Dayton Music

John Legend To Return to Springfield For Hometown Concert

February 8, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Nine-time Grammy winner and Springfield native John Legend will perform a live show on the campus of Clark State Community College March 1 in support of a nonprofit agency that’s working to make a positive impact on Springfield’s youth with a pre-concert college fair.

The Be About It Movement celebrates fathers and seeks to motivate them to step up and be involved in their kids’ lives. The agency seeks to leverage the combined strength of all of Springfield’s social agencies to improve the community and support families throughout the region.

The college fair will be held Saturday, March 1, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center at 300 Fountain Ave. in Springfield from 4 to 6 p.m. Families and students from all backgrounds and ages will benefit from the fairs participants and the resources they share.

The concert will be held in the same building from 7 to 9 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30. The show will feature local artists, including Vaughn Anthony, and will close with a performance by Legend.

Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at the Clark State Box Office Tuesday–Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (937) 328-3874.

The college fair/concert is the third Be About It Movement event since December 2012. Anthony, John Legend’s brother, is the founder of the nonprofit and is organizing the event.

See The Vision, Feel The Funk Ticket Contest

February 4, 2014 By Nikki Nett 6 Comments

Most Metro is giving away tickets to see The Ohio Players

Get Funky

The arctic temperatures have us all in a bit of a funk. The best way to warm your weekend up is with some fire. Fiiiire. It’s in your head now. Don’t be ashamed to stand up and sing it. Pay no attention to your co-workers staring at you awkwardly. They want to sing, too. Invite them to come along to the Love Rollercoaster (unless that violates your company’s HR policy, of course).

This weekend, funk is alive right here in Dayton, where it all started. Our very own, Ohio Players will take the stage at The Schuster Center to kick off the interactive Visual Voices art exhibit.

A collaborative effort between The Victoria Theatre Association and EboNia Gallery, Visual Voices: Visions of Dayton Funk tasked artists to create visual art pieces that reflect the feel of the “Dayton Sound”. To further examine that sound, students from Dayton Public Schools at the Ponitz Career Technology Center have interviewed the artists to provide the history which will allow the funk sound to move into the future with younger generations.

The night begins with The Dayton Funk All Stars bringing the Dayton sound to the stage. A brief intermission will allow more time to take in the art exhibit before the Ohio Players close out the evening as only they can.

Tickets for the event on Sunday, February 9th are on sale at ticketcenterstage.com.

The Ohio Players will perform Feb 9 at the Schuster Center

“Upside down on the big dip dipper

1,2, 1,2,3 I´ve got a ticket come ride with me…”

DMM has your ticket to see the Ohio Players, if you’re our lucky winner! Just like this story and fill out the form below, winner will be posted Wed night. [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Sleep Fleet Celebrates Release of New EP

January 30, 2014 By Dayton937 1 Comment

So far the new year in Dayton has brought great music around town for us all to enjoy! This weekend is no exception!

On Saturday, February 1st, Sleep Fleet returns to Dayton after six months – a time far too long for music fans. The Sleep Fleeters are releasing their brand shiny and new EP, Hudson & High, at a show at Blind Bob’s in our fine city. The album courtesy of the fine folks at Brain Candy Records is available at the band’s bandcamp page and is not to be missed.

Sleep Fleet is joined by the dynamic new trio Brat Curse! Their new self-titled record is another great new release for 2014! These ex-Pharohs musicians play a pop-tinged punk that is a reminder of the excitement of the D-I-Y and post-punk movements before alternative became commercial!

Dayton’s own Dear Fawn will be playing their first set with their all new five-person line up! You can hear some of Dear Fawn’s fine songs from their terrific CD, I Played the Queen on the band’s Soundcloud page! This is another new band that promises to be another great addition to our music scene.

Track List for Hudson & High

	1.	I Wanted It All 02:04
	2.	I’ll Stay 02:49
	3.	Happy Alone 02:55
	4.	Chief 02:10
	5.	Three Sides 02:18
	6.	Why Don’t You Want Me? 02:39

Cross-posted at Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative

Crooks On Tape: Schmersal Putting ‘Fingerprint’ Back On His Hometown

January 30, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

John Schmersal is frantically running around his Los Angeles apartment during our recent phone conversation. In the background, you can hear him shuffling papers, closing and opening doors to what could be cabinets and his vehicle. “Sorry, I’m just getting everything taken of around here before I head out,” Schmersal says to me. He’s heading out to start touring around the United States and parts of Europe with his band, Crooks on Tape, and they’ll be stopping in Dayton Thursday night for an album release show at the Rockstar Pro Arena on East Third Street.

In 1994, Schmersal joined Dayton area band Brainiac. The band had originally formed in 1992 with vocalist/guitarist/keyboard player Tim Taylor, bassist Juan Monasterio, guitarist Michelle Bodine and drummer Tyler Trent. A typical Brainiac show would consist of an exhilarating high-energy mix of punk and electronic blasts.

With the shows being dubbed some of the best to catch, the band quickly received attention outside Dayton. They opened for bands like The Breeders and Jesus Lizard, and Beck. In 1993, Brainiac released their first album Smack Bunny Baby. After Bodine left, Schmersal joined and Brainiac went back to the studio soon releasing Bonsai Superstar. The following year Hissing Prigs in Static Couture dropped. The albums sparked major record labels to start coming and sign the band. Brainiac was ready to take the world by storm, and highlight just how incredible the music scene in Dayton was.

Then tragedy stuck. In 1997, a car accident took Taylor’s life, and soon after, the band disbanded. “We tried to make it work after his passing”, Schmersal said. “It just didn’t feel right.”

After the disbanding of Brainiac, Schmersal formed the band Enon in 1999 while living in New York. That band consisted of Schmersal and Rick Lee and Steve Calhoon, previously of the New York rock band Skeleton Key. Enon would follow the footsteps of Brainiac with synthesizers and with a number of percussion sounds that Lee created. The band would release their first full length album Believo! in 1999 with Onhold following in 2001, High Society in 2002, and Hocus Pocus in 2003. In 2005, Enon released Lost Marbles & Exploded Evidence, which was a collection of singles and internet-released songs along with a bonus DVD. 2007 came, and Enon dropped it’s final album Grass Geysers…Carbon Clouds, and disbanded for good in 2011.

In the winter of 2010, Schmersal and Lee met up with drummer Joey Galvan in Los Angeles. The plan was simple, according to Schmersal. “The three of us got together and started to jam out. See what happened. We didn’t record anything, which was really a shame.” Following the sessions, the trio realized they had something special. So, the next time they reconvened, they started the tape and began recording everything. Those sessions went on until the spring of 2012 and were then compiled and edited into Crooks On Tape’s first album Fingerprint.

Fingerprint is a dazzling display of the blending of Schmersal and Lee’s work with guitars, synthesizers, samplers, and loopers and Galvan’s drumming. “Galvan really brings a different style to the music. It really comes together”, Schmersal says.

