Art Blossoms exhibition fills the CMA with fresh botanical beauty
February 15, 2024
Beloved annual fundraiser runs March 21 through 24 The Columbia Museum of Art announces the return of Art Blossoms, a beautifully botanical exhibition experience and museum fundraiser on view Thursday,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
The Luck Of The Draw
February 14, 2024
By Tom Poland December 1, 1969, was no ordinary Monday. It was a day when your birthday was your destiny. In Athens, Georgia’s Benton Apartments my roommates and I…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
S.C. Arts Commission announces seven emerging artist grantees
February 14, 2024
Seven artists establishing themselves in their artistic pursuits will benefit from the South Carolina Arts Commission Emerging Artists program, receiving a project-based grant and career mentoring. The SCAC defines emerging…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Nonprofit Columbia Food & Wine Festival launches tickets for April 24-28 events
February 14, 2024
The Festival Recently Transitioned into a Nonprofit and Refreshed Branding, Prepares for its Biggest Year Yet The Columbia Food & Wine Festival has released event details, and tickets are on…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, non-profit, on-the-move, restaurant, the-arts
Columbia SC Visitors Center, One Columbia to host artists pop-ups
February 14, 2024
WHO: Columbia SC Visitors Center WHAT: The Columbia SC Visitors Center has partnered with One Columbia for Arts and Culture to host artist pop-ups outside of the VC on weekends. The…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, life, on-the-move, the-arts
S.C. Arts Commission board designates state’s 10th cultural district in Hartsville
February 14, 2024
The South Carolina Arts Commission is announcing that its board of commissioners enthusiastically designated the 10th South Carolina Cultural District in the city of Hartsville by a unanimous vote. The…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
S.C. Arts Commission board designates state’s 10th cultural district in Hartsville
February 13, 2024
The South Carolina Arts Commission is announcing that its board of commissioners enthusiastically designated the 10th South Carolina Cultural District in the city of Hartsville by a unanimous vote. The…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: headlines, on-the-move, the-arts
Ordering Please, One Big Boy
February 7, 2024
By Tom Poland Daddy set me straight. “If you want some spending money, get a job.” Thus did I work two jobs while going through college at Georgia. I…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
New itinerary announced and tickets on sale for COR’s Crash Course Columbia, March 7-8
February 7, 2024
COR (Columbia Opportunity Resource) continues to boost local pride and talent retention through its innovative program. Crash Course Columbia has held 10 tours with more than 150 participants of diverse…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, restaurant, social-scene, the-arts
Columbia Museum of Art March 2024 Exhibitions and Events Calendar
February 4, 2024
Columbia Museum of Art March 2024 Calendar EXHIBITIONS Darrel Ellis: Regeneration On view February 17 through May 12, 2024 Over the course of his career, Darrel Ellis developed a distinct…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Folk Artist Leonard Jones
February 1, 2024
By Tom Poland Giving Old Tin New Life During my school days the yellow bus rolled me past chicken houses. In 1972, when I taught creative writing in Lincolnton,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
It’s Giving Grace and Gospel Music: Soulful performances will celebrate Black History Month at Harbison Theatre!
