March 2019

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Mar 2019

FREE Art, Chat, Chow...Vesna Delevska ~ March Fun Page Poetry and Wine at Knotty by Nature~ March Comics Memories of a River Distrtict ~ March Calendar of Events

March 2019

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Issue

Vesna Delevska

Serving Up Art, Music, and Culture for the Metro Area’s Enjoyment 1 GessoMagazine.com Gesso Magazine

Inside Page

March 2019

Editors Word – March 2019 Straight Up Magazine is now Gesso Magazine and it is here with its 44th edition ‘Serving Up Art, Music and Culture for the Metro-East’s Enjoyment’. The St. Louis Metro deserves its own arts and entertainment magazine. And here it is. It’s called Gesso!!!

We are so very pleased to have local artist Vesna Delevska as our featured cover artist.

Read about her extraordinary career and see more of her work inside this edition.

We thank our writers for their poignant features and all those who contribute to this project. We appreciate our fans who have submitted their works for publication. And “Likes” to all you followers on Facebook!!! We are grateful to you, the reader, for picking up this latest issue of Gesso Magazine – issue #44 in the Str8 Up Magazine legacy!!!

Like Straight Up before it, the mission of Gesso Magazine is to support local arts and artists and the businesses and organizations that support local arts and artists. Please feel free to contact us with ideas, comments, information, etc. that might assist us in our mission to serve you, the residents of the St. Louis Metro area.

WE WANT YOU! - All you artistic and creative types out there! You should contact us.

Show us your work. Tell us of your craft and brief personal/artistic history. Submit any art form that you’d like. Perhaps, you can be one of our next published contributors or even a featured artist. Check out the Submissions Pages to see who’s featured this month. Next month, that could be you!!

Enjoy Gesso! Tell your friends. Send us your work. And visit our website at GessoMagazine.com. Visit us on Facebook daily for new and additional events and features. You’ll see Gesso Magazine at over 425 area distribution locations. And we’ll see you at the clubs, theatres, galleries, and festivals all over the St. Louis Metro Area.

P.O. Box 412 Belleville, IL 62222 * (314) 266-9199 editor@gessomagazine.com

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Gesso Magazine

Staff

February Credits

Editors: Jake Bishop, Robert Corey, Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Layout Design Artists: Jake Bishop, Dylan Seibert, Mark Polege Sales: Jake Bishop, Robert Corey, Keri Robertson, Paul Seibert, Dylan Seibert, Jason Sibert Ad Artists: Jake Bishop, Mark Polege, Dylan Seibert, Wil Sullivan Calendar: Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Website Design & Up-Keep: Mark Polege (MarkusDesignWorks.com), Jake Bishop Photography: Mark Polege (PhotographyofMarkPolege.com) Distribution: Jake Bishop, Robert Corey, KenDale Hampton, Courtney Feldman, Daniel Nygard, Lesley Schaeperkoetter, Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert, Wil Sullivan, Herald Publications

Contributors

Cover Artist: Vesna Delevska Cover Logo: Jake Bishop Comics: Robert Corey, Brian Gardner Fun Page: Jake Bishop Photography: Photos Courtesy of Vesna Art Gallery (Cover & p.20-23), Allan Crain (p.3), John Dorroh (p.6-8), Nancy Lynn (p.22), Carrie Paul (p.24) Feature Writers: John Dorroh, Carrie Paul, K. M. Pickard Submissions: Renee Canetta, Kevin Dale Duncan, Beth Gordon All material in this publication and its affiiated on-line content are copyrighted to the individual contributors or Gesso Magazine, LLC and may not be reproduced without written consent. We are very grateful to those who have submitted material to be considered for publication. However, the opinions and views of those contributing content to Gesso do not necessarily reflect those of Gesso Magazine.

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Table of Contents

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March 2019

Poetry & Wine at Knotty by Nature in Grafton

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March Comics

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March Calendar of Events

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March Fun Page

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Art, Chat, Chow ... Vesna Delevska

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Sunday Morning Game Night

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March Submissions

by John Dorroh

by K. M. Pickard

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History Corner - Memories of a River District

by Carrie Paul

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Distribution List Alton

AmTrak Chez Marilyn Doc Holiday’s Fast Eddie’s Bon Aire Jacoby Art Center Mike’s Ten Pin Village Inn Pancake House

Belleville

Gesso Magazine Can Be Found At Over 425 Caseyville Twshp Bldg Convenient Metro Area Locations Catholic Credit Union

10th Street Baking Co 4204 Main Street Brewing Co. Advance Family Chiropractic Almighty Tattoos Althoff CHS Art Dept Anthony’s Salon Balance Coffee and Tea Bamboo Valley Buffet Beast Craft BBQ Co. Beatnik’s Bell Air Bowl Belle Clair Expo Cente Belleville Inn & Suites Belleville Main Street Belleville Public Libraries (West Main; East Washington) Belleville Screen Printing Co. Bennie’s Pizza Pub BP Huck’s Locations (Carlyle Ave; N. Illinois St.) Bronx Zoo Boutique Centerfield Bar and Grill Chamber of Commerce Cigar Inn Circa Circle K Locations (Old Collinsville Rd, 177) City Hall Club Escapade Club Fitness Conoco Phillips Crehan’s Irish Pub Dog Day Afternoon Drawing Fantasies by Kathy Dutch Hollow Barn Eckert Florist 4

March 2019

Effinger’s Garden Center Family Sports Plex Fletcher’s Kitchen & Tap Geo’s Wings & More Golden Dragon Governor French Gallery Grappa Growlers Green Forest Vapors Hair on Main Hardee’s (S. Belt East) Hicks Bar-B-Que Imo’s Pizza JR’s Last Call Kelso Auto Body League Lounge Lindenwood Univ Little Ceasar’s Local Lucy’s Main Street Café Mary’s Hidden Treasures Maytag Laundry Max’s One Stop Melodic Rhythms Metro East Gastroenterology MotoMart Mueller Furniture New Concepts Beauty & Barber North Belt West Liquor Papa Vito’s (E. Washington & N. Belt West) Pizza World Plug N Play Computers Quick Mart Rain Tree Salon Renaissance Hair & Skin Care Rising Star Too Schnucks Schmidt Art Center @ SWIC Seven Shop N Save (N. Belt West) Smoothie King

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Southwestern IL College (Art Dept.,Cafe’, Film Dept.)

Spa Demi St. Clair County Event Center St E’s Medical Arts Bldg Stein Automotive Stillpointe Wellness Center Sullivan’s Super 8 Motel Surya Rakta Tavern on Main The Abbey TOCO Shop Towne & Country Mart TR’s Place Turned Treasures Uncle Nick’s Deli Valvoline Walgreens Weingarten Wingate Manor YMCA East

Jim’s Pawn & Jewelry John Locus Photography Knights of Columbus McDill’s Irish Pub New China Palm Beach Tan Papa John’s Red Bar Spring Garden Restaurant Sports Clips Swing City Music

Columbia

Art 2 Go Studio Aunt Maggie’s Chateau La Vin Columbia City Saloon Mish Mash Studio Who Dat’s

Edwardsville

Auto Tire Bailey Cakes Bridal Couture Circle K Enclave & Enclave West Green Mobile Happy Up Toys Heroic Adventures Mark’s Appliances Public Library Run Well Sacred Grounds Southern IL University Other Side Comics Stagger Inn...Again Teaspoon Cafe

Caseyville

America’s Best Inn & Suites First Western Inn Huddle Bar & Grill Knollwood Retirement Quality Inn and Suites Woody’z Bar & Grill

Collinsville

Apple Cleaners Asia Garden Bert’s Chuckwagon Camelot Bowl Carsilios Mexican Restaurant Collinsville Public Library Dean’s Exxon Gas Farmers Market Fazzi’s Headliners Bar & Grill

Fairview Heights

Best Western BP Huck’s CALC Institute of Technology Casey’s

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Cherry’s Vapes & Emporium China King Circle K City Hall Comfort Inn & Suites Drury Inn Econolodge Express Medical Care Fairfield Inn Fairview Liquor Fairview Lounge Fortel’s Pizza Den Guitar Center Hampton Inn Hooters Hucks Locations (Lincoln HWY, Old Collinsville) Jacob’s Herb Shop Joe’s Pizza Lasting Impressions Floral Lilly’s Gyro Lizzy Bob’s Bakery MotoMart New Venture Pharmacy Phillip 66 Gas Mart (Bunkum Rd.) Public Library Quick Stop 2 Quiznos Ramada Inn Randalls Wine & Spirits Sahara Hair Studio Schnucks Sheraton Four Points St. Clair Bowl Sunshine Daydream Super 8 Motel Total Eyeware USave Cleaners Walgreens Winchester Place Office VFW Zapata’s

Distribution List Freeburg

Casey’s Country Market Gary’s Restaurant MotoMart Way Ward Pub

Glen Carbon Glen Mart

Granite City

Alfresco Art Center Apple Tree Restaurant Kool Beanz Southwestern IL College (Cafe’, Fitness Center)

Highland

501 Blues Club Great Clips Highland’s Tru-Buy Railshake Brewery Starlight Studio

Lebanon

BP Casey’s CC Food Mart First Federal Bank Ghost Vapor Shop Hanger 18 Guitar Repair Shop Lebanon Visitors Center Lebanon Wine & Spirits Legendary Creations McKendree University (Art Dept., Gallery of Art, Hett Arts Center, Holman Library) MotoMart Public Library Tiadaghton House True Value Whimsey Gifts

