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A message from our team
Calling all local podcasters and listeners. This month, 6AM City is launching the BizBrief, a weekly business newsletter in GVLtoday, RALtoday, and NASHtoday, with plans to expand to our other existing markets. We’ll share quick, essential local business news, events, and highlights, including relevant podcasts. Take this short survey to make sure your favorite local podcasts are on our radar.
⚡️ It’s in the game
Carolina Band brings Metallica’s name to life on the field at Williams-Brice Stadium during their winning halftime show. | Screenshot via The Carolina Band Youtube
Williams-Brice Stadium got a jolt of heavy metal at halftime last fall, and now that sound could land USC’s Carolina Band in college football’s biggest video game. The Mighty Sound of the Southeast was named the Division I grand-prize winner in Metallica’s national collegiate marching band competition, recognized for a halftime performance that brought the band’s music and logo to the field.
Their October set featured “Lux Aeterna,” “Enter Sandman” (arranged by grad assistant Ben Pouncey), and “Master of Puppets.” Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo announced the win on social media — Gamecock hat and all — selecting Carolina’s performance from dozens of entries.
The band now gets $50,000, new equipment, and the chance to record both a Metallica song and the “Campus Clash” theme for the upcoming EA Sports College Football video game. Both tracks will be released on Spotify, and EA Sports will send a crew to Cola this spring to capture the sessions.
USC Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky & Lutoslawski | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $8+ | USC Symphony Orchestra, led by Scott Weiss and Jordan Brooks with guest artist Ari Streisfeld, presents “Tchaikovsky & Lutoslawski,” featuring Lutoslawski’s Partita for violin and orchestra.*
Alarm Will Sound, a musical group featuring USC bassoon professor Michael Harley, won a GRAMMY for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance for “Dennehy: Land of Winter.” USC guitar professor Mak Grgić was also nominated in the same category.
Coming Soon
The Raccoon’s Den, a new home for “curious finds and community connection,” is set to open soon on Lincoln Street in the Vista. The variety store will offer everyday necessities, gifts, upcycled treasures, and to-go beer and wine — kicking off with a “Lover’s Disco” DJ night on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Number
1,371,977 — that’s the record number of passengers who flew through Columbia Metropolitan Airport last year, surpassing 2024’s record. October was the busiest month, and new service from Allegiant and Spirit helped fuel growth.
Sports
The official Olympics app is now available ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, which begin Friday, Feb. 6. The app will help you follow schedules, results, and medal counts.
Weather
Just a day after the Midlands’ rare snowy weekend, Punxsutawney Phil doubled down, spotting his shadow at dawn on Monday and predicting six more weeks of winter. Good news locally, clear skies and warmer temps are on the horizon, with highs expected in the 60s next week. (WLTX)
Read
Local educator Marina Bartolec has published “Squeaks,” a children’s book about a small black kitten who learns that being little doesn’t limit what you can do. She’ll host a book signing on Sunday, Feb. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 2nd Wave Coffee in Lexington.
Today Is
The midpoint of winter. We are exactly halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, meaning the days are getting longer, and the redbuds will be in full bloom soon. It’s also the perfect excuse to start planning your spring event calendar. (Farmer’s Almanac)
Shop
Meet the intimacy gummy: Camino Wild Cherry, the ultimate edible for date night. Heighten sensory experiences and ignite that special spark with a THC gummy that fits seamlessly into your Valentine’s Day plans — without the hangover or bloat of alcohol. Get 20% off a full-size tin with code 6AM20.†*
Learn
Landscaping pros are invited to a free event on Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hosted by Columbia Water and Richland County Stormwater, this collaborative workshop offers practical tips and insights for professionals. Registration is required — learn more + sign up.*
Because of the weather, the Five Points Winter Sidewalk Sale was postponed. The new date is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, so you’ve still got a chance to shop local deals, stroll the village neighborhood, and enjoy a sunny Saturday in Five Points.
The start of the month means First Thursday on Main, with shops open late and special events all around. Boyd Plaza will come alive Thursday, Feb. 5, with an all-styles dance tournament and live music from Sweetheart City. Be sure to stop by the Columbia Museum of Art to meet Dr. Bobby Donaldson and learn about the “Intersection on Main Street: African American Life in Columbia” exhibition.
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