A guide to fall and winter arts in St. Louis

A preview of the seasons' shows, exhibits, fairs, and festivals

September

The African Company Presents Richard III

September 7–25

Join The Black Rep as it kicks off its 46th season with Carlyle Brown’s The African Company Presents Richard III. Based on a true story, the play follows the first Black theatrical troupe in the country as it puts on the Shakespeare classic 40 years before the Civil War—all while a white uptown producer does his best to shut them down. The Edison Theatre, 6465 Forsyth.

Music at the Intersection

September 11–12

Music at the Intersection celebrates St. Louis’ musical heritage by spotlighting blues, jazz, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and rock and roll. At this event bringing together local and national musicians, guests can listen to phenomenal music, eat at food trucks, play carnival-inspired games, and visit the “Mural Market,” where local artisans will display their products. And when night rolls around, there will be after-party concerts held at nearby theaters. Grand Center Arts District.

Barbara Chase-Riboud Monumentale: The Bronzes

September 16–February 5, 2023

Join the Pulitzer Arts Foundation as it honors Barbara Chase-Riboud—an American visual artist, sculptor, author, and poet—with her first retrospective. Barbara Chase-Riboud Monumentale: The Bronzes will present the largest-ever monographic exhibition of her work, ranging from her first creations in the 1950s to now. The collection will include sculptures, works on paper, poetry selections, and pieces that have never before been on display. Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington.

Sababa

September 18

Completely free to the public, Sababa ensures a whole day of fun. This month, the Jewish arts and culture festival will come to Washington University, where visitors can enjoy the diversity and joy of contemporary Jewish culture through local, regional, and national art exhibitions; culinary experiences; stunning musical performances; and family-friendly activities from local organizations. Washington University, 1 Brookings.

Currents 122: Meleko Mokgosi

September 20–March 5, 2023

Visit the Saint Louis Art Museum and question the conceptions of space with artist Meleko Mokgosi and his newest project, Spaces of Subjection. Drawing inspiration from Michel Foucault’s The Subject and Power, the exhibition will feature large monochromatic figurative paintings with pigmented transfers from the 1911 children’s book Epaminondas and His Auntie. Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts.

Shakespeare in the Streets

September 22–24

For three nights, Shakespeare in the Streets is bringing the Bard to Bevo Mill. Inspired by Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, director Adam Flores and writer Deanna Jent will explore Bevo Mill’s rich history as a sanctuary for immigrants and refugees with the help of community members and professional artists. Gravois and Morgan Ford.

More to see in September

October

Private Lives

Through October 23

Ah, the honeymoon. Just you and your love at a fabulous hotel…with your ex. That’s the sticky situation at the heart of Noël Coward’s Private Lives, on stage at COCA’s Berges Theatre September 30—October 23. When exes Amanda and Elyot find themselves reconnecting from across adjoining balconies on their separate honeymoons, sharp wits and fiery tempers take center stage in this 1930s romp. Catherine B. Berges Theatre, 6880 Washington.

Of Note

October 1 & 2

Experience two exciting ballet performances alongside the sounds of a live chamber orchestra at the University of Missouri–St.Louis’ Touhill Performing Arts Center. The Saint Louis Ballet will be joined by musicians from the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis for Within the Golden Hour, inspired by the paintings of Gustav Klimt and featuring the music of Vivaldi, and Romantique, choreographed by former New York City Ballet principal dancer Gen Horiuchi. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 Touhill.

Some Royal Noise

October 3 & 11

Head to Washington University’s 560 Music Center on October 3 for this intimate evening with the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis. The Society, which aims to offer “world-class chamber music” to “inspire, enchant audiences, and nurture future generations of classical musicians,” will present an evening of music composed by and for crowned heads. For those who cannot attend this royal occassion in person, a virtual concert will be offered on October 11. 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity.

St. Louis Woman

October 6–22

The Midnight Company will close out its 25th anniversary season with this one-woman show starring local singer/actress Laka performing the work of some of her musical inspirations. Featuring such musical legends as Willie Mae Ford Smith, Josephine Baker, and Tina Turner, St. Louis Woman tells the stories of the women who made St. Louis music—and who brought it to the world. .ZACK, 3224 Locust.

Seedfolks

October 9–November 6

Seeds planted by a child grow both a garden and a community in Seedfolks, the Metro Theater Company’s adaptation of the Newbery Medal-winning children’s novella by Paul Fleischman. When Kim, a 9-year-old Vietnamese immigrant, plants some lima beans in her neighborhood’s vacant lot, she starts a project that brightens her neighborhood and brings hope to the neighbors themselves. This family-friendly tale of growing dreams is suitable for ages 9 and up. Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel.

Entry Points

October 14–16

Get up close and personal with the members of RESILIENCE Dance Company at their performance of Entry Points at Intersect Arts Center’s ballroom. The local dance company will present four individual works—including three premieres—that encompass contemporary, modern, and improvisational dance. Each dance is meant to serve as an “entry point” to a new idea, covering topics from seeking refuge to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Intersect Arts Center, 3636 Texas.

