Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: Town Theatre

Thursday July 8, 2011 - July 23, 2011

Take an incredible ride with one of the most wonderful families of all time! A widowed, absent-minded, unsuccessful inventor saves a “has been” racing car from the scrap heap at the request of his darling children. He fixes the car up – and boy does he ever – as not only does it run again, it floats and flies! It certainly impresses a beautiful lady who becomes smitten with the entire Potts family. Who would not want such a fantastic car? The Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria certainly do! The royals hire two bumbling spies to kidnap the inventor, but instead they grab Grandpa Potts. The mission becomes to save Grandpa, but in doing so, they must avoid being taken by the Childcatcher whose job is to “make Vulgaria a more beautiful place to live” by making sure no children roam the streets freely! The whole family will love this fantasmagorical Broadway musical! Visit the Town Theatre website for more information!

Purple Martin Sunset Dinner Cruises: Spirit of Lake Murray

Thursday July 7, 2011, Tuesday July 12, 2011, Thursday July 14, 2011

When the purple martins arrive at Bomb Island each evening at dusk, swirls of thousands of birds fill the sky before they settle into the trees to roost. It's an amazing sight, and one that attracts birders from around the country to see. A spectacle of nature right here in our own backyard. Treat yourself and your family to one of the Spirit of Lake Murray's "Purple Martin Sunset Dinner Cruises" this summer, and enjoy a 2 1/2 hour boat ride, a delicious meal and create a special memory! For information, visit the Spirit of Lake Murray website.

Rembrandt: From Sacred to Profane: Columbia Museum of Art

Now through August 21, 2011

Rembrandt van Rijn is one of the most celebrated artists in history. Born in Leiden in 1606, Rembrandt rose to stardom in Amsterdam as a painter of portraits and historical narratives—particularly religious scenes. A master printmaker as well as a painter, Rembrandt exploited the etching medium to its fullest. Although he also worked in engraving and drypoint, it was the freedom of etching that allowed him the full expression of his creative ideas. The etchings in this exhibition, from the collection of Wynetka Ann King Reynolds and Thomas H. Kirschbaum, MD, demonstrate Rembrandt’s inexhaustible curiosity in humanity and its potential as subject matter. Columbia Museum of Art website.

Smokey Joe's Cafe: Trustus Theatre

Now - July 28, 2011

Leiber and Stoller, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock 'n' roll, and now their songs provide the basis for an electrifying entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture. In an idealized 50's setting, the classic themes of love won, lost and imagined blend with hilarious set-pieces and slice-of-life emotions. Featuring nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE isn't just great pop music - it's compelling musical theatre. Shows: Thursdays through Sundays only. Visit Trustus website.

Whales, Sharks and Mermaids Parents' Survival Night: The Little Gym

Friday July 8, 2011

The Whales, Sharks and Mermaids Parents' Survival Night will be held at The Little Gym in Lexington on Friday, July 8th from 6-10 pm, and will include games, music, pizza and a sea creature craft! Members and Non-Members are welcome, so please don't let your child miss out on all the fun! Call the gym at 951-7235 to reserve your child's spot or click here for more information.

Amazing Bats!: Sesquicentennial State Park

Friday July 8, 2011

Join the rangers at Sesquicentennial State Park as they dispel the myths about bats and tell you the surprising truth about these fascinating animals. Uncover their mysteries and discover their amazing adaptations for survival. Find out what makes bats so important and what you can do to help protect them. Pre-registration is required. To register call (803) 788-8332 or e-mail sesqui@scprt.com. Adults must accompany children 15 and under. Visit the Sesqui website for more information.

The Commedia Pinocchio: Columbia Children's Theatre

Saturday July 9, 2011

Last summer's smash hit returns by popular demand! The show has three more performances left - Saturday, July 9 at 11:00 am, Thursday, July 21 at 11:00 am and Saturday, July 23 at 11:00 am. Visit the CCT website for details.

Columbia Blowfish vs. Wilmington: Capital City Stadium

Saturday July 9, 2011

Kids bring your ball and glove and "Play Catch on the Field with the Blowfish Players" (Pre Game - Gates open at 6pm/play catch from 6:10-6:40pm)

GOOD SEATS FOR GOOD SAMARITANS!
Bring non-perishable food items and receive $2 off General Admission Ticket! *Day of game only; not valid with any other discount. Blowfish website.

