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Dayton Music

2026 Battle of the Bands Line Up Released

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The annual concert series competition kicks off in January at the Brightside Music and Events Venue in downtown Dayton and features six preliminary rounds from which six finalists are chosen to compete at the finale on Saturday, March 7. “The goal of Dayton Battle of the Bands is to give a platform for the outstanding local musical talent we have in the Dayton community, while providing a prize package that helps launch them to their next level,” says organizer Libby Ballengee of Venus Child Productions.

The preliminary rounds are organized by genre and are judged by both a crowd vote and a panel of judges made up of local music industry professionals and tastemakers. The winner of the finale is chosen entirely by the audience. The competition is for original music only with participants who live within a 35-mile radius of downtown Dayton.

Grand Prize winner gets:

$1000 cash prize, a Free EP recording session with Dayton Sound Studios, the opportunity to perform at Levitt Pavilion Dayton during the Summer 2026 Concert Season and 50, 1 color design T-shirts, printed by Little Monster Printing.

Black Friday Deal:
This year for Black Friday they are offering a special on the  Battle of the Bands Series Pass!  Get the  SERIES PASS for just $50 (Regularly $75) – That’s just $7.14 per show!
Get into ALL 6 weeks + the Finale for less than a pizza! Save $60 off door prices!
Option 2 is for a  VIP TABLE FOR TWO – $300 (Regularly $400)
Want guaranteed seating? Snag a table for 2 and save $50! **This is the ONLY way to get a table at the Finale (other than being a sponsor). Limited quantity available!**
This sales starts Black Friday and runs through Cyber Monday at midnight
Don’t miss 7 nights of original, local music for an unbeatable price. Support Dayton’s music scene and discover your new favorite band!
NOTE: Individual week tickets will be on sale soon as well!

 

Previos Battle of the Band Winners:
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2020

THE KATAWICKS

The Katawicks are a soulful indie folk rock trio that has the distinction of being our first-ever Dayton Battle of the Bands winners! Allison Justice (leader, singer, guitar, ukulele), Matt Washburn (lead guitar), and Tony Powers (bass) make up this fantastic group. Listen to The Katawicks Spotify here. 

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2022

BOHEMIAN FUNK

Bohemian Funk blew audiences away with their dynamic sound and throwback look. Led by Rocko Dalian, this band is self-described as rock’n’soul, mixing blues, rock, soul and, of course, funk, to create their sound. Take a listen here.

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CRABSWITHOUTLEGS

Crabswithoutlegs is a young, nine-piece original jazz-fusion ensemble made up of performing arts students. Led by singer Eleanor Dakota and bass player & composter, Carter Griffin, they enchant audiences with their robust sound and undeniable talent! Explore their music here.

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2024

FREAKQUENCY

Freakquency rocked our stage with their energetic funk-fusion originals and mad skills! Led by a dynamic front man, Sayyid Jones, this group has been honing their skills and sound for several years and are ready to take on the world!  You can listen to Freakquency here.

 

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2025

Empire pool

Empire Pool knocked our socks off with their high-energy rock and incredible stage presence! Their originals are infused with funk, surf, jam, and indie influences. This young band is one to keep your eye on! You can listen to Empire Pool here.

 

Funk and Wine Party in Yellow Springs

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Basim Blunt, better known as DJ Radio Basim, curates a deep-digging blend of funk, soul, retro R&B and radio-inspired grooves. He has strong ties to the Dayton and Yellow Springs area, and brings a rich musical background that spans community radio, DJ culture and local music advocacy.

Such a Night: The Last Waltz Live!

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Join with us as more than 25 of Dayton’s most talented musicians gather on the Victoria Theatre stage to celebrate the music of The Band. For over a decade, SUCH A NIGHT: THE LAST WALTZ LIVE continues to be a Dayton Thanksgiving tradition and one of the must see concerts of the season. Proceeds from the performance support the greater community and will benefit WYSO Public Radio and other local organizations.

On November 25, 1976, one of rock and roll’s most influential groups, The Band, held their final concert. This event was documented by director Martin Scorsese and made into the film The Last Waltz. Considered one of the best concert films ever, The Last Waltz also featured performances by Dr. John, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Emmylou Harris, Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan. This seminal moment in music history will be recreated by our own local musicians.

