Two Events, One Fabulous Intersection: Green Homes & Sustainable Energy Festival AND Dancing in the Street 2008

Dancing in the Streets was an all-day event filled with free outdoor concerts, performances, open houses/tours of Fox Theatre, and live music...all literally on the street! It kicked-off the Arts Season.

The Green Homes & Sustainable Energy Festival was a free outdoor festival on Grandel Square with information and workshops about sustainable energy and greening up our homes. It was also an official Green Jobs Now Event.

Oh, and I learned about an important Ballot Proposition: Missouri Propostion C.

Missouri Proposition C, also known as the Clean Energy Initiative, is a citizen-initiated state statute that will appear on the November 4, 2008 ballot in Missouri. If it is approved by voters, it will create a renewable electricity standard in the state. The standard would require utility companies to gradually increase their usage of renewable energy annually until 15 percent of the energy used in the state is renewable. The initiative would also require that energy rates not increase by more than one percent annually. Join me and VOTE GREEN! Support Prop C.

Finally, there is an upcoming Candidate Forum on the Environment. All candidates have been invited to the forum.

See you there. Oct 6, 7 pm

Central Reform Congregation 5020 Waterman Avenue (at Kingshighway)

Organization Spotlight... Town & Country Symphony

The Ides of each month, I shine the light on a great local organization. This month's highlight is Town & Country Symphony. Yesterday, I attended this wonderful concert at The Principia School - the Ridgway Auditorium. One of the things I love most about this city is that there are so many cultural centers and programs that are provided to the public - free of charge. And this Symphony is another example of the What Makes St. Louis Arts so great! It is a non-profit organization with symphony members representing each generation, some were middle-school aged.

Yesterday's performance featured Marlissa Hudson, Lyric Coloratura Soprano. I don't know what those fancy words mean, but I can tell you that she sings BEAUTIFULLY! I had attended a school opera, complete with theatrics, but this was the first time I had attended a performance just to hear opera. I was mesmerized. To hear a human voice make such lovely sounds, extended notes and...wow! It is was something to witness. Ms. Hudson performs with various musical organizations throughout the Metro area, so I am insisting that everyone see and and hear her. Visit her website, it has a listing of all of her upcoming performances.

Spend a lovely Sunday afternoon - after church - relaxing and spending time with your family and friends at Town & Country Symphony's Next Concert: Fall Halloween Concert
Featuringing Chiann-Yi Yawitz performing Liszt's Totentanz

Sunday, October 26, 2008, 2:30 pm
No Charge for Admission

Ridgway Auditorium

The Principia

13201 Clayton Road, 63131

September 2008 Events

It's Fall, Y'all!

LABOR DAY
Mon Sept 1
St. Nicholas Greek Festival
11 a.m.-8 p.m.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at Forest Park Parkway and Kingshighway
Free Admission

Mon Sept 1
Japanese Festival
10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission (ages 13–64)$10; Seniors (ages 65+)$7; Children (ages 3–12)$3; Garden members
$3; (free for members' children 3–12)
Tea Ceremony tickets are $15 per person. Click here for additional Tea Ceremony information.

Mon Sept 1
Dinoroarus Exhibit at the St. Louis Zoo – Last Day
Step back in time to see roaring, spitting, moving dinosaurs in this one-of-a-kind walk-through exhibit. Admission is $1.50 for Zoo Friends members and $3 for non-members. Children under two are free.

Fri Sept 5
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Happy Hour and School Supply Drive to Benefit KidSmart
F15teen
http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/BPEHWFGMGJWRDIEZHJST/supplyparty
Drink Specials: $2 Domestics, 2-for-1 Martinis

Fri Sept 5 - Sun Sept 7
St. Louis Art Fair
Drawing you to art for the past 15 years, the Saint Louis Art Fair returns September 5th, 6th, and 7th in the heart of Clayton.

