February 2016 by The Vital Voice Magazine

FEBRUARY 2016

TYLER HENRY SEES THE STARS

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R E G I S T R AT I O N O P E N

DIVERSITY ● DIVERSITY Opening Ceremonies ● Indoor Volleyball ● Softball ● Swimming ● Bowling ● FAMILY‐FRIENDLY ● FRIENDLY GLISA‐North America ● VOLUNTEERS ● VOLUNTEERS Darts ● Billiards ● Golf ● SPORTSMANSHIP ● SPORTSMANSHIP Rugby 5K‐10K‐Half & Full Marathon ● Tennis ● GLOBAL ● GLOBAL Closing Ceremonies ● Cycling ● Dancesport ● LGBTA ● LGBTA OutGames Village ● Choral & Band ● FRIENDSHIP ● FRIENDSHIP Sight‐Seeing ● INCLUSION ● INCLUSION Flag Football ● Parties ● Sand Volleyball ● Human Rights Conference ● Human Rights Conference Sport Climbing/Bouldering ● Track & Field ● Entertainment ● CULTURAL ● CULTURAL Educational ●

EQUALITY MAY 28 - JUNE 4, 2016 ● NAOutGames2016.org

February 2016

FEBRUARY 2016

THEvITALvOICE.COM

The ENTERTAINMENT Issue IMPRESSUM 7

PUblishers’ letter

NIGHTLIFE 8 11 13 15 17

First siP PlAYDAtes st. lOUis PlAYDAtes KANsAs CitY beYOND the blOCK reD hOt wilD 2016

PROFILES 18

eVerYthiNG’s COMiNG UP DAisies KANSAS CITY’S LEAD QUEEN

hi FeliCiA! ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY’S SUBTLE STAR

22.

SEEING STARS TYLER HENRY SEES AND READS THE STARS IN THE NEW E! SERIES, HOLLYWOOD MEDIUM WITH TYLER HENRY.

LIFE GUIDE 27

PAiGe AlYssA BREAKING DOWN SONGS FOR MYSELF

STYLE 29

swAG bAGs SPLURGE LIKE A CELEB

bi-CitY behAViOr SHOW-ME STYLE

ENTERTAINMENT 32 35 36 38

ViCtOr le’YON: MAKiNG MAGiC PeNelOPe’s OsCAr PiCKs st. lOUis sCeNe KANsAs CitY sCeNe

FOOD & DRINK 41

OsCAr hOUse PArties CHEF-INSPIRED SNACKS

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ANDY

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February 2016

PUBLISHERS’ LETTER

WELCOME Tis the season of love, and we love the new changes being made at Vital VOICE this year. To start, we have refocused our content, departmentalizing stories into dedicated sections that will appear consistently in each Issue. We have pushed our Playdates calendar and Nightlife content to the front of each Issue in an effort to draw more attention to what is happening on the ground, within the community. Following that will be Profiles of local and national influentials of our own, and allies. Newly added will be our Life Guide and Style sections, and we’ll end each Issue with our ever-popular Entertainment features, reviews, and our Dish & Drink section: a guide to dining, cocktailing and more. With expanded coverage comes the need for more writers, bringing fresh voices. We have been feverishly interviewing new and upcoming content providers who we think you’ll fall in love with. Each of these new writers are particularly keen in their chosen departments and are excited to be sharing their voices with you.

This year we are also focusing our engaging our readers to use their voices. If you are hosting an event or would like to share an interesting life and style story, feel free to send us a message via Facebook.com/VitalVOICE or email us at VV@thevitalvoice.com. The overwhelming positive response to our first ever Transgender Issue is just a taste of some new themed issues that we will be featuring this year. We are also adding subjects like Travel, Home and a Millennial issue. That’s not all we have planned, but we can’t spoil all of our surprises just yet, so stay tuned!

Jimmy Lesch Publisher/Partner

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Darin Slyman CEO/Partner

ENTERTAINMENT

FIRST SIP

REBELLIOUS HOT TODDY National Hot Toddy Day may have been January 11, but February’s unpredictable weather still makes it a perfect time to mix up the classic chest-soothing libation. Hot Toddy recipes vary and are traditionally imbibed before retiring for the night, or when one is feeling rather under the weather. In the 1800s, Dublinborn physician Robert Bentley Todd was known for his prescription of a hot drink of brandy, white cinnamon, sugar syrup and water; this was called a “Hot Toddy.” Nowadays, the drink’s remedies are best prescribed for “the Vitamin C for health, the honey to soothe and the alcohol to numb.”

MAKE IT

Glass: Short Rocks/Collins or Brandy Snifter Ingredients 2 oz. Rebel Small Batch Rye Whiskey ½ tsp Brown Sugar ½ Fresh Lemon Juice 1 tsp Honey 4 oz. Hot Water Dash of Fee Brother Whiskey Barrel Bitters Garnish: Lemon Wedge and Cinnamon Stick Combine all ingredients in glass and stir to combine. Garnish. We reccomend the Gamlin Whiskey House in the Central West End for a great Hot Toddy. While you’re there, don’t be afraid to venture into some other signature whiskey drinks— with Rebell Yell, of course. Text KEvin SCHMiDT Art DARin SLYMAn

February 2016

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t i e v e i l e B t ’ n a C I . . . e r e h t h g Ri

Judy was right. From world-class arts and entertainment to the coolest clubs in the Midwest, St. Louis is the place to meet. After all, our city is the one The Advocate called “…the LGBT beacon of the Midwest.” Check out our impressive packages at explorestlouis.com/LGBT

CHANICAL 10

February 2016

INDICATE APPROVAL BY INITIALING

STL NIGHTLIFE

Playdates

SAINT LOUIS

RED HOT WILD 2016

6th

Four Seasons St. Louis - doorwayshousing.org

Imagine the sights and sounds of the Serengeti, the call of the drums, the crimson and gold sunset before the darkness of the night and all things wild. Doorways will host its annual dinner gala, RED HOT WILD 2016, which provides an opportunity for the community to come together to promote housing, health and hope. Benefiting men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in the bistate region, RED is the organization’s largest fundraising event. Due to its rapid success and steady growth, RED has earned the reputation as one of the most fun black-tie events in St. Louis. The event features a general cocktail reception, open bar, photo booth, pick-a-prize raffle, a Golden Ticket dinner and program, live auction, and dancing and entertainment by Dr. Zhivegas.

14th

4th

THROUGH

GEnT! STL MEn’S DESIGnER SHOWcaSE

TakE a WaLk In 1875 ST. LOuIS

LaS VEGaS VaLEnTInE’S SOnGbOOk

Missouri History Museum - mohistory.org The exhibit closes this month, which explores the collective life of 1875 St. Louis through photographs, artifacts, news, writings and first hand accounts.

