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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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
America the Beautiful on full display at Upcountry History Museum
February 13, 2025
Visitors will be transported to treasured landscapes across the country in “Clyde Butcher’s America the Beautiful” exhibition opening at the Upcountry History Museum – Greenville County, a Smithsonian Affiliate, on…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: education, hospitality, non-profit, 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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
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
Fine Arts Center welcomes Elizabeth Dalton as Executive Director of Fine Arts Center Partners amid 50th anniversary celebration
February 10, 2025
The Fine Arts Center announced Elizabeth Dalton as the new Executive Director of the Fine Arts Center Partners, the nonprofit dedicated to supporting and promoting the Fine Arts Center. Dalton’s…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: education, on-the-move, the-arts
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Upcountry History Museum receives grant to digitize files
February 4, 2025
The Upcountry History Museum – Greenville County, a Smithsonian Affiliate, announced that it has been awarded a grant from the South Carolina State Historical Records Advisory Board’s regrant program to…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: business-services, chamber, churches, conversations, education, life, marketing-and-communications, media, military, on-the-move, technology, the-arts, veterans
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
South Carolina Children’s Theatre launches search for new Artistic Director and Development Director
January 29, 2025
South Carolina Children’s Theatre (SCCT), a cornerstone of the Upstate’s cultural and educational community, announces an exciting opportunity for passionate professionals to join its leadership team. SCCT is seeking a…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
South Carolina Children’s Theatre welcomes Kelley Barnhardt as Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives
January 27, 2025
South Carolina Children’s Theatre (SCCT) announced the addition of Kelley Barnhardt as the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives. Kelley officially joined the SCCT team on Monday, January 13, 2025, bringing…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
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.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Announcing Season 100 at Greenville Theatre
January 22, 2025
“Greenville Theatre: 100 Years of Stories!” GT will be celebrating its past, present, and future through transformative stories, powerful music, and endless discoveries in Season 100. The themes being explored in…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Georgialina—A Southland As We Knew It
January 15, 2025
By Tom Poland In 2015, the University of South Carolina Press released my collection of memories on how things used to be. Here, then, is a trip down memory lane…
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Waiting for You: A musical comedy created in the Upstate to premiere in the Upstate
January 14, 2025
Stop me if you heard this one (and you haven’t). Two men walk into Heaven and hilarity ensues. That’s the story behind “Waiting for You,” a new musical comedy created…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: entertainment, music, on-the-move, the-arts
Simpsonville author’s book garners rave national review
January 9, 2025
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, a memoir by Liz Williams has received its first major editorial review. “A transformative exploration of faith, self-discovery, and spiritual renewal, offering readers a deeply relatable…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Fine Arts Center celebrates six students as YoungArts National Competition award winners
January 8, 2025The Fine Arts Center announced that six students have been honored as winners in the prestigious YoungArts National Competition. Six Fine Arts Center students were also selected last year for…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: education, on-the-move, the-arts
S.C. Arts Commission announces four staff members
January 8, 2025
Artist development, arts industry and communications roles filled The South Carolina Arts Commission began 2025 with full teams serving artists and arts organizations and its communications needs after adding four…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
South Carolina Children’s Theatre announces Katie O’Kelly as new CEO
December 17, 2024
South Carolina Children’s Theatre (SCCT) announced the promotion of Katie O’Kelly to Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. O’Kelly, who has served as the theatre’s Managing Director since 2022, steps into…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Walking Through Prairie With Philip Juras
December 12, 2024
By Tom Poland August 21, 6:15 p.m. Philip Juras and I are walking through remnant prairie. His mission is to paint a vestige of our lost Southland. Mine is…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Fallen Color
December 5, 2024
By Tom Poland And a Never-Forgotten Dog Can uprooted trees flaunt fall color? No. Dead men don’t talk and dead leaves don’t reveal colors. I figured it was impossible.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
We’re Soft & We Can’t Deny It
November 20, 2024
By Tom Poland Mama trembled when she talked about the Great Depression. I never forgot that. She’s gone and only the oldest survivors recall those hard times. Today’s full-plate…
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Holiday Fair & Kringle Village seeking volunteers for inaugural event
November 20, 2024
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village, a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village, is…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: entertainment, food, hospitality, life, local-industry, music, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
Greenville Theatre presents the spectacular new Broadway musical, Anastasia
November 19, 2024
Greenville Theatre invites you to join us “Once upon a December,” as we journey to the past with the spectacular new Broadway musical, Anastasia. This regional premiere kicks off Thursday, December 5,…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: entertainment, on-the-move, the-arts
Cassette Music Memories
November 12, 2024
By Tom Poland Last week my writer-daughter, Beth, wrote a story about her MTV years. She recalled the 1980s watching music videos. She wrote, “When my sister and I…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Holiday Classic ‘White Christmas’ celebrating 70th anniversary
November 11, 2024
Upcountry History Museum Exhibit Brings Timeless Story to Life With Original Costumes, Props and Memorabilia from 1954 Film It may not be “just like the ones we used to know,”…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: chamber, churches, conversations, education, entertainment, hospitality, hotels, life, marketing-and-communications, media, military, music, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts, veterans
Fine Arts Center announces Artist-in-Residence program for 2024-2025
November 11, 2024
The Fine Arts Center announced its 2024-2025 Artist-in-Residence program. With support from the Peace Center, this initiative will bring world-class artists directly into the classroom, offering students the opportunity to…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
