Fall Arts Guide 2019: fairs, festivals, concerts, and more

A look at the St. Louis culture scene, from September through November

Is there a better time to be a lover of the arts in St. Louis? This fall’s schedule is studded with milestones: first performances by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s Stéphane Denève and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ Hana Sharif. The opening of a new literary megacenter by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, and the reopening of the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum (with an Ai Weiwei exhibit to boot). A 50th-birthday party for one of the country’s oldest indie bookstores, proving that the golden years really are golden. And a host of national acts: Lizzo is coming here, plus Dear Evan Hansen, Wilco, and RuPaul’s Drag Race. If that’s not enough, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will look to the stars and help us understand the meaning of life. Now that that’s handled, there’s only one question left: Where to begin? 

SEPTEMBER

Fidencio Fifield-Perez | August 30–October 27

Snail mail isn’t dead after all—at least not here. In Fidencio Fifield-Perez’s upcoming exhibit at the Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design, he uses his old mail to tell his story as an immigrant and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) participant. After years of saving documents to prove residency to the government, Fifield-Perez decided to paint the plants he missed from Oaxaca, Mexico, his hometown, on the envelopes he’d been carrying around for years, in a series titled “Dacaments.” The exhibit also features his “paper quilts” of border maps and border fencing. Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design, 6640 Delmar.

Bienvenue Stéphane | September 21–22

Before a performance of Symphonie Fantastique last spring, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s then–music director designate Stéphane Denève joked with the audience that this was still the honeymoon phase of his job (“Ooh-la-la,” he teased in his French accent). Now comes Denève’s official start as SLSO’s music director, and to kick it off: Bienvenue Stéphane, a powerfully orchestrated performance with a nod to the director’s roots, including Gershwin’s An American in Paris. Denève will also introduce pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, SLSO’s first artist-in-residence. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand.

Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope | September 4–22 

In 1972, Micki Grant became the first woman to write both music and lyrics for a Broadway musical when her show Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope reached the big time. Using different forms of music—early hip-hop, jazz, calypso, and gospel among them—the musical addressed different aspects of black life, from feminism to slumlords. Now The Black Rep is reviving the work, which ran for more than 1,000 performances on Broadway, as part of its Season 43 lineup, dubbed a Season of Civil Rights, Identity, and Soul. Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth.

BookFest St. Louis | September 21

The third year of BookFest, hosted by Left Bank Books and the Central West End Community Improvement District, is stacking up to be bigger than ever. More than 40 authors—including Elizabeth McCracken and Crystal Wilkinson—will be in attendance, representing a diverse mix of genres and styles. Many of the authors’ presentations will be followed by book signings, a chance for you to meet your favorites. Quick bites will be available from Mission Taco Joint and PW Pizza, among other restaurants, or head to one of the more than 20 restaurants within three blocks of the festival. Various locations in the Central West End.

Candace Bushnell, Is There Still Sex in the City? | September 27 

Twenty years ago, author Candace Bushnell transformed pop culture and defined dating for the young and glamorous with her bestseller Sex and the City and the HBO adaptation starring Sarah Jessica Parker and company. Now Bushnell is back with a story of the highs and lows of dating in her fifties. She examines the pressure women are under to stay young and “have it all,” all the while maintaining that smart and observant tone that won her so much acclaim two decades ago. St. Louis County Library Main Reading Room, 1640 S. Lindbergh.

Angels in America: Parts One and Two | September 4–8, 11–15, 17–22 & 24–29; October 1–6 

Winner of the Pulitzer, Tony, and Drama Desk awards, Tony Kushner’s twin works examine 1980s America in the context of the AIDS epidemic with an ensemble cast, in which several actors play multiple roles in two different full-length plays (tickets sold separately). Angels in America will also be St. Louis’ first opportunity to see the Rep’s new artistic director, Hana Sharif, in action. Sharif comes to St. Louis from a nearly two-decade career as an artistic leader, director, playwright, and producer on the East Coast. She chose these pieces for her Rep debut because they “represent the extraordinary and transformational nature of theater.” The Mainstage at The Rep, 130 Edgar.

