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Downtown Dayton

Thanksgiving Weekend features Rock’n’Roll Reunions at The Brightside

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Dayton’s finest guitarists reunite for an exclusive show at The Brightside on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday November 27, 2019

Thanksgiving weekend is a time to reunite with friends and family, from far and wide. It holds true for musicians too! This weekend, some very special reunions are happening at The Brightside over the holiday weekend.

On Wednesday November 27th, the weekend kicks off with a showcase that serves to reunite dozen of area’s finest psychedelic rock musicians and their fans for the ultimate Thanksgiving Jam! Dayton music lovers have been attending Werksgiving for years, so while The Werks are taking a break, lead guitarist Chris Houser has invited his friends for an epic line up featuring Subterranean, Kommunity Service (a super group featuring members from The Werks, Boogie Matrix, Subterranean & Arrows of Neon), and Oh Kee Pa performing a tribute to Phish. My advice? Wear comfy shoes and prepare to boogie!

This rockin’ weekend continues with a Black Friday Special on November 29th, which highlights an exclusive homecoming performance by Dayton native Charlie Tipton. He’s been working on his EP in Tennessee and is excited to perform this material with his hometown family! The night is topped off with high energy Blues Rock from Wolf Moon Revival! It’s going to be an incredible night of original Dayton music!

Bonus – both performances will have the Hunger Force Food Truck on site! Their specialty is comfort food, which is perfect for the holiday weekend. So come hungry for this special weekend of live music and reunions with old friends!

HOW TO GO?

Thanksgiving Jam! 

  • Wednesday, November 27, 2019
  • The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
    $10 advance at SoundValleyDayton.com through Tuesday at midnight
  • $15 day of show price
  • All ages welcome!
  • Doors 7:30pm / Show 8:30pm.
    • 8:30pm – Oh Kee Pa (a Celebration of Phish)
    • 10pm – Kommunity Service
    • 11:30pm – Subterranean (music over approx 1am)

 

Black Friday Special!

  • Friday, November 29, 2019
  • The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)
    $10 advance at SoundValleyDayton.com
  • All ages welcome!
  • Doors 8pm / Show 9pm.
    • 9pm Charlie Tipton Solo Set
    • 10pm Charlie Tipton Band
    • 11:45pm Wolf Moon Revival (music over approx 1:45am)

Both shows are also produced by Venus Child Productions.

The Asylum’s Industrial Dance Club Reunites Friday November 29th!

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If you came of age in the Dayton area in the late 90s / early 2000s, there is a good chance you hung out at the Asylum! It was the quintessential alternative club that pumped out the latest industrial dance music. Definitely one of the coolest places to be seen in those days!

The club is no longer there but the spirit lives on! The Asylum Reunion grows in numbers every single year, with last year’s reunion being the biggest turnout with over 300 people through the door! Organizers and DJ’s Matt Freeman and Eric Heilman are thrilled to have been a part of such an incredible club, and then 20 years later still have the opportunity to again gather with such an incredible and fun group of Daytonians!

The latest reunion is happening Friday November 29, 2019 with a pre-party at Barrel House from 7-9pm. After 9pm, the party kicks into high gear at Therapy Cafe. Just a $5 cover to re-live all those awesome memories!  If you’re new to the scene, no worries, you are more than welcome too!

Bonus! To get into the mood of this dance party – there is a Spotify playlist just for you!

HOW TO GO?

Official Preparty
The Barrel House, 417 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
7-9PM | 21+ Welcome

Asylum Reunion
Therapy Cafe, 452 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
9 PM DOORS | 18+ WELCOME
$5 COVER

Bluegrass At The Dayton Art Institute Friday

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Dayton area bluegrass fans are in for a truly special treat this Friday November 22nd, 2019 when The Del McCoury Band makes a stop at The Dayton Art Institute during his 80th Birthday tour!  Vince Gill says it simply, and maybe best: “I’d rather hear Del McCoury sing Are You Teasing Me’ then just about anything.”

Even among the pantheon of music’s finest artists, Del McCoury stands alone. His six decades of bluegrass bliss brings new triumphs, new collaborations, and new music. With but a single change in membership in twenty seven years, The Del McCoury Band shows unprecedented stability, as well as garnering the respect and admiration of the industry for its unmistakable work.

The Del McCoury Band, the most awarded band in the history of bluegrass, will be joined on state with special guests The Tillers. Thumping their own distinctive sound of string band style folk music for a decade, riding it all over the country and across the sea. Four studio albums and one live record have won them praise as modern folk storytellers of the national soundscape.

