Summer Spotlight STL Artist Series will light up the stage multiple nights this summer, as both patrons and musicians experience one of the world’s top listening rooms together right here at home in Grand Center Arts District. Tickets are free, but your registration is required while supplies last – so act fast!
Scotty Russell, Tonnie Kamkwalala Jr, Daniel Kent, Jon Novelli, & Mia Ware
Glass Theory
June 19, 2025
Scotty Russell (saxophone), Daniel Kent (trombone), Mia Ware (piano), Jon Novelli (bass), and Tonnie Kamkwalala Jr. (drums) come together as Glass Theory, a quintet made up of both current and alumni students from JazzU. Each member brings their own unique perspective and voice to the ensemble, blending respect for jazz’s rich traditions with a fearless drive to shape the future of the music.
With a repertoire full of original compositions and fresh arrangements, Glass Theory’s sound is dynamic, soulful, and brimming with potential. This group represents the next wave of jazz—an exciting convergence of youth, talent, and creativity ready to make their mark.
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Scotty Russell
Tonnie Kamkwalala Jr
Daniel Kent
Jon Novell
Mia Ware
Victor Goines Quartet
June 20 & 21, 2025
Victor Goines (tenor saxophone), Jo Ann Daugherty (piano), Emma Dayhuff (bass), and Jared Decker (drums) join forces for an unforgettable evening in support of St. Louis ArtWorks. Together, they blend soulful improvisation, timeless standards, and stirring original compositions in a performance that celebrates the enduring power of jazz.
Led by one of the genre’s most respected voices, this quartet invites you to experience music with purpose—lifting up the next generation of artists while honoring the rhythms that connect us all.
About St. Louis ArtWorks (SLAW)
The mission of St. Louis ArtWorks is to enrich the lives of the region’s youth by providing art education, essential job skill training, and exposure to career opportunities through paid apprenticeships in the arts.
Kaleb Kirby
The Music of John Scofield
July 10, 2025
Kaleb Kirby (drums), Greg Dallas (guitar), Chris Thomas (bass), and Austin Cebulski (tenor saxophone) come together for a vibrant tribute to the legendary John Scofield. From groove-heavy electric moments to intimate acoustic explorations, the ensemble reimagines Scofield’s career-spanning work with deep respect and fearless creativity.
Drawing from his collaborations with Miles Davis, Medeski Martin & Wood, and his own celebrated ensembles, the program showcases the expressive range and rhythmic ingenuity that define Scofield’s voice—bridging tradition and innovation through bold interplay and dynamic sound.
Demarius Hicks
July 11, 2025
Demarius Hicks (drums), affectionately known as “Heavy D,” is a masterful percussionist whose expressive creativity and genre-spanning versatility have made him one of the region’s most dynamic musical voices. A native of East St. Louis, Hicks brings a vibrant blend of gospel, straight-ahead jazz, funk, fusion, Afro-Cuban, R&B, hip hop, and more to every performance—each rendered with authenticity, color, and soul.
Mentored by Marvin Sparks at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Hicks honed his craft with a deep respect for tradition and a bold, innovative spirit. He has performed around the world with artists such as Stefon Harris, Marc Cary, Casey Benjamin, Nicholas Payton, and Russell Gunn, while also remaining a vital force in the St. Louis scene alongside Denise Thimes, Anita Jackson, Ptah Williams, and many more.
JazzU Allstars
July 12, 2025
Scotty Russell (saxophone), Ezekiel Dittmer (trombone), Joseph Hicks (piano), Kordale Hill (bass), and Tonnie Kamkwalala Jr. (drums) come together as the JazzU All-Stars—the top-tier ensemble of Jazz St. Louis’s acclaimed JazzU program. These exceptional high school musicians represent the finest young jazz talent in the region, having earned their spots through a rigorous audition process and a year of immersive training with professional jazz educators.
This summer performance is a celebration of their dedication, creativity, and emerging artistry. With fresh interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions, the JazzU All-Stars embody the future of the music while honoring its legacy. Don’t miss this inspiring showcase of tomorrow’s jazz leaders—live on stage.
Miles Cole
Miles Cole Quartet
July 17, 2025
Miles Cole (trombone), Daniel Herrera (piano), Evan Wohlrabe (bass), and Jared Spears (drums) come together as the Miles Cole Quartet for a performance that reflects both deep roots and fresh direction. A St. Louis native and standout JazzU alumnus, Cole now studies at Michigan State University under the guidance of Michael Dease and Rodney Whitaker.
This return engagement at Jazz St. Louis showcases Cole’s evolving voice as a trombonist and composer, blending original works with inventive takes on jazz standards. With a dynamic rhythm section and a passion for the music’s legacy, the Miles Cole Quartet offers a compelling glimpse into the future of the music.
