St. Louis musician Neil Salsich is playing on a much bigger stage these days.
Salsich recently secured a spot on Team Blake for Season 23 of “The Voice.” The 34-year-old wowed celebrity judges Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Chance the Rapper and Niall Horan with his rendition of Hank Williams’ “Honky Tonk Blues,” prompting a rare four-chair turn during the show’s blind auditions, which aired on NBC earlier this month.
A full-time musician, Salsich is a singer and guitarist for The Mighty Pines. The St. Louis band’s new album, “Late Last Night,” showcases its range, from roots and folk ballads to rock and soul.
Next up for Salsich on “The Voice” is the Battle Rounds, scheduled to begin March 27.
Local theatre’s brightest stars and the year’s best productions will be front and center at the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards next month.
This year’s ceremony will be held live on Monday, April 3, at the Loretto-Hilton Center, the first in-person event since 2019 due to the pandemic.
The awards recognize outstanding work in local professional theatre, with nominees in more than 30 categories vying for honors covering comedies, dramas, musicals and operas produced in 2022. Additionally, nationally recognized playwright, theater producer and longtime advocate for the arts Joan Lipkin will be honored with a special lifetime achievement award.
Save the dates:
Safe Connections’ signature TOGETHER! Brunch takes place Saturday, April 22, at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. The 16th annual event begins at 10 a.m., and will feature brunch, a silent auction, a raffle and a youth panel who will present their inspirational stories that focus on success, safety and self-respect. Proceeds from the event support Safe Connections and its work to reduce the impact and incidence of domestic and sexual violence and to help survivors thrive. For tickets, visit the TOGETHER! event page.
A celebration 50 years in the making is in store under The Big Top for Metro Theater Company’s anniversary gala next month. “After Dark: The Second Greatest Show on Earth” will feature emcee and ringmaster Jamie Zayas of Kinetic Tapestry, live aerial performances, a stilt walker and musical entertainment, as well as cocktails, a three-course dinner and dessert, followed by an after-party. The celebration on Saturday, April 22, will also include a program honoring key artists and leaders throughout the company’s history. Event co-chairs are Crystal and Patrick Dallas, and Kathie and Richard Winter. For tickets and additional information, visit the After Dark event page.
A familiar voice will be this year’s headliner at the Annual Celebration to benefit St. Louis Public Radio. Juana Summers, co-host of NPR’s “All Things Considered,” is the featured speaker for the April 28th event at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner and program. Music from the Red and Black Brass Band, a live auction and a Golden Ticket drawing are also planned. This year’s event co-chairs are Suzie Nall, Kit Watson, and Karen Handelman and Marc Hirshman. Tickets are available on the STLPR Annual Celebration event page.
Let’s give a round of applause to this year’s Saint Louis Visionary Awards honorees, who will be celebrated during a ceremony on Monday, April 24, at the Sun Theater in Grand Center.
The 2023 recipients are: Sarah Colby (Arts Professional), Janet Park (Outstanding Working Artist), Shevaré Perry (Emerging Artist), Rosalind-Denise Rogers (Outstanding Teaching Artist), Sheila Suderwalia (Arts Innovator) and Rachel Tibbetts (Community Impact Artist).
The Visionary Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the regional arts community, honors the contributions, achievements and excellence of women who work in or support the arts.
An award-winning journalist recognized for her media leadership and for promoting diversity in her profession, Gazelle editor-in-chief Trish Muyco-Tobin has more than 25 years of experience in print and broadcast media. She is also a journalism professor at Webster University. The Trish Set is her monthly St. Louis column featuring good news and goodwill.
