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Early St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Coming to The Brightside with Scythian

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If you’re looking to kick off St. Patrick’s Day season in style, mark your calendar for Friday, March 6th because Scythian is rolling into The Brightside and they are not coming to play it quiet.

Scythian (pronounced “sith-ee-yin”) is a DC-based Celtic-Americana powerhouse that blends Irish folk, Eastern European roots, Appalachian bluegrass, and flat-out rock energy into one of the most infectious live shows on the touring circuit. The Washington Post put it simply: “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.” Scythian That’s the vibe — and The Brightside on East Third Street is the perfect room for it.

Founded by Ukrainian-American brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka, the band started out as street performers busking in Old Town Alexandria before building a devoted national following. The quartet — featuring Alexander on fiddle, mandolin, and vocals; Danylo on guitar, accordion, and vocals; Ethan Dean on bass and percussion; and Johnny Rees on drums — brings various folk traditions together into something technically precise and undeniably fun. Scythian Nashville’s Music City Roots called it “what happens when rock star charisma meets Celtic dervish fiddling.” Scythian

In short: expect to be on your feet.

Doors open at 5 PM for VIP ticket holders, who get a Meet & Greet Happy Hour with the band plus guaranteed premium seating — a great deal if you want a little face time with these guys before the music starts. General admission doors follow at 6 PM, with the show running until 10 PM. Tickets are $20 in advance and $27 day of show. The event is all ages, with a chaperone required for guests under 16.

The Brightside is located at 905 E. Third Street in Dayton.

Grab your tickets now at Eventbrite before the advance price runs out — this one’s going to sell.

How to Go? Scythian at The Brightside

Friday, March 6, 2026

VIP Doors: 5 PM

General Doors: 6 PM

905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH

Tickets: $20 advance / $27 DOS

All Ages

Get tickets on Eventbrite

Laughter With Purpose: Comedy That Cares Brings Fundraising and Fun to Dayton

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Dayton’s comedy scene is teaming up with community care this March at Comedy That Cares, a fundraiser blending stand-up, art, music, and local vibes for a good cause. Hosted by Coats for a Cure, this event raises support for the nonprofit’s mission of providing warm clothing and essential care items to patients served by Miami Valley hospitals.

Set for Friday, March 6, 2026, at K12 Gallery and TEJAS, Comedy That Cares invites guests to kick off the weekend with a night full of laughs that make an impact. Doors open early — giving plenty of time to enjoy a DJ spinning tunes, browse local vendors, and connect with community members before comedy takes center stage.

The evening features a lineup of local comedians, anchored by host Leyla Ingells, who bring their best jokes and sharpest observations to the mic. With reserved seats included in ticket purchases, every laugh directly contributes to Coats for a Cure’s efforts in ensuring patients across the region have access to warm layers when they need them most.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own beverages (BYOB) and settle in for a mix of humor, community energy, and creative expression in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Events like Comedy That Cares are more than entertainment — they’re an invitation to make meaning out of a night out. Whether you’re there for the punchlines, the local art, or the sense of togetherness, the evening promises to be one where the good times support a clear purpose.

HOW TO GO

Comedy That Cares
📍 K12 Gallery and TEJAS – 341 S Jefferson Street, Dayton, OH
📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
🕕 Doors open at 6:00 PM; show runs into the evening
🎟️ Tickets with reserved seats + donation via the Coats for a Cure website

Proceeds support Coats for a Cure’s outreach providing warm clothing and care essentials to patients throughout the Miami Valley.

Joui Wine Goes Underground with “Gin & Sin” Speakeasy Pop-Up

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Dayton, it’s time to step back into the shadows.

Joui Wine is turning down the lights and turning up the heat for its first-ever Gin & Sin: A Speakeasy Pop-Up, a late-night Prohibition-era party designed for those who prefer their cocktails strong and their secrets stronger.

Beginning at 10:00 PM, this isn’t your standard walk-through-the-front-door affair. Entry details will be shared the day of the event, and yes — a password will be required. Consider it part of the fun. Discretion is strongly encouraged.

Once inside, guests will find themselves immersed in a moody, jazz-soaked atmosphere where the spirit of the 1920s comes roaring back to life.

Expect:
• Prohibition-era cocktail specials crafted for the occasion
• Sultry performances by Gem City Burlesque
• Live jazz from Ayn Swann and The High Standards
• A dance floor ready for the Charleston, Fox Trot, Shimmy — and maybe even a modern-day Twerk

This isn’t just a party. It’s participatory theatre with a splash of bootleg bravado.

