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

Things to Do

Enjoy an early evening of folk music with Ellis Paul!

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Enjoy an early evening and intimate performance with the one and only, Ellis Paul at Brightside Music Room this Sunday April 14, 2019. It’s going to be a true Sunday Funday with doors opening at 5pm with food from Twisted Taco food truck, and music from 6-8pm. Cozy, early evening that is perfect for Dayton music fans!

Ellis Paul is a renowned troubadour, singer/songwriter, folky, and storyteller. He’s been inspired by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor, and their spirits seem to occasionally grace his work. With an acoustic guitar in hand, he weaves intimate, provocative, and romantic tales of lives that were obviously witnessed by a most-talented voyeur.

Based in Massachusetts, Paul has been called the quintessential Boston songwriter more than a few times and has garnered the recognition and awards to back up that claim, including a shelf full of Boston Music Awards. Since coming onto the scene in 1993 with his independent debut, Say Something, Paul hasn’t slowed or weakened as a performer or a writer.

Spending two-thirds of most years on the road has helped him perfect both crafts, with a lot of practice on-stage and a lot of people whose stories he retells in song.  Over the years and albums, his songs have gotten more personal. Paul is on tour celebrating his 20th and latest studio album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase.

How to Go?

Sunday April 14 at Brightside Music & Event Venue (903 E 3rd St).

Doors 5pm. Show 6-8pm. Tickets $20 each (available online and at the door).

Rockin’ out to support Ronald McDonald House of Dayton!

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This weekend, April 12-13, 2019, you can rock out to a 2-night music event and fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House. Come for one or both nights of this special event at the new Brightside Music & Event Venue!

Friday night serves as the pre-party for Saturday night’s main event. There you’ll enjoy an extra special Happy Hour, which kicks off at 4:30pm, featuring a tasting from Cutwater Spirits and food available from Godfather’s Pizza. Music starts at 6pm with Last Call Trio, featuring special guest Danny Voris. At 8pm you can witness the 6 year old piano sensation Avett Ray (as seen on CBS News, Good Morning America, People, Inside Edition). At 8:30pm, the Kerry Smith Band rehearses for their big show on Saturday. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door. VIP ticket $30 (includes Saturday night ticket too + reserved seating) More info here.

Saturday night is the main event! Doors open at 6pm. Harvest Mobile Cuisine will be here and have food available for purchase. Avett Ray is back with another performance at 7pm. At 8pm, the Kerry Smith Band takes the stage for this rare reunion show. General admission tickets for Saturday are $15 advance, $20 at the door. VIP ticket $30 (includes Friday night ticket too + reserved seating.) More info here.

This is going to be a fantastic weekend for rock’n’roll fans, and a fabulous way to support Dayton’s Ronald McDonald House!

Celebration of liFe at Blind Bob’s on Saturday

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One of the things I admire most about the Dayton music community, is its ability to bring everyone together and to lift each other up. This Saturday April 13th is no exception with the Celebration of liFe concert at Blind Bob’s Bar.

Organizers explain: “One year ago, our community lost a beacon of light. In memory of our dear friend Fe Meier, please join us for Celebration of liFe. To honor her smile, kindness and memory, all proceeds will be donated to NAMI Montgomery County Ohio. NAMI is dedicated to providing peer support, education and advocacy to individuals and families affected with mental illness.”

The night’s lineup includes local rock bands Abertooth Lincoln, Kelly Renea Hanus, Weathervein, VICE ON VICTORYandSmall Words. The show is $5 at the door, although additional donations are gladly accepted! This is a 21+ event. Doors 9pm. Music till 2am.

Want to donate but can’t attend? Please visit www.nami-mc.org. Want to help but can’t donate? Call a friend or loved one and tell them five amazing things about themselves. Give someone a hug. Make sure that YOU are taking care of your mental health and reaching out to others when you need to. You are never a burden. You are never too much. YOU ARE LOVED.

Learn about the Dayton Podcasting community at Podfest!

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Photo from the first Dayton Podfest in 2017. CONTRIBUTED.

Are you curious about podcasts or a current podcast listener? Interested in creating your own podcast? Already podcasting and want to connect with other area podcasters? If you are anywhere on that spectrum, you are welcome to join The Gem City Podcast for their upcoming event Dayton Podfest at the Brightside Music & Event Center on Saturday March 30, 2019. This is a celebration of local podcasts and the ever growing world of podcasting.

What is a podcast? A podcast is essentially talk radio, but on demand. You can listen for free on websites and podcast platforms like iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, among others. Gem City Podcast is the first podcast dedicated to Dayton Ohio specifically. The GCP crew has been highlighting area stories since 2013 and over 700 episodes, and was recently voted “Best Dayton Podcast.”

Beyond creating 3 podcasts weekly, the GCP crew is also enthusiastic about creating a sense of community among area podcasters. They’ve started a monthly meet up on the second Tuesday of the month, and organized Dayton Podfests, where they host a workshop for newbies, a networking hour, and a host of live Dayton podcasts.

Even if you can’t attend the event, purchasing a pre-sale ticket for $10 or $20 is a great way to make a donation to the Gem City Podcast crew and the great work they’ve been doing for the Dayton community! To do so, click here.

How to Go:

Dayton Podfest

Saturday March 30, 2019

Brightside Music & Event Venue

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dayton-podfest-tickets-58450995501

$10 for Podfest / $20 Podfest + Workshop

Schedule

2:00-4:00pm: Podcasting Workshop hosted by The Izzy Rock. This workshop is $20 (This also pays for your entry into Dayton Podfest) During the workshop, Izzy will be joined by fellow Dayton podcasters to walk you through the various stages of creating and maintaining a podcast, share tips & tricks to grow your audience, along with a Q&A session.

4:00 -10:30 pm: Dayton Podfest $10

Scythian warms up the Celtic Crowd!

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For all those missing Celtic Festival, there’s a fantastic event happening this weekend that’s just for you! One of the beloved annual headliners, Scythian, is making a winter stop in Dayton, to warm up our hearts and souls, and get us in the mood for St Patrick’s Day!

Scythian is crowd pleaser for many reasons, primarily because they are so energetic, and get people literally bouncing on their feet! The other reason is their undeniable talent, and clever interplay between musicians. If you’ve never seen them perform, this is the perfect show to see and hear them up close!

The upcoming March 8th performance is extra special for a couple of reasons. First off, the band is performing at one of Dayton’s newest venues, The Brightside Music & Event Venue. Dayton has been in need of a 400-600 person indoor room where national acts can perform during the colder months especially. Secondly, Scythian is joined by The Hussey Brothers (Indiana) & our beloved Celtic Academy of Irish Dance for this show!

When I spoke with this band about their upcoming show in Dayton, they said: “For every band that tours, there’s always a few cities that have a special place in their heart: places that have opened their doors, their hearts to them and given them the unconditional support to take risks and grow as musicians. For us Dayton is such a place and we can honestly say it feels like a home away from home – an oasis. During this 3,500 mile St. Patrick’s Day tour we’ve all been keeping our eye on March 8th. We’re excited to come home and are looking forward to introducing our Dayton family to the Hussey Brothers an brand new band on the Americana scene that will be turning heads this coming year. So be sure to come out early to hear these Indiana boys play and come ready for a great night of musical entertainment!”

The Hussey Brothers perform with Scythian at the Brightside Music & Event Center on Friday March 8, 2019. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.

How to Go?

Friday March 8, 2019. Doors 7pm. Show 7:30-10:30pm.

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

Tickets $20 – purchase here.

All Ages!

Sunday Brunch at the Engineers Club!

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Engineers Club Dining RoomOnce a quarter, the Engineers Club of Dayton offers an all-you-can eat brunch in their dining room that is open to the public. For the first part of 2019, that date is February 3! Start your Sunday with a delicious meal in our century-old, historic building right next to Riverscape.  Chef Laura and the staff serve brunch from 11 AM to 2 PM, preparing an amazing meal for all of our members, guests, and potential members. 

The buffet-style meal features an omelet station, country ham, bacon, hash brown casserole, biscuits & gravy, seasoned beef, seared salmon, wild rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, and salad bar. With such a large selection of food and drink, everyone can find something they will enjoy on our menu!  Brunch runs $15.95/member and non-members can enjoy for $17.95. 

Engineers Club of Dayton

(937) 228-2148
110 E. Monument Ave.
Dayton, OH  45402

 

Werksgiving is the biggest party of Thanksgiving weekend!

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The Werks, who started their musical journey right here in Dayton, are always happy to come for the holidays and host their annual “Werksgiving” show. This year is even more exciting, as the band shifts locations to directly downtown, at the newest music venue: the Brightside! For years music lovers have longed for a big room to see music in Dayton, and that time is finally here!

