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| Old Webster Jazz Fest in St. Louis Webster-Kirkwood Times presents the 6th Annual Old Webster Jazz Festival at Saturday, September 23rd in the Webster Groves Historic District at Gore & Lockwood Avenues (St. Louis). Since 2000, Webster Groves - located 10 miles southwest of St. Louis - has been the site of a Midwest musical odyssey combining family and audible art. Not only is the event free of charge, it offers free parking, a free jazz workshop, and a free bag of Switzer's Licorice to the first 6, 000 fans. The entire community is involved, as hip kids show other young hip kids that jazz music is cool. This year's consummate performance with Billy Peek promises the celebratory feeling and excitement of winning a big game. Presented by the Webster-Kirkwood Times, the historic community showcases a fresh lineup of classic jazz performances. Sixty percent (60%) of the music roster is composed of new artists and shows that did not play the festival last year. The nostalgic streets of Gore and Allen are the sites of ten different shows featuring contemporary artists. Nestled between historic buildings that house modern day specialty shops, music fans find everything old is new again! From rockin' Blues to Big Band, and from New Orleans Zydeco to Swing, the two stages at the award winning event feature the best in St. Louis classics on Saturday, September 23. Rock 'n Soul artist, Billy Peek, returns to headline the event. With a new album to his credit, Tribute to a Poet, Peek celebrates his music mentor. Having rolled Chuck Berry-style in the '60s and later toured with the ever popular Rod Stewart for seven years, Billy Peek is one of the finest rock and blues guitarists in the country. Back by popular demand is the sensational Erin Bode. The Webster University Jazz Band, comprised of professors from her alma mater, follows her performance. Other returning bands are the United States Air Force Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble, and the Webster Groves High School Jazz Band. Newcomers to this year's jazz festival include Gumbohead, Swing Cat Swing, Uncle Albert, Anita Rosamond, and Andrea Sanderson & Jazz Fusion. A free educational jazz improv workshop is available for regional students and amateur musicians of all ages. Co-Sponsored by Webster University and the OWJF, the workshop is hosted by world-class faculty and artists: Mike Parkinson (brass), Paul DeMarinis (saxophone), Steve Schenkel (guitar), Carolbeth True (piano), Willem von Hombracht (bass) and Ron Carr (drums). All workshops take place in the Music Annex behind Thompson Music building on the campus of Webster University. Each participant receives a free gift bag from area retailers (MAXJAZZ, Mel Bay Records, Webster Records, Euclid Records, Switzer's Licorice). write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |