Valentine's Day for the Vancouver Soul

February has arrived and as usual, Valentine's day decorations have started to pop up in storefronts and doctors offices everywhere.

But while some may look forward to a romantic evening filled with chocolate strawberries and bouquets of roses, I can't help but long for the exact opposite. Call me contemporary, but I like to think fun can be had without having to be swept off my feet or drowned in pools of cinnamon hearts. And I know I'm not alone.

In light of this adopted cynicism toward February 14th, I thought it fitting to compile a little list of low-cost but high entertainment activities that are an alternative to the Utopian notions of romance we are spoon fed by 'Sad'entines Day enthusiasts.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of what Vancouver has to offer for the big V-day, and new recommendations are always appreciated. This is simply one woman's idea's on how to liven up an otherwise useless Thursday night.

Granville Island Taphouse is hosting a chocolate and beer evening (with special live music) that will be catered by Roger's chocolates and GI brewery. Also at Granville Island is the Vancouver TheatreSports League improv massacre semi-final at New Revue Theater.

A little Burlesque dancing never hurt anyone, so I say why not dive in? Candy Girl Cabaret performs at Balthazar in the West end for a dinner and a late night show.

DixMix aka DJ Dickey-Doo performs some of his indie techo beats that have pleased many before at the Biltmore Cabaret for a Highschool dance party themed Thursday night.

Feb. 14th marks the opening night of two local theater and dance shows. Waterfront theater is showcasing Steel Kiss, a play confronting the heavy topic of contemporary homophobia while Queen Elizabeth Theater plays host to The Four Seasons, a ballet by John Alleyne (don't worry, tickets start at only $25).

Wintersong Festival brings smooth and sultry Jazz musicians from all walks of life to some of West Van's coziest venues. Thursday's events include a Jazz Valentine with some talented and experienced female Jazz singers. If crossing the bridge is too much effort for a weeknight (perfectly understandable), an alternative would be to check out the blues guitarist-vocalist Sean Costello at the Yale on Granville St. If it helps, he has no relation to Elvis.

For a chance to view some French culture from Quebec, France, Switzerland and B.C attend the 14th annual French Film Festival held at the Vancouver International Film Center. Buy a festival pass and view Thursday's movies and more for free.

If the snow and the long hike up the mountain are not deterrents, then the Dating Portfolio by Susan Boznic at the SFU Burnaby Gallery is worth looking into. It's similar to the movie Lars and the real girl in that it has mannequins and a deep societal message about love and loneliness, but there is no Ryan Gosling and no buttered popcorn. The exhibit is available for viewing until February 23rd.

Happy hunting!

Photo by louder