52nd City: August 2006

More on Hi-Pointe: Penultimate Show is Comedy

Two New Clubs for So. City?

People: let's all realize that any jerk you meet on the street is going to blog your overhead conversation by nightfall. That's the message I was given today, while wearing the hat of the aforementioned jerk.

So, after happening upon (and mildly into) a conversation earlier today: the owners of Molly's in Soulard - and think the new, hipster Molly's, not the old, hippie Molly's - are tackling two new projects.

One would be the Lynch Street Bistro, which ran under that name with a couple ownership groups over the years; this sleek, two-storied affair is located in the shadow of A-B on Lynch, as you'd guess from the name. The other would be the large club at I-55 and Gravois, last known as the short-lived Bobby G's. That joint went up in flames under mysterious circumstances and damage was severe. But the new spot could include a full, newly-constructed second floor, a live music stage and a name other than "Rockstar," which has been scotched because of the recent CBS television show.

Or so we hear...

BR549 Frontman @... Foley's?

A songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist with the popular Americana band BR549, Chris Scruggs is coming to St. Louis on a solo stop, Saturday, September 23. That wouldn't seem the most notable thing in the world - bands and musicians frequently tour, after all - save for the fact that he's playing off-the-beaten-path, at a corner bar in Maplewood, Foley's Irish Pub.

Found out about this while socializing at Foley's the other night. (Just wrote the place up for insidestl.com.)

You can get info on Scruggs at his website: www.chrisscruggs.com.

Sayonara, Hi-Pointe

A conversation's broken out at the Garagepunk.com forums re: the coming demise of the Hi-Pointe Cafe. This seems well beyond the idle musings phase, since longtime booker/manager/proprietor Lisa Andris chimes in, at length, on the topic.

Like the second poster in the thread, I haven't been to the Hi-Pointe as much in recent years, but it's strange to think of think of that corner of the City without the place.

Seems that September 3 is closing night.

Time for a beer in west City...

Things to do after Friday

Tight Pants Syndrome, my favorite Bert Dax Xmas compilation band, will be playing at The Lot on Saturday, with many other excellent musicians, including "Baby Blues" winner, Marquise Knox. "Typewriter" Tim Jordan reports that he will be doing some sort of performance art thing between 4 p.m. and sundown. And on Sunday, Hoobellatoo (led by 52nd City contributor Chris King) will be doing an "experiential auction" at the Royale (3132 South Kingshighway). Entry is $10, which goes towards your first big on perhaps one of the following: a private lunch with Joe Edwards; a golf game with Virvus Jones; a private tour of "forlorn spots" with artist Bill Christman, followed by a trip to Crown Candy Kitchen; a private performance art piece for you & a guest, by Jason Wallace Triefenbach, at his studio; ice cream with Fire Chief Sherman George; an hour massage with St. Louis Rams massage therapist Mike Whalen; a mentoring session on how to compose and record contemporary gospel music by local hip-hop gospel star Praiz' in his home studio; and lots more. That is always what folks tack at the end of a list on a press release, but in this case, that's true; there's a LOT more. My fingers would go numb if I tried to type it all ... the full list is at www.hoobellatoo.org, should you want to take a peek. All the proceed go to produce a CD called "Blind Cat Black," a scored poem by Turkish poet, Ece Ayhan.

Things To Do Before Friday

One thing about earth-shaking art shows that sit in galleries for many months: You always think you'll have time to see it, and then suddenly it's gone. Well, that happens to me anyway. If that happens to you, too, there are two shows you should see before Friday, if you haven't already (well, they deserve a second go-'round even if you have): The Josephine Baker exhibit at the Sheldon and the "Remote Viewing" show at the Art Museum, which both fold up shop at the end of the week; Josephine's heading to the National Gallery in D.C. The art museum show is organized by the Whitney, so who knows where it's going, but probably someplace important.

