Miss Springmaid: Sex Sells! Columbia Museum of Art

Friday January 27, 2012

Before the Mad Men of Manhattan and the sexual revolution, South Carolina WWI war hero Elliott White Springs was an advertising pioneer, using sex to sell sheets, pillowcases and other finished goods. Springs’ controversial magazine ads established a branding trend that is alive and well today. Join the Columbia Museum of Art for a screening of ETVs Carolina Stories: Miss Springmaid followed by a panel discussion with advertising scholars and historians. A temporary exhibition of Springmaid ads and original artwork will be on view during the event. A few of the original Miss Springmaids might even be in attendance and available for photographs! Visit the Museum of Art website for more info.

Roller Derby! Richland County Regulators vs Greenville Derby Dames: SC National Guard Armory

Saturday January 28, 2012
WHO ARE THE REGULATORS?
A band of fearless skaters longed for the day that they would become bigger, better, faster, stronger. Yearned to ultimately be the baddest women on 8 wheels! Thus, the Richland County Regulators Derby Team (RCRDT) was formed. RCRDT is an all female, flat track roller derby team governed by the rules established by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) Roller Derby is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, action-packed sport that is currently sweeping the nation. The hits are hard, the injuries are real, and NOTHING is choreographed! With vigorous training both on and off skates, RCRDT women are amazing athletes and will not hesitate to put you in your place (on the track, of course). We are skater owned and operated and wish to create a permanent hold within the Columbia Metropolitan area! Come see us live and in-action! Richland County Regulators website for details.

ROCKETMAN – A Tribute to Sir Elton John

Saturday January 28, 2012

A benefit concert for Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter
The Woman’s Club of Cayce along with Tokyo Joe Productions presents Greg Bickley & Tokyo Joe at 7:30 PM at the Koger Center for the Arts. What a show! Ticket info: Click here!

The Little Gym Open House

Saturday January 28, 2012

Bring your little ones by The Little Gym this Saturday to get a taste of the fun they’ll have upon enrollment at the place for children’s mirth, merriment and development! From 3pm – 6pm, enjoy music, food, drinks, games… and upon enrollment, receive specials on Class Enrollment, Parents’ Night Out, Summer Day Camp and a great deal on an Awesome Birthday Bash!

The Little Gym of Columbia
2005 N. Beltline Blvd. (Next to D’s Wings
803-738-1115

The Little Gym of Lexington
5347 Sunset Blvd. (Topspin Plaza)
Lexington, SC 29072
951-7235

Or visit The Little Gym website.

6th Annual Red Nose Run

Saturday January 28, 2011
Run With All Your Heart For Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia, SC!

Lace up your big floppy clown sneakers, grab your red nose and meet us at Colonial Life Arena for the Sixth Annual Red Nose Run. The Palmetto Grand Prix 10k begins at 8:00 a.m. with the 5k beginning at 8:15 a.m. Runners will enjoy complimentary massages from the Southeastern School of Neuromuscular
Massage, food, drinks and more!

Pre-register at www.strictlyrunning.com! Pre-registered packet pick-up will take place at Strictly Running on January 25-27 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Race day registration and packet pick-up will be at the Colonial Life Arena from 6:45 a.m. -7:30 a.m. All runners and walkers are welcome to join! Only pre-registered participants are guaranteed a packet. We hope to see you and your friends join our over 750 expected runners on January 28th
for some Red Nose Fun to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia,SC! Please contact Alex Nicyper at 803-254-0118 or alex@rmhcofcolumbia.org for questions or additional information.

World Beer Festival

Saturday January 28, 2012

All About Beer Magazine has presented 26 festivals in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia since 1996. World Beer Festivals are public events in which participants have the chance to sample an amazing range of beers from around the world, served by brewer representatives, for one entry price. Seminars, live music, and great food are also included. Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Afternoon and evening sessions. Get your tickets in advance – one session is already sold out. Ticket info here.

Religion In The Civil War Symposium Coming to Columbia

Saturday January 28, 2012
The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History and the South Carolina Historical Society will host a one-day symposium exploring the topic of Religion in the Civil War.

This event invites the public to join historians and scholars in an in-depth discussion regarding how faith and religion impacted both sides of the conflict. Participants will examine the Protestant, Catholic and Jewish faiths from both the Northern and Southern viewpoints and explore the extent to which soldiers and chaplains leaned on their faith during the Civil War. The day’s events will feature a Keynote presentation from Dr. George Rable, professor at the University of Alabama and author of God’s Almost Chosen Peoples: A Religious History of the American Civil War
Lectures will also be given by W. Eric Emerson & Karen Stokes authors of Faith, Valor, and Devotion: The Civil War Letters of William Porcher DuBose, and John Brinsfield author of Faith in the Fight. A guided tour of Columbia’s most significant Civil War era churches, Elmwood Cemetery and of the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum’s newest exhibit, Through Fiery Trials: Religion in the Civil War will also be a part of the day’s program. The day’s program will begin at 8:30am and conclude at 4:00pm. Registration is $30 in advance and $35 the day of. Lunch is included.

