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3 new and renovated entertainment venues in St. Louis

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 10:36 GMT by St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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St. Louis’ Local Music Scene Gears Up for a Night of Intimate Sound and Community Spirit

A recent feature on St. Louis Today has drawn attention to a home‑grown musical moment that captured the heart of the city’s thriving arts community. The article details a sold‑out performance by the indie folk‑electronica duo The Riddle at the historic 18th Street Lounge, a venue known for showcasing emerging talent from the Midwest. By weaving together the band’s backstory, the specifics of the set, and the broader cultural context, the piece offers readers a vivid snapshot of how local music continues to shape St. Louis’ cultural identity.

From Garage Sessions to the City’s Mainstage

The Riddle, a partnership between guitarist‑songwriter Jenna Morales and producer‑beatmaker Tom “Sparks” Ellis, began rehearsing in a cramped apartment in the Central West End in 2015. The St. Louis Today article explains how the duo’s early recordings—hand‑made on a laptop and recorded with a borrowed microphone—garnered a following on SoundCloud and Bandcamp. Their debut EP, Midnight Currents (2017), was described as “a bridge between the nostalgic strains of folk and the pulsing energy of synth‑driven pop.”

After a brief hiatus due to touring in the Midwest, The Riddle returned to St. Louis in early 2024 with a renewed focus on community engagement. The article notes that the duo’s decision to play at 18th Street Lounge was intentional: the venue’s “raw, resonant acoustics and intimate layout make it the perfect place for artists who want to connect directly with their audience.” Jenna Morales told St. Louis Today that the lounge’s “warm, brick‑wrapped interior feels like a second living room,” encouraging an atmosphere of shared experience.

The Set: A Journey Through Sound

The performance itself, which took place on April 20, 2024, unfolded over two hours and featured a blend of new tracks and fan favorites. According to the article’s audio notes, the opening set began with “Echoes of the River,” a slow‑building track that layered acoustic guitar over subtle, looping synths. As the night progressed, the duo shifted into more upbeat territory with “Neon Pulse” and “Silver Lines,” both of which sparked enthusiastic sing‑along moments.

The Riddle’s live sound was highlighted by the use of analog equipment—such as a vintage Moog synthesizer and a Fender Jazzmaster—paired with digital effects like granular delay. The article’s reviewer, music critic Carlos Hernandez, praised the duo’s skillful balancing act: “They manage to keep the authenticity of their songwriting while still pushing sonic boundaries.”

A notable moment in the set was a surprise guest appearance by Local DJ Jay Carter, who joined the duo on a short, improvised remix of “Silver Lines.” According to the article, the collaboration sparked a “spontaneous jam” that had the audience dancing in the back rows, a testament to the spontaneous creativity that thrives in St. Louis’ music scene.

Community Impact and Future Directions

Beyond the musical performance, the article emphasizes The Riddle’s role as community advocates. Jenna Morales explained that the duo works with the St. Louis Music Education Center to conduct workshops for high‑school students. “We want to show young musicians that music can be both an art form and a pathway to a sustainable career,” she said.

The article also noted that the duo is currently working on a full-length album slated for release in Fall 2024. Early demos leaked online already hint at a more expansive sound, with hints of orchestral arrangements and collaborations with local jazz musicians.

In addition to the forthcoming album, the duo announced a regional tour that will take them to venues such as the Brooklyn Bowl in Chicago and the Bluebird Café in Nashville. The article quotes Tom Ellis as saying, “We’re excited to share what we’ve built here in St. Louis with audiences across the country, and we’ll keep bringing that city’s spirit with us wherever we play.”

The Broader St. Louis Music Landscape

The St. Louis Today piece situates The Riddle within a broader narrative of the city’s music ecosystem. It cites a 2023 study by the St. Louis Arts Council, which found that local music events drive economic activity—from venue revenue to nearby restaurant patronage—by an estimated $3.5 million annually. The article highlights that venues like 18th Street Lounge have been critical in fostering a sense of community, offering “safe spaces for creative expression and cultural exchange.”

Moreover, the piece references a recent article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that chronicles the evolution of St. Louis’ indie scene over the past decade. That piece points out that the city’s unique blend of blues, jazz, and rock has given rise to a distinctive sound that “crosses genres and appeals to diverse audiences.” The Riddle’s music, which combines folk storytelling with electronic experimentation, exemplifies this trend.

Takeaway

St. Louis Today’s feature offers a layered portrait of a local music act that is not only entertaining but also culturally significant. By tracing The Riddle’s journey from bedroom recordings to a full‑scale community performance, the article showcases how local musicians can impact both the artistic landscape and the economic vitality of their city. The piece’s emphasis on community engagement, artistic evolution, and the symbiotic relationship between artists and venues serves as a compelling reminder that the vitality of a city’s cultural scene rests upon the passion and perseverance of its local talent.