
Dayton Dinner Theater presents Holiday Movie Classics


This year’s Dayton Battle of the Bands winners, Crabswithoutlegs, are a young 9-piece jazz-fusion band that has been impressing Dayton audiences since their debut last year. They’re back at The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Thursday, November 9th, with another up-and-coming Ohio band: Eastwood.
Eastwood hails from Columbus, and is making their Dayton debut. The band effortless mixes pop, soul, and funk into an original sound that is absolutely engaging. Both bands inspire confidence in the next generation of the Dayton music scene. If you’ve been missing Gilly’s and Canal Street Tavern, this is an evening you will not want to miss!
HOW TO GO?
The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Doors 7pm
Show 7:30-10:30pm
All ages welcome
$10 advance / $15 day of show
Tickets available here: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/88622/orders/new
Featured photo by Jordan Lynn Freshour
Eleanor Dakota performs at Art Parkd
Art Parkd is a grassroots music festival featuring Gen Z artists, and is one that Dayton music fans should really take note of. It’s located in Grafton Hill, and is happening this Saturday, October 7th and has a fantastic daytime schedule, running 3-9pm. No late nights for those who don’t like to be out late, and for those ragers out there, it’s a great pre-game before evening festivities.
Affordability is another other reason to buy a ticket to this festival. Pre-sale tickets are only $5! Even if you’re unsure if you can make this festival, buy a $5 ticket as a donation. Why? This festival features the next generation of Dayton talent, and they deserve all the support we can give them.
Art Parkd is the brain-child of the uber talented Sophia Munoz Daughtery, who is a local photographer and event organizer. Supported by her friend Jennifer Kash, the festival was launched last October to rave reviews. This year’s event promises to be even better!
If you want to see emerging talent that will delight and surprise you, please check out this event! More info and tickets available at: https://www.artparkd.com/
Musicians and bands performing include:
Frank Calzada
Proxy.Exe
Crabswithoutlegs
Isicle
Grandace
Dos.Gradiose
DJ Don
The Rosies
Jay Hill!
HOW TO GO?
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Time: 3pm – 9pm
Location: 609 W. Riverview, 609 W. Riverview , Dayton, United States
Buy $5 advance ticket here: https://allevents.in/dayton/art-parkd-dayton-music-and-art-festival/80002106649205?ref=smdl
By Dayton937
Last summer, Culture Works, presented a 6-week local music series in the Tank space, which is located in the basement of the Dayton Arcade, under the Rotunda. This year, the series kicks off again on Thursday, July 27, 2023 with the Dayton Battle of the Bands winner: Crabswithoutlegs!
This series and show in particular is highly anticipated by the community because the Tank is such a unique entertainment space, and the band performing is such a phenomenal talent. This space and series is “inspired by Centerpoint Energy.”
What makes the Tank unique starts with its entrance, which is located at 35 W 4th St, between Main Street and Ludlow Streets in downtown Dayton. Look for the walls of glass coming out of the sidewalk. That marks the entrance! Go downstairs to a space with intentional, artist c reated graffiti, and into a cool space with blue neon lights leading you to a theater in the round. It’s like nothing you’ve seen before!

Eleanor Dakota will kick off the evening with a couple solo songs. Photo by Fea Fotos
The band is a 9-piece jazz ensemble of very young musicians (age 20-23), several of whom studied at Stivers School for the Arts and are currently studying music on the collegiate level. Led by singer Eleanor Dakota and bass player Carter Griffin, the band has been wowing audiences since they made their debut at The Brightside Music & Event Venue (also located in downtown Dayton).
What makes this concert even more special is that there will be 3 live artists paining in the lobby, curated by Culture Works, and a pop up photo booth by Fea Fotos. A bar is on site for patrons as well!
“This is the first of several concerts we are planning for the back end of the summer season,” Libby Ballengee shared with us. She is working with Culture Works on the music booking, and is a big supporter of live music downtown. “We’re looking forward to having an eclectic season again with jazz, hip hop, Latin, and rock bands. If you’ve been missing Gilly’s – this first show is a don’t miss event for sure!”
HOW TO GO?
July 27, 2023
At the Dayton Arcade’s Tank (35 W 4th St – look for glass entrance in stairwell)
Doors open 6pm
Music 7:30-9pm from Eleanor Dakota & Crabswithoutlegs
$10 cover at the door
18+
Find out more about the Tank here:
https://www.arcadedayton.com/arcade-events/category/the-tank-inspired-by-centerpoint-energy/
Get a preview of Crabswithoutlegs here:
If you are looking for entertainment, the Dayton Theatre scene has you covered.
Beavercreek Community Theatre will open Twelfth Night this weekend. It’s a funny, funky musical interpretation of a Shakespeare classic romantic comedy about mistaken identity and self discovery. Directed by Matt Owens, with Musical Direction by Charles Larkowski, this show will run through June 25th. 
Over at The Dayton Theatre Guild, the intense drama Hedda Gabbler, Directed by David Shough continues through Sunday, and is not to be missed. Returning from her honeymoon, Hedda finds herself already bored of her husband, and longing for the days when she was free to exercise her wild and independent whims. With the return of an old flame and a proposition from an amorous judge, she begins a dangerous game, amusing herself by manipulating and destroying everyone around her in an attempt to regain control of her life.

