By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Art work: Pilobolus, presented by Dance St. Louis at the Touhill
Here at The Healthy Planet, as a printed magazine, we go to press early— it’s still October as I write this. But, as you read this, elections may be over. Whatever the outcome, we can probably all agree that electioneering has drained us. So, allow the ARTS to refresh you this month:
Experience the ARTS at COCA this month, starting with a Family Film Night: crafts activities plus a screening of Disney’s Encanto, 6:30-8 p.m. on November 1. COCA’s pre-professional Improve Troupe provides plenty of laughs in COCA Ignites, November 16, 7-8 p.m.
Off The Record is a series of Gouache paintings by Kerry Smith featuring iconic record label and album art in COCA’s Millstone Gallery, through December 10. All at 6880 Washington. www.cocastl.org
Take the entire family to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos at Coco in Concert, presented with live musical score by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, November 2-3 (7 and 2 p.m. respectively) at Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market. Mozart’s Requiem is performed at the Stifel Theatre, November 9-10. A free Community Concert with SLSO brass musicians commemorates Veterans Day at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, November 11. On November 22 and 24, SLSO performs Sibelius’ Fifth: Edge of Heaven at the Touhill (10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively). www.slso.org
Art St. Louis 40, The Exhibition marks the 40th juried exhibition for the organization, at their new Gallery, 2801 Locust Street. Running November 2-December 19, the show is non-thematic but juried, with a reception November 9, 5-7 p.m. www.artstlouis.org
The Sheldon, 3648 Washington, welcomes my fav Elsie Parker and the Poor People of Paris for a coffee concert, 10 a.m. on November 5 and 6 at 3648 Washington. Sharing the stage for an evening of song on November 7 are Patti Griffin, Hayes Carll and Lori McKenna.
Through January 18, the Sheldon Galleries present the following exhibitions: Kendra Ward: There is No Home; Stephen Signa-Aviles: (N)either This (Nor) That; Brigham Dimick: Private and Collective Spaces; Jo Stealey: Reverie. 7,000 square feet of awesome art!
And here’s an important heads-up to get tickets now for December 3 when iconic Mavis Staples performs. She is both a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, legendary civil rights activist, Kennedy Center honoree—and so much more. www.thesheldon.org
Green Door Art Gallery, 21 N. Gore, presents Mary & Breit, a holiday exhibition of art by beloved Mary Englebreit. The exhibition runs November 6-December 29. It’s merry and bright!
Running simultaneously through December 28 is Naturally Abstract, varied works by four artists, with a reception on November 15, 5-8 p.m. www.greendoorartgallery.com
The Second Annual Webster Arts Member’s Showcase opens November 8-27, with an Opening Reception November 12, 6-7:30 p.m. View the multi-media exhibition at Webster Arts Gallery, 2 Summit Avenue. You can also find namaste there with Yoga in the Gallery, each Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. www.webster-arts.org
Dance St. Louis kicks off its 59th season in impressive style when Pilobolus takes the stage at the Touhill for one 7:30 p.m. performance, entitled reCreation. “Step into a realm where imagination knows no limits” on November 9. This world-renowned dance company encapsulates its 53-year history in a show promising to leave its audience breathless. www.dancestlouis.org
Remember the fun of seeing retail windows dressed for the holidays? Well, even if you don’t, stroll the Delmar Maker District (between Union and Kingshighway) for the First Annual Holiday Window Display, November 15-January 3. And YOU get to vote for the best display! www.delmarmakerdistrict.org
The Vienna Boys Choir returns to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell, to sing a Holiday Concert, November 15, 7:30 p.m. Perfect to start to the winter holiday season. www.cathedralconcerts.org
Experience flamenco by classical guitarist Adam del Monte, 7:30 p.m. on November 16, presented by St. Louis Classical Guitar Society at Salem United Methodist Church, 1200 S. Lindbergh. www.stlclassicalguitar.org
Karlovsky & Company Dance performs Playful Pairings, November 24 at .Zack, 3224 Locust. Described as “collaborations in movement, music, taste and space,” Pairings presents a bite-size performance perfect for children at 4 p.m., with general admission at 6:30 and 6:45 (staggered start times). Tickets include performance, cocktails/mocktails, kid-friendly bites and culinary treats. www.karlovskydance.org
Snag tickets to St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s Christmas Carol: The Remix, November 26-December 22. It’s a hip-hop version of the classic tale, with a little reggae and rock thrown in, performed at .Zack Theatre, 3224 Locust. Gonna love it! www.stlshakes.org