Looking for something special to do with the other half for V-Day? Take in some beautiful music before making beautiful music together. The Tampa Bay Symphony under music director Jack Heller, with guest cello soloist Scott Kluksdahl, can be heard live at the Mahaffey Theater at 7:30 p.m. The program features Kluksdahl performing the Dvorak Cello Concerto The symphony performs "Slavonic Dance No. 8" by Dvorak, "Polovetsian Dances" by Borodin, "Tales from the Vienna Woods" by Johann Strauss Jr. and "Two Dances" from the opera The Bartered Bride by Smetana. In keeping with the Tampa Bay Symphony's tradition of encouraging young musicians, members of the John Hopkins Middle School Orchestra, under the direction of David O'Neill, will perform on the stage a half-hour before the concert. $20 for adults and $5 for students. TampaBaySymphony.com.
On the jazzier tip, sway to the sounds of Trio Vibe at Della’s, where you can Valentine-it-up at an upscale bistro with a locally acclaimed ensemble performing standards and jazz favorites. 6-10 p.m. Della’s, 608 Oakfield Drive in Brandon. 813-684-3354.
For some fun of the ooh-la-la sort — whether you're attached or single — be sure to peruse the Adult Valentine Happenings guide by Sex and Love editor Shawn Alff.
If you're going the more traditional dinner route, click here for Food and Wine Editor Katie Machol's favorite options for a romantic Valentine's meal for two.
The comedy clubs are all featuring headliners tonight to distract the singles from self-pity and give bored married couples something to do (Kidding — well, sort of). Coconuts Comedy Clubs presents Steve Netta at Jack's Junk Food Joint, 2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater. For info, call 727-791-2222.
Jake Johannsen (pictured) performs at the Improv in Ybor City. According to good ol' Wikipedia, Johannsen has appeared for a record 35 stand-up performances on The Late Show with David Letterman. Here's a clip of him on the Daily Show With Jon Stewart. As an added bonus at the Improv, the club provides some flowers with dinner. The bar opens at 5:15 p.m. and seating beings at 5:30 p.m. for first come, first serve. It’s $35 for dinner and the show, or $20 for the show only. Comedian Dan Levy brings the love to the Hard Rock Cafe.
A regular guest on Chelsea Lately on E! and late-night talk shows, he’s also appeared numerous times on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, and Comedy Central Presents. Last but not least, April Macie (of Last Comic Standing fame) shares her irreverent brand of overtly sexual humor at Side Splitters Comedy Club, breaking down double standards and lending her voice to sexually dissatisfied women everywhere. Come early for happy hour with free shot samples and complimentary hors d'oeurves. Stay late for a karaoke party. (Text on Macie contributed by Libby Smith.)
Here's a sassy sweetheart of a show: Attend When Words Are Not Enough: A Single Gal Sings Songs of Love and Laughter at New American Theater in downtown St. Pete. Sultry singer Samantha McKinnon Brown and smooth pianist James W. Crumbly Jr. perform an "adult-only" cabaret featuring love standards and pop hits. Dessert is included, courtesy of Jeff’s Gourmet Pies. General seating. Cash bar is available. For more information, call 727-575-9241. 8 p.m. $20. New American Theater, 183 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg. newamericantheater.org.
Last but not least, there's always the Florida State Fair. This year’s round of crazy-tacky-wacky-country fair fun offers the same ol’-same ol’ you love with some added bonuses. A total of 106 rides dip you down and zip you around. New this year: the Daytona Kiddie Ride, the Riptide roller coaster and Remix – which takes you on a high-flying spin. Feb. 12-21. $8 admission adults, $4 children 6-11 (ages 5 and under enter for free; $24 for a sheet of 30 ride tickets; $25 for an armband; floridastatefair.com. Pepsi Armband Days: Feb. 11 and 21. Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. 813-622-7275.
This article appears in Feb 10-16, 2011.