Wham Bam Thank You Jam!

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Have you been to the

? If you have, you're already familiar with the magical vibe of this yearly festival of love and music. If you're scratching your head wondering what I'm talking about, here's the low down: it's hosted by the

volunteer organization, and these folks really do love life! Not feeling the love lately? You sure will at this festival!

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Held on a beautiful piece of property near Oxford, this 3-day, 3-stage festival hosts local bands who have the same lovin' life vibe, including: The Almighty Get Down, Boogie Matrix, Magic Jackson, Arrows of Neon, Jonny Dreads & The Mystiks, Grover, Jah Soul, Lost on Iddings, Tropidelic and more! Click here for full lineup and links to the band's pages.

Along with the music, the bonfire sculpture and other creative installments are incredible. Additionally, proceeds from this festival are given to local charities, so this is another win-win festival. One of the reasons I love the local jam-funk-jazz-improv scene: not only are they the most talented musicians in Dayton, they are the first ones to give back to those in need!

Tickets are $50 at the gate for the entire festival, which is a great deal! Includes camping and a guaranteed smile. For a super fun video that gives you a taste of the Wham Bam experience, click here.

Friday, August 14th

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

  • There is a lot of classic rock on tap for this evening, and we are starting off with legendary bands YES and Toto, who are in town performing at the Rose Music Center in Huber Heights. Loving this venue and the acts they are bringing in! Tickets start at around $46+ but please check final price and availability before you go.
  • In the mood for classic rock but on the other end of town? Check out Hall & Oates guitarist Eliot Lewis at Taffy's of Eaton. This is a sweet little spot, well worth the drive! Show is from 8-11 p.m.
  • Want to rock out a little harder but still stay classic? Damaged Soul, a local Ozzy & Black Sabbath tribute band, is performing at Oddbody's Music Room. Tickets are only $5. 7 p.m. Ages 18+.
  • Downtown, The Trolley Stop is celebrating 20 Years this month. Wow! Congrats! The celebration starts Friday evening with amazing food and drink deals. Music gets going at 9:30 p.m. with MojoFlo, a Neo-Funk band from Columbus. All door proceeds are being donated to SICSA and the Humane Society of Dayton. Help this Dayton staple make this anniversary memorable!
  • Another great option is to head over to Jimmie's Ladder 11 and check out a newer band on the scene, Freakquency, performing with special guest Amanda LIVE. I'm super excited to check these guys out. Talented and funky! Just a $5 cover. Music gets going around 10 p.m.
  • If you're more of a rock fan, you'll want to pop in over at Canal Public House for the You vs. Yesterday show, with special guests Hero Jr (from Indianapolis), Ken's Motorbike and Jetty Bones . $8 cover. 7 p.m. All ages.
  • Metal fans, you'll be loving the line up at Rockstar Pro ArenaWeedeater with Kings Destroy, Enkiridian, Floodwalker, Shadow of the Mountain. 7 p.m. All ages. Full bar with proper ID.
Saturday, August 15th

Native-Aug15

  • The Trolley Stop continues their anniversary celebration with The Elderly Brothers, a country rock / Americana band. Again, proceeds for the entire weekend are being donated to SICSA and the Humane Society of Dayton.
  • I am so humored by the theme of Peach's show for this evening: "Free Willies!" Ha! This show features our favorites: Willy Clark, William Robert Morrison and Will C & Family. Whoever came up with that is brilliant! All these guys are great, so if you're in the Yellow Springs area, stop by for sure.
  • Emma Woodruff and The Ruffians are performing at One Eyed Jacks in Fairborn (she's also playing Friday at Peach's). Haven't seen them play yet, but they look like a fun bunch!
  • Rockstar Pro Arena has another stacked metal lineup with Native Construct, Wings Denied, Outrun the Sunlight, The Ako Vendetta, Denounce Your Martyr. Doors at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 pre-sale. All ages. Full bar with proper ID.
  • Country fans, I didn't forget you! One of your classic faves, Clint Black, will be at J.D. Legends in Franklin. Tickets are $29.50. Limited VIP options available. Check ticket availability before you go!
Sunday, August 16th

Screen Shot 2015-08-14 at 10.35.53 AM

All summer the Dayton Recreation Department puts on a summer music series, and this year they are adding a rock festival. About time! Thank you! The first annual Dayton Rock Festival will take place at Dave Hall Plaza, located downtown in a pleasant little spot. Music runs from 1-8 p.m. and features Smug Brothers, The Mainline Funk, Rock Candy, Stone Locomotive, Erica Blinn & The Handsome Machine, Eric Jerardi Band and Scarlet & The Harlots.

It's going to be a great day of music, with a lot of fresh faces and FREE admission, folks! Remember: Free water available, along with food and merchandise vendors on site. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. No tents, coolers, pets, grills, outside food/drinks allowed on festival grounds.

Monday, August 17th

  • Been curious to check out The Cricketbows? They are doing a Monday night residency through August at Jimmie's Ladder 11. This Monday they are performing with one of my Dayton favorites, Mr. Tod Weidner (from The Motel Beds and Shrug). Free admission! Music starts at 10 p.m.

Tuesday, August 18th

  • Sadly, the Willie Nelson & Old Crow Medicine Show at Fraze Pavilion is SOLD OUT. However, you can currently still get tickets to the Creedence Clearwater Revisited show at Rose Music Center. Fun! Please check availability before you go. Tickets start at $33. Whichever of these awesome shows you go to, enjoy!

Bonus Material:

My Gem City Podcast co-host and friend Eric Ruiz did an awesome interview with Mick Montgomery, who was a crucial promoter in the Dayton music scene. Check out that podcast interview here. Very interesting insights into the history of Dayton and the music scene 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 August 14th - 18th. 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

About the Author