🎉Notable June events
1) DAYTON AIR SHOW
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights, British Sea Harrier and U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet Legacy Flight are among the featured performers at the Vectren Dayton Air Show. The annual show, founded in 1975, returns to Dayton International Airport, 3800 Wright Drive, Vandalia, on Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23. The event also features other world-class aerobatic champions and military jets, live music and food. Air Show hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, with featured shows from noon to 4:15 p.m. Cost: Gate tickets: $25 adults, $16 youth 6-11 and seniors 60 and older. Discounted advance tickets available. Free kids 5 and younger. include. Call 937-898-5901 or visit www.daytonairshow.com.
2) OUR CENTURY
"Our Century: Dayton Area Collects" is a new exhibition featuring significant work from private art collections in the region. The show, which opens at Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, on Saturday, June 29, also examines the important role collectors played in helping the museum grow. "Our Century" is on display at DAI through September 22. 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. Cost: $8 adults, $5 seniors, groups and active military. Free for DAI members, students and youth. Call 937-223-4278 or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.
Credit: Kristy Creel
Credit: Kristy Creel
3) SUNWATCH POW WOW
The Miami Valley Council for Native Americans presents the 31st annual Keeping the Tradition Pow Wow at SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park, 2301 W. River Road, Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23. Pow Wow hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $8 adults, $6 seniors 60 and older and students 6 to 17. Dayton Society of Natural History Members admitted half price. Free children 5 and younger. Weekend passes are $15 adults, $9 seniors and students. Call 937-268-8199 or visit www.sunwatch.org.
4) BRIGHT NIGHT
Seven of city's top chefs — Dana Downs of Roost Italian, Fresco's Jenn DiSanto, Liz Valenti of Wheat Penny Oven & Bar, Salar's Margot Bondet, Desmond Keane of Table 33, Stephanie Schifrin Salas of The Dayton Club and Grist's Casey and Patrick Van Voorhis — will be showcasing signature dishes during Bright Night 2019. The third annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Valley is presented at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22. Cost: $125 general admission. Visit www.bbbsgmv.org.
Credit: Victoria Theatre Association
Credit: Victoria Theatre Association
5) ROB LOWE
Inspired by the success of his two best-selling books, actor Rob Lowe decided to adapt the work for the stage. The Dayton-area native brings his touring one-man show — "Stories I Only Tell My Friends: Live!" — to the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 2. Cost: $45 to $95. VIP tickets are $250 and include a post-show meet and greet with Lowe with a photo opportunity and a signed copy of his book. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
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6) PARTY ARTY
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance hosts Party Arty: Sizzlin' Summer Salsa at El Meson, 903 E. Dixie Dr., Dayton, from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 23. This fundraiser features special dishes, cocktails, music and a premiere performance from members of Dayton Ballet. Cost: $100. Net proceeds benefit Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Call 937-224-3521, ext. 1116 or visit www.daytonperformingarts.org.
7) DAYTON DANCE CONSERVATORY
Dayton Dance Conservatory is a local nonprofit, pre-professional youth company founded as the Jeanette Popp School of Dance in 1976. The dancers have been under the direction of Audra Kucharski since 2010. DDC presents "Embrace," a pair of late spring recitals at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, on Sunday, June 9. Show times are 1 and 5:30 p.m. Cost: $14. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
8) KIDZ BOP
Kidz Bop has been turning youngsters onto pop songs since Razor & Tie Records first started releasing compilation albums of reimagined hits in 2001. In addition to 39 subsequent CDs, the series has spawned a clothing line, video games and other merchandise and a popular live show. The Kidz Bop World Tour 2019 makes a stop at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 7 p.m. Friday, June 21. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $23.50-$53.50. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
9) DISNEYANA EXPO
The Dayton Disneyana Foundation has invited special guests Tom Nabbe, Alex Maher, Jim Hill and Kay Malins for its annual gathering of Disney collectors. Dayton Disneyana Expo is presented at Hope Hotel and Richard C. Holbrooke Conference Center, 10823 Chidlaw Road, Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9. Cost: Adults $8 per day or $12 for two-day passes, free children 12 and younger with an adult. Early bird tickets are sold out. Visit www.daytondisneyana.org.