February 1, 2024
Soulful performances will celebrate Black History Month at Harbison Theatre! John Lakin & Friends Sounds of Amazing Grace 7:30 PM | Saturday, February 10, 2024 Tickets: $25 A familiar favorite…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Cottontown Art Crawl returns for its sixth year
January 31, 2024
The sixth annual Cottontown Art Crawl brings artists and entertainment to front porches, streets, and lawns in a historic downtown neighborhood in Columbia, SC. This year approximately 200 artists will show and sell their original work. The…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
The Nick announces special programming for Black History Month
January 31, 2024
The Nickelodeon invites you to celebrate Black History Month this February with a film series highlighting black artistry and excellence. This film series is in collaboration with the SC Commission…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
Spoleto Festival USA announces 2024 festival season
January 30, 2024
Spoleto Festival USA, the country’s premier performing arts festival, has announced a star-studded lineup for 2024 including more than one hundred performances across the Holy City for 17 days and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Those who influence us
January 25, 2024
By Jeff Becraft It is interesting how we can influence one another. (Interesting is really not the word… it is deeper than that.) But someone who has greatly influenced…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Clawfoot Tubs Hold Memories
January 25, 2024
By Tom Poland When I see a clawfoot tub, which is rare, four memories surface. First, I go back to my grandfather’s old homeplace. Next I go back to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Nick rolls out annual Red Carpet Awards Party celebration details
January 25, 2024
The Nickelodeon Theater invites you to its annual Red Carpet Awards Party hosted by entertainer Patti O’Furniture in celebration of the 2024 Oscars on March 10, 2024. As anticipation for…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: life, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
First major museum exhibition on the complex and poignant work of Darrel Ellis heads to the CMA
January 24, 2024
Experience critically acclaimed Darrel Ellis: Regeneration opening February 17 The Columbia Museum of Art announces Darrel Ellis: Regeneration, on view Saturday, February 17, through Sunday, May 12, 2024. Co-organized by…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series returns February 2
January 18, 2024
Dr. Tammy Kernodle opens season 3 with performance of “She Sang Freedom” The Columbia Museum of Art presents More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series Featuring Tammy Kernodle, the season…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: music, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Ageratum, Wood, & Water
January 17, 2024
By Tom Poland On a Sunday walk I spotted a splash of blue. Blue wildflowers. They say blue flowers are sometimes difficult to grow in gardens. “They say.” That was…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
St. Pat’s in Five Points announces 2024 band lineup
January 16, 2024Columbia, South Carolina’s St. Patrick’s Day festival returns on March 16 with record-setting number of performances St. Pat’s in Five Points, one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: entertainment, music, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
New, exclusive exhibition examines relationship between people and place
January 16, 2024
Interior Lives offers sumptuous paintings, decorative arts, and more on February 17 The Columbia Museum of Art announces Interior Lives: Modern American Spaces, 1890–1945, on view Saturday, February 17, through…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Audition for Something Rotten at Town Theatre
January 11, 2024
Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, Something Rotten. Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Moon Over Buffalo at Town Theatre
January 11, 2024
It’s 1953 in Buffalo where actors, George and Charlotte Hay, are fading faster than a New York minute. Their struggle to keep their name in lights has them performing Cyrano…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Workplace Friends Best Come Naturally
January 10, 2024
By Tom Poland I stumbled across an old magazine feature of mine and it made me recall stops I’d made along that long, winding road called “Career.” Some memories…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
USC faculty release collaborative collection of music
January 8, 2024
University of South Carolina School of Music faculty David Kirkland Garner and Greg Stuart are pleased to announce the release of “Short Stories, vol. 1.” The collection is a tapestry…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, music, on-the-move, the-arts
Like A Scene From An Old Western
January 3, 2024
By Tom Poland It was 1985 when I spent three days in Reno. I didn’t shoot a man just to watch him die, Johnny, but I conjured up images…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Columbia Museum of Art February 2024 Exhibitions and Events Calendar
January 3, 2024
EXHIBITIONS Sergio Hudson: Focused on the Fit On view through June 30, 2024 This exhibition showcases the remarkable moments of a designer who fell in love with fashion at 4…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Improv and Idols at Harbison Theatre this January
January 2, 2024
Improv and Idols at Harbison Theatre This January: Rumours are stirring that you won’t want to miss this! We’re kicking off the new year with some iconic performances headed to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, hospitality, life, music, on-the-move, the-arts
Conifers’ Fragrant Pull On Memory
December 20, 2023
By Tom Poland I read that fragrances stimulate recall more so than any other sense. I knew from experience that it had to be true. You and I, we’re…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
CAE announces the Midlands-based artists selected to be featured in individual exhibits at airport in 2024 – 2025
December 19, 2023
The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is excited to announce the Midlands-based artists that have been selected to have their works featured in individual exhibits in 2024 – 2025. Anthony Lewis, Brandi Roberts, Ozon…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts, transportation
