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Fraze Pavilion

Travis Tritt Coming To Fraze

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Fraze Pavilion has just announced that Multi-platinum selling and award-winning artist Travis Tritt will appear at the Kettering amphitheater on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 8pm.   Fans will have the opportunity to experience a special concert featuring Tritt and his band performing songs off his new album, Set In Stone, and some of his biggest hits, including “Anymore,” “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive,” and “Best of Intentions.”

Last year, Tritt released Set In Stone, his first original full-length studio album in over a decade. The Grammy winner delivers the quintessential Travis Tritt sound with a touch of Americana and Roots on the album. He pays homage to all sides of his musical personality along with the trademarks of his originality. The Grand Ole Opry member will bring his award-winning songs to life and leave the audience with a memorable experience.

Also appearing on the show, The Desert City Ramblers.  The sound of The Desert City Ramblers combines a gritty Southern rock edge and blistering musicianship with the kind of compelling storytelling that is the foundation of old school country music.

Comprising this musical effort are lead singer and former Top 10 solo artist Brian McComas, guitarist Scotty Bratcher, keyboard player Andy Smith, bassist Kieran Cronley, drummer Matt Salvo and guitarist Bart Walker (who also plays in Hank Williams Jr.’s band).

TICKETS GO ON SALE 1/22 at 10AM
Tickets $37 to $60*
(Limit 4 tickets per person on first day of sale)

Fraze Pavilion Announcing Start of Summer Season

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While it may be frigid outside now, in just 5 months things will heat up and the music will start flowing at Kettering’s Fraze Pavilion. They’ve just announce the first few concerts of the summer season and here they are:

Killer Queen
The Premier Tribute to Queen
Wednesday, June 29, 2022   8:00 PM
TICKETS GO ON SALE 1/15 at 10AM
Tickets $20 to $35*
(Limit 4 tickets per person on first day of sale)

Living up to the promise they will rock you since 1993, Killer Queen has won countless awards including “Worldwide Best Tribute Band” and “Best Concert of the Year.” They’ve represented Queen in Bob Geldof’s LiveAid concert, had a residency in the West End, and even scored a number one hit recording the harmonies for “The Real Life” with Fatboy Slim!

Described as “Very accurate. Almost frightening… unbelievably similar to the original” – it’s A Kind of Magic how Patrick Myers channels Freddie Mercury!

The Electric Light Orchestra Experience
Celebrating 50 Years of ELO!
Thursday, July 14, 2022    8:00 PM
TICKETS GO ON SALE 1/15 at 10AM
Tickets $21.50 to $29.50*
(Limit 4 tickets per person on first day of sale)

The Electric Light Orchestra Experience is the UK’s official no. 1 tribute to the Electric Light Orchestra! Playing nationally, come see this incredible show for yourself!

ELO’s top hits include “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Last Train to London,” “Telephone Line,” “Livin’ Thing,” “Rock n’ Roll Is King,” “Hold On Tight,” “Turn to Stone” and “Evil Woman.”

 

 

Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley presents
The Menus
$5 Concert Series
Friday, August 12, 2022      8:00 PM
TICKETS GO ON SALE 1/15 at 10AM
Tickets $5 General Admission

The Menus perform at Fraze Pavilion again in 2022 for “Summer’s Best Music Under the Stars.” In an energetic give and take, The Menus bring the flair, the tunes and the jokes, while the audience gives thanks with shattering cheers, pumping fists and swaying hips.  The epic relationship between performer and audience member can be witnessed when The Menus take the Fraze stage every summer. Punctuated by crazy costumes and hilarious antics, it’s no wonder this show sells out every year.  Be sure to get your tickets quick before this season’s Menus concert is sold-out.

 

*BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
Get The Led Out
A Celebration of “The Mighty Zep”
Wednesday, August 17, 2022     7:30 PM
TICKETS GO ON SALE 1/15 at 10AM
Tickets $25 to $29*
(Limit 4 tickets per person on first day of sale)

The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve never heard before. Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-create the songs in all their depth and glory with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. When you hear three guitars on the album…GTLO delivers three guitarists on stage. No wigs or fake English accents, GTLO brings what the audience wants…a high energy Zeppelin concert with an honest, heart-thumping intensity.

 

Spass Nacht 2022
An Austrian Festival
Wednesday, June 15, 2022     5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
6:00 PM Chardon Polka Band
FREE FESTIVAL in Lincoln Park

The 34th Annual
Art on the Commons
Presented by Rosewood Arts Center
and the Kettering Arts Council
Sunday, August 14, 2022     11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FREE EVENT in Lincoln Park

 

TO BUY TICKETS:
In person at the Fraze FanFare Store
Located in the east hallway of Town & Country Shopping Center across from Figlio’s Restaurant).
Wednesday & Thursday: 1PM to 6PM
Friday & Saturday: 10AM to 6PM

Online at fraze.com or etix.com

Charge By Phone 1-800-514-3849.

Fraze Season includes Daughtry, Trace Adkins, Gladys Knight and BOYZ II MEN

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TICKETS for all shows go on sale Saturday, June 5th at 10:00 AM. BUY TICKETS at Fraze FanFare Store, Fraze Pavilion Ticket Office (6/5 only), Online at fraze.com and etix.com or Charge By Phone 1-800-514-3849.
JULY 22
HAIRBALL
$5 Concert Series

DETAILS
JULY 28
CASTING CROWNS
with special guest I AM THEY
DETAILS
AUGUST 4
US Air Force
Band of Flight
FLIGHT ONE
FREE@Fraze
DETAILS
AUGUST 10
SHINEDOWN
with special guest Pop Evil
DETAILS
AUGUST 18
GET THE
LED OUT
DETAILS
AUGUST 25
BOYZ II MEN

DETAILS
AUGUST 29
TUSK
Fleetwood Mac Tribute
DETAILS
SEPTEMBER 1
THE TASTE
“Festive Flavors with Flair”
DETAILS
JULY 23
STYX
with special guest
Night Ranger
DETAILS
JULY 30
THE MENUS
$5 Concert Series
DETAILS
AUGUST 5
CHRIS JANSON
with special guest Desert City Ramblers
DETAILS
AUGUST 11
HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR 2021
DETAILS
AUGUST 20
UNCLE KRACKER
$5 Concert Series
DETAILS
AUGUST 26
SPASS NACHT
FREE FESTIVAL
DETAILS
AUGUST 30
DISCO INFERNO
$5 Concert Series
DETAILS
SEPTEMBER 3
KETTERING BLOCK PARTY
DETAILS
JULY 24
KICKIN’ CHICKEN
WING FEST
DETAILS
JULY 31
DAUGHTRY

DETAILS
AUGUST 8
TRACE ADKINS
with special guest The James Barker Band
DETAILS
AUGUST 17
FOREIGNER
with special guests Stranger & Eleventh Hour
DETAILS
AUGUST 22
GLADYS KNIGHT

DETAILS
AUGUST 28
BACON FEST
FREE FESTIVAL
DETAILS
AUGUST 31
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND
with special guest Larkin Poe
DETAILS

 

Trace Adkins To Play Fraze!

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A Nashville icon for more than two decades, Trace Adkins has made his mark on the country-music industry. 11 million albums sold. Time-honored hit singles. Momentous, fiery and always memorable live performances. GRAMMY nominations. CMT and ACM awards. Nearly 200 million plays on YouTube. Hell, even a slew of movie and TV roles have come the Grand Ole Opry member’s way. But ask Adkins what’s left to prove in his career and the small-town Louisiana native says it’s simple: the itch remains. To create. To collaborate. To continually feel the excitement that comes after whipping up a new song out of thin air and laying it down to tape.

It’s what, after all these years, he says he still craves. “It’s an adrenaline rush and I love it,” says Adkins, “There’s nothing else like that,” the Louisiana native offers. “That is still my favorite thing to do in this business. Go into the studio with just some lyrics and a melody and then let the finest musicians in the world help take it and turn it into something magical. It liberates me. I just dig it!”

Working with some of Nashville’s most respected songwriters, Adkins continues to find ways to connect with his fans through music while recording what he describes as autobiographical songs throughout his career. “Over the years people have asked me ‘How could we get to know you?’ Well, if you really wanted to know who Trace Adkins is go back and listen to the album cuts on the records I’ve done over my career. Those are the songs that reflect where I was in my head at the time I made that record.”

The Way I Wanna Go Tour
Thursday, July 2, 2020
8:00 PM
Tickets $25 to $45*
Tickets go on sale Feb. 22 at 10 AM

Weird Al & White Snake Concerts Announced!

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“Weird Al” Yankovic has just announced the dates for his 2019 Strings Attached tour – a high-energy, rock and comedy show featuring costumes, props, a video wall, and – for the first time – a full orchestra.

For his 2018 Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, Weird Al wanted to reward his hardcore fans with an intimate, scaled-down show that showcased a rotating setlist of semi-obscure deep-cut non-parody album tracks, many of which he and his band had never performed live before.  For his 2019 Strings Attached tour, he’s back to playing the hits and classics – but this time his band will be supported every night by background singers and an entire symphony orchestra.

According to Al: “I wanted to follow up my most bare-bones tour ever with my most elaborate and extravagant tour ever. We’re pulling out all the stops for this one.”

“Weird Al” Yankovic is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history, earning four Grammys and fifteen career nominations. He is best known for his hilariously irreverent parodies of hit songs, including “Eat It,” “Like A Surgeon,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Amish Paradise,” “White & Nerdy,” and “Tacky.”

Yankovic’s 14th studio album Mandatory Fun (2014) made headlines when it became the first comedy album in history to debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart, and the first comedy album to even reach the top of that chart in over 50 years. The single “Word Crimes” debuted in the Billboard Top 40, making Al one of only four artists to have had Top 40 singles in each of the last four decades (the other three being Michael Jackson, Madonna and U2).  He recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“Weird Al” Yankovic
The Strings Attached Tour
with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 8:30 PM
TICKETS GO ON SALE December 1st at 10:00 AM

$61.50 – Plaza & Orchestra
$41.50 – Lawn & Terrace
All tickets increase $5 day of show
Limit 4 tickets per person on first day of sale

 

WHITESNAKE: THE FLESH & BLOOD WORLD TOUR

 

Mega platinum WHITESNAKE, the legendary rock ‘n’ roll band founded and formed by DEEP PURPLE singer DAVID COVERDALE are proud to announce their first shows of the 2019 “FLESH & BLOOD” World Tour, which will feature songs from the new studio record to be released in May 2019 on Frontiers entitled “FLESH & BLOOD” alongside their biggest hits & songs from one of the greatest back catalogues in rock ‘n’ roll history spanning over 40 years. The tour will include a stop in Huber Heights, OH at Rose Music Center on Monday, April 29th.

The first single & video from the new record entitled “SHUT UP & KISS ME” will be released worldwide in 2019 prior to the “Flesh & Blood” World Tour.

Founded in 1978 by former Deep Purple singer David Coverdale, Whitesnake have earned multi-platinum albums including ‘TROUBLE,’ ‘LOVEHUNTER,’ ‘READY AND WILLING’ and ‘COME AN’ GET IT’ through to the explosive hard rock of the revamped ‘SNAKE sound with the multi-platinum ‘SLIDE IT IN’ and having celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017, 1987’s self-titled mega-million-selling smash-hit album, ‘WHITESNAKE.’ From these albums came multiple top 10 hits worldwide, including 2 number 1 singles with “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love” as well as the unforgettable hammer of “Still Of The Night” all leading to virtual 24-hour domination of MTV around the globe.

In 2017, to mark the 30th anniversary of their most successful album “WHITESNAKE”, a Deluxe Package was released on Rhino Records to colossal success. The partnership with Rhino has continued with the recent release of “UNZIPPED,” a collection of rare and unreleased acoustic performances over the last 20 years, a truly extraordinary opportunity to hear some of the Whitesnake classics as you have never heard them before.

