Soulard Blues Band
2026-02-21 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Columbia Legion Hall, 375 E. Locust, Columbia, IL, United States
Founded in 1978, the Soulard Blues Band – arguably the hardest working band in town – still tears up the town one show at a time. It is not every band you run across that has a mission beyond just steady giggin’, but then again, as one of the longest-lasting acts around – and with nine straight wins in the “Best Blues Band” category in a popular local poll – the Soulard Blues Band is not just any band.”

Arianna String Quartet
2026-03-14 19:00 - 21:00 | St. Paul UCC – Columbia, 127 St. Paul Street, Columbia, IL, 62236, United States
Hailed for their outstanding musicianship, the Arianna String Quartet has firmly established itself as one of America’s finest chamber ensembles. Their performances have been praised for “tonal warmth, fastidious balance…expressive vitality” (Chicago Tribune) and “emotional commitment and fluent virtuosity,” (Pretoria News, South Africa).

Gateway City Big Band
2026-04-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Columbia Legion Hall, 375 E. Locust, Columbia, IL, United States
The Gateway City Big Band is a 17-piece band with two vocalists that has been entertaining audiences in the St. Louis area and beyond since 1966. As a non-profit organization, the band plays for charitable and civic events. The band’s excess funds are used to support worthy school music programs and young musicians. Known for its fine musicianship, great vocalists and soloists, the band performs a diverse library which includes authentic charts stretching from the big band era to more recent styles and artists. The Gateway City Big Band has performed in some of St. Louis’ premier music and dance venues, including the historic Fox Theatre, Khorissan Room at the Chase Park Plaza, St. Louis Casa Loma Ballroom, Missouri Botanical Gardens, and many others.

ARTS IN THE PARK
2026-06-14 11:00 - 18:00 | Metter Park, 211 E. Cherry, Columbia, Illinois, 62236, United States
Join the Monroe County Arts Alliance, the Dorothy Weinel Eppinger Foundation, and the City of Columbia, IL as we celebrate our third annual ARTS IN THE PARK festival on Sunday, June 14. This events celebrates all of the arts–visual and performing–in one glorious event. The event takes place in Columbia’s beautiful Metter Park from 11a.m to 6p.m. The 2026 event features a SAND CASTLE ARTIST, made possible through a grant from Arts Midwest, who will be building a sand castle–here in the Midwest!—throughout the day. Other features include artist vendor booths showcasing and selling their work, performances by organization members of the Arts Alliance throughout the day, a creative arts area for children, a display of Monroe County High School student art work in the bandstand, and of course food vendors with delicious fare. For more information, visit the City of Columbia, IL website or contact marciabraswell@gmail.com. ARTISTS who wish to become a vendor should contact Marla Rose at mrose@columbiail.gov. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
