This past weekend I seized a well-timed opportunity to take a break from “adulting” for an evening, and the results far exceeded my expectations.

As I lounged around my apartment Sunday afternoon, recovering from a full weekend of gigging in Buffalo and Olean the two nights prior, I decided that a brief geographic and mental vacation was in order.

So I took a spontaneous drive out to my mom’s house in the country in search of a change in scenery and environment. With my laptop and some books in tow I arrived at the empty house at about 5:30 in the evening — empty in the sense that my mom was on an actual vacation, so I literally had the place to myself — set up shop in my old bedroom and essentially shut myself off from the outside world for the night.

Most of the time I spent just playing some old LucasArts adventure games on my computer in complete solitude, focusing what little mental energy I could muster into helping my old, not-quite-forgotten friend Guybrush Threepwood along on his self-journey from pirate wannabe to mighty pirate. (Anyone who knows me from my youth understands my lifelong love of the “Monkey Island” video game series.) And, I must say, I was rather successful in these endeavors.

I’ve several times conveyed my propensity for self-inflicted depression due to boredom or loneliness, so typically isolating myself from my circle of friends or my music is equivalent to playing with fire in my thoughts and emotions. It could’ve gone either way. But after waking up in my childhood bedroom Monday morning, I thankfully harbored a sense of peace and refreshment that enabled me to start my work week with an optimism the likes of which I’ve not felt in ages.

It was as if I’d transported my consciousness back into that of my childhood, and the oft-proclaimed “simpler time” that people use to describe their youth came back to life for a brief moment in time. At least, it felt real to me.

Another thing I’ve been actively pursuing with myself is establishing or, in some cases re-establishing, my connection with my inner self on a spiritual level. So when I finished plundering and puzzle-solving in the Carribbean, I took to my bed with some guide books to help me along on inward journey.

These elements combined to put my usually restless soul, body and mind into a rare state of contented bliss. The next step now is to be able to reach that state in a more permanent sense. I believe that pretty much epitomizes the whole “easier said than done” mentality, but I’ve heard that life is more about the journey than the destination.

For now I’m learning to appreciate the process of moving forward. It starts with unconditional self-love. I’d suggest all of you try that at some point. It’s very freeing.

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

HIGHLIGHTS

JCA To Present Carpe Diem String Quartet In Friday Concert: The Carpe Diem String Quartet will appear at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Friday to give an 8 p.m. concert as part of the Jamestown Concert Association’s 2017-18 season, “Transcending Borders.” One of the most unique and sought-after chamber ensembles on the concert stage today, the Carpe Diem String Quartet is a boundary-breaking ensemble that has earned widespread critical and audience acclaim for its innovative programming and electrifying performances. Carpe Diem defies easy classification with programming that includes classical, Gypsy, tango, folk, pop, rock and jazz-inspired music.

Composed of violinists Charles Wetherbee and Amy Galuzzo, violist Korine Fujiwara and cellist Carol Ou, Carpe Diem has become one of America’s premiere “indie” string quartets without sacrificing its commitment to the traditional quartet repertoire, and continues to rack up accolades and awards. Carpe Diem seeks out, and is sought after by, artists from many different genres for collaborations.

Tickets to Carpe Diem’s Friday concert are available at the door or can be picked up in advance from the Reg Lenna Center for The Arts, Chautauqua Music, Germaine and Pappalardo and Trinity Guitars. They can also be purchased by calling 484-7070 or 487-1522.

Little Theatre To Premiere ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ This Weekend: The Lucille Ball Little Theatre will present its production of the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” starting this weekend, when it will stage 7:30 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday, along with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” was written by Andrew Lloyd Weber, with lyrics penned by Tim Rice, and was released in 1970 as a concept album before premiering on Broadway the following year.

The musical is mostly sung-through, with little spoken dialogue, and the story is loosely based on the Gospels’ accounts of the last week of Jesus’s life — beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion. It depicts political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus that are not present in the Bible, and is uniquely presented through the eyes of the former. The musical is demanding from a vocal standpoint, however, according to Anne Eklund, artistic director of the Little Theatre production, her cast of 23 local performers are up to the task.

