LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO TWO EVENTS – the Society of Midwest Metalsmiths’ member show being held in Ladue and “SCOPE the Night,” which will honor Dr. Elisa Birnbaum, professor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. 

The metalsmith show, featuring the work of more than 25 outstanding, local metal artists, will be held on Friday, Oct. 18 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9100 Clayton Road. The show incorporates a broad range of styles and a variety of metals and is an exciting collection of work by current SMM members. The pieces, all handcrafted, range from distinctive jewelry to whimsical sculptures to Judaica. Admission is free.

The Society of Midwest Metalsmiths is a not-for-profit organization established to promote, develop, educate and encourage individuals who are interested in metalsmithing and jewelry.  Membership is open to all.

‘SCOPE THE NIGHT’ on Oct. 2 at Plush, 3224 Locust Street, is a fundraiser for a five-year old non-profit whose acronym (SCOPE) stands for Science and Citizens Organized for Purpose and Exploration. Founded by Cynthia Kramer, SCOPE’s mission is to make science and technology more accessible in the community with education to workforce opportunities. In addition to awards to Dr. Birnbaum and Dr. Nancy Bartlett, physicians at Washington University-BJC, the event will include food, cocktails, music, auction and hands-on science activities. For reservations, at $125 per person, RSVP to Isabel Goldstein at 314 398-4973 or on line at [email protected]. For more information, visit www.scopenation.org

IT’S FREE, IT’S FABULOUS and you don’t have to leave your home to enjoy it. Just in case you do not know about the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) Saturday evening concerts, here’s a reminder to write yourself a note on your calendar for every Saturday night at 8 p.m. when you can hear the concert live on local public radio, 90.7 KWMU. The first broadcast of the year from Powell Hall will be this Saturday night, Sept. 21 when Music Director David Robertson is to conduct works by Ives, Copeland and Tchaikovsky.  It’s not as exciting as hearing it in the hall but it is a lot easier than hunting for a parking place.   St. Louis Public Radio’s Robert Peterson will host the broadcasts assisted by SLSO’s Adam Crane (Meg’s son).

I HAVE JUST LEARNED that the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, to help celebrate its season-opener “Cabaret” (see review on page 12), has partnered with the St. Louis Art Museum to host free, one-hour docent-led tours through the museum’s collection of 20^th century German art. The idea behind these tours is to highlight German Expressionist artists such as Max Beckmann as well as postwar German art. Tour dates and times include Sept. 24, 27, and Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. as well as Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. All tours are free and no reservations are required.  For more information, visit www.slam.org.

 ‘MISSOURI RIVER COUNTRY,’ a recently published, 192-page colorful coffee-table book, takes a fond look at the river valley’s lush scenery and rich history. Beginning with stories of Native Americans, Lewis and Clark and Daniel Boone, the book weaves together German settlement, grape and wine history, architecture, historic and contemporary artists, agriculture, the Katy Trail, Missouri food and St. Louis chefs. The book follows the first 100 miles of the Missouri west from St. Louis.  There are 60 contributors including Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, Missouri Senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt, Dr. Peter Raven and Dr. William Danforth and some 230 photos. 

“Missouri River Country” is available at the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Smokehouse Market in Chesterfield and Bowood Farms.