J U N E 2 022
Coming Soon!
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Breathtaking 5 bedroom, 5 bath home in downtown Kirkwood. Total renovation of existing home and grand addition with an open floor plan, large office, and a gorgeous covered porch that extends living space outdoors! Second floor features primary suite and a family room. 10 ſt pour finished lower level. 4 car spaces. Call to schedule your private showing today!
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Men, Cars & Guitars
June 2022 PUBLISHER
Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com EDITOR
Kate Baxendale | kate.baxendale@citylifestyle.com
Ask any man about their first car or their favorite concert. They instantly become transported back in time. Men will smile nostalgically as they recall driving around town with high school friends crammed in their car, or reliving the unforgettable experience of hearing their favorite band play live. Cars and guitars are a common denominator among men. It's no wonder that thousands of people pour into the streets for Kirkwood's annual Cars & Guitars Festival. This year—with over 100 classic cars on display and two stages filled with live music from Dr. Zhivegas, Nashvegas, The Blue Sparks, Black Magic: The Santana Experience, Southside Creole Playboys, and Retro Boogie—there is something for everyone. If you haven't been to the festival and don't know much about it, this issue is for you. We share the stories of how the festival started and how the guitar found its way to Kirkwood. My favorite thing about this issue is that we feature community leaders, movers and shakers who champion collaboration, conversation, getting together, and dancing in the streets. Cars and guitars symbolize what unites us, inspires us, and moves us forward. Man, that's pretty cool.
RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER @KIRKWOODCITYLIFESTYLE
MAR KET SUPPORT MANAGER
Christy Ridenhour AD DESIGNER
Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER
Antanette Ray CONTR IBUTING WR ITER
Beth Glennon CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S
Mark Borella, Bill Burckhalter, Danny Zofness, Sekontry, Carey Campbell
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
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Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirkwood City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Kirkwood area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Kirkwood City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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JUNE 2022
inside the issue The Gentlemen’s Issue
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34
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
14 Discovering His Truth Through Music
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
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Business Monthly
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Must See
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Our Town
22
Local Limelight
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Local’s Choice
LI FE + C U LT U R E
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Travel Journal
T R AV EL
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Giving Back
Matt Jordan on His Debut Album, “The Gamble”
18 Cars & Guitars
The Origin Story of the Much-Anticipated Annual Event in Downtown Kirkwood
22 Movers & Shakers
Five Influential Men Discuss Everything from First Cars and Favorite Drinks to Being a Dad
34 The Philanthropist of Phillips 66
The Story of the Iconic Guitar at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Mark Borella Mark Borella is a local artist, sculptor, and professional photographer who perfectly captured this work of art from Brian Watson, a metals sculptor in Augusta, Missouri. See more of Mark’s art work at MarkBorellaFineArt.com
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access to fine dining, wonderful musical entertainment and countless recreation activities at this faith-based, not-for-profit senior living community. So set the worries of home ownership aside while you continue to live as you always have—active and engaged in the community, enjoying the company of family and friends.
