The air crackles with anticipation, and a familiar tune hums in the background, as Columbus prepares for a return that promises to reignite the local music scene. Country star and Army veteran Keni Thomas, with his band, Cornbread, is set to perform at The Loft on April 12, in a show that captures not only the spirit of his musical journey but also the deep connections that have shaped his life. This night at the…
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Embracing The Soul As Mother’s Day weekend approaches, Columbus prepares to ignite with creativity, culture, and community at the inaugural “Ma” Fest, held May 10 – 11 in the Historic Liberty District. The festival pays tribute to Ma Rainey, our “Mother of the Blues,” celebrating her monumental impact on music while revitalizing a district with deep cultural roots. “This isn’t just a festival; it’s the dawn of a new arts and cultural institution in Georgia,”…
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Ride the Waves The Columbus Cup, a hallmark event for the region’s sporting community, returns on April 12 and 13, promising a weekend of intense competition and spirited community engagement. This annual event, set against the backdrop of the Chattahoochee River, showcases over $10,000 in cash prizes and attracts top freestyle kayakers from around the globe, all vying for their moment in one of the world’s premier paddling locations. Waveshaper Island, a natural amphitheater for…
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In a heartwarming initiative merging creativity with compassion, “Home Is Where the Art Is” is poised to inspire the community through two upcoming events: Arts in the Park on April 27, and an auction at the Bo Bartlett Center on May 15. Spearheaded by renowned artist Bo Bartlett, this program not only showcases the artistic talents of homeless individuals but also aims to raise vital funds to support them on their journey toward stability and…
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Frequently, I consider tossing my laptop into the trash can. Usually this comes after checking one of the two websites keeping a running dashboard of the status of my screenplays. When you enter a screenplay festival, these websites keep track of the date the results are expected, and three potential outcomes; In Consideration, Not Selected, or Selected. Further, if you are Selected, there is one more possible step – “Award Winner.” I am about 90…
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The Historic Zion Blues Festival Returns To Talbotton, May 3 To some, it might seem like an unusual combination— an historic, Gothic Episcopal church nestled in the heart of sunny Talbotton, while the haunting melodies of the blues echo across the grounds. Yet this delightful fusion is a celebration of the storied history of Talbotton, a community whose roots run deep in both Zion Episcopal Church, consecrated in 1853, and an ever-evolving music scene which…
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Spring is in the air, ushering in a vibrant season filled with sunshine, creativity, and the much-anticipated Crossroads Folk Art Festival. On May 10, Rose Hill Park will be transformed into a lively haven for art enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a slice of authentic Southern culture. With the park nestled at the corner of Hamilton Road and 33rd Street, the festival promises to be a delightful gathering showcasing a rich mosaic of local folk…
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Sometimes the inspiration for art is divine. For reverend-turned-artist Howard Finster, the calling to create was unmistakable. Alabama native Howard Finster experienced supernatural visions as a young child which continued into adulthood. Inspired by his faith, he became a minister passionate about sharing the message of God’s love. Although he had created art throughout his life, it wasn’t until the 70’s that Finster received a message from God to use his art to spread the…
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Over Seven Years of Electrifying Columbus – How James ‘JBird’ Gannon Revolutionized the Tattoo Industry with Electric Panda Tattoo Co. By Frank Etheridge It’s talent and teamwork that makes James “J-Bird” Gannon’s dream work at the award-winning Electric Panda Tattoo Co. When Gannon (@jbirdtattoos) opened his popular North Columbus shop (off Milgen Road in the same strip mall as SoHo) in October 2018, his goal was to create “the go-to spot for quality tattoos in…
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(Columbus, GA) – Hold onto your hats and prepare your vocal cords because the Springer Opera House is about to get a serious upgrade with the much-anticipated revival of Jesus Christ Superstar! Opening Friday, March 7, at 7:30 PM, this thrilling rock opera isn’t just another run-of-the-mill performance; it’s a modern spectacle that fuses gut-wrenching drama, gravity-defying choreography, and a set that will leave you questioning if you’ve wandered into a music festival instead of…
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