Music Moves Columbia

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BY JENNA ALLEN

Swing by these places that allow you to combine your passion for tunes with other hobbies.

For music-lovers, Columbia offers a variety of sites where you can listen to your favorite genre — no matter which one. And for residents and visitors who see music as an experience best enjoyed alongside other interests, take note of these key haunts whether you love food, nightlife, concerts or all three.

PHOTO CHRIS LOTTEN PHOTOGRAPHY

For Foodies Downtown, Cafe Berlin and Broadway Brewery double as venues that bring all types of musicians from solo acts to big bands. Although the kitchen isn’t open during concerts at Cafe Berlin, be sure to grab one of their signature waffle sandwiches for brunch and plan to return when the sun goes down for indie tunes and noteworthy drinks. At Broadway Brewery, Sundays equal brunch with bluegrass, and the last Monday of every month brings the Columbia Jazz Orchestra.

In west Columbia, Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen cooks up authentic Southern cuisine paired with jazz, blues and rock Wednesdays through Saturdays. On the south side of town sits Murry’s, known for simple, good food and live jazz. With solo piano Monday through Thursday, a trio on Saturday nights and Sunday shows featuring special menus and the world’s top jazz artists, Murry’s continues its decades-long legacy in food and entertainment.

For Night Owls With a live piano backing up your vocals, nights at The Penguin Piano Bar and Nightclub turn into a one-of-a-kind singalong. This popular downtown spot offers three floors of entertainment and has been around for 15 years.

Eastside Tavern transforms into a karaoke bar on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays after 9 p.m. If you’re interested in taking the stage to sing one of the hundreds of classics offered, make sure you sign up as soon as possible — slots fill up quickly. (And if singing loudly and off-key isn’t your thing, the tavern brings in local comics on Tuesdays.)

For Concertgoers On Ninth Street, The Blue Note books acts that impress. The massive music destination once hosted the Red Hot Chili Peppers — enough said. Rose Music Hall, created by the masterminds who run The Blue Note, focuses on local musicians and offers an indoor and outdoor experience. Down Broadway, Nash Vegas is a live country music hub.

Part of MU, University Concert Series entertains mid-Missouri residents with renowned music from around the world. Concerts are hosted in various venues on the university’s campus.

After 50 years on the music scene, the Missouri Symphony is a staple of mid-Missouri’s music community. Headquartered in Columbia’s historic Missouri Theatre, it is the only professional orchestra in the region. Check out the Hot Summer Nights concert series, including free outdoor community concerts at Stephens Lake Park Amphitheater and Shelter Gardens. l

PHOTO CHRIS LOTTEN PHOTOGRAPHY