PBJ & Jazz 2009/2010 Series

Time for your kids to get their boogie on while being introduced to some incredible and dynamic musical talents. The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) kicked off their 2009/2010 PBJ & Jazz concert series Saturday, November 7 in their new permanent home: the newly restored Lincoln Theater. Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s premier pianist Bobby Floyd and his crew entertained us with jazz and the blues. Incorporated in his set, Floyd catered to his young crowd by “jazzing” up old and new favorites such as the ABC/Twinkle Twinkle Little Star melody, the Flintstones (I think it was us “oldies” that remembered that one), and the Dora the Explorer theme song.

The concert took place on the 2nd floor ballroom of the old Lincoln, and had plenty of seating in chairs and on the floor. They made room for the kids in

front of the band to sit and listen or stand and dance. My two little ones and their buddies danced and listened to the music without losing an ounce of attention span. They also received a “Turkey Day” lesson on how to sing the blues….gobble gobble gobble, moo moo, yum yum yum. Kiddies worked up quite an appetite with all that music and dancing, and a unique part of this event was JAG provided peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a cookie, and juice for each child. The cost was only $5 per person with a family maximum of $20.

It felt great to attend this event because not only was I able to let my kids dance in the aisles at a real concert, but I got to enjoy it in the newly restored Lincoln Theater. The building was built in 1928 to fulfill the need for a cultural arts center for the African-American community of Columbus. It saw acts ranging from jazz concerts, singers, and vaudville acts to motion pictures. The building had to close its doors in the early 1970s because it needed restoration, and re-opened them in May of 2009 with the help of Mayor Coleman and many Columbus businesses. We throw out a big thanks for restoration and not demolition!!  Today, the Columbus community will get to enjoy the Lincoln as place for the arts as it was in its heydey in the late 20’s. (thank you CAPA for historical information).

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity for your children to listen or dance to music. I promise, you will leave smiling and wanting more!

PBJ & Jazz Concert Dates:

• Saturday, November 7, 2009
  Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s premier pianist Bobby Floyd
• Saturday, January 9, 2010
  Master blues guitarist Sean Carney
• Saturday, February 13, 2010
  Mark Flugge and Kelly Crum Delaveris
• Saturday, March 6, 2010
  The Cats and the Fiddle with Christian Howes

Location:

Lincoln Theatre Complex, 769 E. Long Street, Columbus, OH 43203.
*parking across the street or in the church around the corner. We had policemen guiding us in the correct direction.

All concerts begin promptly at 11:00 a.m.

A few helpful tips:

• Bring cash to pay at the door.
• If you need to bring a stroller there are elevators to help get you to the 2nd floor.
• Bring water. I forgot my water for my kids and they were really thirsty after dancing.
• Get there early if you want seats up front.