It sure was good to see STL homeboy David Peaston on stage again last week at the black history thing at Powell Symphony Hall. Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund honcho and mistress of ceremonies, was elegantly dressed in black. The IN UNISON choir and the symphony old heads blew and bowed some beautiful music, including bits from STL genius Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha.
Then brother Peaston appeared on stage, very much slimmed down since the last time I saw him and very pleased to make his Powell debut. He has struggled with some health problems but made light of his situation, calling himself “Pegleg.” He rocked the house with his tribute to Ray Charles. Word up to Anita Jackson, regular singer at the St. Louis American Salute to Excellence events, for tearing it up on a duet with the talented tenor, David. And best of all was the price of admission: FREE!