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Jazz Spotlight: Youth in Jazz + Upcoming Jazz June 5 – 18

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jazzAbout Our Area’s Youth in Jazz:

A slight deviation in this week’s article from “Who is,” “What is” to “About?”  I assume if you’re reading this column you are a jazz fan and if so you understand “Youth in Jazz” is our future. Fortunately for us, most of the high schools and many of the middle schools in our area have music programs that include jazz. Stivers School for the Arts in Dayton, Beavercreek High School, Centerville High School, Fairborn High School, Xenia High School and lets not forget the University of Dayton just to name a few: In addition the Dayton Jazz Orchestra has been putting on a jazz camp for our youth for many years – Todd Couch says “there is still time to register for the 20th Miami Valley Jazz Summer Camp!!! June 10-14th at Kettering Fairmont High School. We even have a few scholarships available!!! Go to www.daytonjazzorchestra.com for more information.” The last “Jazz and Beyond” event at the Dayton Art Institute was High School Night featuring the Centerville High School Jazz 1, Jazz Combo 1 and Student Combo called “The Odyssey.” Taking off on this High School Night idea, on June 14 the Gabriel Foundation in conjunction with Jazz Central is producing a special concert to help generate funds for David Jenkins’ quest to attend the Skidmore Summer Jazz Institute, in New York. David and some of his Stivers student friends have formed a quintet for the evening’s entertainment with:

David Jenkins – Alto Sax

Justin Dawson – Bass

Taylor Stevens – Keyboard

Anthony Bryson – Trombone

Daryn Weatherspoon – Drums

You can check out the details at: http://www.jazzcentraldayton.com/#04

Jazz Calendar

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

 

Today Wednesday, June 5 – Swing Dance with Lizz & Rex Review is at The Dayton Event Connection – great music and dance floor and the attendance continues to build in Dayton..

Thursday June 6 – Linda Landis tells me a Hot Night at Jazz Central is coming up on June 6th!  The Jazz Central Big Band celebrates the June birthdays of Lennie Niehaus, Paul McCartney, Cole Porter and Vanguard Jazz Orchestra! In addition it will be our last chance to see Steve Shininger before he ships out.
Friday June 7 – The Shawn Stanley Trio performs every Friday at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville, Ohio.

Saturday June 8 – You can catch James & Moore from 6 to 7:30 pm and Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers from 8:30 to midnight at the Tropics at The Lincoln Park in Kettering.

Sunday June 9 – The Jazz Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus and John Hampton Wagner continues at Jazz Central in Dayton.
Monday June 10 – The John Taylor Trio is at Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.

Tuesday June 11 – Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers are performing every second Tuesday at the newly opened Jimmy’s Ladder 11 in Dayton, Ohio

Wednesday June 12 –The great Dayton Jazz Orchestra is performing at the Fraze Pavilion in Kettering.

Thursday June 13 –The Dayton Art Institute’s Vectrin Jazz and Beyond series returns when The Ron Jones Quartet returns. Watching the great Sonny Stevens on bass is one of my favorite things.

Friday June 14 – The Gabriel Foundation is supporting our Local Youth in Jazz with “High School Night” featuring a Stivers’ Student Jazz Quintet at Jazz Central in Dayton.

Saturday June 15 – Jerry Gillotti tells me “I have to say that Randy Villars and Odean Mays played some of the best music that I have heard in Gilly’s (Dayton,Ohio) in the past 5 years, I’ve booked them back.

OH.Sunday June 16 – The Jazz Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus and John Hampton Wagner continues at Jazz Central in Dayton.

Monday June 17 – Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe are at Due Amici in Columbus and the Monday Night Big Band is at Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.
Tuesday June 18 – Part St. Tavern holds a great Jazz Jam in Columbus every Tuesday.

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

New Orleans Music Series Coming To Canal Street Tavern

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220px-PaulSanchez2008Yeah You Right Music, Inc., along with the Abita Brewing Company is proud to announce their upcoming concert series, NOLA Summer in Dayton.  All concerts in the series will be hosted by Canal Street Tavern, a venerated music venue in downtown Dayton and home to great music over the past 30+ years.  Other series sponsors include:  TASK Hospitality Group/Rue Dumaine and Dayton Most Metro.

The three concert NOLA Summer in Dayton series will begin on Wednesday, July 10 with a return appearance by Paul Sanchez with special guest Davis Rogan.  Paul and Davis are two of the best singer/songwriters in New Orleans, and both have had integral roles in the HBO series, Treme.

Thursday, July 18 brings Soul Project NOLA  in a return visit to Dayton, and first trip to Canal Street Tavern.  Jon Cristian Duque (guitar/vocals) and the myriad incarnations of the band have continued to contribute to the tradition of great New Orleans music bringing their own take on the jazz, funk, blues and soul of the Crescent City.

Closing out the NOLA Summer in Dayton series on Friday, August 16 will be a return visit by Davis Roganroganjpgjpg-a73692b744fb87c6 along with his long-time band.  Along with Davis’ take on life, you’ll be treated to  a great night of stories and songs that you’ll remember long after the end of the evening.

Tom Perlic, President of Yeah You Right Music, Inc. stated, “I’m thrilled to bring all of these wonderful NOLA musicians back to Dayton, and especially excited to partner with Canal Street Tavern for all of the shows.  Abita Brewing Company is a great addition as a sponsor, too, and we’ll be highlighting some great Abita beers for each of the concerts.”

Tickets are available on-line through www.yeahyourightmusic.com, and are $12 in advance, $20 for reserved seating, and $15 for purchase on the day of each show.  Each show will start at 8pm.  Purchase tickets for all 3 shows at once for extra savings.  You may also purchase tickets at   Canal Street Tavern, Rue Dumaine Restaurant, Omega Records, and Fifth Street Wine and Deli.

Yeah You Right Music, Inc. was incorporated in 2011 in Dayton to “Bring the best of New Orleans to YOUR town!“ Our goal is to bring great New Orleans/Louisiana (NOLA) artists to Dayton and the Midwest and create new markets for those artists while building audiences for these talented NOLA musicians throughout the region. 

Sharkey’s Poolside Lounge Re-Opens May 31

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You know it’s  summer in Dayton when Sharkey’s Poolside Lounge re-opens, bringing a fresh line-up of local bands, cooling cocktails and outdoor fun to the area. Conveniently located at Dayton Marriott, 1414 S. Patterson, Sharkey’s is open Friday and Saturday nights May 31 through Labor Day and is the largest outdoor nightclub in the city.

Unique among Dayton restaurants and lounges, Sharkey’s is the best bar in the area for live music consisting of local and regional bands. Relax poolside, socialize at the bar and enjoy the thumping dance floor all night long.

Shadow Life will kick off opening night while popular local acts, such as Stranger, Uncle Rico, Spungewurthy, Hathaways and various DJs, will take the stage every weekend for the next three months. Here’s the entire summer schedule.  Poolside service usually includes a selection of burgers, hot dogs, beer, wine and cocktails.  Guests can begin arriving about 5pm, the bands generally play from 7-11pm.

For more information on Sharkey’s at the Dayton Mariott,  call 800-450-8625 or visit www.marriott.com/dayoh.

REVIEW: Zeently Productions Presents Mike Nye Benefit Show

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On Saturday April 27, Zeently Productions presented the benefit show for local musician Mike Nye. Five bands came out to support the cause and play some seriously heavy sh- with Architects of Doom, Forces of Nature, King Stench, Spike Opera and The Reefer Hut alongside a crowd of local talent, friends and fans showing up to support Nye in his recovery.

While hanging out at a fellow musician’s house Nye suffered a freak, fluke injury coming down a flight of concrete steps planting his foot.  His momentum caused an awkward shift resulting in several leg injuries including 2 cracks in the tibia, 1 fibula and a top ankle crack. A halo was placed on his leg with 9 insertion points used to reset bones with wires and three metal rods attached to bones. There’s a 6-8 month healing window expected and Nye hopes to be back to full metal strength ASAP.

Nye’s  been a fixture in the Dayton scene since the late 80’s starting in Killust then playing in the original version of local legends Decay, appearing on Dayton’s Metal Mania public access show then joining Foul Stench, recording 4 CD’s and 3 more with Maximus Crispus.

Architects of Doom (photo by MIke Ritchie)

Architects of Doom (photo by MIke Ritchie)

Within 24 hours of hearing the news, Marc and Shannon Godsey of Forces of Nature booked and organized the event at McGuffy’s including a 2 dollar raffle for CD’s and T-shirts donated by McGuffys, Foul Stench,  King Stench,  Internal Bleeding, Horlet, NDEX, Engraved Darkness, Vein Collector  and Incurable Misogyny. Gift cards were donated by Subway on Linden/Smithville, 4 free drum lessons by Brian Harris at Absolute Music in Fairborn and Randy Gaines offered free body piercing. There was also a silent auction for a 21” Magnavox TV, with remote and table stand donated by Zeently and a HP-PC donated by Dayton Metal Mania.

