Riverfront Times - March 1, 2017

MARCH 1–7, 2017 I VOLUME 41 I NUMBER 9

...And

Justice

For All

Black lawyers in the criminal justice system have high hopes for change under St. Louis’ first black circuit attorney

By Danny Wicentowski

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—BoBBy Benitez, photographed at Florissant’s Magic razor BarBer shop on FeBruary 25 riverfronttimes.com

PHOTO BY THEO WELLING

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURE

15.

...And Justice for All Black lawyers in the criminal justice system have high hopes for change under St. Louis’ first black circuit attorney Written by

DANNY WICENTOWSKI

Cover by

KELLY GLUECK

NEWS

CULTURE

DINING

MUSIC

5

23

25

39

The Lede

Calendar

Your friend or neighbor, captured on camera

Seven days worth of great stuff to see and do

9

25

A Cemetery, Desecrated

Danny Wicentowski reports on the clean-up efforts — and a VIP visit — at Chesed Shel Emeth

9

After the Rush to Judgment

State Rep. Steve Roberts fights to clear his name — and learns some explosive new information about his accuser

Film

Robert Hunt reviews Logan, a road movie about a fading hero

22

Stage

The Real Deal

Now based in the city, Suburban Pro Studio is St. Louis’ go-to spot for recording hip-hop

32

42

Expert Opinion

Daniel Hill remembers Travis Hanrahan, punk rock wildman and friend to all

34

44

Bill Loellke previews a new play about the very odd life of a St. Louis housewife — and the spirit she claimed spoke through her

Gerard Craft introduces a boozy, fun-filled offering at Sardella

Beth Bombara Map & No Direction

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34

46

Galleries

Art on display in St. Louis this week

Brunch

In Memoriam

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Homespun

Out Every Night

Willam “Bill” Carl of Carl’s Deli had the best pastrami in town

The best concerts in St. Louis every night of the week

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48

First Look

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B-Sides

David Sandusky provides his picks for the best places in Metro East

The Dark Room expands into a new space in Grand Center

6

Urban Pros

Cheryl Baehr is enthralled with the delicious Chinese food on offer at the Cate Zone

This Just In

This week’s new concert announcements

NULL & CROSSBONES DREADFUL COLLECTABLES

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E D I T O R I A L Arts & Culture Editor Paul Friswold Music Editor Daniel Hill Digital Editor Elizabeth Semko Staff Writers Doyle Murphy, Danny Wicentowski Restaurant Critic Cheryl Baehr Film Critic Robert Hunt Contributing Writers Mike Appelstein, Allison Babka, Sara Graham, Roy Kasten, Jaime Lees, Joseph Hess, Kevin Korinek, Bob McMahon, Nicholas Phillips, Tef Poe, Christian Schaeffer, Mabel Suen, Lauren Milford, Thomas Crone, MaryAnn Johanson, Jenn DeRose Editorial Interns Bill Loellke, Nick Fierro

A R T Art Director Kelly Glueck Contributing Photographers Holly Ravazzolo, Mabel Suen, Steve Truesdell, Eric Frazier, Micah Usher, Theo Welling, Corey Woodruff, Tim Lane, Nick Schnelle P R O D U C T I O N Production Manager Brittani Schlager

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NEWS

9

Desecrated Jewish Cemetery Draws Effort Written by

DANNY WICENTOWSKI

D

espite the crush of reporters and volunteers filling the Chesed Shel Emeth cemetery last Wednesday afternoon, Marc Daniels managed to slide through a gap in the crowd — and suddenly, there he was, face-to-face with Mike Pence.

Removing a red yarmulke from his head, Daniels pressed the fabric disk into the hands of the vice president of the United States.

“This is for you and the president,” Daniels said. The yarmulke was stamped with the names of Donald Trump and Mike Pence, each in gold lettering. The two men talked for a moment, then hugged.

“Thank you, you’re a good man.

God bless,” said Pence, taking the yarmulke and rejoining the bustle of secret service agents and TV news crews. Daniels hung back, watching the procession roll toward the opposite end of the cemetery where, in a shocking act of desecration, more than 150 gravestones had been toppled over the weekend.

The scale of the desecration made international headlines and stunned St. Louis’ Jewish community. The cemetery is more than a century old, and some headstones had been smoothed by time long before the vandals struck. But the person or persons responsible for the vandalism left no mark to indicate motive.

The senselessness of it, coupled with the effort it must have taken to damage so many headstones, has left unanswered questions hanging above the venerated grounds.

Who could do such a thing?

Who would even want to?

Continued on pg xx “It could be

Resettled Syrian refugees Durra and Mohammad Asarwani help clean up a vandalized Jewish cemetery on February 22. | DANNY WICENTOWSKI

After Rush to Judgment on Rape Allegation, Steve Roberts Seeks to Clear His Name Written by

SARAH FENSKE

A

fter state Representative Cora Faith Walker (D-Ferguson) accused fellow Rep. Steve Roberts (D-St. Louis) of rape, the vitriol aimed at Roberts came fast and furious.

The unusually public accusation — made in a letter to House leadership and a sit-down interview with Tony Messenger of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, both on September 30, 2016 — left some elected officials and political operatives unwilling to take the usual “wait and see” approach.

Even after the special prosecutor announced he didn’t see enough “credible evidence” to bring a case, the denunciations of Roberts came with vehemence.

“You sick fuck, you should be in jail,” one political operative tweeted at Roberts in the hours following the prosecutor’s announcement. “Oh and heyyyy, @RobertsforSTL, there’s no room for predators on my ballot,” a voter tweeted a month later.

Fellow state Representative Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) vowed to make Roberts’ service in the statehouse an issue. “You need to step down immediately,” she tweeted. “I’m going to remind you every single day. And I’ll give speeches using your name.”

But the certainty of commenters has masked a more complicated reality behind the scenes. Roberts has sued Walker for defamation, and his lawsuit has documented details that differ starkly from what Walker told Messenger. Even as Messenger has publicly proclaimed that he still believes Walker, others who know both her and Roberts aren’t so sure. One close friend of Walker’s even contacted Roberts, alleging that Walker had previously boasted to her about making a false accusation of rape against another man. And the police report made by Walker shows some key disriverfronttimes.com

crepancies between what she told Messenger and what she told police.

Walker did not respond to multiple messages seeking comment.

Clayton attorney Jeremy Hollingshead, who is representing Roberts in his defamation case against Walker, believes the truth is clear: Walker lied. And that, he says, does a disservice to rape victims everywhere.

“My firm represents a lot of rape victims around the state of Missouri,” he says. “One of the toughest things for me in jury selection is getting them to believe this actually happens. Sometimes they become so jaded — with things like the Rolling Stone story, the Duke lacrosse case — that they won’t believe it even when there’s clear evidence. This is another example of that — a high-profile falsely reported case that makes things harder for real victims.”

Walker has doubled down on her allegations, filing a counterclaim against Roberts. And, as Messenger has detailed, a woman who previously accused Roberts of fondling her at a bar has since come forward to publicly tell her story. (The allegations were previously Continued on pg 10

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STEVE ROBERTS Continued from pg 9 public, but the woman had not been identified. Roberts has not been charged with any crime.

For Roberts, who like Walker first took office as a state representative in January, what should be an exciting time has become a nightmare.

He’s angry, hurt and convinced that there’s nothing he can do to clear his name.

“This is going to follow me for the rest of my life,” he says.

It was 7 p.m. on a Friday when

Steve Roberts got the call from the Post-Dispatch’s Messenger.

The columnist, who is widely considered one of the daily’s top reporters, asked if Roberts was aware the police were investigating him for rape. Did he have a comment?

Roberts told Messenger he was not aware he was under investigation.

Then he quickly got off the phone — and called criminal defense attorney Scott Rosenblum.

Rosenblum strongly encouraged Messenger not to publish, to wait until he could provide information that he believed would clear his client. He said he he’d seen “documentary evidence” to show that the encounter between Roberts and Walker was consensual.

Yet Messenger would publish his column just a few hours later.

“He’d already made up his mind, and there was nothing we could say or do that would change that,” Roberts says.

In his column, Messenger reported that Walker had written a letter to House leadership, demanding that Roberts not be allowed to take his seat. He wrote that police sources confirmed there was “an active investigation” into Walker’s report to police.

Anyone reading the column might have assumed that the investigation had begun a few days, or even weeks, before. But that was incorrect.

Walker and Roberts had their fateful encounter more than a month before, on August 26. Yet when Walker went public with her letter, and sat down with Messenger, the police investigation was at most a few hours old. In fact, Walker had yet to sign the release form that would allow police to obtain her rape kit. She wouldn’t do that for four more days — four days after she talked to Messenger and four days after she sent her letter to House leadership.

For Hollingshead, the timing is odd.

Since a month had already passed, 10

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After being accused of rape, Steve Roberts was contacted by an acquaintance with startling info. why not give the police a little time to investigate before going public? He also questions why the Post-Dispatch was in such a rush to publish — “without having any information from our side of the story,” he says.

“As a lawyer, if I exhibited this level of gross incompetence, they’d disbar me,” he adds. (Reached for comment, Messenger writes, “I stand by my reporting. The column was fair, accurate and well-sourced.”)

According to what Walker would tell Messenger, she met Roberts at his apartment around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, August 26 to discuss “how they might work together in the upcoming legislative session.” She said she had two glasses of wine and remembered nothing after the second glass.

“She told her husband, Tim, the next day about what happened,” Messenger reported, “but it took the couple several weeks to decide whether to go to the police.”

In fact, it took a month. And the story she told police differed on a few key details.

According to the report Walker would make with police on September 27, 2016, she and Roberts were old friends. Eight years before, they’d hooked up, although it never

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progressed to sex. (Walker would later insist to Messenger that she “never had an intimate relationship” with Roberts, but that is not what Walker told police in her initial report.)

On Thursday, August 25, they were both in Kansas City for a House Democratic Caucus event and ended up in his hotel room. Roberts made “a clumsy sexual advance,” Walker told police. She rebuffed him and “made it clear to him that she was a married woman and no longer interested in him sexually.” She thought he understood.

The next day, the two again found themselves together, this time at an event at Troy’s Jazz Gallery in St. Louis. Walker “took the opportunity to discuss legislative-related ideas with the suspect during the event,” she told police.

Two gin and tonics later, he invited her to come to his apartment “to continue the discussion related to their profession.” They drove together to Straub’s to get some wine, but it was closed. They tried again at Schnucks, and he bought two bottles of wine and a pizza. She thought it was around 9:30 p.m.

Back at his apartment, she had a glass of wine and then decided

to summon an Uber for the drive home. But he persuaded her to have one more glass, she told police.

This one tasted funny, she said. She reported feeling dizzy and confused.

She began losing consciousness — but not before she remembered the sensation of being strangled.

In flashes of memory the next day, she told police, she recalled being in a rear chokehold and threatened with anal rape. She told him “no” and then lost consciousness.

She woke up around 6 a.m., sore, confused and wearing only a T-shirt.

A day later, she told police, she’d told her husband what had happened. She went to the hospital that day, Sunday, to have a rape kit administered, although she initially declined to talk to the police.

One month later, she changed her mind and sat down with police.

In that meeting on September 27, however, she stressed that the report had to be confidential. She didn’t want them to investigate and would not allow them to attach her name to the report. Nothing could come of it, she said.

Three days later, she called them to say she’d changed her mind.

She wanted to go forward with a criminal investigation after all. She would fill out her authorization for release of her rape kit on Monday (she eventually did so a day later, on Tuesday). She also wanted to amend her previous statement — she’d had three gin and tonics at Troy’s, not two.

That very night, Messenger published his story, complete with a portrait of Walker and her husband.

The new detail Walker gave police about the drinks she’d had that night wasn’t a big deal. But another part of her story would also soon change.

After Rosenblum got involved, records show that he provided police with the “documentary evidence” he’d mentioned to Messenger. One was a receipt from Schnucks on August 26: It showed that in addition to the pizza and the wine, Roberts had bought a toothbrush and condoms. (It also showed it was 10:33 p.m. at the time of their checkout, not 9:30 p.m.)

The other was a nude photo, taken of Walker in Roberts’ Kansas City hotel room the night before. It was timestamped 1:19 a.m. of the morning that he’d allegedly made “a clumsy pass” at her, the one Walker said she rebuffed.

In his defamation suit, Roberts would allege that not only did Walker willingly hook up with him that night in the hotel room, but that they were naked — and that she posed for the photo.

Confronted by police in the days following her interview with Messenger, Walker acknowledged that the photo was her — and that it was taken in Roberts’ hotel room. She said that she was naked because she’d just taken a shower, but insisted she had no idea he was taking a photo.

“She stated that she feels that the suspect is like a ‘little brother to me’ and that she was comfortable being naked in front of him,” the police report notes. “The victim explained that she was sharing a hotel room with two other females and she did not wish to disturb them so she showered in the suspect’s room.”

Whether Walker ever really

considered Roberts her “little brother,” it’s clear that at one point, they had a friendly relationship. Text messages between the two — later provided as part of his defamation suit against her — show cheerful banter. When each won a primary race in August, becoming shooins by nature of the fact that no Republican was running in either district, she texted him a happy face and a hashtag: “#molegbesties.”

So what really happened between their cheerful interactions in Kansas City and at Troy’s Jazz Gallery — and the allegations to the media that would incite an angry mob of online commenters? She, of course, alleges rape. He alleges something a bit more complicated.

In his defamation suit, Roberts says that they hooked up in Kansas City. Then, the next night, they had sex three times in his apartment and fell asleep in his bed. He alleges that they woke up, between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., to the sound of her phone ringing.“Oh fuck, oh fuck,” his lawsuit quotes her saying.

The suit says he asked her if everything was OK. “She responded that everything was fine, but she was supposed to ‘go home last night,’” the lawsuit alleges. That’s when she summoned an Uber and fled.

She later didn’t respond to his text message, although phone records show she called him around 5 p.m. and they chatted for a few minutes.

“It was a pretty short conversation,” Roberts says. “Basically ‘sorry I didn’t text back.’ She was very friendly.”

The next day, she went to Mercy Hospital to have the rape kit administered. A few weeks after that, he started hearing rumors that she was telling people she’d been raped. That’s when he called Rosenblum.

It was only after Roberts filed his defamation claim that he got a call from an old friend of Walker’s. The friend, Fawziyya Fox, said she’d heard about Walker’s allegations at a party on election night.

During her time at law school in St. Louis, Fox had been very close with Walker and through that friendship got to know Roberts, too.

She says she was even present on the night eight years ago when the two hooked up. But after learning of Walker’s allegations, she contacted Roberts to offer her assistance.

In a statement given to Roberts’ lawyer, Fox reported a disturbing incident

from 2008 involving Walker.

“She told me she had claimed rape on at least one person because she was caught cheating. She decided to tell the current boyfriend, ‘Oh, it wasn’t cheating, it was rape,’” Fox recalled in a taped interview she agreed to have provided to the RFT. Hollingshead says he first thought the allegation might be too good to be true. But after talking to Fox, he found her believable, and the key to the case against his client.

“She threw the guy under the bus, claiming it was rape,” Fox told Hollingshead. “She was laughing with me about it. That’s why I remember it so

vividly — because I was highly disgusted by it. How could you tell somebody that you were raped? No. 1, you shouldn’t be cheating. But No. 2, that could ruin somebody’s life.”

Hollingshead knows that Fox’s testimony won’t change some people’s minds about his client. But he thinks it should.

“I just don’t know how you get out from under this,” he says. “There will always be somebody, somewhere who believes he did this. Even if she recants — people will believe this, no matter what we do. We’re just hoping we can reach the majority of people and restore his reputation as much as possible.” n

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Hannah Shanks and her son, Ezra, joined volunteers at the Chesed Shel Emeth cemetery last week. | DANNY WICENTOWSKI

CEMETERY CLEAN-UP Continued from pg 9 just some kids,” said Lynnsie Balk Kantor, a real-estate agent who joined the hundreds of volunteers who showed up Wednesday to assist the cleanup efforts.

Kantor counts sixteen relatives buried in Chesed Shel Emeth.

When pressed, however, Kantor conceded that she personally doesn’t detect the handiwork of teenage vandals. The wreckage is simply too specific, too extensive.

“I feel like it was probably something that was done on purpose against Jewish graves,” she said. “We can’t look at this without saying, ‘What country are we in, what decade are we in?’ This is so frightening, beyond words.”

Because it’s not just about Chesed Shel Emeth. Over the last six weeks, 53 Jewish community centers in 26 states and one Canadian province have been targeted with 68 bomb threats, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Last month, a bomb threat led to the evacuation of the Creve Coeur campus of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center. Granted, none of the threats have led to violence, but the resulting tension 12

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disrupted Jewish communal life nationwide and has deepened concerns about the possible link between incidents of antiSemitism and Trump’s election.

Considering the recent chatter about Trump and anti-Semitism — particularly after the president berated an Orthodox Jewish reporter during a White House briefing — it was no surprise that Pence decided to join Gov. Eric Greitens on a trip to the cemetery.

Pence was already in town on a scheduled stop at a construction equipment shop in Fenton.

“What happened here was a despicable act of vandalism,” Pence said in a brief speech to the volunteer cleanup crew. “It was anti-Semitism and it was painful to so many families.” Later, Pence and Greitens donned work gloves and raked debris from around a section of the cemetery.

J o d y Fe l d m a n , w h o h a s several relatives buried in the cemetery, was not impressed with Trump or Pence’s visit.

“I just don’t feel it’s terribly sincere,” she said. She considers Pence a “deer in the headlights.”

Although the graves of Feldman’s departed relatives were undamaged, she felt compelled to come out and help, “given this

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Vice President Mike Pence accompanied Governor Eric Greitens to the cemetery. | DANNY WICENTOWSKI political climate,” she explained.

Beyond the political optics, however, was a remarkable moment of cooperation that spanned religion, race and geography. The cleanup effort was undertaken by hundreds of volunteers and supported with $91,000 raised in just days

by Muslim Americans. Amid the tombstones, Catholic school students mingled with Jewish fraternity brothers and rabbis

worked alongside Syrian refugees.

