BEST BETS

THURSDAY

FREE CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECKS: 2:30-5 p.m. Thursday in the rear parking lot of the Lugoff fire department headquarters, 892 U.S. 1 South, Lugoff. Bring the car seat inside the vehicle to be used as well as the child, if possible. For information or to schedule a seat check, call (803) 438-2553.

“12 ANGRY JURORS”: 8 p.m. Thursday through 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

TODAY

HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM REMEDIATION CLASSES: HSAP Math remediation classes will meet 8:30-10:30 a.m.Tuesdays and Thursdays through 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 through 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

ARTS AT SHANDON: “Winds and Piano,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday 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

THE PEKING ACROBATS: 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Newberry Opera House, 1201 McKibben St., Newberry. Troupe is made up of 26 members, with live accompaniment by a Chinese orchestra. Sponsored by the Dufford Institute for Cultural Diversity. Tickets are $30; groups, $20; students, $15. (803) 276-6264; http://www.newberryoperahouse.com

“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. Tuesday at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St. Tickets are $12-$18. (803) 777-2551

WEDNESDAY

“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. Wednesday at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St. Tickets are $12-$18. (803) 777-2551

THURSDAY

FREE CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECKS: 2:30-5 p.m. Thursday in the rear parking lot of the Lugoff fire department headquarters, 892 U.S. 1 South, Lugoff. Bring the car seat inside the vehicle to be used as well as the child, if possible. For information or to schedule a seat check, call (803) 438-2553.

“12 ANGRY JURORS”: 8 p.m. Thursday through 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

“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. Thursday at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St. Tickets are $12-$18. (803) 777-2551

FRIDAY

KICK-OFF TO ST. PAT’S: 5-7 p.m. Friday at Harden and Greene streets, Five Points. Children can help with the dyeing of the fountain, there will be entertainment from the Rince N’ah Eireann Irish step dancers, bagpipers in traditional garb and DJ Scott Padgett. All children will receive a goody bag with prizes and are invited to join the Great Leprechaun Hunt to find bronze “Logan” statues throughout the Five Points neighborhood. http://www.stpatscolumbia.com

“INTRODUCTION TO THE SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICES”: 5-9 p.m. Friday 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. 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. Friday 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. Friday 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. Friday 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 at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St. Tickets are $12-$18. (803) 777-2551

SATURDAY

MARCH FOR MEALS 5K RUN/WALK: 7:30 a.m. Saturday 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. Saturday 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 Saturday 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

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

YOUNG LADIES SELF-DEFENSE CLASS: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday 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

BLYTHEWOOD CHAPTER OF DUCKS UNLIMITED BANQUET: 6 p.m. Saturday 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

PAALS UN-GALA: 7 p.m. Saturday at the State Museum, 301 Gervais St. An Un-Gala is on par with a typical formal gala, but with a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. In fact, this year’s event will have a Wild West theme along with food, open bar, games, dancing, entertainment, mechanical bull, gold panning for real gold, live and silent auctions. There will also be a special auction to help provide service dogs to our soldiers with PTSD. All of the proceeds will help Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services with the cost of purchasing dogs with service potential, training, food and veterinary visits. tickets are $50; available online at http://www.paals.org/party-with-paals

LEXINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY: 7:30 p.m. Saturday 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

“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. March 2 at Longstreet Theatre, 1300 Greene St. Tickets are $12-$18. (803) 777-2551

SUNDAY

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

CAROLINA JAZZ SOCIETY CONCERT: 2:30-5 p.m. Sunday at the Capital Senior Center, 1650 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). Dixieland jazz, ragtime and swing featuring Dick Goodwin on trumpet; Doug Graham, clarinet; Bruce Clark, trombone; Reggie Sullivan, bass; Jim Hall, drums; and Aletha Jacobs, piano. $10; students age 18 and younger, free. (803) 432-1504

“SISTER AMNESIA’S COUNTRY WESTERN NUNSENSE JAMBOREE”: 3:30 p.m. Sunday 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.”

