FutureFest 2016 features three fully stages productions, “The Griots” by Gwendolyn Rice, W.L. Newkirk’s “[Miss]” and “Memories of the Game” by Kristy Sharron Thomas, and staged readings of Scott C. Sickles’ “Shepherd’s Bush,” “N” by Adrienne Earle Pender and Christopher G. Smith’s “The Violin Maker.”
The festival opens with “Memories of the Game” at 8 p.m. Friday. “Shepherd’s Bush” is presented at 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by “N” at 3 p.m. and “[Miss]” at 8 p.m. Sunday’s productions are “The Violin Maker” at 10 a.m. and “The Griots” at 3 p.m. Cost: $18 per show, $100 for a weekend pass. Call 937-424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.org.
2) YANNI
Yanni wasn’t the first instrumental new age musician but he has certainly been one of the most successful proponents of the genre. His 18th studio album, “Sensuous Chill,” was released in January, followed by “The Dream Concert: Live from the Great Pyramids of Egypt” in June. Yanni performs at Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 22. Cost: $50 lawn & terrace, $89 side orchestra in advance, and $55 lawn & terrace, $94 side orchestra day of show. VIP packages are available online. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
3) OLD CASE FILES
Did Bessie Little commit suicide on the Ridge Avenue Bridge in Dayton or was she murdered by her lover? That is one of the lingering questions from the 1896 court case Ohio vs. Albert J. Frantz, the focus of this summer’s installment of the historical courtroom drama series the Old Case Files. Dayton History presents a dramatic reenactment of the controversial local murder in the Old Court House, 7 N. Main St., Dayton, Friday through Sunday, July 22 and 24. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $12 for Dayton History members and $15 for non-members. Old Case Files is also offered July 29-31 and Aug. 5-7. Call 937-293-2841 or visit www.daytonhistory.org.
4) SOUTHWIND MUSIC FEST
Southwind Music Festival began as a private birthday party in 2002 but quickly grew into a two-day live music blowout that’s open to the public. The 15th annual multi-band event returns to Zane Shawnee Caverns, 7092 State Route 540, Bellefontaine, Friday and Saturday, July 22 and 23. This year’s lineup includes Terrapin Moon, Purple Overcoat, Brown Street Breakdown, Taste Buds, and Splattertude. Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday, music begins at 4 p.m. Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the gate. There is a $10 re-entry fee. Primitive camping is $25 with additional charges for electric and water. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band. Call 937-592-9592.
5) OHIO STATE FAIR
Carnival rides, livestock expeditions and concerts by Yes, Kenny Rogers and other tops acts are just some of the attractions at the Ohio State Fair. The massive event returns to the Ohio State Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, on Wednesday, July 27. Cost: $10 adults, $8 seniors 60 and older and children 5-12, and free for children under 5. Ride-All-Day wristband vouchers are $25. Parking is $5. Concert ticket prices vary. The Ohio State Fair runs daily through Aug. 7. Visit www.ohiostatefair.com.
6) 98 DEGREES
Although vocal group 98 Degrees formed in Los Angeles in 1997, its members are all from Ohio. Jeff Timmons, who formed the band, is from Canton, while Justin Jeffre and brothers Nick and Drew Lachey are from Cincinnati. The quartet, which reformed in 2012 after a 10-year break, is currently out on its MY2K Tour with special guests O-Town, Dream and Ryan Cabrera. The tour rolls into Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 28. Cost: $23.50-$61. Call 937-228-2323 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
7) THE WIZARD OF OZ
There is no doubt Dorothy Gale’s adventure with her unusual new friends is one of the reasons “The Wizard of Oz” has remained such and enduring tale. However, classic songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain” from the 1939 film have also contributed to the staying power of L. Frank Baum’s creation. La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, is presenting “The Wizard of Oz” through August. 28. Show times are 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cost: $59-$75 adults, $30 children 11 and younger. Call 937-746-4554 or visit www.lacomedia.com.
8) JONATHAN CRAIG
Comedian Jonathan Craig is no stranger to the stage at Wiley’s Comedy Joint, 101 Pine St., Dayton. He has worked as an opener and a feature act at the local venue, and appeared on bills with multiple performers but he will be presenting a rare headlining gig there this weekend. Craig performs at 8 p.m. Friday and 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22 and 23. Cost: $10. Call 937-224-5653 or visit www.wileyscomedy.com.
9) DAYTON IS FOR LOVERS
Like recent years, Hawthorne Heights is logging plenty of miles in 2016. The Dayton-based rock band has already toured in the United States, Japan and Australia, and leaves for Europe on Saturday, but the band members have found time to organize the music festival Dayton is For Lovers. The second annual event is presented at the “Old” Yellow Cab Bldg., 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, at 6 p.m. Friday, July 22. This year’s lineup features Hawthorne Heights with special guests You vs. Yesterday, Jasper the Colossal, the 1984 Draft, Bribing Senators, Duderus, Crosley Court, Goodnight Goodnight and Hold Your Breath. Cost: $15. Call 937-203-8175 or visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.
10) BODYBUILDING CHAMPIONSHIP
There will be a lot of posing and muscle-flexing when the ninth annual Tri-State Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness Championship hits Dayton Convention Center, 22. E. Fifth St., Dayton, on Saturday, July 23. The event is presented by the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation. Awards will be presented in eight professional categories. Prejudging at 11 a.m. Finals at 5 p.m. Cost: $15 for prejudging, $20 for the finals and $30 for a day pass. Call 937-344-9884 or visit www.wnbftristate.com.
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