When the title character in the Des Moines Metro Opera's new staging of "Manon" sneaks into a church to persuade her long-lost lover to break the clerical vows he took to forget her -- well, you can guess how things will shake out. The poor guy doesn't have a prayer.

Manon's voice swells above the pipe organ. She paws at him through a wrought-iron gate. And though he tries mightily to resist her, clutching a Bible, the scene ends with two bodies canoodling on the sacristy floor.

The affair started on a lark a few years earlier and will end in tragedy a bit later, plunging in emotional tone like a sunny summer day that finishes with a storm. But along the way, the glory of Jules Massenet's 1884 score seems to shine only brighter, illuminated by the radiant talents of California soprano Sydney Mancasola, as Manon, and the Texas tenor Joseph Dennis, as the young Chevalier des Grieux. They sang so persuasively at Saturday's opening at the Blank Performing Arts Center in Indianola that you could almost believe the unbelievable story, which is iffy even by the standards of the "biffo" or BFFO -- a highly technical industry term for the "big fat French operas" of the 19th century. Read the full review. 

Truth is, we'll have a party today after work to unveil the new issue of dsm, whether you can make it or not -- but it sure would be a lot more fun if you could join us. Our host tonight is Willis Lexus, 2121 N.W. 100th St. in Clive. You'll find old friends to greet, new ones to meet, some snacks to eat and refreshing beverages. Of course it's free, unless you decide you need a new Lexus. We'll be there from 5 to 7 p.m., with the unveiling (with a chorus of ooohs and ahhs) and brief comments at 6 p.m.  

Just as the last traces of the fairly fabulous Arts Festival are being carted away, we hear the distant strains of new tunes on the horizon. Jazz in July is rolling in with an artistry of its own.

The annual midsummer jazz series is a production of Metro Arts Alliance, which is welcoming several new artists this year:
* The Tanner Taylor Trio: Led by the Iowa-native jazz pianist.
* Jeff Miguel Quartet: With saxophonist Miguel up front.
* Blake Shaw Quintet: Featuring Iowa City bass player Shaw.
* Bryan Shumacker Quartet: Schumacher, his sax and bandmates have developed a local following.

Some new sites have been added, too, including Principal Park, Central Library, DMACC West and Grand View University.

Performances are scheduled hither and yon, every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (because more would just be too good to bear).
Full concert details are at JazzInJuly.org or by calling 515-280-3222.