Brighton, who looks and sounds eerily like Bowie, has been channeling the musical chameleon on stage since 2001. For the evening of orchestral versions of Bowie hits and deep cuts, the Los Angeles-based singer will be back by the DPO and his band Space Oddity.
Cost: $21-$81. The next Rockin' Orchestra Series concert is the Music of Led Zeppelin with guest artists Windborne on February 3. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
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2) MARLON WAYANS
Marlon Wayans had a good year in 2017. He has a new hit sitcom, "Marlon," which was recently renewed by NBC for a second season, the comedy film "Naked," on Netflix and a successful comedy show. It looks like 2018 will continue the winning streak for the actor-comedian, whose debut stand-up special premieres on Netflix later this year. Wayans is kicking off 2018 with comedy performances, including a run at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, Friday through Sunday, Jan. 5 and 7. Show times are 10 p.m. Friday, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $35-$45. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.
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3) CANAL STREET STORIES
During its run from 1981 to 2013, Mick Montgomery's Canal Street Tavern was a cornerstone of Dayton's original music scene. In addition to booking national acts, it was a place where folkies, punks, roots-rockers and other diverse locals honed their skills. Now, Montgomery is writing a book about that legacy and he's seeking input from folks who frequented the now-defunct music venue. The public is invited to share remembrances about the club during Canal Street Stories: A Celebration and Reunion for Mick Montgomery at the Yellow Cab Bldg., 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. Cost: Free but Montgomery is accepting donations for his book. Visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.
4) AMSOIL ARENACROSS PRO
Amsoil Arenacross Professionals is getting ready to begin a new season of high-octane indoor motorcycle racing. The 2018 season, which includes stops in 11 different states, begins at the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. Reigning two-time champion Gavin Faith is among the racers battling for the Ricky Carmichael Cup in the touring competition. Cost: Tickets start at $18. Call 937-775-4789 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.
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5) MLK CELEBRATION
The 2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” began on Jan. 1 with an Emancipation Proclamation Program. The remembrance of the slain Civil Rights leader continues with the MLK Worship Service at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 2067 N. Gettysburg Ave., Dayton, at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7. The 2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration continues with the MLK Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 12. Other events include an MKL musical on Sunday, Jan. 14 and the MLK March and Youth Rally on Monday, Jan. 15. Visit www.mlkdayton.org.
6) “HELLO DOLLY”
Muse Machine’s latest production is “Hello Dolly,” which features 170 student performers. This presentation of the award-winning musical is presented at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 11 through 14. Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
7) WEDDING EVENT & EXPO
It’s no secret planning a wedding can be an anxiety-inducing ordeal. There’s been more than one-television series based on that concept. If you’re looking to lessen the potential stress but can’t afford a wedding planner, a time-saving alternative is the Dayton Wedding Event & Expo at the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 6 and 7. More than 100 wedding professionals, from photographers and DJs to caterers and florists, will be there that weekend to share their expertise and offer up services for that special day. Cost: $8. Call 937-333-4072 or visit www.daytonconventioncenter.com.
8) “CABARET”
When Joe Masteroff set out to adapt Christopher Isherwood’s writing on nightlife in Nazi Germany, he enlisted lyricist Fred Ebb and composer John Kander. The results of the collaboration were “Cabaret,” which went on to be a popular stage musical and feature film. Roundabout Theatre Company celebrates its 50th anniversary season with a presentation of “Cabaret” at Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10. Cost: $38-$58. Visit https://pac.clarkstate.edu.
9) MARYS LANE
Marys Lane is one of the hottest Celtic acts in Ohio. While, the Cleveland band starts with a traditional folk base the players inject the music with elements of classic rock and Americana. The group’s releases include the full-length, “See You Next Time” (2014), and the EP, “The Furey Session” (2015). Marys Lane brings its high energy show to the Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 5 and 6. Cost: Free. Call 937-224-7822 or visit www.dubpub.com.
10) SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN
In “Smoke on the Mountain,” Pastor Oglethorpe and the Singin’ Sanders Family are charged with entertaining the congregation of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Being that the musical is set in late 1930s, that means a repertoire of more than two dozen hymns and bluegrass songs. “Smoke on the Mountain” opens at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, on Thursday, Jan. 11. The musical is presented Thursdays through Sundays through February 18. Cost: 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Cost: $61-$75 adults, $30 children 11 and younger. Call 937-746-4554 or visit www.lacomedia.com.
Contact contributing arts and music writer Don Thrasher at donaldthrasher8@aol.com.
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