As much fun as it’s been to promote all the amazing music, art and culture, there is a real toll it takes to keep up that frequency of content for years on end. It’s been said many times: you can’t pour from an empty cup. And after years of non-stop coverage, it’s time for me to recharge for awhile.

It’s an ideal time to take a break because, as we all know, going to see live music is a rare occurrence these days. There are fits and starts into the virtual world, where artists and promoters are trying to figure out how to bring the magic of live music into your homes.

I sincerely hope that you’ll continue to support the musicians, venues, and record stores that make this community’s music scene so special. This is when they need their true fans the most. Buying an album at a record store, or paying for the digital album instead of just streaming, makes a huge impact right now.

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

There’s also a huge push to pass the Save Our Stages Act, which would help save the independent stages and venues that give up-and-coming artists an opportunity to perform, and provide a web of employment and income to a variety of workers. Without the extra support, it’s estimated that 90 percent of these venues will close by the end of the year.

Why do we need to take action? Because let’s face it, music is what makes a city cool. We are the Funk capitol, and in many ways the birthplace of alternative music, with Dayton bands The Breeders, Brainiac and Guided By Voices, pioneering the way.

That next cool genre or musical experience is brewing and bubbling to surface right now, and it takes dedicated fans to make sure our scene survives this challenging time.

Sapphire, my favorite character from the movie Almost Famous, said: “They don’t even know what it is to be a fan. Y’know? To truly love some silly little piece of music, or some band, so much that it hurts.”

Credit: Libby Ballengee

Credit: Libby Ballengee

If you’re reading this, you know what it means to be a true fan. It’s a completely unique relationship. It’s initiated by the goosebumps you get the first time you hear that special song, which seems like it was written just for you. It’s fulfilled when you hear that song live, reciting the lyrics that are now burned into your heart. You know what I’m talking about.

Y’all are the best. Take care, rage on, and wear a mask, so we can get back to the thing we love the most: seeing live music!

For now, check out the rundown below of virtual and socially-distanced performances happening this weekend.

And as always, thank you for supporting live, original music.

Your Dayton Music Insider,

Libby Ballengee

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In-person shows

Friday, Aug. 14, 2020

Local favorites, Freakquency, perform on Friday, August 14th for a night of high energy live music from The Yellow Cab Food Hub stage. Music starts at 9pm with a $7 cover starting at 8pm. Please be sure to read their new dining policies at yellowcabfoodtrucks.com before coming out.

Flaw, the 90′s American nu metal band from Louisville, Ky., is performing live at Oddbody’s Music Room on Friday, Aug. 14. Supporting acts include Nine Mile Silence, Sins Of Calvary, Divine Eminence, The Location, Friends For Sale, Identity Unknown, Renegade Angel,Times of Desperation, and Let Them Divide. Show 5 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Tickets $20.

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

Saturday, Aug. 15

The House Bandits are back at The Yellow Cab Food Hub Stage on Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. The band is in actuality a new jam project that doesn’t consist of standard members, but is more meant to embrace the collaborative nature of the Dayton music scene. The show is free, but tipping is encouraged.

North of town, country fans are in for a teat with the free Rock Piqua Drive-In Concert with Jamie Suttle and Clark Manson at the Miami Valley Centre Mall, 987 E Ash St., Ste 169, in Piqua on Saturday, Aug. 15. Food truck rally begins at 4 p.m. Concert will run from 7-10 p.m. Free admission

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

Virtual experiences

The Neon cinema downtown is offering selections right now that will delight jazz and rock fans. They’ve added two new films to the Neon’s Virtual Cinema: The gloriously restored Jazz on a Summer’s Day, and the awesome star-studded documentary about the rock magazine Creem are both available now. Remember, you’re still supporting The NEON when you watch a film at home. Visit www.neonmovies.com and click the top banner for more virtual cinema information.

Levitt Pavilion has announced its first virtual series titled “Levitt on your lawn” in an effort to continue to build community through music. This series is planned to run weekly through October, but the board and staff remain ready to produce an in-person concert when it is safe to do so.

Each week, they are broadcasting a new concert on their Facebook page and YouTube channel. These concerts are recorded live on the Levitt Dayton stage with local artists. Audiences can find dates and who will be playing on their Facebook page or website, LevittDayton.org.