Musically Speaking - no botheration

 

Sometimes my pal Dave and his band mates Al and Richie find themeselves in new and different venues. These cool cats play all kinds of music "rythem" and "blues". But there ain't a hint of bother-ation in their performance on the ground floor of this swanky address at 100 Kingshighway overlooking the Forest Park. The Friday happy hour was busy with comings and goings, joggers, flashy women in high heels, luxury appartment dwellers conveniently situated a short trip to a top-ranked medical mecca in St. Louis. 

Kicking off the weekend this way, just a perfect way to get in the mood for weekend mindfulness. But wait, there's more. Dave and his band and some extended family of Dave, the country's okayist bass player also performed at the upstairs venue at O'Connell's - Jack's Place on Saturday Night. Mud Brother Walter G, Greg's Violin provided more music while the full moon shone bright into the night.

Interview for Colleen

 

Wesley A. Morgan

My dad suggested Uncle Wes might be an interesting subject for this assignment. I was a little nervous about contacting him with my questions, but dad encouraged me to talk with him. I have met him several times but there is a lot I don’t know about him. Here are some of the answers to my questions.

Question: I know you teach art but I wonder how and when you became interested in art.

WAM: My father was an artist. He was successful running a business of commercial art. He was also a painter and fine artist. His business, Morgan Studio in Cleveland was a leader in advertising, art and photography. My uncle (my father’s brother Andrew) was also an artist. He was president of the Kansas City Art Institute. My uncle Andrew was recruited to be chairman of the art department at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. I was convinced that the University of Miami would be a great place to go to college.

Question: So you studied art at the University of Miami?

WAM: Yes, initially I enrolled as a student majoring in graphic design but my interest broadened. I ended up with a double major in Art and English (specifically graphic design and creative writing).

Question: But you also completed a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), right?

WAM: Yes, I was a pretty involved student and the University offered me a Graduate Assistantship. That paid for the masters degree since I was traveling part of the year and representing the university in 12 states over a two year period. It was an adventure traveling throughout New England and the Midwest with a few visits to the New York area.

Question: What did you do after you finished college?

WAM: I wanted to work in New York. I felt it was the best place to learn about the advertising business. I was attracted to the big advertising agency world.

Question: So you worked for an advertising agency?

WAM: Yes, in fact I worked for several different companies over the next 15 years. I got to work on a lot of big brands like Heineken (beer), JVC (consumer electronics), Matchbox (toys), Pepsi (soft drinks), Burger King and Pizza Hut (quick service restaurants).

Question: How did you end up in Saint Louis?

WAM: I was contacted by an executive recruiter (headhunter) who convinced me to join an agency based in Saint Louis. The account was to advertise a big bank. The bank was acquired by another bank and the agency lost the account. I went to another agency in Saint Louis. Unfortunately a similar thing happened there.

Question: So what did you do?

WAM: I didn’t want to move again. My two kids were in school and we decided to stay put. Rather than go to another advertising firm, I was fortunate enough to get a job as a corporate marketing manager. I eventually became a Vice President of Marketing.

Question: How did you end up as an art teacher in Saint Louis?

WAM: I cannot tell a lie. My life has been episodic. I was top marketing guy for three companies before considering working as a substitute teacher. I eventually accepted a position at the Special School District of Saint Louis. At SSD I was a sub and paraprofessional but I had to get additional certification to be a teacher.

Question: So you were a special education teacher?

WAM: Well yes, sort of. I went back to school to become a certified teacher if special education. I did that for a period of time before exploring the idea of teaching art.

Question: So you made the move in education from special education to art teacher?

WAM: That’s correct. I teach middle school students Art. I enjoy it as it takes me back to the time I really began to have an interest in art. I tell my students, “Everyone is an artist. The challenge in my class is to become a better artist.”

Question: Who do you admire as an artist?

WAM: I think Picasso is the GOAT for many reasons. But I also love Van Gogh, Matisse, Warhol and several others. During Black History Month we talked about Jacob Lawrence, a black artist who is considered among those in the 1930 part of the Harlem Renaissance.

Note: Uncle Wes was happy to provide a little ghost-writing for Colleen. And in the spirit of Mark Twain I tell the truth, mostly...

Note 2: Colleen and I finally chatted about the assignment and she has a list of questions. The conversation was fun and (surprise surprise) ended up being a lot about art, artists and my affinity for visiting museums to see art. Her version of the story was quite good. She chose to write it in first person. Interesting take.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parker Millsap at Off Broadway 2-15-24

 

True to form, Wes crashes into Parker Millsap and Caleb Caudle at Off Broadway while they are selling the "merch" to fans who lined up to buy in Saint Louis. Dave Shogren and Smokin' Joe are in the background. As a big bonus Parker presented me a wonderful piece of art signed by the artist. 

Dave Shogren drove with musician pal Joey and to Off Broadway in the historic Cherokee Lemp district to see Parker Millsap. Linda (Dave's wife) would join us later as she had another meeting to get to this Thursday evening. 

Nick greeted us at the door with a welcoming almost like we'd been there before. We have. This same posse saw Parker when he last played this venue. Joey was so pleased to be there, he insisted on buying us all a big cold Stag beer. So with Stag in the front row we enoyed Caleb's opening act and Parker's show. Caleb and Parker finished with a joint finale before heading to the "merch" where I sort of photo bomb/ambushed them. A beautiful evening.   

Parker quickly made a name for himself with his captivating live performances, soulful sound, and character-driven narratives. He's had a string of successes including an appearance on CONAN, a performance with Elton John at the Apple Music Festival, an Austin City Limits taping & an Americana Music Association nomination for Album of the Year. He's shared the stage with folks like Jason Isbell, Shovels & Rope, Patty Griffin, Houndmouth, and many others.

Parker's early releases showcased a mastery of acoustic folk rock, with their flourish for revelation and fiery dynamics. Be Here Instead, Millsap's 2021 release produced by John Agnello, hinted at the wildness to come while exploring newer, more personal songwriting styles. Parker's newest album, Wilderness Within You, is a natural step in Parker's evolution which interweaves threads of his musical past and newer influences to gorgeous effect.

Although a school night, Dave and Joey kept me out past my bedtime on Cherokee Street at Ohio at the Wohisky Ring for a Stag and a bit of pinball. 

So great to see Parker again and enjoy listenting to a retrospective of his music along with a couple of surprises. Parker sang Brian Wilson's Beach Boys tune - Little Surfer Girl and a Chet Baker tune My Buddy. I was great to hear songs like The Very Last Day, The Real Thing, Your Water and more. 

 

 

 

Parker is planning a trip to Cahokia Mounds for Friday but he might not get the best experience as snow is scheduled to blow through making a trek to the top of Monk's Mound less than optimal. I hope he enjoys the history of that spot though. 

Yahrzeit (2 years)

 

Lynn has been gone for 2 years now. The memory of her is indeed a  blessing. It doesn’t mean I don’t miss her. (It is. I do.) So on the Yahrzeit (2^nd anniversary of her passing), I cannot help but to be a bit reflective. I knew it might be a day of some melancholy. (That word was suggested by sweet Janie in a supportive text message when she recognized what I might be feeling).

Friday Evening I attended the youth service at Shaare Emeth. I visited the memory wall and noted the name of Lynn Stevens Morgan. I smiled as the third graders assembled for a recitation. I shed a tear as Lynn's name was mentioned along with other congregation members who have passed. Cantor Warner gave me a hug after the service and confided that he and I share a Yahrzeit. (Cantor Warner’s mother and my wife of 41+ years. We recognize their memories are our blessing; 4 years and 2 years respectively).

Saturday February 3 was somewhat intentionally filled with activity for me.

I made my way to the Pulitzer Arts Foundation to hear an inspirational talk and exhibition of architectural artifacts drawn from the rich collection of the National Building Arts Center (NBAC). Urban Archaeology brings together salvaged architectural elements from landmark buildings, residential homes, and neighborhood institutions built in St. Louis between 1840 and 1950.

I dropped in on Dave Shogren’s Old North U S International Foods office prior to a scheduled meeting of the Old North Restoration Group. I noted that his bulletin board proudly displayed a couple of thank you notes I wrote a few months ago when the Old North Restoration Group orchestrated house tours/art show/music event in September 2023.

I headed to the Fabulous Fox for a production of Funny Girl. Oddly, the story of a funny, quirky, ambitious Jewish girl who became a star in the Ziegfeld Follies reminds me of my Lynnie Max with hints of Yiddish and good humor through good and challenging times. The elaborate theatrical review of productions on the Broadway of New York City from 1907 to 1931 was represented on stage with wonderful orchestral music. It was a great way to escape and manage the melancholy of the day.