It’s another week where I’m inviting my readers to complete this post in the comments. Real world stuff is going on and I’m very distracted, so it’s a very real possibility that I could miss a huge and obvious event or something.  There’s lots of STUFF TO DO this week, even though I’m still somewhat hibernating until the next COVID booster shot is ready. I don’t want to risk exposure after escaping the clutches of the pandemic for so long.  That doesn’t mean you guys have to stay in. I’m immuno-compromised.

Remember, if you are attending an outdoor event, stay hydrated and please don’t smoke or vape around any humans who might find the associated stank to be offensive. Be mindful of your health and of those near you. Look for and offer to aid people who might seem frail, look like they’re about to pass out, or have become dizzy from joyous and positive politics.  With that bit of a caveat, let me tell you about plenty of STUFF TO DO in Charleston and all over the Mountain State and beyond as we remain in the dog days of August.

As I have been copying and pasting for some time now, this a good time to remind you that THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST OF EVENTS.  It’s just a starting point, so don’t expect anything comprehensive (especially today when I’m severely distracted), and if you feel strongly about me leaving anything out, feel free to mention it in the comments. I won’t be offended if you volunteer to do the work I was too busy to do.

Saturday sees the opening of Pumzi’s, a new to Charleston musical concept brought to us courtesy of our old pal, Sean Richardson. It’s a “sober-curious” performance space, which means that it’s alcohol-free (finally!) and therefore suitable for all-ages.  Charleston has been sorely lacking at all-ages venue since before I began writing PopCult, so this is just a godsend. Check out the details here…

We also have a big local festival to tell you about at Valley Park…

Live Music is on tap at Taylor Books. There is no cover charge, and shows start at 7:30 PM.  This week we gots no idea who will be performing, but it’s bound to be great, and you can’t beat the price.

The World Famous Empty Glass Cafe has some great stuff this week  to tell you about.   Thursday at 5:30 PM Swingstein and Robin return with music for a cause.  Friday Tim Courts and friends will fill the Happy Hour with music starting at 5:30 PM. Later Thursday James Brown takes the stage. Friday Tim Courts holds down the forts for Happy Hour, and then at 9:30 PM, Bluegrass chanteuse, Sequoia Rose delights the Empty Glass audience. Saturday, the East End Ghouls return to The Glass with their wildly fun drag and burlesque show at 10 PM.  Sunday evening at 10 PM, it’s the big ole post-Mountain Stage Jam, which is the stuff of legend and adventure.

Please remember that the pandemic is still not entirely over yet. It’s a going concern with the ‘rona still lurking about all robust and reinvigorated and with a chip on its shoulder. And now there are nasty seasonal allergies, flying ketchup, Paraguayan Kitten-Monkeys, Nutella snobs and other damned good reasons to be careful. Many people who have very good reasons are still wearing masks, and many of us, understandably, are still nervous about being in crowds, masked or not. Be kind and understanding  while you’re out.

Keep in mind that all shows are subject to change or be cancelled at the last minute.

Here we go, roughly in order…