In a recent post I mentioned that the World Chess Hall of Fame was kicking off a music series to be held on the last Wednesday of each month. The first of the series occurred last week featuring the music of The 442s. The event drew a standing-room-only crowd to the museum's third-floor gallery. In addition to the splendid music, the icing on the cake was the glittering backdrop of the Park Plaza as seen in the distance.
Community Development and Events Manager Lauren Stewart (shown above) introduced the executive director of the music series, Marc Thayer, right. Mark is Deputy Director of the Association of American Voices, a St. Louis-based cultural diplomacy organization with whom he has taught and entertained in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Thailand and more. Holding musical events has long been on the wish list at the WCHOF, and with Thayer's connections (Board of St. Louis Arts & Education Council, Advisory Councils of Community Music School at Webster & Jazz St. Louis), the dream has become a reality.
As it turned out, the hour-long program could have lasted much longer in my opinion, as The 442s fantastic music was so varied and inventive. The program notes asked: "What happens when you combine two outstanding members of the world-class St. Louis Symphony with two of the city's finest jazz musicians from the Erin Bode Group?" Something wonderful to be sure…
The musicians include Sydney Rodway on double bass (he is also Erin Bode's husband), St. Louis Symphony members Bjorn Ranheim on cello and Shawn Weil on violin. Adam Maness, also with the Erin Bode Group, is The 442s composer and plays a variety of instruments – guitar, accordion, melodica and glockenspiel.
The next concert is scheduled for March 26th and features a jazz group, the Phil Dunlap Quintet. Sevdah with Edo Sadikovic and the Bosona Band will perform on April 23. All concerts are scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. (with the intention that attendees can head out for dinner in the neighborhood afterwards). Tickets, $10, include refreshments, complimentary admission to the extraordinary exhibition A Queen Within, and valet parking. More info can be found on the website, or by calling (314) 367-9243 x 106.
Last Friday evening the art galleries on McPherson had openings, always special occasions. Through Duane Reed Gallery's window, above, there's an example of June Kaneko's enormous dango form (foreground), and artist Bryce Hudson's "The Holding Pattern Series," beautiful photographs covered with elaborate patterns. Also on view in the gallery is a series of Hudson's meticulously-painted geometric work.
Rain Harris, a ceramist and mixed-media artist, shown with gallery owner Duane Reed, has an exquisite exhibition on view in the main gallery.
Harris's black clay, resin & wood "Nocture" (as viewed on website) is a stunning example of her art. Take the time to stop by and view the exhibition which will be in the gallery until March 29.
Duane Reed Gallery, 4729 McPherson.
It's always a pleasure to visit Philip Slein's Gallery at 4739 McPherson. The opening Friday introduced New York painter Gary Stephan's "Recent Work." Stephan's paintings will remain on view until March 29.
Philip Slein is shown with Gary Stephan above.
I probably should have cropped out the bottle of beer in Stephan's pocket, but thought it would show that these events are not the intimidating affairs many people assume. The accomplished artist has had more than 70 solo shows in the U.S. and Europe, as well as approximately 200 group exhibitions, including the Whitney Biennial.
Philip Slein Gallery, 4739 McPherson.
The photo above shows the Houska Gallery, 4728 McPherson, on opening night.
Artist/gallery owner Charlie Houska (holding red cup in photo) is currently featuring mid-century ceramist Gregg Rasmussen's pottery, above, and artist Myles Keough's paintings in his gallery.
Visit Houska's website or call (314) 496-1377, for more information on the current exhibition.
There were other opportunities to ward off cabin fever last week, including a book signing at Left Bank Books by CWEnders John McPheeters (Bowood Farms) and STL Beacon's Bob Duffy, who are among the many contributors featured in the beautiful Missouri River Country. The Gaslight Cabaret Festival, which continues through the end of April, featured a fabulous NY performer, Marissa Mulder, singing The Songs of Tom Waits. All the events brought home how many varied ways there are to deal with this winter without end, and not have to travel too far to find them either.