Jan 5th: Give it up for Girl Talk

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

It appears that Lil Wayne won't be the only one bringing the party to St. Louis this week. Gregg Gillis, a.k.a. Girl Talk, has sold out his show at The Pageant on Thursday, and it's quite an accomplishment for a guy who was "just another DJ" a few years ago. Before the 2006 release of Night Ripper, it would be common for Gillis to do his thing in half-empty basements of 30 or so people. These days, he's filling rooms across the nation wherever he decides to put his DJ-dance "mashup" show on display.

So, what sets him apart? Well, for starters, on his latest album, Feed the Animals, Gillis has kept improving on what he does best - sampling. The album uses 300 samples in 14 tracks (more than 50 minutes of music) and he covers all genres (even Phil Collins and The Band's "The Weight" get nods). Simply put, there's a little something for everyone to dance and drink to. Plus, he's made his music accessible - you can still "pay what you want" and download the album online. Obviously, he has his fans on his mind, which has worked for other bands this decade—such as Radiohead and Wilco—to get their music out to as many people as possible.

One listen to Feed the Animals reveals that you'll want to be on your feet on Thursday, because The Pageant is bound to be full of energy. The live show often features Gillis being surrounded by dancers on stage while he keeps the party moving at a fast pace. Girl Talk is now that talk of many towns around the nation; for that, you've got to credit Gillis for his mainstream success.

If you're looking for a low-key event, Kristin Chenoweth will be performing with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra on Saturday at The Fox Theatre. This will mark Chenoweth's first trip to St. Louis, as well as the first performance by the full Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra at The Fox. It could be a special night.

Video to watch for the week of Jan 5th: