Upcoming events

Widely regarded as one of the foremost songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang what has been called contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs. Since the release of her self-titled, critically acclaimed 1985 debut album, she has given sold-out concerts in many of the world’s best-known venues. Known for performances that convey deep emotion, Vega’s distinctive, “clear, unwavering voice” (Rolling Stone) has been described as “a cool, dry sandpaper-brushed near-whisper” by The Washington Post, with NPR Music noting that she “has been making vital, inventive music” throughout the course of her decades-long career.

Bearing the stamp of a masterful storyteller who “observes the world with a clinically poetic eye” (The New York Times), Vega’s songs have tended to focus on city life, ordinary people and real-world subjects. Notably succinct and understated, her work is immediately recognizable—as utterly distinct and thoughtful as it was when her voice was first heard on the radio over 30 years ago.

Suzanne Vega will be joined on stage by her longtime guitarist, Gerry Leonard, performing a career-spanning show including favorites like Tom’s Diner, Luka, and more!

For more information, https://www.thesheldon.org/events/an-evening-with-suzanne-vega/

A Focal Point favorite returning for his 4th appearance!  

Sam Robbins is often described as an “old soul singer songwriter.” A Nashville based musician whose music evokes classic 70’s singer songwriters like James Taylor and Neil Young, Sam adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona. An avid performer, he has gained recognition from extensive touring and as one of the six 2021 winners in the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition, one of the largest and most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country.

Sam released his debut album, Finally Feeling Young, on May 14th, 2021. The album is reminiscent of his 70’s singer-songwriter heroes, with a modern perspective. On the heels of the award winning opening single, “Remind Me”, Finally Feeling Young has already garnered radio airplay and critical acclaim. Two album tracks, Remind Me and Saying Amen, won him a place as one of the six Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk winners. Americana Highways writes: “He writes of subjects that others don’t explore. Saying Amen has Robbins touching that special place Leonard Cohen went. This is brilliance.” Fateau Magazine in the UK writes “One of the most promising new songwriters of his generation”.

A multi-instrumentalist from a young age, Sam began learning drums and piano, falling in love with guitar at age 13. He then started writing original music, recording his first CD during his sophomore year of high school, while playing open mics in his hometown of Portsmouth, NH.  

Over his career, Sam has performed countless shows across the country, in theaters, house concerts, biker bars, weddings, proposals, frat parties, and everything in between. Sam is able to tour full time, and feels at home in both intimate listening rooms and larger venues. Wherever he is performing, Sam builds an intimate, easy connection with the listener, naturally creating a feeling of closeness throughout the performance.

Sam is a full time troubadour, playing over 150 shows a year across the country, including the MainStage at the Kerrville Folk Festival, the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, and as one of the “‘Most Wanted to Return” artists in the 2023 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.

Since moving to Nashville in September 2019 following his graduation from Berklee College of Music, Sam has made a splash in music city – performing at the Bluebird Cafe within a month of moving, and sitting in again at the legendary venue with Liz Longley in February, and was a winner at the Eddie’s Attic Songwriter’s shootout competition in Atlanta in early March 2020.

In 2018, Sam was able to audition on NBC’s The Voice for Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and Jennifer Hudson as the first artist to perform a Jim Croce song on the show.  

Sam considers himself a student of songwriting, constantly searching and learning about why songs have the impact they do. A 2019 graduate of Berklee College of Music’s songwriting department, he has hosted many songwriting workshops and masterclasses, including at the Harvard Music Department and the Boys & Girls Club of Boston. In his performances and workshops, Sam explores the magic behind the craft of songwriting, and tries to help others express themselves through the unique and powerful medium of songwriting.

For more information, https://square.link/u/iO9KabKg

The spirit of Sona Jobarteh’s musical work stands on the mighty shoulders of The West African Griot Tradition; she is a living archive of the Gambian people. With one ear on the family’s historic reputation, one on the all-important future legacy and her heart in both places, she is preparing a place today for the next generation. Her singing and Kora playing while fronting her band, spring directly from this tradition.

For more information, https://www.thesheldon.org/events/sona-jobarteh/

Memphis based artists, Amy LaVere and Will Sexton have been music collaborators and touring companions for 11 years.  The quality of their craft, the miles traveled and their original catalog is ever growing. LaVere’s storytelling and songwriting is barbed and sharp, a delightful contrast to her sweet soprano vocals and smooth upright bass playing. The dark and charming writer has released seven solo recordings and has collaborated with many other artists. Her latest project is slated for release in April of 2025 and she’s currently working on her first novel, a work of ‘near fiction’ she calls it.

