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Downtown Dayton

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

 

Free eats, pop-up arts performances, tech demos at new Launch Dayton Startup Week closing party

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Free eats, pop-up arts performances, tech demos at new Launch Dayton Startup Week closing party

Free festival celebrating Dayton artists, food business owners, and innovators happening this week!

Pop-up arts performances in the beautiful, historic Dayton Arcade Rotunda. Small plates from up-and-coming food businesses. Interactive tech demos from local startup companies.

And it’s FREE!

Join in the fun frrom 5-7pm on Thursday, September 15th for the art. food. tech. fest!,  a new closing party for Launch Dayton Startup Week, made possible through generous support from Culture Works.

Aerialists will spin through the air as you groove to a live jam band and find your new favorite small business to support. Eats are free until we run out! Continue your evening in Dayton by popping over to the free concert at the Levitt after the party, then make your way back to the Tank for Culture Works’ After the Levitt.

See + hear:

  • Live jam band lead by Isicle featuring Jared Bruns on drums, Matt Goodloe on guitar, Kainan Shank on bass, and Serin Oh on the mic.
  • Spoken word poetry from Leroy Bean
  • Live painting by Boy Blue
  • Aerial artists from Femme Fatale Dayton
  • Dance performances from Dayton Dance Initiative’s Quentin ApolloVaughn Sledge

Enjoy delicious small plates, including:

  • A bbq spread from Rich Taste Catering
  • Melt-in-your mouth rum cakes from The Scrumptious Dessert
  • Handheld cheesecakes from Cheezcake Lab
  • Pecan chicken + sweet potato waffles from Home Cooked Vibes
  • Smoked mushroom spinach dip bruschetta with mint pico from VeganItIz Eats
  • Mini French Quarter Seafood loaded potatoes from Simply Savory by Rachel

+ tech demos from:

  • Gem City Laser
  • Frame Push
  • Urban Mathoholics

Plus

The Contemporary Dayton (The Co) will open 5p.m. – 7p.m. for a sneak peak at their new exhibition featuring new solo exhibitions from the work of Teju Cole, photographer, curator, Gore Vidal Professor of the Practice of Creative Writing at Harvard, and former photography critic of The New York Times Magazine; Amy Powell, nationally published Dayton-based photographer; and James “Jamie” Nares, British and New York City-based filmmaker. The exhibitions will open the evening of Friday, September 16, 2022, with an Artist Talk by Teju Cole.

Small business owner yourself? Don’t forget to check out the conference itself, as well as the closing party! Launch Dayton Startup Week presented by Fifth Third Bank brings together nearly 1K entrepreneurs, small business owners, startup founders, and business resource providers. Be inspired by the stories of failure and success, and build your own business through hands-on workshops and classes. All for FREE! Check out the full lineup: https://launchdayton.com/events/dayton-startup-week/

About Launch Dayton Startup Week:
Launch Dayton Startup Week is the Dayton, Ohio entrepreneur community’s largest event, drawing roughly 1K attendees each September to celebrate, inspire and equip the Dayton region’s startup founders & business owners. This free conference brings together the region’s thinkers, dreamers, doers, makers, entrepreneurs and small business owners. All experiences are welcome — whether a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the community, there is space to jump in.

 

Sound Valley Summer Music Festival this Saturday

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The 2022 Sound Valley Summer Music Festival is happening this Saturday, August 27th at Yellow Cab Tavern. This year, they are teaming up with Channel 99.9 Dayton & Dayton’s New Country 103.9 to bring another incredible lineup to the Miami Valley. 

Each year organizers partner with a local nonprofit to continue their mission of building community through music. This year they are taking our mission quite literally and are proud to be teaming up with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton. The organization brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

This year’s festival features 13 local bands:

ENMY
Age of Nowhere
Ryan Mundy
K.Carter
Serin Oh
Seth Canan & The Carriers
Knavery
Seth Gilliam & The Fake News
Bribing Senators
Heather Redman & The Reputation
Scary Hotel
The Kadence
Dak Janiels & The Holy Smokes

There will also be plenty of good food on hand from The Pizza Bandit and Phat & Rich. Drinks available at the Yellow Cab bar. Gates Open at 4pm on Saturday, August 27th at Yellow Cab Tavern. Music starts at 4:30pm. Tickets are available at: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/SummerFestivalTickets

About Sound Valley: Sound Valley is a community driven initiative with the goal of bringing regional and national attention to Dayton’s vibrant and growing music scene. Sound Valley is a group of Dayton musicians, journalists, promoters, and music supporters who are working to build a vibrant music scene through promotion and production. We believe that by working together we can put a national spotlight on the natural homegrown talent that exists right here in the Miami Valley.

 

Dayton Porchfest delivers 50 free concerts this Saturday

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This Saturday, don’t miss the 6th annual Dayton Porchfest, a free neighborhood music festival in St Anne’s Hill Historic Neighborhood. This beloved community-building event is facilitated by The Collaboratory, a civic think tank that launches exciting new projects from idea to reality.

One of those ideas is Porchfest, which is held on International Play Music on a Porch Day. The event offers 6 hours of free live music held on porches throughout the St. Anne’s Hill neighborhood. It’s a lovely opportunity to meet the neighborhood and celebrate the quality and diversity of the Dayton music scene.

Dayton Porchfest was founded in 2017, inspired by the original Porchfest, which was started in 2007 in Ithaca, NY, and Larchmere Porchfest in Cleveland, which was started in 2009. 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 blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old-timey 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. The St. Anne’s neighborhood welcomes all Daytonians to join in this celebration!

Dayton Porchfest is an initiative of The Collaboratory (www.daytoncollaboratory.org). This local volunteer organization 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. Tips collected at the event go directly to the musicians performing. Please be generous!

HOW TO GO?

Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 1pm – 7pm

Free!

All ages welcome

St Anne’s Hill Historic Neighborhood – see map here

 

1:15 – 1:45 PM KICK-OFF

T.R.S.S. Drum Corps – 10 LaBelle

 

2:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

Amber Hargett, Singer/Songwriter – 1601 E. Fifth Street (Henry)

Five Rivers Drum Ensemble, African Drumming – 33 Potomac

Good Time Accordion Guys, Sing-Along – 624 McLain

Jimmy D. Rogers, Blues and Roots – 126 Henry

Our Sacred Vanity, Folk – 48 High Street

Patricia Berg Trio, Jazz  – 212 South Dutoit

Sadbox, Rock – 15 Henry

Syrodesy Flue Trio, Classical Contemporary – 48 McClure

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3:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

As Is, Jazz – 1432 E. Fourth Street

Café con Leche, Acoustic/Jazz/Eclectic  – 126 LaBelle

Charlie and Amanda, Country – 214 South Dutoit

Chris Heider and The Red Bandana Band, Folk Rock – 154 South Dutoit

Fin Tan, Irish Pub Music – 600 McLain

Gabe Maas and the Bruins, Pop – 54 LaBelle

(CANCELED) Nick Kizirnis, Americana – 18 LaBelle

Rum River Blend, Americana – 1535 E. Fifth Street (Henry)

Sharon Lane, Blues – 62 High Street

The Nautical Theme, Modern Folk – 34 High

TINO, Hip Hop – 52 McClure

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4:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

A Sweet Sound, Americana – 22 LaBelle

Age Nowhere, Country/Rock – 222 South Dutoit

Emory Road, Folk Rock – 616 McLain

Harold Hensley, Americana – 216 Henry

Jonathan Hamilton, Folk – 66 McClure

Kyleen Downes, Singer/Songwriter – 42 High Street

Miami Valley Klezmer Ensemble, Klezmer – 65 LaBelle

Mike Bankhead, Indie Rock – 133 LaBelle

Nasty Bingo, Folkadelic at Its Finest – 1514 E. Fourth Street

Novena, Folk Rock – 50 Henry

Sam King, Americana/Folk – 130 Henry

Ty Spacely, Hip Hop/Rap – 244 Henry

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5:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

Charlie Tipton, Singer/Songwriter – 1436 E. Fourth Street (Henry)

Cry Baby Cry, Rock – 51 McClure

Dayton Salsa Project, Salsa – 517 McLain

Ghost Town Silence, Rock/Americana – 39 Henry

John Dubuc’s Guilty Pleasures, Rock-N-Roll – 18 LaBelle

K. Carter, Hip Hop – 1616 E. Fifth Street (Backyard)

Kris n., Indie/Pop-Rock – 234 South Dutoit

Serin Oh, Alt Pop – 30 LaBelle

Somersault, Original Rock – 145 McClure

The Hitchhiker Band, Irish – 154 South Dutoit

The Touchy Feelys, Folk/Indie/Country – 201 Henry (McLain)

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6:00 PM MUSIC BLOCK

Mariah J, Soul/Funk/R&B – 605 McLain

NeoAmerican Pioneers, Indie Rock – 222 South Dutoit

Rich Reuter, Rock – 234 Henry

Solistic, Little Bit of Everything – 44 High Street

The Jaywalkers, American Folk/Rock – 1514 E. Fourth Street

The Kadence, Pop – 10 Henry

Todd the Fox, Rockabilly & Blues – 55 McClure

Tori Adams, Roots/Folk/Americana – 630 McLain (High)

Wild Forrest Blackberri, Root Rock/Folk-Blues – 28 LaBelle

 

Bingo Fundraiser to Benefit Domestic Violence Survivors

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The Home Experts Realty’s Dayton Real Estate Crush team is partnering with Yellow Cab Tavern to host Crush for a Cause: Bingo Nite benefiting Artemis Center on Tuesday, August 16th.

