52nd City: September 2005

The Grass is Greener

Not only is the new Lemon Grass greener, it's also more yellow. And, most importantly, the two plastic lobsters with large, glowing, red eyes aren't tucked away, but are, in fact, the primary design features of the barroom. Yes, barroom. There's a little bar at Lemon Grass, with a modest selection of beers and wines carefully spaced out on the glass shelving. More green, more yellow, more liquor, same menu, check.

But to return to the "most importantly" concept... it might be that the most important element of the new Lemon Grass isn't that the lobsters made the trip safely down Grand. It's that the space isn't contaiminated by the toxins from CBGB next door. On a recent weeknight visit to the Grass, dozens of 23-year-old men, smelling of cigarettes, PBR and youthful musk, were standing in their black sweatshirts and Chuck Taylors just a few away, playing pinball, discussing the new VHS or Beta album and, waiting, unsuccessfully, for an unacompanied woman of any age to walk in the South City landmark. (Keep the faith, fellows.) But the thick, strong city walls of Lemon Grass - painted those yellows and greens and festooned with lobsters - kept their volume to less than a minimum. They were not a presence.

Lemon Grass is now an oasis. No more opening the door and letting in one of the following: cold blasts of wind; leaves and chips bags; obscenities from passing, foul-mouthed children; and the creeky sounds of car alarms. No more gazing upon boxes of wine, stacked balefully in a corner. No more bumped elbows, as someone you vaguely know from the neighborhood comes in and plops down next to you, easily enough in your personal space to eavesdrop on conversations both petty and uplifting. Lemon Grass is now relatively vast (two rooms, same number as the old place, but what rooms!) and is much the richer for it.

The draconian policy of no soda refills remains in place. A lusty round of boos! But we'll forgive the bosses at Lemon Grass and will simply order tea instead. And we'll order it soon, as the new Lemon Grass is a place worth visiting early and often.

"Hooch & Daddy-O" Goes Canadian

Though the production didn't necessarily get a lot of love from the local film festival (which we otherwise adore, no lie), the locally produced feature film "Hooch & Daddy-O" has been selected for a second fest this autumn. This time, it's the DNA Film Festival in Toronto, held from October 14-20. The work had already secured a slot at the Dixie Film Festival, an Atlanta event running from October 14-15.

Directed by Donna Northcott and written primarily by two of the leads, Jim Ousley and Oscar Madrid (along with some scenes by Northcott), the film is a spoof of 1980s cops shows, as well as the general genre of buddy films. Locally, it's played at both the Tivoli and the Pageant, for an evening apiece.

Since the film stars a number of the regular cast members of the Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre, it's worth noting that the stage troupe's back in action during November, with a new show at the RAC's black-box theatre: "Reefer Madness." Meanwhile, longtime, versatile Monkey actress Julie Layton can be spied on the cover of this week's Riverfront Times, as well as throughout the "Best Of" issue. (Though we're sad to note that she won't be taking part in the "Reefer" fun. Serious bummer.) And in the interests of disclosure, this writer had the briefest walk-through in "Hooch," though you should see it, anyway, the next time it plays in town. Or, heck, in Canada.

(Update: since this posting the film has also been accepted to the Alameda Film Festival, in Alameda, CA. We continue to wave the H&D pom-poms.)

RFT Alum Highlighted in New Book

Was recently gifted (thank you very much!) a new book called "Notes from the Underground: The Most Outrageous Stories from the Alternative Press," a collection of stories from U.S. alt-weeklies. Of primary interest to St. Louisans is a piece from the Riverfront Times, selected by editor Nancy Armstrong for the 20-story compilation. Written by former RFT writer Geri L. Dreiling is the article "When Girls Go Wild," subititled: "They're angry. They're violent. And they have juvenile justic folks stumped." It originally ran April 9, 2003.

The book, published by Chamberlain Bros., features a lead by Steve Almond, author of "Candyfreak," and highlights stories by notable writers such as Greg Tate and Dan Savage.

