August 2010

August 2010

Arts & Entertainment Guide Melissa Ethridge: Fearless Love LGBT A&E Class of 2010 SEX Inc.

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‘ n THiS ISSUE

7 11 14 17 23 33 34

State of the Arts Sex and Flier Melissa Etheridge 2010 A&E Guide LGBT A&E Class of 2010 St. Louis Black Pride Non-profit of the Month

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Volume 11, Issue 8 Index Darin Slyman – Publisher/Editor vitalvoicemag@gmail.com Tess Tulley – Director of Business Affairs tesstulley@thevitalvoice.com Jeff Kapfer – Art Director design@thevitalvoice.com Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Web Editor colin_murphy@sbcglobal.net R. Lee Bond – Associate Editor rleebond.vitalvoice@gmail.com Drew Baumgartner – Marketing/Vital VISION Dbaumgartner05@gmail.com CONTACT Vital VOICE Magazine 4579 Laclede Avenue #268 Saint Louis, MO 63108 VitalVOICEmag@gmail.com 314.256.1196

Contributors Colin Murphy – Writer Matt Jamieson – Writer Sarah Fentam – Writer Corey Stulce – Writer Richard Nichols – Photography Sex, Inc. – Photography ADVISORY BOARD William A. Donius Thom Halter Colin Murphy Jay Perez Pam Schneider Kellie Trivers Sharon Tucci

ONLINE thevitalvoice.com facebook.com/VitalVOICE twitter.com/VitalVOICEmag youtube.com/TheVitalVISION ADVERTISING Tesstulley@thevitalvoice.com 314.256.1196 (office)

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Dear

Friends, As we wrap up summer 2010 and begin our journey into fall, we felt it pertinent to inform you about the many great up-and-coming Arts and Entertainment festivals, gallery openings and events for the 2010/2011 season. I have always been impressed with how much St. Louis supports the arts. Per capita St. Louis has one of the most thriving and well-supported communities in the US. Writer Matt Jamieson worked tirelessly collecting as much information about theatre, dance, culture and art to bring you the most comprehensive and up to date Arts and Entertainment Guide for 2010-2011.

Along with our Arts and Entertainment Guide, we thought we would showcase some of our amazing LGBT’rs who are either established or on the rise in the Art community. We present to you our 2010 LGBT A&E class of 2010. This is something that we hope to continue every year with our A&E guide. So, if you are an LGBT artisan please hit us up so we can put you on our radar for next year.

This month in Colin Murphy’s 1 out of TEN column, we take a look back to one of St. Louis’s most provocative and funny drag productions, SEX, Inc. The St. Louis drag scene has been going strong for a long time. Drag has always been considered one of our communities most prized art forms. It is always a blast to look back on our history to draw inspiration for our future.

Finally, I am so excited to announce that coming this fall Vital VOICE and STL TV have teamed up to bring you St. Louis’ premier LGBT television program, LGBT Roundtable. This half-hour program will cover anything and everything related to the LGBT community. Stay tuned for more information.

Cheers,

Darin Slyman Publisher

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Arts State of the

Written by Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Web Editor. Photo by Richard Nichols When it comes to the arts—St. Louis may never match the intensity of cities like New York, Chicago or Los Angeles, but we are a formidable metropolis—an oasis of unique culture, history and art straddling the mighty Mississippi. From our world class symphony and art museum to the thriving theatre scene and up and coming art districts, The Gateway City has much to offer even the most refined of tastes.

Still—we continue the generations-long battle between creative freedom and dogged Midwestern conservatism. What’s more, the recession has taken its toll and nowhere has this been more keenly felt than within the creative community.

Vital VOICE recently asked three area artists to give us their take on “The State of the Arts” in St. Louis and what role the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community plays in supporting them.

PHILIP HITCHCOCK – ARTIST OWNER PHD GALLERY It’s difficult to have a discussion of the arts without some discussion about funding. There is a strong not-for-profit model in St. Louis, with many of those visual arts venues receiving grant money from various sources, including the Regional Arts Commission.

As a commercial venue, however, it has been challenging to prosper in this economy because discretionary spending on the part of consumers has been tight. I have joked many times that if you’re choosing between gasoline and antibiotics—you’re probably not buying too much art!

Still, even though I’ve had to do some belt-tightening, I remain cautiously optimistic about the visual art scene in St. Louis. There is neither shortage of quality presentations nor any dearth in talent in The Lou—I think this is and always has been true in the LGBT Community. Didn’t the word “artistic” used to be code for queer?

PHD Gallery has never been shy about showing work by openly gay and lesbian artists and I make a point of marketing to our community. We may not have equal rights, but we’ve got good taste! And, in general, I’ve found the LGBT community to be huge supporters of the arts.

from everyone at Vital Voice,

Thanks for supporting PrideFest 2010!

COLIN LOVETT – CLASSICAL MUSICIAN ST. LOUIS CIVIC ORCHESTRA The arts in St. Louis are definitely alive.

The unfortunate characteristic about classical music, in which I include band ensembles, is that it’s a dying art form. Seldom anymore do people pay $30-1000, get dressed up, drive 50-miles and sit in an uncomfortable chair for 90-minutes of Beethoven. They could instead listen to a recording and have it played perfect every time. However, many times symphony lovers around the Gateway City really miss out on some great opportunities to hear the music live.

I see that many of the groups tend to have a hard time financially meeting ends. None of them (not even St. Louis Symphony) operates on ticket sales alone. Thus, there is always a big push for donor support and program advertising. Every member of St. Louis Symphony is paid. Some of the members of the community ensembles are paid—the principal in each string section, sometimes a few winds, and always the conductor.

Like anything else—there are LGBT people within these ensembles. However, due to their target audiences, very little advertising/programming is currently done to attract our community (with the exception of Gateway Men’s Chorus, Charis and Band Together).

I think with all the arts that are out there, our community could find a group and reach out for a benefit concert of some sort—St. Louis Civic doing a concert for AIDS—or something of the like.

JOAN LIPKIN – PLAYWRIGHT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, THAT UPPITY THEATRE COMPANY For a city of its size, I think that St. Louis has a diverse and high-quality arts community with something for virtually everyone.

The theatre scene has grown dramatically since I founded That Uppity Theatre Company 20 years ago… There are now many excellent theatre companies in town. Along with many other people, I don’t have enough time to see all the interesting work that is being done, and that is a good problem to have.

However, given the nature of their art forms, both the theatre and dance communities face challenges that are particular to them.

There is a crucial need for additional affordable, safe, centrally located, flexible performance spaces in the urban corridor. St. Louis has a serious dearth of these kinds of spaces to a degree that I have not noticed in cities of similar size.

For a long time, I have talked about how architecture creates experience. I feel strongly that the limited availability of black box or open spaces in St. Louis has constricted opportunities for theatrical or dance experimentation among local artists, including me. I believe that the emphasis on traditional proscenium spaces has hindered artistic development in St. Louis.

Another concern that I have has to do with the affordability of theatre tickets for a wider population. It concerns me that tickets often feel out of reach for many people, especially in this economic climate, and that people sometimes feel ashamed or embarrassed when they can’t afford to go see something or have to make difficult choices.

It is not surprising that some of strongest supporters of the arts, as well as many of its practitioners and leaders, are part of the LGBT community. Many of us seek to re-imagine the world, including escaping from some of the narrow gender roles so frequently imposed by the dominant culture. The arts have been a way for LGBT people to both survive and thrive.

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Sex

1 Out of 10 Ain’t Bad!

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Flier

Written by Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Web Editor Photography by Sex, Inc. & Colin Murphy When Chuck Atteberry and the late Dean Dingler and Michael Lavin formed the comedy drag trio Sex, Inc. in 1972, they couldn’t have imagined the 13-year run that lay ahead of them.

They were big men with even bigger hearts who took the LGBT community by storm and rode a wave of popularity that stretched from the heady days of disco to the early years of AIDS. As the original “hot mess,” Sex, Inc.’s impact on our community can be measured by the fact that eyes still light up and smiles broaden at the mere mention of their name. What’s more, they were among the leaders of a generation of female impersonators who poured themselves into service through outreach, education and fundraising when our community needed it most.

Recently my friend Daniel Flier, better known as Vanessa Vincent, Miss Gay Missouri 1982 and co-founder of St. Louis Effort for AIDS helped arrange an interview with Atteberry. Needless to say I jumped at the chance to talk Sex—(and Flier): “I’m the most talented, the prettiest and the sole survivor of Sex, Inc.,” Atteberry begins.

“He tells everyone that,” quips Flier. “The others aren’t here to say any different.”

With that—I knew this was going to be a fun interview!

In 1969 The Mandrake Society was founded in St. Louis. The group was our city’s first LGBT rights organization and held the popular Mandrake Ball each Halloween to raise money.

“That’s how Sex, Inc. came about,” Atteberry says. “Dean and I were doing fundraising for Mandrake and we thought we should do a comedy act of ‘fat girls.’ And Dean said we really need three—who can we get? Wait—there’s a bartender at the Onyx Room. ‘She’ thinks ‘she’s’ pretty—let’s ask ‘her’! And Michael had only been out about a month.”