Fri Sept 5 - Sun Sept 7
Art Outside
Schlafly Bottleworks (Maplewood Location)
http://www.schlafly.com/

Sat Sept 6
2 – 7 pm
City of Berkeley Music Festival
Jackson Park

Sat Sept 6
7 - 10 pm
Stray Rescue Miracle Million Series Sponsored by Blu City Spaces
2320 Pine Street, Downtown
Help Stray Rescue raise $1 million, so we can open our new shelter before winter! Join Stray Rescue supporter Barret Jackman and other St. Louis Blues players for an evening of live music by acoustic guitarist Cory Wilson in the style of Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, Coldplay, Sublime and more.
Concert is free. Fantastic food and beverages available from Vin de Set.
For more info visit http://www.helpstrayrescue.org/ or RSVP on Facebook.
Sun Sept 9
5-9 pm
Silent Art Auction
Portfolio Gallery
3514 Delmar St. Louis, MO

Thu Sept 11
7:15 pm
Habitat Night at the Ballpark!!
Busch Stadium
Come join all of your favorite Habitat staff and volunteers as they cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals battle it out with their rival team the Chicago Cubs!! Come have a GREAT time and at the same time, support a GREAT cause!!
If you are interested in buying tickets please Click Here.
If you would like more information on the event please contact Annie at ann@habitatstl.org.

Fri Sept 12
5 - 10pm
The Contemporary's Opening Night
Contemporary Art Museum
The Contemporary invites you to an Opening Night like no other! The Contemporary’s fall exhibitions, Lutz Bacher: Spill and Aïda Ruilova: The Singles 1999 – Now, open with fanfare and a chance to meet the artists.
It will mark the kick-off for the Contemporary’s 5th Anniversary Season and the beginning of 5 weeks of free admission.
Free Admission & Complimentary Valet Visit: http://www.contemporarystl.org/

Sat Sept 13
9:00 a.m.
Clean-up on the Confluence
Volunteers are welcome and needed
Meet at the boat ramp at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.
On Riverview Dr, approx 3 miles north of I-270.
Missouri River Relief will work with volunteers to clean-up after spring floods of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
Much of Columbia Bottom Conservation Area - the clean-up headquarters - was flooded with high water on both big rivers. The area's many wetland pools, recharged by the flood, are now full of many species of herons, egrets and other waterfowl and shorebirds. Trash and flood debris are scattered high on and over the banks - a perfect opportunity for a post-flood clean-up!

Sat Sept 13
11:30 am – until
Progress Taco Fest
Join St. Louis Yelpers as they visit EVERY taco bar on Cherokee Street.
Later Fresh Fruit Margaritas at Chavas in Soulard
Bring cash, 21 and older.

Sat Sept 13
Gates open at 3 p.m.
FoxyFest at Forest Park
Free Concert featuring the Dazz Band, the Bar-Kays, and local artists presented by Café Soul
Langenberg Field near the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park
soul food and BBQ from area businesses will be sold

Sat Sept 13
5-7 p.m.
Tasting Event For Stray Rescue
2320 Pine Street, Downtown
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Tickets available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/
Featuring Ray Hill’s Beer

Sat Sept 13
8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Mystic Voyage Band
Villa Farotto’s in the Chesterfield Valley

Sat Sept 13
9pm
Party for Emerging Artists Winners
The Gramophone
4243 Manchester
Congratulations to ALIVE's Emerging Artists winners Madahoochi and Sheila Shahpari. Join ALIVE, St. Louis Sound, Loudmouth, iChannel, Phat Buddha Productions and TalentPlus Spotlight Entertainment at The Gramophone on September 13th where the winners will jam with Land Rover's featured artist and headlining band Sunday Morning Chameleon.
Guests will dine on appetizers from Agave Mexican Restaurant and cocktails by Bacardi Gold. View fashions from Play Boutique and nodbod Clothing and a special rocked out hair show by Paul Mitchell Academy of St. Louis.
Cost: $4 cover charge will go to benefit Live Feed.

Sun Sept 14
7:30 am – Noon
Lewis & Clark Half Marathon
Historic St. Charles, MO
Come out and cheer on the runners

Sun Sept 14
2:30pm - 4:00pm
Marlissa Hudson's premiere with the Town & Country Symphony
The Principia, Ridgeway Auditorium
13201 Clayton Road Saint Louis, MO
Free Admission



Thur Sept 18
5:30-8:30pm
B Seen on the Boulevard
The Boulevard
Brentwood Blvd across the street from the Galleria Mall
Benefiting Rebuilding Together St. Louis.
Enjoy eocktails, beer, and wine provided by Pearl Vodka, Salvador's, Boulevard Beer, and Chandler Hill Vineyards, and delicious hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Maggiano's, nadoz, and P.F. Chang's.
RSVP: bseen@cheresseink.com by Tuesday, September 16.

