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A Walk Through the Cemetery is Just What You Need!

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We are living in strange times these days. Viruses are named after birds, pigs and now beer. New words for the dictionary will be added by the end of the year: “self-quarantining” and “social distancing.” Fake news. Real news. Wash your hands. And the hoarding of toilet paper! Bars and restaurants closed. Libraries and casinos closed. Strange times indeed.

There are things to do and places you can go that will allow you to be socially distanced from others yet enjoy the beauty of emerging spring. Visit the cemetery! Yes! We’re serious, visit the cemetery.  Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum is an open air museum that will delight you with the the visuals of greening grass and emerging flowers. We’ve seen the crocus bloom and the daffodils should be fluttering forth very soon.

If you’ve never been to Woodland  Cemetery and Arboretum you just might be amazed with all of the architectural wonders and beautiful sculptures throughout the grounds. There are over 110,000 people buried at Woodland and nearly 100,000 markers and monuments ranging from rugged boulders, left here from the glaciers, to Greek statues and temples. You’ll see a full sized dog, angels and trumpeters and lambs, crosses and flowers all made of cut stone.

There are unique poems and stories etched into the stones and symbols of death from a long ago era. What’s more is that you can learn about the history of Dayton’s citizens through one of the virtual tours offered by the cemetery’s mobile app. There are three tours you can walk, drive or sit on your couch and attend. A free downloadable app is available from the cemetery’s website at woodlandcemetery.org or click here to go straight to the app site.

The Historic Tour features several of the buildings and notable residents at Woodland. This tour offers an audio feature where you sit back and listen to the narrative. There is also the Dayton’s Walk of Fame Tour and the Celebrated African -Americans at Woodland Cemetery Tour. Give it a try and learn about a few of the men and women who made it Great’n Dayton.

If going to the cemetery, there are over 200 verdant acres of rolling hills and 9 miles of paved roads. Truly a much better workout than you can get at the gym. There are at least nine remaining trees designated as “Ohio Champions.” How fun would it be to find them all. You can stop at the front office and get free brochures of several walking tours or purchase a booklet that features both walking tour and historical bios on each of the people on the tour. Bring a picnic and sit down by the pond. Dogs, bring your humans and get them off the couch. And definitely bring your camera to take in the view and a photo of the beautiful “Gem City.”

Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum sits in the heart of downtown Dayton on over 200 verdant acres of rolling hills with over 3000 tress on the property. This historic cemetery, founded in 1841, welcomes thousands of visitors who tour the grounds each year to visit the grave sites of inventors of powered flight, Wilbur and Orville Wright; poet Paul Laurence Dunbar; Matilda and Levi Stanley, Queen and King of the Gypsies; writer Erma Bombeck; inventor Charles F. Kettering; and entrepreneurs John H. Patterson (NCR); George P. Huffman (Huffy Bicycles); and George Mead (Mead Paper Co.).

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.

Dayton’s Best Rock Bands Unplug for Rare Acoustic Show

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On Saturday February 1st, three of Dayton’s coolest original rock bands join together for a rare “unplugged” show at The Brightside. This intimate, all acoustic showcase featuring The New Old Fashioned, Salvadore Ross and RIND, is one of the “don’t miss” shows of the weekend.

When they describe this as a rare show, they mean it. Salvadore Ross has never performed acoustic before. And rumor has it, the headliners, RIND, are busting out percussion instruments they normally wouldn’t be able to use when performing electric. Their friends, The New Old Fashioned, rounds out and kicks off this truly unique evening in The Brightside’s cozy listening room!

This show kicks off a series of date night friendly concerts in February at this new downtown venue. Libby Ballengee, the music programmer at The Brightside explained: “We’ve hosted a lot of really great rock shows recently, but they’ve definitely been on the harder side. February is a romantic month, so we’re exploring a softer side this month. We are thrilled to start the month with this special ”

HOW TO GO?

WHEN: February 1, 2020. Doors 7pm. Show 8 – 11:30pm.

WHERE:  The Brightside –  905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH

WHO: All ages welcome!

COST:  $10 presale, 15 day of show.

TICKET LINK: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/events/unplugged-at-the-brightside-rind-salvadore-ross-the-new-old-fashioned

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

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!