Indeed, Lavin was drafted and rehearsals began in late 1972. At first it was thought that the big men looked too pretty—so out sprang the big white hair and outrageous outfits. As for music, they started off with anything that was a trio, like The Supremes—but added their own comedic twist.

The name Sex, Inc. was a takeoff on Barry White’s “Love Unlimited” and the threesome stole their names from the biggest sex symbols of the time: Dingler was Ursula (Andress), Atteberry was Raquel (Welch) and Lavin was 11 Elke (Sommer).

“We started out with the music from “Chariots of Fire” and the stage is black,” he excitedly explains. “Dean has this huge turkey leg and he sticks his hand through the drapes and then he comes out and the strobe light is going. The “Chariots” music is playing and it’s in slow motion and its Michael and I chasing Dean for the turkey leg.

And then it goes into “Let’s Get Physical” mixed with Diana Ross’s “I Want Muscles,” because we’ve got on running gear. I loved that!”

Raquel, Elke and Ursula were larger than life and in-demand throughout the country. The trio traveled extensively and performed at bars ranging from the hottest discos to the cruisiest dives.

“We did a show at a leather bar in Dallas and they had a dressing room that neither of us could fit into—but they had their own chicken coop out back,” laughs Atteberry. “So we dressed out back in the coop with the chickens roaming around and it was 100-degrees. So we constantly made jokes about the chickens and the eggs and wiping our feet when we got on stage.”

In 1979 Sex, Inc. bought the Miss Gay Missouri America pageant which exploded in popularity and participation under their 8-year stewardship. Icons including Genevieve Ryder, Georgia Brown, Vanessa Vincent, Vicki Vincent, Melinda Ryder, Dan Curry, Zsa Zsa Principle, Mona Desmond, and Charity Case were each crowned during this era.

“I have to say back in those days so many of the drag queens took themselves so seriously,” explains Atteberry. “When we came out and were just berserk and drug guys up on stage and did all sorts of stuff—people just ate it up.”

“I remember very clearly the first time I saw Sex, Inc.,” recalls Flier.

“I was like I don’t know what they are but I love them!”

—

—

“One of the things that Sex, Inc. did was they took drag to a whole other level,” says Flier. “They were the ones who said, no—if they aren’t going to pay you $75—you’re not performing. Because of them we learned to stand up for ourselves and not work for $25—unless it’s a benefit and that’s an entirely different thing. I am Miss Gay Missouri and you will pay me what I’m worth.”

Sex, Inc. disbanded in 1985 but would reunite for the rare benefit performance—their last for Gateway MC’s 20-anniversary. The legendary trio had enjoyed a 13-year run unprecedented and to date, unduplicated in the Gateway City.

Dingler passed away in 1997 and Lavin, a little over a year later.

“Drag is constantly evolving,” concludes Atteberry. “We came along to do what we did just at the right time when people were ready for that kind of silliness. And then it got really serious again. It seems very serious to me now.”

While their numbers were cleverly choreographed and rehearsed, audiences never saw the same act twice given the trio’s slapstick comedy, zany antics and penchant for audience participation. For Sex, Inc. was a crossover hit—appealing to everyone from queer and straight audiences alike to their unlikely camaraderie with the leather community. Yes Sex (Inc.) was big at club runs country-wide.

“The one thing that I think is so fascinating about them is how they would go to these leather events where you would have these insane, rough leather-crowds and they would be so well received,” offers Flier.

“They loved us,” adds Atteberry.

Asked if he has a favorite number that Sex, Inc. performed over the years and Atteberry doesn’t hesitate:

13

Melissa Etheridge

by Corey Stulce

Julie anxiously clicked the heels of her cowboy boots—pink, to signify she had kicked breast cancer’s ass.

In walked Melissa, the brown leather fringe on her long coat flickering as she strode into the room to greet a few lucky fans.

Julie held her restraint, knowing in a few moments she would be meeting her hero.

Would she cry? Gush? Lose her mind completely?

The St. Louis native held it in, and the two lovely, long-haired, blond gals—who five years ago were both bald, stricken fighters—shared a moment that only survivors could. Julie embraced her songbird hero—a symbol of vitality she used through the tough days—and Melissa whispered in her ear, “Stay healthy; stay strong.”

Julie waited until we were outside to let a few tears loose.

She said it was one of the best experiences of her life. And she didn’t lose her mind.

Melissa Etheridge has been a symbol of hope, strength and power for not only cancer survivors but also millions of gay people living in the heartland— some still not feeling safe enough to be themselves.

And while Melissa is touring strong off her rocking new album, “Fearless Love,” she’s making more headlines online lately relating to the announcement that she and longtime partner Tammy Lynn Michaels split.

So what’s it like getting out on the road with new songs to play when your private life is splayed all over the papers—or at least TMZ dot com?

“Aw, that sucks,” Melissa told The Vital Voice. “It is the truth, and one of the reasons I wanted to have it out there is because (people ask), ‘How’s Tammy and the kids?’ I couldn’t make believe and lie. This is my path; this is where I’m at. I haven’t gotten into details. It’s not about that. This is a life change. This is a path. I hope that ultimately in the end, in a few years we can look back and go, OK, that’s how that happened. That’s what she did, and that’s where I’m at.”

Melissa has shared her heartbreak, her lust and her longing for years through her songs— often telling tales of how they came to be on the stage. It’s challenging to listen to the tracks of “Fearless Love” and not wonder what was going on when this was written.

“They are yours to interpret as you wish. I am learning things about them. I write, and sometimes I don’t know that I’m writing. I find things that I only come to consciously later.

Sure there’s stuff in there, and there’s not stuff in there; it’s all yours to have,” she said.

“I understand that people can take the music and feel like they know me. And because I’ve been so out there about my personal life and have shared many things— intimately—with the public, they do feel like they know me. I have to understand that.

I’m also like a great big projector screen. People are going to paint me how they’re going to paint me. I have to let it be and just let it roll off,” Melissa added.

On “Fearless Love,” Melissa croons, “If you can’t hold me now, you will never hold me again. I want to live my life pursuing all my happiness. I want a fearless love; I won’t settle for anything less.”

Tammy Lynn has referred to it as a “break-up song” on her blog. News of Melissa’s filing for legal dissolution of their relationship and Tammy Lynn’s filing for sole custody of the pair’s twin 3-year-olds fired through the Web quicker than gossip at a gay bar.

It’s easy to dissect the drama of the situation and judge Melissa Etheridge safely in front of a computer screen, but in all likelihood, the break-up of Melissa and Tammy Lynn isn’t all that different than thousands of other lesbian couples’ break-ups around the globe. In public, Melissa has always worn her heart on her sleeve and provided painful honesty through her music, which is why fans likely have taken this news to heart.

Love is a constant theme in her work, and the latest album is no different. Melissa said she consciously wanted to approach the choices we have between fear and love and the grittiness and rockiness that comes with it. She reminds that “love” can have many, many meanings.

“I think our language is woefully inadequate when we have one word for love, when there are other languages that have 300 words for love. There are so many different levels and definitions. There’s the sexual love. There’s personal love, love of one’s self. Relational love. Love of your children. There are all different kinds of love.

That’s what I am exploring here, all the different shades of it,” she said.

The self love has been a process, Melissa said, beginning with her cancer diagnosis six years ago and opening her head and heart to all that has come since. Through it all, she remains positive about future love.

“I stay hopeful by understanding that it’s the relationship you have with yourself. It’s the love you have for yourself. That’s the only way you can ever bring love to your life. They just have to look at themselves and put all of that into themselves and that’s the way you attract it outside of yourself,” Melissa said.

Her current tour, which will see Melissa perform Aug. 12 at the Roberts Orpheum Theatre in St. Louis, is full of rocking tunes from “Fearless Love” such as “The Wanting of You” and “Nervous” as well as classic hits like “Bring Me Some Water” and “I’m the Only One.” To conclude the interview, Melissa was kind enough to share her favorite “dirty” joke with Vital Voice readers.

“It’s not terribly filthy!” she laughed.

“There’s a doctor, and this college girl comes in says, ‘I’ve got this rash’ and it’s in the shape of an ‘H’ on her body. He says, ‘Oh my gosh. What’s that?’

She says, ‘My boyfriend likes to make love with his letter sweater on, and he goes to Harvard.’ ‘Oh, all right,’ and he gives her a little cream, and she goes away. This other girl comes in, and she’s got this rash in the shape of a ‘Y,’ and he’s like, ‘Oh my gosh. What’s that?’ And she says, ‘Oh, my boyfriend likes to make love with his letter sweater on, and he goes to Yale.’ He gives her some cream, and she goes away. This other girl comes in, and she’s got the shape of a letter ‘M’ on her body, and he goes, ‘Don’t tell me, your boyfriend goes to Michigan.’ She says, ‘No, but my girlfriend goes to Wellesley.’”

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2010

Arts and Entertainment Guide

By Matt Jamieson

Here it is, your 2010 guide to everything arts and entertainment under the sun here in St. Louis! Blood, sweat and tears have gone into making this guide the best source for your A & E pleasure. I hope you enjoy it!

