Dayton Music Insider: Buffalo Killers Weekend's Top Pick

Out and about early for First Friday downtown? Check out rock and blues served up over at Oregon Express from 5-8 p.m. with the Linda Prevo Band. There is pizza too - so it's a perfect stop before you get into late night fun!

The Rose Music Center has a truly awesome lineup this summer, and this Friday they are featuring the Empress of Soul herself, Gladys Knight. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance. Tickets range from $23.50-$57, and are applicable to fees. Please check availability before you go! 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show.

Classical fans, this is a special weekend with the Dayton Philharmonic, as they feature a 2-night Brahms Festival. Guest pianist Antonio Pompa-Baldi, DPO Concertmaster Jessica Hung, DPO Principal Second Violin Kirstin Greenlaw, and DPO Principal Cello Andra Padrichelli join forces to salute remarkable German composer Johannes Brahms. Tickets start at just $14, ranging to $61. Performances start at 8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday evening, and are two different programs, so if you're a Brahms fan, consider going to both!

On the other end of the spectrum, metal fans are clamoring to go see Michael Angelo Batio, one of the icons of rock/metal guitar work. This guy has invented some of the wildest techniques, and paired with a great sense of humor, he puts on an incredible show! 80 Proof, Black Cloud Syndrome, TheGringo kick off this heavy metal night at Oddbody's Music Room. $15 pre-sale tickets available here: http://ticketf.ly/1RBU768 and are $20 at the door. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show.

Chicago funk band EGi is also in town, and performing at Jimmie's Ladder 11. Funk is one of the best ways to celebrate First Friday, so make sure you get out there, shake your groove thang, and show them why this town is the birthplace of funk! It's a late show, so also perfect after party to one of the aforementioned concerts. Starts at 10:30 p.m. $5 cover.

Punk rock and indie fans, you're usual stomping grounds at Blind Bob's does not disappoint this evening. Skull Practitioners, The 1984 Draft, Big Wooly, and Roosevelt are all performing. This show is extra special because this is the first time The Skull Practitioners, from NYC, are performing in Dayton, so let's make sure we show them some love! 9 p.m. $5 cover.

Bluegrass and folk fans, Sawgrass will be getting things hoppin' at at the Trolley Stop tonight. They are a super talented three-piece that is perfect for Friday night summer fun. 9:30 p.m. show. $5 cover.

Tonight's musical offerings literally span all genres, including Celtic music! Nice! Stop by the Dublin Pub to hear Dulahan perform. Their band showcases rich harmonies, traditional Celtic instrumentation, with a touch of Scottish Highland feel. Show 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

It wouldn't be a First Friday without the boys at 3DMentional putting on an epic throw down at Therapy Cafe . Five DJs for $5 is the deal this evening, along with a live art contest! Event runs from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. (Yes, these guys know how to party!)

Heading out into the suburbs a bit, you will find a free, all-ages rock show at Hank's Pub in Kettering. This will be a rocking night of music featuring some of Dayton's craziest bands, including Praey, The Shades of Cool, Tiger Sex and Ylrf. Music starts at 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 7th

The 5th Annual May Daze music festival kicks off today at Hannon's Camp America near Oxford, featuring the area's best jam bands: Glostik Willy, Subterranean, Bath Salt Zombies Band, Kommunity Service, High Altitude, Eyeris Wide, Conscious Pilot, Creation Station and more! Music runs continuously from 1 p.m.-4 a.m. Sunday morning. $40 presale, $45 day of show. Includes camping. BYOB.

Back in Dayton, a reminder about that rockin' Buffalo Killers, Motel Beds, Good English show at

. All seats $15 reserved. Click

for more information on tickets. 8pm showtime. This is a "don't miss" event!

An outstanding line up of metal bands is tearing through town, with uber popular bands Soulfly, Suffocation, Battlecross, Lody Kong,  and Abnormality. Where? Oddbody's Music Room, of course! Doors 5 p.m., show 5:30 p.m. $25 pre-sale, $30 day of show.

A great show to support downtown is the fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team and theFisher / Nightingale House at the Dayton V.A. Hospital at Oregon Express. Live music provided by Tim Gebard & the Hit Men (Roots / Americana), Todd the Fox (Hyper Delta Blues), and Dip Spit (as they call it, Grown Ass Music). Great music and very worthy cause, please support them! $5 cover. 21+

Another heart felt benefit show is happening just down the street at Blind Bob's this evening: The Sean Wilson Memorial Show, featuring Abertooth Lincoln (Dayton), Andy Rush (Dayton), Paige Beller (Dayton), Bertram (Chicago) and Paul Ceccerelli and Tim Zimmermann of Zasz (Nashville). Cheers to Sean, and bless everyone who pulled together this memorable show. Again, please show your support! 8 p.m. Ages 21+.

Missing Motorhead? Well you're in for an awesome night remembering the legend that was Lemmy Kilmister, with a Tribute to Motorhead at Rock Star Pro Arena. "The 8th of May" (sing it to the tune of "Ace of Spades") is International Motorhead Day. The night before Motorhead Day 2016, these Dayton-area bands will pay tribute to the almighty Motorhead: Legbone, Red Hot Rebellion, The Nuckles, FBS, Gee Gee's Punk Rock All Stars (featuring members of Legbone & The Jackalopes). 7 p.m. doors.

Over at the Trolley Stop, it's Puzzle of Light night!  Check out the Bashaws and their wonderful group of musicians. This is a much more low key night for those who aren't as into all the metal and hard rock that is dominating the evening. Ready to relax and just enjoy your evening? This is your spot! 9:30 p.m. $5 cover.

Hate to disappoint the country fans out there, but the Vince Gill show at the Rose Music Center is sold out! And of course the Merle Haggard show scheduled for the 11th has been cancelled due to Merle's death a month ago. So sad! (Moment of silent for The Outlaw)

Country fans can howerver head out to Englewood to hear the Justin Bryan Band with very special guests Truk at Courtyard Lounge. Justin is a young singer/songwriter with a lot of talent and heart, so check him out! 18~20 $10 cover. 21+ $5 cover

Grammy-Award winning guitarist Bill Mize and special guest Bill Price, are performing an awesome night of Americana music out at Taffys of Eaton from  8-11:30 p.m. Simply gorgeous guitar work, you'll have to hear to understand. If you miss listening room type shows, this is tailored for you!

Our frinds in Springfield are throwing their own metal show with

,

, and

$5 cover.

Monday, May 9th

Friendly reminder! Yours truly will be one of the speakers at the Music Power Conference, which is being held all day on Monday, and is crafted specifically for the Dayton music community. For more information about this special event, click here.

As always, thank you for supporting live music!