Dayton Music

Art Jipson: Still Teaching Us After 10 Years Being On-Air

November 19, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

It’s another Tuesday afternoon, and that means University of Dayton students, along with devoted followers, have their radio dials locked onto the college station WUDR 98.1/99.5 FM and Flyer Radio online. Between the hours of 3-6pm in the WUDR Studios at ArtStreet on the University of Dayton, the animated and jovial voice of Art Jipson (aka his radio persona Dr. J) graces the airwaves as they spin music from local and national bands and artists. Jipson wears multiple hats in his role with the university-Director of Criminal Justice Studies Program, professor, coordinator of the Self and Community in the 21^st Century Learning and Living Community.

However-the show, titled “Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative”, offers much more than most imagine. Ten years later, the show continues to be one of the premier staples that features music to the community. To celebrate the show’s 10 year anniversary, Jipson and the Learning and Living Community program will be presenting The Motel Beds and Ghost Town Silence (formally The Rebel Set) on Friday night. The show will be the ending of Learning and Living Community’s theme of music. The collection of first year students majoring in social science, sociology, criminal justice, political science, psychology who all live in the same dorm and attend similar events. Last year, a group of local musicians spoke to the group and explained what it was like being a musician in Dayton.

The love for music began for Jipson when he was growing up in the western central part of Minnesota. His folks were heavy into music from all corners. Jipson’s father was a fan of country and Elvis, while his mom was a Californian who adored The Byrds, early Linda Ronstadt. In his teens, he was listening to music what he called “terrible pop radio”, and was wanting more. One day, Jipson’s wish came true. “I am listening to the worst of the 70s music, and my cousin Steve introduces me to Kiss’ Alive, and I am changed. Another cousin introduces me to Iggy and the Stooges. It’s all gone from there,” he added.

Jipson began to dig deeper and deeper in different genres. Jipson recalls collecting albums from Television, Patty Smith. He talked about diving into punk rock, and getting in trouble in school because of it. Due to where he was living at the time, Jipson says that he had to travel farther than most to catch live music. “When I wanted to go see shows, I had to drive 3 and a half hours to get to Minneapolis. I would drive 3 or 4 hours to see The Replacements, and wait in line.” Jipson’s passion for music allowed him to discover more than he could ever imagine.

In 1988, Jipson received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, and Political Science from the University of Minnesota. He also received his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Sociology, Criminology, and Social Theory from Bowling Green State University. When he was at BGSU, Jipson was the last grad student to study with Ron Denisoff, who wrote the definitive autobiography on Waylon Jennings, which was published in the 80s. Denisoff was among the first generation of sociologists who took music seriously as part of culture, not just musicology alone.

In 2001, Jipson arrived at the University of Dayton after teaching in Miami University for several years. One of the goals he wanted to achieve when he arrived on campus was to connect to the city. He started doing projects where his students would work with various schools and literacy programs in Dayton. He created a pop culture class that is now in the Sociology department. “We talk about the history of popular music,” Jipson says when describing what the class entails. “I take them back to the 1910s, and work my way from turn of the century all the way up to the present. It’s a fun class, and we all learn from each other.”

With only so much that Jipson could do within the class with the sociology of popular music and culture, he wanted to do more. He envisioned what he could do to have his students understand more about the depth of music, and even more so that is being made in their backyard. It was then that Jipson began his weekly radio show, which debuted in November 2004.

When you sit down with Jipson, you immediately see that his excitement that comes off on-air isn’t something that is produced or fake. There is no possibility that it can be. When you listen to him talk, you get just as excited about the topic you are discussing. Jipson comes off as a real life John Keating from the movie Dead Poets Society. You could only imagine the methods that Jipson uses to reach his students. Encouraging them to seize life, and become enchanted with the city that they are living in.

The show has grown over the years. During the early days, the show was called “School of Rock with Dr. J”. Jipson centered the show with a focus on connections with music and bands. He incorporated some musicology, sociology, and psychology. After a couple of years, Jipson’s wife, Tracey (aka to listeners as Mrs. Dr. J), joined the show full-time after she was mostly calling in and suggest music. The format also was modified. The music that is played on the show started to shift towards mostly local music around that year, with also playing music regionally and nationally, ranging from new to older songs.

Ten years have magically come and gone, and there are no plans for Art and Tracey to slow down. They are hoping to eventually have the show more accessible after the original airing. For now, they will continue to come to the airwaves every Tuesday, and provide all of their listeners with great music, CD reviews, upcoming show announcements, interviews, and so much more. Lessons are being taught to all of us, indirectly.

There is not a doubt that we are all standing on our tables in unison, staring straight down at Art Jipson, Dayton’s own music professor.

One by one, we say to him, “O Captain, my Captain”.

Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative and Self and Community in the 21st Century Learning and Living Community in cooperation with WUDR Flyer Radio 99.5/98.1 will present The Motel Beds and Ghost Town Silence on Friday, November 21^st at McGinnis Center Multi-Purpose Room, next to the ArtStreet complex. Show is free. Pizza and drinks will be provided.

It’s a Full Scale High 5 Riot in Dayton!

November 15, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

High 5 Riot hit the scene earlier this year already loaded with experience, talent and a collective drive to succeed and name based on their previous local ventures. Singer/rhythm guitarist Ashley Stacy cut her teeth in Gathering Mercury. With her young spirit and energy, she’ll settle for nothing less than global domination for H5R. The birth came in February at Dayton Does Dayton when GM and bassist Andy Uzzel’s band The Broken Lights were playing. A mutual desire and determination for musical progression brought them together. A massive reaction to their acoustic set at the Songwriters United Show at The Old Yellow Cab Building sealed their partnership. They also earned the Mick Montgomery seal of approval saying ‘this needed to happen’.

They searched and completed the ensemble with guitarist Austin Labig, former drummer of Free Fall Theory, drummer Sean McGrath and keyboardist, formally of In The Cut Aaron Noble. Each shares an incredible drive and desire to strive for the highest level possible. High 5’s debut EP Crowd Control is a pleasant taste of what’s sure to come with elements of pop, rock, punk and acoustic’s. Stacy unleashes her range from a soft soothing serenade to a Linda Perry type wail, over the five tracks particularly ‘going off on’ “Locket”.

“The Pursuit” lyrically dark, is a poppy, rock, addictive tune with psychedelic keyboards winking in the background. Oo, Oo, Oo, a manipulators voice, a cold calculating stalkers heart, it’s me or no one babe. Stacy gets a little sexy with some down and desirable words for them dirty blondes on “Turn Out the Lights”. “Detox” says appearances are deceiving, the truth underneath is revealing. Get the drugs out. “Locket”’s a loud proud proclamation of self-identity, lifestyle and triumph to make your heart happy. The disk ends at “Dusk”, a western styled acoustic vibe, wailing out a life’s tale of ending too soon.

Keep updated on future riotous news at www.high5riot.com.

REVIEW: Ninth Annual JDRF Benefit Weekend for Sonny at Club Panama

November 12, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

October 4^th and 5^th Club Panama hosted the annual For Love of Sonny tribute fundraiser to help raise funds and awareness for Juvenile Diabetes treatment and research. This year’s local supporters included Simply Delicious, Schaeffers Amusements Co, Janeen and Joel Naugle for bringing the sweet stuff, Rudy’s Smoke House BBQ, Keg & Cork and Letters to the Blind for CD donation. Other area sponsors included Fazolis, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Roosters, O’Charleys. Frickers, Chucky Cheese, Cracker Barrel and Golden Corral with all proceeds going to the JDRF. Not only was this the ninth year for love of Sonny but it was also the 25^th year anniversary of Panama bringing metal through the door. In ’89 Susie Maynard put her foot down and welcomed the headbangers.

Mike Defendant (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Columbus transplant Mike Defendant brought the acoustic acolytes back to Springfield opening the ninth annual weekend fresh off a tour with Dead Kennedy’s and TBH. Like last year he brought the hardcore punk and acoustic fury out of his six strings. Plus drinking since 10am helped the creative improvisation flow better. He warned or depending on your POV guaranteed this would be the best or worst thing you’ll ever hear, at least for that night anyway.

