A four piece group celebrating the music of The Beatles.

Acoustik Element (AE) is an all-instrumental Latin-driven ensemble that fuses elements from Flamenco to Jazz to Rock. Revolving around the Spanish guitar and percussive groves, AE is known for adding twists to popular songs such as The Eagle's "Hotel California" and Carlos Santana's "Oye Como Va." In addition, AE offers a song list of traditional Latin and Jazz standards as well as AE's original compositions. We offer musical performances for the intimate setting with just two guitars or upbeat performances adding bass, drums, percussion and horns. We also offer music workshops in theory, technique and training for guitar, drums and percussion. Audio and video samples at www.AcoustikElement.com.

Formerly known as St. Louis African Chorus ("African Chorus"), African Musical Arts, Inc was formed in 1994 to promote African cultural heritage through the musical arts. African Musical Arts, Inc. presents Songs of Africa Ensemble, a local multi-cultural ensemble of African music that performs music from the new choral collection, Songs of Africa, published by Oxford University Press. African Musical Arts, Inc. also presents touring groups from many African countries, and can schedule concerts with these performing groups in communities around Missouri. The internationally acclaimed African Choral Music Workshops are presented all year to train choral directors/music educators and help them develop a repertoire of exciting African choral music. African Musical Arts, Inc. programs are opportunities to experience the wealth and magic of African music. The compelling music engages audiences to move, clap and sing along to a performer-audience interaction that often recreates scenes from traditional African life. African Musical Arts, Inc. performances are opportunities for unique cultural enrichment.

Audra Sergel, singer/pianist/composer, lives to tell stories of life, love, and beauty through her music. A versed musician from Columbia, Missouri, Audra’s tender and savvy vocal jazz melodies are shaded with influences of the blues, pop, and early musical theater. When combined with her nuanced piano playing and revelling, a beautiful narrative of true artistry unfolds before your eyes and ears on stage. Her band of first-class musicians tell their tales through brilliant improvisation and musical mastery.

Rob Compton is a one-man, one-guitar musical comedy act for kids of all ages. His show is a raucous, high-energy event involving original songs, slapstick, one-liners, and loads of audience participation. Babaloo’s unique ability to connect with kids has won him a large following in the Midwest and thousands of cd sales worldwide. He was named “Best Children’s Entertainment” by Saint Louis Magazine in 2008, and “Best Recording Artist for Elementary-Age Children” by the 2008 Children’s Web Awards. He was also the first and second place winner in the children’s category of the 2008 International Songwriting Contest, the largest in the world.

Bach to the Future: A fun, new way to enjoy classical music favorites, performed with jazz and world rhythms. Pianist Michael Silverman is the most downloaded pianist in the world, with over 3 billion streams. The band's music has appeared in many films and TV productions, including Martin Scorcese's "Silence," "Two and a Half Men" and "The Good Wife."

They have performed to audiences all over North America, in top theaters and jazz festivals everywhere. Major guest musicians are also available, including a number of Grammy award-winning artists for an additional price.

Back to the 70s Tributes brings the music of Neil Diamond and Karen and Richard Carpenters to your community.

Experience the “Feel of Neil” with Diamond look and sound alike Keith Allynn and A Neil Diamond Tribute . In this romantic comedy Keith unveils the story of Diamond’s life through Neil’s own songs while weaving though his own career change from a top ten Elvis tribute artist to A Neil Diamond Tribute, all for the love of a woman.

Celebrate the sounds of Carpenters Once More with vocalist Diana Lynn. This poignant tribute to this iconic brother – sister duo gives insight to their lives, struggles, and impact on the music industry. Diana delivers spot on vocals, multi- media, quick change, humor, and your favorite Karen tunes.

 Having logged over 3,500 solo performances, these artists are experienced, professional, and  courteous , delivering the  music of the tapestry of our lives like no other tribute artist today.  

Ben Harris-Bandleader/Bassist - has recently performed with 2009 Grammy Award Winner for best Latin Jazz Album, Pianist, and composer Arturo O'Farrill. Ben also performed with Nichelle Nichols -Actress/Vocalist- who played Lt. Uhura in Star Trek. In the local area Ben Played  in the 2015  Leeś  Summit Symphony Winter Concerts.​​

Ben provides a highly entertaining performance with a rich soundscape of main stream jazz and blues, in addition to just enough funky jazz to keep your foot happy.

A performing songwriter presenting a variety of sounds ranging from folk to roots rock, Beth can be booked in a variety of formats ranging from solo to full band. Think Joni Mitchell all the way to Neil Young. Past performances include the Whitaker Festival at Missouri Botanical Gardens, and multiple regional tours in the Midwest/East Coast.

Music presented can include cover songs as well as original material. We will work with you to tailor a program to your needs. In addition to in person events, Beth is now offering virtual live streamed concerts featuring a top notch professional audio and video experience.

“With her recent album, Evergreen finds a freshly invigorated Beth Bombara fronting a tight, taught band and performing her songs with the fortitude of an artists coming into her own after years touring the endless highway. Don’t let this one pass you by.” -American Songwriter Magazine.

Known from the Oscar-nominated 2011 film "Winter's Bone," their iconic mix has become finer with age. Their honey-sweet harmonies and tasty Ozark-style pickin’ is seasoned with poignant, hilarious celebrations of Ozarks unique music and culture.

Singer Marideth Sisco is now accompanied by multi-instrumentalists  Bo Brown and Dave Wilson, and bassist George Horne, 3/5 of the legendary 1980s bluegrass band “The Undergrass Boys.” They and Sisco, a Missouri Master storyteller and host of the public radio series “These Ozarks Hills, offer an elegant mix of traditional Old Time Ozarks tunes and original works in contemporary topical folk music.

“Bummer the Drummer & The Kansas City Streetband” is an 8  to 19 piece Rock N Soul, Blues, and Jazz horn band led by singer, song writer-drummer, recording artist Glen “Bummer” Ward, This funky soul music show has been compared to legendary acts like “Ike & Tina Turner Band”, “Tower of Power”, “Chicago”, “Kool & The Gang”, “Earth, Wind & Fire”, and “George Clinton & P Funkadelic Parliament”. Glen “Bummer The Drummer” has toured for over 31 years playing concerts, festivals, workshops, residencies and venues all over the USA as well as for USO shows in the Caribbean. As a Missouri Arts Council touring artist “Bummer & The Streetband” bring to the stage a very family friendly, dynamic, interactive, and energetic show featuring two performance presentations and or education workshops:  One is entitled “Musicmobile, A History of Soul Music“ and the second is entitled “The Covid 19 Piece Socially Distanced Orchestra,  Playing The Music of Life“.

Chris Stephens is a multi-instrumentalist like no other. It's difficult to explain what he does with his instruments - the Arabic Oud, Persian Tar, Indian Sitar, and Chinese Pipa - but however you describe it he's crossing musical boundaries and fostering connections between distant traditions. A true master musician and innovator, his music is based on the historic music from the world’s oldest cultures. His specialty is in the family of instruments known as "lutes", which are the ancestors of the guitar. Chris' performances are both an homage to these classical traditions and an exploration in contemporary improvisation. His main focus is to share these historic art forms with new audiences and to engage those who are familiar with them by honoring the old traditional styles and compositions. Each concert creates an enchanted musical scenery never to be heard again. Performances can go from melodic and meditative to rhythmic and explosive at any moment creating a rich and unique tapestry of sound that all can enjoy.

