This Weeks Top 10 Things to do In Columbia

This Weeks Top 10 Things to do In Columbia

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Friday July 27, 2012 – August 2, 2012

Summer Sizzles: Look For Fun Indoors

Last night the 20-year old ringing me up at Food Lion was complaining about the heat. It happens every summer, my friend, and it’s what makes us here in the Midlands such a tough bunch. We buck up and deal with it, we brag about putting down asphalt in 109 degree heat and running across the Lake Murray Dam when the thermometer pushes 107; we let the world know that, yeah, we’re Famously Hot… what about it? With the determination that no one is gonna make us feel bad about where we live, under all that swagger, we do secretly crave the A/C. So here is my list of fun places to seek shelter when Ben Tanner starts talking “heat advisory”.

Frankie’s Fun Park

“Sweaty palms. High anxiety. Rapid heart rate. It’s just a game, right? Not here, pal. Serious gaming, that’s what we offer. So choose your poison, from the newest crazes to favorite classics. Say goodbye to your Mrs. PacMan record, stud muffin.” Straight from Uncle Frankie’s mouth. Uncle Frankie added, “This ain’t no bowling league. Lasers make everything cooler. Seriously, take anything and put lasers on it and watch its cool factor jump through the roof. Trained attack ninjas, or trained attack ninjas with lasers? Unicorns dancing on rainbows, or unicorns dancing on rainbows with lasers? Homeless puppy shivering in a rainstorm, or homeless puppy shivering in a rainstorm with lasers? See? We know the puppy will be okay, why? Because the puppy has lasers. It’s not sad, it’s cool. Somehow we don’t think you’ve quite grasped the concept. Dude. It’s tag. With friggin’ LASERS!” And all this in air-conditioned comfort, y’all! Frankie’s Fun Park:

Columbia Museum of Art

It’s absolutely the coolest place downtown. Big open spaces, nice seating, nobody trying to close in on you, pretty things to look at… and lots of refreshing A/C. Clean restrooms too. It’s a cheap date … just $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for kids. Every Sunday is free admission, courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.Columbia Museum of Art:

Columbiana Centre

The key to making this work as a refreshing destination is to go when it’s least crowded. I have found that during the week, morning or mid-day, you are safe. Start in the Food Court at Dairy Queen/Orange Julius and treat yourself to something extremely cold. Chill your innards and you’ll start feeling better. Window-shop if you haven’t the money or inclination to spend, just go slowly and enjoy the cool air blowing about you. Try on some new clothes… get undressed in the dressing room and just stand there for a while, letting your body cool down. And come out of there with some new summer clothes… most of the stores have them on sale! Columbiana Centre

A Musical Your Entire Family Will Love!

Last Week! Camp Rock the Musical!: Workshop Theatre

Now – July 28, 2012

Workshop Theatre presents a classic story of rivalry and power, Disney’s Camp Rock: The Musical opens with Mitchie and her friends arriving at Camp Rock, ready to spend another summer jamming out and having the time of their lives. But the new, flashy Camp Star across the lake now threatens Camp Rock’s very existence. To keep the doors open, Mitchie steps up, rallies her fellow Camp Rockers, and gets them into top shape for the ultimate showdown! Go to Workshop’s website for more information.

Last Week! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat !: Town Theatre

Now – July 29, 2012

Don’t let the summer pass without taking in the story of Jacob and his favorite son, Joseph. Based on the book of Genesis, this exciting musical follows the story of a young man with a knack for having prophetic dreams. He incurs the jealousy of his eleven brothers who sell him into slavery in Egypt where his talents eventually save the country from famine and secure him a position as Pharaoh’s right-hand man. In due time, he is reunited with his now contrite and guilt-ridden brethren. Its catchy music by Andrew Lloyd Webber utilizes a variety of musical styles and genres including rock ‘n’ roll, country-western, reggae, disco and even a French art song. Go to Town Theatre’s website for more!

Trivia Question! Win 2 Tickets to Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Town Theatre!

Answer this trivia question correctly and you’ll be entered to win 2 tickets to see Saturday July 28th’s performance of this funny, imaginative, superbly performed musical at Town Theatre!

What year was the Town Theatre building constructed? (hint: look at their website)

Email your answer to kathy@gardenerguides.com no later than 2 pm today (Thursday July 26, 2012)!

