THEJUDGES
Peter Benkendorf
ORGANIZER OF DAYTON PORCHFEST, COMMUNITY ADVOCATE
Peter Benkendorf is a civic organizer, founder of Involvement Advocacy, co-founder of The Collaboratory, and the driving force behind Dayton Porchfest, a neighborhood-powered music festival celebrating local artists and public space. For more than three decades, his work has bridged creativity and civic engagement, launching initiatives that amplify community voices and turn bold ideas into action. Based in Dayton since 2008, Peter continues to build projects rooted in collaboration and grassroots participation.
Brandon berry
MUSIC JOURNALIST & MUSICIAN
Brandon Berry covers the music and art scene in Dayton and Southwest Ohio, spotlighting local musicians, underground and touring bands, cultural events, fringe phenomena, and creative spaces. He is a regular contributor to the Dayton Daily News, Literary Editor of OK OHIO magazine, and Music Editor of the Vagabond Rag. He published his first collection of essays in September.
Layla Besson
OWNER, MUSIC GO ROUND KETTERING / PROFESSOR
Layla Besson is the owner of Music Go Round in Kettering. Music Go Round buys and sells quality used musical instruments and gear – from guitars, drums, and keyboards to pro sound, band instruments, and more. Bring in your quality used gear and get paid on the spot, or trade up for store credit to buy new gear. Every item we buy has been tested to ensure the best product value.She is also the Assistant Professor of Education at Wittenberg University.
Khellie Braxton
DJ BREEZY EZ, IHEARTMEDIA
Khellie, also known as DJ Breezy Ez, is a vibrant wedding and event DJ, as well as a social media radio professional at iHeartmedia. With her background as a former broadcast DJ, she has been right at the heart of commercial and corporate productions. Khellie’s expertise spans radio, broadcasting, music, and social media.
abbey brown
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, LEVITT PAVILION DAYTON
Abbey Brown is the Director of Operations at Levitt Pavilion Dayton, where she brings thoughtful leadership and a steady hand to the behind-the-scenes work that keeps live music and community events running smoothly. With a background in administrative leadership and a Master of Science in Leadership Development from Wright State University, Abbey is passionate about building systems that support people, creativity, and impact. She is driven by collaboration and a belief that strong operations create space for meaningful, positive change.
KELLI CAMPBELL
VOCALIST & HOST OF JAZZ JAMS
Kelli Campbell is a Dayton-based jazz vocalist, radio host, and writer known for her smooth, soulful delivery and deep connection to the jazz tradition. A lifelong singer whose professional career began in 2008, she performs widely throughout the region, draws inspiration from legendary vocalists including Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae, Abbey Lincoln, and Mary Stallings, and hosts regular jazz jam sessions at The Brightside Music & Event Venue and Wholly Grounds. Beyond the stage, Kelli hosts jazz programming on WDPS 89.5 FM and writes for Jazz Voices, where she interviews jazz vocalists from around the world.
ed carter
PRINTER, CREATIVE IMPRESSIONS / LONGTIME MUSIC FAN
Ed Carter is one of the original supporters & sponsors of Dayton Battle of the Bands. This is his first year being a judge! He is a longtime Dayton music patron and supporter. He's also a printer extraordinaire at Creative Impressions in Kettering. Creative Impressions has served the Dayton region since 1975 and has established a reputation of providing high quality offset and digital printing with quick turnarounds and great pricing.
MIKE COOLEY "THE CURATOR"
DJ / PRODUCER & ENGINEER, HEN HOUSE FORUM
Cooley the Curator is a Dayton-based DJ, producer, engineer, and funk devotee whose work bridges the city’s hip-hop roots with its deep funk legacy. Through his label Hen House Forum, LLC and projects like The Gem City Get Down and Rap Campp, he has helped shape Dayton’s underground scene with a no-frills, community-first approach. Gritty, soulful, and unfiltered, Cooley’s sound honors where Dayton’s music has been while pushing it forward, letting intention and authenticity lead the way.
MARCUS CORNWELL
CEO, CWELL MUSIC / RECORDING STUDIO TEACHER, STIVERS SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS / MUSICIAN
Marcus Cornwell is not only a music industry professional, he is a Dayton Battle of the Bands alum with his band Intergalactic Space Force. Marcus is a Recording Studio Teacher at Stivers School for the Arts. He's also the CEO of his own music recording company, Cwell Music.
