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Dayton Music

Dayton Porchfest is back on August 16th

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Dayton Porchfest. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Getting that sinking feeling that the summer is over? Not so fast! We have one of the biggest music festival events of the year happening on Saturday, August 16th: Dayton Porchfest.

“Dayton Porchfest celebrates the breadth and depth of the Dayton music scene, while the porch and backyard venues allow the performers and the audience to deeply engage,” organizer Peter Benkendorf shared with us. “The diversity of the line-up means there is something for everyone. Throw in some food trucks, a beer garden and a family-friendly environment, all wrapped up in the charm of the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, and you have all the makings for one of Dayton’s most popular summer events.”

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 began in 2009. Today there are over 200 Porchfests throughout the United States and Canada, with Dayton being the 94th to join this growing movement.

Dayton has a rich musical history and active music scene that continues today. Dayton Porchfest is committed to reflecting that diversity in its selection of musical artists, from funk and blues to indie rock and jazz, classical and country, to bluegrass and old-timey music with deep Appalachian traditions here. The festival 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.

Event Details:

When: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12:15 – 6:45 PM
Where: St. Anne’s Hill Historic District, Dayton, Ohio
Cost: Free and family-friendly

Schedule:

  • 12:15 – 12:45 PM: Pre-Porch Kick-Off with T.R.S.S. Drum Corps
  • 1:00 – 6:45 PM: Main event – “If this porch is rockin’ then please come a knockin'”
  • 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Afterfest at Levitt Pavilion Dayton
  • 7:00 – 10:00 PM: Music at Fifth Street Brewpub

Tips for attending:

  • Bring water and stay hydrated
  • While the streets are tree-lined, you can bring shade with you with a hat and/or sunglasses
  • This is a walking event, so please wear comfortable shoes
  • Please bring cash to tip the performers

For more information and to view the interactive map of participating porches, visit www.daytonporchfest.org.

Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival

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Two days of Jazz & Blues on Two Stages — 18 acts

FREE

Friday, August 8th, 2025 beginning at 4:00 PM

Saturday, August 9th, 2025 beginning at 2:30 PM

Join us, along with Springfield native and award-winning artist John Legend, in supporting the Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival. Building on a long and storied music tradition, Springfield, OH is proud to present the region’s most exciting summer event.

What you’ll experience:

  • Award-winning jazz and blues artists
  • Two stages within walking distance
  • Locally-brewed beer from Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company
  • Crowd-favorite food trucks
  • Historic neighborhoods and architecture
  • Late night jams at the State Theater

 

 

The Deans List/Lyzrd/MoneyManMitch

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Get ready for a night of awesome music at Blind Bob’s! Join us for performances by The Deans List, Lyzrd, and MoneyManMitch. It’s going to be a night to remember with great beats and vibes. Don’t miss out on this epic event!

Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summer Festival

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The Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summer Festival is a three-day music celebration, highlighting the best of bluegrass, folk, and Americana. Hosted at Clifton Opera House in Xenia, this festival is a must-attend event for music enthusiasts, musicians, and fans of traditional Appalachian sounds.

Featuring world-class bluegrass artists and legendary performers, the festival lineup includes instrumental showcases, jam sessions, and performances from local and national talent. Guests can participate in interactive bluegrass workshops, where musicians teach banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin techniques in hands-on demonstrations.

In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy food trucks offering Southern-inspired cuisine, including smoked brisket, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, and sweet tea. Visitors can also browse craft booths selling handmade instruments, folk art, and country-style home décor.

The festival culminates with an open jam session, inviting musicians of all skill levels to join in and play alongside bluegrass greats. With its rich musical history and welcoming atmosphere, the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival is a true celebration of Appalachian culture.

What To Do There:

  • Listen to live bluegrass performances from top artists.
  • Participate in banjo, mandolin, and fiddle workshops.
  • Enjoy Southern-style food and drinks.
  • Explore artisan booths selling handmade goods and instruments.
  • Experience an open jam session with fellow musicians.

What People Like About It:

  • The incredible lineup of bluegrass and folk artists.
  • The opportunity to learn from musicians in interactive workshops.
  • The friendly and welcoming festival atmosphere.
  • The delicious Southern-style food offerings.
  • The community-driven jam sessions.

A Free Night of Music with Parrots of the Caribbean at RiverScape

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Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series features A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet with Parrots of the Caribbean! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this FREE live concert, while taking in a spectacular sunset over the Great Miami River. The RiverScape Cafe will be open selling food and drinks along with alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails, for those 21 and over.

Parrots of the Caribbean is a high-energy, original show putting the ROCK in Tropical-Rock, featuring our “Salute to Jimmy Buffett!”, along with fan-favorite originals, & stage-show antics! Acclaimed as the #1 Jimmy Buffett Tribute!