Not even 24 hours after supporting Fear Factory on the same stage, Architects of Doom played double duty starting the party at 7pm for all the early evening diehards, Amish time for almost any metal band. Tonight they’re playing for ‘stripper money’ and all bets are off when Keith goes shirtless. They’re proud to call McGuffy’s their second home playing One Less Worry and a kick ass version of Sepultura’s Slave New World.

King Stench (photo by Mike Ritchie)

King Stench (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Forces of Nature came to thrash with their brand of clobbering sound. They’re a band that’s cemented a strong following, and they always have lady luck on their side. They play rapturous thrash with legit end of the world cred playing the Dec 21st show last year, playing Reverbnation chuggers Magnus Lee, Rotten Tooth and As Seen on TV among others.

Next up Dayton’s black metal blasphemer King Stench spewed its version of evil incarnate. But even the most dark and sinister forms of the genre aren’t as insidious when used for a good cause, to help out a fellow human. Nevertheless Hell’s Gate opened with a fury as 10 songs of Devastation followed from their available CD’s Ungod and Visions of Death including new tune Eternal Fire. Hell’s Gate, Ungod and Goat Lord can be heard on Reverbnation. Marc Godsey played back to back double sets like a proud sweat stained metal soldier. The music is much like what you feel during those something’s chasing you and your feet are stuck in something/not moving dreams. King’s voice sounds like the last thing you’d wanna hear walking into a dark room.

Spike Opera (photo by Mike Nye)

Spike Opera (photo by Mike Nye)

Springfield’s newly resurrected/regrouped Spike Opera brought a blitzkrieg cacophony of sound to the senses. They’re a little bit punk, a little thrash with the frenetic pace of Slayer and Testament with hints of Yngwie Malmstein and the chaotic structure of black metal. Vocalist Dug Brown has a little bit of John Connely and Chuck Billy in his lungs and blood along with some heavy whiplashed dreads. Their music definitely inspires Blood-N-Bruises and Bloodspray. Leatherface gets a facelift and props on The Saw Is Family with all victims going in The Hearse. Their recording/touring history dates back to the mid-eighties.  After many changes and a long hiatus the planets have aligned, and they’ve returned.

It was time for Confessions Of…A Near Death Experience playing and pulverizing anyone who dared to Talk Sh-. They pulled out the good ole ballpeen Hammer just for audience testing. Recently playing the Earth Day bash, tonight seems like they’d rather pummel and pillage rather than save it.

The Reefer Hut  finished the show with a nice, cool, calm and mellow collection of pleasantries… but seriously, Adam Baumann also pulls double duty Moving Forward until he falls into a coffin and gets gurney out, that’s dedication. With many member changes, good times, hard times they’ve had their share but they have great Inner Pride in their Hardcore Urban sound adding elements of Cypress Hill, tribal sounds and Sepultura/Cavalera Conspiracy.

For all those loyal late nighters who stayed till the end, Shannon Godsey’s mother, Mrs. Rebecca Naylor baked and built a huge 3 layer Foul Stench hardcore delicious sugar bomb cake special for the occasion.

Nye thanks everyone for all the positive support, responses and everything done for the benefit.  “I feel lucky for the support and friendship everyone’s shown”

REVIEW: Fear Factory Brings World Industrialist Tour to Dayton

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On Friday April 26, kings of cyber metal Fear Factory returned to the McGuffy’s stage to assault the crowd with mechanized sounds and metalized mayhem. Bringing the Industrialist to Dayton for human assemblage of skin to skin symbiotic fusion, battle and praise, all models shown obsolete were cast into the drone pit center floor and decommissioned. Tour mates Hate Eternal brought their technically unique death metal onslaught along with Canadian power-metal outfit Kobra and the Lotus helmed by the intriguing Miss Kobra Paige. Local thrash pounders Chambers of Chaos and Architects of Doom opened the show.

Chambers of Chaos (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Chambers of Chaos (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Lighters and Moshpits alumni Chambers of Chaos emerged as the sunglass wearing, middle finger flailing, attitude adjusting, smirking Shaun Clark entered the proverbial staged ring as musical fists flew. Yelling the spoken word Hype train with plenty of pissed off attitude. They end slow, dark and melodic on the Kiss of Goodbye. CoC are not to be Pushed, played around with or pissed off in any way, shape or form. Why, because they said so.

The local architecture of metal continues to forge as Dayton’s designers of doom play their first of a two night stint marking their 5-6 stage appearance. They instigate the Collapse of the Tyrant and deal with that one annoying a—hole that everyone knows. Vocalist Keith Hamilton visits the crowd calling people out making sure they’re having fun. Hamilton resembles a diabolical Nicolas Cage and might have some of Galron’s blood in the family tree so offer him a beer if he’s coming towards you. One less drama queen means One Less Worry. Tonight’s show marked the one year anniversary of Hamilton at the helm. They celebrate with Danny ‘balls and buns of steel’ Doom cranking out the Ritual Punishment finishing off with some hand delivered Bloodshed.

The great white north comes to Dayton in the form of Kobra and the Lotus and the dreadlocked coiled Canadian Miss Kobra Paige, bringing her operatic four octaves to the mic and our appreciative eardrums. Opening with the spellbinding Nightwish’esk Nayana they invite us to their funeral. Decked in war-paint, tribal feathers, leather and lace Paige’s vocals carry the spirit of Tarja Turenun, with a sharper rock edge, encompassing the attitude and bravado of Angela Gossow. We are joined together Forever One in metal as Heavens Veins open a Lotus flood of classical symphonic power provided by guitarists Jasio Kulakowski and Charlie Parra Del Riego. Into their private inner Sanctuary we go for the dark fairy tale shredder 50 Shades of Evil. For the K&L video experience check out Forever One/Welcome to My Funeral/50 Shades on Facebook.

 

Hate Eternal (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Hate Eternal (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Hate Eternal came out bellowing death metal like a dark sonic thunder-blast starting their onslaught with the loud beating heart of Rebirth, blast beating into Haunting Abound and the evil uprising and temptations of the dark one. Erik Rutan (Morbid Angel/Ripping Corpse) wrenches his guitar twisting and mangling sound into a beautiful growling tirade of mind possessing demonic disturbia. They bring hell’s fury on stage as the blazed Phoenix Amongst the Ashes arises to the call of its thunderous skyward summons accompanied by the soaring notes carried on the wind of its wings. They are ye humble Servants of the Gods, as the Art of Redemption is played at a thousand notes and beats a minute. Ancient robed druids roam the forests asking the Powers That Be for answers to the extinction of ancient lost civilizations. After summoning the Fire of Resurrection they finish with the spell-casting, necromancing Monarch. Thunderous guitars with soul screaming notes, echoes and harmonies. It’s quite possible when they play, angels cry and God takes notice. Hate Eternal are the perfect blend for electric chair head-banging.

Fear Factory (photo by Brad Flynn)

Fear Factory (photo by Brad Flynn)

The bio-mechanical factory doors opened with industrial smoke and steam pouring out and the sounds of robotics being gnarled into form permeated the air. Endoskeleton was forged together by assemblage bots and the soul of a new machine was created. West coast lords of industrial cyber-kinetic metal Fear Factory came on stage. The band that made its early career based on the moment Skynet became self-aware was here. Started in 1989, 8 steel shredding albums later including ‘95’s ground–breaker Demanufacture, a slightly different approach of man and machine becoming one on 2001’s Digimortal while 2004 cemented them as the Archetype for other bands of mechanic elk to follow. In later efforts they focused more on government, religion and police states. They’re currently supporting new concept record The Industrialist about a machine collecting memories and the will to exist which will eventually be mankind’s demise.

The voice of the machine pushes through the speakers warning of mankind’s ignorance and destruction. Its four mortal messengers stand before the audience of slave laborers ready to disconnect body parts on command. But be forewarned… due to the graphic nature of this show, listener discretion is advised. The Industrialist begins and the evening’s event in subhuman assembly begins. A familiar Shock to the system hits us next. The Edgecrusher breaks humanity away from the machines, What Will Become? Our ears Linchpin to the onslaught of Dino Cazares’s guitar work. They powershift into government sponsored fear… the mind is fear, a Fear Campaign. Spiked gnarling guitars riffs grind through Recharger as the Smasher/Devourer is deployed to scan and salvage for defectors turning mankind into Martyr’s. The barcode spinal cord snaps, from chains of imprisonment tossed into scrap for Demanufacture as the crowd roars for the classic crowd pleaser. They end with a song of hope about the lone wolf, the human savior, the Self Biased Resistor. Bell’s instantly recognizable vocals range from dry throat scraping, yelling, to harmonious singing. When the world does end, we can only hope they’re around to write about it.

