King Arts Complex

First Tuesday Tea presents Akron's Real Deal
2024-09-07 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
First Tuesday Tea presents Akron’s Real Deal for a special performance on Saturday, September 7th at the King Arts Complex. Sophistication, style & class are just a few of the attributes that accompany the talent & unbelievable vocal abilities of Akron’s ReaL DeaL old-school R&B singing group.
The group members are Cornelius Parson, Alex Andrus, Vernon Palmer, and Garnett Jones. Each member has a history of singing gospel and R&B in the local and surrounding areas going back to junior high school.
The current members of Akron’s Real Deal formed in 2017. They perform songs from The Temptations, The Delphonics, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lakeside, Bobby Womack, and a wide range of familiar old-school R&B hits.

Long Street Bridge & Cultural Wall - 10th Anniversary Celebration
2024-09-18 10:00 - 15:00 | Long Street Bridge & Cultural Wall, 1467 E Long Street, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
On July 10, 2014, the newly reconstructed Long Street bridge was unveiled as part of the Ohio Department of Transportation’s I 70/71 Columbus Crossroads Project. This complete street design created a unique opportunity to connect the historic King-Lincoln District and the Near East side to downtown Columbus.
Join us on Wednesday, September 18th as we commemorate a decade of the revitalized Long St. Bridge and inception of the Cultural Wall. This milestone will be honored with guest speakers, live music, local visual artists, food trucks, community resources and more.

An Evening with The Ruth Moody Band
2024-09-27 19:30 - 22:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Otherworldly voice and inspired songwriting.
Ruth Moody is an award-winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, banjo, accordion, piano, and bodhrán) hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her otherworldly soprano voice and her inspired songwriting have gained the admiration of millions of listeners. As a solo artist and a founding and current member of The Wailin’ Jennys, she has won two JUNO Awards and performed to rapt audiences in sold-out venues around the globe. Ruth’s solo albums The Garden and These Wilder Things received glowing receptions from fans and critics alike. She collaborated with the legendary Mark Knopfler on These Wilder Things and his albums Privateering and Tracker brought her voice to music lovers across the world. Her new album, Wanderer, is the chronicle of her life’s journey over the last ten years. Her songs are timeless, universal, and exceptionally well-crafted, all sung with an intimacy and honesty that is unmistakably hers.

Culture - Black Fine Arts Expo
2024-09-28 12:00 - 18:00 | Black Fine Art Expo, 345 East 5th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43201, United States
The Culture Black Fine Art Expo, introduced by KBK Foundation, aims to highlight the value of Black Fine Art as both a representation of Black culture and a valuable investment. The event will feature a selection of reputable galleries and Black Fine Art dealers from Columbus and across the country, chosen by KBK Foundation to participate in the expo.
With a mission to support Economic Development, Community Development, Social Services, and the Arts in the communities that we serve, KBK Foundation is committed to “bridging today’s realities with tomorrow’s possibilities”.
We are excited to announce Talle Bamazi as the 2024 Culture Black Fine Art Expo featured artist! ✨
A celebrated Columbus-based artist, Talle uses his canvas as a site for activism, weaving powerful narratives inspired by his deep passion for African culture.
A key symbol in Talle’s work is the calabash—an African emblem of sustenance, hospitality, and fertility. Revered for its cultural significance, the calabash transcends its role as a food source, representing nourishment and reliability. It is a versatile vessel, symbolizing the connection between culture and purpose.
We’re excited to present an exclusive first look at this year’s signature art piece and theme, “A Change is Gonna Come” by Talle Bamazi. This captivating painting features Talle’s iconic calabash alongside a butterfly, symbolizing transformation and growth—representing our collective potential to become better individuals and create a better world. Inspired by the legendary Sam Cooke, whose music echoed themes of hope and change, this piece beautifully intertwines cultural symbolism with the powerful message that a change is gonna come.
Join us in celebrating this extraordinary art and vision!

