Dayton Music

Gaelic Storm Comes to Dayton’s Victoria Theatre + TICKET CONTEST

February 15, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 12 Comments

GAELIC STORM returns to the Dayton area on February 20th at 8pm following the July 2011 release of their dazzling #1 Billboard World Album Chicken Boxer, a heavyweight record that comes out swinging with a mix of empowering anthems and traditional ballads. Chicken Boxer is Gaelic Storm’s third album to debut at the #1 sport on the Billboard World Albums Chart, with What’s the Rumpus? and Cabbage preceding it in 2008 and 2010 respectively. It is also the fifth album to be released on the band’s own label, Lost Again records, and shows the songwriting and musicianship of a band that has made their mark bringing fans to their feet two hundred days per year. With their signature acoustic production, GAELIC STORM blends indie-folk and world grooves with Celtic tradition to serve up a ringside seat for fifteen rounds of pugilistic poultry pounding sound. A regular at the Dayton Celtic Festival, GAELIC STORM will perform at the Victoria Theatre for the first time!

Through the course of nine albums, the core of Celtic-rock group Gaelic Storm—frontman Patrick Murphy and guitarist-vocalist Steve Twigger—have lived, written and recorded in the United States, far from the overseas environs of Patrick’s native Ireland and Steve’s birthplace of England. So when it came time to find inspiration for Gaelic Storm’s new album, the group’s chief songwriters decided a trip back across the pond was in order.

The result is the dazzling #1 Billboard World Album Chicken Boxer, a heavyweight record that comes out swinging with a mix of empowering anthems and traditional ballads, and the fifth to be released on the band’s own label, Lost Again Records.

“Twigger and I returned to Ireland, driving around the entire coastline in search of Irish music,” says Patrick. “Going back was great and we got some good stories and ideas for songs.”

“That was a really important trip to us,” agrees Steve, who produced the album with help from Patrick and drummer Ryan Lacey. Steve says the journey back to their musical home informs the new album. “The idea of home is all over Chicken Boxer. Whether home is where you were born or where you make your living, that theme runs throughout the album.”

Rounded out by drummer Ryan, piper Pete Purvis and fiddle player Jessie Burns, Gaelic Storm has earned a reputation as one of the world-music scene’s preeminent Celtic bands. With catalog sales of more than 1 million, the group has now had three albums debut at #1 on the Billboard World Albums Chart. (from GaelicStorm.com)

Tickets are on sale now through Ticket Center Stage for $21 each, and may be purchased at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office in downtown Dayton or by phone, at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630. Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, noon – 4 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coBIkX_3hL8′]

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

We have ONE PAIR OF TICKETS to give away to a lucky reader for the Gaelic Storm concert on Feb. 20th – simply fill out the form below and then leave a comment saying that YOU want to win tickets to see Gaelic Storm from Dayton Most Metro (tag us for extra love). We’ll announce a winner on Monday Feb. 18 – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to Laura Rea!

The Last Waltz: Bringing The Movie To Life

February 13, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

A still image from The Last Waltz

“You never know what to expect when they came on stage. However you know that it was going to be great.” This is what Jeff Opt said to me while the two of us sat around inside the Yellow Cab building. What he was referring to in his statement about of the iconic groups of the 60s, The Band. Jeff Opt is truly special. He is one of the main coordinators of the yearly event Dayton Sideshow, an annual two day event that highlights the unique art that is being done in town. Each year, the Sideshow will have a theme to the exhibition that will include a variety of work, which includes video, sculptures, paintings, photography, and live music from local bands. What the Sideshow aims to do is to help individuals obtain a platform to show off their creations, and also to celebrate the local art scene. If you haven’t been to one of the previous shows, do yourself a favor and check it out this year during the spring Urban Nights event, which will be taking place in May. While sitting at the Yellow Cab building, Opt talked about the joys of helping others achieve their dreams. “It’s a passion of mine. I love being able to help others.”

For a couple of years, Opt had been dreaming of doing a show that recreated The Last Waltz, the final concert that The Band would perform as a group on November 25, 1976 at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco (the same venue the group made its debut in 1969). The Band comprised of Rick Danko (vocals, trombone, bass, fiddle), Levon Helm (drums, mandolin, guitar, vocals), Garth Hudson (keyboard, trumpet, saxophone), Richard Manuel (piano, drums, saxophone) and Robbie Robertson (guitar vocals). The Band was a hybrid of many musical influences, with the Americana folk sound blending in with the psychedelic traits that bands from Cream to Led Zeppelin were built on. The statement mentioned earlier by Opt was true. The Band wasn’t the most polished group to come to the stage, but you always were in awe of the way they played music. It was beautiful how they would bring all these different components into their music.

Sadly, with Robertson wanting to have the group become strictly a studio-only band due to the exhaustion of always being on the road, along with Manuel suffering a severe neck injury after a boating accident, the group decided their to disband and have a farewell concert that will have some of the artists and bands that influenced them along the way, with a large horn section backing them. During the concert, artists from Eric Clapton, to Neil Young, to Bob Dylan performed as well. The show was filmed by director Martin Scorsese. In 1978, Scorsese released the documentary of the same name as the show, The Last Waltz. The movie featured concert performances, and interviews with the band. The Last Waltz is hailed as one of the greatest concert films ever made in many circles you talk to. On February 24th, Opt’s vision of bringing the show to town will become reality. “It is one of my favorite movies. I just think that it’s cool watching this great band play one last time. I thought it would be cool to recreate that movie.”

An all-star lineup of Dayton musicians rehearses for Such A Night in the Old Yellow Cab Building

Such A Night: A Celebration of The Band’s Last Waltz will be taking place at the legendary jazz club Gilly’s Niteclub, located on 132 S. Jefferson Street, in Dayton, Ohio. Close to thirty local musicians along with an eight piece horn section will bring the awe-inspiring film to life. “All these musicians are excited about being part of this project”, explained Opt. “Most of these guys have never played together. So, to see this coming together is really cool.” Opt has been working on this project since last October/November, calling up people that he knew would be great for the show. Each member will tell you one thing when it comes to the show, including Opt, “This show is going to blow some minds.”

The evening will not only be producing excellent live music, but it’s also going to be helping a cause that is going to help a great deal of people. All the proceeds from people walking in will go to one of the Miami Valley’s great nonprofit organizations, The Foodbank. Since 1976, The Foodbank has been helping a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, and backpack programs among others. Being the largest hunger relief agency in the Dayton area, a single dollar will be able to provide eight meals to the hungry. Nearly 5,000,000 meals a year are provided to children, adults, and the elderly. It’s just another gesture of gratitude that Opt gives of himself. “I am firm believer in helping others. I want to be a good role model for my kids.”

The buzz of Such A Night: A Celebration of The Band’s Last Waltz has been astonishing. The show was kept under wraps until the past couple of weeks. It’s now gotten to the point where a small amount of advanced tickets are able to be purchased. “I didn’t want to have a lot of people not be able to get to see the show. So by doing just a limited number of advanced tickets, it just gives people a chance to come and watch, and not be turned down”, Opt said. Opt believes strongly that the show will be something that people will be talking about for days after. He hopes that maybe if all goes well, maybe we will do something like this again next year and beyond. “I was asked about doing The Who’s Tommy. I think that would be cool, but let’s get Such A Night out of the way first (laughs)”, Opt mentioned. Something tells me that Such A Night is truly just the beginning.

Such A Night: A Celebration of The Band’s Last Waltz once again is on February 24^th. Show time is 7:30pm, and admission is $5. Donations will be accepted at the door.

Video from the original “The Waltz”

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_csn7KtVeOU’]

The Attic Celebrates Its Final Night

February 13, 2013 By Mike Ritchie Leave a Comment

Saturday January 26th over 700 kids jammed the Attic’s positive space to be part of the venues final loud shout out of all day music marathon. 15 bands played the Hot Head Burrito and main stage in door festival starting at 2:30 with States Away and finishing 8 hours later with Beneath the Sky. Bands sandwiched in between included Ignite the Empires, Strangers to Wolves, Witness, The Holy Guile and Hail to the King amongst others.

Event vendors No Where To Go Clothing also donated half the evenings proceeds to The Attic. A raffle was held for a signed Miss May I framed poster by Rockstar Energy, a Woe Is Me signed poster, CD and drumsticks and a Texas in July CD.

States Away

The day started with the high energy of States Away playing human bumper car on stage as they cranked out their pop punk set including I Tried so hard and Mean What You Say. Corey Davis’ Gerard Way influenced vocals carried the band’s sound. Formed in early 2012 they released their self-titled EP in June and plan on recording, playing shows and depending on the kindness of strangers for sleeping quarters on the road.

In Current Standing opened up the first set of heavy agonized screams, growls and a little calm singing mixed in, including some atmospheric laptop tech effects. Guitarist Trevor Strahans skull guitar breathed out some death heavy tunes including Virtues that prompted the day’s first ‘dance’ moves.