To register, visit www.crr.sc.gov or contact Kaela Harmon at 803-737-8094 or

Sidewalk Sale: Devine Street Merchants

Saturday January 28, 2012

From 9am -5pm, visit the merchants of Devine Street in Columbia for their first BIG sale of the year! Follow your New Year resolution to save money AND shop local by visiting the more than 50 stores that will be open this day for all of your post-holiday shopping needs. This event is FREE and open to the public – so grab the kids, park your car for FREE, and stroll the beautiful shops and restaurants of Devine Street. Visit the Devine Street website for details.

Put On Your Dancing Shoes! Shandon Presbyterian Church

Saturday January 28, 2012

The next Arts at Shandon event is an evening of dancing for the whole family at 7 p.m.. Nelson Jarvis, a nationally known caller, will be featured for traditional square dancing, line dancing and the Texas two-step. Join us for lessons, contests and family fun for all ages. Childcare is available for a reasonable fee; reservations are required by Jan. 20 by calling (803) 771-4408. Refreshments will be available. Entrance fee is $5 per person. Visit the Shandon Presbyterian Church website.

May I Recommend?

Mini Warehouses

Remember the days when you had to store your stuff in your Mom’s garage or you bought one of those awful metal sheds and stuck it out in the backyard to keep your bins and boxes of treasures and tools from getting wet? Then you started seeing a new phenomenon pop up along the highways and bi-ways – self storage facilities. That business venture was the new thing back 30 years ago. Well, 30 years ago, one of those new-fangled storage facilities was built in just about the most convenient location in town… off US Hwy 378 near I-20 (behind Southeastern Trucking) and it has served the area’s commercial and residential storage needs. Currently under a complete renovation and modernization , Mini Warehouses’ new owner, Rick Riley, is excited about the property’s future. He’s added a brick veneer to the buildings, fresh paint, he’s installing new security cameras, he’s installing brand new red Janus Commercial Roll Up Doors… making everything sparkly new in the same location that for 30 years has kept customers satisfied for its unparalleled convenience. Need storage space? I don’t think you could find a nicer guy or a better place than Mini Warehouses! Twenty free boxes and free lock when you rent a unit!
Phone: 803-356-0634
View Map: 129 Cromer Road

Fabulous Ongoing Events, Upcoming Events, News and Special Offers!

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Town Theatre!

NOW – February 4, 2012

Based on the popular 1988 film, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels focuses on two con men residing on the French Riviera. Meet Lawrence – a suave and sophisticated type who makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money. Then there is Freddy – a small-time crook, who more humbly swindles women by earning their compassion through his fictitious fables about his grandmother’s failing health. Lawrence and Freddy soon discover that their small French town is only big enough for one of them. With neither swindler willing to depart without a fight, they agree to a contest. The first con man to extort $50,000 from Christine Colgate, a young female heiress, wins the right to keep hustling the residents of the Riviera. The loser must leave town. You’ll be laughing out loud at this hilarious romp with an interesting twist at the end!
For tickets or more information, please visit the Town Theatre website

Romeo & Juliet: Columbia City Ballet: Koger Center for the Arts

Next Weekend! February 3 & 4, 2012

The world’s most famous lovers will take the stage when Columbia City Ballet presents the timeless love story of Romeo & Juliet. Based on William Shakespeare’s 400-year-old play, Columbia City Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet uses composer Sergei Prokofiev’s genius to tell the tale of two young lovers caught in the middle of their feuding families. This modern classic intertwines dramatic sword fights with exquisite love duets and comic interludes to create a production that captures the passion and beauty of Shakespeare’s masterpiece. The Columbia City Ballet, under the direction of William Starrett, dance to what many believe is the greatest ballet score ever written.

Mustaches for Kids

Now through February 9, 2012

Mustaches for Kids is a good reason to grow a mustache and raise money for Safe Kids SC, a program to prevent injuries to children. Since its humble beginnings, Mustaches for Kids satellite chapters have spread across the continent, a steady expansion that is not unlike the measured, deliberate growth of a Mustache. Safe Kids South Carolina, a program of The Children’s Trust of South Carolina has now formed a chapter to educate families on preventing unintentional injuries–the number one killer of children 0-14 years of age. Here’s how it works: During the four-week Growing Season: Thursday, January 19th through Thursday, February, 9th growers sprout sweet, sweet Mustaches. Per Mustaches for Kids bylaws, they shave their faces, except for the Mustache, a minimum of one time per week and solicit donations from friends, family, co-workers, and people in the community. It’s like getting pledges to run a marathon, without the exertion, cramping, or dehydration. Call it a facial hair marathon.