The Rebel Set/Sam at Eleven/Mavis Pearly Are Going to ‘Kick Cancer’ with Benefit Show

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When cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control, they grow and form new, irregular cells.  These cells can also grow onto other tissues.  There is DNA in every cell and it directs all the cell’s actions. In a normal cell, when DNA gets damaged the cell either repairs the damage or the cell dies. In the irregular cells, the damaged DNA is not repaired, and the cell doesn’t die like it should. Instead, the cell goes on making new cells that the body doesn’t need. These cells all have the same abnormal DNA as the first cell does.  This is what is considered cancer.  The American Cancer Society also has released these staggering facts:

  • About 1,660,290 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2013.
  • The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 13.7 million Americans with a history of cancer were alive on January 1, 2012.
  • 580,350 Americans are expected to die of cancer this year, with almost 1,600 people per day.

Cancer is a crippling disease.  It’s a disease that has affected most of us in a many ways.  Friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and many others.  Luckily many cancer researchers and organizations like Livestrong continue to work day and night, looking to help eliminate the deadly illness.  Lead singer of the local band The Rebel Set, Tom Gilliam, is also on the crusade to defeat cancer.  And he has a team behind him along the way.

Gilliam is the Online Chairman and also does publicity for his team in the group Relay For Life of Greene County.  This Saturday night at Blind Bob’s Bar in the Oregon District, Gilliam’s band, along with bands Sam at Eleven and Mavis Pearly will taking part in the Kick Cancer’s Ass Benefit Show.  Last year’s show raised $1057, which helped with cancer research, helped patients get to their treatments, etc.  This year the proceeds will go to help enroll people into CPS-3, a long-term study that will help researchers better identify the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. And you can be a part of this historic research effort by enrolling and encouraging others to enroll.

For those who still haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Gilliam and his merry group, this Saturday will be one of the best nights to see them.  The band got their start in early 2006.  Gilliam and his dear friend Gavin Spencer (vocals/bass/harmonica/accordion) realized that after years of playing in numerous bands that they needed to join together and develop their own group.  They enlisted Jason Johantges (rhythm guitar), Adam Kempf (drums/trumpet) and Ken Hall (keyboards/trombone).

(The Rebel Set)

In September of 2007, the band released their first album Ghost Town Silence.  The engineer/producer Patrick Himes helped the band record the album.  Ghost Town Silence offers listeners a look at how the band’s live shows go-a raucous, loose vibe with a strong emphasis on guitar play; with the lyrics talk speak about life in the Midwest.  Almost a hybrid of rockabilly and roots.  The follow-up to the group’s 2007 debut, Across The Relentless Sea was released in 2009.  With Steve Falearos producing the album from Babblefish Recording Studios in Franklin, Across The Relentless Sea shows the band going into a different direction.  The band brought in additional instruments, including organs and horns.  The band also had overdubs that added more kick to the band’s sound.  Listening to both albums, you notice that band’s influences.  “We are heavily influenced by The Black Crowes and Rolling Stones”, Gilliam says.  “Those bands have always been favorites of ours.”  The Rebel Set is now in the starting stages of a follow-up to Across The Relentless Sea.  However, due to scheduling conflicts and growing families, the band hasn’t been able to have the time to really the ball rolling like they want.  “It’s frustrating for sure”, Gilliam mentions.  “However, family comes first.  We will get in the studio soon.  I’m ready.”

This year will be the second outing for the Kick Cancer’s Ass Benefit show.  With the success of the show that was held last year, Gilliam realized that it was a no-brainer to set up again.  “We noticed how well the show went last year, and the amount that we raised.  So we know that having the show again had to happen.  We get to play live and raise some money.  It’s a win-win for everybody”.

(Sam at Eleven)

As stated earlier, Sam at Eleven will also be taking the stage at Blind Bob’s during the benefit show.  Sam at Eleven is comprised of lead singer and guitarist Jeff Rudolf, bassist Adam Bryant, and drummer Brad Gilbert.  The band, who got their name from the classic 80s show ‘Cheers’, released their album The Year We Won in 2011, and now are currently working on the follow-up.  Sam at Eleven offers catchy hooks to their songs, with punk-infused riffs.  They have imprinted their name in the lists of top bands to check out when they perform.  The energy is electrifying and frenetic.  The band has some of the catchiest choruses to their songs.  You will catch yourself singing parts of the bands songs days after their show.  “They are so supportive of us and I am excited to have them back for another year”, Gilliam says about the band.  The other band, Mavis Pearly will be bringing their unique blend of all different genres.  From rock to alternative to party music to some originals, Mavis Pearly are sure to give the people at the tavern just another reason to sit back, relax, and have a good night.

To most, the Kick Cancer’s Ass Benefit Show is nothing more than a fantastic evening with great live music lined up.  To the people that are going to be inheritors of the proceeds that will be come from the show will give them more than we could ever imagine-a chance to beat a disease that some don’t get a chance to.  The evening is truly for a great cause, and it will be another night that will undoubtedly show people that the folks in Dayton care about their neighbors.  The show starts at 10.  Cover charge is $5.  Come out and help kick cancer’s ass once and for all…

Dayton Sideshow 8: The Art and Music Lovers Weekend Celebration Welcomes Another Year

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The definition of art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination.  A person’s imagination can come to life in a variety of different styles.  A single swipe of paint onto a canvas could be the start of an elegant painting.  A photographer snaps a picture of a moment in time.  A block of clay is the start of amazing, with the finished product being able to have unlimited possibilities in the end.  Art is everywhere around us, whatever or realize it or not.  Every year around this time, Dayton’s artists have a two day event that gives them the platform to present their work to the public.  The event is the 8th annual Dayton Sideshow.

The Sideshow began with the idea from Laurana Wong.  Wong had a vision to organize an evening that brought people together to celebrate the local art being made and the artists that created it.  The show as free for the participants to submit their work, the organizers that would set it up, and for the guests that appeared.  Wong believed that by having this show take place, it would bring attention to the arts and give everyone a chance to connect to their similar interest.

The event took place on June 24th, 2006 at what is now the Cannery.  60 artists from all around the area had work showcased throughout the evening.  Everyone that attended and also volunteered loved what the night brought everyone, except one thing:  the heat.  “It was horrible (laughter)”, Vice-Chairperson for Dayton Circus Creative Collective Erin Vasconcelos mentioned to me.  Vasconcelos was one of the many individuals that helped with the show.  “There was no air, so it just made the room feel horrible.  It didn’t care, though.  We all had an amazing night.”

With the first show being a huge success, the organizers and volunteers continued to make the Sideshow a staple in the Dayton community.  With each year passing, the show remained staying true to its core principals-give the local artists in town the spotlight.  And with every year, the show has become larger and better than the previous one.  The show has in the past few years found a home that can be able to have the space that can hold the massive show-the Yellow Cab Building.  The show has also found the perfect time to hold their event-the weekend of the spring Urban Nights.

Sideshow organizer and current Dayton Circus Creative Collective Chairman Jeff Opt also enlisted live music to the event each year.  “Music is a form of art.  We are lucky to have a great music scene, and it deserves to be celebrated”, Opt says.  Due to the fact that the show is now placed at the Yellow Cab, the show can showcase up to 40 bands with having two stages.

This year’s showcase will be drawing attention to well over 60 local visual artists, and over 20 local music acts. Some of the work that folks will expect will absolutely give people more reason to fall in love with the work being done in town.  They will be live interactions of many of the artists finished products that will give the people that attend an experience they thought that they would have never expected.  Also something new this year came from the minds of a younger generation.  Two young children noticed that something was missing from this year’s event and it felt like it needed to be added.  “There will be a section for kids!”, Vasconcelos said.  The developers of this idea-the children of Opt and Vasconcelos.  In the area for children, there will be photos of artwork and a chance for the youth to make some of their own.

For people who don’t have the chance to help out with the Sideshow, there’s many ways to contribute.  One thing that the committee is doing this year is by setting up a donation section on the fundraising website, Indiegogo.com.  For the next couple of days, everyone is able to give to the show.  By donating certain amounts, donators will be given perks, including photography sessions from photographers Gary Mitchell or Jennifer Clarke.  To donate, click here.

This weekend will once again be shining bright on the town by putting the focus on the Sideshow.  The mind-blowing experiences you will have by seeing the marvelous work of the artists will leave you glad you came.  If that doesn’t do it, stay for the music from great bands like Smug Brothers, Nasty Bingo, Tim Pritchard & The Boxcar Suite, WolfCryer among others.  Dayton Sideshow is a staple of the community.  It’s a weekend where art truly does come alive.  Come see for youself.

Dayton Sideshow 8 takes place May 10th and 11th at the Yellow Cab Building on East Fourth Street in downtown Dayton.  The event starts at 5, with live music starting at 6.