Mark Bilyeu and Cindy Woolf have been playing together for the better part of ten years, performing on the Americana/Folk and singer-songwriter circuit. They are now a full-time duo in music and in life - as of June 2013 they were married. They are currently on the road promoting Cindy’s latest CD “May.” Besides playing with Cindy, Mark Bilyeu is the founding member of Big Smith, a band of all cousins that played a mix of original songs and traditional Ozarks folk and gospel music handed down to them from their extended family. Big Smith was active from 1996 to 2012. The band earned a number of accolades, including the “Best Band” award in both the southwest and central regions of Rural Missouri magazine’s reader poll of 2012. “May” is Cindy Woolf’s third album of original material, and the second of her CDs to be produced by Bilyeu. Hailing from Batesville, Arkansas, she has been a Missouri resident since 1998, where she has become well-known for her brand of Ozarks-inspired original songs and traditional material. Her music has taken her on tour across the United States and has enjoyed national and international radio airplay. The venerable folk music periodical Dirty Linen said of Woolf’s first CD: “[it is] instantly timeless and spellbinding. Beautiful, heartfelt, entrancing, ‘Simple and Few’ is a debut album that’s the real deal." Mark and Cindy have also prepared a concert of the music of Woody Guthrie, in celebration of the revered folk singer’s 100th birthday, which they took on tour in 2012.

Founded in 1983, this brilliant and versatile trumpet and organ duo presents an extraordinary range of styles, with performances featuring music spanning 400 years.  The name Clarion suggests the musical connections to both the trumpet and organ, and from its meaning for the duo as a “Clarion Call” for new ideas, in keeping with their interest in the unique flavor of new music for trumpet and organ.  The duo’s two Gothic Records releases feature works in every genre; the second CD – New Vintage, all American music commissioned by Clarion – compasses Samuel Adler’s neo-Classical “Clarion Calls” to James Mobberley’s boisterous piece for trumpet, organ and electronics “Icarus Wept” to, believe it or not, Klezmer music.  Clarion’s electric and distinctive performances have pushed the envelope of the centuries-old association of trumpet and organ – the duo believes if the classics are the heartbeat of music, outstanding new works must be the lifeblood itself.

This fun and diverse ensemble traces the evolution of Cuban music from its African origins to modern days and styles of music, in a range of rhythms from Rumba, Son, Bolero, and Salsa. Its repertoire includes Spanish, Brazilian, and English songs, classics arranged with a very heavy Cuban touch, and also original material. It’s a perfect choice in different formats, from an intimate event to a fun dance party.

Michael McClintock, Founder/Director of Cubanisms, has been invited two years in a row to perform at the Jazz Plaza International Festival in Havana, Cuba. The invitation was extended in 2019 for Cubanisms. The band had the chance to perform as part of the Festival in two of the most important venues of the island "Fábrica de Arte Cubano" and "Centro Cultural Bertolt Brecht".

Cubanisms has received 3 nominations in 2018 & 2019, by The Pitch and KC community: Best Local Band, Best musician (Michael McClintock) and Best Vocalist (Fedra Cooper, 2018) and (Bruno Bessa 2019)

I am a high energy saxophonist. I currently have two CDs and am working on my third. I play a wide range of styles that appeal to all ages. I engage the crowd during all of my performances. I'm not one that stands still when I perform. Styles of music are: Smooth Jazz, Latin, Gospel, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Calypso. I give a 200% heartfelt performance at my concerts.

Dave is a folk musician who plays guitar, banjo, and a singer of traditional songs with an emphasis on Missouri traditions as they evolve.  Dave worked with his late wife, Cathy Barton, for more than 40 years presenting traditional song and instrumental music, and produced more than a dozen albums. Dave has been the artistic director and performer at the Big Muddy Folk Festival in Boonville for 28 years.  He plays in a couple of contra dance bands, and in 2019 scraped up a few friends for duos and trios on various steamboats as they were then playing America's rivers.

Classic Vegas, Rat Pack and More. A tribute to the music, style, and entertainers of one of the greatest eras of entertainment. Dean Christopher, award winning actor, singer, and impressionist, has performed from NY to LA in casinos, theaters, performing arts centers, for corporate events as well as guest entertaining for the Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Azamara, and Oceania cruise lines. Dean was a favorite opening act for the late, legendary comedian Don Rickles and has opened for Frank Sinatra Jr. Based in St Louis, he now is one of the most sought after entertainers in the Midwest. His show features a seven-piece band but Dean can also simply bring to life the music of Sinatra and his contemporaries with smaller combos. He also offers a Classic Vegas Christmas show and a Dean Martin cabaret show where his impression captures the music, wit, and laid-back charm of the King of Cool. Travels any distance.

Dee Ban is a musician, teacher, and historian. She combines all three when she takes her autoharp into classrooms. Dee teaches history and other subjects by way of musical intelligence and primary source music. Lively discussions ensue as students encounter differing points of view passionately expressed in music. History comes alive as students learn that there are many voices of the past and they do not always agree. Her topics include: The American Revolution, Lewis and Clark, the Civil War, Black History: Slavery through Civil Rights, Songs of the Slaves, Immigration, the 1904 World's Fair, 1960's Civil Rights and Peace Movement, American Women's History, Missouri History, Voting and Election Rights, Biography in Song, Reading/Library Week, Earth Day and Ecology and more. For more than a decade Dee sung in many venues including: The Missouri History Museum, St Louis County Libraries, National Park Sites,  Missouri Botanical Garden, schools, educational conferences, folk life festivals, independent living senior centers, historical societies, and churches. With enough lead-time, Dee is happy to research and prepare new programs. Resume and brochure are available upon request.

Downstream is an acoustic blend of guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass and percussion. The three members created a diverse sound when they brought past musical experiences, skills, and expertise together.

Pat Frank has worked a musician for the past 30 years working with young children, solo performer and also a music collaboration with a storyteller.

Terri Brandt received a scholarship from the MO Folk Arts Council to be an apprentice to a master of fiddle, Vesta Johnson, for two years.

Rick Rahmberg, our bass, mandolin and percussionist has performed for over 40 years. Rick has a myriad of instruments- we never know what he will pull out of his magic music bag!

Downstream's repertoire includes a collection -Americana, folk, traditional, blues and original tunes. This trio also can offer historical programs, in period dress, with traditional and original music. Our performances have included: festivals, music series and the Shaw Nature Reserve.

An award-winning Irish singer, fiddle player, and dancer from the West of Ireland with 11 World Irish Music titles to her credit. Eimear has toured extensively and has taught at festivals worldwide. Eimear is proficient in the art of sean nos singing, a highly ornamented, unaccompanied style of singing in the Irish language. As well as being a performer, Eimear is also a qualified music and dance teacher. She holds a Performance Diploma in Traditional Music from the London College of Music (DipLCM) and a diploma in the instruction of Irish music from Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (TTCT) and is a qualified Irish Dancing Teacher with An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha (TCRG). In 2019 she was awarded LiveIreland's “Best Newcomer” award and in 2020 she was granted an Artist Fellowship from the Regional Arts Commission of St Louis.

Singer/composer Erin Bode mesmerizes audiences with her striking stage presence, an irresistible voice, and a remarkable musical savvy that has positioned her at the intersection of jazz, folk and pop music. Her band features top-notch players with distinctive voicings of their own.

Fanfare plays a variety of styles of music with a great deal of, well…FANFARE!  Fanfare features the lead vocalist Kittie Moller whose vocals will capture and enthrall you.  The music they play will take you all over the sound spectrum with music that includes Motown, R&B, Classic Rock, Disco, Pop, Country, Standards & Jazz, Big Band and music of today.  They have been on the St. Louis music scene for 45 years.  Fanfare’s  “Musical History Tour” concert will take you from the Big Band Era to music of today.  This is a great program for school kids and kids of all ages. They will get you singing, dancing and having fun on this musical tour through time.  Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Fine to Drive is an original Americana band residing in St. Louis, Missouri. Capturing the nature of traditional Americana they effortlessly blend country, folk and blues to create a fresh and yet comforting sound in their roots driven music.
Their first full length album What Whiskey Did was released February 2018. As versatile and energetic as they are true to the classic spirit of country music, Fine to Drive’s first album proves they are an undeniable powerhouse thanks to their distinct and dynamic male and female vocal harmonies, unique sound and authentic songwriting. The album starts off with just the right amount of twang and lyrical sass in the song “Everything but Love,” a playful take on the American dream and picturesque suburban life with that clap-your-hands and stomp-your-feet feel that invites you to the dance floor.

