We're America's pop music capital, new study says

Why it matters: After a challenging couple years, our music scene is on the rebound.

• Nearby music festivals making a comeback in 2022 contributed to Columbus' ranking, along with our number of small concert venues, ticket prices and average musician pay.

By the numbers: Columbus' average concert ticket price (pre-pandemic) was $123 and a musician's median hourly wage was $31.40, per the study.

The intrigue: In addition to being No. 1 for pop music, Columbus ranked No. 3 for rock ’n’ roll web searches. (Take that, Cleveland.)

• We've got broad tastes, also placing No. 5 for jazz and heavy metal.

😅 Yes, but: The study notes that we're known as the hometown of ... country-pop group Rascal Flatts.

• Sorry, Twenty One Pilots fans. But don't worry, we're confident your Tour De Columbus Google searches helped land us that top spot.

🎵 Coming up: Music festivals to put on your calendar include:

• Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, July 15-17, Mansfield
• Buckeye Country Superfest, July 23, Columbus
• WonderBus Music & Arts Festival, Aug. 26-28, Columbus
• Nelsonville Music Festival, Sept. 2-4
• Lost Lands Music Festival, Sept. 23-25, Thornville

💭 Alissa's thought bubble: I'm glad Clever recognized intimate music venues. They really are the best places to hear live music.

• If you want to catch a smaller show, indie pop-punk band The Dollyrots, one of my favorites, is coming to Rumba Café on Monday. Just $12!

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