Month: April 2019

By Daniel Kimmer, Contributing Writer It was a cool, breezy Saturday night at Melvin Price Convocation Center (MPCC) on McKendree University’s campus. The men’s volleyball game was about to start, hosting Lewis University. Lewis University was ranked No. 10 in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) coming into the game. It was going to be a tough game for the Bearcats needless to say. I walked inside MPCC directly towards the gymnasium, and the music was loud, volleyballs flying all over from teams warming up as the crowds in the stands were slowly starting to fill just before game time. I located my seat for the game, right in the middle section, second row, a stellar seat (I felt) to get the best experience for the game. As I was sitting in my seat looking at all ...

By Cole Landon, Contributing Writer All photographs credited to Celebration Day: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin It’s Friday, February 22nd at the popular St. Louis concert venue The Pageant. The stage lights flash to life and two amphetamine-thin figures swagger up from backstage and into the crowd’s view. The beer-infused, middle-aged audience roars in applause for the two rock stars decked out in 70’s counter-culture apparel. The men dawn skin-tight bell-bottoms, floral women’s blouses, and long, natural hair. The band is Celebration Day: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin, with vocalist Mark Quinn and guitarist Jimmy Griffin playing the roles of Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, respectively. All St. Louis native musicians, drummer John Pessoni, bassist Cub Smith and keyboardist Dave Grelle complete the...

By Madeline Cade, Contributing Writer Group photo credits- Curt Copeland All other photos- Madeline Cade Even on the dreariest Wednesday nights Matthew DeTore and I pull up to the hole-in-the-wall bar around 9:30 PM. The small banner above the door reads “Seven Restaurant and Lounge.” A group of people hanging out outside are vaguely illuminated by the Guinness Draught sign. We fill our arms with a guitar case and multiple song books, and weave our way to our table—always the same small table in the back. We are greeted by musicians and regular patrons. To many, this is just a regular night at the bar. To others, this is their staple showcase. After 9 o’clock on Wednesday nights, a local musician, Curt Copeland, hosts an open mic night for other musicians to come up and sing and play the...