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    KEMBA Live!

    3.0 (253 reviews)
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    One of the many bars.
    Doug S.

    Good place to see a show. Parking can get pricey for big events. You also may get stick in bad traffic if there are multiple events going on in Arena District at the same time. Also, don't forget to leave your pocket knives in the car. One of the employees helped me hide mine in a bush in the parking lot and it was gone after the show. Otherwise, a good venue with many bars generally friendly employees. Really tough to beat an outdoor concert on a nice night.

    The venue itself is pretty nice with good acoustics. However, they falsely show their seating chart. I purchased tickets for an indoor concert. Having never been there, I checked out the 360 degree view of the venue on their website. Upstairs, you can see nice, theater style seats and bleachers behind them. I bought what was called Platinum seats, assuming I was in those theater style seats. When I got there, the seats I was given were behind the nice seats, at a long, bar height, long narrow table on stools (at least they had backs). I was told the nice seats were sold to local businesses for the whole year. This is a deceitful process. The unavailable seats should still show on the seating chart and be marked as already sold. We spoke to 6 other couples at our show that had made the same assumption.

    Renee L.

    So I generally like this venue but last couple shows the alcohol selection has sucked!! I like crown royal , and absolutely NOTHING SIMILIAR to this!! How about Seagrams, Captain Morgan's , but instead Jim beam or Jack:( yuckkkkkkk!! Had one drink I could barely get down.

    themed drinks for The Rose!
    Adri C.

    Just another bar music venue with nothing special. The structure of the building makes it obvious that it wasn't built with the intention of being a good music venue and that the owners have no intention to make it better. The pit is in the middle of the audience area, and the camera people made it impossible for me to see. There are also pillars in the middle of the standing area and no designated line areas for merch. I have never seen such a disorganized line for merch at a concert. They allow way too many people for the capacity of the venue. Thankfully, I was able to get somewhat closer, but the crowd was as far back as the entrance, right outside the security check. The security is also over the top and rude, taking away people's fan made glow sticks, even when they said they wouldn't light them if it meant keeping them as a keepsake. It's cute that they made drinks The Rose themed, but one of them was very bad. Better off just serving regular well drinks that the bartenders know how to make. (No hate to the bartenders though, they were understaffed for the turnout of the concert.) Lastly, the bathrooms! The women's restroom is actually huge with at least a dozen stalls in a line. However, both times I've been here, the MAJORITY of them are out of order or otherwise nasty. I would come back here for an artist I really love, but otherwise I would steer clear.

    Becca O.

    I've been to a few different concert venues and I was a little worried it would be dirty, messy, etc. However, I really liked the set up of the venue with a pit and lawn hill for everyone. There are a few different vendor stations to grab a beer, I didn't see any food so eat before! Had a great time!

    LNS always good
    Jayme H.

    It's been a minute since I visited Express Live... for obvious reasons. However, I was finally able to go for a show post-ish COVID. All Promowest venues require vaccination and I love that this one is a beautiful, not too big and not too small, outdoor venue. I saw Porter Robinson and for that show, the attendance wasn't too crazy (I imagine due vaccination requirements). I actually liked having a little space to dance. Staff were all wearing masks, for guests it was optional and encouraged. Bathrooms were clean and there wasn't a line out the door. Major Score! Overall, I think they're doing a great job handling the live music scene in Columbus right now. I love the variety of artists that come through here and the health and safety measures are very much appreciated. I'll be back soon!

    Alexa N.

    I've been here a few times for their outdoor concerts and overall a great little place to feel almost like a mini festival. There's plenty of parking lots around the area. The lines for security is always long, but it tends to move faster. It takes longer now that they have to check for covid vaccine cards and negative tests. They have a few bar areas to order drinks and those lines take a loooong time to move. There's also the bar kind of attached to Express Live and honestly there's barely ever a line! Go grab a drink there. Mikey's Late Night Slice tends to be there as a food option. They have porta potties outside or there is an indoor bathroom. I have been inside of Express Live for an indoor concert. It's just a normal concert hall with an upstairs which is nice for small people like me. Try an outdoor concert here if you can!

