Welcome to the vibrant world of St. Louis’s spring arts scene, where creativity blossoms and cultural experiences abound.
From captivating exhibitions to mesmerizing performances, our guide is your passport to discovering the city’s rich artistic tapestry. Whether you’re drawn to the stirring melodies of symphonies, the thought-provoking brushstrokes of contemporary art, or the dynamic energy of live theater, St. Louis offers a kaleidoscope of opportunities to ignite your senses and inspire your soul.
Join us as we embark on a journey through the diverse and exhilarating landscape of spring arts in the Gateway to the West.”
MARCH
The Arianna String Quartet will perform at 7:30 p.m. March 1 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. The program includes Schubert’s “Quartet G Minor, D.173, Trevor Weston’s “Juba (2017) and Dvorak’s “Viola Quintet in E-flat Major, Op.97” with Ivo-Jan van der Werff on viola. For tickets, see umsl.edu/touhill/
Dance St. Louis brings “Ailey II” with their “off-the-charts energy” to the Touhill Performing Arts Center for performances March 1 and 2. (A pre-show talk by Dance St. Louis artistic director Michael Uthoff starts at 6:30 in the Terrace Lobby.) Tickets cost $45-$75. See dancestlouis.org/ailey-ii
March 1 through 3, savor “Art in Bloom,” the St. Louis Art Museum’s annual celebration of flowers and fine art. Displays by regional florists will interpret dozens of works from the museum’s collection through creative botanical designs. For information on the exhibit, special ticketed events, related family activities, dining and shopping, see slam.org/event/art-in-bloom-2024/
Winter Opera St. Louis will present “Naughty Marietta” March 1 and 3 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. The operetta, composed by Victor Herbert with a libretto by Rida Johnson Young, is set in colonial-era New Orleans and follows the spirited Marietta in her attempt to escape an arranged marriage. For more information, see winteroperastl.org/naughtymarietta/
Melissa Manchester’s music keeps the beat in “Sweet Potato Queens,” an “outrageous, high-powered, Southern rock musical that tells the true story of ‘Boss Queen’ Jill and her closest friends in Mississippi, and how they learn to grab life by the sequins, feathers and tiaras to live their lives out loud, on their own terms.” (Phew!) See New Line Theatre’s production March 2-25 at the Marcelle Theater in Grand Center. Tickets, from $20 to $30, are available at metrotix.com
Season 32’s fan favorite Harry Jowsey will perform at “Dancing with the Stars Live 2024” on stage at 8 p.m. March 5 at the Stifel Theatre. The show will “heat up this winter with a dazzling, sexy, high energy, brand-new live production,” say the backers. Tickets range from $36.50-$76.50. See ticketmaster.com
Midnight Company, now in its 26th year, will present two shows in March at the Blue Strawberry, 364 North Boyle Ave. At 7:30 p.m. March 6 and 20, see Eileen Engel and company founder Joe Hanrahan in “Movie Music,” which promises songs, stories and scenes from the “best movies of all time.” At 7:30 p.m. March 13 and 27, hear Eileen Engel in the tuneful “Jacey’s Jazz Joint,” which Hanrahan penned. For tickets, see bluestrawberrystl.com/ or call 314-256-1745.
Two exhibitions that “address the complex and vital relationships between humankind and the land” open March 8 at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. One is Bogota-based Delcy Morelos’ “Interwoven,” a display of drawings, paintings and sculptures that have never been exhibited in the U.S. The second is “On Earth,” five artists’ meditations on the concept of land that “address parallels between our treatment of the natural environment and the people who inhabit it.” Both exhibits run through Aug. 4. For more information, see pulitzerarts.org/
Though we don’t talk about Bruno, we do love the music from the show, and look forward to “Encanto in Concert” at 2 p.m. March 9-10 at the Stifel Theatre. Hear the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra perform “the film’s magical, chart-topping soundtrack” live. Tickets range from $47 to $77. See stifeltheatre.com
Born in Tel Aviv and raised on Long Island (is there a joke here?), Modi went to work as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Check him out when he brings his “Know Your Audience Tour” to The Sheldon at 8 p.m. on March 13. Tickets, available at thesheldon.org, go from $60-$75. Modi will be donating a portion of his tour proceeds to various charities focusing on bringing relief to the people of Israel.
