A Southern Rock Connection
April 16, 2025
By Tom Poland Back roads took me past pecan groves and cotton fields and eventually to Charlane Woodlands, Chuck and Rose Lane Leavell’s home/tree farm. That evening Chuck and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
SC Public Radio expands Rapp on Jazz to a permanent daily segment celebrating jazz music
April 14, 2025
SC Public Radio has announced that Rapp on Jazz, originally introduced as a special limited series airing each April during National Jazz Appreciation Month, is now a permanent fixture on the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: media, on-the-move, the-arts
Arts Against Violence: A three-day cultural event empowering youth through the arts
April 11, 2025
Eleven Services, LLC and Strut Talk Runway Therapy, in collaboration with the City of Columbia Parks & Recreation, United Way, The Weight of Words, and V12 Studios, announced Arts Against…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, on-the-move, the-arts
Columbia Streams Art public art program unveils 10 turtle sculptures painted by local artists during Artista Vista
April 10, 2025
The City of Columbia’s Columbia Streams Art public art program will unveil ten new turtle sculptures painted and decorated by local artists during the Artista Vista arts festival on Saturday, April 12…
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We Never Met
April 10, 2025
By Tom Poland I wish we had. I traded letters with a writer who lived alone in the remote reaches of Alaska, the Land of the Midnight Sun. Poet…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Muzika! returns: South Carolina set to host a global music celebration this June
April 9, 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable musical journey as Varna International Music Academy announces the lineup for the 2025 Muzika! season, under the artistic direction of Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan…
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South Carolina Governor’s Schools to host joint information session in Spartanburg – May 1
April 3, 2025
The Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe (JDLH), Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities (SCGSAH), and the Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM), and are…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: agriculture, education, on-the-move, the-arts
Cellist, visual artist join SC Arts Commission board
April 3, 2025
The South Carolina Arts Commission is welcoming an artistic pair of new members to its nine-person board of commissioners for three-year terms after their gubernatorial appointments and state senate confirmations.…
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New public art installed in the Vista
April 2, 2025
The Congaree Vista Guild has announced that a new public art piece is being installed on the 1100 block of Park Street. Artist David Falter is on site from April…
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Gnarly voicemails
April 2, 2025
By Jeff Becraft I’m on my second illness in six weeks. What kind of shenanigans is this? I guess all the running around over the last month and eating…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
A Day in the Life of a Garbage Man
April 2, 2025
By Tom Poland Let this harrowing tale serve as a warning. Be careful of what you wrap in aluminum foil. A British judge stopped a man’s 12-year legal battle…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Seven-time GRAMMY®-nominated composer’s work highlight of chamber series finale
March 27, 2025
In celebration of the School of Music’s Centennial, this year’s Freeman Sundays @3 concerts have featured specific areas of the School of Music and include the premiere of a new…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, on-the-move, the-arts
Lessons From The Great Snakeman
March 26, 2025
By Tom Poland Come the cold, dormant months, few snakes, if any, are out and about. Perhaps winter makes a good time to read about the critters many fear.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Hidden by Woods; Revealed by Wind
March 20, 2025
By Tom Poland I was cruising a familiar Georgia road looking for the past. A gut feeling told me to strike out for a place Hurricane Helene devastated—the busy…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
SC Philharmonic performs popular Beethoven & Blue Jeans and Family Time with the Phil in one thrilling symphonic weekend at Koger Center
March 20, 2025
Family Time with the Phil is a FREE EVENT with no reservation required. The South Carolina Philharmonic presents two major concert events next weekend at Koger Center for the Arts: Beethoven &…
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Midlands Tech Mavericks “Showoff” their talent during annual Talent Competition
March 19, 2025
On Saturday March 15, the MTC Showoff highlighted Mavericks as they competed for the title of the Biggest Showoff and a chance to win a $1,000 grand prize. Additionally, live…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, entertainment, on-the-move, the-arts
She Loves Me at Town Theatre
March 17, 2025
