Arts & Entertainment

Elvis: The Concert of Kings

May 11, 2023 By Dayton937

Experience the legendary power and presence of music’s greatest icon, Elvis Presley, in the world premiere concert tour called The Three Elvis’s. Featuring three of the world’s finest Elvis tribute performers, the evening promises to leave audiences “all shook up” by the spot-on look, vocals and charisma brought to life in this amazing salute to the King. From the electrifying early years of the 1950s to the stunning sex-symbol era of the 1960s to the powerful Las Vegas years of the 1970s, you won’t believe your eyes and ears. The show is musically orchestrated to perfection by the talented and award-winning Royal Tribute Band and hosted by Charles Stone, Elvis Presley’s friend and tour director from 1970 – 1977. Even critics are raving, “this is as close as it gets!” ELVIS HAS NOT LEFT THE BUILDING!

The Big ShaBang Concert Features Exciting Regional Music

May 9, 2023 By Dayton937

The Big ShaBang is back! The concert showcase is the brain child of 19 year old local music phenom, Eleanor Dakota with support from Venus Child Productions. Dakota launched her first showcase last fall at The Brightside, and is back with a “Volume 2” edition. This spring showcase features awesome five musical acts: Six Foot Blond, Crabswithoutlegs, Frank Calzada, Keita, along with Dakota herself performing.

If you are looking for a fun night out that of new, hip music (that’s early – over by 10:30pm!) – this is the show for you! Head over to The Brightside for another special evening. The venue has quickly become one of the city’s favorite places to discover emerging talent.

This particular event includes the Dayton Battle of the Bands winners, Crabswithoutlegs, along with special guest Six Foot Blond from Bloomington, who are making their Dayton debut! The show kicks off with three special solo sets. Prepare for an eclectic evening that will remind longtime Dayton music fans of a night at Gilly’s or Canal Street Tavern.

There will be a food truck on site: Phat & Rich. Check out their Mexican inspired menu here: https://phatandrich.com/

Six Foot Blond is making their Dayton debut on May 11th at The Brightside

HOW TO GO?

Thursday, May 11, 2023

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

Doors open 7pm / Show starts 7:30pm / Ends at 10:30pm

All ages welcome!

Advance tickets $12 / Day of show $18

Direct link to tickets here: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/75151/orders/new

Note: The venue is handicapped accessible. There is free parking on either side of the building. For info about the venue visit thebrightsidedayton.com

Preview Crabswithoutlegs below!

Vintage Artwork & Decor Show

May 6, 2023 By Dayton937

A variety of vintage artwork, home décor and furniture will be available for sale during this show at the Edward A. Dixon Gallery. Lisa Scott of Beaute Box and Collection by Scott as well as Yellow Spring favorite Rose & Sal Vintage Shop will bring some of their unique items to this month long sale which ends on May 27th.

Edward A. Dixon Gallery

222 North St. Clair Street,

Dayton, OH, 45402

937-985-2115

Thurs noon-4pm

Fri 3-7pm

Sat noon – 4pm

Vienna Light Orchestra Presents: A Tribute to Broadway & The Greatest Showman

May 3, 2023 By Dayton937

Over the course of 120-mesmerizing minutes, Vienna Light Orchestra is part theatre show, part orchestral performance! This concert series includes Vocalists, Soloists, Orchestral Instruments, Drums, Piano, Bass, Guitar & more. ~

From the theatrical favorites of BROADWAY to the cinematic sensation — THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, put on your seatbelt for an evening at the Theatre you and your family will not soon forget! Whether you’re looking for a beautiful and unique event, or an evening with the mesmerizing music — singing and energy of “The Greatest Showman” surrounded by over 2,000 candle lights, this show is for you!

Party with a PURRR-pose!

May 2, 2023 By Joshua Stucky

Get Your Tickets!

