Fun Things I Might Miss This Weekend

So, as usual, there are about 8,ooo cool things going on this weekend. Something happens in October and this town just lights up with awesome possibilities. Last weekend, I was out of town and of course there were a lot of great things that I missed (like Bob Reuter and Sunyatta Marshall playing an Obama benefit at the Royale). So, despite my being super tired this weekend, here's a list of things I am contemplating... (You should, too.)

FRIDAY
-Paint By the Numbers at Mad Art
Kids, adults, crazy kooks alike-- everyone loves Paint by the Numbers. Anyone can do it, skill or no skill, taste or no taste. You can even be subversive and paint outside the lines, or use crazy colors. I saw the canvases from last year and they were pretty cool. The best thing is, it benefits SCOSAG, which serves children (and adults) from all over St. Louis by providing studio space and art instruction. The event is 7-11pm, costs $10 ($5 for kids), and has a cash bar. 314.865.0060 for info.

SATURDAY
-Walk a neighborhood. I have some footage I have to shoot in Franz Park (part of Dogtown if you don't know), where I am currently obsessed with the used car lots. My other location is the North part of the CWE, also a current obsession. I am particularly fond of Olive (between Boyle and Euclid)-- gorgeous buildings that I am planning on photographing this weekend.

-John Waters at Laumeier Sculpture Park, Opening Reception 6-8pm
Arguably amongst the best of cult filmmakers, John Waters is going to be in town. I have seen most of his films (Pink Flamingo is playing the midnight show at the Tivoli this weekend), but he is in town to promote his artwork. Laumeier is hosting an exhibit (on display thru Jan.) of his sculptures and photos. He'll be at the reception though... genius in our midsts, folks. And it's free.

-Rob Levy of KDHX's Juxtaposition (Wed. nights, 8pm on KDHX) spins at the Royale (10pm-close)- no cover
Okay, so I particularly heart Rob because he always plays me Pixies songs galore, and he's just really kind. If you want to hear some great Indie music (his sets feel like college to me, but it depends when you went to college), Rob's your man. The Royale's at 3132 S. Kingshighway and they've currently got the Schlafly HefeBIden and Baracktoberfest beers on draft, which is kind of fun.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY
-Artica
This outdoor site-based art project has been absent for a couple of years, I think. It used to be held by the Riverfront trail, down by the river, a great industrial area for provocative and interesting art. This year, the event is rolling down on the Arch Grounds, by the river. Activities abound for kids, and Sunday holds a boat parade (of boats made by people-- Yay!). Free and open to the public.

-Coming Out Stories (Sat at 8pm, Sunday at 3pm- Missouri History Museum)
As part of National Coming Out Day, the Uppity Theatre Company presents "Coming Out Stories". Here's the idea: the audience tells their own "coming out" stories (of all kinds) and improv actors present a show on the spot. One, this seems like an awesome idea and something great for the community. Two, improv is very difficult and the folks who do it are super-good. (George Malich of "A: Anonymous" and other local films will be onstage, as well many other great local improv artists.) And Three, this is part of Newline Theatre's St. Louis Political Theatre Festival, which seems very-needed in terms of dialogue and thought provocation.