I’m going to start us off with a song from the Stones because something about this song and the old pictures makes me want to live my life better and harder and brighter, and maybe it will affect you in a positive way too.

And really, what else are we doing here if not trying to live so that some Interneter of the future might put together a dope montage of pictures of us and set it to a great song?

And now, if you don’t mind, Little Susie, take me down.

Friday August 20th

“Closer” at Generic Theater This is the play that inspired the Clive Owen/Natalie Portman movie of the same name. If you’ve never to the Generic Theater (speaking of going underground), it’s a good scene. Local actors and directors letting it all hang out.

Cesar.

Sailors’ Dreams: Works by Cesar Romero If you like good art and peaceful places, stop by The Hermitage. I bet you even make a friend.

Zoo Grooves As an ethical vegetarian, I suppose I should have a problem with zoos in general. But, alas, I cannot. My love for the animals is a selfish one, and if given the chance, I would lay among the monkeys for hours and days on end.

“It’s a concert night at the Virginia Zoo perfect for families! Enjoy music by local band “Promethean” in the event field. Promethean covers your favorite songs for the 80s and 90s. Pack your blankets and lawn chairs to be entertained at this exciting event!”

BEAR BAR …..1 NIGHT A WEEK…..FRIDAY NIGHTS They’re not talking Yogi and Boo Boo.

Silent Art Auction for EVMS Art for a cause.

Magic Night – Magic Camp student show “Students of Kevin Spencer’s Magic Camp will demonstrate their new skills live on stage.” If this isn’t sweet, hilarious, and something that decidedly makes your heart lighter… well, you can dump a glass a Sprite on my head, if that’ll make you feel better, because you’re in a bad place and I want to help you any way I can.

Saturday August 21st

“Hope, Love, Change – Think Globally” “Join us for an unforgettable evening of hair, fashion and music during their “HOPE, LOVE, CHANGE” event to benefit Hope House Foundation.” This is at the under-ratedly beautiful Granby Theater. Anything that helps out my good pal Hollywood is as good as a skinny dip in the river to me.

Khedive Temple Seafood Feast This takes place in Chesapeake at a place called the Chesapeake Shrine Club. I love those Shriner’s style, but who doesn’t love swords, nutty hats, and tiny cars, eh?

All: NO ONE!

Plus, those Shriners are so powerful that I can’t figure out how to make their event name a normal size. Good on them for dominating me in this small way.

Bee Cool Stay Local “Come out to a weekend full of Honey Bee educational workshops & displays, movies, honey filled food and entertainment! The Honey Bees are disappearing and it is important that we educate ourselves as to the why this is occurring.” Plus, they’re showing “Bee Movie.”

1888 Returns with Astropop3 & The Trillions People I know whose taste in music I trust say that 1888 getting back together is right up there with the reunion between macaroni and cheese (if they were ever estranged for a sad while.) Dig it.

Open House at the Mambo Room You know how you’ve been talking about taking dance lessons? Here’s your chance to get your party started right and quickly.

Yes.

The Duck Tape Regatta The name of this event has the words ‘duck,’ ‘tape,’ and ‘regatta’ in it. Tell me that what you already have planned for this Saturday sounds cooler than this. Tell me, you liar.

Free Saturday concerts at ODU There’s a roots//reggae band this weekend. Groooovy.

Donate and Demo Day at Bayside Harley Oink oink. (In a good way.)

Sunday August 22nd

The Hampton Roads Dachshund Meetup Group Monthly Meetup Driving all your dachshunds and Buicks, to the phone company and the record store too.

Turn the Tide on Diabetes Night Baseball is good. Diabetes is bad.

I know there’s a thousand and twelve other fantastic things happening around the 757 this weekend. This is just, like, a sampling. Please note what I missed in the comment section.

I love you, but Hampton Roads loves you more.