I feel Columbus is really underrated as a music venue. The city has so many great places to offer for live music, and just taking a walk down High Street will bring so many of them into your knowledge. There are open mics taking place in bars and major artists performing in the vast array of concert venues. There is something going on for each type of music lover.
Setting my saltiness about missing all of the concerts aside, here are some that you might be interested in going to:
1. Incubus
Incubus is a rock band, hailing from California. They will be performing on June 1 at EXPRESS LIVE!
I am sure a lot of you are already familiar with this band, having heard songs like Drive, Pardon Me, and Megalomaniac. One of my favorite songs by this band is Promises, Promises.
For some, this might be a throwback evening; for others, it’ll be their first time listening to this band. Whatever it might be, grab your friends, and make a fun night out of it!
2. Jack White
The lead singer and guitarist for the band The White Stripes, Jack White has given us a lot of songs to bang our heads to.
Everyone at Ohio State sings along to Seven Nation Army when TBDBITL (The Best Damn Band In The Land) plays it, so it's only fitting that you go listen to the original version sang by the songwriter himself!
The show takes place on June 4 at EXPRESS LIVE!
3. Cold War Kids
Slipping into a genre that I am very fond of, this indie-rock band from Long Beach, California brings a lot of interesting music with them. With songs like Love Is Mystical, So Tied Up, Louder Than Ever, and First, the band can be attributed to helping bring indie-rock as a genre to the forefront.
They play on the June 13 at Newport Music Hall. Go see them play and let me live vicariously through your experiences!
4. Walk The Moon
With hit songs like Shut Up and Dance and Anna Sun, Walk The Moon is a band hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, and they will guarantee a fun night with feel-good songs and chill vibes. This concert will make you feel like dancing under the night sky and give you those “summertime feels” which everyone should be feeling.
The show takes place on June 15 at EXPRESS LIVE! grab your tickets now!
5. Magic City Hippies
I have been known to listen to bands which not a lot of people listen to, and according to me, Magic City Hippies falls into that category. If you do not know of them, then this is the perfect opportunity to widen your musical horizons and discover some new music!
Catch them playing at A and R Music Bar on June 22.
6, Sam Smith
This man needs no introduction, and with a voice like the one he possesses, you do not need another reason to go see him perform. So grab your friends and/or loved ones, and make this a night to remember!
Sam Smith will be found swaying the thousands in the audience on June 23 at Nationwide Arena.
7. Sir Sly
Sir Sly is one of the many reasons why I love Spotify radio; it randomly brought up this band, and I knew at that second that I had to listen to more of it. An indie-rock band from California (I am beginning to see a trend here), Sir Sly’s two most famous songs have to be High and &Run. Their music will make you groove and bop and have a great time in general. 10/10 would recommend.
Make your way to A and R Music Bar on June 24, and you will not regret it.
8. The Neighborhood
Another famous band making its way into Columbus, The Neighborhood is a rock/ alternative rock band hailing from, yes, you guessed it, California. With smooth flow, chill vibes, catchy lyrics, and calming beats, I can think of a lot of worse ways to spend a Monday evening.
Catch them grooving the crowd at Newport Music Hall on June 25.
9. Houndmouth
Houndmouth is one band that everyone must listen to. I have spent days listening to their songs on repeat, never getting tired once. The music calms you down and transports you into a different place within the heart of the song, leaving a lasting effect. You will definitely feel better after listening to Houndmouth.
They are one of my favorite bands, and I want more and more people listening to their music; what better way than seeing them perform live right in front of you!
See them on July 11 at Newport Music Hall, and thank me later.
10. Radiohead
We started this list with a throwback band, and it’s funny that we are ending with one, too. Radiohead needs no introduction. With songs like Creep and Karma Police, Radiohead has carved its own niche in rock history, and no one can take that away. There was a major uproar in the community, as The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame did not include Radiohead as one of the 5 inductees of the class of 2018.
Hall of Fame inductees or not, Radiohead is still a must-see band.
Catch them bringing the house down at the Value City Arena on July 23.
There will obviously be more acts over the summer, and there might be others you will go see, but these are the ones I would've seen had I had the opportunity to.
So, earn that money, grab your friends and get ready for some unforgettable nights! Make the most of your summer by going to these concerts, and don’t forget to rub it in my face.
(And remember that if you want to make it big in the indie music scene, start in California)
