New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, Paula Abdul
This massive nostalgia bill includes boy band, New Kids on the Block, R&B group, Boyz II Men, and pop star-turned-reality-competition judge, Paula Abdul. Although best known for their 1980s-90s hits, both NKOTB and Boyz II Men have released studio albums in recent years. See them at the U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway St., Cincinnati, on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20-$244. For more information, call 513-421-4111 or visit www.usbankarena.com.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
This funk-based alt-rock band was a big part of the Grunge Purge of the early 1990s. They’ve managed to stay in the public eye over the years, particularly with 2006’s award-winning, “Stadium Arcadium.” They released their 11th album, “The Getaway,” last June. See them at the U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway St., Cincinnati, on May 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $53-$103. For more information, call 513-421-4111 or visit www.usbankarena.com.
An Evening With Garrison Keillor
This popular author, humorist, and storyteller, best known for his radio show, “A Prairie Home Companion,” will be giving a solo show where he talks about the Midwest, the people of Lake Woebegon, and what it’s like to become a late-in-life father. See him at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, on May 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30-$70. For more information, call 513-621-2787 or visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.
Buckeye BBQ Fest
This popular annual pre-summer festival will feature over 30 BBQ dishes and treats, a full lineup of live blues music, craft and domestic beers, a kids’ zone, and a classic car and hot rod show. Check it out at the Square at Union Centre, 9285 Centre Point Drive, West Chester, on May 19-20 from noon-7 p.m. Single-day admission is $5. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. For more information, visit www.buckeyebbqfest.org.
Cincinnati May Festival
The May Festival Chorus and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra are collaborating again on this annual classical music festival. The program this year includes Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony,” Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Edward Elgar’s “The Dream of Gerontius,” Bach’s “B Minor Mass,” and much more. See it at the Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Cincinnati, on May 19-21 and 26-27. All performances are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $42.25-$77.50. For more information and tickets, call 513-621-1919 or visit www.mayfestival.com.
Oxford Wine Festival
This annual, award-winning festival invites you to browse sculpture, jewelry, and other works by local artisans and boutiques, listen to live music, sip from a variety of wines and craft beers, and sample various treats. Check it out at Oxford Uptown Parks, High St. and Main St., Oxford, on May 20 from 2-10 p.m. Tickets are $20 (online) and $25 (day of event). For more information, visit www.oxfordwinefestival.com.
Annual Wine & Women’s Chocolate Walk
This ladies-only event invites local women to put on some comfortable shoes and visit at least 20 businesses and buildings to sample various wines and chocolates. Check in at the Sorg Opera House, 56 S. Main St., Middletown, on May 20 from noon-6 p.m. for your tasting glass, goodie bag, and map. Tickets are $40. For more information, call 513-464-2527 or visit www.downtownmiddletown.org and click “Events.”
Dierks Bentley What the Hell World Tour
This singer/songwriter who has notably traversed the bluegrass and country music forms is touring with Cole Swindell and Jon Pardi. He released his eighth album, “Black” one year ago. See him at the Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, on May 20 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $29.50-$69.25. For more information, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.riverbend.org.
Brian McKnight
This R&B singer/songwriter plays eight instruments and has been nominated for 16 Grammy Awards. He released his 12th album, “Better,” in 2016. See him at the Jack Cincinnati Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Cincinnati, on May 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more information, call (513) 252-0777 or visit www.jackentertainment.com/cincinnati.
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