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Downtown Dayton

Summer Lunch Fun Begins at Courthouse Square

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership is excited to welcome lunchtime crowds back to The Square Is Where. Office workers and downtown residents are invited to Courthouse Square for outdoor seating and free live entertainment every weekday through the end of September.

Daily lunchtime entertainment begins Monday, May 2, with an official kickoff party planned for Friday, May 6. No programming will be scheduled during the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5.

“Our downtown workforce is returning to the office, and we’re so excited to have them back at The Square Is Where,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, President of the Downtown Dayton partnership. “The ample seating, games, and live entertainment make Courthouse Square a great place for downtown office workers to catch up with friends and coworkers they may not have seen while working from home.”

The Square Is Where runs from 11:30am to 1pm every weekday on Courthouse Square, located at 23 N. Main Street. Visitors are welcome to pick up lunch or order delivery from local eateries, or purchase food from on-site mobile food vendors.

Each week, The Square Is Where programming will be provided by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with financial support from Montgomery County:

  • Music Mondays – Request your favorite songs from a live DJ
  • Trivia Tuesday – Answer questions and compete prizes in weekly trivia games
  • Big Game Wednesday – Play a game of giant checkers, Connect 4, or cornhole with friends
  • Second Thursday of the month – Name that tune for five in a row with Music Bingo
  • Third Thursday of the month – Space Three offers lunchtime fitness classes for Tone it Thursday
  • Fridays Live – Enjoy your lunch hour to the tune of a different live band each week

Stay up to date with special events all summer long on The Square Is Where webpage. The site also features a downtown lunch map with all of the locations open during lunch hours for meals, drinks, and treats. Or, take a spin on the Lunch-O-Maticto let luck choose your menu for you.

Special giveaways will take place throughout May to celebrate the return of The Square Is Where. Stay tuned to the Downtown Dayton Partnership social media for more information.

 

 

Adult Beginner Dance Classes Offered Downtown

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Looking for an adult dance class that is truly for beginners? Well, look no further! Brittany Butler, a former professional ballerina with the Dayton Ballet, is offering a 6-week adult dance class for all ages and levels of dance with her business “Brittany Moves.” If you’ve wanted to dip your toe into dance – for the first time or as a refresher, this is your class.

This series will take place at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St) in the beautiful Upside Loft (upstairs). This series starts on Monday, April 18th, and runs each Monday through May 23rd, from 5:30-7pm. You can join at any time along the way!  

“We will begin with stretching to allow the kinks to loosen up and work themselves out. This 15-minute period will also work as a grace period for those who may need a few minutes after work, to get parked, changed, etc. Then we will focus on warming up the body by moving the muscles and joints – getting the heart rate up,” Butler explained.

‘Then we will learn some ballet,” Butler continues. “And we’ll end with some simple jazz combinations since jazz has many foundations in the creation of dance. You can take away these moves and practice on your own time. It’s a great feeling to be working in a group creating movement to the beat. Don’t sweat if you aren’t able to make each class – there is plenty of variety to cover week to week!”

Butler explained that regular workout clothing is fine to wear to these classes. Ballet attire is not required. 

HOW TO GO?

The Brightside (905 E 3rd St)

Upside Loft (upstairs).

This series starts on Monday, April 18th, and runs each Monday through May 23rd, from 5:30-7pm. (15 min grace period before doors lock)

Single classes are $15
4-week class package is $50
6-week class package for $72

Secure Your Spot Here: 👇
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-beginner-dance-class-tickets-315556346527

 

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Live Music at The Brightside!

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You’re invited to a special St Patrick’s Day String Music Celebration with FERD and special local guest Harold Hensley at The Brightside in downtown Dayton. It’s a gonna be a foot stompin’ night of Bluegrass, Appalachian, and Delta Blues you won’t want to miss!

FERD features Ferd Moyse, a singer & songwriter on the fiddle, and the Samsonite Drum. Moyse is known far and wide for his nearly 15-year run as the fiddler, singer, and songwriter with the Virginia-based band, The Hackensaw Boys. The band includes Matt Morelock who sings and plays the banjo and Chris Stevens o bass. The sound is Appalachian and Delta Blues spending time together on the Bayou.

Harold Hensely is a beloved local musician from the Dayton area. He plays solo and with his band The Repeating Arms. We’re excited to have him kick off this show!

How to Go?

Thursday, March 17th
Doors 7pm / Show 7:30-10pm
at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
$10 advance / $15 day of show
All ages are welcome!

Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-patricks-day-string-celebration-w-ferd-harold-hensley-tickets-294735851867

Don’t miss the Gem City Mardi Gras Threauxdown!

