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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Downtown Dayton Partnership
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TZID:America/Detroit
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DTSTART:20240310T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240808T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240808T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T141534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T141534Z
UID:10029234-1723143600-1723143600@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Ruthie Foster
DESCRIPTION:Ruthie Foster’s ninth studio album represents a new high water mark for the veteran blues artist—a collection of songs possessing pure power\, like a tidal wave of musical generosity. Healing Time finds Foster pushing her boundaries as a singer and songwriter more than ever before\, creating a truly live-sounding atmosphere with the help of her band\, who sound refreshingly loose and lived-in throughout these 12 songs. We’ve all been in need of some healing in recent times\, and Foster’s latest provides a guide for how to move through the world with equal parts compassion and resolve. \nHealing Time is the latest jewel in Foster’s accomplished career\, which includes multiple Grammy nominations and collaborations with fellow luminaries like Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. For her latest\, Foster contributed more to the writing process than she had on any of her previous albums\, effectively refining her own songcraft in the process. “With this album\, I dug deep and tried to go for the best way to write\,” she explains. “This album says a lot about the period we were making it in\, and how I wanted to find my way out of it.” \nWork on the album began in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020\, as Foster enlisted previous collaborators like Gary Nicholson and Grace Pettis to pitch in during the writing process—as well as every member of her band. “I wanted my band involved in the entire process of this album\,” she explains\, and they also played a large role in recreating the sound that Foster had become drawn to after spending time with her vinyl collection. “I was aiming to keep these songs sounding like they came from that era\, which says a lot about where I am in my life\, too.” \nVeteran producer Mark Howard (Willie Nelson\, Lucinda Williams) came in to bring new ideas to Foster’s table as recording began at Studio 71 West in Austin\, TX\, New Orleans’ famed Esplanade Studios\, and Blue Rock Studio in Wimberley\, TX. “Mark’s ability to turn a song’s arrangement upside down was intriguing and sometimes challenging for me\,” she states. “It was a lot to wrap my head around\, but he made me think outside of the box I didn’t even know I was in.” \nProducer Dan Barrett\, who also worked with Foster on 2017’s Joy Comes Back\, then took the helm at Black Pumas co-bandleader Adrian Quesada’s famed Electric Deluxe studio in Austin. Along with several Black Pumas members\, Barrett brought in a collection of Austin’s finest backing musicians\, like Glenn Fukunaga (The Chicks\, Shawn Colvin). “With Dan onboard we were able to find the glue to these songs sonically\, and he brilliantly melded my familiar Texas blues-Americana sound with what Mark pulled out of me in New Orleans\,” Foster says. “This combination gave these songs a breath of fresh air\, and it all came together very organically.” \nHealing Time’s title—as well as its burst-of-sunshine title track\, which features pedal steel legend Robert Randolph—is a reference not only to the trials many have faced over the last several years\, but also the necessity of what Foster does as an artist. “I hear fans tell me that the music we make is very spiritually healing\,” she says. “The experience of dealing with my own grief after losing a band member a year before the pandemic while navigating around zoom school with my daughter and trying to figure out what to do with myself was tough but necessary. When I look at it as a whole it was all very healing for me which is pretty much how I try to live my life. There’s always time for healing\, if you give it time.” \nAnd Healing Time is ultimately a work that explores such extremes as being human often brings to the surface\, reminding listeners that even when we feel like we’re at the top\, we’re ultimately still finding our way—a beautiful reflection of the essence of living itself.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/ruthie-foster/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/442436033_977103251084350_4016698477036447391_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240803T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240803T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T141417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T141417Z
UID:10029233-1722711600-1722711600@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Scythian – Art in the City
DESCRIPTION:Prior to the Scythian concert is Art in the City from 1 – 7 p.m.! Levitt Dayton will serve as the Family Zone for Art in the City with activities for all ages including a bubble zone\, face painting\, hula hooping\, music\, and more! \nNamed after Ukrainian nomads\, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays roots music from Celtic\, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions with thunderous energy\, technical prowess\, and storytelling songwriting\, beckoning crowds into a barn-dance\, rock concert experience. Nashville’s Music City Roots says Scythian is ‘what happens when rock star charisma meets Celtic dervish fiddling’\, and the Washington Post claims “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious\, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing\, jumping around or hoisting glasses.” The foursome made up of Alexander Fedoryka (Vocals\, Fiddle\, Mandolin\, Harmonica)\, Danylo Fedoryka (Vocals\, Guitar\, Accordion)\, Ethan Dean (Vocals\, Upright and Electric Bass\, Percussion\, Guitar) and Johnny Rees (Vocals\, Drums\, Percussion) brings various influences together to create a conglomerate which is technically precise and steeped in various folk traditions: The classically trained Fedoryka brothers grew up on Ukrainian folk music and bluegrass\, while Ethan Dean was raised on the greats of 60’s & 70’s folk-rock. Lafayette LA raised Johnny Rees brings a Cajun backbeat to the Celtic-Americana fusion giving Scythian yet another dimension which keeps audiences entertained and moving. Scythian is coming off its most prolific year in 2020 with over 1\,000 hours of live streams during the Covid Lockdowns\, release of two new albums (Roots & Stones and Quaranstream: The Album) and four new music videos. You have to catch the live show to understand why The Cammel City Dispatch said of their Merlefest performance: “[Scythian gives] no quarter in their quest to entertain and bring a joy to their music that gives it an irony-free\, wide open feel of manic possibility. The playing is technically brilliant\, but it is the energy that carries the day.”
