For a roundup of comedy and community events to dance, festivals, music and theater, click here.
This week’s edition also spotlights comedian Danae Hays, Irish band Lúnasa, Yellow Springs potter Naysan Mcllhargey, and Sister Helen Prejean’s upcoming appearance on behalf of the Ohio Innocence Project.
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: Top events in the Dayton region this weekend
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Concerts saluting The Beatles and Cher, downtown Dayton’s First Friday, Dayton’s Battle of the Bands finale, and two standout musical theatre shows are among this weekend’s top events. Click here.
✝️Around Town: ‘Dead Man Walking’ author Sister Helen Prejean coming to Dayton to talk about death penalty
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Sister Helen Prejean, author of the best-selling book “Dead Man Walking,” will participate in “Another Evening For Justice” April 8 at the Victoria Theatre. She’ll be joined by Gilbert King, 2013 Pulitzer Prize winner for “Devil in the Grove.” Click here.
🎶Music: Lúnasa brings modern evolution of Irish music to Yellow Springs
Internationally touring band Lúnasa returns for an evening of contemporary Irish instrumental music March 11 at the Foundry Theater in Yellow Springs. Read more about the band’s adaptability and creating new music in Japan. Click here.
🍷Around Town: Cocktail making is highlight at DAI event where people can vote on drinks and learn about art conservation
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
The art of cocktail making and the importance of art conservation will intertwine April 3 at the Dayton Art Institute. Curated will feature 15 different cocktails created by local bartenders. Click here.
🌹Gardening: It may be obvious who is the biggest gardening enemy
Spring is right around the corner so it’s a great time to think about planting. In order to ensure plants are growing in their preferred environment, consider ways to make your landscape and gardening easier. Click here.
⭐A Day in the Life: Naysan Mcllhargey
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Naysan Mcllhargey runs Miami Valley Pottery in Yellow Springs. He enjoys educating his customers about the beauty and functionality of pottery. Read more about his artistry and daily routine. 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.
🍽️Food & Dining: 2025 fish fry events in Montgomery, Miami, Greene and Warren counties
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Lenten fish fry events are being scheduled across the region. Check out our list here.
🎤Comedy: Danae Hays brings comedy, characters and music to Dayton
Comedian and musician Danae Hays is bringing her First Time Tour to the Victoria Theatre March 15. With 3.1 million followers on TikTok and 800,000 followers on Instagram, Hays says social media is “the heartbeat” of her business. Click here.
📹Arts Profile: Digital video marketer leans on comedy, storytelling to capture attention of new generation for Sinclair
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Sinclair Community College Video Marketing Manager Matt Neal is utilizing digital storytelling and a love of comedy to broaden the college’s appeal to students. Read more about his mission here.
🎖️Around Town: Blue Star Mothers mark 20 years with community open house
Credit: submitted
Credit: submitted
Blue Star Mothers have been supporting active duty military and veterans since World War II. Dayton’s chapter, Miami Valley Chapter # 3, is celebrating its 20 year anniversary March 9. Click here.
🎢Outdoors: Kings Island announces special events this summer
Kings Island opens for the season April 19 and summer events are being planned to heighten the fun. The special events kick off with a Food and Wine Festival beginning May 30. Click here.
🎶Music: A conversation with Kim Deal about her ‘Nobody Loves You More’ solo album and tour
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Daytonian Kim Deal kicked off her latest tour last month at The Brightside in downtown Dayton. Read more about the new songs on her debut solo album “Nobody Loves You More.” Click here.
📷Photos: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s ‘Power & Presence,’ Fasching (German Mardi Gras) at the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner German Club and A Storybook Gala for A Special Wish Foundation
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company presented ‘Power & Presence’ at Victoria Theatre March 1 and 2.
Fasching (German Mardi Gras) at the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner German Club took place March 1.
A Storybook Gala for A Special Wish Foundation happened at The Lift March 1.
🖼️ICYMI: Take risks, reach out, check egos: Dayton arts community hears empowering messages at first-ever symposium
Credit: @ScottyDfoto
Credit: @ScottyDfoto
Great insights and hard truths were shared at EPIC Inspires' inaugural arts symposium Feb. 28 at the Dayton Arcade. Artists, designers and other creatives took part in various presentations. Click here.
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