Charles ''Skeet" Rodgers and the Inner City Blues Band make their Longshots debut at Fairmount Park Casino & Racing on January 9, 2026 (7-10pm). Free Show!
My musical journey began on the East Side of the Mississippi River when I was 19 years old. Playing classic rock covers wasn’t doing it for me. Long before stepping on stage in downtown St. Louis, I would steal away to learn directly from the Originators in just about every neighborhood from Alorton to Wellston under the tutelage of David Dee, Big George Brock, Boo Boo Davis, Arthur Williams, Blues Boy Bubba (Emanuel Smith), Barbara Carr, and dozens of veteran musicians in their respective bands: the Hot Tracks, the House Rockers, The Untouchables, and more.
Every evening was a scene. It was hard to tell the artists from the audience. Everyone was dressed to the nines, and the connection between the performers on stage and the listening audience was like mortarless Mayan stonework— couldn’t slip the edge of a knife between the stones.
Needless to say, the intimidation factor was unreal. Not because anyone was unfriendly, but when another band rolled up into the club, all suited up like a syndicate, well, Iron Sharpens Iron.
Skeet may or may not have been a “rival”, in a Muddy Waters vs. Howlin’ Wolf sort of way, but his reputation as a formidable performer and bandleader would send a chill down my spine whenever he showed up, and his ability to absolutely own the room and effortlessly up everybody’s game remains an inspiration to this day.
That was 25 years ago. Skeet and his supporting musicians have relentlessly been bringing the heat ever since. Now that I’m back in St. Louis, I’m on a Mission to do what I can to shine a light on the OG musicians who inspired and shaped me as a performer in my own right—I’m still trying to live up to their level.
That’s why I’m so excited to see Skeet and the Inner City Blues Band kick off their 2026 monthly residency at Longshots (a venue that is going above and beyond) tonight.
I know the band is going to bring their “A” game. I know the venue and staff is going to go all out for guest experience. And I HOPE that anyone who reads this will join us at this hidden gem of a venue tonight and/or spread the word loud and proud.
#stlouisknowstheblues
