Midlands Artists

• Oyster Series | Tuesday, Apr. 25 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Smoked, 1643 Main St., Columbia | $60 | Learn to appreciate oysters like a fine wine, and discover the nuance of flavor by the climate of origin, taste, texture, and salinity.
• Sip & Plant: Tomato-Focused | Tuesday, Apr. 25 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $45 | Join Randall and Carol Isherwood for this hands-on workshop, where they’ll walk you will learn the ins and outs of growing tomatoes and complimentary herbs this season.
• Koger Center and ColaJazz present Live in the Lobby Jazz: Jeremy Davenport | Tuesday, Apr. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $18 | New Orleans trumpeter and vocalist, Jeremy Davenport, is the epitome of the modern-day crooner and swooner.

• Comedy + Beer at Old Mill Brewpub | Wednesday, Apr. 26 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Old Mill Brewpub, 711 E. Main St. Ste. A3, Lexington | $15 | Laugh along with SC comedians and get there early to order pre-show food.
• Jared James Nichols, Tuk Smith & the Restless Hearts, Fortune Child | Wednesday, Apr. 26 | 7 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St. West, Columbia | $15-$20 | Jared James Nichols is an American blues-rock guitarist and singer from East Troy, Wisconsin, best known for his high-energy “pick-less” electric guitar playing technique.

• Business Networking Happy Hour | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 5-7 p.m. | Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub, 621 Gadsden St., Columbia | Free | Make meaningful connections with other business-minded Soda Citizens at happy hour.
• Game & Garden Soirée | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | The Hall at Senate’s End, 320 Senate St., Columbia | $65-$120 | Enjoy an evening of cocktails, small plates from local chefs, a silent auction, and live music from the Blue Iguanas.

• Friends of the Irmo Library Book Sale | Friday, Apr. 28-Sunday, Apr. 30 | Times vary | Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St Andrews Rd., Columbia | Free | The used book sale by the Friends of the Irmo Branch Library supports library programming.

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• Florida-based burger chain Checkers is opening a new location at 7373 Two Notch Rd. near Columbia Place Mall. The familiar chain serves big burgers like the Baconzilla, chicken wings, and even Funnel Cake Fries if you can’t wait for the State Fair. (The Post and Courier)

• After a perfect week that included a sweep of No. 3 Florida, the Gamecocks baseball team climbed to No. 2 in the Baseball America poll. They’ll look to keep their streak alive when Auburn comes to Founders Park this weekend. Get your tickets here.

• $4.1 million. That’s how much the United Way of the Midlands and the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) have been awarded by HUD. The two grants will support housing units like One80 Place and Sistercare that provide rapid rehousing to those in need.

• Country music artist Ernest announced a stop at The Senate on Nov. 2, on his This Fire Tour later this year. Ern has written eight No. 1 hits to date and just released the deluxe version of his debut album “Flower Shops.”

• Richland County is holding a Public Information Meeting on Thursday, April 27 from 5-7 p.m. at Dutch Fork Elementary School to discuss the proposed widening of Broad River Road from Royal Tower Drive to near Dutch Fork Road. The drop-in style meeting will offer project displays available for viewing, comment forms, and informational handouts.

• The City of Columbia is hosting its second annual career fair today from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. City departments with vacancies will be on-site to talk with job seekers and will perform on-site interviews.

• Has your news feed (or TikTok) been robbing you of your productivity and focus? (Same.) This natural adaptogen supplement can increase cognitive function without the use of traditional medications. Bonus: 15% off and a 30-day money-back guarantee.*

• The Midlands Business Leadership Group recently launched the 2023 Elevate Midlands report, highlighting growth in our region and the people making it happen. Learn more about our region’s entrepreneurial environment and how it’s helping recruit businesses to our region.*

• Looking for a refreshing spring cocktail? This Ultra Seltzer Hollywood Highball features fresh lime and cilantro — pro tip: pair with nachos. *

• Two words: free bowling. Sign up for Kids Bowl Free to connect with local bowling alleys where kids can receive two free games of bowling every day this summer. Plus, grab a Family Pass + up to four adults can join in on the fun.

• The “say you’re graduating in Columbia without saying you’re graduating in Columbia” location. The architecture is stunning, and we may be biased, but the stark white columns pair well with any graduating colors.

• Whether it was Jake’s on Devine, Beezer’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop, Tios Mexican Cafe, or Cool Beans Coffee Co. — take your photographer into your fave go-to spot by campus.

• Pick between the Riverfront Park, Saluda Riverwalk, West Columbia Riverwalk, Cayce Riverwalk, or maybe all four.

• Sure, you could snap the classic champagne picture in front of the fountain, but maybe take a trip inside.