ArtStreet has given countless artists, both well-known and those aspiring to be, the opportunity to be heard. With its Amphitheatre and various studios located throughout the complex, the inviting environment encourages residents, students and faculty to listen in on the beautiful music constantly being made. This weekend will be no exception with the first ever Girls/With Their Bands/Live this Friday at 6 p.m. at the ArtStreet Amphitheatre.

Emily Strand, a Cincinnati native, will be performing with her band 'Emily Strand.' Already making a name for herself as the 2004 Jon Lennon International Songwriting Competition winner, Strand has done extremely well as a singer and guitarist, specializing in folksy-pop music. Her crooning resembles a mix of Sheryl Crow or Sarah McLaughlin, combined with her own unique sound.

'We wanted to support [Strand] by bringing this type of art into the community,' explains Susan Byrnes, ArtStreet Director. 'We strongly encourage any initiative of interaction between our faculty, staff and students.'

Strand founded, organized and hosted Girls/Solo/Live, a platform for female songwriters and performers to show off their stuff throughout the Ohio area. When ArtStreet opened, Strand, who is an instructor in UD's religious studies department, suggested Girls/Solo/Live be brought to UD.

Originally, female artists played in the cafe sans backup bands to an intimate crowd for the first time in March 2005, and again that November. The showcase in the caf?? was so well received that Girls/WithTheirBands/Live materialized, its format similar to its predecessor, just a larger, outdoor show. The performance is co-founded by ArtStreet and Campus Ministry where Strand is the Assistant to the Director for Liturgies.

'Girls/WithTheirBands/Live is a tradition we at ArtStreet hope to continue,' said Adrienne Niess, communication coordinator for ArtStreet. 'It's a great opportunity for anyone to perform, staff or student.'

Emily Strand and The Town is one of several showcased artists in the Girls/WithTheirBands/Live collaboration this Friday. Similar to Strand's contemporary Indie-rock sound, the 'Jayne Sachs Band,' the 'Katie Reider Band' and our very own 'Julie Roth Band,' spearheaded by a first year UD student, will also perform 45 minute sets. Strand and Roth could most recently be heard at UD's M-Fest, and all four bands have already produced albums. Listen to Flyer Radio on Friday as DJ's play all four bands' music, previewing the artists from 1 to 2 p.m. The ArtStreet caf?? will be offering specials on their food and admission to the event is free. For additional information, contact the ArtStreet office at (937)-229-5101 or via email at artstreet@udayton.edu.

'It's an excellent way to spend the last real Friday of the semester,' said Byrnes.