Read the rest of The Art of Love by Gregorio Luke Returns to the Playhouse On February 14th!

Finding a romantic restaurant for Valentine’s Day isn’t difficult in Long Beach. But with all the stress and pressure of this once-a-year love-fest, wouldn’t it be nice to have more than just dinner? How about a relaxing atmosphere where everything is taken care of? Prix Fixe dining is a wonderful indulgence. Let the Chef plan the menu and you and your sweetheart will be free to focus on more important things… like the bubbles in the Champagne.

Read the rest of Prix Fixe Romance: 8 Long Beach Restaurants for Valentine’s Day

Read the rest of Hotel Maya Set For a Sweetheart Sunday Brunch and Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Water’s Edge

Based on the hilarious hit movie “Some Like it Hot” – SUGAR is the story of two down on their luck musicians, Jerry and Joe who happen to witness the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago. The boys find themselves targets of tap-dancing gangster Spatz Palazzo and his henchmen. Disguising themselves as women, the musical pair joins Miami-bound all-female band, called the Society Syncopaters led by Sweet Sue. Hilarity ensues when Joe (now known as Josephine) falls for Sugar Kane, the band’s lead singer, while Jerry (now known as Daphne) tries to avoid a rich suitor who is unaware that “she” is actually a “he.” All the while, the mob is hot on their trail. This hilarious farce with Tony nominated music by Julie Styne (GYPSY, FUNNY GIRL) and lyrics by Bob Merrill (FUNNY GIRL, CARVIVAL) is sure to entertain the whole family from the first note to the final rousing chorus!

Read the rest of Musical Theatre West Presents A Staged Reading Of “SUGAR”

“The Postal Service is very excited by the response this new CD has already received,” said Linda Kingsley, vice president, Channel Access. “People don’t usually think about going to the Post Office to buy Valentine’s Day gifts, but our customers can purchase the CD for a great price and ship it at an even better price from the same, convenient location.”

Read the rest of Love Is in the Mail at a Post Office Near You

Read the rest of La Traviata Sets The Valentine Dinner Table For Romance

The Color Purple was a winner of the Best Director award from the Director’s Guild of America, and 11-time Academy Award nominee.

Oscar-nominee Whoopi Goldberg is mesmerizing in her motion picture debut as Celie, an African American woman who endures a life of hardship and tremendous abuse only to emerge as an empowered and soulful survivor through the help of some friends – namely, singer Shug Avery and daughter-in-law Sophia. For those respective roles, both Margaret Avery and Oprah Winfrey also received Oscar nominations.

Read the rest of LB Film Society’s “Classics Weekend Matinees” Debut: The Color Purple @ The Art

Helium-filled metallic balloons can drift and come in contact with high-voltage lines where electricity can arc across the balloons, cause short circuits, burn wires and interrupt service. Resulting power outages may last from a few minutes to several hours, lead to inoperable stoplights and possible traffic problems, and could even put a damper on Valentine’s Day festivities.

Read the rest of Don’t let metallic balloons take the spark out of Valentine’s Day

The Valentine’s party will feature live music provided by local band Majic Bullet Theory, a jazz, indie, funk, fusion outfit with two sets at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Guest can also enjoy the performance art of live painting by local artist Daniel Quinonez. All paintings done the night of the event will be silently auctioned off to benefit Gazette Hearts for Long Beach, a charity that donates to local hospital health programs.

Read the rest of Party by the fountain at My Big Fat Greek Valentine’s

That’s not to say that your honey won’t enjoy these events. In fact, many couples probably have a lot more fun holding hands and hanging out than stressing out over which fork to use in a high-class restaurant. If you’re into kilts, bird-watching, local architecture or jogging, then start here when planning your calendar for Valentine’s weekend. Who knows, you might just find that going to a car show is the most romantic gift you could ever give him.

And, if you’d prefer to get dressed up and hit the town, then try these links for fancy restaurants or Long Beach sunsets.

Read the rest of Valentine’s Weekend: Events in Long Beach that aren’t all about romance

“Cupid, draw back your bow and let your arrow go…” or at least the Knolls Ranger will do so on February 5 at the Bixby Knolls First Fridays event. “Universal Love” will be the theme woven throughout the participating venues this month.

First Fridays comes out of holiday hibernation with plenty of art, music, and the opportunity for you to show off your performance skills.

Long Beach’s own Held2Gether will provide the improv troupe for “Tea Room Comedy Night” taking audience suggestions and participation. Stop in at Elise’s Tea Room to enjoy some laughs or you can show us what you’ve got.

While you’re at it, come take the stage at the Back Room Theatre @ Expo where the Long Beach Shakespeare Company will give you the stage for one-minute monologues in anticipation of their opening weekend of The Exonerated.

