Beat Happenings

The End: After 260 weeks of free films, the last reel of Frederick's Free Monday Movies at Frederick's Music Lounge (4454 Chippewa Street; 314-351-5711) will spin on October 3. Paul Stark, curator of the series, cites his decision to present another night of live music and other venues copying Fred's once-unique concept as reasons for the stoppage. But although the movies are over, this is one sequel that won't suck (kinda like Terminator 2!). From here on out, Fred's will have free live music kickin' off the week. Ushering the club into this new musical era are the Driveway Morons -- i.e., a reconfiguration of the Highway Matrons -- who will be performing their own songs, as well as inviting mystery guests to play along.

Show me, show me, show me: St. Louis is overrun with national touring bands this week (see the over-stuffed Critics' Picks on page 66). But why not go all "Show Me State" on Blueberry Hill's ass (6504 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-727-4444) and check out local beloveds Red Eyed Driver, the Transmitters and J.J. & Kip Loui on September 24 at 9 p.m.? A five-dolla ticket gains you access to this trifecta of talent. Red Eyed Driver weaves together Death Cab-ish atmospheres and quiet, driving vocals while occasionally kick-starting a rockin' piano riff or guitar lick (might we suggest shouting out their awesome track "8Ball" rather than "Freebird"?). The Transmitters crank up the Cheap Trick licks and a power-rock 'tude, while J.J. & Kip Loui are frequent blues-rock circuit surfers who love the Lou so much, they named themselves after it (or, er, Kip's parents did).

Steal my sunshine:Punk-popsters Westcott had their entire trailer -- yes, all of their gear -- stolen from the Central West End in the early morning of September 18. "I am super-upset -- I just think that people who steal from musicians, it's like robbing a poor person," laments vocalist/guitarist Ben Wade. "But we're going to press on and do what it takes to keep going." The band has set up a PayPal link at www.myspace.com/westcott, where fans can donate cash money toward the purchase of new gear. And luckily, this pilfering shouldn't affect Westcott's plans to start recording an album December 1.