The Finley River Boys are a high-energy, acoustic bluegrass band that performs a wide variety of bluegrass, country, folk, and gospel songs.  The band is the 2020 nominee of International Singer /Songwriter Association for Entertainer of the Year and Album of the year.  Their unique, rich blend of tight, four-part harmonies and intricate instrumental breaks captivate audiences everywhere.  The Finley River Boys feature Brad Reynolds (upright bass, vocals), Bill Crider (guitar, vocals), Brett Dudenhoeffer (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), and Alan Johnston (banjo, mandolin, vocals). The band has performed over a hundred shows yearly, including venues such as Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival, Silver Dollar City, Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Celebration, Missouri State Fair, churches, county fairs, theaters, civic centers, schools, and many more events throughout the United States.  The Finley River Boys present a family-friendly show that will have your audience grinning, tapping their toes, and clapping their hands!

FIRE DOG is my three-piece rock band. The show features electric guitar, bass, and drums. Our high energy show of original tunes can be geared toward young audiences, families, teens, and adults. FIRE DOG has toured extensively and has released six albums of original music on our homemade label LOVE-O-RAMA records.

A three-person ukulele group with vocalist and percussion. This award-winning group was named "Best Old Band of 2011" by the Riverfront Times in St. Louis.  The group was a chosen act to play for NASA's largest Solar Eclipse event at the Smoky Mountain National Park during the total eclipse of the sun.  Playing a variety of music ranging from the 20s to the modern, their song selection includes swing, blues, pop, ballads, and original songs. They have three CDs out with airplay on six stations in five states. KETC-TV (St. Louis) included the Dawgs in a segment on ukuleles.

The Fountain City Brass Band (FCBB), founded in 2002, is a thirty‐piece brass and percussion ensemble based in Kansas City, but draws its members from around the United States and abroad. FCBB is committed to a mission of cultural enrichment by performing eclectic concerts that expand the brass band art form and are both entertaining and educational for audiences. Performing a wide variety of music including modern compositions written specifically for brass band, as well as arrangements of classical works, jazz, and Broadway hits, FCBB seeks to bridge the gap between popular and classical art music. Offering audience friendly concerts, the band actively seeks to initiate cultural revitalization and arts awareness in the local community. When not performing for regional audiences, FCBB competes nationally and internationally. FCBB has won 9 U.S. Open Brass Band Championships, 8 North American Brass Band Championships, and 1 Scottish Open Brass Band Championship, becoming the first U.S. band ever, and the first non‐UK band in over 50 years, to win a major brass band competition on UK soil.

What happens when Manouche swing in the tradition of Django Reinhardt meets American straight-ahead jazz? We think we have the answer, and hope that it would have been both Django and Duke Ellington dancing in their graves, along with our very alive and well audience. Franglais--pronounced [frahn-GLAY] is the homecoming of American in Paris back to Missouri. We have played to rave reviews all over the United States and France. We were the only American band to be invited to the Django Reinhardt Jazz Festival in Samois-Sur-Seine, France, and to the Manouche Jazz Festival in Zillishiem, France.

Fresh Heir has been putting on high-energy performances since 2007.Originally a 5-piece ensemble the band now has 10+ pieces. Meeting at Webster University (St. Louis, MO) in the jazz studies program, their beginning sound featured instrumental originals & covers similar to Soulive, RH Factor and Charlie Hunter. Evolving, the band added vocals to the energy and began writing positive inspired lyrics in 2009 as showcased on their "Alive Around The World" and "Sky's The Limit" albums.

FH's current album "All Up From Here" (2016) displays a melting pot of funk/soul/pop/jazz/hip-hop. The album features a message of equality, peace and social justice for all.

Nick Savage and Ryan Marquez have remained the bands core founders as membership has been fluid through the years. The current configuration has been together for 4 years and features a cast of STL's top players. FH now operates similar to Steely Dan, in that it always features Savage & Marquez but integrates the other members to create the sound most appropriate for the task/tour at hand.

The group has experience playing in different configurations all over the world as one can see in their videos. FH can jam an acoustic setup with 2-5 people or can produce a full-scale theatrical production featuring 10+ members utilizing high level audio/production skills.  

The band is currently in production on their 5th release "Believe" due out in 2017. The album's title track features an anthem for unity 'Believe in Love Today”.  

Drawing upon influences from musical groups such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Roots and John Legend the band creates their own eclectic “pop” sound. Connecting the body, mind, and spirit, Fresh Heirs' music keeps their audiences moving while they deliver meaningful words of encouragement in  harmony over a high-energy musical platform featuring blazing guitar and rippin' horn lines.

New Orleans-style brass band, playing everything from traditional jazz to 70s funk, with a little Chicago blues, Southern rock, and St. Louis R&B in the mix. The Funky Butt Brass Band has been named Best Soul/Funk Band by the Riverfront Times Music Awards for the past four consecutive years. The band is known for its high-energy performances that appeal to a wide range of audiences.

Singer/Songwiter/Performer

The Gateway Men's Chorus is St. Louis's premiere gay men's chorus. Under the direction of Mr. Al Fischer, the chorus presents three subscription concerts a year (Holiday, spring, and summer) at various locations in St. Louis. Programs toured with the full chorus will generally be the concert currently in preparation or most recently performed. Smaller groups are also available.

The Gateway Ringers is an auditioned community choir, comprised of handbell ringers from the St. Louis metropolitan area. Our mission is to inspire excellence in musicianship and heighten awareness of handbell music. The music we play is a mix of classical, popular, and religious music. The group was formed in the fall of 1995. The Gateway Ringers are members of the Handbell Musicians of America (formerly AGEHR). Gateway performs using five octaves of Malmark handbells and six octaves of Malmark Choirchimes®. The group is currently under the direction of Charles Peery. The group is organized as a not-for-profit organization, and auditions are held every two years.

Gloria Attoun (Ah-TUNE) comes from the river town of Augusta, Missouri.  Gloria writes and sings songs that pay homage to the rich sounds of roots music, while staying true to her own vision, sharing the connectedness of our common experiences in her songs.    Gloria has recorded two solo CDs and three albums in other musical partnerships.  Her songs are included in the compilation albums:  “Magnificent Missouri Music” and “River Voices and Songs.” Her song, “Wrong Side of the Road” was featured on National Public Radio’s “Car Talk.” She has shared the stage with folk-greats, such as, Claire Lynch and Bryan Bowers and has performed in a variety of festivals and music venues.   Gloria brings along guitars, mandolin, banjo, octave mandolin, harmonica, and other gadgets and shares insights on the process of songwriting, creativity and inspiration with humor and warmth.

“This explosive four-piece outfit, led by John King on bass, with Adaron “Pops” Jackson on keys, James Jackson on drums, and Shaun Robinson on guitar, draws upon jazz, funk, fusion, gospel, and R&B repertoires to deliver a powerful and unapologetic sound that excites and thrills audiences. When this band hits the stage, there are no boundaries. The only guarantee is a night of world-class music that is Good 4 the Soul!”

Groovethang is a seven-piece band that has become known for their "faithful reproduction" of the hits of some of music's most popular groups. Artist such as Steely Dan, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Doobie Brothers, Chicago, All Green and the Bee Gee's are all the basis of themed shows that Groovethang can perform impeccably. The band consists of vocals, percussion, trombone, bass guitar, sax, keyboard, drums and lead guitar. Groovethang plays everything from dance and pop, to soul and variety. Groovethang gets you dancin' in the streets, out of your seats and wall-to-wall on the dance floor.