Culture Cinema St. Louis 314-289-4150

www.cinemastlouis.org

Stella Artois French Film Festival: Sept 17-19 Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF): November 11-21 Cinema for Students: November 15-19 Oscar Night® America Celebration: Sunday, February 27, 2011 QFest: March 2011 Washington University 6445 Forsyth Blvd 314-935-6543 www.edison.wustl.edu ASHOKA-Diwali: November 12-13 Lunar New Year Festival: February 4-5, 2011

Fashion Week

www.stlouisfashionweek.com September 7-11, various locations— see website for details 314-289-1500

130 Edgar Road, P.O. Box 191730 314-968-4925 www.repstl.org

The Ninth Annual St. Louis Food & Wine Experience: January 29-30, 2011

St. Louis Mardi Gras

www.mardigrasinc.com Mardi Gras Parade, February 12, 2011

Taste of St. Louis

Soldiers’ Memorial www.tastestl.com October 1-3 Winifred Moore Auditorium 470 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves Or Schlafly Bottleworks7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood 314-968-7487 webster.edu/filmseries.html Kagemusha: August 1 Dreams: August 2 It’s A Gift: August 4

2010 Dancing In The Streets: September 25 First Night: December 31

Grovefest 5

The Grove Neighborhood, between Boyle & Sarah

4130 Lindell Blvd.

314-535-2310 www.placesforpeople.com 8th Annual Golf Tournament: September 24

The Edison Theatre 314-935-6543 www.edison.wustl.edu 6445 Forsyth Blvd, 63105

4579 Laclede Ave #259 www.bandtogetherstl.com

Centene Center for Arts & Education 3547 Olive Street, Suite 203 314-772-7778 http://atrekdance.org Mainstage performance: February and March 2011—dates to be announced

Band Together

Beale on Broadway 701 S. Broadway 314-621-7880

www.bealeonbroadway.com

Eric “Guitar” Davis: August 13 Kim Wilson & the Fabulous Thunderbirds: Aug 18

8001 Natural Bridge Rd 314-516-4949 www.touhill.org

Big Muddy Blues Festival

Chinese Dance-Classical, Modern and Folk: Sept 18 MADCO-34th Season Opener: October 1-2 MADCO-VESA: April 1-2, 2011

September 4-5 Acts to be announced.

Center of Creative Arts (COCA) Commercial Dance Intensive: August 2-6 A Dance to Jules Feiffer: Dec 3-Feb 13, 2011 The Little Dancer: An American Tour-Dec 10-12 In the Loop with COCAdance, Redd Williams and Crew: January 7-9, 2011

Places For People

Washington University Performing Arts Department

Atrek Dance Collective

Missouri Botanical Garden www.mobot.org

Elliptque, New York, Wake Up!: September 26 The Nutcracker: December 17-23 Tribute, Confessions, More Morra: April 2-3, 2011 Romeo and Juliet: June 26-27, 2011

MUSIC

524 Trinity Ave 314-725-6555

Jurassic Dark: Every Thurs night through Oct 3 TOMs Shoes Style Your Sole: August 14-15 Annual Japanese Festival: September 4-6 Best of Missouri Market: October 2-3 AARP Celebration of Life: October 13 Gardenland Express: Nov 23-Jan 2, 2011 Victorian Christmas At Tower Grove House: November 23-January 2, 2011

218 THF Blvd, Chesterfield, MO, 63005 636-537-1998 www.stlouisballet.org

www.annonyarts.org

September 18, 2010 4344 Shaw Blvd.

314-577-5100

Rulan Tangen & Dancing Earth-Of Bodies & Elements: October 1-2 Rulan Tangen and Dancing Earth-Elements of Dancing Earth: October 2 Dances of India: October 8-10; May 6-8, 2011 The Nutcracker: December 17-19 American College Dance Festival: March 10-12, 2011 Trey McIntyre Project: April 1-2, 2011 Black Dance USA: May 28, 2011

Emozioni Recordati: September 16-18, 23-25 Dine on Dance-A Lunchtime Performance: Sept 17, 24 Unbridled: November 12-13

Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center www.grandcenter.org

Washington University 314-935-6543 www.edison.wustl.edu 6445 Forsyth Blvd, 63105

Dance Close Up: September 9-11 Living in the Momentum: December 3-5

Dance Annonyarts

The Edison Theatre

St. Louis Ballet

Webster University Film Series

314-721-0052

The Edison Theatre

Grand Center

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

www.cocastl.org

Dance St. Louis 3547 Olive St. 314-534-5000

www.dancestl.org

Houston Ballet: October 8-9 Nutcracker at the Fox: December 2-5 Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet: Jan 28-29, 2011 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre: March 11-12, 2011 STOMP: March 25-26, 2011 MOMIX in Botanica: April 8-9, 2011

www.lacledeslanding.com

Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center 8001 Natural Bridge Rd 314-516-4949 www.touhill.org

Ariana String Quartet: September 10, October 29, March 5, 2011, May 6, 2011 The Parker Quartet: January 28, 2011 Mavrothi Kontanis & The Maeandros Ensemble: Oct 28 Masters of the Fiddle-Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: November 19 Taikoza: January 29, 2011 Chiwonso-Rebel Woman: February 26, 2011

Cabaret St. Louis

Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd 314-657-5033 www.cabaretstl.org Linda Purl: September 8-11 3 Men and a Baby Grand: October 13-16 Valerie Lemmon: November 10-13 Barb Younger: December 1-4

Chaifetz Arena

The Pageant

20th Anniversary House Party Tour: August 6 St. Louis Super Music Fest: August 28 Disney On Ice Presents Princess Classics: Sept 16-19 Vampire Weekend: October 3 Carrie Underwood: December 1

Bettie Serveert: October 22

Something Corporate: August 4 Hanson: August 5 Gogol Bordello: August 6 Better Than Ezra: August 7 Adam Lambert: August 8 Phoenix: August 9 Guitars and Saxes: August 13 Cypress Hill: August 16 Euge Groove & Andre Delano: August 20 Coheed and Cambria: August 23 The Black Crowes: August 27 Annie’s Hope Benefit: August 28 Here Come the Mummies: September 11 Corey Smith: September 18 Straight No Chaser: September 29 The National: September 30 Citizen Cope: October 11

The Edison Theatre

Pops

#1 S. Compton Ave 314-977-5000 www.thechaifetzarena.com

CHARIS, The St. Louis Women’s Chorus

2300 Lafayette Ave 314-664-9340 www.charischorus.org LGBT Center Benefit: October 9 Fall Concert: November 20

The Duck Room

Blueberry Hill 6504 Delmar Blvd 314-727-4444 www.blueberryhill.com

Washington University 314-935-6543 www.edison.wustl.edu 6445 Forsyth Blvd, 63105 Venice Baroque Orchestra with Robert McDuffie: October 15 Pluck-Musical Arson: November 19-20 Danú: March 5, 2011

Gateway Men’s Chorus

3547 Olive Street, Suite 300 314-289-4169 www.gatewaymenschorus.org LGBT Center Benefit Concert: October 9 Winter Concert:Christmas ‘round The World: Dec 10-11 Spring Concert:Piano Men: March 26, 2011 Summer Concert:Boys Don’t Cry: June 17-18, 2011

Jazz At The Bistro

3536 Washington Ave. 314-531-3663 jatb.org David Sanborn Trio feat. Joey DeFrancesco: Aug 16-17 Eric Slaughter Trio: September 10-11 Kenny Barron & Mulgrew Miller: Sept 22-25 Funky Butt Brass Band: October 1-2 Joshua Redman: October 6-9 Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project: October 15-16 Russell Malone Trio: October 20-23 Lamar Harris: October 29-30 Regina Carter’s Reverse Thread: November 3-6 Trio Trés Bien: November 12-13 Mike Stern Band feat. Dave Weckl, Tom Kennedy and Bob Malach: November 17-20 Jeremy Davenport: November 26-27 Pat Martino Trio: December 1-3 Good 4 The Soul: December 10-11 Jane Monheit: December 15-18 The Bad Plus: January 5-8, 2011 Charlie Hunter: January 19-22, 2011 Stanley Clarke and Hiromi: February 2-5, 2011 Ray Vega Latin Jazz Quartet: Feb 16-19, 2011 Chris Potter Underground: March 2-5, 2011 Ronald Carter & OGD: March 11-12, 2011 Christian McBride, Benny Green & Gregory Hutchinson: March 16-19, 2011 Ann Hampton Callaway: March 30-April 2, 2011 Cyrus Chestnut with guest Jon Faddis: April 8-9, 2011 Yellowjackets: April 13-16, 2011 Bill Charlap Trio: April 27-30, 2011 Houston Person: May 11-14, 2011 Sean Jones Quartet: May 25-28, 2011

6161 Delmar Blvd 314-726-6161 www.thepageant.com

1403 Mississippi Ave, Sauget, IL 618-275-6720 www.popsrocks.com Inimical Drive: August 21 Last Nights Vice: August 27 Sounds of Seattle Tour: August 28 Abigail Williams: September 27

Scottrade Center 1401 Clark Ave. 314-622-5400

www.scottradecenter.net

Black Eyed Peas: August 14 American Idols Live: August 25 Alice In Chains: October 1 How Sweet The Sound: October 5 Roger Waters: October 29 Justin Bieber: November 8

St. Louis Cathedral

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis 4431 Lindell Blvd.