    Dayglow
    Jane G.

    KEMBA is a solid music venue with plenty of space. I saw Dayglow here, and appreciated that he chose a venue that would accommodate his popularity while also honoring his indie fan base (choosing to not host his show at the Nationwide Arena, for example) and choosing a more intimate setting. However, the venue itself is nothing special and the sound design is somewhat lacking. Still a great spot, though.

    View from accessible seating (benches, not wheelchair)

    This review is mainly to help those with accessibility needs as I rarely see info about this online. I went to see Gregory Alan Isakov outside on June 18, 2024 and bought two seats in the accessible section. I had emailed ahead of time to make sure I could bring medical necessities, including a small snack. There was no issue at all and they were super accommodating. I also wore my neck fan because it was 90 degrees. They had one section dedicated to wheelchair users and their companions and I was so happy to see it was a great view and in the upper center. The restrooms were very near this area and while most are the trailer-type porta-potties they had two large wheelchair accessible ones. We were in the accessible section that was not for wheelchair users and it had several benches. We sat on the front bench so we had a good view as well. Everyone was really nice and accommodating, and at one point I noticed a medical emergency happening and the staff handled it quickly and quietly and efficiently. If you want merch you will have to brave the steeply slanted walkways down to the lowest level, but otherwise bathrooms and water and drinks are all available on the upper level where the ADA seating is. They were also allowing people to bring their own water bottles in as long as they were sealed and "cracked open" in front of them on the way in, FYI. I hadn't been to a concert since my brain surgery two years ago and I have a lot more medical needs now and was really nervous, but the whole experience was fantastic. The sound outside was great as well, and I think it helps that GAI always brings out a really respectful crowd. Would definitely go again!

    a crowd at a concert

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    11 months ago

    Nice venue in the heart of Columbus. Sure, it's a corporate place but sight lines are good. Really enjoyed seeing Devo rock the joint!

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - KEMBA Live!

    Does anyone know if they have coat check in these winter months?

    Nope. I emailed to ask and they said if you wear a coat inside you'll need to hang onto it all night.

    Is there a coat check?

    No, there aren't.

    My child needs a wheelchair for long periods of time, are the handicap sections have good viewing of the stage for someone sitting down? Thank you!

    Yes, there is sitting/space available for wheelchairs.

    Question, help: Does Express Live! In Columbus, Ohio allow Cell Phones at ALL Concerts?

    Yes, you can take your cell phone.

    It says they allow clear totes on their website anyone know what kind?

    Same ones for stadiums. 12×6×12

    Does this venue allow visitors to camp out on or near the area?

    Not until 6am

    View All 11 Questions

    Review Highlights - KEMBA Live!

    Biggest tip I can give is to go next door to A&R Music Bar to get your drinks and use the restroom.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    The Walrus

    The Walrus

    3.8
    (630 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Nice looking bar and restaurant. They converted old wooden doors into tables which adds to the…read moreaesthetic. Lots of seating and TVs everywhere but all playing the same content. My waitress Brei was super friendly and had a bright smile. She helped recommend the Shrimp Po Boy and it was such a good choice. I got the sweet potato fries as my side. I'm not exaggerating when I say the food came out lightning fast, literally within 4 mins. But it tasted so fresh. I really couldn't believe it. The sandwich was very tasty and the sweet potato string fries were nicely done with just the right amount of crisp. Prices were very reasonable. Good option for eats if u want something good and fast

    We ate post graduation meal at the Waleus tonight we had a reservation for 12 and 11 of us showed…read moreup on this cool rainy night. We we famished since it was 8:30 p.m. The did accommodation us with a lower table since on member of the party was elderly and in a wheelchair, with the statement that "this is a bar more than a restaurant". I would thereby say they are not truly ADA accessible oe friendly as one would hope. But as I said we had made the reservation and figured we'd make the best of it. Some of our appetizers got lost and were so late they took them off the bill. Some of our appetizers arrived cool or cold upon arrival, but we were so hungry we ate them. Plus it wasn't like anyone came back to check on us, or ask how was everything or refills. It wasn't until I went back to the bar and asked for refills that we were even visited again. I know our server was also seeming to be the bartender too. I don't think we'll be back and never with any handicapped friends who can't sit at a high top table. I would say the hopes were high but the experience was almost a total dud. Those who got the chicken Alfredo liked it and it was hot. After spending over $220 for the 7 people I paid for with only 1 alcoholic beverage and mostly burgers and appetizers. I would recommend spending your money elsewhere.

