It’s once again time for MATI, one of the most exciting weekends of music on all of St. Louis’ concert calendar, and while it’s true that the specific dates for the festivities on said calendar have changed this year, the level of top-tier talent on display most certainly has not.
With dozens of acts spanning days of music in Grand Center, there can be some seriously difficult decisions to be made, and this year is no different in that regard, either. So with that in mind, we present to you our list of 20 must-see acts at this year’s MATI fest.
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You may notice that much cheating was done in compiling this list, inasmuch as in some cases multiple acts were all piled under one heading in what we would call an effort to spread the love around, but in what you might call less than helpful in narrowing things down for the indecisive. And you may have a point! But we say take it up with the organizers—it’s not our fault they booked so many great acts.
THURSDAY, JULY 16
Jon Batiste
Where: The Fox Theatre
When: 8-10 p.m.
What better way to get the party started than with a performance by the eight-time Grammy-winning musical powerhouse that is the legendary Jon Batiste? The preternaturally talented multi-hyphenate will fill the stunning environs of the Fabulous Fox with equally beautiful sounds for MATI’s kickoff. (Note: A separate ticket is required for this performance.)
FRIDAY, JULY 17
Zapp featuring Tuxedo
Where: The Big Top
When: 9:45-11 p.m.
Legendary electro-funk act Zapp is among the acts with top billing on this year’s MATI lineup, and with good reason: Without the pioneering group’s talk box-heavy approach and endlessly infectious grooves, the West Coast’s sample-indebted G-funk sound that dominated hip-hop in the early ‘90s simply wouldn’t have been quite as funky. Like-minded L.A. act Tuxedo, consisting of neo-soul singer Mayer Hawthorne and hip-hop producer Jake One, will join the band for this performance.
Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band
Where: Jazz St. Louis
When: 8-9:30 p.m.
Top-notch jazz drummer and in-demand session musician Brian Blade has collaborated with some true musical giants over the course of his storied career, including the likes of Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, and countless others. For this performance, he’ll be joined by his long-running Fellowship Band, featuring Jon Cowherd on piano, Melvin Butler on tenor and soprano saxophone, Myron Walden on alto saxophone and bass clarinet, and Roland Guerin on bass.
Destin Conrad
Where: The Sovereign
When: 9-10:15 p.m.
Buzzworthy Tampa singer-songwriter Destin Conrad got his start on Vine in 2014, amassing more than a million followers on the platform before parlaying his popularity into a thriving music career. Since then, he has released four EPs and two full-length LPs in his signature alternative R&B style, with 2025’s Love on Digital even securing a Grammy nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album.
Keyon Harrold
Where: Multiple venues
When: Multiple sets
MATI’s Artist-in-Residence, Ferguson-born jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and producer Keyon Harrold, makes multiple appearances throughout the weekend, each with its own twist and group of collaborators. Friday’s performance will feature powerhouse hip-hop artist Rapsody alongside St. Louis’ own Tef Poe, AJ McQueen, and DJ Charlie Chan, and will take place at The Sovereign from 10:45 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. On Saturday, Harrold will be joined by virtuosic drummer Chris Dave to host a Miles Jam at Jazz St. Louis from 10 p.m. to midnight in tribute to Miles Davis, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. Sunday will see Harrold and Dave team up again to perform at The Fox Theatre from 6-7 p.m. alongside star R&B singer-songwriter Andra Day and top St. Louis talents Peter Martin, Sir Eddie C, and Aida Ade.
DJ Spinderella
Where: Theresa Stage
When: 7:30-9 p.m.
Longtime Salt-N-Pepa turntablist DJ Spinderella will bring the throwback hip-hop vibes to the MATI outdoor block party that will take over a portion of Washington Avenue, a free-admission element of the fest that will also feature live fashion shows, circus performances, roller skating, poetry, dance, and much more.
Natasha Diggs
Where: Theresa Stage
When: 9:20-11 p.m.
The 45 Queen herself, Natasha Diggs, will keep the free outdoor party going following Spinderella’s set. With a resume that includes work with such titans as Quincy Jones, David Byrne, Q-Tip, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and more, it’s a safe bet that the vibes will be immaculate and the sounds will be timeless.
Illphonics
Where: The Big Top
When: 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Long-running St. Louis hip-hop fusion act Illphonics returns from a four-year hiatus with a special reunion show for this year’s edition of MATI, in celebration of 20 years since the band’s formation. And if social media is to be believed, this will not be a one-off event—the group says they plan to release new music in 2027, and look forward to beginning “a new era,” much to the delight of fans.
Mannie Fresh
Where: The Key
When: 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Legendary Cash Money producer Mannie Fresh, best known for his work with Juvenile, Lil Wayne, Birdman, Jeezy, and others who dominated the rap airwaves in the late ‘90s and ‘00s, will take over The Key for a live DJ set on Friday night. (Note: A separate ticket or a MATI Delux weekend pass is required for this performance.)
Free 4 All Alums
When: Friday and Saturday, 5-10 p.m.
Where: Urban Chestnut
St. Louis’ Free 4 All showcase, which debuted last year as a kickoff of sorts for MATI, is again represented at this year’s festival, this time with its own dedicated space at Urban Chestnut. True to its name, attendance is free of charge, and St. Louis acts West End Junction, Tawaine Hmslf, Zach Sullentrup, Brawsh, Po Mia, REVÉ, Devon Cahill, Of Monarchs, Justin Ra, and Mikey Wehling will perform over the course of Friday and Saturday.
SATURDAY, JULY 18
Killer Mike
Where: The Big Top
When: 9:30-11 p.m.
Rapper Killer Mike is best known for his work as a part of Run the Jewels and as a member of the Southern hip-hop collective The Dungeon Family, alongside Outkast, Goodie Mob, Sleepy Brown, and many more, but it was his solo work that resulted in his outsize connection to St. Louis. As the legend goes, St. Louis’ own Trackstar the DJ cold-called the MC on a lark after Mike shared his number in a magazine interview, and was surprised when he actually picked up. This soon turned into a musical partnership, with Trackstar working as Mike’s touring DJ in the intervening years before RTJ was officially formed, a position he serves in with the group to this day. Expect a high-energy performance filled with tracks from across the rapper’s career, backed up by one of the city’s biggest musical success stories of recent years.
Big Freedia
Where: The Big Top
When: 8-9 p.m.
New Orleans Queen of Bounce Big Freedia has but one item on her agenda when she performs, and that is to make you shake your ass. It was she who brought the high-energy, bass-heavy, body-positive subgenre out of the underground clubs of NOLA and into the mainstream in the 2010s, and she remains among the best to do it.
LA LOM
Where: The Sovereign
When: 9-10:15 p.m.
Instrumental-rock act LA LOM, short for Los Angeles League of Musicians, blends distinct genres such as cumbia and Peruvian chicha together with ‘60s soul elements and classic romantic boleros for a unique sound that has seen the act’s star rise considerably since getting its start in 2018. In 2024, the group released their debut, self-titled LP through the esteemed Verve Records, and has since toured extensively, including as an opener for Vampire Weekend’s Only God Was Above Us tour.
Trackstar the DJ & Friends Takeover
Where: Sophie’s Artist Lounge
When: 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
Trackstar the DJ takes over Sophie’s Artist Lounge from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, bringing a mix of some of the city’s finest alongside some nationally renowned talent to the turntables. J.Rocc, House Shoes, Buck Rodgers, Agile One, DJ Sinamin, Radic Hi-Fi, Biko, Soopaman DJ Speed, and DJ Crucial will all perform, with the legendary Prince Paul closing out the evening from midnight to 1 a.m.
The Soul of St. Louis
Where: The Grandel Theater
When: 8 p.m.
Several of St. Louis’ most acclaimed soul, blues, and R&B artists join together for the aptly named Soul of St. Louis performance at the Grandel on Saturday night, with such shining stars as Denise Thimes, Brian Owens, The Bosman Twins, Marquise Knox, Anita Jackson, Cheryl Brown, Adrienne Felton King, and Tasha B. performing under the musical direction of Shedrick Mitchell. Admission is free.
The Motet Play Jamiroquai
Where: The Sovereign
When: 11 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Known for their annual Halloween cover sets, in which they focus on one particular band and even dress the part, Denver-based funk powerhouse The Motet first tackled Jamiroquai way back in 2007, but their take on the band, blending deep grooves and intricate horn lines, proved so popular that they’ve taken the show on the road in recent years, with St. Louis being a recipient at this year’s MATI.
Blvck Spvde & Friends
Where: Jazz St. Louis
When: 5:30-8:40 p.m.
Celebrated St. Louis scene stalwart and man of many talents Blvck Spvde gets a solid three-plus hours blocked off for him at Jazz St. Louis on Saturday evening, with help from fellow St. Louis luminaries Dee Jazz, Josiah Burton, Coultrain, and even St. Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine Anderson.
Nightchaser Presents Le Freque Cirque
Where: Theresa Stage
When: 8-11 p.m.
St. Louis’ mega-popular Nightchaser series brings its Le Freque Cirque to take over the free outdoor Theresa Stage on Saturday night, with The House of Tucci, drag queen Icesis Couture, and DJs Jojo and Mark Lewis performing alongside what promotional materials describe only as “a menagerie of acts.”
SUNDAY, JULY 19
Wyclef Jean
Where: The Fox Theatre
When: 8:45-10:15 p.m.
What’s there to say about Wyclef Jean? The man co-founded The Fugees for God’s sake. This one is a no-brainer.
PJ Morton
Where: The Fox Theatre
When: 7:20-8:20 p.m.
Prolific singer-songwriter, keyboardist, and record producer PJ Morton may technically be best known for his work with Maroon 5, but his output as a solo artist is where he is most accomplished and acclaimed. With nine studio albums and two EPs to his name, Morton has proven himself to be a powerhouse gospel and R&B artist over the years, and Sunday’s performance at the Fox is sure to be one for the history books.
