Looking for a good time (and not exactly the “good time” promised by the nebulous phone number scrawled in lip stain on the doors of The Jade Room’s bathroom stalls)? Walk, bike, drive, fly, or teleport down to Cherokee Street for Eleven‘s 11/11/11 event.  Or, “Eleven-Cubed” if you would like your tongue untied. Seriously, say it fast, “11/11/11″… it’s hard!

***Check out…***

4:45 – 5:45 // The Hobosexuals @ The Nebula
5:00 – 6:30 // Bootigrabbers Delight @ Black Bear Bakery
5:30 – 6:15 // CANCELED ***  Owen Pye @ Drew Henry Salon & Gallery
5:45 – 6:45 // Bredon of Last to Show First to Go @ The Nebula
6:00 – 6:45 // Caleb Travers @ PHD Gallery
6:00 – 6:30 // Spastic Plastic @ Aisle 1 Gallery
6:30 – 7:15 // Beth Bombara @ Firecracker Press
6:45 – 7:30 // Volcanoes @ Aisle 1 Gallery
7:00 – 7:45 // Kid Scientist @ Paper Boat Studios
7:30 – 8:15 // Last to Show First to Go @ The Archive
7:30 – 8:15 // The Campfire Club @ All Along Press
8:00 – 8:30 // Since 1902 @ Apop Records
8:45 – 9:30 // Kid Counselor @ Apop Records
8:30 – 9:30 // Arthur & the Librarian @ All Along Press
9:00 – 9:45 // PALACE @ FOAM
10:15 – 11:00 // Bear Hive @ FOAM

@ Off Broadway: STL LOUD 3 Release Show
- Fire Dog
- Funky Butt Brass Band
- The Reedling Gilly
- Rockwell Knuckles
- Superhero Killer
*Doors open at 8:00 P.M.*

@ 2720 Cherokee
- Stank Nasty
- Jon Eric “Electric Banjo Man”
- Justin Torres Loop Project
- Mikey Wehling
*Suggested $5 donation upon entry*

@ ArtMonster
- 18andCounting
- Dylan Hassinger

@ Fort Gondo (poetry series)
- Chris Martin
- Ted Mathys
- Mary Austin Speaker
*Starts at 7:00 P.M.*

*** Participating:***
2720 Cherokee
Aisle 1 Gallery
All Along Press
Apop Records
ArtMonster
The Archive
Black Bear Bakery
Cherokee Street Bikes
Drew Henry Salon & Gallery
Firecraker Press
FOAM
Fort Gondo
I Scream Cakes
Labeebee’s Mid-East Cafe
Off Broadway / STL LOUD 3
Paper Boat Studios
PHD Gallery
STL STyLehouse
*** … and more! ***

*** Consume… ***
Flowers to the People arrangements
The Tin Can food
Labeebee’s Mid-East Cafe food
Urban Chestnut beer
Sicily Streat food truck

*** … and more! ***

Shows on-going from 4pm. Schedules and maps available on the street!

The celebration kicks off in the afternoon at Eleven’s office in The Nebula, 3407 S. Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63118.

Related posts

Finally, it’s almost here! Thursday, June 16th through Sunday, June 19th will host the premier Saint Louis Arts Project Conference, which will have elements both at the Contemporary Art Museum in Grand Center, the Regional Arts Commission in the Loop, and a nighttime open-studios on Cherokee Street. If you’re interested in the arts and music scenes in St. Louis, you shouldn’t miss out on a weekend of great panel discussions, concerts, breakout sessions, and the chance to further immerse yourself in our city’s burgeoning arts community. Check out SLAP’s website (www.stlartproject.org), and follow their social media for up-to-date info during the event. And: Thursday and Friday are free, and it’s a measly ten bucks total for Saturday and Sunday.

See the official schedule taken from SLAP’s website after the jump, and come see us at the Resource Fair on Saturday!

Thursday, June 16 at Contemporary Art Museum
Free to attend, open to the public and presented in partnership with KDHX and Eleven Magazine.

7:00 PM St. Louis Complaints Choir
The St. Louis Complaint Choir will perform their music compilation of over 200 complaints submitted by local St. Louisans.

8:00 PM  Secret Show by Secret Sound Society
In conjunction with Contemporary Art Museum’s Annual Concerts in the Courtyard, Secret Sound Society will present one of their reoccurring “secret shows”. The performers will be kept secret until the night of the show when they step foot on stage.

