The Sheldon Announces Release of 'Live It Up In New St. Lou' Video

The Sheldon is pleased to announce the release of "Live It Up in New St. Lou," a five-minute video celebrating St. Louis' great arts and cultural attractions, set to an original song by Sheldon executive director Paul Reuter. The video, underwritten by Mary Strauss and shot and directed by Bob Miano, is available to view at www.TheSheldon.org.

"Several people have said to me that it would be great if St. Louis had another song about the city, in addition to the well-known 'St. Louis Blues,'" says Reuter. The opportunity presented itself in 2009, when the Sheldon Art Galleries board asked Reuter to write a piece of music for their ArtSounds fundraiser in conjunction with the "Legends of St. Louis Blues Music" exhibit in the Sheldon Art Galleries. "Live It Up in New St. Lou," a blues song, was a part of that larger composition. St. Louis-area arts champion Mary Strauss heard the song and thought a video component, featuring the destinations mentioned in the song, would be a great way to showcase the rich heritage and diverse attractions of St. Louis.

Vocalist Lisa Campbell, music director of Stages St. Louis, and well-known jazz pianist Peter Martin recorded the audio track at the Sheldon Concert Hall in September of this year, and, with Mary Strauss' support, the video was filmed at 47 locations in October.

Of the video, Reuter says, "It really reminds me what a beautiful city we have and all the arts, culture and most importantly the people that make St. Louis a great place to live. I hope that the song and the video will attract visitors from around the region to come to St. Louis and will encourage all of us to 'Live It Up in New St. Lou!'"