Valentine’s Day is scarcely more than a week after Mardi Gras, so local partiers might as well keep on going into the next round.
Lots of events are happening, so there are plenty of places to raise a glass — whether you’re toasting singlehood or the glory of love.
For a full-on, sexy Valentine’s experience, there’s no better place than the Pan-African Arts Society’s Black Lotus Erotica Ball on the big day.
Now in its second year, the ball mixes intellectual discourse with eye-pleasing surroundings. Dancers, actors and artists explore sexuality and the black experience, alongside poets and performers like Ainsley Burrows, Ed Mabrey and Lady Speech.
Don’t fear — there will be plenty of chocolate and champagne on hand, too. It’s not a night of quiet contemplation. Instead, it’s an excuse to get romantic and tickle the brain at the same time.
The party starts at 8 p.m. at 3 Kings Tavern (60 S. Broadway; 303-777-7352). Admission is $12 per person, or $20 for a couple. Advance tickets are available at 3 Kings.
Continuing with the smart and sexy vibe are the ladies of Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret (on the 16th Street Mall at Arapahoe Street; 303-293-0075) and Burlesque as It Was. Unsurprisingly, they have a busy few days ahead of them.
It starts on Valentine’s night when Lannie Garrett herself presents “Under Paris Skies.” Doors open at 7 p.m., when a dessert buffet and champagne specials will get hearts pumping. Souvenir glasses and pictures will be available, too.
The highlight of the evening begins at 8, when Lannie performs music from her latest jazzy album with the Gypsy Swing Revue. It’s sure to have lovebirds swooning and single folks making eyes.
Tickets are $60 per person, available by calling or online at .
Across town, on Colfax, the Pink Elephant Room (1515 Madison St.) hosts a full evening of dancing and music with the gals of Burlesque as It Was and bluesy band the Clam Daddys. It’s hosted by “boylesque” performer Charlie Champale and features dancers Fannie Spankings, Orchid Mei and Vivienne VaVoom. The $20 cover includes a bottle of Freixenet sparkling wine and a liquor- soaked dessert, Adrienne’s Boozy Bottom.
The flirty fun begins at 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Reservations are recommended; call 303-394-1515 to save a spot.
That’s just the beginning of the V-Day festivities for Burlesque as It Was. Friday and Saturday, the babes shimmy over to Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret for two nights of “Be Mine,” a special night of loves won and lost. Host GerRee Hinshaw kicks off the sexy soiree at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Tickets are $20. Call Lannie’s or visit . to order in advance.
Keep it simple.
For some revelers, Valentine’s Day isn’t much different from the rest of the week. All that’s needed are cheap drinks and loud music.
For these hearty souls, Rock Bar (3015 E. Colfax Ave.; 303-322-4444) presents a special edition of “Cassette,” its weekly ’80s night.
Hosted by James St. James, one of the original New York club kids, the party toasts DJ Rockstar Aaron‘s birthday as well as the day of hearts and cupids. Guest DJs Tyler Jacob- sen and Soviet Panda will make an appearance, as will, uh, Clara the Carefree Chicken. The free party starts at 8 p.m.
Hit Snooze
. The sweet-toothed have trouble starting a weekend without a doughnut or a whipped-cream-topped waffle. Such people will be delighted, then, to learn of “pillow toast,” an Asian delicacy that’s making its Denver debut at Snooze (2262 Larimer St.; 303-297-0700) on Saturday.
The evening, dubbed Gimme Gimme Pillow Toast, is full of indulgences: Drink specials, salty accompaniments and, of course, pillow toast.
It’s a weird cross between French toast and bread pudding: Snooze’s version uses cinnamon challah drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream.
The party runs from 6-9 p.m. at Snooze. It’s free, but call 303-872-7706 or visit gimme . to RSVP.
Kathleen St. John: 303-954-1568 or kstjohn@gmail.com
