Gene Simmons to rock the Pageant with local opening act contest winners,

AND

Update to Saint Louis Wizard World Comic Con Celebrity Guest appearances.

 

— By Sean Derrick

Legendary rocker Gene Simmons of KISS fame will be performing a concert at The Pageant in Saint Louis Saturday night, April 8 and is looking for a local act to open for him.

Simmons, who will be appearing as part of a partnership with Wizard World, Inc., will be presenting “An Evening with Gene Simmons and his Band” at The Pageant (6161 Delmar Blvd). Tickets are available at The Pageant box office and online HERE. Prices start at $30 and doors open at 7 pm. Special meet and greet packages are also available, as well.

Simmons will be in town also to appear at the Wizard World Comic Con on Friday and Saturday April 7 and 8 to greet fans, sign autographs and pose for photo ops while also conducting an interactive fan Q&A.

However, the most interesting news came from Simmons this week that he is seeking an opening act from the Saint Louis area. That’s right, any band from the Saint Louis area can enter for a chance to perform a minimum of a 35 minute set, get their own dressing room, and each member can bring two guests at no charge to the show.

Bands must enter the contest by submitting a video link to openingact@wizardworld.com, specifying “St. Louis Opening Act” in the subject line, by Monday April 3 to be considered. Simmons, himself, will select one group from among the entrants to perform before his show on April 8.

The winner will be announced live on the KSHE (94.7 FM) radio station by Gene at 2:30 p.m. CT on April 7, the day before the show, and notified by email and/or telephone. The winner will also be posted on the Pageant website and on social media channels. The winning band should arrive at 6 p.m. on the 8th for soundcheck.

“There is so much talent in St. Louis and this is a great opportunity for regional musicians to be a part of a great event and showcase their talent at a classic venue,” said Simmons. “I’m looking forward to seeing some talented and enthusiastic bands to choose from for what will be a historic night.”

 

Update to Comic Con Celebrity Guests:

Due to filming conflicts Lou Ferrigno and Michael C. Hall had to withdraw from this year’s events, as did Barry Bostwick and James Remar. However, their replacements will make fans scream.

Evan Peters ( X-Men films, “American Horror Story”), Paul Wesley (“Vampire Diaries”), James and Oliver Phelps (Harry Potter movies), Nichelle Nichols (who played Lt. Uhura in the original “Star Trek” series and films),  and WWE® Superstar Randy Orton® have joined the celebrity roster for the pop culture extravaganza, scheduled for April 7-9 at America’s Center.

Peters and the Phelps brothers will attend on Saturday and Sunday, April 8-9, while Wesley and Orton are scheduled for Saturday only.

Peters stars in the long-running series “American Horror Story” and has the major role of “Quicksilver” in both X-Men: Apocalypse and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
He also had memorable parts in Kick-Ass and Never Back Down and was also featured in the thriller The Lazarus .

Nichelle Nichols is a legend among sci fi fanatics as she gained fame and notoriety from her role as Communications Officer Lt. Uhura in the original “Star Trek” television series and subsequent films. Her role was so significant that the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said of her role at the time as the fourth in command of the Starship Enterprise was  “The first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history.”

Wesley portrays lead “Stefan Salvatore” on the hit CW show “Vampire Diaries” and has also had runs on “Everwood,” “American Dreams,” “8 Simple Rules and “24.” His film credits include Peaceful Warrior, opposite Nick Nolte, cult favorite Roll Bounce, and Agnieszka Holland’s HBO film Shot in the Heart, among others.

The Phelps twins gained fame for playing Fred (James) and George Weasley (Oliver), respectively, in the Harry Potter film series. The pair were first cast in the Weasley roles at age 14 and have been mainstays through the blockbuster franchise’s more than a decade run. Now all grown up (to more than 6’3″ tall!), have kept busy with various shorts and video games between episodes of the blockbuster franchise.

Orton (who was born and raised in the Saint Louis area) was born a WWE® Superstar. From the moment he was hatched, The Viper walked among the ring’s most revered figures, even calling one of them “dad.” His father is WWE® Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton, his uncle Barry “Barry O” Orton and his grandfather, the late “The Big O,” Bob Orton Sr., all among the most fierce and rugged grapplers of their generations.

For more information please visit http://wizardworld.com/comiccon/st-louis