An original composition written & conducted by
Victor Goines
The MLK Suite
Performed by
The Jazz St. Louis Big Band
Featuring Special Guest Trombonist
Wycliffe Gordon
Presented by Keith Jones & Susan Casnocha
Debuting
FEBRUARY 20 & 21, 2026
The MLK Suite, composed by Victor Goines, premiered in 2018 as a jazz quartet piece for the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Northwestern University. This original work consisted of seven movements, each highlighting a significant milestone in Dr. King's life. The performance of this piece with the Jazz St. Louis Big Band, featuring trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, has been expanded with the addition of two new movement.
Coinciding with Black History Month, Goines will lead the ensemble in his original work this February. The MLK Suite consists of nine movements that reflect Dr. King's life, vision, and lasting influence. The program will capture moments of courage, struggle, and hope through rich orchestration, dynamic ensemble writing, and Wycliffe Gordon's distinctive trombone sound. It will blend elements and techniques of jazz and gospel music, paying tribute to Dr. King's heritage as a minister and civil rights leader. These performances invite audiences to reflect on Dr. King's impact while experiencing the expressive depth of the musicians. It is a meaningful tribute and a highlight of the season.
Order of Movements
I. Michael, the Archangel
January 15, 1929, Michael was his birth name. His father later gave him the name Martin, influenced by the study of Protestant reformer Martin Luther. Birth certificate revised July 23, 1957
II. I Ain’t Gonna Stand Fo’ This No Mo’
January 10, 1957, “one nation under God indivisible” Coordinated efforts and formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), following the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
III. The Language of the Unheard
April 14, 1967, “To be as vigorous in condemning the conditions which cause persons to feel that they must engage in riotous activities as it is for me to condemn riots.” Quote from “The Other America” speech given at Stanford University.
IV. Mrs. King
June 18, 1953, “The Freedom Concerts” A gifted classical vocalist and devoted supporter of her husband, she presented a series of concerts that became the primary funder for the SCLC initiatives.
V. Good Trouble
March 25, 1965, “How long, Not long” Quote from the “Our God is Marching On” speech given on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol at the climax of the Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights.
VI. Oh Lawd, Save Us
April 3, 1968, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” The final public speech challenging Memphis and the United States to uphold the ideals written in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
VII. The Long Road
August 28, 1963 “I Have a Dream” The March on Washington for Civil Rights.
VIII. When They Struck Him Down
April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, a few days before he was to lead a protest march for Memphis sanitation workers. “I Am A Man” was the rallying slogan by the striking workers. Mrs. Coretta Scott King took his place and marched on April 8, 1968. She said, “Martin would have wanted me to be here.”
IX. Yes, He Lives Forever
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Dr. King's later work addressed poverty, economic inequality, and the war in Vietnam. His enduring vision for a society free from racism, poverty, and violence, where all people are treated with dignity and respect, is one that we must all continue to strive to achieve.
Victor Goines
Victor Goines is a highly esteemed musician, composer, educator, and visionary leader in the world of jazz. He has dedicated his career to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of this quintessentially American art form.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Goines’ deep roots in the jazz tradition have greatly influenced his musical style, characterized by soulful melodies and virtuosic improvisation. A master of the clarinet and saxophone, he has performed with some of the most iconic figures in jazz and entertainment industry, including Wynton Marsalis, Ruth Brown, Eric Clapton, Chick Corea and Diane Reeves, to name a few.
His exceptional talents as a performer are matched by his passion for jazz education. Goines has been instrumental in advocating for the importance of jazz education, serving as Director of Jazz Studies and faculty member at prestigious institutions such as the Juilliard School and Northwestern University. Through his mentorship, he has inspired numerous aspiring musicians to pursue their passion for jazz.
As the driving force behind Jazz St. Louis, Goines continues to champion the importance of live jazz performance and education in the community. His leadership has seen the organization grow and thrive, bringing the joy and beauty of jazz music to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Wycliffe Gordon
Musical ambassador and interpreter of “America’s” music, Wycliffe Gordon is one of the world’s most renowned and award-winning jazz trombonists touring today. His signature sound and mastery of the plunger mute have helped solidify his impressive musical career. Wycliffe tours as a soloist and regularly with his quintet headlining at legendary jazz venues and performing arts centers worldwide. In addition, Wycliffe has recorded or been featured on over 300 recordings, has composed and arranged hundreds of compositions, including the theme song for NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and is a very passionate, most sought-after educator.
