1. A Historic Occasion
Someday, they’ll write books about him. Author and historian David McCullough has won two National Book Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Critics regularly praise his historic nonfiction—from John Adams (recently adapted into an award-winning miniseries) to 1776, his most recent book. Rounding out this season’s St. Louis Speakers Series, McCullough brings history to life once again. Call for ticket info. Time: 8 p.m. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand, 314-533-7888, stlouisspeakersseries.org. 4/23/2009
2. Play Ball!
St. Louis, rejoice: Baseball is back! Pujols & Co. return to Busch for the home opener. The Redbirds hope to start strong by battling the Pittsburgh Pirates, who finished dead last in the NL Central last season. Skip work early to see the Cards and reunite with 40,000 of your closest friends—after all, it is an unofficial St. Louis holiday. Time: 3:15 p.m. Busch Stadium, 700 Clark, 314-345-9000, cardinals.mlb.com. 4/6/2009
3. The Stars Align
Dinner With the Stars, the star-studded black-tie finale of Variety Week, always promises a dazzling performance. This year’s headliner is Smokey Robinson, a.k.a. the King of Motown. Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis will also dish out the awards while honoring its Man and Woman of the Year, Hugh Grant and Marsha Rusnack. $400 (individual)-$750 (patron table). Time: 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner. Chase Park Plaza, 212 N. Kingshighway, 314-453-0453, varietystl.org. 4/25/2009
4. Hoops Hoopla
While the men are away, the women will play. The 2009 NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to Scottrade Center and brings with it a host of clinics, autograph sessions, and competitions, including the WBCA High School All-America Game on Saturday. It’s all leading up to the main events: the national semifinals on Sunday and the main event two days later. Call for ticket info. Times: 6 and 8:30 p.m. Sun; 7:30 p.m. Tue. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark, ncaa.com/finalfour. 4/5/2009 & 4/7/2009
5. More Morrissey
On the heels of the British rocker’s latest release and during perhaps his last tour, the always-opinionated Morrissey returns to The Pageant. The Independent once wrote of Moz: “Most pop stars have to be dead before they reach the iconic status that he has reached in his lifetime.” Listen to lyrics from the former singer of The Smiths—from failed relationships to the weight of the past—and you understand why he’s amassed such a loyal following. $35–$40. Time: 8 p.m. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar, 314-726-6161, thepageant.com. 4/8/2009
