December 2019

#

53

Dec 2019

FREE Arthur Stevenson Presents: The Life of Tim Venhaus An Interview with The Sigmund Frauds ~ December Comics December Calendar of Events ~ Deck the Halls in Soulard

March 2019

Issue

Jennifer Lynn Reida

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

Inside Page

December 2019

Editor’s Word – December 2019

Straight Up Magazine is now Gesso Magazine and it is here with its 53rd edition ‘Serving Up Art, Music and Culture for the Metro Area’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 portray the artwork of Jennifer Lynn Reida of Native Heart Studio as our featured cover artist. Jennifer is a Native American Artist who uses a variety of mediums in her visual journey inspired by the symbolism and culture of the Native people, especially the strong women of the Cherokee Nation. To view additional examples of her work and learn more about her process, check out our Submissions section in this edition or on Facebook at Native Heart.

It is truly a pleasure and an honor for us to share with you a small portion every month of the seemingly boundless abundance of creativity that our local region endlessly exudes.

This last month has been another prolific one for the Gesso Movement. We proudly sponsored and curated a gallery exhibition, "Soil, Rock & Feather", which runs through mid-December. It showcases 4 extremely talented and accomplished regional artists: Susan Bostwick, Linda J Miller, Dennis L Ringering and David M Yates. Our deepest thanks go out to these artists for their involvement and to all those of you who came to be part of the opening reception, including Mikey B who provided live music for this event. It's not too late to take in all the great art on display. The exhibit will run until December 20. The Governor French Art Gallery is located at 219 W Main Street in beautiful Downtown Belleville, IL. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9am 4pm. As part of this exhibition, Gesso also proudly sponsored Belleville Main Street Art & Wine Walk which brought a constant stream of art and wine enthusiasts, both to the Gallery and also to 5 other Belleville Main Street venues for wine and beer sampling and - of course - live art demonstrations by Kevin Pickard, Amy Iverson, Michele Hilbing, Mick O'Day and Carol Morgan (Carol won the Favorite Artists award for her Wine Painting!).

The World Came to Belleville in another Gesso Magazine sponsored event: Drums & Percussion Sister Cities Belleville / Paderborn. Held at the 4204 Tap Room & Banquet Facility, this day-long event featured a drum clinic by Dirk Brand (of Axxis), Uli Frost (of Drums & Percussion Paderborn Germany) and Gerry Brown (drummer for Dianna Ross & Stevie Wonder). The big band show of the evening featured these celebrities along with over a dozen other stars, like Alex Ligertwood (lead singer for Santana) and German feature vocalist, Elke Marleen Schumacher. Opening acts by School of Rock Melodic Rhythms students were a spectacular lead into a truly international musical event. Videos of this event can be found on the Gesso Facebook Page.

May we not forget our Gesso sponsored "Pizza, Pencils & Pints" Social Drawing event. That's the third Tuesday of every month at Bennie's Pizza Pub on Main Street in Belleville. Co-sponsors Belleville Screen Print Company provides pencils and pens and crayons and markers and drawing paper, tons of art supplies, free of charge as a delectable addition to the family-friendly environment that is Bennie's. Diners draw, converse and share their artworks at this refreshing alternative dining experience.

Next event: Tuesday, December 16th. Come play!!!

We thank our writers for their poignant features and all those who contribute to this project. We appreciate all of those individuals 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 #53 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. We invite you 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. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook daily for new and additional events and content. You’ll see Gesso Magazine at over 500 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 2

Gesso Magazine

December Credits

Staff

Editors: Jake Bishop, Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert, Alison Ely Layout Design Artists: Jake Bishop, Dylan Seibert, Mark Polege Sales: Jake Bishop, Tom Blood, Jr., Jessica Canale, Jennifer Kiser, Dakota Kramer, Brooke Peipert, William Schmitz, Paul Seibert, Dylan Seibert 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, Tom Blood,Jr., Jessica Canale, Gregory Dierlam, Courtney Feldman, Jennifer Kiser, Daniel Nygard, Brooke Peipert, Mark Polege, William Schmitz, Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert, Wil Sullivan, Herald Publications

Contributors

Cover Artist: Jennifer Lynn Reida Cover Logo: Jake Bishop Comics: Brian Gardner, Danny Houk Game Page: Dank By Design Fun Page: Jake Bishop Photography: Dan Cross (p.6-8), The Sigmund Frauds (p.24-26), Carrie Paul (p.28), Paul Seibert (p.29 & 32) Feature Writers: Dan Cross, Isobel Abbott-Dethrow, Carrie Paul Submissions: Edward L. Holmes II, Jasmine Raskas, Jennifer Lynn Reida 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.

The Gesso Movement Relies on Your Support!!

We are committed to supporting local artists, musicians, & businesses and providing this printed material FREE to readers month after month!!

We invite you to reach out to us!!

Together we can discover how we can best help you, your band, your business or organization, etc. and how you can best help us in our continuing mission.

Hit us up on Facebook or Instagram or via GessoMagazine.com Editor@GessoMagazine.com

GessoMagazine.com

Table of Contents

6

December 2019

Arthur Stevenson Presents: The Life of Tim Venhaus

by Dan Cross

30

December Fun Page

10

December Calendar of Events

31

Sunday Morning Game Night

24

An Interview with The Sigmund Frauds

by Isobel Abbott-Dethrow

32

Soil, Rock & Feather Review

28

Deck the Halls in Soulard - Historic Holiday Tour

by Carrie Paul

33

December Submissions:

29

Drums and Percussion Review

GessoMagazine.com

from Dank by Design

featuring: Edward L. Holmes II, Jasmine Raskas, Jennifer Lynn Reida

Gesso Magazine

3

Distribution List

Illinois: Alton

Alton Visitor Center AMC Theatres AmTrak Beall Mansion Best Western Plus Best Western Premier Chez Marilyn Comfort Inn Doc Holiday’s Fast Eddie’s Bon Aire Germania Brew Haus Grand Piasa Body Art Hampton Inn Jacoby Art Center LuciAnna'a Maeva’s Coffee Merle Norman Mike’s Ten Pin Mineral Springs Mall Morrison's My Just Deserts Old Bakery Beer Co. Post Commons Ragin Cajun Score Records Second Reading Book Store Shields Family Pharmacy State Street Market The Salon Unique Smoke Shop Village Inn Pancake House

Aviston

Hidden Lake Winery

Belleville

10th Street Baking Co 1020 Artwork Studio 4204 Main Street Brewing Co. 4204 Banquet Center Advantage 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 Belleville Inn & Suites Belleville Main Street Belleville Public Libraries (West Main; East Washington) Belleville Screen Printing Co. Bennie’s Pizza Pub Big Daddy’s 618 BP Huck’s Locations (Carlyle Ave; N. Illinois St.) 4

December 2019

Holiday Inn Tan Gesso Magazine Can Be Found At Over 500 Hollywood Hooters Locations Convenient Metro Area Locations!!! (LincolnHucks HWY, Old Collinsville)

Bronx Zoo Boutique Chamber of Commerce Cigar Inn Circle K Locations (Old Collinsville Rd, 177) City Hall Club Escapade Club Fitness Collector’s Corner Conoco Phillips Corner Grill n Chill Cosmic Comics Crehan’s Irish Pub DeFrates Picture Eye Gallery Dog Day Afternoon Drawing Fantasies by Kathy Dutch Hollow Barn Eckert / Enyart Law Eckert Florist Effinger’s Garden Center Family Sports Plex Fletcher’s Kitchen & Tap Geo’s Wings & More Golden Dragon Governor French Gallery Grappa Growlers 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 Local Lucy’s Main Street Café Mama Jean’s / Crystal & Spice Mary’s Hidden Treasures Max’s One Stop Maytag Laundry 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 Scott Elementary School

Gesso Magazine

Seven Shop N Save Smoothie King 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

Columbia

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

East St. Louis

Gateway Market House of Miles East STL (H.O.M.E.) JWB Beauty Neighbors Market SIHF State Street

Edwardsville

Auto Tire Bailey Cakes Blow It Out on Main Bridal Couture Circle K Enclave Enclave West Good Weather Gallery Happy Up Toys Heroic Adventures Mark’s Appliances Otherside Games Public Library Run Well Sacred Grounds Stagger Inn...Again Teaspoon Cafe Wildey Theater

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 Collinsville Public Library Dean’s Exxon Gas Farmers Market Fazzi’s Glazy Squares Great Clips Jim’s Pawn & Jewelry John Locus Photography Knights of Columbus McDill’s Irish Pub New China Palm Beach Tan Papa John’s Red Bar Sports Clips Spring Garden Restaurant Swing City Music

Fairview Heights

Best Western BP Huck’s CALC Institute of Technology Casey’s Caseyville Twshp Bldg Catholic Credit Union China King Circle K (Bunkum Rd, Lincoln Trail) City Hall Comfort Inn & Suites Drury Inn Econolodge Express Medical Care Fairfield Inn Fairview Liquor Fairview Lounge Guitar Center Hampton Inn

GessoMagazine.com

Jacob’s Herb Shop Jazzy 159 Joe’s Pizza Lasting Impressions Floral Lilly’s Gyro Lizzy Bob’s Bakery MotoMart Phillip 66 Gas Mart (Bunkum Rd.) Public Library Quick Stop 2 Quiznos Ramada Inn Randalls Wine & Spirits Sahara Hair Studio Schnucks Sheraton Four Points Slackers St. Clair Bowl Sunshine Daydream Super 8 Motel USave Cleaners Walgreens VFW Zapata’s

Freeburg

Casey’s Country Market Gary’s Restaurant MotoMart

Granite City

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

Highland

501 Blues Club Great Clips Korte Rec Center Railshake Brewery Starlight Studio Woodcrest Small Engine

Lebanon

BP Casey’s CC Food Mart Cobblestone Eatery & Drinkery First Federal Bank Ghost Vapor Shop Hanger 18 Guitar Repair Shop Lebanon Visitors Center McKendree University (Art Dept., Gallery of Art, Hett Arts Center, Holman Library)

Distribution List Minerva MotoMart No Jack, It's a Jill Thing Public Library Robin’s Nest Rocking R Thrift Tiadaghton House True Value Whimsey Gifts

Maryville

Lakehouse at Buffalo Park Red Apple Restaurant

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 El Sombrero Han-Dee Mart Huddle House Jo-Al Winery Mascoutah Community Lanes Mascoutah Steak House McDonald’s MotoMart Sax Hometown Store Scott Credit Union Skootr’s St E’s Medical Plaza St. Louis Coffee Tom’s Supermarket Twin Dragons VFW Visitor’s Center

Millstadt

ATI Physical Therapy Coffee Mill Cafe IGA Mike’s Automotive Papa Vito’s

New Baden

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

O’Fallon

Art Gecko Studio Auffenberg Ford Service Baymont Inn BJC Medical Group Cambridge Dental Candlewood Suites

Casey’s Casa Azteca Circle K City Hall CoffeeHouse Co & Salon Country Inn and Suites CVS Denny’s Drury Inn Extended Stay First American Title Gas Mart Green Mt. Rd Harley Davidson Hardee’s (Downtown, Hartman Ln) Hemingway’s Zen Garden Hilton Garden Inn Hometown Suites Hop House Knights of Columbus Kool Beanz Lake Point Dental LaQuinta Inn & Suites Luckenbooth Gallery McDonald’s McKendree Metroplex MotoMart (Downtown, HWY 50) Public Library Schnucks Scott Credit Union Serra Honda Shell Sips n Splatters Sleep Inn Suburban Inn Subway Restaurants (Regency Park, E. US HWY 50) Super 8 Sweet Katie Bee’s Syberg’s Town Place Suites VFW Walgreens Wood Bakery WOW Hotel YMCA

Pontoon Beach Mastermind Vodka

Sauget

SW IL Welcome Center

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

Shiloh

American Eagle Credit Union Bank of Edwardsville Dierberg’s Dobbs Auto & Tire Golden Corral Holiday Inn Moto Mart St. Louis Bread Co. Starbucks The Joint Chiropractic Toolin’s Running Start 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 Cloud 9 Vapor Lounge Concept Shoe Repair CVS Dobbs Gas Mart ILLINOISouth Tourism Lucky’s Bar & Grill Lucy’s Place Miller Music New China Northwest Liquor Papa Mendis Pottery Hollow Rural King Schnuck’s Twilight Comics