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JUNE 2022
city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1
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1: Linda Ross - KSDF Board President, Stephanie Collet - KSDF Executive Director, Leslie Huggins - KSDF Board Director 2: Liz Soell, Stephanie Collet - KSDF Executive Director, Jessica Prosperi - KSDF Board of Directors, Maureen Berry 3: Caroline Young - KSDF Board of Directors, Rich & Megan Daniels - Owners of Amigos’s Cantina & Kirkwood Pop Co., Kendall Young 4: Katie Hingle, Stephanie Keller, Amy Morff, Patty Werner 5: Mike Gibbons, Pam Shadwick, Liz Gibbons, Doug and Cindy Coombs 6: Darnell Frost – Former KSD Board of Education, John Moticka & Judy Moticka - KSD Board of Education 7: Thomas & April Curtis, Nick Walker - KSDF Board of Directors
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @KirkwoodCityLifestyle
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C I T Y SC E N E
JUNE 2022
business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Monster in the Gym, Master on the Grill Greg Bardley combined his passion for fitness with his love of barbecue and has launched Dumbbells & Barbecue Sauce now available in 82 Schnucks Markets. This delicious sauce has 60 calories, 15 grams of carbs, 13 grams of sugar per serving, gluten free, has no MSG and no High Fructose Corn Syrup. Perfect for burgers, wings, over meatballs, or as a chili base and ideal for people wanting to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Photography By Carey Campbell
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Have you Tasted Jack's? Jordan Franks and his wife, Alex, have launched Taste of Jack's Salsa, available locally at the Kirkwood Farmers' Market and at The Annex in Webster Groves. With fun flavors like Unicorn, Spice, Sassy and Magic, it's no surprise that this family business continues to sell out all around town. "We consider ourselves ‘foodies,’ so we KNOW good flavor when it hits the taste buds," said Jordan. Shop locally or online at TheTasteOfJacks.com. Photography By Danny Zofness
The Swaleh Team wants you to have the most favorable deal on the table and is making it simple to compete with cash offers.
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Qualify for a Fairway Advantage® Pre-Approval. Use the Fairway Cash Guarantee with NO additional fees. If we don’t close by the contracted date for
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a financing reason, Fairway will buy the seller’s home or pay the seller $10,000. CONTACT US TODAY FOR FULL CRITERIA AND DISCLOSURES
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood
Leanne Pacheco Community Engagement Manager
NMLS#1609357 SwalehTeam@fairwaymc.com | 314.437.1127 Mike Swaleh & The Swaleh Team | NMLS#739145
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Photography By Sekontry
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M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT
Discovering His Truth Through Music LOCAL MUSICIAN MATT JORDAN ON HIS DEBUT ALBUM, “THE GAMBLE” ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEKONTRY
"I'm super restless, and I have no reason to be," Matt Jordan said. "I have everything I need in the world. But there is a restlessness inside me." After nine years of writing and recording songs in Nashville, this hometown singer-songwriter is ready to release his first album, "The Gamble." "I'll be releasing a new single every four weeks until the full album release on Oct. 25, 2022," said Matt. The first single, “The Good Fight,” was released in May on Spotify and was promoted on the radio. "It's a fun, upbeat summer song," said Matt. "The single coming out in June is called ‘Boulder.’ It's an angsty rock ‘n’ roll song. The hook is, "It ain't a chip on my shoulder/It's a boulder." Matt laughed and said, "It's a fun, in-your-face single." Matt has arranged the songs on the album to show a progression of growth and maturity. "The first couple of songs are restless, need-to-get-out-of-town, dreamer songs," said Matt. "But by the end, the songs are about the character realizing that it's OK to be where he is." Matt talked about how the last song on the album is a tribute to his family. "The song 'Cashing Out' is about me recognizing all the things my family put up with as I traveled back and forth from Nashville
over the last nine years. The hook is, 'Save my seat at the table/I'll be back around/ It ain't goodbye forever/but for now I'm cashing out.'" "The best advice I received when I was in Nashville was, 'Don't chase the radio.’ Over the past two years, I've had so much time to be intentional and figure out who I am as an artist and writer. The songs I write are the songs I write, and it's taken intentionality to stay true to my music instead of trying to sound like something on the radio." With his heartfelt lyrics and vocal stylings of a young Bruce Springsteen, it's easy to see why Matt instantly connected with the audience when he recently opened for Chris Lane at The Pageant. And of all the concert venues in St. Louis, Matt has chosen The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center for his album release concert on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Can't wait till November to see him live? Matt will take the stage on Thursday, June 9, at the Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District Summer Concert Series from 6:30–9 p.m. Head over to MattJordanSongWriter. com to hear Matt's music catalog and see excellent concert footage.
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I F YO U A R E R E A D I N G T H I S . . . S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.