Maryville

Lakehouse at Buffalo Park Red Apple Restaurant

March 2019

Mascoutah

All Mart Smoke Shop American Legion Bee Hollow Marketplace Best Western Inn & Suites Boyce, Hund, & Associates Casey’s General Store Dauber’s Pharmacy Donna Mae’s Salon Han-Dee Mart Jo-Al Winery Mascoutah Elementary Mascoutah Steak House McDonald’s MotoMart Nite Deposit Sax Hometown Store Scott Credit Union Skootr’s St E’s Medical Plaza St. Louis Coffee Tom’s Supermarket VFW Visitor’s Center

Millstadt

ATI Physical Therapy Coffee Mill Cafe IGA Papa Vito’s

New Baden

CC Food Mart New Baden Market Casey’s Kokomo Joe’s Kountry Store First Federal Bank

O’Fallon

Auffenberg Ford Service Baymont Inn Cambridge Dental Candlewood Suites Casey’s Casa Azteca

Circle K City Hall CoffeeHouse Co & Salon Country Inn and Suites CVS Denny’s Drury Inn Egg and I Extended Stay First American Title Gas Mart Gias Pizza Green Mt. Rd Harley Davidson Hemingway’s Zen Garden Hilton Garden Inn Hometown Barber Hometown Suites Hop House Knights of Columbus Lake Point Dental LaQuinta Inn & Suites Luckenbooth Gallery McDonald’s McKendree Metroplex Memorial Healthcare/Therapy Memorial Therapy MotoMart Public Library RJ’s Computer Schnucks Shell Sips n Splatters Sleep Inn St. E’s Medical Center Suburban Inn Subway Restaurants (Regency Park, E. US HWY 50) Super 8 Sweet Katie Bee’s Towne Lounge Vetta Sports Walgreens Wood Bakery WOW Hotel YMCA

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Pontoon Beach Mastermind Vodka

Sauget

SW IL Welcome Center

Scott Air Force Base David Anthony Barber Flying Aces Quick Mart Subway VFW #4183

Shiloh

American Eagle Credit Union Bank of Edwardsville Dierberg’s Dobbs Auto & Tire Golden Corral Holiday Inn St. Louis Bread Co. Starbucks The Joint Chiropractic Walgreens Wings of Shiloh

Smithton

All Mart Mikey’s Pub No-Jacks Bar & Grill Smithton Liquor Southern Illinois Realty

Swansea

A Storage Inn Big Time Beads Circle K Concept Shoe Repair CVS First American Title Schnucks Dobbs Gas Mart ILLINOISouth Tourism Lucky’s Bar & Grill Lucy’s Place

Miller Music New China Northwest Liquor Olympika Bar & Grill Pottery Hollow Rural King Shop n Save Twilight Comics Wild Birds Unlimited

Troy

Public Library ZX Fuel

Waterloo

BoBecks Sports Bar & Grill City Hall Gallagher’s JV’s Bar and Grill Karban’s Knotty Pines Papa Vito’s Schorr Lake Vineyard

St. Louis

1860s Saloon BP Gas Mart Broadway Oyster Bar & Grill City Greens Market Club Rehab Hammerstone’s Hanneke’s Logowear HWY 61 Roadhouse Just John’s Magnify Gallery Molly’s in Soulard Napalese Indian & Korean Cuisine Running Niche Soulard Art Gallery Soulard Coffee Garden South Side Barber & Beauty Salon St. Louis Bubble Tea Sunshine Daydream Tower Classic Tattooing Urban Chestnut Brewing Vesna Art Gallery

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March 2019 A brief history of Knotty by Nature

Poetry & Wine at Knotty by Nature in Grafton

by John Dorroh One sunny summer day a few years ago, my friend and fellow poet, Beth Gordon, and I took a casual drive down the Great River Road from Alton to Grafton (IL). It was a well-deserved outing to break up our week-end of writing and editing poems.

We had plenty of company that day. Bikers were out, their do-rags vibrating in the wind as they passed us in small clusters. We figured that Grafton would be bustling. And it was.

We did all the normal things that one does in Grafton – having a few adult beverages, eating, and rummaging through the shops, walking along the shore line of the Mighty Mississippi. There was one shop in particular that I had previously visited, and I wanted Beth to see it.

Bechtold bought his first saw mill in 1978. It was a circular mill with a 100-horse-drawn belt. “There were always issues with equipment,” he said. Later he purchased a band saw and a wood-miser saw in 1995.

“It got easier to cut more and more,” he said. “I was beginning to gain a good reputation.”

In 2016 he moved from his hometown, Dow, Illinois, into the present location at 15 East Main Street in Grafton.

“On a typical (good weather) day, 400-500 people walk through the shop. Business is good,” he said.

It’s a fine example of a hobby becoming an obsession, which becomes a solid business.

You CAN find exceptional help!

A business doesn’t run itself. Even if you’re the most capable person to make a business profitable, you need help. With heavy walk-in traffic at Knotty by Nature, there is no way one person can deliver in-store customer service, take orders over the phone, check Knotty by Nature (15 East Main St.) is an eclectic warehouse of people out, and be accountable to about 30 vendors who have their wood, wooden products, art, and collectibles. Some of the items are products for sale in the store. purely practical, such as beautifully designed chopping blocks, desks, On October 10, 2016, Cathy Ferguson walked into the shop to help and tables. Other items include whimsical and/or odd items that make Bechtold’s business run as smoothly as a well-oiled door hinge. might make you laugh or ask, “What the heck would I do with this?” Ferguson had done home daycare for 15 years and worked at a You will also see long, thick-cut slabs of some of the most beautiful pre-school when her sister was deployed to Qatar. “Aunt Cathy” wood, which stand like giant soldiers both inside and outside of the became her nephew’s temporary mother for a year. shop.

Upon her return to the States, Cathy’s sister was assigned to a At any time, Dan Bechtold, owner, has about 30 vendors who sell base in Arizona. Her son moved out, leaving Cathy an empty-nester. their products in his store. He also takes orders for custom woodA friend told her about a job opening at the local wood shop, so she cutting jobs, and delivers them. The refreshing smell of wood lingers applied in person and was hired that day! The rest is history. and attaches to your clothes.

After Beth and I meandered through the various sections of the shop, we noticed that most of the Adirondack-style rocking chairs Poetry&Wine were occupied. Bechtold invited us to join them. There were libations and stories, which was perfect since I happen to be of Irish descent.

Bechtold introduced himself and his partner in crime, Cathy FerguOn our third or fourth visit, Beth asked Dan what kind of events son. To make a potentially long story short, we stayed a few hours they had hosted. There had been acoustic music and some jams. and left having made new friends. Did it take us long to return to (What? No poetry readings?) Beth asked if they would consider Knotty by Nature? No. Like the next week. hosting a Poetry&Wine night. “Sure,” said Dan. “That might work.”

“Let’s do it,” said Cathy.

So we four made plans for the first installment of Poetry&Wine for October 10, 2017, one year from the date Cathy was hired. It was a Friday night at 6:00 PM. Since we’d never done this, we didn’t know exactly how long the session should last, or whether we’d have an audience. It was a gamble.

New friends at Knotty by Nature

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March 2019 Beth and I prepared our program. We decided to alternate reading, each presenting four or five poems, followed by an intermission, and then another round.

Meanwhile, Dan and Cathy moved chairs and tables to make sure that everyone had a place to sit. It was tricky since we didn’t have a clue how many to expect. They made room for 25-30, and I remember that a few people brought in lawn chairs from the trunks of their vehicles. It was cozy.

Cathy polished the wine glasses and took care of several other minor logistics.

Poetry for entertainment? Really?

When many people hear the word “poetry,” they back away, shrug, or make a face. Perhaps their encounters of poetry in school were unpleasant. Maybe their college English instructors held them accountable for analyzing poetry that was “too academic,” dull, or unengaging.

“It’s not like that,” says Ferguson to people she invites to the readings.

And it’s true. Although Gordon’s poetry addresses death, dying, and other catastrophic events, it also flirts with the underbelly of love. By contrast, my poetry is about everyday observations that all of us see. The regulars seem to like it when I breathe life into a “white-trash nekkid” character, injecting humor into almost every poem.

Guest readers such as Lisa Tellor-Kelley, a breast cancer survivor from Highland, have titillated the audience with mild erotica, sensual expressions of love and fantasy. And leave it to Dave Ambrose from Carlinville to paint word pictures of boys raised in a funeral home, toting cadavers in a red wagon in the hot sun.

Dan Jacoby from Hagaman, IL, co-editor from Red Fez magazine, has read. So has C.T. Salazar, a young, strong voice from my hometown, Columbus, Mississippi. Sandra Kohlbrecher from Marine, IL, and Arlene Bridges from Bunker Hill, IL, have read short selections of prose, adding a sweet twist to the poetry.

Back to the story…

The weather was perfect that first evening. Several Grafton visitors who had walked to Knotty by Nature ventured in, unaware of the event. They were pleasantly surprised and joined in the fun. All told, we had an audience of about 35! And Dan and Cathy made some unexpected sales.

A few people told us later that they didn’t have time to drive to Grafton after they got off work that Friday, so we moved the event to Saturday evenings to alleviate that problem.

We scheduled our next reading two months later in early December, knowing that Christmas events might mean a lower number.

