Free music in many styles wafting on summer breezes
When the electric bill goes up this summer — thanks, air-conditioning — it’s time to roam the area for cheap fun. No sweat. With help from today’s handy guide, choose from among a sampling of free outdoor performances with a genre to please everyone. (To view specific lineups, visit the series websites.) in 1983, a small group of locals lobbied to bring the Columbus Symphony to the dedication ceremony.
“It was so successful that not only has there been a concert in Scioto Park every year since, it was ultimately the impetus for forming the Dublin Arts Council,” said Janet Cooper, council director of engagement.
Each December, the council’s 22 board members meet to read through a packet of information about each potential performer, watch video footage and then vote on the final lineup.
“It’s a really great way to make sure the bands selected are selected by the community,” Cooper said. through Aug. 13
A.J. Angelo Rock ‘n’ roll once ruled this summer series.
Reggae, funk, soul and Americana made the bill for the first time this year. (For the diehards, the classicrock group Heindog and Stadz will close the series on Aug. 13.)
The number of bands also increased — to nine from the typical six or seven.
Shannon Sorrell, director of Whitehall Parks & Recreation, said the goal is to extend the program’s reach with food trucks and a family fun night on Sunday, featuring bounce houses and construction equipment.
“It’s always been a part of what the city does,” she said, “but we’re trying to make it more well-known and draw more people to our beautiful park.” COMMONS, EAST RICH AND SOUTH HIGH STREETS
www.columbus commons.org
5:30 p.m. Thursdays through July
MojoFlo Top local bands perform on the high-caliber stage at Columbus Commons each Thursday in July, often attracting more than 2,000 people.
Not bad for an event that started as an after-party for a Downtown kickball league.
Since the commons was completed in 2012, kickball moved to Tuesdays and Wednesdays to accommodate the throngs of concertgoers on Thursday evenings.
An opening act, second act and main act — all local — make the music last up to five hours.
Amy Taylor, chief operating officer of the Columbus Downtown Development
Corp., brings her 8-year-old daughter to every show.
“She runs around and does cartwheels, and we maybe have a picnic,” Taylor said.
They stick to the south lawn, where families can be found tossing footballs. The north lawn is where serious music fans set up shop.
On Sept. 3, a Shadowbox Live show about the Beatles is expected to draw twice as many attendees.
“Now, the concert series dwarfs the kickball,” Taylor said.
12:30 p.m. Sundays from July 9 to Aug. 21; Goodale Park, 120 W. Goodale St.; 614-228-2912, www. shortnorthcivic.org
7 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 18, George Edge Music Park, Park Street and Broadway, Grove City; Friday’s performer: the Conspiracy Band; 614-277-3050, www. grovecityohio.gov
selected Sundays through Aug. 27, Norwich Street Gazebo, 5274 Norwich St.; Sunday’s performer: Ragtime Strutters; www.hilliardarts council.org Amphitheater at Alum Creek Park, 221 W. Main St., Westerville; www.myjazzbrew.org
7 p.m. Sundays through July 30; Sycamore Creek Park, 432 Hereford Drive, Pickerington; Sunday’s performer: Buzzard King; 614833-2211, www. pickerington.net
7:30 p.m. Friday; July 14; Aug. 25, Bicentennial Park, 233 S. Civic Center Drive; Friday’s performer: the Fabulous Thunderbirds; www.sciotomile.com
7 p.m. each Thursday through July 20; Amelita Mirolo Barn in Sunny 95 Park, 4395 Carriage Hill Lane; Thursday’s performer: Rick Brunetto Big Band; 614-583-5310, www. uaoh.net