Downtown Dayton Partnership

Science Saturdays: Medieval Science
2024-05-18 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Detroit) | The Engineers Club, 110 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH, 45402
Science Saturdays is exploring Medieval Science on May 18th, 2024, from 9:30am-10:30am at the Engineers Club of Dayton. Join Mr. Frank and Fultzie as they delve into the fascinating world of medieval scientific discoveries. Discover the ingenuity of scholars and thinkers from the Middle Ages and explore their innovative ideas about the natural world.

Don’t miss this FREE event for all ages, celebrating the spirit of adventure and exploration inspired by the thinkers of medieval times. Be sure to like and follow Science Saturdays for more details and sneak peeks into this exciting journey through history and science!

Zumba in the Park
2024-05-18 10:00 - 11:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of Fitness in the Park series
Zumba in the Park
10:00am – 11:00am
AGE: All ages | FREE
Enjoy fun, effective and FREE outdoor workouts under the pavilion! Come out for a Zumba workout with Meghan Millat using dance moves to upbeat music. All skill levels welcome! Remember to bring your own water bottle and towels. Weather Dependent.

10 Year Anniversary Beer Bash & Urban Smokeout
2024-05-18 11:00 | Warped Wing Brewing Company, 26 Wyandot St., Dayton, 45402, United States
We’re kicking it in the DYT for a good old fashioned Beer Bash & Urban Smokeout – celebrating a solid 10 years in the beer game! Cold beer, smokin’ good eats, live music, & great vibes. Join us Saturday, May 18th at the Dayton Taproom – plus we’ll be cranking it up outside with the Trotwood Trailer & tented parking lot. Bring your lawn chair & stay a while!
Cheers to a decade of sharing pints & making friends – hope to see you there
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
11am-12pmDJ – Liftoff Entertainment
12pm-2pmNothing But Trebleacoustic trio featuring songs from the 60’s to present day
2pm-3pmDJ – Liftoff Entertainment
3pm-5pmBenny Hillacoustic act featuring American Folk, Classic Rock, & Country
5pm-6pmDJ – Liftoff Entertainment
6pm-8pmFreakquencyhigh energy Funk Fusion
8pm-9pmDJ – Liftoff Entertainment

Spiritual Discovery: How you can better the world
2024-05-18 11:00 - 12:30 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Discover practical spirituality
And its connection to improving real life
Dayton, Ohio Tom McElroy, practitioner of Christian Science healing and international speaker, will present his talk, “Spiritual discovery: How you can better the world,” on May 18 at 11:00 at the Dayton Metro (Main) Library at 215 E. 3rd Street, Dayton, Ohio.
The talk will focus on universal healing precepts found in the Holy Bible, especially in Christ Jesus’ life and teachings, and show how they are available for anyone to understand and experience through the lens of Christian Science. The talk is free, open to the community, and sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Dayton, Ohio.
“Spiritual discovery is about understanding more of what God is and learning to see our lives and the world through God’s all-good nature,” says McElroy. “It’s about stripping away surface-level appearances in order to discern what actually IS. Spiritual discovery reveals what is substantial, lasting, and powerful — and this leads to healing. What’s the outcome? Progress. Transformation. Wholeness. For anyone.”
Sharing examples of healing from his own life and professional practice of Christian Science, McElroy will explain why Christian Science is both Christian and scientific, meaning that people can prove its effectiveness for themselves, as fully described in the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, written by the founder of the Christian Science movement, Mary Baker Eddy.
McElroy will also touch on the life of Mary Baker Eddy, a mid-nineteenth century woman from New England, who came to understand, confirm, and teach what she felt was original Christian healing. Eddy herself said she was especially inspired by Christ Jesus’ demand, “He that believes on me, the works that I do will he do also; and greater works than these will he do, because I go unto my Father” (found in the Gospel of John 14:12 in the Bible).
For over 150 years, people around the world have worked to follow Christ Jesus in this practice of Christianity and continue to do so today, with healings of physical ills and personal difficulties.
Tom McElroy has been a Christian Science practitioner for many years, helping people on a daily basis through this scientific approach to prayer. He travels from his home base near Boston, MA, to speak to audiences around the world as a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.

