City of Spartanburg

Duke Energy Planned Power Outage

2010-07-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

DUKE ENERGY PLANNED POWER OUTAGE

Duke Energy has announced residents of portions of the City will experience a scheduled temporary power outage beginning at midnight on Saturday, July 10. The outage is necessary in order to repair the substation located off of Fairview Avenue.

Areas affected by this outage include Converse Heights, Beaumont and Fairview Avenue. Residents will be notified individually by either mail or via phone message from Duke Energy. Traffic signals located at intersections on Pine Street will also be affected by this outage.
The repair is expected to take approximately three hours at which time power will be restored.

For additional information, please contact Thomas Burgess, Duke Energy at 864-706-2062.

Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport Groundbreaking Takes Place Today

2010-05-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

A groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate improvements to the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 5 at the airport located at 500 Ammons Road.

Improvements include renovation and expansion of the terminal building, parking and landscape improvements, and the construction of two T hangars.

The City is very appreciative of the support of its partners that include Spartanburg County, the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission and Carolina First Community Development Corporation.

Community leaders making remarks at the groundbreaking include Mayor Junie White; Honorable Michael Brown, District 1 County Councilmember; Honorable Joe Spigner, District 1 City Councilmember; City Manager Ed Memmott, and Airport Director Darwin Simpson.

For additional information please contact Darwin Simpson, Airport Director at 864-595-2700 or dsimpson@cityofspartanburg.org.

iRecycle and Win! Contest Winners Announced this Friday.

2010-04-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

iRECYCLE AND WIN! CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The City of Spartanburg, Coca-Cola of Spartanburg and BI-LO would like to invite the press to join us as we present gift cards to winners of the iRecycle and Win! Contest.

Speakers include Bill Thompson, Manager, Solid Waste Division for the City of Spartanburg; Tony Price, Sales Center Manager, Coca-Cola of Spartanburg; and John Crocker, Store Director, BI-LO.

Press Conference
Friday, April 30, 2010
11:00 a.m.

BI-LO
140 Fernwood Drive
Spartanburg, SC 29307

For more information contact Sonya Culbreth, City of Spartanburg, at 864-596-2020 or sculbreth@cityofspartanburg.org.

The Public is invited to vote for their favorite ArtCycle Artist

2010-04-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

Public is invited to vote for their favorite ArtCycle Artist

The City of Spartanburg will kick-off the “People’s Choice Award” contest for the public as they view the five ArtCycle sculptures beginning Thursday, April 15th, during ArtWalk in downtown Spartanburg. A unique aspect to ArtCycle is the guide by cell program, a free audio tour that participants can call in and learn more about each sculpture at their own pace. This program will also launch on April 15, 2010. The contest will end at the close of the September ArtWalk on September 16, 2010.

As part of the Spartanburg Creative Energy campaign, Artcycle is a new initiative that promotes regional artists, each of whom has been commissioned to build an outdoor sculpture from recycled bicycle parts. The sculptures need not be made only of bicycle parts, nor need they be made of a specific percentage of bicycle parts. However, the sculptures must be made of enough bicycle parts that the viewer readily sees that a significant portion of each sculpture contain parts that were formerly from of a bicycle.

The sculptures will be on display in Spartanburg’s downtown area from April to September of this year. The project is the result of a collaboration between Spartanburg Creative Energy, HUB-BUB and Partners for Active Living. Artcycle celebrates the City's national designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community, which made it the first in South Carolina to receive that honor in 2007.

2010 ArtCycle Artist
Adam Campbell - Spartanburg, SC
Sterling Kenny and Carré Razzano – Woodruff, SC
Lauren Ponder -Spartanburg, SC
Cody Roberts – Spartanburg, SC
Daniel and Mikki Tripp- Campobello, SC

For more information, please visit: http://www.spartanburgcreativeenergy.com or contact Amanda Mathis, Economic Development Coordinator at 864-596-3068 or amathis@cityofspartanburg.org.

City of Spartanburg partners with CollegeTown Service Initiative

2010-04-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

THE CITY OF SPARTANBURG PARTNERS WITH COLLEGE TOWN
SERVICE INITIATIVE

College Town Service Initiative (CSI) provides opportunities for college students all over Spartanburg County to become involved and connected with the community around them through volunteer projects.

In partnership with the City of Spartanburg, and coinciding with Christmas in Action on April 10th, CSI will begin with a breakfast at The Hangar at First Baptist, following with a short program educating the students on the projects for the day. They will be installing Born Learning trails in three neighborhood parks, which will encourage parent-child interaction with signs that encourage singing, playing, and learning.

In partnership with the City of Spartanburg, CSI will also work on various neighborhood clean ups and graffiti painting removal, as well as other landscaping and maintenance projects throughout the City.

College Town Coordinator, Rogers Brandt states, “It is our hope that this day of service will help students feel more invested in their college community, which is their home for their college education and beyond.”

Zumba Fitness tonight at the new C.C. Woodson Community Center

2010-04-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

ZUMBA® Fitness @ C.C. Woodson Community Center
210 Bomar Avenue
Spartanburg, SC 29301
(864)596-3710

Mondays & Thursdays 6 - 7pm

Spartanburg City Council to participate in Citizen Spartanburg forum tonight.

2010-04-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Spartanburg City Council 2010

Spartanburg City Council will be participating tonight in an informal forum sponsored by the Citizen Spartanburg group at 6:00 p.m. at The Showroom at Hub-Bub located at 149 South Daniel Morgan Avenue. Each City Council member will speak briefly about, “why citizen participation is important to them, what inspires them to serve our community, and how we, as citizens, can help them make Spartanburg the best it can be.”

Please address any questions you have to Tammy Stokes

[tdreamweaver@hotmail.com] or 582-1817.

City of Spartanburg partners with Christmas In Action

2010-04-05T09:07:00.001-07:00

CITY OF SPARTANBURG PARTNERS WITH CHRISTMAS IN ACTION

Christmas In Action Spartanburg is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that, in partnership with the community, repairs homes of low-income elderly, and/or disabled homeowners. Approximately 525 homes throughout Spartanburg City and County have benefited from this semi-annual “Rebuilding Day” over the last 13 years.

On Saturday, April 10, from early morning until the work is finished, over 600 volunteers will gather to rehabilitate 24 homes located throughout the City in areas such as Hampton Heights, Beaumont Mills and in the Southside. Most work teams are formed by local businesses, churches and the City of Spartanburg. Chores vary from home to home depending upon the need, and can range from exterior painting to complete roof repair.

Wes Corrothers, the City’s Neighborhood Services Director states, “The City of Spartanburg is proud to be able to partially fund the administrative expenses and materials through funding from our Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). This worthwhile investment to the silent part of our community helps to improve the quality of life in their older years.”

Volunteers will meet at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast at First Baptist Spartanburg. They will then move on to their assigned job sites to begin repairs by 8:00 a.m. Volunteers will prepare lunch at First Baptist Spartanburg which will be delivered to the individual job sites.

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with Christmas in Action, please contact Andrew Hoyer-Booth at 576-7101.

Jazz on the Square starts tonight!

2010-04-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

OUTDOOR EVENTS SEASON IS BACK!
JAZZ ON THE SQUARE SET TO BEGIN IN APRIL

The City of Spartanburg and presenting sponsor QS/1 will once again be bringing live Jazz music to downtown Spartanburg when the 2010 season of Jazz on the Square begins in April. The series is returning to Morgan Square for its fifth season and will be held every Friday in April and May and then again in September and October. Concerts are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“Fans can bring a blanket or chair and listen to some fantastic jazz music,” said Coordinator Jane Warner. “Several brand new jazz groups will be performing this year – including Capital Jazz, who will be kicking off our season on April 2.” Other groups scheduled to perform include Blue Chip Jazz, Dirty Martini, Calvin Edwards Trio, and the Firecracker Jazz Band.

The open venue and free admission provides the entire community an opportunity to enjoy Spartanburg’s beautiful surroundings while listening to great musicians. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are available for purchase at the event.

Jazz on the Square is produced and coordinated by the City of Spartanburg’s Special Events Office. Event goers can check the Special Events Hotline number at 864-596-3613 for updated information and any cancellations because of inclement weather.

The City is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to minors or intoxicated persons. Anyone wishing to consume an alcoholic beverage must show a valid ID and wear a wristband. Guests of Jazz on the Square are asked to leave pets and coolers at home.

Music On Main set to begin in April

2010-03-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

OUTDOOR EVENTS SEASON IS BACK!
MUSIC ON MAIN SET TO BEGIN IN APRIL

Beginning April 1, Music on Main will be held every Thursday in April through August from 6 to 9 pm on Main Street and Denny’s Plaza. This popular after-work social gathering is celebrating its 17th year. A wide variety of bands perform each week at Music on Main, ranging from blues to rock and roll. A different beach music band will take the stage on the first Thursday of each month. “Spartanburg has tons of shaggers and they can’t wait to get outside and shuffle their feet!” said Special Events Manager Mandy Merck. Several band favorites will be performing again this year like Grand Strand, Coconut Groove, The Enforcers, Blind Vision, The Consumers, and Rock and Roll Reunion. Some brand new bands will be testing the waters at MOM this year, including Calm and Collective (reggae), Outshyne (country), and King Bees (Blues & Swing).

“We’re very excited to bring Cravin’ Melon back to Music on Main this year as well,” said Merck. “We expect three generations of melonheads to show up for this huge show on June 17.” There should be music to suit everyone’s taste.

Not only does Music on Main provide entertainment for the local community, it also serves as an excellent fund-raising opportunity for Spartanburg’s civic organizations. Club members serve as volunteers at Music on Main concerts and then receive a percentage of the sales to support their charities. Since the inception of Music on Main, over $200,000 has been contributed to local civic organizations in the Spartanburg community.

Music on Main is a free event. Food, shaved ice, soft drinks, bottled water, and beer are available for purchase.

Music on Main is presented by AT&T and is also sponsored by the Herald Journal, Denny’s, Budweiser, Coca Cola of Spartanburg, and WROQ - Rock 101. City events are produced and coordinated by the City of Spartanburg’s Special Events Office. Event goers can check the Special Events Hotline number at 864-596-3613 for updated information and any cancellations due to inclement weather.

The City is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to minors or intoxicated persons. Anyone wishing to consume an alcoholic beverage must show a valid ID and wear a wristband. All guests of Music on Main and Jazz on the Square are asked to leave pets and coolers at home.

City of Spartanburg Partners With Upstate Parent Magazine to host Camp and Education Fair

2010-03-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

City of Spartanburg Partners With Upstate Parent Magazine to host Camp and Education Fair

The City of Spartanburg, in partnership with Upstate Parent Magazine will host a camp and education fair on Sunday, March 21st from 1:00-4:30 p.m. at the new C.C. Woodson Community Center located at 210 Bomar Avenue.

Parents will have an opportunity to meet camp councilors, talk to the camp directors, and familiarize themselves with the various camps Spartanburg County has to offer. If parents are looking for a new preschool for their toddler or a new school for their school aged kids, come see what educational opportunities are available in our area. This event is free and open to the public.

For additional information, please contact Joleen Whelchel at 864-346-4873 or if would like information regarding C.C. Woodson, contact Brian Wofford, City of Spartanburg’s Parks & Recreation Superintendant at 864-562-4059.

City of Spartanburg Announces C.C. Woodson Community Center Grand Opening

2010-03-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

City of Spartanburg Announces C.C. Woodson Community Center Grand Opening

The grand opening celebration for the new C.C. Woodson Community Center located at 210 Bomar Avenue will take place on Saturday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m.

The new 27,000 sq. ft. building will offer a variety of services and activities for people of all ages and interests. Features will include a Community Room for group meetings, Learning Center, Senior Lounge, Teen Center, Health & Wellness Room and a 14,000 square foot gymnasium. A new pool and regulation-size football field is currently under construction.

The City is very appreciative of the generous support of its partners that include the Mary Black Foundation, City of Spartanburg Development Corporation, Department of Housing and Urban Development, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Spartanburg Housing Authority and SunTrust Bank.

Community leaders making remarks at the grand opening include Mayor Junie White, Councilmember Robert Reeder, State Representative Harold Mitchell, Phillip Belcher with the Mary Black Foundation and Harry Byrd with Spartanburg Housing Authority. The public is invited to attend the program and reception immediately following.

For additional information please contact Brian Wofford, Parks & Recreation Superintendant @ 864-562-4059.

Downtown Pep Rally Scheduled for March 15

2010-03-12T15:14:00.001-08:00

Celebrate the Wofford Terrier basketball team’s Southern Conference championship and NCAA Tournament on Monday, March 15 from 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. with a free event in the heart of downtown Spartanburg! The public is invited to send the Terriers off to March Madness in style.

“We are proud of these young men. As they go off to battle the Goliaths of college sports, we want the world to know that Spartanburg is behind them 100 percent,” said Mayor Junie White.

“Meet the Terriers” is a two-hour family event that will feature an autograph session with the entire Wofford team, brief comments from Coach Young and City of Spartanburg leaders. Music will be provided by the Wofford Thundering Terriers Pep Band/Jazz Ensemble and fans will have the chance to watch highlights from the championship on a big screen!

Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy interactives such as the Terrier Tumbler moonbounce and shoot hoops on goals set up adjacent to Morgan Square. Ben Wofford Books will also have a display selling Wofford merchandise. (SoCon pending)

“The success of our basketball team not only brings great recognition to Wofford College, but certainly the City of Spartanburg and our entire community. We look forward to giving our fans this opportunity to meet the team and celebrate this historic event,” said assistant athletic director for marketing and promotions Lenny Mathis. “We are grateful to the City for making this type of event possible for the community.”

For additional information please contact Mandy Merck, City of Spartanburg, Special Events Manager, 864.562.4195, mmerck@cityofspartanburg.org.

Thanks for a great 2 years!

2010-03-12T07:08:00.000-08:00

Our Creative Energy campaign celebrates its’ second birthday tomorrow, March 13th and here is a video of our launch back in 2008. We look forward to celebrating more creative events, places and people over the next year and thank you – the community –for your continuous support of our program.

West Main Artists Cooperative awakening creativity in downtown Spartanburg

2010-02-24T13:22:00.000-08:00

West Main Artists Cooperative awakening creativity in downtown Spartanburg

The local non-profit art collective known as the West Main Artists Cooperative announces to the community their grand opening. The first day of spring, this years renewing vernal equinox, yields the groups largest show to date. The function takes place on March 20, 5pm to 9pm and will sure to be one of the biggest highlights of the new year in downtown Spartanburg. The co-op is located at 578 West Main Street, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301. The affair will definitely add to the revitalization of the local social scene and help pull the community together by working with other art factions for future events. The idea is to make every sector of the community realize the importance of fine art and the educational potential behind it. A new momentum for art is being created in Spartanburg and that environment needs to rival that of Asheville, Greenville, Charlotte, and Columbia. Live music, food, and refreshments will be available.

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The co-op has come a long way from its conception. Formally the West Main Baptist Church, renovations and artist sweat equity transformed the empty and nearly forgotten landmark into a showcase of artists for the state to see. Howard Solomon purchased the church last year with the great notion of providing affordable workspaces for local artists; this is not the only attribute found at the WMAC by any means. Many artists are realizing that with such a diverse group around all of the time, the progression of the individual’s work never stops. This is constantly forming a catalyst that drives each person to question his or her art and where it is going. The WMAC is the only art co-op in Spartanburg County and art is everywhere in this 20,000 square foot building. The exhibition, workshops, performance and educational spaces, along with artist’s studios subsist in the creation of something that Spartanburg has never seen, a one of a kind facility that houses like-minded individuals that share a common consciousness.

Future community projects are endless, not just to make the public aware of the co-op, but to strengthen the city by participation. This organization echoes the art endeavors of the Spartanburg Art Museum, the Spartanburg Artists Guild, Hub Bub and all other downtown art galleries. As more people get involved with downtown and the renewing of the surroundings, the sense of pride increases, and that is positive growth. The West Main Artists Cooperative is linked with the University of South Carolina Upstate, Converse, and Wofford. A student from each college occupies a studio and places work in the shows. Each school reserves and funds a spot for one term per scholar who excels in the arts. They create art in a professional atmosphere and experience new techniques, ideas, and vital work ethics to succeed in the world around them. This is part of the co-op’s Education Outreach Program, which is overseen by Teresa Prater and other professors from the universities.

The new season brings fine art on all levels to the West Main Artists Cooperative and the city of Spartanburg. Over thirty artists of all disciplines such as painting, writing, printmaking, ceramics, music, future theatre and performance art, photography, graphic arts and jewelry will be present for the grand opening. The WMAC invites the public to join the celebration of Spartanburg’s largest art show. The studios will be open for a meet and greet so visitors can learn more about the people that produced the art in the four galleries and surrounding areas. Live music will fill the east and west wings, as well as the galleries and printmaking and ceramic departments. Catering will be provided to accompany the classical sounds of spring. Not to be missed is Al Hofmann, a glass artist, as he lights up the night sky on the patio. Be a part of the crowd as he demonstrates this craft and explains his methods of firing glass. This art exhibition has everything for everyone. Mark your calendars now and participate in an event that Spartanburg will be raving over for the rest of the year.

This event is funded in part by The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg, its donors, the County and the City of Spartanburg and the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment of the Arts and the John and Susan Bennett Memorial Arts Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of SC.

City Moving Forward With Airport Improvements

2010-02-22T07:00:00.001-08:00

City Moving Forward With Airport Improvements

After considering various redevelopment and funding options over the past several years, the City of Spartanburg has entered into a $3.8 million financing agreement with Carolina First Community Development Corporation for improvements at the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport.

Improvements will include renovation and expansion of the terminal building, parking and landscape improvements, and the construction of two T hangars.

The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission is providing $500,000 to complete project funding.

Airport Director Darwin Simpson said groundbreaking should begin in May. “The Airport is a critical part of this community’s economic engine. These improvements will position the Airport for continued future growth and continue to serve the general and corporate aviation needs in Spartanburg".

For additional information please contact Darwin Simpson, Airport Director at 574-8552.

2010 Spartanburg Visitors Guide Available Today!

2010-02-18T10:38:00.000-08:00

2010 Spartanburg Visitors Guide Available
Highlights County Accommodations, Attractions and Restaurants

The newest edition of the highly-anticipated Spartanburg Visitors’ Guide is now available to travelers planning to visit the Upcountry region.

The 2010 edition features Spartanburg restaurants, accommodations, shopping, attractions, annual events, cultural venues, and includes a pull-out map with several points of interest in the county and city of Spartanburg. The Visitors’ Guide is the official tourism guide to Spartanburg County. This is now an annual publication with 50,000 copies printed, and is distributed to all nine official South Carolina Welcome Centers, at the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, and at AAA offices throughout North and South Carolina, and Georgia.

“The Visitors’ Guide received rave reviews from the traveling public and our industry,” said Chris Jennings, Executive Director of the CVB. “This is a real Spartanburg product,” he said. “It had a local designer; photography was selected through local contest, and it was printed in Spartanburg-- we’re proud of our local partnerships.”

Dan Freeland General Manager of the Spartanburg Marriott at Renaissance Park, and chairman of the CVB Steering Committee also commended CVB staff members Amy Phillips and Lauren Ponder for their extraordinary work in producing the publication.

“On behalf of our Steering Committee,” he said, “I also want to thank the City Council of Spartanburg for helping to produce it with a grant from Accommodations Tax funds—it’s another great example of public-private partnerships.”

The Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is hosting an event for the tourism industry on February 18 at Brasserie Ecosse restaurant on Daniel Morgan Avenue, to showcase the 2010 edition. Bulk quantities will be available to hotels, attractions and other tourism venues in the county.

The guide will also be distributed at trade shows and conferences attended by the CVB, convention and meeting attendees, sporting events in Spartanburg, and all hotels in the region. Additionally, it is sent to all visitor requests received from phone, the tourism website (www.VisitSpartanburg.com), and walk-ins to the Visitor Center at the Chamber of Commerce.

Please be sure to pick up your copy at the CVB’s office, located at 105 North Pine Street and “Be A Tourist In Your Own Town” -- support Spartanburg County’s local restaurants, attractions, artists and musicians.

ABOUT SPARTANBURG CVB:

The Spartanburg Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Located in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the region is known for its beauty, quality of life and friendly people. Spartanburg is conveniently located at the junction of Interstates 26 and 85, making it easily accessible from Columbia, SC, Atlanta, GA, Asheville and Charlotte, NC.

For more information, call (800) 374-8326 or bookmark our website: www.VisitSpartanburg.com

Applications for Spring Fling 2010

2010-02-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING FLING 2010 BEING ACCEPTED

Plans are underway for the annual Spring Fling in downtown Spartanburg, scheduled for April 30 - May 2. This year’s festivities will include live music, an exciting Family Fun Zone with hands-on activities and stage performances, lots of taste-tempting foods, an arts and crafts marketplace, a professional bicycle race, and antique car show, and many other special events.

Organizers are currently accepting applications for arts and crafts exhibitors, community showcase (non-profits) booths, and commercial vendors. Please note that all food and beverage concessionaire spots are already filled. Those interested in participating in the festival can download an application from the Spring Fling website at www.spartanburgspringfling.com or by calling the City’s Parks, Recreation and Special Events Office at 864-596-3105. Applications will be accepted through March 12.

Spring Fling is a tremendous undertaking and can only happen by having tons of volunteers willing to help out. Over 300 volunteers are needed for the three-day event. If you are interested in volunteering with the festival, contact Darryl Goodwin at dgoodwin@cityofspartanburg.org.

2nd annual Artcycle event planned for downtown Spartanburg

2010-02-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

The City of Spartanburg invites area artists to submit an application for Artcycle, an art project, scheduled for April 2010 in downtown Spartanburg. Regional artists will utilize recycled bicycle parts and the display is planned for April-September in Spartanburg’s downtown area. Artcycle is seeking artists to create outdoor sculptures that are made from a substantial amount of recycled bicycle parts. The sculptures need not be made only of bicycle parts, nor need they be made of a specific percentage of bicycle parts. However, the sculptures must be made of enough bicycle parts that the viewer readily sees that a significant portion of each sculpture contain parts that were formerly from of a bicycle. Artcycle will feature ten artists and is part of the City of Spartanburg’s Creative Energy campaign with the partnership of HUB-BUB, the Spartanburg Art Museum and Partners for Active Living.

Applications can be found on the Spartanburg Creative Energy website at www.spartanburgcreativeenergy.com and they are due to the City of Spartanburg by March 1, 2010. The winning artist will be revealed at the Spartanburg Artwalk event on April 15, 2010.
For additional information please contact Amanda Mathis, Economic Development, at 864-596-3068 or amathis@cityofspartanburg.org.

The West Main Artists Cooperative

2009-12-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

The West Main Artists Cooperative is a non-profit initiative that houses thirty-five artists. Howard Solomon purchased the 20,000 square foot West Main Baptist church a few months back with the notion of giving artists an affordable place to work, providing a diverse group to learn from and forming a catalyst which would both pull the Spartanburg community together with fine art and help revitalize the downtown area. All aspect of the arts is produced here: painting, drawing, printmaking, graphic design, writing, music, performing arts are in the works, ceramics, jewelry making, and creative thinking in general. Plenty of exhibition space is here to hang, view, and sell work.

This new group cannot wait to work with other local art groups for future projects that will push Spartanburg into that huge art scene like Greenville, Asheville, Columbia and Charlotte have. Great ideas for community functions that focus on the fine arts are on the table now! Never before has Spartanburg had such a diverse collection of artists in one spot. This is a place where people can learn from others and apply that knowledge to her/his work. Each will push another to a new level of clarity that will expand their art. Growth as an artist from a collective seems to be the theme here. Over all, it is a new foundation of creativity where individuals become stronger through their peers.
The artists come from all over the county to unite the town during hard economic times, proving the upstate will rise and usher in a new sense of place for artists to work for years to come.

The co-op has the Main Street Trolley for three months, so getting here will not be a problem during each and every Art Walk.

The Cooperative hopes to see as many new faces as they will the old on December 17th for their first Art Walk. Come explore all mediums of art at 578 West Main Street.