Powell Hall - stlsymphony.org Bring your sweetheart to the symphony to hear legendary hits from the Las Vegas songbook, including “Luck Be a Lady,” “The Way You Look Tonight” and more.

GaTEWay MEn’S cHORuS TRIVIa

aLL MOnTH: InTERpRETaTIOnS

Mungenast Lexus - gentstl.eventbrite.com Presented by Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis and Vital VOICE, Gent! STL showcases local and regional independent menswear designers on the runway.

bEauTIFuL: THE MuSIcaL

Fabulous Fox Theatre - Metrotix.com The Carole King tribute about the early life and career of the legendary and groundbreaking singer/songwriter premieres this month and runs through March 6.

Centene Center - gmcstl.org Don your best wedding attire, a blush bridesmaid dress or that bashful leisure suit, grab the members of your wedding party and play some trivia!

23rd

21st

Craft Alliance Center - craftalliance.org One of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year, Interpretations: 15th Biennial Teapot Exhibition celebrates contemporary variations on a classic theme, the teapot. ALL MONTH

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February 2016

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KC NIGHTLIFE

Playdates

KANSAS CITY

cREaTE THE nIGHT… MaSTERpIEcE!

20th

Nelson-Atkins Museum - nelsonatkins.org

Recognized nationally and internationally as one of America’s finest art museums, Create the Night… Masterpiece! is The Nelson-Atkins premier gala event. The black-tie affair will highlight the opening of the Museum’s exhibit, Reflecting Class in the Age of Rembrandt and Vermeer. Partygoers will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a delicious sit-down dinner by Lon Lane’s Inspired Occasions. Entertainment will be provided by Quixotic, which will perform a specially choreographed piece to celebrate the luminous 17th century Dutch paintings. Joan and Alan Marsh and Neil Karbank are the honorary co-chairmen.

13th

19th-28th

THE FLOOzIES: SWan LakE GRanOLa JOnES TOuR aT THE baLLET

23rd-28th nEWSIES: THE MuSIcaL

Music Hall - theaterleague.com Newsies is the tale of Jack Kelly, a newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged “newsies,” who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets.

The Midland - midlandkc.com Born in funk and bred in the digital age, the Lawrence-based band duo have risen to notoriety fueled by the swing of Basie and the birth of Charlie Parker’s bebop.

Kauffman Center - kcballet.org From Director Devon Carney and choreographed to the music of Peter I. Tchaikovsky, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy one of ballet’s true romantic classics.

aRTSkc aWaRDS LuncHEOn

KC Convention Center - artskc.org More than 800 leaders gather to celebrate the accomplishments of the individuals and businesses driving the force behind Kansas City’s thriving arts community.

kanSaS cITy bREW FEST

Union Station - unionstation.org The festival brings together dozens of craft and international breweries, as well as KC’s best local makers, altogether featuring over 40 breweries, 100 beers, music and food.

cHIppEnDaLES: bREak THE RuLES TOuR

25th

27th

28th

Uptown Theater - uptowntheater.com With amped up stage production, the Chippendales’ new tour translates fantasies to life and, as always, brings surprise, delight and excitement with every move they make.

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February 2016

KC NIIGHTLFE

BEYOND THE BLOCK The dynamic of every city’s LGBT landscape is dependent upon several factors, among those being the number of gay establishments in the area, their relative proximity to each other or the city’s attitude toward the LGBT community as a whole. In the past, the concept of a “gayborhood” is what drove several LGBT communities in American cities to establish their respectable gay scenes. For others that do not have such an exclusive destination, there are other alternatives in creating such a united community. St. Louis followed suit with many other larger cities with The Grove, but Kansas City has never established such a unique district. From the outside looking in, however, the Kansas City LGBT scene seems to be thriving. As the rights, values and lifestyles of the LGBT family and individual are now more accepted and normalized than ever, Vital VOICE got feedback on what’s special that’s brewing in Kansas City these days from LGBTs living outside of the “gayborhood.” V text KEVIN SCHMIDT

LIFE

OUTSIDE THE

GAYBORHOOD

BLAKE DANKERT Age: 29 Neighborhood: Waldo

ASHLEY KENDRICK Age: 33 Neighborhood: Brookside

GODFREY RIDDLE Age: 27 Neighborhood: Westport

JOHN PATRICK Age: 45 Neighborhood: South Plaza

What is the significance of a gayborhood in American cities today?

The gayborhood is changing from a place to feel safe and accepted into an entertainment venue.

Most likely to feel accepted and safe, and to have a community where you can feel “normal.”

Building community, fun, safety and positive affirmation of self. I’m excited to see them become a celebrated and integral part of cities.

It’s the only place where straight people can come see the circus.

Do you think not having a gayborhood in KC helps or harms the LGBT community?

Both. It’s great that we don’t have to be sequestered to one area, but it’s hard for visitors looking for where to go out.

I absolutely think it helps. You can make any bar a “gay” bar when your city is so welcoming. I love the blend. Bring them all!

More harmful than beneficial. Our sense of community is diffused because we don’t have a part of town to hold onto as “ours.”

Tough question, but I would have to say it helps.

What do you think KC is missing in terms of LGBT nightlife?

Most times it’s not the quantity of something, it’s the quality. More places would be great as long as they were properly run and thought out.

A female after work bar; like a sister bar for Bistro 303. Cucina della Rigazza has almost become that.

Another version of LUX. I felt like that was a fun cocktail bar that met the needs to dance and catch up with friends.

A true dance club.

If KC would have such a gayborhood, where would it be ideally located?

I love 39th Street: its collection of local bars, restaurants and shops has a wonderful vibe.

Crossroads area – a lot of us gays gravitate toward the area anyways.

I’ve seen some great community-building work going on lately along Broadway between Valentine and Westport Road.

South of the Plaza; it has to be a new area of town. .

