Adam Brodsky is a glutton for punishment. While almost every American has dreamed of earning a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, Brodsky is going for the gold, fleshing out his childhood ambition to be the best something. Some title holders in the Guinness Book have eaten more worms, swum further through lemon pudding or grown longer fingernails, but this Philadelphia anti-folk musician (self-described as the nexus of Bob Dylan and Tom Lehrer) is currently attempting to set a world record by touring all 50 states in 50 days.
When asked about the inspiration for the daring feat, the affable Brodsky explains from the side of a Midwestern road, "It seemed like a good idea when I was drunk. The girl who currently holds the record for a solo performer did 50 shows, 50 states in 60 days. When I heard that, I thought '60 days? I can do better than that.' So I thought about how much fun it might be, and I ended up booking three or four shows scattered across the country. I realized that if I was going to do it, I'd have to fill in the rest."
And fill in the rest he did. With a tour itinerary that includes a show in the Honolulu Airport Lounge, Brodsky is finding that what sounded like fun is actually no mean feat.
"I could really use a day off," he says. "Because every day I'm driving and playing, I really don't get to see as much cool stuff as I thought I would."
You can cheer Adam Brodsky's daring attempt to enter the record books as he plays show number 47 at 8 p.m. at Frederick's Music Lounge (4454 Chippewa Street, 314-351-5711, no cover). And as the Fifty in Fifty Tour grinds to an end, the cheerful singer/songwriter has discovered that "people seem to want to be a part of it, especially now. A lot of people want to come see how haggard I look." -- John Goddard
¡Fashionista!
London style
SAT 9/20
Ever worn socks with sandals, even once? That's scandalous! Or maybe you're still wearing those smelly Birkenstocks from college (can you say fungus?!). Don't let Stacy London (pictured) from TLC's "What Not to Wear" catch you flaunting these fashion faux pas from 1-4 p.m. at Westfield Shoppingtown West County (at the intersection of I-270 and Manchester Road). While she's celebrating the mall's first anniversary and offering fashion tips, the style sage will be secretly inspecting St. Louisans. For more information on the free event, call 314-288-2020 or visit www.westfield.com. And by the way, don't wear white sandals (or white dress shoes, for that matter) after Labor Day -- embarrassing! Especially if "What Not to Wear" is watching... -- Alison Sieloff
Of Lowenbraus & Lowbrow
"It's like watching a live performance of the TV show 'Cheers,'" says playwright David Marshall of his series of Wretched Excess plays, which are performed at Llywelyn's Pub in the Central West End (4747 McPherson Avenue). Each of the four mini-plays (they're about 45 minutes long) to be performed in September features six actors portraying bartenders, waitstaff and "regulars," exchanging banter both obscene and profound ("there's a lot of 'fucks,'" says Marshall). The playwright compares the comedy to Armistead Maupin's popular Tales of the City books but adds that the episodic performances are "not great art, just bar entertainment" (5:30 & 7:30 p.m. Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, $10 admission includes one drink, 314-361-7964). -- Byron Kerman
Throw the Cook at Them
SAT 9/20
Think of the Chefs at the Market program as the Food Network live. At 10 a.m. every Saturday through October 18 at the Soulard Farmers Market's entrance at Lafayette and 8th streets, a different local chef will give a free, step-by-step cooking demonstration -- with a bent towards using fresh produce in fresh ways (314-622-4180, free).
"Many of us get into a cooking rut," says Market manager Sandra Zak. "We cook squash only two ways or eat bread because we haven't discovered other grains to complement a meal." Leading the way out of such ruts will be Café DeMenil's David Stroman, Spaghetteria Mama Mia's Pepe Kehm and Iron Barley owner Tom Coghill. To the stoves! -- Rose Martelli