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L E A R N M O R E AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / K I R K W O O D
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Cars &
Guitars
The Origin Story of the Much-Anticipated Annual Event in Downtown Kirkwood 18
O UR TOWN | ENTERTA INME NT
The classic cars were confirmed, and the musical acts were booked. After months of planning, everyone was ready, but no one knew what to expect. "We didn't know how many people were going to show," said Art McDonnell, former Kirkwood mayor and co-chair of Cars & Guitars, recalling the evening of the first Cars & Guitars in 2017. The idea for Cars & Guitars originated after some key learnings from the Route 66 Festival featuring the 2015 Great Race Classic Car Rally. Donna Poe, executive director of the Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District and co-chair of Cars & Guitars, explained, "In 2015, The History Channel chose Kirkwood to launch The Great Race. We were all excited about the thought of having a festival celebrating classic cars arriving from around the region to start The Great Race." Despite the torrential rainstorm the day before, people did gather the next morning in Kirkwood to see the classic cars line up to start the race. "But when the cars left, the people left," said Donna. "We learned a lot after that event," noted Donna. "We learned how cool the cars looked in Downtown Kirkwood, and we learned that people came from beyond Kirkwood to see the cars. And we learned that even on a hot, steamy day after a huge storm, many people still showed up to see the cars. We knew there was an attraction to cars; we just didn't know what to do with it." Art and Donna met with Jim Wright, president of the Kirkwood – Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce at that time. They wanted to take everything good about the Route 66 Festival and create a similar event that supported the businesses downtown and included live music. The trio came up with the name Cars & Guitars and planned to launch the first event in downtown Kirkwood in June 2017 as an evening festival. The first order of business was confirming the classic cars. "Kirk Hutchison of Royal Banks introduced us to Herb Clark. Herb had connections to the classic car community," said Donna. Cars? Check. Now on to the guitars. With many years of experience running the Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District’s Summer Concert Series at Station Plaza, Donna had no problem sourcing the music acts.
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ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL M. BURCKHALTER JUNE 2 0 2 2
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“MY FAVORITE MOMENTS OVER THE YEARS ARE WHEN I HAVE THE CHANCE TO STEP TO THE SIDE FOR A MINUTE AND WATCH EVERYONE HAVING FUN. I LIKE THE MOMENTS WHEN I CAN SEE AND HEAR HOW MUCH FUN EVERYONE IS HAVING.” -DONNA POE
Art said, "Positioning one stage at each end of Jefferson Avenue required specific electrical expertise." Mark Petty of Kirkwood Electric jumped at the chance to be involved in the event. "Kirkwood Water supplied a water bottle filler machine. The Masons made funnel cakes. The Lions brought ice cream cones. The Optimists cooked hot dogs. And the Kirkwood Arts Commission handed out colorful beads," said Art. "We couldn't have pulled it off without the help of everyone on our committee," said Donna. The day before the event, Donna was finalizing some last-minute details. As she walked across Jefferson Avenue, no one could have predicted what happened next. "I was going to ask the Street Department to remove a trip hazard, and I tripped and fell myself," recalled
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O UR TOWN | ENTERTA INME NT
Donna. Twenty-four hours before the inaugural Cars & Guitars, Donna went home from the orthopedic surgeon's office with her fractured leg in a brace. After months and months of planning, it seemed unlikely that Donna would be able to attend the event. Art remembered Cars & Guitars' first night. "The streets were pretty quiet the morning of the event. Then suddenly, that night, people started pouring in. We must have had 8,000 people or more. I called Donna and said, 'You won't believe this; people are everywhere. I don't know how many people there are, but it's a lot. The restaurants are packed. This is a phenomenal success.'" Donna was determined to see for herself. "I got my daughter to pick me up," said Donna. "We put my wheelchair in her convertible, and she drove me to the event."
