Valentine’s Day options range from concerts to puppet shows to renewals of wedding vows
by Tucson Citizen on Feb. 05, 2009, under Calendar, Local
Songwriter and pianist Jim Brickman, who composed the chart-topping "Valentine," will perform next Thursday night at Centennial Hall.
From movies to concerts and kids’ activities, there’s something for everyone during Valentine’s Day week.
TUESDAY, FEB. 10
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FUN FOR TYKES!: Preschoolers can enjoy the story “The Night Before Valentine’s Day” and then make a “magical” heart wand during Tykes Time, featured at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 10 and 10:30 a.m. Feb. 14. Tykes Time is specifically for children 4 years and younger. Where: Tucson Children’s Museum, 200 S. Sixth Ave. Price: $7 adults, $5 seniors and ages 2-18 Info: 792-9985, www.tucsonchildrensmuseum.org
THURSDAY, FEB. 12
JIM BRICKMAN: Brickman, who composed the chart-topping “Valentine” and wrote the best-selling book of essays, “Love Notes: 101 Lessons from the Heart,” returns to Centennial Hall just in time for Valentine’s Day. A classically trained songwriter and pianist, he revolutionized the sound of Adult Contemporary music with his pop-style solo piano. His career includes six gold and platinum albums, a dozen Top 10 Adult Contemporary hits, numerous industry awards and the distinction of being the first solo instrumental artist to be ranked on the Billboard charts. When: 2 p.m. Feb. 12 Where: Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. Price: $20-$44 Info: 621-3341, www.uapresents.org
FRIDAY, FEB. 13
WEDDING VOW RENEWAL SERVICE: Central Nazarene Church is offering couples an opportunity to renew their wedding vows in celebration of Valentine’s Day (one day earlier). Reception to follow. Child care will be provided. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Central Nazarene Church, 404 S. Columbus Blvd. Price: free Info: 326-1366, centralnaz.org
“AN EVENING OF LOVE SONGS”: Now in its sixth year, the Glassman’s Foundation’s fundraiser “An Evening of Love Songs” features the University of Arizona Jazz Ensemble and special performances that have included well-known Tucsonans such as Burt Kinerk, surgeon Hillel Baldwin, former UA coach Jim Rosborough and developers Lex Sears and Mike Kasser. Other performers have included the UA Pep Band, the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, and Donald Pitt and Gary Kippur. Proceeds benefit the “Glassman Foundation Music in the Schools Concert Series,” which sends musical groups from the UA School of Music into middle schools throughout Tucson. When: The reception for concert guests will be from 6-7 p.m., with the entertainment following. Where: UA’s Crowder Hall, southeast corner of Speedway Boulevard and Park Avenue Price: Tax-deductible packages from $200-$2,000 Info: 271-5715, www.glassmanfoundation.org
FEB. 13-15
THE BROADWAY TENORS – TSO POPS! SERIES: Brent Barret, Brian Lane Green and Kevin Spirtas will perform two dozen of the best-loved works of Broadway, from such recent hits as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Chicago,” “The Lion King,” “Les Miserables” and “Smokey Joe’s Café” to the classics – “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma,” ” The King and I,” “42nd Street,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Threepenny Opera,” ” Top Hat” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” This production includes medleys of favorites by Irving Berlin and Rodgers and Hammerstein plus such pop standards as “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “On Broadway,” “New York, New York,” and “Mack the Knife.” When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13-14 and 2 p.m. Feb. 15. Where: Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. Price: $23-$61 Info: 882-8585, www.tucsonsymphony.org
SATURDAY, FEB. 14
FAMILY STORY TIME: Enjoy the warmth of Valentine’s Day with stories, songs and activities. Make a heart ornament to give to a special friend. When: 11 a.m. Where: Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave Price: free Info: 594-5600
