TheState.com: Local event calendars

Special Family Fourth Events

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:18 EDT

The Fourth of July is the only day of the year when it’s acceptable to eat four hot dogs, take a second helping of cobbler and giggle with glee while waving a sparkler. Take advantage of this long weekend to take the family out to some kid-friendly festivities.

Friday, July 4

Over the years the good folks in Lexington County have shown that few foods can’t be improved with the addition of juicy peaches. This year’s Peach Festival starts at 9 a.m. with the Peachy Fruit Contest at Gilbert Primary School Cafetorium. Peach lovers can then gather on Main Street at 9:30 a.m. for the parade. Live entertainment, arts and crafts and more peachy treats will fill the day at Gilbert Community Park, culminating in a fireworks display. Free; www.midnet.sc.edu/peach

Don’t worry, there’s no ink involved — just a lot of music, food and fireworks. Fort Jackson’s annual Torchlight Tattoo begins at 5 p.m. with food and drinks for purchase and continues at 8 p.m. with a performance from the 282nd U.S. Army “Victory” Band. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. All events take place at Hilton Field. Visitors can bring food, lawn chairs and blankets. No alcoholic beverages, pets, individual fireworks or barbecue grills allowed. Free; www.jackson.army.mil

Hot dogs, popcorn, fireworks and baseball: It doesn’t get more American. Gather the family and enjoy our national pastime when the Columbia Blowfish take on Wilmington at Capitol City Stadium at 7:05 p.m. Fireworks will follow the game. $4-$5; (803) 254-FISH or www.blowfishbaseball.com

Center stage

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:18 EDT

Friday, July 4

The Village at Sandhill is adding pyrotechnics to its summer concert series with a special Independence Day concert beginning at 3 p.m. Musical guests include Marc Shipley, John Jett and Lucky Dan at the Town Center Commons, with fireworks just after dusk. Free; www.villageatsandhillonline.com

Saturday, July 5

Whether you’re worn out from the Fourth festivities or you’re still ready for some fun, the beach sounds of Still Cruzin’ will soothe and entertain from 7-10 p.m. at Finlay Park. Free; www.columbiaactioncouncil.net

Sunday, July 6

The big shows

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:18 EDT

Make plans to see your favorite entertainers. Call the venue for showtimes and ticket prices. Some dates might be tentative or might not yet have tickets on sale.

• COLUMBIA

HEADLINERS, 700 Gervais St. (803) 796-2333; www.headlinerscolumbia.com. Wednesday, July 9, Stella By Starlight; July 11, Sqwearl

MUSIC AT SANDHILL, 418 Town Center Place. (803) 419-0235; www.villageatsandhillonline.com. Friday, July 4, Skipp Pearson, John Jett, Marc Shipley; July 11, Treadmill Trackstar

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES at FINLAY PARK, (803) 343-8750; www.summerconcerts.org. Saturday, July 5, Still Cruzin’; July 12, Retro Vertigo; July 19, The Finesse Band

Family attractions

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:18 EDT

COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART: “Carolina Collects” open through Aug. 17. “While I Breathe, I Hope: Columbia’s Homeless Share Their Stories Through Words and Images,” open through Aug. 3. “A Greek Portfolio,” by Constantine Manos open through Oct. 26. Family Fun Fridays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 11, Aug. 8. “Found Heaven: The Lowcountry of Alfred Heber Hutty,” on display through July 20. The regular museum collection includes art by Monet, Botticelli, Tiffany, Canaletto, Remington and Chihuly. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday (until 9 p.m. Friday), 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $5, adults; $4, seniors; $2, students; free for ages 5 and younger, members. Free on Saturdays. At Hampton and Main streets. (803) 799-2810; www.columbiamuseum.org

