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Dayton Music

Totally Tubular 80’s New Wave Festival Coming to The Rose

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Following last year’s successful run, the 80’s New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL announces its return this summer and features artists that exploded in the pop culture zeitgeist in the 1980’s thanks mainly to the high rotation of their music videos on MTV. These artists have enjoyed a steady rise in popularity in recent years, with their music having a lasting impact. Tour creator and JPA agency founder Jon Pleeter calls the TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL “the best ‘80s party on the planet. The audiences last year fully embraced the spirit of the tour and were wildly enthusiastic. The party continues this summer.”

TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL will expand into new cities, including Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center on July 22, and will keep its popular compact set times highlighting each artist’s major hits.  The lineup is RIGHT SAID FRED, MEN WITHOUT HATS, HAIRCUT 100, THE TUBES, THE MOTELS, ANIMOTION, THE ESCAPE CLUB, and MUSICAL YOUTH.  Men Without Hats and The Tubes return to the tour this year while some artists, such as show closer Right Said Fred, have not toured the U.S. since the early 90’s. The tour will also offer an expanded merchandise line at shows and online, including limited edition/collector’s items.

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, January 31 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go towards food banks locally in each market.

 

 

Dayton Battle of the Bands – HIP-HOP / R&B acts

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Not familiar with any of the bands participating? That’s the fun! This is a fantastic way to discover original, local music! Each ticket buyer gets one vote (in person).
The winner of this round earns a spot at the Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale, among other prizes!
Week 3 is held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton).
Doors open at 7pm (NOTE: due to equipment load in, we cannot let patrons in earlier than 7pm).
Show runs from 7:30pm – 10pm. Winner announced at 10:30pm
Please be prompt to see all the bands performing!
Tickets are $10 advance / $15 at the door.
Advance tickets are recommended.
Ticket sales are used to cover production costs and prizes. Thanks for contributing!

Timely ‘Avenue Q’ lights up Dayton Playhouse!

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The best part of any job is getting to meet new people! I was so excited to get to learn about the director of Avenue Q at DPH, Ray Gambrel.

937: Thank you for taking time to tell us about a musical we all know, love and BOY is it timely! But first….let’s hear about you! I know we would all love to know a little bit about your theater life!

RG: Thank you for this opportunity! Actually, in Jr. High I saw our High School production of, Annie Get Your Gun. I loved it! I rushed to the library and got the original Broadway cast recording on vinyl and listened to it over and over. I was hooked! I went to Sinclair Community College and studied Theater-Performance. I quickly realized that acting may not be the best fit for me, so I took a Directing class taught by Marsha Hanna. She became my idol. I had the wonderful opportunity to help stage manage a production at Sinclair, and I really got to see her work. She really became my inspiration and I think about her every time that I direct. I then got involved with, at the time, Playhouse South (now Springboro Community Theatre), both, as an actor, and as a director.

937: I love Annie get Your Gun…hokey as it is. And actually Marsha inspired MANY of us! How did you make the DPH connection?

