WEBER CHEVROLET AND KSHE 95 PRESENT EL MONSTERO Special Guests Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks

ST. LOUIS, MO / March 18, 2024 – El Monstero, the definitive U.S. Pink Floyd tribute band, is thrilled to announce their annual summer show will feature Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Jon Anderson of YES on Saturday, June 15 at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. Show time is 7:30 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.)

Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at www.livenation.com, in-person on Fridays at the box office at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, or Ticketmaster.com. For the first week of sales, lawn and select reserved tickets are only $21 plus fees. 

“On behalf of the entire band, we are honored to share the stage this summer with Jon Anderson,” says bassist Kevin Gagnepain. “He has been a big musical influence for all of us and we cannot wait to perform an epic night of music for our fans.”

Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks will make St. Louis a part of their 2024 “YES Epics, Classics, and More” tour. The set list will contain numerous YES songs from all stages of the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame career that feature Jon as their lead vocalist and songwriter. The tour also promises the introduction of new material created by Jon and The Band Geeks. For more information, visit www.jonanderson.com.

El Monstero began its theatrical presentation of the band’s music in 1999. The band is comprised of St. Louis natives Mark Thomas Quinn (lead vocals/guitar/lap steel guitar), Jimmy Griffin (lead vocals/guitar), Kevin Gagnepain (bass/vocals), Bryan Greene (electric and acoustic guitar), John Pessoni (drums/vocals), Bill Reiter (keyboard/vocals), Jake Elking (keyboard), Dave Farver (saxophone), Erminie Cannon, Tandra Williams, and Kirstin Johnson (vocals).  

El Monstero focuses on the Gilmore/Waters era of Pink Floyd, but ventures into albums recorded both before and after that time in the band’s history. El Monstero delivers an audio and visual experience like no other combining pyro, massive theatrical props, innovative technology and even fireworks. For more information, visit www.livenation.com or www.elmonstero.com

20 Fun Backyard Dirt Activities for Dads and Kids to Enjoy This Spring in St. Louis

As the temperatures rise and the flowers bloom, spring has finally arrived in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s the perfect time for dads and kids to put down the phones and tablets and head outdoors and enjoy some quality time together in the backyard. One of the simplest joys of childhood is playing in the dirt, and there’s no shortage of fun and creative activities to be had right in your own backyard. So, grab your shovels and let’s dive into 20 exciting backyard dirt activities for dads and kids to explore this spring!

1. Build a Sandcastle or Dirt Fort: Let your imagination run wild as you and your kids build towering sandcastles or sturdy dirt forts. With just a few buckets, shovels, and some creativity, you can create your own mini kingdoms right in your backyard.

2. Plant a Garden Together: Teach your kids about the magic of gardening by planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs together. Not only will they learn valuable lessons about nature and responsibility, but they’ll also get to enjoy the fruits of their labor as their plants grow and thrive.

3. Create Mud Pies or Mud Sculptures: Get messy and have some muddy fun by making mud pies or sculpting intricate mud sculptures. With a little water and some dirt, the possibilities are endless for creating edible-looking treats or fantastical creatures out of mud.

4. Have a Treasure Hunt: Hide small toys or objects in the dirt and let your kids go on a treasure hunt to find them. This exciting game will keep them entertained for hours as they search high and low for hidden treasures right in their own backyard.

5. Set Up a Mini Obstacle Course: Gather sticks, rocks, and other natural materials from the yard to create a mini obstacle course for your kids to navigate. Whether they’re jumping over logs or crawling under branches, they’ll have a blast testing their agility and balance.

6. Dig for Worms: Turn digging for worms into a fun and educational activity by teaching your kids about the importance of these wriggly creatures in the soil ecosystem. They’ll love getting their hands dirty as they search for worms to observe up close.

7. Play Backyard Soccer or Frisbee: Kick around a soccer ball or toss a frisbee with your kids for some active outdoor fun. Whether you’re scoring goals or perfecting your frisbee throws, you’ll both enjoy the friendly competition and fresh air.

