Signature September Events
1) HAYDN’S CREATION
Dayton Opera opens a new season with “Haydn’s Creation” at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22. “The Creation” was composed by Joseph Haydn in 1799 and was the first original bilingual work written with a libretto delineated in both English and German.
The Season Opening Spectacular is one of Dayton Performing Arts Alliance’s signature events. DPAA partners Dayton Ballet and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and featured singers Olivia Yokers (soprano), Jacob Ryan Wright (tenor) and Vincent Grana (bass) will also perform.
Show times are 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $30-$98. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
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2) LADY DAY
The often-tragic life of Billie Holiday is the subject of the first play in Human Race Theatre Company's new season, "Women of Influence: Their Power, Passion and Pitfalls." Lanie Robertson's "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" opens the company's 33rd season at the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, on Thursday, Sept. 12. Show times are 7 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. This production runs through Sept. 29. Cost: $16 to $42. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
3) BOLD & BEAUTIFUL
"Bold & Beautiful" is the theme of the Opera Guild of Dayton's Champagne Brunch and Fashion Show. The annual fundraiser returns to Sinclair Community College, Ponitz Center, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, on Friday, Sept. 6. The boutique opens at 9:30 a.m. The social hour begins at 10 a.m. followed by the champagne brunch and fashion show at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $60 pearl level patron, $80 diamond level patron. Visit www.operaguildofdayton.org.
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4) BOONSHOFT BASH
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton, hosts Boonshoft Bash: Elemental on Saturday, Sept. 7. The annual fundraiser features hors d’oeuvres, open bar, raffle, seated dinner, dancing and live music from All In. After-dinner entertainment includes dancing, late night lounge, trivia in the planetarium and a sports zone to watch college football games. Boonshoft Bash hours are 7 p.m. to midnight. Cost: $225 per person. Call 937-275-7431 or visit www.boonshoftmuseum.org.
5) CARY ELWES
"An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes" closes the Cool Films Series 2019 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. The program features a screening of Rob Reiner's 1987 film, "The Princess Bride," with an appearance by Elwes, who starred as Westley. Cost: $40 or $150 for VIP tickets, which includes a meet and greet and a copy of the actor's book, "As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride." Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
6) CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
Concours d’Elegance, the 13th annual antique and classic car show, returns to Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 15. Dayton History hosts a preview party from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Concours hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Preview party tickets are $85 for Dayton History members and $95 nonmembers. Concours admission is $20 adults in advance, $25 adults at the door. Children ages 3 to 17 are $10. Dayton History members and children younger than 3 are free. Call 937-293-2841 or visit www.daytonconcours.com.
7) BOURBON & BACON SOCIAL
Chef Matt DeAngulo will be whipping up some creative bacon dishes to pair with more than 40 specialty bourbons and bourbon-aged products in the tasting event, Bourbon & Bacon Social. The Citilites Unwind Series program is presented in the Schuster Center's Wintergarden, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13. Cost: $30. This event is 21 and up. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
8) RUBBER DUCK REGATTA
It’s the end of the summer and that means its time again for the URS Rubber Duck Regatta, the fundraiser for local children and adults with disabilities. The 16th annual event returns to RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument St., Dayton, on Saturday, Sept. 14. The Quacky Kid’s Parade begins at 4:15 p.m., followed by the Big Duck Drop at 4:30 p.m. Cost: Free for spectators, $5 for duck adoption. Proceeds benefit United Rehabilitation Services. Call 937-235-DUCK (3825) or visit www.daytonducks.com.
9) SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO
Sebastian Maniscalco is best known as a stand-up comedian but he is starting to build his acting resume. He has appeared in recent films such as "Tag" and the Academy Award-winning "Green Book" and stars next month is Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman." Maniscalco, currently out on his Stay Hungry Tour, performs at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Cost: $39.75 to $59.75. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
10) BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE
Brian Sharp directs the local mounting of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” which opens the 61st season of Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, on Friday, Sept. 13. The award-winning stage comedy is presented weekends through Sunday, Sept. 29. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Cost: $18 and $20. Season tickets are $80 adults, $72 seniors, students and military. The 2019-2020 season continues with Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” November 1 through 17. Call 937-424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.org.