Dearest Theatre Lovers, With hearts brimming with affection and excitement, we invite you to be swept away by She Loves Me. This enchanting musical, filled with romance, humor and a…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
The NY Cat & Dog Film Festivals bring heartwarming pet stories to The Nick
March 13, 2025
Get ready for a purr-fectly delightful and tail-waggingly fun day at The Nickelodeon Theater on April 12, as we welcome The NY Cat Film Festival and The NY Dog Film…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, the-arts
Like Being in a Liberace Movie
March 13, 2025
By Tom Poland For thirteen years I jogged a trail running within 60 feet of stolen art hidden in the home of acquaintance Roger Streeter. I had no clue…
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Columbia Museum of Art’s Contemporaries invite you to step “Through the Looking Glass”
March 12, 2025
Prepare to have your perceptions challenged and your imagination ignited! The Contemporaries, an affinity council of the Columbia Museum of Art (CMA), announced their highly anticipated annual gala, “Through the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Midlands Clay Arts society holiday sale
March 12, 2025
You are invited to our Annual Midlands Clay Arts Spring Sale, to be held May 1-3, 2025 at Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC. Admission and parking are free,…
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Announcing the next emerging #SCArtists cohort
March 11, 2025
SC Arts Commission releases second, final round for FY25 Seven artists establishing themselves in their artistic pursuits will benefit from the South Carolina Arts Commission Emerging Artists program, receiving a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
MTC Mavericks to Showoff at Harbison Theatre March 15
March 11, 2025
Annual MTC talent competition returns for the sixth year Midlands Technical College Mavericks will compete in MTC’s annual talent competition, the MTC Showoff, Saturday, March 15. Auditions were open to…
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Public invited to drop in to view free Lexington Two District art show
March 6, 2025
A favorite art exhibit of student work is free and open to the public at the Lexington Two Performing Arts Center (L2PAC). The District Art Show, on the first and…
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SC Arts Commission announces 2025 recipients of state’s two arts awards
March 4, 2025
The South Carolina Arts Commission is happily announcing six unique and deserving 2025 recipients of the state’s highest recognitions for exceptional practice or support of contemporary and traditional art forms.…
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The Winter Rainbow by Teri Leigh Teed selected for Manhattan Arts International Exhibition
February 28, 2025
The Winter Rainbow, a fine art photograph from Teri Leigh Teed’s Eleanor’s Dream series of her Healing Spirit Art© Collection, has been selected for the 2025 Manhattan Arts International Invitational…
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Return To Monkey Island
February 27, 2025
By Tom Poland Rated PG-13. When the news broke that forty-three monkeys were on the loose in Yemassee, South Carolina, people reacted big time. They double locked their doors and…
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Columbia’s first Ramadan night market offers evening of community
February 25, 2025
In partnership with the University of South Carolina’s Humanities Collaborative initiative The Muslim South and the Columbia Muslim Association, the Columbia Museum of Art presents Columbia’s first-ever Ramadan Night Market…
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Remembering John Culler
February 20, 2025
By Tom Poland I was on the phone with Joey Frazier, South Carolina Wildlife magazine’s editor. “Tom, did you know John Culler died last week?” I did not. Just…
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The Forgotten Rain Porch
February 14, 2025
By Tom Poland A reader and friend, Zilphy DuRant of Florence, South Carolina mailed me a letter and clipping from The Post and Courier about an architectural feature I’d…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
18 local bands to play live at 15th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival, Sat., March 1
February 12, 2025
The 15th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival — happening Saturday, March 1, 2025, 12-7 p.m. at City Roots urban farm in the historic Rosewood neighborhood of Columbia, SC — has…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, music, on-the-move, the-arts
Just Passing Through
February 12, 2025
By Tom Poland Tabernacle Baptist Church sits near an intersection where collisions seem to occur for no reason. Daylight, midnight, rain, drought, people keep wrecking. It got so bad…
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Town Theatre celebrates re-opening
February 11, 2025Town Theatre is now back open! The Columbia Town Theatre celebrated its reopening as they just wrapped up the final phase of a renovation campaign that began in 2018 but…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: architecture, commercial-real-estate, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Cottontown Art Crawl returns with artists, live music, food, and a community mural!
