Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Sharon Jones!

this Saturday night at the

on Saturday, July 23. Miss Jones is an absolute firecracker on stage, and pure joy to watch! The energetic soul singer is often called "the female James Brown" - and is certainly

too

good to be missed!

How could it get better? Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue are co-headlining! Trombone Shorty began his career as a bandleader at the young age of six (wow!), toured internationally at age 12, and spent his teens playing with various brass bands throughout New Orleans and touring worldwide with Lenny Kravitz. Now he fronts his own band, which highlights his considerable chops and incredible upbringing.

I can attest, I've seen both acts live and they knock my socks off every time! I love to support local acts, but when I know an incredible national show is coming to Dayton, it's extremely exciting! Tickets for this show range from $23.50-$41. 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. showtime. For more information click here.

Fun side note for readers: I have been honored to be acquainted with Academy Award winning documentary film maker Barbara Kopple. She recently released a documentary film about Sharon Jones life, musical career and battle with cancer. Check out  Miss Sharon Jones! when it comes to theaters on July 29. A truly inspiring story!

Thursday, July 21

The summer weekends fly by, so it's extra fun to start the weekend early. This Thursday, get some fresh air at Riverscape, and get your happy on with music from Barry Campbell and His Big Band with vocalist Elaina McCormick. This free performance is part of the Five Rivers Metro Park's all-ages Big Band and Nights series. Show 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Weather dependent.

Another outdoor option is The Greene's main square, where local alternative country / roots rocker Mark Cantwil  will be performing an acoustic set from 6-10 p.m. Free. Both of these outdoor options are also great date ideas, or as a family outing with the kids!

Hip-hop fans have a big event at Blind Bob's this evening, featuring  Mickey Factz, Jai Carey, Trunk Bound Regime, and Chill the Genius . I'm hearing lots of hype about these guys, and this show, so it should be a good one! $7 cover. 9 p.m. Ages 21+.

Friday, July 22

A friendly reminder that during the summer, the

presents free music at Courthouse Square. Don't miss out on a great way to experience downtown! Friday is always a fun day to bail on lunch at the desk, and head over to enjoy some live music. This

Friday, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., you can catch Fleetwood Dreams

, a group of seasoned musicians who pay tribute to Fleetwood Mac.

One of the big shows this Friday night is the "Dayton is for Lovers" concert at Yellow Cab. Based on the success of last year's event, Hawthorne Heights is presenting this as an annual, all-ages Gem City music festival. The line up is killer, especially if you are a rock or indie music fan, which features: Hawthorne Heights, You vs Yesterday, Jasper the Colossal, The 1984 Draft, Bribing Senators, Duderus, Crosley Court, Goodnight Goodnight, and Hold Your Breath.

>> 3 things to know about Hawthorne Heights' second annual music fest

The Wicked 'Wich of Dayton and Drunken Waffle will be on site serving up delicious food. Yellow Cab also has a bar area with a great selection of local beer for those of age and with I.D. Tickets are $15. Doors at 6 p.m., music starts shortly after. Hawthorne Heights will be on around 10:15 p.m. Come early. Stay late. Watch all the artists perform original Dayton music across two stages throughout the night!

Another highly anticipated show is over at Oddbody's Music Room, who is celebrating their 2nd Birthday quite generously! They are offering a FREE show! ($5 if you are under 21.) The super popular band Smile Empty Soul is headlining, with special guests Romantic Rebel, Beitthemeans, The Everyday Losers, and local act, Risen From The Fall. This is Oddbody's way of giving back to all of the fans for two amazing years of concerts. Doors at 7 p.m. Ages 18+ (NOTE: If you previously purchased a pre-sale ticket for this show, you will be refunded.)

Jam band fans will be grooving to Arrows of Neon at Jimmie's Ladder 11. This Grateful Dead tribute band just gets better and better! If you love the Dead, you gotta check these guys out for two very special sets. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 cover.

Blind Bob's is serving up a night of hard rock and alternative music, featuring the

Dirty Socialites, Doctor Smoke and Zombie On Radar

. Ages 21+; $5 cover. 10 p.m. showtime.