Police, Victim Advocates and Wal-Mart Provide Christmas Gifts for Children

2009-12-11T07:02:00.001-08:00

Police, Victim Advocates and Wal-Mart Provide Christmas Gifts for Children

The Spartanburg Public Safety Department; Office of Victim Assistance, Wal-Mart Super Centers, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, United Way of the Piedmont, Weed & Seed, Integral Solutions, 911 Communications, FRED’S, Converse Fire Department, The Church of Latter Day Saints – Spartanburg First Ward and area High Schools have teamed up to sponsor “Shop with a Cop”. Officers and Victim Advocates will kick off this year’s event for the first time at the Dorman Centre Wal-Mart Super Center on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 10:00am. The event will then make its’ annual occurrence on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at Wal-Mart Super Center at 2151 E. Main St. in Spartanburg at 10:00am and the Wal-Mart Super Center at 4000 Hwy 9 in Boiling Springs at 2:00pm to give children an opportunity to fulfill their Christmas wishes. The event will begin with a meeting with Santa Claus and then the children are paired with an officer who will assist them with their Christmas shopping for that special gift.

The children benefiting from this event may not otherwise experience the joy of Christmas from a child’s perspective. Needy children from the Spartanburg area, as well as children who are victim/survivors of crime, have been invited to participate in this year’s “Shop with a Cop”. Spartanburg Public Safety Department Victim Advocate, Marla Drummond states that, “We are grateful for the opportunity to provide our community’s youngest citizens a memorable holiday experience that truly exhibits the sincere caring of the Spartanburg community".

ROAD CLOSINGS FOR DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS

2009-12-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

ROAD CLOSINGS FOR DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS

The 16th annual A Dickens of a Christmas is planned for Tuesday, December 1 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in downtown Spartanburg. Due to the event the following streets will be closed starting at 3 p.m.

• Converse Street from Dunbar Street to Broad Street
• Main Street from Converse Street to Spring Street
• Magnolia Street at the Magnolia Parking Garage to Dunbar Street
• Wall Street from Main Street to Broad Street
• Broad Street from Church Street to Converse Street

The following will close at 5 p.m.
• Church Street from St. John Street to Broad Street

The Victorian-era celebration complete with horse drawn carriage rides, roasted chestnuts, hand bell choirs, ballet dancers, characters from the Charles Dickens novel, living windows, holiday choirs, and the magical Denny’s Tree Lighting Ceremony has drawn tens of thousands of attendees for the last 15 years. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 8:00 p.m. with a community sing-along of favorite Christmas songs, led by the Spartanburg Community Band, University of South Carolina Upstate Gospel Choir and Park Hills Elementary School Chorus.

To learn more details about the celebration visit http://www.spartanburgdickens.org/

Feed the Community - This Thursday!

2009-11-23T11:16:00.000-08:00

Feed the Community -
This Thursday!

For the 22nd year, Spartanburg County community organizations and individuals are joining together in a Feed the Community effort to ensure everyone who is hungry enjoys a hearty meal on Thanksgiving Day. Last year, approximately 6,000 meals were served. This year’s number is expected to increase.

Meals will be served on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26 at the Second Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. In addition, meals will be delivered to those who do not have transportation, or prefer to eat at home, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Preparation is provided by volunteers from area churches and ministries within Spartanburg County.

Volunteers Needed
• Licensed drivers are needed to deliver food, using their own vehicles, on Thanksgiving morning.
• Volunteers are also needed to help prepare and serve food.
• Volunteers should call 582-7556.
Donations Needed
• Anyone wishing to make a donation is asked to send a tax-deductible check, or money order, made payable to South Carolina Christian Foundation. The address is P.O. Box 2397, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Please indicate that it is for Feed The Community.
• Call 949-5800 for additional information.
Family/Individual Delivery Orders
• Requests for delivered meals are to be placed in advance by calling WSPA 888-777-7556 Monday – Wednesday, November 23 – 25, 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Transportation
• Although SPARTA buses do not normally run on Thanksgiving Day, the City has authorized a special schedule to help bring guests to Second Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen. For a schedule, please call General Manager, Marc Keenan @ 595-2710.

For additional information, contact Rev. Paul McKee at 641-5140 or Tina Nichols at 590-5022.

City of Spartanburg to celebrate Arbor Day

2009-11-18T13:58:00.001-08:00

City of Spartanburg to celebrate Arbor Day

In celebration of Arbor Day, the community is invited to join Mayor Bill Barnet, III, Chris Thompson of Land Art Design Group and Holly Welch of South Carolina Forestry Department, in the planting of a Bigleaf Magnolia and a Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress. The Bigleaf Magnolia is donated by the Spartanburg Community College Horticulture Department and the Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress donated by the City of Spartanburg. These trees fit noted horticulturalist and author Michael Dirr’s definition of Noble Tree because they are both “manifest and magnificent in stature.”

Rain or shine, the event takes place on December 4, 10:00-10:30 a.m., at Happy Hollow Park in the Converse Heights Neighborhood.

Although nationally observed on the last Friday in April, Arbor Day traditionally falls on the first Friday of December in South Carolina because it’s the best time to locally plant trees. Spartanburg takes pride in the fact that this is the 28th year it has been designated by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City. A city must meet four standards of excellence in the area of tree management in order to qualify for this designation. Details can be found at www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/standards.cfm.

For more details, contact Joshua Henderson, City Planner, at 864-596-2069 or jhenderson@cityofspartanburg.org.

Special Thanksgiving Farmers' Market Planned

2009-11-11T08:45:00.000-08:00

The Hub City Farmers’ Market is hosting a special pre-Thanksgiving market on November 20, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m. The market is located on Morgan Square in downtown Spartanburg; the market will included locally grown vegetables, turnips, turnip greens and sweet potatoes as well as free-range turkeys and other meats.

Cornbread to Caviar’s executive chef, Bill McClellan, will perform a cooking demonstration of a Thanksgiving dish with products from the market.

Local artists and food vendors will be on location to sell goods for holiday shoppers and Little River Roasting Co. will sell coffee by the cup.

CITY OF SPARTANBURG INCREASES GREEN FOOT PRINT

2009-11-10T13:52:00.001-08:00

CITY OF SPARTANBURG INCREASES GREEN FOOT PRINT

Beginning December 7, 2009 the City of Spartanburg’s Solid Waste department will introduce improvements to its current recycling program.

Large 96 gallon roll carts will replace the current 16 gallon bins. Recycling pickup will go from a weekly pick up to a twice a month pick up. The new carts will be delivered beginning November 17th with all carts delivered by November 30th. This new procedure increases individual residence recycling pick up from 16 gallons/weekly to 192 gallons/monthly.

All paper products and empty metal cans will be accepted in your recycling cart for pick up. Glass should be taken to Spartanburg County Convenience Centers.

A City representative will attend Neighborhood Association meetings to educate and to answer any questions residents may have.

For additional information, please contact Bill Thompson, Solid Waste Manager @ 864-562-2931.

Tomorrow in downtown!

2009-10-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

The Business and Professional Women organization is sponsoring an "After Hours Shopping Extravaganza" for downtown Spartanburg. The group invites the public to shop

at women owned business tomorrow, October 27, 2009.

The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7 p.m.

LUNCH TIME JAZZ ON THE SQUARE THIS FRIDAY CLOSES OUT 2009 SEASON

2009-10-26T11:46:00.001-07:00

LUNCH TIME JAZZ ON THE SQUARE THIS FRIDAY CLOSES OUT 2009 SEASON

The 2009 Jazz on the Square series ends this Friday, October 30 – with a special lunch time concert on the Square. Jazz lovers can bring their lunch and enjoy music from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm by the fountain on Morgan Square.

Carolina Breeze, a four piece ensemble from Spartanburg, will be performing at JOTS. The group’s leader is Rupert Hodges, who plays guitar and saxophone. He is joined by his wife Sally on vocals and keyboard, Nate Hearn on drums, and David Porter on bass. Carolina Breeze performs light jazz and ballads.

“We like to mix in songs that people recognize and enjoy,” said Hodges. “We play a little bit of everything – jazz, country ballads, beach music, Duke Ellington tunes, and songs from the 60s and 70s. We want to play something that everybody in the audience will like.” Hodges said that they will have several guest performers joining them during the two-hour concert on Friday as well.

As an added “treat” for this Jazz on the Square, there will be candy for those who would like to bring out the little trick or treaters one day early.

Jazz on the Square is produced and coordinated by the City of Spartanburg’s Special Events Office. It is presented by QS/1. Event goers can check the Special Events Hotline number at 864-596-3613 for updated information and any cancellations because of inclement weather.

Spartanburg High School Homecoming This Weekend

2009-10-21T07:28:00.001-07:00

The Vikings are coming home this weekend for the Spartanburg High School Homecoming activities. Events kick-off tonight with a school parade beginning at 6 p.m.

on Fernwood-Glendale road.

Thursday is the big game against Hillcrest High school with a school tailgating beginning at 5 p.m. behind Gibbs Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m and WLOS’s TV coverage will run from 6:45 PM to 10:00 PM. The coverage will air on WLOS’s affiliate

station WMYA, Channel 5 on Charter.

On Friday, join the Vikings at Jazz on the Square and take a trolley ride to see children's art exhibits throughout the city. Saturday includes an alumni golf tournament at Creek Golf Club along with other family friendly events.

Street Beat Tonight!

2009-10-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

Street Beat Tonight

Street Beat preforms tonight at the Chapman Cultural Center. Show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students.

To order tickets, call 864-542-ARTS or visit chapmanculturalcenter.org

ArtCycle Auction

2009-10-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the community for your support of ArtCycle. The auction is now closed and we sold ALL of the ArtCycles! Applications for ArtCycle 2010 will be posted in January.

ArtCycle - Auction Home Page - cMarket Fundraising Auction

Hub City Empty Bowls - This Saturday!

2009-10-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hub City Empty Bowls
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Plaza at Chapman Cultural Center.
3 - 7 p.m. at The Showroom.
Open to the public

Eat Soup… Keep the Bowl… Feed the Hungry

Help feed local hungry citizens by purchasing a bowl of soup served in a handmade bowl for a $15. All of the bowls are made by volunteers in the community. The soup is donated by local restaurants. All proceeds go to a local charity that feeds the hungry. Keep the souvenir bowl as a reminder of helping others.

Hub City Empty Bowls is being headed by Jim Cullen, a local potter and pottery instructor at the Spartanburg Art Museum (SAM) Art School. HUB-BUB is partnering with Carolina Clay Artists, SAM’s Art School and Chapman Cultural Center in this project.
The goal of Empty Bowls is to raise money to help organizations fight hunger, to raise awareness about the issues of hunger and food security and to help bring about an attitude that will not allow hunger to exist.

For more information about Hub City Empty Bowls, please email HubCityEmptyBowls@gmail.com or call Jim Cullen at 320-5358.

The Empty Bowls Project, a grassroots movement to help end hunger, started in North Carolina. From its humble beginnings as a meal for the staff of one high school, Empty Bowls has spread across the United States and beyond and has raised tens of millions of dollars for anti-hunger organizations.

Chris Story Joins City of Spartanburg

2009-10-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

The City of Spartanburg announces the hiring of Chris Story as the new Assistant City Manager effective November 1. Reporting directly to City Manager Ed Memmott, Story’s direct responsibilities will include internal and support operations.

Story will be leaving his current position as Assistant County Administrator for Spartanburg County, Chris states, “This is an exciting new challenge for me and an opportunity for which I am grateful. I've understood for many years that the county cannot reach its full potential without a thriving vibrant and prosperous city. Although I'll have plenty to learn about the unique challenges of the city, in many ways this move allows a continuation of the same goal I've worked on for over a decade - helping make my home community the best it can be”.

Selected from over 150 candidates, Chris has a B.A. in Business Economics from Wofford College. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from Clemson University/USC.

“The City conducted a national search for the position of Assistant City Manager and is pleased that Mr. Story has accepted the position. Chris brings great enthusiasm, a proven record of professional accomplishment, and commitment to the Spartanburg Community. The City team looks forward to working with him.” states Ed Memmott.

