Charity Rocks at Miami Valley Music Fest

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Did that Phish show get you fired up? (What did I tell you?!) This is the perfect time to keep that loving energy right on rolling! This weekend, Friday July 21st and Saturday July 22nd, is the  Miami Valley Music Fest, the harbinger of local music festivals in the greater Dayton area, and it always rings in festival season with style.

The Troy-based, 2-day, 4 stage, family friendly festival is near and dear to many people's hearts for its dedication to local charities. Declaring "Charity Rocks!" - this longtime running musical showcase, features different regional non-profits to be the recipients of proceeds from the weekend. It creates a spirit and community of generosity and good vibes! The festival also includes camping, vendors, food, and activities for kids.

MVMF also provides an excellent and affordable way to check out a host of local bands in one convenient location. This year's line up features D Funk Allstars, The Spikedrivers, The Almighty Get Down, Freekass, Caamp, Elementree Livity Project, Mike Perkins, Subterranean, and an encore performance of This Must Be the Party! Yep! It's true! If you missed the epic Talking Head's tribute this spring, here is your opportunity to see it - or experience it all again! Check out the full line-up and schedule here.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Tickets  for the festival are $40 for single day, or even better, $60 for the entire weekend. Options for premium camping and a VIP experience are also available. Please remember, the proceeds of the festival go to area charities who serve the Miami Valley, so please show your love for this annual music fest!

Thursday July 20th

RiverScape MetroPark's  is hosting another musical evening as part of their Summer Music Series, presented by Dayton.com. Thursday evening enjoy Barry Campbell Big Band with Vocalist Elaina McCormick! Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes for a great night of music! Weather Dependent. All ages. Show 7:30-9:30pm. Free!

The Submarine House in Centerville is much more spacious than most people expect, and they've decided to host bands. They invite you to come on out and enjoy Seefari Duo performing their patented "electro-reggae" style! So much fun! My reggae loving friends will be loving it! Show 7-10pm.

Blind Bob's invites you to celebrate Thursday in a weird way, and they've got an night of punk and party music in store. Check out the rowdy  Tight Fright,  Cincinati's punk band  The Nothing, a punk band from Japan  Pinky Doodle Poodle  (wow!), and  Nightbeast,  at their only Dayton show this summer! $5 cover. 21+

I'm loving Thursday nights at  Oregon Express. Medicine Wheel  has started a residency at OE, and it's freaking phenomenal. If you love watching guitar players, get a double dose of the Coalts! Featuring Chris Coalt Sr, Chris Coalt Jr, and fellow Subterranean members Rob Brockman and Chuckie Love for a sweet night of music. No cover! Music starts at 10pm with two sets of  jammin covers.

Friday July 21st

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

This weekend is a food truck rally weekend! Yes! Head over to  The "Old" Yellow Cab building on July 21st to hear free live music with Todd the Fox, along The Night Market, and a mix of amazing local food trucks: Ramen RickshawEl MesonSmokinbeebeeqThe Drunken Waffle Thai1OnGreek Street Food TruckCarvaso'sUnderdogs MobileCupzilla-Korean BBQ and special guest Umami Bites returning to Dayton for one day only!  Event is from 5-10pm. Free admission, and family friendly!

Get there even easier! Yellow Cab is excited to be partnering with Link: Dayton Bike Share  Dayton who will be offering on site bike parking! Don't forget they're also just a short walk from the Oregon District.

Summer fun is in store big time with the rock legends Huey Lewis & The News at Rose Music Center. Supporting guest,  Stranger, kicks off this evening of high energy rock'n'roll! Tickets start at $42. Ticket prices include parking and are subject to applicable Ticketmaster fees and day of show increase. All events are rain or shine. Doors 6:30pm. Show 8pm.

Fun add-on to the show: All patrons who purchase a ticket to Huey Lewis and The News will be treated to a Pre-Show Craft Beer Tasting. Pre Show Tastings begin 90 minutes prior to the show and end 15 minutes before the concert begins. All Pre-Show Tastings will be located on the main concourse. Must be 21 years of age and have a valid ID to participate.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Another classic rock option is happening at  Fraze Pavilion with Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx &  Blue Oyster Cult. Nice! $35 Orchestra. $25 Lawn & Terrace. All ticket prices increase $5 day of show. Show 7:30pm.

If you're a lover of more traditional music, there is a wonderful event happening downtown with The Elements, performing with Chris Erk  (The Tap Factor) at the  Metropolitan Arts Center , 4th Floor. 126 N Main St. (next to Victoria Theatre). This is a very unique event you won't want to miss! Pay what you can, however the suggested donation is $20. 8pm.

An rare evening of accoustic performances is happening over at Blind Bob's Friday night, including performances by: Starving in the Belly of the WhaleThe Castros (Columbus), Charles Hartman from  OldNews, Brandon Hawk, Akillis Green Charlie Jackson and the Heartland Railway, The Adventures of Denny Cottle . I love this! $5 cover. 9pm. 21+

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Rap / EDM fans are in for a treat Friday night with

Kool Keith, Blueprint a

nd

DJ Detox, DJ Spare Change, Fatty Lumpkin, Tino, Cubbz,

and

Cozmik Spirit

live at

Therapy Cafe. 

Doors at 9pm.

Advance $20, $25 at Door. Tickets available locally in Dayton at Clash Cosignment, Hemptation IV and Philly Phill. For info text "KOOL" to 9378252743

Jam band fans are loving the intimate setting of  ekoostik hookah  at  Wings Sports Bar and Grille's Patio! This is a great opportunity for dedicated fans to get up close and groove to the heady tunes! $10 admission. 21+ 10pm - 1am.

