Community calendar for April 25

CREATIVE JOURNEY: Veterans art group, 10 a.m.-noon Fridays at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department’s Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. Resources in painting and pottery to those combat veterans who would like to channel their energies. Free, all supplies are provided. (803) 545-3093; email bloliver@columbiasc.net

“TALES OF BEATRIX POTTER”: 10 a.m. Friday at The Township, 1703 Taylor St. Narrated children’s ballet will feature the Carolina Ballet junior and apprentice companies. Tickets are $10.50. (803) 576-2350; http://thetownship.org. Discount for reservations of groups of 10 or more, (803) 771-6303

SOUTHERN SLOW — EMBRACING THE SLOW PACE OF DESIGN: 6-8 p.m. Friday at 701 Center for Contemporary Art, 701 Whaley St. Southern artists Sally Peek, Laura Ray and Leigh Magar, who embrace the new “slow design” ethos, talk about the growing influence of locally designed and made fashion. Free. (803) 779-4571; http://701cca.org

10th ANNUAL COLOR THE ARTS: 6-9 p.m. Friday at First Citizens Plaza, Main and Lady streets. Mini arts festival will feature a juried art show and sale, silent auction, jazz by international recording artist Mark Rapp, food from Blue Marlin, beer and wine from Vino Garage and some surprises. Presenting sponsor is SCE&G and First Citizens Bank is providing the venue. Advance tickets are $50; $60 at the door. A preview of the artists featured in the show and sale may be seen at http://colorthearts.info. Proceeds will support the Arts Fund of the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties. (803) 799-3115

MUSIC AT SANDHILL PRESENTED BY GROW FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION: 7-9 p.m. Friday on Town Center Common, Village at Sandhill, Two Notch and Clemson roads. The Root Doctors kick off the season; balloon artist Nick Propst and free rides and games will begin at 6 p.m.

SANDLAPPER SINGERS: “Portraits of Americans,” 7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 6952 St. Andrews Road. Spring program will focus on images of Americans and their musical and cultural roots. Highlights will include a display of photographic works and images of everyday Americans, and the voices of the Lexington High Chamber Singers. $15; (803) 381-5481; http://sandlappersingers.org

PASS-ALONG PLANT SWAP: 9-11 a.m. Saturday in the Rosewood Market parking lot, 2803 Rosewood Drive. Bring annuals, perennials, herbs, trees, ground cover, vines, bulbs, veggies, etc., to swap for something new. Please identify/label the plants you bring. A representative from the S.C. Native Plant Society is scheduled to attend. Email rosewoodmarket@gmail.com for more information.

WOMEN’S CAR CARE SEMINAR: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday at Suddeth Automotive, 1410 N. Millwood Ave. Held in conjunction with the National Car Care Council’s “Be Car Care Aware” education campaign, the class is designed to give women the knowledge they need to take charge of their vehicle’s maintenance needs. Seminar will include demonstrations, hands-on section and Q&A period. Each participant will receive a goodie bag and a chance to win free door prizes including gas cards, car washes and more. Free, but advance registration is required. (803) 256-2110; http://suddethauto.com

KIDS DAY OF LEXINGTON: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Virginia Hylton Park, 111 Maiden Lane (behind Lexington Town Hall). Free event will focus on educating families on health, safety and environmental issues. Hosted by Palmetto Chiropractic Center, there will be spinal, speech, dental and hearing screenings, child ID kits, Internet safety tips, bike safety clinics, children’s activities, live entertainment, food and more. All proceeds raised will benefit the Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter and Dickerson Center for Children. (803) 356-8554

EAU CLAIRE FEST: 11 a.m. Saturday at North Main Street and Monticello Road. Free community festival will feature 5K fun run, Fonky Fest Parade, Senior Village, KidZone, Main Street Marketplace and five entertainment stages. Sponsored by the Eau Claire Community Council and the City of Columbia. http://eauclairefest.com

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at the South Carolina Dialogue Foundation, 909 Shull St., West Columbia. Folk dance and folk music by Alaatin Canbay, Ebru art, gift lottery, food and other Turkish delights. (803) 386-4377; http://scdialogue.org

