each evening. An additional 11:30pm performance will take place on Friday, June 4th. Tickets for the event are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. You can order tickets by visiting www.RENTdayton.org
WIN TICKETS to RENT!
It’s easy! Just COMMENT to this post before midnight Saturday, May 29th to be entered into a drawing to win a set of tickets to the Encore Theater Company production of RENT. We will be giving away one set of tickets for each 7:30 performance (Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 1 winner per performance)…but you can help DOUBLE the number of tickets we will be giving away! If 50 readers “SHARE” this post, by clicking the FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON before midnight Saturday…we’ll give away two sets of tickets for each evening’s performance! Start Sharing!
Tuesdays at Canal Street Tavern are traditionally reserved Musician’s Co-Op, but every once in a while Co-Op goes on hold for a week for a special event. This Tuesday Austin’s White Rhino will stopping by Canal Street as part of their national tour for some good old fashioned rock and roll. They’ll be supported by locals Electric Smoke with Fuzz Hound opening. This show gets started around 9:30pm and is $5.
Musician’s Co-Op will return next week, but if you’re really missing it, check out this great mini documentary about Co-Cop by former Daytonians Angelle Haney Gullett and Steven Gullett.
Great live music doesn’t stop just because another Urban Nights has come and gone. There are lots of great shows happening both Friday and Saturday nights this weekend. Here are some of the highlights:
Friday:
*The ever-funky Romeo Champagne will headline Canal Street Tavern. The show gets started around 9:30pm with Cleveland’s Deja Voodoo and is $5.
*If reggae is your thing, you won’t want to miss Seefari at the Trolley Stop. This show also starts around 9:30pm.
*For local blues, check out WG Blues Unit at J’Alan’s on Ludlow.
*The Black Who’s will be playing at The Brewery in Troy with Fuzz Hound and Valley of Visions. The Black Who’s performed live on Kaleidoscope this week, and you can stream that set from WYSO’s website.
Saturday:
*New Vega and Ed vs. Radio will play host to Louisville’s The Fervor. This South Park Tavern show gets started around 9pm.
*If you’re in the mood to dance, local DJ Jay Madewell will be hosting Fab Gear at Blind Bob’s. This dance party combines some of most danceable tunes from the soul, funk, Motown and disco genres.
*Over on Brown Street, C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks and Nine False Suns will be rocking the stage at Jimmie’s Cornerstone Bar.
*Regional favorites the Psychodots will perform at Canal Street Tavern with WYSO Excursions host and musician in her own right, Niki Dakota opening.
So Dayton – which shows are you excited about/playing in/can’t miss this weekend?
Another great weekend of music in Dayton kicks off Thursday at South Park Tavern. Local favorites the Smug Brothers will will join the Turkish Delights in welcoming Columbus’ Kyle Sowashes to town. This all-ages show gets started around 9pm – perfect for grabbing a later dinner at South Park Tavern.
Burlesque shows have been enjoying a revival in recent years, and this Thursday night Dayton will get a taste of the glitter and glamor when Brooklyn’s Dangerous Curves Ahead come to town. Billed as “Burlesque on the Go-Go,” this cabaret-style show at Gilly’s starts at 8pm and is only $10. Several members of this year’s show performed to rave reviews in last year’s Monsters of Burlesque, and they’ll be joined onstage by local burlesque performer Champagne Shock.
Bonnett’s Book Store in the Oregon District is helping to promote the show. Kevin Bonnett says, “Burlesque is racy, but it’s about stagecraft and performance; not pole dancing and dollar stuffing. Regardless of the ‘sexy’ involved, these folks know how to put on a show that will make you smile!”
YP Events coming up THIS WEEK:
GenD hosts their monthly Business and Breakfast on Tuesday, May 18 from 7-8 AM at the First Watch by the Dayton Mall. Everyone is welcome; the event is free to attend, but breakfast is at your own expense.