ALEX DAHLE
CO-OWNER / SOUND ENGINEER, HUGE FACE PRODUCTIONS
AND MUSICIAN
Alex Dahle is also a multi-instrumentalist and producer in the Dayton area, and has a decade of experience making, writing, and playing music. You can hear his particular style of songwriting and lyricism in much of Knavery's music. Alex has been deeply invested in the Dayton music scene since helping to start Knavery. From throwing DIY shows at Mike's Bike Park, and even the brightside; to now helping produce music for new and established artists. Alex currently plays with the bands Knavery, Heavyhead, and The Bruins.
juliet fromholt
MUSIC DIRECTOR, WYSO 91.3 FM AND NOVAPHONIC.FM
Juliet Fromholt is proud to be music director at 91.3FM WYSO, Southwest Ohio’s public radio that serves the community with news, music and storytelling, and WYSO's music service, Novaphonic.FM. Juliet Fromholt began volunteering at WYSO while working at WWSU, the student station at her alma mater, Wright State University. After joining the station staff in 2009, Juliet developed WYSO’s digital and social media strategy. She moved into the music director role in 2021, and in 2024, oversaw the launch of Novaphonic.FM, a 24/7 music channel curated by the WYSO team, available streaming and on WYSO HD-2. An avid music fan and former record store employee, Juliet continues to host her two music shows, Alpha Rhythms and Kaleidoscope,featuring studio performances from local musicians every week. She also co-hosts Attack of the Final Girls, a horror film review podcast.
MICHELLE GNAU
DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & SALES, CULTURE WORKS EVENTS
Michelle Gnau is the Director of Events, Sales, and Production for Culture Works Dayton and its CW Events division, where she leads the planning and production of weddings, galas, and community events that support the region’s arts ecosystem. With a background in arts administration, she blends creative vision with operational strategy to activate landmark spaces like the Dayton Masonic Center and the Arcade. Michelle’s work bridges event production and cultural advocacy, helping create meaningful gatherings that fuel and celebrate Dayton’s creative community.
SAM HALL
MANAGER, TONY & PETE'S / MUSIC FAN
Sam Hall is a Dayton native. Having grown up in Miamisburg, she now resides in Downtown Dayton. Sam is a restaurant industry veteran and long time team member at Tony & Pete's where she serves as a Front of House Manager and Catering Coordinator. Sam has a beautiful girlfriend named Carly and a lovable pup named Reggie.
Valentino "tino" halton
HIP-HOP ARTIST
Cleveland, Ohio, born and raised, and son of a preacher, TINO found his love for rhyming while attending college in Dayton, Ohio. Since 2012, TINO has performed hundreds of shows across multiple states, opening for Talib Kweli, Del The Funky Homosapien, Cappadonna, and more as a solo artist, a member of the band Sidekick Complex, and half of hip hop duo Safe Money. He has released numerous projects both locally and internationally. TINO has a unique style that blends the Golden Era of hip-hop with modern elements, bridging the gap between the old and new school.
BRANDON HAWK
MUSICIAN & MUSIC BOOKER AT BLIND BOB'S
Brandon Hawk is a longtime Dayton music booker and promoter at Blind Bob's in the Oregon District. He's known for hosting Open Mic nights on Tuesdays, and programming the rest of the week with fantastic local & national rock bands. Brandon is a also a musician himself! We're so excited to welcome Brandon, who is a new judge this year.
curt Hedberg
SOUND ENGINEER & CO-OWNER, DAYTON SOUND STUDIOS
Curt Hedberg is an audio engineer extraordinaire and the owner of Dayton Sound Studios in Kettering. Dayton Sound Studios is the proud title sponsor of Dayton Battle of the Bands for two years now, and they are excited about this opportunity and partnership! Curt is also a DJ who appears at exclusive events around the Dayton area.
jamy Holliday
SINGER & GUITARIST
Jamy Holliday is a legendary Dayton musician, known for rockin' out in bands including Haunting Souls, Luxury Pushers, and Mystery Addicts. He was also a staple at Canal Street Tavern, the beloved stomping grounds for musicians in Downtown Dayton for decades. Jamy has also been a great friend and partner to The Brightside Music & Event Venue.
gary king
MUSICIAN, MUSIC TEACHER, SOUND ENGINEER &
CO-OWNER, DAYTON SOUND STUDIOS
Gary D King is an audio engineer, producer, musician and co-owner of Dayton Sound Studios. He studied Recording Studio Technology at the Institute of Audio Research in New York City. He toured the world with the iconic funk band, Sun (Capitol Records). He has worked with hundreds of artists and has decades of professional recording and music experience. Gary has Platinum and Gold album awards. Gary plays trombone with several Dayton area bands (including Jah Soul, Heather Redman, Nasty Bingo) After 19 years, Gary has retired from teaching the Recording Arts program at Stivers School for the Arts.
Austin Labig
CO-OWNER / SOUND ENGINEER, HUGE FACE PRODUCTIONS
AND MUSICIAN
Austin Labig is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who has been involved in and around the Dayton music scene for the last decade. Whether you need a live audio engineer, somebody to record your music, or somebody to play drums for your productions (or guitar or bass), he's your guy! Currently playing with the bands Knavery, Heavyhead, The Bruins, and You Vs. Yesterday and Flicker// Fade.
