Kanye West performs at Z100’s Jingle Ball Dec. 2005. West is scheduled to perform at Nationwide Arena Nov. 8.
Credit: Courtesy of MCT
Columbus has a lively, budding music scene, with dozens of places to hear live music that draw in a range of talented artists. Each month, The Lantern will highlight some of the best acts to come through the city. Stay tuned to see what we think is worth the ticket price.
Kanye West — Friday at Nationwide Arena
If the name “Kanye West” isn’t enough to convince you to go see a show, perhaps it’s best to rewind back to 2008, when West released his “808s & Heartbreak,” arguably one of the best albums across any genre of the 2000s, and definitely one of the best electronic-infused rap albums ever. Or let’s reflect on West’s over-the-top antics that have landed him in the media’s spotlight — including but not limited to his recent gaudy proposal to Kim Kardashian and his Twitter fight with Jimmy Kimmel.
What do these things have to do with seeing the rapper live? Not only is he talented (and never shy to remind everyone about it), his extreme lifestyle and actions are sure to translate into a powerhouse concert performance. This show will be one to remember, because that’s just West’s style.
The Yeezus Tour is set to stop in Columbus Friday at 8 p.m., with Kendrick Lamar also on the bill to perform. Tickets are available starting at $41.10 after fees on Ticketmaster, but students who entered and were selected in the D-Tix lottery at the Ohio Union can purchase tickets for $40. Additional D-Tix could open up in the event that not all lottery winners claim their tickets.
MGMT — Nov. 14 at Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
If psychedelic electronic music is more your scene, consider waiting for MGMT to parade into town. Sometimes described as “bizarre,” this band is known for its mystical, electronic-driven music that has created a steady following since its formation in 2002.
Familiar to the concert festival scene, MGMT knows how to translate its psychedelic sound into visual appeal with colorful light shows and displays. The band’s music is infectious and just inspires genuine joy for the listener, which can be the ideal draw of a concert in often-dreary November. Fans and newcomers alike will likely fall in love with MGMT at this indoor LC show.
Doors for the concert are scheduled to open at 7 p.m., with Kuroma set to kick off the show. Tickets are available for $32.50 in advance through Ticketmaster and $35 on the day of the show.
Manchester Orchestra — Nov. 17 at Newport Music Hall
One of the best, truly talented indie rock bands to come through Columbus this fall is Atlanta-bred Manchester Orchestra. This band has been around for a little less than a decade, in which time they have released several EPs and three studio albums. The band’s name is a nod to the English city of Manchester, which is rich in musical history. Following in the footsteps of Manchester-born bands like The Smiths and Joy Division, Manchester Orchestra is a band composed of raw talent.
This show will draw a more mellow than wild crowd, but this is to the listener’s advantage. Go to this show ready to soak in the sounds of Manchester Orchestra and really connect to the music, crooned to the audience through the voice of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Andy Hull.
Doors for the show are slated to open at 6 p.m., with The Front Bottoms and O’Brother scheduled to open the show. Tickets are available for $16.50 in advance through Ticketmaster or $20 on the day of the show.
Kevin Devine & The Goddamn Band — Nov. 19 at The Basement
In a complete spur-of-the-moment decision, I attended a Kevin Devine show a few years ago at the Akron Musica. With just a few notes out of Devine’s mouth, it was clear that his last name is a fitting, happy coincidence: His voice is truly divine. His often-acoustic performances highlight his voice, which is a rare example of someone who sounds better live than on recording.
For this reason, Devine’s Columbus show is a must-see. Nothing does the singer justice like seeing him perform live. A show at The Basement is likely to be a more reserved performance than one at sister venue the LC, but it’s the perfect situation for an honest vocalist, which is what you find with singer-songwriter Devine.
The doors at The Basement are set to open at 6:30 p.m., with Now, Now, Harrison Hudson and Van Dale as the opening acts. Tickets are available for $12.50 in advance through Ticketmaster, or $15 the day of the show.
Other shows to check out:
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (11/6), Sleigh Bells (11/9), Timeflies and Chiddy Bang (11/12), Matt Nathanson (11/13), Justin Timberlake (11/16) and Selena Gomez (11/23).
Timberlake’s concert is currently a sold-out show, so you might have to do some digging to hear his flawless vocals and gaze upon his inspired dance moves.
