Good morning, Franklin County. After eight decades of business evolution, a major changing of the guard is taking place at Abacus Corp as the McGee family reshuffles its leadership deck. The company that started in Baltimore back when FDR was president has grown into a 25-state operation with deep Columbus roots. Meanwhile, forward-thinking arts enthusiasts can already mark their calendars for summer 2026, as the prestigious Columbus Arts Festival is accepting applications nearly two years ahead for its riverfront celebration.
Drama is unfolding at one of our historic venues as TempleLive abruptly exits the Athenaeum Theatre, leaving ticketholders scrambling and the 1896 landmark's future uncertain. Some performances are finding new homes across the city, while shows from local promoter Celebrity Etc Presents will proceed as planned. The sudden departure mirrors similar withdrawals from the company's venues in Cleveland, Wichita, and Fort Smith—a concerning pattern for historic theater preservation.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
👔 Family-owned Abacus Corp announces major leadership shuffle after 80 years. Richard McGee Jr. has been elected Chairman and CEO, while Devin McGee steps into the President role and Trey McGee becomes Executive Vice President. Founded in Baltimore in 1944, the company has expanded to 25 states with a significant presence in Ohio, including two Columbus branches serving sectors from logistics to manufacturing. Beyond its core business, Abacus has diversified with specialized divisions including Abacus Solutions Group for technical staffing and Harrison Richard Group for accounting placements.
🎨 Columbus Arts Festival is already accepting applications for 2026. The downtown riverfront celebration, ranked among the nation's top fine art festivals, will return June 12-14, 2026. Visual artists can apply in 16 categories, while the Emerging Festival Artist Program supports local artists with limited experience. Musicians, dancers, theater groups, and food vendors are also invited to apply, with deadlines ranging from January to February 2026. Free information sessions will be held this fall to guide interested applicants through the process.
🎭 Historic Columbus theater cancels shows as new operator abruptly exits. TempleLive, which purchased the Athenaeum Theatre earlier this year, has ended all programming at the downtown venue, forcing ticketholders to seek refunds. The company has similarly canceled shows at its other former Masonic venues in Cleveland, Wichita, and Fort Smith. Some performances, like Sparks, are relocating to other Columbus venues, while shows managed by local promoter Celebrity Etc Presents will still proceed at the Athenaeum. The 1896 historic building's future remains uncertain after TempleLive's ambitious plans for 100 annual performances have apparently been scrapped.
🎤 Featured Event of the Week
STEAM Festival
Where: 925 Mt. Vernon Ave. Columbus, OH 43203
When: September 13, 2025
🔬 Curious minds will thrive at the STEAM Festival, a hands-on celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics coming to Columbus this fall! See Brilliance is hosting this dynamic event on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at MPACC Box Park from 12-5 pm, featuring interactive exhibits, engaging main stage performances, and creative activation areas designed to spark innovation. Perfect for families and young explorers, the festival provides an incredible opportunity to engage with STEAM concepts in a fun, accessible environment that could inspire the next generation of creators and problem-solvers.
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