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This month’s StLGreenDrinks will be screening a 20-minute film, “The Story of Stuff,” which deals with the ‘underside’ of the cycle of production and consumption. In other words, we all have too much stuff; but where is it all coming from and where does it go? So don’t just sit back on your consumerist butt - put your earth-loving cap on, and come out for drinks and discussion!

The wheres and whens: February 19, 2008 at the Macklind Avenue Deli (4721 Macklind Avenue, at Nottingham). The event starts at 6:30pm, but if you want to order food and drinks you need to be there by 6:00pm. There is a suggested $3.00 donation to keep StLGreenDrinks afloat.

[Little Bit O’ History - GreenDrinks is a worldwide phenomenon that started in London in 1989. A group of environmentally-minded people got together on a monthly basis to imbibe and informally discuss eco-issues. The concept caught on, and has now spread to 321 cities all over the globe.]

Tonight, I had the pleasure of seeing Body Worlds 3 at the Science Center for the second time. After my first visit, during which I awkwardly tried to sketch some of the pieces (do I even refer to them as that? I guess it’s better than calling them corpses) I agreed with many of my friends in one respect - as interesting as it was, I probably wasn’t going to come back.

The first time I went, the place was crowded, photography wasn’t allowed, and although the people monitoring the exhibit repeatedly told people that they were free to move about, and that they weren’t in a line, I nonetheless received several dirty looks from people in the crowd who seemed to think that they were. On top of all that, the frat-boy idiots who entered ahead of me seemed more interested in giggling and pointing at the genitals of each person (loudly at that) than in actually looking at anything.

Why would I possibly want a second round at that? Well tonight, the Science Center hosted a special event - Body Worlds Artists Night! The admission was reduced, there were far less people meandering about the exhibit, and the good people at the Science Center encouraged all mediums to be brought and used - As I sat down (in the optional chairs they provided) to sketch out one of my favorites, the star warrior (a winking corpse with alternating bands of skin, exposed muscles, and bones) I found myself in the company of people using charcoal, pens, pencils, and even some setting up portable easels and painting. Live nude models patrolled the grounds as well, stopping and posing near the sculptures for 25 minute intervals, allowing people to compare the inner, and outer structure of the human body - not to mention the surreal spectacle of a bunch of naked people striking bizarre poses next to skinless corpses.

The best part is, that due to the success of the exhibit, the Science Center will be hosting a second Artists Night, on Tuesday February 19 from 7pm until 9pm. Tonight, I just walked in (and thanks to my art teacher, got in free) but if you want to reserve tickets ahead of time, you can here. Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a beginner, an amateur, or just someone looking for something different to do on a Tuesday night, this was a great time - although, as the last of us filed out of the building, I couldn’t help but notice how creepy that display is at night.

So it’s a little misleading to suggest that today, or Friday the 15th of February, is the official birthday of Saint Louis city.  Fortunately this isn’t a history blog, so we’ll accept the nit picking of dates like the  middle of the month Pierre Laclede sent his 14-year old stepson Auguste Chouteau in the winter of 1844 to build up the city grid on the banks of the levee.  Wikipedia be damned, because our research indicates this city was actually built on rock and roll.

So what better way to celebrate that tradition (and our blatant disregard for historical accuracy) that to rock that night, February 15th, starting at 8:31 pm until 1:00 am the next day with some of your favorite music.  And what better a place to celebrate our rich cultural history than in the City Museum, where they are still celebrating their 10th birthday all year long. 

Of course if the rock regalia of 7 Shot Screamers, The Monads, and DJ Mark Lewis doesn’t sound like your ideal birthday bash, you can always pick a brawl with the Arch Rival Roller Girls on the third floor Old Circus Space.  This is assuming that you’re over the age of 18, and/or over 21 birthdays past to toast the town with an adult beverage, in which case the show is free after paying ordinary admission to the museum (about $10).

Check the Highway 61 (revised) events calendar for this and other events you want to know about.

My friends know I like to be crafty. Hell, it’s in my blood. Whether its buddies insisting on feeding me with beers in exchange for sewing on a button or two or whipping up a new dress for myself, I love to say “Thanks, I made it.” For years, I’ve been a regular drifter, sometimes poster on Craftster, Etsy, Instructables, BurdaStyle…trust me, the list goes on.So between Mardi Gras stints, I’m hoping to substitute one holiday’s celebration for an early nod to another at Indie Valentine this Saturday. It’ll be a good chance to check out some creative locals and get away from both the drunks in Soulard and cheesy Hallmark cards that seem to take over the holiday. Needless to say, I’d like to check it out after my disappointing lack of attendance at the Rock N’ Roll Craft Show a couple months ago…In case you’re too drunk from the Fête events to make it (don’t forget, they’ll have a bar at the craft show too!) and can’t make it, here’s a mini-mix to craft to (while or while not on the juice).Lo-Fi Mellow Mode - A SideSew What - Secret Saturday Neutral Milk Hotel - Everything IsFlight of the Conchords - If You’re Into ItJeffrey Lewis - Back When I Was 4 (YouTube Link) You’re Feeling Poppy? - B SideScissors for Lefty - Next to ArgyleThe Sewing Circle - Apparition Over NurembergArt Brut - Pump Up the VolumeBlank Canvas - Contained But Not ControlledOf Montreal - Art Snob Solutions 

For all those looking for a last minute Wednesday night activity, Legacy Books and Café in the Loop is hosting a (presumably free) showing of No Volverán - The Venezuelan Revolution Now! Tonight at 7pm. After the screening, a panel (including Webster University’s resident socialist political science professor Dan Hellinger) discussion will follow.

