Miami Valley Music Fest & More!

The Werk Out is coming!! Can't believe it's just next weekend when local boys gone national, The Werks, host their own music festival, The Werk Out. Located just outside of Columbus, where I first saw The Grateful Dead play, it's an epic event for local jam band fans. The band is home from tour and prepping for next weekend, so what better time to have a Dayton pre-party! Dubbed the "The Big Damn Jam Pre-Werk Out Jam," members of The Werks and other local improv musicians will be taking the stage at Jimmie's Ladder 11 to show off their chops. Open-style improv is how The Werks got started as a band, and it's great to experience that "root level" experience once again! Music starts at 10 p.m. $10 cover. 18+.

Friday, July 31st

Miami Valley Music Festival starts this evening, and local music fans couldn't be more excited. Over a span of just 2 days, you can experience over 50 local bands and performance artists, ranging from acoustic sets to a full recreation of Pink Floyd's "Live at Pompeii" sets. Very cool! The 2 main stages alternate performances, which is great, because you don't have to move and you get non-stop music. Want to change it up? Then check out the other music tent or acoustic indoor stage. This festival has a real mix of music in the lineup, so there is definitely something for everyone here, including the kiddos! The best part? Proceeds benefit local charities! This is a win-win event, so don't miss it!

The festival site is located at the Troy Eagles campground, so you can camp or come back the next day. There are Saturday-only ticket options too. While you're there, stop by and say hello to me! I'll be over at the Gem City Podcast tent recording on-site interviews. Recently the GCP interviewed Brad Denson, the Festival Director for MVMF, to get the inside story on this festival. To listen to that interview, click here.

Tickets start at $45 pre-sale for the weekend, which includes camping. $60 at the gate. There is a VIP upgrade option, too. For ticket information, click here . For full schedule, click here. For further information on this festival from Dayton.com, click here .

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance is celebrating the music of the 80's with none other than Grammy Award winner Sheena Easton! She will be performing along with Broadway performer and singer Sam Harris and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Patrick Reynolds to bring a playlist of awesome 1980s tunes to vivid life. This is all part of their "Summer in the City" series, and a super fun way to recollect the songs we all love from that decadent era. Tickets start at $17 and up. Click here for more information on tickets and programming.

If you're downtown and looking for a great show, stop by the "A Blue Moon Frolic for Willing Revelers," which features The Hiders, Tim Prichard & The Box Car Suite and Wil Cope at Canal Public House. The Hiders are back in Dayton celebrating their new album "Totem," and Wil is in town from Austin. This is going to be a very special show. Highly recommend for fans of Americana, folk and rock. Starts at 9 p.m.

Next door at Riff Raff Tavern, you can catch some blues with the Doug Hart Band. Doug has been in the blue rocks scene for over 15 years, playing a mix of standards and improv. Great time for blues fans for someone wanting a more laid back evening. Starts at 9 p.m.

In the mood to dance? Check out DJ Taddow at Jimmie's Ladder 11 as part of their "Funky Friday" summer series. DJ Taddow used to open for George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic back in the day. Nice! We are always happy to host funk stars in the Gem City (aka The Birthplace of Funk!).

In the Oregon District? Check out The Great Wide Open at Trolley Stop or The Cherry Bomb at Tumbleweed Connection. I haven't seen Cherry Bomb yet, but The Great Wide Open is definitely a fantastic band. Either should be fun times!

Outside of the Dayton area? Check out Back Talk Blues Band featuring Gary "Guitar" Williams at Taffy's in Eaton. Bob Dellaposta will open the show and may make a cameo appearance during the main sets. This is a highly anticipated show for local blues fans, so don't miss out! Worth the drive! Starts at 8 p.m.

Miami Valley Music Festival continues! Don't forget sunscreen and water. Enjoy -- the line-up is ah-mazing!

On the other end of town, you can catch another local festival, the Lebanon Blues Festival. Music runs from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and features a full day of blues greatness, including Noah Wootherspoon , Kelley Richie and more! For the full line up, click here. For more information from Dayton.com about all the festival's events, click here. Cost of admission is free!

The Food & Art Festival is taking place at Courthouse Square from 5-11 p.m. I don't know too much about this festival, but I found out the music is provided by Coal Train Robbery, alternative rockers from Cincinnati. Sounds interesting! There promises to be food, art and music. What else could you ask for?

The Gem City Get Down is performing a benefit show at Blind Bob's. Organizers state: "If you've never been, it goes like this: Blind Bob's Bar, $3 at the door, 18 & up, hosted by MC Picket Fence with the sounds by Trunk Bound Regime. Doors open at 9, music gets kicking around 9:45, and all proceeds benefit the family of Amber Nicole Mannering. So lace up and get ready to dance, Dayton! One nation under a groove." I couldn't have said it better myself! This is for a great cause and only $3! Do it.

Rockabilly fans will be loving the sounds of Cherry Lee and the Hot Rod Hounds at Tumbleweed Connection. Fun times in the Oregon District, for sure!

Looking for something random? Whitney Peyton, a white female solo rap/hip-hop artist, is performing at Oddbody's this evening. She's super popular and tickets are only $7 (advance) and $13 at the door. Why not?

Whatever your plans, stay safe and have fun! And 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 July 30th - August 1st. If I don't list a price, that's because I'm not sure what the price is. Generally cover charges for local shows are $5. Please click the links to find out detailed information about the bands, venues and events, including start times, directions and pricing. I try to link band names with samples of their music. Always check with the venue about start times 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