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/scythian-art-in-the-city/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/436225941_975101934617815_6708188149479545296_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240802T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240802T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T141243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T141243Z
UID:10029232-1722625200-1722625200@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Jesse “JT Jazz” Thompson
DESCRIPTION:Born and raised in Dayton\, Ohio\, known in music circles as the land of funk\, Jesse Thompson couldn’t help but be influenced by the city’s great R&B pioneers – including Slave\, Ohio Players\, Lakeside and Zapp featuring Roger Troutman. For the past 20 years\, the multi-talented composer\, pianist and keyboardist manifested these inspirations – and helped bring the legacies of these legendary bands forward – as a former member of the popular and prolific\, constantly gigging Columbus-based R&B/jazz ensemble NexLevel. \nIn addition to releasing two full length albums and multiple singles\, the band has performed and shared stages with everyone from Boys II Men\, Fourplay and Spyro Gyra to Mindi Abair\, Warren Hill\, Tim Bowman and late greats Jeff Golub and Wayman Tisdale. Thompson’s success with NexLevel has led to a multitude of opportunities to perform and tour regularly with genre greats Eric Darius\, Adam Hawley\, Althea Rene\, Paul Taylor and the late Nick Colionne. He also appears on saxophonist Jeanette Harris’ latest album Saxathrone.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/jesse-jt-jazz-thompson/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/441605470_975093337952008_7710212982659109474_n.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240801T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240801T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T141135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T141135Z
UID:10029231-1722538800-1722538800@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band (J2B2)
DESCRIPTION:J2B2 is an all-star bluegrass supergroup featuring four legendary\, award-winning musicians – John Jorgenson on acoustic guitar\, mandolin and vocals; Herb Pedersen on banjo\, acoustic guitar and vocals; Mark Fain on bass; and Patrick Sauber on acoustic guitar and vocals – delivering bluegrass like no one has ever heard it before. The band’s undeniable live shows have received stellar reviews and have the bluegrass world buzzing. The four combine forces to form a spot-on union of impeccable musicianship\, incomparable songwriting\, incredible harmony vocals (a fresh twist combining bluegrass with elements of West Coast folk rock) and seasoned showmanship. This is the “high lonesome sound” of American roots music at its finest. \nJorgenson and Pedersen are founders (with Chris Hillman) of the formative country rock group Desert Rose Band. After working as a freelance musician in Southern California\, Jorgenson met Hillman and soon formed the Desert Rose Band. In 1990\, Jorgenson went on to found the Hellecasters and toured with Elton John’s band for six years. Artists ranging from Barbra Streisand to Bonnie Raitt to Earl Scruggs have sought out Jorgenson’s guitar work. Jorgenson portrayed Django Reinhardt in the Hollywood feature film Head in the Clouds. In 2008\, Jorgenson won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental with Brad Paisley and was nominated for Best Bluegrass Album with Earl Scruggs. \nHerb Pedersen was a member of legendary bluegrass band The Dillards as well as bluegrass super-group Old and In the Way. A sought-after singer and musician\, he has worked with such music legends as Chris Hillman\, Earl Scruggs\, Gram Parsons\, Emmylou Harris\, Tony Rice\, Dan Fogelberg\, Stephen Stills\, Linda Ronstadt\, Kris Kristofferson\, John Prine\, Jackson Browne and John Denver. \nMark Fain toured and recorded as bass player for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder for 13 years. He’s toured and recorded with the Dixie Chicks\, Alan Jackson\, Travis Tritt\, Dwight Yoakam\, Allison Krauss and Dolly Parton\, as well as producing many artists in jazz\, country\, bluegrass and gospel genres. \nPatrick Sauber is a multi-instrumentalist who has quickly made a name for himself in the world of bluegrass and old time music. Equally adept on guitar\, mandolin and banjo\, Sauber has toured with Peter Rowan and Laurie Lewis and appeared on screen in “The Mighty Wind.” \nJ2B2’s debut album\, From The Crow’s Nest\, was recorded in Sheryl Crow’s home barn studio in Nashville\, Tennessee. The album was recently released as part of a John Jorgenson limited edition\, 3-CD box set called DIVERTUOSO (Cleopatra Records)\, which has received vast critical acclaim. DIVERTUOSO includes three new distinct albums by Jorgenson: J2B2 – From The Crow’s Nest; John Jorgenson Quintet – Returning (gypsy jazz); and John Jorgenson – Gifts From The Flood(instrumental electric guitar). \nIn addition to recording their first album as a group\, J2B2 has played several