314-533-7662 www.cathedralconcerts.org Concert with Libera: August 15 Exploring Sacred Music Seminar—Chant: September 23-October 28 2010-2011 Season Opening Party: October 1 Apollo’s Fire With Apollo’s Singers: October 17 Vienna Boys’ Choir: November 4-5 Christmas at the Cathedral: December 3-5 Ken Cowan, organist: January 23, 2011 Chanticleer: February 4, 2011 Opole, Philharmonic of Poland: March 2, 2011 Cathedral Concerts Gala: March 6, 2011 John Romeri, organist; Scott Kennebeck, tenor: March 20, 2011 Choir of St. John’s, Cambridge: April 5, 2011 The Pike’s Peak Ringers: June 3, 2011

St. Louis Classical Guitar Society

The Ethical Society 9001 Clayton Rd 314-567-5566 www.guitarstlouis.net Hanser-McClellan Guitar Duo: October 9 Raphaella Smits: November 6 LA Guitar Quartet: December 11 Tim Callobre: January 22, 2011 Grisha Goryachev: February 26, 2011 Athens Guitar Trio: March 26, 2011

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Powell Symphony Hall 718 N. Grand Blvd 314-534-1700 www.slso.org The Music of ABBA: September 11 Pulitzer Concert Series: Sept 14-15, Nov 10, Jan 12 2011, Feb 23 2011, April 13, 2011 Forest Park Concert: September 16 Bell Plays Tchaikovsky: September 18-19 Mozart Violin Concerto: September 24-25 Rhapsody in Blue: October 1-3 An Evening With Renée Fleming: October 2 Watts Plays Grieg: October 8-10 Stravisnky & Shostakovich: October 15-16 Beethoven 4: October 22-23 SLSO Presents Hitchcock’s “Psycho”: Oct 29-30 Ax Plays Brahms: November 5-7 Scheherazade: November 12-13 Alexander Nevsky: November 19-20 Rachmanioff’s Pagnini Rhapsody: Nov 26-28 Brahms 1: December 3-4 Michael W. Smith’s Christmas with the SLSO: December 11 A Gospel Christmas: December 16 SLSO Holiday Celebration: December 17-19 SLSO Presents Chaplin’s “City of Lights”: Dec 29-30 New Year’s Eve Concert: December 31 Circus Flora with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra: January 8-9, 2011 Pictures at an Exhibition: January 14-16, 2011 Brahms’ Requiem: January 21-22, 2011 Beethoven 7: January 28-30, 2011 Mahler 6: February 4-5, 2011 Jupiter Symphony: February 11-12, 2011 Lift Every Voice-Black History Month Celebration: February 18, 2011 Chris Botti: February 19, 2011 Tchaikovsky 6: February 25-27, 2011 Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2: March 11-13, 2011 Zarathustra: March 18-19, 2011 Baroque Gems: March 25-26, 2011 SLSO Presents “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings”: April 1-3, 2011 Mahler 2: April 8-10, 2011 Bronfman Plays Tchaikovsky: April 15-17, 2011 Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2: April 29-30, 2011 Carmina Burana: May 5-8, 2011 SLSO Presents Bernadette Peters: May 13, 2011

The Sheldon

3648 Washington Blvd 314-533-9900 www.sheldonconcerthall.org Lyle Lovett and His Large Band: August 2 Liz Callaway and Jason Graae: August 12 Rick Thum: August 17 Radio Rich and the 4th Row: August 20 Notes for Newborns Benefit: August 26 The Cunninghams: September 9 Peter Martin Music: September 11 Shawn Colvin: October 1 Leo Kottke: October 2 60 x 60 Dance: October 3 Tierney Sutton Band: October 9 American Music-The Sheldon Chorale: Oct 11 Dave Brubeck Quartet: October 17 Cornet Chop Suey: October 19-20 The Kingston Trio: November 5 Banu Gibson and the New Orleans Hot Jazz: Nov 7 Victor Goines: November 13 Elsie Parker & the Poor People of Paris: Nov 16-17 John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension: Nov 19

Clarion Brass: December 7-8 Kathy Mattea: December 10 Yuletide Reflections-The Sheldon Chorale: Dec 13 Dailey and Vincent: January 14, 2011 Carolbeth True & Christi John Bye: Jan 22, 2011 French Impressions: February 9, 2011 David Lanz & the Liverpool Trio: Feb 11, 2011 Brian Owens-The Soulful Sounds of Sam Cooke: February 12, 2011 Sacred Music of the Season-The Sheldon Chorale: February 21, 2011 The Dirty Dozen Brass Band & Jon Cleary: Feb 26, 2011 Maura O’Connell: March 4, 2011 Colors of Russia: March 9, 2011 The Celtic Tenors: March 11, 2011 Tim Schall: March 15-16, 2011 Swing DeVille: April 12-13, 2011 Hudson and the Hoo Doo Cats: April 16, 2011 German Perspectives: April 27, 2011 Tony DeSare and Bucky Pizzarelli: April 30, 2011 Red Clay Ramblers: May 6, 2011 The Sheldon Jazz Quintet: May 10-11, 2011

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, St. Louis

14141 Riverport Dr, Maryland Heights, MO, 63043 314-298-9944 www.livenation.com Brooks & Dunn-Last Rodeo Tour with guest Gary Allan: August 7 Pointfest: August 14 RUSH Time Machine Tour 2010: August 22 Budweiser Superfest: August 26 Rascal Flatts with Kellie Pickler: August 27

Echo Theatre Company

K’s Theatrical Korps

God’s Ear: July 28-August 15

Dancing at Lughansa: September 10-12, 17-19 The Butler Did It Singing: Nov 12-14, 19-21 Cabaret: February 18-20, 25-27, 2011 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: May 13-15, 20-22, 2011

4659 Wilcox Ave. 314-225-4329 www.echotheatrecompany.org

The Edison Theatre

Washington University 314-935-6543 www.edison.wustl.edu 6445 Forsyth Blvd, 63105 Macbeth: November 5-6 The Giver: January 8-23, 2011 Universes: April 15-16, 2011

First Run Theatre

Hunter Theatre, De Smet High School 233 N. New Ballas Rd 314-680-8102 www.firstruntheatre.com Rebecca and…: August 1, 7-8 Spectrum 2010: October 8-19

Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre

6800 Wydown Blvd.

314-862-3456 www.fontbonne.edu/academics/ undergraduatedegreeprogram/finearts 2010-2011 season TBA

The Fabulous Fox Theatre

527 N. Grand Blvd 314-531-9999 www.fabulousfox.com

2011 season announced in January.

Shrek The Musical: September 11-26 South Pacific: November 9-21 The Wizard of Oz: November 26-28 A Christmas Carol: December 9-12 Monty Python’s Spamalot: January 7-9, 2011 9 to 5-The Musical: Feburary 8-20, 2011 Next to Normal: April 12-24, 2011 Jersey Boys: May 11-29, 2011 Billy Elliott The Musical: August 26-27, 2011

Alton Little Theater

Florissant Civic Center Theatre

THEATRE Act, Inc.

7162 Delmar Blvd 314-725-9108 www.actinc.biz

2450 N. Henry St., Alton IL 618-462-6562 www.altonlittletheater.org Out of Order: September 17-26 Forever Plaid-Plaid Tidings: November 12-21 Kindertransport: January 14-23, 2011 Shirley Valentine: February 10-13, 2011 King o’ the Moon: March 11-20, 2011 Curtains: May 13-22, 2011

Avalon Theater Company

Union United Methodist Church 3543 Watson Rd 314-351-6482 www.avalontheatre.org

#1 James J. Eagen Drive 314-921-5678 www.florissantmo.com/theatre/index.shtml Broadway Bound: September 18 Forever Plaid: October 29

Hawthorne Players

#1 James J. Eagen Drive 314-524-5201 www.hawthorneplayers.com The Producers: August 8 The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspre: November 6-7, 12-14

The Good Doctor: November 11-21 The Price: February 3-13, 2011 Agnes of God: April 28-May 8, 2011

Hotcity Theatre

COCA, Center of Creative Arts

Equus: September 10-25 Slasher: December 3-18

524 Trinity Ave 314-725-6555

www.cocastl.org

This Is Not a Pipe Dream: October 8-9 Strega Nona-The Musical: November 12-14 Knuffle Bunny-A Cautionary Musical: January 21-23, 2011 Aga-Boom Theater of Physical Comedy: February 11-13, 2011 Holy Cow!: February 25-27, 2011

3547 Olive St. Suite 203 314-289-4060 www.hotcitytheatre.org

Ivory Theatre

7622 Michigan Ave 314-631-8330 www.ivorytheatre.com Alter Boyz: August 19-22, 26-29 The World Goes Round: October 1-3, 8-10 The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Oct 20-24, 27-31 A County Christmas: Nov 26-28, Dec 3-5

314-351-8984

www.kurtainkall.org

Kirkwood Theatre Guild

Robert G. Reim Theatre 111 S. Geyer Rd 314-821-9956 www.ktg-onstage.org Blithe Spirit: November 5-7, 11-13 Perfect Wedding: January 14-16, 20-22, 2011 The Heiress: March 4-6, 10-12, 2011 Curtains: April 29, 30, May 1, 5-7, 2011

Lindenwood Theatre

J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts 2300 West Clay Street, Saint Charles, MO 636-949-4433 lindenwood.edu/center/default.asp#upcoming Steel Magnolias: September 9-11, 16-18 You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown: Oct 7-9, 14-16 A Christmas Carol: Nov 18-20, Dec 2-5 She Stoops To Conquer: Feb 4-6, 2011 Urinetown: March 3-5, 2011 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest: April 1416, 2011

Looking Glass Playhouse

301 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon IL 618-537-4962 lookingglassplayhouse.com

Meramec Theatre

Meramec Campus, St. Louis Community College 314-984-7562 users.stlcc.edu/departments/mctheatre/season.htm 2010-2011 season TBA

Metro Theatre Company 8308 Olive Blvd 314-997-6777

metrotheater-company.org

Deliliah’s Wish: September-November Tomato Plant Girl: September-November

Monroe Actors Stage Company

The Historic Capital Theater 202 S. Main St, Waterloo, IL 618-939-7469 www.masctheatre.org Fools: November 13-15, 20-22

The Muny

Forest Park 314-361-1900 2011 season shows announced after Thanksgiving.

