Woe to those who underestimate the power of Valentine’s Day.
You think all you need is love? You think love means never having to say you’re sorry? Well, you’ll need a quality apology for that special someone if you try avoiding Cupid on the calendar.
At the risk of over-functioning in this space: Be sure to give candy or flowers or whatever else says “I care” to your sweetie. Then do something unforgettable together, like taking in a romantic concert or running in the street in your underwear. Yes, love is strange. Go with it.
Here’s hoping for above-freezing temperatures when runners hit the streets of downtown Kansas City in their bare essentials to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Last year, Cupid Undie Runs across the country raised more than $2.8 million for the charity and organizers described the frisky fun as “undie-niable.” Stop it, I’m blushing. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. (run is at 1 p.m., spectators welcome); McFadden’s, Kansas City Power & Light District, 1330 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; registration: $55.
2. Kansas City Valentines Show
Hip-hop, r&b and soul artists Guy, Bobby Brown, K-Ci & JoJo, El Debarge and Doug E. Fresh were originally advertised as the lineup of this sweetheart concert. However, promoters say that the bill is “subject to change.” Given the condition of Brown’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, it wouldn’t be a shocker if her father didn’t make it to the show. Thoughts and prayers. Friday, 8 p.m.; Municipal Auditorium, 201 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $55-$80.
Ballroom dancing may not be for everyone, but everyone will be ballroom dancing at the Boogie Ball Hanger Dance at the TWA Museum & Hanger. I can’t imagine a more fitting place for a lovely rendition of “Come Fly with Me.” But before getting cheek to cheek to the music of the Abel Ramirez Big Band, take a tour of the museum and receive a free waltz dance lesson. The evening is sponsored by Culture Through Ballroom Dance, which gets local public school children dancing. Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m. (dance lesson at 6:15 p.m.); TWA Museum & Hanger, Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, 10 Richards Road, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $25.
Lovebirds who love birds can focus on their feathered friends this weekend at Powell Gardens. Workshops on Saturday and Sunday will be devoted to the construction of ladder-style bird feeders to take home. On Sunday, visitors to the 915-acre botanical garden will lend their eyeballs to the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, part of a national survey of birds, led by Powell Gardens Director of Horticulture Alan Branhagen. Saturday and Sunday, Powell Gardens, 1609 North West U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, Mo.; admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $3 ages 5-12 (some activities cost extra).
5. Elvis Lives
From “Love Me Tender” to “Burning Love,” Elvis Presley was all about the love and still is thanks to talented tribute artists who keep swiveling their hips and making hearts flip in his memory. Experience some of the greatest impersonators of the King at the Elvis Lives: Ultimate Elvis Tribute Event, showcasing finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises' worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. You’ll fall in love with the Big E all over again – as if you ever stopped! Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Midland Theatre, 1228 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $39.50-$59.50.
6. Barry Manilow: One Last Time! Tour
Barry Manilow – Mr. Love Song himself – is serenading fans for reportedly the last time on tour with his classic catalogue of hits from long ago and far away. Where to begin? Anywhere you’d like: There’s Mandy, Looks Like We Made It, Ready to Take a Chance Again, Could It Be Magic, Can’t Smile Without You and This One’s for You, to name a few – and don’t forget the mushy majesty of I Write the Songs. Oh, he wrote ‘em, alright. If you ever sang along with everything you had to one of Barry’s larger-than-life love ditties on the AM radio, shouldn’t you be there to say goodbye to him…if only until the next one last time? Your date will appreciate it. Or at least make fun of you, which counts as positive attention in my book. Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $19.75-$129.75.
7. Love Sux: Anti-Valentine’s Day Party
And for those who can’t (or won’t) bring themselves to bow down to love-sweet-love, here’s an opportunity to go the other way on Valentine’s Day. Music, dancing and prizes will be part of the mix at Howl at the Moon’s Love Sux: Anti-Valentine’s Day Party, as well as no cover charge to anyone who brings a mutilated photo of their ex. Nice. Saturday, 7 p.m.; Howl at the Moon, Kansas City Power & Light District, 1334 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo..
