Ron Stevens shows up with a grin and a vault of St. Louis rock stories, and we let him run—so get your running shoes on! We venture through the Imperial Awards (the Hall of Fame got fancier), which occurs November 20 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center (210 East Monroe) with tickets via Metrotix. You’ll hear why the ceremony was renamed (as a nod to Club Imperial) and how that club’s integrated audiences in the ’60s and ’70s made it a cultural touchstone. Ron teases the Aardvarks as the house band (they haven’t shared a stage since President Reagan), and the evening promises vintage tunes, reunions, and surprises—Mike Krensky will even belt out “The Cheater” alongside the band. We also get into who’s getting honored and why: musicians like Fontella Bass and Full Moon Consort, radio pioneers such as DJ Spider Burks and John Beck, plus local institutions and behind-the-scenes folks (think Music Land Records, Tony Roldan, and more). The voting process? Mostly public nominations and votes—so you have a say. On top of the glitz, there’s a big heart. For the Society’s charity work, all profits from The Imperial Awards this year will benefit Central Visual & Performing Arts High School. There will also be special tributes — including one for David Surkamp of Pavlov’s Dog and his late wife Sarah — that turn the show into a living memorial as much as a party. If you love St. Louis music lore, this is an evening you won’t want to miss![00:00] Classic Rock Honors Tease[00:31] Hosts Intro[01:17] Quote & Guest Intro[01:50] Meet Ron Stevens[02:59] Society Origins Mission[03:52] COVID Fundraiser Success[05:11] Imperial Awards Logistics[06:53] Aardvarks Reunion Band[08:37] Inductees And Voting[12:54] Why Imperial Awards Name[14:51] Outside Influences Explained[17:25] Tributes And Special Guests[21:50] Break And Sponsor Spots[24:10] Back From Break Radio Talk[25:06] KSHE Rivalries Memories[26:13] Origin Of KSHE Pig[27:18] Radio Career Origin Story[28:30] Kicked Off Live On Air[30:50] Weekend Shift Breakthrough[32:07] Meeting Joy After Midnight[34:10] Restoring Soulard Dream House[35:21] Fountain on Locust Legacy[35:43] Selling During COVID Shift[37:23] Restaurant Advice And Doubters[40:29] Imperial Awards Ticket Plug[43:42] Days Of The Day Banter[44:40] Halloween Mansion And SLIFF[46:35] Jokes Segment Rapid Fire[49:33] Comedy Albums And Opening Acts[51:10] Charlie Daniels Hat Story[51:43] Final Thanks And Sign OffTakeaways:

• We learned the St. Louis Classic Rock Preservation Society (now branded as the Imperial Awards) preserves regional music history while raising money for local charities — during COVID over $100,000 was raised to help live-entertainment workers.
• You should know the induction process is democratic: the public nominates and votes, so fans — not just industry insiders — decide who makes the Hall of Fame.
• We found out the ceremony moved from a banquet to a full theatrical production at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center on November 20th — buy your tickets on MetroTix and get there early for Aardvarks pre-show tunes.
• You’ll get true reunion vibes: inductees span musicians, DJs, record execs, venues and outside influences, which highlights how interconnected St. Louis’ music scene has always been.
• We’ll see heartfelt tributes and musical reunions — from the Aardvarks serving as house band to Mike Krenski singing “The Cheater,” plus a planned memorial performance for David and Sarah Surkamp.
• You’ll appreciate the society’s cultural nod: naming the awards “Imperial” honors Club Imperial’s integrated, influential crowds in the 1960s–70s — a big, important part of St. Louis music history.
• We heard Ron and Joy’s backstory about radio, restaurateur-ship, and historic-home restoration — proof that one passionate couple can reshape neighborhoods, preserve culture, and throw an unforgettable Halloween party.

• St Louis Classic Rock Preservation Society with Hall of Fame Information
• Facebook – St. Louis Classic Rock Preservation Society
• Metrotix – The Imperial Awards
• Facebook – The Imperial Awards

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com#stlouisrock #stlouisrockpreservationsociety #imperialawards #halloffameceremoney #kirkwoodperformingarts #ksheradio