Ignite the Empires crash the stage banging heads with some Cheap Wine. The Attic Alumni return from previous shows including opening for A Plea For Purging to play and Piss Off the crowd with their own brand of loud, aggressive in your face noise. They played the guitar intricacies of Miles of Expectations like a thief in the night then told the tale of Xanie Annie before finishing off in a cartoonish manner playing a select tune for all the Family Guy fans.

We take a short acoustic break with the pierced soothing songs sung by rebellious Kevin Brewer including the Foo Fighters’ Hero.

Strangers to Wolves

Strangers to Wolves brought their snarling pop metal predatory music next. Silver bullets and fang prosthetics aside their sound echo’s the cold dark woods where the howls come from after midnight. They play an 80’s tribute to their namesake historical rival Lost Boys while sporting some hairy wolfish mullets. The night was guitarist Marcus Springer’s second show with the pack. A new EP will be coming out in March with the single Second Star on the Right.

It could be said that Permission to Live are just a bunch of good hearted, fun loving hard edged, hard wood surfer punks riding the wave to future success. A few new tunes in, they pay homage to Taylor Swift, say Final Goodbyes half way through and get a little Smashmouth bringing some VIP’s on stage to celebrate.

Can we get a Witness please? What we get are a bunch of loud, scream/singing loud blokes blending a computer enhanced sound with a warped mixture of pop sound and legit heavy metal cannon fire. Their opener off the Of Great Importance EP spreads F.E.A.R. throughout the building as they played crowd control during The Ledger, a cheery song dealing with the grief and sadness of loss; check out the video on YouTube.

Lammes Lane performed half their set under the man-made flashing light nightshade and stage mist resembling pillaging and plundering shadowed Viking warriors. They play their music like primal animals no matter Who’s at the Zoo. Their hard thrashing sound accompanied by Obituary meets Death vocals brought the crowd up and over the stage for Showtime. Though their music is Yet to be Scene, their debut CD will be available this spring.

Witness

We Are Forever from Indianapolis brought out the special lighting for their 2nd visit. All the girls screamed as they played tunes from their first record Seasons featuring Lights including Make It Through. Their sound is pretty upbeat pop with a high energy presentation.

Grim State play their music down in the heavy drudges and cold earthen woods where they bring us Creeps, Sheep and Deadbeats. Only songs like Solitude and Valor are slow and trudgy enough to come from the darkest forgotten holler. Also songs like Madness, Illness and Torn show just how Volatile and Unstable these Dayton boys are.

Remember When is a five-some power pop band riding high on the momentum of their Save Your Wishes EP, touring with bands such as Miss May I and their new EP He Said, She Said played with high pop precession.

The next act starts with a pretty Cool Story about a band from around these here parts somewhere. They spread their Holy Guile all over the damn place with wicked spewing venom vocals on full rotation, blasting drums, a unique unsuspected cathedral, turntable effects conglomerate with inserted black metal and techno elements to trans-mutate into a chaotic gelatinous mass of metal love and torture. Imagine a holy conversion by Dani Filth backed by Crowbar cranked to hyperdrive. The next songs called Hey Zeus, Yeah, Zeus! As in, father of Apollo? Mt. Olympus? Don’t mess with them or they’ll shove a lightning bolt somewhere special, Zeus! And you better not have a problem with that. All’s good but noisy tonight in Idahoe.

When imagining Hail to the King, think of Fear Factory with an even more pissed off sounding Burton C. Bell in the form of Kody Hale meets Meshuggah, intensity like a thousand screaming armies and aggressive insanity like the screaming mind of a raging psychotic. Hell explodes raining hails of inner earth onto the ground, through the acrid smoke and debris Hail to the King emerge. They clamp on an iron clad Contagion Clasp and Go for the Throat with a malevolent decimation of sound and some nice melancholy guitar notes. They bring everyone together, pit by pit. They play the lovely sounding Starletta then Saud Ahmed of The Holy Guile came out to help harmonize on one of their louder tunes. They thank the crowd with a final pummeling Gutshot shaking the ribs and rumbling organs.

Cincy’s bloody birds pecking at the body of Christ celebrate their second record A Feast for Crows on Victory records with a pretty Portrait of American Greed. There’s Blood in the Water as the ship goes down and those self-made glorious pompous pulpit Monuments crumble to oblivion. A Glorious new song is heralded before we finish with bitterness and hope of Marilyn courtesy of Corpus Christi.

Pastor Kilby address the crowd

A reunion show for the Cincinnati metal growlers as they celebrate everything Beneath the Sky with a packed house of tired but hungry for more metal heads is The Reason they’ll are still here. It’d be a Grave Mistake to leave now being it’s the first time the original lineup played since 2007 and not celebrate to the end. The uncomfortably themed and videoed Terror Starts at Home is followed by a Gunsmoke Kiss for the Goodfellas. We spend ten minutes at the users ball before we find an evening partner before Last Call. They talk about Miss Misery and a tale of near death from the Northside. They mourn a friend at 7861 Blackthorne Drive and finish taking us on Our Last Road as sadly The Attic finishes its decade plus road of the area’s best talent.

Though there’s no set timeframe Pastor Kilby has promised that the Attic concept, theme and everything that made it a great hang out for kids will return in the form of another building or venue depending on when some new positive space becomes available.

Special thanks for on the spot event info, go-to guy the prosperous ‘Mr. Tree’.

Jazz Spotlight: WDPS-FM + Upcoming Jazz Feb. 13-26

February 13, 2013 By Ron Gable 1 Comment

Happy February 13th; Jazz saxophonist Wardell “the thin man” Gray was born on this day in 1921, he was a major contributor to one of the great periods of jazz creativity that ushered in modern jazz. Check out Wikipeda at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wardell_Gray for more information.

Jazz Spotlight: WDPS-FM (Support our local Jazz Educators)

WDPS-FM is Dayton’s only jazz radio station. A non-commercial radio station; however, they do accept underwriting. They broadcast from the new David H. Ponitz Career Technology Center in downtown Dayton. The station is staffed by students and the following volunteers: Clay “The Cooker” Collins, Paul and Patti Gehred, Charles “The Ice Man” Stone, Kyle Fisk and Amanda Romero, Slammin’ Steve Wilson, Clifford Darrett, Jim Woodford, Mike Reisz, George Balog, Jazz Cat & Deb, ChrisSmith and program manager Chris “Hippie” Hartley.

(From Ken Kreitzer, communications team leader and station manager):

4 years ago as we were preparing to move to our new studios at the David H. Ponitz career technology center. We decided to make a change in the format of the district’s radio station. When exploring the radio dial in Dayton I found that there was an underserved group of listeners; Jazz was just not getting its due in Dayton radio.

I made the announcement that The Dayton Public Schools’ radio station would become “All Jazz All the Time.” To begin to promote the new format I sought the advice of two people, Ron Gable of Jazz Advocate and Clay “The Cooker” Collins. After our first meeting we formed a partnership that i feel has benefited the Dayton Schools, Jazz Advocate and the local Dayton Jazz Scene. That partnership has sprouted many projects including, work with the Gabriel Foundation, hundreds of hours of on air promotion of local jazz events, free Jazz Listener Appreciation Concerts and much more.

One of the most noted outgrowths of that initial meeting is Clay “The Cooker” Collins being back on the radio in Dayton! Clay is an incredible talent who volunteers to be on the air each weekday and assist with the training of our students in radio broadcasting. Just the ability to interact with someone of his caliber and experience is a tremendous advantage for Dayton students. At the end of the day WDPS is still a teaching tool of the Dayton Public Schools. Students in The Radio & Television Broadcasting Class at Ponitz work on all aspects of running the radio station and web stream. From on air talent, to spot production, to preparing the broadcast logs. It is all about the students! Giving them exposure to Jazz is a great thing! They come to us thinking they will not like Jazz and leave our program with jazz favorites and a bit of knowledge of the jazz greats.

I encourage everyone to listen to WDPS-FM 89.5 Monday through Friday from 9:15 until 4:30 and 24 hours a day on WDPSFM.com.

Jazz Calendar

Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:

Wednesday, February 13 – Jazz Central presents Blue Wednesday with Jack & Joe Waters and you can Swing Dance with Lizz & Rex Review at the Dayton Event Connection.

Thursday February 14 – James & Moore is at C’est Tout Bistro in Oakwood and CityFolk presents Grace Kelly at Gilly’s inDayton.

Friday February 15 – The Microcosm Trio is at Season’s Bistro & Grille in Springfield and the Classic Jazz Stompers are at Jay’s Seafood in Dayton.

Saturday February 16 – Ron Jones Quartet is at Cincinnati Public Library Atrium and Dave Bixler Quartet is at the Blue Wisp inCincinnati.