11) KATHANAUKI SCHOOL OF DANCE
Kathanauki School of Dance was founded in Mason, Ohio in 2003 by Rossana Bandyopadhyay. The latest batch of students present "Luminary: Ragas Interpreted through Kathak," a program based on a classical dance form of northern India, at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Cost: $35-$45. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
12) THE 39 STEPS
"The 39 Steps," which is based on the 1915 novel by Scottish author John Buchan, kicks off a new season for Lebanon Theatre Company. The play, which has been adapted into four different films, opens in the Mechanic Street Playhouse, 10 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, on Friday, Sept. 13. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Opening night's production follows a 6 p.m. dinner. Cost: $19. "The 39 Steps" is presented weekends through Sunday, Sept. 12. Call 513-228-0932 or visit www.ltcplays.com.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
1) OKTOBERFEST
Oktoberfest, the signature fall party at Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, is back Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27 through 29. The 48th annual event, which features food, beer, live music and more, begins with the Lederhosen Lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. DAI hosts the Oktoberfest Preview Party from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday. Festival hours are noon to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free for Friday lunch. Preview Party is $55 members, $75 non-members in advance. All tickets $95 at the gate. Saturday and Sunday admission is $8 adults, $5 seniors 60 and older and youth 7-18 in advance, $10 adults, $7 seniors & youth 7-18 at the gate. Free for children 6 and younger. Call 937-223-4ART (4278) or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
2) DAYTON GREEK FEST
Dayton Greek Festival is a local tradition dating back six decades. The 61st annual event returns to Annunciation Greek Orthodox, 500 Belmonte Park North, Dayton Friday, through Sunday, Sept. 6 through 8, with Greek food, music, dancing, shopping and more. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $2 the rest of the weekend. Free for children 12 and younger. Street parking is available but the spots fill up fast. Free parking and shuttle service is available in the Grandview Hospital employee lot on Shaw Avenue. Call 937-224-0601 or visit www.daytongreekfestival.com.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
3) ITALIAN FALL FESTA
Since 1978, Bella Villa Hall, 2625 County Line Road, Kettering, has been the site of the Italian Fall Festa. The annual event, running Friday through Sunday, Sept. 6 through 8, features food, entertainment, bocce tournaments and more. Festa hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. Live music from Dr. Zoot from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and 6:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Happy Days performs from noon to 3:30 pm Saturday and noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Aaron Caruso performs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Meatball Madness 5K run at 10 a.m. Sunday. Free parking and shuttle service from Reynolds & Reynolds parking lot. Call 937-258-3600 or visit www.italianfallfesta.com.
4) HISPANIC HERITAGE FEST
The Puerto Rican, American and Caribbean Organization Latino presents the Hispanic Heritage Festival from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. The 19th annual event, at RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument St., Dayton, features a parade, live music, a Latin karaoke contest, children's area and DJ music. The parade begins at noon. The Rubber Duck Regatta is part of the event from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with the URS Rubber Duck Drop at 4:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Visit www.pacodayton.org.
Credit: Jan Underwood
Credit: Jan Underwood
5) POPCORN FEST
Beavercreek Popcorn Festival offers more than 200 booths featuring crafts, festival food, 5K run, Sunday car show and plenty of popcorn-related treats. The annual street fair returns to Dayton-Xenia Road, between Fairfield and Meadow Bridge, Beavercreek, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7 and 8. Live music provided by Rock Island Plow Co., 24 Seven and Doug Hart Band. Elvis Presley tribute Ryan Roth & the Comeback Special close out the musical stage with a 6:30 p.m. set. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free. Call 937-602-CORN or visit www.beavercreekpopcornfestival.org.
