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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 Active Dayton 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.”
May 1-18
Jewish Film Festival: The 14th annual event continues with featured screenings on select nights. Most films are shown at The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton. Times vary. $9 adults, $8 students. $72 festival pass. 937-610-1555 or www.jewishdayton.org.
May 2
First Friday Art Hop: The monthly city-wide celebration of arts, culture, local commerce and more returns to various locations in downtown Dayton. 5 p.m. Free. 937-224-1518 or www.downtowndayton.org.
Leahy/Good/Bashaw in concert: This in-gallery performance is in conjunction with the current short show, “Carry It On,” featuring documentary photographs for Sharon Leahy’s short film. Dayton Visual Arts Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton. 6:30 p.m. Free. 937-224-3822 or www.daytonvisualarts.org.
Contra Dance: This monthly event features the music of Full Moon Country Dance Orchestra with open mike calling. 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. www.daytoncontra.org.
May 2-3
Black Violin: Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste of the modern string duo from Florida perform in a series of concerts. Victoria Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. Friday times: 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. (Discovery series), 7:30 p.m. (Variety series). Saturday times: 1 and 3 p.m. (Family series). Friday: $5 students and adults (Discovery series), $29-$49 (Variety series), Saturday: $15 (Family series). 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.
May 2 & 4
“Aida”: Dayton Opera and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra present this popular program at the Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton. 8 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Sunday. $36-$92. 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.
May 2-17
“Jesus Christ Superstar”: Playhouse South presents the beloved musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber at Clark Haines Theatre, 3700 Far Hills Ave., Kettering. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 4. $13 adults, $11 senior citizens and military, $8 students. 888-262-3792 or www.playhousesouth.org.
May 2-18
“Oklahoma”: Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton closes the season with this classic Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. $17 adults, $15 seniors and students. 937-424-8477 or www.daytonplayhouse.org.
May 3
Dayton Book Expo 2014: The fifth annual festival featuring local and national authors. Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St., Ponitz Center, Bldg. 12, Dayton. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 513-265-9412 or www.daytonbookexpo.com.
Spring Fling!: Springfield Museum of Art, 107 Cliff Park Road, Springfield hosts this special art party featuring beer from Yellow Springs Brewery, wine from Heidelberg Distributing, food trucks, an art-making station and live music from Patrick Dawson 6-10 p.m. $25 for museum and land trust members, $35 non-members. 937-325-4673 or www.springfieldart.museum.
Time Warp Prom featuring Strange: Mix 107.7 presents this popular spring event in the Nutter Center’s McLin Gym, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $33. Open to ages 18 and older. 937-775-4789 or www.nuttercenter.com.
May 3-4
MayFair Plant Sale: Annuals, perennials, tropical, vines, shrubs and more will be available. Wegerzyn Gardens, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Free. 937-277-6545 or www.metroparks.org.
May 4
Collectible and Antique Toy and Hobby Show: Vintage toys, new items and more are on sale. Hara Arena, 1001 Shiloh Springs Road, Trotwood. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5 adults, free children under 12. 937-278-4776 or www.haracomplex.com.
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. $18 Dayton History members, $20 non-members. Advance reservations required. 937-222-9724 or www.daytonhistory.org.
May 6
Peter Pan: The Discovery series presents this program for grades K-6. Victoria Theatre. $5 per student/adult. One free adult admitted for every 10 student tickets purchased. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.
May 7
Side by Side: Color Field and Gesture Painting: Movements and transitions from one to another is the topic of this program, which compares and contrasts works from DAI’s permanent collection. Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton. 6 p.m. $8 adults, $5 seniors, groups and active military, free for museum members. The next installment of Side by Side on March 5 focuses on the art deco movement. Call 937-223-5277 or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.
Beer glass etching: Custom design a stein while sampling local beers. Rosewood Arts Center, 2655 Olson Dr., Kettering. 6-8:30 p.m. $25 Kettering residents, $35 non-residents. 937-296-0294 or www.ketteringoh.org.
Beer Tasting: Mike Schwartz of Belmont Party Supply presents this monthly beer tasting at the Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 7 p.m. $20. 937-461-1101 or www.trolleystopdayton.com.
Garrison Keillor: The author discusses “The Keillor Reader” at Books & Co. at The Greene, 4453 Walnut Street, Beavercreek. 7 p.m. Free but pre-registration is required. Line numbers passed out beginning at 6 p.m. 937-429-6302 or www.booksandco.com.
