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Record Store Day 2025 in Columbia, SC

A brick building with the word "Anderson's" over the door. There's a yellow Papa Jazz sign over the door and a placard outside with the store name and an illustrated vinyl record saying the store buys, sells, and trades record.

Expect to see lines outside this store on Record Store Day. | Photo via @chromakati

Drop the needle and let the record spin — tomorrow is Record Store Day, where independent music shops open early and offer limited-edition vinyl. For collectors, it’s like Christmas Day, and for music lovers, it’s an opportunity to show support for your favorite shop and artists.

Here are some local record stores that are hosting RSD 2023 specials.

Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, 2014 Greene St.

Located in Five Points, music fans start lining up early in the morning to be near the front of the line for Record Store Day specials. Opened in 1980, Papa Jazz is Cola’s oldest music store offering a wide selection of new + used vinyl records, CDs, and cassette tapes. Pro tip: When doors open at 8 a.m., 12 people at a time will be allowed in with one crate of records available per person.

Music Gator, 1251 Hastings Dr., Sumter

Doors open at 8 a.m. at Sumter’s independent record store and in addition to RSD specials, free buttons, posters, and totes will be available. If you remember Manifest Discs and Tapes in Cola, Music Gator has a similar selection of vinyl, CDs, stickers, posters + shirts.

Scratch N’ Spin, 513 12th St., West Columbia

This West Columbia spot offers new + used vinyl records and much more (we hear they have some Taylor Swift vinyl). This year will feature live music from local acts Colton Beasley, Candy Coffins, and Bones Hamilton.

Drip Coffee Shop, 729 Saluda Ave.

Drip Coffee in Five Points offers a huge selection of vinyl records in its back sitting area. Though it won’t offer RSD specials, it’s worth browsing for a rare find while you sip on your cold brew or latte.

Use this map to search your zip code for a larger list of independent record stores across the Southeast participating in the Record Store Day celebration with promotions and RSD titles.

Events

Friday, April 21

Sensory Night | Friday, Apr. 21 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St., Columbia | Free | Guests can look forward to lowered lighting and sounds, limited crowd size, programming from educators, and resources from partner organizations.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers | Friday, Apr. 21 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | Margaritaville Night // Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway pres by AMAROK (first 1,000 fans)*

Saturday, April 22

2nd Annual Run With All Your Heart 5K Fun Run | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 8 a.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $30 | This event is dedicated to raising awareness for childhood cancer research and supporting critical pediatric research projects at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital.
McDaniels Subaru Bark to the Park 2023 | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park, 6071 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia | $40 | After a leisurely, scenic walk with your dog, participants can enjoy an after-pawty with pet-friendly vendors, pet contests, craft beer, live music, face painting, and more.
City of West Columbia’s 4th Annual Kinetic Derby Day | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | State and Meeting streets, West Columbia, SC | Free | This event spurs creative thinking, competition, and family fun as teams come together to build unusual vehicles and awe-inspiring art installations.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | Princess Knight pres by Republic Services (enchanted night at the ballpark featuring real life princeses) // Post-Game Fireworks*

Sunday, April 23

Lil Wayne | Sunday, Apr. 23 | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St., Columbia | $100+ | Sing along with Lil Wayne as he performs live at the Township Auditorium.
Columbia Green Presents the 30th Annual Festival of Gardens | Saturday, Apr. 22-Sunday, Apr. 23 | Times vary | Registration is at St. Johns Episcopal Church, 2827 Wheat St., Columbia | $30-$50 | Enjoy spring at this festival featuring 13 gardens in the Shandon neighborhood.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers | Sunday, Apr. 23 | 5:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | Sensory Safe Sunday // Autism Acceptance Night // Sunday Funday (pre-game autographs & post-game kids run the bases)*

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Calendar events here

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Civic

The data doesn’t lie: Here’s how Cola stacks up against peer cities

26. group at Sheraton Rooftop-photo by forrest clonts.jpg

The Elevate Midlands 2023 Report shows where Columbia stands in various sectors against its peers. | Photo by Forrest Clonts

Have you ever wondered what strides Columbia is making compared to other cities in the Southeast? The Midlands Business Leadership Group’s Elevate Midlands 2023 Report examines different sectors that support our region’s growth + competitiveness against our peer cities.

