Dayton Music Fest 2019: 15th annual event showcasing local music

Dayton Music Fest has taken many shapes over the years — but despite changes in organizers and other factors, the focus has always been on original music from the Gem City.

Current organizer Nathan Peters has curated a diverse selection of local talent for the annual event, returning to downtown Dayton on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20 and 21.

>> FOOD & DINING: Ghostlight’s latte with a loyal following just returned for the fall season

Friday’s headliner is Austin-based area-expat Erika Wennerstrom, who performs at The Brightside, along with Sharon Lane, Paige Beller, Somersault and the Katawicks. Saturday’s venues are Blind Bobs, Oregon Express and Yellow Cab Tavern. That evening’s shows include reunions by Captain of Industry and the Mulchmen along with sets from the Raging Nathans, Happy Chichester, C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks and Nightbeast.

“It really is a celebration of the independent music this town has to offer,” said Joe Anderl, who is performing with his band the 1984 Draft. “It’s a gathering of friends and fans. We hope each and every year more people come along for the ride and come out and experience something different.”

Anderl is the only musician to perform at every DMF since it started in 2005.

“It really is an honor,” he said. “There are so many great musicians in this town who deserve to play every year. I’ve been lucky I’ve been in different projects that can play in multiple ways. From folk to singer songwriter to rock. I truly appreciate each of the organizers over time have helped keep the streak alive. I love this town and have always tried to make DMF special in some way.”

>> LATEST NEWS: ‘Loose Ends Brewing,’ a new craft brewery, in the works in Centerville

A Voice Of Your Own, which released its sophomore album, “Satellites,” in June is making its first appearance at the festival.

“We’ve attended many DMF weekends over the years and we’re excited to be a part of this year’s event,” said the band’s front man, James Crabtree. “We’re looking forward to seeing so many good performances over the weekend. We’re stoked to get to see Erika Wennerstrom’s set at The Brightside on Friday night. None of us have gotten to see her perform since she was in town four years ago with her band the Heartless Bastards.”

One of the highlights this year is a reunion by surf rock trio the Mulchmen, which hasn’t played a public show since the death of drummer Gregg Spence in January 2000.

>> MORE MUSIC: Dayton funk legends: ‘We just want to give a little bit back’

“Last year, Nathan approached me with a few ideas, including the idea of a Mulchmen show,” guitarist Nick Kizirnis said. “We had just played a private party for Brian Hoeflich’s 40th birthday and it was a really fun experience. We decided it would be a good time to play a public show and DMF would be a great way to do that.”

Jim Macpherson of the Breeders will be playing drums for the Mulchmen reunion.

“Jim has been a close friend for a long time and even helped Gregg get his drum kit together when we started the Mulchmen,” Kizirnis said. “Jim and Gregg also both played drums in Real Lulu at different times. Jim has spent a lot of time listening to all of the intricate and subtle ideas Gregg played on the Mulchmen records and he’s doing an amazing job on the songs in the set.”

>> THINGS TO DO: 50 of the BEST patios in Dayton for outdoor drinks and dining

Credit: Contributed

THE SCHEDULE

Friday, Sept. 20
The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Main Stage
9 - Somersault
10 - Paige Beller
11 - Erika Wennerstrom

Second Stage
9:30 - The Katawicks
10:30 - Sharon Lane

Saturday, Sept. 21

Yellow Cab Tavern

6:45 - Age Nowhere
7:30 - The 1984 Draft
8:30 - Luxury Pushers
9:15 - Molice
10 - C Wrights Parlor Tricks
11 - The Mulchmen

Blind Bob's Bar
8 - Seth Gilliam & the Fake News
8:45 - Moira
9:45 - A Vulture Wake
10:30 - Night Beast
12:10 - pseudo
12:30 - Captain of Industry

Oregon Express Bar and Restaurant
8 - A Voice of Your Own
9 - The Remnants
9:45 - Freakquency
10:45 - Happy Chichester