The top 10 events this week

Looking for things to do this weekend? You can’t lose with these ones.

>> Stunning performances in theater, dance, music and more: Wright State’s premier arts event returns

>> Guide to the best Easter egg events around town

>> Something good or ‘Something Rotten’? You be the judge

1) GEM CITY COMIC CON

Many of the nation’s comic book conventions have transformed into pop culture celebrations. The focus is more on movies, cartoons and television programs than on the actual printed material many of the successful properties are based on.

That has never been the case with Gem City Comic Con, returning to the Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25. The annual event is all about comic books with vendors along with gaming tournaments, unique events and special guest creators such as P. Craig Russell, Arvell Jones, Mike Grell, Barry Kitson and Steve Englehart.

Convention hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $10 per day, $20 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with paying adult. Visit www.gemcitycomiccon.com.

>> 4 reasons you don’t want to miss Gem City Comic Con

2) CONCERT FOR A CAUSE

The members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C. have been raising their collective voices for equality since forming in 1981. The group continues to perform and inspire, locally and nationally. The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C. will join the Dayton Gay Men's Chorus for a special benefit show. Concert for a Cause at St. John's United Church of Christ, 515 E. Third St., Dayton, at noon Friday, March 23. Cost: $10 general admission, $8 students and seniors. VIP tickets are $20. Proceeds will benefit the Greater Dayton LGBT Center, PFLAG Dayton, the Gatlyn Dame Group and Have a Gay Day. Visit www.daytonfundraisers.com.

3) BACH SOCIETY

The works of Johann Sebastian Bach and his sons, Wilhelm Friedemann, Carl Philipp Emanuel and Johann Christian, are the focus of "Sebastian and Sons." The concert, at the Kettering Adventist Church, 3939 Stonebridge Road, Kettering, at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 25, features performers and soloists from the Human Race Theatre Company with the chorus and orchestra of the Bach Society of Dayton. A concert preview is presented at 3 p.m. Cost: $20 adults, $15 active military, $10 students, free for children 12 and younger. Call 937-294-2224 or www.bachsocietyofdayton.org.

4) TRANSPARENCY

Dancers from DCDC2, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company's pre-professional second company, will join the University of Dayton Dance Ensemble for a pair of concerts this week. "Transparency" — in UD's Boll Theatre, 300 College Park, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24 — is a showcase for up-and-coming dancers. The UD students are directed by Amy Jones, UD's artist in residence for the Theatre, Dance and Performance Program. Cost: $15. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

5) SOUTHERN OHIO INDOOR MUSIC FEST

The first appearance by country, gospel and bluegrass star Ricky Skaggs is just one of the top draws when the spring installment of the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival is presented at the Roberts Convention Centre, 123 Gano Road, Wilmington on Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24. This year's lineup also features headliner Rhonda Vincent & the Rage plus host band Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers with Nothin' Fancy, the Little Roy & Lizzy Show, Primitive Quartet and others. Doors open at 10 a.m. each day, music begins at noon. Cost: $35-$65 in advance, $40-$70 at the door. Children 16 and younger free with paid adult. Call 937-372-5804 or visit www.somusicfest.com.

6) THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

Charles Dickens died before completing his novel"The Mystery of Edwin Drood," but that didn't sentence the suspenseful tale to its own grave. The writer's unfinished manuscript provided the source material for pop star-turned-playwright Rupert Holmes, who created an interactive stage whodunit where the audience members determine the outcome of the mystery. Wright State University Theater's production of the musical, which opened in WSU's Festival Playhouse, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, on Thursday, March 15. "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" is presented through April 8. Call 937-775-2500 or visit www.wright.edu.

>> You get to choose the ending at this musical

7) MIKE BRODY

Mike Brody never had a clear career path ahead of him as a teenager but any thoughts of working a straight 9-to-5 gig evaporated when he did his first open-mic set in 2000. Today, the Minneapolis-based stand-up divides his time between club gigs and special events for clients such as the SyFy Channel series, "Ghost Hunters." Brody brings his high-energy brand of humor to Wiley's Comedy Joint, 101 Pine St., Dayton, on Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Cost: $10. Call 937-224-5653 or visit www.wileyscomedy.com.

8) DAWG YAWP

Cincinnati buzz band Dawg Yawp is riding high thanks to support from National Public Radio, which enthusiastically embraced the duo's self-titled debut album from late 2016. Fans and critics alike responded to the bewitching mix of harmony-rich country folk, psychedelic pop and atmospheric electronica created by Tyler Randall (vocals, sitar, mandolin) and Rob Keenan (vocals, guitar, synth, drum machine). On Saturday, March 24, Dawg Yawp returns to Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, where the band played a sold-out show in late October. Cost: $9 in advance, $12 at the door. Lioness and Human Cannonball are also on the 8 p.m. bill. Visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.

9) SPRING BLING

Avon, Kitchen Savers, Fox in Socks Soapery, Damsel in Defense, Origami Owl and Brandie's Hair & Tanning Salon are just some of the diverse area vendors participating in Spring Bling, a new offering from Events by Tiffaney. The Women's Shopping Expo is presented in the Nutter Center's McLin Gyms 1 & 2, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 25. Cost: $2. Proceeds benefit Autism Speaks. The first 50 shoppers receive a free gift bag. Call 937-775-4789 or visit www.nuttercenter.com.

>> A brand new shopping event for women is happening this weekend

10) SECRETS

San Diego hardcore band Secrets has been on a steady upsurge since the release of its debut album, "The Ascent" (Rise Records), in 2012. The group's new self-titled album was released in February on the band's new label home Made in the Shade Records. Secrets performs at Rockstar Pro Arena, 1106 E. Third St., Dayton, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24. Cost: $10. Avanti, New Haven, Against Icarus and A Liar's Eyes are also on the bill. Visit www.rockstarproarena.net.

About the Author