All Entries Tagged With: "Touhill Performing Arts Center"
Renowned journalist Lisa Ling speaking @ UMSL
As far as journalism careers go, it’s hard to top Lisa Ling’s. Nabbing her first reporting job while still in high school, Ling was just 21 when she became a war correspondent for Channel One News, working in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Back in the states, she was selected by Barbara Walters as a co-host on The View, but left after three years to become the first female host of National Geographic Explorer, where she was able to cover a wide range of hot-button topics around the world, including Colombian drug wars and the repressive culture of North Korea. Not long after, she landed a prime gig with Oprah Winfrey.
As a special investigative reporter for the Oprah Show, Ling often tackled difficult subjects that received little attention in the mainstream press, from Pennsylvania puppy mills and AIDS orphans in Uganda to bride burning in India and even gang rape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She parlayed this experience into a similar job for CNN, where she covered elephant poaching in Chad and illegal shark fishing in Costa Rica for the award-winning documentary Planet in Peril.
The author of two books, including one with her journalist sister, Laura, who was briefly imprisoned in North Korea until Bill Clinton intervened, Ling currently produces her own show, Our America, on Oprah’s OWN Network and frequently lectures at colleges across the country.
She will be speaking at UMSL on March 13, in a one-night event at the Touhill. During her presentation, “Open Heart, Open Mind,” Ling will share some of her most compelling stories and dramatic video clips, discussing how she uses her role as a journalist to foster positive social change. She will also talk about the importance of having an open heart and mind, encouraging audience members to cultivate a global perspective and become more engaged in the world around them.
Tickets to this intriguing lecture are $15, or $5 for UMSL students. Lisa Ling: Open Heart, Open Mind is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13, 7pm at the Touhill, 1 University Blvd, 63121. For more info, call (314) 516-4949.
Got fun? There’s lots to do in NoCo this weekend…
Inspired by "cycle-in cinemas" that are popping up all over England, Live Well Ferguson is hosting its own bike-in movie this Friday night. Photo: magnificentrevolution.org
Let’s all cross our fingers for some gorgeous autumn weather, because this weekend is jam-packed with fun events. Which one sounds good to you?
Cycling Cinema – October 21, 6:30 – 9pm
Ride your bike to an outdoor movie at Live Well Ferguson’s first ever Cycling Cinema. Admission is free. Non-glass containers are welcome. And food will be available for purchase. Legally, I can’t tell you what the movie is, but if you’re looking to “break away” for a few hours, this little shindig across from the Ferguson Brewhouse is sure to offer a good time. Plaza at 501, 501 S. Florissant, 63135
St. Ann Garage Sale – October 22: 8am – 2pm, October 23: 9am – 1pm
An annual tradition for ten years, the St. Ann Garage Sale in Normandy is a two-day junkers’ delight where you’ll find clothing, furniture, toys and all kids of gently used goodies. Proceeds benefit St. Ann School and the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. Prices are half-off on Sunday. You can also fill a bag for $1 after noon. St. Ann Parish Center, 7530 Natural Bridge, 63121
Arts for Life Musical Revue – October 22: 2pm & 7:30pm, October 23: 2pm
As you’ve probably noticed, there are quite a few people in North County who still haven’t fully recovered from the April tornado. The nonprofit group Arts for Life noticed this too and decided to host a benefit show, with all proceeds going to help tornado survivors in NoCo and Joplin. The performance, entitled “Love Lift Us Up,” will feature 25 songs and more than 100 singers, dancers, actors and musicians. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Bayless High School (in South County), 4530 Weber Rd, 63123
Ferguson Farmers Market – October 22, 8am – noon
There are only two Saturdays left in the market’s 2011 outdoor season, so don’t miss your chance to shop! The Northern Arts Council will be on hand from 9-11am with pumpkin decorating for kids. You can also get your bicycle cleaned and checked for safety from 8-12, and enjoy live music from the always entertaining Boeing Jazz Band (9-11am). 20 S. Florissant Rd, 63135
Trinity Treasures Dinner Auction – October 22, 5:30pm
If you’re an alum of Rosary/Trinity High School in Spanish Lake, here’s your opportunity to show your support. The school is hosting its largest fundraiser of the year this Saturday – a dinner auction just bursting with things to buy! There will be silent and live auctions, raffles and an open bar. The cost is $50 including dinner. To make a reservation, call Dan Grumich at 314-741-1333, ext: 223. 1720 Redman Rd, 63138
Variety Children’s Theatre: The Wizard of Oz – Oct0ber 21: 10am & 7:30pm, October 22: 1:30 & 7pm, October 23: 1:30pm
The magical land of Oz comes to life this weekend at the Touhill, featuring 17 local children who all happen to have a physical disability. This is the third annual show put on by the Variety Children’s Theatre, which seeks to showcase kids of all abilities, and it looks to be a real heart-warmer. Tickets range from $15 to $35 and you can purchase them on the Touhill’s website. Show up in a Wizard of Oz costume and you’ll get a free scoop of ice cream! 1 University Blvd, 63121
St. Louis Storytelling Festival kicks off May 4
Tennessee storyteller Kenny Tedford, who is deaf, will be one of several featured performers at the 32nd annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival this week.
