What is 29 Steps!?

---

The Loft space above the Towata Art Gallery on Third Street in downtown Alton was the home to many practicing bands for over 30 years. It was used as a practice space by the Stubblefield Band from around 1990 until they broke up in 2000 and then it was rented by members of The Finale. The space was shared with various other friends and bands over the years including 5 Times Over and Circus Gin. Randy Carter started sharing the space around 2003 and hosted practices for Phaedrus, The Letter 5, Replay, and Half Dead. Randy continued to rent the space until after Mr. Towata’s passing in November 2019. 

The space was quite large and was upstairs above the Art Gallery. There was a faux marble staircase leading up to the top floor. The worst part of gigs was having to climb “Mount Towata” with hundreds of pounds of band gear in tow at 2, 3, sometimes 4 o’clock in the morning. Probably the second worst part was trying to find parking during happy hour downtown to loadout on the way to gigs. The space was home to many parties and gatherings over the years, with the space being packed arm to arm with people on nights that the Block Party was happening in downtown Alton. 

Mr. Arthur “Art” Towata was very generous to allow so much talent to be hatched and nurtured in that loft space above his Art Studio. He was well known and loved by the people of Alton. I have included some links and pictures below to read more about him and his art. 

Fast forward to 2024 when Randy Carter, Jason Dunham, Eric Gould, Chris Link, and Greg Bierbaum were trying to find a name for their newly formed band. All five members had played together in some capacity over the past 30 years. Jason, Chris, and Greg played in The Finale. Greg and Randy did acoustic duets. Jason and Chris played in Circus Gin and 5 Times Over. Jason, Chris, and Eric played in OGT. One thing in common was Randy, Jason, Chris, and Greg all spent many days and nights in that Loft practicing and climbing up and down “Mount Towata” for gigs. Because of this, Greg suggested that the name somehow pay homage to that sacred space. As they sat around throwing out ideas and talking about days and nights in the loft, “Mount Towata” and the climb came up. Randy spoke up and said “Oh yes – I remember Mount Towata well – it was 29 Steps...”