Over the Weekend: Idiots in Shopping Carts Downtown, The Magnetic Fields, Felix Cartal

Usually these weekly updates come with a tinge of grouchiness, and if you're a fan of Up in the Air, last night's Oscar snubs may still sting a bit. But, the weather's warming up and the winter that left icicles everywhere seems to be in its death throes. So we've got that going for us. Here's  recap of our weekend coverage.

The Magnetic Fields at the Pageant
The Magnetic Fields hadn't played St. Louis in more than five years before Saturday night. Writes music reviewer Mike Appelstein:

[The Magnetic Fields'] sold-out Pageant show featured the core band of Merritt, Gonson, violist Sam Davol and guitarist John Woo, augmented by vocalist/autoharpist Shirley Simms. Merritt claims to hate touring and performing, but he's developed the kind of repartee and self-confidence that can only come with two decades of playing live. He actually seems more relaxed onstage than ever. Sitting on a stool on one side of the stage, sheet music open, he resembled the band's musical director rather than its leader, and it's a role that suits him well. Read the full review here.

Felix Cartal at Sol Lounge
On Friday night, DJ Felix Cartal swung into St. Louis to play Sol Lounge. Nightlife photographer Egan O'Keefe brings back these laser-light-drenched photos from the party.

Idiotarod Downtown
The first-ever "Idiotarod" shopping cart race, to benefit Operation Food Search, was held on Saturday downtown, beginning at the new Old Post Office Plaza and carrying on to various check-points throughout downtown. Photographer Kholood Eid brings back this photo essay from the race, which included team names like "WTF Blankets," "The Village Idiots" and more.