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Dayton Music

STRAIGHT NO CHASER At Schuster

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Dayton Live welcomes chart-topping a cappella group STRAIGHT NO CHASER to the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center for one night only on December 23.

Look up “holiday music” in the dictionary, and it’s likely that there is a photo of the nine-person a cappella group Straight No Chaser instead of a standard definition. For more than two decades, the group has provided the soundtrack of the season, bringing millions of fans to their feet while putting them in the holiday spirit. Year after year, fans anxiously await the moment they can officially hit play on Straight No Chaser favorites. And this year is no different.

STRAIGHT NO CHASER: HOLIDAY ROAD TOUR is serving up an all-you-can-eat buffet of holiday music (with none of the calories)! There are no cookie-cutter shows here; each concert serves up a healthy dose of banter between the band members, flawless harmonies, and a blend of old and new music.

With a massive fanbase and a long list of accomplishments including two RIAA Gold Certified albums, over 1.5 million concert tickets sold, over 1 billion streams on Pandora, and over 2 million albums sold worldwide, Straight No Chaser is the real deal: The captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense… and with a sense of humor.

Live Jazz to Celebrate The Winter Solstice

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Live jazz music, curated small bites, raffle prizes, winter themed cocktails, timeless games, and more!

Welcome to Twilight Tunes: A Winter Solstice Celebration! Join us at Century Bar Upstairs on December 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM for a magical evening filled with music and festivities. Embrace the winter solstice and enjoy live jazz performances in a cozy setting. Let’s celebrate the longest night of the year together! Don’t miss out on this special event. See you there!

ROCK FOR A CLAUS: A Holiday Charity Concert

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🎄❄️ Do you love Christmas Music??
🎅🤶 Do you love an evening of fun with Family and Friends??
🎁🫶 Do you love helping people in need??
THEN THIS IS THE EVENT FOR YOU!
ROCK FOR A CLAUS: A HOLIDAY CHARITY CONCERT is an evening full of Holiday Cheer for the entire family and all your friends. It’s a great way to entertain those out of town guests and show them the talent and love Dayton has to offer!
More Than a Dozen Dayton Area Musicians will take the stage to play tons of Holiday Favorites from classic ballads, to upbeat modern hits. Sing and Dance along to spread Christmas Cheer!
Proceeds will go to local charities to help children and adults in need at the time of year when it is needed most.
Artists Featured:
🎤Nate Prior Trio – holiday parody and comedy music
https://natepriortrio.com/
🎤Sarah G and the Major Awards – A Superband of local musicians playing Christmas rock and classics.
🎤Guest Appearances by many local singers and musicians
Cover Starts at 7pm
Music at 8pm
$10 at the door
Opportunities to give more
All ages, Under 16 with guardian
Proceeds Will Benefit:
👐House of Bread – Serving a hot, nutritious lunchtime meal to anyone in need. 365 days a year.
👐For Love of Children – Serves well over 12,000 children annually. Offers programming and resources to children who are abused, neglected, in foster care, and those in need of community resource.

A Very Crabby Christmas

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Join us for the first-ever “A Very Crabby Christmas” featuring two amazing Ohio bands: crabswithoutlegs and Dairy Family! These jazz-fusion, funk inspired original bands are putting together a special holiday show that you won’t want to miss!

HOW TO GO?

Thursday, December 18th

at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)

Doors 7pm / Show 8pm

All ages welcome!

Tickets $20+ (all seated)

Special reserved table options are available too!

Get your ticket here: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/a-very-crabby-christmas-2025-12-18-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-798052

Shake It Off at The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Dance Night Returns to The Brightside

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Calling all Swifties! Are you ready for it?

The Brightside Music and Event Venue is bringing back THE TAYLOR PARTY, a Taylor Swift-inspired dance celebration on Friday, December 19th from 9:00 PM to 11:50 PM. This 18+ event invites fans to relive the magic of all Taylor’s iconic Eras in one unforgettable night.

Whether you’re still processing the Eras Tour on Disney+ or just need an excuse to break out your best Era-inspired outfit, this is your moment. The Taylor Party promises an enchanting evening of singing, dancing, and celebrating everything Taylor Swift with fellow fans.