More to see in October

November

Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival

November 3–13

Cinema St. Louis is back for its 31st Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival. This 11-day event showcases the work of filmmakers from all over the world, including local luminaries from the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. Documentaries, narrative features, and shorts are included, and films will be screened both in-person and online. Be sure to stick around after select screenings for Q&As with the filmmakers, casts, and crews behind these exciting new films. Various locations.

Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl

November 5

In the mood for a little dancing in the streets? Then head to the annual Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl, held each year on the first Saturday in November. Catch everything from swing dancers to blues musicians to a full second-line parade as you stroll down Cherokee during the free daylong festival. When it comes time to take a break from the festivities, don’t forget to stop inside one of Cherokee street’s many shops, bars, and cafés. Cherokee Street.

International Photography Hall of Fame Exhibition

November 5–February 11, 2023

This year, six new photography greats will join the ranks of the International Photography Hall of Fame. The work of this year’s honorees—Edward Burtynsky, Chester Higgins, Graciela Iturbide, Helen Levitt, Danny Lyon, and Sarah Moon—will be on display in a new exhibition beginning November 5, but don’t miss their induction ceremony on November 4 at .ZACK in the Grand Center Arts District. International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, 3415 Olive.

Flyover Comedy Festival

November 10–12

The Flyover Comedy Festival, described as a three-day “invasion of St. Louis,” brings some of the best in stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy to the city each year. Spread across various venues in The Grove (including the newest iteration of The Ready Room), the fifth annual fest will offer tickets to individual shows, as well as three-day wristbands for folks who want to experience what Flyover has to offer all weekend long. The Grove.

Dances of India Annual Production

November 11–13

Founded in 1976, Dances of India is one of the oldest classical Indian dance companies in the United States. Since its inception, the company has continued to highlight the nation’s rich culture through performance art in the St. Louis area. Dances of India will celebrate its 45th season this fall by offering its newest annual production featuring originally scripted dance-theatre. 1201 N. Warson Street

Vietnam: At War and At Home

November 11–May 27, 2024

According to the new Missouri Historical Society president Dr. Jody Sowell, visitors to Soldiers Memorial have been asking for an exhibition dedicated to the Vietnam War since the MHS first announced they were taking over operations at the site.  Now, just over four years after the renovated museum was first unveiled, Vietnam: At War and At Home is ready for the public. The exhibition will offer a “diverse and holistic snapshot” of the controversial war and its impacts both at home and abroad.  Soldiers Memorial, 1315 Chestnut.

More to see in November

December

Ride the Cyclone: The Musical

December 1–17

This show’s plot, which centers on six teens involved in a freak roller coaster accident, takes audiences on a truly wild ride. Increasingly eccentric characters are introduced through numbers including “This Song Is Awesome,” “The Uranium Suite,” and “Space Age Bachelor Man,” all produced by creative duo Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. We’re on the edge of our seats. Stray Dog Theatre, 2348 Tennessee.

Handel’s Messiah

December 2

Laurence Cummings, a harpsichordist, organist, and baroque-era specialist, will make his conducting debut with the SLSO this December. He describes his performance of Handel’s Messiah alongside the St. Louis Symphony Chorus as “a journey from darkness to light.” The oratorio remains a favorite for historical music experts and casual symphony-goers alike. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand.

Steep Canyon Rangers

December 2

This six-man bluegrass band has earned a Grammy nomination for its album Rare Bird Alert and a win for its album Nobody Knows You. If that’s not impressive enough, the band’s lengthy résumé also includes an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and multiple collaborations with actor-slash-banjoist Steve Martin. Get ready for an evening of strings and storytelling with the talented sextet. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington.

8x8x8 Winter Exhibition

December 2–16

The creative possibilities are vast at this temporary art gallery, but one element remains consistent: Approximately 30 regional guest artists must execute their vision in an 8-by-8-by-8 foot space. Past projects have included larger-than-life paintings and interactive 3-D exhibits. All of the artwork featured in the event is available for purchase, so we recommend that patrons keep their wallet in hand. Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Center.

Call and Response

December 2–February 2023

To reach the lobby of the Angad Arts Hotel, visitors must first pass through a fully immersive art experience. Every year, the first Friday of December marks the opening of a new quarterly exhibition in the hotel’s first-floor gallery space. This month, featured artists Carrie Gillen and Jessica Hunt will explore the conversational nature of art with their colorful project, Call and Response. Cancel your other bookings, because this is a lodging experience you can’t miss. First Floor Gallery, 3550 Samuel Shepard Dr.

Nelson on Nelson

December 6

Oliver Nelson Sr. was a genuine treasure. As one of St. Louis’ most renowned jazz musicians, his talents included playing both the saxophone and clarinet, arranging and composing music, and serving as a bandleader. This presentation, led by the late composer’s son, Oliver Nelson Jr., will explore his storied musical legacy. The Harold & Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, 3536 Washington.

