It’s a music lover’s paradise as we’re back with another concert-heavy weekend, this one even more than the last. There’s a grab bag of genres from new wave to gospel, plus both indoor and outdoor shows.
Head back to the ’80s with DEVO at KEMBA Live! on June 20. The next night, alt-rockers Modest Mouse will play an outdoor concert at the same venue.
June 21 will deliver a double dose of hip-hop, with Lil Baby performing — or “spittin’ bars,” as the kids say — at Nationwide Arena, and Rick Ross joining the Columbus Symphony for a Picnic at the Pops concert.
On the homegrown front, the Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society will host its monthly concert and Wine Down Wednesdays will continue at the Lincoln Theatre.
Keep reading for more info about these musical offerings, plus a few events with a different slant. To have this list delivered to your inbox each week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.
DEVO to whip up meet-and-greet, KEMBA show
Wanna meet DEVO? If so, then “whip it” down to 934 Gallery, 934 Cleveland Ave., where a limited-edition collection of never-before-seen fine art prints of the band are on view.
Purchase one of the hand-signed prints and you and a guest will be invited to a meet-and-greet on June 19.
If you have questions, contact John at 934 Gallery, 614-284-5876. (934gallery.org/devo)
Wanna hear DEVO? If so, they’ll be playing at KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave., on June 20. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Buy tickets for DEVO
Revue to showcase burlesque, promote body positivity
The HER2-Revue’s “Shimmy ‘n’ Shake for Survivors” is about much more than burlesque dancing. It’s also a celebration of body positivity and confidence, self-love and sexual wellness.
Held during National Cancer Survivors Month, the burlesque showcase will take place at 8 p.m. June 20 in the second-floor ballroom of the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Presented by Top Shelf Productions, the event also will offer survivorship services such as tattooing, microblading, permanent makeup, boudoir photos and more.
Tickets cost $33.85. (bit.ly/407vid4)
Symphony to orchestrate collaboration with Rick Ross
Pack a picnic basket and grab a blanket — it’s time for a Nationwide Picnic with the Pops concert! The second event in the outdoor summer series will find the Columbus Symphony collaborating with rapper Rick Ross.
“A Night of Symphonic Hip Hop” will begin at 8 p.m. in the Bicentennial Pavilion at Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St. Gates open at 6 p.m.
Children 2 and younger get free admission.
Get tickets to see Rick Ross
Improv show ‘Like My Coffee’ to brew up laughs
Do you like your game shows like you like your coffee — with a surprising kick? Then Meat Fish Produce is perfect for you.
Not to be confused with food groups, Meat Fish Produce is an improv troupe presenting “Like My Coffee” at 7 p.m. June 21 at Hashtag Comedy Club, 1253 N. High St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The improvised game show will feature nine comedians lobbing one-liners based on audience suggestions to complete, “I like my lovers like I like my (blank).” Host J.D. Lowe will judge the audience’s reaction and score the comics accordingly.
Tickets cost $15 in advance and $18 on the day of show. (bit.ly/3STAYng)
Modest Mouse to deliver alternative rock al fresco
If the song “Float On” sounds familiar, it might have given you a subliminal earworm via an American Express Platinum commercial in 2024.
The Grammy-nominated tune is the handiwork of Modest Mouse, who will float into KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave., on June 21. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for the outdoor, rain-or-shine show.
In addition to the aforementioned hit, Modest Mouse is known for multiple personnel changes. Lead singer and guitarist Isaac Brock is the only original member.
Get tickets for Modest Mouse
Lil Baby to flex his rap skills at Nationwide Arena
Rap fans have been waiting for months for Lil Baby to drop his fifth album, “Dominique,” which he began teasing on social media early in the year.
For those who can’t wait for the album’s release, you can see the real thing when Lil Baby returns to Columbus for a show at Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., at 7 p.m. June 21.
Currently on his “WHAM (Who Hard as Me)” tour, the rapper is known for hits such as “My Dawg,” “Freestyle,” “Drip Too Hard,” “Close Friends” and “Woah.”
Buy tickets to see Lil Baby
Concert to salute Satchmo’s revolutionary recordings
Louis Armstrong’s first records as a bandleader and soloist, cut in 1925 with the Hot Five, revolutionized jazz. The Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society’s (COHJS) next concert will celebrate the 100th anniversary of those recordings.
Featuring Toledo bandleader and cornet player Dave Kosmyna with musicians from across the Midwest, the show will be from 2-5 p.m. June 22 at the Clintonville Woman’s Club, 3951 N. High St.
The event is BYOB. Hot dogs, soups, snacks and hot and cold beverages will be available to purchase.
Tickets are sold at the door. General admission is $20. COHJS members/SwingColumbus dancers pay $15. Music educators and music students are admitted for free; other students pay $10. (cohjs.org)
ResiFest to bring good vibes to Boardman Arts Park
Promoting healing through the arts, ResiFest will return for the third year to Boardman Arts Park, 154 W. William St., Delaware, from 2-7 p.m. June 22.
Held in partnership with Move Your Music Forward, the event celebrates community and mental health resilience. Mental health organizations will be on-site.
The feel-good fest also will feature speakers, live music, arts and craft vendors, kids’ activities, an instrument petting zoo provided by Music Royale, the Restoration Station offering meditation and massages, and other attractions.
Admission to ResiFest is free. (moveyourmusicforward.com/resifest)
WWE wrestlers to throw down at Monday Night RAW
Get ready for a night of knee drops and leg locks when wrestlers from WWE Monday Night RAW get in the ring at 7:30 p.m. June 23 at Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
The lineup, which is subject to change, is scheduled to include Gunther, Seth “Freakin'” Rollins, Jey Uso, The New Day – Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
Along with Friday Night Smackdown, Monday Night RAW is considered one of World Wrestling Entertainment’s flagship programs. The show airs live at 8 p.m. June 23 on Netflix.
Get tickets for Monday Night RAW
Rika Fanning to serve soulful gospel at Wine Down Wednesdays
Columbus native Rika Fanning grew up singing in church and began studying music on her own in her early 20s. Inspired by God, she learned to play bass and piano. Now she is the bassist for Grace Apostolic Church and has her own band, SOUL N-ER-G.
Fanning, who won the 2020 Kingdom Image Award for Producer of the Year for “Chosen,” her album of praise and worship songs, will perform at 6:45 p.m. June 25 at the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Held on the rooftop patio, the show is part of the Wine Down Wednesdays series, and includes a specially curated wine selection, specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
General admission is $39.72. VIP packages are available. Box-office staff will not be present on the day of show, so advanced purchasing is recommended. (capa.com)
Entertainment and Things to Do reporter Belinda M. Paschal can be reached at bpaschal@dispatch.com or belpaschal@acidbrat.bsky.social.
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Need plans? Here are 10 things to do for fun in and around Columbus
Reporting by Belinda M. Paschal, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
