Local jazz singer Abby Nightingale is starting to make a name for herself. She's performed at area bars and venues such as Twins Jazz Club, where she's scheduled for two sets Valentine's Day evening.

While making dinner reservations with your sweetheart for Valentine's Day is a no-brainer, there are numerous entertainment options for a little fun or a little romance afterwards.

Nightingale has a few suggestions for a successful Valentine's Day. The first key is who you're with, even if it's friends. The second is where you are.

"There has to be good company," said Nightingale, who'll perform a number of standards, some R&B and more contemporary tunes. "You have to have a good atmosphere, and good music is definitely part of that."

Valentine's Day Fun

Jazz Vocalist Abby Nightingale at Twins Jazz Club -- Silver Spring vocalist has a pair of performances at Twins. $25, plus a $10 minimum purchase. 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday. twinsjazz.com.

Burlesque-A-Pades at the Birchmere -- Enjoy live music and burlesque performances at the Birchmere. $29.50. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. birchmere.com.

Crimes of Passion at the Crime & Punishment Museum -- Always fun, this handcuffed museum tour is an opportunity to explore one of D.C.'s more interesting for-profit museums. Plus you get to keep the handcuffs. Thursday through Saturday. $45 per couple. ($1 more for furry handcuffs). crimemuseum.org.

"Pillow Talk" at Artisphere -- Classic film stars Doris Day and Rock Hudson. At the Dome Theatre in Rosslyn. $8. 8 p.m. Thursday. artisphere.com.

"The Princess Bride" at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse -- This popular spot in Arlington has a Valentine's Day event that is, well, inconceivable. The evening starts with an optional wine tasting at 6:30 p.m. Then there's stand-up comedy at 7 p.m. and 9:50 p.m., and "The Princess Bride" screens at 7:45 p.m. at 10:50 p.m. $8. Thursday. arlingtondrafthouse.com.

Rock & Roll Dance Party at the Black Cat -- A handful of DJs spin the night away at the Black Cat. Free. 8 p.m. Thursday. blackcatdc.com.

Valentine's Day With the Iceman at Blues Alley -- Vocalist Jerry "The Iceman" Butler, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and Cook County, Ill., commissioner, performs two special shows on Valentine's Day. $100 dinner/show packages. 7 and 10 p.m. bluesalley.com.

All You Need is Love: A Tribute to the Beatles at Jammin' Java -- This event is Saturday, but has become an annual tradition. Luke Brindley, Anthony Fiacco and Todd Wright perform songs from the Fab Four to mark Valentine's Day. $16. 7 p.m. Saturday. jamminjava.com.