Old Webster Jazz Fest Scores Big with Family

Webster-Kirkwood Times Presents the 6th Annual Old Webster Jazz Festival

Webster Groves Historic District at Gore & Lockwood Avenues (St. Louis)

Saturday, September 23rd, 12:00 noon until 11:00 p.m.

With Billy Peek, USAF Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble, Erin Bode, Swing Cat Swing, Gumbohead, Uncle Albert, Webster University Jazz Band, Anita Rosamond, Webster Groves High School, Jazz Band, Andrea Sanderson & Jazz Fusion

FREE

For more information or directions visit www.oldwebsterjazzfestival.com or call (314) 961-8810

St. Louis, August 22--Jazz festivals don't usually feel like a family sport, but in a town housed in historical charm an enjoyable family experience awaits spectators of the Old Webster Jazz Festival (OWJF). 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.

Talent
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.

Music Workshop
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. From 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. you can learn from Mike Parkinson (brass), Paul DeMarinis (s axophone), 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). No prior registration is necessary.

A Taste of Old Webster
Enjoy diverse food and beverages located along Gore Avenue. Highlights feature neighborhood bars, restaurants and businesses: CROSSINGS Taverne & Grille, CJ Muggs, Joe Boccardi's, Jersey Mike's Subs and Switzer's Licorice. In addition to great cuisine and jazz music, the event offers the McCaughen & Burr Fine Arts gallery. Street entertainers amuse families with fire eaters, jugglers and balloon-blowing clowns.

The OWJF was founded by its taxing district to help promote music and culture in the Old Webster Groves Historic District. One of the most family-friendly jazz festivals on the planet, the OWJF beckons families to bring their kids, strollers and dogs as they celebrate, educate and commemorate. For more information about the OWJF and its sponsors, contact Webster Records at (314) 961-8810 or visit www.oldwebsterjazzfestival.com. The events go on rain or shine. No glass bottles allowed.