When legendary local musician, writer and photographer Bob Reuter died suddenly last month, friends and loved ones were grief-stricken. Reuter played in and documented the south city scene for decades, leaving behind a vast amount of artistic work and no shortage of fans and admirers. Last night his bandmates, collaborators and friends came together at the Casa Loma Ballroom to pay tribute to Reuter's life and work.
See Also: Remembering Bob Reuter: St. Louis Speaks
The list of participating musicians was long and impressive, pulling from both Reuter's deep past and current projects. Between performances of his songs, friends were on hand to read his poetry and discuss his various art projects.
The event also offered items up for auction, with proceeds to benefit the Cowboy Angel Foundation, a fund set up to continue and secure Reuter's legacy and provide funds to disadvantaged musicians.
We documented the entire event in a photo diary. As a tribute to Reuter's work in black and white photography, we did our best to present the photos in a manner as close to his signature style as possible and to capture the scenes that he would have wanted to witness.
It is our sincere hope that these photographs relay the love, energy and talent that was in the room. Reuter couldn't have been given a better tribute than what we witnessed last night.
Casa Loma Ballroom
Load-in
Ryan Koenig (Pokey LaFarge, Rum Drum Ramblers) and Matt Wilson ("Doormat," also of http://www.bigmuddyrecords.com/artists/rumdrum/) practice backstage
Maysam Attaran ("Bass Amp," Alley Ghost, Sex Robots) soundchecks
Casa Loma floor
Some of the art up for auction
In the back room
Johnny "Vegas" Moynihan readies the ticket booth
Pokey LaFarge rehearsing
At door time, the line wrapped around the block and extended far down Cherokee Street
Quiet work backstage
Ashley Hohman (of Doom Town) plays Bob's scratchy records
Erin Wiles does a reading
Guest singer Ryne Watts (right) of the Hobosexuals
Guitarist John Horton of the Bottle Rockets