There is nothing like a party where you can putt, dance and even get a psychic reading all in one stop! SICSA‘s Inaugural ‘PURRR‘ event is getting readied….and I had the joy of sitting down with Angie Tapogna (SICSA’s Director of Community Engagement) to get the ‘scoop’ on the big shindig! It went something like this…..

JS: ANGIE!! So good to see you! I can tell you, the cat’s out of the bag when it comes to the word about ‘PURRR!’ But, please let the readers know…what is the idea behind ‘PURRR?’

AT: Thanks Josh, so excited to share that Purrr is an opportunity for SICSA to raise funds for and highlight our feline friends. In 2022, we cared for and placed more than 1,300 cats and kittens. Beyond this, we provided thousands of public cats with spay and neuter surgeries. Now, with “Kitten Season” once again in full swing, we are focused on ensuring nursing mother cats and their litters can grow into healthy, adoptable cats. The funds from Purrr help us to provide the specialized care these tiny babies need to survive. When you support SICSA by attending Purrr, you allow us to provide kitten formula to orphaned litters, spay mother cats after their kittens are weaned, vaccinate the entire family, and so much more. This is truly a party with a Purrrpose!

JS: Wow….the need is real. Hearing about the little kitties in the area obviously pulls at peoples’ heart strings. What can people expect from the PURRR event?

AT: People can try their hand at golf and putt to win top shelf wine and liquor, socialize at the bourbon and cigar bar, listen to the live jazz band, cuddle with kittens, bid on exclusive silent auction items, have a private session with a Pet Communicator, learn some new moves from professional ballroom dancers, dance the night away to a live DJ and music, and grab a group picture at the photo booth to commemorate the evening! There will be a catered dinner and an open bar!

JS: OPEN BAR! Ummmhmmmm,…sounds PURRRfect! I know you are all working so hard on this event. And you have some great ‘moments’ planned throughout the evening. What can you tell us about that?

Hip Party for the Kitties!

AT: Well, Josh, to kind of elaborate, there will be more than 30 silent auction items to bid on that include trips, concert tickets, sports tickets, fine wine and rare alcohol, fine dining, casual dining, and more.

JS: 30+ Items….wowzer! And anytime there are trips….I’m bidding!

AT: Yep, the event will feature 60s Ultra Lounge Music with a live Jazz Band as well as a DJ and an open dance floor. Professional ballroom dancers will perform a fun 60s cocktail style dance.

JS: Ultra Lounge….loving that Cool Cat vibe….

AT: Right and we’ll have a hole-in-one putting green for people to putt their way to winning top shelf wine and liquor. And we’ll also have a Pet Communicator providing private sessions with guests who may want to get to know their pet better, or prepare their pet for changes, or to resolve a pet’s behavioral issues. And of course, we’ll have cuddle sessions with kittens for those who want to snuggle up to a fur baby or two.

JS: Not sure I want to know what my pet thinks of me….ha ha! That sounds so fun! Now, the details….you have my attention, and you know, curiosity will kill this cat…When, Where…etc….

AT: Of course, of course….PURRR is on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Moraine Country Club, 4075 Southern Blvd., Dayton, OH 45429. Cost is $200 per person which includes a catered dinner and open bar. The dress code is cocktail party. **TICKETS….CLICK THIS LINK….https://www.sicsa.org/purrr/

Join the Cool Cats at PURRR!

JS: Seriously….just sounds like a hit already! I know SICSA is so beloved in the area. May is busy….what if I can’t attend (I’ll be there by the way), but I want to support the organization?

AT: I am so thrilled you asked me that! SICSA has succeeded because of the generous support of the community. We are always welcoming new volunteers and fosters to help us in our mission. And of course, we are always grateful for donations that help us feed and care for animals looking for loving homes and help us rescue animals in need.

JS: Angie….you are the cat’s pajamas! So good to talk with you. I am wishing you all the luck at PURRR! Anything else you want to add?

AT: Yes! Actually….people do not have to attend Purrr to bid on our fabulous silent auction items. They will be live on our website on May 18, 2023, at www.sicsa.org.

