CityMusic got started in 1983 when Artistic Director and Founder Steve Rosenberg, in collaboration with community members, performed an informal concert with the Quantz Trio in the Short North Tavern on High Street.  The non-traditional venue offered a uniquely casual, friendly environment and the concert was a standing-room-only success.  Live chamber music became a regular occurrence at the Tavern and from there evolved into the CityMusic Chamber Music Series which was presented in the space for seventeen years. From the Short North Tavern, the Series moved to the historic Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus to the Grand Ballroom of the Athletic Club of Columbus.


CityMusic (formerly the Short North Performing Arts Association, Inc.) received non-profit status in 1987 and two years later expanded its offerings to include the World Music Series, designed to be a musical celebration of ethnic and cultural diversity. 
 
The Columbus Dispatch lauded the series for “consistently presenting the finest in folk music spanning the world.” 

In recent years, CityMusic Columbus has made a concerted effort to ensure that the wonderful artists we bring in for performances on our chamber music series share their passion and artistry with children in the Columbus area through residencies, presentations, and workshops as a part of our Featured Artist Series.

​

Additionally, we partnered with the Godman Guild to present the Summer Youth Empowerment Program (SYEP) serving youth in the Weinland Park neighborhood.

​

We also recently created the Music and Reading at Livingston Library program where we teamed up with the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus Songwriters Association, and the Dick and Jane Project for an eight week bridge program focused on keeping Columbus youth engaged in music and learning throughout June and July.

​

Moving forward, our plan is to expand and increase our outreach programing to enrich and empower more Columbus youth through engaging and meaningful musical experiences.

Our vision is that music enhances learning, literacy, enrichment, spirituality and creativity. Exposure to music builds a better community. CityMusic Columbus can enrich the lives of children by filling the gaps in their musical experiences.

Board Members present on 8/23 from L to R: Leslie Laufman, President; Gayle Karafil; Eugene Braig; Erin Spring, Educational Director; Crystal Mayle, Secretary/Treasurer; Dennis McCann, Vice President; Ceara Chiapparelli, Executive Director

Eugene Braig - Trustee

Artistic Director of Columbus Guitar Society's Concert Series, Biologist

​

Crystal Mayle, CPA - Secretary/Treasurer

Controller

Velocys, Inc.

Gayle Karafil - Trustee

Retired EMT, Professional Musician, Founder of the Joel Guild and Gayle Karafil Endowment

Kent Robinson - Trustee