Indeed, as with much of Jewish history, a calamity foreshadowed a g r e a t e r m o ra l v i c t o r y, a celebration of commonality driven by selflessness. Here was a moment of good wrested from the shadow of the valley of death. It’s fitting, then, that the name above the cemetery reads Chesed Shel Emeth — translated to English, the words mean: “The act of true n kindness.”

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...And

Justice

For All

Black lawyers in the criminal justice system have high hopes for change under St. Louis’ first black circuit attorney

By Danny Wicentowski

O

n a Friday morning in June, seven months before being sworn in as St. Louis’ first black circuit attorney, Kim Gardner sat in a campaign office on Delmar Boulevard and talked about a funeral.

“He was 27 years old, an upand-coming artist. He was shot and killed in my district,” she said.

Funerals are a part of Gardner’s life. Her family has owned and operated a funeral home in north St. Louis for decades, and Gardner worked there as a director before taking a job in the circuit attorney’s office. She left the office in 2010, after five years as a prosecutor. She returned to public service only two years later, landing in the state capitol as a representative for the 77nd district, an area that includes several of St. Louis’ most violence-stricken north-city neighborhoods.

“That’s really the reason that I’m running for circuit

attorney,” Gardner continued. “I see the destruction of violent crime every day. We come together for more funerals more than we do to celebrate graduations. We have to do better. And the community wants to do better.

That’s why we have to give the community hope, and that’s what I plan to do.”

For Gardner, that isn’t quote-unquote getting tough on crime, as politicians have promised to do in St. Louis for decades. As she explained during one debate, she’s lived “a black life.” She knows first-hand that black lives are not just disproportionally shortened by violence, but too often lost to prison.

“When we talk about criminal justice issues, most of the prison population looks like me,” Gardner told the debate crowd. “So black lives matters, but you all matter, your civil liberties matter. Your life matters. And we need to do a better job as prosecutors going forward to address those issues.”

Gardner didn’t just win her race. She blew her opponents out of the water, taking 47 percent of the vote in the crowded Democratic primary. She had no challenger in the November general election.

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JUSTICE Continued from pg 15

After a landslide election win, Kim Gardner’s first two months as St. Louis circuit attorney indicate that more change is on the horizon. | DANNY WICENTOWSKI

Gardner’s ascension to the top prosecutor job in the city conferred a message: St. Louis is ready for change. As circuit attorney, Gardner is one of the two most powerful elected officials in St. Louis, along with the mayor. She directs 60 prosecutors who handle thousands of criminal cases each year, from the lowest misdemeanors to the most complex homicides.

Crime victims rely on her office for justice. But as Gardner sees it, so too do defendants.

That’s a perspective shared by many black attorneys who’ve toiled within the city’s criminal justice system, whether they’ve worked as prosecutors or sat on the other side of the table as defense attorneys.

With Gardner now in office, these lawyers say they see a unique opportunity to change policies in the Circuit Attorney’s Office that they found troubling — and to ensure that the people prosecuting cases look like the community they represent.

Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue… — Deut. 16:30 The Bible verse is stamped in gleaming letters on a plaque outside the fourth-floor Circuit Attorney’s Office, which is located inside the towering gray fortress of the Circuit Court building in downtown St. Louis. To the right of the plaque, inside seven black frames hanging on wall tiles that look like cut marble, are the names of those who’ve worked as line prosecutors within the office. The dates on the list go back to the 1970s.

Some of the names on the list founded law firms or became renowned judges. Gardner’s name is there too, in tidy white lettering on the bottom of the fifth panel from the left, marked 2005-2010.

Annette Llewellyn’s name isn’t on the list yet, but that’s because her prosecutorial career has only just started.

Llewellyn spent much of the last seventeen years as a public defender in St. Louis, representing suspected criminals in cases that directly pitted her against the circuit attorney’s prosecutors. In January, however, the Bronx-born lawyer joined Gardner’s circle of top administrative staff. Llewellyn now oversees the office’s stable of felony trial attorneys.

She brings with her a long mem16

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Chief Trial Assistant Annette Llewellyn says that the “us versus them” mentality between prosecutors and defense attorneys has softened since Gardner’s election. | DANNY WICENTOWSKI

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ory of frustration with the office.

“What I had seen from this office was a sense of ‘us against them,’” Llewellyn says in an interview in her new office in February. “That was just the culture that seemed to develop over those sixteen years or so when Jennifer Joyce was circuit attorney. It was prosecutors versus defense.”

Prosecutors and defense attorneys are supposed to act as adversaries, as Llewellyn concedes. But what she perceived over the years went beyond the norms of arguing over evidence or cross-examining witnesses.

The problem was with negotiation. Simply put, Joyce didn’t do it.

Defendants and their lawyers were kept in the dark about the possible sentences and pressured to plead guilty as a matter of course. Prosecutors were instructed to play hardball, demanding defendants take a guilty plea without preconditions or an agreement beforehand.

Defendants were routinely prevented from knowing the state’s initial recommendations for sentencing.

That firm stance gave the prosecutor’s office incredible power — but Llewellyn says it didn’t always serve the facts of the case.

“There was never room to work the case out before you got to trial,”

explains Llewellyn. “In terms of resolving cases, recommendations are basically how you start the negotiating process. But Jennifer Joyce decided to stop making recommendations, and so things would take longer, because the defendant was not going to do anything until forced. So you’d have to go to court.”

Under Gardner, Llewellyn says the office has re-opened the door to negotiations with defense attorneys.

“We can move cases a lot more efficiently that way,” she says. Plea agreements are back on the table, and sentence recommendations are no longer concealed as a topsecret bargaining tool.

It may seem like a small change, but it represents a fundamental shift from Joyce’s long-established style of management.

Some criminal defense attorneys say they’d like to see Gardner go even further. For instance, Claytonbased lawyer Brandi Miller suggests that the office reconsider how it processes bond-reduction requests.

“Three days makes a difference between having a job and not having a job,” vents Miller. “I would have guys that are locked up on ridiculous bonds, and they’ve lost jobs, apartments, everything — just to get probation at the end.

It doesn’t make any sense.”

In fact, Miller recalls facing Gardner in court about ten years ago, when Gardner was still an assistant circuit attorney under Joyce. The case, says Miller, ended with her client landing on probation. He still lost his job because the Circuit Attorney’s Office successfully fought Miller’s request to lower his $30,000 bond.

“I had several cases with Kim, and it would be kind of funny,” says Miller, “because she and I would talk about a case and try to resolve it, but she didn’t have the authority.

So she’d have to go to her bosses.

Typically whatever we came up with would be turned down.”

It was that lack of autonomy — the need to run even small decisions about a case up to the office’s executive staff or Joyce herself — that foreshadowed Gardner’s departure in 2010, she confirms.

Llewellyn believes that Gardner wasn’t the only line prosecutor stymied by their limited influence on the course of a case. The lack of freedom may have chafed especially hard for black prosecutors, Llewellyn believes, many of whom

were stuck handling lower-level cases, where there was even less flexibility.

“It was something that was same for the black attorneys back then, they weren’t getting moved up into the more victim-intensive units,” she says. “I don’t think [Gardner] got that chance. And I knew other attorneys in this office who did not get that chance.”

It wasn’t just a case of title envy: Being promoted to higher-level units meant handling serious crimes, such as homicide and rape, and along with the added complexity, those cases conferred responsibility and indicated a level of trust. Over the years, Llewellyn claims, Joyce’s trust seemed particularly limited when it came to black prosecutors.

“I only remember two team leaders who were actually black or any other minority class,” Llewellyn says. “And obviously none of the executive staff I’ve ever seen since I’ve been working in this city have been of any minority class at all.”

The Circuit Attorney’s Office has historically struggled to retain black prosecutors, and only in rare stretches over the last three decades has the office boasted more than ten black attorneys on a staff that usually hovers around 60.

In Joyce’s defense, competition for top black lawyers is fierce, and the circuit attorney’s office cannot come close to matching privatesector salaries. Under Joyce, the office achieved far greater diversity than the average law firm in St. Louis — a city, it should be noted, that counts about 50 percent of its population as black. According to an annual study by the National Association for Law Placement, only five percent of attorneys employed by St. Louis firms are black. Nationally, that number barely breaks four percent. Even with Gardner’s recent hires, the current office boasts just ten black prosecutors.

But some black lawyers, including Llewellyn, say they were interested in the prosecutor’s office in past years — only to find the office wasn’t interested in them. In 1997, soon after she moved to St. Louis, Llewellyn says she mailed an application to the Circuit Attorney’s Office, which at the time was being run by Dee Joyce Hayes. She says she never heard back. Llewellyn joined the public defender’s office instead, where she was able to observe the Circuit Attorney’s

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JUSTICE Continued from pg 17 Office change hands with Jennifer Joyce’s election in 2000. All the while, Llewellyn noticed a steady cycle of black prosecutors in and out of the office.

Now that she’s inside the office, Llewellyn says she’s been “pleasantly surprised” by the willingness of the prosecutors who worked under Joyce to sign on for Gardner’s new prosecutorial philosophy.

“Not all the attorneys have this mentality of us-against-them,” she says. “Honestly, I haven’t had to change a lot of minds since I’ve been in here.”

And that’s remarkable in light of the fact that Llewellyn sees her job as nothing less than a total shift in thinking. She notes that before Gardner’s election, defense attorneys and prosecutors were always separated — even during the weekly docket calls where new cases are picked over by prosecutors and public defenders. Under Joyce, the two sides sat at different tables, positioning themselves as rivals as they weighed new cases.

Now, prosecutor, defense attorney and judge sit at the same table in the docket office.

It’s symbolic — but for the longtime public defender-turned-prosecutor, it’s a good start.

In 1994, Circuit Attorney Dee Joyce Hayes added two greenhorn prosecutors to her office: Jerryl Christmas and Jennifer Joyce.

Six years later, when Hayes announced her decision not to run for a third term, it was Joyce and Christmas who fought for the vacant throne in the Democratic primary. Christmas mounted campaigns against Joyce in 2000 and 2004, but both attempts ended the same way — with Joyce cleaning his clock.

Sixteen years later, when Joyce announced her own retirement, Christmas’ phone started to blow up.

“Everyone just assumed that I was going to run,” he recalls. But he says he just hasn’t felt the same fire for the campaign trail since his previous attempts. He left the Circuit Attorney’s Office in 2001, and over the next sixteen years he transitioned from prosecutor to defense attorney, hounding Joyce and the city’s police department in high-profile civil litigation and criminal defense work.

For Christmas, seeing Gardner 18

RIVERFRONT TIMES

Jennifer Joyce hired Kim Gardner as a rookie prosecutor in 2005. Now that she’s circuit attorney, Gardner has already rolled back some of Joyce’s policies. | DANNY WICENTOWSKI

succeed where he failed was inspiring, even though he’d once hoped to claim the mantle of circuit attorney for himself.

“Her winning the office was not only historic, it was monumental in the struggle to diversify that office,” he says. “When Kim was elected, it was like a weight had been lifted off the shoulders of the whole community. There’s already been a ripple effect.”

Christmas believes that hiring Llewellyn and a second longtime public defender to top positions in the office were “brilliant” moves that made Gardner the talk of the black legal community. He also suggests that the visibility of a diverse staff could help attract more minorities to the office and reduce the stigma around black attorneys becoming prosecutors.

Joyce, it should be noted, has accused Christmas of fueling that very stigma. In a 2016 interview with Riverfront Times, Joyce acknowledged that she’d struggled to keep black prosecutors in the office, but she maintained that diverse hires are routinely driven away by “a ton of abuse” from the public. During the interview, Joyce singled out Christmas as a source

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of abuse: In November 2015, he tweeted that a ten-year-veteran prosecutor, Cynthia Copeland, was nothing more than Joyce’s “black puppet.”

Christmas now insists that he never intended to demean Copeland, who currently leads the Officer-Involved Shootings Unit.

The “black puppet” tweet, he says, was his attempt to argue that Joyce had exploited Copeland’s blackness under the guise of empowering diversity.

“We had these black families whose children had been killed by the police, and whenever Joyce would meet with the family to talk about the case, she would bring Cynthia Copeland,” Christmas says.

He had no problem with Copeland’s work, he says, but he believed Joyce was using Copeland’s blackness as a buffer whenever sensitive cases arose involving cops and grieving black families. (Copeland declined comment.)

Christmas wasn’t making his critique as a bystander. He represented the families of Vonderitt Myers and Mansur Ball-Bey, two teenagers who were shot and killed by police officers. In both cases, Joyce declined to prosecute the of-

Having run twice for Circuit Attorney and lost, form a prominent defense attorney. He says Gardn

ficers involved.

That’s the tricky part of diversifying an office that also wields the direct power of the criminal justice system. Gardner is changing that system, but there may come a day, probably soon, when she and Christmas clash, finding themselves on opposite sides of a case. How will she react when Christmas starts tweeting about her? Or if protesters show up at her office?

“I know that at some point there’s going to be a crisis, that’s just inevitable,” Christmas says.

“It’s the prosecutor’s office. It’s not going to be a honeymoon forever.”

There’s a separate challenge Gardner will soon face at the Circuit Attorney’s Office: burnout. Serving as a prosecutor is incredibly tough; you accept low wages and a tough workload because you want to make a difference. Instead, many prosecutors find themselves sending an endless line of young men to jail.

Yinka Faleti lasted just under three years as city prosecutor. A childhood immigrant from Nigeria, Faleti graduated from the United States Military Academy at West

nd lost, former prosecutor Jerryl Christmas went on to become says Gardner’s election was “monumental” for the black legal community. | DANNY WICENTOWSKI Point and did two deployments in Kuwait as an Army officer.

He moved to St. Louis in 2004 to complete a law degree at Washington University and, upon getting his degree, took a job in the St. Louis office of Bryan Cave, a law firm that boasts of paying even first-year associates salaries that easily top six figures.

Still, Faleti wanted to do good. “It was a great firm,” he says of Bryan Cave. “But I realized more and more that what was in my heart was really the service that I had practiced in the Army. I wanted to get back to service.”

He jumped to Joyce’s office in 2011. At the time, he says, the Circuit Attorney’s Office employed three black attorneys. His hire made him the fourth.

The job began to wear on him.

Those judges who disagreed with Joyce’s policies would often take out their frustrations on mid-level assistants like him, berating them in open court. But being yelled at by a judge wasn’t the worst part of the job. For Faleti, it was the felony arraignment docket that became too much to bear.

“Every morning, Monday through Friday, that docket is full

of primarily African American men in orange jumpsuits chained to one another,” he says. “It is saddening.

It is absolutely saddening.”

Fa l e t i n e v e r p l a n n e d o n becoming a career prosecutor.

And so in 2013, he exchanged his prosecutor’s credentials for a white-collar position with the United Way as senior vice president for philanthropic, donor and community services.

At the Circuit Attorney’s Office, “I began to feel more and more that I was too late in the whole process,” he says. “A prosecutor cannot undo what’s been done; you’re coming in after the crime has already occurred. The victim is already victimized. I wanted to get from the back-end of this process to the front. I looked to the front and I saw United Way, where we can help kids take a different course.”

Faleti’s story isn’t unique among young black attorneys who pass through the Circuit Attorney’s Office. The disheartening reality of the job, combined with low pay and high stress, contribute to high turnover and a chronic shortage of experienced black trial prosecutors.

“Prosecutors can give the victim a sense of justice, but they’re ultimately too late. Even police officers are, in most cases, too late for the victim,” Faleti says.

This sense of burnout isn’t limited to active attorneys. Aigner Carr, who is finishing up her last year at Saint Louis University School of Law, spent a semester last fall clerking with the Circuit Attorney’s Office.

“It was morally challenging,” she says. Based on her classroom studies, she had expected prosecutors to take a person’s background into account in how cases were handled. But when it came to seeing the process in action, those classroom ideals were replaced by the steady, heavyhanded machinery of justice.

After one trial, she cornered a prosecutor and tried to grill him about a certain defendant. What high school did he go to? How did he grow up? What are his parents like? What was his educational background?

“I didn’t feel like at any point like those things were taken into account,” she says. “The prosecutor was literally like, ‘I don’t know.’”

For soon-to-be-graduating black law students, Gardner’s election has put the Circuit Attorney’s Office in a new light. Alexus Williams, a second-year law student at SLU, Continued on pg 20

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JUSTICE Continued from pg 19 clerked alongside city prosecutors last summer and witnessed the way some black peers discounted her choice. With a black woman now in charge, she says, that perception has changed.

“It’s a very interesting position to be in as a law school student,” Williams says. “Because as soon as I say, ‘I want to be prosecutor,’ then I’m automatically a sellout. The general stigma of people of color in prosecutorial positions is not good.

What people don’t understand is that there is so much power in being on that side of the system.”

The stigma wasn’t unique to the office under Joyce, by any means.

In the early 1990s, Marvin Teer was a young lawyer clerking under a federal judge when he got an offer from the Circuit Attorney’s Office. It was a position he had little interest in, at least at first.

“I didn’t like the cops too much back then,” he says. “As a kid, one time in particular I got stopped by police and I literally got a shotgun put to my head. So I figured that I’m going to become public defender and I’m going to fight for truth and justice.”

Teer grew up middle class in north St. Louis, the only son of a teacher; he’s now a dapper St. Louis County municipal judge. His office walls are papered with awards and news clippings from a long legal career, including six years as a prosecutor under Dee Joyce Hayes and several more as a prosecutor with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

Clearly, plans changed.

“I talked to my dad,” Teer continues, as a jazz trumpet solo drifts from a stereo in his office.

“He said, ‘Son, if you going to be part of making change, you have to be part of the change.’”

Teer understood his father’s point: The Circuit Attorney’s Office is supposed to be an instrument of justice for all people, and that power requires an investment by all people seeking justice — even those who have been abused and locked out of the system. This realization persuaded Teer that the moral heartache was justified.

“Ninety percent of the people they were locking up were black people,” he notes. “That’s my neighborhood and that’s my community. That’s my responsibility.”

Law students like Williams and Carr are faced with a similar choice, and Teer believes young 20

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A former prosecutor, Chris Hinckley joined the Circuit Attorney’s Office executive staff after Gardner’s election. | DANNY WICENTOWSKI

black attorneys should feel that shared responsibility for their communities. While it might be crushingly difficult to watch a stream of shackled black bodies passing through the warrant office, Teer recommends considering the perspective of the shackled defendants as well.

“At least they’re seeing someone that looks like them,” says Teer.

“It helps the community believe that they will have not only some sense of justice, but maybe, in the end, they will have some degree of peace, too.”

Past the Bible verse hanging outside the door and down a seemingly endless hallway, St. Louis’ new circuit attorney and two members of her newly hired executive staff, Robert Steele and Chris Hinckley, sit across the reflective surface of a polished conference table. They talk about diversity and change.

Gardner explains that her new hires bring assets that are less about skin tone and more about life experience.

“It’s about diverse thought,” says Gardner. “Many people have asked me, ‘Is it just bringing African Americans into the office?’ I’m like, ‘No, it’s about diversity of thought,

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of mindsets, and that’s not always just about race.’”

Hinckley is part of that. He’s white, and has returned to the Circuit Attorney’s Office after a long hiatus; he departed the office in 2006 after seven years working as a prosecutor under Joyce to become lead counsel for the Missouri Gaming Commission.

Now, he’s back as Gardner’s chief warrant officer.

Steele, like Llewellyn, is a former public defender and a first-time prosecutor. Before taking the job under Gardner, Steele’s career in criminal defense stretched back 24 years, the last ten of which were spent as a lead defense attorney on death penalty cases.

More changes in the staff are on the horizon, but Gardner says that it was important to get her executive staff established from the get-go. The office is still in transition, and it’s no easy task to change a place where things have been done a certain way for sixteen years.

Some policies, though, have been changed quickly, including the office’s new flexibility on plea bargaining.

“I think it’s our duty to give recommendations, to let the other side know that this is the charge,”

says Gardner, sounding very much like those defense attorneys who chafed under Joyce’s policy of secrecy. “If a case can be disposed of without going to trial, we can start the process.”

Steele sees good things coming from open lines of communication with defense attorneys and their clients. “When you start to get into the recommendations and negotiations, you see other factors which should be considered, and it contributes to a system where incarceration is not the only option,” he says. “Does the defendant have mental health issues? What is his social history?

What is his family background?

All these things add to what has traditionally been, ‘Well does he have a prior conviction?’ — as if that is the totality of his life.”

Hinckley chimes in. “That’s justice,” he says. “You can hammer every nail, every nail big and small, and the crime rate is still what it is. Kim could say, ‘I hammer every nail’ and she’d be safe, because people want a prosecutor to be the hammer. But how can you keep hammering those nails if that end is not changing?”

A long list of issues still faces the office, and Gardner cautions that she’s still very much in the

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Robert Steele, Gardner’s pick for first assistant circuit attorney, brings with him two decades of experience as a public defender. | DANNY WICENTOWSKI

midst of transition. She’s been on the job just two months, and even some policies she knows she wants to change aren’t as simple as just snapping your fingers.

She campaigned on expanding diversion programs and giving line prosecutors increased autonomy, for instance, but enacting those changes is a far more complicated proposition when she’s still brandnew — and still must answer for every case the office handles.

Other policies require further evaluation, Gardner says. That includes Joyce’s 2014 creation of a special in-house investigation unit for police shootings and a sister program to send prosecutors to homicide scenes.

“We have to look at resources and manpower,” Gardner says.

The list goes on. Gardner wants to expand the office’s homicide trial staff and increase starting salaries to cut down on turnover, but funding would ultimately need support from City Hall — and since she’ll be joined by a new counterpart there in a few months, as well as some new members at the Board of Aldermen, everything’s in limbo for now.

Gardner has other campaign promises to keep: protecting crime victims and witnesses, increasing

the use of treatment courts in drug cases and reducing the barriers for ex-offenders to find work. Above all else, Gardner knows that St. Louis is looking to her and other city leaders (including the next mayor) to confront violent crime and a homicide rate that has remained at a record high two years running.

It won’t be easy. Still, the larger black legal community is rooting for her, even as law students like Williams and Carr are hopeful.

Someday, their names could join Llewellyn, Steele, Christmas and the others commemorated inside the black frames hanging outside the office.

Laying out her goals for the next two or three years, Gardner characteristically doesn’t talk about sending murderers to prison or justice for victims — signaling, once again, the sea change underway within the Circuit Attorney’s Office.

“I want to be able to say that I saved this many people from going into the criminal justice system,” Gardner explains. “That they got jobs, that they’re gainfully employed and productive citizens, and that we have witnesses and victims participating in the system because they trust police. That would be success right there.” n

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WEEK OF MARCH 2-8

THURSDAY 03/02 Discovering Loïe Fuller Loïe Fuller was a woman out of time and place in 1880s America.

A brilliant dancer who pioneered improvisational techniques as well as patented color gels and lighting set-ups, she was barely understood by her home country. Paris took to Loïe Fuller’s innovations and modern dance right away, and she quickly befriended many visual artists such as Jules Chéret and Pal Meunier, who were fascinated by her use of lighting, flowing fabrics and new movements. Fuller effectively created modern dance and helped promote her new art by aiding young dancers such as Isadora Duncan. Jody Sperling, artistic director of Time Lapse Dance, shares her unmatched knowledge of Fuller’s work with Professor of Art History Elizabeth C. Childs today at 5 p.m. in the program Art Inspiring Dance: Discovering Loïe Fuller. The discussion is followed by a Fullerinspired dance performance at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum on Washington University’s campus (1 Brookings Drive; www. kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu).

Admission is free.— Paul Friswold

THURSDAY 03/02 Silent Sky In the early 1900s, Henrietta Leavitt began work at the Harvard Conservatory as a “computer,” measuring the distance between stars for other astronomers. Her work was restricted at the time because of her gender. But she persisted, and her work with Cepheid variable stars helped make it possible to calculate a star’s distance from Earth. Playwright Lauren Gunderson shines a light on the unfairly forgotten Leavitt in her play Silent Sky (a reference to Leavitt’s deafness, which struck her shortly

The Big Muddy Dance Company participates in New Dance Horizons V. | GERRY LOVE

after college). The play is an inspiring work that details the trials and tribulations female scientists experienced in those restrictive times. Silent Sky is performed by the University Theatre at 8 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday (March 2 to 5) in Saint Louis University’s Xavier Hall Theatre (3733 West Pine Mall; www.slu.edu/saint-louis-university-theatre). Tickets are $7 to $10.

—Bill Loellke

FRIDAY 03/03 Dark Night America is stuck in what seems like a never-ending debate on gun control. Tim Sutton’s drama Dark Night is about American

gun culture, especially the mass shootings. The film is loosely based on the Aurora, Colorado, shooting at a screening of The Dark Knight Rises, which left twelve dead and 70 injured. The story explores the activities of six strangers over one day leading up to a devastating shooting, with one of them being the perpetrator. Sutton uses non-professional actors and documentary techniques to add layers of realism without being exploitative. It is a film that is for those who have an investment in the gun control debate as well as those who advocate for the arthouse provocateur. Dark Night screens at 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday (March 3 to 5) in Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 East Lockwood Avenue; www. webster.edu/film-series). Tickets are $5 to $7.

— Bill Loellke riverfronttimes.com

First Friday: Harry Potter The adventures of the Boy Who Lived continue to live in the hearts of readers worldwide. The Saint Louis Science Center delves into the world of magic with its latest First Friday: Harry Potter, which has something for every Potterhead. There will be a presentation from Dan Yezbick, professor of English and media studies at St. Louis Community College at Wildwood, on some of the most closely guarded secrets of J.K. Rowling’s most famous creation. The Webster University Quidditch Team will be there to train people in the famous sport, Muggle-style, and Harry Potter

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CALENDAR Continued from pg 23 and the Chamber of Secrets is screened in the Planetarium at 9 p.m. and in the OMNIMAX theater at 10 p.m. First Friday: Harry Potter takes place tonight from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Science Center (5050 Oakland Avenue; www. slsc.org). Most activities are free, with some exceptions. Tickets for free screenings and presentations can be obtained at the box office starting at 6 p.m. on a first-come, first- served basis. — Bill Loellke

SATURDAY 03/04 Wall Ball Artscope’s largest fundraiser of the year is Wall Ball, which helps the arts education organization continue to provide a creative outlet for kids. Wall Ball gathers local artists such as Jeff Sass, Kat Kissick and Sarah Paulsen together for an evening of creation and libations. The artists handle the creation, as each one makes a new work of art during the evening, with patrons placing silent bids as the piece approaches completion.

The libations come from the cash bar, which can become an open bar if you opt for the higher ticket levels. You get drinks and a new artwork for your walls, and the kids get to pursue their own artistic dreams — everybody wins.

Wall Ball takes place from 7 to 11 p.m. tonight at Majorette (7150 Manchester Road, Maplewood; www.artscopestl.org). Tickets are $35 to $1,000.

— Paul Friswold

New Dance Horizons V: Women Who Inspire New Dance Horizons V: Women Who Inspire celebrates the best women have to offer the world.

Four respected choreographers (Amy Seiwert, Wendy Rein, Ryan T. Smith and Stephanie Martinez) have partnered with Saint Louis Ballet, MADCO and the Big Muddy Dance Company to premiere their new works. These choreographers were inspired by Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness author Susan24

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Randy Harrison plays the Emcee in the 2016 national touring cast of Roundabout Theatre Company’s Cabaret. | JOAN MARCUS nah Cahalan, Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral, visual artist Louise Bourgeois and twelfth-century abbess and religious visionary Hildegard of Bingen. New Dance Horizons V: Women Who Inspire is presented

by Dance St. Louis. It will be performed 8 p.m. Friday and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday (March 3 and 4) at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus (1 University Drive at Natural Bridge Road; www.dancestlouis.org). Both evenings are preceded by panel discussions and short performances inspired by Katherine Dunham and Josephine Baker. Tickets are $20.

— Bill Loellke

SUNDAY 03/05 Störling Dance Theatre: Underground The Underground Railroad is one of the greatest examples of civil disobedience in America’s history.

Regular citizens risked their lives, their property — everything they had — to smuggle black people out from the slavery of the deep South and into freedom in Canada.

Choreographers Mona StörlingEnna and Tobin James use a cast of more than 50 dancers to tell the inspiring story of how Americans worked together to subvert a great evil and heal a moral sickness. The Störling Dance Theatre presents Underground at 7 p.m. tonight at

MARCH 1-7, 2017

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the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of University of Missouri-St. Louis (1 University Drive at Natural Bridge Road; www. touhill.org). Tickets are $20 to $60.

— Paul Friswold

TUESDAY 03/07 Cabaret Director Sam Mendes may be best known for his film work (American Beauty and Spectre), but his 1998 revival of Kander & Ebb’s Cabaret won three Tony awards. For Roundabout Theatre Company’s 50th anniversary, it’s taking that production of Cabaret back on the road to shake up an already shook public. Inside the Kit Kat Klub, Sally Bowles dazzles and the Emcee chills an audience of desperate Germans who are hiding from the rise of the Nazis. Outside is where aspiring American novelist Cliff belongs and where he must navigate his rising attraction to Sally Bowles and the demands of an acquaintance who wears the brown shirt. But hiding your head in the cabaret doesn’t do anything to stop the theft of the country by a madman bent on war. The Roundabout Theatre Company’s Cabaret sets up in the Fox Theatre (527 North Grand Boulevard; www.fabulousfox. com) for a short run. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday (March 7 to 19), with an additional 6:30 p.m. show on Sunday, March 12. Tickets are $25 to $100.

— Paul Friswold

WEDNESDAY 03/08 Rainbow Road: The LGBT Community on Route 66 If you were gay in the mid-twentieth century, a cross-country drive could be a harrowing experience — unless you had a Damron Guide, which identified LGBT-friendly hotels and restaurants along Route 66. The Damron Guide (which is still in publication) helped closeted and out travelers embrace the freedom of the open road. At 7 p.m. tonight at the Missouri History Museum (Lindell Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue; www.mohistory.org), the St. Louis LGBT History Project hosts Rainbow Road: The LGBT Community on Route 66, a presentation about the gay motoring experience in the old days. Everything from the rise of gay motorcyclists to Liberace’s performances at the Chase Park Plaza will be covered. Admission is free.

— Paul Friswold Planning an event, exhibiting your art or putting on a play? Let us know and we’ll include it in the Night & Day section or publish a listing in the online calendar — for free! Send details via e-mail (calendar@ riverfronttimes.com), fax (314-754-6416) or mail (6358 Delmar Boulevard, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63130, attn: Calendar). Include the date, time, price, contact information and location (including ZIP code). Please submit information three weeks prior to the date of your event. No telephone submissions will be accepted. Find more events online at www.riverfronttimes.com.

FILM

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[REVIEW]

Behold the Man Logan kills his way to the sunset in a movie about a fading hero Written by

ROBERT HUNT

Logan

Directed by James Mangold. Written by Scott Frank, James Mangold and Michael Green.

Starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen and Stephen Merchant. Opens everywhere Friday, March 3.

L

et’s face it: The comic-book movie, that less-than-nutritious staple in the contemporary cinematic diet, has become something of a mess. The budgets get bigger, the grosses remain relatively stable, yet the films themselves are becoming increasingly incoherent displays of numbing visual effects held together by mystical, pseudo-scientific jargon and self-satisfied winks to the fanboy contingent. As the number of films and characters increase in the respective DC and Marvel universes, the films have become little more than placeholders, designed to do nothing more than keep the fan base in seats while dropping hints about the next two or three entries.

James Mangold’s Logan is the ninth film in seventeen years to feature Hugh Jackman as the title character, better known as the saber-knuckled mutant Wolverine, but the latest entry isn’t exactly the sort of movie that has mistyeyed studio accountants dreamily murmuring the word franchise.

There are nods in the direction of the previous X-Men adventures and more than a handful of characters who will be familiar to more devoted fans, but Logan is more of a swan song, an elegy for a fading hero as he heads into the sunset.

Logan takes place in 2029, when the superhero/mutant business

Logan and Laura (Hugh Jackman and Dafne Keen) carry the darkness with them. | BEN ROTHSTEIN ©2017 MARVEL. TM AND ©2017 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED has evidently been in a slump. The surly hero is living in Juarez and working as a limousine driver, barely making enough money to secure medication for the declining Professor X (Patrick Stewart), whose once-powerful telepathic powers have been rendered unstable by Alzheimer’s disease.

Their seclusion is interrupted by the appearance of Laura, a young girl with powers similar to Logan’s and a determined pack of mad-scientist enemies on her trail. Though it goes against his well-established curmudgeon nature, Logan takes on the job of escorting the girl to a possibly mythical sanctuary on the North Dakota border. (Sanctuaries, borders and the persecution of outsiders are standard themes in the X-Men stories, so I’ll forgo providing a political interpretation; it practically writes itself.)

It’s a bit of a smorgasbord of genres — a little bit of horror, more than a little bit of Mad Maxstyled action — and while it’s chronologically positioned as science fiction, the futuristic details are mostly limited to a throwaway

joke about a border wall and some very discreet production details at its edges. It’s closer in spirit to a 1970s road movie, punctuated with occasional bursts of violence.

A few years ago, Mangold was the promising director of thoughtful films like Walk the Line and the underrated Cop Land, but later work like the forgettable Knight and Day and The Wolverine, the laughingly bad predecessor to Logan, suggested that his earlier talent had been squandered in pursuit of empty blockbusters.

Logan shows a renewed commitment not to the superhero genre and its empty spectacle, but to the characters and emotional drama that frequently get lost in the mayhem. For all of its set pieces and collisions (reasonably well-executed but hardly unconventional), this is a film that takes the time to let its figures do more than blast lasers and bellow wisecracks.

Jackman and Stewart (playing Professor X for the sixth time) are both good, bringing new energy to the familiar roles. For years, both actors have spoken about riverfronttimes.com

their love for these characters, but this is the first time you can actually see why. With both Logan and Xavier far from their superhero highs, the actors get a chance to back away from the special effects and let their personalities take over, forming a realistically uneasy bond. Other cast members — Stephen Merchant, Richard E. Grant — appear to be enjoying their more extravagant roles, but the film’s revelation may be Dafne Keen as the rage-filled Laura, so frighteningly accurate that I wondered what kind of offscreen coaching Mangold used to produce such unrestrained anger in an eleven-year-old girl.

Let’s not get carried away. This is, after all, a movie about comic book heroes and villains. People fly, shoot waves of energy, grow animal-like extensions. Things blow up. Heads roll (literally). It has all of the destructive commotion you expect from the genre, but somehow manages to remain grounded. It’s a big, loud superhero movie, but one that refreshn ingly takes time to breathe.

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THE ARTS

[ S TA G E ]

The Medium Was the Message A new play explores the life of St. Louis housewife Pearl Curran — and the spirit she claimed spoke through her Written by

BILL LOELLKE Patience Worth

Written and directed by Jennifer Schlueter.

Presented by for/word March 9 to 11 at the Kranzberg Arts Center (501 North Grand Boulevard, www.kranzbergartscenter.org).

Tickets are $15 to $25.

Emily Bach plays St. Louis spiritualist Pearl Curran. | COURTESY FOR/WORD

I

t’s a ghost story straight from the archives of the Missouri History Museum.

In the summer of 1913, St. Louis housewife Pearl Curran claimed to be channeling the spirit of Patience Worth, a British colonist, through an Ouija board. Through Pearl, Patience composed books, poems and plays, which were then published with help from Pearl’s husband, John.

Was the spirit real? Paranormal researchers and scientists, naturally, disagree. St. Louis native Jennifer Schlueter personally does not believe in the supernatural, but to her, whether Worth existed does not matter. What mattered was that Curran believed she did — and that her story is an interesting tale ripe with dramatic possibility.

“The more I read about it, the more it felt like this was the kind of project that would be perfect for my theater company, which deals with material from the historical records,” Schlueter says.

Schlueter’s for/word company brings its production Patience Worth to St. Louis in March. It was developed as a staged reading in both Columbus, Ohio, and London.

Schlueter serves as both playwright and the company’s joint artistic di-

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“I’m really interested in the question of it all.

