You’ve probably heard mentions of a new Cherokee Street event this month, Spookapalooza. Luckily, we had the opportunity to interview the one making it all happen, Nanyamka Ewing. Ewing gave us a peek into what we should expect at the first Spookapalooza and why Cherokee Street is the perfect home for the Halloween crawl.
For starters, can you give us a brief background on you and what you do?
A little information about me — my name is Nanyamka Ewing. I have a ten-year-old daughter. I’m also a student at Lindenwood University studying for my bachelors in HR Management and will be graduating this year in December. I am the lead singer, bass player, and manager of the band Mammoth Piano. I have a background in sales, management, recruiting, training and development, fashion, styling, graphic design, crafting, various types of artistry, and event planning. Since I started my band in 2017, I wanted to do more than just play a show. I wanted to create a memorable experience for our friends and fans. I found that there is a ton of opportunities to create and collaborate with individuals and organizations in St. Louis, and work alongside very talented people to create a better city experience and music scene.
Why did you choose to host Spookapalooza on Cherokee Street?
I’ve always been drawn to the energy of the community on Cherokee Street and the south city area. I have attended several street events like Cinco De Mayo, Print Bazaar, and viewed the Lo-Fi videos that highlight local musicians each year. Cherokee Street is one of those places when you are there enough it feels like home. If you’re feeling down or out of sorts and want to detach from the harshness of our reality, you can find like-minded people with similar interests and find comfort in a welcoming community.
What should attendees expect at Spookapalooza? Why should people come?
The participation venues include Foam, Whiskey Ring, The Fortune Teller Bar, The B-Side, The Juice, Propaganda, Yaquis, and The Livery on Cherokee. Sponsored by Urban Chestnut, WellBeing Brewery, Elaine’s on Cherokee, and Artist Art. Local artist, Jason Spencer made this incredible flyer for the event which speaks volumes for the amount of talented people in this city. This event will also feature an eclectic mix of musicians and performers locally and nationally known. Halloween is celebrating the lovers of fun and imagination. What better place to celebrate this holiday than Cherokee Street?
We encourage people to dress up for this event. We’re having a costume contest with prizes that include Cherokee business gift certificates, merchandise from musical artists, and products from UCBC.
General Admission is $10 and covers access to the participating venues as well as discounts on local shops and UCBC products. The price for VIP admission is $25. VIP ticket holders will enjoy a private lounge at Artist Art (2643 Cherokee Street) with complimentary food and beverages provided by UCBC, WellBeing Brewing, and Elaine’s.
Celebrate Halloween this year on Cherokee Street with Spookapalooza on Oct. 27th from 12p to 1am. Discounted UCBC beers will be sold on the corner of Cherokee Street + Texas Avenue; specials at each participating venue are TBA. Check out Nebula members, Leverage Dance Theater’s show, “The Forgotten” at Intersect Arts Center and receive a 50% discount on a GA ticket to Spookapalooza. For more information on the event and tickets visit the Spookapalooza Facebook event.
