Night & Day

wednesday
june 16
The man who started it all, the father of rock & roll, Chuck Berry, will be a-reelin' and a-rockin' tonight on his home court, the Duck Room of Blueberry Hill. He plays there often and the shows generally sell out, so get there plenty early. (see Concerts)

Now that most of the neighborhoods and cities around St. Louis have held their individual "Taste Of" events, the Brown Derby Wine Cellar hosts a Food and Wine Tasting during which chef Lisa Slay, from Remy's Kitchen and Wine Bar, and wine expert Bob Madden will pair samples of gourmet entrees with complementing wines from the Cellar's cellar. (See Special Events)

Because last Friday's concert had sold out back in February, the Dave Matthews Band is taking another shot at filling Riverport Amphitheatre tonight -- same prices, same time, brand-new day. (see Concerts)

thursday
june 17
Opera Theatre of St. Louis' last production of the season takes the stage at the Loretto-Hilton Center in Webster Groves. The world premiere of The Merchant and the Pauper, by composer Paul Schoenfield and librettist Maggie Stearns, opens tonight for five performances. The opera is based on the tales told by one of the great rabbis and storytellers of the 19th century, Rabbi Nachman. (See Performing Arts)

See whether the pond scum have cleaned up their act as the New York Mets come to Busch Stadium for a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. (See Sports)

It's almost medieval, throwing wild canids into a pit of snakes, but that's what they're doing tonight at Kiel Center as the Roller Hockey League's Las Vegas Coyotes play the St. Louis Vipers. (See Sports)

friday
june 18
Well, the new team in town seems to be enjoying home stands, winning as much at home as any team should have a right to. Now the River City Rascals play their first series against the Chillicothe Paints at the T.R. Hughes Ballpark. (See Sports)

Tonight at Left Bank Books, author Janice Fitch reads and signs her novel White Oleander, named the 24th "Oprah Book Club" selection on May 6. The story of teen-age self-discovery has been awarded more stars than the St. Louis Walk of Fame. Not bad for a first book. (See Literary Events)

Three days of art and music fill the plaza as West Port opens An Art Affair. The annual display, sale and competition of works by more than 100 national artists, with live music by local bands, has become something of a tradition in some circles; it's a great place to see up-and-coming local and regional artists' talent while listening to the sounds of such groups as the Willie Akins Trio and the Andrew Driscoll and Dave Black Duo. (See Special Events)

The man whose genius spawned such works as "Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant (With My Two-Headed Love Child)" and the King-worshiping "Elvis Is Everywhere," Mojo Nixon, performs tonight at the Side Door. Though the ownership of the club may have changed hands, all the acts that have been booked and advertised will still be playing their scheduled dates. (See Concerts)

saturday
june 19
The Red Rocker returns to River City! Promoting his new album -- and his new tequila, Sammy Hagar performs tonight at Riverport Amphitheatre. Though most of his tunes are about drinking, cruising, driving and boozing, these are not lessons; they're just songs. (See Concerts)

After last year's most memorable baseball season, books about baseball are popping up all over: Mike Shannon has a book, Whitey has a book, Yogi has a book and today, two other authors will be signing copies of their latest studies of America's pastime. Baseball writer Rob Raines signs McGwire: Home Run Hero at Barnes and Noble-Crestwood, and Jim Rygelski reads from and signs The I-55 Series: Cubs vs. Cardinals at Borders Books & Music- Creve Coeur. (See Literary Events)

The Metro East Humane Society hosts an Adopt-a-Pet Day, seeking good homes for healthy cats and dogs. There are all kinds, sizes, shapes and colors, with all of their shots, and they all need someone to love. (See Special Events)

Last year, they only had a couple of angora rabbits to shear, but at this year's Fiber Fest at City Museum they'll have demonstrations of shearing on llamas, dogs, alpacas and cats. If you have more than 2 inches of hair to cut off, they'll shear you, too. All of the hair and fur that's cut will be spun and woven into haircloth, to be put on display. (See Special Events)

sunday
june 20
St. Louis' influences on the modern opera scene are known better in the rest of the world than here at home. This afternoon, one of the most popular divas singing, Christine Brewer, who made her debut at Opera Theatre of St. Louis, performs at the Loretto-Hilton Center. (See Concerts)

Atrek Contemporary Dance reprises last summer's dynamic performance of Nature Moves, a dance that moves from sculpture to sculpture at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The dancing changes as the dancers travel, with movements inspired by individual pieces sprinkled around the Garden. If you miss it today, you can catch the dance's second performance next week, but this would be a nice way to celebrate Father's Day. (See Performing Arts)