Marc Parent said that if January is the month for change, then February is the month of lasting change. January is for dreamers and February is for doers.

We have an exciting month ahead as we honor Black History this month and welcome the Olympics!

If February is for doers, let's get out and do something positive and help those around us. Let's also do something for ourselves and take advantage of some of the offerings that my beloved St. Louis brings to the table this month.

<-- Check out my February Video. It has a few thoughts about the month ahead. I hope you enjoy it.

Tomorrow night I may check out Thursday Nights at the Museum over at the Missouri History Museum. This week they are featuring “THISTORY:” An Evening with Corey Black. Corey will take us on a journey through soul, jazz, and poetry as he performs music from his forthcoming EP, The Black Odyssey.

A while back, Sauce Magazine highlighted some Black-Owned Restaurants in St. Louis. Check 'em out!

It's almost First Friday again! I might head over to the Foundry Art Centre for A Very Rad Palentine’s Day. This is a special installment of its First Friday series and features Foundry studio artist Jessie Schoenrock of Rad & Sad Art. You'll see a demonstration of the basics of throwing clay and have the chance to make a bud vase or wine tumbler.

First Friday over at 31Art Gallery features guest artists Kelene Monsterlove, Travis Tanner and Andrew Throm on Friday night.

If I feel like a little comedy on First Friday I may head to Das Bevo for their Comedy Night featuring host Prince Jigg, and some of St. Louis’s best comedians for a night of laughs. This is a free show and they will have food and drink specials all night.

Saturday is national Ice Cream for Breakfast Day and St. Louis' Clementine's Creamery is offering a special ice cream breakfast at all of their locations from 9am until noon. Pajamas are encouraged as fun photo opportunities will last throughout the morning and there will be special flavors of the day.

Also on Saturday, Galentine's Day Market and Happy Hour is happening over at Das Bevo.  Shop for unique gifts from beloved St. Louis vendors and enjoy food and specialty cocktails. Come for the shopping in the historic Bevo Mill during the day and stay for happy hour after 4 in the Bierhall. The Bevo Mill is a world famous landmark so if you haven't checked it out yet add this to your list.

I you feel like heading to St. Peters on Saturday night you should check out the MTV 80's Party at Diamond Music Hall. There will be Duran Duran, Talking Heads and INXS tribute bands and plenty of big hair and neon.

Morpho Mardi Gras is going on this month over at the Butterfly House in Chesterfield. This family-friendly carnival will have you immersed in “the blues” as the Butterfly House floods the Tropical Conservatory with a sea of blue morpho butterflies. Learn about legendary blues musicians as you stroll through the tranquility of the tropics. Join the party with the “Bugs on Parade” floats, make a masquerade mask, and help inaugurate the season with these majestic creatures.

Tuesday and Wednesday night I'll definitely plan to check out Anita Jackson Sings Nina Simone over at the Harold & Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz. Anita lends her multiple gifts to paying tribute to the legacy of the legendary Nina Simone: singer, musician, and activist whose artistic and personal journey is historic, brilliant, joyful, turbulent and ultimately groundbreaking.

It's Thursday Night at the Museum over at the Missouri Historical Society. There will be games, drinks and performances along with extended hours and a special presentation. This week they are presenting Missouri Emancipation and the St. Louis African American Community. From churches to civic and social organizations, this presentation will explore how those institutions supported the African American community both before and after emancipation, as well as how emancipation affected individual lives.

Friday night we might head over to the Grand Center Arts District for Jazz St. Louis' early Valentine's Day with Erin Bode. Bode’s angelic voice and endearing stage presence make for the perfect Valentine’s celebration in the intimacy of the Ferring Jazz Bistro.

Another great spot for music on Friday is over at The Pageant for the Dogs of Society: Elton John Tribute. They will blow you away with their authentic rock ‘n roll tribute to the one of the most celebrated musicians in rock history.

Welcome Neighbor STL's Drive-thru Supper Club is serving lunch on Saturday. These meals help rebuild lives and rebuild hope for the cooks who share their talents and culture. Saturday's lunch is a 4 course, Syrian feast that will be brought directly to your car.