The opening song, ‘Duper’ is full with compelling hooks that immediately grab your attention. The heavy-guitar riffs on ‘River Bait’ give you the glimpse on what Schmersal took out of the Brainiac and Enon experiences. Geto Boys sampled ‘A Hazmat Dream’ gives way to distorted vocals. The slow-build to quick finish ‘Clergyman Segway’ gives way to the dreamy, beautiful, R&B-like ‘Barging In’. Fingerprint doesn’t let you get you comfortable. It jumps around with all kinds of diverse sounds and rhythm. The improvisation of the recordings gives the album a freedom of experimentation, which is wonderful.

For Schmersal, the show Thursday will be a great homecoming for him. “I still have family around town. So it will be fun to get to see them, catch up, and enjoy being home again”, Schmersal said when asked about returning to Dayton. “It will be cool to see the old town again.” What’s even special about the return of Schmersal is the fact that Crooks On Tape’s Fingerprint is the first album released from their venture with Misra Records, now located in Dayton, Ohio. “Leo [DeLuca, head of Misra] and I was always kept in touch, and he really wanted to sign the band”, Schmersal explained.

Crooks On Tape are currently on tour, and will perform at the Rockstar Pro Arena Thursday night, starting at 7:30pm. $8 cover in advance and $10 at the door. The show is for all ages.

Fingerprint is now available from Misra Records.

Track List:

1. Duper

2. If Feelings Mean a Thing

3. Tito’s Riser

4. The Regiments

5. Melting the Ice

6. Summer’s End

7. River Bait

8. Milo’s Creeper

9. A Hazmat Dream

10. Wandered Again

11. Clergyman Segway

12. Barging In

Looking Forward to Days To Come

January 30, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

There are bands that become successful because of intense and expensive record company promotion that repeatedly tell us that this entertainer is a musician, regardless what your ears may tell you. There are bands that dominate the radio, the ‘net stream, and iTunes because they have a look. There are bands that become well known because of the producer that records the music, even before we hear that first chord. And there are bands that become successful for the simple reason that they are good, they successfully write music that captures the often ignored inner need we all have for a great song. Dayton’s own Motel Beds are one example of a band that is simply a good band that consistently delivers great songs.

With the Misra Records recent release of their recent collection, These Are The Days Gone By, PJ Paslowsky, Tommy Cooper, Ian Kaplan, Derl Robbins, and Tod Weidner remind us that even without the music industry machine, without some hypoallergenic created look, great music can not only be consistently created – it can be created in your home town.

Days starts with the eponymous album track, a rocking reminder that art and commerce should connect when the time is right. And for this band, the time is right with every song you hear on this collection. These are the Days Gone By – a standout track from the ‘Beds Tango Boys album – demonstrate the way that the guitars-bass-drums approach of rock and roll can still be made fresh and exciting. If you do not start to sway when you hear the twin guitars of Cooper and Robbins, you should check your pulse; and if the bass does not make you dance… “Well, how you feeling right now? Are you still with us?”

The next song Ocean Flows from the ‘Beds 2009 EP Go For A Dive connects the listener to the best in high intensity yet rocking lofi-ish sound. Songs such as this recall the early and best of bands like R.E.M. when the vocals did not have to be so highly mixed as to over-power the music. While this lesson is repeatedly ignored by Top 40 radio, The ‘Beds are able to make the most out of a mix that encourages the listener to feel the different instruments of the song. It is important to note that the current arrangement of Ocean Flows illustrates the impressive drop-your-jaw drumming of Ian Kaplan that becomes a full out attack on later ‘Beds recordings such as Sunfried Dreams and Dumb Gold. And live, wow… you will wonder how Kaplan can lift his arms after a show.

With Skymade Suit and Cactus Kiss the band reveals early ideas that will be more fully realized on later work. Skymade Suit was the first track on the ‘Beds 2003 EP Hasta Manana and show a different side to the band. Suit was recorded with only Paslosky, Cooper and Kaplan before being joined by current members Derl Robbins and Tod Weidner. The evolution of the band is demonstrated when comparing songs such as Skymade Suit and more recent work such as Surfjerk, Smoke Your Homework, and Valentimes. Cactus Kiss originally appeared on the 2007 collection Local Losers – a release to benefit WWSU radio — and then on The ‘Beds Moondazed album and more importantly helps place The ‘Beds into a constant evolving swirl of Beach Boys influenced rock psychadelia.

The alternative version of Sunfried Dreams is a welcome visit into the creative process of the band. It is one of only two songs on the album to include keyboards; the alt version of Dreams has a different all around feel than the version that ended up on the album of the same name. One has to wonder if this alternative version is a glimpse of a band that would have moved along a different path than the road taken.

Standouts on the record include Tropics of the Sand that include the vocals of the always terrific Kelley Deal (R. Ring, The Breeders), Surfjerk, Lights On and Smoke Your Homework – Songs that have long been featured on local radio, all four songs in rotation on WUDR. It is impressive how Paslosky and Deal wrap their vocals around the song. They sing and sound as if they have been singing together for years! When their cascading vocals hit the song title together, you believe that they are yearning for a tropic somewhere together. You feel it. With Lights On and Surfjerk you hear the welcome addition of Tod Weidner (Shrug and heck too many projects to list here). The additional strength on bass and on vocals on other tracks greatly strengthens the overall sonic texture of The Motel Beds. And if you have seen the band live, you know firsthand how much Weidner adds to the performance!

One of the best discoveries on the album is the cover – and it is the only cover on the album – of Matthew Sweet’s I’ve Been Waiting, an often overlooked track from his terrific album Girlfriend! The ‘Beds demonstrate their understanding of indie-college music by tacking the song and infusing urgency in the song that Sweet’s focus on classic indie-pop melody understates. The Motel Beds make the song feel more immediate and more plaintive than Sweet ever could. And considering that Matthew Sweet once had an indie hit with a song called Sick of Myself – that is really saying something.

Throughout all twelve tracks on this album you almost miss noting the captivating vocals of PJ Paslosky. Instead of grand standing and singing in some strange grandiose manner, Paslosky extends his voice in ways that draw the listener into the songs. Whether listening to an early song by the band or something from their latest album of new material, Dumb Gold, you find yourself drawn to him. Drawn not because of an industry manufactured buzz or some odd notoriety, but a gravity that a gifted vocalist creates.

Do not miss this collection – part retrospective, part review, and part exploration – consider this a road map of good songs for your music loving soul.

Information about the band can be found at motelbedsmusic.com and misarecords.com.

Track List for These are the Days Gone By:

1. These are the Days Gone By
2. Ocean Flows
3. Skymade Suit
4. Cactus Kiss
5. Surfjerk
6. Valentimes
7. Lights On
8. Western Son
9. Tropics Of The Sand
10. Sunfried Dreams (alternate version)
11. I’ve Been Waiting
12. Smoke Your Homework

Cross posted at Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative

REVIEW: Moshpits & Lighters IV Return to McGuffy’s

January 27, 2014 By Mike Ritchie Leave a Comment

Sleepers Awake (Samantha Stewart Photography)

On Saturday December 21, Daniel DeDoncker’s musical masterminded showcase of rock and metal returned to the scene of last year’s event to celebrate another year of great local, regional and out of state music. M&L alumni Amongst Villains, Avenue Sky and headliners In The Cut returned this year joined by 2013 newcomers Springfield’s Abrade the Regal, Gathering Mercury, Sleepers Awake, newly formed Soul Shadow, Columbus scene vets Overtheory and War of Change.

