You know the drill. Flowers? Check. Box of chocolates? Check. But instead of a pricey dinner, maybe go for something a little different this Valentine’s Day. Five things to do beyond the fancy meal. Is It Really So Strange? A Morrissey/Smiths Valentine at Jammin’ Java
What better way to celebrate the day of love than with a big dose of Smiths and Morrissey’s forlorn lyrics?
On Tuesday, the all-rockabilly Morrissey tribute act Speedway Operator and Smiths tribute band Spineless Swine team up for a double bill at Jammin’ Java.
“We pitched the show as an alternative to Valentine’s Day,” said Thommy Burns, who plays upright bass in Speedway Operator. “It’s not anti-Valentine’s.”
Burns first got into Morrissey in the 1990s. While a member of rockabilly act the Atomics, Burns got to meet Morrissey guitarist Boz Boorer, who convinced him to go to a Morrissey show. Twenty years later, Burns is still a fan.
“That Morrissey magic was working,” Burns said of the show that converted him. Speedway Operator formed three years ago.
Speedway Operator primarily plays Morrissey’s solo work, while Spineless Swine focuses on the Smiths catalog.
For fans of the Smiths and Morrissey, the rockabilly twist that Speedway Operator puts on the music isn’t a stretch.
“We just took it a step further,” Burns said. “It takes it to the next level.”
When: 8 p.m.
Info: $10 in advance, $13 day of; jamminjava.com
Tapping Party at Capitol City Brewing Company
This is all about love — of beer. The two area Cap City locations are hosting a Valentine’s Tapping Party, presenting a new Saison and a Vanilla Porter.
When: Starts at 6 p.m.
Info: $4 pints; capcitybrew.com
Screen Valentines: Great Movie Romances at AFI
Movies still make for a classic date, and AFI’s annual romance series is back. “The Lady Eve” screens on Tuesday, but if that isn’t your cup of tea, “Dirty Dancing” is later this month.
When: “The Lady Eve” at 9:20 p.m., other films nightly through March 7
Info: $11.50; afi.com/silver
Jazz at Melody Tavern and Twins Jazz
OK, so you do have to eat, so why not add a side of some sweet live jazz? Melody Tavern in Arlington welcomes Julia Nixon, while Twins Jazz presents Vocalist Violette.
When: Violette’s sets at 8 and 10 p.m., Julia Nixon from 5 to 11:30 p.m.
Info: Violette $20, twinsjazz.com; Julia Nixon $60 (includes a four-course meal), melodytavern.com
Art of Dessert at Busboys and Poets Hyattsville
Time to cut to the chase: Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to eat sweets, with or without your sweet. This event supports the Gateway Community Development Corporation. Indulge in an endless dessert buffet with selections from a number of purveyors. Plus live music and a cash bar.
When: 8 to 10 p.m.
Info: $40, gatewaycdc.org.
