Downtown Dayton Partnership

Birthday Candles
2026-08-22 20:00, 2026-08-23 15:00, 2026-08-28 20:00, 2026-08-29 17:00 (America/New_York) | Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH, 45410, USA
Birthday Candles

by Noah Haidle
Ernestine Ashworth spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon enough, it’s her 18th birthday. Even sooner, her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st. Five generations, an infinity of dreams, and one cake baked over a century. This sweet, poignant, and funny play takes you through the extraordinary moments that make up one woman’s ordinary life.
Birthday Candles is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice
2026-08-23, 2026-08-26, 2026-08-27, 2026-08-28, 2026-08-29, 2026-08-30 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
June 27–September 13, 2026, Gallery 120
William H. Johnson (1901–1970) painted the Fighters for Freedom series in the mid-1940s as tribute to African American activists, scientists, teachers and performers as well as international leaders working to bring peace to the world. It was his last body of work. This landmark exhibition brings together—for the first time since 1946—34 paintings featured in the series, drawn from the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). This nationally traveling exhibition is accompanied by a scholarly, full-color exhibition catalog.
Of the series, SAAM states: “The exhibition illuminates the extraordinary life and contributions of Johnson, an artist associated with the Harlem Renaissance but whose practice spanned several continents, as well as the contributions of historical figures he depicted. Some of his Fighters—Marian Anderson, George Washington Carver, Mohandas Gandhi, and Harriet Tubman—are familiar figures; others—Nannie Helen Burroughs and William Grant Still, among them—are less well-known individuals whose achievements have been eclipsed over time. Johnson celebrates their accomplishments even as he acknowledges the realities of racism, oppression and sometimes violence they faced and overcame. Johnson clues viewers to significant episodes in the Fighters lives by punctuating each portrait with tiny buildings, flags and vignettes that give insight into their stories. Using a colorful palette to create evocative scenes and craft important narratives, he suggests that the pursuit of freedom is an ongoing, interconnected struggle, with moments of both triumph and tragedy.”

Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection
2026-08-23, 2026-08-26, 2026-08-27, 2026-08-28, 2026-08-29 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
April 13, 2024–January 3, 2027, Gallery 106
Today, Japanese ceramic artists are building on centuries of tradition and taking the art in dynamic and new directions. They are exploring the potential of clay to create both functional and abstract sculptural forms with an incredible range of surface textures and decoration. The aesthetic sensibilities are varied, from rough and imperfect to detailed and refined, but all show a mastery of the craft.
Drawn from the renowned collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz—including recent gifts from them to the museum—this exhibition presents more than thirty artworks spanning eight decades. Traditionally a craft restricted to men, in recent years women have become some of the leading voices in the field and several examples are included.
Artists range from innovative pioneers in the twentieth century, several designated as Living National Treasures in Japan, to emerging, younger artists. Interspersed are examples from the DAI’s collection of historic Japanese ceramics. Across 2,000 years, these speak to the long history of the art in the island nation and their continued inspiration for artists today.

Exploring Feminism
2026-08-23, 2026-08-26, 2026-08-27, 2026-08-28, 2026-08-29 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
February 7, 2026–January 31, 2027, Gallery 118
Feminism feels like a loaded term that, when presented to people, often triggers a gut reaction that it is positive or negative. But what actually is feminism? Presenting feminist artwork from the newly acquired Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection, this three-part, rotating exhibition will demystify the origins, history and commitments of the feminist movement.
Often discussed in terms of waves, feminism has signified struggles for a range of causes at varying moments in time. Through Exploring Feminism, guests may become better acquainted with cycles of protest, self-expression and community-building for a movement that has continued to change and adapt to include more and different constituents within its umbrella of “feminists.”
No bras will be burned (and, in fact, never were) for this new exhibition featuring regional, national and international artists working in all manner of media.

Artist in Training (AIT) Program
2026-08-24 15:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-25 15:00 - 18:00 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
After school Artist in Training program geared for grades 3rd-12th grades. Classes are Monday-Wednesdays from 3:00pm-6:00pm. Open Studio time to explore different types of mediums such as Drawing, Painting, Clay, Digital Art. 20.00 per session for Members/40.00 per session for Non-Members.

Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
2026-08-26, 2026-08-27, 2026-08-29 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
June 12-September 12, 2026
Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi is a landmark solo exhibition by award-winning artist, historian, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi. Now an octogenarian, Mazloomi remains one of the most visionary leaders in contemporary quilting, widely recognized for her lifelong efforts to elevate African American quilt traditions. Her striking black-and-white quilts memorialize the lives and legacies of African American freedom fighters, capturing resilience, resistance, and remembrance through bold imagery and layered narrative. Originally trained as an aerospace engineer, Mazloomi shifted her focus in the 1980s to advocate for African American quilt artists whose contributions had long been marginalized. Through her scholarship, mentorship, and the founding of the Women of Color Quilters Network, she has transformed the cultural landscape, bringing international recognition to quilting as both fine art and historical record. Her extraordinary impact has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Bess Lomax Hawes NEA National Heritage Fellowship, a United States Artists Fellowship, and an American Craft Council Honorary Fellowship. Her work is held in major collections, including the Smithsonian Institution and the American Folk Art Museum. Opening Reception: June 12, 2026, 6-8 p.m.

David Nail
2026-08-26 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
August 26 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Genre:

Country

David Nail’s prowess as a true artist in an era that rewards artificially enhanced art should not be overlooked… Some might even call him a “tour de force” as his songs pull no punches in evoking the demons with which he has wrestled through much of his life. Nail’s creative maturity reflects in both his songwriting and vocal ability, widely hailed as one of the best male voices in Nashville. His consistent quality output and storytelling over his nearly two decade career is what keeps music lovers coming back and bringing others.

Bad Co. Legacy
2026-08-27 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
August 27 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Series:

AES Rock/Pop Series

Genre:

Classic Rock

Bad Company formed in London in 1973 by singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke (both ex-Free), guitarist Mick Ralphs (ex-Mott the Hoople) and bassist Boz Burrell (ex-King Crimson). Kirke was the only member to remain throughout the band’s entire run, while he and Ralphs were the only members to appear on every studio album. Peter Grant, who managed the rock band Led Zeppelin, also managed Bad Company until 1982.
Bad Company enjoyed great success throughout the 1970s. Their first three albums, Bad Company (1974), Straight Shooter (1975) and Run with the Pack (1976), reached the top five in the album charts in both the UK and the US. Many of their singles and songs, such as “Bad Company”, “Can’t Get Enough” (1974), “Feel Like Makin’ Love” (1975), “Shooting Star” (1975), “Burnin’ Sky” (1977) and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy” (1979), remain staples of classic rock radio. They have sold 20 million RIAA-certified albums in the US and 40 million worldwide. Though they initially disbanded in 1982, Bad Company reunited on many occasions to record and tour until 2019. In 2023, Kirke revealed that they would not continue as a band following the development of Rodgers’ recent health issues. Earlier this year Bad Co was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Enter BAD CO – The Legacy
For seven years Robert Hart was the lead singer of Bad Co in its classic rock era. He has also played many years with The Jones Gang with Kenny Jones of The Faces. and currently with Manfred Mann’s Earthband.
Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell, guitarist, spent 12 years in Bad Co, was a member of Humble Pie for several years recording, co-writing and producing the album Back on Track, The Jones Gang, ASAP and many other bands.
During 1992, Hart was approached by Mick Ralphs and Simon Kirke and asked if he would like to join them as the third lead vocalist for Bad Company, following Paul Rodgers and Brian Howe. Hart performed with Bad Company, touring the world including the US and Canada. In July 1994 a contract was drawn up by Alliance Artists and Legend Management and signed by the then Bad Company line up, Mick Ralphs, Simon Kirke, Robert Hart, Dave “Bucket” Colwell and Rick Wills. In 1995 a self-produced Bad Company album was released, Company of Strangers, with Hart who bore a vocal similarity to Paul Rodgers. It contained four tracks self-penned or co-written by Hart. The band made a promotional tour of the US with Bon Jovi. In 1996 another Bad Co album, Stories Told and Untold featured Hart and contained seven new compositions and seven acoustic versions including ‘Can’t Get Enough’ and ‘Ready For Love’. Hart was also lead vocalist on three live albums between 1994 and 2001. In March 2020 he was on tour in Germany with “Rock meets Classic” featuring Alice Cooper.
During the Brian Howe period the album, Holy Water, was released. The album was enormously successful both critically and commercially, attaining Top 40 and platinum status by selling more than one million copies. Holy Water was the band’s first album on the Atlantic subsidiary Atco. The album spun off the singles: “If You Needed Somebody” the title track “Holy Water” and “Walk Through Fire”. “Holy Water” also hit No. 1 for 2 weeks on the AOR charts with “If You Needed Somebody” reaching No. 2.
In 1990 Dave “Bucket” Colwell joined Bad Co as guitarist at the request of Mick Ralphs who sat out for most of the Holy Water tour. Their subsequent tour, supported by Damn Yankees, was one of the top five grossing tours of 1991. As well as touring for over a decade, Colwell recorded Here Comes Trouble, What You Hear is What You Get, Company of Strangers and Stories Told and Untold, co-writing the last two. He then went on to record Merchants of Cool with Paul Rodgers in 2002.
Hart and Colwell are joined by Chris Childs, exThunder and Tyketto and John Lingwood, Manfred Mann’s Earthband and Roger Chapman, on drums
Fans can expect many of the classic songs spanning Bad Company’s repertoire; ‘Ready for Love’, ‘Can’t get Enough’, ‘Rock and Roll Fantasy’, the list goes on. It promises to be a night to remember!
Projects Unlimited & Wyse Family Foundation Gem Series Opener: VISITOR

