Folks, I’m in a pretty good mood. It’s another beautiful day, I didn’t injure myself during the first kickball weekend of the year (knocks on wood), and there’s an exciting week of things to do ahead, including several book talks across the worlds of art, fiction, and journalism. I hope you find something below that fits your interests. It’s also been a while since I shared some of what I’ve personally been enjoying, so I've decided to include a few recommendations that I hope bring some joy to your week, as well. As always, thanks for subscribing, and feel free to reply to this email with your thoughts, ideas, and questions. Until next time!
KNOW SOMEONE WHO'D ENJOY THIS EMAIL? DIRECT THEM HERE TO SIGN UP.
The Last American Road Trip/Sarah Kendzior. Courtesy of Flatiron Books/Photography by Kevin A. Roberts.
A conversation with The Last American Roadtrip author Sarah Kendzior
The St. Louis–based journalist will discuss her most recent book at the University City Public Library on April 15.
In 2018, St. Louis author and researcher Sarah Kendzior published her bestselling first book, The View from Flyover Country: Dispatches from the Forgotten America, adapted from essays she wrote for Al Jazeera English about America’s social, political, and economic crises, followed in short order by Hiding in Plain Sight: The Invention of Donald Trump and the Erosion of America (2020) and They Knew: How a Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Complacent (2022). The Last American Road Trip, which she published last year, is both a travelogue of her family’s road trips across the United States and an elegiac history of the places she loves (and is loath to lose). Earlier this month, Flatiron Books released the memoir in paperback. Ahead of her conversation with St. Louis Public Radio’s Rod Milam at the University City Public Library on April 15, SLM sat down with Kendzior to discuss historical memory, American myth-making, and life on the road.
Building community: “By far, the tour has been the best thing my publisher has done for me in terms of meeting people.,” Kendzior says. “It’s just been tremendous. I love meeting my readers. There’s been great turnout. A lot of people, I think, are using my book appearances as a way to voice a lot of concerns. They may voice those concerns online but not necessarily feel heard. I’ve had a lot of people tell me—in the signing line, or by email afterward—that it was a very cathartic experience to be in a room filled with people who are also very worried about what’s going on now. They felt safe expressing their views. They felt supported. I’m glad folks are attracted to my work, but also to each other—that communities kind of form around it.”
An honest love: “There’s a part near the end of the book where I talk about love for country, and how difficult it is when your country has carried out evil acts. That has to be acknowledged,” Kendzior says. “It can’t be buried; it can’t be whitewashed. But at the same time, there’s a deep love that you feel because it’s your home—your homeland. It’s full of people and places that you love. So it has to be an honest love. An honest love is not one that disregards criticism. I think an honest love is one that embraces criticism.”
Live and in-person: Kendzior will speak at the University City Public Library (6701 Delmar) on April 15 at 7 p.m. Books will be available for purchase via Subterranean Books. This event is free and open to the public.
At COCA, campers explore creativity, build confidence, and enjoy new experiences. Their Summer Arts Camps are among the most creative options for kids and teens.
Lilah Kreis as Molly, Bryce A. Miller as Daniel, Adam Flores as Lucien, and Kathleen Sitzer as Irma in Prayer for the French Republic. Photo by Sarah Rogers.
SEE
Prayer for the French Republic
The New Jewish Theatre is kicking off its St. Louis premiere production of Joshua Harmon’s Prayer for the French Republicthis week. The Drama Desk Award-winning play, directed by NJT artistic director Rebekah Scallet, sees a French family search for safety and identity across generations, from the Holocaust to the rise of Marine Le Pen. Several accompanying events are planned during the play’s run, including conversations, storytelling, and a book chat. For a full schedule of events, visit jccstl.com. April 16–May 3. Wool Studio Theatre at The J, 2 Millstone Campus.
DO
Love Pictures: Jess T. Dugan, Charlotte Cotton, and David Chickey in Conversation
Artist Jess T. Dugan, writer/curator Charlotte Cotton, and publisher David Chickey are headed to the Pulitzer Arts Foundation this weekend to celebrate the release of Dugan’s Love Pictures. This collection in two volumes includes photography by Dugan with accompanying text by Dugan and Cotton, as well as conversations with friends, colleagues, and subjects. This Saturday morning conversation will be accompanied by a Radius Books Pop-up Bookstore featuring dozens of recent publications from the nonprofit arts publishing company. April 18. Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington.
LISTEN
“THEMSELVES”
St. Louis–born artist Jordan Ward’s latest album BACKWARDhas earned plenty of high praise since its January release. Called “sure-footed soul music” by Rolling Stone, it’s chock-full of smooth, nostalgic tracks that meditate on love, family, and coming into your own. So perhaps it's no surprise that Ward’s sound made its way into charming new rom-com You, Me & Tuscany. In theaters now, this Italian sun-drenched love story stars Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page and features Ward’s “THEMSELVES.” Check out the movie at local cinemas now, or check out Ward’s music video for the song here.jordanward.world.
