Right Now Downtown

Capital Crossroads Summer Programming: Downtown LIVE Summer Concert Series

Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District (CCSID) - sponsored summer fun doesn’t end with the Capitol Square Kickball League.  Downtown LIVE, a free after-work summer concert series, returned again this summer to the patio at the corner of Third and State Streets on Thursday evening, for a fifth summer of live music, happy hour specials, and fun.

The traditional gift for a fifth anniversary is wood.  Downtown LIVE went another route, adding an opening act to the line-up.  Alex White, who plays acoustic style easy listening tunes hits the stage at 5 pm, providing a welcoming stage presence as the crowd files in.  He also shares information about other downtown events between songs, helping to cross-promote the Capitol Square Kickball League and Pearl Market.

Again this year, CCSID has coordinated with Class Acts Entertainment to book an excellent line-up of bands, including the ever popular Reaganomics, the regional favorite, Red Wanting Blue, and culminating with country rock favorite, Jacked Up.  Most of the bands hail from Central Ohio, but this year there are also acts from Indianapolis, Cincinnati and even New York.

Though the partner restaurants remain the same this year, both Darbys Cafe and San Francisco Oven have upped the ante with new happy hour specials, to draw even bigger crowds.  Following the dollar menu craze, Darbys is offering $1 chips and salsa and $1 sliders, while San Francisco Oven is offering a whopping $5 off a large pizza and $10 buckets of five beers.

Joey Jerome of San Francisco Oven believes that the band line-up and the improved happy hour specials have increased crowd size this year.  “Definitely, more people are coming and they are coming earlier.  They seem to like the opening act too.  And we are seeing repeat customers.

Dowtnown LIVE will continue on Thursday nights through August 27.  For a complete band line-up, visit downtowncolumbus.com.

Each time I eat or drink at San Francisco Oven on East State Street, I am reminded that the outdoor dining area between San Francisco Oven and the Hyatt on Capitol Square is one of the best amenities in downtown.   This space has spectacular features, including mature trees, a fountain designed by Alfred Tibor, seating for several hundred people, and great views of Capitol Square.  On hot days, the space draws a cool breeze, and the fountain calms frenetic souls.

Two restaurants serve this patio: Darbys as well as San Francisco Oven.  I am amazed the area is not full of diners seven evenings a week.  Apparently, not enough people linger downtown after work.

One of the reasons why Capital Crossroads SID sponsors Downtown LIVE is to feature this incredible space.  If you have not experienced it, you should consider having dinner and drinks during a concert by The Fabulous Johnson Brothers this Thursday evening.  For those of you who have experienced it, I am interested to know if this space is as good as I think it is.

The fun doesn’t stop at the Downtown Live Columbus Concert Series and this week’s featured band Red Wanting Blue is sure to give you a good time.  Known for their contagious energy and captivating stage presence, RWB has an ever-growing fan base on top of  national recognition.  Chicago Street Scene writes, “Red Wanting Blue brings nothing but energy and flat out great shows to the stage. Their live performances are all the proof you’ll need to become a member of their ever-growing fan base.”

Don’t miss this free show from the group Hard Rock Haven dubs “the best underground independent rock band in the United States of America.”

Show is this Thursday from 5 – 9 p.m. at the corner of Third & State Streets.  Happy Hour starts at 4:30 and food and drink specials are provided all evening by Darby’s Cafe and San Francisco Oven.  Admission is open and free to the public.

JACK ATTACK
Based on the sheer volume of votes, we now know that y’all love downtown restaurants… a lot. After weeks of eating and voting and eating some more, we have the public’s pick for Show Your Love: Jack’s Diner.

The owner, Chris Kowalski, took a little time out to tell us about the winning strategy. For the full effect, hum the Rocky Theme Song while reading on…

1. Surround Yourself With Affirming Messages
The diner put up signs and made carryout flyers. There were table tents, and its Web site’s front page continued the campaign. Jack’s went all out.

But what would you expect from a place that celebrates every holiday with more seasonal bling than a Kindergarten classroom?

2. Take One for the Team
Chris insists, “We weren’t really trying to win, just to get people to vote.”

3. The Secret Weapon
That’d be the double cheeseburger, on a grilled bun. Then he adds, “with a milkshake… and fries.”

If you voted for a different downtown eatery, they’re all winners in our book. You can give the other joints a prize too: your patronage!