RG:I got involved with Dayton Playhouse years ago through FutureFest (as a director). FutureFest is such a wonderful theater experience, and have been lucky enough to direct several shows for the event. My first production for Dayton Playhouse outside of the Fest was last year’s play, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong. It was a great experience.
937: FutureFest is a treasure! So, why Avenue Q?
RG: First of all, I grew up, like many others, watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show (as well as the movies). I’ve also always been fascinated by puppets. How they seem to just come to life. I used to direct little puppet shows for my friends and family. God love them for putting up with some of that. Avenue Q just had that great puppet aspect, with wonderfully catchy songs. And the story is hilarious, with a bit of heart. The “adult material” aspect also caught my eye.
937: It is such a ‘hoot!’ So, with this production, what can the audience expect?
RG: First, you will see a wonderful set, designed by Sean Mayo that looks like a rundown version of Sesame Street. That gives you a hint of what you could be in for. There are many puppets among a cast of 3 humans, so you’ve got a bit of fun stuff going on with that. Our Music Director, Lori Topping, is amazing and has truly added so much to this production. The band that she has brought together sounds phenomenal Just the best. And then you throw in the adult humor (that may shock you and make you blush for laughing at it). I wouldn’t recommend to those that are easily offended. This is for an adult audience.
937: A little insight Ray, most of my readers are not easily offended! HA HA!! And with that said, what a timely musical! Do you feel people are in need of more of this kind of comedy?
RG: Yes. We definitely need this kind of show to laugh at, and also to make us think. Especially in a time where there are many people that are upset and scared with everything going on in this country, and the world. It’s not the best of times, but this show can help you take a moment and relax. You’ll laugh a lot, maybe even shed a tear or two. Underneath all of the adult, sometimes crude humor, this is a show with heart.
937: And, what are you hoping the audience walks away with after the show?
RG: I hope that audiences walk out of the theater feeling not only happy, and that they had a great time, but that they also have more hope. That maybe there is a chance that with all of our differences, we can still come together as a community and support each other. I know that’s what I hope for. I I think that it’s there in this show.
937: Love that! And so, so hopeful that we can find common ground in this world. Any last thoughts for us Ray?
RG:  The entire cast and crew have worked so hard on this production. Many cast members spent hours helping to build and paint the set. Many of the actors came up with some wonderful ideas that really added to the show. One cast member, Emily Christine, even stepped up and choreographed many of the numbers (which is awesome by the way). The cast, like many shows, really pulled together and became a family. They truly care about this show, and each other. And I do believe that you will see all of this come through in their performances.
937: Thank you so much, again. I know, I know folks, cue jingle…. ‘Can You Tell Me How to Get, How to Get to Avenue Q?’ Details Below. Break a leg DPH….wait do puppets have legs?
Avenue Q (R)
Friday and Saturday Shows at 8pm, Sundays 2pm.

Jazz Night with George Balog

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Join The Barrel House  for an evening of great drinks and even better music, while Dayton’s king of cool, George Balog takes us on an all-vinyl jazz journey. He’s spinning 7-11pm, no cover charge. Just vibes.

The String Cheese Incident Coming to the Rose in May

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The String Cheese Incident has announced a new run of tour dates for 2025. Joined by special guest The Wood Brothers, the tour includes a stop in Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center on Sunday, May 18.

The past three decades have written a story packed full of surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement and huge accomplishments. The String Cheese Incident has been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, for their community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and for their innovative approach to the business of music.

When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first started gaining momentum in the 1990s, as the Internet was just beginning to take hold and the major-label business model was failing, the band decided to make music on their own terms.

Since then, The String Cheese Incident has gone on to carve out a completely unique approach to the business of music; they are truly pioneers of a new way of “making a band.” With the Internet as their tool, SCI was among the first artists to disseminate information online, such as tour dates, release information, and other news, to their growing fan base. Rather than doing business on such terms as “the bottom line,” SCI put their music and their fans first, opening companies of their own, including a ticketing company, a merchandise company and a fan travel agency, to best serve their community. The band’s record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Even early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing, delivering SCI’s “On The Road” series, where every show the band plays is made available for download on the Internet. Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development. Today, literally hundreds of bands are using some version of this same approach to build their brand.

The String Cheese Incident’s commitment goes well beyond their immediate community, and even beyond the music community as a whole. Early on, the band took a serious interest in giving back to the communities that they visited, and they were among the first performers to encourage “Green” shows and tours. SCI’s support has helped give rise to such not-for-profit organizations as Conscious Alliance and HeadCount. All the while, The String Cheese Incident has stayed committed to music as a creative endeavor, not just in their recordings but also in their live performances. The list of SCI’s special guests and collaborators is long and diverse. Their annual events such as Electric Forest and Hulaween, and holiday shows such as New Year’s Eve, have helped redefine the concert experience and have garnered the band a reputation as live music vibe innovators.

