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Downtown Dayton

The Big Lebowski Movie Party happening at The Brightside

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Dayton Dinner Theater’s Big Lebowski Movie Party is happening at The Brightside this Sunday, March 12, 2023.

DDT is a great way to spend time with family and friends when the days are short and nights are long. Make the most of it by sipping the sublime themed drinks with your loved ones, while flaunting your movie-themed attire. 

What to expect from a Dayton Dinner Theater event? First off, make sure you indulge in the creatively themed food provided by Brock Masterson catering. While you indulge in the delicacies, you can feast your ears to live music and soundtrack presentations featuring acts by the likes of The University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble and acclaimed musician and producer Denny Wilson.

That’s not all. As it’s an interactive movie party, organizers will feature famous interactive quote and fun participation activities, pop-up fun facts, and our not-so-famous, but equally entertaining, theme-spotting drinking game. Enjoy some lip-smacking-themed desserts while you’re at it! To add the cherry on the cake, there are special surprises for the top costume contest participants.

This is the last DDT event of the season. Their movie party series runs from the fall through early spring every year, so you won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience all the fun!

Read more below about the specifics for this movie party!

World Famous  Themed Cocktails:

“The Dude Abides” –  Captain, Malibu, Melon and Orange Liqueur, and pineapple juice

“The Caucasian” – Vodka, Kahlua, and half and half with a bowling ball drink pick

“The  Lady Friend”-  Pink lemonade and sprite with fresh lemons

Themed Attire:  Pick your character….  Slacker robe and sandals, Nihilist-Euro trash, porn star, Jesus leisure suit, regular bowler guy, urban combat vet, etc …

HOW TO GO?

Mar 12, 6:00 PM

The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402, USA

Tickets available at 
https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/the-big-lebowski-movie-party
 
 

“Sing Out Loud” community choral event kicks off the Campaign for the Arts!

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Culture Works invite you to join them as they launch their 2023 Campaign for the Arts this Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the Victoria Theatre for a special “Sing Out Loud” event. During this special performance you’ll hear from the Culture Works team and Dr. Sue Edwards, President of Wright State University and this year’s Campaign Chair, about the importance of supporting our local creative community.

The stars of the program are our friends and neighbors! Sing Out Loud will feature more than 100 local arts champions coming together as one choir singing familiar songs from the stage and the screen. You’ll be certain to spot a familiar face or two on stage, and you’ll leave with a smile on your face and a song in your heart!

HOW TO GO?
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
at the Victoria Theatre
Doors open by 7pm
Program begins promptly at 7:30pm
Tickets available at this link: https://www.daytonlive.org/events/sing-out-loud/

SING OUT LOUD SPONSORS:
Dayton Live
Agape Media
The Dayton Foundation

Newly Announced: Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale line-up is set!

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The 3rd annual Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale is happening on March 11, 2023 at The Brightside, and the line-up is now set. After 6 weeks of competition at The Brightside, the top 6 bands will compete in one amazing show!

The finalists include the following bands (alphabetical order – not performance order of the night)

– Crabswithoutlegs
– Josh Webb & The Home Sown Band
– The Luv Locz Experiment
– R3G
– Sam King & The Suspects
– Wreck League

Not familiar with any of the bands participating? That’s the fun! This entire series is a fun way to check out new, local, original music!

How does it work? Each ticket buyer gets one vote (in person). You’ll be asked to rank your top 3 bands in 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Unlike the rounds, which were a combination of judge and audience votes, the finale is decided by the audience only.

The grand prize is an EP session at Dayton Sound Studios, the title sponsor of this series. The grand prize winner also gets to perform at Levitt Pavilion Dayton during the summer 2023 concert season, a merch package from Little Monster Printing, pizza for rehearsals from Dayton Pizza Factory & $1000 cash prize.

HOW TO GO?
March 11, 2023
Doors 6pm. Show 7pm.
Music starts at 7pm – we highly recommend you get there by 7 to see all the bands perform.
The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
Tickets are $15 advance
$20 at the door. 
Note: Advance tickets are recommended (this event has sold out!)
Ticket link – https://www.venuepilot.co/events/70559/orders/new

This Must Be the Party returns to The Brightside this April

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The Brightside is excited to announce This Must Be the Party – the fantastic local tribute to the Talking Heads is back in their Ballroom on Friday, April 14, 2023.  It’s a complete recreation of the classic album & film “Stop Making Sense.”