WUSC-FM JAMBOREE: 12:30-10 p.m. Saturday at El Burrito, 934 Harden St. The student-run radio station at the University of South Carolina welcomes acts from all over the east coast with Vacationer headlining the event; local acts will include fk mt., MyBrother MySister, One Two Skidoo and Charleston’s Heyrocco; $8. http://wusc.sc.edu

SCOUT SATURDAY — EARTH DAY EDITION: 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Daisy, Brownie, Junior Scouts and Cub Scouts can earn credits towards badge requirements, achievements and electives. Programs begin with a brief interactive educational program including up-close animal encounters, games and other activities. Materials are provided for a self-guided adventure in the zoo. $10 per Scout (zoo admission not included). Register at http://riverbanks.org

HATS AND PEARLS BANQUET: 4-7 p.m. Saturday at the Granby Hotel, 1539 Horseshoe Drive. $25, proceeds will benefit the First Nazareth Baptist Church food pantry. (803) 254-6232

FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT: 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Union United Methodist Church, 7582 Woodrow St., Irmo. The 1940s big band Blue Serenade Orchestra and the Southern Bronze hand bell ensemble will perform music of American composers Irvin Berlin, Henry Mancini and Leroy Anderson. (803) 788-5795

ROB CROSBY & WRITERS IN THE ROUND: 7 p.m. Saturday at the Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St., Sumter. Singer-songwriters trade songs and the stories behind them. $25-$50. (803) 436-2500; http://sumtersc.gov/sumter-opera-house.aspx

“HEY, G!”: Saturday through May 4 at On Stage Productions, 680 Cherokee Lane, West Columbia. Based on the 1936 film, “My Man Godfrey,” it’s the story of a hobo-turned-butler in a house of wealthy eccentrics. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Thursday and May 2; 2:30 p.m. Sunday and May 3, 4. Tickets are $16; seniors, military and students, $14; youth, $12. (877) 238-5596; http://onstagesc.com

TCHAIKOVSKY FESTIVAL: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at The Township, 1703 Taylor St. Carolina Ballet repertory program of classical dance will feature “The Seasons” and “Swan Lake (Act II).” Reserved seating, orchestra/first balcony, adults, $20.50; students (through college), $10.50. (803) 576-2350; http://thetownship.org

EARTH SUNDAY CELEBRATION: 9:45-11 a.m. Sunday at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, 6500 N. Trenholm Road. Interactive exhibits for all ages with educators from local environmental groups (entering the walkway facing Rockbridge Road). Gardens tour will feature the Kids’ Garden, which donates all produce grown to Harvest Hope Food Bank; the SCWF Habitat Garden and the Rain Garden. (803) 738-0865

7th ANNUAL GREATER COLUMBIA RECORD FAIR: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday at the Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. East Coast record enthusiasts will be selling records of all types — common to ultra rare. DJ’s will be members of the Greater Columbia Society for the Preservation of Soul. Free, but beer and food vendors will be on hand. http://columbiamuseum.org

NEFERTITI’S GOLDEN SPA: 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the State Museum, 301 Gervais St. Unlocking the beauty secrets of ancient Egypt, event will include recipes for beauty treatments, goodie bag, spa-style refreshments and beverages. Golden Spa tickets are $12; museum members, $10. Tickets include museum general admission and the “Tutankhamun, Return of the King,” exhibit, which is being held over until June 1. Advance purchase is recommended. http://scmuseum.org/events

“HEY, G!”: 2:30 p.m. Sunday at On Stage Productions, 680 Cherokee Lane, West Columbia. Based on the 1936 film, “My Man Godfrey,” it’s the story of a hobo-turned-butler in a house of wealthy eccentrics. Tickets are $16; seniors, military and students, $14; youth, $12. (877) 238-5596; http://onstagesc.com

WINTHROP UNIVERSITY CHAMBER SINGERS: 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bull and Blanding streets. Free concert will feature selections from the Renaissance to the present day.

