Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
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:
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?
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.
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.
One of DaytonMostMetro.com’s own has been recognized for her stellar work in broadcasting.
WYSO radio personality Juliet Fromholt has been nominated by Ohio Associated Press as a finalist in three award categories, to be announced on June 6. She has recieved nominations in the Best Use of Sound, Best Documentary or Series and Best Feature Reporting categories.
“We are proud that WYSO reporters have been recognized for their work,” said WYSO General Manager Neenah Ellis. “We will build on this success and strive to fulfill our mission of service to the Miami Valley.”
A while ago I had predicted that 2010 would be a big year for local music and between what’s already been released this year and what’s coming up, I stand by that prediction. Two big names in local music are teaming up for a joint release show on April 2nd at Blind Bob’s.
8-Bit Revival (pictured on the left) will unveil their second full-length album, You’ve Been Believed (Minor Manor) as they prepare to kick off a spring tour. The Lab Partners will celebrate the release of their latest album, Moonlight Music (Pravda Records). They’ll share the stage with Middletown’s Okay Lindon.
8-Bit Revival will also stop by WYSO’s studios on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) for a live performance on Kaleidoscope (8-11pm).
It’s always an occasion for excitement when Swearing at Motorists plays a show in the Miami Valley, and their up coming trip to Dayton is no exception. They’ll be playing two very intimate house shows, one of which is already sold out.
There are a limited amount of tickets to the show on Thursday, March 18 so if you’re interested in going, I recommend getting tickets soon. Here’s how to do it.
Go to this link to purchase tickets to the show, and a few days before the show, location and details will be emailed to you. You’ve also got the option to get tickets by pledging to WYSO’s Spring Pledge Drive during Kaleidoscope on March 10 8-11pm.
Ed vs. Radio was a big name in local music between 2004 and 2006 when band members decided to pursue individual interests. Toward the end of last year, there were rumblings of the band’s return, and I’m happy to report that Ed vs. Radio is indeed back in action. Original members Jason Gilmore (guitar and vocals) and Jeff Coates (drums) will be joined by James Daniels on bass and Jasper the Colossal’s Paige Bellar on vocals.
Ed vs. Radio will be playing an all-ages show at the Attic in Kettering on Saturday, February 13. The following Friday (Feb 19th), they’ll hit the stage at Blind Bob’s with Me & Mountains, The Javeline Dance, and 8-Bit Revival. As a prelude, the band will be playing live on Kaleidoscope on Wednesday, February 10 beginning at 8pm on WYSO.
It’s certainly a cause for celebration whenever a local artist releases a new album, but on Saturday, February 6th, the excitement will be tripled. The Smug Brothers, the Motel Beds and John Gassett will each be releasing a new album that night at Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District. Toads and Mice will round out what’s sure to be a great night of live music.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dayton’s music scene or this will be your first show downtown, Saturday is going to be a great opportunity to add 3 local albums to your music collection. I’ve mentioned before that I think 2010 is going to be a big year for music in Dayton, and this seems like a really solid start.
The Smug Brothers and the Motel Beds will also be playing an acoustic set live on Kaleidoscope on Wednesday, Feb 3rd beginning at 8pm and talking about their new albums. You can catch Kaleidoscope every Wednesday night (8-11pm) on WYSO 91.3FM or online at wyso.org.
Seven years strong, Holidayton brings together some of the area’s best bands to celebrate the year in music and enjoy the season with friends from near and far. This year’s show will take place on Saturday, December 26th at Blind Bobs. Two stages will play host to ten acts ranging from the singer-songwriter David Payne to the Story Changes who’ve just returned to town after touring with Hawthorne Heights and Nightbeast. To sweeten the celebration, the Motel Beds and the Smug Brothers will be offering up new EPs the night of the show.
The Story Changes’ Mark McMillon will be on Kaleidoscope on Wednesday, December 23 to play an acoustic set and talk about Holidayton. Tune in Kaleidoscope Wednesday nights, 8-11pm on 91.3FM WYSO or listen online at wyso.org.
