At exactly 5:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis President and CEO Victor Goines signaled to the marching band at Compton and Washington that it was time to start the party. The blended group of musicians represented St. Louis and Goines’ hometown of New Orleans – and both in the case of the Red and Black Brass Band. The rhythm compelled parade participants and onlookers into a synchronized bop as the second line proceeded down Washington.
When the horns chimed in, their ability to captivate brought to mind a Miles Davis quote from a 1987 interview.
“When the big bands used to come in town, and up from New Orleans on the boat, if they needed a trumpet player – or a show drummer – they would pick up one when they came to St. Louis,” Davis said.
On Tuesday afternoon, the horns played with a New Orleans Flavor as Jazz St. Louis kicked off their 30th anniversary celebration festivities with a lively second line parade that led to the heart of the Grand Center Arts District.
Instead of a swanky dinner party for shareholders and CEOs, Jazz St. Louis chose to open their to the community, one of the organization’s most vital resources. The gesture is aligned with their organizational goal of maximum exposure for jazz. It was also in tune with their mission “to advance the uniquely American art of Jazz through performance, education, and community engagement.”
The parade – which led to a party – was a celebration of joy, remembrance and everything that represents Jazz St. Louis.
“We want people to know Jazz St. Louis has something for everybody, because jazz has something for everybody,” Goines said.
Photo courtesy of Jazz St. Louis
Led by Grand Marshals Herlin Riley and Yolonda Lankford, Goines and company bounced down the block to kick off not only the Jazz St. Louis milestone, but to usher in the robust programming in honor of Davis, who would have turned 100 on May 26, 2026.
Lankford, Riley and Goines flaunted large customized parasols trimmed in black tinsel with sequined music notes and instruments adorning the panels and top. The stellar brass bands – the Saint Boogie Brass Band, the Funky Butt Brass Band and the Red and Black Brass Band – followed the grand marshals playing familiar favorites. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, Levert’s “Casanova” and “When the Band Comes Marching In” turned the crowd into background singers as they proceeded to Strauss Park.
There was a quick break before the bands blessed the outdoor stage just to the left of the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center For Jazz, Jazz St. Louis’ headquarters.
Saint Boogie Brass Band was up first. They brought style and flavor with their original and easy going lyrics.
“Don’t worry about nobody else, come have yourself a good time,” the band said. The entire crowd chanted along. They also gave them a taste of their original music by way of the tune “314 Life.”
Funky Butt Brass Band began with rotating solos, which displayed the abundance of talent from each member in the band. They then delighted the audience with pop/rock covers reimagined for Brass. “Hungry Heart” by Bruce Springsteen and “Finish What Ya Started” by Van Halen were crowd pleasers. Though not trained singers, the Brass Band played and sang with a love of music that was felt by everyone in the audience.
The final act of the celebration was the Red and Black Brass Band. Thankfully, they could hold a tune. They started with “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers, which was creatively reimagined through the horns. They added elements of New Orleans style, but the song felt familiar enough to catch the rhythm. Just like Saint Boogie, the Red and Black brass Band came with original music. “We are the City,” had a hopping melody that patrons quickly learned as they danced along. Their cover of “St. Louis Blues,” demonstrated the band’s vocal chops – and the region’s connection to the genre – as the melody rang through the streets of Grand Center.
Photo courtesy of Jazz St. Louis
Tuesday’s parade and party were a sign of what’s to come. Guests had the opportunity to purchase tickets or subscriptions for Jazz St. Louis’ spectacular 30th Anniversary season.
“Thanks to the support of the Steward Family Foundation, World Wide Technologies and Ameren, we’re honoring not just 30 years of concerts, but 30 years of moments, memories, and music that have shaped who we are,” Goines said. “Since 1995, we’ve had the honor of bringing Grammy winners, rising stars, and fearless innovators to our stage. Each has added to the rich legacy of St. Louis as a true jazz city.”
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
