Jazzy June

On Friday the 24th, Los Hombres Calientes from New Orleans play on one of the two main stages from 5:30 until 7 p.m. The spotlight shifts to the other main stage at 7:30 for "Summer Storm —a smooth jazz/R&B lineup featuring Norman Brown, Brenda Russell, Peabo Bryson and Everette Harp. At the smaller Stage Three, Jonathon Whiting, an excellent local vibes player, kicks of the Fest from 5 to 5:30 in a trio setting, then returns to perform again from 7:00 to 7:30 between the national acts. On Saturday, June 25, local pianist Carolbeth True and her trio perform at Stage Three from 3-4:30 p.m. Main stage acts kick off with the Dave Douglas Quintet from 4:30 to 6, followed by Jane Monheit from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Hot House Sessions, a local band that mixes live instrumentals with turntable beats will perform at Stage Three from 6- 6:30 and again from 8-8:30 p.m.: Roy Hargrove and the RH Factor close out the Fest on the main stages from 8:30-10.

One-day festival passes are $20 and can be purchased at the Festival gate, at any area Borders Books and Music store, through MetroTix. For those looking for something a bit more upscale than lawn seating, there are a couple of new seating options this year. For $35-a-day, Fest patrons can get "pavilion" seating on an elevated, shaded platform—plus special parking in a nearby lot. High rollers can cough up $75 for the right to chill in an air-conditioned tent complete with beverages, snacks, tables and chairs, and easy access parking. For more info, check out the Fest's website at saintlouisjazzfest.com Another annual event, the Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden, features Jazz the first four Wednesday evenings in June at Linnean Lawn at the Garden. Here's the lineup: June 1—the James Matthews Trio, June 8—Mardra and Reggie Thomas, June 15—the Neal Caine Quartet (led by another University City expatriate now living in the Big Easy), June 22—the Corey Christiansen Quartet. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and admission is free. For the full schedule of acts (bluegrass, folk and pop dominate the rest of the series) go to mobot.

RIFFS:

Finale in Clayton features trumpeter/vocalist and University City native Jeremy Davenport June 9 & 10 as he returns from his current home in New Orleans. Vocalist Erin bode plays the club on June 23. Click here for the full Finale schedule.

Jazz at the Bistro wraps up its 2004-05 season with Regina Carter's rescheduled performances at the Bistro this week — June 1-4. Next season's lineup—celebrating the club's 10th anniversary—has also been announced and can be found at the Jazz at the Bistro website. Finally, don't miss herbie Hancock with his new Headhunters band at the Pageant on June 8. Herbie will be joined by Roy Hargrove, Terri Lynne Carrington, Kenny Garrett, Marcus Miller, Lionel Loueke — and even rocker John Mayer for the gig. Tickets are $35 ($2 surcharge for minors.