The Pitted Olive

I’ll spare you all the ordinary, predictable mumbo-jumbo of describing the food at The Pitted Olive. It was excellent all the way around. Lots of vegetarian options, several daily specials and of one appetizer, three entrees and three desserts, all were outstanding. Wine, ditto.

Visit their website to learn more about their gourmet take-out, wine room, catering, regular menu features and the history behind the place. They illustrate all those features much better than I could.

What isn’t mentioned and probably can’t be accurately conveyed is the amazing atmosphere created at The Pitted Olive. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so welcome and appreciated in a restaurant. It was like having dinner at a friend’s house-a friend who also happens to be a wonderful host and a creative, quality chef. A friend who doesn't continually insist that you have a good time, or quiz incessantly, "Are you having a good time?" Some people just make it happen as was the case at this unassuming, shopping strip restaurant.

How many restaurants will allow patrons, on a moderately busy night, as much time needed to peruse me the menu without subtle (or not) nudges? Questions weren't answered in thinly veiled irritation but with seeming appreciation for the opportunity to converse with the customer a little bit. When the wine glasses were empty, a bottle magically appeared and was poured gracefully but without fanfare. It was like our server was smiling and silently saying, "Here, I want you to enjoy this."

The long tables were shared by strangers and nobody seemed uncomfortable at all with the arrangement. In fact, there was significant conversation and movement between the tables with folks talking about their food, their travels and why Joe Bonwich hasn't made the scene, yet. One brave emissary from a group of British gents grabbed a chair and chatted up the female occupants of a neighboring surface about his plans to buy a Norton motorbike in Oregon, while a May-December couple, dressed for a more formal environment, whispered to each other in the corner.

There was no rushing but it wasn't slow. The staff was attentive without hovering. Nobody in the place seemed harried or stressed. Lights were low but not dark.

How, I ask you, does a stop for a light bite turn into a three hour dinner? Well, pretty easily at The Pitted Olive.

Novelist Annette Gilson: Thursday @ Left Bank

Former Washington University MFA student Annette Gilson's back in town to promote her novel "New Light." She was a guest on The Wire tonight on KDHX, and you can hopefully stream that interview anytime after midnight this evening. She'll be reading from the book, set in St. Louis and rural Missouri, this Thursday night at 7 p.m., at Left Bank Books.

Here's a short synopsis from the Black Heron Press website:

Beth Martin feels she's wasted her life. She goes to St. Louis to visit her college roommate and get her bearings. But at a party she has what she can only call a vision, disconcerting but compelling. She meets a man who introduces her to a visionary community called New Light. She is befriended by some of its members, and also meets its charismatic leader, known as The Mother. Beth is intrigued by the community's openness to sexual and emotional experimentation, but is also disturbed by The Mother's enormous power over its members. In the end she must address questions of faith and loyalty, tolerance, jealousy and desire.

Free Pizza, Free Films, Free Swag

Compliments of Bill "Thomas" Chott of "The Ringer" fame:

I'll be here in St. Louis at Lemmon's Monday Night the 21st for a screening of the number one selling DVD "The Ringer." Lemmon's has a free buffet and a drink ticket for your $3 admission. Plus two movies!!!!!

Get your chance to win a free "Ringer" T-shirt or signed "Ringer" poster. Lemmons is the home to the best Chicago Style Pizza in St. Louis and great drink specials.

Also, time is running out to register for the free improv class on September 17th. Reply to this e-mail to reserve your spot in my upcoming free class.

Please help spread the word.

Remember, improv isn't just for actors...it's about group creativity. And here's your free thought for the day, "Improv isn't about misunderstanding, it's about re-understanding."

Sincerely,

Bill Chott
www.theimprovtrick.com

Late Notice Burlesque

Found a flyer, hand-colored with pink crayon and green marker.

Bench Press Burlesque presents an all-night side show of high strikers and low culture.

It also promises tight ropes and bad jokes, bearded ladies, barkers and barbells.

Photos on the Bench Press Burlesque website show several familiar faces from around town.

