I think I speak for a good portion of my fellow community members when I say I’m pretty much over winter.

After all, spring was officially supposed to have sprung last week, according to the calendar on my work desk — and yet I’m still walking around in my winter jacket cursing the bitter wind as it stabs at my face like a thousand tiny ice picks.

Not that I’m bitter or anything, pun intended, but these past couple winters were among the first in which I can recall feeling tangibly the effects of seasonal affective disorder. I generally hesitate to use the word “depression” when I’m feeling blue or a lack of energy and motivation, because I know depression generally carries a much more weighted and clinical definition among a good number of people; but, man, there are a lot of mornings in the winter months when I have to question the necessity of even getting out of bed.

But even aside from the cold is the fact that a lack of sunshine — sometimes for a week or more at a time — is enough to sap me of all the positivity and desire for productivity that I can typically so easily conjure during the more favorable summer and fall seasons. I guess I can’t really overstate the positive effect that a sunshiny day can have on my psyche and general well-being.

I’m not sure where this change in mind set has come from, unless it’s a byproduct of the aging process or something. When I was a kid, I didn’t seem to care what was going on outside — though, in hindsight, that’s probably because I spent most of my youth in front of a TV or computer screen in my own little bubble. Now I find I’m still learning to not take for granted long, warm and sunny days when they do come along.

All of this is likely further exacerbated by the fact that summer is usually the best for gigging as well. I have a lot of music festivals I’ll be attending and performing in with Cold Laz, and usually we tend to give those shows priority when it comes to booking and expectations. As such some of the winter and spring gigs, while still important, sometimes get overlooked because we’re all getting excited about our outdoor summer shows in the woods and on beachfronts.

I’m a pretty positive person these days, but a little bit of Vitamin D can go a long way. At least then I don’t have to feel like I’m running on fumes to carry me through the thaw.

But for the time being, I hear July and August should be pretty nice.

And now, here’s some of what you can expect to find in the area this week.

HIGHLIGHTS

‘Wits ‘N Giggles’ Returns Northwest Arena Saturday: The “Wits ‘n Giggles” stand-up comedy series, presented by Bud Light and Comfort Inn, returns to the Northwest Arena Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The night features headliner Billy Ray Bauer and feature Sharon Daly.

Bauer is a 30-year stand-up veteran who, throughout his three decades in the comedy business, has performed in 40 states — ranging from gigs in comedy clubs and casinos to corporate functions for major companies. His shows can be described as clever, with laughs strong enough to make your stomach hurt. Bauer has been a repeat guest on both radio and television programs, and has worked with the likes of Tim Allen, Drew Carey and Lewis Black. He was recently named “Comedian of the Year” by Detroit Hour Magazine.

Daly started her comedy career on a dare from a friend. Hailing from Pittsburgh, she has always enjoyed making people laugh. In fact, she challenges herself to make at least one person laugh per day. After honing her craft in Pennsylvania, Daly sought new venues in which she could spread her comedic brand of blunt honesty. In the end, if everyone else is thinking it, she just goes ahead and says it.

“Wits ‘n Giggles” is held in the Jamestown Mattress Arena Club located on the top floor of the Northwest Arena. Tickets for the event are $10 presale, $12 day of show and $5 for students. Must be 18 years of age and up to attend. Get your tickets today by calling 484-2624, visiting northwestarena.com or at the Northwest Arena’s Landmark Chevrolet Box Office.

Infinity To Host Music, Arts Camp Next Week: Infinity Visual and Performing Arts will host a Spring Into Music and Arts day camp from Tuesday, April 3, through Friday, April 6. Students will experience a variety of art, music, film,and theater activities that will allow them to make cool art, script and film a movie, join a band and explore instruments — all in four, fun-filled days. The camp will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and students ages 6-12 are welcome.

The Infinity Center is located at 300 E. Second St. in Jamestown. For more information, contact the Infinity Center at 664-0991 or register online at infinityperformingarts.org.

HAPPENINGS

To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email gpaterniti@post-journal.com or call 487-1111, ext. 243 by Monday.

Tonight

The Karl-Marks Show: 7 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Comedy open mic: 8 p.m., Labyrinth Press Co., 14 E. Fourth St. in Jamestown

Karaoke with DJ Xcite: 9 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Karaoke with Felony Entertainment: 10:30 p.m., Forte, 114 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Friday

Adam McKillip: 6 p.m., The Wine Cellar, 309 N. Main St. in Jamestown

Jules-R-Us Karaoke: 7:30 p.m., Lakewood Legion, 174 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

Mikey Beave’s 40th Birthday Party with DJ Tim Reed: 8 p.m., Big Shots, 674 Route 394 in Kennedy

Steve Strickland Duo: 8:30 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown

Smokehouse: 9 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Space Junk: 10 p.m., The Tap Room, 43 E. Main St. in Westfield

Bryan Moore and Midnight Train: 10 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Trip the Deuce with Sump’n LIL: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Saturday

Steve Strickland Duo: 7 p.m., Craft Burgers and Brews, 60 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

Charity Nuse: 7:30 p.m., Busti Tap House, Busti-Sugar Grove Road in Busti

“The Greatest Showman” screening: 8 p.m., Reg Lenna Center for The Arts, 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Jules-R-Us Karaoke: 9 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Wasted Whiskey: 9 p.m., Big Shots, 674 Route 394 in Kennedy

Super Band: 10 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

1980 Something: 10 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

BASS NVDRZ: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Sunday

New Direction: 8:30 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown

Tuesday

Karaoke: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Wednesday

Open Mic Night: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown.