Heartfelt Valentine’s Day Tips

Want to make it a memorable Valentine’s Day? Consider one of the offbeat events at neighborhood clubs, for couples or people flying solo.

Largo: Frank Sinatra sang songs for swingin’ lovers, and Largo--a spirited cabaret in the Fairfax district--is offering a night of songs for jilted lovers. Performances include a solo set by Rebecca Gates (of the Spinanes), whose acerbic songwriting should fit the mood, and Lust Pollution, a somewhat twisted lounge act that also specializes in damaged love songs. Definitely the venue of choice for those who continually find themselves looking for love in all the wrong places.

* Largo, 432 N. Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood, (213) 852-1073. 21 and over, $10 cover (advance reservations recommended).

House of Blues: Another Saturday night and you ain’t got nobody? Truck on over to the House of Blues. Headliners the M-80s, a cover band specializing in music from the ‘80s, has sold out this venue in its previous two appearances, which just goes to show you how much the music from that era continues to live on. The M-80s also cough up some new wave, new romantic and punk-rock stuff. It’s not just the night for some ‘80s reminiscing, however. The opening acts are Sound Magazine--a Partridge Family tribute band (will it ever end?) and the Beat Goes On, a spoof of Sonny and Cher.

* House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (213) 848-5100. 21 and over, $15 cover (reservations recommended).

Jacks Sugar Shack: This year’s party at the Shack, an island-themed low-key paradise in the heart of Hollywood, is being thrown by Candye Kane, a former stripper and performer (she plays piano with her bosom) and Kane has invited bluesman Earl Thomas to, um, play with her.

* Jacks Sugar Shack, 1707 N. Vine St., Hollywood, (213) 466-7005. 21 and over, $7 cover.

LunaPark: As per usual, LunaPark is offering everything but the kitsch-en sink for its musical menu at this year’s “Valentine’s Love Fair.” The West Hollywood nightclub has invited Love Jones, a pop-oriented mishmash o’ soul, as well as self-proclaimed “soul country” singer Julie Christensen and Prince Eyango, whose African folklore group comes from Cameroon. Also scheduled to light up the night with a bit of lonely-heart’s laughter are the Foremen, a satirical folk group.

* LunaPark, 665 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 652-0611. $10 cover ($15 for the Foremen). Reservations recommended if dining.

Country Star American Music Grill: Cupid’s certain to be dancing the two-step at this CityWalk restaurant and nightclub, which is offering a sweet deal for those looking for a little amore. This kitschy country-themed spot, recently reconfigured to make it more enticing for dining and dancing, has invited the Doo Wah Riders to perform live, and for $40, attendees get a meal, a glass of champagne and if you’re a gal, some flowers to boot.

* Country Star American Music Grill, 1000 Universal Center Drive, CityWalk, Universal City, (818) 762-3939. $40 cover per person.

14 Below: If you just want to hear a little raucous night music, this Santa Monica live-music venue could be the spot. Scheduled to perform on V-Day are two of L.A.’s finest club bands, Popdefect and the Ray-O-Vacs. Originally from Seattle, Popdefect has been around forever and deserves more than this town’s given ‘em (if the trio was any tighter they’d spontaneously combust). The Ray-O-Vacs will be celebrating the release of the group’s new Spazm Records single, aptly titled “Valentine.” It’s shaped like a heart on pressed-on pink vinyl (va-va-va-voom). Other performers include Caron Murray and Little Sister.

* 14 Below, 1348 14th St., Santa Monica, (310) 451-5040. 21 and over, $7 cover(two for $10).

Red: Sticking with the theme of the evening, Red--the most appropriately named restaurant in Los Angeles (the fiery color adorns the space from top to bottom)--is heating up a three-course “Red Rose Menu” for all you love birds out there. Highlights include candied rose petals and a heart-shaped cake.

* Red, 7450 Beverly Blvd., L.A., (213) 937-0331. All ages, $50 per couple or $25 per person (reservations recommended; also in Santa Monica at 101 Broadway, (310) 260-1199.