Once again, and with a cozy, glowing fireplace, 35-40 individuals attended our “casual culture event on the river.”

Poetry&Wine is not an open mic event. We prefer to orchestrate a set program to insure that we manage the time.

Reactions…

“It’s a nice evening,” said John Zeiser, a regular attendee from Highland. “I like to get there early to get a good seat. And another good thing is that it doesn’t eat up the entire evening.”

Zeiser is right. A typical session lasts until about 8:00, but Dan and Cathy urge participants to hang around after the performance to mingle.

Two other regulars at Poetry&Wine are Sue and Marv Asher from Highland.

“Poetry&Wine night at Knotty by Nature is a nice way to spend an evening. The venue can’t be beat, and the trip along the river is a pleasant getaway. Listening to the poetry is fun and an interesting way to gain insight into the authors’ heads,” said Sue. Two more regulars, Dan and Sandi Sweeney, also from Highland, commented, “What a special experience! Listening to eclectic poems in a cozy atmosphere…we love gathering in such a unique shop to listen to poetry that touches your emotions and tickles your funny bone…This is not your usual poetry reading. It’s an unexpected experience that Say cheese… can light up your imagination.”

Dan Sweeney went on to say, “These poetry readings have it all.

An eclectic mix of poems, a glass of wine, a cozy fireplace – all in a unique shop on the river. These evenings are a treat. How much betAs the name “Poetry&Wine” implies, we provide wines, cheese (five or six kinds tastefully presented on a cheese board), and some- ter can it get?”

Kathy Biver and Donna Marshall are regulars who drive from St. thing more substantial such as chicken salad and fruit. Without Louis. They said that they hate it when they can’t come. asking, friends started bringing food to the table such as sweets – Bob Stuckey said, “JD and Beth are talented poets and wordsmiths. brownies with chili pepper flakes, homemade cookies, a pie or two.

They write from the heart and compel the listeners to clear the daily GessoMagazine.com

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March 2019 noise and static that assaults our ears. Sometimes whimsical, sometimes tragic, their words bring us together like Grandma’s old quilt and envelope the listeners…many thanks to Dan and Cathy for their hospitality and the opportunity to come in and warm one’s mind and body…”

Sandy and Al Thyer drive from Carlinville.

“There’s nothing like the smell of newly milled wood mingling with a cozy fire and poetry,” said Sandy. And I’ve learned that Al ‘ain’t going anywhere’ unless it’s worth it.”

I can’t wait. When’s the next installment?

The next session is scheduled for Saturday evening at 6:00 on April 6th. Mark your calendar now and look for updates on Facebook.

There is never an admission. It is certainly not necessary to bring a snack. But we would never turn it down. We always have plenty.

For more information about Knotty By Nature, check out their Website and Facebook pages.

www. https://www.facebook.com/ pages/category/Shopping---Retail/ Knotty-by-Nature-469059959949264/

www.knottybynaturehardwood.com

Carved Wooden Bears ( above )

Wood Planks Inside ( left )

Wood Planks Outside ( right )

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March 2019

Dan Bechtold, Owner

Hand Carved Walking Canes

Kathy Ferguson, Store Manager

Hand Carved Rolling Pins Wooden Bench Made by One of Dan’s Vendors

Custom Cutting Board GessoMagazine.com

Beth Gordon

John Dorroh Gesso Magazine

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Calendar of Events

March 2019

March 1 (Fri):

Ambrosius w/ Elle Varner

1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Music: Rick Green on acoustic guitar; Every Friday The Ready Room – Hell Night Unlimited Destruction Album Release Party; All Ages Atomic Cowboy – 9p; Jamo Presents: Andy Frasco & The U.N. w/ Wild Adriatic The Sheldon – 8p; Alarm Will Sound Belle-Clair Fairgrounds – 3-8p; RV & Camper Show

March 2 (Sat):

Broadway Oyster Bar – 10p; Lou Dog “Tribute to Sublime”

1860s Saloon – Music: Soul Reunion

Casa Loma Ballroom – 7:30p-12a; Miss Jubilee and The Humdingers; Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall – PostSecret Live; “Secrets are the Complimentary swing dance lesson 8p-8:30p; $10 / $12 if under 21. currency of intimacy”; Frank Warren is the most trusted stranger in America.

Reserved seating available by calling He’s creator of The PostSecret Project - a collection of intimately personal and artistic postcards mailed anonymously from individuals worldwide, sharing Evangeline’s – 7p; MARDI GRAS WEEKEND - David Ashley Trent personal secrets.

(Jackson, TN); 8p-11:59p; Torrey Casey & the Southside Shuffle; The Mardi Gras party begins at Evangeline’s with the soulful grooves and Atomic Cowboy – 7p; Gibbz; 11p; Tech • Noir: early dark electronic new downright funk brought by none other than Torrey Casey & the Southside wave synth goth Dance Party - No Cover!

Hustle.

BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 7p-9:30p; Brian Curran Foam – 9p-11:30p; Crown Larks (CHI) w/ Jane Wave, Kleb, Ronnie Belle-Clair Fairgrounds – 10a-7p; RV & Camper Show Rogers; $7 Firebird – TenCents and WAH Studios Present: Q Street w/ TBD and LTH Broadway Oyster Bar – 8a-2p; The Scandaleros - Mardi Gras Parade Day Kegs and Eggs!

Fubar – 7p; Profanatica; $20-$30 Columbia City Saloon (Columbia, IL) – 8:30p-12:30a; Avery Hill Band Hammerstone’s – 4p-7p; Honky Tonk Happy Hour; 8p-12a Jeremiah Delmar Hall – 7p; Pinegrove Johnson Band Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra; with TBA

Hartford Coffee Co. – 7:30p; Open Mic every Friday

Jacoby Arts Center – 6p-8p; Reception - Sacred Creatures, Sacred Spaces; Evangeline’s – 7p-11p; MARDI GRAS WEEKEND - Keep the party going with New Orleans R & B, Blues, Jazz and Swing by St. Louis-based band Runs through 03/30 Blues City Swing!

Kranzberg Arts Center – Saint Louis University Theatre Presents: The Firebird – Backstage Productions & Geekx & Freakx presents: 2 Kool 4 Misanthrope $chool w/ Gossip Machine, Xem, Negus Paul Mic, Slim Beezy, Quite Franklee Off Broadway – 7p; Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles Fubar – 6p; Elvis Deppressedly; $15-$17 Old Rock House – 7p; Summer Camp: On the Road; All Ages Hammerstone’s – 2p-6p; Grand Parade Paul Bonn; 10p-12a; John McVey Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every Band

Friday Night

Jacoby Arts Center (Alton) – 7p-10p; WarmSoda Fun & Whimsical After Rendezvous Café (O’Fallon, MO) – 7p-10p; Live music w/ Kevin, Ann Party; Cal Stevens, Super Fun Yeah Yeah Rocketship, Biff K’narly and the Reptilians in concert & Steve Stifel Theatre – Dane Cook: Tell It Like It Is Tour The Fabulous Fox Theatre – Rock of Ages: Tenth Anniversary Tour The Focal Point – 8p; Greg Klyma; Road-tested troubadour. Relentless songwriter. Greg Klyma is keeping the American folk tradition alive with his enduring themes, articulate and amusing stories, and populist ideals.

He rolls in off the road, pulls out a guitar, and proceeds to take us back to the basics: family, love, gratitude, and laughter. St. Louis musician and recording engineer, Chris Turnbaugh, will join Greg on bass and harmony vocals.

The Grandel – 8p; Saint Louis Ballet Presents Ballet Beyond Borders

Kranzberg Arts Center – Saint Louis University Theatre Presents: The Misanthrope Old Rock House – 9p; Disco Donnie & B&W Present: G Jones; 18+ only

Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every Saturday Night Rendezvous Café (O’Fallon, MO) – 7p-10p; Live music w/ Jordan Herrera Stifel Theatre – Jo Koy: Break the Mold Tour The Fabulous Fox Theatre – Rock of Ages: Tenth Anniversary Tour

The Focal Point – 8p; Switchback; For over two decades, Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack, known as Switchback, have entertained crowds with The Pageant – Steve Litman Presents NYLA Tour: Featuring Marsha their unique American Roots ~ Celtic Soul blend of music. Brian and Marty The Marcelle – 8p; New Line Theatre Presents: “La Cage Aux Folles”

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Calendar of Events

March 2019

play an exciting mix of mandolin, guitar, and bass. Their harmonies have won Foam – 9p-11:30p; Summer Like the Season w/ Nibiru, Pealds, the Astounds; them comparisons to famous duos, such as the Louvin Brothers, the Everly $5 Brothers, and Simon and Garfunkel. Their Celtic music is authentically Irish, Hammerstone’s – 7p-10p; Monday Night Review w/ Tim, Danny & Randy with equal respect for traditional and modern artists and styles.

The Grandel – 8p; Saint Louis Ballet Presents Ballet Beyond Borders

The Marcelle – 8p; New Line Theatre Presents “La Cage Aux Folles”

The Heavy Anchor – 9p; Benefit Show for Clara’s Crusade w/ The Cars The Sheldon – 7:30p; Chamber Music Society of St Louis; Robert and Clara Schumann, Mendelssohn and Brahms Tribute Band & more The Marcelle – 8p; New Line Theatre Presents “La Cage Aux Folles”

The Venice Café – Open Mic with Zack and Neal Every Monday March 5 (Tues):

The Pageant – Murray & Peter Present: Hater’s Roast – The Shady Tour

1860s Saloon – 9p-1a; Open Mic Night Hosted by Tim Perry; Every Tuesday

The Sheldon – 8p; Eliane Elias

The Sinkhole – Tom Skeemask w/ Reserving Dirtnaps, Capitol Offense, BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 8p-11:30p; St. Louis Social Club Life Sucks, Brief Evangeline’s – 4p-11p; FAT TUESDAY CELEBRATION with St Louis Blues Artists - Sharon Bear, Rich McDonough, Miles Long.

