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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

LIbby Ballengee

Sideshow 13 – An Artistic Extravaganza

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The annual music and art extravaganza Sideshow is being held again at Yellow Cab Tavern  (700 E 4th St, Dayton Ohio) this weekend on May 25th from 5pm‐1am and May 26th from 3pm‐1am. Admission is free! All ages are welcome too.

Sideshow is celebrating its 13th anniversary of creating a free show of Art and Music that all ages can enjoy. Sideshow is run entirely by volunteers and uses fundraisers and donations to offset the cost of hosting a show featuring more than 100 local artists and musicians.

This event will be the biggest Sideshow yet with sculpture, painting, music, performers, wrestling, dancers, comedy, food trucks, local brews, photography and much more. It will also feature a special Kid’s Sideshow portion. Over the years this has become an event that draws creators from all backgrounds, all levels of skill and all media. Fostering an open creative environment that will grow talent of all kinds has been the organizer’s goal from the start.

Yellow Cab Tavern is a community art space and music venue in Dayton, Ohio in the Motor Car District near the Oregon District. Formerly, home to a taxi business for more than 40 years, they now host a variety of events – art shows, live music, food truck rallies and much more.

Music Schedule:

Friday Main Stage
7:00pm-7:40pm John Dubuc and the Guilty Pleasures
7:40pm-8:20pm NOVAGOLD
8:20pm-9:00pm The Repeating Arms
9:00pm-9:40pm The Zygotes
9:40pm-10:20pm Nasty Bingo
10:20pm-11:00pm The New Old Fashioned
11:00pm-11:40pm Bribing Senators
11:40pm-12:20am Todd the Fox
12:20am-1:00am Dip Spit vs. Duderus

Friday Acoustic Stage
7:00pm-7:40pm Max B Greene
7:40pm-8:20pm Mandy Jewell
8:20pm-9:00pm Doug Nichols
9:00pm-9:40pm Steve Makofka
9:40pm-10:20pm Sam Stone
10:20pm-11:00pm Rich Reuter
11:00pm-11:40pm McGuff and the Dumpster Fires
11:40pm-12:20am Ryan Jones
12:20am-1:00am The Typical Johnsons

Saturday Main Stage
5:00pm-5:40pm Evil Eye Gypsy
5:40pm-6:20pm The Vibe
6:20pm-7:00pm Lord Kimbo/Flam Feeva
7:00pm-7:40pm Enzo
7:40pm-8:20pm Thank The Maker
8:20pm-9:00pm Neo American Pioneers
9:00pm-9:40pm The 1984 Draft
9:40pm-10:00pm Scarecrow Sideshow
10:20pm-11:00pm Stella’s Demise
11:00pm-11:40pm Dark Backward
11:40pm-12:20am Burn the Dead
12:20am-1:00am Far From Eden

Saturday Acoustic Stage
5:00pm-5:40pm Achilles Tenderloin
5:40pm-6:20pm Debbie DeCasio
6:20pm-7:00pm Moringa Moon
7:00pm-7:40pm Chris Ball
7:40pm-8:20pm Boo Lee Crosser
8:20pm-9:00pm Vincent Holiday
9:00pm-9:40pm Dan Sebree
9:40pm-10:00pm XL247
10:20pm-11:00pm Sharon Lane
11:00pm-11:40pm Dayton Poetry Slam
11:40pm-12:20am Dayton Poetry Slam
12:20am-1:00am Kevin Milner

Visual Artists Featured:
Bradley the Dark
Cherry Fullam
Chris Corn
Christina Lewis
Christine Gaffney
Coco Birdi
David Kenworthy
Elysia Pritchett
Gary Mitchell
Grant Nikanowicz
Hannah Jones
Heather Lea Reid
Jackie Wagner
Jen Dyke
Jenny J. Ink
Jess Fecke
Jess Gilbert
Joe Augustin
Josh Arnold
Kara McCray
Lauren Wantz
Mal Thokey
Marishah Paddock
Matthew Reynolds
Megan Fiely
Melanie Dufresne
Michelle Carr
Mikee Huber
Nashonba Hostina
Phil Preston
Reilly Stasienko
Ron Rollins
Samantha Farkas
Sarah Mackenzie
Seth Ratliff
Summer Rose Fig
Tara Moore
Tiffany Hunter
Tom Gilliam
Travis Waller
Wendy Wagener-Harris
Whitney Marie

Start Your Summer at Block Party in the ‘Burg

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If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the warm weather this weekend, may I recommend the first Block Party in the ‘Burg on Saturday, May 19th from 9am to 8pm at Star City Brewing Company in Miamisburg. There you’ll find great beer, live music, local vendors, food trucks and fun!