Turquoise Jeep: The Atlanta hip-hop group performs with local opener Nightbeast. Canal Public House, 308 E. First St., Dayton. 8 p.m. $12 advance, $15 day of show. 937-461-9343 or www.canalpublichouse.com.
May 8
Kick-n-Flava: The 2014 Vectren Jazz & Beyond series continues in Dayton Art Institute’s Shaw Gothic Cloister. 5:30 to 8 p.m. $8 non-members, free members.
May 9
Urban Nights: The spring installment of this popular downtown street party returns to downtown Dayton, the Oregon Arts District and Wright-Dunbar Business Village. Gallery openings, live music and food are just some of the attractions. New features this time include Street Art on Second on Second Street between Main and Jefferson streets, Fashion Boulevard on St. Clair between Third and Fourth streets, Bluegrass, Beer Food at Riverscape and the Live on Five stage on Fifth Street in the Oregon District. 5 to 10 p.m. Free. 937-224-1518 or www.downtowndayton.org.
“Oil & Water”: This new exhibition featuring the works of Raymond Must and Ernest Koerlin opens at Dayton Visual Arts Center. 5 p.m. Free. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
May 9-10
Best of Broadway: The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra presents this SuperPops Series concert featuring performers from Human Race Theatre Company. Schuster Center. 8 p.m. $21-$76.
May 10
“Decked Out!” opening reception: Dayton Art Institute celebrates the opening the 2014 Experiencenter exhibition. 1-3 p.m. Free for members, non-members. $8 adults, $5 seniors, groups and active military.
Amigos Latinos Alumni Gala: This first time event is a fundraiser for the El Puente Learning Center and Latino student scholarships at Wright State University. 5-10 p.m. $50.
WNCI’s Spring Beats featuring Austin Mahone: The festival also features Time Flies, MKTO and Alex Angelo. Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave., Columbus. 5 p.m. $37. 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
DCDC’s Spring Soulstice Concert: DCDC presents this 45th anniversary fundraiser with a special black tie celebration. The Mandalay, 2700 E. River Road, Dayton. 6 p.m. $150. 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.
Frank Moravcik Band: The Cleveland-based polka band performs at American Czechoslovakian Club, 922 Valley St., Dayton. 7 p.m. $14. 937-890-2367 or 937-287-4275 or www.accdayton.com.
A Mother’s Day Weekend Affair: Singers Keith Washington and Christopher Williams are teaming up for a soulful concert programmed for mothers. Victoria Theatre. 8 p.m. $34.50-$52.50.
Me Time: Former King Elk leader Andy Smith celebrates the release of the debut EP from his new band Me Time. Canal Public House. 8 p.m. $5. Brat Curse and The New Old-Fashioned will also perform.
Blues Triple Threat: Sean Carney, Noah Wotherspoon and Micah Ian Kesserling perform at Gilly’s, 132 S. Jefferson St., Dayton. 9 p.m. $5. 937-228-8414 or www.gillysjazz.com.
Comrade Question: The Columbus indie rockers support its new album “Pepe Polo” with a show with local band Back Stabbath. Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 9 p.m. $5. 937-938-6405 or www.blindbob’s.com.
May 10-11
Musica: The Dayton-based chamber choir presents “Flowers for Mother” at George’s Episcopal Church, 5220 Far Hills, Dayton. 3 p.m. $15 adults, $12 seniors. 937-619-9755 or www.musicadayton.org.
May 11
Mother’s Day
May 14
The Art of Cooking: Pairing Food with Beer is the topic of the season closer for this new monthly series at Dayton Art Institute. 6:30 p.m. Cost: $75 per person per class. Reservations are required.
“Sons of the Desert” and “The Balloonatic”: Dayton Art Institute’s Movies at the Museum series presents a double feature with these films from 1933 and 1923. 7 p.m. $8 non-members, $5 museum and Cinema Arts Society members. The series continues with the 1942 film “Saboteur on May 28.
Richard Paul Evans: The author discusses “Walking on Water” at Books & Co. at The Greene. 7 p.m. Free, but pre-registration is required.
Barstools and Brushstrokes: The traveling, informal art classes will be held in the Schuster Center’s Wintergarden. 7 p.m. $35 per person, includes canvases, paint and other supplies, plus parking at the Arts Garage. 937-301-7235 or www.barstoolsandbrushstrokes.com.
