A Family Story, A Columbus Staple, and a Table Worth Gathering Around
Cannon Fire,
Classic Cars & Songs With A Story To Tell
So this is what happens when you compress an entire city’s worth of stories into a few weeks – your brain turns into a browser with 47 tabs open and at least three of them playing music you can’t find.
And somehow, we pulled it off.
This issue came together a week early, which is not exactly how any of us prefer to live our lives, but here we are. Our layout designer, Mat (one t, don’t get it twisted), is heading to Germany, and honestly, if anyone has earned the right to disappear across the ocean during production week, it’s the guy who makes this thing actually look like something worth picking up.
On our end, that meant moving faster, thinking sharper, and trusting the work. And this month, the work showed up.
I got to spend some time at Bobby’s Bar as they prepare to celebrate 65 years this June. Sixty-five. That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on routine, relationships, and a kind of loyalty you don’t see much anymore. Sitting there, hearing the stories, you could feel it, especially now, just after the passing of Bobby at 92. There’s a weight to it. A sense that places like this don’t just exist… they hold people.
At the same time, the Crossroads Folk Art Festival is stepping into its second year on May 9, and it feels like exactly the kind of momentum this city needs. Local makers, real craftsmanship, and a music lineup that’s definitely set to bring the energy up a notch. At the same time, it’s not trying to be anything other than what it is, and that’s precisely why it works.
Lunch at Lemongrass Thai and Sushi with Josh of ‘Columbus Georgia Eats’ became a snapshot of what happens when good food, good people, and genuine care intersect. No gimmicks. No fluff. Just real work being done well, day in and day out.
Paul Rowe sat down with Scott Phillips to talk film, archives, and the ways people preserve culture. Local songwriter Scott Singer gave us a look into the Freedom Concert at the Naval Museum during Bugs on the Hooch over Memorial Day weekend.
And then there’s Barks & Blues on May 30, where Paws Humane Society manages to do what they always do – bring people together for something that feels easy and fun on the surface, but carries real purpose underneath.
That’s the thread through all of this.
It’s May. The weather’s doing its thing. The calendar is full. You’ll find plenty of it in these pages, and even more out there waiting for you. Our job is just to point you toward it.
So take the hint. Get out. Stay a while. You might actually like where you end up.
The mission of the LocaL magazine is to bring you the best in art, music, food and fun from Columbus and the surrounding area. Locally owned and operated, we work to improve and expand community relationships through promoting positive events, people and stories. When good things are happening, we will be here to help you get involved. Our monthly print issues feature stories and events that comprise and drive the ongoing surge toward a more beautiful community. This magazine exists because we who work on it believe in actively engaging with community improvement, and we invite you to join us, not only by reading these pages, but also by taking part in any of the many wonderful events we feature.
The Band, Below Average - Hanging Out At The Lunchbox Museum - Catch Them Perform May 9 At The Crossroads Folk Art Festival
Barks & Blues
Music Festival Returns May 30
CELEBRATING MUSIC, COMMUNITY, & A LASTING LEGACY
The Barks & Blues Music Festival returns Saturday, May 30, bringing live music, local vendors, and animal lovers together for an evening rooted in community and cause. Hosted by Paws Humane Society, the dog-friendly outdoor event invites guests to enjoy a full lineup of performances while supporting the organization’s ongoing work.
Designed to be relaxed and welcoming, Barks & Blues has become one of the area’s most anticipated community events. Attendees can expect a full evening of live music, local vendors, and an atmosphere where people and pets are equally part of the experience. Entry is $10 per person, with tickets available online and at the gate. All proceeds benefit Paws Humane Society and the animals in its care.
This year’s lineup spans southern rock, country, and high-energy tribute performances. Dixie Red opens the festival with a mix of original music and crowd-favorite covers, followed by Jonboy Storey, whose country sound leans into storytelling and soul. Midnight Satellite brings a more electrified set, known for its intensity and crowd engagement, while Damn Skippy delivers a lively countryrock performance built for a festival crowd. Closing out the night, Pandora’s Box, an Aerosmith tribute band, takes
the stage with a set packed with recognizable hits and bigstage energy.
Beyond the music, the event continues to serve as a gathering point for the community. Local vendors and partners will be on-site, contributing to a family-friendly environment that reflects the mission behind the festival.
This year’s event also carries added significance. The 2026 festival will honor the life and legacy of Brian Waters, whose vision helped shape Barks & Blues from its earliest days.
Waters played a key role in the festival’s creation and
growth. What began in 2016 as a small event in the Paws parking lot, with little more than a drum riser for a stage, has since grown into a large-scale community gathering. He served on the planning committee, emceed the festival each year, and was deeply involved in building it into what it is today.
Those who worked with him remember his belief in community and his commitment to supporting animals through that connection.
While his absence will be felt, his influence remains part of the festival’s foundation, continuing to shape its direction and purpose.
“Barks & Blues has always been about more than music,” organizers said. “It’s about creating a space where people can come together, have fun, and make a difference for animals who need our help.”
That mission continues to drive Paws Humane Society’s work. Funds raised through Barks & Blues support medical care, daily operations, and programs that give animals a second chance.
As the community gathers again on May 30, the festival runs from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m., offering a full evening of music and connection in support of a cause that impacts thousands of animals each year.
Tickets are available at barksandblues.com and at the gate the day of the event.
For more information or sponsorship inquiries, contact Debbie Mayhew, Donor Relations Manager, at dmayhew@ pawshumane.org or 706-987-8372
Paws Humane Society 4900 Milgen Road, Columbus, GA 31907 pawshumane.org | 706-565-0035
½ off Tuesdays at the Columbus Collective Museums Immerse yourself in a maze of thrifting and discovery. Originally the Lunch Box Museum, now also the Royal Crown Cola Museum, The Chero-Cola Museum, The Nehi Drink Museum, The Georgia Radio Museum, The Tom Huston Peanut Museum, a Car Museum and more. Over 1,000 lunch boxes will just get you started. Local Readers get ½ off their ticket price every Tuesday. Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Saturday , 3218 Hamilton Road, Columbus Tours at the Springer
Springer Tours is an unforgettable evening of history, mystery, and the unexplained. Are you brave enough to face the possible ghosts that haunt our historic theater? Please be aware that this is a 45-minute walking tour that will involve navigating multiple staircases within the Springer. For ages 12 and up. Tickets are available at their Box Office at 706-327-3688. 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 11 p.m. , Springer Opera House, 103 East 10th Street, Columbus
Sketching Under the Skylight
Come and join us for our monthly figure drawing series to catch the creative spirit while drawing under the Center’s skylights. This free event happens every second Thursday of the month and is open to the public of all ages and skill levels. Just bring your own supplies. The Bo Bartlett Center, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus
Exhibition: America Fantastica: Memories, Dreams, and Chance
Step into a surreal, interactive exhibition inspired by key moments in American Surrealism, featuring immersive elements and a hands-on exquisite corpse drawing experience. Daily , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus
Drop In Tour:
Celebrating the Columbus Museum Collection
Join a COMU docent for a guided tour highlighting The Columbus Museum’s permanent collection. No registration required. Every Saturday, 2 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus
Look at Lunch
Spend your lunch break at COMU with a 20-minute gallery presentation followed by lunch in the courtyard. Bring your food or purchase from the Museum Café. Every 2nd Tuesday, 12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus
Reception: Home Is Where the Art Is
A community exhibition reception and art sale featuring work created by individuals experiencing homelessness, with a special auction of Bo Bartlett’s artwork to support local programs. Free entry. Thursday, April 30, 5 – 7 p.m. , The Bo Bartlett Center, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus
Jeff Foxworthy Live
Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy with Jeff Foxworthy, known for his signature humor and storytelling on everyday life. Friday, May 1, 7:30 p.m. , RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus
Blues Traveler
A night of rock, blues, and harmonica-driven sound spans decades of hits and fan favorites from one of the genre’s most enduring bands. Sunday, May 3, 7 p.m. , RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus
BFA Senior Thesis Exhibition
Graduating CSU art students present their culminating work in a showcase of creativity, experimentation, and emerging voices in contemporary art. Reception May
2, 4:30–6 p.m. , Corn Center for the Visual Arts, Illges Gallery. On view through May 9, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. , CSU Illges Gallery, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus
Reception: BFA Senior Thesis Exhibition
Celebrate the work of graduating CSU art students at this exhibition reception. Saturday, May 9, 4:30 – 6 p.m. , CSU Illges Gallery, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus: Peace Seekers
A spring concert featuring the Voices of the Valley Children’s Chorus, joined by the St. Thomas Choir. Saturday, May 9, 7 p.m. & May 10, 2 p.m. , RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Exhibition: We Are the Drum and the Scribe: Black Art in America Collection
An exhibition highlighting works from the Black Art in America Collection, celebrating and preserving the visual legacy of African American artists while amplifying voices across generations. On view through May 16 , The Bo Bartlett Center, 921 Front Avenue, Columbus The Art of Watercolor with Addie Newcomer
Unwind with a relaxed, hands-on watercolor workshop led by local artist Addie Newcomer. Enjoy an afternoon of painting with wine and charcuterie while learning techniques inspired by nature, texture, and color. Open to all skill levels. Sunday, May 17, 2–4 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Lifelong Learners: Georgia’s Fall Line
Join COMU’s Curator of History, Rebecca Bush, for a talk exploring the ongoing exhibition Georgia’s Fall Line. An optional gallery experience begins at 11:30a , with the program to follow. Guests may purchase lunch from the café or bring their own. Tuesday, May 19, 12:15–1 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Gary Allan
Spend an evening with country hitmaker Gary Allan as he brings his signature blend of grit, storytelling, and fan favorites to the stage. Known for songs like Man to Man and Watching Airplanes, his live show delivers the kind of raw, high-energy performance that’s kept audiences coming back for years. Friday, June 5, 8 p.m. , RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Exhibition: Housekeeping by Casey Joiner
A photography exhibition exploring memory and grief through images created during the artist’s experience with her father’s illness and passing. On view through June 6. Wednesday–Friday, 1 – 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. , The Do Good Fund Gallery, 111 12th Street, Suite 103, Columbus
Exhibition: Monica Ikegwu: Through the Veil
In her first solo museum-organized exhibition, Monica Ikegwu presents oil portraits exploring themes of concealment and revelation, often veiling her subjects to question visibility and identity. Through July 19 , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Exhibition: Georgia’s Fall Line
This exhibition explores the industrial and military history of Georgia’s Fall Line communities, highlighting manufacturing, textile mills, trade networks, and regional development through works from The Columbus Museum and partner institutions statewide. On view through August 2 , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus
Exhibition: VACATIONLAND:
American Artists and the State of Maine, 1850–2025
This exhibition explores more than 150 years of American artists inspired by Maine’s landscapes, featuring works from the museum’s permanent collection alongside artists connected to the region. On view through August 23 ,The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus
Exhibition: Columbus at Play
Explore how recreation and leisure have shaped life in the Chattahoochee Valley over the past 200 years, from games and sports to music and community activities. On view May 16 – March 21, 2027, The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus
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Email:events@thelocalcolumbus.com
CROSSROADS Returns
FOLK ART FESTIVAL
TURNING ROSE HILL INTO A LIVING CANVAS
By Monica Jones
On May 9, Rose Hill Heights Park will be a little louder, a little brighter, a little stranger—in the best way—and full of people who may or may not know exactly what they’re walking into.
That’s kind of the point.
The second annual Crossroads Folk Art Festival isn’t designed to be overly explained. It’s designed to be experienced—where people aren’t just viewing art, but becoming part of it. Whether you show up knowing exactly what folk art is or whether you just follow the music and end up there by accident, you’re in the right place.
“Once you get in, you realize that you’ve ended
up exactly where you needed to be,” says organizer Kaitlynn Etheridge.
Last year’s festival pushed through rain and still managed to create something memorable. This year, with more artists, more music, and a growing sense of community behind it, Crossroads feels less like a oneday event and more like something taking root.
Set in Rose Hill Heights Park, right next to Columbus Collective Museums in the Waverly Terrace neighborhood, the location is more than convenient— it’s intentional. The park and the museums work hand in hand, creating a natural flow between outdoor gathering and indoor discovery.
Inside Columbus Collective Museums, you’ll find a mix of spaces including River Market Antiques, the Lunchbox Museum, and a growing folk art presence that extends beyond the festival itself.
“There are a lot of places we could do this, but we’re
choosing to do it right here,” Etheridge says. “This part of the city deserves that kind of energy and attention. There’s so much creativity in this town—people making things in their own time, in their own way—and not all of it has a place to be seen.”
The festival brings together a wide mix of artists and makers, from longtime creatives to those working in the margins of everyday life—after work, in
garages, at kitchen tables, in the quiet spaces between everything else.
