* St. Louis-based luthier Chris Kroenlein and his K-Line Guitars were the subjects of a feature story in Guitar magazine.
* As part of the recent series of shows by Pink Floyd tribute act El Monstero, The Pageant, St. Louis-based sound and lighting contractor Logic Systems, and other vendors tested out new procedures and techniques for putting on shows with reduced COVID risk, and writer Kevin Mitchell reported on their efforts for the trade magazine Production Lighting and Sound News.
* Electronic musician and DIY promoter Josh Levi was the featured guest on the first episode of the new podcast "Dynanics Of."
* Saxophonist Greg Osby (pictured) in October did a live-streamed performance with pianist John Chin and bassist Lonnie Plaxico for the online Woodwind Fest 2020, which now has been archived on YouTube.
* Ending a year that already has seen more than the usual share of death and tragedy, St. Louis lost two more veterans of the local music scene in the latter half of December.
On Tuesday, December 15, cellist Tracy Andreotti died at age 55. She was the principal cellist for Union Avenue Opera and a founding member of the Vernacular String Trio, the Perihelion Trio, and the Trinity Piano Trio. Andreotti also performed with the St. Louis Philharmonic, the New City Chamber Orchestra, the Gateway Festival Orchestra, and various string quartets and chamber music groups, including a seven-year stint with the contemporary music ensemble Synchronia. In addition to playing notated music, she also was an improvisor, frequently performing in various events presented by New Music Circle and the Nu-Art Series, and collaborating with visual artists, dancers, poets, and many other musicians. No cause of death was disclosed; arrangements were handled privately by Hutchens Funeral Homes.
Then on Friday, December 25, pianist Charles Creath died at age 68 after what his St. Louis Post-Dispatch obituary called "a short illness." The grandson of famed 1920s and 30s multi-instrumentalist Charlie Creath, Creath played all sorts of music in his long career, but was best known for his work as musical director for the St. Louis Black Rep and as pianist and artistic director of touring group The Gospel People. Creath's passing also was noted by an obituary in the St. Louis American. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.
