Recently, after a late supper out-of-town (Have you seen those Skybus fares?) I was enjoying my Partagas and strolling a long and narrow little backstreet when I stumbled upon a little tavern with music like I’d never heard before. Kind of a Bluegrass/Zydeco fusion that was so cool the wife and I darn near closed the place.

Just a tight little patio with picnic tables but there’s something about live music, under the stars on a steamy summer night that gets me going. Who remembers the Eagles’ Hell Freezes Over tour at Germain (then Polaris) back in ‘94? The lighters held aloft for that first encore was awesome. Passing airplanes could’ve seen it.

If you don’t like big crowds, check out any of the free summer concerts offered by many of the suburban parks. Dublin’s Sunday night concert series at Scioto fits the bill – and you can even bring your dog. Did you know that there’s a little hillside bowl for shows there? Neither did I and I live there.

Central Ohio favorite John Schwab of McGuffey Lane can be found jammin’ on many a patio throughout the summer months. From Coach’s and Cementos on the northwest side to Gatsbys out east, the guy really gets around. And the best part about a Schwab show is that, at his age, you can catch all three sets and still be home by 9 p.m. Kidding, John.

Some bars bring in not only the best in local talent but national touring acts as well. The Lazy Chameleon, Flanagans and Frog Bear and Wild Boar come to mind. Tribute bands that pay homage to classic rock staples such as Led Zepplin, The Boss, The Eagles and Rush seem to be the hot trend these days. Check ‘em out, they’re good.

Another neat spot is the Fur Peace Ranch down in Meigs County. Founded by Rock Hall of Famer Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane), it’s a guitar camp that features a Saturday night concert series that runs right through October.

Get out early to stake your spot on the lawn at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion in the Arena District. Given the intimacy and quality of bands they get, the venue sells out quickly. Make sure you grab a sausage from the street vendor out front to enjoy on your way to your car. I’m still trying to get that mustard stain out.

Have you gone country? Whiskey Dicks is the spot. How about Skully’s or Andyman’s Treehouse for the local alternative scene? Tell Andy I said “Hey.” The Thirsty Ear in Grandview is always a great spot to hit before calling it a night.

Who’d I forget? Have your own fave?

Drop me a line at my Web page at www.QFM96.com and tell me about it. Now get out of my way, I can’t see!!

Jerry Elliott hosts the WLVQ-FM-96 Morning Show