First Tuesday Tea
2024-10-01 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Dr. Bridget Oppong is a breast surgical oncologist and specializes in advanced breast cancer surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She earned her medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She completed a general surgery residency at the University of Rochester and a breast surgery oncology fellowship with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Department of Surgery.
Join us for a fun time!
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Noon – 2 PM
Doors open 11:30 AM
Nicholson Auditorium
Come sip some tea and be… This event is free and open to the public
Call Juanita Burks at 614-645-0674 for reservations.
Contact – Linda Broadnax: lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com
Sponsored by: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

42nd Annual Columbus Kiwanis College Fair
2024-10-08 07:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Meet with recruiters from colleges, trade organizations, employers and military! Open to Columbus City Schools SENIORS ONLY due to space limitations.
Hands on career exploration and ‘advising’ on subjects such as college financing.
October 8, 2024
7 AM – 2 PM
The King Arts Complex
835 Mt. Vernon Ave. Columbus, OH 43203
Free admission!

Firts Tuesday Tea
2024-12-03 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
A talk with Lolita Augenstein
Lolita Augenstein is the Chief Executive Officer of Branches Testing and Environmental Consultants, LLC a full-service environmental consulting firm, that provides expert environmental services to individuals, homeowners, corporate entities, local municipalities, and governmental agencies who are looking to comply with and follow environmental regulations. They specialize in the control of hazardous materials by providing inspections, remediations, abatements, clearances, and risk assessments for hazardous materials, such as lead and asbestos. Branches, in partnership with Lianna Development Corporation, provides State of Ohio, and EPA Certification training for all the Lead Hazard Certifications.
Join us for a fun time!
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Noon – 2 PM
Doors open 11:30 AM
Nicholson Auditorium
Come sip some tea and be… This event is free and open to the public
Call Juanita Burks at 614-645-0674 for reservations.
Contact – Linda Broadnax: lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com
Sponsored by: Honda North America

Julian Taylor with Rachael Kilgour
2024-12-07 19:00 - 23:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Thoughtful, direct words sung in a warm and trustworthy voice.
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor, of combined Mohawk and Caribbean ancestry, has been part of the musical fabric in Canada for over two decades. He is a major label veteran and Toronto music scene staple. His versatility as a songwriter is his signature. Formerly a part of the band Staggered Crossing, he has recorded and performed as a solo artist and released thirteen studio albums since 2001. Taylor enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2020 when his second solo acoustic album, The Ridge, earned a million plays on Spotify, worldwide praise, and numerous Canadian music awards and nominations, including Solo Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and two Juno Award nominations. His 2022 follow up album, Beyond the Reservoir, was also nominated for multiple awards. With the perfect balance between sparse and complex, along with the thoughtful directness of his words that are sung in his distinctive warm and trustworthy voice, Taylor’s songs resonate with nearly everyone who listens.
Balances poignant, literate songs with her quick wit.
Duluth, Minnesota, native Rachael Kilgour comes by her considerable skills honestly, honing her craft over the past decade and picking up accolades along the way. On stage, Kilgour expertly balances her poignant, literate songs with her quick wit. She first attained notoriety as the grand prize winner of the 2015 international NewSong Music Competition and winner of the 2017 Kerrville New Folk Contest. She has been featured at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, and the Sundance Film Festival. Her fourth full-length collection, My Father Loved Me, is a tribute to her late father.

