See what's happening in Columbus and central Ohio this weekend
Welcome to the official start of summer, though judging from recent temperatures, the season seems to have arrived a while ago! If you're looking to get out of the air-conditioned comfort of your home and have a little fun, don't sweat it — we've got you covered.
If you're a fan of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra — and who isn't? — they'll collaborate with celebrity musicians in two concerts. First, their unique Picnic with the Pops pair-up with Violent Femmes takes place on Saturday, and early next week, they'll play with award-winning Broadway star Joshua Henry.
Nothing says "summer" like festivals, another season that kicked off a while back and will continue this weekend with events in Powell, Delaware and Columbus' Barnett Park.
In addition, Beatles fans can "Come Together" to enjoy the Fab Four tribute show and there's a host of other entertainment options ahead. To receive these ideas in your inbox each week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.
New Herring Productions to stage tale of redemption, hope
"View from a Small Planet," an original work by Columbus writer Sheldon Gleisser, answers the questions, "Who is William Dampier?" and "What does he have to do with Mr. Eastman, a fourth-grade schoolteacher, and his mission to redeem his kids."
A story of redemption, atonement, healing and hope, "A View from a Small Planet" is to be staged by New Herring Productions for the next two weekends. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through June 30 at MadLab, 227 N. Third St. Tickets are $25. (newherring.org)
Powell Festival to feature pair of hitmaking headliners
The Grammy-nominated Plain White T's, best known for their smash hit, "Hey There Delilah" headlines the first night of Powell Festival on Friday, joined by openers Brick Walk Knights and North to Nashville.
On Saturday, headliner Better Than Ezra, whose popular songs include "Good," performs, with support from Kazmatics and Radio City. Festivities begin on Powell's Village Square at 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. Besides music, there is to be a kids' zone, a marketplace, local beer and wine, food trucks, vendors and fireworks at 10 p.m. Saturday. Shuttle services are to be available. (festival.cityofpowell.us)
Lancaster studio to offer event devoted to midcentury barware
Gay Fad Studios of Lancaster is hosting its inaugural Bottoms Up event in partnership with Visit Fairfield County from Friday through Sunday at Masonic Lodge #57, 224 S. High St., Lancaster.
Dedicated to the celebration of midcentury barware culture, Bottoms Up includes a VIP vendor show preview and cocktail party from 6-9 p.m. Friday. Visitors also can browse vintage glassware, stemware, barware and accessories from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Other attractions include a fashion show and how-to classes. Ticket prices vary. (gayfadstudios.com/bottomsup)
Third Cap City Festival to set up camp in Barnett Park
The third of six Cap City Festivals being presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is slated to take place from 3-7 p.m. Saturday at Barnett Park, 1184 Barnett Road.
Intended to unite neighbors in a fun and safe environment, each festival is held in a different Columbus neighborhood. Attractions include free food, live music performances, including DJ Sonicc Blush, and activities, such as a zip line, a climbing wall and various inflatables. Admission is free. (columbusrecparks.com/capcity)
Violent Femmes, CSO to unite for Picnic with the Pops
Punk-pop rockers Violent Femmes join the Columbus Symphony Orchestra on Saturday to celebrate the band's cult-classic hits like "Add it Up,” "Blister in the Sun" and "American Music." The show is part of the 2024 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops concert series at the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, East Rich and South High streets.
Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. Lawn seats are $55 for ages 13 and older, $15 for ages 3-12 and free for children 2 and younger. Tables also are available starting at $600. (picnicwiththepops.com)
Award-winning percussionist to bring jazzy vibes to CCAD
Traditional jazz merges with contemporary influences when award-winning Taiwanese vibraphonist and composer Yuhan Su takes the stage at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Canzani Center at Columbus College of Art & Design, 60 Cleveland Ave.
Known for her innovative style, Su completed her undergrad and graduate degrees in Taiwan before coming to the U.S. in 2008 on a scholarship from Berklee College of Music, where she played regularly with jazz and Latin jazz bands, as well as her own quartet and sextet. Her upcoming appearance is part of A Tribe for Jazz's 2024 Columbus International Jazz Series. Free general-admission tickets can be reserved online. (bit.ly/4b1qzMD)
The Fab Four to cause Beatlemania at the Southern Theatre
Concertgoers can feel like they're spending "A Day in the Life" of John, Paul, George and Ringo when they see and hear The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute. Declared "the best Beatles show in the world" by the LA Times, the quartet will "Twist and Shout" their way through many familiar hits at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Expect costume changes representing each era of the Beatles' career. Tickets start at $44, available at the CBUSArts ticket center at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., by calling 614-469-0939 and online. (capa.com)
New Albany Symphony Orchestra to showcase Italian composers
Conducted by music director Luis Biava, the New Albany Symphony Orchestra will spend the "Summer in Italy" with music lovers at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Road, New Albany. Gates open at 7 p.m.
With a program of Italian composers including Verdi, Vivaldi, Puccini and Henry Mancini, the concert features the New Albany Symphony Chorus, led by Michael Martin, guest soloists Chelsea Melcher, Carolyn Redman, C. Andrew Blosser and Robert Kerr, and featured violinist Ariane Sletner.
General-admission (lawn) seating is $30 and $25 for seniors and students. Tables of eight near the stage are available for $400. Patrons may bring food and nonalcoholic beverages. Beer, wine and food also is to be sold on-site. (newalbanysymphony.com)
Historical society to host festival, ice cream social for second year
The Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS) is to hold its second annual Stratford Festival and Ice Cream Social with a host of activities, displays and entertainment lined up from 1-5 p.m. Sunday at 2690 Stratford Road, Delaware. Yes, there will be ice cream, but that's not the only cool stuff! Tours are to be given of historic Stratford homes, the Meeker Barn and Meeker House, plus there are to be reenactors, live music, a magician and a kids' zone offering games, a make-and-take project and a replica archaeological dig for children ages 4-12.
Displays and demos feature Native American artifacts, Wildlife Center animals and more. Free ice cream or gelato cones from Riverside Dairy go to the first 100 visitors. Tickets are $10 for DCHS members, $15 for nonmembers, $8 for children 6-12 and $30 for a family (must live in the same household). Children 5 and younger are admitted for free. (bit.ly/4bZe0CO)
'Hamilton' star Joshua Henry to team up with Columbus Symphony
The New Albany Community Foundation kicks off its summer shows at the Hinson Amphitheater, 170 E. Dublin Granville Road, New Albany, with Grammy Award-winning performer and recording artist Joshua Henry at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Henry will be accompanied by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in its first-ever appearance at the amphitheater.
The Tony-nominated Broadway star is known for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in "Hamilton," as well as his leading roles in "Carousel," "The Scottsboro Boys" and "Violet." He also received positive reviews for his 2022 performance as Gaston in Disney's “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” live on ABC. General-admission (lawn) seating is $75. Prices for front tables range from $175-$1,500 and rear tables are $1,000. (cbusarts.com)
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Things to do this weekend in Columbus, central Ohio: See events list
