Culture

32

CULTURE CULTURE

[WALKING]

Take a Hike

‘Walk the Walk’ in Tower Grove Park promotes self-love

Written by VICTOR STEFANESCU

Aone-of-a-kind event — stuffed with double dutch, a 5k walk, live music and vendors — is coming to Tower Grove Park to boost self-love and self-care within the Black community.

“We are promoting the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well-being,” writes Leslie Hughes, an event organizer, in an email to the RFT. “We want guests to see and feel the value in that and hope they leave encouraged to either start or carry on a healthy lifestyle.”

The June 13 “Walk the Walk” will be hosted by Frizzy by Nature, a nonprofit founded by Hughes that promotes confidence among women, largely through Frizz Fest, an annual natural-beauty festival that attracted thousands of attendees in 2019, as well as Dear Fathers, a media platform telling the stories of Black fathers, according to a news release. The event, starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m., costs $25, and both in-person and virtual registration options are available through an Eventbrite page.

This year’s Walk the Walk follows an inaugural 2020 event which drew 200 registrants, according to the release. Registrants will be given a t-shirt and a knapsack.

“Last year’s event was such an amazing time and great turnout, we just want to continue that same positive energy and impact as many more people as possible,” Hughes says in the release.

This year, Hughes expects more vendors at Walk the Walk than last year. A fitness instructor will lead a warmup before the 12 p.m. walk, and attendees will be required to wear masks and socially distance whenever possible, Hughes writes.

She thinks partnering with Dear Fathers will help communicate the event’s themes of self-love and self-care to everyone, including men and children.

“We believe that partnering with Dear Fathers will encourage more men and families to come out and enjoy the event,” Hughes writes. “Both Dear Fathers and Frizzy By Nature both operate with the Black community in mind by creating positive outlets in various forms.”

Organizers created Walk the Walk last year after Frizz Fest, Frizzy by Nature’s signature event, was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the release says.

Frizz Fest, which took place annually between 2017 and 2019, grew in attendance from 600 RS s its first year, to , in , according to Frizzy by Nature’ website. That event is expected to return this year as well, but Hughes writes that getting approval for a 2021 Frizz Fest from the City of St. Louis has been prolonged due to changes in COVID-19 restrictions.

“The need for change in 2020 is what really inspired the pivot from Frizz Fest to Walk the Walk,” Hughes says in the release. “We wanted to create an event where we as a people could come together for much needed self-love and self-care, and do so safely.”

For registration and more information, visit bit.ly/3wD9Awn. n

A 2020 Walk the Walk attendee poses for a photo. | PHILLIP ELLINGTON OWENS

[PARADES]

America’s Birthday Parade Set For July 3

Written by JAIME LEES

The America’s Birthday Parade is returning to downtown St. Louis on July 3, and for 2021 it’s bringing something a little extra special.

The theme of the patriotic parade this year is “America the Beautiful” and not only will it highlight all that is lovely in this country from sea to shining sea, but it will also include elements from St. Louis’ Annie Malone, PrideFest and St. Patrick’s Day parades, all of which were canceled last year as a result of the pandemic.

This family-friendly outdoor parade will roll down Market Street and will include nearly two dozen floats, fourteen local and national marching bands, and more than 250 dancers. Attendees can also expect to see giant helium balloons and antique fire engines.

The parade will also feature musical performances by Audri Bartholomew of The Voice, SJ McDonald of American Idol and St. Louis’ own Red and Black Brass Band.

“We are so excited to bring the America’s Birthday Parade back this year,” says St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “It makes me proud that they’re bringing together other organizations who had to cancel their own parades, leading with a spirit of collaboration that St. Louis and the whole country can appreciate. I encourage everyone to celebrate however they feel comfortable, and to consider the health and safety of their fellow paradegoers as they come together downtown to celebrate.”

The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, and will march west from South Broadway Avenue and Market Street (at Kiener Plaza) all the way to 18th Street and Market Street (near Union Station). Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. And if you can’t attend but would still like to see the parade, it will be broadcast live on KMOV (Channel 4).