SabaH, or Sunrise

While driving aimlessly around Bevo last Sunday, chewing gum and listening to Dr. Zorba on the radio, I spotted a large, colorful poster in a shop window for SabaH. The name means "Sunrise" in Bosnian, and apparently it's one of the largest Balkan papers in the U.S.; they have subscribers all over this country, and in Canada too. The paper was started in New York City in the late '90s, but they're relocating their main offices to St. Louis. It's partly because there's a huge Bosnian population here, but it's also because of the quality of life. Said founder Sukrija Dzidzovic in a South Side Journal piece of a few weeks ago: "Whoever from St. Louis has a dream to go to New York, there's no need for it."

As a non-native (albeit one who came from not quite so far away), I couldn't agree more. Cheers to that, with a big glass of sparkling water & pomegranate juice.

Gravity Kills: Redux

St. Louis rock band of yore Gravity Kills will play a show at the Pageant in late October, coming on the 10-year anniversary of their first live gig, a sold-out show held at the late Other World. By that point in time, the band was already a hit on local airwaves, with the track "Guilty," recorded for an early version of the then-vital "Pointessential" CD series.

The band's lineup on October 28 will include the original quartet: vocalist Jeff Scheel, keyboardist Doug Firley, guitarist Matt Dudenhoeffer and drummer Kurt Kerns, who amicably left the group after two albums.

Tickets are expected to come available later this afternoon.

Explore Fall

Fall Road Trip season is upon us. Well, upon me anyway. When the leaves begin to turn, I love taking weekend excursions throughout the region, along with thousands of other nature-loving rubberneckers.

Last weekend I went on a little family road trip up the River Road in Illinois. We took the free Brussels ferry across the Illinois River and drove the very scenic route north. I was delighted with the pastoral views along the way to the little burg (pop. 125). As we drove through the country town I spotted the cutest gingerbread house with, much to my amazement and confusion, a confederate flag on its post. It seemed so out of place. It looked like the cozy home of a sweet grandmother, but what kind of grandmother would wave that flag? Then I saw some crotchety looking guy, probably in his fifties come out of the front door. But it still made my blood boil. I just don’t get that whole confederate flag thing. I don’t know what I would do if I had a neighbor put one of those things up. It is bad enough some hoosier sports one right on Jamieson, just north of Fyler, which I have to pass every day on my way to work. Anyway, I’m not going to write the whole town of Brussels off.

I will highly recommend Mel’s Riverdock Restaurant in Hardin, Illinois.This was my third visit to this very unassuming establishment. The décor is modest, consisting mainly of poster boards decorated with photos of soldiers from the area serving in the war. Tablecloths are of the plastic variety. The service is very friendly. On my first two visits, Mel came out with a plate of smoked meats, the house specialty, offering samples to those unfamiliar with the menu. If you enjoy smoked meats, this is the place. But the sides are equally good. I always get the fresh cucumber salad and baked beans, both of which are similar to my grandmother’s, though not as sweet. But the main reason I’m willing to take a little drive to Mel’s is the pie. Nowhere in area have I found pie as delicious. All are homemade. The peach pie I had in July was the best I’ve ever had and I come from a family of great pie bakers. Last week they offered rhubarb, gooseberry, bumbleberry (a blend of blueberry, raspberry and blackberry), chocolate, coconut, turtle and rockslide. In an adventurous mood, I tried the bread pudding with vanilla sauce and was not sorry. I suspect it was made from leftover homemade cinnamon rolls, also offered on the menu. It was a dense, moist, forest of all my favorite food textures and flavors—the most comfortable comfort food I’ve ever had. I could have snuggled into that generic chair and napped with that pudding.

Treat yourself this fall to a little ride to the country. See some leaves. Pick some pumpkins. Eat at a little mom and pop you’ve never tried before. Take some pictures. Explore.