Pride Rocks!
2024-05-18 11:00 - 15:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Pride Rocks! is a suicide prevention program promoting suicide prevention in the LGBTQ+ Community. At Pride Rocks!, participants can join in painting Pride themed rocks with suicide prevention messaging, enjoy local meal from a food truck, learn from and connect with local providers, check out local vendors, and listen to LGBTQ+ musicians.
Pride Rocks! is a free event and is open to everyone!

BRAINS Zombie Prom
2024-05-18 15:00 | Oregon District, Fifth Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
First Annual Zombie Prom with live music to benefit the National Brain Tumor Society
Celebrate Dayton Artist Arianna Holiday’s first year brain tumor free!! Special FX makeup artists will be set up in front of Clash starting at 3PM for anyone who wants professional zombie makeup. Vendors will be set up throughout the Oregon District from 3-7PM. The doors open for the Zombie Prom at Oregon Express starting at 6:30PM.
Live performances by: Arianna Holiday, VIPeach, DracMina, Dean Batten, Raivon Don’tez, Thikbabii, & Mojo Power
Tickets are available at Clash or online for $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
https://www.ticketleap.events/…/holiday/brains-zombie-prom

Jazz Night w/George Balog
2024-05-18 19:00 - 23:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Dayton’s King of Cool, George Balog, is back behind the decks on Saturday, May 18th for an evening of jazz vinyl glory. He’s spinning 7-11pm. No cover charge, just vibes.

Windborne’s The Music Of Whitney Houston
2024-05-18 19:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dance the night away! Broadway sensation Rashidra Scott joins Windborne and the Philharmonic to celebrate Whitney Houston’s extraordinary talent with an evening of her biggest hits, “Saving All My Love,” “How Will I Know,” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Spring Concert
2024-05-19 14:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Celebrate the end of a phenomenal season with Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra! You’ll hear some of the best compositions in the classical music repertoire by Dayton’s extremely talented youth musicians and celebrate with them as they bid farewell to their senior class.

Photographer Cristina Mittermeier: Edge Of Two Worlds – Ocean & Humanity
2024-05-19 15:00 | Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
With passion, conviction, and a zest for life, Cristina “Mitty” Mittermeier has dedicated her life’s work to safeguarding the ocean and inspiring millions to do the same. She offers insights she’s gleaned from documenting the far reaches of our planet aboard SeaLegacy 1, her home for six months each year. And, in light of the growing challenges facing our ocean—and world—she invites us to ask ourselves, “What is Enough?” Join Mitty as she shares how she has come to understand how “Enoughness” can be cultivated by finding fulfillment in what we have and in recognizing our connectedness to all things.
In 2005, Mitty founded the International League of Conservation Photographers to provide a platform for photographers working on environmental issues. In 2014, with her partner, photographer Paul Nicklen, she co-founded SeaLegacy, a nonprofit working to protect and rewild the ocean. A Sony Artisan of Imagery, and a collaborator in Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative, Mitty has been honored with many notable awards, including the Smithsonian Conservation Photographer of the Year Award. Her work has been published in hundreds of prominent magazines and media outlets. She is a sought-after speaker, and has been named by Real Leaders as one of the world’s best keynote speakers.

Sons of April – Welcome to the Garden of April
2024-05-19 17:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us on Sunday, May 19th for an intimate performance by Dayton hip hop due, Sons Of April. Music kicks off at 6pm. No cover, just vibes.