JS: GREAT!! Again….all the success! Thanks Angie. One more time…***Tickets: https://www.sicsa.org/purrr/

Here’s a fun promo link…click and enjoy! https://youtu.be/Ti-USpyzG-M

Bar Granada is Host to An Unforgettable Evening of Storytelling

May 2, 2023 By Dayton937

Join us for an unforgettable evening of storytelling with some of the most skilled and seasoned LORE storytellers in town. These talented individuals have completed our rigorous Level 2 Storytelling Class and are ready to take the stage to share their personal tales.Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster as their stories will take you on a journey that may bring tears to your eyes or make you burst out laughing. No matter what, one thing is for certain, you’ll have an incredible time.

Admission is completely free, so be sure to stop by the reception area to grab some delicious food and drinks before heading upstairs to the brand-new Overlook. From there, you’ll not only be treated to a spectacular view of the city, but you’ll also be entertained by the captivating stories of our skilled storytellers. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event!

Explore the remarkable ways people around the world are adapting to our changing planet with ALIZÉ CARRÈRE

April 30, 2023 By Dayton937

ALIZÉ CARRÈRE is a National Geographic Explorer, filmmaker, and PhD candidate researching and documenting human adaptations to environmental change. In 2013, Carrère received support from National Geographic to conduct research in Madagascar, where she spent several months uncovering an unlikely agricultural adaptation in response to severe deforestation. Learning of farmers who were turning erosional gullies into fertile pockets of farmland, her work evolved into a broader film and educational project on human resilience. She brings her social science background and extensive field experience to her filmmaking, with the goal of elevating the human dimensions of climate change. Carrère received both her B.A. and M.Sc. from McGill University, and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Miami where she is examining the relationship between architecture, climate change, and ecological urban utopias.

Sarcastic, Sweet and Solid: ‘Sordid Lives’ Scores!

April 26, 2023 By Joshua Stucky

‘In a Small Texas Town.’

From the moment Jacob Sams (Ty) begins to let us in on the ‘small Texas Town’ and all its craziness, you are immersed in a silly, well-paced production of Del Shore’s much beloved ‘Sordid Lives.’ The story, which revolves around an accidental death of the elderly family matriarch, is filled with characters you cannot help but love, no matter how messed up they are! One rule of thumb with ‘Sordid Lives’….if the cast is having fun, YOU are having fun! This cast was LOVING IT!

Jenna Gomes‘ (Bitsy Mae) guitar solos break-up the madness effortlessly. Faith Whitt’s (Sissy) character is instantly relatable. Rick Flynn‘s (G.W.) frustration is palpable. Diane Strohm‘s (Dr. Eve) outrageous behavior is hysterical. AND keep your eye on Becky Milligan Howard‘s Juanita….it’s stealth, but she’s a riot! The entire cast really needs a shout-out….of the ten audience members in our party, everyone had a favorite character!

The production, at the Beavercreek Community Theater, has it all. The lighting, the sound…the set…STELLAR!

I was lucky enough to interview the show’s director Doug Lloyd. It went something like this!

JS: So Doug…why ‘Sordid Lives?’

DL: I submitted “SORDID LIVES” because it’s a crazy funny show, with a large number of fun roles for actors to have fun with, but at the same time, has a message of acceptance and love, While the family seems to constantly be screaming at each other, they still love each other and are there for each other in time of need.

JS: And, for big ‘Sordid Lives’ fans, the connection to Brother Boy (brought to life on-screen by the late Leslie Jordan) is essential!

DL: Yes. It’s the kind of show I think we need right now, one that shows acceptance and does it with a sense of humor.

Brother Boy (Matthew Smith) and His Therapist! (Strohm)

Lloyd is right about this. With Drag Queen bans, and Anti-LGBTQ sentiment on the rise, this show handles it in stride….and with this cast, with a lot of heart!

JS: What would you say people can expect from this show?