Bombast, bravado, talent and passion have helped establish Whitesnake as the perennial platinum favourite they have become and they’re back with a vengeance in 2019. The world-renowned group featuring DAVID COVERDALE (vocals), REB BEACH (guitar), JOEL HOEKSTRA (guitar), MICHAEL DEVIN (bass), TOMMY ALDRIDGE (drums) and MICHELE LUPPI (Keys) have just finished recording their 13th Studio record.

David Coverdale… Whitesnake Lead Singer: “I am so honoured & grateful to have toured this incredible world we share, for over 40 years, celebrating & enjoying unforgettable moments with millions of people…All of whom have joined me on this amazing journey… I truly love the shared experience & simply love my job & always will… Over 4 Decades of REPTILIAN FUN!! Thank YOU!!”

David Coverdale – vocals
Reb Beach – guitars
Joel Hoekstra – guitars
Michael Devin – bass
Tommy Aldridge – drums
Michele Luppi – keys

Reserved Pavilion Seating:
$59.00*, $49.00*, $39.00*, $23.50*

Tickets for the Huber Heights show will go on sale to the public beginning 11:00am on Friday, November 16th atwww.Ticketmaster.com and www.Rosemusiccenter.com. Charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000. *Ticket prices include parking and are subject to applicable Ticketmaster fees.  Dates, times and artists subject to change without notice. All events rain or shine.

Allison Krauss Returns To Fraze

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Alison Krauss returns to Fraze Pavilion for the first time since her sold-out show in 2011. Her new album Windy City is her first effort away from her band Union Station since Raising Sand and her debut for Capitol Records. The album features Alison performing 10 classic songs that she carefully selected with producer Buddy Cannon.

 

Ticket prices range from $40 to $75 in advance and GO ON SALE Saturday, March 3rd at 10AM at Fraze FanFare, online at ETIX or by phone at 800-514-3849.

 

Alison Krauss’ new album Windy City is her first effort away from her band Union Station since Raising Sand and her debut for Capitol Records. The album features Alison performing 10 classic songs that she carefully selected with producer Buddy Cannon.

Following Raising Sand, her platinum 2007 album with Robert Plant that won six GRAMMY Awards including Album of the Year, and 2011’s Paper Airplane with her longtime collaborators Union Station, which won the GRAMMY Award for Best Bluegrass Album and topped Billboard’s Folk, Country and Bluegrass charts, Alison began to feel the tug of inspiration.

“Usually it’s just all songs first,” she says. “It was the first time I’d ever not had songs picked out, and it was just about a person.” That person was veteran Nashville producer Buddy Cannon. Alison had always enjoyed the occasional recording sessions she did for Buddy. But something else happened when she came in to sing her lead lines on Hank Cochran’s “Make The World Go Away” for Jamey Johnson’s 2012 album Living For A Song. “That was absolutely the moment,” she says. “Wow! Buddy really makes me want to do a good job.”

Buddy has used his playing, songwriting and production skills to bring out the best in a wide variety of artists since the early 70’s. He has written award-winning and chart-topping songs for artists such as Vern Gosdin, Mel Tillis, George Strait, Glen Campbell, George Jones and Don Williams. He has also won the ACM’s “Producer Of The Year” award and produced albums for Willie Nelson, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Alabama, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Chesney, and even Merle Haggard’s final solo album.

At the beginning Alison thought the songs chosen should be older than herself. “I wanted it to be earlier than I remembered,” she explains. And although the two of them subsequently decided to relax those boundaries just a little, it was only to allow in songs that somehow had the same kind of feeling as the others. Mostly, it turned out, these were songs of heartache, but of a distinct and particular kind.

What she and Buddy have created is an unusual and invigorating chimera – an album suffused with sadness that somehow rarely sounds that way. “It’s almost like you didn’t know it was sad,” Alison says, “because it doesn’t sound weak. It doesn’t have a pitiful part to it, where so many sad songs do. But these don’t. And I love that about it. I love that there’s strength underneath there. That whatever those stories are, they didn’t destroy. That that person made it right through it. I love that.”

Alison inhabits – and liberates – the very essence that makes each of the songs eternal. While they span different eras and musical genres, there is a unifying sensibility. Some of the songs are familiar – like “Gentle On My Mind,” a signature song of Glen Campbell’s, and “You Don’t Know Me” which was a hit for Eddy Arnold and Ray Charles. Others were lesser known, like Willie Nelson’s “I Never Cared For You” and “All Alone Am I,” originally recorded by Brenda Lee. Some were songs she’d never heard before; some were songs she’d known nearly her whole life, particularly those she brought in from the bluegrass world. Alison had no idea when she suggested to Buddy that they record “Dream of Me,” a song she recalled from childhood, that he had written it. It took some persuasion, but he agreed to sing backup on the track, along with his daughter Melonie Cannon.

Who’s Bad? Michael Jackson Tribute Band

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whosbad-300Who’s Bad’s live performance is an unrivaled celebration of pop music’s one true King. Their power-packed performance of Michael Jackson’s expansive catalog has ignited crowds on every continent and can only be described as a jaw-dropping, musical must-see. As the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, and the only one to predate his untimely passing, Who’s Bad has awed even the skeptics, selling out nearly 50 venues in the United Kingdom including London’s O2 in December of 2010, the venue where the King of Pop was slated to end his career with a 50-show “This Is It” concert serie

September Starts With “The Taste”

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This Thurs, Sept 1st from 5-9pm  Lincoln Park Commons will be filled with the sweet and savory smells of over 3 dozen area eateries, as they host the 23rd Annual The Taste festival!

Local jazz guitarist Chris Bowman will play a combination of jazz, R&B and rock music to keep the crowds swaying as they line up for samples from the 30+ eateries scheduled to appear.

Advance tickets run $20, buy at the event and they’ll add on $5.  Children under 10 are $10.  As with any Fraze events, expect lines and remember you can’t bring outside drinks and purses are subject to searches.

