Scripps National Spelling BeeYulkendy Valdez, St. Louis' very own champion speller (and sponsored by the local daily) is in Washington, D.C., at the moment, competing against 292 of the nation's other top spellers in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.But though Valdez, Speller 155, successfully spelled
"pegasus" and "strathspey" in Rounds 2 and 3 of the competition, she did not advance to tomorrow's semifinals.But in a way, Valdez's presence at the bee is a victory in itself: Four years ago, whe
Spelling Bee is a newish noise/experimental duo featuring Mabel Suen (Ultraviolents) and Joseph Hess (ex-Sleep State) who's starting to earn some buzz around town. Next week, the pair is heading out on a very cool, unorthodox Southern tour -- and has graciously agreed to keep a tour diary for us. But before they depart, they'll be having a tour kick-off party/birthday party for Mabel at Apop Records. The show is free and all-ages, and is in the record store itself. Check out the lineup of bands
Joseph Hess from the band Spelling Bee wrote in to say that Internet issues and time have slowed the band's ability to send us tour missives. Instead, his friend Mitch Gilliam -- in the band Only the Bugman -- penned the following account of the tour's first show. And don't worry -- Hess promises a full report when the they return!
Spelling Bee's Mini Cooper, clutched by the cold hands of oblivion,
rolled into Joplin, Missouri. The Cesspool Castle (French slang for Cesspool House) sat ominously
