STATEHOUSE NEWS

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The Ohio Statehouse today announced the 2012 Summer Fridays at the Statehouse schedule of performances. The CSRAB has partnered with 14 central Ohio performing arts groups to present Summer Fridays at the Statehouse. Summer Fridays is a FREE lunch-time outdoor performing arts series presented on the West Plaza (High Street) of the historic Ohio Statehouse. Summer Fridays at the Statehouse provides an opportunity for the public and downtown community to gather on Capitol Square to experience some of Columbus’ diverse arts groups and to visit the beautiful Capitol building.

This year’s participating performing arts groups include a diverse cross section of central Ohio’s arts organizations.

Scheduled 2012 performances include:
June 1: Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival, Jazz/Blues
June 8: Idiot Boys, Acoustic Bluegrass-Folk
June 15: Franklin Xpress, Rock ‘n Roll
June 22: Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, Choral
June 29: Columbus State Gospel Vocal Ensemble, Gospel
July 6: Slim White and the Avery’s, Country
July 13: RMT Presents, Songs of America, Americana
July 20: Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra Pops, Classical
July 27: Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, Barbershop Harmony
August 3: Ladies of Longford, Celtic
August 10: Grassahol Band, Bluegrass
August 17: One Way Gospel Singers, Gospel & Country
August 24: Ohio Dance, Dance
August 31: Opera Columbus, Classical

Summer Fridays at the Statehouse will take place each Friday in June, July and August. The program will run between noon and 1 p.m. The series is designed to allow the downtown community and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a free event while eating their lunches on the Statehouse steps and lawn.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their lunch or purchase it from a food cart operated by Milo’s Catering and Banquet Services on Capitol Square. In addition, there are a number of downtown restaurants located on Capitol Square.

Performances will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Up to the minute performance information about Summer Fridays at the Statehouse will be posted on the front page of the Ohio Statehouse Web site at www.ohiostatehouse.org. Summer Fridays at the Statehouse audience members are encouraged to visit the Statehouse Web site each morning of the scheduled performances to retrieve last minute performance information.

Media support for Summer Fridays at the Statehouse is provided by 10 TV, Time Warner Cable and CD 101.

High resolution photos from the 2011 season are available at: http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/Multimedia/MediaLibrary/Collection.aspx?start=1&collectionId=108453.

A 30 second Public Service Announcement promoting the event can be viewed at:
http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/Multimedia/MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=135005

Facts About Downtown Columbus
• Approximately 100,000 employees work downtown
• Home to thousands of residents
• Downtown Columbus is one of the safest places in central Ohio
• 30,000 students attend classes at one of four downtown colleges or universities
• Downtown has accessible public transportation service; COTA bus stops located near the Ohio Statehouse

To view this press release and others, visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is more than a monument to our past; it's where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed holidays. The Ohio Statehouse Museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends from noon to 4 p.m.; closed holidays. Admission is free. Free guided tours are offered weekdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Groups of 10 or more are requested to call in advance to ensure a guide is available. Contact 888/OHIO-123 for more information or to schedule a group tour. For more information about the Ohio Statehouse visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

The Ohio Statehouse is handicapped accessible and senior friendly. The Capitol Square complex was restored to allow for greater access by individuals living with disabilities. Ohio Statehouse public programs and events are held in accessible and barrier free areas of the building so that everyone can participate. Ohio Statehouse visitors needing disability-related accommodations in order to fully participate in an event may contact the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board at statehouse@csrab.state.oh.us or 614/752-9777 to communicate special needs. Please allow three weeks for arrangements to be completed.

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) is responsible for maintaining the historic character of the Statehouse and Capitol Square while providing for the health, safety and convenience of those who work in or visit the complex. The Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center coordinates tours of Capitol Square and provides information about the buildings, their history and Ohio's government.

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CALENDAR LISTING:

Summer Fridays at the Statehouse
FREE Lunch-Time Performing Arts Series on the Statehouse Lawn
Friday, June 1, 2012 – Friday, August 31, 2012
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse West Lawn, Broad & High Streets; downtown Columbus
www.ohiostatehouse.org
614/752-9777
Free!

Enjoy a free lunch-time concert on the West Plaza of the Ohio Statehouse each Friday in June, July and August. View the concert schedule at www.ohiostatehouse.org.

Canceled in the event of rain.