Valentine’s Day is in the rear-view mirror and some folks have a long weekend coming up, so how about we smack you upside the head with a new batch of STUFF TO DO in and around the Charleston/Huntington WV area (and beyond) this weekend?

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 Sandy Sowell & Gerry Collyard. Saturday Swingstein & Robin take the stage at the beloved bookstore/cafe/art gallery.

Sunday at 4 PM Lady D brings her tribute show to Bessie Smith, The Lady and The Empress, to The West Edge Factory, at 1040 Vernon St, in Huntington. This is the 20th year that Lady D has been doing this show, and it’s one of our state’s artistic treasures.  Admission is free, but it’s suggested that you reserve a spot via Eventbrite.

The Lady and the Empress is a stage play; a one-woman show written and performed by Doris Fields (Lady D). It is based on the life and music of blues legend, Bessie Smith who was also known as the Empress of the Blues. The performance runs approximately 90 – 100 minutes including a 15-minute intermission and features many of Smith’s most popular songs such as “T’ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do” and “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out.”

The World Famous Empty Glass Cafe has some great stuff this week  to tell you about. Thursday at 5:30 PM it’s the Helping Hour with Swingstein & Robin.   At 9 PM, Thursday, Evie Schaffer takes over with more live music.  Friday Tim Courts plays during happy hour.    Sunday at 9 PM, Andrew Pauley strolls to the other end of town to play at The Glass. You can check below for the graphics for other cool weekend shows at The Empty Glass.

Please remember that the pandemic is not over yet. It’s still a going concern with the ‘rona surging again. And now there are seasonal allergies, the flu, flash floods caused by flowing MAGA tears, Tony Romo still blathering about a play that happened in the third quarter, more Orweilian bills being introduced in the legislature 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…