Dayton Music Insider Top Pick: Jaden Carlson Band

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Dayton certainly got struck with the luck of the Irish this weekend, with a simply stacked line-up of Dayton and touring bands.

One of the weekend's highlights comes surprisingly at the end of the long weekend. On Sunday evening, you can catch the jammin' three-piece from Boulder, the Jaden Carlson Band at Therapy Cafe. Jaden is a 15-year old virtuoso, who has released a whopping 4 albums at her young age. She's an amazing guitarist, one that has to be seen to believe!

One of my favorite local tribute groups, the Great Northern String Band will start the evening off, with music beginning at 9pm. For Grateful Dead fans, they are a "must see." Tickets $10, and are available at the door at Therapy Cafe.

Keep reading for all the holiday festivities!

Friday March 17th - St Patrick's Day!

The place to be on St Patty's Day is the Dublin Pub, of course! Live music is on the menu, which includes bands Jameson's Folly, Miami Valley Pipe & Drums, Father, Son, & Friends, Scott Houchens, Ithaca, and more. Festivities start at 4:30am (yes, you read that right!) and continue throughout the day till 12:30am inside the giant tent, although drinking inside the Pub continues till 2:30am. Close to 24 hours of non-stop beer drinking! For the complete listing of events, click here. Wristbands are $10. 21+

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Just across Wayne Ave, you'll find fantastic entertainment at the Trolley Stop, starting at 3pm with the Brian Spirk Quartet. They'll be performing till 7pm, with an appearance by Mac Williams of Buddy Danko & The Tokens during their set. These are all wonderful musicians, and would be my personal preference for evening entertainment. Best part? No cover charge! 21+

Late night gets even juicier with  Ernie Johnson from Detroit, also at Trolley Stop. This funky, funky crew, from Cincinnati (despite what the name implies!) are ridiculously fun and talented. Get there early to get a good dance spot! Music runs from 9:30pm - 1:30am. 21+

Another one of my favorites, Dayton's own Subterranean, is back at their old stomping grounds, the Oregon Express. Feels like homecoming for this up-and-coming group, who has been touring regionally and opening for national acts. Catch them while you can! This group is on fire! Especially with their debut album ready to drop this spring. 10pm. 21+

I'm also loving the St. Patrick's Day Rock and Roll Show line-up at Jimmie's Ladder 11, which features Salvadore Ross, Big Lightning, and Brett Hill. Great alternative offerings at one of my fave bars, with a yummy menu. Winning all around! Music at 8pm.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Over at Blind Bob's, indie rock and alternative fans will be partying with Cincinnati's

. 9pm. 21+

Jazz fans, don't miss Duante Beddingfield featuring The Randy Villars Trio at Blue Note Bistro in Miamisburg. This dynamic group continues to be one of the most popular local groups performing at the new jazz club down south. Definitely worth the pop down to check out the lush surroundings and ear candy. Do call ahead and confirm there is room, as this group tends to sell out!

Country and Blues fans head north of town for the Mack McKenzie, TRUK, The Typical Johnsons, and Barstool Brown show at Oscar's in Vandalia. This is a great alternative if you are trying to avoid the downtown madness. 9pm.

I grew up in Brookville, so I certainly have a soft spot for the hometown bar O'Riley's Tavern. Friday night you can celebrate St. Paddy's Day with Todd the Fox, which is going to be fantastically fun! To all my old high school chums, this will be a great evening of music, so do get out and enjoy it! No cover too! 8pm - 12am. 21+

Out in Yellow Springs, I encourage you to support the Speaking Suns Record Fundraiser Show, which features music from Speaking Suns, of course, along with Manray and Crooked Spines. For this special occasion, they are taking pre-orders of the new record for every donation, and all proceeds will go to helping them release the new album. 9pm.

Saturday March 18th

Saturday features another funky night of tunes! Over at Jimmie's Ladder 11, catch EGi from Chicago and local Grateful Dead tribute band Arrows of Neon. If you like jammin' out, dancing, and generally having an amazing time, this will be a very fun night! $5. 21+

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Downtown, two sets from Cincinnati's

Connection is definitely one of the "don't miss" shows of the weekend. At a MJ show, you can't help but dance and smile the entire time! Tumbleweed is such a fun bar too, so you know it's going to be an unforgettable night. 9pm 21+

Rock'a'billy your thing? Then boogie on over to the Cherry Lee & The Hot Rod Hounds at Oregon Express. Enjoy this high energy fun! Music usually gets going around 9:30pm. 21+

Dayton favorites Puzzle of Light are performing at the Trolley Stop, which is always a treat for fans, with their eclectic world music sound. Enjoyable for a variety of audiences! 9:30pm. $5 cover. 21+

If you're into heavier riffs, check out metal / hard rock bands Well of Night, Fox 45, Close The Hatch at Blind Bob's. Fox 45 is coming in from Rochester, so get out and support them too! Love when up-and-coming bands stop through Dayton. 9pm. $5 cover. 21+

Great folks, including Kyleen Downes, Mary Lynn, and A Shade of Red, are performing at Yellow Cab Saturday night. Doors at 7pm. Music at 8pm. All ages. This show is offering a sliding scale cover charge $2 - $22 (if the budget's tight, that's alright - if you've got more to spare, show the musicians that you care!). This show additionally features the animation artistry of Christine Gaffney. Very cool!

Sunday March 19th

Sunday Funday is going to be extra epic at Blind Bob's on Sunday. An experiment long in the making is coming to life: the first-ever night of nonstop entertainment of live music and stand-up comedians. Progressive metal band Others by No One are performing, along with Tran Kohn, and The Dayton Tenacious D Ensemble (Max/Quique of Others by No One). 9pm. $5 cover. 21+

Don't forget! Sunday is also when the aforementioned Jaden Carlson Band is performing at Therapy Cafe!

As always, thank you for supporting live music!

Your Dayton Music Insider,
Libby Ballengee
Note to Readers:  The information above is for March 17th-19th, 2017. If I don’t list a price, I’m not sure what the price is. Typically 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.   Check out the latest shows I’m promoting  @theVenusChild . You can keep up with my adventures on Instagram  here or follow me on Twitter  @LibbyBallengee Cheers!

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