"The Drowsy Chaperone" Opens at Town Theatre Friday!

Join Town Theatre for the premiere of their latest program, The Drowsy Chaperon: A Musical Within a Comedy. Show runs May 6-28 and is directed by Scott Banks. Based on the book by Bob Martin and Don McKeller. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Web: www.towntheatre.com/shows/drowsychaperone.html

Southeastern Piano Festival

Join the USC School of Music for the annual Southeastern Piano Festival, one of the largest cultural attractions each summer in Columbia. The festival features a number of the nation's and world's most talented, award-winning young players as they converge on Columbia for a week of master classes and public performances.

When: Sunday, June 12-Saturday, June 18

Where: USC School of Music Recital Hall and the Koger Center for the Performing Arts, 817 Assembly St.

Web: http://sepf.music.sc.edu

SC Arts Gala @ 701 Whaley

Join the South Carolina Arts Foundation as it celebrates South Carolina's arts community with outstanding arts leaders, celebrated artists, an art auction and sale, delicious food and more! Special guests include recipients of the 2011 Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor's Awards for the Arts including Lifetime Achievement Award honorees Mary A. Jackson and C. Thomas Wyche and the recipient of the 2011 McNair Award Suzette Surkamer.

When: Wednesday, May 4 - 7:30pm
Where: 701 Whaley Street, Columbia, SC
Web: www.SouthCarolinaArts.com
Phone: (803) 734-8696

SC Philharmonic Conert - Saturday, April 30

Join the SC Philharmonic for their final conert of the season as they perform Masterworks 7 - "Fantastique Finale." Program will feature Holst's The Planets; Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3, mvt. III; Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2, mvt. I; and Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. Special guests in the SC Philharmonic Youth Orchestra as they take the stage to perform one his darkest and most exciting pieces, Gustav Holst's classic The Planets, for an exhilarating joint performance.

When: Saturday, April 30; 7:30pm

Where: Koger Center for the Arts

Web: www.scphilharmonic.org 

Tickets: www.capitoltickets.com, (803) 251-2222

Family Connections SC Annual Benefit and Auction

The evening will feature a silent auction full of exciting vacation destinations, restaurant packages, one of kind artwork, show tickets, and much more! Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided by The Blue Marlin, and the evening will include cocktails and dancing in addition to the great auction items and delicious food! 

Come out and support a great cause!

When: Thursday, April 28, 6-9pm

Where: Saluda River Club's Chickawa Outdoor Center

Web: www.familyconnectionsc.org/annual_benefit

South Carolina eCycles Day w/ Keep the Midlands Beautiful

Keep the Midlands Beautiful is seeking volunteers for South Carolina eCycles Day will be Saturday, April 30 from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at The State Farmer's Market. Volunteers may register for either of two shifts: 7am-11am and 11am-2pm.

Sign-Up or Questions

Phone: (803) 733-1139

Email: Heidi@KeeptheMidlandsBeautiful.org

Web: www.ecyclesc.com, www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org

Season 26 @ Trustus Theatre

Get ready for 2 hours of non-stop laughter! Jewtopia, the Longest running comedy in both Off-Broadway and Los Angeles history is finally coming to Columbia! Comedy written by Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson. Directed by Jim Thigpen.

When: May 6-28

Where: Trustus Threatre, 520 Lady Street behind the Gervais St. Publix.

Tickets: Phone or Box Office

Phone: (803) -254-9732

Web: www.trustus.org

Rhythm and Blooms/Art in the Garden Series

Unwind with family and friends at Riverbanks Botanical Garden, one of the nation’s most beautiful and inspiring public gardens, during the fourth annual Rhythm and Blooms music and Art in the Garden series, Thursdays in May.
 

Schedule
May 5: Palmetto Master Singers 7:00pm-8:00pm
            David Rodriguez 6:00pm-6:45pm and 8:15pm-9:00pm
May 12: Jon Rooks
May 19: John Wesley Satterfield
May 26: Savannah River Bluegrass

Tickets are $5.00 for Riverbanks members and $7.00 for the general public. A cash bar and tapas will also be available for purchase. For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org.

One Book, One Columbia Kicks Off!

One Book, One Columbia initiative officially kicked off earlier this week. The reading period (April 1-May 15) is now underway. Copies of the book selection, "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters First 100 Years" by Sarah L. Delany and A. Elizabeth Delany with Amy Hill Hearth, are rapidly circulating at the Richland County Public Library.

Special activities in support of the initiative begin this weekend, including a Sunday afternoon movie showing of Having Our Say at the RCPL on Assembly Street and a poetry reading on Saturday. For a detailed list of events, please visit RCPL's One Book, One Columbia site.