Is it real, or is it not real?” rector. The story draws on many historical records, including some of the books supposedly written by Worth through Curran, as well as works about Curran/Worth from authors Irving Litvag and Daniel B. Shea.

“I’m really interested in the question of it all,” Schlueter says.

“Is it real, or is it not real? Is it the product of her own imagination or is there something actually taking over?”

Schlueter says she is not trying to pick a side, but is rather letting those questions inform the dramatic arc of the piece. Her script also gives the actress who plays Curran, Emily Bach, a chance to perform in a “dual” role, since she also has to channel Worth’s spirit.

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“I get the chance to develop two distinctly different characters,” Bach says. “I played more with, I think the term Jen used a lot that really stuck with me and resonated with me, was ‘the landscape of Pearl’s mind.’”

When performing in a dual role, Bach says she goes through both vocal and physical changes. In the beginning, the distinctions were very broad, but Bach says that changed as the production was developed.

She went from a “pirate-like patois” to something subtler.

“I think it’s becoming more interesting if the lines are a bit more blurred and it’s sometimes maybe a little bit difficult to determine who is speaking, who is in this body right now,” Bach says.

The for/word company is dedicated to exploring innovative ways to interpret material available in archives. With Patience Worth, that meant creating a technological and visual aspect with a team of students at the Ohio State University led by Vita Berezina-Blackburn, an animation specialist at the university’s Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design.

Schlueter was awarded an $18,000 grant to develop Patience

Worth. She and the company participated in a month-long residency exploring technological possibilities for the production. The play’s premiere coincides with the national conference for the U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology, where they will present their research and findings.

The technology creates a sense of presence, as opposed to a visual representation, incorporating motion capture and facial capture to allude to the presence of the spirit.

Movement plays a big part.

“My hope is that [audiences] will have a sense of presence of something that is not directly translated into either a physical presence, or a stage set, or a projection of specific characters,” Berezina-Blackburn says.

As for this month’s St. Louis performances, a three-night run at the Kranzberg Arts Center, Schlueter is especially excited. This will be her first work to premiere on her “home turf,” a place where she learned to love theater, but which she has not visited in years.

“I really only know the city from the perspective of a kid,” Schlueter says. “I’m excited to come back as n an adult.”

ART GALLERIES

27 presents

8BMM #BMM

From Jennifer Colten: Higher Ground. | JENNIFER COLTEN, WPC. SECTION 14 [107.9], 1992, INKJET PRINT, © AND COURTESY OF THE ARTIST.

Jennifer Colten: Higher Ground The Sheldon 3648 Washington Blvd. | www.thesheldon.org Opens Fri., Mar. 3. Continues through Aug. 26.

Back in the old days, the insanities of racism and segregation kept black people and white people out of the same graveyards.

Washington Park Cemetery was for many years the largest final resting place for black St. Louis. Its proximity to Lambert St. Louis International Airport doomed it, however. Highway 70 ran through the middle of the cemetery in the 1950s, and more bodies were moved in the ’90s when MetroLink tracks were laid and the airport expanded. Photographer Jennifer Colten documented the current state of the cemetery for the new multimedia exhibition Higher Ground: Honoring Washington Park Cemetery, Its People and Place.

Her large-scale, color photographs are supported by historical documentation, video and oral histories (by Denise Ward-Brown) and an art installation by Dail Chambers, all toward the goal of illuminating the racial politics and tangled history behind a black cemetery’s sacrifice in the name of progress.

Learning to See: Renaissance and Baroque Masterworks Saint Louis Art Museum 1 Fine Arts Dr. | www.slam.org Opens Fri., Mar. 3. Continues through July 30.

Phoebe Dent Weil created the field of sculpture conservation in the early 1970s right here in St. Louis. As you might imagine, her personal collection of art is deep and full of treasures. Her husband Mark Weil

was an art historian, and his collection is also heavy with the hits of the Baroque and Renaissance. They have promised their joint art holding to the Saint Louis Art Museum, where the public will be able to enjoy for years to come the fruits of their very fruitful collecting years. Learning to See: Renaissance Baroque Masterworks from the Phoebe Dent Weil and Mark S. Weil Collection features etchings by Rembrandt van Rijn and Albrecht Dürer and sixteenth-century Italian terracotta sculptures and busts, each work a miracle of craftsmanship and artistic vision.

Slurp! Honoring the Ramen Bowl Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design 6640 Delmar Blvd. | www.craftalliance.org Opens 6-8 p.m. Fri., Mar. 3. Continues through Mar. 31.

Ramen is a big deal in Japan, with regional varieties served everywhere from the amusement park to the perfect meal prepared by a dedicated ramen chef.

Celebrated in film (Tampopo) and manga (Ramen Fighter Miki), ramen’s ubiquity is part of its appeal. As Americans embrace restaurant-quality ramen over the fourfor-a-dollar grocery store version, Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design wants you to further reconsider the humble noodle from the dish outward. Slurp! Honoring the Ramen Bowl is a juried exhibition of ramen bowls made by gifted ceramicists.

Can a better, more beautiful bowl enhance the flavor of your next meal? You can find out on the closing night of the exhibition, at Ramen Fest (6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 31).

Hiro Asian Kitchen prepares the noodles, and tickets are available through the front office.

—Paul Friswold

Saturday, .BSDI 7-11 pm 40 Artists

$35 General Admission $60 VIP includes beer/wine and

6:30 pm early admission

Majorette

7150 Manchester Rd. Maplewood, MO 63143 For more information, call

(314) 865-0060

Purchase tickets online

artscopestl.org/wallball Sponsored by

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CAFE

29

Cate Zone Chinese Cafe’s many delights include hot crispy fish (top left) and mala soup (bottom right). | MABEL SUEN [REVIEW]

The Real Deal Cate Zone brings delicious — and authentic — Chinese food to Olive Boulevard Written by

CHERYL BAEHR Cate Zone

8148 Olive Boulevard, University City; 314738-9923. Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

(Closed Mondays)

D

aniel Ma didn’t have time to worry about the name of his restaurant. He was too busy working in the kitchen, perfecting his recipes and trying to scale back a menu that

had blossomed before the grand opening to include more than 200 dishes. He left things like branding to his business partner, Quincy Lin, who settled upon what he thought was the English translation for the Mandarin phrase “a place for delicious food.”

By the time the pair realized that the name Cate Zone meant nothing even remotely close to “delicious food,” they’d already spent the money on signs, T-shirts and menus. The partners were stuck, so they decided to roll with it, even joking around about a mythical ex-girlfriend, “Cate,” who inspired the restaurant.

There is, however, a kernel of truth to their story about a love interest as the driving force behind Cate Zone. Though not a professionally trained chef — his background is in computers — Ma was a passionate home cook in his native China who created many dishes to dazzle his girlfriends.

Some liked spicy, some liked sour.

One was from Hunan Province,

another from Sichuan. No matter whom he dated, he’d cook to their tastes, developing a repertoire unbound to any one style of cooking or regional specialty.

When he moved to the U.S. seven years ago, Ma parlayed his cooking skills into a string of jobs in Americanized Chinese restaurants. He was struck by the inauthenticity of the cuisine, but he put his nose down and toiled away to prepare buffet-quality orange chicken.

He dreamt of a restaurant of his own, and four years ago, he opened a Mongolian barbecue spot in the Chesterfield Valley. But the restaurant was not a success, and as Ma closed its doors, he was determined that the business he opened next would be on his own terms.

Ma reached out to Lin, a former co-worker at Joy Luck Buffet, and the two came up with a plan to open an authentically Chinese restaurant that would both push American diners out of their riverfronttimes.com

comfort zones and offer the area’s sizable international student population a taste of home. They recruited their former Joy Luck colleague Yuming Han to help with the cooking, and in November, they opened Cate Zone in the old J&W Bakery spot, in the heart of University City’s Chinatown.

Cate Zone may be authentic, but it’s not traditional — at least not in the stereotypical way you might imagine. Your first clue is the décor.

The small room, with roughly fifteen tables, is wallpapered in a black-and-white New York City subway theme and decked with photos of the Manhattan skyline.

Glass pendant lights and blonde wood accents give the space a warm, modern feel.

Ma and Lin have certainly touched on something, because Cate Zone is perpetually packed.

On each of my visits, the wait exceeded 30 minutes. As soon as you taste the food, you’ll understand why.

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Continued on pg 30

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CATE ZONE Continued from pg 29 An appetizer of homemade beef jerky, served at room temperature, features plump slices of meat coated in chili oil and specks of fresh peppers. Though the meat is dehydrated, the dish is anything but dry; instead the spicy oil coats the tongue with rich beef flavor for a feel that evokes tendon.

I was shocked when a dish simply called “Korean Cold Noodle” arrived as a beautiful, multi-faceted bowl of soup.

Ribbons of funky, dried bean curd competed for space with several “packets” of clear rice noodles that had been knotted together for ease in eating. Enoki and silken black fungus mushrooms mingled with the noodles, assorted vegetables and bean curd in a delicate broth that tasted at once earthy and sour.

It was pleasurable on a dreary February day, but I can’t imagine a more refreshing lunch during the heat of summer.

If you walked in and looked at Cate Zone’s skewer menu, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into a Middle Eastern joint. Tender ground lamb, served on a stick, is grilled and then coated with tart, bright red spices that taste akin to dried harissa. The same spice blend is dusted atop a mild Asian pork sausage skewer, which has been spiral cut to give each bite maximum char flavor.

The sweet sausage, piquant spice blend and bitter grill flavor will make you question the primacy of the American hot dog.

I was wary of trying the sweet and sour pork, fearing the candyapple red corn syrup-based sauce that’s a staple of Americanized Chinese takeout. I need not have worried. Cate Zone’s version consists of tender pork cutlets,

From left, co-owner Daniel Ma, chef Yuming Han and co-owner Quincy Lin. | MABEL SUEN pounded thin, that are coated in crispy batter and glazed with a sauce that is sweet, but still countered with vinegar for a bright punch. It’s a wonderful option if you’re looking for an accessible entry point to the cooking on display here — different enough to be interesting, but not at all intimidating to a Midwestern diner.

Cate Zone’s “Honey Crisp Sweet Potatoes” are a nod to one of Ma’s wife’s favorite Chinese desserts.

Battered hunks of the potatoes are deep-fried and candied with melted sugar, then crowned with spun sugar. It sounds overly sweet, but the reality is more nuanced, in the way that a well-executed glazed doughnut can be at once sweet and savory. Be forewarned, though: You have to eat this dish when it’s hot or else the sugar

Mi Lindo Michoacan

cools and you may find yourself chiseling potatoes off the bottom of the plate.

Ma insisted we try what he calls “Cumin Lamb,” and we were glad we heeded his advice. Bite-sized pieces of sizzling lamb are coated in mild spices; the cumin-infused fat from the lamb coats the mouth but is offset by sprigs of fresh cilantro and ginger. Tasting this, I can see how Ma wooed dates with his cooking.

If the lamb left me with a bit of a crush, the “Hot Crisp Fish” had me ready to pledge my eternal love. Filets of buttery whitefish are dredged in flour and panko, then cooked so perfectly they melt in the mouth. This alone would suffice, but the Cate Zone chefs do not stop there. They dip the fish in chili oil, then blanket it in four different types of peppers. It

looks scary, but the spice level is tolerable — I’d estimate a six out of ten. More tingly than a burning heat, the Sichuan peppercorns flecked throughout the platter will make your lips feel like they’re vibrating and create an oddly pleasant numbing sensation on the tongue. It’s been about a week since I’ve had this addictive dish, and I still can’t stop thinking about it.

Really, this must have been how Ma’s ex-girlfriends felt when they experienced his cooking. And though he’s happily married now, I can’t help but think that he’s still leaving a trail of smitten people in his wake. With food this good, you n can’t help but fall in love.

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SHORT ORDERS

[EXPERT OPINION]

David Sandusky’s Guide to Metro East Written by

CHERYL BAEHR

D

avid Sandusky, owner and pit master of Belleville’s Beast Craft BBQ (20 South Belt West, Belleville, IL; 618257-9000), has seen a lot of changes to the Illinois side of the river since he began calling it home at the age of three. The mom and pop joints have dwindled, storefronts in Belleville’s historic downtown remain vacant and the businesses opening in the area are of the chain-in-stripmall ilk.

Still, he insists, there is reason to cross the river for more than just Beast’s legendary pork steaks. “The spectrum is broad, but these places are original, they have character and they’re some of my favorite spots to dine on the east side,” says Sandusky. “Just get off your ass and cross the river.”

1. Cleveland-Heath 106 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL; 618-307-4830 “You won’t find a better restaurant than Cleveland-Heath in the metro east. This is ‘gourmet comfort food’ by easily the best duo in the area, and we’re damn lucky to have them. Their attention to detail is top-notch, and their passion bleeds into their plates. If you can’t appreciate your meal here, check your pulse because you’re either dead, or dead-wrong. You may need to take your shoes off upon entry, because you’re standing on holy ground.”

2. Peel Wood-Fired Pizza 921 South Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, IL 618-659-8561 32

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Edwardsville’s Cleveland-Heath is coowned by Jenny Cleveland (top) and Ed Heath. Offerings include a rock shimp po’boy (bottom). | JENNIFER SILVERBERG

Beast Craft BBQ’s David Sandusky knows where to go for food on the East Side. | MEGGAN SANDUSKY “There aren’t enough restaurants opened by chefs these days, especially on the ‘ILL-side.’ These guys are masters of combinations, and their house-brewed beer is surprisingly as good, if not better, than anybody’s. The pizza is perfect, but you’ll be just as blown away by their badass salads. Don’t fuck with me on this — this place is the ’shiz.’”

3. Fletcher’s Kitchen & Tap 6101 West Main Street, Belleville, IL; 618-239-3317 “Listen... go here for salmon and zucchini grilled over hickory.

This tavern-ish place is the best

MARCH 1-7, 2017

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at making you feel at home. It’s a traditional American menu, and as pretentious as you want to be, you’re not too good for that. This is my ‘go-to’ spot.”

4. The Chuck Wagon 10212 Lincoln Train, Fairview Heights, IL; 618-398-0230 “It’s not every day you walk into a place that hasn’t changed in over 45 years. This place is so brown and full of horse figurines, you’ll think you’re actually in a stable.

Don’t discriminate, though. The perfectly fried ‘Super Taco’ shells are the real deal, and they boast

the best cherry Coke in the area.

Don’t be pissed about the nachos — have a sense of humor, and ask for them with peppers.”

5. The White Cottage 102 Lebanon Avenue, Belleville, IL; 618-234-1120 “This ice cream bar deserves respect. I know, I know: Ted Drewe’s... yada yada. Whatever.

You need to get out more. [My wife] Meggan and I stop several times a season for the great ice cream and fried fish on white bread. Damn right, I get mine with n tater tots.”

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[IN MEMORIAM]

THE BEST PASTRAMI IN TOWN Written by

CHERYL BAEHR

F

Sardella’s brunch offerings include “Cacio e Pepe Eggs” (top right) and “Eggs Amartriciana,” bottom right. | KELLY GLUECK

[BRUNCH]

At Sardella, Brunch Written by

SARAH FENSKE

P

reviously, if you wanted a morning bite at Sardella (7734 Forsyth Boulevard, Clayton; 314-773-7755), Gerard Craft’s four-month-old Clayton hotspot, you had to order at the counter. It was quick and the food was relatively lite — “a lot of healthier things, for people who wanted to wake up and go,” in the words of executive chef Nick Blue.

This weekend, all that changes.

In addition to the fast-casual counter-service breakfast being offered on weekdays, Sardella is now offering a full-service brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

The difference between the old 34

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offerings and the new weekend ones is real in terms of both style and substance. It’s not just that a server will now be fetching your food — it’s also that, going forward, you’ll be encouraged to linger, have a mimosa and maybe even order dessert.

“It’s a whole different animal,” Blue promises.

Weekday favorites including the breakfast BLT and cheeseburger will still be available on the weekend, but in addition to those standards, Blue and Craft have collaborated on a menu that features surprising, and tasty, dishes that play off the Italian flavors in the dinner menu.

Two egg dishes directly riff on the classics. “Cacio e Pepe Eggs” take the standard Pecorino and pepper, only they use egg as a base instead of pasta. Served with a fresh arugula and fennel salad and bread to sop up the sauce, “they’re cheesy and good and peppery,” Blue promises.

And the “Eggs Amatriciana” transpose the spicy, guancialeladen sauce used in the famed pasta of the same name to an egg base.

Another collaboration, Nutella

MARCH 1-7, 2017

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risotto balls, are just as promised in their name, with whipped cream cheese. Blue says they’d make a great little nibble to share, or a decadent dessert. “Cinnamon Toast Crunch used to be my favorite breakfast cereal when I was growing up,” he confides. “To be honest, it still is. These are a playful bite that reminds me of that.”

Did someone say Cinnamon Toast Crunch? Oh, and the menu also promises boozy floats and affogato for a final course, so you can either mellow out or rev up, depending on the particular demands of your hangover.

In addition to the brunch hours, Sardella is also transitioning its lunch service on weekdays.

Beginning this week, instead of counter service, the restaurant is offering full service lunch, too, Blue says.

The chef acknowledges that adding brunch service to a spot that already offers breakfast, lunch and dinner is a lot, but he’s convinced the staff is ready for it.

“The kitchen here isn’t huge,” he says. “But we’re kind of like family.”

Meaning, he adds, laughing, “By the end of the week, we’re ready to kill each other.” n

or many St. Louisans, the passing of William “Bill” Carl, the founder of Carl’s Deli (6401 Clayton Road, Clayton; 314-721-2393), meant the loss of a beloved figure in the city’s food scene. For the deli’s current owner, Matt Lewis, it was the loss of his second father.

“I started working for him when I was in high school, and I still remember my first customer,” recalls Lewis.

“He gave me his order, but because it was my first day, I turned around and completely blanked. He started yelling at me, and Bill jumped right in and smoothed it all over and took the brunt of it for me. He was like that with everyone. He just treated you like family.”

Bill Carl died February 1, at the age of 92, under hospice care at the Village Shalom skilled nursing facility in Overland Park, Kansas. He is survived by his daughter Sherry Lipshitz, sons Rick and Larry Carl and stepdaughter Jai’lynn Hayman.

