Sweethearts, sweets and sisters should keep Cupid busy

It’s February, the month many men dread because its center is chocolatey and devoted to hearts and flowers. Love rings in the air, or so they say, and Valentine’s Day arrives whether there is someone special in your life to commemorate it or not.

Comedians lament guys’ inability to conform to the ooey, gooeyness of this one day of the year; some are sure it was created by greeting card and candy companies. They also happily suggest alternatives to the dinner dates so many people set themselves up for on the day.

Arriving home with big, heart-shaped boxes loaded with chocolates, some lovers ignite their passions by merely presenting the confections. Others work diligently to come up with over-the-top commemorations of their connections, leading their significant others through scavenger hunts or tours of places, packing hearts, chocolates, bangles and baubles into the mix. To say there’s pressure is to state the obvious, but it has felt over the past few years as if many people have reined in their outlandishness in favor of more heartfelt, intimate expressions of love.

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams,” wrote Dr. Seuss, in a moment of not-so-rhythmic beauty.

Some lovers will no doubt be at the Sweetheart Supper from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Jenny Lind Veterans Memorial District Hall in Valley Springs. This new event presented by the Valley Springs Optimist Club, Valley Springs Youth and Family Community Center and the Volunteer Center of Calaveras County promises a chicken-in-a-barrel dinner with baked beans and salad to get the night going. Singing Steve Johnson performs, certainly singing lots of ballads and favorites suggested by the dancers. The event’s proceeds will support all three of the organizations that serve the community.

Tickets are $25 each or $40 for couples at 304-6556 or at the Umpqua Bank branch in Valley Springs.

“All you need is love,” said late “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. “But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” I imagine Snoopy reluctantly sharing some hot cocoa and marshmallows with Woodstock, complete with the weight of one of the miniature marshmallows dunking the bird into the chocolate, but that’s the brain I live in. Certainly Charlie Brown will have a card for the Little Red-headed Girl, right?

Lovers – and those with a penchant for chocolate – can get to the First Congregational Church of Murphys (in Murphys) between 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday for the delightful Heavenly Chocolate Festival. You’ve heard about it here before; I hope your kids didn’t learn of the date, or you’re busy Saturday afternoon! Tickets are $12 at the door. Call 728-3141 for more.

On Sunday, stop by the Hovey Wines Tasting Room on Main Street in Murphys to visit with Eva Walker, whose show opens in the space from 4 to 6 p.m. The painter visits with guests and wines can be purchased. Call 728-9999 for more, and view the artworks over the next two months.

The weekend of Feb. 16 and 17 is President’s Wine Weekend in Calaveras County. Those thirsty for some of our best vintages and varietals get to visit 24 Calaveras Winegrape Alliance-member wineries between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on both days to taste and play. Some workshops and discussions are planned, too (for fees); view a short list at calaveraswines.org.

Commemorative wineglasses are your tickets during the weekend, and they can be purchased for $25 for Saturday or Sunday revelry or $40 for both days at the website.

On Feb. 17, the Ovations Performing Arts Series continues with a performance by the T Sisters at 3 p.m. at the Bret Harte Theater in Angels Camp. Those who missed out on the Tietjen siblings’ previous show in 2016 missed a fun concert that conjured lots of musical memories.

“They were a huge hit,” said Kathy Mazzaferro, executive director of the Calaveras County Arts Council, which presents the Ovations series. “That was the first time that I’d heard them, and they’re terrific.”

Known for a thoroughly folksy sound that’s occasionally amped up to a great groove, the ladies really make their mark when they break into their signature harmonies, something they do quite often.

“Their harmonies are amazing,” says Sierra Lodestar contributor Margaret Sloan.

Erika Tietjen plays guitar, her sister Rachel plays guitar and banjo and Chloe plays percussion, as all three sing lead and backup vocals. Their repertoire doesn’t just stick to the folk music catalogue, however, as older, inspiring favorites, an eclectic mix of original tunes and even new covers find their way into T Sisters’ shows.

Since the ladies performed here in Calaveras about three years ago, the sisters have exploded in the music world. They perform all over and already have five albums to their name.

“I am so pleased that they could come back, and that we could afford them,” Mazzaferro said.

Tickets for the show are $25 for adults and $10 for ages 17 and under at calaverasarts.org or by calling 754-1774.

I think a groovy girlfriend might enjoy a show filled with entrancing songs and some thoroughly electric energy, so the arts council has that covered. The Sweetheart Supper has dinner and dancing, so that covers other bases. And goodness knows the Heavenly Chocolate Festival could require a parking garage for all the fans of the beans who show up to dredge strawberries through the chocolate fountain. We’ve got songs to swoon to, dinner and even the sweets to eat.

Cupid may have his day, but I think we always know how to share the love in Calaveras County.

Send word on your Calaveras County events to mtaylor@sierralodestar.com.

WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Jenny Lind Veterans Memorial District Hall, 189 Pine St., Valley Springs

TICKETS: $25 each or $40 for couples at 304-6556

WHEN: 3 p.m. Feb. 17

WHERE: Bret Harte Theater, 323 Main St. (Highway 49), Angels Camp

TICKETS: $25 for adults and $10 for ages 17 and under at calaverasarts.org or 754-1774