Anti-miscegenation laws, family racism, community disapproval and the long-buried feelings of a Black seamstress and her white lover are explored in “Wedding Band” by Alice Childress. The story takes place in the Deep South at the end of World War I during the flu epidemic. The Black Rep’s production runs March 13-31 at the Berges Theatre at COCA. For performance times and ticket prices, see theblackrep.org/season-47
Don’t wait to score tickets to “An Evening with Peter Sagal,” set for 8 p.m. March 15 at The Sheldon. He’s a humorist and writer and the popular radio host of “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me.” Tickets cost $62.50-$102.50. See metrotix.com/events/detail/peter-sagal
Hear Denise Thimes with the Jazz St. Louis Big Band in four shows March 15-16 at Jazz St. Louis’ Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, 3536 Washington Ave. Though Thimes “has drawn comparisons to Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and all those who came before her, she possesses a voice that’s uniquely her own.” Heck, did you know Aretha Franklin chose Thimes to perform for the Queen of Soul’s 72nd birthday celebration? For tickets, see my.jazzstl.org/2173
Gather up the kids or grandkids! Broadway stars will take the stage March 16 in “Disney Princess — The Concert,” singing princess songs, hero songs and villain songs at the Fox Theatre. No actual Disney characters are part of the show, but costumes are encouraged for theater patrons. (Where is my tiara?) Tickets range from $29.50-$109.50. See fabulousfox.com/events/detail/disney-princess
Tracy Letts’ formidable dark comedy “August: Osage County” will be on stage March 19-April 7 at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. “Equal parts heartfelt and heart-wrenching, this story gives an in-depth look at what it takes to keep a family together.” Tickets cost $30-$90. See repstl.org.
The New Jewish Theatre brings Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons” to the stage March 21-April 7. Described as “electrifying in its intensity,” the play is the story of men whose machine shop turned out defective parts during the war and how that legacy affected their families. See the show at the Jewish Community Center’s Wool Studio Theater in the Staenberg Family Complex. For single tickets, season tickets or a Flex Pass, call 314-442-3283 or see newjewishtheatre.org
Born Stuart Leslie Goddard, English singer Adam Ant brings his pop rock ANTMUSIC tour to the Pageant at 8 p.m. on March 21. Tickets range from $45-$60 and can be gotten at ticketmaster.com. The English Beat opens.
In between concerts in Iowa and Ohio, Tim McGraw’s “Standing Room Only Tour 2024” comes to Enterprise Center at 7 p.m. March 22, with special guest Carly Pearce. Tickets start at $39.75. See enterprisecenter.com
The 16th annual Gateway Blues Festival — featuring Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, West Love, J’Wonn and Theodis Ealey — takes the stage at 8 p.m. March 29 at the Stifel Theatre. Tickets start at $59. See stifeltheatre.com
APRIL
For the 45th year, Greater St. Louis Artists presents the Art Fair at Queeny Park. The juried fine art and fine craft show, featuring more than 100 artists from across the country, is scheduled April 5-7 in the Greensfelder Recreation Complex at the park in Ballwin. Tickets are $10 at the door for adults; free admission for kids under 18 when accompanied by an adult. For details, see greaterstlouisartists.org/art-fair-at-queeny-park
“Sake and Sakura” will celebrate the lush beauty of blooming cherry trees (sakura) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 5 at the Missouri Botanical Garden. At this event for individuals 21 and older, the admission fee includes samples of seven different sakes, a keepsake tasting cup and the opportunity to explore the Japanese Garden’s Teahouse Island. Additional sake and traditional Japanese cuisine will be available for purchase. Call 314- 577-5100 for admission information and for more details, see missouribotanicalgarden.org
Maybe you saw the award-winning film “The Whale” — now St. Louis Actors’ Studio brings the story of an obese recluse to the stage April 5-21 at the Gaslight Theatre. For tickets, see stlas.org/whats-on-stage/
If you missed country rock band Blackberry Smoke in St. Louis last summer, you have a chance to catch them when they bring their “Be Right Here Tour” to the Pageant April 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35-$50 and are available at ticketmaster.com.
You don’t have to walk in Memphis to see Grammy-winner Marc Cohn in concert because he’s playing at the City Winery on April 14. Tickets to the 7 p.m. show range from $60-$75 and can be gotten at citywinery.com/st-louis.
Kiddos ages 7 and up will enjoy “The Kid at the Edge of Everything,” on stage April 19-21 in the Berges Theatre at COCA. By internationally acclaimed playwright Finegan Kruckmeyer, the play has been described as “interstellar surrealism,” and the prediction is that “children will relate to the real-world struggles of the characters to find balance and connection.” Tickets cost $26-$30. See cocastl.org
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils bring their sounds of country-rock and electric bluegrass to the stage at 8 p.m. April 24 at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts at Lindenwood University. See www.lindenwood.edu/j-scheidegger-center-for-the-arts for tickets ($30-$70).
