The Commonspace > August 2001 > It's All Happening

Wednesday, August 1
Cinema in the City, "Easy Rider"
Beatnik Bob's at the City Museum
314-968-7487

This month's installment of Cinema in the City comes early in the calendar, and hot on the heels of July's delayed viewing of the awfully-wonderful "Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman." The popular series opts for a well-known one this time out, "Easy Rider." Apparently, this one still makes some 50-year-olds weep, filling them with the innate need to buy a motorcycle.

An all-ages event, this one's $4 flat. Smoking and drinking and light conversation are allowed. Get there early, as the hall often fills well prior to the 7:30 screening.

Wednesday, August 1
The Red Squares & Bureau of Sabotage
The Hi-Pointe, Skinker & McCausland
314-781-4716

Two of St. Louis' best rock bands perform on a single bill. In particular, Bureau of Sabotage show off a remarkable range of early '80s, no-wave and new-wave roots. They're herky-jerky and energetic, with just enough melodic touches to grab you by both ears. Great stuff. The Red Squares have been about town in different guises for years, featuring an updated mod sound with smart, socially aware lyrics.

Friday, August 3
Ford Free First Friday
St. Louis Art Museum, Forest Park
314-721-0072

This month's free program at the Art Museum features a nice selection of mod options on screen, with world-beat rhythms on the lot.

A gratis monthly event held on the, yes, first Friday of each summer month, leaves the Museum's galleries open late in the evening. In addition to the evening walk through the complex, the night also features live music and films. The former will be provided from 6-9 p.m., compliments of Margaret Bianchetta's Jobim Dreams, who "bring you fascinating rhythms with a mix of vocals, flute, djembe, guitar and violin." On screen, Hollis Frampton's 22-minute, experimental short "Palindrome" (1969), begins the night's programming which is highlighted by the cult classic "Blowup" (1966), one of the better, if highly-stylized, looks at the hip London of the mid-60s. Dress sharp.

Friday, August 3
Techno Radio Live @ Lo
Lo, 500 N. 15th
314-621-8930

The powerful little radio station on the Washington University campus will broadcast this evening's show from the cool little club just off Washington Avenue. The evening's lineup will include: Matt French (St. Louis' Surveillance Records, 9-10:30 p.m.); Randy Hancock (Surveillance Records, 10:30-12); Ron S (St. Louis' Anode Records, 12-1:30); and Dave Wulle (Detroit's Dosile Records, 1:30-close).

Saturday, August 4
The Trip Daddys w/ Sexicolor
The Hi-Pointe, Skinker & McCausland
314-781-4716

The local rockabilly warriors will be releasing a CD, "Hot Chicks and Fast Kicks," on this evening's bill, which they'll be sharing with foul-mouthed local rockers Sexicolor. (It's a joke; calm down.)

Saturday, August 18
St. Louis Steamers vs. San Diego Sockers
St. Charles Family Arena
314-216-2000

Ordinarily, we don't highlight a lot of St. Charles events in The Commonspace, but we'll shift things up a bit this time. Why? Well, we're the underdog website. And soccer's an underdog sport. And indoor soccer's even an underdog sub-genre of that game. Also key is the fact that a big chunk of the team comes from the St. Louis metro area. So.

The Steamers come off a rough year in the inaugural season of the World Indoor Soccer League. The bulk of those players are back, though, and hoping to build around the linchpin, player-coach Daryl Doran. Tickets are relatively affordable, though non-St. Charles might be perplexed by the drive and the parking situation upon arrival. Ah, but we're not bashing St. Charles here. Nope.

Just noting that this is pro soccer in St. Louis, back in season. Which is good with me.

Saturday, August 25
The Potomac Accord, Julia Sets
The Tin Ceiling, 2700 Macklind

Two hypnotic-rock acts from St. Louis are on this $5 bill at one of the more interesting venues in town. In a compact storefront space housing the Parliament Cheez theater troupe, music shows happen on an erratic but frequent basis, too. The Potomac Accord, in particular, are worth the price of admission, crafting a cool, sneaky sound that occasionally bursts into raw, shouted emotions. Neato. If you've not been to the space and can't make this gig, see the website and catch a show there. The former Centro Sociale is a place where people do what they wanna, and that kind of DIY, artistic sprit's worth supporting.