A Paper Kite. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Yes, there are still things to do this weekend, even though it's a holiday. No, the whole town will not shut down. Maybe we will get some snow, instead of all of this rain. If we don't, there are always white Paper Kites and white orchids at the Butterfly House. Also a whole bunch of brunches and lotsa music:
Thursday, December 22
Cameron Carpenter and the Compton Heights Concert Band Holiday Pops Spectacular
Though young, maverick organist Cameron Carpenter has been known to play Kate Bush on the pipe organ, or radically change the phrasing in an ancient standard. So no doubt he'll bring a little extra energy to he Compton Heights Concert Band's 14th annual holiday pops show, described as "an upbeat program of holiday favorites and Christmas classics." $25-$125. Times: 2 & 8 p.m. Powell Hall, 718 North Grand, 314-314-534-1700, chband.org.
Occupy the Holidays Winter Relief Drive with Union Electric, Tef Poe, Red Zero, Jedi Night
St. Louis' Occupy Movement organized this concert as a fund, coat and food drive for needy families in St. Louis. The cover is $10—or two warm winter coats, or 10 cans of food. Time: 6 p.m. Off Broadway, St Louis, MO 3509 Lemp, 314-773-3363, offbroadwaystl.com.
Schlafly 20th Anniversary Concerts
To celebrate its big two-oh this holiday weekend, Schlafly's offering its draught beer at 1991 prices, beginning on Thursday, and continuing through Monday. The've also scheduled a series of live concerts in the Club Room. On Friday, that includes bands Magic City, Spelling Bee, Half Gay, TOK; on Saturday: The Flying Mules, The Orbits, Fairchild; Monday: Lucky Dog Band. Free. 8 p.m. Fri & Sat, 6 p.m. Mon. The Schlafly Tap Room , 2100 Locust, 314-241-2337 , schlafly.com.
Friday, December 23
The Eve before The Eve The Map Room’s Christmas Party
If you haven't mustered much holiday spirit yet, join Lola & Brian with Tony at the Map Room for live classic Christmas songs. The night also includes hot mulled wine and (yes!) candy. Free. Time: 6 p.m. The Map Room, corner of Lemp & Withnell Avenues, 314-776-3515, themaproomstl.com
Kim Massie Holiday Show
If you like your holiday music a bit more soulful, Beale on Broadway's "resident diva" Kim Massie, who's been compared to both Etta James and Li'l Kim, delivers. $10, $3 minor surcharge. Time: 7 p.m. with sets at 8:30 and 10 p.m. The Gramophone, 4243 Manchester, 314-531-5700, thegramophonelive.com.
Saturday, December 24
Snow in the Tropics
If we don't get snow by this weekend, you can still have a metaphorical white Christmas with a visit to The Butterflly House, which is filled with more than 1,000 white Paper Kite butterflies. Plus it's always 85 degrees and mild, and blooming with orchids and tropical plants. Through December 31. $6, $4.50 seniors, $4 kids 3-12. Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Monday and Christmas day. Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, 15193 Olive, 636-530-0076, missouribotanicalgarden.org.
The Scandaleros
This "multi-genre quintet," will focus on jazz and blues for this brunch show, to match the Parisian ambience of Rue Lafayette. Free. Saturday, Dec 24 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Rue Lafayette Coffee & Dessert Cafe/Boutique, 2026 Lafayette, 314-772-2233, ruelafayette.us.
Sunday, December 25
Christmas Day Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
If you don't feel ambitious enough to make pancakes on Christmas morning, the Ritz will be serving a buffet that includes both traditional holiday foods like maple-glazed ham, plus sush, salads, and pastas. $79, Children 12 and under $39.50. Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza, 314-863-6300, theritzcarlton.com.
