10 great things to do in Dayton this weekend

Eugene Lee (center), as Sergeant Vernon C. Waters, and the cast of the national tour of "A Soldier's Play."

Eugene Lee (center), as Sergeant Vernon C. Waters, and the cast of the national tour of "A Soldier's Play."

An acclaimed drama, a celebration of regional cinema, diverse concerts from folk to R&B, and a Black History Month art exhibition are just some of the options in store across the Dayton region this weekend.

1. ‘A Soldier’s Play’

When: Through Feb. 19; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton

Details: Dayton Live and Human Race Theatre Company co-presents the national tour of the 2020 Tony Award-winning revival of “A Soldier’s Play.” Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama concerns a Black sergeant murdered on a Louisiana Army base in 1944. A series of interrogations transpire triggering a gripping barrage of questions about sacrifice, service and identity in America. Dayton is the only Ohio engagement on the tour.

Cost: $25-$79

More info: Call 937-228-3630 or visit daytonlive.org

A Black History Month art exhibition will be held through Feb. 25 at the Edward A. Dixon Gallery. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

icon to expand image

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

2. Black History Month art exhibition

When: Through Feb. 25; hours of operation are by appointment

Where: Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St., Dayton

Details: The artwork has a focus on the distinguished military service of Black Americans, cultural figures and other Black history from the 20th century to present. Featured artists include Clifford Darrett, Gregory DeGroat, Clarise Moore, Gregory Changa Freeman and Nathan Conner. There will be a public reception and artist talk with light refreshments on Friday, Feb. 17 from 6-8 p.m.

Cost: Free

More info: www.eadgallery.com

Miamisburg's Plaza Theatre will host the inaugural Catalano Film Festival Feb. 18. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

icon to expand image

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

3. Catalano Film Festival

When: Saturday, Feb. 18 from 4-10 p.m.

Where: Plaza Theatre, 33 S. Main St., Miamisburg

Details: The inaugural Catalano Film Festival, a celebration of regional cinema and independent film, will showcase eight short films from seven filmmakers.

Cost: $10

More info: Eventbrite

4. ‘Jackie Robinson Steals Home’

When: Friday, Feb. 17 at noon and 7 p.m.

Where: Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton

Details: Peter Manos’ play chronicles the life of the legendary Robinson, particularly his attempt to steal the hearts of fans and pave the way for people of color to play America’s favorite pastime. The presentation is slated to run 45 minutes. Under the direction of Shaun Diggs, the cast includes DeAngelo Powell as Jackie along with Bryana Bentley, Shamya Sumlin, Derek Dunn-Melvin, Josiah Callinan and Kiri Olsen. Seating will be first come, first served, at the door, beginning 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Cost: Free

More info: www.sinclair.edu

5. Plane Talks

When: Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Where: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton

Details: Presidential gallery aircraft and exhibits will be featured in honor of Presidents Day. In addition, volunteer subject matter experts will be stationed near the aircraft or exhibit related to their expertise throughout the day.

Cost: Free

More info: https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil

6. Miami County Home and Garden Show

When: Friday, Feb. 17 from 2-6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St. Troy

Details: Home improvement vendors and specialists will be available to discuss projects.

Cost: $5 presale and $6 at the door. Children under 12 and under are free.

More info: www.miamicountyhomeshow.com

The Mad River Brass Quintet, led by Chris Braun (pictured), and the Kristen Kosey-led vocal quintet Musical Menagerie are among the performers in Dayton Music Club’s annual Celebration of Sacred Music & Church Musicians at Fairmont Presbyterian Church in Kettering on Sunday, Feb. 19.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

icon to expand image

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

7. Dayton Music Club

When: Sunday, February 19 at 4 p.m.

Where: Fairmont Presbyterian Church, 3705 Far Hill Ave., Kettering

Details: Dayton Music Club presents its annual Celebration of Sacred Music & Church Musicians. The program features the Mad River Brass Quintet, led by Chris Braun, and the Kristen Kosey-led vocal quintet Musical Menagerie. (Don Thrasher)

Cost: Free

More info: 937-297-0463 or www.daytonmusicclub.org

Eric Bolander, the rootsy folk singer from Lexington, Ky., brings his band to Yellow Cab Tavern in Dayton on Friday, Feb. 17.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

icon to expand image

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

8. Eric Bolander

When: Friday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m.

Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton

Details: This Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of “Can’t Get There From Here,” the latest album from Eric Bolander. The rootsy folk singer from Lexington, Ky. brings his powerful pipes to town to perform with his band. Local Americana act Age Nowhere opens the show. (Don Thrasher)

Cost: $7 in advance, $10 day of show

More info: 937-424-3870 or www.yellowcabtavern.com

Local band Wreck League, competing in the finals of the Battle of the Bands at The Brightside in March, celebrates the release of its debut album, “Break of Time,” at the venue on Friday, Feb. 17.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

icon to expand image

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

9. Wreck League

When: Friday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton

Details: The local band, which is competing in the finals of the Battle of the Bands at The Brightside on March 11, celebrates the release of its debut album, “Break of Time.” Wreck League performs first followed by a jam session with the Finnigan-Denson Incident. (Don Thrasher)

Cost: $10

More info: 937-410-0450 or www.thebrightsidedayton.com

Dru Hill (pictured), Jagged Edge, Jon B and Troop perform at the Gem City R&B Kickback, presented by Owens Entertainment and attorney Michael Wright at the Schuster Center in Dayton on Saturday, Feb. 18.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

icon to expand image

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

10. Gem City R&B Kickback

When: Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.

Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton

Details: Dru Hill, Jagged Edge, Jon B. and Troop take the stage to perform their greatest R&B hits.

Cost: $72.50-$92.50

More info: 937-228-3630 or www.daytonlive.org

About the Author