The Next Set from Jazz St. Louis

Anita Jackson leads an all-star band through a robust set ranging from jazz classics and soul favorites to down-home blues and original compositions.

• Anita Jackson – vocals
• Kendrick Smith – saxophone & flute
• Phillip Graves – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Teddy Brookins – bass
• Joshua Crump – drums

Soulful, vibrant, and creative are just a few words that describe saxophonist, vocalist, producer, composer, and educator Scooter Brown.

• Scooter Brown – alto saxophone, vocals, samples
• Antonio Foster – piano & keys
• Jordan Brewer – bass
• Dorian Sims – drums

The Adam Maness Trio has become a standard-bearer for what a “working” jazz group is — functioning as a singular unit with all members feeding off each other to create something extraordinary.

• Adam Maness – piano & Rhodes
• Bob DeBoo – bass
• Montez Coleman – drums

East St. Louis native Montez Coleman has toured and shared the stage with a host of jazz luminaries, including the Roy Hargrove Quintet, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Houston Person, Freddy Cole, Bruce Barth, Rufus Reid, & Russell Malone.

• Montez Coleman – drums
• Bob DeBoo – bass
• Adam Maness – piano
• Eric Slaughter – guitar
• Jason Swagler – saxophones

Kara Baldus-Mehrmann is a pianist, vocalist, and full-time jazz piano instructor at Washington University in St. Louis, making her debut as a leader on the JSL stage with a dynamic and swinging set featuring her quartet.

• Kara Baldus-Mehrmann – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Bennett Wood – saxophones
• Ben Wheeler – bass
• Jerry Mazzuca – drums

The Dhoruba Collective is a fresh, innovative band mixing jazz and hip hop elements to create a unique, signature sound full of colorful harmonies and deep rhythms!

• Jeffery Dhoruba Hill – drums
• David Gomez – tenor saxophone
• Josiah Joyce – guitar
• Teddy Brookins – bass

Trumpeter and composer Brady Lewis melds blues, hip-hop, Motown-era soul, indie rock, and even bluegrass into his style as a jazz artist.

• Brady Lewis – trumpet
• Kendrick Smith – alto saxophone
• Phillip Graves – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Bernard Terry – bass
• Demarius Hicks – drums

Vocalist, bassist, and composer Janet Evra performs an intimate set of standards from American, French, and Latin jazz while blending bossa nova, samba, and pop influences to create an engaging and uplifting performance.

• Janet Evra – bass, guitar, and vocals
• Will Buchanan – guitar
• Ryan Marquez – piano
• Demarius Hicks – drums

With her breathtaking voice, genuine demeanor, and trademark sense of humor, Emily Wallace join forces with one of today’s premier piano trios led by pianist, composer, and arranger Adam Maness to bring new life to classic rock and pop tunes and a few of originals.

• Emily Wallace – vocals
• Adam Hucke – vocals & trumpet
• Adam Maness – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Bob DeBoo – bass
• Montez Coleman – drums

The Service is guitar-led jazz-funk, featuring original compositions by hollow body electric guitarist Pete Lombardo, with complimentary leads from Hammond B3 organist Nathan Hershey. The rhythm section is all pocket, with funk phenom Nick Savage on the drums and the smooth Fender Electric Bass tone of Andy Coco.

• Pete Lombardo – guitar
• Nathan Hershey – organ
• Andy Coco – bass
• Nick Savage – drums
• Special guest Matt McKeever – saxophones

Nobody talks about jazz in St. Louis without talking about one of the most influential musicians in jazz history, Clark Terry. An incredible wealth of St. Louis’s finest gathered for a swinging salute for Clark!

• Danny Campbell & Brady Lewis – trumpets
• Kendrick Smith – saxophone
• Scooter Brown – saxophone & vocals
• Adaron “Pops” Jackson – piano
• Jahmal Nichols – bass
• Montez Coleman – drums

Vocalist Erika Johnson runs the gamut from classic jazz standards to Prince and The Rolling Stones in this thrilling set full of groove and good times!

• Erika Johnson – vocals
• Pete Ruthenburg – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Eric Slaughter – guitar
• Jahmal Nichols – bass
• Demarius Hicks – drums

Ben Reece’s dynamic quartet delivers a soulful, swinging set through outstanding original compositions as well as killer arrangements of standards and modern classics.