major tour dates over the course of the past two and a half years\, including tours of Norway and the UK\, performances at the annual RockyGrass Festival in Lyons\, Colorado; the Joe Val Festival in Framingham\, Massachusetts; and headlining the Guitar Town Festival in Copper Mountain\, Colorado\, three years in a row. J2B2 made its Grand Ole Opry debut in October 2013 and has returned several times to the Opry since. J2B2 has created quite a buzz\, and The International Bluegrass Music Association is among the many giving the newly formed band’s live performance high marks. In a review\, the IBMA noted\, “There was warmth\, and storytelling\, and lots of laughter as this fresh band of legends made their debut…but with their expertise combined\, you would think they had been playing in this configuration for years.” \nYes! Weekly in Greensboro\, NC has noted of J2B2: “Expect fireworks and amazing playing from some of the best string players in the world.”
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/john-jorgenson-bluegrass-band-j2b2/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/436354711_975089234619085_8953815979512835020_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240720T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240720T173000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T141011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240613T192607Z
UID:10029230-1721496600-1721496600@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Blues Amplified ft. Anthony Rosano & the Conqueroos | Eric Jerardi | Westside Players
DESCRIPTION:Join us this year as we celebrate the new Blues Amplified night sponsored by the City of Dayton (formerly known as the City of Dayton Blues Festival).  Now the team at Levitt Dayton has taken over the programming and curation of these events\, adding them to their summer concert season. The three Amplified concerts will be held on three Saturdays and begin at 5:30 p.m. instead of the normal 7 p.m. concert start time and feature a DJ\, two openers and a headliner\, amplifying blues\, funk and Reggae genres of music. \nBlues Amplified Lineup:\n\nDJ Oscar\nEric Jerardi\nThe Westside Players\nHeadliner: Anthony Rosano & the Conqueroos\n\nProjects Unlimited Gem Series Opener: Eric Jerardi\nEric Jerardi\, a Dayton\, Ohio native\, is a seasoned musician known for his dynamic blend of blues\, rock\, and soul. With multiple albums under his belt\, including the critically acclaimed “Occupied\,” and a track record of sharing stages with legends like Little Feat and Robin Trower\, Jerardi’s musical prowess continues to captivate audiences worldwide. \n  \n \n\nProjects Unlimited Gem Series Opener: Westside Players\nThe Westside Players featuring Gary Guitar Williams are a “So Help The Boogie” Blues act. Founder & leader Gary Guitar Williams has been playing guitar and performing for over four decades. Gary started out playing with bands in his teens and hasn’t slowed down yet. He has played and performed with many local and national blues acts. He spent a decade with Snapper Mitchum playing and touring\, as well as playing with The Ohio Players\, Malcolm \n  \n\nAnthony Rosano & the Conqueroos\nSinger\, guitarist\, songwriter\, and bandleader\, Anthony Rosano\, has always been drawn to grit\, gravitas and the connection that comes from making music. Although his music roots are implanted in the firmament of the blues\, he takes his cue from any number of archival influences. \nWhile some have compared the Conqueroos’ sound to that of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble or Rory Gallagher\, Anthony has always followed his own muse. A native New Yorker who now resides in Norfolk Virginia\, he won instant acclaim with “Cheat the Devil” which made its debut at number 3 on the Billboard blues chart and has been recived positively by fans and critics.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/blues-amplified-ft-anthony-rosano-the-conqueroos-eric-jerardi-westside-players/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/442475620_975108027950539_1235378620392901993_n.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240719T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240719T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T140752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T140752Z
UID:10029229-1721415600-1721415600@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience
DESCRIPTION:Grammy-winner Terrance Simien takes his audiences on a multicultural tour of the world inspired the many countries he’s visited on tour which have informed his musical language. He creates a hypnotic blend of New Orleans funk-reggae-flavored-world-blues-American zydeco roots music that beckons you to your feet and into the groove. Leading his Zydeco Experience band\, Simien has become one of the most respected and accomplished artists in American roots music today. He and his band mates have performed over 7000 concerts\, toured millions of miles to over 45 countries during their eventful career.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/terrance-simien-the-zydeco-experience/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/443696725_973522371442438_3654190695967398368_n.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240718T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240718T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T140636Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T140636Z