Web: www.myrcpl.com/onebook

34th Annual USC Bands Clinic and Concert Series

The 34th Annual USC Band Clinic will be held February 17-20 on the University of South Carolina campus at the Koger Center for the Performing Arts and the School of Music. The clinic will include performances by the nation's top high school musicians including South Carolina's own Spring Valley High School Symphonic Band and will feature performances by the USC Wind Ensemble conducted by Dr. Scott Weiss, the USC Symphonic Winds conducted by Dr. Rebecca Phillips, the USC University Band conducted by Mr. Steve McKeithen, and the local Palmetto Concert Band conducted by Professor Emeritus James K. Copenhaver, Dr. William Moody, and Dr. Scott Weiss.

Performances begin Friday, February 18 at 7:00pm with the USC Wind Ensemble premiering Steven Bryant's latest work Concerto for Wind Ensemble and continue throughout the weekend.

All concerts are free and open to the public.

Visit www.carolinaband.org for more details and a complete itinerary of the weekend's events.

Save the Date for City Center Partnership’s 2011 Urban Tour

When: Thursday, April 7, 2011 from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Where: Main Street between Gervais and Laurel Streets in downtown Columbia

City Center Partnership is pleased to announce the 4th annual Urban Tour will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2011. The Urban Tour is a chance to explore and enjoy a self-guided tour of Columbia’s Main Street with special offers and giveaways from retailers and restaurants, samples of food and drink, live entertainment, a glimpse into downtown living, carriage rides and stories behind some of the historic buildings.  The tour runs between Gervais and Laurel Streets and can be started anywhere down Main Street. The tour will end with a concert in the 1200 block of Main Street between Gervais and Lady Streets.

Web: www.citycentercolumbia.sc
Phone: 803-233-0620

12.18.10 | Deep South Tailgate BBQ

What: Traditional Deep South Tailgate BBQ at Upstairs Audio & Video

This Saturday at Upstairs Audio & Video in 5 Points, 746 Harden St at Greene St., we are having the third annual Traditional Deep South Tailgate BBQ, and everyone, the whole city, the midlands, everyone, is welcome! We have around 2000 lbs of food to cook and serve, so there should be just enough for everyone. Food will be served from around noon to 4 or 5 p.m.

What is the occasion? Simply good friendship.

We do take donations of clothes, toys, working cell phones with chargers (even unactivated, they dial 911), working home items such as vacuums, fans, telephones, etc., building supplies (Home Works uses them to rehabilitate houses for those in need), blankets, linens, cans and boxes of food (Harvest Hope), and anything else in good condition you feel would help someone else. We will find good homes for all of it. Check below for a list of items needed by some groups.

But a donation of anything is NOT a prerequisite for attending. It is all on us, and our delight to see and serve you. Bring the family, friends and coworkers; all are welcome!

All of us hope to see you Saturday.

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Things Home Works needs:

Domestic Program Needs

Donated labor is needed for: electrical, plumbing, roofing, flooring, carpentry, masonry, chimney, hvac, etc. However, the greatest need is for tasks that can only be performed by trained, licensed workers such as repairs dealing with air conditioning units, heaters, plumbing and electricity.

Repairing a home costs less than building a new home so funds received are stretched further with Home Works' program. In-kind donations of new or gently used building materials from local businesses are needed to keep the cash amount needed for each home low. Examples include:

Materials • Nails, Screws • White Paint • Roofing Materials • Lumber

Equipment • Power tools • Hand tools • Trailers • Ladders • Garden tools

Food • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Gatorade

Other Items • First-Aid supplies • Gloves • Safety glasses • Scaffolding • Cleaning supplies

International Program Needs

Ongoing items needed include:

• multi-vitamins (to be distributed to pregnant women and children),
• airline miles (the largest expense of the trip is the plane tickets), and
• cash (to purchase building materials and tools after arriving in Peru).

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Things needed by Lyon St. community:

The Lyons Street Community Association is looking your help! We are looking for used computers in working condition for our youth and elderly community. We can use camera phones as well for the community watch groups. Contact willie king at chesspins@yahoo.com or 803-708-5327.

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Of course, Oliver Gospel, Hannah House (911 cell phones for women), Christ Central, Toys for Tots, Carolina Childrens Home, Habitat for Humanity (including their Resale Store) and many others can use just about anything. Please do not bring big items like furniture and lumber.

12.21.20 | Change for Change Auction and Volunteer Opportunity

What: Change for Change Show and Auction
Earlier this fall, 85 artists received defunct parking meters to transform into pieces of art as part of the city's Climate Protection Action Campaign. Come see the unveiling, show and auction of these one-of-a-kind pieces. WACH Fox will match the proceeds and use all funds to promote sustainability in the Midlands on air.

