Dayton's Music Picks: Waltzing into the Holiday Season

This is such a wonderful way to ring in the holiday spirit and support two beloved institutions in our community. Kudos and thanks to the Jeff Opt, who organizes this every year, all the musicians, and everyone who makes this event possible. My heart simply soars every time I experience it!

Wednesday, November 23rd

One of the biggest shows of the evening is certainly the traditional homecoming show for national touring band The Werks. This annual show is affectionately referred to as Werksgiving, and this year features the up-and-coming local band Subterranean. Couldn't be more excited about seeing both of these amazing bands under one roof. One of the "don't miss" shows of the holiday weekend, for sure. $15 admission at Oddbody's Music Room. Doors 7 p.m. Show 8 p.m. Ages 18+.

Blues rock fans will be buzzing over to

for the Home for the Holiday show, featuring

and Kellan Williams. If you love hearing people lay it down on electric, this is a great show for you! 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Ages 21+.

Bluegrass fans, make sure you see Sawgrass at Tumbleweed Connection this evening! They are such a fun group, in a super fun bar. This is also a great after party if you are attending the Last Waltz show! 9:30 p.m. Ages 21+.  NOTE: They are also performing at Tumbleweed Friday night too!

Hard rock fans, head up north to see heavy hitters Far from Eden, ThunderTaker, Alfie Luckey Project, and Leaving Eden at Oscar's Bar in Vandalia. This bar is quickly becoming an extension of the Dayton music scene, so please support them! Show 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 cover. Ages 21+.

Friday, November 25th

One of Trolley Stop's favorite acts is back: Miss Angela Perley and the Howlin' Moons will be rockin' in the holidays Friday night. That is music to a lot of local rock fans ears out there! 9:30 p.m. $5 cover. Ages 21+.

If you need to seriously rock out after all the family time, wheel on over to Blind Bob's for Back Stabbath, Hexadiode, and Cities on Flame. That's going to be a ragin' good time! 9 p.m. $5 cover. Ages 21+.

Freakquency is getting funky at Oregon Express this evening. Great time if you want to boogie down with friends! $5 cover. 10 p.m. Ages 21+.

For jazz fans in the area, be sure to check out the Urban Jazz Coalition at Gilly's Jazz. 8 p.m. $10 cover.

If your holiday plans take you to the Cincy area this weekend, check out Freekbass & The Bump Assembly and Jess Lamb & The Factory at the Southgate Revival. Going to be a bumpin' show for sure! $15 at the door. All ages. 9 p.m.

Saturday, November 26th

A fantastic show for hard rock fans in the area certainly has to be the Barb Wire Dolls show at Blind Bob's. Originally from Greece, the Dolls relocated to LA about five years ago. They are returning home after nearly two years of nonstop touring in Europe. Joining them on the bill are local favorites Jasper the Colossal and SKRT. $7 cover. 9 p.m. 21+

The Alan Smithee Band comes all the way from Scotland to perform at Oregon Express for your enjoyment this evening. This 5-piece performs airy, guitar pop that's perfect for the indie alternative scene in Dayton. Show them some love! Music usually gets going around 9:30 p.m. with a $5 cover.

Speaking of music from that side of the world, Celtic music lovers will be delighted to hear Father Son and Friends at Dublin Pub. They perform traditional Celtic music in an Appalachian style. Upbeat and fun! 9 p.m.

The 10th Annual After Thanksgiving Music Gala at Gilly's features Kick-n-Flava, with vocalist Valeria and Eric (Lil' Luther) Bailey. Doors 7:30 p.m. Show 8:30 p.m. $12 advance. $15 at the door. Tickets are available at Omega Music or at Gilly's.

Metals fans, do not miss

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. 7 p.m. All ages. Beer available w/proper 21+ ID. Advance tickets $10, $12 at the door.

GoodnightGoodnight is releasing their first full length LP! So happy for them! Celebrate with them at Oscar's Bar in Vandalia. The first 10 paying attendees will receive a free digital download of the LP entitled "This Place." Echo Mecca, Pray, Scarecrow Sideshow  and Tyler Grant aka Literary Squirrel are also on the line up. 6-11 p.m. show.

For those of you who like to jam and get funky, there's the perfect event for you too! The Funky Turkey Jam is happening at One Eyed Jack's in Fairborn. Lyle kicks off the night, then hometown group The Mainline Funk, followed by Columbus's Electric Orange Peel. 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 27th

St. Vincent de Paul provides emergency assistance and supportive services to over 100,000 people annually within our community who are either homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. A group of Dayton locals are hosting a "Shop Local, Drink Local, Give Local" fundraising event at Blind Bob's, which will support the shelter. There will be carnival games and prizes, as well as live music by Sidekick Complex, Kelly Hanus, Randy Cornett, Donovan Mount, and Matt Witzeman. Show is 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 cover or bag of donation items.

Please vote! I'm asking for your help to support Arts organizations that I love. This year, I was honored to be the Arts Ambassador for The Dayton Foundation's Spread the Good campaign. For the next week, you can vote for area non-profits, and whoever gets the most votes wins grant money! Please vote for your favorite by clicking the heart by the entry you think is most deserving here. Of course, if you see your Dayton Music Insider in the photo, hopefully that one sways your vote!

Thanks in advance for your support and as always, thank you for supporting live music!