As we head into summer’s heat, the St. Louis art scene is not cooling down one bit. There’s so much to do here in the summer. I hope you’ve had a chance to attend one of the many summer concerts in our area. It’s just good old-fashioned fun to pack a picnic dinner, park yourself in a lawn chair, and relax at a live concert in one of our local parks. Some of my favorite memories as a child remain those summer concerts. With popsicles dripping down our chins, my neighborhood friends and I learned to hum classical tunes performed in Francis Park. Those early experiences certainly help form my musical tastes.

Speaking of great music, the St. Louis Symphony reports that its Casual Classics series was an overwhelming success. We St. Louisans love our shorts and flip-flops along with summertime concerts, so the opportunity to experience SLSO in a relaxed atmosphere was a hit, attracting many who have never before attended Powell Hall. In fact, the four concerts drew over 6,300 attendees, exceeding revenue expectations by 36%! Said Fred Bronstein, President and Executive Director of SLSO, "We want to build on this success by making Powell Hall the place to be, where there is something for everyone.” Plans for the 2008-09 calendar include Lord of the Rings Symphony, showings of “The Wizard of Oz” with live orchestra accompaniment and even Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

Perhaps your musical interests lean more toward rock. If you’re a fan of KISS, you may want to trek over to West County Mall’s Wentworth Gallery on August 1 and 2. Paul Stanley, main songwriter and the “voice” of the band, was actually an art major who feels equally comfortable with a microphone or a paintbrush in his hand. See his portraits and abstracts when you meet him in person at a special exhibition. Check out www.wentworthgallery.com to learn more.

The Sheldon offers single tickets for its upcoming 2008-2009 season beginning on August 9 at 10 a.m. Scheduled performances include the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Dave Holland, the Chapin Family, Doc Watson, David Halen, Gaelic Storm, David Grisman and John Sebastian, Flying Karamozov Brothers, Chris Thile, Jim Brickman and Mariza. The Sheldon is truly St. Louis’ most intimate setting to experience the best in jazz, folk, classical and family concerts. An evening at The Sheldon just can’t be topped, especially with this list of musical legends. Visit www.TheSheldon.org for more info.

While you’re in that area of St. Louis, The Front Room is a new space at The Contemporary Art Museum on Washington. It’s a different sort of art gallery, “designed for more reactive, nimble, and experimental exhibitions which may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.” Visit it often, as exhibits change frequently. Please remember that other exhibitions at The Contemporary close on August 3 to prepare for the opening of fall exhibitions on September 12.

Looking for something to do and love the visual arts? On August 1, from 6-10, ArtDimensions and the St. Louis Artists’ Guild team up to present St. Louis ArtD Tours. Ride a bus for free, or pay $10 in advance ($15 on the night of the tour) for an air-conditioned shuttle, and select your preferred route: Route A , available from 6-9 p.m., will take you by the St. Louis Art Museum, Craft Alliance Gallery, Componere, Hoffman-LaChance Gallery, St. Louis Artists’ Guild, Gateway Gallery and Regional Arts Commission Gallery. Route B, which runs 7-10 p.m., includes The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, Sheldon Art Galleries, St. Louis University Museum of Art, PSTL Window Gallery & Pace Framing, and ArtDimensions Gallery. Park at the St. Louis Art Museum where both these tours begin. Visit www.artdimensions.org for more details. It’s an innovative way to visit ARTful spots that may be new to you. Bring some friends along for even more fun.

Marbles Yoga Studio and Gallery may sound like an unlikely combination. Located in Lafayette Square, the floor is workout space for yoga enthusiasts while the walls provide a place for up-and-coming local artists to showcase their work. It’s a delightful stop when strolling the lively and lovely restored Square – perfect for a summer evening.

Mark your calendar now for September 27 when “Dancing in the Streets” leaps, spins, and swings at Grand Center for the second year. In 2007, the inaugural event sounded interesting so I attended, with the intention of just stopping by briefly. I stayed…until the very end, and wished it wouldn’t end even then! It was a superb celebration of artistic movement and I’ve waited a long year to experience it again. You won’t want to miss it.