OS 6: OUT ON THE TOWN

HEY OUTSTAGRS!

WE ARE BACK ON ANOTHER THURSDAY!!

LET'S GET TOWNED!!!

Yours Truly in traffic at Tower Grove Park for Festival of Nations

Hello everyone, I am back from a two week hiatus to return for another week of blog travels. Last weekend, was a bit nonchalant and was more trying to either get to an event or getting to an event and deciding not to go.

Last Saturday was the day of both instances.

After leaving the gym and doing errands I decided to try and go to the Festival of Nations, an annual  food festival that was held at Tower Grove Park in Midtown St Louis. Now, I should have know better to think there was parking availability when I decided to go in the late afternoon of this all day event.

I got close to the area following the festival signs to get to the event...but actually getting out of the car to get to the event was a NO. I got close to the actual festival grounds of tents and vendors and loads of people trekking to and from the specific area of the event but after getting stuck in traffic for about 30 minutes, yours truly decided to call it a wrap, turned on some Deep House Music on You Tube through the auxiliary speakers of my SUV and headed to the Maatspear Compound.


Later that night I was contemplating which club to attend that I had the most interest in attending just for the sake of having something to recap. At first, I was going to attend an Afro-Latin inspired event at Dos Salas, the Blue Ultra Lounge or the Tani Sushi Bar but decided to try out Pepper Lounge (AGAIN) where they were having a Anyone Who Wears All Black or All White or Both get in free and get free drinks between 10pm and 11pm with DJ Arty. So, I get to Pepper Lounge and looked and didnt see many cars or people (it was around 1030pm), and I decided not to get out. I then travelled to Blue Ultra Lounge and saw a bouncer checking IDs at the front door,. Parked and ready to go in? NOT, I drove off. Just wasnt feeling it. 

I didnt even think about going to Clayton to check out Tani. so I called it a night and returned back to the Compound.

And that was that.

I am debuting a new segment called Random Journey where Ive travelled somewhere unplanned and ran up on a situation that was interesting or out of the ordinary.

I have two.

Early last Saturday, while traveling to the gym on Interstate 270 and listening to the freeman Bosley Junior Show on Gospel 1600 there was a pickup truck next to me that had a refrigerator tied up on the back of it. Well while I was preparing mentally to get my workout on, all of a sudden, the refrigerator fell off the truck! Yes, fell completely off. The frig skidded and luckily didnt swerve in my lane! It skidded to the right of the truck on the curb. I was like OH SHIT I COULD HAVE BEEN BEHIND THIS TRUCK. And also thankfully no one was behind the truck because if a driver was, their vehicle would have definitely been damaged and even worse regarding someones life being changed.

Last Tuesday night, End I picked up an order of Middle Eastern food at Levant in the Central West End and while I was waiting on food, there were two young black couples, say early 30s, urban professional types who were talking to each other and the one young lady was quite loud in her talk regarding what she expects out of life, taking care of her body through fitness, eating clean, relationships and etc. Then the conversation came up about smoking hookah. And she said, "If I'm smoking, Im getting high." In my mind, I was like, THATS NOT LADY LIKE AT ALL. And to be a fitness freak and eating clean, soking weed cancels out all of that!! And to say that in a swanky bar and restaurant where the atmosphere was chilled and serene was a bit cringey. I wonder what was the guy thinking when she first said said that, but he laughed it off and then said that he "fucked up in ordering."

Well, there you go. LOL

Get ready for the 2020 OBSDN MEN OF COLOR CALENDAR coming out in November 2019. There are a couple of spots still open for any guys of color who are fit or in decent shape and are comfortable doing artistic body type pics, email to maat.atkins@gmail.com for details.  Paid gig, lodging provided and travel negotiated. MUST HAVE NO INHIBITIONS.

IF YOU HAVE A RANDOM MOMENT, SOMETHING YOU WANT TO PROMOTE, OR A BLIND ITEM EMAIL IT TO MAAT.ATKINS@GMAIL.COM


-30-

OS 5: OUT ON THE TOWN

HEY OUTSTAGRS AND OUTTOWNERS!

ANOTHER THURSDAY IS HERE!!

LET'S GET TOWNED!!!

 

 YOURS TRULY getting settled at Pops Nightclub in Sauget, Ill.

Last weekend was quite interesting for my travels in that I did half traveling to either finding an event or spying on an event and the other half engulfed in an event.

Lets start with the one I had to find.....

