The Great Dividing Line
January 21, 2022By Tom Poland Yet another dud weather storm forecast teaches me something. When the next Ice Age arrives, its frozen sheet will grind to a halt where I-20 crosses…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Remembering Smokehouses
January 20, 2022By Tom Poland I wrote about old hand-dug wells not long ago. Many old wells had a companion nearby, smokehouses. I’ve written about these farm icons before, but a…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Artist Minute – Aimee Wise, Visual Artist
January 20, 2022The Who’s on the Move, UpstateBizSC, Artist Minute is a quick, two-minute interview in support of the undeniable impact that the arts and local artists have on our communities. One…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: podcast, the-arts
Chapman Cultural Center announces its newest President & CEO
January 19, 2022After an extensive search, Chapman Cultural Center is pleased to announce the hiring of Dan Mayer as its next President and CEO. He will lead the organization beginning February 10th,…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: headlines, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
The Old Hand-Dug Well
January 12, 2022By Tom Poland Driving a country road, I passed an old well house. It didn’t look like a wishing well. It looked rustic, more like a shed, a practical…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Greenville Center for Creative Arts elects new board members
January 6, 2022GCCA Elects New Members to Its Board of Directors Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) announced seven new members elected to its board of directors. Earle Furman, GCCA Founder and…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
The Allure of Barbed Wire & Cedar
January 6, 2022By Tom Poland Out in the country skinny metal fence posts rule pasturelands nowadays. I seldom see old cedar-barbed wire fences, but when I do they unleash a flood…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
No Gas, No Batteries, No Electricity Required
December 16, 2021By Tom Poland All it requires is a steady hand. It doesn’t disturb the peace on Saturday mornings. So quiet is it, I doubt it’d suffer banning in ever-vigilant…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Mayfair Art Studios secures earmarked funding for debt retirement
December 13, 2021Chapman Cultural Center is pleased to announce that Mayfair Art Studios, a division of Chapman Cultural Center, has received $225,000 in earmarked funds from the State Legislature. Located in the…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
S.C. Arts Commission selects five for Emerging Artist Grant
December 9, 2021Up to $1,500 grant includes mentorship, more A ceramicist, a dancer, a painter and fiber and installation artists make up the five #SCartists receiving South Carolina Arts Commission Emerging Artist…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
A Vanishing Coastal Icon
December 8, 2021By Tom Poland Photographers love to shoot them at sunrise. Riding a glittering golden sea, shrimp boats strike a classic silhouette with that orb of fire rising behind them.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
That Legendary Everlasting Plant, Rabbit Tobacco
November 30, 2021By Tom Poland She smoked it as a kid. Said she smoked grapevines too but it was Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium, one of the everlastings, she talked about most. She and…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Erika DeRoberts launches Cherry Lane Art
November 30, 2021Former Real Estate Executive Turned Creative Releases First Collection Erika DeRoberts announced the formal launch of her new fine art business, Cherry Lane Art, in November of 2021. A resident…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Grandmom’s Fabulous Fried Pies
November 17, 2021By Tom Poland She dried sliced apple, peaches, and pears on a slanted wooden table facing the sun. Nails prevented the fruit from sliding to the ground. Once it…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Greenville Theatre welcomes you back this holiday season with the premiere of Elf: The Musical!