Troy

Public Library Schmitty’s Sunset Inn Again Troy Car Care ZX Fuel

Waterloo

Bean Tree Cafe City Hall Gallagher’s JV’s Bar and Grill Karban’s Knotty Pines Papa Vito’s Schorr Lake Vineyard Washy’s Sports Bar & Grill

GessoMagazine.com

Missouri: Clayton

Craft Beer Cellar Govero Salon Hampton Inn & Suites Mercy Urgent Care

Cherokee Wax Rats

Eureka

La Finca Coffee Shop

Lambert Airport (Inside) Information Center Pasta House Starbucks USO of Missouri

Lambert Airport (Outside) Airport Inn Drury Inn & Suites Hilton Holiday Inn Holiday Inn Express & Suites Marriott Pear Tree Inn Quality Inn Renaissance Hotel

Maplewood

Art Mart Autohaus BMW Jim Butler Alfa Romeo / Maserati Mini of St. Louis Premier Porsche

Soulard

1860’s Saloon Hammerstone’s Molly’s in Soulard Soulard Art Gallery Soulard Coffee Garden

St. Charles

Art Glass Array Art Meets Vintage

St. Louis

Angad Arts Hotel Apotheosis Comics & Lounge Bamboo Bistro Broadway Oyster Bar & Grill Drury Inn Downtown Gentry’s Tavern Hampton Inn Hilton Downtown Hyatt at the Arch James Henry Provisions Co. Magnify Gallery

December 2019 Mansion House The Dark Room

The Grove

BP Gas Mart City Greens Market Club Rehab Just John’s Southside Barber & Beauty The Gramophone Tower Classic Tattooing Urban Chestnut Brewery

Tower Grove

Apotheosis Comics & Lounge Craft Alliance Center Pizza Head Snarf's Sandwiches

University City

Blick Art Materials Blueberry Hill Come In and Get Lost Craft Alliance Center Emporium Smoke Shop Hop Cat Let’s Get Technical Peacock Loop Diner Perfect Taste Sichuan Cuisine Pitaya PokeDoke St. Louis Bubble Tea Subterranean Books Sunshine Daydream The Wacked Out Weiner This! Boutique Vintage Vinyl Wizard’s Wagon

Webster Groves

Anne March Studio Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Burchard & Associates Inc Clover and the Bee Restaurant Gas Mart Grafica Fine Art and Custom Framing HWY 61 Roadhouse Krueger Pottery Supply Lockwood Chiropractic McGaughen and Burr Fine Arts Morgan Ford Massage & Spa Music Folk Real Life CBD Simply Torn (Art and Design) The Old Orchard Gallery Webster Groves Animal Shelter Webster Groves Dental Webster Groves Garden Cafe Webster Groves Subaru

Gesso Magazine

5

December 2019 Arthur Stevenson Presents: The Life of Tim Venhaus

by Dan Cross

In the early days of the film program at Southwestern Illinois College, 12 or so years ago, students were wilder and crazier than the (relatively) more normal kids I teach today. And of the wild and crazy students back then, Tim Venhaus was one of the wildest and craziest. Other students spoke with awe about the epic amounts of alcohol that Tim could drink and still function. He was always cutting up in class, making everyone laugh (including me, the teacher) and procrastinating on everything until the last possible minute. I remember several student film screenings when Tim would still be in our little basement classroom frantically finishing the final edit of his film even as the screening was already underway upstairs in front of a packed theater. Halfway through the event, Tim would finally rush into the theater and hand me a DVD of his film, fresh out of the burner, just in time to entertain the appreciative crowd.

Best Film by members of the audience, which means that Tim really was the best of the best.

How he managed to persevere and produce such winning, entertaining films in spite of his wild lifestyle and slacker façade is a fascinating story, one that got even more amazing over the years, until the story ended abruptly with his tragic death in December, 2018. Southwestern Illinois College will revisit the life and work of this distinctive, talented young man in a retrospective film screening, Sunday, December 15 at 3:00 in the Arts and Humanities Theater (LAC 1370).

The event is free and open to the public and will include the world premiere of the last script Tim wrote, Dad Eat Dog, which was posthumously made into a film through the incredible efforts of his family and friends. The film was produced by Tim’s mother, Lynn Venhaus, journalist and member of the St. Louis Film Critics Association, who decided to honor Tim’s memory by bringing his last script to the screen.

(Dad Eat Dog shoot - car scene)

(Tim with his Summer Fenn filmmaking students)

And yet, in spite of this craziness (or perhaps because of it) he ended up being one of the best and most prolific filmmakers to come through the program. Tim completed several hilarious, ambitious, daring, and boundary-breaking films, including Confetti Sauce, a documentary about motorcycle stunt riders, narrated by Tim in the guise of his fictional alter-ego, Arthur Stevenson, a recurring character in his oeuvre. I can still remember my horror when I first saw his footage of a rider falling off his motorcycle and tumbling across the asphalt parking lot, and Tim’s voice on the tape: “WHOA! Holy sh#t! Dude! That was AWESOME!” I spent a lot of time back then worrying about being fired because of the crazy antics of students like Tim. Another Tim Venhaus movie from this time was Lunchbreak, a story of two construction workers eating their bag lunches on a bench intercut with scenes of an obnoxious lawyer walking down the street insulting and berating everybody, parallel stories that eventually come together when the workers see the lawyer’s head split open like a watermelon by a falling I-beam. In a “Best of SWIC” film festival we had a few years later to showcase the best movies to come out of the program, Lunchbreak was voted 6

Gesso Magazine

“It was a real labor of love,” she explained to me after the shoot. “A lot of people really wanted to be a part of it. I just got everyone together and they just took over from there.” Charlie, Tim’s brother, did most of the directing, friend Ryan Culbertson did the shooting, and Tim’s boyhood buddies Tory Dahlhoff and Joey Paserski (from the bands Horshack and Brother George) are making music for the film. Lynn contributed a few revisions to Tim’s original script. “Because it turned out to be a tribute to him, we added some ‘Tim-isms’ and references to his other films and bands that he was friends with, that sort of thing. I think his voice really comes through in the movie.”

I can vouch for that. Like all of Tim’s work, Dad Eat Dog features bizarre and hilarious actions, abrupt transitions to different scenes, and characters who readily digress into impassioned discussions about movie actors, who played in what film, and which actor was better.

I initially assumed that Tim’s writing and directing talent was a fluke that came miraculously out of nowhere. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, Tim came from a family of film lovers, people who devoured movies since way before his birth. Lynn filled me in recently on some of his history I didn’t know.

GessoMagazine.com

December 2019 “My parents were divorced, so we lived with my grandparents. They lived through the Depression and always went to the movies. My grandfather loved all the old gangster movies, Bogart, and Cagney. And my mom always loved old movies, so on the weekends we’d stay up with her watching movies,” she explained. “Then, when Tim was like three years old, he sat perfectly still on my lap and watched Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure all the way through, with no kid squirming or anything. (Laughs). So that’s kind of the movie that started it. And later, I was writing movie reviews for the Belleville News Democrat, so I had to go every week to see movies, so he would tag along. I know some of the things he saw were totally inappropriate, but you could not tell that kid no!”

How I wish all students had this kind of support! Lynn always believed in Tim’s potential and encouraged him to pursue his passion for film. Tim’s path was always bumpy, but he eventually finished a film degree at SIUCarbondale, where he worked on Alt.News 26:46, the student-run television program. Every year the station would have a screenwriting contest, and the winning script would get produced. Tim was the first student to win the contest two years in a row.

Then, like many kids of the camcorder generation, Tim started playing around with making his own movies. “He was always in his room writing little film scripts. He’d get his relatives, his cousins to be in them. They’d be gangsters or whatever, and they were always really funny. Hilarious pre-pubescent hijinks.” He found ways to make movies in high school too, usually to get out of having to do more traditional school assignments.

Like many creative people, Tim’s career never moved in a straight line, instead zigzagging forward and backwards, then forward again. After graduating from SIU-C and doing an internship at Sesame Street in New York, Tim ended up back in the St. Louis area, working in restaurants, drinking too much, and ended up in rehab and A.A. As Lynn explained, “He struggled so much! He had all these ideas going on, but he would talk about what a bad person he was . . . he struggled with those demons.

There are so many creative people who are like that, who think they are not worthy of success, because they screw up, but I just want them to know that you can have a second and third and fourth chance.”

Which brings us up to Tim’s first attempt at college. As Lynn explains, it didn’t go well. “I was a single mom, and I was always working, so I’d call home at like 4 o’clock in the afternoon and Tim would sound like he was just waking up. I’d say, ‘Don’t you have class?’ and he’d say ‘OH! Man! I overslept!’ Eventually, he quit going and got a job at Applebee’s. He was partying a lot and just frittering his life away.”

That’s a familiar story, especially around here. A young, creative person seriously underachieving. But here’s where the story gets interesting.

Many creative kids do not enjoy much parental support; most parents want to see their kids pursue safe, profitable professions like Accounting or Nursing, not something “impractical” like Art, Music, or Film. But not Lynn.

“I remember thinking, ‘Are you just going to be a waiter? You have so much potential! So eventually, I devised this plan. It was right before school started in August, and I handed him a check and said, ‘I want you to go to SWIC and sign up for just creative classes. Don’t worry about Gen Ed, just take Film, Writing, whatever, so you can get back in to doing what you love.’ And that’s when he did Lunchbreak.”

(Tim directing Lunchbreak)

(Tim, Sesame Street intern, 2013)

Tim took advantage of his second chances and in January 2017, he became clean and sober and dedicated himself anew to his passion for filmmaking, enrolling in the graduate program in Screenwriting at DePaul University in Chicago. It was there he wrote Dad Eat Dog, which brought down the house during the table reading in class. Lynn’s scheme to get him back in school to pursue his dreams was really paying off. “At DePaul, he finally felt like he was on the right path,” she told me. “He was so on fire about his classes! He loved his teachers, and kept going on about all the stuff he was going to do. He was so excited!”

Among lots of other things, the Tim Venhaus retrospective will be a testament to a beautiful relationship between a mother and son centered around a mutual love for film. “He’s kind of a mini me,” Lynn said. “I was that creative kid who didn’t fit in. I was never that wild, I was never much of a partier, but I understood him.” The two of them even attended the Sundance Film Festival together (by volunteering as ushers). According to Lynn, “Tim saw like, 30 movies in 10 days and kept all the ticket stubs. He said to me, ‘This is the greatest time of my life!’”

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

7

December 2019 Lynn, like everyone else who knew Tim and enjoyed his hilarious work, sees the retrospective as a chance to celebrate his life, hear his voice again, and savor the impact he had on so many. “It’s going to let people remember him for how he lived, and not how he died. He did live life to the fullest, and I didn’t realize his impact on others until his death, when the outpouring was truly remarkable. He made an impression on everyone who knew him or met him. If you mean that much to so many others, then you have truly lived a good life.”

What: The Life of Tim Venhaus Retrospective Where: Southwestern Illinois College, Arts and Humanities Theater (LAC 1370) When: Sunday, December 15 at 3:00pm

(Tim as an usher at Sundance, 2011)

Losing someone so full of life, energy, and laughter has been hard on everyone who knew him. Making sense of such a tragic loss is hard too.

“Like several other members of my family for generations, Tim struggled with alcohol and drugs,” Lynn explained. “He was two years’ sober and was following his dream. He was home from grad school on break, and wanted to make some money for the next trimester. He had worked a demanding double shift at a restaurant that day, had to work early the next day, couldn’t sleep. He made a mistake that ended tragically. He worked so hard to be productive and positive. He was like many young people trying to find their way in the world. He was so creative and had so much potential. I hope we can turn his struggles into inspiration.”

