PLAYBACK:stl has taken over Cicero’s on Tuesday nights! Join us in the venue as we celebrate the return of rock to this fine establishment: $5, all ages, 8:30 p.m. Booking inquiries should be sent to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ; bands can also submit online at www.sonicbids.com/playbackstl.

Behind the Stars is shooting for a new drummer; interested parties should go to www.behindthestars.com.

If you haven’t checked the Formula Kid’s Web site in a while, video clips of the recording process are available. Unfortunately, no disc is available yet. www.theformulakid.com.

Heather Dallape and Theodore Moll from Bagheera are having a baby in February.

Former Missile Silo Suite guitarist A.D. Thurston has joined forces with Jack Walker (Somnia), Aaron Evans (Johnny Action Figure), and Ryan Quilty (Lee-Enfield) to form Riot for Violet. Catch shows Jan. 7 at Sally T’s and Feb. 16 at Cicero’s.

Eero’s new disc is available. www.eeromusic.com

Matt Hickenbotham and Jon Armstrong have concurrently quit the Lab. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Kevin Barry and bassist Jeff Church will unveil the new lineup during a show with Matt Marka, Ultra Blue, and Grant Essig at Cicero’s Feb. 4.

Lord Baltimore has called it a day.

Encouraging, Supporting, Promoting Women will celebrate its fourth anniversary during the “Make It Happen” retreat at the Sheraton at Westport. The gala takes place Jan. 27–28. For more information, call 314-995-5094.

The new Mansion Studios location is reported to near completion with an opening date scheduled soon after the New Year. www.centerforrecordingarts.org, www.djtrackstar.com

“HOT, HOT, HOT,” a fun-filled, hands-on experience including tropical games, sand castle building, and live steel drum music, takes place at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House (15193 Olive Blvd., Faust Park, Chesterfield) Jan. 21from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Alvin Jett & the Phat noiZ Blues Band have advanced to the semifinals of the Blues Foundation’s Best Self-Produced CD Award.

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, Tear Down the Walls, an original album, will be debuted during a free, multicultural, interfaith community concert Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at the 1,600-seat University City High School auditorium (7401 Balson Ave.). The Anti Defamation League–sponsored activity utilizes the power of popular rock music to engage teens in the work of breaking down bias and prejudice in their communities. The CD is available though the album’s producer, St. Louis artist Rick Recht (www.rickrecht.com), for $15.

Every Friday night, Cummel’s Café (1627 Washington Ave.) has folk/songwriter/indie rock shows. The all-ages shows start at 7 p.m. and are $5. For the lineup and more info, visit www.myspace.com/cummelscafe. For booking info, contact David at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

The Curious Teapot exhibit is running Jan. 13–March 5 at Craft Alliance. This exhibit examines national and regional artists’ interpretations of the teapot form in various media, including clay, fiber, glass, and metal. A special preview party for the exhibit will be held Jan. 12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Space is limited and tickets can be purchased for $25 per person. For more details, call 314-821-8232.

Bruno David Gallery’s next installation, a one-person exhibition by celebrated St. Louis artist Kim Humphries, will hold an opening reception Jan. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Bruno David Gallery is located at 3721 Washington Blvd. For more info, call 314-531-3030, visit www.brunodavidgallery.com, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Local author Richard Skwiot has a new Web site dedicated to commercial freelance writing work. www.scribblescribble.com.