Say goodbye to the worst interchange in the country

I was happy to see the lighted road sign in the break-down lane on east-bound I-64 flashing that Hampton Avenue was going to close this week. Not because I chuckle at the thought of hundreds of drivers freaking out that their driving routines will be thrown into chaos, but because it means that the worst designed interchange in the country (in my opinion) is finally going away.

Dig this aerial view courtesy of Google maps:

View Larger Map

Is this not the most screwed-up interchange ever? The east-bound exit and entrance ramps are hairpin turns that wreak havoc on traffic, especially during winter. I can't tell you how many accidents I've seen at this interchange or how many times I've almost wiped out or been plowed into by other drivers. And the other two clover-leafs are a grand waste of space.

So, as part of the I-64 reconstruction, the Hampton interchange is getting 86-ed in favor of a more sensible interchange, similar to the one at I-270 and Olive Blvd.:

View Larger Map

I, for one, will be happy to see this horrible example of street planning go away. It may be slightly inconvenient for a bit, but the pay-off will be worth it. Now, if I can just get my butt down there and snap some pics before they tear it down...

The Wedge is now booking acts for October & November

The Wedge- soon to be St. Louis' newest rock n' roll pizza bar- is now booking music acts (bands and DJs), comedy, karaoke, trivia, burlesque and other special events.

If you or your group is interested in performing in the new Iggy Ziggy Room, please contact Tyson at thewedgestl@gmail.com, or send us a message thru MySpace.

The Trade to host Melanoma Reasearch Benefit

The Trade to host Melanoma Research Benefit on Monday, September 15

Who: The Trade- St. Louis' newest rock and roll bar- and the Melanoma Research Foundation
What: Fundraiser to benefit melanoma research, held in memory of Shelia Faye Smith
When: Monday, September 15, 2008 from 5:00pm to 3:00am
Where: At The Trade, located at 3515 Chouteau Avenue, St. Louis (entrance on the rear of building)
How: You can help by donating a minimum of $5 at the door, and enjoy food, live music and games
Why: Because melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults, and a cure needs to be found.

Contact: Rachel Smith - rachelwrench@yahoo.com

St. Louis, MO- In 2007, Shelia Faye Smith passed away due to complications of melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer. Upon her death, her son, Jason Smith, and his wife Rachel made a pledge to do all they could to bring awareness to this disease and help in the fight against it. They teamed up with the Melanoma Research Foundation, and are pleased to announce that on Monday, September 15, they will host a fundraiser in which proceeds will benefit research by funding a career development grant with Dr. Alexander Krupnick at Washington University in St. Louis.

Jason and Rachel will host the event at their new drinking establishment, The Trade, located at 3515 Chouteau Avenue in St. Louis, beginning at 5:00pm and going through the end of business at 3:00am. The Trade is located in the lower level of The Complex Nightclub, with the entrance located on the back of the building, right off of the parking lot. The event will be a fun evening of live music, food, games and prizes. A minimum donation of $5 is requested. There will be a raffle, a silent auction and tattoo contest, with prizes and auction items being generously donated by a bevy of local shops and restaurants. The evening will also host the first annual Hoosier Games, including contests in Mexican Golf, washers and wiffle ball. The will also be a "car show" of epic proportions that will wow the spectators. On the patio, live music will be provided by St. Louis favorites Gassoff, Goldtooth and Doc Ellis, and the staff and volunteers will be cooking up good eats all evening.

Nearly 80% of all skin cancer deaths are a result of melanoma, and it is estimated that 116,500 new cases will be reported by the end of 2008. Incidents of melanoma are increasing faster than any other cancer, and an average American's chances of developing melanoma is now at 1 in 60. The incidence of melanoma has increased 690% from 1950 to 2001, and the overall mortality rate increased 165% during this same period.

Living up to the promise they made Shelia, Jason and Rachel, The Trade and the Melanoma Research Foundation are doing what they can to help find a cure for this deadly disease and they ask your help in achieving their goal.

For more information on melanoma or the Melanoma Research Foundation (which is a not-for-profit, IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organization), please contact Program Director William R. Marsch at 800-673-1290.

For more information on the benefit, contact Rachel Smith at by phone at (636) 387-2209, via email at rachelwrench@yahoo.com or by visiting The Trade on-line at http://www.myspace.com/thetradebar.

A Reminder

On Thursday, September 11, 52nd City is proud to co-present "Urban Explorers: Into the Darkness" at the Webster University Film Series. The film, by noted documentarian Melody Gilbert, follows urban explorers in a variety of settings, throughout America and Europe. A visual treat, the project does a wonderful job of introducing the UE "hobby" to the uninitiated, while serving as a call-to-travel for those already taking part in the scene.

The film will screen at the Winifred Moore Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Clownin'

New restaurant/bar/venue opening up in October

OPENING SOON: THE WEDGE BRINGS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, PIZZA AND A ROCK'N'ROLL VIBE TO SOUTH CITY


Contact: Tyson Blanquart, thewedgestl@gmail.com

September 7, 2008 – Since prohibition, The Wedge has been a staple of the South St. Louis' drinking culture, found at a curious, angular intersection at the corner of Bates and Virginia. After surviving the dreaded repeal of drinks, the bar went through an assortment of owners and names over the years. Now, the classic corner tavern is set to reopen in October under its classic name, The Wedge, with a new drink-and-dining concept.

Without argument, the biggest change greeting those who've been to the space is the thorough renovation of The Wedge's interior. A second-floor apartment's been gutted, creating room for an exciting second-floor space suitable for bands, films and small-scale theatre and improv. The first floor, meanwhile, has been given a total rehab, as well, with a thorough modernization of the space, while still maintaining a distinctly corner bar feel – in fact, about every window in the place looks out at that busy intersection of Bates and Virginia.

Though not seen by the public, the kitchen's also been going through changes, with consulting chef Blake Brokaw getting the space ready to turn out homemade pizza and calzones, from recipes that he's been developing solely for this venue. Serving lunch and dinner hours at The Wedge, the restaurant will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood, which is generally underserved in food options, especially those of the caliber of Brokaw's cooking. That said, The Wedge will complement the continued success of the noteworthy Iron Barley, located a literal stone's throw from The Wedge's front door.

But with all this talk of food, The Wedge will still be a bar – in fact, it's kept the bar from the last place that called it home, Windy's on the Wedge. High-quality draught beers, premium liquors and specialty house cocktails will all be had, along with local micro-brews.

Just as the Iron Barley has included live music both inside and on its patio, The Wedge will feature music in a variety of forms, as well. Every night of the week on the main floor will feature music over the state of the art sound system, with each night devoted to a particular style of music such as punk, rock-a-billy, honky-tonk country, vintage rock, indie rock, metal, hardcore, industrial, garage and surf. Plans also call for other types of artistic ventures in the second floor space, called The Iggy Ziggy Room. The performance space, which might be evocative to some veteran club goers of the old Hi-Pointe, will include the best live local music, DJs, open-mic nights, comedy, burlesque and karaoke.

The management and ownership team of the Wedge has experience in a wide variety of endeavors. Proprietors Luke Reynolds and Sam Berger have achieved success in a number of real estate ventures, and their holdings include Soulard's popular nightspot, Molly's. Consulting chef Brokaw is the veteran owner/operator of a number of clubs and restaurants in Downtown St. Louis, including the legendary Tangerine. And promotions man Tyson Blanquart has, until recently, been the managing director and promoter for the NonProphet Theatre Co. and has written for PlaybackSTL.

Together they look forward to working on a space that will knit together some of the best aspects of South St. Louis culture into one, unified space: a complete lack of pretense, some rock'n'roll on the stereo and delicious pizza that'll make the spot both a destination and a neighborhood hangout.

-30-

NonProphets return with Political Show

My friends in the NonProphets have a show this weekend. Check it out:

Where else can you see: Obama "after dark," a sneak peak at the VP debate, Scooby Doo and the gang at the DNC, John Edwards' blind date, and get a run-down of the last eight years in five minutes? Not to mention

Jones in his underwear? Well OK, you can see that last one just about anywhere, but still...

THE NONPROPHETS participate in St. Louis' Political Theater Festival with their hit politically themed comedy show, the Patriotic Freedom Bingo Machine! Hosted by Chris "Mr." Jones.

WHO: The NonProphet Theater Company’s comedy show, The Militant Propaganda Bingo Machine!

WHAT: Critically acclaimed sketch comedy, right here in St. Louis!

WHEN: Friday, September 5 at 8:00pm

WHERE: Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118

HOW (MUCH): $10

WHY: Take part in laughing at the political foibles of late!

St Louis, MO -- On Friday, September 5, The NonProphet Theater Company returns to Off Broadway with a patriotic version of their hit sketch comedy show, The Militant Propaganda Bingo Machine! This is part of the city-wide Political Theater Festival, which runs from August to November.

Reservations are not necessary, but more info can be obtained by visiting our website at http://www.nptco.org or by calling 314-752-5075.

The sketch show takes 24 original sketches and pits them against the backdrop of a twisted bingo game in which the audience controls the order of the show, and prizes are won by a lucky few. The show is a non-stop evening of break-neck comedy that will leave you exhausted and hoarse by night's end.

Off Broadway (located at 3509 Lemp Avenue in the Historic Cherokee-Lemp District in South City) is one of St. Louis' legendary music venues and boasts some of the best bartenders and ambiance in town. The bar, which recently went smoke-free, hearkens back the atmosphere created by the NonProphets' previous home, the late, lamented Hi Pointe Café. Off Broadway is a 21+ venue

Directing the show will be NonProphet founder and Artistic Director Robert A. Mitchell, and cast members include: Brendan Allen, Nicole Angeli, Aaron Orion Baker, Jonathan Ellison, Chris "Mr." Jones, Theresa Masters, Ben Ritchie, Suzanne Roussin, Adam Thenhaus, Corey Stulce and B. Weller.

Lola van Ella presnts Hot Dogs & Cool Cats

What: An Extra Frisky Edition of Lola van Ella's Burlesque Showcase

When: Saturday, September 6, 2008, starting at 5:00pm and going until 1:30am

Where: Off Broadway, located at 3509 Lemp Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118

Who: Reigning Queen of St. Louis Burlesque, Lola van Ella and her friends

How (much): Tickets are a steal at $20 and include BBQ, live music and the hottest burlesque performers this side of the Mississippi

Why: Why not? Like you need a reason to come and see beautiful ladies strut their stuff and perform devilishly intriguing antics. But if you really want one, a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit local animal shelters and charities.


St. Louis, MO- Lola van Ella, the undisputed Queen of St. Louis Burlesque is throwing another wild party, and you're invited! Ms. van Ella is putting together the wildest burlesque showcase yet, chock full of beautiful ladies, great food, hot live music and more entertainment than you can shake a stick at.

On Saturday, September 6, 2008, at one of St. Louis' favorite watering holes, Off Broadway, Ms. van Ella presents an Extra Frisky Edition of Lola van Ella's Burlesque Showcase. The party includes a pack of wild St. Louis, Kansas City and Minneapolis performers that will leave you barking in approval by night's end.

In addition to the incomparable Lola van Ella, patrons will also get to experience the best in show with the likes of The Alley Cat Revue, including Foxy LeFeelion, Greta Garter, GoGo McGregor and Roxy Red Rockets. Also on the bill will also be the physics defying Gravity Plays Favorites; the hot hot hot Sturdy Gurlesque; the Hound Dog himself, Clownvis; the gender-bending Siren; and Maggie McMuffins, Ooh la la Christina and Shara.

From Kansas City, you'll howl at Gilda Lily, Richard Stroker and SureFire; and from Minneapolis, the return of local girl-made-good Tomahawk Tassels.

Legendary local act 7 Shot Screamers will provide live music, and there will be a burlesque bazaar and even more surprises! BBQ will be provided on the outside patio, and as usual, the Off Broadway staff will keep your kisser quenched with the finest drinks in town.

Tickets are $20 per person, and include food and all the entertainment you could ask for. A portion of the proceeds will go benefit several local animal charities and shelters.

For more information and reservations, please contact Lola van Ella at lolavanella@gmail.com.

The evening begins at 5:00pm with the BBQ (including veggie dogs!), the show begins at 8:00pm and the doors don't close until 1:30am. It'll be a night of hot dogs and cool cats!

Off Broadway is located at 3509 Lemp Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118. Parking is available on Lemp Avenue. Off Broadway is a smoke-free establishment.

Your dog wants burlesque. Don't you, too?

I always miss all the fun

I was invited to attend an Urban Explorers Labor Day Picnic this afternoon, but due to my rock n' roll party lifestyle, rolled out of bed just a tad too late to make it to the meeting place, and missed the expedition. On top of that, I also missed this little bit of excitement while the UE folks were on their way to their location:



Video courtesy of Thomas Crone from 52nd City.

And another vantage point captured by Steve Smith can be found here.


I always miss the fun. Poop.