February is a blue month. Didn’t know that? Well, it is, and if you’re looking for jazz to fit the mood, there’s lots to choose from. However, if you really want to get into the spirit, don’t miss the Midwinter Blues Festival running from February 23 to 28. Take your pick from events like workshops at the Cantos Music Museum and Ironwood Stage and Grill as well as headliner gigs at the Flight Deck Bar and Grill, the Inglewood Community Hall and SAIT. Watch for Paul James (a one-time regular at the King Eddy), Kenny Neal from Baton Rouge and L.A.’s Sonny Rhodes, just to name a few.

Jazz, on the other hand, is decidedly fine and mellow this month. Take, for example, horn man Allistair Elliot’s February 13 and 14 gigs at Beat Niq. Elliot recently won the 2008 Wind Instrumentalist of the Year award at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, and, along with Derek Stoll, Saul Moore, Stefano Valdo and Jason Graham, he’s sure to deliver a romantic performance.

That same weekend, you can choose between a big-band thing and a more intimate arrangement for your Valentine’s romancing. Sax player Rick Climans is playing the Safari Lounge at the Calgary Zoo, and, with his refined style, he’ll create just the right setting for Saturday night Valentines celebrations. Rick will be joined by Calgary jazz pianist Egor Ukoloff for this gig.

If full-on big-band arrangements are more your thing, look no further than the Petroleum Club’s Sweetheart’s Swing Valentine’s Dinner and Dance, featuring The Oath’s 17-piece big band, plus vocalists. It’s got it all — cocktails, dinner, dancing and fantastic music.

The month rounds out with a major CD release for Calgary musician Rubim de Toledo. His group consists of Bob Tildesley, Jim Brenan, Chris Andrew and Tyler Hornby. The gig, set for February 21 at Beat Niq, will feature de Toledo’s own compositions, drawing from modern jazz and Brazilian, Cuban and Latin roots. Titled The River, this is the third release from the bassist, who has become one of the most sought-after jazz musicians in Calgary and area.