Spring is here: A time when our thoughts turn lightly to, jazz? Well, why not? The Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival earlier this month got Patch thinking about where else folks can enjoy this all-American musical genre. Groovin' in the Aisles Jon Thomas and Friends perform between the produce and the coffee. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Schnucks, Richmond Heights (near the in-store Kaldi's Cafe) Free Big Band 7 p.m. Monday, Jazz at Webster presents the Webster University Big Band Cost: General admission is $5; $3 for seniors; students are free. New talent Genesis Jazz Project Concert. The …

The eight-day observance of Passover begins this year on the evening of April 18 and as always, centers on a service and Seder—a traditional meal—held in the home. Passover is a major Jewish holiday and feast that commemorates a hasty Exodus from Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. The unleavened bread of matzah symbolizes this quick departure. Passover rituals include readings, prayers, songs and special foods. Dishes won’t include any type of leavening, grains or legumes, so here are five family recipes for your dining pleasure. They taste much like their non-Passover cousins. Passover Kugel (…

It's officially Spring now, and as the trees bud and the grass recovers from a winter of abuse, you may feel like your body could use some renewal as well. This week, Patch picks five fantastic local spas where you can treat your mind and body to a deeply relaxing massage, facial or pedicure. Sound Stone Massage - 370 Crestwood Plaza, 314-488-1888Sound Stone specializes in hot stone massages, performed on a deep relaxation table that combines music and vibrations to lull you into a blissful coma of relaxation. Don't be surprised if you are speechless (or asleep) for a few moments after it's …

Here's Patch Picks for the week, just in time to cover the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Whether it's with parades, drinking brew or classic Irish meals, there's no excuse not to be proudly sporting that green tomorrow. Here are our picks and leave a comment to let us know what your fave is? Helen Fitzgerald's in Sunset Hills will be celebrating all day long. Come by in the morning for a hearty "Kegs and Eggs" breakfast of green eggs and ham, which goes wonderfully with the Bloody Mary special. Then, come back later for live music by Extremely Pointless. O'Leary's in Sunset Hills …

Patch Picks: Romantic Restaurants for Valentine's Dates Bella Sera in Sunset HillsNothing says romance like a plate of ravioli by candlelight. Bella Sera is a darling little family-owned Italian restaurant at Gravois and Lindbergh, with a warm atmosphere and a killer menu. It's not open Monday, but is still a great choice if you are planning your date night over the weekend. Make reservations by phone by calling 314-849-9339. Roberto's Trattoria in Concord PlazaIf you still want the romance of Italy, but are set on having your Valentine's date night on Monday, you need only go a little …

With Valentine's Day approaching, Patch has scouted out some area businesses spreading the love to families with great discounts. We hope sharing these low-priced deals will allow families on a budget to splurge a little to make for an extra special V-Day. Your Kids Will Have a Ball The Toys R Us store in Sunset Hills has a wide variety of clearance items. At the moment, one of their best deals is a bounce house marked down from $49.99 to $34.99. The inflatable ball pit from Ballzillion offers limitless fun for kids age three and up. The More You Shop, the More You Save Shop 'n Save in …

Patch Picks: Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 6 Rich and Charlie's at 9942 Watson Rd. in Crestwood has a super Super Bowl special starting at 11am that saves you $25. For $50 you own 5 pounds of spicy chicken wings, 50 toasted ravioli and a special salad. Groups of 7 (and more) can make reservations. Home of all-you-can-eat pasta. Helen Fitzgerald’s, 3650 S. Lindbergh Blvd., in Sunset Hills opens at 11am. Pre-game television show starts at 3pm, kick-off is at 5pm. You can enjoy the game on one of 50-big screen TV’s, buy a $10 AB domestic bucket of beer, and there are AB giveaways, squares and games! …

In honor of Read Across America Day, this week's Patch Picks features five must-read books for kids and for grown-up kids. We talked to local librarians to get their picks, but we'd love to hear from you, too. Leave a comment to let us know what you're reading. Emily Althoff, manager of the Oak Bend branch of St. Louis County Library, asked the staff there for their recommendations. Here are their picks for adults: Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield The Help, by Kathryn Stockette Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, by Deepak Chopra (nonfiction) The Good the …