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, 2/1
Letting Artistry Flow: As RFT contributor Malcolm Gay points out, the Great Rivers Biennial 2008 is bigger than ever. Be among the first to experience this important juried exhibition. The new and exciting show opens tonight at 7 p.m. at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (3750 Washington Boulevard; 314-535-4660), and it features the works of three local talents: Corey Escoto, Michelle Oosterbaan and Juan William Chávez. There is no entrance fee (a cash bar is available), and the show remains on view through Sunday, April 20.
The Piano Man: Nothing goes better with a pile of snow than a hefty serving of jazz and classical tunes at Jazz at the Bistro (3536 Washington Boulevard; 314-289-4030). Chill out with Grammy-nominated pianist Taylor Eigsti for $30 (student tickets are $10) as he plays everything from the standards to more progressive jazz music at 8:30 and 10:15 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night.
Whodunit?: Dust off your oversize magnifying glass and calabash pipe, Sherlock, as Alison Sieloff clues you in on a mysterious crime. Uncover the hints that will lead you toward The Comic Book Killer! right here.
Saturday, 2/2
Good Vibrations: Dear New Madrid fault-line dwellers, and those nearby (yep, that’s us!), we are all invited to remember how the course of the Mississippi River was changed nearly two centuries ago. The occasion? Earthquake Awareness Week at Onondaga Cave State Park (7556 Highway H, Leasburg; 573-245-6576). Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, “The Earth Moves Under Our Feet” events help visitors brush up on their seismic knowledge for free with a video about the New Madrid fault at 10:30 a.m. and a presentation by a naturalist at 11 a.m. regarding the aftermath of earthquakes and how we can prepare. Can’t make it this week? Try next Saturday, February 9, at those same times.
Set Sale: Didn’t have enough of the cold, hard cash for last week’s boutique blowout? The Women on Washington Sale offers the same look-at-me chic wares for cash and credit. Count us in! Six shops along Washington Avenue -- Paperdolls, City Chic Shoe Boutique, Charm, Masulla, MacroSun and the Time Boutique (which was chosen as the Best Addition to Washington Avenue by the RFT in ’07) -- welcome you between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. today.
Mardi Hardy: Warning: Many of these events may not be suitable for minors (or for those who take umbrage at the sight of random sets of boobies). On the other hand, the Benton Park Mardi Gras Party, located at Frazer’s Restaurant & Lounge (1811 Pestalozzi Street; 314-773-8646) -- at least a few blocks away from the real debauchery -- is mixing business with pleasure with a fundraiser. A small $10 donation, which goes to the Benton Park Neighborhood Association, gets you some buffet grub, a free beer and beads (because you won’t get enough of those!) from 1 to 4 p.m.
Be Mine: Forget gathering construction paper, crayons and glue sticks, and let the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park assist in making artful valentines. Bring four- to six-year-olds from 10:30 a.m. to noon and seven- to ten-year-olds from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to the Family Workshop, during which you and your child will create a wonderful valentine that comes straight from your hearts. Participation costs $10 per person; to register, call 314-655-5298.
Sunday, 2/3
24-Hour Party People: No, you didn’t plan it like this, but someone seemingly decided to juxtapose Mardi Gras and Super Bowl Sunday. Damn that person! Good thing Alison Sieloff has come to the rescue with several enlightening options to make Sunday super-duper.
Astaireway to Heaven: Today at 2 p.m. is your last chance to view actor-singer Andrea Marcovicci’s much-talked-about cabaret in the Savoy Room at the Sheldon (3648 Washington Boulevard; 314-533-9900). A $45-to-$60 ticket gains you access to Andrea Sings Astaire, which has been called “irresistible” by some and “daring” by others. Although she may not dance on the walls or ceiling, what we can deduct from these statements is that Marcovicci will certainly keep you entertained.
