June 28, 2007
What's up with Matt Kindt?
52nd City's been lucky enough to work with a wide variety of talented artists, writers, photographers and illustrators. So it's nice to get an occasional update from those involved in the project to this point. Matt Kindt provided an illustration to Luby Kelly's "The Book" in our "Stuff" web edition. If you've not read it, save a few minutes to do so, as the piece is probably the longest one that we've published in either form, print or web.
Kindt sent along word of upcoming events that he's taking part in, inc. a variety of comic cons and a "live exhibit" at the Science Center.
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ART OPENING THIS FRIDAY!
Matt & Sharlene Kindt have a two-person exhibit of all new artwork starting this friday at Gallery Visio in St. Louis. The show will feature water colors, prints, and ink drawings. The opening reception is from 4-7pm. To read more about the exhibit go HERE. For directions to the gallery and campus go HERE.
SUPER SPY PRE-ORDER SPECIAL OFFER!
The new SUPER SPY graphic novel made its debut at the MoCCA Comic and Art Show in New York this past weekend and sold out! More advance copies will be available at Matt's appearance at Comic-Con in San Diego, the Subterranean Books art show (July 13) and Wizard World Chicago. But if you can't make it to those shows this summer you can still order the book -- it hits the shelves in August...
You can PRE-ORDER the full color 336 page book now at Top Shelf's website HERE! or through Previews June Issue (page 361).
As an added bonus, if you pre-order a copy of Super Spy before June 30 through Top Shelf's website HERE, Matt Kindt will personally hand-craft an ink and watercolor a 5x7" sketch that will be shipped with your order. All you have to do is go to Top Shelf's website and place your order and your original art will be on it's way!
Here's what early reviews of Super Spy are saying:
"...one of the best comics I've read."
"...invokes the feelings after reading Speigelman's MAUS."
"These spy stories are filled with pathos and longing -- Amelié meets Alfred Hitchcock in comics form. It transcends traditional spy fiction."
STILL A LIVING EXHIBIT!
Matt is appearing every Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 - 5:30 at the St. Louis Science Center at the Marvel Comics Exhibit through September. He will be on display (along with Peter Pranschke and Dan Zettwoch) for all onlookers as he works on his new comic book projects. Come by for a sketch or chat or just to climb the awesome rock wall that is directly behind his drawing table. For more information on times and admission prices click HERE.
APPEARANCES
Matt Kindt will be appearing at several conventions this summer including:
MoCCA in New York (June 23-24)
San Diego Comicon (July 26-29)
Chicago Wizard World (August 9-12)
Art show and book release party: Subterranean books on July 13th
June 27, 2007
More Good Free Music
Here I go, getting all excited about a free concert a whole month out ... like Bluiett. I missed that show (not because I wanted to - I was feeling way punk on Sunday, and had to finish sleeping off a cold. To say I was bummed out was an understatement! Thanks to Andrea for the excellent recap).
Per Brett Underwood comes an announcement re: "another ass-kicker of a free show." Matt Harnish of Bunnygrunt has put together a triple-header at CBGB for July 30. With liberal quotations from Mr. Underwood:
I, Crime from Detroit: "Beyond their stick twirling and alcoholic flair, I, Crime truly is a band of songwriters, creating songs from influences as estranged and arresting as traditional olde-time, power-pop, psyche-punk, honky-tonk, '50s crooning and high-strung, straight-up rock 'n' roll. Their new brand of romantic rock will blow your ears with harsh punk urgency and your mind with excruciatingly gorgeous boy-girl harmonies. Their song, 'It Ain't Right,' reached #1 on Brown Student Radio in Providence, RI, which called their sound 'Back Sabbath meets the Marvelettes.'"
Ryan Anderson of Austin, Texas: "Ryan Anderson is recording and playing a lot in Austin now, but comes from Florida, via Savannah, Georgia. A bunch of us saw him play at Mr. [Jason] Hutto's house party last summer and I've been listening to his TRAINS TAKE AWAY OLD FRIENDS ever since. He is on an extensive tour in support of The Garden Path, which is an album set for release in July 2007 on Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records."
Bad Folk from St. Louis: "...and of course, Bad Folk is a St. Louis gem busting out of the alt-country and cow-punk entrapments to make original music with traditional instruments...and with rock-star experience from the likes of Tim Rakel, Anne Tkach, Joey Gavin, Bruk Longbottom and Adam Hesed, they deliver. They should be crammed into that front window and ready to tear through a vicious set for this one, 'cause they always are...the atomic bomb, indeed, but with better intensions than melted faces...somebody mentioned Nick Cave and Tom Waits and David Lynch, but with banjo and slide guitar...don't forget the ladies on bass and drums, sometimes saw and just get your ass out to this show."
As Mr. Underwood notes: "there's plenty of warning for this one, ninnies!" So now, I just have to stay well for the next 30 days...
Rabbits
Meant to post this a couple days back, but... didn't.
