Friday September 21, 2012 -Thursday September 27, 2012

Last Day of Summer & Last Free Concert of the Season: Music at Sandhill

Friday September 21, 2012

Boo. Hoo. Hate to see it go, don’t you? Well, put your shaggin shoes on one more time and head to the Village at Sandhill for their last shindig of the season! Enjoy the magical art of illusionist John Tudor, then dance, sway and snap your fingers to the sounds ofRight to Party (formerly the Fabulous Kays). The fun begins at 6pm and the music begins at 7pm. Don’t miss it! Visit the Village at Sandhill website!

Spirit of America: Colonial Life Arena

Friday September 21, 2012 & Saturday September 22, 2012

Spirit of America is a FREE, patriotic, live-action show that tells the history of our nation through the eyes of the American Soldier. It features performances by more than 300 active-duty Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Elements of The Old Guard include the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the Caisson Platoon, the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard and the U.S. Army Drill Team. The show celebrates the spirit, strength and history of the nation with a unique combination of stirring music, historical narration and live action dramatization. Spirit of America is the true story of men and women who have left friends and families behind to protect and defend the United States of America. Visit the Colonial Life Arena for more info. Ticket holders are advised to arrive 1.5 hours prior to the start of the show for best seats. Pre-show entertainment will be provided.

Oyster Season is Open at Ruth’s Chris!

Join Ruth’s Chris Steak House as they welcome back prime oyster-eating season and feature some of their favorite oyster recipes. Throughout the month of September Ruth’s Chris is also mixing up hand-crafted vintage inspired cocktails to enhance the celebration of these gems of the sea. For more information click here. Reservations recommended, 803-212-6666.

Craft Fair & Chili Cook-Off: Jellystone Park Riverbottom Farms

Saturday September 22, 2012

Take the beautiful 30 minute drive out to Jellystone Park Riverbottom Farms for this family-friendly event, with proceeds benefitting the SC Autism Society. It’s family fun down on the farm with crafting activities, inflatables, a dunk tank and the best chili around. Free admission, fees for activities and food. 10am – 5pm. Visit their flyer (with map) at Jellystone Park’s website!

Story Squad: Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College

Saturday September 22, 2012

There’s a story to be told, and Story Squad is on the job! This band of actors, musicians, and visual artists creates a theatrical, educational feast for ears and eyes that will have the entire family rocking. More info at the Harbison Theatre’s website.

Discover Columbia! New Fall/Holiday Issue Available Now!

At Publix, Food Lion and Fine Restaurants Everywhere!

Whether you are looking for a fun and different way to spend quality time with your kids or you’re planning a romantic date night or you want to see a detailed list of haunted houses, corn mazes, trick or treat events, holiday lights and happenings… it’s in there!! Pick up your free copy in the front of all Publix and Food Lion grocery stores as well as in many fine restaurants, hotels, retailers, downtown sidewalk boxes or our office at 1523 Sunset Blvd. in West Columbia. Call us if you need large quantities! Check our the digital version here!

6th Annual Bluegrass Festival! Leesville Town Park!

Saturday September 22, 2012

September 22nd brings us to the finale of the Bluegrass season at the Haynes! This last show being our annual festival, promises to deliver a great day of entertainment. The festival will get underway at 1pm and conclude about 9:30pm. Twelve of South Carolina’s best bluegrass bands will deliver a show that is sure to please even the most discriminating Bluegrass palate! This event will take place in the Leesville Town Park beside the Haynes Auditorium at 423 Main Street. Visit the Bluegrass at the Haynes website.

Planets for the People: Sidewalk Astronomy

Saturday Sept. 22 6-10 p.m.
at the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Ale House in Columbia.

Explore the evening sky with museum staff and members of the Midlands Astronomy Club! Planets for the People, in coordination with the South Carolina State Museum, is a regular public outreach program hosted by Midlands Astronomy Club and the State Museum. Members of the club will set up several telescopes to allow passersby to observe the Sun, Moon and any planets that may be visible. Visit the MAC website for info.

American Harvest Bartending Challenge At City Roots Farm

Sunday September 23, 2012 6-10 PM

Watch as local celebrity bartenders, including Friendly’s own Justin Matthews, compete to create the best organic cocktail using American Harvest Organic Spirit. All proceeds will go to sending a representative from Slow Food Columbia to the Terra Madre! Visit the Slow Food Columbia website for details.

Concerts!