Columbus’ result of Tool, Opeth and Mastodon in a car wreck after killing the gecko and the cave man together, Sleepers Awake started the show with the eight minute Slave Within. The first 90 seconds sounding like Maynard Keenan fronting Opeth before Chris Thompson’s Akerfeldt growl hit. An acoustic laced metal tune with bits of Serj Tankian added in, playing four songs from the Ascensions record and taking their name from a line by Kyle MacLachlan’s character in Dune. Apparitions is another eight minute mood swinger of dark melodic blues, subdued singing and virtually growless. Saint Condemned is Opeth thrash meets death metal vocals tag teamed with impassioned singing and Burdened. Formed in 2005, their June released Ascensions is an homage to the prog-rock metal ingredients of their Canadian brethren. They’ve shared stage time with Ceterum, The Black Antler, Red Sun, Neon Warship and Grand Mammoth among others.

Soul Shadow

Dayton’s newest father and son double-team, times two Soul Shadow came out for their trial/baptism by fire playing their first live gig ever in front of a packed McGuffys house. The music’s definitely in the family for these guys as drummer Aaron Mayes is the offspring of singer/guitarist Kyle Mayes and bassist Justin Ankeney was reaped by guitarist Shad Ankeney. They’ll spend 2014 playing and recording, building a loyal army of Shadow Soldiers until world domination occurs. They debuted a set of originals and covers starting with the Mudvayne’ed beginning of Forgiveness with elder Mayes giving a BLS flavored singing style/biker’s growl to the lyrics. They then introduced the next metal Symphony of Destruction asking if everyone’s ready for some Metallica? Are you ready? Well, too damn bad, here’s some snarled Mustaine done Soul Shadow style. Old-schoolers that know their history laughed off such snide musical treachery. Their second original, a social commentary on governmental operation, growls you’re No Damn Good. We get the sweet demonic kiss of the zombie and one way ticket down highway 666 to 1965. A tribute to all those we lost in 2013 was played slow, with dark, deep reflections. For Now we must move on, but we will see them again.

Springfield’s Abrade the Regal is a band that has and will play, well, just about anywhere and seem to fit in no matter who’s on the bill. With a mix of grunge and rock, they can please just about any ear and leave it ringing. Starting with Fight for You, they mix a recipe of rock and STP meets Creed with the cretin Creedins rightfully getting their asses kicked. They don’t plan on stopping ever and will See You in the Afterlife at the great big gig in the sky. They spent most of their stage time Screaming at the World that there’s way too much to be pissed about. But they always Reach the End with style.

Gathering Mercury (Samantha Stewart Photography)

The new and improved Gathering Mercury version late 2013 and beyond debuted bassist Parisa Samavati and keyboardist Alyssa Welker playing with a harder more aggression edge. Singer/guitarist Ashley Stacy turned up the spunk and machismo, surrounded by a bill of heavier bands. They got Down With the Sickness immediately, showing off their Disturbed new creation. They brought out the tranquil Bliss to calm everyone down. While the rain brought floods outside, we got off on a Halestorm inside. They debut new tune Detox and play show set closer Carousel.

The second reps from C-Bus and returning M&L cast mates Amongst Villains brought back the hard driven southern rock sound that kept them coming back. Josh Marshall forsakes his seasonal sweater (bah, hum-bug) switching to denim, and we don’t blame him. They start with the anti-networking anthem Every Bridge Burned then Marshall laid his Henry Rollins singing voice on crowd pleaser Black River Ruin then hits vocal weight on Heavy Is the Crown. My Name In Vain’s Dave Nester helped out behind the kit. They came with mistletoe, warm salted nuts and kisses for everyone.

Overtheory (Samantha Stewart Photography)

Columbus scene vets Overtheory came to Dayton to spread their version of intellectual hard rock. Slamming bodies forward, they showed McGuffy’s what Alrosa, O’Shecky’s and all other venues ‘up the road’ already knew. Played crowd favorites for new ears Decide, Fatal Flaw, Break and new tune Solution, bassist James Guest, once again managed to not self-decapitate during the set, hard as he may try.

Dayton’s champions of Christ-like metal War Of Change came waving the flag of spiritual warfare high. Birthed early in 2012, they’re following in the hallowed footsteps of Alice in Chains, Pillar, Disciple, Pantera and many other metal warriors. Singer Johnny Baxter came out gas masked, dressed for combat. He’ll make you a believer of the shield and otherwise. Though he resembled a bearded Last Samurai, he charged the stage like a protesting/determined William Wallace ready to take a few souls to a better place. He pulled the best Lajon Witherspoon out of his throat for the bass-groovin opener Our Allegiance, singing out a loud battle cry for all our brave men and women fighting for our freedom. We’re put into the stranglehold of a Stronghold. They played the crimson Sabbath for U2 and on any given Bloody Sunday. Hero is about the ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. When the devil delivers temptation and brings the evil, This Means War. Speaking of temptation, Baxter also confessed to being a 20 year A-Z recovering addict, heroin bringing him to his knees during the last two. Finding God during a 2 year prison sentence and released in May 2010, he’s been clean for three years and three months, as he loudly, triumphantly proclaimed ‘yes, HE is real.’ They finish, filing a biblical Chapter 13 on Revelations refusing to be marked by the beast.

Avenue Sky (Mike Ritchie)

Back from Flint Michigan, Avenue Sky returned with new material and some familiar favorites. It’s another ‘show of a lifetime’ and was the return of the Day of the Intruder for these hard rock melody makers. What We Seek takes a hard thumpin sound of Disturbed with some metal-core screams slide-fingering into some nice metal rhythms. The slow but heavy beginning melody of Pattern of Descent took us ‘down there’, picking up some meaty riffs on the way below. They slowed it down (a little) with the speed of Dragonflies, playing rock that could blow out most coffee house windows. They paid tribute to the Deftones with the dreamlike eerie Passenger car ride with Matt from In The Cut. They also paid tribute to Iron Maiden on the opening riff of Don’t Make Waves. Avenue Sky incorporates hard rock melodies, with loud, heavy riffs borrowing from both metal-core and NWOBHM bands creating a distinct musical hybrid of Lamb of God, Disturbed and Deftones.

In the Cut (Mike Ritchie)

Event MC’s In the Cut took the stage to the late night devoted standees. The Xmas Aftermath intro played signaling in the hellaciously happy holiday season and maybe taking a piece from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Opening up Wasted, they played two new tunes but there’s Dust on the lyrics sheet as DeDoncker multi-tasks. They go six degrees of Kevin Bacon on Tremors. They got the Eye of the Tiger for Rocky IV displaying a profound love for 80’s training montages with the song they ripped off/wrote No Easy Way Out. F-Drago! Apollo lives and comes back as a robot to fight later (it was past midnight and past a few drinks). Until the End came off the new CD, a fun fan sing-along. In the words of hand-written guitar slogans everywhere, lettuce faq and Cross the Rubicon. Also from the new CD, Our Hearts Our Fire followed by dark ballad If Tomorrow Never Comes. DeDoncker took a minute as the set progressed to introduce/serenade the family matriarch as Mrs. DeDoncker had the best seat in the house. The next tune they wrote in the 70’s and sold it to a little known band (at the time) called Journey. Then they went their Separate Ways. They’re headlining the fourth Moshpit & Lighters show and thankfully no one Left Bleeding. Some of their shows have been known to Break personal-space boundaries. They reminded us we’re all imperfect mortals trying our best to walk the right path From Eden to Exile. They finished the fourth M&L with some loving Hatred Divine encoring with an old-school tune all about Love.

