VENUE: DICK'S DEN

Written By Josh Weiker

Location:  2417 N. High Street (between Maynard and Blake Ave.)

 Events Calendar:   http://www.dicksdencolumbus.com/

Genres:  Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, R&B, Funk, …

Cover:  $4  

Drinks:  Under $5

Perks: Patio, Pool Table  

        




 If you feel comfy in a dim, hole-in-the-wall bar with chill people that just don’t give a damn, then you should ask yourself ‘Why Not?’ Far away enough from the hustle and bustle of the OSU campus crowd, Dick’s Den is one of the best kept secrets in Columbus. Just located just off the corner of High Street and Blake Avenue, Dick’s Den is easy to miss with any run of the mill passerby, but it only takes one glimpse to notice.

         On any given night, Dick’s Den provides a stable platform for local Bluegrass, R&B, Jazz, Blues, and Funk music (just to name a few).  The true gem of the Den is the virtually non-existent separation from the performers and audience; the stage sits right on top of you - and more often than not performers end up on the floor, in front of what is surely to be a crowd of enthusiasts, dancing.

Even if you might happen to stumble in, and not necessarily dig the bands, (you may) wander out to the patio (just beyond the pool table) where I promise, an interesting conversation awaits you.  Feel free to chat with the amazing musicians that just consistently deliver your multiple ‘eargasms’ and breathe life into BusTown. There aren’t many places where you can take advantage of this opportunity; and it’s extraordinarily refreshing to hear that they enjoy playing for you, as much as you enjoy listening. 

         There is almost always a $4 cover (except on Tuesdays), but once you’re in, the drinks are cheap, the bar staff is excellent, and the bands are outstanding. Go to Dick’s Den, meet the people, listen to the bands, and enjoy yourself … I mean, why not?

BusTown Reviews was produced by Joey Gurwin 

BusTown Music General Manager is DP Krukrubo

Shout out to the BusTown Music Family

Special Thanks to the great Columbus folks

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VENUE: KOBO

Written by Raad Shubaily

Address:  2590 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43202

website:  http://www.kobolive.com/ 

Genres:  Funk, Hip-Hop, Alternative/Indie, Country, Rock …  

 Cover:  under $5 

Drinks:  under $5

 
On a fine piece of real estate near Hudson St. & High St. lies a music junkie’s mecca. Kobo, which is the Japanese word for an “Artist’s Workspace,” seems to have found its niche in Columbus.  Usually booked for months in advance, there are few venues in town with such an intimate aura.

The stage is very small, giving fans a rare and original opportunity to interact with performers.  There’s live music almost every day, with a 90’s night on Mondays and karaoke night on Wednesdays. 

The bands that come through Kobo’s doors usually fall under the blanket category of rock/pop.  Some local favorites that appear fairly often include Ghost Shirt, Karate Coyote and the Phantods.  There’s also a monthly dance party called Dance or Die, hosted by DJ Self Help and DJ Barticus. 

Kobo has become a staple of local music, hosting events with the Hot 17, the Columbus Music Co-op and various other local sponsors. When it comes to keeping up on the hottest bands in town, Kobo keeps a close eye on the pulse of the city’s ever changing, diverse musical tastes. 

If you’re interested in local music, you’re going to find yourself here one way or another.  It’s a fantastic location to catch your favorite bands because, one day, you might not be able to walk right up to the stage they’re playing on.  Though this venue can be considered small in square footage, it’s quite sizeable in the local music scene.

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