(Car scene)

(Charlie directs Spencer Sickmann) 8

Gesso Magazine

(Spencer as Jimmy, wearing vintage T-shirt and robe of Tim’s)

(Ryan Culbertson filled in many roles)

GessoMagazine.com

December 2019

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

9

Calendar of Events

December 2019

December 1 (Sun):

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) – 6-10p; Trent & Nanny

BBs Jazz, Blues & Soups – 5-11p; 18th Annual Baby Blues Showcase: Marquise Knox, Little Dylan, Aaron Griffin, Matt Lesch, Sweetie & The Toothaches, School of Rock, plus Kayla Townsend & Alonzo Townsend Cutter’s (Belleville) – 4p; Mike Zito & Odds Lane Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt, an authentic, openair Christmas Market from November 29 - December 23, 2019; will be open daily selling items including handmade German Lace, Russian and Ukrainian nesting dolls, European hand-blown ornaments, hand carved Santas and German accessories, plus much, much more! The Market will also feature demonstrations and entertainment all throughout the Holiday season Perennial – 1p; Community Clothing Swaps; Perennial’s Swap is an amazing way to get a new wardrobe with the earth in mind! You bring clothes you no longer want (but are still in fine shape) and take home new-to-you items from the swap; “Thanks to our sponsors Dogtown Pizza and 4 Hands Brewing Company you can enjoy complimentary beer and fresh baked Dogtown Pizza cookies while you shop” Powell Hall – 3p; The Nutcracker; Bring the whole family to enjoy the marches, battles, feasts, celebrations and the popular “Waltz of the Flowers” of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Conductor Andrew Grams makes his SLSO debut SK8 Liborius Social Club – 4p; Kristen Goodman Live Album Recording Concert! Be a part of the magic as Kristen Goodman records her next album in front of a live studio audience! This Sunday evening extravaganza starts with a set from Kristen’s favorite St. Louis cover band- Sweet & Low featuring standards and popular favorites. The pinnacle of the evening occurs when Kristen Goodman & Her Big Band take the stage to record her original music Stifel Theatre – 7:30p; An Evening of Soul featuring Anthony Hamilton and Eric Benet The Dark Room – 11:30a; Brunch with Janet Evra The Grandel – 2p; “It’s a Wonderful Life” by John Wolbers The Judson House – 6p; The Jesse Gannon Trio featuring Eric Slaughter & Ben Wheeler The Pageant – 8p; Murray & Peter Present: A Drag Queen Christmas - The Naughty Tour

Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum – 5:30p-7:30p; Geoff Ward, associate professor and associate chair in the Department of African & AfricanAmerican Studies in Arts & Sciences, will discuss his Teaching Gallery exhibition, “Truths and Reckonings: The Art of Transformative Racial Justice”

December 3 (Tues): Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel – 7p; Duhart; STL’s beloved fatherdaughter duo is excited to be back at Renaissance!

The Pageant – 7p; The Noise Presents: Falling In Reverse

December 4 (Wed): Broadway Oyster Bar – Voodoo Rolling Stones COCA (Center of Creative Arts) – 7p; Joyful Vocal Concert; Join us in celebrating the holiday season with Joyful, a festive repertoire of musical theatre, pop, traditional & winter favorites from COCA’s vocal companies, Allegro & Adagio Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Jazz St. Louis – 7:30p; Alicia Olatuja; Originally from St. Louis, Alicia Olatuja has been astounding audiences with her exquisite vocals, artistic versatility and captivating demeanor Powell Hall – 7:30p; Big Band Holidays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; Featuring soulful, big band versions of classics like “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World” and “Brazilian Sleigh Ride,” Big Band Holidays is an uplifting holiday program that’s sure to brighten up your season PSOP (Belleville) – 6p; Monthly meeting of the Gateway East Artists’ Guild; GEAG is a non-profit group that promotes the visual arts in the Metro-East community; GEAG is an organization for art enthusiasts with ALL levels of skill; The meetings are open to the public.

SqWires Restaurant and Annex – 5p; Tastings & Tunes featuring Mike Mattingly; Free Wine Tasting 5:30-7:00pm; Live Music by Mike Mattingly 6:00-8:30pm

The Pat Connolly Tavern – 6p; Society Open Jam; All are welcome to play, or just watch! All skill levels welcome. Bring your instrument or play off what we’ve got setup. Still a beginner? Have no fear, we’ll have some steady players on hand to help you out. Kids are welcome too! Plus, you can grab a drink and some food!

The Fabulous Fox – 7:30p; Wicked; So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle

Touhill Performing Arts Center – 2:30p; The Nutcracker

1860’s Saloon – 6p; Andrew Dahle; live music by local singer-songwriter Andrew Dahle

December 2 (Mon): Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Evangeline’s – 7p-10p; St. Louis OPEN MIC & JAM hosted by Shamus McFeron; St. Louis Music Industry Open Mic & Jam. Everyone is welcome!

First come, first serve; sign up to play 3 songs on stage. All musicians performing will get a wrist band for Half-off drinks, cocktails and beer for the evening.

10

Gesso Magazine

December 5 (Thurs):

Abend & Garfield Streets (Belleville) – 5p-9p; The 5th Annual Old Belleville Historical Luminary Walk; streets are lined with candle lit luminaries, neighborhood museums are open, a secret passage to the Emma Kunz house, decorated homes are open for view, carolers singing, seasonal refreshments available and St. Nicholas might be seen Blue Strawberry STL – 8p; Debby Lennon’s Holiday Show; Nick Schlueter, Piano & Jeremy Pfeffer, Bass Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on

GessoMagazine.com

Calendar of Events

December 2019

12/01 El Volcán Discoteque – 9p; DownRight Entertainment & Ronin Productions proudly present: Bleep Bloop, Meso, Patches O’Malley, Letters

Powell Hall – 10:30a; Baroque Fireworks; Brilliant brass gleam in Handel’s celebratory Music for the Royal Fireworks and Water Music. Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 features the famous “Air on a G string.”

Jazz St. Louis – 11a; Alicia Olatuja; See Description on 12/04

Seven (Belleville) – 9p; Ahna Schoenhoff

Lewis, Ray Charles & Little Richard with The Lonesome Hearts Band plus Everett Dean tribute to Elvis, The Beatles & Chuck Berry (and other great artists)

The Fabulous Fox – 7:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04

St. Louis Science Center – 6p; First Friday: I Love the 90’s; Kick it old Joe’s Café – 8p; The Funky Butt Holiday Warmup; The Funky Butt Brass Band was formed in St. Louis, Missouri in 2007 by six talented musicians who school at our First Friday celebrating all things 1990s. Stop by the Gak Lab, check out Y2K technology, jam out to the greatest hits of the decade, and respect and revere the New Orleans brass band tradition relive middle school science class with episodes of Bill Nye the Science Guy. * Lincoln Theatre (Belleville) – 7:30p; Rock and Roll/ Holiday See a 90s science fiction film in the OMNIMAX Theater free at 10pm; First Fridays are free but some activities are ticketed extravaganza stars Branson’s David Brooks tribute to Jerry Lee The Gaslight Theater – 8p; “A Life In The Theater” by David Mamet

National Blues Museum – 6p-9p; Sittin’ on the Porch Thursday Night Jam Sessions; These events are just that – jam sessions – where musicians can just show up and join in the fun. NBM volunteer Jesse Lopez will be running the jam session here at the National Blues Museum! It’s FREE to attend, just bring your own gear.

Old Rock House – 7p; Pert Near Sandstone & Arkansauce Syberg’s – 8p; Clint & Co duo (Clint Wilson and Dan Martin) play your favorite tunes The Dark Room – 9:30p; Scooter Brown: Thursday Night Revue; No cover ever. Good vibes always! A gift courtesy of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation The Fabulous Fox – 1p & 7:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04 Thurman’s in Shaw – 8p; Adam Maness Trio

December 6 (Fri): Atomic Cowboy – 9p; Jake’s Leg Bostwick Studio (Edwardsville) – 12p-7p; Annual Bostwick & Friends Studio Fete & Holiday Sale; featuring the works of Anita Cooper, Jean Lanham-Curvey, Nancy Davis, Jackie Gomez, Christina MacMorran, Linda J Miller, Jim Sabo, C. Alana Tibbets - showing jewelry, stained glass, pastels, paintings, photography, mixed media art dolls & clay Delmar Hall – 7p; Watch What Crappens w/ Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam: A Podcast ‘bout Bravo at Delmar Hall Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Downtown (Mascoutah) – 6:30p; Annual Lighted Christmas Parade Family Arena (St Charles) – 7p-10:30p; 4&20: The Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Fubar Lounge – 7p; Thirty Six Red: Face To Face EP Release Party w/ Guests Name It Now! Amethyst, And Vague Topic Jazz St. Louis – Alicia Olatuja; See Description on 12/04 Link Auditorium – 7:30p; Tribute Series VIII - Unglued STL w/ the music of Stone Temple Pilots, followed by Rearview Mirror with the music of Pearl Jam! Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Robert Dubac’s Stand-Up Jesus Pop’s (Sauget) – 6p; Static-X & DevilDriver - Wisconsin Death Trip Anniversary Tour

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

11

Calendar of Events

December 2019

The Gogh-Getters at Sacred Grounds Cafe (Edwardsville) – 7p-9p; Opening Reception: An exhibition of the works of Dan Anderson & Steve Hartman; plus 8th year anniversary of Gogh-Getters Gallery The Grandel – 7p; “It’s a Wonderful Life” by John Wolbers The Monocle – 8p; Rak The Casbah: A Night of Belly Electric Rock with Final Veil The Novel Neighbor – 6p; Upcycled Craft Night @ The Novel Neighbor by Perennial The Pageant – 8p; O.A.R. - The Mighty Fall Tour; w/ Riker & The Beachcombers Washy’s Saloon (Waterloo) – 9p-1a; Scattergun Jack Webster University (Webster Groves) – 8p; Jane Austin Festival; The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Webster University and the Jane Austen Society of North America’s St. Louis region are proud to present our Jane Austen Festival, running December 6-8 throughout Webster University’s campus Wild Carrot – 7:30p; Time Travelers Ball: A Fundraiser for Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation

December 7 (Sat):

proudly bring you: Eptic & Tynan Jazz St. Louis – Alicia Olatuja; See Description on 12/04 O’Fallon Station (O’Fallon) – 10a-2p; Tinsel Around Town Winter Farmers Market Off Broadway – 7:30p; Steve Forbert--Seated show Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7-10p; Mikey B Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Robert Dubac’s Stand-Up Jesus Powell Hall – 1p; St. Louis Children’s Choirs: Holiday Magic; The St. Louis Children’s Choirs proudly presents its 2019 Holiday Concert - “Holiday Magic” with guest artist, Eli Magic. The SLSO is not appearing as part of this event Powell Hall – 8p; Baroque Fireworks; See description on 12/06 Seven (Belleville) – 9p; Gavin M Soulard (STL) – 44th Annual Holiday Parlour Tour; Dec 7 & 8 The Fabulous Fox – 2p & 7:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04 (closed caption performance) The Gaslight Theater – 8p; “A Life In The Theater” by David Mamet The Grandel – 4p; “It’s a Wonderful Life” by John Wolbers

American Legion (Mascoutah) – 7p; 13th Annual Friends of Bluegrass Show The Monocle – 8p; Jordan Rooks’ A Magical Journey; a high energy magic show that is good for the whole family! He’s worked with the best magicians featuring George Portz in the world, and now he brings his show to The Monocle!

Atomic Cowboy – 8p; Zach Deputy The Pageant – 8p; Louis The Child - Here For Now Tour; Louis the Blue Strawberry STL – 8p; The Drinkwater Brothers Child have partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket will go to organizations bringing dignity, equity, and access to communities who need it; Bostwick Studio (Edwardsville) – 10a-5p; Annual Bostwick & Friends www.plus1.org Studio Fete & Holiday Sale; featuring the works of Anita Cooper, Jean Lanham-Curvey, Nancy Davis, Jackie Gomez, Christina MacMorran, Linda The Ready Room – 7p; 2nd annual STL Women of Rock Showcase - Benefit J Miller, Jim Sabo, C. Alana Tibbets - showing jewelry, stained glass, pastels, for STL Area Foodbank; 2019’s featured bands are: Crystal Lady, Ahna paintings, photography, mixed media art dolls & clay Schoenhoff, Mammoth Piano, and Tiger Rider! “St. Louis has an incredible Cherokee Street – 10a-6p; 12th Annual Cherokee Print Bazaar; StL’s largest local, handmade, holiday shopping event featuring 100+ artists and thousands of one-of-a-kind gifts

LIVE music scene, with music to fit everyone’s taste. Rock, pop, jazz, blues, you name it ... we’ve got it! One thing STL is lucky to have is some awesome bands with ROCKING lead ladies! Thanks to this show, last year we were able to provide over 3600 meals to hungry members of our community and we are looking to do even better this year!”

