A Cauldron of Musical Mayhem

Halloween is not only a beloved holiday, it's also the second biggest bar night of the year! For good reason: the moon is full, the trees are gorgeous and there is a general buzz of excitement and mystery.

So throw on a cheap, ironic costume and check out some live, original music while you're out enjoying this festively fun weekend!

Thursday, October 29th

For those of you seeking some bootleg Friday fun, check out Philly's high energy funk band, Dirk Quinn Band. Raleigh Music Listings describes them as "the standard bearers of the funk scene up in the city of Brotherly Love... They have a great blend of guitar, drum, keys, and horns that make this a funky jazz journey into the unknown." Kinda perfect show for the Funk Capitol, right? Boogie down with them, along with Cincinnati's Eyeris Wide, at Jimmie's Ladder 11 for a $5 cover. Doors 9 p.m. Music 10 p.m. 18+

Friday, October 30th

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Guess who else is coming from the East Coast for this special weekend? Bent Knee! They really like playing Blind Bob's, and we like it when they do! They are really worth checking out! Watch their video here, and see what I mean! Talented local bands Speaking Suns, and The Flesh Pets are also on the bill. Nice! As always at Bob's, an interesting night of music is in store, that's for sure. 9 p.m. 21+

Popular roots rocker Angela Perley & the Howlin' Moons, from Columbus, will be making Trolley Stop a little cozier this evening. A little bit country, a little bit rock'n'roll, strong voice and songwriting, equals a happy crowd! Enjoy. 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

If you like rockabilly, a slappin stand up bass, or the nostalgia of an old school microphone, check out the Halloween Hootenanny Cherry Lee & The Hot-Rod Hounds are hosting over at Oregon Express. 9 p.m.

Well-known singer/songwriter, Mike Perkins (Columbus) will be performing at Canal Public House. He delivers soulful singing along with killer chops on acoustic guitar. Check out why he's been a mainstay in the music scene for many years! 9 p.m.-midnight.

For a totally different change of scene, head over to  Jimmie's Ladder 11 for EDM night. Unusual for this venue, could be interesting! Starting off the evening is Echo Mecca. Described as having sultry vocals, skillfully created beats and melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. Headlining the night is Erothyme, providing layered, complex beats to get down to. Sounds fun! (I'm a dancer, so what can I say!) Doors 9 p.m. Music 10 p.m. 18+ $5

What a great night for Gin Soaked Angels to play at Peach's Grill in Yellow Springs. Bonus! It's a costume party a day early. Give these hometown boys a listen!

Such a perfect combo for folk/Americana fans in the area: Repeating Arms at the new new hotspot of downtown Troy, Square Roots Live. Along with special guests CAAMP from Athens Ohio, this makes for a lovely evening! This is in a great location, awesome sound system, intimate vibe. This is the listening room everyone has been craving for. Feel free to don your favorite Halloween attire and join us for the festivities. This is a BYOB event. 8 p.m.

Troy is hopping tonight! Also in downtown Troy, at Little York Tavern, is a stacked line up of hard rock and metal bands including Menace 2 SobrietyThrottleMcGuff and the Dumpster Fires FBS and The Frankx. Costume contest. $5 COVER = $1 per band! Doors open at 8 p.m., LIVE music starts sharply at 8:30 p.m. so get there early! 21+

Saturday, October 31st

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

A gorgeous upscale event, the annual Dayton Performing Arts Alliance's ICE Gala, starts at 6 p.m. This black-tie event brings together all that is special about the three arts organizations that comprise the DPAA—Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera and Dayton Philharmonic—weaving them into a one-of-a-kind experience as special and groundbreaking as the DPAA itself.

The hard-working planning committee has arranged a night of "Chills and Thrills" to make it a unique All Hallows' night. Attendees are invited to a dinner of delectable cuisine, specialty cocktails, and live music by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bob Gray Orchestra. Dancing on the stage with them is truly unforgettable! Tickets are $275. A late night dance club ticket is available for $75 (call to inquire about availability of that option 937-224-3521 ext. 1112). Portion of tickets are tax-deductible. Order online here.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

One of my very favorite local bands, Subterranean, are stirring up a "Caldron of Musical Mayhem." (There it is, Readers!) Glostik Willy (Indiana) and Jahman Brahman (N Carolina) are taking time out of their busy touring schedule to come to Dayton to support our super talented local boys, SubT. The cool kids will be over at Oddbody's for this show! Conveniently off of the Woodman exit, via Route-35 North. Super easy! 18+ $10 Pre-Sale, $15 DoS.

The Halloween Party at Oregon Express features blue grass jams with The Doug Hart Band.Everyone through the door in costume is entered in a drawing to win great prizes from Family Jam Productions! Doors 9 p.m. $5 Additional Raffle Tickets $1, or 6 for $5. 18+

Grateful Dead and jam band fans, the very polished and energetic, Arrows of Neon are playing all their cards at One Eyed Jacks (near WSU). Costume contest with cash and prizes! And best of all - NO cover! Rock on and have fun!

I try to stick to featuring original bands, but I have to give a shout out to Ohio Brass & Electric who are performing at Peach's Grill. So danceable! So talented! So fun! Of course, a costume contest too.

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Special Invite:

If you aren't already aware, Indigo Life Media is producing a new

and would love to have you in it! While the Oregon District is closed off for Hauntfest, they are using the street for a large-scale group scene.

Search #daytonmusicvideo on social media or click

for more details or just show up to the O.D. from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon (Oct 31st).

As always, thank you for supporting the live music scene in Dayton.

Your Dayton Music Insider,

Libby Ballengee

Note to Readers:   The information above is for October 29th-Nov 3rd. If I don't list a price, it's because I'm not sure what the price is. Generally cover charges for local shows are $5. Please click the hyperlinks to find out more about the bands, venues and events, including start times, directions, and ticket availability. As you can see, I try to promote as many shows as possible, but there will be some I miss. Keep me in the loop:  @LibbyBallengee. Also, check out the latest shows I'm promoting @theVenusChild. You can also keep up with my adventures on Instagram here.

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