• Ben Reece – tenor saxophone & flute
• Rob Nugent – alto saxophone
• Cody Henry – sousaphone
• Ron Sikes – drums

One of the most cherished voices of modern jazz, Denise Thimes has drawn comparisons to Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and all those who came before her – but with a voice uniquely her own.

• Adaron “Pops” Jackson – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Eric Slaughter – guitar
• John King – bass
• Demarius Hicks- drums

A trio of native St. Louisans return to debut the All Night Trio on the Jazz St. Louis stage. The trio’s compositions are heavily influenced by different types of groove music, including Herbie Hancock, Thundercat, Drake, and Frank LoCrasto.

• Matt Villinger – keyboards & vocals
• Peter Schlamb – keyboards
• Zach Morrow – drums

This explosive four-piece outfit draws upon jazz, funk, fusion, gospel, and R&B repertoires to deliver a powerful and unapologetic sound that excites and thrills audiences.

• Adaron “Pops” Jackson – piano & keys
• Shaun Robinson – guitar
• John King – bass & vocals
• James Jackson – drums
• Jason Swagler – alto saxophone

Drummer and educator Kaleb Kirby has become a respected voice among the current landscape of St. Louis jazz composers, with his original compositions taking center stage in this performance.

• Kaleb Kirby – drums
• Josiah Joyce – guitar
• Aaron O’Neill – bass
• Steven Johnson – saxophone

The Kendrick Smith Trio lights up the Jazz St. Louis stage with an incredible performance featuring classic jazz standards and original compositions.

• Kendrick Smith – saxophones, flute, & bass clarinet
• Bernard Terry – acoustic bass
• Micah Walker – drums

Bassist Bernard Terry delivers a robust, swinging set with a performance that illustrates why he is one of the most in-demand bassists around. Double-check your door hinges; this quartet is about to swing ‘em right off!

• Bernard Terry – bass
• Kendrick Smith – saxophone & flute
• Royce Martin – piano
• Demarius Hicks – drums

Master percussionist Matthew Henry debuts his new quintet that embraces the spirit of “agbara” – the West African Yoruba word for vigor, energy, and power.

• Matthew Henry – percussion
• Adam Hucke – trumpet & flugelhorn
• Adaron “Pops” Jackson – piano & keys
• Zeb Briskovich – bass
• Montez Coleman – drums

Take five and join us for a 100th birthday celebration of one of the most defining figures in jazz –the legendary pianist and composer Dave Brubeck.

• Jason Swagler – Saxophone
• Matt Villinger – Piano
• Bob DeBoo – Bass
• Marty Morrison – Drums

Jahmal Nichols’ says his newest album, Black Frequencies is about a vibe or experience. Nichols says, “The title track says black is not a color, it’s a frequency — something Black people have been through all our lives with food, sounds, how we wear our hair. That’s what I mean when I say the vibe. The vibe just draws you in.”

• Jahmal Nichols – acoustic & electric basses
• Scooter Brown – alto saxophone
• Antonio Foster – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Montez Coleman – drums

Foster is one of the top call jazz pianists and keyboardists in St. Louis. His wealth of knowledge across genres allows him to bring gospel, blues, and R&B influences into his jazz groove.

• Antonio Foster – piano & keys
• Scooter Brown – alto saxophone
• Bernard Terry – bass
• Josiah Joyce – guitar
• Dorian Simms – drums

Hip Grease brings the vibe of the late 1960s and 70s soul-jazz grooves to the bandstand as an all-star gathering of St. Louis’ premier boogaloo jazz and funk musicians.

• Ben Reece – saxophones
• Adam Hucke – trumpet & flugelhorn
• Dave Grelle – organ & keys
• Andy Coco – bass
• Joe Meyer – drums

Ben Reece’s Unity Quartet

Ben Reece’s dynamic quartet delivers a soulful, swinging set through outstanding original compositions as well as killer arrangements of standards and modern classics.

• Ben Reece – tenor saxophone & flute
• Rob Nugent – alto saxophone
• Cody Henry – sousaphone
• Ron Sikes – drums

Denise Thimes

One of the most cherished voices of modern jazz, Denise Thimes has drawn comparisons to Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and all those who came before her – but with a voice uniquely her own.

• Adaron “Pops” Jackson – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Eric Slaughter – guitar
• John King – bass
• Demarius Hicks- drums

Bernard Terry

Bassist Bernard Terry delivers a robust, swinging set with a performance that illustrates why he is one of the most in-demand bassists around. Double-check your door hinges; this quartet is about to swing ‘em right off!

