District Five welcomes new director of custodial services
Spartanburg County School District Five has welcomed Randy Morgan as its new director of custodial services, bringing more than four decades of experience in custodial operations and management to the district.
Morgan joins District Five after nearly two decades with Greenville County Schools, where he served as a custodial specialist beginning in 2007. In that role, he supervised and trained 21 plant engineers and worked with school administrators and building managers to maintain clean, safe and well-kept campuses.
A longtime Upstate resident, Morgan began his career in custodial services at age 17, when he was hired as a custodian at Woodmont High School in Greenville, his alma mater. He later earned an associate degree in science in business administration from Southern Wesleyan University.
With 44 years of experience in the custodial field, Morgan will oversee District Five’s custodial operations as he begins his new role serving schools and students throughout the district.
Spartanburg Little Theatre to commemorate 25th anniversary of 9/11 with performances of the Broadway musical Come From Away
Spartanburg, SC – The Spartanburg Little Theatre is honored to be premiering its production of Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s Broadway musical Come From Away on September 11, 2026, exactly twenty-five years after the event first rocked the nation. With just twelve actors, this musical tells the story of the residents of the town of Gander, Newfoundland, who took on nearly 7,000 diverted passengers and flight crew members from 38 airplanes for almost six days following the attacks of 9/11.
“This heartfelt and uplifting true story reminds us that, sometimes, it is in our darkest hours that we witness the true power of community and the boundless potential of human kindness,” says Executive Artistic Director Jay Coffman. “It is a story of compassion, courage, and connection—a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, humanity can come together to offer hope, comfort, and love.”
Taking place at the Chapman Cultural Center, the show will open on September 11th, 2026, and run until September 27th, with shows taking place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For tickets, contact the Chapman Cultural Center Box Office at (864) 542-2787 or use this link to purchase: SLT's Come From Away Tickets.
Balsam Range, Amanda Cook Band to bring bluegrass to Spartanburg
Bluegrass fans will have an opportunity to enjoy an evening of live music when Balsam Range and the Amanda Cook Band take the stage Saturday, Sept. 12, at The Hall at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.
Balsam Range is known for its award-winning musicianship, vocal harmonies and contemporary approach to traditional bluegrass. The Amanda Cook Band will join the group as the special guest, bringing Cook's powerful vocals and traditional bluegrass influences to the Spartanburg performance.
The concert will offer an evening of bluegrass music featuring instrumental picking, vocal harmonies and traditional mountain sounds.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or the SMA box office.
Graff named inaugural Zimmerli Professor of Piano
Dr. Steven Graff has been named the inaugural Zimmerli Professor of Piano at Converse University in recognition of his teaching, mentorship and contributions to the university’s music program. The newly established endowed professorship was made possible by a gift from Nelly Zimmerli and is designed to support excellence in piano instruction and help Converse attract and retain accomplished faculty.
Graff joined Converse’s Petrie School of Music in 2020 and is recognized for combining rigorous instruction with creativity and individualized attention. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Graduate School of the City University of New York.
Upstate Renaissance Faire returns at new Hollywild location
Step back in time when the Upstate Renaissance Faire opens its gates Sept. 18-20 at its new location, Hollywild Animal Preserve, located at 2325 Hampton Road in Wellford.
The three-day event will transport visitors to a medieval-inspired world featuring sword fighting, jousting, live entertainment, belly dancing and demonstrations by skilled craftspeople.
Attendees can browse a medieval artisan market, watch blacksmiths at work and explore craft demonstrations.
For tickets, schedules and additional information, visit https://www.upstaterenaissancefaire.com/.
Springs of Grace to hold community fish fry
Springs of Grace Lutheran Church will host a community fish fry from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the church, 320 Holden Drive in Inman.
The meal is $10 per person for the general public and includes fish, a baked potato, coleslaw, a beverage and dessert.
Monarch Cafe to host annual All White Day Party
Monarch Cafe will host its eighth annual All White Day Party from 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Northside Harvest Park, 498 Howard St. in Spartanburg.
The 21-and-older event will be hosted by QL Ellison and DJ Philly and will feature R&B and Southern Soul music by Leroy Waters. Attendees can enjoy food, drink specials, bottle service, hookahs and cigars throughout the evening. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best all-white attire for the annual celebration. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com for tickets.