While enjoying some cocktails on the patio of the Square One Brewery in Lafayette Square - one of the best in town, I'd say - our party noticed something extra and entertaining on the street: rabbits. A real Sunday night festival of critters, this was.
One or two running across Park might be amusing and oh-so-cute, but dozens of them?
Any Lafayette Square readers here? Is this is a common occurence on the business strip? Something lunar at work? Or were we just treated to a random bit of natural amusement?
June 26, 2007
Bluiett Jazz Sunday
The (free) Hamiet Bluiett concert at Ivory Perry Park last Sunday was jam packed with the kind of surprises that really make a night extra special. I looked over at Lindsey at one point and said, “If you aren’t here, you’re stupid.” Bluiett did a wonderful job of putting together a stellar two hour evening. Highlights included:
Eugene Redmond, Poet Laureate of East Saint Louis performed moving odes to both Miles Davis and Ivory Perry with jazz accompaniment. I’ve never seen Mr. Redmond perform and have wanted to for quite some time. A real treat.
New York’s Lady Cantrese had a wonderful voice—somewhat playful—and the moves too. Each time she performed I noticed that that the throng of male photographers grew a bit thicker.
But most impressive were the amazing youngsters that Bluiett presented over the evening; Zack Morrow (12) on drums and brothers Jo’el Williams (15) on saxophone and Joshua Williams (17) on trumpet. These little dudes were incredible and impressed everyone. Really polished considering their ages.
The atmosphere was laid back and friendly and after the show, Jo’el Williams handed out flyers announcing “The Willams Brothers” jazz breakfast at the Maplewood Applebees on July 7, 2007. 8am-10am and just $7 for adults.
These free concert series are a real treat. I encourage more folks to attend. Get the schedule online.
June 25, 2007
Promised: Super-Yumminess
One of the principals of the new Local Harvest Grocery sends us word of the grand opening of the li'l store. Mind you, between now and then, you can stop buy and purchase anything you'd like, though the party atmosphere is going to be held off for just a bit.
Here's the word:
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On June 30th, we'll have our official Grand Opening of the store which is open to everyone. The event will feature samples of our super yummy and mostly healthy foods. (I say mostly healthy because you have to have ice cream and cookies... what would the world be without ice cream?)
Local Harvest Grocery is located at 3148 Morganford, two blocks south of Tower Grove Park, near the corner of Morganford and Juniata.
Hope to see you there. Check out our website for regular hours: www.localharvestgrocery.com.
June 24, 2007
Short Films @ Snowflake
The title above is essentially that given to an e-mail sent to us earlier tonight. It's sort of open-ended, maybe even fun because of that. We know and love Snowflake. We know and love short films. But the two, combined? That I don't know.
Here are the delightfully vague additonal words given to this event. This Tuesday. At Snowflake.
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Jason Wallace Triefenbach hosts "ANOTHER FUN NIGHT"
this Tuesday, 6/26.
Video and film from St. Louis creators.
Doors 8, films 8:30.
Free and open to the public.
SNOWFLAKE/CITYSTOCK
3156 Cherokee Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63118
www.snowflakecitystock.com
June 23, 2007
Welcome... the Bluebird
While playing about on that fabulous website Myspace, I noticed a new friend to the 52nd City page, The Bluebird. I hadn't heard of this new venue's upcoming debut, but it appears to be set for July 14, starring Stella Mora, the Feed and Ghost in Light. While we note some basic info from Myspace below, find more for yourself at: www.myspace.com/bluebirdstl.
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About me: The Bluebird is St. Louis's newest venue and events space, designed to support and showcase the best and brightest regional and local band (national touring acts are welcome, too). We've got quality sound, tons of free parking, friendly staff, and a clean, laidback atmosphere for you and 300 of your friends, located just north of Hwy 40 and Jefferson at 2700 Olive.
To book your day or nighttime event, contact Mike at bluebirdstl@gmail.com.
Who I'd like to meet: You. In fact, we probably already have met, in some crappy club with bad sound and bad bands, rude bartenders and nowhere to park.
June 22, 2007
Free Candy Quickie
An update from co-founder Amanda Doyale on Sunday, this Sunday, the 24th. Of June: "Sunday’s guests include the student authors of StudioSTL, STL Chihuahua Rescue (even a microdog on display!) and musical stylings of Forbidden Fruit Snacks."
I'll be across town at the Hamiet Bluiett show at Ivory Perry Park, but my heart'll be at Hartford. (Ba-ding.)
June 19, 2007
He's Blake Ashby. He's Running for President.
Only 42 views when I came across this tonight. Let's drive some numbers toward our Independent Presidential Candidate homeboy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DXFk8Vb-Dw
(If the hotlink don't work... well, that would be typical.)
Our Man in Bonnaroo
I've known Pablo Weiss since sometime in the early-'90s and he's still capable of making me laugh, often in a way that's suspiciously similar to the famed cartoon character of the era, Beavis. So, I was amused to get an e-mail from Pablo on his Bonnaroo experience. Feeling that the couple dozen folks who got the original note weren't enough, I asked if we could reprint it, which he agreed to, providing I cleaned up a few copy elements. The wacky, off-color stuff, though, could remain intact. Thanks, dude!