"There have been many great moments at Cars & Guitars over the years, but that was magic when Donna showed up in her daughter's convertible. That has been my favorite story so far," Art said with a smile. "My favorite moments over the years are when I have the chance to step to the side for a minute and watch everyone having fun. I like the moments when I can see and hear how much fun everyone is having," said Donna. "I'm delighted that people of all ages attend this event," said Art. "We have something for all different groups of people." There is something for everyone, with about 100 cars on display and music from every genre. Come join us this year Saturday, June 11, in Downtown Kirkwood.
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FIVE INFLUENTIAL MEN DISCUSS EVERYTHING FROM FIRST CARS AND FAVORITE DRINKS TO BEING DADS
Movers and Shakers ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY ZOFNESS We sat down with five influential men in our community and discussed everything from first cars and favorite drinks to best advice and being a dad. For this special Men’s Issue—and in honor of Father’s Day—here’s what they had to say.
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE
Mike Swaleh Fairway Independent Mortgage Area Manager
WHAT SONG DO YOU SING WHEN ALONE IN YOUR CAR?
WHAT IS YOUR MOST POPULAR COCKTAIL RECIPE?
Right now, it’s a song I sing to my almost-2-yearold son, Theo; it’s “River” by Leon Bridges.
Have you heard of a Blood and Sand? It’s a Scotch drink named after Rudolph Valentino’s 1922 bullfighter movie. I make a version of a Manhattan called Blood and Concrete, which is a nod to the Blood and Sand and to the city of Manhattan, the original Concrete Jungle. It’s the recipe everyone asks for.
DESCRIBE BEING A DAD. It’s the best and the worst and most wonderful and terrifying thing ever. Someone described it to me as wearing your heart on the outside of your body, and it absolutely is that.
DO YOU HAVE A BACKYARD BARBECUE PLAYLIST? I have a killer playlist called “Smoked Manhattan.” It’s a lot of R&B, Neo-Soul, Amy Winehouse, Leon Bridges, Anthony Hamilton, Ray LaMontagne…
DO YOU HAVE A GO-TO DRINK THAT YOU MAKE WHEN YOU ENTERTAIN? I make over 100 different types of Manhattans. I pick and choose and pair ingredients together. I will mix whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes with different bitters, vermouths, and garnishes and then add variations of shaking and stirring.
BLOOD AND CONCRETE • 2 ½ ounces Hudson 4-Grain Bourbon • ½ ounce Cocchi Torino Sweet Vermouth • ½ ounce Cherry Heering • 2 dashes Orange Bitters • Luxardo Cherry garnish • Orange twist Mix bourbon, vermouth, Cherry Heering and bitters in a mixing glass over ice and stir for about 10 seconds. Strain into glass over whiskey cube, then garnish with cherry and express the orange twist over the drink before dropping it in the glass as the final touch. Enjoy! JUNE 2 0 2 2
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Tom Murphy CEO of Sonus Benefits
FIRST CAR?
BEST ADVICE FOR YOUR KIDS?
When I was 15, I bought a 1972 bright orange AMC Gremlin called the Great Pumpkin. I saved enough money from working at The Donut Stop for two years to buy it and make it as cool as I could.
My favorite phrase is, “You only have so many sunsets.” There is a specific spot on at our lake house where go and we don’t come in until the sky turns from purple and pink to dark. The phrase will be on my tombstone.
DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? I don’t. However, I have a banjo that my daughters bought me because I want to learn how to play when I retire. It’s a happy instrument, and everyone smiles when they hear it.
WHAT DO YOU PAIR A STEAK WITH? I’m going to start with a Jameson Black Barrel Manhattan and then pair it with a red blend, like Cooper and Thief.
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE
FAVORITE DAD MOVIE? Because I have three daughters, it’s probably a tie between Steve Martin as George Banks in Father of the Bride or Brian Dennehy as “Big Tom” Callahan from Tommy Boy, which is my favorite movie, because he’s a big Irish guy and loved and believed in his son when others didn’t.