Pick your favorite Era outfit (will it be Folklore cottage core or Midnights sparkle?), grab your besties, and get ready to party in style. From “Love Story” to “Anti-Hero,” every Era will be represented on the dance floor.

Long live the magic you’ll make at this ultimate Swiftie celebration! Get your tickets now before they’re gone—this party is sure to sell out faster than you can say “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.”

Event Details:

For more information and tickets, visit thebrightsidedayton.com

Goo Goo Dolls Coming to The Rose In August

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Goo Goo Dolls will take their lauded live show back on the road in 2026 with an extensive run of U.S. tour dates with Neon Trees.  The summer tour includes a performance in Huber Heights, OH atRose Music Center on August 12, 2026.

Last week, the band released the full performance audio from their transcendent live set at California’s Stagecoach Music Festival. LISTEN TO THEIR LIVE AT STAGECOACH (CALIFORNIA’S COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL) PERFORMANCE HERE.

Additionally, their striking Tiny Desk performance with NPR Music is out now. The four song set features performances of their global hit “Iris,” 3x Platinum track “Slide,“ “Feel The Silence” and “Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes),” which appears on their new Summer Anthem EP. In conjunction, “Iris” hit #9 on Spotify’s U.S. Daily Top Songs Chart and peaked at #9 on Spotify’s Global Daily Chart, marking yet another chart position peak for the iconic track nearly 30 years after release. WATCH/SHARE THE TINY DESK PERFORMANCE HERE.

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, December 12 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

On the heels of going viral on TikTok, “Iris” is now Certified Diamond and accumulated over 5 billion streams to date worldwide, amassing over a billion streams in 2025 alone. The 4x GRAMMY-nominated track continues to reach new audiences around the world and has been covered by the likes of Taylor Swift, Machine Gun Kelly, Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers, yet again proving the timelessness and staying power of Goo Goo Dolls’ illustrious catalog.

Formed by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac in Buffalo, NY during 1986, Goo Goo Dolls have quietly broken records, contributed a string of staples to the American songbook, connected to millions of fans and indelibly impacted popular music for three-plus decades. Beyond selling 15 million records worldwide, the group has garnered 4x GRAMMY-nominations and nearly a dozen platinum and gold singles combined and seized a page in the history books by achieving 15 #1 and Top 10 hits. As a result, they hold the all-time radio record for “Most Top 10 Singles.”

Thus far, A Boy Named Goo (1995) has gone 2x Certified Platinum, Dizzy Up The Girl (1998) 5x Certified Platinum and Gutterflower (2002) and Let Love In(2006) are both Certified Gold. In addition, Something for the Rest of Us(2010) and Magnetic (2013) bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200. In addition, the band’s Summer Anthem EP is out now via Warner Records. Consisting of 7 tracks, Summer Anthem is a precise, hard-hitting project, featuring the type of vivid lyricism that’s led the band to becoming one of the most influential alternative rock groups of all time.

Shake It Off at The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Dance Night Coming to The Brightside

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Calling all Swifties! Get ready to dance through the Eras as The Taylor Party brings a Taylor Swift-inspired dance celebration to The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Friday, December 19th.

This enchanting evening promises a journey through all of Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras, from her country beginnings to her latest chart-topping hits. Whether you’re Team “Fearless,” “1989,” “folklore,” or riding the “Eras Tour” wave, this party is designed for fans to celebrate the music that’s become the soundtrack to their lives.

An Evening of Swiftie Magic

The Taylor Party isn’t just a concert—it’s an immersive experience where attendees are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Era-inspired outfits. Channel your inner “Reputation” era with sequins and attitude, go full “Lover” with pastels and butterflies, or embrace the cottagecore vibes of “folklore” and “evermore.” The fashion possibilities are as endless as Taylor’s catalog.

Doors open at 8 PM, with the dance party kicking off at 9 PM and running until midnight. DJs will be spinning Swift’s biggest hits all night long, giving fans plenty of time to sing along to every word and create unforgettable moments with fellow Swifties.