Fri Sept 19
6-9 p.m.
Free Concert Celebrating “VH1 Save The Music”
Union Station, Downtown St. Louis City
Houlihan's is proud to help VH1 Save The Music Foundation restore instrumental music education programs in St. Louis Public Schools. To celebrate, Houlihan's is hosting a free concert featuring Steve Ewing (ex-Urge) and Kevin Babb at Union Station .
Any donations collected will go directly to Save The Music.

Great Forest Park Balloon Race
Fri Sept 19 - Sun Sept 21
I've missed this event every year I've lived here...and I so want to go. This is an official Fete Event.
The Line-up

Fri Sept 19
7:00pm to 8:30 pm
BALLOON GLOW
Central Field-- The Balloon Glow offers spectators a breathtaking view of inflated balloons lighted by their burners. Get up close and walk around the balloons. Refreshments and Food are available.

Sat Sept 20
12:00pm to 6:30 pm
BALLOON RACE
Central Field-- Spend your day in beautiful Forest Park. The Purina Children's Entertainment area is filled with pony rides, games, and other activities for kids. The Entertainment Stage features a variety of local talent. During the Photo contest the public can enter the balloon field and take pictures of their favorite balloons. Prizes will be awarded for the best photographs. The Skydiving Team performs and lands in the center of the launch field. The race begins when the Energizer Bunny Balloon takes off ahead of the pack. 70 "hound" balloons then launch in pursuit. The balloon dropping a birdseed baggie closest to the Energizer Bunny Balloon will be declared the winner.

Sun Sept 21
RAIN DATE

Sat Sept 20
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mississippi Earthtones Festivals
This event is held annually as part of Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's "It's Our River Day" initiative and includes art, music and conservation. Families will be engaged at booths on river ecology, native plants and animals, recycling, nature arts & crafts, and food vendors. Live solar-powered folk and bluegrass music will be playing all day. Wild Trak Bikes will give bike safety talks and they will lead a 5-mile and 40-mile bike ride leaving from the festival grounds.The festival sponsored by Alton Marketplace and the Sierra Club.
Missouri River Relief will ferry volunteers by boat to islands and shorelines to pick up litter on the river and there will be a local litter clean up around Riverfront Park & the levee trail.

Sat Sep 20 - Sun Sept 21
Vintage Illinois Wine Festival
Sat: 11 am - 6 pm
Sun: 12 pm -5 pm
27 Illinois Wineries participating, plus a variety of foods, breads, and cheeses
Vermilion River Entrance of Matthiessen State Park on Route 178
Cost: $10

Sun Sept 21
3 - 8 pm
Wasabi Festival 2008
Wasabi Sushi Bar (1228 Washington Ave.)
You're invited to a new St. Louis Tradition- Celebrating the 3rd Annual Sushi Eating Contest. Register by Sept 5th at http://www.wasabistl.com/ for your chance to win a trip to Japan! A total of 10 contestants will be selected. Access Application here.



Wed Sept 24
6 - 9 pm
Crescent Block Party
Carondelet Plaza
Join ALIVE Magazine and the shops of Carondelet Plaza for the Crescent Block Party on September 24th.
Enjoy the sounds of Farshid Etniko on the Crescent patio across from the fountain by the Ritz-Carlton.
Grey Goose drink specials and complimentary hors d'oeuvres by ARAKA.
All retail stores will offer a 10% discount during the event.
Visit all The Crescent retailers during the event and have a chance to win over $1000 worth of prizes.
RSVP: Crescent@alivemag.com

Fri Sept 26
5 pm
Gateway Football Classic Pep Rally
Baer Plaza, across from Edward Jones Dome
Featuring Kentucky State University and Stillman College Bands.

