Compiled By Heidi Drockelman

Columbus Skyline

Web resources for those who like to plan:

• http://www.columbusalive.com/ (Alive - newsweekly)
• http://www.cringe.com/current/ (Columbus, Ohio local music scene)
• http://www.dispatch.com/ (The Columbus Dispatch - daily news)
• http://www.theotherpaper.com/ (The Other Paper - newsweekly)
• http://www.columbusmonthly.com/ (Columbus Monthly)
• http://www.columbuswired.net/ (Columbus Wired - online magazine)
• http://www.thelantern.com/ (The Lantern - Ohio State University newspaper)
• http://www.ontheradio.net/cities/columbus_oh.aspx (Columbus Radio Stations)
• http://www.afm.org/103/ (Central Ohio Federation of Musicians - Columbus)
• http://www.columbusarts.com/ (Columbus Arts online)
• http://cityguide.aol.com/columbus/
• http://www.cityofcolumbus.org/ (City of Columbus)
• http://www.columbus.org/ (Columbus Chamber)

Just the facts… did you know?

• The city of Columbus was founded in 1812 and has served as the state capital since 1816. The city has gradually grown into the most populous city in the state of Ohio. Unlike many other major cities in the Midwest, Columbus continues to expand its reach by way of extensions and annexations, making it one of the fastest growing large cities in the nation, in terms of both geography and population, and probably the fastest in the Midwest.
• Columbus earned its nickname "The Arch City" because of the dozens of metal (formerly wooden) arches that spanned High Street at the turn of the twentieth century. The arches illuminated the thoroughfare and eventually became the means by which electric power was provided to the new streetcars. The arches disappeared with the streetcars, but are being returned to certain areas for their historical interest
• Columbus is the home of The Ohio State University, which is one of the largest college campuses in the United States. The number one most important tradition is The Ohio State University Buckeyes football team. Dress for these football games is not optional. Hometown fans must wear Scarlet and Gray, the school's colors. It is a minor misdemeanor in any season in Columbus to combine the colors blue and yellow, blue and gold, or blue and maize. Those colors can be mistaken to symbolize a university in the state "up north" (a local euphemism for Michigan, the arch-rival of the beloved Buckeyes).
• As capital, Columbus historically has hosted a number of legal and medical institutions. In addition to hospitals associated with the medical colleges, Columbus reputedly had the largest insane asylum in the world, with approximately 1300 patients. It also supported an "Asylum for Feeble-Minded Youth," a "Blind Asylum," and a "Deaf and Dumb Asylum."
• The first kindergarten in America was set up in Columbus by German settlers in 1838.
• Harold "Happy" Chichester (Howlin Maggie, Afghan Whigs, Royal Crescent Mob), New Bomb Turks, and Thomas Jefferson Slave Apartments all hail from Columbus.

Newport Music Hall, 1722 N High St.

This place rules! Best place to watch/play a gig:

Newport Music Hall (1722 N. High St., http://www.newportmusichall.com/) - Billed as the longest continually running concert club in the U.S., the Newport has been a rite of passage for the youth of Columbus since it opened as a performance hall in 1970. The interior remains dark and artfully shabby, all the better to enhance the intimacy of the 1700-seat venue. The Newport has hosted now-legendary stars like Kiss, Queen, U2, Talking Heads, and the Police, and continues to draw everyone from O.A.R. to Busta Rhymes. Built in 1923 as an ornate movie palace, it has provided students a cultural awakening for decades, somehow surviving the onslaught of drug stores and fast food chains on High Street. Shows are general admission, so it's best to get there early - although considering the layout and the relatively small size, there aren't too many bad views.

Oldfield's on High (2590 N. High St., http://www.oldfieldsonhigh.com/) - There's live music almost every night, with the crowds increasing as the hours dwindle. Add a couple of pool tables, an impressive selection of inexpensive beer, daily happy hour and TV, and there's plenty to do, even before the action heats up (usually after 9PM). Those looking to escape the trendy and affected should feel right at home, whether they're bent on expanding their social horizons or just listening to some serious rock, jazz, or blues.

Dick's Den (2417 N. High St.) - Dive bars are often romanticized, but this one's an honest to goodness institution. Unchanged from whenever it opened - no one seems to know the exact date, only that it was sometime in the 1960s - it draws both students and locals. Floors and a mishmash of wood, plastic, and bench-style seating are worn from generations of feet and posteriors. The walls are decorated with decades of photos of participants of a local marathon, in addition to, among other things, a group portrait of guys in their underwear (best not to ask). When a past master isn't live on stage, the classic juke - still playing 45s - pumps the bar's trademark jazz and blues into the atmosphere.

Skully's Music Diner (1151 N. High St., http://www.skullys.org/) - Along with serving up a wide variety of live entertainment, Skully's appeals to all demographics, from bikers to students to locals to young, single professionals. The front area is retro, with lots of neon, leopard print accents, and an "art car" decorated sailfish hanging over the smallish eating area/bar. The back opens up to a huge two-tiered dance floor, also with tables, couches, and chairs. Get your funk on and head to Skully's.