Black Nativity - "Jesus"
2024-12-14 14:30 - 16:30 | East High School, 1500 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH, 43205, United States
Welcome to Black Nativity – “Jesus”! Join us for two shows on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1500 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205 for an unforgettable in-person event.
Immerse yourself in the profound struggles our world faces and witness the powerful unity of our communities. Together, we honor and celebrate the vibrant traditions of Black Nativity.
This performance offers a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, connect with friends, family, neighbors, the country, and the world. Let us embrace the spirit of unity and love, for there is one name that serves as the answer and solution to the challenges we face in this world,”Jesus”.
Get ready to be swept away in a captivating celebration of the holiday season. Our talented performers will transport you to the enchanting streets of Bethlehem, where the miraculous birth of Jesus unfolds. Experience the rich tapestry of gospel music, vibrant dance, heartfelt praise, and stirring spoken word, all masterfully woven together around the powerful theme of “Jesus.”
Be sure to mark your calendars and arrive early to secure a seat! The first show begins at 2:30 PM (Eastern Standard Time) with the theater doors opening at 2:00 PM. For the second show, doors will open at 6:30 PM, and the show will start promptly at 7:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time).
ONLY ONE V.I.P Reception from 5:00PM-6:30PM
**VIP Reception:** With your VIP ticket, you’re not just attending the event; you’re entering a world of exclusivity and luxury. Imagine skipping the long lines and being greeted warmly as you’re escorted to the finest seats available, where every detail has been curated for your comfort. You’ll enjoy access to a private VIP reception, a serene space where you can mingle with other distinguished guests. Indulge in an array of complimentary treats that will delight your taste buds, and don’t forget to collect your special SWAG bag, filled with unique gifts tailored just for you this year. Experience an unforgettable evening designed to make you feel truly special.
Additionally, you’ll receive an exclusive tour of the latest Nia Performing Arts display featuring garments from the late Mr. Mark Pinkston. This is the inaugural exhibition of African garments worn by Mr. Pinkston, as well as his family and friends, during his numerous presentations of “Black Nativity” over the years. We extend our gratitude to his family for sharing these unique garments with Nia Performing Arts.
Tickets can be purchased at the door via credit/debit card and cash only, an additional $5.00 per ticket fee will be charged at the door.
Vendor Holiday Market Place doors are open to the public from Noon to 9:30pm. So come enjoy shopping with our local vendors. Come enjoy and buy unique holiday gifts for that special person in your life.
Kenta Claus will also be present sharing holiday cheer with little kids and big kids too, so stop by and take a selfie with Santa.
Join us for an uplifting afternoon filled with joy, laughter, and the wonder of the holiday season. We eagerly anticipate your presence at Black Nativity 2024 – “Jesus!”

Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy
2024-12-20 08:30 - 15:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy
December 20, 23-24, 26-27, 30-31, 2024 | 8:30 AM – 3 PM
Ages 5 – 13 (Kindergarten through 8th grade)
Programming: $125 per child
*Please note there will not be before or after care.
Drop off begins at 8 AM and pick up ends at 3:30 PM.
Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture. It is so important that all students are challenged to be original creators of work, and most importantly, that they have fun doing it! Here at the King Arts Complex we provide an inviting environment that pushes all students to perform to their greatest abilities. Youth participants will learn about the principles of Kwanzaa by working with local, visual, and performing artists. There will be something for everyone at the 2024 Winter Academy.
Registration for Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy is OPEN. Date for registration, payment, and times – Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

The Brother Brothers with Elise Leavy
2025-01-10 19:30 - 22:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Warm harmonies and silky melodies.
The Brother Brothers are the indie folk band fronted by identical twins Adam and David Moss. “Their warm harmonies and silky melodies…evoke…’60s-era folk tunes…” (No Depression). The Brothers were born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, and originally based in Brooklyn, but have been ultimately and profoundly shaped by indiscriminate rambling. They are the kind of people who have a story about everything and one you might genuinely like to hear. The Brother Brothers’ touring career spans international headlining, support runs with the likes of Keb Mo, I’m With Her, Big Thief, Lake Street Dive, and Shakey Graves, as well as key plays at NPR’s Mountain Stage, FreshGrass Festival, Folk Alliance, Woodford Folk, Nelsonville Music Festival, and Edmonton Folk Festival, among others. The brothers recently released their third album of original songs, The January Album. Adam and David consider it their most collaborative and innovative creation yet.
thebrotherbrothersmusic.com

