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.
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
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.
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
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.
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.
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
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.
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
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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