This event dovetails with Miamisburg’s Spring Fling, which kicks off with a parade at 9:45am. Starting at 9am, you can get a great parking spot to watch the festivities at Star City Brewing. They will have Ohio Hunger Force One and Shantz Express food trucks set up and running bright and early!

At noon, they’re kicking off live music in the field adjacent to the brewery. The music will continue throughout the day till 8pm. That’s right – 8 hours of non stop local original music! These are really cool bands too (see schedule below). Lucky Star Brewery and Star City Brewing Company will have beer for sale in the field, along a great selection of local vendors selling one-of-a-kind items and treats (see vendor list below)

Entry is free! So bring your lawn chair or a blanket, and plan on spending the whole day! A portion of the day’s proceeds will be donated towards the Miamisburg Viking Boosters.

Music Schedule

12-2pm Rich Reuter & Friends (featuring members of Great Northern String Band)
2-4pm Slippery Creek
4-6pm Cherry Lee & The Hot Rod Hounds
6-8pm The New Old-Fashioned

The New Old-Fashioned is among the bands performing at the first annual Block Party in the ‘Burg on May 19, 2018. PHOTO BY JENNIFER TAYLOR.


On-site Vendors:

Tina’s Sweet Treats (A Gluten Free Bakery)
Barefoot Girl Soap Company LLC
JoshuaRed Design
The WoodenSchu, LLC
Heather’s Goodies
Twisted River Coffee Roaster LLC
Hidden Gemstones
Damsel In Defense
Color Street
Kreations by Debby
Pure Haven’s Live Toxic-Free with Liz Engel
BurgApparel
Perfectly Posh
Statements by Alex
…and more to be announced! If interested, please submit online athttps://daytonfun.wufoo.com/forms/m2dhjet0g8hnd4/

 

Local listening room welcomes folk singer Laurie McClain on First Friday

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Dayton has been missing having a true “listening room” since the closing of Canal Street Tavern. The Brightside, a new music venue downtown, is looking to fill that void. 

On First Friday, May 4, 2018, they welcome Laurie McClain, a folk singer / songwriter all the way from Los Angeles. While Laurie accompanies herself expressively on guitar, ukulele, viola, and harmonica, it’s her honey voice that soothes and her powerful lyrics that heal hearts. Reminiscent of 60s/70s folk, her songs are messages of hope for a weary world.

Here’s what a few of her fellow singer-songwriters have to say about Laurie:

“Will very much touch your emotions in a most valuable way.” -Steve Forbert

“Laurie has got to be from another planet. I’ve never met anyone – except maybe Richie Havens – who is so open-hearted and full of love for humanity, yet who appears to experience life on a different plane than everybody else. Her music is as innocent as it is informed by experience, as playful as it is rooted, and as detail-oriented as it is grand in scope.” -Devon Sproule

“Laurie turns each venue into her own living room, and each listener into a new friend with her disarming humor and passionate performance. She is a gem of uniqueness and authenticity.” -Michael Kearns

“Laurie is a true artist. She opens hearts and sings from a place of depth and love. She held my tough NYC audience with her masterful storytelling, strong lyrics and vulnerable voice, moving them to tears and laughter.” -Kathryn’s House Concert Series (NYC)

How to Go?

The Brightside Event & Music Venue at 905 E 3rd St Dayton, OH 45403

Friday May 4, 2018. Performance from 7-10pm.

$5 admission

All Ages

Free off-street parking

 

Dayton participates in the March For Our Lives

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Student at University of Dayton speaks at Dayton’s March for Our Lives. March 24, 2018. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Dayton student speaks at Dayton’s March for Our Lives. March 24, 2018. Photo by Libby Ballengee

On March 24th, 2018, Dayton Ohio participated in a sibling march at Courthouse Square to support the March For Our Lives in Washington, D.C. The march was created by, inspired by, and led by students who are rightfully scared of the rampant mass shootings across the country, particularly in public schools. They are demanding that their lives and safety become a priority. 

All the Dayton area students and teachers who spoke were powerful and passionate, rejecting the current government’s proposed solutions and half measures. Arming teachers is a dangerous and unfunded idea, a hero’s tale that is based on fantasy and not fact. The lack of universal background checks and gun show loop hole is a crime. And reminding politicians who are bribed by the NRA that they’re time is up. They are now, or soon will be, of voting age. It was a powerful and moving display of solidarity that will not soon be forgotten.

Organizers of the March For Our Lives are suggesting that all concerned citizens do three things: Register, Educate & Vote. Here are some ways to get started:

Register to Vote here – April 9th Deadline for voter registration for May 8 primary election (30 days before primary election). Oct. 9th Deadline for voter registration for Nov. 6 general election.