REVIEW: Luv Ya Mutha Earth Day Bash at W.O. Wrights

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Abrade the Regal (D. Alan Davison, Infinity Images, LLC www.InfinityImagesOnline.com)

Abrade the Regal (D. Alan Davison,
Infinity Images, LLC
www.InfinityImagesOnline.com)

Saturday April 20th, five bands pre-celebrated Earth Day.  Starting in 1970, the holiday was designed to create awareness for the environment and conservational efforts, bringing 20 million Americans together. The clean air, clean water and endangered species acts followed. Born from the first Earth Day, the Earth Day Network (EDN) works with over 22,000 partners in 192 countries to broaden, diversify and mobilize environmental movements. Over 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year on April 22nd, making it the largest civic observance in the world.

W.O. Wrights started the green machine early, hosting the event meticulously organized by Dayton’s Killed By Art and featuring Abrade the Regal, NDEX (Near Death Experience), Snag, and Menace 2 Sobriety.  Event sponsors included Buckeye Music Magazine and Norml Miami Valley, women supporting the legalization, controlling, regulating and taxing of marijuana.

Abrade the Regal started out as a two man acoustic cover act and now incorporates a full band and a nice blend of rock, thrash and stoner metal taking ingredients from Down, Nirvana and Alice in Chains sprinkled with some Bush and Shaman’s Harvest. Led by the bald and badass Ben Bogard, they played a set diverse with style changes that shifted as soon as you figured out, okay they sound like this, playing nine tunes including Facebook tracks Nothing to Say and Fight for You and Chevelle’s The Red.  They sing, they scream, they growl playing down n dirty whisky bottle blues and groove with mosh pit, sing along, lighters in the air potential often in the same songs.

Killed By Art (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Killed By Art (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Piqua’s N.D.E.X. brought in the crowd with the loud pummeling Confessions of… singer Adam Baumann whose almost fatal motorcycle experience inspired the band’s name. He goes off on sh- talkers, and resembling Chuck Liddell doesn’t hurt his metal cred either. They pulled out the riot brigade guitars as all Control is Lost and it’s every man for himself.  An Eye for an Eye is taken by force with the unrelenting, merciless decibel Hammer.

Event organizers Killed by Art take the stage with the lovely Kim Weiss replacing testosterone with some heavy feminine attitude. Opening with All I Ever Wanted, a twisted tale of inner torment and unresolved pain played with Fight style riffage. They get down and dirty delivering the Roots of their beginnings and sound. We take intrepid surf through deep, dark waters on an unknown journey on Hang Ten.  Their sixth number contains 11 numbers actually, playing with ones and zeros with hands on the Clutch.

Snag (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Snag (photo by Mike Ritchie)

After a 15 year hiatus, the members of Snag return to the stage beating the crap out of the audience with a fun, frolicking, circus of sound and chaos. Being a band of a very Different Caliber, they brought the old-school to 2013. Bringing Crazy Ivan along, they Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck with some Prong power, going on a long and loud Binge till everyone’s nice and Damaged. Sharing a history dating back to the mid 80’s Snag are veterans of the local scene. Started by Guitarist Todd O’Neal and Nathan Goff, O’Neal met vocalist Bob Betz and they began as Dark Theory with original drummer Jeremy White and George Cobau on bass. A heavier direction brought in bassist Warren Finley, playing under the moniker The Band Formally Known as Dark Theory until they christened themselves Snag in the mid- nineties. First album Worst Case Scenario was released in 1997, and two years later they disbanded as O’Neal left for an out of state job. Due to a hurricane his employer sent him to Cincinnati where they reformed with Glenn Sprott on bass and Darrin McKibben on drums. Second record Last Ditch Effort was released in 2001, and another hiatus followed.  Now the band gets together occasionally for high profile gigs and events.

Menace 2 Sobriety brought the house-party downtown with an energetic bleeding of hardcore, rap and hip-hop incorporating the old school metal guitars of Beastie Boys and Suicidal Tendencies with the vocal delivery of Eminem. They start rapping about going after the Farmers Daughter and just Gotta Blaze jamming with some Primus groove smoking mother earths finest aka Mary Jane. It’s all about the Blunts, Bitches and Booze. They play some Sublime homage and Pop the Trunk looking for trouble with YelaWolf. They love educational films and they’re proud of their vast knowledge of them.

Same time, next Earth year.

Cityfolk Presents Bluegrass Tymes II + TICKET CONTEST

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Bluegrass Tymes IICityfolk is proud to present the 2013 bluegrass concert Bluegrass Tymes II, sponsored by the Jack W and Sally D Eichelberger Foundation and featuring Russell Morre & IIIrd Tyme Out with special guest Sons of Bluegrass at the Masonic Center on Friday, May 10 at the Dayton Masonic Center.

Now celebrating its 22nd year as a band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out is one of the most successful and celebrated bluegrass ensembles of the last quarter century. The band was formed in 1991, when singer/guitarist Russell Moore, bass player Ray Deaton and fiddler Mike Hartgrove left Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver to make their own mark on modern bluegrass. IIIrd Tyme Out (the name is a reference to the fact that this was the third full-time band for each of the three principals) made an impressive debut, recording three acclaimed and influential albums in just four years.

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out—which includes Russell Moore (guitar, lead vocals), Steve Dilling (banjo, vocals), Wayne Benson (mandolin, vocals), Justen Haynes (fiddle) and Edgar Loudermilk (bass)—has won numerous awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, including Vocal Group of the Year seven consecutive years; Russell Moore has been named Male Vocalist of the Year five times, more than any other singer.

The band made its recording debut in 1991 with IIIrd Tyme Out on Rebel and now has an extensive discography that includes such favorites as Living on the Other Side, Letter to Home, John and Mary, Singing on Streets of Gold and Live at the MAC. The band’s latest album for Rural Rhythm Records is Prime Tyme, which includes the hit “Pretty Little Girl from Galax.” Timeless Hits from the Past…Bluegrassed, the first fruit of the band’s new marketing partnership with Cracker Barrel restaurants, was released in January. The album includes such vintage country hits as “Mama Tried” and “Farewell Party,” as well as re-makes of the band’s hits “John and Mary” and “Only You.”

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out is back on top of the bluegrass world—for the second time, no less—after a few years early in the last decade where it seemed the band’s future might be in doubt. “All the awards, all the recognition, those things are just by-products of doing what we love to do,” says Russell Moore, “and of having everybody pulling in the same direction. But when you know that somebody out there is getting something from your music, well, that’s the thing about music that got me into it, just the love of the music, and the way it made me feel. It always has been therapeutic, and it still is. You can’t ask for more than that.”

Sons of Bluegrass
Mentored by award-winning guitarist Tim Stafford of Blue Highway, the Sons of Bluegrass consists of five students in the bluegrass music program at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City: Chris Armstrong (bass, vocals), Cameron Owens (mandolin, vocals), Meade Richter (fiddle), Lee Franklin (guitar, vocals) and Dan Troyer (banjo, vocals). The fast-rising young quintet, which has received an Arts Build Communities grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission and won the Championship Bluegrass Band award at the Fiddler’s Grove Festival in North Carolina, released its first recording last fall, The Sons of Bluegrass, a six-song EP that contains four band originals.

Cityfolk also receives funding from Culture Works, Ohio Arts Council and the Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District.

Jazz Spotlight: Robert Sanae + Upcoming Jazz May 8-21

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Robert SanaeWho is Robert Sanae?

Dayton native, Robert Sanae, born Robert Jones, is a product of a rich musical heritage with relatives who were accomplished musicians of groups such as ‘Sun’ and ‘Dayton’, and his father an original member of the acclaimed Ohio Players. Robert is a multi-genre producer, composer, writer as well as a multi-instrumentalist. Robert began his professional career as a member of the R&B Group ‘Zapp’ featuring Roger Troutman, where he was a trumpeter, keyboardist, vocalist where he learned numerous other skills, including audio engineering and editing. With the Troutman organization, his credits encompassed five albums out of the Troutman camp, which included ‘Zapp IV’ and its hit track “Computer Love,” Robert composed and arranged the horn parts for several tracks as well as singing background and some small lead vocals on that project; Roger Troutman’s solo project, ‘The Human Body’; Shirley Murdock’s Debut album ‘As We Lay’ and Sugarfoot’s solo Project ‘Kiss.’ His story is not unlike so many other musicians/artists throughout the world that have navigated the vast music abyss along with trying to make a living via a life in music. He came to the realization some time ago that he must accept who he is to the core and not attempt to ignore the gift bestowed upon him by his creator. After ending his tenure with the Troutman organization, Robert moved to California to further his career as a writer, composer, artist as well as a producer and later moved to New Orleans, La. Over the years Robert has created an extensive catalog of productions ranging from R&B, Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, Pop, Adult Contemporary Smooth/Contemporary Jazz and Rock and continues to develop as a producer/composer/musician, aspiring to become a master producer/composer. This coming Saturday, May 11 you will be able to sample some of Sanae’s expertise at Jazz Central in Dayton, when he and some of his friends will introduce his latest venture called “Prelude to Carter Creek – Indigo Blue.” Sanae reaches out to a broad audience, while injecting the highest level of musicianship into every note, phrase and song. I’ve seen Sanae perform on trumpet, keyboard and bass, although a credible player on all instruments, his main forte, in my opinion is the composition and the blending of sounds. What comes out is the real McCoy, a truly new version of an old art form.

