COLUMBUS — As the calendar page turns, so can your thoughts — to an area arts smorgasbord for the new year with as much or more variety than 2019. Events for young and old, and from gatherings that are free to those requiring at least part of you wallet.
What’s a taste of what you have to look forward to? Here’s a quick overview of some of entertainment coming very soon to venues near you:
Fourteenth Annual Royal Ball 2020, 4:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 11, Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave. in Columbus. The theme is “The Roaring ‘20s.” Foundation leaders encourage all healthy and positive adult/child relationships at this youngster-and-chaperone music, games and dancing event aimed especially at those ages 3 to 11. Information and tickets: foundationforyouth.com
Dueling Pianos Encore Number 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 31 at The Commons, 300 Washington St.: What’s the old saying about if it ain’t broke, why fix it? The Ivy Tech Foundation clearly has been hitting the right notes for a few years now on this event mixing audience-requested live tunes with comedy and serious audience participation for a festive night of entertainment. In the past couple of years, sellouts have come quickly, so it’s a good idea to grab tickets, priced at $55 per person, when you can. Information and tickets: connect.ivytech.edu
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Krieger Plays Beethoven 4 with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at Judson Erne Auditorium, 1400 25th St.: Norman Krieger, internationally-celebrated American pianist, performs one of most poetic of Beethoven’s piano concertos. “The work is imbued with other-worldly beauty that is simply entrancing,” said David Bowden, longtime Philharmonic music director.
“Charming Princes” at First Fridays for Families: The local Mill Race Theatre Company continues its role in the Columbus Area Arts Council’s longest-running and ever-popular program for youngsters and their clan. with a spinoff of the classic “Cinderella,” with both laughs and a serious message. Information: artsincolumbus.org
Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Fourth Annual Bourbonfest: Come Get Your Phil, 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 22: Yet another local fundraiser (for Philharmonic programs) that has become a box office biggie, with fast sellouts, including the past three years. Has included about 20 distillery vendors in the past, along with craft breweries, making sure all goes down smoothly for those 21 and older. Information and tickets, priced at $15 to $60: 812-376-2638 or thecip.org
”Hometown Talent” with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, 3:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at The Commons, 300 Washington St.: Conductor Josh Aerie leads the mostly volunteer ensemble through a performance highlighting young, local musicians, most of whom say this represents their first opportunity to perform with a large ensemble. Information and tickets: csoindiana.org
Jessica Vosk at Cabaret at The Commons, 300 Washington St., 7:30 p.m. March 5: Vosk, best known for her performance as the lead role of Elphaba in Wicked, which she recently finished playing on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre. She was Elphaba for Wicked’s 15th anniversary. His concert is expected to include an eclectic mix of musical theatre and pop tunes.
411 gallery exhibition: Jennifer Riley and guest, March 6 through May 1: If you’ve ever seen any of Riley’s work locally, such as her 2014 show “Big Bright Steel” or anything she has curated, you know her creativity is worth more than a few looks. Information: artsincolumbus.org
