Over the past year, the Columbus music scene has witnessed tremendous growth. From the continuous slew of new music festivals that popped up throughout the summer to the recognition of local acts on national television, the city’s scene is both thriving in and outside of itself. November’s lineup of shows is a testament to the ever-growing local movement, with shows taking place at venues that the most-popular acts hit on the national circuit, and even a collaboration between a respected jam act and local legend. Check out the list of six local shows below, and make sure to show your support this month.
CD102.5 Frontstage presents! Hello Luna @ The Basement
Hello Luna’s aggressive, emotional alternative rock returns to The Basement in what should be another sold-out affair. The show comes one week after the release of Hello Luna’s new five-song EP Dear Demons, so one can expect a revised live show to take place in the PromoWest district. Other Columbus rock outfits Fashion Week and The Candescents will be providing opening support. This venue typically sells out quick, so don’t hesitate in getting your tickets.
Time: Doors 6 p.m. | Date: Saturday, Nov. 2 | Address: 391 Neil Ave. | Admission: $13 adv. / $15 DOS
Didi / Manners Manners / Parkway & Columbia / Trying @ Cafe Bourbon Street
After catching the attention of Pitchfork and thus the online music community following a favorable review, didi has been a can’t-miss attraction around town. Their blissful punk-pop aesthetic is a perfect match to headline Cafe Bourbon Street as well. Local group Trying will also be in attendance to provide similar vibes, but with more of an indie twist. Out-of-town support includes Manners Manners and Parkway & Columbia. Never skip a Sunday show.
Time: Doors 8 p.m. | Date: Sunday, Nov. 10 | Address: 2216 Summit St. | Admission: $5
40th Anniversary Albums Tribute Show @ Ace of Cups
Columbus has a way of cooking up inventive ideas for tribute shows, and as the local scene learns every Halloween, there can never be an abundance of cover shows. Ace of Cups will be hosting a very special one in November, featuring performances of albums that were released 40 years ago in 1979. Four beloved Columbus acts will do their best to pay homage to the following albums: London Calling by The Clash; Damn the Torpedoes by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; Pleasure Principle by Gary Numan; Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young & Crazy Horse.
Time: Doors 7:30 p.m. | Date: Friday, Nov. 15 | Address: 2619 N. High St. | Admission: $10
The Monaco Funk Quartet @ Woodlands Tavern
Local legend Tony Monaco joins forces with Michelangelo Carubba, Craig Broohead and Greg Sanderson of colorful Brooklyn-based band Turkuaz to form the very special Monaco Funk Quartet. The event is being promoted as day three of Columbus Funk’N Beer Festival, which takes place a couple of days before on Thursday and Friday at The Bluestone. Additional funk will be provided by local gems TATTAT and PronToh. Make sure to close out the yearly celebration of funk at Woodlands.
Time: 8 p.m. | Date: Saturday, Nov. 16 | Address: 1200 W. 3rd Ave. | Admission: $15
Columbus’ 6th Annual Tribute to The Last Waltz @ Newport Music Hall
What is becoming an annual tradition in Columbus around Thanksgiving, the city’s local tribute to The Last Waltz, which is the name given to The Band’s iconic farewell show that took place on Thanksgiving Day, continues for a sixth year. A couple dozen of the area’s brightest musicians will take the stage a week before Turkey Day to pay tribute to what might be the most epic live performance of all time. Choosing the historic Newport Music Hall as the venue is the cherry on top of this storied celebration.
Time: Doors 7:30 p.m. | Date: Friday, Nov. 22 | Address: 1722 N. High St. | Admission: $15
The Spikedrivers Annual Black Friday Show @ Rumba Cafe
Want to make better use of your money on Black Friday and save some in the process? Then say 'no' to the stores on Nov. 29 and swing by Rumba Cafe for The Spikedrivers’ annual Black Friday celebration. There is a thriving Americana rock scene in Columbus, and The Spikedrivers are one of the local acts at the heart of it. If you’re in search of an intoxicating live performance that will surely get you moving, look no further than Rumba Cafe on Black Friday.
Time: Doors 8 p.m. | Date: Friday, Nov. 29 | Address: 2507 Summit St. | Admission: $8