Carl’s legacy is enshrined in the Demun neighborhood mainstay, but the deli’s roots go back even further. His parents opened the delicatessen’s first iteration in the Delmar Loop in 1947, and there Carl and his brother Jack learned the tricks of the trade.

When their parents retired, Jack went on to open Two Cents Plain deli in downtown St. Louis, while older brother Bill moved the deli to its current home on Clayton Road in 1969.

There, he gained a reputation for his signature hot pastrami sandwich, what many consider to be the closest thing to the quintessential New York deli staple in town.

No one disputed the primacy of his peppery pastrami — except maybe his brother.

“Bill and Jack would call each other at their delis every day,” Continued on pg 35

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WILLIAM CARL Continued from pg 34 says Lewis. “They’d ask each other how business was, then would give each other grief in a friendly, sibling rivalry sort of way. They were so opposite. Jack was like the ‘Soup Nazi’ character on Seinfeld, always razzing his customers and skipping over people if they were taking too long. Bill, though, was so warm and kind to everyone who walked through the front door. He took his time with everybody.”

Bill Carl’s passing is truly the end of an era; Jack Carl died in 2015, and Two Cents Plain has long since closed. But Carl’s spirit lives on in his namesake deli.

The pastrami may have been what first brought people into the deli, but Carl’s warmth kept them coming back. No matter who you were or how much you spent, Lewis explains, Carl always treated you with respect.

“In the eulogy, his son told a story that says a lot about who Bill was,” says Lewis. “He recalled how Bill Bidwell, the former owner of the [football] Cardinals, would come in all of the time, and he’d always order a turkey sandwich. It was the cheapest thing on the menu, so he asked his dad why he was so nice to him — he had all this money but he orders the cheapest thing. Bill said, ‘Son, he could go anywhere today, but he chooses us.’ That’s just how he was.

He treated everyone the same.”

Carl’s kindness extended to his

employees, who he made sure always had a job when they came back from college on break.

“He’d always make sure there was a place for you,” Lewis says.

That loyalty is what made Lewis stick with Carl for years — and it factored into his decision to take over the deli when Carl decided to retire.

“I was going for a job interview, and Bill said not to accept anything before he had a chance to talk to me,” recalls Lewis. “He told me he was getting ready to retire and he wanted me to take over the deli for him. I was his right-hand man, so it just made sense. In 2002, I took it over.”

Carl’s daughter, Sherry Lipshitz, says that the family could not have been happier that Lewis took over the deli for their father. “Since both of my brothers live out of town, we were more than pleased that the shop went to Matt Lewis, who truly learned the deli business working side by side with my father.”

Carl may have turned over the daily operations to Lewis, but he didn’t let that stop him from regularly checking in to see what the price of pastrami was or how business was going. And he always made sure to give Lewis some fatherly advice whenever he called.

“He’d say, ‘Matt, are you putting money away for retirement? You can’t work forever,’” says Lewis. “‘You have to make sure you’re able to retire early. I waited too long. I want you to enjoy it.’” n

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MARCH 1-7, 2017

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[FIRST LOOK]

The Dark Room Reopens, Offering Expanded Everything Written by

NICK FIERRO

T

he historic Grandel Theatre has a new tenant — and with it, new wines, dines and exhibitions.

As of February 22, the Dark Room (3610 Grandel Square) is open at its new home, one block from the old one. After its monthlong hiatus, it’s clear the team at the wine bar and photo gallery has wasted no time in expanding and revamping its business.

The Dark Room was created in 2014 to bring a higher-end wine bar into Grand Center to match the level of theater and arts programming in the district, according to general manager and sommelier Denise Mueller.

“It bloomed into a much bigger beverage program,” she says.

“With the addition of the late-night music in conjunction with the photography, it became this community staple… Being one of the only places open late-night in Grand Center was a big deal, and with the energy from the photography and the nightly live music being free, we were always in the mindset of a nonprofit environment.”

The biggest change for the Dark Room is its recent acquisition by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, the philanthropic organization that acquired the Grandel in late 2016. The Dark Room’s move and redesign is part of the foundation’s latest efforts to renovate the 133-year-old theater. It pledges that “every dollar spent [at the Dark Room] goes back into the local arts community.”

“It’s been the mission of the Dark Room since its beginning to be a community-driven, arts-focused

The Dark Room’s offerings include tomato pesto flatbread and shrimp served over grits and polenta. | KELLY GLUECK

For dessert, citrus olive oil cake is vegan-friendly. | KELLY GLUECK establishment that provides exceptional food, beverages and arts programming to patrons in Grand Center,” writes Chris Hansen, executive director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, in a prepared release. “The Dark Room furthers the foundation’s mission to provide opportunity and infrastructure for St. Louis artists, as well as enhances the patron experience and engagement through offering exceptional food, beverages and hospitality, with all the profits from patron purchases going back to benefit the arts in St. Louis.”

The venue will utilize its 1,800 square feet to host expanded menus, hours and events. At its previous location, the Dark Room

Art lines the new space’s walls. | KELLY GLUECK

exclusively served dinner. Now, thanks to executive chef Samantha Pretto, it offers meals throughout the day; from Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the kitchen is serving a “Petite Lunch,” which Mueller describes as “very efficient.”

“People in Grand Center are going to be here if they work in the area, so we want to make sure they can get in and out for a business lunch,” she says. However, for anyone seeking a leisurely, artfilled day, the Dark Room is also adding low-alcohol drinks to its daily menu. “It’s a very European aesthetic — it’s OK to have a glass of wine or a light beer with lunch.”

For night owls, the Dark Room riverfronttimes.com

offers discounted selections from its happy-hour menu from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., including housemade limoncello and award-winning bloody marys with yellow tomato and housemade spicy vodka.

In addition, there’s an expanded stage for live music, and with it, two new music programs are launching: “Dark Room Brunch Sessions,” held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m on Sundays, will feature live gospel, soul, jazz and Americana.

And new acts will play from 5 to 7 p.m. on Fridays.

“You get off work, come have a great happy hour, have some live music,” Mueller says. “It really brings an energy to Grand Center n for that TGIF atmosphere.”

MARCH 1-7, 2017

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MUSIC

39

[STUDIO TIME]

Urban Pros Now based in the city, Suburban Pro Studio is St. Louis’ go-to spot for recording hip-hop Written by

EVAN SULT

I

t was a week before Christmas 2013 when cops showed up at the door of a building on North Lindbergh in Florissant in hot pursuit of a fleeing man. Not knowing what was going on, Matt Sawicki showed the officers inside his audio-recording business, Suburban Pro Studio, and helped them track down the suspect.

“I was real cooperative,” he says. “They took me down to the station, I gave a statement and everything. They made me walk home. It had snowed.”

When he got back to the studio, however, he found an unwelcome surprise: The police had pulled the occupancy permit on the building, claiming twenty or so various small violations they noticed while arresting the fugitive.

“It was all really ridiculous stuff,” Sawicki says. “How the walls were finished. They’d knocked over a trash can while they were arresting the dude, and they said there was trash on the floor. A whole bunch of stuff like that. I felt like I got the message.”

The situation was a crisis for Sawicki and his partner Carter McKee. Friends since their days at Belleville West High School, they’d spent nine years since 2006 working pretty much around the clock to grow Suburban Pro from pure idea to functional studio to one of the best, busiest and most well-respected hip-hop studios in the St. Louis region.

They’d had to battle the city to get the place open in the first place.

“We had to change the zoning laws in Florissant to accept a recording studio,” says Sawicki.

“If you went up and looked at code for recording studios — if there’s

Carter McKee and Matt Sawicki, owners/operators of Suburban Pro Studio. | PAIGE BRUBECK anything, it’s what me and Carter wrote.”

The two began looking for a new rental space and quickly realized that, within city limits, buying is often cheaper than renting. They scoured listings and finally settled on a modest two-flat on South Jefferson that had been on the market for a decade — probably because it shares a fence with the MotoMart at the corner of Jefferson, Chippewa and Broadway, where outdoor speakers play 24 hours a day and a parade of loudly colorful characters swagger, skid and rumble through the parking lot.

It may have made a terrible house, but the new building is an ideal home for a recording studio.

The ground floor, favored by McKee, is unimposing but outfitted with classic studio comforts like a large mixing board, a black leather couch and dimmed lights; the upstairs is “a bit grimier,” according to Sawicki, who prefers to work there. Gearwise, “both studios have the same basic everything,” Sawicki confirms.

Meanwhile, the basement contains a T-shirt press run by Tok bassist Matt Basler, who also serves as the studio’s office manager. The

basement is also home to “Peter’s little world,” as Sawicki calls it, which consists of shelves full of fascinating miniature sets for animated shows like “Skate Socks” and “Your Local Town,” produced

by Peter Seay, aka Calc2. The audio for the shows gets produced at a podcast-ready table upstairs.

Sawicki gestures at the sets. “This is the secret weapon we’re all hoping we get rich from,” he says with a laugh.

Like the MotoMart next door, Suburban Pro is a crossroads of sorts for urban St. Louis. A steady stream of hip-hop artists, R&B singers, West Africans, Palestinians, producers, musicians, freelance engineers and assorted entourage are in and out at all hours. And with south city’s newest studio comes a dedicated base of musicians including Tef Poe, Huey, Black Spade, Mathias James and the Pirates, along with hundreds of other hard-working players and aspiring artists.

The only element missing, most of the time, is rock bands.

As notorious as Suburban Pro is within the hip-hop scene, it’s virtually invisible to the rock scene.

Which is crazy, seeing as there’s riverfronttimes.com

plenty of demand for recording and both McKee and Sawicki have the gear and the knowledge that rock musicians are looking for.

They do work with a few bands, but mostly those with members they know from their Belleville days.

Sawicki and McKee are both tall guys with friendly faces. Sawicki’s big beard can’t hide his big smile, and McKee is resolutely mellow.

They came up in classic audio-guy fashion: Both were guitarists who bonded over matching Tascam eight-tracks and started recording in basements. They went in on an ADAT machine together, then attended Southwestern Illinois College for audio engineering, and from there started interning at Jupiter Studios in St. Louis. They began as rock-oriented musicians, idolizing record producers like Flood and Mark Trombino, but their experience at Jupiter opened them up to the technology, intricacies and business hustle of hip-hop. They fully absorbed it.

Both were engineering at Jupiter in 2005 when Sawicki racked up an unexpected hit credit working on Huey’s breakout single “Pop, Lock

MARCH 1-7, 2017

Continued on pg 40

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39

SUBURBAN PRO STUDIO Continued from pg 39 & Drop It,” which went double platinum. Sawicki’s rep soared, even if he didn’t quite know why.

“I don’t remember it at all,” he admits. “The original session I couldn’t even tell you what I had to do with it, other than it maybe came in as a song and I arranged it or we re-recorded, or something like that. And then it became a big song. And Huey recorded all his songs with me after we recorded that.”

This was a big break, and Sawicki took it. “That took off, and people came around because of that. We’d talk to people, we’d go to video shoots, and people would wanna talk to us,” he says. “I mean really it helped everything. It was the big thing.”

A true hustler, he converted that notoriety into something he could use: He got busy setting up a studio in Florissant, while McKee stayed on at Jupiter until they were ready, working on client relationships and building their contacts.

But once they were going, they put in endless hours behind the console. Eventually, a scene began to center on Suburban Pro, and the two hustled around the clock for nearly a decade, building their reps and upgrading gear. Now, “people come to Carter because of what Carter sounds like,” says Sawicki, and the same is true for him.

McKee is the one who works with immigrant musicians such as Sa’Lyone, who combines West African rhythms with a hip-hop aesthetic. He often finds himself playing guitar and bass on those records, learning as he goes.

“It’s all so rhythmically different than what I’m used to that he’ll just look at me and give me all these visual cues,” McKee says. At the same time, he also specializes in “ladies pop and R&B,” says Sawicki admiringly.

“You just kill that shit! You have this silky top-end sound, this polished sound. I mean, I can’t do it. Carter’s clients wanna fuck with me and I’m like, ‘I don’t do what Carter does!’”

“The products that we put out don’t sound anything like each other,” says McKee. “We’re not always copying each other or trading notes. It’s never really been like that.”

“When we worked in Florissant we only had one room that we both worked in,” Sawicki explains, “so 40

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MARCH 1-7, 2017

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The majority of its work is hip-hop, but Suburban Pro is equipped for rock bands as well. | PAIGE BRUBECK for him to be working, I’m not working, and for me to be working he’s not working.”

Sawicki’s own specialty is hiphop. “’90s golden-era hip-hop is really my thing,” he says. “And conscious stuff I get a lot of. But at the same time, I’ve been really pushing the envelope with Tef.” Tef Poe is leading the way right now in defining St. Louis hip-hop, keeping the international spotlights trained on his forceful delivery and eloquent social activism.

“I work with Tef, and I feel like he keeps me super relevant right now,” says Sawicki. “And he says my name on pretty much every release that he’s ever done! It’s awesome. I feel like the records are symbiotic. I don’t think he needs me to make great records, but I think when we make records together that they excel to another level. And I think that’s what I’m getting known for.”

By the time they got shut down in Florissant, the two engineers had racked up tens of thousands of songs as they honed their respective strengths.

“I’m going to sound real cheeseball, but I feel like I sell emotion,” says Sawicki. “That’s what I’m starting to realize about my place in the industry: When you listen to a Tef Poe record, the way you might feel because of that record is something that I made you feel about that. You’re conjuring those things. That’s what making records really has become for me. Once we moved here I was actually able to stop paper chasing, because we own the building and we can just make art and the rent overhead is not demanding

me to just work work work. It’s more like, yo, here’s why I like to make records, and here’s who I do records for.”

They’re not just making them; they’re preserving them. After a blunder in 2009, Sawicki got obsessed with storage. “I deleted a record that I thought I had backed up,” he says. “And, ahh — I didn’t.

I deleted it, and we were finished.

It really… That was the thing that made me go, ‘I’m never gonna lose a record again.’”

Suburban Pro started buying hard drives in bulk and backing up every session, every album, every time. This is surprisingly rare for contemporary studios, who often expect musicians to arrive with hard drives so the studio isn’t responsible for the files. By contrast, “we keep really hard records of this stuff,” Sawicki says. “When you come here and record it’s on the record drive, that backs up every night at 6 a.m. to the backup drive that’s in the computer, and then that drive backs up to our main system down in the basement that has — everything. Forever.”

Sawicki’s mistake ultimately resulted in an extremely detailed library of all 40,000 or so songs the studio has produced since then.

“I think that’s what’s going to be really cool about this studio at some point,” says Sawicki. “If somebody ever wants to find out what St. Louis hip-hop was like from 2009 to whatever, we’re gonna have the most in-depth way for you to go through it. Like if you wanna archaeologist that shit, you could really do it. It’s super, super backed up.” n

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TALKING DREADS MONSTER TRUCK LUKE WADE thePOUR CHAIN GANG OF 1974 2/15 COLONY HOUSE

Tickets available at Blueberry Hill (no service fees with cash) & all Ticketmaster outlets.

Charge by phone 800-745-3000 · Online at ticketmaster.com Shows are at General Admission doors 7 pmcash) unless otherwise noted.outlets.

Tickets available Blueberry Hill (nowith service feesatwith & all Ticketmaster Charge by phone 800-745-3000 · Online at ticketmaster.com

Open 7 days from 11 am 6504 6504 Delmar in The Loop H 314-727-4444 riverfronttimes.com

Jake’s Leg and Neuro-Logic- Grateful Dead Tribute-8pm-$8 *IN THE BAR AREA - Mitchell Ferguson- PopRock-8pm-FREE

SATURDAY, MARCH 4 TH

F**K the Internet Tour featuring Zeus vs Rukapuff and more - Hip Hop-8pm- $7adv/$10door *BAR STAGE - Geeks Who Drink Pub Trivia - Trivia - 8:30pm - FREE

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 TH

Call Me Karizma, Kid Quill, Cosmos & Creature, Patternist- Hip Hop/Pop- 6pm- $15adv/$20door *BAR STAGE - Open Mic Night hosted by Mark Z-Variety-8pm-FREE

UPCOMING SHOWS 3/10 Integrow, Roads Below, Matt Jordan 3/14 Tweed and Surco 3/31 Vesperteen 4/27 SeepeopleS

6691 Delmar

In the University City Loop

314.862.0009 • www.ciceros-stl.com MARCH 1-7, 2017

RIVERFRONT TIMES

41

42

B-SIDES

[IN MEMORIAM]

R.I.P. Travis Hanrahan Remembering the Pink Sock vocalist, punk rock wildman and friend to all Written by

DANIEL HILL

I

t was the evening of June 4, 2013, a Tuesday night, that I bore witness to one of the most impressive and hilarious displays of unbridled punk rock disregard for acceptable social behavior I have ever seen in my many years in and around St. Louis’ punk community.

The scene played out in the courtyard behind Atomic Cowboy.

It was the 2013 RFT Music Awards ceremony, and musicians of all genres from all over town were in attendance to receive awards and/or clap politely while others did so. It was the first such event in my tenure as music editor for the paper, and I was hoping everything would go smoothly.

It didn’t.

Shortly before the winner of the hardcore punk category was announced, I spotted Travis Hanrahan getting a drink at the bar and struck up a conversation. I knew his band, Pink Sock, had been voted the best band in the category. I also knew that it had been a victory with an extremely close margin — Shaved Women, another local favorite, had received exactly one less vote.

With only a few minutes remaining before this news would be common knowledge, I decided to tell Hanrahan, with whom I had more than a passing familiarity, about the narrow win.

He seemed genuinely surprised.

Shocked, even. But within seconds I could see a spark light in his eyes as he realized he’d be called upon to take the stage and accept the award in front of the gathered crowd.

I should have been worried at that point, but I foolishly wasn’t.

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RIVERFRONT TIMES

Travis Hanrahan, photographed immediately following a Pink Sock performance as part of Theo Welling’s After the Show series. | THEO WELLING When the time came, Hanrahan climbed onto the stage and promptly pulled down his pants, mooning everyone in the audience. I seem to remember he then smashed the award, but that memory is fuzzy — overshadowed by the events that would follow.

