Blues festivals and tributes to Oz and Garcia top our week’s event picks

“BIRTH OF A NATION” TALK: 7 p.m. Monday at The Nickelodeon. The University of South Carolina’s History Center will host writer and journalism professor Dick Lehr for an in-depth look at the controversial 1915 film “Birth of a Nation,” and events surrounding its release and impact. Lehr is a professor at Boston University and former reporter for the Boston Globe’s Spotlight investigative reporting team. Set in South Carolina before and after the Civil War, the propaganda film fueled racial hatred and civil rights protests. Although faded, its shadow on race relations remains today. The event is part of the History Center’s commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Reconstruction and exploration of race relations. Public talk is free but seating is first come, first served. 1607 Main St. HistCntr@mailbox.sc.edu or (803) 777-6172

WET SANDAL WALK: 6 p.m. Tuesday at Riverfront Park. Join a guided tour with a city park ranger to learn more about the Broad River and its abundant resources. Walk beside the river in the floodplain forest, and talk about the historic Columbia Canal and the ecological importance of this special place. Learn a little history, meet some aquatic critters and dip your toes in the river. Free. Meet in the north parking lot, 4122 River Drive.

LUCKY CHOPS: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Harbison Theatre. All brass. All the time. From the New York City subway platform to television screens and international stages, Lucky Chops is finally spreading its infectious music and positive energy to South Carolina for the first time. Join the party where anything is possible, as these talented and riotous friends cover pop favorites and originals, using instruments usually reserved for the high school marching band. $16. 7300 College St., Irmo, at Midlands Technical College. www.harbisontheatre.org

COLAJAZZ ARTISTS SERIES: 8 p.m. Wednesday at Main Street Public House. Each Wednesday through Oct. 12, Main Street Public House will play host to ColaJazz Artists Series, launched by local jazz trumpeter Mark Rapp. Tonight’s featured performer is Skipp Pearson. Free admission. 1556 Main St. http://colajazz.com/venue/main-street-public-house

HISTORIC HAPPY HOUR: FIVE POINTS TOUR: 5:30 p.m. Friday in Five Points. Enjoy a Capital City cocktail with a twist as Historic Columbia’s Historic Happy Hour series returns to Five Points. What began as a trolley hub for Columbia’s first planned suburban neighborhood, has evolved into one of the city’s most popular entertainment districts. This guided tour highlights the history and architecture of this historic district. $20 for Historic Columbia members, $25 for nonmembers. Must be ages 21 and older to enjoy adult beverages. Meet at Five Points fountain, Greene and Harden streets. Reserve in advance: (803) 252-1770 ext. 23, reservations@historiccolumbia.org or historiccolumbia.org

BBQ, BLUES & JAZZ AT SWAMPFEST: 7 p.m. Friday at Historic Harriet Barber House & Grounds. This year’s event, part of the 14th annual SwampFest at the Congaree, will feature four-time Grammy award winning singer Deniese Williams and other performers. Tickets include entertainment and food; a cash bar is offered for beer, wine and soda. $25 advance, $30 at gate. SwampFest festivities continue Saturday with more music and family friendly activities. 116 Barberville Loop, Hopkins. See the schedule for the two-day festival at www.congareeswampfest.com

CONGAREE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: 11 a.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at Historic Columbia Speedway. The city of Cayce’s 9th Annual Congaree Bluegrass Festival will feature a larger show after the one scheduled for last year was canceled because of historic flooding. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver is the headliner on Saturday, with performances by the Edgar Loudermilk Band featuring Jeff Autry, Wilson Banjo Co. and Slope Valley. Sunday is dedicated to gospel bluegrass music, featuring The Southern Gospel Express, Left Lane and The Thomas Family. The festival also will have artist booths, a tent for impromptu musical jam sessions and food vendors. $10 Saturday, Cayce residents and kids 12 and under get in free; free to all Sunday. www.cityofcayce-sc.gov/cbf

MUSEUM OF OZ: 10 a.m. Saturday at S.C. State Museum. Grab Toto and head to the S.C. State Museum for a new Wizard of Oz experience. Every Saturday in October, the museum will host a number of Wizard of Oz-themed activities, like scavenger hunts along the Yellow Brick Road, crafts, screenings of “Wizard of Oz 4-D Experience” and greetings from Wizard of Oz characters throughout the day. The fun runs through Nov. 4. Free with general admission. 301 Gervais St. www.scmuseum.org

JERRYFEST IN FIVE POINTS: 2-10 p.m. Sunday at the Five Points fountain. Pay homage to the late, great Jerry Garcia at this annual festival that commemorates the life and work of rock guitarist, Grateful Dead frontman and music industry icon Garcia, who died of a heart attack in 1995. The day of live music and craft vendors starts at with a community drum circle. Mountain Express Band, Jackaroe, George Fetner & The Strays, Stillhouse and Alien Carnival are featured performers. There will be an after party at Breakers Live featuring Cletus Baltimore and Hays Adams. Free. www.fivepointscolumbia.com/events/Jerryfest

FREEMAN SUNDAY CONCERT: WOMEN IN MUSIC: 3 p.m. Sunday at USC’s music school. Freeman Sunday Concerts feature the university’s music faculty in fresh and vibrant chamber music programs. The popular series has been raising scholarship money for more than 20 years. This week’s program features Portraits of Langston – Valerie Coleman (b. 1970); Three Songs for Oboe and Double Bass (after poems by Pablo Neruda) – Andrea Clearfield (b. 1960); Trio for Oboe, Clarinet and Viola – Randall Thompson; Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Piano – Jean Francaix. $15 adults; $10 senior citizens, USC faculty/staff; $5 students. 813 Assembly St. www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/music/concerts_and_events/cornelia_freeman/index.php