Here’s how Columbia ranks:

Overall Entrepreneurship: 4/12
Employment Diversity: 5/12
Overall Talent: 10/12
Cost of Living: 5/12
Overall Livability: 7/12

Learn what this means (and the opportunities for growth).*

Read the report + get involved

News Notes

Coming Soon

Clutch Coffee — a drive-thru coffee business located on Devine Street next to Another Broken Egg Cafe — plans to open two more locations. The second location will open in July at 306 Columbia Ave. in Lexington, and the third will likely open in Northeast Columbia this fall at 9349 Two Notch Rd. (The Post and Courier)

Community

Don’t miss the 2023 Earlewood Big Flea, set to take place on Saturday, April 29. Start browsing at Reformation Lutheran Church (1118 Union St.) and shop from neighbors and local vendors from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Arts

The Richland Library is inviting local artists to submit their work for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 Artists-in-Residence program. The goal is to connect the community with local artwork and provide creative, educational opportunities. Learn more.

Feel Good

Welcome, bird babies. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden announced the first two hatchlings from the blue-billed curassows. With a population between ~150-700, Riverbanks sees this as a major win for genetic diversity and awareness of this species at risk.

Listen

In the latest podcast episode of “Around Town with @Colamayor,” Mayor Rickenmann sits down with Bobby Williams, the owner of Lizard’s Thicket. They discuss the importance of supporting local businesses + how Lizard’s Thicket has contributed to growing Columbia’s culinary scene.

Award

Attention artisans… submit your Southern-made product by June 20 for a chance to win Garden & Gun Magazine’s 14th annual Made In The South Awards. Categories include home, crafts, food, outdoors, style, and drink, plus a bonus sustainability award. The overall winner will receive a $10,000 grand prize.

Health

Need to take a trip to the doctor, but don’t have enough time? Enter: MUSC Health’s Virtual Specialty Care service. MUSC offers convenient telehealth options so patients can get the quality care they need and deserve — from the comfort of home. Learn more.*

Holiday

Mañana es el Día de la Tierra, una fecha que se remonta a 1970 como iniciativa de un senador estadounidense que fue testigo de un vertido de petróleo. En la actualidad, este día une a 1000 millones de personas en 193 países. Translate this news with Babbel (currently offering 55% off lessons) in The Wrap at the bottom of our newsletter.*

Celebrate

We want to wish a happy birthday (on Saturday) to our teammate Sam, COLAtoday City Editor. Happy birthday, Sam!

Shop

We’re firm believers in spoiling the ones we love — especially our pets. That’s why we’re adding these two things to our shopping carts: this customizable velvet collar and this durable bed that features a removable slipcover. Don’t forget the treats. We love these soft chews for doggos and these freeze dried snacks for cats.
Celebrate Earth Day by supporting some of our Six & Main brands. Rainier Watch, a business inspired by mountains, gives a portion of its sales to organizations that protect National Parks, and Plant Based Candles allows customers to reuse the vessel as a planter with wildflower seeds included in each order.

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Arts

✍️ Shall we compare thee to a poet?

Read the winning poem from our 2023 poetry contest

A graphic with the words "2023 poetry contest finalists"

Drumroll, please. | Graphic by 6AM City

This April, we ran a poetry contest to celebrate National Poetry Month. We challenged you, our readers, to craft a poem using only the words that appeared in one of our newsletters (here are the original contest guidelines if you want to give it a try).

Turns out, you’re all poets and we didn’t even know it. We were beyond thrilled to read the original, creative, and awe-inspiring poems Columbia created from our newsletter copy. Check out the poems with the button below, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite.

“Mourning Routine” by Rachel M.
“6 April Haiku” by Chelsea B.
“Welcoming Summer” by Helen K.

Read their poems

Asked

Which poem should we crown the winner?

A. “Mourning Routine” by Rachel M.
B. “6 April Haiku” by Chelsea B.
C. “Welcoming Summer” by Helen K.

Cast your vote

The Wrap

Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam

Holiday, translated: Tomorrow is Earth Day. The global holiday dates back to 1970, when it was spearheaded by a US senator who witnessed an oil spill first hand. Now, it’s observed by 1+ billion people across 193 countries. Brush up on your Spanish skills with a subscription to Babbel (currently 55% off exclusively for COLAtoday readers).*

From the editor

Fun fact about me — my birthday is on Earth Day. How Taurus of me, right? It’s my absolute favorite holiday, for multiple reasons, and one way I can shop locally while also supporting the planet is by popping by Wingard’s Market. It carries local products from 45+ local farmers. Bonus: Rosewood Market is another local favorite of mine that supports local and regional farms. If you haven’t had lunch from the deli, you’re missing out.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter?
See some expert-approved munchies for 4/20 here.

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