Guests are encouraged to lean all the way in on the aesthetic: flapper fringe, Gatsby glamour, vintage sparkle, pinstripes, suspenders, gangster chic, or full bootlegger elegance. The crowd becomes part of the spectacle, and the more dramatic the entrance, the better.

With intimate lighting, clandestine vibes, and a soundtrack built for late-night revelry, Gin & Sin promises a stylish escape from the ordinary.

Tickets are limited, and if history has taught us anything, the best nights tend to be the ones whispered about afterward.

Grab a ticket, secure the password, and prepare to slip into the shadows.

HOW TO GO

Gin & Sin: A Speakeasy Pop-Up
📍 Joui Wine – Dayton, Ohio
🕙 10:00 PM (Late Night Affair)
🎟 Password required for entry
🔗 Tickets available online

Guests will receive special day-of instructions on how to gain entry.

Dress to impress. Arrive ready to dance. Leave with stories worth whispering.

INNOVAtheatre Brings For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf to Dayton This February

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Dayton’s artistic pulse is set to thrum with poetry, movement, and powerful truth-telling as INNOVAtheatre presents For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf, the iconic “choreopoem” by celebrated playwright Ntozake Shange. This landmark piece of American theatre arrives at the Edward A. Dixon Gallery in downtown Dayton for a limited run February 20-22, 2026, offering audiences an intimate, unfiltered exploration of Black womanhood.

Originally premiering in 1976 and coined a choreopoem — blending poetry, dance, music, and drama — Shange’s work follows seven women through interwoven monologues that traverse love, trauma, resilience, reclamation, and sisterhood. Each performer embodies a color of the rainbow, using vivid language and evocative movement to bring their stories to life. Themes in the piece are rich and deeply human, confronting issues from abandonment and violence to joy and collective healing.

INNOVAtheatre’s production features a mature, sophisticated ensemble that promises to honor the emotional depth and narrative courage of Shange’s vision. Performed within the evocative space of the Edward A. Dixon Gallery — itself hosting Resilience, a Black History Month art exhibit — this staging invites audiences into an immersive experience that blurs the line between gallery and stage.

Performances run:

  • Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.

  • Saturday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m.

  • Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are available now, with general admission offered on a first-come, first-seated basis. Patrons are encouraged to be mindful that the production contains mature themes, including discussions of mental health, domestic violence, loss, and strong language, and is recommended for ages 16 and up.

This presentation not only honors a seminal work in American theatre but also underscores Dayton’s commitment to bold storytelling and inclusive cultural programming. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Shange’s choreopoem or experiencing it for the first time, this production is poised to leave a lasting impression long after the final bow.

Dayton Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty

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Join the Dayton Ballet for an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages, THE SLEEPING BEAUTY unfolds like a beautiful dream – where good triumphs over evil, love breaks a curse, and music and dancing transport you to a world of fantasy. You’ve seen the movie, but the ballet is an immersive experience for the senses boasting lush scenery, gorgeous recognizable music, and dazzling dancing.

How to Go?
Friday, Feb 20, 7:30PM – Buy Tickets
Saturday, Feb 21, 7:30PM – Buy Tickets
Sunday, Feb 22, 2:30PM – Buy Tickets
At the Schuster Center

Prisoner of Love 4 Course Wine Dinner

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Are you The Prisoner of love, or are you Unshackled? Find out at Bonefish Grill’s exclusive dinner — with four chef-crafted courses, each paired with an irresistible wine from The Prisoner, Unshackled, Kim Crawford and Meiomi.

COURSE 1 – CRISPY BANG ARTICHOKE SALAD

Fresh spinach tossed in house-made citrus herb dressing, topped with goat cheese, pickled vegetables and crispy artichokes tossed in the one and only Bang Bang sauce you know and love.

KIM CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC

With a bouquet of citrus and tropical fruits, this wine has a vibrant acidity that brightens the flavors of the salad.

COURSE 2 – SCALLOP & SHRIMP RISOTTO

Creamy parmesan corn & bacon risotto, topped with roasted bay scallops and wood-grilled shrimp.

MEIOMI PINOT NOIR

The ripe berry notes complement the scallops while the subtle spice notes enhance the smoky and savory risotto.

COURSE 3 – LOBSTER IMPERIAL FILET

Wood-grilled 7 oz filet mignon crowned with rich lobster cream imperial, topped with crouton crumbs and drizzled with lemon butter, served with roasted new potatoes and grilled asparagus..