Acoustic tunes with speed metal plucking include religion, imaginary friends (his are better than yours and better connected) and a tune about the joys of radio friendly smash hits that never get played. If there’s anything the road’s taught him it’s that there was absolutely no nutritional value in early morning alcohol. He continued with the off the cuff, chaotic, falling off the limb with slight irreverence stepping forward backwards, pacing between the left and right hand paths performance only he could do. Bringing the electricity out of the acoustic he sung a pretty song about having phone sex with your mother. The question was, who hangs up first? His music obviously inspired by SOD and Napalm Death run the length of a few of their old school tunes.

Fletcher Munson was next playing a set of originals with a few varied covers. Not many bands played GWAR and Neil Young in the same show. With a blend of blues, rock and metal inspired with a jam groove they opened with a tribute to the late Oderus Urungus, as we traveled on the Road Behind. They get original on the Vicious Cycle and Crystal. It was a time warp protest trip back to 1970 and Kent Ohio, courtesy of the Crazy Horse. There’s some sort of Mental Delay, in the music they love to play, could be due to the love of ‘the drop’, Raging Alcoholic’s fuel their stomp. It was no secret they came off sounding a bit Wooden but it’s all for the love of those Butthole Surfers. There’s a certain Hypnotic element to Fletch, maybe it’s the punk rock blue grass attitude of Growing Marijuana.

Troy’s From Silence to Violence started Halloween early with Phil Rindler opening the show in animated ninja attire. The first of the weekend ‘heavies’ busted open an early can of screamin’ hardcore, metalcore with a few sung verses of reality based tunes about partying and the positive/negative aspects of life. Don’t go trick or treating with them, you don’t know What’s in the Bag. Started in late 2012, they’ve opened for Dead by Wednesday and Bobaflex and a video for What’s in the Bag is upcoming.

Abrade the Regal (courtesy of Joel Naugle)

Abrade the Regal always brings the infectious groove and the ‘table top’ musicianship. Finding that happy balance between rock and metal without being in mosh territory but heavy enough for a ‘good head bang dance’. Like any band that’s ever played a loud riff they Scream at the World and everything that pisses them off.

The Reefer Hut finished the evening metaphorically putting blood on the wall with a full frontal thrash party and a small but dedicated pit. Mosh pit stompers included the tattooed, metal and proud Inner Pride. Don’t judge a man with a guitar, a black t-shirt and a mic unless you’ve read his lyrics or carried his gear. It’s a Pantera pummeling and there’s No Turning Back from the eardrum Abuse as the guitar chords of Sleep Dred did more damage than Freddy’s glove. They concluded night one with an inspirational neck wrecker about Moving Forward from bad situations and negative sh-. A politely yelled, screamed encore was requested.

The second evening gave us Blackout Method, National Headcase, Chronic Aggression, Legbone and Letters to the Blind, and as the evening progressed everyone in the Springfield metal scene came. It was a claustrophobic but friendly crowd, with beer and shots flowing with a long sometime short list of raffle ticket winners growing with several earning ‘repeat offender’ status. Saturday could also be the first time someone won a Chuck E Cheese prize in a bar. Winner was subject to height check.

Blackout Method (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Blackout Method covered the early evening with a set ranging from early Sabbath/Manson to modern day heavy metal Elvis. No better way to start then with some Dumb Luck, Red Line Chemistry style. If only Alice in Chains and Scott Weiland had joined forces. We all went Down (under) with the Sick Puppies, Face to the Floor courtesy of Chevelle. We heard the face painted Warriors Call and got ready to rumble with Volbeat. Rage poured with the Bulls on Parade. We got Sap and we liked it courtesy of Got Me Wrong. They went as old-school as metal goes to the original ‘nativity’ then went a few years forward paying respect to the holy ‘horned one’, on and on, it’s Heaven and Hell. Sadly a crash course in brain surgery had to be postponed but they ended on a trippy note and the death of the 60’s, it’s coming down fast, it’s Helter Skelter.

If you took snake bit blood from Down, COC and Crowbar, spliced it together just right then had something go horribly wrong at the last minute, you’d get the loud, striking serpents tongue in the ear of National Headcase. Playing with two turbine steel ripping guitars, they’re kinda like a metalheads Rush, with a few prog face smacks.

They sliced the crowd open with the razor sharp swamp water riffs of Welcome to the Fallout. The well Worked Over walls of Panama shook with the good heavy vibrations of Brother’s Keeper. The fast galloping drums and guitars on This Sacrifice Endures played the tale of any and all sacrifices made in life.

They played the prophecy of the Oracle, with its early-priest-like opening. Digging riffs down deep into the lower depths of long buried darkness. Don’t dig up what’s not meant to be found. It was a seven and a half minute plus monster chugger fueled by that special made swamp gas. Vultures ended with a tool kit of instrumentalization, thrash vocals with a Chrome Division shine and COC non-conformity.

Springfield’s had a chronic case of loud aggression since December 1999 driven by the raspy vocals of Joe Stafford and the Accept meets Overkill sounds of Chronic Aggression. The thrash of the New Jersey stomp was brought forth and hither with the Neighborhood Dispatch. They brought the crowd to the front including house security for the crowd pleaser sing along Balls to the Wall, Udo would be proud.

Legbone (courtesy of Joel Naugle)

The Legbone’s been hit, popped, cracked and knocked out of socket a few times since the early 90’s but the Dayton based punk veterans keep on playing bringing the crowds up front surrounding the stage in an old-school punk gathering. Watching the group of fans boxing in the stage, getting uber close you couldn’t help but remember the days predating mosh pits when punks and kids just came to a show and bounced up and down with spikes (on the wrist, hand, hair or elsewhere) in the air. They’ve played with hardcore legends DRI, Gang Green and the Casualties. They played tunes about beer, partying and of course, more beer that’ve kept them going. They’re newest CD It Leads to Poverty is available now.

The Ninth Annual weekend closed with Letters to the Blind, the only band to bring electric drums. Playing their fourth show ever they began with Once, painting a progressively heavy picture with power and death metal elements. Though they have a short scene history their members date back to the Biogenesis days. Throughout the set guitarist Blaine Gordon showed of Satriani like skills, As Color Fades casted a Dream Theater like quality over the club. They talked about the drones in line following the status quo indulging the late night stayers in a few more new tunes. Their five song EP is available at shows and online.

Club Panama thanks everyone involved in this year’s benefit, all the bands who played and everyone who came and rocked out for Sonny.

Tele Novella In Dayton: No “Trouble In Paradise”

November 8, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Before Tele Novella was formed recently, lead singer Natalie Gordon was in a band titled Agent Ribbons. Gordon and her band mate at the time, Lauren Hess, met while Gordon was scrolling through the catalogs of music at a local record store in their hometown of Sacramento. Their newly formed friendship and love for music inspired them to set up the band. Once things started to pick up, setting up dates that spanned throughout the Western seaboard, and some other cities, Gordon and Hess enlisted Austin, Texas native Naomi Cherie to play violin.

Soon Agent Ribbons started seeing success come faster than they could ever imagine. The dreamy but eerie guitar play from Gordon, along with the simplistic drumming channeled a following of people who couldn’t stay away from the duo’s haunting mix of garage rock with pop melodies that were heavily influenced with The Velvet Underground and The Shaggs.

When Gordon and Hess added Cherie to the band, they began by buying her plane tickets to fly out to California to perform with them whenever they went out to tour. When Cherie was unable to move to California, along with the costs of getting Cherie to California all the time, Gordon and Hess made the decision to move out to Austin. What was believed to be what was best for the band only ended becoming an upsetting nightmare.

Shortly after Gordon and Hess moved to Austin, Cherie decided to leave the band. On top of that, the momentum and success that Agent Ribbons built by being on the West Coast abruptly came at a standstill when the relocation to Austin was complete.

“It felt that the band should have ended before we moved to Austin,” Gordon disclosed.