March 3 (Sun): 1860s Saloon – 2p-6p; Music: Fred Pierce and Company; every Sunday; no Funny Bone – 7:30p; Open Mic Night Every Tuesday cover Hammerstone’s – 8p-12a; Broken Hipsters Atomic Cowboy – 9p; Jamo Presents: Thumpasaurus The Hett @McKendree University (Lebanon) – 7:30p; Cirque Eloize: BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 5p-7:30p; Genesis Jazz Project; 8p-12:30a; Saloon Love Jones “The Band” The Marcelle – 8p; New Line Theatre Presents “La Cage Aux Folles” Belle-Clair Fairgrounds – 10a-4p; RV & Camper Show The Pageant – The Native Tongue Tour: Switchfoot w/ Colony House, Evangeline’s – 11a-3p; MARDI GRAS WEEKEND - Miss Jubilee Hot Tyson Motsenbocker Swing Jazz Brunch; The Jazz Troubadours - special New Orleans Mardi Gras Jazz Night; Cap off Mardi Gras weekend with a special show by the The Sheldon – 7:30p; Chamber Music Society of St Louis; Robert and Clara Jazz Troubadours. The Jazz Troubadours play a wide variety of jazz from Schumann, Mendelssohn and Brahms every era of America’s indigenous music with some blues thrown in the mix.

March 6 (Wed): Hammerstone’s – 4p-8p; Jam Session w/ VooDoo Blues; 8:30p-11:30p; 1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Ross Bell with Mark and/or Steve Reeb on acoustic Erik Brooks guitar; 9p-1a; Music: Blues Jam Session (Hosted by Fred Pierce and Kranzberg Arts Center – Saint Louis University Theatre Presents: The Company); every Wednesday; no cover Misanthrope BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 7p-9:30p; Big Rich McDonough & Rhythm Renegades Molly’s (Soulard) – 11:30a-2:30p; You, Me, & Dougie; Every Sunday River City – 7:30p; Mickey Gilley & Johnny Lee: Urban Cowboy Reunion Foam – 9p-11:30p; Claire Rousay w/ Motherbear, Apathist! $5 Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic

Hammerstone’s – 4p-7p; Margaret & Eric; 8p-12a; John McVey Band

Stifel Theatre – Lauren Daigle: Look Up Child Tour

Hwy 61 Roadhouse (Webster Groves) – 7:30p-11p; Blues Open Mic & Jam Session – every Wednesday

The Fabulous Fox Theatre – Rock of Ages: Tenth Anniversary Tour The Marcelle – 8p; New Line Theatre Presents “La Cage Aux Folles”

Jacoby Arts Center – 7p-9p; ArtAttack: WarmSoda Magazine Member gathering and art project

The Pageant – Rockhouse Entertainment Presents: Sammie w/ TBA

Jazz St. Louis – Marilyn Maye: It’s Better with a Big Band

The Ready Room – STRFKR; All Ages

Pop’s (Sauget) – 6:30p; The AXE Is Family Tour 2019 w/ A.X.E., AMB, M.M.M.F.D.

The Sheldon – 8p; Aaron Neville March 4 (Mon):

Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic

The Hett @McKendree University (Lebanon) – 7:30p; Cirque Eloize: Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; MARDI GRAS WEEKEND - Lundi Gras Party - Saloon StL Live Open Mic, Jam & Drink; All Musicians Welcome The Marcelle – 8p; New Line Theatre Presents “La Cage Aux Folles” GessoMagazine.com

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Calendar of Events

March 2019

March 7 (Thurs):

Speedwagon & Star Castle Vocalist), Grammy nominated recording artist & lead guitarist Duke Jackson (Herman Ze German/Strikeforce), Dave Rader on bass, Keyboardist Larry Loyet & drummer Kent Miller

1860s Saloon – 9p; Music: Everett Dean and the Lonesome Hearts Delmar Hall – 105.7 The Point Welcomes: USA Rally Cry Tour featuring Arkells w/ The Greeting Committee

March 9 (Sat):

Atomic Cowboy – 9p; Hayley Jane and The Primates Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; Blue Lotus Records / St. Louis Blues Society Showcase - Featured Artist: Nick Pence; American roots music, embracing BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 7p-9:30p; Larry Griffin & Eric McSpadden its history, culture, and tales that come with it.

Broadway Oyster Bar – 10p; Johnathan Braddy Band (Garth Brooks AfterFirebird – IronStef Fest!!! feat. Grace Basement Party) Hammerstone’s – 4p-7p; Tom Hall; 8p-12a; Larry Gwaltney w/ Stuart C.O.C.A. – Emily Brown & the Thing; A Touring Production from Tall Williams Stories - Tall Stories, an audience favorite from the United Kingdom, brings us a magical, musical show, Emily Brown & The Thing, based on the muchJazz St. Louis – Marilyn Maye: It’s Better with a Big Band loved book by Cressida Cowell (How to Train your Dragon) and Neal Layton.

Looking Glass Playhouse (Lebanon) – Peter and the Starcatcher Old Rock House – 7p; The Lil Smokies; All Ages

Delmar Hall – KSHE 95 Real Rock Radio Presents: The Liston Brothers w/ Ivas John with Robert Bowlin; Performing the songs from their new CD and legendary Mama’s Pride favorites!

Pat Connolly Tavern – 9p; Jazz Night w/ Vince Sala Trio

Firebird – Mike Judy Presents: The Holdup

The Heavy Anchor – 8p; Run The Joes: An Improvised Stand-Up Comedy Foam – 8:30p-11:30p; The Mound Builders w/ Lightning Wolf, Fight Back Show Mountain; $7 The Marcelle – 8p; New Line Theatre Presents La Cage Aux Folles

Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every The Pageant – Upside Down Flowers Tour: Andrew McMahon In The Saturday Night Wilderness w/ Flor, Grizfolk

March 8 (Fri): 1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Music: Rick Green on acoustic guitar; Every Friday Atomic Cowboy – 7p; Parker Gispert (of The Whigs) Delmar Hall – Life In The City Tour: Turkuaz w/ Paris Monster Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – Crystal Lady Birthday Bash; After Alberta, Treading Oceans Evangeline’s – 7p-11p; Brother Jefferson Blues Band Firebird – Odell Brewing Co. presents: Typesetter, The Disappeared, Scuzz, Tiger Rider Hartford Coffee Co. – 7:30p; Open Mic every Friday Lee Theater – Arianna String Quartet: Viva Brazil! presented by UMSL Music

Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every Friday Night The Focal Point – 8p; Second Annual St. Louis Piano Summit: Ethan Leinwand, Christopher Parrish, and Chase Garrett The Pageant – Brothers Osborne w/ Ruston Kelly The Sheldon – 8p; Anthony Lucius with DJ Nune The Wildey Theatre (Edwardsville) – 8p; PERFECT STRANGERS - A Tribute to Deep Purple/Rainbow; Perfect Strangers has powerhouse world renowned musicians including vocalist Terry Luttrell (Original REO 12

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Calendar of Events

March 2019 The Fabulous Fox – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

The Focal Point – 8p; Andrew Calhoun

The Focal Point – 7:30p; Dervish

March 10 (Sun):

1860s Saloon – 2p-6p; Music: Fred Pierce and Company; every Sunday; no The Pageant – Citizen Cope w/ David Ramirez cover; 6:30p-10:30p; Music: Michael Thomas and the Travelin’ Band The Sheldon – 10a; The Wee Heavies; Celtic tradition, a cappella quartet for Atomic Cowboy – 9p; Jamo Presents: Cycles St Patrick’s Day; 7:30p; Paul Bonn & The Bluesmen BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 8p-12:30a; Love Jones “The Band”

March 13 (Wed):

C.O.C.A. – Emily Brown & the Thing; A Touring Production from Tall 1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Ross Bell with Mark and/or Steve Reeb on acoustic Stories - Tall Stories, an audience favorite from the United Kingdom, brings guitar; 9p-1a; Music: Blues Jam Session (Hosted by Fred Pierce and us a magical, musical show, Emily Brown & The Thing, based on the much- Company); every Wednesday; no cover loved book by Cressida Cowell (How to Train your Dragon) and Neal Layton.

BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 7p-9:30p; Big Rich McDonough & Rhythm Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – Punk Ska Riot Night Renegades Evangeline’s – 11a-3p; Miss Jubilee Hot Swing Brunch

Broadway Oyster Bar – 9:30p; Voodoo Paul Simon presented by UCBC

Firebird – 105.7 The Point & Mike Judy Present: Grandson, Des Rocs, C.O.C.A. – 4:30p-6:30p; Closing Reception for Art.Write.Now; Produced BarlowLN and presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, this exhibition showcases a selection of works from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards— Hammerstone’s – 4p-8p; Jam Session w/ VooDoo Blues; 8:30p-11:30p; inspiring & innovative work by teens from all across the country.