At the end of the Growing Season, Safe Kids South Carolina will host the Mustache Competition at Tin Roof, which is a cross between a beauty pageant, dog show, and police line-up. During the Competition, Growers, often in Mustache-enhancing costumes, are to be evaluated by an independent panel of judges, and one Mustache is declared to be the “Sweetest Stache.” We also have the “Worst Stache” and the “Most Sponsored Stache” for which ever mustache raises the most money for our cause! So it’s all pretty simple: mustaches, charity, competition infused with meaningless pageantry. You can spare four weeks of your life for that. To register, give donations or find our more visit the website.

Valentine Cruises Aboard the Spirit of Lake Murray!
Sunday February 12, 2012 & Tuesday February 14, 2012

What’s more romantic than a hug-up at the rail of a big vessel as it cuts a path through the sparkling waters of beautiful Lake Murray? Celebrate your love with a true treat – a special gourmet lunch or dinner and a wonderful cruise on a crisp February day! For info, visit the Spirit of Lake Murray website.

Sweetheart Dinner at Columbo’s

Friday February 10, Saturday February 11 & Tuesday February 14, 2012

Columbo’s chef has pulled out all the stops to prepare the most elegant and creative cuisine for you and your honey this Valentine’s Day! The Sweetheart Dinner allows couples to choose an appetizer, main course and dessert from an incredible menu that includes Lobster Bisque; Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Blueberries, Walnuts, and Citrus Vinaigrette or Mixed Field Greens with Mandarin Oranges, Candied Pecans, and Raspberry Vinaigrette and rockin’ entrees from Pan Seared Sea Bass with Herb Vin Blanc and Tomato-Thyme Vinaigrette to Tuscan Napoleon of Beef with layers of Spinach and Portabella Mushroom… and more! Check out the full menu at Columbo’s website.

Monster Jam Returns to Colonial Life Arena!

Friday February 10 & Saturday February 11, 2012

All boys love trucks! Here’s the show that harnesses all there is to love about ‘em! It features USHRA Monster Trucks including Maximum Destruction driven by Kreg Christensen, Wolverine driven by Alex Blackwell, Bounty Hunter driven by Jim Creten, Scarlet Bandit driven by Dawn Creten, Stone Crusher driven by Morgan Kane, and Rap Attack driven by Dave Rappach! Visit the official Monster Jam website for more info.

Sweetheart Special with the South Carolina Philharmonic: Doubletree by Hilton

Saturday February 11, 2012

Make your Valentine’s Weekend one to always remember with this thoughtful and sweet perfectly planned evening. Enjoy fine dining at Columbo’s with wine pairings, and then off to Love Stories performed by the South Carolina Philharmonic at the Koger Center, followed by dessert and deluxe accommodations at the Doubletree by Hilton. This all-inclusive package is just $299! All inclusive means all taxes, service charges are included. Reservations can be made by calling LaToya at 744-0130.

The concert starts at 7:30pm.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus : Colonial Life Arena

Thursday January 19, 2012 – Monday, January 23, 2011
Don’t miss Fully Charged, the all-new surge of circus entertainment from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, where megawatts of thrills explode off the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, amazing stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize children of all ages! Visit the Colonial Life Arena website for info and tickets!

Show Opens Friday! Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Town Theatre!

January 20 – February 4, 2012

Based on the popular 1988 film, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels focuses on two con men residing on the French Riviera. Meet Lawrence – a suave and sophisticated type who makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money. Then there is Freddy – a small-time crook, who more humbly swindles women by earning their compassion through his fictitious fables about his grandmother’s failing health. Lawrence and Freddy soon discover that their small French town is only big enough for one of them. With neither swindler willing to depart without a fight, they agree to a contest. The first con man to extort $50,000 from Christine Colgate, a young female heiress, wins the right to keep hustling the residents of the Riviera. The loser must leave town. You’ll be laughing out loud at this hilarious romp with an interesting twist at the end!
For tickets or more information, please visit the Town Theatre website

Final Weekend: Spring Awakening: Trustus Theatre

Now – January 21, 2012

Winner of 8 TONY Awards, including BEST MUSICAL, “Spring Awakening” celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, poignancy, and passion that you will never forget. Set to a rocking score by Duncan Sheik, “Spring Awakening” explodes onto the Trustus Main Stage this winter. All tickets are $25. Visit the Trustus website for details.

