Karen Russo Burke, Thomas Bankston and Neal Gittleman have programmed an evening that includes works as diverse as George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” “Blue Danube Waltzes” by Johann Strauss II and Scott Joplin’s “Ragtime Dance.”
“American Vistas,” at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, features performances by Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and guest vocalist Kara Shay Thomson. Cost: $25, $36, $47, $59 and $74. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
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2) ALEX BUGNON
In many ways, Swiss-born keyboardist Alex Bugnon was born to play music. His father was a jazz musician, as was his more famous uncle, trumpet player Donald Byrd. Bugnon didn’t just rest on his family history, he studied at the Paris Conservatory in France and the Mozart Academy in Austria before relocating to United States to attend Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. Today, the contemporary jazz musician lives in New York City. Bugnon returns to the area for performances at Gilly’s, 132 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, at 7 and 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30. Cost: $25. Call 937-228-8414 or visit www.gillysjazz.com.
3) HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
As the name suggests, the Harlem Globetrotters spend a good deal of the time traveling the world, entertaining audiences with a distinctive mix of basketball skills and clean, family comedy. However, if there’s one thing local fans can count on is the beloved clown princes of the hardwood will be back in town for its annual New Year’s Eve game. The Harlem Globetrotters return to the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. Cost: $28.50-$126.50. Call 937-775-4789 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.
4) HOLIDAYTON
For the past five years, Mark McMillon’s primary gig has been guitarist for local road warriors Hawthorne Heights. However, the Dayton-based musician still finds time for his long-running punk band the Story Changes and his annual year-end show, HoliDayton. The one-day music festival returns to Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30. The 14th annual event features performances from the Story Changes, Jasper the Colossal, C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks, Me & Mountains, Brandon Hawk, Goodnight Goodnight and others. Cost: $7. Call 937-938-6405 or visit www.blindbobs.com.
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5) MAD RIVER MOUNTAIN
The future looked bleak for local snow skiing enthusiasts when the lodge at Mad River Mountain, 1000 Snow Valley Road, Zanesfield, was lost to a fire in September 2015. However, hope was restored when a new lodge was built and the ski resort was able to reopen for a new season on Dec. 18. Mad River Mountain hours are 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cost: All-day lift ticket is $35 adults (13-69), $25 kids (5-12) and seniors 70 and older. Evening lift ticket (4-9:30 p.m.) is $25 adults (13-69), $20 kids (5-12) and seniors 70 and older. Holiday rates for an all-day session is $45 adults, $35 kids and seniors, an evening session is $35 adults, $25 kids and seniors. Be sure to check out the Snow Report for the latest conditions for skiing, snowboarding and tubing before making the drive. Call 937-599-1015 or www.skimadriver.com.
6) BRASS TRACKS
For the second consecutive year, local horn band Brass Tracks is celebrating New Year’s Eve at the Marriott at the University of Dayton, 1414 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. The package includes a hotel room, dinner for two, open bar, a midnight champagne toast and a live mix of Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Blood, Sweat & Tears and other groups courtesy of Brass Tracks. Cost: $329. This is for ages 21 and up. Call 937-223-1000.
7) LIGHTS OF CLIFTON
Christmas has passed but the holiday season is still going strong for many Dayton area residents. With that in mind, there are still two more nights to visit the Legendary Lights of Clifton, 75 Water St., Clifton. The massive holiday display, which features more than 3.5 million lights that illuminate the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges, is on display from 5 to 9 p.m. daily through Saturday, Dec. 31. Cost: $10, free for children 6 and younger. Call 937-767-5501 or visit www.cliftonmill.com.
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8) PUZZLE OF LIGHT
Considering Puzzle of Light’s founder Michael Bashaw is celebrated as both a visual artist and musician, it’s not surprising he calls his group’s sound American Creative Music. It’s a fitting description for the unique blend of jazz, folk and world rhythms. Puzzle of Light closes out 2016 with a year-end performance at the Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., Dayton, at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30. Cost: $5. Call 937-461-1101 or www.trolleystopdayton.com.
9) MIGUEL DALMAU
New York native Miguel Dalmau honed his comedy skills growing up in Queens. Today, he divides his focus between stand-up comedy and acting. He has done commercials and television work, including re-enactment segments on TruTV crime programs. Dalmau performs at Wiley’s Comedy Joint, 101 Pine St., Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 30 and 31. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10 Friday, $20 Saturday. Call 937-224-5653 or visit www.wileyscomedy.com.
10) GLOSTIK WILLY
Like most jam bands, Glostik Willy is known for its live show. This means the Indiana group spends a good deal of time on the road, including frequent stops in the Dayton area. It’s no surprise the members of Glostik Willy chose to ring in the new year with a full night of music at Oddbody’s Music Room, Dayton, beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. Special guests for the evening are Subterranean, the Bath Salt Zombies and Flow Poetry. All three bands are also featured alongside former professional wrestler Mick Foley, and Patrick Roach and John Dunsworth from “The Trailer Park Boys” in the jam band’s new music video for the original song, “Alibi.” Doors open Saturday at 5 p.m. Cost: $10-$15. Call 937-813-4272 or visit www.oddbodys.com.
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