By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Arts Editor
What’s New In The St. Louis ART SCENE for 2015?
Maybe it happened to you over the holidays: you were at a party and someone asked you, “So, what’s new?” And maybe your response was, “Oh, not much. Same old-same old, you know.”
Right. It happens to everyone.
That is exactly the initiative that caused Anne Murphy and Jane Langa to found MindFest, “niche classes, unique and quirky, fun classes definitely outside the box for the intellectually-curious adult.” Are you intrigued yet? Read on!
Personally, I’ve always used the month of January to take a class or two, just to jump start the year with fresh ideas or to try something new. MindFest offers classes on art, food, life+style, music, pop culture, St. Louis Gems, tech-savvy, and worldwise. Being busy women themselves, Anne and Jane immediately recognized the fact that everyone is pressed for time these days. A semester-long class is attractive but often just not possible to fit into hectic schedules. But a one-night, hour-and-a-half seminar, led by entertaining experts in each field? That’s a different story!
Said Anne, “When Jane and I met, we found we shared a passion for the curious and quirky. The more we talked, the more inspired we were by the interesting-ness of life. We founded MindFest to bring people together to share knowledge and have fun.”
The classes start on Wednesday, January 7 (what else are you doing on a Wednesday evening anyway?!), at The Novel Neighbor bookstore, 7905 Big Bend, as well as at subject-appropriate locations. Reasonably-priced at $20 per class, register for one or for multiples (save $10). Classes are informal, informative, and capped at just 20 students, so you can ask lots of questions. Upcoming topics include Be Selfie-Savvy, Exploring Jazz, How to Choose Your Handheld Devices, Philosophy & the Art of Living. Check it out a www.mindfeststl.com. I’ll see you in a class or two!
While January may be a month of frosty cold temperatures, leave it to Dance St. Louis to heat things up On January 30 and 31, “Song of Eva Peron” is presented by Tango Buenos Aires at the Touhill Performing Arts Center, on the UMSL campus.
“Song of Eva Perón” traces Perón’s epic life—from her ascent to fame in the 1930s to her death in 1952. Starting from nothing but propelled by the influence of the Tango, which she first heard while growing up in the slums of Buenos Aires, Eva attained stardom and bloomed to be Argentina‘s First Lady. Her story brought her worldwide acclaim and still resonates with her millions of admirers. Sparkling and poignant, “Song of Eva Perón” highlights the flowering of a humble and beautiful woman. It’s the tale of a larger-than-life figure put into traditional Tango dance and music from Buenos Aires. The passionate performance will enthrall you as the dancers flawlessly execute the Tango with impressive, intricate muscular grace and interlacing movements.
The Washington Post describes Tango Buenos Aires style as “…repeatedly crafted swirling, fast-paced tapestries of movement, laced with proud postures and sensual couplings.” The Lincoln Journal Star states, “Fast and furious, the dancers’ feet and legs flashed and wove in and around each other, or paused to move slowly and seductively, stretching the tension within the dance.” The Ruidoso News describes Tango Buenos Aires as “Sometimes playful, sometimes dramatic, and always sensuous, the closely entwined bodies and limbs moved with amazing speed through deftly engineered movements, including frequent dips, deep slides, energetic foot stomps and ballet-like turns.” The Healthy Planet says, “Just go see it!”
Check out ticket details at www.dancestl.org.
Who says the gift-giving season is over? The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis has partnered with five other St. Louis area music organizations to offer the Concert Pass Collaborative (CPC) program to area students. For just a $15 annual fee, students with a valid student ID can purchase the pass which will admit them to any event produced by the six participating organizations displaying the CPC icon as long as there is a seat available. More than just a student discount program, Concert Pass Collaborative gives the pass holder opportunities to attend a wide variety of musical events. Such a deal! Participating organizations of the Concert Pass Collaborative are Chamber Music Society of St. Louis, The Sheldon Classic Concerts, St. Louis Classical Guitar Society, Chamber Project St. Louis, St. Louis Women’s Hope Chorale, and Saint Louis Chamber Chorus. Student budgets can be so very limited, but this is a great opportunity for them to take in the best in St. Louis’ cultural scene. Spread the word!
ArtFul Happenings can be viewed at www.thehealthyplanet.com