Jazz St. Louis Celebrates
Jazz St. Louis celebrated their 25th anniversary by elevating their annual celebration, producing a program that was equal parts gala, performance, and documentary. The hybrid of live-stream and recorded video allowed attendees and special guests to participate from all corners of the globe, attracting over seven-times the traditional gala capacity. Many notable jazz musicians like Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Jeremy Davenport, Grace Kelly, and The Bad Plus contributed well-wishes, memories of JSL and performances – including a world premiere by Ann Hampton Callaway.
Christian McBride performs at Jazz St. Louis
Jeremy Davenport
Grace Kelly, photo by John Huet
The one-hour main event was hosted by JSL’s President & CEO Gene Dobbs Bradford and St. Louis’ own national treasure, pianist Peter Martin.
Peter Martin and Gene Dobbs Bradford
An additional hour of performance served as bookends with a welcoming set by JazzU students and an after-party concert from the legendary vocalist Denise Thimes.
Adaron-Pops-Jackson, Eric Slaughter, Denise Thimes, John King and Alex Bruce
Across the region, supporters hosted watch parties to enjoy the revelry including the event committee chairs Susan Sanders Block and John Russell.
Susan Sanders Block and Alex Gutirrez, photo courtesy of Susan Sanders Block
Glen and Julie Schuster, Eric and Stephanie Vallo, Mark Anderson and Cary Hobbs
Richard and Emily Pitts and Johnny and Minga Furr, photo courtesy of Emily Pitts