Thursday, February 10, 2011, 3 - 4pm
To-Do!: Valentine's Day Dance. Love is in the air this Valentine's Day! The Chicago Park District offers a wide variety of activities that will make your valentine remember this special day. Take your loved ones ice skating, dancing or to see a show; there are many ways to show your heart is in the parks.
Soleil's Take: Please be sure to visit the Chicago Park District website for information on family Valentine's Day events at a park near you!
Price: $2
Friday, February 11, 2011, 6 - 8pm
To-Do!: Show your boo what you can do . . . in the kitchen. Come and learn how to prepare basic chocolate desserts to make Valentine's Day everyday! All proceeds from this event will support the activities of the Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League!
Soleil's Take: Yum . . . I'm sure there's gonna be some chocolate-tasting going on!
Price: $25
Will You be My Valentine? A Tasty, Romantic Evening
Friday, February 11, 2011, 6 - 9pm
To-Do!: You are cordially invited to attend a very special evening as we celebrate the most romantic holiday of the year. M Lounge will play host to some of the most talented women in Chicago, who are skilled in the art of Pastries, Chocolates and Candies. Please join us for a very festive night that will include an array of Sweet Samples, Beautiful Ambiance, Holiday Door Prizes and, of course, Specialty Cocktails. Featuring Michelle E.L. Merritt - Aplomb; Desserts by Toni - Chef Tonisha Smith; Jennifer's Cookies - Jennifer Wilson; Robyn Rice Foster - La Parisianne du Chocolat; and Carla Watson - Strata Desserts.
Soleil's Take: Come on, now - you can't get any better than free! Events by Eve always does a first class job and draws a consistently mature crowd (mostly 35-50, but folks on either end, too.) Cash bar.
Price: Free!
Friday, February 11, 2011, 6 - 10pm
To-Do!: John Moultrie presents: "After Work & LIVE at the Sofitel" with Opal Staples! The first installment of this already popular concert series continues with sultry singer Opal Staples. Opal Staples will perform a full length concert backed by world class musicians! She will be performing all of your favorites. This is one night you don't want to miss! Get there early to enjoy savory bites and libations from Sofitel Le Bar is Pulling out all of the stops on this one!
Price: Free!
Friday, February 11, 2011, 6 - 10pm
To-Do!: The Chicago Arts District hosts "2nd FRIDAYS Gallery Night", the monthly opening receptions at the galleries and artists' studios centered around South Halsted and 18th Streets in Chicago. The receptions begin at 6:00pm and run until 10:00pm.
Join the 30 creative spaces in the Chicago Arts District at South Halsted and 18th Streets, as they showcase an exciting display of art and artists from Chicago and beyond. This unique art community opens its doors, free of charge, and lets you get up close and personal with the art and artists.
Soleil's Take: This To-Do is definitely worth checking out! In addition to a wide range of art and media, you'll find different vibes goin' on at the many, varied galleries - but there's some sort of party at every stop. You may find a special deal on the application of eyelash extensions, accessories, provocative clothing, a DJ rockin' old school beats so hard that the art clings to the walls for dear life, or perhaps a quiet, ambient vibe. There's something for everyone, so expect to see a great diversity of age and race!
Price: Free!
Friday, February 11, 2011, 6:30 - 9pm
To-Do!: Come out and listen to great music played by the Horner Park Jazz Band. Enjoy dance contests, refreshments, and fun for the whole family! Love is in the air this Valentine's Day! The Chicago Park District offers a wide variety of activities that will make your valentine remember this special day. Take your loved ones ice skating, dancing or to see a show; there are many ways to show your heart is in the parks.
Soleil's Take: Please be sure to visit the Chicago Park District website for information on family Valentine's Day events at a park near you!
Price: $5
Everything Chocolate
Friday, February 11, 2011, 7pm - 1am
To-Do!: Chicago's best chocolate "experience" for singles, for couples, for everyone. Presented by 220 Communications and Dessert Concepts. Featuring Pastry Chefs from around the city. Make plans now to attend this great event. Win a 3 day/2 night all expense-paid trip to Las Vegas, plus many more prizes. Featuring: Chocolate Chef competition (samples the creations of 8 different chefs), Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, Cash Bar, Prize Drawings, After Event Reception
Blindfolded Couples Tasting (Back by Popular Demand, Hosted By Author Yanni Brown)
Soleil's Take: Be prepared to EAT. A BUNCHA. CHOKLIT! Hmmmm . . . I wonder if there's any chocolate tasting involved in the "blindfolded-couples tasting" . . .
Price: $50; 2 for $70
4 Play - A Valentine's Affair
Friday, February 11, 2011, 7:30 - 10:30pm
To-Do!: Featuring Raheem Devaughn, Avant, Donell Jones, and After 7 Live in Concert
Soleil's Take: I at least know and enjoy Raheem and definitely, After 7, so it looks like this could be a pretty romantic concert!
