Photographer NATE BURRELL is documenting his community’s life under lockdown BY DANIEL HILL
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hen COVID-19 initially reared its ugly, industry-destroying head, the live music business was among the first in its sights. The concert cancelations kicked into high gear by mid- arch. Pearl Jam was one of the first to cross off its St. Louis show a sensible move, given that the band’s members had witnessed just how bad this virus can get as it ravaged their hometown Seattle, one of the early epicenters of outbreak in the nited States. ore acts soon followed, in a steady trickle that gave way to a colossal wave. alactic canceled its tour, as did Anna Burch. The ac Brown Band, Arlo uthrie and Bob Weir were more early St. Louis cancelations. Soon enough, as the World ealth Organization upgraded the coronavirus crisis to an official pandemic on arch 11, virtually all national tours were put on hold. Locally focused shows were next. Lo-Fi Cherokee, the annual takeover of Cherokee Street spearheaded by St. Louis filmmaker Bill Streeter, was postponed. A planned memorial show for Brandon Arscott, a longtime fixture in St. Louis’ hardcore punk scene who died unexpectedly in November, likewise had its plug pulled by organizers. Then, on March 23, the local live music scene was dealt a crushing blow as city officials enacted stay-athome orders that shuttered businesses and limited the Continued on pg 14
STLIFE, 12
RIVERFRONT TIMES
MAY 20-26, 2020
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