Dick Caveat's Posts


Dick Caveat's Photo I'm a St. Louis music lover and concert-goer. Follow my blog for updates on what's happening on the concert scene in St. Louis, with a special focus on local bands.

Latest Playlist


All Aboard for Fun Times: St. Louis show highlights for February 24-26

All Aboard for Fun Times Train

commons.wikimedia.org

I’ve got a healthy array of choices Friday and Saturday. It appears most venues ceded Sunday to Oscar Mania, but a few options exist: 
 
Friday, February 24
 
Jefferson Warehouse (2501 S. Jefferson) hosts Re/pressed: A Print Show and Dance Party!, a show/sale from printmakers in the Art Department of SIU-Edwardsville, running 7-1. Music starts at 8, with hard-to-characterize rock sounds from Accelerando and punk from The Cuban Missiles, along with a DJ spin. $4 gets you in (21+). Smoke-free.
 
CaveofswordS / bulletPOP! / Tight Pants Syndrome
Schlafly Tap Room  2100 Locust  9-12  Free  Smoke-free

 
No issues searching for these bands on the Interwebs! C is a new-ish spousal duo of Sunyatta and Kevin McDermott, who may be joined by others. I haven’t heard them yet. Catchy, driving punk-pop-rock from b!, with a vibe sometimes reminiscent of Rezillos and early Blondie. Sugar-sweet pop-rock from TPS (their Chevy Music Showcase profile commercial is scheduled to run on KMOV over this weekend).
 
Water Liars / Alley Ghost / Fred Friction
Off Broadway  3509 Lemp  9-12:30  $7 (+3 under 21)  Smoke-free 
 
This is the local debut for WL, a duo of former Theodore frontman Justin Kinkel-Schuster and Andrew Bryant, a rural Mississippi multi-instrumentalist who had collaborated with him and T prior to their dissolution. Stream the album Phantom Limb at KDHX.org and check out Christian Schaeffer’s review at the RFT. AG offers the songs of Bob Reuter with a passionate, rough-at-the-edges mix of rock, blues and folk. Heartfelt, booze-soaked ballads from FF.
 
Another edition of the Girlfight! series, showcasing female or female-focused acts, occurs at Firebird (2706 Olive) at 9. This time offers rockabilly sounds with powerful vocals from the Molly Simms-fronted Bible Belt Sinners, blues-tinged rock from Jedi Nighties and solo folk sounds from Langen Neubacher. This costs $7, with an additional 3 for those 20-under. Smoke-free.
 
Saturday, February 25
 
The Lettuce Heads
Stone Spiral Coffee & Curios  2500 Sutton  8-10  Donation (all ages)  Smoke-free
 
TLH offer quirky, pop-ish rock, with something to please folks ranging from toe-tappers to music nerds. No hard liquor here, but beer, wine and a variety of non-alcoholic choices are offered, and a small menu is available.
 
Atomic Cowboy (4140 Manchester) hosts a bash to honor Johnny Cash (I hope it honors him - another tribute I attended here a while back was pretty much of a mess), who would’ve turned 80 on the February 26. Twang-ified acts Trigger 5, Butcher Holler, the Twains and Reverend Matt will perform, hosted by Al Swacker, who will also DJ between sets.
 
In addition to the music, there’ll be a Ring of (bon)Fire outside at the fire pit, a release of black balloons at midnight, and a sale/show of art inspired by the Man in Black from Tom Huck’s Evil Prints.
 
Speaking of black – patrons dressed exclusively in it receive a drink ticket good for a PBR or Jack Daniel’s shot.
 
This starts at 8 (live music at 9), with a $5 cover (21+). Smoke-free (and hopefully free of bass-thumping techno/club music bleeding from the main room into the venue side; that would be a nice change from prior visits!). 

Read more

Posted by | February 24, 2012 | Local, Music | Comment 

All Aboard for Fun Times: St. Louis show highlights for February 17-18

All Aboard for Fun Times Train

commons.wikimedia.org

I was sorry to hear the Paper Dolls have called it quits, but it appears that everyone involved has plenty of other things going on.

Such is life (or, as Dick Richmond once put it in his P-D review of an ELP concert, “Sailor Be”).

