A New Budget, a Happy Days Star & Taco de Theory's Big Move

Issue #769

July 10, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌦️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Scattered afternoon thunderstorms/showers, w/ high of 90, low of 69

📰 Maury County Approves $307.7 Million Budget for New Fiscal Year

🎤 'Happy Days' Star Donny Most Coming to Columbia for Special Live Show

🌮 Taco de Theory to Move into 9th & S. Main Brick & Mortar Location

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Maury County Approves $307.7 Million Budget for New Fiscal Year

The Maury County Commission has approved a $307.7 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with more than half of the funding dedicated to public education. According to the budget, Maury County Public Schools will receive approximately $170 million in direct funding, along with additional funding for school nutrition, capital projects and debt service.

The budget also includes funding for county services such as emergency response, law enforcement, courts, roads and solid waste. Commissioners adopted a new revenue-neutral property tax rate following the countywide property reassessment and approved more than $2 million in funding for local nonprofit organizations and volunteer fire departments.

Read Main Street Maury's full article for additional budget details, funding breakdowns and commissioner comments.

'Happy Days' Star Donny Most Coming to Columbia for Special Live Show

“Happy Days & Swanky Southern Nights” welcome their VERY Special Guest, DONNY MOST (“Ralph Malph” of TV’s “HAPPY DAYS” fame as well as longtime Big Band crooner).

“What a (singing) voice!! What energy! Who knew? (Move over Michael Buble!)”
- HUFFPOST

Donny Most, best known as Ralph Malph in the long-running hit television show, Happy Days, bring the songs of Sinatra, Darin, Martin, and more to life through his engaging interpretations and creative arrangements. The swing era and 50's cool are fused together in one very unique show, delivered with either his 8 piece or 17 piece big band.

In addition to acting and directing, Donny has returned to his first love - singing. He has always loved the standards/swing/big band style of music, and has mounted his show: Donny Most - Mostly Swinging. Donny has performed at such notable venues as “54 Below,” “The Cutting Room,” and "The Iridium Jazz Club" in NYC, as well as “Catalina’s Jazz Club” in Hollywood, to great acclaim. He has also performed at major events such as The Kentucky Derby and The Sundance Film Festival.

This special LIVE version of the popular worldwide broadcast “Swanky Southern Nights” features co-hosts Makky Kaylor (State-designated “The Tennessee Troubadour” and composer of an official State Song) and Brenda Lynn “Brynn” (singer/songwriter and twice-nominated Radio Personality of the Year).

Enjoy their top shelf Swanky South blend of original and timeless elements of the soulful Nashville Sound era and the Great American Songbook accompanied by “The Swanky South Players” - a live band consisting of award-winning musicians. The show includes an exciting interview from the onstage “Swanky South Lounge” with Donny and a time of interactive Q & A with the audience. Come experience this perfect pairing... Happy Days and Swanky Southern Nights!

TIMELINE:

5:30 - Pre show jazz in the cocktail lounge
6:30 - Doors
7:00 - Showtime!

Taco de Theory to Move into 9th & S. Main Brick & Mortar Location

You may be familiar with Taco de Theory’s food truck around town. On July 2nd they announced that they would be expanding to a brick and mortar location. This week they announced where that location would be…

We're coming to 9th & S. Main in Downtown Columbia!

Seeing our trailer parked in front of what will become our first permanent home is a dream come true… It's exciting to watch this vision become reality. We're creating more than a taco spot we're building a place where food, culture, creativity, and community come together. There's still plenty of work ahead, but I wanted to finally share where this next chapter begins. Thank you to everyone who's believed in and supported this journey. We couldn't do it without you.

What do you want to see inside Taco de Theory? A mural? Signature drinks? Live music? Community events? Drop your ideas in the comments!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, July 10th

Saturday, July 11th

Sunday, July 12th

Monday, July 13th 

Tuesday, July 14th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, July 10
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Mike Peters - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Don McKinnon - Turnpike Tavern, 7-9 PM
The Prickly Pear - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Escape - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, July 11
Box of Rox - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Grasskickers - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6-8 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
The Mighty Train Wrecks - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Resurrection - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Scotty Morton Band - The Boondox, 8 PM
Rebellious South - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, July 12
The Sins - Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Small Blind - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill - 2-5 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk