COMMUNITY & CULTURE
TOP PICKS Happenings Around Town
WHAT : Drawing from the Collection : 40 Years at Laumeier WHERE : Laumeier Sculpture Park
WHEN : Through July 16 In celebration of its 40th anniversary , Laumeier presents a multimedia exhibition in its Whitaker Foundation Gallery to demonstrate the museum ’ s place as one of the first and largest dedicated sculpture parks in the country . See works from Laumeier ’ s extensive collection of drawings , prints , photographs , videos and other works of art from artists such as Vito Acconci , Ian Hamilton Finlay , Andy Goldsworthy , Valeska Soares and Meg Webster . Free admission ; laumeiersculpturepark . org
WHAT : Sweeney Todd : The Demon Barber of Fleet Street WHERE : Stray Dog Theatre , Tower Grove Abbey WHEN : Various times through April 22 This “ musical thriller ," with words and music by Stephen Sondheim , tells a macabre tale of revenge . When the unjustly exiled barber , Sweeney Todd , returns to London , he earns his new moniker by conspiring with pie-shop owner Mrs . Lovett to serve up some gruesome , but delectable treats . $ 20 to $ 25 ; straydogtheatre . org
WHAT : Greater St . Louis Jazz Festival WHERE : The Touhill WHEN : 8 p . m ., Friday and Saturday , April 21 and 22 Enjoy a salute to jazz greats Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie for two nights at the Greater St . Louis Jazz Festival . The April 21 concert is a tribute to Armstrong and features Wycliffe Gordon , Terell Stafford , Chris Vadala and the University of Missouri-St . Louis Jazz Ensemble . On April 22 , Jon Faddis and Friends , along with the UMSL Jazz Ensemble , celebrate Gillespie ’ s 100th birthday with a repertoire of the famed trumpeter ’ s music . $ 15 to $ 35 ; touhill . org
Chinese Culture Days
WHAT : Alton Brown Live : Eat Your Science WHERE : The Fabulous Fox Theatre WHEN : 7:30 p . m ., Sunday , April 9 The Food Network star and best-selling author , Alton Brown , is promising “ potentially dangerous food demonstrations ” in this follow-up to the hit “ Edible Inevitable ” tour . His legions of foodie fans can expect plenty of interactive , multimedia presentations , songs , games and more . $ 40 to $ 125 ; fabulousfox . com
WHAT : Augusta Plein Air Art Festival WHERE : Various locations around Augusta and Missouri Wine Country WHEN : Various times , April 20 to 30 More than 100 artists descend on picturesque Missouri Wine Country to showcase their outdoor painting skills amid rolling hills , river bluffs , area wineries and historic sites . Now in its 15th year , the spring festival offers a true feast for the senses , with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery , sip and savor local fare , and purchase art straight from the easel . Outdoor festival is free ; admission to artist workshops , special dinners and other scheduled events available for purchase . augustapleinair . com
WHAT : Chinese Culture Days WHERE : Missouri Botanical Garden WHEN : 10 a . m . to 5 p . m ., Saturday and Sunday , April 22 and 23 Immerse yourself in ancient Chinese culture beginning with a grand parade that features a 70-foot dancing dragon . Other crowd-pleasing activities at the annual springtime festival include acrobatics , square dances , tea and cooking demonstrations , and more . $ 15 ($ 7 for garden members and children 3 to 12 ); mobot . org
Photo by Jonathan Knobelock
82 GAZELLE STL