The Black Rep’s golden season. When I tell you I was outside this weekend – I’m talking all over this town, all weekend long. I got things started in Lafayette Square – where me and several of my favorite folks came to toast the Black Rep’s 50th anniversary at a fabulously converted firehouse that now serves as a swank event space. Ron Himes also gave us some tea by sharing the lineup of their golden anniversary season – or as I like to call it, “The Colored Season.”
What? Before you start throwing shots at me on social media, let me share the show titles so you can tell me how right I am. The season kicks off with “The Color (ed) Purple,” then carries on with “The Colored Museum” and includes a special 50th anniversary presentation of St. Louis’ own Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.” The season also includes “Purpose.”
And would it really be a Black Rep season without sprinkling some August Wilson up in there? Of course not! They will be closing season 50 out with “Gem of the Ocean.”
But let me tell y’all about who was up in there with raised glasses. Denise Thimes, Heather Himes, Cheryl Beal, Rudy Nickens, Andreal Hoosman, Pops Jackson, Phil Graves and the Adewales were just a few.
Speaking of toasts, was I the only one fighting for my life after only one of those “Color Purple” margaritas?
PJ Morton’s surprise pop-up. I thought I was gonna have to wait until MATI next month (July 19 to be exact) before I had a chance to spend some time with one of my favorite singer/songwriters in the game. So imagine my delight when my girl Beth Hoops hit me up to say that PJ Morton was on his way to the STL for a pop-up listening party for his new album Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, which drops on June 19.
When I tell you it’s a bop, trust that I wouldn’t lie to you! And he was as kind and humble as ever when he spent hours engaging with STL fans and the creative community at Sophie’s on Friday.
I saw some of my absolute faves – Tiffany Elle (remember when she sang the stage down when he popped up at the late great Lola?), Theresa Payne, Vanita Thompson are just a couple. Bates was doing her thing behind the bar. It felt like Cheers up in there.
I cannot wait until PJ and dozens of others take the stage next month for MATI 2026. He will be in good company when the can’t-miss musical experience returns July 17–19. Get your tickets at matistl.org.
Jukin with Jeffrey. I don’t know what kind of Silver Sneakers fitness regimen Jeffrey Osborne is on, but SIGN. ME. UP! Y’all, he is almost 80!
Mr. “Woo Woo Woo” made all my Gen X and Millennial veteran R&B singers look downright silly when he hit the stage as the headliner for the Eta Boule Foundation’s 8th Annual Salute to Fathers and Mentors Saturday at The Sheldon.
Y’all, he worked that stage with a corded microphone! I was so nervous he was gonna pull a Lloyd or Ginuwine and tumble clean off the stage. And didn’t! He got caught up one time, but spun out of it cleaner than a male figure skater closing out a perfect routine.
Scott Hamilton, you better be lucky Jeffrey had the gift of song. Otherwise, we never would have known your name!
Anyway, a time was had and the folks went crazy – as they should have for the type of show he served up. I was worn out just by watching him work the whole venue. And when he shared the microphone, the folks slayed as much as he did.
Denise Thimes! Girl! How you gonna out “woo” the headliner! I wouldn’t expect any less!
Sunday funday shenanigans. Now you heard me say I was outside Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You would have thought that the folks would have let me get some R&R on Sunday, but nawl (yes, nawl) the people had to have two of the hottest sets so far this season. So much for my Killer Beside Me binge-watch plans.
And then they had the nerve to be on opposite sides of town. I must say that they were worth the commute!
Morgan Casey and ‘nem had Atomic by Jamo and the surrounding area in The Grove looking like the Budweiser Superfest with their R&B Block Party! I was expecting Kurtis Blow or Doug E. Fresh to pop out on the stage. But STL folks were the main character and a time was had.
I made the mistake of wearing my church shoes. I cut up so bad that I’ve been in Skechers all week and these feet still haven’t fully recovered.
To male matters worse, I limped over to Clayton for Tongue and Groove on the rooftop of The Ritz. Keith from Koncepts and Fred Finley did the doggone thing so tough that I didn’t notice my feet were on fire until I hopped in the car to head home!