It’s not officially Summer yet, but we’re getting there. The days are getting longer. The weather is getting hotter and more humid. If you go riding your bike, please be careful. And…there is still plenty of STUFF TO DO in Charleston and all over the Mountain State and beyond as we still wonder whatever happened to that lovely spring weather we never got.

First up, in honor of Mental Health Awareness month we’re leaving West Virginia. Not for good, and I don’t mean I’m personally leaving, but there is a very cool show this coming at Natalie’s in Columbus (at 945 King Avenue) Starting at 7 PM, it’s an uplifting night of great music plus information and resources to help those struggling with mental health. Featuring performances by Columbus-area musicians Brian Clash, Glare, John Estep’s Breaking Badfinger, Colin Gawel & Friends and Electro Cult Circus remembering the music of bands and musicians impacted by suicide. This benefit concert will raise funds for mental health and suicide awareness agencies.

John Estep, of course, is a longtime friend and this is a very special show. For more details go HERE.

Live Music is on tap at Taylor Books. There is no cover charge, and shows start at 7:30 PM.  Friday it’s Chet Lowther. Saturday Ty McClanahan takes the stage at the beloved bookstore/cafe/art gallery.

The World Famous Empty Glass Cafe has some great stuff this week  to tell you about.  Wednesday at 9 PM  James Vernon Brown will play a few acoustic tunes as RFC faves, The Liquid Canvas. Thursday at 5:30 PM the Helping Hour with Swingstein & Robin make the world a better place with music for the benefit of Manna Meal. Friday, Tim Courts plays during happy hour.  Saturday at 10 PM The Reveal bring their BluesRock Fusion to The Glass.  Sunday at 10 PM it’s the Post-Mountain Stage Jam hosted by The Carpenter Ants.  Look below for graphics for additional shows at The Empty Glass.

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, localized flooding from the tears of candidates who lost in the primary, A potentially dangerous amount of schadenfreude over Doug Skaff’s campaign, An inevitable wave of really bitter car commercials 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.

And now, roughly in order, the rest of the STUFF TO DO…