Photography courtesy of the Fox Theatre
School’s almost out. The sun is shining. And we’re starting to see the first signs of summer in St. Louis. This month, celebrate international cultures with Cinco de Mayo on Cherokee Street and Chinese Culture Days at the Missouri Botanical Garden or laugh alongside funnymen Jerry Seinfeld and Tracy Morgan. Here's our list of the top 10 things not to miss from the SLM calendar (in chronological order):
May 3: Tracy Morgan
Best known for playing Tracy Jordan on the long-running TV series 30 Rock, Tracy Morgan’s expletive-laced stand-up is hilarious, though not quite as network-friendly. $35.50. 8 p.m. The Pageant.
May 4: Cinco de Mayo on Cherokee Street
In addition to three stages of music, Cinco de Mayo on Cherokee Street includes the People’s Joy Parade, with a banana-bike brigade and a procession of Volvos. Free. Festival: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Parade: 1:11 p.m. Cherokee Street between Texas and Michigan avenues, 314-632-6498, cincodemayostl.com.
May 10: Rosanne Cash
Rosanne Cash learned about music watching her father, country legend Johnny Cash. She proved a good student of his art, though her Grammy Award–winning blend of country, rock, and roots music is all her own. For this acoustic show, she plays with her husband, John Leventhal. $40–$45. 8 p.m. Sheldon Concert Hall.
May 10, 11, 12: Art Fair at Laumeier Sculpture Park
At the Art Fair at Laumeier Sculpture Park, more than 150 national artists sell jewelry, photographs, sculpture, and more—though there will be no sculptures quite as big as the ones in the park’s open-air collection. $10, $5 children. 6–10 p.m. Fri, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun. Laumeier Sculpture Park.
May 13–17: St. Louis Magazine’s Food Wine Design
During this week-long culinary event, a duo of the city’s most celebrated chefs will prepare a one-of-a-kind meal complete with carefully selected wine and beer pairings each night. Plus, enjoy lively conversation, cocktails from top mixologists, and inspirational tabletop designs. $85–$800. 6–10 p.m. Lumen Private Event Space, 2201 Locust, 314-918-3033, http://sites.stlmag.com/foodwinedesign2013/.
May 18: Jerry Seinfeld
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who first became a household name in the ’90s thanks to his sitcom Seinfeld, performs his inimitable stand-up about the minutiae and idiosyncrasies of daily life. $50–$83. 7 p.m. Fox Theatre.
May 18-19: Chinese Culture Days
Celebrate Chinese Culture Days at the Missouri Botanical Garden with a 70-foot dragon and lion dancers leading a grand parade, followed by demonstrations of acrobatics, theater, martial arts, and Chinese calligraphy. $12, $5 children and members. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Missouri Botanical Garden.
May 23, 24 & 25: Spring to Dance Festival
More than 30 dance companies perform during Dance St. Louis’ Spring to Dance Festival, including national companies like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and local favorites like Saint Louis Ballet. $15 per show. 6 p.m. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.8 p.m. Sheldon Concert Hall.
May 24 through August 11: Mika Taanila
Finnish artist Mika Taanila uses his art to question what we lose when we make intellectual and technical advances. The Contemporary Art Museum hosts his first solo American show, “Tomorrow’s New Dawn,” which includes film, photography, and sound installations. $5, $3 seniors. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.
May 25 through September 3: “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame”
For those who can’t make it to Canton, Ohio, “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame” is here to help with more than 200 artifacts, photos, and documents from America’s most popular sport. $4–$12. Missouri History Museum.
By Rosalind Early and Nancy McMullen