EDVENTURE MUSEUM: July Fourth celebrations 1-4 p.m. Friday, July 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, July 5-6. “Bubbleloosa” open through Sept. 30. “From Here to Timbuktu,” through January. “AirPlay” open through Sept. 1. Aha Factory, unique make-and-take craft station, 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-noon Saturday. Home Safe Home multimedia fire and life presentation Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. $8.95, adults; $6.95, children; free for ages 1 and younger. Second Tuesday monthly is Family Night; $1 admission 5-8 p.m. 211 Gervais St.; (803) 779-3100 or www.edventure.org

McKISSICK MUSEUM, USC: “Barbecue Joints & The Good Folks Who Own Them” open through July 19. “Helen Hill: Documenting the Florestine Collection” open through Aug. 23. Permanent exhibits include “Natural Curiosity: USC and the Evolution of Scientific Inquiry In the Natural World,” the Baruch Silver Collection and the Lawrence L. Smith Mineral Collection. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. Free. USC Horseshoe; (803) 777-7251; www.cas.sc.edu/mcks/

RIVERBANKS ZOO: 3-D Adventure Theater featuring “Animal Adventure” runs every 20 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Regular zoo attractions: aquarium/reptile complex, Koala Knockabout, Lemur Island, Ndoki Forest, Riverbanks Farm. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday. $9.75, adults; $8.50, military; $8.25, seniors; $7.25, children 3-12; free for children 3 and younger. 500 Wildlife Parkway; (803) 779-8717; www.riverbanks.org

S.C. CONFEDERATE RELIC ROOM AND MILITARY MUSEUM: Museum closed July 4-6 for Independence Day. “Civil War Photographs from the David L. Hack Collection.” “Forgotten Stories: S.C. Fights the Great War.” Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. the first Sunday monthly. $4, adults; free for ages 21 and younger. 301 Gervais St. in the Columbia Mills building. (803) 737-8095; www.crr.sc.gov

Nightclubs, July 4-10

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:15 EDT

Fax information to (803) 771-8430, or e-mail calendars@thestate.com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday

Friday, July 4

BILL’S MUSIC SHOP & PICKIN’ PARLOR: 7:30 p.m. open stage and bluegrass jam session. 710 Meeting St., West Columbia. (803) 796-6477

LIBERTY TAPROOM AND GRILL: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. DJ Perry. At Lincoln, Gervais streets. (803) 461-0063

NEWBROOKLAND TAVERN: 8 p.m. Over 21 Fourth of July cookout. 122 State St., West Columbia. (803) 791-4413; www.newbrooklandtavern.com

Things to do in the Midlands

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:55 EDT

AUDITIONS

COLUMBIA CHORAL SOCIETY: Auditions will be 6-8 p.m. Aug. 11 and 5:45-6:45 p.m. Aug. 18 at the First Baptist Church choral room, 1306 Hampton St. (803) 933-9060; www.columbiachoralsociety.org

ARTS

“A TOAST TO TOWN”: 8 tonight, Thursday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. July 9-12, 1012 Sumter St. Featuring the Dick Goodwin Quintet. Adults, $18; seniors/military/college students, $15; 17 and younger, $12. Peach cobbler, vanilla ice cream and sweet tea will be available after the show. (803) 799-2510; www.towntheatre.com

“HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL”: Through July 19, Workshop Theatre, Bull and Gervais streets. $20; seniors/military, $18; students, $14; children 12 and younger, $10. (803) 799-6551; www.workshoptheatre.com

Holiday closings

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:04 EDT

The following will be closed Friday in observance of the Fourth of July:

GOVERNMENT

• Post offices will be closed Friday.

• Federal offices will be closed Friday.

• Fort Jackson offices will be closed Friday. Some offices will be closed for a training holiday Monday.

Best Bet: Donate blood, save a life and win free gas

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:54 EDT

Since fewer blood donations are made during the summer, the American Red Cross will hold the sixth annual Beach Bash Blood Drive Thursday to help prevent blood shortages.