Cherokee Street – 6p; St. Louis Krampusnacht Pub Crawl 2019; Stops include: Yaquis, B-Side, Whiskey Ring, Fortune Teller Bar and Earthbound Washy’s Saloon (Waterloo) – 9p-1a; Well Hungarians Beer. There is no charge to participate in the crawl. Costumes are encouraged but not required. But there will be prizes for the best costumes, so dress up! St. Webster University (Webster Groves) – 8p; Jane Austin Festival; See Louis Krampusnacht is a growing St. Louis festival inspired by the Krampus celebrations of Europe Delmar Hall – 8p; An Evening w/ Metal Blade Records’ Anacrusis at Delmar Hall Downtown (Belleville) – 8:30a Start Time: Gingerbread 5k Run / Walk Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Downtown (Edwardsville) – 9a-12p; 7th Annual Land of Goshen Community Market featuring artisans, baked goods, crafters, locally grown items, and unique, boutique gifts and products from our neighborhood and the surrounding communities; free crafts for children, caroling from local groups, and more Europe Night Club – 10p; Disco Donnie Presents and B&W Productions

12

Gesso Magazine

GessoMagazine.com

Calendar of Events

December 2019 December 10 (Tues):

description on 12/06

December 8 (Sun): Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Ethical Society (StL) – 12:30p-2:30p; Opening Reception for Mark Witling exhibition of larger and smaller paintings, and paintings on both panel and paper Jazz St. Louis – Alicia Olatuja; See Description on 12/04 Powell Hall – 3p; Baroque Fireworks; See description on 12/06 Soulard (STL) – 44th Annual Holiday Parlour Tour; Dec 7 & 8

Alpha Brewing Co – 7p; Lost Treasures of St. Louis with Cameron Collins; Join us for our Tuesday Night Lecture series, where Cameron Collins will discuss his book, “Lost Treasures of St. Louis!”

Blueberry Hill Duck Room – 8p; The Get Up Kids w/ Hembree, SONTALK Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Funny Bone – 7:30p; Hacksaw Jim Duggan 2×4 Tour Jazz St. Louis – 7:30p & 9:30p; Jazz St. Louis Big Band plays Ellington’s Nutcracker; “Celebrate the Holidays with a special showcase of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite performed by the Jazz St. Louis Big Band”

St. James Parish Center (Millstadt) – 10a-5p; 25th Annual Weihnachtsfest (German Christmas Festival); craft fair opens at 10:00 am, holiday Cookie Walk, German food (sauerbraten, bratwurst, schnitzel, potato pancakes, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and strudel) will be served beginning 11:30 am; St. Nikolaus will arrive in a parade at 12:00 noon; Millstadt Community Choir, Waterloo German Band and St. Louis German Cultural Society Jugendgruppe (youth group) dancers; benefit Millstadt Sister Cities’ annual Youth Ambassadors Exchange and other programs with Gross-Bieberau, Germany

Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism

The Fabulous Fox – 1p & 6:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04

The Pageant – 8p; 105.7 The Point HoHo Show: Highly Suspect w/ Slothrust

The Grandel – 2p; “It’s a Wonderful Life” By John Wolbers Webster University (Webster Groves) – 8p; Jane Austin Festival; See description on 12/06

December 9 (Mon): Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 The Hett @ McKendree University (Lebanon) – 7:30p; McKendree Presents: USAF Band of Mid-America

Powell Hall – 7:30p; Bach Society Christmas Candlelight Concert; A St. Louis Christmas tradition, the Christmas Candlelight Concert is sure to leave you feeling merry and bright. Join us for an evening filled with Holiday cheer! The SLSO is not appearing as part of this event The Fabulous Fox – 7:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04 The Heavy Anchor – 9p; Dizzy Birdy Comedy Hypnosis Stage Show

December 11 (Wed): Atomic Cowboy – 8p; Goose Broadway Oyster Bar – 9:30p; Voodoo Highwaymen (Cash, Waylon, Willie, and Kris) Delmar Hall – 8p; 105.7 The Point HoHo Show: The Nixons & Sponge w/ Bleach Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01

The Shaved Duck – 5:30p; Dizzy Atmosphere; unique blend of Hot Club hits, Fubar – 6p; Backstage Productions Presents: Abigail Williams and Aenimus swing standards and Latin classics Gateway Convention Center (Collinsville) – 6p; Festival of Trees!

The Pageant – 8p; Scott Bradlee’s ‘A Very Postmodern Christmas’ Jazz St. Louis – 7:30p & 9:30p; Jazz St. Louis Big Band plays Ellington’s Tick Tock Tavern – 7p-9p; Ghost Light Monday Night at Tick Tock; No Nutcracker; See description on 12/10 Cover Morningside of Shiloh – 7p; Christmas Concert Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism Schlafly Bottleworks (Maplewood) – 8p; Miss Jubilee; “Come dance away your mid-week blues with Miss Jubilee!”

The Fabulous Fox – 2p & 7:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04 The Pageant – 8p; Steel Panther - Heavy Metal Rules Tour

December 12 (Thurs): Atomic Cowboy – 8p; Kitchen Dwellers w/ One Way Traffic & Grassfed Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01

GessoMagazine.com

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

13

Calendar of Events

December 2019

Helium Comedy Club – Matt Braunger (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Mad TV) comes to St. Louis with his new hour of comedy to be taped for a new special early next year. Don’t miss it!

unforgettable experience will put you in the holiday spirit and show you why thousands of St. Louis residents make this concert an annual tradition

Jazz St. Louis – 7:30p & 9:30p; Jazz St. Louis Big Band plays Ellington’s Nutcracker; See description on 12/10

Seven (Belleville) – 9p-12a; BongoJak vs The Loop Machine

Off Broadway – 8p; Beth Bombara w/ Essential Knots

Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism Skeeter’s Pub (Staunton) – 9p; P-Nut and The Shells St Clair County Event Center (Belleville) – Mistletoe Market

Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism Tamm Avenue Bar – 7p; Anthony Live The Heavy Anchor – 9p; Sweetheart, Satan Section, Biologist The Pageant – 8p; 105.7 The Point HoHo Show: 311 w/ Boomtown United

* Stifel Theatre – 7:30p; 93.7 The Bull’s Santa Jam Benefitting Youth In Need; The lineup includes: Abby Anderson, Tenille Townes, Jon Langston, Jordan Davis, Chris Janson and Trea Landon!

The Grandel – 7p; “It’s a Wonderful Life” By John Wolbers

December 13 (Fri):

The Ready Room – 9:30p; Emo Nite at The Ready Room

Atomic Cowboy – 8p; Jamo Presents: Kung Fu

Venice Café – 9p; A Very Darrells Christmas! “Join us for our annual Christmas Party!”

Belle-Clair Expo Center (Belleville) – A Forever Vintage “Farmhouse Christmas” Market; Friday 3p-8p; Saturday 10a-5p; Sunday 10a-4p Blueberry Hill Duck Room – 8p; Life Without Wayne & Disturbing The Peace; w/ James Whalen Bottleneck Blues Bar (St. Charles) – 8p; Up All Night Columbia City Saloon (Columbia) – Alexandra Kay Trio; “Bring your friends and let’s have a party!”

Crown Room – 8p; Disco Donnie Presents and B&W Productions proudly bring you: Breathe Carolina Delmar Hall – 8p; Matisyahu w/ Bedouin Soundclash Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Helium Comedy Club – Matt Braunger (Netflix) live; See description on 12/12 Mitrata Nepal – Javier Mendoza Christmas Concert; “The Chapel seats 110 people, making for an intimate venue to enjoy Javier’s powerful, moving music. 20% of concert proceeds will benefit Mitrata, going towards our 40 under-sponsored children this year.”

Off Broadway – 8p; Chris Knight Powell Hall – 2p & 7:30p; Mercy Holiday Celebration; Check laughter and cheer off your holiday list at Mercy Holiday Celebration with the SLSO. This

Washy’s Saloon (Waterloo) – 9p; Black Top Boulevard Returns

December 14 (Sat): Atomic Cowboy – 8p; Neal Francis Belle-Clair Expo Center (Belleville) – 10a-5p; A Forever Vintage “Farmhouse Christmas” Market; & Sunday 10a-4p Blueberry Hill Duck Room – 8p; Chadwick Stokes & The Pintos Delmar Hall – 8p; Foxing w/ Tonina & Jr. Clooney Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Dunham Hall @ SIUE (Edwardsville) – The Nutcracker at SIUE; During the holiday season, Turning Pointe Academy of Dance brings to life Tchaikovsky’s classical ballet, The Nutcracker. This year the performance spotlights local young dancers and professional guest artists: Robert Poe, founding member of The Big Muddy Dance Company -and- Ashley Hamann, former member of Missouri Ballet Theater Gaslight – 9p; Fifty-Two Thank You Show; Celebrating the completion of 52 singles in 52 weeks. Friends, family and special guests; Oddsoul and the sound w/ VERY special guests: Tim Leavy Band, Boxcar w/ individual special guests playing with Oddsoul and the sound

* Good Weather Gallery (Edwardsville) – 12p-4p; Christmas Art Bizaar; shop various artworks from over 25 local artists!!!

Helium Comedy Club – Matt Braunger (Netflix) live; See description on 12/12 Joe’s Cafe & Gallery – 8p; New Music Circle presents: Fred Frith Mitrata Nepal – Javier Mendoza Christmas Concert; See description on 12/13 Off Broadway – 8p; Old 97’s Holiday Hoopla; Featuring Caseymagic (Diy Punk Rock Magician) & a special solo acoustic set by Rhett Miller Papa Vito’s Downtown (Belleville) – 7-10p; Mikey B Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism

@blvscreenprint 618.277.9600 14

Gesso Magazine

Powell Hall – 2p & 7:30p; Mercy Holiday Celebration; See description on 12/13

GessoMagazine.com

Calendar of Events

December 2019

Seven (Belleville) – 9p-12a; Brother Hiram

12/13

St Clair County Event Center (Belleville) – Mistletoe Market

St Clair County Event Center (Belleville) – Mistletoe Market

The Back Room at Bottle and Barrel (Alton) – 8:30p; Garbage and No Doubt Tribute Night; Trashed- a Tribute to Garbage and Rock Steady- a Tribute to No Doubt

St. Luke’s Catholic Church (Belleville) – 3p; The Belleville Philharmonic Society of Belleville presents: “Christmas Wonders” with the Philharmonic Chorale and Orchestra; Dr. Robert Hart Baker, Conductor

The Grandel – 4p; “It’s a Wonderful Life” by John Wolbers

St Paul United Church of Christ (Belleville) – 3p; Metro East Community Chorale Annual Christmas Concert; traditional and contemporary Christmas music, spiritual/gospel music, Christmas Carols and holiday favorites, accompanied by an orchestra, with Ms. Carol Brookshier at the piano, directed

by Stephen Wilson

The Grandel – 7p; 9th Annual Hanukkah Hullabaloo; Brothers Lazaroff take to The Grandel Theater for the second year in a row to host their 9th Annual Brothers Lazaroff Hanukkah Hullabaloo The Heavy Anchor – 9p; Buttercup (CD release) with sfyyrs, Blight Future (STL Post-Hardcore), R6 Implant (STL Heavy), & Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship (STL Electro/Comedy/Pop)

The Dark Room – 11:30a; Brunchin’ w/ Tommy Halloran The Grandel – 4p; “It’s a Wonderful Life” By John Wolbers

The Ready Room – 8p; Mike Judy Presents: Brother Ali; w/ special guests: DJ LAST WORD & NUR-D

The Judson House – 6p; Steve Davis Christmas Show with Nick Schlueter & Chris Turnbaugh

Washy’s Saloon (Waterloo) – 9p-1a; Vynal Tap

The Pageant – 8p; 105.7 The Point HoHo Show: Phantogram w/ Matt Maeson The Wildey Theatre (Edwardsville) – 2p; Interactive White Christmas

December 15 (Sun):

December 16 (Mon): * Arts & Humanities Theatre @ SWIC (Belleville) - 3p; The Life of Tim Venhaus: A Film Retrospective; a chance to celebrate a film Chez Marilyn (Alton) – 5p; Hill Williams Live; Free Show maker's life, hear his voice once again, and savor the impact he had Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on on so many.

