Valentine's Day in Charm City

I'm not sure if it's considered Valentine's weekend or not, seeing how Valentine's Day is on a Monday this year, so I'll try to include some romantic bands and shows to see this weekend, in case you're celebrating early. Included are a few things  for Tuesday as well, great for singles and attached alike.

One of the best things about living in Baltimore is that it's an art town. As much as I enjoy poking fun at the occasional MICA student and Wham City, I love that art is synonymous with Baltimore—I wouldn't enjoy living here nearly as much without that artist's element.

This Friday at The Hexagon Space, there will be a gallery opening reception for Nolen Strals at 6 p.m. This is something perfect for the hipster couple to attend. You may not know Nolen Strals by name, but you definitely know his iconic I Heart Baltimore t shirt, featuring a heart made out of several weapons, a concrete brick, brass knuckles and pair of scissors. Everyone I know loves it, and everyone that visits me here wants one.

But there's more to Strals' art than T-shirts. He's co-founder of a design studio and teaches at MICA, focusing on typography and printmaking, and here's your chance to see his art work on display. It's a unique date, and early enough to go out to a late dinner afterward.

On Saturday, try  karaoke at the Wind Up Space or Burlesque-A-Pades at the Ottobar. Gentlemen, if your ladies aren't down with pasties and beaded thongs, perhaps the Black Lodge Karaoke is for you. It's even a special Valentine's edition (awwww), so I'm sure “Love Will Tear Us Apart” will make an appearance. Followed by some Smiths. But I digress. It starts at 9 p.m.

Sunday night is the rare treat that is the Ottobar upstairs show. I love Sunday night shows upstairs at Ottobar. This one I am especially looking forward to, though it's gonna be hard to top the We Are Hex Sunday night show last month. If anyone can come close it's Arbouretum. The vibe upstairs on a Sunday night is perfect for this band, and it will be a great way to end your weekend. Arbouretum is one of the best band's in Baltimore right now, and if you miss them, you're missing out. And they are playing for free. Be there at 10 p.m.

Here are a few other options if these don't strike your fancy:

• Wednesday, Feb. 16 at The Hexagon: Paul Baribeau, the Boy Who Could Fly, Bad Banana & Sourpatch.

• Sunday, Feb. 13 at The Wind Up Space: Roots Cafe featuring Edge City's Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus. $7, 5-8:30 pm.