• Bernard Terry – bass
• Kendrick Smith – saxophone & flute
• Royce Martin – piano
• Demarius Hicks – drums

Matthew Henry’s Agbara Quintet

Master percussionist Matthew Henry debuts his new quintet that embraces the spirit of “agbara” – the West African Yoruba word for vigor, energy, and power.

• Matthew Henry – percussion
• Adam Hucke – trumpet & flugelhorn
• Adaron “Pops” Jackson – piano & keys
• Zeb Briskovich – bass
• Montez Coleman – drums

Walk the streets of Havana on any day and you’ll hear the soul of Cuba: music pouring from private homes and bustling restaurants, windows rattling with the parties thrown inside, nightclubs pulsing with throngs of people dancing. On his vibrant and spirited new album, Te Lo Dije, Havana-based pianist and composer Harold López-Nussa sets out to capture that stirring sensation with an exhilarating marriage of jazz and Cuban pop music, defiantly standing up to the doubters who failed to share his radical vision.

Harold López-Nussa is rapidly building a global following in jazz and beyond. His tight-knit group captivates audiences with a relentless vivaciousness that “bridges generations and genres” (Billboard). His music reflects the full range and richness of Cuban music, with its distinctive combination of classical, folkloric, and popular elements, as well as its embrace of improvisation.

• Harold López-Nussa – piano
• Grégoire Maret – harmonica
• Luques Curtis – bass
• Ruy Adrian López-Nussa – drums

This explosive four-piece outfit draws upon jazz, funk, fusion, gospel, and R&B repertoires to deliver a powerful and unapologetic sound that excites and thrills audiences. When this band hits the stage, there are no boundaries. The only guarantee is a night of world-class music that is Good 4 the Soul.

• John King - bass
• James Jackson - drums
• Shaun Robinson - guitar
• Adaron “Pops” Jackson - keys

Kandace Spring’s latest album, “The Women Who Raised Me,” is her loving tribute to the great female singers who inspired her to begin her journey towards becoming one of the premier jazz/soul vocalists of our time. Featuring her unique interpretations of songs influential to her while growing up in Tennessee, Springs covers such classic icons as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae, through 60’s legends Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield, and up to modern masters such as Sade and Lauryn Hill.

• Kandace Springs – piano, Fender Rhodes, & vocals
• Caylen Bryant - bass
• Taylor Moore - drums

Adam Maness Trio

The Adam Maness Trio has become a standard-bearer for what a “working” jazz group is — functioning as a singular unit with all members feeding off each other to create something extraordinary.

Montez Coleman

East St. Louis native Montez Coleman has toured and shared the stage with a host of jazz luminaries, including the Roy Hargrove Quintet, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Houston Person, Freddy Cole, Bruce Barth, Rufus Reid, & Russell Malone.

• Montez Coleman – drums
• Bob DeBoo – bass
• Adam Maness – piano
• Eric Slaughter – guitar
• Jason Swagler – saxophones

Jazz St. Louis celebrates the life and legacy of Clark Terry. The mark he left on both jazz and jazz education is immeasurable. We’ve assembled an all-star group that would surely make Clark smile as the doors will surely be swinging off the Bistro! A fitting tribute to one of St. Louis’s greatest exports to the world and a monumental leader in jazz.

• Sean Jones – trumpet
• Sharel Cassity – saxophone
• Aaron Diehl – piano
• John Clayton – bass
• Sylvia Cuenca – Terry’s longtime drummer

Jahmal Nichols, Black Frequencies

Jahmal Nichols’ says his newest album, Black Frequencies is about a vibe or experience. Nichols says, “The title track says black is not a color, it’s a frequency — something Black people have been through all our lives with food, sounds, how we wear our hair. That’s what I mean when I say the vibe. The vibe just draws you in.”

• Jahmal Nichols – acoustic & electric basses
• Scooter Brown – alto saxophone
• Antonio Foster – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Montez Coleman – drums

Dave Brubeck Centennial

Take five and join us for a 100th birthday celebration of one of the most defining figures in jazz –the legendary pianist and composer Dave Brubeck.

• Jason Swagler – Saxophone
• Matt Villinger – Piano
• Bob DeBoo – Bass
• Marty Morrison – Drums

They don’t get together much anymore, but when they do, you’d better reinforce the walls because the joint will be swinging’! Bassist Christian McBride, pianist Benny Green, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson are among the most respected and well-loved purveyors of the modern American music we call jazz. This special engagement brings the three long-time musical compadres together to pay tribute to their mentor, legendary bassist Ray Brown. The joy will be infectious when this trio hits the stage, and we invite you to sit at the table of swing!

• Christian McBride - Bass
• Bennie Green - Piano
• Gregory Hutchinson - Drums

Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana joined the "Blue Note Records" family with her debut album, "12 Stars."

At 33, the Brooklyn-based tenor saxophone player from Santiago, Chile, has received international recognition for her visionary work as a band leader – as well as her deeply meditative interpretation of language and vocabulary.

• Lage Lund - Guitar
• Pablo Menares - Bass
• Kush Abadey - Drums

Walk the streets of Havana on any day and you’ll hear the soul of Cuba: music pouring from private homes and bustling restaurants, windows rattling with the parties thrown inside, nightclubs pulsing with throngs of people dancing. On his vibrant and spirited new album, Te Lo Dije, Havana-based pianist and composer Harold López-Nussa sets out to capture that stirring sensation with an exhilarating marriage of jazz and Cuban pop music, defiantly standing up to the doubters who failed to share his radical vision.

Harold López-Nussa is rapidly building a global following in jazz and beyond. His tight-knit group captivates audiences with a relentless vivaciousness that “bridges generations and genres” (Billboard). His music reflects the full range and richness of Cuban music, with its distinctive combination of classical, folkloric, and popular elements, as well as its embrace of improvisation.

• Harold López-Nussa – piano
• Grégoire Maret – harmonica
• Luques Curtis – bass
• Ruy Adrian López-Nussa – drums

Matthew Whitaker’s love for playing music began at age 3 after his grandfather gave him a small Yamaha keyboard. At 9, Matthew began teaching himself how to play the Hammond B3 organ. Four years later, he became the youngest artist to be endorsed by Hammond—in its 80+ year history. He was also named a Yamaha Artist at 15, becoming the youngest musician to join the stellar group of jazz pianists.

• Matthew Whitaker – piano, organ, & keyboards
• Karim Hutton - bass
• Marcos Robinson - guitar
• Ivan Montejo - percussion
• John Steele - drums

Jazz St. Louis celebrates the life and music of our beloved brother and friend Montez Coleman, featuring many of the artists that Tez worked with in his own groups on our stage. The night will include appearances by Adam Maness, Bob DeBoo, Eric Slaughter, Jason Swagler, Adaron “Pops” Jackson, Zeb Briskovich, Kendrick Smith, Danny Campbell, Bernard Terry, Demarius Hicks, Miles Vandiver, Matthew Henry, and many others.

Janet Evra performs in her signature Indie Bossa style.

Performing that bossa style has taken Janet from her native England, throughout Europe and to the United States. She was a Kranzberg Arts Foundation “Artist in Residence” from 2019 to 2020. She is now based in St. Louis as she continues to tour in the US, and around the world.

Janet is joined by Husband and guitarist Will Buchanan, Adam Maness on Piano and Keyboards, Demarius Hicks on drums, and featuring Kendrick Smith on Saxophone and EWI.

As always, Janet will be singing AND holding down the Bass.

Kandace Spring’s latest album, “The Women Who Raised Me,” is her loving tribute to the great female singers who inspired her to begin her journey towards becoming one of the premier jazz/soul vocalists of our time. Featuring her unique interpretations of songs influential to her while growing up in Tennessee, Springs covers such classic icons as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae, through 60’s legends Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield, and up to modern masters such as Sade and Lauryn Hill.

• Kandace Springs – piano, Fender Rhodes, & vocals
• Caylen Bryant - bass
• Taylor Moore - drums

Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez both started life in Havana, discovered their gifts and passions for music and headed to the States, where they melded the music of their homeland with a wide variety of influences, each in his own deeply personal way. Rodriguez and Martinez share a natural chemistry that makes for a galvanizing musical experience when they come together. The pair explores a range of moods and influences, from Cuban classics to collaborative original compositions to a number of unexpected favorites.

They don’t get together much anymore, but when they do, you’d better reinforce the walls because the joint will be swinging’! Bassist Christian McBride, pianist Benny Green, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson are among the most respected and well-loved purveyors of the modern American music we call jazz. This special engagement brings the three long-time musical compadres together to pay tribute to their mentor, legendary bassist Ray Brown. The joy will be infectious when this trio hits the stage, and we invite you to sit at the table of swing!