However, the duo kept moving forward. In late 2012, Gordon and Hess passed through town and performed a show at South Park Tavern. The duo was touring in support of their latest album at the time Let Them Talk. During our phone conversation, Gordon couldn’t help but gush over how her experience went while visiting the Gem City.

“I really feel in love with that weird little town,” Gordon modestly said. “We had such a great show, and I met a lot of great people there.”

Nights like the one Gordon had in Dayton would be one of the few highlights of that tour. With Cherie leaving, and the unhappiness of moving to Austin looming over the duo, an unfortunate accident in Memphis was the final blow that would eventually end Agent Ribbons.

“We haven’t seen each other since Memphis,” Gordon says. “The whole tour was already so bad. And the accident just completely made everything so much more terrible.”

With Agent Ribbons dissolving, Gordon had a dilemma. She already had booked a showcase at South by Southwest Festival for the upcoming year, and wasn’t going to be able to cancel. Even though she explained to her label at the time what had transpired in Memphis, they still weren’t going to let Gordon cancel. As luck would have it, Gordon was able to throw together a band that included her boyfriend Jason Chronis, drummer Matt Simon, and Sarah La Puerta on keyboards. The group received high praise with their music, and decided to go and record their first EP Cosmic Dial Tone, which was released this past summer.

The newly formed Tele Novella feature Gordon’s alluring vocals that transcended when she was Agent Ribbons, along with Chronis and Simon’s English rock inspiration with their work in Voxtrot. The blend of the two results in a breezy, psychedelic pop sound that easily captures the essence of their influences from the great bands Os Mutantes and Belle and Sebastian. “Trouble In Paradise”, and “Umbrella at the Station” accentuate their progressing sound. As soon as this tour run is complete, Tele Novella will be headed into the studio to work on their first full length LP.

The run with Agent Ribbons will always be special for Gordon. As she looks back, she is introspective about how her time with Hess and Cherie helped mold her into being a better musician.

“I wished it hadn’t ended the way that it did. We had a seven-year run, and it blows my mind on how much I learned. Several European tours, and slumming it really hard, and also living high off the horse with these bigger bands-I feel like I just got this huge wide spectrum of experience.”

For us here in Dayton-we are very fortunate that one of the experiences was our little town.

Luckily for Gordon, she will have the opportunity to renew those feelings while being with Tele Novella.

Tele Novella will be performing at Blind Bob’s tonight with Dear Fawn, and Tree No Leaves. Doors open at 9pm. $5 cover and 21+. To hear more of Tele Novella, click onto their website: http://telenovella.bandcamp.com/.

Byzantine Bring the Release and Resolve Tour to Dayton

November 7, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

Forces of Nature (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Oddbody’s brought the metal October 25th, from New York, Rhode Island, West Virginia and of course Dayton with four bands of different types and styles but all screaming for metal.

One of the rock-solid pillars of the Dayton metal scene Forces of Nature owned the stage as only they can playing set staples “Mary Hates Herself”, usual opener “Magnus Lee” and the newer enchanted “Forest of Corpses”. They gave what every male and some female metal-heads love with a set of double D’s playing “Deception and Devices”.

New York’s IKillYa touring on their second release Vae Victis, naming their outfit after the boiling point where you just can’t take the stress, bullshit, stupidity and hopelessness of a situation anymore and go do something constructive about it. So it was fitting they started out loud, roaring and angry with a “Godsize” problem. The warrior spirit came out with a vengeance tearing up the stage with a DevilDriver rasp and Danzig’s yelling throat. “And Hell Followed With Him”…engraved upon these knuckles the frantic need to escape a car wreck before the flames attack, OH! The tempo changes of “Driven” were enough to trip up any mosh pit to fall into each other. “E.H.R”, screaming is just vocal therapy that must be exhaled to sooth the tortured voice of Jason Lekberg. “Jeckyl Better Hyde” was the good and the bad of dueling personalities always at war. Can’t let the darkness win. They finished with “Vae Victis” and woe ye to the vanquished and the conquered.

They Will Be Done (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Thy Will Be Done, began with the severe head beating, ear bleeding “Solemn Oath”. With the brutal tastes and stage tactics of Machine Head and Hatebreed they blasted and banged through eight throttle churning road burners. J. Costa had an eerie presence which probably had nothing to do with his odd resemblance and stage charisma to a late 60’s hippie guru. “Unto the Sanctified” spilled the blood of Rob Flynn’s fret fingers down the Nile with enough growling to appease the gods and enough gear rattling guitar work to keep the machine roaring. Taking a piece of the temple “The Apathy Divine”’s was a chug, head stomper leaving debris on the dance floor. YouTube video “Earth’s Final Embrace” was three minutes of pre-apocalypse warning. Crush the distracters, naysayers and spirit draining vampires with the strength and passion of “A Lion and A Lamb”.

The groove metallers of the underground have achieved cult status after a 2013 comeback after half a decade away, playing support to their upcoming 2015 release To Release is to Resolve early next year. Byzantine opened with The Fundamental Components of “Hatfield”, reviving the family feud, the metal way. The metal mathematicians went to work making us earn our penance the hard way by the “Stick Figure” and “Slipping on Noise”. They broke out the serpents on “Justica” and “Taking Up Serpents” and traded screeching/clean vocals on the sizzling groove thrash and bluesy melody of “Jeremiad”. Oblivion Beckons on “Nadir” then they came current on “Efficacy” and style defying “Signal Path”, finishing with the black tar grin of the “Soul Eraser”. A throwing wall of death of personal conflict and self-made chaos get thee behind me Satan.

Forces of Nature will be with us again on Saturday the 8th at Oddbody’s with Engine of Chaos and Columbus’s Lick the Blade for the University of Dayton Metal and Cultural Impact Conference Aftershow featuring legendary guitarist, Testament’s Alex Skolnick. All door profits are being donated to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund and Dayton’s Project Read! Come out and support the bands, the charities, and have a banging good time.

Country Music Superstars Maddie & Tae and RaeLynn Live at Milano’s

November 3, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Join us for this exclusive one-night only event to raise money for Dayton Children’s and the annual K99.1FM Cares for Kids Radiothon! Mingle with several of your favorite Dayton media celebrities including Nancy Wilson, Frye Guy, Gabrielle Enright and other K99.1FM and WHIO-TV personalities. Country Music superstars Maddie & Tae and RaeLynn will be performing live at Milano’s in Springboro on November 12.

There’s limited seating capacity inside Milano’s so tickets will go extremely fast!
Ticket Prices are as follow:
Vip Seats: $35.00 General Admission/Bar Seats: $25.00
Meet & Greet Passes to hang meet the artists: $25.00 (only 40 passes available for each artist) Buy tix here:https://daytonchildrens.thankyou4caring.org/events

REVIEW: Bocca Live Goes Country for Wounded Warrior Benefit

November 1, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

Saturday October 11^th was a chance to give back and show appreciation to all the brave men and women of the armed forces for all their hard work and sacrifices to ensure our safety and freedom.

Event organizer Brian Gilliams put together a two band tribute evening with raffles, prizes and cool autographed baseballs from the legends of the game. Gilliam’s band Throw it Down headlined the show playing three sets of the best of modern day rocking country with a few throwbacks to the legends that paved the way including some southern fried rock and a little old school metal. The C.G.I Acoustic Trio opened the show with a unique set of songs some of which had never seen an acoustic chord played.

“I was inspired to host this event in memory of my brother, LCpl Kevin Creech of the United States Marine Corps. Kevin fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom, deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in 2005. Returning home from war he struggled with posttraumatic stress disorder and had many of his fellow USMC brothers take their own lives due to PTSD. I’ll be requesting a percentage of the funds raised be spent on vets with PTSD, dedicated in his name,” said Gilliams.

Key event contributors included Office Depot, Arby’s, Chick-Fil-A, Throw It Down band, Bocca Live, Smoothie King of Dayton, 700 WLW Radio, Frisch’s Big-Boy, 20Brix/Padrino, John and Chris Ritchie, Mark and Lisa Tesmer, Kyle and Erin Lemaster and Envi Nails.