Event Details

When: Friday, December 19, 2025
Doors: 8 PM
Show: 9 PM – 12 AM
Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
Tickets: $20 in advance / $25 day of show
Age: 18+

Advance tickets are available now for $20, with day-of-show tickets priced at $25. Given the massive popularity of all things Taylor Swift right now, early ticket purchase is recommended to secure your spot at what’s sure to be one of the hottest dance parties of the holiday season.

The event is open to ages 18 and up, making it the perfect pre-holiday celebration for college students home for winter break and young professionals looking to end 2025 on a high note.

About The Brightside

Located at 905 E 3rd St in downtown Dayton, The Brightside Music & Event Venue has become a go-to destination for unique entertainment experiences in the Miami Valley. The venue’s intimate atmosphere makes it ideal for themed dance parties where everyone can feel part of the celebration.

So grab your besties, pick your Era, and get ready to make some magic. As Taylor herself would say, “Long live all the magic we made!”

For tickets and more information, visit The Brightside’s website or social media channels. Don’t miss your chance to be part of The Taylor Party—after all, it’s been a long time coming, and we’re ready for it.

Are you attending The Taylor Party? Tag us in your Era-inspired outfit photos and use #TaylorPartyDayton to connect with other local Swifties!

Musically Yours for the Holidays

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Experience the magic of the holidays like never before with ‘Musically Yours for the Holidays – Live from the Hidden Gem Music Club in Dayton Ohio. Immerse yourself in a festive musical atmosphere, featuring stunning live performances by local and national artists. From secular to the sacred, jazz, pop & R&B, enjoy all your favorite holiday songs.
Wear your festive holiday outfit, bring a toy or winter wear to donate to children in need, enjoy a few of your favorite holiday treats on our Grazing Table. Don’t miss this extraordinary holiday music concert!
Click link below for ticktets
Friday December 12, 2025
7:30pm Doors open at 7:00pm
Tickets $30

Enjoy the Ride ‘Back to the Future!’

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‘Oh My God….that car was amazing!’  ‘The backdrops were eye-popping!’ ‘I loved the tongue-in-cheek musical numbers!’

‘Back to the Future’ at the Schuster, is a free-wheeling tribute to the beloved movie, and a lot more! Although the songs, which at times can feel a little bit karaoke, are full-on fun and silly, you often lose focus on a cast that is giving it their all throughout the romp. I couldn’t help but notice that folks were anxious in the first act to see the ‘legendary’ DeLorean and its magical entrance. Meanwhile, a story is being told for all of us as well. Through hi-tech staging…and reminders of days gone by (1985 was 40 years ago….WTF!)….we are thrown into a land of the McFly family which remains true to the form as created for the film. There are some fun, if not over-the-top, intros to each of the family members. Lucas  Marty does a good job of maintaining the look and vibe for movie fans. Mike Bindemann‘s George is funky and endearing. Fisher Lane Stewart gives 110% to the Dave role, and Abbey Freidmann‘s Linda foots the bill. Perhaps the McFly to watch in this performance is Zan Berube‘s Lorraine. She seamlessly does it all…gives you the frump, the fabulous, and ‘freaky’ sides of the mom figure!

The energy picks up in the theatre when David Josefberg‘s take on Doc Brown, hits the stage. Throughout the show, he makes his moments, HIS MOMENTS! Also of note, Cartreze Tucker belting ‘Gotta Start Somewhere’  and the devilish performance by Nathaniel Hackmann as Biff. And yes, the car. The CAR! I didn’t want to like it…almost was dead-set on not liking it…just to be contrary. But the truth is, it’s pretty astounding to watch. Blended with backgrounds that look alive and real (the high school gym scene is a mind-trip!)…the car is, in its own way, another star of the show!

 

Advice…go into the theatre looking to have a good time. A fun, funny, fantastic frolic awaits….

that kids of all ages will enjoy!

Ticket info at http://daytonlive.org

 

 

 

 

The Texas Tenors Christmas

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Ring in the holiday season with this beloved trio of musicians. The Texas Tenors have amassed a huge fan base worldwide, with over half a million followers on social media and more than 20 million views on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. In 2019, they were Billboard Magazine‘s #10 Classical Artists in the World and are considered the most successful touring group in the history of America’s Got Talent. As consummate professionals, these three friends with a simple All-American dream have proven their impact to be long-lasting. A traditional family Christmas experience, The Texas Tenors make a stop in Troy, OH, to perform Christmas favorites, presented with award-winning harmonies and arrangements.