Homeschoolers for Senegal

When you get an e-mail like this, there's not much need to add commentary. (Heck, make up your own!)

The Funky Yeomen, a rock-and-roll band formed by members of the St. Louis Homeschool Network, will be performing at the "Benefit for Camp Dejembe Jolof, Senegal."

If you're interested, expect a short-ish set of covers from many different genres.

A Flagon of Sprite

I've heard many a North County native express shock after learning about the existence of Belle Fountaine Park. As a matter of fact, I was at Belle Fountaine today and heard a middle-aged woman, who claimed to be from Florissant, marveling at its existence. She said she'd lived in North County all her life, and never knew it was there. Her tone of voice suggested that perhaps she imagined it had magically risen out of the mists swirling off the surface of the Missouri River. But it's been there forever; it's the oldest military fort west of the Mississippi.

Yesterday, as my husband and I waited on new tires, choking on the rubber smell inside the mechanic's waiting room (we ran over a giant chunk of concrete that was, for some odd reason, just taking up two middle lanes on Highway 40) Thom spotted an announcement in the Post for the Fort Belle Fountaine Historic Encampment. We decided to go, but didn't make it down until one hour shy of closing time today. That means we missed the hawk-throwing, fire starting and the black powder shoot, but there was still plenty to see. We passed on the complimentary tractor ride to the re-enactment grounds, which meant walking down acres of stone stairs (said to be haunted) but it wasn't too hot today, and approaching by foot gave us a chance to see the camp as a whole from on high.

The rules of encampment state that "all lodges, clothing and accouterments [sic] must be in the period 1740 to 1840 in North America." The soldiers were all members of The Living History Re-Enactors, Inc., and they were spiffed out; they could have been extras in a History Channel special. The campers, though, bent the rules big-time. The tents looked period enough, and so did the campfires and the copper cooking pots. As we got a little further down the road, though, we saw ladies in Mother Hubbard bonnets, chemises and gingham overdresses and men in buckskin pants and belted tunics - and they were sitting on styrofoam coolers and smoking Camels. Some of them were even eating Cheetos. The Living History rulebook stipulates that you can't even wear sunglasses unless it's medically required, and that you must stuff all modern articles into your 1740s tent. It sounds draconian, but I can see why they insist on it. It's a mind-bender to see a fellow who looks like The Man Who Was Going to St. Ives, except that he's drinking a can of Budweiser.

The merchant's row, located at the very end of the trail (near some beautiful, crumbling, mossy bathhouses from the 30s) was a whole other matter, though. If you're going to sell leggings, hand-stamped tin buttons and clay pipes to re-enactors, you can't look like a fraud by having orange Cheeto dust all over your fingers when you're counting out change. But of course, these people had no interest in taking shortcuts; if you know enough about period dress to sell it out of a tent, you're one of the sticklers. When Living History Re-Enactors Inc. insists on "primitive camping," these folks show up with venison jerky and wildcrafted dandelion greens. But they get gold stars from me - even though it was the last hour of the camp, they weren't lazing it up, breaking character and breaking out the cooler of beer. And this after two days in wool underwear and leather knee-breeches.

One of the spiffed-out military officers revealed that the site will host re-enactors from around the country to celebrate the Fort's bicentennial next year. Cheetos aside, it was a lovely walk down the trail, and a fun, strange little event overall. Thom says he's going to pay the ten dollars to reserve a camping spot for us, and is thinking of recording a concept album, a la Sufjan Stevens, to commemorate the bicentennial encampment. The title of the first song: "A Flagon of Sprite."

Q-and-A with: Lee Ranaldo

Had an opportunity to interview Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth this past week, in advance of his appearance in St. Louis with his side-project Text of Light at Webster University. On Saturday, the group will be performing alongside the films of experimental filmmaker Stan Brakhage, at the Winifred Moore Auditorium. Tickets are $10 at: 314-968-7487.

