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Arts & Culture for Kids

St. Louis Symphony’s Family Concerts

 

Actor Michael Boudewyns will perform in The Life and Times of Beethoven concert on September 29 at 3 pm.
Actor Michael Boudewyns will perform in The Life and Times of Beethoven concert on September 29 at 3 pm.

Looking for fun and child friendly live classical music performances, a world famous orchestra, and a child’s ticket price that starts at $8? Are you a newbie to classical music and want to explore the genre in a more relaxed setting?

Here’s the perfect opportunity!

The St. Louis Symphony kicks off its 2013-2014 Family Concert Series on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at 3 pm with The Life and Times of Beethoven–a creative look at the composer’s life, his powerful music, and his iconic Fifth Symphony. The 45 minute concert, geared for 5 to 10 year old children and their families, features the St. Louis Symphony’s new Resident Conductor Steven Jarvi and actor Michael Boudewyns (co-founder of the storytelling group, Really Inventive Stuff). In addition to marveling in Beethoven’s music, audience members can learn how the composer channeled his life’s hardships into musical works of genius.

Be sure to arrive a little early before the performance to enjoy the Instrument Playground. Staffed by friendly Symphony volunteers, the Instrument Playground offers kids a chance to try out different instruments from each of the music families. 

More upcoming St. Louis Symphony Family Concerts

SymphonySLAM: Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 3 pm
Join Music Director David Robertson and the St. Louis Symphony as they explore the connection between visual art and music. During the concert, images of some of the St. Louis Art Museum’s best-loved and most recognizable treasures will be paired with music from Bartók and Britten.

Peter and the Wolf: Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 3 pm
Prokofiev’s piece gets an on-stage twist, as performers from STAGES St. Louis will join the St. Louis Symphony to act out this family favorite.

Choose Your Symphonic Adventure: Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 3 pm
This interactive journey through the history of classical music will let the audience pick the program! The concert will feature iconic works from Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, and many more.

Ticket Information

Tickets to the Family Concerts are $8 to $11 for children and $12 to $19 for adults. Call 314.534.1700, purchase tickets online, or visit the box office at 718 North Grand Boulevard. Discounted season subscriptions to all four concerts in the Family Concerts Series are still available by calling 314.534.1700.

 

 

 

Arts & Culture for Kids

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis: a children’s opera

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis brings the magic of opera to children ages 5 – 14 with The Very Last Green Thing at the Touhill Performing Arts Center

Free Public Dress Rehearsal: October 19
School Day Matinees: October 21 through 25
Two Public Performances: October 26

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis continues its long-term commitment to inspiring the next generation of opera-goers with the production of The Very Last Green Thing, a young people’s opera by Cary John Franklin and Michael Patrick Albano. Originally commissioned by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 1992, The Very Last Green Thing is an environmental fable set 400 years in the future. The 35 minute production will be conducted by Vince Lee and is directed by Doug Scholz-Carlson. The cast features 18 talented young singers (ages 9-16) from across the bi-state area, as well as former OTSL Gerdine Young Artist Daniel Brevik.

In The Very Last Green Thing, audiences journey to a classroom in the year 2413, where a group of students is raised and taught by an android. On a rare field trip “outside,” a group of students discover something completely foreign to them – the very last green thing on earth, uncovering secrets from our planet’s past. A beautiful story for young people, the production introduces both opera and ecological issues to audiences of all ages. Eighteen singers were selected through a rigorous audition process to perform the majority of the roles in the production:

Evan Adams – Grand Center Arts Academy
Hannah Belobrajdic – Edwardsville High School
Esther Davis – Francis Howell Central High School
Libby Hillerman – Our Lady of Lourdes School
Jordan Jones – Barbara Jordan Elementary School
Sydney Jones – Nipher Middle School
Lilly Kanterman – Forsyth School
Lauren Lundy – Notre Dame High School
Ellie McAvin – Edgar Road Elementary
Ifabunmi Muhammad-Ojedele – Crossroads College Preparatory School
Marissa Pineda – Grand Center Arts Academy
Alexander Pompian – Meramec School
Abigail Powers – Mehlville High School
Grace Robertson – Washington Middle School
Ellie Schwartz – Community School
Fiona Scott – Holy Cross Academy
Caden Self – Homeschool
Michelle Springer – Wydown Middle School

In keeping with the environmentally conscious themes of the opera, Opera Theatre is producing The Very Last Green Thing in a “green” manner, recycling and “up-cycling” a significant portion of the opera’s design. Set designer Scott C. Neale has imagined a world constructed in part from clear water bottles. Stacy Snyder Harris has employed similar ingenuity to the production’s costume design, as has lighting designer Joe Clapper. After the production closes in St. Louis, the sets and costumes will be re-purposed for a production at the Amarillo Opera in February of 2014, further reducing the production’s overall carbon footprint.