DGMC ‘SLAYS’ the HOLIDAYS!

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The DGMC is ready to deck the halls for the holidays. Their annual concert, which has been a mainstay of the area for many years, promises another stellar performance. I was so excited to get to speak to member, Marc Driscoll about the upcoming event.
937: Hi Marc. Thanks for spending some time with me to share the word about this year’s concert for DGMC! So, to start, tell me about the history of DGMC‘s Holiday concerts!?
Marc: Thank you, Josh. Members of the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus and our fans look forward to our holiday show each year. Every year we add a little twist to the show to keep things fresh. Sometimes that means an orchestra, sometimes it’s silly costumes. This year it’s all about bells!
937: Thus the name….
Marc: Yes!! Our theme is Slay Bells Ring this year. We are singing all about bells, including some of your favorite Christmas Carols, as well as a few new songs! We are joined this year by the Gem City Ringers who add a special touch to several of our numbers, and also play a few songs of their own.
937: Love the play on ‘sleigh’ and ‘slay!’  So creative. And adding ringers just seems perfect! Are there any featured singers this time around?
Marc: Baron Creutz sings a beautiful tenor solo on Alleluia. Also,  Jeffrey Sypek and Chris Perry dazzle in “Pure Imagination.”
937: To those of you reading who have not seen the choir in some time, believe me, these guys are such  talents. So, Marc,  what songs do you particularly love performing this time around?
Marc: Carol of the Bells is a Christmas classic and is sure to entrance the audience. Festival Sanctus is simply a gorgeous piece. And Oh! Christmas Tree will have the audience in stitches.
937: You guys always find a way of adding the humor to the concerts, which keeps folks coming back for more! For our readers, what are details for location, price, dates?
Marc: We are back at Westminster Presbyterian in downtown Dayton on December 6th with two shows. One at 2pm and one at 6pm. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at  http://Daytongaymenschorus.org or at the door.
937: As always, break legs…and ring, bring, sing in the Holidays once again for all of us! Is there anything else you liked to mention about the concert, Marc?

Marc: Let’s see….our small group ensemble Noteworthy is back and very excited to sing again! Director Kathy Clark wrote an original piece for the show that will leave toes a tapping. Also, there are opportunities to win raffle baskets filled with amazing prizes.

937: Sounds holiday ‘ish!’ Love it! Thanks Marc, and thanks yo all of the DGMC for spreading a little magic this season!

The DGMC Present “Slay” Bells Ring!

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Join the DGMC and start the holiday season off right with “Slay” Bells Ring! The chorus will be slaying traditional songs as well as some new holiday favorites. For over two decades the DGMC has been ringing in the holidays at the historic Westminster Presbyterian Church for two concerts. You will not want to miss this event!
2 shows- 2pm & 6pm
Tickets on sale NOW! $30 for adults, $20 for student and active duty and children under 7 are free!

2026 Battle of the Bands Line Up Released

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The annual concert series competition kicks off in January at the Brightside Music and Events Venue in downtown Dayton and features six preliminary rounds from which six finalists are chosen to compete at the finale on Saturday, March 7. “The goal of Dayton Battle of the Bands is to give a platform for the outstanding local musical talent we have in the Dayton community, while providing a prize package that helps launch them to their next level,” says organizer Libby Ballengee of Venus Child Productions.

The preliminary rounds are organized by genre and are judged by both a crowd vote and a panel of judges made up of local music industry professionals and tastemakers. The winner of the finale is chosen entirely by the audience. The competition is for original music only with participants who live within a 35-mile radius of downtown Dayton.

Grand Prize winner gets:

$1000 cash prize, a Free EP recording session with Dayton Sound Studios, the opportunity to perform at Levitt Pavilion Dayton during the Summer 2026 Concert Season and 50, 1 color design T-shirts, printed by Little Monster Printing.

Black Friday Deal:
This year for Black Friday they are offering a special on the  Battle of the Bands Series Pass!  Get the  SERIES PASS for just $50 (Regularly $75) – That’s just $7.14 per show!
Get into ALL 6 weeks + the Finale for less than a pizza! Save $60 off door prices!
Option 2 is for a  VIP TABLE FOR TWO – $300 (Regularly $400)
Want guaranteed seating? Snag a table for 2 and save $50! **This is the ONLY way to get a table at the Finale (other than being a sponsor). Limited quantity available!**
This sales starts Black Friday and runs through Cyber Monday at midnight
Don’t miss 7 nights of original, local music for an unbeatable price. Support Dayton’s music scene and discover your new favorite band!
NOTE: Individual week tickets will be on sale soon as well!

 

Previos Battle of the Band Winners:
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2020

THE KATAWICKS

The Katawicks are a soulful indie folk rock trio that has the distinction of being our first-ever Dayton Battle of the Bands winners! Allison Justice (leader, singer, guitar, ukulele), Matt Washburn (lead guitar), and Tony Powers (bass) make up this fantastic group. Listen to The Katawicks Spotify here. 

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2022

BOHEMIAN FUNK

Bohemian Funk blew audiences away with their dynamic sound and throwback look. Led by Rocko Dalian, this band is self-described as rock’n’soul, mixing blues, rock, soul and, of course, funk, to create their sound. Take a listen here.

IMG_8269.JPG2023

CRABSWITHOUTLEGS

Crabswithoutlegs is a young, nine-piece original jazz-fusion ensemble made up of performing arts students. Led by singer Eleanor Dakota and bass player & composter, Carter Griffin, they enchant audiences with their robust sound and undeniable talent! Explore their music here.

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2024

FREAKQUENCY

Freakquency rocked our stage with their energetic funk-fusion originals and mad skills! Led by a dynamic front man, Sayyid Jones, this group has been honing their skills and sound for several years and are ready to take on the world!  You can listen to Freakquency here.

 

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2025

Empire pool

Empire Pool knocked our socks off with their high-energy rock and incredible stage presence! Their originals are infused with funk, surf, jam, and indie influences. This young band is one to keep your eye on! You can listen to Empire Pool here.

 

Funk and Wine Party in Yellow Springs

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Basim Blunt, better known as DJ Radio Basim, curates a deep-digging blend of funk, soul, retro R&B and radio-inspired grooves. He has strong ties to the Dayton and Yellow Springs area, and brings a rich musical background that spans community radio, DJ culture and local music advocacy.

Such a Night: The Last Waltz Live!

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Join with us as more than 25 of Dayton’s most talented musicians gather on the Victoria Theatre stage to celebrate the music of The Band. For over a decade, SUCH A NIGHT: THE LAST WALTZ LIVE continues to be a Dayton Thanksgiving tradition and one of the must see concerts of the season. Proceeds from the performance support the greater community and will benefit WYSO Public Radio and other local organizations.

On November 25, 1976, one of rock and roll’s most influential groups, The Band, held their final concert. This event was documented by director Martin Scorsese and made into the film The Last Waltz. Considered one of the best concert films ever, The Last Waltz also featured performances by Dr. John, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Emmylou Harris, Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan. This seminal moment in music history will be recreated by our own local musicians.

Wednesday. Nov 26  8:00pm at the Victoria Theatre
Get tickets here.

NO VISAS: A Hip-Hop Journey from Jaffa to Jerusalem to Yellow Springs

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NO VISAS brings together five renowned hip-hop artists to perform both individually and collectively, the culminating performance after a multi-month collaborative artistic process. Neta Weiner and Samira Saraya of Beit System Ali in Jaffa and Jerusalem join three Ohio hip-hop artists based in Yellow Springs: Jayswifa, Tronee Threat, and ArtGod. Through countless remote meetings, sharing inspiration and beats, and discussing what it means to make art in times of political unrest and turmoil, these five artists have pushed themselves to create music together that speaks to the realities of life in America, Palestine, and Israel.
For tickets, link in bio and here: https://tinyurl.com/4jxu43bh