Whenever love is in the air, music is bound to be somewhere trailing close by. While not as celebrated as a music holiday in Columbus as much as say, Halloween or Christmas, Valentine’s Day still brings some intriguing options to the date table. And even if you’re not planning on going with a significant other, all of the below events are single-friendly as well. Following this paragraph are five options where you can indulge in both music and love in very unconventional manners, one that might even serve as an escape from the charm of February 14.
4th Annual Live, Love, Laugh Valentine’s Brunch @ Copious
Don’t let being single keep you from enjoying the fruits of Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re by yourself, have your significant other in tow or just with someone you really love, the Live, Love, Laugh Valentine’s Brunch is back in Columbus again to offer its all-inclusive entertainment treatment. While there’ll be love all around the delightful Copious event space where brunch will be enjoyed, live music will be provided by violinist Stephen Spottswood and high-energy spirit of Soul Derivative, plus laughs with guest comedian Demond Cherry. Live, Love, Laugh is striving to attract a minimum of 200 guests, so don’t hesitate to snag your tickets to this heartwarming brunch before sales are cut off.
Time: 11 a.m. Date: Saturday, Feb. 9 Address: 520 S. High St. Admission: $45 GA
Angela Perley: Two Nights of Love! @ Natalie’s Coal-Fired Pizza
Also providing one of February's cant-miss shows, Angela Perley deserves another tip of the hat for her two upcoming performances at the extraordinarily intimate Natalie’s. Hosting a show that you’ll enjoy more sitting down at a reserved table with a date than standing in the back, the dimly-lit, well-spaced venue is the ideal atmosphere for Perley’s soulful Americana works. With introspective lyrics matched with masterful emotion put into each instrument, you’ll want to catch at least one of these performances by an ascending talent who will be joined by Chris Connor on guitar and Billy Zenhal on bass. Perley’s music will surely be pulling at the heartstrings of many at this show.
Time: 9 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Date: Thursday, Feb. 14 & Friday, Feb. 15 Address: 5601 N. High St., Worthington, OH Admission: $15 GA/$20 reserved
Doc Robinson Presents: St. Valentine’s Daze @ Bleu & Fig
A band that is known across Columbus for coming up with some of the catchiest, most original odes to love, Doc Robinson will be blessing locals for four straight days of Valentine’s bliss. Not only will Doc Rob masterminds Jon Elliott and Nick D’Andrea be playing a weekend residency at Bleu & Fig, but they will also be bringing a trio (earlier) and full band (later) set for performances on the first three days and a brunch-time concert on Sunday. The seven shows across four days are promised to be individual unique sets comprised of covers, tracks from the vault and, of course, some newer songs. Don’t worry if you’re lost on love either, because Doc Robinson has those tunes that can mend a broken heart. Appetizers, food and local spirits and wine will be curated and provided by Bleu & Fig.
Time: 6 p.m./9:30 p.m. (Feb. 14-16) & 2:30 p.m. (Feb. 17) Date: Thursday, Feb. 14-Sunday Feb. 17 Address: 4622 N. High St. Admission: $75 one show/$125 both
Unforgettable: Love Songs of Nat King Cole & Others @ Southern Theatre
The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, which recently celebrated its 45th anniversary, will be joined by rising international jazz stars, trumpeter/vocalist Benny Benack III and vocalist Lena Seikaly in celebrating the esteemed career of Nat King Cole. The legendary jazz pianist and vocalist, who dominated the charts in ‘50s and ‘60s, is a daunting musician to pay homage to, but the CJO is more than fit for the task. Likely hitting on ballads that will warm up your insides with love, this musical escape into the past is an exceptionally affordable Valentine’s date. With performances over four days, you’ll have a weekend’s worth of chances to plan around other potential V-day treats.
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Feb. 14), 8 p.m. (Feb. 15-16) & 3 p.m. (Feb. 17) Date: Thursday, Feb. 14—Sunday Feb. 17 Address: 21 E. Main St. Admission: $18.50
Lost Weekend Records Sweet 16 Party @ Ace of Cups
Now, if you’re searching for something a little less formal where you can let loose a bit and not necessarily even be going to a Valentine's-themed event, try Lost Weekend Records’ birthday party on for size. The beloved record store is celebrating its 16th anniversary the weekend following Valentine’s Day, and if you’re truly about some nostalgic, out-there ‘80s dance fun, Ace of Cups is the destination for you. Radio Tramps will start things off by playing an hour-long set of early ‘80s MTV hits. Two other local acts, Bloodthirsty Virgins and The Rolling Holms, will follow by paying honor to ‘80s LPs “Spring Session M” by Missing Persons and “Tattoo You” by The Rolling Stones, respectively. DJs will also be spinning classic tunes in between sets.
Time: Doors 8 p.m. Date: Saturday, Feb. 16 Address: 2960 N. High St.