My near term recommendations for some good upcoming entertainment: this Thursday it’s High School Jazz night at the Dayton Art Institute, Friday it’s the Spring Edition of Urban Nights in downtown Dayton and Saturday check out Robert Sanae at Jazz Central. Life is short, get out and hear some good live Jazz!

 

Jazz Calendar

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

Today Wednesday, May 8 – Swing Dance with Lizz & Rex Review is at The Dayton Event Connection and The Blue Wisp Big Band performs at the Wisp inCincinnati.

Thursday May 9 – It’s High School Jazz Night at the Dayton Art Institute when Bill Burn and the Centerville High School Jazz 1, Jazz Combo 1 and Student Combo called “The Odyssey” play a wide range of contemporary and straight ahead jazz.
Friday May 10 – It’s the Spring Edition of Urban Nights all over downtown Dayton, the Oregon District and Wright Dunbar who has LYD and Chris Bowman on their Jazz Stage.

Saturday May 11 – Marion Meadows and Deron Bell are at the Artium Hotel and Conference Center in Cincinnati and Robert Sanae is doing a Prelude to CarterCreek called Indigo Blue at Jazz Central in Dayton.

Sunday May 12 – The Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus continues at Dayton’s Jazz Central and Mother’s Day Brunch with Dwight Lenox is at North PointConference Center in Columbus.
Monday May 13 – The John Taylor Trio is at Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.

Tuesday May 14 – The Part St. Tavern is having a Jazz Jam and Tony Monaco is at the Rumba Café both in Columbus.

Wednesday May 15 –Todd Hepburn is at Arnold’s Bar & Grill in Cincinnati and Paul Hines & 57 Special is the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, IN.

Thursday May 16 – The Generations Big Band is at Jazz Central in Dayton and Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers is at The Tropics in Kettering, OH.

Friday May 17 – Shawn Stanley Trio is at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville and Jamey Aebersold Quartet is at fhe Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Saturday May 18 – The Bobby Floyd Trio is at Boudin’s Bistro & Jazz Club in Columbus and the Jazz of the Month Club presents the Rick VanMatre Quintet at the Cincinnati Public Library Atrium in Cincinnati OH.

Sunday May 19 – The Vernon Hairston Trio w/Tia is at Hollywood Casino Columbus and there’s a Jazz Jam at Victory’s in Columbus.

Monday May 20 – Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe are at Due Amici in Columbus and the Monday Night Big Band is at Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.
Tuesday May 21 – Ed Moss & the Society Jazz Orchestra is at the Schwartz Point Jazz Club in Cincinnati.

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

The Charlie Tipton Band-Spotlight Is Bright On Band’s Upcoming Future

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I have been writing about Dayton musicians and bands during the past year.  I have seen some of the best music that is played in any town across the United States.  One musician that continues to have people feels the same way that I feel is Charlie Tipton.  Charlie Tipton is a lot like most of the musicians that play in Dayton.  He has the desire and dedication that one needs to continue making the music scene so amazing.  He is always out and about, supporting his peers that are performing nightly.  After he is done playing his set, he comes and floats around, personally thanking everyone for coming.  He is genuine and grateful for all that comes to him.

(Photo Courtesy-Jennifer Taylor Clarke)

Charlie Tipton’s voyage into music began at an early age.  At 8 years old, he would be at his grandmother’s house and notice a vintage, rustic guitar.  He was captivated of the charm and beauty that the guitar came with.  So, he picked it up and started to play it.  “I would ask my family to watch me play what I thought were chords”, Tipton mentions to me.  “I just loved that guitar.  It really inspired me to learn how the actually chords.”  Tipton got his own guitar at the age of 11, and started to learn how to play songs that were popular at the time.  Songs from Nirvana, Soundgarden, and other alternative rock bands flowed off the strings of his instrument.  He always knew at this point that playing music live in front of crowds would be in his blood forever.

Until recently, Tipton played solo.  He would take his guitar and would play songs that were full of sentiment.  The words coming out of his mouth were nothing more but raw soul and energy.  He credits Ryan Adams and Ray LaMontagne for being influences, which are clearly obvious when he plays.  The rich sound of folk that two artists mentioned are a large reason that Tipton continues to deliver.  These days, however, Tipton won’t be really being seen without his band, named The Charlie Tipton Band.  One unique thing about the band is Tipton’s cousin is the guitarist of the band.  “We have had some issues with keeping a drummer because of schedules and other small things.  However, one thing won’t change is the fact my cousin will be there right by my side, playing music with me”, Tipton says about the band.  The band likes to keep things airy and fast when playing live.  Their sound is what Tipton calls ‘alternative country’-the blend of the two genres that produces an airy sense to their songs.  Almost as if they are taking you to the open road, windows rolled down, and the tunes turned all the way up.  The band currently is working on an album which they hope to have it released in August.  “There are a lot of different elements to it.  We are still trying to get that perfect sound”, explains Tipton about the album.  “We will continue to keep playing and working on finding it.”

One of the remarkable characteristics about Tipton is what he does away from the mic.  Tipton is a social worker in the area, helping young and old who have lost their way find themselves and get back onto the road to being better.  Tipton aids people to get them off drugs, and assistances others to help them fight and win against addiction.  Tipton told the story of him going to a small town recently and worked on helping folks with getting clean.  “It’s an amazing feeling to help others.  It’s always been something I have always to do.  Addiction is serious.  I just want to help people get past their demons.”

Charlie Tipton is one of the many reasons why the music in town is, and will continue to be for many years to come, a notch above the rest.  This weekend will no doubt be more proof of that.  Tonight, see The Charlie Tipton Band will be sharing the stage with Tim Pritchard and the Boxcar Suite, and Trey Stone Band.  The show will be at J-Alans, located at 121 North Ludlow Street in downtown Dayton.  Show time starts at 9pm.  On Saturday night, Tipton will be performing at Brixx Ice Company, located across from Fifth Third Field on East First Street for the event Dayton Decides, a first-ever mayoral primary election event being hosted by UpDayton.  The candidates, which include incumbent Gary Leitzell, and the challengers A.J. Wagner and Nan Whaley, will be sharing what they will bring if elected into office.  Also, the evening will feature testimonials from business owners and neighborhood activists about is needed from the mayor to help them thrive.  Also performing on the stage will be Good English and The Devil You Know.  For more info on this event, click here.

 

Jazz Spotlight: Lincoln Berry + Upcoming Jazz April 24 – May 7

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Lincoln BerryWho is a Lincoln Berry?

Jazz organist Lincoln Berry: Was born in St. Paul, MN and was the oldest of twelve. His musical background started on the piano at age three and played his first concert when he was at five yrs old. He was named church pianist at age eight. At age fourteen he played guitar as guest artist with Sam Cooke before he left the gospel group. At 16 he played behind Mahalia Jackson for several appearances with rev Billy graham crusade. At 17 he worked with young musician in several states in the mid-west training them to set-up and play the Hammond organ as churches in his denomination were acquiring them in large numbers. At 18 he did first pro gig as bassist, his 2nd as pianist, his 3rd as drummer and a few more on the piano all as a senior in high school.

