The final JCB Fridays On Fourth series event on Friday will move from a format of easy-listening background tunes to a more front-and-center pop-rock concert and more with popular local band Jackson Way.
The location will move to the Fourth Street parking lot of the Ovation Audio Visual building at Fourth and Washington streets in downtown Columbus to allow for more room and safe distancing, according to organizers.
Ashley Abner, JCB’s coordinator for the free get-togethers, said she expects the crowd to be considerably larger than the 50 to 100 people who have attended the previous weekly JCB Fridays On Fourth events because of Jackson Way’s musical following.
The June 11 event was rained out, and one other gathering was moved inside Fourth Street Bar & Grill.
The events, a team effort among JCB, Fun On Fourth, and the Columbus Area Visitors Center, began May 21, and were held from 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays. Organizers conceived them as a way to encourage residents to go downtown to shop, eat and relax as the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions slightly relax and adjust.
“That parking lot simply will give people more room to more easily spread out,” Abner said. “We’re happy to provide entertainment and fun, but we always want to do it in the safest way possible.”
When Jackson Way has performed at events such as the past JCB Neighborfest street concerts, its set list has included covers of songs from groups such as Kool and the Gang to Bruno Mars to Stevie Wonder.
“At just about any show,” drummer Shawn Charlton said, “we’re up there having the time of our lives.
At the event, there will be giveaways for items ranging from gift cards to bluetooth headphones.
Abner mentioned that JCB hopes at some point in the future, with the support of city leaders and health officials, to move back to more monthly street concert events on Washington Street in front of The Commons. She said that would be a possibility for next summer.
“They all have been very supportive of us,” Abner said.
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What: JCB Fridays On Fourth series, with this featuring local pop-rock band The Jackson Way.
When: Overall event is 5 to 9 p.m. Friday. Music begins at 6 p.m.
Where: Parking lot on Fourth Street behind Ovation Audio Visual.
Also: Games such as cornhole, life-size chess and more.
Food and drinks: From nearby restaurants.
Information: Facebook page for JCB Fridays On Fourth.
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