Angelo Moore Dr Madvibe And The Missin Links (feat Skabone Stan)
2024-05-20 20:00 - 23:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Join us for a special evening with Angelo Moore Dr Madvibe And The Missin Links (feat Skabone Stan)
Angelo Moore is the legendary frontman of Fishbone and is known for his explosive on-stage presence, unique vocal talents, and mad musical skills on saxophone, theremin, and Hammond B3. Considered by many to be the world’s greatest frontman, Angelo’s musical talent knows no boundaries!
We’re excited to welcome home, Skabone Stan too!!
VIP Meet & Greet 7pm
GA Doors 8pm
Show starts 8:15pmAll ages welcome!
Adv GA tickets $15
VIP Meet & Greet $20
All advance tickets can be purchased here: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/104302/orders/new#/
Day of show GA tickets: $20

On Repeat – A Looping Event
2024-05-22 19:30 - 22:30 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
On Repeat is an evening of music created, live, right in front of you!
Ever heard of looping? Looping in music refers to the repetition of a musical phrase or section, creating a continuous musical texture. The idea behind looping is to build up multiple layers of sound, allowing the musician to create complex arrangements in real-time.
It is an accessible way to get started making music and we have arranged 5 brilliant musicians who have taken the craft very far in different directions to hopefully give you an idea of what you may be able to with it yourself!
The 5 amazing loopers for y’all in Volume 3:
– Isicle
– Mt. Analogue
– Kyleen Downes
– Maria Keck
Come listen to some ‘fresh’ grooves on Wednesday, May 22nd!
Doors are at 7pm. Show at 7:30pm
$10 Pre-sale / $15 at the door
Pre-sale link – https://www.venuepilot.co/events/103924/orders/new

Do Nice People Finish Last or Best?
2024-05-23 11:30 | Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH

Passport to MetroParks
2024-05-24 18:00 - 21:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Passport to MetroParks
6:00pm – 9:00pm
AGE: All ages | FREE
Join us for an exciting family friendly evening full of music, food and fun activities! Go on an adventure through the park to learn about events and programs available through Five Rivers MetroParks and even experience some of them that night! Grab a passport and get it stamped at booths along the way to be entered for a chance to win exciting prizes that will help you Get Out and Explore! Round out your evening by grabbing dinner at the food truck rally and catch entertainment under the pavilion. There’s something for everyone at Passport to MetroParks! Weather Dependent.

Kayak Rentals at RiverScape with Taiters Kayak Solutions
2024-05-24 18:00 - 21:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Part of RiverScape Kayak Rentals series
Kayak Rentals at RiverScape with Taiters Kayak Solutions
6:00pm – 9:00pm
AGE: 14 and up | $12.00
Paddle under the fountains with Taiters Kayak Solutions all summer long at RiverScape MetroPark! Regular walk-up rental hours will take place Tuesdays from 2-6pm and Thursdays from 4-8pm, June-October. Launch from under the Riverside Bridge along the Great Miami Recreational Trail. The cost to participate is $12 per person per hour. Taiters Kayak Solutions staff will provide visitors with brief instructions prior to entering the water, which will include a safety tutorial, and help visitors get into their vessels. All visitors will be required to wear a properly fitted life jacket. Swimming is prohibited in the Great Miami River, but visitors should come prepared to get wet. Those renting will not be permitted to go through the RiverScape River Run whitewater feature. No lifeguards are on duty, and paddling is at all visitors’ own risk. All visitors must sign a waiver to participate. Visit Facebook.com/TaitersKayakSolutions for more information. Weather Dependent.

An Evening with I Dig Pig
2024-05-24 20:00 | Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
oin us at The Yellow Cab Tavern for a celebration of Ron “Pigpen” McKernan Era Grateful dead with I Dig Pig for a full evening of live music on Friday, May 24th!
Cover starts at 8:00pm on May 24th with performance starting around 9:00pm.
Tickets are $9 in advance and $12 at the doors.
Tickets are available at https://ten-high-productions.square.site/
*All ages welcome with a guardian.**Discounted presale tickets end at Midnight on May 23rd
Yellow Cab’s resident truck, The Pizza Bandit, will be set up and serving through 11pm.