UID:10022935-1721329200-1721329200@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Buffalo Nichols
DESCRIPTION:On his second album\, The Fatalist\, Carl “Buffalo” Nichols does things with the blues that might catch you off guard. There’s 808 programming\, chopped up Charley Patton samples\, washes of synth. There’s a consideration of the fullness of the sonic stage and the atmospherics of the music that can only come with a long engagement with electronic music. But this is no gimmicky hybrid or attempt to turn the blues into 21st century music by simply dressing it with skittering hi-hats. Nichols’ vision for the blues is of a form of music that’s intimately tied to everyday life in 2024\, something that’s reflected not only in the choice of instrumentation\, but in the complexities of the songwriting and the gray areas his lyrics explore. This is music that comes straight from the present\, and as such\, it’s a reminder that the same shit that drove the first blues singers to pick up a guitar is still present behind the throbs of deep bass hits today. The Fatalist sounds unlike any blues record you’re likely to hear in 2024.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/buffalo-nichols/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/442478824_975109227950419_8839170700979573158_n.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240713T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240713T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T140455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T140455Z
UID:10022934-1720897200-1720897200@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Alexander Star & the Golden People w/ Signature Levitt Summer Camp Showcase Opening
DESCRIPTION:Alexander Star is an Emmy®-nominated songwriter\, performer\, and impact activist based in South Florida. Star is committed to using his music as a vehicle for positive change and is proud to be considered a modern-day “Impact Artist.” \nAlexander Star tours with his 5-piece live band The Golden People. In addition to their headline shows\, A. Star & TGP have opened for Earth\, Wind & Fire\, Black Violin\, and Koffee. The band’s familiar originals and playfully modern interpretations of hits spanning half a century make Alexander Star & The Golden People a sought-after performance experience. \nStar’s music has been featured Super Bowl campaigns\, on prime time television\, government broadcasts and commercials. Star has forged creative partnerships globally and has performed in more than a dozen countries as well as inside the United Nations. In addition to his albums\, Star creates anthems for non-profit organizations including “My Solid Ground” for HANDY\, Inc.\, an organization that helps teens in foster care get on their feet\, and “Just One Firefly” for 211\, a national crisis prevention hotline. Star has also created anthems created for The Children’s Services Council of Broward County\, Xtreme Action Park\, Feeding South Florida\, the City of Miami Government\, and many more. \nAlexander Star is also a popular keynote performer specializing in tailor-made ‘Tiny Desk’ style concerts that uplift\, inspire\, and energize audiences seeking upward transformation. \nOff the stage\, Star has dedicated 10+ years of musical mentorship toward amplifying youth voices by helping students write and record original songs. His experience hosting hundreds of these sessions with at-risk teens (survivors of abuse\, trafficking\, and teens living in foster care) helped Star develop his natural gift for empowering others. \nProjects Unlimited Gem Series Opener: Signature Levitt Music & Creative Arts Summer Day Camp Showcase\nThe openers for this evening will be the students from the week-long Signature Levitt Music & Creative Arts Summer Day Camp in partnership with Signature Educational Solutions. These students will work hard the week before the concert\, writing songs and honing their creative and production skills in order to develop a performance to dazzle the Levitt Dayton audience.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/alexander-star-the-golden-people-w-signature-levitt-summer-camp-showcase-opening/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/442404434_973513748109967_6618668886119766178_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240712T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240712T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T140322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T140322Z
UID:10022933-1720810800-1720810800@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Nikki Hill w/ Gem Series Opener The Café Unit
