Sunday is the big day, but there’s still lots of cool things happening leading up to Jesus’s birthday. Let’s tell you about some. Note that there doesn’t seem to be anything going on on Christmas Eve. Suck it up and go spend time with your families.

A special note: ArtWalk happens again in Charleston Thursday from 5 PM to 8 PM.  This free event is open to the public as art lovers can walk to all the usual suspects and take in the majesty of the art. Some galleries will have music and/or munchies as well. It’s a really cheap way to support the local scene and get out and mingle a bit…if you are so inclined. This is also a good chance to pick up last minute Christmas gifts from local artists.

Live Music is back at Taylor Books. There is no cover charge, and shows start at 7:30 PM. Friday it’s Ryan Smith.

The Empty Glass has some great stuff through the week to tell you about.  From 9 PM to Midnight Wednesday, Grant Jacobs will be at the World Famous Empty Glass.  Thursday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Swingstein and Robin play fiddle and piano and sing swing and early jazz standards. Each week they donate their tips to a local nonprofit.  Taking over at 9:30 PM Thursday, Four Chill brings the funk and smooth grooves. Friday from 5 PM to 8 PM Timmy “Courts and Friends hold down the fort at the Glass.

Friday, Minor Swing will be in Saint Albans, at Coal River Coffee Company.

Please remember that the pandemic is not over yet. 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.

Also, it’s the holiday season, so don’t be a jerk. If you need an extra injection of holiday spirit, tune into The AIR, where we’re in Christmas mode for the rest of the week.

If you’re up for going out, here are a few suggestions for the rest of this week, roughly in order.