A country Valentine wish
The Valentine buzz is here and if you're Colleen Rae there's always extra planning for the special event.
The Edmonton-based country singer, a popular entertainer at Apex Casino, returns on Feb. 13 and 14 for the weekend festivities of romance.
"I've even bought a new red dress," laughs Rae. "There's going to be more chocolates and sweets than our usual show. We're going to have some surprises and that's the perks of performing on a special holiday."
Taking care to prepare a sweetheart set with emotional material, she's including Duane Steele's Family, Trisha Yearwood's Perfect Love and Mary Chapin Carpenter's Passionate Kisses. And there's more.
"People can expect to come and enjoy themselves and leave with a smile on their face. It's a good time for love and laughter."
The show starts at 9 p.m. Apex Casino is at 24 Boudreau Rd.
A funny, not so gooey Valentine
Break out the funny bone. Standup comedienne Barbara North is back for an evening of relationship comedy in Cheese and Chocolates: A Valentine's Date Night of Comedy and Music.
Joining the award-winning writer is her life partner, author-saxophone player Mark Kozub. North is providing comedy, Kozub the music.
"We're delving into our own lives, our relationship to share honest moments of the challenges couples have – the cheesy moments when it's corny and lame and the sweet moments like chocolate when it's exquisite," North says.
The pair met through a freelance project they were working on in what North describes as "food court love."
"We would meet at a food court to discuss work and it went from there. It was fun over a chili dog."
North, an annual feature at the Edmonton Fringe Festival, has a knack for crafting romantic comedy complete with props and sets. This time around, the setting is the Woodvale Clubhouse at the Millwoods Golf Course.
"You are going to have a hoot. You get to eat in a romantic setting with floor to ceiling windows and pine trees.
Show starts Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50. Call 780-420-1757 or online at tixonthesquare.ca.
Mardi Gras love
Vinok Worldance celebrates a Valentine's Day Mardi Gras this coming Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Grand Ballroom at the Chateau Louis Conference Centre is transformed into a replica of the famous New Orleans Bourbon Street.
Stations will offer selections of gumbo, jambalaya, oysters and Po' boy sandwiches while singer Elizabeth MacInnis delivers a southern-style show.
In addition, the highly energetic Vinok dancers crank up the fun with improvisational street dancing blending Cajun, African and Spanish cultures.
Tickets are $80 and can be purchased online at mardigras.vinok.ca or by calling 780-454-3739.
