Big changes in store for Dayton Music Fest

There are plenty of logistics involved with a multi-venue event like Dayton Music Fest. It's a lot of work, which has meant a series of curators have overseen the festival since it started more than a decade ago (including a five-year stint by this writer).

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After two years piloting the ship, Conor Stratton recently turned the wheel over to Nathan Peters of the local band Lioness, who has streamlined the event.

Dayton Music Fest 2017 is presented at Blind Bob’s and the Yellow Cab Bldg. in Dayton on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3 and 4.

This year’s lineup features the 1984 Draft, the Raging Nathans, the Nightbeast, Oh Condor, Moira, the Nicky Kay Orchestra, Human Cannonball and many more.

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Peters recently answered some questions about the festival.

Q: How did you come to be the caretaker of DMF?

A: "I've been talking to Conor about some different ideas to bring DMF back to a more Dayton-focused festival. I was planning on helping out when Conor asked me if I could take it over. I was inspired to do it because I wanted it to happen still, and if I didn't step in this year the festival wouldn't have happened this year."

Q: When did you take over the reins, and what has been the hardest part of organizing the event?

A: "I agreed to take over in August, its been difficult getting everything together in such a short amount of time. I am really looking forward to this year, but I've already started planting some seeds for next year."

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Q: What does DMF mean to you?

A: "It is a celebration of Dayton music history, its current and its past. We have so much amazing music in this town, it's a way each year to see many of the amazing groups in town."

Q: What makes you the right person to organize an event like this?

A: "I hope I am the right person. I've been playing and promoting shows for 18 years now. I understand the complexities of putting on such a large event. I'm hoping things go very smoothly this year."

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Q: What changes did you make to the festival this year and why?

A: "Well, I decided to scale things back. I focused on Bob's and Yellow Cab, I made it a solid two-day festival and extended the start time on Saturday. I also tried to get a wide variety of groups — DJs that will spin hip-hop in between bands at Bob's, different groups that span different scenes. I also lowered the price in hopes to attract more showgoers."


WANT TO GO?

What: Dayton Music Fest with the 1984 Draft, the Raging Nathans, Oh Condor, Moria, the Nightbeast and others

Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, and Blind Bob's, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton

When: 7 pm. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 and 4

Cost: $8 per venue, $15 weekend pass

More info:www.yellowcabtavern.com and www.blindbobs.com

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