DESCRIPTION:Nikki Hill is sweet seduction\, sweeter threat\, and smoldering energy. An original force in American music\, she is tender and tough\, flamboyant\, witty and dangerous. To put it plainly\, Hill brings daggers back to the stage and studio. Overlapping soulful\, sensual and bold vocal tones with powerful chrome-plated riffs and swagger\, her voice finds a home in it – a soul singing\, bar rocking\, roots revivalist\, that writes with frank self-reflection at a dancing tempo. \nHailing from Durham\, North Carolina\, Nikki Hill enjoyed R&B\, soul\, pop and hip hop at home. In addition\, she sang gospel in the church choir from childhood through her early teenage years. Gradually\, she developed her ears for garage rock\, rock n’ roll\, blues and roots\, while also picking up influence from living along the legendary Mississippi River – in St. Louis\, Missouri\, New Orleans\, Louisiana\, and currently Memphis\, Tennessee. In Nikki’s mind\, a fertile mix of all the different types of music she had heard arose\, and gradually these merged into something quite special\, as she found her own voice\, which the world was gradually introduced to on her many constant tours\, where she took more and more audiences by storm with her distinctive vocals and energetic stage performance. \nAfter self-releasing and producing her debut album\, Here’s Nikki Hill\, her musical contributions continued\, with her song “Struttin’” released on Deke Dickerson and The Bo-Keys Soul Meets Country EP\, produced by Scott Bomar in Memphis\, TN. The momentum continued through the release of her second album\, Heavy Hearts Hard Fists\, recorded at Fort Horton Studios in Wyldwood\, TX. The acclaimed album was accompanied by a worldwide tour in the US\, Europe\, Australia\, India and Morocco\, and over 30 festivals\, including Montreux Jazz Festival\, Monterey Jazz Festival\, and Byron Bay Blues Festival\, receiving praise for uplifting the new songs with an erupting live performance. \n“Think Tina Turner fronting AC/DC and you’ll have half of the picture. She’s a machine…you’ve got no excuse if you miss seeing her… Nikki Hill is a revelation\, her band masters of rocket-fueled bluesy swing\, her voice the beacon which calls you home… a vocal powerhouse who don’t mess around.” (Rolling Stone). \nHill’s current touring band is Matt Hill (guitar)\, Laura Chavez (guitar)\, Nick Gaitan (bass)\, and Marty Dodson (drums). On Nikki Hill’s third self-produced and self-released album\, Feline Roots\, she lets her soul rip. Nikki and her band take a muscular groove — celebrating and wailing over love\, transgressions\, the hard times\, and wild freedom — and inject it with timeless effect\, giving Nikki a foundation on which to build. \nIt’s her version of rock n’ roll that can only come from her stories. Nikki Hill has never been afraid to take the road less traveled\, and it’s clear with “Feline Roots” that she’s living every word. \n \nProjects Unlimited Gem Series Opener: The Café Unit\nThe Café Unit is a group of “Seasoned Players” who share a common vision\, influence\, and ear for live performance and music. The Café Unit is laid back AND The Café Unit is upbeat. Ideal for any Dancing\, Good Listening\, Party environment\, Venues Large and Small\, the Band incorporates songs and styles from a variety of genres and eras. Blues\, Rock\, Country\, from Golden Oldies to Present Day Music\, Nothing Is Off The Table
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/nikki-hill-w-gem-series-opener-the-cafe-unit/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/441583060_973502904777718_3908920255890612694_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240711T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240711T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T140208Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T140208Z
UID:10022932-1720724400-1720724400@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Lauren Anderson
DESCRIPTION:Lauren Anderson honed her blues-ridden\, lyric-driven craft in the suburbs of Chicago. With an undergraduate degree in Opera and a Masters in Music Therapy\, she now resides in Nashville\, TN where she is a full-time musician. Although her talent stands alone with awards\, such as Female Vocalist of the year in 2015 by the Midwest Music Awards and Best New Blues Artist in 2022 by the Independent Blues Awards\, she has also shared the stage with the likes of Beth Hart\, Samantha Fish and Mike Zito to name a few. She has co-written with writers\, such as Sean Michael Kelly\, previously in the band “Six Pence none the Richer” & Sandy Ramos\, who wrote “The Chicks” 1998 hit\, “Let ‘Er Rip”. Lauren just released her third\, self-produced studio album in September 2022\, titled\, “Burn It All Down”\, which debuted at #12 on the Billboard Blues Charts and she’s looking forward to her next adventure.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/lauren-anderson/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/442485711_975110244616984_3564812265486607720_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240706T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240706T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T140056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T140056Z
