Brooklyn-bred, LA-based High Places is cooler than me. No seriously, I’ve been listening for a week, trying to grasp where they fall in line with my ear for music and grasp on language. The frustration I encountered in an attempt at categorization is reasonable. Simply put, the duo of Rob Barber and Mary Pearson make genuinely interesting, thoughtful music by employing all manner of traditional and non-traditional instruments, anchored by Pearson’s masterful control of her siren voice. It’s work I can’t wait to see come together live this weekend. Here’s why:

There’s once again plenty to do this Saturday. I suggest you start the evening by heading down to the completely free, wide open, BYOB (no glass, duh) concert at the Old Post Office Plaza hosted by Luminary Center for the Arts. Blending music and visual art isn’t a brand new idea, but the Post Performance series features buzz bands surrounded by work from St. Louis artists, and it’s all situated in the heart of Downtown. It sounds unique because it is; I’ve yet to find a better blend of seamless outdoor show execution with a distinctly welcoming and organic crowd feel.

Ra Calium’s remix of US English (What Frontier)

A particularly poignant “Post” memory dates back over a year ago when IWTAS was just beginning. I sat with a couple recently acquired friends and watched Theodore play as the sun went down. Buildings towered over us as a lovely installation piece towered over and behind the band. We felt like a picture of a picture, and it was damn near perfect.

This weekend’s performance features the smart, infectious combination of our own US English and Ra Calium. More info right here.