The Pageant   

Joe Edwards, Blueberry Hill's owner and the Delmar Loop's foremost patron, is known for his attention to detail and his tendency to get things right. Thus it comes as no surprise that his latest project, the Pageant Theatre, is a gorgeous venue and five-star addition to the St. Louis music scene. Built in 2000 and located on the far eastern edge of the Delmar Loop, the Pageant boasts a maximum seating capacity of 2,000 -- with an open area near the stage -- sloped to accommodate audience height differences. The place is comparable to the old American Theatre but boasts superior acoustics, facilities and parking. Look for the Pageant to attract high caliber national acts all year long. Reserved seating and general admission formats vary from show to show, as do age restrictions. In addition to the theater, Edwards has opened the Halo Bar in the front of the house to accommodate pre-concert revelers and post-show stragglers. -- Brian Diedrick