Meet the 2023 Schlafly Art Outside Performing Artists


Friday September 8, 2023

5:00pm-6:15pm Three of a Perfect Pair

Three of a Perfect Pair

Three instruments.
Three voices.
Three of a Perfect Pair

Brad Springmeyer (guitar/vocals) Gregg Hopkins (bass/vocals) and Bill Yaeger (percussion/vocals) have enjoyed a musical association spanning several decades. Three of a Perfect Pair, their latest incarnation, in its twelfth year, brings familiar songs you may not have heard performed live. Three-part harmonies are their stock-in-trade.

booking and info: gregg.hopkins@gmail.com
facebook.com/3ofaPerfectPair
tips via Paypal: vintageamp@aol.com

7:00pm-8:30pm Hillary Fitz Band

Hillary Fitz Band

Hillary Fitz is a Saint Louis-based singer-songwriter who puts her heart into her craft. With a big voice and homegrown guitar and harmonica chops, her style is a fusion that draws from a wide range of musical influences such as soul, rock, blues, and folk music. That said, her passion for music is fully expressed through her songwriting, using original music as a tool for creative expression. For her, writing is a reflection of experiences, memories, and observations. She learned from an early age that songwriting is a powerful tool for making sense of the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the craziness of this world.

Her incredibly talented band takes the songs to new heights. The music takes flight with a rocking rhythm section and soaring melodic soundscapes. Together they form the Hillary Fitz Band with Chris Turnbaugh on bass/vocals, Drew Lance on drums/vocals, Matt Lyons on guitar, and Mark Hochberg on violin. Their debut full-length album release “A Vibrant Shade of Blue” is a compilation of 10 original songs and can be found on all major streaming platforms.

booking and more info: insta & facebook @Hillary Fitz Music
www.hillaryfitzmusic.com
tips: venmo: @hillaryfitzmusic

Saturday September 9, 2023

11:00am-12:00pm Alexandra Sinclair

Alexandra Sinclair

Alexandra Sinclair is a St. Louis born-and-raised pianist and vocalist. With influences such as Otis Spann, Champion Jack Dupree, Sippie Wallace, Alberta Hunter and Billy Preston, Alexandra plays piano and sings. Alexandra has performed as a pianist and organist with a wide range of acts including Old Souls Revival, Brother Francis and the Soultones, Grace Basement, Torrey Casey and the Southside Hustle, the Burney Sisters, and more. She tours internationally as organist for Al Holliday and the East Side Rhythm Band. As a soloist, Alexandra has found a home amongst the vibrant history and performs as resident artist in various jazz and blues venues around the area. You can see her around town, driving the Piano Van with Jackson Pianos. 

    Growing up in the church choir, Alexandra has been singing and playing her way through life. Throughout grade school, she had sung with church and school choirs as well as served as accompanist for her music teachers. When she was fifteen, she began her career playing piano and organ with friends in a blues band and spent weekends playing in bars around St. Louis and Labadie, Missouri. In addition to performing, Alexandra is a music educator at New City School in St. Louis, Missouri.

booking and info: asinclairm@gmail.com | alexandrasinclair.squarespace.com
tips: Venmo @asinclairm


12:30-1:45pm Rum Drum Ramblers

Rum Drum Ramblers

For over a decade, Rum Drum Ramblers have bridged the gap between punk and country blues with a blend of deep-welled influences, instrumental prowess, and raw feeling. Mat Wilson (guitar, vocals), Ryan Koenig (harmonica, washboard, mandolin, vocals), and Joey Glynn (upright bass, vocals) have recorded two studio albums and have become one of St. Louis’ most celebrated roots outfits through their dynamic, feel-good live performances.

booking and more info: www.rumdrumramblers.net


2:15-3:30pm Matt “Rattlesnake” Lesch Blues Band

Matt “Rattlesnake” Lesch Blues Band

Born in 1997 in St. Louis Missouri., Matt “The Rattlesnake” Lesch started playing guitar at the age of 11 and started out playing mostly rock and hard rock.  By the age of 12 he took a serious interest in blues and started studying the masters such as Albert King, B.B. King, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.  At the age of 16 he was taken in and mentored by local blues legend Big George Brock and quickly became Big George’s lead guitar player.  Matt learned the meaning of the blues and where the music came from first hand from a sharecropper out of Grenada, Mississippi.  After performing at many national blues festivals across the country with Big George, Matt quickly became a seasoned veteran at an early age.