THE PRISONER RED BLEND

The robust profile of this wine is the perfect pairing to the flavors of the wood-grilled filet and creamy seafood topping.

COURSE 4 – RED WINE CARAMEL BROWNIE

Rich, flourless brownie, chef-crafted Unshackled red wine caramel sauce, garnished with cranberries, and served with fresh whipped cream.

UNSHACKLED CABERNET SAUVIGNON

An extension of The Prisoner, Unshackled’s dark fruit flavors and hint of spice complement the rich and indulgent flavors of the flourless brownie.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 | 6:30PM | $70 PER PERSON*
*Excludes tax and gratuity. Time, price and participation may vary by location.

Bonefish Grill, 2818 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton

Make reservations here: https://www.opentable.com/r/bonefish-grill-dayton

Buckeye Wedding Expo and Bridal Show Returns to Dayton Arcade

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Mark your calendars for a celebration of all things wedding as the Buckeye Wedding Expo and Bridal Show returns to downtown **Dayton’**s iconic Dayton Arcade on Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, 2026.

This isn’t your average vendor fair. The expo blends inspiration, education, entertainment, and yes — a little bit of sparkle— into one interactive experience designed to help couples plan the big day with confidence and joy.

What’s in Store

From 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm both days, engaged couples and their entourages can wander through the beautifully restored Rotunda where more than 50 local wedding pros will be on hand showcasing their offerings — from florals and photographers to venues and caterers.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

👗 Bridal Fashion Show
Catch the latest trends and breathtaking looks on the main stage as local boutiques show off stunning bridal and formalwear.

🍰 Tastings & Samples
Sample gourmet catering bites, signature cocktails, artisan cakes, and more while talking shop with the experts who can bring your vision to life.

🎉 Decor Resale & Interactive Fun
Browse a vendor–curated decor resale area for great finds, step into photo and 360 booths, and explore entertainment options for your ceremony or cocktail hour.

💡 Real Talk + Real Inspiration
This show is as educational as it is fun — expect inspiration galleries, trend showcases, and face-to-face conversations that can help clarify everything from aesthetics to logistics.

Why Go?

Whether you’ve just said yes or are deep in the planning process, the Buckeye Wedding Expo makes it easy to meet vendors, compare ideas, and gather inspiration, all in one stunning historic venue.

Admission: Tickets are $10, and children 12 and under attend free when accompanied by an adult.

When & Where

Live at The Brightside: HYRYDER Brings the Grateful Dead Spirit to Dayton

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Get ready to ride the sonic wave with one of the most dynamic Grateful Dead tribute bands in the scene! Hyryder rolls into The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Saturday, February 28 for a night of improvisational grooves, extended jams, and faithful renditions of beloved Dead classics that have echoed through generations of music lovers.

Known for their passionate performances and deep reverence for the spirit of the Dead, Hyryder has carved out a reputation for delivering electrifying shows that capture the heart of Jerry Garcia’s legacy while inviting audiences on a fresh, psychedelic journey. Expect winding instrumental passages, soaring melodies, and that unmistakable feeling of communal connection that makes Grateful Dead music timeless.

This performance marks a special night in Dayton as Hyryder transforms The Brightside into a crossroads of rhythm and nostalgia, perfect for longtime Deadheads and curious newcomers alike. Whether you’re chasing the familiar licks of “Sugar Magnolia” or lost in the trance of “Dark Star”-era explorations, this show promises a vibrant celebration of musical creativity.

Details:
• Hyryder at The Brightside Music & Event Venue
• Saturday, February 28
• Doors: 7:00pm / Show: 8–11pm
• Tickets available now — grab yours and hit add to calendar!

Pull on your tie-dye, bring a friend, and tune in for a night where the music lives on in every note. 🎸🌈

5K Beer Fun Run Hits Loose Ends Brewing in Centerville This Valentine’s Weekend

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5K Beer Fun Run Hits Loose Ends Brewing in Centerville This Valentine’s Weekend

Trade the roses for running shoes and raise a pint at the finish line. 🍻🏃‍♀️

On Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11AM, the 2026 Ohio Brewery Running Series makes its way to Loose Ends Brewing for a 5K Beer Fun Run/Walk that blends fitness, fresh air, and craft beer into one lively community event.

This 5K-ish course starts and ends at the Centerville taproom, taking participants through the surrounding streets for a scenic, heart-pumping loop before returning to celebrate. Whether you’re a seasoned runner chasing miles or just looking for a fun walk with friends, this event is designed for all paces and personalities.