Annual Music Festival Returns to Dayton: An Interview With Dayton Does Dayton’s Louie Wood Jr.

January 26, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

February 14^th and 15^th mark the fourth anniversary of the Dayton Does Dayton showcase, this year at Gilly’s. We sat down with the organizer of the D-does-D Fest, Louie Wood Jr., a life-long Daytonian at an area restaurant to talk about the event, the history of Dayton Does Dayton, and plans for the future.

Starting as a club dj and music fan inspired by underground dance shows and nightclubs in Dayton and Columbus, Louie was moved to start his own event where music, avant-garde performance, and creativity combined in a gestalt of music-inspired experience. “Dayton has always been a fertile ground for music. People love the underground in Dayton.” Following the influence of Tony Wilson with the 24 hour Party People movement that led to Factory Records and so many alternative bands and music, Louie followed the example of building community in the city of Dayton. “If we bring people who love music, dancing, and new experience, then we are really building something that matters.”

Given a lack of progressive music opportunities in the city, like many Dayton music fans, Louie contributed to the effort in Dayton to establish more opportunities for bands and musicians. The Do-It-Yourself attitude and aesthetic common to the post-punk movement of the ’80s alternative music scene nationally (The Smiths, The Cure, Depeche Mode) and locally (GBV, The Breeders, Branniac) led to such innovations as the Dayton Dirt Collective, Canal Street Tavern, and Dayton Does Dayton.

“We were trying to do something that was more than just something to do,” Louie told DaytonMostMetro on a sunny yet all too cold January 13^th, “we brought like-minds together from around the area to create a music experience.” And people appreciate the effort, Louie noted: “Even in a middle of a blizzard, we can have 100 people show up.”

Without resources several years ago, a collective of musicians, performers, and people looking for something more from the music scene came together. In the beginning this started as a band-focused tribute show. “Our first tribute show was for The Smiths – our very first show was a Smiths/Morrissey tribute we called Every Day is Like Sunday, and the project grew organically from that idea of trying to introduce music lovers to indie, local and new music.” The theme of covering other bands was used purposely as a creative device to introduce people to music that was not offered in the shrinking number of music shops and the increasing dominance of malls and the alienating and haphazard experience of online music shopping. “We discovered that you could use songs and bands that people were familiar with to also introduce them to new songs, new music.” So, the idea of a combination of covers and originals became central to the Dayton Does Dayton approach as a way to bring people together in community through music. The Dayton Does Dayton experience had from the beginning only original bands performing both their own music and doing covers in the band’s own style. This is an important part of the experience, doing covers as a way to introduce the bands and their sound, not being cover bands.

In true punk rock style, people contributed time and energy to build an event that while keeping a format that includes both originals and covers, still remains true to the original idea of creating a space for new music. Louie recalled the development of what becomes known as Dayton Does Dayton: “Jay Madewell worked as a stage manager and contributed his drum kit and bass for the weekend so that set changes between bands could be fast. Rich Reuter helped organize this first event.” As Louie told us about the coalescing around his idea, he noted that Chris Wright made posters that captured people’s attention — all of this in order to fill an untapped need in the city. “People pulled together.” He went on to note that the effort, several years later remains focused on the community-focused organizing approach. “This is not a show built on a single crowd, we avoid cliques, and we want to remain true to the idea of bringing bands that people may not have heard of together alongside established bands and musicians. People come to these shows for the music. And that is the reason for Dayton Does Dayton.”

In order to present so many bands in a short time – the fifth festival has over twenty acts – “we ask bands to practice two to three months before the show. We keep things tight. Each band has the same amount of time thirty to thirty-five minutes with a short ten minute switch in-between bands.” “Bands understand. Musicians understand. They know – and they need to know and understand the process that we are following. We want to show as much music as we can in a short amount of time.”

And the approach has worked. Many bands, estimates range to over thirty percent of original area bands have found opportunities to play at the Dayton Does Dayton show which creates connections between music lovers and bands doing original and creative music. Bands like Broken Lights, Gathering Mercury, Sleep Fleet, and many more have found that Dayton Does Dayton is an opportunity to make connections to the community. Louie noted that fact is one of the key to the longevity of the festival. “Every band is different. Lots of genres are represented in what we do.” This is not just an accident but remains part of the purpose of the festival. “If we are trying to introduce great music and bands to the city, we need to create an opportunity for bands that sound different. We cannot just have one band after another play who all sound the same. Originality, creative differences between bands, sounds… that is important.”

If this sounds like a demanding opportunity for bands, it is not. Most of the bands who are contacted stay on the bill. “Most of the bands stay with us. Very few bands will drop off the bill. And that is important. We get general public interest in the bands. They bring their friends to the show and they not only see their friends play but they see other bands. Even musicians become introduced to something new.”

Thinking about the event in February, Louie noted that there are several new and important changes for the Dayton Does Dayton show: “this is our first time playing Gilly’s. For the past five years we have been at the Canal Street Tavern. So, this show marks a change for us. We have a new venue, several new hosts [Niki Dakota, Rev. Cool, the Dean of Dayton music Mr. Don Thrasher] and even a secret guest MC.” Louie noted that the secret master of ceremonies, “if you are there it will blow people’s minds.” This effort to evolve is as central to Dayton Does Dayton, as to the music performed itself. Louie also noted that this is the only festival that has since it started incorporates a full array of experiences. He noted that Dayton Does Dayton will not only have 20 bands but also belly dancing — courtesy of The Fire Lillie’s — and burlesque featuring Miss Theresa Burlesque Presentation with Veronica Laine as part of the show. “We can’t just do the same thing each show with the same bands. We have to evolve. It like the saying that people not from here [Dayton] say about us: ‘They keep truckin’ in Dayton.”

When asked about the future of Dayton Does Dayton, Louie noted that he is organizing an R.E.M. tribute tentatively titled ‘What’s the Frequency, Dayton?’, more 80s rewind shows, more local tributes (The Breeders, Guided by Voices, Branniac, The Ohio Players), and seeking out the mix of creative music, performance, and experience that have been a hallmark of the D-does-D experiences of the past. “We are the only show that I know who has belly dancers, MCs, so many different bands, and more.” In summing up the Dayton Does Dayton experience, Louie noted that “We want to continue to provide a unique opportunity for bands. The Gilly’s show demonstrates that fact. “The upcoming show at Gilly’s is the first time some bands will have performed in that space. If we can help create those connections, then that helps move the level of the music experience in Dayton.”

“The reason to come to the show is simple. Experience the bands.”

Dayton Does Dayton Fourth Anniversary Show

Gilly’s, downtown, 132 S Jefferson Street in downtown Dayton
Friday and Saturday Feb 14th and 15th, 2014
$7 per night, with free parking.
The show begins 8:00pm sharp on both nights.

Dayton Does Dayton is presented by Louie wood Jr aka DJ MisterKid/MidWest Promo, and Mick Montgomery/Canal Street Concerts.

