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LIbby Ballengee

Spice up your holiday with a special “Holiday at Home” feature with DCDC

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After a year that’s kept us all at home, streaming our entertainment, I think it’s safe say we’re feeling a little Netflixed out. We’ve seen it ALL. Well, if you’re looking for something holiday themed, original, fabulous and local – check out the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s virtual “Home for the Holidays” performance this weekend.

Whether you’re new to modern dance, or a connoisseur, this show is both an opportunity for new patrons experience dance, as well as a dose of what longtime arts fans have been missing this year. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the holidays with our own world-class dance company through cheerful dance and song!

How to tune in? That’s the best part: it’s at your convenience. Buy a ticket and enjoy a single viewing of the performance sometime from Saturday, December 26, 2020 until Tuesday, December 29, 2020.

“This production will beckon us towards the memories that remind us of the things we treasure most: family, community, and home,” the company stated. They invite the community to “let this moving, joyful experience warm your family’s heart during the holiday season.”

Not only is this cozy production a great way to break up the online monotony with something cultural and original, purchasing access to this performance is also a great way to support this treasured local arts institution. All performing arts organizations could greatly use the community’s support during this challenging time.

After the performance, there will be a special feature where DCDC’s dancers perform their favorite holiday fireside stories. The company invites you to follow along with their special craft making session, which is perfect for the entire family. This is an up close and personal way for the dancers to share their memories of hope and joy with the community.

Ticket Information

Get your tickets at daytonlive.org or call 937-228-3630. $26.50 each.

This broadcast will be available for a single viewing between 12 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020 and 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Information about how to access the stream will be included on your email confirmation.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company: www.dcdc.org

The Rubi Girls present “The Show Must Go On” virtually

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The Rubi Girls in the “Show Must Go On 2020” at The Brightside

Every nonprofit has had to pivot their fundraisers to online events, and The Rubi Girls are no exception. The group has awarded millions to a variety of local charities, and they’re determined to keep giving, especially now, when the need is greatest.

The Rubi Girl’s annual Thanksgiving production “The Show Must Go On” will be presented online on Saturday November 28th at 7:30pm and will also be accessible anytime after it starts.

The Rubi Girls were formed over 35 years ago, when a small group of friends started putting on drag shows for their own amusement. They later became a 501c3 dedicated to helping others. They’ve truly shown that giving to others can be outrageously fun and rewarding!

The tickets to the virtual performance and fundraiser are $25, which comes with your own copy of the 2021 Rubi Girls calendar. Calendars can be shipped anywhere in the US or picked up at the Rubi Girls Clubhouse on Friday November 27th from 11-2pm or Saturday November 28th from 11-2pm.

TO BUY TICKETS: https://www.therubigirls.com/shop

 

Mavin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” brought to life by the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

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Almost 50 years ago, Marvin Gaye, the Prince of Motown, released the album What’s Going On to great acclaim. On Sunday, November 22, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) invites you to join them for an online watch party as their dance artists interpret the music of one of the world’s greatest vocalists!

The classic 1971 soul album was written at a tumultuous time in American history, when the Vietnam war was raging, young people were disillusioned, while millions of Americans continued to fight for racial justice. Nearly 50 years later, the songs and emotions from What’s Going On resonate now more than ever. 

DCDC is interpreting Gaye’s work at the newly remodeled Rose Auditorium, inside the Dayton Art Institute. However, one piece will be shot on location at the Balsley House in the Oregon District. Both locations offer a new and exciting experience for DCDC fans and dancers alike!

After the virtual production, DCDC invites audiences to Lights Up!, a curated online conversation with the artists, which will immediately follow the performance via zoom. 

The initial broadcast of this performance premieres on Sunday November 22nd at 4pm. There will also be a rebroadcast available for viewing between 12 a.m. on Saturday November 28 and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday November 29. Information about how to access the rebroadcast will be included on your email confirmation.

HOW TO WATCH:

FIRST WATCH: Sunday, Nov 22, 2020 at 4:00pm
 
SECOND TIME AROUND: 12 a.m. on Saturday November 28 and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday November 29.
 
COST: $25
 

NOTE: Information about how to access the live watch party via Zoom will be included in your email confirmation. Please plan to log into the Zoom event at least 15 minutes before the watch party begins

MORE INFO: Visit dcdc.org or visit DCDC on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Remarkable Jazz Duo Returns to The Brightside!