Erik Brooks Foam – 7p-10p; Dead Rider w/ Blvck Spade Lee Theater – Lunasa presented by UMSL International Studies and Programs; Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish Hammerstone’s – 4p-7p; Margaret & Eric; 8p-12a; John McVey Band god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is indeed a gathering of some of the top musical talents in Ireland. Its members have helped form the backbone of Hwy 61 Roadhouse (Webster Groves) – 7:30p-11p; Blues Open Mic & Jam Session – every Wednesday some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade.

Molly’s (Soulard) – 11:30a-2:30p; You, Me, & Dougie; Every Sunday

Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic

Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic

The Fabulous Fox – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

The Pageant – 105.7 The Point Welcomes: Flogging Molly w/ Lucero, Matt The Focal Point – 7:30p; Focal Point Friends of Traditional Jazz, Blues & Ragtime Present: The Chloe Feoranzo Quartet Heckler The Pageant – 105.7 The Point Welcomes: Catfish & the Bottlemen w/ TBA

The Sheldon – 7:30p; The Earls of Leicester March 11 (Mon): BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 8p-11:30p; Music Unlimited

The Sheldon – 10a; The Wee Heavies; Celtic tradition, a cappella quartet for St Patrick’s Day

March 14 (Thurs): Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; StL Live Open Mic, Jam & Social; All Musicians Atomic Cowboy – 8p; Funk You w/ Tree One Four Welcome Hammerstone’s – 7p-10p; Monday Night Review w/ Tim, Danny & Randy; Delmar Hall – Mt. Joy w/ Wilderado 7-10p Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; Blue Lotus Records / St. Louis Blues Society Showcase - Featured Artist: Aaron Griffin; Aaron brings a new energy to the The Venice Café – Open Mic with Zack and Neal Every Monday St. Louis blues scene but keeps it real with raw talent and an old soul.

March 12 (Tues): Firebird – Boomtown United, Deals Gone Slack, Brickcity DJ set 1860s Saloon – 9p-1a; Open Mic Night Hosted by Tim Perry; Every Tuesday The Fabulous Fox – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – The Aces, Tishmal The Focal Point – 7:30p; Gangspil Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; Box Of Nerves (St. Louis, MO); (Richard Tralles: Guitar, and Vocals. John Marshall: Drums, and vocals. Wylie Longmire: The Sheldon – 8p; Anoushka Shankar; Sitar player and composer Anoushka Bass, and vocals. Tom Longmire: Lead Guitar, and vocals. With special Shankar is a singular figure in the Indian classical and progressive world appearances by: Box of Nerves founder: Craig Downs, John Schumacher, music scenes. She studied exclusively under her father and guru, the late Ravi Shankar and many others.

March 15 (Fri):

Funny Bone – 7:30p; Open Mic Night Every Tuesday GessoMagazine.com

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Calendar of Events

March 2019

1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Music: Rick Green on acoustic guitar; Every Friday cover Delmar Hall – All That Remains, Attila w/ Escape The Fate, Sleep BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 8p-12:30a; Love Jones “The Band” Signals C.O.C.A. – 1:30p-3:30p; Editorial Cartoon Workshop; Free For students Family Arena – Under The Streetlamp; performs an electrifying evening in grades 7 – 12; no experience required. Students will create an editorial of classic hits from the American radio songbook. Exuding the irresistible cartoon, which they can enter into next year’s Scholastic Art & Writing rapport of a modern-day Rat Pack, the quartet: Eric Gutman, David Larsen, Awards contest (deadline in December 2019). Students will also spend time Brandon Wardell and Shonn Wiley, deliver an evening of unforgettable touring the exhibit and will take home with an exhibit catalog as well as a entertainment. branded Scholastic Art & Writing Notebook.

Firebird – 8p; Van Buren w/ Kilverez, Killing Fever & Overnighter

Chaifetz Arena – 7p; 105.7 The Point Presents Shinedown w/ special guests Papa Roach and Asking Alexandria.

Foam – 9p-11:30p; Dimesack w/ Crush Crusher, Mala Leche, Dentist, Ace of Spit Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – Electric Six, DaveTV Hartford Coffee Co. – 7:30p; Open Mic every Friday

Evangeline’s – 11a-3p; ST PATRICKS DAY BRUNCH - with Miss Jubilee; Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Valerie Kirchhoff and fueled by a Jacoby Arts Center (Alton) – 8p-10p; Paper Slip Theater presents Comedy hard-driving rhythm section and gutbucket horns, Miss Jubilee draws its Improv: “When First We Met” bluesy sound from the rich traditions of St. Louis and Chicago’s South Side. Presented with authenticity and an infectious energy, Miss Jubilee is a Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every favorite for fans of all ages!

Friday Night

TechArtista – 6p-9p; Joshua Rowan ‘Borderlands’ Opening Reception

Foam – 8p-11p; Lala Lala w/ the Funs, Bugg, Pineapple RnR

The Fabulous Fox – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Hammerstone’s – 4p-8p; Jam Session w/ VooDoo Blues; 8:30p-11:30p; Erik Brooks

The Focal Point – 8p; Vogts Sisters

Molly’s (Soulard) – 11:30a-2:30p; You, Me, & Dougie; Every Sunday

The Sheldon – 8p; Cherish The Ladies; All-female Celtic super-group

Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic

March 16 (Sat):

The Fabulous Fox – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall – Music City Hit-Makers; The most The Focal Point – 7p; Eileen Gannon & Eimear Arkins Annual St. Patrick’s famous people you’ve never heard of. Music City Hit-Makers is “classin’ Day Celebration up country” with a one-of-a-kind musical event that fuses the #1 hits of March 18 (Mon): Nashville Grammy Award-winning songwriters and a band comprised of top studio musicians with the artistry of a live symphony orchestra.

1860s Saloon – 7p-10p; Music: 3rd Avenue A Jazz

Downtown (Belleville) – St. Patrick’s Day Belleville; Start with BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 7:30p-11:30p; Rocky Mantia & Killer Combo the Lucky Leprechaun 5K and stay for the Parade and Block Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – 105.7 The Point Birthmonth Show: The Party; More information at BellevilleMainStreet.net Dirty Nil w/ Rover Family Arena – The Monkees; Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees will hit the road once again in 2019, continuing their first- Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; StL Live Open Mic & Jam Night; All Musicians ever national tour as a duo. These special performances will feature songs Welcome that span the group’s entire career – from its 1966 eponymous debut to the Hammerstone’s – 7p-10p; Monday Night Review w/ Tim, Danny & Randy; recently released Christmas Party.

7-10p Firebird – Chin Up, Kid; Offended By Everything; As We Are; The Cinema The Venice Café – Open Mic with Zack and Neal Every Monday Story; Positive Punk w/ Wes Hoffman

March 19 (Tues): Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every Saturday Night 1860s Saloon – 9p-1a; Open Mic Night Hosted by Tim Perry; Every Tuesday The Fabulous Fox – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Atomic Cowboy – 9p; Hustle & Soul City presents: Ben Pirani w/ DJ Hal The Focal Point – 8p; Eileen Gannon & Eimear Arkins Annual St. Patrick’s Greens Day Celebration BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 8p-11:30p; St. Louis Social Club March 17 (Sun): Delmar Hall – March 2019 Tour featuring: mewithoutYou, Tigers Jaw w/ 1860s Saloon – 2p-6p; Music: Fred Pierce and Company; every Sunday; no Teddy Roberts and The Mouths 14

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March 2019

Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; Pat Joyce (St. Louis, MO); Sing along to all your An animated version of the epic Indian tale of Ramayana set to the 1920s favorites with famed St. Louis pianist Pat Joyce. jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw Foam – 8:30p-11:30p; Granddad w/ Termination Dust, Young Animals, The Pageant – Bob Weir and Wolf Bros Slow Boys March 22 (Fri): Funny Bone – 7:30p; Open Mic Night Every Tuesday 1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Music: Rick Green on acoustic guitar; Every Friday The Hett @McKendree University (Lebanon) – 7:30p; The Idea Lab; Modeled after the hugely popular TED Talks (Technology, Entertainment, Chaifetz Arena – 8p; Gateway Blues Festival; silky tunes and smooth Design), this event will bring together a group of speakers for one night of rhythm featuring performances from TK Soul, Pokey Bear, Shirley Brown, Sir Charles Jones, Terry Wright, Theodis Ealey, and Calvin Richardson. talks and ideas.

The Pageant – From Tour with Love: Featuring Quinn XCII w/ Ashe, Enterprise Center – 8p; Michael Bublé Christian French Evangeline’s –7p-11p; The Bon Bon Plot; A basso nova, French and American The Sheldon – 7:30p; The Power of Hope; A multi-dimensional slide and Jazz trio featuring vocals by Janet Evra. From Gloucester, England, Janet recorded music and dance presentation focusing on helping people find hope Evra is a vocalist, bassist, and composer based in St. Louis. .Janet blends bossa nova and samba with an indie jazz twist to produce a fresh sound. again in their lives Family Arena – Moolah Shrine Circus; See description on 3/21

March 20 (Wed):

1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Ross Bell with Mark and/or Steve Reeb on acoustic Firebird – HHR Presents: BOSS UP, or SHUT UP; Slim Beezy, Jay Loc, guitar; 9p-1a; Music: Blues Jam Session (Hosted by Fred Pierce and MBT Forever, Beezy, Boss Heavy, MIKE G Company); every Wednesday; no cover Foam – 8p-11p; Livid w/ Bad Blood, Overstayer, Primitive Rage, Kill Their BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 7p-9:30p; Big Rich McDonough & Rhythm Past; $6 Renegades Hartford Coffee Co. – 7:30p; Open Mic every Friday Delmar Hall – The Acoustic Book Tour: Chris Difford w/ Steve Smith

Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every

Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – Highway To Hell North American Tour Friday Night 2019: Featuring Doobie w/ Krash Minati, DJ Hylyte Firebird – NeoRomantics Foam – 8p-11p; Lavender Country Hammerstone’s – 4p-7p; Margaret & Eric; 8p-12a; John McVey Band Hwy 61 Roadhouse (Webster Groves) – 7:30p-11p; Blues Open Mic & Jam Session – every Wednesday Lee Theater – The Distinguished Speaker Series Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic March 21 (Thurs): Chaifetz Arena – 7p; Chris Tomlin Delmar Hall – Aaron Watson w/ Josh Ward Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; Blue Lotus Records / St. Louis Blues Society Showcase: Featured Artist: Gene Jackson; “One of St. Louis’ finest vocalists.