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STL nightlife

RED HOT WILD 2016 CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF RED

On Feb. 6, Doorways will host its annual dinner gala, RED HOT WILD 2016, an event which provides an opportunity for the community to come together to promote housing, health and hope. Benefiting men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in the bi-state region, RED is the organization’s largest fundraising event. Due to its rapid success and steady growth, RED has earned the reputation as one of the most fun black-tie events in St. Louis. This year marks RED’s fifteenth anniversary. Throughout the city of St. Louis, Doorways has seven housing complexes, a residential care facility and numerous assistance programs to offer hope and healing for those affected by HIV/ AIDS. As one of the most comprehensive AIDS housing programs in the nation, Doorways offers a range of living options designed to meet the diverse needs of the HIV-affected population. More than 600 adults and 300 children are assisted monthly. text DENNY PATTERSON art COURTESY OF DOORWAYS HOUSING

“As Doorways’ signature event, RED has consistently provided the opportunity for the organization to celebrate its successes, but to also reach out to the community with a message of hope for people living with HIV/AIDS,” Development Officer and RED Point Person Jim Timmerberg says. “This event also acknowledges and thanks the many generous donors who help to make our programs a success.” Located at the Four Seasons Hotel, RED historically kicks off gala season in St. Louis on the first Saturday of February. The evening will feature dinner, dancing, outstanding auction items, a raffle, an open bar from 7 p.m. until midnight and the opportunity for guests to connect with fellow supporters of the organization. More than 400 people are expected to attend. According to Justine Craig-Meyer, Doorways’ Chief Development and Communications Officer, this year’s theme is RED HOT WILD. “Imagine the sights and sounds of a sultry evening on the Serengeti, the call of the drums, the crimson and gold sunset before the darkness of night and all things wild,” Craig-Meyer says. “This is what is in store for attendees at RED HOT WILD 2016.” The dinner committee selected the themes of red, hot and wild to allow a new way to experience the annual event. Some past themes have included A Night in Casablanca, Top Hat, Broadway, Power of RED, Rio de Red and RED H.O.T “RED has always guided our theme selection,” Craig-Meyer explains. “It reminds us of the red AIDS awareness ribbon and our reason for the event: our mission to increase health for people struggling with stable housing.” In addition to six months of hard work by a group of dedicated individuals to make RED happen, Doorways relies heavily on restricted government grants. Raising unrestricted money from community members through events like RED allows the organization to make those government grants work for the people who desperately need it. “RED is an opportunity to raise money for the mission and clients of Doorways, yes, but it also serves as a reminder of how far we have come in battling this epidemic,” Doorways’ President and CEO Opal Jones says. “A reminder that there is hope for people living with HIV, and a reminder that as service providers, advocates and people living with HIV, we have to remain vigilant. This is our opportunity to let people know that we’re still here and our lives matter.” Advanced reservations are required and a variety of ticket options are available, which can be found at doorwaysred.org. For more general information, donations and volunteer opportunities with Doorways, visit doorwayshousing.org. V thevitalVOICE.com

EVERYTHING'S COMING UP text KALEIGH JURGENSMEYER art DAISY BUCKËT

February 2016

Daisy

PROFILES

The lead character is a married woman named Hyacinth Buckët who comes from a middle-to-low income family but puts on heirs that she is the upper crust of society. Whenever someone pronounces her name ‘Buckët,’ she insists it’s pronounced ‘bouquet.’ And that’s how Daisy Buckët came to be – with an unnecessary and unexplainable umlaut.”

litz and glamour are something to be expected of a queen. And though Daisy BuckEt might not be royalty by blood, she is sure to leave In every performance, Daisy offers a rollercoaster of you just as awestruck as seeing Kate Middleton experiences – shock, awe, humor and, of course, singing. walking down the street. Ironically, the singing was something that Daisy received a “You haven’t felt a connection until you’ve been tipped by a six-year-old girl who says she wants to be a princess like you when she grows up. Gah! The feels!” Daisy says.

lot of pushback for when starting out, but now it’s something to be expected at almost every performance.

“You’re going to experience upbeat moments, some crude jokes and then something so unexpectedly moving,” she Clearly, Daisy Buckët has a wide appeal – in part because of explains. “I want you to cry one minute and then hurt from her singing ability (she’s won numerous awards, including the laughing the next.” “Best Vocalist 2008” Zoey Award and was crowned Queen of Kansas City Gay Pride 2008) but also because of her ability Daisy’s success also results from her work in some of Ron to connect with her audience. Megee’s insane Late Night Theatre productions. From there, Daisy auditioned to join The Kinsey Sicks, America’s “My favorite thing is making them laugh, or gasp, or Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet, and played the applaud. Every night I go on the stage, I feel like I’m role of Trampolina. When not performing, she is also a huge auditioning to be someone’s friend,” Daisy explains. “Sure, supporter of local HIV/AIDS organizations – Team Buckët I offer them the silly, fun camp that you expect in a drag has raised tens of thousands of dollars for AIDS Walk Kansas performance, but I also want them to walkaway saying things City. like ‘I relate to her’ or ‘she made a point.’” After ten years in the drag business, Daisy has developed her The drag scene has dramatically changed since Buckët started own favorite queens and considers many to be role models. performing nearly a decade ago. When she started, the Some of her favorites include Varla Jean Merman, Coco audience was mostly gay but thanks to shows like RuPaul’s Peru, Miss Richfield 1981 and Lady Bunny. She also gives Drag Race, more people are embracing the fun, entertaining recognition to Sutton Lee Seymour, who’s been blossoming atmosphere drag offers, making the culture much more in the NYC scene. mainstreamed and accepted.“I’ve been hosting a daytime drag brunch show at Hamburger Mary’s for five years now, “I caught her act in Puerto Vallarta recently and she had me and more than half the audience turns out to be straight on the floor,” Daisy laughs. “I’m also a big fan of Willam families with their kids!” Daisy says. [Belli], Detox and Jinx Monsoon. I feel like this list could go on and on. What you probably won’t hear me say is who are So how did she become who she is now? Daisy says it all not my favorite queens!” started with Missy Koonce. Koonce, who co-owned Bar Natasha, a cabaret bar in downtown Kansas City, came to Buckët has several events coming up, and has even more Daisy (who had recently graduated from American Musical exciting plans for this summer. This spring, The Kinsey Sicks & Dramatic Academy in New York) and another entertainer will be launching their 9th album, Eight is Enough, and in the summer of 2006, and wanted to form a female touring with their election year show, Electile Dysfunction impersonation, live-singing cabaret show. 2016: Hard Choices, Firm Positions.” St. Louis can see them this spring too – a tentative date is set for April 3. That’s when Daisy started blossoming. Spencer Brown, Daisy’s “baptismal” name, used his own influences and Daisy Buckët ignited a new career path for Spencer Brown, creativity to develop Daisy’s persona. He explains that he helping him to reach new places, meet new people and do was first inspired by his favorite literary character: Daisy what he loves most. As Daisy, he has performed all over Buchanan from The Great Gatsby. the world, including in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and in last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the “The character in that book is fascinating,” Daisy explains. world’s most renowned performance arts festival. “She is calculating and manipulative, but comes off as this sweet naïve flower of a thing. Oh, and blonde – always “I wouldn’t say drag has opened any doors for me – I’d say blonde. However, I didn’t think that the last name had it rolled out the red carpet and sprinkled rose petals on it!” any sense of fun to it, which I really wanted Daisy to be. I Daisy affirms. “And if it’s closed any doors, I’ve been singing remembered a BBC comedy show I used to watch as a kid too loudly to hear them slam shut.” V with my grandma called Keeping Up Appearances. thevitalVOICE.com

PROFILES

Hi Felicia! A CONVERSATION WITH ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY’S 2ND BASSOONIST, FELICIA FOLAND

February 2016

PROFILES All right, let’s start with the basics. How did you get into music and what drove you toward the bassoon?

