Top 10 things to do this week

Looking for a some weekend or weeknight fun? Here are 10 top picks for things to do close to Dayton this week:

1) CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

The cars of Orville Wright and the 50th anniversary of the Chevrolet Camaro are just two special attractions at the Concours d’Elegance. The region’s premiere antique and classic car show returns to Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16 and 17.

The 11th annual Concours d’Elegance also features MGs, Japanese sports cars, race cars with Dayton connections and art show. The celebration of all things automotive begins with a preview party from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and the car show from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Cost: Preview party is $85 general admission, $75 for Dayton History members. Reservations required. Concours admission is $15 adults in advance, $20 adults at the door. Dayton History members and children 3 and younger are free. Call 937-293-2841 or visit www.daytonhistory.org.

>> What to expect at Concours d’Elegance 

2) DPAA’s REQUIEM

Giuseppe Verdi's "Requiem" is traditionally performed with four vocalists and an orchestra. Dayton Performing Arts Alliance expands on that presentation with a season-opening concert with a dance component, the first of its kind in the United States. The concerts, at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16 and 17, features Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Show times are 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $24-$94. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

3) HISPANIC HERITAGE FEST

The Hispanic Heritage Festival River returns to Scape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument St., Dayton, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. The 17th annual event, presented by the Puerto Rican, American and Caribbean Organization Latino, features a parade, food, live music and dancing. Performers include Mariachi Azteca de Indianapolis, Santana tribute band Hot Enchilada, Rondalla Puerto Rico and Al Son Del Iyá. Cost: Free. Visit www.pacodayton.org.

>> What to expect at Hispanic Heritage Fest 

4) RUBBER DUCK REGATTA

On Saturday, Sept. 16, the organizers of the Hispanic Heritage Festival will share RiverScape MetroPark in Dayton with the 14th annual URS Rubber Duck Regatta. The fundraiser for local children and adults with disabilities includes the Quacky Kid's Parade at 4:15 p.m. followed by the Big Duck Drop at 4:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit United Rehabilitation Services. Cost: Free for spectators, $5 for duck adoption. Visit www.daytonducks.com.

5) RICK SPRINGFIELD

Rick Springfield is no stranger to the Dayton area. The rocker-actor has made a number of local appearances since "Working Class Dog" (1981), his breakthrough album in the United States. He was most recently in the area in July 2016, supporting his 16th studio album, "Rocket Science," when he appeared on the bill for the annual Mix 107.7 Summerfest at Fraze Pavilion. Springfield is back again, this time for a concert at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Doors open at 7 p.m. Local cover band Stranger will open the show. Cost: $23.50-$60. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

6) ALPHONSE MUCHA

Czech artist Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) is considered one of the prominent figures in the establishing of the aesthetics of French Art Nouveau at the turn of the 20th century. The special exhibition "Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau" opens at Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, on Saturday, Sept. 16. The show was curated by art historian Gabriel Weisberg and includes 75 works, such as original illustrations, lithographs, proofs and drawings. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. "Master of Art Nouveau" is on display through December 31. Cost: $8 adults, $5 seniors, groups and active military and free for museum members, students and youth. Call 937-223-4ART (4278) or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.

7) SISTER ACT

"Sister Act" was an unlikely smash when the musical comedy about a Reno lounge singer in witness protection in a California convent hit movie houses in 1992. The feature-length sequel was released in 1993 followed by a stage adaption in the mid-2000s. The play, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, was a hit on London's West End and Broadway. Tim Rezash directs a production of "Sister Act," which opens at Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, on Friday, Sept. 15. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. "Sister Act" continues weekends through Sunday, Oct. 1. Cost: $16 and $18. Call 937-424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.org.

8) BLUEGRASS HERITAGE FEST

After two years derailed by rain, local musician and concert promoter Max Nunery has revamped his annual bluegrass festival. The event, formerly the Miami Valley Brewgrass Festival, is now the Miami Valley Bluegrass Heritage Festival. Larry Sparks & the Lonesome Ramblers headline a lineup also featuring the Clay Hess Band, Hammertowne and Nightflyer. The expanded festival, at Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg, on Saturday, Sept. 16, also features arts and craft vendors, food and beer trucks, kids' activities and more. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Call 937- 866-8999 or visit www.miamivalleybrewgrass.com.

9) TAMMY PESCATELLI

Cleveland native Tammy Pescatelli earned a fashion degree from Kent State University but that career path was sidelined when she started doing comedy in 1990. She spent time in Los Angeles but now lives in rural Pennsylvania with her husband and young son. Pescatelli returns to town for a run at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, The Greene, 88 Plum St., Beavercreek, through Sunday, Sept. 17. Show times are 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $17-$47 Friday and Saturday, and $12-$42 Sunday. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.

10) GWAR

It has been more than 30 years since GWAR emerged from Richmond, VA., with a theatrical, heavy metal approach still unlike anything else out there. The costumed group's new studio album, "The Blood of Gods," will be released by Metal Blade Records on October 20. While the official tour starts that same day, GWAR is doing a handful of advance shows, including a concert at Land of Illusion, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Cost: $36.99 includes concert at access to five haunted attractions. Call 513-423-9960 or visit https://landofillusion.com.

>> The best haunted houses around Dayton

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