On the road: A night of tango and song

Chicago

It takes two to tango

Celebrate Valentine's Day early with music and dance that's all about romance at Chicago's Richard H. Driehaus Museum. It's a night of tango, music and song with Dois no Choro, a duo featuring flutist Julie Koidin and singer-guitarist Paulinho Garcia, who will perform songs from a romantic South American repertoire. The evening begins with a tango talk and demonstration and after learning a few steps, you'll enjoy South American-inspired sweets and bubbly in the museum's ballroom, followed by the concert. The doors will open an hour early so visitors can explore the museum and its collections.

7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie St., Chicago. Must be 21 years or older to attend. Tickets cost $55 and include light fare and drinks. driehausmuseum.org.

Moving American portrait

The Joffrey Ballet heats up winter with a mixed repertory program of four romantic and playful ballets by master choreographers in “American Legends” presented in 10 performances. The program includes Jerome Robbins' 1945 work, “Interplay,” Gerald Arpino's classic “Sea Shadow” and the company premiere of Twyla Tharp's “Nine Sinatra Songs.” The program also includes the Chicago premiere of “Son of Chamber Symphony,” a new work choreographed by Stanton Welch, artistic director of the Houston Ballet.

Show times vary Wednesday to Sunday, Feb. 13-24, at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. Single tickets range from $31 to $152 and are available in the lobby of Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph St., and the Auditorium Theatre box office or at (800) 982-2787 or ticketmaster.com.

Midwest

Fat Friday and Saturday

Bring your Cajun spirit and celebrate Mardi Gras in Galena, Ill. Start Mardi Gras Weekend with a pub crawl, then watch as professional and local snow sculpting groups turn blocks of snow into works of art. Take part in the Progressive Appetizer Dinner and try a Mardi Gras appetizer at all five participating restaurants. Don't miss the Mardi Gras Parade packed with glee and beads followed by a masquerade ball.

6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 (pub crawl); 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Parade is on Main Street in downtown Galena. Appetizer dinner costs $40, other events are free. (800) 942-5362 or visitgalena.org.

Wintry beery festival

Craft brew, music and culinary lovers gather at the fourth annual Traverse City Winter Microbrew & Music Festival to mix winter with cold brews and cool tunes. Heated tents are filled with more than 50 craft breweries from around the state. The festival presents live musical acts on multiple stages as well as polka tents, snow forts, winter decorations, local food vendors and a “silent disco” where dancers are issued wireless headphones through which music is broadcast but no one else has to listen.

4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, in downtown Traverse City, Mich. (231) 499-4968 or tcbeerfest.com/.

Snuggle up north

Lovebirds looking for something special for Valentine's Day need look no further than nearby Lake Geneva, Wis. The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers couples a Valentine's Day Special that includes an overnight stay in a deluxe guest room, $100 dining credit and a 20 percent discount on spa services, plus handmade truffles delivered to your room.

Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 13-14. Rates start at $179 a night. (800) 558-3417 or GrandGeneva.com.