Not totally satisfied with your weekend itinerary? Never fear, Go! is here! This regular feature highlights everything from rock shows to art openings, from delicious dishes to hidden-gem hangouts.
Friday, 12/28
Forget About Santa: Enough with Christmas -- Kwanzaa is in full swing. The seven-day holiday, which began Wednesday, December 26, is celebrated tonight at the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park (314-721-0072). The free narrative, music and dance event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and features refreshments for everyone and gift-making fun for the kids.
Kiss Me Goodbye: There’s something inexplicably irresistible about Shakespearean actors caught in the throes of love. Then again, maybe it’s just a slight infatuation with “Too Darn Hot” and the seventeen other foot-tapping Cole Porter tunes. Just get to the Loretto-Hilton Center (130 Edgar Road, Webster Groves; 314-968-4925) before 8 p.m. for the final performance of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ Kiss Me, Kate. Tickets are $19.50 to $63. Check out RFT theater critic Dennis Brown’s review of the Cole Porter classic before you pucker up!
No Place Like Home: Even before glam rapper Mickey Avalon’s three-song performance at Home’s pre-party event on Thursday, December 20, some declared the two-room lounge/club in Ameristar Casino the new Cheetah. (And, for those youngsters who don’t remember the ill-fated Wash. Ave. spot, click here.) The “celeb”-studded grand-opening lollapalooza at Home (1260 South Main Street, St. Charles; 636-940-4333) cannot be missed, and Alison Sieloff tells you why.
Saturday, 12/29
Haunt It: If ghosts really do exist, the only likely chance apparition-seekers will have to openly peruse the paranormal of the art world (or what appears to be, anyway) is at the Duane Reed Gallery (7513 Forsyth Boulevard, Clayton; 314-862-2333) today. For the spirited details, turn to Anna Teekell.
Kwanzaa Part Deux: Another free, family Kwanzaa event happens from noon to 10 p.m. at the Delta Fortitude Foundation House (3858 Washington Avenue; 314-853-6855). The second-annual Kwanzaa Festival hosted by the Bakari Institute includes everything from a film festival to live musical performances and from poetry to storytelling.
Take a Stand: The Black Rep’s “I Stand Alone” series continues with My Life in Theatre: A Work in Progress at the Black Rep Monsanto Center for Performing Arts Education (1717 Olive Street, fourth floor). At 7 p.m., St. Louis native Anita Jackson shares her stories of Broadway’s bright lights through acting and music with accompaniment by Charles Creath. For tickets, which are $15, call 314-534-3810.
Fallout Fun: Yes, we’re nearing the end of 2007. However, it seems some industrial rockers believe it might be the end of, well, everything. Donning your best end-is-near gear (unintentional rhyme, we swear), flee from your residence to hide out at 2 Cents Plain (1114 Olive Street; 314-588-8400) around 7:30 p.m. The $6 all-ages, horror-inspired fundraiser features local music from Harsh Reality, Apocalypse Theatre, TraSh & SuiCide, among others. All proceeds raised will be donated to animal rescue centers. And if you wear the best apocalypse costume? You get a prize, of course!
Sunday, 12/30
Toy Soldiers: Show your kid that there was a time before pouting Bratz dolls and Jack Sparrow action figures at Playing with the Past: Military Toys. Paul Friswold shares more about this eye-opening event right here.
Where the Art Is: Gather together your loved ones for the Saint Louis Art Museum’s Family Sunday event from 1 to 4 p.m. This month, the dazzling silver of the exhibition Beyond the Maker’s Mark: Paul de Lamerie Silver in the Cahn Collection inspires the free art projects for kids, and touring the exhibit itself ($4 to $6, free for children younger than six) can help polish off the rest of your relaxing Sunday afternoon.
