may 26
The St. Louis Black Repertory Company brings the last performance of an outstanding season to the stage with Julianne Boyd's conception Eubie. The musical features selections written by its namesake, composer Eubie Blake, including songs drawn from the 1921 show Shuffle Along, the first Broadway musical written, performed, produced and directed by African Americans. Neal Tate, who orchestrated Eubie when it appeared on Broadway in 1978, returns to the Black Rep as musical director for this production, which runs through June 20 at the Grandel Theatre. (see Performing Arts)
thursday
may 27
Tonight at the Side Door, the Boo Rays, the Wingnuts and Tinhorn perform at the third release of local zine Silver Tray. The concert also benefits public-radio station KDHX. Stories in the mag include profiles on the Tics, Solarcane, the Bishops and Peter Lang, by writers ranging from the RFT's Thomas Crone to his cohort Greg (one letter short of a palindrome!) Berg. (see Concerts)
No, it's not the canonization of Dali or the beatification of Breton, it's St. Surreal, the trio whose cerebral music doesn't try to make people think; it just comes across as intelligent, clever and professional. St. Louis' own Preston Clarke fills in the bottom with his bass and the top with his voice as he harmonizes with guitarist and songwriter Bert Hill. Scott Stanton covers their backs, raining down the beat on his drums. They're only in town for one show, tonight at the Red Sea. Q: How many Surrealists does it take to screw in a light bulb? A: A fish. (see Concerts)
If you saw the first show of the opera season, Othello, you may think you know what marriage is all about -- but now hear that same song sung to a different tune in The Marriage of Figaro. The English translation of Mozart's comic opera is Opera Theatre of St. Louis' second offering this spring. This "Italian" opera with political overtones was originally forbidden in Austria, but the authorities later acquiesced and allowed the production to be performed before the king. The performances run, in repertory, through June 26 at the Loretto-Hilton Theatre. (see Performing Arts)
friday
may 28
Tevye, Golde, Lazar Wolf and Fruma Sarah return to the stage (and our hearts) in this summer's incarnation of Fiddler on the Roof. Stages St. Louis opens the 1999 season with this Tony Award-winning musical, featuring such hits as "If I Were a Rich Man," "Miracle of Miracles" and the solemn "Sunrise, Sunset." We'll just see whether a local production can compete with the performances of Bea Arthur and Bert Convy in the original Broadway show. The show is previewed in five performances this week; the full schedule runs June 2-27 at the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center. (see Performing Arts)
Eli's coming -- hide your heart, girl. Three Dog Night headlines at this year's Summer Spectacular, playing along with the Grass Roots, the Guess Who and the Fabulous Motown Revue in one giant show out at Riverport Amphitheatre. (see Concerts)
Opa! The Grecian Sounds play and Kyklos dances at the West County Greek Festival, held through Monday at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Three days of traditional music and dancing, with a variety of Greek foods and crafts at the agora (Greek for "marketplace") can help us discover the little Grecian in all of us. (see Special Events)
saturday
may 29
Embrace your joie de vivre, throw on a chapeau and head downtown for La Fete Francaise, the French-heritage festival held at the Old Court House and Kiener Plaza. The day features concerts, walking and bus tours, and (ugh) mimes. Piwacket Theatre performs a westward-expansion play for the kids, and a "Cajun-grass" and old-time string jam in the Old Court House rotunda finishes off the event. Laissez les bonne temps roulez! (see Special Events)
No matter what any Hoosier might tell you, the most important race this weekend is the Motorola 300. This CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams) race has all of the big names, the fastest cars and the most spectacular action. The 300-mile race starts at 2 p.m., instead of the traditional noon start, at the ever-improving Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill. (see Sports)
sunday
may 30
Following on the heels of last week's Art & Soul festival, this week's Washington Avenue Street Festival places an emphasis on the soul. Food and drink will abound, supplied by a collective of downtown nightclubs, and a stage at Washington and 13th will feature live music by local and national bands. Zamora the Torture King presents a special sideshow performance. (see Special Events)
monday
may 31
The Gypsy Caravan returns for its 27th year! The Midwest's largest flea market and craft fair is held in the parking lots of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The event's proceeds benefit the St. Louis Symphony and the Life Skills Foundation's programs. Taking MetroLink to the UM-St. Louis North stop will drop you right into the heart of things, but be sure you have enough people with you to help carry all of the stuff you'll just have to buy. (see Special Events)
tuesday
june 1
Having been an economist, translator, traveler and writer of all means and manners, Vikram Seth may truly be a Renaissance man as well as a contemporary literary celebrity. In his new book, An Equal Strength, he weds the music and language of two classical musicians in love. He signs the work tonight at Left Bank Books. (see Literary Events)
wednesday
june 2
Enjoy jazz among the jasmine and junipers as the Whittaker Jazz Festival returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden for a series of Wednesday-evening concerts. The public is welcome to bring a picnic or to simply sit and enjoy the starlight and sounds of the week's featured entertainer. Tonight, the Kim Portnoy Big Band performs in the Cohen Amphitheatre. (see Concerts)
