Now that we’ve made it to June it’s time once again for your guide to things you can do in and around Charleston. Be advised that there are a lot of Pride Events happening all over this weekend. There’s also a biker rally in Charleston, and a big-deal pop culture convention in Huntington with Chuck Norris, David Koechner and the voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy.

Live Music is back at Taylor Books. There is no cover charge, and shows start at 7:30 PM. Friday it’s BRRO. Saturday sees Lady D herself, Doris Fields at Charleston’s Bookstore/coffeehouse/art gallery institution.

Our lead item this week is Fairview, the Pulitzer Award-winning play that opens Friday at The Alban Arts Center and runs through next weekend.

Fairview was written by Jackie Sibblies Drury, and is described as  “a biting, comedic look at a middle-class Black family whose birthday celebration takes a dark twist and challenges the gaze of race and the very structures we hold so close.”

Be warned that the performance includes adult language and themes. Directed by Stuart Frazier, “Fairview” will be presented at 8 PM Friday and Saturday; 2 PM
Sunday; 8 PM June 10 and 11; and 2 PM June 12, like it says on the poster below.

Tickets are $17 for adults, and $12 for seniors and students. To order tickets, call 304-721-8896 or got to the Alban Arts Center website.

Mel and I are planning to attend at some point during the run, but I would like to take some time once more to strongly suggest that all of our local community theater groups give some consideration to designating one performance during the runs of their shows where proof of vaccination and masks are required.  I’m only asking for one show, out of the four, six or eight that they do, have this stipulation. I realize that it’s a huge turn-off for a lot of folks, but for those of us with immunity issues, it’d be a nice gesture to have one performance where we could feel a bit safer.

As far as I know, The Alban is not doing this with Fairview, but Mel and I are willing to take the chance to support the local scene, the director, Stuart Frazier and see an acclaimed play. I do hope the folks in charge of the various local theatre troupes consider implementing one special performance during their runs with extra precautions.

Because…we all need to remember that the pandemic is not over yet, and now only the stupidest of people are going without vaccinations. 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.

In the meantime, if you’re up for going out, here are some suggestions from folks who were kind enough to provide graphics and make my job easier…