Credit: Josh Ohms JOSH OHMS PHOTOGRAPHY
Credit: Josh Ohms JOSH OHMS PHOTOGRAPHY
Comprised of Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera and Dayton Philharmonic, the DPAA is preparing a wide range of experiences from “Barbie The Movie: In Concert” and “Porgy and Bess In Concert” to the return of “The Nutcracker” and a funk collaboration with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Click here.
This week’s edition also spotlights Daybreak’s 50th anniversary, the Human Race Theatre Company’s diverse, intimate “Camelot,” Magnolia Theatre Company’s all-female “Julius Caesar” and John Waters’ upcoming appearance in support of the Yellow Springs Film Festival’s Mini-Fest.
Let us know what you think. If you have thoughts, feedback or news tips, please email me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.
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😊Around Town: Things to do in Dayton this weekend
Credit: Marshall Gorby
Credit: Marshall Gorby
From Winter Guard International’s World Championships around the region to comedy shows in Dayton and Beavercreek as well as Record Store Day at Omega Music in the Oregon District, this weekend’s top events can be found here.
🎬Film: Director John Waters talks with the Dayton Daily News: ‘All humor is political’
Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
The kooky genius that is John Waters has never been afraid to speak his mind. He’ll be in town April 17 for a conversation and lecture following a 25th anniversary screening of his black comedy “Cecil B. Demented.” Click here.
🎭Theater: Breezy ‘Camelot’ at Loft Theatre, Wright State grad writes new musical and other arts news around the Dayton region
Credit: JUDD PLATTENBURG
Credit: JUDD PLATTENBURG
It’s always great to see old shows refreshened. As a longtime fan of “Camelot,” I was surprised at how well it flows in its tightened, revised form at the Loft Theatre. The score overall is still intact (“Follow Me” is gone but it’s always been more pretty than pivotal) and the themes are very impactful and timely. The Human Race Theatre Company’s vocally strong production wraps this weekend. Click here.
🎶Music: Bach Society of Dayton delivers Palm Sunday presentation of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ in Troy
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah,” originally introduced in April 1742 as an Easter offering, will be performed by the Bach Society of Dayton April 13 at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy. Led by music director David Crean, the uplifting choral work will feature four guest soloists. Click here.
🎤 Around Town: Lemurs, dire wolves and more: ‘Female Indiana Jones’ Mireya Mayor speaks in Dayton this weekend
Credit: contributed
Credit: contributed
Primatologist Mireya Mayor, Ph.D., a former NFL cheerleader, will visit the Victoria Theatre April 13 to discuss her career including studying endangered and rarely documented species of gorilla, lemur and chimpanzee. Click here.
🎶Music: Local hardcore punk band Wounded Paw delivers 12-song album that runs just under 12 minutes
“Excruciating Pain,” the latest EP release from Wounded Paw, a straight edge hardcore punk band with Dayton roots, is blunt, loud and intense. Read more about their new music. Click here.
🤼♂️ Around Town: A traveling circus with spandex: Olde Wrestling with vintage flair makes Yellow Springs debut
A throwback to the 1920s through the 1940s, Olde Wrestling, mixing drama, action and humor, will be presented April 11 at the Foundry Theater in Yellow Springs. Click here.
🎭Theater: All-female ‘Julius Caesar’ performance in Dayton tackles hard truths
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Magnolia Theatre Company is dedicated to women and producing plays featuring strong female characters. They’ll put their own spin on Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” April 10-13 with a 90-minute version bolstered by an underlying focus about women in positions of power. Click here.
⭐Community Gems: Nominate someone who is making a difference
The Dayton Daily News Community Gems initiative highlights people who give their time and effort to improve the lives of their neighbors and community. Do you know someone like this in your community? Follow this link to nominate them.
🎬Film: Local BMX crew Date Nite releases first DVD compilation
Local BMX riders Greg Goldberg and Tony Cherry have joined other local BMXers by creating video content online under the name Date Nite. Date Nite’s first full-length DVD compilation, “This Won’t Last,” will premiere April 12 at Yellow Cab Tavern. Click here.
🐰Around Town: Where to find the Easter Bunny in the Dayton region
Credit: Dayton Mall
Credit: Dayton Mall
The Easter Bunny is back in town! You can catch everyone’s favorite holiday rabbit at various spots around Dayton. Click here.
🐰Around Town: Air Force Museum’s Bunny Trail open to visitors on April 19
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
The Easter Bunny will also appear at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force’s Bunny Trail happening April 19. Children will receive balloon twisters, visit coloring stations, may participate in a community LEGO build and more. There will also be giveaways, including a giant chocolate bunny. Click here.
🥚Around Town: Easter egg hunts in Dayton and the region
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Several Easter egg hunts are happening this weekend and next. Click here.
⭐Make a Difference: Daybreak celebrates 50 years helping local young people in need
Daybreak has been at the forefront of helping young people in Dayton for 50 years with services including a safe place to stay, mental health resources, housing assistance and more. Donations are needed to continue providing quality care. Find out how you can help. Click here.
😊Around Town: Dayton Dance Initiative connects dancers with education, opportunities
Dayton Dance Initiative provides opportunities for professional dancers to collaborate while growing the community’s connection with dance. Right now the focus is on their “Find Your Groove” All-levels Dance Camp, offering five days of dance exploration and discovery for ages 12-18 in June. Click here.
⭐A Day in the Life: Dayton’s DJ Isicle is a designer of sound
Credit: Fea Fotos
Credit: Fea Fotos
Isaac Williams (a.k.a. Isicle) is a Dayton-based DJ, electronic artist and light technician whose deep love of music dates back to when he was in high school creating beats on the computer. Read more about his artistry and recent endeavors. Click here.
📷Photos: Wright State University ArtsGala, Front Street’s 60th anniversary First Friday art hop VIP Tour and Fort St. Clair Kennel Club Dog Show
Credit: Cornelius Frolik
Credit: Cornelius Frolik
Wright State University’s ArtsGala happened at the WSU Creative Arts Center April 5.
Front Street, Dayton’s art and culture hub founded in 1965, is celebrating 60 years. A VIP guided tour took place during the First Friday Art Hop April 4.
Fort St. Clair Kennel Club Dog Show happened at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds April 5 and 6.
🕊️ICYMI: Public forum will take place at University of Dayton in conjunction with NATO assembly
Public forums will take place at the University of Dayton in conjunction with the 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session. Twelve panels will take place May 22-25 at UD’s Roger Glass Center for the Arts. Click here.
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Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I encourage you to keep in touch. Share story tips or feedback about this newsletter by emailing me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.
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