As a musician and entertainer your whole life, how do you think that has impacted your experiences as a Lesbian?

I hear that you keep birds. Is it because they’re musical animals? Are they inspirations to you?

I was always in public school music programs in Kirkwood—band and orchestra. Then I auditioned for the St. Louis Youth Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin. I got in and I remember just shaking like a leaf on the stage. I don’t know how I did it. I’m sure it was a sort of an outof-body experience for me because I was 15 years old. However, I did make the cut for the Youth Orchestra and I played there for a few years until I went to college.

Growing up here and working here my whole life, people always knew that I was gay. The St. Louis Symphony has always been incredibly supportive of me working here as an openly gay performer. So much so that I was able to ask for and receive the proper rights and equality that an employer can make for their employees.

Oh, no. They’re really my wife’s, however we do have the type of birds that mimic. I’ve sort of inadvertently taught them to play the bassoon, and they can copy it quite convincingly. It’s interesting because they have double vocal chords; they can recreate anything from a dump truck to a bassoon.

It’s why I have always been such an advocate of music programs being a part of the core in public schools. Music really ignites the brain and the imagination. Plus, it has this very physical element that is actually a lot like sports. It teaches coordination, discipline, attention and support. I just think it’s such an important part of development for people of any age, but especially children. And after all of that, how did you come to work for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra? What was especially delightful for me was the fact that Leonard Slatkin—the man who I was with in the Youth Orchestra so many years before— hired me. It was made doubly amazing for me that I was the first Symphony Youth Orchestra alumnus who was ever hired to be a part of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Of course, there are Symphony Youth Orchestra members who are hired for all kinds of things all over the world, literally, but that part was especially sweet for me. Between your time in college and coming back home to the St. Louis Symphony, you traveled quite a bit playing music. Where did you go and what did you learn while away? Probably some of my most interesting times away from St. Louis jobs were between my undergrad and grad studies. I worked in Mexico for two different orchestras there, and I think living out of the country was eye opening: how things work, the language. I don’t think I really appreciated my country until I came to really depend on another one. I love Mexico, but it really re-frames how you see America.

More specifically, I was able to work with another colleague—an executive director at the time—to get domestic partnership benefits for myself and my partner at the time who’s now my wife, which was a huge thing for us in the early 90s. Do you have a favorite project you’ve been a part of with the St. Louis Symphony? Some of the wonderful concerts we’ve done on tour have been my favorite. There’s something about having all your stuff together and still doing your best away from here. It’s not that what we do here isn’t great, but there’s something about exchanging that currency, quite literally, and bringing what we have here over there. I find that it helps to “re-frame” things. You know, it’s been great I’ve played with two wonderful principal bassoon players— first George Barry and now with Andre Kunio. I have to pinch myself when I see how beautifully these guys play. If there’s any one thing I would say has been the best, it’s simply playing with such amazing bassoonist and musicians.

What’s coming up next for the St. Louis Symphony? There’s this piece by the American composer John Adams called Cheherazade 2. We’ll be recording it live on Feb. 19 and 20, and creating a CD of it. Another very different thing we’ll be doing is a family concert based around the work of William Shakespeare. What’s really great about it is that we’ll be partnering with the Shakespeare Festival. That one will be on Feb. 21. Any side projects we should be keeping our eyes peeled for? Yes! My good friend Dr. Michael Montague, scientist and clarinetist, and I are working on a book about the properties of the Arundo Donex plant and it’s application for use as reeds. I don’t know the science, but I’ll get to be the “bassoonbot” for the experiments. It’s going to be really geeky, and I’m very excited to be a part of it.V

To flip that question on its side, what is one of the most interesting things that you’ve experienced as a musician? There was this wild piece called “Hell’s Angels,” and the directive in that is that you have to dress as a biker gang. It was so funny to see the strings playing a very traditional piece only to have us all decked out in leather jackets, storming the stage from the sides and taking over the show. We hammed it up and had a lot of fun. I was taking my old reeds and tossing them out to the audience like drumsticks at the end of the show! It was definitely one one of the most memorable ecperiences I have had here at the St. Louis Symphony.

text TYLER BIERMAN art DARIN SLYMAN thevitalVOICE.com

TYLER HENRY SEES THE STARS text KEVIN SCHMIDT art TOMMY GARCIA/E!

WE ALL HAVE A CURIOSITY WITH THE AFTERLIFE. WHERE IS IT AND WHAT IS IT LIKE? DOES IT EVEN EXIST AT ALL? WE’VE ALL HAD SOMEONE IN OUR LIVES THAT HAVE PASSED AWAY. WHERE DID THEY GO? ARE THEY OKAY? WHAT ARE THEY FEELING? It’s something that seems too complex for our minds to wrap around, too overwhelming to ever conceptualize on our own. Many believe that it should stay that way. Others try alternatives: tarot cards, fortunetellers, séances, even that infamous Ouija board. Some believe it to be true, many are skeptical and others consider it pure evil altogether. And while we may never have it down to a science, medium Tyler Henry prides himself on being born with a gift of connection. He connects his clients to those who have passed with a message of love, hope, faith or guidance. With such seemingly good that he is doing, one can at least be curious to know more and give it a shot. At the very least, just to get a simple “Hello” from the other side.

February 2016

Tyler started receiving messages when he was ten years old while his grandmother was ill with cancer. “One moment I woke up, and I knew that she was going to pass away,” he says. “I couldn’t quite explain it; I just had this understanding.” When he tried to explain it to his mom, they got the call moments later that his grandmother had indeed passed. For him, that was the first instance where he was able to connect information before it happened. It was that initial moment that brought him to the realization of his life’s work: to connect people. And through his work, he is able to make a lasting impact through these meetings. “For me, whether it’s through someone who has passed away or who is still alive, it really is a connection process,” Tyler says. “And my goal through these readings is to be able to show how connected we really are, and to promote that loving message.” So, how does it work? Tyler goes through a couple different ways of receiving information. “I am primarily a clairvoyant medium, which is someone who picks up on information visually – symbols, pictures, images,” Tyler explains. “For me, I have visions; that’s how I primarily deliver.” Those visions bring on an alternative type of dialogue, a conversation in a different sense. “It’s more comparative to sending someone a text message than it is talking to someone face to face,” Tyler notes. “I pick up on a piece of information – a little message – and I have to deliver that to my client. Then, I respond back and set an intention to receive additional information.”

