Vocalist extraordinaire Charles Glenn held everyone’s attention at the beginning of St. Louis Blues’ games for 19 years, with his impressive performances of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
But even though he retired at the end of the season, just as the team won its first Stanley Cup championship, never fear – you will soon have the opportunity to hear him sing again at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ Summer Block Party on Thursday, July 25.
In recognition of Glenn’s contributions to the city, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson declared June 9 “Charles Glenn Day,” the date of his final Blues national anthem performance.
Glenn has been involved with music all of his life. The son of an accomplished opera singer, he has performed at events throughout the region and has been the opening act for artists like Smokey Robinson, the Allman Brothers and Huey Lewis and the News. He performed a series of limited engagements with Grammy Award-winning group, The Fifth Dimension. He also sang the national anthem and “God Bless America” for the St. Louis Rams versus the New York Giants football game two weeks after Sept. 11, 2001. And this St. Louis icon will help power The Rep’s Summer Block Party.
The event serves as both an introduction to the theater’s new artistic director, Hana S. Sharif, as well as a celebration of the community The Rep calls home. Party goers will have the opportunity to meet and talk with Sharif, who will be on hand to share her vision for The Rep.
Other attractions will include food trucks, like Guerrilla Street Food, Street Life and Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream, lawn games, children’s activities, Q&As and demonstrations from Rep artists, and more. One complimentary beer per attendee (age 21 or over with valid ID) will be provided by Llywelyn’s Pubs and Urban Chestnut – while supplies last.
The Rep’s Summer Block Party will run from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, at the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road in Webster Groves, Missouri. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit repstl.org/blockparty.