Soar on Saturdays
2025-01-11 14:00 - 15:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Soar on Saturdays is a dance access program created in partnership with The King Arts Complex. It is aimed to give young students the opportunity to explore movement over the course of a free six-week dance class. Four different six-week sessions will be offered throughout the academic year, each featuring a unique style of dance. Classes meet once a week

40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Breakfast
2025-01-20 07:30 - 10:00 | Columbus Convention Center, 400 North high Street, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
The City of Columbus takes great pride in its observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee, Inc. invites the public to Columbus, Ohio’s signature King Holiday event, attended by thousands of diverse, multicultural individuals. This is the largest event of its kind in the United States, honoring Dr. King. Join us at the flagship event on MLK Day; the national holiday commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the fallen civil rights leader who transformed the world!

MLK Day Open House
2025-01-20 12:00 - 16:00 | Ohio History Center, 800 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43211, United States
Join us as we explore the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy. This annual community event is an excellent opportunity for children, families, and friends to enjoy musical and live theatrical performances. It is also a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about the civil rights movement, participate in art activities, view the art exhibition, and meet new friends. We encourage you to attend the MLK Breakfast and the MLK Day evening program hosted by the City of Columbus.
Keynote Speaker – Pastor Edward Lewis, Bethany Presbyterian Church

First Tuesday Tea
2025-02-04 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
First Tuesday Tea is an informal forum that allows seniors ages 55+ to engage in dialogue about art, music, literary interests, as well as social and current issues.
Join Attorney Ashley Ingram from Thomas Ingram Law Group for free and informative discussions on estate planning. Whether you’re just starting to think about your legacy or looking to update your current plan, this discussion is for you. Learn about the importance of estate planning, the key documents you need to make your health care and property distribution wishes known, and how to protect your assets for future generations. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights on taking control of your future. See you there!
Crafting by Phyllis Walla-Catania
Ohio Designer Craftsman
Must RSVP-Limited Seating
Call Juanita Burks 614-645-0674 for Reservation
Come sip some tea and be…This event is free and open to the public
Contact Linda Broadnax: lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com
First Tuesday Tea is generously funded by the Isabelle Ridgeway Foundation

Valentine's Day with Quan Howell & Friends
2025-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Celebrate love and romance this Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable evening of soulful music, passion, and connection at the Valentine’s Day Concert Featuring Quan Howell and Friends. Join renowned artist Quan Howell and an ensemble of talented musicians for a night filled with smooth R&B, heartfelt ballads, and timeless love songs.
This intimate concert will take you on an emotional journey, featuring Quan Howell’s signature soulful sound, backed by an all-star lineup of talented friends. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet serenades or upbeat tunes that make you want to dance, this night promises a variety of performances that will tug at your heartstrings and ignite the romantic spirit in the air.
The event is perfect for couples looking to celebrate their love, or anyone who appreciates the magic of music on Valentine’s Day. Set in a cozy, romantic atmosphere, the venue will be beautifully decorated to enhance the experience, creating an ideal setting for this memorable night.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy live music, incredible performances, and a perfect way to share the spirit of love with those around you. It’s a night you and your special someone will never forget!

An Evening with David Francey
2025-02-14 19:30 - 22:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Honest stories of real people and places.
David Francey is a Scottish-born Canadian carpenter-turned-songwriter, who has become known as “one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star). In concert David is a singer and a storyteller. His wry humor and astute observations combined with his openhearted singing style have earned him a loyal following. For decades, he worked across Canada in rail yards, construction sites, and in the Yukon bush, all the while writing poetry, setting it to melodies in his head, and singing it to himself as he worked. When he was in his 40s, his wife, artist Beth Girdler, encouraged him to share his songs and sing in public. The reaction was instant. His first album Torn Screen Door (1999) was a hit in Canada. Since then, David has released thirteen albums, won four Juno Awards, and has had his songs covered by artists such as The Del McCoury Band, The Rankin Family, James Keelaghan, and Tracy Grammer. His 2023 album, The Breath Between, is a poignant yet beautiful reminder of the passage of time.