DL: An evening of quality theatre, full of laughs. You may leave with your face a bit sore from smiling and laughing, but you will leave feeling good and knowing you had a great time.

I know my group of 10 did. We all chatted at intermission about how impressed we were (as we ate cookies and drank punch! Perfect!) The show was engaging…and we were anxious for the second act!

JS: I don’t know if people know about your theater experience. Would you mind sharing?

DL: Sure! I have been involved with theatre since I was in the first grade, close to sixty years ago. I have been involved with BCT for close to 25 years. I am president of BCT and have been on stage or in the director’s chair for countless productions at BCT and other theatre’s in the Dayton area, including Dayton Theatre Guild, Dayton Playhouse, and Town Hall Theatre. I have received numerous ‘Daytony’ Awards and was inducted into the Dayton Theatre Hall Of Fame in 2011. Besides theatre, I am retired from the City Of Beavercreek, am a potter that works out of and serves on the board at John Bryan Community Pottery in Yellow Springs. I also do stained glass, and am the proud poppa of three rescue dogs. One of which was recently onstage at BCT.

JS: You are BUSY, SIR! So much to be proud of. But what is it about directing that you enjoy?

DL: I love the creative aspect of it. “Coaching” a group of actors and technical crew to work together and create an enjoyable work of art. There are so many aspects that need coordinated to come together for the performance. Actors, lights, sounds, set, costumes, props, programs, publicity, ticket sales and more. It literally takes an army of volunteers to put a show together. It is so rewarding to watch the audience react to the performance after all the hard work by everyone.

Fun Cast!

JS: Well your army nailed it! I know all directors hope audiences take

something from their experience at the show. What do you hope people take from ‘Sordid Lives?’

DL: Bottom line, I hope they walk away having had a great time. That they laughed till they were out of breath, and if they get the message that it’s ok to be different, to be yourself, and if it inspires them to become more accepting of those that are, That would be wonderful. If they also learn that BCT presents quality amateur theatre and makes them want to come back to future performances, all the better.

JS: Love that….and I have to say, I will be back! Doug, what is next for BCT? Have they announced the 2023-24 season yet?

DL: The next production at BCT is the musical “TWELFTH NIGHT” a modern twist of the Shakespeare comedy which opens June 16th.

Our 2023-2024 season includes

“BRIGHT STAR” the Steve Martin musical in August

Neil Simon’s “THE GINGERBREAD LADY” in October

Noel Coward’s “PRIVATE LIVES” next January 2024

“ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS” in April 2024

“THE HELLO GIRLS” in June of 2024.

JS: This sounds amazing. Again, congratulations on ‘Sordid Lives.’ For those of you interested in attending, I have been told there is a ‘low ticket alert…’ GRAB YOURS. It’s a good time in that small town in Texas! THANK YOU DOUG!

DL: Thank YOU!

For more information on ‘Sordid Lives’ or any of BCT’s upcoming shows, go to bctheatre.org

McCoy on Movies: Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret

April 25, 2023 By Tabari McCoy

Childhood adolescence shines in cinematic adaptation of Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret

“Just think – in 50 years from now, parents are going to be worried about their kids twerking!” Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Forston, far left) hangs with her new friends Janie Loomis (Amari Price), Nancy Wheeler (Elle Graham) and Gretchen Potter (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) in a scene from director Kelly Fremon Craig’s take on the classic – and controversial – children’s book ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET. Credit: Dana Hawley / Lionsgate © All Rights Reserved.

