5 Things To Do This Week!

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There are plenty of things going on throughout the city this week.

Here are CityScene Magazine’s top five picks:

1. The Competition Heats Up.
The Arnold Sports Festival continues through March 7 at various locations throughout Columbus, featuring 17,000 athletes competing in 39 sports and fitness entertainment. The expo runs all weekend at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St. And don’t miss the chance to rub elbows with the athletes. The Arnold Party with the Pros event is from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. March 6 at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave. The official after-party of the festival will include an appearance by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as dancing, drinks and entertainment. Visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com or www.arnoldpartywiththepros.com.

2. Bringing Sexy Back.
BalletMet presents Carmina Burana from March 5-13 at the Riffe Center’s Capitol Theatre, 77 S. High St. This powerful, passionate and sexy ballet, written by Dwight Rhoden, is ironically inspired by 13th century medieval songs and poems written by monks. Visit www.balletmet.org.

3. Enjoying the Classics.
There is music in the air as spring draws closer. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Barber Violin Concerto March 5 and 6 at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. Part of the Classical Series, this production features Alondra de la Parra as guest conductor, and 2008 Grammy Award winner James Ehnes on violin. Visit www.columbussymphony.org.

At 8 p.m. March 6, Chamber Music Columbus presents pianist John O’Conor at the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. O’Conor has earned a reputation as a masterful interpreter of classic and early romantic repertoires. Visit www.columbuschambermusic.org.

Enjoy an evening of chamber music led by Maestro Luis Biava at the New Albany Symphony Orchestra’s “Vino & Vivaldi,” from 7-9 p.m. March 7 at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany. Visit www.newalbanysymphony.com.

4. History, Revisited.
CAPA and The Ohio State University Department of Theatre present A Song for Coretta March 5-7 at the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. Inspired by the long line of mourners at Ebenezer Baptist Church paying their respects to Mrs. Coretta Scott King, this play introduces five fictional African-American women, aged 17 to 57, who find laughter and hope while waiting in the rain to say goodbye. Visit www.capa.com.

5. Laugh it Up.
CAPA presents The Second City’s 50th Anniversary Tour at 8 p.m. March 5 at the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. With a look at the individual events in each decade that shaped our national conversation, this production is a comedy timeline through every scandal, war and dalliance that made headlines and fodder for the comedic geniuses of The Second City. Visit www.capa.com.

BONUS:
Come and Get It! “Dine Originals Week” runs from March 8-14 at 40 independent restaurants throughout Columbus. Participating establishments will offer discounts and unique menus, with proceeds going toward the children’s education programs of Local Matters. Visit www.dineoriginalscolumbus.com.