Local music legend featured in March 6 film & concert

North County native Steve Scorfina, a founding member of REO Speedwagon, is the subject of a documentary playing at The Savoy on March 6.

Bring up the subject of music in Ferguson and it’s only a matter of time before somebody mentions Michael McDonald. The famous singer/songwriter, who played in both Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, grew up in Ferguson, of course. But the local musicians who collaborated with him back then and who went on to achieve their own successes – that’s a story rarely told. Until now.

On March 6, the life and work of guitarist Steve Scorfina will be showcased in a documentary film called “Old Dog, New Trick,” and wow, is this an intriguing North County tale! Scorfina played with McDonald in a (McCluer) high school band called Mike and the Majestics in the 1960s, then eventually went on to become the founding guitarist of REO Speedwagon and later a member of the popular St. Louis “prog rock” band, Pavlov’s Dog.

During the 1970s, he was thrown full-speed into the crazy world of rock and roll, experiencing all the sex and drugs that went along with it. In the 80s, he penned songs that Alice Cooper and the Smashing Pumpkins would later cover and spent several years collaborating with Mike Somerville of Head East.

Today, at age 60, Scorfina is still rockin’ but he also works as a scrappy antiques dealer and flea market vendor, which makes for quite a compelling documentary. Filmmakers Thomas Crone and Mike Steinberg have created an entertaining, very personal flick that reveals someone who has seen and done an awful lot in his lifetime, but who, at the end of the day, is really just a guy who loves music.

When “Old Dog, New Trick” premiered at last fall’s St. Louis International Film Festival, it was one of the “top ten must-see” entries. For the March 6 showing, filmgoers will not only be able to watch this celebrated documentary (and spot some area locations), they’ll also be treated to a live concert by the guitarist himself!

Scorfina will perform songs from his CD “Dog Trax” and will be joined by special guest Ave Maria Clay and members of Good Feelin’, his 1970s St. Louis psychedelic band.

If you like great storytelling and good old-fashioned rock and roll, be sure not to miss this exciting event! Tickets are $12 in advance ($15 at the door) and can be purchased at the NAC Gallery, Thyme Table Cafe, CORK Wine Bar, Scotty’s Music, Euclid Records, Star Clipper, Glad Rags, and all CD & Music Reunion stores.

“Old Dog, New Trick” will play at 7pm on Saturday, March 6, at the historic Savoy, 119 S. Florissant Rd, 63135. Doors open at 6pm.

OLD DOG NEW TRICK trailer from Mike Steinberg on Vimeo.

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