Kettering-Moraine-Oakwood Chamber of Commerce presents this annual event as a fundraiser for the Chamber, and every year I’m amazed at the number of restaurants that show up for this event. Here’s the most current list of participants:

10 Wilmington Place Fresco
Amicis Gordon Food Service Marketplace
Atrium Grille & Deli Kohler Catering/Presidential Banquet Center
Baskin Robbins LaRosa’s Pizzeria Kettering
Belmont Catering MCL Restaurant & Bakery
Bellyfire Catering McCormick & Schmick’s
Brio Tuscan Grille Moore Dessert Please!
Butter Cafe Ovations Food Services
Cake, Hope & Love Panera Bread
Chef Jeff’s Culinary Company SideBar
Cheryl’s Cookies Tacqueria Mixteca
Christopher’s Restaurant That Crepe Place
Creatif Catering The Artichoke Grill
Crocodile Louie’s The Hawthorn Grill
Dixie Dairy Dreem The Oakwood Club
Donatos Pizza The Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern
Elsa’s on the Border Trader Joe’s
Figlio Italian Bistro and Bar W.g. Grinders
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

Jane’s Best Bets (8/24 – 8/28)

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Happy Beer Week Dayton!  Hopefully some of you have already started to sample some great beers in and around town.  If not, you will have plenty of opportunities to do so.  And if beer is not your thing, there are some other great options this week as well!

On Wednesday, celebrate Dayton Beer Week with beer tastings at some of these fine establishments:  5th Street Wine & Deli for the Green Flash Brewery Tasting; Trolley Stop for the Off Centered Foot Stomp; The Pub at The Greene for the Belhaven Happy Hour; Blind Bob’s for the Mt. Carmel Brews; Chappy’s for the Sierra Nevada Tasting; or Spinoza’s for a Beer Tasting with North Coast Brewing Co. If you haven’t been to the Fraze yet this season, then here is your opportunity to do so for a FREE show!  Nicky Kay & His Fabulous Kay-Tones featuring Crazy Joe will be performing.  And if you are in need of some professional development (aren’t we all?), then attend Generation Dayton’s Business Ethics Event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

On Thursday, make your way to Courthouse Square for The Square Is Where featuring the Miami Valley Folk Dancers.  Sick and tired of men?  Have a Girls Night Out at The Melting Pot.  Sorry guys.  The beer tastings will continue at a variety of bars/restaurants, including Lucky’s (Firkin Drag Race), Spinoza’s (Ommegang Brewing Co.), The Pub at The Greene (Sierra Nevada Tasting), and A Taste of Wine (Mt Caramel Beer Tasting 7).  You will be able to have a complete Summer Beer Dinner at the Schuster Center’s Citilites.  While the weather is still nice, be sure to get outdoors and enjoy some live music down at RiverScape with their Big Band Nights featuring the Kim Kelly Orchestra.  If you’re in shape, then make your way to Fifth Third Field for the Dayton Dragons 5K Fun Run.  I can’t imagine that running would be considered fun, but maybe they know something I don’t.

On Friday, there will again be a Square Is Where performance at Courthouse Square featuring the Minions of Fate.  There will also be plenty more beer tastings for you, such as the Great Lakes Tapping at Lucky’s or the Red Carpet Rollout at the Trolley Stop.  Feeling a little clammy?  Make your way to The Dock for their Clam Bake Weekend.  Enjoy some Lebanese cuisine, Middle Eastern dancing and entertainment, cultural displays, and much more at the 18th Greater Dayton Lebanese Festival.  At the Dayton Theatre Guild, you will be able to see The Oldest Profession.  I don’t know why you would like Grease because it stains your clothes, but if for some chance you do, then you will be able to see it at the Victoria Theatre as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series at Victoria Theatre.  At Sharkey’s, dance to the music of the Webster’s, a super fun cover band.  And finally, I hope you are among the lucky few who have tickets to see Chicago at the Fraze!  If not, I’m sorry.  And by the way, if you know me, it’s really not hard for me to say I’m sorry.  Saying sorry would be a hard habit to break.

Saturday is AleFest!  This is without a doubt THE place to be if you like beer.  Just be sure to pace yourself and bring a DD!  If you have kids, you’ll be able to take them to Fifth Third Field for the Subway Fresh Fit Family Day, which will include inflatable games, appearances by Heater and Gem, and much more!  Support some great charities, including A Special Wish Foundation and the Special Olympics by attending the 1st Annual Lawmen’s Band Bash at the Clark County Fairgrounds.  If you enjoy festivals, the 18th Greater Dayton Lebanese Festival will still be going on.  The Dayton Diversity International Potluck Luncheon at the main branch of the Dayton Metro Library will provide another opportunity for you to participate in multicultural activities and taste some specialty dishes.  At Fifth Third Field, catch the Dragons play the West Michigan Whitecaps.  And if you prefer to be indoors, you will be able to see The Oldest Profession at the Dayton Theatre Guild or the movie  Grease at Victoria Theatre.

On Sunday, get your bike out and participate in the Tour de Dayton which is the 1st Annual Cycling and Destination Tour.  Check out some sweet rides at the 7th Annual Antioch Shrine Custom Car & Bike Show at RiverScape.  You still have some time to check out/attend some of the events earlier in the week, including the 18th Greater Dayton Lebanese Festival, the showing of the movie Grease as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series, and The Oldest Profession at the Dayton Theatre Guild.  Listen to the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight at Stubbs Amphitheater in Centerville.  At Fifth Third Field, watch as the Dragons take on the West Michigan Whitecaps.  And finally, to all you wine lovers out there – please don’t “wine” because this week has been about beer.  There is an event for you as well – Primo Vino Sunday at Arrow Wine in Kettering.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgxa_f9N5LY’]

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

A skeleton walks into a bar and says, “I’ll have a beer and a mop.”

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (8/17 – 8/21)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

With several schools starting back up this week, it means the end of summer for many.  However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still have fun!  Here are a few options!

On Wednesday after a long day of work, enjoy a beverage at one of these great establishments:   Archer’s for their A.Y.O.B., in which they tap a new beer each Wednesday; The Wine Gallery for their Weekly Wine Tasting; or Rumbleseat Wine for their Beer Tasting with Beer Guru Charles.  If the weather is nice, then listen to Jazz on the Green at Yankee Trace or watch the Dayton Dragons play the Great Lakes Loons at Fifth Third Field.