Muddy Waters Theatre

5000 Washington Place 314-799-8399 muddywaterstheatre.com Long Day’s Journey Into Night: November 5-21

Mustard Seed Theatre

6800 Wydown Blvd 314-719-8060 mustardseedtheatre.com Crumbs from the Table of Joy: Aug 27-Sept 12 The Chosen: October 7-November 7 Shadowlands: January 27-February 13, 2011 Till We Have Faces: April 15-May 1, 2011

St. Charles Community College Center Stage Theatre

314-361-2881

16-17, 20-21, 23-24 The Last of the Red Hot Mamas: December 1-2, 4-5, 8-9, 11-12, 15-16, 18-19, 22-23, 25-26 Sirens: February 16-17, 19-20, 23-24, 26-27; March 2-3, 5-6.

See How They Run: Sept 29-30, Oct 3 Picasso at the Lapin Agile: November 17-21 Pieces of My Heart: March 2-6, 2011 New One Acts: April 13-17, 2011 The Drowsy Chaperone: July 26-31, 2011

UMSL

New Line Theatre

St. Louis Shakespeare

Washington University Performing Arts Department

New Jewish Theatre

2 Millstone Campus Dr 314-442-3283 www.newjewishtheatre.org My Name Is Asher Lev: Oct 6-7, 9-10, 13-14,

6501 Clayton Rd 314-534-1111

www.newlinetheatre.com

NonProphet Theatre Company

636-236-4831 www.nptco.org Cabaret: July 23-August 7

4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr 636-922-8050 www.stchas.edu

5656 Waterman Blvd 314-361-5664 www.stlshakespeare.org Anton in Show Business: August 6-15 The Tempest: October 1-10 Cyrano de Bergerac: March 11-20, 2011

a feminine ending: October 29-November 7 Reckless: December 3-12

Saint Louis University Theatre

Opera Theatre of St. Louis

2010-2011 season TBA

130 Edgar Rd 314-961-0644

www.opera-stl.org

3733 West Pine Mall 314-977-3327 www.slu.edu/theatre

Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble

Don Giovanni: May 21, 25, June 2, 10, 12, 15, 18, 22, 25, 2011 The Daughter of the Regiment: May 28, June 1, 3, 9, 18, 22, 26, 2011 Pelléas and Mélisande: June 5, 8, 11, 14, 16, 24, 2011 The Death of Klinghoffer: June 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 2011

The Chapel 201 S. Skinker Blvd 314-835-7415 www.slightlyoff.org

Paper Slip Theatre

Stages St. Louis

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

Promises, Promises: July 16-August 15 The Aristocats: August 4-15 State Fair: September 3-October 3

314-647-8030 www.papersliptheatre.com Visit the website for further details.

Loretto-Hilton Center 130 Edgar Rd 314-968-4925 www.repstl.org

You Can’t Take It With You: Sept 8-Oct 3 High: October 13-November 7 Over The Tavern: December 1-26 The Nutcracker: December 18-20 The Fall of Heaven: January 5-30, 2011 Macbeth: Feburary 9-March 6, 2011 Trail of Tears: March 25-April 3, 2011 Beehive, the 60s Musical: March 16-April 10, 2011 Chanticleer: Dates TBD Studio Series Productions TBD

St. Louis Actors’ Studio Gaslight Theatre 368 N. Boyle 314-458-2978

www.stlas.org

Soundstage Theatre 314-968-8070

soundstageproductions.net

An Ideal Husband: August 20-29 The Sunset Limited: October 1-10 444 Chesterfield Ctr 636-530-5959 www.stagesstlouis.org

Stray Dog Theatre

Tower Grove Abbey 2336 Tennessee Ave 314-865-1995 www.straydogtheatre.org Master Class: September 16-October 2 Evil Dead-The Musical: October 14-30 As Bees in Honey Drown: December 2-18 Distracted: February 3-19, 2011 You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown: March 17-April 9, 2011 Dark Matters: May 5-21, 2011 The Visit: June 9-25, 2011

Theatre Guild of Webster Groves 517 Theatre Lane 314-962-0876

www.theaterguildwg.org

November: October 8-24 Rock N’Roll: November 11-21 Sunshine Boys: December 3-19 Closer: February 11-27, 2011 Neila Butte Festival: June 3-19, 2011

The Nerd: September Blood Money: November Over the River & Through the Woods: Jan 2011 Leading Ladies: March 2011 Crimes of the Heart: May 2011

St. Louis Black Repertory

That Uppity Theatre Co.

Grandel Theatre 314-534-3807

www.theblackrep.org

Pericles: January 5-30, 2011 Ruined: February 9-March 6, 2011 The Real McCoy: March 16-April 10, 2011 Black Pearl Sings!: April 20-May 5, 2011 The Montford Point Marine: May 25-June 26, 2011

4466 W. Pine Blvd Suite 13C 314-995-4600 www.uppityco.com Check website for upcoming shows & events.

Union Avenue Opera

Union Ave. Christian Church 733 N. Union Blvd

unionavenueopera.org

Pikovaya Dama (Queen of Spades): Aug 20-21, 27-28 Amahl and the Night Visitors: December 10-12 Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center 8001 Natural Bridge Rd 314-516-4949 The Crucible: October 15-17, 21-23

The Edison Theatre 314-935-6543 www.edison.wustl.edu 6445 Forsyth Blvd, 63105 The Threepenny Opera: October 22-24, 29-31 Curse of the Starving Class: November 18-21 A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Feb 25-27, 2011; March 4-6, 2011 Eclipsed: April 2-3, 8-10, 2011 The Stroke Scriptures: April 28-May 1, 2011

Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts

130 Edgar Rd 314-968-7128 www.webster.edu/depts/finearts/theatre/ Assets/Conservatory/Conservatory/Season.html The Insect Play: September 29-Oct 3, 6-10 The Threepenny Opera: November 7-21 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: December 1-5, 8-12 Almost Maine: February 16-20, 23-27, 2011 Conservatory Directing Capstone Projects: March 18-April 3, 2011 Government Inspector: April 20-24, 2011

West End Players Guild

Union Avenue Christian Church 314-367-0025 www.westendplayers.org A Picasso: September 24-October 3 A Woman’s Place: November 5-14

VISUAL ARTS Art Outside 2010

Schlafly Bottleworks www.schlafly.com/artoutside.html September 10-12

Art St. Louis

555 Washington Avenue, #150 314-241-4810 www.artstlouis.org Pieced Work: September 13-October 21 Room with a View: September 13-October 21

Atrium Gallery

4728 McPherson Ave 314-367-1076 www.atriumgallery.net Conversations: May 28-August 8

Belas Artes

1854 Russell Blvd www.belas-artes.net The History of Chess: October 7 Latino Legacy-Latino Arts Festival :October 15

Bruno David Gallery

3721 Washington Blvd 314-531-3030 brunodavidgallery.com Recession Rejuvenations: June 11-August 28 Kelley Johnson: September 10-November 1

Cecile R. Hunt Gallery

8342 Big Bend Blvd 314-968-7957 webster.edu/depts/finearts/art/hunt_gallery.html

Center of Creative Arts (COCA) 524 Trinity Ave. 314-725-6555

www.cocastl.org

Michael Moschen: October 15-17 SCG International Conference Print Exhibition: March 11-April 1, 2011

Chesterfield Arts

444 Chesterfield Center 636-519-1955 www.chesterfieldarts.org

Hoffman Lachance Contemporary 2713 Sutton 314-960-5322 www.hoffmanlachancefineart.com NewPop: September 3-25 Not Coming Home: October 1-30 One Night Play: November 5-27

Kemper Art Museum

Washington University Forsyth and Skinker 314-934-4523 kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu Gesture, Scrape, Combine, Calculate: Postwar Abstraction from the Permanent Collection: August 20-September 20 Studying the Art Object: Materials and Methods: August 20-January 10, 2011 Rivane Neuenschwander: A Day Like Any Other: October 8-January 10, 2011

