U.S. Bank Saint Louis Jazz Festival
Clayton, Missouri, USA
Late JuneDescription
Al Jarreau heads up an award-winning array of musical talent spanning 40 years of jazz, R&B, contemporary pop, soul, rock, and big band at the third annual U.S. Bank Saint Louis Jazz Festival, June 20 and 21 in beautiful Shaw Park, Clayton, Mo. The festival runs from 5 p.m. until 11p.m. on June 20 and 3p.m. until 11 p.m. on June 21. Produced and presented by the Saint Louis Art Fair and the Sheldon Concert Hall, the two-day jazz festival is offering an expanded musical selection to appeal to a broader market. “Although our core offering will be jazz, we’re kind of blurring the lines which separate jazz, R&B, contemporary pop, soul, rock and big band,” says Cynthia Prost, president/executive director, U.S. Bank Saint Louis Jazz Festival. “In order to do that, we are bringing in performing artists who move comfortably between these music forms and those who adhere to the jazz genre. It’s a mix that will have a broader appeal and, at the same time, satisfy the jazz purist.” - MORE – Jazz festival add one Prost also announced that the starting time of the Saturday schedule of performances would be pushed back to 3p.m. Performances both nights will end at 11 p.m. There will be three performing stages both days: The Michelob Light Stage will feature The Dave Holland Big Band, Joe Lovano and Arturo Sandoval. The Emerson Stage will feature Chris Botti, Dianne Reeves, Mariena Shaw, and headliner Al Jarreau. Local jazz performers and bands will appear on the general jazz stage. (A performance schedule is attached) Five-time Grammy Award winner Al Jarreau (see attached performing schedule) is one of three vocalists who will be performing. Jarreau’s unique vocal style has garnered awards for Best Male Pop Vocalist and Best Male Jazz Vocalist. Sharing the program with Jarreau will be Dianne Reeves (see schedule), nominated for three Grammys, whose singing draws upon influences from Africa, Brazil and the Caribbean; gospel, R&B, classic and contemporary pop; and Marlena Shaw (see schedule), a charismatic and versatile song stylist who dazzles with her blend of straight-ahead jazz, soul, pop, and classic R&B. Two celebrated trumpet players will be playing their own jazz genres at the June 20 and 21 gig. Cuban-born Arturo Sandoval (see schedule), a protégé of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie, has been awarded three Grammys for jazz interpretations and his explosive mixture of jazz, classical, rock, and traditional Cuban music. - MORE – Jazz Festival add two Oregon-bred composer and performer Chris Botti (see schedule) will bring his unique sensual touch to contemporary jazz. Compared to late jazz trumpeter Chet Baker for both his sexy style and good looks, Botti brings his credentials as a musician’s musician. No jazz fest would be complete without a sax man, and award-winning tenor saxophonist/composer Joe Lovano (see schedule) is one of the very best. The 2001 Dow Beat Critic’s Poll Winner for Musician of the Year has a ton of other nomina
Performers
U.S. Bank Saint Louis Jazz Festival 2003 Performance Schedule Friday, June 20, 2003 5:00p.m.-5:30p.m. Winner of the Saint Louis Bread Co. and 106.5 Smooth Jazz Amateur Jazz Competition on the General Jazz Stage 5:30p.m.-7:00p.m. Chris Botti on the Emerson Stage 7:00p.m.-7:30p.m. SIUE Jazz Sextet on the General Jazz Stage 7:30p.m.-9:00p.m. Dave Holland Big Band on the Michelob Light Stage 9:00p.m.-9:30p.m. SIUE Jazz Sextet on the General Jazz Stage 9:30p.m.-11:00p.m. Dianne Reeves on the Emerson Stage Saturday, June 21, 2003 3:00p.m.-3:30p.m. Coco Soul on the General Jazz Stage 3:30p.m.-5:00p.m. Joe Lovano Quartet on the Michelob Light Stage 5:00p.m.-5:30p.m. Webster University Jazz Ensemble on the General Jazz Stage 5:30-7:00p.m. Marlena Shaw on the Emerson Jazz Stage 7:00p.m.-7:30p.m. Webster University Jazz Ensemble on the General Jazz Stage 7:30p.m.-9:00p.m. Arturo Sandoval on the Michelob Light Stage 9:00p.m.-9:30p.m. Jeanne Trevor Trio on the General Jazz Stage 9:30p.m.-11:00p.m. Al Jarreau on the Emerson Jazz Stage
Venue
Shaw Park
Times
Fri, 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Sat, 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Admission & Parking
A one-day jazz festival pas for lawn seating is $20 and can be purchased at any St. Louis metro area U.S. Bank ATM or through metro Tix by calling (314)534-1111. Children 12 and under are free when accompained by parent or guardian.
Website
http://www.saintlouisjazzfest.com
Infophone
314--863-0278