Join in this exclusive event at the recently renovated Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium inside the Dayton Art Institute. Seating is limited in this beautiful, and intimate theatre. Museum doors, and bar open at 6pm. Guests are welcome to walk through the American Gallery into the Great Hall where the bar is located. This performance is presented by Early Drive Productions, Media partner WYSO Radio and The Dayton Art Institute – Celebrating 100 years in 2019.

How to Go?

Where: The Dayton Art Institute’s Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium

When: Friday November 22, 2019. Museum Doors 6pm. Theatre Doors 7pm. Performance 8-10pm.

Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2891663/the-del-mccoury-band-dayton-the-dayton-art-institute-special-events

Queen City Silver Stars at The Trolley Stop

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Get on down to The Trolley Stop on Saturday, November 23rd as Cincinnati’s own, Queen City Silver Stars are bringing their original music that crosses over genres, rooting their sound in world rhythms while using homegrown songwriting techniques creating what they call “a midwest mind with a Caribbean soul.”  No matter what part of the world the musical inspiration comes from…it gives you the island vibes that everyone needs!

 

QCSS has two full albums currently available but wanted a new approach with their new batch of songs.  The idea is to record two songs at a time with various producers/engineers in the area, and release them online as virtual A-side, B-sides! After a few batches of songs…they will provide them as a collection that can be purchased at shows.

 

“Boomerang” and “Litte Bird” are available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and many other streaming services.   You can support the band by purchasing their tracks and albums through Bandcamp.    https://queencitysilverstars.bandcamp.com


How to go:
  • Where: The Trolley Stop – 530 E. 5th St.
  • When: Saturday, November 23
  • Time: 9:30pm – 1:30am
  • Cover: $5

D Funk All-Stars present an Old School Groove Night

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If you’re feeling the biting winds of winter already, there is going to be a reprieve this weekend at the hottest dance party of the season: the legendary D Funk All-Stars present an Old School Groove Night in The Brightside’s Vodvil Ballroom!

Making this show extra special is the fact that it’s also longtime Dayton sound engineer Monika Shroyer‘s birthday party too! What a way to celebrate! The party kicks off with D Funk’s set and then moves into after party mode with DJ Dingo. 

So grab your dancin shoes on and head on over for a truly Funkalious event!

How To Go?

Saturday November 9, 2019
at The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St)

All ages are welcome!

Doors 8pm. Show 9pm.
$10 advance. $15 day of show.

Tickets available here: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/d-funk-all-stars-with-dj-dingo

 

The Brightside hosts $10 Classical Concert!

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The Rodin Trio performs at The Brightside on October 30, 2019

The Brightside is committed to hosting a variety of events to the Dayton area, including classical music too! Dayton’s own Joshua Halpern (cello) is back home from globe trotting with his group, the Rodin Trio, to perform on Wednesday October 30th in the new venue’s beautiful Vodvil Ballroom. The trio is rounded out with Scott Cuellar (piano – faculty at Oberlin) and Philip Marten (violin – Assistant Concert Master at Cincinnati Symphony).

This particular performance is everything typical classical concerts are not: casual and affordable! Organizers are particularly encouraging students to attend for just $7, and $10 for adults – in advance. Quite the value to see performers of this caliber! Pre-sale tickets are available at SoundValleyDayton.com. Note: Ticket prices raise to $10 / $15 day of show.

When I asked Joshua why this hometown show is so special, he explained: “I got my start in Dayton in every way –– Nan Watson, my orchestra teacher at Oakwood, was the first person to put a cello in my hands. Early on I studied privately with her and a couple of other cellists in the Dayton Philharmonic. Betsey Hofeldt, a violinist in the DPO, was the first to introduce me to chamber music, which totally changed my life. I played for years in the Junior Strings Orchestra and the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. I wouldn’t have pursued music without all of these hometown influences and to be able to finally come back and not only see so many familiar faces but thank them with music, and show them (I hope) how I’ve continued to grow, is a really special kind of full-circle moment that brings me a lot of joy.”

If you’ve ever been curious about experiencing the power and beauty of classical music, this is the perfect opportunity!

  • The Program:
    • Beethoven: Piano Trio No. 2 in G major, Op 1 No. 2
    • Martinu: Piano Trio No. 2 in D minor, H. 327
      — Intermission–
    • Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66

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ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

Since graduating from Oakwood High School in 2012, Josh has earned degrees from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston and from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Most recently, he completed a chamber music tour of Germany that took him to Berlin, Mecklenburg, and to Beethoven’s former home in Bonn. In June, Josh was guest principal cello with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra for performances in the Netherlands and WHERE, and on tour to Taiwan and China.