For additional information please contact Ed Memmott, City Manager, 864-596-2394, ememmott@cityofspartanburg.org.

Hot Spot Skate Park Grand Opening Announced

2009-10-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

CITY ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING OF THE HOT SPOT SKATE PARK

The Hot Spot Skate Park located at 339 Union Street will be holding it’s official Grand Opening event on Saturday, October 10 beginning at 11:00 a.m. and will remain open until 11:00 p.m.

After opening remarks from the Mayor, the day will be filled with demos by professional skate boarders, contests, give-aways, skateboarding for youth/adults, and much more!
The City of Spartanburg and the Coalition for Active Youth are very grateful for the supporters of the new Hot Spot Skate Park. Without their support, the skate park would never have been possible. The Hot Spot Skate Park is managed and operated by the City of Spartanburg Parks and Recreation Department.
For additional information, please contact Brian Wofford, City of Spartanburg’s Parks & Recreation Superintendant at 864-562-4059.

Imagine That - Tomorrow Night

2009-09-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Join Imagine That tomorrow at the Chapman Cultural Center. Tickets are $7 in advance and the show begins at 7 p.m. Performances recommended for children 13 years or older.

CITY OF SPARTANBURG PARTNERS WITH BMW

2009-09-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

CITY OF SPARTANBURG PARTNERS WITH BMW

Together with BMW Manufacturing Co., the City of Spartanburg announces a new revitalization project being developed adjacent to the new CC Woodson Community Center.

The project, primarily a green space revitalization project, will include stream restoration in order to construct a new walking trail, an outdoor classroom and native plantings. The goal of the project is to create a connection with the community center and the Collins Park development to include an area where young people can gather and learn about the importance of protecting our environment.

A voluntary work day is being planned for late January 2010. This will allow the community to lend a hand in cleaning up the area and reinforce their commitment to volunteerism.

The project will be completed by early 2010 around the same time that the new CC Woodson Community Center opens its doors to the community. A ribbon cutting will be scheduled at that time.

City of Spartanburg’s Mayor William Barnet, III states "We salute, and deeply appreciate, the interest of BMW in our community and all the communities across the face of the upstate. This visionary partnership encourages all of us to better focus on our neighborhoods and deliver the quality of life our citizens seek."

“BMW hopes this new area engages young citizens to invest in the community, stated Max Metcalf, Manager, Community Relations for BMW. As we have done with other programs, we want our young people to learn the importance of environmental responsibility and building sustainable communities for generations to come.”

For additional information regarding the City’s partnership with BMW, please contact Mitch Kennedy, City of Spartanburg’s Community Services Director at 864-596-2052.

SPARTANBURG INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

2009-09-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

SPARTANBURG INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL WHERE THE WORLD COMES TOGETHER

The annual Spartanburg International Festival celebrates Spartanburg’s diverse multicultural community. And multicultural it is, as people from more than 60 countries actually call Spartanburg home. The event not only brings the cultural spirit of Spartanburg to light, but it also provides an opportunity to share and be a part of such a vast cultural exchange.

The daylong fall festival at Barnet Park is set for Saturday, October 3, from 11 am to 6 pm. It is free and open to the public. Organizers promise a world of fun and cultures from around the globe, including entertainment, food, music, exhibits, dance, and activities for the entire family.

“We have a record number 54 countries represented in this year’s International Festival,” said Festival Coordinator Jane Warner. “These countries are represented through food, educational displays, art, entertainment, sports, games, and activities in the kids’ area.

Festival goers will have an opportunity to learn more about Africa at this year’s festival as it was selected to be the 2009 Honored Continent. Exhibits and activities will fill the entire fountain area at the entrance to the park. There will be information from nine African Countries – including: Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Please visit the festival website at www.SpartanburgInternationalFestival.com for all of the festival details.

Partners for Active Living

2009-09-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

On-line ArtCycle Auction

2009-09-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

Spartanburg Creative Energy Announces the 2009 On-line ArtCycle Auction

The City of Spartanburg invites the public to pariticpate in the first online auction for the 2009 ArtCycles starting Monday, September 21, 2009 at 8 a.m. at www.artcycle.cmarket.com. Sales from the auction will help fund the ArtCycle program for 2010.

As part of the Spartanburg Creative Energy campaign, ArtCycle is an initiative to promote regional artists, each of whom has been commissioned to build an outdoor sculpture from recycled bicycle parts. The sculptures need not be made only of bicycle parts, nor need they be made of a specific percentage of bicycle parts. However, the sculptures must be made of enough bicycle parts that the viewer readily sees that a significant portion of each sculpture contain parts that were formerly from of a bicycle.

The sculptures were on display in Spartanburg’s downtown area from May until the end of September. The project is the result of a collaboration between Spartanburg Creative Energy , HUB-BUB, Spartanburg Art Museum and Partners for Active Living. ArtCycle celebrates the City's national designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community, which made it the first in South Carolina to receive that honor in 2007.

2009 ArtCycle Artists
Jason S. Galloway – Roebuck, SC
Sean Pace - Asheville, NC
Miles Paquin – Spartanburg, SC
Ralph Paquin - Spartanburg, SC
Sarah Perry, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center Student – Spartanburg, SC
Lauren Ponder -Spartanburg, SC
Cody Roberts – Spartanburg, SC
Daniel Tripp- Campobello, SC
Brandon Waddell, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center Student – Spartanburg, SC
Blake West, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center - Student – Spartanburg, SC

For additional information please contact Amanda Mathis, City of Spartanburg, Communications and Marketing Specialist, 864-596-3068, amathis@cityofspartanburg.org.

Penny-Farthing Proposition

2009-09-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

Penny-Farthing Proposition Art Project Announced

The City of Spartanburg announces seven new art pieces installed in the downtown area as part of the Penny-Farthing Proposition.

The Penny-Farthing Proposition is a new public art initiative creative by local Spartanburg artist, Cody Robert, “Hoondirt”, to promote active living and Spartanburg’s Bicycle Friendly Community Award through art. The gold bike sculptures are located along Main Street, Daniel Morgan Square, Church Street and the Hub City Art Park.

A penny-farthing is a term used to describe a bicycle with a large font wheel and a smaller rear wheels. They where the first contraption to be labeled with the term bicycle and considered as a symbol of the late Victorian era.

For more information, please contact Amanda Mathis, Communications and Marketing Specialist at 864-596-3068 or amathis@cityofspartanburg.org.
Photo Credit

Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Website Request

2009-09-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

The Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau is working to overhaul its Website (www.VisitSpartanburg.com). One of the features on the new site will be a listing of local restaurants, shops and attractions complete with a description, photo, and contact information for each business.

The Internet has revolutionized the way in which people make their travel plans. With nearly eighty percent of consumers searching the Web to make their travel decisions, it is crucial for VisitSpartanburg.com to be as informative as possible.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau is requesting that you email your business’ information to Amy Phillips, aphillips@visitspartanburg..com by Friday, September 25th. Please include a photograph of your restaurant, boutique, or attraction along with the address, phone number, website, hours of operation and a brief description.

The mission of the Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau is to promote and develop Spartanburg as a destination for all visitors.

Call for Volunteers!

2009-09-15T13:25:00.001-07:00

The Spartanburg International Festival is coming up on Saturday, October 3 at Barnet Park from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm.
The festival is held each year to celebrate Spartanburg’s diverse community through food, hands-on activities, folk art, music and dance.

The City of Spartanburg is currently seeking volunteers for the 2009 event. This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals or groups to volunteer at an event that showcases the cultures of the many unique populations that make up our community. Volunteers are needed for general set up of all festival areas, decorating, assistance with kids activities, working in Coke booths, etc. Volunteers can stay all day or work a single four-hour shift.

To volunteer for the festival, contact Volunteer Coordinator Darryl Goodwin at dgoodwin@cityofspartanburg.org or 864-596-3110.

For additional information regarding the International Festival, contact Mandy Merck, Special Events Manager at mmerck@cityofspartanburg.org or 864-562-4195.

College Fest Tonight

2009-09-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

Fall 2009 College Fest
To Welcome Students Back

The eighth annual College Fest event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Denny’s Plaza in downtown Spartanburg, featuring nationally known singer/songwriter Matt Wertz, local recording artists After August, and Atlanta-based hip-hop artist B.o.B.

The Fall 2009 College Fest is a yearly event targeted to college-age students and presented and hosted by College Town of Spartanburg, a consortium of the six colleges in Spartanburg (Converse College, Sherman College, Spartanburg Methodist College, Spartanburg Community College, University of South Carolina Upstate and Wofford College) and in partnership with the City of Spartanburg. College Town was initiated by Spartanburg Mayor Bill Barnet in 2003 with the goal of collaborative social and academic programs to showcase the institutions of higher education in the community.

Previous College Fest events have been held annually in the spring, however the event has been moved to the fall to coincide with the beginning of the school year and welcome the local college students to the Spartanburg community.Several local food vendors will be on hand at the event providing free food to students with valid tickets, including Papa John’s, Jason’s Deli, Smokin’ Pig BBQ and several others. Student tickets are available at each of the respective Spartanburg County colleges. This year’s musical guests bring a diverse array of music that will appeal to all of Spartanburg’s college students.

Headlining the fall 2009 College Fest is singer/songwriter Matt Wertz, who is currently promoting his fourth full-length album Under Summer Sun and an EP entitled Where We Started, both 2008 releases on the Universal Republic label. He initially grew his fan base by performing at Young Life camps following the release of his first album, Somedays, in 2001. He has toured with several acts including Gavin Degraw, Jason Mraz, Jars of Clay, and others. Some of Wertz’s songs have been featured on both the small and large screen, in movies like Employee of the Month and My Super Ex-Girlfriend, along with TV shows like Wildfire and Brothers and Sisters. Over his seven-year career, he has sold more than 75,000 albums. He divides his time between the stage and his home in Nashville.

Spartanburg recording artists After August have been building a fan base throughout the country since they formed in 2004. They have a polished rock sound and an energetic live show. They have shared the stage and played alongside bands such as Bon Jovi, Little Big Town, Cowboy Mouth, Twista, The Last Goodnight, & Matt Costa. They entered Rock 101.1’s Battle of the Bands in January 2006 and won it, while beating out over 100 bands. Their reward – opening up for Bon Jovi at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC on February 8, 2006 for a sold out crowd of 12,000 people. The next day, they had so many hits and downloads on their website, that it crashed. It was a very good crash. Since then the band has released albums, is constantly touring, and has played with many national acts. With tunes ranging from pop-rock love ballads to lead-filled southern-rock songs, After August already has racked up over 200,000 myspace visits. They released their self-titled full-length debut in 2006 and have two EPs to their credit, including 2008’s “AA EP.”

B.o.B., also known as Bobby Ray, is an Atlanta hip-hop artist with Grand Hustle and Atlantic Records, who began selling beats to other artists at the age of 15. Now at 20 years old, he has released four mix tapes and most recently his 2009 debut album The Adventures of Bobby Ray on the Grand Hustle label. B.o.B has a unique talent in that he produces, writes, raps, arranges, and mixes his own music. He is a one stop music creation shop from top to bottom. Hit beat maker Jim Jonsin, who has already made his mark by producing fire such as “Give It To Me” by Sean Paul and Danity Kane’s “Showstopper” in addition to smashes by Trick Daddy, Trina, Pretty Ricky and others, has signed B.o.B to his Rebel Rock imprint as the flagship artist. Plus, the industry tastemaker, TJ Chapman the CEO of TJ’s DJ’s is serving as B.o.B’s co-manager after helping launch the careers of T-Pain, David Banner, Yung Joc, and Rick Ross to name a few.

My Fair Lady - This Weekend

2009-09-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

My Fair Lady debuts this weekend

at the Chapman Cultural Center.

Click here to purchase tickets

or call (864) 542-2787.

Creative Tastes Video

2009-09-08T13:02:00.001-07:00

CREATIVE TASTES IN DOWNTOWN SPARTANBURG from william gary henderson on Vimeo.

Spartanburg CVB to Feature Local Musicians Past and Present

2009-09-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

Spartanburg CVB to Feature Local Musicians Past and Present

The Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau is working to overhaul its website. One of the features on the new site will be a “Spartanburg Jukebox”, which will pay tribute to local musicians past and present. The CVB is asking for mp3 files of local musicians’ work to feature on the site.