Friday, June 17 at Regional Arts Commission
Free to attend and open to the public.

7:00 PM Electronic St. Louis
A group of 12 electronic musicians from varying backgrounds will converge in a round-robin for a night of discussion and demonstration. Individual or pairs of artists will have small versions of their studio or live set-up – complete with instruments and gear – at stations that together form a circle formation. Attendees are invited to talk with artists one-on-one and get to know more about their work, gear, technical knowledge, inspiration, style etc.

7:00 PM DIY Art Workshop
A six step informational print demonstration will be set-up to give attendees a comprehensive overview of the screen printing process. Attendees can learn how to make a SLAP notebook that can be used in the following days of the conference for note taking. There will also be several print shops in attendance as informational resources with opportunities to sign-up for print, letterpress and design classes.

9:15 PM Current: Collaborative Electronic Music Performances
All participants from Electronic St. Louis will perform dynamic, collaborative pieces that will showcase today’s musical skill and innovation in a city known for its vibrant musical tradition. Performances will feature: 18andCounting, Jay Fay, Kevin Harris, members of So Many Dynamos, Syna So Pro, Loose Screwz, Eric Hall, Black Spade and Ben Stein from The Loud Outfit.

Saturday, June 18 at Regional Arts Commission
There is a $10 registration fee to attend both Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19.

10:00 AM DIY Pioneers
Moderator: Diana Benanti
Panelists: David Wolk, Kevin Harris, David Early, Galen Gondolfi
A look at the stories, inspiration and people behind influential independent venues that exhibit local, regional and national artists. Also, the panel will discuss what role these venues play on a local and national level in the community.

10:00 AM Found Art/ Re-worked STL
Moderator: Amy VanDonsel
Panelists: Michael Allen, Jenny Murph, Nita Turnage
Inspired by the St. Louis urban landscape, these artists incorporate elements of the city into their work – both literally and figuratively. The discussion will focus on their unique relationship with the city and how it shapes and influences creative endeavors.

11:15 AM A How To Guide: Advice for Planning DIY Events
Moderator: James McAnally
Panelists: Jason Deem, Josh Levi, Jessie Cerutti
Three experienced event planners will share an overview of their knowledge, experience and the most helpful tips they’ve learned planning a variety of DIY events – concerts, festivals, art exhibitions, fundraisers, etc. Topics will focus on the mechanics of executing DIY events and empower audience members with practical insight and advice.

11: 15 AM Creative Community Engagement
Moderator: Claire Wolff
Panelists: Emily Hemeyer, Regina Martine, Ruby Streate
A look at how individuals and groups actively contribute to the social and cultural fabric of St. Louis through innovative community engagement practices. This will be a convening of a broad range of panelists discussing their own explorations of the work they are doing within communities and local institutions. The conversation will reflect upon the social relevance of art, and how it can be used as a tool for social inclusion and cohesion, cultural community building and civic engagement.

11: 15 AM Musician Artist Talk with Rich O’ Donnell
Mr. O’Donnell will lead a conversation on “Rhythms Seldom Heard”: Polymetrics, Moire Patterns, Swarming and Conversational Rhythms” with live music demonstrations.

12:15 PM Lunch and Resource Fair
The Resource Fair will connect conference attendees with art organizations that offer volunteer opportunities, continuing arts education and developmental resources. Participants include: KDHX, KETC’s Ninevoices, Art St. Louis, VLAA, Studio STL, Eleven Magazine, Openly Disruptive, Art St. Louis, ArtWorks, etc.

2:15 PM A How To Guide: Advice for Local Bands
Moderator: Liz Deichmann
Panelists: Mike Cracchiolo, Aaron Stovall
With only a handful of local music resources to turn to how can bands learn to effectively book tours, publicize, promote and distribute their work? Experienced professionals will share their experience and advice working with local and national musicians on these points. National touring musicians will also share their experience and advice on what they have learned after years of recording, performing  and touring in the constantly changing music industry.

2:15 PM Open Forum: _Community Service_
Kaveh Razani and Stan Chisholm (18andCounting) of Lane 4 will lead an open discussion on the issues and challenges that face artists, community builders and audiences in St. Louis. Please come prepared to participate in the discussion.

2:15 PM Visual Artist Talk with Sarah Paulsen

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Open Studios on Cherokee Street
A night of open galleries, art spaces, live music, fun and so much more in the vibrant Cherokee Street neighborhood.