8. Host a Mini Olympics: Turn your backyard into an Olympic arena and host your very own mini Olympics with events like sack races, three-legged races, and tug-of-war. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved and encourage friendly competition.

9. Paint Rocks or Bricks: Get creative with outdoor art by painting rocks or bricks with washable paint. Your kids can let their imaginations run wild as they decorate their own garden stones or create colorful brick designs to brighten up the backyard.

10. Build a Miniature Racetrack: Transform your backyard into a raceway by building a miniature racetrack for toy cars or trucks. Use dirt, sand, or other materials to create twists, turns, and obstacles for hours of racing fun.

11. Have a Backyard Picnic: Pack a picnic basket with homemade snacks and head outside for a backyard picnic. Spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal together surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.

12. Create Nature Art: Gather leaves, sticks, and flowers from the yard and use them to create beautiful nature art. Whether you’re arranging them into patterns or creating intricate designs, your kids will love expressing their creativity with materials found right in their own backyard.

13. Set Up an Outdoor Kitchen: Encourage imaginative play by setting up a makeshift outdoor kitchen where your kids can pretend to cook with dirt, water, and leaves. They’ll have a blast concocting all sorts of imaginary dishes while honing their culinary skills.

14. Make DIY Kites: Harness the power of the wind by making DIY kites out of sticks and string. Your kids will love decorating their own kites before taking them outside to watch them soar high in the sky.

15. Have a Storytelling Session: Gather around a makeshift campfire made of dirt and rocks and take turns telling stories. Whether you’re sharing ghost stories or recounting family adventures, storytelling is a great way to bond and spark your kids’ imaginations.

16. Build a Bird Feeder or Birdhouse: Invite feathered friends into your backyard by building a bird feeder or birdhouse together. Your kids will love watching as birds come to visit their homemade creations, providing endless opportunities for birdwatching and learning about local wildlife.

17. Play Classic Games: Rediscover classic outdoor games like tag, hide-and-seek, or capture the flag. These timeless favorites are sure to keep your kids entertained while getting them moving and enjoying the great outdoors.

18. Set Up a Backyard Campsite: Pitch a tent or build a fort using blankets and chairs for a backyard camping adventure. Spend the night under the stars, telling stories, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying quality time together as a family.

19. Create a Mini Golf Course: Get creative and set up a mini golf course in your backyard using household items like cups, pipes, and ramps. Your kids will love designing their own holes and putting their putting skills to the test.

20. Simply Enjoy the Outdoors: Sometimes, the best backyard activities are the simplest ones. Take a break from organized games and activities and simply enjoy the outdoors by lying on the grass, cloud-watching, and talking about the shapes you see. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, relax, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

With spring in full swing in St. Louis, Missouri, there’s no better time for dads and kids to get outside and enjoy some backyard fun. From building sandcastles to hosting mini Olympics, these 20 activities are sure to create lasting memories and strengthen the bond between dads and their kids. So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready for a season of outdoor adventure and excitement right in your own backyard!

Do you have a fun activity to share? Comment below with your favorite outdoor fun you love to do with your own children!

Springtime Adventures: Fun Activities for Dads and Kids in Missouri

As the days grow longer and the temperatures start to rise, springtime in Missouri offers a plethora of exciting opportunities for dads to bond with their kids. From outdoor adventures to creative endeavors, the Show-Me State is brimming with activities that are sure to create lasting memories. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a sports fan, or an art aficionado, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your gear and get ready for a season of fun with these fantastic activities across Missouri!

Outdoor Adventures

1. Exploring State Parks

Missouri is home to an array of stunning state parks, perfect for outdoor exploration. Take a hike along the rugged trails of Castlewood State Park, where you can discover picturesque bluffs and scenic overlooks. For those interested in water activities, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers refreshing swimming holes and natural water slides.

2. Fishing Fun

Springtime marks the beginning of fishing season in Missouri, making it the perfect time to introduce your kids to this timeless pastime. Head to one of the many fishing spots across the state, such as Lake of the Ozarks or Bennett Spring State Park, known for its premier trout fishing.

