There was a time not long ago when we might have thought live music was gone for good. However, new and familiar businesses in Columbus, Georgia offer places to gather and enjoy a variety of music genres. This city’s love for music is acknowledged in the growing number of concert settings around town.
We write often about Columbus' world-class performing arts venues and theatres like the RiverCenter and the Springer Opera House, but here are six other venues in town that offer live music, too.
Blue Canary Records. Image via Blue Canary.
Blue Canary Records
On the corner of 13th street and Broadway stands Blue Canary Records, the only independently owned record store in Columbus. The shop’s owner, Brian Cook, welcomes local musicians seeking to find their footing. The concert space is in the back of the store, past the enticing vinyls and down a hallway lined with vintage arcade games. Blue Canary hosts bands and solo artists across diverse genres, including indie rock, acoustic country, hip-hop and metal. The intimate venue provides a fully immersive experience, fostering a strong connection between the audience and band members.
If you go: The store at 1250 Broadway Suite B, Columbus, GA 31901 closes for each event. The doors open 30 minutes before showtime. There’s typically a cover at the entrance ranging between $5-$15. Event posts are uploaded to the Blue Canary Instagram @bluecanaryrecords several days in advance.
Daisy Park at Highside Market. Image via Highside.
Daisy Park
The recently developed Highside Market at the crossroads of 13th street and 2nd avenue holds seasonal celebrations on its outdoor stage. There are occasional ticketed events that require an RSVP, notably the previous “End of Summer Bash” and “Looks & Libations”. Additionally, a recurring act called “Jazz in the Park” features a family-friendly contemporary jazz concert with saxophonist Charlie Ray and his band. This is free of charge, usually taking place on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30. Daisy Park’s shaded stage, surrounded by hand-painted nature murals, provides a pleasant atmosphere for all ages to appreciate.
If you go: Daisy Park is outside of the Highside Market at 211 13th St Columbus, GA 31901. There is designated parking for visitors if the surrounding on-street parking is unavailable. Learn more here.
Daisy Park at Highside Market. Image via Highside.
Nonic Rooftop Bar
Also at Highside Market, Nonic Restaurant & Rooftop Bar transforms into a live music scene at night. After dining in their chic restaurant, they invite you to follow the arrow pointing up to the second level. There, you’ll find a walk-up bar where you can sip on a drink while DJs spin popular tracks or featured artists like The Shelby Brothers, The Velvet Cab and Caleb Gamble play. These artists provide an entertaining backdrop for your weekend outing. The fall schedule is available under the “events” section on Highside Market’s website.
If you go: Nonic is located at 207 13th Street Columbus, GA 31901, beside Highside Market.
Make a reservation if you want to guarantee a table!
The Goetchius House, watercolor by A. Adams, source.
The Goetchius House
The Goetchius House is a stand-out structure at the entrance of Columbus’s Historic District. This charming restaurant doubles as a venue for solo artists, quartets, jazz and even gospel brunches! They offer a relaxed and interactive musical experience for dining guests. Every Thursday evening from 7pm-10pm, the establishment invites everyone to come listen to the laid-back Speakeasy Jazz Jams. Reserve a table to secure a spot or grab your instrument and be a part of the set!
If you go: The Goetchius House (405 Broadway, Columbus, GA 31901) suggests a $10 donation for the Columbus Jazz Society at Speakeasy Jazz Jams. More information on upcoming events are on their website.
The Loft, image source.
The Loft
The Loft has been an integral part of the city for over 30 years, being one of the first to incorporate music in their restaurant. The bottom floor is strictly for eating and drinking, but guests often take the piano stairs up to the bar and stage on the second level. The Listening Room stage is occupied by talented musicians performing weekdays and weekends. Currently, every Wednesday night from 7pm to 10pm, The Sweet South Music Revival takes place upstairs, celebrating the music of the South in a fitting atmosphere. There are also rotating sets Friday and Saturday evenings, some requiring a cover and/or pre-bought tickets.
If you go: Upstairs at The Loft (1032 Broadway, Columbus, GA 31901) has free admission on Wednesday and possible inexpensive covers on the weekends. They advertise the events on social media and online.
Friday Night Concert Series
Uptown's highly anticipated Friday Night Concert Series is back this fall, promising a season of unforgettable musical performances. The stage, centered in the 1000 Block of Broadway, comes alive with tribute bands paying homage to iconic musicians, alongside genres like soul, folk, soft rock, and country. The roads are closed for listeners to bring their own chairs and plenty of dancing room. The fall line-up is posted on the Always Uptown website. Best of all, the concert series is free and open to all ages!
What to expect: The locations sometimes differ depending on the weather. Friday nights from 7pm-10pm. Always Uptown's website includes a parking map and other rules regarding prohibited items.
*Written by Olivia Lugo.
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