Price: $40-75
Friday, February 11, 2011, 7:30 - 9:30pm
To-Do!: Created by Kalapriya artistic director Pranita Jain, Swan's Love uses dance movements from different styles of Indian dance such folk, Kalapriputta, Kathak, and Bharata Natyam to tell this stunningly beautiful love story., Swan's Love is based upon an old Rajasthani Folk tale about the dialogue between a swan and a lake, where the swan is a metaphor of the wandering lover and the lake a metaphor of the grounded lover. They keep enticing each other. They can't leave each other and can't stay with each other. The water is within boundaries and constantly changing and swan seeks the new but comes back to the old.
Price: $15-20
Friday, February 11, 2011, 7:30 - 10:30pm
To-Do!: Spare Parts opens for funk legends George Clinton and the P-Funk Allstars for the Funky Love Valentine's celebration. Get there early to funk it up all night long!, George Clinton (born July 22, 1941) is an American musician and the principal architect of P-Funk. He was the mastermind of the bands Parliament and Funkadelic during the 1970s and early 1980s, and is a solo funk artist as of 1981. He has been called one of the most important innovators of funk music, next to James Brown and Sly Stone. Clinton is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997 with fifteen other members of Parliament-Funkadelic., Also Feat: Spare Parts: Fusing a mix of funk, rock, jazz, latin and reggae, Spare Parts is a Chicago based group rapidly gaining international acclaim. An eclectic list of influences ranging from Weather Report to the Beatles fuel the creative engines of Spare Parts - both live and in the studio. And Opening, Chicago's own: Mos Scocious
Price: $25-80
Friday, February 11, 2011, 8pm - 12am
To-Do!: Looking for something different [To-Do] on a Friday night? Get your hands dirty in the Ceramics Studio, enjoy drink specials from the cash bar, explore the exhibitions and dance all night in the Main Gallery.
Soleil's Take: What a cute idea - you can't help but think of Ghost! And how cool that they're keeping the gallery open 'til midnight - you gotta check this one out! Specialty cocktails by Chant in Hyde Park.
Miscellaneous Info: All art supplies are included and proceeds benefit HPAC programming. Bring your friends!
Saturday, February 12, 2011, 11am - 3pm
To-Do!: Join the MCA in celebrating our love of art. Explore emotions through hands-on projects and enjoy the MCA's beloved collection.
Miscellaneous Info: Every second Saturday the MCA invites families to learn about the art of our time through hands-on art activities, scavenger hunts, Look 'n' Learn stations, and more. Activities are appropriate for all ages.
Price: Free for families with children 12 and under.
Sweet Saturdays
Saturday, February 12, 2011, 11am - 4pm
To-Do!: Come learn which sweet treats grow on trees at the Garfield Park Conservatory! Sweet Saturdays focuses on plants that provide the key ingredients to some of our favorite sweet treats. The Garfield Park Conservatory, a veritable plant-based candy show, is home to many living sweets such as bananas, vanilla beans, cinnamon bark, and chocolate trees. Visitors of all ages can sample the facts, the flavors and the fun of some of the most tantalizing tropical treats.
Soleil's Take: There are simply too many activities (for all) ages to enumerate. They suggest that, in order for you to take part in ALL the activities (i.e., outdoors, too) that you bring really warm clothing. But, when you come inside the conservatory - winter clothing will be the furthest thing from your mind! Read about one of my recent experiences there at Sun Spots: Holiday To-Dos!
Price: Free ($3 suggested donation)!
Saturday, February 12, 2011, 1 - 3:30pm
To-Do!: Dance: Tango Instructors: American Tango Institute Live Music: Tangata. Join the party at Jay Pritzker Pavilion and cut a rug. Dancing, live music and dance instruction in a variety of styles! Enjoy one-hour lessons, led by professional dance instructors, before hitting the dance floor with the extraordinary view of the cityscape beyond the retractable glass doors on the enclosed stage of the Pritzker Pavilion. view the entire schedule!
Soleil's Take: It doesn't get too much more steamy, passionate and romantic than the Tango! There's plenty of time to get ready for Summerdance, so be sure to see more Winter Dance dates!
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Saturday and Sunday; February 5 - February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011, 1 - 3:30pm
To-Do!: Daddy/Daughter Dance a formal event for girls ages 4-12 with food, fun and dancing.
Miscellaneous Info: R.S.V.P is highly recommended for more information and to R.S.V.P contact Amber 773-285-9600 or Comella 708-543-8983 or visit www.blackstarproject.org
Price: Daddy-Daughter Couple, $25; Additional Daughter or Friend, $5
Saturday, February 12, 2011, 2:30 - 4:30pm
To-Do!: Valentine Day Daddy/Daughter Dance a event with food, fun and dancing.