The Mardi Gras parade is Saturday; all my picks that night are free of charge, so they may not be free of obnoxious drunks. Here’s hoping the doors are staffed by persons who exercise some discretion — the bathroom they save may be their own! Friday is really jammed with jams:

Friday, February 17

Jon Dee Graham
Off Broadway 3509 Lemp 7-9 $10 adv/12 dos (+3 under 21) Smoke-free

Gruff-voiced JDG is an alt-country institution in Austin; voted Musician of the Year in 2006, and is a triple threat in the town’s Hall of Fame (as a solo artist, as part of the Skunks and the True Believers). He’s got a impressive CV, working with many of the town’s best artists and a list of others including Exene Cervenka, John Doe, Michelle Shocked and John Hiatt. Expect a range of sounds, with top-notch songcraft.

Allen Stone / Tommy And The High Pilots / Tidal Volume
Firebird 2706 Olive 7:30-11 $12 (+2 under 21) Smoke-free

Folks who enjoy retro-glancing soul acts like Mayer Hawthorn and Raphel Saadiq should enjoy the sounds of Seattle’s AS. Santa Barbara’s TatHP play jangly, catchy pop-rock. I haven’t heard TV.

The Ransom Note / The Transatlantic / Tok
Schlafly Tap Room 2100 Locust 9-12 Free (minors only with parents) Smoke-free

Smooth, soulful bedroom sounds from TRN — turn down the lights. Springfield (IL) quartet TT offers hook-laden, punchy pop-rock; reminiscent of the Romantics to my ears, albeit with a harder edge. T rock hard, but with a more melodic sensibility than many bands of their ilk.

Murder City Players provide a groove-filled night of reggae/ska sounds at 2720 (2720 Cherokee), with DJ sets during their breaks. This runs 9-1, with an $8 cover (18+ only). Smoke-free

Lookout Joe, a project involving scene vets Brian Henneman, Kip Loui and Richard Tralles, play rock and country at Pop’s Blue Moon (5249 Pattison), starting around 9:30. Cover is probably $5 (21+ only). Smoking is allowed, but in a separate area. Cash only here.

The Trip Daddys / Bible Belt Sinners / Old Capital Square Dance Club
The Crack Fox 1114 Olive 9:30-1 $8 (21+ only) Smoking, moderate to heavy

High-octane, kinda-billy rock from TTD. Rockabilly sounds, with the power-growler vocals of Molly Sims, from BBS. A mix of country, blues and rock sounds from OC(sic)SDC.

Read more

Posted by | February 17, 2012 | Local, Music, News | Comment 

All Aboard for Fun Times: St. Louis show highlights for February 10-11

All Aboard for Fun Times Train

commons.wikimedia.org

Too bad there wasn’t this much to do when real winter was out of town — figures it would return just when Mardi Gras activities get going:
 
Friday, February 10
 
This weekend is the annual Cod & Cask Festival at the Schlafly Tap Room (2100 Locust). In addition to tasty food and drink, there’s free music; tonight, Rough Shop offer their exquisitely-crafted blend of folk, country and rock, running 5-9. Free, all-ages and smoke-free.
 
If you prefer your rock rowdy, Old Rock House (1200 S. 7th) hosts the country-punk maelstrom that is Seattle’s Supersuckers, joined by heavy ‘n’ hard-rocking city-mates Spittin’ Cobras. Roy Kasten previews the headliners for the RFT.
 
This starts at 8, with a $15 cover (all-ages). Smoke-free.
 
Craig Finn / Mount Moriah
Off Broadway  3509 Lemp  9-12  $12 (+2 under 21)  Smoke-free 
 
Brooklyn-based CF takes a hiatus from the Hold Steady and their anthemic rock to explore his own compositions, which are more laid-back. I didn’t have a chance to preview Durham, NC’s MM, but here’s an interview with them by Kiernan Maletsky in the RFT.
 
Colonel Ford
Schlafly Bottleworks  7260 Southwest  9-12  Free  Smoke-free
 
Vintage-styled honky-tonk and country sounds from CF, with a nebulous, but very skilled, roster.