The Internet has revolutionized the way in which people make their travel plans. Research shows that eighty percent of consumers use the internet when making travel decisions, making it crucial that you have a site that is not only informative and easy to use, but also appealing to the visitor.

“Spartanburg has such a rich music heritage from Singin’ Billy Walker to Pink Anderson and Ira Tucker to The Marshall Tucker Band”, says Amy Phillips with the Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. “By featuring local artists on our website, visitors are not only able to learn about that part of our culture, but also able to enjoy some remarkable music”, she says.

If you know of a local musician, past or present, that you think should be featured on the “Spartanburg Jukebox”, please send the mp3 file, title and artist of each song to Amy Phillips, aphillips@visitspartanburg.com or mail to 298 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, 29306. For any questions, please call 864-594-5050. All files will be needed by Friday, September 25th.

The mission of the Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau is to promote and develop Spartanburg as a destination for all visitors.

Spartanburg Creative Tastes - 2 days away!

2009-09-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

Join us this Saturday in downtown Spartanburg for the 2nd Annual Spartanburg Creative Tastes. Details in today's Spartanburg Herald-Journal.

Fall Season of Jazz on the Square Begins September 4

2009-09-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

Fall Season of Jazz on the Square Begins

September 4

The fall series of Jazz on the Square is returning to Morgan Square in Downtown Spartanburg for its fourth season and will be held every Friday in September and October. JOTS gets underway this coming Friday - September 4. It will be held by the fountain on Morgan Square from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

Lunch time Jazz will be offered during the final Friday of the fall season – on October 30. Jazz lovers can bring their lunch (or get take out from one of the downtown restaurants) and enjoy music on the Square from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm.

Jazz on the Square, presented by QS/1, is a free event. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are available for purchase from Carriage House Wines.

Jazz on the Square is produced and coordinated by the City of Spartanburg’s Special Events Office. Event goers can check the Special Events Hotline number at 864-596-3613 for updated information and any cancellations because of inclement weather.
The City is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to minors or intoxicated persons. Anyone wishing to consume an alcoholic beverage must show a valid ID and wear a wristband. All guests of Jazz on the Square are asked to leave pets and coolers at home.

2009 ArtCycle Winners Announced

2009-08-31T14:20:00.001-07:00

2009 ArtCycle Winners Announced

SPARTANBURG, S. C. (August 31, 2009): The 2009 winners of ArtCycle were announced on Monday after a summer long contest in downtown Spartanburg. First and second place winners were chosen by a panel of judges and the people’s choice award was decided by the amount of phone calls a piece received over the summer. The winners are the following:

First place – Sean Pace, Lowest Common Demonstrator
Second place – Miles and Ralph Paquin, Recycled Rising
People’s Choice – Lauren Ponder, Soul Train – Hub City, SC

As part of the Spartanburg Creative Energy campaign, Artcycle was an initiative that promoted ten regional artists, each of whom was commissioned to build an outdoor sculpture from recycled bicycle parts. The sculptures need not be made only of bicycle parts, nor need they be made of a specific percentage of bicycle parts. However, the sculptures must be made of enough bicycle parts that the viewer readily sees that a significant portion of each sculpture contain parts that were formerly from of a bicycle.
The sculptures are on display in Spartanburg’s downtown area from May until the end of September. The project was the result of a collaboration between Spartanburg Creative Energy, Hub-Bub, Spartanburg Art Museum and Partners for Active Living. Artcycle celebrates the City's national designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community, which made it the first in South Carolina to receive that honor in 2007.

2009 ArtCycle Artists
Jason S. Galloway – Roebuck, SC
Sean Pace - Asheville, NC
Miles Paquin – Spartanburg, SC
Ralph Paquin - Spartanburg, SC
Sarah Perry, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center Student – Spartanburg, SC
Lauren Ponder -Spartanburg, SC
Cody Roberts – Spartanburg, SC
Daniel Tripp- Campobello, SC
Brandon Waddell, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center Student – Spartanburg, SC
Blake West, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center - Student – Spartanburg, SC

For additional information please contact Amanda Mathis, City of Spartanburg, Communications and Marketing Specialist, 864-596-3068, amathis@cityofspartanburg.org.

Storytelling at the Taste!

2009-08-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Stone Soup Storytelling Festival committee will be sponsoring storytelling during the Spartanburg celebration of local talent, Spartanburg Creative Tastes.

Stop by their site on Morgan Square near the Lemonade Stand during "the Tastes" to enjoy tales and poetry with performers Rixon Lane, Evelyn Parks, Dixie Page, Mary Dell Fletcher, Moody Black, and Johnny Weaver. The Stone Soup Storytelling Festival, declared "the Storytelling Festival of South Carolina" by the General Assembly, is held in Woodruff annually.

The date for Stone Soup is April 23-24, 2010. Mark your calender! Stories, history, food, and fun! Ghost stories on Friday evening! Contact is at www.stonesoupsc.com.

Rixon Lane, Evelyn Parks, and Moody Black are on the schedule from 4:30-6:30

Dixie Page, Mary Dell Fletcher, and Johnny Weaver are on for 6:00-8:30

Spartanburg Creative Tastes General Information

2009-08-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Spartanburg Creative Tastes
General Information

Admission
Entry admission is free. Prices for restaurant “taste” portions range from $1.00 - $6.00. Prices for cookbooks and other items in the Made in Spartanburg area will be set by the individual vendors. The ATM will be on Main Street near the Stroller Cookbook Market.

Restaurant Row
More than 20 menu items from various Spartanburg restaurants offer tastes of not just locally favorite dishes, but also the global influences that are part of the City’s growing diversity. There are the always favorite crab cakes and the more adventurous can get a taste of dishes such as lemon grass chicken and lamp chops.

Lemonade Stand
Sponsored by the Spartanburg Youth Council, the Lemonade Stand is designed to be a fun, child- and youth-friendly section of this festival. The Lemonade Stand will include interactive hands-on food preparation for young children. The Mayor’s Service Board and Youth Voices are partnering to bring fun recipes, bingo and nutritional information.

Other activities include children creating their own chef hats, decorating cookies and making edible necklaces. Face painting, games and prizes will be offered. Lemonade will be for sale with all proceeds benefiting the Mayor’s Service Board and Youth Voices. A sidewalk chalk art contest will take place with judging held at 7:30 p.m. Children between the ages 3 to 18 years old are welcomed to participate.

Wine Tasting/Beer Purchase/Wristbands
Adults, 21 years of age or older, may pay $1.00 for a wristband. This is required for anyone purchasing wine and/or beer. Sponsored by Carriage House Wines, over 60 different wines from around the world will be available for purchase by the glass from 3:00 – 9:00. For $10.00, a wine tasting of all these wines will be featured from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Local brewery RJ Rockers will also be located at Carriage House Wines and will be offering its beer for sale.

Stroller Cookbook Market
Located in front of the Spartanburg Herald-Journal on W. Main St., this area features local cookbooks from the newspaper’s own Stroller cookbook to the Junior League of Spartanburg. Prices range from $1 to $20.

Made In Spartanburg
Featuring local food produce and kitchen products for sale, visitors will also be able to learn about home improvement techniques.

The Flavor of Art Market
HUB-BUB is sponsoring local and regional painters, potters, photographers, jewelry makers and textile artists. Their wares are available for purchase and will be in the parking lot next to Carriage House Wines.

Live Entertainment

Ezell Street Food Court
4:00-4:30 Matthew Knights Williams
4:45-5:45 Fayssoux McLean and Brandon Turner
6:00-7:00 Kyle and Tad
7:15-8:00 Marc Higgins
8:15-9:00 Daryle Ryce

Music Main Street Stage
4:00 – 6:00 Enforcers
6:30 – 8:45 Low Blow Jazz

Art by the People
ArtCycle artist Sean Pace invites the public to make art utilizing his creation, “The Lowest Common Demonstrator,” during Spartanburg Creative Tastes. This duel person interactive art piece consists of two bikes, a large wood mixing chamber and eleven #10 paint cans full of various paint colors to create different works of art on canvases provided.

Parking and Street Closures
Free parking is available at the Magnolia St. garage, City Hall parking lots on Broad St., Event Rentals on W. Main St., and any other nearby public parking places.

Streets that will be closed from 3:00 a.m. Saturday morning, September 5th until Sunday, September 6th are: W. Main St. from Daniel Morgan Ave. to Magnolia St.; Spring St. from Broad St. to St. John St.; Ezell St. from Spring St. to Daniel Morgan Ave..; and Ezell St. from Daniel Morgan Ave. to W. Main St. See attached handout for more details.

Check out "Live at the Showroom"

2009-08-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

"Live at the Showroom" is now on Channel 14 and you can view the entire

show throughout the day.

ArtWalk

2009-08-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Last ArtWalk of the Season. Tonight from 5-9 in Downtown Spartanburg. Free trolley rides!

Spartanburg Team To Attend The 2009 AAU Junior Olympic games

2009-07-29T14:20:00.001-07:00

City of Spartanburg Sponsored Track Club to attend 2009 AAU Junior Olympic games

SPARTANBURG (July 29, 2009) Spartanburg based Express Lane Track Club will be attending the 2009 AAU Junior Olympic Games at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa Saturday, August 1st – August 8th. We have 11 qualifying athletes that range from ages 7-14. In addition to the 11 qualifying athletes, there are four athletes entering competition in the top 10 with others just inches/seconds away.

In looking to expand the City’s athletic efforts and diversify programming, while predominantly serving youth who live in the City, Express Lane fit what the City wanted. Express Lane is sponsored by the City of Spartanburg who will eventually develop an established program with the City name.

For additional information, contact James Rice, Athletic Coordinator, 864-596-4387 or jrice@cityofspartanburg.org

Faces in the Crowd of Life

2009-07-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

Photography by Carroll Foster Opening Reception

Join us at The Showroom (149 S. Daniel Morgan Ave) on Wednesday, July 29th from 7-9pm for the opening reception of this exhibit featuring photographs by Carroll Foster.

Faces in the Crowd of Life features large-scale portraits of people in and around Spartanburg with a wide-range of subjects, from local ministers to fashion models.. With this exhibit, Carroll invites you to " trace the lines on our faces that lead back to the places we come from."Carroll Foster was raised in Spartanburg and is a graduate of Spartanburg High School. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Savannah College of the Arts and is currently a full-time photographer and owner of Hot Eye Photography in downtown Spartanburg. Admission if free and beverages & hors d'oeuvres will be available.

Playful City USA

2009-07-22T13:49:00.001-07:00

City of Spartanburg Selected As A Playful City For The Third Consecutive Year.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (July 21, 2009) –The City of Spartanburg in partnership with Southside Unity in the Community was selected as a “Playful City” for the third year in a row by KaBOOM! a national non-profit that promotes providing areas for children to play.
Of the 93 communities chosen, Spartanburg was among the 22 cities named for the third consecutive year including Honolulu, Indianapolis and San Antonio due to the City’s commitment to usable, open parks in the City of Spartanburg.
Southside Unity in the Community, a local nonprofit focused on improving the lives of the community's youth, started the application process in aspiration of receiving grant money to improve and maintain city parks. As a result of the 2007 Mary Black Foundation Community Champion award, Southside Unity in the Community used the $25,000 award money to train community volunteers and beautify Priscilla Rumley Park, a 14-acre neighborhood park located at the intersection of Seay St. and Gary St.

For more details, contact Parks and Recreation Superintendent Brian Wofford at 596-3105 or bwofford@cityofspartanburg.org

City Hires New Economic Development Director

2009-07-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

City of Spartanburg Hires New Economic Development Director

SPARTANBURG, SC (July 21, 2009) Patty Bock will be joining the City of Spartanburg as the Economic Development Director effective July 27. She will be for responsible for a variety of programs designed to encourage private investment and development in the City.

Ms. Bock graduated from The Ohio State University. She has over 20 years experience in leasing, management. She has been active in Leadership Spartanburg and many other civic organizations.

States Bock, “It is a pleasure to join a great team at the City and build on the City’s objectives (success) in making Spartanburg a better place to live, work and play. I am eager to work with current and future businesses, developers and property owners in the City, as well as implementing plans and programs that will bring private investment and jobs within the City limits. “

Reporting directly to the City Manager, Ed Memmott states, “The City is very excited that Patty has accepted the position of Economic Development Director. Patty was selected from over 140 applicants for the position. I look forward to working with Patty. She is a great addition to our team.”

For additional information please contact Ed Memmott, City Manager, 864-596-2394, ememmott@cityofspartanburg.org.

Open House for Ballet Spartanburg's Dance Center

2009-07-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ballet Spartanburg’s Dance Center will host an open house and registration for 2009-10 dance classes Thursday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., at Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg.

This year, there will be classes for 3-year-old children through adults in ballet, tap and jazz, Irish step, hip hop, modern, salsa, ballroom, boys’ program, adult beginning tap, and musical theater. Guests will be able to meet dance instructors and tour the state-of-the-art dance studios.

For more information, please visit online http://www.balletspartanburg.net/ or call 583-0339.

United Way's Week of Caring

2009-07-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

United Way's 6th Annual Week of Caring Announced

United Way of the Piedmont is excited to announce the 6th Annual Week of Caring, which will take place in Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union Counties the week of August 31st - September 4th. During that time, over 600 volunteers will team up to provide assistance to multiple non-profit agencies in each county. We encourage individuals, groups of friends and co-workers to adopt a volunteer project. With multiple projects to choose from, we are sure there is an opportunity perfect for you. Join United Way of the Piedmont and make your mark by participating in Week of Caring.

To view a menu of projects please follow this link http://www.uwpiedmont.org/2009-week-of-caring.php
Please contact Mary Catherine Mitchell at 582-7556 or mmitchell@uwpiedmont.org for more information.

2nd Annual Spartanburg Creative Tastes

2009-07-01T13:23:00.001-07:00

CITY OF SPARTANBURG ANNOUNCES 2ND ANNUAL SPARTANBURG CREATIVE TASTES

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (July 1, 2009) The public is invited to celebrate Spartanburg’s creative restaurants and food vendors at the 2nd Annual Spartanburg Creative Tastes in downtown Spartanburg.

Planned for Saturday, September 5th, from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., there will be a Restaurant Row featuring local restaurants and chefs; a “Made in Spartanburg” area highlighting local foods of the Spartanburg area, artwork featured by HUB-BUB and area artists, the “Lemonade Stand” featuring kid’s activities and local cookbooks will be for sale. Local entertainment will also be provided during the event.

Planned for the west-side of Downtown, applications are available online at the Spartanburg Creative Energy website, http://www.spartanburgcreativeenergy.com/. Participants may sign-up until August 7, 2009. Admission is free with food and beverages available for purchase.

For additional information contact Sonya Culbreth (sculbreth@cityofspartanburg.org) or Amanda Mathis (amathis@cityofspartanburg.org).

Fireworks Ordinance

2009-06-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

SPARTANBURG RESIDENTS ASKED TO OBEY

FIREWORKS ORDINANCE

As the fireworks season approaches, the City of Spartanburg would like to remind all Spartanburg residents of the City's fireworks ordinances.

Sec. 13-113. Fireworks.
(a) It shall be unlawful within the limits of the city, for any person to sell or expose for sale, keep, store, maintain, have in possession, transport, give or pass any squibs, torpedoes, firecracker or any other type or form of fireworks, including salutes, Roman candles, fountains, balloons carrying any lighted substance, cannon, cane, sky rockets, bombs or other similar articles of fireworks, which will be fired, lighted, ignited, set off or thrown. Cap pistols and caps for same are expressly excluded from the operation of this section.

(b) Before any fireworks will be permitted for public exhibition in connection with fairs or other special celebrations, permission shall first be obtained from the city manager, and such fireworks shall be under the supervision of an expert, who shall be present in order to handle, maintain or fire same, and in such case of exhibition, the parties in charge of same shall be held strictly responsible for any damage to person or property resulting from the use of such fireworks. All fireworks being held in storage for special exhibition shall be in a closed wooden box until they are used.

(c) All public exhibitions of fireworks permitted under this section shall be concluded not later than 10:00 p.m.

(d) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

The fine for ignoring this ordinance is $262.00. Please help the Police and Fire departments to make this Independence Day safe by observing the fireworks ordinances.
For additional information contact Lt. Tim Suber at 864.596.2224 or tsuber@cityofspartanburg.org.

Free July 3 Concert at Zimmerli Amphitheater

2009-06-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

246th Army Band Plays Free July 3 Concert at Zimmerli Amphitheater

Spartanburg, SC – The City of Spartanburg is proud to present to the Spartanburg community the 246 Army Band, South Carolina Army National Guard, in a free outdoor concert. The concert will be held at 7 pm on Friday, July 3 at Barnet Park’s Zimmerli Amphitheater. The Army Band will play patriotic music as part of their concert tour leading up to Independence Day.

The 246th Army Band was organized and federally recognized on October 12, 1939 and has served under numerous commands including General George S. Patton during World War II. The band has performed throughout the world and in 2003, was honored to perform at the funeral for Senator Strom Thurmond.

Commanded by Chief Warrant Officer Jessie Morlan, the band is comprised of thirty-seven members who, in addition to concert and ceremonial duties, are assigned for four musical support teams – Ceremonial Band, Pop-Music Band, Jazz Combo, and the Brass Quintet.

The members of the band meet one weekend per month and two weeks every year training for their wartime mission. That mission is to provide music to enhance unit cohesion and Soldier morale; assist in civil, military, coalition and recruiting operations; and to promote national and international community relations.

For further information about the 246th Army Band, please visit their website at http://246armyband.info/.

Picnic Baskets, lawn chairs, and blankets are welcomed at this free Barnet Park event. No pets allowed in the park. For more information, call 596-3105.

Shaggin' In The Park - July 10, 2009

2009-06-26T08:05:00.001-07:00

SHAGGIN' IN THE PARK
To benefit Glenn Springs Academy(formerly Spartanburg Boys' Home)

Friday, July 10, 2009

6:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Cleveland Park Event Center

141 N. Cleveland Park Drive

Spartanburg, SC 29303

Tickets $25

Includes BBQ, beer, wine and a night of dancing.There will be shag instruction by Steve and Kathy Day andmusic will be provided by

DJ Bobby Vaughn.Wear your dancing shoes

so you won't miss out on the fun!

To Purchase tickets call Colleen Bishop at

864-583-4367, ext. 124

or mail your check

(please note Shag Event on the check) to:

Glenn Springs AcademyP.O. Box 99Pauline, SC 29374

http://www.spartanburgboyshome.org/

City Announces Yard Waste Transition

2009-06-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

City Announces Yard Waste Transition

Effective July 1, 2009 the City of Spartanburg’s Solid Waste department will make changes to its current garbage/junk and yard waste pick-up procedure.

Garbage and junk - These items will no longer be picked up together. They will be picked up on separate days. Junk consists of any large household items that will NOT fit into your roll cart. If you have more bags than will fit into your roll cart, you will need to request a 2nd roll cart. If you do not wish to request a 2nd roll cart, you will need to carry excess bags of garbage to the county drop off station. Your “junk” will be picked up the day AFTER your normal garbage pick-up day.

Yard Waste – Due to changes at the landfill, all yard waste picked up curbside must be less than six feet long or less than six inches in diameter. Residents will be responsible for transporting anything larger directly to the county landfill. Yard waste must also be placed in separate piles from leaves.

For additional information, please contact Bill Thompson, Solid Waster Manager @ 864-562-2931.

Mary Black Foundation To Host Film Series

2009-06-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Mary Black Foundation for a film series examining the root causes of our alarming socio-economic and racial inequities in health. The six segment series crisscrosses the nation, uncovering startling new findings that suggest there is much more to our health than bad habits, health care, or unlucky genes.

Above is a short clip of the upcoming first film, "When the Bough Breaks", exploring racism and birth outcomes, airing on June 24th at noon at the Showroom @ Hub-bub.
Click here to learn more about attending the series.

Red, White & Boom 2009!

2009-06-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Red, White & Boom 2009 planned for Friday, June 26th at Barnet Park in downtown Spartanburg. General Admission is $5 with gates opening at 5 p.m. Fireworks planned for 9:30 p.m. For more information call 864-596-4624 or visit http://www.sccfoundation.org/

Wofford College features America in Crisis (June 20-23)

2009-06-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Come hear Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Parks at Wofford College in Chautauqua: America in Crisis (June 20-23)

History will come alive at Wofford during four evenings of Chautauqua performances featuring George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt and Rosa Parks.Chautauqua: America in Crisis will take place June 20-23 in Leonard Auditorium of Main Building. The event is free and open to the public.

All members of the Wofford community are invited to attend with their families, friends and neighbors.Each performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. with live period-style music in the auditorium.Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on the lawn of Main Building prior to the presentations.

Saturday, June 20 - Franklin D. Roosevelt, Popular World War II-era songs
Sunday, June 21 - George Washington, Music from the Colonial period
Monday, June 22 - Abraham Lincoln, Antebellum and Civil War tunes
Tuesday, June 23- Rosa Parks, African-American spirituals

Chautauqua (pronounced sha-TAW-kwa) is an improvisational theatrical program in which costumed scholar-actors portray historical figures. Each performance is broken into three acts. In the first act, the performer represents a historical figure in the first person. In the second, the performer invites audience questions and answers them in character. In the final act, the performer steps out of character to answer questions that the historical figure could not (or would not!) have been able to answer.For more information, view the Chautauqua Web site (http://www.wofford.edu/alumni/Wofford_Chautauqua.aspx) or contact Charlie Gray, Director of External Relations/Continuing Education at Wofford College (864-597-4186).

July 4th - Renissance Street Navigation

2009-05-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

An urban orienteering race designed to challenge participant’s street navigational and reasoning skills.

Goal:
Highlight the city’s transformation from yesteryear to present.

The objective of the game:
Locate landmarks; solve word problems and trivia questions before time elapses.

How to play:
•Each team is given a compass, a map, an answer sheet, and marker location card.
•Teams may navigate to any point in any order they choose.
•Participants interpret and compare map information to natural surroundings.
•Travel by foot (as a team) to marker locations without the aid of electronic devices.
•Overcome misinformation (things false or no longer in existence).

NOTE: Teams may not be able to locate all locations due to time restraints; therefore, each team must maintain an awareness of time and its member’s physical limitation.
Teams must remain within 40 feet of each other at all times. The team must return to the start point together. No substitution of team members after 9:00 am July 4th.
Each team will receive the official game rules upon registering.

Team Preparation (optional):
Take the historical tour walk conducted by the Spartanburg County Historical Association.
Tour dates are: April 24; May 23; Jun 19. Call 864-596-3501 for details and reservation.
Consult your physician before engaging in any physical activities.
Integrate the practice of navigating around town by city map into your walking/running regime.

Award (winner take all):
In addition to the Five Hundred Dollars awarded to the winning team, each member of the winning team will receive a 30 day gift certificate to Clyde’s Main Street Fitness, a $20 gift certificate to Justin’s Steakhouse, and a pictorial book depicting the City of Spartanburg both past and present.

Pick up registration at:
The Spartanburg Regional History Museum in the Chapman Cultural Center
Clyde’s Main Street Fitness 167 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC
Hibbett Sports, 1855 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC
Or download it by visiting: www.EventfulThings.org

1st City and County Neighbor and Neighborhood of the Year Awards

2009-05-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

The Spartanburg County Foundation, City of
Spartanburg, and Spartanburg County recently
sponsored the Building
Communities – Bridging Gaps Conference
Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Marriott Spartanburg.

The purpose of the Building Communities-Bridging Gaps Conference was to equip residents with the tools and information necessary to: make our communities safe, increase unity among our diverse population, access available local resources, and develop partnerships to improve the quality of life in Spartanburg County. Approximately 200 City and County residents participated in workshops that focused on three tracks: Common Threads: Tying Your Community Together; Get Up! Stand Up!: Tools to Make Change; Hi Neighbor!: Coming Together to Build Community.

