Before I get into the first weekend of summer’s bustling outdoor jazz schedule, there is news of an exciting venue opening. Saturday, June 22nd, marks the first day for Streetlight Guild, “the brick and mortar house for Columbus culture,” located at 1367 East Main Street on the Near East Side. Under the direction of Founder/President Scott Woods, Streetlight Guild was established in 2017 and has held numerous events around town, including the 2018 Ogún Meji Duo +1 Series at Art of Republic. Its recent project has been creating its own venue, and months of hard work have resulted in a home for its ambitious projects. Saturday’s opening celebration kicks off with a free opening upstairs for the art exhibit featuring the work of Columbus award-winning painter and educator, Richard Duarte Brown, from 3 to 6pm. The evening features two concerts, at 7pm & 9pm, by the Ogun Meji Duo of composer/drummer Dr. Mark Lomax, II and saxophonist Eddie Bayard in what are sure to be incendiary performances. Admission to each concert is $20 and advance tickets (strongly encouraged) are available here (7pm) and here (9pm). Congrats Scott and the Streetlight Guild team!
Outdoor Jazz Guide
Friday, June 21st: Starting at Noon is the first of three monthly Columbus Youth Jazz Summer Jam Sessions scheduled for 2019 at State Auto’s Pein Park Downtown – more details here. At 5pm, the Local ‘n Live series continues with Hot Tonic, the “Postmodern Jukebox meets Amy Winehouse” duo of bassist/vocalist Victoria Woods and guitarist Josh Hindmarsh, at the Campus Gateway Beer Garden (outside The District PourHouse, more info here).
Saturday, June 22nd: The Grandview Yard Market District will be hosting a Hog Roast, featuring lively trad jazz entertainment by Cherie Mannino with The Ramblers from 1pm to 4pm. At 6pm, the Just Jazz Live Duo featuring vocalist Joel Claypool and guitarist Britt Reed will perform at Buckeye Lake Winery in Thornville, OH – classic jazz in a lovely setting.
Sunday, June 23rd: At 4:30pm, the Bexley Jazz in the Park Series continues in Havenwood Park with the high-powered Pete Mills Sextet – trumpeter Anthony Stanco and special guest New York City guitarist Pete McCann join Mills, drummer Willie Barthel, bassist John Allen, and keyboardist Erik Augis for some modern jazz fun – full series details here. At 6:30pm, the Westerville Sounds of Summer Concert Series features the Sinatra-style crooning of Brian Michael Smith and his band at Alum Creek Amphitheater. And at 7pm, the Civitan Club of North Columbus Summer Concert Series presents the old-time fun sounds of Dr. Tony’s Original Ragtime Band at the Park of Roses Gazebo in Clintonville – details here.
Have a great week!