BEST BETS

FRIDAY

“SISTER AMNESIA’S COUNTRY WESTERN NUNSENSE JAMBOREE”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and March 1-2; 3:30 p.m. March 3 at the On Stage Performance Center, 680 Cherokee Lane (The Barn). $18; seniors and students, $16; children, $14. Tickets available at (877) 238-5596 or go to http://www.smarttix.com and type in “nunsense.”

SATURDAY

FINANCIAL SEMINAR: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at the City of Columbia’s Community Development Department, 1225 Lady St., second floor. Topics will include banking, savings, budgeting, building credit, types of loans, repairing damaged credit, credit scams and Fair Housing Laws. Seminar is free but seating is limited, call (803) 545-3373 to reserve a spot.

TODAY

CAKE DECORATING I: 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays through March 12 at Midlands Technical College Harbison Campus, 7300 College St., Irmo. Develop skills in pressure control, figure piping, latticework, flowers and basket weave using butter cream frosting. Any supplies you may have, such as cake decorating tips, etc., may be brought to the first class, as well as paper and a pen; $89. (803) 732-0432; http://www.mtctraining.com

ARTS AT SHANDON: “Chamber Players from the Charlotte Symphony,” 7:30 tonight at Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow St. Second installment of the February Festival Chamber Series will feature Rosemary Furniss and Elina Lev, violins; Rebekah Newman, viola; Alan Black, cello; and Phillip Bush, piano. $10; a reception will follow. (803) 771-4408, ext. 27; http://www.shandonpres.org

THURSDAY

“I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE”: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Sumter Little Theatre, 14 Mood Ave., Sumter. $20; students, seniors and military, $17. (803) 775-2150

SMALL BUSINESS TAX WORKSHOP: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday at Midlands Technical College, Harbison Campus, 7300 College St., Irmo. Co-sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, current or prospective small-business owners will learn about business taxes, tax benefits and obligations, employer tax responsibilities, tax advantages and disadvantages, record keeping and late penalty information; $35. (803) 732-0432; http://www.mtctraining.com

FRIDAY

“I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE”: 8 p.m. Friday at the Sumter Little Theatre, 14 Mood Ave., Sumter. $20; students, seniors and military, $17. Friday’s performance is teacher appreciation night, tickets are half price for Sumter School District teachers. (803) 775-2150

MOONLIGHT CREATURES: 6 p.m. Friday at Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Road, Hopkins. Take a walk on the wild side during this special evening program. Free, meet at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Reservations are required, call (803) 776-4396.

FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday at the Capital Senior Center, 1650 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). Cost is $5. Open to ages 21 and older. Bring your own beverages and snacks; soda and coffee provided. (803) 779-1971

“SISTER AMNESIA’S COUNTRY WESTERN NUNSENSE JAMBOREE”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and March 1-2; 3:30 p.m. March 3 at the On Stage Performance Center, 680 Cherokee Lane (The Barn). $18; seniors and students, $16; children, $14. Tickets available at (877) 238-5596 or go to http://www.smarttix.com and type in “nunsense.”

“BOEING-BOEING”: A 1960s bachelor juggles relationships with three airline stewardesses and sees his ruse go off-course when faster jets are introduced. Production by the USC Department of Theatre and Dance, 8 p.m. Friday through March 2 at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St. Tickets are $12-$18. (803) 777-2551

MIDLANDS BLUES SOCIETY: Mac Arnold & Plate Full o’ Blues, 9 p.m. Friday at Mac’s on Main, 1710 Main St. Arnold (along with his gas can guitar) has performed with blues icons Muddy Waters, B.B. King and John Lee Hooker. $10; members, free. http://www.midlandsbluessociety.org

SATURDAY

LEXINGTON’S RACE AGAINST HUNGER: 8:15 a.m. Saturday, starting and finishing at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, 5503 Sunset Blvd., Lexington. 10K race, 5K fitness walk and 1-mile fun run; fees are $35, $20 and $20. 5K gets under way at 8:15 a.m.; 10K at 8:20; fun run at 8:25. Bring canned food items to the race, collection barrels will be in the gym area, the donations will help LICS distribute food immediately to those in need.(803) 359-7770, ext 20; http://www.lexrah.org

FINANCIAL SEMINAR: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at the City of Columbia’s Community Development Department, 1225 Lady St., second floor. Topics will include banking, savings, budgeting, building credit, types of loans, repairing damaged credit, credit scams and Fair Housing Laws. Seminar is free but seating is limited, call (803) 545-3373 to reserve a spot.

