Talk about your street smart music scene.
Leaders of the free, monthly, outdoor, beats-and-eats scene in front of The Commons at 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus recently announced the summertime lineup with one hot extra — five concerts instead of the normal four.
Therein lies part of the added beauty and popularity of the JCB Neighborfest series presented by the Columbus Area Arts Council in conjunction with Fun On 4th.
In recent years, the laid-back gatherings, usually scheduled on the first Thursday of the month, have attracted 300-plus people with a range of musical styles, from rock to reggae.
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Here’s an overview of the upcoming season that kicks off next month.
Concerts are 6 to 8:30 p.m. To accompany sizzling tunes, The Savory Swine will offer sizzling burgers and brats from the grill. Plus, Fun on 4th will have drinks from a full bar. Organizers encourage attendees to bring their own chair.
May 23: Rusty Bladen & The Unstoppables. The Madison pop-rock singer-songwriter last played in the series in 2013, but has been popular with local crowds for many years. Known for his stage energy, Bladen believes sitting through a show is hardly the way to entertain. The group has scored big with Indianapolis Colts fans during game-day performances. His set list is likely to include covers from varied artists ranging from Willie Nelson to Cyndi Lauper.
June 6: The Woomblies. Performed last summer in the local series. Indianapolis-based pop-rock foursome together 19 years and counting, and playing tunes from artists such as Foreigner and Coldplay, plus originals. Also has been an opener at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana’s Labor Day weekend concert at Mill Race Park.
July 11: Bigger is Better Band, making a first appearance in the series, though the group played in Columbus recently and also last year. Its background information bills its genres as broad: country, rock, dance tunes, and more.
Aug 1: The Jackson Way, a local, pop-rock cover band that has been well-known at past events such as Biggest Block Party Ever. Played at JCB Neighborfest last summer.
Sept 5: Tic Tac Flow, a foursome so popular at the last Columbus Craft Beer Fest that they’ll be returning to that event this year. Its set list ranges from The Who to Bruno Mars.
Information: artsincolumbus.org or the Facebook page for JCB Neighborfest Presented by CAAC.