Tyler goes through a bit of an appropriation process before a reading. He will sit down alone and go through a process of meditation where he is able to connect and, before even meeting the person that he is going to read, try and bring through anyone that he can. He then documents We’ve all had extended conversations with someone, be it a killer first date, a late night with a that information that is coming through great friend, a thought-provoking mentor or simply beforehand, which will in turn end up connecting yourself. But what about a conversation with a dead once he sits down with his client. person? How long could that go on for? As you read this, you may be curious in thinking “Oh gosh, readings have gone on for hours,” Tyler whom Tyler would pick up on if he were to read you. A relative? A long lost love? Then there’s laughs. The norm for him tends to be around the thought of something even beyond that. A two hours maximum, but there have been some supernatural force? A historical icon? What about instances where Tyler has conversed for up to five a childhood pet? Because there’s no telling what or six. or who is trying to relay a message to you via a medium like Tyler, he offers an innate perspective “It happens in so many different forms,” Tyler continues. “I’m always connecting in some capacity, in those regards. but usually I find that I am more consciously aware “I believe that energy is energy, and love is love,” of what’s coming through when I am awake. In dreams, I’ll connect information about people that Tyler says. “And I believe that the relationships that we make in life do continue on. I also think that I haven’t met yet, usually more precognitive.”

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our relationships, not only with those we love in the physical sense of people, are also in the connections that we have to animals, and I believe that our pets are around us when they pass away and we do reunite with them.” “And while I’ve been able to connect with lots of different people from different time frames, I find that after it’s gone beyond 50 years, they don’t come through,” Tyler continues. “My reasoning as to why I believe that is that people on the other side usually come through to their loved ones to deliver messages, and to get a message across so they can continue on in their own progression as a soul. If everyone is passed away that this person would want to connect with, then they would just connect with them on the other side.” More than just networking, Tyler is able to hone his psychic abilities to have an understanding of the future. “I definitely believe that the readings give a good indication of what’s coming up,” he explains. “I don’t believe that the future is set in stone; I think it can be altered to some degree in certain

February 2016

cases. But readings do give insight, and health readings especially can prevent certain issues from happening.” The final message that he relays is the message that was intended to be received. It has to be, according to his past experiences. If they are not, the person who is sending the message will let him know. “The people on the other side that communicate the information to me will give me pieces of information – almost like puzzle pieces – that I have to connect,” he explains. “If I am receiving information and I say it incorrectly, or my interpretation of what’s being received is incorrect, they will keep that message still there in my brain and won’t allow it to break away. It’s a process of asking for additional information, and then it just connects naturally.” Having such a unique gift gives us a sense that he has an advantage over the common man, an exclusive power that could both help and harm

“The people on the other side that communicate the information to me will give me pieces of information almost like puzzle pieces that I have to connect.”

HOLLYWOOD MEDIUM WITH TYLER HENRY AIRS SUNDAYS AT 10PM ET/PT ON E!

him. For the most part, however, it has worked out in his favor. “You know, [connecting] definitely has its perks,” Tyler says. “For me, my gift is something that encompasses my entire life. I was just at a dentist’s appointment, and I read the dental hygienist and brought through her mother and her father. For me, I’m always picking up on something, and that does make relationships interesting. So, it could definitely give an upper hand. I’ve been lucky as far as awkward moments; I’ve been able to read potential friends and relationships, reading the person beforehand just to kind of get it out of the way so it’s not something that is the elephant in the room.” Tyler is from a small town that was surprisingly supportive of such an alternative worldview to what most people are comfortable with. But being thrown into the diversity of a city like Los Angeles, he is able to thrive even more so. “Hollywood is so full of so many creative people with different mindsets and perspectives, and is a place where many worldviews are accepted,” he explains. “With that comes people who are looking for alternative forms of help and assistance. It’s a different form of support, but an amazing one.” Hollywood is where it happens; it’s where things go down. If it were up to him, he would love to connect with the entire roster of Oscar nominees. But if he had to connect with just one, it would be none other than Cher herself. “I’m a huge fan; she’s my queen!” he laughs. “She would be amazing to

read; just on a medium side, to be able to connect to her would be really awesome. And she’s into mediums, so she better call me!” The fascination with the possibility of getting messages from the dead is what launched most mediums’ professional careers in regards to TV shows, speaking tours, books, etc. But whether it’s Long Island Medium, the “Happy Medium” or Miss Cleo herself, Tyler says that everyone has their own way of contact, and it’s hard to tell whether or not someone is truly genuine in their reads. “I’ve been able to interact with a lot of people who really do this work so individually and in such a unique way,” he explains. “For me, I can’t really relate to how other mediums work in their process, I can only relate to mine.” “It’s tough to say,” Tyler continues. “I think that in this industry, there are people who have their hearts in the right place, and there are those who don’t. I’ve seen many mediums in my life, and I try to test their credibility based on my own experiences with them, and I think you can only really attest to someone’s credibility when you’ve seen them and really get a feel for what they are all about.” Believe it or not, Tyler Henry has to be doing something right. With his new TV show now airing and a book in the mix, his goal for now is simple: helping people. Helping people by being able to tell his story, where he’s at and what he’s learned. “It’s a big step, but I hope to kind of revolutionize the way people think of mediums,” he says in closing. “Because we are out there, and we are very noble.” V

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INTERN WITH US! photography, writing, design and web internships available

February 2016

contact: vv@thevitalvoice.com 314.256.1196

LIFE GUIDE

PAIGE ALYSSA HEGWOOD

SONGS FOR MYSELF A Track-By-Track Breakdown of Paige Alyssa Hegwood’s 2nd EP text TYLER BIERMAN art PAIGE ALYSSA

1. “SONGS FOR MYSELF”

The titular intro to the EP sets the vibe for the whole album. Paige Alyssa explains, “The song speaks to forgiving myself briefly in order to grow and inevitably move on to bigger and better things.” 2. “LOST YOUR LOVE”

The first single off of Songs For Myself is a profound, yet sassy song about being true to what you really love the most. It’s about her struggle to choose between her girlfriend and her blooming career in music. “The main reason I broke it off with my ex-girlfriend was to focus on my music,” Paige explains. “The beginning of that track really deals with that, and by the time the track ends I come to terms with it. It’s like I lost my love, but the silver lining is that I was able to rekindle my true love, which is music.” 3. “NO HOOK”

Songs For Myself drops on Feb. 29 and will be available everywhere music can be streamed and downloaded. While you’re waiting, check out her first EP at soundcloud.com/misspaigealyssa.