    Photos
    The Walrus
    Goat Cheese and Marinara
    Goat Cheese and Marinara
    The Walrus

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    The Walrus
    The Bluestone

    The Bluestone

    3.0
    (92 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    First time at this venue, but I'm a fan. This show wasn't sold out, so plenty of room to talk…read moreabout. I'm a fan of the tiered platforms. There is little to no seating- standing room only, but really good views of the stage. One of the more intimate and personal Venus I've been to. Drinks are expensive, but they always are. Multiple bars for your beverage of choice. Quick service, friendly staff.

    The First Baptist Congregation in Columbus built the cathedral now housing the Bluestone in 1898…read more Much of the architectural elements remain, while the purpose of the structure has fundamentally changed. It has been converted into a multi room entertainment venue, hosting large regional and National acts. As it is easy to imagine, the acoustics are superb. The ambience is special in that it is not a plain, bland, run of the mill auditorium. The several concerts that I have attended here have had strict security entrance requirements. This can result in lines of people queuing up, waiting to be screened and cleared. This of course can result in some delay for entry. My advice is to show up early in order to accommodate this extra time needed. I have posted some photos of the line so you can have a better idea of what goes on. There is parking available nearby, but this is also an issue that should be thought out in advance. I have utilized car service when visiting Bluestone, which really just made things a whole lot easier.

    Photos
    The Bluestone
    The Bluestone
    The Bluestone
    The Bluestone

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    A and R Music Bar

    A and R Music Bar

    2.6
    (55 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    This venue layout is not ideal for a show. The columns are in the way of multiple viewpoints for…read moreviability of the stage. Worst of all, the Staff is vile. Bag policies increased since my last visit. You can no longer bring in "noise machines" which I guess includes those keychain alarms. The front bag check, took my alarm, and said I'd have to get it back after the show. My safety is in danger. The food option is a pizza window. It was okay. It was no taste of Chicago. Acoustics were fine, but not the best. Sucks because they get good artists here. The band we saw was so so good. They deserved a better venue. The venue just is not up to par with others. I also am not convinced the fire suppression is sufficient and think the city inspector should review, before someone poisons the waterhole. Also not very ADA accessible, at least not in the front entrance with those concrete steps. The bathrooms were moderate - but it was not as nice as the bathrooms at the Statehouse down the street.

    This is hands down my favorite concert venue in Columbus. It's small, so you definitely won't be…read moreseeing any mega-stars here. But for smaller artists' concerts, A&R gets everything right. I've seen at least ten shows here, and I'm sure I'll be back. The staff have always been friendly and helpful. The venue feels intimate. There's hardly a bad place to stand because it's a small space, so views are always nice. You don't have to get there hours early to get a good spot like so many larger venues. They have good drink options and a Mikey's Late Night Slice in-house, which serves excellent pizza. Prices are a bit high, but I've never been to a concert venue where they aren't, so this is par for the course. What really puts A&R over the top is their indoor/outdoor setup. There's a large garage-style door that they open during nice weather, which leads to adjacent outdoor seating. This is LOVELY if you'd like to have a smoke during the show, which wouldn't be possible at many other venues. It's also just nice to get the option to stay inside where the views are better and energy is higher or go outside and chill while still getting a solid vantage point. Overall, A&R is absolutely the place to go in Columbus if you like smaller concerts.

    Photos
    Front view of the stage
    Front view of the stage
    Outside
    Outside
    Venue

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    Venue

    KEMBA Live! - musicvenues - Updated June 2026

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