Fri Sept 26 – Sat Sept 27
12:00 - 7:00 pm
4th Annual St. Louis Wine Festival Presented by Van Kampen Investments Pours Into Town
Last year, over 6,000 people attended the festival held at Forest Park's beautiful Grand Basin at the foot of Art Hill. This year, the creators of this festival, inPLAY EVENTS, expects to take the festival to an even higher level. The weekend festival will feature over 150 Missouri, domestic and international wines from more than 20 wine exhibitors, along with local area restaurants presenting selections from their menus. Once again, St. Louis' finest local musical talent will be performing including: Kim Massie and Erin Bode. Judging from the level of last year's attendance, it looks like this may be a great start to another golden St. Louis tradition.
For more information: Telephone: 314-367-8954

Fri Sept 26 – Sun Sept 28
Taste of St. Louis
Downtown @ 12th and Market
http://www.tastestl.com/

Sat Sept 27
10:00 am
Gateway Football Classic “The Spirit of Sports" Parade
Begins at 12th and Market Streets in downtown St. Louis

Sat Sept 27
3:00 p.m.
American Family Insurance GATEWAY FOOTBALL CLASSIC Game
featuring Kentucky State University and Stillman College
Advance tickets: $16.00, $22.00, $30.00, $35.00
Tickets available at the Gateway Classic and through Ticketmasters.

Sat Sept 27
All day
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Gateway Football Classic Tail gate
The Lot at 6th and Cole
Open event to everyone (but I personally recommend 21 yrs and older or children with sober adult supervision)

Sat Sept 27
KMOX Jazz & Wine Festival
Faust Park
15185 Olive St. Rd, Chesterfield, MO
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door and can be purchased over the phone by calling 314-444-1862

Sat Sept 27
10am-6pm
Green Homes & Renewable Energy Festival
3600 Block Grandel Square – Midtown St. Louis City
Featuring Expert Workshops and Presentations and Festival day bonus! Dancing In The Street a live, lively and FREE kickoff to St. Louis’ fall arts season.

Sat Sept 27
1:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Dancing In the Street
Grand Center

Come celebrate the opening of Grand Center's fall arts season with the second annual "Dancing in the Street" festival. This FREE event offers more than 700 dancers performing Tap, Hip Hop, Ballet, Clog, Modern, Flamenco, Tango and much more, on four outdoor stages. Headlining troupe, Neighborhood Watch Stilts international," from England, will amaze as they dance and perform on stilts during their St. Louis debut. Fun for all ages with "High School Musical" dance instruction and special appearances by members of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.

Saturday, September 27
9:00 am – noon
Healthy Town
Bring your family to enjoy a morning of fun at Healthy Town, a collaborativeevent with St. Louis County Department of Health, YMCA of Greater St. Louis,and St. Louis Community College. Healthy Town offers area residents resourcesto help them take small steps to become healthier. Short fun walk on the colleges campus
Free

St. Louis Community College--Florissant Valley
3400 Pershall Road (63135).
To pre-register for this FREE event, call 314-513-4444. Registrations will also be taken the day of the event.Visit www.ymcastlouis.org/healthytown for a copy of the flyer to share withyour family and friends.

Sunday, September 28, 2008
8:00 am
YMCA 5K & Family Fun Day at Tower Grove Park
The YMCA of Greater St. Louis has teamed up with the America on the MoveFoundation and will host its first annual 5K & Family Fun Day on at Tower Grove Park, located between Kingshighway and Grand at Magnolia. Family activities will also be held in conjunction with the race. Strollers and pets on leashes are welcome. Pet clean-up is required by the owner.

Races will begin and end at the West End Site of Tower Grove Park (Kingshighway entrance). Water stops will be available throughout the course. All races willbe based on a running clock.

AWARDS

Medals will be given to all participants. Awards will begiven to the top two finishers, male and female, in the 5K run/walk category. T-shirts and goodie bags will be given to all pre-registered participants.

REGISTRATION

Register on-site on race day.

RACE TIMESCHECK-IN/REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN ONE HOUR PRIOR TO EACH EVENT.

5K Run/Walk & 5K Relay starts at 8:00 a.m.

1 Mile Run/Walk starts at 9:30 a.m.

200, 100, & 50-yard dash and diaper dash starts at 10 a.m.

FEES

$10 Adult$5 Child (under 12)$15 Family of two or more people

For information, contact LeAnn Harris at 314-436-1177.