DIRECTORS: Kelly Fremon Craig

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Bennie Safdie, Kathy Bates, Aidan Wojtak-Hissong, Elle Graham, Amari Alexis Price, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, Kate MacCluggage, Echo Kellum and Isol Young

WEB SITE: https://www.itsmemargaret.movie/

THE BACK STORY: Based on the Judy Blume book of the same name that is likely once again a candidate for a ban, ARE YOU THERE, GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET stars Abby Ryder Forston as Margaret Simon. Living in New York City, 11 year-old Margaret finds her life suddenly turned upside down when her mother Barbara (Rachel McAdams) and father Herb (Benny Safdie) tell her they are moving to New Jersey following his promotion. The news isn’t exactly welcomed by Margaret nor Herb’s mother, Sylvia (Kathy Bates). (Margaret has no idea how her mother’s very devout Christian parents feel about the movie, however, since she hasn’t spoken to them in over a decade since Barbara decided to marry Herb, who is Jewish.)

Arriving in her new town, Margaret begins to make some new friends, all of whom have their own distinct personalities, so whether she’s hanging with the seemingly way too mature for her age Nancy Wheeler (Elle Graham), the more level-headed Gretchen Potter (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) or Janie Loomis (Amari Alexis Price), a.k.a. the black friend, Margaret quickly learn junior high school in a new environment is going to bring a ton of new experiences.

Along with those new experiences are the ones that hit home on a more personal level, such as maturity, waiting on herself and her friends to … to put it mildly, “become women” physically and finding out what religion she ultimately wants to be when she is older. And thanks to a classroom assignment by her new teacher Mr. Benedict (Echo Kellum), she’s going to likely find an answer to that question sooner than later.

It’s definitely going to be quite the year for young Margaret, her friends and family … Especially if she never gets any answers from the all-powerful being she’s constantly asking questions of …

THE REVIEW: Coming of age tales are classic source material for movies – and for good reason: Everyone who is an adult was once a child and that former time period is so critical to shaping the latter that it’s something to which everyone can relate. The 1970s may serve as the setting, but ARE YOU THERE, GOD? … proves itself to be a timeless tale from childhood into adolescence that should help bridge gaps between generations.

A film like this does not work without its young stars being (1) interesting and (2) compelling to make the story feel like both to its audience. Forston does a spectacular job at Margaret, conveying every insecurity, anxiety and ultimately, revelation in a fashion that is exciting, confusing and memorable as childhood itself. This isn’t a role defined by its complexity; it’s a role that is complex because of it’s seeming simplicity – yet to pull it off successfully, Forston must strike a balance between episodes of maturity and innocence as well as precociousness and brattiness.

While Fortson pulls them all off, it is worth mentioning how well she not only plays against her older, adult counterparts but also alongside her youthful castmates. Watching the interplay among them brings all the complexities of that super-awkward time in life front and center … Which makes the moments when they come to their own realizations or force the adults in their lives to do so all the better.

That, in fact, is one of the most telling things about what makes ARE YOU THERE, GOD? … So entertaining. A friend of mine attended the premiere with me; at one point, I could tell she was having a visceral reaction to a major plot point. Asking her why after the film was over, she said it’s because it made her, a 40 year-old woman, feel vulnerable. When the actions of children on screen can take you right back to a similar moment in your youth, you know the film is connecting with its target audience. (As was the case with my friend, there are several moments in the film that one may find intense not for what it depicts but for their ability to make the audience recall similar embarrassing moments in their own life.) That’s not to suggest the film is only for mothers and daughters, however. Men would stand to learn a lot on how to converse with the women in their life – or at the very least, help rightfully remove the stigmas associated with certain aspects of womanhood.

ARE YOU THERE, GOD? … seeks to de-mystify some of the most (or seemingly at the time young women experience them) mysterious times of youth and instead show them as a natural part of life. In today’s climate, however, that likely will make it the subject of fodder for pundits and traditionalists to debate what audiences it is and is not well-suited for. (My friend did say she felt the film was ‘too real’ at a certain point, so take that for what you will …)

Those issues notwithstanding, ARE YOU THERE, GOD? … may find its main character seeking the guidance of a higher power, but it definitely should help entertain – and educate – its audience to be a little more mature.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

Actor’s Theatre Fairborn presents The Odd Couple

April 25, 2023 By Dayton937

“The Odd Couple,” written by Neil Simon and directed by Craig Smith, is coming to the Actor’s Theatre Fairborn stage the last two weekends in April. This classic show follows two friends who are suddenly single and suddenly roommates. The audience sees the messy and unkempt Oscar Madison and the compulsive and fastidious Felix Ungar struggle through their short-lived and unconventional coexistence.

BCT presents SORDID LIVES

April 20, 2023 By Dayton937

The author of Daddy’s Dyin’ (Who’s Got the Will?) brings you a comedy that was nominated for over thirty awards during its long run in Los Angeles. When Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her lover’s wooden legs in a motel room, chaos erupts in Winters, Texas.

Tickets available at www.bctheatre.org, or by calling the Box Office at 937-429-4737

Grand Opening of Black Palette Art Gallery

April 13, 2023 By Dayton937

Renowned fine artist, graphic designer, art educator, and consultant James Pate will now add gallerist to his robust resume. Pate, along with his partner in life and business, multi-dimensional entrepreneur Shola Odumade, will open Black Palette Art Gallery on the main corridor of the Historic Wright Dunbar Business District.

The grand opening celebration on April 21st will include a ribbon cutting & dedication ceremony at 11am and an opening reception from 5-10pm featuring interactive art-making, refreshments, live music, and fine artwork & retail merchandise for sale. All festivities are free and open to the public.

Art production, consumption, education, and consulting are at the core of Pate and Odumade’s vision for the space. They endeavor to provide an inspirational and immersive art experience, promote artists and help springboard careers, and be a conduit for community building and holistic prosperity.

Black Palette’s inaugural exhibit features selected original works by Pate. Future exhibitions will spotlight an all-encompassing array of local, regional, national, and international artists and showcase a broad assortment of art genres, subject matter, mediums, and materials. In addition to serving as an art showroom and studio, the gallery will be a vibrant hub for a wide range of programming and activities, including workshops, gallery talks, pop-up events, live performances, film screenings, first Friday happy hours, art collector groups, exhibit road trips, public & private functions, and more.

The name Black Palette has layered significance that not only embodies reverence for a people and their unparalleled depth and breadth of creativity and culture; but, on a wider scale, is a nod to the financial term “in the black” and affirms an intention to foster far-reaching economic empowerment, wealth, and solvency via high-quality productivity. It recognizes and honors Black achievement by celebrating, highlighting, and augmenting the profound influence and brilliance of African Americans and their invaluable contributions to artistic and fiscal vitality worldwide.

Black Palette Art Gallery

1139 W. Third St.
Dayton, OH 45402

937- 723- 1906

Hours:
Thursday – Saturday 11:00 am–6:00 pm
Sunday 12:00–5:00 pm

Kettering Fairmont Presents Legally Blonde- The Musical

April 13, 2023 By Dayton937

When Delta Nu’s president Elle Woods gets dumped, she decides to get “serious” to win her boy back. But once at Harvard Law, she discovers the true power behind being legally blonde.

Don’t miss the great students of Kettering Fairmont High School present Legally Blonde, the Musical on April 13 @ 7:30

April 14 @ 7:30 pm and

April 15 @ 2 and 7:30 pm.

Elle might not think getting into Harvard was hard, but getting your ticket last minute will be!

Get your tickets now! www.ketteringmusic.org/tickets

**Production is PG-13

Kevin Hart’s “Reality Check” Tour comes to Nutter Center

April 11, 2023 By Dayton937

Comedian and actor Kevin Hart first came to Dayton in the 90’s, playing Jokers Comedy Cafe. Since then he’s blown up, releasing his first stand-up album Kevin Hart: I’m a Grown Little Man in 2009.

In 2015, Time magazine named him on its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2017, he launched the Laugh Out Loud Network, a subscription video streaming service in partnership with Lionsgate. In 2018 he played the Nutter Center on is Irresponsible Tour and it’s just been announced he will be making a stop in the Miami Valley as part of his 2023 Reality Check tour.

