How to go
What: Classic Records’ 21st Anniversary Celebration
When: Friday, June 26 at 6 p.m.
Where: The 88 Club, 219 N. Patterson Ave., Dayton
Cost: $10 at the door, $15 for the after party.
More info: Call (937) 222-1188
On Friday, June 26, Dayton’s Classic Records will observe its 21st anniversary with an awards ceromony beginning at 6 p.m. at The 88 Club, 219 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton.
Founder and president Torrence McClendon said the company began as a retail record store in 1989 and later branched out into recording albums and promoting new artists.
“What we’ll be doing at The 88 Club is honoring artists from Ohio,” McClendon said. “People like Roger Troutman, The Ohio Players, Lakeside, Slave, Sun and many others. There will be representatives from all those groups.”
McClendon plans to hand out awards saluting the accomplishments of local artists.
“I just returned from Berry Gordy Jr.’s 50th year anniversary in Los Angeles,” McClendon said. “That’s where I got the idea to honor the groups that created the ‘Dayton Sound.’ I have some plaques to honor certain influential people in the music business.”
Host of the event is Vincent Ward. Ward aka “The Next Big Thing” is a veteran Hollywood actor who was born in Dayton.
“He’s on the show ‘Everybody Hates Chris,’ ” McClendon said. “He’s also in ‘The Wire’ and the movie ‘Ocean’s Eleven.’ He used to be a dancer with a local group but he moved to Hollywood and has been very successful.”
Co-host is local radio personality Robin Mosley. Smooth Jazz musician Deron Bell will provide the music. Tickets are $10 for the awards ceremony and $15 for the “after party,” which begins at 10:30 p.m. at The 88 Club. For more information, call (937) 222-1188.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2167 or kmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.
About the Author