There are a few ways to show your support:

1. Volunteer! We have four one-hour shifts available, and before/after you work your shift, you get to enjoy the event for FREE! One hours shifts at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 with a final "break down" shift at 8:30 p.m. To volunteer, contact mpbaldauf@columbiasc.net!
2. Attend the event. I know it's Christmas week, but if you're in town, what better way to celebrate and support sustainability?! The price is right - just $10 per person. Purchase tickets online at http://www.midlandsconnect.com/directory/changeforchange/.
3. Get your company to commit to purchasing a meter! It's a piece of art + a conversation piece + a way to support sustainability in the Midlands OR one heck of a stocking stuffer! Just send someone that night with "the ability to purchase and pay."

If you have any questions, please contact the City's Sustainability Facilitator, Mary Pat Baldauf at mpbaldauf@columbiasc.net or 545-2722.

When: December 21, 2010, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: 701 Whaley

12.09.10 | A Devine Night Out

A Devine Night Out is tonight!

“A Devine Night Out” is Columbia’s PREMIER holiday event. More than 40 stores on Devine Street in Columbia will welcome guests from 5 – 8 p.m. on December 9^th for an evening of shopping, socializing and festive cheer.

Grab a friend. Book the sitter. Enjoy shopping the most fabulous mile of locally-owned businesses in Columbia. Walk the event or catch a ride on the FREE limo service to get from one end of Devine Street to the other.

End the festivities by attending the After-Party from 8 - 10 pm at MoMo’s Bistro. Incredible door prizes include a set of 1.5 carat diamond earrings, restaurant gift certificates and an abundance of men’s and women’s couture.

Admission is free but donations (food or monetary) to Harvest Hope Food Bank are recommended. Presented by the Devine Street Association and the City of Columbia. For more information, visit www.devinenight.org.

Arbor Day in the Midlands

The Midlands community will celebrate South Carolina Arbor Day on Friday, December 3, 2010. Arbor Day creates awareness of the importance of trees to the community and encourages citizens to plant and care for trees in their areas. Numerous activities have been planned by members of the Midlands Arbor Day Committee:

• 9:00 AM - Entertainer and environmental advocate Tim Womick performs his Trail of Trees program for the students at Pendergrass-Fairwold School. Sponsored by the City of Columbia.

• 11:00 AM - Town of Irmo Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Planting at the corner of Lake Murray Blvd. and Irmo Drive.

• 1:00 PM - Tree Planting at the southwest corner of the Statehouse grounds to celebrate the five billionth seedling planted in South Carolina since 1928. Sponsored by the SC Forestry Commission.

• 1:00 PM - Entertainer and environmental advocate Tim Womick performs his Trail of Trees program for the students at Satchel Ford Elementary School. Sponsored by the Richland County Conservation Commission and Richland County Conservation District.

• 2:00 -5:00 PM-Arbor Day Festival at the USC Challenge Course on the field underneath the pedestrian bridge between the Blatt Physical Education Center and Bates House residence hall. Featuring tree planting, games, snacks and playing on the challenge course. Sponsored by USC Outdoor Recreation, the Green Quad Learning Center and SAGE (Students Advocating a Greener Environment).

12.09.10 | A Devine Night Out

“A Devine Night Out” is one of Columbia’s premier holiday events. Stores and businesses on Devine Street in Columbia will welcome guests for an evening of shopping, socializing and festive cheer. Reserve the sitter and grab a friend. Explore what makes Devine Street unique.

End the evening from 8-10 p.m. with a fabulous after-party at Momo’s Bistro featuring delicious food and exquisite door prizes. Admission is free but donations (food or monetary) to Harvest Hope Food Bank are recommended.

Time: 6-8 p.m.; After party 8-10 p.m. at MoMo's Bistro
Where: Devine Street
Admission: Free; Donations encouraged for Harvest Hope Food Bank
Presented by: Devine Street Association and the City of Columbia.
Info: www.devinenight.org

Contact: Jennifer Suber, (803) 608-6161 or jennifersuber@sc.rr.com

12.02.10 | Mingle and Jingle

What: Mingle and Jingle on Main St.
Mingle and Jingle is the retail kickoff for the holiday season in downtown Columbia. It is designed to highlight the businesses in the downtown corridor. This year, they will have live music, dancing, spoken word, and some surprises in store on the outdoor stages. Art will be the name of the game with at least six different art shows going on inside locations up and down the street.

When: December 2, 2010, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Where: 1500 Block of Main St.

11.28.10 | State Capitol Carolighting Ceremony

What: 44th Annual State Capitol Carolighting Ceremony
Gov. Mark Sanford and Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin will kick off the holiday season with the 44th annual Carolighting ceremony. The free ceremony will feature area choirs, including the Carolighting Children's Choirthe U.S. Army 282nd Brass Band Quintet, the Benedict College Gospel Choir, the Together For Him trio and Pleneros del Sur band as well as bands and Angel Morey of “America's Got Talent.” The ceremony will conclude with the lighting of the 34-foot white-fir Christmas tree

Where: North Steps of the State house OR watch on SCETV

When: Sunday, November 28, 2010, 6 p.m.