There are many ways to celebrate 2019 with great live jazz in the Columbus area. We have prepared a list of the concerts and performances scheduled in Central Ohio to help with your holiday planning. This list is complete to the best of our knowledge at press time (one sold out show has been omitted), and we will add updates if news of additional shows is announced. First of all, there is one NYE-themed concert taking place earlier in the week to get your celebrations started. On Friday, December 28th around 8pm at The Pelican Room Downtown, long-running smooth jazz powerhouse Urban Jazz Coalition returns to this intimate spot to perform at a Pre-NYE Party – tickets and more details are available here. Here are your jazz options for New Year’s Eve, Monday, December 31st, 2018:
5pm – 12:30am: New Year’s Eve Jazz Dinner & Loft Party at Copious and Notes. Copious-Notes will get the night started with music from the Bobby Floyd Trio in the Copious restaurant space alongside a delicious Jazz Dinner Menu from 5 to 9pm, and the Omni-Tet will perform downstairs in Notes accompanied by a whisk(e)y tour from 9pm to 12:30am. Call (614) 947-1520 or click here for tickets and more info.
5:30 – 7pm: Jazzy New Year’s Eve Worship Service With The Nostalgics Big Band at First United Methodist Church, Lancaster. If you find yourself in the southeastern corner of our coverage area, join Lancaster’s finest big band for festive jazz and worship.
6- 9pm: Stan Smith at Brothers Drake. The meadery’s popular New Year’s celebrations are always fun events, and this year’s iteration presents multiple options for your enjoyment. Guitar virtuoso Smith will provide great jazz ahead of later dance party festivities. Tickets are limited, so click here to buy them and learn more, or stop by the meadery soon!
6- 8pm: The Funk’n Ball Drop Happy Hour with Tony Monaco Trio. Powerhouse organist Monaco and his trio make their monthly appearance at this live music destination to kick off another multi-faceted NYE event before appearances by Mojoflo and TATTAT. Tickets and more details are available here.
7pm – 12:30am: Clave Sonic at Barcelona. This evergreen Latin jazz fusion outfit makes its annual NYE appearance at one of Columbus’ finest restaurants. The band will be playing sets throughout the night for your listening enjoyment while you dine. Click here for reservation info.
7pm – 9pm: In Full Swing at Franklin Park Conservatory. The local all-star big band returns to the lush environs of the conservatory for a swing dance party. For this performance, the band will feature vocalist Kelly McLennan. The event is free with admission to the conservatory – more details here.
8pm – 2am: 2nd Annual Kappa NYE Gala with Urban Jazz Coalition at Hyatt Regency Columbus, Downtown. UJC keeps the contemporary jazz party rolling by moving their NYE festivities to a new location – one of Columbus’ finest hotels! The evening also includes DJs and much more – tickets and more details are available here.
8pm – 12am: Kelly Delaveris with The Dave DeWitt TRio at Hyde Park Arlington. A top Columbus destination for straight ahead jazz and fine food and drink for over 30 years, Hyde Park again offers NYE jazz performed by some of the area’s best. Vocalist Delaveris returns to town from her home in Pennsylvania for classic jazz and swing tunes with Hyde Park mainstays Dave DeWitt, Derek DiCenzo and Aaron Scott. Call (614) 442-3310 for reservations.
8pm – 12am: Maggie Green Trio at Black Point. Part of the Hyde Park family of restaurants, this modern steakhouse and seafood restaurant in the Short North Cap is a central destination for lively trio jazz. Brazilian-influenced vocalist Green will lead a trio for some warm seasonal favorites. Call (614) 221-5294 for reservations.
9pm – 1am: Rick Brunetto Big Band New Year’s Eve Party at 94th Aero Squadron. Brunetto and his high-powered 17-piece orchestra present another great NYE party in the home of their weekly Thursday night dance parties that have been going strong for over 28 years. The band will feature all three of their regular vocalists – Tia Harris, Michael Phillips, and Jeremy Lahman – for your dancing and listening enjoyment all night long. The evening starts with dinner at 7pm. Click here for more info and call (614) 237-8887 for reservations.
9pm – 12:30am: Anna Paolucci Quartet at The Citizens Trust, Downtown. Talented vocalist Paolucci will deliver her sassy swing, jazz and torch blues in front of a band that includes Sara Smith on bass, Caleb Hutslar on piano and Chris Dooley on guitar. Enjoy exquisite cocktails and vocal jazz in a luxurious space above the Veritas restaurant on Gay Street. Call (614) 745-3864 for more info.
9pm – 1am: Brian Michael Smith Band at La Scala (Dublin). Smith, one of the area’s finest Sinatra-style crooners, will be backed by a swinging ensemble for a night of classic Italian cuisine, great music, and dancing. Dinner begins at 8pm – Call (614) 889-9431 for reservations (required).
10pm – 1am: Dave Powers at Lindey’s (German Village). Pianist/vocalist Powers will bring holiday cheer to this late night gathering at one of Columbus’ best-regarded restaurants. Call (614) 228-4343 for reservations.
Here’s hoping you plan to have a jazzy, safe, and happy New Year!