The Very Last Green Thing is made possible through generous support from both PNC Arts Alive and the Monsanto Fund, which also serves as the lead sponsor of Opera Theatre’s Monsanto Artists-in-Training program for high school students. The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. PNC Arts Alive is part of The PNC Foundation’s multi-year, $2 million investment in St. Louis that supports visual and performing arts groups with the goal of increasing arts access and engagement in new and innovative ways.

Tickets
As part of the American Arts Experience, Opera Theatre offers a limited block of free tickets to the production’s final orchestra dress rehearsal at the Lee Theater at the Touhill Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 3 pm. Students in grades 2-8 from across the St. Louis region will attend school day performances at 9:30 am and 11 am, Monday, October 21, 2013 through Friday, October 25, 2013. Tickets to these performances are $6 for students and teachers. Reservations for both the free orchestra dress rehearsal and the school performances can be made by phone at 314.963.4251 or via email to 251@opera-stl.org.

Two public performances will be offered Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 10 am and 11:30 am. Tickets to these performances are $10 for children and $12 for adults. Reservations for public performances can be made by phone at 314.516.4949 or online.

Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Chalk Festival in the Loop

The Delmar Loop hosts its third annual chalk festival on Saturday, August 31, 2013 (rain date is September 1) at the Chuck Berry Statue, 6555 Delmar, 9 am to 5 pm. Great for artists of any age!

Artists can register and compete in one of four categories:
* Best of The Loop Theme: The Loop was designated “One of the 10 Great Streets in America” by the American Planning Association. Capture in chalk what you love most about The Loop.

* Chalk of Fame: Choose an inductee from the St. Louis Walk of Fame and portray an important aspect of his or her life or achievements through chalk.

* Most Creative: Free your mind. Draw anything.

* Chalk Land: Chalking space for children ages 12 and under.

Entry Fees for Artists (includes all supplies)
$10 for adults (ages 18 and up)
$8 for students (ages 13-18)
$6 for children (12 and under)
Free for spectators.

Prizes
The winning artists in each category will be featured on The Loop’s website with photos of their winning artwork, artistic biographies, and links to their portfolios or personal websites. Winners will also receive cash prizes and gift certificates from a variety of Loop businesses.

Register
Register here in advance. After registration is complete, artists should print out the confirmation of payment and bring it along with them to the event check-in on Saturday, August 31, 2013 starting at 9 am, at the Chuck Berry Statue. Participants will receive chalk and designated areas where they can get their chalk on! Be sure to arrive in time to complete your masterpiece. Judging is 5 to 6 pm. You can also register in person the day of the event.

Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Summer Arts & Crafts at the Sheldon Art Galleries

The Sheldon Art Galleries presents “Summer Fun for the Kids!” an arts and crafts program, June 27 through August 10 (no class on Thursday, July 4), Saturdays from 11 am to 1 pm and Thursdays from 1 to 3 pm. The art activities take place in the Sheldon’s Children’s Gallery. There is a $3 suggested donation per child. Art projects for children include creating paper plate clown masks, metallic masks with feathers, paper and clothespin dolls, cloth doll dresses and costumes, personal journals, friendship/button bracelets, and more. Be sure to view the Circus Summer exhibition during your visit. The exhibition features art work by area children who were inspired by Circus Flora performances in 2012.

Summer Fun for the Kids!
Arts and Crafts Activities Schedule

Thursday, June 27, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, June 29, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm
Saturday, July 6, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm
Thursday, July 11, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, July 13, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm
Thursday, July 18, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, July 20, 2013 11 am to 1 pm
Thursday, July 25, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, July 27, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm
Thursday, August 1, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, August 3, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm
Thursday, August 8, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
Saturday, August 10, 2013, 11 am to 1 pm

Questions? Call the Sheldon Art Galleries at 314.533.9900.

Photo: Sheldon Art Galleries
Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

CAM for Kids

The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) offers families and youth engaging, approachable, and entertaining events this summer. Be sure to experience the stroller tours, play dates, summer family concert, studio workshops, or a week long summer camp. Many of these events are free, but please consider a donation to the museum or become a member.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013, 9 to 10 am: Stroller Tour
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for infants to 24 months. Informal guided tour of the exhibitions.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013, 10 to 11 am: Morning Play Date
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. Enjoy exciting artist-led activities, storytelling, toddler yoga, interactive performances, and more.

Saturday, June 15, 2013, 1 to 3 pm: Summer Family Concert
FREE for Family Level Members and children under 12.
$10 for first adult, $5 per additional adult.
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a special family concert featuring the foot-stomping musical acts Babaloo, the Boogers, and more. Plus, enjoy face painting, balloon animals, and a make-your-own “air guitar” project to take home.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013, 9 to 10 am: Stroller Tour
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for infants to 24 months. Informal guided tour of the exhibitions.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013, 10 to 11 am: Morning Play Date
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. Enjoy exciting artist-led activities, storytelling, toddler yoga, interactive performances, and more.

Sunday, July 14, 2013, 1 pm: Sunday Studio, Indigo Dyeing
$5 general, FREE for CAM members.
Recommended for ages 16 and up.
Artist Josh Faught introduces participants to dyeing with indigo. One of the most ancient natural dyes, indigo is steeped in mythologies from witchcraft to the blues. Participants are encouraged to bring in t-shirts or handkerchiefs they would like to “blue.”

Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2, 2013, 9 am to noon: Stop-Motion Madness Camp
$150 general, $75 for Family Level Members (includes supply fee)
Ages 9 through 13
Don’t miss this special week-long, half-day summer camp with artist and animator Sarah Paulsen. Learn the ins and outs of stop-motion animation, including how to create collage, claymation, and live action animation videos. Participants will complete their own short film to take home and share at the end of the week.

Sarah Paulsen has taught art and animation through the Saint Louis Art Museum, Washington University, SCOSAG, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Lewis and Clark Institute, and Columbia Public Schools. She currently teaches at Jefferson College and Marian Middle.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013, 9 to 10 am: Stroller Tour
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for infants to 24 months. Informal guided tour of the exhibitions.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013, 10 to 11 am: Morning Play Date
FREE
Complimentary refreshments. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. Enjoy exciting artist-led activities, storytelling, toddler yoga, interactive performances, and more.

Photo: CAM
Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Upcoming book sales

Celebrate the joy of reading with your children! Pick up some new, entertaining, out of print, and well-priced reads at these upcoming book sales. Note: the preview days for both of these sales mainly tend to attract book sellers.

Friends of Kirkwood Public Library Annual Book Sale, April 24-28, 2013
Olympic Oaks Shopping Center, 12145 Manchester Road, Des Peres, MO 63131
314.821.5770 x1023 or KPLFriends@kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org

Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 1 to 8 pm: $5 entry fee, Wednesday ONLY. Line tickets given out starting at 8 am.
Thursday, April 25, 2013, 9 am to 8 pm
Friday, April 26, 2013, 9 am to 8 pm
Saturday, April 27, 2013, 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday, April 28, 2013, 11 am to 5 pm, Bag Day: a bag of books for $5 (bags are provided)

Over 35,000 Books. Thousands of fiction and nonfiction books at bargain prices in a wide variety of categories. Hardcovers, paperbacks, CDs, DVDs, audio books, old/rare books. Proceeds benefit the Kirkwood Public Library. Cash and checks accepted, no credit cards.

Greater St. Louis Book Fair, April 25-28, 2013
Macy’s at West County Center
80 West County Center, St. Louis MO 63131
East Parking Garage, Lower Level
314.993.1995 or info@stlouisbookfair.org

Thursday, April 25, 2013, Preview Event, $10 General Admission, 4 to 9 pm
Friday, April 26, 2013, FREE General Admission, 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday, April 27, 2013, Shopping for persons with disabilities, 9 to 10 am
Saturday, April 27, 2013, FREE General Admission, 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday, April 28, 2013, FREE General Admission, Half-Price Day, 11 am to 6 pm

Greater St. Louis Book Fair is one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most popular charity book sales. For over 60 years, book lovers and collectors have enjoyed bargain prices on a diverse and quality selection of new, gently-used, and rare books, as well as records, CDs, DVDs, comics, and more. Fair proceeds benefit local nonprofit education and literacy programs for underserved individuals in the St. Louis region. Most items are $1 to $5 each. Cash, check, and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and Discover) accepted.


Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Community Music School Summer Programs

The Community Music School of Webster University offers a variety of excellent summer music programs for children ages birth through 18 years old. Programs include: Family Camp (early childhood music), Band, Flute, Low Brass, String Orchestra, Chamber Music Encounter, Summer Composition Intensive, and Individual Lessons. The registration deadline for June camps is May 15 and deadline for July camps is June 15. For more information, call 314.968.5939.

Music Program Application
Music Program Brochure

Family Camp: Creatures at the Ocean! For children aged birth-6 years and their caregivers. Strauss Center (in Chesterfield): 9:30 to 10:30 am. Thursdays, June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25. Webster Groves: 9:30 to 10:30 am. Tuesdays, June 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23.

Band Camp: Students entering grades 7-12 in Fall 2013. June 24-28, 9 am to 3 pm in Webster Groves.

Flute Camp: Students entering grades 7-12 in Fall 2013. June 10-14, 2 to 5 pm in Webster Groves.

Low Brass Week: Trombone, baritone/euphonium, and tuba students ages 13-18 years. June 10-14, 9 am to 3 pm in Webster Groves.

String Orchestra Camp: Violin, viola, cello, and bass students ages 7-high school. June 17-21, 9 am to noon in Webster Groves.

Chamber Music Encounter: Violin, viola, cello, and piano students through high school. June 17-21, 12:30 to 3 pm in Webster Groves.

Summer Composition Intensive: Students entering grades 7-12 in Fall 2013. July 8-19 (Monday-Friday), 9 am to 2 pm in Webster Groves.

Founded in 1925, CMS offers outstanding music education and performance opportunities to students of all ages and abilities and serves the entire St. Louis metropolitan region and beyond. Classes are available at CMS headquarters located on the Webster University campus in Webster Groves, at Faust Park in West County, and in University City. The Community Music School of Webster University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and is a certified member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

Photo: Community Music School of Webster University
Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Enjoy live music with your kids

Upcoming Music Performances for Families

Community Music School of Webster University Concerts
String Orchestra/String Ensemble Concert
Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 2 pm
535 Garden Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119
Free. Call 314.968.5939.

School Recitals
Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 2 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5 pm
535 Garden Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119
Free. Call 314.968.5939.

St. Louis Folk School Jams
Old-time Fiddle Tune & Bluegrass Jams
Saturday, January 19, 2013, noon to 3 pm
Saturday, February 2, 2013, noon to 3 pm
Saturday, February 16, 2013, noon to 3 pm
3155 Sutton Boulevard, Suite 101, Maplewood, MO 63143
Free. Call 314.781.2244.

Jug Band Jam (no experience necessary)
Sunday, January 20, 2013, 1 to 3 pm
3155 Sutton Boulevard, Suite 101, Maplewood, MO 63143
Free. Call 314.781.2244.

St. Louis Symphony Family Concert
Magical Movements: The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
DanceWorks Chicago, special guest artists
Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 3 pm
Powell Hall, 718 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63103
Tickets $12 to $17. Call 314.534.1700.

COCA Family Theatre Series: The Gruffalo, a musical
Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 2 pm and 5 pm
Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm
524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63130
Tickets $16 to $20. Call 314.725.1834, x130.

St. Louis Children’s Choirs Family and Friends Concert
Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 3 pm
Washington University, 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Avenue, University City, MO 63130
Tickets go on sale February 4, 2013. $10 adults, Free for ages 5 to 18. Call 314.993.9626.

St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra Concert
Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 3 pm
Powell Hall, 718 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63103
Tickets are free, but there is a $1 per ticket service fee. Call 314.534.1700.

St. Louis Symphony Family Concert
The Remarkable Farkle McBride
Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 3 pm
Powell Hall, 718 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63103
Tickets $12 to $17. Call 314.534.1700.

Rue Lafayette, café
Live swing, hot jazz, and Django Reinhardt inspired music with The Sidemen, Miss Jubilee, Phantz Jango, and more, Saturday and Sundays, 11 am to 2 pm
2026 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104
FREE performance, but be sure to buy a delicious chocolate croissant and coffee. Call 314.772.2233.

Photo: St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, Sarah Carmody
Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids, Holidays, Music for your child (that isn't annoying)

Miss Jubilee & the Humdingers on Metrolink

Do your kids love trains and good music? The hot jazz and swing happy sounds of Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers will entertain holiday Metrolink riders Saturday, December 15, 2012 from 1:22 to 3:21 pm on the Red Line. The route begins at the Fairview Heights station in Illinois, travels to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, and returns to Fairview Heights. Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers will be performing swing music, blues, and holiday favorites. The concert is free with a valid Metrolink ticket.

Listen (and dance around the room) to Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers before you go!

Detailed scheduled station stops

Metrolink map

Missouri System map

Fare information

Photo: Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers