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Dayton Music

New patio opening with live music at The Brightside

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New patio at The Brightside

The Brightside, one of Dayton’s newest music and event venues, has been fighting to come back since their COVID shutdown mid-March. Although they’ve hosted private events and weddings, as well as some exclusive virtual concerts this summer, they’ve been pretty quiet.

Owners Carli and Hamilton Dixon used the “downtime” to focus on continuing to improve the building. They took the formerly abandoned coal warehouse at the corner of 3rd and Keowee, and have transformed it into one of the coolest event spots in downtown Dayton. This summer, they repainted the entire exterior, added a new mural and signage, finished a brand new loft space, and most recently, added a patio.

The patio’s first use is happening on Thursday October 22, 2020 with live music from local blues band Wolf Moon Revival from 7-10pm. There will be a food truck on site on what promises to be a lovely, warm evening in late October. The band plans come to back the following Thursday as well (October 29). The venue and the band are making the most of new patio while the weather holds out. Both events are no cost to attend but donations for musicians appreciated.

Dixon’s Violin performs at The Brightside on Sunday October 25th

“We saw the weather was going to be pretty nice the end of October and thought, why not put the new patio to use now?” the venue’s music booker, Libby Ballengee of Venus Child Productions, told us. “We are so excited to have outdoor space to utilize, and couldn’t wait to have live music back!”

 

They also have planned to bring back Dixon’s Violin, a mesmerizing musical act the venue hosted last year to critical acclaim. He will also be performing outdoors at The Brightside on Sunday October 25th from 4-6pm. Dixon, who is no relation to the owners, has performed at Burning Man, TED and Eletric Forest, to name a few. He is sure to delight audiences of all varieties! Tickets are required to attend Sunday’s show, which are $20 in advance, $25 day of show.

The new mural at The Brightside

If weather does not hold out for those shows, they will be pulled inside to the Brightside’s voluminous ballroom, where patrons will be spaced out 6′ apart and be able to order drinks from a contactless ordering system. The venue has also added UV cleaning systems to filter the air in all of their HVAC units.

“We’re doing everything we can to ensure our guest’s safety,” Ballengee continued. “That’s one reason we’ve held off hosting live music. We want to make sure we can host in a way that is safe for our guests, staff and musicians.”

Guests are required to wear masks if they are standing, and are asked to practice social distancing. For more information visit the venue’s website at thebrightsidedayton.com

HOW TO GO:

Thursday October 22, 2020: Wolf Moon Revival

Music 7-10pm

Address: 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

Food truck: Phatty Wagon

No cover – tips for musicians appreciated!

All ages!

 

Sunday, October 25, 2020: Dixon’s  Violin

Music 4-6pm (Doors 3pm)

Address: 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

Tickets required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dixons-violin-outside-concert-dayton-4-pm-show-tickets-125024909871

All ages!

 

Thursday October 29, 2020: Wolf Moon Revival

Music 7-10pm

Address: 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

No cover – tips for musicians appreciated!

All ages!

Cincinnati Native Nominated for an Independent Music Award

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The supremely talented up-and-coming singer-songwriter Olivia Frances will look to add another award to her already impressive collection of accolades. Musical from a young age, Frances started playing piano at age six and composed her first song on guitar at age 12. Her dedication from such young age has paid off by having written over 300 songs. Frances credits Fleetwood Mac, Bon Iver and Kacey Musgraves as her musical inspirations.

This month, Music Resource Group announced the Nominees for The 18th Annual Independent Music Awards (IMAs). Nominations in 100+ Music, Video and Design categories were awarded to an eclectic roster of established and emerging talent from around the globe.

Frances is nominated in the Story Song Category for “The Bee & the Rose” a sweeping, environmentally-driven song off Orchid (2019), her latest bouquet of songs and stories. The Worcester Telegram & Gazette describes the album as “irrepressibly sweet — and eminently likable.” Written with the talented Nashville-based songwriter Michael Astrachan and produced by the distinguished Pat Lassiter, “The Bee & the Rose” reminds listeners of the natural beauty of the world and uses it on stage as a catalyst to discuss the current bee crisis.

Frances is no stranger to the Independent Music Awards. In 2018, she won the VOX Pop Love Song Category and the awards ceremony took place at Lincoln Center. Frances is a multi-award-winning artist, placing 1st in the Singer-Songwriter Category at the 2018 New England Songwriting Competition and winning Best Pop Song of the Year at the 2017 Ohio Music Awards.

Musical legends Lucinda Williams, Steven Van Zandt, Ellis Paul and Jonatha Brooke are nominated alongside Frances. The winning projects will be selected by influential judging panels including: Tom Waits & Kathleen Brennan, Robert Smith, Ziggy Marley, KT Tunstall, and many more indie creatives, top recording artists and industry influencers.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The 18th annual Independent Music Awards ceremony originally scheduled for June in New York City will proceed as an online showcase for this year’s top-ranked artists and music projects. Now in its 18th year, The Independent Music Awards honors artistry and daring rather than streams and social reach, and celebrates everything that makes indie music authentic and unique.

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

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The Dayton Battle of the Bands launches January – February 2020! The goal with this friendly competition is to shine light on new and upcoming bands in the community, while providing a prize package that helps launch them to their next level!  Each week will focus on a different genre. Catch these exciting acts at The Brightside on Tuesday evenings starting Jan 14, 2020 – February 25,  2020. All ages. $10 at the door or $5 adv ticket via https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events

The Brightside at 905 E 3rd St. Doors 7pm, music starts promptly at 7:40 after some announcements:

Band 1 – 7:40

Band 2 – 8:20

Band 3 – 9:00

Band 4 – 9:40

Music ends at 10pm. Winner announced at 10:30

NOTE: Due to the volume of participants, there will be no friends and family guest list. Handicapped accessible. On site parking available.

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

The 17th Annual HoliDayton features Dayton’s Best Original Rock!

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For local rock fans, one of the holiday season’s most beloved traditions is the 17th annual HoliDayton showcase. This year’s event is happening Saturday December 28th, 2019 at Blind Bob’s Bar. As with years prior, there will be two stages of performances alternating throughout the evening from 8pm to 2am! Come early, stay late and celebrate another year of great Dayton music.

HoliDayton is organized by Mark McMillon, the guitarist for Hawthorne Heights and The Story Changes. Despite his very busy touring scheduling, putting together this Dayton original music mini-festival is one thing he always prioritizes. It’s an awesome way to celebrate being back home for the holidays, see friends and check out old and new bands alike!

The 2019 lineup features lots of rock, punk and straight up fun from The Nightbeast, The Story Changes, Abertooth Lincoln, Legbone, YARDBOSS, New World Natives, Seth Canan & The Carriers, Better Anyway and Business Casuals.

 

How to Go?

The Story Changes will be among the original bands performing at HoliDayton.

When: Saturday December 28th, 2019 starting at 8pm.

Where: Blind Bob’s Bar in the Oregon District

Cost: $10 at the door

Who: 21 and up

Dayton Battle of the Bands Announced for 2020

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Dayton is well known for our impressive history of pushing musical boundaries, from the invention of Funk to the incalculable influence of early 90s alternative bands Guided by Voices and The Breeders. As a new decade launches, a group of Dayton music enthusiasts are joining forces to launch the next generation of local music. 

Local music promoter Libby Ballengee (of Venus Child Productions) recently partnered with The Brightside, a new mid-size, multi-purpose event venue located in downtown Dayton. “I was so excited when The Brightside opened because there was finally a place downtown that could hold 500 person concerts. It’s the perfect size for grassroots promoters like me.” 

The key assets of The Brightside are its enormous stage and top-notch sound engineers. It’s a quality experience for performers and the audience alike. However, for new bands, it’s a big leap in cost and attendance to get up on that big stage. Ballengee felt bad about having to turn away inquiries, and sought a way to support new bands looking for a break. 

In conversations with fellow promoter and ticketing agent Zac Pitts from Sound Valley Dayton, and The Brightside’s owner Carli Dixon, Ballengee realized that they shared a mutual vision for the future of Dayton’s music community. Given Dayton’s rich musical history and impressive talent pool, how could they support the next generation of Dayton musical innovators?

The idea for a Dayton Battle of the Bands rose to the surface. Many Daytonians remember Canal Street Tavern’s Dayton Band Playoffs, although some like Pitts, were a bit too young to attend himself. While inspired by the idea, the group wants to use the platform of a competition to be more of an incubator for new bands. Bands will receive feedback from music industry experts during the playoff rounds, and the winner will get a full promotional package to take them to the next level.