More to See

Three CAM exhibits not to miss | September 6–December 29

Coming this fall to the Contemporary Art Museum, three new exhibits that all open on the same day. In Stephanie Syjuco’s “Rogue States,” the artist explores the representation of different flags. Syjuco created 22 flags, with designs taken from “enemy nations” in American and European films to fill a gallery of “fictional outlaw states.” Next up, “Chorus,” in which Bethany Collins uses language to explore racial and national identities, as in A Pattern or Practice, a reproduction of the U.S. Department of Justice’s report on the Ferguson Police Department, rendered in 91 embossed prints. And then, as part of the museum’s “Street Views” series, there’s Voyeristico, by Jonathas de Andrade. Filmed in the Brazilian artist’s hometown, Recife, and São Paulo, Voyeristico takes a look into people’s wallets, revealing clues of identity, citizenship, and personal wealth. Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington.

OCTOBER

Richard Russo, Chances Are… | October 7 

The Pulitzer prize–winning author of Empire Falls discusses his newest novel, Chances Are…, a suspenseful and comedic tale of friendship—its complexities, its rewards, and its pitfalls. The story follows three college friends who meet up on Martha’s Vineyard. Each friend keeps secrets about a mysterious Memorial Day weekend in 1971 during which the woman they all loved disappeared. St. Louis County Library Main Reading Room, 1640 S. Lindbergh.

Lizzo | October 8 

We first had an inkling that Lizzo was special when she released her love-me-or-leave-me anthem “Let ’Em Say” with Caroline Smith. When we tweeted a video of her playing the flute and then seamlessly transitioning into the Shoot (for the uninitiated, that’s a dance)…yeah, we’re in love. Now the rapper is coming to St. Louis as part of her 2019 Cuz I Love You tour, in support of her album of the same name. You might have heard of “Juice,” which Wired named the most patriotic song of the year, but the R&B, pop, and hip-hop sounds on the record—from “Truth Hurts” to “Tempo,” featuring Missy Elliott—make this concert unmissable. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar.

Such Sweet Thunder |  October 3–5 

Would you ever expect jazz and Shakespearean classics to go hand in hand? Jazz St. Louis, Big Muddy Dance Company, Nine Network, and the Shakespeare Festival are making the connection with some help from Duke Ellington and his album Such Sweet Thunder, a 12-part suite based on Shakespeare’s legendary work. The four arts juggernauts are turning the album into a multimedia production: Two actors will perform scenes and sonnets from Shakespeare plays, accompanied by jazz musicians, choreographed dancers, and video projections. Public Media Commons, 3653 Olive.

Neil deGrasse Tyson | October 17 

He’s one of the world’s most respected scientists—head of the Hayden Planetarium, recipient of one of the highest awards bestowed by NASA (the Distinguished Public Service Medal), and holder of 20 honorary doctorates in addition to his own Ph.D.—and continually blows our minds with science facts on Twitter. (“If Thor’s hammer is made of neutron-star matter, implied by legend, then it weighs as much as a herd of 300 billion elephants.”) Now Tyson is coming to St. Louis to discuss his latest book, Letters From an Astrophysicist, which discusses our place in the universe, “everything from God to the history of science, from aliens to death.” Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market.

“Dutch Painting in the Age of Rembrandt from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston” | October 20–January 12, 2020

More than 70 works will be on display in this exhibit—including one of Rembrandt van Rijn's, with the event marking the 350th anniversary of his death. The collection shows us just what 17th-century painters in the Netherlands were best at: landscapes and portraits. Art from this period, often referred to as the Dutch Golden Age, also incorporates themes of science, travel, and religion. Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts.

Dear Evan Hansen | October 22–November 3 

After the death of a classmate, soft-spoken and socially anxious teen Evan Hansen starts spinning a string of lies that make him feel like he matters for the first time—but he learns through disastrous trial-and-error that there’s a price to getting everything he’s ever wanted. This Tony Award–winning production is a gut-wrenching musical representation of how it feels to live on the outside looking in. It’s coming to the Fox on its first national tour, and The Washington Post calls it “one of the most remarkable shows in musical-theater history.” The Fox , 527 N. Grand.

