September 1, 2011 - September 9, 2011

First Thursdays on Main: Downtown Columbia

Thursday September 1, 2011

Come downtown tonight for First Thursday! Here's what's happening: free entertainment including performances by "fire jugglers" Fire In Motion, James “Wild Man” Raley, DJ Guy L, and Kendal Turner, plus John Tudor and friends will be on the street performing magic. Tapps Art Center at 1644 Main Street invites you to see its newly constructed studios as well as its new window installations featuring the theme: A Fine Line: Between Collecting and Hoarding. Their Main Gallery will explore the concept of obsessions and in the courtyard, the South Carolina Artists group will be offering a full evening of art, exhibits and demonstrations. Join the Columbia Museum of Art Contemporaries for music, munchies, masquerade mask making and malt beverages. Photography exhibits at Frame of Mind and The White Mule, an The Art of Africa at Anastasia and Friends, a printmaking exhibit by USC students at S&S Art Supply, special drinks and music at Hampton Street Vineyard, and much more.

Palmetto Capital City Classic: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium

Thursday September 1, 2011 - Saturday September 3, 2011

From the Old School Crab Crack and Fish Fry on Thursday, September 1, to the Deep in Jazz concert on Friday, September 2, to the parade and game (Benedict Tigers vs Virginia Union Panthers) on Saturday, September 3, the Palmetto Capital City Classic is truly an experience, not just a football game. Visit the Palmetto Capital City Classic website for information, or go to The Township for tickets.

Final Concert!: Music at Sandhill

Friday, September 2, 2011

If you haven't been out to the Village at Sandhill on a Friday evening this summer, you have one last chance at some great music and fun! Starting at 5pm, attendees can enjoy everything from ring toss games to a bounce house for the kids.There are adult contests with prizes provided by the concert series sponsor, Michelob Ultra, as well as special Village merchant offerings. Then at 7pm, the music begins... this Friday, Square Roots (rock, blues and pop) will entertain. The event is free. Visit Village at Sandhill Town Center.

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! No Wait, It's a Bird... A Big One! Owls & Vultures

Owl Prowl: Congaree National Park
Friday, September 2, 2011

Did you know that owls' wings make no noise as they fly? Ever found an owl pellet? Did you know that there are many species of owls living among us, but we rarely see them? Congaree National Park offers a glimpse into the world of owls on this guided night hike in the forest. On almost every hike, visitors hear the owls asking, "Who cooks for you, who cooks for you, who cooks for y'all?" The Owl Prowl requires prior registration... hurry, only 10 spots open for this Friday's hike! 803-776-4396. Visit the Congaree National Park's website. FREE.

International Vulture Awareness Day: Riverbanks Zoo
Saturday September 3, 2011
If you're looking for a way to get in Halloween-spooky mode, head to the Zoo this Saturday to learn about the world of Nature's clean-up crew, always-creepy but very needed vultures. Learn about their interesting (?) lifestyle at vulture education stations. Visit Riverbanks' website for details.

Middle School Madness: YMCA

Friday, September 2, 2011

The coolest place for a middle-schooler to be on Friday nights! Kids enjoy basketball, dodgeball, swimming, indoor playground, game room and much more. Middle School Madness also offers a DJ and dance room! Teens can register at the front desk or pay at the front door the night of. Food and drinks are available for sale at the event.

Members: $5 per night; Non-members: $8 per night

Available at various YMCA of Columbia locations. Visit www.columbiaymca.org to sign up at the Y nearest you!

Cola Con Columbia: Columbia Museum of Art

Friday September 2, 2011
Cola-Con is where hip-hop music and comic book culture intersect. An event of comic book artists, vendors, visual artists, lectures, panels and music. Headlined by Talib Kweli along with some of the best hip-hop and alternative artists in the southeast, the event is a one of a kind experience compared to other comic related functions. Featuring comic book illustrator Sanford Greene, author John Jennings, performances by Preach Jacobs, The Secret B-Sides, Super Ape, Fayth Hope, and more. Visit the art museum website for more info.

Summer Smooth Jazz Concert Series: Finlay Park

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Enjoy a free smooth jazz concert with Columbia’s own jazz sensation, guitarist Terence Young. Well known from his appearances with the party band, Finesse, Young also has numerous credits playing with national R & B and jazz stars, including Angie Stone, Al Jarreau, Roberta Flack, George Duke, Rachelle Ferrell, Gerald Albright, Clarence Carter and Joe Sample. This is the final concert of the season! Don't miss it! More info at the Summer Jazz Series website.

