Photography by Peyton Hoge.
As the record-setting March snow slowly melts, signs of spring are emerging this April. From Earth Day in Forest Park to the annual Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival, there’s a lot to do in St. Louis this month. Here's our list of the top 10 things not to miss from the SLM calendar (in chronological order):
April 3: Caroline Kennedy
In her new book, Poems to Learn by Heart, Caroline Kennedy shares more than 100 classic poems, as well as stories about her own family’s interest in poetry. Free. 7 p.m. St. Louis County Library’s Headquarters Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh.
April 4: Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
The heartland nostalgia and blue-collar ethos of Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band never gets old. Seger, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, appears with another inductee, Joe Walsh. $65–$85. 7:30 p.m. Scottrade Center.
April 4 through 20: Gypsy
Though there will be no Ethel Merman (or Bette Midler), Stray Dog Theatre’s Gypsy still promises to be a treat. The classic musical about a mother determined to make her daughter a successful stage actress includes showstopping songs like “Let Me Entertain You.” $18–$20. 8 p.m. Thu–Sat. Stray Dog Theatre.
April 5 & 6: Soundtrack from The Matrix
The St. Louis Symphony performs the dramatic soundtrack from The Matrix, a sci-fi film that pitted human beings against computers. Dress in your best floor-length black leather coat for the look-alike contest before the show. $35–$65. 5:45 p.m. contest, 7 p.m. performance. Powell Hall.
April 9: Garbage
It’s the day every thirtysomething rocker has been waiting for: alternative rock band Garbage is off hiatus. Back when MTV played music videos, the band’s lead singer, Shirley Manson, captivated teens with her sexy vocals and intense eye makeup. $30–$35. 7 p.m. The Pageant.
April 9 & 10: Widespread Panic
The jam kings of Widespread Panic can keep a crowd dancing for three hours straight with their twang-infused Southern rock. In 2011, the group rocked Peabody Opera House to the ground and attracted so many fans that this time, it’s staying for two days. $39.50–$46.50. 7:30 p.m. Peabody Opera House.
April 18, 19 & 20: Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival
Hear some of the best jazz music around at the Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival, including the trumpet stylings of Johnny Carson’s former bandleader, Doc Severinsen, and His Big Band. $15–$75. 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Thu, 7:30 p.m. Fri & Sat. Jazz at the Bistro and Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.
April 20 & 21: St. Louis Earth Day Festival
This year, the 24th annual St. Louis Earth Day Festival will include an Earth Day Eve celebration with music and food. On Earth Day, see live entertainment, information booths from local businesses offering eco-friendly services, and exhibits on natural ecosystems. Earth Day Eve: $5. 4–7 p.m. Earth Day: Free. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. The Muny Grounds, Forest Park, 314-282-7533, stlouisearthday.org.
April 23 through May 5: Million Dollar Quartet
The Tony Award–winning musical Million Dollar Quartet is about the 1956 Sun Records recording session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins and features many of the individual artists’ iconic songs. $15–$80. 8 p.m. Tue–Sat, 2 p.m. Sat & Sun. Fox Theatre.
April 25–28: Greater St. Louis Book Fair
At the Greater St. Louis Book Fair, avid readers can find everything from hardcover classics to 1950s cookbooks. $10 Thu, free Fri, Sat & Sun. 3:30–9:30 p.m. Thu, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri & Sat, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun. Macy’s East Parking Garage, Lower Level, West County Center, 314-993-1995, stlouisbookfair.org.
By Rosalind Early and Nancy McMullen