UID:10022931-1720292400-1720292400@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Ron Artis II
DESCRIPTION:Hailing from Haleiwa\, HI\, Ron Artis II is an award-winning artist who brings a unique soulful honest- songwriting style to the stage. Music is the Artis family trade. His father\, Ron Artis\, was a renowned musician who mentored Ron at an early age\, having him join him onstage by the age of 8. Having also received lessons from local musical legend\, JP Smoketrain. Ron was a quick study and his exceptional skills as a guitar player were evident\, soon seen as a musical prodigy. For the next several years\, Ron performed with his father and their family band in Hawaii. He was immersed in and exposed to a wide spectrum of musical styles. Thanks to this early mentoring\, Ron developed his own abilities as a singer\, multi-instrumentalist\, writer and producer\, eventually stretching out on his own and coming to the mainland. \nNow\, performing all original music and energizing audiences all across the globe\, his blazing versatile guitar playing style is captivating. New and established fans leave the experience feeling loved\, electrified\, and pondering the lyrics. In recent years Ron has toured and collaborated with such great artists as Jack Johnson\, G Love\, Ben Harper and many others. \nRon’s music and message has gone global\, as he has partnered up with several charities to help get instruments and musical knowledge to otherwise underserved kids from Los Angeles to New York to Maui to Ireland. He’s also been honored by the Songwriters Hall of Fame\, receiving the Bill Withers Award\, and has already done his own TED talk. \nRon started 2023 by producing his own short documentary titled\, Reason\, which offers a closeup into his life\, music and how they intersect. Ron’s says\, “There’s a serious calling over my life\, I’m grateful to be in the position to be able to share it with my family. The documentary Reason is a window into what professional tour life is like with five kids.” Always active\, Ron concludes the year with an online holiday greeting\, “I’ll be home for Christmas\,” as he heads to Maui with partner\, Free Guitars 4 Kids (FG4K)\, to distribute 200 guitars to local families who were displaced by the fire back in August – featured by GMA and People Magazine\, to help remind everyone that our friends in Hawaii s2ll very much need our help and assistance. \nIn 2024\, Ron Artis II is set to release new material\, get back on the road and bring forth his music along with a message of love and hope to the world.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/ron-artis-ii/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/436235114_973479381446737_5606489483681712400_n.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240705T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240705T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T135935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T135935Z
UID:10022930-1720206000-1720206000@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:OKAN
DESCRIPTION:Fusing Afro-Cuban roots with jazz\, folk and global rhythms in songs about immigration\, resistance and love\, OKAN takes their name from the word for heart in their Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. With vocals in Spanish\, English and Spanglish\, OKAN is led by the Cuban-born violinist and vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez and percussionist and vocalist Magdelys Savigne\, both Grammy and Latin-Grammy nominees. \nHaving recently worked with Bomba Estereo\, Lido Pimienta\, and Dayme Arocena\, OKAN’s Juno-winning sophomore release Espiral debuted in first place on Canada’s !Earshot charts and was included in NPR’s top 10 Alt Latino and CBC Music’s top 20 of that year. \nPassionate advocates for freedom of expression\, queer rights and gender equality\, OKAN has gained a reputation for their powerful live performances\, which showcase their incredible harmonies\, virtuosic musicianship\, potent lyrics as well as an unfailing ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. \n \nEmbracing genres that have not historically fostered women artists outside of the role of singer\, OKAN co-leaders have faced many challenges. Magdelys talks about the obstacles she faced in pursuing percussion in her native Cuba and how “coming out as a percussionist” to her family. was as big a deal as coming out as queer. Part of the next wave of Cuban women composers and multi-instrumentalists\, Elizabeth and Magdelys bring a fresh perspective to Latin and world jazz fusion through their powerful harmonies\, elevated musicianship and provocative but playful lyrical content. \nBorn in Havana\, Cuba\, Elizabeth Rodriguez is a classically trained violinist who served as concertmaster for Havana’s Youth Orchestra. Magdelys Savigne hails from Santiago de Cuba and graduated with honors in orchestral percussion from Havana’s University of the Arts. \nCalled “lush and vibrant\, urgent but specific and deeply intentional” by CBC Music\, OKAN’s second album Espiral delved deeper into the group’s rich Cuban roots\, finding renewed inspiration in this powerful musical heritage. The Santeria influences aremost evident in the title track\, which uniquely blends guajira\, the folk genre of Eastern Cuba\, with Santeria-derived chants. \nA new album\, Okantomi\, to be released in the fall of 2023\, includes special guests as classical violinist Lara St. John\, leading figures in Cuban jazz\, Dayme Arocena and Elmer Ferrer as well as the legendary Afro-Cuban percussionist Amado Dedeu. \nOfficial showcases at SXSW\, Folk Alliance International\, Mundial Montreal\, Contact East\, Folk Music Ontario\, Pacific Contact\, Ontario Contact and Global Toronto have led to invitations to perform across Canada and the U.S. with stops at The Kortright Centre (Vancouver)\, The Grand (Calgary)\, Hermann’s (Victoria)\, Passim (Boston)\, Old Town School of Folk (Chicago)\, Cal Performances (Berkely)\, as well at the Blue Skies\, Mariposa\, Toronto Jazz\, Exit Next\, Nuit D’Afrique\, Harrison and Middlebury festivals\, to name just a few.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/okan/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/436319016_973474984780510_2400769570045984620_n.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240629T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240629T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T135820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T135820Z
UID:10022929-1719687600-1719687600@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Shamarr Allen w/ Gem Series Opener The OG Players
DESCRIPTION:Shamarr Allen is the definition of New Orleans! Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans\, Allen has influences in jazz\, hip-hop\, rock\, funk rhythms\, blues and country. He is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band “Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs.” In addition to performing with his band\, Allen has collaborated with many renowned artists around the world such as Willie Nelson\, Patti LaBelle\, Galatic\, Harrick Connick Jr\, and Lenny Kravitz\, to name a few. He is a sought after artist for festivals and venues around the world. In addition to displaying his skills on the front-line as a lead performer\, Allen is also a music composer\, writer\, and producer. With a scintillating and unique sound\, look\, and exemplary talents\, Shamarr Allen transcends musical boundaries. He is the True Orleans experience! \n\nProjects Unlimited Gem Series Opener: The OG Players\nUniting nearly a decade ago over their mutual love of music\, The OG Players are a quartet that combines founder Elaine Mylius\, a one-woman orchestra\, Eric Rollin\, lead vocalist and emcee\, Robert Rilery Jr\, drummer\, and Mayh3m! – Kito Denham\, a nationally recognized beat master.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/shamarr-allen-w-gem-series-opener-the-og-players/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/436368711_973461228115219_8547986993573389647_n.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240628T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240628T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T135708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T135708Z
UID:10022928-1719601200-1719601200@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:The Vindys w/ Gem Series Opener The Hathaways
DESCRIPTION:The Vindys have become one of the most sought-after bands in the Northeast Ohio area with their unique blend of alt-rock that Cleveland Magazine says\, “…reminds us of the Black Keys\,” and “…make us want to dance\, whether we’re in a grimy dive bar or a field in Lake County.” Their album\, Bugs\, is out now. \nThe Youngstown\, OH based band is led by powerhouse singer / songwriter / guitarist\, Jackie Popovec who The Repository says “…uncannily evokes Amy Winehouse on the more retro songs while going full-tilt rock ‘n’ roll on the harder\, moodier numbers.” WKBN-TV (CBS) calls the band “… one of the hottest acts in the area… Canfield’s Jackie Popovec — her voice is a blend of Amy Winehouse and Norah Jones.” The Beaver County Times boasts “…Popovec will grab you immediately. She sounds sweet and sultry\, vulnerable and persevering.” Rounding out the band is John Anthony on guitar/harmony vocals\, and Rick Deak on guitar/harmony vocals. The Vindys “Family Band” includes drummer Owen Davis\, bassist Brendan Burke\, keyboardist Nathan Anthony and the Youngstown Horns featuring Kyle O’Donnell on trumpet\, Brian Mayle on trombone\, and Garret Kuchmaner on saxophone. All are classically trained musicians who combine their skills\, Popovec as the primary songwriter\, and arrangements by the band\, resulting in a depth and maturity in their music that is intricate\, yet relatable. \nBecause they are passionate about representing Youngstown as a place where the music scene is thriving. Their name pays homage to their roots by drawing influence from Youngstown’s daily newspaper\, The Vindicator. Brad Savage\, program director of The Summit 91.3 FM\, explains\, “To me\, they really personify Youngstown