Music lovers gather for 24th annual Jazz, Blues festival

Lucy Fish
Contributing Writer

Thousands will gather for the Old Webster Jazz and Blues Festival located in Old Webster on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 1 to 11 p.m.

Founded in 2001, this festival attracts over 15,000 people in attendance annually.

This year, 11 musicians and musical groups will perform.

At the Onder Law Stage, the WGHS Jazz Band will be the first performance of the day. Kevin Cole, band director, said that the band is approaching its 20th year performing at the festival.

Cole said what he enjoys most about directing the Jazz Band is that jazz is a uniquely American art form that features all different sorts of instruments and vocalists, and each member contributes. Cole said the festival is one of his favorite places to perform.

“The Jazz Festival is an annual favorite, as it’s our first opportunity to perform with a new group of musicians each year. It’s also in the community, which is quite meaningful. We’ve hosted and shared the stage with many Grammy winners, and each of those performances was unforgettable. We’ve also been featured at the Jazz Educators’ National Conference, an appointment that is very gratifying for me and students alike,” Cole said.

Along with performers, those who attend the festival have positive takeaways. Seniors Samantha Arnold and Jenifer Carr-Schwartz both enjoy the music aspect the most.

“St. Louis has such a vibrant jazz scene, so getting to be a part of the communal love for jazz and hearing the passion the performers have is the most enjoyable part of jazz fest,” Arnold said.

Similarly, Carr-Schwartz enjoys how the music sounds, and being able to be a part of the community.

“I love getting to hear the way the music all blends together, how it contrasts and matches at the same time. Everything adds so much to the music, from the singing to the trumpet to the drums,” Carr-Schwartz said.

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