Million Dollar Quartet 1956

 

Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash at Sun Studios recording in 1956. 

My friend and theater critic Mark Bretz encouraged me to see this holiday version of the time when music was evolving into that time when we wanted to shake, rattle and roll. The confluence of these four legendary performers meeting in Memphis on December 4, 1956 is fun to imagine as the actors played and performed at the Rep Theater. 

It's a Sunday in Saint Louis (December 14, 2024) and this mid day matinee show at the Repertory Theater of Saint Louis, for me, is more uplifting than spending the day in church.

 

Art Work

 Art Work

Everyone is an artist;

Or so says the teacher;

The object is to become a better artist;

At the risk of sounding like a preacher.

Van Gogh had a lust for life;

In spite of his mental health;

Ultimately succumbing to his strife;

His brother and the market could not generate a timely wealth.

Perhaps Picasso is the greatest of all time;

The GOAT takes his rightful place;

The art world concurs with Gertrude Stein;

Wherever he puts eyes and nose on a face.

Popular culture by Andy;

The things we see and do every day;

In a gallery contest – it’s a dandy;

See the ordinary in a different way,

Super real, surreal, sublime,

Salvador can blow your mind;

Dali curling his trademark mustache;

An enduring style that is sure to last.

Abstract, color field, contemporary, Haring, Banksy, Basquiat;

On display for all to admire or eschew.

Graffiti is an origin – believe it or not;

You can decide if it appeals to you.

What will you do and how?

Study, imitate, or break new ground;

What will be the next new thing now?

Practice and work your process for what may be found.

Monet - Water Lillies at Saint Louis Art Museum