Sitting Down with Josh Kibbey of Kibbey Context

By Sandeep Sehbi

We sit down with Josh Kibbey of Kibbey Context, a Central Ohio booking & promotions company. It’s partnered with The Blue Pickle, also known as the former Porters Pub, and he produces nightlife events on the regular.

TUNED UP: How long have you been running Kibbey Context?

Josh Kibbey: 2 years.

TUNED UP: Where does the name context come from?

Josh Kibbey: Originally, the company was called Kibbey Promotions. However, a longtime friend of mine pointed out that geek culture and local music have become the context of my life. Thus, Kibbey Context was born.

TUNED UP: Whats the story behind ‘Trial Run’?

Josh Kibbey: Trial Run was the name of the very first show I did as a promoter. The title for the show was, originally, a joke. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to promote back then. But today Trial Run has become the anniversary show for Kibbey Context. Every year on the second weekend of September you can now attend a celebration of both geek culture and local music.

TUNED UP: How would you describe Kibbey Contexts relationship with Blue Pickle?

Josh Kibbey: Pretty well. Being a novice promoter myself, and The Blue Pickle a new venue, we both have our own ideas on how a show should run and what type of music should be played. So there is sometimes a bit of friction. However, we both have the same goals and are starting to put together bigger and better events.

TUNED UP: You just started a gaming company? What’s it called, how does it operate?

Josh Kibbey: The company is called 1dInfinity Games. I am creating both table top RPGs, and miniature games. Currently I am in the development stage of two games, but one is almost ready to be play tested.

TUNED UP: You have expressed an interest in “nerd” culture and performing arts in the area. Where did that idea come from to meld the two?

Josh Kibbey: I used to work for a local game company here in Columbus. We were interested in holding our own gaming convention and needed something to set us aside from the rest and I suggested live music. Since then, the company and I have parted ways, but I still strongly felt that the idea had a lot of merit.

TUNED UP: Whats next for Kibbey Context?

Josh Kibbey: Now that I have gained more experience in the local music scene, and made some connections, its time for me to focus more on the geek culture side of things. Getting more comic book shops, hobby stores, and game shops aware and involved with local artist.

TUNED UP: You’ve mentioned how it’s been a bit of a whirlwind getting involved in the performing and fine arts scene. Can you share with us an anecdote or two pertaining to that?

Josh Kibbey: Yeah these last two years have been a rollercoaster. I would have to say that trying to get the geek culture and local music scene together is almost like two shy kids being set up on a play date by their parents. At first, they are unsure of each other and decide to play in each others side of the room. As time goes on they eventually realize they like the same things, play games, talk, and become the best of friends. I am starting to see this now.

I’m pretty interested in seeing how Kibbey Context grows and morphs over the next year, Josh has a lot of great ideas on bringing together the ‘nerd’ community with the music scene here in town, and its true that the market seems ripe for opportunity, with the many conventions dotting Ohio, and the new growing trend of video game bars within the city. I wish him luck with his endeavors, and look forward to his next moves!

Relevant Links:

Kibbey Context page: https://www.facebook.com/Kibbey-Context-959900400722254/