• Christian McBride - Bass
• Bennie Green - Piano
• Gregory Hutchinson - Drums

Matt Villinger’s All Night Trio

A trio of native St. Louisans return to debut the All Night Trio on the Jazz St. Louis stage. The trio’s compositions are heavily influenced by different types of groove music, including Herbie Hancock, Thundercat, Drake, and Frank LoCrasto.

• Matt Villinger – keyboards & vocals
• Peter Schlamb – keyboards
• Zach Morrow – drums

Good 4 the Soul

This explosive four-piece outfit draws upon jazz, funk, fusion, gospel, and R&B repertoires to deliver a powerful and unapologetic sound that excites and thrills audiences.

• Adaron “Pops” Jackson – piano & keys
• Shaun Robinson – guitar
• John King – bass & vocals
• James Jackson – drums
• Jason Swagler – alto saxophone

Now in their 5th decade, the dynamic brilliance of the Yellowjackets is the perfect start to a long-awaited season! The definition of musical mastery, the Jackets are not to be missed!

• Russell Ferrante – piano & keyboards
• Bob Mintzer – saxophones & EWI
• Dane Alderson – bass
• William Kennedy – drums

Ben Reece’s Unity Quartet

Ben Reece’s dynamic quartet delivers a soulful, swinging set through outstanding original compositions as well as killer arrangements of standards and modern classics.

• Ben Reece – tenor saxophone & flute
• Rob Nugent – alto saxophone
• Cody Henry – sousaphone
• Ron Sikes – drums

Denise Thimes

One of the most cherished voices of modern jazz, Denise Thimes has drawn comparisons to Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and all those who came before her – but with a voice uniquely her own.

• Adaron “Pops” Jackson – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Eric Slaughter – guitar
• John King – bass
• Demarius Hicks- drums

Kendrick Smith’s latest project Fusebox reworks classic video game themes from the 1980s and 90s, early 2000s, bringing a whole new vibe to Jazz St. Louis. For those who remember Donkey Kong, Super Mario Brothers, and other classic games, these performances will bring you back to your childhood with a whole new hipness.

• Kendrick Smith – saxophone & EWI
• Zach Radwine – piano & keyboards
• Josiah Joyce – guitar
• Bernard Terry – bass
• Ben Dicke – drums

Matthew Whitaker’s love for playing music began at age 3 after his grandfather gave him a small Yamaha keyboard. At 9, Matthew began teaching himself how to play the Hammond B3 organ. Four years later, he became the youngest artist to be endorsed by Hammond—in its 80+ year history. He was also named a Yamaha Artist at 15, becoming the youngest musician to join the stellar group of jazz pianists.

• Matthew Whitaker – piano, organ, & keyboards
• Karim Hutton - bass
• Marcos Robinson - guitar
• Ivan Montejo - percussion
• John Steele - drums

Jazz St. Louis’s newly appointed Creative Advisor Keyon Harrold takes the stage to celebrate a partnership that is poised to set St. Louis abuzz with good vibes. Harrold’s work continues to be unique, thoughtful, and boundary-pushing, just like the artist himself.

• Keyon Harrold – trumpet & vocals
• Shedrick Mitchell – piano, Fender Rhodes, & organ
• Burniss Travis – bass
• Nir Felder – guitar
• Charles Haynes – drums
• PLUS special guests

Sara Gazarek is a Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist. She’s been named Outstanding Jazz vocalist by the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation. Sara is a passionate educator who has travelled the world to teach, and perform, at educational camps and music festivals.

For this concert, she is performing with Miro Sprague- Piano, Alex Boneham- Bass, Jonathan Pinson- Drums and Lenard Simpson on Alto Sax.

With the release of her 2018 Mack Avenue Music Group debut, Crime Zone, pianist Connie Han seized the attention of the jazz world and firmly established herself as a fast-rising star on the scene. That stratospheric ascent continues her captivating follow-up, “Iron Starlet,” released in April of 2020.

One listens to “Iron Starlet” is ample evidence that the 23-year old is every bit an armor-clad talent as the name implies. Her powerful vision takes in the full evolution of her forebearers, from iconic innovators like McCoy Tyner and Hank Jones through the Young Lion revolution spearheaded by the Marsalis Brothers, Kenny Kirkland, and Jeff “Tain” Watts, among others.

• Ryan Berg - Bass
• Bill Wysaske - KIT
• Connie Han - Piano

The title Black, Brown and Beige refers to the three movements of this suite. Each one representing a period in black history:

• "black" – that’s the lives of slaves.
• "brown" – the emancipation of slaves and black service in American wars.
• "beige" – there we have Ellington taking on contemporary black America in the 40s.

