Historical September–October 2000 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
On Thursday, October 19, crowds of officials, neighbors, and music aficionados flocked to the grand opening of the Pageant at 6161 Delmar.
A twenty-one guitar salute highlighted the ribbon-cutting. Throngs of people entered the new building and marveled at the size and the design and the perfect visibility from any location. Congressional nominee Lacy Clay, former mayors Bosley and Schoemehl, city treasurer Larry Williams, U City council member Paul Schoomer, and Alderman Irv Clay shared the joy of the event.
A number of SDCC members, Commercial Committee members, and other neighbors including the pastor of St. Roch, Msgr. Polizzi, also were part of the crowd.
The opening act was the Motown Revue.
The sounds of the Temptations, Four Tops, and other groups cheered the attendees, many of whom were from the Baby Boom generation. Just after 9:00pm, Joe Edwards took the stage to welcome the crowd.
He introduced his partners Pat Hagin and Steve Schankman and thanked JoAnn Vatcha and other neighbors for starting the revitalization of Delmar.
The applause for Edwards’ words was long and heartfelt. 28th Ward Alderman Lyda Krewson who followed Edwards summed it up. Edwards was adding a venue that would be important to the music scene. Its location is very important to the city and surrounding neighborhoods. And, Edwards is linking our East Loop to the existing West Loop to extend that successful development.
As Krewson noted, Edwards has had a marvelous knack at revitalizing and this will be another example of his magic. Then, Mayor Clarence Harmon echoed these positive sentiments on behalf of the city of St. Louis. Then, it was time to rock and roll.
The main act was rock legend Chuck Berry who performed many of his hits.
His son and his grandson assisted.
The crowd was in the groove.
The dance floor filled and many enjoyed the familiar wonderful sounds. Spotted doing those steps from an earlier time were Dan and Jill McGuire and Dee and Gary Hayes. Looking good.
On Friday night, the Pageant opened as a regular venue.
The group Hanson played to a packed and enthusiastic house. For those of us in Skinker DeBaliviere, we can be permitted a sigh of gratitude.
The long struggle to get Delmar moving again has moved to a new and very positive phase. Blueberry Hill, the Tivoli, and now the Pageant. Thank you Joe!
Original photograph caption
The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2000.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2000_09.pdf, printed page(s) 1, 8; PDF page(s) 1, 8.