This is the full version of the interview, granted because of a story written for the Post-Dispatch. That shorter version of this Q/A is running in today's "Get Out" section of the P-D and I thank Michael Steinberg of the WUFS and Cliff Froehlich for helping make this chance available to me. It was no small amount of fun.

By Thomas Crone

The opportunity to interview Lee Ranaldo was too appealing to even think of passing up. Coming to St. Louis as part of Text of Light, an all-star improv group dedicated to playing along to the films of Stan Brakhage, Ranaldo gave up 15-minutes of a recent Friday morning to discuss this single-outing gig. And we even snuck in a Sonic Youth question at the end. Part of this interview ran in the Thursday, September 15 edition of “Get Out” in the Post-Dispatch. The rest of the questions and answers, though, appear only here, in full text.

TC: How does this show fit into your schedule?
Ranaldo: We’re just coming out to do the one date. We do some touring, on occasion. We’ve toured Europe this year, with tours, for us, being four or five shows. More often that not, we’re playing cinemas and festivals. But not all shows are linked together.

Tonight: Cine16

If the word we're hearing is correct, Cine16 may soon call a new venue home. It'd be fitting for fans of the what's become a rather long-running free event to pop by the Mad Art tonight, for another session in the wooden chairs, taking in a seven-pack of 16mm films, fresh (well, not exactly fresh) from the archives of the St. Louis Public Schools.

Though a few films tonight have an appealing sound to them, the clear highlight is the shortest: "Where the Wild Things Are." This short, based on the classic book by Maurice Sendak, will send you into a time warp to childhood. It's an absolute treat. Here's the full rundown, compliments of co-curator Margie Newman.

The Hangman; 11 minutes; Late 1960s; Dir. Les Goldman and Paul Julian
A gaunt stranger shows up to town, and the locals watch as he proceeds to go about his business -- hanging people! This animated realization of the classic children's poem contains exquisite artwork and striking narration.

The Robotics Phenomenon; 14 minutes; 1987; Dir. Walter Shedd
Robots: what's not to like? After all, as the film tells us, "A robot's intelligence is man's and man's alone." Includes interesting footage of assembly-line robots.

Where the Wild Things Are; 6 minutes; 1973; Dir. Gene Deitch
Charming animated adaptation of Maurice Sendak's book by legendary Weston Woods animator Gene Deitch. Young Max wants to be wild with the wild things. He spurns dinner to go off to seek company on a beastly island.

Interpretations; 13 minutes; 1970; Dir. Unknown
Watch painters at work in this Polish film. These painters silently and intently create their paintings amid an empty landscape, leaving behind completed works for the public to see.

Solo; 15 minutes; 1972; Dir. Mike Hoover
The director "plays" the climber who spends a day trying to reach a mountain peak all alone (except for his camera crew, of course). Included are extended and amusing sequences of Hoover "dancing" on the side of the mountain.

The Spider; 17 minutes; 1975; Dir. Jonathan McDonald
From the popular "Wild, Wild World of Animals" series comes this gem, which presents an overview of arachnid life. Warning: The close-up shots on the big screen may be overwhelming.

The Man from A.U.N.T.I.E.; 13 minutes; 1977 ; Dir. George Gordon
A space alien comes to earth...to learn about insurance! This film combines stylized animation with blatant propaganda from the insurance industry, which produced it.

It Beats; It Sweeps; It Cleans

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Stan Kann for a little local celebrity restaurant piece. All I remember is that Stan said his least favorite dish was "fishy fish," and being from an inland state that's far from fresh water (though brackish was in plentiful supply), I agreed with him completely.

While digging up background info, I found an interview, "A Visit With Stan Kann," originally published in Vaccum Cleaner Collector Club News. It's one of my favorite interviews, possibly ever. There's some fascinating backstory on Stan's early interactions with vacuum cleaners. Here he is, describing how he got his vaccum fix when he was a kid (his family didn't actually own one; he dismisses his mom for cleaning carpets with a "sweeper...one of those Bissel things"):

"I’d just run around the neighborhood listening to them run. I’d ask people to let me come in and watch them run their vacuum cleaner... I remember in the middle building, the woman on the first floor had a Eureka with a red bag. Another friend of my mother’s lived at the other end, the last building. I ran around with her sons Billy and Lloyd Rupp. They had a Royal Standard."

Now you see why Mike Steinberg filmed a documentary about this man. The other reason, of course, is that Kann's a damn talented organ player, one of the best in the world. He's one of the few humans left on earth who really understands how to play a silent movie theater organ to best effect.

If you think $27 is a lot of money to spend to see a movie, you would be right, except in the case of "1925: It Beats; It Sweeps; It Cleans," the kick-off for this year's Crossings Concerts Series. Friday's concert features Buster Keaton on the screen, Stan on the organ plus "eight gems from [Stan's] famous collection of vacuum cleaners." Said vacuums will also be part of a world premiere by the Nuclear Percussion Ensemble, who will accompany their beautiful roaring with a "ragtime arrangements for mallet instruments." Superstar jazz guys Scott Alberici, Dan Rubright and Steve Schenkel are also listed on the program, though I'm assuming they're not playing with the vacuum cleaners. The whole thing goes down at Frank Schwaiger's Columbia Movie House, an old '20s theater on the hill that's been converted into a private residence. From what I can tell, it sounds they're projecting it onto an outside wall? Because Mad Art's listed as an alternate venue in case of bad weather. I am bummed out, because I'm already obligated that night (though who knows; they may be sold out already. If you, lucky reader, are not in the same sad state, call 'em at 314-721-8940).

I have made one promise to myself, though: if it starts raining, I will spirit myself away to help them carry Stan's Eurekas and Royals into the van heading to Mad Art.

Food Network Highlights The Royale

The Food Network's "Recipe for Success" takes aim at a new St. Louis nightspot next week, with a feature on the Smith family's recent venture "The Royale." Found just south of Tower Grove Park on Kingshighway, the refurbished space was filmed by Food Network crew members within the first 48-hours of the kitchen's opening, and a few weeks after the bar portion of the space had been secured.

According to a short press blip on the FN site: "A young boxing promoter decides to throw all the punches to open a retro diner in St. Louis. He sells his house and convinces his parents to throw their retirement savings into the ring. Will the restaurant go down or become a knock out success?"

The program airs on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 8:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 12:30 a.m. Would we be safe in guessing that a certain club at 3132 South Kingshighway might just be playing the show?

Art Outside

Just a quick reminder that Art Outside is this weekend at the Schalfly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Ave in Maplewood). Stefene's done a rocking job at coordinating this festival. I had the pleasure last year. It really is a great event. Maplewood is the place to be! Hours are: Fri Sept 9: 5pm-10pm & Sat Sept 10: 12pm-10pm. Some highlights via Stefene:

For the Esoteric Cineaste

We've noticed that the St. Louis Art Musuem's been showing a number of interesting film offerings recently. And we've noticed that Catherine Cathers, formerly a longtime cog at the Webster University Film Series, has been at SLAM for about a corresponding amount of time. This weekend, the lovely SLAM theater space is hosting a free event: Friday, September 9, 7:00 pm, "Electric Edwardians: The Films of Mitchell & Kenyon" (1900-1913, 71 minutes).

Reads the release: "In the early 20th century, the British production company Mitchell & Kenyon filmed many scenes from everyday British life. The recent discovery of the company’s negatives has enabled a major re-evaluation of their remarkable contributions to filmmaking. This “best of” program includes street and transport scenes, sporting events, parades, local industries, and other footage shot in Edwardian England.

"This is also a great piece for those interested in history, theatre, period clothing, street scenes, crowd dynamics, and more! The special commissioned score for Electric Edwardians was written and performed by In the Nursery. ITN’s music has been heard on numerous film soundtracks and trailers including The Aviator, Interview with the Vampire and Along Came a Spider."