With her breathtaking voice, genuine demeanor, and trademark sense of humor, Emily Wallace join forces with one of today’s premier piano trios led by pianist, composer, and arranger Adam Maness to bring new life to classic rock and pop tunes and a few of originals.

• Emily Wallace – vocals
• Adam Hucke – vocals & trumpet
• Adam Maness – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Bob DeBoo – bass
• Montez Coleman – drums

The Service is guitar-led jazz-funk, featuring original compositions by hollow body electric guitarist Pete Lombardo, with complimentary leads from Hammond B3 organist Nathan Hershey. The rhythm section is all pocket, with funk phenom Nick Savage on the drums and the smooth Fender Electric Bass tone of Andy Coco.

• Pete Lombardo – guitar
• Nathan Hershey – organ
• Andy Coco – bass
• Nick Savage – drums
• Special guest Matt McKeever – saxophones

Anita Jackson

Anita Jackson leads an all-star band through a robust set ranging from jazz classics and soul favorites to down-home blues and original compositions.

• Anita Jackson – vocals
• Kendrick Smith – saxophone & flute
• Phillip Graves – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Teddy Brookins – bass
• Joshua Crump – drums

Scooter Brown Quintet

Soulful, vibrant, and creative are just a few words that describe saxophonist, vocalist, producer, composer, and educator Scooter Brown.

• Scooter Brown – alto saxophone, vocals, samples
• Antonio Foster – piano & keys
• Jordan Brewer – bass
• Dorian Sims – drums

Jazz St. Louis celebrates the life and music of our beloved brother and friend Montez Coleman, featuring many of the artists that Tez worked with in his own groups on our stage. The night will include appearances by Adam Maness, Bob DeBoo, Eric Slaughter, Jason Swagler, Adaron “Pops” Jackson, Zeb Briskovich, Kendrick Smith, Danny Campbell, Bernard Terry, Demarius Hicks, Miles Vandiver, Matthew Henry, and many others.

Now in their 5th decade, the dynamic brilliance of the Yellowjackets is the perfect start to a long-awaited season! The definition of musical mastery, the Jackets are not to be missed!

• Russell Ferrante – piano & keyboards
• Bob Mintzer – saxophones & EWI
• Dane Alderson – bass
• William Kennedy – drums

With the release of her 2018 Mack Avenue Music Group debut, Crime Zone, pianist Connie Han seized the attention of the jazz world and firmly established herself as a fast-rising star on the scene. That stratospheric ascent continues her captivating follow-up, “Iron Starlet,” released in April of 2020.

One listens to “Iron Starlet” is ample evidence that the 23-year old is every bit an armor-clad talent as the name implies. Her powerful vision takes in the full evolution of her forebearers, from iconic innovators like McCoy Tyner and Hank Jones through the Young Lion revolution spearheaded by the Marsalis Brothers, Kenny Kirkland, and Jeff “Tain” Watts, among others.

• Ryan Berg - Bass
• Bill Wysaske - KIT
• Connie Han - Piano

Ferguson native Keyon Harrold grew up one of 16 children in a family that prioritized music and community across generations. His grandfather was a police officer who retired from the force to found a drum and bugle corps for local youth, both of his parents were pastors, and nearly all of his siblings sing and perform music today.

After leaving St. Louis for New York to study at The New School, Harrold landed his first major gig with Common, an experience which he says broadened his musical horizons beyond jazz to include funk, Afrobeat, R&B, and hip hop. Soon he was performing with stars like Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Eminem, Maxwell, and Anthony Hamilton. He continues to create music that combines jazz with other genres, helping to broaden the appeal of the music and bring people together. Harrold was named the new Creative Advisor for Jazz St. Louis in 2021.

JSL celebrates our 25th anniversary with a group that celebrates the history of the organization while looking towards the future at the same time. Longtime JSL staples Terell Stafford (trumpet) and Cyrus Chestnut (piano) are joined by saxophonist and vocalist Grace Kelly, drummer Allison Miller and bassist Nathan Pence (a former JazzU standout). This group can be experienced nowhere else in the world and will end the season on a definite high note!

The title Black, Brown and Beige refers to the three movements of this suite. Each one representing a period in black history:

• "black" – that’s the lives of slaves.
• "brown" – the emancipation of slaves and black service in American wars.
• "beige" – there we have Ellington taking on contemporary black America in the 40s.