There’s still time to explore St. Louis and take in one of the many shows that our city has to offer.
On any given week there are 300 bands playing live music at one of the many venues in town. In April, we paid tribute to our blues heritage with the opening of the National Blues Museum. St. Louis is a music destination for everyone, and this summer is no different when it comes to musical offerings.
The Muny’s 2016 production of “Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida” will conclude the 98th season at America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. Once again, The Muny has cast another multi-talented performer to build on their national reputation for providing world-class entertainment under the stars in Forest Park.
“Aida” will star Grammy award winner Michelle Williams as the Ethiopian princess in the title role. Williams is known for being a member of the internationally renowned recording group Destiny’s Child, but has also excelled in the musical theatre realm. She first starred in the role of Aida in 2003 on Broadway for the production’s original run. In addition, she has appeared in national tours including “The Color Purple” and “Chicago.”
“Aida” is a powerful and dramatic love story featuring amazing choreography and lyrics by Tim Rice, who wrote music for “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The music in this production is a mix of contemporary rock & roll, gospel, soul and rhythm and blues. Aida is the evocative tale of a forbidden love affair between people from two different worlds. Before the Muny season ends we invite you to see “Aida” at The Muny, August 8-14.
Another event you shouldn’t miss is The Festival of Nations August 27 and 28 in Tower Grove Park. Festival of Nations celebrates diverse cultures with ethnic foods, music, dance, entertainment, arts and crafts, and gifts from around the world.
On Labor Day weekend (September 3-4), listen to the sounds of The Big Muddy Blues Festival on Laclede’s Landing. This festival features over 18 hours of live music that all derived from the blues including soul, R&B, rockabilly, gospel and jazz.
Now in its seventh year, Loufest will take place in Forest Park on September 10-11. The 2016 LouFest lineup includes LCD Soundsystem, Chris Stapleton, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Band of Horses, Big Gigantic, The Kills, Buddy Guy, Shakey Graves, and many more of the best global entertainers all set to rock the stage in Forest Park.
And last, but certainly not least, see the queen bee live when she performs in St. Louis. Whether you’re a member of The Beyhive or not you’ll want to get in formation when Beyoncé brings The Formation World Tour to The Dome at America’s Center on September 10. The set list features all of your favorite songs from her latest album Lemonade, as well as many more great hits from previous records and the days of Destiny’s Child.
For more ways to celebrate before the summer season comes to a close, be sure to visit www.explorestlouis.com.