Sunday February 17 – the Jazz Education Connection Jazz Jam will be held at Jimmy’s Ladder 11 and the Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus continues at Jazz Central.

Monday February 18 – Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus and the John Taylor Trio is at the Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek.

Tuesday February 19 – the Hot Club of Detroit is at the University of Dayton Boll Theatre and the Part St. Tavern Jazz Jam continues in Columbus.

Wednesday February 20 – Todd Hepburn is at Arnold’s Bar & Grill and the Blue Wisp Big Band is at the Wisp both in Cincinnati.

Thursday February 21 – the Gererations Big Band returns to Jazz Central in Dayton and Jazz Night with Mike Teckenbrock Trio is at Spinoza’s in Beavercreek.

Friday February 22 – Shawn Stanley Trio is at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville, OH and Marc Fields New Quintet are at the Thompson House in Newport, Ky.

Saturday February 23 – Boudin’s Bistro & Jazz Club presents the Bobby Floyd Trio and Andrew Waters – Smooth Jazz is at the Eastern Palace Restaurant both in Columbus.

Sunday February 24 – Phil DeGreg Trio is at the MidPointe Library in Middletown and theres at Jazz Jam at Victory’s inColumbus..

Monday February 25 – a Jazz Jam hosted by Sandy Suskind Quartet is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati and Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe are at Due Amici in Columbus.

Tuesday February 26 – Ed Moss & the Society Jazz Orchestra are at the Schwartz Point Jazz Club and Jazz Cab is at The Greenwich both in Cincinnati.

More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com

Team Void: Dayton’s Own Lucha Libre

February 8, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Before you start to dive into the article, please start the music…

The Mexican culture has various lures to it. From the Meso-American ruins that cover all around the land, the fantastic climate that awaits you at any time, to the rich beauty of the country’s art. Mexico is a true gem to the world that we live in. One of the country’s most unique, interesting, and pleasurable attributes that it brings is the history of the lucha libre.

The lucha libre (aka luchador) is Spanish term for “free fighting” in the wrestling community. The luchador travels all around the countryside getting rid of the crime and corruption that plagued the townspeople. The masked hero would showcase an aerial display of high-flying maneuvers, along with a dazzling display of moves learned from the Greco-Roman wrestling world. In 1942, El Santo (“The Saint”) came to the ring and changed the complexion of the masked fighters. During his career, which spanned over 50 years, El Santo became a huge star in and out of the ring, becoming the symbol of the lucha libres all around Mexico, with several movies and comic books with him as the subject. That appreciation has landed here in Dayton, Ohio with the lucha libre’s of rock and roll Team Void.

Team Void comprises of lead guitarist Louie Bean Lerma (“El Muerto”), bassist El Bean Lerma (“Infinity”), rhythm guitarist Nate Beam (“Cruzado”), Jon Mercier on drums (“Johnny X”), Gregory Hall (“Blaster”) on trumpet and keyboard. Team Void also has a couple of musicians as part of the ‘Lucha Superstars’-Gary King (“Slide”) on trombone, Derek Strouse (“Sandman”) on drums, and on congos Greg Schultz (“La Marmota”). The band’s trademark is the lucha libre masks that they wear while they are playing live. “It’s something that you have to get used to”, Beam mentions. “It takes some time, without question.” El sums it up nicely. “We become part of a role when we wear the mask. It’s fun and exciting.” The masks, along with the meaning behind the band’s name are simple: “We won’t to make sure that we void the problems that cause bands to not last. We want to have a corrupt free style with us”, Louie stated. Seeing the band will throw you off at first, seeing everyone in their character modes, but you quickly adjust. It’s seeing them without the masks that will catch you off guard. “We have had people at our shows not realize that we just played on stage”, Gregory says. “One guy saw me at the bar, and started talking about how the band on stage sounded good. He totally didn’t realize that I was part of the band. So, I just agreed. We find it funny.” No lie-it took me to have a second look also when I first saw the band live.

To understand how the band got together, we have to go back years ago. In the 90s, Louie was heavy involved with the music scene in the Dayton area, being in two bands that are forever engraved in the town’s history. He played in one group The Tasties, and he was in The Amps. The Amps was fronted by The Breeders lead singer, and local native Kim Deal. The band saw some success nationally, opening for Foo Fighters and playing on ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien’ show. However, it was directing, and editing that sparked Louie’s interest more. As time went on, Louie met his wife El at Canal Street Tavern. Then, Louie and El met the band throughout the next couple of years. The group of friends started playing music together, and realized that they had something special. When you spend 10 minutes with them its crystal clear of the chemistry. They spoke of the time the band went overseas and played (they have a pretty nice size following over the pond). They joked around about setting up an organ in the headquarters. They spoke highly of the love of Dayton, and how it’s exciting to be seeing the music scene going through rejuvenation.

There is one unique aspect of the band that you don’t see much anywhere is that they don’t have a lead singer on the band. In fact there isn’t any singing on their songs. “We didn’t want to have any singing in our music because we want to have people just enjoy what they are listening to”, explained Louie to me during my meeting with the band. “We felt with the music we were creating, we didn’t want to have one lead person in the band. We want people to just take in the music. By having someone singing, it just distracts you from that.” The band’s first EP, Gone With The Werewolves is a perfect example of how this concept works. Each member brings their own specialty into the mix, presenting a surf rock opus with layers of Mexican influence that simply will stop you at your tracks. The EP also offers the listener sound bites of what appears like they are taken from classic horror films from the 70s. Gone With The Werewolves is utterly mind blowing with the level of detail. The lucha libre vibe appears on each song, especially when you hear the playing of the trumpet and trombone. Listening to the EP, you also feel grateful that there isn’t any singing. It would simply take away from the dance that the band is executing. The EP is a shy under 20 minutes, which only leaves you wanting more.

Currently, Team Void is working on their new album, Robot Killer. The album was intended to be an EP, but the band feels that all the music they are laying down is too good to leave out. “Get ready for this album. It’s going to blow some minds”, Beam glowingly stated to me. After listening to Gone With The Werewolves, I can’t help but agree. To see the band live, you have a couple of times here soon. This Saturday at Omega Music at 6, the band will be performing with Five Year Mission, and Sport Fishing USA. On February 16th at South Park Tavern, Team Void will be hitting the same on the same night with The Madeira. These are two shows that you simply can not miss.

Music Fans, Check Out: Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet

February 8, 2013 By Mike Ritchie 1 Comment

Editor’s Note: Although we tend to focus on musical happening in and around the Miami Valley, we also occasionally like to share something music-related that inspires our writers as music fans. Here’s one such inspiration. (JF)

Not Dead Yet is an incredible odds defying inspiring story of one man’s true dedication, passion and drive to create incredible music despite insurmountable life obstacles, and dire circumstances. Jason Becker personifies the sheer driving force and spirit of the human artistic will to enjoy life, persevere and make music.

Becker a future guitar prodigy was born in 1969 in Richmond California and exposed to music early by his family becoming proficient on acoustic guitar, harmonica and xylophone at age five. By his early teens he was playing Bob Dylan, Clapton and Van Halen note for note, blowing away local talent contests and variety shows. Becker was very inspired by classical music which influenced his style cranking Bach while friends cranked Slayer. He also had a comical side doing yoyo tricks with one hand while playing with the other.

In his teens Becker replied to an ad, submitting a tape to Shrapnel Records founder Mike Varney who was looking for the ten best guitar players at the time. Subsequently future Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman had come to LA to work on his solo record. Varney suggested a duet to Friedman who after initial reluctance was won over by Becker’s playing and personality becoming fast friends. Their playing so complemented and inspired each other Friedman often said Becker could play his material better than he could. They formed the band Cacophony. His father concerned about his education told the principal Jason had a record deal and was going on tour and asked if he could finish high-school early. He finished six months early with straight A’s

After touring with Cacophony he returned to Japan supporting his first solo CD Perpetual Burn, doing guitar clinics between gigs. One particular clinic drew 800-1000 people validating his rising momentum.

In 1989 at age 20 he auditioned for David Lee Roth, the most sought after high profile gig at the time, earned his spot and recorded A Little Ain’t Enough, released in 1991. During recording he started feeling a ‘lazy limp’ in his left leg and was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) aka Lou Gehrig’s disease, a debilitating condition that rapidly weakens muscle mobility and use of tongue and speech causing permanent paralysis. Becker was given 3-5 years to live. Undergoing uncomfortable and painful therapy while recording and rehearsing his condition progressed to where he could barely play notes or hold the guitar. He told Roth who reluctantly got a replacement.

They tried alternate forms of therapy but nothing worked. Becker went from using canes to a wheelchair in months. In 1992 he met his former fiancé and main caregiver Serrana Pilar. Though he had moments of hopelessness and darkness they believe he never hit the point of giving up. He still had music and ideas in his head he needed to get out somehow.