Due to the covid pandemic, it’s been 4 years since the beloved local tribute show has been seen by Dayton audiences. This time around it’s serving as a fundraiser for The Seedling Foundation, which supports Stivers School for the Arts.

What’s even better? We have some very special guest joining the band! Sammi Garrett is flying in from Brooklyn to perform exclusively for this fundraiser. She’s well known for being in the bands Turquaz, Cool Cool Cool, & The Bump Assembly fame).

A “Solo Grooves” After Party with Freekbass is also planned. So if you’re still ready to keep dancing after the Talking Heads set, stick around for a fun after party with surprise guests.

Additionally – here are more performers to be announced! 


HOW TO GO?
When: April 14, 2023
Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH
Tickets / Time: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/69946/orders/new
– $25 Early Bird General Admission tickets (available 2/10 – 2/12 only!)
– $30 Advance General Admission tickets (highly recommend purchasing advance to guarantee spot)
– $35 Day of show (if available)
– $100 VIP TICKETS (very limited quantity available) – includes early entry to event & parking, 1 hour cocktail hour with exclusive entertainment, drink ticket & appetizers. Entry time at 7pm.


This is Venus Child Productions event!

Hip Hop Showcase at The Brightside on Friday

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This year marks 50 years since the birth of Hip Hop, and The Brightside is celebrating with a special local showcase put together by up-and-coming musical artist and songwriter, Eman Jones. Last year, Jones won The Brightside’s Dayton Battle of the Band’s Hip Hop round, and went to onto perform at Levitt Pavilion and other local venues.

Putting together these types of showcases is very fulfilling to Jones. “Every year I give artists that are my favorites their flowers,” he shared with us. “I’m just pushing the blessings forward and giving our artists and my friends a voice.”

The showcase features 11 performers, including Jones himself (see full schedule below).

How to Go? 

Friday, February 10, 2023

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

Free on-site parking!

$10 advance ticket / $15 at the door

Ticket link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/68609/orders/new

Ages: 18+

Doors open 7:30pm

Makkiah malan 8:15- 8:20
Ken dawwg- 8:30-8:40
Vonna – 8:45- 8:55
Racks ima rental – 9:00-9:10
Vader- 9:15-9:25
Tay Dan- 9:30-9:40
Cee – 9:45-9:55
Sgb x Candy – 10:00-10:10
D Knight – 10:15-10:25
Eman Jones x Luther : 10:30-11:00

 

Bohemian Funk releases “Roots” album with party at The Brightside

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The acclaimed local band Bohemian Funk releases their  “Roots” album with an epic party at The Brightside Music and Event Venue on Saturday, January 28th. This band makes Dayton proud, and everyone is invited to join in the celebration!

Bohemian Funk hit many people’s radars last spring when they won the Dayton Battle of the Bands competition. They were electrifying live and seemed to come out of nowhere. Who are these guys? the audience asked themselves. They formed in 2019, shortly before the pandemic hit, so they didn’t get the opportunity to play out much. What they did have time for was lots of practice and time to refine their signature look and sound. They were preparing for that kind of opportunity!

Bohemian Funk’s style is best categorized as Rock’n’Soul since they combine a contemporary interpretation of traditional rock’n’roll with nuances of gospel, alternative, southern rock, reggae, and blues. They have created a rich and diverse music collection with more than 40 unique songs they wrote and performed.

Since their big win at the Battle of the Bands, the 4-piece has been touring the Midwest extensively. While touring, the band was discovered by a talent scout while visiting Nashville, who introduced them to the Grammy award-winning producer and engineer Jeffrey Thomas. Working with musicians like Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Metallica, and many more, Jeff has a resume that is miles long. He became interested in the band right away. Jeff’s industry knowledge and rock music experience made the two an ideal match. The band started working with him to make their first debut album in June 2021 in his Nashville, Tennessee, facility, Stormbringer Sound. They released “Back Home,” the first song they had made with Jeff, in December 2021.

Bohemian Funk is comprised of Rocko Dalian (lead vocalist, guitarist), Patrick Arnold (lead guitar), and Graham Werts (drums). Casey Beasley (bass) is the newest member of the band, who joined in late 2021. They deliver a fantastic live experience with their stage presence, contagious energy, and expert musicianship at every performance.

