St. Louis Music Venues

Most people agree that the performing arts are important. Music may not exactly, “make the world go round,” but it is still an important part of entertainment, movie soundtracks and life in general. The performing arts are generally viewed as an important part of any education and most people can remember a requirement to take a year or two of orchestra, choir or theater. It makes sense then, that a student tour should try and schedule some sort of venture into the performing arts world. Listening to a Beethoven Symphony or viewing a theater performance is a great way to give students an enriching experience, as well as some probably much needed down time.  If your group is planning a trip to St. Louis, consider watching a concert or seeing a show at one of these venues.

For classical music enthusiasts, plan to see a concert at Powell Symphony Hall. PSH is home to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and hosts hundreds of concert annually. Older students will love hearing classics by Mahler, Brahms and Stravinsky and for younger students consider a daytime concert, also known as Kinder Konzerts. These concerts are designed to teach children about the way music works. Typically the conductor will demonstrate a musical idea or principal and guide the students through the composition, with the orchestra performing the piece afterwards. The concerts are imaginative, interactive and a great way to introduce musical concepts.

For great musical theater try the Fox Theater. This establishment will wow you group simply by the grandeur of the architecture, but it is also one of the largest Broadway stages in America and features hundreds of performances throughout the year. The Muny is also a great place for musical theater, provided your group is visiting during the summer months. Located within Forest Park, this outdoor theater is St. Louis tradition. There are several rows of free seating too, so groups on a budget don’t have to miss out.

St. Louis has been a center for jazz for a long time. It boasts being the hometown of artists such as Miles Davis and Scott Joplin. The best way to hear good jazz in St. Louis is to visit a café, coffee house or restaurant on the Delmar Loop or in the Soulard District. A number of live performers, both locals and bigger name jazz musicians frequent their stages. For a more upscale experience, try Jazz at the Bistro; a high quality concert hall where you can also have a snack or a full dinner. Ragtime fans will also be interested in touring the house of Scott Joplin, the composer of The Entertainer and Maple Leaf Rag. Visitors will enjoy touring is house, as well as listening to a player piano play some of his famous works.

These are just a few places to see some great shows. St. Louis has an abundance of free concerts during the summer months, so if you happen to be in St. Louis at this time, check around at Forest Park or the Botanical Gardens to see what might be playing. St. Louis also has quite an underground band scene and popular artists frequent the Edward Jones Dome and the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. There is truly something for everyone in this city, so consider booking tickets to a show at any one of these venues.