The Dayton Real Estate Crush team presents several philanthropic opportunities for its real estate agents each year. Team Founder, Elizabeth Cooper, explains that this is central to the heart of their mission. “We love supporting our neighbors and helping to build a strong community by investing in the efforts of wonderful organizations like Artemis Center.”

Artemis Center empowers survivors of domestic violence to make decisions and choices to establish and maintain safety for themselves and their children. They work collaboratively with other community services and provide education and advocacy programs that help create community best practice responses for survivors of domestic violence.

Kelly Sexton, Director of Development for Artemis Center, stated the organization is thrilled to be the recipients of this fundraiser. “We thank the Dayton Real Estate Crush team for including us in this event. In 2021, Artemis saw a 47% increase in calls to our 24/7 hotline. We know there is a great need for our services, and funds from events like this help us to continue offering these services free of charge to the Dayton community.“

Home Experts Realty’s Dayton Real Estate Crush

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the Artemis Center 24/7 hotline at 937-461-HELP (4357). You can learn more about their extensive domestic violence supportive services at www.artemiscenter.org.

There is no cover charge for this event. There will be six rounds of bingo. Each round, the winner will get a $10 gift certificate to either Yellow Cab or Pizza Bandit with the final cover all round getting a $25 gift certificate! Players can get as many bingo boards as they like for $5 each, which goes directly to The Artemis Center!

You can also participate in a 50/50 Raffle, or bid on raffle baskets provided by the Dayton Real Estate Crush team, their partners, and affiliates.

HOW TO GO?
Tuesday, August 16th ,2022, at 6:30 pm
Yellow Cab Tavern
700 E. Fourth St.,
Dayton, OH 45402

This Summer, a Once-in-a-Half-Century Party Calls Neighbors Back to South Park

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The 2001 Rehabarama of “The Weis-Leissentritt House” at 307 Oak Street was once two houses. These 1800s-era homes were updated with a unique glass-walled passageway to create one classic home with warm, comfortable living space and bold design statements.

With music, food, storytelling, and a beer garden, South Park’s Reunion Block Party celebrates its 40-year struggle to become safe, livable and inviting.
DAYTON, Oh. July 7, 2022 – On Saturday, July 30, from 3-6pm, a massive meet-up of neighbors who live in South Park or have called it home over the past forty years will gather to mark the 40-year anniversary of becoming Dayton’s largest Historic District.

In 1981, South Park’s historic landmark designation gave neighbors powerful leverage to reverse blight, combat slumlords, and drive out crime. It launched South Park’s evolution from a neighborhood of last resort to a desirable place to live.

“It’s been quite a journey,” shares Mark Manovich, president of the Historic South Park neighborhood council. “When my wife Karin and I moved here in 1992, it was known to be rough. The parents of our kids’ school friends wouldn’t allow them to come here for playdates.”

ut even then, Mark recalls, it was unpretentious and friendly with that “we’re all in this together” camaraderie. Many neighbors have become lifelong friends after bonding over alley sweeps, beautification projects, old-house repairs, grant-writing, crime-fighting, but most of all the parties.

“We have a reputation for our parties,” says event coordinator Karin Manovich. “We’ve got great stories and before-and-after pictures to share at the Reunion, along with food and drink from South Park’s own establishments.” Even the sponsoring organizations were founded by South Parkers – Square One Salon & Spa, The Brightside Venue, and The Rubi Girls.

The sense of community in South Park has always been as unique as its built environment. It brings people closer. This 150-acre area south of downtown Dayton includes 800 structures, circa 1880 to 1900, designed for people from all walks of life. “There’s no other neighborhood that we know of with housing stock like this that attracts such interesting and diverse people. Tiny cottages next to big showy Victorians, corner storefronts, and everything in between,” says Karin.

The 2001 Rehabarama of “The Weis-Leissentritt House” at 307 Oak Street was once two houses. These 1800s-era homes were updated with a unique glass-walled passageway to create one classic home with warm, comfortable living space and bold design statements.

As with any inner neighborhood, South Park’s work continues. But it’s time to hit pause and celebrate. Says Karin, “We want everyone to enjoy their share of credit for taking a chance, investing the sweat, money and emotion it takes to create a neighborhood that feels like family.”

HOW TO CELEBRATE: Plan to meet up with old friends and neighbors, bring a lawn chair, enjoy the party, take a stroll, and congratulate yourself for helping make South Park a place to live kindly, fearlessly, and prosperously.

Who: South Parkers past and present, and all who have contributed to the neighborhood’s recovery (City staff, contractors, Rehabarama partners, AIA architects, former Community Based Police Officers, preservationists, patrons of our tours, plays and festivals) and those interested in the neighborhood today.

