Sound Sculptures

Of all the places in St. Louis where one could hold an outdoor concert, perhaps none is more intriguing than Laumeier Sculpture Park (12580 Rott Road, Sunset Hills). The combination of wooded environs, a natural amphitheater and Alexander Liberman's towering orange sculpture, The Way, makes for a truly unique setting. The multitudes of people who turned out for last year's inaugural LOMA concerts proved we're not the only people who can't resist a good show in a great venue. The only bummer last year was one night's torrential rain — but what are the odds of that happening two years in a row? Only Ben Abel knows for sure.

Year two of LOMA is a two-day affair, spanning Friday and Saturday (September 15 and 16). Friday's lineup is the Dark Star Orchestra (doing its best to re-create the classic years of the Grateful Dead) and professional Parrothead Peter Mayer. Saturday night brings the Cowboy Junkies, old-school country artist Shelby Lynne and pop treat Jonathan Cour. Tickets are $25 to $28; you can order a LOMA picnic basket (with food enough for two) for an additional $25. Show time is 7 p.m. both evenings, but gates open at 6 p.m., so you can enjoy your pre-purchased picnic prior to the start of the show. Tickets and more information are available by calling 314-421-4400 or visiting www.laumeier.org.
Fri., Sept. 15; Sat., Sept. 16