Early this year we lost a legendary Charleston musician, Kai Haynes.

Kai musical accomplishments, from being a key part of the early Mountain Stage band to performing with too many local musical acts to list here, as well as his expertise in audiophile sound systems and his partnership in LiveMix Studio are only part of a life well-lived.

Kai was a great friend, a devoted father, a man who was extraordinarily kind and generous with his knowledge and just an overall quality human being. Kai was one of the three partners in LiveMix Studio, without whom the 2006 revival of Radio Free Charleston never would have happened. Kai appeared on several episodes, and ran camera on several early episodes of the video show.

Kai’s family is hosting a Celebration of Life memorial concert for Kai Haynes, on Friday April 19th at the Embassy Suites Ballroom in Charleston WV. They will celebrate  his life with one of his favorite passions, music.  Performing will be Bob Thompson Unit, Voodoo Katz and The New Old Souls…all bands that Kai performed with. This will be followed by an all-star jam.  Doors open at 7 PM. There will be snacks and a cash bar. There is a $15 suggested donation (proceeds to help with final expenses and music scholarship in Kai’s name).

Thanks to WTSQ for the graphic below. Mel and I are planning to attend, but I may not last too long into the evening. This week’s heat has caused a Mysthenia Gravis flare up. You can listen to Radio Free Charleston‘s tribute to Kai HERE.

Record store Day is happening this Saturday, and I’m sure that Sullivan’s Records and Orbits will be packed.  Keep those things in mind as launch into this week’s list of STUFF TO DO.  There’s plenty of STUFF TO DO in Charleston and all over the Mountain State as we try to figure out what the weather will be for the next fifteen minutes.

As I have been copying and pasting of late, 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, and if you feel strongly about me leaving anything out, feel free to mention it in the comments.

Live Music is back at Taylor Books. There is no cover charge, and shows start at 7:30 PM.  Friday it’s Sequoia Rose. Saturday That High Country Revival takes the stage at the beloved bookstore/cafe/art gallery, possibly all at once.

The World Famous Empty Glass Cafe has some great stuff this week  to tell you about.  Thursday at 5:30 PM the Helping Hour with Swingstein & Robin makes the world a better place with music(details below).   Friday, Tim Courts plays during happy hour.  Friday at 10 PM, The Great Indoors bring their pop/rock to the glass, with support from The Band Light.  Saturday at 10 PM its Outlaw Counry time with The Zakk Grandahl Band.

Please remember that the pandemic is still not entirely over yet. It’s a going concern with the ‘rona still lurking about. And now there are nasty seasonal allergies, falling shares of Truth Social stock, totally unhinged primary campaign ads, angry ballerinas in steel-toed boots 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.

If you’re up for going out, here are a few suggestions for the weekend, roughly in order…