Torn Mixology 
February 3 – March 25, 2023
Opening Reception February 3, 2023
Artist Talk March 11, 2023

You only have two things in this world: your name and your word. Without those, you are nothing. 

   -James Arthur Davenport (1945 – 2016) 

Clothing is one of the best visual communicators and growing up it allowed me to verbalize my emotions and beliefs in connection to the world.  Clothing became one of the first ways that I could express my identity in a world that made me feel displaced.  I never understood that I was different, until I was told.  I grew up looking different from my mother and father, albeit skin tone only, but I never saw that similarity until I was older.  No one spoke about what it was to be bi-racial or multi-racial.  I was always told that I was neither black nor white, but grey.  As a child, I could not wrap my mind around that imagery, so instead I studied my cultures and began my journey of identity.   

Torn Mixology is a mixed media exhibition that explores the journey of identifying as a multi-racial female.  The exhibit consists of 5 costume designs that begin with childhood through adulthood exploring key points in life where identity was created, challenged, and conquered.  A tradition in African American culture, during the Underground Railroad, quilts acted as maps.  Each of these designs will be quilted to map out the evolving journey and struggle with identity.  To represent the outside force, each mannequin will be painted black, white, and grey to illustrate the American viewpoints on identity.  Each design will be collaged with skin tones with the American viewpoint creeping throughout the design at times suffocating the design.  By using textiles and spoken word, I want to invoke an emotional response and conversation with this exhibit. By removing the physical actor, the clothing becomes the character and the words becomes the underscore to the clothing.  

Now I am a mother. A mother who does not want to perpetuate the cycle of generational trauma. I do not want my daughter to feel othered because society assumes what a multi-racial woman should look like. The conversation needs to begin, the viewpoints need to be challenged, and it is time for a change. 

AGES 21+ (ID REQUIRED)
UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN

The Namby Pamby consists of sisters McKenna and Emily Parks, and their good friend Payton Knerr. With inspirations such as Courtney Barnett, Jessica Pratt, The Waitresses, and Julia Jacklin, many of the songs written take on an energetic feel with a good balance of emotion and relatability. Chunky/dreamy guitar tones mixed with many loose vocal techniques defines a lot of the band’s sound.

SAGE: MAKEDA KRAVITZ & DJ NICO MARIE

9 PM – 1 AM
Happy Hour 5 -7 PM

Americana’s wild child, ClusterPluck, mixes bluegrass, folk, rock, jam, and country into a hearty sonic stew. Throwing tradition aside, they utilize Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Bass, Dobro, Mandolin, Banjo, Drums and four part vocal harmony. This four piece band from Southern Illinois (close to St. Louis, MO) produces an up-beat, electric, grassy energy with some country jam for listeners of all ages to enjoy.

The group started in late 2010, as three friends and fellow musicians who wanted to try their hand at acoustic based music after playing in electric bands for years. Chris Rader, Derek Rutter, and Justin Torres decided that ClusterPluck was the vessel. After a few lineup changes throughout the years, the original three always persisted. What has grown from those simple seeds of stripped down music to today, is very much like a tree in full bloom.

In December 2016, ClusterPluck released a 12 song full length studio album, “Thousand Miles to Go”, which also featured Matt Gadeken as a member of the band on violin and vocals. After Gadeken’s departure, the band found themselves as a three piece once again. In early spring of 2021, the self titled studio album of classic ClusterPluck songs re-imagined, all of which were no longer available for listening pleasure, was released.  Later in 2021 the band of three announced that Britton Liefer would be joining the band full time on drums. Through the years the band started plugging in more and more and experimenting with sounds and layers. It was time to add the beat that had been missing for too long. Britton also adds the ability to step from behind the drums and grab the mandolin, giving a nod to the roots of the band and the music they play.

This band of hungry, performing songwriters are hitting the road, and coming to a town near you. Be Ready.

VIBES AND STUFF W/ JAMES BIKO

9 PM – 1 AM 

Finley Frankfurter is a 15-year-old fisherwoman who is terrible at fishing. H.S. Crank is a grumpy old lighthouse keeper who has been sitting for 20 years in the dark. Together, this unlikely pair begins an adventure through the ocean to find the Elixir of Life, an elusive remedy that will save Finley’s father from a mysterious illness. On their journey, the pair encounter mermaids and pirates, whirlpools and their worst fears, and finally a new understanding of the meaning of family, friendship, and belief in yourself.

