Music is arguably one of the best aspects to this world, and luckily, it happens Columbus is an excellent facilitator of live performances. Are you taking advantage of these concerts and events? If not, then maybe you should.
From now until the end of February, nationally renowned artists such as Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer, Judas Priest, GWAR, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; Bob Weir and DJ Richard “Humpty” Vision are all performing in Columbus. The vast variety of music could appeal to all looking for a good time. The city offers jump jamming banjo-bluegrass, costumed cartooned heavy metal, somber sounds of the ’60s and even pulse pounding happy beats. Regardless of the choice, each event will appease a different emotional rush, for music is a stimulus your emotions. And with so many different emotions, some need stimulation.
That stimulation will not just occur at big venues, but can often be reached at small bars with intimate audiences. At times, the energy created at the little bars is much greater for each individual. This explains why some people only go see live music at small bars on a personal level. For those individuals who thrive off up-and-coming bands, and those who have not yet experienced the energy rush of an intimate show, Columbus offers more outlets than imaginable.
In the past, Columbus’ local music scene has been compared to the past rock scene in Seattle during the early ’90s, in terms of the amount of talent. With local artist as Ekoostic Hookah and O.A.R. already garnering national attention, more local artists are still trying to break through their barrier. Some artists, that include Fenster, Jive Turkeys and The Media Whores, are significantly on their way. They have toured outside of their home state and intend to do so in the future. Relative newcomers, such as Gravity 44 and Monkeynut, are just beginning to create a stir statewide, and are waiting to tour other states when the time is right. Basically, Columbus has an abundance of live music that appeal to all different people and all different audiences.
This week in Columbus you can go see a band, watch a symphony or check out a musical, to name a few options. For a loud evening go to Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road., to see Monkeynut or to Studio One Theatre, 77 S. High St., for the musical “Hedwig and the angry inch.” If you are more in the mood to kick back and relax, you may try nationally acclaimed guitarist Bobby Broom, who will bring his bluesy jazz to Barrister Hall, 560 S. High St., Saturday. Another option is to attend the Classical Series Friday or Saturday at the Ohio Theater, 55 E. State St., where Bach’s Mass in B Minor will be performed to soothe all in attendance. In fact, with a little effort, the musical event list for the weekend can get longer and longer.
Overall, numerous options exist. Whatever you choose to do with your time in Columbus is up to you, but please do me a favor and go take advantage of the resources around you. If you take your cultural surrounding for granted now and soon leave Columbus, you may never have the opportunity to cherish such great live music ever again.
Adam Reiss is a senior in Journalism and applauds the Golden Globes for handing “Six Feet Under” the award for Best TV Drama. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].