John McClellan and Kirk Hanser began performing together in 1996 while working to produce an international conference and competition in St. Louis, MO. Very quickly, Hanser and McClellan became known for their choice of entertaining musical programs, their technical prowess, and their ability to connect with audiences. Over the years, they have become recognized by critics and audiences alike as one of the most enjoyable and highly respected American chamber music groups.   The Hanser-McClellan Duo have been heard on several CDs, with their most recent feature recording, La Vida Breve, receiving much critical and audience acclaim. Classical Guitar Magazine (U.K.) declared their performance on this recording as exhibiting “…sheer swagger and verve.”  Most recently, John and Kirk recorded and produced tracks with Vince Gill, Tommy Emmanuel, Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and many, many others to create a CD celebrating the musical life of their dear friend, Chet Atkins, on the CD release Slightly Above Below Average.  In 2015, Hanser and McClellan were offered a residency as guest professors for the guitar department at the prestigious Paris Conservatory, becoming the first duo from outside of the conservatory’s own walls to be given such an honor. Their educational work in America includes numerous camps, workshops, and master classes, as well as working with kids at the K-12 levels in the U.S. sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts.  Over the years, the Hanser-McClellan Guitar Duo has performed for such musically diverse events as the Sheldon Classics Series in St. Louis, MO, the Crypte Ararat (Paris, FR), the Wilhelmkirche (Bad Nauheim, Germany), the Kansas City Guitar Society, the South Bay Guitar Society (San Francisco), the Great Artist Series in Austin, TX, the International Guitar Foundation of America Conference (1999 & again in 2005) and are standing, annual “special guests” at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Festival.

Endorsements:

The HMGD performs and records using D’Addario Pro Arte strings, Hand-made classic guitars by luthier Keith Adams (Bonnie, IL), and Steel-string acoustic guitars courtesy of Gibson Guitars

The Heart of Missouri Chorus (HOM) volunteer musicians have inspired our communities for more than 40 years. They are a nonprofit Sweet Adelines International chapter and have won several a cappella competitions placing in the top five small choruses in the world. Women of all ages, backgrounds, and professions perform because they love singing and touching people's hearts. The repertoire of this highly regarded and popular group includes Broadway favorites, ballads and gospel, holiday music, and barbershop classics. Performance-length options include a 10-15-minute event kick-off, a 45-60 minute program, or a full, two-hour performance in two acts. HOM has something for everyone.

The Heartland Men's Chorus is Kansas City's 130+ voice gay men's chorus. Under the direction of Shawn Cullen, the chorus presents 3 subscription concerts (Holiday, Spring and Summer) at Kansas City's historic Folly Theater each year. Programs toured with the full chorus will generally be the concert currently in preparation or most recently performed. Smaller groups are also available. Selections chosen are tailored to the event.

Helen Russell & Company are from Missouri and have recently returned from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, where they were awarded "Best Small Band Variety Show" by the Valley Star Awards for the second year in a row! Their 2020 show "Little Bit Country, Little Bit Rock & Roll" will entertain you with great vocals, scalding piano, hot licks on the banjo and jumpin' bass guitar with a variety of Country, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Gospel and Classic Rock music of the 50's to the 70's, plus a tribute to our Veterans!

Comedy that will tickle your funny bone and impersonations of all your favorites such as Cher, Dolly, Little Richard, June Carter Cash, Waylon, Willie and many more!  Please visit their website: helenrussell.net to see video of their recent tour of Branson, MO.  This high energy show will leave you 100% entertained!

The Homestead Pickers from Sliver Dollar City in Branson, MO are a very special collection of four seasoned performers, musicians, comedians, actors, storytellers, and composers. They have many years of experience entertaining audiences both in Branson, Missouri and around the United States, as well as tours of Ireland through the Irish Arts Council. Since 1996 their performing home is the McHaffie Homestead cabin built in 1843 and located on the main street of Silver Dollar City. Their eclctic blend of fiddle, banjo, guitar, hammered dulcimer, and unique vocals depict the early days of American music, bluegrass, gospel, and folk tunes with humor unmatched by any other combination. Music and CD information on website.

Hudson and the Hoo Doo Cats focus on swinging Americana roots music: blues, 1950s rock and roll and rockabilly, and medium tempo dance music (West Coast, Lindy Hop, Imperial, etc.) as well as many original songs written by founder and songwriter, Hudson Harkins. The band's extensive experience and professionalism are reflected in their ability to adapt to any performing environment including festivals and concerts.

The Intercultural Music Initiative is an innovative concert and educational outreach program featuring classical and contemporary works by composers of African, Hispanic and Asian-descent, along with standard repertoire. Our programs offer a unique concert experience and help integrate new musical works by lesser-known composers into existing performance repertoire. Concerts, Lectures, Lecture-recitals and short-term artist residencies are customized to fit your departmental budget.

With meandering roots from the Missouri Ozarks all the way to Tubingen, Germany, Ironweed brings you only the finest in bluegrass, vintage country and good ol’ hillbilly twang. The band features champion, Kelly Jones on fiddle, Joe Wieneman on mandolin, Jane Accurso on guitar and lead vocals, Dierik Leonhard on banjo, and Matt Bossaller on upright, slap bass. From Jimmy Martin to Hazel Dickens, you can expect a bucketful of tunes about trains, moonshine, dirt, heartache, pigs and girls named Sophronie. Ironweed is available for festivals, sidewalk gigs, parades, dances, school events, workshops and just about any sort of celebration you’re itchin’ to do.

Blending a signature, Spanish-American sound with a powerful lyrical integrity, Javier Mendoza defines a spiritual musical identify in his performances. Singing in both English and Spanish, this multicultural artist blends, pop, rock, and flamenco in his signature sound. Renowned across the Midwest as a premier artist, Javier provides a high-energy show as a solo artist, trio, or full band.

The Jim Widner Big Band is a 17 piece Jazz Orchestra playing music in the styles of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, and Maynard Ferguson, yet with a distinct sound and style all of their own. The band is comprised of former members from the bands of Stan Kenton, Woody Herman,  Maynard Ferguson and others. It  has recorded six critically acclaimed CD's some of which can be heard digitally on Spotify, Pandora and You Tube. They have also performed with artists such as Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, Buddy DeFranco, John Pizzarelli, Marilyn Maye, Steve Lippia, and Lou Marini.  The band's recording of "CARAVAN" served as a catalyst to the movie "WHIPLASH". Celebrating their 33rd anniversary, The Jim Widner Big Band has established itself in an educational setting, presenting concerts, clinics, festivals and summer jazz camps.

A life-long passion for the American West and music has taken Johnny Kendrick around the nation to share his art and knowledge. Respected for his music and scholarly abilities, his fascination with cowboys and their stories led to his developing a program tracing the history of the west through its music using traditional songs, through movie-era cowboys to contemporary performance. Besides appearances at cowboy events such as Echoes of the Trail and the Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering, his interests extend to early country music and he can structure programs revolving around the music and life of Jimmie Rodgers and other old-time and western swing musicians.

Judy Domeny Bowen is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable performer of traditional Ozark ballads, contemporary folk music, farm songs, and original songs written especially for teachers. Perfect for community concerts, festivals, and school and library presentations, Judy enthralls audiences of all ages with her songs, witty rapport, distinctively clear voice (read this--you can really understand her words!), and solid guitar playing. Senior citizens thrill to hear songs such as Red Wing, The Strawberry Roan, and The Letter Edged in Black from their childhoods once again. Children and adults love the stories and imagery within her songs. Judy's extensive repertoire includes ballads dating back to the 1300’s, pioneer songs from the 1800’s, popular Ozark songs of the early 1900’s, cowboy songs, Civil War songs, farm songs, and original songs about being a schoolteacher. Specialty programs include Songs Mama Sang, Life on the Farm, Folk Music for Children, So You Want to Be a Teacher, and Legends of the Nativity. Judy's clarity, warmth, good humor and spontaneity wins the audience over every time!

Kansas City Celtic Pipes & Drums features the Great Highland Bagpipes and Scottish Drums. Led by Pipe-Major Kevin Gilstrap, the band strives for musical excellence, whether at a concert, convocation or parade! “The energy shot through the sky!” “What a memorable day for so many people.” “We just can’t describe to you the WOW factor!”

