It’s the time of year when children’s activities start shifting from outdoors to indoors. For a great indoor option this winter, check out PBJ & Jazz.

The Jazz Arts Group organizes PBJ & Jazz at the Lincoln Theatre. These concerts introduce jazz music to young children through a very informal setting. There was seating for those parents with shy children, also for children who just prefer a seat. There was also a large area for parents to sit on the floor and children to dance.

There was a great display of toddler and preschool dance moves, which are always original and fun to watch. My two-year-old daughter started with some light toe tapping while listening to the musicians warm-up. Twenty minutes later, she was up near the stage with some other children moving and grooving.

It was also a great opportunity to point out the different types of instruments and check out the beautiful Lincoln Theatre. PBJ & Jazz is a children’s activity that is also very enjoyable for parents and grandparents.

A tip if you go: Be sure your child has a snack beforehand, since the concerts are at 11 a.m. Each child is provided with a small peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Girl Scout cookie and juice. Depending on the child, it may be considered more snack size than full lunch size.

The next PBJ & Jazz is on Saturday, January 8. Click here for more details.

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!