Jazz and Other Special Things This Weekend

Making special plans for Valentine’s weekend?  Pick from music, outdoor recreation, art and much more. Real Racine can help.

A special presentation.  A very special two-person show, with a romance theme, kicks off Friday, Feb. 15 at the Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave. “Love Letters” is nearly 50 years of correspondence between two people. It’s performed by the Theatre Guild’s Managing Director Douglas Instenes (making a rare appearance on the RTG stage) and Jane Matenaer, a Milwaukee radio personality and actress. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. For tickets call 262-633-4218 or visit www.racinetheatre.org

Like weddings? Why not take in four in one evening. “Four Weddings and a Fundraiser” is presented by the Junior League of Racine from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday at the Racine Marriott, 7111 Washington Ave.  You can experience the theme and fashions of four different weddings and take part in wine and beer tasting, silent and voice auctions, raffle and food. Tickets are $40 in advance; $50 at the door. Call 262-770-5571 or visit www.juniorleagueracine.org

Jazz is back. A big, big jazz orchestra is in town for the next installment of Jean’s Jazz Series. The Madison Mellophonium Jazz Orchestra has about 20 members who are dedicated to keeping alive the arrangements of band leaders like Stan Kenton. The show starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Racine Theatre Guild. Seating is limited. Call 262-633-4218 or visit www.racinetheatre.org

Romance in the outdoors. The Bong Naturalist Association invites you to “Return to Romance” from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the Bong State Recreation Area, just south of Kansasville. They will have a candlelit hike, hot chocolate, home-made desserts and music. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children plus the state park entrance fee of $7 per day or $25 for the year. Advance reservations are required. Call 262-878-5600.

New at RAM.  This time of year, the days often seem black-and-white. At the Racine Art Museum (RAM), 441 Main St., a new exhibition opens Sunday that follows that theme. “Shades of Gray: Black and White Graphics from RAM’s Collection” features prints and artist’s books dating from the early twentieth century to the present day. RAM is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.ramart.org

That’s it for now. For much more, visit the Real Racine website (www.realracine.com). We also have daily updates on Facebook HERE or on Twitter HERE.