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Don Thrasher: Writing 1,000 columns about Dayton music scene made childhood dream come true

This week marks the 1,000th Rock Insider for music writer Don Thrasher, who in addition to covering local music has played drums for area bands like Guided By Voices, Swearing At Motorists, the New Creatures and his current group, Smug Brothers. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

This week marks the 1,000th Rock Insider for music writer Don Thrasher, who in addition to covering local music has played drums for area bands like Guided By Voices, Swearing At Motorists, the New Creatures and his current group, Smug Brothers. CONTRIBUTED
What to Know
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Updated March 24, 2023
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Since my first Rock Insider on Mike Ruetschle’s “Lesser Than Opaque” was published May 30, 2003, I’ve used this space each Friday to cover local music. I’m breaking from protocol slightly, for this, my 1,000th column, to reflect on what it has meant for this Alabama transplant to find a home in Dayton’s music community.

Dayton-based indie rock group Ruetschle (pictured here circa 2006), fronted by architect and musician Mike Ruetschle (right), was the subject of Don Thrasher’s very first Rock Insider column, published in the Friday, May 30, 2003 issue of the Dayton Daily News. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

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Credit: CONTRIBUTED

I was with local alternative newspaper “Impact Weekly” for nine years, where I went from freelance music writer to arts and entertainment editor. When I left there in late March 2003, Dayton Daily News arts and entertainment editor Ron Rollins gave me a shot. I’m forever grateful.

My early features for the Life & Arts section were on local bands. First was Shesus on April 6, then the American Static the following Sunday. My responsibilities soon expanded to include nationally touring acts, stand-up comedy, film and other arts topics, but local music has remained a big focus in both features and Rock Insider. The column ran every two weeks for my first 16 months, then switched to weekly and there has never been a shortage of great music to cover.

Each week, Rock Insider focuses on area music acts like R.Ring, featuring Mike Montgomery of Cincinnati band Ampline (left) and Miami Valley native Kelley Deal of the Breeders, from a 2017 promotional photo for the group’s album, “Ignite the Rest.” CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

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Credit: CONTRIBUTED

When my family left the small southern town of Haleyville for Centerville in the mid-1970s, all I knew about the Miami Valley was the Ohio Players and the Wilder brothers from Heatwave were from the area. That was good enough for this 15-year-old music obsessive, but I never imagined I’d eventually interview members of both bands. If you’d told me then I’d have the telephone number of the Players’ James “Diamond” Williams, and he’d actually take my calls, I’d have declared that a ridiculous fantasy.

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In many ways, I’m living out my wild childhood daydreams. As a musician, I’ve played in numerous bands, released dozens of albums and had opportunities to perform in the United States, Canada and Europe. As a someone who grew up devouring rock magazines and music biographies, interviewing international stars like Steve Martin, Wynton Marsalis and Jonathan Richman is truly incredible.

While it’s called Rock Insider, over the past 1,000 columns contributing writer Don Thrasher has covered a diverse range of local talent, from rapper Candy Barz (pictured) to musicians in bluegrass, jazz, classical, electronic and other genres. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

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Credit: CONTRIBUTED

It’s been equally thrilling to chronicle the careers of area musicians from Kim and Kelley Deal, Robert Pollard and Sharon Lane to Roy Meriwether, Erika Wennerstrom and Tod Weidner. And there’s more to come.

Late jazz pianist Roy Meriwether, a Dayton native who went on to release albums for Columbia and Capitol Records, was covered numerous times by contributing writer Don Thrasher in his weekly Rock Insider column. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

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Credit: CONTRIBUTED

This isn’t my final Rock Insider, but I wanted to take this occasion to thank the Dayton Daily News for supporting local music and arts, and also the talented musicians, dedicated bookers and venue owners, music fans and readers interested in local talent. That community synergy helped put food on my family’s table but also nourished me in numerous ways, through hours of great conversations, casual connections and some deep friendships.

Contact this contributing writer at 937-287-6139 or donthrasher100@gmail.com.

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About the Author

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Don Thrasher, a native of Gadsden, Alabama, has been a weekly contributor for the Dayton Daily News since 2003. He covers national and international music, performance and art. Don is a versatile writer, who has interviewed ballet dancers, professional athletes, authors, comedians, filmmakers, rodeo clowns and other disparate figures.