Cherry Monroe (right) returns to the Mahoning Valley with a concert at Jillian's in Southern Park

Cherry Monroe (right) returns to the Mahoning Valley with a concert at Jillian's in Southern Park Mall, Boardman. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the all-ages show, which will feature three guest bands. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at Jillian's. Cherry Monroe recently filmed an anti-suicide public service spot for television. The band is shown during shooting for the spot with director Paul Hilbert (foreground) of Creative Technology of Akron.
Youngstown State University Theatre presents "The Golden Apple," an early 1900s vaudeville-style retelling of Homer's classic "Iliad" and "Odyssey." Showtimes are at 8 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday, in Ford Theater, Bliss Hall, Wick Avenue and University Plaza (formerly Spring Street), Youngstown; call (330) 941-3105.
The musical "Waiting for Joshua," by 34west Theater Company, gives a modern perspective of the biblical Battle of Jericho. The dinner-theater shows at Das Dutch Village Inn, Columbiana, is tonight and Friday. Call (866) 482-5050 for information.
The beautiful Ford Family Recital Hall/Eleanor Beecher Flad Pavilion opens this evening with an inaugural concert by Mark O'Connor's Appalachia Waltz Trio. The trio mixes fiddle playing with classical string arrangements, creating a whole new style of American music. The theater is next to Powers Auditorium, 230 W. Federal St., Youngstown. For ticket information, call (330) 744-0264.
Miranda Sound, a Columbus-based indie rock band whose frontman, Billy Peake, is from the Youngstown area, is at Nyabinghi, 1229 Salt Springs Road, Youngstown, tonight. Miranda Sound's debut album, "Western Reserve," is a dense but melodic slice of indie-college rock that conjures musical influences such as Pavement, R.E.M. and '70s prog-rockers. Call (330) 750-0199.
They did it one time and they liked it, so rockers Tony C and the Truth will return to one of their favorite spots, The Cellar, 162 S. Bridge St., Struthers. Call (330) 750-0199.
Tickets go on sale at 5 p.m. through Ticketmaster.com and Livenation.com for Ozzfest, Post-Gazette Pavilion, July 18. Prices range from $30.75 to $100.75.
On area stages: "Wind in the Willows," 7 p.m., New Castle Playhouse, 202 E. Long Ave., New Castle; call (724) 654-3437; "Enchanted April," Carnation City Players, 8, Firehouse Theater, 450 E. Market St., Alliance; (330)821-8712; "JB," by the Walnut Lodge Players, 8, Walnut Street Lodge, 80 S. Irvine Ave., Sharon, Pa.; (724) 346-4746.
Mill Creek Metroparks Kite Festival -- which they say is Ohio's largest -- kicks off at 11 a.m. at the Metroparks Farm, on Route 46 across from the Canfield Fairgrounds. Demonstrations, games and contests are scheduled. Call (330) 740-7125 for information.
The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra will perform a program of director Isaiah Jackson's favorites, entitled "Classically Yours." The concert, which features guest pianist Fabio Bidini, starts at 8 p.m. in Powers Auditorium. Call (330) 744-0264.
Excitement over the debut CD from stylish Youngstown rockers Asleep will be at a fever pitch at the Cellar tonight when the band takes the stage. Doors open at 8 p.m. for the all-ages show, that also features Capital Tragedy and Since 86.
Tickets are $35 and $45 and go on sale at 10 a.m. today through Ticketmaster for Willie Nelson's July 11 show at Canton Memorial Civic Center. Also, tickets for Chicago and Huey Lewis and the News at Post-Gazette Pavilion July 21 go on sale through Ticketmaster and www.livenation.com. Prices from $20.75 to $71.
The Garden Forum spring flower show will be held Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mill Creek MetroParks Fellows Riverside Gardens; call (330) 740-7116
Kirk Franklin has turned the gospel music world on its ear by blending hip-hop and other modern styles with the traditional. He'll be at Chevrolet Centre with Mary Mary Monday.
New Jersey beach rocker Southside Johnny has quite a following in these parts. He'll be at the Cellar in Struthers on May 26.