J & the Causeways
2026-08-28 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
August 28 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Series:

Montgomery County Funk/R&B Series

Genre:

R&B/Soul

New Orleans soul/rock powerhouse ensemble J & The Causeways debut album, Motions, conjures a universal theme of togetherness and compassion — melodies and lyrics cultivated with a keen understanding of reaching one another through healing and transcendence. Singer and keyboardist Jordan Anderson leads with a soaring level of octave prowess and sonic range akin to that of other renowned soul acts like St. Paul & The Broken Bones or Brittany Howard. Captured by famed musicians/producers Robert Mercurio and Ben Ellman (both members of NOLA cosmic funk outfit Galactic) at Studio in the Country and Esplanade Studios, Motions is a record soaked in the freewheelin’ ethos and sonic tones of a vibrant city that Anderson proudly calls home.
Projects Unlimited & Wyse Family Foundation Gem Series Opener: YUPPIE

Summer Music Series: Earth, Wind, & Fire Tribute with Let’s Groove Tonight
2026-08-28 19:00 - 21:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us under the pavilion as the RiverScape Summer Music Series features an Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute with Let’s Groove Tonight! Experience the magic with this high-energy celebration of the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire with the country’s premier tribute act known for it’s soulful vocals, thundering rhythm section and those iconic dynamic horns. From “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” to “Shining Star” and “Let’s Groove”, they recreate the sounds, costumes and choreography with incredible precision. This is a party you won’t want to miss!
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this FREE live concert, while taking in a spectacular sunset over the Great Miami River. The RiverScape Café will be open selling food and drinks along with alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails, for those 21 and over. The Summer Music Series is presented by AES Ohio, and supported by Jack W. & Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation and Enterprise Roofing.

Cassidy Daniels
2026-08-29 19:00 | Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
August 29 @ 7:00 PM

Free Admission

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Series:

Rick & Tawnya Stover’s Blues Series

Genre:

Country/Rock/Southern Soul

Cassidy Daniels is a Nashville-based artist and songwriter with a voice as soulful as her southern roots. The North Carolina-native grew up in a military household where she and her family moved across the country multiple times over, leading her to claim Kentucky and Florida as additional home states where she spent a great deal of her childhood.
Following her move to Nashville, Tennessee, Cassidy signed a publishing deal with Liz Rose Music in 2019. Since then, she has been building a catalog of music that reflects her storytelling instincts and bold perspective. In 2025, she added Laguna Madre Management to her team, further cementing her place as one of country music’s most exciting rising voices.
Cassidy recently made waves as a Top Three Finalist on the CBS/Paramount TV series The Road and has continued to carve out her lane as both a recording artist and a sought-after writer.
Cassidy has shared the stage with icons like Willie Nelson, Florida Georgia Line, and Billy Currington, captivating crowds with her signature blend of grit and vulnerability. Her presence is also reaching beyond the stage: she’s set to appear in the upcoming Yellowstone spin-off Dutton Ranch, performing multiple original songs.
With momentum on the road, in the studio, and on screen, Cassidy Daniels is quickly becoming a standout star in the next wave of country music.
Projects Unlimited & Wyse Family Foundation Gem Series Opener: SAM KING & THE SUSPECTS
