Freeway Music students perform showcases at local music venues. | Photo by David Stringer
From USC’s community programs to homegrown academies, Columbia offers plenty of ways to learn an instrument, sharpen your skills, or join an ensemble. Whether you’re a parent looking for lessons for your child or an adult picking music back up, here are five options in the Midlands.
Columbia Arts Academy | The largest private music school in South Carolina, with over 1,600 students across three locations. It offers one-on-one lessons in nearly every instrument, from piano and guitar to drums and violin.
Freeway Music | A local favorite with six locations and an online option, Freeway pairs private lessons with opportunities to perform live on local stages with a band of fellow students and instructors.
Attendees enjoy music and community at past Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival events. | Photos by Tom Lotshaw for HCAC
Voted the top festival in Haywood County, the Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival returns to beautiful Maggie Valley, NC on Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. — just in time for leaf season.
After Hurricane Helene forced the nonprofit Haywood County Arts Council to cancel 2024’s festival fundraiser, they’re thrilled to announce an unmissable lineup for 2025:
Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, located in the BullStreet district, has closed, along with all other Iron Hill locations. The Delaware-founded brewery opened its Columbia spot in 2023. (USA Today)
Read
Richland Library will host New York Times bestselling author Silvia Moreno-Garcia this evening from 7 to 9:30 p.m. as part of its Broader Bookshelf series. The free, after-hours event includes a book talk, reception, signing, and livestream on YouTube.
Weather
Tropical Storm Humberto is strengthening, and another system may soon become Imelda. Forecasts for the Southeast are up in the air, but impacts are possible next week. Now’s the time to check supplies and review our hurricane prep guide. (WLTX)
Listen
Add this one to your game day playlist. Country-pop artist and USC alum Mary English released “Under a Carolina Sky,” a new tune for Gamecock fans inspired by her childhood gamedays at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Civic
Columbia will open a new downtown Recovery Center at Hope Plaza on Friday, Oct. 13 to consolidate services for homeless individuals, with a focus on addiction recovery. The city plans to partner with local providers to centralize care in downtown areas. (The State)
Traffic
SCDOT will host a public drop-in on Thursday, Oct. 9 to share plans for traffic safety improvements on Millwood Avenue. The open house will run from 5 to 7 p.m. at the MLK Jr. Park Community Center.
Outdoor
Just because summer has come to an end, doesn’t mean your days on the open water have to. Take a short road trip to SC’s Olde English District for kayaking, fishing, floating, or boating through scenic waterways. Start planning your getaway.*
Cause
Ready, set, read. Help foster a lifelong love of reading by volunteering just 30 minutes a week to read with an elementary schooler through the United Way of the Midlands Reading Consortium. Learn more.*
Biz
At COLAtoday, we share hyper-local and need-to-know information about your Columbia faves. Now, it’s time for you to tell us the best biz in the city. Click on this form to start nominating in various categories.
Shop
At Warby Parker, every pair of glasses starts at $95. Pick your perfect pair and experience eye care that’s simple, convenient, and delightful.*
Finance
Finance
🚙 Are you getting the best rate in Columbia?
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Money.com’s car insurance comparison tool could save you up to 19%. | Photo via Shutterstock
There’s a lot we don’t know. But we do know that “15 minutes could save you 15% or more” by switching car insurance providers.
Why? This marketing campaign works because the numbers speak for themselves — and the claim is true.
Comparing car insurance really can save you 10% to 19% more money. And Money.com has an easy-to-use (and free) car insurance tool to help you find providers in Columbia. Check it out.
Swap this summer’s top trending beaded bags for something a little more seasonally appropriate: rich hues of leather + luxurious suede. These are our top five bags for fall:
👜 We’re calling it now: This softly-brushed, chocolate-hued suede purse will be the bag of the season.
👜 Lucky Brand’s full-grain leather mini tote features top handles and a removable crossbody strap for added versatility.
👜 Level up any autumn outfit with this elegant satchel bag that’s on sale for under $40.
👜 This stadium-approved clear handbag is the perfect game day accessory.
👜 Luxuriously soft handfeel and rugged durability are two standout features of this fun heart-shaped leather purse.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Dreher High School graduate Steve Ray Ladson made it all the way to the finals of “America’s Got Talent,” but fell just shy of winning it all on Wednesday night. He may not have taken the top prize, but his new song “Do the Rodeo” shot straight to the top of the iTunes country charts.