“I am excited and proud to share this record with the world for many reasons but most of all I just want to give people a glimpse of light in their darkness because music has always been my light, my church, and my therapy,” Dalian shared with us. Drummer, Werts, continued, “You can expect greatness from us, and greatness is what we will give! I’m extremely thankful for the help we had throughout this whole experience and the love Dayton has shown in the process. This album release party is going to be one for the books!”

Join in the album release celebration – get all the details on how to go below!


HOW TO GO?

Event Name: “Roots” Album Release Party

Venue: The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Address: 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio

Date: Sat, January 28, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM Doors, 8:00 PM Show

Tickets Available at: https://bit.ly/3iyt4B3

Ticket Price: $15 advance which comes with an event poster! Or $25 at the door.

All ages welcome! No outside beverages, weapons or backpacks allowed in.

Heartless Bastards perform Friday at The Brightside

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Heartless Bastards

The Brightside Music & Event Venue and Sonic Springs Booking are thrilled to host a hometown Heartless Bastards show on Friday, December 16th at 8pm.

Anchored by the powerful vocals and incisive songwriting of Erika Wennerstrom, the Heartless Bastards are a roots rock band whose tough, emotionally resonant music incorporates elements of blues, hard rock, garage punk, and country. Their newest album, A Beautiful Life is their most stylistically diverse release to date.

Special guests Jess Lamb & The Factory and Visitor kick off the show. Jess Lamb, an acclaimed performer from Cincinnati, has put together a special set for this event. Visitor is a new band on the Dayton scene and will rock the Bar stage between sets.

Phat & Rich food truck will be on-site for this concert.

VIP tickets are already sold out, and a limited number of general admission are left. See the information below on how to go to this special holiday rock concert!

Phat & Rich food truck

How to Go?

Venue Info:

  • There is free off-street parking at the venue and surrounding areas. Please see the venue’s parking map here: parking map
  • There is alcohol for sale at the venue. No outside beverages are allowed.
  • Purses and small bags are allowed. No backpacks, please.
  • The venue is handicapped-accessible.
  • The venue has installed UV-C filters to sanitize circulated air.
  • More info at thebrightsidedayton.com

 

Unique concert experience supports Seedling Foundation & Stivers HS

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Crabswithoutlegs perform at The Brightside. Photo by Libby Ballengee.

Rise Up! is a unique concert experience and a joyful way to raise funds for the Seedling Foundation – the 501c3 non-profit that supports the art programs at Stivers School for the Arts. 

This fun & fabulous live music event features original reggae from Dayton’s own Luv Locz Experiment and Crabswithoutlegs, a young, Dayton jazz-fusion band. Please join us for a memorable evening at The Brightside Music & Event Venue. Phat & Rich food truck will be on site.

Show proceeds will go to the Seedling Foundation, which works to provide the additional funds required to make these immersive experiences possible. With broad community support, Stivers provides life-defining experiences for its students.

The Luv Locz Experiment

**How to Go?**

Friday, December 9, 2022

At The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

7pm – VIP Doors / Cocktail Reception w live music: Crabswithoutlegs

8pm – General Admission Doors

9pm – Luv Locz Experiment

**Tickets**

$20 General Admission Pre-Sale (+ $2 ticket fee)

$25 General Admission Day of Show

$75 VIP Ticket – includes early admission, cocktail hour with live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a drink ticket.

All available here – https://www.venuepilot.co/events/63898/orders/new

Dayton Ballet Barre offers fun holiday tradition with Sugar Plum Tea

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Dayton Ballet Barre offers fun holiday tradition with Sugar Plum Tea, a children’s tradition before the December 18th matinee performance of the Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker.This is the first Tea back since the pandemic shutdown, and organizers are planning a fun comeback event at the Dayton Woman’s Club, which is within walking distance of the Schuster Center.

The Dayton Ballet Barre is the Dayton Ballet’s volunteer booster organization, and one of their signature events is the long-running Sugar Plum Tea. Held prior to one of the matinee performances of the Ballet’s beloved Nutcracker production, it’s become a holiday tradition that families look forward to. Geared towards children and parents / grandparents, the afternoon tea promises to provide many cherished memories.

“We love hosting this children’s event!” Libby Ballengee, the Ballet Barre’s Secretary and past President, shared with us. “It’s like Prom for five-year-olds. We adore seeing all the kid’s sparkly dresses & suits. It’s a really special afternoon, and we’re so happy to be back hosting this after two years off.”

