Update: Due to Covid concerns, the first week of the competition has been rescheduled.

The Dayton Battle of the Bands was an initiative that originally ran from January through February 2020 before the COVID epidemic occurred. It was launched as a collaboration between music promoters at Sound Valley Dayton and Venus Child Productions, and at the time a new downtown Dayton local music venue, The Brightside (located at 905 E 3rd St in downtown Dayton). 

According to the organizers, “[t]he goal of Dayton Battle of the Bands is to shine a light on new and upcoming bands in the community while providing a prize package that helps launch them to their next level. The series runs for 6 weeks on Thursdays 7-10pm, with 4 bands per night, competing to win their week and move onto the Finals on Saturday, Feb 26, 2022.”

While the winners will receive an EP studio session at Dayton Sound Studios (sponsors of the event) and a cash prize, all the finalists win some exciting prizes too: a live music video from Sound Valley and an opening spot on Levitt Dayton’s summer 2022 lineup! Winners of each week are decided by a combination of audience and judges’ votes. Judges are a mix of local music writers, activists and musicians. The final winner is selected by audience votes only this allows music fans to choose the winner of the entire ‘Battle’. All shows are at The Brightside. Check with the venue for show information and COVID precautions.

“In reality, it’s less of a battle and more of an amazing networking opportunity for local bands and musicians,” Carli Dixon, owner of The Brightside, explained. “And this year is extra special because of this collaboration between all of us and Levitt Dayton.” Levitt Dayton, who manage the Levitt Pavilion in downtown Dayton joined the effort this year.

Each round is $10 to attend. Check daytonbattleofthebands.com for participating bands, ticket, and COVID protocols. Remember: ‘Support Your Local Music Scene!’