Yes it’s a Tuesday and you all probably have work or other things to do tomorrow, but why not enjoy Valentine’s Day in Rome? There are a few places to go tonight, either with your main squeeze (I hate you all, happy couples), or with your friends!
Gran Ballo di San Valentino – First of all, this sounds awesome!! Head over to Piazza del Popolo tonight at 6:15 PM for the free “San Valentino: ballo degli innamorati, ” the dance of the lovers. That’s right, a free tango dance/show/live music, with performances by the Buenos Aires Cafè Quartet. Just remember, as the event’s flyer says, ‘the tango is pure passion in fact, the magic of an encounter that lasts a few moments that whisks you away in its sensuality: transgressive, exciting and never dull.’ Raaaaarrr! For more info, check out Rome’s Carnevale page, info in Italian.
Gold “Love” Vibes – Monti’s super chic and popular locale, Casa Clementina invites us all to its cozy home (literally the place is a house converted into a lounge/bar) for some Valentine’s Day-worthy tunes. From the bedroom, DJs PIER 1 and Mr. Starz will be playing all love tunes, selected for this special day. In addition to the music, get there around 7:30 PM and partake in the bountiful aperitivo.
Entrance is free. Address is Via Clementina 9, in Monti.
Awa Ly – Head over to Coffee Pot, because they sure do have an intimate evening planned. In their words, “let yourself be cuddled and moved by the music of Awa Ly.” Paris-born and raised, but of Senegalese origin, (and a Roman resident for 13 years), Awa Ly sings her brand of ‘pop n’ folk,’ in both English and French. Joined by other musicians as well, Awa will also be giving the audience a sneak peak into her new album.
Entrance is free (I think). Address is Via della Lega Lombarda, 52a.
The Valentine’s Day Session – la festa dei lenti – an insider at Angelo Mai (Fabrizio, our painter extraordinaire,) has informed me that the locale is prepping itself for quite a special evening. Miss those awkward elementary school dances, when you clumsily held onto your partner? Miss swaying to slow jams that you so loved so much at those 7th grade Bar Mitzvahs? (OK maybe that one is only me.) Have fond memories of a particular slow song? Then Angelo Mai tonight is a must. They will be playing slow songs all night, giving a big shout out to all those innocent (probably) and sweet memories. You can visit their Facebook page, and post the video of a song you like, to make sure you hear YOUR jam tonight!
Not sure how much the entrance fee is, but I’ve never paid more than 8 euros to enter. Address is Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 55.
For your listening pleasure (and I am SO sending these to Angelo Mai for tonight, ah the memories!):
K-Ci & JoJo – All My Life
Boys II Men – I’ll Make Love to You
Backstreet Boys – Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely
Next – Too Close (Yeah, I went there.)
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
