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.

Friendship Brewery

 Celebration of the Life of June Marie Kummer

1-20-2024

Dave and Melanie Brewer were gracious hosts on Saturday afternoon at Friendship Brewery. The staff and employees were most pleasant and I began to appreciate the spirit of craft brewing with a personal tour of the facility. I am fond of the notion of a celebration of a life, especially when its of the life of one of whom I have a genuine admiration. June Marie Kummer (née Baumer) passed away peacefully at her home on January 8, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Fred S. Kummer, Jr. for 68 years; loving mother to Caroline Croswell (Tom), Fritz Kummer (Tess) and Melanie Brewer (David).

I knew that I might find myself among grandchildren, friends and distant relatives I didn’t know well but I have been close to the business story of Fred Kummer and as such become somewhat familiar with the family behind the scenes. Clearly, June was an ideal supporter and partner to Fred Kummer. (Fred passed away in April of 2021). Bob Brandt introduced himself as a go-to guy for the three Friendship Brewing facilities and our tour included a visit with the quintessential Maestro sculpture figure that once occupied the space outside Fred Kummer’s Creve Coeur office on Olive Boulevard.

June (b. 1930) graduated from Washington University in 1951 with a degree in architecture.  She worked for the William B. Ittner architectural firm prior to her marriage to Fred Kummer in 1953.  He was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The couple had their first child, Caroline. June and Fred then moved to Rolla in 1954 where he earned his degree in civil engineering at the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (now Missouri University of Science and Technology). Fred and June left a significant legacy of more than $300 Million Dollars to Missouri S&T.

This was a frigid January day with temperatures in the single digits, but it isn’t hard to imagine coming back when the snow melts and the Brewers follow through on landscaping plans in the outdoor beer garden. That would surely make June smile.

Reflection 2023

Looking back on the past year with excitement and consternation. I am blessed and fortunate nevertheless.  

Rainy Day Janie (2024 Edition). Last year I overwhelmed her with a laundry list of lovable traits. I couldn’t help myself since we reconnected in a genuine way (nearly fifty years after our first date – a hay ride). I said that I love rainy-day Janie and the one that smiles in the sunshine. That’s still true. The nature of my attraction to her remains inexplicable. She remains a puzzle I cannot quite solve. But still it seems worth trying.The hometown girl went to college at Case Western Reserve University. She had a laser focus on a nursing career. I always had the idea that I could follow my father’s footsteps and pursue a career that could be found somewhere where Art meets Commerce.

The road less traveled by - Meanwhile my charmed life paid dividends at the University of Miami. Her path and mine diverged, in spite of what seemed a natural bond.   

Bing. Meanwhile, my wife-to-be played it perfectly. She was there for me at a critical turning point in my life. Before her untimely passing almost two years ago we shared our lives together for 41 years. Memory of her reminds me of just how important NOW can be. I was determined to prove myself a genuine advertising man. Armed with an MBA in 1982. No regrets. My choices were mostly joyful and include the arrival of wonderful children and there children (a girl and a boy and grandsons from each). 

 

Upon reflection. I feel optimism and good fortune in spite of sadness.

My life is episodic. And that recognition firms my resolve to stay focused on the moment. In so doing, the moments are fantastic. Music. Art. Friends. Learners. There is a sense of urgency in wonderful, ordinary, joyful things.

Captions:

The Saint Louis Basilica at the Christmas Eve Vigil on December 24, 2023

Holiday Card features me, lost in the field of sunflowers, my kids and the matriarch, spouces and grandchildren. (6 1/2  and 7 years)

At Blue Strawberry the incomparable Kat Edmonson

Dave Shogren and various bandmates from Mudd Brothers to Benbow City Shuffle (BCS)

Troy, Illionois Red Door Cottage before candle-making with teachers Julie, Kathy, Kelly and significant others. 