All event proceeds were donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Founded in 2003, WWP helps those that’ve returned from duty with the emotional, physical and mental recovery of returning from combat helping with readjustment back into civilian life and aid in finding them employment. Also aiding those injured with multi-range programs, therapies, counseling and peer support.

C.G.I. Acoustic (photo by Mike Ritchie)

C.G.I. Acoustic is brought to you by bass, acoustics and the old fashion Cajon drum box. Songs you’ve never imagined unplugged, ‘go there’ from pop to rock to metal. No Slayer or Skynyrd but BOC was teased twice with the reaper. Playing stripped down is their Rock & Roll fantasy and they can rock out as good as any three piece acoustic band. We heard what Neil Young said about them, Keep on Rocking in the Free World. A rare Fleetwood Mac tune by Christine McVie was sung by Mr. Chris Lee. After the Doobies Listen to the Music, CGI told the bitter sweet story of Johnny and the Bad Company that made him famous.

Taking a turn to the early 80’s they gave Prince some of their extra time with bassist James Isbell showing some impressive range. They played a non-electronic/non-synth version of In the Air Tonight, oh Lord. They downsized to a three man acoustical jam for Signs then paid tribute to the purple one as the Purple Rain came down with a little sample from Journey done Faithfully. Come Sail Away with them to the march of the War Pigs. Generals gathered in their masses, just like acoustic guitars at country bashes. CGI Trio thanks you all!

Throw it Down’s first set opened with all country prepping the crowd for the upcoming till early morning party. According to Eric Paslay the first song ain’t about money, back-roads, come backs or drinking, it’s a Song About a Girl and it’s all Waylon’s fault. Josh Thompson and Jason Cassidy both agree on the crazy lifestyle of a country boy singer. That night in Milford, Dierks Bentley wasn’t the only one that wanted to have some fun with a cold beer and raise some hell up in here. Thomas Rhett’s trying to find the right girl that just does something to bring out the lyrics inside, and It Goes (a lil somethin’) Like This. Geddy Lee may have been called the working man but Mr. Haggard sang about those hard Workin’ Man’s Blues long before, paving the way. It’s a semi ride party on the hot tin roof cruising down the Florida Georgia Line on diesel and dust, kicking up the BMX smoke because that’s how they role. Kenny Chesney’s a self-proclaimed hillbilly rockstar out of control. From the smoky bars to an arena star, he’s Living in Fast Forward. Brantley Gilbert throws it back to the prohibition days. It’s Bottoms Up and the guns are serving more shots than the bar.

Throw It Down (photo by Mike Ritchie)

Lee Brice keeps the Parking Lot Party going before and long after the show. Could it be the country rocking cousin of heavy metal parking lot? Brice inspired a full house ‘holler swaller’ the good ole boys version of a social. Big & Rich share their concern with the conservation of ungulate mammals and encourage all to Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy). Luke Bryan enjoys his rattlesnake shake as much as any six stringed cowboy with the company of a beautiful Country Girl working her magic by his side. Tonight was Jason Aldeans kinda party, whether on stage, in any state or the back of a jacked up tailgate. The Church of Eric was in session, closing out their first set and he preached the all American gospel living that hard working blue collar dream with pride, How ‘Bout You?

Their second set included a mix of country, southern and hard rock and the appearance/contributions of several local musicians including Erick Daniels (AfterMidnight),
Charlie Grau (After Midnight), Alan Cyr (After Midnight), “Izzy” Isbell (CGI/Hollywood Tragedy), Lance Boyd (The Medicine Men). (The first time Gilliam’s ever played live at a bar, he sat in with blues legend H-Bomb Ferguson. Boyd was H-Bomb’s longtime guitarist, and he handed him that guitar to play that night). Chris Lee (CGI/Hollywood Tragedy), Josh Cupp (Pistol Holler), Steve Witherby, (Second Wind), Don Overberg (Slowhand) and Rick Grabencamp (Marsha Brady) also made appearances.

They started with a second helping from the Florida Georgia line. Cruis(‘n) down the road with the windows down and the open air on the path of life to anywhere. Blake Shelton told it straight about the Boys ‘Round Here, backwoods legit, dirt stained, hard work trained and not taking any lip. We got the word on drinkin’ and smokin’ from Bocephus talking about the Family Tradition. We boogied to some sweet southern rock done Skynyrd style singing about the southland. We did some welcome time at Folsom Prison with the man in black then took a trip to the Red House over yonder hanging with Jimi. We got a double but different dose of ZZ, first hearing Mr. Hill talk about them Down Home Blues, then got bearded with those crazy girls and the Sharp Dressed Man. Georgia Satellites talking about love, talking about sin. Don’t hand them no lines. We were christened with our first dose of ‘metal’ with the prince of darkness flying solo on the Crazy Train. The potion came with the antidote from the Old Crow Medicine Show traveling on their never failing Wagon Wheel. To close out the late evening set they tore into one of the South’s most sacred and time honored/respected anthems, fly high.

For all the cricket loving, moon shine jugging creatures of the night, they went a ‘lil’ past the midnight hour starting the evenings third and final set in honor of all the brave men and women that don’t have the luxury of sleeping, on beds, when they want to. Luke Bryan says it’s his kind of night and he’s not done yet. Second gospel according to Mr. Church says put a Drink in My Hand! Aw Naw, Chris Young’s getting it on at the convenience store till dawn again, the stuff you find behind the cooler curtain. Rains a good thing when it ‘warsh’s’ all your troubles down the drain, says Luke Bryan. Brooks & Dunn love to keep those beautiful cowgirls happy when they Play Something Country. It’s way past the witching hour but it’s the perfect time to Take a Lil Ride again with Jason Aldean, big wheels, dirt fields, mudden all day and night in cowboy boots and high heels. Take the Ride with Mr. Coe; it’s a strange one you know. Steve Earle tells those tales of what happened (and didn’t happen) back on Copperhead Road. Tim McGraw got sucked into the web of love and likes it, no he loves it! Jamey Johnson sees it all In Color from the hard times of the past, remember, respect and make those memories last. The midnight country mass is almost over with Mr. Church making one last appearance Creepin’ on that all night train. The Cadillac Three love the south, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Carolina and tonight’s honorary guest Milford, Ohio. Mr. Brooks finished up the evening with all his Friends in Low Places. Yee-ha!

Mr. Gilliams can also be seen performing in his fulltime band After Midnight.

Western Sky: Dorsie Fyffe Comes Full Circle

October 31, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

The story that is Dorsie Fyffe’s life has seen the highest of the highs, and the lowest of the lows. Each page of his existence that has been written is chalk full of experiences that have molded him into the person that he is today.

Fyffe will be releasing his new limited edition 7-inch single featuring the original song “Western Sky,” Dayton. The single is a tour de force of shimmery guitar, driving bassline and traditional country beat. Another single being released this Saturday will also contain a version of “Amazing Grace”, which was recorded live at the historic Ryman Theatre in Nashville. Fyffe has more music already recorded, and plans to release it as a vinyl series. The next 7 inch will be released in July. Each year, Fyffe plans to release two limited edition 7 inch will include something special.

Fyffe was one of the faces of the burgeoning music scene in Dayton during the 90s. He worked as a DJ and music director for the influential WOXY-FM (“97X”) that was beloved in the area for their role in playing alternative and independent music. Fyffe was nominated by Billboard magazine for its “Music Director of the Year” award when working at the station. At the time Fyffe was working at WOXY-FM, he also began singing in the local Dayton band Johnny Smoke. The country-punk band saw some success, releasing three cassettes, a 2-song vinyl 45, and a well-reviewed full-length CD, Launcher.

In 1997, Fyffe decided that he needed to pack his bags and move out of the Dayton and move to Cincinnati. He talk during our recent phone conversation that he needed to get out of the scene during that time. At the time, Fyffe was living in Dayton with rockers Tim Taylor of Brainiac and Dave Doughman of Swearing at Motorists. Taylor famously was killed early in May that year when he lost control of his new Mercedes and slammed into a fire hydrant. The death of not only his roommate/dear friend, along with a female made Fyffe reevaluate some things.

