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A Summer Groove: Jah Soul and Soul Rebels to perform at South Park Tavern

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If you haven’t experienced Jah Soul’s live show, then you owe it to yourself to visit South Park Tavern on Friday night for an evening of great summer jams.  The eight members of Jah Soul create a family vibe onstage that’s easily translated to their audience.  They combine classic Dayton funk with reggae , soul and even a little disco for a sound that’s super catchy and highly danceable.

Joining them onstage is Soul Rebels, a 5 piece reggae band that mixes lots of jam influences.  The result is a nice groove with a highly positive message.

As with most shows at South Park Tavern, this one is all-ages, and these two bands will make for a good listening experience for music fans of all ages.  The music starts at 9:30pm.

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Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest Announces Schedule

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Here is your Downtown Revival Music Festival Schedule! (subject to change)

Saturday, September 8th

Budweiser Stage CareSource Stage Monster Stage
12:15 – 12:45
Prima Luce
Facebook
1:00 -2:00
Burnt Sugar 1:15 – 1:45
1:30 – 2:30 ReverbNation Facebook The Giant Steps
Bronze Radio Return Facebook
ReverbNation Facebook
2:15 – 2:45
2:30 -3:30 Customer Service and the Gem City Horns
Kristy Lee ReverbNation Facebook
3:00 – 4:00 ReverbNation Facebook
Griffin House 3:15 – 3:45
Facebook The Right Now
ReverbNation Facebook
4:00 – 5:15
The Werks 4:15 – 4:45
ReverbNation Facebook Crusher
5:00 – 6:15
Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk 5:15 – 6:00
Facebook Wheels
ReverbNation Facebook
6:15 – 7:30
Cowboy Mouth 6:30 – 7:15
ReverbNation Facebook Motel Beds
ReverbNation Facebook
7:15 – 8:30
Guster
Facebook 7:45 – 8:30
Jordan Hull
8:15 – 9:30 ReverbNationFacebook
Guided by Voices
Facebook
9:00 – 10:15
Needmore
9:30 -10:45 ReverbNationFacebook
John Legend
Facebook

Sunday, September 9th

Budweiser Stage CareSource Stage Monster Stage
12:15 -12:45
Good English
1:00 -2:00
Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers 1:15 -1:45
1:30 -2:30 ReverbNationFacebook Lauren Eylise
Heartless Bastards ReverbNationFacebook
ReverbNationFacebook
2:15 – 3:00
2:30 – 3:30 Bad Sines
Red Wanting Blue ReverbNationFacebook
3:00 – 4:00 ReverbNationFacebook
Andy Grammer
ReverbNationFacebook 3:30 – 4:15
Green Light Morning
ReverbNationFacebook
4:15 – 5:30
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
Facebook 4:45 – 5:30
5:00 – 6:15 Buffalo Killers
Rusted Root ReverbNationFacebook
Facebook
6:00 – 6:45
6:15 – 7:30 The Cliftones
The Ohio Players ReverbNationFacebook
7:15 -8:30 7:15 – 8:00
Matt Kearney Brent James and the Contraband
Facebook ReverbNationFacebook
8:30 -9:45 8:30 – 9:45
Robert Randolph and the Family Band Tony Lucca
ReverbNationFacebook Facebook
9:30 – 10:45
Train
Facebook

R&B, Soul Singer Tony Williams to Perform at Oral Funk Poetry Show

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Tony Williams

If the name Tony Williams doesn’t ring an immediate bell, his voice probably will. Williams has performed with numerous hip-hop and R&B artists including Jay-Z, Nas, Rick Ross and Kanye West. In fact, Williams’ recent performance on West’s “All of the Lights” earned the vocalist his fourth Grammy.

Williams will be at the Loft Theatre in Dayton on July 20th to headline Oral Funk Poetry’s latest installment of “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show,” This time around the theme is Poetic Soul Fusion and Fyah’ Stahtahs will play live jazz, funk, R&B and neo-soul music in addition to Williams’ performance.

Also on the bill is international poet I Am Tasha Jones, who’s opened for Lauryn Hill’s Moving Target tour and has performed with Erykah Badu. Columbus based poet Williams Evans will emcee the evening.

The show is 9-11pm on July 20th. Tickets are available through Ticket Center Stage’s website.

For information on future events from Oral Funk Poetry Productions, visit their website.

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Coming Up in Local Jazz – July 18-31

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Happy July 18, the day RCA Victor recorded When I Hear That Jazz Band Play by Marion Harris from Ziegfeld’s “Midnight Frolic.

It occurs to me that many people in our area may not know who some of the better jazz artists who perform locally on a regular basis. In an attempt to rectify this shortcoming I’ll be writing articles from time to time featuring a different jazz performer:

Classic Jazz Stompers at Crowne Plaza

Who are the Classic Jazz Stompers?

(A politically correct question, who are Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers?)

