By
Mike Scinto
The greater Dayton,
Ohio community has suffered, as other cities across the nation have, since the
economic downturn on the early and mid-2000s. To be quite honest I had, in this
column and on the air, written off the “Gem City” as being on its last legs.
We interrupt this eulogy for fantastic news! There are two main venues that have generated a massive rebirth of the Dayton area and have injected the excitement of a growing and thriving entertainment experience; and all that goes along with it.
We interrupt this eulogy for fantastic news! There are two main venues that have generated a massive rebirth of the Dayton area and have injected the excitement of a growing and thriving entertainment experience; and all that goes along with it.
Eighteen seasons
after bringing professional baseball to this area, the Dayton Dragons and 5/3
Field have breathed new life into a blighted section of downtown Dayton along
the river. Along with baseball in those nearly 20 years has come the demolition
of abandoned buildings and the conversion of many of those same sites into
condominiums, restaurants, shops and breweries.
To be certain the
Schuster Center for the Performing Arts has been a shot in the arm for downtown,
but nothing like the boom with the Dragons.
Heading up a little
north of Dayton, you arrive in Huber Heights. I, as a product of the ‘60s and
‘70s age of massive rock concerts and outdoor festivals, exciting music of all
genres and fans wanting to feel like they’re a part of that movement, have been
amazed at how The Rose Music Center at the Heights has recaptured that passion
and excitement, and made it accessible to those who want to recapture memories
and make new ones moving forward.
The Rose broke ground
in 2013 and the first act took the stage in 2015. The 2018 season, about half
way along, is the most exciting to date. Bands and individuals who command
(past and present) huge dollars and much larger venues truly enjoy the uniqueness
and relative intimacy of The Rose.
Kathy and I have seen
The Doobie Brothers, The Monkees (at 50), ZZ Top, Blues Traveler, the cast of
“Nashville” in Concert, Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac)
and the list goes on. We have yet to see a bad show, had a bad seat or bad
experience of any kind. From parking, to entering, to post show souvenir-buying
it’s how attending a show was meant to be. It’s truly an activity where you’ll
know you got your money’s worth.
Huber Heights needed
a shot in the arm and The Rose was just what the doctor ordered. The outdoor
venue, with about 4200 seat capacity, is big enough to attract the new and
seasoned acts but open and airy enough so you don’t feel like you’re
suffocating. There is literally not a bad seat in The Rose. We’ve shared seats
with avid fans of bands who travel nationwide to catch shows. One couple who
have traveled thousands of miles over decades to see The Doobies commented The
Rose was, hands down, the best place to enjoy the concert of any they had
visited; and the most affordable too! And the dining, lodging and amenities in
the area are icing on the cake.
You still have plenty of
opportunities for some fantastic concerts this season. In July alone Ted
Nugent, Kansas and the legendary Hank Williams, Jr. In August the Rose welcomes
George Thorogood and the Destroyers and Daughtry. And in September taking the
stage will be Alice Cooper, Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull 50th
Anniversary Tour, Yes and the American Idol Live Tour. And that’s just a
partial list!
You feel like you’re at a neighborhood
cookout where they just happen to have some of the greatest performers on tour
to entertain you. And every season is bigger and better than the previous year.
Be a part of this explosion in The Heights. For a complete list of dates and
information visit http://www.rosemusiccenter.com/.
We’ll see you at The Rose!
