Events

The Greater Columbia Obedience Club presents agility trials September 30–October 1 at the South Congaree Horse Arena. Free. 787-0375 or www.geoc.net

Greyhounds will participate in the Irmo Okra Strut Parade and Festival September 24 from 10 am–5 pm. Information about adoption will be available. 957-3866

Books, poetry, etc

The Richland County Public Library will host Drop It Like It’s Hot , a panel discussion exploring how hip hop evolved into a multi–billion dollar industry September 24 in the Bostick Auditorium of the Main Library. 929-3457

USC will host The SC Poetry Initiative September 23–24. For reservations, call 777-2230.

Children/Family

Columbia Children’s Theatre present Go, Dog. Go! September 23–October 1. $5. 641-4548 or www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com

Church/Charity

Wednesdays at Trinity are free concerts from 12:30 to 1 pm. Lunch is served afterwards for $5. wwwtrinity.org.

Skylite Boys, a southern gospel quartet from Laurinburg, NC, will join Christian Worship and Evangeline Center (9644 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016) for worship in song Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 11 am. 803-786-8787.

First Baptist Church invites all women to a ladies Bible study of the book of Matthew. Wednesday mornings from 9:15–11:15. Loving child care for infants and toddlers. 345-3322.

Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to area homebound seniors. Contact Meals on Wheels volunteer coordinator. 252-7743

Health

As part of awareness month, Light the Night, the Leukemia & Lymphona Society’s annual evening walk will be held September 29, 2005, at 6 pm at Saluda Shoals Park. 749-4299 or www.lightthenight.org

Katrina Relief Effort

Palmetto Center for the Arts will present Kickin’ Katrina to the Curb to raise money to help with the relief effort September 27 at 4;15 pm in the Richland School District Two Auditorium on the Richland Northeast High School Campus. Admission is by donation. Call 699-2800, ext. 2888

The Second Annual Junior League/USC Books–A–Rama will be September 24 prior to the USC vs Troy State Football Game. Bring new or gently used children’s books and school supplies for families who have come to Columbia in the wake of Katrina.

Music/Entertainment

Arts at Shandon present the opera Jack and the Bean Stalk at Shandon Presbyterian Church September 25 at 2 pm. The opera follows Shandon Creates and Collects, an exhibit of art work, artifacts, and memorabilia. Free.

The Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra is holding auditions for concert master, all string sections, clarinet and bassoon players. Rehearsals are Tuesday nights. Call Sylvia Howell, 359-4929.

The Fall Big Band Dance of the Capital Senior Center will be September 30 8 –11:30 pm on with Dick Goodwin’s Big Band as the entertainment. Cost is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Call 786-4884 for reservations.

The Columbia Harmonizers Chapter of the International Barbershop Harmony Society invites men of all ages to sing. Group meets Thursday evenings, 7:30 pm at Shandon United Methodist Church. 798-1538

Columbia College will host world class pianist Pawel Checinski September 30 in the Concert Hall of Spears Music/Art Center. The all Chopin program begins at 7:30 pm. Free. 786-3649

Museums

SC State Museum

On September 30, at 5:30 pm Camera Man’s Journey catalog editors Dr. Thomas Johnson and Nina Root will sign books and present talks about the life and work of Julian Dimock. A reception will follow.

Outdoors/Nature

Congaree National Park will present Owl Prowls October 14, 21, and 28. Free. Call 776-4396 two weeks in advance.

Theatre

Nickelodeon Theatre presents its 4th Annual Latin American Film Festival September 23–29. 254-8234

The SC Shakespeare Company presents Man of La Mancha at the F inlay Park Amphitheater September 23, 24, 28 –October 1 at 8 pm.

Workshop Theatre will kick off its film season with Drive , a film by a local filmmaker. October 14 with 7 pm and 9 pm shows. Opening night at the Workshop Theatre after party will include beer, wine, and food with live music from Lorrie Rivers, Josh Roberts and the Hinges, and Hot Lava Monster. No prior reservations will be taken.