Life is what you make it

Just typing that makes us have a Frighty and Colonel Mite moment.

Some stuff to do this weekend...

FRI

Tift Meritt, blues artist that's part of the Discovery Music Series at the Attucks Theatre, does her thing. All the artists at the series are critical faves, and a few are majorly huge overseas, so don't miss the chance to see them in an intimage setting right in your own city...did we mention the free beer and wine?

Some woman named Mary J. Blige -- never heard of her -- is at the Ampitheater with Robin Thicke.

The ever lovely jazz vocalist Becky Livas, who was one of the first black newscasters in this area in the 70s, performs standards at the Art of Compassion reception and silent auction at the Pheobus Art Gallery in Hampton. Proceeds go to Bon Securs Hospice. $50.  

Umoja Festival, all weekend, nTelos Pavilion on P-town. Parade with Olympic dude LaShawn Merritt starts at 5:30 p.m.

Howl-O-Scream starts at Busch Gardens.

The Commodores at the Sandler Center. Fellas, should you bring your brickhouse, or is that like bringing sand to the beach? Hmm.

SAT

Here's my pick of the weekend: Artist Josh Malbon, one of the early founders of Shmack, is doing a pilot run of a new concept. Young artists are, for one night, showing their work in public places. This one is from 7 to 10 at Doc Taylor's, a breakfast cafe in an old cottage (207 23rd St., O'front.) It's called Blend; it's about community and art. Free. Don't sleep! Call 7/274-9791.

Jeffrey Osbourne and Midnight Star at Umoja.

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