The Kansas City Chorale, founded in 1982, is a professional vocal ensemble that enriches local, national, and international communities through its dedication to excellence in performing music from diverse historical periods. Along with the Phoenix Chorale, the Kansas City Chorale is the first North American choir to record for Chandos Records, having made its first appearance on the label in 2006 with Eternal Rest. Their second CD, Grechaninov’s Passion Week, was released in 2007 and received Grammy® nominations in four categories, including Best Classical Album, Best Choral Performance, Best Surround Sound Album, and won a Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Classical, in 2008. Also in 2008, the choir’s third joint recording with the Phoenix Chorale, a disc of sacred choral works by Josef Rheinberger, was released and received Grammy nominations for Best Choral Performance and Best Surround Sound Album. The Chorale’s latest album, Life & Breath, Choral Music of René Clausen, will release June 1, 2012. Audiences around the globe have enjoyed the sounds of the Kansas City Chorale through recordings and radio broadcasts. In 2009, the Chorale performed in South Korea at the Incheon Choral Festival, and also that year, made its New York debut, with the Phoenix Chorale, in Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center. The New York Times referred to the choirs’ “refined sound and elegant phrasing” as well as its “vivid intensity,” and praised the performance for its “buoyant pulse and energetic finesse.”

The Kansas City Symphony is rapidly gaining recognition for its virtuosic performances and imaginative programming. The Symphony performs regularly in communities throughout the region and is committed to bringing the joy of music to the broadest possible audience. Tour performances can be customized for your location and budget, ranging from the full 80-musician orchestra to a 40-musician chamber orchestra. Tour performances may be accompanied by community outreach events, master classes, educational programs, and small-ensemble performances. The Kansas City Symphony is a vibrant orchestra, brilliantly performing masterworks to critical acclaim.

Kantorei of Kansas City (Kantorei KC) performs mainly contemporary, baroque, and renaissance choral pieces which are rarely performed in Missouri. The choir, ranging between 12 and 18 singers, performed at the 2019 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Convention. Its most recent recording, To Bethlehem in 2016, received critical acclaim in Europe and North America; it was The Guardian (UK)'s top pick for “New Christmas Album” that year.

Kirk Hanser is known as “…an authentic musical personality” (Erik Erikkson, DC Advocate) whose performances have “…transported the audience to lusher climes” (The Hawk Eye, Burlington, IA).  Hanser has performed in some of the world’s top venues in the US, Europe, and Japan. His performances are recognized for being fun and entertaining, yet with a focus on high-quality music.

By including the steel-string acoustic guitar, Hanser is able to feature music by modern-day composers such as Michael Hedges and Andrew York, while still using the standard classic (nylon-string) guitar for established crowd favorites from 500 years of music from Europe and South America.

Kirk can also offer special “in-formances” and master classes. He has done several clinics sponsored by the NEA and others, and was recently a resident guest professor of guitar at the Paris Conservatory

Hanser is an endorsee for D’Addario Strings, Gibson Guitars, and Keith Adams Concert Guitars.

Leroy and Dewayne Williams combine otherworldly vocal talent with virtuoso musicianship to create revolutionary music, free from the limitations imposed by genre. The music of this father and son duo fuses gospel lyrics with the raw and aggressive sound of funk, the intriguing virtuosity of jazz, the high energy of rock and roll, and even the beauty and majesty of classical. Not afraid to employ the latest technology, they use synthesizers, electronic drums, and even digital guitars in creative and musically interesting ways that captivate the audience, both with impressive sound quality, and with the true musicianship that comes with decades of performing.

Leslie Salazano is an active performer, singer-songwriter, and pianist. She has earned degrees in music from DePaul University and the University of the Arts. She released her first EP "Stars in the Attic" in 2006. Since then she has organized international solo tours, gained radio airplay in the US, Canada and Europe, played shows in Asia in 2008, and was nominated Best Singer-Songwriter in St. Louis in 2009 in the Riverfront Times Music Awards.

Vocal and instrumental Jazz including Dixieland, Early Jazz, Bigband, Bebop, Blues and R&B.

Lindley Creek is an acoustic family band showcasing beautiful, traditional bluegrass & gospel music, soulful, soaring lead vocals, soothing family harmonies, intricate instrumental breaks and original songwriting, Lindley Creek presents compelling acoustic music and a sincere family ministry.

Independent, pioneering and faithful, the family performs throughout the Ozarks and around the US and Canada at churches, concert series, active living senior RV parks, fairs, festivals, and community and performing arts centers. Their bluegrass and gospel harmonies will inspire your community gathering and infuse your audiences with joy during their up-beat, family-friendly performances.

Lindley Creek, has performed regularly since 2003 at venues such as Silver Dollar City and were featured at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia performing to over 4000. They also return yearly to the KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Competition to play among friends and lend their support to young performers.

Lindley Creek has a passion for heart-touching music and a gift for encouragement. Community events are enhanced by this family’s inspiring musical performance. They work with your organization to bring your audiences the best in family-centered entertainment.

This energetic husband and wife team presents a wide variety of classical song, arias, and solo piano works alongside light jazz/popular songs and piano pieces. Lyric Duo has toured throughout the U.S. and China and its performances have been broadcast on television stations, including KSCI-TV, Los Angeles, and Nanjing Broadcasting, China. Lyric Duo is deeply committed to the education of young audiences and performers. It offers school programs for all grades as well as master classes for colleges/universities, and music teachers’ organizations.

Dr. Laverty is an acclaimed concert pianist in the traditional style, and performs repertoire from Bach to Barber and beyond. He specializes in solo recitals consisting entirely of Bach, Mozart or Chopin, but also performs programs featuring a variety of composers. In addition he performs a variety of the concerto masterworks with orchestra. His debut CD, Music of Bach, was released in 2007.

Members Only is the nation's premier 80's tribute band playing your favorite hair and pop classics from the decade that gave us the Rubik's Cube, Atari, and BIG HAIR! Members Only has been playing regionally since the "Summer of 69" (no wait, 2008) with experienced musicians Brent Thornton on lead vocals, Sam Adkins on bass guitar, Will "The Prodigy" Clark on the keys, Seth Jaeger and Zach McClease playing guitar, and Justin Gabossi keeping the beat on the drums. With a high energy show and songs you know and love, Members Only is guaranteed to get you dancing and singing along all night! Members Only is available for community events, weddings, corporate events and more!

Mick Byrd’s signature, “Ozark Blues”, Roots Country and Roots Rock  music is catching the attention of music lovers and venues alike. The Missouri Ozarks is both home and backdrop to Byrd who  has regularly performed  at Nashville’s Bluebird Café.  An award from Billboard Magazine kicked off his music career in 1994. Eleven  recordings later, Mick brings fans an amazing array of original music. Whether solo on acoustic guitar, Backroad Duo or Backroad Band trio featuring Cajon and lead guitar, you will keep your hands clapping and toes tapping.  Willing to work with smaller budget venues, as well.

Miss Jubilee plays a variety of 1920s Hot Jazz to 1950s Swing, Jump Blues & R'n'R led by the powerful vocals of Miss Jubilee. Featuring a talented horn section, upright bass, drums & guitar, this band mesmerizes every listener with their ability to play older jazz & blues and bring energy and life to the songs. Miss Jubilee is a perfect choice for a night of all types of swing dancing. (Charleston, Lindy Hop, Swing, East Coast, Jitterbug, St. Louis Shag, Balboa) With her strong vocals Miss Jubilee can sing 1920s Hot Jazz & Blues so powerfully one can understand those songs as if they were written today. She can belt out some Swing and Jump Blues in a way that has everyone's toes tapping. The band uses an authentic approach to playing & even dress in vintage styles! Miss Jubilee is a treasure in Saint Louis, they keep it fun and entertain many types of audiences while showing a high amount of professionalism.

Formed in 2009, the Missouri Saxophone Quartet is a contemporary chamber ensemble devoted to exploring and promoting new music, especially that of Missouri composers. The group has inspired several commissions and has presented them at venues throughout North America and Europe. The quartet offers recitals between 1-2 hours in classical, contemporary, jazz and popular selections

The Missouri Symphony Orchestra is a 50-member professional symphony orchestra under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Kirk Trevor. Each summer in June and July, talented musicians from the finest conservatories and universities in the U.S. and worldwide create the Hot Summer Nights Festival in Columbia's historic Missouri Theatre and tour around the state. The Missouri Symphony Orchestra's innovative classical and pops programming makes performances fun and exciting for all ages.