Dayton Pizza Fest
2024-05-25 17:00 - 21:00 | Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
DAYTON PIZZA FEST 2024Presented by Piqua Pizza SupplyMay 25th – 5 to 9pm
Join us for a ton of incredible pizzas and pizza inspired dishes from a ton of amazing food trucks!
We’re celebrating 11 years of The Yellow Cab Food Truck Rallies with specialty food fests all year long!
We are extremely excited to announce the 2nd annual Dayton Pizza Fest, happening at the Yellow Cab Tavern on May 25th, from 5 to 9pm!
Entry is always FREE to our family friendly food festivals at The Yellow Cab Tavern!
With tons of vendors serving Pizza and thematic items in addition to their standard menu favorites, this will be a foodie event that you will not want to miss!
Vendors:Pizza BanditWheel fresh pizzaILLYS Fire PizzaRonettis PizzaLa Bella CucinaKung Fu BBQMa Dukes Street FoodHome Cooked VibesCrusin CusineLet’s Eat Food TruckThe Food PittQueen’s Table FoodtruckPoppys Smoke HouseFreakin’ RicanDAIZIES DILLASI Heart Ice CreamChilders’ Chimney CakesNorman BakeryFifty5 Rivers
*Please note: Food truck lineup is subject to change
Our beer garden patio and covered party tent at The Yellow Cab Tavern will be open for everyone to hang out in during the festival!
Become a sponsor:
If you’re or an organization you’re associated with is interested in sponsoring any of our food festivals, download our sponsorship informational document through the link below or send us an email at theyellowcabfoodtruckrally@gmail.com.
https://www.dropbox.com/…/2024-Yellow-Cab-and-Champion…
Hope to see everyone out for what will surely be one of the BIGGEST and tastiest events of the year in Downtown Dayton!

Skeleton Dust presents: BLACK LEATHER JESUS, DETERGE, SLACKING, MBD, QVIET
2024-05-25 19:00 - 22:00 | Skeleton Dust Records, 133 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Prove you’re more than just meat and witness American noise legends BLACK LEATHER JESUS live at the shop on Saturday, May 25th 2024!
The dungeon is deep and dark, and along the way you will encounter live performances from DETERGE, SLACKING, MBD, and QVIET as well.

$10 admission. Show starts at 7 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Dayton Classical Concert Series 2024
2024-05-26 10:00 | First Baptist Church, 111 Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402
On Sunday, May 26, internationally acclaimed operatic tenor Cameo Humes will join the Chancel Choir of First Baptist Church of Dayton in observance of the church’s 200th anniversary as an American Baptist congregation. During the morning worship service at 10:00 a.m., Mr. Humes will sing Sanctus, the solo in the Mass of Saint Cecilia by Charles Gounod. Mr. Humes has performed on operatic stages throughout the world but considers the Lyric Opera of Chicago to be his home. He will present a selection during the postlude. Cameo is a graduate of the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and for years was an adjunct professor in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at Central State University where he worked with Dr. William Henry Caldwell.
On Sunday, June 2, at 5 p.m., the Music Department at historic First Baptist Church of Dayton will present its annual First Baptist Sings featuring the Chancel Choir in “The Best of the Season.” The choir will perform works by Mozart, Cousins, Forrest, Powell, Parker, Hailstork, and Vivaldi. The choir under the direction of Dr. William Henry Caldwell will be accompanied by Mr. Gregory Land and Dr. Alan Kimbrough. There will be a reception following the program in the Fellowship Hall. Free parking is available in the church parking lot and assistance provided for the handicapped.
On June 7 and 8, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. at the Schuster Center, the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance will celebrate Black Music Month. The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Neal Gittleman, will present orchestral works by Antonin Dvorak and Florence Price, and on the second half of the concert, the program will feature a Community Chorus that will include members from the First Baptist Church of Dayton Chancel Choir: Dr. Melody Williams, Dr. Brad Kallenberg, Jeanne Kallenberg, Cyerra Pemberton, and Samanatha Leal along with FBC pastor Dr. Kent Berghuis. Dr. William Henry Caldwell, music director at First Baptist, is preparing the Community Chorus. The chorus will present works by Hailstork, Powell, Betty Jackson King, and many contemporary arrangements of sacred music. The Rosenthal Foundation of the Arts is funding the program.
Attention All Singers!
Do you love to sing? Are you or someone you know looking for an opportunity to participate in music making of the highest caliber in one of the most historic churches in the Miami Valley with the finest organ in the world? If you answered YES to any of these questions, the First Baptist Church of Dayton Chancel Choir wants YOU.
The Chancel Choir is scheduling auditions for the 2024-2025 seasons. Auditions are by appointment only and all voice types are welcome. To schedule an audition/interview for the upcoming season with music director Dr. William Henry Caldwell, please contact the main office at First Baptist Church of Dayton at 937-222-4691 or email fbc@fbcdayton.org.

