COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE
This list covers a range of events, for people who enjoy a range of entertainment options.
About this listing
This calendar is compiled by contributing writer Don Thrasher. This feature is published on the last Friday of each month.
Event organizers are welcome to email event information (for possible inclusion in the next month’s ActiveDayton monthly calendar) to donaldthrasher8@aol.com. Emails should include a publishable phone number or website address and must be sent by the 15th of the month. The message subject line should say “consider for monthly calendar.”
April 1
Stevie Wonder: The music icon brings his Songs in the Key of Life tour to Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr., Columbus. 8 p.m. $39.50-$129.50. 937-228-2323 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Katrina Leskanich: The former leader of Katrina & the Waves performs at Canal Public House, 308 E. First St., Dayton. 7 p.m. www.canalpublichouse.com.
April 2
Walk the Moon: The Cincinnati-based RCA Recording artists brings its #Talking Is Hard Tour to LC Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave., Columbus. 7 p.m. $22.50. The Griswolds will also perform. www.ticketmaster.com
Smokey Robinson: The Motown legend performs in concert. Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton. 7:30 p.m. $40-$112. 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.
April 2-4
Mike Gardner: The Indiana native performs at Wiley's Comedy Joint, 101 Pine St., Dayton. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $12 Thursday, $15 Friday and Saturday. 937-224-5653 or www.wileyscomedy.com.
April 3
Dayton Crafty-Con 2015: Yellow Cab Building, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton. 5-10 p.m. Proceeds benefit Dayton Circus Creative Collective's upcoming 10th annual sideshow. 937-203-8175 or www.yellowcabtavern.com.
Contra Dance Party: This monthly event features the music of the Mark Delozier & Friends. Michael Solomon Pavilion, 2917 Berkley Ave., Kettering. 8 p.m. All ages welcome. No experience required because the caller teaches all dances during a 7:30 p.m. instructional class. $7 adults, $5 students with valid ID and free children 12 and younger. Contra Dance Parties continue through May. www.daytoncontra.org.
Hotel War: The Nashville-based group of Dayton expats returns home for a show with Good English and Salvador Ross. Blind Bob's, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 9 p.m. $5. 937-938-6405 or www.blindbobs.com.
April 3-12
“Godspell”: Yellow Springs Theater Company brings the musical at Mills Lawn School, 200 S. Walnut, St., Yellow Springs. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. $10. 937-546-6911.
April 4
Stephen Pearcy: The vocalist for hair metal favorites Ratt performs in concert. BMI Speedway, 791 E. Main St., Versailles. 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.$15 in advance, $20 at the door. Kodebreaker will also perform. 937-526-9547 or www.bmikarts.com.
L.A. Guns: The pioneering metal act at Oddbody's Music Room, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton. 7 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 937-813-4272 or www.oddbodys.com.
Easter Comedy Jam: This touring show features Lil Duval and DC Young Fly. Schuster Center, Dayton. 8 p.m. $29.50-$69.60. Ticket Center Stage.
Sharon Lane: The local piano playing blues singer performs at Gilly's, 132 S. Jefferson St., Dayton. 9 p.m. $5. Doors open at 8 p.m. 937-228-8414 or www.gillysjazz.com.
April 5
Easter Sunrise Service: Dayton History presents its annual ecumenical service. Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton. 6:30 a.m. Free. 937-293-2841 or www.daytonhistory.org.
Easter: A God-Sized Celebration: Easter services are presented at the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 8 and 10 a.m. and noon. Free. 937-898-8811 or www.daytonconventioncenter.com.
Giant Easter Egg Hunt: Vineyard Church presents this family event.Delco Park, 1700 Delco Park Dr., Kettering. 11:30 a.m. Free. www.daytonvineyard.com.
Easter Egg Hunt: The 33rd annual event returns to Young's Jersey Dairy, 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs. 2-3 p.m. Free. 937-325-0629 or www.youngsdairy.com.
April 7
Tonya Kappes: The author introduces her new book, "A Ghostly Grave." Books & Co. at the Greene, 4453 Walnut St., Dayton. 7 p.m. Free. 937-429-2169 or www.booksandco.com.