12/01 BB’s Jazz, Blues N Soups – 8p; Watermelon Slim LIVE

Belle-Clair Expo Center (Belleville) – 10a-4p; A Forever Vintage “Farmhouse Christmas” Market COCA (Center of Creative Arts) – 1p; COCA presents: Winter Rep: A Movement in Color; Featuring all three COCA Dance Ensembles— COCAdance, Ballet Eclectica and the COCA Hip-Hop Crew— celebrating the work of artists of color, including Marcus Jarrell Willis, formerly with Alvin Ailey; Claudia Schreier, the award-winning Artistic Director of Claudia Schreier & Company; and Amari Marshall, commercial hip-hop dancer and choreographer for Janet Jackson and many others Delmar Hall – 6p; RockHouse Ent Presents: Kleon the Comedian Doit’s Village Inn (Pontoon Beach) – 2p; Doit’s Village Inn Presents “Scott and Mechelle” Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01

Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism The Pageant – 8p; 105.7 The Point HoHo Show: Angels and Airwaves w/ I Don’t Know How but They Found Me

December 17 (Tues): * Bennie’s Pizza Pub (Belleville) – 6p-9p; Pizza, Pencils & Pints A Social Drawing Event; great food & drink & lotsa art supplies; come be social and share your artistic inspirations. Very family friendly. Co-sponsored by Belleville Screen Print Company and Gesso Magazine; every third Tuesday; All Skill Levels Welcome!!

Delmar Hall – 8p; 105.7 The Point HoHo Show: Palaye Royale w/ The Federal Empire Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01

First Presbyterian Church (Alton) – 3p; St Louis Brass Band Christmas Concert with St. Louis Youth Brass Band Gaslight – 8:30p; Gaslight’s Open Mic with Mark Zschiegner!

Grafton Winery & Brewhaus (Grafton) – 2p; Borderline; acoustic show Mitrata Nepal – 6p; Javier Mendoza Christmas Concert; See description on 12/13 Off Broadway – 8p; Marshall Crenshaw Old Rock House – 7p; The Motet: Speed of Light Tou w/ support from: Exmag Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism Powell Hall – 2p & 7:30p; Mercy Holiday Celebration; See description on

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

15

Calendar of Events

December 2019

Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism The Ready Room – 7p; Disco Donnie Presents, B&W Productions, and The Ready Room welcome: Cashmere Cat - Princess Catgirl Tour

December 18 (Wed): 1818 Chophouse (Edwardsville) – 6p; Lanny & Julie Live Music in the Bistro 4 Hands Brewing Company – 5p; Lego Night; We’ve got a bunch of legos and we always have a bunch of beer, so that calls for a Lego Night! All ages are welcome!

Broadway Oyster Bar – 9:30p; Voodoo Led Zeppelin Delmar Hall – 8p; 105.7 The Point HoHo Show: Greek Fire w/ Hounds Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Jazz St. Louis – 7:30p; Nate Smith & Kinfolk Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism Pop’s (Sauget) – 8p; Riff Raff: Cranberry Vampire Tour Powell Hall – 7:30p; A Gospel Christmas; Celebrate the holiday season with the SLSO, IN UNISON Chorus and Kennedy Holmes as they perform Gospel renditions of your holiday favorites. This powerful performance is a perfect way to celebrate the joyous season

We Reach Thousands You Reach Thousands Support The Local Arts and Music Scene

Renaissance STL Airport Hotel – 7p; Sean Coray Solo Acoustic The Wildey Theatre (Edwardsville) – 7:30p; The Erin Bode Group Holiday Concert

Ads@GessoMagazine.com

World Chess Hall of Fame – 7p; Monthly Music Series: Soul of Christmas with Brian Owens in concert with the Adam Maness Trio in a program of soulful holiday classics sure to get you in the spirit of the season

December 19 (Thurs): 1860’s Saloon – 6p; live music by local singer-songwriter Andrew Dahle Blueberry Hill Duck Room – 8p; KSHE 95 - Real Rock Radio welcomes: Trigger Hippy Cigar Inn Jazz Club (Belleville) – 6p; Blues & NFL Night; hosted by solo guitarist Vernon Williams; This event is FREE Delmar Hall – 8p; 105.7 The Point HoHo Show: Cold War Kids w/ Tidal Volume Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01

Peace By Piece Co. (Swansea) – 4p; Bro’s, Bows, Brats & Beverages; “Ok, GENTLEMEN, this event is for YOU! Jason will be teaching gift wrapping skills and General Sherman’s Food Truck will be joining in on the fun! Of course we will have frosty beverages for you as well!”

Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism Powell Hall – 7:30p; A Gospel Christmas; See description on 12/18

Red Fish, Blue Fish (St. Charles) – 8p-1a; The Dancing Bear Tribe Imperial Pub & Club (Granite City) – 7p; Open Mic and Jam Session; “So... Christmas Party; featuring live music by BongoJak vs The Loop Machine & Grab your guitar, take the mic, sit at the drums, come up on stage (you get the SeamzLegit; The Dancing Bear Tribe will be showcasing a flow performance ‘flowcase’, accenting performances, aerial dancers, and LED dancers! idea) and join us for some fun! Even if you don’t sing or play an instrument you are sure to be entertained by many musicians; We also have a Full kitchen Stifel Theatre – 7p; Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical open until 9 pm if you want to grab a bite to eat before the fun starts!!” Jimmy Syberg’s on Gravois – 8p; Clint & Co duo (Clint Wilson and Dan Martin) G. will be running the stage and providing sound all night play your favorite tunes Jazz St. Louis – 7:30p; Nate Smith & Kinfolk Synergy Smoothie & Elixir Bar – 7p; Open Mic Night Joe’s Café – 8p; Soulard Blues Band’s annual Joe’s Cafe Romp!

Tamm Avenue Bar – 7p; Anthony Live Magic Chef Mansion – 7:30p; Third Thursday House Concert The Pageant – 8p; KSHE 95 - Real Rock Radio & Weber Chevrolet Present:

16

Gesso Magazine

GessoMagazine.com

Calendar of Events

December 2019

El Monstero: The U.S. Pink Floyd Experience

incredible career, “Lioness” will play greatest hits as well as deep cuts from the remarkable Amy Winehouse. The tribute show will feature a ten-piece band highlighted by the talented Leslie Craig”

The Ready Room – 7p; Lewberger Thurman’s in Shaw – 8p; Adam Maness Trio

The Heavy Anchor – 8p; A Heavy Anchor Holiday Party/Ugly Sweater Party

Touhill Performing Arts Center – 7p; The Nutcracker

The Old Bakery Beer Company (Alton) – 7p; Live music by Guy Cantonwine

December 20 (Fri): Delmar Hall – 8p; 11th Annual Holiday Brasstravaganza featuring the Funky Butt Brass Band w/ special guests

Touhill Performing Arts Center – 2:30p & 7p; The Nutcracker Washy’s Saloon (Waterloo) – 9p-1a; Headswitch

dotZach – 10p; Janet Evra in Sophie’s Lounge Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Jazz St. Louis – 7:30p & 9:30p; Nate Smith & Kinfolk Off Broadway – 8p; Hooten Hallers w/ Tortuga & Ryne Watts Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism Powell Hall – 7p; Home Alone In Concert; Back by popular demand, the SLSO performs Home Alone, featuring John William’s whimsical score. This 1990’s classic will put you in the holiday spirit Reifschneider’s (Freeburg) –7p; Mikey B Seven (Belleville) – 9p-12a; Curt Copeland & Roaming Home The Pageant – 8p; KSHE 95 - Real Rock Radio & Weber Chevrolet Present: El Monstero: The U.S. Pink Floyd Experience Touhill Performing Arts Center – 2:30p & 7p; The Nutcracker

December 22 (Sun): Ballpark Village – 7p; Ginuwine; Hear Ginuwine’s top hits like “Pony” and “So Anxious” Delmar Hall – 8p; 105.7 The Point HoHo Show: Sum 41 w/ Broadside Discovery Comedy Theater (St. Charles) – 3:30p; The Adventure Comedy Show; Join the Captain and First Mate as they take on the challenges of living on the High Seas. This show contains singing, swordfighting, and silly jokes appropriate for all ages Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01 Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) – 2p; Social Remedy; “Celebrate the holidays with Shelley and the boys!”

Jazz St. Louis – 6:30p; Nate Smith & Kinfolk Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism

Powell Hall – 3p; The Compton Heights Concert Band’s 21st Annual Holiday Pops Spectacular; features its 60-piece Band, with an all-star lineup of guest Atomic Cowboy – 8p; Surco 4th Annual Winter Disco Presented by: 2nd Shift artists, Hugh Smith, tenor, Gina Galati, soprano, Bob Ellison, baritone, Beverly Stewart-Anderson, soprano, and the Abbey Road Warriors. The SLSO Brewing w/ One Way Traffic is not appearing as part of this event Big Daddy’s Edwardsville (Edwardsville) – 5:30p; Justus & The Experience The Fabulous Fox – 1p & 6:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04 Delmar Hall – 8p; 11th Annual Holiday Brasstravaganza featuring: Funky Butt Brass Band w/ special guests

December 21 (Sat):

Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01

GessoMagazine.com

Evangeline’s – 7p; Janet Evra Gezellig – 1p; Saturday Bluegrass Sessions Jazz St. Louis – 7:30p & 9:30p; Nate Smith & Kinfolk Old Rock House – 7p; Tim Reynolds & TR3 Pop’s (Sauget) – 7p; Glory Pro Wrestling - Unsanctioned II Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Sister’s Christmas Catechism Powell Hall – 2p; Home Alone In Concert; See description on 12/20 Seven (Belleville) – 9p; Phillip Russo; “Strolling through the genres on piano & guitar” Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – 10p; Cherokee Moon; four hours of easy listening and soulful grooves!

The Back Room at Bottle and Barrel (Alton) – 8p; Reckless Intent The Dark Room – 5:30p-7:30p; Dine & Discover w/ Christopher Parrish The Grandel – 8p; “Lioness”, The Amy Winehouse Tribute; “Spanning an

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

17

Calendar of Events

December 2019 December 25 (Wed):

The Gaslight Theater – 3p; A Life In The Theater by David Mamet The Marcelle – 7p; Daphne’s Dive by Quiara Alegria Hudes; “In a tucked away corner of North Philly, six regulars gather at a neighborhood watering hole. Over twenty years, they turn their collective memories into a vivacious mythology. The tales they’d rather forget, however, keep sneaking up and tapping them on the shoulder. At Daphne’s Dive, an aloe plant, a girl’s sneaker, a stiff drink, and mounds of trash become talismanic treasures to a group of outsiders trying to be “in” together. Directed by Kathryn Bentley”

1860s Saloon – 6p; Ross and Mark Christmas Jamboree; Traditional, classic country music presented with a heavy metal attitude and southern grace

The Monocle – 8p; The Pete Ayres Band Christmas Party; “Join us for an evening of soul, funk and R&B Christmas music sung and performed by NYC soul-singer Pete Ayres. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri”

Cigar Inn Jazz Club (Belleville) – 6p; Blues & NFL Night; Come relax at the INN and enjoy an evening of Live Blues...hosted by solo guitarist Vernon Williams

Touhill Performing Arts Center – 2:30p; The Nutcracker

December 26 (Thurs): 1860s Saloon – 6p; Andrew Dahle Alpha Brewing Co – 6p; Cree Rider Frosty Band

Enterprise Center – 3p; Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2019 Presented By Hallmark Channel; A portion of proceeds benefits The Salvation Army Tree of Lights

December 23 (Mon): Downtown (Belleville) – 6th Annual Christkindlmarkt; See description on 12/01

Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – 10p; Adam Gaffney & The Highway Saints; Folk ’n’ Roll out of ole St. Lou

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air (Alton) – 6p-10p; D-Lux Acoustic Duo

Tamm Avenue Bar – 7p; Anthony Live

The Fabulous Fox – 7:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04

The Dark Room – 9:30p; BLSTET: Thursday Night Revue; BLSTET is the 6-person ensemble led by trumpeter, composer, and Kranzberg Arts Foundation Music Artist-in-Residence, Brady Lewis. No cover ever. Good vibes always!

Touhill Performing Arts Center – 2:30p & 7p; The Nutcracker

December 24 (Tues):

Pop’s Blue Moon – 7p; Terrapin Tuesday Holiday Hootenanny ft: GhoSTLeg; The Fabulous Fox – 1p & 7:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04 The Grandel – 8p; DaVinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience Theatre Free show. Bring the cousins, the cool aunts and uncles, and everyone else Performance The Fabulous Fox – 1p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04 WordUp – 7p; WordUp! Cash Prize Comedy Competition; It’s our monthly Comedy Competition; Every Last Tuesday is your chance to WIN!

The Heavy Anchor – 8p; Sorry, Please Continue: A Comedy Storytelling Show; Described as cross between The Moth Radio Hour and Mystery Science Theater 3000, Sorry, Please Continue ...features some amazing stories told by anyone who wants to participate mixed with commentary from some of St. Louis’ funniest comedians The Pageant – 8p; KSHE 95 - Real Rock Radio & Weber Chevrolet Present: El Monstero: The U.S. Pink Floyd Experience

ART GECKO STUDIO & GALLERY

10% OFF A CLASS OR PARY WHEN YOU BRING THIS AD IN.