Hart will be performing at the Nutter Center on Tuesday, May 16 and presale tickets will be available beginning on Wednesday, April 12 at 10 am. General ticket sales will begin on Friday, April 14 at 10 am. Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster.

This Must Be the Party hits the stage this Friday at The Brightside

April 10, 2023 By Dayton Most Metro

One of the most celebrated music events in Dayton during the last decade is back! This Must Be the Party is a local super group who performs a fantastic tribute to The Talking Heads. Fans love the complete recreation of the classic album and documentary film Stop Making Sense that they perform! Catch them for an exclusive show Friday April 14, 2023 at The Brightside, in downtown Dayton.

Few bands are as well-known in the music industry as the Talking Heads. The band, which was founded in the middle of the 1970s, contributed to the development of a new musical genre that would later come to rule the radio in the 1980s. The Talking Heads were one of the most innovative and forward-thinking bands of their period with their special fusion of rock, groove, and New Wave. It’s no wonder that Dayton audiences love this tribute show!

Due to the Covid shutdown, This Must Be the Party hasn’t performed since 2019, so this is a highly anticipated event! The best part is that part of the proceeds from this show go to benefit The Seedling Foundation, an organization that supports the arts magnet at Stivers School for the Arts. It’s a musical celebration to support music education!

If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing this amazing show already, you know how much fun to expect! (Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes!) This go around, there is a very special guest joining the show. Sammi Garett, from the national touring acts Turquaz, Cool Cool Cool, & The Bump Assembly, is flying in from Brooklyn to join the crew! She’s an absolutely fabulous singer and performer, and she’s excited to perform in Dayton for the first time.

Local original band, Intergalactic Space Force, is kicking off the show at 8:30pm, shortly after doors open. They were Dayton Battle of the Bands finalists last year, and always love an opportunity to perform at The Brightside.

After the Stop Making Sense headlining show, if you’re still ready to boogie, Freekbass will be making his Brightside debut with a “Solo Grooves” after party.

If you get hungry, the venue has coordinated with Phat & Rich to be on site to serve your needs. The Mexican inspired cuisine is a hit with concert goers, so go hungry and hang on the Brightside’s awesome patio between sets.

If you’re looking for a place to pre-game, organizers recommend going to Tender Mercy for their amazing cocktails. “Not only is Tender Mercy our neighbor, they are one of the primary sponsors of this event!” event organizer, Libby Ballengee told us. “Their sister restaurant Sueño, is an amazing spot for dinner too, but I’d get reservations first!”

This Must Be the Party promises to be one of the most memorable events of the spring!

*The band includes: Khrys Blank, Nathan Lewis, Patrick Himes, Brian Hoeflich, Erich Reith, Aaron Holmes, Matt Byanski, Eric Cassidy, Nathan Peters, Christopher Corn, Brian Spirk, with special guest Sammi Garett.

HOW TO GO?

When: April 14, 2023

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

– $30 Advance General admission tickets (highly recommend purchasing advance to guarantee spot)

– $35 Day of show

TICKET LINK: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/69946/orders/new

CONERSATIONS: Saeed Jones

April 8, 2023 By Dayton937

Enjoy an evening with author Saeed Jones, as he shares his new poetry collection Alive At The End Of The World.

Saeed Jones is an essential author as well as a powerful voice in the world of literary activism, and his writing often engages the questions and nuances of identity. He has shaped his platform into a tool for social awareness, breakthroughs and connections with his no-holds-barred personality and unforgettable voice.

Saeed’s latest, Alive at the End of the World, is a poetry collection published in fall 2022. According to Publisher’s Weekly, “This penetrating collection shows Jones at his poetic best,” and Library Journal hails the book as, “Yet another masterly work.”

The conversation will take place inside The Tank at the Dayton Arcade (35 W 4th St, downtown Dayton). Metered street parking is free after 6 pm, or guests may park in the Reibold Garage.

Free & open to all. Registration is required.