Saturday afternoon there is a Cajun Cook-off over at Soulard Market Park. This is another one of their events celebrating Mardi Gras. Talented amateur chefs from across the area face off, preparing their best dishes for a panel of hungry and highly discerning judges. Attendees will get a tasty, Cajun lunch, live music and drinks. There will also be cocktail and cooking demos.

On Saturday night I'm going to dust off my dancing shoes for Cherokee Street's inaugural Brass Band Blowout. They're kicking off Mardi Gras season right and bringing you the best St. Louis brass bands; Red & Black Brass Band, Saint Boogie Brass Band and the Funky Butt Brass Band. It's a great chance to check out their new music venue, The Golden Record.

Sunday offers a great brunch option at Urban Eats in Dutchtown. They are having a Sweetheart Brunch with live music by J. Sterling Brown. You'll have a chance to sample from each vendor from the Urban Eats Food Hall who are all local vendors looking to share their culinary delights.

The Metro Theater Company is presenting Last Stop on Market Street this month with in person as well as virtual performances. This kid and family friendly performance is a Motown/hip-hop musical adaptation of New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning picture book Last Stop on Market Street.

The Broadway musical Mean Girls is coming to St. Louis beginning Tuesday. This hilarious hit is over at The Fabulous Fox Theater through February 27th.

Friday night Tyler, the Creator will be performing at Chaifetz Arena. His highly anticipated tour follows on the heels of his critically-acclaimed album, Call Me if You Get Lost, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts upon its release.

If I'm in the mood for some laughs I may check out funny man, Rob Schnidier at The Factory in Chesterfield. If you haven't visited this newer concert venue yet it's worth checking out.

Saturday afternoon Laumeier Sculpture Park continues their Family Workshops with Intuitive Painting. This family friendly event has you working as a team to create an amazing painted masterpiece. Multi-generational workshops are a wonderful way for families to spend quality and creative time together.

Saturday and Sunday the great, Taste of Soulard returns! I'm looking forward to this self-guided tasting and pub crawl and the many Cajun flavors that you will find throughout Soulard. 

If we make it to the Taste on Sunday we are definitely going to check out the Weiner Dog Derby. These cute pups will square off in Lumiere Place Stadium Stadium at Soulard Market to determine the dashingest dachshund in all of the land. 

Saturday night the Voodoo Players present Voodoo Paul Simon: Graceland performed in it's entirety at Delmar Hall.

Saturday and Sunday night Shen Yun returns to The Stifel Theater. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms, classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun brings to life the enchanting beauty and profound wisdom of ancient China. Though Shen Yun cannot perform in mainland China today, this precious heritage is being revived around the world.

On Tuesday the St. Louis Speakers Series continues at Maryville University with guest speaker Platon. Platon is an award winning photographer as well as a communicator, storyteller and activist. He founded a non-profit foundation named The People's Portfolio which aspires to create a visual language that breaks barriers, expands dignity, fights discrimination, and enlists the public to support human rights around the world. 

Wednesday night Imagine Dragons is bringing their Mercury Tour to The Enterprise Center. They self identify as "genreless" and artfully blend rock, hip-hop, pop and folk music.

Friday evening the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Black History Month with Lift Every Voice: A Black History Month Celebration. Come together with the SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus to celebrate music of African American and African traditions, and their influence on St. Louis and the world. This annual evening of reflective and soulful music is one to remember.

There are a couple of events to celebrate Mardi Gras on Saturday. I may head over to Soulard for the Bud Light Grand Parade. This event is the crown jewel of the Soulard Mardi Gras season and is the biggest parade outside of the Big Easy. After the parage you an head over to Ballpark Village for the Mardi Gras After Pardi. There will be live music, food and drink specials and more!

On Saturday night St. Louis Classical Guitar presents an Evening with Thomas Viloteau, at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, as part of their Great Artist Series. Thomas is a French phenom classical guitarist and also a writer. Tickets can be purchased for the live event on Saturday or to stream the concert after the live event.

I love trivia so I might have to check out the 8th annual Young Friends Trivia Night at the Missouri History Museum on Saturday night. This year they are offering the choice of attending live or virtually so everyone can participate comfortably.

Monday evening the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents Suites, Spirituals and Dances celebrating Black History Month with music by African American and Afro-Caribbean composers. You have the choice to attend this live event or purchase a ticket to see the recording virtually on March 8th.