Hello, readers! La Comedia Dinner Theatre’s terrific, toe-tapping, hand-clapping production of “Jersey Boys” leads this week’s Gem City Living Newsletter.
I saw this vocally strong production last weekend and it is undeniably entertaining thanks to the nostalgic ease in which it evokes the 1960s. Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons climbed to the top of the charts thanks to such classics as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man,” but their journey was not without its share of dysfunction and loss, which fuels the drama of Act 2. This show is a good time but be mindful it contains adult language. These guys were street tough and they talked tough.
This week’s edition also spotlights jazz in Beavercreek, an inspiring art exhibit perfectly timed to Black History Month, exploring the Buckeye Trail and indoor activities for kids this winter.
Let us know what you think. If you have thoughts, feedback or news tips, please email me at [email protected].
ADVERTISEMENT
***
😊Around Town: 10 Things to do in Dayton this weekend
Fun Scrabble art in Springboro, outstanding Shakespeare at Wright State, a concert of love songs in Troy, and a tribute to movie music at the Schuster Center are among top events this weekend. Click here.
🦖Gem City Family: Unique indoor things to do for kids as winter trudges on
Have antsy kids? Columnist Pamela Chandler gives a rundown of some unique and fun indoor spaces for kids to enjoy this winter. Click here.
🎶Music: Weekend of Jazz to feature Grammy-nominated One O’Clock Lab Band
If you love jazz, don’t miss the Weekend of Jazz festivities spotlighting local talent and nationally recognized performers. This year’s headliner is the One O’Clock Lab Band, the premier performing ensemble of the University of North Texas jazz studies program. Read more about the event.
🎭Theater: ‘Forbidden Broadway’ roasts more than 30 musical shows
🎶Music: Lounge collective brings soulful vibes back to Brightside
The Pack is back. A sextet of soulful Dayton artists covering hip-hop, R&B and pop are returning to the stage Sunday for their first performance in nearly four years. Read more about this group.
🖼️Visual Arts: MLK’s 1964 Dayton speech inspires new art exhibition, collaboration
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1964 Dayton speech is the inspirational foundation of this year’s “Visual Voices” presentation continuing through Feb. 28. Take a deeper dive into the exhibit’s art and artists. Also, on Sunday at EbonNia Gallery, “Visual Voices: Legends, Icons, & Offsprings” will offer a casual conversation with Rhine McLin, Christopher Shaw and Annette McGee Wright, children of Dayton icons.
🏃♂️Get Active: How to experience the 1,444-mile Buckeye Trail in Ohio
🥞Make a Difference: More than 250 volunteers will serve up pancakes to raise money for food banks, pantries
The Day of Caring pancake brunch returns Sunday to help those in need. For 35 years the event has attracted dozens of churches and service organizations. This year’s goal is to raise $15,000 for local emergency hunger and housing coalitions. Read more about this beloved community-minded tradition.
⭐A Day in the Life: Jonny Thomas
Johnny Thomas, owner of REGENERATE Garden Co., is passionate about soil health as well as sustainable food and farming practices. He’s also an artist with roots in California and Costa Rica. Read more here.
📷Photos: Dayton Art Fair at The Arcade, Women’s Valentine’s Dance at the Greater Dayton LGBT Center and TechFest 2025 at Sinclair Community College
Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I encourage you to keep in touch. Share story tips or feedback about this newsletter by emailing me at [email protected].
The Clifton Opera House opens its 2025 concert season on Saturday with BlueNote, a six-piece band doing vintage country ...
You received this email because you signed up for Gem City Living or because it is included in your Dayton Daily News subscription. If you don’t want this weekly newsletter, unsubscribe here.