HYPE: HYPE stands for Helping Young Professionals Emergeand works to connect YPs in the Northern Miami Valley to great opportunities. Thursday, May 20th is the One Year Anniversary Bash! Have a great time with old and new friends and make new contacts with special features including a dj with music videos, year in review news and photos, and much more! 5:30 PM at Club 55 in Troy.
HYPE keeps up the fun on Friday, May 21 as they dispel the mystery of wine through our upcoming Wine Education Series. Join the fun and education at The Piqua Country Club as they feature an amazing line-up of wine and culinary expertise.
Dayton Creatives Syndicate: Looking for something fun do do? Why don’t you go fly a kite? No, really — join your friends at the Dayton Creative Syndicate from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at Possum Creek MetroPark for the Go Fly a Kite Regatta. Everyone is welcome to participate or just enjoy!
The Dayton Ballet Associate Board/Ballet Barre is holding a recruiting event on Saturday, May 22nd @ Champs by the Dayton Mall at 5 pm. Check it out for a casual and fun way to learn more about what this group is doing to get people under 45 engaged in the region’s arts.
Did I miss anything? If you know of a specific YP event happening between now and May 23 – post it here!
Urban Nights showcases some of the best that downtown Dayton has to offer, and since we have a lot to offer, deciding what to see and hear can be a bit overwhelming. So I’ve compiled a list of some of the musical highlights Friday has to offer:
*The official Urban Nights program includes entertainment on a main stage at Courthouse Square and several satellite stages. My picks for main stage entertainment are the Reece Lincoln Band (6:00-6:45 p.m.) and The Rev. Cool Arkestra & Dance Ensemble (7:00-7:45 p.m.). Reece Lincoln is one of Dayton’s rising musical stars and puts on a high energy show that combines elements of blues and classic rock and roll. The Rev. Cool Arkestra & Dance Ensemble is the brainchild of WYSO host Rev Cool (Around the Fringe). It’s a unique combination of live music, DJ mixes and dance that’s not to be missed. The satellite stages include everything from local jazz, rock and roll covers and a preview of the Encore Theatre Company’s production of RENT to a spotlight on Sinclair’s musical offerings. A full schedule and a printable program and map can be found here.
* Friday is the first day of Side Show V, which features a wide variety music, performance and art. This year’s showcase takes place at the Armory building on E. Sixth Street and Friday’s musical highlights include Noah Wotherspoon and Jessi Bair (6-6:30pm), c.wright’s Parlour Tricks (8:40-9:30pm), Sohio (10:10-10:40pm) and Outside Residential (10:50-11:20pm). For a better idea of what the Side Show is all about, check out J.T. Ryder’s featured article right here on Dayton Most Metro. The full lineup for both days of Side Show V is available on their Myspace page.
* Friday also marks the start of the 2nd FilmDayton Festival. This year’s festival is bigger and better, and in addition to featuring more films than last year, there’s also more music! Lisa Grigsby’s post here on Dayton Most Metro features the full festival lineup. There are two great great musical offerings on Friday night: Gladgirl will present “Dayton Rock and Roll Home Movies,” a free kickoff event at the old Greyhound Station on Fifth Street that’s been transformed into the festival lounge. This event will feature music videos from current and past local bands and live music from Flotation Walls. Later that night, the Lab Partners will perform at the first festival after-party at Gilly’s with the Now Device (headed by Springfield native Rod Hatified) providing a video and light show.
*As if that weren’t enough, A World A’Fair also begins on Friday at the Dayton Convention Center with tons of music, dance and delicious food from around the world. A full performance schedule can be found at their website.
*The Ohio Coffee Company is providing Urban Nights entertainment for a good cause. Hugs for Maya is a musical showcase to benefit Maya Claude, a 5 year old girl who recently had a brain tumor removed. Local artists will be selling donated pieces and a host of local musicians have donated their time including Suicide Hill, Eric Cassidy, Rob Young and more.
*If you miss Noah Wotherspoon at the Side Show, he’ll also be performing at the Oregon Express beginning around 9:30pm.
*While you’re in the Oregon District, be sure to stop by Practice Yoga. Local singer-songwriter BJSR will perform from 6 to 10pm.
