Let the Celebrations Begin!

Summer is officially full on!  June is quickly becoming a memory (it’s been two whole days now) and it’s time to turn focus to July.  July is a special month for us as a nation for in this month we celebrate one of the most significant events in our short history.  My birthday!

Some like to think that the parades and fireworks displays, backyard barbecues, cookouts and community gatherings centered around the July 4th weekend are in celebration of our nation’s independence.  Whatever helps you sleep at night, friends.  That stuff is for me!

Actually, it’s not.  My special day isn’t until the 10th.  Fact is, Read More »

School

Officially, summer does not begin for a few more weeks.  June 21, I believe, is the Summer Solstice and it marks the official beginning.  Unofficially, summer begins in just a few days—when school lets out!  In about two weeks though, parents all over the country who have been looking forward to the academic reprieve that summer affords and the opportunity to renew quality bonds with their children will be wondering what the heck they were thinking!

Summertime can be draining on parents.

Fortunately, summertime also marks the beginning of concert season in Columbus and there is nothing better than a good show to recharge tired minds.  It’s a chance to let your hair down (if you still have any), soak up some local flavor and quite frankly, act like a kid again.  Away from the kids.  Call the sitter and make plans for a night out.  You owe yourself.

Concert Photo by AndiH

There are many local venues with excellent local and regional acts making their way through our fair city this summer.  The larger venues:  Value City Arena, Nationwide Arena, and Lifestyles Community Pavilion (The LC) have some great artists lined up.  Here’s a brief rundown.

Value City Arena

June 2009

Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood

June 15

August 2009

American Idols Live! ’09

August 25 at 7PM

August 26 at 7:30PM

Nationwide Arena

June 2009

Yanni Voices Tour

Sunday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Skate for Hope

Saturday, June 20 at 5 p.m.

July 2009

Billy Joel and Elton John Face 2 Face Tour

Tuesday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. – Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

August 2009

Cirque du Soleil presents Saltimbanco

August 12-23 (14 performances)

Keith Urban with special guest Jason Aldean

Friday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. – Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009

Wednesday, August 26 at 7 p.m. – Doors open at 6 p.m.

Lifestyles Community Pavilion

June 2009

July 30

August 2009

Lynyrd Skynyrd

August 18

Summer will be here before you know it so start planning now.  A good concert and a night on the town can make for the perfect local escape.

Concert Tickets Photo by planteschwa

(Photos courtesy creative commons by pixiesticks23, AndiH and planetschwa.)

Looking for a great way to kick off your summer vacation in Ohio?  How about some golf?  Oh, I’m not talking about playing.  Summer is supposed to be relaxing and fun.  Futile endeavors chasing elusive and errant dimpled balls across lushly manicured fields is not relaxing!

Watching a professional do it can be.

Island Green Photo by nsaplayer

The PGA‘s Memorial Tournament marks it’s 34th anniversary at Muirfield Village Golf Club this June 2009.  The tournament, a vision of it’s founder, course designer and Columbus’ own Jack Nicklaus kicks off Monday June 1 with the practice rounds.  The official tournament begins Thursday June 4 and runs through Sunday June 7.

Golf Bags Photo by nsaplayer

The Memorial Tournament is a perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy a few rounds of golf without the stress of having to make any of the shots yourself.  You can walk along side some of the biggest names in golf: Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk, Anthony Kim, Padraig Harrington and Defending Champion Kenny Perry.  (That’s just a smattering.  Traditionally, The Memorial is a favorite among many on the PGA tour.  Some of the past winners include Fred Couples, K.J. Choi, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods.)

Word on the street is that the Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus, will be playing in the Double Skins Game scheduled for Wednesday after the morning practice round.

The Golden Bear--Jack Nicklaus

Badges for The Memorial Tournament are available in a variety of price ranges to suit your needs.  Three-day practice round badges start at just $30.  A patron badge for the week is only $155.  *All children under the age of 12 are admitted free with a ticketed adult.  (I kind of feel like I’m making money under this arrangement.)  Check The Memorial Tournament website for further details and to purchase the ticket that best suits your needs.

Muirfield Village Golf Club is located at 5750 Memorial Drive in Dublin, OH.  Parking can be a bit of an issue so plan accordingly.  The Memorial Tournament website has done a very nice job in listing available parking areas and how and where to access them.

Defending Champion Kenny Perry

There are plenty of beverage and snack carts on the course however, sleeping on the course is discouraged.  Lodging and dining options are plentiful in the area.  Get a room!

(Photos courtesy creative commons by nsaplayer and thememorialtournament.com)