ROCK THE VETS Benefit Concert for the Wounded Warriors Project : Columbia National Guard Armory

Saturday July 9, 2011

The Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization that was created to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members. Musical guests are The Dirty Low Down, Justin Smith, John Wesley Satterfield & His Damn Fine Band, Bag of Toys, Danielle Howle, Summit and Fallen Kings. Performing 11A.M.-6 P.M. Details.
1255 Bluff Rd., Columbia, SC 29201

Mystery of the H.L. Hunley: South Carolina State Museum

Saturday July 9, 2011

Retired submariner Stonewall “Stoney” Hilton tells the tale of that fateful night in November 1864 when the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley sank the USS Housatonic just outside of Charleston Harbor. Hilton also will present the latest findings from the Warren Lasch Conservation Laboratory, which currently houses the Hunley. Free with general admission or membership. Seating is limited. 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., Fourth floor gallery. Visit the SC State Museum website.

Pizza & Picasso: Our Hands Together

Monday July 11, 2011

Your kids complaining of summer boredom already?

Pizza & Picasso for kids ages 6-14 on Monday, July 11 from 10 am - 12 pm. Children will read a nonfiction story on friendship (Two Bobbies) and then paint on canvas in the style of Picasso inspired by the story and theme. Cost is $11 and covers all supplies and pizza! Register by calling 803-749-0011 or by e-mailing sheri@ourhandstogether.com.

And, if you want more, register your kids for Painting I Camp which starts this coming Tuesday, July 12 through Friday, July 15 from 9:30 to 12:00 pm. Cost is $155 and covers all supplies. Again, call 803-749-0011 or e-mail sheri@ourhandstogether.com to register.

Discover Congaree National Park This Week!

Friday July 8, 2011 - Thursday July 14, 2011

Beginning with an Owl Prowl on Friday night, this week offers guided hikes, talks with rangers and learning opportunities. If you have not been to Congaree National Park, or if it's been a while, come out and explore the 2.4 mile boardwalk, go fishing, hike, paddle your canoe or kayak, or cool off in the Harry Hampton Visitors Center and learn about the park in air-conditioned comfort. Visit the NPS website for details.

Outdoor Concerts and Movies This Week!

On Friday, July 8, Angela Easterling and the Beguilers entertain at the Village at Sandhill Town Center with Americana, folk and roots music; on Friday July 8, join your friends and neighbors for a special outdoor screening of AVATAR at Gibson Road Soccer Complex courtesy of Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission; Finlay Park is the venue for Friday night's screening of the film ICE AGE - THE MELTDOWN ad well as Saturday's Concert in the Park featuring The Latin Connection.

Additional Events, Upcoming Events, News and Special Offers!

Save the Date - July 16 - Museum Roadshow: South Carolina State Museum

July 16, 2011

Aunt Martha’s coin silver wine holders, Kewpie dolls, a Picasso drawing, a Japanese bayonet, a Russian samovar, an Edgar Allan Poe first edition – you never know what might turn up at the Museum Road Show! Inspired by PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow,” the program will offer informal (verbal) appraisals of a variety of objects. Museum curators and local experts will be on hand not only to discuss items, but also to provide tips on caring for the objects. Visit the SC State Museum website for more info on the Roadshow!

Appraisal Tickets Sales: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Appraisals: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Cinderella: Workshop Theatre

Save the Date(s)! July 15, 2011 - July 30, 2011

Once upon a time there was a beautiful girl called Cinderella and she had two ugly step sisters who were very unkind who made her do all the hard work. She had to sweep the floors, do all the dishes, while they dressed up in fine clothes and went to lots of parties. One day a special invitation arrived at Cinderella's house. It was from the royal palace. The king's only son was a truly handsome prince was going to have a grand ball. Three girls were invited to come. Cinderella knew she wouldn't be allowed to go to the ball. But the ugly sisters, ho ho ho, they were excited. They couldn't talk about anything else. Workshop Theatre presents this timeless classic. For more information, visit the Workshop website.

The Princess and the Pea: Columbia Children's Theatre

Now through July 28, 2011
Join CCT's vagabond band of actors as they present the Hans Christian Andersen story like you've never seen before! Told in the commedia dell’arte style of last season's wildly popular "Pinocchio," Columbine, Arlequino, Punchin, Rosetta, and Pantalone are back with physical humor and witty banter that breathe new life and energy into this classic tale. Visit the CCT website for more info.

Save the Date - Second Annual Jewelry Makers Market!: Unforgettable Fine Jewelry

Thursday July 28, 2011

Join Unforgettable Fine Jewelry, located at 2511 Devine Street, as they clear out their jewelry cases again for ten local jewelry artists to display their creations in the Second Annual Jewelry Makers Market! Enjoy great prices on jewelry and accessories starting at $25.00. Come out and support local talent and leave with a one-of-a-kind work of art! Learn more here.