SC Philharmonic announces new Director of Marketing
July 21, 2026
Drew Baron joined the South Carolina Philharmonic effective July 13, 2026 The South Carolina Philharmonic announces the appointment of Drew Baron as its new Director of Marketing. Baron joins the…
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Winston Wingo to give special lecture at Columbia Museum of Art
July 15, 2026
The Columbia Museum of Art presents a special lecture from notable South Carolina artist Winston A. Wingo, whose work is in the CMA Collection, on Thursday, July 23, from 6:30…
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Shiloh Waits for Help
July 15, 2026
By Tom Poland I call it the Roll Call of The Waiting. Inactive churches in need of friends. Friendship, Dothan Methodist, St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, Halfway Creek, Workman Methodist,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Blink Book Review: Allen Levi’s “Theo of Golden”
July 14, 2026
By Reba Hull Campbell Theo of Golden was high on my TBR list for summer this year. From what I’d heard, it needed to be a summer book –…
Read MorePosted in: beaufortcurrent, lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Columbia Museum of Art appoints new executive director
July 9, 2026
Dr. Laura Mueller joins the team on August 3 The board of trustees of the Columbia Museum of Art announces the appointment of Laura J. Mueller, Ph.D., as the museum’s…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: headlines, local-industry, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Bookhardt Cemetery
July 8, 2026
By Tom Poland On a cool, windy day I drove Old Number 6 through farm country. You’d a thought wild horses had kicked up the pollen-yellow dust drifting over…
Read MorePosted in: beaufortcurrent, lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
August 2026 exhibitions and events at the Columbia Museum of Art
July 7, 2026
EXHIBITIONS Body Matters August 22, 2026 – January 3, 2027 The human body is essential to craft. This genre of art is rooted in physical labor, tactile knowledge, and material…
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Discover what’s new at Historic Columbia this July
July 7, 2026
Check out Historic Columbia’s upcoming events, local historic preservation and history initiatives, and more. HISTORIC COLUMBIA OPENS NEW SEIBELS HOUSE EXHIBIT: Thanks to grant funding from the Richland County…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: history, on-the-move, the-arts
Struggle
June 29, 2026
By Tom Poland Title my photo Struggle. Caption it: Dreams die along the back roads. First two sentences: Can’t even sit in a chair and look forward to better…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Upcoming CMA exhibition puts the hand in handwork
June 26, 2026
The Columbia Museum of Art announces featured exhibition Body Matters, on view August 22, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Organized by the CMA, this exhibition is part of Handwork 2026,…
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CMA board of trustees adds four new members
June 26, 2026Talented local leaders bring their skills to the museum The Columbia Museum of Art announces Sally H. Caver, Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, Toby Goodlett, and Terry K. Schmoyer as the four…
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Arts Center of Kershaw County receives $15,000 Duke Energy Foundation America250 Grant
June 24, 2026Funding Supports Revolutionary Series Exploring South Carolina’s Role in the American Revolution The Arts Center of Kershaw County has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation through…
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A Body Of Work
June 24, 2026
By Tom Poland A woman asked what made me the proudest of all I had written. It isn’t books. Maybe one. It’s not the films. It’s not the magazine…
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A Curious Battle For Independence
June 17, 2026
By Tom Poland It’s a battle Britain claimed to have won, and yet it sent the Redcoats to Charleston and back to Britain ending their presence in the Carolina…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
A Rare Sighting
June 10, 2026
By Tom Poland I have seen outhouses, smokehouses, henhouses, doghouses, and all manner of birdhouses. Mankind has its jailhouses, cathouses, flophouses, and roadhouses. A first for me, I saw…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Stomping Grounds Music and Film Festival debuts June 13-14 in Columbia, S.C.
