US Airways - June 2012 - (Page 91)

C Alternacirque ulturally curious? Columbia is awash with both traditional and contemporary programs in the visual arts, film, dance, music, and drama. — stage elegant and often edgy versions of classics like Swan Lake, as well as their own premieres. Music: The South Carolina Philharmonic’s unique programming — think jazz paired with Beethoven on the same bill — brings excitement to the classics, while the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other major concerts sell out the 18,000-seat Colonial Life Arena. At the recently renovated 3,099-seat Township Auditorium, artists like Tony Bennett regularly wow crowds. Theater: Columbia’s Town Theatre stages traditional productions in the country’s oldest continually operating community theater building. You’ll also find respected community theaters in Lexington and Chapin. For an off-off-Broadway vibe, head to the Vista district of downtown Columbia, where Trustus Theatre assures thought-provoking productions — and comfy recliner seating. Visual Arts: Although it owns a fine collection of European and American art, the Columbia Museum of Art also hosts major traveling exhibits. Next up: The Art of Seating, which In fact, the area offers more than 130 cultural organizations, with programs and exhibits ranging from avant-garde movies at Nickelodeon Theatre to tours of historic buildings at the Lexington County Museum. Andy Smith, the Nickelodeon’s executive director, is thrilled with Columbia’s progress as a cultural city. “There’s a lot of great energy here right now, particularly in the arts scene,” Smith says. “From the opening of 701 Center for Contemporary Art to the launching of bands like Toro y Moi and Washed Out to the Nickelodeon’s move to Main Street, Columbia is like a wave that’s just beginning to crest.” Here are a few noteworthy swells: Dance: The city’s multicultural mix shines in its 16 dance companies. Don’t miss the high-energy performances of Borenya West African Drum and Dance. And in the realm of the avant-garde, Alternacirque combines belly dancing with fire, acrobatics, and the occasional hula hoop. Too much? At the Ira and Nancy Koger Center for the Arts, two professional ballet companies — Columbia City Ballet and Columbia Classical Ballet will showcase 200 years of American chair design. For more modern tastes, 701 Center for Contemporary Art features contemporary exhibits and an artist-in-residence program. There are also a number of private galleries in the Vista, as well as at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, where works from local artists can be viewed at no charge. History: South Carolina’s Statehouse is a piece of living history; the six bronze stars on the outer walls mark direct hits during Civil War battles. For more Civil War memorabilia, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum in the South Carolina State Museum presents an array of impressive artifacts, including the original signed copy of the Ordinance of Secession. And at the Lexington County Museum and Historic Columbia Foundation, guides lead tours of antebellum homes. Kids: Columbia Children’s Theatre and Columbia Marionette Theatre stage imaginative productions. And kids can use their own imaginations to anchor news shows at the mock TV area in the EdVenture Children’s Museum. Other play areas include a blooming butterfly garden, as well as “Eddie,” a 40-foot-tall boy that teaches children how the body works by allowing them to climb inside and explore. eddie at edVenture usairwaysmag.com june 2012 91 http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - June 2012

US Airways - June 2012
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots
Hub Crawl
Adventure: Zip-line junkie
Adventure: Virginia’s Skyline Drive
Wine & Dine
Great Escapes
Gear Up
Behind-the-Scenes Baja
International Itinerary
Charlotte in 2012
Discover Columbia
Welcome to Philadelphia
Must Read
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace™
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - June 2012