Summer Preview

At a loss for what to do this summer? Don't worry, Vox is here to guide the way through the multitude of summer activities that are in and around Columbia in the next few months.

On the Job: Canoe Rental Operator

Walk into Harvey’s General Store for firewood, cold beer, waterproof cameras or any other camping supplies amid a rainbow of goods, and you might glimpse Shane Van Steenis’ sun-browned body hauling a 90-pound canoe over his shoulder. Three and a half hours southeast of Columbia in the Ozark Mountains, Van Steenis has been making float trips happen since the 1980s. Every morning, he puts his customers and vessels into the Jacks Fork and Current rivers.

Wild honey

Showcasing both her freshest songs and early award-winning work, Lucinda Williams will cool down Columbia on Monday at The Blue Note. Williams has a reputation as one of music’s most uncompromising and fascinating writers and performers. Her latest album, Little Honey, debuted in October at No. 9 on the Billboard charts and peaked at No. 1.

Vox Asks Columbians

What do you like about Columbia in the summer?

Get Schooled

This summer give yourself the chance to develop into a whole new you. Columbia offers several different classes to help you learn how to do pretty much everything.

DIY: Video Games

It’s hard to imagine what people did for fun before Atari created “Pong” in 1976. The visuals on the early game consoles are now considered cheesy compared to the graphics of today’s systems such as the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360.

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band

Leaving the teen drama behind, Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band will entertain Columbia’s indie faithful on June 29 at The Blue Note with their smooth energy and catchy choruses.

Pride in the park

Would-be stars will have their chance to shine in the spotlight in the Mid-Missouri Pride Idol Karaoke Contest as they mimic American Idol contestants.

Get Tech-Savvy This Summer

Let’s face it, when it comes to technology, your kids have you beat. Behind closed doors, tweens are generating millions in advertising revenue off their comics blogs or inventing the next big social networking site. So this summer, give your children the tools to help diversify their tech talents with fun workshops designed to enhance their knowledge and encourage their creativity.

Mid-Mo Drift

A Vegas hypnotist has nothing on the stereotypical used-car salesman in the persuasion department. A hypnotist might make you look like a fool, or you might walk out of a used-car dealership holding the keys to an ’80s muscle car and contemplating a mullet.

Fight Club

Erik Gratton teaches an acting class at the Summer Theatre Institute that focuses on combat techniques. His students include 33 women who are foregoing summer relaxation to attend acting, dance and voice classes.

Hear This

Summer flicks

(Almost) free music

As the sun sets on a few Wednesday nights this summer, Ninth Street will shut down as part of Summerfest. This series brings together moms, dads, teens and children to listen to music and alleviate their summer blues. Some people come out for the company, some because they like to drink beer in public, and some just because they love music. Whatever the reason, it’s a good way to get you through the week.

Cheap dates

When Willie Nelson rolled into Columbia on his biodiesel behemoth, 2,000 people filed onto Ninth Street to listen to his country twang. Some paid $32 for a ticket; others listened street side for free and embraced the resurgent American concept of thrift. It doesn’t hurt to save some cash, and Columbia offers plenty of fun at the perfect price: absolutely free.

Get out of town

Congratulations! You’ve survived another grueling winter and emerged from hibernation. The next three months promise to bring long days and balmy cookout nights. What should you do to stave off summer boredom?

Mo. state fair goes green

There are few things as distinctly Midwestern as a state fair. Missouri’s own annual State Fair, hosted by the town of Sedalia, is beloved by locals and tourists alike. For $8 (or less if you take advantage of discounts like Dollar Day on Aug.13 and $5 admission after 5 p.m.) the State Fair gives you the best summer steal. Bonus: children younger than 12 get in free.

Hot summer nights

Admittedly, summer generally isn’t my favorite holiday. Here in Missouri, these three months are hot, muggy and pretty uncomfortable. I’m more attuned to the cool breezes and pleasantly warm sun of spring, or the vibrant colors and crispness of fall. Even so, I do enjoy the pace of summer and my summers in Columbia have been some of the best (and most changing) thus far.

Summer Preview: Arts

Theater, comedy and gallery events from June through August 2009.

Show-me a helping hand

For many, the allure of watching 27,000 athletes of all ages bat, kick, run, shoot or otherwise exert themselves in this year’s 25th Show-Me State Games will entice them to attend. But for Mary Ann Mize, who coordinates a local corporation’s volunteer efforts, a separate competition takes place behind the scenes.

Summer Preview: Music

Musical performances from various genres from June through August 2009.

Summer Preview: Sports

Find out about all sports activities including skateboarding, golfing, running and punting for June, July and August.

Summer Preview: Festivals

Learn about Missouri's festivals from June through August.