From the hum of a classical tune as you walk by Powell Hall to a lone guitar player practicing his chords in Strauss Park, music comes to life daily in the vibrant neighborhood of Grand Center Arts District. What was once a place that merely served up the latest symphony and Broadway play, now has expanded to become a collective of over 60 arts organizations, many of which support music artists from St. Louis and across the globe. No matter your age, there is much music to explore, enjoy and discover.
Music for the Kids
Jazz Academy (and JazzU) by Jazz St. Louis fills a need for students who want comprehensive music education but don’t currently have the resources. Each year, more than 10,000 school-aged children and teens are provided with private lessons, ensemble rehearsals, meals, transportation, and opportunities to connect with fellow musicians of all levels. Under the guidance of President & CEO Gene Dobbs-Bradford, Jazz St. Louis is also working with Grand Center Arts Academy to develop a jazz program which will expand their Music Department.
Music for Teens
The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra is comprised of around 100 young musicians ages 12-22 who represent more than 40 schools throughout the bi-state region. In addition to rehearsing and performing challenging orchestral repertoire under the direction of conductor Gemma New, musicians receive regular coaching and mentoring from the world-class musicians of the SLSO. The SLSYO presents three concerts per season in historic Powell Hall.
There are over 2,000 alumni in a wide range of professions, including six current members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Music for Emerging Artists
Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s Music Artists in Residence program includes 10 regional emerging jazz artists and band leaders who are provided with performance and rehearsal space, plus recording opportunities that assist them with advancing and building their careers. In just the second year of the program, current residents and alums have already received some impressive national and international praise – and as a fan of the newest jazz out there, you can attend a free show weekly (over cocktails and bites) at their moody, jazz-focused haunt, The Dark Room at The Grandel Theatre.
Music for Savants
If it’s a revered, classic jazz experience you want, we have that too. With a roster that includes top names in the international jazz circuit, Jazz St. Louis – St. Louis’ top jazz club for over 20 years – always keeps their line-ups fresh. Dine-in at one of two shows a night and you’ll experience a true taste of the jazz renaissance that is burgeoning right here in the heart of STL.
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is one of the country’s top orchestras for a reason – it’s great. This year marks a turning point for the country’s second-oldest orchestra (140 years old and counting…) with a renowned new Music Director Stéphane Denève, a fresh season filled with new and classic works, a thriving movie score concert series, and new lower ticket prices so they can be more accessible to a wider audience. Brava, SLSO!
Music for Wanderers
The Stage at KDHX is the place for the widest selection of genres, as inspired by the many shows they represent on their in-house radio station of 88.1FM. From folk and bluegrass to electronic and local hip-hop, The Stage is a quaint, intimate place where it all comes together in the name of music.
The Sheldon is one of those venues where you never know what you’re gonna get – but you know it will be unique. With a varying season roster that includes chamber music, indie rockers, and internationally acclaimed vocalists, a memorable experience is guaranteed in one of the most stunning (and acoustically pleasing) concert halls in St. Louis.
If you want to explore music of a variety of genres from electronic and Brazilian to indie and funk, the Angad Arts Hotel boasts a full calendar of fresh musicians that allow you to get your fix. Head to the rooftop for a curated selection of artists that will surely keep you moving.