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I had the opportunity to attend Boonaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee this last Thursday-Sunday. To say the least, it was quite an experience. I had some observations and since I am an over-opinionated loudmouth, I thought I would humor you with my thoughts, just for fun.
I would like to first off like to state that if the approximately 90,000 people that I camped with are the future of America, than we are in grave danger. It was like every slacker, fuck-up freak, and fruit and vegetable that I ever met were rolled into one. As our vehicle slowly inched onto the grounds (basically
huge fields)there were some cop cars lined up on the side. Handcuffed and sitting with his back against the front bumper was a pencil-neck hippie-type with about five pounds of mushrooms piled on the trunk of the car. I thought that the retail price in the mushroom market just went way up because the loss of supply. Little did I know, but it was not even a dent in the supply.
Everyone was, however, quite friendly and if I could live my life in such a consequence-free society with easy access to a plethora of recreational drugs, cool original music, with little sexual mores than I am in. Not that I was hooking up, or tripping (I retired after my last trip to A-Dam) but I did enjoy those who did partake, especially the young girls who frolicked around topless with their budding breasts and pert nipples decorated with a variety of body paintings and piercings. Before I start to go in another direction, I would like to give a review of the musical acts that I saw...
Top 10
1. Wolfmother - Talk about kicking ass and taking names later! Wow, these guys really rock! Sounded like Sabbath in their good days mixed in with some Triumph and the keyboards of Kansas.
2. Mute Math - These guys are so serious that the drummer duct taped his headphone around his head so they would not fall off as they ripped through a 90-minute set. One hippie got so worked up he charged the stage naked and danced like Beatle Bob for two-three minutes before being escorted out by
security. The music was quirky pop and the performance made it sound so much better. They smashed up their their stuff at the the end of the show which was a nice touch.
3. String Cheese Incident - I know what you are thinking - the guy who thinks that the Dead blow small dogs liked this? I'm not going to admit that I liked it, but G-D I had a blast! Keller Williams joined them and did the Bee Gees hit "Stayin' Alive" and brought the house down. One could not help but have a
great time with such wild freaked out crowd.
4. Jam Session with Ben Harper, John Paul Jones, and some drummer - When they played "Dazed and Confused" it made this middle-aged white boy's skin tingle. Rumors abounded about Zeppelin reuniting - of course.
5. Hot Chip - Like Mute Math, I did not know these guys before Bonnaroo. They got that appealing combofor me - the electronica fused with the traditional rock instruments. They are from London so they already are cooler than you and I but I would seriously recommend their CD.
6. North Mississippi All Stars - Saw these guys yesterday (Sunday) after drinking beer in the 95-degree sun for four hours and felt like expiring, then these guys really picked me up. Saw them in the '90s and might have booked them into the Side Door in it's day (my memory is not too good), but forgot what talented musicians these guys are. Wow, these guys have a tight, tight jam.
7. Kings of Leon - I don't exactly know why, but I really like these guys.
8. The Hold Steady - Another one of those over-the-top performances. Took better-than-okay material and just fucking rocked the house. The music is catchy and the band gives a fine performance.
9. Franz Ferdinand - A trendy pick, but they were good. Had good give and take with the audience and the songs other than their popular ones blended nicely with the set.
10. Brazilian Girls - Another electro-pop girl band which definitely has its angle. Another cool band that I only got to know at Bonnaroo
The worst four, starting from the worst.
1. Galactic - They added rappers to their entire show: and it was God Awful. Several years ago now, I saw Public Enemy at The Aragon Brawlroom and thought to myself if I don't dig these guys live, that maybe live rap shows are really not that good. It ruined the show so completely - there really were no synergies. The smell of the septic vacuum cleaning out the latrines 50-feet away was more enjoyable.
2. White Stripes - It started out bad where they booked them at a stage that was not big enough; there are open fields in fronts of all stages. The place
could probably accommodate 15-20,000 and there were probably 40-50,000 people there. It was a buzz kill after seeing the N. Miss. All Stars! Standing in the sun several hundred feet away I saw two people who were about as un-harmonic as you could get. It was so bad that I left early to get a nice spot for Widespread Panic; that's pretty bad. When I got to Widespread Panic, I did meet a nice young man with his hot young girlfriend (who claimed to be from Philly) who tried to sell me a drug that I had not heard of, but it came in white crystals. I politely declined further adding to my concerns that I am getting old and conservative.
3. The Decemberists - I know that these guys are hot and just sold out The Pagent, but I just did not get it. Maybe I am not sophisticated enough, but these guys left me limp and wilty.
4. Ween - What a cool band and a nothing set. Hardly played one song that I recognized from their fairly deep catalog. The LSU coeds behind me smoking a blunt were more entertaining.
Other bands of note...
