Heart Ball: The Township

Saturday, February 18, 2012
Join us for the Midlands Heart Ball -- one of the region’s premier black-tie events. For the past twenty –one years, the Midlands Heart Ball has attracted the city’s largest companies and most recognized corporate, healthcare and social leaders. It is a unique evening designed to celebrate the success of our year-round campaign and the generosity of individuals in our community. The evening will include an incredible silent and live auction along with live music. The event accomplishes three goals: Raises funds for cardiovascular research and education, builds awareness and understanding of the American Heart Association, and provide promotional avenues for our local partners. Visit the Township website for ticket information.

It's Storyland at Edventure!

February 18-May 6, 2012

Beloved children’s books will come alive as Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites opens at EdVenture Children’s Museum on Saturday, February 18th. Storyland transforms seven beloved and award-winning picture books into three-dimensional play and learning environments that explore literacy skills and concepts through imaginative, interactive experiences and dramatic play. Visit Edventure's website for more information!

The Art of Music: Piano for Our Time Our Place: Columbia Museum of Art

Saturday February 18, 2012 2:00 pm

Aaron Mathews, a doctoral candidate completing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina and Christopher T. Leysath, a senior choral music education major at the University of South Carolina perform music inspired by Our Time Our Place by music by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, and John Cage. Visit the Columbia Muesum of Art of information.

Columbia Jaycees Mardi Gras Pub Crawl: The Vista

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

On Tuesday, February 21st, we'll be parading through the Vista decked out in festive green, purple and gold getup as if it were Bourbon Street. As we hop from bar to bar celebrating Mardi Gras, we’ll distribute beads and enjoy the drink specials!

Itinerary:

• 6:00pm – Wet Willie’s: We’ll kick the night off with some frozen hurricanes in true Bourbon Street style! Drink specials also include $3.25 liquor drinks and $1.50 domestic beers.
• 6:45pm – Wild Hare: It wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without getting a little wild! Drink specials include $1.75 Natural Lights and Absolut Vodka will have promo girls on site offering $4 specialty drinks.
• 7:30pm – Pearlz: Nothing says New Orleans like gumbo and shellfish! Drink specials TBD.
• 8:15pm – Big Ugly: Time to kick up the spices and get a little Ragin’ Cajun action! Drink specials include 25 cent PBRs.
• 9:00pm – Tin Roof: Finish the night off with some live music! Specials include $5 quesadillas and $5 pitchers.

Don’t be afraid to dress-up! Mardi Gras is the holiday best suited for loose inhibitions; so stop by the dollar store or Party City and pick up some beads, masks or whatever else your heart desires!

Morihiko on the Hudson: Columbia Museum of Art

Tuesday February 21, 2012 7:00pm

Join the Museum's new chief curator Dr. Will South and South Carolina Philharmonic conductor Morohiko Nakahara in the galleries for a discussion featuring the works along the Hudson River followed by musical illustrations from the Philharmonic. Seating is very limited. Visit the museum's website for details.

Dance Theatre of Harlem: The Township Auditorium

Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 7:00pm

Palmetto Health Foundation and the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties have collaborated to bring the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem to Columbia's Township Auditorium on Thursday, February 23. 2012. The performance will be one of the last this season in the Southeastern United States. Tickets can be purchased at the Township Auditorium Box Office, ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets (including most Publix) or charged by phone at 800.745.3000. For more information, please contact Katherine Davis at 434.2826 or visit palmettohealthfoundation.org.

Gem of the Ocean: Trustus Theatre

Friday February 10 - March 3, 2012

Set in 1904, August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean" begins on the eve of Aunt Esther's 287th birthday. When Citizen Barlow comes to her Pittsburgh's Hill District home seeking asylum, she sets him off on a spiritual journey to find a city in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Gem of the Ocean is the ninth work in Wilson's ten-play cycle that has recorded the American Black experience and helped to define generations. A beautiful play by one of America’s classic playwrights, Gem of the Ocean will leave you moved and inspired. Visit Trustus Theatre for all the details.

The Palladium Society’s 14th Annual Chili Cook-Off

Saturday, February 25 from 5 pm – 8 pm.

The Palladium Society of Historic Columbia Foundation’s 14th Annual Chili Cook-Off is coming up on February 25 from 5 pm – 8 pm. This flavorful event draws more than 600 of Columbia's finest chili-tasters to the Ellison Building at the State Fairgrounds (1200 Rosewood Drive). Come enjoy some of Columbia's most creative chili recipes and take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the festive event. Live music by Whiskey Tango Revue, beer and wine, and of course lots of chili are all a part of the festivities. Save time by purchasing your tickets online through February 24. Tickets will also be available at the door. Ticket prices range from $20-$30. Children 10 and under are admitted at no cost to this family-friendly event.

A Call for Cooks
If you make a mean bowl of "famously hot" chili, there's still time to enter as a cook in the event. For $20, your recipe will be entered into the event (deadline to enter is Feb. 21). Cooks also receive free admission and an extra ticket for a guest! Details…

Eat Healthy Be Healthy: South Carolina State Farmers Market

Open Monday through Saturday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 12 – 6 p.m

Come to the State Farmers Market this week... and select some home-grown vegetables from this list of today's fresh South Carolina grown veggies! These winter vegetables help keep your body in sync with nature this time of year!
Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cilantro, Dill, Greens-Collards, Kale, Mustards, Turnips, Rutabagas, Green Onions, Parsley, Pecans, Peppers, Spinach and Sweet Potatoes

Visit the South Carolina State Farmers Market website for more information!