Sat Sept 27 – Sun Sept 28
National Public Lands Day
Join the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve, enhance and celebrate our public lands. Several sites in The Confluence will be hosting hands-on workdays and exhibits. Visit one of these natural places. There is one near your
ParkPalooza - National Park Service Jefferson National Expansion Memorial at the Gateway Arch
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area - Missouri Department of Conservation Confluence Point State Park - Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Ruth Park Woods - The Green Center
Learn more about these events on The Confluence website

Ongoing - All Month

Tuesdays
Twilight Tuesdays is Back!
6:30 – 8:30 pm
at the Missouri History Museum
Sept 2: The Fabulous Motown Revue
Sept 9: Ralph Butler
Sept 16: Coco Soul, Taynka and Friends
Sept 23: Mystic Voyage Band featuring Original Stevie Wonder Tribute
Sept 30: The Bob Kuban Brass

Wednesdays
Grooveback Wednesdays
Doors open at 7 pm
Posh (in the Central West End) Free admission; $3 Martinis until 9 pm, then DJ Needles Spins

Niki Exhibit
Colorful, Playful Mosaic Sculptures by Niki De Saint Phalle at the Missouri Botanical Garden Open April 27 - October 31, 2008

Recap of the Happy Hour & School Supply Drive

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

The Happy Hour and School Supply Drive last

Friday the 5th at F15teen was a great success!

We were able to collect over $400 worth of much needed school supplies for needy St. Louis area classrooms.

If you weren't able to make it, but are interested in contributing to KidSmart - our event's beneficiary - or if you an educator and interested in bringing some these resources to your school please check out their webpage: www.kidsmartstl.org.

They accept drop-off donations of school and office supplies from individuals, companies, and organizations.

Their address is:
12175 Bridgeton Square Drive
Bridgeton, MO 63044
Phone: (314) 291-6211

And be sure to try to join us in January when we host another Happy Hour and School Supply Drive, this time in conjunction with Stress Free Fridays.

Piia Hanson, Danielle Lee, Tishaura Jones

Here are some pictures from the evening:

Volunteers needed for upcoming events

1. The Zoo Needs You for Ottertoberfest.
It is an otter-inspired Oktoberfest for the whole family, is coming up at the Saint Louis Zoo – and we need your help! The dates and times for this year’s event are:
Saturday – Sunday
September 27 – 28, October 4 – 5, & October 11 – 12
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day.
Visitors will enjoy otter-related children’s activities, biergarten food and drinks, live entertainment, and more on the Zoo grounds.

At least ten volunteers are needed per shift each day. The two volunteer shift options for each day of the event are 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Volunteers will assist with greeting, educational activities, and more.

You do not have to be a Zoo Volunteer to volunteer for this event. If you are not currently a Zoo Volunteer or Event Volunteer, you will just need to sign a Volunteer Waiver when you arrive for the event. A light snack and beverages will be provided for all volunteers.

Please reply to Lauren E. Kistner if you interested in volunteering for this event. If you sign up to volunteer, you will receive a confirmation letter with your assignment and more detailed information just prior to the event. Please contact by phone at (314) 646-4516 or by e-mail if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.

2. Volunteers Needed for the Fourth Annual Wine Festival.
The St. Louis Wine Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28 at the Grand Basin in Forest Park. As in past years, the success of the Wine Festival is in the hands of the volunteers who graciously donate their time and work with friends, family or co-workers pouring wine or selling tickets, beer and soda.

The scheduled shift times are as follows:
Saturday, September 27
11:45-4:00
3:45-8:00
Sunday, September 28
11:45-3:00
2:45-6:00

Volunteers receive a ticket to the Festival and a T-shirt. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Gus at stevensong@stlouiscity.com or 531-0080 (Jewel Box).

For more information about the Wine Festival, visit http://www.stlouiswinefestival.com

Good Deeds, all in one Place

I receive emails about online petitions or action items about health issues, political action issues and education. Sometimes I just don’t know whether I have the time or if I should forward them on to everyone. Forwarding emails can be such a time sink and fools us into thinking we’re communicating with people when we aren’t.
But I still care about these issues, so I’m doing something.
I’m posting links to these important calls to action in one place; and asking everyone to visit and fill one out each day as your time permits.

Thank you.
1. There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through' Mastectomy where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached. Please sign the Breast Cancer Petition.

2. Tell the Department of Health and Human Services to stop efforts to block women's access to basic reproductive health services. Submit your comments now about Protecting Access to Health Care for Women. The public comment period on these insidious regulations is open until
September 20.