Kicking off this special celebration is a massive group of special guests who are performing with local band Kommunity Service. The featured special guests include:

Johnny K AllDay guitar/vocals
Dino Dimitrouleas bass/vocals
Rob Brockman drums/vocals
Stephen Buttree Sax/keys/samples/vocals
Nathan Springhart keys/vocals
Megan Fitzpatrick fiddle/vocals
Aaron Armstrong percussion
Chris Houser guitar/general awesomeness
Bob Maltby guitar/genius
And many more of your favorite musicians!

This is guaranteed to be the biggest party of Thanksgiving weekend – especially for music lovers!

How to Go?

What: The 11th Annual Werksgiving

When: November 21, 2018 from 8pm-1am

Where: Brightside Music & Event Venue at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton OH

How: Tickets are $12.50 and available for advance purchase here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/werksgiving-the-werks-brightside-dayton-oh-tickets-51051330905

The Brightside Celebrates its Grand Opening

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The renovated Vodvil Ballroom will be revealed at The Brightside’s Grand Opening on October 12, 2018.

The much anticipated grand opening of The Brightside Event & Music Venue is happening this weekend, Friday October 12th, 2018. Lots of love and labor has gone into this once forgotten space near the corner of 3rd & Keowee. Now this renovated industrial event space is ready for parties, weddings, concerts, art shows, and community events, right in the heart of downtown Dayton.

Owners and artists Carli & Hamilton Dixon started this project a decade ago, drastically transforming the space into multiple businesses, The Brightside being the final installment. They are ecstatic to invite the community to celebrate with them as they reveal their finished Vodvil Ballroom, in addition to the cozy bar space that has been open for events the last year. (To learn more about their story, click here)

The grand opening party will kick off with a two-hour VIP party, from 5:30-7:30pm, which requires tickets and will feature a ribbon cutting! Then the space is open to the public from 8pm-12am. Please feel free to drop in to check out this newest multi-use space in downtown Dayton!

HOW TO GO?

Where: The Brightside Music & Event Center, 905 East Third Street Suite B, Dayton, Ohio
When: Friday October 12, 2018. VIP Party 5:30-7:30pm (tickets here). General public 8pm-12am.
More Info: https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/
https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/video-the-brightside-story

Join “Influencers for Action” Launch Party on October 5th

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October 5, 2018 marks the launch of Influencers for Action, an Instagram Influencer-led register to vote project based in Dayton, Ohio. The organization features a team of 80 Influencers, of which approximately 2/3 are from the Dayton-area, who will use their platform on social media to relay useful information about the upcoming voter registration deadlines to their followers.
Cumulatively, the Influencer team possesses an audience of over 200,000 followers. Notable Dayton Influencers include Lauren White, the new executive director of UpDayton, and Libby Ballengee, co-host of Gem City Podcast. Other Influencers from outside of Dayton such as Julianna Van Golen, a high-fashion model who was featured in NYFW, have also joined the project.
To celebrate the start of this unique project, Influencers for Action is hosting a launch party at W.O Wright’s Pub on October 5th. Doors open at 9pm, and is a free event until 11pm. Entry is $5 after 11pm as live music will be provided from two Dayton Influencers, Ty Spacely and Tony Splvsh. Drink specials include $3 draft beers and $2 well shots. To RSVP or get more information, click here.
How to Go?
When: Friday October 5, 2018. 9pm. Live music starts at 11pm.
Where: W.O. Wrights at 3979 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Beavercreek.
Cost: Free 9-11pm. $5 at the door, after 11pm.
Who: 18+

Journey Into Love with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

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Dayton Contemporary Dance Company will kick off their 50th anniversary season with the long-awaited, much anticipated world premiere of The Bench: Journey Into Love. Created & directed by nationally renowned choreographer Kiesha Lalama, (one of Dance Magazine’s “Top 25 to Watch”) and featuring professional singing talent, The Bench – Journey into Love will be sure to be a hit! The work features original music and lyrics.

What do you get when you cross a love story with dance, theatre and song? The world premiere of a full-evening concert, The Bench: Journey into Love, by choreographer Kiesha Lalama. See what happens when a man and woman meet by a park bench, fall in love, have a family, and continue their love into the next life. The Bench – Journey into Love is a whimsical love story told through the influential lens of Fate and Destiny, who unite the charming Antonio and the beautiful Eva through magical serendipity. Emotions run wild as the young couple experience life’s delights and obstacles. This impassioned and passionate theatrical experience weaves together innovative story-driven dance and a gripping jazz musical score to create a timeless tale of love and family.