June 9, 2026
For one weekend only, a former glass warehouse slated for demolition will become one of Columbia’s most unique cultural destinations. Stomping Grounds, a new two-day music and film festival, will…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, food, media, music, on-the-move, the-arts
Columbia Museum of Art July 2026 Exhibitions and Events
June 8, 2026
EXHIBITIONS Jasper Johns: All Familiar Things On view through August 30, 2026 In 1953, Jasper Johns (b. 1930) moved from Columbia, South Carolina, where he had been stationed at Fort…
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My City Of Dust Calendar
June 3, 2026
By Tom Poland Passport To Preservation John Mulhouse sent me his 2026 Abandoned New Mexico City of Dust calendar, and it’s a keeper. John’s beat is why. “The lost…
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Panel discussion explores abstract art’s political dimensions
June 3, 2026
The Columbia Museum of Art presents Truth in Abstraction, a panel discussion held in connection with featured exhibition Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil, on Thursday, June 18, from…
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Reggaetronic’s Lake Murray Palooza returns to Lake Murray July 11 with music, boating, and community impact
June 2, 2026
The Reggaetronic team is bringing a new flavor of music festivals to Lake Murray with the return of Lake Murray Palooza July 11th from 11AM to 7PM. Set against the scenic backdrop…
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Upcoming CMA exhibition puts the hand in handwork
June 1, 2026
The Columbia Museum of Art announces featured exhibition Body Matters, on view August 22, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Organized by the CMA, this exhibition is part of Handwork 2026,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Trustus Theatre presents 27th annual Vista Queen
May 28, 2026
Trustus Theatre is set to dazzle audiences with the 27th Annual Vista Queen, a glittering lip sync battle and fundraiser all in support of our theatre home. Hosted by the…
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Man, The Intruder
May 27, 2026
By Tom Poland The rains of late and spring’s approach set my mind on the Carolina bays, those coastal plain wetlands of mystery and life. The elliptical depressions are…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The World Book
May 20, 2026
By Tom Poland A lulu of a lady sold my parents a set of the World Book Encyclopedia. Miss Lulu Goolsby to be exact. It changed my life living…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Central Carolina Community Foundation launches resident survey to inform regional community assessment
May 18, 2026
Central Carolina Community Foundation has launched a region-wide survey to hear directly from Midlands residents about the issues, opportunities, and challenges shaping their communities. The survey is part of a…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: conversations, economic-development, education, food, health-care, life, local-industry, music, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, the-arts, transportation
A Striped Bass & An Oak
May 13, 2026
By Tom Poland Though my hair was chestnut brown, I was green, a young writer hoping to create something memorable. I needed inspiration and I found it in a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Dick Goodwin Big Band performs “Broadway and Beyond” at the Arts Center of Kershaw County on May 28
May 12, 2026
The Arts Center of Kershaw County welcomed the renowned Dick Goodwin Big Band for a thrilling evening of live jazz on Wednesday, May 28, at 7:30 PM – bringing one…
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Columbia Museum of Art June 2026 Exhibitions and Events Calendar
May 7, 2026
Columbia Museum of Art June 2026 Calendar EXHIBITIONS Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil On view through June 28, 2026 Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil is a…
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Buried Alive
May 6, 2026
By Tom Poland A road down Edisto Island way will take you past green swamps and oaks dripping with Spanish moss and shanties with bright, sky-blue doors. Churches white…
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2026 South Carolina Arts Awards date, time set
May 6, 2026
Streaming presentation on Sunday, May 17 at 7 p.m. The South Carolina Arts Commission is announcing that it will recognize nine distinct and deserving recipients of the 2026 South Carolina…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Midlands Light Opera Society presents Dido and Aeneas May 14- 17
May 1, 2026
Midlands Light Opera sails to ancient Carthage for Purcell and Tate’s beloved opera Dido and Aeneas May 14 -17, 2026. Performances will be Thursday and Friday (5/14 and 5/15) evening…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, music, non-profit, on-the-move, teens-and-young-adult, the-arts
South Carolina Philharmonic announces 2026–2027 season: Find Your Sound
April 30, 2026
The South Carolina Philharmonic announces its 2026–2027 season, Find Your Sound, a compelling lineup of concerts exploring identity, connection, and the power of music to reflect the human experience. The season…
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Trustus Theatre announces Kelsey Mesa as incoming Executive Artistic Director
April 29, 2026
Trustus Theatre announced the appointment of Kelsey Mesa as its next Executive Artistic Director. A dynamic leader, director, and educator, Mesa brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: headlines, on-the-move, the-arts
Kids Summer Movie Series returns to The Nick for its third year with eight weeks of handpicked classics and a toy drive
April 29, 2026
The Nickelodeon Theater announced Camp Cinema, the theme of its third annual Kids Summer Movie Series, running June 3 through July 25. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, families are invited…
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Columbia Fashion Week presents the 6th annual COLAFW Met Gala: where fashion becomes art
April 28, 2026
Columbia Fashion Week announces the return of its most anticipated signature event, the 6th Annual COLAFW Met Gala, taking place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Columbia Museum of…
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Dawn Staley elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
April 22, 2026
Gamecock women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Coach Staley joins just three others from the University of South Carolina who…
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The Transistor Made History
April 21, 2026
By Tom Poland Cell phones are a big deal but to some of us the transistor was an even bigger deal. I was disobeying my parents staying up late…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Columbia streams art showcases local artists at former Sylvan’s Jewelry building
April 21, 2026
Twelve local artists were awarded micro-grants in fall 2025, and six completed creations will exhibit on Main Street beginning April 23, 2026 The City of Columbia’s Columbia Streams Art program is thrilled…
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Free outdoor concert series coming to Columbia as Koger Center launches Levitt AMP music series
April 16, 2026
The Koger Center for the Arts has set the headliners for the first Levitt AMP Columbia Music Series, a series of free outdoor concerts sponsored in part by the LevittFoundation. The concerts will…
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Irmo Town Limits Free Concert Series
April 16, 2026
The Irmo Town Limits Free Concert Series is coming to Moore Park! Join us for three Friday nights of live music, community spirit, and local eats. Best of all? Admittance is…
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Peach Blossom Lit
April 15, 2026
By Tom Poland Come March, my thoughts turn to peach blossoms and memories of family fruit trees. One tree from youth stands above others. From my deep well of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Columbia Museum of Art May 2026 exhibitions and events calendar
April 13, 2026
EXHIBITIONS Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil On view through June 28, 2026 Rodney McMillian: A Son of the Soil is a thematic presentation of this important American artist’s…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Inaugural Songbird Festival at Finlay Park set for May 30th & May 31st
April 9, 2026
Two-day festival brings nationally touring acts and regional favorites to downtown Columbia, with a free kickoff show Friday night A new music festival is taking flight in the heart of…
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Masters Memories
April 5, 2026
By Tom Poland I never had time for golf, but I love the Masters. I never miss the Sunday round on TV. It almost always provides high drama. I…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, sports, the-arts
2026 McDaniels Auto Group Golf Classic and gala to raise funds for Lexington Health Foundation
March 31, 2026
A pair of annual events benefiting cancer patients in the Midlands is returning this spring. Tickets are now available for the 2026 McDaniels Gala, and limited team spots remain for…
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Outgoing CMA director receives Order of the Palmetto
March 30, 2026The Columbia Museum of Art’s outgoing executive director, Della Watkins, has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of her years of leadership,…
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Clunky Phones & Party Lines
March 25, 2026
By Tom Poland In rural Georgia the party line was our lot back in the early 1950s. When the phone rang, we counted. Our phone rang two times. Three…
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Columbia Museum of Art appoints interim director as executive director search progresses
March 24, 2026
The Columbia Museum of Art’s board of trustees have appointed Robin Waites, former executive director of Historic Columbia, as the interim executive director of the Columbia Museum of Art while…
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Pink Himalayan Chai Dreams by Teri Leigh Teed selected for 2026 Healing Power of Color Invitational Exhibition
March 23, 2026Pink Himalayan Chai Dreams, a fine art photograph from Teri Leigh Teed’s Eleanor’s Dream series of her Healing Spirit Art© Collection, has been selected for the 2026 Healing Power of…
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South Carolina’s only organized Suzuki Music School awarded capacity building grant
March 22, 2026
Suzuki Academy of Columbia, the only organized Suzuki music school in South Carolina, has been awarded a Capacity Building Grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation to strengthen its long-term sustainability…
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