To accomplish this a computer program was invented using a visor equipped with sensors that would move the cursor on the screen according to his head movements. He slowed down music in his head hitting the mouse with his chin entering intricate and complex melodies note by note adjusting the phrasing and velocity of each one until everything played the way he internally heard it at speed.

>After a near death experience his speech failed and his father invented an eye movement sign language/geometry system so Becker could communicate based on angles. A clear six squared grid with four letters in each square allows him to spell out words and have conversations. First movement is the square, second is the letter in the square. His father’s learned to guess the word after the first couple letters and Becker doesn’t ‘dull’ conversations with filler words, everything he says is important.

“I couldn’t quit on my music, it never even entered my mind. I just love making music and no matter how hard it is, it’s like my drug.”

Becker’s longevity is attributed by his family and friends 20 year care and commitment to keeping his drive, passion and love for music and life alive with a custom made healthy diet and dark rooted sense of humor.

To make music his father plays guitar notes into a computer then Becker organizes them giving instructions on any needed changes. Though they’re no longer together Serrana is his inspiration and taught him what true love is and makes him want to be a better person.

Becker is a global inspiration encompassing the true, unflinching spirit of the human will to never give up.

“I have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind.”

Becker’s discography includes Perpetual Burn 1988, Perspective 1995, The Raspberry Jams 1999, The Blackberry Jams 2003, Collection 2008 and Boy Meets Guitar Volume 1 of Youngster Tapes 2012. He also performed on Cacophony’s Speed Metal 1987, Go Off 1988 and David Lee Roth’s A Little Ain’t Enough 1991. Along with two tribute CD’s Warmth in the Wilderness I and IIfeaturing guitarist’s Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Marty Friedman, Joe Becker, Rusty Cooley, and Mattias Eklundh. The album profits were sent to Becker to help with medical expenses. In 2008 Paradise Guitars worked with Becker to design a Jason Becker signature guitar. In 2012 Carvin worked with Becker to design a Jason Becker Tribute guitar that is modeled after the original DC-series guitar he used toward the latter part of his career. In 2011 the inaugural Jason Becker Not Dead Yet Festival was held in San Francisco promoting ALS awareness and the love of the guitar featuring Joe Satriani, Marty Friedman, Richie Kotzen and many others.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a relentlessly progressive degenerative disease targeting the motor nerves and muscles, effecting how the bodies lower and upper neurons communicate and function. When the neurons connected to the muscles from the spinal cord die, the brain loses ability to communicate thus the muscles become inactive. ALS is described as the ‘worst’ disease due to its relatively short window of mortality. Long term symptoms include the break down and eventual loss of mobility, ability to speak and swallow leading to permanent paralysis and death. Scientist Stephen Hawking has had ALS for over 50 years. The ALS Association has committed more than $67 million to find effective treatments and a cure for Lou Gehrig’s Disease, including the discovery of two ALS genes (SOD1 and ALS 6) responsible for 25% of all inherited cases and the trial of a new drug that targets SOD1.

Learning How To Play Vol. 1

February 6, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 4 Comments

It all began with a thought…

I grew up in the small town of Jamestown, Ohio. Jamestown is your typical small town-just about 2000 citizens. A McDonalds sits right between a Dollar General and the local pizza establishment, Bentinos Pizza. You have the two traffic lights that await you when you come to town. On Friday nights in the fall season, the Greeneview Rams take to the field that is located in the same parking lot of the old high school. On weekends, you grab a couple of cases of cold, cheap beer and drive out to the outskirts of the town, and into the never-ending acres of country land. If you have some buddies have trucks that have more rust on it than the paint on truck, strap the rope on the machine, and have a tug and pull shake down.

My family and I lived out in those fields that the hijinks and absurd behavior would take place. When the threat of tornados circled us, we would drive down the road to our friends of the family’s home. Mike and Liz Bentley would be ever so gracious and open their doors to us, and let us stay in their basement if the time came to take shelter. Of course, when you live in the country-tornados don’t scare you till they are knocking on your door. We would sit on the porch, and watch the movement of the storm in the dark skies. When the threat would move on towards another town, my folks would want to stick around and talk with the Bentleys. That meant that Mike would go to a small room which was connected to the living room, and put on some music on his record. The music room was incredible. On the wall, each shelving unit would stack across left to right, up and down, with records from all decades. It was a true sight to see. Any type of classic rock you could think of, Mike had it. The collection was impressive-still is in my opinion.

For hours, I would sit down at the kitchen table with my folks, and the Bentleys. They had daughters, so my sister would go and play with girl toys. Now, being young as I was-I didn’t feel like playing with Barbie’s, playing with dolls. I was a boy. I don’t play with those things. Who would do such a thing, I thought. I told myself that I would just sit in the kitchen with the adults, and watch whatever was on the small screen television that hung in the corner of the room. I would never

watch the shows that were being screened with the volume turned up. The music would be turned up to the farthest that the level that the volume could go. The walls shook with the sound coming blaring through the speakers. It was those nights that I would start the relationship that I have with music. It’s a small part of why I became a music writer.

As I mentioned in my article about open mics in town, I got to college and wondered what it would be like to pick up an acoustic guitar, and learn how to play. So, I knew that this wasn’t going to be easy. I received a guitar for my birthday, and soon enough from there I would start to learn. Well-that didn’t happen. I had a friend that would try to show me some chords to play, and my fingers would start to bleed. I was told that this normal, which never made any sense to me. Why the hell would you want to do something that was going to make you bleed, and you weren’t really do anything that you think would make you do such?

So there I was, trying to push through some of the pain that the fingers would feel, and play some. I learned how to play ‘Smoke On The Water’ from Deep Purple. Alright-I learned just to play the chorus. I would go to college parties, and try to impress girls with my pathetic guitar play. It didn’t work. Apparently, you needed to learn how to play songs about love, and also be a little better looking. I didn’t possess any of those traits, so I gave up playing. However, for some reason, I would never give away the guitar. Is it the best guitar to have?! Probably not, but I wouldn’t give it up. I have had it for over 10 plus years now. It’s always been in the black, nylon travel bag that came with it. It’s always sitting next to the dresser. I don’t know why I haven’t just hang it up or do anything with it-I just never wanted to give it up. That is till now.

Starting this past year, I have been going around the Dayton area and watching some of the best music that is played anywhere in the United States. I will go to show to show, meet up with the artists and bands that would be playing, and write about them and their performances. I have been going to open mic nights as well. Being able to live in Dayton, I notice thThe passion and dedication that these people have is incredible. It’s something that I want to be part of-this special group of individuals around the world that has taken to playing music.

I decided that this year I would dust off the guitar that have had sitting around for so long, and learn how to play. I would then sign up and play a set at an open mic night around town. I want to see how it feels to be able to perfect a craft that makes people come together. I wanted to learn how to play in order to show my appreciation to the people who go out there each and every night and show their talent off. I want people to read this and see that it’s in fact not the easiest thing to do. However at the end of the day, the experience will ultimately show that if you follow a dream, it will come true. I will be doing a monthly update here. I will discuss the highest of the highs, and the lowest of the lows. I won’t be holding anything back. If you have any comments or suggestions, please share them.

Here we go…

2013 Gentlemen of the Road Featuring Mumford and Sons comes to Troy, Ohio

February 5, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

An amazing lineup of bands will be coming through Troy, Ohio – including Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Mumford & Sons, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Vaccines, Half Moon Run, Those Darlins, Willy Mason, Bear’s Den plus more to be announced!

2013 Dayton Does Dayton: 5 Bands To Watch For

February 1, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Of all the concerts and shows that people have attended at time or another, there has usually been a cover a song that the act performs. The artist or band will put their spin on it, either by playing a different riff on the guitar, or by singing it a different way. A lot of artists will even go as far as recording the cover and releasing their version. It’s the sincerest form of flattery to be able to have people care that much about the original artist/band’s song to go on stage and perform it live to an audience.

One of Dayton’s rising events focuses primary on this concept, and presents bands from all over town and come play live. The event is called Dayton Does Dayton, and the two day event will be going on this weekend, Friday and Saturday at the legendary Canal Street Tavern. The event will be entering its third year by local promoter Louie Wood Jr. Each band will perform songs from Dayton bands past and present, along with their own material. With over 25 local bands scheduled to take the stage over 2 days, it would be difficult for most to see all every single one. Here are 5 bands that you should at least get a chance to check out.