The Shaved Duck – 6:30p; Unplugged Thursdays with Brian and Adam; Join us the last Thursday of each month for unplugged acoustic blues, country, rags and more!

Thurman’s in Shaw – 8p; Adam Maness Trio Tick Tock Tavern – 7p; STLVS Presents Crazy Family (with Meta Metta Gakido Koza)

December 27 (Fri): Blueberry Hill Duck Room – 8:30p; Eighty-One Delmar Hall – 8p; 105.7 The Point and 4 Hands Brewing Company Present: My Posse in Effect: A Tribute to the Beastie Boys at Delmar Hall w/ Eazyduzit, DJ Mahf Elks Lodge #1063 (Granite City) – 7p; Jukebox Roulette Hidden Lake Winery (Aviston) – 6p; Live Music by Little Known Fact

WWW.ARTGECKOSTUDIO .ORG

Imperial Pub & Club (Granite City) – 9p; Live music by Wicked Mojo Irish Corner Pub – 9p; Dogtown Players Jazz St. Louis – 7:30p; Good 4 The Soul

18

Gesso Magazine

GessoMagazine.com

Calendar of Events

December 2019

Off Broadway – 8p; Pokey LaFarge Night 1

(formerly Thrash Society) has returned to melt the faces of St. Louis’ metal community with some of your favorite heavy anthems and deep cuts! See Old Rock House – 6p; Schlafly Beer Presents- Phillipalooza 2019; Phillipalooza returns for its 14th year at the Old Rock House in St. Louis. Back familiar faces and new friends shred two hours of covers from: Slayer, Pantera, Amon Amarth, Cannibal Corpse, King Diamond, Testament, Morbid Angel, for another two nights of amazing local live music for a great cause Sepultura, Suicidal Tendencies, Obituary, Kreator, Carcass, Coroner, Sacred Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Robert Dubac’s Idiocracy; One man’s Reich, Crowbar, and many more! (Karaoke After Show!) pain is another man’s comedy. Especially when he’s in a coma and his five The Dark Room – 11:30a; Brunchin’ w/ Point of View Jazz Ensemble inner voices won’t stop yakking. How he wakes up from this nightmare is The Fabulous Fox – 2p & 7:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04 profoundly hysterical Powell Hall – 7p; Beauty and the Beast In Concert; The treasured fairy tale - filled with fun, adventures and some of the most beloved Disney characters comes to Powell Hall. This holiday season, share the fun, magic and music of a performance you’ll never forget as the SLSO performs this Disney animated classic

The Gramophone – 1p; Ross Bell and Friends; Traditional, classic country

Schmitty’s Sunset Inn Again (Troy) – 9p-1a; Steel Creek Seven (Belleville) – 9p-12a; Trophy Mules Silver Creek Saloon (Belleville) – 9p; Silver Creek Saloon Presents The Wackness! 90’s hits, pop and rock molded together with horns. That’s The Wackness. It’s gonna be DOPE! The Back Room at Bottle and Barrel (Alton) – 8p; Hannah Willmore brings her beautiful voice to Alton!

The Fabulous Fox – 7:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04 The Grandel – DaVinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience Theatre Performance The Pageant – 8p; El Monstero: The U.S. Pink Floyd Experience Thurman’s in Shaw – 9p; Kendrick Smith Trio’s Friday Night Jazz Lab Washy’s Saloon (Waterloo) – 9p; Scrambled; “Scrambled is a great bluegrass jam band and a crowd favorite!”

December 28 (Sat): Blue Strawberry STL – 8p; Katie McGrath; Home (sick) for the Holidays; Rick Jensen, Music Director Chaifetz Arena – 8p; 2019 New Year’s Weekend Comedy Festival Great Grizzly Bear – 7:30p-11:30p; Travelin’ Lite Mike LIVE Jazz St. Louis – 7:30p; Good 4 The Soul Llywelyn’s Pub (Webster Groves) – 9p; The OGs Band Live Morrison’s Irish Pub (Alton) – 8p; Paddy Does Morrison’s; Folk music of all stripes. Well....mostly Irish, Scottish, and American Off Broadway – 8p; Pokey LaFarge Night 2 Old Rock House – Schlafly Beer Presents- Phillipalooza 2019 (Night 2) Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Robert Dubac’s Idiocracy; See description on 12/27 Powell Hall – 2p & 7p; Beauty and the Beast In Concert; See description on 12/27 Seven (Belleville) – 9p-12a; Josh Eaker The Back Room at Bottle and Barrel (Alton) – 8p; POWJr72; joined by special guests: Pesky Flies with their awesome take on 90’s cover music The Crack Fox – 8p; Chaos Collective; We’re back!! Chaos Collective

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

19

Calendar of Events

December 2019

music presented with a heavy metal attitude and southern grace The Grandel – DaVinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience Theatre Performance The Old Bakery Beer Company (Alton) – 7p; Live music by Lanny & Julie The Pageant – 8p; KSHE 95 - Real Rock Radio & Weber Chevrolet Present: El Monstero: The U.S. Pink Floyd Experience The Pump House Bar & Grill (Wood River) – 5p; Dana & John Acoustic (Patio) The RED Bar and Grill (Collinsville) – 8p; 3X’s the limit The Wildey Theatre (Edwardsville) – 8p; The Ozark Mountain Daredevils Washy’s Saloon (Waterloo) – Honky Tonkin’ with White Stone Revival White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery (Sparta) – 7p; Adam Gaffney; Adam Gaffney is a prolific songwriter based out of St. Louis’s South City and tours heavily in the midwestern region

December 29 (Sun): Discovery Comedy Theater (St. Charles) – 3:30p; The Adventure Comedy Show; Join the Captain and First Mate as they take on the challenges of living on the High Seas. This show contains singing, swordfighting, and silly jokes appropriate for all ages Off Broadway – 8p; William Elliott Whitmore Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Robert Dubac’s Idiocracy; See description on 12/27

Off Broadway – 8p; Voodoo Grateful Dead ~ New Year’s Eve! “Ring in the new year with two huge sets of classic Grateful Dead favorites! We’ve got an all-star Voodoo Players line-up ready to take you into 2020 and beyond. Join us for a magical evening that Father Time would definitely approve of!”

Old Rock House – 9p; Keller Williams’ NYE Run (2-nights); Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass featuring The HillBenders; w/ Keller Solo opening set; Keller’s Grateful Grass delivers anything-but-traditional bluegrass versions of Grateful Dead favorites Porter’s Steakhouse/Double Tree by Hilton (Collinsville) – 6p; “Sip, Stay and Relax with us with deluxe accommodations for New Year’s Night, a champagne toast in Porter’s Lounge as well as live music from Jennifer Thompson and Harvest Drive and breakfast for two on New Year’s Day!” Schatze’s Bar & Grill (Belleville) – 7p; Schatze’s New Years Eve Karaoke/ Air Guitar Contest!

St. Clair County Event Center (Belleville) – 6p; New Year’s Eve - Three For All; features three fan favorite bands performing in one fantastic night of celebration!! Live music by: Social Remedy, AmberFade, Saloonatics The Heavy Anchor – 8p; Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Party; “Join us for our annual NYE Bash, 1920’s themed! Free to attend; 21+ The Ready Room – 8p; The Mighty Pines w/ One Way Traffic Washy’s Saloon (Waterloo) – 9p; New Year’s Eve w/ Superjam Wiggler’s Bar and Grill (Edwardsville) – 7p; New Years Eve Masquerade Ball; Dead Man’s Bridge rocking the house! Party Favors, champagne toast, masquerade contest, and free biscuits & gravy at 12:30!

The Dark Room – 11:30a; Brunchin’ w/ Alexandra Sinclair & Friends The Fabulous Fox – 1p & 6:30p; Wicked; See Description on 12/04 The Grandel – DaVinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience Theatre Performance

December 30 (Mon): Old Rock House – 7p; Keller Williams’ NYE Run (2-nights); Keller & the Keels; w/ Keller Solo opening set Playhouse at Westport Plaza – Robert Dubac’s Idiocracy; See description on 12/27

December 31 (Tues): 1860’s Saloon – 9p; Ross Bell Band; “Traditional, classic country music presented with a heavy metal attitude and southern grace” Ballpark Village – 8p; NYE Live! New Year’s Eve St. Louis; Ballpark Village is ringing in this New Year with added entertainment featuring the region’s best DJ’s along with the Pop 2000 tour hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of *NYSNC with performances by O-Town, Ryan Cabrera & LFO’s Brad Fischetti Eagle’s Home 1126 (Granite City) – 8p; 8-Track Flashback; Come out, party with us, and bring in the new year!

Hidden Lake Winery (Aviston) – 8p; Roaring 20’s NYE at Hidden Lake Winery; “Roaring 20’s themed NYE Party. Come shake, dine, and dance into 2020 with us and Hidden Lakes! Book your bed and breakfast cabin and get your ticket today!”

20

Gesso Magazine

GessoMagazine.com

Calendar of Events

December 2019

January 1 (Wed): Doit’s Village Inn (Pontoon Beach) – 2p; Scott and Mechelle - New Years Day! Foundry Public House (Edwardsville) – 2p; Lanny & Julie New Years Day Gridiron Grill (Breese) – 12p; Gridiron Grill NYD Party Hawg Pit Barbecue Barn, Inc (Grafton) – 1p; Led Sled NEW YEARS DAY Hidden Lake Winery (Aviston) – 2p; Retro Boogie to return to Hidden Lake Winery for NY Day Fun!

January 2 (Thurs): Blue Strawberry STL – 8p; Rick Jensen - With A Little Help From My Friends; One of St Louis’s go-to musical directors in an evening of Rick’s original songs. Rick will be joined by St. Louis’s own Beverly Brennan, Robert Breig, Dionna Raedeke & Angie Nicholson

For More Event Listings, Visit Our Website and Like Us On Facebook GessoMagazine.com

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

21

Calendar of Events

December 2019

Mondays:

Louis and occasionally friends traveling through from across the country.”

Blueberry Hill – 7p; Board Game Night at Blueberry Hill; Come play games every Monday. Bring your own games or play any of the games we bring. We play everything from quick party games to long strategy games. We are always happy to teach a new game. Open to anyone 21+ Gaslight – 8p; Monday Movie Madness; Join Kvar Black every Monday for one of his personally selected movie favorites, popcorn, drink specials, and trivia!

The Heavy Anchor – 10p; The Comedy Shipwreck Open Mic every Monday The Laugh Lounge STL (Florissant) – 7p; Comedy & Open Mic Night; Free Admission! Every Monday

Tuesdays: Funny Bone – 7:30p; Funny Bone Open Mic; “Our Tuesday open mics feature a pro-am line up filled with 12 to 20 local acts.” Every Tuesday

Tamm Avenue Bar – 7p-9p; Anthony Doria every Thursday with his unique acoustic cover show; Free!

The Shaved Duck – 6:30p; Unplugged Thursdays with Brian and Adam; Join us the last Thursday of each month for unplugged acoustic blues, country, rags and more!

Fridays: 1860s Saloon – 6p-8p; Music: Rick Green on acoustic guitar; Every Friday Grand Center Arts District – 5p; First Fridays in Grand Center; Make a night of it!

On the first Friday of every month, museums and galleries in Grand Center Arts District are free and open until 9pm. Discover the remarkable array of visual arts in St. Louis's premier neighborhood for arts and culture while enjoying cocktails, conversation, and entertainment. Every first Friday of the month, select galleries will host unique events in honor of First Fridays. In addition, some galleries may be closed due to exhibition installations

Gaslight – 9p; Tim Leavy Tuesdays; “Join me in the lounge every Tuesday for an eclectic Hartford Coffee Co. – 7:30p; Open Mic every Friday mix of covers and originals! Deep cuts and sing-along favorites. Folk, Country, Rock, Pop, and Piano Ballads” Saturdays: Livery Company – 8p; ISH & Friends Residency! ISH (brainchild of Brit Lockhart) takes over the Livery every other Tuesday with a wide array of friends & musicians including Amalghemy

Sasha's on Shaw – 8p; Tuesday Evenings with The Matching Shoe; “Join us every other Tuesday at Sasha's on Shaw!”

The Heavy Anchor – 5p; Bevo Farmer's Market; fresh fruits, vegetables & more from local farmers. Every Tuesday, Year-Round.