Sunday, June 19 at Contemporary Art Museum
There is a $10 registration fee to attend both Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19.

12:00 PM Visual Artist Talk with Keith Buchholz

2:45 PM Multi-media Artist Talk with Sleepy Kitty

1:30 PM Community Discussion
An open discussion lead by Roseann Weiss to reflect on concepts and themes of the conference, as well as, how to implement these ideas through community engagement.

2:30 PM Closing Reception

Related posts

1. Cinco De Mayo Block Party

-Where: Cherokee Street, between Iowa Ave. and Nebraska Ave.
-When: Saturday, May 7th @  11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
-How Much: FREE
-Why: This one should be self explainable, but: great local music, tacos, margaritas, a parade, and CHEROKEE STREET! There’s some sort of important historical significance to that date, too.

2. Rockwell Knuckles vs. Tef Poe 7″ Record Release Party
-Where: The Gramophone
-How Much: $7 adv / $10 door ($2 minor surcharge, 18+)
-When: Saturday, May 7th @ 10 PM
-Why: Two of St. Louis’ best rising hip-hop stars on one 7″ is reason to celebrate.

3. Wolfgang Gartner w/ Felix Cartal, SlantE, and Core(y)ography
-Where: Europe
-When: Wednesday, May 11th @ 9 PM
-How Much: $15 ($2 minor surcharge)
-Why: So what if it’s a Wednesday – electronic producer/DJ/deadmou5′ buddy Wolfgang Gartner is hitting the decks in the Lou, and he expects you to be dancing your ass off.

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“Why not?”

That’s the unofficial motto of part-lovable goofball, part-clinically insane, full-on artist and entrepreneur Chris Sabatino, owner of Art Monster on Cherokee Street. ELEVEN talked with Chris back in May to hear his thoughts on owning a business, working on Cherokee, and living the dream. Catch some interview highlights below, browse his website at artmonstershop.com, but for the real deal, head down and see him at 2617 Cherokee—he’ll invariably be in the midst of his latest project, and more than happy to share his thoughts on anything under the sun.

ELEVEN: What’s the life like on Cherokee?  What’s the day like?

Chris Sabatino:

Exciting…sometimes confusing.  The confusion is I guess kind of trying to realize what’s going to happen with this place. All these heads are coming together, and we’re slowly building a vision, and we’re all wondering what it’s going to be like, and we’re getting there, closer and closer every day.  I thnk the last six months on Cherokee have juts been insane, with all the new people, faces, businesses, everything.  Every day on Cherokee is different, too…every day there’s a surprise.

How’d you find yourself here on Cherokee?

CS:

Accidentally. I’ve been Downtown the past seven years doing artwork, been to three, four different spots downtown from Washington Ave to Olive…and everything seemed so temporary to me. I started looking for a spot that would be pretty dominant, pretty set for a while. I came down here two years ago, saw the place, and it was tough to see around everything. There was a lot of dingy buildings, dingy people, just not my type of place. Then I came back a few months after that, and noticed a change, just in the few months that I disappeared.  Came back and noticed a huge change.  Then, when I came down, I knew there was nowhere else in St Louis where I could envision myself, or the kind of art I do for clothing, for motorcycles. South St. Louis is really just filled with people who enjoy artwork, enjoy clothing, enjoy just cool stuff to look at, and that’s what I create every day so there’s just no better spot. And I felt there was a need for what I do down here. I’m always creating something new, people are walking in, getting involved every day.

So what’s your overall vision for the street? Boil it down.

CS:

One vision, reality, is the new lights that are coming [ed note: as of November, have arrived!] on the streets.  Lighting is key, in life. From lighting a piece of artwork, to eating dinner, lighting makes everything in how you see it.  And I think with the new lights here it’s going to change the face of Cherokee.

…What was the question?

What’s your vision?

CS:

Well I’m waiting for the light and then I’ll see it (laughs). Actually, I envision big signs, big glowing signs, just like you’d see at any strip, any cool strip, like Vegas, anywhere in New York, anywhere in Cali.  The strips are lit, and that’s what I envision. I mean, big, exciting lights, with movement, energy, good stuff. Just can’t wait to see it. Can’t wait to be part of it.

What kind of music do you like?

CS:

A lot of fast paced rock. Not so much metal…a bit of metal. I love electronic beats with acoustic guitar. Lots of keyboards. Bands like Sparta, Quicksand, Deftones. Then a lot of early 90s hip-hop. Whatever. Gang Starr’s the shit. I guess I bounce around a lot.