Monday Summer Reading Club
2024-05-27 | Rabbit Hole Books, 27 W. First St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Every Monday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, every person 18 and under can stop in and choose any book of their choice for free. Kids are welcome (and encouraged) to come every week.

The Kite Runner
2024-05-28 19:30 | Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Based on Khaled Hosseini’s beloved, international best-selling novel, THE KITE RUNNER is a powerful new play adapted by Matthew Spangler that follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption.
Afghanistan is a divided country, and two childhood friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul and the skies are full of the excitement and joy of a kite flying tournament. But neither of the boys can foresee the incident which will change their lives forever. Told across two decades and two continents, THE KITE RUNNER is an unforgettable journey of forgiveness, and shows us all that we can be good again.
The Human Race Theatre Company and Dayton Live are proud to bring this national tour to Dayton.

Dr. Edmund H. Moore
2024-05-29 16:00 | Sinclair Conference Center, 301 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA

Dayton Jewish International Film Festival
2024-05-30 - 2024-06-30 | THE NEON, United States
The Dayton Jewish International Film Festival offers outstanding world cinema that promotes awareness, appreciation and pride to the diversity of the Jewish people and to the community at large. Our goal is to educate and entertain through evocative, narrative and documentary films that portray the Jewish experience from historic to current global perspectives. For a full lineup of films and events, visit https://jewishdayton.org/program/dayton-jewish-film-festival/

70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education
2024-05-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library begins its 2024 Social Justice Speaker Series (SJSS) season with a tribute to history in 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, scheduled for Thursday, May 30, in the Main Library’s Eichelberger Forum from 6-7:30 pm. In the early 1950’s, Reverend Oliver L. Brown, along with a team of attorneys for the NAACP and 12 other parents, filed a suit on behalf of their children against the local board of education for segregating public schools. Their case was joined with other cases from several states on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, and in 1954, it became known as the landmark decision of Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. Rev. Brown passed away in 1961 before knowing the impact this case would have on the nation. On Thursday, May 30, Cheryl Brown Henderson, daughter to the late Rev. Brown, will join DML in sharing her reflections and memories about this significant time in American History and discuss how the historic decision impacts us as a nation today. Comprised of award-winning speakers providing insights from their professional fields and personal journeys, the SJSS addresses some of the most critical social justice issues of today. This event is co-sponsored by Friends of the Dayton Metro Library and the Charles F. Kettering Foundation. It is intended for an adult and teen audience. Registration is not required. Additional information about the Social Justice Speaker Series and upcoming guests can be found at DaytonMetroLibrary.org/SocialJustice. Additional questions may also be direct to the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Monophonics
2024-05-30 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Since 2012, Monophonics has steadily built a reputation as a consistent band with a unique sound. Well crafted songs and records are matched by an energetic live performance. A heavenly signature style: Pure timeless heavy soul and warm textures of psychedelic rock. This is a band that revels in the past, taking you back to the stylings of the late 60s and early 70s, while always keeping its feet positioned in the present, looking ahead to the future.
Front man, vocalist & keyboardist Kelly Finnigan always leads with power. The renowned rhythm section starts with drummer Austin Bohlman along with Max Ramey on Bass and Aquilles Magaña on guitar. A dynamic horn section led by Ryan Scott on Trumpet with Jason Cressey playing Trombone always elevates the show & sound. This core group drips in cosmic fashion.
As a touring band, Monophonics has taken their act to dozens of countries, selling out venues all over the states, UK & Europe including London, NYC, Athens, LA, Istanbul, San Francisco, Amsterdam & Paris. Known for putting on an infectious performance which places their intimate songwriting and soulful musicianship on full display. Its the kind of concert that delivers gifts to the mind, body and soul of every crowd in each city they travel to. Monophonics brings a musical experience that is unforgettable, which has earned the group a global fanbase and loyal following.