Visit AmericasBirthdayParade.com for more details on featured performances, parking information, health and safety guidelines, and more. n

For amber waves of grain (and more than a little red, white and blue) head to the America’s Birthday Parade this year. | ROBERT COUSE-BAKER/VIA FLICKR

e new Apotheosis location will be the corner of Je erson and Cherokee. | PAUL SABLEMAN/FLICKR

[COMICS]

A New Headquarters for Heroes

Apotheosis Comics is opening on Cherokee Street in Foam Co ee’s former home

Written by JAIME LEES

It’s been a rough year for retail, but Apotheosis Comics is here to save the day with the announcement of its upcoming expansion.

There will soon be two Apotheosis Comics locations in St. Louis, with the South Grand Boulevard location soon to be joined by the opening of a new spot at 3359 South Jefferson Avenue.

This new location is the former home of Foam Coffee & Beer, which sadly folded in December 2019 after a decade of hosting some amazing live music. In addition to offering an expanded selection of graphic novels, pop culture items and art, Apotheosis’ new corner shop will also open a to-go coffee service at its Cherokee Street entrance “in partnership with a well-known local coffee company,” according to a news release.

If coffee isn’t your thing, the new Apotheosis will also have canned cocktails and beers on hand and a sidewalk patio which can seat as many as 50 people.

“After a year of surviving COVID, we are extremely proud to be able to expand our small business to a new location,” said Apotheosis Comics co-owner Martin Casas. “Having two venues allows us to broaden what we can provide to our community.”

Renovations on the new Cherokee Street location began late last month, with a soft opening planned for early August. The grand opening of the new shop will be on Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, August 21. n

[PARADES WITH CARS]

Pride Care-A-Van Returns for 2021

Written by JAIME LEES

When the usual Pride celebrations couldn’t happen last year, a “Pride Care-A-Van” was organized instead.

The Care-A-Van is a parade of cars that drives around St. Louis spreading LGBTQ pride, awareness and love. The event is back this year and will run from noon until 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 6. Since Tower Grove Pride has been bumped to September, the Care-A-Van is a good way to safely celebrate Pride during actual Pride month.

The slow procession of honking and rainbow-decorated cars will be rolling through the Central West End, Midtown, Downtown, Soulard, Tower Grove South, the Grove and Cherokee Street that afternoon — and they’re even suggesting some viewing locations along the way so you can get a great view while cheering the cars on with others.

On the map of the route, you can see the streets the caravan will be traveling and some local businesses that serve as community gathering spots. The map features estimated viewing times calculated so you don’t have to wait around all day for the fun to begin.

If you’re watching (or participating) in the Pride Care-A-Van, you’re encouraged to dress up or decorate to show your support.

You can find more information about the event at bit.ly/3fOXkSX. n

St. Vincent will perform at the Pageant on Friday, October 8. | ZACHERY MICHAEL

Vaxxed & Relaxxed

Got the shot, you’re free to fly! Not yet? Here’s this week’s list of reasons why you should

Compiled by DANIEL HILL

THIS WEEK

THE BURNEY SISTERS: ri., une , p.m., . Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, . MAMMOTH PIANO: W/ DJ Whiz, Sat., June 5, 7 p.m., $20. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, . MELODY DEN: Sun., June 6, 1:30 p.m., $15. Off roadway, Lemp Ave., St. Louis, . SCHOOL OF ROCK: ri., une , p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . STEEL PANTHER: W/ Adelitas Way, Thu., June , p.m., . Chesterfield Amphitheater, eterans lace rive, Chesterfield. TORCHLIGHT PARADE VINYL RELEASE PARTY: W/ Atlas on Fire, C20, Sat., June 5, 7 p.m., $5. Red lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . THIS JUST IN