Josh first played cello as a fourth grader at Harman Elementary. During high school, he was principal cello for the Oakwood High School Orchestra and the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and was a founding member of the Blackbird String Quartet at OHS. As part of the prep program at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Josh was a founding member of the Polaris Quartet which won the gold medal in the junior division of the Fischoff International Chamber Music competition in 2011.

The Rodin Trio, established in 2017, also includes Philip Marten, violin, who is assistant concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Scott Cuellar, piano, who is on faculty at Oberlin Conservatory. The three musicians each maintain separate busy schedules, but are excited to be playing together again and bringing their music to Dayton.

CO-OP Fest brings Friday night fun, food and music to support Gem City Market!

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On Friday, October 25th, The Yellow Cab Tavern is excited to host CO-OP Dayton for their second annual CO-OP Fest, presented by IUE-CWA. With support from local labor unions and independent, cooperative, and employee-owned businesses, CO-OP Fest is a celebration of Dayton workers and cooperators. It is also a fundraiser for the Gem City Market incubator, Co-op Dayton. The event features some of Dayton’s finest food trucks, bands, poets, worker and cooperative initiatives, raffles, and games!

The musical acts include some seriously funky bands!

6:30pm – Deron Bell Band
8:00pm – Premium Blend Music
9:30pm – Freakquency

There will also be a tap takeover at the Yellow Cab’s bar with Fifth Street Brewpub, Dayton’s own Co-Op Brewery!

Founded in 2015, Co-op Dayton is committed to incubate cooperative businesses to bring sustainable jobs to Dayton and address Dayton’s food crisis through the Gem City Market co-op.

How to Go?

Friday, October 25th, 2019 at The Yellow Cab Tavern 

Cover starts at 5pm with food trucks and meet & greet

6pm the spoken word performances and live music begin.

$15 at the doors / $10 for Gem City Market co-op members.

GRAMMY award winning jazz comes to The Brightside Sunday October 20th!

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The Brightside Music & Event Venue invites you to another intimate evening of world class jazz-funk-world music from 3x Grammy award winning guitarist Bob Lanzetti, of Snarky Puppy fame!

Bob Lanzetti is a Brooklyn, NY based professional guitarist, composer, producer, and educator. He has performed and recorded with many artists throughout the NYC area as well as played in over 40 countries with the three time Grammy Award Winning jazz/funk collective, Snarky Puppy: Best R&B Performance in 2014 (“Something” featuring Lalah Hathaway), and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2016 and 2017 (“Sylva” with Metropole Orkest and “Culcha Vulcha”, respectively).

Bob Lanzetti’s group consists of a collective of old friends who have been playing together in a variety of settings for over a decade. The band is able to move as one, effortlessly changing styles as well as weaving between composition and improvisation. The group draws inspiration from many genres of music. In a given performance you can hear hints of Americana, jazz, avant-garde, rock, afro-beat, country, and free improvisation, sometimes all within the same tune. Currently the group consists of Jordan Perlson on drums (Adrian Belew, Banda Magda, Becca Stevens Band) and Matt Aronoff on bass (Banda Magda, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner).

Bob released his debut record as a leader entitled, Whose Feet are These That are Walking, in fall of 2017 to positive reviews and has done a number of US tours in support of the album.

HOW TO GO?

Sunday October 20, 2019

at The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St

Doors 7pm. Show 8-10pm

Advance tickets $10 (https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4372687)
Day of show $15

All ages Welcome!

Dixon’s Violin is a mesmerizing performance you don’t want to miss!

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Dixon’s Violin performs at The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Friday October 18, 2019.

Downtown’s newest indoor music venue, The Brightside, is dedicated to providing a true variety of quality music to Dayton’s audiences. This weekend proves that point! On Friday they host Dixon’s Violin, as seen on TED.com, at Electric Forest, at Burning Man, and across North America. This is a rare opportunity to see this mesmerizing music up-close-and-personal in their intimate listening room space!

The world’s premier visionary violinist, Dixon’s life mission is to inspire people – and he has done so across North America, including giving three TED talks/performances, performing for over ten years at Burning Man, plus radio, TV, and film appearances. A former technology leader and symphony violinist, Dixon walked away from a distinguished career to follow his dream full-time, and invented a whole new music genre. Dixon now improvises on a 5-string electric violin with a looping system he developed to create an all-live one-man symphony, guided by his remarkable personal story of life transformation.

Kicking off the show is Dance Furiously, a rock and roll orchestration of funk, electronica, jazz, pop & soul that blends together a compelling sound which tells the story of a thriving music community in Columbus, Ohio. The group emphasizes live improvisation & expression thru their live show and consistently opens up their songs and reinterprets them to make them sound uniquely new, each time.

