By Monica Jones The road stretched behind us, a two-day blur from Vegas, as our 1975 Ford van rumbled into Columbus (he was so proud of that van). My dad navigated the streets with a quiet determination, heading straight for the mill. I remember the immediate sense of its presence: a tall, formidable building, four or five stories high, looming near the river and the busy 14th Street Bridge. Even then, the air thrummed with…
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A Life in Sound By Monica Jones When Sterling Alexander steps behind the turntables, he makes “Noises.” This isn’t just a clever name for his bi-weekly gig; it’s the signature brand of a dynamic DJ whose presence consistently thrums through the region. From his childhood in Columbus to commanding local stages, Sterling’s entire life and creative output resonate as a vibrant, ever-evolving project built around his unique sound. After some early years in Ellerslie, Sterling…
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May 17th – August 15th By Monica Jones Step into the Bo Bartlett Center now through August 15, and you’ll find yourself transported to a place where the familiar meets the fantastic, and where the echoes of life persist in the most unexpected forms. Butch Anthony: The Persistence of Form in Life’s Remains is a captivating exhibition by the self-taught Alabama artist, offering a profound and often whimsical journey through seven large-scale works crafted predominantly…
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By Paul Rowe As the summer heat rises in Columbus, so does the momentum behind the region’s booming film scene. Just six months after unveiling its first-ever Annual Slate, the CineForge Co-Op, Columbus’s homegrown filmmakers’ collective, has proven that the local creative current flowing through the Chattahoochee Valley is no passing trend. And what a first half it’s been. It’s also worth highlighting the recent wave of visiting film productions hosted right here in Columbus…
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A Local Icon Who Paved the Way By Monica Jones It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Dave Carson, a man whose vision and dedication profoundly shaped the cultural fabric of our community. Dave, who passed away peacefully at his Columbus home on June 7, 2025, at the age of 63, was a visionary whose passion for local arts and entertainment resonated through everything he touched. Alongside his beloved wife, Vicki,…
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Discovering the Art of Anastasia Waldecker By Monica Jones There’s a certain magic in stumbling upon artistry within your own community, isn’t there? It’s like uncovering a hidden gem, a voice which speaks to the familiar landscape with a fresh and captivating perspective. It was at our very own Columbus Jazz Society Annual Soirée, amidst the soulful melodies and vibrant energy, that I had the pleasure of meeting Anastasia Waldecker, an artist whose work resonated…
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Forty Years of Floral Artistry with David Benefield’s Highland Hall By Monica Jones Step through the stately doors of Highland Hall, and you don’t just enter a florist shop—you step into a living piece of history, filled with the scent of fresh blooms and the warm, welcoming spirit of owner David Benefield. For four decades, David has been a cornerstone of Columbus’s floral landscape, and his journey, much like the vibrant arrangements he creates, truly…
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By Paul Rowe, a soap-slinging filmmaker who didn’t know he’d care this much. Five years ago, Historic Westville, a charming, living history museum in Columbus, closed its gates thanks to the pandemic. The world paused. Time stood still. And once the pandemic was over and time started again, I, somehow, found myself standing on its grounds twice for film productions, with a third shoot coming up (2025) that I can only describe as …historically sweaty….
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By Natalie Downey Here, the air hums with a familiar symphony: the joyful shrieks and thundering footsteps of children doing what they’ve always done best – learning through the sheer, unadulterated magic of play. It’s a nostalgic echo of simpler times, yet vibrantly alive with modern discovery. This is what it feels like to step back in time and into the Chattahoochee Valley Learning Resource Center (CVLRC). Every inch of this special place whispers tales…
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A Closet of Dreams and a Pocketful of Rock-n-Roll Come Alive for One Night Show The Bo Bartlett Center is about to undergo a transformation, morphing from a serene art gallery into a vibrant, intimate closet of dreams. “Playing Dress Up,” a one-night-only musical spectacle on June 4, promises to be an experience unlike any other, a fusion of rock-n-roll energy, childhood nostalgia, and the raw talent of singer Lucy Werner. At the heart of…
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