As more categories were announced, Hanrahan became increasingly comfortable with taking that stage — whether he was summoned to do so or not. An apparent plot to urinate off the side onto a drum set was thwarted by one of the drag queens we’d hired to emcee the event, who (literally) kicked him off the stage just as he unzipped. When Hanrahan climbed back up he ran quickly, whipping

MARCH 1-7, 2017

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a piece of food — presumably one of the hot dogs we’d provided for attendees — into the crowd before jumping off again.

The object happened to strike one of rapper Tef Poe’s associates — a towering man with the build of a linebacker — who was, understandably, in no mood to be pelted with meat. He made his way to Hanrahan in seconds, raining blows from above and pummeling the much smaller young punk.

Misunderstanding the situation — I’d pegged this large man as a bouncer, based solely on his size — I rushed in and shoved myself in the middle. Hanrahan mostly just curled in a ball and covered his head, rather than make any attempt to fight back.

I pleaded with the man to stop, asserting my credentials with the RFT (as if that would help anything). He eventually did, thankfully without first throwing any hands my way.

As Hanrahan was escorted out by actual staff, Chris Ward of KDHX and Acorns to Oaks rushed onto the stage. He’d retrieved the item that had been thrown, and was excited to show it to the crowd.

It was not a hot dog, as assumed.

It was a half-eaten strip of steak.

Hanrahan brought it in a Ziploc bag in his pocket, and had apparently been gnawing bites off of it, like a caveman, throughout the course of the night.

When I later asked him why he did that, he explained that he didn’t know if there would be food. He wanted to be prepared.

When I asked him if he was OK following the fight, he shrugged dismissively.

“That’s not even the first time I got beat up this week.” All told it was, by far, one of the most punk things I’ve ever seen.

Hanrahan passed away on the night of Sunday, February 19, 2017, at the age of 27. He was found by his roommate in his Fox Park home.

His struggles with addiction were well-known to those close to him — the obituary composed by his family includes this line: “No one chooses addiction. It takes many prisoners and leaves a wide path of merciless destruction in its wake.”

But even more well-known was Hanrahan’s warmth and kindness, his willingness to lend an ear to a friend in need, his sharp wit and devilish sense of humor. Beneath that punk wildman exterior was a genuine human being and a true artist. Hanrahan put his all into his performances — even when those performances were less music-based and more founded in flung meat.

News of his passing was met with an outpouring of grief from St. Louis’ punk community.

“I’m filled with gratitude today to be able to say I got to know one of the most passionate and jovial persons the world’s ever seen. We are all better off having known and been a part of Travis’ life and he being part of ours,” wrote Jason Mullikin, singer of the now-defunct Totally Gay Cop, which performed with Pink Sock on many occasions. “No matter the

time, the place or what may be going on in his own life, I’ll never forget his willingness to listen. He gave advice. He laughed and he gave his all.

He genuinely loved every person he encountered. It goes without saying but he was a once in lifetime type of dude.”

“I never heard Travis complain about anything, not even once,” wrote Gabe Karabell of Lumpy & the Dumpers, Fried e/M and about a million others. “No matter what was happening in his life, he always asked how I was doing and went out of his way to make sure his friends were happy.”

“He was one of the first people I met upon moving to St. Louis. He welcomed me with open arms like he welcomed anyone,” wrote Reuben Hemmer, best-known as Black Panties’ human mic stand. “He was as true as it gets. His personality was incredible, and he was so quick and brilliant, one of the funniest people I have ever met. It’s pointless to even attempt to explain how exciting and fun his performances with Pink Sock or any other punk/hardcore project he had, but what I keep thinking about the most was camping with him and the songs we would sing that he wrote for just himself. They were beautiful. He was such a talented, intelligent and wonderful individual.”

In addition to his musical work, Hanrahan had some acting chops. The son of veteran St. Louis playwright Joe Hanrahan, he worked with his father on multiple productions, including 2007’s “Soldier Boy,” which in 2013 was debuted in New York. (In the St. Louis production, Travis played the title role.) Travis did some film work too, and even has an entry on IMDb for his co-starring role in 2012’s One Dakota. Recently, he had begun work on his own first screenplay.

“Fiercely independent, intensely loyal, and blazingly righteous in matters he considered just, he brightened the lives of everyone he touched with his unique spirit, energy, creativity, and amiability,” reads his obituary.

“He also loved his family very much and was loved very much in return.”

Wherever Travis may be today, here’s hoping they are at least serving hot dogs. But even if not, I know he’ll be prepared.

Rest in peace. n

INVITES YOU AND A GUEST TO

MONDAY, MARCH 6 7:00 P.M. PLEASE VISIT WBTICKETS.COM AND ENTER THE CODE RFTKONGSKULL TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PASSES! RATED PG-13 FOR INTENSE SEQUENCES OF SCI-FI VIOLENCE AND ACTION, AND FOR BRIEF STONG LANGUAGE. Please note: Passes are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. No phone calls, please. Limit one pass per person. Each pass admits two. Seating is not guaranteed. Arrive early. Theater is not responsible for overbooking. This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any audio or video recording device into the theater (audio recording devices for credentialed press excepted) and consent to a physical search of your belongings and person.

Any attempted use of recording devices will result in immediate removal from the theater, forfeiture, and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. Please allow additional time for heightened security. You can assist us by leaving all nonessential bags at home or in your vehicle.

IN THEATERS MARCH 10 Soundtrack available now kongSkulliSlandMovie.coM #kongSkulliSland

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MARCH 1-7, 2017

RIVERFRONT TIMES

43

THE HAUNT

44

5000 Alaska Ave

HOMESPUN

BETH BOMBARA Map & No Direction (bethbombara.com)

ST PADDY’S DAY PARTY March 17th - Live Music - $5 Diamond Cut Blues Band and Moon Rocket March 18TH Live, Nude, Rude and Unplugged April 1st Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde comic book release OPEN POOL TABLE EVERY MONDAY AND TUESDAY KARAOKE MADNESS EVERY THURSDAY AT 9PM Happy Hour 3-7 Every Day $2 domestics & Rails

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RIVERFRONT TIMES

It’s a lovely Monday afternoon in mid-February, and the patio at the Mud House on Cherokee feels like an unseasonably warm urban oasis. The early spring air (and the coffee) have perked up the al fresco clientele, but Beth Bombara apologizes for feeling slightly zombie-fied. She and her husband/ musical partner Kit Hamon are fresh off a long weekend in Kansas City as artists and participants in the Folk Alliance International conference. Well, “fresh” may not be the best term; long nights of hotel-room jam sessions and keynote performances by the likes of Ani DiFranco and Billy Bragg have left the pair a bit depleted. For Bombara, though, the purpose of the trip — to meet like-minded music fans and promote her new LP Map & No Direction — was worth the slog.

“The decision to go do this was related to the hustle,” says Bombara. “I’m working hard at this; I should be putting myself out there. I shouldn’t be intimidated.”

The hustle is nothing new to Bombara, who has dutifully released an album every year or two, many of them funded through crowd-sourced campaigns (this album cycle found her sending Polaroids and haikus to her supporters). After 2015’s self-titled record, which was recorded with a five-piece band that pushed the album’s sound into more Americana-friendly territory, the husband-and-wife team decided to record Map & No Direction as a duo, albeit with the benefits of a modern studio. A week-long residency in Portland, Oregon, gave them the chance to workshop Bombara’s songs in front of a live audience each night and then lay down the basic tracks at Karl Kling’s A/D Agency studio.

Kling, who is a solo artist as well as a vocalist with RAC (formerly the Remix Artist Collective, once based in nearby Greenville, Illinois), served as co-producer for the album and helped Bombara and Hamon construct the layers to these songs. While many of the tracks stem from a traditional Americana mold, it’s the fluctuations — break-beat drums, subtle synths and symphonic swells — that make Map both stylistically divergent and sonically cohesive.

“Working with Karl was great, because he is great at responding to what we’re after or what we’re putting down already and then saying, ‘Hey, try pushing it this direction,’” says Hamon. “It was a very collaborative thing all the way through; there were lots of late nights in the studio.”

In press materials Bombara has referenced an affinity for blues music and noted its influence upon her work, but it was never the most convincing foothold into her songs. On Map & No Direction, though, she is able to channel the mood and feeling of blues without many direct nods to the genre itself. One of the more overt signals is a slow-burning cover of Bob Dylan’s “Blind Willie McTell,” and on this version the

MARCH 1-7, 2017

riverfronttimes.com

apocalyptic visions are backed with the persistent wheeze of Mellotron flutes and a spry backbeat. A similarly raw feeling comes through more directly on a song like “Lonely Few,” its spare skeleton of piano and guitar fleshed out with Hamon’s most keening violin whorls and slap-kick percussion that seems to emanate from dusty floorboards.

But Bombara’s blues hit hardest on the title track, an emotionally bare song from a songwriter who rarely gets overtly personal in her music. “I found myself in a really weird space after the last album came out and we toured on it,” she says. “It kind of started creeping into the winter, and I realized that I had slipped into this really dark place, and I wasn’t excited about things that I normally would be excited about — which includes writing. I realized that I hadn’t written a song in over a year.”

“Map & No Direction” was the first song to come after that fallow period and was the beginning of the album that would come to share its name. “I felt that that was my meditation and my way to process what I was thinking and feeling — those feelings of questioning yourself and what you’re doing,” says Bombara. The song sprung from a series of questions of self-doubt: “‘What in the world am I doing and why am I doing this? What’s the point?’”

Bombara’s soul-baring is partially echoed on photographer Nate Burrell’s black-and-white cover photo, which features the singer in heavy mascara, a fur shawl and little else.

“It wasn’t difficult,” Bombara says of the photo shoot. “It was more fun having people around that I trusted and felt comfortable with to try things and to approach photography as art instead of, ‘Oh, we need a headshot.’”

“With some of these songs, feeling emotionally exposed and vulnerable,” she says, “it was good having some photos that reflect that a little bit.”

–Christian Schaeffer

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MUSIC SHOWCASE e v e r y j u n e i n t h e g r ov e

riverfronttimes.com

MARCH 1-7, 2017

RIVERFRONT TIMES

45

46

OUT EVERY NIGHT

THURSDAY 2

Cowboy, 4140 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, 314-

2543 Woodson Road, Overland, 314-427-2999.

NE-HI: 9 p.m., $10. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp

BILLY BARNETT BAND: 7 p.m., $5. BB’s Jazz, Blues &

775-0775.

A FAMILY AFFAIR: w/ Nate Moore, DJ Jenny Craig

Ave., St. Louis, 314-773-3363.

Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

ANYBODY BUT THE COPS: w/ Dodecad, B Yr Own

8 p.m., $10. Fubar, 3108 Locust St, St. Louis,

SCULPTURES IN SOUND: w/ Michael Vlatkovich

CHRIS TRULL: w/ Kingston Family Singers, Ghost

Cop, Scribble 7 p.m., $5-$10. Kismet Creative

314-289-9050.

7 p.m., $10-$40. St. Louis Artists’ Guild, 12 N

Ice, Larva 9 p.m., free. Schlafly Tap Room, 2100

Center, 3409 Iowa Ave., St. Louis, 314-696-8177.

I ACTUALLY: 9 p.m., free. Layla, 4317 Manches-

Jackson Ave, Clayton, 314-727-6266.

Locust St., St. Louis, 314-241-2337.

BEN WAH BOB: 11 p.m., free. Nightshift Bar &

ter Ave., St. Louis, 314-553-9252.

THE WEE HEAVIES: 11 a.m., $12. The Sheldon,

THE GREEN MCDONOUGH BAND: 8 p.m., $5.

Grill, 3979 Mexico Road, St. Peters, 636-441-

JOHNNYSWIM: 8 p.m., $20-$80. The Ready Room,

3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, 314-533-9900.

Hammerstone’s, 2028 S. 9th St., St. Louis, 314-

8300.

4195 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, 314-833-3929.

773-5565.

BENEFIT FOR “LET’S START” PROGRAM: 4 p.m.,

LARRY GRIFFIN & ERIC MCSPADDEN: 7 p.m., $5.

SUNDAY 5

JOE METZKA BAND: 10 p.m., $5. BB’s Jazz, Blues &

$5. BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway,

BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St.

BIG SOMETHING: 8 p.m., $12. Old Rock House,

Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

Louis, 314-436-5222.

1200 S. 7th St., St. Louis, 314-588-0505.

KIM MASSIE: 10:30 p.m., $10. Beale on Broadway,

BIG GIGANTIC: 8 p.m., $28-$30. The Pageant,

LEE FIELDS & THE EXPRESSIONS: 8 p.m., $22-$25.

BLACK & WHITE BAND: 5 p.m., $10. BB’s Jazz,

701 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-621-7880.

6161 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-726-6161.

2720 Cherokee Performing Arts Center, 2720

Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-

OTT: w/ El Lusidoro, Kevin Shpacey 8 p.m., $20.

BOO BOO DAVIS & THE BUMBLE BEE TRIO: 10

Cherokee St, St. Louis, 314-276-2700.

436-5222.

The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Ave, St. Louis,

p.m., $5. BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broad-

LIDA UNA: w/ The Homewreckers, Andrew Ryan

CIRCA SURVIVE: w/ mewithoutYou, Turnover 7

314-833-3929.

way, St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

& the Travelers 8 p.m., $5. The Sinkhole, 7423

p.m., $23-$25. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd.,

SISTER HAZEL: 8 p.m., $20-$25. Delmar Hall, 6133

THE CENTER STAGE COMEDY TOUR: w/ Sommore,

South Broadway, St. Louis, 314-328-2309.

St. Louis, 314-726-6161.

Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-726-6161.

Arnez J, Tommy Davidson, John Witherspoon,

MAXIMUM EFFORT: w/ The May Day Orchestra,

THE DOCK ELLIS BAND: w/ 3 on the Tree 8 p.m.,

WIDE AWAKE: w/ In My Silence, The Greater

Tony Rock 8 p.m., TBA. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S.

Ghosts on the Road 9 p.m., free. Schlafly Tap

$7. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis,

Good, This Is Me Breathing, Torn at the Seams

Compton Ave., St. Louis, 314-977-5000.

Room, 2100 Locust St., St. Louis, 314-241-2337.

314-773-3363.

6 p.m., $10-$12. Fubar, 3108 Locust St, St. Louis,

DADA: 8 p.m., $25. The Firebird, 2706 Olive St.,

NATO COLES AND THE BLUE DIAMOND BAND:

INFERNI: w/ I Could Sleep in the Clouds, Disney

314-289-9050.

St. Louis, 314-535-0353.

w/ The Right Here, Dangerbird, 7Daze, Grave

69, C is for Cadaver 7 p.m., $5-$10. Kismet

DIRTY BOMBSHELL: w/ close2zero, Fools Brew,

Neighbors 7:30 p.m., $10. San Loo, 3211 Chero-

Creative Center, 3409 Iowa Ave., St. Louis,

Ton, Bangarang 7 p.m., $5. Just Bill’s Place,

kee St., St. Louis, 314-696-2888.

314-696-8177.

FRIDAY 3

JAPANDROIDS: w/ Craig Finn & the Uptown Con-

AMERICAN GRIM: w/ Heartbreak Heroes 6 p.m.,

trollers 9 p.m., $17-$20. The Ready Room, 4195

$10-$12. Fubar, 3108 Locust St, St. Louis, 314-

[CRITIC’S PICK]

289-9050.

Manchester Ave, St. Louis, 314-833-3929.

BASSAMP AND DANO RECORD RELEASE: w/ The

LOVE JONES “THE BAND”: 8 p.m., $10. BB’s Jazz,

Supermen, Antithought, Tracing Wires 9 p.m.,

Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-

9pm. El Lenador, 3124 Cherokee St., St. Louis,

436-5222.

314-771-2222.

THE MENZINGERS: w/ Jeff Rosenstock, Rozwell

THE GET DOWN PART III: w/ DJ Xolani 9 p.m., $10.

Kid 8 p.m., $20-$22. Blueberry Hill - The Duck

Blank Space, 2847 Cherokee St., St. Louis.

Room, 6504 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314-

JAKE’S LEG: 8 p.m., $8. Cicero’s, 6691 Delmar

727-4444.

Blvd., University City, 314-862-0009.

NORTH BY NORTH: w/ Slushwave, Middle Class

JONATHAN RICHMAN: 8 p.m., $15. Off Broadway,

Fashion, Dear Genre 8 p.m., $5. The Sinkhole,

3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, 314-773-3363.

7423 South Broadway, St. Louis, 314-328-2309.

LEE BRICE: w/ Justin Moore, William Michael

PEEWEE SALOON: 2 p.m., free. Howard’s in Sou-

Morgan 7 p.m., $29.75-$56.75. Chaifetz Arena, 1

lard, 2732 S 13th St, St. Louis, 314-349-2850.

S. Compton Ave., St. Louis, 314-977-5000.

RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES: 7 p.m., $35-

LEROY JODIE PIERSON: 7 p.m., $5. BB’s Jazz, Blues

$100. The Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., St.

& Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-436-

Louis, 314-534-1111.

5222.

SCHOOL OF ROCK SPRING HOUSE BAND: 6 p.m.,

THE LOX: 8 p.m., $22-$30. Pop’s Nightclub, 401

$10. The Stage at KDHX, 3524 Washington Ave,

Monsanto Ave., East St. Louis, 618-274-6720.

St. Louis, 314-925-7543, ext. 815.

MAKE ME BREAK ME: w/ The Phranklyn Project 8

SOUL REUNION: 10:30 p.m., $7. Beale on Broad-

p.m., $5-$6. The Firebird, 2706 Olive St., St. Louis,

way, 701 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-621-7880.

314-535-0353.

Diarrhea Planet. | PHOTO VIA PROGRESSIVE GLOBAL AGENCY

THE MILES: 6 p.m., free. Howard’s in Soulard,

7th St., St. Louis, 314-588-0505.

SEASHINE: w/ Grand House, Polyshades, Comrade Catbox 9 p.m., $7. The Heavy Anchor, 5226 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, 314-352-5226.