City of Kings

City of Kings is an up and coming band that you should be keeping your eyes on. The 5 piece group got their start in the small town of Marion, Ohio. Dalton Sipes, Matt Woodrum, Drew Mosley, and Kevin Hardy all played in different groups in town, playing in battle of the bands shows. Eventually the guys are synched up and soon realized that their small town wasn’t going to be able to give them the chance to showcase their talent. So, the guys all packed up and moved to Dayton. They met lead singer Jake Rose at a wedding of one of the band member’s family. The group’s unreal psychedelic sound mixed with garage rock flair is unreal, and the lyrics to the songs are simply mystifying. City of Kings is a tour de force that is only slated to become stronger over time. Be prepared to fall into a trance when listening to these guys. Their debut album, The Foundation is simply a music lover’s delight.

Jah Soul

Reggae is extremely popular throughout the world, with the great Bob Marley giving us music that has become a staple of our lives. The up-tempo, funky beats along with the loose play of the guitar makes anyone and everyone stand up and just to become unrestricting and free from all the problems that they have. It’s all about having fun with reggae music, we have a band that offers it-Jah Soul. With their combination of not only reggae, but soul, funk and disco, Jah Soul will be supplying the good times with their music. The eight member band gets the party going and has the positivity flood the club in the only way the can. Jah Soul will be bringing a different flair to the weekend that will be anything but boring.

The New Old-Fashioned

The Midwest is considered to many to be viewed as a hardworking, blue collar area of the United States. The New Old-Fashioned conveys that feeling in their music. With the influences of Tom Petty and The Old 97s, The New Old-Fashioned is slowly building a rapport with their fans with incorporating rock and roll with country music. The lyrics of the band represent the life of living in the lush, beautiful Americana land. When listening to the band, you instantly notice the band’s outstanding harmonies. The New-Old Fashioned recently released their self-titled debut in 2012. If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing The New Old-Fashioned, do yourself a favor and go see them live this weekend.

Cinder Home

If you have ever listened to Old Crow Medicine Show, Mumford and Sons, and Fleet Foxes know that each of these bands have a folk sound that stands about apart from most. These bands have seen their popularity rise as of yet because of the low-key vibe and beautiful instrumental play. Cinder Home belongs with these bands in the picture as well. The band began with two of the band members hanging around playing music. They both realized that they had something amazing, and decided to add a couple of members. Cinder Home not only brings a new age folk sound, but also add elements of bluegrass roots. The passion of the band playing live is nothing but astonishing. The crowds that will fill Canal Street are going to be treated to a band that will bring they got, and will without question give everyone something to talk about for days to come after their set.

William The Accountant

William The Accountant’s sound is anything but ordinary, and that is why they are a band that can’t be missed. The band brings all types of instruments into their music, including a didgeridoo. Don’t be surprised if William The Accountant brings a saxophone and some ukulele to their shows. As far as their sound?! Try one moment hearing alternative rock to jazz to Caribbean music. Each of their songs brings an emotional aspect to the front. Don’t be shocked if the band’s performance stretches beyond the five members.

Dayton Does Dayton will be celebrating its third this year with no plans of stopping. It has become yet another reason to celebrate the amazing music that continues to be played each and every night. To check out these bands, and to see the others lined up, Dayton Does Dayton will taking place tonight and tomorrow night, starting at 7pm at the hollow grounds of the great Canal Street Tavern.

A Musical Journey ‘Unbroken’ With Tim Gebard

January 31, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 4 Comments

The Dayton music scene has people from all walks of life immersed into it. Go to a show, and you will notice the differences of each and every single person performing. You have your punk rock bands that wail around the stage, and occasionally throw themselves onto the crowd. There are the artists and bands that just take the room over, and will not let go till they say that they are done. You have your dreamers-the people that will not allow anyone to get in the way. There is also the performer that simply enjoy going on stage and play live, simply just for the thrill on being on stage. Old and young, no matter the case, there is one thing that each and every artist or band has in common. That is they have love and appreciation for music.

Photo by Jennifer Taylor Clarke

One great example of someone that truly has a love for music is local musician Tim Gebard. Gebard is currently in the process of working on his newest EP, which is due by April. His first album, Unbroken Hearts, is available at Omega Music, The Record Gallery, and on his website (www.timgebard.com).

Gebard grew up in Springfield, Ohio and started playing music in his teens. He grew up listening to the classics – Van Morrison, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd. He worked at a local record store in Dayton in the early 70’s, where he was able to spin some of his favorite music. It was great experience for him, getting the chance to branch out and find music that would inspire and influence his music playing. While sitting down at Ghostlight Coffee recently, Gebard told me a story about an experience he had at the record shop. He went into detail of when Pink Floyd’s groundbreaking tour de force, The Wall, was released. “We had to play that record from the minute we opened to the minute we closed”, explained Gebard. “We all got sick of hearing it. So, one day we got our shipment and I noticed that we got a record of a woman whose vocals were simply amazing. We put it on, and immediately sold every single copy within an hour. It was the latest album from Aretha Franklin.” That speaks to broad musical influences.

While he was always around the music scene, and many friends went on to careers in the music field, Tim’s playing was limited to his solo acoustic efforts. Gebard would continue to write music throughout the years, always continuing to keep the passion for music running around his body and mind. About five years ago, he joined with some friends in a cover band called Pocket Change, playing for private parties and events. Internal conflicts proved to be a struggle. At one point, Gebard would use his work that he had written and fill in the lead role in the singing department. Ultimately, the band broke up. But the experience of singing and writing helped propel him to go into the studio.

In October, 2010, Gebard started recording with Dean Vincent at Studio D in New Carlisle. He would use all the music that he wrote, and have people come in and help with the process. He had legendary guitarist Junior Smith come in and play on many of the songs. Violin accompaniment from the ever-talented Sara Kasten and Susan Heeg would bring orchestral influence to some of the songs. Contributions from the Toles family, local Gospel music legends (especially nephew Doug Toles Jr.), added another influence to his music. Ron Hartwell, a noted Dayton-area band leader, added dynamic sax and flute tracks. And the pedal steel guitar playing of virtuoso Wayne Hobbs brought an incredible country influence on several cuts. And local singer-songwriter Jayne Sachs sang on several songs. When Gebard spoke of the people that came in to help lay down the tracks, his eyes lightened up, and the humbleness came and stood squarely right in front of him. “I still can’t believe that I was able to have all this talent come in and play”, Gebard said. “I loved how the album turned out. Ultimately, each artist brought a desire to serve the song.”

Unbroken Hearts is an album that simply will not let you define it as one genre, something that Gebard purposely did. With each song, there are different influences that sprinkle throughout the album. From country to rock, from soft to fast, Unbroken Hearts guides you all around the dial of music in its purest forms. ‘Someone To Believe’ presents a lounge room vibe to the song that gives it a jazz feel. For the Jimmy Buffet fans, ‘Let’s Find Out’ will fulfill those dreams of lying around on the beach, having a drink with an umbrella in the clear glass. ‘Crazy ‘Bout That Woman’ is a twang upbeat that would give classic country fans a reason to smile. Hearts is a warm, inviting collection of songs that dives into the joys of being in relationships, and the beauty of being in love.

The album Unbroken Hearts has seen some remarkable things tied to the album. ‘Life Time Love’ was the winner of the 8^thAnnual International Acoustic Music Awards in the Country/Bluegrass category. ‘Smiles Without Words’ was Honorable Mention in the Instrumental category in the 2011 International Songwriting Competition. Several songs are under non-exclusive contracts with A&R companies. (Note: A song from his upcoming EP – “To Licata”, an instrumental inspired by a recent trip to Italy – was recently named an Honorable Mention in the Songdoor 2012 International Songwriting Competition.)

Another great storyline with the album – Gebard’s son, Aaron, plays bass on most of the songs. “It was really fun being able to have my son play on this album. He is extremely talented, and it just added to the joy of making this album”, Gebard said. Aaron has his own band as well: The Mergs, who have been playing locally for the past several years.

When you listen to Gebard talk, you hear the joys of being able to do something that he loves. While we sat at Ghostlight Coffee, he spoke of the joys of being able to play with all the great musicians around town. He spoke about wanting to travel to Nashville and getting the chance to show his talent at the famous Bluebird Cafe. He talked about recent trips he has taken, and becoming influenced by the local music. It’s always refreshing and a thrill to speak with people like Tim Gebard. His love for music is all the reason to support the great music that is being performed live in town.

To see for yourself, Gebard will be performing at O’Riley’s Tavern in Brookville, Ohio on February 23^rd. Gebard will have a band performing with him (Jay Madewell on drums, Todd The Fox on guitar and dobro, Steve Makofka on accordion/etc.). Aaron Gebard will also be playing in his dad’s band and also be playing with his own band. The Tim Gebard Band/The Mergs show will start around 8pm.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kafr-SYRas4&feature=youtu.be’]

Jazz Spotlight: Bill Burns + Upcoming Local Jazz Jan 30 – Feb 12

January 30, 2013 By Ron Gable 1 Comment

Happy January 30th; Jazz trumpeter David Roy Eldridge was born on this day in 1911, Eldridge joined Gene Krupa’s Orchestra, and was successfully featured with rookie singer Anita O’Day. (read more here)

Who is Bill Burns?

