New year, new fun: 30 things to do in January

Notable January events

1) SHEN YUN

Since forming in New York in 2006, Shen Yun has received rave reviews and become an audience favorite for its colorful costumes and spellbinding choreography. The Chinese dance troupe, which performed in Dayton in 2012, 2014 and 2015, is currently touring the show, "Heroes, Mischief and Miracles." Shen Yun returns to town for performances at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 30 and 31. Cost: $83-$153. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

2) DCDC

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company has partnered with the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) for "Onyx: Etched in Stone." DCDC presents the new program at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26. "Onyx" features works from 11 of the country's top black dance companies, including the Dallas Black Dance Theater, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and Philadanco. Cost: $19-$45. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

3) CIRQUE MUSICA

The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra gets an opportunity to perform in a wide variety of settings, in its own performances and those with Dayton Performing Arts Alliance partners Dayton Opera and Dayton Ballet. However, "Cirque Musica: Crescendo," at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 25 and 26, is something completely different. For these shows, the players from the orchestra will provide the musical backdrop for high flying cirque performers. Cost: $14-$80. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

4) FLYIN’ TO THE HOOP

Each year, some of the top high school basketball players converge on Trent Arena, 3301 Shroyer Road, Kettering. This year is no exception when the 2019 Flyin' to the Hoop Invitational is held Friday through Monday, Jan. 18 through 21. The 17th annual high school basketball tournament features 37 teams with more than 75 projected Division I recruits, including Addison Patterson from number 1 ranked Bella Vista, Armando Bascot from IMG and Chris Livingston from Buchtel. Games begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Cost: $10-$100. Visit http://flyintothehoop.com.

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5) RV SHOW

If you've ever passed a recreational vehicle on the highway and wondered what it would be like to escape in one on the open road, then you should mark the Cincinnati-Dayton RV Show on your calendar. The annual event is presented at Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton, Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 24 through 27. Show hours are noon to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $10 adults, free children 12 and younger. Call 937-333-4700 or visit www.daytonrvshow.com.

6) D.L. HUGHLEY

D.L. Hughley is a man of many talents. He is best known as a stand-up comic and political commentator. However, the Los Angeles native also flexed his acting muscles with roles on television programs like "Heartbeat" and "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." Hughley returns to town for a run at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, Friday through Sunday, Jan. 11 through 13. Show times are 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $35-$60. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.

7) ART & DESIGN STUDENT SHOW

Student work from Antioch, Central State, Modern College of Design, Wittenberg and other area universities will be featured in "Emerging: The Biennial Art & Design Student Show." The exhibition, curated by curator-in-residence Jeffrey Cortland Jones, opens at Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., Dayton, on Friday, Jan. 11. DVAC hosts an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and a Curator & Artists Talk from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24. Cost: Free. "Emerging" is on display through February 9. Gallery Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Open until 8 p.m. the first Friday of each month. Call 937-224-3822 or visit www.daytonvisualarts.org.

8) WINTER WINE FEST

More than 50 wines will be featured during the Winter Wine Festival at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, on Sunday, Jan. 27. Themed stations include Wines of Italy and France, Great Wines Under $30, Sweet Wines and Red Blends of Interest. Winter Wine Festival begins at 2 p.m., with VIP admittance at 1 p.m. Cost: $55 admission, $75 VIP. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

9) ROADSIDE ATTRACTION

Roadside Attraction is not your normal show. The event, at Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, mixes music and poetry. Musical performers include Sharon Lane, Matt Byanski and Windsor Knotts with spoken word from Scott Millsop, Scott Summit and Paula Unrau. The next installment of the new monthly event is Feb. 10. Call 937-424-3870 or visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.

10) GREG HAHN

You wouldn't look twice if you passed Greg Hahn on the street during his mild-mannered daytime mode. However, if you ever witness the hyper-active comic on stage, you'll never forget the experience. The physical performer spins, hops, contorts his body and makes crazy faces all in the service of the audience. Hahn returns for a special engagement to Wiley's Comedy Joint, 101 Pine St., Dayton, on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18 and 19. Show times are 7:15 and 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cost: $20. Call 937-224-5653 or visit www.wileyscomedy.com.