STATE MUSEUM GARAGE SALE: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (opening at 8 a.m. for museum members) at 301 Gervais St. Offerings include props, signs and items from past exhibits, such as a prop pirate cannon, street banners, plastic skeletons, building blocks and electronics. Sales will be suspended for a 30-minute lunch break and then reopen for a black bag sale (purchase a black plastic bag for $5 and fill it with whatever’s left). (803) 898-4921; http://www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org

FREE SELF-DEFENSE CLASS FOR BOYS: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday at Polo Road Recreation Center, 730 Polo Road. Taught by experienced Richland County Sheriff’s Department deputies, the class is designed to instruct males ages 8-14 on how to avoid conflict and defend themselves. Wear loose fitting slacks or shorts, shirt and sneakers, bring a bottle of water. Limited to the first 40 participants; call (803) 446-8605 to register.

PALLADIUM SOCIETY’S CHILI COOK-OFF: 5-8 p.m. Saturday in the Ellison Building at the State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive. All-you-can-eat (and drink) chili, wine and beer, live music by Whiskey Tango Review. $25; Historic Columbia Foundation members, $20; Palladium Society members, $20. All proceeds benefit the Historic Columbia Foundation. hcfchili2013.eventbrite.com

BLACK TIE & TAILS GALA: An enchanted evening for wildlife lovers, 7 p.m. Saturday at the Meridian Building, 1320 Main St. Heavy hors d’oeuvres by Southern Gourmet, cocktails, music by the Jimmy Beresford Band and a silent auction. Proceeds will go to Carolina Wildlife Care for the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. Tickets are $100; couples, $175. http://www.carolinawildlife.org

“SISTER AMNESIA’S COUNTRY WESTERN NUNSENSE JAMBOREE”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the On Stage Performance Center, 680 Cherokee Lane (The Barn). $18; seniors and students, $16; children, $14. Tickets available at (877) 238-5596 or go to http://www.smarttix.com and type in “nunsense.”

“BOEING-BOEING”: A 1960s bachelor juggles relationships with three airline stewardesses and sees his ruse go off-course when faster jets are introduced. Production by the USC Department of Theatre and Dance, 8 p.m. Saturday at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St. Tickets are $12-$18. (803) 777-2551

SUNDAY

“THE SPACE BETWEEN TIME”: Artwork by Jame Lathren will be on display Sunday through March 15 at thehallway:communityart Gallery, 701 Whaley St. Opening reception 2-4 p.m. Sunday.

LAKE MURRAY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo. On the program, “English Folk Song Suite,” Haydn’s “Surprise Symphony No. 94,” “William Tell Overture,” and Chabrier’s “Espana.” Free, donations accepted at the door. (803) 400-3540

SHUCKIN’ ON THE SHOALS: 4-7 p.m. Sunday at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Saluda Shoals Foundation fundraiser will feature all-you-can-eat fresh steamed oysters, adult beverages, hot spicy chili and a silent auction. $50; couples, $90; members, $45/$75. http://www.saludashoalsfoundation.org

ST. ANDREWS WOMAN’S CLUB BRIDAL SHOWCASE: “Say I Do: Down the Aisle in Beautiful Style,” noon-5 p.m. Sunday in the Cantey Building at the State Fairgrounds. More than 100 exhibitor booths, fashion shows at 1 and 3 p.m., door prizes and grand prize of a five-night cruise. Tickets are $7; age 12 and younger, $1; age 2 and younger, free. Proceeds will benefit HomeWorks of America, Palmetto Place Emergency Children’s Shelter and The Free Medical Clinic. http://www.sawc-sc.org/bridalshowcase.html

