Dayton Music Roundup: Dayton Rock Festival

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that every weekend rocks in this town. This weekend is extra rockin', as it's time for the Dayton Rock Festival , a free music festival put on by the City of Dayton for its ultra cool residents.

The festival is held at Dave Hall Plaza, at 4th and Jefferson, just behind the Crowne Plaza. Music starts at 1 p.m. with Oh Condor, and changes bands every hour. Other acts include including Nerak Roth Patterson Band, Paige Beller, Inside Out Band, Nick Mitchell & Skeptical Cats, Dixie Peach and more! The event ends at 9 p.m.

Remember, admission and water are both free! No outside food or drink are permitted, but there will be food and merchandise vendors on site as well. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair, but no tents, coolers, grills or pets will be allowed.

This is always a fun festival, and it's free, so don't miss it! For information on other great live events this weekend, keep reading.

Friday, August 19th

Want to jump right into some fun after work? Head over to the Yellow Cab Food Truck Rally which runs from 5-10 p.m. It's free to attend! They will have foods ranging from Asian, American, South American, New American, Breakfast and everything in between! The cherry on top is live music from  The Boxcar Suite, one of my favorite local rock bands. It's going to be a truly fun evening, so don't miss out!

Grand Rapids, Michigan-based hip hop artists Lady Ace Boogie and JROB   have come together to form a new group called The Great Ones. Their music is mixed with soulful melodies and raw lyricism.  They are doing a mini-tour of Grand Rapids, Dayton and Chicago to release their new album, and this evening is the Dayton party! Show is 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Credit: Ashley Bethard

Credit: Ashley Bethard

Terros, a psychedelic folk band from Athens, is performing at Jimmie's Ladder 11 with friends Dogwood Tales and The Dawn Drapes (both from Virginia), and Sunrise Reset (from Columbus). These guys are ready to put on a party for you - all you have to do is show up! Music starts at 9:30 p.m. $5 at the door.

Out in Yellow Springs, check out Asheville, North Carolina's Jahman Brahman perform at Peach's Grill. They have local ties and are stoked to be back in the area. They are perfect for the Yellow Springs vibe, so get in your summertime fun while you can! Free show. Music at 10 p.m. Ages 18+ with proper ID.

Out in the Oxford area, the annual Wham Bam Thank You Jam is happening, which features many of the area's up and coming rock and jam bands. To add to the fun, there is a huge fire sculpture, drumming, dancing, vendors, and of course, camping. $60 at the gate. This fantastic festival runs Friday Aug 19th through Sunday Aug 21st.

Saturday, August 20th

The KirbyFest Fundraiser is simply a fantastic way to spend a Saturday afternoon and help with a worthy cause! Head down to the tromping grounds of the Renaissance Festival, south east off 73 in Waynesville, for this fundraiser full of music, drinks, good food, and great company to help long time and beloved Dayton on-air personality Bill 'Kirby' Mervar, as he recovers from cancer.

The festival runs from 12-7pm. Entry fee will be $10 and food is $10 a plate. Entrance tickets can be purchased in advance via PayPal (username: kirbyfestfundraiser@yahoo.com.) Please print off the payment confirmation and show at the gate for entry. Please note: the Renaissance Festival will not be going on.

Over at Riverscape it's the 16th annual Hispanic Heritage Festival. The festival will have cultural Hispanic music, food, and dances. There will also be a parade that will include participation by multiple local entities. The event is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Go for the food, stay for the music!

Festival of the Vine is this Saturday afternoon, which is a free music festival featuring fine wine and cool jazz at Fraze Pavilion. Gates open at 3 p.m. Music also starts at 3 p.m. from Mike Wade Quartet and at 5 p.m. from Fo/Mo/Deep. There is an optional ticketed headlining concert that evening starting at 7 p.m. with music from The Rippington's. Tickets for the evening concert start at $25, and go up $5 day of show.

Rock and jam band fans are excited to see that

Gov't Mule

is in town with special guest

Blackberry Smoke

. Head over to

to see this renowned band, fronted by visionary Grammy-winning artist and guitar legend Warren Haynes. Tickets start at $34. Ticket prices include parking and are subject to applicable Ticketmaster fees and day of show increase. All events are rain or shine. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Downtown, be sure to stop by the Ladyfest Freakshow Pub Crawl. This is a fun and freaky way to support Ladyfest Dayton. Dress up like your favorite Freak Show performer and join in on the pub crawl, starting at the Oregon Express at 10 p.m., then on The Tumbleweed, Trolley Stop, Dublin Pub, Fifth Street Brewery, Ned Peppers and then back to the OE to party with Winchester Gray, Down Strange Charm & Bribing Senators. $5 donation at the start. Everyone will receive a hand stamp to get into the other participating bars without further cover charge.

South of town, have some free fun at Broad Street Bash's

in downtown Middletown at Swallens Park. The Almighty Get Down and Kollage are performing, both great bands! Bring chairs and dancing shoes. 5:30-9:45 p.m.

Scareshow SideshowVibrant Troubadours and Lot Lizard are all performing at Peach's Grill in Yellow Springs. Some rock'n'roll for your hippie soul! Free show. Music 10 p.m. Ages 18+ with proper ID.

At Taffy's in Eaton, there's a chance to see a truly wonderful guitarist, Michael Kelsey. He is a rhythmic, inspired guitarist and performance artist who blends many musical genres with fervour and grace. Show 8-11 p.m. Tickets are available online for $8. Check with venue if day of show tickets are still available.

Sunday, August 21st

Reminder, today is the day for the Dayton Rock Festival! Event is free and runs from 1-9 p.m.

Singer / songwriter Kyleen Downes will be serving up her original tunes at Jimmie's Ladder 11 from 3-6 p.m. This is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Monday, August 22nd

KISS's "Freedom to Rock" tour is hitting the Nutter Center, with special guest The Dead Daisies. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets prices range from $39.50 - $125.

Save the Date: Mark your calendar for next weekend, Aug 26 & 27, for the 11th Annual Hog Jam Music and Art Festival. This year's festival moves to Adventures on the Great Miami in Tipp City, so canoeing and kayaking is added to the fun! Click on hyperlink above for more information.

As always, thank you for supporting live music!

Your Dayton Music Insider,
Libby Ballengee
Note to Readers:  The information above is for Aug 19-20th, 2016. 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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