Soleil's Take: Please be sure to visit the Chicago Park District website for information on family Valentine's Day events at a park near you!
Miscellaneous Info: Love is in the air this Valentine's Day! The Chicago Park District offers a wide variety of activities that will make your valentine remember this special day. Take your loved ones ice skating, dancing or to see a show; there are many ways to show your heart is in the parks.
Price: Free!
Saturday, February 12, 2011, 3 - 5pm
To-Do!: Daddy-Daughter/Mother-Son Disco Bash come out and dance to great music. Enjoy dance contests, refreshments, and fun for the whole family!
Soleil's Take: Please be sure to visit the Chicago Park District website for information on family Valentine's Day events at a park near you!
Miscellaneous Info: Love is in the air this Valentine's Day! The Chicago Park District offers a wide variety of activities that will make your valentine remember this special day. Take your loved ones ice skating, dancing or to see a show; there are many ways to show your heart is in the parks.
Price: $2
Cupid/Launch Party
Saturday, February 12, 2011, 7pm - 12am
To-Do!: DJ Vince Adams is spinning and Catch Social is serving up the fun., There will be plenty of like minded singles,food, cash bar, fun and prize giveaways. Attendees should bring a friend of th e opposite sex who they consider to be a good catch for someone other than themselves. But don't worry, just come on out and celebrate with us.
Soleil's Take: Sounds fun and - it's not geared toward the chi'ren; rather, expect a mature crowd!
Price: $20
Saturday, February 12, 2011, 8 - 11pm
To-Do!: Superstar Anita Baker has garnered 8 Grammy Awards, and has hit the top of the charts with a string of award-winning classic including 'Sweet Love,' 'Angel,' 'Body & Soul,' 'Talk To Me,' 'Fairy Tales,' 'I Apologize,' and 'Giving You The Best That I Got.' The woman who gave birth to 'fireside long songs' still hails as one of the best voices in the business. Don't miss the much anticipated return of Anita Baker!
Price: $80-95
Saturday, February 12, 2011, 9pm - 2am
To-Do!: Swank Society Radio Presents . . . Lovers Rock. The Valentines Day Celebration "Embrace The Moment", An evening of Soul, Classics & Slow Jams from the 1970's-2010. This is an event for singles and couples. Old School Basement party Rare, Fun, Nostalgic and Anti- Pretentious., Sounds By: Duane Powell, Joe Kollege, Christian Armand, Jay Too, Taste:, Sangria & Desserts
Price: $5
Saturday, February 12, 2011, 9pm - 4am
To-Do!: VIBE Magazine Presents "Inspiration" In Recognition Of Black History Month. The Valentines Weekend Bash With LIVE Performance From Chicago's Own Willie Of DAY 26 (MTV's Making The Band)
Price: Free!
Saturday, February 12, 2011, 9pm - 2am
To-Do!: For The Lover In You!! Valentine's Day Weekend Concert. Featuring: The Soul Defenders, Aniba Hotep & The Sol Collective, Hosted by: Madame Pilar, Soul music is slowly becoming a lost art form and we have been losing many soulful greats. Come join us on our mission to keep that SOUL- FIRE burning! This show is tailor made for those of you who understand what soul music has done for the world and that special word we call "Love". This is the perfect event to take someone you love or someone you want to love!! Just come on in and sit on down and let us (Aniba Hotep & The Sol Collective) set the mood for you and your valentine!
Soleil's Take: I love their music and their retro vibe! Anita's raspy, soulful vocals are outstanding - definitely one of Soleil's Picks!
Price: $10
Sunday, February 13, 2011, 4 - 8pm
To-Do!: Featuring two separate panel discussions about love: (Princesses) Girl Talk and (Queens) Sister Talk. Self esteem and arts and crafts activities for the younger girls ages 5 to 12. Creative Arts Expressions through dance and spoken word. Dancing, refreshments and self empowerment for both girls and women. The primary goal is to provide the girls with a safe and sacred space to receive insight and wisdom on the warped perceptions of love/relationships that media depicts to their generation. There will also be a book signing for Unlock The Treasure: Discover the Princess Within. Networking opportunity for women who are determined to fulfill their destiny. Princesses and Queens will leave the event empowered all the more to love themselves unconditionally, to maximize their potential and live life to the fullest.
Dress Code: Dress to Impress!