Thursday September 20, 2012

The USC Symphony Orchestra welcomes David Kim, violin, to a performance of Brahms and Bruch. More at USC Symphony Orchestra.

Loading Dock Live! Free outdoor concert behind the Township. Danielle Howle + Fireworks Show. More info atTownship website.

Friday September 21, 2012

Rhythm on the River welcomes The Restoration! More info at Rhythm on the River.

Forbidden Broadway is an off-Broadway musical revue atVillage Square Theatre in Lexington. Opens Friday and runs til Oct. 7.

Wednesday September 26, 2012
NEEDTOBREATHE THE RECKONING 2012 TOUR
with special guests Parachute & Drew Holcomb at The Township Auditorium.

BUY TICKETS NOW AND SAVE!! USC Discount! Students, faculty and staff save $5 when they purchase their Eric Church tickets before Friday September 28! Visit theColonial Life Arena website for tickets!

Sunset Dinner Cruise: Spirit of Lake Murray

Tuesday September 25, 2012

Enjoy a special dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Lake Murray and watch the sun set, watch the sky turn to a palette of beautiful color and relax as you glide over the sparkling waters! Pecan crusted chicken, roast beef, au gratin potatoes, vegetables, salad and key lime dessert! Visit the Spirit of Lake Murray website for info. New Ballentine location with lots of parking and short walk to boat!

Help Your Child Win a New Honda Dirt Bike from Carolina Honda: Great Grades Promotion

Now through December 8, 2012

Is your youngun’ in grades 1 – 6? If he or she gets all B’s or better on their report card, they can enter to win a brand new dirt bike from Carolina Honda! Drawing is December 8, 2012. Go to Carolina Honda’s website to see contest rules!

Contemporaries’ Oktoberfest: Columbia Museum of Art

Wednesday September 26, 2012

Heading into October with a beer stein on my knee! It’s that time of year when us Midlanders decide we need an excuse to party…. like for a month! This is the first of a long line of German parties to celebrate beer and our Germanic heritage. Join the Columbia Museum of Art’s young professionals (the Contemporaries) for beer, a brat (as in the kind you eat on a bun) and great music! Buy your $10 tix online!

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

Tour of Homes: Locations Throughout Greater Columbia

Saturdays and Sundays September 15, 2012 – September 30, 2012

The 2012 TOUR OF HOMES is a scattered-site showing of new homes and new home communities throughout Kershaw, Richland and Lexington Counties. With homes in all price ranges, the TOUR is the perfect resource for anyone planning on buying a new home. It’s also a great way to see what’s available in the Midlands and the latest building and design trends. Be sure to pick up your Tour of Homes book that will guide you to each neighborhood and home on the Tour. And check out Gardener Guides’ freshly updated new homes website: www.ColumbiaSCBestNewHomes.com - with info on builders and 75 new home communities. Pick up a copy of this week’s Free Times for information.

The Curtain’s Up! Legally Blonde – The Musical: Workshop Theatre

Now – Saturday September 29, 2012

Legally Blonde: The Musical comes to the Workshop stage September 14-29. Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film of the same name, Legally Blonde tells the story of Delta Nu sorority sister Elle Woods and her amazing trip through Harvard Law School in pursuit of the sexy Warner Huntington III. Along the way she meets friends Emmett and Paulette, who along with her Delta Nus help her to remain positive and see her through. Of course, we must not forget the cutest sidekick in the world, Elle’s Chihuahua, Bruiser. From fashionista to law student, our daredevil in high heels proves that being yourself and going after what you want never goes out of style. Visit Workshop Theatre’s website for tickets and info!

Save the Date! Midlands Plant & Flower Festival: SC State Farmers Market

Friday September 28, 2012 – Sunday September 30, 2012
Friday & Saturday 8am-6pm
Sunday 12-5pm
Now’s the time to start working on your fall flowers and arrangements, planting next spring’s bulbs and getting trees and shrubs in. If the urge to work outside in our beautiful fall weather has you looking for new things to put in the ground, make it to the SC State Farmers Market the last weekend in September! Lots of seasonal suggestions with mums, pumpkins and Indian corn too! Visit the SC State Farmers Market website for information!

SAVE THE DATE! Moonlight Paddle: Get Your Gear On

Friday September 28, 2012 & Saturday September 29, 2012

Looking for a unique and fun way to spend a romantic evening? The last weekend of September holds the wonder of a full moon, and a large one at that! Imagine paddling downstream at night with that big orb reflecting and sparkling in the waters around you. Lights from the city twinkle and there it is… magic! This is a calm and relaxing trip. History, scenery and night views make this a rewarding experience for all ages and skill levels! Entire trip is 3 hours. Visit the Get Your Gear On website for reservations or call 803-799-0999.