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Don’t Fence Me In: August 20-September 25

12580 Rott Rd 314-821-1209

Contemporary Arts Museum

Night Light Video Exhibition: June 11-Sep 26 Stick Around for Joy: June 11-September 26 Ahmet Ögüt: October 22-January 2, 2011

3750 Washington Ave. 314-535-4660 www.contemporarystl.org First Saturday Tasting/Tour: August 7 Last Chance Tour: August 7 Museums on Us: August 8

Craft Alliance

6640 Delmar Blvd 314-725-1177 www.craftalliance.org Smarter/Faster/Higher: Aug 27-Jan 2011 Matt Wilt/Nathan Dube/Corey Ackelmire: Sept 10-Oct 31

Duane Reed Gallery 7513 Forsyth 314-361-4300

duanereedgallery.com

Foundry Art Centre

520 North Main Center, St. Charles, MO 636-255-0270 www.foundryartcentre.org In, On, Around Sculpture: July 9-August 20 The Artful Palette: August 27-October 8 Handle With Care-Glass: Oct 15-Dec 3

Gallery 210

University of Missouri-St. Louis 44 East Drive, TCC One University Blvd 314-516-5976 umsl.edu/~gallery/index.html Exposure 13: August 26-December 4 Hilary Harp-Robot Love: August 26-October 9 Rosalyn Schwartz-Retrospective 1990-2010: October 21-December 5 Caspar Stracke-No Damage: Oct 28-Dec 5 Post-Gig: January 20-March 12, 2011 Hester Scheurwater-Poster Girl: Jan 20-April 2, 2011 Wildwood Press 1996-2009: Feb 17-May 28, 2011 Parental Advisory: April 7-April 30, 2011 Nicolas Provost-Suspension: April 7-May 28, 2011 Collaboration: May 13-May 28, 2011

www.laumeier.com

Mad Art Gallery

2727 S. 12th Street 314-771-8230 www.madart.com Six: August 6-31 Work: September 3-29

Missouri History Museum

Forest Park, Lindell and DeBaliviere 314-746-4599 www.mohistory.org St. Louis Point of View: January 30-August 22 Vatican Splendors-A Journey through Faith and Art: May 15-September 12 The Americans with Disabilities Act-Twenty Years Later: June 26, 2010-June 6, 2011

St. Louis Art Fair

17th Annual St. Louis Art Fair Forsyth Blvd, Clayton MO 314-863-0278 www.saintlouisartfair.com Held September 10-13

St. Louis Artists Guild

2 Oak Knoll Park 314-727-9599 www.stlouisartistsguild.org Behind the Lines: September 5-October 29 Ink Vehicles!: September 5-October 29 S.O.S.: September 5-October 29 Yet Another Gulf War: September 5-October 29

Shaw Art Fair

17th Annual Historic Shaw Art Fair Flora Place near Tower Grove Ave. 314-773-3935 www.shawartfair.com Held October 2-3

Sheldon Art Galleries

Sheldon Concert Hall 3648 Washington Blvd 314-533-9900 www.sheldonconcerthall.org Nothin’ but the Blues-Art by Area Students: thru Aug 14 Wallace Herndon Smith: June 4-August 21 Legends of St. Louis Blues Music: thru August 28 Jay Wolke-Architecture of Resignation: June 4-Sept 4 Erik Spehn-Tape Drawings: June 4-Sept 18 Scott Raffe-Circus Flora: June 4-September 18

Three Sinks Gallery

8715 Big Bend Blvd 314-963-3448 www.3sinksgallery.com Check website for upcoming exhibitions.

Webster University May Gallery

June 26-August 7: Beyond XY August 27-29: A Lifetime of Color: James Riddle A benefit for MCCGSL September 25 - November 13 Bird’s Eye View: Jerry Breakstone & Michael Johnson New Work: Cathy Barancik

8300 Big Bend Blvd 314-961-2660 webster.edu/maygallery Jorge Vera-urbanismo: Aug 27-Sept 17 Sarah Carmody: September 24-October 22 Murat Türemis-After the Tsunami: Oct 29-Nov 24 Photo Imaging Education Association International Exhibition: December 3-17 Annual Photography Faculty Show: Jan 21-Feb 18 Damaso Reyes-The Europeans: Feb 25-March 25 Invitational Group Show-20 Emerging Photographers: May 6-July 29, 2011

Philip Slein Gallery

White Flag Projects

PHD Gallery

2300 Cherokee St 314-664-6644 www.phdstl.com

1319 Washington Ave 314-621-4634 www.philipsleingallery.com

4568 Manchester Ave. 314-531-3442 www.whiteflagprojects.org Garth Weiser: September 11-October 23

Regional Arts Commission

6128 Delmar Blvd 314-863-5811 www.art-stl.com Screwed Again: August 11-October 3 Blindness Isn’t Black: October 15-November 28 Pausing for Reflection-A Reflection on Pausing: December 10-February 6, 2011 Hal Poth-A Perspective: Feb 18-April 17, 2011

Good Citizen Art Gallery

St. Louis Art Museum

Killbox: July 30-August 28

Laurent Grasso, The Birds: July 16-October 10

2247 Gravois Ave 314-348-4587 www.goodcitizenstl.com

Joe Jones-Painter of the American Scene: Oct 10-Jan 2

One Fine Arts Dr, Forest Park 314-721-0072 www.slam.org

21

LGBT:A&E

VITAL VOICE’S ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CLASS OF 2010.

Written by Sarah Fentem Photography by Richard Nichols What does it mean to be a gay artist today? Is it simply a matter of sexual identity?

Or does it mean creating art relevant to the community? Each member of Vital Voice’s “Arts and Entertainment” personalities had a different take on the question. For some, it is a hugely important facet of their work. For others, their “LGBT-ness” is merely an afterthought or not even relevant to their work at all. Still others use their experiences as a catalyst for creating art that is unrelated to their sexuality.

In short, there are as many answers to the question as there are artists. To quote Dr. Jeffrey Carter of the Gateway Men’s Chorus, “It used to be ‘we’re here, we’re here, get used to it.” However, to label a person as simply a “gay artist” places them in a ridiculously narrow category, emphasizing their gayness and ignoring their unique contributions to the art world. (Imagine if we merely described Frida Kahlo as “that unibrow artist, or David Bowie as “that bisexual singer”.) The group of assembled artists is distinguished in their own right. As Trish Busch noted, “I’m not a lesbian comedian.

I’m a comedian that happens to be a lesbian.”

23

SUMMER OSBORNE Musician/Recording artist

ISHnneBUSCH TRmed ie Co

m n’t know, asking the g someone you do tin ee sy M . flim job ur h yo ug ke of Inter viewing is a ro d hoping, for the sa about their life an that you can write so g tin es er int personal questions ng thi me so y sa y that the e as naturally journalistic career, down with someon sit To ll. one du ely let mp n, not only makes a story that isn’t co nne Trish Busch, the die me co as d. ve en lie op re gregarious and wers feeling very t also leaves inter vie laugh very hard bu b scene, serving as int of the Grove’s clu sa n tro pa Just John as the d lle the Fox Hole, and Trish could be ca events at Novak’s, for e ce em d an a headliner events. enings like charity well as private happ with of a comedy duo sch also forms half Bu than rk, re wo mo lo er so r eth he tog In addition to started working o tw e Th n i. sio ps Vi Pe eta sts of Vital LGBT personality Di m, serving as co-ho tea al I’m tur at na a wh e s ar know ten years ago and er at Just John. “She performing togeth icken” as two of ch d an ts “ti es and also regularly cit o y it”, says Trish, wh thinking before I sa . their favorite topics When o has a big heart. funny bone, she als ttles off ed ra ck e wi sh a , s dy ha me ly co Trish not on lish with her mp co ac to ities, s pe ch ho she s, kids, AIDS ar asked about what heart: mental illnes r he rt of to pa ar a de be s to itie e all want a long list of char , among others. “W ople uth pe Yo int n po ica to er uth Am mo and Growing ys. “Use your sa e sh , lp” he to want something, we all n.” tio ec dir ht rig the in

“I don’t want to be a tortured artist”, says musician Summer Osborne. “That’s not the emotion I want to share with people.” The singer-songwriter would rather promote her vision of self-acceptance and equality for the LGBT community. “I hope to change people’s minds about themselves”, she says. “I hope to have a very positive effect.”

Those who expect fluffy, nursery school jingles from Osborne will soon have their minds changed after hearing her music.

The raspy-voiced singer, who hails from the woman-with-a-guitar, singer-songwriter school of cool girl musicians, is all rock and roll. Osborne cites Tori Amos and Joni Mitchell as major influences, as well as her mother, a small-town music teacher who encouraged her growth both as an artist and as an out member of the LGBT community.

Her family’s love and acceptance shaped Summer’s mission as a musician. “That’s why I can do what I do”, she explains.

“My purpose is to change minds and change the world. It’s easier to do that when I don’t have to change my mind first.

I’m already there, so let me help you”.

Osborne is excited to share her music with a new audience as she travels to Nova Scotia to perform in Halifax Pride Week.