January theater

1) FINDING NEVERLAND

"Finding Neverland," the musical based on the 2004 film starring Johnny Depp, explores J.M. Barrie's struggles to create his iconic character Peter Pan. Victoria Theatre Association's Premier Health Broadway Series presents the play at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, Tuesday through Sunday, Jan. 15 through 20. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Cost: Tickets start at $26. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

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2) THE SHADOW BOX

Actor Michael Cristofer won a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize for his 1977 play, "The Shadow Box." Dayton Theatre Guild's production of the powerful drama opens in the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton, on Friday, Jan. 11. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday opening weekend, and 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday the following weekends. "The Shadow Box," directed by David Shough, is presented through Jan. 27. Cost: $20 adults, $18 seniors and $13 students. Call 937-278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org.

3) ASSASSINS

"Assassins," which features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, is based on an idea by Charles Gilbert Jr. The unique setup for the 1990 revue-style musical involves a murderous carnival game featuring notoriously successful and would-be presidential assassins. Dare to Defy Productions presents the play, which opens in the PNC Arts Annex Theatre, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton on Friday, Jan. 18. "Assassins" is presented weekends through Saturday, Jan. 26. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays. Cost: $33 adults, $30.50 military and seniors 60 and older, $22.50 students. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

4) MAMMA MIA

Jukebox musicals had been around for decades before "Mamma Mia" premiered in 1999, but few have had the staying power of the show inspired by and featuring the songs of ABBA. More than 150 student performers will take the stage when Muse Machine presents a local production of the musical at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 10 through 13. Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with matinees at 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $27-$65. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

5) AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

"Ain't Misbehavin' " is a musical with book by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby Jr. and music orchestrations and arrangements by Luther Henderson. Dawn Roth Smith directs a local mounting opening at Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, on Friday, Jan. 18. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. "Ain't Misbehavin' " is presented weekends through Sunday, Feb. 3. Cost: $20 adults, $18 seniors, students and military. Call 937-424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.org.

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6) ROCK OF AGES

"Rock of Ages" is another popular jukebox musical, this one featuring songs by classic rockers like Styx and Journey and hair metal bands like Twisted Sister and Poison. The national tour of the 25th anniversary of the five-time Tony Award-winning musical makes a stop at Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. Cost: $35.75-$66.50. Visit https://pac.clarkstate.edu.

7) JUNIE B. JONES

A pair of stolen mittens and a kindergarten love triangle drive the action in "Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook," the play based on Barbara Park's best-selling chapter book series. Mainstage Series Productions presents the stage adaptation, which opens at Town Hall Theatre, 27 N. Main St., Centerville, on Friday, Jan. 18. "Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook" is presented weekends through Feb. 3. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with an 11 a.m. matinee on Saturday, Jan. 26. Cost: $15 adults, $13 seniors and students, $10 children 12 and younger. Call 937-433-8957 or visit www.washingtontwp.org.

8) SONGS OF JOHN DENVER

More than two dozen of the late singer's songs are featured in "Almost Heaven: Songs of John Denver," which opens at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, Thursday, Jan. 17. "Almost Heaven" is presented through Feb. 17. Show times are 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. For the buffet, arrive 90 minutes to two hours before show time. Cost: $61-$75 adults, $30 children 11 and younger. Call 937-746-4554 or visit www.lacomedia.com.

9) A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN

A quirky tourist shop serves as the setting for "A Little Piece of Heaven," Matthew Calin's drama about an unlikely friendship between an elderly lady and a restless biker. John Falkenbach directs the local production, opening at Beavercreek Community Theatre, 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, on Friday, Jan. 25. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. "A Little Piece of Heaven" is presented weekends through Sunday, Feb. 3. Cost: $12-$15. Call 937-429-4737 or www.bctheatre.org.

10) MUSICAL MONTE CARLO

Jay Mills serves as music director for "Musical Monte Carlo Night," Lebanon Theatre Company's gala fundraiser. Performers from the company will perform at Lebanon Theatre Company, 10 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18 and 19. Cost: $75. Visit www.ltcplays.com.

