>> Celebrate Derby Day Dayton style
>> More than 20 things to do downtown Friday
1) RAGTIME
When E.L. Doctorow wrote his 1975 novel, "Ragtime," he set the action in the early 20th century so he could deal with bigotry, immigration, class warfare and other matters. Little did he know those issues would still plague society in the early 21st century, which could be why the book and its subsequent stage musical still resonate with people.
“Ragtime” was adapted for the stage in 1996 with book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. The play, directed by Matthew Smith, opens at Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, on Friday, May 5. “Ragtime” is presented weekends through Sunday, May 21.
Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Cost: $18 adults, $16 for seniors and students. Call 937-424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.org.
2) ROB SCHNEIDER
Rob Schneider is perhaps best known for his stint on "Saturday Night Live" or his many appearances in buddy Adam Sandler's films. Schneider has also starred in his own films like "Deuce Bigelow" and "The Animal" and his own short-lived CBS series "Rob." The second season of his latest series, "Real Rob," premieres on Netflix later this year. For now, Schneider is focusing on his stand-up roots, with a series of live performances, including appearances at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, on Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6. Show times are 7:30 and 10 p.m. Cost: $27. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.
3) LOCAL H
Illinois duo Local H broke through in the mid-1990s when major labels were signing scrappy guitar-rock bands. The group's first three albums were released by Island Records but the group has been working with indie labels since 2002. "Hey, Killer," the duo's latest, was released by G&P Records in 2015. Local H performs with local openers Abertooth Lincoln and the 1984 Draft at Rockstar Pro Arena, 1106 E. Third St., Dayton, at 7 p.m. May 9. Cost: $10. This is an all-ages show. Visit www.rockstarproarena.net.
10 reasons we love the Fifth Street and the Oregon District, and why you should, too
4) SIDESHOW PREVIEW
Sideshow 12 is still a week away, but the organizers are giving interested patrons of the arts a chance to get a sneak peek at the work featured in the upcoming two-day festival of visual arts and music. A Sideshow Preview Party is presented at The Yellow Cab Bldg., 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, at 6 p.m. Friday, May 5. Cost: $5 suggested donation. Call 937-203-8175 or visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.
5) MOZART AND MENDELSSOHN
For its upcoming concert, "Mozart and Mendelssohn," the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined by guest conductor Mei-Ann Chen and pianist Gavin George. Chen is the music director of the Chicago Sinfonietta and music director and conductor of the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra Summer Festival. George, a 13-year-old piano prodigy from Granville, Ohio, will also perform. This Masterworks Series concert is presented at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6. Cost: $8-$64.30. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
6) FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
It has been 15 years since the introduction of Free Comic Book Day, the international initiative to help transform new and lapsing readers into regular customers. The annual holiday returns to area specialty shops on Saturday, May 6. More than a dozen local retailers such as Bell, Book & Comic in Dayton, Epic Loot Games & Comics in Centerville, Mavericks in Kettering and Need More Comics & Toys in Huber Heights will celebrate the day with unique Free Comic Book Day issues, sales on back issues and new releases and special activities. Cost: Free. Times vary. www.freecomicbookday.com.
>> MORE: 7 places to celebrate Free Comic Book Day
7) QUEENSRYCHE
Thirty-five years after forming in Bellevue, Wash., Queensryche continues to tour and release new music. Despite lineup changes, a lawsuit and commercial ups and downs, the hard rockers have outlasted many of their contemporaries from the late '80s and early '90s. WTUE presents Queensryche with special guests Kix in concert at Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St., Troy, at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Cost: $28-$65. VIP Gold Upgrade available. Call 937-339-2911 or visit www.hobartarena.com.
8) GLEN CEBULASH
As an art professor and department chair at Wright State University, Glen Cebulash spends a lot of his time focused on academics. However, he still finds time for his own work, which has been exhibited nationally. "Glen Cebulash: New Work," an exhibition featuring his large abstract paintings, opens at Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., Dayton, on Friday, May 5. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The exhibition is on display through June 17. Call 937-224-3822 or visit www.daytonvisualarts.org.
>> That’s a wrap — Robert Redford finishes shooting new movie in downtown Dayton.
9) PICKIN’ IN THE PARK
Each summer, Five Rivers MetroParks holds several different concert series at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton. The first on the calendar this year is Pickin' in the Park, the outdoor bluegrass series at RiverScape from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 5. The first installment features performances by Casey Campbell, Slippery Creek and the Tillers. Pickin' in the Park continues on June 2 with featured acts Alex DeLange, the Wayfarers and the Last Revel. Cost: Free. Call 937-274-0126 or visit www.metroparks.org.
>> What to do on downtown Dayton’s craft beer trail
10) SPIKE OUT CANCER
For its upcoming fundraiser, Spike Out Cancer, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has planned a day that features a coed sand volleyball tournament, live music, 50/50 raffles and more. The event is to raise money and build awareness of the organization's goal to cure cancer. Spike Out Cancer is held at JD Legends, 65 Millard Drive, Franklin, beginning at noon Sunday, May 7. Jake Roberts, Mack McKenzie and Ashley Knapp will perform. Cost: $150 per team, free for spectators. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Call 937-746-4950 or visit www.jdlegends.com.
About the Author