The new season continues on Wednesday, May 31, with the Kettering Block Party at 6 p.m. The annual free event features a performance by the Kettering Civic Band. George Benson and Kenny G bring The Breezin’ & Breathless Tour to Fraze Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1. Cost: $35-$55 in advance, $40-60 at the door.
Other acts on tap at the Fraze this summer includes Paul Shaffer & the World's Most Dangerous Band on June 23, Diana Krall on June 25, the Moody Blues on July 1, Elvis Costello & the Imposters on July 18, Idina Menzel on Aug. 5 and Joe Bonamassa on Aug. 18. Call 937-296-3300 or visit www.fraze.com.
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2) HERITAGE DAY
Dayton History is ushering in the summer season with Heritage Day at Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, May 28. This annual old-fashioned patriotic celebration features historical games, demonstrations and activities, food and performances by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Opera and Dayton Ballet. Cost: $8 adults, $7 seniors (60 and older), $5 students and children (3-17) and free for Dayton History members and children younger than 3. Call 937-293-2841 or visit www.daytonhistory.org.
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3) LISA LAMPANELLI
With the web address of www.insultcomic.com, you can bet a Lisa Lampanelli comedy show isn't a warm and fuzzy night out. However the stand-up comic, known as the Loveable Queen of Mean, is much more than Don Rickles in a dress. Lampanelli is quick-witted and versatile, offering comedic takes on everything from social issues to romantic entanglements. She returns to the area for a one-night appearance at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, The Greene, 88 Plum St., Beavercreek, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 31. Cost: $35. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.
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4) KINGS ISLAND DEAL
Kings Island is letting the military get in free this Memorial Day weekend. From Friday through Memorial Day, the largest amusement and waterpark in the Midwest is offering free admission to active and retired members of the U.S. military. A valid military ID must be presented. Admission at no cost will be given to active and retired military, National Guard, veterans with honorable or medical discharge and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps with government issued ID. In addition, military personnel can purchase admission at a special price of $32 for up to six family members. For more info: visitkingsisland.com.
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5) “FAMILY TIES”
"Family Ties," which ran for seven seasons on NBC, is perhaps best remembered for launching the career of Michael J. Fox. However, from 1982 and the 1989, the sitcom's fictional Keatons were one of the most beloved TV families on the small screen. It's no surprise the series, like "The Brady Bunch" before it, was adapted to the stage. Kevin Moore directs the Human Race Theatre Company's presentation, which opens at the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, on Thursday, June 1. "Family Ties" is presented through Thursday, June 25. Show times are 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Tickets start at $25. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
6) BRITISH CAR MEET
In the mid-20th century, Great Britain was the second-largest manufacturer of automobiles in the world, trailing only the United States. High-quality cars from the time by MG, Aston Martin, Jaguar and other companies are highly sought after today by international collectors. Some of these auto obsessives will be showcasing some of their favorite vehicles during the British Car Meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 27. The British Transportation Museum hosts the 14th annual show at Top of the Market Banquet and Event Center, 32 Webster St., Dayton. Cost: Car registration is $18. Admission is free for spectators. Call 937-232-9310 or visit www.britishtransportationmuseum.org.
7) JUSTIN BRYAN
Justin Bryan recently relocated to Nashville, but the 23-year-old singer from Eaton honed his musical chops playing festivals, clubs and special events around the area before taking his talents to the mecca of country music. His debut EP will be released this summer. Before that happens, Bryan is returning to the area for a performance at JD Legends, 65 Millard Drive, Franklin, at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 27. Cost: Free. Call 937-746-4950 or visit www.jdlegends.com.
8) THE VIEW
With landscape work from 37 artists, "The View" is sure to offer a diverse selection of imagery, from outdoor themes to international environmental issues. The 23rd annual juried exhibition opens at Rosewood Arts Centre, 2655 Olson Drive, Kettering, on Tuesday, May 30. Participating artists include Margaret E. Wittmer, Tracy McElfresh, Bruce Campbell, Patricia Boone and Richard Jurus. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 1. Free. 937-296-0294 or www.playkettering.org.
9) THE LANGUAGE OF ART
"The Language of Art" is a new literature program launching at the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, on Wednesday, May 31. The program, which runs from noon to 2 p.m., takes Susan Vreeland's "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" as the jumping off point for a staff-led exploration of the glass and floral works in the museum's permanent collection. The tour is followed by conversation in the Leo Bistro. Cost: Free for DAI members, $5 for nonmembers. Advance registration is required. The program is also offered on Saturday, June 3. Call 937-223-4ART (4278) or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.
10) DEICIDE
Nearly 20 years after blasting its way out of Tampa with its distinctive brand of metal, Deicide is still going strong. The band's 12th album, the follow-up to "In the Minds of Evil" (2013), will be released later this year by Century Media. Deicide performs at Oddbody's Music Room, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 27. Cost: $30-$35. Call 937-813-4272 or visit www.oddbodys.com.
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