Love is a many splendored thing, and this week’s Fresh Start is chock full of amour, with three events that will help you break out of the dinner-and-a-movie – or, for some, leftovers and Netflix – doldrums. We all know that love isn’t exciting and new (a la “The Love Boat” theme) all the time. But a little bit o’ Rio de Janiero, My Funny Valentine and flat-out kinky fun never hurt anyone. In fact, it might just restore the balance.
Let's Get Tropical
To paraphrase the Young Gunz lyrics, there ain’t no party like a Carnaval party, cuz a Carnaval party don’t stop. To wit, attendees of Tropical Cleveland’s annual Brazilian Carnaval will tell you that the shindig this Saturday, February 13 is one of the hottest parties in town. This year’s edition features Brazilian band Chicago Samba, the Batucada drum line, sassy samba dancing and lessons, a Rio-inspired costume contest and access to inspired adult beverages at View Nightclub. Best of all: You score all of this action for one recession-busting Andrew Jackson per person. Call 216-280-0407 for details.
CLE and Mr. Jones
It's all love as The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra continues its glorious transformation. With a new home (the splendid Hanna Theatre) and a new artistic director Sean Jones at the helm, the group seems poised for a full-blown renaissance to coincide with their 25th anniversary season. Their debut at the Hanna in December was completely sold out. Soak up the group’s new groove Saturday, February 13 at 8pm, as it delivers a heartfelt Valentine’s Eve showcase of love songs from the great American songbook. Swooning balladry meets Cleveland’s most capable group of jazz virtuosos at the stunning PlayhouseSquare Center venue. Call 216-241-6000 for details.
A Few Kinks
Do Champagne, flowers and chocolates leave you wanting more? If everything V-Day sounds hackneyed and boring to you, maybe this is the year to turn Cupid on his ear. On Saturday, February 13 at 10pm check out the Valentine’s Day Fetish Playland 2010: Feathers, Fans and Floggers. Sounds racy, yes? It is. Think of it as a kinky, miniature version of the San Francisco Bay Area’s Exotic Erotic Ball. Leave your preconceived notions and inhibitions at the door, but dress to impress or sport fetish attire. Burlesque models, demos, adult toys and kinky fun abound, all while DJ Feima keeps the beat. Look, if Oprah Winfrey is interviewing adult film stars, Oscar-winning writer-director Steven Soderbergh is casting them for his movies, and you can buy porn queen Jenna Jameson’s “Heartbreaker” fragrance at your local mall, perhaps America is a little less uptight in the 21st century. The naughtiness happens at Dream Nightclub (formerly Metropolis; 2325 Elm Street, Cleveland).
