Join exhibiting artist, Stephanie Rond, in an informative and in-depth tour of her exhibition, Spacewalkers, at the McConnell Arts Center. This will be an opportunity for patrons to be in conversation with the artist about the work as they tour the exhibition.
Upon arriving in the United States in 1994, Colombian-born Edmar Castañeda has made a name for himself as the preeminent jazz harp virtuoso. Castañeda brings forth a brilliance that beautifully merges the jazz tradition with a diverse set of styles and genres while bringing unbridled attention to a somewhat unfamiliar instrument: the harp. Singlehandedly, Castañeda has cemented the harp’s place in jazz with innovative technique and heartfelt creativity from a wealth of formidable collaborations with music titans such as Wynyton Marsalis, Bela Fleck, John Scofield, Ricki Lee Jones, Hiromi, Pedrito Martinez, Marcus Miller, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Ivan Lins, The Yellowjackets, Paco De Lucia, and Paquito D’Rivera....
For decades, Central Ohio was a popular destination for Appalachian residents searching for good paying jobs. Arriving from Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Virginias, they brought not only their families but also their love of mountain string music. After working all week in the factories on Columbus's southside, they would relax with food, drink, camaraderie, and the music they loved from back in the hills of home. Join Brent Davis and Rich Baker as they discuss how this traditional American music helped shape the culture of Columbus.
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Along with the National Semiquincentennial Commission established by Congress, each state has been charged with forming a commission to design a celebration that reflects its unique character and contributions to the nation over the last 250+ years. The America 250-Ohio Commission is leading Ohio's efforts to commemorate this significant milestone and is rolling out numerous programs, activities, and events now through 2026. Programs include the 4th Grade History Pass, Trails & Tales statewide driving tours, America 250-Ohio Communities, Ohio Goes to the Movies, monthly celebration themes for 2026, and many more! Come learn how you, your community, employer, neighborhood, and family can get involved.
For the past 30 years and more, Jim Malcolm has been the ultimate Scots troubadour, taking the traditional songs of Scotland and his own prizewinning compositions to all corners of the UK and around almost every state in the USA. His voice is one of the finest in Scotland, and his mellifluous guitar playing is the perfect accompaniment. He plays mouthorgan to a standard you’ll rarely hear. In recent years his wife Susie has flown the empty nest to join him in concert. An award-winning traditional singer herself, Susie sings songs from the North East of Scotland and has a penchant for ancient ballads. They have three CDs as a duo and together they offer a concert of harmonies and humour - tales from the road, the riverside and from the home front, and are not to be missed.
Few bluegrass groups have been around for forty years, and even fewer have been more popular, more widely admired, or more influential for as long as Mountain Home Music Company recording artists Lonesome River Band. | The Ramblin’ Bluegrass Ensemble is a super-group of roots-based musicians pulled from active central Ohio bands. | Join us for a pair of talented bands as they serve up exciting and authentic Appalachian music!
Raqs al Assaya (“dance of the cane/stick” in Arabic), is an Egyptian folkloric dance that originated from the popular stick game, which is still played in some parts of Egypt, such as the Delta region, Western cities, and Upper Egypt, under the name of “Tahtib” folk game. Maria will walk us through the history of the dance, from ancient Egypt through its gain in popularity in Egypt and then how the dance won international renown. She will demonstrate some dance moves, present video examples the dance, and explain its unique movements, recognizable music, distinct instrumentation, and specific costuming.
Have you ever felt so mad you couldn’t think straight? Or found yourself endlessly scrolling on your phone after an overwhelming day at work? Does it feel like you’re on a rinse and repeat cycle with pressure building up around you? When we experience ongoing stress, our bodies react in ways that make it feel hard to get off this merry-go-round. Join Reverend Beth Turner for a 90-minute Reconnect for Better Days presentation to learn why this happens to us and, most importantly, what we can do about it. We’ll pull back the curtain on these difficult experiences and explain the science behind what goes on in our brains and bodies when we are stressed. When we understand what’s happening to us, we can learn to spot problems as they arise and use practical tools in the moment that help us feel better and experience better days.
The inspiring true story of folk artist Elijah Pierce, an Ohio legend, performed by acclaimed Equity actor Alan Bomar Jones. Nominated for the 2010 GCAC Artistic Excellence Award.
Mahana Productions is a Polynesian dance group founded in 2015. The goal of the group is to perpetuate the Polynesian culture through the songs and dances of the South Pacific. Mahana brings the Aloha spirit and provides educational opportunities for their community. Mahana Productions currently practices and performs dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Creativity has a transformative power that can reveal problems, connect people of different backgrounds, encourage discussions, and generate the clarity and healing needed to solve hard issues affecting our world. As artists, we have the responsibility to give voices to those who have been silenced and create a better future for those who are struggling. Join us to learn about The Disposables, Jeremy Rosario’s exhibition in conjunction with the global coalition Disappearing Doctors, an organization focusing on the mental health of healthcare professionals. The Disposables is a tribute to those lost and fuel for meaningful change. Rosario crafted breathtaking portraits made from donated disposable medical materials, some directly from the colleagues and families of those lost to suicide. The presentation will highlight the latest efforts of the coalition in Ohio and beyond as attitudes and policies continue to change to finally give doctors the support they need.