There’s Ned Berry, who’s spent decades shaping clay into something lasting. Jarrod Turner, working in a style influenced by Butch Anthony. Joel Huff, a wood fire potter carving out space well beyond the local scene. Parker Gibson, Niqo Sama, Amanda Turner, Edwin Roberts, and a range of other artists whose work doesn’t always fit neatly into a category—and doesn’t need to.
That’s the thing about folk art. It doesn’t ask permission. It just shows up.
And on this particular day, it shows up alongside music that moves the same way—organic, a little unpredictable, and very much alive.
The lineup includes Jack Dylan, Below Average, B.B. Palmer, and Neal Lucas, building gradually throughout the day before settling into a late-afternoon rhythm.
Below Average, fronted by Mary Lake, leans into a sound described as “alternative folk punk rock with a side of Sesame Street,” which tells you just enough to
B.B.
Pottery by Ned Berry Image by Charley Windham
Jarrod Turner & Ralph Frank Image by Charley Windham
Neal Lucas and
Palmer, Image by Charley Windham
know you should probably hear it for yourself. There will be plenty of opportunities to join in the creative energy. The Makin’ Station invites anyone, regardless of age or artistic background, to sit down and create. There will be pottery activities, found-object art, and hands-on projects that you can take with you when you leave. A tie-dye tent adds another layer of color, whether you bring your own piece or pick something up on-site to transform.
There’s also a fossil and gem mining setup—part discovery, part nostalgia—and the Mosaic Community Garden, offering a chance to learn, plant, and connect. The festival itself is free to attend, while Columbus Collective Museums will be open throughout the day with a suggested donation for entry. The museums
now house a dedicated folk art space where many of these artists’ works live beyond the festival—available to experience and purchase, with proceeds supporting both the artists and the museum’s ongoing mission.
Food will be available on-site from Luke’s Pub, adding one more reason to settle in and stay awhile.
“There’s one thing no city can ever get enough of, and that’s culture,” says Allen Woodall, Jr., founder of Columbus Collective Museums. “So we invite you to be a part of our progress.”
Because that’s really what Crossroads is about.
Not just a single Saturday. Not just a lineup. Not just a park filled with tents and music.
It’s about building something—through art, through conversation, through showing up—and letting it grow from there.
And if you leave a little inspired, a little curious, or just a little more connected than you were before, then it’s doing exactly what it set out to do.
The festival runs from from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 9th, at Rose Hill Heights Park. For more information, visit columbuscollectivemuseums.com. u
Neal Lucas, Image by Charley Windham
Weekly Swing Dance
Monday scaries? Not anymore. Come learn how to swing dance and twirl your cares away. 6:30-7p.m. Beginner lesson (free with admission), 7- 8:30 Social Dancing, $5. Every Monday, 6:308:30 p.m. , Scottish Rite Center, 1027 2nd Avenue, Columbus Ladies Monday Night Bike Ride
A group ride for women of all levels along the Columbus Riverwalk, with options for both faster-paced mileage and a more casual out-and-back ride. First and third Mondays, 6 p.m. , One Arsenal Parking Lot, 900 Bay Avenue, Columbus Tuesday Night Bike Ride
A weekly group ride for all skill levels along the Riverwalk, with multiple pace options ranging from casual to fast-paced mileage. Riders roll out together and often gather for dinner afterward. Tuesdays, 6 p.m. , Ride On Bikes, 1036 Broadway, Columbus Trivia Night at Tommy G’s
Put your knowledge to the test with a weekly trivia night featuring prizes, food, drinks, and a lively, competitive atmosphere. Bring a team or join one and play for bragging rights. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. , Tommy G’s, 6835 Midland Commons Boulevard, Columbus Story Time with Grammy Trish
Join us for Story Time with Grammy Trish where she’ll read charming children books and engage with your little ones. Every Wednesday at 11 a.m. , Columbus Bound Bookshop, 1328 13th Street, Columbus
Sweet-South Music Revival @ The Loft
Enjoy music of the American South. Gospel, Blues, Soul, Funk, Zydeco, Jazz, Americana, and more. With Jesse Shelby & Jason Ezzell. Wednesday nights, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus
Crown and Comedy Night @ The Loft
It’s always laughs at the Loft as our favorite hostess with the mostest Lil’ Bit takes the stage to introduce the best comedians around. Every Thursday, 7:30 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Third Thursday: Food Trucks and Film
A monthly movie night featuring rotating food trucks, drinks, and a family-friendly outdoor film. T hursday, April 16, 6 – 8:30 p.m. , Highside Market, 211 13th Street, Columbus Highside Market Friday Night Concert Series
Live music continues in May at Highside Market with a lineup of soul, blues, country, and cover bands. Fridays, May 1, 8, 15, 29 , Highside Market, 211 13th Street, Columbus Basics of Blacksmithing Workshop
A 4-hour hands-on workshop covering foundational blacksmithing techniques, including drawing, twisting, and bending, as participants create their own S-hook. Registration required; ages 21+. $75 per person. Fridays & Saturdays through December 12 , Historic Westville, 3557 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus
Food & Wine Weekends at Callaway Gardens
Enjoy curated food and wine experiences, live music, and seasonal programming set among spring blooms across Callaway Resort & Gardens. Fridays, 5–9 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. , Through May 10, Callaway Resort & Gardens, 17800 Highway 27, Pine Mountain Market Days on Broadway
Featuring 200+ local vendors, handmade goods, art, food, and boutique shopping in Uptown. Family- and pet-friendly. Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. , Broadway, Uptown Columbus
Second Saturday Tours at Historic Westville Village
A 45-minute guided tour offering an overview of Historic Westville Village. Included with admission; begins at the Thornton Visitor Center. Second Saturdays, 11 – 11:45 a.m. , Historic Westville, 3557 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus Highside Farmers Market
Shop fresh produce, baked goods, meats, artisan foods, and more from local farmers and makers in a relaxed outdoor setting. A weekly Sunday market highlighting seasonal offerings and
community vendors. Sundays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. , Daisy Park, 211 13th Street, Columbus
Salsa Sundays!
