The weather may make for a wet out and about in the coming days, but that’s what umbrellas and hoodies are for. There are concerts, theater, dance, and some different ways to celebrate the heart day that include the natural world.
Thursday, Feb. 12
This exclusive Bay Area performance of Great American Crooners, Robbie Lee, Shenel Johns, and Benny Benack III, focuses on singers like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Bobby Darin. Expect to hear classics like Moon River, I Only Have Eyes for You, and others, along with true stories about these musical legends. 7:30 p.m. at the Presidio Theatre. Tickets from $49.
Learn about the varied and creative ways the natural world gets it on, from insect mating rituals to the naughty bits of flowers and more, like the science of pole dancing at Sexplorations. 6 to 10 p.m. at the Exploratorium. Tickets (adults only): $23.
Friday, Feb. 13
Smuin Contemporary Ballet will present Spring Point, a biennial showcase of early-career choreographers. 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday; weekend matinees through Sunday at ODC Theater. Tickets from $50.
Saturday, Feb. 14
This is definitely my pick for Valentine’s Day: At Penguin Valentines, you can write a Valentine to one of the critically endangered African penguins at the California Academy of Sciences. Biologists will distribute them to (typically) the males, who then deliver the felt hearts to their bonded female for nest making. How awww is that? 10:30 a.m. Tickets from $49 or livestream (free).
The Grammy-winning quartet New York Voices is on their final tour, “The Grand Finale,” marking an end of an era in vocal jazz and celebrating their legacy. The concert will feature jazz standards, big band classics, and more. 8 p.m. at the Herbst Theatre. Tickets from $45.
John-Boy Richard Thomas will perform in the legendary one-man show, Mark Twain Tonight. Thomas is the first and only actor authorized to perform the play since the original was performed by Hal Holbrook, who also wrote the play. 7 p.m. at the Curran Theatre. Tickets from $76 and change.
Fresh flowers and plants (symbolizing growth and possible prosperity), fruits (oranges and tangerines for abundant happiness), candy (for serving to friends and family during the New Year), and more await you at the Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair to begin the new lunar year. Enjoy traditional Chinese magicians, acrobats, folk dancers, and opera, and over 120 booths and concessions. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Grant Avenue (between Clay and Broadway). Free admission. Through Sunday (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
Sunday, Feb. 15
I really don’t want anyone to miss Magnificent Magnolias at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, because they truly are magnificent, and it’s always good to appreciate beauty. Tell a tree how beautiful it is in a Valentine and put it in its mailbox. Free admission for San Francisco residents.
Notable next week
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Tonight’s screening of North Beach Noir Renegade Cinema will feature Thieves’ Highway, starring Richard Conte, Valentina Cortese, and Lee J. Cobb, about a returning World War II veteran who vows revenge for his injured father from an unscrupulous San Francisco produce dealer. 7 p.m. at Live Worms Gallery. Free admission.
Enjoy your long weekend — be safe, kind, grateful, and dry.