Saturday, February 11
 
You can help KDHX fill their coffers, while you fill your stomach, by attending the monthly brunch benefit this morning at Black Bear Bakery (2639 Cherokee), running 9-2, for $10. There’s probably a set of swing jazz-styled music by Wack-A-Doo from 10 to 12.
 
The Cod & Cask Festival continues at the Schlafly Tap Room today, with The Red-Headed Strangers providing country and country/folk/rock blend originals and covers, running 5-9. Free, all-ages and smoke-free.
 
One Take play a blend of many acoustic styles at Stone Spiral Coffee & Curios (2500 Sutton), running 8-10.
 
Donate what you will in the cookie jar, relax and enjoy a variety of beverages (no hard liquor) and tasty appetizers/desserts. All-ages and smoke-free.
 
Rum Drum Ramblers
Schlafly Bottleworks  7260 Southwest  9-12  Free  Smoke-free

High energy sounds that evoke ’30s-’40s jazz and blues from RDR.
 
The Dive Poets / Tenement Ruth / Stingrays / The Jump Starts
Blueberry Hill Duck Room  6504 Delmar  9-1  $7 (21+ only)  Smoke-free
 
A polished blend of country and rock from TDP. Languid, country-tinged rock from TR. TJS are a folk-ish pop duo featuring vocals/guitar from Justin Johnson (Pretty Little Empire) and vocals/drums from Sarah Ross (Paper Dolls). S come from Columbia, Mo. with a soulful rock sound that should appeal to fans of the Wallflowers.
 
Cacophonous rockers Catholic Guilt play a release show at El Leñador (3124 Cherokee), joined by the powerful, somber sounds of Magic City and the hardcore punk fury of Shaved Women. This will start sometime after 9, with a likely cover of $5 (21+ only). Smoke-free.
 
Your humble servant,

Dick Caveat

Posted by | February 10, 2012 | Local, Music | Comment 

All Aboard for Fun Times: St. Louis show highlights for February 7-9

All Aboard for Fun Times Train

commons.wikimedia.org

Texans, current and former, are here in abundance this week:
 
Tuesday, February 7
    
Shearwater / The Airliners
Off Broadway   3509 Lemp   9-11:30   $12 (+3 under 21)   Smoke-free
 
Austin’s S, fronted by ex-Okkervil River founding member Jonathan Meiburg, offer an infectious, propulsive blend of rock with folk touches and effects-laden instruments. TA are a local act that I haven’t witnessed.
 
Wednesday, February 8
 
Heartless Bastards / Hacienda
Firebird   2706 Olive   8:30-11   $13 advance/15 door (+3 under 21)   Smoke-free
 
Originated in Cincinnati but now of Austin, HB offer potent rocked simmered in blues and peppered with a garage sensibility. San Antonio’s H offer energetic garage rock with a nod to the Tex-Mex sounds of their hometown, a lot of their press name-checks the Sir Douglas Quintet. 
 
Due to unforeseen issues, there aren’t any bands playing this week’s Stag Nite at El Leñador (3124 Cherokee); instead, Craig Deeken, seen at many, many shows about town with camcorder in hand/on monopod, will screen an array of his handiwork. This starts at 9, with no cover (21+ only) and Stag cans for $1 until midnight. Smoke-free.

Thursday, February 9
 
Two members of Dick Caveat-approved band Old Lights, frontman David Beeman and bassist/vocalist Kit Hamon, play solo sets (and possibly some duets) in the lounge at Plush (3224 Locust), starting at 8:30. Free (18+ only) and smoke-free. 

Dave Herrero / Little Rachel
Off Broadway   3509 Lemp   9-11:30   $12 (+3 under 21)   Smoke-free
 
Chicago’s (by way of Austin) DH is an adept guitarist who explores many styles of electric and acoustic blues. LR packs a powerful vocal punch, performing in vintage ’40s-’50s R&B style. She may be accompanied by all/some of the Funky Butt Brass Band; I witnessed some of their recent joint performance at Blues City Deli (from the outside, as usual, that is one popular sandwich shop), and all the cookin’ wasn’t being done in the kitchen.
 