Grow your dance skills with BailaMo in a fun, judgment-free environment. Offering Beginner / And Intermediate. Drop ins are welcome. Every Sunday, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. , Art of Yoga, 4924 Armour Road, Columbus Full Moon Market
This is not me-maw’s craft market. Catch the vibe with our select makers and curators. Food trucks and always good vibes. Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. , The Vibe on 6th, 1301 6th Avenue, Columbus
Relay For Life Russell County: Glow Together for a Cure
Join the community for an evening of remembrance, celebration, and support in the fight against cancer. This family-friendly event features survivor recognition, a luminaria ceremony, live music, activities, and more—all set to a glowing neon theme. Friday, May 1, 7p , Crawford Walking Trail, Crawford Full Moon Ride
We will ride at a conversational pace with just a few miles to our destination. We’ll have some great music and will stop at a local spot to grab a beverage. Rentals are available but be sure to reserve in advance. Wednesday, May 1, 8 p.m. , Ride On Bikes, 1036 Broadway, Columbus
Marigold 5K
Run or walk a scenic 5K through the trails of the Columbus Botanical Garden, winding around Lake Heath and garden paths. All finishers receive a themed medal. Saturday, May 2, 8 a.m. , Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus Forest Falls Hike with a Ranger
Join a park ranger for a guided hike to Cascade Falls on this 4.2mile moderate to strenuous trail. Pre-registration required; bring water and wear appropriate footwear. Saturday, May 2, 8:30 a.m. , F.D. Roosevelt State Park, 2970 Highway 190, Pine Mountain Historic Cotton Fair (Spring Edition)
Browse hundreds of artisans from across the country offering arts, crafts, antiques, and food in this long-running spring tradition. Enjoy live entertainment, local vendors, and a full weekend of shopping and festivities. Saturday–Sunday, May 2–3, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. , The Cotton Fair Grounds, Gay X-Marks the Spot
This Theatre for the Very Young production invites little pirates to join Captain Letter on an interactive adventure through the alphabet in search of hidden treasure. Saturday, May 2, 11–11:30 a.m. , Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus Mat Pilates at River Oak Boutique
Join a 45-minute sculpt session led by Rumble, paired with a pre-workout boost and a VIP consultation to elevate your fitness routine. Limited spots available. Saturday, May 2, 11:30 a.m. , River Oak Boutique, 1204 1st Avenue, Columbus Strut the Hooch Parade
This annual community parade celebrates culture, creativity, and self-expression, welcoming participants of all ages and backgrounds to join in the fun. Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. , 1100 block of Broadway, Columbus Columbus Porchfest 2026
A Free, family-friendly music festival featuring local and regional artists performing on front porches throughout Uptown’s historic neighborhoods. Saturday, May 2, 12 - 9 p.m. , Uptown Columbus
Canvas at Callaway
Enjoy a guided painting experience overlooking the lake at the Discovery Center, with the option to follow along or create your own piece. Sessions offered at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday–Sunday, May 2–3 & 9–10 , Callaway Resort & Gardens, 17800 Highway 27, Pine Mountain Symphony on the Sand
Experience an evening of live orchestral music set along the shores of Robin Lake Beach, with a relaxed, open-air atmosphere under the stars. Saturday, May 2, 5 p.m. , Callaway Resort & Gardens, 17800 Highway 27, Pine Mountain Racing for COMU
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with an evening of bourbon, dining, betting, and live music in support of The Columbus Museum’s exhibitions and programs. Saturday, May 2, 5:30–9:30 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus
Water Lantern Festival
Gather for an evening of reflection and connection as glowing lanterns are released across the water, creating a peaceful and visually stunning experience. Each participant can personalize a lantern with messages of hope and intention. Saturday, May 2, 6:30–10:30 p.m. , Callaway Resort & Gardens, 17800 Highway 27, Pine Mountain Bikes and Breakfast
Start your Sunday with a buffet breakfast and a chance to connect with fellow riders before hitting the road. A relaxed, social meetup for anyone ready to ride. Sunday, May 3, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. , Bodega 1205, 1205 Broadway, Columbus
Strong Smart & Bold Celebration Luncheon
Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell honors community leaders and celebrates scholarship recipients, with a keynote by Meaghan Blight, president of Wesleyan College. Tuesday, May 5, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. , St. Luke Ministry Center, 301 11th Street, Columbus
Cinco de Mayo at Highside
Celebrate with an evening of tamales, music, and community fun, including a cooking class, eating contest, piñatas, and salsa dancing in the park. Tuesday, May 5, 5:30 p.m. , Highside Market, 211 13th Street, Columbus
Artist Market at Clement Arts
Shop original artwork created by Clement Arts students, showcasing their creativity and entrepreneurial skills. Thursday, May 7, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. , Clement Arts, 2303 Double Churches Road, Columbus
Midland Commons Concert Series: The Active Ingredients
Enjoy a high-energy night of live music with The Active Ingredients, plus food trucks, local eats, and a laid-back outdoor atmosphere. Bring chairs, friends, and enjoy the evening. Friday, May 8, 6:30–10 p.m. , Midland Commons, 6835 Midland Commons Boulevard, Columbus
Wim Tapley & The Cannons with Trash Panda
A high-energy night of live music featuring two standout bands delivering a loud, crowd-moving show as part of an ongoing live music series at The Loft. Friday, May 8, 8 p m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus
Dixie Red Live
Enjoy a night of live music with Dixie Red bringing a fun, high-energy set to the stage. Friday, May 8, 9 p.m. , The Varsity Sports Bar & Grill, 3745 Highway 80, Phenix City Pet Food Pantry Event
A drive-through event offering free dog and cat food to support local families and their pets. First come, first served, with limited supplies available. Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. , Peachtree Mall, 3131 Manchester Expressway, Columbus Crossroads Folk Art Festival 2026
A free community festival celebrating self-taught and folk artists with live music, artist talks, and hands-on experiences. Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. , Rose Hill Heights Park, 3300 Hamilton Road, Columbus Columbus Children’s Book Festival
Meet award-winning authors including Louis Sachar, C.G. Esperanza, John Patrick Green, and Sandra Markle, plus enjoy live entertainment, crafts, vendors, and food trucks. Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. , Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus
Yoga at the Museum
Start with a short mindfulness exercise then relax with a gentle, all-levels yoga session led by Sue Tomkiewicz. Some yoga mats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required. Saturday, May 9, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus
Midland Mix Market Series
Browse a rotating selection of local vendors offering fresh goods, handmade items, flowers, and more, alongside food trucks and local eats in a relaxed, community-focused setting. Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Midland Commons, 6835 Midland Commons Boulevard, Columbus
Mother’s Day Market on 1st Avenue
S troll a curated outdoor market featuring local vendors, food, and drinks in a walkable, community-focused setting celebrating Mother’s Day weekend. Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. , River Oak Boutique, 1204 1st Avenue, Columbus
One Bad Mutha Mother’s Day Event
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a fun-filled afternoon featuring a mimosa bar, custom bouquets, hands-on art activities, photo
ops, and local vendors in a relaxed, creative setting. Saturday, May 9, 12–4 p.m. , Rally Point Harley-Davidson, 3230 Williams Road, Columbus Tacos & Margaritas Festival
Enjoy tacos, margaritas, and live music in an outdoor festival setting. Free tacos and margaritas available from 1 – 3 p.m. while supplies last. Saturday, May 9, 12 – 6 p.m. , Columbus Civic Center Amphitheater, 400 Fourth Street, Columbus Monster X Tour
Experience an action-packed night of monster truck racing, freestyle stunts, and dirt track competition, plus a pre-show pit party with up-close access to the trucks. Saturday, May 9, 7 p.m. (Pit Party 5:30–6:30 p.m.), East Alabama Motor Speedway, 4238 Highway 80 West, Phenix City Mojo Thunder Live
Kentucky rock band Mojo Thunder brings a high-energy mix of bold rock, sharp songwriting, and genre-blending sound to The Loft. Saturday, May 9, 8 p.m., The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Dru Hill & Tamar Braxton: Mother’s Day Celebration
An R&B showcase featuring Dru Hill, Tamar Braxton, Ginuwine, and Keke Wyatt. Sunday, May 10, 6 p.m. , Columbus Civic Center, 400 Fourth Street, Columbus La Voz Latina is Powerful: Hispanic Political Forum
A community forum bringing together residents, leaders, and candidates to amplify and engage the Latino voice in Columbus through dialogue, advocacy, and connection. Monday, May 11, 5–7 p.m. , Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus After School Art Break
A monthly drop-in art program featuring hands-on projects inspired by the Museum’s collection. No registration required. Tuesday, May 12, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Bike to Work Day
Celebrate active transportation by riding your bike to work, school, or around town, then stop by for coffee, community, and free swag with fellow riders. Friday, May 15, 7–9 a.m. , Iron Bank Coffee Company, 6 11th Street, Columbus Dixie Red Live
Enjoy a night of live music with Dixie Red bringing their highenergy sound to a longtime local favorite spot. Friday, May 15, 8:30 p.m. , VFW Cataula & Canteen, 7379 Highway 27, Cataula Columbus Open Disc Golf Tournament
The 5th Annual Columbus Open returns to Flat Rock Park for a day of competitive disc golf on one of the area’s favorite courses. Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. , Flat Rock Park Disc Golf Course, 6106 Warm Springs Road, Columbus Family Saturday at the Museum
A drop-in program featuring hands-on activities inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions, designed for all ages. Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Annual Crawfish Boil at Omaha Brewing
Enjoy a laid-back afternoon of crawfish, cold drinks, and live music by Trey Guthrie at this annual brewery favorite. Saturday, May 16, 12 p.m. , Omaha Brewing Company, 265 Brew Street, Omaha
Playing for Good: Homegrown Rock & Soul
Enjoy a high-energy night of live music celebrating Georgia’s musical legacy, featuring regional artists performing soul, rock, R&B, and gospel favorites, all in support of NeighborWorks Columbus. Saturday, May 16, 6 p.m. (doors 5 p.m.), Rankin Courtyard and Livery, 1011 1st Avenue, Columbus Tomorrow’s Achiever Release Show with Varsity Blues & Jenny and the Exes
Celebrate the release of Tomorrow’s Achiever’s new single “Dizzy” with a live show featuring Varsity Blues and Jenny and the Exes. No cover. 19+. Saturday, May 16, 7 p.m. , The Jailhouse at Rock ‘n Roll Pinball, 815 South Railroad Avenue, Opelika Blank281: Blink-182 Tribute
Relive the pop-punk era with Blank281, delivering a highenergy tribute to Blink-182 and their iconic hits. Saturday, May 16, 9 p.m. , The Loft, 1032 Broadway, Columbus Adult Book Fair at Scofflaw
Browse a curated, Scholastic-style book fair for adults while enjoying a drink and finding your next great read for summer. Sunday, May 17, 2–4 p.m. , Scofflaw Brewing Company, 1428
5th Avenue, Columbus
The Art of Watercolor with Addie Newcomer
Unwind with a relaxed, hands-on watercolor workshop led by local artist Addie Newcomer, featuring guided techniques, wine, and charcuterie. Open to all skill levels. Sunday, May 17, 2–4 p.m. , The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus Columbus Community Orchestra: America at 250 Celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with an afternoon of patriotic favorites performed by the Columbus Community Orchestra. This free concert reflects on the country’s history while honoring the contributions of Americans through music. Sunday, May 17, 3–4:30p , St. Mark United Methodist Church Activity Center, 6795 Whitesville Road, Columbus Ride of Silence
Join a police-escorted group ride honoring those injured or lost in bicycle and pedestrian crashes, raising awareness for safety on the roads. Wednesday, May 20, 6 p.m. , Woodruff Park, 1003 Bay Avenue, Columbus Memorial Day Weekend at Callaway Resort & Gardens
Kick off summer with a full weekend of beachside fun, including the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament, live music, nightly fireworks, and activities at Robin Lake Beach. Friday–Sunday, May 22–24 , Callaway Resort & Gardens, 17800 Highway 27, Pine Mountain Bugs on the Hooch VW Show
Celebrate 15 years of this longtime VW gathering with a full weekend of car shows, camping, cruise-ins, and familyfriendly activities along the river. Saturday features the main show and awards, along with the Freedom Fest concert as part of the weekend lineup. Friday–Sunday, May 22–24 , National Civil War Naval Museum, 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus Midland Commons Concert Series: Relative Sound
Enjoy a high-energy night of rock covers with Relative Sound, plus food trucks, local eats, and a laid-back outdoor atmosphere. Bring chairs, friends, and enjoy the evening. Saturday, May 23, 6:30–10 p.m. , Midland Commons, 6835 Midland Commons Boulevard, Columbus Monthly Guild Members Meeting
A monthly gathering featuring a local artist presentation and Q&A. Free and open to the public; refreshments provided. Thursday, May 28, 5:30-7 p.m .The Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus
Unforgettable Chaos: Misbehaved Cirque
A high-energy cirque-style production featuring acrobatics, spectacle, and adult-themed performances (ages 16+). Multiple showtimes across two weekends. May 28–June 7 , Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street, Columbus 6th Annual River City Gravity Race
Watch local racers compete for the River City title, then let the kids try it themselves with a hands-on “Try Gravity” experience. Saturday, May 30, 9 a.m. , Lakebottom Park (Cherokee Ave), Columbus Chattahoochee Valley Daylily Festival
Celebrate the beauty of daylilies with a full day of gardeninspired fun, including a daylily show, educational class, local vendors, and activities for kids. Admission includes a free daylily while supplies last. Saturday, May 30, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. , Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus Columbus Closet Cleanout
Shop a huge indoor yard sale with 30+ vendors offering gently used clothing, shoes, home goods, and more. Free admission. Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. , Columbus Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Avenue, Columbus Barks & Blues Music Festival
Enjoy a dog-friendly evening of live music, local vendors, and community fun, all benefiting Paws Humane Society. Saturday, May 30, 3–10 p.m. , Woodruff Park, Columbus Miss Juneteenth Pageant 2026
Watch contestants compete for the title across multiple age divisions in this scholarship-focused pageant celebrating culture, confidence, and community. Sunday, May 31, 6 p.m. , Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street, Columbus
The Big Run: Global Running Day 5K
Celebrate Global Running Day with a free, community 5K through Uptown. Open to all levels, with awards for top finishers and a high-energy group run atmosphere. Registration and packet pick-up begin at 4p. Wednesday, June 3, 6–8 p.m. , 1100 block of Broadway, Columbus
RED & BLACK ORIGINS
TSCOTT PHILLIPS HAS 8,000 DVDS
How Many Do You Have?