10) UNDERDOG ACADEMY
In February, Underdog Academy was one of the first area groups to perform at the newly opened PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton. The local spoken word collective, which has been facilitating workshops and presenting events in clubs, theaters and arts centers since 2014, returns to PNC Arts Annex for another installment of Broken English 101: "Stories Within the Margins" at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 29. Cost: $15 risers, $25 tables. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
🎭Five June plays
1) WAITRESS
Although she was tragically murdered before "Waitress" debuted at Sundance Film Festival in January 2007, the independent film written and directed by actress Adrienne Shelly has become a fan favorite. In 2015, a musical version was adapted for the stage. Victoria Theatre Association's Premier Health Broadway Series presents "Waitress" at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Tuesday through Sunday, June 25 through 30. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Cost: $26-$89. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
2) LIZZIE
News moved slowly in New England in 1890s but that didn't stop Lizzie Borden from becoming a media sensation after she was charged with murdering her parents with an axe. Human Race Theatre Company continues its latest season with "Lizzie," the rock 'n' roll retelling of Borden's legend. "Lizzie" opens at Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, on Thursday, June 13. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with 2 p.m. matinees Sunday. This production runs through Sunday, June 30. Cost: $14-$42. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
3) LIBERTY VALANCE
"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" is Jethro Compton's 2014 stage version of Dorothy M. Johnson's short story about a bookish New Yorker who finds trouble and love in the wild west. Dayton Theatre Guild's production opens in the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton, on Friday, June 7. 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. "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" is presented weekends through Sunday, June 23. Cost: $20 adults, $18 seniors and $13 students. Call 937-278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org.
4) LITTLE BLACK DRESS
After the success of their play, "Spank! The Fifty Shades of Grey Parody," writers Danielle Trzcinski and Amanda Barker realized there was an underserved theater audience: women looking for a fun night out. This epiphany led to "Little Black Dress!" Victoria Theatre Association presents the Projects Unlimited Star Attraction Series this musical for women at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday, June 14. This show contains strong language and adult content. Cost: $28-$48. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
5) SHREK
William Steig's 1990 comedic tale "Shrek" spawned not only a successful animated film series but also "Shrek: The Musical." "Shrek" opens at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, on Thursday, June 20. Arrival times are 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday, and 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Cost: $61-$66 Thursday and Friday matinee and evening and Sunday evening, $65-$70 Sunday brunch, $69-$74 Saturday evening. All seats are $30 for children 11 and younger. "Shrek: The Musical" is presented Thursdays through Sundays through August 11. Call 937-746-4554 or visit https://lacomedia.com.
>> 10 noteworthy shows to see in June
🍓Ten June festivals
1) STRAWBERRY FEST
A Berry WACO Weekend is the theme of the 43rd annual Strawberry Festival. Kettering Health Network presents the event at Main and Market streets in Troy on Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2. The festival features a parade, the Little Miss & Mr. Pageant, the 10K Classic, Diaper Derby, live music and plenty of tasty strawberry dishes. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. Visit www.gostrawberries.com.
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2) JEWISH CULTURAL FEST
The Miami Valley Music Men, the Boxcar Suite, the Miami Valley Klezmer Ensemble and the Shimmy Cats are among the performers at the Jewish Cultural Festival. The ninth annual event, at Temple Israel, 130 Riverside Dr., Dayton, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 2, also features music, educational programs, vendors, games, the Oy Vey 5K run/walk, kosher craft beer and Jewish dishes. Cost: Free. Performers include. Call 937-496-0500 or visit www.tidayton.org.
>> What you need to know about Jewish Cultural Festival
Credit: Ron Alvey
Credit: Ron Alvey
3) RAIL FEST
Dayton History and Carillon Park Rail and Steam Society join forces once again for the Rail Festival. The 14th annual event for railroad enthusiasts, at Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23, has model train displays, free miniature train rides, live steam engines, food and merchandise vendors. Festival hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $10 adults (18-59), $9 seniors (60 and older), $7 children (3-17) and free children younger than 3 and Dayton History members. Call 937-293-2841 or visit www.railfestival.com.
4) GOSPEL SUPERFEST
African Pride is the theme of Gospel Superfest 19, the nationally televised live music program, making a stop at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22. Wendy Raquel Robinson hosts the concert, which features performances by lifetime achievement honorees Donnie McClurkin and the Rance Allen Group, with Deitrick Haddon, Tina Campbell and others. Cost: $40-$115. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
5) CAESAR FORD SUMMER FEST
Country music hitmaker Joe Diffie headlines the second annual Caesar Ford Summer Fest at Caesar Ford Park, 520 S. Stringtown Road, Xenia, on Saturday, June 1. Gates open at 1 p.m. Music begins at 2:30 p.m. with an opening set from Justin Bryan, followed by performances by the Cleverlys and Mo Pitney. Cost: $50 stage front, $35 reserved seats and $25 general admission. Visit https://gcparkstrails.com/summerfest.