Wednesday. Nov 26  8:00pm at the Victoria Theatre
Get tickets here.

NO VISAS: A Hip-Hop Journey from Jaffa to Jerusalem to Yellow Springs

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NO VISAS brings together five renowned hip-hop artists to perform both individually and collectively, the culminating performance after a multi-month collaborative artistic process. Neta Weiner and Samira Saraya of Beit System Ali in Jaffa and Jerusalem join three Ohio hip-hop artists based in Yellow Springs: Jayswifa, Tronee Threat, and ArtGod. Through countless remote meetings, sharing inspiration and beats, and discussing what it means to make art in times of political unrest and turmoil, these five artists have pushed themselves to create music together that speaks to the realities of life in America, Palestine, and Israel.
For tickets, link in bio and here: https://tinyurl.com/4jxu43bh

Brit Floyd Returns to The Rose This May

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Following five consecutive years of sold-out shows, BRIT FLOYD – “widely recognized as the world’s premiere Pink Floyd experience” (Rolling Stone) – are already preparing to bring their award-winning laser and light show, massive circular screen, inflatables, and theatrical concert experience back to Rose Music Center on Friday, May 15, 2026. Next year’s “The Moon, The Wall and Beyond” World Tour will honor Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall albums and promises to be BRIT FLOYD’s most ambitious and immersive production to date.  This monumental new production celebrates two of the most iconic and influential albums in rock history with a breathtaking show that captures the spirit, sound, and spectacle of the legendary band.

The 2026 show will feature highlights from The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, including such timeless classics such as “Time,” “Money,” “Comfortably Numb,” and “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2.” Beyond these iconic songs, audiences can also expect a selection of fan favorites from Pink Floyd’s vast discography including tracks from Wish You Were Here to Animals and many more.

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, November 21 atTicketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

Released The assembled band of musicians that audiences have come to love and respect worldwide over the years will take to the stage to perform note-for-note renditions of all the classic Pink Floyd tracks.  The BRIT FLOYD ensemble includes BRIT FLOYD’s long-time guitarist/lead vocalist and musical director Damian Darlington and bassist/lead vocalist Ian Cattell, along with the other expert musicians who’ve joined the ranks of BRIT FLOYD over the last decade.  Expect special guests to pop in for shows along the tour route.

Since their formation, BRIT FLOYD has set the standard for tribute performances, delivering stadium-scale concerts that combine stunning musicianship, cutting-edge visuals, and an unparalleled attention to detail.  Having performed over 1,500 shows (in over 40 countries) since their launch in Liverpool, England in January 2011, BRIT FLOYD have circled the globe, with sold out tours across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and the Middle East.  They’ve performed concerts at some of the world’s greatest venues, including London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall; the awe-inspiring Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver, Colorado; the historic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles; and ‘The Showplace of the Nation,’ NYC’s Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan.  The BRIT FLOYD show has become a phenomenon, widely regarded by many as the world’s greatest rock tribute experience and BRIT FLOYD has earned worldwide acclaim as the definitive live Pink Floyd experience.

Blues Night with Eric Jerardi & Noah Wotherspoon

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We are thrilled to host a Blues-focused evening with our friends Eric Jerardi and Noah Wotherspoon, along with their incredible bands. These local legends are not to be missed! This event is perfect for blues enthusiasts and live music lovers.

 

Join us on Thursday, November 20th at 7:30pm at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St, Dayton).

Doors open at 7pm / Show begins at 7:30pm

General admission seated tickets are $20 in advance / $25 at the door

We also have reserved tables too!

  • 2 tickets @ VIP Table – $80 (includes 2 tickets near the stage)
  • 2 tickets @ Bistro Table – $70 (includes 2 tickets at reserved high-top)
  • 4 tickets @ Reserved Table – $140 (includes 4 tickets under the cardholder’s name)
  • 10 tickets @ Reserved Table – $300 (includes 10 tickets under the cardholder’s name)

Tickets can be purchased at the link:

 

All ages welcome!

Drinks are available for purchase. Outside food is allowed (no outside drinks)

Venue: The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St. Dayton, OH

Please note: Tickets sales are final.

Rod Stewart’s One Last Time Tour Coming to Riverbend

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Two-time Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame icon Rod Stewart today announces the extension of his highly successful “One Last Time” tour in 2026. The newly added dates kick off in March and will include a stop in Cincinnati, OH at Riverbend Music Center on Sunday, August 9. Richard Marx will join as special guest.

