ST. LOUIS -- Shut out in a day game against the Mets after a long night, the Cardinals bats didn't show up in Flushing on Thursday.

Back home in St. Louis, the team's play-by-play man was almost a no-show as well in front of some very important guests from Washington.

Thursday's night concert in Kiener Plaza featuring Nelly and Chuck Berry - the original guitar hero who can still rock as an octogenarian -- was aimed at wowing a site team in town this week to scout St. Louis, one of four finalists for the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

It was the place to be seen for St. Louis Dems and local celebrities, from the Rams Steven Jackson to Loop impresario (and Berry liaison) Joe Edwards.

But not -- at least in the beginning -- for the Cards affable broadcast captain and former third baseman Mike Shannon.

Shannon was apparently supposed to introduce Berry after Mayor Francis Slay warmed up the crowd.

Slay did his part, and then called Shannon up to the stage.

Mike?

No response -- quieter than the Cardinals offense against a knuckleballer on a getaway day in July.

Eventually, Slay realized that Shannon would not get up, baby, get up on the stage, and introduced Berry himself.

No sweat -- it's not like the biggest event to come to St. Louis since the World's Fair is at stake.

Later, Shannon did make an appearance -- introducing St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley -- and apparently hosted an after party at his restaurant across the street.

Party notables spotted at the concert included state Treasurer Clint Zweifel; former Jay Nixon flak Jack Cardetti; Nixon fundraiser Margaret Onken (who the host committee may turn to help fund their bid); Aldermen Shane Cohn, Freeman Bosley Sr. and Craig Schmid; State Sen. Joe Keaveny; Young Dem head Martin Casas; and Pi proprietor Chris Sommers, who brought his mobile kitchen.

The entourage was led, of course, by seersucker-clad Brian Wahby, the city Dem Chair who is leading the local charge for 2012.