This year’s musical headliner is Cassadee Pope, who performs at 7 p.m. Pope, a native of West Palm Beach, Fla., was the third season winner of NBC’s “The Voice.” Other performers include Craig Wayne Boyd, Old Dominion and Alexis Gomez.
Because the festival is sponsored by MVAA, you can also expect plenty of great food to accompany the music and beer. This year's food purveyors include Company 7 City BBQ, Hickory River, 1776 Grill and Ritter's. Cost: $25- $40. Visit www.dineoutdayton.com.
2) “HEARTBREAK HOUSE”
George Bernard Shaw makes no secret his comedic play "Heartbreak House" was inspired by Anton Chekov. He subtitled the play, "A Fantasia in the Russian Manner on English Themes," and it's the latter that's important because the tale is British to its core. Critic Charles Isherwood noted the play is about British gentry waltzing toward the apocalypse. Dayton Theatre Guild, 40 Wayne Ave., Dayton closes the season with "Heartbreak House," which opens on Friday, May 29. Show times are 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. "Heartbreak House" runs through June 14. Cost: $19 adults, $17 seniors and $12 students. Call 937-278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org.
3) GEORGE THOROGOOD AND BRIAN SETZER
It'll be a double shot of retro guitar goodness when co-headliners George Thorogood & the Destroyers and Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot hit Rose Music Center at the Heights, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2. Special guest Davy Knowles will open the show. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $41-$58.50. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
4) FUNKY BEER PARTY
Warped Wing Brewing, 26 Wyandot St., Dayton, marks the release of its fifth canned craft beer, the Mr. Mean Imperial IPA, with a party at 5 p.m. Friday, May 29. The citrusy, dry-bitter beer, which is available in four-packs of pints, celebrates the city's rich funk music history. A limited edition Mr. Mean 7-inch single and poster will also be released that day. The evening's funk music soundtrack will be provided by the folks at Plaid Room Records and Colemine Records in Loveland. Soul food will be available from Jimmie's Streatery. Cost: free. Call 937-222-7003 or www.warpedwing.com.
5) DLM DASH
According to national statistics, one in six Americans goes hungry, and that number is even higher in Ohio. The Buckeye State ranks eighth in food insecurity (behind leaders including Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas). Supporting local families and individuals remains an ongoing concern, which is why Dorothy Lane Market organizes and sponsors the DLM Dash 5K Run/Walk. The sixth annual benefit for local food banks begins at Dorothy Lane Market, Washington Square, 6177 Far Hills Ave., Centerville, at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 31. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Cost: $20 adults, $10 kids 12 and younger. Visit www.dorothylane.com/thedash.
6) “RUBBER SOUL & REVOLVER: BACK TO BACK”
Jeans 'n Classics and its leader Peter Brennan have become frequent partners with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. This season alone the Canadian group has joined the orchestra for Rockin' Orchestra Series concerts dedicated to Elton John and "Rocky Horror Picture Show." Jeans 'n Classics are back in town to collaborate with the DPO on the Beatles show, "Rubber Soul & Revolver: Back to Back," at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 30. Cost: $29-$81. Discounts available for seniors, students, military and educators. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
7) “NOVEMBER”
In David Mamet's powerful drama, "November," a beleaguered United States president faces nuclear war, budget problems and an impending re-election campaign. Middletown Lyric Theatre, 1530 Central Ave., Middletown, presents the play at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 29 and 30. Cost: $13. This production is also presented Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6. Call 513-425-7140 or visit www.middletownlyric.org.
8) GREAT AMERICAN CLEAN UP
Join players from the Dayton Dragons, mascots Heater and Gem, plus area scout troops, nonprofit groups and local individuals for the Great American Clean Up. This environmental outing begins at Agape Church, 2560 N. Main St., Dayton, at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 30. Cost: free. All it takes is a little time and effort. Volunteers will receive a free Dragons hat and will also be entered in a drawing for other prizes. Call 937-228-2287 or visit www.daytondragons.com.
9) DONNELL RAWLINGS
Donnell Rawlings is best known for his appearances on "Chappelle's Show" in 2003 and 2004, but he has an extensive resume that includes scripted television programs, animated shows and feature films. His credits include "The Wire," "Guy Court" and "Black Dynamite." The actor-comedian is performing at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, through Sunday, May 31. Show times are 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $15. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.
10) DAYTON BLUES SHOWCASE
On any given weekend night you can find Ira Stanley, Doug Hart, Noah Wotherspoon and Scotty Bratcher playing the blues locally or regionally. However, it usually takes a music festival or holiday blues jam to even get two or three of the smoking guitarists in the same place at the same time. Hart decided to change that and organized the Dayton Blues Showcase at Oddbody's Music Room, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton, on Friday, May 29. Each musician will perform with his band and expect a massive four-guitar jam to close the evening. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. More info: 937-813-4272 or www.oddbodys.com.
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