Brian Pfotenhauer Founder & President of Timberline Landscapes
BEST ADVICE YOUR DAD GAVE YOU?
WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE YOUR KIDS?
Be a leader but be humble. We are a lot alike. I like to be a leader, but not in the forefront.
I’ll teach them the exact same thing my dad taught me. I would love for my kids to become entrepreneurs. Eva is 10, and Jack is 7. My wife, Katie, and I don’t shy away from having tough conversations with my kids about lessons in life and in business.
WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT BEING A DAD? Around the time I was graduating college and wondering what to do with my life, my father said, “Brian, the hardest job you will ever have is being a father.” My dad was right. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I try to be a good dad and ask good questions to engage in meaningful oneon-one conversations with my kids.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? Snow skiing is my passion. I love going to the mountains any time of year. My favorite place to ski is Winter Park, Colorado. I also love sitting on our patio in Kirkwood, listening to country music.
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Don Anderson
Founder and Owner of Anderson Building Company
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? 1961 Sunbeam Alpine English Roadster – British Racing Green with wire wheels.
IF YOU WERE GOING TO HAVE A BACKYARD BARBECUE, WHAT WOULD YOUR PLAYLIST BE?
WHAT ARE YOU DRIVING NOW?
The Grateful Dead, 10,000 Maniacs, and The Cranberries.
A 1996 BMW Z3. I got it brand-new, and I won it. I went to Save-A-Lot for milk one night. They had the car sitting out in front of the store. They were about to raffle it off, and I asked, “Is it too late to put my name in the box?” They opened the box, and I dropped my raffle ticket in. And that was the one they picked. I’ve had that car ever since, and it officially became an antique this year.
FIRST CONCERT? King Crimson
FAVORITE CONCERT? Toad the Wet Sprocket
IF YOU WERE AT A TRIVIA NIGHT, WHAT CATEGORY WOULD DOMINATE? Everything but sports. I have a memory that is good for trivia.
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE
FIRST CAR? 1986 Honda CRX. It only took about $7 to fill up the tank, and I could run for almost two weeks. My parents wanted me to have that car because it was a two-seater. Despite that, I figured out how to get five kids in the car. BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FROM YOUR DAD? The example that my father set for me was how he treated people. He’s genuinely interested in people and having conversations, and I think that is a lost art. It was something that my dad modeled for me that I hope to carry on as my legacy for my kids. DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? I just received a guitar for my birthday, so I’m going to learn to play the acoustic guitar. I have childhood memories of family and friends who would sit around campfires and play songs, so I’m looking forward to teaching myself how to play. FAVORITE CONCERT? James Taylor
Jeff Daniels President of Audi Kirkwood
DO YOU GRILL? One of my only talents in life might be making a filet mignon on the grill that rivals any steak house in America. I do the searing, the iron skillet with the sizzling butter. Pair that with any Silverado Trail Napa Valley Cabernet, and it’s a good party trick.
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Happy Father 's Day!
Celebrate Dad all Month! Dine In | Patio | Carryout Drive-Thru | Uber Eats OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY www.daliessmokehouse.com 2951 Dougherty Ferry Rd. (63122) Store: 636.529.1898 | Catering: 314.243.8740
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VIRTUAL EDITION REAL WORLD BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE. ONE COURSE AT A TIME.
The Enterprise University spring 2022 semester is here! Build your skills and advance your career with Enterprise University. Enterprise Bank & Trust has proudly hosted Enterprise University for nearly 20 years, and we’re excited to share it with Kirkwood Lifestyles readers. This semester’s course schedule has just been announced and registration is open. Join us to take advantage of: • 90-minute virtual webinars taught by industry experts who work in the field and live what they teach • A wide variety of course offerings—you can sign up for as many or as few as you’d like • No-cost courses where you learn best practices in finance, human resources, leadership, marketing and more Registration is required, so sign up soon.
