Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center

Description

If it's avant-garde or DIY, it's at the Lemp. This multi-purpose, non-profit space is a frequent host to both art and music shows, from bands so far off the radar that Google doesn't know their name to internationally renowned masters of instrument. Jaime Stewart, frontman of histrionic avant-rock group Xiu Xiu, refuses to play anywhere else in St. Louis. The Lemp's ethos are commendable - shows are never more than $5 and always all-ages, so they're mindful of the youngsters; the only intoxicant available is acrid black coffee in Styrofoam cups. Lemp Director Mark Sarich also hosts Orchestrating Diversity, a summer program teaching inner-city high schoolers to play classical instruments. There's a tangible sense of community among the art-damaged regulars, and "DIY or DIE" is their cattle call.