Buy Tickets Now and Save!

Fido Dog Rescue Silent Auction

Saturday September 29, 2012

Great food, great auction items, great cause!! Silent Auction for Fido Dog Rescue at the Old Mill in Lexington, Sat. Sept. 29th 5:30-8:00 pm. Selling tickets now for $10 prior to and at the event ( you are encouraged you buy your tickets early) which will also include catered food from Cafe Chartier, The Cotton Grill & Creekside Restaurant as well as musical entertainment from Arnie Jones of the Black Bottom Biscuits. At auction they’ll offer pet items, Gamecock & Clemson gifts & collectibles, seasonal decor,musical equipment, jewelry & fine jewelry, vacation packages, art, collectibles, antiques, services, gifts & gift certificates. Charlotte Ramsey, the founder, has been saving dogs lives for over 34 yrs, we plan on continuing this with your help. If you would like to foster or know of anyone that might be interested, please let us know. For more information, make a donation or buy tickets to this event, contact Kira Jones at ajkkjones@juno.com 803-926-9154. More info available at the Fido Dog Rescue facebook page.

Save the Date! 5th Annual Italian Festival & Bocce Tournament: Downtown Columbia

Saturday September 29, 2012

Free Admission
City Parking Facilities Available
Free Entertainment & Attractions for ALL!

This year’s entertainment includes Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms, from Columbus, Ohio, the most recognized and dynamic Italian-American show band coast-to-coast; The Fettucini Brothers, comedy & juggling wrapped into one, brothers Al & Al perform tricks galore…hilarious!; Castra Romana, impressive Roman Centurions in authentic period uniforms. Fun for the entire family includes CarnivaleMask Making (new);Giant Bubble Show (new); Trevi Fountain (new); Children’s Games-prizes; Old-country Italian Games-Prizes for Adults; Grape Stomping; Photo in a Gondola with a Gondolier! Authentic Italian Foods at Bella Italia’s Café and specialty foods from Italian Fresh Market! See all the details at the Italian Festival website.

Happy Hour History Tours of The Vista: Historic Columbia Foundation

Every Friday in October, 2012 | 5:30pm-7pm

Join Historic Columbia Foundation for a happy hour with a twist. Located just west of the heart of Columbia, the Vista is a thriving area for nightlife and shopping, but how did it grow to be the entertainment district it is today? Every Friday in October, HCF will host a guided walking tour of the Vista complete with cocktail and appetizer stops along the way to discuss the history and architecture of this historic district. Price for the tour includes appetizers and two beverages. All participants must be 21 years of age. The tour meets at 5:30 pm between the Gervais and Vine and Carolina Wings restaurants off Gervais Street. $20 for HCF members | $25 for non-members. For reservations, call 803.252.1770 ext. 24 or emailreservations@historiccolumbia.org. Visit the Historic Columbia Foundation website for info.

SAVE THE DATE! 5th Annual Congaree Bluegrass Festival: City of Cayce

Saturday October 6, 2012 11am-6pm

Join the City of Cayce for a family-oriented foot stomping, knee slapping good ole time at the 5th Annual Congaree Bluegrass Festival! Terrific music provided by these great bluegrass bands: Blue Iguanas; Carolina Rebels; Easy Pickin’s and nationally known IIIrd Tyme Out! In addition to the great music, there will be free tours of the Cayce Historical Museum. There will also be a children’s play area that includes a bouncy house and 20 foot bouncy slide, food vendors will be on hand to serve up popular festival food–and there’ll be some surprises, too! Plenty of parking and shuttles to get everyone to the fun! Bring your lawn chairs–but no coolers or pets please. This is an alcohol and tobacco free event! Please bring a canned good or non-perishable food item for God’s Helping Hands and Harvest Hope Food Bank. Visit the City of Cayce for details!

New Exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art! Mark Rothko: The Decisive Decade 1940-1950

Now – January 6, 2013

Mark Rothko: The Decisive Decade 1940-1950 celebrates one of the world’s most influential and best-known artists of the 20th century by featuring 37 paintings, watercolors and works on paper which are drawn largely from the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. A great selection of tours and lectures accompanies this exhibit. Visit the Columbia Museum of Art website for details.