If you want to check it out, tonight’s the night at the Lucas School House. 8:00 PM. It doesn't appear that there are other local shows in the near future.

Really, life is all about the side show.

The Lettuceheads: Online

One of the more highly-praised acts of the early-mid '90s music scene, the Lettucheads are inching back into live performance.

Their minimalist website: www.thelettuceheads.com.

Worth checking out are the old flyers. Some club names of yore there!

That's Entertainment

On Saturday, September 9, 7:00-9:00 p.m., 52nd City will be sponsoring the 52nd City VARIETY SHOW at Art Outside, the weekend-long art fair held at the Schafly Bottleworks. We would like to extend an invitation to magazine subscribers, contributors, advertisers, readers, and supporters: if you, or someone you know, would like to put on an act during our two-hour slot, please let me know at your earliest convenience.

We would like to personally invite those with particular talents to express themselves in this family-friendly, yet artistic, environment. Can you spin a dog, on a plate, on a stick? Can you pop and/or lock? Perhaps that first novel needs to be dusted off for a chapter-one reading? If so, please let us know. Any/all type of spoken word, musical and eclectic acts will be entertained and I believe there's video capability, as well; collaborations and solo bits, all work for us. Your involvement, or that of friends, would be most welcome, lest Thomas be forced to stand up there and read Ernest Kirscthen's "Catfish and Crystal" for 120-minutes; don't make him!

Pass along to potentially interested, sane parties, as you please. And contact us, if interested.

New Film Feature Slated: Barburyou

Just got a note from the producer of a new feature, to be shot in the area next fall. Reading through the crew list, you get a sense that this particular one's going to have some real quality to it, along with a host of amusing possibilities, as "Grumboon" and "Hooch & Daddy-O" were two of the most entertaining local films produced here in the last half-decade.

A benefit show's planned for the Way Out Club in early September. Here's the release, but check the film's site for specific production info:

ST. LOUIS BANDS UNITE TO BENEFIT LOCAL FEATURE FILM
The Way Out Club hosting a benefit for Rock N Roll Bacteria Productions new project

Local bands will come together on Saturday, September 2nd, at The Way Out Club to benefit Barburyou, the new feature-length film from Rock N Roll Bacteria Productions. The lineup features such local acts as The Ottomen, The Sex Robots, and Rats And People, who are also slated to provide the musical score for the film.

Barburyou is the latest effort from award-winning writer/director Aaron Crozier (Grumboon, Liontown), producer Oscar Madrid (Hooch & Daddy-O), and cinematographer Ryan Samul (Steel City, New York City Serenade). It is a fantastical tale of three barbarians attempting to discover the dark secret of the unicorns and the adventures they have along the way. The project is in the pre-production phase, tentatively scheduled to begin filming next fall, in and around the St. Louis area.

Crozier and Madrid will be in attendance to answer any questions regarding the project. The Way Out Club is located at the intersection of Gravois and South Jefferson. This is a 21-and-older show. Admission is $7.00 per person, doors at 8:00 p.m.

Learn more about Rock N Roll Bacteria Productions and Barburyou at:

www.rocknrollbacteria.com
www.barburyou.com

Vlogging Class Tonight

Everybody's got one. Or, at least, wants one. Learn to videoblog tonight, at KDHX, with local guru Bill Streeter of www.lofistl.com. If you've not been there in a bit, check out the piece on the Arch Rival Rollergirls.

Contact Korinne Fischer of KDHX @ 314-664-3955 for reservations. Believe a couple of slots are still open.

"The Miracle Match" Set for DVD Release

If my Netflix queue is to be believed, "The Miracle Match" is going to be released on DVD on September 12. If that film's not ringing a bell for you, it's actually the newly-redubbed "The Game of their Lives," the soccer-themed movie lensed by David Anspaugh which: documented the 1950 World Cup victory of the US over England; and was shot in St. Louis and featured countless St. Louis extras and bit players.