November 15, 2021The modern-day classic holiday movie is coming to life on Greenville Theatre’s stage! Join Buddy the Elf on his journey from the North Pole to New York City in search…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Upcountry History Museum receives SC Humanities Grant
November 15, 2021The Upcountry History Museum-Furman University, a Smithsonian Affiliate, announced that it has been awarded a $13,500.00 Growth Grant from South Carolina Humanities. Funding for the Growth Grants has been provided…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Artist Minute – Matt Dingledine, Jazz Guitarist
November 14, 2021The Who’s on the Move, UpstateBizSC, Artist Minute is a quick, two-minute interview in support of the undeniable impact that the arts and local artists have on our communities. One…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: podcast, the-arts
Cocktails! Conversation! Comedy! The Savannah Sipping Society plays November 5-14 at the Spartanburg Little Theatre
November 8, 2021Spartanburg Little Theatre continues to celebrate its 75th anniversary season with the delightful Southern comedy The Savannah Sipping Society. Performances are November 5, 6, 12, and 13 at 8 pm, and November 7…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Alchemy Comedy announces eighth annual New South Comedy Festival 11/4-11/13
November 8, 2021Returning to an in-person event this year, Alchemy Comedy, Greenville’s own improv theater will be hosting the 8th annual New South Comedy Festival. New South Comedy Festival will feature stand-up, improv,…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Spartanburg Philharmonic announces nine finalists in search for 10th Music Director
November 8, 2021The Spartanburg Philharmonic announces the selection of nine finalists for the organization’s 10th Music Director. In selecting the finalists, Search Committee Chair and Board President-Elect Karen Parrott stated, “we were…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Elusive Butterfly Of Fall
November 4, 2021By Tom Poland December 1965, that’s when a catchy tune debuted. Bob Lind’s “Elusive Butterfly” used a butterfly as a metaphor for love. Some of you survivors of these…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Upcountry History Museum ushers in the holidays with Norman Rockwell
November 4, 2021Join the Upcountry History Museum-Furman University, a Smithsonian Affiliate, as it ushers in the holiday season with Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays exhibition and four of Rockwell’s full-sized original…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: chamber, entertainment, on-the-move, the-arts
Free admission for veterans, active-duty military to UHM exhibit, program
November 3, 2021As the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans comes to the forefront this month, the Upcountry History Museum-Furman University, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is honored to be one of only…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: education, military, on-the-move, the-arts
Star Light, Star Bright
October 27, 2021By Tom Poland Back in the late 1980s and early ’90s, I’d leave on a Friday afternoon and head for the mountains, the Blue Ridge species. My monthly drives…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Artist Minute – Adam Schrimmer, Muralist
October 25, 2021The Who’s on the Move, UpstateBizSC, Artist Minute is a quick, two-minute interview in support of the undeniable impact that the arts and local artists have on our communities. One…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: podcast, the-arts
Magic In Some Alien World
October 21, 2021By Tom Poland On a hot, windless Sunday, I found a place where wind swept up and over a cliff to pour through pines. The cooling torrent felt like…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
‘War Dogs’ exhibit at Upcountry History Museum showcases bravery, service of military working dogs
October 20, 2021“War Dogs: Never Above You, Never Below You, Always Beside You” delivers a powerful display of the heroism, service, and history of America’s military working dogs in the newest exhibition…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: education, military, on-the-move, the-arts
Proud Mary Theatre Company
October 12, 2021The mission of the Proud Mary Theatre Company, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit and non-professional theatre, is to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community through the Arts by presenting LGBTQ+ voices…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: the-arts
WandaVision actor from Greenville Stars in Falsettos musical Oct. 29 – Nov. 6
October 12, 2021WandaVision Actor from Greenville Stars in Falsettos Musical Oct. 29 – Nov. 6 Joshua Begelman, 12, who recently portrayed Young Quicksilver in an Emmy award-nominated episode of the Disney+ superhero…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: entertainment, life, music, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Tall Tales—Truth Can Be Elusive
October 6, 2021By Tom Poland The last time I wrote about the nightlife, my late mom gave me a reading. She upbraided me about the evils of alcohol and told me…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Ken Burns exhibit making its only southeastern stop at Upcountry History Museum
September 30, 2021Yes, that Ken Burns! America’s renowned filmmaker and documentarian reveals a more personal side of his storytelling talents in Uncovered: The Ken Burns Collection, the newest exhibition opening Saturday, October…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
You’ve Got To Feel the Food
September 29, 2021By Tom Poland A few years back on a fall day I attended a wild game dinner on the grounds of Hobcaw Barony’s Bellefield Stables. I sat among folks…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
The Good Old Days Are Gone
September 22, 2021By Tom Poland Last Friday night some grandparents went to watch their grandson play in a high school football game. They were in for a shock. Paying for the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Acclaimed 30 Americans headed to the Columbia Museum of Art
September 22, 2021Hugely popular and historically important exhibition opens October 9 The Columbia Museum of Art announces its major fall exhibition 30 Americans, a dynamic showcase of contemporary art featuring many of the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Freeway Music School celebrates 10-year anniversary
September 20, 2021South Carolina’s fastest growing music school continues its commitment of delivering high-quality music lessons and giving back to the community Freeway Music —Columbia, South Carolina’s locally owned, premier music school…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: education, music, on-the-move, the-arts
Peace Center announces partnership with Fine Arts Center
September 16, 2021To deepen the partnership between the two organizations, four weeklong artist residencies for Fine Arts students have been announced. Each week will serve the shared goal of the two organizations…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Who’s The Queen Of Flowers?
