Posts from May 19th, 2017

When the weather warms, Cincinnati locals know that there is no better place to be than outside soaking up the sunshine. While some of us seek our adventuring within city limits — running, swimming or taking to a MetroPark — there are thousands of trails, rivers and parks just outside of Cincinnati begging to be explored. We've gathered up some of our favorite outdoor adventures near Cincinnati, including where to go and how to get the correct gear. Whether you're looking to swim, hike, bike or even skydive, consult this list before scheduling your next outing. Mother Nature awaits!

Skydiving

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Columbus, known for its friendly people and beautiful skyline, is also one of the greatest up-and-coming music cities in the country. Every night, a different band hooks up and ignites our local bars and venues to the applause of crowds both large and small. Some of these bands are just getting their start and some have been playing for years, but each has a unique sound that is tough to find and impossible to reproduce. Our town is home to some pretty incredible musicians, and while they tour the country and take in the sights, they'll never forget their Columbus roots! We're always hunting for new tunes to add to our Spotify playlist, and we've found some pretty great ones from bands that originated right here in Columbus. Whether you're into rock, reggae, garage punk or a little bit of everything, you're sure to find a new favorite on this list. Enjoy!

Angela Perley & The Howlin' Moons

Photo courtesy of Angela Perley & The Howlin' Moons

The Rock 'n' Roll beats of Angela Perley & The Howlin' Moons are as danceable as they are enviable. Perley's voice has the perfect balance of edge and clarity, and simply floats over the hard hitting bass and electric guitar. The band credits Tom Perry, Led Zeppelin, Nebula and David Gilmour as influences, but have created a sound that is truly their own. They play in their hometown (Columbus) fairly often, but have also embarked on many tours nation-wide (including the notorious South by South West festival in Austin, Texas).

All Dogs

Photo courtesy of Hillary Jones via All Dogs

This pop punk quartet hails from Columbus, but is known to play shows all over Ohio. They released a split cassette with Slouch, another Ohio band, before debuting with a full album, Kicking Every Day in 2015. The music is an impactful collision of soft vocals, rolling drums and snappy guitar, and is the perfect mix to listen to on a "Sunday Morning" with the windows rolled down.

Red Wanting Blue

Photo courtesy of Bridgette McCullough via Red Wanting Blue

Red Wanting Blue came to life back in 1996, when leader Scott Terry was in school at Ohio University, and was immediate success story. By 1998, the band had already released its second full-length album entitled The Image Trigger, and has since toured the country over two decades, playing an average of 200 shows a year. The band features toe-tapping, finger-snapping beats, as well as deep vocals and lyrics that are sure to stay with you long after the first listen.

Fever Fever

Just try to stay still while listening to Fever, Fever — this alternative indie band's upbeat tunes are sure to have you nodding your head and tapping your toes in no time. The quartet has been around since August of 2014, and though newer, have already made quite a splash with their full-length album, Aftermath.

Rascal Flatts

This trio originated in Columbus nearly 20 years ago and gained instant fame. Now, as one of the most recognized names in the nation for modern country, Rascal Flatts has headlined on tours more than 14 times since 2000 and released a number of highly-successful albums and singles alike. Whether you're a country music fan or not, you'll surely be captivated by the crystal clear vocals of Gary LeVox.

New Bomb Turks

Photo courtesy of the New Bomb Turks

The New Bomb Turks are masters of the garage punk genre, featuring a collision of danceable rock 'n' roll beats and the rebellious punk vocals that we know and love. They've been around for awhile, evolving from a college band at Ohio State University in 1990 to a European tour in 2017. Explore their ten full-length albums, two EPs and twenty singles — you won't regret it.

Earwig

Photo courtesy of Ryan Miller via Earwig

Earwig oozes an attitude that is oh-so enviable, and with clear vocals and hard-hitting guitar, they've got everything a great rock band needs. The band has released several full-length albums, each with a unique sound. Gibson Under Mountain was the most recent of these, released in 2014.

Twenty One Pilots

This iconic duo gained almost instant popularity after its formation in 2009, and have now risen to the top with two concurrent top ten singles in 2016 and a grammy under their belt for best pop duo performance. Tyler Joseph and Josh Dunn are known for snappy beats, electronic undertones, and their loyal fan club dubbed the Skeleton Clique. They've captured the hearts of many at their dynamic festival performances, but still call Columbus home.

Shrub

Photo courtesy of Shrub

In 2010, Jay Shrub decided that a white-picket fence life didn't sound as rewarding as the life of a musician, and released a reggae/rap album created in his basement studio (to his friends). Luckily the sound took off, and now Shrub has evolved into a seven piece band that performs locally and across the country. Their humor and musical talents  are sure to put you in a good mood.

Two Cow Garage

Photo courtesy of Two Cow Garage

The husky vocals and fast-paced beats of this alternative rock band will draw you in immediately. The band was formed in late 2001 by singer and guitarist Micah Schnabel, and has since released seven full-length albums. You'll find them touring the state and capturing the hearts their listeners — with a name as Ohioan as Two Cow Garage, how could they not?

Like Moths to Flames

Photo courtesy of Jonny Costa via Like Moths to Flames

If you're more of a metalcore fan, Like Moths to Flames will impress with their hard-hitting guitar and strong vocals. Since the band's formation in 2010, they have released two EPs and three full-length albums, the most recent of which was released in late 2015. Fans hope there's something else up their sleeves!

RJD2

Photo courtesy of RJD2

The famed RJD2 now hails from Philly, but his roots are in Columbus. This artist is a master of the psychedelic hip-hop genre, paving the way for this trancy, catchy music with hits like "Ghostwriter" and "A Beautiful Mine" (the theme song for Mad Men). If you're as captivated by these songs as we are, check out his newest album Dame Fortune, which was released last year.