Protestors at Dayton’s March for Our Lives. March 24, 2018. Photo by Libby Ballengee

Educate yourself about Candidates here

Vote in upcoming Elections:

May 8, 2018. Primary Election Day. Polls open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm

November 6, 2018. Election Day. Polls are open 6:30 am to 7:30 pm

Connect with March for Our Lives Dayton:

You can also follow March for Our Lives Dayton on Twitter: @MarchForOurLivesDayton

Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/MarchForOurLivesDayton

The National March for Our Lives website: https://marchforourlives.com/

Move & Meditate!

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You can feel it in the air – spring is almost here! This is the perfect time to shake off the winter “blahs” and bring more movement and meditation into our lives. On Saturday March 3, 2018 you can do just that with a 2 hour mixed session of Yoga, BollyX and Heartfulness meditation.
First, stretch your muscles and align your body with Yoga to prepare yourself for some lively movement to Bollywood music with a BollyX dance workout, and then cool down and refresh your spirit with Heartfulness Meditation! There is no set fee for this event. Donations are welcome, but not required. Any collected will go to support  the Heartfulness Center in Dayton that offers free meditation and yoga classes to the community.
How to Go?
Saturday, March 3rd
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Venue: Ayurveda Natural Health Center, 1342 N. Fairfield Rd, Suite B, Beavercreek, OH 45432
(Park in the parking lot across from CVS, between the Shell gas station and Valvoline and then there is a walkway from the parking lot to the front door behind the Shell gas station)
Limited space. Please email [email protected] org to reserve your place as soon as possible.
Visit www.daytonheartfulness. org for more information on the Dayton Heartfulness Center.

Local talent on display at the 5th Annual WinterFolk Festival

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Although it’s considered “off” season for music festivals, wintertime ones are some of my favorites! We’ve all got cabin fever, and just need to get out of the house and have fun! One of the most highly anticipated of those winter festivals is right around the corner: The 5th annual WinterFolk Festival at Yellow Cab Tavern on Sat, Jan 13th.

It’s a spectacular night of  music, art, food, & fun for all ages. This includes a non-stop line-up of best roots and folk musicians from the tri-state area, including beloved acts The Repeating Arms, Tod Weidner, David Payne, Starving in the Belly of the Whale, Kyleen Downes, The Goldberrys, OldNews, Bloody Tambourine, and several more!

It’s also about this time of year, I’m missing food trucks. Come hungry and catch the Drunken Waffle serving food on-site, along with Yellow Cab Tavern’s craft brews and cocktails. This year’s event has expanded, with even more artisans and vendors selling handmade goods. It’s an all around perfect night out!

How did this event come about? Well, it was inspired by a love of music, of course, and also the venue itself, Yellow Cab Tavern. In its infancy, WinterFolk organizers could see the potential in YCT, starting the festival as a fundraiser, which led to the venue’s recent upgrades. This type of collaboration is sign of a true music community! Make sure you stop on out to support these wonderful folks!

 

How to Go?

Where: The ‘Old’ Yellow Cab Building (700 E Fourth St. Dayton, Ohio 45402) is located at the corner of Fourth St and Walnut just outside Dayton’s historic Oregon District. Plenty of FREE parking is available on and off street at the event.

Time / Cost: Doors will open at 7pm and the first performance will start promptly at 8pm. Tickets available exclusively at the door for $10, children 12 & under are free.

Children Celebrate the Season at the Sugar Plum Tea

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Downtown there are many treasured holiday events that delight children: the stunning window displays, the Tike Shoppe, and of course, Dayton Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” performance at the Schuster Center. 

Before the Sunday matinee performance, the Dayton Ballet’s volunteer organization, The Dayton Ballet Barre, hosts their annual Sugar Plum Tea, at the gorgeous Dayton Woman’s Club on Sunday December 17th.  It’s a delightful Christmas tradition that’s a perfect way to make The Nutcracker holiday tradition that much more special!

The afternoon starts off with a beautiful tea service, along with sandwiches, fruit, and delicious desserts. Parents are encouraged to get holiday photos of their little ones with the Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Fairy by the gorgeous Christmas tree inside the parlor. One of the Dayton Ballet teachers, along with two of the Dayton Ballet II dancers, give the children a dance lesson, followed by a reading the story of the Nutcracker.

Got a little one who is too little to sit still for the entire Nutcracker performance? This is a great intro event into the performing arts, and give them a taste of this beloved holiday tradition. Tickets are $15 for each child and adult and available from Ticket Center Stage or in limited quantities at the door. Tickets to The Nutcracker performance are sold separately.

How to Go?

The Dayton Ballet Barre’s Sugar Plum Tea

at The Dayton Woman’s Club: 225 NORTH LUDLOW STREET DAYTON, OH 45402

Sunday December 17th 12:30pm-2pm (The Nutcracker performance starts at 2:30pm)

 

Tickets $15 for both children and adults. This is a fundraiser for The Dayton Ballet Barre!

Enjoy an Evening of Celtic Music & Dance!

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Colleen Raney performs in Dayton for the first time at the Celtic Concert on December 10th at Stivers High School

For all the Celtic lovers out there, an upcoming event featuring Celtic music and dance, is just for you! The evening starts off with a performance by Celtic Academy of Irish Dance followed by local musical favorites Dulahan, followed by headliner and acclaimed Irish singer, Colleen Raney.  This show is being presented at Centennial Hall inside Stivers School for the Arts in downtown Dayton, and will benefit We Care Arts. This is a family friendly evening that’s sure to entertain Celtic lovers of all ages!

Colleen Raney has been referred to as “among the best in her genre” (Irish Music Magazine) and “one of America’s best traditional singers” (Tradconnect) . Her ability to convey her love of Irish music makes every performance a captivating experience! Colleen is making her first visit to the Dayton area and will perform here with her band, which includes: Hanz Araki on flute and vocals, Bethany Waickman on guitar and Ryan Davidson on upright bass and vocals. In addition to singing, Colleen also plays guitar and bodhran.

Dulahan‘s music pays homage to traditional and contemporary Celtic with 3 and 4 part harmonies and subtle hints of Roots/Americana. The Celtic Academy of Irish Dance is one of Dayton’s fine Irish Dance schools. Many of the students compete at the local, national and international levels, and they are a joy to watch!

Sunni Russo, the organizer of this concert, loved the variety of new music that Cityfolk brought to the Dayton area. She discovered many artists and musical styles she would not have known about otherwise.  In that tradition, she wanted to bring an artist, Colleen Raney, who has not played in Dayton before.

The Celtic Academy of Irish Dance performs at the Celtic Concert held on December 10, 2017 at Stivers High School

December 10th, 2017
Show from 7-10pm
Stivers High School
Tickets are just $25 and on sale now! 
For more info or if they prefer not to order online:
Tickets will also be available at the door.
The show will benefit We Care Arts, a great local charity! Check them out at www.wecarearts.org

12th Annual Santa Pub Crawl Benefits Toys for Tots

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The volunteers with The Gem City Podcast invite you to the 12th Annual Santa Pub Crawl, benefiting US Marine’s Toys for Tots campaign! This is always a fun time to gather with friends, don your most festive holiday gear, and give back to kids in our community. We want to make sure every child has a gift for the holidays this year, and annually this event gathers 1000 toys for Dayton area children!

This year’s event is on Saturday December 9, 2017 from 5pm – Midnight. You don’t have to arrive right at 5pm to participate – join in whenever you are able! Be sure to register at either Dublin Pub or Oregon Express by 8:30pm. Admission: Bring $10 or a toy of equal value (not in wrapping paper, please)

You will receive a card to get marked at each participating bar. Have your card filled out by 10pm and you are eligible for door prizes! Those fabulous door prizes are given out at 10pm at Blind Bob’s, where there will also be prizes for costumes!

How to Go?

5pm-8:30pm Registration at Oregon Express or Dublin Pub.

Addt’l participating bars include: Trolley Stop, Newcombs, Ned Peppers-Hole in the Wall, and Tumbleweed

10pm Costume contest at Blind Bob’s: Best Dressed Male, Female, Best Couple, Best Group – Plus Door Prizes!

Admission: Bring $10 or a toy of equal value (not in wrapping paper, please)

BIG thanks to our sponsors: Heidelberg / Budweiser, Buckeye Vodka, Dayton Most Metro, Folio DesignHaus

Boys Night Out with Mom benefits Ronald McDonald House

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The Red Shoe Society Dayton and the Jr. Red Shoe Society invites sons and their mothers, grandmothers, and friends to share an evening of dancing and games, to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton. The Boys Night Out with Mom is a memory-making event that is both fun and teaches our young men the importance of giving back to help others.

Festivities include: Dinner & Dancing, Raffles, Sports, Games & Prizes, Sweets & Treats, and Photo Station! If you’re interested in attending, don’t delay, register today!

Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton and its mission to provide a “home-away-from-home” to families of critically ill or injured, hospitalized babies and children. Can’t attend but want to help? Share this event and Subscribe to their mailing list for future Red Shoe events.

How to go?

Sunday, October 8, 2017
NCR Country Club
4435 Dogwood Trail, Kettering
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Cost is $30 per guest, registration available until Wednesday, 10/4. Registration required to attend.

For questions, please contact Marisa Brown at [email protected].