River Drive Creative, the new shared home of Caroline Guitar Company and Archer Avenue Studio, is located near the corner of River and Sunset drives. | Photo by Kenny McWilliams
Two mainstays of Columbia’s music community are now located under one roof. Caroline Guitar Company, a boutique guitar pedal maker, and Archer Avenue Studio now share space on River Drive, inside the newly branded River Drive Creative building.
Archer Avenue Studio is up and running in the new space, now featuring two professionally built recording rooms: Studio A, led by founder Kenny McWilliams, and Studio Z, operated by musician and producer Todd Mathis.
One of two newly designed studios inside Archer Avenue Studio’s new location at River Drive Creative, featuring acoustic design by Wes Lachot. | Photo by Kenny McWilliams
Next door, Caroline Guitar Company is still in the process of moving in. The boutique pedal brand, founded by Philippe Herndon, has been part of Columbia’s creative ecosystem since 2010, when it joined the USC Columbia Technology Incubator.
The new space marks a major step forward for both operations, offering expanded creative capacity, visibility, and long-term investment in the local music community. McWilliams sees it as the foundation for the next chapter in his work — and a new wave of creative energy in Columbia. When we spoke, he was working on new music with local artist Kimberly Walsh.
Jimmy Eat World | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $39.75 | The band behind “The Middle” and “Sweetness” brings a night of early 2000s anthems and new favorites.
Gallery Tour and Artist Talk | 12-1 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | Free | Sign up for a gallery tour and artist talk with Philip Mullen for his new exhibit.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | Calling all seasoned fans — join the Fireflies for Senior Citizen Night, presented by CenterWell Senior Primary Care and Lourie Life & Health.*
Wednesday, May 14
Bike Month Pub Tour | 6-8 p.m. | Outspokin’ Bicycles | Free |The leisurely-paced ride will visit WECO, Columbia Craft, and Craft & Draft.
Thursday, May 15
Serve Soda City - Launch Party | 5-7 p.m. | Boyd Innovation Center | Free | Learn about an innovative new platform revolutionizing how volunteers and nonprofits connect across the Midlands.
A Way with Words: An Evening with Martha & Grant | 7 p.m. | Darla Moore School of Business | $35 | Hosts Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett will share behind-the-scenes stories, answer questions, and engage the audience in a lively discussion about the ways language shapes our lives.
Friday, May 16
Songwriters Night | 7 p.m. | Indah Coffee | Free | Local songwriters Ben Walker, Will Royson, and Siemon Twitty share their music in an intimate coffee shop setting.
Enzo’s Delicatessen is relocating to 612 Whaley St., Suite C, next to Don Luigi Italian Market. The Italian deli will expand its offerings to include sandwiches, groceries, prepared foods, and wine — all in one place.
Sports
Gamecock Softball earned a No. 8 national seed in the NCAA Tournament and will host the Columbia Regional Friday–Sunday, May 16–18, at Carolina Softball Stadium. Carolina faces Elon on Friday at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN+, and tickets are on sale now.
Ranked
Columbia ranks No. 9 on WalletHub’s list of best US cities to start a career. The study scored 182 cities on job availability, cost of living, and quality of life. Cola stood out for strong professional opportunities + livability.
Watch
"Secrets In Plain Sight” premieres Wednesday, May 21, on Peacock TV, expanding its reach after first airing on TUBI. The Columbia-filmed drama by WOW Studio One follows three women facing the fallout of past secrets.
Plan Ahead
The SC State Museum will stay open late on select Fridays this summer for evening fun from 5-9 p.m., starting Friday, May 16. Visitors can explore exhibitions, shop, stargaze, and see Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume.
Sports
Get to know the Carolina Panthers’ 2025 draft class. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Number
8. That’s where SC Ports ranks among all U.S. container ports by volume. As one of the top ports in the Southeast, SC Ports helps bring in new businesses, boost investment, and create more high-paying jobs in South Carolina. See how SC Ports is helping our state thrive.*
Cause
From rising temperatures to plastic pollution, our oceans need more help than ever. Ocean Conservancy shares news, stories, and ways to protect our planet. Sign up for updates + learn how to take action.*
Number
$1,300. That’s how much money per year you could be wasting overpaying on car insurance, according to a 2024 survey. See if you’re overspending.*
Category
Eat
Do the global brunch crawl
Baked beans incoming: The War Mouth will serve up special UK menu items during the brunch crawl. | Photo by COLAtoday
Prepare your tastebuds — Brunch Around the World hits Uptown Columbia on Sunday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free-to-attend, walkable event transforms neighborhood favorites into global brunch destinations with themed dishes, drinks, and tastings.
How it works
Pick up a passport, sample international bites + sips, and collect stamps at each stop. Complete your passport for a chance to win a raffle with prizes from Uptown businesses.
Menus will explore regions like Mexico, Italy, and the Middle East, with themed tastings and activities throughout the North Main area.
Don’t miss
German wine at Gardener’s Outpost
A spaghett cocktail at Il Focolare
A worry doll craft at Peddler and Maker’s Market.
“This event is about celebrating the cultural diversity within our own city and supporting the small businesses that make Uptown Columbia such a vibrant place,” said Greg Slattery, co-owner of Curiosity Coffee and representative of the Uptown Columbia Association.
The Buy
As temperatures rise, we’re upgrading our wardrobe with some new warm weather hangout attire. These are some of our favorite finds:
You never need an excuse to eat a buttermilk biscuit in SC, but National Buttermilk Biscuit Day is tomorrow, and Vicious Biscuit is giving back. For every biscuit sold, it will donate one to local programs supporting seniors, youth, and food insecurity.
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