Entertainment

Let’s take a brief trip back through the recent history of major retail trends. In the 1970s, shopping malls burst onto the scene. Then the big-box stores such as Walmart and Target started cutting into the malls’ share. Then, in the…

The first official cup of coffee — well, tea — served at the new Kaldi’s Coffee shop in Cornell Hall was a chai latte for Ajay Vinzé, the dean of the business school. The shop, referred to as a learning café, is a partnership between…

Columbia might not be as big as Chicago — or even Kansas City — but when it comes to food, we can compete with the best of them. With Columbia’s expansive restaurant scene, there are sure to be many who consider themselves “foodies,” or…

A good deal is hard to pass up, especially when it’s a 12-ounce strip steak for less than $11. Yes, you read that correctly. Who says good food has to break the bank? We’ve rounded up the best dining deals in Columbia — including…

Cooler temperatures and low humidity combine to create perfect weather in mid-Missouri during September and October. Celebrate the bounties of the season with art shows and festivals. Whether you are looking for a new piece of art to…

A lime-green storefront on East Broadway pops against a sea of brick and tan buildings in downtown Columbia. The Herrera family opened Paleteria El Tajín, a Mexican ice cream shop, in August at 923 E. Broadway. Since moving to Columbia…

The hot summer days may have seemed endless in July, but now there’s an end in sight — unfortunately, that end signals the start of wintry weather. Enjoy the final days of summer and fall by dining al fresco at one of Columbia’s 40-plus…

During the summer heat, beer or wine can seem too heavy, especially when you’re tailgating in the sun all day. The solution? A creative cocktail. We spoke with three of Columbia’s bartenders to get the low-down on the best mixed drinks to…

Dan Bauer and Ali Ratcliffe Bauer aren’t new to Columbia — or even new to The Wine Cellar & Bistro, which they purchased earlier this year. The husband-and-wife pair first met each other more than 10 years ago at the bistro, soon to be…

Day or night, Columbia is hopping with people twisting, twirling, leaping, swaying and spinning their way through dances of all kinds. From salsa and swing to folk and hip-hop, there are places for all styles, ages and experience levels.…

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park has long been a mid-Missouri gem. For Columbia residents, and those who visit the city, the scenic park offers plenty of outdoor fun from hiking and mountain biking to cave exploring and wildflower spotting.…

Summer's here and the livin' is easy. It’s also hot and humid. Definitely time to get your feet — not to mention the rest of your body — nice and wet. To this end, we've scouted five bodies of water within easy driving distance of Columbia…

Elizabeth Braaten Palmieri had built an extensive resume. An actor, director, writer and educator, she had no shortage of accomplishments in her theatrical career. Yet wit in this artist burned the fire of an entrepreneur, aiming to inspire…

This summer’s hottest concert ticket isn’t actually a single ticket, but rather a series: The Missouri Symphony Orchestra’s Hot Summer Nights Music Festival. Under the direction of Maestro Kirk Trevor, the festival ambitiously presents 24…

No other children’s book author stands out quite like the imaginative Dr. Seuss. The memorable, colorful, fantastical worlds he created found a home in the hearts of teachers, parents and young readers. Through his inventive characters and…

New York City’s Harlem Renaissance erupted onto the arts scene nearly a century ago as one of the most influential periods for African-American literature, music and performance. Through the roaring ’20s, smoke-filled clubs transformed into…

Live theater is exhilarating. From the dramatic story lines to the intensity of the emotions displayed, there’s something to be said about the excitement of watching people perform. Adding to the thrill is the idea that anything could…

The bass line hits, the high hat snaps and the speakers rattle. A high-pitched, airy voice cuts through, grabs the ear and never lets go. “Ooh I’m a rebel just for kicks now.” Portugal. The Man may have just hit…

Everyone practices acting in their daily life without realizing it. Whether it’s making a presentation at work, telling a story while out with friends or feigning interest in a meeting, most people portray different variations of their…

One of the least popular pieces of mail to receive, next to bills, is the official summons for jury duty. Despite the disdain for this civic responsibility, there’s no denying that courtroom dramas have been a mainstay of entertainment for…