Your humble servant,

Dick Caveat

Posted by | February 7, 2012 | Local, Music | Comment 

All Aboard for Fun Times: St. Louis show highlights for February 3-4

All Aboard for Fun Times Train

commons.wikimedia.org

There’ve been a few additions to the venue scene of late, but I’ve neglected to note a subtraction: the days of touring acts at St. Louis University’s the Billiken Club are apparently over. It was rumored that the fall schedule would signal the end, and an open-mic is the only event posted for the spring.
 
I’m sure many fans of their free shows are bummed, but I appreciate having one less website to track; it’s becoming quite a task to follow all the ones on my radar. I think we’re easily at a saturation point with venues, absent a bunch of young folk following the leads of Pokey LaFarge, Paige Brubeck/Evan Sult (of Sleepy Kitty) and David Beeman (of Old Lights) by migrating here, along with most of our own sticking around.
 
Yes, Virginia, there really is a December show calendar still lingering on the Mangia Italiano website. If you know someone who’s gonna be playing there, better tell ‘em to self-promote extensively; the venue usually waits until the day of a show to do Facebook posts, which isn’t much help.
 
There are a reasonable number of shows worth recommending this weekend, although there’s nothing of interest on Sunday for a change. I guess the Super Bowl alternative concept is on hiatus.

Friday, February 3        
 
I should’ve mentioned this in the last edition, the Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio is this week’s act at Jazz at the Bistro (3536 Washington), playing organ-centric bop in the spirit of Jimmie Smith. Ryan Wasoba offers his impressions of them for the RFT.
 
Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30, with a $30 cover ($25 if you can make it to a Thursday set; $10 for students at all shows), attendees of early sets are often invited to stay for the second. Smoke-free.
 
Marleyfest 8 with Murder City Players and guests
Blueberry Hill Duck Room  6504 Delmar  9:30-1  $15  Smoke-free
 
It’s been a pleasant winter here, but it’s still warmer in the Caribbean, where MCP, our town’s reggae institution will take you (at least in your mind) as they lay down riddems for Prince Philip, Tony Rome and several guest singers in their annual tribute to Rasta Man #1. 
 
Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers
Beale on Broadway  701 S. Broadway  10-2  $7  Smoking, moderate to heavy
 
High-energy swing-jazz and R&B sounds from MJatH.
 
I assume this takes place indoors, which means it’ll be cramped, and probably quite smoky.
 
If you feel a need to do some cretin hoppin’ instead of swingin’ or groovin’, you can head to Off Broadway (3509 Lemp) to check out Punk Rock Isn’t Dead, It Just Smells Funny. Bass Amp & Dano headline, joined by the Haddonfields, Black for a Second and the Chill Dawgs. The show starts at 8, with a $7 cover (+3 20-under). Smoke-free.
 
Saturday, February 4
 
Jazz at the Bistro hosts the Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio for their last two sets, same details as Friday.
 
The Blind Eyes / Bo and the Locomotive / Mutts / Sleepy Kitty
Firebird  2706 Olive  9-1  $5 (+3 18-20)  Smoke-free
 
This show celebrates the venue’s third anniversary with a diverse bill. Soulful, jangly pop from TBE. BatL are fronted by Bo Bulawsky (son of Magic City frontman Larry), playing indie rock with a folk rock vein. Chicago trio M have a gritty, blues-rock sound that’s reminiscent of Black Diamond Heavies. It’s been a while since SK has played (to my knowledge), the duo offer a pop-rock base melded with improvisation via loops and effects.      
 
Swing DeVille

Schlafly Bottleworks  7260 Southwest  9-12  Free  Smoke-free
 
Fans of western swing or jazz artists like Django Rinehardt and Stephane Grappelli will dig SDV, sweet sounds from players with serious chops.
 
Marleyfest 8 wraps up night two at Blueberry Hill, same particulars as before.
 
Your humble servant,

Dick Caveat

Posted by | February 2, 2012 | Local, Music | Comment 

All Aboard for Fun Times: St. Louis show highlights for January 27-29

All Aboard for Fun Times Train

commons.wikimedia.org

A full menu of options for the weekend, including a dilemma for the rockabilly crowd on Friday:

Friday, January 27

The Wee Trio is a New Orleans vibes/bass/drums jazz group who’ve been exploring a path akin to that of the Bad Plus, reworking rock songs as part of their repertoire. Participation in a tribute project has lead to “Ashes to Ashes: a David Bowie Intraspective,” hopefully proving there’s room for another Duke, the thin white one, in the jazz canon.