3. Help those affected by Hurricane Gustav. Please sign the Contribute to the Gulf Coast Emergency Fund.

Fall 2008 Events

November

Sat Nov 1

Turkey Trot for the Troops

5k Run

Sat Nov 8
12:30 – 4:30 pm
ZooQuest: A Scavenger Hunt & Trivia Challenge
St. Louis Zoo
More information about ZooQuest
Rules and Regulations
$30 per team for Zoo Friends Members$35 per team for General Public
To register, call (314) 646-4544 or mail in the Registration Form.

August 2008 Events

The Dog Days of Summer needn’t be boring or get you down.

Fri Aug 1 & Sat Aug 2
12 midnight
Midnight Brew & View: Sin City
Moolah Theatre
Starring: Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke,Rosario Dawson,Bruce Willis,Clive Owen
Rating: R
Running Time: 124 Mins.
Hell of a way to end a partnership. A film that explores the dark and miserable town Basin City and tells the story of three different people, all caught up in the violent corruption of the city

Fri Aug 1 & Sat Aug 2
Last Shows of the Live ON/OFF the Levee Season
6 -10 pm each night

August 2

Concert Atlantic Starr @ President Casino

Sun Aug 3
3 – 6pm
Friends of Belas Artes present “Mid Summer en Plein Air”
Reception
Wine & Cheese
Live Jazz Performance
Selected Plein Air Art Exhibit
1854 Russell Blvd, St. Louis MO 63104

Sun Aug 3
11 am
Marlissa Hudson, Lyric Coloratura Soprano Performance
Soloist for Ethical Society
http://www.ethicalstl.org/

Mon Aug 4 – Sun Aug 10
Last Muny Show of the Season
Fiddler on the Roof

Tue Aug 5
8 pm- Until the Last Vote is Counted!
Election Watch Party and Celebration of Tishaura O. Jones, Candidate for State Representative
Park West Grille
2917 S. Jefferson
St. Louis, MO 63118
Located just South of Jefferson and Pestalozzi, across from the fire station.
The Fête Society unashamedly endorses Tishaura O. Jones as the Democrat nominee for the 63rd District State Representative. See you there.
She Won!

Fri Aug 8
5-10 pm
Rhythm & Blues: Meet us... Between 19th & 20th Streets on Washington Ave
Come enjoy the best St. Louis has to offer with ALIVE Magazine in one block for one day, including live music, DJs, cocktails, food, fashion, art & everything in between. Taste a multitude of different cuisines featuring F15teen and Onesto.
Get a sneak peek of what the Tudor Building's stretch of shopping real estate will be like once all of the spaces are snatched up as the stores are filled with boutiques and galleries such as Blush and Maxwell's.
RSVP to TudorStreetFestival@alivemag.com

Fri Aug 9
7 pm
Authors @ Your Library presents: E. Lynn Harris
Central Library (St. Louis City Public Library)
He will discuss his book Just Too Good To Be True

Sat Aug 9
8:30 - 10:30 am
Beginning Wayfinding at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Learn how to use this navigational tool through games and activities to help you find your way. This program is recommended for ages 8 and older. For more information contact the Missouri Department of Conservation at 314/877-6014 or visit MDC website (www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/areas/bottom)

Sat Aug 9
6:00 - 11:00 pm
Second Saturday Night Fishing at Spanish Lake Park St. Louis County Parks
The park is open until 11:00 pm for late night fishing. Bring your pole, bait and lantern and fish until the wee hours. Fishing is only permitted from the bank. This FREE program is open to all ages. For more information contact St. Louis County Parks at 314/615-4386 or visit St. Louis County Parks website (www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/spanish.html)

Sat Aug 9
all day
Annual Great Stone Hill Grape Stomp
Hermann, Missouri Stone Hill Winery.Guests may stomp to the upbeat folk sounds of live music or sit on the hill and cheer for the stompers. Stompers are judged on the amount of juice produced and on 'stomping style,' which includes some wild and crazy costumes and stomping techniques. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of each age category.

Sat Aug 9
8pm-1am
Toga Party
Metropolis St. Louis and Animal House Fund are throwing our first Toga Party at Lucas School House.
We are teaming up together to raise funds for our effort to support the City of St. Louis AND the homeless animals that need our help! Want to re-live your college days? Or if you've never been to a toga party, please come in your finest sheets to enjoy music, a complimentary cocktail from Pearl Vodka and win prizes in our toga contest! $20 admission.
T ickets will be available on http://www.mstl.org/12all/lt/t_go.php?i=482&e=MzUzMw==&l=-http--www.marketvolt.com/custapp/cc.aspx--Q-CM--E-58511610--A-X--E-8274082--A-MailingID--E-43668--A-LS--E-22, http://www.mstl.org/12all/lt/t_go.php?i=482&e=MzUzMw==&l=-http--www.marketvolt.com/custapp/cc.aspx--Q-CM--E-58511610--A-X--E-8274082--A-MailingID--E-43668--A-LS--E-13 and through Lucas School House
(314) 621-6565.

