Downtown park hosts free summer concert series

Few Daytonians could forget the last couple of years of COVID-induced seclusion. But this summer, Riverscape MetroPark’s free concert series returns for its second year in a row.

With the pandemic in the rearview mirror, Daytonians will have the opportunity to enjoy live music and in-person company at the pavilion through Aug. 24. Many Dayton-based bands will be in attendance, including The New Old-Fashioned and Retrobution.

“It was a slow rebuild, but I think we’re finally to the point where things are pretty much back to normal and getting back to pre-pandemic numbers,” says David Payne, a member of The New Old-Fashioned.

Riverscape MetroPark is looking to repeat the success of last year’s concert series, which was its first since COVID-19 began.

“This will be our first time playing the Riverscape Summer Concert Series; however, we have played at the Riverscape stage before as part of the annual For Dayton By Dayton festival. We’re excited to be back,” says Payne.

The concert series includes acts from a variety of genres. The New Old-Fashioned is rock ‘n’ roll/Americana that has been playing together for over a decade.

“We have been a band for almost 12 years now, but the four of us have been playing music together in some capacity for even longer,” says Payne.

But throwbacks aren’t the only draw. The Dayton Jazz orchestra is set to perform Thursday, July 20 and Dayton Salsa Project Friday, Aug. 4.

The concert series coincides with the Dayton City Commission’s decision to expand the boundaries of the Designated Outdoor Drinking Area (DORA). Previously, DORA included only downtown’s Oregon district, but the new, much larger DORA includes Riverscape MetroPark, providing concertgoers with local bars and restaurants to visit after the shows.

Both the Riverscape concert series and DORA’s expansion emphasize Dayton’s commitment to revitalizing small businesses and providing residents with exciting nightlife in wake of the pandemic.

This summer, besides the concert series, Riverscape MetroPark will host SWERK with MVP Dance Fit—a workout event that combines current hip-hop-style dance moves with lower body toning exercises—and Boot Camp with The Unit. Whichever summer event Daytonians choose to attend, they’ll be well received.

“Dayton is the greatest music city on the planet if you ask me,” says Payne. “Dayton audiences love live music and really appreciate good shows being hosted in their neighborhoods.”