Stewart kicked off his One Last Time World Tour in 2024, selling out shows across North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond and garnering some of the best critical reviews of his career. “One Last Time” will feature a massive production and chart-topping hits spanning Stewart’s unparalleled career, his hits-packed setlist includes songs like, “You Wear It Well,” “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy,” “The First Cut is the Deepest,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “Every Picture Tells A Story,” “Infatuation,” “Forever Young,” “Ooh La La (I Wish That I Knew What I Know Now),” ”Young Turks,” Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” “Rhythm of My Heart,” “Broken Arrow,” “Forever Young,” and many more.

On-sale beginning at 10AM on Friday, November 14 at Ticketmaster.com and Riverbend.org.

 

ABOUT ROD STEWART

Sir Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling artists in the history of recorded music with more than 250 million records and singles sold worldwide. His signature voice, style and songwriting have transcended all genres of popular music, including rock, folk, soul, R&B, and the Great American Songbook, making him one of the few stars to enjoy chart-topping albums throughout every decade of his career. Stewart has earned a number of the industry’s highest awards, including two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the ASCAP Founders Award for songwriting, New York Times best-selling author, GRAMMY™ Living Legend, and in 2016 he officially became “Sir Rod Stewart” after being knighted at Buckingham Palace for his services to music and charity. In 2023, his first foray outside of music, Wolfie’s Whisky, was another critical hit and has quickly been embraced worldwide. In 2024, he tackled yet another music genre with the release of Swing Fever, his 33rd studio album. The album, a collaboration with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, a 13-track sparkling salute to the timeless songs of the big band years, garnered him his 11th No. 1 album in the U.K. – a feat he shares with David Bowie, Taylor Swift and U2 on the all-time list of acts with the most No. 1 albums in the U.K. His top selling “Once Last Time” tour has already made stops in Asia, Europe, North and South America. For more information visit RodStewart.com and follow him on Facebook ,Instagram, YouTube andTikTok.

 

ABOUT RICHARD MARX

Richard Marx is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer whose career has spanned four decades of chart success and creative reinvention. With over 45 million albums sold, one billion streams, and fourteen No. 1 singles to his name, Marx remains one of the most enduring and versatile talents in modern music. He is the only male artist in history to have his first seven singles reach the Top 5 on the Billboard charts, and one of only two artists—alongside Michael Jackson—to write a #1 song in four different decades.

Marx’s hits as a performer, including “Right Here Waiting,” “Hazard,” “Hold On to the Nights,” and “Satisfied,” have become timeless staples. Behind the scenes, his songwriting and production credits include career-defining tracks for Luther Vandross (the Grammy-winning “Dance with My Father”), Keith Urban, NSYNC, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and many others.

A bestselling author, Marx released his memoir Stories to Tell in 2020, followed by his critically acclaimed 2023 album Songwriter, a genre-spanning collection featuring collaborations with both legacy artists and rising stars. In 2024, he headlined a sold-out show at London’s Royal Albert Hall and continues to tour internationally.

Marx performed the album’s lead single, “Magic Hour,” on the 2025 season finale of the Australian Dancing With the Stars and, alongside Hugh Jackman, performed another of the album’s songs, “Big Band Boogie,” at three shows from Jackman’s sold-out Radio City residency. This year, Marx also joined The Voice Australia as a coach alongside Melanie C (aka Sporty Spice), Ronan Keating, and Kate Miller-Heidke.

Beyond music, Marx is known for his philanthropy and candid, witty presence on social media. He lives in Miami and Los Angeles with his wife, Daisy Fuentes, and is currently developing a slate of TV and digital projects, including the current companion podcast and video series Stories to Tell.

Discover Classical 40th Birthday Party

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Discover Classical first went on the air on November 11, 1985. Join us for a musical evening celebrating our 40th birthday, this November 11, at 6:30pm at The Brightside Music & Event Venue in downtown Dayton. The evening will feature performances by the Carillon Brass, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra String Quintet, the Bach Society of Dayton’s event choir, and a very special appearance by Neal Gittleman. Hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and birthday cake will be served. Tickets are just $40 and can be purchased online:

‘Perfect’ Little Production at TheatreLab this Weekend!

