This week a bunch of kids in my hometown of Belleville, Illinois collected enough food pantry donatables to fill 10 school buses. That's over 20,000 items that will directly benefit food insecure families in my community.

For the Drive Away Hunger program, students collected and donated non-perishable food items. Ten-year-old Austin Firestone collected over 100 bags of groceries by sending letters to his neighbors.

Food pantries such as Belleville's Community Interfaith Food Pantry are currently assisting an average of 20 new families a week. Their director, Jerry Messick, told the Belleville News-Democrat: "Without this food, we couldn't keep the doors open."

Not bad for a bunch of kids!

LiveFeed has another way kids all over the St. Louis metro area. I'm extremely partial to this, because it's the first show I've ever organized.



Sunday, April 26th, come to The Royale (3132 S. Kingshighway) from 3-5 PM for the first-ever St. Louis Rock n' Romp! Royale owner Steven Smith has graciously given us the run of their courtyard, where we'll be hosting two locals bands - Harlot Bride and Andy Rhea and His Band - in a kid-friendly environment. Admission is one non-perishable food item, which goes directly to LiveFeed and will be distributed within St. Louis.

Bring the kids and they'll have a great time experiencing live music while helping their community. And you'll get to enjoy some great tunes, too, along with the company of like-minded parents and the food and libations The Royale offers. They've got some really yummy specials this weekend.

Did you make it to any of the free concerts this spring at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum? This Friday night is your last chance this season, and I highly recommend you check it out. I went last weekend with my family and a friend to catch The 75s and Left Arm. With cooperative weather, the bands play outside on a patio with sculptures and seating. Lots of room to move, or sit back and enjoy the music.

Schlafly and O'Fallon Brewery both have free beers available to those of age, with fizzy French soda and snacks for everyone.

This Friday at 6 PM, catch Brotha'D and the Woo-Daddies. It's free. There's parking next to the museum. What could be an easier a more fun way to start your weekend?

If you could bring a few bucks to donate to the museum, or a jar of peanut butter for LiveFeed, you'll have fun and do some good for two great causes.

It's not too late to celebrate with Loyal Family and the Loyal Earth Music and Arts Festival. Today's the final day after four awesome days of music, art displays, food, and hula hoops:


St. Louis Hoop Club provided hula hoop entertainment far more exciting than anything you've seen on a playground.

Despite the rain and wind, lots of people came to The Old Rock House to see Jake's Leg, Rocknbluesgrass, and Medeski, Martin and Wood.


FolknBluesgrass in action.

Today's action starts at 4:20. Tickets at the door are $25. Come see:

EOTO
4:20-5:00

J Wail
5:00-6:30

Thumpasaurus
5:00-6:00

The Passage Project
6:00-7:30

Sovereign Sect
7:00-8:30

MO2
8:00-9:30

Madahoochi
9:30-10:45 & 11:15-1:00am

Pretty Lights
10:00-11:30

EOTO
12:00-2:00am

When you arrive at Loyal Earth, please take a look to your left and say hi to the LiveFeed volunteers! Drop some change in the coffer, pick up a beautiful commemorative poster, and sign up for our email list.

LiveFeed welcomed spring on April 10th by helping with the KHITS 96 Adults-Only Easter Egg Hunt. Lots of great volunteers came out to help hide eggs and sling beer and nachos, including Walk Sophie, Javier Mendoza, and Rick Shipley. Check out some photos from the event.

Want to join the fun? LiveFeed will have a table at the Loyal Earth Music Festival, Thursday, April 16 thru Monday, April 20 in Downtown St. Louis. We need volunteers each day from 5 pm - 11pm in the LiveFeed tent to sell CDs, posters, and take donations. And you get the bonus of getting to hear some great live roots music. Just look at the lineup! If you'd like to lend a hand, send a message to amy@livefeed.org.