The Last Hotel STL – 5:05p; Turntable Tuesday; “Join us on the rooftop every Tuesday evening and listen to our great selection of Vinyl”

Wednesdays: 1860s Saloon – 9p-1a; Music: Blues Jam Session (Hosted by Fred Pierce and Company); every Wednesday; no cover Apotheosis Comics & Lounge – 7p; Play Music! Open Mic; Tune up those guitar strings, dust off the old keyboard, and bring your beautiful singing voice out to the Play Music! Open Mic with host, Bryan Ranney; every Wednesday Grand Center Arts District – 5p-11p; Wednesday Night Jazz Crawl in Grand Center; 5-7pm: KDHX; 7-9pm: The Kranzberg Jazz Jam hosted by Bob DeBoo at The Kranzberg; 9-11pm: The Dark Room (Featuring a rotating line-up); Every Wednesday evening, the St. Louis community comes together for the Wednesday Night Jazz Crawl, live in Grand Center. Free, family-friendly, and open to jazz lovers of all ages, this weekly event celebrates the finest in jazz talent, and the venues that form the backbone of a St. Louis legacy; Sponsored by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, the Wednesday Night Jazz Crawl helps continue the Foundation’s mission to establish the essential infrastructure necessary for the arts to thrive in the St. Louis community and bring the arts within reach for people of all ages and backgrounds

Apotheosis Comics & Lounge – 7p; South City Comedy Series; Every Saturday! The only comic book store in STL that is also a BAR! “We feature up and coming comics from the hyper talented St. Louis comedy scene and from around the Midwest!” *This show contains adult content*

Sundays: 1860s Saloon – 2p-6p; Music: Fred Pierce and Company; every Sunday; no cover Big Daddys on the Landing – Service Industry Night Karaoke every Sunday John D. McGurk's – 8p; Falling Fences Sunday Residency at McGurk's; For over 10 years, Falling Fences has performed every Sunday night at McGurk's in Soulard!

Molly's In Soulard – 11:30a; You, Me and Dougie; every Sunday Nick's Pub – 11p; Industry Night with Anthony; Attention Bartenders, barbacks, servers, and anyone else that works in the bar industry; Come join Anthony Doria for the most laid back show night of the week; every Sunday Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic every Sunday The Dark Room – 11:30a-2p; Brunchin at The Dark Room w/ Janet Evra; Featuring original music as well as French jazz, bossa nova, and American songbook favorites; Full brunch menu served 10am - 3pm. (times subject to change for theatre performances); Every Second Sunday Urb Arts – 7p; Lyrical Therapy Open Mic Every Sunday! “We invite you to come feel the vibe.”

If you are interested in seeing your event(s) included in our calendar, send your text-only info to:

Hwy 61 Roadhouse (Webster Groves) – 7:30p-11p; Blues Open Mic & Jam Session; every Wednesday Seven (Belleville) – 9p; Curt Copeland's Open Mic & Karaoke Night every Wednesday Stagger Inn Again (Edwardsville) – Open Mic every Wednesday

Thursdays: Café Piazza – 8p; Thursday Night Jazz with Dan Callihan and Friends; Local Jazz every Thursday with Dan Callihan and Friends Hidden Lake Winery (Aviston) – 6:30p; Wine & Unwind Yoga; every Thursday J. Smugs GastroPit – 8:30p; Free Comedy Thursday; free comedy every Thursday; “Each week will feature a lineup of up and coming, established, and touring comedians from St.

Editor@GessoMagazine.com Please note that sending in event information does not guarantee publication.

Spacing, timing, and other factors are considered in whether an event is included in our free calendar service.

The Gesso team also reserves the right to amend or abridge event descriptions.

To find out about guaranteed inclusion and support for Gesso Magazine contact us at:

GessoMagazine.com

22

Gesso Magazine

Ads@GessoMagazine.com

GessoMagazine.com

December 2019

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

23

December 2019 An Interview with the Sigmund Frauds

by Isobel Abbott-Dethrow

Isobel Abbott-Dethrow sat down with the members of St. Louis band the Sigmund Frauds: Natalie, Peter, Scott, George, and Danny.

Isobel: How did the band come together?

Scott: Natalie and I met on a retreat for church. We started playing acoustic covers together. It slowly evolved over the years until we got to our current lineup, which we have had for a year and a half.

George: I met you guys when Natalie was about to go to school, about to lose a guitar player. It was at my cousin’s graduation party, and when I heard Natalie was about to leave, I went, “Oh! I play guitar, and I would love to be in your band!” There was a different bass player and drummer. Then we got a new bass player, then a new drummer and a new bass player.

Scott: Then we got a new drummer, then another new drummer, and now we’re here.

George: This feels like The Frauds lineup.

Peter: I met Scott at Marty’s graduation party.

Scott was like, “Oh, you have microphones and an interface. Can you record an EP?” I did, then told you guys it sucked.

George: Because of Pete being bad at recording and us being bad at playing, we told Pete he should be in our band now. He knew all of the bass parts.

Peter: And record our next album, which was a lot better. It was mediocre recording and playing, then it worked out.

Natalie: Danny has been with us for about a year.

Danny: I had left my old band. I came to the Frauds house and saw the Public play and it was so cool.

I love the Public, we played with them a lot of the time. I had a falling out with my old band and posted something about it on social media, then George reached out to me.

George: I was like, “We need a drummer, and you play drums!”

Danny: I said we should jam and see what happens.

George: And Danny was perfect and everything we needed on the drums.

24

Gesso Magazine

Isobel: Are you currently working on any new material?

Natalie: No. It’s all old material.

George: Define “new material.”

Peter: If we ignore the three-month hiatus I forced you to take, “Georgietta” is a fairly new tune.

Scott: It’s about six months old.

George: That’s not the name of that song. I wrote it, and there’s a part that sounds a bit like “Marietta.”

Natalie: It’s a really cool title.

Scott: It is the best title of any song. Write that down, say it’s the best song title.

George: We cannot have a song with my name in the title. But yes, we are recording songs right now. They are songs we have been recording for two years.

Scott: We are about to put out an album. Hopefully, in February.

Natalie: We wrote “St. John’s Tree” while recording the EP that’s on Spotify, Good Evening, Good Evening, and that was three years ago.

Peter: The album will be engineered by Aaron Fisher.

Isobel: How did it feel to release your latest single, “St. John’s Tree,” after nearly two years since the release of your EP? Scott: Bad. I felt terrible and so sad.

George: It felt like showing up to class two months after an assignment was due and going, “I got it done!”

Scott: We announced that we had a new song and everybody who gave a **** about us having a new song were like, “...This is not new. We can already sing all the words to this.”

Natalie: We said we were releasing it in preparation for an album coming out in a few months…

George: Then we had to figure out new recording

GessoMagazine.com

December 2019 stuff. It was really fun to put it out because I like that song and the recording a lot. It was the first time I put out music I’m happy with.

Scott: “St. John’s” is a solid song.

George: Peter put a lot of reverse in the song. We are the most sarcastic and reverse-delayed band in St. Louis.

Isobel: Who are your favorite STL musicians / bands to listen to?

Natalie: Big Tobacco is my lord and savior.

George: Big Tobacco is consistently one of my favorite bands to listen to live. We’re all really good friends and have been playing forever. Seeing your old friends for the first time in a while is really nice.

Natalie: They are incredible songwriters.

George: They have gotten really dang good now.

Coleman is an amazing singer.

Scott: I am at the point where I think Lobby Boxer might be my favorite band, period.

Danny: I was going to say the Public, but I have been listening to Lobby Boxer a lot more on a regular basis.

Scott: Larry Claudin opened for us recently. He’s about to put out an album in a couple months. I have been listening to the demos, and I swear to God, it’s such a good album. If he actually gets serious about playing shows, it will be a big deal.

George: When I got out of high school and dropped out of college, I started going to shows all of the time.

I totally fell in love with the local scene. It’s such a nice community and things to go do. That has always been a huge influence on me--the bands I’ve been seeing in St. Louis. I’m super into Jr. Clooney, which I believe is the most talented band in St. Louis. One of my favorite shows was MAGMADIVER, which got me into hardcore music.

Peter: I like Frankie Valet a lot. I also like looking at Andy Lewis (of the Snapchettes).

George: The Washington University scene is really

cool, too. Those shows at Beef o’ Brady’s are some of my favorite shows I have ever seen. Frankie Valet got me back into indie music. Motherbear is one of the coolest things I saw. Does Foxing still count as a local band?

Peter: Yuppy is very good, like really good. This is Pete in the corner requesting that Yuppy be put in this article.

Isobel: What has been your favorite show you played of all time?

George: The Big Tobacco reunion show on October 25 at Foam.

Peter: I thought some of those Webster gigs were really good. The Peoria gig was really hot.

Danny: The Bottle & Barrel gig in Alton was my first out of state show. I was telling everybody that all night.

Natalie: Our first “tour”.

George: All Webster shows are usually very fun.

Peter: When Adrianna booked the Webster shows, they were really good.

Scott: My favorite show was the second Webster gig.

It was Bleach, Handsome Boy, Thames, then us. Big Tobacco played at our house afterwards. People were in it at our set. Everybody in the crowd was super locked in.

Natalie: I broke my glasses that night.

Scott: I’ve been talking about this recently with people: the issue with trying to decide the best show, for me, is that the Webster one was where I felt the best. But with the nature of our music, the times where I felt so emotional and putting my best performance, is when I feel the worst. So, our past two gigs, the Big Tobacco show was good and I felt

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

25

December 2019 good, but it was because I saw friends I didn’t get to see a lot, like a comradery thing. This most recent show, I felt super depressed and not good at all. I was in my head, but I had a better performance than the week before.

George: I definitely play my best when I feel the worst.

Scott: Which sucks, but that’s the way it works.

I blew my load too quickly this past show, I cried halfway through “Consequence.” I was so emotionally drained after and it was our second song.

Danny: I played a lot of different venues before I joined the Frauds. I got to play in Eminence, Missouri at this festival in the woods. It was a whole bunch of hip-hop and rap artists. There was a rave that started at midnight. The first day, I passed out from heat exhaustion because we played earlier in the day and didn’t get to finish our set. I woke up afterwards feeling amazing. No show I will ever play will be as hard as that was. The next day, they threw a paint war while we played in the evening and it was even better. That was a big impact on me.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ thesigmundfrauds/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ sigmund_frauds?lang=en

Bandcamp: https://thesigmundfrauds.bandcamp. com/releases

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ artist/63GBDT3b3DnxsrsS64lR7t

26

Gesso Magazine

GessoMagazine.com

Comics

December 2019

Facebook.com/GessoMagazine GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

27

December 2019 Deck the halls in Soulard- Historic Holiday Tour By: Carrie Paul As the countdown to Thanksgiving begins, and temperatures here in the Midwest plummet into the thirties, it is no wonder it feels more like winter than fall this November. As we begin to prepare for the winter weather and the upcoming holiday season, age old traditions come to mind in an effort to make this season “merry and bright”. There are so many surefire ways to celebrate the holidays, like cookie baking with family and friends, crafting parties to decorate ones home, Elf on the shelf traditions for the children, decorating the tree, decking the halls with boughs of holly, looking at lights, gift exchanges, caroling, ugly sweater parties; these are all part of the fun which can make the winter jolly and a most joyful season for just about anyone. One of my own favorite holiday traditions is visiting or volunteering in Soulard for their memorable annual holiday house parlor tour. This is one way I experience the wonder of the holidays with my family, while also experiencing history and having a little holiday fun at the same time.

Soulard is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Saint Louis, Missouri west of the Mississippi River and is full of 19th Century red brick Victorian homes, half flounder houses, row houses, Federal style townhouses, alley homes, and carriage houses. It is truly nostalgic, diverse, and historic, but also quite fun and friendly as far as neighborhoods go. Most Saint Louisans and those across the river are aware that Soulard is host to one of the largest Mardi Gras parties in the Midwest, but it also has one of the best holiday parlor house tours to kick off the Christmas season.

destroyed in one of the city’s most destructive tornados in 1896.

The market was rebuilt in 1929 and is still in operation today.

