7/13/10

It's official, the event known as Bluesweek!

STLBlues was in attendance as the Kiel Opera House was given a new life, and a new name - the Peabody Opera House!

On Monday, the "Peabody" welcomed dozens of local dignitaries, who donned hard hats and sat in its marble-pillared Grand Hall to hear from Blues owner Dave Checketts, developers Chris and Joe McKee, and the rest of the group behind the project. There is no question, this event is monumental for the music and entertainment scene of St. Louis. So many St. Louisian's share memories of great entertainment at the Kiel, in fact the earliest concert moment of this writers life was Lynyrd Skynyrd performing live at the Kiel in 1973. Tied to this project is the new event known as BluesWeek.

I've long been a believer we're much more than a sports town, and that St. Louis needed to celebrate it's rich music culture. BluesWeek does just that, in a very positive way. STLBlues is proud to be a sponsor! The brainchild of Mike Kociela, BluesWeek was inspired by his 2010 New Orleans Jazzfest visit. If you've been to Jazzfest, you know just how powerful an experience that is!! As the producer of the prestigious Taste of St. Louis, producer of Fair St. Louis, and many other events, watch for Mike to make BluesWeek a national attraction!

Here's the list of the events that will fill BluesWeek -

ST. LOUIS BLUES SOCIETY COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Date: Thursday, August 26
Location: Union Station Grand Hall (map)
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Cost: $10 at the door. Reservations required - please email cocktail@stlbluesweek.com.

Kick off St. Louis’ newest festival week with the St. Louis Blues Society Cocktail Reception. The event, which serves as the grand pre-party to the First Annual St. Louis BLUESWEEK, will include live entertainment, complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the beautiful and historic setting of St. Louis Union Station’s Grand Hall.


MARKET STREET BLUES FESTIVAL
Dates:  Friday, August 27, 5:00pm to 11:30pm,
Saturday, August 28, 11:30am to 11:30pm
Location:  Steps of the Kiel Opera House (map)
Cost:  FREE - All Ages
($5 donation to the Saint Louis Blues Society welcome)

ST. LOUIS BLUES TRAIL MARKER
Dedication Ceremony
Date:  Friday, August 27 (During the Market Street Blues Festival)
Location:  Steps of the Kiel Opera House (map)
Time:  5:00pm

The St. Louis Blues Marker Trail will be launched from the steps of Kiel during the Market Street Blues Festival. The trail, which will consist of site markers throughout the city, will be erected in locations that were critical to the development of the Blues in St. Louis. This first ceremony will recognize Targee Street, known as the site of the song that immortalized the lovers’ quarrel of “Frankie and Johnny” as well as the birthplace of St. Louis’ own Josephine Baker.

ALL STAR BLUES BRUNCH
Date: Sunday, August 29
Location: The Grizzly Bear (map)
Time: 10:00am until 2:00pm
Cost: $5 cover charge (does not include the cost of your food/beverages)

For reservations, please email brunch@stlbluesweek.com. Enjoy a plate of eggs and a Bloody Mary or two with a side order of Blues Jam at the Great Grizzly Bear in historic Soulard. Recover from the Market Street Blues Festival with an assortment of great eats and Blues treats, as the best local Blues musicians gather for the All-Star Blues Brunch, a unique (daytime) ultimate jam session. Reservations required.

BLUES HISTORY PANEL DISCUSSION
Date: Tuesday, August 31
Location: Dana Brown Rehearsal Hall at Grand Center (map)
Address is: 3547 Olive St. in Grand Center. 63103
Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Host: Bernie Hayes
Panel: Richard Hunt, Ron Edwards, Bernie Hayes and guests
Cost: $5 suggested donation benefitting the St. Louis Blues Society

Drink in all of the history of the St. Louis Blues at this panel discussion, which will be led by local Blues historian, Bernie Hayes. Blues experts will offer insight into the storied history of Blues music in St. Louis and the art form’s undeniable influence on the development of Blues, Jazz and Rock ‘n’ Roll music in America and around the world.

BLUES WORKSHOPS AND EDUCATION
Between the two weekends of festivals, BLUESWEEK will keep the excitement alive by hosting a variety of entertaining and educational activities. The three evening events will feature local experts who will share their knowledge, perspective and playing techniques with workshop audiences.

Harp Workshop
Date: Wednesday, September 1
Location: Blues City Deli (map)
Time: 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Cost: $5 suggested donation benefitting the St. Louis Blues Society

Hosts: Sandy Weltman - Rockin Jake - Keith Doder
Harmonica virtuosos will offer an informative and instructional evening of various techniques, including Jazz and Overblowing technique, Chicago Style Blues, and Diatonic and Chromatic harmonica styles.

Guitar Workshop
Date: Thursday, September 2
Location: BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups (map)
Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Cost: $5 suggested donation benefitting the St. Louis Blues Society
Hosts: Tom Maloney - Leroy Pierson - Bill Barnett - Rich McDonough

The workshop will feature some of St. Louis’ most recognized guitarists as they discuss and play varying styles such as Classic Blues and Americana, Country Blues, Rockin’ Blues Styles, and offer tips on the Slide Technique.

SOULARD BLUES CRUISE
Dates: Friday, September 3 – 9:00pm to 1:30am, Saturday, September 4 – 9:00pm to 1:30am
Location: 10 Soulard Venues (List of venues below)
Cost: $10 each night, at the door of any of the venues

SHUTTLES EVERY 20 MINUTES

“Set sail” on a landlocked Blues cruise through the streets of the Soulard neighborhood, September 3-4. Enjoy music from some of the most influential Blues artists in the region, as the Soulard Blues Cruise offers shuttle services between 10 music venues showcasing 20 bands. Patrons can purchase a one or two day passport to the event, which allows access to all clubs for one price. Two nights + 10 clubs + 20 bands = musical memories for a lifetime!

Blues Cruise Venues:

1.BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups
2.Beale on Broadway
3.Broadway Oyster Bar
4.The Grizzly Bear
5.Hammerstone's
6.The Shanti
7.Joanie's Pizzeria
8.Molly's
9.1860's Saloon
10.Llywellyn's Pub