Stay Here, Play Here: Lexington County events for the week of Jan. 26
Thursday – January 26th
day of donation The Circle of Friends of the Irmo Branch Library is planning regular donation days on the second Saturday and fourth Thursday of the month for 2023 (except November and December): “Books can be handed in at the side entrance to the curbstone library [Irmo Branch Library], 6251 St. Andrews Road, where Friends volunteers help unload. Or you bring books to the Mungo room in the library.” Returns are from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visit friendsoftheirmobranchlibrary.org for more information.
Friday – January 27th
NILS (concert) Visit the Chayz Lounge (607 Meeting St. in West Columbia) for a special performance by nationally touring jazz guitarist NILS. Throughout his long career, NILS has shared the stage with George Benson, Chante Moore, Boney James, Dave Koz and others. Rod Foster & Company will be supporting NILS on this show. Showtime is 8 p.m., and tickets are $35. Smart attire is required. Visit chayzlounge.com for more information.
Kanasta Visit the Cayce West Columbia Branch Library (1500 Augusta Rd.) for a fun afternoon playing Canasta, a card game from the rummy family. The games start at 2:30 p.m., the event is free to attend. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.
Lee Ward & Southern Express Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor (710 Meeting St. in West Columbia) is hosting a performance by Lee Ward & Southern Express. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., expect an evening of country, bluegrass and down-to-earth gospel. Admission is $10. Visit billsmusicshop.com for more information.
Saturday – January 28th
Jeff & Charles Show (concert) Steel Hands Brewing (2350 Foreman St. in Cayce) presents a fun afternoon of live music with The Jeff & Charles Show. Musicians Jeff Pitts and Charles Riley play from 1pm to 4pm, and the show is free to attend. Visit facebook.com/steelhandsbrewing for more information.
Two year anniversary celebration Join Savage Craft Ale Works (430 Center St. in West Columbia) as it celebrates its second anniversary with a big party. There are activities for children (balloon animals and face painting) from 1pm to 4pm, live music from 1pm to 8pm and special menus throughout the day. This event starts at 11:30 am and admission is free. Visit facebook.com/savagecraftaleworks for more information.
Taylor Richardson (concert) Visit the Skyline Club (100 Lee St. in West Columbia) and see a performance by country singer-songwriter Taylor Richardson. Showtime is 9pm, doors open at 6pm and admission is $5. Visit facebook.com/skylineclub803 for more information.
Comic and toy fair This week at Barnyard Flea Market (4414 Augusta Rd.) there will be a comic and toy show featuring local Fenders from across Carolina and Georgia: “Comics from Golden Age through Modern, graded comics and raw, toys, local artist, there should.” something for everyone.” Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/barnyardfleamarket for more information.
Irmo Chili Cook-Off & Auto Show Irmo Community Park hosts a chilli cook-off and car show from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration for the car show is from 8:30am to 10:30am and all makes, models and years are accepted. Judging begins at 11 a.m., with the best on the show receiving a $50 cash prize. The free fundraiser for the American Kidney Foundation also features live DJs, games, raffles, food and a kids’ area. Visit facebook.com/thetownofirmo for more information.
Sunday – January 29th
“World of Musicals” (concert) The Harbison Theater at Midlands Technical College (7300 College St. in Irmo) presents The World Of Musicals. This is a globally touring ensemble of multi-talented artists performing classic hits, ballads, big-screen anthems and iconic show tunes. Enjoy the best of The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, We Will Rock You, Sister Act and more. Showtime is 3:30 p.m. and tickets are $40. Visit harbisontheatre.org for more information.
Monday – January 30th
book club Visit the Irmo Branch Library (6251 St. Andrews Rd.) for their weekly book club meeting. Read a variety of books and enjoy lively discussions in a friendly, informal atmosphere. Participation in the club is free and takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Visit lexcolibrary.com for more information.
Tuesday – January 31st
music bingo Play music bingo every Tuesday night at O’Hara’s Public House (131 E. Main St.). Enjoy an evening of music-related hints and compete for prizes including O’Hara’s gift cards. Music bingo starts at 6:30pm and runs until 8:30pm. Participation and playing are free. Visit facebook.com/oharasph for more information.
Thursday – February 2nd
Royal Hannaford Circus The Royal Hannaford Shrine Circus returns to the Jamil Auditorium (206 Jamil Rd. in Columbia). Bring the kids and enjoy an evening of family fun with clowns, daredevil trapeze artists, acrobats and more. Showtime is 7 p.m. and advance tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for children. Day tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for children. Visit jamilshrinecenter.com for more information.
Over the county line
Cody Johnson (concert) Platinum-certified country music star Cody Johnson performs on January 27th at the Colonial Life Arena (801 Lincoln St. in Columbia). Randy Houser opens the show. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets range from $43 to $150. Visit www.coloniallifearena.com for more information.
“The Secret Garden” (Ballet) The Newberry Opera House (1201 McKibben St.) and the Newberry Ballet Guild present a performance of “The Secret Garden” on January 27th. Based on the classic novel, the story revolves around a spoiled orphan, Mary Lennox, who moves in with her uncle’s mysterious home. She discovers a bedridden cousin, a pushy maid, a boy who embodies nature, and a secret garden that needs tending. Showtime is 7pm and tickets are $20, $15 for students. Visit newberryoperahouse.com for more information.
Oyster and pork roast City Roots Farm (1005 Airport Blvd. in Columbia) is hosting its 10th Annual Oyster and Pork Roast on January 28th. F2T Productions will be preparing whole hogs from Carolina Heritage Farms, Honey River Catering Chef Gabrielle Baggette Watson will be mixing up some side dishes, and Kristian Niemi is fire roasting clusters of Folly River Shellfish SC Coast Oysters so you can shell all day. Your $65 ticket covers all you can eat. The roasting begins at 12:00 p.m. and lasts until 5:00 p.m. Visit f2tproductions.com for more information.
“Madama Butterfly” (opera) The Koger Center for the Arts (1051 Greene St. in Columbia) and the Palmetto Opera present a performance of “Madama Butterfly” on January 29th. Giacomo Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” is a classic tragedy story and one of the most famous operas ever written. It follows the story of a young Japanese woman who enlists in US Navy Lt. Pinkerton in love. Showtime is 3:00 p.m. and tickets range from $45 to $55. Visit kogercenterforthearts.com for more information.
More than rhythm On February 2nd, the Columbia Museum of Art (1515 Main St.) invites you to a More Than Rhythm Listening Party: “As part of Free First Thursday at the CMA and in celebration of Black History Month, enjoy a funk and soul Listening party with DJ Lady Marauder spinning records that provided the background and heartbeat of the black film renaissance of the 1960’s and 70’s. She will be joined by More Than Rhythm series host Birgitta Johnson, who will speak with the community about specific tracks and films that reflect the flourishing of black dance music genres of the time and the soul aesthetic the music evokes black American leaders drove culture and American social policy as a whole.” This event is free and begins at 7 p.m. Visit columbiamuseum.org for more information.
