A date with the arts

Romance is in the air and there’s plenty to do this month with that special someone.  Shows, concerts, recreational opportunities and even several chances to be seen in music videos are among the entertainment choices this February.

Bring your sweetheart to a night of dancing and music and you may wind up part of local music history.  Several artists are working on new videos this month and have invited the public to take part. 

February 21 Shady Jake and the Upsetters will be filming a video for their song “I Love Hoochie Mamas” produced by Bill “Banjo Bill” Green.  The first call for extras will be held the morning of February 14, so keep an eye on their facebook group for information on participation (www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=306771005658).  Following the shoot will be the Kentucky Blues Society’s 100th Blues Jam.  Blues performers of all ages are invited to take the stage and jam with some of the areas most seasoned talents.  The society will also offer a special acoustic jam on Valentines Day.

Travis Lane Miller will also be filming a music video this month.  On February 13 at 4pm and February 14 at noon, join the fun at Scotts City Limits in Edmonton.  Miller, an artist who performs country music covers and originals is popular at large festivals and state fairs and has shared the stage with the likes of Johnny Paycheck, Web Wilder, Foghat and Black Oak Arkansas.  His song, “Barefoot Barn” will be featured in the upcoming video.  The opening of the video will take place in a field and participants are invited to show off not only their sweethearts, but their 4×4 trucks!  Friend Travis on Facebook to keep up with the latest information on the shoots (http://www.facebook.com/people/Travis-Lane-Miller/1191090465#/profile.php?v=wall&id=1191090465).

Nearly every nightclub in town has a special show in store for Valentine’s weekend and those affilated with hotels offer romantic weekend stays.  Two special concerts this month are fundraisers for locals in need.  On February 20, stop by the Pizza Zone in Morgantown to rock out with Concert 4 A Cure featuring the best in blue collar/southern rock from both Sixth Floor and John King and Southbound.  Myla Thomas of the Beaver will host the concert and silent auction to raise money for the Luekemia treatment of Butler County High School students Raven Durbin and Robert Cunningham.

On February 12 there will be a Valentine’s Day Charity Event benefiting Caden Butler-Modaff in his quest to receive an autism service dog from a nonprofit organization, 4 Paws for Ability at the National Corvette Museum.  A silent auction, deserts, drinks and dancing will be featured and on site childcare is offered.

The 2010 Symphony Soiree Love Notes on Feb 13, 7 pm at The Club at Olde Stone is a night of romance with dinner and an auction featuring Skip Bond and the Fugitives to benefit The Bowling Green Western Symhony Orchestra.  Other charity events include: Cupids Chase 5K Run will be held Feb 13 at 9 am at Kereiakes Park benefitting adults with disabilities and the 8th annual Croppin’ for a Cure raises money for Hopice of Southern Kentucky through a day of scrapbooking at the Holy Spirit Parish Center.

One of the more unusual events for Valentines weekend is the Rich Guzzi Valentines Weekend Extravaganza February 11-13 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center.  Guzzi, a world famous hypnotist is part standup comedian, part master hynotist and part motivational speaker in a show about the good and challenges of relationships, being in love and living together every day.

The ApologetiX Concert at Fountain Square Church on February 12 at 8pm is also among this year’s unique Valentine’s events.  The group specializes in biblical parodies of rock songs.  Lead singer J. Jackson, who also writes the band’s lyrics, says “ApologetiX is best described as ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic meets Billy Graham. We appeal to both the Christian and secular audiences. I think we’re the only band that’s been featured on the radio shows of both Billy Graham and Howard Stern, not to mention ‘The 700 Club’ and ‘The Dr. Demento Show.'”

For couples with more traditional tastes, Orchestra Kentucky will explore the brass family in a special presentation entitled The Brass Menagerie at the Historic L&N Train Depot on February 14 and Immanuel Baptist Church in Glasgow will sponsor The Love Boat dinner theatre February 12-13.

For the outdoorsman in everyone, Kentucky’s state parks offer a variety of packages.  Many packages include overnight lodging, sometimes with cottages or cabins, a meal and entertainment.  Call your favorite park or visit www.parks.ky.gov for details.  At Barren River Lake State Resort Park you can feed your craving for the exotic on Buffalo Night, February 6; spend Valentine’s weekend hiking and warming up in your romantic getaway cabin; and return to witness the migration of the Sandhill Cranes February 19-20.  Thousands of cranes are expected to pass through the area and a wildlife biologist from  the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources along with the park naturalist will be on hand to provide you information on these unique birds with a unique sound. Morning and afternoon trips are offered. Registration is required. Call 1-800-325-0057.

Also for the sports enthusiast, The Lone Star Rodeo returns February 11-13 to the Ag Expo Center.  Events include: Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Cowgirl’s Breakaway Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Cowgirl’s BarrelRacing and Brahma Bull Riding.  Bring the kids along to participate in the “Best Dresses cowboy & Cowgirl contest” and the Kids Gold Rush.

To take an even wilder walk on the wild side, visit the Caverna Supershow 13 on February 13 at Caverna High School in Horse Cave.  The annual fundraiser for the school’s Athletic Deptarment features an over the top rope “King of the Squared Circle” rumble, with 34 wrestlers.  The show features former WWF/E Tag Team Champion Demolition AX as well as Gary Valiant, Vic “The Bruiser”, beautiful lady wrestlers, Shaun Casey and many more. UCW will be taping a television show pilot on this night for their new tv show so bring your signs and banners.

For more information on these and many other events in February visit Amplifier.BGDailyNews.com.  You can also catch our daily feed updates on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

About the author:  Kim Mason is the Content Manager of the Amplifier which was founded by her in 1995. She serves as Executive Director for the BG International Festival and designs websites. www.kimmason.ky.net