The cast will include Derek DeVlieger, Scott Costantini, Kenzie Mason, Jim Foley, John Pickett, Ed Coverdale, Steve Wendell, Peter Larson and Donovan Gomez in the respective roles of Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Caiaphas, Annas, Pilate, Peter, Simon Zealotes and Herod. Ancillary and secondary roles will be portrayed by Earl Rothfus, John Linza, Joann Liffner, Heidi Erickson, Melissa Vullo, Emily Hanson, Kim Larson, John Mead, Andrew Roby, Andrew Garvey, Matt Jones, Andrew Liuzzo, Marika Koch and Carl Liuzzo.

Tickets for “Jesus Christ Superstar” are $20 or $10 for students. They can be purchased at the Little Theatre box office, by calling 483-1095 or by visiting lucilleballlittletheatre.org.

CBA’s Eighth Annual ‘Dining In The Dark’ Fundraiser Is Saturday: The Chautauqua Blind Association will host its eighth annual Dining in the Dark fundraiser at the Moonbrook Country Club — 2879 N. Main St. Ext. venue in Jamestown — on Friday beginning at 6 p.m. The event will offer participants a one-of-a-kind sensory experience as a means of educating the public on just what it means to be sightless while also raising money for the association. It is highlighted by the fact that participants are offered the opportunity to be blindfolded in the foyer and led to their table by a sighted guide before attempting to eat a three-course meal.

Tickets to the event are $60, which covers the cost of the meal and the provision of blindfolds and bibs. They can be purchased by calling Chautauqua Blind Association at 664-6660 or online at chautauquablind.org.

A cash bar and silent auction will be available starting at 6 p.m., and seating will begin at 6:30 p.m. The dinner will run from 7-9 p.m. For more information, call Chautauqua Blind Association at 664-6660 or visit chautauquablind.org.

Busti Tap House To Host ‘Meet The Drivers’ Event Saturday: The Busti Tap House will host several drivers from Stateline Speedway, who will be at the 792 Busti-Sugar Grove Road establishment Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. with their cars. Community members are invited to get a picture taken with their favorite driver and their car, and get their autograph.

America To Perform At Seneca Allegany Casino July 7: Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino has announced that America, one of the premier folk-rock bands in history, will perform at the Seneca Allegany Events Center on Saturday, July 7. Known for their close vocal harmonies and acoustic sound, America made their recording debut in 1971, winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. They produced a string of successful songs throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s, with such classics as “A Horse With No Name,” “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People” and “Sister Golden Hair.” Their songs remain staples on the airwaves today. America has been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Tickets start at $35, and will go on sale Friday at noon.

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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

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

Jules-R-Us Karaoke: 8 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

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

Karaoke with Felony Entertainment: 10 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

Friday

Dave McDonald, Benny Ernewein and The Winterfellas: 6 p.m., The Wine Cellar, 309 N. Main St. in Jamestown

Porcelain Busdrivers: 7 p.m., Group Ther-happy, 103 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

DJ Tim Reed and Karaoke: 8 p.m., Big Shots, 674 Route 394 in Kennedy

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

The Bees Trees: 10 p.m., The Tap Room, 43 E. Main St. in Westfield

Smokin’ 45: 10 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

Pressure Sensitive: 10 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Slim and Red with Goo: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. econd St. in Jamestown

Saturday

Matt Gavula: 7 p.m., Group Ther-happy, 103 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

Jokes-R-Us Comedy Show: 7:30 p.m., Jamestown Moose, 405 E. Fifth St. in Jamestown

Pulse House Poetry Slam: 8 p.m., Labyrinth Press Co., 14 E. Fourth St. in Jamestown

Hollywood Nights (Bob Seger tribute): 8 p.m., Struthers Library Theatre, 302 W. Third Ave. in Warren, Pa.

Screamin’ Lou: 8 p.m., Lakewood Legion, 174 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

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

Ion Sky: 9 p.m., Big Shots, 674 Route 394 in Kennedy

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

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

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

“Gringo” screening: 7 p.m., Reg Lenna Center for The Arts, 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown.