Oh, boy. I am just finding out about Galentine’s Day. I truly thought it was a typo from my editor. But nope.
I’m sure you’re hipper than moi, but if you’re similarly out of the loop, here’s a bit of info on Galentine’s Day, as if you can’t already tell — G-A-L.
In the great tradition of Seinfeld’s Festivus (Dec. 23), this not-so-new celebration came to the masses via another popular TV series, Parks and Recreation. In season 2, episode 6, back in 2012 — yes, I’m 12 years behind this trend — character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, reveals her “best day of the year,” Galentine’s Day, and even writes to Congress to make it a national holiday.
It’s a far better name than Stay-Home-and-Mope-Day-Because-You-Texted-Back-Too-Fast. Anyway, that’s for a different column for a different outlet.
Interestingly, Galentine’s Day is actually February 13th, so you can still stay home on the 14th or venture out, like I am with a friend, who is a girl, to see, of all things, Nick Broomfield’s 2019 documentary, Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love, the love story of Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen. Sigh.
Knope’s Parks and Rec Galentine’s Day was with her friends who left their husbands and boyfriends at home to “kick it breakfast-style, ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair minus the angst, plus frittatas,” she explains. But it has been expanded IRL to single ladies with no dates.
Yes, in the real world, Galentine’s Day is now a thing celebrated by businesses, restaurants and clubs with special themed events. Apparently, there are greeting cards too.
Since we at SiriusXM can’t make cupcakes for you all, we can suggest some music, whether you plan on staying home alone, or with friends, or even listening to music while you get ready to head out.
You can throw on Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” Whitney Houston’s “I’m Every Woman,” Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and Katy Perry’s “Roar,” before switching themes to friendship.
How about “I’ll Be There For You” by Rembrandts; “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers; “With a Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles; “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen, and “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” by Randy Newman?
Then just wrap up the eve with female-fronted bands or solo artists. Here’s an assortment as wild as your girl gang: Heart, the Pretenders, esthero, Holly McNarland, Janis Joplin, Veruca Salt, The Go-Go’s, Hole, The Beaches, Andrea Ramolo, Tegan and Sara, Garbage, iskwē, and a little Spice Girls.
If you want to stay true to the Galentine’s Day book and stick to songs fictional band Mouse Rat played in the episode, then throw on “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” But then be a rebel and add in some John Mayer.
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