Sun Aug 10
5:30 pm – 7:30pm
MYSTIC VOYAGE - THE BAND!!!! performs
Carondelet Park
Near Loughborough & Interstate 55

Mon Aug11 – Sat Aug 16
Downtown Restaurant Week
Now in its fourth year, DRW has grown to 25 diverse and delicious destinations.
There are no passes to buy, coupons to carry or cards to punch - patrons simply attend the restaurant of their choice and select from a special 3-course dinner menu for $25 per person, plus tip, plus tax.
Visit the website to get a list of participating restaurants. http://www.downtownrestaurantweek.net/2008/index.html

Wed Aug 13
6 pm
Missouri Botanic Gardens Young Friends Night at the Whitaker Festival
Last night of the Festival

Tue Aug 19
5:30 - 9:00 pm
River City Professionals Happy Hour
Moulin Events and Meetings - 2017 Chouteau August Happy Hour: RCP turns 6 this month and to celebrate, we are heading to Moulin, the beautiful event space just below Vin De Set! And as we have for the past few years, we are encouraging our guests to bring school supplies to benefit KidSmart! For a list of needed supplies, visit online at http://www.kidsmartstl.com/. Afterwards, be sure and head up to Vin De Set for dinner and enjoy the amazing rooftop view!
Special guest Randy Grimm, Stray Rescue
RSVP by Friday, August 15th

Thu Aug 21
4:30 – 8:30 pm
National Black MBA Association is hosting a Network-Mix and Mingle Hour
Bailey's Chocolate Bar
Lafayette Square - 1915 Park Avenue-
Saint Louis, MO 63104
If you need additional information please contact 314-324-6683.

Sat Aug 23
all day and night
The Lot Music Festival
We invite you to enjoy local bands, Schlafly beer and dazzling performances along with a variety of booths and displays from local businesses and nonprofits as a part of our mission to promote the City of St. Louis. The Lot is a free outdoor festival that attracted over 2,500 people last year, so come check out local bands and entertainment at the Schlafly Tap Room parking lot. How You Can Help! Sponsors We are currently seeking sponsors. Last year’s festival drew over 2,500 people. Sponsors will be included in promotional material, media mentions including 105.7 and RFT and more, and will receive booth space at the festival. Contact http://us.mc544.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=ascavotto@stinson.com if you are interested in booth space or becoming a sponsor. Volunteers If you would like to volunteer for the festival, contact http://us.mc544.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=ascavotto@stinson.com.

Volunteers STILL neededed. Contact them. Pour Beer, drink for free! (21 & up only).

Sat Aug 23
6 – 9 pm
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri Grand Opening
Live Music and Family Fun
Open to the Public
Celebrate Mentorship and Community
501 North Grand

Sat Aug 23 – Sun Aug 24
All day
Festival of Nations @ Tower Grove Park
http://www.iistl.org/

Tue Aug 26
Twilight Tuesdays is Back! How could I forget?
6:30 pm
Liverpool Legends

Wed Aug 27
Jammin' at the Zoo 2008, part II
Second Installment of the Best Summer Fun
Wine and Beer Tasting and 3 Musical Stages
Entertainment includes Kim Massie, Lamar Harris and CoCo Soul

Free for Zoo members and a guest, $10 for non-members (and it is worth every penny).

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Fri Aug 29
"This One's for You"
Soulard Art Market and Contemporary Art Museum

Sat Aug 30 – Sun Aug 31
Piasa Winery
Saturday: Chris Voelker
Sunday, August 31st: Matt Livasy
You KNOW you don't have to work on Monday! So come enjoy our live entertainment and great wine and beer selection this weekend!
211 W. Main St., Grafton, IL 62037
(618) 786-WINE
piasawinery@hotmail.com

Sat Aug 30 – Sept 1
St. Nicholas Greek Festival
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Monday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at Forest Park Parkway and Kingshighway Free Admission

Sat Aug 30 – Sept 1
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission (ages 13–64)$10; Seniors (ages 65+)$7; Children (ages 3–12)$3; Garden members
$3; (free for members' children 3–12) Tea Ceremony tickets are $15 per person. Click here for additional Tea Ceremony information.

