Photograph by Scott Smith
Every October, for two weeks and some change (this year, it’s October 3 through 19) the American Arts Experience St. Louis reminds us that we don’t have to kowtow to Europe when it comes to the arts; we’re plenty cultured on our own. The series includes a number of events across the city and county, including several at the Pulitzer’s PXSTL site: a dance performance by Pockets of Wonder; a temporary portrait studio titled “In the Midwest With Objects”; and music from the FarFetched collective.
One of the most moving and unmissable performances this month, though, will be Brian Owens’ performance at The Hett, where he’ll sing the songs of Marvin Gaye, backed by the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. Owens has performed on Good Morning America and BET’s Jazz Discovery; his records are released by a subsidiary of Sony. He’s stated that his goal isn’t to chase fame, but rather to stay in St. Louis, raise his family, and work to make the city better. Part of how he’s doing that is with The Masters Series, which so far has included this program of Gaye’s music, as well as shows dedicated to Bill Withers, Sam Cooke, and Johnny Cash. All proceeds go to benefit The Little Bit Foundation, which aims to help kids in city schools succeed academically by meeting their immediate needs, one school uniform, notebook, or hot breakfast at a time.
American Arts Experience St. Louis: The Masters Series, Brian Owens and the Music of Marvin Gaye. $15, $12 seniors, $5 kids. October 19, 3 p.m., The Hett Center For the Arts, 400 N. Alton, Lebanon, Ill. 618-537-6863, mckendree.edu/the_hett.