“BOEING-BOEING”: A 1960s bachelor juggles relationships with three airline stewardesses and sees his ruse go off-course when faster jets are introduced. Production by the USC Department of Theatre and Dance, 8 p.m. Sunday at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St. Tickets are $12-$18. (803) 777-2551

MONDAY

HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM REMEDIATION CLASSES: HSAP English Language Arts remediation will be held 8:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through April 10 at W.R. Rogers Adult, Continuing and Technology Education Center, 750 Old Clemson Road.Students must attend a minimum of 12 hours of class in order to be eligible for testing, which will be April 16-18. $75 enrollment fee. (803) 736-8787

“BOEING-BOEING”: A 1960s bachelor juggles relationships with three airline stewardesses and sees his ruse go off-course when faster jets are introduced. Production by the USC Department of Theatre and Dance, 8 p.m. Feb. 25-March 2 at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St. Tickets are $12-$18. (803) 777-2551

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS II: 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 25-March 27 at W.R. Rogers Adult, Continuing and Technology Education Center, 750 Old Clemson Road. For those who have completed the Introduction to Computers class and would like to further their training. $60; age 60 and older, $30. (803) 736-8787, ext. 25103

UPCOMING EVENTS

HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM REMEDIATION CLASSES: HSAP Math remediation classes will meet 8:30-10:30 a.m.Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 26-April 11 at W.R. Rogers Adult, Continuing and Technology Education Center, 750 Old Clemson Road. Students must attend a minimum of 12 hours of class in order to be eligible for testing, which will be April 16-18. $75 enrollment fee. (803) 736-8787

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 26-March 21 at W.R. Rogers Adult, Continuing and Technology Education Center, 750 Old Clemson Road. Basic skills class is limited to 10 persons; $60; age 60 and older, $30. (803) 736-8787, ext. 25103

CITIZEN SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAM: 6-10 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Lexington County Law Enforcement Complex, 521 Gibson Road, Lexington. Participants will learn how to defend themselves and escape in the event that they are attacked, including how to deploy a chemical pepper aerosol spray. Limited to 25 participants age 16 and older, Lexington County residents will be given preference in enrolling in the program. $25; includes safety awareness kit, including pepper spray. Registration deadline is Friday; call (803) 785-2400.

ARTS AT SHANDON: “Winds and Piano,” 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow St. Finale of the February Festival Chamber Series will feature Jennifer Parker-Harley, flute; Michael Harley, bassoon; Philip Bush and Lynn Kompass, piano. $10; a reception will follow. (803) 771-4408, ext. 27; http://www.shandonpres.org

“12 ANGRY JURORS”: 8 p.m. Feb. 28-March 3 at the Benson Theatre, 226 Bull St. USC Department of Theatre and Dance production based on the Emmy Award-winning teleplay by Reginald Rose. $5; available at the door. (803) 777-9353

“INTRODUCTION TO THE SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICES”: 5-9 p.m. March 1 and 9 a.m.-noon March 2 at the Salvation Army Center for Worship & Service, 3024 Farrow Road. Designed for new disaster workers with little or no experience and is a prerequisite for all other Salvation Army disaster training. Each class can accommodate a maximum of 30 participants; free. (803) 667-4943 or email sethtaylor@uss.salvationarmy.org

LEXINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY: 7:30 p.m. March 1 and 2 at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, 5503 Sunset Blvd., Lexington. “Sounds of the South: A Little Southern Charm,” will feature the Southern Bronze Handbell Choir. $20; age 65 and older, $15; students, $6. http://www.lexcochoralsoc.org

“SWAN LAKE”: 7:30 p.m. March 1 at the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St. Columbia Classical Ballet production will feature Lauren Frere as the White Swan and Nana Yamatani as the Black Swan. Tickets are $5-$32. (803) 251-2222; http://www.capitoltickets.com

“SISTER AMNESIA’S COUNTRY WESTERN NUNSENSE JAMBOREE”: 7:30 p.m. March 1 and 2; 3:30 p.m. March 3 at the On Stage Performance Center, 680 Cherokee Lane (The Barn). $18; seniors and students, $16; children, $14. Tickets available at (877) 238-5596 or go to http://www.smarttix.com and type in “nunsense.”