Songs for Myself is just what it says it is, which just so happens to be two things. It’s her declaration to the world that she is a proud lesbian artist. Secondly, it’s a musical account of the struggles and triumphs that St. Louis native Paige Alyssa has gone through in this past year. Taking inspiration from these experiences, Paige Alyssa has crafted an album that is both deeply personal and incredibly relatable while, of course, sounding amazing. The sound comes from Paige Alyssa’s life-long love for gospel music and blending it with that funky 80s pop sound. Sprinkle a little bit of her collegiate jazz training in there and you have Songs for Myself: an EP that we honestly can’t get enough of.

No hook, no chorus, no frills to speak of. In fact, this song is more of a stream of consciousness than a catchy top 40 hit, done on purpose because it focuses on Paige Alyssa’s relationship with her estranged father. “It’s not as energetic or bombastic as my other songs,” she says. “It’s really thin because I just didn’t feel the need to put all of that stuff in there for him.” It’s a heavy song that uses dual vocals to show the calm exterior she displays even when on the inside she’s belting out her frustrations. 4. “BRUH”

It’s at this point that the album changes gears. We’ve seen her passion and her pain, so now it’s time to move onto something more upbeat and hopeful. It’s about “going through a break up like the one in ‘Lost Your Love,’” she says. “You go through the time where you think you’re never going to love again. Then inevitably finding someone that can reignite that spark kind of gives you hope again. You know that you’re not a robot.” 5. “BEAUTIFUL”

The final track is designed to send you off into the world with a sense of self-love and inner-beauty. “I felt it was important to end it like this because you go through all of these types of things that I sing about on this EP, but at the end of it you’re still here,” Paige explains. “You’ve survived and you should feel good about it and about yourself.”V thevitalVOICE.com

YOUR MISSION DATES

JAN. 29 – MAY O8

February 2016

STYLE

SWAG BAGS

SPLURGE LIKE A CELEB

As soon as a new year rolls around, film fans and critics alike begin buzzing over which films, actors and overall productions will take home a short golden man named Oscar. The 88th Academy Awards take place on Feb. 28, hosted by comedic actor Chris Rock. Because most of us will never see that particular red carpet, we’ve been thinking about how to make your in-home Oscars watch party the best ever. Guests love goodie bags, and we’ve been thinking about how to stuff one full of items that not only fit the theme, but excite and entice your friends. We know you can’t afford to give away watches and exotic trips, so we’ve picked out some options that are affordable, fun and full of style. If you can’t hang out amongst the stars, you can at least indulge like one! The chocolate masters at Kakao in Maplewood offer a variety of chocolates and candies, just about in every shape. These gorgeous handcrafted stars are perfect to keep your guests’ sweet tooth satisfied. (kakaochocolate.com)

Everyone knows that movies and popcorn go hand-in-hand, so why not honor all the films being highlighted by snacking on popcorn throughout the night? Locally based in Fenton, MO, Just Popped! offers a variety of flavors and colors of popcorn. For easy, low-cal and gluten-free gifting, choose a number of the Simply Popped! varieties to offer to your guests! (welovejustpopped.com)

No one wants to receive a disappointing gift bag at any event. One way to almost certainly impress your guests is to surprise them with a local wine. Missouri has a number of incredible wineries to choose a vino from, including Charleville, Hermann, Hermanhoff, Chaumette and Montell, among many others. Your guests can even trade wines if they’d like! (missouriwine.org)

For something a little sweeter, make some DIY lollipops with your favorite liquor. We suggest using Pearl Vodka’s Pomegranate or Peach for those who might like something fruity. Easily packaged with plastic wrap and a pretty bow, you can be sure these handmade cuties will be a hit! (leitesculinaria.com)

Making a fun stab at nostalgia, strawberry Fruit by the Foot rolls are perfect little gift bag stuffers. See if your guests can guess what the direct Hollywood allusion is to without telling them – the red carpet! text JILL FIRNS art DARIN SLYMAN thevitalVOICE.com

It’s no secret that St. Louis and Kansas City are sister cities. Over the years, the cities have waxed and waned in their size, population and prominence in national culture. We thought it would be a nice trip down memory lane to revisit the timelines that each city followed in regards to its respective relationship with manufacturing and fashion, and what’s next for fashion in Missouri’s two main metropolises.

Bi-City Behavior

The Evolution of Fashion Across the Show-Me State text JILL FIRNS Kansas City Garment District

Backtracking to the beginning of the 20th century, men returning home from WWI to Kansas City had tasted big city life in Europe and were uninterested in returning to farming life after their service. At this time, garment factories were popping up all over Kansas City, especially in the empty warehouse spaces above other factories. The garment factory vicinity in Kansas City, interestingly enough, also involved a Washington Street.

In the early 1900s, St. Louis was a bustling town with a massive and productive garment district. Washington Ave, as we now know it, was a street lined with companies mostly churning out women’s clothing. From 1934 to the year 1949, the number of women’s clothing manufacturers in St. Louis grew over three times its size. Known for hatmaking, with Levine Hat Company taking the lead. Started in the early 1900s and still existing as a hat shop downtown today, St. Louis women wore some of the nation’s finest hats crafted by Levis-Zukowski Mercantile Co.

SAINT LOUIS 30

February 2016

Pre WWII

Early 20th Century

KANSAS CITY Post-WWI, approximately one in seven women in the entire nation were wearing a garment that had been created in Kansas City. One standout reason for this was Kansas City’s Miss Nelly Don, who introduced the idea of “piece work” where each person working in the production line produced one piece of a garment, allowing for quick, efficient work. Her fresh designs took off, even selling in local shops for an average of $.30 higher than other women’s items.

Women’s fashions blossomed quickly in response to new wants and needs. In 1942, LIFE published a snippet that included a mention of St. Louis supplying “young U.S. girls just the kind of dress they wanted.” Sizes were designed to represent more shapes, and the term “Junior Miss” appeared. When many of the female seamstresses in St. Louis headed off to assist in wartime manufacturing during WWII, a Washington Avenue Gale-Rosenbaum factory began hiring African-American workers – a big step for the city.

STYLE

Levine Hat Company

Nelly Don

Ann Brownfield worked in the garment district as a shoe and fashion designer in the mid1950s, and. She was designing women’s sportswear in the 1960s when she says she designed Kansas City’s first pants suit for women, allowing women to go watch the Kansas City Chiefs play in style and comfort.Jeans became acceptable street clothing, and mom and pop shops were closing their doors, the garment district had started to die down. By 1988, Kansas City was basically devoid of its garment factories and workers.

After WWII, women began wearing pants and manufacturing had to quickly change to alter its course. With the introduction of discount stores such as Wal-Mart, factories were running out of ways to most efficiently create and sell their clothing. Women also were leaving the home more immediately and chasing after college dreams rather than taking over their parents’ shops.