After decades of singing around the STL scene, Gene released his debut original album “1963” on the Blue Lotus label. His rich vocal character and emotional depth are sure to captivate.”

Family Arena – Moolah Shrine Circus; Come Runaway and join the Shrine Circus. This is your opportunity to experience all the sights and sounds that the circus has to offer. Be amazed at the gravity-defying trapeze artists as they fly through the air in their aerial ballet. Enjoy the crazy antics of the hilarious clowns as they jump and tumble under the “Big Top”.

The Hett @McKendree University (Lebanon) – 7p; Sita Sings the Blues; GessoMagazine.com

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Calendar of Events

March 2019

The Focal Point – 8p; Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music Presents: Jacoby Arts Center (Alton) – 7p-9p; Songwriters in the Round Mound City Slickers

Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every

The Pageant – St. Paul & the Broken Bones w/ Michael Nau (Cotton Jones) Saturday Night The Sheldon – 8p; 7th Annual St Louis Folk & Roots Festival; Jesse Lége The Focal Point – 8p; Focal Point Friends of Traditional Jazz, Blues & & Joel Savoy w/ Chris Stafford w/ special guests Amythyst Kiah and Ben Ragtime Present: The Bailsman Hunter & Joe Seamons The Pageant – 105.7 The Point Welcomes: The Revivalists w/ TBA March 23 (Sat): The Sheldon – 8p; 7th Annual St Louis Folk & Roots Festival; Singer1860s Saloon – 8p-1a; Music: Marsha Evans & the Coalition songwriter Iris DeMent Chaifetz Arena – 8p; Legends of Hip Hop, featuring Juvenile, Scarface, 8 March 24 (Sun): Ball & MJG, Too Short, DJ Quik, and Bun B. 1860s Saloon – 2p-6p; Music: Fred Pierce and Company; every Sunday; no Delmar Hall – An Evening With Petty Cash Junction: One Johnny Cash set, cover One Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers set BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 7p-9p; Oz Noy, Dave Weckl, Jimmy Haslip Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – Mason Jennings w/ TBA in Concert Evangeline’s – 10:30p-11:30p; The Kings Company (Bellevue, NE); Enterprise Center – 7p; Weezer and Pixies Caught in between comparisons of Arctic Monkeys and The Black Keys, The King’s Company is a beast of their own. With heavy guitar riffs and Evangeline’s – 11a-3p; Hot Swing Jazz Brunch with Miss Jubilee rhythmic overlaps, the young band out of Omaha, Nebraska is paving a new name for alternative rock.

Family Arena – Moolah Shrine Circus; See description on 3/21 Family Arena – Moolah Shrine Circus; See description on 3/21

Hammerstone’s – 4p-8p; Jam Session w/ VooDoo Blues; 8:30p-11:30p; Erik Brooks

Firebird – Backstage Productions Presents: The HardHop and Soul Show w/ Dramatik, StringZ EmB, MVRQS, Thrush, J-Rebel, Steve O’Brien, Jay Molly’s (Soulard) – 11:30a-2:30p; You, Me, & Dougie; Every Sunday Edd Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic

The Fabulous Fox – RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles; The Best of Abbey Road Live!

The Pageant – 105.7 The Point Welcomes: Demetri Martin w/ TBA March 25 (Mon): BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 8p-11:30p; Third Sight “Special Edition” Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; StL Live Open Mic & Jam; All Musicians Welcome Hammerstone’s – 7p-10p; Monday Night Review w/ Tim, Danny & Randy; 7-10p The Venice Café – Open Mic with Zack and Neal Every Monday March 26 (Tues): 1860s Saloon – 9p-1a; Open Mic Night Hosted by Tim Perry; Every Tuesday Delmar Hall – Trevor Hall w/ TBA Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – St. Louis Sound – Rock Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; The Cosmic Collective (Nashville, TN) Funny Bone – 7:30p; Open Mic Night Every Tuesday The Fabulous Fox – Waitress The Pageant – The Acoustic Sessions: Tori Kelly w/ TBA

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March 2019

March 27 (Wed):

The Fabulous Fox – Waitress

1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Ross Bell with Mark and/or Steve Reeb on acoustic The Focal Point – 8p; Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music Presents: guitar; 9p-1a; Music: Blues Jam Session (Hosted by Fred Pierce and Frank & Allie Lee Company); every Wednesday; no cover March 30 (Sat): BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 7p-9:30p; Big Rich McDonough & Rhythm Evangeline’s – 7p-11p; Keith Moyer Quartet Renegades Hammerstone’s – 4p-7p; Margaret & Eric; 8p-12a; John McVey Band

Foam – 9p-11:30p; Moodie Black w/ Teacup Dragun, Wamhoda

Hwy 61 Roadhouse (Webster Groves) – 7:30p-11p; Blues Open Mic & Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every Jam Session – every Wednesday Saturday Night Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic The Fabulous Fox – Waitress The Focal Point – 7:30p; Songbird Café: Karen Choi, Elliot Pearson, The Deep Hollow The Sheldon – 8p; 1944 - D-Day and the Formation of the United Nations; In music, Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring was premiered. Concertmaster David Halen and members of the St. Louis Symphony will perform the original version of this glorious work, and Halen plays Copland’s Violin Sonata, also from the era March 28 (Thurs): Atomic Cowboy – 9p; Jamo Presents: Magic Beans w/ Amoramora BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 7p-9:30p; Aaron Griffin Enterprise Center – 7:30p; Justin Timberlake The Fabulous Fox – Waitress The Focal Point – 7:30p; Tempest The Sheldon – 7p; The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour March 29 (Fri): 1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Music: Rick Green on acoustic guitar; Every Friday C.O.C.A. – 4p-6p; Auditions for COCA Summer Musical: Into The Woods; The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairy tale about wishes, family, and the choices we make. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, and relevant, musical. Students should prepare a monologue and 32 bars of a song. Interested performers should bring a resume and head shot.

Those cast will be asked to pay a $310 participation fee; financial assistance is available. Auditions: Age 15-22 Chaifetz Arena – 7:30p; Old Dominion Delmar Hall – Sean Canan’s Voodoo Grateful Dead Evangeline’s – 7p-8:30p; Meg Williams Band (Nashville, TN) Hartford Coffee Co. – 7:30p; Open Mic every Friday Heavy Anchor – 9p; Onus w/ Kilverez & Beyonder

Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every Friday Night GessoMagazine.com

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Calendar of Events

March 2019

The Fabulous Fox – Waitress

The Sheldon – 7:30p; Chamber Music Society of St Louis

The Focal Point – 8p; Cree Rider & Cara Louise

April 3 (Wed):

The Pageant – Hyde Management & RockHouse Ent Present: Jacquees w/ 1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Ross Bell with Mark and/or Steve Reeb on acoustic TBA guitar; 9p-1a; Music: Blues Jam Session (Hosted by Fred Pierce and Company); every Wednesday; no cover The Sheldon – 8:30p; Celebrated pianist-composer Ahmad Jamal BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 7p-9:30p; Big Rich McDonough & Rhythm March 31 (Sun): Renegades 1860s Saloon – 2p-6p; Music: Fred Pierce and Company; every Sunday; no Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – King Buffalo w/ TBA cover Evangeline’s – 7p-9p; Harper Lee (Des Moines, IA) BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 8p-12:30a; Love Jones “The Band” Hwy 61 Roadhouse (Webster Groves) – 7:30p-11p; Blues Open Mic & Chaifetz Arena – 6:30p; Sonu Nigam & Neha Kakkar; The dynamic duo Jam Session – every Wednesday and musical powerhouse will be live in St. Louis with their Klose to my Life Tour.

Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic Hammerstone’s – 4p-8p; Jam Session w/ VooDoo Blues; 8:30p-11:30p; The Fabulous Fox – Waitress Erik Brooks April 4 (Thurs): Molly’s (Soulard) – 11:30a-2:30p; You, Me, & Dougie; Every Sunday Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – Peter Bradley Adams w/ TBA Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic Firebird – American Arson, The Reckless Moment, Darling Skye, The The Fabulous Fox – Waitress Shaved Cat Project, Pirates Inc Webster Groves Recreation Center (Webster Groves) - 10a-4p; 37th Annual Natural Living Expo: healthy food and beverage samples, free health screenings, information and green products for your home and garden, your family and even your pets. Enjoy live music. Learn about meditation, chiropractic, green home cleaning, yard and garden compost and mulch, nutrition, non-toxic personal care products, essential oils, green energy, biking and hiking trails, organic produce, animal rights, energy healing, fitness, biomats, portable saunas, stem cell therapy and much more.