April 7-8
"America's Got Downtown": The hit British show, currently touring the United States, stops at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. 8 p.m. $25-$50. 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com
April 8
Ridley Pearson: The author discusses "The Return: Disney Lands." Books & Co., The Greene, Beavercreek. 7 p.m. Free. www.booksandco.com
The Moody Blues: The British rockers make a stop at Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus. 7:30 p.m. $42.50-$75. Ticketmaster.
UD Celebration of the Arts 2015: Students in the programs of music, dance and theatre will perform. Schuster Center, Dayton. 8 p.m. Free. Ticket Center Stage.
April 9
John Mortensen Trio: Vectren Jazz & Beyond series continues in Dayton Art Institute's Shaw Gothic Cloister, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton. 5:30-8 p.m. $8 non-members, free for DAI members. 937-223-4ART (4278) or www.daytonartinstitute.org.
Wine and Yoga: This monthly program pairs moderate yoga for all levels with a sampling of wines. Schuster Center's Wintergarden, Dayton. 6:30 to 8 p.m. $20. Must be 21 or older. Ticket Center Stage.
April 9-12
Red Grant: The comic brings his Caught Red Handed Tour to The Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, in Beavercreek. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $12-$42 Thursday and Sunday, $15-$45 Friday and Saturday. 937-429-LAFF (5233) or www.daytonfunnybone.com.
April 10
The Nobodies of Comedy Tour: Matt Bergman, Liz Miele and other rising stand-up comics in concert. Victoria Theatre, Dayton. 7:30 p.m. $30-$50. Ticket Center Stage.
A Night at the Cotton Club: The University of Dayton Opera Workshop, Jazz Ensemble and Dance Ensemble join forces for this retro-themed show. UD's Kennedy Union Ballroom, 300 College Park Dr., Dayton. 8 p.m. 937-229-3936 or www.udayton.edu.
April 10-11
Singing in the Rain with Orchestra: The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra provides the live score to this Hollywood classic. Schuster Center, Dayton. 8 p.m. $23-$78. Ticket Center Stage.
April 10-12
Dayton Metro Library Book Sale: Hardbacks, paperbacks, CDs and more will be featured. Hara Arena, 1001 Shiloh Springs Road, Trotwood. 4-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. www.daytonmetrolibrary.org.
April 11
Ebony Heritage Singers: It's an evening of African-American sacred music. South Park United Methodist Church, 140 Stonemill Road, Dayton. 7 p.m. 937-229-3936 or www.udayton.edu.
WNKU-FM fundraiser concert: Higgins-Madewell headlines this show at Gilly's, Dayton. 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. $10. Blue Moon Soup and Mark Cantwil & Brett Mullins will also perform. www.gillysjazz.com
Lisa Lampanelli: The insult comic known as the Queen of Mean performs at Palace Theatre, Columbus. 8 p.m. $39.75. Ticketmaster.
April 12
Puppy Match/Show: Dayton Kennel Club presents this event at Action Sports Center, 1103 Gateway Dr., Dayton. 9 a.m. to 3p.m. 937-974-3246 or www.daytonkennelclub.org.
Imagination Ball: Under the Big Top: This new family event features aerialists from Cincinnati Circus, hands-on activities and more. Schuster Center's Wintergarden, Dayton. 2 p.m. $50 for adults, seniors and children. Ticket Center Stage.
Victorian Afternoon Tea: Enjoy an authentic 19th century tea, with a variety of breads, tea sandwiches and desserts at Patterson Homestead, 1815 Brown St., Dayton. 2-4 p.m. Advance reservations required. 937-222-9724 or www.daytonhistory.org.
Hank Haller Ensemble: Dance to live music at the American Czechoslovakian Club, 922 Valley Street, Dayton. 3-7 p.m. $14 per person. Reservations if desired: Mary Chidester at 937-287-4275 or www.accdayton.com
Opening day for the Dragons: Dayton hosts the South Bend Cubs at Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton. 7 p.m. $8-$16. 937-228-BATS (2287) or www.daytondragons.com.
The Escher String Quartet: The Vanguard Concert series continues in Dayton Art Institute's Renaissance Auditorium. 4 p.m. $20 adults, 15 students. www.daytonartinstitute.org
April 13
Solo exhibitions by Sophia Maras and Landon Crowell: An opening reception for the show featuring Maras' found object sculptures and Crowell's mixed media sculptures. Rosewood Arts Centre, 2655 Olson Dr., Kettering. 2-4 p.m. Free. The show is on display through May 8. 937-296-0294 or www.rosewood.ketteringoh.org.
