Central Library Turns Up the Volume for LIVE on Olive Concert Series

They say music soothes the savage beast. And for us parents with the most feral of first graders, no truer idiom has ever been spoken.

Just a few strains of Pearl Jam’s State of Love and Trust can magically turn my kids’ temper tantrums into more socially-appropriate, sanity-saving slam dances. It doesn’t matter if it’s the Little Einsteins theme song or Run DMC’s Tricky, their favorite songs calm, entertain and build their growing appreciation for music.

So when summer rolls around, our family loves nothing more than an outdoor concert – where our kids can burn off excess energy pirouetting around the concert grounds while we enjoy great music without a cover charge. And few shows fit that bill like the St. Louis Public Library’s Central Library NOT SO QUIET! Concert Series.

What began as an indoor concert series in 2007 has grown into one of downtown St. Louis’ most anticipated events. In 2012, the Central Library began offering NOT SO QUIET! year-round in its renovated auditorium, but for four shows this season, it’s mixing it up by bringing the fun outdoors with LIVE on Olive. The series kicks off June 18.

 “What makes NOT SO QUIET! unlike other concerts in St. Louis is that they’re always free,” said Joe Schwartz, programming specialist. “The St. Louis Public Library’s role is to serve the community – the entire community – regardless of economic status. The joy of the arts is for everyone!”

He added, “We’re champions of variety and diversity at the Library, always seeking out the best performers while keeping in mind our need to represent our entire community. Jazz, R&B, rock, punk, noise, gospel – our calendar truly has it all!”

Held the third Thursday of every month, there’s a LIVE on Olive show for almost every musical taste.

Ralph Butler Band – June 18: For 25 years, Butler’s spin on Motown classics and today’s R&B hits have kept the dance floor buzzing at endless weddings, festivals and galas. It’s no wonder he’s earned the well-deserved title of “Public Entertainer Number One.”

American Idiot – A Tribute to Green Day – July 16:  From the punk clubs of Southern California to the stages of Broadway, the iconic anthems of Green Day have combined social commentary with hardcore rock. St. Louis’ American Idiot celebrates the songbook crafted by the latest inductees into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Jake’s Leg – August 20: The sounds of Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead keep truckin’ in the region year after year thanks to one of the nation’s most renowned tribute bands, Jake’s Leg. A fan favorite for four decades, Jake’s Leg captures the spirit of the ultimate jam band with a flavor all its own.

The Steve Ewing Band – September 18: No voice captures the alternative scene in St. Louis like Steve Ewing. With Ewing on the mic, The Urge leapt to national stardom with its mix of punk, ska and hip hop. Now with The Steve Ewing Band, he brings the energy with The Urge favorites and his own solo hits.

Each concert starts at 7 p.m. and is held right on the Central Library steps at 1301 Olive Street.

While the concerts are geared more toward adults’ tastes, they’ve become the go-to for music lovers of all ages who appreciate the musical diversity our city has to offer.

Remarked Schwartz, “I’ve been surprised to see so many families at the concerts, but it is truly a family-friendly experience. Parents can share the joy of diverse live music with their children in a safe, comfortable environment. And the Library works hard to accommodate all ages at every event. Whether concertgoers are eight months old or 88 years old the NOT SO QUIET! Concert Series is an experience for everyone.”

In addition to listening to great music, you can enjoy an entire night out at an affordable cost. Grab dinner before the show or a snack to accompany the performance by stopping by Urban Eats Café Central in the Central Library atrium, which offers an eclectic mix of smoothies, entrees, salads, and sweets. In addition, Urban Eats will serve up beer, wine and assorted treats exclusively during the Live on Olive concerts.

While the concerts are a destination in themselves, they’re the perfect excuse to rediscover all the entertainment, activities and education the Central Library has to offer. Before getting to the show, be sure to stop inside and explore all the incredible advancements it’s made since its big renovation in 2010.

 “We arguably have the most unique concert venue in all of St. Louis,” said Schwartz. “Central Library is not just a grand building – it’s a vital community resource. Where else can you go to enjoy a concert and leave with a great book, music and movies, or find answers to your deepest questions?” 

For a full line-up of NOT SO QUIET! shows this year, visit www.SLPL.org.