3. Bike Riding Adventures

Dust off your bikes and hit the trails for a family biking adventure. Missouri boasts excellent biking trails, including the scenic Katy Trail, stretching for 240 miles across the state. For younger riders, local parks often have paved trails perfect for a leisurely ride.

Sports and Recreation

4. Play Ball!

Springtime means baseball season, and catching a game with your kids is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium or catch a minor league game at one of Missouri’s many ballparks.

5. Miniature Golf Madness

Challenge your family to a round of miniature golf at one of Missouri’s whimsical courses. Cool Crest Family Fun Center in Independence or Swing-A-Round Fun Town in St. Charles offer delightful courses with colorful obstacles and challenges.

6. Skateboarding and Rollerblading

If your kids are into skateboarding or rollerblading, head to one of Missouri’s skate parks for some adrenaline-pumping fun. Tilles Park Skate Park in St. Louis or The Wheel Park in Kansas City are popular spots for skaters of all ages.

Art and Creativity

7. Visit a Children’s Museum

Spark your kids’ imaginations with a trip to a children’s museum. The Magic House in St. Louis offers hands-on exhibits, while Science City in Kansas City combines fun and learning with interactive science displays.

8. DIY Nature Crafts

Take advantage of the budding springtime flora by collecting leaves, flowers, and twigs for nature-inspired crafts. Create leaf rubbings, flower collages, or even build birdhouses together for your backyard.

9. Pottery Painting

Unleash your artistic side at a pottery painting studio. Places like Creativita in St. Louis or Pottery Hollow in Kansas City provide all the supplies you need to create colorful masterpieces.

Festivals and Events

10. Spring Festivals

Missouri comes alive with festivals and events during the spring months. From cherry blossom celebrations to music festivals, there’s always something happening. Don’t miss the Dogwood-Azalea Festival in Charleston or the Art in the Park event in Columbia.

11. Butterfly House

Delight in the fluttering beauty of butterflies at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House in Chesterfield. Wander through lush gardens filled with colorful blooms and watch as these magnificent creatures take flight.

Culinary Adventures

12. Picnic in the Park

Pack a basket full of tasty treats and head to a local park for a picnic in the sunshine. Forest Park in St. Louis or Swope Park in Kansas City offer scenic spots perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal outdoors.

13. Farmers’ Market Fun

Explore the vibrant farmers’ markets across Missouri, where you can sample local produce, artisanal cheeses, and freshly baked goodies. The Soulard Farmers Market in St. Louis or the City Market in Kansas City are popular choices.

14. Cooking Together

Get creative in the kitchen with your kids by cooking up some springtime recipes together. From homemade pizzas to colorful fruit salads, let their imaginations run wild as they help prepare delicious meals.

What Are You Waiting For?

Spring in Missouri offers a wealth of opportunities for dads to bond with their kids through exciting adventures and creative endeavors. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, unleashing your artistic talents, or savoring culinary delights, there’s something for every duo to enjoy. So, embrace the season of renewal and make the most of this special time with your little ones. From hiking trails to pottery painting, the memories you create together will last a lifetime.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into springtime fun in Missouri with your kids, and let the adventures begin!

MAYOR JONES & “FRIEND” ANNOUNCE A PLAYFUL NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR ST. LOUIS THURSDAY, MARCH 7 10 A.M.

Come out to be part of a fun and playful announcement for St. Louis!

Mayor Tishaura Jones welcomes a global figure that everyone knows (and many people have had in their homes) to STL to announce a partnership filled with fun and local recognition.

WHEN: Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Pieces Board Game Cafe, 1535 S. 8th St. in Soulard, just north of Soulard Farmers Market. Street parking available.

WHAT:  A secret announcement that will make St. Louis proud.

WHO: The Mayor, her internationally known friend, and the friend’s representatives.

The “friend” that the Mayor will introduce is someone we all grew up with. He was there around the family game tables, and might be the character most honored for family fun but also blamed for the worst family fights.

We will definitely have some fun photo opportunities. This story will include a request to the entire community for help creating an even bigger reveal later this year.

DO NOT PASS GO and do not miss this media opportunity.