The Tea lasts for 90 min, enough time for to enjoy hot beverages & tea sandwiches, make a craft, learn a short dance from the Sugar Plum Fairy, and hear the story of The Nutcracker under the Christmas Tree. Each moment provides a beautiful photo opportunity against the gorgeous back-drop of the Dayton Woman’s Club.

All children and adults need a ticket to attend. The ticket includes tea party foods (cute sandwiches, fruit, & yummy desserts, with hot beverages including hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. This ticket does not include a ticket to the Dayton Ballet performance. Those are purchased separately through DaytonLive.org.
 

How to Go?

Sugar Plum Tea at Dayton Woman’s Club – 225 North Ludlow Street in Dayton
 
Sunday, December 18th
 
Note – Doors open at 12pm (due to event set-up, we cannot let patrons in earlier)
 
Event 12:30pm – 2pm (ballet performance starts at 2:30pm across the street – needs separate ticket)
 
Tickets $25 each (for adults and children)
 
Questions about the event can be directed to daytonballetbarre@gmail.com
 
 

Dayton Dinner Theater announces 2022-2023 Schedule

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Get excited, The Dayton Dinner Theater is back with its much-awaited interactive movie party season for 2022 – 2023! It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends when the days are short and nights are long. Make the most of it by sipping the sublime themed drinks with your loved ones, while flaunting your movie-themed attire. What more do you need when you can have classic movies, gourmet food, and specially concocted drinks to enjoy with your friends, family, or that special someone?

What to expect from a Dayton Dinner Theater event? First off, make sure you indulge in the creatively themed food provided by Brock Masterson catering. While you indulge in the delicacies, you can feast your ears to live music and soundtrack presentations featuring acts by the likes of The University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble and acclaimed musician and producer Denny Wilson.

A big improvement from year’s past is the themed cocktail selections.The Brightside’s new Bar Manager, Suzy Switzer, has come up with a whole range of delicious offerings.

That’s not all. As it’s an interactive movie party, organizers will feature famous interactive quote and fun participation activities, pop-up fun facts, and our not-so-famous, but equally entertaining, theme-spotting drinking game. Enjoy some lip-smacking-themed desserts while you’re at it! To add the cherry on the cake, there are special surprises for the top costume contest participants.

Now let’s talk about the prices. “Inflation may have gone up, but our tickets have stayed the same price :)”. Book your tickets at just $35 but with so many added entertaining activities. Visit www.daytondinnertheater.com for more information. To make sure that we can serve you with all our scrumptious food, tickets must be booked in advance.

The annual movie series commences on Wednesday, November 30 with an all-time holiday favorite movie Elf at The Brightside Music & Event Venue from 6-9pm.

This year’s list is dominated by comedy and clever and witty classics. See the full schedule below.

Dayton Dinner Theater Season Schedule:

Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Elf movie party and live music

Wednesday, Dec 7, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring the 80’s classic Christmas Vacation & live music

Sunday, Dec 11, 2022 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring A Christmas Story and live music

Sunday, Jan 15, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring Raiders of the Lost Ark

Sunday, Jan 29, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater premiere featuring The Princess Bride & live jazz

Sunday, Feb 12, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Grease & live music

Sunday, Feb 26, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring Dazed and Confused

Sunday, March 12, 2023 – Dayton Dinner Theater featuring The Big Lebowski

*All events take place at The Brightside Music & Event Venue located at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton.

For more information, visit: www.daytondinnertheater.com

Ekoostik Hookah with special guests Subterranean

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Two beloved, long-running Ohio psychedelic rock bands, Ekoostik Hookah and Subterranean, are back at The Brightside on Friday, November 18th. This much anticipated concert has become an annual tradition that local music fans look forward to.

This year, in particular, is special because the drummer for Subterranean recently underwent a life saving organ transplant. This is Rob’s first show back to the stage! Ekoostik Hookah’s lead guitarist has also had some recent health issues. The great news is that both bands are healthy – and can’t wait to get back to the stage doing what they love. It’s particularly special that they are performing here in Dayton for this comeback show.

“The Brightside is one of our favorite venues to play, and being able to bring Ekoostik Hookah in really makes for a special evening,” Subterranean’s guitarist Chris Coalt shared with us. “This is the 3rd annual year for this show and we plan on keeping the tradition going.”

To add to the fun, local food truck Phat & Rich will be on site selling food during the show.

How to go?

Friday, November 18, 2022

Doors 7:30pm

Show starts at 8pm

All ages.

