52nd City

GUS @ Mad Art

George Malich, our main man, was kind enough to call the other day, offering a few minutes of time in discussing an event this weekend at Mad Art. And with each passing day, I thought, "hmm, there's something I should do. Transcribe that interview properly." Alas.

He's been kind enough, has George, to send along the particulars. So we present them here, in his words:

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Screening of GUS, a film by Daniel Bowers Friday, August 15 7:30 pm to 11 pm
Mad Art Gallery is proud to present Gus, the documentary film that peers into the life of St. Louis legend Gus Torregrossa. We are celebrating the release of the film on DVD with a screening and special event on Friday, August 15th at 7:30 p.m.

Gus Torregrossa is a beloved, mafia-esque figure in the world of hip-hop and in the Italian-American community of St. Louis. During the film's production, Gus and his store were facing the prospect of being pushed out of the Washington Avenue Garment District due to the redevelopment of the area into upscale lofts, restaurants, and shops.

For thirty years, Gus' Fashions was a stopping point for famous actors, musicians, politicians, professional sports figures, and journalists. Notable among his clientele are Jamie Fox, Flava-Flav, Easy E, Kid-n-Play, Tupac Shakur, and Nelly. Gus ran his store with his faithful assistant Jimmy Barton (Vitale), affectionately known as Jimmy the Midget.

Gus won the award for Best Biography in the 2004 New York International Independent Film and Video Festival and went on to play in Los Angeles as part of the same festival. It was an official selection in the Saint Louis International Film Festival and was invited to screen at the 2004 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. The evening will also feature live music by Earthworms and DJ Mahf, tag art by Graffiti Lounge's Chris Sabatino, and a question and answer session with Gus Torregrossa and director Daniel Bowers following the screening

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. FREE copy of Gus DVD with the first 200 tickets sold. To purchase advance tickets, please contact George Malich at 314 647-4197. For more information about the film, please visit http://www.lacklusterpictures.com/.