Mainstream success in country music is never guaranteed, even if, like Thomas Rhett, you are born into the business. However, the son of singer and songwriter Rhett Akins has enjoyed a quick ascension since the release of his debut album, "It Goes Like This," in 2013. After serving as opener for acts like Lady Antebellum, Florida-Georgia Line and Jason Aldean, Rhett launched his first headlining outing, the Home Team Tour, on February 23. The country singer performs at the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 11. Special guests Kelsea Ballerini, Russell Dickerson and Ryan Hurd are also on the bill. Cost: $25-$54.75. Call 937-775-4789 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.
2) “DIRTY DANCING: THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE”
Nobody puts Baby in a corner, but the willful female protagonist in "Dirty Dancing" will once again be taking center stage. Victoria Theatre Association presents a Premier Health Broadway Series production of the screen-to-stage favorite at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, Tuesday through Sunday, March 14 through 19. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Cost: $30-$122. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
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3) THE IRISH ROVERS
Celtic music may not be topping the pop charts on a regular basis, but there is no doubt the genre is much better known internationally than it was when the Irish Rovers formed in 1963. The group helped foster awareness of the genre through international tours and the release of several dozen albums. The group's latest release is 2016's "50th Anniversary: Live on St. Patrick's Day." The Irish Rovers is currently out on its final world tour, which includes a concert at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16. Cost: $31.30 to $68.30. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
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4) TOBY MAC
With six Grammy Awards, 20 charts singles and more than 11-million units sold, Toby Mac could easily pack venues on his own merit. However, the Christian pop artist is currently sharing stages across the country with talent as diverse as Matt Maher, Mandisa, Mac Powell and Hollyn on his Hits Deep Tour. Mac brings the tour to the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 10. Cost: $15-$69.75. Call 937-775-4789 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.
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Credit: Val Beerbower
Credit: Val Beerbower
5) SIP, SAVOR, SCIENCE
There are plenty of local fundraisers each month but only one that offers live music, dancing, food, drinks and a chance to increase your brain power like "Eureka! Sip, Savor, Science." The winter fundraiser, at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Deweese Pkwy., Dayton, from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 10, will give interested attendees an opportunity to learn about subjects like the patterns of DNA in jewelry-making and how forensic investigators use DNA. Live music is provided by This Side Up. Cost: $80 for Dayton Society of Natural History members, $95 for nonmembers. Call 937-278-6076 or visit www.boonshoftmuseum.org.
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6) “GIDION’S KNOT”
The hot-button issue of school bullying sets the stage for Johnna Adams' 2014 play, "Gidion's Knot." The drama unfolds in the wake of the suicide of a fifth-grade student, as classmates, faculty and family come to terms with the tragic death. Magnolia Theatre Company presents "Gidion's Knot" in Schuster Center's Mathile Theatre, Second and Main streets, Dayton, Friday through Sunday, March 10 through 12. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $20 adults, $15 educators, seniors 60 and older and students. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
7) PRESTO, MAMBO
Platypus Theatre Company has joined forces with the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for a unique matinee show called "Presto, Mambo!" The interactive program for young audiences — at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 12 — uses orchestral music and Latin rhythms to illustrate music's power to communicate across different cultures. Cost: $14-$22. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
8) “THE WOMEN”
In her groundbreaking play, "The Women," Clare Boothe Luce satirized the pampered lives of Manhattan's social elites. The comedy of manners was an instant hit when it first opened on Broadway in 1936 and was adapted into a feature film three years later. The play's themes of power, money, infidelity and female friendship still resonate with modern theatergoers. Robb Willoughby directs a new mounting of "The Women," which opens at Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, on Friday, March 10. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. This production is presented through Sunday, March 19. Cost: $13-$18. Call 937-424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.org.
9) THE LACS
It has been more than a decade since the Lacs emerged from the small town of Baxley, Ga. with its distinctive blend of country, rap and southern rock. The group's new album, "American Rebelution," will be released April 7 by Back Roads Records. The Lacs return to town for a performance at Oddbody's Music Room, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 10. Controversy for Breakfast from Xenia will also perform. Cost: $25-$30. Doors open at 7 p.m. Call 937-813-4272 or www.oddbodys.com.
10) DPO
It will be another full weekend of music for the members of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. "Once Upon a Love Song," at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 10 and 11, are SuperPops series concerts featuring Canadian singer Mark Masri.DPO also joins Dayton Ballet and Dayton Opera for a matinee program on Sunday, March 12. Centerville Arts Commission presents "A Taste of the Arts" at Centerville High School Central Theater, 500 E. Franklin St., Centerville, at 3 p.m. The program includes Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" and "Divertimento" by Leonard Bernstein.Cost: $13-$79 Friday and Saturday, and free Sunday. Visit www.daytonperformingarts.org or www.ticketcenterstage.com.
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