William (Bill) Burns is a Jazz Educator and Performer from Centerville Ohio: He is a music educator for the Centerville City Schools and president of the Jazz Education Connection of Ohio, a freelance saxophonist and recording artist.

Bill is an active educator and performer across southwest Ohio and teaches elementary general music and Jazz Ensemble in Centerville City Schools. He holds a B.A. in Music Education from the University of Dayton and Masters in Saxophone from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Bill is an in-demand clinician across southwest Ohio and has been invited to present at the national Jazz Education Convention and the Ohio Music Education Association conventions. He also maintains a busy performance schedule. Bill has recorded with numerous groups including the CCM Jazz Ensemble, The Dayton Jazz Orchestra, and the Bill Burns Quartet. Bill’s music is available at CDBaby.com.

Starting this Wednesday, Bill Burns and Chris Berg are teaching a jazz improvisation class at McCutcheon Music on Marco Lane in Centerville. I understand space is still available and more information is available here. Interested students can email bill at billburnsohio@gmail.com.

Some other upcoming Bill Burns events: – Jazz Jam at Jimmie’s Ladder 11 on Brown St. Saturday, February 10th, 3 to 6pm – Centerville Jazz Ensembles concert on Tuesday, February 26th, 7:30pm at Centerville Performing Arts Center (all three Centerville Jazz Ensembles) – JazzCakes on Saturday, March 23rd, 8am to 1pm at Centerville High School Aux. Gym (all 3 middle school jazz ensembles and HS jazzensembles) – Centerville High School Jazz Night at the Dayton Art Institute on Thursday, May 9th from 5:30 to 8:30pm.

Jazz Calendar

Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:

Tonight Wednesday, January 30 – Jazz Central presents Blue Wednesday with Jack & Joe Waters and an the Tuxedo Junction Big Band is at the Dayton Event Connection.

Thursday January 31 – The Rusty Burge/Chris Barrick Two Vibraphone Quartet is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati and Tony Monaco is at Giammarco’s Pizza in Columbus.

Friday February 1 – Art Gore & Special Guests JD Allen, Dan Karlsberg, & Eddie Brookshire is the Thompson House in Newport, Ky – the Venue Lounge has Khasmir Jazz Trio in Columbus.

Saturday February 2 – the C’est Tout Bistro in Oakwood presents James & Moore and Andrew Waters – Smooth Jazz is at Eastern Palace Restaurant in Columbus.

Sunday February 3 – A live Jazz Party produced by Gene Walker is at Hunan Gourmet Restaurant in Whitehall, OH and the Jazz Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus continues at Jazz Central.

Monday February 4 – Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus and a Jazz Jam hosted by Sandy Suskind Quartet is at the Wisp in Cincinnati.

Tuesday February 5 – Arnold’s Bar & Grill presents Cincy Blues Society – Bluesday Tuesdays and Ed Moss & the Society Jazz Orchestra ia at Schwartz Point in Cincinnati.

Wednesday February 6 – Swing Dance with Lizz & Rex Review is at the Dayton Event Connection and Rich Lopez ia at Rigsby’s inColumbus.

Thursday February 7 – Dottie Warner and Ricky Nye are at Arnold’s Bar & Grill in Cincinnati and the Rick Brunetto Big Band is at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant in Columbus and Dave Powers is at Amano’s Sports Bar in Worthington, OH.

Friday February 8 – Shawn Stanley Trio is at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville, OH and Mike Wade and The Ambassadors are the Thompson House in Newport, Ky.

Saturday February 9 – A Mardi Gras Celebration to benefit The Human Race Theatre Company is at Temple Beth Or in Dayton and Gilly’s presents Touch in Dayton.

Sunday February 10 – Dayton Blues Society present Uptown Blues Players at Jazz Central and Patrick Kelly’s PsychoAcoustic Orchestra plays the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Monday February 11 – the John Taylor Trio is at the Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe is at Due Amici in Columbus.

Tuesday February 12 – Ron Purdon Orchestra Plays for Dancing at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati and the Part St. Tavern Jazz Jam is going on in Columbus.

More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com

BoJangles Host Somebody’s Angel Benefit Show

January 29, 2013 By Mike Ritchie Leave a Comment

Saturday January 12th Dayton’s Clockwork Soul in cooperation with DaytonRocks.com and BoJangles Nightclub in West Carrollton hosted a benefit/fundraiser for the families affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy. Five bands volunteered their energy, talent and time to help raise money for the charity. Event Organizer’s Michael Anspach and Eric Liddic booked an impressive lineup of local talent each band different to each other both in sound, performance and appearance but committed and united for the cause. Tish & Carrie, 8 Kount, SuperKreep, Induced and Clockwork Soul brought the goods to the packed house whether it was the opening acoustic flavor, Rock n Roll, hard rock or southern fried Middletown metal. Clockwork Soul also took over the Fox 45 News Morning Show with Meghan Mongillo promoting the event and performing ‘Out There’ live in studio on January 9th.

Tish & Carrie

Event sponsors included Babblefish Recording Studios, Side Tat Mafia, Greenleaf Printing, On The Go Printing, Annaleahs hair designs, Pure Romance, and DaytonRocks.com. Local businesses donating raffle prizes included Dayton Dragons, The Funny Bone, Grease Monkey, Pure Romance, The Trolley Stop, Life-Source Massage Therapy and Second Shelf Thrift Store. Co-headliner Induced also donated a blue Schecter Diamond Series Omen 6 Guitar for one lucky winner. Rockstarsglued.com’s Hellbilly was the evening’s MC introducing bands and calling out ticket numbers for lucky winners of some sweet swagOpening the show was the feminine unplugged charm of Dayton’s musical answer to the Wilson sister’s Tish & Carrie. They sang with plenty of heart and soul bringing a coffee house flavor into the rock club, prepping ears for the upcoming noise opening with some acoustic attitude rolling on the river with Proud Mary and Miss Turner then broke out the Black Horse and a Cherry Tree with KT Tunstall. We visited The Angel from Montgomery then they put the crowd in their songstress spell Rolling In the Deep with Adele. Tish went solo with Miss Etheridge on Bring Me Some Water. They hit Zombies with some Cranberries finishing with a tribute to one of the great lost voices of a generation Janis Joplin and Bobby McGee.

8 Kount

Up next is the big rock sound of Dayton’s standing 8 Kount. They brought out their special brand of infection with the Real Disease putting the pedal through the pavement on Getaway Car. They break it all down with the rockstar swagger on Ashes to Ashes. Singer Sugar opens the rockstar handbook to page 56 which tells aspiring RockGods what to say when you’ve said/done something wrong and you’re not sure what it was. He also tours the club personally serenading all the smitten vixens with the Insanity Defense. There’s a Fire in the Hole for anyone that says you’re not good enough, doesn’t love you anymore or doesn’t care what you think because we all have lives to live and we’re gonna live them, because we’re all… More Human Than Human. They finish with their greatest beastly creation Straw Monster. They introduced/broke in new guitarist Stephen Lowe for the nights show. They are definitely a do it yourself, driven, self-financed, self-made working man’s rock n roll band. Website info can be found at www.facebook.com/8KOunt along with their Getaway Car EP/Merch and official video for Ashes to Ashes. SuperKreep busted open the skin with a brutally bloody offering of holy southern forged metal from the mid-west. Performing a few new tunes and select favorites from their second record 2010’s Wizer than the Wicked. They opened up the mind possessing liquid demons with Whisky Devil. This is pure country truckin metal with southern pride and the semi-automatic Dean Guitar riffage of We Are The Truth proves it. Singer Greg Banks born of Chuck Billy spawn brings the Holy Testament from the Bible belt to BoJangles. They put us down for a creeping death Dirt Nap then leave us Dead and Somewhere in Pantera country with some Dimebag chug and concrete sledge with a pounding three guitar fisted hammer. They play a new tune with Pride then Bring on the Pain for the front row diehards. They’re a head bangers delight of mid-south dirty slither and slang with a Wylde side, Hellyeah. They finish living the Fine Life and get a little Psycho-Friendly with the crowd. They’ve been making noise in the underground since 2004 and have shared the stage with Skid Row, Quiet Riot and The Misfits. Their music goes down smooth with a strong after-kick but has enough thrashy dirt and grit to keep the good ole boys happy. Expect a new CD mid-year. Banks has good vocal range doing some solid singing on most tunes adding in gravel in a tree chipper growls occasionally and even sounded a bit like Manson on a few CD tracks.