here’s a room in Scott Phillips’s home that tells you everything you need to know about him. Floor-toceiling shelves line every wall, packed with nearly 8,000 physical media titles. From titles the zeitgeist all knows
and loves, to niche, curated box sets from boutique labels most casual film fans have never heard of, it’s a collection fit for a local legend in film knowledge.
Phillips grew up in Auburn, graduated from Auburn High, and headed to the University of Georgia, where he studied journalism. It was there, as a freshman angling for a byline in the student newspaper, The Red & Black, that his career began. Sports coverage was locked up by upperclassmen. So was civic reporting. But entertainment had an opening, and in 1988, Phillips sat down and wrote his first film review: Wes Craven’s The Serpent and the Rainbow.
“I just kind of fell into doing the critic kind of thing,” he says. “It was getting me in print very early in my journalism school career, and I loved it.”
By Paul Rowe
His path from student reviewer to working critic followed a trajectory common to his generation: a friend’s website, an invitation to contribute, the slow migration from print to digital. He eventually landed on camera at WRBL, doing video reviews that, when COVID hit, shifted to remote narration with visuals he supplied himself. That pivot led to an affiliate pickup in the Alabama-Florida market, and ultimately to a threeyear run writing for Forbes.
It was a good run, until it wasn’t. Forbes wanted more industry analysis, box office economics, streaming market dynamics - an already crowded space, and one that Phillips has no desire to produce. “Analyzing the economics of the industry is maybe an occasional podcast listen for me,” he says, “I didn’t want to spend my days doing stories about that.”
So he didn’t. Instead, he’s channeling those years of
experience into something new: a podcast and Substack newsletter called The Needle. The concept is elegantly simple and perfect for our algorithmic-laden lives. Streaming services, he argues, have become algorithmic echo chambers, and their recommendation engines serve users more of what they’ve already seen rather than surfacing the genuinely surprising work buried in their own libraries.
The Needle is designed to find those films. One early touchstone is Coherence, a micro-budget science fiction film Phillips first encountered at the Chattanooga Film Festival. Among serious cinephiles, it’s practically canonical. For most of the viewing public, it might as well not exist.
“Our audience is not necessarily just cinephiles,” he says. “It’s also for beginning to intermediate folks who are looking to expand their horizons.”
WAY DOWN FILM FESTIVAL
The Way Down Film Festival is arguably Phillips’s most visible contribution to Columbus’ cultural life, and it’s the project people still reference most often when his name comes up in conversation.
The festival was the vision of Jacy Jenkins, Cora King, and Stacy Cunningham, three women who had already begun executing a concept when Phillips came to interview them for a piece. His background on the festival circuit, attending as a working critic, and learning the inner machinery of programming and curation, quickly became apparent during the interview. By the end of the conversation, he had a new role.
“They were great at fundraising and networking and getting facilities,” he says. “I know nothing about that. I’m terrible at asking people for money.” What he could
do was program and recruit.
His strategy was to attend other festivals, sit through the shorts blocks, stay for the Q&As, and approach filmmakers he knew would play well. He called them ‘ringers.’ Mix them with strong local work, create a program that felt curated rather than cobbled together, and the quality would follow. He also tracked down
Scott Phillips
Scott Phillips
Scott, Stacy Cunningham, Jacy Jenkins, Cora King
PR representatives for Oscar-winning shorts, licensing the previous year’s winner, the acclaimed Stutterer, for what he called “master class films,” giving audiences a benchmark against which to measure everything else.
The festival ran in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Phillips had warned the founders that first-year festivals often drew audiences smaller than their organizing committees. He was wrong, and delighted to be.
Opening night was packed.
COVID ended it, as it ended so many things. Sponsorships dried up. The founding trio scattered to other projects. The moment for reconvening never quite arrived. But the appetite clearly remains. Ask almost anyone in Columbus’s arts community, and they’ll tell you they miss it.
“All we need is people willing to put some money in and effort,” Phillips says. “That’s it. Those two things and we can make it happen.”
THE COLLECTION
Which brings us back to that room and those nearly 8,000 titles, organized and tracked through an app called CLZ Movies that lets Phillips search by director, label, or format. You need that sort of thing when you have such a collection.
He’s unapologetic about the scope of it, and patient with those who find it baffling. Physical media, he’ll explain, is insurance. Films disappear from streaming services without warning. Rights disputes can make a beloved movie unavailable for years, even decades, such as the disco-era soundtrack that kept Looking for Mr. Goodbar unavailable for a generation. The clearance issues that kept the film-within-a-film sequences of
Fade to Black off home video. Even something as seemingly stable as Ron Howard’s Cocoon can vanish from every streaming platform because of unresolved legal complications.
“Digital is problematic because you don’t actually own anything,” he says. “When they’re gone, so is your movie.”
His collection includes a complete Criterion Collection run in Blu-ray and 4K. He subscribes blindly to UK label Radiance, receiving three or four films a month with no foreknowledge of what’s coming. He calls it “forced curation.” You pay for it, so you watch it. You watch it, so you encounter Iranian cinema or 1940s Polish films or a restoration of something you didn’t know you were missing.