On Thursday, take a lunch break and head to Courthouse Square for The Square Is Where featuring the Raks Devi Belly Dancers.  Support local farmers by making a stop at the Centerville Farmers Market.  Listen to live music at the Dayton Art Institute for their Twilight Concert or at RiverScape for their Big Band Nights featuring the Bob Gray Orchestra.  Support a great cause (United Rehabilitation Services) by attending the URS Wine Tasting at the Dayton Racquet Club.  I love their amazing views!  Test your hand at cornhole with the Weekly Cornhole Tournament at Wings Sports Bar & Grille.  And rounding out the lineup for Thursday…make a trip to Fifth Third Field to watch the Dragons play the Great Lakes Loons.

On Friday, there will again be entertainment during the lunch hour at Courthouse Square with The Square Is Where, featuring the Steven Gregory Trio.  Beer lovers have a few options, including the Beer Tasting at Arrow Wine (Centerville location) or the AugtoberFest Craft Beer Tasting at Taj Ma Garaj.  If wine is more your thing, then sip a glass or two (or three) at the Wine Tasting at Belmont Party Supply.  If you want to head to Vegas but don’t have the funds, consider playing Texas Hold ‘Em or Black Jack at the Dayton Rugby Club’s Monte Carlo Grill Festival.  Listen to live music for the Teen Music Slam competition at RiverScape.  Right around the corner at Fifth Third Field you will be able to see the Dragons play the Great Lakes Loons.  In Yellow Springs, check out the gallery openings, shops, and restaurants, all the while listening to live music and watching fire dancers as part of Fling in the Springs.  And if you enjoy Alfred Hitchcock movies, then make your way to Victoria Theatre to see Rear Window as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.

On Saturday, enjoy the nice weather with Zumba in the Park at RiverScape.  If you’re corny like me, then make your way to the Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival or to Ele Cake Company in order to decorate your own corn on the cob cupcake.  I assure you…both of these events are no joke!  If you’re a man and have a best friend, then take him/her to the Doggie Dash ‘N Splash Fest at the Greene County Fairgrounds.  Speaking of animals, if you like crabs, then you can enjoy them at Jay’s Seafood for their Crabfest Wine Luncheon.  Support breast cancer awareness by participating in Pints, Putters & Pink Balls at Kittyhawk Golf Center.  And remember…real men wear pink!  Or support the American Cancer Society by attending the Dayton Cattle Barons Ball, which will feature dancing, auctions, gourmet Tex-Mex cuisine, and much more!

Also on Saturday…beer lovers should attend The Greene’s Beer Tasting in preparation for AleFest next weekend.  And there is also something for wine lovers – Jungle Jim’s will be hosting 90 Point Wines under $15.  Plus, A Taste of Wine and T.J. Chumps in Miamisburg will be having Dancing in the Street for all you wine, food, dancing, and/or live music lovers.  For a family friendly event, make your way to Fifth Third Field for Donato’s Pizza Family Movie Night, where the movie How to Train Your Dragon will be shown.  Get out your grass skirts and coconut bras and make your way to the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center’s Waikiki Party at Sinclair’s Ponitz Center.  All you groovy dudes should be sure to get your tickets to Hippiefest at the Fraze.  And if you’re up in Yellow Springs, Fling in the Springs will still be going on!

On Sunday, once again make your way to the Fraze for WTUE’s Breakfast with The Beatles and Beatlemania Magic.  Bring your kid/s to the Dayton Convention Center for the Barber and Stylist Cut-Off for a free back-to-school haircut (just be sure to pick up a voucher in advance).  At Victoria Theatre, watch Rear Window as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  You will be able to catch live music at RiverScape with 91.3 WYSO’s Concert or at Stubbs Amphitheater to see the band Legend.  And finally, help kick off Dayton Beer Week with the Beer Pride Parade in the Oregon District!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Two hydrogen atoms walk into a bar. One says, “I’ve lost my electron.” The other says, “Are you sure?” The first replies, “Yes, I’m positive…”

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (8/10 – 8/14)

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Guest Bartending Last Week at The Moraine Embassy!

There are lots of great things going on this week in Dayton, so let’s jump right into it!

On Wednesday, support DATV by attending the DATV Fishing Derby at Gettysburg Fish Lake.  If you’re like me and can only draw stick people, then you may want to attend the Drawing Studio with Loretta Puncer at Gallery 510 Fine Art.  Head to Courthouse Square to see the Blue Sky Project ‘Artists without Borders’ Solo Exhibition.  No matter what you’ve been thinking about the national debt crisis, you will be able to share your opinions at ThinkTV with their Citizens Forum on the National Debt.  Over at Chappy’s, participate in their Southern Tier Creme Brulee Tapping…sounds delicious!  There are also some great musical options for Wednesday!  You can see Muse Machine in Concert as they perform ‘Tonight’ at Victoria Theatre, Alien Ant Farm at McGuffy’s House of Rock, or Miranda Cosgrove at the Fraze.

On Thursday, make your way to Courthouse Square for the The Square Is Where featuring Beseda Folk Dancers.  Enjoy fresh local produce at the Centerville Farmers Market.  If you have young kids, consider taking them to Story Hour at Cooper Park or to the Salvation Army Kroc Center for the Shoot! Score! Success! Back2School Family Event.  Both are FREE!  If you enjoy good food, you will not want to miss The Taste of The Greene, which will feature great food from The Greene’s wonderful restaurants.  And be sure to get your tickets in advance in order to get the discounted price!  Meet some great young professionals at Generation Dayton’s Thirsty Thursday at Milano’s on Brown Street.  If you Muse Machine in Concert - TONIGHT: The Songs of West Side Story & Moredidn’t get to see the Muse Machine’s ‘Tonight’ performance on Wednesday, then tonight is definitely the night!  Or catch live music at the Dayton Art Institute for their Twilight Concert, at RiverScape for Big Band Nights featuring the Hal Harris Orchestra, or at the Fraze to see Willie Nelson.

