Keeping Dayton Forever Young

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

As a long time music fan in the Dayton area, there have been musicians we have lost during the years. Fabulous talent cut tragically short. In my mind and heart, they remain forever young. The Dayton music community is celebrating those lives lost at a special show Friday evening with the reunion of cAge.

A

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

dding to the nostalgia feel of this weekend, is the aptly named "Forever Young" concert on Saturday night, which is pulling together some of the region's best to present a moving tribute to music of Bob Dylan. You'll want to check it out because it's doubling as a benefit for Stivers School for the Arts too!

Read more to find out about these great shows, as well some other gems, all happening this weekend!

Thursday, December 3rd

Canal Public House is the spot to be this evening. Family Jam Productions has brought in Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials for your listening pleasure. They will be joined by special local guests Noah Wotherspoon Band, Missy Brown and Bob Dellaposta. This promises to be a soulful evening for sure! $10 at the door. Doors 8 p.m. Music starts at 9 p.m. All ages show.

Friday, December 4th

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Starting First Friday early? Need to finish some holiday shopping? Why not do both? Head over to

, a new home decor shop on St Clair, to do just that. They've invited

along with David Payne (from

) to perform from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for your listening and shopping pleasure!

Fun idea!

This is a lovely way to start off your evening, and get some custom gifts while you're at it. I hear they are offering a 20 percent discount too. Score!

Interested in other new stores downtown? Check out more about these new pop up shops here.

If you are ready for Christmas music, make sure you get to one of the Celtic Tenors Christmas performances this weekend. The Celtic Tenors offer something truly unique - the skill, range and ability of world-class tenors combined with the personality and fun of genuine artists. Performances Friday and Saturday are at 8 p.m. at The Schuster Center, and Sunday 3 p.m. at Hobart Arena. Tickets start at $12.50 and up.

Guitarists tend to get all the love, but tonight at Oddbody's, music fans are celebrating one of the most iconic bass players of our time, Mr Stu Hamm. Hamm has performed and recorded with Steve Vai, Frank Gambale, Joe Satriani and many other well-respected guitarists. I'm super curious about this all bass show! Tickets are $18 advance, $22 at the door.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Jam band and improv fans, get your groove on with Cheezcake, a three-piece super group, comprised of Chris Houser from the Werks, Chuckie Love from Subterranean, and T-Bone the Metronome from Buddy Danko. These guys have been jamming together for years, but due to relentless tour schedules, this is one of the few times they're able to perform together. Don't miss this chance to see them! This show is extra special because they are joined by Sassafraz (Columbus). They bring horns, funk, fun, and outrageous energy. You are in for a real treat if you haven't seen either of these bands! Music 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. $5 cover at the door.

Americana and folk fans,  Trey Stone and The Ringers will be at Trolley Stop this evening. This group is jam-packed with talented musicians, many of which were part of last weekend's Last Waltz Live performance. Check out those beloved musicians perform their own original music. Music 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. I believe it's a $5 cover at the door.

One of the most highly anticipated shows of the weekend is taking place at

The entire surviving original lineup of cAge will be onstage together for the first time in this century. For those unfamiliar, cAge was a fantastic Dayton band from the early-mid 1990's, featuring Nick Kizirnis, Edward Lacy, Matthew Espy, and the late Gregg Spence. Tod Weidner will also be joining them this evening. Cigar Jar Crash Attack and

round out this night of pure rock'n'roll. This is an annual celebration of the life and music of Jeremy Frederick, Tim Taylor, Gregg Spence, Chris Green, and other friends, loved ones, and musical heroes we've lost in Dayton. Proceeds to go to the Izzy Frederick's Education Fund. Doors 8 p.m.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Metal fans, get over to Canal Public House for Hold Your Breath! This is their first time playing in Dayton, which is always cool. Special guests OCEAN GRIDRisen From The FallI, ApolloHunters Chase will also be performing. 7 p.m. • $8 presale. $10 at the door

In Yellow Springs, check out Mainline Funk at the Spirited Ghost Coffee House from 8 p.m. - Midnight. This will be fun and funky - and great fun for the YS crowd! Best part? Free and all ages! Hooray!

Out in the suburbs? West of town there is a lovely folk show at

featuring

and

. Both of these ladies have beautiful voices, and are very talented singer/songwriters. Music from 8-11 p.m. Tips appreciated. CDs will be available for purchase.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Saturday December 5th

There is an early show for lovers of classical music today: The Winter Concert by the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. he best of the Miami Valley make up this premier orchestra of young people in 9th-12th grades. This special concert will be held at 3pm at The Schuster Center. Tickets are $8. Click here for ticket information and more information.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

The signature event of Saturday evening is the Bob Dylan tribute "

," which brings together nearly 30 local and regional artists to create a truly magical night of music. This show is a fundraiser for the Creative Writing Department at Stivers School for the Arts (aka the coolest public school ever!). Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, which includes appetizers, beer, and wine. The performance will be held at

the sweet new music venue in downtown Troy. This will be a

very

special show, especially for all you Dylan fans out there!

In Dayton, be sure to stop by Oregon Express to see The Boxcar Suite, Matt Monta & the Haymakers, and Andy Smith. This is one great line-up! Whether you enjoy rock, Americana, or more of an indie fan, this will be a solid night of music in the Oregon District! 9 p.m. I believe it's a $5 cover.

Early evening in the burbs? No reason not to get some rock'n'roll in your soul. Dayton legend Nick Kizirnis is coming hot off the heels of the cAge reunion show (from last night). He'll be bringing enjoyment and melodies to the lounge area at Zetland Street in Bellbrook from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Sweet!

Sunday December 6th

Ready to really get in the holiday spirit? The Bach Society of Dayton invites you to their annual festive concert celebrating the spirit of the season, Sweet Sounds of the Holidays . They are joined by Kettering Children's Choir Chorale and the Kettering Advent Ringers for this special performance. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students ages 13 and over, and free admission for children ages 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased here.

As always, thank you for supporting the live music scene in Dayton.

Your Dayton Music Insider,

Libby Ballengee

Note to Readers:   The information above is for December 4th-6th. 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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