Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Masterworks 4 – Mozart and Brahms
Jan. 6-7
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Two pieces by Mozart and one by Brahms make up this evening of classics. Belgian violinist Yossif Ivanov will perform Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major. www.columbussymphony.com
CATCO-Phoenix presents If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Jan. 6-15
Studio One Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.
This fun play brings the best-selling children’s book to life. www.catco.org
Rodney Carrington
Jan. 7, 7 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
Stand-up comedian and country musician Rodney Carrington, known for humorous songs like Dancing with a Man, brings his act to Columbus. www.capa.com
A Spanish Twelfth Night Celebration
Jan 7-8
First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St.
Early Music in Columbus presents the Early Interval in this celebration of the music of old, including medieval, Renaissance and early Baroque music from Spain. www.earlymusicincolumbus.org
Columbus Children’s Theatre presents Aladdin
Jan. 8, 2 and 3:30 p.m.
Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany
The classic Middle Eastern tale that became a smash hit film for Disney is presented in all of its magical, adventurous glory. www.mccoycenter.org
PNC Arts Alive Concert for Kids
Jan. 8, 3 p.m.
Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 High St.
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s Concerts for Kids series features more than just music – other highlights range from a musical instrument “petting zoo” and animals from the Ohio Wildlife Center. www.capa.com
Jazz Arts Group Quartet with Dave Powers
Jan. 8, 2 p.m.
Via Vecchia Winery, 485 S. Front St.
CityMusic Columbus presents four of the region’s premier jazz performers, as well as Columbus native and Emmy Award-winning composer and performer Dave Powers. www.citymusiccolumbus.com
Shrek the Musical
Jan. 10-15
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Broadway Across America brings to Columbus the family musical based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks flick starring a grouchy green ogre. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/columbus
Available Light Theatre presents 33 Variations
Jan. 12-21
Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave.
This thought-provoking play follows Ludwig van Beethoven as he fights through failing health, oncoming deafness and poverty to follow his obsession with the Diabelli Variations. www.avltheatre.com
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Jan. 12-22
Columbus Children’s Theatre, 512 Park St.
This production brings the classic children’s book to the stage with lots of laughs. www.colschildrenstheatre.org
Creative Vacations Travel Show
Jan. 15, noon-4 p.m.
Dublin Embassy Suites, 5100 Upper Metro Pl.
Dublin-based travel company Creative Vacations puts on its annual travel show, offering attendees the opportunity to talk one-on-one with representatives of 16 cruise companies, 13 land-based companies, two national tourism boards and one travel insurance company. The popular On Stage Alaska travel presentation by Holland America is also on the agenda. www.creativevacations.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Jan. 16, 4:45 p.m.
Columbus City Hall, 90 W. Broad St.
Columbus’ celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. begins with the Martin Luther King Day March, starting at City Hall. Following that is a program at Franklin County Veterans’ Memorial featuring vignettes, music and dance. www.crc.columbus.gov
PNC Arts Alive Concert for Kids
Jan. 17, 3 p.m.
Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 High St.
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s Concerts for Kids series features more than just music – other highlights range from a musical instrument “petting zoo” and animals from the Ohio Wildlife Center. www.capa.com
Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Masterworks 5: Folk Roots
Jan. 20-21
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
This concert is based on the musical inspiration of folk traditions in Hungary, France and Russia. www.columbussymphony.com
AAA Great Vacations Expo
Jan. 20-22
Franklin County Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad St.
The annual exhibition of travel is back, offering a vast array of vacation options for interested attendees. This year’s special guest is Bert Kreischer of the Travel Channel’s Bert the Conqueror. www.aaagreatvacations.com
Rascal Flatts
Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m.
Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
Country music sensations – and Columbus natives – Rascal Flatts bring their library of hits, from I Melt to Bless the Broken Road – back home. Hunter Hayes and Sara Evans are also on the bill. www.nationwidearena.com
The Good Lovelies
Jan. 21, 8 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.
CityMusic Columbus presents Canadian folk trio the Good Lovelies as part of its World Music Series. www.citymusiccolumbus.com
Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular
Jan. 21, 8 p.m.
Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 High St.
Four top-flight Elvis Presley tribute artists, each focused on a different segment of the King’s career, bring their show to town. www.elvistributeartistspectacular.com
ProMusica presents Year of the Dragon
Jan. 21-22
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Chinese pianist Di Wu performs Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 as the centerpiece to a night of works by rising-star Chinese composers. www.promusicacolumbus.org
Shadowbox Live presents Rent
Jan. 22-April 1
Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St.
Shadowbox brings back the Tony award-winning musical, with which it enjoyed great success last year, back for another go round. www.shadowboxlive.org
Fiddler on the Roof
Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany
This Tony award-winning musical deals with the topic of family roots, community, tradition, tolerance and faith. The McCoy Center presents the national touring Broadway version of the classic tale. www.mccoycenter.org
Harlem Gospel Choir
Jan. 26, 8 p.m.
Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.
The world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir will delight audiences with foot-stomping, hand-clapping, jazz and gospel. www.capa.com
David Allan Coe
Jan. 27, 6 p.m.
Screamin’ Willie’s, 1921 Channingway Center Dr.
Outlaw country musician David Allan Coe, who has been making music since the late 1960s, comes to town with all his hits, from Take This Job and Shove it to You Never Even Called Me By My Name. www.livenation.com
Hit the Road, Jack: The Music of Ray Charles
Jan. 27-28
Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.
The Columbus Jazz Orchestra pays tribute to “The Genius of Soul.” www.jazzartsgroup.org
Columbus Golf Show
Jan. 27-29
Franklin County Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad St.
This event is put on by North Coast Golf Shows, the largest producer of golf shows in the U.S. www.fcvm.com
Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents The Gershwins’ Here to Stay
Jan. 28, 8 p.m.
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
This symphony concert offers not only music, but visuals from the Gershwin archives. Pianist Kevin Cole will be featured. www.columbussymphony.com
David Finckel, Wu Han and David Shifrin
Jan. 28, 8 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Cellist David Finckel, pianist Wu Han and orchestral soloist David Shifrin perform pieces by Beethoven, Bruch and Brahms. www.columbuschambermusic.org
Race: Are We So Different?
Jan. 28-May 6
COSI, 333 W. Broad St.
COSI invites visitors to explore the science and history of race with interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, iconic objects, photographs and multimedia presentations. www.cosi.org
Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic
Feb. 1-5
Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
A total of 18 classic stories and 65 beloved characters come to town to entertain audiences of all ages. www.nationwidearena.com
CATCO-Phoenix presents The Rubenstein Kiss
Feb. 1-19
Studio Two Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.
This powerful play, set in the Cold War and the McCarthy hearings, is inspired by the true story of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg. www.catco.org
Jazz Moves Columbus
Feb. 2-12
Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.
This collaboration between BalletMet and the Columbus Jazz Orchestra will explore the history and heritage of Columbus as the city celebrates its 200th birthday. www.balletmet.org
Wendy’s Chili Open
Feb. 4, noon-5 p.m.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd.
The annual Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club fundraiser benefits a variety of local children’s charities. Offerings include children’s activities, live music, raffles, a silent auction and plenty of food from local restaurants, as well as an appearance by honorary event chairman Jack Hanna. www.wendyschiliopen.com
Blue Man Group
Feb. 7-12
Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
The energetic Blue Man Group’s act encompasses comedy, high-tech stage effects and a bit of circus style. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/columbus
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Feb. 8, 8 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
For more than 40 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been performing to the beat of its South African traditions and Christian gospel rhythms. www.capa.com
O.A.R.
Feb. 8, 7 p.m.
Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave.
See the award-winning rock band made up of Columbus natives during its national tour. www.livenation.com
Claire Holden Rothman
Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m.
Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St., Worthington
Montreal writer Rothman has published two story collections, Salad Days and Black Tulips, as well as full-length novel The Heart Specialist. This event is part of the center’s Hear & Now @ The Mac series. www.mcconnellarts.org
Getting Near to Baby
Feb. 9-26
Columbus Children’s Theatre, 512 Park St.
This production is adapted from a Newbery Medal book and follows a family’s tough path to acceptance and understanding after a loss. www.colschildrenstheatre.org
200Columbus Birthday Bash
Feb. 10
Battelle Grand Ballroom, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.
The group organizing the city’s bicentennial celebration kicks off a year of revelry with an official birthday party. www.200columbus.com
Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Masterworks 6: Magnificent Mahler
Feb. 10-11
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Symphony maestro Jean-Marie Zeitouni directs the orchestra in two of his favorite pieces – Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 in A Minor and Wagner’s Prelude to Act 1 of Tristan and Isolde. www.columbussymphony.com
PNC Presents: Portraits of a Columbus Bicentennial
Feb. 12, 3 p.m.
Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany
The New Albany Symphony Orchestra celebrates the city of Columbus’ 200th birthday with this concert, also featuring local photography and a reading of the Gettysburg Address. www.mccoycenter.org
Alasdair Frasier and Natalie Haas
Feb. 12, 2 p.m.
Via Vecchia Winery, 485 S. Front St.
CityMusic Columbus presents Scottish fiddle virtuoso Frasier and premier California cellist Haas. www.citymusiccolumbus.com
Bill Blagg’s The Science of Magic
Feb. 16, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.
Illusionist Bill Blagg takes youngsters on a journey “behind the scenes” of a stage magic show, giving them a tour of the world of magic. www.capa.com
Blake Shelton
Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
Country star Blake Shelton brings his Well Lit and Amplified Tour to town. www.nationwidearena.com
ProMusica presents Past Meets Present
Feb. 18-19
Pontifical College Josephinum, 7625 N. High St.; Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Guest conductor David Danzmayr conducts the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra in a variety of works spanning 300 years of musical history. www.promusicacolumbus.org
Michael Gates Gill
Feb. 24, 8 p.m.
Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany
The bestselling author of How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else discusses his path from highly-paid executive to coffee shop barista. www.mccoycenter.org
Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Masterworks 7: Symphonic Grandeur
Feb. 24-25
Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Weber, Dvorak and Tchaikovsky are all part of this show conducted by Gunther Herbig. www.columbussymphony.com
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus presents Home and Country
Feb. 24-26
Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.
The chorus partners with the OSU Men’s Glee Club to present a musical celebration of Columbus in recognition of its 200th birthday. www.cgmc.com
SRO Theatre Company presents Annie
Feb. 24-March 4
Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave.
The theater company puts on its version of the popular children’s play, with some help from CATCO-Phoenix. www.sro-theatrecompany.com
Johannes String Quartet
Feb. 25, 8 p.m.
Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.
Four of the most gifted instrumentalists in the world have formed an impressive chamber music group. This show will feature works by Mozart, Dvorak and Schumann. www.columbuschambermusic.org
SAVE THE DATE!
The Arnold Sports Festival
March 1-4
Downtown Columbus
The Arnold is back for another year, chock full of athletic competition and opportunities to learn more about your own wellness. The lineup features longtime favorites like the Arnold Classic and the Arnold Fitness Expo; popular recent additions like Art at the Arnold and the Amateur MMA Festival; and new events like the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Weightlifting and the Arnold Morning Weekend Review. www.arnoldsportsfestival.com