After much back and forth, it seems like the snowy days are finally dwindling for us here in the midwest, and that means that summer will soon follow, bringing with it a cacophony of live musical talents of all genres and flavors.
Whether you’re into varying degrees of rock n’ roll, folk music, or that oh-so-popular country twang, local venues have you covered this Summer with some serious talent and big name artists.
Here’s what you should know about music coming to the region this Summer season.
Without a doubt, the biggest lineup of popular acts will be found in Huber Heights at the Rose Music Center. Artists such as the Gin Blossoms, 3 Doors Down, Kenny G, Ted Nugent, The Offspring, Alice Cooper, and many more will be making tour stops in Huber Heights to jam out for the masses. Comedian and actor, Steve Martin, will even be at the Rose on May 26th to do a comedy event.
Owned by the city of Huber Heights and managed by Music and Event Management Inc., based out of Cincinnati, The Rose Music Center is a massive outdoor amphitheater that seats a whopping 4,200 people. Located just off of I-70, near Huber Heights, the structure was recently completed 3 years ago in 2015 and is now on a strong upswing, driven by the popular talent that the venue is attracting.
But the Rose isn’t the only venue that is hosting popular performers. The Fraze Pavilion, located in Kettering, will be hosting a strong variety of acts this summer such as O.A.R., Tony Bennett, Earth, Wind and Fire, Reba McEntire, Orleans, and even a comedy set from comedian, Jim Gaffigan.
Built in 1991, the Fraze will be celebrating their 17th season of “Summer’s Best Music Under the Stars” this year. With just a hundred more seats than the Rose, the Fraze showcases a lot more than just popular artists, as they also welcome a variety of more culture-focused, less pop-based performances such as The Motown Sounds of TOUCH and, jazz group, Dave Koz and Friends. The Fraze has a lot going for it this season, so be sure to inquire further.
But maybe you’re a die-hard country fan, trying to get your fix while catching some rays this summer. If so, then you’re in luck as the aforementioned two venues will both be hosting classic country artists, summer festivals will be hosting regional talents, and Fort Loramie will be hosting its annual Country Concert event on July 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Established in 1981, Country Concert has been a popular Summer get-away for both locals and out-of-towners, alike, throughout its 36 year run. This year will be no different with headliners such as Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Kane Brown, and Eric Church along with 20 other acts that country fans aren’t going to want to miss.
As for those who’d rather support and experience talents of the more local variety, I suggest contacting your local community arts centers, bars, bowling alleys, country clubs, high schools, and parks committees to see what future events they have organized.
A few other major music events and locales to check out this Summer are the Canal Music Festival on June 9th (Tipp City), BMI Indoor Speedway (Versailles), Springfest on July 7th (Yellow Springs), the Summer Concert Series in New Bremen, Dayton’s Celtic Music Festival on July 27-29, the PigMania State BBQ Championship and Music Festival on May 18 (Lima), and the Festival of Fire on June 29th in Bellefontaine.
With such a broad variety of acts and venues to choose from, many will be hard pressed to find at least one act that they don’t want to experience this summer. If you’re a live music fan, be sure to be proactive and catch some tunes while you’re working on that tan, because who doesn’t need a little more music in their life?