This takes place at Jazz at the Bistro (3536 Washington), with sets at 7:30 and 9:30. Cost is $20 (10 for students). As always, attendees of the first set may be offered a chance to remain for the second. The RFT’s Dean Minderman has more details.

Skinny Jim and the Number 9 Blacktops / The Dirt Daubers / Paul Bearer & The Coffin Kings
Off Broadway 3509 Lemp 9-12 $10 (+3 under 21) Smoke-free

High-octane rockabilly/psychobilly from Carbondale’s SJatN9B. TDD hail from Paducah, KY and offer a vintage jazz sound that Pokey LaFarge fans should enjoy. PB&TCK play rockabilly with a macabre vibe.

Rockabilly fans should also consider heading to El Leñador (3124 Cherokee), where you can hear Everett Dean and Al Swacker singing genre favorites backed by a rockin’ trio of Rob Guth, (Scott Kay & the Continentals) Kevin O’Connor (Seven Shot Screamers) and Jamey Almond (Butcher Holler). This starts around 9:30, with a $5 cover (21+ only). Smoke-free.

Saturday, January 28

The Wee Trio repeats at Jazz at the Bistro, same times/prices.

Remember the ‘90s? The Lemonheads burned brightly for a brief period then, and frontman Evan Dando has formed a new edition of the band that’ll play their signature recording, “It’s a Shame About Ray,” along with other selections at Old Rock House (1200 S. 7th). Meredith Sheldon (not familiar with her) opens the show, which starts at 8. Admission is $17.50 in advance; 20 at the door (all-ages). Smoke-free.

Smooth soul purveyors Ransom Note and gritty rockers Bob Reuter’s Alley Ghost share a bill at the Blueberry Hill Duck Room (6504 Delmar). This starts at 9, with a $5 cover (21+ only). Smoke-free.

Soma / Mutant Opera / Loza
Schlafly Tap Room 2100 Locust 9-12 Free Smoke-free

S deliver high-energy rock with hints of pop and punk. A grunge-like heavy rock sound from Missouri. Dreamy rock soundscapes by L.

Plush (3224 Locust) offers the jump ‘n’ jive of Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers, along with solo guitarist Ian Lubar (not familiar with him), starting at 9 with a $6 (18-up) cover.

Read more

Posted by | January 27, 2012 | Local, Music | Comment 

All Aboard for Fun Times: St. Louis show highlights for January 25-26

All Aboard for Fun Times Train

commons.wikimedia.org

I’ve got a few items of interest before the weekend:

Wednesday, January 25

Samantha Crain / Old Lights

Off Broadway 3509 Lemp 9-11:30 $10 (+3 under 21) Smoke-free

A mix of folk, country and pop-rock sounds from Shawnee, OK’s SC. Rock with a sophisticated pop perspective from OL (Beth Bombara plays keyboards in OL and has toured in SC’s band, so there’ll likely be some intermingling).

Carriage House / Great Isaac / Susie Cue
El Leñador 3124 Cherokee 10-1 $5 (21+ only) Smoke-free

CH — because you like rock blended with a nice touch of folk (no way I could pass that up, sorry). GI is a folk-rock group I haven’t heard. Solo folk/blues sounds from the powerfully-voiced SC. This being Stag Nite, you can get cans for a buck until midnight.

Thursday, January 26

This is the final night for the Chippewa Chapel open mic at El Leñador. It’s moving to the Tin Can on Morganford. Attendance has been anemic of late, so this move should help to determine whether there’s something about the location putting off potential attendees — or if the abundance of similar events around town has caused this one to fall out of favor. Johnny Vega$ hosts this farewell edition, which starts at 9 and is free (21+ only).

Off Broadway hosts a free STL Loud Label Showcase, featuring energetic vintage jazz/blues sounds from Rum Drum Ramblers, solo folk from Rev. Matt and old-school bluegrass/folk from the Lulus.

