7/13 evening with Natalie Merchant and Columbus Symphony: a review

I enjoyed a beautiful evening Saturday listening to the "distinct contralto voice" of Natalie Merchant, backed by the "layered, lush and lovely" Columbus Symphony.

I'm sure most of the crowd expected a pop star, radio hits concert.  But I knew from reading previous reviews that the set list would be heavy on lullabies and poetry-inspired recent work.  

Overall, it was Natalie at her finest and completely on her brand.

For me, highlights were:

• Verdi Cries, a track from Natalie and 10,000 Maniacs
• works from Leave Your Sleep
• works from Tigerlily included My Beloved Wife and Seven Years 
• Life is Sweet and She Devil 
• Plus, a couple of tunes from a forthcoming solo album

She closed with an encore of 

• Wonder 
• These Are Day
• Kind and Generous

sold out outdoor venue at Columbus Commons

Impressed with the talents of the orchestra, and the team that helped them sound great

The grounds of the Commons were in full bloom

The table seating added another dimension to the experience

A clear night under the stars and under the lights

The crowd really got into the second half, which featured more hits

During the encore, I went up to the stage for a closer look

Natalie was having a great time, and savored the sound of the Symphony, too

When the stage cleared, the sheet music of Kind & Generous was a reminder of appreciation

 

20 scenes from 20 miles along the Scioto & Olentangy Rivers

61 "Likes" and counting for the Passion Pit tix

In what looks more like a Big Ten football score, Melanie really lit up the Facebook tally in a contest for concert tickets from Seek Creative Distortion.

Roto: tour of museum and exhibit design studio with Columbus IDSA

On Saturday, I joined along with the Columbus chapter of IDSA & IxDA for a tour of the facilities and creative space of ROTO, a full-service design and production firm specializing in first-hand experiences for museums and entertainment venues. 

Roto has an award-winning design team and its own in-house exhibit engineering group.  We saw some of their work that includes interactive gadgets, immersive themed environments, content-rich interpretive exhibits, and dramatic story-driven attractions.

A few of the projects we discussed were 

• Peoria Riverfront Museum
• Children's Museum of Jordan
• Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History
• Harley-Davidson Museum
• Hard Rock Park, Orlando
• Jim Henson Museum
• COSI Columbus

Thanks to Roto for hosting the behind-the-scenes tour, and to Roto designers Mike Denison and Caroline Petitti for the insights.
 
Learn more about Roto and their approach at www.roto.com 

Take a look at some photos from the afternoon at Roto:

83 Gallery event with Colors & Bottles: inspiring the creative side of my brain

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I really enjoyed my most recent painting event with Colors & Bottles held at 83 Gallery in the Short North district of Columbus.

This was my third time, and it keeps inspiring the creative side of my brain.

During this event, there was a specific painting taught by our instructor, Ratnamala, who is quite encouraging.

So when I wanted to interpret the painting in my own style, she said “whatever you wish,” then shared some tips to make me feel comfortable with my technique.

Colors & Bottles mission is to offer a relaxed, welcoming, stress-free, social art experience for anyone and everyone of all skill levels. Certainly that’s been how I’ve felt -- comfortable, social, no-pressure, encouraging, and entertaining.

It was great to meet and talk with Jessica Burley, founder and president of Colors & Bottles.  She is the heart, passion, drive and determination behind its success.

“I wanted to start an organization that not only offered an artistic stress outlet for people but I wanted to structure my business in a way that could create jobs for Artists and Art lovers,” Jessica says. “The idea of hosting events in various hip locations was a perfect, yet fun, solution to help support and grow local communities. This idea allows for our host small businesses to get people in their door to market, sell and promote their products. We truly believe that if everyone supports each other and works together than we can all help build strong, successful and happy communities.”

Colors & Bottles is now in 9 cities nationwide and employs 137 artists and contractors.