Live performance is indeed alive and well — and there’s a lot to take in, in Columbus. With four of the largest theaters in the Midwest as part of the scene here, it can be a wonderful place to check out classics as well as new works.
Here’s a look at what’s being offered at The Palace, The Ohio, The Southern and The Lincoln for the start of 2023. As you’ll see from the offerings, it’s a diverse kaleidoscope of styles. Going beyond the world of theater, it also includes music, magic, dance and plenty more.
Live at the Palace
Run by the Columbus Association of Performing Arts, The Palace was the most active venue from the ‘30s to the ‘50s in Columbus. It’s still a happening place now, with national touring acts as well as some local troupes using the facility.
Among the highlights this winter are “I Love The 90s,” a fundraiser for the T. Rose Foundation featuring R&B artists such as Dru Hill and SWV (Jan. 14), country singer-songwriter Parker McCollum (Feb. 2), popular YouTube personality and musician Stephen Sharer (Feb. 4), comedian and actress Fortune Feimster (Feb. 18) and comedian Jo Koy (March 31).
The Palace is located at 34 W. Broad St. See their whole slate of shows on their website.
Live at the Ohio
Another CAPA property, the Ohio is a great place for residents and visitors to see the local Columbus Symphony, which hosts its season here. Other artistic groups perform at this ornate theater, while traveling shows also find the space satisfying for their Broadway adaptions.
Coming soon to the Ohio is the Columbus Symphony’s annual Winter Festival (Jan. 6 and 7), a tour of the Broadway musical “Six” (Jan. 24-29), Balletmet’s performance of “Dorothy and the Prince of Oz” (Feb. 10-12), the symphony’s take on Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 (March 3-4), the touring company of the musical “Beetlejuice” (March 7-12) and Opera Columbus’ performance with the symphony of “Rigoletto” (March 31 and April 1).
The Ohio is at 39 E. State St. Go to their website to see all of their upcoming performances.
Live at the Southern
Although it features state-of-the-art equipment, the Southern is distinguished by being the oldest surviving theater in central Ohio, opening way back in 1896. It has become a home to music of all styles and the occasional traveling Broadway show.
Shows at the Southern in Winter and early Spring include the Cavini String Quartet with Louise Toppin (Jan. 28), jazz artist Maria Schneider (Feb. 9-12), Opera Columbus’ performance of “Maria de Buenos Aires” (Feb. 24-26), and Ty Taylor’s jazz show that features the music of Ray Charles and other soul greats (April 20-23).
The Southern is located at 21 E. Main St. To find out more about what they offer Columbus viewers, go to their website.
Live at the Lincoln
Jazz music was first performed in the region at this venue in 1928, making this a truly historic venue in Columbus. It’s been renovated in the last 20 years and is now one of the truly distinctive places to see local artists as well as some touring ones – and with many musical styles represented.
On the schedule for the Lincoln are shows such as The Kenny Banks and Kenny Banks Jr. Band (Feb. 23), a live version of the popular podcast “Welcome to Nightvale” (Feb. 24), science-based magician and performer Steve Trash (March 3), the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus’ latest show called “Tales of Our Age” (March 18 and 19) and dance troupe Step Afrika! (March 28).
The Lincoln is at 769 Long St. Go to their website to see all the shows on the schedule.
Bridging the gaps in association management
Of course, you need the time to see these types of great performances in the Columbus area, and you can get that time by having some professionals help you in your business. If that business is association management, we can be your partner.
We’re able to reduce the workload of board members, save resources and improve communication through our efforts, which also include accounting, maintenance, project management and governance. Find out how we can help by visiting our website.