In Middletown, they're Takin' It To the Streets with Allman Brothers alum, Johnny Neel, who is joining up with  Bob Delaposta and The Broken String Band  for this free celebration! Head to the outdoor refreshment area on Broad St outside Murphy's Landing. As the first outdoor refreshment area in the state, you will be able to bring any drink purchased within the designated area outdoors to the show! Visit the many restaurants and bars in the area for additional entertainment, good food and drink specials. 8-11pm.

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Saturday July 22nd

The Wheels of Soul tour rolls back into the area this weekend with the Tedeschi Trucks Band at Rose Music Center, and very special guests The Wood Brothers and Hot Tuna. Wow! What a line-up! This is one of the most highly anticipated music events of the summer! Doors 6pm. Show 7pm. Tickets start at $51, which includes parking, subject to fees and day of show increase. Rain or shine.

Swamp Romp, featuring Zydeco Sounds & A Taste of Louisiana, is happening once again at Fraze Pavilion.  In fact, it's one of the venue's biggest events of the summer! Music starts at 4pm with The Hot Magnolias, followed by 6pm Robin Lacy & DeZydeco, and 8pm Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience. Free admission! Gates open at 4pm.

Also in Kettering, enjoy the annual Garlic Fest at Bella Villa Hall. All weekend features beer trucks and food vendors from 11am to 10pm. On Saturday night, don't miss "Prince Night" with a Prince tribute band out of Chicago. This is a free show! Music from 7:30-9:30pm. Feel free to bring lawn chairs.

Saturday night gets wild with Texas Hippie Coalition at Oddbody's Music Room . They play their own patented Red Dirt Metal sound: one party outlaw country, with a dash of Southern-fried classic rock and Texas power grooves. Local acts Transylvania Hellhounds and Blackwater get the night started. Tickets $17 in advance, $22 day of show. Doors 7pm. Show 7:30pm. 18+

Blues fans will be delighted to hear that both The Doug Hart Band and Noah Wotherspoon Band are returning to Gilly's for a night of Blues. $10 admission. 8pm.

A great way to extend the evening from there, is to head over to see The Charlie Tipton Band at Oregon Expressespecially easy from Gilly's. I love trying to catch as much music as I can in one night! Super close by and showcases another up-and-coming original act. 21+ $5 cover. 9:30pm.

Blind Bob's is rockin' once again with  You vs. YesterdayNOVAGOLDPoet's DistrictJay Dub Sr. , and a super special solo performance by  Jestin Rosebreh. This show is a special benefit for  A Voice for the Innocent,  a non-profit dedicated to the support of those affected by rape and sexual abuse. They provide a safe and compassionate space to come forward about your story anduse music and technology to provide access to long term resources. Very cool - please support them and this show! 9pm. $5 at the door, 21+

It's going to be a ragin' time with local hip hop faves Dip Spit  along with Tim Gebard & the Hitmen at South Park Tavern. That will be super fun! Get there early to snag a good spot! Show 10pm-1am.

Over at Jimmie's Ladder 11, you'll find a mix of bands performing, including  Founding Fathers  a unique blend of synth-rock, funk, dance, and new wave,  The Turbos,  a high energy, alt-rock, quartet based in Columbus, and  Goodnight Goodnight  a popular Dayton alternative band. Show 9pm-2am. 21+

One of the fun summah treats is Reel Late, a film series at Victoria Theatre. This Saturday they show Led Zeppelin - The Song Remains the Same, an absolute classic among rock fans. Individual tickets are available at the Victoria Theatre Box Office one hour prior to showtime for $6. Showtime: 10:30 p.m.

What's extra cool is that before the show, you can enjoy live music at 10pm with c.wright's Parlour Tricks ! They perform a fiery brand of instrumental guitar-wrangling that mixes jazz, a bit o'country, a lot of bluesy, plenty of rock and always pushin' the woogie. Also enjoy free popcorn and a cash bar before all Reel Late at the Vic movies!

A bit north of town, you can rock out to Motel Faces, Death By Fetish and A Sides / B Sides will be at Oscar's Bar in Vandalia. 9pm. $5 cover.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Over by Wright State, The Wandering Griffin will tap into the brews and Todd the Fox will tap into the Blues! This is an early show, from 7:30-9:30pm, a perfect pre-game event before late night shows or a night out for parents who have to boogie home early. Always a lot of fun with Todd and his trio!

All those folks pining for the 80s/90s will love checking out Smells Like Nirvana, STP2 (Stone Temple Pilots tribute), and Guns V. Roses at JD Legends  on Saturday night. This tribute show bonanza is outdoor at the venue from 6:30-11:30pm. $10 admission, with additional ticketing options available.

Sunday July 23rd

Jimmie's Ladder 11 is hosting a Summer Singer Songwriter Series by  Brandon Hawk every Sunday from 5-8pm. Dine or drink out on their Acoustic Patio this week with Charlie Tipton,  Nolan Taylor, and  James Cameron.

Hollywood rockers The Bullet Boys  are in town and performing at Courtyard Lounge in Englewood. An awfully cozy spot for such a popular group! Show 8pm. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what the admission price is for this show.

Last but not least, Avon Dale, a rootsy rock band from Memphis, is making a Sunday Funday stop on their Strings & Rust Tour at Blind Bob's . Avon Dale starts off at 9:30pm, with special guests Freakquency at 11:15pm. $5 cover. 21+

And as always, thank you for supporting live music!

Your Dayton Music Insider,
Libby Ballengee
Note to Readers:  The information above is for July 20th-23rd, 2017. If I don’t list a price, I’m not sure what it is. Typically cover charges for local concerts are $5. Please click the hyperlinks to find out more about the bands, venues, and events, including start times, directions, and ticket availability.   Keep up with my live music adventures on Facebook, Instagram, or  Twitter. Enjoy the show! 

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