Bruce Hornsby and The Range’s “The Way It Is” hit the airwaves in 1986, sounding like nothing else on the radio. Driven by jazzy piano riffs and social commentary, the track topped the charts and became Hornsby’s signature song.
Sampled by artists like Snoop Dogg and 2Pac, the tune cemented Hornsby’s reputation as an exceptional songwriter and paved the way for other hits like "Mandolin Rain," "The Valley Road” and “Every Little Kiss.”
Since then, Hornsby has been less visible on the pop scene, causing mainstream listeners to wonder, “Whatever happened to … ?”
The 71-year-old Grammy winner is still in the game as a respected collaborator who has released several acclaimed solo albums that lean more toward bluegrass, folk, jazz and experimental
arrangements.
Now backed by The Noisemakers, Hornsby will perform newer material and past works when he gives a free Common Ground Concert at the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons on Aug. 15.
Presented by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), the show is free to attend, but tickets are required. A limited number of tickets may be available on a first-come, first-served basis at columbuscommons.org.
On the day of the show, the park will close to the public at 3 p.m., and any personal items left behind will be removed. Claiming your spot will not be permitted before 6 p.m., when gates, food trucks and bars open.
The only entrance to the park will be from East Rich Street, directly across from the Columbus Commons Main Garage. Expect long lines at the entrance, which is accessible to people with disabilities.
Also, be prepared to have digital or printed tickets scanned and bags searched.
The concert is set to begin at 8:30 p.m., rain or shine, though severe weather may delay or cancel the event.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Bruce Hornsby brings new music, old hits to free Columbus Commons show