September concerts
1) SMOKEY ROBINSON
Smokey Robinson turns 80 in February but he hasn't retired. That isn't surprising for an artist who has been performing since he started his first group as a Detroit teenager in the mid-1950s. Robinson, whose latest album, "Smokey & Friends," was released by Verve Records in 2014, headlines Kettering Medical Center Foundation's 31st annual Heart to Heart Concert Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25. The fundraiser for Kettering Medical Center's heart and vascular program is a black-tie dinner. Cost: $50 to $125. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
2) DPO’s FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA
With NASA celebrating 50th anniversary space missions this year and next, it's fitting Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra is paying tribute with "Apollo 13 in Concert." This screening of Ron Howard's 1995 movie with accompaniment from DPO is the first in the three-program series, "Film With Live Orchestra." "Apollo 13 in Concert" is presented at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Cost: $27-$92. The series continues with "Star Wars" on June 13 and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" on June 27. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
3) MORRISSEY
In recent years, Morrissey has been in the news for his conservative politics as much as his music but that hasn’t prevented the British singer from taking his show to the road. The founding member of the Smiths is out this summer with special guests Interpol. The tour pulls into Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. Cost: $69 lawn & terrace, $109 side orchestra, $119 center orchestra. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
4) THE BREEDERS
It’s hard to believe it’s been six years, since lineup of The Breeders that recorded the 1993 album, “Last Splash,” reunited for a 20th anniversary of the release. Since then the group has traveled the world and released the 2018 album, “All Nerve.” The Breeders, which features Daytonians Kim and Kelley Deal on guitar and vocals and drummer Jim MacPherson, performs at Levitt Pavilion, South Main streets, between Fourth and Fifth streets, Dayton, at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. Cost: Free. Visit www.levittdayton.org.
5) THE B-52S
The B-52s has been one of the most enduring bands from the new wave era of the late 1970s. The group behind hits like “Rock Lobster” and “Love Shack” is back on the road this summer with founding members Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson and Keith Strickland. The B-52s performs with special guests OMD and Berlin at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. Cost: $23.50-$73. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
6) KOZ & FRIENDS
For the past several years, Dave Koz & Friends have hit the road for the Summer Horns Tour. This installment of the annual outing, returning to Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, features Koz with Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Kenny Lattimore and Aubrey Logan. Cost: $44 lawn & terrace, $54 side orchestra, $64 plaza & center orchestra. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
7) FUNK LEGENDS
The Ohio Players, Zapp, Lakeside and Steve Arrington are some of the biggest names in Dayton funk music, but surprisingly all four acts have never shared the same stage together. That is changing with #937-Live: Legends of Relief Concert at Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $33.50-$63.50. Proceeds benefit the Dayton Foundation’s Greater Dayton Disaster Relief Fund. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
8) BRET MICHAELS
Although singer Bret Michaels and his bandmates formed Poison in Pennsylvania, he and the multi-platinum selling group are more associated with the Los Angeles metal scene. While Poison is still an active concern, Michaels also has a successful solo career. He brings his Unbroken World Tour to Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St., Troy, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Special guest FireHouse also performs. Cost: $34-$68. Call 937-339-2911 or visit www.hobartarena.com.
9) AMBROSIA
Levitt Pavilion, South Main streets, between Fourth and Fifth streets, Dayton, hosted more than 50 free concerts this season. The outdoor plans to continue that mission in 2020 and to help fund the free shows, the outdoor venue is holding its first ticketed concert with headliners Ambrosia at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26. Special guests John Ford Coley and Peter Beckett, the former singer for Player, will also perform. Cost: Tickets start at $45. Proceeds support the free concerts at Levitt Pavilion. Visit www.levittdayton.org.