It’s the same philosophy that drove him toward film criticism in the first place, and toward festival programming, and toward The Needle: the belief that the best movie you’ve ever seen might be one you haven’t found yet.
“I’m in a post-story phase,” he says, describing his current viewing mode, meaning he’s willing to sit with impressionistic, difficult, structurally unconventional work that would lose most audiences in the first twenty minutes. But he’s equally willing to spend an afternoon watching three films on Shudder.
He has no patience for the phrase “guilty pleasure.” Like what you like. Own it. If you can own it on physical media, even better.
Scott Phillips’s podcast, The Needle, is forthcoming on major podcast platforms, including YouTube channel and a Substack newsletter as well. u
Bobby’s Bar
THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE
By Monica Jones
Some places do not just bring back memories. They bring back a feeling.
Stepping inside Bobby’s Bar on Morris Road, I felt it immediately. The wood paneling, the old signs, the familiar kind of quiet that belongs to places built for regulars instead of crowds. For me, it stirred up memories of another chapter of Columbus, and of my own early years here, when that side of town still felt deeply woven into everyday life.
That is part of what makes Bobby’s Bar matter.
The neighborhood staple has been serving this corner of Columbus since 1961, when Robert “Bobby” Perry Wilkerson bought the place. Wilkerson, who died on March 25 at age 92, remained a steady presence there for decades, even after Linda Beyer and Steve Farrell bought the bar in 2008. By every account, he never really stopped being part of it.
“It’s really weird standing out here and Bobby is not on this lawn mower mowing this grass,” Linda said during my visit.
That kind of sentence tells you almost everything you need to know.
Bobby’s Bar has never tried to be trendy, polished, or widely discovered. For 65 years, it has been something better: a neighborhood bar, a keeper of memory, and for some longtime regulars, something that feels like the center of the universe.
The building itself carries some of that history in plain sight. Linda pointed out where the original structure ended and where additions began. Before Bobby expanded it, the bar was smaller, and the bathrooms were outside. At one point, she said, the old toilets literally fell through the rotted floor. Bobby responded the way practical men of a certain generation tended to respond to things: he built new ones and kept going.
There is more history in the walls than most places can claim. Part of the building was created by joining the original structure to a World War II barracks. A faded Coca-Cola mural still survives on one wall, a ghost of an earlier version of the building. Inside, the look remains comfortably worn-in, not because anyone is chasing nostalgia, but because the place never saw a reason to pretend to be something else.
“It’s a dive bar,” Linda said plainly.
She did not mean that apologetically. She meant it with affection, and with the kind of pride that only comes from knowing exactly what a place is.
That clarity may be part of why Bobby’s Bar has lasted.
“Good customers,” Steve said when I asked why he thinks the bar has endured.
Linda added the rest. “We just serve beer and wine. When Bobby had it, he just did beer. We added wine. We could add liquor, but we don’t want the trouble.”
That has shaped the atmosphere as much as the menu. The regulars know one another. Many grew up nearby, went to school together, played ball together, moved away and came back, or never really left at all. Prices stay low. Faces stay familiar. The place closes at a reasonable hour for a bar because, as Linda put it, they try to be a good neighbor.
And it is still very much a neighborhood place.
One customer, Arlo Combe, told me he first came to Bobby’s Bar in 1975, just after getting out of the Army. Another regular,
Linda Beyer and Steve Farrell - Current Stewards Of Bobby’s Bar
Kirk Howele, said he had been coming there since he was about 18. He grew up in the neighborhood and now lives just up the street.
That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident. It happens because a place becomes part of people’s routine, part of their language, part of their sense of home.
Linda put it best: “The people that come here, they grew up together. They know each other. They can count on each other. But they will welcome a stranger in.”
That balance, familiarity without fuss, seems to be the secret. Bobby himself still looms large in the life of the place. Linda described him painting the building at 88, matching the eaves to the red roof, still showing up, still tending to what he built. Even in recent years, she said, it was hard to imagine the property without seeing him somewhere in the picture.
His obituary notes that he was a builder by trade, owned several businesses, and had a passion for flying airplanes. But in this part of Columbus, one of his clearest legacies is the bar that still carries his name.
“I think the longevity is because it stayed true to its roots,” Linda said. “When he first opened the bar, he just wanted a neighborhood bar where people could go and get together and drink and relax.”
Continued On p.19
Lemongrass
A FAMILY STORY, A COLUMBUS STAPLE, & A Table Worth Gathering Around
There’s something powerful about a place that doesn’t need to announce itself.
Lemongrass Thai & Sushi has been part of Columbus for years now. Real food, real people, and a level of consistency that’s hard to fake. It’s built on work, on family, and on showing up day after day - and if you’ve ever sat down for a meal there, you get it.
What started as one restaurant has grown into three locations across the region, a reflection not just of good food, but of something deeper. Owner Jennie Sardinas, who came to the U.S. from Thailand with a simple goal of building something for herself, has done exactly that. And she didn’t do it alone.
This is a true family operation. You might find her mother in the kitchen, her father moving between locations, and a team that feels more like an extension of home than staff rotation. It’s the kind of place where consistency isn’t manufactured off a prep line, it’s the result of years of living and working as a family and a team.
Through everything – growth, expansion, even the uncertainty of the past few years – they’ve kept that same standard intact.
In a city shaped by a mix of cultures, thanks in part to the steady flow of people through Fort Benning, there is still a tendency for many locals to stay with what they know when it comes to food. Lemongrass offers an open door. The experience is approachable, balanced, and welcoming, allowing people to explore something new without feeling out of place.
Recently, local food influencer Josh of ‘Columbus Georgia Eats’ sat down with friends to experience the menu more fully, ordering a range of dishes that highlight what Lemongrass does best.
The meal began with a Thai coffee, strong and dark, finished with heavy cream and a natural sweetness which gives it a smooth, almost caramel-like quality.
The Fresh Spring Rolls arrived first, light and fresh, with crisp vegetables, tender shrimp, and glass noodles wrapped in soft rice paper.
Paired with both a chili sauce and a peanut dipping sauce, the dish balanced brightness with a subtle richness that kept each bite interesting.
Tom Kha Gai followed, a coconut-based soup with a gentle spice and clean, balanced flavor. A touch of lime brings brightness to the dish, lifting the richness of the broth without overpowering it, resulting in something light, comforting, and well-rounded.
As the main dishes began to arrive, that sense of balance continued.