Choreographer Kiesha Lalama

Kiesha Lalamahas created more than 50 works for stage, film and television. Kiesha choreographed feature films, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “Sorority Row,” the hit television documentary series “Broadway or Bust” (PBS), and critically acclaimed television series “Outsiders” (WGN). Theatrical credits include The Jimmy Awards (Broadway), and many more. Lalama has created two full-length contemporary dance theater productions: HeartShakes, which premiered with DCDC in 2015 and The Bench.

How to Go?

When: Saturday, October 6 at 7:30 pm
or Sunday, October 7 at 4:00pm 

Where: Victoria Theatre, located at 138 N. Main St. in Dayton.

Tickets start at $15.50, available at ticketcenterstage.com or by calling 937-228-3630.

Group Tickets available for groups of 10+.  Student, Veteran & Senior discounts also available.

 

 

 

 

History & Halloween combine at Huffman’s Spooky Tour

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If you’ve ever driven or taken a stroll down Linden Avenue in the Huffman Historic District, you may have been struck by the beauty of the tunnel of oak and linden trees that create a continuous canopy overhead. Or perhaps you were too distracted by the stately collection of Queen Anne, Italianate, and Eastlake Victorian homes. Especially in the fall, there’s a certain magic in the air in Huffman when jack-o-lanterns grace front porch steps and the leaves of the tree canopy transition to autumn colors.

This October 12th and 13th, that magic will be alive and well when the Huffman Historic Neighborhood Association puts on their biannual, guided home tour, “The Spirit of Huffman.” The Spirit of Huffman home tour’s tagline is, “Where Halloween and History Collide,” and, indeed it’s true, when the outing offers tour goers a visual feast of Halloween decorations and entertainment dispersed among the Victorian homes.

Participants of the home tour will be guided through the neighborhood, established in the 1860s through the 1890s  by William P. Huffman, stopping to tour nine unique homes: one totally renovated house, a home bought through auction, homes renovated through Rehabarama, one home that housed the neighborhood post office, and two houses that were doctor’s offices. They will encounter an extensive collection of Halloween decorations, marble mantles, one-of-a-kind woodwork, bay windows, original hitching posts for horses, original carriage houses, carpenter’s lace, fretwork, corbels, towers,  and curved-glass windows. Along the way, they’ll take note of Dayton’s first brick school house, two beautiful Victorian churches with active congregations, and an old market that is looking at a second life. They’ll hear about the importance of the community’s connection to the country’s largest manufacturer of bicycles.

Each time The Spirit of Huffman Tour is presented, visitors are entertained. In addition to being a tour of today’s homes, this is an energized evening walk through time.  Expect to meet up with Huffman residents of a century ago who are scheduled to make an historic return engagement this year – just in time to make the past live again.  Visitors are advised: It is likely you will be transported beyond the Victorian architecture you are coming to see. Come prepared for several “Close Encounters of the Huffman Kind” as they pull back the curtain on time, revealing William Huffman’s new dream for a diverse community of bankers, laborers, shopkeepers, and street vendors at a moment when it is all so exciting and new.  When you come, be sure to listen carefully. The winds of change are rustling through the prairie grasses outside the city. It is 1870 and thanks to one man’s vision, Huffman Prairie is about to transform into the vibrant “Inner East” of Dayton.

Tickets are on sale now! To learn more about the Spirit of Huffman Tour please visit their website at www.SpiritofHuffman.com, or contact [email protected]

A special thank you to sponsors DK Effects, LinkDayton, Blackbox Improv, Dayton Most Metro, St. Anne the Tart, Gem City Podcast and our great neighborhood of volunteers helping to keep the Spirit of Huffman alive.

How to Go?

When: October 12 and 13, 2018

Where: Huffman Historic District – 19 Linden Avenue, Dayton, OH 45403

Tickets: $18

buy online here

Note: This tour is not recommended for children under the age of 12.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Once you arrive for the tour signs and guides will help to find parking.

What can I bring into the event?

This event is rain or shine. Please come prepared with umbrellas and/or ponchos in the event of rain. We will have flashlights to share but are limited. Feel free to bring your own.