September 15, 2021By Tom Poland Orchids. There were days I wore them in my lapel for formal events, but those days are gone. I’ve not seen many in the wild, but…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
Where They Sleep, While They Sleep
September 8, 2021By Tom Poland I visit old cemeteries quite a bit. Lest you think death thoughts consume me, understand that readers tell me of near-forgotten cemeteries. It’s my duty to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
South Carolina State Fair discount tickets available starting Sept. 8
September 8, 2021Save time and money by buying early online or at participating Circle K locations Discount admission and ride tickets for this year’s South Carolina State Fair will go on sale…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: agriculture, entertainment, food, local-industry, media, on-the-move, social-scene, the-arts
The Rose Ball announces new safety requirements for attendance
September 2, 2021The Rose Ball, Greenville’s longest-running charitable event, will continue as scheduled this year as an in-person evening gala on Friday, September 24 with new requirements for attendance. Guests of the…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, the-arts
A Southern Writer
September 2, 2021By Tom Poland Mississippi’s Willie Morris Several years back, I attended Edgefield’s Camellia Tea. As I was leaving, a lady in a red blazer walked up. “You’re that fellow…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Greenville Theatre continues its “Welcome Back” season with THE PRODUCERS
August 26, 2021Greenville Theatre is continuing its “Welcome Back” season with the hilarious Tony Award-Winning comedy, The Producers! This is the first production directed by new Producing Artistic Director, Max Quinlan. This…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Long Lost Treasures, Heirloom Seeds
August 26, 2021By Tom Poland Metal detectives seek old coins and treasure, and many folks look for arrowheads. A rare breed seeks long-lost seeds. Old coins and arrowheads won’t make you…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: food, life, the-arts
A Haunting Postscript
August 19, 2021By Tom Poland Missing Caskets Recently I wrote about finding my great granddad’s old farmhouse, but I left out an eerie aspect that would be suitable for a Halloween…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts
For The Birds
August 5, 2021By Tom Poland This makes the second time I’ve used “For The Birds” as a title. “Contacting the dead through a Ouija board? That’s for the birds.” No flippancy…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
Chapman Cultural Center and Hub City Writers Project announce fellows selected for the Southern Studies Fellowship in Arts and Letters
August 2, 2021Chapman Cultural Center and Hub City Writers Project announced the selection of writer Morgan Thomas (they/them) of Gulf Breeze, FL, and visual artist Ben Winans (he/him) of Raleigh, NC, who…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Proud Mary Theatre Company re-opens indoors with Sordid Lives
August 2, 2021Proud Mary Theatre Company will present SORDID LIVES, the classic cult comedy by Del Shores, August 12-21 as their first indoor performance in 18 months. Shows are Thursdays-Saturdays at 8…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: on-the-move, the-arts
What’s The Big Rush?
July 28, 2021By Tom Poland My back-road trips of late have been good but not as pleasant they usually are. Too many people. They drive like madmen. They pass on hills.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
The Parking Lot Of The Dead
July 21, 2021By Tom Poland Even in death they cling to dignity. Left to rust, they bless the rare visitor with awe and mystery. Just how did old trucks and cars…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts
My Mother’s Bible
July 15, 2021By Tom Poland After Mom died, my sisters and I began to go through her and Dad’s belongings. Quite a task that surprised, amused, and puzzled us. Lots of…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: life, the-arts