Jazz Journalists Association named him “Trombonist of the Year” for an unprecedented 15th time in 2022, and Downbeat Critics Poll named Wycliffe “Best Trombone” for six years, (2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013 & 2012). In recent years, Wycliffe was the recipient of the “Louie Award”, the International Trombone Award (which recognizes the highest level of creative and artistic achievement), the Satchmo Award, and the Louis Armstrong Memorial Prize presented by the Swing Jazz Culture Foundation. He is also a past recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Vanguard Award, among others.
In recent months he has performed with Butler University, UNC Greely, Davidson College, Stanford Jazz, at Aaron Davis Concert Hall, Birdland, the Rochester Jazz Festival, Vail Jazz and the Journey of Jazz cruise, to name a few. He has a new Holiday CD coming out next month titled “Holiday Fun” on Arbors Records, and he closes out the year with upcoming performances that include True Blue Jazz, Suncoast Jazz Festival, VA Music Educator’s Assn, Boca Raton Gala, and the Staten Island Jazz Festival.
Gordon is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has been a featured guest artist on Billy Taylor's "Jazz at the Kennedy Center" Series. Gordon serves as Director of Jazz Studies at Augusta University in Augusta, GA.
The Jazz St. Louis Big Band
Conductor
Victor Goines
Victor Goines is one of the most respected and multi-faceted musicians in the jazz world today. A clarinetist, saxophonist, composer and educator, he was a member of the Jazz At Lincoln Center and the Wynton Marsalis Septet for over 30 years. His lengthy and impressive music career has more than 300 original works to his credit as composer. As performer, he appears on numerous film scores including Ken Burns’ Jazz, and dozens of albums including eleven as leader. In addition to his tenure with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Goines has performed with some of the top names in music including Terence Blanchard, Bob Dylan, Dizzy Gillespie, Dianne Reeves, Branford Marsalis, Diana Ross, Wayne Shorter, Chucho Valdez, and Stevie Wonder. From 2000 to 2007, he was director of the jazz program at Julliard. He served as director of jazz studies for the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University from 2008 to 2022. Goines has led Jazz St. Louis as President & CEO since 2022.
Saxophones
Jason Swagler
Jason Swagler is a saxophonist, as well as Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. For 12 years he also directed the Jazz St. Louis All-Stars, the premier student ensemble in Jazz St. Louis’ educational outreach program. Jason is a founding member of the bands Vargas Swing, CommonWealth, and Weather Forever, as well as a longtime member of the Coleman Hughes Project. In addition to leading and recording with his own groups, he is widely regarded as a sideman, having supported artists such as Michael McDonald, Joey DeFrancesco, Dave Weckl, Frankie Valli, Regina Carter, Brian Owens, Reggie and Mardra Thomas, Peter Martin, The Temptations, Denise Thimes, Montez Coleman, and many others.
Harvey Lockhart
Harvey E. A. Lockhart, a Grammy-nominated music educator, saxophonist, composer, and real estate investor, is the Founder, Executive, and Artistic Director of HEAL Center for the Arts. Dedicated to Holistically Educating Arts Leaders, this nonprofit provides transformative arts education for underserved students in St. Louis. Lockhart holds a Master’s in Music Performance and a Bachelor’s in Music Education, combining creativity, financial expertise, and academic excellence to inspire future leaders. His work continues to uplift communities, blending a passion for arts education with economic empowerment to create lasting opportunities for growth and innovation.
Kendrick Smith
Kendrick Smith is a saxophonist, composer, and arranger. Smith’s has a career that spans two decades. Born and raised in the historic city of East St. Louis, IL (hometown of the legendary Miles Davis), he studied under the
tutelage of the late great Hamiet Bluiett and has shared the bandstand with musicians such as Branford Marsalis, Russell Gunn, Keyon Harold, Peter Martin, Ronnie Burrage, Victor Goines, and Kamasi Washington to name a few. With two successful albums under his name and a third on the way, his contributions to music extend beyond the realm of any specific genre. His endeavors inspire new, existing musicians, and listeners in the creative and inspirational music art form.
Bennett Wood
Bennett Wood is a freelance musician, composer, and educator. He was recently appointed Director of Jazz Studies at Webster University. He previously held full-time academic appointments at Texas State University and Mineral Area College and served as the Interim Director of Education and Community Engagement at Jazz St. Louis. Wood is an experienced bandleader and an in-demand sideman. In addition to leading his group, Wood has performed alongside internationally acclaimed musicians, including JeJ Campbell, Chris Cheek, Montez Coleman, Alan Ferber, Victor Goines, Andre Hayward, Doug Lawrence, Butch Miles, Bruce Saunders, and Reggie Thomas. Wood earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. He holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Kwanae Johnson
Kwanae Johnson is a freelance musician, educator, and instrumental repair technician in St. Louis. He has performed with American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Jim Widner Big Band, Osunlade, the Jazz St. Louis Big Band, and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz for Young People program. At the University of Missouri-Saint Louis, where he studied under Jim Widner, Kwanae received Lead Tenor honors in the 2014 Missouri All-Collegiate Jazz Band and the Notre Dame Outstanding Soloist Award. He performs regularly at Jazz St. Louis, the Dark Room, the Grandel, and the Sheldon Concert Hall.
Trumpets
Dustin Shrum
Dustin Shrum is the most in-demand trumpet player and music educator in the St. Louis area. Dustin is currently the Director of Athletic Bands and Adjunct Professor of Trumpet/Jazz Studies at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, MO. Dustin has performed with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Dave Weckl, Joey DeFrancesco, Byron Stripling, Marilyn Maye, and The Temptations. Dustin performs regularly with the Jazz St. Louis Big Band, Master Blaster! featuring Steve Ewing, the Fabulous Motown Revue, and No Diggity.
Dawn Weber
Dawn Weber started playing the trumpet at age 11. At age 16 she found the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC. That is when she climbed on a greyhound bus and left her home to train as a professional trumpet player. At NCSA she studied with Raymond Mase who taught at Julliard and would fly down once a week for Dawn’s lessons. He played with Summit Brass, American Brass Quintet, New York Ballet, put out solo recordings, and freelanced all over the world. He is now the chairman of the brass department for Julliard. After studying both jazz and classical styles at NCSA for four years, she went on to study at the Cleveland Institute of Music where she trained with Michael Sachs, the principal trumpet player of The Cleveland Orchestra. Besides intensive orchestral training, she also took private jazz lessons with Marshall Griffith. As a competition soloist she took second place at the International Trumpet Guild Solo Competition. In 2000, she was selected 1 of 5 from the world to compete in Bad Sackingen, Germany for the Ellsworth Smith International Trumpet Competition. She moved to the St. Louis area in 1998 and has played for Susan Slaughter and as a sub with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Anthony Wiggins
Anthony Wiggins has been an active contributor to the STL music scene since the late 80’s. From co-heading a group with cousin Russell Gunn, the “Young Lions”, to being one of the early instructors for the “Jazz U” program of Jazz St. Louis, to formerly playing lead trumpet for, and now the music director for The Jazz Edge Orchestra, and performing with the Jazz STL Big Band. Anthony loves to share his gift of music on the stage, as well as encouraging and supporting other musicians.
Daniel Campbell
DANIEL CAMPBELL is a St. Louis born trumpeter. Campbell has been a pillar of the St. Louis music community since the late 1980s, contributing his vibrant talent to various genres. His musical journey began by studying trumpet performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. After a brief return to his hometown, he left to further his musical education at Northern Illinois University School of Music under the mentorship of Mr. Ronald Carter. Campbell’s dynamic presence
includes performances in various styles and settings. Currently, Campbell is a trumpet instructor at Grand Center Arts Academy High School and for the Jazz Academy program at Jazz St. Louis. See why Danny has become a top-call player in St. Louis and beyond!
Trombones
Wycliffe Gordon
Wycliffe Gordon is one of the world’s most renowned and award-winning jazz trombonists touring today. His signature sound and mastery of the plunger mute have helped solidify his impressive musical career. Wycliffe tours as a soloist and regularly with his quintet headlining at legendary jazz venues and performing arts centers worldwide. In addition, Wycliffe has recorded or been featured on over 300 recordings, has composed and arranged hundreds of compositions, including the theme song for NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and is a very passionate, most sought-after educator.
Dave Dickey
Dave Dickey is an educator, bandleader, trombonists, and pianist in the St Louis area. He directs and plays in the Dave Dickey Big Band and Mosaic Jazz Sextet. Dave also has the Dave Dickey Big Band Camp every June with many of the top national and local jazz musicians as camp faculty. He is also the musical director and lead trombonist for the Dave Weckl St Louis Contingent Big Band. Dave was also past president of MOAJE (Missouri Association for Jazz Education). He has been a guest clinician and soloist with many colleges, high schools, and middle schools including directing all-state jazz and district honor jazz bands. Dave Dickey has performed with artists such as Harry Connick Jr Big Band, Arturo Sandoval, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Bobby Shew, David Sanborn, Johnny Mathis, and many others. Dave was also a jazz radio DJ at WDNA-Miami, WEFT-Champaign, and also GrooveBone Radio.
John Siddle
John Siddle is an active freelance trombonist and private educator who performs with numerous groups across the St. Louis area and abroad. He has traveled all over North America performing jazz, Motown, and popular music over the last several decades. Notable performance venues include the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, the Graceland Soundstage in Memphis, TN, the Czech Embassy, and White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the Elvis Artists Showcase (EAS) Band, the official band for the Ultimate Elvis International Competition held in
Memphis, TN, sanctioned and organized by Elvis Presley Enterprises annually.
Eddie Clark
Eddie Clark is an accomplished trombonist who has accompanied artists such as Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, David Sanborn, Louis Bellson, Henry Mancini, Rosemary Clooney, Natalie Coke, Patti Austin. James Ingram, Nancy Wilson, Dr John, The Moody Blues etc. Played on more than 450 recording sessions, including the 6x platinum album Mad Season by Matchbox 20. Played on the hit “If You’re Gone”. Movie soundtrack for the Eddie Murphy movie Dolemite is my Name. More than 26 different Broadway shows. TV SPECIALS include Pearl and Friends on Center Stage on PBS Kenny Rogers in Concert. A Holiday Special for PBS BIG BANDS including the One O’clock Lab Band, Louis Bellson, Jimmy Dorsey, Gil Evans Orchestra, Nelson Riddle. ORCHESTRAS: St. Louis symphony, Atlanta symphony, Memphis symphony, New York Chamber Virtuosi.
Jim Owens
Jim Owens is a trombonist and keyboardist based in St. Louis, MO. He has music degrees from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He has studied with Dr. Irvin Wagner, Dr. Robert Weiss and Brett Stamps. He has played with Jim Manleys Wild, Cool and Swingin’ Orchestra, The Dave Dickey Big Band, The Dave Weckl STL Big Band Contingent and the Jazz St. Louis Big Band. He is currently the Musical Director of The Gateway City Big Band. Jim also is a member of Confluence Jazz, the house band at The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center.
Rhythm Section
Bernard Terry
Bernard Terry is a bassist, composer, producer, arranger, educator, and bandleader from Shiloh, IL. As the Education Associate for Jazz St. Louis, Bernard plays a pivotal role in inspiring and mentoring the next
generation of jazz musicians. A progressive musician who works across all genres, Bernard continues to evolve his approach with each new project, collaborating with artists from Canon to Kendrick Smith. His work ethic, passion for music, and dynamic playing style make him one of the most in-demand bassists in the region. Bernard teaches both electric and double bass, helping students reach their goals through the joy of learning.
Bernard Long, Jr.
Bernard Long, Jr is an award winning drummer, educator, clinician, and bandleader. Bernard Jr. graduated with his B.M. in Jazz Studies May 2009 from Northern Illinois University under the leadership of the late Professor Ron Carter. Bernard, Jr. performed in the world renowned NIU Jazz Ensemble touring with greats like Clark Terry, Benny Golson, Rodney Whitaker, and Peter Erskine. Bernard completed formal studies at Michigan State University M.M. Jazz Studies 2012, M.A.T. Music Education and Ed.S School Administration 2018 at Lindenwood University. Bernard, Jr. is the band director at Madison Jr/Sr High School in Madison, IL. Bernard, Jr’s honors include:, 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year in the Madison CUSD#12, and 2023 Illinois State Board of Education nominee. Bernard, Jr. with The St. Louis Black Repertory Theater, the St. Louis MUNY, The Jazz St. Louis Big Band. Bernard, Jr. is a Zildjian Cymbals and Vic Firth Education Artist.
Adaron Jackson
The MLK Suite: A Jazz St. Louis Big Band performance, featuring Special Guest Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon
Jan. 20 & 21 | 7:30 PM
Presented by Keith Jones & Susan Casnocha
