Light Up Night Entertainment Series: Lauren Starkey
By Julie Perine on November 14, 2026
We are less than three weeks away from the most magical night in Bridgeport, West Virginia.
Light Up Night is set for Thurs., Dec. 3 and as always, Main Street will be plentiful with live entertainment. Stationed at Winnie’s Café will be Lauren Starkey, who is today's featured entertainer.
Once Starkey finishes her day job as a counselor, she’s often heard playing and singing laid-back coffeehouse acoustic sets at venues in and around Bridgeport, Fairmont and Morgantown.
She frequents Brickside Bar & Grille, Main Street Station and Kelly’s 2.0, where she delivers pre-2000 tunes, current hits, and a few self-written pieces.
"I love playing my original music at venues that appreciate my style," Starkey said. "I also love putting my own spin on classic '80s and '90s songs. Give me a mix of Bon Jovi, Nelly, and a little Jack Johnson, and I'm happy!" 
Starkey, who was gifted her first electric guitar - a Peavey Raptor - in the seventh grade, fell fast for creating music, Before long, she was writing, playing, and singing.
"I believe my first gig was at an open mic night at Bubba's Bar and Grill," she said. "Greg Harrison kept encouraging me to get up and sing, but I was terrified!"
Once she had enough songs under her belt, she played her own show at Bubba's with the help of musicians including Johnny Bryan, Zack Lilley, and John Bonnett.
"The community was incredibly encouraging when I first started playing," she said. "Nobody is ever that great when they're just starting out, but people showed up, requested songs, and came out to support my shows."
That encouragement meant so much, and it's why she continues doing it today. These days, music even takes her out of state.
“Most weeks, music takes me to Deep Creek Lake, Md., where I’ve become a bit of a frequent flyer, playing at some of the coolest venues around the lake,” Starkey said. “It’s become my little home away from home, but there’s nothing quite like playing in my hometown.”
She said Light Up Night is the ultimate opportunity not only to perform, but also to deliver holiday greetings to friends and neighbors.
“To me, Light Up Night feels like one big hometown get-together,” she said. “I love looking up mid-song, seeing familiar faces, and catching someone singing along. I’ll even stop mid-song if somebody wants to say hi or have a quick chat. The chorus can wait. It’s just a great night with lovely people in the town I grew up in and love.”
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Booths open and street performances begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 with tree lighting at the Benedum Civic Center beginning at 7 p.m. The Bridgeport High School Jazz Band begins pre-event music at 5:30 p.m.
Starkey has her own fond childhood memories of Light Up Night.
"I loved running around Main Street with friends and family, supporting local businesses, listening to the great music from some of the original Light Up Night performers, and, of course, watching the Christmas tree light up! It's always been such a special evening and a wonderful way to bring the community together," she said.
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