Top 10 Things To Do in Columbia SC | This Week's Top 10 Things to Do

February 5 - February 11, 2010
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Through Sunday, February 7. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus! Through the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will be spellbound as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents ZING ZANG ZOOM SM, a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion. Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, Levitytia, lead audience members through an extraordinary world of fantasy that celebrates the uplifting spirit of the circus and also wards off the cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of Heavies who try to bring everyone down. Visit the Colonial Life Arena to purchase tickets and for show times.

Opening Friday, February 5. The Chemistry of Color: Contemporary African-American Artists. The Columbia Museum of Art celebrates its 60th anniversary year by hosting a major exhibition of art by contemporary African-American artists. The Chemistry of Color: Contemporary African-American Artists and its accompanying catalog chronicle the accomplishments and struggles of African-American artists in the latter half of the 20th century with approximately 72 works by a number of preeminent modern artists such as Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold and Betye Saar. This show presents an opportunity for residents of South Carolina and the surrounding region to see an exhibition of nationally and internationally known African-American artists not seen in the state in nearly a decade. Entrance is FREE on opening day, Friday, February 5 and every Sunday, courtesy of BlueCross BlueShield of SC. The exhibit runs through May 9. Visit the Columbia Museum of Art for more information.

Friday, February 5. Danielle Howle Live! Singer-songwriter Danielle Howle embarked on her solo career by recording her live album at USC’s McKissick Museum located on USC’s campus in downtown Columbia. She has often been compared to famous singers like Patsy Cline (Crazy) and Nina Simone (I Put A Spell On You). She has toured with DiFranco, the Indigo Girls, and Elliott Smith, has played in the Lilith Fair and has opened for Bob Dylan right here in Columbia. And she's bringing it all to the 145 Club in Winnsboro. For more information, visit the 145 Club.

Friday, February 5. Swing lessons and Dancing! Anyone interested in dancing can learn the popular Swing Dance style in a vintage setting this summer through next year as Historic Columbia Foundation continues to host instructional classes and dances monthly at the historic Big Apple, 1000 Hampton Street. Columbia dance favorites Richard Durlach and Breedlove plan to take dancers back to the era of the Big Apple Dance Club. Richard and Breedlove teach, perform, and research swing, ballroom and vintage dances along with studying dance culture. It was at the Big Apple club where the Big Apple dance craze began, becoming one of the most popular dances of the 20th century. Visit the Historic Columbia Foundation for more information.

Friday, February 5. First Fridays at Village Artists. The first Friday of each month brings a special wine and cheese gathering over several artists works in this cooperative gallery. Artists will be on hand to talk about their medium and techniques as well as exhibit additional works not normally on display at the gallery. 6-8 pm. Visit the Village Artists for more information.

Friday, February 5-Saturday, February 6. Cleopatra. The Columbia City Ballet is proud to announce the return of William Starrett's original full-length ballet rendition of one of the greatest true romance stories in history: Cleopatra. If you missed this critically acclaimed lavish production in its original run, then make sure you've got a reserved seat for the return! Call 251-2222 or go to Capitol Tickets to purchase tickets. Visit the Columbia City Ballet for more information.

Saturday, February 6. Mike Compton & Joe Newberry Live! Bill's Pickin' Parlor brings yet another awesome performer to the stage on Saturday night! It's been said that Mike Compton knows more about Bill Monroe style mandolin than the Father of Bluegrass himself. Mix him with Joe Newberry and his extraordinary musicianship from his wonderful banjo playing to his great singing, guitar playing and fiddling and you've got one dynamite performance! 8-10 pm. Visit Bill's Music Shop & Pickin' Parlor for more information.

Saturday, February 6. 28th Annual The Lize Wessels Ye Olde Pub Night. Join Joe Pinner for a wonderful evening of prizes, pub food, wine, beer, a dart tournament and more! 7:30-11:30 pm at CMFA Artspace. Visit CMFA or call 771-6303 for more information.

Saturday, February 6. 5th Annual Black History Parade! Come out with hundreds of other locals and participating units in the celebration of significant events in the lives of those people who have made a difference. The parade seeks to educate, entertain and celebrate all of those achievements all at once! The parade will take place in Waverly and Five Points Historical Communities. Call 361-5470 for additional information.

Beginning Thursday, February 11. Boat Show! The 47th Annual Boat Show will take place at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds February 11th-14th! 16 area boat dealers and over 40 additional exhibitors will be on hand to answer any of your questions. . Wall-to-wall boats and accessories will pack all six buildings with runabouts, sport boats, fishing boats, cruisers, personal watercraft, jet boats, and high-performance boats—everything from 12 to 30 feet will be ready to board and buy! Admission is only $6 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Over $6,000 in Prizes! Visit Boat Show Fairgrounds for more information.