They call themselves a territory band from Dayton, Ohio and claim to be magnetized by the moment in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s when classic jazz evolved into small band swing. Dave Greer aside from being one of Dayton’s leading attorneys is one of the fine gentlemen of jazz. He has been leading his band, the Classic Jazz Stompers and expounding on the history of their chosen style of music from bandstands in our area since 1981 (33 years) and have played at different times through out the Unites States and Europe but they are mainly a hometown commodity and our local standard bearer of what we call Traditional Jazz (Dixieland and Ragtime jazz styles) today. This kind of music leaves lead players free to explore their individual creativity with the support of a “modern” rhythm section. My first exposure with the group was through Mama Jazz, (15 – 20 years ago) who’s theme song for her regular Tuesday Trad Jazz program was “Hello Central Give Me Mama Jazz by Dave and the Stompers. This has to be one of the most talented groups going today and we’re so lucky to have them in our area. You can catch them this Friday at Jay’s Seafood 8:30 to 11:30pm and at Neil’s Heritage House from 7:00 to 10:00 pm every Wednesday.

Jazz Calendar

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

Thursday July 19 – Riverscape Metro Parks continues their Big Band Series with the Tom Daugherty and the Tommy Dorsey Tribute. and Jazz Central presents the nineteen member Generations Big Band.

Friday July 20 – Jazz Alive presents a Tribute to Larry Kinley at The Redmoor in Cincinnati and Doc. Broadnax presents The Norman Connors with Tom Browne and Azar Lawrence is at the Thompson House in Newport, KY.

Saturday July 21 – Trumpeter Mike Wade and the Jazz Ambassadors will be at the Blue Wisp and the NEW Ed Moss Trio will be at Schwartz’s Point in Over-The-Rhine in Cincinnati.

Sunday July 22 – Phil DeGreg Trio will be at Dee Felice inCovington,Ky. and Jazz Central’s regular (for 34 years) Jazz Jam continues in Dayton.

Monday July 23 -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 July 24 –the Park Street Tavern holds their ongoing Jazz Jam in Columbus and Recording Artist Ron Enyard is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Wednesday July 25 – Blue Wisp Big Band performs at the Wisp and John LaIacona will be at Eddie Merlot’s in Cincinnati, while Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers will be at Neil’s Heritage House in Dayton.

Thursday July 26 – Riverscape Metro Parks presents the Swing Era Big Band in Dayton and Triage w/Vocalist/Percussionist Eugene Goss and Keyboardist Billy Larkin will be at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Friday July 27 – The John Tesh Big Band will perform at Fraze Pavilion in Kettering and the Shawn Stanley Trio is at Carvers in Centerville.

Saturday July 28 – April Aloisio sings! at the Park Square Hyde Park, OH.

Sunday July 29 – Phil DeGreg Trio performing at Dee Felice inCovington,Ky. and the Hoo Doo Soul Band plays the Rumba Café in Columbus.

Monday July 30 – Sandy Suskind continues their long running jazz jam at the Blue Wisp inCincinnati and the John Taylor Trio does likewise at the Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek.

Wednesday August 1 – Ricky Nye with Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues @ Chez Nora in Covington, KY.

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

 

Coming up in Local Jazz – July 4-17

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Tim Berens

Tim Berens

Happy Fourth of July, the day Louis Armstrong claimed to be his birthday.

It occurs to me that many people in our area may not know who some of the better jazz artists who perform locally on a regular basis.  In an attempt to rectify this shortcoming I’ll be writing articles from time to time featuring a different jazz performer:

Who is Tim Berens?

Tim is one of the area’s most talented guitarists. He plays jazz and classical guitar and other styles as well. He is a gifted reader.

Tim Berens has created a unique position for himself in the world of music:  orchestral guitarist.  Tim is the guitarist for the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, under Erich Kunzel.  He has also performed with many other orchestras including the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra under Erich Kunzel; the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas; the Colorado Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop in a PBS special with jazz pianist Marcus Roberts; the Indianapolis Symphony and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.

A versatile musician, Tim performs on the mandolin, banjo, and bouzouki in addition to the electric, classical, and steel string acoustic guitars.  As an avid and accomplished jazz guitarist, Tim recorded Another Rhumba for Armando in 1999 and Nortonomy in 2001 for Red Mark Records, and he performs more than 100 dates per year at jazz clubs.

Tim Berenshas performed on more than 30 CDs with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and he has toured with the Pops on many occasions including performances inJapan,Taiwan, and inNew Yorkat Carnegie Hall.  He has also been featured with the Cincinnati Pops during many of it’s nationally telecast PBS specials.

Tim, an enthusiastic but bad golfer, is a graduate of theUniversityofCincinnati College-Conservatoryof Music.