All Arts Day: A Celebration of Aminah Robinson
2025-02-15 12:00 - 16:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Surround yourself in inspiration and storytelling with themed projects inspired by the work of Aminah Robinson. Kick-start your imaginations with prompts designed for a wide range of ages, abilities and materials.
An innovative multimedia artist, teacher, storyteller, and MacArthur Fellow, Aminah Robinson was known for her work within the African-American community of Poindexter Village on Columbus’ Near East Side. As home to one of Aminah’s earliest studios, The King Arts Complex proudly displays her work year round to inspire emerging artists, current artists, and our community.

Picturing Black History: Photographs and Stories that Changed the World
2025-02-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Gramercy Books, 2424 East Main Street, Bexley, OH, 43209, United States
Join four historians who authored Picturing Black History: Photographs and Stories that Changed the World, for this special Black History Month program. A groundbreaking collection of photographs and essays that shed new light on the history of Black America from the Picturing Black History project, the book is a collaborative effort between Getty Images, Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective, and the History departments at The Ohio State and Miami Universities.
Registration is on Eventbrite. The purchase of Picturing Black History waives the $5 registration fee.
THE OHIO STATE DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, MIAMI UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, KING ARTS COMPLEX, and MAROON ARTS GROUP are Gramercy’s Community Partners for this program.

Intergenerational Mixer with Rise Together Innovative Institute
2025-02-27 17:00 - 19:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
The Rise Together Innovation Institute is on a mission to harness the collective power of people and systems to disrupt structural racism and issues of poverty in Franklin County. Through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, we seek to achieve equity for all. Our goal is to remove barriers and make opportunity more accessible for all the residents of our growing region.
EVENT SCHEDULE
5:00 PM – Mix & Mingle
5:30 PM – Welcome by Rohnesha Horne
5:40 PM – Intro CEO, Danielle Sydnor by Rohnesha Horne
5:42 PM – CEO Remarks & Award Presentation to honorees.
5:55 PM – CEO Special Presentation to Board Chair Trudy Bartley.
6:00 PM – Acknowledgment of partners and transitional remarks by Rohnesha Horne.
6:05 PM – Mix & Mingle
7:00 PM – Raffle winners announced, and closing remarks by Rohnesha Horne
7:30 PM – Event concludes.

First Tuesday Tea
2025-03-04 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
First Tuesday Tea is an informal forum that allows seniors ages 55+ to engage in dialogue about art, music, literary interests, as well as social and current issues.
Healthy Eating and Nutrition
Candice Schreiber is a registered dietitian and is board certified in oncology nutrition. Candice has been with James for 11 years where she has worked for James Care for Life, a department that provides supportive care services for cancer survivors. She develops and facilitates nutrition classes for survivors.
and caregivers, including educational classes and cooking demonstrations.
Bronzeville CO OP
Up to date news and questions-Michael Kelley.
Chair Exercise
Join Greg Pearson in fun loving chair exercise.
March 4, 2025, Doors Open 11:30AM
Noon-2PM
Must RSVP-Limited Seating
Call Juanita Burks 614-645-0674 for Reservation
Come sip some tea and be…This event is free and open to the public.
Contact Linda Broadnax: lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com
Sponsored by: The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute

First Tuesday Tea
2025-04-01 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Tea: A term often used to refer to some juicy information
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders.
Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents.
Come sip some tea and be…
This event is free and open to the public:
Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome)
Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.

