See also: Art on the Square Returns to Downtown Belleville This Weekend
May 12–June 5 | The New Jewish Theatre's Yentl
Based on Isaac Balshevis Singer's Yentl the Yeshiva Boy, Leah Napolin's classic Broadway play (which became a hit film starring Barbara Streisand in the title role) gets an update with a new klezmer/rock/folk score by Jill Sobule. $39.50, $41.50. See website for times and dates. JCC Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Drive.
May 13–15 | Anime St. Louis / Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions
It's the big spring cosplay event, and this year's festivities includes a Grand Fantasy Prom, panels about '80s cartoons, a workshop on how to hone your cosplay photography skills, and a symphonic take on the music from Pokémon. (For more on both events, check out this blog post.) Anime St. Louis badges $25–$55. Visit website for details on dates and times. St. Charles Convention Center and Embassy Suites, 2 Convention Center Plaza. Symphony concert: $30–$50. Saturday, May 14, 7 p.m., Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand.
May 14 | Maifest at Urban Chestnut
In Germany, they toast to the arrival of spring with bock beers. In much the same spirit, Urban Chestnut is pouring its new Maibock Gewässerschutz, Maximilian, Erlkönig, Oxnbräu, and Urbanator brews and throwing an all-day fest that will also feature barbecue and live music by Larry Hallar, Paul Bonn & the Bluesmen, and Rusty Nail. $6 individual food and drink tickets; $18 festival pass includes commemorative glass. Noon–10 p.m. Urban Chestnut in midtown, 3229 Washington.
May 14 | Vetiver
The band known as Vetiver is actually the solo project of Bay Area musician Andy Cabic, who's collaborated with a wide spectrum of musicians, including Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom. As Pitchfork observed, the band has "successfully eschewed contemporary gloss in favor of following weird, primeval whims," but "their neo-psych musings are always tender and accessible, as quirky and warm as a well-worn Nick Drake tape." $15. 8 p.m. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp.
May 15 | Berry Bike Ride and Strawberry Festival
It's Trailnet's most popular ride of the year for good reason: The weather will be just about perfect. Pedal on easy, flat terrain while taking in the surrounding springtime farm fields. And at the end of the ride, enjoy strawberry shortcake at the 32nd annual St. Jacob Strawberry Festival. $11–$30. 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m. St. Jacob Township Park, St. Jacob, Illinois.
