09.12.2023

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Today’s Forecast

38º | Cloudy | 10% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:53 a.m. | Sunset 5:23 p.m.

🎸 The stage is set

Find any genre of live music with these 20 venues in Columbus

This venue can also hosts weddings and specialty events. | Photo via The Bluestone

Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Columbus’ live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.

The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from Nationwide Arena to Ace of Cups, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things.

Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.

Arenas and stadiums

Ohio Stadium | 411 Woody Hayes Dr.
Capacity: 102,000+

In addition to hosting home Buckeye football games, this outdoor stadium has seen some of the most iconic musicians in history. We think 2018 represents this claim perfectly — Taylor Swift performed in July followed by Beyonce and Jay-Z in August.

CBUStoday Ohio Stadium 1 — The Shoe will also host an NHL game in 2025. | Photo by @johnhueth

Concert halls

The Bluestone | 583 E. Broad St.
Capacity: 1,000

This 115+ year old cathedral-style church is now a concert hall for rock music, country tunes, and long jam sessions. In addition to original music, this spot hosts tribute bands and cover artists.

Intimate settings and bars

The Big Room | 1036 S. Front St.
Capacity: 200

Find a variety of independent artists thanks to the team at CD92.9 who offer an intimate setting at the radio station. This is a great way to discover a new band or musician without digging through AI-generated playlists.

CBUStoday Wonderbus — If you could organize a local festival, who would be your headliner? | Photo via WonderBus Fest

Annual festivals

WonderBus Festival | 2540 Olentangy River Rd.

This annual summer festival offers a little bit of something for each music fan across all three days. The last festival featured Pitbull, Demi Lovato, and CAAMP at the Lawn at CAS.

16 more local venues

Asked

How would you rate our city’s music scene on a scale of 1-10?

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Events

Tuesday, Sept. 12

Community Run | Tuesday, Sept. 12 | 6-8 p.m. | Nike Easton, 3964 Townsfair Way, Easton | Free with registration | Sign up through the Nike app, and join other local runners for a two-hour jog.

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Mixology Class | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 6-8 p.m. | Taft’s Brewpourium Columbus, 440 W. Broad St., Franklinton | $60 | Learn how to make high-class cocktails with experts from Noble Cut Distillery.

Thursday, Sept. 14

So Peachy | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 6 p.m. | Woodland’s Tavern, 1200 W. Third Ave., Columbus | Free | Listen to this local duo perform alternative 1990s hits + enjoy discounts on craft beer, bourbon, and scotch.

Friday, Sept. 15

Janelle Monae | Friday, Sept. 15 | 8-10 p.m. | Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St., Campus | $50-$100+ | Spend an evening with this multi-award-winning musician, actress, and performer on her “Age of Pleasure” tour.

100+ more local events

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News Notes

Show

Lights, camera, Christmas music. The tradition of Trans-Siberian Orchestra performing holiday shows at Nationwide Arena continues. The exhilarating group will do two shows on Saturday, Dec. 30 — the first one at 3 p.m. followed by another at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m.

Opening

Downtown is saying “yes” to Si Señors Peruvian Sandwiches. This local restaurant plans to expand to 155 W. Nationwide Blvd. sometime later this year. The other location is at 1456 W. 5th Ave. if you need to satisfy a craving. (614now)

Development

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees is working on Framework 3.0 and possibly spelling out the final days of St. John Arena. It is unclear what will be finalized and approved, but the current iteration has the ice rink being fully torn down and replaced within 15 years. (The Columbus Dispatch)

Plan Ahead

This brings a whole new meaning to, “hold on loosely, but don’t let go.” Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo is coming to Nationwide Arena Friday, Feb. 16-Saturday, Feb, 17, 2024. Tickets for this bucking show go on sale Friday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m.

Concert

Rod Wave, an up-and-coming hip-hop artist with 7.5 million monthly Spotify listeners, will perform at Nationwide Arena on Monday, Oct. 30. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m.

Health

Did you know there’s a health and wellness expo happening today? Stop by the Greater Columbus Convention Center from 1 to 5 p.m. for free screenings, check-ups, resources, and workshops. Reserve your spot online.

Theater

Falling into the season

Lincoln Theatre announces fall lineup featuring local talent

Grab your tickets before shows sell out this season. | Photo via Lincoln Theatre

When it comes to fall shows, we’re thinking Lincoln (Theatre).

The local theater — located at 769 Long St. — announced its full fall lineup, which includes two series: Club Lincoln and Backstage. Let’s take a look at what both have to offer.

Backstage

This is a concert series that offers the chance to be seated on-stage during performances by local artists. Shows start at 7 p.m. and tickets are $22.

Jae Esquire & The Last of the Outside Generation | Friday, Sept. 15 | Go through the history of hip-hop with spoken word, rap, and dance.
Jordidge | Friday, Nov. 17 | Listen to the soulful sounds of this local LGBTQ+ artist.
Che’Marie & Valorie Boyer | Friday, Dec. 14 | Listen to a fusion of holiday music + Africanism, soul, and gospel.

How to join Club Lincoln

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Mitch

From the editor

Happy Tuesday, CBUS. I had so much fun working on today’s newsletter and diving into all of our local venues. What was the last great concert you went to in the city? I saw Kendrick Lamar in 2017 and it’s still one of my favorites to date.

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