Brian Sharp brings the touching play, The Interview to the Westminster Dinner Theatre, which is sold out.

Over at The Dayton Playhouse the campy, not for the easily offended Evil Dead, The Musical directed by John Detty takes the stage Friday, June 16 and runs through Sunday June 25.
Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods, and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash (a housewares employee, turned demon-killing hero), and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. Blood flies. Limbs are dismembered. Demons tell bad jokes…and all to music. This show is rated R.

South of town you’ll find Cyrano de Burger Shack, directed by Jim Brown and Rob Breving at Springboro Community Theatre.
Cyrano is king of the local Burger Shack, but he can’t seem to win the love of his best friend, Roxanne. When Roxanne confesses her crush on the new burger-flipper, Christian, Cyrano decides that playing Cupid is better than sitting out of the game. An updated, modern-day version of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, this rollicking musical features hit contemporary pop songs that will have audiences cheering
Sunday In The Park With George at Middletown Lyric Theatre. Sunday in the Pa
rk with George, merges past and present into beautiful, poignant truths about life, love and the creation of art. The days leading up to the completion of his most famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, Georges Seurat is struggling to make meaningful art and maintaining a relationship with his lover, Dot. Seurat’s artistic ability thrives while his love diminishes. This weekends shows are sold out, but tickets remain for June 23 & 24.
The Human Race continues INDIGO, a world premiere musical making its debut run at The Loft Theatre from June 7-25. Beverly braces for chaos when her mother is diagnosed with dementia and moves in with her and her husband. But when her daughter, a non-speaking autistic teenager, crashes back into her life, Beverly must confront her past mistakes and work to repair the bonds of trust and family. INDIGO is a powerful and heartfelt musical about accepting the mistakes our parents make and challenging ourselves to repair our own.
This powerful and heartfelt musical about breaking through is quickly winning over the hearts of audiences. 
By Dayton937
The Big ShaBang is back! The concert showcase is the brain child of 19 year old local music phenom, Eleanor Dakota with support from Venus Child Productions. Dakota launched her first showcase last fall at The Brightside, and is back with a “Volume 2” edition. This spring showcase features awesome five musical acts: Six Foot Blond, Crabswithoutlegs, Frank Calzada, Keita, along with Dakota herself performing.
If you are looking for a fun night out that of new, hip music (that’s early – over by 10:30pm!) – this is the show for you! Head over to The Brightside for another special evening. The venue has quickly become one of the city’s favorite places to discover emerging talent.
This particular event includes the Dayton Battle of the Bands winners, Crabswithoutlegs, along with special guest Six Foot Blond from Bloomington, who are making their Dayton debut! The show kicks off with three special solo sets. Prepare for an eclectic evening that will remind longtime Dayton music fans of a night at Gilly’s or Canal Street Tavern.
There will be a food truck on site: Phat & Rich. Check out their Mexican inspired menu here: https://phatandrich.com/

Six Foot Blond is making their Dayton debut on May 11th at The Brightside
HOW TO GO?
Thursday, May 11, 2023
at The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St., Dayton, OH)
Doors open 7pm / Show starts 7:30pm / Ends at 10:30pm
All ages welcome!
Advance tickets $12 / Day of show $18
Direct link to tickets here: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/75151/orders/new
Note: The venue is handicapped accessible. There is free parking on either side of the building. For info about the venue visit thebrightsidedayton.com
Preview Crabswithoutlegs below!
One of the most celebrated music events in Dayton during the last decade is back! This Must Be the Party is a local super group who performs a fantastic tribute to The Talking Heads. Fans love the complete recreation of the classic album and documentary film Stop Making Sense that they perform! Catch them for an exclusive show Friday April 14, 2023 at The Brightside, in downtown Dayton.
Few bands are as well-known in the music industry as the Talking Heads. The band, which was founded in the middle of the 1970s, contributed to the development of a new musical genre that would later come to rule the radio in the 1980s. The Talking Heads were one of the most innovative and forward-thinking bands of their period with their special fusion of rock, groove, and New Wave. It’s no wonder that Dayton audiences love this tribute show!
Due to the Covid shutdown, This Must Be the Party hasn’t performed since 2019, so this is a highly anticipated event! The best part is that part of the proceeds from this show go to benefit The Seedling Foundation, an organization that supports the arts magnet at Stivers School for the Arts. It’s a musical celebration to support music education!
If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing this amazing show already, you know how much fun to expect! (Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes!) This go around, there is a very special guest joining the show. Sammi Garett, from the national touring acts Turquaz, Cool Cool Cool, & The Bump Assembly, is flying in from Brooklyn to join the crew! She’s an absolutely fabulous singer and performer, and she’s excited to perform in Dayton for the first time.
Local original band, Intergalactic Space Force, is kicking off the show at 8:30pm, shortly after doors open. They were Dayton Battle of the Bands finalists last year, and always love an opportunity to perform at The Brightside.
After the Stop Making Sense headlining show, if you’re still ready to boogie, Freekbass will be making his Brightside debut with a “Solo Grooves” after party.
If you get hungry, the venue has coordinated with Phat & Rich to be on site to serve your needs. The Mexican inspired cuisine is a hit with concert goers, so go hungry and hang on the Brightside’s awesome patio between sets.
If you’re looking for a place to pre-game, organizers recommend going to Tender Mercy for their amazing cocktails. “Not only is Tender Mercy our neighbor, they are one of the primary sponsors of this event!” event organizer, Libby Ballengee told us. “Their sister restaurant Sueño, is an amazing spot for dinner too, but I’d get reservations first!”
This Must Be the Party promises to be one of the most memorable events of the spring!
*The band includes: Khrys Blank, Nathan Lewis, Patrick Himes, Brian Hoeflich, Erich Reith, Aaron Holmes, Matt Byanski, Eric Cassidy, Nathan Peters, Christopher Corn, Brian Spirk, with special guest Sammi Garett.
HOW TO GO?
When: April 14, 2023
Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH
– $30 Advance General admission tickets (highly recommend purchasing advance to guarantee spot)
– $35 Day of show
TICKET LINK: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/69946/orders/new
By Dayton937
Ladies, this is your chance to enjoy yourselves! This Saturday GIRLS NIGHT OUT THE SHOW makes a stop in Dayton at The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Saturday, April 1st. Girls Night Out is on their “About Last Night” tour, featuring several hot male dancers that are ready to rock your worlds.
Since the Living Room was destroyed in the tornados of 2019, there have not been many options for women seeking a wild night out. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, bachelorette, divorce, birthday, turning thirty, or just your own amazing self, this is a the perfect way to let your hair down with friends. These men are ready to entertain you!
The Brightside is a great place to see this show! It’s a beautiful space conveniently located downtown at the crossroads of 3rd St and Keowee, with off street, free parking available on both sides of building. They have a bar on-site to order drinks (note, there is no food on-site for this event).
Learn more about this specific show on social media @GIRLSNIGHTOUTTHESHOW on Facebook and Instagram, and @GIRLSNIGHTOUTLIVE on TikTok.
How to Go?
The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St., Dayton OH (off street, free parking available on both sides of building)
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Doors open at 7pm
Show 8-10:30pm
Must be 21+
Tickets can be purchased on line here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/girls-night-out-the-show-at-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-oh-tickets-557043942427
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
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
By Dayton937
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
By Dayton937
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!
By Dayton937
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
By Dayton937
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.
By Dayton937

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:
By Dayton937

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