MARCH FOR MEALS 5K RUN/WALK: 7:30 a.m. March 2 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Runners will cross the Saluda River Bridge into the Botanical Garden while walkers will remain inside the zoo. Registration is $30 for adult runners, $25 for adult walkers, $15 for age 12 and younger; $35 for all participants on race day. Proceeds will benefit Senior Resources’ Meals on Wheels program. http://www.seniorresourcesinc.org

COLORECTAL CANCER WALK AND RACE: 8:30 a.m. March 2 beginning and ending at Maxcy Gregg Park, Blossom and Pickens streets. Thirteenth annual 3.1 mile walk/race through downtown Columbia plus a new certified 5K race and a Tour de Columbia event. $25; proceeds benefit the Palmetto Health Cancer Centers. http://www.colorectalcancerwalk.org

“INTRODUCTION TO THE SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICES”: 9 a.m.-noon March 2 at the Salvation Army Center for Worship & Service, 3024 Farrow Road. Designed for new disaster workers with little or no experience and is a prerequisite for all other Salvation Army disaster training. Maximum of 30 participants; free. (803) 667-4943 or email sethtaylor@uss.salvationarmy.org

YOUNG LADIES SELF-DEFENSE CLASS: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 2 at Polo Road Recreation Center, 730 Polo Road. Free class is offered to females ages 14-18 by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Class is limited to 50 participants; advance registration required, call (803) 446-8605

MUSEUMS ON US WEEKEND: March 2-3 at EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St. Free admission for Bank of America cardholders; regular admission applies to additional guests. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 2; noon-5 p.m. March 3. (803) 400-1166; http://www.edventure.org

BLYTHEWOOD CHAPTER OF DUCKS UNLIMITED BANQUET: 6 p.m. March 2 at Valley Spring Water and Coffee Co., 11035 Farrow Road, Blythewood. Oysters and appetizers served at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. Raffles, door prizes, auctions and gun giveaways; $40. (803) 465-6161; http://www.blythewoodducks.org

USC CONCERT CHOIR: Bach’s “Mass in B-Minor,” 6 p.m. March 3 at Trinity Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St. Soloists include Tina Stallard, Janet Hopkins, Walter Cuttino, Jacob Will and Ariana Wyatt. An orchestra made up of USC faculty, students and other professional musicians will accompany the work. $10; limited preferred seating, $15. (803) 777-5369 or email lsmith@mozart.sc.edu

HOME SCHOOL DRAWING AND PAINTING: 10 a.m.-noon Mondays, March 4-April 8, at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. For age 10 and older. $80; registration deadline is Feb. 28. A minimum of five students required. (803) 545-3093; or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

INTRODUCTION TO CLAY: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, March 4-April 8 at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. $80; registration deadline is Feb. 28. A minimum of five students required. (803) 545-3093; or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

HAND BUILDING BASICS: 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays, March 5-April 9 at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. For age 10 and older. $80; registration deadline is Feb. 28. A minimum of five students required. (803) 545-3093; or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

INTRODUCTION TO THROWING FOR YOUTH: 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays, March 5-April 9 at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. For ages 11-17. $80; registration deadline is Feb. 28. A minimum of five students required. (803) 545-3093; or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

SHAKIN’ UP SHAKESPEARE: 6 p.m. March 5 at Saluda River Academy for the Arts, 520 Duke St., West Columbia. “All the World’s a Stage: A Shakespearean Revue,” will feature the Bobcat Players, Saluda River’s Theatre Club of fourth- and fifth-graders. The school’s dance company will perform and artwork from the Art Majors Club will be on display. Free, but donations appreciated. (803) 739-4095

