David Sedaris in St. Louis at Left Bank: Like a Rock Concert

It was like a rock concert this week when David Sedaris (pronounced as in “dare”) came to town to speak at Left Bank Books. Folk who couldn’t find seats stood up inside. Folks who couldn’t get in the room stood up outside or lounged in those great portable camp chairs.
I sat next to a 16-year-old [...]

Forest Park Forever’s Hiram Leffingwell Awards Luncheon

I became a lady who lunches today as the Women’s Committee of Forest Park Forever celebrated their annual “hat luncheon,” to raise money for park maintenance and education programs….held at the World’s Fair Pavilion in St. Louis’ Forest Park.
The World’s Fair Pavillion turned 100 today.
I wore my frog-lotus puppet on the brim of my [...]

“Harlem Duet” sings: St. Louis Black Rep Company stages Djanet Sears’ award-winning play: power dynamics of interracial love spanning three eras

Ruth-Miriam Garnett and I have great “bumping into each other” luck. I first met Ruth at the St. Louis Poetry Center gala last fall. Subsequently, we’ve magically bumped into each other 1) on the metro platform at the Central West End; 2) at Wole Soyinka’s talk at the Black Rep with her friend Lavelle Wilkins-Chin; [...]

Riehlife Bonus Poem of the Day: Freida L. Wheaton’s “Saint Louis Summer of 2006″

Photo from www.moonraker.com
I met Freida L. Wheaton in 2005 at an African American Art Collectors forum at the St. Louis Art Musem. Mother was alive then, still kicking and needing care. I’d gone off on this huge adventure to the big city and it was on that day I met Freida, in all her clarity, [...]

Soyinka’s “The Lion and The Jewel” at Washington University’s Edison Theatre St. Louis for Five April Performances

Wole Soyinka, playwright, “The Lion and the Jewel”
The Lion And The Jewel opens Friday, April 18, 8:00 p.m.at Washington University: Edison Theatre St. Louis, St Louis, Missouri.
“The Lion and the Jewel” by Wole Soyinka is diirected by Ron Himes and presented by the Washington University Performing Arts Department.
VENUE
Edison Theatre St. Louis
900 Walnut Street
St Louis, MO [...]

Linda Jones Hawkins and Charles Hawkins’ cuddled prayers makes the couple…and “Post Pinnacle,” a poem by Linda Jones Hawkins

I met Linda Jones Hawkins and Charles Hawkins at the 2007 Kwanzaa celebration in St. Louis. Linda showed me her beautiful poems and paintings, while Charles stood by, beaming. They shared their love story with me (Linda speaking):
“And the story goes… She found a handsome King and he found a beautiful queen, while playing in [...]

“Iron Ladies of Liberia” airs on KETC in April…Sneak Preview of Independent Lens Film at Missouri History Museum

Alex Detrick pulled together another fine evening last night at the Missouri History Museum, featuring Independent Lens film “Iron Ladies of Liberia” which will later air on KETC/Channel 9 April 6th at 11 p.m. Click here for video clip and political background on Liberia and the film.
Click here for 2005 Washington Post article written before [...]

Ron Himes, director & founder of St. Louis’ Black Repertory Company, at Missouri History Museum’s African-American History Series—continues exploration of need for support & recognition of African-American Cultural Institutions in this, one of America’s great black cities

What is the future of African American Arts in St. Louis? “One of the strongest purveyors of African American culture is African American theater. It’s a place where we can strongly control the images portrayed,” said Himes.

Ron Himes, director & founder, St. Louis Black Repertory Company, which makes its home at the Grandell Theater (1717 [...]

Kerouac’s “On the Road” turns 50 and much ado is made about something at the Loud Mouth open mic held at The Mac in South St. Louis

I love open mics that celebrate literature more than the funny little egos who produce it. The Loud Mouth open mic at The Mac in South St. Louis last night sponsored by the St. Louis Writers Guild was of the first sort as we gathered to celebrate Kerouac’s “On the Road” as it turns 50…living [...]