“We lived at the rock house on Main, which was kinda party century for everyone,” Fyffe explained. “It got to the point where I just wanted to get back to normal.”

Fyffe continued commuting up to Dayton when he was playing in Johnny Smoke. In 2000, the final show of Johnny Smoke was held in Dayton, and Fyffe began moving around. In twelve years, Fyffe moved to San Francisco, Seattle, and Kansas City in hopes to find musicians that would fit into his stripped down sound. Each stop hold some significance to Fyffe. When talked about living in San Francisco, Fyffe talked about working at Tower Records, and how beautiful the city was. “Even a rainy day isn’t a bad day in San Francisco”, Fyffe says. When living in Kansas City, Fyffe experienced some unfortunate events that eventually led him to reconsider even playing music.

Fyffe’s music was starting to generate some buzz not only around the Kansas City area, but in national publications like the bi-monthly magazine No Depression. Bloodshot Records artists and other alt-country music forums. After releasing the 45 which included singles “Backseat” and “Open Relationship” in 2011, Fyffe and his band filled in for John Doe from the punk band X at a record store day event in Lawrence, Kansas. While prepping for a 10-day East Coast tour with alt-country singer Lydia Loveless, a series of unfortunate events started to snowball downhill.

“When I get back from Kansas City with all of my stuff, and the drummer says that he couldn’t do the tour. The bassist wasn’t returning any of my phone calls. It’s five days before going on tour, and I have to make a decision,” Fyffe explains. “Apparently we aren’t going on tour, I have $4000 sitting over, and call Lydia Loveless’ manager and explain that bassist isn’t calling me back. I’m starting to sweat, and mentioned that maybe we should cancel the tour.”

The canceling of the tour led him to move to where he is now-Austin, Texas. Fyffe took a hiatus from music, trying to even come to grips of what happened in Kansas City. He saw his opportunity to further his music quickly burn out. However, Fyffe won’t go down that quietly. He decided to make his shows more of an event. His trip to Dayton will be only the 20^th show in twelve years. However, Fyffe scuffs out the thought that he should have been playing more. “

While he has enjoyed living in Austin, he will be moving Los Angeles in April. “All of the moves have been basically directly or indirectly involved trying to make music,” Fyffe says. The move will also allow him to be closer to a dear friend of his, ex-Dayton Daily News writer Sara Baker Farr. The two met when Baker was writing about the final show of Johnny Smoke in Dayton.

“We lost touch for a while, as I wound up moving to Chicago and then out to Los Angeles in 2006,” Farr said during an exchange of emails. “Dorsie found me somehow and we reconnected. He started sending me some of the songs he’d been working on, and they were really good. His voice had gotten even stronger, and his songwriting was even better. The songs resonated. They had depth. They had soul. They were personal, but universal. They were an expression of where he was at, both as a songwriter and a man.” Farr is currently working on a book that will feature Fyffe’s life. “I asked Dorsie what he thought about the idea of a book. There was a pause — the kind that makes you wonder if you’ve lost your bloody mind and your grandiose scheme is going to crash and burn around you — and then he said that he’d love to do it,” Farr says.

The story that is Dorsie Fyffe’s life has seen the highest of the highs, and the lowest of the lows. Each chapter that has been written is chalk full of experiences that have molded him into the person that he is today. The moments that have led him up to this day have all played a part in the setting up the next one. When talking to Farr about Fyffe, she summed up perfectly.

“Dorsie’s story is not only a personal history for him, nor is it just a glimpse into a time when Dayton was really on the precipice of something musically. It reaches beyond that, I think, and is about what it means to try and follow your dream despite almost ridiculous odds and one struggle after another. And to keep making these great songs during all of it? Well, there’s the hook – it’s a classic American country-rock story.”

This Saturday, Fyffe will be reuniting with some friends that he hasn’t seen since that night in left Dayton. He will taking the stage, and surely will be getting those feelings like he once had when he played in the local venues. The release of the vinyl singles will be in correlation with the holiday Dia de los Muertos, as he will be celebrating the life of friends that have passed.

Fyffe will be returning home to start a new chapter of his life. It’s only fitting that he begins it here in Dayton. It’s where it all began.

It’s where it will begin…again.

Dorsie Fyffe will be performing at Blind Bob’s Bar on November 1. Also on the bill includes Tim Pritchard and the Boxcar Suite, and Smug Brothers. 10pm $5 cover.

Local Station Named “Best Classic Rock Station of The Year”

October 30, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

104.7 WTUE, Dayton’s Rock Station, announced today it has been named the Best Classic Rock Station of the Year – Small Market, by Classic Rock Magazine, in conjunction with Team Rock LTD. and KMG Networks. The award will be presented by Classic Rock Magazine, as part of the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards on November 4, 2015 in Los Angeles.

WTUE’s Tony Tilford

“We are thrilled to have created this first ever award saluting the Best Classic Rock stations in America,” said Ian Williamson, Head of Events and Partnerships at Team Rock. “It’s a distinct and high honor to join our partners in recognizing these great radio stations that keep the rock and roll passion alive in their cities every day,” KMG Pres./CEO Gary Krantz said. “The music they play and on air personalities as well as the way they engage with their communities – their listeners have spoken.”

“It’s is a true honor to be the first station to win this award. The recognition is a direct reflection of the dedication and the hard work put in by the staff on a daily basis, to make certain that we are meeting and exceeding the high expectations of our listeners in Dayton, and across the country on iHeartRadio,” said Tony Tilford, Regional Program Manager, iHeartMedia. Yo can hear Tony on air Monday – Friday from 10am -3pm.

Country Strong: An Interview with Mack McKenzie

October 30, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

(Photo Courtesy: Jennifer Clarke)

Aaron McKenzie slowly inhales a drag off his cigarette on the front patio area at Toxic Brew Company on a chilly September evening and exhales. Wearing a simple black t-shirt and blue jeans, he quietly looks onward. He watches the people walking around the Oregon Express, heading to and from several of the establishments in the small area. When he finishes his cigarette, we walk back into the bar and take a seat. It’s a quiet night in the brewery, but begins to pick up. Sitting next to the stool is McKenzie’s guitar inside a black, leather case.

Music has been present throughout McKenzie’s life. On most Saturday nights, some of McKenzie’s family would all congregate over to his grandparents’ home. While sitting at the large table in the kitchen, a group of friends and his grandparents would play music till the late hours of the night.

“They would bounce songs off one another as they sat there playing,” McKenzie says. “There will be somebody playing fiddle. There will be somebody would be bass. Like five or six guitars.”

At the age of twelve, McKenzie himself picked up the guitar after exploring classic rock-mainly Clapton. “I got this resource with my grandparents, so I grabbed my grandfather’s guitar and they showed me a few chords,” he explained. On those Saturday evenings with everyone being over, McKenzie would sit in and try to play with them.

Xenia, Ohio is where McKenzie first called home. After his father passed at the age of eight, he lived with his mother till he reached his teens. After some time residing with his grandparents, McKenzie moved in with some older guys when he was seventeen. Living with the roommates that according to McKenzie were all about “hell raising and beer drinking”, he got pass high school barely. It wasn’t due to his grades, he passed his courses with flying colors. His job which was third shift, along with attention span to actually go and spend the whole day there, almost got him.

“I was actually told by a guidance counselor that I was cheating the system, and that it wasn’t fair for other students,” McKenzie says. “I said ‘It’s not my problem that I can show up two days a week and get enough grades to pass.’” When high school was coming to a close, McKenzie needed to figure out what was going to be next. McKenzie decided to follow a list of family members that included his grandfather (whom fought in the Korean War) and great-grandfather (World War I) and joined the United States Army.