“Jazz St. Louis has been somewhere I have considered home for over six years now. Being in the JazzU program has shaped me as a musician and a person. The guidance from the faculty has really helped get me to where I am today.”
Kim Fuller
A Jazz Affair
July 18 & 19, 2025
Kim Fuller (vocals) invites you into an evening of timeless elegance and vocal brilliance. With deep roots in gospel, R&B, blues, and jazz, her sound is both personal and powerful—born from a lifelong love of the music she calls her first affair. She’s shared the stage with legends like Smokey Robinson, Pieces of a Dream, and Ramsey Lewis, while paying homage to the great women of jazz through unforgettable tributes.
A celebrated voice in St. Louis, Kim also teaches jazz voice at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and leads “The Jazz Story,” an educational program inspiring young audiences through America’s art form. Whether performing standards or contemporary favorites, Kim Fuller transforms each song into a soulful journey—a radiant celebration of jazz in all its glory.
Diana West
A Night with Dee Jazz
July 24, 2025
Dee Jazz (vocals), also known as Diana West, steps into the spotlight with her highly anticipated breakout performance at Jazz St. Louis. A proud St. Louis native and dynamic young vocalist in her early 20s, Dee brings a fresh, soulful energy to the stage as she debuts her new name and musical vision.
Rooted in the tradition but unafraid to take bold steps forward, Dee Jazz delivers each note with elegance, emotional depth, and an unmistakable sense of self. Her voice is rich with nuance—whether she’s interpreting jazz standards or introducing original material, she sings with heart, clarity, and swing.
Join us for this milestone moment as Dee Jazz introduces herself to the world with a performance that celebrates growth, artistry, and the power of reinvention. A new name, a new era—same soul.
Marques Carroll
Marques Carroll Quintet
July 25 & 26, 2025
Marques Carroll (trumpet), Greg Artry (drums), Julius Tucker (piano), Christian Dillingham (bass), and Marvin Truong (alto saxophone) form the Chicago-based Marques Carroll Quintet. A St. Louis native, Carroll is an Emmy Award winner, Grammy member, jazz educator, and former member of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra.
Blending fiery original compositions with contemporary classics by Roy Hargrove, Wayne Shorter, and others, the group brings a message-driven sound shaped by social justice, personal heritage, and artistic integrity. From his debut The Ancestors’ Call to his follow-up Foundations, Carroll crafts music that honors legacy while pushing toward progress. Together, this ensemble of bandleaders delivers a bold and deeply expressive voice—refined in Chicago, and resonating far beyond.
Haley Driver
Reverie In Blue
July 31, 2025
Haley Driver (vocals), Jahmal Nichols (bass), Emanuel Harrold (drums) and Cyrus Chestnut (piano) come together to celebrate the release of Reverie In Blue, Haley’s debut EP. A St. Louis native and rising talent on the New York jazz scene, Haley’s sound reflects a life shaped by jazz, gospel, Motown, and the American Songbook. With Chestnut’s masterful arrangements and longtime mentorship, the duo brings a powerful musical connection to the stage.
A recent graduate of The New School, Haley has performed alongside jazz luminaries like Buster Williams and Lenny White, and was recently featured on Sirius/XM’s Real Jazz. With radiant tone, stunning control, and heartfelt expression, Haley Driver invites you into a personal and powerful journey—celebrating the music that made her, and the road that lies ahead.
Daniel Herrera
Daniel Herrera Trio
August 1 & 2, 2025
Daniel Herrera (piano), Bernard Terry (bass), and Ben Dicke (drums) come together for a vibrant evening of music that bridges Latin rhythms and classic swing. A rising force on the St. Louis jazz scene, pianist Daniel Herrera is turning heads with his expressive style, dynamic touch, and deep musicality. A proud alum of Jazz St. Louis’ JazzU program, Herrera credits the experience with laying the foundation for his artistic journey:
“I wouldn’t be playing today if it weren’t for the Jazz St. Louis education programs. Being a part of the JazzU program gave me all the basic tools I needed to learn straight from the records. I also got the chance to learn from guest artists who would come in and rehearse with the student group.”
Herrera has since made his mark playing with artists like Kendrick Smith, and now leads his own trio in a program featuring traditional Latin compositions, timeless standards, and compelling original works. Rooted in heritage and propelled by creative vision, this performance promises rhythmic energy, elegance, and the soulful spark of a new generation.
Red & Black Brass Band
August 7, 2025
DeRochelle Coleman, Walter Beckham, Ravie Junior, Legato White, Benjamin Kosberg, Justin Spencer, Dominique Burton, and Dominique Jordan form the powerhouse collective known as the Red and Black Brass Band. Rooted in the spirit of celebration, this high-energy ensemble brings a vibrant fusion of jazz, soul, funk, and New Orleans second-line tradition to the stage—guaranteed to lift your spirits and move your feet.
The band began in April 2020 when members Ben Kosberg and Dominique Burton took to the streets to brighten their neighborhood. A viral video with 2.5 million views ignited the formation of a full band, a dream long shared by its eight founding members. Born from crisis but driven by joy, R&BBB continues to thrive as a beloved musical force in St. Louis, known for igniting crowds at festivals, parties, and special events with infectious grooves and a message of love, resilience, and gratitude.
Whether on stage or in the streets, the Red and Black Brass Band delivers music that moves the soul—and reminds us why we gather, why we dance, and why we celebrate.
Quentin Coaxum Quintet
August 8 & 9, 2025
Quentin Coaxum (trumpet), Dustin Laurenzi (tenor saxophone), Julius Tucker (piano), Micah Collier (bass), and Gregory Artry (drums) bring the vibrant sound of Chicago’s next jazz generation to the Jazz St. Louis stage. A native of the St. Louis metro area, Coaxum returns home for his debut as a bandleader, presenting a weekend of original compositions and inspired improvisation.
Known for his lyrical style and deep respect for the tradition, Coaxum has become one of Chicago’s most compelling young voices—performing at celebrated events like the Chicago Jazz Festival and Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Drawing from the recordings of his grandfather and years of creative exploration, Coaxum’s music bridges modern expression with timeless roots in a sound that is both personal and powerful.
Harvey Lockhart
August 14, 2025
Harvey Lockhart (saxophone) leads a powerful performance that blends artistry, mentorship, and a deep commitment to community. A Grammy-nominated music educator, composer, and dynamic performer, Lockhart is a vital force in the St. Louis jazz scene—frequently appearing with his exceptional quartet and as a standout member of the Jazz St. Louis Big Band.
Lockhart’s impact extends far beyond the stage. As founder and executive director of HEAL Center for the Arts, he has created a multidisciplinary hub for youth in St. Louis, offering transformative access to music education, mentorship, and cultural enrichment. His belief in connecting students with professional artists has led to collaborations with world-renowned musicians like Melton Mustafa, Wycliffe Gordon, Russell Gunn, Lewis Nash, Curtis Fuller, Reggie Thomas, and Marilyn Maye.
Join us for an inspiring evening that reflects Lockhart’s dedication to the future of jazz—through both his soulful sound and his unwavering investment in the next generation.
Christopher Thomas
The Making Of Christopher Thomas
A Sonic Journey Through Christopher’s Musical Evolution
August 15 & 16, 2025
Christopher Thomas (bass), Adam Maness (piano), Kaleb Kirby (drums and DJ), Goffrey Moore (guitar), Brian Owens (vocals), and Anita Jackson (vocals) take you on a sonic journey through the music that shaped Thomas’s evolution as an artist. With roots in jazz, pop, rock, and soul, this performance traces his path through the songs and stories that defined his sound.
From studio sessions to global tours, Thomas has built a musical legacy grounded in collaboration, vision, and heart. Joined by some of St. Louis’s finest and special guests to be announced, this show is both a celebration and a homecoming.
Roman Wells
August 21, 2025
Roman Wells II (drums), August Frisby (tenor saxophone), Johari Kimeu (trombone), Greg Dallas (guitar), and Race Brighton (bass) come together for an evening of hard-swinging rhythm, bold improvisation, and soulful energy.
A proud JazzU alumnus and rising force on the national jazz scene, drummer Roman Wells II is making waves with his dynamic sound and infectious spirit. Recently selected for the 2025 Jazz Aspen Big Band led by Christian McBride, Roman is quickly building a name for himself, performing alongside legends like Denise Thimes, Bobby Watson, Keyon Harrold, Marquis Hill, and Terrace Martin.
Rooted in tradition but always reaching forward, this performance captures the joy, spontaneity, and fire of live jazz at its best. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of St. Louis’s brightest young talents leading a powerhouse band—live at Jazz St. Louis.
Neal “Sugar” Caine
Back Home from NYC
August 22 & 23, 2025
Neal Caine (bass), Andrew Fisher (piano), and Jeremy “Bean” Clemons (drums) come together as the Neal ‘Sugar’ Caine Trio—a powerhouse ensemble blending swing, funk, and sophisticated groove. A St. Louis native, Caine returns home after two decades as one of New York’s most sought-after jazz bassists, with credits ranging from Diana Krall and Harry Connick Jr. to Elvin Jones and Samara Joy.
Fellow St. Louisan Jeremy “Bean” Clemons also makes a celebratory return, bringing his dynamic drumming and deep rhythmic feel. Rounding out the trio is acclaimed pianist Andrew Fisher, whose versatility and soulful touch anchor the group’s unique sound. Together, they deliver a set filled with original compositions—some St. Louis-inspired—alongside timeless standards and hip jazz favorites. Experience a joyful and sophisticated homecoming from three masterful artists rooted in tradition and alive with expression.
This Series is Underwritten by...
