Purple Martin Dinner Cruises: Spirit of Lake Murray

Thursday July 5, 2012 and Tuesday July 10, 2012

Step aboard the Spirit of Lake Murray, the lake's premier dinner yacht, and be treated to an excellent dinner including entree, sides, drink and dessert, as you sail around gorgeous Lake Murrary. When the sun begins to set, the boat will head for Bomb Island, so guests can watch the internationally known spectacle - jillions of purple martins coming in to roost for the night. Watch as the amazing clouds of birds swish and swoosh about the sky before settling into the trees. Bomb Island is home to the largest colony of purple martins in the world. Just $49 covers a 2 1/2 hour ride with dinner, soda and tea. For reservations, visit the Spirit of Lake Murray website.

Progressive Jazz: Columbia Museum of Art

Friday July 6, 2012

If you have been reading the Top 10 for any length of time, you surely have noticed that our Art Museum offers way more than visual art... they truly are becoming the "go to" place for avant-garde music, film, dance, craft, and more. This Friday, they'll host saxophonist Trevor Watts and pianist Veryan Weston, pioneers of Free Jazz who have influenced and developed the genre since the 1970s. This concert, part of the Baker & Baker Art of Music Series, Just $10; members $8. Visit the Columbia Museum of Art for ticket info.

Columbia Baroque Soloists:

Monday July 9, 2012

A wonderful variety of music plays Columbia this week, from Rick Springfield and the 80's rock sound, to performance jazz, to the Columbia Baroque Soloists presenting their Summer Institute Concert, Playing in the French Manner, on Monday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall at the University of South Carolina School of Music, 813 Assembly St. in Columbia. I have had folks email me that they loved discovering the Columbia Baroque Soloists through This Week's Top 10 - so if you haven't heard them yet, treat your ears to this unique presentation of French Baroque music. For tickets or info, visit the Columbia Baroque Soloists website.

Avenue Q: Trustus

Now - Saturday July 21, 2012

Winner of the TONY® “TRIPLE CROWN” for BEST MUSICAL, BEST SCORE and BEST BOOK, "Avenue Q" is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart. "Avenue Q" is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet sexpert), Lucy the Slut (need we say more?), and other colorful types who help PRINCETON finally discover his purpose in life! Featuring puppets created by The Columbia Marionette Theatre! "Avenue Q" will leave you rolling in the aisles with the most original experience in the Midlands this summer! Visit Trustus for more.

MUSIC & ARTS CAMP: Shandon United Methodist Church

Monday July 9- Friday 13 1:00-4:00 p.m.

For Rising 1st-6th Grades

Music Galore - Singing, rhythm instruments, Orff instruments, choir chimes, musical games.

Art: Trash to Treasure - Have fun turning recyclable materials into visual art pieces displayed in the Shandon art gallery (3rd-6th grade). Younger children will also enjoy a variety of art activities.. Refreshments & Recreation, too. $25 per child. To register or for more information, contact Debbie by July 3 at 256-8383 or drountree@shandon-umc.org Shandon United Methodist Church. 3407 Devine Street. www.shandon-umc.org