The Police - Let's get something straight, Sting is a wanker that lives in a castle in the British Isles. He is pretentious and his solo career has done little else than give me a big soft-on. However, it's pretty cool going to a show that you know ever song from their tight career. The set started with "Message in a
Bottle," and stayed predominantly on their first three albums. Luckily "Every Breath you Take" was the encore so I could thankfully not hear it for 2,456th time.
Tool - I don't get it. It was not a bad concert, but I just don't get into it. A word of advice - don't tell a Tool fan that it just sounds like an updated
Metallica. They will be extremely insulted.
Widespread Panic - These guys are the most unimpressive looking sorts, however, they played a tight set from 8:30 Sunday night until just after midnight without a break of more than two-minutes. From what I understand they have a new guitarist; whoever this dinosaur is, he really, really could jam the guitar.
Junior Brown - Made his whole band wear coats and ties in sweltering heat. He, of course, had the Ten Gallon hat.
Marta Wainwright - Same whiny singer songwriter as her brother Rufus but less talented.
Clutch - About what you would expect that sounds more-and-more like Southern Rock.
Tea Leaf Green - Jam band from San Francisco; luckily, I was stoned when I saw them.
Tortoise - They were aw' right.
Dick Thompson Band - Made me feel young.
STS9 - A cool electronica project.
Damian Rice - Boring, but I did meet a young man with his first facial hair growth with a pentagram painted on his chest and 666 on his back. I, coincidental, was wearing a King Diamond shirt that I stole from Abbatista with some good devil stuff on it. I complimented his good sense, and recommended that he read "The Satanic Bible" by Anton LaVey.
Flaming Lips - Good set for a washed-up band.
Fountains Of Wayne - Fun pop band.
I made some nice friends there, mostly slackers than hung around the campsite because with had those little camping chairs and occasional food and booze. They, of course, had weed to barter. My favorite friend was a tie between Brent, the 19-year-old Domino's driver from Aurora, Illinois and Chris the 22-year-old, somewhat college student who just got a 0.9 GPA because he could not make it to his morning classes at Colorado State. He was tripping on Wednesday night and made his way to the festival and coincidentially set up his tent next to me.
I guess Burning Man is next on my Tour De Freak.
Pablo Out
June 18, 2007
"Milk Eggs Vodka" on The Wire
Owing to a last-second scheduling snafu (for which I bear full responsibility), we were left minus a guest for tonight's edition of The Wire on KDHX. Luckily, Bill Keaggy of the Post-Dispatch was able to help us out, for reasons outside of his day job a the paper of record.
Bill has just seen the release of his book of found grocery lists, "Milk Eggs Vodka," which you can learn about at his ridiculously deep and entertaining website, keaggy.com. Or you can listen to him explain the project tonight at 7:30 on 88.1 fm. Or you can stream or podcast the show for the next month at kdhx.org.
The choice is yours.
Steve Ewing: CD Upcoming
It's still a bit odd to think of the firebrand vocalist of The Urge doing the singer-songwriter thing, but that's the mode he's found in for much of last year, playing smaller clubs, bars and cafes, rather than big shows with a big band. In a couple weeks, the 2006 Kick Ass Award winner will offer up his new CD. Complimetns of the artist's rep, here's the info:
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Steve Ewing Celebrating the release of his fourth solo CD! "Substance And Sound." This all-acoustic CD marks a new direction from The Urge
frontman featuring Adam Hansbrough on guitar.
June, 30 2007 at Crossings -
35 N. Gore, Webster Groves, Missouri 63119
Cost : NO COVER!
June 15, 2007
Your Thoughts on the P-D Editorial Page Sought
Eddie Roth, a longtime St. Louisan who moved to Ohio a while back to take a job with the Dayton Daily News, is working on a project discussing the role of newspaper editorial pages in today's new media climate. With the opening up of the P-D's editorial page editor slot, he sent a note to Dave Drebes of the Arch City Chronicle and to 52nd City, asking readers of our blogs to contact him and/or comment on their views re: the P-D's editorial page. I'll note below a goodly chunk of the text that Eddie sent us earlier this week:
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I have been thinking a lot for the past two years about what's next for newspaper opinion pages -- on how they can harness new media and collaborate with the alternative press and citizen journalists and draw closer to readers (audience) and become more useful in helping to solve local problems, make democracy work better, and promote the quality of life in the community.
I've been working on these questions with some really smart, progressive, energetic opinion editors and writers from large and small dailies through the National Conference of Editorial Writers (NCEW).
The Kettering Foundation is located here in Dayton. Last fall I began conversations with them about the future of newspaper opinion pages
This has culminated in their hosting a meeting at the foundation on 6/26-6/27 organized by the NCEW how to move forward.
I see where the St. Louis Post-Dispatch will be appointing a new editorial page editor, the first such change in ten years -- a decade that has seen dramatic changes in the news industry and in how information and opinions are shared.
Here is a link to Lee Enterprises ad for the job:
http://www.lee.net/shared-content/topads/showad.php?adid=4994468
Here's what I would be interested to learn from you, your readers, and the larger community of St. Louis readers and audiences:
Would you add, omit or change anything in the job announcement to get what you would like to see in daily (mainstream) opinion journalism in St. Louis? If so, how would you rewrite the ad?