From my understanding, Blues At The Arch Festival was supposed to start last Friday. Well, I drove all up and down east and west at The Arch to find it for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, a sea of Cardinals fans in a sea of red tees were all up and down walking and driving to get to the game at Busch Stadium. So I asked myself, "Maybe the festival was cancelled due to competition with the Cards game?" So, I am checking my event page on Facebook to be sure I had the right Friday and yes, it was to start last Friday. I went to a parking area on Walnut  where there was a car parked near the entrance and inside the car were two seniors, white, male and female (I assuem they were married) who I guess was guarding the parking area who immediately said "LOT IS CLOSED." I acknowledged that and just asked, "Do you know which area is the Blues event?" The lady in the passenger seat replied, "Its on the other side of the Arch." I was a bit puzzled on that because I drove all around Arch and the only things I saw were a few food vendors by the Riverboat area on Sullivan and down further some youngsters sitting in cars. I had an inkling she may have thought I asked where was the Blues Museum which is on Washington and is on the other side of the Arch. LOL.

So, I traveled back to the Maatspear Compound and chilled out.

On Saturday. I made some progress. 

After working out at the gym and running my usual Saturday errands, I was gearing toward Cherokee Street to check out its Second Saturday Festival. Again, trying to find where the vendors and festivities were. To no avail. Maybe everything was done inside in the businesses on that block  because it was hotter than fish grease under a skin peeling turned on stove! 

But, later that nite, I was invited by Atty Daniel Brown (Attorney on Wheels, literally, LOL)to check out a local music showcase to see one of the artists he met named NandoSTL at Pops Nightclub in Sauget, Ill. . He contacted me via Facebook a couple days prior to say that I must check out this young rising artist and that he hasnt been this excited about an artist in years !

So, I get there and was able to maneuver my way in without having to deal with a line of people  #MDDL (Maat Dont Do Lines.LOL) I saw Brown who was dressed quite down from how I am used to seeing him in a sharped out suit giving serious Kanye College Dropout vibe. LOL He introduced me to Nando and immediately saw the makeshift fishing vest we was wearing and knew immediately that he was creative and to the left of what anyone would be doing that night on stage.

There were other artists who were performing when I got there and  before Nando performed and the groupies were few who walked to the stage to cheer on who was on stage. But until Nando was introduced, the crowd went into a frenzy applauding and cheered. He walked out to the stage  with a COGIC choir robe, background singers, a live drummer and a violinist. 

I was quite surprised of his 20 minute stage set because going to local music showcases for years now it is rare that acts have an actual live set as opposed to a DJ playing a CD  OR mp3 track.

NandoSTL in choir robe starting off his set.

NandoSTL is a mix between 50 Cent swag and Raheem DeVaugn. He is a very energetic performer and had the audience was ready for every second of his moments onstage. 

"Music is my therapy," he said during his set. "I didnt have a mother or father, My Granny raised me."

Well, for the record (and to prevent confusion)....Nando knew his parents--he just wasnt RAISED by them.

He performed songs from his repertoire including his opener"Hit Me Up" (I think that was the name of the song LOL...UPDATE...The name of the song was "Cool Lil Sunday)"I Dont Even Smoke" and a new song "Outside" from his "Good Vibes" album.

 NandoSTL and his background singers catching a vibe.'

A standout of his set was the violinist (didnt get a name) who got the crowd amped making the violin sound almost like a guitar when he got a couple of times to shine.

 NandoSTL greets his fans after his set.

Overall, I can see why Brown was excited about NandoSTL. He is definitely a breath of fresh air for not just the St Louis scene but the R&B/soul scene in general. Based on his outer appearance one would think he was going to give some Lil Wayne mumble mouth bars, but after that nite, he definitely won over being typecast.

Outside of Tani Bistro

 Later on that nite, I decided to check out the Summer Series event Zen Saturdays at the grand opening of the Tani Bistro (that specializes in Japanese cuisine) in Clayton, Mo (a spot with a mezzaine). I was invited by Rhashad Whittier (aka Rhashadism)who put this series on with Close to Famous and Koncepts. I was invited a few weeks ago, but forgot to RSVP on eventbrite. But I knew I could have eased in without RSVPing when I pulled up and saw Brian Stemmons of Frontline manning the door (been homies with him since college dayz). But I decided to do more staking out than hanging out. I saw a few people outside lounging and some in line waiting to get in. From my observation from the glass panels it was packed and didnt have enough room for others until people exited (it lasted until 2am).  I stayed and watched for about 10 minutes, snapped a couple of shots from my Traveler and decided to call it a nite. Maybe I check a later one before the series ends.



In this blog post, we are introducing a segment called DRIVE THRU TALES where you see or have been in situations involving trying to get your food at a fast food drive through. Well, I have one for you--from me!

During my travels last Saturday, I decided to go to a fast food spot on Lindell. So while I pulled up to the drive thru, i noticed the car in front of me had expired temp tags that expired in MARCH.  Yes, as in five months ago. I am thinking, "How in the hell have they lasted this long without the police stopping them?" Then I thought, the driver likely just drive the scenic routes and during certain streets instead of hot areas and the highways. But FIVE MONTHS tho? And what is so crazy, the fast food spot is close to a  DMV!!! 

BY POPULAR DEMAND...
WE ARE RE-POSTING THE BLIND ITEM FROM LAST WEEK

Back in the hey day of this blog, what got this blog talking on the streets were the blind items and the in your face boldness of telling it like it is in St Louis celebritydom. Well, I have a blind item that I am sure will get you all talking about.

One of my sources was invited to a swanky pool party in downtown St Louis where the crowd was mainly Midwest porn stars. Yes, you heard me. P.O.R.N. S.T.A.R.S.  A local producer of adult films who lives in the STL had a private soiree last weekend where some of the popular white porn stars (gay and straight and in between LOL) gathered to mingle about. Well, I can't give you the names of who were there or the producer, and the specifics of what happened, but lets just say they were not playing checkers while they were there LOL.


If you have an event your business you would like to promote or a blind item or a DRIVE THRU TALE, email to maat.atkins@gmail.com

OS 4:OUT ON THE TOWN

HEY OUTSTAGRS AND OUTTOWNERS!

ANOTHER WEEK HAS PASSED!!

LET's GET TOWNED!!!

Yours Truly waiting at my seat for the comedy show at the Laugh Lounge.  

Last Friday, I finally got the chance to go to my buddy Jessie Taylor's comedy venue The Laugh Lounge out in St Louis County (After two years of promising to go!) and I must say I was quite impressed of the set up. One side is the Daquiri Lounge where the bar is located (Im still getting over drinking that Late For Work Frozen Daquiri! LOl) with a small stage set up for a small set. Then on the other side is the Laugh Lounge, a 600 or so seater with a wall of St Louis comedians and menus with drinks named after St Louis and nationally known comedians (e.g. The Jessie Taylor, The Redd Foxx and The Carol Burnett). Much to my surprise, i found out that fellow St Louis comedian Maurice G co manages with Taylor (For you old heads who remember, Maurice G operated  Club Dreams in Midtown St Louis).

So after some chatting with Taylor on the venue and gym updates (We go to the same gym--The Haitian King is still around...LOL), I sat in the Daquiri Lounge until it was time to enter the Laugh Lounge to check out Comic View legend Shang's set. He emailed me among hundreds of other STL movers and shakers about getting on his list to check out his comedy show last weekend.  The crowd was a bit sparse the first night (it picked up hugely the rest of the weekend) but those who were there definitely got their sides cracked from the laughs.


First up was St Louis local Ricky Royal who also works at The Lounge. His set was cool. A slow builder as far as the jokes but his uncanny way of changing the thought process of what to expect was quite clever. His jokes mainly was on his baby mama drama, child support and being heavy set. A few of his jokes were a bit head scratching (especially the one about his young son's aroused state while crossing over in the bed with him to move to the other side of the bed.)

Comedian Shang on stage at The Laugh Lounge


About 40 minutes later, the headliner came up on stage and ripped it up. First it was a bit adjusting at first to see him because hes picked up a few pounds but after getting used to that, he was Shang.  He started his set saying about him having kidney stones and having to have an operation soon but getting off on the drugs he has to take. Another shocker was that he went to prison for a couple years for stabbing a bouncer in the neck at a club.

I was near the stage and I was expecting for the comedians on stage to take notice of me (which he did). A comedy rule is always is if you sit up front be prepped to be talked about or called on. LOL He mainly referenced to me midway in his set as though we were having a convo hanging out. As far as his specific jokes, the one he told about getting into a fight with a gay guy,waking up after getting beat  and having glitter coming out of his arse was a bit jarring but was funny.

There was an audience member named Lisa who he continued referencing to as far as her ample upper area and trying to get her to come to eh hotel to sleep with him and have her friend video tape it was also quite funny.

Although his set was all over the place (in a good way) he brought the heat as far as the laughs.

A COMEDY BOND....There's YOURS TRULY taking a pic with comedian and venue operator Jessie Taylor, headliner Shang and comedian, Longhorn.













Last Saturday, I went to the gym, did my errands and came back to the Maatspear Compound contemplating if I was going to the special networking event at DosSalas or Marquee in Midtown and did neither. LOL 

There's YOURS TRULY holding up a program of Rising Stars Showcase, an annual event
showcasing some of the best young St Louis based talent held at Sheldon Concert Hall.



Last Sunday, I decided to check out some young talent at the Sheldon Concert Hall. It was called Rising Stars Showcase presented Fox's Performance Arts Charitable Foundation.  I was determined to go to this in order to make up for not attending anything that Saturday.

And I'm glad I did!

Fourteen young adults performed who were chosen from either the St Louis Teen Talent Competition or St Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards. 

It was hosted by  St Louis media personality, Christine Buck.







The talent ranged from singing, singing and playing an instrument, playing an instrument, dance and a juggler.  Overall their talent was good, to the point of being ready for the national stage. Yet only a few actually stood out for me.


Below are those who did......

The first one up was Madelyn Gartland who sang, "The Show Must Go On"by Queen. She had quite soulful vocals and showmanship (pun intended)

 Second one up was Jameson Falconer who performed "Turning Tables" by Adele in a Nat King Coleesque type demeanor.

 A bright spot was Afiya Faatuono who performed an original tune along with an ukulele. And her smile alone was a standout.

Sean Petric did juggling who was quite entertaining, Las Vegas style.

The last up was Joanna Serenko who performed an original tune had a quiet yet strong soulful voice accompanied by a guitarist.

LEFT: All of the performers with Buck during the curtain call.

Back in the hey day of this blog, what got this blog talking on the streets were the blind items and the in your face boldness of telling it like it is in St Louis celebritydom. Well, I have a blind item that I am sure will get you all talking about.

One of my sources was invited to a swanky pool party in downtown St Louis where the crowd was mainly Midwest porn stars. Yes, you heard me. P.O.R.N. S.T.A.R.S.  A local producer of adult films who lives in the STL had a private soiree last weekend where some of the popular white porn stars (gay and straight and in between LOL) gathered to mingle about. Well, I can't give you the names of who were there or the producer, and the specifics of what happened, but lets just say they were not playing checkers while they were there LOL.


If you have an event your business you would like to promote or a blind item, email to maat.atkins@gmail.com



FIN.

OS 3: OUT ON THE TOWN

HEY OUTSTAGRS AND OUTTOWNERS!

BACk FOR ANOTHER THURSDAY!

LETS GET TOWN!

STL radio personality and comedian Lady Re setting the fashions on 10

with her jeans top and elongated tutu with rock star hair before checking out the Diana Ross concert that was held at The Fox Theatre last Thursday.

STL radio personality and comedian Lady Re was letting the FASHION GODs HAVE IT in her ensem (see pic above) when she was set to see legendary diva Diana Ross at The Fabulous Fox Theater in downtown St Louis. She was among thousands who checked out the Boss during her her stop in the Lou. I didnt get a chance to even try to get a comp ticket to see the show. But, these days, all you have to do is go on YOu TUBE and sneak a performance someone filmed and see what happened. IM JUSt SAYIN....LOL.

But when asked about the show, Lady Re said, "AMAZING SHOW...SOLD OUT...SHE LOOK DAMN GOOD AND SHE STILL HAS A VOICE."

Oh, and she wanted me to use the pic for this, too. LOL

YOURS TRULY holding up a free drink ticket at the Gentleman Jack Real to Reel
event held at St Louis Science Center last Friday.

Last Friday, I checked out Gentleman Jack's real to reel event that was held at the St Louis Science Center in Midtown STL.  I got there before the actual venue closed so I didnt have to wait in line (MAAT dont do lines lol). But much to my chagrin, we had to wait outside in  the sunkissed sun until they officially closed the venue. So, I decided to have a sit down with other patrons who were sitting  waiting to enter. I heard various conversations from some twenty something sistas who were talking about everything from not being able to cash their check, having car trouble to how lovely a sistas wrap dress was.

The event officially was to start at 6pm, but they let us in around thirty minutes later. So I checked in my comp admission and walked up to the second floor where a young lady was taking pics of people with their cell phones in front of the Gentleman Jack's Step and Repeat. I also heard old school R&B sounds that was coming from Vandalyzm (I think he goes by DJ Daddy now LOL). They had complimentary appetizer food of chips with strings of BBQ chicken along with salsa, peppers, and the like that was quite sumptuous. I also cashed in my drink ticket for a Jack and Coke and proceeded to see who was there.

. 
Of the 300 or so who were there  I did see some familiar faces when I was traveling the scene consistently in the past,. The event was managed by STL socialite Eddie Hollman (of SYGU days) and BFree Paparazzi was in the house taking flicks (Teddy B Free wasnt there but his lovely wife was there all a beaming in her blue mini dress)

Everyone mainly mingled, scoping, and chatted until it was time for the featured short films to be seen in the OMNIMAX theatre.

A patron signing a pledge board for free sponsored
merch.

The MaatView from the theater with filmmaker panel
after the film presentations.

While inside the theater, the host was winner of Real to Reel David Kirkman welcoming everyone to the event. Most people came into the theater while some were still hanging out in the party section. There weer six short films that were presented (two were by filmmaker Jon Alexander, "Enough"and "Cycle"). The content that was dealt with loss of a friend, seeking mental help after witnessing street crime, an everyday joe who waves at people, a documentary on ones experience in Afghanistan after 9-11. One particular film used still animation which was quite impressive, but based on the films that were in the running for winning the STL round, I can see Alexander winning (He won for "Enough" about a young streetmonger seeking mental help after seeing a neighborhood shooting."

The highlight of the event was during the Q and  A with the filmmakers when a sista from the audience heckled' I didnt see not one black woman represented in any of the films, with the exception of a woman playing a mother." Well, the all male panel was a bit dumbfounded with the outburst but

Hollman settled the moment when he said that last year they had an all female filmmakers and if she knew any female filmmakers have them to submit for next year.

BLOOP!

Kirkman also made a good point when he said that he would like to see more representation of black content on all backgrounds including black queer culture which got a nice applause surprisingly.

Filmmaker Jon Alexander chats with

a supporter after the event.

After the event, everyone rushed down to the panel area to chat with the filmmakers taking pictures and getting their last networking on. The party portion was still going on, but for the most part people bounced. Also there were STL socialites Becky and Larry Blue (I'm still waiting for that drink LOL), Rhashad Whittier and Mocha Latte.

Interesting tidbit while talking with Whittier. I asked him did he and his team (including Holman) still did Teese (the annual graphic tee event they used to do back in the day) and he said that that was the days of past and the event that Im attending now is about the stint of special events going on in St Louis.

I am so out of the loop. LOL

YOURS TRULY with STL designer Leonard Stewart

Last Saturday, I checked out the AW 2019 Fashion Show (#SSTEW3) with newcomer fashion designer Leonard Stewart who was presenting his own style of chic street wear. It was held at the St Louis Fashion Fund Building in downtown St Louis. One of the coordinators, Dwight Carter sent me an invite to check this out and I most definitely obliged,.

So, when I got there,Stewart immediately rushed to me and greeted me and showed me to the workspace upstairs (that reminded me of the TV show Project Runway) where the models were in their outfits waiting to walk down several steps to the lower area for the show. We chatted a bit about his show until he was summoned to other duties before the show (a sudden moment happened while the models ran out to tend to their parking meters to add money to tehri meters when one of them said  the city ticketer was ticketing cars. LOL).  The bottom level is quite swanky and cozy with hard wooden and waxed floors, high ceilings and studio lighting.

Before the show stated, I met one of the board members of the Fund, Susan Sherman (who is mentoring Stewart) who gave me as well as several early comers a tour of the venue. She showed us to a glass surrounded workspace where several fashion designers in the STL area have rent space with their works including Project Runway alum, Michael Drummond.

As I waited for the show, Sherman offered wine to everybody as we sat and waited for the show. 

One of the show stopping pieces 

The show itself wasnt that long, but from what I saw, I was impressed with what was showcased. Stewart (whose parents were there as Dad had his own video equipment filming the show) has a knack for detail and his pieces, they are definitely wearable tor a casual event say like a day party or even a rap video (The white skull mask wrap was definitely one for a hip hop star)

The finale

          Susan Sherman, guest, Stewart and fashion show coordinator, Dwight Carter.

After the show, his well wishers gathered  to greet him and take pics as well getting a chance to wear some of his outfits--especially the long jeans overcoat.

Overall, it was a nice intimate event.

Another tidbit......So when I was heading out, I heard someone call my name and it was a sista who I worked on the film Happy Hour with a few years ago when I was an Assistant Director (that was directed by Chrys Yvette). She inboxed me while I was at the event when I posted up a selfie and we chatted up a bit and she said that her daughter went to school with Stewart. she also talked about ho her daughter is fulfilling her dreams as a dancer and is seeking to head to the Big Apple to spread her wings. 

I was going to head to see Lion King at The Moolah Theatre, but decided to head back to the Maatspear Compund.

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FIN.

If you have an event or business you would like to advertise on a future  OUTSTAGN BLOGSPOT, send all inquires to maat.atkins@gmail.com