USC WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT: 6 p.m. Sunday on the USC Horseshoe, 900 Sumter St. The free event will feature light concert music, marches and patriotic selections. Lawn chairs and picnics welcome. http://sc.edu/music

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER CLASS: 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, April 28-May 21 at Richland 2’s Rogers Center, 750 Old Clemson Road. Hands-on class for the complete beginner. Class limited to 10 participants. $60; age 60 and older, $30. Register by calling (803) 736-8787, ext. 25103

CMA CHAMBER MUSIC ON MAIN: 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Season finale will feature artistic director Edward Arron, cello; Jeewon Park, piano; Yosuke Kawaski, violin; perfomring compositions by Bach, Shostakovich and Mendelssohn. Presented by U.S. Trust. $40; CMA members, $30; students, $5. Happy hour, 6 p.m., cash bar. http://columbiamuseum.org

THE LOURIE CENTER: It’s a celebration of Older Americans Month with an expanded schedule of recreational activities and educational workshops — most free and open to the public. Thursday’s 11:30 a.m. Lunchtime Lecture is “Differences Between Home Care & Home Health: Why You Can Use Both with Dana Griffin from National Healthcare Corp. Check out the Oriental Dancing and Movement class noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays, May 6-27; another Lunchtime Lecture, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 8, will feature Keith Barron of Barron Financial Group, discussing retirement pitfalls to avoid. The center is at 1650 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). (803) 779-1971; http://louriecentersc.com

RHYTHM AND BLOOMS: Reggae Infinity, 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Riverbanks Zoo’s Botanical Garden, 100 Wildlife Parkway. Cash bar and food will be available for purchase. (803) 779-8717; http://riverbanks.org

FIVE AFTER FIVE CONCERT SERIES: Atlas Road Crew will perform from 6:30-10 p.m. Thursday at the Five Points fountain, Saluda Avenue and Harden Street. Free and open to all ages. Family friendly activities such as bubbles and sidewalk chalk will be available for kids. http://fivepointscolumbia.com

DANCING WITH THE STARS LEXINGTON: 7 p.m. Thursday at the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St. Sponsored by the Lexington County School District One Educational Foundation, the event is styled after the popular TV show “Dancing With the Stars.” Proceeds will support the foundation’s efforts to raise money to equip STEM Labs at Lexington 1 schools, redesign media centers to 21st Century Learning Commons and support FOCUS, the district’s alternative learning center. Dancers are also competing for People’s Choice trophies determined by online voting taking place until the night of the event. http://dancingwiththestarslexington.com. Tickets are $50; available at the Koger Center box office, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays; (803) 251-2222; http://capitoltickets.com

PALMETTO MASTERSINGERS: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and May 2 at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo. The concerts will feature “A Tribute to Women” in memorable pop standards and choral selections. The Dick Goodwin Big Band will accompany the Mastersingers and perform several instrumentals. Tickets are $20 at the door or online at http://palmettomastersingers.org

“HEY, G!”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and May 2; 2:30 p.m. May 3, 4 at On Stage Productions, 680 Cherokee Lane, West Columbia. Based on the 1936 film, “My Man Godfrey,” it’s the story of a hobo-turned-butler in a house of wealthy eccentrics. Tickets are $16; seniors, military and students, $14; youth, $12. (877) 238-5596; http://onstagesc.com

“CYMBELINE”: S.C. Shakespeare Company production, 8 p.m. Thursday through May 3 and May 7-10 at Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St. Come early May 8 (6 p.m.) as the Shakespeare Kidz youth company takes the stage with the retelling of a classic using humor, moden language and sword fighting in “Don’t Say Macbeth!”; all performances are free. http://shakespearesc.org

COLUMBIA GREEN GARDEN TOURS: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. May 2 and 3. Eight private gardens in the “Upper Heathwood” area bordered by Tanglewood Road, Devereaux Road and Belmont Drive will be open to visitors. Meet at Heathwood Park, 800 Abelia Road. Tickets are $35; Columbia Green members, $20 (includes tea, exhibition and sale of garden related crafts at Heathwood Park, 11:30-2;30 p.m. both days. http://columbiagreen.org

