February 11, 2009

A+E's Guide to Valentine's Day

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It’s possible that you have been spending the past week making elaborate plans that revolve around rose petals, silk sheets and a moonlight serenade; or, if you’re anything like the rest of us, you’ve forgotten to make plans and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Lucky for you, the Arts and Entertainment staff has pooled together live music, dance and film for your Saturday night — so you can still rock out with your special someone (or your best buds … all of whom deserve a distraction from what might be the most loved and hated holiday there is.) But hey — love is all around. We take no liability for who might be caught by Cupid’s arrow at any of these events.

SufferJets Sweet & Tart Valentine’s Party with the Sutras
Castaway’s – 413 Taughhanock Blvd.
Live music by the Sutras, a local indie rock band, who got together in college to play some sweet jams and are now reunited some 17 odd years later. The Sutras claim their influences to be Rufus Wainwright, the Flaming Lips and early David Bowie. The Sutras will be playing in benefit of the stars of the party, the Ithaca SufferJets — Ithaca’s own roller derby team — who will be in attendance, showin’ off their moves à la Roll Bounce. Tickets are two for $20 in advance or $15 each at the door; starts at 9 p.m.
Sim Redmond Valentine’s Day Show

Lost Dog Café – 106 S. Cayuga St.
Sim Redmond is another Ithaca-based band whose roots are in “reggae, Carribean and afro-beat” according to a critic from Relix Magazine. The band has now won Best Rock Album three years from the Ithaca Journal — clearly a local darling. The Lost Dog Café is also offering a deal that covers all bases including a night at the Holiday Inn, a five course meal and tickets to the show (brunch optional.) Tickets are $10 at the door ($190 and up for the hotel deal); doors at 9 p.m., music at 9:30 p.m.

Lords of the Highway with Gregg Townson of the Hi-Risers
Chapter House – 400 Stewart Ave.
Perhaps a choice for those less interesting in wooing their date of choice with talk of love and romance, the Lords of the Highway, straight out of Cleveland, OH, are a self-described rockabilly band, singin’ “hillbilly punk rock that knocks ya flat, runs ya over, and doesn’t look back.” Enjoy at your own risk. Tickets are $5; music starts at 10 p.m.

Cornell Chimes Valentine’s Concert
McGraw Clock Tower – central campus
Our famous chimes masters are putting on a show in honor of Valentine’s day: The concert will no doubt deviate from the tried and true Alma Mater. Our predications: Beatle’s “All You Need Is Love” and a Broadway musical number or two. Hershey’s kisses will be served and all are invited to watch the performance from the top of the tower. Admittance is free; concert begins at 6 p.m.

More live music: Oasis, formerly known as Common Ground, is having live music from Gary and Leann Reynolds and then set from DJ Vic Rosa. Music begins at 6 p.m. Also, The Nines in Collegetown will be hosting Indobox, whose last album was titled “Better Than Slopeday” — draw your own conclusions from 10 p.m.

In Search of a Midnight Kiss
Cornell Cinema – Willard Straight Theater
An independent film about a young writer in Los Angeles who goes looking for a midnight kiss on the Internet, in an attempt to forget the miserable year he’s had. Contrary to myriad possible frightening outcomes, he meets Vivian, an uninhibited, boozing city girl who has her own agenda for love. Together, they prowl the LA streets à la Before Sunset (also by director Alex Holdridge). Tickets are $4 for students; showing begins at 10:15 p.m.

Gigantic
Cornell Cinema – Willard Straight Theater
A film by alumnus Scott Ferguson ’82 starring Paul Dano (Little Miss Sunshine) and Zooey Deschanel (Yes Man), Gigantic is about a young man looking to adopt a Chinese baby who falls in love along the way. Ferguson will be attending this screening and also presenting some of his upcoming works. Tickets are $4 for students; showing begins at 7:15 p.m.

More film: Showing at Uris Hall, Zack and Miri Make a Porno will begin at 9:45 pm; tickets are $4 for students. Also showing at Regal Cinemas at Ithaca Mall: He’s Just Not That Into You (which, despite it’s title, is a romantic comedy) at 6:50 and 9:50 p.m.

Valentine’s Big Band Swing Dance
Memorial Room – Willard Straight Hall
The Cornell Rooftop Mayhem Jumpswing Club (whew) is going to spend this special day teaching couples (and individuals) how to not do the bump and grind. Accompanied by Cornell’s 20-piece Big Band Orchestra, there are lessons earlier in the night followed by, what the Club claims to be, the largest annual dance party in Ithaca. We agree that fraternity parties should not be considered “dancing.” Get your groove on at WSH Saturday night. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door; jumpswing lessons begin at 8 p.m., dancing goes till midnight.