The event culminated with a luncheon that included remarks by the conference facilitator, Dr. Thomas A. Gordon, consultant and leadership strategy advisor, and the announcement of the first Neighbor and Neighborhood of the Year Awards for the City and County. The City of Spartanburg Neighbor and Neighborhood of the Year award was presented to Florence Kennedy and the South Converse Street Neighborhood Association respectively. The Spartanburg County Neighbor and Neighborhood of the Year award was presented to David and Cindy Gregg and the Linville Hills community respectively. Winners of the Neighbor of the Year award received a $100 gift certificate to Home Depot and the winners of the Neighborhood of the Year award will receive a special sign designed and constructed by Home Depot to be displayed in their community.

An immediate outcome of the Conference will be the development of a website designed to keep City and County residents informed about community events and opportunities to remain civically engaged. The web link will be accessible from all of the sponsor’s websites, the Spartanburg County Foundation, City of Spartanburg, and Spartanburg County. Information concerning the establishment of the website will be provided in the next few weeks.

The final speaker of the event was Mr. James Cheek, a member of the Community Planning Committee, who encouraged and challenged all attendees to remain actively engaged in the community and to “aspire to inspire before expiring.” Anyone interested in participating on a Community Planning Committee for next year’s conference should contact the Spartanburg County Foundation at 864-582-0138.

For more information, please contact The Spartanburg County Foundation at (864)582-0138 or visit our website at http://www.spcf.org/.

CITY TO INTRODUCE SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM

2009-05-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

The City of Spartanburg’s Parks & Recreation Department is introducing its annual Summer Playground Program extending from June 11 – July 23.

The program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all children by providing a safe, secure, enriched environment – supervised by trained and caring adults. The summer curriculum will provide educational activities, arts and crafts, music, drama, sports, games, creative dramatics, special events and more.

In addition to being a popular program offering activities to local kids to fight the summer doldrums, the program also offers summer employment opportunities to college students, teachers, and others who enjoy working with kids.

The program will be held at the following locations:

Bethlehem Center
397 Highland Ave.
(864)582-7158

C.C. Woodson Center
885 S. Liberty Street
(864)596-3710

Northwest Center
701 Saxon Ave.
(864)596-3946

T.K. Gregg Center
310 Oakland Ave.
(864)596-3720

The program hours are 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. -12 noon Fridays. This program is FREE to kids ages 5yrs. – 12 yrs. Free lunch will be served beginning Monday, June 15th.

To register, visit any of the locations above beginning the second week in May.
C.C. Woodson registration is limited to the first 50 kids due to ongoing construction at the facility.

For additional information, please contact Larry Jeter, Recreation Manager at 864-562-4262.

Spring Fling Street Closings

2009-04-30T07:26:00.001-07:00

Street Closings for 31st Annual Spring Fling Festival

The following streets will be closed after midnight Thursday (April 30th) until Sunday (May 3rd) around 9 p.m.

Church Street - from St. John Street to Kennedy Street
Main Street – from Daniel Morgan Avenue to Converse Street
Broad Street - from Daniel Morgan Avenue to Converse Street
Dunbar Street – from Magnolia Street to Liberty Street
Liberty Street – from Kennedy Parking Garage to Dunbar Street

*Converse Street will be closed from Broad to Dunbar Street on Friday at 2 p.m.

All streets will reopen as quickly as possible after the festival ends on Sunday and the streets are cleared of all activities. Questions concerning street closures? Sgt. Lee Raines at 864-809-8225

Spartanburg Regional Classic - This Friday!

2009-04-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

Spartanburg Regional Classic Forecasts Ground Lightning for USA CRITS Speed Week

By Joan Thomas

Atlanta, Ga. (April 29, 2009)–The Spartanburg Regional Classic is coming up fast in the USA CRITS Speed Week series. On Friday, some of the best racers in the world of cycling will wheel their bikes to the starting line in an annual showdown of speed, power and tactics.

In the women’s field, last year’s winner Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) will arrive in Spartanburg psyched from her win Sunday at the Historic Roswell Criterium in Roswell, Ga. She will be joined by Erica Allar and Kelly Benjamin the formidable teammates who help to keep her in contention. Their rivals, Team Tibco, Vanderkitten Racing and Team Type 1 will work hard to keep Team Colavita off the winners’ rostrum. Brooke Miller (Tibco) won the famed Athens Twilight on Saturday, and took second place in Roswell the next day, behind Pic. It’s likely the two sprinters will go wheel to wheel again in Spartanburg, so it’s a rivalry to watch.

In the men’s line-up, stiff competition can emerge from anywhere when teams like Kelly Benefits, Fly V Australia, Kenda Pro Cycling, Champion Porsche, Jittery Joe’s, Texas Roadhouse, Myogenesis, OUCH, Richmond Pro Cycling, and Team Mountain Khakis mix it up. Tom Soladay (Mtn Khakis) won the Historic Roswell Criterium Sunday, his first big win, and now he is primed to fight for even more victories after reaching that important milestone early in his career. Twilight winner, Heath Blackgrove, and his Team Hotel San Jose squad, will be in the hunt too.

For more information about the Spartanburg Regional Classic please visit http://www.biketownspartanburg.org/
or http://www.biketownspartanburg.org/5th-annual-spartanburg-regional-classic/

About USA CRITS

USA CRITS National Criterium Series has been developed to feature a brand of cycling unique to the United States—the criterium. Criteriums are historically run on short laps, through city streets. Riders accumulate points throughout the year awarded through start points; laps led; first, middle, and end sprint point laps; and the final order of finish. Criteriums offer spectators the opportunity to watch Olympians and world and national champions, up-close, as they ride at top speed. This has made the criterium format the most spectator-friendly form of cycling entertainment. Events on the USA CRITS series reflect the ideals that have made criterium racing an American legacy: challenging courses that showcase arts and entertainment districts; a large and energized base of spectators; broad community support; and strong marketing opportunities for sponsors. For more information, visit http://www.usacrits.com/.

Open Mic Night - May 9, 2009

2009-04-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

TK Gregg Recreation Center Presents Open Mice night for all ages on May 9, 2009 at 7 p.m. For more info, to sign up for the slam and for slam rules, call 864-596-3720

Friday Lunchtime Bike Ride Starts Tomorrow!

2009-04-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Friday Lunchtime Bike Ride

Fridays at Noon; Back by 1 p.m.

What: Friday Lunchtime Bike Rides, now in its 4th year running; leisurely ride, usually 6 to 10 miles long, open to anyone

When: Meet at Noon; Back by 1:00 p.m.

Where: Meet at Mary Black Foundation office at 349 East Main Street, next to the Inn on Main. We gather at the plaza behind their building, then follow a route that goes along the Rail Trail, into Duncan Park, and we take 2 or 3 loops around the Duncan Park neighborhood/lake, then return along the Rail Trail (number of loops is up to you – or you can even sit in the park for a breather).

Who: Open to all ability levels; no one left behind; pace and distance based on preference of the group; promoted by Mary Black Foundation and Partners for Active Living

Why?: Until you’ve tried it, you won’t really understand – but this is the perfect way to break up the workday, refresh yourself and clear your head – AND to get in some exercise that you would otherwise have to do at painfully early morning hours, or during the “rush-hour” at the gym, post-5 o’clock. Give it a try, see what you think. We like it.

The Fine Print: BYObike; HELMETS required for all riders; lycra, snazzy-shoes, or fancy gear NOT required; changing rooms generously made available by the Mary Black Foundation; this ride is SHINE only. Beginning May 1st: Both mountain bikes and road bikes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost, courtesy of Spartanburg County Parks & Recreation Commission.

Also be sure to check out the upcoming Bike Month calendar, starting off with the Spartanburg Regional Classic next Friday at 6pm downtown!

Photo Credit

"20 in 09" Designers Exhibit in downtown Spartanburg.

2009-04-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

Visit the “20 in 09” exhibit from University of South Carolina Upstate in downtown Spartanburg at 151 West Main Street near the clock tower. The exhibit runs until May 1st and features a variety of works includes photography, Web design, graphic and package design, painting and more. Upon visiting the exhibit you will see work from:

Jason Koontz of Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Robin Whitaker of Taylors, S.C.
Megan Radich of Easley, S.C.
Keith Ball of Spartanburg, S.C,
Letizia Cammarota of Greenville, S.C.
Heather Hudson of Greer, S.C.
Whitney Williams of Greenville, S.C.
Ashton Nix of Boiling Springs, S.C.
Logan Jenkins of Honea Path, S.C.
Tou Lea of Spartanburg, S.C.
Lauren Brucke of Pickens, S.C.
Vanessa Marie Martinez of Spartanburg, S.C.
Paola Schemainda of Medellin, Colombia
Tyler Greenlee of Simpsonville, S.C.
James Risher of Gifford, SC
Laura Buchanan of Sylva, N.C.
Cliff Connor of Wareplace, S.C.
Scott Kittel of Simpsonville, S.C.
Josh Phillips of Woodruff, S.C.
Kristen Shannon of Greenville, S.C.

For more information, contact Jane Nodine, professor of art and gallery director, at jnodine@uscupstate.edu or (864) 503-5838.

Photo Credit

An Evening with Groucho!

2009-04-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

An Evening with Groucho

Event Time(s) Thursday, April 23rd at 8:00 pm
CostStimulate Your Funny Bone:

Buy One Ticket; Get One Free!
$23 and $19. $2 discounts for seniors and active military
Location David Reid Theatre in the Chapman Cultural Center
Presented By Chapman Cultural Center

Award-winning actor/director/playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity. The two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including "Hooray For Captain Spalding," and "Lydia, the Tattooed Lady."

The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Accompanied by his onstage pianist, Jim Furmston, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Greta Garbo, Marx foil, Margaret Dumont and MGM's Louis B. Mayer. A show perfect for all ages!

Go Green @ Your Library on April 20th

2009-04-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

Lunch and Learn

Spartanburg County Public Library

April 20, 2009

12:00 - 1:30

Jerry Allen, director of Hub City Farmers Market presenting community gardens info, food salvage and the importance of buying food locally. For more information call 864-596-3500 ext. 1247.

3 Free Events in Downtown Spartanburg Tonight!

2009-04-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight in Downtown Spartanburg

**All events are FREE to the public**

ArtCycle exhibit opens at 5:30 p.m. with a "Meet and Greet" for the public on Morgan Square.

Spartanburg's monthly ArtWalk, 5-9 p.m. Ride the trolley and see all the art galleries in the downtown area.

Spartanburg's After Work Street Concert, Music on Main begins at 6 p.m. with Back 9 playing at the Denny's Plaza.

Meet the ArtCycle Artists

2009-04-14T14:23:00.001-07:00

The Public is Invited to Meet and Greet of ArtCycle Artists

The City of Spartanburg will hold a meet and greet for the public to view seven ArtCycle sculptures and meet the artists behind this downtown project. The gathering and inaugural sculpture display is scheduled for Thursday, April 16th, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Morgan Square in downtown Spartanburg. A unique aspect to ArtCycle is the guide by cell phone program, a free audio tour to which participants can call in and learn more about each sculpture at their own pace.

As part of the Spartanburg Creative Energy campaign, Artcycle is a new initiative that will promote ten regional artists, each of whom has been commissioned to build an outdoor sculpture from recycled bicycle parts. One piece is designed by three high school students from the R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center. The sculptures need not be made only of bicycle parts, nor need they be made of a specific percentage of bicycle parts. However, the sculptures must be made of enough bicycle parts that the viewer readily sees that a significant portion of each sculpture contain parts that were formerly from of a bicycle.

The sculptures will be on display in Spartanburg’s downtown area from May to August of this year. The project is the result of a collaboration between Spartanburg Creative Energy, Hub-Bub.com, Spartanburg Art Museum and Partners for Active Living. Artcycle celebrates the City's national designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community, which made it the first in South Carolina to receive that honor in 2007.