Advance tickets $15 (with $2 fee)  – https://www.venuepilot.co/events/60272/orders/new

Day of show tickets $20All ages – anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent / guardian.

ID required for those over 21 to purchase alcohol

Werksgiving rocks the Wednesday before Thanksgiving!

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The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is known as one of the biggest bar nights of the year. This year, The Brightside is hosting the biggest party of them all with the annual Werksgiving concert event, featuring The Werks! If you’re not familiar, they are a nationally touring rock band that formed in Dayton, and this is their yearly big hometown concert.

This year they are joined by Dizgo, an up-and-coming band from Bloomington, Indiana.  Both bands will take the Ballroom stage at The Brightside located at 905 E 3rd St in downtown Dayton on Wednesday, November 23rd. 

For those who get hungry during the show, the beloved food truck Phat & Rich will be on site serving up their famous Tex-Mex inspired dishes.

Doors open at 7:30pm. All ages are welcome. Pre-sale tickets are $20 – and available here: https://werkoutpresents.ticketspice.com/werksgiving2022. At door, the cost is $25.

About The Werks

From the hungry young quartet that emerged out of Dayton, OH in 2005 to the mature, road-tested group they are now, The Werks are returning to their roots to reconnect with their identity. With over a decade’s worth of The Werk Out Festivals to their name, five studio albums, and a passport stamped with sets at Electric Forest, Summer Camp, The Peach, High Sierra, The Hang Out, and more, The Werks are bringing their musical wisdom and experience into a new chapter.

The four-piece jam-funk meets livetronica act was proud to welcome back original bassist Chuckie Love to the band in 2021, joining fellow founders Rob Chafin (drums/vocals) and Chris Houser (guitar/vocals) who play alongside Dan Shaw (keyboards). With Love back in the group, The Werks have tapped into the communal spark that birthed the band almost two decades ago, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose. Simply put, they are more of The Werks than ever before.

As they transition into this next chapter, The Werks are reaffirming their focus on live performances. With this rededication to the road, the band will come armed with a new studio album, their first since 2017’s Magic. Fans can look forward to the long-awaited full-length Sonder LP, the arrival of which signifies yet another artistic awakening for The Werks. With their 20th anniversary on the horizon, The Werks’ commitment to one another, to their fans, and to their craft strengthens with each passing note.

About Dizgo

Dizgo is a three-piece electro-psychedelic-funk-rock band from Bloomington, IN. Since their formation in 2016, the band has built a strong following, packing rooms and building a name for themselves in the jam circuit. Known for their electrifying performances, the band reels in their audience with a unique blend of funky, electronic rock-shredding guitar, synth-driven grooves, and ethereal vocals.

“Asylum” Nightclub Reunion Hosted at Bar Granada

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For Gen X-er’s it was a downtown staple: The Asylum nightclub on S. Patterson. Famous for pumping alternative music and goth kids dancing in cages from 1993 to 2005. And for one night a year, former patrons of the club can relive the spirit of nightclub together at an annual reunion event hosted by club DJ’s Matt Freeman, Eric Hellman, and Doug Collins.
This year’s reunion is happening over Thanksgiving weekend, on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Bar Granada located at 5 W. Monument Ave. Enjoy your favorite 80’s and 90’s Industrial Electronic Alternative dance music with old friends! You can follow along and get in the mood with the Asylum’s own playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3dXrAQe6B2nYFc4IiJpJoo

Throwback march is also available at: https://www.freemandesignco.com/products

How to Go?
Asylum Reunion
Saturday, November 26, 2022
Bar Granada, 5 W. Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402
9:30pm Doors
$10 cover
Must be over 21 to attend

Meet local author of “See You At San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and the Triumph of Geek Culture”

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Local author Mathew Klickstein completes his national book tour promoting his latest pop culture history book, See You At San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and the Triumph of Geek Culture, right here in Dayton!

Klickstein will be making appearances at stops throughout the Greater Dayton area during November. He is particularly looking forward to his author talk with Dayton937 writer and editor, Libby Ballengee from 6:30-8:30pm on Friday, November 4th at Omega Music (318 E. 5th St in Oregon District). He’ll also be signing books, which will be  available at the beloved local record store.

See list below for additional local dates to meet the author. More info on dates, special guests, and locations: www.MathewKlickstein.com

Local tour schedule includes stops at:

Dayton Ballet kicks off 85th Season with “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

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The Dayton Ballet proudly celebrates its 85th anniversary in an electric and exciting 2022–2023 Season. In this anniversary season, the company presents a spooky time with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the classic holiday story of The Nutcracker, a celebration of all things dance in the 85th Diamond Anniversary, and a family favorite with Peter Pan.

The launch to this anniversary season starts on October 28, 2022 with a historic spooky tale. Halloween weekend is the perfect setting for Dayton Ballet’s brand-new production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

The haunting story of the Headless Horseman comes to life with all the same characters of this familiar tale. Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, and the full ensemble of Dayton Ballet take the stage to bring to life Artistic Director Karen Russo Burke’s fresh approach to the timeless classic. Composer Austin Jaquith provides a brand-new original score, performed live by musicians from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Dayton Ballet rehearses for Sleepy Hollow

How To Go?

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at the Victoria Theatre

7:30 pm Friday, October 28, 2022

7:30 pm Saturday, October 29, 2022

2:30 pm Sunday, October 30, 2022

Tickets to performances are $5 – $86 and available at https://www.daytonlive.org/events/legend-of-sleepy-hollow/






Jazz Supergroup Performs Exclusive Show at The Brightside

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I first saw Jennifer Hartswick perform at a sold-out concert in New York City.  She was playing trumpet for Trey Anastasio’s solo project. I was blown away by the entire horn section’s talent, which included trumpet, trombone, and sax players. It’s the kind of musical experience that truly removes you from your troubles, and delivers a true sense of joy. I longed to bring talent on that level to my friends in Dayton.

The members of The Jennifer Hartswick Band

A few years later, I had just an opportunity. My friend Carli Dixon had opened The Brightside on East 3rd St downtown and allowed me to host concerts of my choosing. What a gift! And funny enough, Jennifer had a solo project that was touring through venues just like The Brightside. I had the pleasure of hosting Jennifer not once,  but two times in our first year open, before the pandemic hit. In fact, Jennifer Hartswick was the last show we hosted, on March 10, 2020. Each time she’s brought her immense talent to our stage, the audience is enthralled, moved to actual tears of joy. 

So now that things are getting back to “normal,” I leaped at the opportunity to host Jennifer again. However, this time there was a twist. She is visiting us with a full band, including her writing partner Nick Cassarino on guitar, Conor Elmes on drums, and fellow Trey Anastasio Band members Dezron Douglas on bass and James Casey on sax. 

All of these musicians are superstars in their own right. Douglas is a protégé of the great Jackie McLean, and is currently a Jazz Studies professor at NYU Steinhardt. Elmes is a  member of the YoungBlood Brass Band. Cassarino may look familiar as he’s performed multiple times at The Brightside, and this summer on the Levitt stage with his band The Nth Power.

Casey being in Dayton is particularly special because he is currently going through cancer treatment for Stage 3 colon cancer. This week he posted: “The amount of planning it takes for me to be able to come on the road these days is more than you could imagine, and along with my fam, team and docs, they made (and continue to make) it happen. Total appreciation!”

I compare this group to the Wrecking Crew, who were the subject of a recent documentary. The Wrecking Crew was a loose collective of studio musicians who were the actual musicians who recorded hundreds of Top 40 songs during the 1960s and 1970s. The group was not publicly recognized but was viewed with reverence by industry insiders.

Dayton blues performer Steven Gregory

The Jennifer Hartswick Band is a live music version of the Wrecking Crew. You’ve probably seen them backing bigger names, but this is their time to shine! As a music nerd myself, I’m one of the industry insiders who views this group in absolute awe. 

A  lot of times, we have the tendency to want to hear what we know. That’s why tribute bands and cover bands are so popular. That’s why seeing bands that were popular during high school is so appealing. And while all of that is great, I’m interested in what’s happening now. Instead of clinging to nostalgia only, I’m wanting to bring musicians that are on fire right now, whom you normally can only see in the biggest cities. In fact, this group is only performing a very limited tour, and they selected Dayton specifically to visit because they enjoy visiting here so much. 

I truly hope Dayton audiences find some space in their lives for musical curiosity and check out this concert! Local blues musician, Steven Gregory, kicks off the show at 8 pm at  The Brightside on Thursday, October 13th.

 

HOW TO GO?

  • The Jennifer Hartswick Band
  • The Brightside Music & Event Venue  (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH)
  • October 13, 2022. Doors open at 7:30pm. Concert starts at 8pm.
  • All ages welcome
  • Tickets advance: $20 (Click link here)
  • Day of Show: $25