Ten years ago Lincoln gave me the following for an article I was writing for a Dayton paper: “In 1962 started my true pro career started in Denver co. I was miles from home, had no job, almost broke, and didn’t want to be a burden on my family (after all I am the eldest of 11). I was walking down Welton Street and saw a sign that read, “talent contest every Tuesday night, winners receive $50, $25, $10″. I said to myself “I’m going to win that contest!” when upon entering the club there sat my favorite instrument, a “b3”! I was dashed when the bartender said, “that ended two weeks ago. We now have twist contest” (chubby checker era}. As I was leaving, the owner was coming in the door and asked, “May I help you young man?” (I looked all of 16). I said “no sir. They don’t have contest here any more.” “What do you do?” he asked, “Play the organ” I replied. He wanted to hear me so I played for him. I only knew about five secular standard tunes. Later I found out he and the barmaid were discussing my performance. She said, “He’ll never make it”. He said, ” Look at those big feet. He’s our next organist”. I would be replacing the well-known James Booker. That night I stopped in to hear the group. I thought I will never be able to do this, but I’m hungry so I must. I met the fellows and played for them. The guitarist (Brice Roberson) asked where I was from. It turned out he knew my cousin Thelma who was a dancer at the key club inMinneapolis. He said he knew of my reputation as a top gospel organist in the mid west. The bandleader, homer brown (tenor sax) showed me some charts and asked me to play them. He said, “you have an excellent left foot, but for jazz you need to develop your left hand. The singer (Gladys Denton) acted kind of snooty and gave me the feeling that I wasn’t good enough for them. I was to start in ten days. Homer worked with me every day and I learned three to five tunes and/or arrangements a day. I was only to play bass lines from the start, but after two nights I could not hold back from copying chords I heard from Brice who said “he said he has ears as big as this room” Three weeks and 100 tunes later, Gloria Lynn was to headline three days at the club. That was my first time backing well-known artist. I did not own my own b3 so I was stuck at this location for two and a half years. It so happened the club owner Leroy Smith was a promoter and hired many national known artists for concerts and performances at his club. Our band backed up about 75% of them.”

Lincoln and Joselane “Jo” Berry have been synonymous with the Jazz Central night club on East Third Street many years. Club owner Charles Stone told me “Lincoln Berry walked in one day and stayed thirty years.” They left Dayton on April 19, 2007 and went back to Minneapolis where Jo passed away on October 1, 2009. Lincoln comes back to the club on a yearly basis and will be performing a special concert with guitarist Cameron Voorhees this Saturday, April 27th.

Jazz Calendar

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

Today Wednesday, April 24 – Swing Dance with Lizz & Rex Review at The Dayton Event Connection and The Blue Wisp Big Band performs inCincinnati.

Thursday April 25 – Tony Monaco is at Giammarco’s Pizza in Westerville and Ricky Nye & the Paris Blues Band w/Lisa Biales are at Oxford’sCommunity Arts Center.
Friday April 26 – The New Money Jungle Quintet tribute to Ellington and Mingus is at Jazz Central in Dayton and Triage is at the Thompson House in Newport, KY.

Saturday April 27 – Lincoln Berry and Cameron Voorhees are at Jazz Central in Dayton and “Gypsy Jazz” with Tom Downs is at Spinoza’s inBeavercreek.

Sunday April 28 – The Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus continues at Dayton’s Jazz Central and the Rumba Café has Hoo Doo Soul Band inColumbus.
Monday April 29 – The John Taylor Trio is at Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.

Tuesday April 30 – Spinoza’s in Beavercreek is celebrating World Jazz Day with Horns and Keys Trio – Bill Burns, Brian Cashwell and Mike Techenbrock.
Wednesday May 1 – John Pizzarelli is at Nighttown in Cleveland Heights and Todd Hepburn is at Arnold’s Bar & Grill in Cincinnati.

Thursday May 2 – The Jazz Central Big Band plays a tribute to Mark Dinkelacker at Jazz Central in Dayton and Jeff Hamilton & DePaul U. Jazz Ensemble at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.

Friday May 3 – Shawn Stanley Trio is at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville and 1st Friday Rhythm & Blues is at Jazz Central in Dayton.

Saturday May 4 – The Bobby Floyd Trio is at Boudin’s Bistro & Jazz Club in Columbus and the Rusty Burge Quintet is at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cincinnati.

Sunday May 5 – A Live Jazz Party produced by Gene Walker is at Hunan Gourmet Restaurant in Whitehall, OH and Ed Polcer and his Jazz All-Stars is at Gallagher Student Center Theater, Xavier University in Cincinnati.

Monday May 6 – Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe are at Due Amici in Columbus and John Taylor Trio is at The Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek.
Tuesday May 7 – Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers is at Jimmies Ladder 11 in Dayton.

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

Record Store Day 2013: A Guide To Celebrate The Music Holiday

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Omega Music RSDRemember your first experience visiting a local record store shop.  Remember that day.  The mystifying styles of music blasting through the speakers placed all around the building. The abundant rows of compact discs alphabetically placed by band name and genre. The sections of vinyl records that contain music from all generations.  The smells of hundreds of incents in clear glass jars waiting to be fired up.  Remember the individuals that were always in the shops.  You had the clusters of people standing around flipping thru the vinyl records, with a focused look on their faces. They have been given a special assignment-find the albums that will be just perfect.  You see another group of people standing around, conversing about music.  The windows of the structure are splashed with flyers of upcoming shows around town and promotional posters of an upcoming album.

Good memories, huh?!  Now remember how comfortable you were hanging at a record store.  You met people that have equivalent thoughts about music as you.  You came across individuals that vowed to change your views on artists that were on the fence in your mind.  You had spirited debates with the patrons, knowing that you were going to be enlightened with someone’s thoughts and beliefs.  You didn’t demean them.  You just enjoyed having the discussion.  You meet people that recreate experiences of attending a show that they recently attended.  You listen how that show was either good or bad, who they went with, etc.  The storyteller talks about the moments throughout the show that made them have moments of emotion-either good or bad.  You become comfortable being around these people.  You become friends.  Better than that-you become family.

On April 20th people will migrant to their local shops to celebrate what is consider to many to be Christmas-Record Store Day.  Record Store Day started in 2007, and it has become a day to celebrate independently owned record stores and music.  Bands and artists will perform during the course of the day, while special vinyls, CDs, and various promotional products are sold exclusively for this day.  Record Store Day is now celebrated the third Saturday every April every year.  We here in Dayton and the people in Yellow Springs are lucky enough to have magnificent events going on throughout the day and evening that will give each and every music lover no reason but to fasten themselves in for a day of fun and enjoyment with others.

Record Store DayOmega Music is located in the Oregon District off 5th Street in Dayton, and the company has become a staple of the Record Store Day festivities.  Starting at 9am, consumers can come to the establishment and sink their teeth into great deals and exclusives.  If you bring a canned food item, all used merchandise will be 15% off.  Harvest Mobile Cuisine, one of the up and coming food trucks that provides specialty comfort foods prepared with locally grown products, will be in front of the store all day.  Starting at noon, there will be some tremendous local music played live.  Good English, Giant Steps, Goodbye, King Elk, Wheels, The New Old Fashioned, The Story Changes, The Seedy Seeds, My Latex Brain will perform, with a special performance from Buffalo Killers starting at 4:20.

Record Gallery is just steps away from Omega Music, located at 16 Brown Street across from Thai 9.  This establishment gives the patrons that visit them an intimate atmosphere, with vinyl littered all over.  There isn’t a space in the store that you won’t walk into that doesn’t have a large collection of vinyl.  For the die hards, Record Gallery is a place to check out for your music needs.  On Saturday, the shop will be participating in the glorious day with great specials.  $1.00 records and 45s will be 50% off, along with all 2011 record stock being 50% off.  The Record Gallery also has books CDs, DVDs, and most will be reduced to 20% off.

Music lovers that want to take a break from the live music and want to grab a beer don’t have to go far.  Blind Bob’s Bar, along with Ghettoblaster Magazine editor & co-publisher, David C. Obenour will be hosting music trivia, starting at 4.  Blind Bob’s is one of the perfect establishments to come at the Oregon District.  The vintage wooden floors, along with the exposed brick walls give the tavern some of the great American characteristics that the area some of the charm that you come to expect.  The owners, Bob and Lisa Mendenhall, have given the townspeople a gem to come to when they want to see fantastic live music, and have great beer on a nightly basis.  Each round of the music trivia will give the winner prizes, plus a grand prize of the Golden 7” and two tickets to this year’s Nelsonville Music Festival, which the lineup includes Wilco, and Cat Power.  The festival always brings great indie rock, and this year shouldn’t be any different.

I Need That RecordTo close up the day, just walk right over to one of the best movie theaters in the United States, The Neon.  The Neon is located right on East Fifth Street.  The theatre showcases of the great independently produced movies, locally and nationally.  Starting at 10:15, The Neon will be playing the music documentary I Need That Record!  The documentary, directed by Brendan Toller, examines the reasoning of 3000 independent record stores closing across the U.S. in the past decade.  I Need That Record! dives into record labels, media consolidation, radio, and the digital age blowing up causing these shops to close.  The movie also shows the way that these places are making a comeback.  Toller explores how the impact of record stores through the eyes of the employees and the consumers.  The stories of the employees watching their dream job coming to an end is gut wrenching.  However, there is some positivity that comes from the sadness.  It’s an excellent documentary that should be viewed by people that love record stores.  The viewing of the movie is free, and is first come, first serve.  Don’t miss this showing as it will be a great way to cap the day.