What would you do if you weren’t an artist?

CS:

I’d be hustling my ass off somewhere else, and probably not doing what I love. Probably not. I did tree service for a long time, I waited tables for a long time, man, all kinds of stuff. But I always got my hustle on. Always grinding. I’m lucky to do what I do, I know this.

What inspires you?

CS:

Life in general. My kids, definitely. I guess surprise, I love the element of surprise, and I think all my artwork shows that.

What’s your favorite restaurant, establishment, person, or thing on Cherokee.

CS:

My neighbor, I think my neighbor, he’s a big influence on the arts, on the music, on everything. You walk into Foam, it’s eclectic, it’s what I totally see on Cherokee popping off with microbrews and the good coffee. He’s in my top 3 for sure, [Foam Owner] Mike Glodeck. El Torito too, but yeah, there are good Mexican joints all over.  I don’t have one specific that I love the most.

What’s your next big project?

CS:

We actually got on Warped Tour, so we’ve got 4-5 dates across the Midwest.  I could do the whole thing, but I’m worried I’d end up missing out on the shop. I just want to hit it and do the thing.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done lately?

CS:

Married a Russian.  No, I’m lying.

Anything else you’re dying to tell me?

CS:

Oh, man, you’re great.

(laughs)

CS:

Did you like that? It’s pretty good, it’s a little weird.

I’m absolutely flattered.

Related posts

1. Secret Sound Festival

-Where: Cherokee Street
-When: Friday, October 29th (Off Broadway) and Saturday, October 30th
-How Much: $10 Friday Night, $10 Saturday Day, $7 Saturday Night
-Why: Much of St. Louis’ best local talent and a few solid regional bands will make this the definitive event for Halloween weekend.  This will be an event the scene will remember for years to come – don’t miss it!

2. Get Serious! Costume Party
-Where: The Stable
-How Much: $5, and a portion of the door will be donated to KDHX
-When: Friday, October 29th@ 9PM
-Why: When else would you be able to party with Batman and the Anchorman news team?

3. The Books w/ The Black Heart Procession
-Where: The Old Rock House
-When: Tuesday, November 2nd @ 8:00 PM
-How Much: $20 ($2 minor surcharge)
-Why: Always bringing a great audio/visual performance, a Books’ concert is always a memorable, original experience.

Related posts

1. Sleepy Kitty presents: Zaireeka on Cherokee St.

-Where: 2700 Block of Cherokee St. (Cherokee and Iowa)
-When: Friday, September 17th @ 4 PM
-How Much: Free!
-Why: Pre-game the Flaming Lips concert by listening to their experimental masterpiece.  More info at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaireeka
-What else: Every Zaireeka experience is different because each of the four required stereo systems are inherently different.  And having it in the middle of Cherokee add some flavor too!

2. PLAY: stl 2010
-Where: the Loop
-When: Thursday, September 16th – Saturday, September 18th
-How Much: $20 for a 3-day wristband
-Why: Murder by Death, the Hood Internet, Owen, and a ton more.
-What else: Your wristband gets you a free Chipotle Burrito and if you’re over 21+, a free beer!

3. Dead Confederate w/ Alberta Cross and Flaming Death Trap
-Where: the Firebird
-When: Tuesday, September 21th @ 8:30 PM
-How Much: $12 -$14
-Why: Dead Confederate play a heavy, southern influenced style of rock that matches the band’s name.
-What else: Come early to catch local openers Flaming Death Trap’s punk energy.

Related posts

Hey Everyone,

Issue 6.8 is on the streets.  Go pick one up at your favorite mom & pop shop.  If you want to sneak a peek at the table of contents, or leave us your thoughts on an article, head over to the Issue 6.8 page (conveniently located in the navigation area to your right).  Enjoy!

Yours Truly,
Eleven Staff

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Enter Apop Records, a Wunderkammern of Exotic Sounds, Curio Publications, and Psychotronic Cinema! Wunder-what? you might ask. Yes, Apop Records truly is a “wonder chamber” or “cabinet of curiosities.” It also happens to be home of business owner, Tiffany Minx. Minx established Apop Records with business partner, Dustin Newman, in the unassuming town of Columbia, MO in 2004. Specializing in the realms of sub/counter/fringe culture, avant garde & experimental music/cinema, obscure literature, and contemporary wonders, Apop has remained a vital part of the Cherokee St. community since their move to St. Louis in 2007. I had an opportunity to catch up with Tiffany and discuss Apop Records’ Past, Present, and Future.

