To say that the Flat Earth band reflects a global perspective is like saying NASCAR racing champion Tony Stewart can drive fast. It just doesn’t go far enough.
Group members hail from or have lived in locales as varied as Japan, Argentina and the United Kingdom, among other places. But someone recently quizzed shaved-head guitarist/keyboardist Marc Gotoh on how the local ensemble compares to another Columbus-based ethnically diverse group called The Tiptonians.
“They have much better hair,” he deadpanned.
Flat Earth, with a lovely lock on its own local following, will close out the latest summer season of the Columbus Area Arts Council’s JCB Neighborfest street concert series from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6 in front of The Commons, 300 Washington St. The free gatherings normally draw several hundred people to listen, eat, drink and dance.
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Downtown agency Fun On Fourth this summer has teamed with the arts council to put even more zest into the longtime fest. Members of Flat Earth — with Gotoh, lead singer Chris Baxter, guitarist Gabriel Improvola, bassist Jonathon White and drummer Andy Robbins — know and appreciate the Neighborfest environment.
They expect their performance to include cover tunes from artists such as John Mellencamp, Alice Merton, Foo Fighters, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others.
“They’re high energy with an awesome stage presence,” said Steve Leach, who has used the group at the Fun On Fourth Mill Race Marathon event he helps organize, and at his Garage Pub and Grill downtown. “They should easily be able to keep the crowd involved and active.”
The group also will play at the upcoming Fun On Fourth on Sept. 22 on Washington Street.
“I think the Fun on Fourth served as our largest crowd (of several thousand),” Gotoh said. “But let’s be honest, I think a lot of them were there for a Ram truck giveaway.”
Leach also served as one of the leaders of Fun On Fourth that has injected a bit of new life into the free gatherings. For example, for this event, Fun On Fourth has scheduled Savory Swine to offer burgers and brats. Plus, there also will be cocktails such as Mango Madness featuring Three Olives Rosé Vodka and other drink specialties, Leach said.
But those with an appetite for something a little different? Flat Earth, together for about 18 months, will present at least one tune from Dire Straits, not often a common addition to most cover bands’ song lists.
“We want to be able to surprise some folks,” Gotoh said.
And all while having good fun.
“If someone were to snap our picture while we’re playing, they probably would catch a dumb smile on all our faces,” Gotoh said, adding that every member contributes song suggestions. “We’re mostly in our 30s and 40s now, and our egos have mostly subsided just a little bit.
“We know it’s a privilege just to be able to play in front of people.”
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What: The Columbus Area Arts Council’s closing date for the summer season JCB Neighborfest street concert series.
Who: Local cover band Flat Earth, playing tunes from groups such as Dire Straights, Foo Fighters, Alice Merton, U2 and others.
When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6.
Where: 300 Washington St. in front of The Commons.
Admission: Free.
Concessions: A variety of food and drinks available for purchase.
Information: artsincolumbus.org.
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