A Piece of My Heart

I moved onto to new music in college, and as you know, keep exploring different artists to this day. I haven't listened to a whole Janis album in a few years. Seeing the absolutely stellar tribute to Janis last night, all those classic songs felt fresh and thrilling, and just as relevant as when they were written.

If you get a chance tonight, and it's not sold out, do yourself a favor and get to this show. Mary Bridget Davies has a remarkably similar voice and style, and the back up singers often steal the show! Tickets for the March 4th show are $25, subject to service fees and availability.

Friday March 4th

First Friday is always a special time downtown, and this particular one has an event debut:

. The popular co-sharing space is opening their doors for live music, spoken word and painting from 5-8 p.m. in the Oregon District. This is an opportunity to connect to our city's vibrant arts community. This is a free event, so pop in to see what cool stuff is brewing inside!

One of the most highly anticipated shows of the weekend is American Aquarium at Oddbody's Music Room , with special guest Mark Cantwil and the Punch Drunk Heroes. These guys have a rootsy rock, alt-country sound, with thoughtful songwriting. Having them in town is a real treat, so don't miss it! $15 at the door. 18+

A local show with a similar vibe can be found at

with

Brett Newski, and Grayson David Schick. I really adore the songwriting and rock'n'roll that these guys deliver! If you like Americana style rock'n'roll and are downtown, this is a great go-to show! Doors at 9. $5 cover. 21+

Also in the Oregon District, you can catch some downtown staples including The Charles Walker Band at Trolley Stop, Linda Prevo Band at Oregon Express, and Eric Jerardi Band at Tumbleweed. Get there early for Michelle's wine tasting and fashion party from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. at all venues.

Head bangers alert! Dayton Metal Fest 2016 is being held at Canal Public House with bands Believe, Rogues, Forest Wars, From Another Planet, Our Final Prayer, and Hold You Breath. Doors 7 p.m. Music 9 p.m. 18+ $10 Admission.

Boston-based multi-instrumentalist, Ian Ethan Case, is performing for free in Eaton at Taffy's from 8-11 p.m. He is best known for his innovative approach to the 18-string acoustic double-neck guitar. For guitar fans out there, this is a fabulous show, and no excuses since it's free!

In Troy, there is a fabulous group of bands and musicians gathering to celebrate one of the areas biggest champions of local music, Brad Denson, organizer of the Miami Valley Music Festival and owner of Square Roots Records. It's a 40th Birthday Party of epic proportion The Almight Get Down, Caamp, Jesse Henry, Sharon Lane, and more. $20 Donation for the musicians. BYOB. The event is taking place at the campgrounds at 2252 Troy-Urbana Rd, Troy, Ohio 45373.

Saturday March 5th

The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra is known for their fantastic Rockn' Orchestra performances, and this Saturday is one of my faves: Ultimate Symphonic Rock. this show celebrates that era of rock that blend the guitar and rhythm sound with a classical sensibility, including classics by Electric Light Orchestra, The Moody Blues, Yes, Peter Gabriel, and more! Tickets range from $29 - $91.

does it again, rounding out an epic weekend of live music with The

,

, and

. WOW! What a line up! Alternative rock fans, this as you well know, will be one hot show. Doors 7 p.m. .$20 pre-sale. $25 at the door. 18+

Ringo Deathstarr, an incredible force of psychedelic garage rock is back to Dayton for a fantastic evening of music at The Canal Public House.  Special guests Future Death, Moira, and Manray  will kick off the night. Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. $7 admission. 18+

The lovely Moriah Haven is also performing downtown, along with the return of Down Strange Charm and Gild The Lily at the Oregon Express. 9 p.m. $5 cover. 21+

Blind Bob's is hosting an extra special evening with Andy Gabbard (w/Grape Whizzer Band). M Ross Perkins, Big Time Pharaohs. This will be a classic alternative night at Bob's, which has made them the go-to spot for cool kids in town. 9 p.m. $5 cover. 21+

Also in the District you will find local rock'a'billy favorites, Cherry Lee and the Hot Rod Hounds, are performing at Dublin Pub. Blues band, The Doug Hart Band is over at The Trolley Stop. Both are fabulous, can't go wrong!

Another amazing guitarist, Zakk Knight, is performing from 8-11 p.m. at Taffy's in Eaton. Often compared to Jimi Hendrix and Eric Gales, this is one you'll want to make it to! $10 admission.

Monday, March 7th

Local singer/songwriter Brett Hill  is taking up the residency at Jimmies Ladder 11 for the entire month of March. Every Monday evening Brett will take the stage with a handful of other phenomenal Dayton musicians, including great folks like Andy Rush, Etch, and others soon to be announced. It is also worth noting that the last show of this series will host the unveiling of KHONSHU, the long-awaited collaboration of Brett and Aaron Hardy (of Moira, Roley Yuma, Sleep Fleet). These Monday shows are free, so it's extra cool!

The rock'n'roll community is coming together to support the Bernie Sanders Campaign. Bern, Dayton Bern has pulled together The Nightbeast, Scratchmatic, The Mainline Funk, and The New Old-Fashioned at Rockstar Pro Arena on 3rd St. In between sets DeeJay Compton spinning between acts. They are asking for a $5 donation at the door to cover the expense of the venue and to pay the bands. This is not a fundraising event, it is a celebration and voter registration/volunteer drive. Representatives from the official campaign will be in attendance. Doors 6:30 p.m. Show 7-11 p.m. This is an all-ages event. Come on down!

As always, thank you for supporting live music!