History
The framework for Jazz St. Louis was established in the '90s when the late Barbara Rose began a program at the Hotel Majestic in downtown STL. The program, called Just Jazz, presented jazz musicians of national fame in a small, intimate atmosphere. In '95, Ms. Rose moved Just Jazz to the Grand Center Arts district. The new music series was called Jazz at the Bistro, and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in '98. Under Rose's direction, JATB gained an excellent reputation throughout the US. Barbara led JATB until she lost a long battle with breast cancer on October 24, 1998. In '99, Gene Dobbs Bradford was hired as executive director and quickly moved to expand the artistic diversity and educational programs offered by JATB. In January of '06, the organization changed its name to Jazz St. Louis to better reflect the work it does through its education and outreach programs, with the name Jazz at the Bistro now being used to refer to its performance series.
Specialties
Great music in a great room, every Wednesday through Saturday evening at 7:30 & 9:30pm -- that's the award-winning Jazz St. Louis concert series. Located in the newly renovated and remodeled Ferring Jazz Bistro, part of the new Harold & Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz in Grand Center, the best artists in jazz have played on this concert series, which is produced by Jazz St. Louis, a non-profit organization. Enjoy the best of live jazz -- the living legends as well as the rising stars -- in an intimate, comfortable listening room, with reserved seating at tables that boast thrilling sound and outstanding sight lines. Dinner and drinks are delicious options. Jazz St. Louis: the way jazz is meant to be experienced.