MVHSTA Showcase
2024-05-30 19:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
This Tony Awards®-inspired showcase honors schools, students, and directors for artistic excellence in high school theatre with live performances from local high schools and a tribute to the enthusiasm, dedication, and accomplishments of the area’s vibrant high school theatre programs. The Miami Valley High School Theatre Awards (MVHSTA) and Showcase celebrate, support, and advocate for high school theatre education throughout the Miami Valley region.

Dayton Pride 2024
2024-05-31 18:00 | Downtown Dayton
This year’s Dayton Pride celebration of the LGBTQ+ community is being held in a different location. We’re taking Pride to the streets. North Saint Clair Street, to be exact. It’s a two day festival starting on Friday, May 31 with entertainment on North Saint Clair Street between First and Second Streets. We’ll have entertainment, beer, food trucks and lots of fun. Saturday morning we kick off Pride Month with a parade beginning off 11am and a festival immediately following at Noon. The parade will close parts of Second Street, Main Street and First Street. As the parade wraps up, the festival ramps up. The festival will be more of the same from Friday night, but bigger. So big, we’re adding an extra block. We’ll have Pride on Saint Clair from First Street to Third Street.
Pride is free, family friendly and a lot of fun. Come on down and rock the streets.
http://www.daytonlgbtcenter.org/pride

