We did it all for the Nookie!

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

As I write this week's blog, Dayton's ferocious need to see

perform at a gas station is erupting all over the internet. This sarcastic scheme sparked a community dialogue that has authentically united us in ways none of us could have ever expected!

There are naysayers who may say we all could have done something more constructive with our time. I'm sure we could be productive 365 days a year, but that sounds pretty miserable, right? Most of us are seeking balance in our busy lives, yet we tend to leave out one of the most important aspects of life: FUN!

That's all this was. Fun, plain and simple. Something truly odd and totally unnecessary that we could collectively rally around, and get creative with in our own individual ways. The memes alone had me in tears the last couple days! Personally, I've been learning that taking life a little less seriously, is seriously important. This was a brilliant way to do just that.

It has been a hoot to see our tiny scene wave "Hello!" to the world, in the weirdest way possible. Kudos to all involved. And to Limp Bizkit and the annoyed Sunoco owners and employees: You couldn't buy this kind of press. Fred Durst is more relevant in the last few days than he's been in over a decade, and this Sunoco is now the most famous gas station, possibly ever. Make the most of it. We are!

Now it's time to talk about real shows going on, and despite some claims to the contrary, there is a thriving music scene here. So get out of the house and be part of it!

Thursday, April 21st

If you're worked up from all the hype and want to see real shows, there is bootleg Friday fun to be had. There is always the Thursday night open mic night with Brandon at Blind Bob's, which I'm sure will be extra festive this evening. Just down the street the Daisy Matrix Band is performing at Oregon Express. Have fun kids!

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Also down in Miamisburg, the new monthly Star City Bluegrass Jam continues. Pickers, tune up your old 28 and rosin up that bow, and come down to Star City brewery. Sign up starts at 6 p.m. Music 6-9 p.m. Listeners come down for the good tunes and good brews!

Friday, April 22nd

One of my favorites to see locally, Trey Stone & The Ringers are performing with a very special guest, the lovely Ms. Sharon Lane. They will have Jimmie's Ladder 11 hoppin', that's for sure! If you like the The Band, piano driven rock, or just plain good music, head on down. Only $5 cover.

Country fans are clamoring over

's show at

tonight. The uber popular star will be on at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $15, and $20 at the door. This is going to be a popular show, so get 'em quick!

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Another highly anticipated country show is happening downtown with two time Grammy nominee Kim Richey. Although she is generally categorized as country, her lovely singer/songwriter style crosses over to pop fans, and again, anyone who just likes great music. Gilly's Jazz Room is providing a great opportunity to see her, for just $15 at the door. 8:30 p.m. show.

Those hipsters over at Blind Bob's are back at it again with an epic indie show featuring the Violent Kind, Bonesetters, and Speaking Suns. 9 p.m. $5 cover.

More of a punk fan? Check out Dead Tuth, Jasper the Colossal, and The Z.G.s at Oregon Express this evening. 9 p.m. $5 cover. (Bring your earplugs fam - it's gonna be loud!)

Yellow Springs always has great entertainment, and this Friday is no exception. Check out Emma Woodruff and the Ruffians at Emporium Wines & the Underdog Cafe from 7-10 p.m. Then wheel on over to the Rockstead show with the Willy Clark Band at Peach's Grill. Rockstead is absolutely perfect for the Yellow Springs crowd, so don't miss this Cincinnati sensation!

Saturday, April 23rd

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Garden Station's EarthFest line up is great this year, which includes Adam Elfers & Army of Love, Paige Beller, Goodnight Goodnight, The Repeating Arms, and Nicholas and the Pessimistics. NICE! Music runs from 11:30 a.m. to approximately 6 p.m., so anytime you show up for this local lovin' the planet festival, you'll be entertained!

Todd the Fox, among other musicians and bands, will be performing at this weekend's Sugar Maple Festival in Bellbrook. Check out Todd the Fox set from 2:45-4:45 p.m., which is a pretty ideal time to be out enjoying a beautiful day!

Celebrate country girl Ashley Martin's birthday with her at Tumbleweed Connection, as she is the main performing this evening. Tumbleweed is a great place to enjoy this gorgeous weather, with its patio and upstairs balcony. Combined with live music, it's one of my springtime sweet spots!

A stacked line up of hard rock and metal talent is in store tonight at Blind Bob's with Grand Mammoth, Valley of the Sun, Mad Anthony, and Close The Hatch. It will be ferocious and fun - enjoy! 9 p.m. $5 cover.

Female progressive rock goddesses Chakras, from Cincinnati, are in town performing with The Pleasant Tense from Columbus and local rockers Death by Fetish. Head over to Oregon Express for this show, starting around 9 p.m. $5 cover.

The rockabilly all stars Cherry Lee and the Hot Rod Hounds are preforming at one of their favorite local haunts, The Trolley Stop! This will be a good ole' time. 9:30 p.m. $5 cover.

Ohio junk rock band Paradijm Shift make their way back to Dayton, at Jimmie's Ladder 11, performing with Ol' Dirty Strangers and a bonus performance from Smilin Joe. $5 at the door.

Looking for something a bit more easygoing? (me too!) Check out Bauner Chaffin Trio, The Sides, and The Trash Pandas at South Park Tavern. I couldn't find too much info on the last two bands, but Bauner has great vocals, soothing, with a sweet beat. I think you'll like!

Fabulous singer Tiffany Bryant is performing at intimate evening at Gilly's Jazz. Doors 8 p.m. Show 9 p.m.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Outside of Dayton you can find Tim Halperin, of American Idol fame, playing a concert at the Baum Opera House in Miamisburg, Ohio, Doors open at 6 p.m. and Tim plays at 7 p.m. This is an all ages show. Tickets can be purchased in advance here, or availability pending, will be also for sale at the door. Capacity is 250, so buying a ticket in advance ensures that you get in!

Gary 'Guitar' Williams and Talk Back Blues Band, Bob Dellaposta, and Moriah Haven are headlining the 17th Year Anniversary celebration is going down over at Taffy's of Eaton. Congrats!! They are planning a wonderful party, so make sure you are there! Show 8 p.m.-midnight.

And last but not least, rockers Shotgun Surprise are celebrating their CD release with a party of epic proportions with South Carolina's Thermostat band at E Street Pub in Richmond. West end rockers, get out there and join in the fun!

Attn musicians and venues! If you are in a band, an aspiring musician, or booking for a venue, I'll be one of the speakers at The Music Power Conference coming up Monday, May 9th. This is an incredible opportunity to learn from local area experts on a wide variety of topics to help you succeed in the music industry. There are discussions from radio to social media marketing, to legal rights and how to get your music on TV! This is a full day of workshops and discussions, including lunch - so make sure you get registered soon! Click here for more information and registration.

Here is a preview of why you should come to my break out session at the conference!

As always, thank you for supporting live music!

Your Dayton Music Insider,
Libby Ballengee
Note to Readers:  The information above is for April 21-23, 2016. If I don’t list a price, it’s because I’m not sure what the price is. Generally 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. As you can see, I try to promote as many shows as possible, but there will be some I miss. Keep me in the loop:  @LibbyBallengee . Check out the latest shows I’m promoting @theVenusChild . You can also keep up with my adventures on Instagram  here .

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