Jazz Calendar

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

Wednesday July 4 – Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers will be at Neil’s Heritage House, and the Lizz & Rex Quartet will be at the Dayton Event Connection in Dayton.  You will find Swing Dancing & Music at Nyoh’s Buckeye Bar, Rich Lopez at Rigsby’s, a Jam Session w/ Even Oberla at Ruby Tuesday and the James Elliott Project Featuring Roger Baccus will be at the Zanzibar Brews in Columbus.   The Jack Carr Big Band will be playing at The Court House in Hamilton.

Thursday July 5 – Riverscape Metro Parks opens their Big Band Series with the Hal Harris Orchestra followed by the Dayton Jazz Orchestra on July 12 in Dayton.

Friday July 6 – Yvette-Diva Williams at the Remixx Lounge inDayton, the Shawn Stanley Trio at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville,Kathy Wade& Ed Moss at Schwartz’s Point in Over-The-Rhine and fo/mo/deep at the Redmoor in Cincinnati, the Eastern Blok Quartet at the Thompson House inNewport,Ky. and the Kim Kelly Orchestra in Tipp City.

Saturday July 7 – Michael WadeAmbassadors with guest Khalid Mosswill be at Gilly’s and Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers will be at Riverscape in Dayton.

Sunday July 8 – Phil DeGreg Trio will be at Dee Felice inCovington,Ky.

Monday July 9 -Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra at the Clintonville Woman’s Club and Tia Roseboro & Vernon Hairston at the Old Bag of Nails in Columbus.

Tuesday July 10 – Fraze Pavilion presents an Evening with Santana in Kettering and the Park Street Tavern holds their ongoing Jazz Jam in Columbus.

Wednesday July 11 – Blue Wisp Big Band performs at the Wisp and John LaIacona will be at Eddie Merlot’s in Cincinnati, while Puzzle of Light plays the Fraze Pavilion in Kettering and Rich Lopez performs at Rigsby’s in Columbus.

Thursday July 12 – Retrospect Jazz Quartet plays atDayton’s Jazz Central and the Ron Enyard Quartet will be at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Friday July 13 – Thompson House in Newport presents Mark Lomax Quartet with William Menefield.

Saturday July 14 – Erwin Stuckey & Omega 3″ will be at the Greenwich in Cincinnati, Tropicoso will be at Riverscape in Daytonand Roderick Wilson and Sun Star performs at the Point United Methodist Church in Trotwood.

Sunday July 15 – Phil DeGreg Trio performing at Dee Felice inCovington,Ky. and the Hoo Doo Soul Band plays the Rumba Café in Columbus.

Monday July 16 – Sandy Suskind continues their long running jazz jam at the Blue Wisp inCincinnati and the John Taylor Trio does likewise at the Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek.

Tuesday July 17 – at the Fraze Pavilion in Kettering you’ll find Big Sam’s Funky Nation and the Tony Monaco Trio at the Rumba Café in Columbus.

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

 

 

‘Thank God It’s Thursday’ Weekly Event

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(from left) Josh Egeland, Jason Weber and Jay Madewell onstage at One Eyed Jacks (photo by Todd the Fox)

Throughout the city of Dayton, and the cities around it, there are a vast number of bands and artists that take to the stage each and every night.  A lot of them have perfected their craft, whatever its rock, country, folk, etc.  It’s remarkable to go around town and see all the different styles that each band or artist perform to.   A couple of musicians from the Gem City have developed another concept that will make your Thursday nights a little more exciting.

Local DJs/musicians Jay Madewell and Josh Egeland are part of a duo called Dirty/Clean and on Thursday nights at One Eyed Jacks on Colonel Glenn Highway they host an event called ‘Thank God It’s Thursday’.   The concept of the duo is really out of the ordinary.  Egeland will spin retro tunes, while Madewell plays drums to the beat of the songs throughout the evening.  Other local musicians will come and play other instruments with the duo.  The end result is a stunning collaboration of great music that will no doubt leave people blown away.  It also will give people all the more reason to bring their dancing shoes, and dance the night away.

Josh Egeland of Dirty/Clean (Photo by Todd the Fox)

The show idea wasn’t thought up within a few minutes.  “I have been throwing around the idea for some time now.  I thought now would be a good time as any to set this idea into action,” Madewell told me before the inaugural show this past Thursday night.  “We hope that the event takes off and we can do shows on Friday and Saturday nights as well,”

The show is truly an experience that you have to see.  As Egeland supplied the crowd with classics from the days of disco and funk to Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, Madewell pounded away on the drums to the beat of the music.  Percussion was added to the mix on this evening from Jason Webber.  If the music didn’t keep people’s attention, the Gem City Rockers performed some Go Go Dancing, and also a light show just to the show’s unique style.

The crowd on the dance floor during Thank God It's Thursday (Photo by Todd the Fox)

As the night went on, the crowd at One Eyed Jacks grew larger and larger.  A large group of the patrons took to Dirty/Clean fun, groovy music playing beautifully.  People started displaying their best dance moves, while many others watched in amazement.  Some of the people that were in attendance at One Eyed Jacks mentioned to me that this was something that they didn’t think to imagine coming and seeing ever.  The concept was fresh and outside of the box, and they couldn’t wait to see the show evolve.   They also said that the bar was a perfect spot for the show to take place.  Madewell agreed.  “(One Eyed Jacks) is one of the best melting pots of music scenes I’ve seen in years in the Dayton area.”