May 15
Create Night: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton hosts a DIY evening of arts, crafts and science. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $12 members, $15 non-members in advance. $20 at the door. 937-275-7431 or www.boonshoftmuseum.org.
May 15-18
Tommy Johnagin: Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $15-$45 Thursday and Sunday, $17-$47 Friday and Saturday. 937-429-LAFF (5233) or www.daytonfunnybone.com.
May 16
Big Brews & Blues: The 5th annual All Draught Beer Tasting and Diabetes Dayton fundraiser. Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton. 5 to 9 p.m. $30 early bird tickets, $40 at the gate. Performances by Chris Yakopcic, Eric Jerardi Band and Mark May Band with the Soul Satyr Horns. 937-220-6611 or www.bigbrewsandblues.com.
“Memories in the Attic”: An opening reception for the new exhibition featuring works by Celise McKee. Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery, 111 Corry St., Yellow Springs. 6-9 p.m. Free. The show is on display through June 15. Gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 937-769-YSAC (9722) or www.ysartscouncil.org.
Mark Lowry: The gospel singer and comedian returns to town for the 3rd annual benefit for Faith and Friends radio. Victoria Theatre. 7 p.m. $20, $24.
Eyes on the Universe Tonight: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery presents this Evening of Astronomy program. 7 p.m. Free.
“Next Hit Musical”: The Club Kuss Series presents this Broadway musical. Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield. 7:30 p.m. $30 adults, $24 seniors, $15 students. 937-328-3874 or http://pac.clarkstate.edu.
Guided by Voices: The reformed indie rockers from Dayton perform at the Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Cincinnati. 8:30 p.m. $29. 513-721-8883 or www.taftevents.com.
May 16-17
“Beethoven’s Great Ninth”: The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra presents a Classical Series concert with the DPO Chorus. Schuster Center. 8 p.m. $9-$59.
May 16-18
Dayton Hamvention 2014: Since 1952, Dayton Amateur Radio Association has been organizing this signature annual event, which draws attendees from around the globe. Hara Arena. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. Sunday. $20 advance, $25 at the door.
A World A’Fair: The long-running international festival returns to the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. $5 adults and seniors, $3 youth 6-18 in advance or $8 adults, $5 seniors, $4 youth 6-18 at the door. www.aworldafair.org.
May 17
Art on the Playground: Rosewood Arts Center presents this interactive art festival for kids. Indian Riffle Elementary School, 3090 Glengarry Dr., Kettering. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.
Art Auction Eggstravaganza: Middletown Arts Center presents this fundraiser at Shaker Run Golf Club, 1320 Golf Club Dr., Lebanon. 5:30 p.m. $50. 513-424-2417 or www.middletownartscenter.com.
Spring into Summer!: Local band The Termites and Team Zoom Canine Entertainment are just some of the attractions at the annual benefit for local nonprofit animal rescue organization, Second Chance Rescue. Temple Beth Or, 5275 Marshall Rd., Kettering. 6-11pm. $30 per person. Advance tickets must be purchased by May 9. You must be 21 to enter. 937-848-9090 or www.2ndchancerescue.petfinder.com.
Hexadiode: This new local band featuring members of Oh Condor, Dark Backward and the now defunct American Static makes its debut on a bill featuring Ohio Knife and headliners Lab Partners. Canal Public House. 8 p.m. $5.
May 18
Celtic Woman: The all-female Irish group brings its Emerald Tour to the Schuster Center. 3 and 7 p.m. $46.50, $76.50.
“Celebrating Dance and Song”: Bach Society of Dayton and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company perform at Kettering Adventist Church, 3939 Stonebridge Road, Kettering. 4 p.m. $18 adults, $10 students 13 and older, free children 12 and younger. www.bachsocietyofdayton.org.
May 20
Mid-Day Arts Café 13-14: Victoria Theatre Association’s ongoing lunchtime series devoted to local arts groups closes for the season with an installment focused on The Human Race Theatre Company. The Schuster Center’s Mathile Theatre. Noon to 1 p.m. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. The $12 admission includes a complete box lunch from Citilites Restaurant & Bar.
May 21
Nature Sings: Kettering Children’s Choir presents this special concert featuring members of the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. The Schuster Center. 7 p.m. $12 adults. Ticket discounts available for seniors, students, children and military.