"Dog Loves Books": The Discovery 2014-15 series presents this program for PreK to third grade. Victoria Theatre, Dayton. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. $5 per student/adult, one free adult with every 10 student tickets. Ticket Center Stage.
Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience: The psychic star of TLC's "Long Island Medium" appears at the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. 7:30 p.m. $39.75 and up. 937-775-4789 or www.nuttercenter.com.
April 15
United States: Dayton Art Institute's International Food and Wine pairings series with chef Renee McClure and wine educator Bill Hardgrove returns to Leo's Bistro. 6-8 p.m. $75 per person. Advance registration required. www.daytonartinstitute.org
Elizabeth Berg: The author introduces her new historical novel about the life of George Sand, the pseudonym for 19th century French writer Amantine-Lucile Aurore Dupin. Books & Co., The Greene, Beavercreek. 7 p.m. Free. www.booksandco.com
"Wisdom: Who Are You?": The student residents of the University of Dayton's ArtStreet host an opening for this new collaborative installation. ArtStreet White Box Gallery, 330 Kiefaber St., Dayton. 3-4 p.m. Free. The exhibition is on display through April 30. 937-229-5101 or www.udayton.edu.
April 16-18
Brian Posehn: The actor-comedian performs at Wiley's Comedy Joint, Dayton. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $12 Thursday, $15 Friday and Saturday. 937-224-5653 or www.wileyscomedy.com.
"Avenue Q": Miami University closes its theater season with a presentation of this irreverent Broadway hit. Miami University, 119 Center for Performing Arts, Oxford. 7:30 p.m., plus a 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $7 students and youth. The place also runs April 23-25. 513-529-3200 or http://arts.muohio.edu.
April 16-May 3
"Taking Shakespeare": Aaron Vegas directs the Human Race Theatre Company's presentation of John Murrell's stage drama. The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. 8 p.m., with 7 p.m. shows on April 19, 21 and 28, and 2 p.m. matinees April 19 and 26 and May 3. $30 and $35 for the April 16 preview, $35 and $40 weeknights and $40 and $45 weekends. Discounts available for groups, seniors, students and military. 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.
April 17
Finton Collins & the Nite Lites: Dance to live music at the American Czechoslovakian Club, 922 Valley Street, Dayton. 7-11 p.m. $12 per person. Reservations if desired: Mary Chidester at 937-287-4275 or www.accdayton.com.
"Jurassic Park": Movie Night in the Dome presents this 1993 Steven Spielberg hit. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton. 7:30 p.m. $10 adults, $6 children 17 and younger. 937-275-7431 or www.boonshoftmuseum.org.
Neil Diamond: The chart-topping singer brings his World Tour 2015 to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. 8 p.m. $29.50-$150. Ticketmaster.
April 17-18
"Tick Tock": The University of Dayton Dance Ensemble's 35th annual Spring Concert features a guest appearance by SMAG Dance Collective. UD's Kennedy Union Boll Theatre. 8 p.m. Friday, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday. $12 adults, $7 UD faculty, staff and students. 937-229-2545 or www.udayton.edu.
"Forbidden Broadway": This hit Off-Broadway satire pays tribute Broadway hits such as "Annie," "Wicked" and "Fiddler on the Roof." Middletown Lyric Theatre, 1530 Central Ave., Middletown. 8 p.m. $15. Continues April 24 and 25. 513-425-7140 or www.middletownlyric.org.
April 17 & 19
"The Pearl Fishers": Dayton Opera closes its season with special guests Dayton Ballet and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. The Schuster Center, Dayton. 8 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Sunday. $24 students, $38-$94 adults. Discounts available for seniors and military. Ticket Center Stage.
April 17-May 3
"Criminal Hearts": Saul Caplan directs this play by Jane Martin. Dayton Theatre Guild, 40 Wayne Ave., Dayton. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday opening weekend, and 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday the following weekends. $19 adults, $17 seniors and $12 students. 937-278-5993 or www.daytontheatreguild.org.
April 17
Food Truck Rally: Mobile food purveyors from area participate in this monthly, warm-weather event. The Yellow Cab, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton. 5-10 p.m. Food Truck Rallies are held the third Friday of the month. 937-203-8175 or www.yellowcabtavern.com.