Sound Valley Summer Music Festival at Yellow Cab Tavern

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The inaugural Sound Valley Summer Music Festival is being held over Labor Day weekend, at the Yellow Cab Tavern on Saturday, September 1st. This festival has a dual purpose: one, to showcase talented rock bands from across the Miami Valley, and to raise awareness and funds to help combat the heroin epidemic through the local non-profit, Brigid’s Path.

“Dayton has been considered the heroin capital of the United States. We want to shift the national perspective and reclaim our reputation as a place for innovation, creativity and artistic expression through music,” Zac Pitts, co-owner of Sound Valley said.

With a full day of live music, Sound Valley Summer Music Festival will feature local rock, indie, and alternative bands, including: Life In Idle, Knavery, Beesly, Yardboss, Weathervein, NOVAGOLD, Seth Canan And The Carriers, Crosley Court, Isicle, Flee The Valley, Dave Zup, ThunderTaker, and A Voice of Your Own.

“This event is meant to connect those who want to take Dayton’s music scene to the next level.” Pitts said. “There will be two stages, both indoor and outdoor, and some amazing local food trucks throughout the day to keep hungry fans happy!”

In addition to great music, half of Sound Valley Summer Music Festival’s proceeds will benefit the Dayton organization, Brigid’s Path. This local non-profit provides inpatient medical care for drug-exposed newborns, non-judgmental support for mothers and education services to improve family outcomes. “The heroin epidemic has hit our community hard,” Pitts said. “We want to work alongside those that are taking away the stigma and standing with our neighbors who are struggling.”

Life in Idle is one of the bands set to perform at Sound Valley Music Festival at Yellow Cab Tavern on September 1, 2018.

HOW TO GO?

Sound Valley Summer Music Festival

Saturday, September 1 at 4pm

Yellow Cab Tavern 700 E 4th Street Dayton, OH

$10 in advance / $13 at doors

 

 

 

PorchFest – 40 Mini-Concerts In One Day

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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

Still Time To Register For Breast Wishes 5k for Kelli

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Many women we know and love have been affected by breast cancer, including Kelli James, a young mother and beloved sister, who died in the prime of her life. Her sisters, Elesha Snyder and Mandi Moore, decided to both honor their sister and help other women and families in the same situation. The founded the Breast Wishes Foundation to bring joy to those who are suffering with spa days, restaurant gift cards, yoga retreats, nutrition classes, family vacations and financial assistance for medical bills and holistic treatments that aren’t covered by insurance.
The 6th annual 5k for Kelli Run/Walk is Breast Wishes Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and is coming up this weekend, on August 18th, 2018 at the beautiful Wegerzyn Gardens Metro Park. Since Kelli loved fairies, runners are encourage to dress in their fairy best! No fairy gear? No problem! They will have tutus, wings and flower crowns at the merchandise tent.
This is run / walk 5k, so even if you’re not a runner, you can walk it and support this worthwhile local charity! Foro the competitors out there, awards to the top 3 male and female in each age group and the top 3 male and female overall. Please do consider supporting this fabulous organization!

How to Go?

What: 5k for Kelli Run/Walk

When: August 18, 2018 at 9am 

Where: Wegerzyn Gardens Metro Park at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue. The race will take place on path along the Stillwater River.
Cost: $25-online registration at speedy-feet.com until August 14th. Paper registration at George’s Family Restaurant 5216 North Dixie Drive until the evening of August 17th. On site registration tent opens at 7:30am on race day.
Also – they need volunteers! If you’re interested please contact our volunteer coordinator at [email protected]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=7IdOsIF5Z44

Bellwether Music Festival busts out the best alternative rock!

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There is certainly no shortage of summer music festivals in the greater Miami Valley region, however many of them lean towards jam, folk, bluegrass, and country fans. For the many alternative and indie rock fans, there are far fewer festival options, especially ones with camping.

That’s the gap that Bellwether Music Festival is hoping to fill. Referred to as a “mini-Bonnaroo”- this two-day, two-stage alternative music festival features an impressive lineup of both national and local acts, along with one of the most unique festival grounds anywhere: The Renaissance Park in Waynesville! Last year, my friend mentioned how great it would be to have a music festival there, and low and behold, someone did it!