On Friday, during your lunch hour, head to Courthouse Square for The Square Is Where featuring Mindy Galvin Band…just don’t be a square and not attend.  If you see food and then enjoy eating it, you’ll want to attend the Seafood Extravaganza at The Dock.  And if seafood is not your thing, then make your way to Oregon Express for their amazing Half-Price Happy Hour Pizzas.  Although the end of summer is drawing near, you will be able to see A Midsummer Night Dream which is being presented by Free Shakespeare at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet.  Make your way to Fifth Third Field for Friday Night Fights.  At Victoria Theatre, see The African Queen as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  And finally, get a brat (the food kind) and drink some German beer at the Germanfest Picnic, which is being held at Carillon Park.

On Saturday, get fresh local produce with City Beets at the Market at the PNC 2nd Street Market or at the Troy Farmers Market.  I don’t know how to say the name of this wine, but if you like Sauvignon Blanc, then make your way to Jungle Jim’s for their Sauvignon Blancs of the World tasting.  Speaking of wine, the Fraze will be hosting the Festival of the Vine, which will feature fine wine and cool jazz.  Help make history by bringing a canned good to Brixx for their Canned Food Drive and possibly setting a new Guinness World Record for the most food collected in a 24 hour period.  Head up to Boston’s Bistro for their 10th Semi-Annual Greek Night or to the Dayton Visual Arts Center for the High-Rise Harmony Artist Palate Party.  At Carillon Park, join the many Germans (and wannabe Germans) drinking German beer and eating German food as part of the Germanfest Picnic.  At Stubbs Amphitheater, listen to the Centerville Community Band.  Watch Free Shakespeare’s presentation of A Midsummer Night Dream at the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet.  And finally, enjoy the summer weather and head to Fifth Third Field as the Dragons play the Lake County Captains.

On Sunday, all arts and crafts lovers should make plans to attend Art on the Commons, which will take place at Civic Commons Park in Kettering.  The Germanfest Picnic will still be going on over at Carillon Park.  If you didn’t get to make it to the 2nd Street Market earlier in the weekend, then perhaps you should go to the Garden Station Sunday Market.  Sit in the air conditioning at Victoria Theatre in order to see The African Queen as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  At the University of Dayton’s ArtStreet, you will still be able to see A Midsummer Night Dream presented by Free Shakespeare.  Catch the Dayton Dragons as they play the Lake County Captains.  And finally, there are a few opportunities for live music – Pizzazz in the Park Summer Concert Series: Jake & Elwood Blues Revue at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg, The Sauerkraut German Band at Stubbs Amphitheater, and The Charlie Daniels Band at the Miami County Agricultural Society.  Their show may be “the best there’s ever been.”

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What do you call a bear with no teeth?  A gummy bear.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (7/20 – 7/24)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

As you may have figured out, in the summer, Dayton is a hot place to be…in more ways than one!  So get your hot self out of the house, take the air conditioned car, and enjoy some of these fun events, as things will be buzzing!

On Wednesday, enjoy $5 Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill.  Wear your green and watch the Dragons play the Peoria Chiefs at Fifth Third Field.  Or wear your tap shoes and head to Archer’s in Centerville for their A.Y.O.B. where they will be “tapping” a new beer.  And in Kettering, watch The Fries Band as they put on a wonderful (and free!) show at the Fraze Pavilion.

On Thursday, take your kids out to Cooper Park for Story Hour, which is sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks and the Dayton Metro Library.  Enjoy a performance by the Muse Machine as well as a delicious lunch at the Dayton Woman’s Club.  If you work downtown, then consider heading to Courthouse Square during your lunch hour for The Square Is Where… McGovern Ceili Dancers.  At El Rancho Grande, enjoy 1/2 price Ladies Night.  Or sing your heart out at Champps for Karaoke Thursday.

On Friday, head to RiverScape for their Try Kayaking event, which is completely free!  If you’re a kayaking newbie, it’s definitely something worth checking out.  At Victoria Theatre, enjoy their Michelob Ultra Cool Film Series where the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will be shown.  If you’re frequently late, be sure to arrive early this time to enjoy the Cool Film Series Beer Tasting!  At Oregon Express, enjoy Half-Price Happy Hour Pizzas, which are absolutely delicious.  It’s mid-summer, so consider watching A Midsummer Night’s Dream presented by Free Shakespeare at Antioch Amphitheater.  Or watch ‘The Sound of Music’ at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  And if you’re a macho man and would prefer to be at a sporting event, then head to Fifth-Third Field as the Dragons take on the Peoria Chiefs.

On Saturday, you will not want to miss the annual Dayton Air Show.  If you enjoyed learning about kayaking and didn’t flip out like I did when I went kayaking the last time (literally!), then consider renting a kayak at RiverScape and Ride the River.  Take the entire family to the Warren County “Fair” if you appreciate equality.  At the Dayton Art Institute, they will be having Sound Bites: Short Talks About Art.  One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will still be shown as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series at Victoria Theatre.  Again, they will have the Cool Films Series Beer Tasting prior to the show.  Please don’t drink too much beforehand or you may actually feel like you’re going cuckoo during the movie.  If you would rather catch a live performance, then check out ‘The Sound of Music’at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  Join Noah and two of each kind of animal at RiverScape as part of their Free Summer Concert Series featuring The Ark Band.  And if you don’t feel like things are buzzing around town, then you’ll just have to go over to Fifth Third Field to see the Dragons take on the Burlington Bees.

On Sunday, you will still be able to enjoy the Dayton Air Show.  At Antoich Amphitheater, watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream…just don’t fall asleep because that would be rude.  You can also listen to music at Miamisburg’s Riverfront Park with their Pizzazz in the Park Concert Series featuring Phat Like Dad or at Centerville’s Stubbs Amphitheater as The Lebanon Grand Opry House Band will be performing.  And finally, don’t miss your opportunity to get a buzz at Fifth Third Field as the Dragons once again play the Burlington Bees…with some buzzing really going on at the plaza as part of their Charity Cuts!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Where does a bee sit?  On his bee-hind.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (7/13 – 7/17)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

First off, I would like to say congratulations to the Dayton Dragons on setting the national record for sports sell-outs this past weekend…what an accomplishment!  We do truly live in a great city!  And I’d like to prove it once again by letting you know about some of the great things going on here this week!