What: South Park Reunion Block Party is a free event presented by the Historic South Park neighborhood council, Square One Salon & Spa, The Brightside Venue, and The Rubi Girls.

When: Saturday, July 30, 3-6pm

Where:  The Gazebo and Boulevard at Park Drive (near Wayne Avenue). Park at Oak Street Health (Wayne & Wyoming), Hope Lutheran Church and Emerson Academy (both at Perrine & Hickory).

Sonic Springs Benefit Concert features Talib Kweli, Cloud Nothings, Monograms & more!

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On Friday, July 22nd, 2022 at 7:00 pm The Brightside in Dayton, OH will host a benefit concert featuring national recording artists Talib Kweli, Cloud Nothings, local DJ Fatty Lumpkin, and Brooklyn-based indie rock band Monograms. All proceeds above operating costs will be donated to the independently owned radio station WYSO in Yellow Springs.

Since its inception in 1958, the mission of WYSO has been to serve the Miami Valley and beyond with trusted journalism and artistic inspiration that improves lives and builds community. In 2023 WYSO will be moving from their home on Antioch’s campus to a new studio, including much-needed equipment upgrades and new performance spaces for live-in studio music concerts.

The event will be held under the moniker of “Sonic Springs” and is slated to be an annual concert to bring unique musical performances to the Dayton area. The event is being curated and produced by Eric Mahoney, a filmmaker/producer best known for directing the feature documentary Brainiac: Transmissions After Zero. Eric and his family recently moved to Yellow Springs from Brooklyn, NY.

 

HOW TO GO?

Friday, July 22nd, 2022 at 7:00 pm

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

Food truck on-site: Phat & Rich

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sonic-springs-a-benefit-concert-for-wyso-tickets-304403126947

“After the Levitt” concerts continue at the Arcade’s new event space – The Tank!

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The “After the Levitt” event series is a live musical experience in the Arcade, which is the hottest and most coveted space in downtown Dayton. Under the Arcade’s famous Rotunda is a newly opened underground event space, called The Tank, inspired by CenterPoint Energy. It’s a vibrant venue that provides a cool, theater-in-the-round style seating for an intimate audience experience. 

After a few select Levitt Pavilion shows this summer, The Tank opens its doors for this “After the Levitt” live music series which features up-and-coming original musicians. For music fans who want to keep the music going, the Tank’s entrance is just a half block from Levitt Pavilion. It’s an easy walk over! Just look for the Large glass subway entrance on West 4th street in Dayton between Main and Ludlow Streets. 

The series, which is hosted by Culture Works, kicked off on June 23rd with an evening of female R&B/hip-hop style singer/songwriters Anna Nichole and Mariah J. The concerts continue Thursday, July 14th with the funk-rock band Solistic. This crowd pleaser has hints of blues, reggae, and psychedelic rock influences too! The cover charge is $10 and is open to patrons over 18. Doors open at 8pm. The music starts at 8:30pm. Beverages are available for purchase at the venue.

“As the leading Arts advocate in Dayton, Culture Works aims to use the After the Levitt series as a way of activating the Arcade, and more specifically, the Tank. We want to bring cultural vibrancy back into Dayton through a space that is both new and nostalgic, memorable, and magical. Having local artists in the Tank will bring crowds together and elevate the creative arts from an individual to collective experience!” Benjamin Baugham, the Community Engagement Coordinator of Culture Works, shared with us. 

The series will continue on July 28th with a night of reggae from Luv Locz, August 4th featuring spoken word from Broken English, August 11th is a country music evening with Drift Mouth, August 25th pop rock from Pagu & Isicile,  with more dates to be announced soon!

HOW TO GO?

The Tank under the Arcade (glass cube entrance near 35 W 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402)

$10 cover charge at the door

Ages 18+

Doors 8pm

Music 8:30pm

Drinks for Sale!

Exclusive Dayton rock concert features actor from The Vampire Diaries

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Dayton rock band Shadyside was popular from 1999 to 2005. Shortly after their break-up, one of the band members went onto an acting career, famously landing the part of Enzo in The Vampire Diaries. Michael Malarkey returns to Dayton for a one-time, exclusive reunion show happening on Thursday, June 9th at The Brightside in downtown Dayton.

This special reunion show will also feature three other beloved Dayton rock bands: Clemmer, Bribing Senators, & Yardboss in the spacious ballroom at The Brightside. Tickets for this four band bill are just $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show. All ages are welcome.

How to Go?

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

Doors open at 7pm. The music starts at 7:30 pm.

Tickets $15 available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadyside-clemmer-bribing-senators-yardboss-tickets-317699185817

Day of show $20.

Off-street, free parking available – see map at https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/parking

All ages welcome!

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.