Speak Up St. Louis

Drew Jameson is the owner of Jamo Presents, and one of St. Louis's premier concert and event promoters. Drew is a key player in our local music ecosystem, and is behind some of the most exciting concert venues in the City, including The Foundry, Tower Grove Park, and the Lot on Laclede's Landing.

In this episode we discuss Drew's journey into the business via Lucas School House and Nectar's in Burlington, his experience as a touring musician, St. Louis's top venues, Mississippi Nights, upcoming shows on Laclede's Landing, the impact of CoVid on the industry, and the lasting influence of the Grateful Dead.

Drew is a stellar human, and a powerful positive force on our local music scene! We really enjoyed this interview with him. Check out the links below to support his upcoming events.

https://www.jamopresents.com/

Shloop!

Matthew R. Kerns is the Executive Director of St. Lou Fringe Festival, and Director of Emerging Leaders at Focus St. Louis. Matthew is a performing artist, member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and advocate for Diversity and Inclusion in St. Louis.

St. Lou Fringe is a free and uncensored performing arts festival held in Grand Center, showcasing theatre, dance, storytelling, spoken word, burlesque, acrobatics, and more. This year's festival will be held August 13-18th.

In this episode, Matthew discusses his journey as a creative, the origins of St. Lou Fringe, and what the festival will look like in 2021. He also delves into the impact of CoVid 19 on the Arts Community, and offers his thoughts on the importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the St. Louis region.

Matthew is brilliant, witty, creative, insightful...and fun!!! We appreciate him sharing his story and point of view on the Speak Up St. Louis Podcast. Enjoy this interview, links to St. Lou Fringe Festival are below!

St. Lou Fringe Festival

A Wedding Under the St. Louis Arch

Jaer Jones is a middle school teacher, proud U-City native, and author of the My Invisible Father, a new novel about a St. Louis teenager navigating adolescence without his Father.

In this episode, Jaer tells his life story. From U-City, to discovering his passions for writing, basketball, Hip-Hop, and working with children, to the discipline and creative process behind his new book.

Jaer Jones is a deeply interesting, creative, and thoughtful person. His story contains soul, inspiration, poignance, redemption, and love. We thoroughly enjoyed this discussion with him, and wish this him success on his first book! We are confident there will be many more to come.

Support Jaer and buy the book today at https://jaerarmsteadjones.com/

Randy and Jeff Vines are the owners of STL Style House, a renowned St. Louis apparel line and clothing shop on Cherokee Street.

Identical twins and St. Louis dynamos, Jeff and Randy are unapologetically proud of St. Louis. More then just clothing designers, they are passionate urbanists, historic preservationists, and big time STL enthusiasts and promoters.

What don't we discuss in this conversation? From the Style House origin story, to the Vines Bros high school TV show, the St. Louis accent, city neighborhoods, local politics, their favorite bars, beers, and streets, we cover every little thing that makes St. Louis great.

These guys represent everything that is right with St. Louis. They are witty, fun, intelligent, creative, and kind. We are proud to call them St. Louisans, and grateful for sharing their story with our listeners!

https://www.stl-style.com/

Deneen Busby is a former St. Louis radio talk show host, and current Director of Marketing and Communications for Care STL Health.

In this episode, Deneen talks about her journey in the local radio business, her experience as a talk show host on Magic, transitioning into Public Health, how CoVid impacted the STL community, and so much more.

This is a FUN, relaxed interview. We just hang out together on air, and Deneen shows us all her phenomenal personality, and that she still has skills in talk radio!

Thank you Deneen, we appreciate you!

LeLe Williams is the founder of AllenGossipBlu StreetWear, and creator of the St. Louis vs. Errrbody T-Shirts.

The St. Louis vs. Errbody T-Shirts are taking STL by storm. LeLe explains why this is more then just a slogan on a T-Shirt, it's a movement towards unity, pride for our city, and helping to reduce the violence in our streets.

LeLe has a beautiful heart, soul, and message. We loved talking to her, getting her story, and helping spread the movement. It's St. Louis vs. ERRRRRRBODY!!!!!

BUY YOUR T SHIRTS HERE! - https://www.allengossipblu.com/

Andrew Weil is an archaeologist, historic preservationist, and advocate for St. Louis's built environment. He is the Executive Director of the Landmarks Association of St. Louis, founded in 1959 to preserve, promote, and enhance St. Louis's architectural heritage.

In today's episode, Andrew discusses the history of St. Louis architecture, the delicate balance between demolition and preservation, and why he's so passionate about preserving historic neighborhoods in St. Louis.

Thanks to Andrew for coming on the show - if you love St. Louis's brick buildings, you will appreciate and learn from this episode!

https://www.landmarks-stl.org/

Eric “Prospect” White is a prolific DJ, Rapper, and Poet from the Southside of St. Louis.

In addition to being one of the City's best homegrown hip-hop artists, Prospect is also an Outreach Worker for Cure Violence, putting him on the front lines of combatting the gun violence epidemic in the City.

In this episode, Prospect breaks down his origins as a Rapper and DJ, discusses his work on the streets with Cure Violence, and what it really means to be "Out HRR"!

We love Prospect for his energy, charisma, flavor, real talk, and relentless creativity. Much respect!

Prospect Out Hrr | SoundCloud

Prospect — FarFetched (wearefarfetched.net)

Fatimah Muhammad has been a resident of Hyde Park for over 20 years. She and her family purchased a 120 year old LRA property, completed a total rehab, and have called it home for 23+ years.

Her mission is to help revitalize the Hyde Park neighborhood– By Hand to commit to do the work, by By Heart with compassion, and By Eye to see clearly and remain focused. She is a servant of her community and the community at large.

Fatimah joins the podcast to tell her story as a Social Entrepreneur, and Community Activist. Listeners will learn about the Hyde Park Neighborhood in North St. Louis, how development is bringing change to the community, and how Fatimah's "Apiary at the Park" project fits in.

We appreciate Fatimah for her conviction, vision, and powerful belief in the community she lives in. Our hope is that you enjoy this episode, and follow it up with a VISIT to Hyde Park to see with your own eyes the beauty and potential in this neighborhood.