On Wednesday, take a break from work and head to The Square Is Where… Yoga Class from Practice Yoga at Courthouse Square.  If you haven’t been getting enough beauty sleep lately, consider going to La Comedia to see Sleeping Beauty.  Listen to music at Yankee Trace with Jazz on the Green or at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater with The Dark Star Orchestra.  And if you’re in need of a good laugh, then head to Wiley’s for their Dirty Little Secret Superhero Show.

On Thursday, there are several great happy hour options so you are going to have some tough decisions to make!  If you are an enthusiastic young professional, join Generation Dayton at El Meson for Thirsty Thursday.  It’s Thursday Night Live at the Moraine Embassy, so let DaytonMostMetro.com’s very own Bill Pote and Lisa Grigsby help take care of you, as they will be the celebrity bartenders on hand.  Grab dinner and drinks at one of the fabulous restaurants at The Greene such as McCormick & Schmick’s and then sit on the green (literally) to watch as Ed Kowalczyk, the lead singer of Live performs.  Check out three of the Oregon District’s new businesses as part of their Progressive Open House, where each business will have live performances by jazz and classical musicians, as well as raffles!  Bring the whole family to see Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Salvation Army Kroc Center – tickets are FREE!  Or help support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by getting your tickets to see ‘The Sound of Music’ at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  And finally, listen to live music at the Dayton Art Institute for a Twilight Concert or at RiverScape for their Big Band Nights featuring the Eddie Brookshire Orchestra.

On Friday, bring your kids to the PNC 2nd Street Market for Pasta Making for Kids…afterall, wouldn’t it be nice if they made you dinner for a change?!?!  If you love biking, consider taking part in the Greene Trails Cycling Classic at the Greene County Fairgrounds Recreation Center.  Although this is a four-day event, you are able to “Design-A-Ride” that fits your schedule.  Art lovers should make plans to attend the 20th Annual Open Members’ Show: Light at the Dayton Visual Arts Center.  Head to the Beavercreek Kroger for their Wine and Food Extravaganza.  Once again, you will be able to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by going to Epiphany Lutheran Church for The Sound of Music’.  Have a nerds night out at Xenia Area Community Theater as part of Nerd Comedy Night.  If you prefer to be cool, head to Victoria Theatre to see “Some Like It Hot” as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  And if you actually do like it hot, then make your way to Bella Villa Hall for the The Bocce Classic XVI.

On Saturday, if you enjoy seeing beautiful irises (the flower kind), then you will want to be at the PNC 2nd Street Market for their Iris Sale.  At RiverScape, get in shape with Zumba in the Park or participate in their Kayak Float.  Support A Special Wish Foundation by attending Fajita Fest at the Polish Club.  Listen to the sounds of  Michael Bashaw & Puzzle of Light and the Rippingtons at Veteran’s Park Amphitheater, the Bob Gray Orchestra at Stubbs Amphitheater, Son Del Caribe as part of the Free Summer Concert Series at RiverScape, or Trace Adkins at the Fraze Pavilion.  Over at

Trace Adkins at the Fraze

Fifth-Third Field, the Bob Ross Classic will be going on, which is an All-Star Baseball Game for local high school baseball players.  And if you would like to watch some great fights, head over to Drake’s Downtown for Fight Night…just be sure you don’t get into one yourself!

On Sunday, the Fraze will be having WTUE’s Breakfast with The Beatles and The Beatleburys.  Baby you can drive your car there…sorry I’m not going to let you drive mine!  If you would rather ride a bike, then participate in the Greene Trails Cycling Classic, which will still be going strong.  Watch belly dancers and fire jugglers, listen to live music, and MUCH more at the Fling in the Springs (downtown Yellow Springs).  A trip to Dave Hall Plaza for the Downtown Summer Music Series – Michelob Dayton Blues Festival is a must for all blues fans out there!  You will also be able to listen to music at Stubbs Amphitheater in Centerville (The Termites) and at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg (Pizzazz in the Park Concert Series: Paragon Quartet).  And if you’re not the outdoors type, then you can go to Victoria Theatre to see “Some Like It Hot” as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series or to Epiphany Lutheran Church for The Sound of Music’.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why did the coach kick Cinderella off the baseball team?

Because she ran away from the ball.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (7/6 – 7/10)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Although your trash pick-up may be delayed a day due to the 4th of July holiday, I decided that I would not take that same liberty, even though that is what the 4th is about.  So without delay, here is my weekly list of best bets.

On Wednesday, beer lovers will have a couple of options including the Beer Tasting with Beer Guru Charles at Rumbleseat Wine and the Beer Tasting at Trolley Stop.  If you prefer wine, there are also some options for you.  You will be able to attend the Weekly Wine Tasting at The Wine Gallery or the Wine Tasting at Bruning’s Wine Cellar.  At the Fraze Pavilion, listen to Prism Brass, a large brass ensemble from the United States Air Force Band of Flight.  And if you feel the love tonight, head to the Schuster Center to see The Lion King…and hurry because it’s the last week for it!

On Thursday, during your lunch hour, walk to Courthouse Square for The Square Is Where… Brownwen’s Belly Dancers.  If you love fresh veggies, you may tell a friend, “’Lettuce head’ to the Centerville shopping center for the Centerville Farmers Market.” Although the work week may be short for many of you, if you’re feeling a little stressed, grab a drink at the Moraine Embassy for their After Work Thursdays.  At RiverScape, you will be able to listen to Big Band Nights: Pam Noah and Her Big Band.  Show your athleticism by participating in the Weekly Cornhole Tournament at Wings Sports Bar & Grille.  And even if you have seen The Lion King, you will have the opportunity to see it again at the Schuster Center.  And don’t feel badly…I have friends who saw it and loved it so much that they are seeing it again!

