Late September (and sometimes early October) always heralds the start of the new arts season.  There are Opening Nights all over town this month and there's nothing quite like the vibe of an Opening Night.  There's something just a touch glamorous, a certain spark to being there on opening night.  The artists are on their toes, the staff is eager to welcome you back, the venues are all spiffy, the performances are polished and ready to show off.  So snoop around on the ArtsZipper calendar, or take a look at the partial list below, and make plans to add an Opening to your social calendar this year.  You'll be glad you did!

• Grand Center hosts an annual party to celebrate, Dancin' in the Streets, on September 26th
• The Fox Theater opens Phantom of the Opera on September 30th
• The Saint Louis Symphony opens with Mahler 5 on September 25th
• The Sheldon opens their Jazz series on October 3rd
• The Touhill kicks off with Big Bag Voodoo Daddy on October 18th
• Lindenwood's new PAC - the J. Scheidegger Center - opens with Cats on October 9
• DanceSTL starts later, in November, with Complexions on November 6
• The Florissant Civic Center opens 09/10 with Steve Lippia as "SIMPLY SINATRA" on September 20