Community calendar for May 1

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: The Atlas Road Crew and the Black Cadillacs 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 at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo. The concert 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

7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 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

“CYMBELINE”: S.C. Shakespeare Company production, 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Wednesday through May 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, modern 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. Friday and Saturday. 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

PIRATES AND PRINCESSES PAJAMA PARTY: Movie and overnight camp out, 6 p.m. Friday through 9 a.m. Saturday at the Gibson Road Soccer Complex, 400 Duffie Drive, Lexington. Set up your sites beginning at 6 p.m., the PG-rated movie, “Frozen” will begin at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday morning activities include 6 a.m. breakfast and clean-up. The event is free and open to the public; Town of Lexington police officers will be on hand for the duration of the event. Rain dates will be May 9-10. Register at http://lcrac.com

“UNDER THE CAROLINA MOON”: 7-10 p.m. Friday 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

PALMETTO MASTERSINGERS: 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo. The concert 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

“SHREK THE MUSICAL”: Through May 24 at Town Theatre, 1012 Sumter St. Broadway musical adaptation of the 2001 hit movie. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and May 8-10, 14-17, 21-24; 3 p.m. Sunday and May 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. Friday 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. Friday 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. Friday 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. Friday 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, modern language and sword fighting in “Don’t Say Macbeth!”; all performances are free. http://shakespearesc.org

PROSPERITY’S HOPPIN’: 8 a.m. Saturday at 250 School Drive, downtown Prosperity. 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. 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. Saturday and May 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

PET PAWTY 2014: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Red Bank Horse Arena, 1159 Nazareth Road, Lexington. Registration for Pet Walk, 8:30-9 a.m. Highlights include agility dogs, cow bingo, pet adoptions, pet contests, microchipping and more. No more than two pets per person; all vaccinations must be up to date and no retractable leashes. People admission, pet food items (no bags over five pounds) or cash donation; pet admission, $5. Sponsored by the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission, proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels seniors and their pets. (803) 356-5111; http://lcrac.com

STRIDES FOR AUTISM: 9 a.m. Saturday at Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St. Fundraising and awareness 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. Saturday at NAPA Auto Parts, 2255 Airport Blvd., Cayce. Trophies, door prizes, 50/25/25 cash drawing, oldies music, dash plaques. Registration, $20; ends at noon Saturday. Sponsored by the Columbia Classic Chevy Club; (803) 957-9737. Entry forms at http://clubs.hemmings.com/columbiaclassicchevyclub. Rain date, May 17.

COLUMBIA GREEN GARDEN TOURS: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday. 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. http://columbiagreen.org

THIRSTY FELLOW BOCCE TOURNAMENT: 10 a.m. Saturday 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

COOKOUT FOR KIDS: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Ave. Barbecue plates (pork or chicken), $10; bake sale items, balloon art, antique car display, live music, free parking. Plates and fully cooked Boston butts with sauce ($30) may be ordered and picked up at the drive-through. Fundraiser is sponsored by the Epworth Children’s Home Alumni Association. (864) 230-8929

PORK IN THE PARK BARBECUE COMPETITION: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday 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. Saturday at Spring Valley Presbyterian 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

CAR AND TRUCK DROP-IN: 5-8 p.m. Saturday at Larry’s Giant Subs, 2001 Augusta Highway, Lexington. Sponsored by Poor Boy Cruisers, All-Star Pizza Company and Larry’s Subs. (803) 957-3781

COLLA VOCCE: 7 p.m. Saturday at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road. The community chamber ensemble will be led by Larry Wyatt and accompanied by Ann Wilson. Free.

THE BIG NOSH: Jewish food and cultural festival, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at the Tree of Life Congregation, 6719 N. Trenholm Road. Free. Donations of canned and dry food will be accepted for Harvest Hope Food Bank. (803) 787-2182; http://bignosh.org

CAROLINA LIFESONG INITIATIVE CONCERT: 1 p.m. Sunday in the USC School of Music Recital Hall, 813 Assembly St. The free concert celebrates the work of students with special needs. (803) 777-1983

FESTIVAL CINCO DE MAYO: 12:30-6 p.m. Sunday at the State Museum, 301 Gervais St. The museum is partnering with Hispanic Connections to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride with a family fiesta featuring an unbreakable pinata, Spanish programs and games, Latin performers, refreshments and more. Admission is included with museum general admission or membership. http://scmuseum.org/events

1st ANNUAL CAROLINA SUN SPLASH FESTIVAL: 2 p.m.-midnight Sunday behind the Richland County Recreation Commission, 8614 Garners Ferry Road, Hopkins. Sponsored by Athletes United, a non-profit organization, the event will feature live music, local vendors and live radio coverage. The Fun Zone for children will be open 2-6 p.m., featuring bounce houses and a kids carnival concession. From 6 p.m.-midnight, concert will feature Terence Young, VIC, Carl Thomas, Juvenile, Serani and Wayne Wonder. There will be Caribbean and local food vending. Tickets are $10 in advance, available at http://eventbrite.com or at Mobay Bar & Grill, 7314 Parklane Road. (803) 466-2486

LAKE MURRAY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Concertos and Cupcakes concert and reception, 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo. Concert will feature solo performances by the symphony’s Young Artist Competition Performance Invitational winners and Einar Anderson conducting the overture of Reznicek’s “Donna Diana.” Suzanna Pavlovsky will conduct Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 9” in the second half of the program. A cupcake reception will follow in the lobby of the theatre. (803) 400-3540; http://lmso.org

CINCO DE MAYO GOLF TOURNAMENT AND AUCTION: 8 a.m. Monday at Spring Valley Country Club, 300 Spring Valley Road. Morning and afternoon tee times; Captain’s Choice, $100 per player; $400 per four-member team (includes range balls, 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch and snacks, goodie bags, door prizes, plaques for top three, on-course contests, hole-in-one contest and an auction. Proceeds will benefit The Therapy Place. http://thetherapyplace.org/how-you-can-help/events

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. Check out the Oriental Dancing and Movement class noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays through May 27, 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

GUIDED TRAIL RUNS: 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, May 6-27 at Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Road. The ranger-led 3.5-mile runs are for runners who are interested in trail running but may be unfamiliar with the park’s trails. Meet at the Mountain Bike Trailhead and bring water. Free with park admission — $2; age 15 and younger free (must be accompanied by an adult); discounted admission of $1.25 to S.C. residents age 65 or older or disabled and to active duty S.C. National Guard. Pre-registration required; deadline is one day prior to the program. (803) 788-2706 or email sesqui@scprt.com

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

CONGAREE NEW HORIZONS BAND: Chamber music, 6 p.m. Tuesday in the USC School of Music Recital Hall, 813 Assembly St. Part two of the program at 7:30 p.m. will feature the group’s first jazz night. The Congaree Horizons Band is affiliated with the New Horizons International Music Association, an organization that encourages seniors to learn and make music with friends. (803) 777-1983

JASPER GOES TO THE LIBRARY: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Cooper Branch of the Richland Library, 5317 N. Trenholm Road. S.C. Shakespeare Company will present scenes from Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline.” Jasper is a written, word-oriented arts magazine that partners artists in special events at different Richland Library locations, engaging community members, arts enthusiasts and library patrons in an intimate setting. (803) 787-3462

COLLA VOCCE: 7 p.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 1709 Lyttleton St., Camden. The community chamber ensemble will be led by Larry Wyatt and accompanied by Ann Wilson. Free.

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

“CYMBELINE”: S.C. Shakespeare Company production, 8 p.m. Wednesday through May 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, modern language and sword fighting in “Don’t Say Macbeth!”; all performances are free. http://shakespearesc.org

“52 WINDOWS”: An evening to benefit MIRCI (Mental Illness Recovery Center Inc.), 6-9 p.m. May 8 at 701 Whaley. Silent auction, open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres from Aberdeen Catery and live music featuring The Lawhead Brothers Combo. Celebrate the vision of South Carolina artists interpretation of the theme “Windows to Our Heart,” through a collection of unique artwork in various media. Proceeds will bolster housing and homeless services for people in the Midlands facing chronic mental illness. Tickets are $75; couples, $125; available at http://mirci.org or at the door

RHYTHM AND BLOOMS: Bobby Houck, 6-9 p.m. May 8 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: Abbey Road Live will perform from 6:30-10 p.m. May 8 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

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 hand building 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

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 headstones 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

KRESS ANNIVERSARY LECTURE SERIES: Noon May 9 at the Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Celebration of the 60th anniversary of the first Kress gift of Renaissance, Baroque and 18th century art which established the foundation of the museum’s collection. Dianne Modestini, conservation consultant and paintings conservator, kicks off the series. $20; members, $16; students, $5. Deadline is Monday. (803) 799-2810; http://columbiamuseum.org

HAPPY HOUR HISTORY TOUR: 5:30-7 p.m. May 9. 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

DINNER AND A MOVIE: 6 p.m. May 9 at Grace United Methodist Church, 410 Harbison Blvd. Hot dog supper with chili and desserts, followed by a 7 p.m. screening of “Me Again,” popcorn and door prizes. Free. (803) 732-1899

MUSIC AT SANDHILL PRESENTED BY GROW FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION: Beach music/party band Men of Distinction, 7-9 p.m. May 9 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.

“YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL: May 9-24 at Workshop Theatre, 1136 Bull St. Show times are 8 p.m. May 9, 10, 14-17 and 21-24; 3 p.m. May 11 and 18. $22; seniors and military, $20; students, $16, children, $12. (803) 799-6551; http://workshoptheatre.com

“THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES”: May 9-24 at Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St. Show times are 8 p.m. May 9, 10, 15-17 and 22-24; 3 p.m. May 11 and 18. $22; seniors and military, $20; students, $15. Half-price Student Rush tickets available 15 minutes prior to curtain. (803) 254-9732; http://trustus.org

LEXINGTON ARTISANS MARKET: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 10 at Post 7 of the American Legion, 211 American Legion Drive, Lexington. Showcasing more than 20 of the Midlands’ artisans, the event will include baskets, pottery, paintings, handmade sterling silver and copper gemstone jewelry, needlework, woodworking, art glass, organic soaps, lotions and more. Featured artist will be jewelry maker Gene Eaker. A silent auction of sports and entertainment memorabilia will be held throughout the show, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Post 7 and its programs. (803) 606-5250; http://scartisansmarkets.com

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: 6-9 p.m. May 10 at Riverbanks Zoo, 100 Wildlife Parkway. Fun, educational evening at the zoo for ages 4-11 will feature supervised activities including up-close animal encounters, games and crafts plus a kid-friendly movie with popcorn and pizza. $25 per child; zoo members, $20. Reservations required; http:riverbanks org.

POLYMER CLAY WORKSHOP: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. May 17 at the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Art Center, 1928 Calhoun St. Suitable for ages 4-10; a minimum of four students and a maximum of 12 will be accepted to the class. Pre-registration is required, deadline is May 10. $45; includes clay extruder, stamps, rollers and beads. (803) 545-3112