Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza is the Place for Live Music

Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza is certainly known for its crispy, oven-fired pizzas, its craft beer selection, and the speak easy hidden in the basement, but since its arrival in 2012, it’s quickly become a destination for great live music.

To get a sense of all Natalie’s offers, we turned to Lisa Cave, a Worthington resident who’s worked in the Columbus music industry for over 25 years. Cave owns Tangent Artist Group, a booking agency and sync licensing agency, where she manages recording artists like Josh Krajcik, Honey & Blue, T. Wong, Damn the Witch Siren, Dominique Larue, and many others.

So what is it about Natalie’s that appeals to you?
Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza is one of my favorite places in the city to catch live music. Natalie and Charlie (her dad) are devoted to presenting the very best local, regional, and national artists six nights a week (they’re closed Mondays). Here you’ll find everything from the best of the Columbus scene to exclusive performances by respected soul, jazz, blues, folk, and indie artists from across the country.

With an incredible menu that goes beyond pizza (I cannot resist the arancini. Or the meatball. Or pie, always pie), a great wine selection (pretty sure they keep that Montepulciano in stock just for me), and inventive cocktails (including a specialty drink inspired by that night’s band), Natalie’s is the perfect spot for an early bite.

And it makes for a great night out!
You should really make a night of it with dinner and a show. Grab tickets in advance or at the door (if it’s not sold out). Tickets are affordable; most nights are under $20. Table seating is just that. With general admission you’ll want to arrive a little early to stake out a spot at the bar or grab a window seat. It’s a warm and intimate space – there’s really not a bad view in the house. At Natalie’s the spotlight is on the performance, so I like to arrive early to visit with friends over dinner before we turn our attention to the stage.

What are some notable upcoming shows?
With so many shows it’s hard to pick favorites. And often I don’t – I end up at multiple shows each month.

I can think of no better way to spend Valentine’s Day than with local darlings Kinfolk. Vocalist Stephanie Rogers is a dream and the band includes some of the very best up and coming jazz musicians in the city.

February 22 features Lindsay Beaver from Austin, Texas. With her undeniable punk rockabilly vibe, Lindsay sings and plays drums standing up (a move that always thrills me). Expect a fun night of blues, R&B, and good old fashioned rock and roll.

I just bought tickets to Adria Shahid’s Rhythm of a Woman on March 8, a musical tribute to International Women’s Day that will feature performances by over a dozen amazing local female musicians.

And Soul Sundays are one of Natalie’s popular shows?
Soul Sundays are the first Sunday of every month at Natalie’s. Created by local musician Paisha Thomas, these Sundays have evolved into a full lineup of stellar music along with a soul food special. The day starts with local jazz luminary Derek DiCenzo and his trio at 11:00 a.m. Debra James Tucker – a jazz and gospel vocalist who has toured internationally – hosts the Gospel Brunch starting at 2:30 p.m. The March 1 brunch features Quan Howell. And Paisha is your charming host for the evening performance – local smooth jazz group Copacetic plays the late show in March.

Any final suggestions for first-timers?
Natalie’s is also the day gig for some of the best musicians in Columbus – so even if you’re not catching the show you may still be supporting local music via your server or bartender. Tip generously.

Natalie’s is a gem in the Columbus music scene and we’re so very lucky to have them close to home in Worthington!

See Natalie’s full schedule and menus here: nataliescoalfiredpizza.com

Learn more about Lisa and Tangent Artist Group here: tangentartistgroup.com