A Thin White Line
November 6, 2024
By Tom Poland CUMBERLAND SOUND, Fernandina Beach, Florida (Nov. 1, 2024): The catamaran motors by pelicans perched upon piers. It passes monstrous, red-orange contraptions that could be the Martian…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Last Pecan Pie
October 31, 2024
By Tom Poland When I heard Hurricane Helene destroyed some 42,000 pecan trees in Georgia, I thought of my mother and my last pecan pie, not the last…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities to host open door event for prospective students
October 31, 2024
The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, a public, residential high school for the arts in Greenville, is hosting its largest event of the year—Go Govie! Day—for families…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, on-the-move, the-arts
A Spider Fit for Halloween
October 24, 2024
By Tom Poland Read no further if you suffer arachnophobia … How well I remember a night when we were under the lights scrimmaging. I can’t recall who we…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Fine Arts Center receives donation from Greenville MOD to explore architecture
October 21, 2024
Greenville MOD (gvIMOD), a local organization working to celebrate and preserve mid-century modern and contemporary architecture, is again making a difference in the lives of future architects through a $5,000…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: education, on-the-move, the-arts
Newest Exhibit at Upcountry History Museum explores path of Black History in the American West
October 21, 2024
Exploring the path of Black history in the American West with a timeline of original pictorial quilts is the focus of “Black Pioneers: Legacy in the American West,” a first-of-its-kind…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: agriculture, banking-and-finance, chamber, churches, conversations, education, entrepreneurship, hospitality, hotels, life, marketing-and-communications, media, military, music, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, social-scene, the-arts, veterans
From Sacred Earth—Catawba Pottery
October 17, 2024
By Tom Poland On a hot July Saturday I drove to the Native American Studies Center in Lancaster, South Carolina. First chance I got, I abandoned I-20 for U.S. 21.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Sponsorships available for inaugural Holiday Fair & Kringle Village
October 16, 2024
Sponsorship opportunities are available for Holiday Fair & Kringle Village, a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: entertainment, food, local-industry, music, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, retail, social-scene, the-arts
Greenville County Museum of Art celebrates its 38th Antiques, Fine Art & Design Weekend
October 11, 2024
This year marks the 38th anniversary of Greenville County Museum of Art’s signature event – Antiques, Fine Art & Design Weekend presented by United Community. This three-day event takes place…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: entertainment, on-the-move, the-arts
Vanilla Flavored Memories
October 10, 2024
By Tom Poland Springs creaking, Granddad’s maroon Ford rattles down Mom and Dad’s long dirt driveway. Washouts make for a rough ride but that doesn’t stop Granddad. Here he…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Greenville Theatre presents Dial M for Murder
October 7, 2024
Greenville Theatre invites you to join in a spine-tingling murder mystery that will have you on the edge-of-your-seat until the very end! Dial M for Murder kicks off at Greenville Theatre on…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
A Month In Tokyo – Artist’s Reception and Photography Exhibition – Oct 12
October 2, 2024
ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 5, THIS EVENT WILL NOW TAKE PLACE OCTOBER 12 Artist’s Reception and Photography Exhibition at Woodbine Studio & Gallery by Samuel Bogardus Greenville-based film photographer Samuel…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Greenville Symphony to offer free outdoor broadcast of opening concert at TD Stage Sunday, Oct. 6
October 2, 2024
Symphony taps into the healing power of music to bring outdoor concert experience to a recovering community The Greenville Symphony Orchestra announced there will be a free live outdoor broadcast…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: entertainment, music, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, social-scene, the-arts
South Carolina Children’s Theatre welcomes new board members to support growing mission
September 30, 2024
South Carolina Children’s Theatre (SCCT) announced the addition of five new members to its Board of Directors: Vicky Schmitz Hammond, David Crabb, Kathryn Owen Hix, Heath Beard, and LaVonda Paul.…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, the-arts
Kaleidoscope: An Immersive Art Experience + Fundraiser – rescheduled to October 17 due to effects of Hurricane Helene
September 30, 2024
Premier Arts Collective (PAC) announces Kaleidoscope: An Immersive Art Experience + Fundraiser will now take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Zen in downtown Greenville. Previously scheduled on September…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: food, music, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, social-scene, the-arts
Hurricanes, A Personal History
September 30, 2024
By Tom Poland Growing up in landlocked Lincoln County, Georgia, I never worried about hurricanes. I left that to folks on the coast. Hurricanes were not to be feared. If…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Remembering Ken Burger
September 26, 2024
By Tom Poland “Don’t forget to be happy. It’s the only measurement of success that really counts.” – Ken Burger I wish I had known Ken Burger for more…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experiences coming to the Greenville Convention Center this holiday season!
September 24, 2024
Producer Paquin Entertainment Group announced that Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience, which have sold more than seven million tickets worldwide, will open at…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: education, entertainment, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move, the-arts
S.C. Arts Commission launches Creative Careers website
September 23, 2024
Today, the South Carolina Arts Commission formally announced the launch of a new website designed to provide information and insight into the vast career opportunities within the state’s thriving $14…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: education, government, on-the-move, the-arts
Rogue Squirrel
September 19, 2024
By Tom Poland For two summers now I have battled a rogue squirrel, and the score is squirrel 100, Tom zero. He raids my “go to” hummingbird feeder, and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Wine & Design and Premier Arts Collective announce national corporate giving partnership
September 11, 2024
Greenville, South Carolina, based Premier Arts Collective (PAC) is partnering with Wine & Design, an experiential art franchise based in Raleigh, North Carolina, with over 50 studios nationwide. The partnership…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, the-arts
Wake Up Call Aboard The Pamela Sue
September 5, 2024
By Tom Poland Shrimping Down McClellanville Way I got up at 4:30 a.m. to go to two Carolina bays in the Francis Marion National Forest. Hours later I left pitcher…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