EMO Night with Flicker // Fade

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Get ready to scream your favorite lyrics and relive your Warped Tour days—EMO NIGHT is coming to Dayton! Featuring a full live performance by Flicker//Fade, this high-energy night will bring you the best of Emo, Pop-Punk, and nostalgic anthems from the golden era of angst.

Whether you’re a former scene kid or just discovering the genre, this is your night to sing, jump, and feel everything. Black eyeliner optional—but encouraged.

📅 Thursday, July 10, 2025
📍 The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
🕖 Doors at 7 PM

🎟 Tickets:

$17 in advance
$20 at the door
🎫 Advance tickets available here: https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/event-details/emo-night-with-flicker-fade
👥 All ages welcome (under 18 requires adult supervision)

Chicago Plays The Rose

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Multi-Grammy award winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Chicago will return to Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center

Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era”, the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s Top 125 Artists Of All Time. Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades.

Blues Fest at Levitt Pavilion

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Join us this year as we celebrate the Blues Fest, part of the Amplified Series sponsored by the City of Dayton. 

Doug Hart at the Blues Fest at Levitt Pavilion DaytonDoug Hart: Doug Hart, a Dayton, OH native, discovered his passion for music early, starting with the trumpet and later teaching himself guitar. Influenced by iconic bands like Van Halen and Led Zeppelin, Doug formed his first band post-high school and eventually immersed himself in blues, inspired by legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 1998, he founded the Doug Hart Band (DHB), which has become a staple in the southwest Ohio blues scene, competing in the International Blues Challenge and performing at renowned venues such as Buddy Guy’s Legends and B.B. King’s in Memphis. Doug released his debut album “Reckless Life” in 2005, with a follow-up in progress. The current DHB lineup includes Rob Thaxton on bass and Craig Comer on drums, promising a dynamic blues/rock experience.

Shaun Booker Dammit Band Blues Fest Levitt Pavilion Dayton

Shaun Booker Dammit Band: Shaun Booker, a Columbus, Ohio-based singer/songwriter and international recording artist, draws inspiration from her spiritual and blues roots. Known as “The Empress of Beale Street,” she has been inducted into The Columbus Blues Hall of Fame and won the 2023 Columbus Blues Challenge. Her band, The Shaun Booker Dammit Band, was a top 5 finalist at the 2024 International Blues Challenge, promising to captivate audiences with their soulful blues performances.

Anthony Gomes Blues Fest Levitt Pavilion DaytonAnthony Gomes: Anthony Gomes, a Canadian vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, electrifies blues and rock with his powerful performances. Known for his fret-burning guitar skills, he has topped the Billboard Blues Chart, earned endorsements from legends like B.B. King, and performed globally. His latest album, “High Voltage Blues,” showcases his unique blend of blues and rock. Gomes has shared the stage with icons such as Buddy Guy and Joe Bonamassa, and his music continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Oh Yes, Oh Yes, Oh Yes….This is the “CHICAGO” You Were Hoping For!

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Let’s face it, CHICAGO is a mainstay of Broadway shows… and TheatreLab Dayton is bringing you the CHICAGO you are hoping for. Punchy, funny, poignant, and true to the script….they are giving you the energy you need! Giving us a minute of their time, Mackensie King (Director) and Abby Kress (Roxie) sat down to talk about the upcoming stage staple.

937: Hi ladies, thank you for taking some time with us. I can tell you, from the outset, I love CHICAGO, but in its intended form, not the contemporary, less showy versions. I understand; you’re intentionally bringing it back to the Chicago we love. How did all of this come to pass?

MK: We really wanted to embrace the vaudeville spirit at the heart of the show. It plays with the classic ‘show within a show’ trope, and we’re intentionally breaking the fourth wall to invite the audience right into the fantasy unfolding on stage. The script itself has plenty of humor, but this cast has taken it to another level — they’re truly leaning into the comedy and delivering some big, belly laughs. And then there’s the choreography: Gage Wayne has created some absolutely stunning numbers. I think audiences will be tapping their feet and wishing they could jump up there and join in.

AK: This is a beloved musical by many so I hope audiences walk out having that classic Chicago itch scratched. I also hope they can identify the similarities this heightened, vaudevillian world has with the current political and social scenes we experience today.

937: Abby, I know Roxie is a beloved and coveted role….how are you feeling about it? And congratulations to you!

AK: Roxie is a dream role to take on, and challenging for sure. Physically of course, as the entire show is driven by song and dance numbers. Unlike other leading ladies, Roxie’s redeeming qualities are not heavily apparent in the script, that’s Chicago! As an actor, this poses another challenge to justify her choices throughout the show in order to deliver an authentic performance in the heightened world we’ve created.