Volunteers can stop by the Columbia Donor Center, 2751 Bull St., between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. They will receive a free American Red Cross baseball cap and will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $1,000 gas cards.

Free food will also be available.

For more information, call (800) 448-3543.

— Kristen Therrell

Area Independence Day closings

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:53 EDT

The following will be closed Friday in observance of the Fourth of July:

GOVERNMENT

• All federal offices will be closed Friday.

• Fort Jackson offices will be closed Friday. Some offices will be closed for a training holiday Monday.

• All state government offices will be closed Friday.

Things to do in the Midlands

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:52 EDT

AUDITIONS

COLUMBIA CHORAL SOCIETY: Auditions will be 6-8 p.m. Aug. 11 and 5:45-6:45 p.m. Aug. 18 at the First Baptist Church choral room, 1306 Hampton St. (803) 933-9060; www.columbiachoralsociety.org

ARTS

COLUMBIA ACTION COUNCIL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: 7-10 p.m. Saturdays, Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St. Free. Schedule: Still Cruzin’, Saturday; Retro Vertigo, July 12; Finesse Band, July 19; Toyzz, July 26. Do not bring alcoholic beverages, glass containers, pets, grills, radios, bikes or skateboards. (803) 343-8750

VILLAGE AT SANDHILL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: 6-8 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 29, 3-9:30 p.m. this Friday, Village at Sandhill Town Center Commons, Clemson at Two Notch Road. Band schedule: Lucky Dan, John Jett, Marc Shipley, Friday; Treadmill Trackstar, July 11; Joal Rush, July 18; Jeff Liberty, July 25; Salt Creek, Aug. 1; Square Roots, Aug. 8; Jessica Cayne Urick Band, Aug. 15; Elliott & the Untouchables, Aug. 22; Zack Fowler & the Essentials, Aug. 29. (803) 419-0235

This week in local government

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:30 EDT

RICHLAND COUNTY

GOVERNMENT

Blythewood Town Council: 7 p.m. today at the Community Center, 311 Blythewood Road. Final approval of the 2008-2009 budget.

Richland County Council: 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia.

AROUND TOWN

July 4 closings

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:45 EDT

The following will be closed Friday in observance of the Fourth of July:

GOVERNMENT

• All federal offices will be closed Friday.

• Fort Jackson offices will be closed Friday. Some offices will be closed for a training holiday July 7.

• All state government offices will be closed Friday.

Best Bet: Calling all amateur filmmakers

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:16 EDT

Amateur filmmakers are getting a chance to show off their work.

Palmetto Conservation is proud to announce the first film festival, Oct. 9-12, that will celebrate the outdoors through cinema, as well as incorporate teaching skills to enhance enjoyment of the natural world.

The festival’s highlight? A film contest featuring the outdoors.

Five winning films will be screened at Columbia’s Nickelodeon Theatre, 937 Main St., on Oct. 11.

This is a great time for filmmakers to get to work!

Center stage

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:43 EDT

Friday, June 27

Celebrate the sounds of Broadway and South Carolina with the song-and-dance showcase “A Toast to Town,” featuring a range of tastes from “Phantom of the Opera” to beach music. The show opens at 8 p.m. and runs through July 12 at Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St. $12-$18; www.towntheatre.com or (803) 799-2510

Some people collect stamps or marbles, and some collect high-priced works of art. Catch a glimpse of some of the finest privately collected art at Carolina Collects, a special exhibition at the Columbia Museum of Art through Aug. 17. $2-$5; (803) 799-2810 or www.columbiamuseum.org

((art))

The State Museum continues its 20th anniversary celebration with “The South Carolina State Museum: 20 Years of Treasures,” featuring more than 100 artifacts from all 46 S.C. counties. The exhibition will remain up until Jan. 4, 2009. $3-$5; (803) 898-4921 or www.museum.state.sc.us

Nightclubs, June 27-July 3

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:13 EDT

Fax information to (803) 771-8430, or e-mail calendars@thestate.com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday

Tonight

BAJA BROILER: The Bandits. 1345 Old Chapin Road, Lexington; (803) 356-0040

BILL’S MUSIC SHOP & PICKIN’ PARLOR: 7:30 p.m. open stage and bluegrass jam session. 710 Meeting St., West Columbia. (803) 796-6477

CAROLINA ALE HOUSE: 8-11 p.m. Common Ground. 710 Lady St.

