1.) Celtic Academy of Irish Dance

Gain a greater appreciation of Irish culture through dance. The Celtic Academy features dancers aged four through adult who have competed at the national level. Their routines combine traditional Irish step dancing with original choreography. The performance takes place on Feb. 8 at theVerity Lodge at Miami University, at Miami University-Middletown, 4200 N. University Blvd. in Middletown.. Admission is free. For more info, call (513) 727-3472 or visit www.celticacademy.com.

2.) Bright Ideas

When an ambitious couple discovers they’re one slot away from enrolling their toddler son into a prestigious preschool academy, they plot to kill the divorced woman who stands in their way, thus sending her child out of the district to live with his father. This black comedy originally debuted off-Broadway, and its targeting of privilege and parental over-ambition might appeal to those who liked “The Nanny Diaries.” Check it out at the Middletown Lyric Theater, 1530 Central Ave. in Middletown. Performance times are February 7-9 and February 15-16 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $13. For more info, call (513) 425-7140 or visit www.middletownlyric.org.

3.) Last of the Boys

Ben and Jeeter are Vietnam veterans who are still spinning their wheels 30 years after the war ended. Old demons resurface with a vengeance when Jeeter’s new girlfriend and her alcoholic mother enter the picture. This play was written by Steven Dietz, who in 2010 placed eighth (tied with Tennessee Williams and Edward Albee) on the list of the Top 10 Most Produced Playwrights in America. Check it out at the Fitton Center for the Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave. in Hamilton from February 6-10. Showtimes are Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. For more info, call (513) 863-8873 or visit www.fittoncenter.com/madanthony.

4.) My Furry Valentine

This Valentine’s Day season, come find yourself a companion that loves you unconditionally every day of the year. Hundreds of adoptable animals from shelters and rescues in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will be in one place for one weekend. You’ll also go home with free pet supplies, products, toys, food and a leash. My Furry Valentine takes place at Flexi USA Inc, 8494 Firebird Dr. in West Chester. Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m., on Saturday, February 9, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, February 10. Admission is free. For more info, call (513) 827-2060 or visit www.myfurryvalentine.com.

5.) Matisyahu

Matisyahu has proven that Jewish rappers are not just a joke on “The Simpsons.” Blending Orthodox Jewish themes with reggae, hip hop and alternative rock, his second album, “Youth,” achieved gold-selling status in 2006. His fourth album, “Spark Seeker,” was released last July. “Spark Seeker” is an acoustic EP, as will be his performance. Check him out at the Taft Theatre, 317 E. 5th St. in Cincinnati on February 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$42.50. For more info, call (513) 232-6220 or visit www.tafttheatre.org.

6.) In Flames

This seminal metal band out of Gothenburg, Sweden, which enjoyed its own Seattle revolution in the 1990s, released their tenth album, Sounds of a Playground Fading, in 2011. In Flames belongs to a subgenre called melodic death metal, which means they sound pretty and evil simultaneously. Their influence on American bands includes Trivium, Killswitch Engage, and As I Lay Dying. In Flames will perform at the Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave. in Covington, KY, on February 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Opening acts include Christian metal band, Demon Hunter. For more info, call (859) 491-2444 or visit www.madisontheateronline.com.

7.) Shen Yun

This New York City-based performing arts company brings to life the great stories and themes of China’s entire 5,000-year history via brilliantly costumed ensembles dancing to full orchestral arrangements. Historical events, myths and the events of classic Chinese novels will be re-enacted. To the newbie Westerner, the most recognizable will be “Mulan.” Check it out at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 450 Walnut St. in Cincinnati on February 7-8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $53-$123. For more info, call (513) 621-2787 or visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.

8.) Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event

The deceased man whose annual income exceeds those of most living people is receiving a live, multi-media tribute in downtown Cincinnati. The four winners of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest will represent onstage the four eras of Elvis’s look and music: the breakout 1950s, the Hollywood 1960s, the late-1960s musical comeback, and the 1970s rhinestones-and-sideburns ensemble. Artifacts will be on loan from the Graceland archives in the lobby at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 450 Walnut St. in Cincinnati on February 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. For more info, call (513) 621-2787 or visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.

9.) Bridalrama

Since wedding preparations can sometimes seem more stressful than the day itself, this weekend event will bring brides-to-be and their families face to face with national and local vendors representing every aspect of not only the wedding but also the honeymoon and the first-time home purchase. The event also comes equipped with two fashion shows and multiple prizes, promotions, and giveaways to mitigate the damage to your bank account. Bridalrama takes place at the Duke Energy Center, 525 Elm St. in Cincinnati on February 9-10 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are $10-$20. For more info, call (859) 331-3866 or visit www.bridalrama.net.

10.) Cincinnati Blues Society Winter and Blues Fest

This annual winter blues festival put on by the Cincy Blues Society will feature over 25 of the best regional blues bands on three stages plus the lobby. Enjoy a night of food, drink, merchandise, and special rates at a nearby hotel if you have too much fun. Headliners are Cincinnati’s Stacy Mitchhart and Hamilton’s Sonny Moorman. The lineup will also include Dayton’s own The Noah Wotherspoon Band. The fest takes place at The Phoenix, 812 Race St. in Cincinnati on February 8-9. The first band goes on at 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., respectively. Tickets are $20 for one night and $30 for both nights. For more info, call (513) 739-BLUE or visit www.cincyblues.org.