Little Brothers (1100 N. High St., http://www.littlebrothers.com/) - This venue has been around in one form or another since the 1970s and has featured such storied players as Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Smashing Pumpkins, John Lee Hooker, and Sally Fingerette, early or even later in their careers. Most come for the music, so the crowd varies, depending upon the artist's following. Local, regional, and national acts are always welcome. This is a Columbus institution.

Bernie's/The Distillery (1896 N. High St., http://www.cringe.com/bs/distillery.htm) - Many a student has matriculated at Bernie's/The Distillery since its opening circa 1976. With cheap drinks and the chance to get your name on the wall if you sample 50 different brews, the bar makes it possible to obtain quite an education about various aspects of alcohol. But it's much more than a drinking dive: local, regional, and occasionally national acts perform on the postcard-sized stage. Most of the music is indie rock or alternative.

Honorable Mentions:

High 5 (1227 N. High St., http://www.highfivebar.com/) - To the uninitiated, High Five might seem like a forbidding place. It’s done in black and gray with slate floors and industrial-type ceilings and dominated by a huge stage which usually features a band as edgy as it is unknown. But it's all a front. Everyone’s friendly, especially if you’re up for some punk rock Karaoke on Mondays: expect warm, supportive crowds and cheap, cold beer.

The Basement (391 Neil Ave.) - Hosting a diverse lineup of local and national bands, The Basement fills a niche by offering an undersized venue for acts not yet able to draw the crowds at the big clubs. Frills are negligible, with mismatched couches and coffee tables strewn about, a pool table in the corner and a long, plain bar dominating the room. But the vibe is comfortably utilitarian: only the built-in mosh pit seems particularly planned. The place usually caters to OSU students past and present, but pop/punk acts bring in a steady stream of not-ready-for-happy-hour players.

Andyman's Treehouse (887 Chambers Rd., http://www.andymanstreehouse.com/) - Remember when you were a kid and found that ideal hiding place to escape from the demands of the grownup world? Andyman's Treehouse is somewhat like that. Tucked away in a mostly residential area, it not only boasts some of the coolest live music in an intimate venue, but also has an actual tree in the middle of the back room. The main lounge boasts lots of kitschy touches like an Elvis lamp and decoupage countertops. Comfy chairs and tables, imaginative wall art, a well-stocked jukebox, and friendly bartenders make this a patron-friendly, relaxing venue. Jazz, blues, and rock acts appear regularly, and occasionally band members from such big names as the Lemonheads and Alarm show up.

Thirsty Ear Tavern (1200 W. 3rd Ave., http://www.thirstyeartavern.com/) - Diverse jazz, blues, rock, folk, rockabilly, and Celtic musicians perform on the intimate but not-too-loud stage, six nights a week. Although most performers are quality local groups, some national bands have also dropped by. Folks really come to listen; there's none of the pickup-joint atmosphere found on campus or downtown. Newcomers can test their frets during Wednesday open mic, and the Ear is ground zero for the Columbus Blues Alliance, who perform a couple of times a month.

Alrosa Villa (5055 Sinclair Rd., http://www.alrosavilla.com/) - For 30 years, Columbus' haven for metalheads has enjoyed a reputation for drawing topnotch metal acts and well-behaved crowds. But on Dec. 8, 2004, the venue made national headlines after a gunman rushed the stage during a Damageplan performance. He shot and killed four people, including the band's guitarist, "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott (made famous as a member of Pantera along with his brother, Vinnie Paul). With it's recent reopening, a capacity of 800, a dedicated sound man, and a light guy who has been there more than a dozen years, it's no wonder Alrosa can draw big names on their way up or down the musical ladder. National acts (Quiet Riot, Jackyl, David Lee Roth, MTV2's Head Bangers Ball Tour) are thrilled to play here because it is always jam-packed with a rowdy, bleary-eyed and black-shirted, head-banging crowd.

Park Street Tavern (501 Park St., http://www.parkstreettavern.com/) - Those looking for an unassuming hangout in the Short North might do well to stop by Park Street Tavern. You won't find ferns, padded booths, or flat-screen TVs. Rather it's just folks sitting on high stools along the no-frills bar. The dark, old-school brick interior is spacious, allowing for privacy. Aside from the tavern's daily happy-hour specials, which feature drinks and beer for under $2, you'll also find a bevy of bands taking the stage. Most fall are jazz/blues acts, but you'll occasionally hear acoustic-guitar, funk, even some country music

Short North Restored Arches

For the gearheads (and those who stole their equipment on the road):

German Village Music Haus (350 S. Grant Ave., http://www.gvmh.com/) - For nearly half a century, German Village Music Haus has provided the finest musical instruments and service in Central Ohio. They have an international reputation for luthiery and amplifier repair.

Bluegrass Musicians Supply (1370 S. High St.) - This congenial Bluegrass supply shop has all the makings for acoustic music - strings, instruction, and hard to find favorites. Finger and thumb picks by the hundreds greet you as you enter. A narrow path encircles CDs, music and instructional books, and unusual stuff like spoons, Jew's harps, and penny whistles. Wander through the guitars lined up under racks of cassettes, the Hohner harmonicas discounted by 20 percent, or the large banjo and mandolin selection.

