This weekend, the Dayton Philharmonic presents A Swingin' Holiday Celebration (SuperPops Series), which puts a Swing music spin on holiday classics such as "Baby It's Cold Outside," "All I Want for Christmas Is You," "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and more! Schuster Center. Performance starts at 8pm on both Friday and Saturday nights. For ticket info, click here.
Credit: Libby Ballengee
Credit: Libby Ballengee
Downtown, you can't go wrong with
at
It's a group of top notch musicians, who play straight up rock'n'roll. The interplay between piano and guitar emphasis always makes for an interesting
and fun
evening! Plus he produced an entire Christmas album! So I'm sure they'll be playing some holiday tunes too. 9:30pm. 21+ $5 cover.
Alternative and indie rock fans are in for a treat with Moira, Us, Today, Enzo, and In the Pines at Blind Bob's Bar. It's an eclectic line-up of up-and-coming Dayton / Cincinnati experimental bands! Doors 9pm. 21+ $5 cover.
For those of you out there (you know who you are!), who just want to see horns, head over to the Ohio Brass & Electric show at Oregon Express. They are ready to party! Music from 9pm to 1am. 21+ $5 cover.
Another group who is ready to party is ThunderTaker, who are set to releas their 2nd EP "Alternate Universe" at Yellow Cab on Friday night. Plus their bass player Ryan Palcic will also be celebrating his birthday too! Plus they've got some really special special guests: Jasper The Colossal, RIND, Spanish Tony Sanchez. If you like hard, loud, fun rock'n'roll, this is gonna be a party you don't want to miss! 8pm. $5 cover. 18+
Credit: Libby Ballengee
Credit: Libby Ballengee
Just want to get funky and dance? You're covered too!
, a Detroit based funk punk metal experimental trio are making a stop at
on Ludlow, as part of their national tour. Local acts will be performing Friday night too, including:
, Mantis, AhBeatz, Citizens of Earth, Dex and Hype.
Wandering Griffin is hosting celebrations of their own! They are celebrating their first year with some special music this weekend, including the highly anticipated Brian Keith Wallen. And it's a free show! Sweet! 8pm.
continues their birthday party early on Saturday and all day long! Live music is certainly on the menu, including some really fantastic local acts:
Nothing But Treble, Todd the Fox,
The
Kyleen Downes Band, Harold Hensley of The Repeating Arms
. Event runs from 11am - 11pm. Check with the venue (937-956-5216) about set times and to make reservations (recommended).
Credit: Libby Ballengee
Credit: Libby Ballengee
Saturday night in the Oregon District is a very special night. It's time for the The 12th Annual Santa Pub Crawl to benefit the Marine's Toys for Tots campaign! The Gem City Podcast, of which I'm a host and volunteer, is again presenting this event to help the Marines in this worthy endeavor - making sure kids get a toy on Christmas. Last year we raised over 1000 toys for area kids, and we are looking forward to doing the same this year!
To participate, head to Dublin Pub or Oregon Express and make a $10 donation or $10 value toy directly to the Marine's. You'll receive a route card, and you can have fun at any of the participating bars! We encourage you to wear your most festive holiday gear, because there is a costume contest at Blind Bob's at 10pm. We've got some prizes and door prizes to give away from our awesome sponsors and donors! It's a great way to enjoy music and get in the holiday spirit!
Credit: Libby Ballengee
Credit: Libby Ballengee
To get around that much easier, don't forget that the Downtown Dayton Partnership has a Sugar Plum Shuttle running downtown! Pretty cool! Learn more about the Shuttle and its schedule here.
You'll want to have a way around, because there is another night of fantastic music happening along the way! I'm excited to see Nasty Bingo at Trolley Stop. Special guest Sparkeeta kicks off this night of hip shakin' rock'n'roll! This will be a lively night for sure! 9:30pm. 21+ $5 cover.
Over at Oregon Express, check out some new bands on my radar: Sonny B Gould, Mara Moon, Kris Burns, and Choke Hazard. You'll hear some folk, blues, rock, indie, and even some hip-hop influences! 9:30pm. 21+ $5 cover.
Just outside the District, you can Celebrate the Echo at Yellow Cab! What a great night of music, which features Mike Bankhead's debut album "Echo in the Crevices," along with The New Old-Fashioned and Shrug . In addition to enjoying the musical stylings of two of Dayton's finest bands, you can also enjoy photography from Christopher Corn, Jennifer Taylor, Kristin Sellman, and Spencer Williams in the gallery at Yellow Cab Tavern. Doors at 7:00 PM, Music starts at 8:00 PM. $7 cover.
Credit: Libby Ballengee
Credit: Libby Ballengee
There is a super special unplugged night for one of the area's fave rowdy jam band, Glostik Willy. Lots of anticipation to see these infamous and talented rockers unplug for a night that's sure to be one to remember! Mikial Robertson is opening the show, happening at Hannah's (121 N Ludlow). Don't forget your canned food item for Foodbank Dayton! Share the love this season. $20 at the door.
Another fantastic music event Saturday night is the Guitar Madness show at South Park Tavern. featuring Todd the Fox Trio, Evil Eye Gypsy , and Tim Gebard & The Hitmen. Free admission, great food and great music! Can't go wrong at this one! Wow - so much cool stuff to do Saturday night! Don't miss out! 9pm-1am.
Southern country rap your style? Twang & Round is performing at Oddbody's Music Room, along with Organic Bandits. Doors: 7:00 pm .Show: 7:30 pm $10.00 advance. $15.00 day of show.
DPYO_1718_winter
presents their
with variety of showpieces, including a World Premiere! DPYO was one of the nation's first youth orchestras, so this really is a special milestone!
Classical music fans, please do check out this wonderful concert at the beautiful Schuster Center. 3pm Sunday. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Reserved ahead by calling Ellen Bagley at (937) 224-3521, ext. 1136. The event is open seating.
Celtic Music fans don't have to wait half a year for the Celtic Festival to enjoy live music! Head over to a special Evening of Celtic Music and Dance, with acclaimed Irish singer Colleen Raney (her Dayton debut!), local favorites The Dulahan , and dancing from the Celtic Academy of Irish Dance . Amazing night! Concert 7-10pm at Stivers School for the Arts. $25 per ticket. More information here.
Canadian singer-songwriter Tia McGraff will be stopping in Dayton on her US tour to Yellow Cab Tavern. Special local guest, Paige Beller will also be performing. Show starts at 8pm. Admission $10.
Note to Readers: This is not a comprehensive list of all the live music in Dayton. That would be a long list. I encourage you to check out Music Connection Dayton for more info on additional shows I don't have the word count to list.
And as always, thank you for supporting live music!
Your Dayton Music Insider,
Libby Ballengee
Note to Readers: The information above is for December 2017. This is a listing of interesting shows in the Miami Valley region, but is by no means definitive. There are always lots of shows, and so much space and time to touch upon them all. 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 information. You can keep up with my live music adventures on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Cheers!
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