Photo: CAPA Columbus

Recently, my day was made when I heard that No Reservations: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain will be at the Palace Theatre on November 21.

When I was in college, I discovered Anthony Bourdain through two books: Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly and A Cooks Tour: In Search of the Perfect Meal . I love to cook and I’m an avid reader, so I became hooked. I started looking into all things Anthony Bourdain - whatever I could find on YouTube, the Food Network, and the Travel Channel. I’ve been a fan ever since.

What I have come to expect through Bourdain’s writing and television programming is to expect the unexpected, and to be honest, I’m not exactly sure what’s in store for his performance at the Palace Theatre. Will he do a cooking demonstration or give a lecture on travel and the culinary arts? I’m not sure, but I do know it’s sure to be insightful, irreverent and brutally honest to the point of hilarity.

Tickets are still available for the show - click here to buy, and I’ll see you there.

If you haven’t heard about the CAPA Summer Movie Series yet, you are missing out.

In keeping with the tradition of the past 39 years, CAPA is screening 20 films at the Ohio Theatre . This summer, they have done a great job of mixing it up for us. On the menu: classics such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Dirty Harry, chick flicks like Dirty Dancing and Steel Magnolias, and even a Cartoon Capers Saturday for the kids.

Last Friday I made it to the first film of the Series, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. A favorite of my Dad, this was a film I had always considered to be “before my time.” While it was unlike many of today’s blockbusters, it was certainly an enjoyable ride that introduced me to a much younger Robert Redford—one with a very strong resemblance to Brad Pitt.

But beyond the movie, it was the overall experience that really won me over.

The moment you walk into the Ohio Theatre you are taken to another world. Time flies as you admire the stunning Spanish-Baroque interior and listen to the live organ music flowing from the stage. Before you know it, it is time for the show! I loved watching the film in a true theater setting.

For only $4 per ticket—and $2.50 per ticket if you buy a strip of 10—there is no reason to skip this Columbus favorite.

For more details and a link to the CAPA brochure including schedule, click here . Enjoy the show!

Experience Columbus staff was lucky to get a sneak preview of the much-anticipated restoration of the Lincoln Theatre . It’s located on Long Street in the King-Lincoln District, close to The King Arts Complex .

Lincoln Theatre rendering, courtesy of CAPA

CAPA has done an incredible job on the restoration of this intimate 600-seat 1928 Egyptian-style theatre. In its heyday, the Lincoln was the spot to see jazz legends such as Count Basie, James Brown, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Columbus’ own Nancy Wilson.

Our group was surprised and intrigued by the colorful, detailed Egyptian-looking paintings on the ceiling and all around the stage. This will be an awesome place to see almost any performance, as you’ll be so close to the stage, even in the balcony.

Pretty soon, the Lincoln Theatre will come alive with a packed schedule of diverse performances from groups like the Alfred Dove Dance Studio, Columbus Children’s Theatre , the Thiossane West African Dance Institute and OSU’s Theatre Department . It’ll also be home to an amazingly innovative Jazz Academy, operated by the Jazz Arts Group (JAG) .

A public grand opening is planned for the end of May with all kinds of activities and, likely, a big-name act. They promised the schedule will be announced soon, so watch the calendar .

Thanks, Todd Bemis of CAPA and Carol Agiro of JAG, for sharing your passion and ideas with us. Columbus residents and visitors are in for a real treat!