New Kids on the Block to dance into Columbus
Get ready for a bit of nostalgia when New Kids on the Block perform at 8 p.m. Saturday in Value City Arena, West Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road. The Boston-born boy band has been going strong since the late ‘80s, with hits like “Hangin’ Tough” and “Step by Step.” Expect nimble dancing, pyrotechnics, general cavorting and a bunch of familiar music from Donnie Wahlberg, et. al., aimed squarely at the band’s enthusiastic “Blockheads.” The quintet will be joined by Salt-n-pepa, Rick Astley and En Vogue. Tickets start at $22.50 (614-688-3939, www.schottensteincenter.com)
Animals from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will be the guests of honor at the first Popcorn Pops family concert of the season from the Columbus Symphony on Friday at the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, East Rich and South High streets. The program “Animal Safari” will feature the symphony performing pieces with animal connections, such as “Swan Lake,” as well as an animal meet-and-greet courtesy of the zoo. Pre-concert activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the music at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12, or $10.50 for ages 3 to 12, free for age 2 and younger. (www.columbussymphony.com)
The red fruit named in the title of this annual festival in London plays a prominent part in the three-day event, running Thursday through Saturday throughout London. Contests include top picks among foods that incorporate strawberries, cakes and cookies decorated with a strawberry theme and accessories such as hats or jewelry with strawberry stylings — but there are many other things going on, too, including a car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and a parade beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday. (www.londonstrawberryfestival.com)
Promusica woodwind quintet to perform at Natalie’s
Hop off to musical destinations in the company of five gifted instrumentalists: The Promusica Chamber Orchestra’s woodwind quintet — consisting of flutist Anthony Trionfo, oboist Jessica Smithorn, clarinetist Jenny Magistrelli, bassoonist Rachael Young and horn player Brad Granville — will perform “Jetsetters,” a program featuring music that evokes travel, at 7 p.m. Sunday at Natalie’s Grandview Music Hall and Kitchen, 945 King Ave. Tickets cost $10 to $16. (www.promusicacolumbus.org)
Live Nation will present “Sonja in Your City,” starring TV personality and New York socialite/philanthropist Sonja Morgan, who became well-known from her long-running role on the reality-tv series “The Real Housewives of New York City” and has developed her own international fashion lifestyle brand. “Sonja in Your City,” a variety show with standup comedians, drag artists, songs, audience interactive bits and Sonja’s own improv-comedy, will be presented at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St. Tickets cost $39.50 and $49.50, or VIP packages for $149.50 at the CBUSARTS Ticket Center (614-469-0939, www.cbusarts.com)
Free outdoor family-friendly musical
Little Theatre Off Broadway will end its 61st season with a rare outdoor production of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” the Broadway musical comedy about Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Snoopy and other beloved characters from the Charles M. Schultz comic strip Peanuts. Performances of the family-oriented production will run at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. July 22-23 and 4 p.m. July 24 at Town Center Park, 3339 Park St., Grove City. Admission is free. (614-875-3919, www.ltob.org)
Music — and conductors’ batons — will fill the air in the latest concert from Capriccio Columbus. At 5 p.m. Sunday in the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St., the choir will perform “Let the Music Fill the Air,” which will feature three guest conductors — Hilary Apfelstadt, Peter Jarjisian and Raymond Wise — leading works that they chose for the program. Also on tap will be a performance of British composer John Rutter’s “Requiem” by the Capriccio Jubilee Choir and a 22-piece orchestra. Tickets cost $22, or $6 for children. (www.capricciocolumbus.org)
Actors’ Theatre of Columbus will present “A Tale of Two Cities,” adapted in 1935 by British playwright Terence Rattigan (“The Winslow Boy”) and British actor-writer John Gielgud (“Arthur”) from Charles Dickens’ classic 1859 novel about courage, sacrifice and struggles for justice and survival during the late-1700s events leading up to the French Revolution and Reign of Terror. Performances are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays (except July 1) fromthursday through July 17 in Schiller Park’s amphitheater. Admission is pay-what-you will, or $25 to $50 for reserved seating with advance online purchase. (614-444-6888, www.theactorstheatre.org)
Indie rock quintet My Morning Jacket will be showing off their powers as a quintessential jam band in an outdoor rain-or-shine concert at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Kemba Live, 405 Neil Ave. The band, which kicked off in the very late ‘90s, and has taken a few breaks along the way, reunited last year for a self-titled album, followed by this year’s dynamic, psychedelic concert tour. Opening will be singer-songwriter Indigo de Souza. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required. Tickets: $42.50 (614-461-5483, promowestlive.com)
New tricks from Nitro Circus
After debuting its latest live production in Pennsylvania and Ontario, Nitro Circus is coming to Columbus. The show, which features some of the world’s best action sports athletes, will show off new tricks and stunts at 7 p.m. Friday in Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane. Tickets start $25. (nitrocircus.com)