Jazz is prevalent in Columbus, with the Jazz Arts Group's Columbus Jazz Orchestra playing the familiar Big Band sounds of Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and Woody Herman; phone (614) 294-5200. The 17-piece big band plays a subscription series at the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St.; phone (614) 469-0939 for tickets. The ProMusica Chamber Orchestra also offers concert series at the Southern Theatre; phone (614) 464-0066. Aspiring musicians comprise The Ohio State University Jazz Ensemble, which performs on campus.
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra plays a regular 9-month concert season in the opulent Ohio Theatre , directly across from the Ohio Statehouse. The venue is decorated with plaster ceilings, brocaded paneling, gold leaf trim and a chandelier in the grand foyer; phone (614) 469-0939. The symphony also presents pops and chamber music concerts as well as youth concerts. Popular in the summer is Picnic with the Pops, an outdoor concert at the Columbus Commons downtown.
Opera Columbus presents several major opera productions throughout the year; phone (614) 461-8101 for information or (614) 469-0939 for tickets. BalletMet, (614) 229-4848, produces classical and contemporary works.
Community groups also provide a full schedule. Gallery Players at the Jewish Community Center offers productions, including musicals; phone (614) 231-2731 for tickets. Contemporary American Theater Company (CATCo) performs in the Riffe Center, 77 S. High St.; phone (614) 469-0939 for tickets. Grove City's Little Theatre Off Broadway performs comedies, dramas and musicals; phone (614) 875-3919. Short North Stage performs in the 1920 Garden Theater, 1187 N. High St.; phone (614) 725-4042. Available Light Theatre is at 77 S. High St.; phone (614) 558-7408.
Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St., presents a schedule of performances blending seemingly unrelated forms of entertainment like sketch comedy, live rock and roll and new media; phone (614) 416-7625.