Why don't we just cram Mardi Gras and Valentine's Day into a blender and pour it out on some unsuspecting Saturday in February? Good thinking, St. Louis. Hate to put a damper on your date ahead, but designate a driver -- this is the night our city becomes submerged in a sea of beads and beer. For those hoping to find love, try our Soulard Mardi Gras/Valentine's Day Board Game, the Birds and the Beads. This might give a little insight about what you're getting yourself into before ever leaving the house. For those undeterred and still willing to brave the streets, we've assembled a handy concert guide for Saturday night. Whether you want to avoid Soulard or not, we can help.
The St. Louis '90s Music Festival w/ Guy, Bobby Brown, Dru Hill, El DeBarge, SWV, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, K-Ci and JoJo Saturday, February 14 Chaifetz Arena 8 p.m. | $49-$79 As we said in this week's music comic, just think of this show as the twenty-year reunion to every high school dance in the '90s. Although Bobby Brown is likely to cancel (due to recent family issues), the lineup still delivers a nostalgia-fueled night of soul and classic R&B.
Jason Isbell w/ Damien Jurado Saturday, February 14 Peabody Opera House 8 p.m. | $35-$45 The former Drive-By Trucker explores themes of self-destruction and regeneration with a sound sculpted by his own sordid past. The singer-songwriter rings a deeply personal tone with his own brand of Americana. Read more about Jason Isbell in this recent interview posted yesterday on RFT Music.
The Beach Boys Saturday, February 14 Lindenwood's J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts 8 p.m. | $49.50-$79.50 Recently reunited with original lead singer Mike Love, the Beach Boys plays all the hits you might expect alongside rare cuts. The band is all smiles and sunshine, and really, what better soundtrack to a cold, frigid day in February? For immediate vibes, check out the band's latest music video up above.
Acid Kat's 3rd Birthday/Calentine's Day Party w/ Cal and the Calories, CHUD, Laffing Gas, The Cowboys, Boreal Hills, Soda Boys Saturday, February 14 Foam Coffee & Beer 7 p.m. | $6 Consider this the perfect date night if your partner collects old vats of Nickelodeon Gak and sustains themselves on Pixy Stix alone. Martin Meyer, the slimy brains behind Lumpy and the Dumpers, will release his latest record -- a fuzzed out fever dream of riffy hooks called Cal and the Calories. The Acid Kat record label and zine celebrates its third year with a punk-addled love fest including three acts from Bloomington, Indiana.
Follow through for part 2 of our Valentine's Day concert guide.