The Sultans Car Club will flex their car muscles at Melinda McCoy’s Flowers with 10 custom cars ranging from a 1940 Chevy to 1962 Chrysler. Automobile Art and man’s love for his vehicle.

When the businesses start to close, after hours begins at Nino’s Italian Restaurant for community eats, drinks and merriment accompanied by The Sit-Ins creating the fun vibe.

Dine on Art-Lantic Avenue at one of our tasty restaurants then grab the Big Red Bus to be whisked out of the rain and safely from venue to venue on Atlantic Avenue between Bixby Road and San Antonio Drive. (Click through for a complete list of venues!)

Read the rest of Universal Love takes over First Fridays in Bixby Knolls

On sale for a limited time at select Post Offices nationwide, “Love Letters from Ella” is a collection of the jazz singer’s most cherished love songs, recorded with some of her favorite collaborators — including Count Basie and his orchestra, Joe Pass and André Previn.

This special edition, first released in 2007, includes a full reproduction of Fitzgerald’s commemorative postage stamp. After purchasing a CD, postal customers can easily ship their “Love Letters” using packaging available at the Post Office.

The 10-track CD, mixed in high-definition audio, includes Fitzgerald singing “Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone” with the Count Basie Orchestra, a duet of Joe Pass and Fitzgerald on “The One I Love” and her performance of “Our Love is Here to Stay” with pianist, conductor and composer André Previn.

Read the rest of USPS makes it easy to send “Love Letters from Ella” for Valentine’s Day

We’re closing out the first month of the new year at the Long Beach Sunday Market this week. Our vendors are bringing the best in local food to California Heights so come hungry! And, don’t forget Valentine’s Day is just two weeks away. Check out the handmade and vintage items available from the Arts and Crafts booths.

Here is an edited selection of what you can expect at the Market this week.

Culinary Coach Menu for Sunday January 31st

• Pork or Chicken Banh Mi
• Thai Chicken Basil Coconut Milk Soup,  Gai Tom Kha
• Scrambled egg, bacon and home fries – for the kids
• Tri tip sandwich with fresh slaw
• Egg sandwich with bacon, egg, frisee, gorgonzola
• Egg sandwich with sausage and Carmelized Visalia Onion
• Omelet-homemade sausage, Pecorino Cheese, Chili Garlic Spread

Visit Gregg and Marlyn this Sunday and try one of their delicious offerings!  The sandwiches are generously portioned and come with fruit and home fries.  You might have to share.

Read the rest of Fresh Today at the Farmer’s Market

But, as any foodie can tell you, eating is a complete sensory experience. It’s about site, smell, and taste—and the right combination can stimulate physical excitement. Even if aphrodisiacs are unlikely to create a chemical spike in desire, it doesn’t mean they won’t get your Valentine in the mood.

We’ve gone beyond the traditional menu of oysters to create this list of  11 sexy foods to serve on Valentine’s Day. The extra benefit? Every food on this list has health benefits that will last long after the holiday is over.

Read the rest of 11 Sexy Foods for a Healthy Valentine’s Day

This list of places to see the sunset in Long Beach is by no means complete, but we’ve attempted to include ideas in a variety of price levels from free to once-in-a-lifetime. Some spots offer dinner and drinks, for others it’s strictly BYOB. Read on, so you can plan ahead and know if you need to pack a picnic or a credit card.

Read the rest of Romantic Light: 7 Places to See the Sunset in Long Beach

Villa Riviera restored entrance. Photo by D.W. Gastélum, Nov. 2009

The iconic Villa Riviera will open its doors to the public for a special Valentine’s Day Home Tour and reception on Sunday, February 14, from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Visitors will have the rare chance to stroll through the lobby, elevators and museum while exploring about 20 of the independently-owned condo units.

The Villa Riviera expertly combines several architectural styles—Tudor Gothic with Italian and French Renaissance. The often-photographed Long Beach icon is probably most recognized for it’s exterior features: gargoyles, intricate art stone carvings, and the copper roof with sea foam patina.

Read the rest of Love Architecture? Visit the Villa Riviera for Valentine’s Day Home Tour and Reception

“There are hundreds of dogs and cats in our city who are looking for love and affection while waiting for forever homes. Let’s show them our love this season,” said Rudd. “We encourage classrooms, scout groups, church youth groups, and other organizations to create cards for the animals.”  

Read the rest of Show your love for shelter pets in Valentine’s Day Card Contest

Experts agree, there are definite steps you can take to increase your chance of Resolution Success.

Read the rest of New Year Resolutions: 4 steps to achieve success