HAPPY HOUR HISTORY TOURS: 5:30-7 p.m. Fridays in May. Historic Columbia guided tours meet in the Publix parking lot on Gervais Street, exploring the history of the Congaree Vista, a residential, light industrial, mercantile and transportation district. $25; Historic Columbia members, $20 (includes cocktails at Saki Tumi and appetizers along the way). Reserve a spot by calling (803) 252-1770, ext. 23; emailing reservations@historiccolumbia.org or at http://historiccolumbia.org

“UNDER THE CAROLINA MOON”: 7-10 p.m. May 2 at Doko Manor, 171 Langford Road, Blythewood. Fundraiser for the Christian Assistance Bridge will feature Carolina cuisine, music, dancing and a silent auction. Christian Assistance Bridge offers emergency assistance, such as utilities, rent, food, medication, transportation and traveler’s aid to residents in Blythewood and the surrounding community. Tickets are $30; dress is business casual. Sponsorships are available. (803) 622-3310; http://christianassistancebridge.com

“SHREK THE MUSICAL”: May 2-24 at Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St. Broadway musical adaptation of the 2001 hit movie. Show times are 8 p.m. May 2, 3, 8-10, 14-17 and 21-24; 3 p.m. May 4 and 18. Tickets are $25; age 65 and older, active duty military and full-time college students, $20; age 17 and younger, $15. Sponsored by South Carolina BLUE and Lexington Medical Center. (803) 799-2510; http://towntheatre.com/shrek.html

MUSIC AT SANDHILL PRESENTED BY GROW FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION: R&B/dance band Finesse, 7-9 p.m. May 2 on Town Center Common, Village at Sandhill, Two Notch and Clemson roads. Children’s activities — balloon artist Nick Propst, free rides and games will begin at 6 p.m.

ARTS AND DRAUGHTS: 7-11 p.m. May 2 at the Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Beer tastings from The Whig; live music, DIY art projects, interactive art, scavenger hunts and perspective tours of the museum. $8; members, $5 (join or renew your membership at the door and get in free). (803) 799-2810; http://columbiamuseum.org

COLUMBIA CITY BALLET SOIREE: “Louisville Derby Days,” 7:30 p.m. May 2 at City Art Gallery, 1224 Lincoln St. Fundraiser for CCB’s Educational Outreach Program will feature live bluegrass, sponsor horse race, specialty cocktails and other horsing around. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. (803) 799-7605; http://columbiacityballet.com

“CYMBELINE”: S.C. Shakespeare Company production, 8 p.m. May 2, 3 and 7-10 at Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St. Come early May 8 (6 p.m.) as the Shakespeare Kidz youth company takes the stage with the retelling of a classic using humor, moden language and sword fighting in “Don’t Say Macbeth!”; all performances are free. http://shakespearesc.org

PROSPERITY’S HOPPIN’: 8 a.m. May 3, downtown Prosperity, 250 School Drive. Non-competitive 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun run sponsored by the Town of Prosperity and Lovelace Family Medicine. Run/walk pre-registration, $20; fun run, $10; includes T-shirt if received by Friday. Race day registration will be $25 for the run, $20 for the walk and $10 for the fun run. Register at http://strictlyrunning.com

AMERICA’S BOATING COURSE: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 3 and 10 at Flotilla Island, Lake Murray. Flotilla Island is at the end of Johnson Marina Road in Ballentine. The eight-hour course provides students with all the information required by federal and state boating laws and regulation. Completion of the course meets educational requirements for boat operation in all states and qualifies those 16 and younger to operate watercraft of more than 15 horsepower without adult supervision. Instruction presented by members of the Lake Murray Power Squadron. Individual course materials, $40; couples or families, $50. (803) 318-0072; http://lmpsonline.org

STRIDES FOR AUTISM: 9 a.m. May 3 at Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St. Fundraising and awaress walk to benefit the South Carolina Autism Society. In addition to the walk, there will be an resource fair and family fun activities. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Individual participants, $25 (includes T-shirt); families, $50 (includes four T-shirts). (800) 438-4790; http://scautism.org/strides

NAPA FEST 2014: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 3 at NAPA Auto Parts, 2255 Airport Blvd., Cayce. Trophies, door prizes, 50/25/25 cash drawing, oldies music, dash plaques. Pre-registration, $15, ends Monday; day of the show, $20 (registration ends at noon). Sponsored by the Columbia Classic Chevy Club; (803) 957-9737. Entry forms at http://clubs.hemmings.com/columbiaclassicchevyclub. Rain date, May 17.