Chris Vadala: The saxophonist performs in concert. Sinclair Community College, Blair Hall Theatre, Bldg. 2, Dayton. 8 p.m. Free. 937-512-4580 or www.sinclair.edu.
April 18
Record Store Day: The annual international celebration of independently-owned music stores returns to locally owned shops. Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 937-275-9949 or
And at Toxic Beauty Records, 220 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs. Free. 937-767-0300 or
.
The Art of Innovation: Dayton History and Rosewood Arts Centre have joined forces for this day of family fun at Rosewood. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. www.rosewood.ketteringoh.org.
Kings Island's Opening Day: The 2015 season begins at Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. $28.99-$44.99 single tickets. Season passes available. Park open weekends through May 3. Daily operation begins May 8. 513-754-5700 or www.visitkingsisland.com.
Spring concert and dinner: Dayton Liederkranz Turner presents this event in The Clubhouse, 1400. E. Fifth St., Dayton. 5:30 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. concert. Rouladen Dinner: $18 adults, $10 children under 10. Free concert. 937-434-7999.
An Evening of Ellington: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company presents this concert featuring choreography by Robert Priore. Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton. 7:30 p.m. $25-$45. Ticket Center Stage.
Time Warp Prom featuring Stranger: Mix 107.7 presents this annual event in the Nutter Center's McLin Gym, Fairborn. 7:30 p.m. $33. This event is 21 and older. www.nuttercenter.com.
Tempest: The California-based Celtic rock band performs at Gilly's, Dayton. 9 p.m. www.gillysjazz.com
April 19
AIDS Walk Dayton: Ted Allen, host of the Food Network series, "Chopped," is honorary chair for this year's fundraiser. University of Dayton River Campus, 1700 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton. Registration begins at 10 a.m. www.aidswalkohio.com.
The Taste of Greene County: The Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce and Greene Memorial Hospital and Soin Medical Center present the 18th annual event featuring dishes from more than 20 restaurants, bakeries and caterers. Nutter Center, Fairborn. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 adults, $13 seniors and active-duty military, $6 for children 6-12. All tickets are $18 at the door. Children 5 and younger admitted free. 937-426-2202 or www.beavercreekchamber.org.
John Mortensen: The Afternoon Musicales series presents the pianist in concert in Dayton Art Institute's Renaissance Auditorium. 2 p.m. $8 adults, $5 seniors and students, free for DAI members and children 17 and younger. www.daytonartinstitute.org
Sha Na Na: Gateway Arts Council presents the retro rock act in concert in Sidney High School auditorium, 1215 Campbell Road, Sidney. 7 p.m. $20. www.gatewayartscouncil.org.
April 20
Untamed Wild with Cory Richards: The 2015 National Geographic Live Series from Victoria Theatre Association and FiveRivers MetroParks wraps for the season with a presentation by the climber and adventurer. Victoria Theatre, Dayton. 7 p.m. $21. Ticket Center Stage.
April 21
Mid-Day Arts Café: Victoria Theatre Association's ongoing lunchtime series devoted to local arts groups presents an installment on Musica — Dayton's Chamber Orchestra. The Schuster Center's Mathile Theatre. Noon to 1 p.m. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. The $15 admission includes a complete box lunch from Citilites Restaurant & Bar. Ticket Center Stage.
SELAH and Point of Grace: Faith & Friends Radio presents its fourth annual fundraiser. Victoria Theatre, Dayton. 7 p.m. $20 & $24. Ticket Center Stage.
"The Jewish Cardinal": The 15th annual Dayton Jewish International Film Festival opens with this screening at Rave Cinemas, The Green 14, 4489 Glengarry Dr., Beavercreek. 7:15 p.m. The event continues on select nights through May 14. Screenings are presented at various locations including The Neon, Dayton, and The Little Art Theatre, Yellow Springs. Times vary. $9 adults, $8 students. Festival passes are available. 937-610-1555 or www.jewishdayton.org.
Pouring Tea: Black Gay Men of the South Tell Their Tales: Dr. E. Patrick Johnson presents a staged reading of narratives from his book "Sweat Tea: Black Gay Men of the South: An Oral History. University of Dayton, Black Box Theatre, Fitz Hall. $12 adults, $7 UD students, faculty and staff. 937-229-2545 or www.udayton.edu.