I know some people would have fun with this. Which of course is fine.
But please know this a serious inquiry, and the responses would be shared widely in the newspaper industry and could have an impact.
I would collect the comments you and your readers post and offer them for discussion at the Kettering conference (at which I am serving as "meeting reporter"). I also would share with you to pass on to your readers the reactions I receive.
"Cheat Heat" Debuting Tonight
This band should be pretty good, made up of Gary Copeland (vocals, rhythm guitar), Ted Magos (drums), Chris Walker (bass) and Matty Coonfield (lead guitar). Cover's either $5 or $6, so affordable. If anyone goes, please let us know, as yours truly is committed, but very interested.
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This Friday
June 15th @ the Lemmons
5800 Gravois, Ave.
21+
CHEAP HEAT (first STL show... featuring members of Lofreq, The Electric & Very Metal)
http://www.myspace.com/cheapheatmusic
PORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS (Charleston, IL.. Ex-Swampass)
http://www.myspace.com/thepornagainchristians
HOLY PYTHON (STL Bad Asses)
http://www.myspace.com/holypythonrock
Show starts at 9:30PM
June 14, 2007
Far Out at the Way Out
I'm a big fan of bellydancing, and even took lessons for a while; it was sad, sad, sad. I resigned myself as a bystander, which was easy, since one of the country's biggest bellydancing festivals is held up in Park City, Utah (it's sponsored by Kismet School of Dance, where I took lessons). I could never quite get into what they call the Egyptian Cabaret style - that is, the spangles 'n' bullet-bra school, the style you see in a lot of restaurants as early dinner-show. My sister worked at a Middle Eastern restaurant for a spell, and maybe I just saw too much of it when I'd go down there for falafel. My speed's more Fat Chance Bellydance, aka the San Francisco tribal school. Or accidentally weird bellydance, like the chick I saw dance at the Park City Festival one year: "Dondi, Bellydancer of the Universe." She was a little fat in the can, and had a whole skirt made out of fake sunflowers, which she wore with three-inch heels (those shoes may be the reason she didn't move her feet at all when she danced). When I moved to St. Louis, I was a little bummed out that Middle Eastern dance didn't seem to have quite the same foothold here, though it's grown a lot in the past six years; only recently did I learn about Final Veil, a collaboration between DJ Leon Lamont and bellydancer Cora Camille. Though they may have a lot of bellydancers in Utah, I can guarantee there's no one bellydancing to turntables in rock clubs, so on the record I will now say that St. Louis has trumped SLC as bellydance capital, at least in my mind. I'll be filling in for Ann Haubrich and Jane Ibur tonight on Literature for the Halibut, but I may muster the energy to go down to the Way Out tonight to see Final Veil collaborate with Tory Z. Starbuck, who I imagine will come equipped with Middle Eastern flutes and bizouki.
June 14 (Tonight!)
Final Veil & Tory Z. Starbuck
Way Out Club
2525 S. Jefferson
Doors @ 9PM
City Museum Seeks Youth Filmmakers
It's official. I'm not convinced that all media efforts will soon be undertaken by teenagers and that those of us on the other side of 30 need to leave the media field as quickly and orderly as possible. On the other hand, it's a great time to be a kid with a video camera, as evidenced by this City Museum blog entry:
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It’s official. The first-ever City Museum Film Contest has been announced. If you will still be 18 years old or younger by July 24, have access to a camera, and love City Museum, this is for you. We’ll be voting for the winning films American Idol-style, so all of America—or at least anyone who looks at the CM website—will see your handiwork. Sounds pretty cool, huh?
If you’re interested, be sure to log on to http://www.citymuseum.org/julyspecialeventsfilm.asp. There’s a link to the application form on the page, so print it out and bring it in while you’re filming. The rest of the rules and regulations are on the site. Start brainstorming—you only have about a month and a half!
June 13, 2007
Slamming at RAC
Oh, it's been a while now! My Loop Rat days are almost 20 years past. Time has seperated me from all those afternoons spent hanging out at Bob Putnam's 20th Century Books, the Varsity Theatre and smaller versions of Cicero's, Streetside and Vintage Vinyl. A big part of the scene in the dawn of the '90s was the Wabash Triangle Cafe, a funky joint located on the geographical footprint that's now the Pageant. In a time when the Loop absolutely died at the intersection of Delmar and Skinker, the Wabash was the first business to test the eastern side of the Loop.
Run by Calvin Case - who'd often be the only worker on duty, bartending, flipping burgers and cracking wise simultaneously - this was one seriously odd spot, with a mix of entertainment that included sad-sack songwriters, energetic punks like the young Fragile Porcelain Mice and more slam-style poets than you could count.
