Friday, Nov. 13, 2009

Center stage: What's hot in the Midlands

FRIDAY, Nov. 13

Nanci Griffith will perform at the Newberry Opera House at 8 p.m. If you like folk vocalists, then you should go see her. Actually, Griffith has called her music folkabilly, a mix of folk and rockabilly. She last played the opera house in 2008. The opera house is at 1201 McKibben St., Newberry. $40; (803) 276-6264

Arts at Shandon will present "Coffee House: Poetry & Music" at 7:30 p.m. at Shandon Presbyterian Church. The atmosphere will kindle memories of 1960s coffeehouses - if you're old enough to recall hanging out in those kinds of spots. The Harris/Knight Duo will play a repertoire from Vivaldi to barbershop music. Church member Chuck Henderson will play guitar as well. The church is at Woodrow and Devine streets. $5; (803) 771-4408

SATURDAY, Nov. 14

Brandon Wagster, a teen magician, will host a benefit show for The Adam Turner Children's Foundation at 8 p.m. in Hand Middle School's auditorium. The nonprofit foundation helps abused children and kids suffering from cancer.

Wagster's performance will include comedy, escapes, juggling, illusions and even snow. The snow will be kept inside so there's no need to cancel school on Monday.

Hand Middle School is at 2600 Wheat St. $5 and $10; www.wagstermagic.com or (803) 622-2351

SUNDAY, Nov. 15

The 14th annual South Carolina Oyster Festival will be held on the grounds of the Robert Mills House and the Hampton-Preston Mansion on Blanding Street.

Here's what you'll get at the festival: 5,000 pounds of fresh oysters steamed and fried; free children's activities such as inflatable rides; a wine pavilion; and the most interesting festival grounds in the city.

The music will keep you there all day. Here's who's performing:

Blue Dogs: The Americana and alt-rock musicians continue to please crowds.

Woodwork Roadshow: Folk music for the hip and cool.

The Plowboys: Cajun-flavored rock, bluegrass and, of late, Indian-vision music.

The Blue Iguanas: Bluegrass the traditional way.

Casual Kings: Rock music.

Danielle Howle: She has the kind of weathered voice that makes you believe anything she says.

Josh McCaa: An Austin-based singer-songwriter.

Gloves and oyster shuckers will be sold, but guests can bring their own. Guests also can bring lawn chairs, blankets and strollers.

The festival is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Robert Mills House is at 1616 Blanding St. $5 in advance, $10 at the gate; (803) 252-2128; www.scoyster.com; or www.historiccolumbia.org

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 18

Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo, the Anglican bishop of Gahaini, Rwanda, will present the talk "Genocide and Reconciliation in Rwanda: A Survivor's Perspective of Hope" at the State Museum. Bilindabagabo is a survivor of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, and he will touch on the emotional and physical consequences still being felt.

The talk is at 7 p.m. The museum is at 301 Gervais St. $3 to $7; (803) 898-4921 or www.museum.state.sc.us

THURSDAY, Nov. 19

Edwin McCain will perform at the Newberry Opera House at 8 p.m. McCain is one contemporary of Hootie and The Blowfish who achieved a modicum of fame. In the ETV film "The Next Big Hootie," released earlier this year, McCain was highlighted as one of the few performers who shared stages with Hootie and is still performing regularly. McCain's hits such as "I'll Be," "I Could Not Ask For More" and "Solitude," which featured Hootie frontman and now solo country star Darius Rucker, have endured. In 2005, McCain performed "I'll Be" on "Dr. Phil," as the song was voted best wedding song. The opera house is at 1201 McKibben St. $35; (803) 276-6264

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