With the event taking place each Thursday night, Madewell and Egeland have their sights set on making the show have themes to them. “I would love to do different shows.  Maybe a super hero theme one night.   Playing the Superman theme would be cool.”  With the way the first night went, the masses are up for anything.

‘Thank God Its Thursday’ takes place at One Eyed Jacks, which is located on 2638 Colonel Glenn Highway in Fairborn, right across from Wright State University.  The show is Thursdays 9pm-2am; 18 and up, and it’s free.

Coming up in Local Jazz : June 20-July 3

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Do you think Jazz is dead? I have to admit that as a commercial product, jazz is having its ups and downs, but as an art form it continues at a remarkable pace. As proof to my statement, I offer, from personal observations – my recent attendance at: Stivers School for the Arts fundraiser to go to the New York Jazz Festival, the Beavercreek High School Weekend of Jazz Festival and the recent Fairborn High School Jazz Band spring fundraiser concert. These events by young players really committed to jazz were all very well attended.

Speaking of remarkable, tonight’s (Wednesday, June 20) concert at the Stubbs Park Amphitheater in Centerville by the Miami Valley Jazz Camp All Stars and the Dayton Jazz Orchestra is more evidence of “Youth in Jazz” in our area. This is part of the 19th annual Miami Valley Jazz Camp with this year’s faculty being: Hal Melia, Dan Nicora, Bill Burns, Dr. Scott Belck, Alyssa Mehnert, Sammy Kestenholtz, Jim Leslie, Jim Smith, Phil DeGreg, Brian Cashwell and Chris Berg. They appear again on Friday, June 22nd for a public concert at Kettering Fairmont Theater with this year’s Student Big Band & Combo and again on Wednesday, June 27th at the Fraze Pavilion when the Dayton Jazz Orchestra w/Miami Valley Jazz Camp All Stars & Carillon Park Concert Band provides the entertainment. These events are free and open to the public. Check out the Dayton Jazz Orchestra website for more details.

A few more near-term jazz events you may find of interest: Thursday, June 21st the Generations Big Band is at Jazz Central and on Sunday, June 24th will be the 30th annual Women in Jazz Festival in downtown Dayton at Dave Hall Plaza from 1:00 to 9:00 pm with the official after party at Jazz Central from 9:00pm to 1:00am. Check out Jazz Central’s website for the After Party information.

Some weekly jazz happenings: The Trio at the Brio every Monday features the John Taylor on drums, Brian Cashwell on keyboard and Chris Berg on bass. Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers is at Neil’s Heritage House every Wednesday. Ron Hartwell does a Swing, Latin & Ballroom Dance at the Dayton Event Connection every Wednesday. Catch the Shawn Stanley Trio Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville every Friday. And don’t forget there is a real Jazz Jam every Sunday night at Jazz Central. You can go to the Jazz Advocate website to get the times and location information on these events as well some 900 other jazz events in our area, or check out the DMM Event Calendar!


Music Video Monday: June 18, 2012

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According to Okay Lindon’s Facebook page, the band has been hard at work to a follow up to their 2012 album, Rotating Dates.  A release date for the new project hasn’t been announced yet, but in the meantime you can check out the band live this Friday night at Blind Bob’s along with Roley Yuma, Post Coma Network and Bridget Egan.  For details on this and other upcoming shows, check out the Dayton Most Metro events calendar.

This week’s video features Okay Lindon performing one of my favorite songs from Rotating Dates, “Table Talk,” shot by Drexel Dave Sparks.

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Music Video Monday: June 11, 2012

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This Wednesday marks the latest edition in the Dirty Little Secrets series of shows at Wiley’s Comedy Club.  This time around the theme of the variety show is Social Consciousness and will feature comedy, debate and beatboxing from Dayton’s own ErratiC and Chubbs.  We’re featuring them as this week’s video with some footage of their performance at South Park Tavern.  Skip ahead to about 1:05 when the tunes really get rolling, and get more details on the Dirty Little Secrets Social Consciousness Show at the Dayton Most Metro events calendar.

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Show Review: Todd the Fox, Anatomy of Frank, Sam at Eleven at South Park Tavern-May 19th

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Todd the Fox and Lisa Bunny (Photo by Tommy Johnson)

On Wayne Avenue, just about a couple of miles away from the Oregon District lays South Park Tavern.  The tavern was introduced to me when I first started to becoming a Dayton native.  The selection of beer and micros that South Park offers is incredible.  The taps are always in rotation, which can always make any avid beer fan come back time and time again.  Also, the establishment has been labeled by many to have some of the best pizza in the entire Dayton area.  What makes South Park so charming, however, is the atmosphere.  The people who work there are engaging, and nice.  Its no shock to anyone that the people who visit soon become good friends with the staff.  Patrons also become friends with each other.  They share their thoughts of the beer being served, their world views, and stories about their journey thru life among other topics.

