Can you feel it? The day of love is upon us. The one day each year when roses double in price and blood sugar levels are elevated all across America. Yes, it’s St. Valentines Day. The day when it’s all about love, joy and happiness. The day when many guys scurry around the city hitting up every Walgreen’s store for that last minute box of candy and that greeting card that seems to know exactly how you feel about that special someone in your life.
Here’s a good question: How did all of these things get started? Who was the first person to stress out en route to putting a smile on that special person’s face? Who was responsible for setting the trends that have lasted for so many years? Well, just don’t take too long researching. The big day is here and you have work to do.
Ok, let’s get down to business. You need something to do this weekend and I’ve got ideas. There are probably more concerts per capita in the Memphis area this weekend than any other place in the U.S. So if a nice romantic evening filled with great music is what you’re looking for, you are so in luck.
It all begins Friday at Sam’s Town Casino with Jeffrey Osborne. I saw this guy in concert couple of years ago and he puts on quite a show. He usually performs his hits from his days with LTD, as well as his own solo songs. You get a really good representation of his musical history from “Back in Love Again” to “The Woo Woo Song.”
Speaking of the “Woo Woo” song, if you’re sitting near the front, you might even get a chance to “woo woo” too. He usually goes into the crowd and taps a couple of people to sing along with him. You never know, right?
On Saturday night you can check out Anita Baker down at the Desoto Civic Center as she delivers an evening of sultry soul as only she can. I remember falling in love as a teen countless numbers of times and it seems like there was always an Anita Baker song providing the backdrop for it. I will be on hand for this concert myself and hopefully I won’t be too consumed with memories of love from way back. Lol!
If you’re looking to stay a little closer to home, my good friend Marcus Dorris and Mix & Mingle Entertainment will be featuring Saxophonist Boney James, local artist Cassie, Neo Soul singer P.J. Morton as well as Flutist Darryl Evan Jones. That all takes place at the Cannon Center. Mix & Mingle Entertainment always puts on a great show.
Then there’s Sunday, the big day. The Red Carpet Extravaganza is being held at the Peabody again this year. Singers Eric Benet, K’Jon and Rachelle Farrell will be joined by violinist Lee England Jr. during a show that has romance written all over it.
At 303 South Main, Memphis Rebirth welcomes Karen Brown back to the Rumba Room for a lovers-only night of great music and I will be on the mic as host. Admission: $15 per person.
If music is not on your agenda, there’s always food. Keep in mind that buffets across the city will be packed to capacity. Even your favorite spot might have a waiting time that makes you wish you had packed a lunch.
You can avoid the hassle if you’re creative. Instead of doing dinner out, perhaps you can do a nice lunch. I have found that if you go early, say 10:30, there’s not much of a wait. And if your mate just has to have dinner, perhaps you can prepare something at home. However, you want to make it a nice affair. Creativity is very important. This is not the time for chicken fingers in front of the TV.
No ideas? Don’t worry. Email me, I got you.
(Myron Mays is a freelance columnist and host of “Myron at Midnite” on WRBO Soul Classics 103.5. Got an entertainment question? Send me an email at myron@myronmays.com or catch me on Facebook and Twitter. If your question is printed in the column, I’ll send you a couple of free tickets to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.)