Why did you choose to move Apop Records to Cherokee St?

Tiffany:

Even though Dustin had lived in St. Louis before, I don’t think either of us had a really good sense of where the right place would be for the shop. Delmar, to me, continues to be one of the only actually flourishing areas for independent business (this of course, discounting Clayton and CWE for obvious yuppie-laden reasons) but we knew that even if we could afford it, we didn’t want to be on Delmar. We wanted to be somewhere more music oriented and DIY; or somewhere else that wasn’t already branded with an image.
Many of our friends lived in South City; the shows we attended when visiting were at SC locales (Radio Cherokee, Lemp, CBGBs); and in general, it seemed a more down to earth neighborhood with a lot of potential and interesting activity.

Because the once prominent commercial district had been in such a dormant state–except, of course, the active Mexican community that really pioneered business here after the street’s initial decay–the existing infrastructure and reasonable rents/property prices encouraged opportunity for those of us who lacked the capital backing of larger businesses but could compensate with a unique vision and determination.

Could we do better on Delmar or S Grand? Likely. The burden of taxing all one’s resources running a small business is further compounded by the fact that anyone who opens shop on Cherokee also takes on the job of street promoter and community revitalizer, which can be pretty overwhelming and disappointing at times. Since we’ve opened, we’ve seen more than a dozen of one-of-a-kind businesses and shops open on Cherokee — shops that would make a killing in better ‘hoods, but still struggle mainly due to lack of foot traffic and city awareness of the street. Yet, only one of these businesses has thus gone under, and considering how much turn over you see on Delmar, well, I think that’s a testament to the exceptional work ethic and fierce determination of entrepreneurs and organizers here.

Running a store whose reputation usually precedes itself can be tough. What challenges have you faced in the past? What mindset do you have in regards to staying true to your taste?

Tiffany:

Our reputation preceding itself has mostly been a really good thing. When we were in Columbia, some of our best customers were folk who would drive two hours from St. Louis just to shop at Apop or catch one of the shows we’d host. There isn’t much out there that’s like our Apop, and I think when people heard we were moving we got two reactions: first, that people in Columbia were pissed at us, I think they thought we betrayed them by leaving; and second, that people were extremely excited in St. Louis. We got emails and comments anytime we’d go to a bar or show in St. Louis about how great it was that we were moving the shop here. Comments like, “Now I won’t have to order my favorite ——– records from the internet anymore” or “Oh, cool, so uh, I have this weird band I wanted to book… think you guys could host it when you open?” were frequent.

With regards to staying true to our taste; that’s not really a challenge. Neither Dustin nor myself have exactly malleable personalities. Our interests are wildly diverse, and like everything that exists, influenced and guided by new experiences, past sounds/media, and ideas of people either known or historical. We aren’t influenced by the current scourge upon popular culture that I like to describe as people who can be labeled as “indie rock”, not to be confused with the 90′s output of college rock. It’s like this: when I ask people what they like and they say “indie rock”, I know that they either don’t know what they’re talking about or it’s the equivalent of saying “You know, kind of edgy stuff but nothing too weird, harsh or difficult to understand.” They relate to Old Navy and Gap commercials; they are responsible for the popularity of Girl Talk and fauxhawks; they are the reason Cat Power and other softy girl voiced acts have been so goddamn prevalent in holiday TV adverts; they think Pitchfork is the penultimate of music judgement; they voted for Obama because he gave the Queen of England a fucking iPod. That’s “indie rock.” In reality, it’s complete horseshit. When this nonsense passes, or another head grows into its place, Apop will continue to give voice to rarity while peddling its weird shit and “rocking the boat.”

People often have misconceptions that you are anti-pop. Obviously this is far from the truth. What are some of your favorite acts in the pop music spectrum?

Tiffany:

Apop does have a strong selection of ‘difficult’ music, which, some would argue, at it’s very nature exists to oppose or respond to the inherent limitations of accessibility. But that doesn’t mean we don’t like or appreciate pop music, maybe we just focus on the poppy musics overlooked or forgotten by industry. Our current best-seller, Radio Heartbeat’s reissue of “Mondo Deco” by The Quick is a prime example of that. Those who doubt it obviously haven’t seen the secret after show dance parties at Apop featuring tracks from Divine, Kylie, OMD, The Archies, Army of Lovers, Maggotron, Midnight Star, Brigitte Bardot, and yes, even Hannah Montana (“Fly on the Wall” is a total jam).