Edwidge Danticat | October 24 

At press time, Danticat’s latest story collection, Everything Inside, had yet to be released, but the eight stories on love and family were highly anticipated by Esquire, the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Time, and more. That’s why it’s so exciting that Danticat, a Haitian-American writer who pens stories focused on the lives of Haitians, is coming to St. Louis to accept the Saint Louis University Library Associates’ 2019 St. Louis Literary Award. Need more persuading? Danticat’s debut novel, Breath, Eyes, Memory, was selected as a Book Club pick by Oprah. The Sheldon Concert Hall & Art Galleries, 3648 Washington.

Left Bank Books’ 50th-Anniversary Party | October 25 

“It’s not just our party,” stresses owner and bookseller extraordinaire Kris Kleindienst. The 50th-birthday party for the oldest indie bookstore in town will be a part family reunion, part concert, and all celebration. Left Bank alumni will be traveling in, and others who can’t attend have recorded video birthday cards to play at the party. Party-goers can take in an exhibit about the history of Left Bank and bid in a silent auction whose proceeds will benefit the St. Louis Public Schools through the Left Bank Books Foundation. Good food and community are a given, and local singer/songwriter Katarra Parson will be providing good music. Mahler Ballroom, 4915 Washington.

More to See

NOVEMBER

AC2: An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, Deeper Talk and More Shallow Tales | November 1 

On his Bravo talk show, Watch What Happens Live, St. Louis native Andy Cohen gabs with celebrities about all things A-list...and all things they’d want to plead the Fifth on (e.g., when he asked Blues player Pat Maroon whether he’d ever made out with a hockey teammate’s mom in high school). That’s why we’re so excited that Cohen will bring CNN anchor and 60 Minutes correspondent Anderson Cooper to his hometown for a night of unscripted fun. The pair will interview each other about world events and pop culture and take questions from the audience. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market.

Black Violin | November 17 

Having performed with Kanye West, Wyclef Jean, and Alicia Keys, the members of Black Violin (Wil B. on viola, Kev Marcus on violin, plus DJ SPS and drummer Nat Stokes) know how to combine hip-hop with classical music. That their music encourages people of all races to learn more about music is the icing on the cake. In the past year, the group has performed for more than 100,000 students in support of arts education and partnered with Turnaround Arts to bring music programming to schools in underserved areas of the country. Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall, 1 University.

Son Volt | November 23 

Belleville-bred blues, country, and folk band Son Volt returns to St. Louis to promote new album Union, whose political undertones, frontman Jay Farrar told Indy Week, were inspired by the music of Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. The Midwest plays a role, too. “Being in the middle of the country does inform these songs, because you have to see all sides,” the singer/songwriter said. “Half the people you know have a different viewpoint, so you just have to find a way to coexist.… That’s why it was titled Union.” Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar.

St. Louis Jewish Book Festival | November 3–15

In its 41st year, the Jewish Book Festival has gotten the hang of supporting arts and literacy and creating an event that’s welcoming to all. New this year: Fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi kicks off the festival as the keynote speaker; talking about his new book, I.M.: A Memoir;  his lifelong career in the fashion industry, and how his strict Orthodox Jewish upbringing shaped him. Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus.

Flyover Comedy Festival | November 7–9

The one-of-a-kind comedy festival—make that invasion—is back at The Grove for the third year. Over three days, more than 30 comedy events—sketch comedy, improv, stand-up, variety, storytelling, and podcast shows—are scheduled, all within walking distance of one another. This year, submissions were sent in by comedians across the nation, and 25 were chosen. For the full lineup and other details, click the link above. Various locations in The Grove.

St. Louis International Film Festival | November 7–17

Last year, the films shown at this annual favorite represented more than 65 countries, and a showcase spotlighting human rights issues was followed by robust discussions on the topic. This year’s entries promise to be just as thought-provoking. Documentaries Eating Up Easter and What You Gonna Do When the World’s on Fire? are focused on the lives of people in other cultures and the issues plaguing them: the environmental impact of rapid development and tourism on Easter Island; the black residents of New Orleans, who live under constant threat of police brutality. Other offerings, such as the silent film Won by a Sweet, a restored 1969 promotional film made by the National Confectioners Association, are less serious. There’s a story for everyone at this festival. Location TBD.

Kathleen Madigan | November 9

As part of her Hot Dogs & Angels tour, the St. Louis native brings her observational, personal, stream-of-consciousness brand of comedy home. Want to get a feel for the comedian, who’s been touring for nearly three decades? Check out her Netflix special Bothering Jesus, her spot on Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, or one of her 25 appearances on The Tonight Show. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market.

Wilco | November 14

During Wilco’s hiatus after their 2017 tour, frontman and Belleville native Jeff Tweedy released two solo albums and a memoir (even coming to St. Louis with Mad Men actor Jon Hamm to promote the book). Now the alt-rock band is back, and recently Tweedy told Rolling Stone that the break has “revitalized everyone’s energy for the band, and our interest in pushing forward and not just resting on some past output,” making this appearance special. The Fox, 527 N. Grand.

One attraction we’re eagerly awaiting

Although an official opening date hadn’t been set as of press time, one of the most exciting new spaces coming to St. Louis is The High Low, by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, which will partner with lit mag River Styx, St. Louis Poetry Center, UrbArts, Left Bank Books, and others to bring fresh literary programming and support for local writers here. Under construction at 3301 Washington, the space will feature 1,500 square feet for a library of rotating books curated by St. Louisans, a 2,000-square-foot performance space, and a 1,000-square-foot writers’ suite for the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s new-to-the-Lou writers-in-residence program.

More to See

DECEMBER

Saint Louis Ballet’s The Nutcracker  | November 29–December 1; December 18–23

It’s a St. Louis favorite: Gen Horiuchi’s choreography tells the story of a young girl transported to a magical land of sweets on Christmas Eve, set to the traditional Tchaikovsky score. The Saint Louis Ballet’s production also includes a morning matinee on December 18, a shorter show for kids with narration and a “no shushing” rule. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University.

Big Band Holidays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis | December 4

There are few imports from New York City more beloved than Jazz at the Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis. This holiday season, the jazz center’s artistic director—and one of the best-known trumpeters and composers in the world—comes to St. Louis with his versions of “Jingle Bells” and “Joy to the World”... in big-band format. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand.

Daphne’s Dive | December 6–22

Unlike such classic holiday productions as A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life, this one takes place in…a dive bar. From Pulitzer-winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes, Daphne’s Dive, presented by RS Theatrics, is a story of tension, personal relationships, and coming home for the holidays, told over the course of many years. Starting in the 1990s, the plot focuses on Daphne, a bar, and the found family that makes the place home for her. The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard.

Charles Glenn: ’Tis the Season | December 10 & 11

The 2019 NHL season wouldn’t have been the same without him. Renowned vocalist Charles Glenn performs a special two-day concert this holiday season. Knowing the belt-to-the-rafters treatment he gave “The Star-Spangled Banner,” we can’t wait to see what he brings to your average Christmas carol. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington.

Hanukkah Hullabaloo | December 14

Great music by Rabbi James Stone Goodman and the Eight Nights Orchestra, a giant menorah, and latkes fried onstage can only mean one thing: the Brothers Lazaroff’s annual tradition, with proceeds benefiting Metro Theatre Company. The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square.

More to See

Getting Festive

Fall in the Lou means fests, and here are five annual—and one inaugural—celebrations you won’t want to miss. Three in September: The St. Louis Art Fair (September 6–8), now in its 26th year, and the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow & Race (September 20 & 21). Although it’s not quite bright enough to see from space, just give this STL staple a few more years. Or head to Webster Groves for the Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival (September 21) featuring award-winning local artists. October brings pumpkins, cider, and the Shaw Art Fair (October 5 & 6) and Best of Missouri Market (October 4–6). When the fall chill blows in, head to the Missouri History Museum to celebrate Dia de los Muertos (November 2 & 3) or work up a sweat at the first-ever Big Muddy Dance Fest! (November 9 & 10), a dance experience for anyone who loves to move. 

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