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One-Night Performance Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary Through Music and History

Issue #755

June 22, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Cloudy / partly cloudy w/ high of 81, low of 58

🇺🇸 One-Night Performance Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary Through Music and History

👉 June 24: The Great Art Heist Murder Mystery Experience

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

One-Night Performance Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary Through Music and History

About the Town Productions, in partnership with Watershed Public Theatre, is hosting a special performance of The National Anthem at Ledbetter Auditorium on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in celebration of America’s 250th  anniversary. 

Although many may recall the name of Francis Scott Key, composer of “The Star Spangled Banner,” very few are familiar with the details of his life. The musical The National Anthem takes a closer look at the fascinating man behind the song, his unorthodox opinions about society and his unique perspective of poetry.

This family-friendly musical full of history and humor features 14 original songs, including two that showcase lyrics written by Francis Scott Key himself. The National Anthem is written and composed by About the Town Productions Director Wally Nason, whose original works have been experienced by more than a million audiences across the Eastern United States.

Actor Daniel Stargel takes the stage as the historic composer and star of The National Anthem. Stargel, who holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Drama from University of North Carolina Greensboro, has performed across the country with multiple companies. Stargel’s notable resume spans nearly 20 years, and he has even shared the stage with Broadway stars such as Josh Groban and Sarah Brightman. His interpretation of Francis Scott Key is delivered with honesty and lighthearted energy.

The touring production will be presented only one night in Columbia, at Columbia State Community College’s Ledbetter Auditorium, 1665 Hampshire Pike. The 90-minute performance begins at 7:00 pm. More details and advance tickets are available here. Tickets are also available at the door. Contact Watershed Public Theatre at [email protected] to receive a coupon code and save $10 off each ticket; additional discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

June 24: The Great Art Heist Murder Mystery Experience

An evening of art. A mystery waiting to unfold.

Join us on June 24th at 6:00 PM at the Dr. Christa S. Martin Community Center for The Great Art Heist, an immersive murder mystery experience where guests will step into an elegant gala, witness the auction of extraordinary artwork, and suddenly find themselves at the center of a shocking crime.

A priceless painting disappears. A prominent guest is found dead. Every clue matters, and every person in the room is a suspect.

Can you uncover the truth before the night is over?

This free community event invites you to dress up, get involved, and experience an evening filled with twists, secrets, and unexpected revelations.

Because sometimes the most dangerous thing in the room isn't a weapon... It's the truth.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Tuesday, June 23rd

Wednesday. June 24th

Thursday, June 25th

Friday, June 26th

Saturday, June 27th

Sunday, June 28th

Stay Tuned For More Events!

Discount Code: Deeper

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, June 23
Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6-9 PM

Thursday, June 25

Twisted Punk Bazaar - Twisted Copper Brewery, 5-10:30 PM
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6-9 PM

Friday, June 26
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Nick Black - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Open Mic - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 6-9 PM
Songwriter Series - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Walker County - Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
DownSouth Band - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, June 27
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12-6 PM
Vince Moreno - Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Tunes for Tails - The Mulehouse, 6 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6-8 PM
The Tim Turner Band - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Yonder Grove - Twisted Copper, 7-10 PM
Curated Writers Round - Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
MFT Rebelling - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
The Howlin Embers - Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Six Strings Revolvers - The Boondox, 8 PM
Luvscene - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, June 28
TBA - Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Greg Minear - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2-5 PM
Zmed Brothers - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM

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