Approximately thirty minute set per band/musician, with a short ten minute wait in between each band/performer. Dayton Does Dayton will be hosted by Rev. Cool, Niki Dakota, Don Thrasher, and a SECRET GUEST MC for this show.

Dayton Ohio bands at this event will be doing their originals, and unique covers/spins of other Dayton Ohio bands that have influenced them, both from the past and present. The covers include international hit songs, local hits, and local favorites. Louie noted that: “We have the taste and styles of all kinds of Dayton music at this show. It is the only show like it in the world, literally.”

Featuring live band performances and more by:
Gathering Mercury
Cinder Home
The Repeating Arms
William The Accountant
The Broken Lights
Dark Backward
The Leap Years
Free Fall Theory
GEM CITY
Libby Gill
Emma Woodruff And The Ruffians
the Curious Sound
Reyna with Dana Farley
Paradijm Shift
Curse of Cassandra
Paige Beller
Dave Frickin Berry with Adam West
Kevin Heider and band.
The Fire Lillie’s Belly Dancing Presentation (Friday)
Miss Theresa Burlesque Presentation with Veronica Laine (Friday)
This is a DJ Mister Kid Presents MidWest Promo/Mick Montgomery/Canal Street Concerts Annual Event

Concept by Rich Reuter
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Motel Beds Celebrate New Album, New Record Deal With A Special Twist

January 14, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Ian Kaplan, drummer for the Dayton rock band Motel Beds, is sitting at one of the tables near the bar area at South Park Tavern with myself and the band’s manager, Dave Obenour. The establishment has a pretty decent crowd on this night, even with snow blanketing the city. The mix of classic rock along with some other genres is blaring through the speakers. The superior collection of beers and their fantastic pizza once again gives the patrons the feeling of ecstasy and fulfillment. To those who come here frequently, it’s just another night. While sitting at our table, Kaplan leans his back on the column that is positioned right behind him. While I was drinking one of the assortments of MadTree Brewery that South Park Tavern has on tap and Obenour was taking in his beer of choice, Kaplan slips on a glass of water with a lemon floating around with the ice cubes. It seems that he is savoring this evening at the tavern.

In all actuality, this evening at the tavern is probably a nice break from the chaotic road that Kaplan and his other band mates (Tommy Cooper, Darryl Robbins, PJ Paslosky, Tod Weidner) have been traveling on. For starters, the group re-released their 2011 album Sunfried Dreams on vinyl for the first time in July from Brian Candy Creative and threw a vinyl release party at Blind Bobs. In August, two huge events took place: the band signed a deal with Misra Records and played at the Fraze Pavilion located in Kettering, Ohio. This Saturday, Motel Beds will be releasing their first album under the Misra Records label These are the Days Gone By and will be playing a show at Yellow Cab.

The signing of Motel Beds to Misra Records is one of the recent big splashes for the label. Leo DeLuca, who is part of the folk rock band Southeast Engine, took over the company in 2010 from Cory Brown. Brown, who is owner of Absolutely Kosher Records located in Emeryville, California, signed Southeast Engine while he was running Misra. When DeLuca took over, he operated the label in Durham, North Carolina till 2012. At the time he decided that it was time to pack it up and move back to his hometown, Dayton. DeLuca has signed R. Ring, which features The Breeders’ Kelley Deal and Ampline’s Mike Montgomery, and also has released the debut album from Crooks on Tape (which includes Brainiac’s John Schmersal).

“I have talked to Leo a couple of times over the past couple of years”, Kaplan said on the beginning of Motel Beds being signed on to the label. “I think he saw the momentum building and he said let’s try this out. We were very flattered.”

These are the Days Gone By will consist of 10 songs that the band has previously released over the years, along with two never-before-released tracks.

“With us getting signed with Misra and us being together for 10 years, Leo wanted to put out a ‘retrospective’ of sorts”, explained Kaplan. “We thought that this would be a good introduction for people who don’t know us yet.” These are the Days Gone By has been remastered by Carl Saff, who has helped master albums by Guided by Voices, Dinosaur Jr. just to name a few. Another new wrinkle to the album, Weidner went back and added bass parts to the songs. For fans that have come to know and love the band, they will be thrilled to have this as part of the already impressive catalog that the band has released. For folks that will be hearing the band for the first time, they will be experiencing the band’s eclectic blend of surf rock to the hypnotic lo-fi play. The songs are quick in time with most not going longer than 3 minutes, but leave a long-lasting impression that make you continue coming back for more. To most around the Dayton area, Motel Beds is one of the premiere bands that give outsiders an inside look at just how good our scene is here.

The first 500 LP’s released will have a little something distinctive. Each of the album covers has been individually hand-painted by the artists at We Care Arts, which is located locally in Kettering, Ohio. We Care Arts is a non-profit organization that helps emotionally, mentally and physically disabled adults and youth achieve greater personal independence. To do so, We Care Arts provides a variety of art classes and experiences. They also promote the artist’s individuality, self-esteem, community skills, and ability to focus, life skills, responsibility, confidence and job skills. Extensive training is provided for each artist in a creative area appropriate for his/her interests including painting, pottery, computer art/design, jewelry making and sewing. Through the creation and sale of their individually crafted items, artists are able to affirm their self-worth, take steps back into the mainstream of society and receive a supplemental income. We Care Arts provide all training and materials to artists and a portion of the proceeds of all sales is returned to the artist. The remainder goes back to program funding.

Portions of the sales from These are the Days Gone By will be donated to We Care Arts. The band posted on their Facebook page recently some of the covers that will be gracing the cover, and the response was incredible. “We are getting interest from all over the United States and we even had someone from Europe wondering how they could get their hands on one of them”, Kaplan revealed. This past Sunday, the band, along with Obenour, went to We Care Arts to check out the album covers and filled the sleeves.

The Motel Beds plans for 2014 as of now include performing at their second South By Southwest Music Festival between March 11-16 in Austin, Texas. They will be also performing at the Nelsonville Music Festival in Nelsonville, Ohio on the weekend of May 29-June 1. Motel Beds also plan on playing some other shows on top of those two festivals. Most importantly, their second album under the Misra label will be started. “We have been writing for over a year already”, Kaplan stated. “We really want to keep our hand close on this next one and really knock it out of the park.”

Before the shows start to come, before the chaotic rush begins again, Kaplan was able to take a deep breath and relax for a second on this cold and snowy evening at South Park Tavern.

And that was plenty good for him.

Motel Beds will be releasing a soft, limited release of These are the Days Gone By and will be playing alongside Good English and Smug Brothers at Yellow Cab this Saturday night. Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm. To purchase your tickets early, click on this website: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/546766.

Here is the track listing for These are the Days Gone By:

1. These are the Days Gone By

2. Ocean Flows

3. Skymade Suit

4. Cactus Kiss

5. Surfjerk

6. Valentimes

7. Lights On

8. Western Son

9. Tropics Of The Sand

10. Sunfried Dreams (alternate version)

11. I’ve Been Waiting

12. Smoke Your Homework

UD To Host Film, Discussion Series on American Music

January 14, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The University of Dayton will host “America’s Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway,” a six-part film and discussion series about uniquely American musical genres including blues and gospel, Broadway, jazz, bluegrass and country, rock n’ roll, mambo and hip hop.