What You Get

All registered participants receive:

  • 🍺 One craft brew at the finish line from Loose Ends Brewing

  • 🎁 A seasonal swag item from the Brewery Running Series

  • 🎟 Entry into prize giveaways including Brewery Running Series merch and beer to take home

  • 🎶 Access to post-run festivities featuring live music, games, and partner activations

Because let’s be honest, crossing a finish line tastes better when it comes with a cold pint.

Run for Fun. Drink Local. Give Back.

The Ohio Brewery Running Series isn’t just about logging miles. The mission is simple: be active, have fun, and give back. To date, the series has raised over $500,000 for nonprofit organizations. This event continues that tradition, with 10% of proceeds donated to a local nonprofit chosen by Loose Ends Brewing.

So every step you take supports local community work. That’s cardio with a cause.

Limited Spots Available

Registration is capped to match the size of the taproom, and these events often sell out. If you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with good vibes, good beer, and good company, sign up sooner rather than later.

Grab your friends, lace up your shoes, and meet at Loose Ends Brewing on February 14th at 11AM for a run that ends exactly where you want it to — at the bar.

Cheers to miles and malts. 🍺✨

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5k-beer-run-x-loose-ends-brewing-2026-ohio-brewery-running-series-tickets-1979257996949

SCYTHIAN Returns to The Brightside to Kick Off St. Patrick’s Season in High Gear

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If you like your Celtic music turned all the way up, circle Friday, March 6 on your calendar.

Internationally touring Celtic rock band Scythian is bringing their electric live show back to The Brightside Music & Event Venue, and Dayton better be ready. Known for their relentless energy, tight musicianship, and infectious stage presence, Scythian doesn’t just play a show — they ignite one.

This isn’t your sit-in-your-seat kind of concert. Expect a high-octane fusion of Celtic traditions, folk influences, and rock intensity that feels tailor-made for kicking off St. Patrick’s season. If you’ve seen them before, you already know: the room won’t stay still for long. If you haven’t, prepare to be converted.

Upgrade Your Night: VIP Meet & Greet

Want to make it extra special? Upgrade to the VIP Experience and join the band for a pre-show Meet n’ Greet Happy Hour. VIP includes:

• Early entry
• Meet & greet with Scythian
• Guaranteed premium seating
• A more intimate start to the evening

It’s a great option for longtime fans or anyone who wants to make this a full celebration.

Whether you’re Irish by heritage or Irish for the night, this is the kind of show that shakes the winter off your boots and gets the whole city leaning toward spring. Grab your crew, grab your tickets early, and get ready to shamrock The Brightside. 🍀🔥

How to Go

📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
📍 The Brightside, Dayton

5:00 PM – VIP Doors
6:00 PM – General Admission Doors

🎟 General Admission:
$20 in advance
$27 day of show

🎟 VIP:
$60

🎶 All Ages Show (Chaperone required for guests under 16)

Advance tickets are available now:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scythian-at-the-brightside-in-dayton-tickets-1977307467864

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “Office Space” Movie Party

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Yeah… Hi. We’re Gonna Need You to Come in on Sunday.

Office Space Movie Party with Dayton Dinner Theater

If you’ve ever fantasized about smashing a fax machine in a field or quietly plotting your escape from fluorescent lighting and TPS reports, this one’s for you. Office Space is clocking back in for a fully interactive, nostalgia-soaked movie party from Dayton Dinner Theater at The Brightside.

This is not a “sit quietly and watch a movie” situation. It’s an evening of themed food, themed drinks, themed attire, live music, trivia, and plenty of opportunities to bond with fellow cubicle survivors. Think millennium-era office culture, awkward bosses, questionable management decisions, and just enough chaos to make it feel like a workday gone delightfully off the rails.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Office Space or just need an excuse to wear suspenders in public and complain about work with strangers, this interactive movie party promises laughs, comfort food, and just the right amount of corporate satire. So yeah… if you could come in on Sunday, that’d be great.

What’s on the agenda (besides hating your job):

🍕 Themed Food
Snacks and appetizers will be available in the commissary, followed by pizza and salad for your “lunch break.” If there’s a birthday in the room, yes, there will be cake and yes, you might get a piece. Management says morale is important.

🍹 Themed Drinks
Cocktails designed to get you through the workday… or the next century. Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.

👔 Themed Attire
Dig out your best stuffy 1999 office wear. Suspenders encouraged. Extra credit for excessive flair. BYORS (Bring Your Own Red Stapler).