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I run into lots of folks who have been missing the jazz offerings at Gilly’s, or the listening room vibe at Canal Street Tavern. At The Brightside Music & Event Venue, we are hosting an upcoming performance that is just for those missing those powerful, intimate performances. Jennifer Hartswick & Nicholas Cassarino Duo, are a  truly remarkable jazz duo that you don’t want to miss!

The Brightside is thrilled to host this duo, who are back after popular demand! Last year they moved our audience to tears with their powerful jazz-fusion originals featuring Jennifer’s beautiful voice and trumpet accompaniment, along with Nick’s masterful, and even sexy, guitar work. Blues guitarist Steven Gregory, kicks off this exclusive performance.  He wowed local audiences during the recent Dayton Battle of the Bands, earning himself a spot in the finals.

Jennifer’s live performances are renowned as spontaneous, joyful and contagious. Her natural charisma and sincerity shines through, and each performance is a celebration of musical collaboration. And whether she is wailing on the trumpet or singing an intimate vocal solo, her performance is all part of a single seamless instrument, one that is played not only with astounding technical proficiency, but also with sensitivity, conviction and heart. Hartswick is an original member of the Trey Anastasio Band and has recorded/shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, Phish, Christian McBride, Tom Petty, Aaron Neville, Carlos Santana, The Rolling Stones, Big Gigantic, Dave Matthews and countless others.

Nicholas Cassarino was born in Vermont into a musical family. He started singing publicly at age 5 and at age 11 began playing guitar. Through the genres of punk rock, classic rock, and folk he began studying jazz. The doors of jazz opened him up to classical, gospel, soul, hip-hop, funk, and music from around the world. In 2013 he formed his current touring outfit The Nth Power with Nikki Glaspie (Beyonce) and Nate Edgar (John Browns Body). They have been touring nationally and internationally since 2014 and have released an ep, full length studio album, live album, and will release a new studio album in the fall of 2018.

How to Go?

Tuesday March 10, 2020

The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton).

Doors 7pm. Show 7:30pm.

Pre-Sale Tickets $15: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/jennifer-hartswick-nick-cassarino-duo

Day of Show $18.

All ages welcome. Handicapped accessible. On site parking.

 

Ekoostik Hookah back in Dayton with Subterranean

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Ekoostik Hookah, the original Ohio jam band, returns to Dayton on Friday February 28, 2020 at The Brightside. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED.

For nearly 30 years, əkoostik hookah, Ohio’s original jam band, has been touring and inspiring musicians across the nation. Many of Dayton’s own psychedelic rock bands have been inspired by this talented group, including Subterranean, Dayton’s own up-and-coming powerhouse!

It’s been a few years since əkoostik hookah has performed on a Dayton stage, so it’s particularly exciting to have them back downtown for a show on the big ballroom stage at The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Friday February 28, 2020.

For old fans, seeing Hookah, as they are affectionally known, is a walk down memory late. Founding members, Dave Katz (keys, vocals, acoustic guitar), Steve Sweney (guitar), and longstanding drummer, Eric Lanese, have been the mainstays, providing the foundation and longevity that few acts have been able to maintain. Eric Sargent (guitar, vocals) arrived in 2010 and Matt Paetsch in 2018 (bass).

For new fans, this is an opportunity to rediscover not only one of  Ohio’s  most recognized and influential acts in the touring music scene, it’s also a chance to see the next generation in Subterranean! They approach improvisation with intent, pushing stylistic boundaries with  their  infectious grooves. Each show is truly a unique experience!

HOW TO GO?
When: Friday February 28, 2020. Doors 7:30pm / Music starts at 8:30pm
Where: The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton. On site parking available.
Cost: $12 adv ticket available at link above or via SoundValleyDayton.com  / $15 day of show
Who: All ages welcome! Handicapped accessible.

DCDC’s Retro/ACTIVE with Special Guest Sparkle

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After a stunning retirement announcement, Sheri “Sparkle” Williams will re-perform her final solo dance entitled Altar-ing at the up-coming Dayton Contemporary Dance Company performance Retro/ACTIVE on Saturday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 9 at 4pm at the Victoria Theatre, located at 138 N. Main St. in Dayton. 

Sparkle, is an icon not only in the Miami Valley, but known through-out the contemporary dance world. She was the Individual Performance Winner of 1997 NYC Bessie Award and 2014 Ohio Governor’s Award for Individual Artist. People will be flocking to the Victoria to witness Sparkle’s final performance, and pay homage to her dance legacy.