Induced

Performing their first show at BoJangles the multidimensional, hard hitting melodic foursome Induced the crowd into their musical mesh of originals and favorites. When your singer looks like a cross between Freddy Mercury and Kit from The Forsaken, you’re guaranteed attention. Speaking of blood suckers they started with the Afterlife, Feeling good. They pull open the covers with Say You’ll Haunt Me, the first song they wrote Left Alone and the drum work of Betrayal. It’s the End of Heartache and time for some heavy Bad Company. They finished with one of Drowning Pools big hits. They’ve incorporated/intertwined Godsmack, Disturbed and some Bush into their sound and love taking a walk around. Guitarist Rodney Collins and bassist Matt Hohenbrink both took extended tours of the venue, mingling with the crowd while playing.

Clockwork Soul

As we’re past the midnight hour headliners ClockWork Soul and dirty blonde debutant Mystie Rose took the stage playing to all the late night guests and faithful souls left to hear the screeching roar and growl from the lady in black. She offers the men some special handcuffed Straight Jacket Love and gets red faced ferocious unmasking her wild eyed aggressive Masquerade. They keep it hot with a time machine trip back with The Boys of Summer. Rose’s voice can go from bubblegum pop to pissed off death metal at will. They get grungy with Alice’s Would finishing the night with Out There. Rose resembles a female Bret Michael’s on steroids and a few shots of Jack. For helping make the event happen she’s our rock of love.

“There are no words we can express on how we feel at this time. So we decided to show how much we care and put on a big show and support this great cause. We had an amazing amount of sponsors and very generous people donated their time and businesses to provide support for this cause as well. This show demonstrates a substantial gesture of solidarity and support for the victims of this tragic event.”

A very genuine, heartfelt thank you to Michael Anspach of Clockwork Soul and Eric Liddic of Daytonrocks.com for organizing the event and a special thank you to everyone who contributed, donated, sponsored and showed up for the event, and to BoJangles.Rocks for hosting. All proceeds go to The Sandy Hook Elementary School Victims Relief Fund which will provide counseling to survivors, pay for funeral expenses for victims, create a scholarship fund for the school’s students and fund a memorial. If you’d like to donate please go to newtownmemorialfund.org. Mail donations to Newtown Memorial Fund, Inc. P.O. Box 596 Botsford, CT 06404, checks payable to Newtown Memorial Fund, check donations page for information on sending care packages, letters and other goods.

Genghis Barbie Performs at the University of Dayton

January 28, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

With painted horns and colorful personalities to match, Genghis Barbie will be bringing the crowd to its feet this weekend at the University of Dayton.

This lively “post post-feminist feminist” horn ensemble is comprised of four accomplished female musicians: Danielle Kuhlmann, Rachel Drehmann, Alana Vegter, and Wei-ping Chou; stage named Velvet Barbie, Attila the Horn, Freedom Barbie, and Sunshine Barbie, respectively. Integrating music from the 70’s to now, each of Genghis Barbie’s songs is a unique conglomerate of conventional meets contemporary, resulting in their vow to “create distinctive, interactive and personal performances.” Expect this group to cover the songs of pop artists ranging from Queen to Mariah Carey, Madonna to the Beach Boys, and Lady Gaga to Frankie Valli.

According to Eileen Carr, the University of Dayton’s Arts Series manager, Genghis Barbie was the perfect choice for this Arts Series event because they are a group that “pushes the envelope” of conventional music.

“…these women have tremendous education and professional experience, but rather than stick with the classical canon, [they] mix it up and create their own arrangements of pop songs, alternative music and lots more. They’re not afraid to have fun with their music–which is so appealing, especially for this generation,” Carr said.

A list of Genghis Barbie’s accomplishments include performing as Contributing Artists at the 2011 International Horn Society Symposium in San Francisco, and releasing two studio albums: the self-titled debut album “Genghis Barbie,” and the newly released holiday album, “Genghis Barbie: Home for the Holidays.” As a testament to their fun and flamboyant nature, Genghis Barbie says that their next aspiration is to appear on the Ellen DeGeneres show by the end of this year.

The performance will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Dayton’s Sears Recital Hall located in the Jesse Philips Humanities Center. Tickets for this event cost $15 for general admission, and can be purchased at the Kennedy Union Box Office located on the UD campus (937-229-2545).

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMAKBCyXDHo’]

Want to find out what it means to be a post post-feminist feminist? For those who are interested, there will be a pre-performance program discussing feminism and featuring the four women of Genghis Barbie, at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31. This event is free and open to the public, and will be held in Sears Recital Hall located in the Jesse Philips Humanities Center on the UD campus.

For more information about arts events at the University of Dayton and a map of campus arts venues, visit www.udayton.edu/arts.

Submitted b Lauren Glass, a senior at the University of Dayton who is studying journalism. Currently working as a social media assistant for ArtStreet, she enjoys music, writing, and photography.

Elton John Comes to Dayton in April 2013!

January 17, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Tickets on sale: Jan 28, 2013 (Mon) 10:00 AM

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, is one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time. With his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, Elton has written some of the greatest songs of our time including ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Your Song’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’. He has achieved 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, has sold more than 250-million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time.

Elton is the third most successful artist in the history of the American charts, behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles. He has had 56 top forty singles in the United States, a total second only to Elvis Presley. He achieved seven number one albums in a three-and-a-half-year period from 1972 to 1975, a period of concentrated success surpassed only by The Beatles.

Over the five decades since his career began in 1969, Elton has played more than 3,000 concerts worldwide. He continues to record and to tour the world, performing both solo and band concerts, and usually plays around 100 concerts each year. Currently he is on the ‘quest for 100 countries’ – aiming to play concerts in as many countries as possible.

Elton remains committed to his music and to touring, becoming more, rather than less, busy as time passes. Last year The Million Dollar Piano, Elton’s new production, opened at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. This production, which received fantastic reviews, is set to run for at least three years.

In 2012 Elton returned to the recording studio with producer T Bone Burnett, to record The Diving Board, an album scheduled for release in 2013. He then toured North, Central and South America, before heading to Europe, where his summer tour included an unforgettable appearance at The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace. 2012 also gave Elton a UK number album – his first in 22 years – with Good Morning To The Night, the remix project by Elton John versus Pnau. This album introduced Elton’s music to a new, young audience who sang along heartily to Your Song when Elton performed it at a summer festival in Ibiza.

Elton and his band will continue to tour throughout the coming year, and plans are now under way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1973 release of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road during 2013.

From http://www.eltonjohn.com

Help Save The Attic!

January 16, 2013 By Mike Ritchie 1 Comment

For a little over a decade 2852 Wilmington Pike in Kettering has been a club unlike any other. Its 22,000 square foot spacious inner cavernous sanctum can hold 700+ kids, young adults, teenagers, and adults. Whether hitting the dance floor, jumping up and down screaming during a concert or hanging out/relaxing at a bible study the large epicenter of friendly fun and frolic for kids-late teens and on occasion adults has stood proud and unabashed in its mission to give local youth a place to hang, study the word, dance, chill and head-bang while Facebooking, texting or Tweeting when needed and…. it’s in danger of closing its doors after February 7th.This year The Attic finds itself in the worst financial bind in the ten years they’ve been open. A decrease in national tours and less local bands booking shows are contributing factors. Originally they were going to lose their insurance due to a lawsuit filed by parents whose teenage daughter was inadvertently hit in the crowd at a show. Staff and management have always gone out of their way to preach and stress safety and watching out for one another due to the aggressive nature of some shows, going as far as permanently banning the rowdiest of the rowdies and troublemakers. After talking to the parents, the father, a Christian decided to drop the suit as an act of grace, never intending to hurt the venue but was trying to recoup some of his losses. In turn The Attic will hold a huge benefit show on February 1st all proceeds going to the families medical costs.

Finding affordable insurance is still a major issue as they are a non-profit organization and need to at least break even to continue operations. There will be an all-day music festival held on January 26^th featuring over 15 bands performing to help raise funds. The venues last scheduled event will be a pre-closing booked show on February 7^th featuring The Color Morale.

Closing the venue would mean area start up bands and those who have a following would have to find other places and there aren’t many all age options. The staff has kept eyes and ears on the Dayton scene and teens and their families are their heartbeat. Ideally, they would like to continue serving them in whatever way possible. Although they’re optimistic they’re not sure what the immediate future holds. Area kids would lose a place where they’re always welcome and invited to hang out. The staff has seen lots of teens comment and say that they will lose a “home” and those are the hardest comments to read and hear. They strive to provide a place where everyone feels welcome and loved and they’d hate to think that they would no longer have that sanctuary in their lives. Many kids say they have figured out who they were and where they were going because of the Attic. Their goal is to continue finding ways to serve the kids so hopefully this will only be a short blip in that mission and they will be able to continue serving them or find a way to once again give them a place to belong.

There’s been a huge outpouring of support from local teens and their families to help raise awareness since the January closing was announced. Facebook and YouTube videos and testimonies have been posted supporting the positive impact The Attic has had on area teens.