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, January 24 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

Dayton Battle of the Bands – Singer-Songwriters

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Dayton Battle of the Bands 2024 continues with our SINGER-SONGWRITER acts, featuring:
Anna Marie
Celestial Howard
Jayla Leland
Kevin Dozier
Midwestern Mrs
Not familiar with any of the bands participating? That’s the fun! This is a fantastic way to discover original, local music! Each ticket buyer gets one vote (in person).
The winner of this round earns a spot at the Dayton Battle of the Bands Finale, among other prizes!
Week 2 is held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton).
Doors open at 7pm (NOTE: due to equipment load in, we cannot let patrons in earlier than 7pm).
Show runs from 7:30pm – 10pm. Winner announced at 10:30pm
Please be prompt to see all the bands performing!
Tickets are $10 advance / $15 at the door.
Advance tickets are recommended.

The Mark Lomax Quartet performs A Love Supreme

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The Mark Lomax Quartet will perform a set of original compositions inspired by John Coltrane and the John Coltrane composition, A Love Supreme.

Lomax is the rare drummer who leaves you wanting more, leading his bandmates through a strikingly terse, brilliantly counterintuitive and ultimately joyous series of explorations.

Dr. Mark Lomax, II, is a critically acclaimed composer, recording artist, drummer, activist, and educator. In one of the timeliest and unprecedented pieces of work of our history, Lomax released 400: An Afrikan Epic in January 2019. This magnum opus consists of a 12 album cycle, a curriculum, and a documentary that ambitiously tells the story of the Afrikan diaspora. Divided into thirds, the Epic explores thousands of years of the history that is pre-colonial Afrika, the Ma’afa (400 years between 1619 and 2019), and Afro-futurism expressing a vision of what Blacks in America will heal toward in the next 400 years.
A highly sought-after lecturer, Lomax specializes in the socio-political, and spiritual aspects of African-American art music, race, and using the arts to build community.

Dayton Battle of the Bands kicks off at The Brightside!

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The 5th annual Dayton Battle of the Bands kicks off on January 16, 2025 at The Brightside Music & Event Venue. This exciting music series, presented by the venue along with Venus Child Productions and Sound Valley, highlights up-and-coming original bands across a variety of genres.

The series runs for 6 weeks, every Thursday from January 16, 2025 through February 27th (skipping Feb 20th for sold out Kim Deal concert). The winner of each week moves onto the Finale, held in the Brightside’s Ballroom on Sat, March 8th.

The playoffs result from a 50/50 mix of audience and judges’ votes. Every attendee receives a ballot upon entry and utilizes ranked-choice voting to select their top three favorite bands. Each week, music industry insiders and special guests serve as judges, with their votes carrying greater influence.

“Despite the ‘battle’ name, this series has been such a fun way to discover so much of the creative talent brewing in Dayton,” organizer Libby Ballengee shared with us. “Maybe you’ll find your new favorite band!”

The participating bands get professional photos to add to their press kit and the chance to audition for bookers from around the city including Levitt Pavilion, Blind Bob’s, Oregon Express, and more! This year, Dayton Battle of the Bands is partnering with Concert Archives to offer bands consolidated feedback from judges.

Photo by Jordan Lynn Freshour

For the Finalists who perform in the Finale, they all receive a video of one of their songs performed live, which is provided by Sound Valley. This is such an awesome asset for the band’s press kit. They also receive cash prize, free pizza for rehearsals from Dayton Pizza Factory, among other perks.

For the grand prize winner – they get all above plus an EP recording session with Dayton Sound Studios, a spot on Levitt Pavilion Dayton’s summer schedule, free t-shirts from Little Monster Printing, and $1000.

Past winners include: The Katawicks, Bohemian Funk, crabswithoutlegs, and Freakquency.

More details about Dayton Battle of the Bands can be found at their website: daytonbattleofthebands.com

HOW TO GO:

The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St. Dayton, OH)

  • Jan 16 – Week 1 – Alternative / Rock
  • Jan 23 – Week 2 – Singer-Songwriters
  • Jan 30 – Week 3 – Hip Hop / Rap / R&B
  • Feb 6 – Week 4 – Hard Rock / Metal / Punk
  • Feb 13 – Week 5 – Americana / Bluegrass / Folk
  • Feb 27 – Week 6 – Funk / Jam / Reggae / Ska
  • March 8 – Finale featuring the winners from each week

7pm doors open / Music 7:30pm – 10pm

All ages

$10 advance, $15 at the door

Tickets & information available at
https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com
Or https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/

America’s Got Talent 2024 Champion Richard Goodall

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Goodall, who has worked as a school janitor for 23 years, won the hearts of America when he appeared on the NBC competition series earlier this year. He immediately earned praise from the judges and viewers alike for his incredible audition, where he performed Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin. ‘”

America at The Rose Aug 8th

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The iconic multi-platinum-selling group AMERICA will celebrate their 55thanniversary with a series of tour dates in 2025. “Encore Tour 2025” will include a stop in Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center on Friday, August 8. Known for their timeless magic and powerful performances, the Grammy Award-winning perennial classic-rock favorite will draw on their deep catalog of hits including signature song “A Horse With No Name,” a Number One hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1972.

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

On their way to becoming a global household name, AMERICA’s journey found them exploring a wide variety of musical terrain. Their best-known tunes, which also include “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair” were cornerstones of 1970’s Top 40 and FM rock radio. Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners would discover there was always much more to AMERICA than surface perceptions. The combination of melodic pop rock and folk-jazz elements, slinky Latin-leaning rhythms and impressionistic lyric imagery contrasted well with other more traditional country-rock leanings and highly personal lyrics.

AMERICA’s albums–six certified gold and/or platinum, with their first greatest hits collection, History, hitting four plus million in sales–displayed a fuller range of the trio’s talents than did their singles. Their material encompassed an ambitious artistic swath; from effects-laden rockers to oddball medleys to soul-bearing ballads, AMERICA displayed a flawless blend of disparate genres and styles as wide-open as the great American plains.

Enjoying massive success early in their career, AMERICA earned their stripes as musical soldiers on the battlefield amidst the excess, craziness, and chaos of the 70’s. The trio won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1972 and began working with George Martin and Geoff Emerick in 1974. This successful team went on to record seven albums and several Top Ten hits, including “Tin Man,” “Sister Golden Hair” and “Lonely People.”

Their growth as singers, songwriters and musicians has continued into the present day as illustrated by landmark releases such as 2000’s Highway 3-disc box set, 2002’s Holiday Harmony, an album comprised of seasonal classics and live showcases, 2007’s Here & Now, 2009’s Live In Concert: Wildwood Springs, 2011’s Back Pages, and 2015’s Lost And Found and America: Archives Vol. 1.

In 2020, the band released their ultimate 8-disc anniversary box set, Half Century (America Records), and streamed their concert special America–Live at the London Palladium for the very first time (it is commercially available as a DVD and CD). 2020 also saw the release of the book “America, the Band, An Authorized Biography” by journalist Jude Warne. She weaves original interviews with the band and many others into a dynamic cultural history of AMERICA, the band, and America, the nation. Billy Bob Thornton wrote the foreword.

As further testament to the band’s staying power and influence, AMERICA’s recordings have been licensed for a multitude of placements in films (including American Hustle, The Nice Guys, The Last Unicorn and Girl Most Likely), television shows (among them The Sopranos, Friends, Breaking Bad and Saturday Night Live) and video games (including Grand Theft Auto).

From their formative years, AMERICA has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America’s audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group’s enduring appeal.

 

Elvis Birthday Bash!

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Get ready to be electrified by Ryan Roth’s incredible Elvis tribute act! With his remarkable realism and spot-on performances, including a talented horn section, Ryan is the epitome of The King’s spirit. His backup singers add an extra layer of excitement to the show. Ryan is set to return to The Milton Athletic Club on January 11, 2025, for an unforgettable night of music. The concert begins at 7PM, with doors opening at 5PM, and a limited food menu will be available. A portion of proceeds will benefit A World A’Fair.

Last year’s show was a sell-out success, with many still clamoring for tickets. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic – get your tickets now before they’re gone!

