A quartet of high school trombone players hit all the right notes to win the recent national anthm contest hosted by the St. Louis Symphony and St. Louis Blues. Geoffrey Ladue of Lafayette High School, Thomas Gustafson of Clayton High School, Daniel Jung of Ladue Horton Watkins High School, and Evan Smith of O’Fallon Township High School (pictured at top) triumphed over 250 other applicants with a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” arranged by Gustafson. They will perform the anthem at a Blues home game during the upcoming hockey season.
Tami Lash Brown, former general manager of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, is taking the helm as executive director of the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. The 120,000-square-foot attraction is expected to open in December with thousands of ocean and river animals and 1 million gallons of water. The St. Louis Wheel, a 200-foot-tall observation Ferris wheel, will debut in October along with a carousel and mini golf course. The new entertainment complex is part of Lodging Hospitality Management’s $187 million renovation of Union Station.
People are chirping about the Mighty Cricket Challenge, a unique contest that gives St. Louisans a chance to try a dish or drink made with pure cricket powder. The concept from local health food brand Mighty Cricket is to turn locals on to the idea of insects as a sustainable protein source—and to once again put St. Louis on the map for its food innovations. During the month of October, 50 local bars and eateries (such as The Cup, Nixta, Vin de Set, Schlafly Bottleworks and other notable spots) will offer diners a unique menu item featuring the powder. Brave individuals can enter gift card drawings by posting about their culinary adventures on social media using #cricketchallenge. People’s Choice Awards will be given to favorite dishes as well. Pictured: A ‘cricket cupcake’ from The Cup