January concerts

1) JOHN OATES

As one half of Hall & Oates, the best-selling American vocal duo of all time, John Oates could easily rest on his laurels. However, the musician continues to perform with his longtime singing partner while pursuing other interests. The latest venture from the Nashville-based artists is his 2018 solo album, "Arkansas," a collection of Americana songs. The Universal 1 Credit Union Vic150 Music Series presents Oates with his roots rock act, the Good Road Band, at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15. Cost: $30-$65. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

2) ANDREA GRIMINELLI

Andrea Griminelli, an acclaimed musician from Correggio, Italy, joins the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra for "Griminelli: Flautista Italiano." The special program, at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 11 and 12, features Gioachino Rossini's "La Gazza Ladra Overture," "Flute Concerto No. 1" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Béla Bartók's "Concerto for Orchestra." Cost: $9-$65. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

3) DPO DOES MOTOWN

For "The Magic of Motown," the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined by the Motortown All-Stars, which features guest vocalists from Motown acts the Capitols, the Miracles and the Temptations. The DPO presents this concert at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5. Cost: $32-$92. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

4) WE BANJO 3

We Banjo 3 is no stranger to area audiences. The hardworking Irish group is a regular headliner at Dayton Celtic Festival and presents several other regional performances each year. We Banjo 3, the originators of its own unique blend of Celtic and bluegrass, returns to the area for a concert at Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield, at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25. Cost: $24.50-$31.70. Visit https://pac.clarkstate.edu.

5) LOWELL LIEBERMANN

Internationally renowned composer Lowell Liebermann and cellist Julian Schwarz join the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for its 75th anniversary concert at Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. The program features pieces by Gioachino Rossini and Georges Bizet and Liebermann's introduction of a new piece co-commissioned by the SSO. Cost: $27-$53. Visit https://pac.clarkstate.edu.

6) INSANE CLOWN SOLO

Insane Clown Posse hasn't broken up but 29 years after forming, the two founding members of Detroit rap outfit are currently on separate solo tours. And, both tours pull into Oddbody's Music Room, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton, only days apart. First up is Violent J, who performs with Esham, at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25. Cost: $30. Shaggy 2 Dope, the other co-founder of Insane Clown Posse, performs with Ouija at Oddbody's at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30. Cost: $30. Call 937-813-4272 or visit www.oddbodys.com.

7) WINTERFOLK

Winterfolk returns to Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. The sixth annual event features band performances from Young Heirlooms, OldNews, Biscuits & Gravy and Windsor Knotts & Co. The songwriters stage features Amber Hargett, Daniel Dye, Ellie Mae Mitchell and Thaddeus Williams. The festival also features visual art from Christine Gaffney, Jim Shirey and Douglas Fiely. Cost: $13.36. Call 937-424-3870 or visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.

8) TEENY TUCKER

Dayton Blues Society presents its Winter Blues Showcase W.O. Wright's, 3979 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Beavercreek, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. The annual event features headliner Teeny Tucker and the winners of the local organization's 2017 Road to Memphis Blues Challenge, Allen Talbott and the Doug Hart Band. Cost: $10. Visit www.daytonbluessociety.com.

9) SIGNS OF THE SWARM

Vocalist CJ McCreery left Signs of the Swarm over the summer but the Pittsburgh deathcore band refused to die. The group enlisted Dave Simonich as the new singer and returned to the road. Signs of the Swarm perform at Rockstar Pro Arena, 1106 E. Third St., Dayton, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18. Betrayer, the War Against God, Deadculture and Inferious will also perform. Visit www.rockstarproarena.net.

10) SAM GROW

As a native of southern Maryland, it’s little surprise Sam Grow takes a different approach to country music than many of his contemporaries. For more than a decade, the singer has been adding an undercurrent of soul to his rootsy sound. Grow performs in concert at JD Legends, 65 Millard, Drive, Franklin, at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. Cost: $5 general admission in advance. $50 VIP table for four. Call 937-746-4950.