Soulard is also home to one of the world’s most famous breweries, Anheuser Busch. In the late 1800’s many immigrants from Europe came to Saint Louis and owned breweries or worked in them in the area. Many mansions were built on the outskirts of the neighborhood near where the Anheuser Busch Brewery (now AB InBev) is today. Soulard is in its 44th year of the holiday parlor tour and this year it falls on December 7-8, 2019. If you have never gone, you should consider visiting this year to make your holidays that much more memorable. Guests can tour the historic homes and travel between them on heated shuttle buses. The homeowners themselves, along with docents, tell historic tales of days gone by along with their current rehab stories of how they keep the homes up to date today while still preserving the character of the past.

Santa, cookies, food, and music await, so come jingle and mingle and create some wonderful memories this winter in Soulard. For more information, visit Soulard.org/#parlour-tour

Soulard is named for the Soulard family, Antoine and Julia Soulard, who owned the area in the 1800’s, and later donated part of their land to the City of Saint Louis. Antoine came to Saint Louis from the French Creole town of New Orleans. He was a Frenchman who was a land surveyor, who at that time worked for the King of Spain. The market, known as Soulard Market today, is reported by the Missouri Historical Society to have begun operations as a trade and market center as early as 1779 but was 28

Gesso Magazine

GessoMagazine.com

December 2019 The World Came to Belleville on Saturday, November 9th: Drums & Percussion Sister Cities Belleville / Paderborn produced by Melodic Rhythms Music Institution of Belleville.

Held at the 4204 Tap Room & Banquet Facility, this day-long event featured drum clinics by Dirk Brand (of Axxis), Uli Frost (of Drums & Percussion Paderborn Germany) and Gerry Brown (drummer for Dianna Ross & Stevie Wonder). The big band show of the evening featured these celebrities along with over a dozen other stars, like Alex Ligertwood (lead singer for Santana) and German feature vocalist, Elke Marleen Schumacher.

Opening acts by Melodic Rhythms Rock Camp students were a spectacular lead into a truly international musical event. Videos of this event can be found on Gesso Facebook.

Another fine arts events sponsored, in part, by Gesso Magazine.

(Rehearsal)

(The Legends Band, Alex Ligerwood front & center)

(Gerry Brown drum clinic)

(Rehearsal, Gerry Brown)

(Melodic Rhythms Rock Camp Band)

(Dirk Brand drum clinic)

(Gerry Brown fans- House of Miles EStL members Tisha Pomerlee, Jadora Pomerlee, Lauren Parks)

(Uli Frost & Elke Marleen Schumacher)

(Gesso display)

(FarFetched documentary crew) GessoMagazine.com

(Gerry Brown & Dirk Brand)

(The Legends Band, Gerry Brown front & center) Gesso Magazine

29

December 2019

FUN PAGE Gesso CrossWord: Holiday Edition -Christmas -EGGNOG -Star -COAL -Tree -ELF -Gifts

-LIGHTS

-Snow

-SANTA

-Winter -BELLS -Hanukkah -VACATION -Kwanzaa -Family -TRADITION

Gesso’s monthly dose of eclectic holidays: December 2nd- National Fritters Day December 4th- Wear Brown Shoes Day December 7th- St. Nicholas Day December 8th- National Brownie Day

December 13th- Violin Day December 16th- National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

30

Gesso Magazine

GessoMagazine.com

December 19th- Look For An Evergreen Day December 23rd- Roots Day December 25th- National Pumpkin Pie Day December 27th- National Fruitcake Day December 28th- Card Playing Day December 30th- Bacon Day

December 2019

You are cordially invited to volume number ten! 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) when encountered. 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 you must have empty inventory slots to pick them 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. Dark spaces require the use of one torch to travel through each time, even if you already traveled through it before. You may not travel diagonally. Start at the S and end at the E. You must finish if your path hits E.

“PipFall” is a dice “draft & manipulate” game for two players. You will need two different colored writing utensils.

You need five dice to play. You gain three points by completing a row of the board, filling in its dots with the same shape and pattern of the pips (dots) on the dice you select. You also gain five points if you fill in a star. You win if you have the most points when the top row of dots on the board is reached (even one dot filled in). Whoever played an arcade machine most recently is the first first player.

There are two phases to every round: a setup phase and a drop phase.

Setup: every round begins the same - first player rolls all five of the dice and picks one, then the next player picks one die and so on, taking turns until only one die remains. First player switches players at the beginning of the next round.

POWERS:

BOARD:

Add one pip to your next die result.

Take one pip from a die and add to another.

Subtract one pip from your next die result.

Flip a die to its other side if you want to.

Split a die into two numbers choose one.

Reroll a single Drop: beginning with who didn’t go first in the setup phase, die result you you take turns one at a time placing one of your dice onto one have chosen. of the dice lanes (1-3) until full. When you place the die in its lane you also draw its pips exactly as they are grouped onto the board as if they are descending from the top row until they run into the bottom of the board or the first available dot filled in in its way. You may however rotate the die as you wish (without changing its value) before placing it but it must fit into the lane. If you go second in this phase you will only place and draw once discarding one of your selections.

Dropping: the pip shape you drop does not remain intact when you fill in the dots. Instead some pips may get stopped before others as they fall from the top of the board to the bottom.

Stars: stars are just like any other empty dot but score five points when filled in.

Squares: you fill in a square to track when you have completed a row of dots and score three points when you do.

Dice Bonuses: Each die result also has a power associated with it that you may use only after playing the die. So if you are going first in the first drop phase after your first turn you gain a power used on your next turn. If you were the second player you won’t be able to use your power until the beginning of the next drop phase when you go first.

Sword- Defeats 1 skeleton Torch- Travel through 1 dark space

To win: when at least one dot of the top row of dots has been filled in then the game ends immediately. You should add up the number of stars and squares of your own color. The player with the most points wins the game!

Key- Unlock 1 chest or 1 door Egg- Score 2VP when brought to E Ice- May not turn on ice unless if stopped by a dark space or edge.

Chest- Score 5VP when unlocked Warp- Transports you to any other warp, any time you step onto one.

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 or painting looks like. You may use a letter more than once. Check back each month for the password to escaping from last month’s room!

Volume #9’s Password: “EVENING”

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

31

December 2019 Gesso Magazine proudly sponsored and curated a Governor French Gallery Exhibition, “Soil, Rock & Feather�. It showcases 4 extremely talented and accomplished regional artists: Susan Bostwick, Linda J Miller, Dennis L Ringering, and David M Yates. Our deepest thanks go out to these artists for their involvement and to all of you who came to be part of the November 15th opening reception, including Mikey B who provided live music for this event. The exhibit will run until December 20. The Governor French Art Gallery is located at 219 W Main Street in beautiful Downtown Belleville, IL. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9am - 4pm.

(Creeping Along, Linda Miller)

(Artist Talk, David Yates)

(Performance by Mikey B)

(From left: Linda J Miller, Dennis L Ringering, David M Yates, and Susan Bostwick) 32

Gesso Magazine

(Crowd gathers to view art)

(Outside Governer French Gallery)

(Viewing the art inside the gallery) GessoMagazine.com

(Artifice & Meaning, Dennis Ringering)

(First Flight, David Yates)

(Virgin Fish, Susan Bostwick)

Submissions

December 2019 Edward L. Holmes II Edward L. Holmes II is a local author who has published two books of poetry, including “Fingerprints of Love and War”.

Mr. Holmes can be reached at edwardlholmes@yahoo.com

Mama tried to cook each night and never missed a meal.

We ate from plates she washed that day until our guts were filled.

Mama tried to pay each bill so we could have a place where lights were running all year round, where we could wash our face.

Mama tried to discipline and never spare the rod so we could grow to break the mold, statistics, we were not.

Mama tried to educate our young minds to be strong enough to have discernment and to know our right from wrong.

Mama tried protecting us from choices that would steal our innocence and confidence that love was truly real.

The most important thing I learned now seeing through her eyes: I’d grow to be a better man because I learned to try.

- Mama tried

GessoMagazine.com

Gesso Magazine

33

Submissions

December 2019

December Cover Artist-Jennifer Lynn Reida Native Heart Studio “I am a Native American Artist who lives with MS. Through my diagnosis in 2013, I have learned to be flexible with the mediums that I use in my art.

Depending on my abilities at the moment I use graphite(pencil), charcoal, paint(acrylic, watercolor), and pyrography(woodburning).

Throughout my life, I have used art a visual journal. I put everything I see or feel onto paper. I am currently on a journey of discovering more about my Native American heritage which is playing a large role in my work. I depict strong Native American women from the Cherokee Nation, due to it’s matriarchal society, and because there are many beautifully, strong women in my life who deserve to be honored. There is a little piece of each of them in all of my work. The symbolism and culture of the Native people along with the landscapes of the Southwest inspire me in each drawing or painting that I create.” For more information, Jennifer can be contacted at nativeheartstudio@gmail.com.

34

Gesso Magazine

GessoMagazine.com

Submissions

December 2019

Jasmine Raskas UNUS MUNDUS, the reality that everything emerges from and returns to one.

“I view art as a tool to understand the world around us. The sciences and humanities each look at the world through their own lens but don’t offer a way to synthesize a broader view of this existence. I believe art can be thought of as the master of all science. I use art to study and explore relationships between multiple fields of study. I have quite a considerable science background. I’ve made micro chips that regulate the electrical conductance of muscles, used lasers to measure bond lengths between individual atoms, and listened for weeks to the sound of a monkey’s neuron. My art is a part of my quest for knowledge.

I start a piece by comparing and contrasting several complex concepts. I strive to unify and simplify the mysteries of life. I use universal symbols to represent a pure existence beyond sociological bias. I work with geometric patterns found at both the microscopic and macroscopic levels to represent existence outside the human scale. I enjoy studying the nature of matter, light, and sound. Much of my work is inspired by modern physics and encompasses an artist’s view of string theory and a holographic reality. To understand the transfer of energy, I turn to philosophical questions that explore the relationship between thought and action. We all have an inner voice that cannot be properly translated into the generic language of words. I speak in paint to escape ideology. I wish to create outside of time, culture, and size. My paintings bridge the gap between abstract and surreal. I blur the lines between accident and occurrence, between chaos and order. Due to physical limitations, I’ve learned to embrace a style that encourages randomness and makes use of shaky lines and awkward curves. My brushstrokes are in constant motion to create a rhythm out of my weak and fatigued joints.

I believe the ultimate painting goal is to cultivate unrepeatable work, which evolves on a moment-to-moment basis, yet still embodies a single message. Sometimes my messages are deep and philosophical, made up of sacred truths. Other times these messages are in the form of question or even a joke. I use art as an opportunity to acknowledge our limitations of reason and to rethink our current understanding of reality. My art is inspired by the colors and shapes found in nature, the philosophy of a collective consciousness, and the theories of reality that unite science and soul. To be certain is not to know. The goal of my art is to make you smile and then smirk. I invite you to slow down and think. Take a moment to wonder why. Remember how tiny we are compared to the stars, and yet how big can be a single heart. Feel that we are all in this together and believe that every moment is as beautiful as you make it.”

To see more of Jasmine’s work, visit her facebook at https://www.facebook.com/unusmundusart/

(390 TERAHERTZ , 48in x 48in, 2018)

(MOSAIC OF FILTRATES, 48in x 48in, 2019)

GessoMagazine.com

(Puzzled, 48in x 48in, 2018)

Gesso Magazine

35

Experience Belleville for the Holidays A Family Tradition CHRISTKINDLMARKT CONCERT

FREE, Nov. 30, 5PM James Carothers • Whiskey Raccoons

SANTA PARADE Nov. 29, 10AM

LIVE REINDEER

Nov. 30 & Dec. 7, 13 & 22

CHRISTKINDLMARKT

GINGERBREAD DISPLAYS

Nov. 29 - Dec. 23

SANTA HOUSE

Until Jan. 1

European Vendors, gifts, food, gluhwein and more

Tues. - Thurs., 11AM - 7PM Fri. & Sat., 10AM - 8:30PM Sun., 10AM - 7PM Mon. Dec. 16 & 23, 11AM - 5PM

Nov. 29 - Dec. 24

HORSE-DRAWN TROLLEY RIDES

Closed Dec. 2 & 9 FREE ADMISSION All events at the Downtown Public Square at IL 159 & Main Street

FREE, Nov. 29 - Dec. 22

Fridays, Saturdays & Sunday

WINTER WONDERLAND (LIFE-SIZE) SNOW GLOBE for Group Holiday Photos

Dec. 8 & 14

UGLY SWEATER CONTEST

See Website &

for details

BELLEVILLECHRISTKINDLMARKT.COM

CALL 800-677-9255 OR VISIT BELLEVILLE.NET/HOLIDAYS Check website for inclement weather changes and delays