🎶 Music & Trivia
Enjoy themed live music and a “Name That Tune” game inspired by work, bosses, the millennium, fax machines, and the general grind of earning a living.

The Schedule:

📅 Sunday, March 1, 2026
📍 The Brightside | 905 E 3rd St, Dayton
🕔 5:45 PM – Doors open
🕕 6:00–7:00 PM – Food & live music
🎬 7:00 PM – Movie starts
🍰 8:00 PM – Intermission with dessert & trivia
🕘 9:15 PM (ish) – Movie ends, existential dread optional

Tickets & Seating

🎟 $36 per ticket
👉 Tickets available here: https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/office-space-movie-party-with-cake

Table reservations are available for parties of 6 or more. Otherwise, seating is open. For table reservations or questions, email [email protected]

JD Simo + Luther Dickinson Bring a Power-Trio Blues Revival to The Brightside

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Two of the most electrifying forces in modern roots music are joining up for a rare trio performance in Dayton this spring — and it’s the kind of show that doesn’t come around often.

Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars, The Black Crowes) and JD Simo (Chris Isaak, Jack White, Beyoncé) hit The Brightside on Sunday, May 17 with powerhouse drummer Adam Abrashoff for a soul-shaking, roots-infused blues experience that’s equal parts greasy, hypnotic, and wide open.

Dickinson, a four-time Grammy nominee, is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of North Mississippi Allstarsalongside a brand-new album — continuing his long-standing mission to push Hill Country blues forward without sanding down its edges. His playing is deep in tradition but restless by nature, built for groove and exploration.

Simo, meanwhile, has built a career on fearless reinvention. In addition to touring with Chris Isaak, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from Jack White to Beyoncé and recently played a major creative role on the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere, directed by Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart). Simo worked closely with Springsteen and Cooper, supervised the music script, coached lead actor Jeremy Allen White (The Bear), and contributed extensively to the film’s score and soundtrack — a testament to how deeply trusted his musical instincts are.

Together, their chemistry is undeniable. Their collaborative album Do The Rump! has been making serious waves, with the lead single “Come On” hitting #1 on SiriusXM Bluesville. The sound is raw and thrillingly alive — Hill Country trance meets psych-soul meets electrified jam, played without a safety net.

These trio shows are rare. The music is dirty. And the live experience is the point.

Local favorites Strange Ranger open the night, setting the tone before the main event takes over the room.

HOW TO GO:
📍 The Brightside — 905 E Third St, Dayton
📅 Sunday, May 17, 2026
🕕 Doors: 6:00 PM | Show: 7:00 PM
🎟 $20 GA advance | $25 day of show
🪑 Standing show — seating not guaranteed
🍾 Limited reserved tables available
👶 All ages welcome

Get tickets here: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/jd-simo-luther-dickinson-2026-05-17-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-d36fb4

This is one of those shows you feel more than you watch. Catch it live.

Roots, Rhythm, and Relief: Bob Marley Bash Comes to Dayton’s Brightside

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Dayton’s live-music scene turns toward unity and purpose this February as Bob Marley’s legacy takes center stage at The Brightside Music and Event Venue. On Friday, February 6, music lovers and community builders will gather for the Bob Marley Bash: Music, Unity & Jamaica Relief, a night of reggae-infused performance and collective celebration.

The show features a lineup of artists whose sounds span reggae fusion, high-energy grooves, and community flavor. Luv Locz Experiment brings live reggae fusion rooted in soul and rhythm, blending Caribbean funk with uplifting vibes. Da Squad adds spirited energy and flavor to the night’s flow, while DJ YMS keeps the party moving with selections from three Wheels of Steel.

More than a concert, this birthday bash honors Marley’s message of love, resistance, and togetherness. Organizers are using the night to support Jamaica Relief, a fundraising effort for families affected by Hurricane Melissa, with donations and proceeds benefiting the cause.

Hosted with intention and community at its heart, the Bob Marley Bash invites Dayton audiences to move their bodies, lift their spirits, and connect through music that has inspired generations across the globe.

How to GO?

Location: The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Date: February 6

Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM

For tickets and more details, visit thebrightsidedayton.com

Transform Your Writing Life This Year with Katrina Kittle’s “Leap, and the Net Will Appear”

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Katrina Kittle

Dayton’s own acclaimed author Katrina Kittle is offering a game-changing course through Writer’s Digest University that could be exactly what your writing life needs right now.