Guinevere “Gwenny” Govea began Spells of the Sea in quarantined isolation and, with Anna Pickett, developed it into a podcast during the pandemic. Now, this unique tale breathes new life on the stage in this world premiere!

Metro Theater Company
by special arrangement with Megan Ann Rasmussen Productions
presents the World Premiere of Spells of the Sea

Book, Music and Lyrics by Guinevere Govea with additional creative contributions by Anna Amelia Rose Pickett
Based on the podcast created by Guinevere Govea
Directed by Julia Flood
Music Direction by Deborah Wicks La Puma

Best enjoyed by ages 8 and up

DJ Mahf
9 PM – 12AM
HappyHour All Night

Sexy Time: Hosted by Jewel Charger

FEATURING TBD, & Dj Grocer
FREE ENTRY

9 PM – 12AM 

Happy Hour 5 -7 PM

The STl Guide Happy Hour w/ Umami + Illtemperament 

Sponsored by: Una Vida Tequilla 

6 – 9 PM

Ages 21+ Unless Accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian.

Come and join us for this special Listening Room presentation of our brand new album, “ALL I WANT” – which we are celebrating the official worldwide release of the album to streaming services.

“ALL I WANT” is a love letter and testament to the American Multi-racial Working Class. The album’s release comes after years of careful work from the band , and we are thrilled to finally release the album to all platforms for all to enjoy.

There is just one band family who does their thing the way they do a band who can sound as hot and as thick as the breath of the Mississippi River in the St. Louis summertime, and can turn around and lay it down as cool as the breeze. Music lovers draw some comparisons to large groups like Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Joe Cockers Mad Dogs & Englishmen – As much is there is that is there is influences of Taj Mahal, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, and Allen Toussaint but AL HOLLIDAY & THE EAST SIDE RHYTHM BAND, with the muddy water in their veins no doubt, come with their very own game. The young man and the band bring a package only describable as essentially American – a sound distinct to the Big Muddy and their river city home where the four winds blow.

BABY:A celebration of Brandy & throwback love songs w/ AGILE ONE & DJ CRUCIAL
9 PM – 12AM

21+ only
But Baby I Love You pt. 9, is an annual sell out comedy show produced by Comedian, Larry Greene. This show features Comedians, poets, singers, and more. The show was inspired by Larry in an effort to bring a mature quality comedy event for couples and singles to celebrate life. It’s titled BBILY because we all know love isn’t always pretty but we can laugh about it as we work through it. This year is featuring amazing national & local talent.

Larry Greene is a comedian from St. Louis, MO. He’s known for his charm and witty sense of humor. He’s the first comedian to win both the Helium Comedy Club competition & the St. Louis Funny Bone competition in the same year. He’s performed at numerous clubs throughout the country headlining one-night only shows at clubs like the Kansas City Improv. His comedy album titled “Fashionably Late” is streaming on all platforms with over 32,000 unique downloads. On his rise to headliner status, Larry is proud to have opened for legendary comics, Paul Mooney, Honest John, and more. Among his accomplishments, Larry counts producing “But Baby I Love You” as one of his favorite accomplishments, that’s 9 years running. Yooo!

Featuring Headliner: Ambrose Jones
A laconic, self-deprecating comedian, Ambrose embarked on his comedy career in Memphis, TN. Being originally from Chicago, IL makes no sense at all, but he still found a way to turn his southern humor and unique point of view into a brand. Within only 8 years of stand-up, Jones has been a full-time feature act for 3 years. He has already performed at some of the top comedy venues in the business. Comedy Off Broadway, Richmond Funny bone, West Palm Beach Improv, Stardome, Zanies, Comedy House, Vb Funny bone, just to name a few.

He has previously showcased his talent on NBC for Last Comic Standing. Keenan Ivory Wayans said “He is like a breath of fresh air.” and “Reminds him of a country Chris Rock” Ellen tweeted “You killed it on LCS” Jones earned his way to the top 40 semifinalists.

During the 2nd audition of LCS at Gotham Comedy Club in NYC, Ambrose was approached by the owner of the club and asked to perform on Gotham Live which is a tv show filmed live at the club and aired on Axs Tv earlier this year.

This show features an amazing lineup of comedians, singers, & poets. Do not miss out on this year’s “But Baby I Love You, Pt. 9” at the ultra professional “Central Stage” in the beautiful Grand Center Arts District.

VIBES AND STUFF W/ JAMES BIKO

9 PM – 1 AM