Violent Femmes
Steve Martin and Martin Short | July 20
The two comedians join forces for “An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life,” featuring comedy bits, film clips, extremely interesting costume changes, and a performance by Steep Canyon Rangers. (Martin moonlights with them on the banjo). Though there's a structure to the show, no two performances are alike; the pair ad-libs, improvises, and makes up jokes on the spot—and might even reveal never-before-heard anecdotes about their friendship and careers. $58–$253. 7:30 p.m. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand, fabulousfox.com.
GeeklyCon | July 20-23
The centerpiece of this national convention isn’t cosplay or celebs, but a giant room for role-playing and board gaming. And that's not all: There's also a big kickoff party, how-to lectures on such topics as podcasts and comic books, a pun-off, karaoke, outdoor games, and a plethora of panels. (For more, check out Melissa Meinzer's story on the event.) $50–$100. July 20–23, City Place Hotel, 200 N. Fourth, geeklycon.com.
Montez Coleman Group at Jazz at the Bistro | July 21 & 22
East St. Louis native and celebrated jazz drummer Montez Coleman turns 44 this weekend, and he's celebrating his birthday with two shows at the Ferring Jazz Bistro. On Friday night, his band will include Adam Maness on piano, Adaron Jackson on organ, Ben Wheeler on bass, Eric Slaughter on guitar, Jason Swagler on saxophone, and Anita Jackson on vocals. Then, on Saturday, he'll be joined by the brilliant Brian Owens. (Check out Erin Williams' preview of the show, which includes a Q&A with Coleman.) $20, $10 students. 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Fri and Sat. Ferring Jazz Bistro, 3536 Washington, jazzstl.org.
A Very Potter Party at Ballpark Village | July 22
Can't believe Harry Potter has been around for 20 years? This party will crush your denial: The kids who grew up with the series are now drinking age—and there are themed cocktails to prove it. This weekend at Ballpark Village's Crown Room, young adults who are really adults (as in 21 or older) can toast to their love of all things Potter. The night's signature drinks include happy hour-priced butter beers, Felix Felicis and Unicorn Blood cocktails, and an array of themed shots. Attendees are also encouraged to dress as their favorite Potter Universe characters, enter the Tri-Wizard Tournament giveaway, and drop a raffle ticket in the Goblet of Fire for a chance to win Harry Potter items. Free. 8 p.m.–close. The Crown Room at Ballpark Village. 601 Clark, stlballparkvillage.com.
Violent Femmes and Echo and the Bunnymen | July 22
"We play the songs that most people want to hear," Violent Femmes frontman Gordon Gano told stlmag.com writer Rob Levy earlier this week. (Check out the Q&A.) "We enjoy doing that, even though we have played a number of them thousands of times. But in the moment, in front of an audience, we have a great energy live. We also never use a set list, which is a really unique thing. It keeps an edge to things in that we don’t just bang out the same show every night." Discovered by The Pretenders in 1981, Violent Femmes contributed some of the most memorable underground music hits of the '80s and '90s, including "Blister in the Sun," "Gone, Daddy, Gone," and "Add It Up." Echo and The Bunnymen's atmospheric psych-pop was also a signature sound of the era. This concert's a doubleheader you're not likely to see in St. Louis again soon. $14–$104. 7 p.m. Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, 14141 Riverport, livenation.com.
Check out SLM's top five family-friendly events for this weekend, as well as coverage of other major happenings, including The Unsinkable Molly Brown at The Muny, Dancing with the Stars! Live at Peabody Opera House, Marquise Knox at Ivory Perry Park, AFI and Circa Survive at The Pageant, and more. For additional options, visit SLM's calendar.