We're alerted to an event this week that celebrates that group, along with their slamming followers. Compliments of David Dandridge:
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What: Up from the Ashes: Poets of the Wabash Triangle Cafe
When: Saturday, June 16th, 2007 Doors: 7:30pm Show: 8pm
Where: The Regional Arts Commission 6128 Delmar (East of the Loop )
Cost: Suggested Donation $5.00. No one will be turned away, so bring your broke ass on down.
See some of the best of the old school and new school St. Louis performance poets from the Wabash Triangle Cafe all the way to the 2007 St. Louis Slam Team: Hari Sky Campbell, Margeau Steinau, Paul Stewart, Maria Guadalupe Massey, Linda Lawson Mixon, John Newmark and more. Hosted by David Wraith and filmed for the upcoming documentary "The Roof is on Fire."
June 12, 2007
Sherman George Does Shakespeare
I'm a low-brow kinda guy. No problem admitting that. Have not a lot of time for The Bard, but have plenty of time for Ed Wood. So, in recognition of an event supporting both St. Louis Shakespeare and the Magic Smoking Monkey, we note this upcoming event... which features our favorite Fire Chief!
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It's St. Louis Shakespeare like you've never seen it before! Please join us on Saturday, July 7, as local celebrities and St. Louis Shakespeare/Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre actors perform favorite scenes from past productions - everything from HAMLET and RICHARD III to THE ONE-HOUR STAR WARS TRILOGY and SPEED RACER! Featuring the dramatic stylings of...
Darwyn Apple (St. Louis Symphony Orchestra), Bill Chott (Film actor, Comedian), Ruth Ezell (KETC-TV), Alfonso Freeman (Film and Stage Actor), Sherman George (St. Louis Fire Chief), Darlene Green (St. Louis Comptroller), Jill McGuire (Executive Director, Regional Arts Commission), McGraw Milhaven (KTRS Radio), Judith Newmark (Theatre Critic, St. Louis Post-Dispatch), Alvin Reid (Editor, St. Louis American), Vince Schoemehl (President of Grand Center and former Mayor), Jim Shrewsbury (former St. Louis Alderman), Dianne White (Television Personality). With special guest appearances by: Drew Bell, Dave Cooperstein, Chris Jones, Julie Layton, Oscar Madrid and Jim Ousley!
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Grandel Theater
Show starts at 7pm
Admission: $50 in advance, $65 at the door (tax deductible). Proceeds benefit St. Louis Shakespeare with a portion supporting SLS' educational programming with Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School . For tickets or more information, call (314) 361-5664.
St. Louis Shakespeare and Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre have been a proud part of the local theatre community for a combined 30 years. We hope you'll help us celebrate this great tradition and ensure that St. Louis Shakespeare and Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre will continue for many years into the future.
June 08, 2007
Jennifer Silverberg: Selected Projects
So embarassed about this, but I had to have a good ol' mano a mano with a lady that was about two feet shorter than me tonight. She meant well - she was door-guarding at the Sheldon, and I showed up late to Jennifer Silverberg's photography show there. She was just trying to do her duty and kick everyone out at closing time. Slackerly me, I usually head out to art shows around 8 p.m., not 5 p.m. - which was when Jen's opening started. So I barely squeezed in, after dodging the tiny lady in the tuxedo at the front door. The lights were being dimmed in warning as I ran up the stairs to do a jog-through. Even in the five or seven minutes I had, I was smote with the sublimity of it all. There are some classic RFT shots - images of Hunter Brumfield, Fred Friction and Pops Farrar among them - but also some gorgeous images series on the cotton gin mills down in the boot heel, which employ mainly migrant workers. I've been a big admirer of Jen's work in the RFT since moving here, and it was swell to see her pictures blown up to incredible size, hanging on a gallery wall. (If there is any justice in the world, someone will give Jen another gallery show.)
I'm planning to go back to do a proper walk-through, and I suggest that anyone who loves photography as an art form do the same. I've been foiled by the Sheldon's quirky hours before, and barely managed to see their blow-out Josephine Baker exhibit last year as a result. Plan accordingly; give yourself some time to really linger, because there's a lot to see here. As I frantically raced through the gallery, I also got a glimpse of Miles' Davis' jacket and some blues paraphernalia that caught my eye, so I'll have to go back with a good hour to burn at least ...
Jennifer Silverberg: Selected Projects
Sheldon Art Galleries
3648 Washington Boulevard
314-533-9900, www.thesheldon.org
June 07, 2007
Day 1 Business, Year 1 Business
Various folks we know are celebrating on Friday. In one case, it's the birth of a new business. In the other, a one-year anniversary will be cited.
The newbie is Local Harvest Grocery, located at 3148 Morganford. Founded by Patrick Horine and Shannon "Maddie" Earnest, the micro-grocery will have a heavy emphasis on local and organic foods, as the name would suggest. The opening is set for this Friday; hours are set for 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Fridays, with the full list of hours available at the website: www.localharvestgrocery.com. We'll also note that this business won't just be a nice option for South City shoppers, it'll be a nice boost for a business district in need of some daytime operators.
