Lots of spots to serenade your valentine

Sussex County will be ablaze with live performances ranging from acoustic tunes to funky Mardi Gras celebrations, even jazz and rock fusion.

Friday, Feb. 9

Gerry Arias will kick off the weekend with his soulful acoustic tunes at McQ’s Pub at Lake Lenape, 165 Andover Sparta Road, Newton, starting at 6 p.m.

One Night Only, a unique party rock duo, will take the stage at 7 p.m. at Brick & Brew, 27 Route 23, Franklin, promising the sound and experience of a five-piece band.

Dustin Lowman, a Brooklyn-based troubadour, will enchant the audience of Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, with his self-taught musical talents and a blend of comedic, tragic and absurd songs, starting at 7 p.m.

Also at 7 pm., James Vilade will serenade the audience at Bell’s Mansion, 11 Main St., Stanhope, with his acoustic melodies.

The Calamari Sisters bring their unique blend of hilarity, failed dishes and food fights to the Newton Theatre, 234 Spring St., at 8 p.m. in a live “broadcast” of a public-access cable cooking show. The pair will sing and dance to such Italian classics as “Volare,” “That’s Amore” and, of course, “Mambo Italiano!” Tickets start at $44 and may be purchased online at skypac.org.

Cap off the night with a fun-filled karaoke session at O’Reilly’s Pub and Grill, 271 Spring St., Newton, at 9 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 10

Enjoy your afternoon at Angry Erik Brewing, 2 Camre Drive, Newton, as Bill Ruddy performs a mix of acoustic rock and country tunes starting at 4 p.m.

At 5 p.m. at Blue Arrow Farm, 86 Glenwood Road, Pine Island, N.Y., Uncle Shoehorn’s ninth annual Funky Mardi Gras Ball kicks off, featuring New Orleans-themed festivities, live music and an authentic NOLA meal. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

At 6 p.m., DnA will take the stage for a delightful musical night at the Lafayette House, 75 Route 15.

At McQ’s Pub, Kenny & Gil will provide an acoustic backdrop starting at 6 p.m., and the Tennessee Honey Band will deliver a blend of country and pop/rock cover songs at 7 p.m. at Milk Street Distillery, 1 Milk St., Branchville.

Also at 7 p.m., Duck Face will entertain the crowd with an energetic performance at Brick & Brew.

Sunday, Feb. 11

Uncle Shoehorn’s ninth annual Funky Mardi Gras Ball continues with more live music, festivities and the world-famous muffuletta sandwich from noon to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 14

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the tunes of Sean Henry at McQ’s Pub at 5 p.m. or enjoy a special Danny C valentine’s event with dinner and a show featuring MushMouth at Blue Arrow Farm. Tickets are $45 per person, and show-only tickets are $14.

Thursday, Feb. 15

Join the weekly acoustic open mic night at 6 p.m. at Homestead Rest, 294 N. Church Road, Sparta. Sign-ups start at 5:30 p.m.

Experience a captivating night out with a special ticketed show by Rachel Z and Omar Hakim featuring Jonathan Toscano at 9 p.m. at Krogh’s. Immerse yourself in a performance of jazz, rock and drums. Tickets start at $25 and may be purchased online at Eventbrite.

Send information to Stefani at themicnj@gmail.com