Chapin Labor Day Festival: Chapin South Carolina

Monday, September 5, 2011

One of South Carolina's finest community parades begins at 9:30 AM and kicks off a day full of fun. Trophies will be awarded for the best floats.
Children’s carnival, the Chapin Idol talent contest, a classic car show by the Newberry Car Buff’s and an AMROC model train display, arts and crafts and vendors, food concessions, and an old-fashioned gospel concert are all planned to give everyone something they'll enjoy. Chapin Labor Day Festival website.

Labor Day Run at The Plantation: Blythewood

Monday September 5, 2011

The Labor Day Run at the Plantation is an annual event that benefits the orchestra programs of Blythewood Middle and High Schools. Fiddlers play as the runners run, and decorated fiddles will be sold at silent auction at the race. Cash prizes, medals and gift cards are awarded to winners in many categories.10K, 5K and Kids' Fun Run. Visit the event website to get complete race information... and check out the fiddles!

Palmetto Joyride

Thursday September 8, 2011

Palmetto Conservation Foundation and Palmetto Cycling Coalition are putting together the Palmetto Joyride which visits Columbia on Thursday this week. The public is invited to participate in a Bike Ride (choose from 5 rides) and attend a party at the Publick House on Devine Street. You'll be treated to a premier showing of "Pedal Driven - A Bike-umentary" as well as meeting with Mia Birk (author of "Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet") and free foods provided by the Publick House. Visit the Palmetto Conservation site for more information.

Additional Events, Upcoming Events, News and Special Offers!

Save the Date! Giant Yard Sale at YMCA Jeep Rogers in Lake Carolina

Join the YMCA in its semi-annual Lake Carolina yard sale by renting a parking space and selling your unwanted items. You can take advantage of the Lake Carolina community traffic. All proceeds benefit their Partners with Youth scholarship fund that helps families and children participate in activities they otherwise may not be able to afford. Volunteers needed!
Day & Time: September 10, 2011 7 a.m. – noon
Cost: $20 for parking space rental
YMCA Jeep Rogers website.

Parents' Night Out
Every Friday Night

Bring your children to Lake Murray Gymnastics for a great evening of fun they'll be talking about for weeks - while you enjoy some "me" time. Parents' Night Out is held every Friday evening at our brand new, state of the art, 10,000sq ft. gymnastics training center in Irmo. Along with supervised activities on our equipment, including trampoline, kids will build confidence and meet new friends. We have been teaching gymnastics in the Columbia area since 2005.
For more information, visit the Lake Murray Gymnastics website.

Save the Dates! American Trailer Park, the Musical at Trustus Theatre
September 9, 2011 - October 1, 2011

Back by popular demand! There's a new tenant at Armadillo Acres—and she's wreaking havoc all over Florida's most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, comes between the Dr. Phil–loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband—the storms begin to brew. Throw in Pippi’s insane marker-sniffing ex-boyfriend, and you’ve got a recipe for hilarious disaster. Please note that there will not be a show on Sunday September 11th. All tickets are $25.00 Visit the Trustus Theatre website.

Save the Dates! Town Theatre Presents South Pacific
September 9, 2011 - October 1, 2011

Ten years ago this month, Town Theatre opened its 83rd season with the musical blockbuster South Pacific and, after a mammoth opening weekend, America as we knew it was forever changed by 9/11. Immediately thereafter, each performance of the 2001 South Pacific was dedicated to the First Responders and all Americans devastated by that day’s events. The cast and audience joined hearts and hands in singing “God Bless America.” Additionally, Town generated more than $3,500 that was given to the local Red Cross for relief efforts. As our nation remembers this day on the tenth anniversary, Town Theatre will again offer South Pacific as our way to commemorate and remember. Indeed, we will never forget. Please join with us in a fundraising effort to benefit our local First Responders and to acknowledge those in our audience as well as all men and women who have or are serving in our military. The show’s timeless tunes – “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair” and “Bali Ha'i,” – alone are worth the price of admission. However, the classic story from the Golden Age of American Musical Theatre will enchant those who have loved it for years as well as those experiencing it for the first time. Visit the T