READ
Go Gentle
Maria Semple, the New York Times bestselling author of Where’d You Go, Bernadette, is back with a new novel about a woman who wants to let her mind lead the way—but her heart has other plans. Go Gentle, out today from Penguin, sees Stoic philosopher Adora Hazzard blissfully pursuing her life in the Upper West Side. But a handsome stranger sends her peaceful world spinning, and her past comes back to bite in this exciting, romantic new novel that’s already been claimed by Oprah’s Book Club. Semple will be on hand to talk about it at the St. Charles City-County Library Spencer Road Branch tomorrow night, hosted by The Novel Neighbor. Tickets include a hardcover copy of Go Gentle, and a signing line will follow the event. April 15. St. Charles City-County Library Spencer Road Branch, 427 Spencer.
BRANDED CONTENT
What changes when words are sung in an opera vs. spoken in a play?
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis' Principal Conductor says the orchestra becomes part of the storytelling. Learn how music sets the stage in OTSL’s interpretation of A Streetcar Named Desire.
Around Town
The Luminary announces 100+ artists that will participate in April fundraiser (The Luminary): On April 25, The Luminary will host One Hundred², a fundraiser in which 100 artists will each present a small original art piece priced at $100, with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting The Luminary’s year-round programs. Participants include Brock Seals, Janie Stamm, Jennifer Colten, Matt Ballou, Robert Fishbone, Saj Issa, Zach TBD, and many more. A full list is available via @theluminaryarts on Instagram.
Gateway Foundation announces 5th Gyo Obata Fellowship recipients (Gateway Foundation): The Gateway Foundation has announced the latest cohort of local university students who will take part in the Gyo Obata Fellowship, which connects a diverse group of students with area cultural institutions to foster the next generation of arts administrators. Eleven students, who come from Truman State University, UMSL, SLU, WashU, and Webster University, will be paired with mentors and institutions for a 10-week paid fellowship. Hosts include the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Gateway Foundation, STAGES St. Louis, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Counterpublic, Cinema St. Louis, Missouri Historical Society, Pack Dance, Saint Louis Art Fair, The Luminary, and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Superman director James Gunn to deliver Saint Louis University commencement address (Saint Louis University): Filmmaker and SLU alum James Gunn will bring some Hollywood starpower to the university’s Spring 2026 commencement festivities. The director of Superman and Guardians of the Galaxy will share wisdom and well wishes with students on May 16.
Auditions are now open for the 49th season of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs. Welcoming singers in Grades 1—12 from any musical background. Auditions are fun and easy! Schedule an audition.
From laid-back laughs to late-night classics, discover Kind Goods’ favorite stoner movies and make your next watch a good one. Browse picks.
In case you missed it
🎆 Celebrate Saint Louis announces plans for Celebrate 250 Fourth of July event: The July 3 & 4 fest will include fireworks, drones, musical guests, and more. Read Now »
💿 Spectator returns to form with two new songs: ‘Venus + Jupiter,’ a double-sided single from the pair of musicians, released on April 3. Read Now »
🪅 Cherokee Street cancels Cinco de Mayo festival for 2026: After losing a number of vendors, festival organizers took a hard look at the cost of safety for the freewheeling street party. Read Now »
Photo by Christine Jackson
GAME TIME
Where Art Thou?
Think you know St. Louis' art scene? Where was this photo taken? Put a pin on the interactive map based on where you think this art piece is located. The closer you are, the more points you earn. Play Now »
Last week’s photo showed The Allegorical Window at Union Station. Congratulations to the readers with perfect scores: Jim Arsenault, Ben F., Philip Tuths, Paulette Koons, Mike Berger, Diane Kainz, Kathleen Crowley, Julie Lally, Terry, Nick McClane, Natalie, Sarah H., Jane Thal, Karen Shapiro, Myranda Levins, Jaime Staengel, Russ Bettlach, Norma West, Nancy Zander, Mike Swiston, and Cassandra. We’ll share the results of today’s round next week.
💬
Let us know what you think about this newsletter!
Have feedback or a story idea for us? Write to us at newsletters@stlmag.com, or click the button below. We love hearing from our readers.
.jpg?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=COCA_SLM_SC_600x316-2%20(1).jpg)
%20(1).jpg?upscale=true&width=460&upscale=true&name=54522078719_a57806594f_z%20(1)%20(1).jpg)
.png?upscale=true&width=460&upscale=true&name=April%20Arts%20and%20Culture%20Newsletters%20(1).png)
