There's always lots of fun to be had over Labor Day weekend, but certainly one of the best bests is Ladyfest Dayton. This annual music and arts festival celebrates the amazing creative spirit of the women of Dayton!
Organizers hope to bring together and inspire people through music, art, and education that's open, safe and welcoming for everyone, regardless of gender identity. Best of all, proceeds each year benefit a different local charity. This year's event supports Oak Tree Corner , a center for grieving children.
The 2-day festival is held at Yellow Cab, and starts on Friday September 1st from 7pm-1am, and continuing on Saturday September 2nd from 5pm-1am. Bands featured include: Spanish Tony Sanchez, Team Void, SKRT, Yikes a Band, Rite of Venus, Kyleen Downes, Moira, Jasper the Colossal, Lung, Erika Wennerstrom, Abertooth Lincoln, and lots more!
In addition to the music, there will be loads of visual art on display by a variety of female artists. Local vendors, food trucks and full service bar is also on site. You can also enjoy a an acoustic stage, a comedy showcase (hosted by Karen Jaffe) and a poetry showcase, (hosted by Dayton Poetry Slam). All this entertainment for just $7 per day - for a worthy cause! Not to mention, a great chance to check out what all the fabulous females of Dayton have been creating!
Keep reading to find out what other exciting events are happening this weekend!
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Friday September 1st
Over at Jimmie's Ladder 11 , there's a special memorial show for Bill Lyle, who recently passed. He was a punk rock fan, and his friends want to send him off in a way he would have enjoyed. SOK and Goon is bringing fast tunes and The Knife Fight is reuniting so everyone can show their love and support for Billy, his family, and his friends. There will be a 50/50 raffle and all proceeds will go to Bill's family for funeral and hospital expenses. Please come join us for some food, beer, and punk rock! 9pm. $5 cover, 21+
Punk fans will also be rockin' out at the SWARM show, along side GBR, Rich Man's Trick, and The Sipes at Blind Bob's. Swarm features one of my faves, Mr. Scott Bodine, a Dayton legend! 9pm. $5 cover, 21+
For a total change of pace, head over to check out Charlie Tipton Band at Oregon Express. He's got a great voice and Americana roots feel, that's sure to please! 9:30pm. $5 cover, 21+
Saturday September 2nd
Veronica Grim & the Heavy Hearts (spooky outlaw gutter-country from Cincinnati), are in town performing Saturday night, along with Dark Backward, Big Lightning, GeeGee's Punk Rock All Stars and the debut of Viceroy Kings! 7pm doors
at Rockstar Pro Arena. All ages. Advance $6. At the door $8.
Another highly anticipated, high energy rock show is happening at Jimmie's Ladder 11 with The Dead Licks, The Daytimers and Max Boyle. Fun! $3 at the door.
There's an eclectic mix of indie, punk and hip hop with bands God Bless & Asher Jones, Brat Curse, Sleep Fleet, Van Dale, and Invisible Strings over at Blind Bob's on Saturday night. Love the variety! 9pm. $5 cover, 21+
Also in the Oregon District, enjoy alt rockers Endive at Oregon Express, with special guests Death by Fetish and Thank the Maker. 9:30pm. $5 cover, 21+
Sunday September 3rd
The Sunday of Labor Day weekend is oh-so-sweet, and not just because you don't have to go to work the next day. It's the set date for the annual Dayton Reggae Festival, which is this year celebrating its 30th year running! This year, they move the festivities to Riverscape MetroPark, which will be lovely by the river! Get your groove on with FYA KEY Band, Lungu Vybz, Rob Dread & The KMA, Da Squad featuring Jamaica Rose & Mystic Reign, Dougie Simpson & The Faith Band, and Seefari. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome. Sorry, no tents, coolers, pets, grills, outside food and/or beverages allowed. Free water is provided. Food and merchandise vendors on site. Free admission! 1-8pm.
Wednesday September 6th
Speaking of reggae, guess who is in town?! UB40 Legends Ali, Astro, & Mickey are performing at Rose Music Center. Always a fantastic place to see a show! Morgan Heritage starts the night off at 7pm. Doors at 6pm. Tickets start at $23.50.
And as always, thank you for supporting live music!
Your Dayton Music Insider,
Libby Ballengee
Note to Readers: The information above is for September 1st-6th, 2017. If I don’t list a price, I’m not sure what it is. Typically cover charges for local shows are $5. Click 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!