For the folks that will not be able to make it into the festivities in the Oregon District, make sure you visit the small, unique town of Yellow Springs.  The town has some of the best shops that you go and check out.  Go and grab a slice of pie over at Haha Pizza or Bentinos Pizza.  Also, go grab some music over at Toxic BeautyRecords, located on 220 Xenia Ave.  The good folks at this record shop will be in the mix celebrating the day by giving discounts on their music.  Also, they will be having two ticket contests, where the winners will a pair of seats to go see either Alabama Shakes at one show, Grizzley Bear and The xx at another show.

Record Store Day is a day to embrace those deep connections that we have with the local shop.  If you haven’t been to a record store as of late, April 20th is the day to do it.  Rekindle those fond memories of the days when you went to grab the latest music to come out.  Revisit friendships that you created when you spend hours and hours at the shop, just standing around and talking about music.  Also while you are at the record shop, buy some local music.  Support the local scene.  Overall, come and celebrate music in all its beauty, and come support the places that continue to give Dayton the title as one of the best that everyone calls ‘home’.

Cityfolk Musicians to Perform at ArtStreet’s 1World Celebration

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1WorldCelebrationCelebrate the intercultural experience of 1World Celebration, the University of Dayton ArtStreet’s spring festival coming up this Friday, April 19, from 7-11pm. Complete with food, fashion, and music from around the world, the celebration will kick off with a unifying intercultural walk through the University of Dayton’s student neighborhood and end with a stunning release of Thai paper lanterns into the Dayton sky.
The festival will feature collaborative musical performances, produced in partnership with Cityfolk, combining the sounds of Michael Bashaw and Puzzle of Light (jazz/world music), Son del Caribe (salsa), Seefari (reggae), and Michael Kotur (blues).

Michael Bashaw is the charismatic front man for Puzzle of Light, a Dayton local band comprised of musicians as varied as they are talented. With musical backgrounds ranging from rock to folk, this band strives to produce an easy to listen to sound that spans cultures and emanates peace and harmony. Acclaimed across the Midwest and the winner of a People’s Choice Award for best local jazz band, Puzzle of Light’s music has been described as “…a melting pot which mixes jazz, world, and folk music in a perpetual movement of invention and transformation.”-Gerard Nicollet for Ecouter Voir Dossier

Son del Caribe is a lively Cincinnati Latin music ensemble that is sure to keep you moving. Cited by many as the top salsa band in Ohio, their pan-Caribbean and pan-American sound includes not only salsa music but other forms of Latin dance music as well. Group leader Jaime Morales is an assistant professor of music at Miami University, a classical music composer, and a top salsa musician from Puerto Rico. Son del Caribe not only performs regularly at Latin dance clubs, but has also performed in Cincinnati’s Salsa Festival and Salsa on the Square.

Seefari is a nationally renown reggae performer from Dayton hailed as “Miami Valley’s own Bob Marley” by WYSO. This passionate veteran of the stage leads a Bob Marley tribute band whose most recent album has won three AMMA awards and reached the top of the charts for reggae music. With a reputation of being a crowd pleasing performer, Seefari puts on unique performances which have been described by audience members as energetic and fun for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Dayton musician Michael Kotur adds to the mix with his experimental style blues music, a sound that draws from jazz, country, and world music. With over twenty years of experience in performing, the talented Michael Kotur has developed a distinct, sometimes called “unusual,” style of guitar playing. His diverse style is sure to capture the attention of any audience member.

The 1World Celebration will be held on Friday, April 19, at 7:00 p.m. at the ArtStreet Amphitheatre located on the University of Dayton’s campus. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information about ArtStreet events at the University of Dayton, visit http://www.udayton.edu/artstreet .

Submitted by 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.

REVIEW: The Walking Dead Invade Sharonville at HorrorHound 2013.

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The first HorrorHound convention of 2013 will be remembered for many things, most being the cast of The Walking Dead….. and the 15,000 plus wall to wall sea of visitors that literary jammed the Sharonville Convention Center waiting for hours including outside, sometimes literary all day to meet Norman Reedus (Daryl), one of the other Walking Dead members or one of the many other guests who came for the show. Though the average wait time was anywhere from 1-8 hours depending on what time of day you got in the inside line, and what your position was outside to start. Hundreds of die-hards showed up hours ahead of time, some with the sun, ignoring whatever mother-nature threw at them ensuring their early spot inside once doors opened. Such dedication might seem odd or slightly insane to the casual fan but as veteran convention goers know, if there’s a movie ‘con’ in town, they, EVERYONE will come.

Though the lines were long and the weather was less than perfect over the weekend especially Sunday, almost everyone that wanted to get in did. Convention main attraction Reedus, stayed late until 1am on Friday, stayed till late evening Saturday and till around 7 Sunday hours after the show closed making sure that everyone got some Daryl time signing memorabilia and taking fan pics. To accommodate the sheer volume of humanity show hours were extended into mid-evening. Though there were some admission organization issues Friday afternoon, they were resolved by Saturday and convention organizers and venue staff worked hard to make sure everyone that came had the HorrorHound experience.

Besides Daryl, other appearing members of the Walking Dead cast included Lori Grimes (Sarah Wayne Callies), Carl (Chandler Riggs), Merle (Michael Rooker), Hershel Greene (Scott Wilson) and Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal). Other convention main attractions included John Carpenter, Tom Sizemore and Robert Patrick. A strong supporting cast of Diane Franklin, Tony Todd,  show vets Sid Haig and Bill Moseley, Subspecies director Ted Nicolaou cast members Anders Hove (radu), Denise Duff and Full Moon Director Charles Band, also the little Munster himself Butch Patrick, the car from Christine and the cast from Fear.com’s Holliston among other guests. Vendors included Toe Tag, Red Moth Records, Samhain Books, Fright Rags, and  Full Moon Entertainment among many others.  Several weekend Q n A panels including SubSpecies, House of 1000 Corpses, The Walking Dead, Christine and Holliston. The first time ever Weekend Night terrors included the Zombie Ball costume party masquerade Friday night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel along with the Horror Concert Saturday and Water Park after hour party and all night movie screenings to make sure you looked like The Walking Dead by dawn.

Saturday night’s concert sponsored by the makers of magnetic mayhem Skull 13 for all the devils, ghosts, demons and other society outcasts who’d naturally blend in the party headed across the street to the former HorrorHound home. The show also featured the talented movements of the buxom babes in beauty of Burlesque Le Moustache and the illusion, magic and wonder of slowly decaying Magician of the Living Dead Joe Lyon who tragically met his end during the performance fighting off one pissed off killer bunny rabbit.

The Big Bad

The Big Bad

The show started with The Big Bad spewing out only the best of grade A West Virginian horror punk. Guided by the eerie hypnotizing cat’s eyes of tattooed singer Mr. Von Nasty or Zackula to his friends, they immediately broke out the Bat Repellent in case any audience member chose to take flight during the show. Next was a tribute to one of the masters of horror Clive Barker and his novella Cabal which spawned the cult classic Nightbreed. Other scary tunes included twisted tales of Possession, Prom Night 1957, hello Mary Lou and a song about the holiest and most respected and embraced day for all horror fans, Halloween. Nasty’s taken some of Elvis and a little Jerry Lee Lewis and turned it into a deadly performance package. With Col Frankenstein on bass, slicing guitars by Machette and Cemetery Flowers rounded off by a dead guy on drums and a special guest saxy player. Check them out on Facebook for samples from their After Dark CD and upcoming release See You in the Shadows. Mr. Nasty was also celebrating his tenth anniversary with the lovely Mrs. Nasty. They make a cute fanged couple.

Dead Dick Hammer and the TBA Band

Dead Dick Hammer and the TBA Band

Next up was good ole Dead Dick Hammer and the TBA Band. Unfreshly arisen from their underground penthouse in the upper-crust and making their weekend residence at the Gates of Heaven Cemetery down the road, they turned on the living starting with their own Resurrection. Singing out of his custom made spade mic, decorated with black roses, skulls and authentic hallowed earth, a ‘stage prop’ that would get more use later. It’s a nice subtle way of saying ‘my mic’s a shovel-headed killing machine’ without being obvious. Adding some crazy, space aged guitar effects to hypnotize tonight’s dinn-,…. the crowd Dead Dick literary guts the sound out of his guitar then munches on the strings, drawing first blood early. Dick brings out his bag of tricks/goodies showing every country poke zombie has a good side and isn’t just trying to bribe the crowd. He offers people a slightly used buffet of common every day, house broken into items such as duct tape, dirty gloves, Neosporin, aspercreme, breathe mints, candy (for the ladies), special lube, set lists, shoe polish, nasal spray, black stockings, salve, sunburn spray (for the sparkling vamps), chap-stick, tums, burial clothes even ointments of a highly personal nature. He proudly asks if anyone needs any hemorrhoid cream before throwing it out to some unlucky a-hole. He pulls out a family pack of double A’s has second thoughts putting them down. He doesn’t want them knocking someone out before he does. He says he gets everything from the dollar store which questions the validity of the no shoes, no shirt sign, half rotted or not. The truth is everything in the bag’s taken from the homes of past vict-, …. acquaintances and friends DD and the TBA band have hung out with and they don’t like to see things sit and go to waste. He also takes a ‘prospecting’ tour from the stage mingling with the living. His lovely corpse bride the gracefully decaying cadaverous beauty Doreen Laveau smiles watching Dick play with his food. Now it’s time to rot n roll as its Last Call and the love of your life’s in the room but she won’t talk to ya. Fill up on some nice yummy, curiously crunchy Catfish Gravy. Be prepared for their new CD and get some Fourplay by the Eight Track just like dad and grandpa. Their show was loud, fast and Dead Dick showed he has a biting sense of humor. They’re not getting any younger… or older for that matter. They also claim legit rights as being the only authentic walking dead in attendance that weekend.

