Key Takeaways:
- The St. Louminaries series is a live talk show hosted by Kyle Olson, held every second Sunday at Tschüss bar on Cherokee Street.
- The show features discussions on various topics, including St. Louis culture, history, and social issues, with a focus on entertainment and community engagement.
- Olson’s rules for the show include no academics and a focus on St. Louis-specific topics, although he occasionally breaks these rules for special episodes.
- The show is free to attend, and Olson pays many aspects of the production out of pocket, with the goal of finding cultural benefactors to support the show in the long term.
- Upcoming shows will feature discussions on topics such as cycling culture, transportation policy, and local history.
Introduction to the St. Louminaries Series
The St. Louminaries series is a unique and engaging live talk show that takes place every second Sunday at Tschüss bar on Cherokee Street. Hosted by Kyle Olson, the show features discussions on a wide range of topics, from St. Louis’ undercelebrated culture of Latin dance to the professional and semi-professional cataloguers of St. Louis’ local history. What sets the show apart is its focus on entertainment and community engagement, rather than academic or serious discussion. Olson, a professor of archeology at Washington University, deliberately avoids booking guests who are authorities on a particular subject, instead opting for people who are passionate about a topic and willing to share their thoughts and experiences.
The Format and Tone of the Show
The St. Louminaries show is modeled after traditional talk shows, with Olson sitting down with a mic and asking guests to discuss their passions in a relaxed and conversational format. The show often features games, raffles, and other interactive elements, which add to the lively and entertaining atmosphere. Olson’s goal is to create a space where people can come together and engage in meaningful conversations, away from the distractions of screens and social media. He cites the importance of physical media in the war against the AI-ification of music and Spotify, and seeks to create a similar sense of community and connection through his show.
Breaking the Rules and Pushing Boundaries
While Olson has established certain rules for the show, such as avoiding academics and focusing on St. Louis-specific topics, he is not afraid to break these rules when it suits the conversation. For example, the December show titled "Heterofatalism, Performative Men, and the Patriarchy" featured writers Eileen G’Sell, Dan DiPiero, and Kennedy Morganfield, and explored topics such as gender relations, dating, and the mood of isolation and disaffection that plagues romance and love in the 2020s. This show was a departure from the usual format, but it packed Tschüss with an audience eager to discuss these important and timely issues.
The Role of Music and Performance
Music plays a key role in the St. Louminaries show, with Olson’s musical compatriot Ralph Wrong (formerly poopyknife, also known as MANAK!N) providing a lively and entertaining soundtrack to the conversations. Wrong, who is recognizable as the man playing keytar to St. Louis traffic on South Grand, brings a unique energy to the show, and his performances often add a humorous and unpredictable element to the discussions. Whether he’s celebrating the mention of feminist philosopher Lauren Berlant with a keytar lick or providing a musical interlude to break up the conversation, Wrong is an integral part of the St. Louminaries experience.
The Future of the Show
As the St. Louminaries series continues to grow and evolve, Olson is committed to keeping the show free and accessible to all. He currently pays many aspects of the production out of pocket, but hopes to find cultural benefactors who can support the show in the long term. With upcoming shows featuring discussions on topics such as cycling culture, transportation policy, and local history, there is something for everyone at the St. Louminaries. Whether you’re a longtime resident of St. Louis or just visiting, the show is a great way to connect with the community and engage in meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most.