THIRSTY FELLOW BOCCE TOURNAMENT: 10 a.m. May 3 at Thirsty Fellow, 621 Gadsden St. (USC field at Greene and Gadsden streets). Four-member teams, $350. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Each participating team will receive free breakfast, lunch and the guarantee of playing a minimum of three games in a round-robin format. All proceeds will benefit the more than 22,000 S.C. Special Olympics athletes in the form of training, equipment and uniforms. (803) 404-5511; http://so-sc.org

BUTTERFLY WALK: 10 a.m.-noon May 3 at Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Road. Explore the park in search of resident butterflies while learning about these graceful insects. Meet at the park office and dress for the outdoors. Binoculars and field guides are optional. $5; seniors and age 15 and younger, $3 (includes park admission); Park Passport Plus holders, free. Adults must accompany children age 15 and younger. Pre-registration required, deadline is Wednesday. (803) 788-2706 or email sesqui@scprt.com

PORK IN THE PARK BARBECUE COMPETITION: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. May 3 at Memorial Park in downtown Newberry. Southern Barbecue Network sanctioned event, live music, children’s activities and more. (803) 321-1015; http://newberryporkinthepark.com

PRAISEFEST 2014: 1-5 p.m. May 3 at Spring Valley Presbtyterian Church, 125 Sparkleberry Lane. Celebration will feature 14 praise, bluegrass and gospel bands as well as food vendors, games and children’s activities; blankets and lawn chairs welcome. Advance tickets are $5; $7 at the door. Proceeds will benefit Richland 2’s Backpack Program, a hunger-fighting initiative that sends home weekend meals in students’ backpacks on Fridays. Participants are encouraged to bring food donations to Pack a Pickup (also for the program) — items needed are instant oatmeal, instant grits, granola bars, soup and canned pasta. (803) 788-3589; http://scpc.org

THROWING FOR BEGINNERS: 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays, May 6-June 10 at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. Prospective potters age 16 and older will learn the basics, class size is limited to seven students. $80; registration deadline is Thursday. (803) 545-3093 or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

THROWING FOR BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, May 7-June 11 at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. Opportunities for prospective potters age 16 and older will learn the basics as well as those who want to brush up on their skills; class size is limited to nine students. $80; registration deadline is Thursday. (803) 545-3093 or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 8 at Fort Jackson. Open to age 13 and older. Participants will attend a basic training graduation, watch soldiers train, learn to shoot the M16A3 simulator and eat in an Army dining facility. Lunch is $4.65; reservations are required by Tuesday. (803) 751-1474

HISTORIC COLUMBIA’S CEMETERY TOURS: The second Thursday of each month through September at Elmwood Cemetery. The Secrets from the Grave tour starts before dark at 7:30 p.m. to allow attendees to study the iconography symbols found on so many of the markers and headstone in the cemetery. Moonlight Cemetery Tours, at 8 and 8:30 p.m., will examine the lives, burials, cemetery plots and tombstones of families and prominent citizens from Columbia’s 19th and 20th centuries. $12; age 17 and younger, $6; HC members $8 and $4. Tickets available at (803) 252-1770, ext. 23; http://historiccolumbia.org or email reservations@historiccolumbia.org

INTERMEDIATE HAND BUILDING: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, May 8-June 12 at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. Students age 15 and older will learn advanced handbuilding techniques as well as working with different clays, decorative techniques and multiple shape projects. $80; students are required to have a pottery tool kit for this class, all other materials will be provided. Registration deadline is Thursday. (803) 545-3093 or email bloliver@columbiasc.net

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