Dave Cox in his Hillboro, MO kitchen (Danielle and Adam are engaged)

My Episodic Life - Five Days in December

 

 

It is so important to greet adversity and challenge with calm. You just have to be in the moment. Problems are a part of life. Recognize the reality that there will be ups and downs. This week, somehow, God (or certainly some higher power) has been blessing me through a series of occasions and events that might have otherwise caused me to dive into a kind of despair.

In the past five days:

Tuesday (12-5) – I was privileged to be invited to participate in the UMSL Marketing Club speed networking event at the University of Missouri, Saint Louis.  It was so great to offer advice and counsel to college students considering the future. The dialogues with up to 30 students had the side effect of causing me to reflect on so many of my career highlights along my personal journey. I lingered a while because the energy and enthusiasm and the positive reflection was an unexpected high. (UP)

BUT I got home, only to realize that I misplaced my cell phone. This is a thing that can result in a kind of panic. (DOWN)  By 8:30 p.m. an email: Did you leave your cell phone at the Marketing Club event? I respond: Yes I did. (UP)

Wednesday (12-6) – Rebecca Bechtel (MBA student and Dr. Perry Drake’s trusted assistant) and her brother met me at Sugarfire BBQ for dinner and I was reunited with my cell phone after a healthy 24 hours without it. (UP)

Thursday (12-7) – I was excited about an American Marketing Association holiday gathering and networking event at Global Brew scheduled for 5:30 p.m. But on the treacherous I-70 heading West after work I experienced the trauma of a flat tire. (DOWN).

I managed to hobble off I-70 onto Lucas and Hunt exit into the QT. I opened my trunk and began the process of changing to my spare when a stranger offered to change the tire for a small fee. (UP)

Now I was sure I needed to make plans to replace that tire. I took I-170 to Olive Boulevard Dobbs Tire & Auto hoping to make an appointment to get two new rear tires. (They told me 6 months ago I should replace those two back tires.) I expected bureaucracy at the counter late in the day, as it was, on a Thursday. But, to the contrary, they were happy so sell me two new tires and put the spare back into the trunk right away. I was hardly inconvenienced and I was still on time for the event at Global Brew on Manchester Road in Rock Hill. (UP)

Friday (12-8) - My friend professor Perry Drake PhD invited me to dinner at his home in Chesterfield. Perry treated me to salmon, brockely, baked potato and Budweiser. I was able to share a pleasant meal and conversation with Perry, including a few laughs over the roller coaster events of my recent few days. (UP)

Saturday (12-10) - I visited the Saint Louis Art Museum because it has become my happy place. It did not disappoint as the Sculpture Hall was filled with people and kids enjoying performances of Dances from India and an interpretation of The Nutcracker. (UP)

Later on Saturday - It’s wonderful to have friends. My friends Dave and Linda Shogren invited me to join them for a performance at Blue Strawberry in the Central West End. The event featured Kat Edmonson’s amazing and unique song stylings from the American Songbook and some of her originals. I left with a copy of a signed CD. (UP)

If you are scoring at home: I have so many more UPs than DOWNs. Even when bad things happen I seem to have blessed life.

Even the signed CD that says “for Wesley with Love, Kat” makes me smile. And the posing cat at Dave’s house afterwards seemed to observe in judgemnent of my charmed life. 

Cleveland, Degas, Oberlin and More (Janie part 7)

 

Janie (Part Seven) November ₂₀₂₃

Dan and Netti help take all the randomness of Cleveland trip out of play. With enough notice, I’m able to check in to the Winton Place (19^th Floor) with all the amenities of Lake View, bed, bath, and luxury condominium living. My wanna get away Southwest airfare is manageable if a bit archaic traveling to Cleveland via Chicago Midway and returning to Saint Lous through Nashville, TN.

Dan is airport pick up and treats me to a Crumb + Spigot pizza in Lakewood on Friday Night and Janie agrees to be on the Saturday agenda starting with a breakfast at Cove Community Center meeting celebrating Dan’s participation in gardening excellence as part of the “Adopt a Spot” at the entrance of Lakewood Park.