Earth Day 2025
2025-04-19 12:00 - 15:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Earth Day is a chance to highlight environmental justice, raise awareness about issues affecting marginalized neighborhoods, and celebrate the rich cultural connection many communities have to the land. Programs will focus on sustainability, urban gardening, green spaces, waste reduction, and advocating for policies that protect the environment while addressing racial and economic disparities. The goal is to inspire community action and ensure a healthier future for all, especially in areas that have been historically neglected or impacted by environmental harm.
Activities Include:
Food Demo
Lip Scrub
Line Dancing
Yoga
Candle Making
Seed Starter
Recycling
Sea Moss Scrub
Sustainable bags with African Parish House Quilters
DJ & Food Truck

Six String Concerts present Susan Werner with Pat Byrne
2025-04-25 19:30 - 22:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Positivity and hopefulness, encapsulated in well-crafted songs.
Over the course of her twenty-five-year career, Susan Werner has earned a reputation as “one of the most innovative songwriters working today” (Chicago Tribune). With formidable chops on guitar (she began playing at age 5) and piano (she was a guest on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz), along with a graduate degree in voice performance, her shows are a one-woman master class in musicianship. Although best known as an acoustic songwriter that came up through coffeehouses and folk festivals, the Chicago-based artist has written songs in the style of Gershwin and Cole Porter (I Can’t Be New, 2004), gospel music (The Gospel Truth, 2007), traditional Cuban “son” (An American In Havana, 2016), and New Orleans junk piano (NOLA, 2019). In 2014 she composed the music and lyrics for the musical theater show Bull Durham, A New Musical (MGM). Her songs have been recorded by Tom Jones, Michael Feinstein, and Shemekia Copeland, and her latest recording of originals, Halfway to Houston, took flight in March 2024.
susanwerner.com
Pat Byrne migrated from Ireland to Austin, Texas, in 2017. Since then, he has melded two musical cultures known for introspective lyricism and raw, from-the-heart emotion—with spectacular results. In 2019, Pat had breakout performances at the 30A Festival, SXSW, Kerrville Folk Festival, and the Americana Festival. His 2021 release, Into the Light, was named a top 10 album of the year by the Austin American Statesman. Pat takes the listener on an emotional journey with lyrics both touching and agonizing—heightened by his dynamic vocal style.
patbyrne-music.com

38th Anniversary Gala
2025-05-16 19:00 - 23:00 | The Fives at the Reach on Goodale, 550 Reach Boulevard, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
Get ready for the event of the year! The 38th Annual King Arts Complex Gala is the spring celebration you won’t want to miss in Columbus! This incredible night is all about making a difference, supporting youth programs and performances, and honoring outstanding community leaders. We promise an unforgettable evening of excitement, entertainment, and inspiration that you’ll be talking about for years to come!
May 16, 2025
Hollywood Casino Columbus
7 PM – 11 PM

First Tuesday Tea
2025-06-03 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Tea: A term often used to refer to some juicy information
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders.
Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents.
Come sip some tea and be…
This event is free and open to the public:
Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome)
Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.
Project support for First Tuesday Tea comes from the Isabelle Ridgway Foundation.

13th Annual Women's Service Board Wine Sip
2025-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Thursday, June 5, 2025
6 PM – 8 PM
Nicholson Auditorium
The Women’s Service Board of the King Arts Complex presents the 13th Annual Wine Sip & Taste of Jazz on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 6 PM – 8 PM.
Enjoy music from the Otis Davenport Trio.
Join the Women’s Service Board in raising funds to support the King Arts Complex. Purchase tickets at 614-645-5464.
Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $50.00
Contact 614-645-5464 to purchase tickets or for more information.
Sponsored by The King Arts Complex – Women’s Service Board.