Though the film made minimal impact upon its theatrical release, it's nice to see that the film is getting a second, longer (if delayed) life with home video. That said, the renaming of the film is curious, to say the least, especially since the film is based on a book of the same, original name and did have a theatrical run as "Game." Oh, well, not my money.

Can't wait to have the film hit my front door in a few weeks. Ole.

Walkie Talkie U.S.A.

On Tuesday, Off Broadway will play host to what should be considered the most interesting, local rock debut of the year. In the middle slot of a three-band bill (along with Sex Robots and Bunnygrunt), Walkie Talkie U.S.A. will deliver songs from a recorded, but still mixing, CD that involves some of the finest rock talent in town.

Walkie Talkie U.S.A. is: Jason Hutto (guitars, songwriting, lead vocals); Bryan Hoskins (guitars, vocals); Jordan Heimburger (bass); Jimmy Griffin (guitars, vocals); and Merv Schrock (drums, vocals). To list all of their past-and-present endeavors would take a chunk of space, but suffice to say, this is a veteran and versatile group.

If you're into the rock and don't have plans on Tuesday, this is almost a must-see.

For downloadable preview cuts: www.myspace.com/walkietalkieusa.

Anti-Vegas Boxing

For those who went to the Moonlight Ramble last night instead of the Panda boxing exhibition and fundraiser, well, hopefully something spectacular happened. If not, they picked the wrong event to attend.

A few weeks ago, there were rumblings and whispers about a backyard-style boxing match. Another week passed before a smallish group of St. Louisans received an email invitation to “Midnight Boxing and Punk Rock.” The charter members of Hoosierweight boxing were coming out of various stages of retirement to spar for the benefit of their home gym, the Panda AC. No titles were on the line and punches were planned to be in the spirit of brotherhood rather than combat. There was fair warning that it’d be hot.

Flash forward to 12 August 2006.

The promised punk rock revved up at about 10:40. Loud doesn’t even begin to describe the opening act. The second group was less punk and appreciated by all, er, most. Oddly, a third band began to set up and featured one of the boxers in almost full gear. Too bad for them, those assembled were hungry for the main event and the music was scarcely heard, despite the volume.

At this point, fighters began gearing up to get in the ring and there was a tangible change in the atmosphere- a tension. The combination of silenced music and an anticipatory crowd mixed for an eerie calm inside the gym as men in headgear began to pace. They walked inside the gym, outside on the St. Louis streets and rolled their heads around their shoulders. Ordinarily gentle men wore facial expressions of angry concentration and necessary business.

Spectators - young punks, old timers, hipsters - slowly filtered inside from Broadway, the loading dock, from the alleys. The ring lights drew them in with some sitting on the sparse benches and chairs while most stood around the dim perimeter of the ropes and a few lurked in the shadows of the gym. Was there a barely audible hum? A buzzing? Could have been. Pretty sure there was. As the first pair of boxers entered the ring it was as though the collective and sweating crowd stopped breathing for a moment.

The fighting began.

It was stunning, raw, visceral and sexy.

While the rest of St. Louis rode bikes in the dark, a comparative handful were treated to an experience almost indescribable and absolutely unlike any other.

Not Your Mom's Bike Club

It's not the the site exists that suprises me. It's not the group exists that surprises me. It's not that the name of the group surprises me.

And, yet, getting the link, I was surprised.

Play the "I've seen that person" game at: www.fuckingbikeclub.blogspot.com.

At least this explains the variety of skull "FBC 314" skull tattoos I've been seeing recently.

Poetry for the People

Received an invite to particpate in a poetry review group. Me? Thought the sender made a mistake, told him so and received this follow-up.

Blue Door is a Non-Profit group. Its purpose is centered on
helping America reclaim American Poetry. That is a very bold way of
stating it, to be sure. Said even bolder, it's about untangling a lie
which has been told to American readers.

It's a revolution . . .

