On Stage

Join us for an informal introspection in the life of a photojournalist as he shares his journey through the affects of PTSD. Ed Zirkle has been a photojournalist for over 50 years. Early in his career, he signed up for the Army during the Vietnam War era and ended up being a criminal investigation photographer at Ft Bragg. Ed never realized what effect this had on him until several years ago leading to his diagnosis of PTSD.

Ed will share how his use of photography became a form of therapy without his realization, how relationships are better than pills, and how his rescue dog Lola all brought him to where he is today. He is boots on the ground still trying to figure out what works, what doesn’t, and getting closer to accepting the life he is in. Photojournalism isn’t something Ed does, it’s something he lives.

Ed says this has been a thrilling ride to the top of the hill and an ugly view from the valley. Come hear his story about what brought him to where he is today.
Tickets: Pay What You Can

Wolfgang A. Mozart's Serenade No. 10 in B-flat major, also known as the Gran Partita, is a pinnacle of the wind serenade genre, showcasing the composer's mastery of instrumentation and expressive writing. Composed for 12 wind instruments and double bass, this seven-movement work exudes elegance and intimacy while exploring a sonic landscape ranging from playful and buoyant to poignant and introspective. The interplay between the winds provides a rich symphonic landscape. The work remains an enduring testament to Mozart's capacity to unite technical brilliance with profound expression, making it a cherished cornerstone of the wind ensemble repertoire.

Finally Made It Part 4 is an interactive dialogue and music concert series with you and Tronee Threat.

A journey through 11 years of self-development, higher education, and finding purpose in life, while doing time in American prison. Hear his story through speech, music and the questions and statements you offer as participants.

Ramana Balachandran, is a Vainika in the Carnatic music tradition. His prodigious talent was noticed when he was able to identify ragas and point out nuances at a very young age. He has been performing since the age of 12 and his music has always been simultaneously deep, subtle, complex, and emotive. Ramana started learning vocal music with his mother Sharanya Balachandran. He then learned Veena under Vidushi B Nagalakshmi (granddaughter of Karaikudi Sri Subbarama Iyer) for a period of three years and continues under his father Sri Balachandran. He also pursued Vocal from Sangita Kala Acharya, Smt. Neela Ramgopal, and Mridangam from Laya Kala Pratibha Mani, Sri Ranganatha Chakravarthy. Ramana has performed over 350 solo veena concerts in and outside India. His music and artistry is a sublime experience for rasikas across the board.

Join our host, Eric Gnezda, for the start of Songs at the Center's tenth season! In this episode, we welcome Grammy Award winners Tom Paxton, and The Don Juans (Don Henry & Jon Vezner.)

Bring friends, and feel free to come and go as you please!

This taping is free to attend, no registration required.

FLIPPO presents a tribute to the music of Steely Dan for a special evening that will also feature the talents of Kay Harris and Ron Jenkins on vocals, and Dan Rowan on keyboards and vocals. Steely Dan is an American jazz rock band founded by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen in 1972. They enjoyed great critical and commercial success and continue to influence new generations of musicians.

FLIPPO is a Columbus jazz group displaying instrumental virtuosity and creative energy in the spirit of sonic colors and innovation born of the “funk” and “jazz/rock fusion” movements of the 1970’s and beyond. The band features Michael Cox on Sax, Dennis Hodges on guitar, Erik Augis on Keys, Kevin O’Neill on saxophone, Cary Hackett on trumpet, Andy Woodson on Bass and Reggie Jackson on Drums.

Affirmative Distraction and Kodeswitch are two all black improv groups in Columbus. Founded and produced  by Joseph Moorer, the show is a mix of Wild'n Out and Whose Line is It Anyway! We ask the audience for suggestions, and use those suggestions to produce different games and scenes. No two shows are the same, and hilarity automatically ensues. Bring your audience participation pants, and we will see you at the McConnell Arts Center!

Affirmative Distraction has done shows all around Columbus, Ohio, and has been a Columbus staple for 5 years, performing for large crowds at Via Vecchia, and The Columbus Funny Bone. KodeSwtich started this past year, calling The Upfront Performance Space their home. It is made up of young adults from 18-24, and is usually referred to by Affirmative Distraction's younger sibling. We love what we do, and are proud to be two all black improv troupes, when there were none! We have a fanbase that loves to bring their people out, and we make sure that we interact with our crowds before, during, and after the show. Laugh With Us! 

VIGNESH ISHWAR
Vignesh Ishwar is one of the leading young musicians of Karnatik music. Endowed with a sonorous voice and unforgettable presence on stage, his music is fresh, energetic, and impactful. His uniqueness as a musician stems from an individual approach that combines sincerity, discipline, creativity, and perfect shruti. Born and raised in Mumbai, Vignesh trained under Palakkad Shri T S Anantharama Bhagawathar from the age of 4. His music is steeped in a strong foundation. Since 2008, he has been learning from Sri T M Krishna.

Vignesh has performed extensively in India and abroad. Being one of the leading young musicians of his generation, he has been regularly featured by all the major sabhas at the prestigious December Music Festival in Chennai for over 15 years. Internationally, Vignesh has given various performances in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Barcelona and has toured the United States of America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand extensively. He has also given lectures and has conducted various workshops...

Family Fun Series

It's time for some family fun at the MAC! You'll be delighted with our new family series programming, which is geared toward preschool - young elementary-aged kids and their families.

Come on in to meet and learn about some of our favorite local animals in this fun and educational presentation!