HOW TO GO?

Friday October 18th

at The Brightside Music & Event Venue
905 E 3rd St
Dayton, OH 45402

7:00 PM Doors Open
8:00 PM Dance Furiously
9:00 PM Dixon’s Violin

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dixons-violin-at-hannahs-tickets-67059632165
$12 advance tickets / $15 day of show

All ages are welcome, children 12 and under are free!

Remember the Dead Sunday, Oct 20th at Dia de los Muertos Parade & Celebration

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Day of the Dead (Dia de los muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the United States. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and help support their spiritual journey.

This Sunday, October 20, 2019, Dayton celebrates Dia de los Muertos, and honor the lives of loved ones who have passed. Pre-parade festivities start at 2pm. The parade starts at 4pm, and will travel through the Oregon District on Fifth Street, and arrive at the Missing Peace Art Space for the post-parade celebration from 5-8pm. There will be beautiful altars (offrendas) to enjoy, along with food, music, and dancing!

This event is a vibrant celebration and extra special way to carry on the memory of those we love and miss.

How to Go?

Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 2 PM – 8 PM

Missing Peace Art – 234 S Dutoit St, Dayton, OH

Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1130143073846015/

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Kicks Off New Season with 2 Masterworks!

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The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company kicks off it’s 51st season with two explosive masterworks from Tony nominated, world-renowned choreographer Donald Byrd. This program is aptly titled A Byrd’s Eye View, and features vibrant onstage conversations with Byrd.

Byrd’s Eye View offers a rare and special perspective on the work of this esteemed choreographer. The program begins with Harriet Tubman Remix, which brings to life the daring abolitionist and activist, who escaped slavery and returned south to free others. The Geography of the Cotton Field, a monumental work, explores the history of cotton in all its implications and cultural manifestations.

Join DCDC October 5th or 6th for this rare opportunity to catch a glimpse inside the mind of this brilliant artistic creator!

How To Go?

Victoria Theatre, 138 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402

Saturday, October 5, 2019, 7:30pm

Sunday, October 6, 2019, 4:00pm

Tickets $28 – $48 available at www.ticketcenterstage.com OR by calling 228-3630

International Tap Dance Sensations Perform Exclusively at The Brightside on Sunday Sept 22nd!

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The Brightside is proud to present, The Tap Factor in “Soul’d Out!” a live music event featuring Tap dance sensations Christopher Erk, Derick K. Grant, Anthony J. Russo, and Jabu Graybeal. They invite you to share an evening with these four globetrotting Tap dancers as they give their only public performance locally after spending a month touring their show ‘Feet Speak” throughout Dayton area public schools on behalf of the Muse Machine. Accompanied by Dayton’s own Premium-Blend Music, this highly energetic and collaborative dose of music and Tap dance is a “don’t miss” event for all ages!

3 ticket options available for this show:
$20 General Admission advance ticket ($25 day of show)
$40 ticket plus Meet & Greet
$50 ticket plus Tap class and Meet & Greet

Schedule:
4:30-5:15 – All-inclusive Tap dance class – no experience necessary ($50 ticket option – includes all below too)
5:15-6:00 – Sound Check + Meet & Greet / Photo Op ($40 ticket option – includes performance too)
6:00-6:30 – General Admission Doors
6:30-8:00 – Performance ($20 ticket adv / $25 day of show)

More about performers and The Tap Factor:
– Christopher Erk (New York City/Los Angeles) – Performed in the Off-Broadway touring production of Tap Dogs; Founding Artistic Director of the Tap Factor; Absinthe, Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas; Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

– Derick K. Grant (Boston/New York City) – Performed in Broadway’s original cast, Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk; Creator of Imagine Tap

– Anthony J. Russo (St. Louis/New York City) – performed in Off-Broadway touring production of Tap Dogs; Cirque du Soliel; Founder of Tapademics; Absinthe, Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas

– Jabu Graybeal – Recipient of the Young Arts Award; Member of the North Carolina Youth Ensemble; Highlight in Dance Spirit Magazine as one of “Tap’s Next Generation of Stars”

The Tap Factor is performing on Sunday September 22, 2019 at The Brightside in downtown Dayton. PHOTO BY SARAH BABCOCK

– The Tap Factor was founded in Dayton by former resident Christopher Erk over ten years ago. While teaching at Wright State University, Sinclair Community College, Dayton Dance Conservatory and beyond, participants would meet weekly at the Tap Factor’s Front Street studio where donation-based Tap classes evolved into a local community of dancers that could be found sharing their joy for Tap at city events throughout the year. Since then, they have taken to the stage collaborating with organizations such as Best Buddies, the Boys and Girls Club of America, with performances at Carnegie Hall and more. Check out the Tap Factor’s journey online by visiting www.thetapfactor.com

Free Yoga and Meditation Gathering at Courthouse Square on Thursday September 12th

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Let’s spread Peace in Dayton. We can use it, especially this year! Join us for free Yoga & Meditation at Courthouse Square (aka Dayton Big Quiet) for our 4th year of UN Peace Day celebrations. It’s a beautiful space and time to be outside for yoga and meditation. Let’s come together, united for peace. All are welcome.