This is an invitation to participate and a request for additional participants. Interested parties should contact Chris Ortiz at chris@chrisortiz.com

Of course, if there is a book you'd like to recommend please don't hesitate to let him know. Blue Door has only two criteria for materials to be reviewed: 1 - a book of poems by one poet and, 2 - a recently published book.

Unravelling lies and reviewing poetry. Who can't get behind that?

Militant Bingo Propaganda Machine

I've been to this show, during its two-year run at the Hi-Pointe. Four times, methinks. On a good night - which is as dependent on the audience as the performers - it's a pretty entertaining gig. This weekend's is a fundraiser, so the ticket price has a little extra starch, but that could be offset by the cast and crew blasting into the material for the first time in a while, along with newly-written bits.

Here's the info:

Hello there,
This is a reminder that the NonProphets have a special show coming up this Saturday. The show is a fundraiser to help raise money for our inaugural season of plays that will begin next weekend (August 17) with AMERICAN BUFFALO by David Mamet.

THE MILITANT PROPAGANDA BINGO MACHINE returns to the Hi Pointe with a show on Saturday, August 12 at 9:00 pm. Doors open at 8:00 pm. The show, if you're not familiar with it by now, is comprised of 24 original sketches played out by audience demand. Throw into the mix a few drinks and some BINGO, and you have yourself an evening of fun you won't soon forget.

Tickets are $10, and all proceeds and donations during the show go to help us produce our first season of plays. Tickets are available at the box office and reservations can be made by calling 314-752-5075 or emailing reservations@nptco.org.

We have a new cast in place for this special show, and they will be starring in the BINGO MACHINE throughout the rest of the season. They are Sarajane Alverson, Arron Orion Baker, Tyson Blanquart, Paula Dean, Theresa Masters, Cary Miller, Ben Ritchie, Suzanne Roussin, Corey Stulce & Gary Wells. Other cast members for the season include Alice Kinsella, Bob Mitchell, Jim Ousley, and B. Weller. The show was written by the cast, in addition to Byron Kerman, Jill Barrett, and Mike Orr.

The Hi Pointe is located at 1001 McCausland, at the intersection of Clayton, Oakland, Skinker, McCausland and Highway 40. The venue is 21+. The Hi Pointe now serves food! Wolf down a Bison Burger or "The Cardiac" (a hot dog with bacon, cheese and chili) during the show, and wash it down with your favorite suds. The Hi Pointe boasts the city's best bartenders, who are guaranteed to treat you right.

So, if you're jonesin' for some great sketch comedy, come check us out this Saturday. Seating is limited, so arrive early, then stay late and party with the NonProphets after the show.

Interview with Joe Hanrahan of "ThomPain"

Joe Hanrahan's one-man play "ThomPain (based on nothing)" is set to run this weekend, at Balaban's. After a stint on last night's The Wire, I sent Joe a few questions via e-mail, relating to this show, and he quickly responded with his thoughts.

For full info, check his website: www.midnightcompany.com.

Allow the info below to help whet your appetite for this unique, intimate show.

What's your standard, walk-around description for the simple question that people might ask you this week: What's "ThomPain" all about?
Standard description, if I have a few seconds, is a melange - one man, one hour show (a marketing essential); very different, contemporary; 2005 Pulitzer finalist, First Fringe Award winner at Edinburgh (if I want to impress). If I don’t have a few seconds, I say, existential stand-up. Larry Dell had a good handle last night: stand-up tragedy.

What was your introduction to this material?
My introduction to the material was a review in the NY Times of its off-Broadway premiere – absolutely the most reverent, gushing, rapturous rave I’ve almost ever read of the show; plus the fact that it was a one-man show (one of those doable productions our company is always on the lookout for), and that, last but not least, it seemed to portray the profoundly poignant human condition in a very entertaining one hour of theatre. I then obtained a manuscript copy of the script, and pursued the rights for a year-and-a-half 'til they granted them to me.

