Honor one the greats of jazz history this weekend by getting down with contemporary giants just up the river in gorgeous Alton. The first-ever Alton Jazz and Wine Festival runs from 4 p.m. to just after 10 p.m. on Saturday.
The great, of course, is Miles Davis. After his birth in Illinois, the family moved to East St. Louis, and then he went on to rewrite history from New York City and around the world. His sound on the trumpet is among the world’s most recognizable.
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“The festival is in honor of Miles Davis,” says Stephanie Tate, director of marketing and communications for the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, which hosts the festival. “Miles Davis was born in Alton. This is just another way we can honor him.”
His imprint is clear on any jazz gathering, though maybe a bit more for this one in particular.
Ferguson’s Keyon Harrold won a Grammy earlier this year for his work on the Don Cheadle biopic on Miles Davis, “Miles Ahead.” He’ll channel Miles through his trumpet, just like he did in the film.
There’s nothing quite like beholding St. Louis’ Ptah Williams at the piano, and he’ll be in the house Saturday. Williams counts Davis among his influences—alongside Herbie Hancock, Charlie Parker and his own family.
For a more New Orleans style of jazz with a touch of Motown by way of Memphis taking the long way through Chicago with a detour into St. Louis, The Funky Butt Brass Band will be on hand bringing their signature style to the party.
The Dawn Weber Group showcases Weber’s trumpet and vocals. She can be found playing with the Electro Funk Assembly, Dawn: Unplugged, and Naked Rock Fight.
If visual art is more your thing, stop by the showcase of several artists, including painters, photographers, and graffiti artists—browse, or snap up something great for your walls.
General admission is free, but bring some money for a few pours from among the ten different varieties of wine on hand, or the wide array of Alton’s finest sweets and savories.
Tate says while it’s the first of its kind, the festival has been in the works for a while, on the hearts and minds of many.
“It’s right on the banks of the Mississippi,” she says. “People get to enjoy great jazz from regional and national acts and sip some great wine, and watch the river go by.”
Tickets are free, but you can get VIP ones online that come with premium parking and access to a private concession tent. Everyone should bring a chair. The festival happens at Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, 1 Henry Street, Alton, Illinois.