On Friday, participate in the Beer Tasting at Arrow Wine in Centerville. If you’re a parent who can’t wait until your kids are back in school so you can have some adult time, consider attending the Parents Night Out at the Vandalia Rec Center.  At Victoria Theatre, see  The Bridge on the River Kwai as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series.  If you didn’t have a chance to catch the Parrots of the Caribbean last week at the Fraze Pavilion, consider checking them out at Turner Pavilion (Veterans Park).  Country music lovers will not want to miss County Concert 2011 in Fort Loramie.  The drive up there will be well worth it, as some of the top stars in country music will be there, including Carrie Underwood and Lady Antebellum.  And if you are lucky enough to have a ticket to the sold out concert, get ready to see the Temptations as they play at Fraze Pavilion…I guarantee it will put you on cloud nine!

Mud Volleyball for Epilepsy

On Saturday, John Deere fans (not Dear John fans) need to make plans to attend the Farm Heritage Show at Young’s Jersey Dairy, which will feature vintage tractors, farm machinery, and much more!  Get down and get dirty for Mud Volleyball for Epilepsy at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark.  At PNC 2nd Street Market, there will be a lot going on, including City Beets at the Market (you can purchase vegetables and flowers from kids that have grown them as part of a summer program at Wegerzyn Gardens), Make Your Own Salsa, and Reggae Music from Demolition Crew.  At Jungle Jim’s, enjoy their Australia Imports Wine Tasting.  Head to Sip of Summer, an event in Sprinfield featuring specialty beers and wines, as well as live music!  County Concert 2011 will still be strumming along up in Fort Loramie!  If you’d like to listen to live music in Dayton, this groupie is going to encourage you to see The Fries as part of the Free Summer Concert Series at RiverScape.  Hippies, hippie wannabes, and jazz lovers can attend the Jazz & Peace Festival at Stubbs Park.  And at the Fraze Pavilion, experience live music and great food as part of the Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest 2011.  These last three events are FREE!  See…entertainment in Dayton doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

Disney's THE LION KING - Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton, OhioOn Sunday, if you don’t have any plans, hakuna matata (it means no worries)!  You still can get your tickets to see The Lion King at the Schuster Center.  If you’d like a good meal without having to cook, make your way to Carvers for their 3 course $20 Sunday Meal.  Live music lovers may want to “pick” Soul Pocket at Stubbs Park…please no pick pockets.  If you would like to listen to live music AND eat ice cream, head on over to Riverfront Park in Miamisburg for their Ice Cream Social & a concert by the Kettering Banjo Society.  And if you prefer to be in the AC, consider making a trip to the Dayton Art Institute for one of their exhibits, such as Creating the New Century: Contemporary Art from the Dicke Collection, the ‘Trash? Look Again’ Exhibit, or From Romance to Rifles: Winslow Homer’s Illustrations of 19th-Century America.

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What happens when you play country music backwards?  You get your job back, your car back, you wife back…

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

Jane’s Best Bets (6/29 – 7/4)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Can you believe the 4th of July is already upon us?  Let’s have a great red, white, and blue week!

On Wednesday, you will be able to enjoy a special Beer Tasting with Beer Guru Charles at Rumbleseat Wine.  Sports fanatics should plan to watch the Dragons as they play the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth Third Field.  If you have a constant craving for live music, listen to k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang at the Fraze Pavilion or make your way to Yankee Trace for Jazz on the Green.  And if you love musicals but prefer to stay indoors, make sure you have your tickets to see The Lion King at the Schuster Center.

On Thursday, head to The Moraine Embassy for After Work Thursdays.  If it’s your date night, take your honey out for a delicious dinner at Coco’s Bistro, where they will be offering 1/2 Price Wine by the Bottle.  If you haven’t yet been to a Pecha Kucha, I encourage you to go to the Yellow Cab Building for Volume 7.  It will be a great idea sharing party, with short presentations by a wonderful and diverse group of people!  (For more info, check out the article here.)   And finally, all of you who would like to hang out in Margaritaville should be sure to get your tickets to see Parrots of the Caribbean as part of the 7th Annual Concert for Literacy at the Fraze Pavilion.

On Friday, put your gardening skills to good use at RiverScape with RiverScape Gardeners.  Although you may not be taking that Italian vacation this summer, you can still see Reflections of Italy at Elaine Balsley Fine Art.  In the evening, you will want to be downtown for First Friday, which is a monthly art hop held at several locations throughout downtown.  (For more info, you can click here.)  If you’re a biker, enjoy the summer weather and participate in the Courteous Mass Ride, starting at Fifth-Third Field.  Also there, you will be able to catch the Dragons game where they will be playing the Bowling Green Hot Rods.  In addition, the Cityfolk Festival will be going on at RiverScape.  Or for a blast from the past, head to De’Lish for An Intimate Evening with Chico DeBarge.  And if for some odd reason you’re not downtown, it is perfectly acceptable only if you are wearing your boogie shoes and getting down tonight with KC & The Sunshine Band at Fraze Pavilion.

On Saturday, RiverScape is the place to be.  Consider “Riding the River” with their kayak rentals, or joining in the fun at the Cityfolk Festival.  Over at Fifth Third Field, the Dayton Dragons will be playing the Bowling Green Hot Rods.  Or, you can catch The Lion King (please don’t actually take him home) at the Schuster Center.

On Sunday, the Cityfolk Festival will still be going strong.  There are also a variety of celebrations around the Miami Valley, including the Fairborn Family Block Party, the Star Spangled Celebration at Vandalia Sports Complex, and the Annual Fireworks Buffet at the Dayton Racquet Club.  Also, if you’re downtown, be sure to see the City of Dayton Fireworks!

On Monday (hopefully you have the day off work!), there are several 4th of July celebrations in the area, such as the Americana Festival – Street Fair (Centerville/Washington Township), the Fairborn 4th Parade
at Fairborn Plaza, the Beavercreek 4th of July Festival at Rotary Park, and Kettering’s Go 4th Celebration at Delco Park.  And if you’re not at one of them, hopefully you’re celebrating the day by cooking out with family and friends!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

What did one flag say to the other flag?  Nothing, it just waved.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!