EXPLORE THE COURSEBOOK AND RESERVE YOUR SEAT AT ENTERPRISEBANK.COM/EU
A Conversation with Mark Petty, Director of Kirkwood Electric Mark Petty
Musings about His Family, Career and What’s Next ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY ZOFNESS
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LOCA L’S CH OICE | L IFE + CULTURE
DESCRIBE YOUR DAD. My father was a former football player and the all-time leading rusher for Morehouse University. And he was a classmate of Martin Luther King, Jr. My father was a high school principal, a math teacher, and an accountant. Since both of my parents were teachers, they knew the importance of education. My dad also knew that being involved in sports was critical to keep me out of getting in trouble as I was growing up in urban Detroit. He signed me up for baseball when I was 7 years old. I played baseball, football, and basketball until I was 18. Being good at sports enabled me to be recruited by a private high school that focused heavily on academics. The school had a track record of sending its graduates to Ivy League colleges. Surprisingly, I didn't play sports at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). I thought it would be better to focus on my academics and work-study program. I worked in food service five days a week because I was hungry. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ATTEND MIT? Growing up, we lived two blocks away from the University of Detroit. By the way, my father was the first to obtain a master's degree from that location. A professor from the university lived across the street. He had graduated from MIT. One day, he was throwing some things away, and he asked me if I wanted one of his old MIT sweaters. I asked him, "What is MIT?" He told me that it was one of the best colleges for research and technology. He said people associated with the college were Nobel Prize winners, and they created sophisticated inventions and patents.
games on television, so I went to find the broken TV. I opened up the inside and saw that the picture tube was loose. I plugged the tube back in, and the TV came on. That was the moment I knew I would be an engineer. I wanted to keep figuring out ways to do fun things like watching hockey games. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FUN PROJECTS YOU HAVE WORKED ON? After graduating from MIT, I went back to Detroit to work for the city's public lighting department. That enabled me to do some cool things that contributed to Detroit city's rebirth. We put two stadiums on the ground and held the Super Bowl. Every time I turn on the Thanksgiving football game, I see the stadium I helped build. We took down the J.L. Hudson building, a department store that occupied an entire city block and stood as the tallest retail building in the world. We rebuilt that space into an area park with shopping, commercial, and residential spaces. My daughter recently visited Detroit and experienced the new downtown that I had a part in creating. WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? We are all about collaboration at "Team Kirkwood" and as part of the Kirkwood - Des Peres Chamber of Commerce. We learn a little bit from everyone's experience, and we use that to deal with issues. Who knows what future challenges are ahead of us, but I know that collaboration will help us perform during difficult times and continue to move us forward.
WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN ENGINEER? As we moved into our new house in 1967, my godfather dropped a small portable TV, and it stopped working, so we stored it in the basement. Later that year, I wanted to watch the hockey
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Photography Nathan Fluellen
Austin T X
Visit
Get Away to the Live Music Capital of the World and Discover All That Makes Austin an Unforgettable Domestic Travel Gem
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T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L
This month, our City Lifestyle family of travel enthusiasts are thrilled to collaborate with Visit Austin to introduce an exclusively curated guide to this lively destination paired with a GIVEAWAY* opportunity to win a 2-night trip for two, with round trip airfare from American Airlines! When it comes to luxury accommodations, one of the most stunning hotels in Austin is the Commodore Perry Estate. This striking and historic property, once a 10,800-square-foot private mansion known to host Jazz era social extravaganzas, has been transformed into a modern and European-influenced spectacular resort now open to the public.
