Valentine’s Day is not just for those who have boyfriends or girlfriends. Whether you’re single or attached, there no reason to spend the 14th as a social outcast. Fortunately, no matter what your social status may be, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day around Ann Arbor. Below are a few local events you might want to check out:
- Beth Dykstra
- The Michigan Theater will show “An American in Paris” on Monday at 7 p.m. (Peter Schottenfels/Daily)
The Sweetest Thing:
Tomorrow, Circle K will be hosting its third annual a capella benefit concert in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Appropriately titled “The Sweetest Thing,” the benefit will feature six different a capella groups in Rackham Auditorium. Proceeds from the event will be directed toward the St. Louis Center, a nearby residential community for teenage boys with developmental disabilities.
Stefanie Theis, the Campus Relations Chair of Circle K, praises the concert, saying, “This is the second largest a capella concert on campus. We have all different groups with different backgrounds — in that aspect it is very unique.” Audience members will have a chance to survey a wide range of talent, from popular Michigan groups such as the Dicks and Janes, to visiting ensembles from Michigan State and Pioneer High School. The production begins at 7 p.m. and is expected to run until around 9:45, allowing each group a 20 minute slot to showcase their talents. Students may purchase tickets through the Michigan Union Ticket Office for $7.
“A Queer Soiree”
This Friday, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered invites students to dress in black and white, and attend their Valentine’s Day celebration, titled, “A Queer Soiree.” Brittany Allen, one of the members of the LGBT, describes the soiree, saying, “the dance is to provide a safe environment for LGBT and ally students during Valentine’s Day.” The event will be hosted in the Michigan League, starting at 8:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free, however, students will have the option to make donations to HARC, a local HIV and AIDS resource center.
The Charity Ball
Tomorrow, couples and singles can join in the Valentine’s Day festivities at Dance Marathon’s annual Charity Ball. This semi-formal dance gives students an excuse to dress up and have fun for a good cause. This year’s ball is co-sponsored by the Mortar Board, and will include a whimsical array of decorations to a new theme: “under the sea.” The Charity Ball has enjoyed immense popularity in past years, typically reaching about capacity at around 500 students. Dance Marathon also invites the families who benefit from their programs to join in the event until 10 p.m., providing students the chance to meet with the children profiting from their donations. Krishna Nandigan, the coordinator of the Charity Ball eagerly anticipates the event, saying, “It is a really good way to see the families, and also a great social event.”
The event will be hosted in the Michigan Union Ballroom, from 8 p.m, to 1 a.m. Tickets to the dance cost $10, and all proceeds will be donated to pediatric therapy programs for children.
“An American in Paris”
If you’re looking for a romantic flick to celebrate Valentine’s Day, catch “An American in Paris.” This 1950’s classic tells the story of a young American G.I. (Jerry Mulligan) who remains in Paris after fighting in WWII. The film chronicles his struggles as a starving artist and his troubled love affair with a young Parisian woman. The movie is playing at the Michigan Theater on Monday at 7 p.m.
“The Love Bang”
On Saturday, The Blind Pig will host a retro Valentine’s Day bash, complete with music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Those who attend the “The Love Bang” are invited to dress in mob or hipster attire and can expect a quirky blend of romance and psychedelic mayhem. The dance party features the local DJ Jeremy Wheeler to a backdrop of wacky video clips. Faith Wood, the general manager of the venue, promises the event is sure to be loaded with “high-energy and surprise.” The event takes place at the Blind Pig and doors open at 9:30 p.m. Cover charge to the event is $9 for under 21, and $6 for 21 and over.
“Romeo and Juliet”
This weekend the U-M Department of Theater and Drama presents a re-invented version of the Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.” Directed by university professor Philip Kerr, the play sets the romantic drama in 1930s Italy. This creative twist mixes the dreamy allure of the past with a touch of modern energy. Kerr chose this particular era because it is isolated from current times, but still charged with social conflicts identifiable to a modern audience. The Performances will take place at the Mendelssohn Theater, at 7:30 p.m. Tonight, 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Students with an ID can purchase tickets to the show for $9 at the Michigan League Ticket Office.