What do you get when you combine acoustic twanging, a banjo player, drummer and a stand-up bass with the most ugly, offensive, vulgar, graphic poetry known to mankind? Why Kokomo’s Harley Poe of course. Captained by their Mario mustached singer they break all rules of decency, any semblance of respect, decorum or civility and jam on subject matter best saved for the gentleman of Cannibal Corpse and other dapper death metal diehards. Think a po-dunk country fair on the prairie side of a honky-tonk folk jam that will make kids cry in their mother’s arms and scare families. Fun knee slappers about transvestites, vampires, dead things, feminine hygiene, psychopaths and other dirty deeds sung dirt cheap with the sincerest heartfelt sentiment. They could be Dexter’s kill-room band or what’s played at a family reunion to make everyone leave.

Stellar Corpses

Stellar Corpses

Straight from the west coast warm piranha filled waters of California comes the stone pale tanned and toned Stellar Corpses playing their first HorrorHound show showing what a 50’s greaser band plus one black n purple haired hottie would sound like with a modern day suit and tie guy ‘soc’ at the helm. Intro’d by the blue masquerade as strangers look on; Dusty Sheehan plays it cool and suave keeping it all business opening with his own Twisted Fantasies singing about that skin biting Vampire Kiss. He starts disrobing as the spotlight heat gets to him turning his eyes Blood Red as the sun goes down outside and the evil temptress spreads her wings. They’re a stellar mix of Misfits, mixed with some Chris Isaak and maybe even a little Monster Magnet. They get upright bass thumping as the Steel Butterflies take flight, after enough spirits you’re liable to see almost anything floating through the air. They pay tribute to The Evil Dead (original), play their namesake then pay ode to the Cemetery Man who’s always working at the dead of night. They’re a traveling horror movie, performing grave yard shift numbers about midnight monsters, scary corpses and the dark, deadly, dismembered side of Hollywood.

For the grand fatale finale straight from the tough streets of psychobilly Detroit rock city come the deadly when played with Koffin Kats. After 9 years of touring and over 1200 shows later they’ve come to hang out with us, possibly their scariest crowd ever, oh the horror.  The Good Times began as the high speed long string strumming started as Glen Danzig throated Vic Victor played his huge well used plaything like a guitar. Three songs in they’re out For Blood they’re Boozinacrossanation playing hillbilly rock at moonshine proof speed. There’s a twist n shout tribute to Leatherface, as the Chaos erupts in the Splatterhouse and as any horror fan knows it’s a Terrible Way to go out. Koffin Kats make horror movie chase scene music any deranged silent, knife/chainsaw/machete wielding silent killer would be happy to strike terror and savagely maim during. They slow it down a little with a passionate ode to Mary Shelley’s original green guy. All the Bad Apples come out when the Bottles Called. When they’re not recording or touring they can be found hanging out at the Graveyard Tree. The Koffin Katz Rock and they’re For Hire. Victor does upright tricks too using his bass as a ladder, seat, bat, battering ram, back scratcher and standing chair for both guitarist EZ Ian and himself.

Next HorrorHound will be in September in Indianapolis starring Friday the 13th Director Steve Miner, Independence Days Vivica Fox, and a Freddy VS Jason cast reunion among others. Check their page for guest/vendor updates. HorrorHound Magazine Editor-in-Chief/Promoter Nathan Hanneman has suggested the return of certain members of the The Walking Dead but who walks in ready to kill is anyone’s guess.

Jazz Spotlight: Dean Simms + Upcoming Jazz April 10-23

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jazzLocal (Springfield, Ohio) jazz artist, Dean Simms, has created a 90 minute full length musical stage play called that tells the story about the amazing life and career of Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong. This musical tells the story about the amazing life and career of Louis Armstrong in a full 90 minute bigger than life stage production. His script was selected out of 100’s by the DC Black Theater Festival to be performed in the nation’s capital on June 21-29 2013.

I have always considered Dean an outstanding trumpet player ever since the days when Rosemary and I first caught him performing at the old Silver Fox Night Club in Dayton. As it’s my nature to mentally track the players I like, I took great interest of an email I received from Dean in October of 2011: “Hello Ron, here is the link to my next Satchmo concert.  It is sponsored by the Springfield Arts Council, and the Clark County Historical Society.  This show is both educational, highly entertaining and I have a great group of Ohio State players as backup. 

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My next involvement with Dean’s Satchmo project: “Once upon a time in America there was a young boy who learned to play a horn in reform school, became the ambassador of jazz to all nations and left us with a wonderful world.  On Saturday, March 10th, 2012 a tribute to Louie Armstrong was held at Jazz Central, the club that’s bringing jazz back.  Dean Simms and a very talented group of Ohio State players brought “Satchmo” back on that evening.  This resurgence of jazz project was sponsored by Jazz Advocate and WDPS-FM radio.”

After the tribute to Louie at Jazz Central, which ranks #1 to any live performance I’ve ever seen, I was able to convince the folks at the Dayton Art Institute to include Dean’s show in this year’s “Vectren Jazz and Beyond” series. You will be able to catch them on September 12, which would be a wise move because I have a feeling the big times will be taking this group on high. As Dean says “My tribute to Louis Armstrong has been presented in concerts, festivals, state fairs, and night clubs as a band only. I have now taken it much further to bring his life into a full length musical play from the various time periods in his life when his career began in the 1920’s to 40 years after his passing. His accomplishments in over 35 movies, touring abroad, hit records, civil rights movement, all done in a bigger than life stage production.”

I recently backed the 1st American Rock Star Louis Armstrong the Musical on Kickstarter  with a small contribution to help Dean with this endeavor. He needs our help for travel, set design, hotels, food, rehearsal venue etc, which we can provide through Kickstarter. Check this out and if you can kick in a small donation and share this link with your friends you will be helping to keep the jazz alive.

Jazz Calendar

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

Wednesday, April 10 – The Stan Kenton Alumni Band will be at Cline Elementary School in Centerville and The Blue Wisp Big Band performs in Cincinnati.

Thursday April 11 – The Jazz Central Jammers is the Dayton Art Institute and Dottie Warner and Ricky Nye are at Arnold’s Bar & Grill in Cincinnati.

Friday April 12 – Shawn Stanley Trio is at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville and The Ansyn Banks Quartet is at the Thompson House in Newport, KY.

Saturday April 13 – Internationally Acclaimed Saxophonist Tim Warfield is at Blue Wisp In Cincinnati and James & Moore is at C’est Tout Bistro in Oakwood, OH.

Sunday April 14 – The Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus continues at Dayton’s Jazz Central and the Four Freshmen are at the Gallagher Student Center Theater, Xavier University inCincinnati.

Monday April 15 – The John Taylor Trio is at Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.

Tuesday April 16 – The Part St. Tavern is having a Jazz Jam and Tony Monaco is at the Rumba Café both in Columbus.

Wednesday April 17 – The Eleven piece Different Hats Band is at The Dayton Event Connection and Rich Lopez is at Rigsby’s in Columbus.

Thursday April 18 – The Generations Big Band plays at Jazz Central in Dayton and Dave Powers is at Amano’s Sports Bar in Worthington, OH.

Friday April 19 – Sinclair Jazz Ensemble w/Tom Walsh is at Blair Hall in Dayton and The Mark Lomax Quartet w/ William Menefield is at The Thompson House  in Newport, KY.

Saturday April 20 – Big Song Music House has Ricky Nye & the Paris Blues Band w/Lisa Biales in Oxford, OH and James & Moore is at C’est Tout Bistro in Oakwood,

Sunday April 21 – There are jazz jams at Victory’s in Columbus and at Jazz Central in Dayton.

Monday April 22 – Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe are at Due Amici in Columbus and Youngstown Jazz Collective is at Nighttown in Cleveland Heights.
Tuesday April 23 – Ed Moss & the Society Jazz Orchestra is at the Schwartz Point Jazz Club and JazzCab is at The Greenwich both in Cincinnati.

 

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