The screening of Nimona by ND Stevenson
December 19, 2023Last night, we attended a showing of the movie, Nimona, at a packed Nickelodeon theatre on Main Street. Nimona is a 2023 American animated science fantasy, comedy, drama film based…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
There’s Just Something About A Barn
December 8, 2023
By Tom Poland On Highway 378 between Lincolnton and Washington, Georgia, stands a barn. I say a barn. It’s a home built to look like a barn. Or maybe…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, the-arts
MTC students, faculty, staff, and alumni Invited to audition for Annual Talent Show
December 8, 2023
Open auditions for the MTC Showoff are set for January 23rd. Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni who have a special talent could win $1000 as the “Biggest Showoff.” At open…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, entertainment, music, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Christmas card syndrome
December 7, 2023
By Jeff Becraft This was actually first put out there in 2020… but I have come across several people who are really down, discouraged and lonely… so I would like…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Your Special Tree
December 6, 2023
By Tom Poland The Work Behind It When I was a boy, come Thanksgiving, we observed a tradition that’s decidedly different today. Dad would mix some two-cycle gas, sharpen…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Columbia Museum of Art ~ January 2024 program calendar
December 6, 2023
Columbia Museum of Art January 2024 Calendar EXHIBITIONS Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous On view through January 21, 2024 Rendez-Vous offers a rare glimpse into the life and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
The Nick partners with Brookland Foundation
November 30, 2023
The Nickelodeon is proud to announce a partnership with the Brookland Foundation to bring a food drive to Main Street this holiday season. The Nick will collect non-perishable food items…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, social-scene, the-arts
Angie Aparo joins forces with USC School of Music Dean Tayloe Harding for Rockin’ Resolutions Fundraiser
November 29, 2023
Renowned singer/songwriter Angie Aparo, recognized for his multi-platinum successes, is set to headline the upcoming Rockin’ Resolutions Fundraiser, a musical celebration organized by the University of South Carolina School of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, entertainment, local-industry, marketing-and-communications, music, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
My Father’s Razor
November 29, 2023
By Tom Poland November 15 my father will have been gone twenty years. Twenty years. Seems like yesterday when he lay in a bed at MUSC in Charleston. Seems…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
S.C. Arts Commission debuts new brand, websites
November 28, 2023
The South Carolina Arts Commission is excited to announce a striking new brand, along with a new website, that better represents the agency’s work and the South Carolina creatives it…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
The Nick unveils exclusive Palmetto Society
November 22, 2023
The Nickelodeon, Main Street’s arthouse cinema, announces the launch of the Palmetto Society – a new tier of recognition for annual giving. The Palmetto Society is a testament to The…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
Swing, Shuffle, and Shout — The Holidays are Happening at Harbison Theatre
November 21, 2023
Swing, Shuffle, and Shout – The Holidays are Happening at Harbison Theatre Enjoy returning favorites and classic tales with a twist! Back by popular demand, A Christmas Carol, returns to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: entertainment, music, on-the-move, the-arts
Dawn Staley, Coach and Olympian, to receive 2023 Global Vision Award
November 20, 2023
The Columbia World Affairs Council announced Coach Dawn Staley as the 2023 Global Vision Award recipient. An Olympic gold medalist, American Basketball Hall of Famer, and head coach of women’s…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: conversations, economic-development, education, entertainment, headlines, local-industry, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene, sports, the-arts
The Main Street District celebrates 22 years of growth and development
November 16, 2023
For the 22nd year, the organization hosted an annual meeting to share the success of the district with stakeholders and community partners. The Main Street District (MSD), also known as City…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: economic-development, food, hospitality, hotels, music, on-the-move, restaurant, retail, social-scene, the-arts
Columbia Museum of Art acquires story quilt by artist Tina Williams Brewer
November 16, 2023New work debuted in summer exhibition Tina Williams Brewer: Stories of Grace The Columbia Museum of Art announces an exciting acquisition of new work by Pittsburgh-based fiber artist Tina Williams…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
USC School of Music faculty member wins InnoVision Award for Education and Technology
November 14, 2023
Notey, the leading AI-based music education company, was awarded the InnoVision Education award this week, just two months after it launched its application in the Apple store. Notey was selected…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: education, hi-tech-information-tech, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
New Aurora planetarium show & Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D light up the State Museum this Holiday Season
November 10, 2023
Plus, kick off the holidays and explore the museum after-hours during its Holiday Planetarium Lighting on Nov. 30 This holiday season, guests are invited to explore the beauty of the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: environmental, on-the-move, the-arts
The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical returns to Trustus Theatre
November 9, 2023
Theatre-goers of Columbia may already be familiar with Armadillo Acres, the setting of The Great American Trailer Park Musical. Now back for a third time at Trustus by popular demand,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
