For those of you looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day with live jazz, options abound in the Columbus area this year. While February 14th falls on a Thursday in 2019, there are plenty of holiday-themed concerts over the week so you can find options to fit your schedule. On Saturday, February 9th, the 4th Annual Live, Love, Laugh Valentine’s Brunch at Copious Restaurant (above Notes) featuring the jazz/R&B sounds of Soul Derivative plus violinist Stephen Spottswood, comedy and more runs from 11am to 2pm (more details and required advance tickets available here). On Saturday evening at 7pm Nostalgics Big Band, “the swingingest dance band in Lancaster,” presents its annual Valentine’s Day Ballroom Dance at the Olivedale Community Center Ballroom, 253 Boving Road in Lancaster – Admission is $5 and open to everyone 18 and up. On Sunday, February 10th at 3pm, harpist Trista Hill will play a Valentine’s Tea at Asterisk Supper Club in Westerville. Later at 7pm, the 17-piece Cyndi Black Big Band plays its Annual Valentine’s Big Band Dinner Dance at the Clintonville Woman’s Club – ticket details are available on the band’s website and the deadline to buy tickets is February 5th. Keep reading for events on Valentine’s Day and beyond!
Thursday, February 14th – Valentine’s Day – Jazz Schedule
6 – 10pm: Richard Lopez at Barcelona. Masterful jazz pianist Lopez plays his annual solo piano gig in the lovely setting of Barcelona. Enjoy a variety of romantic tunes – Click here to make reservations.
6 – 9pm: Mark Rubinstein at Black Point. Join veteran pianist Rubinstein for a great meal and entertainment at this Short North fine dining destination. Call 614-221-5294 for reservations.
6:15 – 8:15pm: Valentine’s for Veterans with Rick Brunetto Big Band at Villa Milano, Northeast Side. Visit a Columbus dining tradition to see one of Columbus’ finest big bands in an unusual Thursday location for them (see below). A free dinner for veterans accompanied by a jazz trio starts at 6:15pm and a big band dance and concert featuring Brunetto’s long-running ensemble and vocalists Tia Harris, Michael Phillips and Jeremy Lahman starts at 7pm. Tickets are required and available at local VA offices – more details are available here or by phone at 614-388-7787.
7 – 9pm: Valentine’s Day Dinner with Gabe Koempel & Vocalist at Camelot Cellars Winery, Olde Towne East. Guitarist Koempel, who provides tasteful tunes every Saturday at 6pm at this local winery, will be joined by a vocalist for a lovely evening. Enjoy a dinner for couples by The Osteria, Camelot’s in-house Italian kitchen. Tickets and more details are available here.
7 – 9:30pm: The Brewtet Jazz Jam Session with Zakk Jones & Valentine’s Day Beer Release at Zaftig Brewing, Worthington. Another area purveyor of fine alcohol is getting in the romantic spirit. The tap room’s weekly jam session, facilitated by The Brewtet led by saxophonist Korey Black, will be joined by guitarist Zakk Jones on the first set before the stage opens for musicians to jam on the second set. The occasion will also be marked by the brewery’s release of a Raspberry Caramel Stout, and food truck Comida El Catrin will also be on hand.
7 – 10pm: Robert Mason at Two Truths. Pianist Mason’s weekly hang at this Short North nightlife hotspot will surely be swinging for Valentine’s Day. Stop by for great food, drinks and top-notch live piano jazz.
7 – 10pm: Hosea’s State of Mind: “Valentine’s Day, Groove Jazz and Lovers” at VFW Post 9857 (2330 Stelzer Rd, Northeast Side). This veteran groove outfit will be joined by vocalist Freda Knapper for “an evening of dining and music that will bring back some heartfelt memories.” Tickets are $10, more details here.
7:30 – 10pm: Columbus Jazz Orchestra: “Unforgettable: Love Songs of Nat King Cole & Others” at Southern Theatre. Timing lined up perfectly this year for the mighty CJO’s next 4-day run of concerts to coincide with Valentine’s Day. The orchestra will be joined on this program by rising talents trumpeter-vocalist Benny Benack III and vocalist Lena Seikaly to honor the centenary of Nat King Cole with a night of romantic classics. More details and tickets are available here for this special event.
8:30 – 11:30pm: Fran and Paul Sing Jazz: Valentine’s Edition at Brothers Drake. Vocalists Paul Valdiviez and Frances Litterski will “present a night of love songs (and a few anti-love songs) with special guests!” The night will also include vocalist Landon Rowe, bassist/vocalist (in French!) Derek DiCenzo, guitarist Tom Davis, drummer Dan DiPiero, and trumpeter Nick Simko. Cover is $8, more details here.
9pm – 1am: Rachel Sepulveda: “Down With Love” at Dick’s Den. From Sepulveda: “Come on out to Dick’s Den for a fun evening of scorned, bitter breakup, love stinks songs. There will be many a sing-a-long for everyone going it alone this Valentines Day, so don’t be alone…be with us celebrating singlehood!” Sepulveda and Tim Meyer (The Deep Tones) will share lead vocals, and will be joined by David Swank (piano), Taylor DeVault (guitar), Rob White (bass), and Josh Heber (drums). Cover is $5.
More Valentine’s Jazz
There are additional events presenting jazz for lovers after the holiday. The Columbus Jazz Orchestra again presents “Unforgettable: Love Songs of Nat King Cole & Others” on Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm (details and tickets here). On Friday, February 15th, Notes will host Chicago’s Joe Policastro Trio for a program of “Modern Love Songs” (tickets here, stay tuned for more details). On Saturday, February 16th at 2pm, smooth jazz band E-Flat presents a Valentine’s Day Edition of its successful Jazz & Mimosas brunch series at Aerial Wine Boutique on the Northeast side (more details here). La Scala Italian Bistro in Dublin is hosting a Valentine’s Dinner with Brian Michael Smith & The John Vermeulen Octet on Saturday at 7:30pm – Reservations are required, so call 614-889-9431 for your seat at this Sinatra-styled romantic soiree. And at 8pm Saturday are two more great options. “A Night of Love” will find NiNi Love JazzySide entertaining with their jazzy spins on classics at The Idle-A-While Supper Club and Venue on the East Side as part of a dinner special (tickets and more details here). The Rick Brunetto Big Band returns to its regular haunt, the 94th Aero Squadron, for a “Be Careful It’s My Heart” Valentine’s Dance. The band will once again fronted by all 3 vocalists. Dinner starts at 6:30pm – more details here, call 614-237-8887 for reservations.
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Week!