Apop has had a few film nights in the past as well as numerous live performances. What are some events that you’d like to see happen/produce/run in St. Louis?

Tiffany:

I wish more interesting people–I know you’re out there–would get involved in promoting or organizing anything involving what they love. I don’t care if it’s something I don’t like, as long as it is passionate, sincere and shakes up this city’s unfortunate lethargy. I know so many fascinating people that don’t bother to apply themselves because either they are lazy, drunks, or have given up. To the credit of those who have actually tried and quit, this city can be a real bastard. There isn’t necessarily a climate of encouragement here and it can be like pulling teeth to get support for an event.
I’d really like to see more basement spaces as well as legit small-to-mid sized venues for concerts. Overall, so many great acts completely pass over this town, and I think it’s a complete shame because there is only a tiny handful of places to book them.

Also, the city could really use some more film theaters. The Webster film series is a small miracle, but that’s still a bit of a drive for city dwellers. Cherokee street alone housed numerous theaters and film houses back in the day. I think there is room and a market for the micro- styled theaters here. Something like Ragtag–ahem, hint hint CoMO–would do really well here.

Thanks, Tiffany!

Related posts

Saturday, Jan. 23

Empty Pocket Music Feast & Swap Meet

Where: Cranky Yellow (on Cherokee St.)
When: 3 PM – 10 PM

What a good idea!  Spend your Saturday afternoon, evening, and night listening to some of St. Louis’ best indie and experimental artists in an intimate, eclectic setting.  Whether it’s the ethereal, grand melodies of Syna So Pro or the electro, glitched out wackiness of Hood Kicks – you’re gonna have a good time.  And, save a few bucks if you bring pot-luck food - Oh yeah.

Saturday, Jan. 23

Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles w/ Last Train Home

Where: the Deluxe (in Maplewood)
When: 8 PM

It’s always sad to see a great venue move on – however, the Deluxe isn’t about to go out on a sour note.  Enlisting the help of two accomplished, Americana / Roots Rock groups - Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles and Last Train Home – their final show will be a winner.  Last Train Home builds a full rock sound out of country roots, while the strength in Sarah Borges’ voice will capture the attention of a sure-to-be wild crowd celebrating the Deluxe’s contribution to St. Louis music.

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Safety Words

Where: Typo Cafe
When: 5:00 pm

Safety Words is the newest hip-hop offering from the West Side, and represents an unprecedented sound: 8-bit music straight from your favorite nintendo games, mixed with some of the best lyricism from your favorite rap records. Sure, it’s been done before, but never this authentically; there’s no gimmick here. The Battletoads pause music might just be the next Amen Break.

Safety Words – Crimingelo
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

The Skekses

Where:Firecracker Press
When: 6:00 pm

The Skekses, awesome band name aside, are a brand-spankin’ new duo with a ton of ambition and the talent to back it up. Preferring to play without microphones is one thing, but to belt vocals and still retain that bluesy kick in the pants is another altogether, and the Skekses certainly do both. Sometimes with a cello, sometimes with a melodica, sometimes with a mandolin, but always with a killer voice, The Skekses make perfect Cherokee St. shopping music.

The Skekses – Told My Momma Waltz (Live at Lemp Arts Center, Nov. 14th, 2009)

The Mhurs and HUMDRUM

Where:Foam Coffee & Beer
When: 8:00pm

HUMDRUM, who previously went by the name Hunger Artist, are a group who know no creative boundaries. Instead of attempting to describe their vast range of influences, I’m going to cop out and defer to a review of HUMDRUM’s first full-length, Individual Man, written by Eleven-ite Nelda Kerr: Read it!

As for the Mhurs — well, they are Belleville, Illinois’ best kept secret. Enjoying nearly universal acclaim in their hometown, their frequent trips to St. Louis often go unnoticed. This is quite a surprise, as their sound is difficult to ignore: the folk-rock influences of the ghosts of Belleville past reach through electric guitar hooks and wailing vocals to grab all within earshot by the scruff of their aural necks. Come down tomorrow, and help the cat get out of the bag.

HUMDRUM – Hide and Seek in the Universe
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

The Mhurs – Less Than Zero
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

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