Beat Happenings

The Royale wises up: St. Louis hipsterati are always seen pounding Maker's Mark and dragging on Camels at south city's beloved stomping ground, the Royale (3132 South Kingshighway; 314-772-3600). But while it has long boasted Depeche-loving DJs, the establishment has recently come to realize what's been missing from its cool-kids agenda — live musicians! And in true Royale fashion, doing something new means doing it right: They've booked a free performance by indie rocker Wisely on Friday, May 19, at 7 p.m. Hipster nirvana!

Well, slap my chaps: ...and call me Calamity Jane! It's time for the 2006 Missouri Country Music Hall of Fame initiation (www.mocountrymusic.com) at Main Street Music Hall (5845 Highway 54, Osage Beach; 573-348-9500) on Sunday, May 21! This year's honorees are Leon Rausch, Stan Hitchcock, Roy Queen, Porter Wagoner, Wynn Stewart, Smokey Smith and Ferlin Husky, with performances by previous inductees Leona Williams, Dave Owens and Bill "Goofer" Atterberry. Enjoy dining with the stars at the 4:30 p.m. BBQ dinner (limited seating, $10), or just come for the show at 7 p.m. ($15 to $25). And top it off by entering a raffle for custom-made ostrich cowboy boots signed by the inductees! Yeehaw!

Convincing conviction: When singer-songwriter Leslie Clemmons comes to the area in support of her CD, Waiting for My Conviction, the troubadour will make the most of her time on Saturday, May 20. Catch Clemmons playing her Ani DiFranco-meets-Carole King tunes at the Borders Books & Music in Ballwin (15355-A Manchester Road, Ballwin; 636-230-2992) at 2 p.m. and at the Borders in Fairview Heights, Illinois (6601 North Illinois; 618-397-6097) at 8 p.m.