Day 11: St. Louis, MO
Nau mai
Yesterday we were in St. Louis, Missouri for a show at The Pageant.
We awoke in the venue carpark under a dark, cloudy sky. Milkman’s Delight was laid up along one side of the lot, her white and chrome finish glistening with beaded moisture from a recent rain shower. Silhouetted against the still threatening sky was the most powerful mobile phone network tower that I have ever seen.
I donned my radiation suit before leaving the bus and was able to remove it once I reached the main street and could put some concrete buildings between myself and the tower. My appetite was strong and I walked into a nearby diner, ordering recklessly, choosing an item that had strong assonance but weak nutritional value.
The Kingside Slinger.
At 2pm we loaded into The Pageant. It is a modern and well equipped venue, a huge, deep stage, great avenues for loading, excellent audience seating, a first class sound system, and generous backstage facilities. The walls were covered with ads for Budweiser, and the red paint scheme seemed to echo this thought.
I went for a run in Forest Park, a huge green space west of the downtown. This is where the city planners decided to focus their efforts for a swift cultural victory. The art museum, history museum, performing arts theatre, zoo, planetarium, and golf course, are littered around these beautifully manicured grounds. I intended to check out a marker on my map that said “Fountain” and was quite taken aback by what I found at that location.
Looking up Art Hill towards the St-Louis Art Museum.
The Emerson Grand Basin Fountains.
The Delmar Loop, the entertainment district that is home to the Pageant Theatre, and much more. It was more of a straight line than a loop, but I have been told that the area takes its name from a historical streetcar turnaround.
Jon puts his cardboard fabrication skills to work. What on earth could he be making?
Tristan and I had a beautiful time visiting the Carribean Heritage Festival. We ate a tasty dinner and saw some terrific dance performances.
Squirrel Flower decided to present on a tall stool for last night’s performance.
Finally we are getting some clues! Some kind of protective shield for his new amp.
How rude of me, I never even introduced everyone to Jon’s new amp. I’ll have to do a follow-up piece.
And I never introduced you to Ella either. This is Ella, from Squirrel Flower.
Jon demonstrates a flawless amp lifting technique.