The mixed repertory show also features a nod to Black History Month with Warren Spear’s On the Wings of Angels (premiered 1996), which is a soaring tribute to the Tuskegee airman. The performance also brings back Vespers (premiered 1986), Ulysses Dove’s touching poetic tribute to womanhood, and Indestructible (premiered 2018), Abby Zbikowski’s tribute to the endurance of those who struggle for justice. There will also be a world-premiere and special unveiling of a new work by DCDC’s Chief Artistic Administrator and Producing Director, Debbie Blunden-Diggs.

HOW TO GO?

Retro/ACTIVE 

Saturday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 9 at 4pm

Victoria Theatre, located at 138 N. Main St. in Dayton. 

Tickets for Retro/ACTIVE are available at www.ticketcenterstage.com or by calling 937-228-3630.

 For the latest opportunities to engage with DCDC, visit www.dcdc.org and connect with us on social media: Facebook/Instagram: @daytoncontemporarydancecompany & Twitter: @DCDCLive. 

Exciting indie tour at Brightside Sunday Jan 26th

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You know what they say in the live music world: Never miss a Sunday show! This Sunday, January 26th is certainly one of those instances. BravoArtist is bringing an exciting indie tour to The Brightside Music & Event Venue featuring the up-and-coming pop-rock band Mike Mains & The Branches.

Mike Mains and The Branches is a pop-rock band based in Michigan. Since their conception in 2012, the group has built a reputation for their fantastical instrumentation and unforgettable live performances. Mains began writing songs early in his career between shifts at a casino, which is an apt illustration of Mains perspective on life: it’s a comedy, a tragedy, and a fairytale. (Check out their music for yourself at link below).

A big bonus to this particular show: three amazing area bands kicking off an evening of live music: Gabe Maas and the Bruins, The American Landscape and Year of the Buffalo. The best  part? The value. Tickets are only $13 advance, $15 day of show. Such a deal for this amount of raw musical talent!

How to Go?

Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)

When: Sunday, January 26, 2020. Doors 6pm. Show 7pm.

Who: All ages welcome! Handicapped accessible. On site parking.

Cost: $13 advance. $15 day of show. 

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mike-mains-the-branches-at-brightside-126-tickets-86353751395

 

 

 

Rock Bands Unite to Help Beat Cancer at Blind Bob’s

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I say it often: the Dayton music community is full of the most generous people I know. It’s often a two way street, and this weekend, musicians take care of three of their biggest supporters, who are currently battling cancer. If you love rock’n’roll, this show is a win-win all around!

Night of the Beat (Cancer) takes place at Blind Bob’s on Saturday January 25th, to benefit Jaime Testa, Amanda Hensler and Tyler Gilcher. All three of them have been major supporters of the Dayton music community, staples in the Oregon District, and have huge hearts! They absolutely deserve a fantastic party in their honor, raising money to help them continue their fight.

Music is of course on the agenda! Four area rock bands that are donating their time and talents to this party, including: Abertooth Lincoln, Weathervein, Business Casuals, and We Are The Movies.

Sabrina Cox, one of the organizers of this event, explains what makes this event so special: “Last year was really hard for Oregon District, and Dayton as a whole. In the midst of all the tragedies, three beloved members of the Oregon District community were also fighting cancer. We are a community that comes together to love each other in every situation – and this is no exception. The Cancer Cuties, as we lovingly call them, are our friends, family, and neighbors. All the money collected at the door goes directly to them.”

Amander Hensler is one of the “Cancer Cuties” who is benefiting from Saturday night’s Night of the Beat concert.

How to Go?

Saturday January 25th at Blind Bob’s

Doors 9pm

$7 at the door (additional donations encouraged!)

21+

FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1022647121404471/

Dayton Battle of the Bands Launches 6 Week Series

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The Dayton Battle of the Bands launches as a 6 week series, starting this week on January 14, 2020, running through February 25, 2020. The goal with this friendly competition is to shine light on new and upcoming bands in the Dayton area, while providing a prize package that helps launch them to their next level!

This new endeavor is a collaboration between The Brightside Music & Event Venue, Sound Valley, and Venus Child Productions. Carli Dixon, the owner and powerhouse behind The Brightside explained the motivation for this series: “Dayton has a long history of musical innovation, and we want to help elevate the next generation of Dayton talent.” For that reason, this competition is only open to bands and musical acts that have been performing (in their current entity) five years or less and are within a 35 mile radius of downtown Dayton.