After a very long drive home, she will be performing piano music at the HRC gala.

Wherever one sees her, though, they can be sure they are experiencing the real deal.

“I’m an artist. I have to live my life exactly how I want to be portrayed, so I better be exactly who I am.”

Osborne’s latest album, Revelation, is available at her website www.summerosborne.com

Brandon Anshultz Artist

r Brandon Abstract painter and sculpto ating traditional cre in ted res inte t Anschultz isn’ ects. obj or representations of people media in nal itio trad s Instead, the artist use n viewer’s dow ng aki bre ys, untraditional wa guard. off m the expectations and catching wers vie the n dow “I like artworks that slow on a m the g din sen ybe ma thoughts for a bit, tangent”, he explains. at Laumier Sculpture Anschultz’s current exhibit ”, does just that.

Park, “Stick Around for Joy like canvas and Using familiar art materials art in ways that his ts paint, the artist presen rised. For example, surp ling fee er leave the view ated a traditional for one piece, Anschultz cre the canvas into up painting, but then ground piece features r the Ano s. a pile of woodchip floor. “There’s a canvas stretched out on the r”, he says. kilte usually something a little offcted, I hope” xpe une or fy goo “Something a little for Anschultz. In 2010 has been a big year , he opened a ibit exh r addition to his Laumie on his paintings, re mo d use foc o show in Chicag up shows opening and has many upcoming gro ber, “Stick around vem No around the country. In eans. For more Orl w Ne to el for Joy” will trav ws, visit the artist’s information on upcoming sho . om z.c web site at www.anschult

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DEDRICK ARCHER

Opera Singer

When a person learns Dedrick Arch er is a singer, the first thing that com es to mind might be cabaret, pop mus ic, or rock. Many people are surprised when Archer informs them that he is an opera singer, thank you very muc h.

Those who meet the thin, young artis t might not easily associate him with the stereotypical vision of opera singers as old, over weight divas.

Dedrick was introduced to classica l music at a very young age, thanks to his grandfather, an organist who took him to his first concert (Tschakovsky ’s Serenade), which he “remembers to this day.” From then on he was hoo ked.

After graduating from UMKC, he has recently decided to get his Master’s degree so that he can give other kids the same feeling he had when he wen t to that concert.

DOUG RUBLE Photographer

Before meeting for an interview, Doug Ruble sends a text message so that he can be recognized at the rendezvous point: I’m wearing a blue plaid shirt. Like Farmer Bob goes to the mayor!”, he writes.

While Doug might not be a farmer, and this interviewer is most definitely not the mayor, Douglas’ choice of words is not completely off base. Raised in West Virginia, Ruble’s came to the “big city” of St. Louis and is poised burst onto the St. Louis art scene.

The photographer’s master’s degree in Human Resources management makes portraiture especially enjoyable for him.

“I love to work with people. If I can sit down with somebody and show their personality… that’s a huge deal for me. I try to get something they don’t expect. That’s usually what they

like the most.” In addition to portraiture, Ruble also creates more abstract photographs of landscapes and buildings.

His first gallery showing, titled “People and pathways”, will be shown in the fall at a soon-to-be-announced location, with Ruble planning on donating some of the proceeds to the St. Louis Effort for AIDS. Even though Ruble is a gay man, he doesn’t consider his sexuality a huge factor in his artwork. “Its almost separate”, he says, “I don’t think of being gay as a huge part of my lifeit’s a part of my life that sometimes comes out, but its not all of it.” Ruble thinks of himself first and foremost as an artist.

“Everyone should hav the opportu nity to feel how I do when I perform…I feel like I’m giving them that gift.”

His experience and relative youth mak e him a good candidate to teach kids who might be hesitant to learn abo ut such a traditionally stodgy art form . “I understand when they get frustrate d, because I’ve been there”, he says .

Dedrick’s identity as a gay man has influenced his work and mad e him stronger. Archer claims that the strength that comes from dealing with discrimination “Makes me want to push harder… it gives me the strength to feed off that negative energy and mak e it something more positive.”

Archer’s dreams include performing at Carnegie Hall and teaching at the collegiate level. One thing’s for certain, however, wherever he end s up there will be music involved. “The re’s always something that links individu als together”, he says, “I feel that mus ic is that something.”

FREY CARTER DR. JEF Director, Artistic Gateway Men’s Chorus.

the Gateway If you are reading this, then you probably saw ing down the march al, Festiv Pride Louis St. the in s Men’s Choru us harmonies. luscio their street and gracing parade watchers with ic Artist As s. voice those d Jeffrey Carter is the person behin ls the contro r Carte Dr. s, choru y all-ga ier prem Director of St. Louis’ s to wear group the spectacle and sound of the chorus, from what have s alway rts conce ’s GMC the music chosen for concerts. (The a concert exploring a theme. For example, last spring they put on rs.) the relationship gay men share with their mothe more than Carter wants to make sure that the group is seen his largest of One her. toget g singin men gay of just a bunch the LGBT e outsid goals for the group is gaining recognition the chorus which in nts”, geme enga scene through “community important its think “I . aisers fundr like s event te performs at priva s”, choru men’s to be seen as an artistic player, not just a gay is ess’ ‘gayn Our e? uniqu us s explains Dr. Carter. “What make able invalu an are we that is story The ore]. not the story [anym part of the arts community.”

2010.

The GMC’s 24th season begins in December catch a also can long, that wait can’t just For those who center unity comm performance on October 9th at the GLBT at ble availa is ation inform on 1919 S. Broadway. More g rus.or gatewaymenscho

27

NIE THURMER STEPHA apher Photogr

PAUL GIBSON

Designer: REIGN by Paul Gibson When asked about his fav orite designers, designer Paul Gibson cites a mix hip, urban designers (DS of quared2, Alexander Wa ng), and giants of classic American sportswear (Ca , rolina Herrera, Ralph Lau ren). While the combinatio may seem contradictory n to some, the mix of opposi tes is what Paul Gibson loves.

Gibson designs his line, REIGN, with this juxtaposi tion in mind. “I think of a worldly, artistic sort o guy hip, , the type of guy who is kind of eclectic and mixes things, and is a little untrad itional when it comes to appearance. Sportswear athletic things, paired wit and h button downs and nec k ties and stuff like that, really cool, relaxed kind but in a of way.”

While Gibson has design ed women’s clothing bef ore, he mainly focuses on menswear. “I think there’s a market…for guys who want to show their person and are bored with what’s ality out there”, he muses. “I thin k that girls have a lot mo options in terms of expres re sing themselves.”

Paul has big plans for his line of contemporary urb an garb. While REIGN is operating at present on a made-to-order basis, the designer, who sews each by hand, can see it growin item g to reach a larger audien ce. “I’m prepared to hit pavement running and pre the pared to get into local bou tiques and branch out into other areas”, he says.

In an age of instant retouching and Photoshop, in which a person can take it a blurr y photograph of her foot, color Etsy, on rs dolla 600 for it sell and n, gree Stephanie Thurmer’s adherence to the craft of photography composition is a s to refreshing change. She constantly refer her ssing photography as a “craft”, discu , photographs in the classical terms of light n. ositio comp and balance, Thurmer’s inter view, conducted in her ster small office at Garland Wines in Web the by d face s enge chall the al reve es, Grov As . unity comm er members of the transgend to ls trave larly regu who a photographer res small, midwestern towns to shoot pictu d force been for department stores, she has an wom er gend trans a as to keep her status under wraps. When asked if it being an to out member of the community is easier she , ssion profe d elate deal with in an arts-r much as just e’s Ther .

“No es, promptly repli we bigotry in the community, [even though] be To .” lems all have the same core prob sure, Stephanie is the type of woman who tells it like it is.

When she was younger, Stephanie was or, fortunate enough to study with her ment er Marty Zucker, a photographer and teach ays “Alw to her told on the East Coast, who your make sure you see some of your self in picture.” So what does Stephanie try to life. put into her photographs? “Passion for is there that n essio impr the Love.” One gets well. as them in truth of lot a ably prob

CHARLES MOONEYHAM Artist

Charles Mooneyham is fed up with showing in galleries. “I like the artist to be in control”, he says. “Once the artist is removed from the environment, it makes it a completely different experience. I want people to feel the energy of the artist.” He also cites galleries regularly pocketing a sizable amount of the profit from an artist’s exhibit, without the proceeds going to any sort of charitable organization.

Mooneyham is quite pleased with his latest venture, however. The painter, who describes his work as wild, colorful, and pop art-inspired, has teamed up with the St. Louis University Museum of Modern Art for an exhibition for the Stray Rescue Organization, entitled “Urban Wanderers”, with all profits going to the organization. The exhibition brings together Mooneyham’s two loves: art and charity.

While the artist works with many community outreach organizations, the cause nearest to his heart is autism awareness. Mooneyham threw himself into the cause after taking a part-time job in the public school system. “I ended up within three months, absolutely falling in love with the children”, he explains, “and I decided to go full-time.”

Currently Mooneyham works as an ADA therapist, helping students with autism. He would eventually like to create an art empowerment program for autistic children. “I would like to move forward with my art and put myself in the position where I can marry my two passions”, he says. “Its one thing to make something out of nothing but its something completely different to take that something and use it…to help change someone’s life forever.”