2009 ArtCycle Artists
Jason S. Galloway – Roebuck, SC
Sean Pace - Asheville, NC
Miles Paquin – Spartanburg, SC
Ralph Paquin - Spartanburg, SC
Sarah Perry, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center Student – Spartanburg, SC
Lauren Ponder -Spartanburg, SC
Cody Roberts – Spartanburg, SC
Daniel Tripp- Campobello, SC
Brandon Waddell, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center Student – Spartanburg, SC
Blake West, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center - Student – Spartanburg, SC

An ArtCycle Project in Progress

2009-04-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

Check out this video of "Soul Train" Hub City, SC created by Lauren Ponder of Spartanburg, South Carolina. ArtCycles will be up for public viewing on April 16, 2009 until the end of the summer.

Converse College Spring Concert - April 16th

2009-04-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Converse College Spring Concert
Thursday, April 16th
Open to PUBLIC
Back campus/Rain or shine

Gates open at 7pm

Opening Act: Greenriver Ordinance (8pm)
Matt Nathanson (8:45-9ish)
Zac Brown Band (goes on around 10-10:15ish)

Beer Garden & Food vendors available inside gates

Anyone UNDER 16 must be accompanied by a parent

Bring camp chairs, blankets & your party spirit!

Tickets on sale NOW at Twichell Box Office for $20. To purchase tickets, call (864) 596-9725.

Junk in the Trunk 2009

2009-04-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

Join the Junior League of Spartanburg on April 25th at the Junior League Office (East Main Street) from 7am -11am. for their “Junk in the Trunk” event. For more information visit: http://www.jlspartanburg.org/

Go Green @ Your Library

2009-04-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Earth Day the Spartanburg County Library is hosting Go Green @ Your Library for 2009. This Friday begins the free “Green” Movie showings starting at 6:30 p.m. and includes free popcorn and drinks. The Spartanburg County Library is located downtown on Church Street. For more information visit their website at http://www.infodepot.org/zReaders/earthday2009.asp

April 3rd
The 11th Hour

April 10th
Wall-E

April 17th
Arctic Tale

April 24th
An Inconvenient Truth

Photo Credit

Music on Main is cancelled tonight.

2009-04-02T12:32:00.001-07:00

Due to inclement weather, Music on Main is cancelled for tonight. Join us next Thursday for South85 starting at 6 p.m. To find out about upcoming events visit http://www.musiconmain.com/

ArtCycle Artist Announced for 2009

2009-03-31T14:03:00.000-07:00

The City of Spartanburg announces ten artists that were selected for the Spartanburg Creative Energy’s first ArtCycle exhibit.

As part of the Spartanburg Creative Energy campaign, Artcycle is a new initiative that will promote ten regional artists, each of whom has been commissioned to build an outdoor sculpture from recycled bicycle parts. Once piece is designed by four high school students from the R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center.

The sculptures will be on display in Spartanburg’s downtown area from May to August of this year. The project is the result of a collaboration between Spartanburg Creative Energy, Hub-Bub.com, Spartanburg Art Museum and Partners for Active Living. Artcycle celebrates the City's national designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community, which made it the first in South Carolina to receive that honor in 2007.

2009 ArtCycle Artist

Jason S. Galloway – Roebuck, SC

Michael Griffin, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center Student– Spartanburg, SC

Sean Pace - Asheville, NC

Ralph Paquin - Spartanburg, SC

Sarah Perry, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center Student – Spartanburg, SC

Lauren Ponder -Spartanburg, SC

Cody Roberts – Spartanburg, SC

Daniel Tripp- Campobello, SC

Brandon Waddell, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center Student – Spartanburg, SC

Blake West, R. D. Anderson Applied Technology Center - Student – Spartanburg, SC

For more information, please visit: http://www.spartanburgcreativeenergy.com or contact Amanda Ingram, Communications and Marketing Specialist at 864-596-3068 or aingram@cityofspartanburg.org.

Shrine Circus Coming To Town In April

2009-03-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

Shrine Circus
Held at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 7:00pm

Thursday, April 2, 2009 3:00pm & 7:00pm

General Admission: $12.00 Adults, $10.00 Child

To purchase tickets visit: http://www.crowdpleaser.com/

Business Connect today at 5:30 p.m.

2009-03-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

The Chapman Cultural Center and Business Black Box invite you to…Business Connect

Tuesday, March 24

5:30-7 p.m.

Chapman Cultural Center

Eat • Drink • Network

It’s Simple and Easy!

Please See Attached Flyer for more details!

Our guest list…

• Spartanburg Downtown Merchants

• Spartanburg Young Professionals

• Arts X

• Everyone at Chapman Cultural Center

• Spartanburg Social Network

Questions? Call Steve Wong, Marketing at Chapman Cultural Center… 864-278-9698

Call for artist: Folk and Outsider Art Show

2009-03-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

Folk And Outsider Art Show

Call for artist for the Spring Fling Folk and Outsider art show scheduled for May 1-3, 2009 in Morgan Square. Call Cindy at 864.596.2797 or visit spartanburgspringfling.com for more details.

Unlock Your Creativity!

2009-03-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Unlock Your Creativity with The Artist’s Way
Tuesdays March 24 – May 25, 2009 6:30- 8:00 PM

The Artist’s Way is a 10 week class that will guide you in the rediscovery of your creative self. As adults, we recognize our dreams for a creative outlet, but we find ourselves too busy or we give up on our dream. This class provides weekly sessions that offer a safe place, time, and a process to reconnect with your unlived creativity. You do not have to be an artist to take this class!

Each week we will use art and writing to explore exercises from The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron and Mark Bryan. The book is available at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com at less expensive rates. Class will be limited to 10 people.

The Artist’s Way is an opportunity to:
* Encourage your artist self
* Unblock your creative flow
* Have fun using art materials, such as clay, oil pastels, chalk pastels, colored pencils, markers, collage, and paint.

After The Artist’s Way you may:
* Write, paint, sing, dance, sculpt, act, carve, draw, or whatever else your creativity has dreamed!

* Bring joy and enthusiasm back to your life.

* Have a creative process that relaxes and releases stressful feelings.

Where: St. Christopher Episcopal Church 400 Dupre Drive next to Spartanburg High School
Supplies: Bring The Artist’s Way book and a journal at least 8 ½” x 11”. Before the 1st class, read: Introduction, The Basic Principles, and The Basic Tools.

Facilitator is Betsy S. Adams, MPH, CHES, and Certified Expressive Arts Facilitator. Betsy believes creative expression improves overall health by bringing balance to life and a sense of calm and wellbeing.

To register call Trez Clarke at 583-5802 or email pcmahpiedmont@bellsouth.net

Make plans for HUB-BUB tomorrow.

2009-03-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Make plans to attend the 2008-2009 -in-Residence Exit Show on Thursday, March 19th from 5-9pm in The Showroom during tomorrow’s Art Walk. Additional artwork will be featured in the storefront adjacent to Brasserie Ecosse and complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

“In June of 2008 three visual artists and one writer came to Spartanburg to “live free and create” as part of the vanguard HUB-BUB Artist-in-Residence program. The four AiRs have spent their time in Spartanburg imagining, inventing and creating. This exhibit represents the work created during their stay with HUB-BUB.” states HUB-BUB.com

For more information visit HUB-BUB.COM.

College Fest - March 26, 2009

2009-03-17T14:17:00.001-07:00

Join us downtown for College Fest 2009 at Morgan Square starting at 8 p.m.

with Nappy Roots and Dave Barnes. Open to the public and parking is free. See you there!

It's time for Imagine That auditions!

2009-03-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

April 18th, 2009 &
April 25th, 2009
@ The Chapman Cultural Center
200 East Saint John Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
9:00AM – 1:00PM

How do you qualify for Auditions?

• You must be alcohol and drug free.
• You must be in the 9th through 12th grade.
• You must have the time to make this a priority!
• You MUST be able to deal with serious social issues including: alcohol and drug abuse, depression, violence, suicide, sexuality, racism, teen pregnancy, etc.
• You must be able to travel for overnight trips.
• Theatre experience is NOT necessary.
• Be prepared to perform an artistic talent.

If you have what it takes, and can meet the above qualifications, call Sterling Kenny at (864) 278-9665 or email her at skenny@spartanarts.org. Visit Imagine That’s website at www.imaginethatimprov.com.

Art Walk - March 19, 2009

2009-03-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

Join us for March's Artwalk on March 19, 2009.

Trolley rides begin at 5 p.m.

Mark your calendars - DanSynergy on March 21st!

2009-03-05T11:37:00.001-08:00

DanSynergy

Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m.Ballet Spartanburg partners with HUB-BUB artists and local musicians to present an evening of exciting and eclectic dance.

Adults $25, seniors $20, students $15.

Presented by Ballet Spartanburg.

Photo Credit

Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing

2009-02-27T11:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location: Daniel Recital Hall in Blackman Building at Converse College

Back by popular demand, this charming piece tells the story of Sid and his wish to be a great singer. He takes to the road, travels around the world and meets up with the most interesting of teachers.

Tickets will be available in the lobby one hour prior to the performance. Adults and Seniors $10; Children and students with ID $5.

Learn more about the Spartanburg Repertory Company at: http://www.sparklenet.com/repertorycompany/index.htm

Due this Friday!

2009-02-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

Artycycle applications are due on Friday, February 27, 2009. To download your application, visit http://www.spartanburgcreativeenergy.com/.

Arts with a Heart - Feb. 6, 2009

2009-01-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

Please join HUB-BUB for the fourth annual Arts with Heart Community Fundraiser Art Show presented by Bank Meridian. Fifteen local artists will be selling their artwork and sharing the proceeds with the charity of their choice.

This free event takes place Friday February 6th from 6-9pm at The Showroom in downtown Spartanburg and is open to the public (149 S. Daniel Morgan Ave, Spartanburg, SC 29306).

Artists include: Brandi Dice, Cathie Layton, Christina Ramsey, Dwight Rose, Jack Bundy, Jenny Williams , Karen White Katy Corbin, Kelley Constance, Korey Manley, Laura Pinkley, Lauren Smith, Mary Harris, Monta Anthony, and Paula Staska. Local non-profits include The Adult Learning Center, The Boys and Girls Club, The Caroline Virginia Pulliam Mitochondrial Disease Fund, The COLORS Program, HUB-BUB, The Humane Society, Piedmont Care, and the SC ETV Endowment.

Complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. For more information please contact Alix at 582.0056 or alix@hub-bub.com

The 7th Annual Greater Spartanburg Home and Garden Show!

2009-01-13T10:10:00.001-08:00

Presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Spartanburg

February 5 – 8, 2009

Thursday, February 5th : 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Friday, February 6th: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 7th: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 8th: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Stock Building Supply

Come out and register to win 1 of over 60 gasoline gift cards valued at $25!

To register to win the $500 grand prize gasoline card giveaway, bring 5 or more canned food items to be used to construct the “Can Do House” sponsored by Ingles and the HBA. You don’t want to miss Spartanburg’s largest house built of cans to benefit two local food pantries!

Come join the fun! For more information, please visit http://www.hbaspartanburg.com/ or call 583-5471.

January 2009 Events

2008-12-31T12:05:00.001-08:00

The Enchanted World of Dolls and Toys
Through Saturday, January 17
Chapman Cultural Center

Poetry Slam hosted by Moody Black
Saturday, January 10
TK Gregg Recreation Center

Race For The Grasshopper 5K
Saturday, January 10
Cowpens Battlefield

Music Sandwiched In - SPO Brass Quintet
Wednesday, January 14
Spartanburg County Public Library Headquarters

art walk spartanburg
Thursday, January 15
Downtown Spartanburg

Sculptor Mark Gordon Exhibit
Friday, January 16 - Thursday, February 19
USC Upstate

MASTERWORKS IV - Paper! - SPO with David Cossin, percussion
Saturday, January 17
Twichell Auditorium

Walk As One
Saturday, January 17
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church

MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 19
The Hangar @ 1st Baptist Spartanburg

MLK Unity Celebration
Monday, January 19
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Glenn Miller Orchestra
Sunday, January 25
David Reid Theatre

Historical Association's Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 25
Wofford College

Music Sandwiched In
Wednesday, January 28
Spartanburg County Public Library Headquarters

The Arts Partnership presents: The Glenn Miller Orchestra

2008-12-12T06:48:00.001-08:00

Glenn Miller Orchestra is coming to Spartanburg on January 25, 2009 at 3 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Chapman Cultural Center for more details.