Yoga at 5:30pm – 6:15pm led by Vincent Moore
Guided Relaxation & Heartfulness Meditation 6:15pm – 7:00pm

Free of charge. Please bring a yoga mat, towel or blanket with you for yoga; a chair or cushion to sit on for meditation if you want one; and a water bottle.

Email [email protected] if you want us to bring a chair for you for meditation. Limited chairs available. More info on free ongoing meditation classes in the area at daytonheartfulness.org

 

Get Soulfully Funkalicious with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company!

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Dayton is birthplace of amazing artistic as well as engineering feats. That spirit of innovation blossomed during the late 1960s-1980s in a couple of unique ways: the invention of funk music and the birth of modern dance.  In 1968, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company became the first modern dance company established in Ohio. Shortly after, Dayton become the proud capital of Funk music in the 1970s and 1980s.

On Saturday August, 24, 2019 both of those innovative art forms are celebrated together at DCDC’s Soulfully Funkalicious All-White Party! Enjoy delicious soul food while watching DCDC’s dance artists take to the floor in grand funk style with live music from the Dayton Funk All-Stars! Make sure to bring an appetite and your dancin’ shoes for this truly fun and fabulous way to support one of Dayton’s world-class artistic institutions!

How To Go?

What: Soulfully Funkalicious All-White Party

When: August, 24, 2019 from 6-11pm

Where: Dayton Convention Center (22 E 5th St, Dayton)

Tickets: $80 General Seating / $120 VIP Seating / $800 General Table (seats 10) / $1200 VIP Table (seats 10)

For this event only, please purchase tickets at Eventbrite or contact DCDC at 937-228-3232. Ticket purchases are non-refundable.

Please note: All white attire requested.

 

Dayton Porchfest offers free music in a beautiful neighborhood!

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Dayton Porchfest is an annual event occurring the final Saturday of August in St Anne’s Hill. PHOTO BY LIBBY BALLENGEE

Dayton Porchfest is back for a third year! It’s a day where music fills the streets and porches of St Anne’s Hill, one of Dayton’s most charming historic neighborhoods. It’s a free, family friendly event that runs from 1:30-7pm on Saturday August 24, 2019.

​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. The event also celebrates the ethnic diversity of the region, a reflection of our “Welcome Dayton” spirit that has contributed to a significant influx of immigrants and refugees over the past decade.

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

How to Go?

When: Saturday August 24, 2019. 1:30pm kickoff. 2-7pm music. Link to full . schedule – click here or see below

Where: Throughout St Anne’s Historic Neighborhood (E 5th St, just east of Keowee). Link to map – click here or see below

Who: All ages welcome!

Cost: Free (tips for musicians accepted!)

 

Free Trauma Relief & Healing Workshop on Sunday August 11th

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Many Daytonians are feeling extremely traumatized from the recent mass shooting and the Memorial Day tornadoes. We are all in need of healing.

To fill that need, The Ayurveda Natural Health Center is partnering with a collection of Dayton healers to present a FREE Trauma Relief Day of Healing on Sunday August 11th from 1:30pm-5:30pm at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St). Donations will be accepted and donated to the victim’s families and Moms Demand Action.

Classroom sessions:

  • 1:30 – 2:30 Somatic Trauma Resolution with Anjali Brannon from Ayurveda Natural Health Center
  • 2:30 – 3.30 Guided Relaxation and Meditation with Julie Bowen from Heartfulness Dayton
  • 3:30 – 4:30 Yoga with BeTrice Casada
  • 4:30 – 5:30 Pranic Healing with Felisha Beverly

*Please bring a yoga mat, blanket or towel if participating in yoga session.

Mini sessions will be offered throughout the event, including Thai Yoga & Swedish Massage, Pranic Healing, Somatic Trauma Resolution, Meditation, Reflexology, Reiki & Bemer from the above mentioned practitioners along with Janae Christopher, Lori Slone, Kathryn Stomps, Colleen Curran, Susan Nunn and more to be announced.

VeganDayton’s Shelly Gompers is providing snacks and information.