10) NEWSBOYS UNITED
In 2018, former Newsboys frontman Peter Furler and bassist Phil Joel returned to the group for a tour under the moniker Newsboys United. It was so successful, the lineup recorded the album, “United,” released on May 10. Newsboys United, out on The Greatness of our God Tour featuring Ray Stevenson with Adam Agee and Kevin Max, performs at Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St., Troy, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost: $22-$55. Call 937-339-2911 or visit www.hobartarena.com.
11) SHADES OF BUBLE
The Miami Valley Community Concert Association’s 2019-20 season with Shades of Buble. The tribute to Michael Buble performs at Centerville Performing Arts Center, Centerville High School, 500 E. Franklin St., Centerville, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. Cost: $30 adults, $5 students (first grade through college). Season tickets are $80 and $90 adults, $15 students. The season continues with the University of Dayton Faculty Brass Quintet on Oct. 21. Call 937-297-0463 or visit www.mvcconcert.org.
12) DAYTON MUSIC CLUB
Dayton Music Club opens a new season with performances by trio Viva la Flute and Dayton Ballet II and an awards ceremony. The program is presented at Grace United Methodist Church, Harvard Boulevard and Salem Avenue, Dayton, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15. Patrick Reynolds will receive the Honoree of the Year award and Wanda Parsons Harris will accept this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Cost: Free. Visit daytonmusicclub.org.
September music festivals
1) DAYTON MUSIC FEST
Austin, Texas-based Dayton expat Erika Wennerstrom headlines the opening show for Dayton Music Fest 2019 at The Brightside, Third St., Dayton, on Friday, Sept. 20. Music continues Saturday, Sept. 21 at Blind Bobs, 430 E. Fifth St., Oregon Express, 336 Fifth St. and Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton. Saturday’s shows includes reunions by Captain of Industry and the Mulchmen along with performances by the Raging Nathans, Happy Chichester, C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks and Nightbeast. Cost: Weekend passes are $20 in advance, $30 at the doors on Friday. Single day passes are $20 on Saturday at the doors. Visit www.facebook.com/daytonmusicfest.
2) LADYFEST
Ladyfest Dayton returns to Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13 and 14. This year’s lineup includes Jasper the Colossal, Lung, Lioness, Kyleen Downes, Skrt, Amber Hargett & the Who’s Who and A Shade of Red. Branch & Bone Artisan Ales will premiere the limited edition Ladyfest beer, The Liz Lemon, a hazy lemongrass pale ale. Call 937-424-3870 or visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.
3) MIAMI VALLEY BLUEGRASS FEST
Stringus Khan, Tony Hale & Blackwater, Evan Lanier & the Bluegrass Express and the Repeating Arms are among the groups performing at the Miami Valley Bluegrass & Artisan Festival. Jeff Schmidt Chevrolet South presents the fifth annual event at Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg, on Saturday, Sept. 21. Festival hours are noon to 10 p.m. Cost: Free. Call 937-866-8999 and visit www.facebook.com/miamivalleybluegrass.
4) GOSPELFEST
Contemporary Christian singer Jordan Feliz, who is out this summer supporting his 2018 album, “Future,” headlines Gospelfest 2019. Kettering Health Network presents the 6th annual concert at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, on Sunday, Sept. 8. Several local groups will perform beginning at 5 p.m. followed a headlining set from Feliz at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
5) FOLKS OF DAYTON MUSIC FEST
Drummer Dave Mattacks isn’t a household name but he has worked Paul McCartney, Richard Thompson, Nick Drake and other revered acts. He will be a featured performer when he joins local duo Higgins Madewell at Folks of Dayton Music Festival. The concert, at Polish Club, 3690 Needmore Road, Dayton, on Saturday, Sept. 21, also features the Doug Hart Band and Blues Breakdown. Gates open at noon. Music begins at 2:30 p.m. The show closes with an all-star jam beginning at 8 p.m. Cost: $10. A portion of the proceeds benefit A Special Wish Foundation. Food trucks will be on site. Call 859-743-5549.
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