Since 2002 The Attic has served as a club/meeting spot for area youth. Though visitors have flocked from all parts of the state and some have crossed the border to see shows. The double doors have opened to all manner of social groups who come in and come together to enjoy the music of their generation performed loudly on stage, sometimes by friends, sometimes by national bands and they all want this grand tradition to continue.

Founder Pastor Jim Kilby and Co-manager Elizabeth Kilby Johnson have painstakingly worked to build a good reputation over the years with business neighbors and the community. The Attic hosts a staff of 20-25. Pastor Kilby is a retired Air Force officer. One day the simple word ‘go’ from Jesus’ ‘great commission’ moved him so much that he decided to move from ministering to teens within the walls of the local church and try to reach those outside. As a result, he founded Harvest Youth Ministries, the parent organization of The Attic.

Harvest Youth Ministries is a non-profit organization operating a unique ministry for local teens. Their hope and mission is summed up by “Some place to go!” Since Harvest Youth was founded in 1998, they’ve worked hard to provide teens a place to have fun, hang out with friends and just be themselves.

The first Harvest Youth center, The Cellar, opened in Dayton in 1998. Originally located in the back room of a church, The Cellar soon moved to a building of its own in Moraine where it was transformed into a neighborhood skate park. Through God’s grace and provision, their ministry at The Cellar led thousands of teens to accept Jesus Christ as savior and begin an authentic relationship with Him. Due to economy changes and the popularity of free, outdoor skate parks, The Cellar closed in 2009. However, many of the teens that attended The Cellar began to attend The Attic, the second Harvest Youth Ministry location.

Lots of big names have played the hallowed Attic Stage including Hawthorne Heights, Staple, Super Chick, Gwen Stacy, Haste the Day, Red, Skillet, Spoken, Between the Buried and Me, The Devil Wears Prada, Brian ‘Head’ Welch, most of the Scream the Prayer Tours, Becoming the Archetype and A Plea for Purging. There’s also a healthy dose of local acts to help polish the future rock stars of tomorrow. The venue has also catered to positive mainstream acts as well.

The club is alcohol, drug and smoke free. There’s a fully stocked drink/food/snack ‘bar’, a few video games, two stages, a family of pool tables and plenty of lounging spots to prop up or plop down on and a generous amount of space up front reserved for the most devoted fans.

The Attic also has available counseling for any alienation, vulnerability, depression, heartache, confusion or other issues today’s youth deal with. Additionally weekly bible studies have been offered for those interested in hearing/learning more about biblical history and The Almighty. The Harvest Christian Fellowship is a grassroots ministry that meets every Sunday in the building and is designed to help teens and families feel more comfortable communicating and participating in a spiritual/religious setting. Thanks to this movement and its fellowship The Attic has had two confirmed miracles within their walls. Two young lives were saved on two different occasions from near suicide just by being there and the staff/entertainment showing the troubled souls that people did care about them. One of which a former bad boy drinker and drug user had planned on OD’ing after one of the Scream The Prayer Tours but was stopped and saved after the singer from one of the performing bands received a spiritual message and intervened and the young man was baptized at the club and has been a staff member since. His testimonial along with Save The Attic testimonials can be found on The Attic’s sister sites www.harvestdayton.com and www.harvestyouth.org

Other upcoming shows include 1/18-The Rose Hill, IATM and Witness, 1/19- The Paramedic, 1/24-The Almost, All Get Out and Makeshift Prodigy, 1/25-Misery Signals, Corelia. Support for keeping The Attic open can be sent to Mailing Donations: C/o Harvest Youth Ministries 4004 Woodcliffe Ave Dayton, OH 45420.

Jazz Spotlight: DAI Jazz & Beyond + Upcoming Local Jazz Jan 16 – 29

January 16, 2013 By Ron Gable 1 Comment

Happy January 16th; Irving Mills was born on this day in 1894, He and his brother Jack built a company that became the largest independent music publisher in the world. Check out Wikipeda for more information.

Miscellaneous Jazz Notes:

Latest word on the possible closing status of the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati: Click Here

More sad news for local jazz – Worthington Inn to Discontinue Regular Jazz Programming: Click Here

Here’s a note on the Cincinnati Winter Blues Fest: Click Here

Dayton Art Institute’s 2013 Vectren Jazz & Beyond

Centerville High School Jazz Ensemble

The Dayton Art Institute will present their 2013 Vectren Jazz & Beyond season on the second Thursday of the month this year. The schedule is as follows:

March 14 – The ShinSings Orchestra

April 11 – Jazz Central Jammers

May 9 – Centerville High School Jazz Night

June 13 – Ron Jones Quartet

August 8 – Generations Big Band

September 12 – Tribute to Louie Armstrong

October 10 – Greg Abate and the Lee McKinney Trio

November 14 – Puzzle of Light

Performances take place 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the intimate setting of the museum’s Shaw Gothic Cloister. Admission is FREE for museum members and $8 for non-members.

Jazz Central

Over the years many big bands have played at Jazz Central and back in the day they even had their own band. It’s my understanding their band was mostly made up of Air Force players and they always had a grate time playing the music they loved. Coming up on Thursday, January 17 that very same music is returning to Jazz Central. This is because club owner Charles Stone had saved the original charts and Mike Rinderle had the idea of getting a band together to fill in the spot of the vacationing Generations Big Band. Well Mike has assembled some of the very best players in our area:

Steve Shininger – drums

John Slate – keyboard

Leo Smith – bass

John Harner – trumpet

Wade Baker – trumpet

Tom Shirley – trumpet

Mike Rinderle – trumpet

Ronald Hartwell – alto saxophone

Luis Rosa – alto saxophone

Grant Koeller – tenor saxophone

Carlos Serrano – tenor saxophone

Bill Burns – baritone saxophone

Linda Landis – trombone

Dustin Malone – trombone
Jon Hoff – trombone

Their performance promises to be something very special, which you can check out at: http://www.jazzcentraldayton.com/#16

Jazz Calendar

Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:

Tonight Wednesday, January 16 – Jazz Central presents Blue Wednesday with Jack & Joe Waters and an the eleven piece Different Hats Band is at the Dayton Event Connection.

Thursday January 17 – The return of of the Jazz Central Big Band at Jazz Central in Dayton and Dottie Warner and Ricky Nye at Arnold’s Bar & Grill in Cincinnati.

Friday January 18 – Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers is at Jay’s Seafood Restaurant in Dayton and the Bobby Floyd Trio is at Boudin’s Bistro & Jazz Club in Columbus.

Saturday January 19 – Ed Clay’s Jazz Patrol featuring Randy Villars is at Gilly’s in Dayton and Ascension is at the The Greenwich in Cincinnati.

Sunday January 20 – the last night for the Slaughter Brothers at Jazz Central in Dayton this trip and there is a Sunday night Jazz Jam at Victory’s om Columbus.

Monday January 21 – the John Taylor Trio is at the Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe is at Due Amici in Columbus.

Tuesday January 22 – Scott Belck Quartet featuring Alan Wyatt is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati and the Part St. Tavern Jazz Jam is going on in Columbus.

Wednesday January 23 – John LaIacona is at Eddie Merlot’s in Cincinnati and Chuchito Valdesos is playing Nighttown in Cleveland Heights.

Thursday January 24 – the Rick Brunetto Big Band is at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant in Columbus and Dave Powers is at Amano’s Sports Bar in Worthington, OH.

Friday January 25 – Shawn Stanley Trio is at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville, OH and the Eddie BrookshireQuintet is playing Nighttown in Cleveland Heights.

Saturday January 26 – James & Moore is at C’est Tout Bistro in Oakwood and Gilly’s presents Winter Blues Showcase in Dayton.

Sunday January 27 – the Jazz Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus is at Jazz Central in Dayton and Hoo Doo Soul Band is at the Rumba Café in Columbus.

Monday January 28 – Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus and a Jazz Jam hosted by Sandy Suskind Quartet is at the Wisp in Cincinnati.

Tuesday January 29 – the Derek DiCenzo Trio is at Local Roots in Powell, OH and Tony Monaco is at the Rumba Café in Columbus.

More info and jazz listings can be found at www.JazzAdvocate.com

Dayton Music

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

Jazz Spotlight: WDPS-FM (Support our local Jazz Educators)

Jazz Calendar

Who is Bill Burns?

Jazz Calendar

Miscellaneous Jazz Notes:

Dayton Art Institute’s 2013 Vectren Jazz & Beyond

Jazz Central

Jazz Calendar

Mon 2

Tue 3

Wed 4

Thu 5

Fri 6

Sat 7

Sun 8

The Troy Strawberry Festival

The Troy Strawberry Festival

The Troy Strawberry Festival

The Troy Strawberry Festival

Summer Reading Challenge Kick-Off

What the Taco?!

Mommy and Me Yoga