Photo by Samantha Marx
What constitutes a “romantic evening” differs from couple to couple, and often even between individuals in a partnership. Some would say a night of thrashing to poorly mixed garage rock in a mosh-pit of tattered-jeaned teenagers is an adrenaline-induced avenue to affection. Others feel that for a concert to be of the right mood for romance it has to be of a gently delivered waltz or ballad variety. I’m sure quite a few people are even under the impression that live music is one of the worst ways to spend a date — with empty wallets, ringing ears, and sore legs not exactly a recipe for a loving evening.
Nonetheless, a number of venues in the city host musical performances on Valentine’s Day, with the usual crowds of attendees transforming for a night into a tight wall of two-person clusters. The annual celebration of all things red and pink and everything in-between will see a number of musicians grace the Bay for a Sunday of serenades. We’ve compiled a list of shows happening in the city on February 14 to help you and your significant someone determine which box of music to celebrate the holiday in. Check it out below!
For the Indie-Pop Populists:
Wet at The Independent
Opener: Kelsey Lu
Showtime: 8 PM
Ticket Price: Sold Out, 21+
For the Lovers Stuck in the ‘90s:
Sophie B. Hawkins at The Chapel
Opener: N/A
Showtime: 8 PM
Ticket Price: $22-32
For the Throwback Jam Jammers:
Ashanti + Ja Rule at 1015 Folsom
Openers: SOSUPERSAM, Siik, Partytime and more
Showtime: 9 PM
Ticket Price: Sold Out, 21+
For the Traditionalists:
The Lady Crooners at Great American Music Hall
Openers: Frankie Boots and the County Line, The McCoy Tyler Band
Showtime: 8 PM
Ticket Price: $14
For the Heavily Distorted Hearts:
Mass Gothic at The Rickshaw Stop
Opener: MAZED
Showtime: 8 PM
Ticket Price: $10
For the Homegrown:
The Den Brothers at Brick and Mortar Music Hall
Openers: White Skies, Shoot the Mariner, Half Past June
Showtime: 8 PM
Ticket Price: $7-10, 18+ (Under 21 must buy $5 drink ticket)
For the Legendary Lovebirds:
Charlie Wilson at Oracle Arena
Openers: Chaka Khan, Tamia
Showtime: 7 PM
Ticket Price: $52.38-119.05
For the DIY Couples and Early Setters:
The Toasters at 924 Gilman
Openers: The Pomps, Skank Bank, Shark Punch
Showtime: 12 PM
Ticket Price: $12 (Plus $2 Membership Card)