2025 Summer Camp
2025-06-09 09:00 - 16:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Get ready for the most exciting, joy-filled summer ever during the King Arts Complex Summer Camp 2025! This camp is bursting with fun, creativity, and endless opportunities for kids to shine. It’s a place where young hearts and minds can explore the arts through hands-on activities in music, dance, theater, visual arts, and so much more! With the guidance of talented instructors and local artists, campers will dive into amazing projects that celebrate the vibrant culture and history of he near-eastside community.
But it’s not just about the arts—it’s about building confidence, discovering new talents, and forming lifelong friendships. As campers learn about African American history and culture, they’ll gain a deep appreciation for their roots, all while having an absolute blast!
This is more than just a summer camp; it’s a place where creativity flourishes, memories are made, and every child can leave with a feeling of inspiration, empowerment, and ready to take on the world. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure at the King Arts Complex!
Summer Arts Camp is an 8-week, all day program. Summer Academy runs throughout the Columbus City Schools summer recess.
The camp will run on a STEAM module (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and will include:
• Dance
• Music
• Coding
• Visual Arts
• Creative Writing
• Photography
Scholarships
If this program is out of your price range, a scholarship opportunity may be available.
Registration begins in March 2025. Payment must be received prior completing the registration form.

Author Rob Franklin in Conversation with Acclaimed Poet and Essayist Hanif Abdurraqib
2025-06-15 16:00 - 18:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Join writer and scholar Rob Franklin for his gripping and elegant debut, Great Black Hope, about a young Black man caught between worlds of race and class, glamour and tragedy. Franklin will be in conversation with acclaimed poet and essayist Hanif Abdurraqib.
Registration is on Eventbrite. The pre-purchase of Great Black Hope while registering waives the $10 registration fee.
KING ARTS COMPLEX is Gramercy’s Community Partner for this program.
An arrest for cocaine possession on the last day of a sweltering New York summer leaves Smith, a queer Black Stanford graduate, in a state of turmoil. Pulled into the court system and mandated treatment, he finds himself in an absurd but dangerous situation: his class protects him, but his race does not.
It’s just weeks after the death of his beloved roommate Elle, the daughter of a famous soul singer, and he’s still reeling from the tabloid spectacle—as well as lingering questions around how well he really knew his closest friend. He flees to his hometown of Atlanta, only to buckle under the weight of expectations from his family of doctors and lawyers and their history in America. But when Smith returns to New York, it’s not long before he begins to lose himself to his old life—drawn back into the city’s underworld, where his search for answers may end up costing him his freedom and his future.
Smith goes on a dizzying journey through the nightlife circuit, anonymous recovery rooms, Atlanta’s Black society set, police investigations and courtroom dramas, and a circle of friends coming of age in a new era. Great Black Hope is a propulsive, glittering story about what it means to exist between worlds, to be upwardly mobile yet spiraling downward, and how to find a way back to hope.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Rob Franklin is a writer of fiction and poetry, and a cofounder of Art for Black Lives. A Kimbilio Fiction Fellow and finalist for the New England Review Emerging Writer Award, he has published work in New England Review, Prairie Schooner, and The Rumpus among others. Franklin lives in Brooklyn, New York, and teaches writing at the School of Visual Arts. Great Black Hope is his first novel.
Hanif Abdurraqib is a nationally acclaimed poet, essayist, and cultural critic from Columbus, Ohio. His most recent book of essays, A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance, was a finalist for the National Book Award in Nonfiction and named one of the ten best books of the year by Publishers Weekly. He is the author of two poetry collections, The Crown Ain’t Worth Much and A Fortune for Your Disaster. His first collection of essays, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, was named a book of the year by NPR, Esquire, BuzzFeed, O: The Oprah Magazine, Pitchfork, and Chicago Tribune, among others. Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to a Tribe Called Quest was a New York Times bestseller and a National Book Critics Circle Award and Kirkus Prize finalist and was longlisted for the National Book Award. In 2021, he was named a MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow.

Juneteenth Commemoration
2025-06-20 11:00 - 15:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Texas, this historic day has been observed every June 19th since 1865. Join us as we honor this significant milestone in history with a day full of exciting activities.
Event highlights include:
Speakers
Performances
Local Vendors
Reality Vibez with Taylor Branding Co.
Come celebrate with us and be part of this meaningful occasion!