Over the past three decades, Will Sexton has grown into a skilled musical polymath: an esteemed writer, producer, session player and solo artist with a string of acclaimed LPs to his credit. Sexton’s seasoned guitar playing and velvet vocals are a superb fit to LaVere’s distinctive talent. Amy and Will are among the finest musical craftsmen and performers in the Americana genre. Their spellbinding show is incomparable, something you must see for yourself.

For tickets & more information: checkout.square.site/buy/

Musician and educator Harvey Lockhart hosts the Kranzberg Jazz Jam every first Thursday of the month at the Lewis and Clark Branch.

Each jam will feature a performance by some of St. Louis' finest jazz musicians, along with the opportunity for local musicians from the community to participate.

Local musicians should bring their instruments. Keyboard and drums will be provided.

All ages, FREE event!

There is no need to register. Simply come to Lewis & Clark Branch at event time.

For more information: slcl.events.mylibrary.digital/event

It’s that magical time again – when a handful of comedians gather to question their life choices and pretend you're not scrolling on your phone during their set. Join us on December 7th at 8pm for a night of laughter (or at least audible exhaling through your nose).

We've got Alex Hayes, who swears he's funny; Harley Bushdieker, bringing laughs with a side of existential dread; Mollie Amburgey Day, who’s made peace with the fact that her life is your entertainment; and Eric Reussler, who once almost made his mom laugh.

Come for the jokes, stay because you’re already sitting down. See you there!

For more information: facebook.com/events/

Enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries at 9 a.m.!

Born in St. Louis, Dwayne and Dwight Bosman‘s passion for jazz started at an early age, performing professionally as The Bosman Twins by age 14. Over the years, they have shared their love of music and the stage with entertainment legends Freddie Cole, Branford Marsalis, Fontella Bass, and the late trumpeter, Lester Bowie. Whether performing with their own band or accompanying other notable jazz professionals, their unique style and renditions of jazz, rhythm and blues, funk and gospel have earned them national and international acclaim.

For more information, https://www.thesheldon.org/events/the-bosman-twins/

Steve's Hot Dogs Hosts Hyaahs & Hahas Comedy Showcase Every Third Thursday from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.

For more information, https://cli.re/85343-hyaahs--hahas-comedy-showcase

Martin Sexton puts his signature style on his rendition of this iconic Beatles album combining what Rolling Stone calls his “soul-marinated voice” with his inventive guitar prowess. We are all invited to “come together“ to experience these brilliant songs celebrated in a compelling, reimagined way. Headlining venues from The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall, Martin Sexton has influenced a generation of contemporary artists. Sexton’s stated mission continues to be unity through music with a commitment to sharing peace and harmony through song.

For more information, https://www.thesheldon.org/events/the-martin-sexton-abbey-road-show/

Enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries at 9 a.m.!

Pianist and composer Adam Maness leads his new dynamic modern string orchestra Pop! Pop! Pop! as they return to The Sheldon as part of The Sheldon’s Coffee Concert series. Mixing lush orchestration with modern arranging techniques, Pop! Pop! Pop! aims to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the popular song. This joyful collection of musicians never stops seeking out new ways of exploring the timeless songs that make up their shared musical identity.

For more information, https://www.thesheldon.org/events/pop-pop-pop/

Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition - May 12-13, 2025 - Chicago, IL

For more information, https://digimarconmidwest.com

Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Darrell Scott mines and cultivates the everyday moment, taking the rote, menial, mundane, and allowing it to be surreal, ever poignant, and candidly honest, lilting, blooming, and resonating. The words he fosters allow us to make sense of the world, what is at stake here, and our place in it. And ultimately, Darrell knows the sole truth of life is that love is all that matters, that we don’t always get it right, but that’s the instinctive and requisite circuitous allure of things, why we forever chase it, and why it is held sacred.

Darrell Scott comes from a musical family with a father who had him smitten with guitars by the age of 4, alongside a brother who played Jerry Reed style as well. From there, things only ramped up with literature and poetry endeavors while a student at Tufts University, along with playing his way through life. This would never change.

After recently touring with Robert Plant and the Zac Brown Band (2 years with each), and producing albums for Malcolm Holcombe and Guy Clark and being named “Songwriter of the Year” for both ASCAP and NSAI, these days find him roaming his Tennessee wilderness acreage hiking along the small river, creating delicious meals with food raised on his property and playing music. He often leads songwriting workshops to help people tell their own truths with their stories, and is as busy as always writing, producing, performing, and just plain fully immersing himself in life.

For tickets & more information: checkout.square.site/buy/