Each two-hour session will explore an American musical style through film and discussion led by a University of Dayton faculty member. The University is one of 81 sites nationwide selected to host the series. The series is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

“We are thrilled to participate in this exciting program that will explore different types of music, show how modern music has been influenced by older styles and bridge gaps among generations,” said Katy Kelly, communications and outreach librarian and project director.

The series will be complemented by an art exhibit by ArtStreet students and a closing celebration of art, food and musical performances.

All film screenings and discussions are 6-8 p.m. at ArtStreet, Studio B:

“The Blues and Gospel Music,” Tuesday, Jan. 21. Discussion led by Jim Hiller, a guitarist and singer, scholar of American popular song and music therapy lecturer. It will explore the birth of the blues from its African roots to its eventual prominence in places like Memphis, Chicago, New York and beyond. Films: “Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues” (2004) and “Feel Like Going Home and Say Amen, Somebody” (1983).
“Tin Pan Alley and Broadway,” Thursday, Feb. 6. Discussion led by Hiller exploring the 100-year history of musical theater and the story of its relationship to 20th-century American life. Film: “Broadway: The American Musical” (2004).
“Swing Jazz,” Tuesday, March 4. Discussion led by John McCombe, professor and director of undergraduate studies in English. Session spans nearly a century of jazz styles, while also highlighting America’s first integrated all-women swing band. Films: “Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns” (2000) and “International Sweethearts of Rhythm: America’s Hottest All Girl Band” (1986).
“Country Music, from Bluegrass to the Nashville Sound,” Thursday, March 13. Discussion led by Hiller; session traces the emergence of bluegrass from Appalachian descendants of Scotch-Irish settlers into a popular subgenre of country music. Film: “High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music” (1994).
“Rock,” Thursday, April 3. Discussion led by McCombe; explores the birth of the blues out of the Mississippi Delta. Film: “History of Rock ‘N Roll” (1995).
“From Mambo to Hip Hop,” Thursday, April 10. Discussion led by McCombe and Thomas Morgan, associate professor of American and African-American literature. Session explores how mambo — the Cuban hybrid of traditional danson fused with syncopated Afro-Caribbean rhythms — migrated to New York City from Havana in the 1940s and broke social and musical rules. Films: “Latin Music USA: Bridges”(2009) and “From Mambo to Hip Hop” (2006).
VOICES: America’s Music. March 25-April 25, ArtStreet Studio D Gallery. Reception, 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15. ArtStreet student exhibit of music, photography and visual art.
1World Celebration, 7-10 p.m., Friday, April 25, ArtStreet Amphitheatre. This second annual event brings together the diverse voices and creative minds of the University of Dayton together with those from the city of Dayton in an end-of-the-year art, food and music celebration.
“America’s Music” is a project by the Tribeca Film Institute in collaboration with the American Library Association, Tribeca Flashpoint and the Society for American Music, through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.

For information and to register for the film series, visit http://www.udayton.edu/libraries/events/americasmusic.php or call 937-229-4274.

Motel Beds ‘These are Days Gone By’ Vinyl Pre-Release show

January 13, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The fantastic Motel Beds are presenting a rare opportunity for Dayton and Miami Valley music fans on January 18th (doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm sharp — so get there early)!

In conjunction with We Care Arts and Misra Records, The Motel Beds invite you to join them as they review their musical career with friends and musical allies Smug Brothers and Good English at an All Ages show at the Yellow Cab building on Saturday, January 18!

The ‘Beds are doing what we call a soft, limited release of a retrospective that they are titling after one of their best songs, “These are the Days Gone By.” 500 hand-painted LP covers will be available at the show. The artists at We Care Arts who will receive a portion of the proceeds — created the unique and distinctive covers (some of which you can see on the poster to the right). This is a soft, pre-release — meaning you cannot get this anywhere else — for the first 500 LPs and only the first 5oo; they’ve all been hand-painted by the artists at We Care Arts (“changing disabilities into possibilities”) you can learn more about WCA at their website – http://www.wecarearts.org/. The album will be released internationally later in 2014 on Misra Records.

According to the band, “These are the Days Gone By” is a collection of Motel Beds singles, outtakes, and live favorites that represent the history and development of the band. The songs have been remastered by Carl Saff (Dinosaur Jr, GBV, etc) and include added bass parts by local Dayton music legend, Tod Weidner. This is a musical experience not to be missed!

BIO FOR MOTEL BEDS “THESE ARE THE DAYS GONE BY” (courtesy of The Motel Beds)

MOTEL BEDS are a rock & roll band from Dayton, Ohio – a delightfully detached underdog city nestled in the heart of The Heartland. Seasoned veterans, Beds have worked alongside local music advocates Kelley Deal (Deal duets on the lusciously hushed “Tropics of the Sand”) and Robert Pollard (guitarist Derl Robbins has recorded Guided By Voices). Allies aside, when it comes to rock & roll, The Motel Beds speak for themselves.

“These Are the Days Gone By” reveals the fruits of Beds’ labor these latter years. The album is an electrifying collection of “hits,” remastered by Carl Saff (GBV, Dinosaur Jr., etc.) and featuring added bass parts by new(est) member and local ace Tod Weidner. Over a 12-song cycle, the proficiency with which Tommy Cooper and P.J. Paslosky (Motel Beds’ core songwriting duo) augment a solid hook is clearly set on display.

While “Days” largely finds Ian Kaplan at work as one of the finest rock drummers around today (not an embellishment), Beds demonstrate their versatility with two never-before-released tracks: a poppier version of 2011’s “Sunfried Dreams” and a beautiful acoustic cover of Matthew Sweet’s “I’ve Been Waiting”; the latter proving Paslosky to be much more than a rock vocalist. In addition to recording Motel Beds in a visionary manner, guitarist Derl Robbins adds his own unmistakable style and sound.

True to Dayton (see GBV’s “Propeller”), the first 500 LPs are all one-of-a-kind. Each cover was individually hand-painted by the artists at We Care Arts: a non-profit dedicated to “changing disabilities into possibilities.” A portion of the proceeds from these first 500 will go to benefit WCA.

In his glowing review of “Dumb Gold” (2012), AllMusic Senior Editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted, “[This] is an album that deserves to break them out of the Rust Belt and onto the larger stage; it’s one of the best straight-ahead indie rock records of 2012.” “Days” takes all of “Dumb Gold’s” assets – song writing, hooks, musicianship, energy and ups them ad infinitum. It’s a remarkable rock record and one that finds Motel Beds carrying the torch for Dayton, Ohio’s independent music scene.

Track List:

Cross posted at Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative

Crooks on Tape Show on January 30th

January 12, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Misra Records artist Crooks on Tape will be in Dayton on January 30th with Swim Diver, Bearer of Bad News and Swarm at Rock Star Pro Arena.

CROOKS ON TAPE is John Schmersal (Enon, Brainiac), Rick Lee (Enon, Skeleton Key, Butter 08) and Joey Galvan (Mannheim Steamroller, Anthrax). The band was created out of a simple idea of discovery and musical creation – in their own words: “convene, improvise, and record every moment.” You can listen to their record Fingerprint at The A.V. Club website. Crooks on Tape have been described by this columnist as an exciting and rocking John Cage and Philip Glass sound experiment! Do not miss this opportunity to see them in the area.