Beyond yourself (as the sole actor) and director Larry Dell, how many people are involved in this production?
Larry and I are the production team; behind the scenes, box office help, plus designers, photographers and a post-production video house to help with the all-important marketing.

What's unique about your venue at Balaban's? Along those lines, which unorthodox space that you've used has been the most and least accommodating rooms?
At Balaban’s, we perform in a very small party room – capacity about 40. Besides a few lights (possibly sound, but not in this show) the venue is good for this kind of small one-person piece. Very intimate for the audience (we also presented "St. Nicholas" there two summers ago – another one man show that worked well there). Hopefully one of the good things about the space is that a lot of people know where it is – an essential when trying to attract St. Louis audiences. The Midnight Company has presented “Dracula,” taking up an entire abandoned warehouse at the Lemp brewery – that was very challenging in terms of little us making such a big production work. The History Museum was a great place to work, as has been Technisonic’s soundstage (three shows), and the original Contemporary Art Museum was good, too, partly because we produced shows that worked in that space. Least accommodating probably has been when we’ve done our “Jesse James” show at Innsbruck – on the porch of an old house, outside on a warm Missouri evening. But we made that work for our eventual performance of the show on the porch of the James Farm near Kansas City. We did it again this past June, and that was a memorable experience, performing the show right where a lot of it happened, using the historic James home as our dressing rooms.

How much of your spare time is given over to thinking about the production, esp. when you're this close to the opening?
As much spare time as possible is being spent right now; aside from formal rehearsal, and mini-rehearsals that happen in my head sporadically throughout the day, for this show, particularly, I’m spending a lot of time thinking, imagining, trying to feel the right attitude, approach for this character. Also, for myself anyway, as I get this close to performance, I do consciously try to indulge myself with the little creature comforts or intellectual distractions that will help keep me relaxed and refreshed for the stage.

You mentioned on the radio show that you'd be working the entire room during this show, that people would be right in the mix of your work. Do folks generally enjoy this type of intimate, set-free approach?
I don’t think audiences generally think they’ll enjoy or anticipate this type of show. I think most of us like the safety zone of the fourth wall – they’re up there acting like they’re in Chicago or ancient Greece, and I’m out here separate and safe and observing. (I think that’s why movies are so easy and likable and preferred to stage – ultimately non-threatening.) But this show engages the audience directly. If folks attend a Friday, 7:30 pm show at Café Balaban, that’s where and when it’s happening. My character is stepping in to the room and talking to them, eye-to-eye, at that moment. But I do think this script is structured and written to the point where audiences will be drawn in, captivated and ultimately appreciate it. The show has a lot going for it, including some very, very smart and often beautiful language.

52nd City Fashions

Now be the coolest kid in the 52nd city by sporting your own 52nd City t-shirt, jersey—or even barbeque apron! A portion of any branded item you buy from our Café Press store will go into our production fund so we can continue to bring you a high quality print magazine--no cheap endeavor.

We not only care about you—we care about how you look! The first time I see a stranger sporting one of these will be a happy day indeed. 52nd City Store

At the Car Wash

The ride's a little ragged and requires some sprucing up before it rolls another mile. (This is assuming you can't just park it outside your bar and send an eager kid out there to spit-shine it for you, as some readers here may.)

Well, if you have some time, the South Grand Detail Clinic was a package deal last Friday. There was car washing, people watching, and some of the greatest soft-sells I've fallen for in a long time.

The technicians were, in appearance, one of the most intimidating lot these eyes have rested upon. Ever. They were built, braided, tattoed and there was more than one grill gleamin'.

So I was somewhat flummoxed by the absolute courtesy with which I was treated. After I requested the wash and vac special, the technician told me, "I'll put a spray on wax for you just 5.00 more." Oh! Isn't that thoughtful and generous. A bit later he gently offered this information, "Some people like us to put some freshener inside, you know, to make it smell real good." Okay, I want that, too!

Several employees expressed concern that I was sitting outside in the hot sun and wouldn't I be more comfortable in the air-conditioned waiting room? Would I like to change the channel on the television? Progress updates were frequent and appreciated, particularly since I started to get squirmy after about 40 minutes of waiting.

The vehicle looked nice outside and was immaculate on the inside. It's possible that cough syrup was used to "freshen" the interior as the overpowering, cherry-y scent drove me to roll down the windows on a 100 degree day.

No Wi-Fi as I'd heard, and 20 bucks for a car wash isn't something I'd do too often. Still, I was glad to have tried it out and if I ever need to impress someone with the cleanliness of my wheels, I'm going there.

Here's the dirt:

South Grand Detail Clinic and Window Tinting
3740 South Grand St.
St. Louis, MO 63118
314.776.6545 or 314.776.1441

Theatre on The Wire/Political Theatre Festival

Tyson Blanquart of the NonProphets and Joe Hanrahan of afterMIDNIGHT will be discussing new projects of their companies coming this fall. For the latter, that means some talk of "ThomPain (based on nothing)" at the CWE landmark Balaban's. For the former, "American Buffalo" is soon-to-be staged; and the Militant Propaganda Bingo Machine will be retooled, with new sketches and a new location.

That show will also feature a special political sketch night, part of the St. Louis Political Theatre Festival, held throughout town between now and November, with nine companies taking part, with shows going on a regular basis between now and election time. For more information on this, consult www.newlinetheatre.com. Or, if you'd like, kick me an e-mail (thomas@52ndcity.com) and I'll shoot you the full list, sent to me courtesy of organizer Scott Miller.

All of this will dissected on tomorrow's The Wire, 7:30-8:00 p.m., on KDHX, 88.1 fm.

Triangular Collaborations

Tonight at Mad Art Gallery, you can see portraits by Jess Dewes of local St. Louis artists and writers. I got to see some of the proofs for this show and they knocked me out. I’m anxious to see which prints made the final cut. The portraits are accompanied by poems from 52nd City editor Stefene Russell. The artists/writers were asked to create a piece incorporating the writing, hence the name Triangular Collaborations. Photographed include locals Andrea Avery (yeah, me), Jenna Bauer, Aaron Belz, Thomas Crone, Tom Dykas, Tim Garrett, Galen Gondolfi, Marie and Matt McInerney, Carmelita Nunez, Maryellen Picker and Eric Woods.

Also showing will be Ilona Niemi, a visual artist from Finland. Her works are psychological portraits inspired by the disappearance of her childhood friend, Piia, in 1988. They are beautiful and haunting pieces. Her work has been shown in the National Portrait Gallery in London, as well as in numerous group shows in Britain, Finland, Norway, France, Japan and the US.

This should be a swell night. You can pick up copies of the latest issue of 52nd City Magazine too. Just $8 a pop—so be sure to stop by. Mad Art Gallery is located at 2727 S. 12th Street in Soulard. The opening is from 7-11pm. Free food. Cash bar. Real fun.

Recommended Surfing

Taking a cue from thecommonspace.org, here are a few sites, blogs and photo spreads that are taking up my comptuer time of late:

insidestl.com/mckernan/ - my new boss cracks me up
randomredhead.blogspot.com - don't know this person; feel like I should
midcenturydream.blogspot.com - Darren's back posting!
webster.edu/filmseries/ - new calendar out for Aug.-Oct.
flickr.com/photos/nickfindley/ - enjoying this cat's photos
justinvisnesky.com - ditto
www.flickr.com/bk/ - Post photo editor documents national sandwich month

Any recommendations out there for local content?

For All 52nd City Boxing Fans

I know there are many of you out there. Hundreds, if not thousands. Well, finally, here's a blip for you.

Glenn McBrady, the fine fight writer of the St. Louis American, is part of a feature on maxboxing.com, without much argument the most comprehensive and roiling boxing website out there. Even if you're not a particular fan of the sweet science, but you do enjoy the written word, this piece may be for you, as it's all about "writers as fighters."

A fun read.