Get Social with Sips, Concerts, and Art in STL!

Join us for a special performance by internationally acclaimed Italian mezzo-soprano Benedetta Orsi. Benedetta will present a wonderful evening of song, joined by Russian pianist Alla Voskoboynikova and American classical guitarist Mark Akin.

Born and raised in Bologna, Italy, Benedetta Orsi moved to the United States in 2009 after being discovered by an American agent. Along with her appearances at Carnegie Hall and throughout Italy, Austria, England, Spain, the United States, and France, she has performed with Boulder Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Festival Orchestra, Orchestra Filarmonica Emiliana, St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, Missouri Chamber Music Festival, and more. Her third and latest album, with pianist Alla Voskoboynikova and the Arianna String Quartet, was released in July 2023.

5:30 p.m. | Doors Open

6:00 p.m. | Complimentary artist talk

6:30 p.m. | Break

7:00 p.m. | Concert

Limited in person seating available.

Join us for the exhibition opening of Reading Between the Lines: Chess & Literature, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5-8 pm. Enjoy complimentary admission, valet, cocktails, and appetizers by Brennan's.

Kings and pawns, struggles for power, and tales of adventure, friendship, and romance. For centuries, writers have used chess as a way to tell remarkably varied stories, from narratives of players aspiring to the top levels of the game to battles with life and death as the stakes. The World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries’ newest exhibition, Reading Between the Lines: Chess and Literature, features rare books, artwork, and artifacts related to novels, poetry, authors, and poets spanning the eighteenth century to the present. Highlights include a chess table and other artifacts owned by The Queen's Gambit author Walter Tevis, and J. Allen St. John's paintings illustrating the adventure story The Chessmen of Mars. Other notable works include printmaker Barry Moser's illustrations for Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There, and German artist Elke Rehder's woodcuts depicting scenes from Stefan Zweig's book Schachnovelle, as well as chess-themed artwork depicting classic stories like George Orwell's Animal Farm by Alessandro Gallo and Herman Melville's Moby-Dick by Jessica DeStefano and Richard Felix. Enjoy activities in our play and create space.

Free admission and complimentary cocktails and valet.

Celebrate the timeless music of soul legend Bill Withers in Lovely Day, performed by the dynamic vocalist Chuck Flowers. From the uplifting anthem “Lovely Day” to the soulful grooves of “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me,” Flowers brings his rich, soulful voice to these iconic songs, honoring Withers’ legacy with heartfelt interpretations.

Backed by a talented ensemble, Chuck Flowers infuses each track with fresh energy while staying true to the spirit of Withers' music. This special tribute concert will take you through the soul-stirring melodies and poignant lyrics that have made Bill Withers a lasting influence in music history. Prepare for an unforgettable evening of soul, reflection, and joy as you relive the music that continues to inspire generations.

5:30 p.m. | Doors Open

6:00 p.m. | Complimentary artist talk

6:30 p.m. | Break

7:00 p.m. | Concert

Limited in person seating available.