Swim Diver is an exciting new band featuring members of Brainiac, Captain of Industry, Oh Condor, Me & Mountains, Human Reunion, The Dirty Walk, and Vinyl Dies. Swim Diver’s music is based on appreciation of the grand and glorious Dayton music tradition. If you are a fan of rock and roll that appreciates your intelligence, than this band is for you.

Bearer of Bad News— one of Dayton’s finest hard rock outfits is also on the bill for that evening with music that melts the rusted fields of the Miami Valley into a sonic attack that is cathartic and empowering at the same time. Swarm plumbs the noise-metal-thrash adrenaline rush of 80s and 90s punk into an organic cacophony of sound with social, cultural and political criticism.

This show promises to be an exciting evening of musical exploration. This is an opportunity to see some terrific bands! Go here to check on PRESALE TICKETS!

Cross posted at Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative.

REVIEW: Bobaflex Plays Black Friday

January 8, 2014 By Mike Ritchie Leave a Comment

Bobaflex on stage at McGuffy’s (Niki Forte Photography)

Bobaflex is West Virginia’s answer to the finest cut high-octane spit and shine hillbilly rock this side of the rolling river. They came, played, kicked ass and left. They also braved to play on the one day where the rough, riotous crowds and moshpits were more dangerous at any given retail giant than at any sophisticated metal show. Where the fights draw blood, especially with high-heels and the deal/discount diving shoppers have less mercy than angry drunks in a Slayer pit (concert goers at least have the common courtesy to help each other up when they go down before the mauling). They came to Dayton on the blackest of days and the only Friday more infamous and violent than the 13^th.

McGuffy’s will compensate you, if no one survives Black Friday, Bobaflex. Luckily plenty of people did and showed up for a raucous good time. ViFolly braved the Dayton traffic along with returning Columbus artists Xfactor1 and Dayton’s own Black Cloud Syndrome.

Xfactor1 (Niki Forte Photography)

Making their first appearance since Halloween, the out of costume Xfactor1 returned with seven songs that would make great stocking crushers for all the little naughty elves in the family. In Gibson and sunglasses we trust, however QBall just doesn’t look the same without the bloody surgical scrubs, though he performs with the passion of a natural born killer. They open with It’s My Life, because without girls, there’s no guys. Over and Out is more than CB talk, it’s a deep, emotionally played, melodious tune with tone and feeling. QBall pulls out Scott Stapps voice giving it a darker, harder Vedder edge. The light will follow even if they Paint It Black. Who doesn’t wanna be like a Rolling Stone?

The day after Thanksgiving’s the biggest shopping/party day of the year. Time to Live Another Day and find a way to survive. The next song’s about pulling the best part of yourself out and being that person every day because we must believe in ourselves and have Hope For Tomorrow. Whatever technology and industry brings, they can’t tear us away from our humanity or Break You down because no matter how much convenience comes, real-life hard work and passion cannot be faked. They break out Rock on the Range tune Never Live then get a little extra ‘exercise’ putting some metal thumpin power behind the Stroke. Peace love and alcohol.

ViFolly (Niki Forte Photography)

Straight from Eaton/New Lebanon/Cincinnati, ViFolly bring an impressive resume to the stage: recording music for Bret Michaels’ Rock of Love: Bus and Rock of Love alumni Taya Parker. They’ve also played live at MMA fights in Cleveland and there’s talk about future fights in other states as well.

All songs are written, recorded and pre-produced by ViFolly in their recording studio in Eaton Ohio. They’ve worked with Bon Jovi’s producer Fab Dupont and will be releasing a new record in March with Dupont at the helm. Playing over 100 shows in 20 states in 2011, they’ve opened for Seven Dust, Jackyl, Drowning Pool, Sick Puppies, Tantric, 60 date tour with Hawthorne Heights, Saliva, members of (Molly Hatchet, Black Foot and Lynrd Skynrd) and the list goes on.

They take a rock sound inserting high, sometimes frantic notes giving an unsettling, melancholy feeling to the music with a mixture of Bush vocals and Tool tones. The guitar whistle’s the opening of Kettle Doll then the guitars go nuts on Crazy. Sweet Revenge has those weird notes, sweating off sanity. The seven minute opus Feathers starts swimming in guitar tranquility, turning up the rock with haunting harmonies, singing us a wicked little nursery rhyme Opeth style. Under scarlet lights we feel the Burn as dreamlike, nightmarish notes escape the stage. They also play tracks from the upcoming CD, All For Nothing and Heaven Help Me. Finishing as King(s) of the Castle, they’ve taken the dark side of the Beach Boys, and adding some of that haunting calm Opeth charm.

Black Cloud Syndrome (Niki Forte Photography)

Black Cloud Syndrome brings the heavy hard rasp of Shannon’s Bobby Blitz meets David Draiman with R Lee Ermy commanding vocals. They enjoy their Freedom and love to sing it. Music’s in their blood, have another shot; its 100 proof metal strong; it’s a Revolution Rising. There’s some guitar churning, slow heavy groove in this Never Ending War to Exposure the Truth with some heavy drilling sound. Nobody Rides 4 Free, you have to earn your metal keep. I Am has a disturbing influence as Planet X comes to ya live from the shed to the McGuffy’s stage. They finish with the newest F’n song Stand and Fight!

Bobaflex are supporting their newest CD Charlatans Web, now available, with the first single Bad Man charting at #34 (BDS) and #35 on (Mediabase). CW is their follow up to 2011’s Hell In My Heart featuring stage anthem Bury Me With My Guns On (inspired by The Preacher comic), Chemical Valley and the Simon and Garfunkel inspired Sound of Silence. Formed in 1998, the ‘flex is one of the hardest working bands in the country, the heart and soul of the McCoy brothers, Shaun and Martin, actual descendants of the Hatfield/McCoy legacy. Though their side might’ve lost a few more than the other, anyone who’s seen or heard Bobaflex are the real winners. A historic truce was made between families in the early 2000’s. The band had their share of turmoil when an earlier label went bankrupt losing rights to their name and songs to a bank for a few years. Eventually getting them back, Charlatans Web is a satirical shot at the music industry.

And now a few choice words for a former manager… a mix of George Thorogood, Skynrd, Georgia Satellites, The Ramones and Wasp, Bobaflex emerges bringing the black-leather biker pride to the stage with a road-blistering sound. They’re motor-heads on diesel, steroid dust and gasoline dreams straight from the mind altering, booze guzzling Chemical Valley. They keep the loaded ride flowing and going swerving down the disillusioned road of the Low Life. We take a hit from the chemical valley one more time and Rise to the occasion with a loud battle cry, we’re not one of your kind. Better Than Me is visited from Apologize For Nothing. For all the online stalkers and voyeurs who love getting their sick-fix through the webcast feed, Pretty Little Things is your sweet unfiltered cyberspace song of fantasy, for a fee.

