A valentine for you all, oh faithful readers

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/02/2012 (5224 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG is an exciting place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, especially if you have an Insider’s list of things to do. As my valentine to you, dear readers, here’s a list to choose from — no matter what your age or preference.

VALENTINE DINNER SERENADE: Mona Lisa Ristorante’s owner Joe Grande has hired primo Winnipeg guitar players Tim Butler and Leanne Pearson to serenade lovers at their tables from 5-11 p.m. on Tuesday. Call 488-3684 for reservations. “I’ll be playing Spanish and classical pieces, flamenco, jazz, with some occasional singing,” said Butler, who hosts the Bella Vista acoustic jams Wednesday nights. Pearson, who has her own band at 4Play this weekend, said, “And I’ll be playing my guitar and singing love songs from country, pop, rock and jazz.” She confesses she’s hoping to do a few love songs together with Butler. (Good chance! Butler says he’s VERY single this year).

“Serenading is very European, it reminds me of courting back in Italy,” sighs Grande, who came to Canada at the age of seven from southern Italy. “Men would serenade at the windows because they weren’t allowed in the house! I remember I was in the room and my auntie would be whispering out the window, “Be quiet! I don’t want anybody to know we’re talking. Let’s meet together at the water fountain!”

CLUSTERPLUCK: So what happens when you cram a bunch of keeners with stringed instruments into a big ol’ pile? Clusterpluck! On Valentine’s night at Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club, you can take your sweetheart and catch the 22 members of Clusterpluck. “They’re Winnipeg’s “most fervent” acoustic musicians, who’ve been rehearsing for months at Tuesday jams in peoples’ houses, says stand-up bass player Patrick Boggs. “The one-night musicfest encompasses blues, ragtime, bluegrass, Spanish, plus traditional and contemporary folk songs. And they’re not kidding about serving heart-shaped bacon at midnight. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.

ALTERNATIVE VALENTINE: Bang! It’s Poetry! is a Pride-themed cabaret at the stage at Pop Soda’s, 625 Portage Ave., on Tuesday and it’s hosted by Jenn Orr. “The rules for regular poetry slam competitions are stricter than on this special night,” says comedian/burlesque host Heather Witherden. “There can be all kinds of artists, from spoken word to musicians, taking part and each should come with a prepared piece.” For people who want something sweet on Valentine’s Day, the licensed restaurant component is known for its delicious desserts. It’s an early gig, 7-9 p.m., and performers should be there at 6:30 p.m.

DINNER & A SURPRISE: Diners at Taste of India, 510 Sargent Ave., are in for a surprise as belly dancer Karla Yanina, who trained in Cairo and Beirut, takes the floor with shows starting at 6:30 p.m. The buffet with appetizers, dessert, a glass of wine and a belly dance show is $20. Reservations can be made by calling 775-1098. Doors open for dinner at 5 p.m.

Insiders know Yanina teaches belly dance at the University of Manitoba’s Frank Kennedy Centre and has been teaching classes in Winnipeg since 1997. Why does she do it? “It’s the energy. It gives you such a subtle way of exercising. I honestly think that’s what keeps me young,” she says.

Got tips, events, sightings, unusual things going on? Call Maureen’s tip line at 474-1116, email maureen.scurfield@winnipegfreepress.com or send mail to The Insider, c/o the Winnipeg Free Press at 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, R2X 3B6.