6) SPASS NACHT
Each summer, Kettering Sister City Association commemorates its relationship with sister city Steyr, Austria with a traditional celebration. The annual Austrian Festival, Spass Nacht, which translates to Fun Night, returns to Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, from 5:30 from 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19. The Chardon Polka Band performs at 6 p.m. Cost: Free. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
7) CELTIC FEST OHIO
Drowsy Lads, Barleyjuice, the Byrne Brothers and Albannach are among the performers on the bill for Celtic Fest Ohio. The three-day festival returns to Renaissance Park, 10542 E. State Route 73, Waynesville, Friday through Sunday, June 14 through 16. Festival hours are 5 p.m. Friday, and noon Saturday and Sunday. Cost: $5 Friday, $12 Saturday, $20 for Saturday and Sunday, $24 for three-day admission. Visit https://celticfestohio.
8) TOMATO FEST
MidUSA Credit Union presents Rock 'n' Green Tomato Festival at Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg, on Saturday, June 8. The ninth annual event features food and craft vendors, a corn hole tournament, kids' activities and live music from the Funky Uncles, Disturbing the Peace Band, the Band B-Caged and Ryan Roth & the Comeback Special. Festival hours are noon to 11 p.m. Cost: Free. Visit www.rockngreentomato.com.
9) BANANA SPLIT FEST
The 25th annual Banana Split Festival is presented at Denver Williams Park, 1100 Rombach Ave., Wilmington, on Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8. The event features craft vendors, food, rides, games, a car show, banana split eating contest and live music from Hadden Sayers Band, Passion, the McCartney Project, the Babys and others. Festival hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Cost: Free. Visit www.bananasplitfestival.com.
10) BARK IN THE BURG
Miamisburg is going to the dogs on Saturday, June 29. That day, Bark in the Burg returns to Community Park, 550 S. First St., Miamisburg, from 8 to 11 a.m. This festival for dogs and the people they own features canine-related contests, a 5K run/walk and more. Cost: Free. Call 937-866-8999 or visit www.playmiamisburg.com.
>> 25 festivals every Daytonian should experience
🤣Five June comedy shows
1) MARIA BAMFORD
While Maria Bamford admits to being crippled at times by depression and anxiety, the comedian has also been able to use her struggles as the basis for much of her self-deprecating humor. The California native's series, "Lady Dynamite," had a two-season run on Netflix. "Victoria Theatre Association presents Bamford at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday, June 7. Cost: $28-$38. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
2) MATT BRAUNGER
Matt Braunger didn't dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. Growing up in Portland, Ore., he always wanted to be an actor. Today, he splits his time evenly between both. His acting resume includes roles on television series. "Marvel's Agent Carter," "Up All Night" and "Take My Wife." The actor-comedian performs at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, Friday through Sunday, June 21 through 23. Show times are 7:30 at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $15 to $45. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.
3) DONNIE BAKER
Ron Sexton was working steadily as a stand-up comedian for a decade when he reinvented himself as Donnie Baker, the rascally redneck character he started voicing for "The Bob & Tom Show" in 2005. The Indiana-native's career blossomed and he has remained an in-demand headliner at venues like Wiley's Comedy Club, 101 Pine St., Dayton, where he performs on Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Cost: $25. Call 937-224-5653 or visit www.wileyscomedy.com.
4) CHRIS FRANJOLA
Chris Franjola is a veteran comic but he was introduced to a new generation of television viewers as a writer and eventually on-air talent on "Chelsey Lately" and the spin-off series, "After Lately." Franjola performs at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, Friday through Sunday, June 21 through 23. Show times are 7:30 at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $15 to $47. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.
5) LARRY HANSGEN PRESENTS
Larry Hansgen is a man of many talents. He has been the play-by-play announcer for the University of Dayton Flyers basketball since 1982 and the host of WHIO Radio's Miami Valley's Morning News since 2003. He has also acted in commercials and plays and done stand-up comedy. Hansgen will be focusing on the latter when he hosts Comedy Night featuring Mike Canestero and Luke Capasso at Plaza Theatre, 33 S. Main St., Miamisburg, at 8 p.m. Friday, June 7. Cost: $5. Call 937-247-5980 or visit www.myplazatheatre.com.
