With Valentine?s on the horizon, the entertainment scene is hotting up with, it seems, something for everyone to mark the date that is traditionally for lovers.

For the Portuguese community, and those who love Portuguese music, singer/recording artist Emanuel is coming direct from Portugal to give a concert at City Hall Theatre on February 10 under the auspices of DeMello Entertainment Productions.

Also sharing the spotlight will be the locally-based trio, Ihla Verde, who will sing favourite Portuguese songs.

Born in Covas do Douro, a village in Sabrosa, Portugal, Emanuel began his musical studies by specialising in classical guitar.

Later, in addition to becoming a professional musician, he also taught this instrument for many years, in addition to directing small orchestras and musical groups, and making his first recordings.

In time, this popular artist widened his professional sphere beyond Portugal?s shores, establishing a link with Portuguese emigrants abroad, and eventually emigrating himself.

His album ?Rapaziada vamos dan?ar? (?Boys Let?s Dance?) heralded a unique new style, and his next album, ?Pimba, Pimba? became a popular phenomenon which sold over half a million copies.

Since then Emanuel, as he is known professionally, has opened his own studio, and been named ?King of Popular Music?, ?Most Popular Artist of the Year?, and ?Ambassador of Portuguese Music?.

Today, this artist?s career includes creation of the group Maxi, hosting various television shows, including one of his own.

He has composed music for opera and soap opera, played to huge audiences in Portugal?s Coliseum, and continues to make recordings.

Emanuel?s Bermuda concert will begin at 8.15 p.m., and be preceded by a wine reception from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets ($50) are available from the Music Box on Reid Street. For further information ( 295-4839.