Not only did organizers nab a prime location, they are pulling in some major acts, including: MGMT, The Flaming Lips, Local Natives, Echo & The Bunnymen, Dr. Dog, The Psychedelic Furs, Whitney, AJ & The Woods, Allah-Las, Japanese Breakfast, Bob Schneider, Erika Wennerstrom (of Heartless Bastards), This Pine Box, Alex Lahey, Dawg Yawp, Speaking Suns, The Cordial Sins, Cherry Lee & The Hot Rod Hounds and Carriers. Full schedule is posted here. Plus there are After Parties in the campground, as well as morning yoga. For the best experience, download the Bellwether app on the App Store or Google Play for map, schedule and info.

These festival organizers are tuned into what festival audiences want, so they put the stages are across from one another and set times don’t overlap. YES! Nothing more frustrating than going to music festival, and you can’t see everyone on the lineup because they are playing at the same time. Organizers say you’ll have time to grab a beer or run to the restroom and catch every band. Plus they have people and performers coming from 45 states and 8 countries. What a great event to meet all kinds of people! Plus, this festival is already committed to year two and will offer special early-bird ticket prices to those who attend this year. They thought of everything!

How To Go?

When: August 10-11, 2018. Campers can load-in starting at noon on Thursday, August 9 and must load-out by 11am on Sunday, August 12. Click here to learn more about camping at Bellwether. Not into camping? That’s cool. Click here to book your hotel room through Hotels for Hope and get the best rate.

Where: The Renaissance Festival grounds in Waynesville. The entrance to the camping grounds and festival is off OH-73. If you are traveling west, you’ll cross OH-52 and then it will be on your right. If you are traveling east, you’ll cross Harveysburg Road and then it will be on your left. They have a big ol’ field with plenty of parking. Buy your parking pass now for only $5. It’s $10 – cash only – at the gate. (see festival map below)

NOTE: Bellwether is a rain or shine event. We monitor the weather and have various protocols based on the severity of the weather. We ask you pay attention to announcements and follow instructions, so we can keep everyone safe and sound.

Who: The Bellwether Festival is a family friendly event. Kids 10 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. The number of free admissions is at the discretion of gate management. IMPORTANT! Kids that enter for free DO NOT have access to the VIP tent. Only VIP wristbands will be admitted.

Tickets: LOTS of ticket options! You can get passes for all weekend, or Friday or Saturday only. There are VIP options plus camping options. Bonus -Complimentary tickets to the Ohio Renaissance Festival when you purchase either Friday or Saturday tickets. Get the full run down of ticket options here: https://www.xorbia.com/e/bellwetherfest/2018

 

Bellwether Map

Dayton Jam Band fans gather at The Werk Out!

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If you are one of the many avid jam band fans in the Dayton area, no doubt you have heard of The Werk Out. In it’s 9th year, this major music and arts festival is one of the “don’t miss” events of the summer. It takes place on the historic grounds at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio, just east of Columbus, where the Grateful Dead, among others, took the stage many times. The venue’s storied past is why Dayton’s homegrown heroes, The Werks, chose to host their yearly musical extravaganza there.

The natural valley serves as an ideal spot for viewing multiple stages and comfortably camping all weekend long. You pull in right off of I-70, get parked, put your tent set up, then wander down the tree lined path, which is peppered with hammocks, vendors, food on your way to the massive stage set up. There you’ll get to see some of the most exciting national jam and rock bands touring today, including: Umphrey’s McGee (2 sets), Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (2 sets), Lettuce, Papadosio, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (2 nights), Twiddle, Turkuaz, Spafford, The Marcus King Band, KNOWER (full band), Zach Deputy, Steady Flow, ekoostik hookah, TWERKAPOD: A Tribute to the 90s,, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Octave Cat, Ghost Light featuring Holly Bowling, Tom Hamilton, Steve Lyons, Raina Mullen, Scotty Zwang Music, Mungion, Mom and Dad (featuring Chuck Jones & Neal Evans of Dopapod), Mike Perkins, Electric Orange Peel, and Conscious Pilot. 

When I think of seeing all that great music individually, it would be so expensive. That’s what makes this festival a real value for music fans like me! Plus, it’s not just music that you can take part in, as there are tons of cool classes and “Werkshops” happening as well. From yoga and classes on tarot reading, to ecological leadership classes (yeah!) and kids activities, there is something for everyone. Or just kick it at your camp site with all the new friends you are bound to make!

How to Go?

Legend Valley Music Center and Campground: 7585 Kindle Rd, Thornville, OH 43076

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 6:00 PM –Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

NOTE: Wednesday “early bird” admission is an extra fee.

Click here for ticketing information.