There are about 59 different cultural events competing for attention this weekend, including this intriguing latecomer. But better too many than few, eh?

Back To Nature

I don’t know if any one out there has ever worked a Bar Mitzvah, but it isn’t for the weak of heart. Saturday’s party at Mad Art paled in comparison only to last fall’s sorority formal in terms of strangle-factor. I can’t help but find it disturbing to witness 13-year-old children grind against each other while a DJ plays Sir Mix-A-Lot’s Baby Got Back. Call me old fashioned. Or just call me old. By night’s end I was spent.

So on Sunday, in spite of all the festivals, I was determined to flee the city. Lindsey and I jumped in the car and in a mere 35 minutes, we were walking wooded trails, listening to bugs and birds, and basically enjoying ourselves way more than I imagined, at Shaw Nature Reserve. This was only my second visit to SNR and I am so in love with it. There are many lovely spots for quiet contemplation tucked along the trails. Next time I am bringing a little pillow and plan to nap on the bench near the water feature in the wildflower garden…or in the crude gazebo next the frog-filled pond. I’ve yet to decide.

I was sorely disappointed to realize I will be out of town for the Harvest Festival taking place at Shaw Nature Reserve on Sunday, October 9th. This looks like it is going to be a great event—music, farmer’s market, and food from St. Louis restaurants. I encourage you to check it out, especially if you haven’t been.

The Secret Life of Sinks

I was driving down Manchester tonight, and passed a salvage yard (Bill-Jac?) and saw a mound of stainless-steel sinks that could be seen over the top of the fence. A mountain of ripped-out sinks, higher than my house. Where do all these sinks come from? I thought the point of a stainless steel sink was that it was stainless -- and therefore aesthetically pleasing for years after its initial installation!

Ah, but fashions change; this year (I'm sad to report I actually know this) the big trend is the "waterfall sink," which sports a giant, flat, amoeba-shaped basin that, um, waterfalls the H2O when it comes out of the tap. (Sound of me scratching my head). So the plain old two-bowl sinks of yore go to the scrap heap, even though they've always been great for washing dishes or small dogs.

I suppose a mound of sinks would be more depressing if it were casting a shadow over my yard from the back alley, because they'd be headed for the landfill. But where will Bill-Jac take his mountain of sinks?

If anyone can answer this question for geeks like me, it's the intrepid Jean Ponzi, host of Earthworms on KDHX and organizer of the Earthways Home Energy & Recycling Festival, which takes place on September 17 and 18. I plan on being there, if only to overcome my fear of vermiculture bins (I caused the premature death of many, many ants when I accidentally knocked my ant farm off a dresser in 6th grade. I have been reticent about overseeing colonies of creatures since then).

According to the website, there will be plenty of fun widgety stuff on hand (low-watt lightbulbs, hydrogen power demos, kids zipping around in solar cars) but the focus this year is geared towards the humble task of recycling. Recommended reading to inspire you before you go to this event: "Garbage Land: On the Secret Trail of Trash," by Elizabeth Royte. That's strong medicine, though, so the weak of stomach might want to opt for Eliot's The Waste Land instead.

Les is More

We blinked and missed it. At some point in the very recent past, a handful of KDHX programs were shuffled, especially during the late-night/early-morning hours. The show that caught our particular attention was The Lovemix, now heard from 2-4 a.m. on Thursday mornings. (Or, if you're like most of us, late, late-night on Wednesdays.)

Hosting the show is Les Aaron, whose time on local radio dates back to the old WMRY 101.1 fm, with stops at the Point and KYMC, among other frequencies. DJ Johnny Orr's also involved as the mixer, as he was when the show was broadcast live from Velvet on KPNT. Among the more name artists on the most recent playlist: remixes from the Killers, Gwen Stefani, Paul van Dyk, Deep Dish and Nine Inch Nails.

It's aways a pleasure to hear Aaron on the air, in whatever guise and on whatever station utilizes him.

Ron Jeremy's Favorite Town?

Known, of course, for the unlikely friendship he developed with Tammy Faye Messner on the reality show "The Surreal Life" - as well as his, um, large body of work in the adult film industry - Ron Jeremy's transcended the cult status he, er, long enjoyed. To see the quite-well-done documentary "Porn Star" is to realize that Jeremy has a considerable, one might say, work ethic.

For reasons not apparently clear to 52nd City, Jeremy is constant visitor to St. Louis, making personal appearances at dance clubs, adult emporia and special events. When dining around town - Kitchen K has been a regular spotting zone - fans line up for autographs and call one another on the cell. In recent days, it's become quite the sport to find Jeremy on location in the wilds of our town.

On an already-crowded social calendar of Saturday, September 3, Jeremy will be appearing in town again, if we're to believe the e-mail kicked about by local rock band The Electric. On that night, they, LoFreq, Craig Daddy & the Carbombs, the 7 Shot Screamers, Blonde Alibi and perhaps most appropriately, the Pubes, will be playing at Downtown's Creepy Crawl, with Jeremy on hand for a meet-and-greet.

And, as seen in "Porn Star," Jeremy's actually a really nice guy. Don't be shy in asking him to put pen to your favorite Jeremy title from your home DVD collection. After all, he's there to serve the fans.

Trivia Results

A somewhat late but very heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who participated in our Trivia Night last week. I know I’ve been a little slow in recovering from the packed house crowd. Steve Smith’s Skizzys team won with 93 points. Chris & Julia Carey’s team came in second with 88. And with 86 points, Dawne Massey’s team narrowly beat out the Fletchers.

One of the trivia questions of the night was about the local children’s quiz show D.B.s Delight. I found out later we had a two-time D.B.’s Delight champion in the audience that night. Sitting at the Square Pegs table was my friend Julia Funderburk (Julia Hunziker on the show), who represented Kimmswick’s St. Joseph’s grade school in 1984-85. Viewing that video is going to require some major sweet talking, but should prove to be worth the effort.

I was secretly quite happy to see that the Mr. T Chia Pet and the giant inflatable Helmann’s mayonnaise jar went to good homes.

Again, we appreciate the support and don't forget to drop some change in the can if you visit Urbis Orbis on Friday. I'll be at Mad Art, where as Thomas mentioned in a previous post, we have a great show opening as well. Take advantage.

The Return of E.R.

During their time of peak popularity, Enormous Richard drew not upon a throng of fans, per se, but on a hardcore population of eccentric fans who'd never think of missing a local gig. When road-tripping, it wasn't uncommon for the group to pack up a variety of cars, forming an ad-hoc convoy of band members, fans and assorted hangers-on, for trips to Louisville or Chicago. When the group inevitably ended their run together, there were a few St. Louisans who suddenly found themselves with an extra night of the month to contend with, rather unexpectedly. (And, perhaps, an extra, headache-free, weekend morning, too.)

Those of us who were counted in that number have had a couple chances to catch the band over the last two years, first at the cramped, sweaty CBGBs, then at the cramped, less sweaty Jacobsmeyer's, a linchpin corner bar in Granity City. ER, still uncategorizable as ever, makes it a trifecta of reunion shows on September 17, returning to the friendly haunt of Jacobsmeyer's, for their third annual reunion gig.

On the band's website, writer/poet/bassist Joe Esser has penned some extensive notes on this momentous event, even tipping that the band plans on hitting a Schlafly beer festival earlier in the day, which will surely have some impact on the night's set. Though the group was long-known for being able to quaff a pint, or three, during a set, the combination of a day on the Schlafly lot and that haul to the Planet Granite might test our heros and their ability to remember such gems as "Little Hiawatha," "Charu's Got a New 'Do" and "River of Sadness."

Stranger songs have seldom been sung with such conviction and such pluck. It'll be a delight to hear them again.