You Survived Snowmageddon...Now Trek to a Thawing Metro Near You

So, the dreaded commercial holiday may be about the gushy stuff, but to reduce it to Sweethearts and card cutouts wouldn't be fair. Tis also the season to raise extra awareness about sexual assault, HIV/AIDS (February 7th), being kidnapped Africans in the Americas, and some way, somehow, somebody managed to cram President's Day in here, too. Haiti is no less devastated by the earthquake of January 12th and the subsequent aftershocks--both 'natural' and manmade. Get rid of your cabin fever this weekend, but please don't get so busy getting down, you forget to count your blessings AND share them, aspiring filmmakers. If you feel like getting down in B-More this weekend, by all means. There's a Haiti Benefit taking place over @Paradox--Deep Sugar Dance for Haiti. But if your Michelins don't look like they'll fare that well, this first event at BloomBars in Columbia Heights is a great way to kick off this Va--Valll--Valll-ennnn---ooh...YOU know what I'm trying to say. Have an inspired weekend, #cinematics. (Crank #Kelis on the outro...)

Friday, February 12th

BloomBars

V-DAY DC!

Fundraiser for Courtney's House

BloomBars @ 8P

3222 11th St., NW

Suggested Donation: $10

V-DAY kicks off properly with this Valentine Benefit Concert and Silent Auction--all for Courtney's House. Courtney's House helps survivors of sexual trafficking recover fully. An absolutely awesome reason to put V-Day self-loathing aside for a few hours. Stay posted on V-Day activities as Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues are rapidly approaching. Yours truly has been a monologue-r before. Get at it. (Which reminds me! Where can I find Pocketbook in the DMV??!) BloomBars.com VDayDC.org

Saturday, February 13th

The Suite 202 Sessions

Tabaq @ 10P

1336 U St., NW

free

RSVP by Friday 12th

Created with Singles Awareness Day in mind, the folks at Tabaq are introducing The Suite 202 Sessions. The evening will include DJs Stylus, Jahsonic & Phaze with complimentary desserts and--wait for the elementary V-Day throwback appearance--a Get-To-Know-You Scavenger Hunt. BUT you must be 21 and over for this gig. RSVP by 5P Saturday, 2/13. TabaqDC.com

Sunday, February 14th

The BREAkFAST klub

Liv @ 3P
11th St., NW (above Bohemian Caverns)
$15

the NEW BREAkFAST klub: 'Love Jones' edition featuring Dionne Farris, Nina Storey annnnnnd BREAKFAST! (Can you say 'veggie omelette'?!) Breakfast starts at 3PM. Aren't they considerate? 'Love Jones' will be playing from multiple projector screens and, word is, Farris will sing her celebrated single from the Love Jones soundtrack. If you still anticipate being late, contact information is available via Fusicology for table reservations. LivDC.com

Monday, February 15th

Tribute to Howard Zinn

Busboys & Poets @ 6P

14th & V Sts., NW

Amy Goodman of Democracy Now and Bernice Johnson Reagon from Sweet Honey and the Rock will help lead out the local celebration of the life of "the people's historian", Howard Zinn. busboysandpoets.com

POST SCRIPT

RIP Alexander McQueen. His fashion, attention to detail and extravagance will be oh-so-sorely missed by this blogstress. He was one of the most stunning, exciting productions I've ever bought a zillion dollar Vogue to see--or snuck to the late '90s/early aughts Style channel to watch. Oh, 2010...you're already a doozy.