Two Day Music Fest At Oregon Express

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This multi genre, two day music fest will be held on January 3rd & 4th, 2025. With a line up filled with everything from Punk, Southern Rock, Hip Hop, Grindcore, Death Metal, Electronic; there is something to offer for everyone!
****Ticket pricing and pre sale link coming very soon. Line up order will be available week of the fest. Cheers!
Friday, Jan 3rd
Empire Pool
D.O.S.
Pantomime
The Funkgi
Sour Brain
Herpatitis
Midwestern Mrs.
Mick Mercer
Chicken Leg Randy
Ozzi Zappia
Quinton Lusk
Jared Chambers
Saturday, Jan 4th
Legbone
Landfilth
Bitchy Rackmore
Saddle of Southern Darkness
O’shea The Wicked
DJ-Caleb
Blackspot
Desolate Remains

NYE Ekoostik Hookah

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You’re invited to jammin’ New Year’s Eve with ekoostik hookah & Subterranean! If you’re a music lover – this is a fun way to ring in 2025!

Dayton Jazz Orchestra Christmas Spectacular

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The DJO is back in action Sunday December 22nd at the Hidden Gem for our annual Christmas Spectacular! This will be a wonderful evening of Holiday favorites Big Band style! You can even sing along! The DJO is led by Stan Kenton alumni John Harner along with the amazing Debra Hunter on vocals, so come down in your best holiday attire and bring your family and friends, it will be a fun night!!! See you on Sunday the 22nd!!!
Door opens at 6:00pm, music 7:00-9pm
$10 at the door, all ages.
Pizza by the Pizza Gem!

BREAKING NEWS: Kim Deal kicks off first-ever solo tour at The Brightside

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Photo of Kim Deal by Kristin Sollecito

The Brightside Music & Event Venue proudly announces that Dayton music icon Kim Deal will kick off her first-ever solo tour supporting her new album Nobody Loves You More right here in her hometown. This unforgettable evening will be held at The Brightside on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Tickets went on sale Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11 am.

Kim Deal is a transformative force in the music industry. Known for her pioneering work with two legendary alternative rock bands, The Pixies and The Breeders, her influence spans four decades. She is also a cherished figure in the Dayton music community, inspiring countless artists and fans alike. This concert celebrates Kim and her place in Dayton’s vibrant musical history.

Her debut solo album, Nobody Loves You More, released last month to much acclaim. Its diverse influences are evident throughout, thanks to collaborations with the late Steve Albini, members of The Breeders, and other respected musicians. Most importantly, this album showcases Kim’s exceptional abilities.


After the exciting Dayton concert on February 20th, the tour will continue on to the vibrant cities of London, Boston, New York, DC, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Barcelona, along with many other culturally rich destinations.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to get to host this show at The Brightside and add Dayton to the tour,” said Carli Dixon, co-owner of The Brightside. “And as a female-led venue, it’s a great joy for us to host Kim Deal, such a local female hero to all of us. We couldn’t be more excited!”

HOW TO GO?
Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, 45402
Doors open at 7pm / Show starts at 8pm
All ages (under 18 with parental supervision)
Tickets $30 General Admission here:
https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/kim-deal-nobody-loves-you-more-tour-2025-02-20-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-389968

More information on the venue at thebrightsidedayton.com
More information about Kim Deal at kimdealmusic.com

Dayton Area Harp Ensemble Christmas Concert

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It’s Christmas time again and the sounds of harps, strings, bells, flute and percussion are filling the air with lots of wonderful and entertaining music for everyone, thanks to a concert given by the Dayton Area Harp Ensemble. You won’t need tickets or reservations, and the concert is always free for everybody. Bring lots of friends and have a great time with us! Our two Christmas concerts for you this year are:
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
7:00 P.M.
ST. LEONARD’S CHAPEL
8100 CLYO RD.
CENTERVILLE OH 45458

also

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17

7:00 P.M.
BELMONT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2701 S. SMITHVILLE RD. (CORNER OF BELAIRE AND SMITHVILLE RDS.)
DAYTON, OH 45420
We hope to see you in December with your singing voice and a VERY SPECIAL GUEST!!