105.7 THE POINT’S A BIG SUMMER SHOW: W/ the Urge, Soul Asylum, Local H, Juliana Hatfield, Sat., Aug. , p.m., . . . St. Louis Music Park, 750 Casino Center Dr., Maryland Heights, . 3 DOORS DOWN: W/ Chayce Beckham, Sun., Sept. , p.m., . . St. Louis Music Park, 750 Casino Center Dr., Maryland Heights, . BRAD PAISLEY: W/ Jimmie Allen, Kameron Marlowe, Fri., July 30, 7:30 p.m., TBA. Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, I-70 & Earth City pwy., Maryland Heights, . EL MONSTERO: the Schwag, Sat., uly , 7 p.m., $19.95. Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, I-70 & Earth City Expwy., Maryland Heights, . FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE: W/ Russell Dickerson, Lauren Alaina, Sat., Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m., $39.50$139.50. Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, I-70 & Earth City Expwy., Maryland Heights, . FOO FIGHTERS: W/ Radkey, Tue., Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m., TBA. Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, I-70 & Earth City Expwy., Maryland Heights, . JIMMIE VAUGHAN: Sun., ct. , p.m., . ld oc House, S. th St., St. Louis, . JORDAN DAVIS: W/ Seaforth, MacKenzie Porter, Sat., Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., $27.50. The actory, N uter d, Chesterfield, . LARKIN POE: ed., Sept. , p.m., . $30. Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, . NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS: Margo rice, Sat., ct. , p.m., . $69.50. St. Louis Music Park, 750 Casino Center r., Maryland Heights, . THE ROBERT CRAY BAND: Tue., Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m., . . . Chesterfield Amphitheater, eterans lace rive, Chesterfield. ST. VINCENT: ri., ct. , p.m. The ageant, elmar lvd., St. Louis, . WERQFEST: W/ Maxi Glamour, DJ Kimmy Nu,Tre G, Eric Dontè, Be.Be., Paige Alyssa, Golliday, Bynk Bravado, Blanca the Bawdy, Jay-Marie is Holy, Leethal The Poet, 6MR J.J., Ciera anyel, Sat., une , p.m., . City Foundry, 3730 Foundry Way, st. louis, .