*Down the street, the Eric Jerardi Band will be headlining the Trolley Stop beginning at 9:30pm.
*Over at Canal Street Tavern, the Spikedrivers will perform with Luther Wright. It’s the perfect place to go after checking out the Urban Nights showcase at the Southern Belle loft (right next door to Canal Street Tavern). This will feature the work of many local artists and musicians including music from local ukulele folk artist Henrique Couto.
*And although it’s not music-related, audiophile will want to stop by the StoryCorps airstream trailer parked in front of the Schuster Center. The mobile recording booth will be open until 7:30pm on Friday night for tours.
So what’s your must-see event this Urban Nights? Any tips for beginners on the best way to get the most out of the evening? Share your thoughts, tips, tricks and anything I may have missed in the comments.
James Greer wrote the book on Guided by Voices…literally. The former editor for Spin Magazine is the author of Guided by Voices: A Brief History: Twenty-One Years of Hunting Accidents in the Forests of Rock and Roll, a book about the band with which he played bass. More recently Greer has been focusing on novels and screenwriting. He’ll be in town this week promoting his new novel, The Failure (Akashic). There are several opportunities to see Greer and learn more about The Failure, which is partially set in Dayton:
-On Wednesday night, I’ll be interviewing Greer on Kaleidoscope on WYSO 91.3FM. The show is 8-11pm and will also feature information on the FilmDayton festival.
-On Thursday, Greer will reading at the Town & Country Books & Co. in Kettering beginning at 7pm.
-On Friday, Greer will hold a private house-show style reading in Dayton. There are still a few slots open for this event. You can find out more and reserve a slot by emailing [email protected]. This reading will also be broadcast live on Ustream beginning at 7:45pm. Click here to sign in as a guest and watch.
-Greer will also be part of a Q&A session about an upcoming film project, Cleo, at the FilmDayton Festival (May 14-16).
First Fridays are always full of activity and opportunities to enjoy some of the best our area has to offer. This month is no exception. Here’s just a taste of the musical offerings this Friday night:
Canal Street Tavern will host three great local bands: The Black Who’s?, Fuzz Hound and 2006 Dayton Band Playoff winners, Orange Willard. The show starts at 9:30pm and is $5
The Rubbles will bring their 60’s style rock and roll to Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District, starting at around 8pm.
Down the street at the Trolley Stop, the Curious Animals will hit the stage around 9:30pm.
If you prefer your music with a seafood dinner, Puzzle of Light will perform at Jay’s Restaurant from 9pm until midnight. You can just come for dessert or a drink and, of course the music, but if you’re going to do dinner, call ahead for a reservation (937-222-2892).
Or if you feel like taking a drive out to Yellow Springs, Sohio will be headlining Peaches Grill with the Black Owls starting at around 9pm.
What are your musical plans for Friday night? Do you know of another great that’s not on this list? Share it in the comments!
A couple of months ago, South Park Tavern began hosting an open mic night on Wednesday nights, but instead of sticking with a traditional acoustic-style evening, they decided to do something a little different. Thus the Rock-n-Roll Play Date was born. The event is open to a wide variety of performers including comedians, rappers, acoustic and electric acts and the idea is to foster collaboration. Interested performers can sign up for a 25 minute time slot in advance on South Park Tavern’s website and even put in a request for other musicians they’d like to play with (say a drummer or bass player). It’s a good environment to try out new material or for solo musicians to meet other people to play with. The first act gets started around, and the last act goes on between 12 and 12:30am
As a new month begins, it’s time for The Buddha Den to present a new artist in residence for its NTRO/XPO showcase at South Park Tavern. This FREE weekly event is a great way to get to know some of the of the area’s new and established bands. Hot off the release of their self-titled debut album, Mountain Screamer will be rocking every Tuesday in May with a host of special guests:
5/4 Army of Infants
5/11 Outright Liar
5/18 Charge Scenic
5/25 Too Buku
Mountain Screamer recently did a set live on WYSO’s Kaleidoscope. Click here for a stream of that performance.
