Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Sunday, November 20, 2011

I Found My Thrill

Seems like forever since I've posted.  Being out of town for a few days certainly does shake up my routine! But here I am back in the saddle (or should I say office chair) again with a story about a fun evening.

I've blogged before about my friend, Don Wiegand, sculptor extraordinaire. Don is an awesome person to know.  He's not only talented, but also kind and caring and has many friends.  About a month ago I got to meet one of them.

Don did a special hand cast for rock legend, Chuck Berry, who happens to live in our area. The cast was done for Mr. Berry's 85th birthday. I got to be there for the special presentation at a well known bar and grill called Blueberry Hill. This is an amazing venue where Mr. Berry (and other musicians) regularly perform. 















It was my first visit to Blueberry Hill, which seems more like a memorobilia museum than a restaurant. In my brief time there, I couldn't begin to take in everything there was to see. Here's a few snippets from Blueberry Hill.

A Howdy Doody collection.















"His Master's Voice" high atop a shelf.
















Critters of all shapes and sizes watching over us.















Joe Edwards, who owns Blueberry Hill, is almost as fascinating as the place. Throughout the building are hundreds of framed photographs where Joe is posing next to some celebrity or sports star. He's been collecting these photos for decades, and I'll bet you can't name anyone famous that isn't on Joe's wall. Even my idol, Eric Clapton is featured on a photo from many years ago. I asked Joe if he thought Eric would ever come back to St. Louis. Joe says he'll try and convince him, to which I calmly responded, "YOU TALK TO ERIC CLAPTON????"

Pardon my teenage girl scream. Here's a celebrityless picture of Joe...who is actually kind of a celebrity himself.













I'll have more about Blueberry Hill and Chuck Berry's special birthday celebration next time.

13 comments:

BECKY said...

I just love Joe Edwards and the entire Delmar Loop he created. If it wasn't for him, there would probably be nothing at all in that area. I can't believe you hadn't been to Blueberry Hill before! Have you seen the inside of Joe's new hotel, the Moonrise Hotel? It is very cool and has all "space" and "moon" displays. Can't wait to see your next post on this!

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

COOL Come Back Post!!! My mom went all Squeeeeeee over the Howdy Doody stuffs...

Shane Kent Louis said...

Wow, what a beautiful place, there's a lot of stuff that I can play..I want to go there with my mom Woof!


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Two French Bulldogs said...

cool place, and nice to meet Mr Joe
Benny & Lily

Roo said...

What a pawsome restaurant! Can't wait to see MORE! :D

Waggin at ya,
Roo

Linda O'Connell said...

Thanks! Now I will be singing Blueberry Hill all day :)
It is a fascinating place. I met Chuck Berry when I was in high school working at a film company. Asked for his autograph, then the wind swept it away. That story is coming out next month in the St. Louis Writer's Guild Anthology.
What a fun evening for you, Pat.

Ann Summerville said...

Amazing
Ann

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

I'm definitely putting Blueberry Hill on my list of places to visit when I hit the road. If Slowhand schedules a visit before that I'll be wanting a heads up!

Happy, Waggin' Tails, FUREVER!
Stumpy and me

Lassiter Chase and Benjamin said...

Wow, nice Howdy Doody stuff. That place looks more interesting than some museums!

Lynn said...

Sounds like you had loads of fun! I probably should go back down there as it's been a while since I've been to Blueberry Hill.

Tammy said...

Have never been there but plan to look for it now. Cool pictures!

Donna Volkenannt said...

Hi Pat,
Very cool photos and post. Hope you have a blast at the birthday party.
donna

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Love your fun post. This looks like a fun place to hang out. If I'm ever in the area, you can bet I'll check it out.