Present Day

Early 20th Century

Saint Louis Garment District

Pre WWII Garment Factory

From flirty dresses designed by Nelly Don to Brownfield’s pants suits, Kansas City built a Midwestern empire based on pumping out fashion. With a strong local arts scene in place as well, KC has become a little bit funkier than STL. With the nationally renowned outdoor shopping district, Country Club Plaza, Kansas City has a strong focus on keeping fashion relevant.

Due to Saint Louis’ intense focus on churning out wearables rather than aiming to elevate its citizens to a higher vogue status, it can be argued that the city strayed further into the function side of “fashion versus function.” With Saint Louis Fashion Week growing leaps and bounds each year, it appears that the city is back on the right track.

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Making Magic with

Victor Le’Yon

text DENNNY PATTERSON art AARON STONE

February 2016

entertainment Victor Le’Yon is an award-winning closeup magician based in Kansas City who offers high quality entertainment with his charming personality and keen audience connection. Specializing in advanced card magic, gambling techniques and parlor style stunts such as finding four cards out of a shuffled deck while being completely blindfolded and Harry Houdini’s famous needle swallowing trick, Le’Yon’s unique take on the classics of magic has made him one of the best Kansas City has to offer. Le’Yon found his love for magic after seeing his first magic show in Branson, Mo. when he was eight years old with his family. “The magician was making things appear and disappear throughout the show and I thought it was fantastic,” he says. “For his last trick, he invited my father on stage and I started crying because he had been making things vanish all night and I did not want that for my father. Alas, my father only helped tie the magician to the stage. In a flash, the magician escaped, vanished and reappeared in the back of the audience in a red sports car. After that, I became interested in magic.” But Le’Yon’s passion for magic did not come until later. A couple of months after the show, his father soon fell into a coma and passed away. “The magic show ended up being the last vivid memory of my father,” he says. “So I guess you could say that part of the reason I do what I do is because of my father.” Although Le’Yon has endured many hardships throughout his life including bullying, depression, confronting his sexual identity in a religious household, being kicked out and severing family ties, magic has shaped his life and he takes pride in being true to himself and what he loves. Vital VOICE caught up with Le’Yon to chat more about his styles of magic in

addition to some of his prestigious honors, which includes being inducted into the International Brotherhood of Magicians and earning the title of Close-Up Magician of the Year for 2013 and 2015. What would you say is the most rewarding part about being a magician? That moment I step on a stage or in front of a group of people and I make them smile and laugh. We connect with each other from this weird art form I fell in love with, but the best part is when I make that dollar appear inside that egg, make that silk vanish, the ball floats or I get the right card – I get to see the lights in their eyes when they have been truly amazed.

and be judged by them – professionals, and often times, famous magicians. I work for months on end to present these acts and most of the time I don’t expect to win. However, the only two times I have ever competed, being in 2013 and 2015, I have won. After I did my own research of the title, I realized I am the only openly gay magician to win the title in more than 20 years. My first thought was, “It’s about time!” There are many LGBTQIA magicians in the United States, and the more I can get rid of the stereotype that you have to be a straight guy with a girl assistant to be a great magician, the better. Speaking of being openly gay, how does that play into your career?

My favorite trick is my rope routine which I do for large audiences. My father was a big fan of magic with ropes. He was in the Navy, so when magicians manipulated ropes, he found it truly magical. Every time I perform that trick, I think of him and I have to try not to get too emotional and cry. Sometimes it doesn’t work.

I have performed for many different walks of life and I find that for the most part, people just want a solid entertainer and don’t care too much of your personal life. However, every now and then, I will lose clients based on my sexuality, but I believe that if someone doesn’t want my services based off that, then they probably don’t deserve them and I’m better off without those type of people in my life.

Is there a trick you have not mastered yet, but would like to?

On a lighter note, has your gift of magic ever helped you out on a date?

At this time, I am perfecting my ability to eat fire. Fire eating has always been an act I’ve loved to watch, but I’m still timid because I can’t afford to burn the moneymakers – which are my face and hands!

I definitely get hit on a lot by both genders, and when I was in the dating game, it was a hit or miss type of thing. Some people think magic is cool and some people think you are just weird. I can tell you this: it’s not easy finding someone who can put up with dating a magician. A lot of times we can be more to handle than a drag queen, and that’s really saying a lot! Luckily my partner has a high patience level and doesn’t mind me rambling on and on about magic stuff. V

Which trick is your favorite and why?

Tell us about winning the Close-Up Magician of the Year title not once, but twice? The title is presented to one magician a year out of about 200, and you have to compete and perform for a group of magicians

text DENNNY PATTERSON art AARON STONE

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See it now! Closing February 14! FREE admission

PRESENTED BY

JSM Charitable Trust

Missouri History Museum Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park

314.746.4599 | mohistory.org

Works grounded in shared memories of growing up in St. Louis

currents 111

STEVEN AND WILLIAM LADD : SCOUTS OR SPORTS? Open through February 14, 2016 Portrait. Photo credit Nick Lee, 2015.

Open Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Sunday, Always Free slam.org/ladd

February 2016

entertainment

PENELOPE’S OSCAR TAKEDOWN

text PENELOPE WIGSTOCK

It’s time to critique this year’s Academy Award nominated films and pick a winner. Grab a handful of Percocet and a pint of vodka, and let’s get this done.

art MELANIE LAYER-GASKELL

THE REVENANT

Had I known that “bear” fights and tales of bloodthirsty revenge were going to be popular, I never would’ve deleted my Snapchat account dedicated exclusively to JJ’s Clubhouse. This one has slightly less violence and terror than a weekend at Kelly Ripa’s house (trust me).

ROOM

As many of you know who follow me on Facebook (under my married name, Penny Gosling), I am suing the makers of this film for intellectual property theft. The premise of individuals being held captive in a shed for years is a thinly veiled account of activities in my infamous root cellar—the main difference is that my “guests” never escape and the violence is much nastier in my casa.

THE BIG SHORT

Couldn’t get past the opening credit, and was totally misled by the title. I thought I was seeing a film about a tall man with a small penis that had sex with other men who also had small penises. When I discovered it was about some housing market mumbo-jumbo back in 2008, I got drunk in the theater and gave the guy sitting next to me a handy j.

THE MARTIAN

Unless Matt Damon is naked and popping a boner that could knock over a bookcase, I ain’t interested.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

Action galore, a feminist lead character and assholes getting their comeuppance. What more could you ask for? How about Tom Fucking Hardy? That man is sexier than a sixteen-car pile-up during rush hour. However, if you want awesome footage of a dynamic duo taking on evil hillbillies in tricked out cars, check out a YouTube video of Darin Slyman and James Patrick on a road trip to Branson.

BRIDGE OF SPIES No. Just, no.

SPOTLIGHT

This real-life account of Boston area priests molesting children should’ve been categorized under Best Documentary Film. Betcha dollars to donuts that the next time I see a priest hanging around a playground, I’m going to kick him right in the testicles.

BROOKLYN

Young Irish girl arrives in America with big dreams. Young girl meets hot Italian-American stud and faces personal conflict about her future. I wish this was about me meeting a young Al Pacino in 1970s New York City and then getting the %$#@ boned out of me. But alas, it’s not, so I cannot endorse it.

My money is on The Revenant for Best Picture. Everyone knows this is the year of the bear—just ask all the twinks who head over to JJ’s from The Grove each Saturday night. V thevitalVOICE.com

STL ENTERTAINMENT REHAB PRESENTS:

DIVAS OF THE GROVE

Art MARK MOORE Place REHAB BAR & GRiLL

Vital VOICE checked into The Grove to catch up on how the community has been treating their new year. The divas of The Grove drag show was in full swing, and DJ Charlie Buttons kept the crowd going well into the early morning.

February 2016

STL ENTERTAINMENT “IT GETS BETTER” BENEFIT:

BARTENDER’s REVIEW Art MARK MOORE Place JUST JOHn

The annual fundraising event where local bartenders come together to perform in drag helped raise $5,854 for the community. This year, the proceeds went to the “it Gets Better project” because of the lasting impact they have made for LGBT Youth.

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KC ENTERTAINMENT HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN PRESENTS:

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Art AJ BROWn Place THE POinT BAR & GRiLL

Hosted by Dirty Dorothy, the Human Rights Campaign Kansas City presented a “Sunday Funday” Battle of the Bands, featuring electric and acoustic performances from several local and regional artists.

YOUNG FRIENDS OF ART PRESENTS:

PARTY ARTY

for one night only at the NelsonAtkins Museum, tradition was thrown aside and rules were broken while celebrating modern and contemporary art with Kansas City’s art-loving young professionals. 38

February 2016

Art AJ BROWn Place nELSOn-ATKinS MUSEUM

KC ENTERTAINMENT LATE NIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS:

SIDE SHOW

Art AJ BROWn Place FOLLY THEATER

Presented along with One Trunk Productions, Side Show helped raise money for Late Night Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upcoming 2016 season. The one night only event was jam packed with zany acts including bearded ladies, pinheads, areal acrobats, Siamese twins and more.

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YOUNG SEX OLD SEX GOOD SEX BAD SEX GUY SEX GIRL SEX SAFE SEX ALMOST SEX ANY SEX

GET CHECKED. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) can be passed on through sexual contact and is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Early detection saves lives. 6 locations, one near you | 800.230.plan (7526) | www.plannedparenthood.org/stlouis

February 2016

dish & DRINK

Grace Dinsmoor

A PARTY FOR THE STARS text ERIN WILLIAMS

Get the Night Poppin’

Instead of an overflow of hors d’oeuvres, Dinsmoor suggests special food items like homemade popcorn using different flavors of butter that can last throughout the night. “If you wanted to do a ‘gold’ popcorn, you could put saffron in butter and melt it, then mix that with the popcorn and even jazz it up with a ghost pepper seasoning,” she says with a laugh. “That’ll help people drink more.”

Stick a Fork In It

Another fun party idea that can last? Fondue. “You could skewer beef and marinate that in paprika, garlic, salt and pepper, then bake it in the oven and just have skewered beef or even chicken,” Dinsmoor says. Save money on meat by asking your butcher for trim cuts left over from cutting special sizes of meat. “That can help you save money just by buying pieces instead of buying a whole steak or a whole fillet, and they’ll still look nice if you’re skewering them.”

Stretch It Out

Fondue is also a great party dish that can go a long way. “If you were going to do a cheese fondue – it’s a melted product – you can add caramelized onions to it so you can spread that out to feed a number of guests,” Dinsmoor says. The same thing goes with the popcorn; it’s inexpensive, but you’re putting a little bit more money into the seasonings and the spices. “That will go a long way,” she explains, “and you’ll have those left over too.”

Go Easy On The Sweets

“Petit-fours are very popular, and there are great bakeries all over St. Louis where you could buy those,” Dinsmoor explains. La Bonne Bouchee in Creve Coeur and La Patisserie Choquette in Shaw are two she suggests. “You can make dessert, but it’s always if you pick some up too.”

The magic of the Oscars brings out the celebrity fiend in everyone. It’s the one night where you can sit in the comfort of your living room, ogling the sartorial choices of the film industry’s top contenders. You can marvel at their dates for the night, debate how good or bad their last movie was, and laugh and groan along with the camera-filled auditorium at the weak jokes coming from the comedian who has to entertain the stiff, hungry audience for the next four hours. Even if you’ve only seen one movie off the roster of nominees, the evening is still fun to watch, and can be made even more enjoyable around the company of friends. “The Oscars are glamorous - everybody dresses to the nines, so I think that that should apply to food,” Grace Dinsmoor, executive chef of Modesto Tapas Bar and Restaurant, says. “It is a long evening, so you want to make it as comfortable as possible for yourself and your guests.” Check out her tips for throwing a great Oscar party.

Make It An All-Nighter

If you are planning to rally and stay up through the entire Sunday night ceremony – which is a “school night” for most people – energy is key. “Green tea infusion cocktails – get a natural caffeine that way,” Dinsmoor says. “For dessert, you can always get espresso powder and put that in any sort of chocolate; get some fresh strawberries and dip those in the chocolate. You could also make another cocktail with a coffee liqueur for later; simple coffee with Baileys and maybe a nice whipped cream that you could spice up.”

We’re All Winners

Who says the nominee should be the only one to walk away with a prize? Turn the predictions into a game with bottles of bubbly as prizes. “Get a couple of bottles of wine and give them away as presents for whoever wins,” Dinsmoor says. No matter what you have flowing, she advises that you should keep it classy. “Please let people drink out of glasses; it’s much more glamorous than a plastic cup!” thevitalVOICE.com

February 2016

NEW SLOT MEMBERS

30 Minutes get $

Play 30 See Cashier/Players Club for details.

New members, use your TROP ADVANTAGE ® Card to play thirty (30) minutes on your favorite slots and get $30 in free slot play. Must earn a minimum of 200 base points to qualify.

877.450.7711 | LUMIEREPLACE.COM Other restrictions may apply; see the players club for details and official rules. Management reserves the right to cancel or change promotion at any time. Must be 21 years or older to participate and be a players club member. Persons ineligible to game or who are excluded from Lumière Place Casino are ineligible. Gambling problem? Call 1-888-BETSOFF. ©2016 Tropicana St. Louis, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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