Founded in 1970, The Missouri Symphony strives to enhance and increase the cultural awareness of symphonic music in mid-Missouri by engaging professional artists and educating young musicians through exceptional music performance. Based in Columbia, Missouri, MOSY includes the Missouri Symphony Orchestra, the Missouri Symphony Conservatory, and the Missouri Symphony League.

Formed in the practice rooms of the Webster University Music Department, the trio has always strived for something greater than its individual parts. With their high-energy shows and thoughtful records, Mt. Thelonious has garnered the attention of audiences all over the country. From the Kerrville Folk Festival in the Texas hill country to college basements in Wahington DC, they will always leave you wanting more.

The band’s influences run wide, creating a true fusion of many different types of music. Mt. Thelonious has been compared to artists such as the Punch Brothers, Andrew Bird, and Fiona Apple.
Their new music takes influence from modern artists such as Frank Ocean and Bon Iver while still retaining a true sense of Americana.

From their humble beginnings playing 4-hour cover sets, Old Souls Revival has grown into a solid heartland rock band with subtle nods to roots, Americana, and blues influences. Frontman and songwriter Neil C. Luke spews poetic ramblings in an unexpected juxtaposition to the harmonized guitar riffs of Josiah Joyce and Matt Maher, and the tight rhythms of bassist Dan Ficocelli and drummer Jeremy Reidy.

Old Souls Revival released their first album Common Ground in 2013, followed by I Will Let You In in 2016. Their third self-titled album (2018) showcases the band’s growth in both style and cohesiveness. Songs by both Joyce and Ficocelli make an appearance, blending together their various stylistic influences of Dawes, Tom Petty, 2000s indie and 90s prog rock. Old Souls Revival has made a name for themselves in St. Louis and is fast on their way to spreading beyond this Midwest music town. Old Souls sure knows how to throw a party and you won’t want to miss it.

One More Round is an era driven Johnny Cash Tribute band. We offer an authentic look, sound, and feel of a Johnny Cash performance, showcasing all of his hits from the 1950's through the 1990's. We also offer a June Carter vocalist with a powerful stage performance to sing Johnny Cash and June Carter duets.

Ozark Mountain Oysters is an acoustic blues, country, rock, bluegrass band. As two seasoned musicians with many years on the road opening and playing with major entertainers around the country.  The Band plays Blues, Country, R%R, R&B, and Soul music. The band represented the Lake of the Ozarks Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in the years of 2013 and 2014.

Since his arrival to Kansas City from Santiago, Chile in 1996 Pablo Sanhueza has dedicated the past 20+ years of his distinguished career to the music of the Latin American experience, as a percussionist, bandleader, and educator who has worked with three generations of musicians.

Pablo brings the charisma and precision of the Maestros of the Mambo and Big Band era. Sanhueza studied with Jesus Alfonso, Sandy Perez, (Muñequitos de matanzas), and has shared the stage with Poncho Sanchez, David Valentin, Titos Sompa, and toured Europe appearing at Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Red Sea Jazz Festival in Holland and Champs Elysees Paris, France.

In 2018, Sanhueza co-founded the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra.  KCLJO is the first performance & education non-profit in the Midwestern United States dedicated to Salsa, Latin Jazz, and the intersection of Latin American folkloric dance. KCLJO is an intercultural, intergenerational organization, bringing transnational experiences to the stage, the dance floor, and diverse communities.

When pianist Peter Miyamoto burst onto the music scene as winner of the Irving S. Gilmore Young Artist Award, he was heralded as "an uncommon performer, a real musical presence who can sweep the audience up in the vision of a piece and...make you care" - Kalamazoo Gazette. As recitalist and concert soloist Miyamoto has performed to great acclaim in major US cities such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington D.C., and internationally in Canada, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, China and Japan. His repertoire is enormous encompassing hundreds of solo, chamber and concerto works from the baroque, classical, romantic and modern eras. Master class and family concerts are also available. Program lengths vary from 45 minutes to 2 hours.

R. Scott Bryan has a rare ability to sing and play everything from guitar and bass to keyboards and percussion--end do it all exceedingly well. Scott toured the world and recorded for five years with superstar Sheryl Crow band, co-authoring the 1996 Top Ten U.K. single "Hard to Make a Stand." He has since released two critically-acclaimed recordings under his own name.

The band focuses on, but is not limited to, music from 1895-1930. We play ragtime, early blues and jazz, standards, and originals. Includes historic "firsts," music by women & African-American composers, many Missouri artists. By combining older music with often a more modern take, we keep the history, yet bring the music alive in a way that makes it relevant for modern audiences. We play many familiar tunes but also introduce our audiences to rarely heard music of the era.

Members of the band are available for educational concerts, either remote or in person. around themes such as Missouri Composers, Women Composers, African American Composers, Early Blues, Hits of the Era, etc, which will combine performance with short takes on music history.

RAVEN WOLF C. FELTON JENNINGS II, multi-instrumentalist (saxophones, orchestral flute, native style wooden flutes, djembe, electric bass, piano), singer/songwriter, music producer and private music instructor has created a musical sound/art form he calls 'Spiritual Jazz ...in the St. Louis Tradition'. His debut CD 'Spiritual Jazz ...on South 9th Street' was released on 11-11-11. RAVEN WOLF C. FELTON JENNINGS II is sharing his original Healing Sounds nation-wide with audiences of all ages. He uses live looping to blend elements of Instrumental Jazz, calming Native American Flute songs with driving drum rhythms to the delight of his audience. Experience 'Spiritual Jazz' with RAVEN WOLF, Healing Sound Recording Artist.

Richie is an introspective and old soul, dynamic vocalist, emotionally driven songwriter, and multifaceted instrumentalist transitioning proficiently amidst piano, guitar, drums and the occasional bout of harmonica. As a performer, he brings an undeniable energy and authentic sound to both his solo shows and his adventures fusing with fellow musicians in the Richie Kihlken Band. Striving to make his unyielding passion for music be his lifelong career, he continues to devote his time to making and performing his music and constantly evolving as an artist.
Richie leads the band with his timeless voice, groovy piano riffs, and charismatic personality. The group blends blues, jazz, and funk to create modern soul music that brings people to the dance floor.

“If we miss it the first time, we’ll back up and run over it again!” With a name like Roadkill, you know this group must have fun in store for audiences of all ages. The Quintet presents programs of music balanced between Classical, Ragtime, Dixieland, and Swing, ranging from Bach and Mozart and including Stephen Foster, Gershwin, Bernstein, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and a salute to the famous New Orleans clarinetists of the past. Pieces are introduced with humorous narratives and little-known facts. Programs are tailored to fit the audience (schools, service clubs, conventions, concert series) from their repertoire of over seventy pieces. The Quintet consists of four soprano clarinets plus a bass clarinet.  Members are active or retired music educators who welcome educational opportunities in combination with concert appearances.

Performing original compositions with a hand-crafted Native American-style flute for small venues and schools. His musical style has been influenced by artists such as R. Carols Nakai, David R. Miracle, John Two Hawks, and Coyote Old Man. This is what has been said about Robert Roe from the News Focus, "While listening to the haunting melodies played by the Osage Wind Riders it is easy to envision an American Indian sitting on the back of a horse solemnly staring out to an expanse of the western plains, as of yet unspoiled by the 'white man'."

Ronald Radford is the world-renowned master of red-hot flamenco guitar and inspirational Gypsy wisdom. A protégé of the legendary Carlos Montoya and Fulbright Scholar to Spain, Radford's masterful performance and illuminating commentary create an unforgettable experience of the soul-stirring Gypsy music of Spain. Radford's warm and engaging program has met with standing ovations and rave reviews in Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and in fifteen countries on four continents. He was proclaimed in Mexico City as "An absolutely extraordinary event!" and in Madrid they wrote, "He has 'duende' the Spanish equivalent of soul." Ron plays from the heart, and so he touches the hearts of others. Read the reviews, listen to his CD and watch a video preview at www.RonaldRadford.com.