February 11, 2025
Get ready to experience Columbia’s vibrant arts community at the 7th Annual Cottontown Art Crawl, taking place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM in the charming streets…
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Spoleto Festival USA brings world-class artists to Charleston for 49th performing arts festival
February 11, 2025
May 23-June 8, 2025 Spoleto Festival USA announced the lineup for its 49th Festival taking place from May 23 to June 8. Charleston’s enchanting backdrop sets the stage for more…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
The Midlands Crafter’s Association is proud to present the 2025 Midlands Spring Arts & Crafts Market
February 10, 2025
This event is held annually at South Carolina State Farmers Market 3483 Charleston Highway. We are currently in our 15th year running. On March 22, 2025, AND March 23, 2025,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: environmental, on-the-move, the-arts
Grammy® Winning Banjo Duo Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn perform East Coast premiere of “Dreams in Flight” with SC Philharmonic
February 10, 2025
Highly anticipated concert comes to Columbia, SC on February 22 at Koger Center The South Carolina Philharmonic, winner of the 2024 Governor’s Award for the Arts, continues its 60th Anniversary Season…
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Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington Regional comes to USC
February 9, 2025Now in its 30th year, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington has been raising the bar for high school jazz education across the United States and internationally. The program provides all participating…
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The Woods Back Home
February 4, 2025
By Tom Poland Heart Pine Heartbreak I grew up in a simple house. My parents built it in 1947. In the early 50s we kids had chores and among…
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Stamp Collecting is Risky Business in comic thriller Mauritius at USC’s Longstreet Theatre
February 4, 2025
The production will be the debut of the theatre’s newly improved audience seating. The USC Department of Theatre and Dance will present the comic thriller Mauritius February 21 – March 1 at…
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The Nickelodeon Theater presents “Rhythm of Revolution: A Celebration of Black Music and Culture” this Black History Month
February 4, 2025
This February, The Nickelodeon Theater proudly presents “Rhythm of Revolution: A Celebration of Black Music and Culture,” a Black History Month film series honoring the transformative power of Black artistry…
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Music Director Morihiko Nakahara renews contract with SC Philharmonic through June 2029
February 3, 2025
The Board of Directors of the South Carolina Philharmonic announced that Music Director Morihiko Nakahara has renewed his contract with the organization through June 30th, 2029. A native of Kagoshima,…
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Morihiko Nakahara renews contract with SC Phil through 2029
February 1, 2025
The Board of Directors of the South Carolina Philharmonic announced that Music Director Morihiko Nakahara has renewed his contract with the organization through June 30th, 2029. A native of Kagoshima,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: headlines, on-the-move, the-arts
Karl the Kool-Smoking, Chain-Smoking Kat
January 30, 2025
By Tom Poland Can Your Imagination Turn Real? Summer 2022, St. Simons Island, I was sitting around the pool when my niece, Harper, and her friend, Stella, asked me…
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A unique take on “a capella” at Harbison Theatre
January 30, 2025
Naturally 7, a group of seven talented male vocalists, transforms only their voices into a full-band sound Naturally 7, an a capella group renowned for transforming their voices into human…
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Harbison Theatre celebrates mid-season success
January 28, 2025
Harbison Theatre proudly reflects on an exhilarating first half of the 2024-2025 season that captivated audiences with a diverse array of performances. Kicking off the season, country music star Cody…
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Dr. Edward W. Hardy named winner of The Knot Best of Weddings 2025
January 28, 2025
19th Annual Best of Weddings Awards Recognizes Top Wedding Professionals Across U.S. NEW YORK CITY, January 26, 2025 —The Knot announce that Dr. Edward W. Hardy has been selected as…
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S.C. Arts Commission granted a record $18.5 million in FY24 through 721 awards
January 24, 2025
With final reports in, the South Carolina Arts Commission is announcing a record grantmaking investment in South Carolina artists (#SCArtists), arts organizations, and arts learning in the 2024 fiscal year.…
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The Lost Art of Letter Writing
January 23, 2025
By Tom Poland When you write about earlier times as I often do, you hear from people who lived the very days you describe. Over the course of summer…
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Richland Library welcomes new artist-in-residence, Brittany Watkins
January 16, 2025Richland Library is dedicated to providing unrestricted access to programming, services, and resources, encompassing support for mental health and mindfulness. Please join us in welcoming the newest addition to the residency program,…
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