This week's calendar of jazz and creative music in St. Louis includes a generous helping of holiday music; the long-awaited return of a popular jam-band performer; a tribute to one of St. Louis' all-time jazz greats; and more.
Let's go to the highlights...
Wednesday, December 7
Drummer Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O returns to spread their particular brand of holiday cheer for the first of two nights at Jazz at the Bistro.
For more about the Tree-O and some video samples of past performances, see this post that ran just before their gig here last year.
Also on Wednesday night, the Route 66 Big Band will play a show featuring seasonal music at the Ozark Theatre ; and singer Erin Bode will be incorporating some holiday favorites into her performance at Cyrano's.
Thursday, December 8
The Wire Pilots will be joined by special guest Sandy Weltman and opening act Mayor Taylor for a concert at Joe's Cafe, and guitarists Dave Black and Aaron Burlbaw will duet at The Pat Connolly Tavern.
Friday, December 9
Trumpeter Jim Manley reassembles his seven-piece band Mad Brass & Rhythm for the first of two nights of “A Very Manley Christmas" at Jazz at the Bistro.
Also on Friday, trumpeter Randy Holmes and his quintet commemorate the birthday of a St. Louis jazz great with the first of two nights of a “Tribute to Clark Terry" at the Ozark Theatre; and singer Feyza Eren leads a a quartet in a performance at the art gallery and event space 1900 Park in Soulard.
Saturday, December 10
Saxophonist and vocalist Karl Denson (pictured, bottom left) returns with his band Tiny Universe for his first St. Louis performance in more than six years at the Old Rock House.
Denson's long absence can be attributed in part to his roles in several other bands besides his own, including most recently The Rolling Stones, for whom he has served as touring saxophonist since 2014.
For more about that, and some video samples of recent Tiny Universe performances, see this post from last Saturday.
Also on Saturday, the Midwest Jazz-tette plays West Coast-style “cool" jazz at Evangeline's and trumpeter Kasimu Taylor and his trio will play at The Dark Room.
Sunday, December 11
The STL Free Jazz Collective will play a matinee at the Ozark Theatre; the Ambassadors of Swing return for an early evening show at Kirkwood Station Brewing Company; and singer Tony Viviano will pay tribute to Frank Sinatra's 101st birthday along with some holiday music in a dinner show at Patrick's at Westport.
Monday, December 12
Dizzy Atmosphere plays swing and Gypsy jazz for diners at The Shaved Duck, and singer and impressionist Dean Christopher will bring his “Rat Pack & More" show back to One 19 North Tapas and Wine Bar.
Tuesday, December 13
The Jazz at Holmes series at Washington University presents their final free concert of the semester, featuring Italian pianist Francesca Tandoi.
Let's go to the highlights...
Wednesday, December 7
Drummer Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O returns to spread their particular brand of holiday cheer for the first of two nights at Jazz at the Bistro.
For more about the Tree-O and some video samples of past performances, see this post that ran just before their gig here last year.
Also on Wednesday night, the Route 66 Big Band will play a show featuring seasonal music at the Ozark Theatre ; and singer Erin Bode will be incorporating some holiday favorites into her performance at Cyrano's.
Thursday, December 8
The Wire Pilots will be joined by special guest Sandy Weltman and opening act Mayor Taylor for a concert at Joe's Cafe, and guitarists Dave Black and Aaron Burlbaw will duet at The Pat Connolly Tavern.
Friday, December 9
Trumpeter Jim Manley reassembles his seven-piece band Mad Brass & Rhythm for the first of two nights of “A Very Manley Christmas" at Jazz at the Bistro.
Also on Friday, trumpeter Randy Holmes and his quintet commemorate the birthday of a St. Louis jazz great with the first of two nights of a “Tribute to Clark Terry" at the Ozark Theatre; and singer Feyza Eren leads a a quartet in a performance at the art gallery and event space 1900 Park in Soulard.
Saturday, December 10
Saxophonist and vocalist Karl Denson (pictured, bottom left) returns with his band Tiny Universe for his first St. Louis performance in more than six years at the Old Rock House.
Denson's long absence can be attributed in part to his roles in several other bands besides his own, including most recently The Rolling Stones, for whom he has served as touring saxophonist since 2014.
For more about that, and some video samples of recent Tiny Universe performances, see this post from last Saturday.
Also on Saturday, the Midwest Jazz-tette plays West Coast-style “cool" jazz at Evangeline's and trumpeter Kasimu Taylor and his trio will play at The Dark Room.
Sunday, December 11
The STL Free Jazz Collective will play a matinee at the Ozark Theatre; the Ambassadors of Swing return for an early evening show at Kirkwood Station Brewing Company; and singer Tony Viviano will pay tribute to Frank Sinatra's 101st birthday along with some holiday music in a dinner show at Patrick's at Westport.
Monday, December 12
Dizzy Atmosphere plays swing and Gypsy jazz for diners at The Shaved Duck, and singer and impressionist Dean Christopher will bring his “Rat Pack & More" show back to One 19 North Tapas and Wine Bar.
Tuesday, December 13
The Jazz at Holmes series at Washington University presents their final free concert of the semester, featuring Italian pianist Francesca Tandoi.
