Festivals

Performances

Rhythm on the River

Short North Sunday Jazz

The Motorists Insurance Group
Topiary Garden Concerts

Map of Locations

Weather Policy

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Set against the glittering skyline of Columbus, the Riverfront Amphitheater comes alive each summer with talented musicians and dancers. These FREE performances are a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy an evening out with the arts.

The Riverfront Amphitheater is located on Washington Boulevard across from COSI. Parking is available at COSI, Veteran's Memorial and area parking meters.
Handicapped parking is available at COSI.

Click on the name of the
performer for details.

2008 Performances
Riverfront Amphitheater at Genoa Park

August 1 Oliver Mtukudzi & The Black Spirits
August 8

Family Fun Flicks:
Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who

August 15 Family Fun Flicks: Nim's Island
August 29 BalletMet and WaterFire

 

August 1, 8p.m.
Oliver Mtukudzi & The Black Spirits
www.tukumusic.com

Called the Grand Master of Zimbabwean traditional pop, Oliver Mtukudzi is truly one of Southern Africa's greatest musicians. With a career spanning twenty-six years, 'Tuku' (nicknamed by his fans) has composed an impressive 46 original albums.

As an established producer, arranger, song writer, and performer, this prolific and socially conscious artist blends southern Africa’s rural Shona and urban Zulu beats into his own original afro-pop mix. Tuku’s innovative style and techniques have become widely known as ‘Tuku Music.’

Although distinct from other Zimbabwean styles, Tuku Music embraces the traditional drumming patterns of the Korekore clan and is reminiscent of the traditional forms of the mbira, the South African mbaganga style, and the popular Zimbabwean music style called jiti.

Together with his band The Black Spirits, Tuku has toured all over Africa and the world. Notable stops in the US include an appearance on the David Letterman Show, and a memorable performance at the New Orleans Jazzfest.

Tuku
Dance to the bright sounds
of afro-pop when this
legendary performer from Zimbabwe takes the stage.

August 29, 8p.m.
BalletMet and WaterFire

BalletMet Columbus offers a glimpse of their season lineup when they perform under the stars at the Riverfront Amphitheater in Genoa Park. Admission is free.

The BalletMet program will feature excerpts from the company’s upcoming season as well as a few favorites from previous seasons. “BalletMet’s summer would not seem complete without our annual Riverfront performance,” said Artistic Director Gerard Charles. “It offers wonderful entertainment set against a beautiful backdrop of the river and downtown skyline.”

The public is invited to arrive early to watch the dancers warm up and to enjoy WaterFire.

The incredible vista of dozens of blazing fires burning just above the surface of the Scioto River make WaterFire a one-of-a-kind experience. Fire tenders manage the flames from torch-lit boats, providing bold silhouettes that move slowly between the fires. On shore, people are presented with a unique blend of art expanding the city’s vistas created by the sights, sounds and aromas of WaterFire.

http://www.balletmet.org


Photo by Will Shively
BalletMet dancer Anne Mallonee

 

   
Music in the Air
1111 E. Broad St.
Suite 101
Columbus OH 43205
(p) 614.645.7995
mita@columbus.gov


Columbus Recreation
& Parks Department
Alan D. McKnight
Director

City of Columbus
Mayor Michael B. Coleman