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TheatreLab Dayton kicks off their season with a crowd-pleaser!! We took a minute to check in with their Executive Director, Philip Drennen!
937: What made you put I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change  first and foremost this season?

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is one of those shows that feels like it was written with the audience sitting right there in the room with us. We wanted to bring Dayton something joyful to kick off the holiday season, something that lets you laugh at yourself, your dating history, your loved ones, and the absolute absurdity of trying to be a human in a relationship.

937: I will say, we need some of that today, for sure Philip. I know you are doing the show at your rehearsal space on Jefferson….Is the venue intentional for this show?
Very much so! The intimate space puts the audience right in the mix, which is exactly how this show works best. These scenes and songs feel like you’re listening in on your best friend’s group chat.

937: I;m aware of the dynamite group you have doing this ‘little’ show! A small but strong cast…tell us about this group of actors!
This cast is tiny but mighty. They’re quick, fearless performers with great comedic timing and the ability to pivot from belly laughs to emotional gut-punch in a blink. They sing, they act, they transform into dozens of characters over the course of the night and they make it look effortless.

937: Dayton has so much talent. Never cease to amaze. This show is always referred to as a crowd pleaser… why so?
Because everyone sees themselves somewhere in it. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, on the apps, whatever, the humor is universal  And the audience leaves feeling lighter than when they came in. That’s a crowd pleaser to me!

937: You have such great energy about this show. Love that!  TheatreLab loves to mix up its genres! What’s next?
We sure do. We love keeping Dayton on its toes. Next up is a new Dayton tradition, Merry QUIZmas, and then we switch gears to The Mystery of Edwin Drood in January.

937: That Merry QUIZmas thing is so fun. And it really has a warm and holiday’ish’ feel. Love it!  When are performances, and how do I get tickets?
Performances for ILYYPNC are Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday & Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm  and it’s this weekend only. Tickets are limited (and going fast), so we recommend snagging them now at theatrelabdayton.org.

937: As always, thank you, Mr. Drennen, and the absolute best to all this weekend! Break you freaking legs!

Jazz Jam at Wholly Grounds

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Join Wholly Grounds  for their monthly jazz jam this Sunday with  Kelli Campbell, host and vocals, Moses Mabarak, keys, Connor Smith, bass and Noah Ramirez on drums. This is an open jam for all levels. $10 Cover.

Jazz Night with George Balog

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What started as a one-off DJ set on a Tuesday night has blossomed into one of our most coveted recurring events. We’re thrilled to celebrate three years of George sharing his favorite music with all of us. Join us as he spins an all-vinyl set of Jazz Night With George Balog’s greatest hits.

An Evening with Ellis Paul

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Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-toting storyteller who captures the human condition and details the hopes, loves, and losses of those he observes, transforming their stories into luminous pieces of music that reach deep into your soul. Much like the artists who have inspired him, from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter he most admires, Woody Guthrie, Paul combines deeply personal experiences with social issues to create provocative works that feel both timely and timeless. Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and became a regular on the city’s open-mic circuit in the evenings. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the attention of folk legend Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album “Say Something” in 1993. This led to a seven-album contract with Rounder Records and the release of “Stories” in 1994.

His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award-winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). Through a steady succession of his own albums — a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Along the way, he has picked up an impressive number of awards, including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year, and most recently, his album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, was named the 2019 NERFA Album of the Year.

His new album “55” touches on the importance of gratitude in a tough era marked by the pandemic and divided political stances on his own label, Rosella Records.

www.ellispaul.com

The Prince Experience

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Step into a night of electrifying music, unforgettable style, and pure funk as Gabriel Sanchez and THE PRINCE EXPERIENCE brings the spirit, sound, and soul of Prince to life.
With passion, precision, and powerhouse energy, THE PRINCE EXPERIENCE honors the legacy of the Purple One by delivering all the iconic hits that defined a generation. For over a decade, this high-octane show has thrilled audiences nationwide—lighting up stages and filling dance floors with the magic of Prince’s music. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the sound of a legend.
TICKETS: $35 SUPER | $30 PREMIUM | $25 RESERVED
SHOWTIME: 8PM
FREE PARKING | CONCESSIONS AVAILABLE
DOORS OPEN 1-HOUR BEFORE SHOWTIME