A pianist in the “grand manner,” Rosario Andino carries on the legacy of Anton and Nicholas Rubinstein, Busoni, Friedman, Sauer, and Godowsky. Her teachers, Vera Maourina Press and Jascha Fischermann, were students of these great pianists. Born in Cuba, Ms. Andino began her musical studies at age four and gave her first concert at age six. Her orchestra performances, recitals, radio and television concerts have been acclaimed in the United States, Cuba, Mexico, Spain, England, Italy, and Holland. Ms. Andino commands an immense repertoire that includes all the standard major works for the piano as well as little known works, such as cultured ethnic works by 19th- and 20th-century Cuban composers.

Steeped in both ancient traditions and modernist indie-folk, Ruth Acuff’s music is trained and ethereal, unique and enchanting. Ruth blends Americana and chamber music to create exquisite breeze-borne ballads with a sound that simultaneously evokes earthy and celestial atmospheres. Her lyrics rest on the mind with the careful balance of a questioning poet.

Ruth plays a 46-string concert pedal harp, with which she has released multiple original recordings and toured the US coast-to-coast. She has shared the stage with the likes of Willie Watson, Dan Domenech from Rock of Ages, Morgan James from Motown, and Capathia Jenkins from Newsies. She has studied with world-renowned harpist Maria Duhova-Trevor, as well as writing and releasing her original songs with harp, voice, and other embellishments. When performing live, she is often joined by Jeff Mueller on upright bass.

Ruth was voted Best Female Vocalist 2009 and Best Instrumentalist 2017 in her hometown, Columbia, Missouri. She is a Missouri Arts Council approved touring performer, and a member of the American Harp Society. Ruth also performs as a backup singer for the Pink Floyd Tribute band Interstellar Overdrive, and is the frontwoman for the psychedelic rock band The Royal Furs.

The Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Stéphane Denève, is one of the world's preeminent orchestras, celebrated for its warm and engaging sound, prolific and acclaimed recording history, national and international touring activities, and distinctive commitment to educational and community outreach efforts. Aside from its vast touring portfolio to communities large and small throughout the Midwest, the SLSO has regularly toured nationally and internationally to critical acclaim. Tour performances can be customized for your location and budget, ranging from the full 96-musician orchestra to a smaller chamber orchestra. Tour performances may be augmented by master classes, educational concerts, and small-ensemble performances. Multiple-day residencies are also possible.

Sergei, a native of Ukraine, is a teaching artist with a Master’s degree in Music Education from the Gnessin Institute in Moscow. He presents two programs, Russian Kaleidoscope, and Ukrainian Kaleidoscope. His educationally-based presentations teach through assemblies and workshops which focus on native music, dance, and folk art. While experiencing the excitement of learning through the arts, the students gain knowledge about the language, geography, history, customs, and traditions of the country. Both programs are available in a one-day format or as a residency. Teaching Guides are provided. His powerful combination of lessons set the stage for students to fully appreciate and find success in the world they are inheriting. Sergei knows how to connect with students and deliver a powerful and memorable message that “Culture Matters.”

Mike and Tenley are folk musicians who specialize in the traditional music of the Ozarks. Mike and Tenley began working together as members of the Shortleaf Band in 2006, with Mike performing on Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Mouthbow, Harmonica, and Autoharp. Tenley performs on Keyboard, Guitar, Fiddle, Spoons, Boudhran, and Vocals. In 2008 they began working more as a duet and have steadily increased the amount of touring as a duet. Together they have toured; performing at festivals, dances, school programs, senior centers, community “arts in the park” programs and many other types of venues.

Songs of Africa Ensemble, is a multicultural and eclectic group of highly trained musicians promoting new genres of choral music from around Africa and its diaspora. Our songs teach about Africa’s music, people, languages, cultures and creates opportunities for incorporating new styles of African-descent music into modern choral repertory.  A majority of the songs are drawn from Songs of Africa: 22 Pieces for Mixed Voices, the choral collection published by Oxford University Press, but includes more songs that are yet to be published! Songs of Africa Ensemble is a community outreach and partnership program of the African Musical Arts organization.

Japanese drumming is a powerful, stirring reorganization of the traditional art which was practiced in Japan for thousands of years. The addition of ensemble performance, dynamic choreography, and world influences have turned it into modern performance art with deep roots. The members of the St. Louis Osuwa Taiko have been practicing the art of Japanese drumming since 1996.

Established in 1998, the Saint Louis Wind Symphony has garnered distinction as one of the Midwest's premier concert band organizations. This 65-member ensemble, under the musical direction of Dan Presgrave, is comprised of music educators and professionals from the greater St. Louis region who are dedicated to the highest-quality performance of the best wind literature. Passionate about the preservation and growth of the American concert band tradition, the group is committed to enriching the community by sharing music with a diverse audience and by providing educational opportunities to area students. The ensemble's musical versatility is reflected in its extensive repertoire, which embraces the classical wind literature, new compositions, patriotic showpieces and marches, Broadway show tunes, jazz, holiday music, and more. Performances are tailored to entice, entertain, and educate our audiences.

The Swampweed Cajun Band plays a bucket-full of traditional, foot-stompin', accordion-squeezed, French-howlin' tunes from the swamps. Ehren Oncken is on button accordion, Dierik Leonhard is featured on Cajun fiddle, Jane Accurso sings Cajun French vocals and is on guitar, Matthew Bossaller slaps the upright bass and Jimmy Joe Culbertson drives the rhythm on drums and percussion. Only the finest in Cajun Dancehall music. Performance and dance music are both available. Dance instructors are available on request.

Mesmerizing, dazzling and exhilarating are the words that continuously come to audience’s minds to describe the Bosman Twins. Masters of several woodwind instruments, the Emmy Award-winning duo are true ambassadors of music. Whether performing as a duo, with their quintet, or accompanying jazz greats, their renditions of jazz, R&B, funk and gospel have gained them international notoriety. Jazz in all its permutations (Straight-ahead, contemporary, Gospel, etc)

Dawn Weber, world-class trumpet player. Prolific songwriter. Stylish vocalist. Mesmerizing, high-energy stage presence. Add it up and you get only one person– Dawn Weber. The St. Louis-based artist has a background that includes extensive training in both classical trumpet and flugelhorn as well as jazz. Weber’s style ranges from jazz, rock, R&B, swing, and salsa to hip-hop, electronic, and funk. Weber was a member of popular St. Louis bands Vargas Swing, Urban Jazz Naturals and Mo and Dawn (The Remix Project) and is currently leading her own bands, including the Electro Funk Assembly, Dawn: Unplugged, and Naked Rock Fight. Currently Dawn performs classically playing everything from solo literature to performing with various orchestras and chamber ensembles, even the Saint Louis Symphony. Electro Funk Assembly genres are Jazz/Electronica.

The James Ward Band, also known as The JWB, has a world class sound of its own and is recognized as one of the most sought after Bands in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Their show fusing contemporary jazz, fusion, blues, R&B, gospel, and a dose of Latin is uplifting and satisfying to the emotions.

The James Ward Band performs at events such as the Jazz and Wine Festival, Rhythm and Ribs Festival, Lee's Summit Downtown Days, and Music on Main in Grandview.  James and Angela currently facilitate Music Education Workshops and Music Lessons in a Residency at Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council.  The members of The JWB are Clifford Mills on Percussion and Vocals, Jaylen Ward on drums, Angela Ward on keyboards, and James Ward on bass.

The core of the Matching Shoe consists of hypnotizing guitar and bass lines, mesmerizing keys and dynamic percussion. Led by multi-instrumentalists Dillon Wilfong (vocals/drums/guitar) and Ben Vennard (keyboards/upright bass/vocals). Their repertoire consists of both original and cover songs that combine the sounds of Classic Rock 'N' Roll, Art Rock, Folk, and Blues.

Their originals ring of early Jethro Tull, Revolver-era Beatles, and psychedelic pop while their carefully selected covers span the Doors, Grateful Dead, Elton John and more.