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Dayton’s own Mardi Gras Celebration is back! Celebrate with dozens of musicians and vendors on Saturday, March 5, 2022, as they transport patrons to New Orleans for a night. The Gem City Mardi Gras Threauxdown takes place at The Brightside Music & Event Venue in downtown Dayton. 

Doors open at 5pm, when specialty Cajun-inspired food by Kungfu BBQ, NOLA-inspired Sweets by Baker Benji’s Cakes and Desserts, and ‘Fat Brewesday Pale Ale’ by Devil Wind Brewery will be available.
 
The event kicks off in a literal way at 6pm with a 2nd Line Marching Band Sidewalk Parade down E 3rd St, just like you’d see in the French Quarter. Music will continue indoors starting at 7pm with Phil’s Big Ass Brass Band, Solistic, and an extra special Musical Guest Gumbo, featuring:

⚜️ Sharon Lane
⚜️Sean Finnigan
⚜️Chris Colt
⚜️Bronson Coats
⚜️Rich Reuter
⚜️Amber Hargett
⚜️Heather Redman
⚜️Samantha King
⚜️Trey Stone
⚜️Steve Makofka
⚜️Danny Sauers
⚜️Gary King
⚜️Phil Bradley-Hutchinson
⚜️Michael Bisigg
⚜️Doug Lane
⚜️Master of Ceremonies: Danny Sauers

There will also be special vendors on-site, including live painting by Tiffany Clark, psychic tarot readings by Marta Mari, and additional shopping vendors to give you a Franklin Square vibe. There will also be raffles and artist merchandise. 
 
This is meant to be a festive occasion, so costumes are very much encouraged, but not required. Mardi Gras Traditions include decorated eyewear and masks, facial masks of any kind are not required at this event, though if you feel comfortable and would like to wear one, by all means, please do!
 
How to Go?
Saturday, March 5, 2022 – Doors open at 5pm. Parade starts at 6pm. Concert 7pm – 12am.
The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St
Tickets: $15 pre-sale; $20 day of show
All ages are welcome! Anyone under the age of 18 is expected to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
 

 

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression kick off tour at The Brightside

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One of the hottest up-and-coming national acts: Joslyn & The Sweet Compression is kicking off their 2022 tour right here in Dayton. They’ll be performing at The Brightside Music & Event Venue in downtown Dayton, OH (905 E 3rd St) on Thursday, March 3, 2022.

Local legend, Eric Jerardi, kicks off the evening with his band. Doors open at 7pm with music from 7:30-10pm. Tickets $12 advance and $15 day of show. All ages welcome!

What people are saying about Joslyn & The Sweet Compression:

“Magical…gives everybody the joy.” — Billboard Magazine

“A refreshing take on the neo-soul / funk sound, unbound by modern cliches.” — Glide Magazine

“A marvel…an instant classic!” — Soul Tracks

“I’ve never seen a band come up more quickly…with more immediate skill and swagger than Joslyn & the Sweet Compression. Joslyn’s vocal command and stage presence is special, and her band is brick-sh**house tight.” — Travis Young, Moonshiner’s Ball

“The music Joslyn Hampton conjures o-stage is rich with the funk, soul, and rock ’n’ roll inspirations of multiple generations, and at the heart of the brassy attack of her band, The Sweet Compression, and in the clear and confident command of her singing, sits a core element: Groove.” — Walter Tunis, Lexington Herald-Leader

About Joslyn & The Sweet Compression:

After cultivating her dynamic voice and performance skills in backup roles and stage plays, Joslyn Hampton teamed with her stepfather, Marty Charters (a touring guitarist and songwriter who has shared the stage with legends such as Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, and Van Morrison), to compose a captivating set of tunes and assemble an ace band. Joslyn & The Sweet Compression (Marty Charters – guitar, Steve Holloman – keyboards, Smith Donaldson – bass, Rashawn Fleming – drums, Trevin Little – saxophone, and Chase Fleming – trombone and trumpet) combine to deliver a hook-filled mix of funk and soul on their self-titled debut album, released in 2019. A headlining favorite at regional clubs and music festivals, they are poised to engage fans across the country with widespread touring in 2021.

