Live music in Kettering, OH

The Alex Nicodemus Jazz Trio appears as part of Jazz & Beyond, a museum series that has highlighted regional jazz for more than 25 years with a mix of established artists and new talent. Performances take place in the Shaw Gothic Cloister unless otherwise noted. Museum members receive free admission, and nonmembers may attend with general admission. A cash bar offers alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and snacks from Leo are available for purchase.

Music Bingo adds a musical twist to the classic game by replacing numbers with recognizable songs, turning each round into a lively singalong. Bring friends, listen closely, and mark your card as tracks play. Complete a line of five to claim prizes. Participation is free, but cards are limited, so arriving early is recommended. Settle in by the RiverScape Café with food and drinks while you play. The café will offer flatbreads, sides, desserts, and other refreshments for purchase. Guests 21 and over can also purchase cocktails, wine, and beer through the Downtown Dayton DORA.

Settle in on the lawn for an evening filled with rhythm, dancing, and celebration with Grammy-winning Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience. A leading voice in American roots music, Simien blends zydeco with New Orleans funk, reggae, blues, and global sounds, honoring Louisiana traditions while drawing on decades of travel through more than 45 countries. With more than 7,000 shows to his name, he is known for performances that invite connection and shared joy, and with his band each set becomes a lively cultural celebration. Lawn chairs or blankets are welcome, local food trucks add to the experience, and the music unfolds on the Levitt stage in downtown Dayton. All are welcome on the lawn. Special thanks to Susan & Kurt Stedje and WHIO for supporting free live music for the community.

This picnic highlights Gemuetlichkeit with homemade German dishes, German and domestic beer and wine, and live music across the beer gardens. Hear traditional German music at Spass Platz by the Clubhouse, while local favorites perform on the Bomberger Park Stage. Additional offerings include a Polka Mass, a culture display spotlighting Pretzelmania, opportunities for genealogy research, the Kinder Korner, and a range of food and craft vendors. The festivities center on the Dayton Liederkranz Turner Clubhouse within historic St. Anne’s Hill, extending along part of East Fifth Street between Keowee and Dutoit and into Bomberger Park.

This practice series creates a welcoming circle to breathe, sing, and connect through short, uplifting songs with themes of healing, self respect, bravery, care for the planet, gratitude, and community. The focus is not on performance or sounding polished, but on mindful attention, purposeful singing, and genuine connection. Participants can ease nerves, open their voices, and nurture hope, while strengthening bonds with others. The songs learned often act like seeds that rise up in daily life during hard times, offering support and a way to draw from an inner well of strength. The atmosphere centers on sanctuary, encouragement, and belonging through shared rhythm and heart led voices. Open to all ages, and no prior music experience is required.

Settle in on the lawn for an evening of classic country rock with Ohio favorites McGuffey Lane. For more than fifty years, the band has blended country rock, heartfelt storytelling, and roots influences into songs that resonate across generations. Their journey stretches from early shows at Zachariah’s Red Eye Saloon in Columbus to national tours with artists such as The Allman Brothers, The Judds, and Charlie Daniels, reflecting a legacy shaped by authenticity, resilience, and community. Expect rich harmonies, strong songwriting, and a lively performance that balances nostalgia with timeless appeal. The New Old-Fashioned opens the show as part of the Projects Unlimited and Wyse Family Foundation Gem Series. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, enjoy local food trucks, and take in a summer night of music and community in downtown Dayton. Presented as part of Tim Tye’s Midnight Sky Country and Americana Series, with appreciation to Tim Tye’s Midnight Sky, Wagner Subaru, Elements IV Interiors, and Projects Unlimited and the Wyse Family Foundation for supporting free live music in the community.