STATEHOUSE NEWS

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The Ohio Statehouse today announced the 2013 Summer Fridays at the Statehouse schedule of performances. The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) has partnered with 13 central Ohio performing arts groups to present, Summer Fridays at the Statehouse. Summer Fridays is a FREE lunch-time outdoor performing arts series staged 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 2013 performances include:
May 31 – Opera Columbus, concert performance of La Bohème
June 7 – One Way Gospel Singers, Gospel & Country
June 14 – (Flag Day) RMT Presents, Songs of America, Americana
June 21 – Franklin Xpress, Classic Rock
June 28 – Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, Choral
July 5 – NO CONCERT
July 12 – Ohio Dance
July 19 – Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra Pops, Classical
July 26 – Alliance of Greater Central Ohio, Barbershop Harmony
August 2 – Ladies of Longford, Celtic
August 9 – Grassahol Band, Bluegrass
August 16 – Big Iron, Country, Bluegrass, Gospel
August 23 – The Smoking Guns, Blues, Country, Rock
August 30 – Steve Ball, Music of the Civil War

Summer Fridays at the Statehouse will take place Fridays, May 31 through August 30 (absent July 5). The program will run between noon and 1 p.m. The series gives the downtown community and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the majestic Statehouse grounds while some of Columbus’ best arts groups perform. There is no better place, downtown, to enjoy your lunch this summer!

Visitors are encouraged to bring their lunch – there are a number of downtown restaurants located on Capitol Square. Also, CSRAB will be taking non-perishable food donations for Operation Feed through June 14.

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 website at www.ohiostatehouse.org. Summer Fridays at the Statehouse audience members are encouraged to visit the Statehouse website 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 and CD 101.

High resolution photos from the 2012 season are available at: http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/Multimedia/MediaLibrary/Collection.aspx?start=1&collectionId=108519

A 30 second Public Service Announcement promoting the event can be viewed at:
http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/Multimedia/MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=138816

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 Lunch-Time Performing Arts Series
Each Friday from May 31 - August 30, 2013 (absent July 5); 12 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse West Steps and Plaza, 1 Capitol Square; 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 from May 31 through August 30 (absent July 5). View the concert schedule at www.ohiostatehouse.org.
Canceled in the event of rain.