Still looking for a unique Valentine’s Day dinner option? Guest blogger Elise Eimer has a great suggestion for you! Nakato Japanese Steakhouse has assembled a unique sushi roll that will make for a great story:

“For sushi fans, one suggestion that isn’t even on the menu yet, is the brand new Lobster Roll. Tail and all, it definitely is a sight to see along with it being mouth-wateringly delicious. The calamari tempura is a very popular appetizer for you and your date to enjoy while you wait for the chef to start his show. The special drink for the night will be the Chocolate Strawberry frozen drink.”

Nakato Japanese Steakhouse is still taking reservations (call 417-881-7171) and will also leave room for walk-ins. If you would like to make it a quick night and just order sushi and appetizers, the famous floating boat sushi bar will be, like every night: first come, first served.

Are you a Springfield business with a Valentine’s Day special? Let us know about it! Email us at sdixon@springfieldmo.org or mention us on twitter (@SpringfieldCVB).

Springfield Ballet recently announced its spring 2012 productions:

March 16 & 17: The Sleeping Beauty, Act III, and Lullabies

March 17: Mother Goose, a Children’s Series Production   

The Sleeping Beauty, Act III, and Lullabies will feature returning professionals from Missouri Contemporary Ballet performing the roles of Aurora, Prince Desire, and the male Bluebird. The main-stage production will also feature Tossing and Turning, a modern piece by Carla Williams and an original ballet choreographed by Ashley Paige Romines.   

The delightful Children’s Series production, Mother Goose, is performed for children, by children.

The Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC) Juried Members Show at Sky Gallery at Springfield-Branson National Airport will be on display through March 12, 2012. 

Over 45 works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, collage, photography, clay, and stone were selected for the exhibition, with all work available for purchase. A portion of all sales will benefit the non-profit Arts Council.

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SRO Lyric Theatre kicks off the second half of its 2011-2012 season with an evening of one acts at the Gillioz Theatre, the regional premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tell Me On A Sunday and the return of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s Trial by Jury; February 17 at 7:30pm & February 19 at 2:00pm, directed by Derek Munson and conducted by Amy Muchnick.

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Tickets are on sale for Chevelle with Middle Class Rut and Janus at the Gillioz Theatre March 11.

Most artists with over 12 years in the music industry lose their initial fire, but Chevelle’s burns brighter than ever. The underdog spirit has characterized the Chicago alternative hard rock trio since its independent debut, 1999’s Point #1. Shortly after bursting onto the scene, the group made its major label breakthrough on the platinum-selling Wonder What’s Next in 2002. The album spawned chart-topping hits “Send the Pain Below” and “The Red,” leading to high-profile tours like OZZfest.

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Dickerson Park Zoo wants to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with the annual Valentine ADOPT packages featuring zoo animals with a special message for your sweetie.

Give your valentine a “Bear Hug” or a “Peck on the Beak.” Or, tell him or her “You’re a Fox!” Valentine packages are available to order for your loved ones, or as a gift to yourself, through Friday, Feb. 10.

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James Taylor and his band are coming to JQH Arena on July 17 for one intimate and memorable night! Tickets go on sale Friday, February 10 at 10 am at Missouristatetix.com.

Tickets make great Valentine’s gifts!

James Taylor’s music embodies the art of songwriting in its most personal and universal forms. He is a master at describing specific, even autobiographical situations in a way that resonates with people everywhere. As a recording and touring artist, Taylor has set a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired. His warm baritone is among the most recognized voices in popular music and his distinctive style of guitar-playing has been enormously influential. He has sold more than fifty million albums throughout his career and has earned forty gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards and five Grammy Awards. His songs have had a profound influence on songwriters and music lovers from all walks of life: “Fire and Rain,” “Country Road,” “Something in the Way She Moves,” “Mexico,” “Shower the People,” “Your Smiling Face,” “Carolina In My Mind,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight,” “You Can Close Your Eyes,” “Walking Man,” “Never Die Young,” “Shed a Little Light,” “Copperline,” and many more.

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By Dana Maugans, CVB Sales Director

When searching for a good place to have business meetings combined with lunch, remember The Tower Club.

I had a meeting with ten people last week and was able to use the Sunset Room at the Tower Club on the 21^st Floor. The view from high above in Springfield’s tallest building is always lovely as it changes with each season. The Tower Club view is especially important when showcasing Springfield to event planners as it provides an inexpensive aerial view of downtown, the Expo Center, Hammons Field, MSU, Drury, OTC and more. 

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Before you settle in to watch the New York Giants face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI , watch the animals at Dickerson Park Zoo have their own football fun and support a good cause during the first ZOO-per Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 5.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, watch the animals at Dickerson Park Zoo go wild with football toys and football-themed enrichment items while helping fight hunger in the Ozarks with an Ozarks Food Harvest food drive.

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