From Jim Brickman to a set with Dave Koz, Brian McKnight, and Sheléa to Columbus' own Bill Cohen, there are several virtual Valentine's Day concerts this weekend benefitting various causes.
With his new single Together out today, Jim Brickman will deliver his distinctive piano style in multiple performances this weekend. The first of his “Share the Love, LIVE Virtually" shows takes place tonight followed by two evening concerts Saturday and another pair on Sunday. The Ohio native will donate a portion of ticket sales to various small venues around the country, including CAPA's Southern Theatre.
"The struggle they are going through is a devastating situation," Brickman said of performance venues and the COVID-19 pandemic. "The arts are such an important part of the fabric of the community. The theatre takes the chance on bringing me in. They are so supportive of me and give me a platform on their stage. I feel like it's a responsibility. It's a gesture. They won't make a million dollars but it's something they can provide to their followers and community patrons. So, it's appropriate at this point in my career."
Other Ohio venues benefitting from Brickman's ticket sales include New Albany's McCoy Center and Cleveland's Playhouse Square, which sits about a 20 minute drive from Brickman's hometown of Shaker Heights. Each venue has a code.
CAPA presents another Valentine's Day Eve show featuring Dave Koz, Brian McKnight, and rising star Sheléa, whose young career blossomed in part from a Whitney Houston tribute she posted on YouTube following Houston's passing in 2012. Sheléa just released a new single titled Grace.
"It's going to be a night of love," Sheléa said. "If you are with someone that you love, this show is for you. If you are single, this show is for you. If it's complicated, this show is for you. Whoever you are, you'll really enjoy the romance, the love, and the soulfulness this show is going to bring."
Tickets for "A Romantic Night In" with Koz, McNight, and Sheléa can be purchased through CAPA. The show takes place Saturday night at 8. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to delivering happiness to seriously ill children and their families.
And what would a Valentine's Day be without Columbus' own Bill Cohen. The former reporter has put on a number of free virtual shows during the pandemic. Sunday's show marks the 12th annual love-themed performance.
"We're going to have a great time," Cohen said of the upcoming concert during a Facebook rehearsal. "It's all about the many faces and facets of love. We're going to do songs about falling in love, breaking up, and when lovers are apart. These will be songs from the 1940's, 50's, 60's, and 70's. A lot of the songs you'll know."
Find that Sunday night show at 7pm on Facebook at Bill Cohen Sings. It's a free show but any contributions will help with May's Central Ohio Folk Festival.
The Music Journeys podcast will also have episodes featuring Jim Brickman and Sheléa coming up later this month.