Fueled by the same musical styles, the band released their first album 'Out Thru the Window’ in August 2016. Their next EP titled “Don’t Hide It. Divide It” was recently released fall of 2017, which was recorded between St. Louis and Aftermaster Studios in Hollywood, California. Some of their big influences include Wilco, Johnny Cash, Pink Floyd and The Beatles. Their next full-length album is expected to release early 2019.

The Missouri Brass Quintet, founded in 1983, has broad performance experience throughout the Kansas City area and the Midwest.  In residence at the UMKC Conservatory of Music, on the University of Missouri’s designated performing arts campus, the MBQ performs music drawn from an all-embracing repertoire of musical styles.  This versatile and exciting ensemble is equally at ease in the music of the Renaissance or Kansas City Jazz, Baroque masterpieces or dramatic new 20th-century works; even a bit of music with a mildly preposterous sense of humor, such as “The Broken Horn Rag” (you have to see that one to believe it!).  Audiences, presenters and other musicians have applauded them on their superb virtuosity and their unique ability to reach out to diverse audiences.

Combining the happy swinging feel of the Kansas City jazz scene with the hard, soulful groove of St. louis funk, soul and blues; the people’s key blends these midwestern styles into one cohesive sound.

They swing in the traditional style of jazz, but provide listeners the opportunity to ride along as they relive the sounds of their lifetimes, with tunes by modern artists from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to Green Day, Jay-Z and Bruno Mars. This band puts the classic organ group sound of the ‘50s & ‘60s on all your favorites from the ‘70s and beyond.
The People’s Key is designed to connect the jazz vernacular with a modernized songbook. The People’s Key performs material from popular artists, genres, songs and themes to engage in the maximum connection possible with their audiences.

The People’s Key can be found playing some of the hottest jazz rooms around such as Jazz at the Bistro, The Sheldon and The Dark Room.
Debuting in 2013, the group has had the opportunity to open for national acts such as The Jeff Coffin Mu’tet and Fareed Haque’s Math Games. The band has released six albums: The People’s Key  (2013). The Sean Carter Jazz Suite with Lamar Harris (2014) and Heal The World (2015). “Within You” (Fall 2016), “Time of the Season” (2018). The band’s current release “Unlocked Doors” released summer 2018.

The Wires are a modern exploration in string sound. Created in Kansas City, Missouri,  Laurel Morgan Parks, violin, and Sascha Groschang, cello, have been composing dynamic and cinematic music as best friends since 2009. Their music is inspired by imagery found in the natural world, folk styles and modern string techniques. Following their debut album in 2012, their 2nd album “Wilder” (May 2019) is an imagined journey that includes depths of the oceanic world, the vast expanse of Celtic hills, the coldness of frozen tundra and a discovery of the cosmos. Their holiday album, “Winter” (December 2020) encompasses cinematic, yet an intimate timbre, with the classic sounds of the season. The duo performs at festivals, concert halls, and music venues in the Midwest and beyond.

Experience through song the story of how a soul singer’s chance encounter with an R&B great lead to a twenty year tour with two of the greatest Motown acts of all time. Celebrate the triumphs, trials, and tribulations that only one man can tell, this is Theo Peoples’ Temps and Tops. Temptations and Four Tops front man Theo Peoples has earned the singular honor of being the only man to be a member of both legendary Motown acts. Chosen to replace the Temptations’ Richard Street in 1992, Peoples made significant contributions to the group’s multi-platinum and Grammy nominated “Phoenix Rising.” Composing and singing the single "This Is My Promise” and singing lead on the group's #1 hit "Stay,” he departed the Temptations between the album’s release and video production. Peoples was hand-selected by the Four Tops to replace original member Lawrence Payton in 1998. Once lead singer Levi Stubbs ceased touring, he handed Peoples the torch, giving him his personal blessing to take over as the Four Tops’ front man. Peoples toured and performed with the Four Tops until he left the group in 2011. The Grammy nominated sultry R&B singer now focuses on his Temps and Tops show, a contemporary homage to the two Motown greats he collectively performed, recorded and wrote with for nearly twenty years. The 90-minute performance includes a set list of hits from the Temptations, the Four Tops, and other Motown/Soul classics, delivered with Theo’s personal stories and memories.

The Thomas/DeLancey Band, comprised of hammered dulcimer, keyboards, flatpick guitar, mandolin, bass and vocals, is equally at ease playing a variety of genre; whether adapting Appalachian and Celtic fiddle tunes to their instruments, playing 14 Century carols or adding their close vocal harmonies to well-known bluegrass, swing and old-tiime standards, the Thomas/DeLancey style can best be described as traditional American music. Three band members: Thomas, D. DeLancey and Tichenor, have published works and all members are qualified to offer workshops on their respective instruments.

Tim Schall presents original cabaret shows that entertain, delight and educate. Whether singing the songs of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers or the Broadway brass of Kander and Ebb, Schall carefully crafts each show through stories and songs to make the music come alive in a very personal way. Bring this rare musical journey to your community. Perfect for music lovers or theater-going audiences. “Tim Schall sings with a voice like honey, a heart filled with emotion, and a mind that knows how to tell a story. That's the Triple Crown."- Cabaret legend, Amanda McBroom “There are those in the Midwest who think that the days of cabaret are a thing of the past. Schall is (almost) single-handedly breathing new life into the genre.”- Playback St. Louis Magazine “Elegant cabaret style!” – KDHX radio, St. Louis

Tommy Halloran performs over 300 shows per year, playing everywhere from airports and smokey clubs to historic theaters and grand outdoor festivals. His music is a gumbo of jazz, blues, bossa nova, folk, and rock n' roll.  Tommy Halloran's Guerrilla Swing was voted "Best Jazz Band" in the RiverFront Times Music Awards in 2014, 2015, and 2016, and was named St. Louis' "Best Band" by that paper's editorial staff in 2014. 

Violet Vonder Haar is a songwriter, artist, activist, teacher and healer from mid-Missouri. She has been using her music as a tool for healing, education, consciousness awakening, and social justice since the age of 9. She is the founder of the all female rock orchestra, Jane Doe Revue, which has helped to raise over $30,000 for women's healthcare and various organizations in Missouri. Through her work with JDR and her band, Violet and the Undercurrents, she has helped to elevate women's voices, empowering them to stand stronger within their truest selves. Violet has been a music educator for over 10 years, and uses her teaching as a way to heal and awaken the power within each of her students. In 2019 and 2020 she was nominated for the Missourian Progress in the Arts award, and in 2017, was the recipient of the Sarah Dwyer Special Appreciation Award by Women in the Arts at National Women's Music Festival.

Emmy® Award winning recording artists and conservationists Jan and George Syrigos capture audiences with a musical adventure exploring wildlife, habitats and natural history. “Ribbit and Roll” to their original upbeat tunes energized with motion, media and the conservation message. Combining 19 years of conservation experience and training with their Parents Choice-recommended music, WildHeart truly brings the heart of the wild, to the heart of the child! Jan and George are deeply committed to sharing their combined passions for nature and music in creative and engaging ways, offering school programs, teacher workshops, and concerts for adults and children. WildHeart’s songs are strongly tied to Missouri Learning Standards.

Storytelling and music have been said to be a way of communication and an ancient way of teaching lessons in life. Dianne Moran is an award-winning folklorist and naturalist, who captivated audiences with her living history performances and live animal programs for over 30 years. Dianne and Pat Frank started 'Buffalo Gals' in 2001, their first venture with blending storytelling and music. Pat researched historical songs from the era, intrigued by what she had found she went on to compose her original music and lyrics. Since then, Pat and Dianne have performed in over 25 different venues. Pat and Dianne have been blending stories and music in performances of Mary Surratt, Sacagawea, Olive Oatman, and Calamity Jane. Pat and Dianne presented: ‘An Evening of Storytelling’ at the Bryan Haynes Gallery, on March 10, 2018. Woven Voices also performed ‘The Real Calamity Jane’ on February 9, 2019, at the Gallery. Calamity Jane was also presented in Defiance, MO as part of the ‘American Classics’ on July 26, 2019.

Instrumental jazz/rock/fusion and smooth jazz.