The St. Louis University Library Associates will honor writer Jamaica Kincaid with the 2024 St. Louis Literary Award at 7 p.m. April 25 at The Sheldon. A professor in the African and African American Studies department as well as the Department of English at Harvard University, Kinkaid’s books explores themes of colonialism, gender and sexuality, racism, class and familial relationships. For tickets, see slu.edu/library/st-louis-literary-award-programs/
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents the electrifying “Verdi’s Requiem” April 27-28 at Stifel Theatre. Stéphane Denève conducts, with performances by an all-star cast and the St. Louis Symphony Chorus. For performance times and ticket information, see shop.slso.org/7704
Greta Van Fleet’s “Starcatcher World Tour” comes to the Chaifetz Arena at 7 p.m. April 27. Founded in a garage in Frankenmuth, Mich., the rock band’s name honors a resident there. Special guest: Geese. Tickets start at $49.50. See chaifetzarena.com
Winner of 10 Tony Awards, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” brings all its “eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur and glory” to the Fox Theatre April 30-May 12. This love story is based on Baz Luhrmann’s film, “remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza.” For show times and ticket prices, see fabulousfox.com
MAY
Get your jazz on May 1-5 when Jazz St. Louis presents the Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet in “A Tribute to Lionel Hampton,” the American jazz vibraphonist, pianist, percussionist and bandleader. The show is on stage at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, 3536 Washington Ave. Tickets range from $40-$45. See my.jazzstl.org/1942
Imagine 12 superheroes in a submarine making calls to raise funds for their production of “The Tempest” while at the same time fighting evil and navigating interpersonal superhero relationships— that’s Chicago playwright Mickle Maher’s “Spirits to Enforce.” See Midnight Company’s production May 2-18 at the Kranzberg Arts Center’s Black Box Theatre. For show times and tickets, see midnightcompany.com
Spend “An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma” and the St. Louis Symphony at 7:30 p.m. May 3 at the Stifel Theatre, with Stéphane Denève conducting. You’ll hear Claude Debussy’s “La Mer” and Edward Elgar’s “Cello Concerto.” For ticket prices and more information, see shop.slso.org/7779
Perhaps you’ve read about the “divorce” of sorts between longtime collaborators Daryl Hall and John Oates. Well, the upshot is that the Oates member of the duo will be playing a solo show at the City Winery at 7:30 p.m. May 7. Tickets go from $50 to $65 and are available at citywinery.com/st-louis
“Grapes in the Garden” brings wine and music to the Missouri Botanical Garden from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 10. Expect some 250 international and domestic wines available for tasting, and wine specialists will be on hand to answer questions. You must be 21 to attend, and advance tickets are required. For details, see missouribotanicalgarden.org
For many, Mother’s Day weekend means a visit to the annual Laumeier Art Fair. Scheduled for May 10-12, the 37th incarnation features up to 150 artists from across the country displaying their juried work at Laumeier Sculpture Park. The event features local food and beverage vendors, hands-on activities for kids and live music throughout the weekend. Admission is $10 for ages 11 and up; free for kids 10 and under. For hours and more information, see laumeiersculpturepark.org/artists
The Black Rep presents the musical “Timbuktu!” May 15 through June 9 at Edison Theater on the Washington University campus. The show tells the story of the Poet, his beautiful daughter, Marsinah; an evil Wazir of Police; his restless Wife of Wives, Lundanda; and The Mania of Mali, Bobo, as they wander the Sahara. For performance times and ticket prices, see theblackrep.org/season-47
Roy Kent fans: Brett Goldstein brings his comedy show “The Second Best Night of Your Life” to town May 17-18, on stage at the Fox Theatre. No children under 15 will be admitted. Tickets cost $57.50-$152.50. See fabulousfox.com
Dance St. Louis will present two days of nonstop dance by nationally touring professional companies May 24-25 at the 16th annual Emerson Spring to Dance Festival 2024 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. The event is billed as “the Midwest region’s most celebrated dance festival.” Watch for ticket information at dancestlouis.org
Opera Theater’s 49th Festival Season — scheduled for May 25 through June 30 at Webster University’s Loretto-Hilton Center — includes Rossini’s delightful comedy, “The Barber of Seville,” Puccini’s timeless “La bohème,” Handel’s masterpiece of love and politics, “Julius Caesar” and Philip Glass’ rarely produced “Galileo Galilei,” which explores the great scientist’s life. Several advance events will “explore the themes of the season and offer a chance for community gathering and dialogue.” For details and tickets, see opera-stl.org.
