Notable arts and entertainment events in Dayton March 29-31, 2024

When: 6:30 a.m. Sunday March 31

Or: 1000 Carillon Boulevard, Dayton

Details: The 83rd annual Easter sunrise church service continues a tradition that began in 1942 when 10,000 people gathered to worship and reflect.

Cost: Free

More information: 937-293-2841 or daytonhistory.org

2. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

When: Until March 31; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday

Or: Festival Playhouse at the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Dayton

Details: Joe Deer directs and choreographs composer William Finn and librettist Rachel Sheinkins' exceptional production of a charming, hilarious and touching 2005 Tony Award-winning musical about six bumbling spelling bee champions. The show is double cast, but you're bound to enjoy the character-specific performances and strong vocals of each. Stars of the March 15 performance I attended include Claire Northcut (Rona Lisa Peretti), Sam Evans (Olive Ostrovsky), Aidan Edwards (Chip Tollentino) and James Newton (William Barfee). Returning on March 22, Joclyn Blake (Marcy Park), Eli Peel (Leaf Coneybear) and soulful Evette Williamson (Midge Mahoney) delivered remarkable work. Additionally, Ray Zupp's colorful set design elevates beautifully to reinforce the mystique of the superb Finnish ballad The I Love You Song.

Cost: $15-$25

More information: 937-775-2500 or liberal-arts.wright.edu/fine-and-performing-arts

3. It must be a party

When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday; March 30. Doors at 8 p.m.

Or: The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton

Details: This Must Be the Party: A Tribute to the Talking Heads features area musicians recreating the iconic 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense. Jonathan Demme, the director of Melvin & Howard, Philadelphia and Silence of the Lambs, filmed four nights of Talking Heads performances at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood in December 1983. The first local tribute show took place in 2015 and was presented again in 2019 and 2023. (Don Thrasher)

Cost: $20 general admission in advance, $25 day of show

More information: 937-410-0450 or thebrightsidedayton.com

4. The flight of the man in the deck chair

When: Until April 7; 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday

Or: Dayton Theater Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton

Details: Kimberly Warrick directs an admirable, good-natured production from librettist Peter Ullian and composer Robert Lindsey-Nassif, a zany musical about an average New Jersey Joe who finds purpose in escape. Strong tenor Aaron Hill is a sympathetic focal point as Jerry Gorman and he receives full support from Jeannine Elizabeth Sandlin as Gracie, Jerry's girlfriend. Additionally, Drew Roby is a major draw as the aptly named Big Jack Preston, a cocky airline pilot shocked to see Jerry floating at 16,000 feet aided by 400 balloons. Yes, it’s that kind of quirky show.

Cost: $14 to $21

More information: 937-278-5993 or daytontheatreguild.org

ExploreSpringboro Community Choir to Perform National Anthem on Dayton Dragons Opening Night

5. Candlelight concerts: Coldplay

When: 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday March 30

Or: Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W Riverview Ave., Dayton

Details: A tribute to Grammy Award-winning rock band Coldplay is the final candlelight concert at the Dayton Masonic Center. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to impressive Dayton venues.

Cost: $34 to $53

More information: 937-559-4590 or www.daytonmasoniccenter.org

6. Ghostbusters on the Plaza

When: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday March 30

Or: Plaza Theater, 33 S. Main St., Miamisburg

Details: Along with the on-site screening of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Real Ohio Ghostbusters and Cincinnati Ghostbusters will be in the theater with some Ghostbusters vehicles outside.

Cost: $5

More information: myplazatheatre.com

7. Celebrate art!

When: Until Sunday April 28; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

Or: Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. Sinclair St., Dayton

Details: The Edward A. Dixon Gallery curated artwork featuring Kate Santucci, Zuri Ali, Paul Rienzo and Cynthia Kukla. Additionally, art collectors, patrons and those new to the art field are invited to a gathering called Celebrating Art! from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday March 29 at the gallery. Some artists will be present and refreshments will be offered accompanied by a DJ.

Cost: Free

More information: https://shop.eadgallery.com

8. Devil Wind Blues

When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday March 29 and 30

Or: Devil Wind Brewing, 130 S. Detroit St., Xenia

Details: The craft brewery is hosting two of the area's hottest blues guitarists this weekend. Xenia-based Eric Henry, host of The Blues Revival on WYSO-FM (91.3), performs Friday. Cincinnati-based Noah Wotherspoon, who will perform Saturday, is a seasoned professional who already had years of live experience when he graduated from Beavercreek High School in 2000. (Don Thrasher)

Cost: Free

More information: 937-919-6417 or devilwindbrewing.com

ExploreComedian Mike Birbiglia to perform at the Victoria Theater

9. Were AI Bird: Tree Studies

When: Until March 30 by appointment.

Or: Dutoit Gallery, 1001 East Second Street, Building 100, BC Door, third floor, Dayton

Details: This exhibition features the photographic work of Paula Willmot Kraus, who planned this exhibition and took the photographs, although she died before she could print her work in the darkroom. His work focuses on subjects drawn from his immediate environment. She often uses nature and natural forms to explore memory, emotions and formal aesthetics.

Cost: Free

More information: dutoitgallery.com

10. Dayton Silent Disco Ball Party

When: 8:30 p.m. Friday March 29

Or: The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton

Details: You are invited to dress up and dance the night away. KimL will be on the green station with EDM, Sexbox on the blue station with 70s, 80s and 90s, and John Chapel on the Red station with modern hits.

Cost: $15 in advance; $20 at the door

More information: daytonsilentdisco.com