South Park Tavern also hosts music on a regular basis.  On May 19th, the tavern hosted two local acts, Todd the Fox, and Sam at Eleven.  Anatomy of Frank, originating from the state of Virginia, also performed this night.

First up was Todd the Fox.  Alongside Todd during the set was Lisa Bunny, who played on a washboard.  Yes-a washboard.  The crowd wasn’t sure what to think when they saw Todd, dressed in all black (vest, shirt, pants) and Lisa, holding a washboard that looked like it was well broken in.  And that’s exactly how they wanted it.

The minute Todd strung the first chord on his guitar, you felt like the tavern became an intimate venue for bluegrass and folk.  Todd’s southern voice was textbook blues and soul.  Lisa strummed on the washboard as flawless as you can get.  Both played fast, and played loud.  Their chemistry was impeccable.  Both fed of each other’s emotions.  Todd and Lisa played some of his original work, including one that I’m thinking about titled ‘I’m Feeling Fine’.  The duo also added some blues-injected covers of The White Stripes ‘Seven Nation Army’ and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s  ‘Pride Joy’.  You just could see and sense the two were just having the time of their lives.  Both playing in front of packed establishment.  Both realizing that we were in the palm of their hands.  At the beginning of the night, Todd and Lisa came in with just a guitar, and washboard.  At the end of their set, they left with their two instruments, along with everyone’s appreciation and attention.

Anatomy of Frank (Photo by Tommy Johnson)

The second act of the evening was Anatomy of Frank.  The band, as mentioned earlier, hailed from the state of Virginia.  As the lights turned to a very low dim, the band came out to having a festive display of lights on their fingers.  Anatomy of Frank goes outside of the box when it comes to their sound. Their show was jam-packed with experimental sounds, with the banjo, and synthesizers overlapping each other so perfectly.  Their possibilities were endless with their play. The band took the audience into a fantasy.  All of us in the crowd and jumped onto clouds and took a flight into the sky.  Their songs were catchy.  ‘Saturday Morning’ is still tossing around in my head to this day.  The finale of their set was wild and free.  The lead singer started to climb over the
tables and chairs.  Another member of the band grabbed a drum and started wailing on it.  Wild display of freedom.  Dayton showed them the love they deserved.

Sam at Eleven (Photo by Tommy Johnson)

Last act to hit the stage at the tavern was Sam at Eleven.  In April, I saw these guys play at Blind Bob’s for a benefit show.  It was their first live in over a year, and they had no signs of rust.  And this night didn’t differ from that night in April.  Sam at Eleven plays effortlessly. Their music has such a way of grabbing you and not letting you go.  The band’s broad punk feel has you almost convinced that they listened to the band’s before them (Iggy Pop, Alkaline Trio), and perfected their spin of the sound.  One thing I have noticed from watching two of their sets is just how raw they are.  The emotion coming from them when they playing each song are hard to touch.  Their songs, which are about their lives, their families, are some oft he most catchiest I have ever heard in a local band.  They are simply just cool guys that love playing music together.

South Park Tavern had three amazing bands take their stage, and took the crowd on a journey thru all kinds of different types of music.  From bluegrass to punk, the night seemed to blend together beautifully.  The three acts gave praise to one another, and admired what they witnessed.  Overall, the night was awe-inspiring.  Truly, the night was one of those nights that had Dayton’s best foot forward.

Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest Announces Third & Final Line-up Addition

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The Ohio Players

The Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival has just announced its third and final list of additions to its lineup for this year’s two-day street festival on September 8-9 on three stages in Downtown Dayton, which includes Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Cowboy Mouth, Clifftones, Crusher, Green Light Morning (Cincinnati), and The Right Now PLUS Dayton bands Buffalo Killers, Good English, Lauren Eylise, Customer Service and the Gem City Horns, Prima Luce, Jordan Hull AND Dayton, Ohio’s own Ohio Players!  Added to John Legend, Train, Guided By Voices and many others, this inaugural music fest is not one to miss! (full line-up is below)

“With the final additions to our inaugural lineup I can honestly say – our list of performers rocks!  From legends like the Ohio Players to the local college band just coming up – festival goers will be exposed to the best music out there.” said Matt Luongo, President of Downtown Revival LLC.  “The lineup is so diverse, there’s funk, soul, R&B, reggae, rock, pop, jam bands – truly something for everybody.  You cannot beat the price and we cannot wait to fill the streets of downtown Dayton with two days of incredible music!”