Stifel Theatre – Eleven Productions & The Pageant Present: An Evening With Bon Iver The Fabulous Fox – Waitress April 5 (Fri): 1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Music: Rick Green on acoustic guitar; Every Friday

C.O.C.A. – Text as Visual Language; St. Louis established and emerging artists explore the use of text in works of art through a variety of media.

Delmar Hall – Fight The Good Fight Tour 2019: The Interrupters w/ Masked Curated by Yvonne Osei, Curator-in-Residence. All Ages; Through 05/19 Intruder, Rat Boy Delmar Hall – Three Merry Widows w/ Grace Basement Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; StL Live Open Mic & Jam; All Musicians Welcome Firebird – Ashes and Iron w/ Wet Tropics (ex Boys Life), Flourescent Foam – 8p-11p; Jeff Carey w/ Sigtryggur Berg Sigmarsson, NNN Cook Hartford Coffee Co. – 7:30p; Open Mic every Friday The Fabulous Fox – Waitress April 1 (Mon):

The Sheldon – 7:30p; Chamber Music Society of St Louis

Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every Friday Night

The Venice Café – Open Mic with Zack and Neal Every Monday

The Fabulous Fox – Waitress

April 2 (Tues): 1860s Saloon – 9p-1a; Open Mic Night Hosted by Tim Perry; Every Tuesday BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups – 8p-11:30p; St. Louis Social Club

The Focal Point – 8p; Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music Presents: Boney Goat Band The Sheldon – 8p; St Louis favorite The Grooveliner

Touhill Performing Arts Center – Coppélia; presented by Saint Louis Foam – 9p-11p; Satanic Abortion w/ Roman Master, Terminal Island, Nadir Ballet; A great comic ballet of the 19th century, Coppélia is the story of a Smith “mad” inventor and the doll he creates that is so life-like the village boy falls in love with it. Coppélia remains as one of the most beloved classical works Funny Bone – 7:30p; Open Mic Night Every Tuesday in the ballet repertory. Based on two stories by E.T.A. Hoffman and with music by Leo Delibes, it is Saint Louis Ballet Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi’s The Fabulous Fox – Waitress eighth full-length production for the company, closing the mainstage season with wit and charm. The music of Coppélia links two great historical periods 18

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March 2019

of ballet - the French Romantic style and the Russian Classical style. Joyful, light-hearted and definitely family-friendly!

April 6 (Sat): C.O.C.A. – 4p-6p; Auditions for Once on This Island JR; Adapted from the celebrated Broadway musical, this rousing Calypso-flavored tale follows one small girl who finds love in a world of prejudice. Through almost nonstop song and dance, this full-hearted musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. Inquire with COCA for details.

Duck Room at Blueberry Hill – Bronze Radio Return, Wildermiss Foam – 9p-11:30p; Buddy Crime w/ Sea Priestess, Trauma Harness Lee Theater – Toby Foyeh and Orchestra Africa; presented by UMSL International Studies and Programs Knotty by Nature (Grafton) – 6p; Poetry & Wine: Installment #8; An early evening of poetry, wine, food.

Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7p-10p; Live Music every Saturday Night

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March 2019 Art, Chat, Chow…

I first met Vesna Delevska about 4 years earlier at the Midwest Salute to the Arts festival in Fairview Heights, IL. It was immediately clear that I was meeting someone special.

Vesna Delevska

by K.M. Pickard

Art: February 1st was a bitter cold and colorless day in Chesterfield, Missouri. Only a few cars dotted the parking lot of the Chesterfield Mall this early in the morning, so travel time into the mall was fairly short. This was a good thing on such a windy day. And as I got inside and past the early shoppers and mall walkers, I saw light and bright colors ahead. It was the studio of Vesna Delevska. I was meeting Vesna for coffee and a long overdue chat.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

We were part of a group of artists asked to demonstrate our craft at the annual festival. Being new to this type of event, I was a little tentative about what to expect.

Those feelings faded quickly when I saw the infectious smile and beautiful art of Vesna. She was applying acrylic paint with smooth and deliberate strokes to a bare wooden door panel. The panel stood upright just outside of our Str8Up Magazine demonstration tent. I was supposed to begin setting up my display area, but that was delayed as I was pulled in, watching her coax a summer sunset from the wooden panel. The warm tones of the sunset appeared in only minutes as Vesna works quite quickly and with a passion that shows just how much she loves what she does.

Over the course of the 3-day event, Vesna, Jake Bishop (a terrific young artist and now co-publisher of this magazine) and I became friends and cohorts. And although our paths didn’t cross nearly enough, we three stayed in touch and I followed their progress with both envy and happiness for them.

So, back to earlier last month, Vesna and I sat down to catch up, drink coffee and eat.

Chat: KP) Tell me about how you got started in art: Vesna) “I showed interest in painting when I was about 7 or 8. I was born in Skopje, Macedonia and I remember watching my father create art. It had a huge influence on me. I was also very attracted to looking at the old masters’ work, especially paintings.

My parents encouraged my interest in art.

I remember that my 8th grade teacher started sending me to art competitions. So, at the age of 14, I enrolled and was accepted into the School for Applied Arts in Skopje.”

Vesna explained that the school system in Macedonia is somewhat different than ours. A student wishing to go into a specific field of study or trade, such as the arts, needs to apply and be accepted at an earlier age.

Vesna) “Later on in high school, I enjoyed visiting the centuries-old Macedonian monasteries and churches. I remember looking at the frescoes, mosaics and wood carvings. They had a big impact on me and my desire to learn more. I studied oil painting in Macedonia.”

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Vesna always had a desire to come to the US. She told me that she wanted to KP) Are you currently working on a commission? continue her education here, to grow and learn new things, to experience a new culture here. And so she did. She continued her education here in America, Vesna) “Yes, the current one is of playful dolphins for an organization in Florida.

I’ve never painted dolphins before.” eventually settling happily in St Louis.

It can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/MarineMammal/Responders/ It is a 48” x 36” painting to be auctioned as well as coffee mugs for their gift shop.

KP) What do you call your style of art?

Vesna) “Oh, I don’t know exactly, Live Art” (?)

KP) They look amazing!

I think it’s important to understand how Vesna works and performs. Besides her Vesna) “Oh, thank you.” gallery and commission work, Vesna often paints (performs) in public gatherings and events. She is hired or commissioned to paint during these events and generally starts and finishes large paintings during this time.

KP) And tell me about your lessons. (see list below and her website for upcoming events)

Vesna) “I enjoy giving lessons. I teach private painting lessons in my studio for kids and adults at any level of experience. I’ve started with young people from age 7 all the way to 80.”

And she is almost always accompanied by terrific local musicians, guitarists, pianists, harpists, etc. who also perform as she works. This makes for a really unique and enjoyable combination, to the delight of all in attendance. Not to be left unnoticed is the effect music has on Vesna. She is fed by it and fueled from it.

Music is a vital part of the creative process for her. She listens to music as a regular part of her day.

KP) Do you do or have you done other styles or types of art?

Vesna) “Well styles, yes, Realism, Abstract and a mix between the two that I have developed over time. As for types, Mural painting, decorative painting on ceramics and furniture. I paint mainly in acrylics now but started painting with oils in Macedonia.”

KP) What inspires your work?

Vesna) “My main inspiration is the need to experience something beyond what we ‘know’. I’m also inspired by nature and, of course, music.”

KP) So what have you been focusing on over the past 10 years?

Vesna) “Over the past 10 years I have done many murals, painted at numerous Live Events, commission work and in 2015, I opened my Gallery in Chesterfield Mall!”

And a beautiful gallery it is too! Visitors will find it full of light, life and blooms of color everywhere.

KP) Tell me more about your gallery.

Vesna) “It is my studio where I paint and teach lessons daily. I also do commission work here and have occasional live music and painting events.”

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March 2019 Do yourself a favor and make her acquaintance, whether it’s for lessons, an event you want to make special, a commissioned piece, to view her artwork or to see her performing out. They will all make you smile.

Gallery location: 88 Chesterfield Ctr. , Chesterfield MO 63017 Hours: Can vary, please check the web site Lesson info: Can be found and booked on her web site Upcoming events: A complete list of upcoming events is updated also on her site. under “EVENTS” Contact Vesna: vesna@vesna-art.com Web site: www.vesna-art.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/vesna.delevska.1 Phone: (816) 352-3764

KP) Future plans?

Vesna) “To keep creating and expanding!”

KP) So what are you most proud of, Vesna Delevska?

Vesna) “The determination in doing Everything with Love! You must give your heart 100% everyday!”

KP) What’s your advice to young artists?

Vesna) “Follow your dreams!”

KP) And lastly, your advise on marketing art?

Vesna) “Exhibit!”

Chow: As a side note, our chow was my home-made brownies with extra chocolate chips and Vesna supplied great coffee! It was time well spent!

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March2019 2019 March Editor’s Note: Vesna will be at Midwest Salute To The Arts again this year Everett Moody Park at Longacre, Fairview Heights IL, August 23, 24 & 25, at the Gesso Magazine Demonstration Tent. Writer & artist K.M. Pickard will be there, too!