Death By Disco!: Theatre Rowe Productions

Thursday July 26, 2012 – Sunday July 29, 2012
This dinner theater murder-mystery is being performed at the Fine Arts Center of Forest Acres (second level in Richland Mall) and catered by Sadie’s American Cafeteria/Tronco’s Catering. The story revolves around a 70′s disco where contestants are vying to become the winners of the World Championship King and Queen Disco Dance Contest. For info visit Theatre Rowe.

Weaving the Fate appear live on Friday at Jillians!

Weaving the Fate: Jillians Columbia

Friday July 27, 2012
Columbia, South Carolina’s Weaving The Fate is a combination of four different styles and energies that produces an electrifying mix of musical virtuosity and passionate performances. Lead singer and guitarist Brian Conner, bassist Bobby Dredd, DJ Able One and drummer Jeremy “Finesse” Roberson all met in their hometown (previously under the moniker of Villanova), and have developed a passionate regional fan base whose loyalty and devotion to the band’s music and live performances is second to none. Appearing live at Jillians this Friday. Tickets just $9.35 and available at Jillians, Manifest and ETix.com. ($12 day of show)

The Civil War in 3D: SC Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum

NOW – June 2, 2013

Fort Sumter, Abraham Lincoln and other iconic figures from the Civil War, and the devastation of war. See the Civil War jump off the screen in “Civil War in 3D,” the SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum’s latest exhibit. Opening June 22, the exhibit features a nearly 30-minute revolving 3D show of over seventy-five stereographs. The show, featuring an original soundtrack with sound effects, brings to life each image and offers a unique look at America’s most defining moment in history. Viewing stereographs with a stereoscope creates a unique 3D effect and it was a popular amusement in America from the 1860s through the 1930s. This exhibit combines 3D stereograph viewing with modern technology to display the collection of Civil War stereographs. Each stereograph has been digitally processed to display in the originally-intended format, but in a theater setting. The exhibit also includes a stereoscope and several stereographs. “Civil War in 3D” is the third in a series of exhibits the museum is presenting during the Civil War’s 150th anniversary.Visit the Confederate Relic Room website for information.

Liberty Tap Room: Live DJ

Friday & Saturday Nights

The fun begins at 10pm every Friday and Saturday night at Liberty, when their guest DJ turns up the volume and the party gets started!

Haynes Auditorium: 4th Saturday Bluegrass

Saturday July 28, 2012

Easy Pickin’s and Oliver West and 39 Express perform this month at Haynes. If you love bluegrass, or bluegrass gospel, this show’s for you. Jam Session from 4:30-6:30. Open Stage from 6:30. Show begins at 7:15pm. Second show at 8:15pm. Haynes Auditorium in Leesville, SC. Visit the Haynes website for details.

Outdoor Concerts

Music at Sandhill: Through September 21: Village at Sandhill. This Friday brings Rock Candy (Classic Rock) to the Village at Sandhill stage. Free admission! Fun begins at 6pm and the music goes from 7pm – 9pm.

Summer Concert Series at Finlay Park Through August 18

Looking for Work? It’s Here! Midlands Job Fair

Monday July 30, 2012

Here’s your chance to get your pretty face and your resume in front of employers with actual job openings… they’ll be at theMidlands Job Fair, ready to recruit! Head to Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia on Monday July 30, 2012 and be ready to shine. A list of Employers attending the job fair is available at this job fair web page - scroll down the page!

BOGO Free: Cupcake

Tuesdays 5pm – 7pm

What could make summer even sweeter than no school? How about a wonderful fresh cupcake from Cupcake in the Vista? Every Tuesday from 5pm- 7pm at the Vista store, purchase a cupcake and receive another cupcake free for your child. During the summer, share a simple pleasure with your child at Cupcake! They also offer gluten-free cupcakes on Tuesdays.

Romanza: The Structures of California Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright: Columbia Museum of Art

Tuesday July 31, 2012

AIA Greater Columbia and the Columbia Design League are proud to present a screening and discussion of the new film with film maker Michael Miner. This unique opportunity will also include an exhibit of FLW artifacts available for viewing before and after the film including Eddie’s house, a doghouse designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Robert Berger home in San Anselmo, California. Watch Romanza trailer here.The screening will be followed by a Q & A with film maker Michael Miner. More info at Columbia Museum of Art.

