I don’t know about you, but It’s about that time in the semester when I’m itching to swap out the small town charm of Gambier for a night of bright lights and live music in a larger city. I’m from a Cleveland suburb, so I’ve spent many nights in the city for various concerts. There’s something incredibly exhilarating about driving into the city with friends, attempting and failing to parallel park, rushing to try a new restaurant and then finally arriving at the venue to watch your favorite band perform live.
Since I’m sure that I am not alone in this yearning for a good concert fix, I’ve taken the liberty of finding some interesting shows that are coming to nearby cities over the next month.
1. TreeHouse! with Sun Dried Vibes, ROAR, Two Days until Tomorrow.
When: Wednesday, November 18th @ 9 PM
Where: Beachland Tavern, Cleveland, OH
Cost: $14.50
If you like Reggae, this concert is for you. TreeHouse!, a reggae jam band, is headlining with supporting acts Sun Dried Vibes, ROAR, and Two Days until Tomorrow. As far as the venue goes, the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern is a wonderful venue; it’s standing room only, but it’s small, which provides a better connection between the act and the audience. There is a parking lot by the venue, but street parking is available as well. It’s about two hours from Kenyon, but the route is pretty direct.
If you’re considering stopping for a bite to eat before the concert, I would wholeheartedly recommend that you check out Melt Bar and Grilled. It’s a gourmet grilled cheese shop that offers a plethora of ways to put cheese and toppings between two pieces of bread. They also have gluten free and vegan options, which are absolutely delicious!
2. Fetty Wap
When: Friday, November 20th @ 7 PM
Where: Fifth Third Arena, Cincinnati, OH, US
Cost: $30
If you’re looking to listen to some Kenyon party classics, such as “Trap Queen”, you will love Fetty Wap. Fifth Third Arena is the location of The University of Cincinnati’s basketball and volleyball games, so it will be a much larger venue. Luckily, this means that parking will be much easier because they have large lots outside the arena. The show is about two and a half hours from Kenyon, but the concert is the night before Thanksgiving break, so you won’t have homework looming over your head.
Looking for some grub before the concert? Try Skyline Chili! It’s a Cincinnati classic, serving up chili any way you could imagine. Gluten free and vegan options are limited, but they are available.
3. Sleater-Kinney
When: Saturday, December 5th @ 7 PM
Where: Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio
Cost: $25
If you’re interested in feminist rock, you’ll love Sleater-Kinney. They were a big presence in the riot grrrl movement of the 90s, and one of the lead vocalists is Carrie Brownstein, who stars in the television show Portlandia. Newport Music Hall is a mid-sized, grungy venue that is located very close to the Ohio State University campus. Parking is located across the street from the venue, and it’s about an hour away from Kenyon.
If you’ve been depressed over the lack of sushi at Kenyon, there’s a great sushi place called Fusian right by the venue. It’s a build-your-own-meal style restaurant where customers can make their own sushi creation from a variety of fillings. Also, their iced teas are to die for. Gluten free and vegan options are available.
4. All Them Witches with New Madrid
When: Friday, December 11th @ 8:30 PM
Where: Beachland Tavern, Cleveland, OH
Cost: $14.50
If you’re looking for some great psych rock and indie music, this concert is right up your alley. All Them Witches has a wonderful classic rock vibe that is largely inspired by groups from the 60s and 70s. New Madrid brings a similar style with a southern twist.
Since this concert is at Beachland Tavern as well, I would again recommend Melt Bar and Grilled for a meal, but if you’re looking for something different, I would check out Chili Peppers Fresh Mexican Grill. They have a menu similar to that of chipotle with build your own burritos and tacos, but they also offer other pre-chosen creations as well.
5. BØRNS
When: Tuesday, December 15th @ 7 PM
Where: Newport Music Hall, Columbus, OH
Cost: $12
BØRNS is a great psych/ indie pop artist, and I’m currently obsessed with his song “Electric Love”. This Columbus concert is also at the Newport Music Hall, so it’s a shorter drive than the other concerts.
If you’re looking for a post concert treat, be sure to check out Graeter’s Ice Cream! It’s an Ohio favorite, known for their giant chocolate chunks. I would definitely recommend their black raspberry chocolate chip!
So if you’re looking to see your favorite artist, or you’re just hoping to get out of Gambier for the night, you should definitely check out the concerts that the big cities have to offer because they lead to fun nights and great memories.
Image Sources: Freepeople.com Camelcitydispatch.com, Independent.co.uk, Cloudfront.net, Giphy.com