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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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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April at the Springer Opera House marks a significant homecoming, celebrating the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the original inhabitants of this land. With the world premiere of “The Mvskoke Project” and the compelling one-woman show “On the Far End,” the Springer invites the community to witness stories of resilience, sovereignty, and the enduring spirit of a people whose legacy resonates in our very language. Before European contact, the Muscogee (Creek) people thrived in the Southeast, their…
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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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Jerry Farber Celebrates His 87th Birthday at the Loft, March 20 By Frank Etheridge Stand-up legend Jerry Farber looms large as a comedy icon. It’s no easy feat to be a living legend in the world of stand-up comedy, but Jerry Farber has taken the challenge in stride, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that age is just a number—and a punchline. Mark your calendars for March 20, because the comedy world is coming…
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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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Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival showcases top musical talents and the good times to be had in the sleepy railroad town. By Frank Etheridge Downtown Opelika sure is a sweet lil’ bubble to be in. Bordered by two bridges and bisected by railroad tracks, the charming historic corridor dates back further than the town itself, as the Montgomery and West Point Railway Co. line arrived in 1848 — six years before Opelika (the Muscogee term for…
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Is Rolling Into Columbus By David Turner It was July 9, 1971, and all of Shea Stadium was shaking. Staff engineers were afraid the building might collapse. Whole sections of seating rode up and down as tens of thousands of screaming fans rocked to the music booming from the stage. The band and the crowd in the jam-packed stadium were locked together in the pure celebration called rock and roll. It took The Beatles three…
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