More to see in December

A Steady Flow of Talent

The Great Rivers Biennial celebrates its 10th edition.

Artistic talent runs deep here, and every two years the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis and the Gateway Foundation work together to share a small segment of that talent with the larger art world via The Great Rivers Biennial, which this year celebrates its 10th group of artists.

From a pool of more than 100 entrants, three mid-career artists in the Greater St. Louis area are awarded $20,000 and a main galleries exhibition at CAM. This year, the jurors selected painter Yowshien Kuo, multidisciplinary artist Yvonne Osei, and sculptor Jon Young as the winners.

“The GRB is about investing in the artists in our community...It’s not just about money or an exhibition. It’s really about how the museum can offer a holistic opportunity for an artist to take their practice to the next level,” says CAM chief curator Wassan Al-Khudhairi.

The application process itself also provides artists with several opportunities to learn and grow. The 10 finalists receive studio visits and thoughtful feedback from fellow artists and industry professionals. And throughout the year, CAM invites Midwest Artist Project Services to host two free workshops on how to create a successful application for the GRB, often bringing in past winners for insight. Misa Jeffereis, a CAM associate curator, says the program not only strengthens the GRB applications, but also helps artists successfully apply for other granting applications.

Over the past 20 years, the GRB has become an exciting and essential piece of our arts community, introducing the wider world to talents such as Cayce Zavaglia, Sarah Paulsen, and dozens of others. Plans are still being made for a celebration of the 10th GRB to be held in early 2023. In the meantime, CAM visitors can see the results of the 10th Great Rivers Biennial in the winners’ exhibitions beginning September 9. 

Make a Day (or Weekend) of It

Plan your Trip to Columbia’s Roots n Blues Festival this fall

Plan a trip down I-70 to catch the spectacular lineup at Columbia, Missouri’s, Roots N Blues Festival October 7-9. Previously run by Columbia promoter Richard King, Roots N Blues was bought by Trio Presents in 2019. Under the leadership of co-owners and producers Shay Jasper and Tracy Lane, Roots N Blues is now the only women-owned music festival in America. Jasper and Lane have transformed the fest into one that broadens both the musical and culinary offerings that visitors came to expect during the event’s first decade or so. Now, the grub goes beyond just barbecue, and the music lineup has grown to include pop, hip-hop, and even Mariachi artists alongside the traditional country, blues, folk, and Americana acts.

This year, the fun at Stephens Lake Park begins Friday evening with indie rockers Hippo Campus, some Ozark-flavored blues from the Kay Brothers, the country legend Tanya Tucker, and more. Finish the night off with headliner Wilco and the presentation of the 2022 Missouri Roots Songbook honor, which this year will recognize the work of Jeff Tweedy.

Break out your dancing shoes and groove through the afternoon and into the evening on Saturday, when artists such as Cautious Clay, Kassi Ashton, and Chaka Khan will take the stage before 11-time 2022 Grammy nominee (and five-time winner) Jon Batiste closes out the evening.

Finally, start your Sunday with a performance from St. Louis’ own Jen Norman, then catch artists such as singer-songwriter Brittney Spencer and the alt-blues trio Houndmouth before wrapping up the weekend with headliners Old Crow Medicine Show and Bleachers.

Single-day tickets are still available, but with a lineup this good, we recommend setting aside the whole weekend to soak up all that Roots N Blues has to offer.

Coming Soon

Fall titles we’ll be adding to our reading lists

My Second Impression of You, Michelle I. Mason (September 20): When Maggie Scott loses her boyfriend and her starring role in the school play, she thinks all is lost—until she gets a chance to relive what she thinks was her best day.

The Forerunner: A Story of Pain and Perseverance in America, Cori Bush (October 4): Cori Bush, the first Black woman to represent Missouri in Congress, will reflect in her first memoir on her upbringing, her path to the Capitol, and the many systemic issues and struggles she’s faced to get there.

Some of Them Will Carry Me, Giada Scodellaro (October 11): Dorothy, a Publishing Project’s new release has been called “a book of wonders” by novelist Katie Kitamura. The debut collection of stories from Giada Scodellaro focuses on Black women at moments of change.

Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston, Esme Symes-Smith (November 8): This start to a new fantasy series by local author Esme Symes-Smith follows a 12-year-old nonbinary knight named Callie as they fight to become the hero they know they can be.

Bosnian St. Louis: Between Two Worlds, Patrick McCarthy and Akif Cogo (November): New from the Missouri Historical Society Press is this account of St. Louis’ Bosnian population—the largest outside of Bosnia—and the positive impact it has had on the city since the 1990s.

Nuked: Echoes of the Hiroshima Bomb in St. Louis, Linda C. Morice (December 1): SIUE professor emerita Linda C. Morice looks at the long-term effects of radiological exposure in St. Louis. The city refined uranium for the Manhattan Project, and it’s an issue that’s still being addressed today—some 75 years after the project disbanded.

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