SIERRA HULL: 8 p.m., $30-$40. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, 314-533-9900.

SKEET RODGERS & INNER CITY BLUES BAND: 10 p.m., $10. BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

SATURDAY 4 ALAN SMITHEE: w/ Kaliya, Grand Inquisitor, Daybringer, Jr. Clooney 5:30 p.m., free. Atomic

46

RIVERFRONT TIMES

2310 Cherokee St, St. Louis, 314-339-5809.

TROYBOI: 8 p.m., $16-$18. Delmar Hall, 6133

2732 S 13th St, St. Louis, 314-349-2850.

THE SCHWAG: 9 p.m., $10. Old Rock House, 1200 S.

ST. PAUL DE VENCE: 2 p.m., $5. Ruby Francis,

Diarrhea Planet 8 p.m. Friday, March 3.

Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Boulevard. Free. 314-7266161.

You might think that employing four guitarists in a bombastic, fuzz-driven garage band is a bit of overkill, but the Nashville-based Diarrhea Planet has never been too hung up on good taste or decorum. Luckily that lovable brashness is a big part of the group’s charm offen-

MARCH 1-7, 2017

riverfronttimes.com

sive; the band’s set at LouFest last year was engrossing and smile-inducing even from a football-field’s length away. This weekend’s performance is a make-up show for the band’s iced-out date earlier in the year, and you can hoist a can of local brew as 4 Hands Brewery is throwing it for free to celebrate its fifth birthday.

Local Motion: STL stalwarts Bruiser Queen and the Wilderness will open.

–Christian Schaeffer

Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-726-6161.

VOID KING: w/ Ox Braker, Spacetrucker, Voidgazer 7 p.m., $5. San Loo, 3211 Cherokee St., St. Louis, 314-696-2888.

WE THE KINGS: 7 p.m., $25-$28. Fubar, 3108 Locust St, St. Louis, 314-289-9050.

MONDAY 6 MOBLEY: 7 p.m., $5-$8. Fubar, 3108 Locust St, St. Louis, 314-289-9050.

PRINCE DADDY AND THE HYENA: w/ DinoFight!, Not Quite Nothing, Jouska 7:30 p.m., $7. Kismet Creative Center, 3409 Iowa Ave., St. Louis, 314-696-8177.

[CRITIC’S PICK]

Nappy Roots 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 8.

Since forming in 1995, Bowling Green, Kentucky, hip-hop act Nappy Roots has bounced around rap’s underground, seemingly unable to live up to the promise of its early output (or, at least, to capitalize on that promise). It’s no matter though: The classics are still classic. 2002’s Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz produced the group’s most well-known singles, “Awnaw” and “Po’ Folks,” while Nappy Roots was still

signed to Atlantic Records. The album’s follow-up, Wooden Leather, failed to attract the same level of buzz, and was the last record the group would release on a major label. Regardless, Nappy Roots consistently puts on an excellent live show packed with the hits.

DIY or Die: Don’t fret for the lack of corporate backing: Nappy Roots has been independently releasing its own music since 2007, including 2015’s excellent The 40 Akerz Project. It is good to be in the pocket of none.

–Daniel Hill

SOULARD BLUES BAND: 9 p.m., $5. Broadway

Blvd., University City, 314-727-4444.

The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Avenue. $15 to $18. 314-833-3929

Oyster Bar, 736 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314621-8811.

WEDNESDAY 8

THE WOODSHED: POWER TRIO EDITION: w/ Broth-

BOB “BUMBLE BEE” KAMOSKE: 8 p.m. Beale on

er Lee and the Leather Jackals, Mother Meat 8

Broadway, 701 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-621-

p.m., $10. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave., St.

7880.

Louis, 314-773-3363.

EAST SIDERS REVIEW: 10 p.m., $5. BB’s Jazz,

THIRD SIGHT BAND: 8 p.m., $5. BB’s Jazz, Blues

Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-

& Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-436-

436-5222.

5222.

EVE TO ADAM: w/ Maximus, Karma Dealer 7

VOODOO GLOW SKULLS: 8 p.m., $12-$14. Blue-

p.m., $15. Fubar, 3108 Locust St, St. Louis, 314-

berry Hill - The Duck Room, 6504 Delmar Blvd.,

289-9050.

University City, 314-727-4444.

THE GREEN-MCDONOUGH BAND: 7 p.m., $5. BB’s

TUESDAY 7

Jazz, Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

BALTO: 8 p.m., TBA. San Loo, 3211 Cherokee St.,

HAYES GRIER: 8 p.m., $35. The Pageant, 6161

St. Louis, 314-696-2888.

Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-726-6161.

EDGEFIELD C. JOHNSTON DUO: 6 p.m., free. San

JACK MCLAUGHLIN: w/ Bobby Stevens, Zack

Loo, 3211 Cherokee St., St. Louis, 314-696-2888.

Sloan 8 p.m., TBA. San Loo, 3211 Cherokee St.,

FOLK SCHOOL STUDENT SHOWCASE: 7 p.m., $5.

St. Louis, 314-696-2888.

The Stage at KDHX, 3524 Washington Ave, St.

LIVING HOUR: w/ A Leaf in the Street, Monkey

Louis, 314-925-7543, ext. 815.

Girls 9 p.m., $5. The Sinkhole, 7423 South

INDIANA ROME: w/ Farout Taco Tour, St. Oeaux,

Broadway, St. Louis, 314-328-2309.

Q Hall, Apollo, Alexei Shaun 7 p.m., $10. The

NAPPY ROOTS: 8 p.m., $15-$18. The Ready

Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Ave, St. Louis,

Room, 4195 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, 314-

314-833-3929.

833-3929.

JAMAICA LIVE TUESDAYS: w/ Ital K, Mr. Roots, DJ

OAK, STEEL AND LIGHTNING ALBUM RELEASE: w/

Witz, $5/$10. Elmo’s Love Lounge, 7828 Olive

Still Shine, the Hillary Fitz Band 8 p.m., $10.

Blvd, University City, 314-282-5561.

Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, 314-

JOSEPH: w/ Kelsey Kopecky 8 p.m., $20. Delmar

773-3363.

Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-726-

RIK & THE PIGS: w/ Barbed Wire, Mala Leche,

6161.

Fried E/M 9 p.m., $7. Foam Coffee & Beer, 3359

KIM MASSIE: 10:30 p.m., $10. Beale on Broad-

Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, 314-772-2100.

way, 701 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-621-7880.

SCOTT KENNEBECK AND JOHN WALSH: A TRIBUTE

SCOTT KENNEBECK AND JOHN WALSH: A TRIBUTE

TO JOHN MCCORMACK: March 7, 10 a.m.; 10

TO JOHN MCCORMACK: 10 a.m.; March 8, 10

a.m., $15-$18. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington

a.m., $15-$18. The Sheldon, 3648 Washington

Blvd., St. Louis, 314-533-9900.

Blvd., St. Louis, 314-533-9900.

TAUK: 9 p.m., $10-$12. Old Rock House, 1200 S.

ST. LOUIS SOCIAL CLUB: 8 p.m., $5. BB’s Jazz,

7th St., St. Louis, 314-588-0505.

Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-

TJ MULLER: 5 p.m., free. The Stage at KDHX,

436-5222.

3524 Washington Ave, St. Louis, 314-925-7543,

THE WILD REEDS: w/ Blank Range 8 p.m., $12.

ext. 815.

Blueberry Hill - The Duck Room, 6504 Delmar

Continued on pg 48

TICKETS

START AT

$25!

MARCH 10-11 Fri & Sat at 8:00pm

Stéphane Denève, conductor Steven Osborne, piano BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 1 STRAUSS Eine Alpensinfonie (An Alpine Symphony)

Join us for a STL Symphony tradition!

Complimentary beer and pretzels will be provided by Urban Chestnut Brewing Company and Companion Baking.

PRESENTED BY THE THOMAS A. KOOYUMJIAN

FAMILY FOUNDATION

314-534-1700 stlsymphony.org/beerpretzel

2016/2017 PRESENTING SPONSOR

FIND ANY SHOW

IN TOWN

rft ’ s online music listings are now

sortable by artist , venue and price . you can even buy tickets directly from our website

— with

more options on the way !

RIVERFRONTTIMES.COM/CONCERTS riverfronttimes.com

MARCH 1-7, 2017

RIVERFRONT TIMES

47

Expwy., Maryland Heights, 314-298-9944.

THIS JUST IN Continued from pg 47

PAUL OAKENFOLD: Sat., April 29, 9 p.m., $15.

[CRITIC’S PICK]

THIS JUST IN

Ameristar Casino, 1 Ameristar Blvd., St. Charles, 636-949-7777.

PEBBLE: W/ Lucky and the Charms, Where

9TH STREET SURFERS: Fri., March 17, 6 p.m.,

the Sun Dont Shine, Tyler Samuels & The Bad

free. Howard’s in Soulard, 2732 S 13th St, St.

Haircuts, Sat., April 22, 7 p.m., $10-$20. The

Louis, 314-349-2850.

Firebird, 2706 Olive St., St. Louis, 314-535-0353.

AETHERE: W/ CarolAnne, Mon., May 15, 6 p.m.,

PEEWEE SALOON: Sun., March 5, 2 p.m., free.

$10-$12. Fubar, 3108 Locust St, St. Louis, 314-

Howard’s in Soulard, 2732 S 13th St, St. Louis,

289-9050.

314-349-2850.

ALL TIME LOW: W/ SWMRS, Waterparks, The

PHIL FEST: W/ Headed to the Mud, Banjo Rat,

Wrecks, Tue., July 18, 6 p.m., $28.50-$32.50.

Humanoids, Cross Examination, Sat., March

The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis,

11, 6 p.m., $10. The Firebird, 2706 Olive St., St.

314-726-6161.

Louis, 314-535-0353.

ANILYST: W/ Slo Pain, Tue., May 2, 8 p.m., $15-

POINTFEST 2017: PART 1: W/ Korn, Breaking

$18. Fubar, 3108 Locust St, St. Louis, 314-289-

Benjamin, Alter Bridge, Thrice, Sick Puppies,

9050.

You Me At Six, Holy White Hounds, Sat., May

BACK TO THE EIGHTIES TOUR: W/ Howard Jones,

13, 1 p.m., TBA. Hollywood Casino Amphi-

the English Beat, Men Without Hats, Modern

theatre, I-70 & Earth City Expwy., Maryland

English, Katrina, Bow Wow Wow, Sat., Aug.

Heights, 314-298-9944.

19, 7 p.m., $45-$95. Family Arena, 2002 Arena

POINTFEST 2017: PART 2: W/ Soundgarden,

Parkway, St Charles, 636-896-4200.

Craig Finn. | PHOTO VIA BIG HASSLE PUBLICITY

BENEFIT FOR “LET’S START” PROGRAM: Sat.,

Stone Sour, Pierce the Veil, Greek Fire, J. Roddy Walston and the Business, Biffy Clyro, Dillinger

Craig Finn

Escape Plan, Sat., May 20, 1 p.m., TBA. Holly-

BIG FREEDIA: Thu., May 18, 8 p.m., $20-$25. The

9 p.m. Sunday, March 5.

Expwy., Maryland Heights, 314-298-9944.

Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Ave, St. Louis,

The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Avenue. $17 to $20. 314-833-3929.

March 4, 4 p.m., $5. BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

wood Casino Amphitheatre, I-70 & Earth City PONO AM EP RELEASE: W/ Bruiser Queen, Rov-

With the Hold Steady, Craig Finn created a rock & roll band that honored his influences — the Clash, the E Street Band, the Replacements — and made believers out of fans that hungered for a scene rooted in those exhilirating moments that happen anytime a band takes loud, messy, wild flight. As a solo artist, Finn remains a believer: in spiritual redemption in a spiritually stripped world, in the

unfathomable paradoxes of human connections, in the leap of faith behind the simple act of going to a show. He’s one of our best rock & roll songwriters; make that leap with him when he opens for Japandroids this week.

Fuzzy and Fierce: Headliner Japandroids has just released its third and best record, Near to the Wild Heart of Life. Dense with noise and surging with stunning guitars, the band’s newfound sound is relentless.

–Roy Kasten

Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314-553-9252.

Howard’s in Soulard, 2732 S 13th St, St. Louis,

Locust St, St. Louis, 314-289-9050.

SEETHER: W/ Kaleido, Sat., June 10, 7 p.m.,

EDGEFIELD C. JOHNSTON DUO: Tue., March 7, 6

314-349-2850.

MADMAN’S DIARY – THE ULTIMATE OZZY EXPERI-

$32.50-$35. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., St.

JIM GAFFIGAN: Sat., Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., $32.75-

ENCE: W/ The Nightmare – A Tribute To Alice

Louis, 314-726-6161.

$66.75. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Ave., St.

Cooper, Sat., April 29, 8 p.m., $12-$15. Delmar

SKEET RODGERS & INNER CITY BLUES BAND: Fri.,

Louis, 314-241-1888.

Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-726-

March 3, 10 p.m., $10. BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups,

City, 618-931-2945.

JOHN MORELAND: W/ Will Johnson, Thu., June 1,

6161.

700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

FIREBIRD TRIBUTE SERIES: W/ Tributes to Green

9 p.m., $15-$18. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave.,

MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLA-

SOULARD BLUES BAND: Fri., March 10, 10 p.m.,

St. Louis, 314-773-3363.

TIVES: Thu., May 11, 8 p.m., $35-$45. Off Broad-

$5. BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway,

JUDY KOEN: Sun., March 12, 2 p.m., free.

way, 3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, 314-773-3363.

St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

Howard’s in Soulard, 2732 S 13th St, St. Louis,

THE MILES: Fri., March 3, 6 p.m., free. Howard’s

SOUTHSIDE JAZZ: Sat., March 18, 6 p.m., free.

314-349-2850.

in Soulard, 2732 S 13th St, St. Louis, 314-349-

Howard’s in Soulard, 2732 S 13th St, St. Louis,

KONGOS: W/ Mother Mother, Sun., May 7, 8

2850.

314-349-2850.

p.m., $22-$25. Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd.,

MODEST MOUSE: Fri., June 9, 8 p.m., $42.50-

ST. LOUIS SOCIAL CLUB: Tue., March 7, 8 p.m.,

St. Louis, 314-726-6161.

$45. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis,

$5. BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway,

KSHE 95 50TH ANNIVERSARY PIG ROAST: W/ REO

314-726-6161.

St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

Speedwagon, Styx, Don Felder, Michael Stanley

NORTHBOUND: W/ Daisyhead, Tigerwine, Thu.,

THE WOODSHED: POWER TRIO EDITION: W/ Broth-

and the Resonators, Joe Dirt and the Dirty Boy

April 27, 6 p.m., $13-$15. Fubar, 3108 Locust St,

er Lee and the Leather Jackals, Mother Meat,

4317 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314-553-9252.

All Stars, Sun., July 2, 5 p.m., $27.50-$149. Hol-

St. Louis, 314-289-9050.

Mon., March 6, 8 p.m., $10. Off Broadway, 3509

IVAS JOHN & BRIAN CURRAN: Thu., March 9, 7

lywood Casino Amphitheatre, I-70 & Earth City

NUMBERED: W/ The Floodplain Grifters, Fri.,

Lemp Ave., St. Louis, 314-773-3363.

p.m., $5. BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broad-

Expwy., Maryland Heights, 314-298-9944.

June 16, 8 p.m., $10. The Firebird, 2706 Olive

THIRD SIGHT BAND: Mon., March 6, 8 p.m., $5.

way, St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

LE BUTCHERETTES: Sat., April 1, 8 p.m., $12-$15.

St., St. Louis, 314-535-0353.

BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St.

JACKIE GREENE: Thu., April 20, 8 p.m., $18-$20.

The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Ave, St.

OAK, STEEL AND LIGHTNING ALBUM RELEASE: W/

Louis, 314-436-5222.

Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-

Louis, 314-833-3929.

Still Shine, the Hillary Fitz Band, Wed., March

TODD RUNDGREN: Sat., April 29, 8 p.m., $38.50-

726-6161.

LEVITATED: W/ Mel, Yadi Steez, Sean Young,

8, 8 p.m., $10. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave.,

$75. River City Casino & Hotel, 777 River City

JC BROOKS: Sat., April 29, 9 p.m., $12-$15. Off

Thu., March 30, 8 p.m., $5. The Firebird, 2706

St. Louis, 314-773-3363.

Casino Blvd., St. Louis, 314-388-7777.

Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, 314-773-

Olive St., St. Louis, 314-535-0353.

PAT BENATAR AND NEIL GIRALDO: W/ Rick

VITA AND THE WOOLF: Sat., April 29, 8 p.m.,

3363.

LIKE PACIFIC: W/ Decedy, The Cinema Story,

Springfield, Sat., May 6, 7:30 p.m., $15-$95. Hol-

$12. Fubar, 3108 Locust St, St. Louis, 314-289-

JEN NORMAN: Sun., March 19, 2 p.m., free.

Sat., April 15, 6 p.m., $13-$15. Fubar, 3108

lywood Casino Amphitheatre, I-70 & Earth City

9050.

314-833-3929.

CHEVY WOODS: Sun., March 26, 8 p.m., $15-$18.

Fubar, 3108 Locust St, St. Louis, 314-289-9050.

CHRISTINE BREWER: Fri., March 10, 4:30 p.m., $10. Webster University-Moore Auditorium, 470 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314968-7128.

DANBURY STREET: Sat., March 11, 6 p.m., free.

Howard’s in Soulard, 2732 S 13th St, St. Louis, 314-349-2850.

EAST SIDERS REVIEW: Wed., March 8, 10 p.m., $5. BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups, 700 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314-436-5222.

EDGEFIELD C. JOHNSTON AND THE STILL STAND-

is, 314-696-2888. Fri., March 17, 8 p.m., free.

Paddy Mc D’s, 5528 Maryville Road, Granite

Day, My Chemical Romance, Rage Against The Machine, Alkaline Trio, Fri., March 31, 8 p.m., $6-$8. The Firebird, 2706 Olive St., St. Louis, 314-535-0353.

GOV’T MULE: Mon., May 22, 8 p.m., $33.50-$38.

The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-726-6161.

