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 Need a good guffaw? Like to rock ‘n’ roll? In the mood for a provocative show? Discover all this and more in the Oregon Arts District, where exemplary entertainment is always in vogue. The district is home to Ohio’s oldest comedy club, the city’s only independent movie house, and blocks full of bars and clubs that serve a musical mix-up that ranges from jazz to jam band. There also are plenty of entertainment options for those keen on the arts or fitness. Want to do it all? Check out the array of special and regularly scheduled events held throughout the district.
Blind Bob's
430 E. Fifth St.
937-938-6405
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This all-American tavern opened in September following a gut-job renovation that created a comfy, laid-back space perfect for taking in the game, presidential debate, a poetry slam and plenty of live music. The sounds coming out of Blind Bob’s include jazz, R&B, reggae, rock and more. While you’re enjoying the entertainment, check out the offerings sure to please your palate, including such foodstuffs as house specialty pickle soup, and spirits, such as a wide selection of bourbon.
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Boulevard Haus
329 E. Fifth St.
937-824-2722
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Boulevard Haus' adjacent Le Monde Lounge features live jazz on Friday and Saturday evenings and specializes in martinis, many of which include infused vodkas made in-house, as well as German wine and beer to complement its menu. Boulevard Haus' three patios, one of which is tucked away behind the restaurant and is truly an urban getaway, also are great places to unwind and enjoy Boulevard Haus’ blend of modern and traditional German cuisine.
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The Dublin Pub
300 Wayne Ave.
937-224-7822
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The stage at this traditional Irish pub is cranking nearly every night. Dublin Pub plays host to national touring Celtic rock bands, such as Seven Nations, as well as regional and local acts, such as the traditional Irish music of Dulahan, a Dayton original. Rock also is on the menu periodically, with the likes of Velvet Crush and Led Zeppelin tribute band Wings of Thor in the spotlight. And when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, this is party central. Music isn’t the only form of entertainment: The Dublin Pub also carries a wide range of cigars and hosts Cigar Lovers Night the second Tuesday of every month, along with spirit or whiskey tastings every other month, which often are paired with menu items. Of course, any night you show up you can enjoy Dublin Pub’s drink selection and hearty food .
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Feathers Vintage Clothing
440 E. Fifth St.
937-228-2940
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Vinyl lives at this vintage clothing and antique store, where you also can bedeck your body and home with items from yesteryear.
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Gem City Records
318 E. Fifth St.
937-223-8011
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A legendary music store, Gem City Records has been rolling out tunes for more than 20 years ― since cassette tapes were innovative. Whether you’re into Top 40 or Tibetan chants, you’ll find something at Gem City, which also offers a nice selection of local music and vinyl. It’s worth a stop in the store just to check out the listening stations, which always feature interesting picks. If you’d rather watch than listen, the store has tons of DVDs. Get it all either new or used, and sell that old Back Street Boys disc for another prepubescent girl to discover. Also to be found are T-shirts, posters and fun gift items.
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Hauer Music Company
120 S. Patterson Blvd.
937-222-2815
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People travel from throughout the region to take music lessons and shop for top-quality instruments at Hauer Music, a family-run business founded in 1937. Need a particular reed for your sax or a piece of obscure sheet music? Hauer’s salespeople are extremely knowledgeable and extraordinarily helpful. Got a broken-down bass? Hauer’s service shop can fix what ails any instrument, and fast, too. Indeed, Hauer is one of the largest music stores in the United States and also serves as a gathering place for music lovers of all ages, history buffs, musicians, collectors, teachers and students.
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Neon Movies
130 E. Fifth St.
937-222-7469
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You can’t go wrong at a movie theater that serves beer and Boston Stoker coffee. The Neon is an independent movie house featuring the best in foreign and independent films. It also hosts numerous film festivals, such as Screenpeace and the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Can’t remember the name of that one actor in that one film? Unload your laptop and look it up using the Neon’s wi-fi access. Or take a minute after the movie to relax on the Neon’s patio and discuss the film with friends.
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Oregon Express
336 E. Fifth St.
937-223-9205 |
The Oregon Express is a veritable jambalaya of entertainment options, serving up everything from live trivia on Tuesday nights to the occasional Theology on Tap sessions, with loads of live music in between, including funk, blues, rock and folk. The OE hosts karaoke every Monday, a mix of live bands on Wednesdays, Dayton's longest-running blues jam on Thursdays and indie rock night on Saturdays. Or you can simply enjoy the company of family and friends over a brew and pizza in this comfortable tavern or on its upstairs patio, which has a great view of the downtown skyline.
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Trolley Stop
530 E. Fifth St.
937-461-1101
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A hotbed of live music, the Trolley Stop serves up an incredible montage of sounds. Hear everything from the Grammy-winning Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience Band to hometown musicians both seasoned and just starting out. Enjoy everything from the R&B, funk and hip hop of Funky G & The Groove Machine; the trippy jams of Grateful Dead cover band Terrapin Moon; reggae masters Seefari; the blues rock of The Eric Jerardi Band; or the funky folk rock of Sleepybird. The Trolley Stop hosts two regular shows: “An Old Time Acoustic Jam Session” every Wednesday and “The Original Acoustic Revival Open Mic Stage” every Thursday, both beginning at 9 p.m. The Trolley also features numerous food specials and you can always find folks kickin’ back on its patio, one of the best-loved in town, with brews.
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Tumbleweed Connection
454 E. Fifth St.
937-228-5500 |
This easygoing establishment presents a rotating selection of live music that makes for an eclectic crowd. Watch the band from above on the upstairs balcony, or spy on the Fifth Street flock from the second-floor patio. Tumbleweed’s lunchtime specials are some of the best deals on the block.
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Wiley's Comedy Club
101 Pine St.
937-224-5653
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Dayton’s first and Ohio’s oldest comedy club is the place where such comedians as Dave Chappelle got their start. Thanks to a balcony and the club’s intimate size, there’s not a bad seat in the house. If you’re hungry for more than laughs, Wiley’s serves up sandwiches and pizza, as well as drink specials, such as its bucket of beer. Think you’re a bona-fide jokester? Try out your chops during open mic night on Sundays from 8 to 8:30 p.m., followed by Wiley’s regularly scheduled show. Whatever you do, bring tissues: You’re guaranteed to laugh so hard you’ll cry (or pee).
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