If there’s one thing great about living in Midtown, it’s being
within walking distance of some of St. Louis’ best landmarks for
art and culture–most of which are located north of campus in Grand
Center.

Powell Symphony Hall (718 N. Grand, 534-1700) is home to the
world-renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, whose season,
stretching from September to May, matches the college student’s
schedule perfectly.

From talented visiting soloists of the best schools in Europe,
to the St. Louis crew with its own, original orchestrations of all
the best classics, Powell Hall showcases the most refined musical
talent in the city.

The SLSO performs regularly on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and
Sunday at 3 p.m. Students receive a 50 percent discount on $29,
$39, $59 and $70 tickets for orchestral, pops and chamber shows.
The box office also offers $10 tickets to students who have
procured a Soundcheck St. Louis card.

Just down the street from Powell Hall is the Fox Theatre (527 N.
Grand, 534-1111). Host to Broadway shows, concerts and all things
entertaining, the Fox is ritzy yet accessible, as reasonably priced
tickets are usually available for even the most popular shows.

Just across the street is the Bistro (3536 Washington,
531-1012)–where the jazz gets so hot you can hear it ripping
through the night air as far away as Powell Hall. Have a drink or a
whole meal as you groove to some of the best live jazz in St.
Louis.

The Bistro offers student tickets for $10 the night of the show.
Tickets for the second set can be reserved in advance, but tickets
for the first set are only available 10 minutes before the
show.

Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries (3648 Washington,
533-9900) stands behind the Fox Theatre. The Sheldon has the best
acoustics in the state. The venue hosts blues, jazz and folk
singers, classical chamber groups and vocalists and benefits for
charity. The art galleries host rotating exhibits featuring St.
Louis artists, jazz history, photography and children’s art. The
galleries are open Tuesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Black Repertory Theater (3610 Grandel, 534-3807) performs at
the Grandel Square Theater, which is a converted church. The Black
Rep is the largest black performing arts company in Missouri.

If you also bemoan the decline of the pillars of city life in
St. Louis, the Best Steak House (516 N. Grand, 535-6033) will bring
a smile to your face as you walk through the door of this old-style
cafeteria and hear the man behind the flame-spitting grill barking
for the next order.

The helpings are hearty–those puny Steak n Shake patties have
nothing on these steakburgers–and cheap. It’ll take you five to
walk there from SLU and cost you just about as much for a burger,
fries and a drink. A sirloin steak, baked potato, salad and a piece
of Texas toast goes for closer to $10. Whether you eat in or carry
out, it’s still the best Midtown has to offer.

Enjoy starting your morning with a quiet little table and a cup
of strong coffee? Perhaps a muffin and some juice? Look no further
than Rhythm & Brews (541 N. Grand, 531-JAVA) at the corner of
Grand and Washington Ave.

The folks who run this fine caf� are up and working by
7:30 a.m. every day and don’t quit until 10 p.m. Tuesday through
Thursday, giving any student ample time to stop in up for a quick
spot or a study session. Keep your ears peeled for live music at
Rhythm & Brews as well.

Gary’s (601 N. Grand, 531-0111) is a popular place among couples
to go to before the shows start on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s
a great place for a romantic evening. Don’t walk out the door in
jeans and a, Laclede’s is the place to go. The bar is especially
packed after midnight, so you’re bound to run in to a classmate or
an old friend.

-U. News