Tuned Up sits down with Ben DeRolph, the new owner and operator of popular local club Kobo Live, to get to know the guy, the space, and a sense of the future. There are two shows left on Kobo Live’s calendar, tonight, and tomorrow (May 30th and 31st). These are the final shows before closure, remodeling, rebranding, and relaunch. 

IATU: Whats your background? in nightlife / live sound / live music?

Ben DeRolph: I’ve been playing guitar since I was 15, started playing in bands in college.  Have a degree in audio production and this is me getting back into running live sound after having done so for six years in Athens before moving to Columbus.

IATU: Looking forward to the final few shows at Kobo?

Ben: You bet, some of my best friends are playing tonight and I’m totally pumped about tomorrow’s big lineup.

IATU:  How have you found your first few months in the Old North?

Ben: To be honest It’s still new to me since I live down in German Village.  I’m still exploring, finding new places to grab a bite and such.  It’s definitely a nice area.  Cool coincidence that I was already friends with Vince who runs Cafe Bella right across the street. Plus the folks in Bossy Grrl and Ace of Cups have been totally cool welcoming me to the block.

IATU:  Excited for the rebuild / rebrand?

Ben: Definitely.  I’ve been counting down day by day.

IATU: Three awesome shows you’ve thrown in the club so far?

Ben: Heh, well, throwing oneself your own birthday party is kinda, I dunno, guilty?  But that night was awesome, so many friends came out and it was a sick lineup, Sean Gardner of Winter Makes Sailors, The Wind and The Sea, Stations and Brujas del Sol.  It’s tough to pick just three, to be honest. Live Band Karaoke with Zombie Recess has been amazing.  I was pretty blown away by Dynamo too, nine piece band and they were incredibly nice and helpful people.

IATU: If someones never been to Kobo, what do they need to know to “get” the space?

Ben: Well, aside from its location they don’t really need to since it’s becoming a very different venue… you’ll have to ask me that again later!  It IS remaining both a bar and a music venue though.

IATU: What are your thoughts on the Columbus music scene?

Ben: It’s awesome.  Several great venues that I love, plenty of great musicians, some pretty tight communities.

IATU: How are you going to decide on the new name?

Ben: I pretty much already have, but just like details on what all’s going to change, my lips are sealed until we’re almost ready to reopen.

IATU: What’s changing in the club? What’s staying the same?

Ben: Lots will be changing.  It’s going to be a rather different place.  Honestly the only things that are really staying the same are that it will continue to be a bar and host live music.

IATU: When are we going to see some street closures and Old North fests!

Ben: Haha, I agree, that would be awesome, but I’ve got plenty on my hands for now!  Someday…

Ben’s a really awesome guy and we’re super happy he agreed to sit down with us and share his thoughts on a few things. Kobo Live is a rock club located in the Old North of Columbus Ohio, 2590 North High St.