HOT LOVE FOR VALENTINES CABARET: This show, featuring Diane Van Deurzen, Burney Starks, Todd Luethjohann, Regina “the Queen” Wills, Matt Kaczmarski and Lisa Otey, is all about romance and food. Chef Kristine will prepare sensual hors d’oeuvres for the 5:30 p.m. performance and decadent desserts for the 9:30 p.m show. The songs have mouth-watering titles as well: “Mangos,” “Butter My Biscuit,” “Gravy for My Mashed Potatoes,” “Madam, I Like Your Crepe Suzette,” and “Peel Me a Grape” – to name a few. The tantalizing poetry of Diane Van Deurzen is also included. Show is being held in the Gallery of Food Temple Cafe. Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. Price: $20 (5:30 show) and $15 (9:30 show) Info: 370-5912, www.lisaotey.com
“MOULIN ROUGE!: Love and be loved at a special Valentine’s Day screening of “Moulin Rouge!,” along with a “Lady Marmalade” singalong before the movie and a free raffle for romantic goodies. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor star in Baz Luhrmann’s modern-day musical/romance classic that nabbed eight Oscar nominations in 2001. When: 7 p.m. Where: Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Price: $6 Info: 322-5638, loftcinema.com
“WEST SIDE STORY” (1961): This movie transplants the classic tale of “Romeo and Juliet” to New York City in the 1950s. The two feuding families are replaced by brawling street gangs. The Montagues become the Anglo Jets, led by Riff, and the Capulets become the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Bernardo. At a dance, Tony, former leader of the Jets and Riff’s best friend, and Maria, Bernardo’s little sister, see each other across the room and it’s love at first sight. With opposition from both sides, they meet secretly and their love grows deeper. However, the gangs are plotting one last rumble, a fight that will finally end the battle for control of the streets. Will Tony and Maria’s love carry through a battle that threatens to destroy the people they love around them? When: 6 and 9 p.m. Where: Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. Price: $8 general, $6 students, seniors, active military Info: 547-3040, www.foxtucsontheatre.org
KARAOKE FUN: For the partygoers, join the Javelina Cantina this Valentine’s Day for Southwestern specials starting at $18.95 and live karaoke in this midtown “watering hole.” When: 5 p.m. Where: Javelina Cantina, 445 S. Alvernon Way Price: Dinner specials start at $18.95 Info: 881-4200
LOVE OF READING PUPPET SHOW: Puppeteer Gwen Ray will engage all ages with a wonderful Valentine’s Day show. When: 3-4 p.m. Where: Miller-Golf Links Library, 9640 E. Golf Links Road Price: free Info: 594-5355
ROCS III – DANCES FROM THE HEART: Ballet Tucson presents a special Valentine’s Day concert of the third annual Roots of Choreography Showcase. This one-night-only performance features new works especially created by and for Ballet Tucson artists and choreography by Ashley Bowman (former Ballet Tucson dancer and master’s candidate at the University of Arizona School of Dance). Other program highlights include performances by Ballet Tucson alumnus Margaret Mullin with her partner Andrew Bartee (courtesy of Pacific Northwest Ballet) and Thom Lewis Dance Company performing a work by Amy Barr-Holm. Admission includes an elegant reception with champagne, chocolate and candlelight and the opportunity to win a one-of-a kind jewelry piece designed and donated by Chris Green of Marcopa Jewelers and other unique art pieces by area artists. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. Price: $25 general, $17 students and groups of 10 or more Info: 903-1445, www.ballettucson.org
A BUDDHIST VALENTINE: Teachings on the nature of love, followed by exquisite gourmet desserts for a special Valentine’s evening. What is real love? Gen Lingpur will help us to differentiate between love and attachment. She will explain how to develop love, and gradually eliminate the misguided intentions created by attachment. In this way you can create a new model of liberating relationships almost unknown in the society of sorrows. When: 6-8:30 p.m. Where: Tara Mahayana Buddhist Center, 1701 E. Miles St. Price: $20 Info: 296-8626, www.meditationintucson.org
RENEWAL OF VOWS: Couples of all faiths are invited to renew their wedding vows on Valentine’s Day. Come as you are, or dress as you were! R.S.V.P. for the free wedding cake reception. When: 2-3 p.m. Where: Abounding Grace Church, 2450 S. Kolb Road Price: free Info: 747-3745, aboundinggrace-elca.org
AUTHOR VICKI LEWIS THOMPSON: Thompson is the author of more than 90 books, her first one published in 1984 with Harlequin Temptation. Her popular “Nerd” series began in 2003 with “Nerd in Shining Armor.” She will discuss “My Nerdy Valentine” and her newest release “Wild & Hexy”When: 1-2 p.m. Where: Mostly Books, 6208 E. Speedway Blvd. Price: free Info: 571-0110
