Summer Spotlight STL Series
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Our luminous neon sax will be glowing bright when the Bistro doors swing open for the return of our Summer Spotlight STL Series, June 15 through August 12! This year’s expanded schedule shines the spotlight on marvelously gifted St. Louis-based musicians as they come together for a St. Louis summer brimming with red-hot collaborations and memorable celebrations at absolutely no cost to you, thanks to the generous underwriting of long-time friends of Jazz St. Louis and the arts community, Steward Family Foundation & World Wide Technology.
This open-to-the-public series will pack the club night after night, as both patrons and musicians experience one of the world’s top listening rooms together right here at home. Tickets are free, but your registration is required while supplies last – so act fast!
June 15–17
Billie & Ella Revisited featuring Erika Johnson & Anita Jackson
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Jazz St. Louis celebrates two of the most talented, interesting, and influential women of jazz, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Pianist Adam Maness leads an ensemble featuring vocalists Anita Jackson and Erika Johnson, bassist Nathan Pence, and drummer Kaleb Kirby.
June 29 & 30
Antonio Foster Quintet
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Pianist and bandleader Antonio Foster has become one of the top call jazz pianists and keyboardists in St. Louis, a leading voice among a group of dynamic, young players carrying the music forward.
July 6
Bernard Terry Quartet
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
One of the most in demand bassists in St. Louis, Bernard Terry is set to swing the doors off the Bistro! You’re guaranteed to have a swingin’ good time when Terry’s behind the driver’s seat.
July 7 & 8
Bob DeBoo’s 1959 Project
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Bassist Bob DeBoo assembles an all-star cast of St. Louis musicians for a celebration of four iconic albums: Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue, Dave Brubeck’s Time Out, Charles Mingus’s Mingus Ah Um, and Ornette Coleman’s The Shape of Jazz to Come..
July 13
Anthony Wiggins Group
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Anthony Wiggins brings a wealth of history and swing to the bandstand, and we look forward to his debut as a leader on the Bistro stage! He has been a mainstay on the St. Louis scene for decades, coming through Ronald Carter’s historic program at East St. Louis Lincoln Senior High School. Wiggins has also served as a teaching artist for seven years in Jazz St. Louis’ flagship education program JazzU.
July 14 & 15
Weather Forever
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Celebrate fusion at its finest with Weather Forever! Join this all-star band in paying tribute to legendary fusion groups Weather Report and Return to Forever!
July 20
Kwanae Johnson
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Saxophonist, educator, and bandleader Kwanae Johnson makes his debut on the Jazz St. Louis stage as a leader and brings with him a dynamic sound and soulful presence.
July 21 & 22
Celebrating Art Blakey: For Tez
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
We celebrate two of the most impactful drummers in history with an all-star sextet featuring Bob DeBoo on bass, Scooter Brown on saxophone, Jacob Melsha on trombone, Danny Campbell on trumpet, Antonio Foster on piano, and the dynamic Emmanuel Harrold on drums. Not only will this weekend celebrate the mastery of Art Blakey, but also drummer Montez Coleman, whose birthday weekend was always a special time at the Bistro, and who developed this very tribute many moons ago.
July 27–29
The Jazz St. Louis Big Band Plays Count Basie, directed by Victor Goines
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
The Jazz St. Louis Big Band, under the direction of Victor Goines, swings the summer away in salute to the iconic Count Basie Orchestra, performing selections from his expansive catalogue.
August 3
Daniel Herrera Quartet
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
One of the most promising young pianists in St. Louis, Daniel Herrera has quickly turned heads with his incredible playing. After coming through Jazz St. Louis’ JazzU program, many have seen Herrera around town as a member of Kendrick Smith’s quartet.
August 4 & 5
West Coast Swing & Bossa Nova – Featuring Janet Evra, Claire Maue, & Dawn Weber
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
The soothing summer sounds reminiscent of Stan Getz are front and center in this special collaboration that you’ll only hear at Jazz St. Louis. These performances will focus on Getz’s quintet work with Chet Baker and his incredibly popular bossa nova recordings with João Gilberto.
August 10
Brady Lewis Sextet
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Inspired by the prestigious lineage of trumpet players from his hometown, East St. Louis trumpeter & composer Brady Lewis he has been a student of jazz and classical music for decades. A former member of Jazz St. Louis’ JazzU All Stars, his natural appetite for musical knowledge led him to find work with groups performing blues, hip-hop, Motown-era soul, indie rock, and even bluegrass.
August 11 & 12
Summer Sax Summit featuring Kendrick Smith, Bennett Wood, & Joel Vanderheyden
Underwritten by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
Backed by pianist Daniel Herrera, bassist Bernard Terry, and drummer Ben Dicke, saxophonists and composers Kendrick Smith, Bennett Wood, and Joel Vanderheyden are gonna blow the roof off the joint…literally!
There’s More to Experience in Grand Center!
Sunday Mornings with Yoga in the Park
Presented by Grand Center Inc. in collaboration with She Healz
Sundays through July 30
Beginning at 9 am In Strauss Park (Grand @ Washington)
This is an excellent opportunity to relax, stretch, and center yourself amidst the city. This event is free and open to anyone interested in yoga, regardless of your experience level. See you on the mat!
Wednesday Night Jazz Jam
Presented by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation
Every Wednesday
From 6–9 pm at The Dark Room at The Grandel (3610 Grandel Square)
Hosted by bassist Bob DeBoo, this open jam celebrates St. Louis’ jazz legacy and future at this free and family-friendly weekly gathering. Wednesday Night Jazz Jam brings jazz within reach for people of all ages and backgrounds.
First Fridays in Grand Center
Presented by Grand Center Inc.
Make a night of it!
On the first Friday of every month, museums and galleries in Grand Center Arts District are free and open until 9 pm. Discover the remarkable array of visual arts in St. Louis’ premier neighborhood for arts and culture while enjoying cocktails, conversation, and entertainment. Stick around for after-party events, dinner, or a show!
View the latest in participating locations on Grand Center Inc.’s website.
Museums and Galleries
Plus, check out offerings from the Contemporary Art Museum, The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries, and Pulitzer Arts Foundation!