The Wiz Returns with Soul and Spectacle By The LocaL Staff For many, the story of Dorothy Gale and her journey through the Land of Oz is etched into the fabric of childhood memories. We’ve skipped with her down the Yellow Brick Road, giggled at the Scarecrow’s wit, been touched by the Tin Man’s longing heart, and rallied behind the Cowardly Lion. But what if that familiar path took a vibrant detour, drenched in rhythm,…
Read More
A Legacy Rolls On in the Heart of Columbus By Monica Jones ** All Images by Dewayne Goss For years, the rumble of engines and the easy camaraderie of riders defined a Columbus institution: Bikes On Broadway. It was the soundtrack of early fall, a vibrant spectacle which transformed our iconic street into a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike. This year, the spirit of that beloved event rolls on, albeit with a…
Read More
A Columbus Gem Finds Its New Character By Monica Jones Exploring the wonderful world of shopping Columbus has to offer, you might find yourself wandering through The Village on 13th in Midtown Columbus, and there you might just stumble upon Two Sisters Gallery and realize you’ve found something you didn’t even know you were looking for. More than just a refined art boutique offering exquisite local art and custom framing, there’s an unexpected charm and…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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,…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More