Friday — February 13, 2004

What would
St. Valentine do?

An array of activities entice romance

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

Poor St. Valentine never knew what would be synonymous with his name. The imprisoned Roman martyr, according to one legend, left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine." In A.D. 496, Feb. 14 was officially named St. Valentine’s Day.

Year after year on the anniversary of Valentine’s death, cards and flowers, candy and perfumes, earrings and even the occasional engagement ring are offered up as proof that we are indeed an optimistic species. With plenty to do, see and buy this leap year love month, there’s no holding back potential love birds.

Masked party goers dance at the Company of Fools Masquerade Ball to the tunes of the Riverside Orchestra Express photo by Willy Cook

This isn’t just love month, though. It’s also theater month with an array of offerings showing on the boards, including "Songs for a New World" at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey, "Sylvia" at nexStage Theatre in Ketchum and "An Almost Holy Picture" at St. Thomas Playhouse in the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ketchum.

Musically, Leftover Salmon rocks out on Sunday at the Mint, while a bevy of bands entertain at Whiskey’s, including the valley’s own Sensational Toastpoints on Friday and Purdymouth on Saturday.

Strega Teahouse and Café has its first musical weekend with visiting singer-songwriters Victoria and Stolie on Friday and Saturday. The two women, who both hail from the Midwest, offer up opposing styles of acoustic play.

For highly passionate Spanish flamenco guitar, listen to Art Wallace at Tapestry Gallery & Wine on Saturday.

And Bellevue’s Silver Dollar has the Kim Stocking Band playing on Friday.

For kids, take them to Chapter One to fold Origami peace cranes on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or to the Hailey Public Library on Valentine’s Day for a viewing of "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" at 11 a.m.

In Ketchum’s Community Library, Valentine’s Day stories will be read by Reginald Reeves, Saturday at 10 a.m.

Gallery Walk makes for a pleasant way to fill the cocktail hours on Friday before stepping out for a romantic dinner.

And the Company of Fools Masquerade Ball is the go-to gala on Saturday, beginning at 8 p.m. at the River Run Lodge.

Now that Speed Dating and Make Your Sweetie a Valentine at the Coffee Grinder have taken place, the next step to romantic bliss may well be next Thursday, Feb. 19, when "Acoustic Love Songs" are played at the Grinder. Anyone can play, but keep it romantic, folks.

Another way to celebrate is to take in a night in the big city, Boise that is, where Opera Idaho is presenting a special night of love arias.

The "Auction of Arias" on Friday, Feb. 13, 8 p.m. at The Grove Hotel, features the stars of its next production, "The Merry Widow," including Metropolitan Opera star David Malis and regional favorite Leslie Mauldin. The event includes beverages and hors d’oeuvres, accompanied by beautiful love songs. All proceeds benefit Opera Idaho.

For reservations contact Katie Brown at 208-345-3531 ext. 12.

Perhaps St. Valentine would be happy after all.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.