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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.

 

 

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.