Last week I attended my first IRL, live performance in 15 months. My friends and I hit Schiller Park to see Actor’s Theater Columbus’ production of Much Ado About Nothing (one of my favorite offerings from the Bard). It was packed, and I was fine. Turns out an outdoor performance is the perfect gateway event to get me comfortable around people again.
While I’m on ColumbusMakesArt.com putting together my list of things to do this weekend, I’m definitely looking for more outdoor events to enjoy (weather permitting) and there are plenty, including:
- Thursday, June 10 has Easton Unplugged at the Yard ft Paper Airplane Duo.
- Friday, June 11 brings us Westland Mall drive-in concert ft Big Gigantic.
- ProMusica Sessions: Beers & Brass is Saturday, June 12, at Rockmill Brewery. The show takes place on the lawn. Tickets are not required, but donations are accepted at the door (If you can, please donate. Doing so means someone who is not able to pay right now, can still enjoy the arts).
- Picnic with the Pops is back! This Saturday they will be amplified with a full rock band and giving us Queen. I am loving it.
- In more of an ABBA mood? Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus is hosting their ever-popular Big Gay Sing-a-Long Saturday at Huntington Park and this year they are breaking out the ABBA catalog.
- Sunday, June 13 it’s the Ladies of Longford playing on the Worthington Village Green.
- New Vision Dance Company presents I’m Still Standing, June 13 at the Scioto Park Amphitheater.
Of course if it is raining, it’s good to have some indoor options at the ready.
- I am very excited for this new exhibition at Franklin Park Conservatory. Opening June 12 is Resilience in Nature: We Are The Roses That Grew From The Concrete. The exhibition includes work in multiple visual art disciplines from a talented group of Columbus-based artists, including: Nevaeh Alexander, Roger Brackins, Jamie Ceasar, Lisa M. Cliff, Luke Cooper, Benjamin Crumpler, Kenya Davis, Earl H. English, Janet George, Yahfa Guerra, Jasmine Hill, Josiah Jamison, Lance Johnson, Brian A. Jones, Dionna Kendrick, Tiffany Lawson, Destiny Manson, Aleesha Nash, Diego Pablo, Ariel Peguero, Lynne Prillerman, Stefanie Rivers, Asya Shine, Stacy L. Spencer, Paisha Thomas, Lisa Tyus-Lee, Vona Walker, Nina Wells and Floristine Yancey-Jones. The show is a collaboration between the conservatory, All People Arts, Creative Women of Color, Maroon Arts Group and TRANSIT ARTS. The conservatory has you sign up for a time slot to visit to ensure a covid-safe experience. All People Arts and Maroon Arts Group are among the first recipients of a Greater Columbus Arts Council Thrive grant.
- The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio recently opened Distinctly Paramount: Fashion & Costume from the Paramount Pictures Archive. They are following safety protocols so you may want to schedule your visit.
- High Road Gallery recently opened BOHIO, which features works by Jeremy and Deb Rosario and there is a reception on June 12.
Of course there’re more events at ColumbusMakesArt.com, so get out and have fun.
Lacey Luce is a digital marketing specialist for the Greater Columbus Arts Council who is looking for recommendations on bug spray and sunscreen for sensitive skin.