The Graprao Gai combined tender chicken with Thai basil, chilies, garlic, and bell peppers,
creating a dish that was savory, herbal, slightly sweet, and gently spicy. Each component played a role without overpowering the others.
Drunken noodles with shrimp offered a more familiar entry point for those newer to Thai cuisine. Wide noodles carried the sauce well, with a slight chew, while the heat from chilies and jalapeños was softened by the richness of egg and the sweetness of bell peppers. The addition of cashews brought texture, rounding out the dish.
The Crispy Duck stood out for its execution. The skin was properly crisped, avoiding the heaviness that can often come with duck, while the meat remained tender. A sweet and tangy
By Monica Jones
Contributor: Josh, Columbus Georgia Eats
Drunken Noodles with Shrimp
Tom Kha Gai
The Graprao Gai
Thai & Sushi
sauce cut through the richness, keeping the dish balanced from start to finish.
Given the restaurant’s name, the sushi could not be overlooked. A chef’s selection offered a range of nigiri and rolls, each presented with care. The nigiri allowed the fish to take the lead, while the rolls added variation in texture and flavor without relying on excess sauce or unnecessary elements.
The meal concluded with Mango Sticky Rice, made with black sticky rice rather than traditional white. The result was a dessert with more depth and texture, complemented by
coconut and fresh mango. It was sweet, but not heavy, and offered a satisfying close to the meal.
Beyond the food itself, what stands out most about Lemongrass is the consistency behind it. The attention to detail, the reliability, and the family foundation all come together to create an experience that feels genuine.
With Mother’s Day approaching, it is a fitting reminder that restaurants built on family, care, and consistency offer more than just a meal. They create space for connection, for slowing down, and for sharing something
not just pretty, but good for the soul as well.
Lemongrass Thai & Sushi continues to be one of those places in Columbus.
Not because it demands attention, but because they’ve earned it. u
LOCATIONS: Wynnton Rd, North Lake Pkwy (Col.) & Col. Pkwy (Opelika) lemongrassthaiandsushi.com
Crispy Duck
Jennie Sardinas
Cannon Fire, Classic Cars & Songs
WITH A STORY TO TELL
By Monica Jones
Memorial Day weekend in Columbus doesn’t always win the pull of the beach—but for those who stay, there’s still plenty happening close to home.
For 15 years, Bugs on the Hooch has brought Volkswagen enthusiasts, families, and curious wanderers together—now hosted at the National Civil War Naval Museum—for a weekend of classic cars, camping, and community along the riverfront.
Amid all of it, there’s a moment that shifts the tone.
On Saturday, May 23, just after the Civil War cannon fires across the Chattahoochee, attention moves inside the museum for the 4th Annual Honor & Freedom Concert, produced by local songwriter Scott Singer.
“ Imagine the deep, thunderous crack of a Civil War cannon echoing across the Chattahoochee River— then, just minutes later, the first strum of a guitar and the raw, honest voice of a song born from a veteran’s most personal battlefield,” Singer says.
The concert has become a steady part of the weekend, but its focus stands apart. Each song performed is written with veterans and their families, built from real
experiences rather than secondhand storytelling.
“At its core, this concert gives veterans a platform to have their stories told through song and shared in a way people can truly connect with,” Singer says. “These aren’t your average songs—they’re real stories of struggle, triumph, sacrifice, and resilience.”
Singer, alongside his wife Lisa, works with organizations like Freedom Sings USA and Operation Song, helping veterans translate personal history into music that can be performed and shared with a broader audience.
This year’s program features new material written over the past year with local veterans—many of whom will be in attendance as special guests—along with contributions from songwriter Dennis Polattie.
“The goal is to take real experiences and turn them into songs that honor service while helping people better understand it,” Singer says. “It’s an afternoon where heartfelt original music meets deep gratitude andThepatriotism.” setting reinforces it without needing to say much. As the National Civil War Naval Museum marks its 25th anniversary, its collection of artifacts and preserved vessels, including the CSS Jackson, provides
a backdrop that already carries a sense of history and weight.
Outside, the weekend continues at full speed.
Founded by Rick Johnson and the SCUMBUGS crew, Bugs on the Hooch has grown into a multi-day event that mixes car culture with a laid-back, family- friendly atmosphere. This year also marks a transition, with Omar Thomas of In It To Win Kustomz stepping in to help carry the
event forward while SCUMBUGS moves into a smaller role.
The schedule stretches across the entire weekend. Friday brings early arrivals, camping, a drive-instyle movie, and a cruise downtown. Saturday centers around the car show and awards, with a BBQ vendor on site, military vehicles, swap meets, drone racing, and activities for kids. Hot air balloons are planned for
Scott Singer with April Norris
Saturday morning, expected to lift off over the river if conditions cooperate.
Sunday introduces a new rally-style event on a nearby six-acre course, adding a more competitive edge to close out the weekend.
For most people, it’s the cars that bring them in. But just inside the museum doors, there’s a different kind of draw—one that trades engines for something more personal, and leaves people sitting a little longer than they planned. u
BUGS ON THE HOOCH VW SHOW
Memorial Day Weekend | May 22–24, 2026 National Civil War Naval Museum, Col.
HONOR & FREEDOM CONCERT
Saturday, May 23 | 12:30 PM (Immediately following the cannon firing)
She also pointed to something more practical. Bobby’s Bar has stayed accessible. The customers are working people. “They can’t afford five-dollar beer,” she said. “They can’t.”
That matters more than outsiders sometimes realize. In an era when even the most casual night out can start to feel expensive and overproduced, a place that stays affordable, familiar, and unpretentious becomes more than a business. It becomes part of the social fabric.
There is still life here beyond the stories. Bobby’s Bar hosts three-ball tournaments on Friday nights, dart tournaments on Saturdays, and dart league on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Linda said the bar is planning a 65th anniversary celebration
in June, with details expected to be shared on the Bobby’s Bar Facebook page.
Bobby’s Bar has outlasted changing roads, changing neighborhoods, changing habits, and a long list of places that are no longer here. It has held onto a kind of Columbus that can be easy to overlook until you walk into a room like this
one and feel the city, and maybe your own life in it, come rushing back.
A lot has changed. Linda knows that. So do the regulars. Still, people walk in here and say the same thing: not much has changed.
One regular calls Bobby’s Bar the center of the universe. Maybe not for everybody. But for the people who have spent years here, who grew up nearby, who came back, who still walk in and find familiar faces, it is easy to understand what he means.
A neighborhood needs places that remember it. Columbus still has one on Morris Road. u