This year the Dayton Dirt Collective has become a home to many of Dayton’s aspiring comedians, and this Thursday, they’ll put a holiday spin on the laughs. Friendly, West Virginia’s Billy Willy will headline an evening of music, comedy and good cheer at the Dayton Dirt Collective on Thursday, December 17th. The show is called Billy Willy’s Miracle on Third Street will feature the songs and stories of Billy Willy and local comedians Michelle Metzner and I Que. Local musician Akillis Green will perform live music at this Toys for Tots benefit show.
The show starts at 8pm, and the evening’s cost is a new, unwrapped toy or a $5 donation that’ll go to Toys for Tots.
Billy Willy, Akillis Green and show organizer, Shelly Hulce will be appearing on Kaleidoscope on WYSO on Wednesday, December 16th to talk about the show. Kaleidoscope airs 8-11pm on 91.3FM or wyso.org.
Shrug recently celebrated their 15th anniversary of bringing music to Dayton and beyond. That celebration will continue on Friday, November 27th at Canal Street Tavern, and it promises to be quite a treat for local music fans. Shrug will open the show with a set of songs ranging from their 1995 album, Straight to Beta to present-day material. Shrug’s set will be recorded for a live album (so come out and make some noise!). The evening will be headlined by a reunited MINK, who took the Dayton music scene by storm in the 90’s. It should be a great night to be thankful for our local musical offerings.
Shrug will also appear on Kaleidoscope on Wednesday, November 25. They’ll be doing an acoustic set and chatting about Friday’s show, the live album, and their 15 years of making music. Tune in from 8 to 11pm on 91.3FM WYSO or listen online at www.wyso.org
Bonneville has accomplished a lot for a young band. They participated in the Dayton Band Playoffs in 2002, before their freshman year of high school. They’ve released several CDs, and in a few weeks, they’ll embark on a winter tour taking them from Columbus to Nashville and South Carolina. Before their journey begins, they’ll perform at Canal Street Tavern on November 29.
This week, the band will appear on Kaleidoscope on WYSO (Wednesday 8-11pm) for a live set and interview.
The Rebel Set is gearing up to release a follow-up to their debut album, Ghost Town Silence. The new offering is called Across the Relentless Sea and will be available as both physical CDs and digital copies on iTunes, Amazon, etc on November 14th. To celebrate the release, The Rebel Set will perform at the Oregon Express on November 14 along with fellow Dayton bands Akillis Green and To Catch a Matador.
The band will also be stopping by the WYSO studios on Wednesday, November 11th for a live performance and interview on Kaleidoscope at around 9pm.
In September, Pacchia introduced groove., a weekend concert series that marked a return to live music for the restaurant/bar. Recently, groove. announced its Pre-Thanskgiving rock show featuring music from The Story Changes, Stone the Mayor Sheriffs and Luxury Pushers on November 25.
Tonight on Kaleidoscope, WYSO listeners will get an update groove., including information on some upcoming shows. Kaleidoscope airs 8-11pm every Wednesday night on WYSO.
Back in mid-September there were whispers that Swearing at Motorists would be returning to Dayton after a 3 year hiatus and performing a single US show at Canal Street Tavern. Those whispers have turned into shouts of joy as the show date rapidly approaches. Tomorrow night (Thursday, Oct 29) Dave Doughman will be joined onstage at Canal Street Tavern by original Swearing at Motorists drummer (and current Smug Brother) Don Thrasher. They’ll be playing 2000 release Number Seven Uptown in its entirety. Completing an amazing evening of local music, the Smug Brothers will also perform along with Rev. Davis Kettering and Fab Gear DJs. The doors at Canal Street will open at 8pm, and music is set to start at 9pm.
Dave Doughman will also be a guest on Kaleidoscope tonight (Wednesday) on WYSO. The show is from 8-11pm, and Dave will be dropping by during the second half of the show, sometime after the open house at the Dayton Dirt Collective.
