| *** 😊Around Town: Top events in the Dayton region this weekend FILE - The Beatles, from left, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison, arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, on Feb. 7, 1964. (AP Photo, File) Credit: AP Concerts saluting The Beatles and Cher, downtown Dayton’s First Friday, Dayton’s Battle of the Bands finale, and two standout musical theatre shows are among this weekend’s top events. Click here. ✝️Around Town: ‘Dead Man Walking’ author Sister Helen Prejean coming to Dayton to talk about death penalty Sister Helen Prejean, right, talks during a book club as detainee listens at Department Of Corrections Division 11 in Chicago, Monday, April 22, 2024. DePaul students and detainees are currently reading Dead Man Walking and the author, anti death penalty advocate, Sister Helen Prejean attended to lead a discussion. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Credit: AP Sister Helen Prejean, author of the best-selling book “Dead Man Walking,” will participate in “Another Evening For Justice” April 8 at the Victoria Theatre. She’ll be joined by Gilbert King, 2013 Pulitzer Prize winner for “Devil in the Grove.” Click here. 🎶Music: Lúnasa brings modern evolution of Irish music to Yellow Springs Lnasa, described as the Irish music dream team, is bringing its internationally touring, contemporary instrumental music March 11 to the Foundry Theater. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO: Lnasa Internationally touring band Lúnasa returns for an evening of contemporary Irish instrumental music March 11 at the Foundry Theater in Yellow Springs. Read more about the band’s adaptability and creating new music in Japan. Click here. 🍷Around Town: Cocktail making is highlight at DAI event where people can vote on drinks and learn about art conservation The Dayton Art Institute is hosting a new event on April 3 showcasing cocktails from 15 local establishments, while raising funds for art conservation (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO). Credit: Submitted Photo The art of cocktail making and the importance of art conservation will intertwine April 3 at the Dayton Art Institute. Curated will feature 15 different cocktails created by local bartenders. Click here. 🌹Gardening: It may be obvious who is the biggest gardening enemy Roses experienced significant winter damage in 2014 when temperatures dropped below 0F. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Spring is right around the corner so it’s a great time to think about planting. In order to ensure plants are growing in their preferred environment, consider ways to make your landscape and gardening easier. Click here. ⭐A Day in the Life: Naysan Mcllhargey Potter Naysan Mcllhargey of Miami Valley Pottery with his family. Credit: Contributed Naysan Mcllhargey runs Miami Valley Pottery in Yellow Springs. He enjoys educating his customers about the beauty and functionality of pottery. Read more about his artistry and daily routine. Click here. ⭐Community Gems: Nominate someone who is making a difference Dayton Daily News Community Gems logo The Dayton Daily News Community Gems initiative highlights people who give their time and effort to improve the lives of their neighbors and community. Do you know someone like this in your community? Follow this link to nominate them. 🍽️Food & Dining: 2025 fish fry events in Montgomery, Miami, Greene and Warren counties Email fish fry events information to [email protected] and [email protected]. iSTOCK PHOTO Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Lenten fish fry events are being scheduled across the region. Check out our list here. 🎤Comedy: Danae Hays brings comedy, characters and music to Dayton Musician and comedian Danae Hays will perform at 8 p.m. March 15 at the Victoria Theatre. JEREMY RYAN/CONTRIBUTED Comedian and musician Danae Hays is bringing her First Time Tour to the Victoria Theatre March 15. With 3.1 million followers on TikTok and 800,000 followers on Instagram, Hays says social media is “the heartbeat” of her business. Click here. 📹Arts Profile: Digital video marketer leans on comedy, storytelling to capture attention of new generation for Sinclair Matt Neal is Sinclair Community College's video marketing manager. CONTRIBUTED Credit: Contributed Sinclair Community College Video Marketing Manager Matt Neal is utilizing digital storytelling and a love of comedy to broaden the college’s appeal to students. Read more about his mission here. 🎖️Around Town: Blue Star Mothers mark 20 years with community open house The Blue Star Mothers are hosting a community open house to mark their 20 year anniversary. Credit: submitted Blue Star Mothers have been supporting active duty military and veterans since World War II. Dayton’s chapter, Miami Valley Chapter # 3, is celebrating its 20 year anniversary March 9. Click here. 🎢Outdoors: Kings Island announces special events this summer Grand Carnivale at Kings Island takes place July 20-Aug. 4, 2024. CONTRIBUTED Kings Island opens for the season April 19 and summer events are being planned to heighten the fun. The special events kick off with a Food and Wine Festival beginning May 30. Click here. 🎶Music: A conversation with Kim Deal about her ‘Nobody Loves You More’ solo album and tour Daytons own Kim Deal kicked off her No One Loves You More Tour with a sold-out show in support of her solo debut album at The Brightside Music & Event Venue in downtown Dayton on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Chicago-based indie rock band Bnny opened the show. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Credit: Tom Gilliam Daytonian Kim Deal kicked off her latest tour last month at The Brightside in downtown Dayton. Read more about the new songs on her debut solo album “Nobody Loves You More.” Click here. 📷Photos: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s ‘Power & Presence,’ Fasching (German Mardi Gras) at the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner German Club and A Storybook Gala for A Special Wish Foundation The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company presented 'Power & Presence' at Victoria Theatre in downtown Dayton on Sunday, Mar. 2, 2025. Here are highlights of "Shadows Just Before" by Winifred R. Harris, performed by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Credit: Tom Gilliam Dayton Contemporary Dance Company presented ‘Power & Presence’ at Victoria Theatre March 1 and 2. Fasching (German Mardi Gras) at the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner German Club took place March 1. A Storybook Gala for A Special Wish Foundation happened at The Lift March 1. 🖼️ICYMI: Take risks, reach out, check egos: Dayton arts community hears empowering messages at first-ever symposium EPIC Inspires' ART Matters, Dayton Art and Design Symposium took place Feb. 28 at the Dayton Arcade. Photo credit: @ScottyDfoto Credit: @ScottyDfoto Great insights and hard truths were shared at EPIC Inspires' inaugural arts symposium Feb. 28 at the Dayton Arcade. Artists, designers and other creatives took part in various presentations. Click here. CONNECT WITH ME Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I encourage you to keep in touch. 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