~On Going all Month ~

Whitaker Jazz Festival at the Missouri Botanical Gardens

Wednesdays in August, ends August 13

Jungle Boogie @ the Zoo
every Friday night 5pm - 8pm

May - August

Free concerts and extended Zoo hours.

Perfect for the whole family.

Movies in the Park in Spanish Lake Park
Saturdays: Aug 2, 9, 16 & 23 at 8:30 pm

This new, free, fun event for families is sponsored by the Spanish Lake Community Association and St. Louis County Parks. For more information contact St. Louis County Parks at 314/355-7374 or visit St. Louis County Parks website (www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/spanish.html)

Missouri History Museum

Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays various events (photo available)

Dinoroarus Exhibit at the St. Louis Zoo

Open April 18 through September 1, 2008

Step back in time to see roaring, spitting, moving dinosaurs in this one-of-a-kind walk-through exhibit.

Admission is $1.50 for Zoo Friends members and $3 for non-members. Children under two are free.

Niki Exhibit - Colorful, Playful Mosaic Sculptures by Niki De Saint Phalle at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Open April 27 - October 31, 2008
Visit the Garden for Free on Wednesday Mornings

More Good News to Share

In addition to Tishaura Jones becoming a State Representative here is more great news to share:

Ray Hill's Classic American Pilsner was featured in an article in the St. Louis American August 7- 13 paper. Below is the link to the article. http://www.stlamerican.com/articles/2008/08/07/business/local_business/business03.txt


And my other Blog Urban Science Adventures! (c) was selected as a Finalist for the 2008 Black Weblog Award in the Science/Tech Category. Thanks to everyone who nominated me. Now, I NEED your help to take the Blue Ribbon. Please vote for my blog!

And last but NOT least, the Jammin' at the Zoo is coming NEXT week! I hope you make it out.

Tishaura Jones becomes the new 63rd District State Representative

Join me and the rest of the Fête Society as we congratulate Ms. Tishaura Jones in her victorious bid to become a member of the Missouri State House of Reprensentatives. She will served the 63rd District of Missouri (St. Louis). Thanks to everyone for their support!

Forward your congratulations to:
Tishaura O. Jones
1218 S. Jefferson Suite 117
St. Louis, MO 63104
tishaura@tishauraojones.com

A Great August weekend

Oh my goodness, I had the best time this weekend.

Sat night (Aug 2) I experienced Knockouts Bar & Grill in Florissant. This place is great. It’s a bar, a sports bar in fact. There are lots of tables and chairs and flat screen TVs with different games on each set. The backroom has pool tables and electronic dart boards. I personally prefer the low tech dart boards with real darts and a chalk board. There’s a little living room vibe in that room – complete with its own bar – with a large pull-down screen. And there’s a dance floor with a walled mirror. I was in love. It reminded me of a few of my haunts back home (in Memphis – Imagine Tony’s Bar & Grill on Elvis Presley meets Tidwell’s Late Night Suite on Bellevue…You just don’t know). There’s a live DJ complete with a hype man. It’s a perfect place to take visiting friends and family who just want to get out; and it is definitely the place to go if you want to just have a great time – no pretense.


Sun night (Aug 3) I experienced ContinuOHM – a local band. Now, if you’re not checking out the local music talent in this city you are indeed sleeping. The bad plays a lot of original jazz tunes and covers neo soul standards like Badu, Jill Scott, and Chaka Khan. Blue-eyed Neo Soul I call it, Audra’s voice is so soulful. Members of the band play together and also separately with other local groups. Tonight’s performance was dedicated to bass man Teddy Brookings’ father. They performed at Lucas Park Grill on Washington Street – another great place to visit, but a little she-she and pricey.










But be sure to get out this coming week. And next weekend has so many events going on…it’s gonna be crazy.

See you out and about!

Jammin' at the Zoo

Here is a photo recap of the great time we had. I hope you can make it to the next one.

Metromix also has pictures from the event posted. Check them out here.