Valentine's Day is a state of mind.

At least that is the message behind a dance being planned for Feb. 16 at Lake City Center.

The event has been dubbed the 'Be My Valentine Dance,' and will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lake City Center at 1916 Lakewood Drive in Coeur d'Alene.

Providing dance music for the evening will be the 7-piece jazz combo 'A Taste of Jazz,' although the music played will be a diverse collection sure to be enjoyed by all who attend.

The event is a fundraiser for the Lake City Center.

"It is a good group of folks and we are going to work with them and help them raise money if this works out," band leader David Steele said. "The word 'jazz' strikes terror into most people's hearts as few know how diverse the music actually is."

I have to admit, this event is near and dear to my heart as well. I was the drummer for the group for the first three years of its existence, and can attest to the diversity of the music. After many of our gigs, people of all ages would stop by as we were packing up and let us know how much they enjoyed the music. That - and seeing people in their teens and young 20s dancing - was always the highlight of the event for me.

Most of the musicians have been at it for the majority of their lives, and also play in other groups around the area, such as The Coeur d'Alene Big Band, Northwest Jazz, Men of Rhythm and Avalon Dance Band, among others.

David provided me with a set list that they plan to follow for the dance, and songs run the gamut from traditional jazz to Dixieland and waltzes, upbeat, high energy and slow ballads.

While all the songs have been popular at one time or another, some of the more familiar include Night & Day, It Had To Be You, Perdido, Tangerine, Cute, I'm Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself A Letter, Black Bottom, Birth of the Blues, and of course, My Funny Valentine.

The group features three singers, with Mary Ann Taibi handling the microphone on many tunes. Karl Meister and T.J. Cerny also get to exercise their vocal cords as well.

So why not extend the moment with your valentine, and head out with your dancing shoes on and tear up the rug for a good cause. Admission is only $5 - probably the best valentine bargain you'll find. Information: (208) 667-4628 or www.lakecitycenter.org

Jerry Hitchcock is a copy editor for The Press. He can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2017, or via email at jhitchcock@cdapress.com