The Cleveland Museum of Art has a special exhibition of Degas and the Laundress. Janie indulges my obsession with CMA and even agrees to visit Picasso’s La Vie, Bellow’s Stag at Sharkeys, and Mark Rothko’s #2 Red Maroons (1962). Janie reminds me that “We have theater tickets” and agrees to return to Lakewood for a late breakfast fare at Dinerbar.

The play is Girl from the North Country which is set in 1934 Duluth, Minnesota and features music by Bob Dylan. The play is packed with a talented troupe that presents a sort of convoluted story around the lyrics of Dylan’s songs such as Like a Rolling Stone, Hurricane, and Forever Young. 

Note: Bob Dylan wrote Forever Young in 1974 as a sort of lullaby to his son Jesse (born in 1966). How cosmic a coincidence is that? Janie and I went our senior prom together in 1974.

Sunday began at St. Clement’s with a 8:30 am Mass followed by a breakfast at My Friends Lakewood. The afternoon was open for a “bucket list” trip to Oberlin, Ohio where it was Parents’ Weekend, Dan and I enjoyed the history and charm of Gibson’s  grocery/bakery/pharmacy, Ginko GalleryArt Supply, a Frank Lloyd Wright House, Fowl’s Farm Store and more. The Allen Art Museum was not open (giving me a reason to return to Oberlin). 

But the time with Janie (after baby-sitting two grandchildren) was just perfect. We are still High School Sweethearts and both living in the moment and mindful of Bob Dylan’s lyrics from 1974.

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
May you stay forever young

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the light surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
May you stay forever young

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
And may you stay forever young
May you stay forever young

 

Dannie and Adam Engage

 

Dave's girls: Sammy, Danni, Nicole and Joyce at the lakeside engagement bash on October 14, 2023

The remarkable Cox family led by Dave and his wife Joyce continue to amaze. Their oldest of three daughters, Samantha had the spotlight for her engagement with Matthew at a bash on Cherokee Street in Saint Louis followed by an intimate wedding in Michigan in December 2022. Sammy and Matthew are thriving in Kansas City and making good use of a KitchenAid mixer and leveraging Sam's artist sensibility. Now, the attention turns to the middle child Dannielle. Dannie and Adam are engaged and Dave and Joyce are happy to host this engagement at their newly acquired home in Hillsboro, MO. I am fortunate to have gotten invited to both of these occasions.

The Cox getaway is located adjacent to a golf course and on a lake. The setting could not have been more ideal for a family reunion and celebration on October 14, 2023. The proposed start is 2:00 this Saturday afternoon. My iPhone GPS advises that this is a 47minute trip from my Creve Coeur crib. I know, of course, that I need to also build in time to navigate the passcode at the access gate. Dave anticipated that technology would be a bit of a hurdle for me. However, it is only a minor obstacle after the adventure on Route 21 (Tesson Ferry) and State Road B.

The lakeside setting was perfect. Nicole, the youngest of the Cox family trio of girls, took a break from her studies at Drake University to be present and she is the life of the party. She arranged a polaroid picture and message box for everyone to sign in and wish the best for the couple. Joyce is semi-retired as school teacher (Webster Groves) but is in demand during the current teacher shortage, nevertheless. I was able to share some experiences with a handful of educators about my career paths in special education and as art teacher. I reflect on how fortunate I am to have these experiences at this place in my life-journey. I wouldn’t trade my early episodic career in advertising and marketing in agency and corporate environments. I think I have gained a fuller appreciation of what it takes to nurture and educate in a world full of unexpectable obstacles. (Nothing is easy.)

I was able to deliver a wedding gift of kitchen pottery for Flour, Sugar and whatever else goes in the two smaller containers. I was also able to deliver HBE golf league participation prizes to Dave and Randy. As the sun is starting to set I made my way to the salad and pasta before enjoying a piece of cake. The afternoon must come to an end as “I gotta get home before the streetlights go on.”  

Thanks so much to the Cox Beverly Hillsboro family for including me. It was most memorable. I wish the happy couple all the best and memories of the simple joy of singing and dancing on a Saturday evening by the lake.