Seussical Jr: Children’s Theatre

Friday January 20, 2012 – Sunday January 22, 2012

A delight for children to perform, SEUSSICAL is now one of the most-performed shows in America! Meet Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination–Jojo. Performed by ICRC’s Children’s Theatre at Midlands Technical College Theatre (Harbison campus). Visit the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission website for all the details!

Restaurant Week In Full Swing!

Now – January 22, 2012

Restaurant week is an eleven day celebration of the cuisine scene in South Carolina at hundreds of participating restaurants from January 12 through 22, 2012. Click here to see the Midlands’ establishments and their offers!

Craft Bar Happy Hour: Columbia Museum of Art

Tuesday January 24, 2012

Dust off a project that you’ve been meaning to work on, and enjoy great snacks, refreshing beverages, and the best of crafter camaraderie to get your juices flowing in the Museum’s unconventional crafter haven. Don’t have a project to work on? No problem, purchase a craft kit that night. Each month a new featured local crafter will drop in to display their work. Limited to 25 spots, reserve yours early. More info at museum website.

Tales for Tots: EdVenture Children’s Museum

Thursday January 26, 2012 and Sunday January 29, 2012
Experience Tales for Tots at EdVenture – a fun and educational series that features a read-to-me time followed by a character appearance that is sure to make stories come alive! Especially for young children ages up to 4 years. Free with museum admission. Tales for Tots will be held on selected Thursdays in the Theater from 11am-12pm and selected Sundays from 1pm-2pm. Visit the EdVenture website for details.

COLUMBIA CLASSICAL BALLET PRESENTS LIFECHANCE 2012

“INTERNATIONAL GALA OF THE STARS”

Saturday January 21, 2012

A must see annual event in the arts community- Radenko Pavlovich continues to raise the barre on the ballet stage with contemporary and classical ballet performances by award-winning medalists from around the world. Columbia Classical Ballet is honored to salute Harvest Hope as its beneficiary for LifeChance 2012. For details see the Columbia Classical Ballet website.

31st Annual Snowman 8K Road Race and Fun Run: Caughman Road Park

Columbia’s most popular 8k road race kicks off at 1:30 pm. The Youth Fun Run is for ages 12 and under and will begin at 12:30 pm. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to South Carolina Honor Flight organization. Visit www.honorflightsc.com to learn more. For more information or to register, click here or call Lisa Smarr at 699-7425 or lisa@rcrc.state.sc.us.

Learn to Use That Nook or Kindle or Ipad!: Richland County Public Library’s Wheatley Branch

Saturday January 21, 2012
Did you recieve a Nook, Ipad or Kindle as a gift and you’re not sure how to get the most from it? Come to this hands-on eReady session and they’ll show you how easy it is to download free e-materials… and more! 11:30 am.
Visit the website
931 Woodrow Street
(803) 799-5873

Brunch and Sunday Jazz at Senate’s End

Sunday January 22, 2012

The Gene Dykes Jazz Orchestra will play at Senate’s End for the Think Jazz Columbia Sunday Brunch and Jazz Series. 2-5 PM. Gene Dykes has been a major force in the jazz scene for over 60 years, serving as a musician and conductor in Air Force bands worldwide. He has devoted much of his work to the music of Ellington, Basie, Fitzgerald, Goodman, Holiday and other greats of the Big Band Era. Brunch will be served beginning at 10:30 am and food and drinks will be available throughout the afternoon. Visit the Think Jazz website for more information.

Fabulous Ongoing Events, Upcoming Events, News and Special Offers!

Religion In The Civil War Symposium Coming to Columbia
Saturday January 28, 2012
The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History and the South Carolina Historical Society will host a one-day symposium exploring the topic of Religion in the Civil War.

This event invites the public to join historians and scholars in an in-depth discussion regarding how faith and religion impacted both sides of the conflict. Participants will examine the Protestant, Catholic and Jewish faiths from both the Northern and Southern viewpoints and explore the extent to which soldiers and chaplains leaned on their faith during the Civil War. The day’s events will feature a Keynote presentation from Dr. George Rable, professor at the University of Alabama and author of God’s Almost Chosen Peoples: A Religious History of the American Civil War
Lectures will also be given by W. Eric Emerson & Karen Stokes authors of Faith, Valor, and Devotion: The Civil War Letters of William Porcher DuBose, and John Brinsfield author of Faith in the Fight. A guided tour of Columbia’s most significant Civil War era churches, Elmwood Cemetery and of the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum’s newest exhibit, Through Fiery Trials: Religion in the Civil War will also be a part of the day’s program. The day’s program will begin at 8:30am and conclude at 4:00pm. Registration is $30 in advance and $35 the day of. Lunch is included.

To register, visit www.crr.sc.gov or contact Kaela Harmon at 803-737-8094 or