This week in the arts

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:45 EDT

ART

“While I Breathe I Hope,” an exhibition of photographs by and about the homeless, can be seen at the Columbia Museum of Art community gallery through Aug. 3. Main and Hampton streets, open Wednesdays through Sundays. $5; free for museum members, free on Saturdays. (803) 799-2810 or columbiamuseum.org

THEATER

“A Toast to Town,” a musical revue celebrating Town Theatre’s 90th anniversary, opens tonight.

The show continues Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through July 13. 1012 Sumter St.; $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, military and college students; $12 for those 18 and younger. (803) 799-2510 or towntheatre.com

Critics' Picks

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:53 EDT

“The BET Awards” will honor the best in urban music at 8 p.m. Tuesday, though one wonders how different the show can be from BET’s “Hip Hop Awards” in October. Mainstream rap and R&B are almost inseparable; just about every R&B song has a rap verse and vice versa.

Nevertheless, comedian D.L. Hughley will host the show, which has Kanye West, Chris Brown, Usher, Nelly, Alicia Keys and Lil’ Wayne as scheduled performers.

Just because the marquee names are booked doesn’t mean they’ll make it to the stage, as T.I. learned before the hip-hop awards. He was arrested on federal gun charges and missed the show.

B Paiz and Venom of Columbia’s WXBT-FM The Beat 100.1 will broadcast live reports Monday and Tuesday from the show.

— Otis R. Taylor Jr.

Home & Garden Calendar

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:46 EDT

HOME AND GARDEN TOURS

• June marks the 41st South Carolina Festival of Flowers in Greenwood.

Park Seed Co., famous for its trial gardens, will be open to the public and featured along with a number of private home garden tours today and Sunday.Browse the company’s 9-acre trial gardens or take a detailed tour with one of Park Seed’s horticulturists. Paul James, host of HGTV’s “Gardening by the Yard,” will have two Q&A sessions.

The festival features a variety of music, including bluegrass, jazz, beach, chorale and gospel. Also, there are children’s activities and sporting events, including airplane rides, railroad museum tours and Kidfest.

For information, see www.scfestivalofflowers.org.

Center stage

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:01 EDT

Friday, June 20

Based on the 1936 anti-marijuana film, “Reefer Madness: The Musical” is a satirical take on the assertion that one puff of the demon weed could land you in the electric chair. The show opens at 8 p.m. at Trustus Theatre and runs through July 26. $22.50; (803) 254-9732 or www.trustus.org

U-Phonik will rock the Town Center Commons for the Music at Sandhill summer concert series from 6 to 8 p.m. Free; www.villageatsandhillonline.com

There will be plenty to see and taste in Newberry today with “A Taste of Newberry,” an annual event in which some of the town’s top eateries fill Memorial Square with their best bites. Try everything from ribs to homemade pies and exotic beers from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Doug and Bunny Williams will provide the tunes. (803) 276-6264 or www.newberryoperahouse.com

Friday, June 20-Sunday June 22

Nightclubs, June 20-26

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:01 EDT

GET LISTED

Fax information to (803) 771-8430, or e-mail calendars@thestate.com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday

Friday, June 20

BILL’S MUSIC SHOP & PICKIN’ PARLOR: 7:30 p.m. open stage and bluegrass jam session. 710 Meeting St., West Columbia. (803) 796-6477

BUFFALO CREEK GRILL: Flip Flops. 850 Marina Way, Prosperity, Lake Murray. (803) 364-9233