Friday night's Local Social event was the first of four that will take place on the second Friday of each month from June until September. Neighborhood shops participated by offering discounts on summer merchandise, artists set up easels in various spots between Maryland Plaza and McPherson, and there was musical entertainment too. Spanish guitarist Fernando Torres strolled among those dining outside on a beautiful evening at Pi and Gringo (Euclid and McPherson), and Mango Jay, above, entertained passersby with his steel drum beside Coffee Cartel at Maryland and Euclid.
Painter Jennifer Hayes was exhibiting her work near the Maryland Plaza Fountain which is also the location of 10denza, where you can find the artist's paintings among its mix of eclectic merchandise.
Myles Keough ([email protected]) uses a combination of acrylic and spray paint to create his paintings. Earlier on Friday a new sign for Gamlin's Whiskey House appeared on the corner, the location of SubZero's Gamlin brothers latest venture at Euclid and Maryland.
Artist Cassandra Ronning sketched near Mike's Bikes and Wolfgang's Pet Stop on Euclid.
Poet Henry David Goldkamp moved a few blocks north for the Local Social Event. He can usually be found writing poetry on Maryland Plaza but was enjoying the scene beside Left Bank Books on Friday. Henry is planning a "typewriter event" around St. Louis in August. What I gathered from our brief conversation is that he is looking for sites to place a typewriter for the month so anyone who feels inspired can type in some thoughts which will be compiled into a publication afterward. Here is Henry's website if you want more info and/or to suggest a spot to place a typewriter. I'll get more details for you soon.
Left Bank Books contribution to the Local Social Event was to place author Ben Hilliker and his beautiful 1926 Willys Overland touring car on the sidewalk beside the store. The author signed copies of The Tale of Willly Willys which features art by Robert Shay and is the tale of Willy Willys over the past 90 years.
There were lots of families (though this pretty girl said she was only the nanny and couldn't take credit for her cute charges) enjoying the event.
A pair of poodles had matching pink bows.
According to one of the men in my life, this vintage Volvo P1800ES wagon is a big deal.
The CWE was the place to be on a beautiful Friday evening. If you missed the first Social Local event, don't miss the next one scheduled for July 12.