Beyond Austin’s true soul foods of barbecue and Tex-Mex is an entire mix of palate pleasers, from upscale Mediterranean and Asian to James Beard award-winning eateries. Geraldine’s inside Hotel Van Zandt is one of Austin’s iconic Rainey Street destinations. But first you should start your day with a cup of joe from Jo’s Coffee. Known for its iconic “i love you so much” mural-clad exterior on South Congress Avenue, patrons come for the hot coffee, good food, cold beer and people-watching. As for Austin’s retail and local maker scene, 2ND Street District boasts a mix of boutiques and shops. For the gentlemen, embrace the full district experience, shopping League of Rebels, a bespoke experience with tailor made lifestyle wear, or Bonobos, the pioneers of custom fit chinos. Then enjoy a fresh shave from Austin’s premier Finley’s Barber Shop. With hundreds of live music venues, you have plenty of options available to soak up the sounds. ACL Live at The Moody Theater is home to the beloved Austin City Limits television show and hosts about 100 concerts year round.
WIN a 2-night GETAWAY to Austin! City Lifestyle and Visit Austin are giving one lucky winner and a guest the chance to explore Austin, TX with a uniquely curated hospitality itinerary filled with three days of complimentary hotel, food, entertainment and shopping experiences. This giveaway closes on June 30, 2022. The trip must be taken by the end of 2022. For a chance to win, follow @citylifestyle and @visitaustintx on Instagram and tag unlimited friends and family on the June 1st giveaway post for additional entries to win.
$4,000 AUSTIN GETAWAY FOR 2 INCLUDES: • Flights for 2 on American Airlines
Photography Visit Austin Photography Commodore Perry Estate
• 2-nights at Commodore Perry Estate: includes breakfast daily and valet parking • Dinner for 2 at Geraldine’s: Chef’s Tasting - an open-ended meal for two, including food and beverages (does not include gratuity) • Breakfast for 2 at Jo’s Coffee • Retail in downtown Austin’s 2ND Street District: • $500 to League of Rebels • $50 to Bonobos • $50 to Finley’s Barber Shop • Tickets for 2 to ACL Live show of choice at Moody Theater (subject to availability and not valid for ACL TV tapings) • DIY Projects + Drinks for 2 to Upstairs Circus
Scan the code to ENTER to WIN at @citylifestyle on Instagram! JUNE 2 0 2 2
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The Philanthropist of Phillips 66
ARTICLE BY BETH GLENNON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARY CAMPBELL
THE STORY OF THE ICONIC GUITAR AT THE KIRKWOOD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER An iconic piece of art stands at the center of Kirkwood’s Cars & Guitars festival. The towering Martin guitar was sculpted by Brian Watson, a local metal artist from Augusta, Missouri. Built over three years, the guitar is made from repurposed materials whose age and patina embody the beauty of the C. F. Martin heritage. “The guitar has a timeless D Series body shape with period Grover tuning machines that actually turn, and Martin’s legendary bracing pattern that supports the soundboard,” said Brian. All the metal materials were procured from Augusta and the surrounding area. Brian had the guitar on display in front of his art studio on Jackson Street in downtown Augusta. When Zoe Perkins, current Kirkwood Arts Commission Chair, drove by and saw it, she knew it would be perfect for the Cars & Guitars festival. After it became a festival favorite, the Cars & Guitars committee started to explore pathways to purchase the guitar for the city. Police Sergeant Dan Andert simply made one phone call to his friend, Tom Endres, to ask if he would help. “Dan called and asked if I would be interested in purchasing the guitar and donating it to the city,” recalled Tom. “I’m happy to help Dan and the police department anytime they ask.” Tom is the owner of the Phillips 66 Station in Downtown Kirkwood. “I bought the business when I was 23,” said Tom. “This is our 47th year in business.” The list of Tom’s donations to the police department includes the pristinely restored, vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycle on display in the lobby of the police department; Shop-With-A-Cop, food and drinks for the police officers and their families at their annual party in the park; restored roasters and barbecue pits; and police dogs. Thanks to Tom’s philanthropy, Kirkwood keeps strumming along with cool things.
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G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE
Sergeant Dan Andert and Tom Enders
JUNE 2 0 2 2
| C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KI R KWO O D
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