JAZ MOORE
MANAGER, TONY & PETE'S / DJ
Jaz Moore is a NYC native who now calls DYT home base. Jaz is a person of many talents and a varied background: they were a successful college basketball player at Long Island University and a talented Du among many other talents. Jaz is the longest tenured employee at Tony & Pete's and currently serves as a Front of House Manager.
MITCH MILEY
CHIEF INSPIRATION OFFICER, VENUS CHILD PRODUCTIONS
Mitch Miley is a longtime music fan and an avid supporter of Dayton's local music scene. He is also an integral part of Venus Child Productions, the primary organizer and catalyst for the Dayton Battle of the Bands each year. Mitch provides valuable support and insight in planning DBOTB, and all VCP events. He inspired the fan favorite show This Must Be the Party, a tribute to the Talking Heads.
Evan miller
ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR, WYSO 91.3 FM
Evan Miller is a musician, curator, and radio person based in Yellow Springs. With roots studying percussion at Wright State University and cutting his radio teeth at WWSU, he is currently Assistant Music Director and host of Midday Music and The Outside at 91.3 WYSO and Novaphonic.FM. Outside of radio, you can find Evan regularly playing in several bands in the area, booking/curating shows including The Outside Presents experimental series in Yellow Springs, and snooping around area record stores.
MARK NICHOLS
OWNER-OPERATOR, RESIGNATION RECORDS / PODCASTER
Mark Nichols is owner of Resignation Records in Troy, Ohio, a shop specializing in vinyl-only for local music-lovers (no online sales). He also hosts the podcast, They're Just Records, dedicated to discussion and appreciation of music on physical media.
JAYNE SACHS
SINGER, SONGWRITER
Jayne Sachs (pronounced Jane Sax) is an award winning songwriter with two first place wins in The John Lennon Songwriting Contest (country and pop categories) and top winner in The UK Songwriting Contest and the IAMA in the country category, along with others. Jayne writes primarily for the country market now after coming from the indie alt/pop world as an artist, and is a veteran performer having done countless shows, live radio and National television as well. She co-writes with talented people from around the world and in Nashville and continues to write solo as well.
JUSTIN SIMMONS
CO-OWNER-OPERATOR, TONY & PETE'S / MUSICIAN
Justin Simmons owns Tony & Pete's along with his wife Kathleen. They recently welcomed their baby boy, Franky, into the world. Justin is a former musician and a lifelong passionate music fan. Justin is also passionate about Dayton and contributing good to his community Justin grew up in Atlanta and also lived in Chicago for many years. He adopted Dayton as his second hometown after moving here for college many years ago and meeting his now wife, a Dayton native.
ALEX STAIGER
OWNER-OPERATOR, OMEGA MUSIC
Omega Music is an independent record store located in the Historic Oregon District of downtown Dayton, Ohio. Omega was established in 1983 by Gary Staiger and has remained family-owned by his son, Alex Staiger, since Gary's passing in 2010. They have been proud members of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores since 2015. They have thousands of new and used LPs, 45s, CDs, cassettes, turntables, hi-fi audio equipment, incense, gifts, and more!
nick testa
SINGER / SONGWRITER
Nick Testa is the singer and songwriter for Dayton's most popular party band, Nightbeast. He's also a DJ and media personality. Nick participated in Dayton's Battle of the Bands with his side project, FlashBreak. You can watch Nick on "We Arre Family" game show on FOX. You never know what Nick will get up to!
Lisa wagner
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LEVITT PAVILION DAYTON
Lisa Wagner is the Executive Director for the Levitt Pavilion Dayton, hired in 2017 to build and lead the non-profit organization with the mission of building community through the power of music, one free concert at a time. Previously, Lisa spent 15 years working for the Victoria Theatre Association, as the Vice President of Ticketing and Hospitality. Lisa attended Miami University and she holds a certificate in Strategic Leadership for Non-Profits from the University of Pennsylvania and she completed the Senior Management Institute in a joint program with National Arts Strategies and University of Michigan.
NIKKI WEBB
DJ LADI BOUNCE
Nikki Webb aka Ladi Bounce began her DJ career at age 10 alongside her father; Fred "The Boss". As co-host of the "Fly With Us Podcast", she shares her passion and commitment to Mental Wellness and Self-Care in each episode. Ladi Bounce can be seen and heard playing your favorite songs from 8pm-12am at The Barrel House on the third Friday of each month for “Fenom Friday”. She is a proud Daytonian, a community advocate, and a graduate of International College of Broadcasting in Dayton, Ohio and Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.
LAURA ZELLER
OWNER & MUSIC BOOKER, OREGON EXPRESS
Laura Zeller is a life long resident of the Dayton area. She has always been a regular at local shows, national acts and music festivals. Her taste in music varies from Propain to Parliament to Patsy Cline, but Punk and Y'allternative dominate her playlist. Laura and husband, Brandon, recently became the new owners of the Oregon Express in Dayton. As avid music fans, Laura and Brandon are committed to carrying on the legacy of the OE; providing a quality venue for musical acts from a variety of genres.