McGuffey Lane with Gem Series Opener: Eleyet McConnell
2024-05-31 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
McGuffey Lane is a country rock band from central Ohio. In 1972 founding members Steve George Reis (bass/ vocals) and Terry Efaw (steel guitar/ gut string guitar/ electric guitar) were a duo called “Scotch and Soda”. When they added Bobby Gene McNelley (vocalist/ guitarist) they renamed themselves McGuffey Lane after the street of Steve’s Athens Ohio home. As their popularity grew they added Dick Smith (drums/ vocals) and Stephen “Tebes” Douglass (keyboards/ harmonica/ vocals). In 1977 McGuffey Lane started playing at Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon and soon became the house band. At that point they added John Schwab (vocalist/ guitarist) who was opening for them as the sixth and final member of the original McGuffey Lane.
McGuffey Lane played at Zachariah’s through 1980. In August of 1980 they released their first self-titled album on Paradise Island Records selling 40,000 in the first three months. The album reached #1 in Columbus during the fall of 1980 which gained the attention of Atlantic Records. Atlantic released the album nationally on its Atco Label with sales of 175,000. During the early 1980’s McGuffey Lane was a national act touring with Charlie Daniels, the Allman Brothers, The Judds and Marshall Tucker Band. In 1981 they released their second album “Aqua Dreams” followed by their third album “Let the Hard Times Roll” released in 1982. In early 1984 Tebes Douglass was killed in an automobile accident returning home from a show in Dayton. They released their fourth and final album for Atlantic “Day by Day” and dedicated it to Tebes. After the release of “Day by Day”, Bobby Gene McNelley left the band to pursue a solo song writing career.
In 1985 McGuffey Lane went back to their Ohio roots playing clubs, concert halls, fairs and festivals. In 1986 they released “A McGuffey Lane Christmas”, a fundraiser for the Central Ohio Lung Association. In 1990 McGuffey Lane disbanded after a tour through the state and a last night at the Newport Music Hall. In 1993 they did a “one time show” at the Newport and in 1995 they released “Greatest Hits Live and More”. At that point McGuffey Lane regrouped featuring John Schwab, Terry Efaw and Casey McGowan from the 1980’s line up. They were joined by veteran Columbus area musicians including Molly Pauken (mandolin, acoustic guitar, vocals). In 1998 they released “Call Me Lucky” . It was during 1998 that current McGuffey Lane members joined the band. Randy Huff (drums/ vocals) joined in the summer of 1998 and Kevin Reed (harmonica/ vocals) joined at the end of 1998.
In 2001 McGuffey Lane organized the First Annual Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon Reunion featuring themselves and other acts that performed during the Zach’s days. In 2002 they released all acoustic CD “Wood” which included popular concerts songs from the late 1970’s but never previously released. In 2003 the Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon Reunion moved to Promo West Pavilion and has been held there (now Kemba LIVE!) every year since. Finally in 2006 after years of fighting with Atlantic over the rights to their first four albums recorded in the mid 1980’s, Rhino Records released them in 2 albums sets. The first self-titled album and “Aqua Dreams” in one set and “Let the Hard Times Roll” and “Day by Day” in the second set.
In 2010 McGuffey Lane released their 10th CD “10” on Lick Records which was co-founded by John Schwab. In 2011 “Bartender” from the “10” CD was released as a single. It reached #50 on the national country charts (Music Row Magazine). In June 2017 McGuffey Lane released their 11th and latest CD “Legend of the Red Eye” on Lick Records. In a review of “Legend of the Red Eye” Dave Culbertson writes: “If you like the “country” side of The Lane…you should love this one. It is an interesting mixture of originals and masterfully-done covers of some of the country and country-pop classics from a variety of artists…all well done…many times, better than the originals.” In November 2017 “Cowboys Like What Cowgirls Do” by Steve George Reis from the new “Legend of the Red Eye” was #1 on the Alternative Country Music chart. The 2023 Zachariah’s Red Eye Reunion was held on Saturday January 21st at Kemba LIVE in downtown Columbus Ohio to another capacity crowd.
McGuffey Lane’s history mirrors one of the songs from their 2002 “Wood” album. “I’ve been up and down and all around my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground. Don’t you worry baby don’t you worry about me. Cause I’ve survived everything that comes and goes. I still know which way that old north wind blows. After all these years I’m “Runnin’ Wild and Free”. McGuffey Lane is still going strong with the three original surviving members (Steve George Reis, Terry Efaw and John Schwab) in the band. McGuffey Lane still performs about 20 concerts annually. The Journey Continues and “It’s A Good Day”.

Projects Unlimited Gem Series Opener: Eleyet McConnell
In a landscape saturated with musical conformity, Eleyet McConnell emerges as a breath of fresh air, challenging genre boundaries and invigorating the music scene. Comprised of two distinct talents and innovative minds, their music blends raw emotion, introspection, and unapologetic originality. This dynamic duo, originating from Central Ohio, is reshaping the norms of musical expression, crafting a sound that eludes easy classification. Their songwriting prowess captivates, with lyrics that strike a chord deep within their audience. Rooted in personal experiences and universal truths, their songs speak to the human experience with a rare and honest vulnerability, offering a unique perspective on shared emotions and life’s journey.

Penumbra By Thelma Virata de Castro: A Staged Reading
2024-05-31 19:30 | PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Gullie, Osprey, and Ric are all lost and find their way to the beach and each other. With the help of lunar eclipse water, these lost souls create their own mythology as they seek home and navigate time at the mouth of the San Diego River.
PENUMBRA was commissioned by The Old Globe Theatre in 2022 and workshopped in 2023.
Each performance will be followed by a talkback with the artists and playwright.
Content Disclosure: The show explores themes of adoption, stepparents, alcoholism, cancer, and homelessness.
