Photograph courtesy of LouFest Music Festival
This month, our list of the top 10 events in town are all about the music, from Crosby, Stills & Nash to LouFest and more. Also, check out the highly anticipated return of The Lion King and a celebration of all the cultures that make up St. Louis at the Festival of Nations. Here's our list of the top 10 things not to miss from the SLM calendar (in chronological order):
1. August 2: Crosby, Stills & Nash
David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash are folk-rock legends who played their second concert together at Woodstock. Since then, the musicians that influenced a generation have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. $46–$101. Time: 7:30 p.m. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand, 314-534-1678, fabulousfox.com.
2. August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: Thursdays @ The Intersection
Grand Center and KDHX sponsor this event, which features live music in the park. On August 2 enjoy blues from the Painkillers, while on August 9 the Funky Butt Brass Band gets rumps shaking. Big Brother Thunder and the Master Blasters perform on August 16 and August 23 John Henry and the Engine gets the party going with its unique brand of alt rock. On August 30 rock band Karate Bikini performs. Time: 5–8 p.m. Strauss Park, Grand Boulevard and Washington Avenue, 314-289-1500, grandcenter.org/directory/festivals-events/thursdays-the-intersection.
3. August 5: Pirates! (or, Gilbert & Sullivan Plunder’d)
This play smashes together Pirates of the Caribbean and The Pirates of Penzance by taking the original operetta by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan and revamping it in a Caribbean setting. $10–$70. Time: 8:15 p.m. Mon–Sun. The Muny, 1 Theatre, Forest Park, 314-361-1900 x550, muny.org.
4. August 11: Mike Birbiglia
A comedian, an author, a storyteller, a writer, and a director, Mike Birbiglia is also a regular contributor to Public Radio International’s This American Life, has had three Comedy Central specials, and put on a one-man show at the off-Broadway Bleecker Street Theater. The New York Times hailed his comedic pacing in that show, Sleepwalk With Me as “simply perfect”; the show was also named Time Out New York’s show of the year. It was even made into a film, which premiered this year at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Best of NEXT Audience Award. With Greg Warren. $30. Time: 8 p.m. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar, 314-726-6161, thepageant.com.
5. August 15: Il Divo
It’s easy to dismiss the quartet of Il Divo as the operatic equivalent of pop music’s boy bands—but have you heard these guys? Simon Cowell knew what he was doing when he created the group. Il Divo has sold more than 26 million albums, hit No. 1 with dozens of songs worldwide, and brought classical music to a new audience. $59.50–$125. Time: 8 p.m. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market, 800-745-3000, peabodyoperahouse.com.
6. August 15–September 2: The Lion King
Kids today might find it hard to believe, but there was a time when Disney did traditional animation—and no film was bigger than The Lion King. It inspired Julie Taymor’s hit musical (back before that whole Spider-Man musical debacle), Oscar-winning songs from Elton John, and a recent 3-D rerelease. Now Simba and company return to St. Louis. $28–$80. Call or go online for times. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand, 314-534-1111, fabulousfox.com.
7. August 15: A Fashion Soiree: Celebrating St. Louis Magazine's Best Dressed
Join St. Louis Magazine, Gallery Motor Company, and the St. Louis Rams in congratulating the 2012 Best Dressed men and women and celebrating fashion in St. Louis. Partygoers will enjoy fabulous food from Three Sixty, Colleen's Cookies, and the CUP, cocktails by Mastermind Vodka and Peroni, music by Carlos Suarez, and a runway fashion show featuring Esther, Ivy Hill, Mister Guy, and Moris Fashions plus an official Saint Louis Rams fashion show featuring the all-new Nike Rams gear. $25 or $45 for VIP (includes a reserved seat and gift bag). Time: 7–10 p.m. Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington, 314-918-3033, stlmag.com.
8. August 25 & 26: Festival of Nations
It’s only fitting that the International Institute of St. Louis hosts its annual Festival of Nations near the diverse South Grand neighborhood. The two-day event is a veritable melting pot of cultures, with stage performances, an international food court, a world bazaar, arts and crafts, and more. Free. Go online for times and details. Tower Grove Park, 314-773-9090, festivalofnationsstl.org.
9. August 25 & 26: LouFest
LouFest has outdone itself yet again, assembling an impressive crew of indie music performers. This year’s lineup includes The Flaming Lips, Girl Talk, Phantogram, Dinosaur Jr., Dr. Dog, and Son Volt—among a long list. $40 one-day pass, $70 two-day pass. Time: 1–10 p.m. Central Field, Forest Park, loufest.com.
10. August 28: Phish
Some consider Phish to be today’s Grateful Dead. Despite little airtime, the band has amassed a huge legion of devoted fans who love nothing more than the group’s onstage improvisation and extended grooves. In June, the band joined Red Hot Chili Peppers and Radiohead to headline Bonnaroo. Now Phish comes to Saint Louis University. $58. Time: 7:30 p.m. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton, 314-977-5000, thechaifetzarena.com.
By Rosalind Early and Nancy McMullen