THROWING FOR BEGINNERS: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, March 5-April 9 at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. $80; registration deadline is Feb. 28. A minimum of five students required. (803) 545-3093; or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

LEXINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY CITIZENS ACADEMY: The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is accepting applications for the 11-week class, meeting 7-10 p.m. Tuesdays, March 5-April 16. Sessions provide in-depth information about law enforcement, fire suppression, emergency medical, telecommunications and detention services that are provided to Lexington County citizens. To be eligible for enrollment, you must be at least 18 years old and reside in Lexington County. People who have been convicted of serious crimes are not eligible for the program. (803) 785-2557 or email ldrafts@lcsd.sc.gov

HOME SCHOOL ART: 9-10 a.m. Wednesdays, March 6-April 10, at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. For ages 5-9. $50; registration deadline is Feb. 28. A minimum of five students required. (803) 545-3093; or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

HOME SCHOOL POTTERY: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 6-April 10, at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. For age 10 and older. $80; registration deadline is Feb. 28. A minimum of five students required. (803) 545-3093; or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

THROWING FOR BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 6-April 10 at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. $80; registration deadline is Feb. 28. A minimum of five students required. (803) 545-3093; or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

MEET ME @ THE PLAZA ON MAIN: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. the first Thursday monthly, March 7-Nov. 7, Main and Hampton streets. Outdoor dining and jazz (weather permitting) at the Columbia Museum of Art’s Boyd Plaza. Presented by City Center Partnership.

SCULPTURE — ARTISTIC IMPRESSIONS: 1-3 p.m. Thursdays, March 7-April 11 at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. $80; registration deadline is Feb. 28. A minimum of five students required. (803) 545-3093; or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

HOPES & DREAMS CONFERENCE: 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m. March 8 and 9 at First Baptist Church of Columbia, 1306 Hampton St. Hosted by Family Connection of South Carolina, the conference is for parents of children with special needs and professionals who care for them. The event will feature 64 speakers and workshops on topics including behavior, care and treatment, family care, finances and more. Registration is required. http://www.familyconnectionsc.net

BATTLE OF THE BADGES: Charity basketball game and dinner, 5:30 p.m. March 9 at Gilbert High School, 840 Main St., Gilbert. Teams taking it to the hoop are a group of Lexington County Sheriff’s Department deputies versus personnel from Lexington County public safety agencies. $8; includes dinner, a performance by magician John Tudor and the game. Proceeds will benefit the Make A Wish Foundation. Tickets are available at Lexington County Fire Station No. 8, 103 Main St., Gilbert; Lexington County Law Enforcement Complex, 521 Gibson Road, Lexington; Price’s Country Store, 540 Peach Festival Road, Gilbert; Gilbert Middle School, 120 Rikard St. and Gilbert High School, 840 Main St. (803) 518-3073 or email sauckerman@lcsd.sc.gov

HARLEM AMBASSADORS VS. RECREATION REBOUNDERS: Benefit basketball game, 5 p.m. March 10 at Westwood High School, 180 Turkey Farm Road, Blythewood. The Ambassadors all-star team will take on a team of Columbia’s local celebrities including retired NBA and NFL players, coaches, radio hosts, media personalities, law enforcement and local government officials, coached by former NBA great Xavier McDaniel and legendary coach George Glymph. Proceeds will benefit the Richland County Recreation Foundation to support and improve programming, services and facilities provided by the Richland County Recreation Commission. Advance tickets are $9; $11 at the door, age 5 and younger, free; available at http://www.richlandcountyrecreation.com

“FINDING HISTORY IN YOUR BACKYARD”: Spending an evening with South Carolina historian and author Dr. Robert Edgar, 7 p.m. March 12 at Doko Manor in Blythewood (adjacent to town hall) at 171 Langford Road. Light refreshments will be served after the presentation and Dr. Edgar will be available to sign copies of his books (books will not be available for sale at the event). Tickets are $10; Blythewood Historical Society members, free; reservations requested. (803) 333-8133