Price: $20, Princesses; $25, Queens
Monday, February 14, 2011, 6 - 11:30pm
To-Do!: Live Jazz & Spoken Word . . . Come out and mix and mingle. Spoken Word Artist:, Chicago native spoken word artist Regine Rousseau will read from her recently released book- Searching for Cloves and Lilies, Jennifer Patience Rowe: Poet, Vocalist, and Community Activist. She has performed on stages alongside tenured artists, such as Angela Y. Davis, Nikki Giovanni, Haki Madhabuti, Nicole Mitchell, C.C Carter and Avery R. Young., Featured Jazz Entertainment by Saxophonist Reginald Rajah Helm and his Band with a special guest vocalist Dayna Lynn.
Miscellaneous Info: Shows at 7pm & 9pm
Price: $10
Monday, February 14, 2011, 6:30 - 9pm
To-Do!: Bring your sweetheart to BIN 36 for dinner and a movie! The night will start with a wine reception at 6:30 in our romantic loft. Then you will snuggle in for the start of Moonstruck at 7! This great tale of unlikely love in Brooklyn stars Nicolas Cage and Cher. And while you watch, you and your valentine will enjoy a 3 course Italian-American meal complete with wine pairings.
Price: $50
Trey Songz
Monday, February 14, 2011, 7:30 - 10:30pm
To-Do!: Since making his recording debut in 2005, Trey Songz has patiently and artfully crafted some of the most acclaimed and compelling R&B music of the decade. His first two Songbook Entertainment/Atlantic albums, "I GOTTA MAKE IT" (2005) and "TREY DAY" (2007), yielded a trio of top ten singles, "Girl Tonight," "Last Time," and "Can't Help But Wait." And when the latter song garnered Trey a coveted Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, it marked the validation of the faith shown in Trey by the late Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who hailed him as one of "the most promising R&B artists we have had since we started the company 60 years ago." With the 2009 release of "READY," Trey Songz is more than ready to claim his place in the pantheon of R&B greats.
Price: $50-100
An Intimate Evening w/ Vusi Mahlasela
Monday, February 14, 2011, 8 - 10pm
To-Do!: The celebrated South African singer-songwriter, poet and activist will celebrate the release of Say Africa with an intimate performance at Mayne Stage in Chicago. Vusi is simply known as "The Voice" in his native South Africa - a nod to his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. Raised in the Mamelodi Township, where he still resides, Vusi became a singer-songwriter at an early age, teaching himself how to play guitar and later joining the Congress of South African Writers. He has released six studio albums in South Africa. His appearance in the documentary film Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony and on the accompanying soundtrack brought him to the attention of North American audiences.
Miscellaneous Info: Presented by Sound Culture and HotHouse
Price: $20; Advance, $15
Anti-Valentine's Day Party: Twisted Tales of Dating in the Windy City
Monday, February 14, 2011, 8pm - 12am
To-Do!: No date? Who cares! Chicago Reader and 2nd Story have teamed up again this year for the ultimate Anti-Valentine's Day event. Hosted by WBEZ's Alison Cuddy (Eight-Forty-Eight), the evening will feature stories of love and dating in the Windy City performed by 2nd Story and a live set by the extrinsic pop duo My Gold Mask (dubbed a "band to watch" by Pitchfork)., Make eyes at the event? Have a Windy City Rollers derby girl deliver a personalized valentine for one dollar! Proceeds benefit The Anti-Cruelty Society. Do you have a true-life story that's up to snuff? Send in your submission! The "Best Bad Date" story will be selected by the Reader and 2nd Story and also performed at the Anti Valentine's Day party.
The first 50 guests will receive a goody bag from the Pleasure Chest - ooh la la!
Miscellaneous Info: Come have a $4 Punch Drunk Love drink on Sailor Jerry from 9-11pm. With an advanced ticket to this event, you will be able to buy one of our flatbreads and get another one on us!
Price: $14
All Need Love Festival - A Celebration of Love, Art & Culture
Monday, February 14, 2011, 8pm - 1am
To-Do!: Mor Visual Entertainment, producer of the first annual All Need Love Festival, is thrilled to announce that DJ Flipper Dalton and Chicago's Funkadesi will be the festival's headliners! Flipper Dalton has previously toured internationally and worked with such prominent pop artists as Madonna, P. Diddy, Alanis Morrisette, The Prodigy, Fat Boy Slim and Moby, among others. Funkadesi is uniquely electrifying, featuring musicians who soulfully celebrate their cultural roots while exploring new sounds together. The first annual All Need Love Festival unites Chicago-based DJs, international musicians, speakers and performances to offer a taste for all the senses this Valentine's Day. LA-based dancer and actress Candice Coke will host the main stage performances in Stanley Field Hall and blogger, talk show host, nightclub emcee and the mastermind behind JasonCurious.com, Jason Sechrest will host the Zodiac Singles Mixer. The All Need Love Festival is a one-night only event dedicated to love and global awareness.
Soleil's Take: Tickets MUST be purchased in advance!
Price: $115-260