Performing on The Brightside’s big stage in the Ballroom at the Sound Valley Winter Music Fest is part of the prize package for the Battle of the Band winner.

Twenty local acts were selected by a judge’s panel, with genres ranging from hip hop to metal, and from Americana to electronic originals.  The prize package for the winner includes an EP session with famed sound engineer Patrick Himes at Reel Love Recording Studio, a music video with Sound Valley, professional photo shoot with Mike Jones, and a premiere spot on the big stage at The Brightside for the Sound Valley Winter Music Festival. Along with support from those professionals, WYSO 91.3 FM and Prime Time Party Rental are sponsoring this first year’s competition.

Week 1 kicks off on January 14th and continues every Tuesday evening through February 25, 2020, which is when the finals will be held. In case of in-climate weather, February 18th will be used as a make up date. See full schedule and details on how to go below:

How to Go:

Where: The Brightside at 905 E 3rd St Dayton 45402

When: Week 1- Jan 14, 2020 / Week  2 – Jan 21, 2020 / Week 3 – Jan 28, 2020 / Week 4 – Feb 4, 2020 / Week 5 – Feb 11, 2020 / Week 6 – Rain date make up on Feb 18, 2020 (if needed) / Finals – Feb 25, 2020

Time: Doors 7pm, music starts promptly at 7:40 after some announcements

Cost: $5 advance tickets via https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/ – OR $10 at the door

Schedule: Band 1 – 7:40pm / Band 2 – 8:20 / Band 3 – 9:00 / Band 4 – 9:40
Music ends at 10pm. Winner announced at 10:30

All ages welcome! Handicapped accessible. On site parking available.

NOTE: Due to the volume of participants, there will be no friends and family guest list.

 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2499690553682903

Muse Machine presents “In The Heights” with bonus Pre-Show Celebration!

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One the Dayton’s most valuable assets is its robust arts community, from visual art, music, and all forms of performing arts. We cultivate that talent in our youth, through innovative programs like Muse Machine, which serves over 75,000 students in southwest Ohio.

Every January, Muse Machine presents a musical that features more than 100 young people from across the Miami Valley. I was re-introduced to these musical performances last year, and I was simply blown away by the talent these teenagers display. There is no doubt, several . are bound for Broadway!

This year Muse Machine presents “In the Heights“, a musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Hamilton). The story explores three days of the characters’ lives in the NYC Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights. On the brink of change, friends and family bring their hopes and dreams to life. The score features hip-hop, salsa, meringue and soul music.

The Muse Machine musical has been praised by The Dayton Daily News as “a performing arts all-star effort,” while The Oakwood Register has called it “an evening of true theatrical joy… ” You can see it for yourself Thursday January 16th through Sunday January 19th at the Victoria Theatre in Dayton, Ohio, January 16-19, 2020. Tickets available now through Ticket Center Stage.

Of course attending the performance is a fantastic way to support the organization. If you want to go above and beyond, and have some pre-show fun with fabulous people, consider attending Muse Machine’s annual Social & Show from 5:30 – 7:30 on Friday, January 17, 2020.

There you’ll enjoy cocktails & heavy hors d’oeuvres at Table 33. Each ticket will include food and two drink tickets with choice theatre seating.  It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!  Ticket sales for the Social & Show end January 11, 2020, so don’t delay!

HOW TO GO?

Social & Show Pre-Show Party / Fundraiser

Friday, January 17, 2020

5:30 – 7:30pm
Cocktails & heavy hors d’oeuvres
Table 33 (130 W 2nd St, Dayton OH 45402)

Muse Machine presents the hit musical
IN THE HEIGHTS at 8pm
From Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of HAMILTON
Victoria Theatre (138 N Main St, Dayton OH 45402)

Each ticket includes food, two drink tickets and deluxe theatre seating (seats will be assigned on a first come, first served basis). $45 Ticket for Social only / $100 Social & Show

For info and registration: http://musemachine.com/social/

In the Heights performances:

Thursday January 16, 2020 7pm

Friday, January 17, 2020 8pm

Saturday, January 18, 2020 3pm

Saturday, January 18, 2020 8pm

Sunday January 19, 20020 2pm

Tickets start at $27 and can be purchased here:  https://my.ticketcenterstage.com/overview/6144?fbclid=IwAR04TtWvd-b5JrnGUPpTueUuNmU0tlgtFZOS2nboT3JzjTZBIG_wUJYA77w