Yep, I’m out of sports cliches. So without any further witty banter, I’m just going to get on with it …

Friday, if you work downtown, stay downtown. If you don’t work downtown, forget the commute home and point your car downtown. It’s time for Artwalk, probably the third biggest event for downtown following Sidewalk and Magic City Art Connection. I used to live downtown so I really enjoyed seeing all the art in the lofts and office spaces right outside my door. They kind of design Friday night for the hip crowd with lots of music and folks looking cool. THE2NDHAND people take the stage at 7:30 p.m. with some strong readings. Saturday is the day to bring the kids as there is a special area just for them behind Space One Eleven. I like people watching on Saturdays because you can easily spot the folks that hardly ever come downtown. So the hours are Friday 5-10 p.m. and Saturday noon to 6 p.m. I would like to point out that our very own Terminal contributor Charles Buchanan will be somewhere on 1st Avenue North. Be sure to say hi. And wear your Terminal Tee if you have one. Don’t have one? We can fix that.

Workplay has some good acts to catch this weekend. Local guys Act of Congress are having a CD release party Friday and Tift Merritt will be there Sunday with Teddy Thompson. Last time I saw Tift she just oozed sex appeal off the stage and I think there were more guys in the audience than girls. So don’t be surprised if this is an easy show to get your significant other of either gender interested in.

Sunday is the 2008 Muse of Fire Fall Showcase Benefit at Sloss Furnaces. The weather should cooperate for a nice 45-minute stroll around the grounds to see seven Shakespearean scenes. Don’t forget to wear your comfy shoes. Tickets are $50 and will help fund the 2009 spring production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Besides entertainment and exercise, that ticket includes hors d’oeuvres and wine tastings from Whole Foods and Salt Fine Catering. Showtimes are 1:30, 2 and 2:30 p.m. No rain date.

Now I promised no more sports references, but if a certain little team beat a certain bigger team on the Plains, I would be one happy camper in my black and gold. Go Eagles!

Photo: Bob Farley/f8Photo