937: Awesome….so ecited to see it. With that in mind, Mackensie, this season for TheatreLab has been interesting. How does CHICAGO fall into the theme?

MK: Reflecting on this season, one theme shines through: the powerful act of reclaiming one’s story. Chicago slots seamlessly into that narrative—giving center stage to women who not only find their voices but boldly rewrite the script. I’m always drawn to stories led by deeply flawed, complex characters. They invite us to see the world through their lens, challenging our assumptions and stirring empathy. Because really—who among us is perfect?

937: You have elevated those stories for sure this season. LIZZIE, FULL MONTY….people making their place in the world!! Ladies, what are you hoping people leave that theater feeling, or thinking?

AK: This show has a beautiful combination of TheatreLab veterans and fresh new faces! This cast is dynamic, talented, and so eager to entertain you. Chicago is the 2nd longest running show on Broadway, gripping audiences for over 25 years for a good reason. We are so excited to put a Dayton touch on a renowned favorite!

MK: She’s right….and beyond that, Now more than ever, we’re seeing just how much media — and our level of media literacy — shapes the way we view the world. With this piece, I really wanted to remind people that things aren’t always what they seem. Just because something is beautifully worded doesn’t mean it’s truthful. Art has always been one of the most powerful mirrors of our time, and I think it’s essential to dig deeper and find meaning, even in the material we think we already know.

937: Wow….what a great way to wrap this all together. Break many legs, and best to all of you! For more details:

https://www.simpletix.com/e/chicago-tickets-214975

The show runs

  • June 26 – 29, 2025. 
  • The Beautiful Northmont Community Auditorium, 4916 National RoadClayton, Ohio 45315

 

 

Rick Springfield: I Want My 80s Tour

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Grammy award-winning musician, actor and New York Times best-selling author Rick Springfield will hit the road this summer on the 2025 edition of his “I Want My 80’s Tour”.  The tour will also include special guests John Waite, Wang Chung, and Paul Young.  The tour will visit 42 American cities and feature such enduring hits as “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Missing You” “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Every Time You Go Away,” “On the Dark Side,” and many more of the most iconic songs of the 80’s. This special tour is sure to delight music fans of what is regularly described as the greatest decade in pop/rock music.

Juneteenth Celebration & Concert ft. Goapele

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This event begins at 5:00PM with line dancing followed by Home of Urban Creative Arts Community curated ceremonies, commemoration, and concert. Experience poetry, African dance, musicians, drumming, performances, commemoration, food trucks, live choir, creative sculptures, and Goapele.

5PM – Line dancing
6PM – Community Celebration
7PM – Goapele takes the stage

Lebanon Country Music Festival

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FREE Community event offering shopping, artisan crafts, food and country music held in downtown Lebanon

JUN 13 6:30pm

AMY NEWHART BAND

A Nashville recording artist signed to Bar Frog Music.

8:15pm

90 Proof Twang

An original country and southern rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio. 

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8:15pm

JUN 14 noon

LEBANON MUSIC ACADEMY

Lebanon Music Academy students featuring vocals, guitar, piano, percussion, bass and ukulele. 

1pm

Alter Ego

We bring the party with a mix of rock, pop, blues, and country!

2:30pm
MICHELLE ROBINSON BAND

Ohio Based/Nashville Recording Artist/Singer/Songwriter/Performer/Working Mama/Dream chaser

4pm

Coyote Ridge Band

A dynamic three-piece country band that brings the spirit and energy of the 80’s and 90’s music to life.

5:45pm

Jessie Lyn & the TNT Band

Classic country music

7:30pm
Alexis Gomez

American singer, musician, and songwriter. Featured on American Idol, season 14.

9;00pm

Nashville recording artist from Cincinnati, Ohio. 

The Lebanon Country Music Festival is an annual festival held in Lebanon, Ohio to celebrate country music, family fun, and one-of-a-kind vendors.

Festivities kick-off on Friday evening. Saturday brings you amazing music, great food, drinks, and shopping with Main Street Lebanon merchants and visiting vendors.

Last year we had 12,000 people come and enjoy this festival and we want you to be a part of it this year as we grow with you! So come on and start Stompin’ in the Street!

FREE Community event offering shopping, Artisan Crafts, food and Country Music held in downtown Lebanon. 🤠 RAIN OR SHINE- THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’: Room On The Porch Tour

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TajMo – the historic collaboration between two generations of American music masters – have announced their long-awaited return with Room On The Porch, a new full-length album out May 23 on Concord Records. The ten-song collection finds Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal reuniting for their first release together since 2017, when their debut collaboration brought them from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to the GRAMMY stage where they took home Best Contemporary Blues Album. Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ will also bring their TajMo live show back on the road in 2025.