Valentine’s Weekend Celebrations at the Presidio in San Francisco
February 14-16

The Commissary Valentine’s Day Dinner on February 14 at 5:30 p.m. is perfect for treating the one you love with a five-course prix fixe menu with an optional wine pairing. If you miss the big day, the fun will continue with dinner on February 15 and 16.

Hop back to the 1950s on February 15 at 7p.m.! Dance to live music from The Ely Brothers + The Double Take Band, enjoy period dance performances from San Francisco’s renowned Jitterbugs, and sip retro cocktails available for purchase from Arguello Restaurant. Reflect on the history of romance at the Presidio with a mini pop-up exhibit of “Love Letters & Stories” from the Presidio’s military days. Doors open at 6:30 pm for a sock hop-inspired dance lesson. Come shake, rattle, and roll!

Information
presidio.gov
Presidio Officers Club
50 Moraga Avenue in San Francisco

One Enchanted Evening: A Concert with Renée Fleming in Saratoga
February 9 at 5 p.m.

The world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming will take the stage at the picturesque Montalvo Arts Center’s Carriage House Theatre located in the magical hills of Saratoga. The once-in-a-lifetime performance and gala fundraiser will feature an intimate concert and champagne reception along with a gourmet dinner accompanied by wine pairings curated by Le Papillon and Ridge Vineyards. The glamorous decor and candlelit rooms will create an elegant, mesmerizing ambiance. Be sure to dress in your black tie best as you meet and mingle with the Bay Area’s classiest guests! Ms. Renée Fleming will perform selections from Broadway to the Great American Songbook, jazz, classical, and more, all accompanied by renowned pianist Gerald Martin Moore. Next, enjoy an exhilarating auction featuring exciting and exclusive items and experiences. After dinner, dance into the evening with live music by The Money Band. It will be a truly enchanting night.

Information
408-961-5858
montalvoarts.org
Villa Montalvo
15400 Montalvo Road in Saratoga

Photo courtesy of Andrew Eccles

Steinway Society Presents Acclaimed Pianist Daria Rabotkina
February 9 at 2:30 p.m.; A pre-concert talk starts at 1:45 p.m.

This is a truly priceless treat for music aficionados: enjoy the performance of Russian-American pianist Daria Rabotkina, who will be the featured artist at Steinway Society’s concert celebrating their 25th Season. Called a pianist with “dramatic presence and total focus,” Ms. Rabotkina was born to a family of musicians in Kazan, Russia where she studied at the Kazan State Conservatory and later with Vladimir Feltsman at New York’s Mannes College. Rabotkina is the winner of a number top prizes at international competitions and has performed under renowned conductors, including Maestro Michael Tilson Thomas of the SF Symphony. Her performances took her to the stages of distinguished venues in Europe, Japan, and the US, including the prestigious Carnegie Hall.

Her album of Humoresques by Antonin Dvořák, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Max Reger, and Robert Schumann received critical praise for her “commanding technique and keenness of interpretive insight,” as well as her “affection and warmth….and beautifully judged rubato and beguiling intimacy.” Daria Rabotkina holds a doctorate from Eastman School of Music and is on the faculty of Texas State University. A pre-concert talk starts at 1:45 p.m. Ms. Rabotkina will be available to meet the audience following the concert. Steinway Society – The Bay Area is a nonprofit organization based in Silicon Valley. Now entering its 25th season, this dedicated group of musicians, pianists, teachers and art lovers promotes excellence in piano performance and music education. Each season, Steinway Society presents a series of classical piano concerts featuring international award-winning pianists, as well as an active school music program.

Tickets and Information
Prices start at $40. Senior/Student Discounts Available
408-300-5635
steinwaysociety.com
Hammer Theatre
101 Paseo de San Antonio in San Jose

Photo by Josh Huskin

Discover Your Favorite Heart in San Francisco
Now through February 13, 2020
Bidding for the auction is through February 14, at 11:59 p.m.

All of the tabletop and mini Heart sculptures from the 2020 series of the iconic Hearts in San Francisco public art project are now on display at Macy’s Union Square and Wilkes Bashford leading up to the Hearts in SF special event on Thursday, February 13. Select Hearts from the 2020 series are available for purchase at a charity auction on eBay.

The bidding window for the auction is open now and will end on Friday, February 14, at 11:59 p.m. The online auction is open to the public and will provide necessary funding for vital programs and initiatives at Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG). Hearts in San Francisco artworks, combined with Hearts events proceeds, have raised more than $27 million as well as worldwide awareness. The new heart sculptures are available for purchase on eBay. All 33 of the selected 2020 Heart sculptures will be transported to Oracle Park for the Hearts in SF special evening event on February 13. Join me at the Hearts in SF event at the home of the SF Giants. Presented by the Foundation, Hearts in SF celebrates the work ZSFG does every day. Thank you Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg, the foundation and the medical personnel of the SF General Hospital.

Information
For details please visit SFGHF.org

Photos courtesy of SFGHF

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.