From 2006-2010, McKenzie’s time in the Army included being stationed in Fort Campbell, working in the intelligence department and doing a tour in Afghanistan. During his stint in Afghanistan, McKenzie explained about how depending on your situation and position, the adjustment to life was hard to grasp. A simple thing like falling asleep at night, for example, loomed with uncertainty due to what was transpiring.

“We were on this base, and out of the blue you hear these sirens going off. A mortar was coming in, and hit somebody’s wooden shacks. In the beginning, you are deeply disturbed. After a while, you get used to it,” McKenzie says.

Luckily for McKenzie, he was able to get out of his military duties four months early. When he left the Army, he took a position that landed him in Qatar for a year. McKenzie would take another position in Washington, D.C. that allowed him to travel. He enjoyed experiencing seeing the sights and sounds of his voyages, including the opportunity of witnessing the international cricket tournament Asia Cup. The fatigue of never being home eventually got to him, and he needed a change.

“The job I had down there (in Washington, D.C.), I was in a hotel over 120 days a year,” McKenzie says. “I knew I wanted to end up back here.” Before McKenzie, he bought a Martin guitar and started slowly writing songs.

“I told myself, ‘Alright-if I buy this thing, I got to start writing more. I least got to it a shot.’” McKenzie says. He wrote some music when he was in bands in his younger days. McKenzie explained that now being older, he could appreciate music better, craft better material. He began playing his music to friends at parties, and even started recording some. When he moved back to the Dayton area-he continued to hone his songs. Finally, when eating at Dublin Pub one night, he asked if they had an open mic night at the establishment.

“I came back the next night, and it was probably the worst performance of my life,” McKenzie jokingly said. “But I kept at it, and kept at it. It was really a confidence building thing. It’s a different vulnerability in getting up there and singing your songs.”

(Photo Courtesy: Jennifer Clarke)

Going under the moniker Mack McKenzie, the recording of his debut album, is now complete. Drawing inspiration from his favorite country singer, Sturgill Simpson and musicians from the days of old, McKenzie went in the studio with a goal in mind. He wanted to record an album that went back to the roots of when country music was heavily influenced with bluegrass and folk. Expect the blend of soft ballads, acoustic guitar, steel guitar, drums, and keyboards to be present in the album. McKenzie hopes to change people views on how his music is totally opposite from the mainstream country music that is made today.

“When it comes down to it, Garth Brooks was the turn of country music changing,” explains McKenzie. “Before him, you had guys like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. They wrote some of the best songs-so simply written, but they convey so much. Garth Brooks comes, and takes it from a regular concert from to an extravagant show. It was an experience. So, after that, it became more about the look and more about the show than it did about the music.”

Nights like tonight, telling stories like the one with his attempt to play along with his family over a few beers, are a rarity these days for McKenzie. Being in the middle of the hustle and bustle that city life offers isn’t too appealing to him like it once was. McKenzie’s budding musical career does allow him to come to town. As he refers to himself as a “homebody”, McKenzie doesn’t come out much. He just prefers quiet evenings staying in his home, which is located in the country a little north from the outskirts of Dayton.

“Volume has turned way down,” he says.

As McKenzie slowly finishes drinking one of the brews that are glistening inside the clear glasses at Toxic, there is a calm, even-tempered look casted upon his face. He has plans on walking over to Ned Peppers as soon as we are done, and performing at the open mic night. He knows that it’s a long road ahead. At least he will have plenty of material to write about.

Ugly Kids Club: Recruiting Dayton’s Own To Join

October 19, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

One of Aliegh Shields’s older silbings was part of an emo/indie rock band from Nashville, Tennesse titled The Class of 98. The band, led by guitarist and vocalist Steve Wilson, saw some of success with some of their songs being played on some of the television programming on the E! and the WB networks. The band was short lived, only being together between years 2004-2007, and 2010- 2014. During a tour across the Midwest, however, Wilson and the band stayed over at the Shields residence instead of getting a hotel room.

During the duration of the band crashing at the house where the older Shields lived in Springfield, Illinois, Wilson overheard Aliegh singing one night, and fell in love with her voice. Being the youngest of four-Aliegh always had her dreams and aspirations set to eventually become a singer.

“I was making everything a microphone,” Shields explained during a recent phone conversation. “A lot of times I was in my room singing to the wall (laughter). I was constantly my way of playing-singing and playing like I was in concert. I think I sang to our fish, which made a pretty fun. They were a good audience.”

After moving to Nashville right after high school, Shields was a guitar playing songstress with a solo development deal and started working with one of the producers in town. When they parted ways, Shields turned to Wilson to help and finish up the solo tracks. She knew that Wilson was living in Nashville, and was producing music projects with group such as The Juliana Theory and Jonezetta, while writing, producing and playing in The Class of ‘98 and Hether, who got a development deal on their own with Interscope Records. Wilson also was Grammy nominated with his work with the band Leeland.

Already knowing each other, the two felt comfortable with working together. They soon would uncover a mutual desire over their love for minimalist rock duos like Sleigh Bells, Crystal Castles and The Kills. In 2011-the duo of began the group Ugly Kids Club.

“We worked so well together, and I wanted someone that was into a little more team effort,” Shields mentions.

In January 2012, Ugly Kids Club released their first self-titled EP. They were able to grab ahold of their own sound with a mixture of grungy rock embedded with electronic beats that is not only dark but also catchy with pop undertones. After releasing the self-titled EP and going on the road for a little bit, they decided to take a break. The goal was to become more cohesive in their writing.

Their recent EP release, Head Games, is a more polished album that contains whimsical soundscapes to lush 80s synths. The duo crafts electro-pop driven tunes, while still maintain that pop-grunge vibe that was so visible in their first EP. The EP involves all the stages of a relationship that eventually doesn’t really work out.

With the duo continuing to work on building their sound, both Shields and Wilson both strive to push each other creatively.

“We’ve written a bunch of other songs, so we working towards another EP early in the next year,” Wilson stated. For now, though, the duo plan on hitting the road-which includes making a stop in Dayton tonight at Blind Bob’s.

It was a little over seven years till both Shields and Wilson’s lives would interconnect again, and form Ugly Kids Club

And this time-the duo are planning to make it more long-lasting.

Visit Ugly Kids Club here: http://www.uglykidsclub.com, or check them out at Blind Bob’s tonight with Dear Fawn, Skurt, and A Shade of Red.

An Evening With Bruce Hornsby

October 18, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Pianist, composer, and singer-songwriter Bruce Hornsby’s recording career has spanned over two-and-a-half decades. Within that time, Hornsby’s music has been recognized with several awards/acknowledgements that include the 1987 Grammy Award for Best New Artist with Bruce Hornsby and the Range, the 1990 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, and the 1994 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. Tonight-Hornsby will be taking the stage in Victoria Theatre with “An Evening with Bruce Hornsby”, in support of his recent release, Bruce Hornsby-Solo Concerts.

Growing up in Williamsburg, Virginia, Hornsby graduated from James Blair High School in 1973. In the spring of 1974 Hornsby’s older brother Bobby, who attended the University of Virginia, formed the band Bobby Hi-Test and the Octane Kids. The band, which featured Bruce on guitar, performed covers at fraternity parties at the college. Hornsby also studied music at the University of Richmond, as well as Berklee College of Music and in 1977, he graduated at the University of Miami.

After years of playing in bars and sending demo tapes to record companies, in n 1980, he and his brother John moved to Los Angeles, where they spent three years writing for 20th Century Fox. Hornsby finally signed his band, the Range, to RCA in 1985. The Way It Is, the band’s debut, produced three Top 20 hits, the biggest of which was the socially conscious “The Way It Is,” and the heartbreaking “Mandolin Rain”.

Since the debut with his band the Range and the work that he has done solo, Bruce Hornsby has expanded his music into many genres-pop, jazz, bluegrass, country and modern classical. He has pursued a musical career that has included collaborations with artists Ricky Skaggs, Don Henley, Ornette Coleman, Bob Dylan, Bela Fleck, Bonnie Raitt, Pat Metheny, and Robbie Robertson. Hornsby also played piano and accordion for a period of time with the one and only Grateful Dead from 1988 until Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995.