Friday night fun includes a classic combination: Puzzle of Light at the Trolley Stop . They have a lovely world music vibe created by a highly talented group of Dayton musicians. Trolley is known for it's awesome patio, and with this music, it makes for a quintessential summer evening. Enjoy! Music starts at 9:30 p.m. Usually there is a $5 cover charge.

For metal fans, it is worth the drive out to the Courtyard Lounge in Englewood for

Metal Unleached

, their first ever metal fest. This is a 2-day event that runs both Friday and Saturday. The price of admission is $10 for each day. Ages 21+.

The Southwind Music Festival is also happening this weekend at the Zane Shawnee Caverns & South Wind Park in Bellefontaine on Friday and Saturday. The festival includes music, camping, cavern tours, museum tours, vending, all night drum circles and more! This is a gathering of Gitchee Tahas (Good Hearts) to benefit the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band. Ticket Prices: Pre-Sale: $30.00. At The Gate: $35.00. Saturday Only: $25.00 Gate Opens noon Friday, Music starts at 4pm. For any information on Tickets, Camping, or Cabins please contact us at the Gift shop 937-592-9592

Saturday, July 23

Reminder this the evening of the Sharon Jones show, but if that's not your style, there are loads of other fun options!

Los Angeles-based rock band Spence is touring through town, making a stop over at South Park Tavern. These guys are always pumped to rock out Dayton, so please show your support! You Are A Toy and Razorwire Halo are also performing. $6 cover. All ages.

One of Chicago's progressive funk bands Ethereal Groove Inc. (EGi) are also in town, performing at Jimmie's Ladder 11 this evening.  If you're a jam band fan, this the show for you! $5 cover. 10 p.m.

Local musician Dave Berry is having a birthday bash at Oregon Express, with Dave performing solo, along with Steve Zax, Moon Rebel Mara, Reyna Spears, Dirty Socialites, and Praey. Fun party! Just $5 at the door. Ages 21+.

Blind Bob's is rockin' once again with Dead Tuth, Daily Grind, Scarecrow Sideshow, and Beesly. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 cover. Ages 21+.

One of country music's longest living superstars Kenny Rogers is making a stop at Fraze Pavilion in Kettering. This is Roger's final tour, appropriately entitled "The Gambler's Last Deal" - so if you've ever wanted to see him live, this is your last chance. The show features Linda Davis with special guest Joe Robinson. Cost: $30 - Lawn & Terrace. All tickets increase $5 day of show. 7:30 p.m.

Looking for more of a modern country feel? Check out  Erica Blinn and the Handsome Machine, performing at the Trolley Stop. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. Usually there is a $5 cover charge.

Yellow Springs is always lovely during summertime, and this Saturday night you can catch two of Dayton's up and coming Americana style rock bands, The New Old Fashioned and The Boxcar Suite. They'll be playing a free show at Peach's Grill starting at 10 p.m. What a perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking and shopping! Ages 18+ with ID.

is ready to

Rock the Block this Sunday with an all-star line up of local Blues rock musicians

. This outdoor festival features

Scotty Bratcher, Ira Stanley and Dixie Peach, Johnny Fink and the Intrusion Band, Eric Jerardi Band, Kellan Williams, Joe Tellman, and Bauner & Friends

. There will also be craft beer, food trucks, arts and crafts. The fun runs from 1-9 p.m. Cost: $20 advance, $25 day of the event.

Bad news for classic rock fans who don't already have their ticket: The Foreigner with The Guess Who show at Fraze Pavilion is sold out. However, at this time, tickets are currently still available for Bryan Adams at The Rose Music Center ! Adams is touring with his new album Get Up, which was produced by famed ELO frontman Jeff Lynne and co-written with his long-time collaborator Jim Vallance. Tickets start at $53.

Wednesday, July 27

The legendary James Taylor will be at WSU's Nutter Center this upcoming Wednesday. What an amazing talent! Doors 7 p.m. Show 8 p.m. Tickets range from $65-$85.

Reminder that Family Jam Productions are still running their ongoing weekly event called the Wednesday Family Dinner Jam . This plug and play jam is hosted by Marcus Cornwell of The Vibe and Willy Clark ofThe Willy Clark Band . All are welcome! So musicians looking for a band, this is a great opportunity to play with different talent. There is also free food! Runs from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at Therapy Cafe.

As always, thank you for supporting live music!