Cherokee Street is a neighborhood known for its eclectic vintage shops, storefronts, restaurants, and bars, but on Saturday, the street will transform into a vibrant celebration of music and dance for the annual Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl.
“The Jazz Crawl turns a neighborhood into a music festival for one day,” says Emily Thenhaus, executive director of the Cherokee Street Community Improvement District, an organization which seeks to nurture economic and cultural growth in the area.
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Unlike typical music festivals, which revolve around fixed stages, the Jazz Crawl turns street corners and local businesses into venues, with 17 free concerts scheduled throughout the day.
“It integrates music and dance into the structures and businesses of Cherokee Street,” says Thenhaus, who believes that this unique format—music drifting from the doors and performers tucked into intimate, inviting spaces—will encourage visitors to explore local spots they might not have sought out otherwise.
The Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl celebrates an intersection of genres including jazz, blues, hip-hop, ragtime, Latin, and swing to provide a welcoming entry point into the St. Louis music scene for locals and out-of-town visitors. With legendary acts, a much-loved parade, and even free dance classes to experience, jazz aficionados and casual concert fans alike should find something to enjoy at the fest.
Interactive Experiences
The Second Line Parade, a highlight for many seasoned jazz crawlers, is led by the St. Boogie Brass Band and will kick off at 2:30 p.m. The parade travels from Compton Avenue to Illinois Avenue. Anticipate dancing in the streets, a party atmosphere, and an all-around good time with music throughout the neighborhood.
Those looking for something both immersive and educational should stop by the free dance classes at Love Bank Park from noon until 5:45 p.m. Pick up new moves and learn a wide variety of dance styles, including everything from classic salsa to the Lindy Hop. An All-Styles Dance Battle will take place later at The Golden Record’s ticketed finale event, which will allow expert dancers from all genres to compete for glory and prize money.
What’s New
This year’s festival will see returning favorites—such as the St. Boogie Brass Band, Miss Jubilee, and Joe Park—performing along with Jazz Crawl newcomers the Kim Fuller Quintet, Janet Evra, and more. Back for its second year, the Texas Truck Stage—constructed from a repurposed 1980s Ford flatbed pickup truck—will host outdoor sets from the Kleb Qntet and the Bird Seeds, a group of young jazz musicians from the HEAL Center for the Arts.
A full roster of shows is scheduled throughout the day. Start the morning with sets from Richard Egan performing outside the Mud House Coffee Shop from the Jackson Piano Truck or Phil Wright and Cree Rider Duo at Flowers and Weeds. Peruse midday concerts from L5 at Red Chair, Sharon Bear and the Cubs at The Fortune Teller Bar, Samba Bom outside La Vallesana, a student showcase at Pianos for People, and Pete Lombardo Trio at Fifteen Windows Gallery. At happy hour, check out Ish Ensemble at Whiskey Ring, the Greg Dallas Trio at ‘Ssippi, or Ragtime Rendezvous at Pianos for People.
Festivities will conclude with a ticketed, all-ages grand finale at The Golden Record starting at 6 p.m. Marquise Knox and the Funky Butt Brass Horns will hit the stage at 8 p.m. Knox, a St. Louis native and award-winning blues musician, has performed alongside legends including B.B. King, Pinetop Perkins, and David “Honeyboy” Edwards, in addition to touring with ZZ Top and Cheap Trick in 2019.
The Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl will take place from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on November 2 between Compton Avenue and Illinois Avenue. Morning, midday, Second Line parade, and happy hour shows are free of charge–see website for venues and schedule. The grand finale performance and All-Styles Dance Battle will be hosted at the Golden Record (2720 Cherokee). Tickets can be purchased in advance online starting at $20, or at the door starting at $25.