Recommended Retailer:

302 Artisans at Senates End

Picture this… inviting rocking chairs and an antique sofa positioned in front of a talented piano man, whose music fills the store with wonderful sound, an old fireplace mantel behind him holds locally made pottery. Along the walls are shelves offering South Carolina-made foods and products – from sweet potato mustard and Villa Tronco salad dressing to hush puppy mix, bbq rubs and stone ground grits; a tilted table is heaped with the freshest local produce; a refrigerator holds quail eggs and local hard cider as well as fresh-picked blackberries; an artist paints quietly in a back corner… folks are gathered in the back trying out pecan pepper jelly on crackers. Lunch is served by The Carriage Cafe, parked just outside. It’s Saturday at 302 Artisans at Senates End. Just one block off Gervais St. in the old Sterling Garden Center complex. Stop in for music on Saturday or anytime for a tomato, a gift basket filled with South Carolina treats or some friendly conversation! Open 7 days a week, 9am – 5pm. Visit theirfacebook page.

First Thursdays on Main: Art in Motion Cruise-In

Thursday August 2, 2012
Art in Motion celebrates the classic lines, colors and design of classic automobiles and motorcycles. Come down to First Thursday on Main and appreciate the sleek and stylish beauty of yesterday’s cars, as well as enjoy the music, open galleries and shops, and food and drink treats provided by local merchants. Information at First Thursdays website.

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Fabulous Ongoing Events, Upcoming Events, News and Special Offers!

Melodies on Murray Dinner and Music Cruise: Spirit of Lake Murray

Friday August 3, 2012

Musical Guest: Dustin Brown! Step aboard the Spirit of Lake Murray, the lake’s premier dinner yacht, and be treated to an excellent dinner including entree, sides, drink and dessert, as you sail around gorgeous Lake Murrary. When the sun begins to set, the boat will head for Bomb Island, so guests can watch the internationally known spectacle – jillions of purple martins coming in to roost for the night. Watch as the amazing clouds of birds swish and swoosh about the sky before settling into the trees. Bomb Island is home to the largest colony of purple martins in the world. Just $55 covers a 3 hour ride with live entertainment, dinner, soda and tea. For reservations, visit the Spirit of Lake Murray website.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Seasoned Greetings

Book your holiday party with Ruth’s Chris Steak House before August 17th and SAVE! Receive either 5% off your final bill or 10% in Ruth’s Chris gift cards, with a $1000 food and beverage minimum. Click here for details on how to make your 2012 holiday party sizzle with savings.

Start Thinking About Entertaining for the Holidays! Save 10% off or 48-Month No-Interest Financing

Ethan Allen, a company known for its design-forward furnishings and quality craftsmanship, has introduced a new way to shop its versatile selection of home furnishings. Ideal for busy clients, the Ethan Allen Express program offers dozens of the company’s most popular products in a designer-selected array of chic fabric and finish options. Clients may purchase complete room packages or just a few key pieces—either way, they get Ethan Allen style and quality at amazing prices and delivered faster than ever. See an assortment of Express designs at the Ethan Allen store at 101 Harbison Boulevard. Special 48-month financing details available at ethanallen.com/express.

Fertility Information Seminar: Advanced Fertility & Reproductive Endocrinology Institute

Tuesday August 7, 2012 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Advanced Fertility is pleased to be achieving high success rates with many couples trying to start a family. This seminar is designed to help those couples understand the process and get their questions answered. SEE THE EXCITING NEW CENTER! The nation’s newest advanced fertility center is now open and serving patients with the latest in comfort, compassion and technological advances at Advanced Fertility. Meet Dr. Whitman-Elia. Get the latest treatment information with an opportunity to ask questions. Located at 2324 Sunset Blvd. in West Columbia next to Rush’s. Call (803) 939-1515 To Reserve Your Seat.

Countdown to Kindergarten: EdVenture Children’s Museum

Friday August 10, 2012

The first day of kindergarten is right around the corner! To celebrate this milestone, EdVenture Children’s Museum and United Way invite all South Carolina rising kindergartners and their families to the ninth annual Countdown to Kindergarten Celebration from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 10. The evening will feature free admission to the museum, local mascots, games and information booths. In addition, rising kindergartners can practice boarding a school bus! VisitEdventure’s website for info.

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