Robert Randolph & The Family Band

All tickets are two day passes and are available at www.DowntownRevival.com.  Early bird ticket prices (until May 31st) are $55 and include entry into a contest for a VIP package upgrade including access to the VIP hospitality tent, invitations to a Friday night preview party, artist meet and greet, and other exciting upgrades.

Dayton Most Metro is a proud media sponsor for the Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival!  Check out our previous articles with additional links and videos here:

Presenting The Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival

More Bands For Your Buck: Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest Adds to Lineup

 

Confirmed acts include:

Cowboy Mouth

Buffalo Killers

Good English

Green Light Morning

 
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A Music Review of Dayton’s Urban Nights Event

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HeyThereMorgan

This past Friday night, Dayton hosted the annual Urban Nights.  Urban Nights is an event that twice a year (one time in the spring, and one time in the fall) Dayton highlights downtown with music, art, dining, retail, and urban living.  More than 100 places were showcased during the evening.  As being a music junkie, I had to go around and see all the local music that was filling the Dayton skies.

I brought a couple of friends of mine, and we decided to start at the Main Stage on Courthouse Square.  There, we saw that HeyThere Morgan was beginning to start their set.  HeyThere Morgan is a three-piece band that played cover songs from classic rock to modern hits.  Some cover bands don’t do the justice and respect that the originals are destined to have.  Some cover bands try too hard to spin it to make the songs their own.  By doing that, the cover band becomes a band that loses its flare.  HeyThere Morgan wasn’t one of those cover bands.  They smoothly transitioned between each song.  The band claims to be able to tailor their shows to the crowd, and they were true.  Having never seen the band before, and seeing a number of cover bands, HeyThere Morgan were entertaining and fun to watch.

Dan Raridan (Photo by Gary Mitchell)

Next up, we walked over to the Yellow Cab Company building over on East Fourth Street.  The building hosted ‘The Sideshow Lucky No. 7’.  The festival featured 50 local artists that included paintings, photography, and sculptures.  All the art had the feel of freedom of expression.  The artists who did the work seemed to let the creativity run wild. Truly some of the most mind-blowing artwork I have ever seen.

The band that we saw while at The Sideshow was Dan Raridan & The Calientes.  Having heard about them thru people in and around Dayton for the past couple of months, I was looking forward to seeing what they were going to bring to the show.  While most of the bands were alternative, Raridan and crew brought their own sound to the mix.  The guitars were rich in sound.  The vocals had soul.  So many different variations and influences soared out of the band.  Imagine Blues and Punk unified together.  Raridan &The Calientes did it with ease.  All the talk surrounding the band previously before seeing them was comforting.  The crowd and the band gained an appreciation to one another.  It was a very tranquil moment.

Ape the Ghost

Two bands in the books, we decided to head to the Oregon District to see the action there.  The sun had settled into the sky, and moved over to let the moon have its moment. When we arrived to the Oregon District, we were lucky enough to see Ape the Ghost starting their set at Trolley Stop.

Remember that time when you first heard a song or a band that you just knew it would change your view of music?  That sound coming from the instruments. That hunger for wanting more.  ATG’s soft folk sound, mixed with dreamy lyrics made the large crowd feel that way.  It was delightful to see throughout the set the crowd grew more and more.  People stopped and marveled at what they were being witness to.  If their influences were standing there at that time, smiles from them would go cheek to cheek.  Incredible.  Ape the Ghost’s set will go down as one of the top sets ever in Urban Nights history.  If you miss it, I am truly sorry you did.  If you did see it, I know you feel the same as I do.

Urban Nights provided everyone the sense of pride in the town’s music scene. It also showed everyone just how good we have it here in the Gem City.  We have so many options for music.  Folk, alternative, rock.  Bands that play songs that take you back to the good old days.  All these, and so much more.

Ladies and gentlemen-Urban Nights was a night that I will soon never forget…

More Bands For Your Buck: Downtown Dayton Revival Music Fest Adds to Lineup

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Griffin House

15 bands is good, but 23 is even better.  If you haven’t already marked your calendar for the Downtown Dayton Revival Music Festival on September 8th and 9th, you’ve got 8 more reasons to do so.  Festival organizers have just announced the following additions to their lineup including:

Red Wanting Blue (Columbus)

Griffin House (Springfield native)

The Werks (Dayton/Columbus)

Needmore

Brent James and the Contraband

Burnt Sugar

Bad Sines (Dayton)

Wheels (Yellow Springs)

Wheels

“We are very excited to add this group of talented artists to our already exceptional lineup,” said Matt Luongo, President, Downtown Revival, LLC.    “With these additions to our existing lineup, as well as one more round of  bands to be announced at the end of May, we are confident there will be  something for everyone at the first ever Downtown Dayton Revival and cannot  wait to bring these great bands to downtown Dayton in September.”

That’s right, there are still more band announcements to come.  In the meantime, two day passes and are available at www.downtownrevival.com.  Early bird ticket prices are $55 and include entry into a contest for a VIP package upgrade including access to the VIP hospitality tent, invitations to a Friday night preview party, artist meet and greet, and other exciting upgrades.  Early bird tickets are limited in quantity and will be on sale until May 31st or  until sold out.

