5 things to do in Westmoreland County this weekend: Feb. 7-9

From music to books to a lead-in to Valentine’s Day, this weekend offers plenty of local entertainment options.

Here are some ways to give the boot to that mid-winter slump.

Country star takes the stage

Chris Janson is a platinum-selling recording artist, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning singer/songwriter.

In a 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 show at The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, he will perform the music that made him a three-time Country Music Association nominee and won him two No. 1 singles.

His hit “Drunk Girl” is an ACM Video of the Year winner, and the tune holds the 2018 MusicRow Awards title Song of the Year.

Janson also is known for songs including “Buy Me A Boat” and “Good Vibes.” He’s also written songs for other performers, including Tim McGraw (“Truck Yeah,” “How I’ll Always Be”), LOCASH (“I Love This Life”) and the legendary Hank Williams Jr. (“God Fearin’ Man,” “Those Days Are Gone”).

Tickets are $39.75, $55.75, $69.75.

Details: 724-836-8000 or thepalacetheatre.org

Journeyman pays Clapton tribute

It’s not “Slowhand” himself, but Journeyman will pay tribute to British guitar master, songwriter and singer Eric Clapton in an 8 p.m. Feb. 8 show at the Lamp Theatre, 222 Main St., Irwin.

Fronted by Shaun Hague, Journeyman plays selections from Clapton’s 50-year catalog of songs, including “Layla,” “The Core,” “White Room” and “Cocaine.”

Tickets are $28.

Details: 724-367-400 or lamptheatre.org

Stories and signatures

Looking for a few good reads while winter lingers?

Seven Ligonier Valley Writers, authors of works ranging from historical fiction to romance to the paranormal, will participate in a book reading and signing Feb. 8 at Craftique Collections, 770 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg.

The program’s theme is “Fall in Love with Books for Valentine’s Day.” Authors will take questions, read short excerpts and sign their books for sale during the 1-3:30 p.m. event.

Details: lvwonline.org

Art of the heart

Historic Hanna’s Town also will address the month of love with “Won’t You Be My Valentine?” from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 8 at its Westmoreland History Education Center, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Hempfield.

With inspirations including Valentine’s Day and Fred Rogers, the day will include activities, a pop-up exhibit, the opportunity to create valentines, shop for gifts and keepsakes and enjoy free refreshments.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students through grade 12, free to age 5 and under.

Details: 724-836-1800 or westmorelandhistory.org

Not quite ‘normal’

What appears to be a typical American family is anything but in Split Stage Productions “Next to Normal.”

The play will be presented at Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, 951 Old Salem Road, at 8 p.m. Feb. 7-8 and Feb. 13-15.

With book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, it explores a suburban family whose maternal head of household is battling manic depression — for 16 years. It is the winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize.

Each character presents the family’s story with love, sympathy and heart.

Tickets are $19.99.

Details: showclix.com