and northeast Ohio. They’ve got depth and substance and are instantly likable. Their songs get stuck in your head after one listen.” \nThe band has performed at various festivals including WonderStruck\, WonderRoad\, WonderBus\, Three Rivers Arts Festival\, LaureLive\, Winnetka Music Festival\, Women Who Rock\, and Summerfest where the band won the first day of the Emerging Artist Series selected by voters on Twitter. Additionally\, The Vindys have shared the stage with Pat Benatar\, Walk Off the Earth\, Rita Wilson\, Orianthi\, The Drive-By Truckers\, Marty Stuart\, Hunter Hayes\, Reeve Carney\, and more. \nCurrently the Vindys are endorsed by EarthQuaker Devices\, Heil Sound and Ultimate Ears Pro. \n \nProjects Unlimited Gem Series Opener:\nThe Hathaways\nThe Hathaways is a 5 member pop/rock band that has forsaken life on the road and settled down in Dayton\, Ohio to continue playing out on weekends and special occasions and develop their original music. They are currently working on their third CD of pop and rock originals. They have had a number of memorable experiences as the opening act for bands such as Cheap Trick\, Eddie Money\, Molly Hatchet\, Rare Earth\, Rick Derringer\, The Georgia Satellites\, The Romantics\, McGuffey Lane
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/the-vindys-w-gem-series-opener-the-hathaways/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/443699022_973452541449421_6176591530023494235_n.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240627T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240627T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T135555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T135555Z
UID:10022927-1719514800-1719514800@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Chapel Hart
DESCRIPTION:Lights\, cameras\, microphones\, a prayer & HERE THEY GO! Danica and Devynn Hart along with their cousin Trea Swindle\, make up Chapel Hart and have proven they are truly a force to be reckoned with. These ladies have found a way to gift wrap their Mississippi roots & Louisiana spunk and share it with listeners around the world. \nWitness the evolution of this band who went from singing together as children in Hart’s Chapel\, to a world class group whose colorful and contagious energy has flourished into a full live band experience that fills venues at home and around the country. Chapel Hart has an amazing ability to tug on your heartstrings with a tender yet powerful ballad\, then have you pumping your fist in unison to the pulse of hard-hitting rock and roll. The band accentuates the three vocalists\, who embody the sweet and southern sound of country with the soulful undertones noting their gospel roots. The cohesiveness of the band has not gone unnoticed as they have garnered thousands of fans from all over the world and have received hundreds of thousands of views online of their performances.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/chapel-hart/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/436221921_973440501450625_8191944021448326242_n.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20240622T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20240622T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T084859
CREATED:20240521T135423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240521T135423Z
UID:10022926-1719082800-1719082800@downtowndayton.org
SUMMARY:Reverend Horton Heat w/ Gem Series Opener Kyle Eldridge & the Kentucky Cowhands
DESCRIPTION:Jim is a Revelator\, both revealing & reinterpreting the country-blues-rock roots of American music. He’s a time-travelling space-cowboy on a endless interstellar musical tour\, and we are all the richer & “psycho billier” for getting to tag along. Seeing Reverend Horton Heat live is a transformative experience. There’s nothing like the primal tribal rock & roll transfiguration of a Reverend Horton Heat show. Listening to the Reverend Horton Heat is tantamount to injecting pure musical nitrous into the hotrod engine of your heart. And no band on this\, or any other\, planet rocks harder\, drives faster\, or lives truer than the Reverend Horton Heat. \n \n  \nProjects Unlimited Gem Series Opener: Kyle Eldridge & the Kentucky Cowhands\nKyle Eldridge\, a Country & Western singer-songwriter from Louisville\, Kentucky\, is celebrated for his Maphis/Travis picking and Western Jazz style. Teaming up with Upright Bassist Dakota Collins in Nashville\, they hit the Honky Tonks on Broadway. Kyle recorded his debut EP in Los Angeles and has shared stages with artists like Jim Heath and Shaun Young. Known as the “Heir Apparent\,” Kyle is making his mark in the Country & Western scene\, performing worldwide.
URL:https://downtowndayton.org/event/reverend-horton-heat-w-gem-series-opener-kyle-eldridge-the-kentucky-cowhands/
LOCATION:Levitt Pavilion Dayton\, 134 S. Main St.\, Dayton\, OH\, 45402
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://downtowndayton.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/442510956_972071378254204_8173616025576238768_n.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR