Road Repairs, Closing, Completed, and the Sunday Concert Series Begins
Main Street Bridge Opens
Modifying the Main Street Bridge over I-71 is complete, and the narrowed roadway is now open to traffic in both directions. Contractors have completed building a bike path on the southern edge of the roadway, with landscaping and a few small projects needing to be completed.
The new path ends on Main Street, with discussion now beginning about how to connect it to Sharon Woods, its intended destination. The project was designed, financed, and completed under a Columbus contract.
Africa Road To Close at Polaris Parkway
Starting Monday, June 2, Africa Road will be closed to through traffic from Polaris Parkway south to the Central Ohio Primary Care (COPC) entrance. However, it will remain open to local traffic between the COPC entrance and County Line Road.
On the same day, Polaris Parkway will be reduced to one eastbound lane between Meridian Way and Polaris Woods Boulevard for approximately five days. Once the work on Polaris Parkway is complete, both Polaris Parkway and southbound Africa Road will reopen to traffic.
Northbound Africa Road will remain open to local traffic only, north of the COPC entrance, until sanitary work is completed in late June.
This follows a similar project on the other end of Africa Road at County Line that encountered unexpected delays, resulting in a three-week project lasting almost two months.
Birmingham Road Gets Rototilled
Contractors worked through the rain on Friday to prepare for Birmingham Road’s paving, scheduled to begin Monday.
A recycling stabilizer, described by the work crew as an oversized rototiller, mixed soil and powdered cement to create a stabilized layer for gravel and asphalt, which will complete the rebuild of the more than 50-year-old street off Huber Village Boulevard.
Summer Concert Series
Here's a look at the performers for the Summer Concert series at the Westerville Amphitheater in Alum Creek Park:
June 1: ATTABOY (Fun Indie Pop)
Attaboy is a band recognized for its upbeat and catchy indie-pop sound. Originating from Columbus, Ohio, they blend energetic rhythms, memorable melodies, and a lyrical style that ranges from playful to introspective. Their live performances are engaging and provide a fantastic way to kick off the summer concert series, creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Fans of artists like COIN, The 1975, or Walk the Moon will likely enjoy their music.
June 8: TURN TO STONE: A TRIBUTE TO ELO
Turn to Stone pays a vibrant and faithful tribute to the legendary Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Audiences can look forward to enjoying all of ELO's greatest hits, from symphonic rock anthems like "Mr. Blue Sky" and "Don't Bring Me Down" to their more pop-oriented songs. The band meticulously recreates ELO's unique blend of rock instrumentation and orchestral elements, providing a nostalgic and powerful musical experience for fans of the iconic British group.
June 15: FLEETWOOD GOLD
Fleetwood Gold is a premier tribute band dedicated to Fleetwood Mac. They aim to capture the essence and sound of one of the most beloved and enduring bands in rock history. Concertgoers can anticipate hearing renditions of classic Fleetwood Mac songs spanning their extensive discography, including hits from their Rumours era and beyond, such as "Go Your Own Way," "Dreams," and "Rhiannon." Their performance will transport audiences back to the golden age of rock with their authentic sound and stage presence.
June 22: WESTERVILLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA
The Westerville Jazz Orchestra is a local gem, showcasing the rich talent within the Westerville community. This ensemble typically features skilled musicians performing a diverse range of jazz styles, from big band classics and swing to contemporary jazz and soulful ballads. Their performances are known for their intricate arrangements, improvisational solos, and a sophisticated musical experience that appeals to jazz aficionados and newcomers alike.
June 29: WESTERVILLE SYMPHONY
The Westerville Symphony is a cornerstone of the local arts scene, comprising talented musicians from the Westerville area and beyond. Their performances at the amphitheater offer a unique opportunity to experience the power and beauty of orchestral music in an outdoor setting. Audiences can expect a program that might include classical masterworks, patriotic selections, film scores, and popular light classical pieces, making for a grand and inspiring evening of music. They are also scheduled for a repeat performance later in the series.
July 6: WESTERVILLE CONCERT BAND
The Westerville Concert Band is another beloved local musical institution, offering a broad repertoire that appeals to a wide audience. Their concerts typically feature a mix of traditional marches, patriotic tunes, Broadway selections, popular melodies, and arrangements of classical pieces. The band's performances are known for their lively energy and community spirit, providing a relaxed and enjoyable evening for families and music lovers of all ages. They will also perform in August.
July 20: BRITISH INVASION
British Invasion pays homage to the legendary British bands that revolutionized popular music in the 1960s. This tribute act will transport the audience back in time, performing hits from iconic groups such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and The Who, among others. Expect an energetic show filled with timeless rock and pop anthems that defined an era and continue to resonate with generations.
July 27: WESTERVILLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA
(See June 22 for description) The Westerville Jazz Orchestra returns for another evening of captivating jazz, offering a fresh selection of tunes or perhaps revisiting some audience favorites from their earlier performance.
Aug. 3: WESTERVILLE CONCERT BAND
(See July 6 for description) The Westerville Concert Band returns to the amphitheater stage once more, offering another delightful evening of diverse musical selections for the community.
Aug. 10: HEATWAVE: THE MUSIC OF LINDA RONSTADT
Heatwave is a tribute dedicated to the iconic and versatile vocalist Linda Ronstadt. This band will celebrate Ronstadt's incredible career, performing her timeless hits across various genres, including rock, country, folk, and pop. Audiences can look forward to hearing songs like "You're No Good," "Blue Bayou," "When Will I Be Loved," and many more, showcasing the enduring legacy of one of music's most beloved voices.
Aug. 17: WESTERVILLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA
(See June 22 for description) The Westerville Jazz Orchestra concludes its summer series with a final appearance, promising another memorable performance for jazz enthusiasts.
Aug. 24: WESTERVILLE SYMPHONY
(See June 29 for description) The Westerville Symphony concludes the Summer Concert series with another grand performance, providing a fitting and harmonious end to the season.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication led by a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
Explore more hyper-local reporting by subscribing to The Hilliard Beacon, Shelby News Reporter, and This Week in Toledo.