April 22
Earth Day 2015
Sean Watkins: The Nickel Creek guitarist performs solo with special guest Joseph LeMay. Canal Public House, Dayton. 8 p.m. www.canalpublichouse.com
April 23
Vine & Canvas: The winter installment of the wine tasting series also features a themed, docent-led gallery tour. Dayton Art Institute, Shaw Gothic Cloister. 6:30 p.m. $30 members, $35 non-members in advance. $40 at the door. www.daytonartinstitute.org
TJ Turner: The author discusses the alternative history novel "Lincoln's Bodyguard." Books & Co., The Greene, Beavercreek. 7 p.m. Free. www.booksandco.com
The Woggles: The Atlanta based garages rockers perform with openers Swarm, Magic Jackson and the Loveless. Blind Bob's, Dayton. 9 p.m. www.blindbobs.com
April 23-26
John Morgan: The Ragin' Cajun brings his high energy act to the Funny Bone Comedy Club, The Greene, Beavercreek. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $12 Thursday and Sunday, $15 Friday and Saturday. www.daytonfunnybone.com
April 24
Amigos Latinos Gala: Wright State University's Office of Latino Affairs presents this second annual event celebrating the achievements of the local Latino community. Nutter Center, Fairborn. 5-10 p.m. $50. www.nuttercenter.com.
Spring Beer Tasting: Belmont Party Supply owner Mike Schwartz presents this event featuring 10 seasonal beers. Dayton Liederkranz Turner, 1400 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 6 p.m. $20. 937-429-9251.
1World Celebration: The University of Dayton presents the third annual spotlight on art, music and food. UD's ArtStreet Amphitheatre. 7-10 p.m. Free. 937-229-5101 or www.udayton.edu.
Homemade Cabbage Roll Dinner: Dinner and Dancing at the American Czechoslovakian Club, 922 Valley Street, Dayton. 7:30 p.m. $14 per person. Reservations if desired: Mary Chidester at 937-287-4275 or www.accdayton.com.
Letters Home: This play is based on letters written by soldiers during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Victoria Theatre, Dayton. 8 p.m. $10-$20. Ticket Center Stage.
Jay Leno: The former host of "The Tonight Show" presents his stand-up at Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Cincinnati. 8 p.m. $65-$85. Ticketmaster.
April 24-25
Midwest Ceramic Association: Exhibitors will be selling supplies, decals, brushes and more. Hara Arena, Trotwood. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5 per day. 937-278-4776 or www.haracomplex.com.
Rachmaninoff's Triumph: Pianist Valentina Lisitsa joins the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra for a pair of concerts. Schuster Center, Dayton. 8 p.m. $11-$61. Discounts available for seniors, students, military and educators. Ticket Center Stage.
April 26
"Gubaidulina: The Mystic": For this Dayton Philharmonic concert artistic director Neal Gittleman will preface each piece with explanation and analysis. Schuster Center, Dayton. 3 p.m. $11-$41. Discounts available for seniors, students, military and educators. Ticket Center Stage.
"Definition of Exquisite": DCD2 presents this concert in the University of Dayton's Boll Theatre, Dayton. 4 p.m. $15. Ticket Center Stage.
CMYS Annual Competition: Finalists East End Quartet and North Coast Winds will participate in the 30th annual concert emerging professional ensembles presented by Chamber Music Yellow Springs. First Presbyterian Church, 314 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs. 7:30 p.m. $20 adults, $7 students. 937-374-8800 or www.cmys.org.
April 27
Peter Hook & the Light: The founding member of Joy Division and New Order presents A Joy Division Celebration at Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Cincinnati. 7 p.m. $22.50. 800-745-3000 or www.livenation.com.
April 29
April Fools Foolin' Tour: A.B.K., Big HooDoo and Axe Murder Boyz perform. Oddbody's Music Room, Dayton. 6 p.m. $15 in advance, $18 at the door. www.oddbodys.com
April 29-May 17
"Wicked": The Broadway smash is back by popular demand. Schuster Center, Dayton. Various times. $43-$74 matinees, $43-$97 weeknights, $43-$127 weekends. Ticket Center Stage.
April 30
Speaking Suns: The Yellow Springs rockers perform at Blind Bob's, Dayton. 9 p.m. $5. www.blindbobs.com
R.Ring: Kelley Deal of the Breeders brings her side project to Canal Public House, Dayton. 9 p.m. Good English and Pale Angels also performs. www.canalpublichouse.com
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