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LOLA VAN ELLA

Burlesque performer, entrepreneur After a conversation with Lola Van Ella, one gets the impression that a glance at her day planner would be enough to make many heads of state weep. The dancerchoreographer-actress-singer-producer has her finger on the pulse of the bourgeoning St. Louis burlesque scene.

In addition to performing solo work at places like Off Broadway and Lola, Van Ella teaches the art of burlesque to aspiring entertainers (her performing troupe, the Bon-Bons, is comprised of some of her talented former students), and produces and directs shows around the area. Currently she is working on creating a “sexy dark, circus-style show” at 2720 Cherokee and preparing to go on tour with a group of “really great burlesque gal pals”, as well as gearing up for a trip to New Orleans in the fall to complete for the title of “Queen of Burlesque”.

Perhaps Lola’s greatest accomplishment would be orchestrating the Show-Me Burlesque Festival, St. Louis’s very first burlesque festival last spring. The festival lasted four days and included workshops during the days and “huge, epic shows” at night that featured more than fifty performers from across the United States. Van Ella becomes positively giddy when talking about it, saying that “one of the proudest things I think I’ve done. We’re definitely doing the same thing next year and make it even bigger” “Burlesque is about theater”, she explains. “[Its] about fantasy and about being kind of cheeky. Even when I have a performance that’s really sexy there’s still theatricality to it.”

The bubbly, vivacious blonde likes to honor the traditional, glamorous burlesque of the 1940s and 50s in her sexy, playful routines. For me, it’s more about doing creating an act based on a theme, a costume, a song that I love. I have pieces that are really funny, there’s one about making a statement. I’ve done pieces about sexuality and being a woman. It’s all about having fun with the audience.”

HITCHCOCK PHILIP allery Owner Artist/G

Sitting behind his desk in the stylish, modern office, Philip Hitchcock is the picture of cool. He sports a couple days’ beard, and a tattooed sleeve peeks out from under his tee shirt. Its 4:45 on a Friday, and the phone is ringing off the hook. He’s an in-demand sort of guy.

Hitchcock is one of St. Louis’ most prominent artists. Using a process called “life-casting”, he creates hyperrealistic figurative sculptures that are at once sexual, punky, and subversive. ss Private owners and organizations acro ned issio comm the United States have d Hitchcock’s sculptures. “I’ve always foun the hman body a wonderful source of s inspiration…it forces you to look at thing at.” look to t wan you might not nal In addition to his highly acclaimed origi Arts Fine phd the s own work, Hitchcock h Gallery in the Cherokee arts district, whic ndgrou brings “challenging works by breaking artists” to the St. Louis area. ond Currently, the gallery is featuring “Bey XY”, a photography exhibit that explores the gender continuum.

Hitchcock doesn’t shy away from LGBT much how d oriented material. When aske his membership in the LGBT community , influences his gallery selections, he says a It’s two.

“It’s impossible to separate the ndpart of my whole asthetic. But as a seco g stron a is re …the USA the in n class citize need for people to be loud and vocal.”

FERN TAYLOR

Artist

Fern Taylor is on a nature kick. Bu t instead of lacing up her hiking bo ots, Fern grabbed he r paintbrush. Fe rn’s portfolio is fille d with brilliant, whimsical renditions of trees and flower s.

“I like the nature stuff because ev er yone can relate to it” , she explains.

People love trees, gras s, flowers. For me, it was easier to se ll, because [you ] can sell twice as man y paintings than when you paint peop le.” When an ar tist paints people, “People need to have a connection to th at person or ra ce.”

Taylor’s pragmatic attitude is apparent in the inventive methods she uses to sell her paintings. In addition to selling on her website, www.ferntaylor.com, the painter hosts “art parties”, during which she invites people over for drinks and dinner. Fern has had success selling her paintings, which she displays for her guests, at these gatherings. Call it a Tupperware party for the art set.

Taylor also had success hanging paintings for sale in restaurants and bars around the city. “Its like these scratches on the back”, she explains. “They don’t’ have to worry about decorating, and I don’t have to worry about money.”

The public can view and purchase artwork at Mia Rosa on Manchester.

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Presented by the young Friends oF indePendence center

STEP oUT oF YoUR NoRm, oPEN YoUR mIND, Do SomEThING DIFFERENT, AND PARTY FoR ChARITY. The rockin fundraiser of the summer returns with a little bit of southern sophistication!

Expect another amazing evening of everything fusion. fusion Music by “Muddy Blues” legend Big George Brock and an acoustic set by the Well Hungarians, fusion Dinner by Sqwires, Vin de Set, Eleven Eleven Mississippi, Bailey’s Chocolate Bar, Ricardos, and Square One Brewery. Sip fusion cocktails by Pearl Vodka and have the opportunity to score amazing raffle prizes including a one-week vacation in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo located at the Kiawah Island Resort near Charleston, South Carolina. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $100 each by logging onto www.independencecenter.org or calling 314-880-5403*.

Why? Because mental illness is one of the most overlooked issues in our community.

What you Don’t knoW? Besides awesome raffle prizes, members of Independence Center will showcase their talents and assist in the preparation of dinner by the St. Louis Originals select restaurants.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22nd, 5:00 p.m.

Rooftop Terrace of Independence Center 4245 Forest Park Avenue in the Central West End Tickets are $40 in advance; $50 at the door

All proceeds from the event benefit adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

To purchase visit www.independencecenter.org or call 314.880.5403. * a minimum of 25, $100 raffle tickets must be sold in order for raffle to take place. Winning raffle ticket will be selected at Summer Fusion on August 22, 2010.

St. Louis Black Pride

By Matt Jamieson

Though Pridefest 2010 is over, there’s still time to continue celebrating!

August 20-22 will see the 11th annual celebration of St. Louis Black Pride in Kiener Plaza. The weekend will feature a film festival, a Saturday night White Party, free health screenings and plenty of food to keep everyone happy!

“Often people ask why we have a Black Pride when we have Pride St. Louis which also represents the local LGBT community,” Darne Guest, vice president of St. Louis Black Pride said. “We see St. Louis Black Pride as just another layer of the great diversity that makes up the city of St. Louis and its LGBT community.”

Vital VOICE dedicates this issue to our Non-profit of the month

Saint Louis Effort for AIDS Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS): Dog Days of Summer at Saint Louis Effort for AIDS! This year marks the 20th anniversary of Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) which started in 1990 and became a program of Saint Louis Effort for AIDS (EFA) in 2001. For 20 years, this unique program has been providing pet food and veterinary care for the pets of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Saint Louis Effort for AIDS (EFA) was founded in 1985 by a group of committed volunteers. The mission is to provide education on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and comprehensive support services for those infected and affected by the disease.

EFA strongly believes in the human/animal bond of companionship and works hard to ensure that clients do not experience the loss of pets due to financial difficulties, lack of transportation, hospitalization, etc. PAWS is the only program in the greater St. Louis area to help people living with HIV avoid this loss.

Studies have shown numerous benefits of having and caring for a pet, including: nurturing a pet makes you feel needed, petting an animal can melt away problems and worries and help put challenges into perspective, and walking your dog daily can have a positive effect on one’s physical health.

Tom, a client of EFA’s PAWS program, remembers what a life-saving role this program played in the earlier days of his diagnosis. Tom suffered from depression and complications of regulating his medication. “I am so grateful to have had Lola for companionship! Just having to get up and take her out a few times a day provided me with a schedule. Even on days when I felt sick, her sweet face would look up at me and I would push myself to get up.”

We couldn’t do what we do without community support and individual contributions.

Please join us for some upcoming PAWS events: The Thirst for Life Kick Off Party will be held at Just John in The Grove on Saturday, August 14 from 7-10 pm. Dance under the stars to St. Louis’s hottest DJs, sample amazing cuisine, and enjoy free libations. There will be a silent auction featuring items from local artists, tickets to events and a few special surprises. Tickets are $25 in advance, while they last.

And, on Thursday, August 26th join in for the 5th Annual Thirst For Life®. Establishments will donate 20% or more of their beverage sales that day to the PAWS Program.

Simply enjoy connecting with friends, family and co-workers for drinks or coffee while keeping PAWS clients connected to their pets. It is people helping pets helping people! For participating establishments, please visit www.stlefa.org.

For additional information on any of the above events, please contact Jenna at jschoenborn@stlefa.org or at 314.333.6671 Saint Louis Effort for AIDS always welcomes giftcards to PetSmart or pet food related coupons. These can be dropped off or mailed to Saint Louis Effort for AIDS at 1027 S. Vandeventer Ave., Suite 700, St. Louis, MO 63110, Attention: PAWS Program.

The 18th Annual HRC Dinner Gala Saturday, September 25, 2010 Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch The Regency Ballroom Payment Plans are Available This Year!

Be a Table Captain!

Make a Personal Tribute to a Loved One! Donate to the Silent or Live Auctions!

Have Your Company be a Corporate Sponsor!

Check the website for information: http://stlouis.hrc.org/dinner Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event. php?eid=117174141632222&ref=mft Tickets are available through BoxOfficeTickets.com or by dialing 1-800-494-TIXS