The Werks

CONFIRMED ARTISTS: John Legend, Train, Guided By Voices, Guster, Rusted Root, Heartless Bastards, Motel Beds, Red Wanting Blue, Karl Denson’s Tiny  Universe, Andy Grammar, Griffin House, Brent James and the Contraband, Mat  Kearney, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, Kristy Lee, Tony Lucca, Ivan  Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Bronze Radio Return, Bad Sines, Burnt Sugar, The Werks, and Wheels.

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GO W/ THE FLOW with Ben Rivet and Tori Reynolds

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Ben & Tori do their thing on Fifth Street during Urban Nights

Ben Rivet (known as BJSR in the local music community) has not stopped creating since his days as a student at the University of Dayton just a few years ago. After a bit of traveling that included performing on a cruise ship, Ben returned to Dayton and got noticed quickly with his iPhone-shot video that became a bit of a YouTube hit.  After that came the release of his popular debut album Axe and Vox that showcased Ben as not only a talented musician but an able producer and songwriter.  These days, Ben has returned back to something he discovered while at UD – yoga – and quickly became a well known member at Practice Yoga – a popular yoga studio on Fifth Street in the Oregon District.  Late last year he took his passion for yoga to the next level and began yoga teacher training, which is how he connected with PY instructor Tori Reynolds…

Tori discovered yoga while studying psychology at Wright State, and took it to the next level by signing up to get certified in Live Love Teach training and eventually becaming an instructor at Practice Yoga.   Through that program and with the support of her Practice Yoga community, she was inspired to get creative and explore new ways of practicing her craft.  The connection she made with Ben eventually led to the creation of a new concept called GO W/ THE FLOW – a unique rhythmic fusion of Ben’s beatboxing and acoustic guitar along with Tori’s yoga sequencing.

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I spoke with Ben recently about the journey he has taken that has blended his passions for music and yoga…

DMM: How did the GO W/ THE FLOW concept come about?

Ben:  I had been working on completing my yoga teacher certification at Practice Yoga from September to April of this past year, and spending a LOT of time at Practice Yoga. I had played for a couple classes before and had fun doing it. Tori was just starting to teach a class or two at the studio and I asked her if she wanted me to play one of her classes. I think because we are close in age (24/26), have similar tastes in music, and similar ideas about a yoga practice – we complimented each other well right from the start. We got a great response and decided to cultivate it a little more.
I recorded one of the classes we held and posted it online for free to share with yogi friends, titling the track “GO W/ THE FLOW” because it was all very improvised based on the environment, mood and experience level of that class. Once it was online, word began to spread and we realized we had something worth focusing on. With the contacts Tori had through her teacher training we started making contacts and setting up classes along side my tour to SXSW music fest in Austin and the rest is history. The blog pretty much takes it from there…

DMM: What kind of feedback have you gotten from participants?

Ben: We are almost overwhelmed with how tremendous the response has been from GWTF. Not only from our friends and family, but from Yogis, instructors and fitness enthusiasts around the country. When we started, we were just trying to provide the best class we could for the yogis at Practice. But the more we worked on it, the more we realized that the music makes the class very accessible for first-timers as well as deeply beneficial for even an experienced practitioner. Tori’s goal is to teach a class that is fun and challenging for THAT group of people, my goal is to give her the best possible soundtrack to do that to. Participants walk away feeling invigorated limber and eager to do more yoga, which is the point.

DMM:  What are your hopes for the future of GWTF? Do you see this as something you’ll do for a while and then move on to other things, or something you want to stick with and grow?

Ben: For as much planning as it feels like Tori and I have been doing preparing for this summer tour, we are both trying to enjoy where we are RIGHT NOW… If we stick to our guns regarding the philosophy about GWTF, we will constantly be learning and growing from the practice as we grow ourselves as yogis, instructors and musicians, and hopefully we will never get “bored” with it. We’ve always thought that GWTF was a unique experience and not something that should replace a normal yoga practice, therefore we think that it could always be something that is sprinkled into our teaching and practice in future. Tori and I also really liking traveling, so it makes sense for us to get out and do this for as many people as possible right now. I still plan on cultivating my BJSR work and Tori will continue teaching in Dayton, but hopefully GWTF will always be apart of it. It does as much for our well-being as it does for our classes.

DMM: What is your message about GWTF to those who have never done yoga before but might want to try GWTF? To those who are experienced with yoga?

Ben: Yoga can definitely be intimidating for those who’ve never tried it or only done it via a DVD or gym experience. What we’re hoping is that the music and environment that we work to create will entice people to give it a try and have some fun. Tori’s teaching is encouraging and playful and my music keeps you moving and sweating. We’ve never had anyone leave unhappy and, in fact, many of our friends who tried yoga for the first time are now adding yoga classes into their regular workout routine. There is really nothing to lose by trying… other some sweat.

