Event Calendar

Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry St., Aiken.  This is a five-part, Friends of the Museum weekly lecture series.  1/19 & 1/26 - The first two components to this lecture series is presented by Owen Clary, Chairman of the Aiken Historical Commission.  He discusses the history of Aiken County, beginning with the early history and ending with the construction of the “Bomb Plant”.  2/2 – Walt Joseph of the SRS Heritage Museum will lecture on the history of the Savannah River Plant (Site), including its development and accomplishments.  2/9 – Del Hickey will speak on some places frequented by the Winter Colony (their cottages and clubs, location, description, history and architecture.  2/16 – Lynn Katonak will talk about some of the individuals who were a part of the Winter Colony.  The lecture series fee is $30 for non-members of the Friends of the Museum and $25 for current members.  Non-members will receive a one-year membership in the Friends.  Call 803-642-2015 for more information.

Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens St., Aiken.  An opening reception celebrating the Antiques in the Heart of Aiken event.  Tickets are $50 per person or $95 for 2 tickets and will include a weekend shoe pass.  For more information call 803-641-9094 or visit www.aikencenterforthearts.org.

Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens St, Aiken. The Antiques in the Heart of Aiken Show offers a unique opportunity to view and purchase fine antique furnishings presented by 23 specialized dealers from across the nation.  You can shop from a fine selection of American and European furniture, art, books, silver, porcelains, vintage linens, oriental rugs estate jewelry and much more.  Tickets are $8 per person for admission anytime during the event.  Tickets are sold at the door. Fri.-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. noon-5pm. For more information call 803-641-9094 or visit www.aikencenterforthearts.org.

'Shared History' at Redcliffe Plantation State Park, 181 Redcliffe Rd., Beech Island.  Redcliffe will screen a documentary on the families of Bamberg’s Woodlands Plantation, home of James Henry Hammond’s closest confidante William Gilmore Simms.  Quote from DVD: “While independently researching their families’ histories, three descendants of slaves and slave owners meet and uncover the mythologies about their old connection.  Shared History reveals their intimate encounters and conversations as they come together in South Carolina at Woodlands Plantation to explore the realities of their 200 year old relationship.”  FREE.  Call 803-827-1473 or visit www.SouthCarolinaParks.com for more information. 

Home Depot Parking Lot, Whiskey Rd., Aiken.  Enjoy all makes and models of cars and motorcycles.  803-648-4761.

Equestrian Training Sessions, Three Runs Plantation, 125 Three Runs Plantation Drive, Aiken. Trainings are open to the public; spectators are welcome and encouraged.  This is a great opportunity to see some of the US Equestrian Team elite riders and their horses in action.  Training sessions are for A&B listed riders. US Eventing Chef d'Equipe and Technical Advisor, Captain Mark Phillips will coach the series of training sessions with the help of Oded Shimoni and Katie Prudent. This session will have trainers Captain Phillips and Oded Shimoni.  Rain location is Black Forest Equestrian Center, 4343 Banks MIll Rd., Aiken.  Call 888-297-8881 or visit www.threerunsplantation.com for info and directions.

Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry St., Aiken.  This is a five-part, Friends of the Museum weekly lecture series.  1/19 & 1/26 - The first two components to this lecture series is presented by Owen Clary, Chairman of the Aiken Historical Commission.  He discusses the history of Aiken County, beginning with the early history and ending with the construction of the “Bomb Plant”.  2/2 – Walt Joseph of the SRS Heritage Museum will lecture on the history of the Savannah River Plant (Site), including its development and accomplishments.  2/9 – Del Hickey will speak on some places frequented by the Winter Colony (their cottages and clubs, location, description, history and architecture.  2/16 – Lynn Katonak will talk about some of the individuals who were a part of the Winter Colony.  The lecture series fee is $30 for non-members of the Friends of the Museum and $25 for current members.  Non-members will receive a one-year membership in the Friends.  Call 803-642-2015 for more information.

Oswald Distinguished Writers Series presents a Public Reading by Novelist Elise Blackwell at the Etherredge Center Main Stage, 471 University Pkwy, Aiken. Admission is free. Seating is first come, first served.  For more information contact Dr. Tom Mack at the Univ. of SC Aiken at 803-641-3479 or visit www.usca.edu/english/oswald.asp.

'Hot 8 Brass Band' performs at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St., Aiken. New Orleans' own group has epitomized New Orleans street music.  Charming audiences throughout the world, they coax special sounds from their well-loved, well-worn horns.  Our concert is a great way to get into Mardi Gras the week before the celebration.  For more information call 803-643-4774 or visit www.aikenperformingartsgroup.org.

'An Evening of Champagne, Desserts and Love Songs' at the Etherredge Center at USCA, 471 University Pkwy., Aiken.  A Valentine's Event with lighter music performed by Masterworks Chorale and Friends.  Champagne and desserts included.  Attendance by reservation only.  This event sells out - so make your reservation early! Call 803-643-7031 or email lorraineelizabethray@msn.com.

Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry St., Aiken.  This is a five-part, Friends of the Museum weekly lecture series.  1/19 & 1/26 - The first two components to this lecture series is presented by Owen Clary, Chairman of the Aiken Historical Commission.  He discusses the history of Aiken County, beginning with the early history and ending with the construction of the “Bomb Plant”.  2/2 – Walt Joseph of the SRS Heritage Museum will lecture on the history of the Savannah River Plant (Site), including its development and accomplishments.  2/9 – Del Hickey will speak on some places frequented by the Winter Colony (their cottages and clubs, location, description, history and architecture.  2/16 – Lynn Katonak will talk about some of the individuals who were a part of the Winter Colony.  The lecture series fee is $30 for non-members of the Friends of the Museum and $25 for current members.  Non-members will receive a one-year membership in the Friends.  Call 803-642-2015 for more information.

Black Box Coffee House entertains at the Bechtel Experimental Theatre at the Wahington Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St. The group presents short plays, musical entertainment, special guests, refreshments and 'open mic time'.  Tickets are $10.  For more information call 803-648-1438 or visit www.aikencommunityplayouse.org.

Battle of Aiken at Confederate Park, Powell Pond Rd., Aiken.  Carolina’s Largest Outdoor Drama.  1000 soldiers, 100 cavalry, 20 cannons will reenact the Battle of Aiken, which occurred Feb. 11-12, 1865, and depicts the last victory of the Confederacy.  Programs, tours, seminars all day; battle is 2pm each day.  Suggest arriving by 10am for the day’s events.

'African-American Experience' at Redcliffe Plantation State Park, 181 Redcliffe Rd., Beech Island.  Explore the multi-family, multi-generational history of the African-American families of the Redcliffe, Cathwood, Cowden and Silver Bluff Plantations.  Program topics vary, call for details.  Fee - $6 per adult, $4 per child 6-16, $3.50 per SC senior.  Call 803-827-1473 or visit www.SouthCarolinaParks.com for more information. 

'Meet Me In St. Louis' performed by the Aiken Community Playhouse at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St., Aiken.  Enjoy this classic play of a St. Louis family and the excitment of the World's Fair.  All Fri./Sat. shows at 8pm; all Sun. shows at 3pm.  For more information and ticket prices call 803-648-1438, email info@aikencommunityplayhouse.com or visit the website at www.aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

Last Saturday in the Park, Living History Park, 299 W. Spring Grove Ave., North Augusta.  Living History Demonstrations (weather permitting) each last Saturday.  Events are free.  Visit www.colonialtimes.us for an up-to-date schedule of these events.