It’s Valen-tine for some dancing

Thinking about taking your sweetheart out to dance to celebrate Valentine’s Day but need a little practice beforehand? Lincoln County’s community big band, the Lincoln Pops Orchestra, has you covered.

The group’s monthly performance and dance, held every third Thursday at the Gleneden Beach Community Club, just happens to fall this month on Feb. 16, mere days before the annual Sweetheart Dance at the Lincoln City Cultural Center on Saturday, Feb. 18.

With 18 musicians and four vocalists, with ages ranging from 18 to late 70s, the Lincoln Pops plays favorites from the swing era, Latin charts and all kinds of dance music. Their big

sound includes trumpets, trombones, saxophones, piano, drums, guitar and vibraphone.

Third Thursday performances are from 7:30 to 10 pm at the Gleneden Beach Community Club, 110 Azalea Street. There is a large wooden dance floor for those who want to cut a rug, and plenty of seating for those who just want to sit, listen and snack on fresh Otis Café pie. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

The Saturday, Feb. 18, Sweetheart Dance begins at 7 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. General admission is $20 and includes cookies and other treats, plus a flower for every lady. Beer and wine sold separately.

For more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.