If you’ve ever made a New Year’s resolution to “finish that novel” or “finally start writing seriously,” only to watch another year slip by with those goals unfulfilled, Katrina’s three-week course Leap, and the Net Will Appear: Steps for Creating Positive Change in Your Writing Life is designed specifically for you.

Running from January 29 through February 19, this practical, hands-on course moves beyond vague inspiration to give you concrete tools for creating lasting change in your writing practice. Katrina, a University of Dayton lecturer and author of six novels including The Blessings of the Animals and Morning in This Broken World, brings her years of teaching experience to help writers at every level break through the obstacles holding them back.

The course tackles the real issues writers face: feeling stuck, losing your mojo, setting goals you never quite reach, and letting fear stop you before you start. Through a series of targeted exercises across three sessions, you’ll learn how to articulate goals that actually energize you, anticipate and overcome the obstacles that derail you, and build sustainable momentum that lasts beyond the initial burst of New Year’s enthusiasm.

What makes this course different? Katrina focuses on the psychological and practical aspects of change—how to make friends with fear, rewrite the limiting stories you tell yourself, and handle both your own resistance and sabotage from others. You’ll create what Katrina calls “the perfect average day” and learn how to “pay yourself first creatively.”

The title comes from an important truth: “Leap and the net will appear” doesn’t mean someone else will rescue you—it means you weave the nets yourself, and taking that leap jump starts you into action.

At $149.99, this course is an investment in finally making your writing dreams a reality. Whether you’re already published or just beginning, if you’re ready to stop making the same resolutions and start seeing real results, this local expert can help you get there.

For more information and to enroll, visit writersdigestuniversity.mykajabi.com/creating-positive-change. Don’t let 2026 be another year of “someday,” let Katrina Kittle show you how to weave your own net.

THE BATTLE IS BACK: Dayton’s Biggest Musical Showdown Returns to The Brightside

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The search for Dayton’s next breakout artist begins this winter. The Dayton Battle of the Bands is officially back for its sixth season, turning up the volume at The Brightside Music & Event Venue starting Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Dayton Battle of the Bands at The Brightside / Photo contributed

With new title sponsor Tony & Pete’s on board, this year’s competition is more than just a series of concerts, it’s a six-week gauntlet of talent featuring over two dozen local acts. From the heavy riffs of Metal night to the smooth grooves of Funk and Blues, the series offers a front-row seat to the best the Gem City has to offer.

What’s at Stake? This isn’t just for bragging rights. The overall winner will walk away with a massive prize package designed to jumpstart their career:

  • $1,000 Cash Prize

  • EP Recording Session with Huge Face Productions at Dayton Sound Studios

  • A Featured Slot on the Levitt Pavilion Dayton summer series

  • Custom merchandise and professional media assets

“We want every band to feel the ‘win’ of playing to a packed house,” says organizer Libby Ballengee. “Between the professional photos and the industry exposure, this is a launchpad for the entire scene.”

The Schedule:

  • Jan 15: Alternative / Rock

  • Jan 22: Americana / Country / Folk

  • Jan 29: Hip Hop / Rap

  • Feb 5: Hard Rock / Metal / Punk

  • Feb 12: Pop / Rock

  • Feb 19: Funk / Blues / Jam

  • March 7: THE GRAND FINALE

Doors open at 6:30 PM each week. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. All ages welcome! Grab your tickets at daytonbattleofthebands.com

Shake It Off at The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Dance Night Returns to The Brightside

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Calling all Swifties! Are you ready for it?

The Brightside Music and Event Venue is bringing back THE TAYLOR PARTY, a Taylor Swift-inspired dance celebration on Friday, December 19th from 9:00 PM to 11:50 PM. This 18+ event invites fans to relive the magic of all Taylor’s iconic Eras in one unforgettable night.

Whether you’re still processing the Eras Tour on Disney+ or just need an excuse to break out your best Era-inspired outfit, this is your moment. The Taylor Party promises an enchanting evening of singing, dancing, and celebrating everything Taylor Swift with fellow fans.

Pick your favorite Era outfit (will it be Folklore cottage core or Midnights sparkle?), grab your besties, and get ready to party in style. From “Love Story” to “Anti-Hero,” every Era will be represented on the dance floor.

Long live the magic you’ll make at this ultimate Swiftie celebration! Get your tickets now before they’re gone—this party is sure to sell out faster than you can say “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.”

Event Details:

For more information and tickets, visit thebrightsidedayton.com