Speaking of folks doing good for their neighborhood, Bevin Fahey-Vornberg and David Early are celebrating the one-year anniversary of Snowfalke/City Stock with an art opening tomorrow. Here're the details, compliments of David:
SNOWFLAKE/CITYSTOCK is turning ONE year old! Friday June 8 we will celebrate our first birthday from 6-9pm.
Current Exhibit: David Linneweh - Paintings, Prints also featured: fine mid-century furniture from our collection.
David Linneweh paints and prints simplified suburban landscapes that are somewhat banal, embarrassingly ordinary, and utterly, hypnotically compelling. His work has been selected to appear in New American
Paintings, MFA Edition 2007.
SNOWFLAKE/CITYSTOCK
3156 Cherokee Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63118
www.snowflakecitystock.com
June 06, 2007
(Kinda) Unconscious
Saw Mike Apirion the other night and the former Unconscious and Black Sand Hand frontman said that he'd be celebrating his birthday at the Atomic Cowboy this Sunday night, June 10. Why that's worth noting in a public blog is the fact that he's going to be playing some songs and members of the Unconscious might be dropping by to add their talents.
The group's last show was at the venue, a stripped-down, last-minute-announced affair, with a certain, hardcore contingent on-hand. We bet that the same crew gathers this Sunday evening. "Silver Tray," anyone?
(By the way: I don't believe I noted elsewhere on the blog that the Atomic Cowboy's gotten into the business of serving up fancy, highly-infused vodkas, which are found on the bar in over-the-top glassware. If you're looking for a hot bloody mary, go for the pepper-infused vodka, which has been drawing ZING! from a wealth of hot peppers for the past month. Yowzah.)
New Blog: Hwy61.wordpress.com
So, wow.
Two of the bloggers at the ol' Websterbloggers.com site, Matthew Hurst and Gabe Bullard, are rowing together in a new blog forum: hwy61.wordpress.com. Half the team was located at Mangia Italiano's lunch today and reported that the domain name might shift soon, but the blog's up-and-running, as is, with several posts popping up since the May 21 debut.
Here's a brief description of the site from the first post: "Welcome to Highway61.com (domain pending), your online crossroads between St. Louis' cultural heritage and what otherwise might be called youth culture. Formed using the remnants of WebsterBloggers.com, this site expands upon that legacy to offer a unique take on the happenings in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, Earth. That being said, you might expect to find any matter of concert reviews, local events, pictures, interviews, and general drunken revelry here (see also: this initial post). In the meantime, please look forward to posts almost totally unlike this rather akward first post (spelling errors, warts, and all)."
Sniff, sniff. These two make me feel that my springtime Wednesday afternoons were well-spent. Go get 'em, boys.
June 05, 2007
North City Farmer's Market
I think I had the good intention of posting this press release a couple weeks back, but the old melon failed me. At any rare, the North City Farmer's Market is apparently now in operation, so pass along the word to any friends of yours in that neck of the woods.
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North City Farmer’s Market to Open June 2nd
St Louis, MO May 29, 2007
Beginning Saturday mornings in June, the North City Farmers’ Market will be open from 9 AM to 1 PM across from Crown Candy Kitchen on the 14th Street Pedestrian Mall, at the corner of St Louis Avenue and 14th Street. This market aims to serve the neighborhoods of Old North, St Louis Place and Hyde Park. This market accepts food stamps and vouchers distributed at local food pantries in addition to cash. We will host cooking classes with Hope Build, bicycle workshops through BikeWorks, and health screenings at the Grace Hill Mobile Health-To-Go Van throughout the summer.
The neighborhoods just north of downtown St Louis are lacking in access to fresh, healthy food. The North City Farmers’ Market, a project of Old North St Louis Restoration Corporation and New Roots Urban Farm with funding from the Missouri Foundation for Health, will increase the availability of produce to these neighbors, particularly those with little or no income. BikeWorks will be distributing 30 bikes equipped with racks through the summer to local residents to encourage carrying food without a car. Vegetables will come from New Roots Urban Farm, Soulard Market vendors, and donations from farmers in the bi-state area.
Join us Saturdays at St Louis Avenue and 14th Street for the North City Farmers’ Market to encourage health, nutrition and community for everyone in our city.
Powell Square: Update?
I ran by Powell Square yesterday, thinking of running in and looking for a location for a possible photo shoot. But... there was actual, on-site activity taking place, with workers surveying the building and, seemingly, adding some reinforced doors to the ground floor. This hulking space is a centerpiece of the coming Choteau's Landing project, so we're happy some initial site work is taking place, though we also recognize that a community full of shutterbugs, graf writers and urban creepers quietly sheds a tear.
A Starry Night at Acero
Shared a late night dinner with friends at Acero in Maplewood on Saturday night. We arrived to a packed and noisy house and the hostess attempted to seat us in the back room, which was much to my delight, quieter. She was quickly rebuffed by a waiter. “Don’t seat ANYONE back here the rest of the night—they can’t sit here,” he warned. Ouch! Were my shoes not pointy enough? I was getting a bad feeling.
