Valentine's Weekend: Music, Art and Chocolate

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.”  -Charles M. Schulz, master philosopher and cartoonist.

While Valentine’s Day is not until Tuesday, many will celebrate it this weekend.  Of course, just as many will avoid all mention of love and couplehood.  Single or coupled, there are plenty of events to enjoy locally during the next few days.  The concerts playing in our area run the gamut from chamber music to big band to rock.  Take the Chocolate Walk through , or experience heart-centered yoga.   is opening a new play, and the kids can create a Valentine painting at .  Read on for the details of these events and others, and feel free to add your own suggestions for weekend entertainment in the Comments section.

An exciting evening awaits you at the Lancers’ Valentine Dinner Dance!  Enjoy fabulous pasta and meatballs provided by Anthony Francos, and dance the night away on the large dance floor, while the bands play hits from the 40's, 50's, and 60's. This event is a fundraiser for the Band Boosters, who support all the bands and grant scholarships to graduating seniors at .  $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens/students, and $5 for children under 12; Saturday at 6 p.m.; Livingston

Romance is in the air! Spend a scrumptious afternoon enjoying chamber music by ’s music faculty, while sampling chocolates.  In addition to the teachers, guests include violinist Ashley Horne, violist Nardo Poy, and star of the 1994 Tony-award winning Broadway revival of Show Boat, baritone André Solomon-Glover.  Suggested donation is $20; Sunday at 3 p.m.; Millburn

Jazz in the Loft is back! Claudio Roditi, a Brazilian-born born trumpet and flugelhorn player, will kick-off the season at  with his warm, fluid sound combining post bop and Brazilian elements. Roditi, a South Orange resident, has recorded a dozen albums as a leader and has received Grammy Award nominations for his albums Symphonic Bossa Nova and Brazilliance X 4.  $15; Sunday at 5 p.m.; South Orange

Explore the integral role of Jews in the development of rock n’ roll at .  Rock and pop culture maven and Beatles expert Susan Ryan will get your feet tapping with a rousing session on Jewish musicians, disc jockeys, producers and promoters. All music lovers are welcome.  Free; Sunday at 10 a.m.; West Orange

Willie Nile, freshly back from touring in the UK, will rock the Elks Lodge for Rent Party this weekend, together with special guest Rob Morsberger.  Nile, who has opened for The Who and performed with Bruce Springsteen, has recently released a new album titled “The Innocent Ones”.  All proceeds will help fight hunger in our area.  $25; Friday at 8 p.m.; South Orange

Families are invited to a concert of classical, contemporary and original compositions, performed by professional musicians and their children.  Hosted by the Livingston Public Library, the afternoon promises to be fun for all ages. Free; Saturday at 3 p.m.; Livingston 

The merchants of  are ready for Valentine’s Day and will host a Chocolate Walk on Saturday afternoon.  Follow the pink and brown balloons to explore the all shopping and dining the Village has to offer.  What could be better than shopping and chocolate?  Free; Saturday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Maplewood

Children ages 2 to 10 are invited to express themselves in creating a  Valentine’s Day painting utilizing acrylic paints, pastels and paper at .  The workshop is one hour and includes all materials.  $15; Saturday 11a.m. through 3 p.m.; Maplewood

Spend an afternoon of heart-centered yoga at  in honor of Valentine’s Day. “We'll open up Hridaya (our heart) in asana (pose) including beautiful Hridaya Namaskar (special heart salutation), writing and maybe visual and you'll learn about anahata chakra (heart energy center) and its magic during this two hour session.” $35; Sunday at noon, Millburn

By among the first to see Reparation, a play by Gino DiIloio, presented by . “An African-American investment banker who has made a career by playing the race card finds himself out of options and out of friends. His last hope is an old flame with a hot real estate venture. But he soon learns that there are secrets buried beneath the land, secrets that will force him to come to terms with past transgressions, reconsider his loyalties, and determine his own legacy.” $20; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; West Orange