I’m Taylor, and I’m the Sports Sales Manager at the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau. I came to Columbia in 2009 to attend Mizzou. I love to travel, hike, watch/play basketball and golf, and listen to music. Fortunately, Columbia has options for all that and more, which is why I love this place. Music is a huge passion of mine and every month I’ll be sharing my favorites from each month of shows and upcoming ones you shouldn’t miss.
The month of April was filled with quite the array of music. Genres ranging from alternate rock and country to tribute bands honoring some of the greats like Chuck Berry, Pink Floyd, and the Beastie Boys. Attending concerts at opens in a new windowThe Blue Note and opens in a new windowRose Music Hall has become a monthly priority for myself and many others. Experiencing live music from local artists, national artists, or even tribute bands is entirely different than listening to them on your device. The atmosphere created during a live concert between the musicians and the audience is electric, no matter what the genre.

Interstellar Overdrive (credit: Scott Peterson “That Guy with the Camera”)
While I was only able to attend two of the fifteen concerts at The Blue Note in the month of April, the lineup of artists was amazing. The Los Angeles-based alternative-rock band, Local Natives kicked off the month, bringing their Sunlit Youth tour to Columbia. Following them were two recognizable country concerts, the Josh Abbott Band and a sold out show for Chase Rice. A Salute to Chuck Berry, and Interstellar Overdrive kept the middle of the month rocking with phenomenal tributes to two of rock and roll’s best artists. Closing out the month was yet another tribute to a legendary band. My Posse In Effect honored legendary New York hip-hop group the Beastie Boys. If you closed your eyes and just listened you would have thought it was the real thing! Established country artist, Chris Stapleton, also filled Mizzou Arena to close out a great month of music.

Chase Rice and his sold out trophy (credit: The Blue Note)
Columbia is known for bringing in artists of all genres and decades. One thing that has become a constant lately has been the infatuation with old school hip-hop from the 80s and 90s. Coming up on Saturday, May 13th is the third installment of this type of event at The Blue Note. 80s vs. 90s Old School Hip-Hop Edition will feature two of Columbia’s finest DJs, taking you on a musical journey through the greatest decades of hip-hop. You don’t want to miss this battle of hip-hop music!
Other highlights for May:
- opens in a new window80s vs. 90s Old School Hip-Hop Edition will get you groovin’ on May 13th
- opens in a new windowBonobo will bring his Los Angeles DJ talent to the stage on May 15th
- Swedish heavy metal band opens in a new windowAmon Amarth is sure get you moving with their arsenal of heroic hymns and building song structure on May 19th
- Closing out the month, on May 30th, is Kansas City rapper, opens in a new windowTech N9ne. Tech N9ne has been around since the mid-90s and has formed rap’s number one independent music label, Strange Music, thanks to his innovation, amazingly fast lyricism, and a high standard for excellence for himself and those on his label. Make sure to come out, grab a KC Tea, and take in some midwest hip-hop!