The Soundtrack of the Revolution

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

The Soundtrack of the Revolution is one of several benefit shows this weekend, this one specifically benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami Valley. As a former Big Sister, I can tell you that its crucial that the community supports this and all the various charities in town. Go see live music and check off the "feel good" box while you're at it!

Friday, January 8th

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Most people don't know that my first love music-wise was classical music. I was an odd child who adored Mozart and Beethoven, much more than Tiffani and the Backstreet Boys. If you've never been to a classical concert in person, you are missing out on a truly chill-inducing experience.

This weekend, Jessica Hung, the Dayton Philharmonic's Concert Master, performs Mendelssohn's supremely romantic violin concerto, entitled "Songs of the Heart." Mezzo-soprano Susan Platts and tenor John Pickle add beautiful vocals to this gorgeous performance.

You can see this performance at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights at the Schuster Center. Come early at 7 p.m. for Take Note talks both nights. Tickets range from $14-$61, depending on seating. Click here for ticket information.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Another female lead music event this evening is Angela Perley & The Howlin' Moons at Trolley Stop. Angela is an up-and-coming artist from Columbus who takes the best of rock'n'roll, country and alternative genres and blends them into a polished and promising group of songs. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by this group! Three sets of music are promised, starting at 9:30 p.m. for just a $5 cover.

Chicago Bluesman Davy Knowles will be in town tonight with special guest Jericho Thyme & Scott Lee at Canal Public House. I miss Blues bar hopping in Chicago, and this show will surely be a fantastic substitute. Tickets are $10 in advance. $15 at the door. Doors 8 p.m. Music 10 p.m. Ages 18+.

Get your rock'n'roll on at Blind Bob's with the world's heaviest Weezer tribute band, The Pinkertones. They return to Dayton with the world's sexiest Sabbath tribute, Back Stabbath. $5 cover. Ages 21+.

Heading out of the immediate Dayton area, check out the Rockin For Bernie Benefit at the Actors Theatre in Fairborn. This heavy rock show features Abertooth Lincoln, Malefalcon and Dead Truth. Donations for Bernie Sanders can be made online at the show, or pledges made when you get there. They cannot accept cash donations due to regulations. Show 9 p.m.

Incredible guitarist Kelly Zullo (New York) is in town and performing with local special guest Achilles Tenderloin at Taffy's of Eaton. So worth driving out to this "Mecca of Music" for anyone who loves acoustic guitar magic. Reminds me of the power and stage presence of Ani DiFranco. Show 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, January 9th

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An early but goodie tonight is the 2016 Guitar Face off at Jazz Central in East Dayton. This is a benefit for the The Gabriel Foundation. $10 donation at the door. 8-11 p.m.

The Oregon Express presents the Soundtrack Of The Revolution show featuring A Shade Of Red, Evil Eye Gypsy and ThunderTaker. The $5 admission is being donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters Of The Greater Miami Valley! Nice! This is a great chance for you to make a difference in the lives of kids right here in the Miami Valley, and enjoy some great music when you do it. 10 p.m. start time.

Another very cool benefit show is next door at

, combining 3 things I love: Pajama Jams, Dance Parties and Planned Parenthood!

Woohoo! 

Dustbunny and Lowkey the Speedway Squad are playing funky butt-shaking music. A few cool raffle items to boot! They have the DJs, you wear the PJs! $5/cover; $3 for people in pajamas. From 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Ages 21+.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Things will be quite funky over at Canal Public House this evening with a bevy of dance music featuring the funk-infused Afrobeat rhythms of Ernie Johnson From Detroit and Ecco Mecha, a funky mix of EDM and jam/improv. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 10 p.m. $5 cover. Ages 18+.

A new local band from Tipp City, Beesley is performing at South Park Tavern tonight. They are new on my radar, so let me know how the show is!

Blues fans will want to check out local favorite Noah Wotherspoon over at the Trolley Stop this evening. Usually a $5 cover, and show 9:30 p.m.

Out in Yellow Springs, catch psychedelic funk rock band JoJo Stella and Electric Orange Peel for your auditory fascination! Peach's Grill will be the place of boogie-ing. Bands invite you to be mystified and funkified -- fun! Music at 10 p.m. NO cover!

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 Jan 8th & 9th. 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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