From the “Big Top” to the sounds of the Big Apple, there’s big fun to be had this weekend in Columbus.
On the music front, there’s the usual smorgasbord of sounds to choose from, including the New York jazz of saxman Joel Frahm, who will play tonight at the Lincoln Theatre.
Get ready for lions and tiger and bears — oh, my! — when the 70th annual Aladdin Shrine Circus comes to town for seven performances beginning Friday.
For something a little different, trek to Ohio State’s McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion for the three-day U.S. Collegiate National Championships in artistic swimming, where the Buckeyes synchronized swimming team will be competing.
There’s a Saturday night slug fest at UFC Fight Night, plus fashion, fossils and more!
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UFC Fight Night matchups
UFC Fight Night returns to Columbus on Saturday for the first time in 13 years for a full slate of matchups at Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., beginning at 4 p.m., with the main card starting at 7. Doors open at 3 p.m. In key fights, No. 4 ranked Curtis Blaydes will take on No. 7 Chris Daukaus for the heavyweight contenders’ battle while top flyweights No. 2 ranked Askar Askarov and No. 6 Kai Kara-France clash in a matchup with title implications. Tickets start at $68. Parking is $5. (www.ufc.com)
All that jazz
This weekend, one local jazz legend will team with an acclaimed jazz player from the Big Apple in the Lincoln Theatre. At 8 p.m. Thursday, the Jazz Arts Group will present Columbus pianist Bobby Floyd and New York saxophonist Joel Frahm in concert at the Lincoln, 769 E. Long St. The musicians will perform singly and as a pair, and jazz standards as well as new compositions are promised. (Previously announced New York pianist Benny Green bowed out due to unforeseen circumstances.) Tickets cost $22.50. The concert will also be livestreamed for viewing at www.jag.tv ($10). (www.jazzartsgroup.org)
Romantic comedy Midwest premiere
Red Herring Theater Company will present the Midwest premiere of “Dancing Lessons,” Mark St. Germain’s off-beat romantic comedy about a brilliant young professor with Asperger’s syndrome who hires his talented but cranky neighbor to teach him how to dance — with unexpected insights for both. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays from March 24 through April 10 at 3723 S. High St. Masks optional but proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required. Tickets cost $30 online in advance or “pay what you can” at the door. (614-723-9116, www.redherringtheater.org)
