1) MLK MARCH AND YOUTH RALLY
Visual art, high school basketball and Martin Luther King Day celebrations are just a few of the diverse events on tap in January. First up is the 2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. "Am I My Brother's Keeper?" is theme of the annual observance, which offers a month of commemorative events, including the MLK March and Youth Rally on Monday, Jan. 15. The walk begins at the Charles Drew Health Center, 1323 W. Third St., Dayton, at 10 a.m., followed by the youth rally at Dayton Convention Center, Dayton, at 11 a.m. Visit www.mlkdayton.org.
2) THE CLINE SHOW
"The Cline Show: Annual Arts & Design Invitational" opens at Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., Dayton, on Friday, Jan. 12. The exhibition features the work of 40 college and university art and design students. DVAC hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost: Free. An opening reception for this exhibition will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. February 2. "The Cline Show" is on display through February 10. Call 937-224-3822 or visit www.daytonvisualarts.org.
3) FLYIN’ TO THE HOOP INVITATIONAL
More than 75 projected Division I basketball recruits from 38 teams will be participating in the 2018 Flyin' to the Hoop Invitational. Some of the top players in the 16th annual high school tournament include Bol Bol from number one ranked Findlay Prep, Charles Bassey from Aspire Academy and Silvio De Sousa from IMG. The Flyin' to the Hoop Invitational returns to Trent Arena, 3301 Shroyer Road, Kettering, Friday through Monday, Jan. 12-15. Games begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Cost: $10-$100. Visit http://flyintothehoop.com.
4) BLOODY MARY SHOWDOWN
Local bartenders will be pitting specialty drinks against each during the return of the Bloody Mary Showdown. The third annual competition is presented at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Bldg. 1, 1043 S. Main St., Dayton, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14. Cost: $25 for judging credentials, which includes eight four-ounce samples and a chance to vote for your favorite recipe. The $40 VIP tickets includes early entry at 11 a.m., 12 tasting tickets and two votes. Proceeds benefit The First Tee of Greater Miami Valley. Visit www.mostmetro.com.
5) KABUKI IN JAPANESE PRINTS
There's still time to check out "Acting Up: Kabuki in Japanese Prints," which opened at Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, on July 26, 2017. This special exhibition, featuring prints from Dayton Art Institute's collection, comes to a close on Sunday, Jan. 28. 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: Free for members, students and youth, $8 adult, $5 seniors, groups and active military. Call 937-223-4ART (4278) or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.
6) WORLD OF WONDER
Just a few weeks after ringing in the New Year together, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra is once again joining with Dayton Performing Arts Alliance partners Dayton Ballet and Dayton Opera for a diverse night of entertainment. "World of Wonder: Explore the Ballet, Opera and Orchestra," a Family Series Program, is presented at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Cost: $14-$22. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
7) MIREYA MAYOR
Mireya Mayor had an unusual career path. She is a Fulbright scholar and former Miami Dolphins cheerleader who became a world-renowned field biologist. In "Mireya Mayor: Pink Boots and a Machete," she discusses her globetrotting adventures. The National Geographic Live Series presents Mayor at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, on Sunday and Monday, Jan. 28 and 29. Show times are 3 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday. Cost: $27-$42. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
8) CANAL STREET STORIES
Mick Montgomery, who ran Canal Street Tavern from 1981 to 2013, is writing a book about his experience running the now defunct music venue and he's looking for input from folks who spent time in the bar. If you have a story to tell, or just want to hear others share their remembrances, come down to the Yellow Cab Bldg., 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 for Canal Street Stories: A Celebration and Reunion for Mick Montgomery. Cost: Admission is free but Montgomery is accepting donations for his book. Visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.
9) DAYTON WEDDING EVENT & EXPO
If you're planning a wedding and don't know where to begin, do yourself a favor and make plans to attend the Dayton Wedding Event & Expo. The show is at Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 6 and 7. More than 100 wedding professionals will be set up that weekend, including photographers, DJs, caterers and florists. Cost: $8. Call 937-333-4072 or visit www.daytonconventioncenter.com.
Credit: E.L. Hubbard
Credit: E.L. Hubbard
10) AMSOIL ARENACROSS PRO
Reigning two-time champion Gavin Faith is among the racers participating in the touring showcase Amsoil Arenacross Professionals. The high-octane motorcycle competition roars into the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. This is the first night of the 2018 season, which includes stops in 11 different states. Cost: Tickets start at $18. Call 937-775-4789 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.
11) CHRISTOPHER BURK LANDSCAPES
"Christopher Burk: Illuminating the Everyday" opens at the Springfield Museum of Art, 107 Cliff Park Road, Springfield, on Saturday, Jan. 20. The new exhibition features landscape paintings by the Columbus-based artist. Cost: $5 non-members, free for museum members and children under 17. "Christopher Burk: Illuminating the Everyday" is on display through July 1. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Call 937-325-4673 or visit www.springfieldart.net.
12) RV SUPER SHOW
Recreational vehicles have come a long way since they were introduced in early part of the 20th century. Some of the models are utilitarian, while others are as opulent as a ritzy mansion. You can inspect the latest offerings at the Cincinnati-Dayton RV Super Show at the Dayton Convention Center, Dayton, Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 25-28. More than 150 makes and models will be on display from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $10 adults, free children under 12. Visit www.daytonrvshow.com.
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