For the more experienced practitioners, the classe is a power Vinyasa class that is influenced by the Baptiste and ashtanga method. It moves a lot but the real focus is on the breath! We’ve found that music really helps guide the breathing throughout the class to give everyone the best opportunity to move fully through the practice with support and energy. The steady tempo acts as a subtle reminder under Tori’s cuing to keep you focused and motivated.

On Monday May 14 at 6:30pm, Ben and Tori will be at the RiverScape pavillion helping MetroParks kick off Bike Week 2012 with their GO W/ THE FLOW “Power Vinyasa” yoga which is also the start of their two-month bike tour in conjunction with BikeBot, an Austin, Texas-based “pro-pedal movement”  they connected with at the SXSW Festival earlier this year.  Power Vinyasa yoga is geared for all experience levels and builds whole-body strength, flexibility and mental focus.

Bring a mat if possible; Practice Yoga will provide a limited number of “loaners.” Another independent downtown business, basho apparel, will screen-print GWTF shirts live on-site.

 

An Album Release with Jasper the Colossal

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Joan Jett, Janis Joplin, Heart.  Their sound, tough personas, stage presence, and command for respect has paved the way for women all around the world to get into music scene, which for numerous years has been dominated by males.  And the same holds true in the city of Dayton.  Throughout the city, a significant number of bands don’t have a single woman in their lineup.  However, there is a band that’s changing that.

The band is Jasper the Colossal.  Paige, Moriah, Nicki, and Sarah are four women that are on their way to making waves in the Gem City with their raw and distinct rock and roll sound.  On June 22nd, Jasper the Colossal will be releasing their first full-length album, Liar.   During a sit down with the band recently, the group explained that the album contains everything that people love in a great rock and roll album-some soft ballads mixed with some hard rock, catchy hooks, songs that you can sing after hearing it over and over.  Jasper the Colossal have spent most of the year writing for Liar, while it took only a week to record.

The band has big ambitions with the album.  With the goal of setting up a tour later in the year to play around the US, they also plan on releasing 1,000 copies of Liar.   In order to achieve these goals, the women decided to take a different path to get the album out.  Their approach is a revolutionary move that most bands are starting to lend to release music independently, and also get closer to their fans. They went to the internet, and set up a pledge on Kickstarter.com, a website that allows people to set up an all or nothing fundraiser.  The band
set up an amount that they wanted to meet, which would help pay for the manufacturing cost of the album.  When you make a donation of a certain dollar amount, you get you a reward (could be anything from a free EP, to dinner with the band.  Now, the only way that all of this could become a reality is if the band actually made the goal.   Within the first couple of days the fundraiser was set up, the band not only met their goal, but exceeded it.  A feat that the band themselves never thought would happen in such a brief period of time.

Jasper the Colossal shouldn’t be shocked, though. The fan support for this 4-piece girl band has been growing ever since its current lineup, which has been together for four years now.  Their live shows are full of raw emotion.   When they take the stage, their energy flies out and into the crowd, seizing their grasp of their viewers.  They aren’t out there to look cute.  They’re out there to fulfill their passion.  Each girl mentioned that this is their life.  Each chord strung on the guitars.  Each crack of the drumstick on the drums.  Each word sang into the microphone.  Its poetry. This is how music is meant to be. That is why they have a rabid fan base that has grown more and more each show.

Many people around Dayton will mention to you that Jasper the Colossal is one of the hardest working bands in the local circuit.  And the claims are true.  The band has played shows in California, Kentucky, Indiana, Texas, Tennessee, and West Virginia.  With the extra money being donated thru the Kickstarter website fund, the band plans to use the extra money that’s used to getting transportation to go on a tour.

Jasper the Colossal aren’t going out and showing that girls can play instruments also.  Jasper the Colossal is out to prove that they are a band that is ready to take on the world one show at a time.  To want to prove that are just like the women pioneers before them-no matter what sex you are, rock and roll is here to tear the walls down.

To help the band by making a donation, go to their Kickstarter page.  Also, the band will be playing at South Park Tavern on May 12th . They will be taking the stage with Ghosts and Paper Hearts, and The Worthmores.  Cover charge is $5, and the show is for all ages.  (view all of Jasper the Colossal’s upcoming local shows on the DMM Music Calendar)

Dayton Music Fest Sets Dates, Opens Band Submissions

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Fall 2012 is shaping up to be a great season for music around town, and we’ve got yet another opportunity for music fans to go to some great shows and for local bands to get involved.  Dayton Music Fest 2012 marks its return to the first week of October with festival dates of October 5th and 6th, 2012 at locations around downtown Dayton.  More details will be reveled soon, but in the meantime, bands can submit their music for consideration by following this link. 

We’ll have more on Dayton Music Fest in the coming months here in the Dayton Music section of Dayton Most Metro.