We were moved to the main dining area and after much discussion over the menu were ready to order. It was nearly 10pm—the hour that the kitchen normally closes. Our waiter assured us this would not be a problem on this night. “We have a big party of 20 coming in at 10:15. Tim Robbins is in town shooting a movie.”
Giggles all around by the girls. Bewilderment from my husband.
Our dinner was wonderful. I had the morel mushroom pasta special. The best pasta I’ve ever had a restaurant, no question. The waiter came and reached over me to replenish Lindsey’s water glass—right when Tim walked in. All I got to see where his sexy shoes walk by as I sneaked a peek underneath the waiter’s sleeve. The restaurant was nearly silent for a suspended 15 seconds or so. Then everything was buzzing with excitement again. By the time we left, nearly all the guests in the main dining room were gone but every single staff person was still in uniform ready to serve the star.
Acero should do well. I have heard complaints about the service. While our waiter did a good job and the owner took a minute to stop at our table, the waiter who got onto the hostess about seating us in the back room also came over and tried to correct the way our waiter was serving our polenta. That guy needs to take a hike. We enjoyed the evening and our pasta dishes were fabulous. It was a great experience all the way around.
I did notice on the way out that Elizabeth House next door was closing up shop. If anyone has news on this—I’d appreciate the skinny.
June 04, 2007
Say It Ain't So
An all around nice guy and all around nice gal are saying buh-bye to St. Louis. The arts and culture scene will miss them both.
Randall Roberts, longtime writer for the RFT, contributor to our magazine, and DJ at KDHX (and all over town really), is moving to L.A. at the end of this month. He’ll be DJing at the Contemporary this Thursday, June 7th. This will be one of his last spins in St. Louis so if you get a chance, do stop by. 6-10pm. Free admission.
Tracy Varley, former co-director of Mad Art Gallery has relocated to Chicago. Tracy worked behind the scenes at Mad Art since the beginning. She was the heart of that operation and played a huge part in the success of Stray Rescue’s Mad Arf, the Glass Art Society 2006 Conference in St. Louis, and countless charity and art events, including helping 52nd City out a time or two.
We at 52nd City wish both the best.
RIP: James Deakin
I was reading the P-D's obituary of former, longtime reporter James Deakin today, thinking that the name was familiar. When I ran across this paragraph in Aisha Sultan's piece, it clicked:
Mr. Deakin also wrote several books, including "The Lobbyists," "Lyndon Johnson's Credibility Gap," "Straight Stuff: The Reporters, The White House and the Truth," and "A Grave for Bobby," a heavily researched look at the 1953 kidnapping and murder of 6-year-old Bobby Greenlease of Kansas City.
If you've not had the chance, seek out "A Grave for Bobby." About a year back, Christian Saller handed me a copy and I jumped right in, reading the book in just a couple nights. Colorfully describing the infamous Greenlease case, Deakin struck a perfect noir-ish, mid-century feel in describing the bumbling, ill-fated rogues surrounding the story. In doing so, he wrote about the working class St. Louis of that time, putting you right into the barrooms, four-family flats and taxi cabs of that moment, with even a few, memorable sidetrips to the late, lamented Coral Court Motel.
Obvisouly, James Deakin wrote about a lot more than just that celebrated case, but if he'd only done that book, I'd still have to say "thanks."
June 03, 2007
Non-Prophet Trivia, Saturday @ Mad Art
Compliments of Tyson Blanquart, the 2006 Kick Ass Award-winning Non-Prophet Theatre Company will be hosting another trivia night at Mad Art. It's coming up quick. Here're the pertinent details:
Just when you thought it was safe… The Non Prophets are back with another pop culture trivia smack down!
SUBJECT OF SMACK DOWN! :
Non Prophets Trivia Night 2: Electric Boogaloo
DATE OF SMACK DOWN! :
Saturday, June 9th. Doors open at 6:30pm. Game at 7:00pm
LOCATION OF SMACK DOWN! :
Mad Art Gallery 2727 South 12th Street , St. Louis , MO
COST OF SMACK DOWN! :
$20.00 per person or 200.00 for your team of 10 ringers
This time, it's personal! Ten rounds of hardcore trivia! Music! Theatre! Television! Dead Celebrities! Movies! Oh yes, there will be movies! Door prizes, raffles and an OPEN BAR! All to benefit the second season of the Kevin Kline Award nominated Non Prophet Theatre Co. Blood will be shed! Hearts will be broken! Obscure references will be made… Many teams will enter, but in the end there can be only one (winner). Did I mention the open bar?
First prize will be DVD prize package and season tickets. The second and third place teams will get free passes to one show.
10 Rounds of trivia, plus Dead or Alive & 50/50 raffles.
There are plenty of Soulard eateries that deliver to Mad Art, and we'll provide phone numbers and menus so you can get your grub on!
For individual and team reservations, contact the Quizmaster (David) 314-304-0548 or davidwraith@yahoo.com (please put Trivia Night in subject line).