Hornsby’s newest release off his Vanguard Records in August, the two-disc set Bruce Hornsby–Solo Concerts. The album are culled from Hornsby solo concerts performed in the U.S. during 2012 and 2013. Bruce Hornsby–Solo Concerts involves what Hornsby calls an “unholy alliance” of comforting Americana and daunting composition.

Hornsby’s performance, which usually contains his backing The Nosemakers, offers audiences a glimpse of a restless spirit who continues to push forward into exciting new musical terrain. That passionate energy comes alive in each of the shows.

“An Evening with Bruce Hornsby”, will be held at Victoria Theatre tonight starting at 8pm. Every ticket to this performance includes a copy of Solo Concerts. Tickets can be purchased at Victoria Theatre’s Box Office or https://www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Daytonpoolza!: Dayton Music Fest 10 Years Strong

October 3, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

(Manray Photo courtesy: Dayton Music Fest)

Dayton Music Fest organizers Don Thrasher and Kyle Melton take a seat with me in the patio area at South Park Tavern. While we are sitting at our table, an influx of people come and go throughout the duration of the early evening. It’s mostly due to the establishment’s half off priced pizza promotion that they are running that evening. For some others, they have chosen to stick around and settle in the covered patio. Those same individuals are also taking full advantage of the fall weather and the terrific selection of craft beers that are waiting on tap.

Since the end of May, the duo listened to 60-100 demos of submitted music from bands that wanted a chance to be selected. Now the final preparations are underway. The duo are in the middle of a press junket, including a couple of radio spots and our meeting. Melton and Thrasher have also been preparing for their set in the music event with their band, Smug Brothers and currently run the indie label Gas Daddy Go. While sipping on a beer, Thrasher and Melton talk about some of the acts that will be taking the stage.

“Have you had the chance of checking out Manray yet? Definitely check them out,” Thrasher mentions. “Also don’t miss out on catching Dead Rider. They love playing here in Dayton, so we are thrilled to have them coming and playing in town.”

Dayton’s music scene has seen some bands get included in the national spotlight. You have Kelley and Kim Deal’s alternative rock band The Breeders see their hometown success sky rocket in the 90s to become indie legends. You have the recently split lo-fi rockers Guided By Voices, led by the one and only Robert Pollard, blaze through with their endless releases of new material. You also can’t forget the past local bands Enon, Swearing At Motorists, and Brainiac who left their imprint on the music scene in Dayton. With the widespread talent circling around the area, it would be difficult to not have an event like Dayton Music Fest. It’s a celebration of the melting pot that is the music that surrounds the city.

In 2004, Dan Clayton, Andy Ingram, and Shawn Johnson felt that the national scene wasn’t giving the Dayton area the appreciation that it once did. Johnson and Clayton threw out the idea that Dayton needed a showcase the burgeoning music scene. The duo quickly went to work on setting up the bands and locations for the shows to be at. They then recruited Ingram to create the posters and flyers. No one knew exactly how it was going to turn out, but they felt that it was needed to be done.

Now it’s 10^th year, the Dayton Music Fest has become one of the highly anticipated and heavily attended events in the area each fall. Individuals from all corners of life will be able to seize an opportunity to come out and partake in the celebrated music scene. Festival goers will fully consume all of the special, unforgettable performances, along with some surprises.

As soon as the final band finishes up their set Saturday night (Motel Beds at Blind Bob’s), both Melton and Thrasher will be no longer curate the event.

“We were at practice Sunday night, and afterwards we looked at each other and said, “You done after this one?”. We shook our head in agreement,” Thrasher explains when the decision was made to call it a day.

Besides increasing the visibility by scheduling some of the selected bands and artists to perform at The Midwest Outdoor Experience, which is one of the largest festivals in the Midwest. This past April, Melton and Thrasher had a kickoff event for the Dayton Music Fest with a special concert-the Buffalo Killers performed with a backing choir at the Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Dayton, 20 W. First Street. You can get the DMF mobile app, where you can rank and follow the bands with Q&A posts.

The duo has handpicked local band’s Speaking Suns bassist Conor Stratton to take over the reins. “We think that he is going to be great,” Thrasher says. “He manages the band, and runs his record label (Great Guys Records). He’s already been calling some people and is getting a team together.” As for Melton and Thrasher? They will continue to play in Smug Brothers and prep some upcoming releases with Gas Daddy Go.

While it will be tough for Melton and Thrasher to no longer coordinating the yearly festival, they have no regrets on ending their run.

“We wanted to give someone else a chance to do it, and make it even better,” Melton says. “We did some great things to make the festival better. Five years is a great run.”

A run that deserves a toast while sitting in the patio at South Park Tavern.

The Dayton Music Fest is on Friday, October 3^rd starting at 7pm at The “Old” Yellow Cab, Saturday October 4^th from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. at Eastwood MetroPark, or Saturday night beginning at 9 p.m. in the Oregon District. For more information on the Dayton Music Fest, please visit daytonmusicfest.com.

JD SOUTHER Singer/Songwriter – The Name May Not Be Familiar, But The Songs Sure Are!

September 29, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

It’s not every actor who receives a “good job” email from Don Henley after his TV series premieres, but J.D. Souther isn’t your typical thespian. Sharp-eyed music fans may have done a double take when they saw Souther in the role of fictional country music legend Watty White in ABC’s addictive new nighttime soap Nashville.

That’s the opening paragraph from David Browne in a Rolling Stone article at J.D. Souther. When asked how he got cast in the Nashville TV show, he explains, “I flew into New York to play Lincoln Center, and while I was standing at baggage claim, my friend Rita Wilson, who sang “Faithless Love” on her new album, texted me and said, ‘Call when you get to town.’ She said, ‘I’m having dinner with T Bone Burnett, Callie Khouri, Norah Ephron and all these people you like, so come join us.’ I said, ‘I’m in Queens right now.’ But the driver took me right to the restaurant, and Callie said she was writing a show about Nashville and I said, ‘Fantastic.’ A few months went by and my agent called and said, ‘I got a call for you to come in to read for Callie’s new show.’ ”

As one of the principal architects of the “Southern California sound,” Souther played a key role in the formation of the Eagles and co-wrote the band’s hits “Heartache Tonight,” “Victim of Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Best of My Love,” and Don Henley’s super hit “The Heart of the Matter,” as well as writing Linda Ronstadt’s classics “Faithless Love,” “Simple Man, Simple Dream,” and “Prisoner in Disguise.” A highly sought-after songwriter and session man, Souther also released three critically acclaimed solo albums— John David Souther (1972), Black Rose (1976), andYou’re Only Lonely (1979)

In 1984, Souther followed the chart-topping successes of “You’re Only Lonely” and the James Taylor duet “Her Town Too” with Home by Dawn, an album that Rolling Stone and Time Magazine declared his best. He has collaborated with countless world-renowned musicians including Bonnie Raitt; Warren Zevon; Don Henley; Linda Ronstadt; Paul Williams; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Hugh Masekela; Burt Bacharach; Dixie Chicks; India Arie; Roy Orbison; Arthur Hamilton; George Strait; Brian Wilson; and Trisha Yearwood.

MORE ABOUT JD SOUTHER

Following a leave of absence in 1985 to build his dream house, travel and spend time with his dogs (all rescues, of course), Souther marked his return to songwriting with three critically acclaimed albums, If World Was You (Slow Curve Records), Rain: Live at the Belcourt (Slow Curve Records), and Natural History (eOne).

In 2007, he wrote the Eagles comeback single “How Long,” which was featured on Long Road Out of Eden, their first studio album since 1979. In 2009, JD was presented with the Golden Note Award at the 47^thannual ASCAP Country Music Awards. He is also regular character on the hit ABC show “Nashville” as legendary producer, songwriter and mentor Watty White.

A decade-long Nashville resident, Souther tells Rolling Stone that the show “feels authentic to people in this world… for most of the people who live here, they’re thrilled there’s finally a show in which they escape the usual stereotype.”

