A run-down of all performers and ticket options
American staff
This weekend, the US Bank Saint Louis Jazz Festival will transform Clayton’s Shaw Park into the region’s premier music festival with eleven performances over two days.
On Friday, at 5 p.m., The Jonathan Whiting Trio will open the festival with Jonathan Whiting on vibes, Darrell Mixon on bass and Gary Sykes on drums. Together, the trio creates an intellectual, energetic, and dynamic form of acoustic jazz.
At 5:30 p.m., Los Hombres Calientes will take the stage. Hailing from New Orleans, “The Hot Men” favor alluring blends of Latin and African rhythms. Twenty-year old trumpeter Irvin Mayfield leads an all-star cast that sizzles.
From 7:30 to 10 p.m., Summer Storm will close the opening night, featuring Peabo Bryson, Everette Harp and Norman Brown. Summer Storm presents a blend of R&B and smooth jazz under the creative guidance of Brown. Joining him will be vocalist Peabo Bryson, best-known for his duets with Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack and Regina Belle, and saxophonist Everett Harp, who has played with Wayne Henderson and George Duke.
The Saturday line-up will open at 3 p.m. with the Carolbeth True Trio, a St. Louis group playing a mix of original compositions and the American songbook.
At 4:30 p.m. the Dave Douglas Quintet hits, led by the trumpeter whose list of collaborations reads like a who’s who of important contemporary artists, including John Zorn, Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell, Tom Waits and many more.
At 6 p.m. DJ Alexis will command the dance floor for Hot House Sessions, with driving house rhythms, Latin, funk and soul. Alexis will control the tables while mixing in a 4-piece band.
At 6:30 p.m. vocal Jane Monheit will take the stage with a style that coaxes a sass and heat songs like “Embraceable You,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Taking A Chance On Love” and “In the Still of the Night.”
From 8:30 to 10 p.m., the festival will close with the great Roy Hargrove & the RH Factor. Trumpeter/composer Hargrove may be only 33 years old, but in just 14 years as a professional, he’s established a reputation as one of the most versatile and hardest working players in jazz. He has led quartets, quintets, nonets and a big band and ventured into the black pop mainstream as a collaborator with D’Angelo and Erykah Badu. The RH Factor is a unique melding of jazz, R & B, hip-hop sounds.
To kick off the 5th season, an open air Jazz Trolley will make its debut on the streets of Clayton. The trolley will also sell festival wristbands and hand out performance schedules to passer-bys. Friday night festival-goers may catch a trolley ride to Shaw Park from various stops in the Clayton business district.
This year, festival-goers may choose from assorted seating options which include the Listening Lounge, Pavilion, and lawn seating.
Listening Lounge tickets are $75, and seats are located in an air-conditioned tent close to the main stage. Complimentary beverage and nearby parking are included. A canopied area and an elevated platform hold the Pavilion seats, and nearby parking is included in the $35 ticket price. Lawn seating is $20. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Special group prices are available. Call (314) 863-0291 or email eisenberg@saintlouisjazzfest.com to arrange for your group.
Wristbands may be purchased through the festival’s website, saintlouisjazzfest.com, at Borders Books and Music, Metrotix.com and at the festival’s entrance gates the weekend of the festival.
Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by parent or guardian for general admission lawn seating only. The U.S. festival will take place rain or shine. For general information, call (314) 863-0278 or visit www.saintlouisjazzfest.com.