The winner of Dayton Battle of the Bands will perform on the ballroom stage at The Brightside, among other prizes. PHOTO BY LIBBY BALLENGEE.

On December 6th, 2019, a call for submissions will begin via daytonbattleofthebands.com. Bands or musical acts of any genre, that have been established 5 years or less and within a 35 mile radius of downtown Dayton are eligible to apply. There is no fee to apply or perform. Online registration opens December 6, 2019 and closes on December 22, 2019.

There is one more informational sessions for bands to get more information about the competition on Tuesday,  December 17th. A band representative MUST attend one of these sessions to show proof of residency and to review how competition will work. Bands have a few days after the December meeting to complete their online registration.

Twenty bands will be selected by a review process by local judges, which includes Dr. Samuel N. Dorf, Associate Professor of Music at the University of Dayton, Tiffany Johnson, CEO of GigMerge and former VP of A&R for a Sony affiliate, Don Thrasher, longtime musician and journalist at the Dayton Daily News, among many others. 

Once the 20 participating bands are selected, they will be scheduled to perform a 20 minute set in The Brightside’s listening room, over a 5 week period January 14th, 2020 – February 11th, 2020 on Tuesday evenings. Four bands will play their best originals each week, the winners moving onto the finale will take place on February 25, 2020. Bands proceeding to the finals are picked through an equal mix of audience and judge’s votes. The Final winner will be selected by audience votes only.

This is a wonderful promotional opportunity for all 20 bands that participate! The winner will receive a full promotional kit including their very own EP recording session with Reel Love Recording Studio, a music video by Sound Valley, a professional photo shoot, and a chance to play the BIG stage at The Brightside during the Sound Valley Winter Music Festival on Saturday March 7, 2020.

Exciting details and updates to come! For additional details follow: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com

NEXT EVENT:

Musician Open House and Dayton Battle of the Bands Sign Up

at The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St Dayton, OH

Tuesday December 17, 2019 from 6:30-8:30pm.

Free Admission!

 

Pop Punk Tour Makes Only Ohio Stop in Dayton on Tue Dec 10, 2019

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Don’t miss the only Ohio stop for two up-and-coming southern Progressive Pop-Punk bands:  Frontside  (North Carolina) and LIKE MIKE (Georgia), with special local guest Gabe Maas and the Bruins!. This exclusive performance is happening on Tuesday December 10th, 2019 at Dayton’s newest music venue: The Brightside! It’s promises to be a fun Tuesday night out!

Frontside is a 3-piece Progressive Pop-Punk band based in the heart of North Carolina. This trio puts a twist on the pop-punk scene. Their music weaves progressive sensibilities and influences, while maintaining traditional song structures. The end result is a new breed of pop-punk that is instantly catchy and technically impressive.

Like Mike hails from Marietta, Georgia, and is making their Dayton debut at this exclusive show! Local openers Gabe Maas & The Bruins kick off the music early at 7:30pm! It’s an early evening of music, with plenty of time to get home for work or school in the morning!

HOW TO GO?

The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St Dayton, Ohio

Tuesday December 10th. Doors 7:30pm. Show 8pm.

Tickets $10 advance:https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/pop-punk-from-frontside-and-like-mike

All ages welcome!

 

 

Exciting New Alternative Rock Takes the Stage at Jimmie’s Ladder 11

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The local promotional group Hear&See presents an exciting night of alternative rock with Pollyanna, on tour from New Jersey and making their only Ohio stop right here in Dayton!  They’ll be performing with support from Ohio bands COLLY, snarls andBeloved Youth at Jimmie’s Ladder 11on Saturday December 7, 2019.

Pollyanna is an up-and-coming pop punk trio (see video below).  Cincinnati’s Colly nimbly balances robust rock songcraft and electronic pop ambition with Kings of Leon influences. Snarls is an emo glitter pop group from Columbus, OH. And . Beloved Youth is a 4-piece alt rock band from the Cincinnati area, boasting strong pop melodies and compelling guitar arrangements. 

Don’t miss these fresh new alternative acts!

HOW TO GO?

  • Saturday December 7, 2019
  • Jimmie’s Ladder 11 – 936 Brown Street, Dayton, OH 45409
  • Music 10pm –  1:30am.
  • $5 cover at the door