May 23
Lincoln Trio: The Vanguard Concert Series close with a performance by this group, which is ensemble in residence at the Music Institute of Chicago. Dayton Art Institute. 8 p.m. $20 adults, $15 students.
May 24
British Car Meet: The British Transportation Museum presents this 11th annual event. The parking lot of Top of the Market Banquet and Event Center, 23 Webster St., Dayton. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Car registration $15 in advance, $18 day of show. Free admission of spectators. 937-232-9310, 937-429-0871 or www.britishtransportationmuseum.org.
John Davidson: The Miami Valley Community Concert Association closes its 2013-14 season with a performance from the legendary singer. Centerville Performing Arts Center at Centerville High School, 500 E. Franklin St., Dayton. 7:30 p.m. $25 adults, $5 students grades 9-12. 937-938-1109 or www.mvcconcert.org.
The Crazy Joe Show: Joe Tritschler. Gilly’s. 8 p.m. $10.
Team Void: The local luchador rockers perform with special guest guitarist Nate Farley (ex-Guided By Voices, The Amps) at Canal Public House. 8 p.m. $5.
Gem City Get Down: Rappers Trunk Bound Regime hosts this fundraiser for El Puente Educational Center. Blind Bob’s. 10 p.m. $3.
May 24-25
Patriot Freedom Festival: The 10th annual event features live music, military reenactors, guided historical tours and more. Dayton VA Medical Center, 4100 W. Third St., Dayton. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. 937-267-7628 or www.americanveteransheritage.org.
May 24 & 28
“King Lear”: Little Art Theatre, 247 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs screens the videotaped onstage performance by Britain’s National Theatre Live. 1:50 p.m. Saturday, 6:50 p.m. Wednesday. $15. 937-767-7671 or www.littleart.com.
May 25
Heritage Festival: Dayton History presents this annual old-fashioned patriotic celebration complete with a concert from The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra with special guests from Dayton Opera and Dayton Ballet and the grand finale fireworks display. Carillon Historical Park. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Free Dayton History members, non-members are $8 adults, $5 children 3-17. 937-293-2841 or www.daytonhistory.org.
May 27
Film Connections: FilmDayton, the local organization focused on promoting locally-produced films and fostering Dayton filmmakers and audiences, hosts this workshop on the last Tuesday of each month at ThinkTV, 110 S. Jefferson St., in Dayton from 7 to 9 p.m. Free for members, $5 for non-members. 937-554-0031 or www.filmdayton.com.
May 27-June 1
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”: The smash Broadway musical returns to Dayton. Schuster Center. 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday and special 7:30 p.m. show on Sunday. $40-$101 weeknights, $45-$111 weekends.
May 28
BB King: The blues legend performs in concert at Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, Columbus. 7 p.m. $25 and $59.50.
May 30
Prime Time Prom: Dayton Art Institute’s Prime Time Party Series presents this prom-themed dance for adults. DAI’s Shaw Gothic Cloister. 7-11 p.m. $35 members, $40 non-members.
Lady Antebellum: The country act brings its Take Me Down Tour to Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati. 7 p.m. $25.25 and $50. Billy Currington and Joe Nichols will also perform. 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
May 30-31
Comedy Tonight: An Evening of Farce”: Middletown Lyric Theatre’s 35th anniversary season closes with this unique production. Middletown Lyric Theatre, 1530 Central Ave., Middletown. 8 p.m. $13. The show continues June 6-7. 513-425-7140 or www.middletownlyric.org.
May 31
River Ride: A 14-mile round trip cycling adventure from Miamisburg to Franklin. Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave. Miamisburg. Staggered start between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Other activities include bike safety and bike inspections. Free. 937-531-6535. Pre- register at www.drivelesslivemore.org
Terry Hayes: The screenwriter turned author discusses his first novel, “I Am Pilgrim.” Books & Co. at The Greene. 2 p.m.
Boonshoft’s Brew School: Discover the chemistry behind beer with a presentation from Dr. Bob Bateman of Sinclair Community College and a chance to sample seasonal selections, locally crafted mircobrews and homebrews. Boston’s Bistro & Pub. 3-6 p.m. $25 members, $30 non-members.
The Michael Harris Transfusion: The former Daytonian returns to town for a show at Gilly’s. 8 p.m. $12.
May 31-June 1
The Prepared & Spared — Off the Grid Expo: Worst Case Scenario Productions presents this show for preppers and survivalists. Hara Arena. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. $12 adults, free kids 12 and younger.
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