CALENDAR, July 17+:   Reggae, ladybugs, history and books

Reggae Nights concert series.  James Island County Park.  Gates open at 7:30 p.m. with performances starting at 8:30 p.m. for this county concert series with Jah Works, July 21; and Mystic Vibrations, Aug. 4.

(NEW) Ladybug release:  Magnolia Plantation and Gardens will release 150,000 ladybugs into the gardens 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 22, 3550 Ashley River Rd., Charleston.  Why?>  Ladybugs are natural predators that feed on aphids, which destroy garden plants.  There will be face paintings for children, live animal displays and more.  Paid admission only.  More:  www.MagnoliaPlantation.com.

Unveiling McLeod.  11 a.m., July 22, 29, McLeod Plantation Historic Site, James Island.  This $15 tour delves deeply into history and reflects the most recent research, revealing new understandings of the people who lived here throughout history. In addition, participants are often allowed access to places typically not available to the public. A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under.  More:  Call 843-795-4386, visit www.CharlestonCountyParks.com.

John’s Island book sale.  Charleston Friends of the Library will hold a two-day book sale July 28 and 29 at the John’s Island Regional Library, 3531 Maybank Highway, to raise money for the charity.  Paperbacks start at $1 and hardbacks at $3.  There also are lots of other materials, such as DVDs, CDs and children’s books.  The sale starts at 9 a.m. each day and ends in late afternoon.  More:  CharlestonLibraryFriends.org.

Financing a small business:  3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 3, Trident United Way building, Suite 101, 6296 Rivers Ave., North Charleston.  The Small Business Administration will offer a two-hour workshop with financial experts who will share lending options and experience for people looking for business capital.  Cost: $20.  To register or learn more, visit www.charlestonsbdc.com or call 843-740-6160.

I Got You Babe: Various times, through Sept. 13, 34 West Theater, 200 Meeting St., Charleston.  34 West Theater’s downtown venue will be California Dreaming all summer with its newest musical, I Got You Babe.  Tickets are $30 each.  For the schedule and more about the production, visit www.34west.org.

Farmers markets.  Here is a list of various markets in the Lowcountry throughout the summer:

• TUESDAYS:  Mount Pleasant Farmers Market occurs every Tuesday through April starting at 3:30 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Location:  645 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant.  
• WEDNESDAYS: West Ashley Farmers Market opens at 3 p.m. every Wednesday in Ackerman Park, 55 Sycamore Ave., Charleston.  It will continue through Oct. 4.
• THURSDAYS:  Sullivan’s Island Farmers Market starts at 2:30 p.m. every Thursday at 1921 I’On Avenue in front of the Poe Library.
• THURSDAYS:  Isle of Palms Farmers Market is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. through Aug. 31.  It is held at the Isle of Palms County Park.
• SATURDAYS:  Charleston Farmers Market occurs every Saturday through Nov. 25 at Marion Square.  It opens at 8 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.
• SATURDAYS:  Johns Island Farmers Market operates each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout the summer to allow patrons to beat the heat.  The market is located on the campus of Charleston Collegiate School, 2024 Academy Road, Johns Island.

       List of other markets.

Early morning bird walks at Caw Caw:  8:30 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday, Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Ravenel.  You can learn about habitats and birds, butterflies and other organisms in this two-hour session.  Registration not required, but participants are to be 15 and up.  $10 per person or free to Gold Pass holders.  More:  http://www.CharlestonCountyParks.com.

If you have an event to list on our calendar, please send it to editor@charlestoncurrents.com for consideration.  The calendar is updated weekly on Mondays.