The 17th Annual Noelathon was held at BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups. Proceeds benefit the music program at St. Frances Cabrini Academy, along with profits from a CD (featuring a number of Noelathon performers) and T-shirt sales. The famous and sometimes controversial Beatle Bob emceed the evening.

Margaret Bianchetta, an employee at BB’s, organized the event. Margaret is a musician and performs with The Mighty Big Band, among several others.

Performers booked for the fundraiser included Hudson & the HooDoo Cats, Alvin Jett & the Phat noiZ Band, The Mighty Big Band, Soulard Blues Band, Blu Tones, Dizzy Atmosphere and more.

To say the evening was entertaining would be an understatement. I was not able to shoot pictures from start to finish, but managed to get a good sampling for the night’s photo gallery. Great job, Margaret (the flutist in the photo gallery) and all those that helped out!

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2008 Noelathon Picture Gallery

Pik’n Lik’n celebrated their 1000th show at Alandale’s in Kirkwood this past Friday (December 12, 2008).  Current members appeared, along with guest appearances by Dan & Teresa Nienhaus, Atomic Duo, and Chuck Wagon Deluxe.  Joe Credit, one of the original members of Pik’n Lik’n, and the newest member, Ryan, rounded out the total of 54 musicians that have been part of the group through the years.  The party started at happy hour (5:00) and extended till close at 1:00 am.

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The 1000th show was the perfect opportunity to release the band’s latest CD – Takes a Lik’n and Keeps on Pik’n.  The CD will be available at The Shanti in Soulard this weekend.

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1000th Show Celebration Photo Gallery

Like their website says, Park Avenue Coffee, located in historical Lafayette Square, is known for their good people, good coffee, and good gooey butter cake.  Stop in any night to relax and enjoy coffee, one of 64 different flavors of gooey butter cake (the chocolate raspberry was delicious), and a good book, or bring your laptop and take advantage of the wireless Internet.  

If you enjoy music that does not leave your hearing permanently impaired, stop in on the second or fourth Friday of the month between 7:00 and 10:00 and listen to the talented Friendly Henrys. This five-piece, all-acoustic band will have you smiling and staying longer than you planned.

 

More YouTubes

Mike O’Toole is featured in the tune Steel Rails

Harry Russell performs Ashokan Farewell

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Friendly Henrys Photo Gallery

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Park Avenue Coffee
1919 Park Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63104
314.621.4020

Booking Contact for Friendly Henrys: Steve Russell – 314.707.5544

JackSons’, or Sons of Jack, was born as a tribute to the late father of Andy and Dave Dalton.  Jack was the owner of Thurmers, a south St. Louis landmark. Inspired by Thurmers’ legacy, the Dalton Brothers opened JackSons’ in 2003.  Their goal was to create “FOOD, DRINK, MUSIC and ATMOSPHERE” that crosses many cultures in diverse St. Louis.

Mission accomplished.  Great steaks, friendly service, and music that is guaranteed to make you forget all your worries.

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JackSons’ hosts a variety of incredible St. Louis bands, from R&B to New Orleans-style. The place is always packed Thursday nights for the famous Rhythm Rockers, who have quite a following in St. Louis. 

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The Rhythm Rockers are known for feel-good dance music from the past 50 years. Authentic, groovin’ rhythm and blues style entertainment since 1985.

Billy Elam – Lead vocals
Joe Garnier – Keyboards, vocals
Paul Jackson – Bass Guitar, vocals
Dennis Brock – Lead Guitar, vocals
Kevin Sanders – Drums

When the Rhythm Rockers are playing, people are dancing! The group is talented and worth the effort to experience. Looking to party? Find the Rythm Rockers. Of course their website has a schedule.

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Photo Gallery - Rhythm Rockers at JackSons’

Another great Saturday evening at Broadway Oyster Bar!  The entertainment was provided by FolknBluesGrass. The four-piece acoustic group gets its name from playing their own unique version of folk, blues, and bluegrass.  From left to right – Travis King on the doghouse bass, Steve Bauer on the mandolin, Brian Curran on guitar, and bringing up the rear is Fred Altiere on percussion, washboard, kazoo and everything else.

Let’s not leave out Fred’s friend and sidekick, Gig the Frog! Fred and Gig have been known to dance on occasion, and yes, Gig can sing.

Be sure to check out the: Picture Gallery

FolknBluesGrass web-site: folknbluesgrass.com
and myspace.com/stlfolkers

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Whiskey Is My Habit, Good Women is All I Crave

Want more?  Here’s anothe YouTube: Paradise

Broadway Oyster Bar
736 S Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 621-8811

That was one hell of a party, Barb!!! The Shanti is the kind of place where you can crack those jokes and play with the crowd, and the music was great as usual. Hope you had as much fun on your birthday as the rest of us!

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Be sure to visit the Photo Gallery for Barb’s Birthday Bash!

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Dreams – Performed by Birthday Barb Soetebier and Ed Belling

More videos at piknlikn.com. Find the band’s schedule at myspace.com/piknlikn.

You’ll find great people, great bands, and even great dogs at:
The Shanti
825 Allen
St. Louis, MO 63104

(314) 241-4772

I’ve been going to Mr. B’s since moving to st. Louis years ago.  This is a small, well-known, family-style restaurant located in the famous neighborhood of ”The Hill”.  

Mr. B’s Bar and Grill is divided into the bar and dining-room areas. Given the size of the bar, one really wouldn’t expect live entertainment; however much to the approval of the regulars is the appearance of two mainstays in the St. Louis music scene.   Charles Hilliard and Billy Elam have teamed up to entertain on Wednesday nights.  Mr. B sits in to sing a tune or two, adding to the experience.

Charles and Billy have a knack for making every gig a party.  Somehow a few even found room to dance.

As you would expect from an establishment that has been around as long  as Mr. B’s, the food is consistently excellent.  For the non-regulars, Mr. B’s is located at Dalton Avenue at Southwest.  For regulars, don’t pass up the photo gallery.  Don Wells, Mia, Mr B, Cystal, Billy, and Charles are all included.
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Photo Gallery

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Mr. B’s Bar and Grill
5800 Southwest Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 645-5912

A number of the core members of the group Pik’n Lik’n gathered to perform at the Old Rock House in St. Louis recently.  In addition to having a great time and hearing some good music, we shot some videos and added to the collection of pictures for promotion on the band’s website and myspace page.

The group is known for its talent, size, and flexibility.  With about 15 performers on the ready list, a group can be assembled to meet the needs of a specific event or venue.  Their repertoire includes blues, traditional bluegrass, new bluegrass, country, classic rock, rockabilly, and more.

With its large stage and excellent lighting and sound system, Old Rock House was the perfect venue for this Tuesday evening shoot. The music, as always, was toe-tapping and awesome.  Here are some of the videos and a link to some of the 300 pics we took.  Enjoy!

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YouTubes

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Photo Gallery 

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Schedule – Pik’n Lik’n Myspace.com/piknlikn