MUSIC LISTINGS

Continued from pg 33

UPCOMING

THE 45: W/ Sixes High, Catalytic Creator, Brave New orld, ri., une , p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . AMERICAN AQUARIUM: W/ Morgan Wade, Wed., uly , p.m., . . elmar Hall, elmar lvd., St. Louis, . ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL: ri., une , p.m., . ri., une , p.m., . The o Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, . ATOMIC JUNKSHOT: W/ Into the Blue, Niko, No Point, Sun., July 11, 7:30 p.m., $12. Red Flag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . THE BLACK CROWES: Sat., July 31, 7:30 p.m., $29-$250. Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, I-70 & Earth City Expwy., Maryland Heights, . BLACK PISTOL FIRE: Sat., uly , p.m., $25. Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, . BRAD PAISLEY: W/ Jimmie Allen, Kameron Marlowe, Fri., July 30, 7:30 p.m., TBA. Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, I-70 & Earth City Expwy., Maryland Heights, . BROTHER LEE AND THE LEATHER JACKALS: Sat., June 26, 6 p.m., $20. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, . BUCKCHERRY: Sun., une , p.m., . op’s Nightclub, Monsanto Ave., ast St. Louis, . CEREMONY OF DARKNESS: W/ Powjr72, DaisyChain, Cyberstein, Sat., June 26, 7:30 p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . CHAOS BLOOM EP RELEASE SHOW: W/ RosesHands, Split , Tanu is, ri., une , p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . CHAOS COLLECTIVE: W/ Provoke the Colossus, Tanukis, Close to Zero, Sun., July 25, 7:30 p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . CITY OF PARKS EP RELEASE CELEBRATION: W/ Isabella, For The City, Freddy D’Angelo, Fri., une , p.m., . op’s Nightclub, Monsanto Ave., ast St. Louis, . DEF LEGGEND: A TRIBUTE TO DEF LEPPARD: Fri., une , p.m., . op’s Nightclub, Monsanto Ave., ast St. Louis, . DOMINATION: A TRIBUTE TO PANTERA: W/ Beneath The Remains: A Tribute To Sepultura, Killer Of Giants: A Tribute To Ozzy Osbourne, Sat., June 12, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12. Pop’s Nightclub, Monsanto Ave., ast St. Louis, . EL MONSTERO: the Schwag, Sat., uly , p.m., $19.95. Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, I-70 & Earth City Expwy., Maryland Heights, . ELI YOUNG BAND: Thu., July 15, 6 p.m., TBA. Chesterfield Amphitheater, eterans lace rive, Chesterfield. FAITHFUL STRAYS: Sun., July 11, 1:30 p.m., $15. ff roadway, Lemp Ave., St. Louis, . GHOST IN DECAY: W/ Ending Orion, Chaos Collective, Warheadd, Sat., June 19, 7:30 p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . GRANGER SMITH: ri., uly , p.m., . The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, . HALF GALLON AND THE MILK JUGS: W/ DaisyChain, Pioneer Salesmen, Redwood, Fri., July , : p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . HELLZAPOPPIN CIRCUS SIDESHOW REVUE: Sat., uly , p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . HUMANS & STRANGERS: W/ Pioneer Salesmen, Tyler Samuels Project, Niko, Sun., June 13, : p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . IMPENDING DOOM: Sat., une , : p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . INIMICAL DRIVE: W/ Outrun the Fall, Inner Outlines, Sat., July 17, 7:30 p.m., $15. Red Flag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . JAMEY JOHNSON: W/ Whiskey Myers, Folk Uke, Thu., une , : p.m., . Chesterfield Amphitheater, 631 Veterans Place Drive, Chesterfield. JUSTIN MOORE: W/ Heath Sanders, Thu., June , p.m., . The ageant, elmar lvd., St. Louis, . KODY WEST: W/ Grady Spencer and the Work, Thu., une , p.m., . ff roadway, Lemp Ave., St. Louis, . KOE WETZEL: ri., une , p.m., . Chesterfield Amphitheater, eterans lace rive, Chesterfield. LEE BRICE: W/ Lainey Wilson, Sat., June 12, p.m., . Chesterfield Amphitheater, eterans lace rive, Chesterfield. LIGHTS OVER ARCADIA: W/ Sonic Candy, Super ic , Superhero oc stars, Sat., une , p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . LUCERO: W/ John Henry, Sat., July 31, 7 p.m., . Chesterfield Amphitheater, eterans lace rive, Chesterfield. LUXORA EP RELEASE SHOW: W/ Conman Economy, White Rose, Make Your Mark, Young Animals, Sat., July 10, 7:30 p.m., $12. Red Flag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . MANESS BROTHERS: W/ DJ Ronnie Wisdom, Sat., June 12, 7 p.m., $20. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, . NEKO CASE: Sun., une , p.m., . The Sheldon, ashington lvd., St. Louis, . NEST: W/ Thirty Six Red, Grey Flower, Emery uinn, Sun., uly , : p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . ONE MORE TIME: A TRIBUTE TO DAFT PUNK: Thu., une , : p.m., . op’s Nightclub, Monsanto Ave., ast St. Louis, . PARKER MCCOLLUM: W/ Andrew Jannakos, Thu., uly , p.m., . The ageant, elmar lvd., St. Louis, . POWJR72: W/ the Pesky Flies, Moon Watching, ri., uly , : p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . ROAST WAR CHAMPIONSHIP: Thu., July 29, p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . SCOTTY MCCREERY: W/ Tenille Arts, Fri., July , p.m., . The ageant, elmar lvd., St. Louis, . SECULAR ERA: W/ Wadis, Moon Watching, Sun., une , : p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . SHAVED CAT PROJECT: W/ Misplaced Religion, ri., uly , : p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . SISSER: Fri., June 25, 7 p.m., $15. Off Broadway, Lemp Ave., St. Louis, . STEFFINE URKELL: T , udeboyy T-Real, RudeGall Miss Piggy, D’Frynce, Diallo St. Clair Cee Los, Tu , Sat., une , p.m., . op’s Nightclub, Monsanto Ave., ast St. Louis, . TOMMY VEXT: Tue., uly , p.m., . op’s Nightclub, Monsanto Ave., ast St. Louis, . TOWN CARS: W/ Sandy Beaches, Sat., June 19, 7 p.m., $20. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, . VOIDGAZER ALBUM RELEASE SHOW: W/ Defcon, Scu , Swamp Lion, ri., uly , p.m., . ed lag, Locust Street, St. Louis, . WERQFEST: W/ Maxi Glamour, DJ Kimmy Nu,Tre G, Eric Dontè, Be.Be., Paige Alyssa, Golliday, Bynk Bravado, Blanca the Bawdy, Jay-Marie is Holy, Leethal The Poet, 6MR J.J., Ciera anyel, Sat., une , p.m., . City Foundry, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, . YARD EAGLE: W/ Oregon Space Trail of Doom, ri., uly , p.m., . ff roadway, Lemp Ave., St. Louis, . n