🎤Ten June concerts
1) BRIAN WILSON
There are plenty of big names coming to the area this summer but none bigger than Brian Wilson. The former Beach Boy wrote some of the most indelible songs of the 1960s. Wilson is on the road this summer with former band members Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin for "Pet Sounds: The Final Performances." The tour makes a stop at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 18. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $23.50-$82. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
2) LITTLE BIG TOWN
Little Big Town is one of the most successful country acts of today. The award-winning country group has more than a dozen trophies to its credit, including multiple Grammy and American Country Music awards, and smash hits like "Girl Crush" and "Pontoon." Little Big Town performs with special guest Jillian Jacqueline at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29. Cost: $59 lawn & terrace in advance, $109 plaza & orchestra. All ticket prices increase $5 on day of show. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
3) MCDONALD AND KHAN
Dual headlining tours are bigger than ever this year with local venues hosting more than a dozen concerts featuring two well-known acts per night. One of the biggest of those shows features former Doobie Brothers member Michael McDonald with R&B chart-topper Chaka Khan. McDonald's latest solo album, "Wide Open," was released in 2017. Khan's new album, "Hello Happiness," was released in February. The co-headliners perform at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $23.50-$73. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
4) STEVE EARLE
On his latest album, "Guy," Steve Earle pays tribute to his late mentor, Guy Clark, who he first met in 1974. The country outsider is currently on tour supporting the new album, which was released by New West Records on March 29. Earle performs at JD Legends, 65 Millard Drive, Franklin, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1. Cost: $15-$125. Call 937-746-4950 or visit www.jdlegends.com.
5) KINGS OF CHAOS
Kings of Chaos is a unique touring bill that features legendary vocalists Lou Gramm, formerly of Foreigner, Twisted Sister's Dee Snider and Sebastian Bach of Skid Row. The singers are backed by an all-star band that includes Gilby Clarke of Guns n' Roses and John Mellencamp drummer Kenny Aronoff. Kings of Chaos rolls into Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 21. Cost: $45 lawn & terrace, $65 orchestra and $75 plaza in advance. All ticket prices increase $5 on day of show. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
6) GUY AND SHEPHERD
Another co-headlining tour pulling into Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, features two generations of blues guitar. Buddy Guy shares the stage with the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band during a 7 p.m. show at Rose Music Center on Tuesday, June 11. Guy, 82, released his 18th album, "The Blues is Alive and Well," in June 2018. Shepherd, 41, will release his new album, "The Traveler," on May 31. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $23.50-$70. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
7) VIDEO GAMES LIVE
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra is trying something new with "Video Games Live." The unique concert experience, at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 15, features orchestral interpretations of music from popular games like Mario, Zelda, Final Fantasy and Halo. The program features video footage, synchronized lighting, interactive on-stage segments, electronic percussion and other elements. Call $14-$80. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
8) ERNIE HAASE
More than a decade-and-a-half after Ernie Haase formed Signature Sound, his southern gospel group is as popular as ever. The group's 2018 album, "Clear Skies," was nominated for Grammy and Dove awards. Faith and Friends Radio presents Haase and his group in its eighth annual concert at First Baptist Church, 3939 Swigart Road, Kettering, at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 1. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $25 general admission, $30 VIP. Call 937-233-2484 or visit https://faithandfriendsradio.com.
9) RUTHIE FOSTER
Ruthie Foster was doing a stint in the United States Navy when she realized music was her life's calling. However, it took several years before she could fully pursue that dream. She self-released her debut album, "Full Circle," in 1997, and never looked back. Her 10th album, "Joy Comes Back," was released by Blue Corn Music in 2017. Foster performs at Levitt Pavilion, South Main streets, between Fourth and Fifth streets, Dayton, at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 6. Cost: Free. Visit www.levittdayton.org.
>> 50 free concerts in Dayton this summer
10) DPO’S MOZART AND MAHLER
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra 2018-2019 season is coming to a close this month and what better way to do that than with a program dedicated to two classical music heavyweights. The DPO presents "Mozart and Mahler" at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8. Cost: $9-$65. The companion concert, "Mahler: Symphony No. 1," is presented at the Schuster Center at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 9. Cost: $9-$44. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
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