It's Time for Loving

Choosing among St.Valentine's feasts and treats around town

Will you be my Lupercaliantine? Maybe Charlie Brown would have better luck with Lucy if he gave up the sentimentality of Valentine's for the sexuality of the feast of Lupercalia. After all, she's a modern girl who knows what she wants. It's generally believed that the Roman feast of Lupercalia, celebrated on February 15, was converted by Christians into Saint Valentine's day, in the third century A.D. According to legend, a young priest named Valentine secretly defied Claudius II's decree forbidding his young soldiers to marry. The emperor feared that married soldiers would be less loyal to the imperial cause, and when he discovered Valentine's transgression he had the young priest executed. In recent times, Valentine's idealism has given way to the consumerism of this multi-million dollar, yearly event. If you want to read more on Valentine's, there are a plethora of websites, from the stary-eyed valentopia.com to the acerbic despair.com. Meantime, here's a list of some Valentine happenings around town.

Celebrate Love - An Evening of the World's Greatest Love Songs Produced and Musical. Directed by Andrew Craig with special guest Molly Johnson - Saturday Feb. 14, 2003, 8 p.m., Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles Street W.),

Divine Love and Heavenly Lovers - Especially for Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2-4 pm, at the ROM. Tales of love between gods and humans in myths of India and ancient Egypt. For information call 416.586-5797 or visit www.rom.on.ca.

Sweet Dreams - at Inside nightclub (218 Richmond St. W.), with complimentary champagne for those on guest list Saturday Feb. 14, 2003, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

National Ballet of Canada - SLEEPING BEAUTY. The Hummingbird Centre, (1 Front St. E.), February 14 and 15, 25 to 29;

The Interior Design Show - National Trade Centre Exhibition Place Toronto Feb. 12, 14 and 15.

Valentine's Day - Free to Marry, a Valentine's Day of Action for same-sex couples, Metropolitan Community Churches.

Total Romance - Red Violin (95 Danforth Ave.) 7:30 pm Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004, 45 dinner and show special, $20 show only,

Singles' Night on Valentine's Day - Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery Yorkville (108 Yorkville Ave.) is inviting single men and women, a for a fun, creatively-organized mixer taking place on Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14, at 7:00 p.m. Singles will have the opportunity to mingle with other singles over wine and cheese and heart-shaped chocolates, of course, in a very artsy ambience - amidst the art of the world's most collected living artist, Thomas Kinkade. For Coach Ed's bio, please go to his web site: www.yourmasterpieceyourlife.com.Call 416.960.0206.

St. Valentine Dance - A night of dancing at the Primavera Banquet and Convention Centre, 77 Woodstream Blvd, organized by St. Margaret March Church in Woodbridge on Friday, February 13. For more information and tickets call 905.851.2661.

St. Valentine Festival - An event for this year's celebration is organized by the Montalto Uffugo Club on February 14, at the Julius Roman Empire Banquet Hall, 2201 Finch Avenue West. For information and tickets contact the president Carmelo Cinelli at 905.856.8334 or the vice-president Franco Paura at 416.665.9246.


The District - If you are looking for the perfect gift to mark the occasion "The District" is your source for great shopping. Take a walk to the very trendy Queen Street or stroll underground on the PATH - either way "The District" has thousands of unique trinkets perfect for your sweetheart. For a list of stores and maps see visit www.thedistrict.ca.

Valentine Dinner Dance - The Rogliano Social club presents this event at the Panemeonte Banquet Hall, 220 Humberline Drive, Etobicoke. Direct from Italy are Dr. Wlater Aloe, president of PRO-LOCO di Rogliano and Dr. Domenico Bloise of Altomonte. For more information call Mario Stumpo at 905.612.1610 or Alberto Cozza at 905.851.8989.

2004 World of Comedy International Film Festival - celebrates its second year at Toronto's Innis Hall Town Theatre from February 11-15 with six feature films and 50 International and Canadian shorts, a Seminar Series on Comedy for students and professionals and a tribute to Valentine's Day called The Most Unromantic Man in the World which screens at 9 p.m. All Festival information is available at www.worldcomedy-filmfest.com or by phone at 416.487.7574. Tickets can be purchased at the door at Toronto's Innis Town Hall Theatre at Innis College, located at 2 Sussex Ave.

Publication Date: 2004-02-15
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=3644