Hawthorne Heights back in Dayton for hometown show

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After a three-year break, Hawthorne Heights is finally back in Dayton, Ohio. They’ll be headlining the 6th annual “Dayton Is For Lovers” indie/alt-rock music festival. This year’s event will be held at The Brightside on Thursday, March 10, 2022.
The all-ages Gem City music festival also features a mix of established and up-and-coming Dayton original acts, including:
  • Nightbeast
  • Better Anyway
  • Abertooth Lincoln
  • RIND
  • Houseghost
  • Life in Idle
  • DJ Sadness
You’re invited to come early and stay late! Bands are in no particular order. Hawthorne Heights will set the line up on the day of the show, with their set ending the evening. Watch all the artists perform original Dayton music across two stages throughout the night!
“Hometown shows are truly special to us and we are excited to be able to make this happen!” the band stated.
HOW TO GO?
  • Thursday, March 10, 2022
  • The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH
  • All ages welcome.
  • 6pm Doors. Music starts shortly after.
    Limited Availability. Get tickets while you can.
  • Tickets and limited VIPS available now at HawthorneHeightsStore.com
  • The venue is equipped with UV-C filters to sanitize circulated air.
  • The venue has a bar area with a great selection of local beer for those of age and with I.D. No outside alcohol or drinks are allowed.

Cirque Fatale presents “Ruin Your Childhood” Burlesque Show

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We’re riding those Valentine’s vibes right into the weekend with Cirque Fatale “Ruin Your Childhood” Burlesque! This talented group of dancers presents a burlesque and aerial show that promises to be the Magical Kingdom of fun! The cast will do their best to ruin your childhood favorites like Scooby-Doo, superheroes, and many of those magic castle animated princesses.

The performance is taking place on Friday, February 18, 2022 inside the Ballroom at The Brightside in downtown Dayton (905 E 3rd St) from 7-10pm. Along with Cirque Fatale, this show also features special guests The LeCamerons from CinCity Burlesque!

While this event is certainly fun, there is a charitable element happening too. Cirque Fatale is accepting donations of new bras (all sizes) for the YWCA. Sports bras are needed the most! So if you have some extra you never wore, or find some at the store, please bring along with you to the show!

“Dayton has been such a huge supporter of local entertainment like Cirque Fatale, that we want to give back to our local community,” organizer Cassie Guard shared.  

Cirque Fatale shows are known for flying performers over the crowd and making you laugh until your cheeks hurt. But they are also known for being safe in these covid times. They are taking measures to make sure you can still enjoy live entertainment are:

Masks required for entry and are to be worn  throughout the venue. Masks may be removed once seated at your table. All “tickets” are tables that seat 2-4 people. No rowed seating allowed. Venue HVAC system has UV-C bulbs to clean and purify the air!

Get your ticket today! Just a few table left: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ruin-your-childhood-burlesque-show-tickets-253806822037

Musicians encouraged to apply to Dayton Porchfest

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Tim Spoores performs at Dayton Porchfest. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Musicians are encouraged to apply to be part of this year’s Dayton Porchfest. The annual neighborhood musical event is held on porches throughout the historic and charming downtown St Anne’s Hill. This year’s event is planned for Saturday, August 20, 2022.

Organizers at The Collaboratory are asking area musicians of all styles to apply to perform. Dayton Porchfest is a multi-genre festival, open to all Dayton-area musicians and bands. Dayton PorchFest is free to attend, and a tips-only festival. Organizers supply the tip jars and aggressively promote tipping the performers. Bands are welcome to sell CDs and merchandise.

For 2022 Dayton Porchfest will be selecting 45-50 performers. The selection of artists will be based on curating five-musically diverse music blocks. Sets are 45-50 minutes and start at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 PM. The application deadline is 11:59 PM, Monday, February 28, 2022. Link to application: https://daytonporchfest.wixsite.com/home/application

Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY. Today there are over 150 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada. Dayton was 94!

Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene, which continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that in its selection of musical artists, from funk and hip-hop to blues to indie rock, classical, and country, to bluegrass and old-timey music that has deep Appalachian traditions here. We also celebrate the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade. 

Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory, a civic innovation lab that moves ideas to action. The Collaboratory provides infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic, and creative opportunities and value. The result is a healthier, more thriving region. All proceeds from Dayton Porchfest go to support the work of The Collaboratory.

SAVE THE DATE: DAYTON PORCHFEST SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2022.

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “Airplane!”

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Dayton Dinner Theater presents “Airplane!” See a classic favorite on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting on Sunday, February 27th at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.

Enjoy Chef-inspired themed food, desserts, and cocktails from Brock Masterson. Before the movie, organizers have arranged for live-themed music featuring the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble.

During the movie, show your skills with DDT’s famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although these movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly.

When? Feb 27, 2022, 6:00 PM – 9:10 PM. Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.

Where? The Brightside Event Center, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.

Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

About the Event:

Themed Food: TBA (last time we had a choice of steak or fish…. I had the lasagna)

Themed Drinks: TBA (we cater to those with a drinking problem)

Themed Attire: pick your occupation… doctor, pilot, stewardess, auto pilot, or Hare Krishna salesman

50 Years without Natalie Clifford Barney: A Celebration of Life, Art, & Friendship

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Natalie Clifford Barney

50 Years without Natalie Clifford Barney. Come celebrate her remarkable life in the place of her birth, Dayton, Ohio!

You’re invited to join us on Wed, Feb 2nd from 12-12:30pm to celebrate and honor the incredible life of Natalie Clifford Barney, a Daytonian ahead of her time. We will gather at her Ohio Historical Marker (the first in the state to recognize and acknowledge a famous Ohioan for their contributions to LGBTQ+ arts, culture, and history). This is a free, outdoor event.
 
It’s been 50 years since her death. As they remember her in Paris, her adopted home, they’ve invited us to honor her here in Dayton too. Professor Samuel Dorf (UD), author of a Natalie Clifford Barney biography Performing Antiquity is arranging this event with help from Libby Ballengee and others. We’re planning to read poetry and remember this amazing lady.
 

Natalie Clifford Barney

When? Wed, Feb 2nd from 12-12:30pm
Where? Natalie Clifford Barney Historic Marker, 31 S St Clair St, Dayton, OH 45402. *This is an outdoor event* at Natalie’s historic marker by the Main Branch of the Dayton Library in Cooper Park.

 

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “The Princess Bride”

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Dayton Dinner Theater presents “The Princess Bride”! See a classic family favorrite on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.

Enjoy Chef-inspired themed food, desserts, and cocktails from Brock Masterson. Before the movie, organizers have arranged for live-themed music featuring the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble.

During the movie, show your skills with DDT’s famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although these movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly.

When? Jan 30, 6:00 PM – 9:20 PM. Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.

Where? The Brightside Event Center, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.

Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

About the Event:

Themed Food: TBA (maybe some stew, something that looks like mutton, something w/fire in the name, and maybe a peanut?)

Themed Drinks: The Battle of Wits (sparkling grape juice, vodka, cherry, pixie stick poison), The Buttercup (Butterscotch liquor, light cream, rum, cinnamon stick stirrer)

Themed Attire: You can be a Prince, a Pirate, a Princess, a Pauper, a Giant, or a Swordsman.  If you dress up as a ROUS, we will give you extra cheese.

 

Holiday Bonus Buy Deal: Buy $50 in Downtown Dollars, Get $25 for Free

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership is again offering a special bonus buy deal for those who purchase Downtown Dollars. Starting Thursday, November 18, at 12 p.m. noon, for every $50 Downtown Dollars purchased, an extra $25 of Downtown Dollars will be delivered in a separate e-gift card to the buyer.

Downtown Dollars is one e-gift card that is redeemable at more than 80 participating businesses in downtown Dayton, including restaurants, pubs, retailers and services. A full list of the businesses and a link to purchase Downtown Dollars is available at www.downtowndayton.org/dollars.

“Downtown Dollars are redeemable at more than 80 independent, local businesses that offer food, drinks, shopping and more,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “They make a great holiday gift for anyone on your list, and this deal gives you a little holiday cheer for yourself, too!” Gudorf added, “Our local, small businesses still need our help as we emerge from the pandemic, and Downtown Dollars are a great way to support them and keep your shopping small and local this holiday season.”

The bonus Downtown Dollars will be delivered to the purchaser in separate $25 gift vouchers from their $50 purchases. The $50 Downtown Dollars e-gift card purchased by the customer does not expire, but the $25 bonus card(s) will expire if not used before December 31, 2021. This promotion is capped at a maximum of four Bonus Buys per customer.

The $25 bonus buys are limited, and are only available while Bonus Buy funds last – so be sure to grab your Downtown Dollars now before this special offer is gone!

Downtown Dollars gives access to the best shopping, dining and entertainment in Downtown Dayton with one card, conveniently stored on a phone or other mobile device.

When you purchase Downtown Dollars for yourself, or to give to others as a gift, the e-gift card is delivered via email or text message. Benefits of the Downtown Dollars e-gift cards include:

    • Downtown Dollars are accepted at more than 80 participating merchants in Downtown Dayton.
    • No monthly inactivity fees.
    • Your Downtown Dollars balance is listed directly on the card, and is updated as you use your card.
    • Purchasing cards is fast, personalized and instantaneous – great for gifts!
    • Monthly reminders are sent via email and/or text message to help customers remember they have the gift card available for use.

Go to the Downtown Dollars webpage to purchase your e-gift card for yourself or to send as a gift. Choose the amount, and it will be delivered by email or text message. To learn more about how to redeem your gift cards at participating businesses, visit our website for details and other frequently asked questions. For a complete list of downtown’s businesses, a dining guide, parking maps and more, visit www.downtowndayton.org.