Bobaflex (Niki Forte Photography)

The next single from Charlatans Web, the excessively happy, sick, twisted, conniving glee of I’m Glad You’re Dead, has a nice sing along chorus. Sticking with the dark, decomposing and deadly theme we have a draining visit with the rock n roll Vampire. Life really sucks when you find the wrong succubus that leaches off you. There’s still more sin to indulge in as we get our love-sexy groove on swaggering down the neon lit halls of any said sex club, bottle in hand, working our way into a Slave state of mind, looking for a limber agile pole-rider.

We get down to the bottom of the bottle ready for more dirty behavior with the tambourine shaking, gypsy waltz and some filthy southern brewed blues, playing the Bad Man with the Charlatan watching from above. We get down to back-dirt roads stringed basics singing about Home, where the dream started and the stage, where the dream’s lived.

It’s all about the beautiful sickness we have inside; when we indulge ourselves we lose our minds. We enjoy the peaceful Sound of Silence courtesy of The McCoy’s and Simon and Garfunkel. Charlatan stretches out her treacherous black webbed claws one last time, if you’re entangled, you’ll Never Come Back. They make their last stand, true outlaw style going out in a blaze of glory, so they can be buried with their guns on. When they get to the other side, they can show what it feels like to die. When they fall from heaven they can shoot the devil right between the eyes, HEY!

Images courtesy of Nikki Forte Photography.

“Elvis” Live At Gilly’s

January 2, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Inspired by an Elvis performance he attended when 10 years old, Ryan Roth has since steadily worked toward a professional singing career. He was headlining a rock oldies show at Cedar Point by the age of 20.

He won ‘Be a Star” performing on TNN in 1994. Since then he has devoted himself to performing as Elvis, his greatest musical influence, bringing the excitement and entertainment to Elvis fans across the USA with a powerful tribute to the King.

Even Date and Time: Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 8:00 pm.

Cost: $10

Come out and support this talented and fun performer!

Jazzy Music Returns to the top of the Crowne

December 26, 2013 By Ron Gable Leave a Comment

The Chris Comer Trio will be performing at The VIEW 162 rooftop jazz lounge at the Dayton Crowne Plaza Hotel on New Years Eve, Dec 31 2013. The performance will begin 8pm through the Midnight hour. Chris Comer on piano, joined by longtime Dayton bassist Vinnie Marshall and on drums Bart Foster from Cincinnati, originally from Perrysburg Ohio. Chris Comer performs jazz standards and classic jazz compositions.

Having received the above on Chris Comer’s NYE gig got me to thinking about all the music Rosemary and I have taken in over the years at the top of the Crowne. Aside for our own Monday Night Jazz Series for one season (after football) we attended many events by the likes of Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers, the Shawn Stanley Trio, the John Slate Trio and Tammy Powell with Randy Villars. In life, things change; the hotel got new owners, remodeling began and the music dried up; After what seemed like a long dry spell I started receiving messages and flyer postings and recently attended musical entertainment by Randy Fankell, Deron Bell and James & Moore. There have been changes; the remodeling turned out extremely well and I’ll really miss some of the old acts but some things remain the same. The atmosphere is that of a true jazz lounge, laid back, relaxing and comfortable with one of the best views in town. They now call it “View 162” instead of “Top of the Crowne” but it’s still the best bad weather venue with Event Center parking and a skywalk right to the hotel for a great high and dry entertainment experience. One big improvement derived from the remodeling; the main dining room is next and open to the lounge area so now folks may choose to sit close to the music or pick a more remote location according to their desires.

As to celebrating New Years Eve, the Chris Comer Trio is a Cincinnati group that is quickly becoming a Dayton favorite at the Crowne. It’s my understanding the hotel has a special NYE dinner offering at $60 per person and there is no cover charge for the music, which has to make this one of the best New Year’s celebration deals around. Call in to confirm my information and to make your reservations.

More Upcoming Music at the Crowne:

Here is their January schedule – call the phone number below for times and information:

Sat 1/4-Deron Bell

Fri 1/10 James and Pamela Moore

Sat 1/11 Randy Fankell and the Jazz Militia

Fri 1/17 Tim Jennens

Sat 1/18 Chris Comer Trio

Fri 1/24 James and Pamela Moore

Sat 1/25 Tim Jennens

Cityfolk Passes Legacy to Local Universities

December 20, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

After several months of exploring its options, the Cityfolk Board of Trustees this week voted unanimously to dissolve the organization and transfer its assets to the University of Dayton. The transfer, expected to take place this month, will be the final step as Cityfolk closes its doors permanently.

According to Cityfolk president, Matt Dunn, the University of Dayton Arts Series has been a long-time partner with Cityfolk’s World Rhythm Series and a variety of residencies. In addition, the University’s ArtStreet and Fitz Center were partners in Cityfolk’s Culture Builds Community Program. As the sole recipient of Cityfolk funds held at The Dayton Foundation, the University of Dayton will build on the already existing partnership and be able to expand its programming to be more inclusive of jazz, a specific requirement of the funding.

Said Dunn, “The synergy between the Arts Series, ArtStreet, and the Fitz Center demonstrated to our board that the University of Dayton will be committed to opportunities that not only serve UD students, but the wider community as well.” Rather than being partners, Cityfolk will cease to exist as the University carries on Cityfolk’s legacy as a presenter. Several board members will serve on an advisory committee established by the University to oversee programming associated with the funding.

The partnership will help continue Cityfolk’s tradition of visiting artists who bridge performance and education, build relationships and create great music with students and musicians in the Miami Valley, said Paul Benson, dean of the University of Dayton’s College of Arts and Sciences.

“We welcome the chance to expand the university’s efforts to promote and present the arts to people throughout our community,” Benson said. “We are especially pleased to be able to continue the legacy of Cityfolk’s jazz programming, which occupies such an important place in America’s cultural heritage and in Dayton’s own artistic traditions.” For more on the University of Dayton’s vision for jazz programming, visithttp://bit.ly/1kmE7Fk.

The Cityfolk Board also decided to donate Cityfolk’s records and files – dating back to the origins of the organization – to the Special Collections and Archives of Wright State University where they will be cataloged and preserved.

“Cityfolk has a rich history and was an integral thread in the fabric of Dayton’s arts and cultural life,” Dunn said, “Preserving its history and making files available to be studied would inspire anyone interested wanting to know about traditional and folk music and its place in shaping our cultural heritage.” Among the files are recordings by artists presented by Cityfolk, stories from the Dayton Stories project, and files on every band and artist presented by Cityfolk.

The Cityfolk organization, which presented the Cityfolk Festival each summer, a concert season, folk dances, and educational programs announced in July it was suspending its operations for financial reasons. “Our decision was a difficult one, but the right one. Finding a successor to carry on our legacy was the appropriate thing to do,” said Dunn.

For more information about the University of Dayton Arts Series go to:http://www.udayton.edu/artssciences/artsseries/.

Enjoy a Free Sounds of the Season Concert

December 7, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Enjoy “Sounds of the Season,” a FREE concert featuring performances by members of the Chaminade Julienne Performing Arts Department. We cordially invite you downtown for a musical celebration of Christmas. The evening will feature sacred and secular songs performed by the concert choir, concert band, liturgical choir, percussion ensemble, string ensemble, Hands in Harmony, and a cappella groups Vega and Age V. Guests are invited to stay for refreshments following the concert.