HIP HOP MANIA 3: Sat., April 8, 8 p.m., $10.

Fubar, 3108 Locust St, St. Louis, 314-289-9050.

I ACTUALLY: Sat., March 4, 9 p.m., free. Layla,

48

RIVERFRONT TIMES

3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, 314-773-3363.

PORTUGAL. THE MAN: Sun., June 11, 8 p.m., $27.50-$30. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-726-6161.

THE PRETTY RECKLESS: Thu., May 11, 8 p.m., $25-$28. Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-726-6161.

SAMANTHA FISH: Wed., April 26, 8 p.m., $15.

Old Rock House, 1200 S. 7th St., St. Louis, 314588-0505.

SCHOOL OF ROCK PERFORMS THE BENDS: Sun., March 5, 6 p.m., $10. The Stage at KDHX, 3524 Washington Ave, St. Louis, 314-925-7543, ext.

815.

INGS: Fri., March 31, 9 p.m., free. Layla, 4317

p.m., free. San Loo, 3211 Cherokee St., St. Lou-

er, Fri., March 17, 9 p.m., free. Off Broadway,

MARCH 1-7, 2017

riverfronttimes.com

SAVAGE LOVE COME NOW

BY DAN SAVAGE Hey, Dan: Fortyish, straight, white dude here. I have this weird (possibly misogynistic) belief that, when it comes to sex, I can’t win. Actually, I think men in general can’t win. Thoughtful, well-meaning men at least. It comes down to this: During sex, if the man doesn’t come, it’s the man’s fault, because he clearly has problems with his dick and is barely even a man and should be ashamed of himself. If the woman doesn’t come, it’s also the man’s fault, because he’s clearly bad at sex and doesn’t even care and is barely even a man and should be ashamed of himself. So am I a misogynist or just a guy with issues? Any advice for me moving forward?

Yeah, I Got Issues If you’ve been with women who blamed you when you didn’t come, YIGI, and then turned around and blamed you when they didn’t come, well, that had to be annoying. Or maybe you’re referring to something in the ether and not to any inabilityto-climax/inability-to-induceclimax shaming you’ve actually come in for. (Have you been with women who shamed you like this? If so, and again, that had to be annoying. Have you

been with any women at all? If not, it’s possible your letter is an MRA setup and/or you’re a misogynist with issues.)

If this has actually happened to you, YIGI, chalk it up to “some people are awful, women are people, some women are awful” and let it go. And remember this about men: Sometimes we come during sex, sometimes we don’t, the number of times we don’t increases with age. Focus more on intimacy, connection and mutual pleasure, YIG and less on spooging all over everything— and seek partners with the same focus.

As for women: You do know that dick alone isn’t gonna do it for most women, right? Only a small percentage of women can come from PIV intercourse alone. (If you didn’t know, you know now, and you’re welcome.)

And you’re familiar with the clitoris, right? (If you weren’t, google it, and you’re welcome.)

But if you find yourself in bed with a woman and you’re having difficultly helping her come (you’re there to help not make), ask her if she can make herself come. If she can’t, odds are you won’t be able to help her come, either—not you, not anyone else.

If she can make herself come, ask her to masturbate to climax while you watch. Make a close study of what works for her. If she touches herself in a certain way, learn to touch her in that

way. If she busts out a vibrator, use that vibrator before, during, and after PIV or instead of PIV. Good luck.

Hey, Dan: I’m a fan from way back. A therapist told me to go out and have some fun—I’m a married woman with teen boys and feeling a bit lonely—but I’m not looking to have an affair. I just want a spanking now and then. I found the one kink club I visited in New York to be kind of depressing, and my spanking friends are more of a social group who hang out on the weekends.

I just need a little recreation— some good, clean spanking fun.

Would love your advice.

Seeks Paddling And Needs Know-How Kink enthusiasts, like dentists and accountants and troglodytes ( h e y t h e r e , C PAC ) , h a v e conventions, SPANK, where like-minded/employed/aroused folks meet and socialize before heading up to their hotel rooms for some good, clean kinky fun. I think you should get your ass to one of the many spanking conventions out there — and so does Jillian Keenan, journalist and author of Sex with Shakespeare, a memoir about your shared kink (spanking) and how Shakespeare’s plays helped Keenan discover and accept herself, as a human being and as a kinkster.

49

“National parties are a great way to get safe, fun, no-sex spankings and meet other people in the scene in a low-pressure environment,” said Keenan.

“There are some parties I’ve chosen not to attend for political reasons,” said Keenan.

“The spanking community isn’t immune to heteronormative bullshit, unfortunately, and some parties explicitly prohibit M/m play. Any party for sexual minorities that prohibits expressions of other minority sexual identities doesn’t deserve our time or our money!”

Hey, Dan: Someone asked me to pee on them and offered to pay me. I didn’t know what to do.

They weren’t unattractive. Would you pee on someone for money?

Perplexed European Enquires I’m not ready to go pro at this stage in my career.

I T M FA ! L e t p e o p l e k n o w you want to impeach the m o t h e r f u c ke r a l r e a d y ! G e t ITMFA buttons, T-shirts, hats, mugs, lapel pins and more at ITMFA.org. All proceeds benefit the ACLU, Planned Parenthood and the International Refugee Assistance Project.

Listen to Dan’s podcast at savagelovecast.com. mail@savagelove.net @fakedansavage on Twitter

STREAK’S CORNER • by Bob Stretch

riverfronttimes.com

MARCH 1-7, 2017

RIVERFRONT TIMES

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1-800-LET-CHAT (538-2428)

FREE 24/7 SEX HOT, BEEFY BI STUDS 800-GAY-MEET (429-6338)

100 Employment 105 Career/Training/Schools THE OCEAN CORP. 10840 Rockley Road, Houston, Texas 77099.

Train for a new career. *Underwater Welder.

Commercial Diver. *NDT/Weld Inspector.

Job Placement Assistance.

Financial Aid avail for those who qualify 1.800.321.0298

120 Drivers/Delivery/Courier

DRIVERS NEEDED H H H ASAP H H H

Requires Class E, B or A License.

S Endorsement Helpful. Must be 25 yrs or older. Will Train.

ABC/Checker Cab Co CALL NOW 314-725-9550

Professional Valet Attendants

183 Trades

Experienced

u Painter u

South City Area Must Have Basic Tools $15/hour.

Call Between 9-5 Mon-Fri

314-412-1393 190 Business Opportunities

FIT3 IS HERE! Are you ready to get fit financial & physically? uuu Three openings for serious, motivated individuals.

Independent Reliv Distributor

Call (314) 223-8067 now for appointment

800 Health & Wellness 805 Registered Massage

4 full & part time 4 proficient in Englis 4 professional appearance 4 18 years of age 4 valid drivers license 4 able to drive stick shift 4 pass background check 4 clean DMV driving record

A Wonderfully ~ Relaxing ~

Apply at claytonvalet.com

314-706-4076

Intuitive massage by licensed therapist.

2002030286

167 Restaurants/Hotels/Clubs

aaa

HOTEL HOUSEKEEPERS 6 months exp & criminal Background check required.

Start ASAP 314-863-7400

MASSAGE! 4 Sally Drive Maryland Heights $60/hour

314-325-4634

NOW HIRING

Stop By With Your Resume Mon-Sat 2-5pm

A New Intuitive Massage

Call Natalie 314.799.2314

ULTIMATE MASSAGE

by SUMMER!!!!

Relaxing 1 Hour Full Body Massage.

Light Touch, Swedish, Deep Tissue.

Daily 10am-5pm South County.

314-620-6386 Ls # 2006003746

810 Health & Wellness General ARE YOU ADDICTED TO PAIN MEDICATIONS OR HEROIN? Suboxone can help. Covered by most insurance. Free & confidential assessments Outpatient Services. Center Pointe Hospital 314-292-7323 or 800-3455407 763 S. New Ballas Rd, Ste. 310

815 Mind/Body/Spirit

BE WELL, STAY WELL. Help others be well and stay well.

Build a business helping others get what they need and you WILL get what you need. uuu Call (314) 223-8067 now for appointment

500 Services 525 Legal Services

File Bankruptcy Now! Call Angela Jansen 314-645-5900 Bankruptcyshopstl.com

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising.

530 Misc. Services

` ```` ` ` SPRING SPECIAL LAWNMOWER TUNE UP $50.00 JENNINGS LAWNMOWER SERVICE 6502 W FLORISSANT 314-261-7024

` ```` ` `

Escape the Stresses of Life with a relaxing

WANTED: DISHWASHER

You’ll Come Away Feeling Refreshed & Rejuvenated.

Call 314-972-9998

314-997-4224

Simply Marvelous

HHHHH Call Cynthia today for your massage. M-F 7-5, Sat. 9-1.

314-265-9625 - Eureka Area #2001007078

HHHHHHH

2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes for rent.

Sec. 8 welcome

OVERLAND/ST. ANN $535-$575 314-995-1912 SPECIAL-1 MONTH FREE! Great location near Hwys 170, 64, 70 & 270.

6 minutes to Clayton.

Garage, Clean, safe, quiet.

JENNINGS LAWNMOWER SERVICE 6502 W FLORISSANT 314-261-7024

` ```` ` ` WANTS TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil & gas interests.

Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, CO 80201

600 Music 610 Musicians Services

MUSICIANS Do you have a band?

We have bookings.

Call (314)781-6612 for information Mon-Fri, 10:00-4:30

MUSICIANS AVAILABLE Do you need musician? A Band?

A String Quartet?

Call the Musicians Association of St. Louis

(314) 781-6612 M-F, 10:00-4:30

MUSICIANS Do you have a band?

We have bookings.

Call (314)781-6612 for information Mon-Fri, 10:00-4:30

ST. CHARLES COUNTY 314-579-1201 or 636-939-3808 eatonproperties.com

317 Apartments for Rent

` ```` ` ` SPRING SPECIAL LAWNMOWER TUNE UP $50.00

RICHMOND-HEIGHTS $525-$575 314-995-1912 SPECIAL-1 MONTH FREE! Near Metrolink, Hwys 40 & 44 & Clayton.

1BR, all electric off Big Bend.

UNIVERSITY CITY $795 314-727-1444 2BR, new kitch, bath & carpet, C/A & heat. No pets.

WESTPORT/LINDBERGH/PAGE $535-$585 314-995-1912 SPECIAL-1 MONTH FREE! Nice Area near Hwys 64, 270, 170, 70 & Clayton.

Patio, laundry, great landlord! Clean, safe, quiet.

www.LiveInTheGrove.com 245 RE Services

Fresh Start Realty

stststststststst

Can get you up to $9,000 in down pymt/closing cost assistance.

Call to get a FREE list of homes with no money down.

RIVERBEND APARTMENTS 314.481.4250 4720 S. Broadway St. Louis MO 63111 Low Income/Section 8 1 & 2 Bedroom Waiting List Will Be OPEN Thurs 2/23/17 through Tues 3/21/17 APPLY IN PERSON DAILY 9am-12pm.

Must Bring Photo Identification & P oof of Income.

VV NEW OWNERSHIP VV SOUTH CITY $400-$850 314-771-4222

stststststststst

314-337-1230 330 Short Term/Corporate Housing

NORTH ST. LOUIS COUNTY 314-579-1201 or 636-939-3808 eatonproperties.com

1-3 BR Apts. Many different units.

NO CREDIT, NO PROBLEM! www.stlrr.com

2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes for rent.

Sec. 8 welcome

AUDIO EXPRESS!

Lowest Installed Price In Town — Every Time!

Waiting For A Tax Refund?

Get What You Want Now! Pay When Your Refund Arrives!

We Have Finance Plans Up To 5 YEARS! Also 90 DAYS SAME AS CASH!*

FREE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & ADDICTION TREATMENT FOR Adolescents, Adults and Older Adults FOR A CONFIDENTIAL ASSESSMENT AT NO COST, CALL

1-800-345-5407 Hope for a bright future

Two-Year Warranty

6.2” touchscreen, dual camera input, link 2 phones, add iDataLink Maestro.

Rear Camera Install additional.

Model may vary,

Big JL Audio Bass Package!

4801 WELDON SPRING PKWY. ST. CHARLES, MO 63304

$

649 270

99

Save

00*

$

INSTALL !

D INCLUDE

$

9990

99

$ Save 34

00*

Amp kit, shop supplies additional,

SOUTH 5616 S. Lindbergh • (314) 842-1242 WEST 14633 Manchester • (636) 527-26811

6502 w. florissant 314-261-7024

INSTALL !

D INCLUDE

Free Install Provided By

Two 12” subs, a 1000 watt amp and a ported bass enclosure.

SPRING SPECIAL - $50.00 jennings lawnmower service L AW N M O W E R T U N E U P

CENTRAL-CITY $100/WK 618-501-3361 Very nice, quiet, large furn rms for rent. W/D, cable, AC, Owner onsite, major businesses outside. $100 deposit

DOWNTOWN Cityside-Apts 314-231-6806 Bring in ad & application fee waived!

Gated prkng, onsite laundry. Controlled access bldgs, pool, fitness, business ct . Pets welcome

ORIENTAL MASSAGE & REFLEXOLOGY

Evenings from 4:30pm.

11939 Olive Blvd.

Creve Coeur

2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes for rent.

Sec. 8 welcome

385 Room for Rent

WANTS TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil & gas interests.

Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, CO 80201

www.artformassage.info CMT/LMT 2003026388

622 North and South Road St. Louis, MO 63130

SOUTH ST. LOUIS CITY 314-579-1201 or 636-939-3808 eatonproperties.com

300 Rentals

HAZELWOOD 233 Village Square Cntr • (314) 731-1212 FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS 10900 Lincoln Tr. • (618) 394-9479

Unless otherwise limited, prices are good through Tuesday following publication date. Installed price offers are for product purchased from Audio Express installed in factory-ready locations. Custom work at added cost. Kits, antennas and cables additional. Added charges for shop supplies and environmental disposal where mandated. Illustrations similar. Video pictures may be simulated. Not responsible for typographic errors. Savings off MSRP or our original sales price, may include install savings. Intermediate markdowns may have been taken. Details, conditions and restrictions of manufacturer promotional offers at respective websites. Price match applies to new, non-promotional items from authorized sellers; excludes “shopping cart” or other hidden specials. © 2017, Audio Express.

riverfronttimes.com

MARCH 1-7, 2017

AUDIO EXPRESS!

RIVERFRONT TIMES

Lowest Installed Price In Town — Every Time!

51

special asian massage

Ultimate Massage by

regular client daily specials

SWEDISH & DEEP TISSUE FULL BODY MASSAGE

$50 PER HOUR $70 PER 90 MINUTES

Summer!

NEW CLIENTS ASK ABOUT SPINDOWN RATES

daily 10 am - 5 pm

BULLETIN BOARD

CALL RFT CL ASSIFIED AT 314-754-5966, TO PL ACE AN AD

South County/Lemay Area

314-620-6386 # 2006003746

amandaminidayspa.com 4 Sally Drive • Maryland Heights, MO 314-325-4876 Book online for the best way to get an appointment

HARD, SOFT, or SPORTS massage let our experienced hands massage you today !

LET US HELP YOU PUSH THE RIGHT BUTTONS!

Relaxing Matter

DATING MADE EASY... LOCAL SINGLES! Listen & Reply FREE! 314-739-7777 FREE PROMO CODE: 9512 Telemates

T Patricia’s T

13714-A Olive Blvd. • Chesterfield 314-628-1688 • RelaxingMatter.com

patriciasgiftshop.com

LIKE US 4

EarthCircleRecycling.com

Earth Circle’s mission is to creatively assist businesses and residents with their recycling efforts while providing the friendliest and most reliable service in the area. llll

Call Today!

314-664-1450

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EVANGELINE’S SUNDAY SWING JAZZ BRUNCH!

Features performances from local Swing Jazz artists and Dr. Bob's "Be nice of Leave" Bloody Mary Bar

evangelinesstl.com

File Bankruptcy Now!

facebook.com/riverfronttimes

CenterPointe Hospital provides a full continuum of care for ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT FOR ADULTS DETOXIFICATION, 4-WEEK RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT, OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS, & FAMILY SUPPORT

CALL 1-800-345-5407 24-hour Confidential Assessment with Caring and Compassionate Counselors No Cost for the Initial Assessment Most Major Insurances Accepted CenterPointe Hospital 4801 Weldon Spring Parkway St. Charles, MO 63304

Call Angela Jansen ~314-645-5900~ Bankruptcyshopstl.com

w w w. C e n t e r Po i n t e H o s p i t a l . c o m

HOPE FOR A BRIGHT

FUTURE

NOW HIRING

Stop By With Your Resume Mon-Sat 2-5pm 622 North and South Road St. Louis, MO 63130

RFT WEEKLY E-MAILS For an Inside Look at Dining, Concerts, Events, Movies & More!

Sign up at www.riverfronttimes.com

RIVERBEND APARTMENTS 4720 S. Broadway St. Louis MO 63111

314.481.4250

Low Income/Section 8 1 & 2 Bedroom Waiting List Will Be OPEN Thurs 2/23/17 through Tues 3/21/17 APPLY IN PERSON DAILY 9am-12pm.

Must Bring Photo Identification & P oof of Income.

VV NEW OWNERSHIP VV

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising.

Fresh Start Realty stststststststst

ttttttt Made You Look!

Can get you up to $9,000 in down pymt/closing cost assistance.

Call to get a FREE list of homes with no money down.

Get the Attention of our Readers

stststststststst

Call 314-754-5966 for More Info

314-337-1230 KID’S CORNER

After School Activities for Kids!

Workshops & Individual Sessions craftstl.com

WHERE BEALE STREET MEETS BOURBON STREET Serving Cajun, Southern, BBQ & Sunday Brunch

CRAFT CENTRAL

hwy61roadhouse.com

WHERE IS A GOOD BAKERY IN ST. LOUIS?

LIKE US 4

Lubeley’s Bakery & Deli

facebook.com/riverfronttimes

7815 Watson Road 314-961-7160 lubeleysbakery.com

www.LiveInTheGrove.com

www.LiveInTheGrove.com 52

RIVERFRONT TIMES

MARCH 1-7, 2017

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