Real Local: Mark Rapp

Trumpet (or didgeridoo) in hand, Mark Rapp is known to keep Columbia SC grooving with his advocacy for the arts. In this small town all grown up, Mark has the inside scoop on where to catch a show and soak up the arts.

Hey there! I’m Mark Rapp, trumpeter and founder of the ColaJazz Foundation. I love the way our city integrates the arts into all areas of life. From live music at a local bar to a concert hall reverberating with the sounds of the South Carolina Philharmonic, Columbia SC is playing your tune.

BRUNCH: Motor has been turning South Carolina farm fresh food into delicious meals for over 30 years. The menu changes regularly but the satisfaction is something you can always count on. 

Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the cocktails from award winning mixologist, Jake Smith.

Featured: Motor Supply

City LIFE: To feel the energy of our city, First Thursday on Main is the place to be. On the first Thursday of each month, Main Street businesses spill into the streets offering special deals as musicians set up for outdoor concerts and soda citizens can be found literally dancing in the street. 

Pro Tip: the Columbia Museum of Art is free these nights.

Featured: Main Street District

Happy HOUR: Take happy hour across the river at WECO Bottle and Biergarten. Chill out at the bar, surrounded by plants and dreamy lighting, or head outside for a drink on the patio where you’ll often find a local favorite food truck. 

Featured: WECO Bottles and Biergarten

Date NIGHT: Trustus Theater gets you up close to actors and actresses preforming a wide range of theatre. It’s the perfect spot to cozy up for a date night before heading back to Main Street for a night cap and pimento cheese fries at Bourbon.

Music: You’ll come in for the tapas and drinks, but the live music at The Joint at 1710 Main will have you sticking around all night long. Whether you want to hop on stage and play a few bars, dance around the room or stick to tapping your toe, the Joint on Main never fails to entertain. 

Featured: The Joint 

 

Catch A SHOW: Year-round the Columbia City Ballet puts on truly wonderful shows. From classics like The Nutcracker to innovative performances like Off the Wall, the Columbia City Ballet is one of our hidden gems. 

Featured: Columbia City Ballet