Valentine's Day, doomsday, Singles Awareness Day -- whatever you want to call it -- February 14 is coming up, and soon.
Lucky for you, dear readers, we've laid out a few paths you can take this Saturday, whether you're rolling solo, in a pair, with a group of friends, or your polyamorous partners.
Whatever your situation, this is a list of the best things to do in Broward or Palm Beach counties on this day of romantic love or intense darkness. All that's important is to keep busy.
10. Andrea Bocelli
8 p.m. Thursday, February 12, Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15, at Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Visit http://www.andreabocelli.com/tickets/.
The Italian romance singer is back, yet again, to sing smooth and classic tunes that'll drop panties. Bring out the tissues for "Time to Say Goodbye," whether you're tearing up because of its sheer beauty or laughing because you keep thinking of the infamous Stepbrothers scene. It's the fucking Catalina wine mixer -- pow!
9. B.e. Easy Music Festival
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, February 14, at Bryant Park, Lake Ave and Golfview Road, Lake Worth. Tickets cost $25. Visit beeasymusicfestival.com/.
Since Valentine's Day is all about different kinds of love, why not give some altruistic amore this year by donating to a great cause?
Monies raised at the B.e. Easy Music Festival in Lake Worth will go toward a scholarship fund to assist those struggling with addiction. The fest will be packed with artists, musicians, vendors, and healing workshops. The Funky Nuggets, Ancient Sun, and the Resolvers are just a few of the artists featured on the lineup.
8. John Waters at Shock Pop Comic Con
Friday to Sunday, February 13 to 15, at Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $30 each day, $60 for the weekend, and $75 for John Waters' VIP tickets. Visit shockpopcc.com.
Director, actor, writer, hitchhiker -- the list of John Waters' descriptives goes on and on. And in very Watersian style, "The Pope of Filth" will present an updated version of his one-man show, This Filthy World: Filthier and Dirtier, on this day of love. So sweet! He'll also host an autograph session for his new, best-selling book, Carsick at Shock Pop Comic Con.
The convention will feature tons of speeches for lovers of horror, anime, pop culture, cosplay, and more. If you and your date are into the freaky-deaky gore, consider doing Valentine's Day one day earlier, on Friday the 13th, complete with the real Jason (Ken Kerzinger), lectures on American Horror Story, and more.
7. Michael Amante
7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 14, at Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855 Coral Springs Dr., Pompano Beach. Call 954-344-5990, or visit coralspringscenterforthearts.com.
Into "awww"-inducing events? If so, number seven on our list was practically made just for you.
Singer Michael Amante will be making Valentine's Day intimate with his vocal cords at the Coral Springs Museum of Art. His impressive rap sheet includes leading roles in Jesus Christ Superstar, Puccini's Madame Butterfly, Grease, and West Side Story.
And if that alone doesn't make him seem fit to perform on your Valentine's Day, this love story does: Amante traveled to Trinidad to meet a woman he met on Match.com to ask her hand in marriage. At the airport, meeting her for the very first time, he sneaked behind her, put his hands over her eyes, and sang Shania Twain's "From This Moment." The kicker? She sent him a video of herself singing it first. Cue the "awww"s.
6. Tenth Annual Everglades Foundation Benefit with Steven Tyler at the Breakers
7 p.m. Saturday, February 14, at the Breakers, 1 S. Country Road, Palm Beach. Call 212-245-6570, or visit evergladesfoundation.org.
Yet another event for spreading some good in the neighborhood has made our list. This time, all funds support the restoration of our natural beauty and place that provides us with agua: the Everglades.
Host Bryant Gumbel will be leading the night dedicated to the River of Grass. It takes place at the former Kennedy-preferred vacay spot, the Breakers, and the musical guest is none other than Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler and Loving Mary. The schedule includes cocktails at 7, dinner and 8, and a whole night of feeling good.
5. Valentine's Day "Lonely Hearts Club Jam"
7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, February 14, at Woody's West End Tavern, 600 Payne Drive, Miami Springs. Visit Facebook. No cover.
Travel to the land of the 305 for Woody's West End Tavern's Valentine bash. The Lonely Hearts Club Jam will feature Miami country punk rockers Birdman's Clambake, which will be playing three rowdy sets. This may include originals jams such as "Oye Mamacita" and "Beer, Biscuits, and Gravy." Twelve-buck paella plates just sweeten the deal. Que rico!
4. Blue Martini
8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday, February 14, at Blue Martini, 2432 E. Sunrise Blvd., Suite 1008, Fort Lauderdale. Visit Facebook.
Live music, delicious drinks, good-looking cougars -- Blue Martini has it all! That's the reason this hot spot made our 2015 V-Day list.
Not to mention, if you buy a cosmopolitan in February, part of the proceeds goes to the Heart Gallery of Broward. This charity strives to offer programs to assist adoption and improve the lives of foster children in Broward.
So, whether you're sipping on cosmos with your significant other or downing them because you're single, proud, and a little lonely, you'll be helping a fantastic cause.
3. Calling All Singles at Inkwell Pub
8 p.m. Saturday, February 14, at Inkwell Pub. 238 N. State Road 7, Margate. Visit Facebook.
All the single ladies, all the single ladies -- well, and single men too. Leave the Netflix and takeout at home and partake in this massive speed date.
Those without a Y chromosome get a free glass of wine for coming out. Cheers! Afterward, there's an open mic for those to tell tales about the worst dates ever. The winner will be awarded with a "Case of the Mondays," a mix of craft bottled brews. But don't tell a story about your newly met speed date -- that would just not be nice.
Delectable cupcakes will be provided by a Touch of Elegance. Bring some home to share with your cat. He missed you all night!
2. Whitney Cummings at Palm Beach
7 p.m. Sunday, February 15, at Palm Beach Improv, 550 S. Rosemary Ave., Suite 250, West Palm Beach. Admission is $30 and it's a two-drink minimum. Visit palmbeachimprov.com.
Valentine's Day will be nothing but a barrel of laughs with broke girl Whitney Cummings. Her CBS comedy show 2 Broke Girls was approved for its fourth season, so cowriter Cummings must have done something right! This is the perfect date for those looking for a little levity and no romantic pressure.
1. Monthly ArtX Art Walk in Northwood Village
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, February 14, at Northwood Art Walk, between 24th and 25th streets and Northwood Road, West Palm Beach. Visit northwoodartwalk.com.
For a little taste of art and history, take a guided tour through West Palm's historic Northwood Village. It's the perfect evening for those who want a chill, low-key, no-fuss V-Day. Giant teddy bears and pink champagne are overrated, anyway.
Be sure to sign up soon; the space is limited to 16 people per tour. Didn't sign up in time? No worries; this event takes place on the second Saturday of every month. There will be galleries, shops, and restaurants along the way.
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