I’m a bit confused by this event; prior showcases centered on a new edition of the compilation series — not the case tonight. Since there’s no cover for this, it’s also not raising money for the next one. At any rate, it’s a chance to hear some local talent for free (without the DIY sound that usually comes with no-cover venues — and frequently leaves something to desired). This starts at 8, and is 21+ only.

Your humble servant,

Dick Caveat

Posted by | January 25, 2012 | Local, Music | Comment 

All Aboard for Fun Times: St. Louis show highlights for January 20-22

All Aboard for Fun Times Train

commons.wikimedia.org

If you check out the music section of the RFT, you’re probably aware that Cicero’s has severed ties with the folks who were booking/managing shows for them; as a result, several shows planned for the next few months are in an “off-sale” status on their site.

If you had plans to attend something there, you may want to check the Firebird (where Mike Cracchiolo stills works/books) for info; some shows have also been relocated to the Gramophone.

It appears that mid-late January is being used as some down time for a lot of acts; there isn’t a lot going on during the week, and I’ve heard from a few venue sources that booking can be a challenge right now, hence the lack of anything from me since last week.

That being said, there are shows worthy of your consideration this weekend (things are jumping on Sutton in Maplewood):

Friday, January 20

The Sidemen, a jazz project that includes members of many other enjoyable acts (Swing Set, the Lettuce Heads, Western Satellites, Box of Nerves, etc.), play at Maya Café (2726 Sutton). I haven’t heard them yet, but their collective pedigree definitely infers goodness. This starts at 8. I don’t think there’s a cover. Smoke-free.

Ellen the Felon and the Mattronome / Spot Ons / No Man’s Law
Blueberry Hill Duck Room 6504 Delmar 9-12:30 $7 Smoke-free

EtFatM offer her strong voice and keyboards, playing cabaret-ish, jazzy pop songs, propelled by M’s elaborate and muscular drumming. SO play laid-back folk-pop.

NML are a recent addition to the music scene that I haven’t seen live; haven’t had any luck finding songs online, either.

Dots Not Feathers / Via Dove / Palace
Off Broadway 3509 Lemp 9-12 $5 (+3 under 21) Smoke-free

Mellow, intricate indie-folk from DNF. Rock-tinged with blues from VD. P play pop that is similar to Old Lights in their lighter moments, to my ears.

Saturday, January 21

New-ish group One Take play a blend of many acoustic styles at Stone Spiral Coffee & Curios (2500 Sutton), running 8-10. Donate what you will in the cookie jar, relax and enjoy a variety of beverages (no hard liquor) and tasty appetizers/desserts. All-ages and smoke-free.

The Vondrukes / The Lulus / Western Satellites
Off Broadway 3509 Lemp 9-12 $8 (+3 under 21) Smoke-free

TV mine the rockabilly, country and rock veins – and release an album tonight. The ladies of TL offer traditional-styled folk, country and bluegrass sounds, featuring strong vocals. WS are a quintet of seasoned players from a bunch of projects, spinning a web made of jazz, swing and honky-tonk threads.

Beth Bombara / The Blind Nils / Ben & Allie
Schlafly Tap Room 2100 Locust 9-12 Free Smoke-free


A mix of pop, folk and rock sounds from BB (I don’t know if she’s solo). Quiet folk sounds, with very tasty vocals and instrumentation, from TBN. B&A are a rootsy acoustic duo I haven’t had a chance to catch live yet.

John Henry & The Engine / John D. Hale Band / The Clones
Cicero’s 6691 Delmar 9-1 $8 (+3 17-20) Smoke-free

The situation with Columbia’s JH&TE is quite confusing; after I stated it wouldn’t be the band as known for their early December visit, it turned out that only the bassist was different (it appears the band may be continuing as a live unit, with his Nashville solo thing being studio-oriented). At any rate, they have a late-’70s/early-’80s bar band vibe to them, offering rootsy, bluesy rock.

In a similar vein, Jackson, Mo.’s JDHB offer rocked-up country. I couldn’t locate TC; I doubt they’re either of the local punk bands that used the name long ago.

Read more

Posted by | January 20, 2012 | Local, Music | Comment 

← Previous Page — Next Page →