This is the month lovers take sweethearts to enjoy everything from classical music to blues, from hip hop to pop and opera to honky tonk. We listen to artists as diverse as Marilyn Manson, Yo Yo Ma, Billy Joel and Raul Midón. February love fables are magic. We venture beyond ourselves, tell tall tales and do things we would never do alone.
Personal encounters and mythical ventures are no longer figments of imagination. We trust that our blemished love tales will play to wacky lyrics and inaudible guitars.
Here’s our openhearted love-chart choices for shopping, dining and entertainment for fairytale fun so when the love bug bites you and your love won’t soon depart:
3 For fairytale Valentine’s fun the Denver Jewish Film Festival is a treat movie lovers won’t want to miss. Choose from 28 films showing in the Elaine Wolf Theatre at the JCC, Feb. 4-15. Information: 303-316-6360.
3 Enjoy the beauty of love during the Art Student League’s Delectable show in the Carson Gallery, Feb. 4-March 14. Information: 303-778-6990.
3 Make your home a spot in love universe by selecting colorful stones and tiles from CAPCO, the state’s largest distributor. Designers will be your cupid and help you create a beautiful space. Information: 303-759-1919.
3 Thinking of birds, bees and blooms? Then go to the Convention Center’s Colorado Garden & Home Show, Feb. 7-15. Information: 303-932-8100.
3 Enjoy the “sweetest sound around” at Dakota Blonde’s annual Valentine’s Day concert Feb. 14 in Daniels Hall at Swallow Hill, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Spice up Valentine’s Day with Prime Rib, Filet Mignon or NY Steak served with Lobster Tail at the Monaco Inn. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Share a sidesplitting musical comedy with your sweetheart as Jane Lynch entertains at DCPA’s Ellie on Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Information: 303-893-4100.
3 Make a V-Day date to see the romantic musical comedy The Fantasticks playing at the Aurora Fox through Feb. 15. Information: 303-739-1970.
3 Give love a twirl as Ballet Ariel performs “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and other dances at the Cleo Robinson Theatre, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Feb. 22, 3 p.m. The breathtaking music by Paul Dukas made famous in Disney’s Fantasia is brought to life by dancing goblins and a bumbling apprentice. There are also excerpts from the classical ballet Raymonda, including the beautiful grand pas. Information: 303-945-4388.
In Shakespeare’s time about 400 years ago, the second month of the year was called “Feverell.” In Isaac Newton’s time 100 years later it had become “Februeer.” The modern name, February, is only about a hundred years old. Despite its status as the shortest month, February is packed with an array of Valentine events.
It was Carl Jung (1875-1961) that said the meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: If there is any reaction, both are transformed.
Later Thomas Dewar warned us that love is an ocean of emotions entirely surrounded by expenses. Mark Twain recommended that when you fish for love, bait with your heart not your brain. Finally, it was John Lennon who said, “All you need is love.” May your February be truly fabulous and your inner coyote continue to howl!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.