Los Alamos Arts Council schedules 'Love Sucks?' concert at Fuller Lodge

The Los Alamos Arts Council has scheduled a Valentine-themed concert titled Love Sucks? for Feb. 13 at Fuller Lodge, offering a program that blends operatic arrangements with contemporary songwriting. The event brings local vocalists Tjett Gerdom and Jennifer Perez together with pianist Gabriel Merrill-Steskal for an evening that ranges from Mozart to Bob Dylan and Stephen Sondheim.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and the concert begins at 6 p.m. The announcement included ticket pricing and purchasing details for residents interested in attending. The choice of Fuller Lodge as the venue keeps the performance within the community's central cultural space and preserves the event as a town gathering as well as an artistic presentation.

The program is notable for its deliberate mixing of repertoire. By pairing classical operatic arrangements with selections by songwriters known for lyrical storytelling, the concert signals an intent to reach both traditional concertgoers and listeners who favor contemporary theater and folk. That programming strategy can attract a broader cross-section of Los Alamos residents, from long-term patrons of the arts to younger listeners seeking an alternative Valentine offering.

Local musicians are at the center of the evening. Featuring community performers rather than touring acts keeps ticket revenue and audience engagement local, and it provides performance opportunities that sustain the county's cultural ecosystem. For Los Alamos the event also reinforces the role of the Arts Council in programming accessible cultural events in civic spaces such as Fuller Lodge.

Beyond entertainment value, events like Love Sucks? contribute to civic life by activating downtown evenings, encouraging patronage of nearby businesses, and offering shared cultural experiences that knit the community together. Attendance patterns at similar past programs suggest residents respond well when classical and contemporary forms are presented side by side, increasing the chance for a diverse audience.

The takeaway? If you care about local arts and want a different take on Valentine programming, mark Feb. 13 on your calendar, arrive early to secure seating, and consider supporting the Arts Council's efforts to keep performances local and varied. Our two cents? Treat it like a neighborhood night out - support the performers, and leave room afterward for a cup of coffee or conversation on the Hill.