Fifth Avenue Fret Shop (1597 W. 5th Ave., http://www.fretshop.com/) - Looking to the past for musical inspiration? Everything's used or vintage at Fifth Avenue Fret Shop except the strings and parts. Frets are just one of the musical parts you'll find in this guitar supply and repair/restoration shop.

Columbus Percussion (5052 N. High St., http://www.columbuspercussion.com/) - Even if you aren't a musician, you can't help but feel the energy as soon as you enter this jazzy mega-percussion store across from Graceland Shopping Center - the beat's alive with Congo drums, sticks, cymbals, and drum sets. The largest store of its kind in Columbus (among the biggest in the Midwest), it has a solid inventory.

Hey DJ! Spin this! Record Stores for the hardcore:

Used Kids Records (1980 N. High St., http://www.usedkids.com/) - Fanboys have been hip to Used Kids for some time now, since half the members of indie-rock faves New Bomb Turks and Thomas Jefferson Slave Apartments work there. Well, for that reason and because the store is Columbus's best outlet for indie-punk manna. The small shop is split in two: the main section is packed heartily with a dreamy stock of new and used CDs, while the annex is a collector's dream: vinyl, rarities, and out-of-print stuff. They also have occasional in-store performances.

Magnolia Thunder Pussy Records (1155 N. High St., http://www.thunderpussy.com/) - In their new location next to Clique, Magnolia Thunderpussy continues to provide Columbus music lovers with hard-to-find jazz, rock, and indie treasures. Most of their stock is on CD, but they aren't afraid of a little vinyl. The key to this former south campus institution is its jazz collection, which by many accounts is Columbus' finest.

Ace in the Hole Music Exchange (1153 Kenny Centre Mall) - Rockers and Deadheads meet at this strip mall record exchange. Those who like incense - or at least don't mind it - can browse the racks for new and used videos, new tapes, and used DVDs, CDs, and vinyl LPs, all starting at $1. The Grateful Dead is a big seller, but other groups of the day are popular, too.

Singing Dog (5033 Transamerica Dr.) - Singing Dog Records has been in its present location since 1980, and has been in business since 1978. Back then, legend has it, the founder and owner of the store had a dog that could sing on command. Singing Dog continues to be one of Columbus' leading sources for urban, alternative, and jazz CDs.

Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St.

Must-visit:

Topiary Garden (480 E. Town St., http://www.topiarygarden.org/) - Whether you're a downtown Columbus worker seeking some time away from the stressful office or you're simply looking for a peaceful getaway, the Columbus Topiary Park - also known as the Old Deaf School Park - is the perfect enclave. Tucked away amongst city blocks, the park features a topiary take on Georges Seurat's impressionist painting 'A Sunday on the Island of La Grande Jatte.' You'll see 54 topiary people, eight boats, three dogs, a monkey, a cat, and a real pond. The largest topiary figures are 12 feet tall.

Santa Maria (25 Marconi Blvd., http://www.santamaria.org/) - One of the more unique sights in Columbus, the full-size, museum-quality replica of Christopher Columbus's flagship, the Santa Maria, is moored on the banks of the Scioto. For a few bucks you can take an informative tour of the ship, and learn how Columbus convinced 41 surly seamen to climb on board a 77-foot ship bound for the ends of the earth. The tours also feature knot-tying demonstrations for the Boy Scout in all of us, as well as historical interpreters recreating the life of a 15th-century shipmate. If you ask politely, maybe they'll sing you a bawdy song or two. All of the fun, none of the scurvy.

Ohio Historical Center (1982 Velma Ave., http://www.ohiohistory.org/) - With more than 1.5 million objects, the Ohio Historical Society houses a mind-boggling collection. Climbing up the steps of this 250,000-square-foot concrete and glass structure provides an excellent warm-up, while exploring the three floors that contain the museum, auditorium, gift shop, and archives complete the workout. Ohio from the Ice Age to the present is documented through archaeology, natural history, and artifacts. Along with rotating displays, permanent exhibits focus on industrial progress and include 1920s newsreels and a late 19th century carriage shop, as well as prehistoric Indian art, weapons, tools, and craft goods. Specimens, dioramas, computer displays, and re-created environments illustrate the human impact on nature. Just in case you missed it, there are dioramas.

Columbus Museum of Art (480 E. Broad St., http://www.columbusmuseum.org/) - The Columbus Museum of art features an outstanding collection of art ranging from French impressionists to American modernists. Works by Matisse, Picasso, Hopper, O'Keefe, Monet, and Degas are highlighted in the Russell Page Sculpture Garden and the Ross Photography Center. The museum includes several hands-on activities for both children and adults. For more artistic experiences, visit the Wexner Center (1871 N. High St., http://www.wexarts.org/) on Ohio State University's campus.

Buckeyes! If you have a favorite hangout or rants about what's included (or not), email us. We'll consider it for our next Columbus update, letting other touring and local musicians know about it.

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