The Insider: 3.14.18

A heads up for Hamilton fans! Award-winning actress Mandy Gonzalez, who plays Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway musical, will be in the StL for one night only. The nonprofit literary publication december, headquartered in St. Louis, invited her to perform a benefit concert at The Sheldon Concert Hall at 7 p.m. April 16. Funds raised will support the magazine’s writers and artists. Gonzalez recently released a debut solo album, Fearless. Tickets can be purchased at metrotix.com and decembermag.org, or by calling 314.301.9980.

Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center recently made a $450,000 gift to the center, which supports liver disease research, patient care and education. The donation was made possible by funds from its annual gala and other fundraising events. Young Friends of the Liver Center also raised $12,000 toward the effort. SLUCare’s liver specialists care for more than 1,500 patients each month.

Congrats to Fontbonne University, which recently scooped up the People’s Choice Award at the St. Louis Regional Chamber’s 2018 Arcus Awards. The program recognizes organizations that contribute to the region’s economic future, and the university won for its Fontbonne Promise initiative, a scholarship program that makes debt-free education available to students in need.

After two decades of research, longtime Webster Groves art teacher Lee Drake has released A Firebell in the Night, his book about African-American life in St. Louis during the Civil War era and beyond. It’s an interesting window into the culture and society of the time and the influential figures who helped make the city what it is today. Available at Barnes & Noble and amazon.com.

the main events

Join Mayor Lyda Krewson and other VIPs at 1 p.m. March 17 for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at 20th and Market streets. This year’s theme is ‘Rite of Spring,’ and more than 5,000 marchers and 130 floats and bands will fill the streets. The Michelob Ultra St. Patrick’s Day Run gets under way at 9 a.m.

Pick up a paddle at Lot 49, a contemporary art auction, party and fundraiser March 23 at The Luminary arts incubator. A VIP cocktail reception and preview hour kicks off at 7 p.m., and the public event starts at 8 p.m. Proceeds support The Luminary’s programs.

Surround yourself with living color at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s popular annual Orchid Show through March 25. Explore the ‘orchid-mania’ of the Victorian era and learn more about these exotic blooms.