It’s easy to forget in our world of rapid communication and 24/7 technology, but once upon a time, storytelling was a very big deal. More than just a form of entertainment or a way to understand the trials of life, to many ancient cultures, it was literally the thread of wisdom connecting one generation to another. That’s why I think it’s pretty cool that St. Louis is about to host its 32nd annual storytelling festival, with dozens of regional and national storytellers coming together to celebrate this age-old art form.
Running May 4-7 at sites all over the metro area, the St. Louis Storytelling Festival is actually based here in North County, at UMSL, where the Touhill will serve as the location of the festival’s grand finale performance. Headliners include nationally known storytellers Kenny Tedford, Joseph & Jessie Bruchac, Marilyn Kinsella, Lyn Ford, Randel McGee, Motoko Dworkin and Kathy Schottel. Among the regional storytellers, NoCo is represented by Carole Shelton of Ferguson and Nina Wilson of St. Ann.
If you visit the festival website, you can find the full schedule of performances, some of which are even in St. Charles County. In the mean time, here’s what’s happening in our neck of the woods:
Storytelling for Children
grades K-4, featuring Shaaron Peters & Sandi Sylver
May 4, 2-3pm
Natural Bridge branch library, 7606 Natural Bridge Road, 63121
Travel Around the World Through Story
grades 1-3, featuring Bobby Norfolk
May 5, 10-11am
Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd, 63121
Folk Tales from Around the World
grades 3-5, featuring Bobby Norfolk
May 5, 11:30am-12:30pm
Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd, 63121
Native Tricksters & Changer Stories
grades 5-7, featuring Joe & Jessie Bruchac
May 6, 10-11am
Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd, 63121
Native Tricksters & Changer Stories
grades 6-8, featuring Joe & Jessie Bruchac
May 6, 11:30am-12:30pm
Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd, 63121
Storytelling for Children
grades K-4, featuring Jeanne Crews & Carole Shelton
May 6, 12:30-1:30pm
Florissant Valley branch library, 195 New Florissant Road, 63031
Saturday Night Storytelling Concert
featuring all eight of the headline performers
May 7, 7:30pm
Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd, 63121
Admission to the St. Louis Storytelling Festival is free and open to all. Get your tickets here. For more information, call (314) 516-6590.
Guy Fieri brings some sizzle to the Touhill
You can hardly flip through the channels these days and not find something with Guy Fieri. The Food Network reality star known for his spiky hair and bold personality has become one of the most recognizable chefs in America, appearing in commercials and headlining no fewer than four TV shows, including Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and the game show Minute to Win It on NBC.
The co-owner of five popular restaurants in northern California, Fieri began his food career at the age of ten, selling soft pretzels off the back of a bicycle. Today he’s reaching a much wider audience, hosting his second cross-country food tour in as many years. On May 29, it comes to the Touhill.
Described as a cross between “a live cooking show, a variety revue and a rock concert,” the tour sold out in 21 cities last year and received rave reviews. High-energy and packed with fun surprises, it features Fieri in his full, unscripted glory and also includes some audience participation….if you’re willing to fork over the extra dough.
Standard admission is $35 or $55, but if you want a chance to meet Fieri, you’ll need to choose between two VIP packages. The “Off Da Hook” package, for ages 21 and up, is $250 and includes onstage seating, a pre-show meet and greet, a copy of Guy Fieri Food and a chance to sample Fieri’s cooking. The “Kulinary Krew” package is $150 and includes all of the above, except the food sampling.
For tickets and more info, visit Touhill.org or call (314) 516-4949. The Guy Fieri Food Tour will take place Sunday, May 29, 8pm, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd, 63121.
Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K