In the fall of 2012, JD released Midnight in Tokyo (eOne Music), a live collection of his music alongside Ellington and Ray Henderson. He describes the album as “rough and smooth and wonderful─ saloon music in the night.” The live album was recorded on in Japan.

Souther was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013.
Tickets for the Oct 10th 7:30pm show at Victoria Theatre start at $29 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets in person visit the Ticket Center Stage Box Office located in the Wintergarden at the Schuster Center or call 937-228-3630, 888-228-3630 or visitwww.ticketcenterstage.com today!

DMM TICKET GIVEAWAY!

For one lucky reader- we’ve got a pair of ticket for you to see this show. To enter our random drawing, fill out our entry form and leave a comment below with your favorite Souther written song. Winner will be named here;

Jimmy Smith- congrats- you’ll be our guest to this show!

REVIEW: Oddbody’s Brings the Solstice to Dayton

September 29, 2014 By Mike Ritchie

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Crucifixion (photo by Tom Wilson)

Saturday September 6th, could be seen as a night when the perpetually moving solstice of change and evolution in the Dayton scene was showcased on the Oddbody’s stage. The young, upcoming new blood opened followed by the established former instrumentalists with a new voice and the scene veterans played direct support to the national headliners.

The origins of Crucifixation spawned when guitarist Max Mobarry and bassist Shane Tucker finally got a chance to jam during the summer of 2012. A few months later the two, along with vocalist Eric Bucio started jamming discovering a mutual love of intense metal music. Eric suggested they form a band and Crucifixation was brought forth onto this earth. After a year-long search, they were contacted by drummer Jorden Garberson, who became the man behind the kit. They’ve assembled an onslaught of brutal thrashing metal honoring the greats and destroying those who stand in the path of their unholy Crucifixaters.

Playing hard and banging harder they tore into their set playing with an old school Sepultura meets early 90’s Florida death metal roar, throwing buckets of adrenaline and fury on stage. Opener Infestation carried the militaristic march of the young soldiers hitting with the first wave of heavy artillery. Redemption brought the slow, evil, seething technical death thrash slowly slithering towards you. Breastflesh cracked the bones, softening up the anatomy for the pluck pounding and Cannibal Corpse lyrics. Max Mobarry was definitely Puckin’ Around waving his long crimson red windmill mop at hurricane speed as they played homage to the game on ice and any other hockey masked guy prone to violence. What could be their future Toxic Waltz, Stand Up and Thrash had a nice bass groove with some Slayerish riffs and an almost boogie feel. Bucio delivered screams, growls and some spoken word vocals. Besides Death, Cannibal Corpse and Six Feet Under it’s fitting that Morbid Angels in there as Mobarry could be the younger doppelganger of Erik Rutan.

Zuel now has the voice of Brandon Hawk, a younger Dan Lilker in appearance, and they started with No One Has Partied Here in Years, aka Johnny. They bring the hardcore belated hangover shoveling it in with bulldozer guitars, a bit of Fear Factory industrial tools, some sweet melodious Death courtesy ofUncle Chuck and some Morbid Angel signature guitar slides providing the musical diary and building blocks of a madman’s metal puzzle. Unfettered aka Year Long sounded like Opeth falling down an open air spiraling staircase, smashing into an ascending Mastodon during a lightning storm. Whisper in the Ear aka 1984 had a nice descending mental melody and deliriously mad, dark mood.

They finished with Take Kindly/Endless Rapture and The Flaws We Seal as Secrets. Keep updated on these multi-stylistic noise makers often seen at Hanks Pub, Oddbody’s, Blind Bob’s and on top of tall buildings being shot by proton packs.

Forces of Nature (photo by Tom Wilson)

One of Dayton’s hardest working/scene supporting bands Forces of Nature played the stage under the Oddbody’s banner for the first time cranking out metal meal riff-muncher Magnus Lee as Tate Moore summoned his inner cookie monster and accompanying serpents tongue. We took a lovely stroll through piles of death and carnage caused by one man’s madness and wrath or your favorite conqueror, tyrant or serial killer of choice. The Godsey’s, Jimmy Rose and Johnnie Wallace gave the Forest of Corpses life; Moore gave mutilation and anguish a voice. They played the stalking chainsaw wielding killer in the woods past midnight pace of Mary Hates Herself. It’s a wonderful life, live it loud and play it with metal. Quote, the Forces of Nature, Nevermore. Throwing Fists in the pit, it’s hit or miss, till you get your ass kicked for being a dick. Wallace continues to shine against two powerhouse guitarists bringing Dimebag’s spirit to the bass. They gave a loud reminder that we’re all dwellers on this Black Earth. A set mostly taken from the new Dark Ages CD ends with A.S.O.T. questioning God and country’s need for martyrdom and some seriously weird, creepy s**t descending down the walls as blood runs up.

From the air, heat, sand and dirt of Florida’s early 90’s death/thrash metal explosion spawning Death, Deicide, Obituary and Cannibal Corpse among many others comes the Solstice. Founded by drummer Alex Marquez (Malevolent Creation), Rob Barrett (Cannibal Corpse) and Dennis Munoz (Iniquitous) and newly recruited Ryan Taylor (Atomik) on rhythm guitar and vocals they brought three records of speed and thrash to the stage. Taylor brought the noise Vio-lence to the forefront starting with an Age of Quarrel song from the Cro-Mags. Starting from 1992’s self-titled debut, they dove straight into the darker side of the mirror on Netherworld. Upon the wastelands arose a true unholy decimator of all that’s conquerable with a Cataclysmic Outburst. The land of the free, pulled by the strings of filthy politicians, must be Cleansed of Impurity. By any means necessary. Aberration asks how much pain can we possibly bear with such a young soul. They send some respect to the Bronx, pounding with 44 Caliber Brain Surgery to the head, Demolition Hammer style.

Plasticized, your aging body is rotten as you’re rolled up into a corner and forgotten. The Eternal Waking of one’s inner self to a world of inner consciousness and dreams. They took the first page from the steamrolling/wrecking ball guitars and banging bass book of Pray and played the title track prophesizing the triumph of science over the hypocritical elements of religion. Survival Reaction, seeing red as the instinct to survive kicks in, at all costs.

They play a Peter Steele tribute Carnivore style and possibly one of the reasons Playgirl called. When one is six-foot-seven, size matters. They end with the weak, aging mind Transmogrified by dementia and loss of faculties.

Crucifixation, Forces of Nature, feature images courtesy of Tom Wilson

Editor’s Note-On Saturday September 20^th, for the 8^th straight year Forces of Nature volunteered their time, working with event coordinator Jeanette Monaghan, performing at the Wright Pat Air Force Base Marathon. They played a non-stop, six-hour (7am-1pm, with pre-dawn setup/5:30 am sound-check) gig positioned near the last leg of the course. They banged and thrashed as over 15,000 runners went by, many raised the horns in respect and gratitude for the extra effort, adrenaline and energy to the finish line of the 26 mile trek. When the set-list started getting low their ‘late morning’ creativity-caffeine kicked in with adlibs and jams coming up with new material. Tom Wilson along with event supporter Kelli Wilson also made the early morning base trip making sure the heavy metal patriotism was documented. After playing all morning and a brief break Mr. Godsey spent the evening at Oddbody’s working security for the Nonpoint show.

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Nutt House Hosts Jason Derulo Tour

September 27, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Jason’s latest single “Talk Dirty” (ft. 2 Chainz) is his most successful track to date having sold over 5 million singles throughout the world, and has garnered over 200 million views on YouTube and climbing.

Success hasn’t always come easy for the 24-year-old pop singer. After a string of career defining hit singles including “Whatcha Say,” “In My Head,” “Ridin’ Solo,” “Don’t Wanna Go Home” and “It Girl,” Derulo suffered a catastrophic neck injury, which forced him to rehabilitate himself both mentally and physically. He released his comeback record “The Other Side” from his newly announced Tattoos LP in May 2013, which became radio’s #1 most added record of the year and set Derulo on a new and re-energized path.