“Roll out those lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer.”
So sang the great Nat “King” Cole back in the day. Those lyrics describe exactly what your Missouri History Museum is doing beginning August 19 at 6:30 p.m. That’s when the “fall” edition of Twilight Tuesday kicks off. The 2008 version is actually wrapping up summer and ushering in the fall because the seven Tuesdays stretch over the end of summer into the first few weeks of autumn.
“We wanted our fans to be more comfortable,” said Maurice Falls, assistant director of Community Education and Events. “When we opened the autumn series in September by mid October we were running into rain and chilly weather. We wanted to minimize those chances, so we’re starting about two weeks earlier.”
The earlier start also leaves room for rescheduling in the event there is a rainout.
“There are some hearty souls we know who come out in any weather, but the majority of folks want to be comfortable to enjoy the music and each other,” he said.
In addition to the usual stellar line up, this is the maiden concert series for new media sponsor Clear Channel Radio and a new print sponsor, The St. Louis American.
Clear Channel is the parent company for a group of radio stations that serve up a variety of music for St. Louis listeners.
Falls points out the similarities between the Twilight Tuesdays offerings and the new media sponsor.
“This is one of the best lineups we’ve ever offered,” said Falls. “The diversity of performers matches the diversity of the audiences the Clear Channel stations reach.”
Indeed, Majic 104.9. Z107.7, My 103.3 and The Bull, 93.7 represent everything from classic soul oldies to neo-soul to hip-hop to country music to rock, and that’s about as diverse as the Twilight Tuesdays will be from week to week.
The powerhouse group Honeyvox returns to open the series on August 19. It features smooth vocals and romantic hits interspersed with some great dance tunes and some country thrown in. It’s non-stop fun on the North Lawn or your Missouri History Museum.
The following Tuesday, August 26, “close your eyes while I kiss you, tomorrow I’ll miss you” as your Missouri History Museum reaches all the way to Branson, Missouri for one of the hottest tribute bands around. Liverpool Legends’ “Ultimate Beatles Tribute Show!” will bowl you over with the music that started the British Invasion. This is the full show as performed in Branson, complete with musical detail, costume changes, vintage instruments and special effects. Whether you were a Beatles fan or not, you’ll be caught up in the performances that span the entire career of the “Fab Four” including their solo years. This is a very special show.
September 2 features the show that was rained out this spring: The Fabulous Motown Revue returns. If you don’t see another Twilight Tuesday performance, you’ll want to see this one. This group has been together for 25 years and shows no signs of slowing down. For two hours “Hitsville, USA” will be on the front lawn of your Missouri History Museum. Come early to claim your spot because traditionally, this show draws our biggest crowd.
September 9 features the legendary Ralph Butler. The pride of Beaumont High School will open his musical bag and bring you everything from Bob Marley to Bobby Darin. Ralph Butler is as complete an entertainer as there is in St. Louis.
The following week, September 16 is Ladies Night as St. Louis “first ladies of neo-soul” get it on for you. Coco Soul, Taynka and Friends will keep you dancing all night with tributes to the great female soul artists such as the Supremes and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
If you love Stevie Wonder and his era, then September 23 is for you. Mystic Voyage pays homage to Stevie and his masterful music.
Twilight Tuesday closes out September 30 with perhaps St. Louis’ most legendary band, The Bob Kuban Brass. Kuban brings more than 40 years of music making that will take you from the high school sock hops of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s to the big hits of today.
All of these Twilight Tuesday shows are first class family entertainment. An added element is the “Make and Take” activity for the kids beginning at 6 p.m.
The children will be able to make small craft items they can take home.
So starting August 19, “roll out those lazy-hazy days of summer…you’ll wish that summer will always be here!”
Last Take
Get ready for Urban Stories – a speaker series at your Missouri History Museum that will include an appearance by one of the stars of the HBO series The Wire. More details coming soon.
Call us at 746-4599 or join us on line at www.mohistory.org.