However, for those not interested in an evening of modern socialist theory, swing by meetup.com to find out what else might be happening in the city tonight.

If you’re asking yourself, to paraphrase the famous poem “I’m not even sure (where) I’m supposed to be where today?”, maybe this is your early morning call after you’ve rolled out of your bedroom closet.  The first annual Clerksfest will take place tonight, November 29th at The Moolah Theater & Lounge in Midtown St. Louis.

Along with double-feature screenings of Clerks at 9:30 and Clerks II around 11:30, guests will get their hand on door prizes like free commemorative shirt and autographed memorabilia.  You can strut your stuff in public for the Randal Walk contest, and Walt “Lon Chaney of the ’90s” Flanagan might be the model of at least 4 choices for the Look Alike contest. 

What’s the matter - you don’t appreciate our ruse?  Clerks is indeed loosely based on the “Divine Comedy”, with short breaks representing the 9 levels of hell.  At least you’ll be doing good even if you feel like a dirty jizz mopper afterwards - If this event catches on, it might snowball (heh) into a series of screenings to help subsidize the purchase of land for a hostel in town.  And if you’re put off by the charitable ticket price, $25 online or $30 at the door, we suggest you leave change when applicable;  “Be Honest” you weren’t making plans (except for that hockey scrimmage) today anyway.

Saint Louis International Film Festival

November 8-18 2007

‘Nuff Said.

http://www.cinemastlouis.org/fest.html

(Check your local listings)

See you here, there, everywhere.

So you’ve heard about the Show-me Blowout and…wait, you haven’t?  Alright we’ve put off mentioning one of the most important music festivals of the year, featuring some of the best rock’n'roll in the region.  I kind of thought you’d have heard about it by now.

But that doesn’t mean we’re not excited by it; Gabe and I will be there both nights helping Bill Streeter to document the best garage, punk, and surf rock on video that this state has perfected from its rockabilly and blues roots.  So as this side of the river is known to suggest, we’ll just have to show you.  The shows will take place this Friday and Saturday night October 12-13th around 8pm and onward at Off Broadway.

One part of the blowout you might not be as familiar with is the FREE barbeque at Apop Records on Saturday afternoon between 1-5pm.  That rock’n'roll tailgate of sorts will feature performances from some of St. Louis’ heroes of rock, including The Vultures, The 65s, The Vickroids, and The Mad Titans; it’s also The Place You Want To Be.  We’ll see you there too.

High Voltage Tattoo is that studio you’ve probably seen at one festival or another in their aerostream silver bullet trailer/mobile tattoo studio.  They’ve earned a reputation for unique artwork, hardcore DrumNBass fans, and stunt cycling. 

Full disclosure: this is a place I cannot vet for, but considering that they proudly place photographs of police harrasment, I’d say it’s probably up to your discression if that’s your scene.  We even heard rumors they were running a film series over the summer, so I carry the distinct suspicion that something great is going on in North Saint Louis.

This week flyers have been circulating for the Rumble in the Concrete Jungle, featuring a Stunt Show by Streetfighterz and live music by JetPack and DnB maestros The System Stat on the decks  this Friday, September 28th.  For only $5 the party will go on through 6pm and onward into the night, right around the corner of N. Broadway and Warren.

So far I’m not entirely sure what I’m going to do at Play:STL festival this weekend, which I wrote a little about before.  I’ve been invited to this kickoff party tonight (tell me if you want to come along) tonight in the Duck Room at Blueberry Hill around 8 o’clock, which takes place during my night class.  Needless to say I’ll try to make it late, because I’ll probably show up/write for anything I’m invited to (attn: promoters).
I’m hoping tonight’s party will help me figure out the where I should be this weekend, especially considering my unfamiliarity with most of the bands on the set list.  Then again, discovering new bands and sounds is sort of the point of having a music festival, right?  I’d ask Beatle Bob, but even he’s busy organizing his own performances these days.  Hey guys, would it kill you to cut and paste a google map?  Even we have one.

Panel discussions play a pretty big part in the festival circuit, and this is no exeception.  It still looks a little band centric, which is strange considering the diverse interests of Playback:STL. 
Needless to say, we’d like to start our own panel - ”live music lovers who read blogs”.  Should you chose to join us, drop us an RSVP of a stage and band of your chosing, and we’ll try to give ourselves you someone to talk about the band with.  Because sometimes it gets kind of lonely in public places.  You know how it goes - drop a line @ hwy61revised at gmail dot com .