STL Free For All

The screen printing and screaming will not be simultaneous — unless they’re doing a whole different technique from any I’m familiar with!  (To see for yourself how painless the process is, check this link.)  The St. Louis Public Library’s screen-printing workshops are in coordination with the Contemporary Art Museum, guaranteeing that they’ll exceed the ordinary.  The first one is Thursday (July 10) at the Baden branch from 4 to 5 p.m; the second is at the Carondelet branch on July 29 from 4 to 5 p.m.  The tagline is Metamorphosis Meets Fashion, which didn’t lure me much, until I read the details on the library’s events page (click this link, then click on the dates, 10th or 29th, on the calendar at top left).  The Metamorphosis part comes from the groups of teens who’ve helped the art museum come up with images for the screen printing; the Fashion part comes from the instructors’ assisting participants in selecting the garments that best suit them and individually guiding them through the screen-printing process using professional products.

So, you ask, what about the screaming?  Well, the intrepid performer Babaloo is again doing his summertime library tour, with dates throughout the St. Louis region (most in the St. Louis County Library system) and across Illinois too (check out his city park show, those of you in O’Fallon, Illinois!).  His homepage has a schedule for July, along with numbers to call for more info on each of the venues.

Many children, like many adults, disdain classical music — as we’ve personally learned by inviting M.’s friends along to the Saint Louis Symphony’s kid-friendly concert series. It’s impossible to predict who will be bored; sometimes siblings are split on whether or not the concert was a waste of their time, so it doesn’t seem that parental attitudes are necessarily to blame (or to credit!). S. is too young for us to know his preferences yet, although I can tell you now that when he hears M.’s favorite Enya CD he says “Open! Change song!” and starts to sing a request, usually something more uptempo.

Be that as it may, he’ll be exposed to classical music whether he likes it or not because M. is devoted to it. He and I both enjoy TV shows that incorporate it (cartoons, mostly!), and I anticipate we’ll also like the Saturday morning Classic Kids show on 99.1 FM. I learned of it very recently so I haven’t yet tuned in, but I love the idea — especially because the upcoming schedule is posted online, and parents who happen to have some of the books lying around can gather them ahead of time. Note that the online schedule starts July 5, but the show is ongoing, including tomorrow (June 28 ), when I believe it’s a PDQ Bach theme.

Today we saw off my mom and grandmother at the airport after a one-month visit. Sounds like 30 days of stress? Yes, but it was touching to see 2-year-old S. bond with his 91-year-old great-grandmother during that time. She put up with him really well, considering his screams (both of joy and of anger) made her hearing aids go wild, and his most recent trick of turning off the lights while we’re eating meant that she couldn’t see her food even at noon. I only saw her cover her ears once, and she never complained. I hope I’m that kind of 91-year-old!

I also hope I’m the kind of great-grandma who wants to see what her descendants do all day, whether it’s playing in the blow-up pool or letting us maneuver her in a rented wheelchair down gravel park trails or sitting front-and-center at Circus Flora. We did it all and more, and she was a great sport throughout. She placed few conditions on what kind of entertainment she wanted, but she did make one specific request: She wanted to see M.’s “music and lights” because she’s heard so much about the free outdoor concerts he’s so enamored of. Our grand finale night, last night at the Ivory Perry Park concert, was just about perfect — it was shortened a few minutes by rain, but otherwise it exemplified everything “music and lights” should be.

That series is sponsored by the Whitaker Foundation, and in the night’s program there was a short bio of the founder that told of her philanthropic commitment to activities in neighborhood parks. Amen to that from our family! The very name Whitaker seems to attract a deep pool of musical talent, and the Whitaker Urban Evening Series, presented by Grace Hill, is no exception. Local blues singer Kim Massie and Jazz St. Louis head Gene Dobbs Bradford opened it last week; this week’s show is by the quintessential outdoor concert band, Ralph Butler and the Jazz St. Louis All-Stars. It’s on Thursday (June 26) from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Louis Place Park, St. Louis and Rauschenbach avenues in North St. Louis. (There’s a map on the online .pdf flier.)

Filling out the remaining six concerts are some of my favorite local musicians, including Erin Bode, Willie Akins, Javier Mendoza and Jeanne Trevor. This is a great, great opportunity to see them without paying a cover charge — and to expose your kids to some sensational local musicians. Picnics are welcome, or you can buy food on site. For details, call 314.539.9500.

The Whitaker Foundation also sponsors free music at the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Saturday morning Tower Grove Farmers’ Market (be sure to check out the kid-centric music the first Saturday of each month!). The schedules for all of its events can be found on its homepage.

The Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park is a beautiful destination first thing in the morning.  The special-event greenhouse is often booked for private events in the evenings, but the public can often get a glimpse inside during the day.  We’ve been there for brunch often (it’s called Cafe Madeleine on Sunday mornings), but this week we’ll be there on Wednesday for the children’s concert series, Back to Baroque, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.  The free concert series is popular with playgroups, day camps and preschools, as well a with moms and dads who want to get out for some culture on the way to the splash pool in front of the park’s pavilion.  Come early for a seat — the prime ones right in front of the musicians go the fastest, and by the time the concert starts it’s almost guaranteed to be standing/floor sitting room only.

The series runs through Aug. 20, with themes each week:  the 1904 World’s Fair, world music, Peter and the Wolf, the Bremen Town Musicans.  You can see a full schedule here.

Another free concert that deserves a listen is the June 30 Fourth of July spectacular featuring the Compton Heights Concert Band at the music stand at 7:30 p.m.  M. is excited for that one because the centerpiece tune is the 1812 Overture, complete with canons.  For some reason he’s REALLY fascinated with canons lately (to the point he has nightmares about pirates firing canons at the house).  I’m not sure whether seeing them in person is a good or bad idea, but I think it’s worth the risk.

For info on either the children’s concert series or the rest of the music calendar at Tower Grove Park, call 314.775.2227.

I anticipate that seats will go fast at The Muny during the next couple of weeks, because High School Musical debuts June 23 at the classic Forest Park outdoor theater.  Many families have a tradition of going to the free seats (the last nine rows, entered from the upper parking area) a couple of times a summer, and if they have kids anywhere near the teen/tween years, they’ll probably be camping out in line extra early so they’ll be among the lucky 1,500 when the gates open at 7 p.m.  Or they may spring for tickets; the cheapest are $9 a pop and might just be worth it to ensure teenage happiness.

There’s always free entertainment before the 8:15 p.m. curtain — you can find out the schedule by clicking on the homepage’s “Calendar” menu — and this year a fun twist is the karaoke contest.  Anyone can get up and sing a tune from that night’s musical (there are four dates; the first one happened this week, prior to a performance of The Producers, but unfortunately I haven’t found the videos from it that are supposed to be posted on the Post-Dispatch homepage).  Each performer has two minutes to wow the judges and be chosen as one of the top five in his or her round, then featured online where viewers can vote for a favorite.  For the HSM karaoke contest on Monday, June 30, participants must be 18 or under and must have parental consent to participate.  For details on how that all works, call 314.361.1900 x355 and talk to The Muny’s promotions office.

I love to tell people about the Ivory Perry Park summer concert series.  It’s a small one — only three dates — at a relatively obscure park. In fact, the first time we went a couple of years ago, we had a devil of a time finding it because our map didn’t note that the name had changed from Visitation Park several years earlier.  That’s kind of the story of the park in a nutshell:  overlooked and forgotten.  But that changed half a decade ago, when a young boy was killed there by stray dogs.  The tragic event focused the neighborhood and its churches on turning the 10-acre park into a nice, safe place, just like what other, less-forgotten parts of the city enjoy.

Their dedication paid off, both in the park and playground and in the concert series.  Its organizers had ins with some of the city and region’s best musicians, and they’ve established a rapport with the audience that’s unlike anything you’ll find at the bigger venues.  The three Sunday concert dates (June 22, July 27 and August 24) feature world-class musicians:  Hamiet Bluett plays his baritone sax this week, Anita Jackson sings next month, and Kim Massie and Charles Glenn round out the summer in August.  This is one of the most kid-friendly free outdoor concerts in the city, by design.  The organizers bring in Emmy-winning African-American storyteller Bobby Norfolk (well worth hearing for kids and adults both) and other entertainment like Frisbees and hula hoops.  The playground they erected with proceeds from previous years’ concerts stands nearby, ready for action.

The music goes from 6 to 8 p.m.  There’s a food vendor grilling on site, and Fitz’s sells root beer from kegs (glass bottles aren’t allowed for Fitz’s or for you, although before we knew about that ban we brought wine and were allowed to pour it as long as the bottle stayed in our bag).  Picnics are welcome, but unless you’re one of the first ones there you’ll have to set up camp on the grass, because the few picnic tables get snapped up fast.

On the local free outdoor music scene, the Carondelet Community Betterment Federation stands out because its shows are geared toward an older crowd, with German, Dixieland, polka, old country western, classic rock, bluegrass and big band acts. My kids enjoy it because their fellow audience members, delighted by the simplest antics, are unfailingly friendly. Typical grandparents! Of the CCBF’s three concert locations this year, the kids prefer the Carondelet Park spot, which is on a hilltop above a fishing pond with a large sprayer. Thus a Sunday evening outing combines most of their favorite things: extra attention, music, a picnic and moving water.

The Carondelet Park series started last week; this week’s show is the Waterloo German Band on Sunday (June 8 ) from 6 to 8 p.m. Its partner series is on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Louis Square Park (for the first part of the summer, then it moves to Bellrive Park). The Buffalo Bob Blues is the band Monday (June 9). For a full list, check the CCBF schedule online or call 314.752.6339.

This week we’ll be taking out-of-town guests to sample Missouri wine country, so I started checking into the free entertainment the wineries are offering this weekend. To my delight, one of our favorite duos, Mo and Dawn, is playing at Blumenhof Winery in Dutzow from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday (June 8). I love the slightly incongruous pairing of a very urban soul/jazz/electronica act with the countrified setting. One of the only drawbacks to Blumenhof is that its courtyard is in a slight valley, which sometimes blocks the cooling breezes. The wineries along the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River might be a better choice for the 90-plus days this weekend — Montelle, Mount Pleasant and Balducci are some of our favorites in the Augusta area, which is the closest American Viticultural Area (a grape-growing region designated by the U.S. government) to St. Louis. Like Blumenhof, nearly all of the region’s other wineries offer live music on weekend afternoons, and some go into the evening hours as well. For links to the wineries, visit the state Wine and Grape Board’s homepage.

Our next-door neighbors rarely head west when they’re seeking a winery day out — their choice is the Ste. Genevieve area, particularly Chaumette Winery. We always enjoy comparing our picks from the west against theirs from the south. We’re fans of the grape varieties that grow well in this region, Norton and Chambourcin, Traminette and Vignoles. To learn educate yourself in them before your winery visit, check out the Wine and Grape Board’s link above, or check out its new site, NortonSays.com, which is, of course, all about Norton grapes.

Some of the wineries don’t allow picnics, but a few do, so if you’re set on bringing your own food, be sure to call ahead. The beverages, obviously, should be purchased on site. All of them are friendly to children, within reason (no letting the kids run wild while you’re off sampling!); we’ve seen plenty of kids at tasting counters sipping their own grape juices.  If you’re making a day of wine tasting, be sure to bring a cooler along, ’cause there’s nothing worse for wine than sitting in a hot car all afternoon!  You’ll also want to call ahead to find out what music is on the schedule, because most of the wineries’ homepages are updated infrequently.  The vintners are too busy out in the vineyards, for which we can only salute them with a heartfelt toast.

The Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden is the place to be tomorrow (June 4) when it kicks off with Erin Bode at 7:30 p.m. at the amphitheater.  It’s one of the few times picnicking is allowed in the garden, so load up your classiest grub and arrive early to secure a good spot.  Admission is free from 5 p.m. on, including the children’s garden — can I plug that wonderful place too often??  I’m a huge fan of Erin Bode too, and I feel a little guilty about it because I’ve only ever seen her at free concerts like this one. (Someday I’ll have to shell out for a ticket!)  Her brand of jazz is a perfect pairing with beautiful outdoor venues and a nice glass of wine.  Or donuts … World’s Fair (located just west of the garden on Vandeventer and Shaw) is open until 6 p.m.

The series runs every Wednesday through Aug. 13, with performers who need very little introduction to St. Louisans  (Javier Mendoza, Kim Massie,  Alvin Jett and Phat Noiz) and a few newcomers (Anita Rosamond).  See the schedule on the garden’s homepage.

On Saturday (June 7), another favorite concert series begins over in Lafayette Square.  The bandshell in Lafayette Park is the focal point for a laid-back, spread-out picnicking scene that’s ideal for young kids who won’t sit still — they won’t be constantly trampling on someone else’s blanket!  Kim Massie kicks off the series‘ first concert at 6 p.m., followed every two weeks by another lively band (including Power Play, Zydeco Crawdaddies and Ralph Butler).  There’s usually a bit of concession activity (sno cones, etc.) but you should plan to supply the bulk of your libations yourself.  Or swing by the restaurants along Park Avenue for a take-out meal and drinks to go with it.  Might I suggest 33 Wine Shop and Tasting Bar (there’s no sign but the address is 1913 Park Ave.)?

I was at our gate talking to a neighbor today when I realized summer is officially here: The first rivulets of sweat ran down my bra when I was doing absolutely nothing except standing in the sun.  I’m sure the happiness will wear off quickly, but for today it feels great.  Our water-loving plans are made for tomorrow, and for tomorrow evening (May 30) we’ve got three great options, all outdoors:

1. Olivette summer concert series in Stacy Park: A friend from Olivette sent out a notice that her neighborhood is ground zero for a summertime series that kicks off with games an inflatables at 5 p.m., followed by snowangeldust from 7 to 9:30 p.m.  The series continues June 8 and 15 and July 13 and 20, with Bob Kuban Brass, The Ultraviolets, The Smash Band and  Sh-Boom.  The flyer says there’s plenty of parking, but according to my sources that depends on your definition of “plenty,” so you probably want to come early.  Bring picnics or purchase food on site.  For details, call Olivette Parks and Rec at 314.991.1249.
2. Jungle Boogie at the Saint Louis Zoo:  This annual series needs little introduction — it’s a summertime classic.  This week’s band is Motown group Arvell and Co.; music is from 5 to 8 p.m. at the central plaza.  Jungle Boogie continues throughout the summer (nearly each week; check the schedule online for details).
3. Parents as Teachers end-of-year picnic:  At pavilion #2 in Forest Park, one of my favorite early-childhood education programs is celebrating another successful year with a boatload of activities for kids, from parachute games to tie-dye spraying.  The event runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and includes a bike-fitting workshop (but you have to call ahead for that at 314.454.5437.  Helmets will be available for $8, or you can bring your own).   They’ll provide popsicles,  but it’s BYO for other foods and beverages.