Despite brisk winds and frost on the ground this weekend, local businesses seem to be saying, "The show must go on!"

And the shows these businesses are referring to consist of jazz bands, poetry readings, ice-skating, and dancing in the past, so entertainment for everyone is a sure thing.

File photo (ENLARGE)

Richard Satterfield of the band Cool 21 plays the drums June 25, 2006, on Main Street in downtown Elizabeth City during the annual Taste of Elizabeth City. The band will perform Friday at The City Wine Sellar.

Starting out the weekend's events, tonight, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. will be "Poetry Night" at Page After Page. In the warmth and shelter of this cozy bookstore, amateurs and skilled poets alike will share poems they have written, or just get ideas for some to share at next month's poetry night.

"People can come to share their poetry, hear others' advice, or just listen; anyone is welcome," says the store's owner, Susan Hinkle.

The poetry night takes place monthly, and though there are already many regulars, newcomers are more than welcome to join. For more information, about the poetry night, contact Page After Page at (252) 335-7243.

Friday night is the night for music lovers to brave the cold. Starting out the night, The City Wine Sellar will host its regular Friday music night. And although the event is a regular occasion, the band playing Friday night will surely mix things up.

Unlike the bands that usually play at the cellar, Cool 21 will exude a soulful mix of jazz and blues that is said to take listeners to New Orleans, La. What could be better than relaxing in a chair with a glass of wine while a great jazz band takes you on a mini vacation?

Listeners can enjoy music and drinks from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., though dinner ends at 9 p.m. For more information about this cove-free event, contact The City Wine Sellar at (252) 335-1163.

If you are still in the mood for music after City Wine Sellar closes at 10 p.m., Thumpers Old Town Bar and Grill will feature the popular local, D.J. Mike, who will spin a mix of rock, hip hop, and country until 2 a.m., when the bar closes. This bar is definitely known for it's endless entertainment.

Saturday night, for people who just want to party, Thumpers will host a night you won't want to miss. Pull out your leggings, neon colored sweatshirts, and side ponytails, because this party will be all about the 80s. Though the attire is optional, the music will put people in the mood to dress the part since the disk jockey will be cranking essential 80s tunes from "Eye of the Tiger" to "Sweet Child O' Mine."

The 80s Night will kick off at 9 p.m. and go on until 2 a.m., with those only 21 and older admitted. For more information about events at Thumpers, contact the bar at (252) 333-1243.

Finally, though it may seem like it so far, kids haven't been left out of this weekend's fun. The Weeping Radish's Ice Haus skating rink will be open every day this weekend for the younger crowd who'd like to get in some time on the ice. For the schedule, check out the Web site, www.weepingradish.com, or contact the brewery at (252) 491-5205.