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March 2019 History Corner - Memories of a River District

were razed. The website lacledeslanding.com has a wonderful section about the history of many of the remaining buildings and their importance, but has Saint Louis forgotten the river and area that gave the city its purpose?

by Carrie Paul

With all of us embarking on a new year, I often think of the age-old expression, “out with the old, in with the new”. I decided this would be “my year” to check off something that had long been on my bucket list for over twenty-five years…. visit the Wax Museum on the Landing in Saint Louis, Missouri (old) and see the newly renovated Arch grounds while I was there (new). It had been over thirteen years since I last walked the cobblestone streets and photographed the area, and so I figured now was as good a time as any, to finally hit a destination I had long since passed over, but never visited to see what was inside.

In the early 1760’s, Pierre Laclede Liguest and his common-law stepson, Rene Auguste Choteau, set out on a quest to establish a fur trading post on the western banks of the Mississippi River.

In 1764, Laclede decided on the location, and the successful fur trading village developed into what is today the city of Saint Louis. Since that time, the area evolved into a warehouse district of important businesses along the levee. The nineblock area downtown which bears his name, Laclede’s Landing, is an area designated a national landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (courtesy lacledeslanding. com). In the late 1970’s, the area was designated to be turned into an entertainment district which was comprised of bars, restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafés.

I first began frequenting the Landing when I was about 18 years of age in the early 1990’s. I ventured into a place then called Muddy Waters, and from there I was enticed by the area, its history, and charming cobblestone streets. At that time, you could be 18 and legally gain entry into many clubs, like Mississippi Nights for all ages shows. The cobblestone streets really were original and did not mix well with stilettos, but nostalgic none the less. The Landing was the place to “see and be seen” once dusk fell back then. I remember with fondness establishments like Rivers, Tazmania, Harpo’s, Show Me’s, Trainwreck, Boomers, Jake’s Steaks, The Dirt Water Fox at the Embassy Suite Hotel, The Royal Dumpe Theater, Morgan Street Brewery, Planet Hollywood, and Kennedy’s to name a few. In 2005, fate would bring me to work downtown at a time when the former excursion showboat SS Admiral was about to be dismantled (then called President Casino) and a new casino was going to be built, by Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. I had a sickening sensation that I needed to photograph some of the long-since abandoned establishments of my youth, and luckily, I was able to capture some of First Street before the buildings 24

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My return visit was a bit of a shock, as many establishments are no longer there, but the Wax Museum and Spaghetti Factory remained.

I was quite impressed with the Wax Museum; for a mere ten-dollar entry fee, I had a very enjoyable time there, and was glad I went.

There were many levels of wax figures from President Donald Trump to Star Wars characters, former presidents, actors, singers, Jesus, and a section designated - where else but in the basement - for horror figures. The Arch grounds were very nice in appearance, and I am hopeful that the new renovation will bring much needed purpose to the Landing, and hopefully new businesses and establishments can bring this very important historic area back to what it was meant to be….enjoyed and appreciated. New lofts are rumored to be in the works for the area, and hopefully revitalization will be well worth the wait. Until then, check something off your bucket list and don’t hesitate to be a “tourist” in your own city!

(above) Riverboat SS Admiral, aka President Casino on the Landing2006- dismantled

First street -2006Embassy Suites Hotel ( right )

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Mississippi Nights ( above ) First Street- Former Harpo’s on the Landing establishment (razed), ( left )

March 2019

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March 2019

Painting by local Gesso cover artist Vesna Delevska 26

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You are cordially invited to game to your heart’s content! This left column of games will remain the same trusty games with a different setup each month while the right column will introduce new games monthly. Want to support more games like these? Want next month’s issue before it goes to print?Join our patreon at: Patreon.com/DankByDesign Bring as many eggs to the exit of the dungeon as you can carrying them in your inventory. Each skeleton is worth 1VP when defeated but undefeated costs 1 heart (1VP). If you have no hearts you may not cross over a skeleton without a sword. Items are one time use! All items take 1 inventory slot and if you have empty inventory slots you must pick it up.

Use of any item means it is discarded and items may not be discarded without first using them. Eggs may never be discarded. You may cross a space more than once. 1VP and only 1VP is earned for each space crossed. You may travel diagonally. Dark spaces require the use of one torch to travel through each time, even if already traveled through before. Start at the S and end at the E.

This game is called “Burstronics” and is a strictly two-player game.

Your objective is to eliminate the opponent either by leaving them with no pieces left by moving onto them OR if they have no move left to make. Players begin with four pieces (Xs and +s) and must move only one piece per turn. Players move their pieces by completely darkening in the space they were on, shrinking the board by one space.

Then choose and eliminate one of sixty possible moves from below the board, choosing one of the spaces possible in that move (black space being your piece’s previous location) to draw either an “x” or a “+” in. A player eliminates an opponent’s piece by crossing their “+” or vice versa, allowing you to use that space once more. Moves may only be performed once. and only the orientation depicted regardless of perspective.

Sword- Defeats 1 skeleton Torch- Travel through 1 dark space Key- Unlock 1 chest or 1 door Egg- Score 2VP when brought to E Ice- You may not turn on the ice Chest- Score 5VP when unlocked Mimic- Score 5VP. To defeat: Undefeated: 2 hearts of damage.

Door- Blocks travel in all directions.

Escaping this room requires you to figure out the password for the door.

Solve the password based on how many letters long the code is, the selection of letters you have to choose from and what the room looks like! You may use a letter more than once. Check back each month for the password to escaping from last month’s room!

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Comics

March 2019

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FUN PAGE Gesso Magazine Word Search: COLOR EDITION

-YELLOW -BLUE -RED -GREEN -VIOLET -SALMON -CRIMSON -MAGENTA -COBALT -ULTRAMARINE -TURQUOISE -SIENNA -UMBER -CHARCOAL *SEE IF YOU CAN FIND ANY BONUS COLOR WORDS!

Gesso’s monthly dose of eclectic holidays: March 1st- Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day March 3rd- If Pets Had Thumbs Day March 6th- National Frozen Food Day March 9th- Panic Day March 10th- Middle Name Pride Day March 12th- Plant a Flower Day March 14th- National Potato Chip Day

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March 14th (pt 2)- National Pi Day March 20th- Extraterrestrial Abductions Day March 21st- Fragrance Day March 22nd- National Goof Off Day March 23rd- National Puppy Day March 26th- Make Up Your Own Holiday Day March 31st- Bunsen Burner Day

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Submissions

March 2019

Renee Canetta Artist statement: “I’m a dreamer. I believe that what makes you happy, is what makes you strong. My true goal in life is to be happy. Art is something that allows my soul to soar. I have had no formal training in art after high school, and in my life I’ve used art as a mandatory hobby; a way for me to escape and to turn a dark reality into my own colorful story.

My biggest focus in my subject matter has been the human body. I work in the medical field, and I’m fascinated daily by its abilities. I use personal tragedy as the driving force behind my work. I’m heavily influenced by sex, gender, oppression, and anatomy. Deconstructing the human form, allowing the soul to be exposed, and picking away at its central meaning is what drives me.

In my own life I emulate a vintage lifestyle, something that also heavily influences me. Each piece is usually very personal and thought out, making most of my work an important piece of me. Simply put, art means the world to me.”

Swollen: I Think I’m Going, Ink on Strathmore Bristol ( above )

Uphill Battle, Acrylic on Canvas, 2017 ( left ) Smother Me, Oil on Canvas, 2017 ( right ) Duality, Oil on Canvas, 2018 ( below )

Self Portrait: To the Tune of a Nightmare, Pencil and Prisma Color, 2011 ( right )

To see more of Renee Canetta’s work, follow her at Instagram.com/ renee.canetta.art

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March 2019

Kevin Dale Duncan “I have been a Free-lance artist since the 1980s specializing in cartoons, illustrations, portraits +.”

Chickadee ( above )

Michael Jackson ( right )

Bird Skull ( left )

Kevin and his work can be found at https://www.facebook.com/kidd58 GessoMagazine.com

Washing Dishes The light in Tucson, he said, the light and the landscape, it’s like walking on Mars, only warmer.

Everything to the west is better anyway.

It’s 60 degrees in Jackson, Mississippi and he says he’s in his shirt sleeves.

I scrub the dry rice and potatoes from a plate and imagine clean waves of water. The Pacific.

The Atlantic. I don’t care.

All the oceans seem as far away from this kitchen as the moon.

There are no surprises here in St. Louis and why should there be?

It is exactly as promised. Narrow street sand enclosed porches and a shopping mall I can walk to every day.

Don’t stop in Tucson, he said, go to Brazil. Eat a papaya.

Sit down on the ground right under the tree and eat it. Belize, I said, they grow there too and I like the way it sounds in my mouth.

Or Kenya, he said, I’d like to get close enough to a lion to smell its breath.

J.D., I ask, does salt have an odor, because I swear I smell the Gulf breeze through the phone, and I’m not really washing dishes, it’s just a metaphor you know, I’m up to my elbows in the greasy water of my life. And there’s this assignment, this writing assignment with three words.

It’s a jumping off point, he said, a safety net for your leap of faith.

Enough with the dishes, metaphorical or literal, they’re just an excuse not to go where you need to go. I can hear you suffocating from 400 miles away.

Or maybe I just thought those words and wished I could hear them in the air, like a guiding voice for the blind, Walk, Don’t Walk, Walk.

Ok, ok, I said, putting the last dish inside the cabinet.

But seriously, how am I ever going to use the word perpendicular?

- Beth Gordon Gesso Magazine

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