USC CONCERT CHOIR: Bach’s “Mass in B-Minor,” 6 p.m. Sunday 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

MONDAY

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

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

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 Thursday. 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 Thursday. 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

FINANCIAL STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL RETIREMENT: 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 5-26 at Midlands Technical College Harbison Campus, 7300 College St., Irmo. Learn which assets are appropriate for retirement income, for lifetime use and for future generations. Explore how to make appropriate health care decisions, especially who will provide care, where you will live and how you will pay for your health care. $79. (803) 732-0432; http://www.mtctraining.com

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 Thursday. A minimum of five students required. (803) 545-3093; or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

LEXINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT CITIZENS ACADEMY: Appllications are being accepted for the 11-week class, meeting 7-10 p.m. Tuesdays, March 5-April 16 at 21 Gibson Road. 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

“TALLEY’S FOLLY”: 7:30 p.m. March 5 at Theatre Rowe, Richland Mall, Beltline Boulevard and Forest Drive. Production by the Palmetto Center for the Arts students at Richland Northeast High School. RNE’s production has been selected by the S.C. Association to represent the Palmetto State at the Southeastern Theatre Conference’s High School Theatre Festival March 7-8 in Louisville. Tickets are $5; proceeds will be used to assist students with the cost of the trip.

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 Thursday. 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 Thursday. 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 Thursday. 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 Thursday. 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

FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE: 7:30-10:30 p.m. March 8 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

CAROLINA CLASSIC HOME & GARDEN SHOW: March 8-10 at the State Fairgrounds. The show will feature more than 270 construction, home improvement and outdoor products exhibits. Admission is $6; age 14 and younger, free; parking is $2. March 8 is Seniors Day, free admission for age 62 and older. The Wine Walk at the Home & Garden Show is slated for 5-8 p.m. March 8; sample a variety of wines from eight tasting stations. Limited tickets available online for $25; $30 at the gate; includes admission to the show and a 2013 Wine Walk tasting glass; http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5498399862#. March 9 is Military Appreciation Day, present your military ID for one free admission. Show hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 8, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. March 9 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. March 10. http://www.columbiabuilders.com

OWENS FIELD PARK BIO-BLITZ:10 a.m. March 9 at the Corner of South Holly Street and Airport Boulevard, adjacent to Memorial Stadium. Sponsored by the A.C. Moore Herbarium at the University of South Carolina and the Rosewood Community Council, the event is a documentation of the plant species along the park’s trail system. A team of botanists affiliated with the herbarium will lead the study. Documenting the park’s botanical diversity will allow for a better understanding of the natural plant communities that once occurred through the Rosewood area and a greater appreciation for the community’s remaining natural areas. Participants may bring garden gloves, digital cameras and/or handheld GPS devices. Dress for the weather and outside work, bring a water bottle; data sheets and instructions will be provided. (803) 777-8175

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

CARING FOR CREATION 2013: Midlands Green Congregation Initiative kickoff, 6:30-8 p.m. March 11 at 701 Whaley St. Event brings together congregational green team members interested in toward reducing operating costs, reducing solid waste costs, being stewards of the earth, attracting new and younger members and developing new leaders. Free; register at http://www.caringforcreation2013.eventbrite.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

AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM: 9 a.m.-noon March 13 and 14 at the Adult Activity Center, 7494 Parklane Road. Six-hour driver safety refresher course, call (803) 462-9995 to register.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT: 7 p.m. March 14 at 701 Whaley St. EdVenture Children’s Museum and Coplon’s presents a night of fashion, music, food, fun and fashion. There will be music from DJ Chris Wenner, a performance by Unbound Dance Company and a high-energy fashion show from Trina Turk’s 2013 collection. VIP runway seating includes 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception with Trina Turk, $125; reserved seats, $75; general admission, $50. Proceeds benefit EdVenture’s educational outreach and accessibility programs. (803) 400-1162; http://www.edventure.org

“ YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN”: Premiere performance of the Westwood High School Actors’ Theatre, 7 p.m. March 15, 2 and 7 p.m. March 16 in the Westwood High School Auditorium, 180 Turkey Farm Road, Blythewood. Advance tickets are $5; students, $3; military and senior citizens with ID, groups of 10 or more, $2. Prices at the door will be $6/$4; available at the box office 30 minutes before the performance. (*03) 691-4040, ext. 36703