Clifton Opera House February events
8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13: Michael Smith and the North River Band
8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20: Kentucky Slim and the Hillbillly Blues Cats
8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27: Wonnabeez
How to go
What: Clifton Opera House presents Rick Bailey and Slowhand’s “A Tribute to Eric Clapton”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6
Where: Clifton Opera House, Five South Clay St., State Route 343, Village of Clifton
Cost: Suggested donation $7
More info: Call (937) 767-2343 or visit www.villageofclifton.com
Two shady blocks north of Clifton Mill stands the historic Clifton Opera House.
Built in 1893 by Springfield architect Charles W. Cregar, the Opera House is the anchor of this quiet pastoral town of 171 permanent residents.
But don’t let the tiny population fool you.
The village of Clifton boasts a lively and active music scene and the Opera House — which had served as a community center and gymnasium in the past — has been re-purposed as a performance venue with a busy 2010 schedule.
“Originally the Opera House had tiered seating and it could seat more than 400 people,” said Brenda Walter, committee chairwoman of special projects for the village of Clifton. “A few years ago, they removed the tiered seating and made it all one level. Now it seats 242 people for concerts.”
At 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Clifton Opera House presents Rick Bailey and Slowhand’s “Tribute to Eric Clapton.” The review captures the look and sound of Clapton’s music. In addition to a facial resemblance to the guitar legend, Bailey plays guitars painted in the Clapton style.
“They’ve been performing together for more than 15 years. They are phenomenal,” Walter said. “Slowhand opened the Dayton Blues Festival last summer. Rick is Eric Clapton. It’s amazing how much he looks like him.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2167 or kmoss@DaytonDaily News.com.
About the Author