He has played with national and international artists like Mud Morganfield, Bobby Rush, Kenny Neal and many more. Matt has had his own band since the age of 16 playing all the local blues clubs and festivals in St Louis, Missouri and Illinois.  At the age of 18, Matt started attending Webster University as a Jazz Performance major.  In October of 2018, Matt released his debut album Furious Strike at the age of 20.

 With the ability of an old, seasoned professional, Matt can bring a fierce show to any stage that he plays on.  Make no mistake; his young age is far outweighed by his bleeding passion for music.  When you see “The Rattlesnake” on stage you can see and feel the intensity of his passion channeling through him and into the crowd.

booking and more info: www.mattrattlesnakelesch.com
tips: Venmo – @Stratpack97


4:00-5:15pm SoulCity Organ Trio

SoulCity Organ Trio

SoulCity Organ Trio is a funk/soul and soul-jazz group based in St. Louis, MO. It is co-led by organist Luke Sailor and guitarist Matt Lesch. They specialize in original music with accessible, carefree grooves, while also delivering unique renditions of classic soul tunes.

Their debut album, “Meet Us Here”, was released independently in June of 2023. Songs from the album have received radio play from 88.7 WSIE and 88.1 KDHX. 

booking and more info:  1lukesailor@adminzax
facebook.com/soulcityorgantrio |  instagram.com/soulcityorgantrio
tips: Venmo: @sailawaymusicllc


5:45-7:00pm Ivas John Band

Ivas John Band

From Chicago to St. Louis, to the banks of the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau, guitarist/singer Ivas John and his band have been making a mark on the midwestern circuit for nearly 20 years. He has a style that is both a breath of fresh air and a link to days of yore, combining vintage blues sounds with his own soulful originals…all performed with joy and superb musicianship from some of STL’s finest players.

booking and more info: ivasjohnband@yahoo.com
tips: PAYPAL: @paypal.me/IvasJohnBand


7:30-9:00pm Red & Black Brass Band

Red & Black Brass Band

The Red and Black Brass Band was created in April of 2020 after Ben Kosberg and Dominique Burton took to the street to cheer up the neighborhood. 2.5 million Twitter views later, the band was formed. A dream that had been fueled and talked about for years by the 8 members of this creative ensemble became real and R&BBB has been on the upswing ever since. Born out of a pandemic, the goal was what it will always remain; to bring love and joy through the spirit of music and to help us all remember that we still have much to be grateful for.

The Red and Black Brass Band quickly became highly recognized by many in the great city of St. Louis, MO and were always met with smiles, dancing feet, and tears of joy. The band, ever busy, performs big stage shows to corporate events to backyard parties. The blend of powerful horns and smooth singing with an array of music genres over a New Orleans Second line beat sets this band apart from many as they pay homage to the music so deeply embedded for most of its members, since birth. “We just want to have some fun and make the people feel good. We’re available for any occasion. Come and party with the Red and Black.”

booking and more info:: redandblackbrassband@gmail.com
facebook.com/redandblackbrassband | instagram.com/redandblackbrassband
twitter.com/redandblackbb | tiktok.com/redandblackbrassband

tips: Venmo: @redandblackbrassband | Cashapp: $redandblackbrassband

 

Sunday September 10. 2023


11am-12:15pm Cree Rider Family Trio

Cree Rider Family Trio

After living on both coasts from 2005 to 2012, making music and touring the United States, Cree Rider moved back to his hometown of St. Louis in April 2012. He promptly started the americana/country-influenced Cree Rider Family Band with his then-fiancée and now-wife, Cheryl Wilson Rider.

Cree Rider Family Band is known for their original compositions, as well as an array of country covers. They have two full-length feature albums and an additional album solely dedicated to covering the songs of country songwriter Misisipi Mike Wolf, Cree’s pal and former bandmate.

Cree Rider Family Band as a Trio includes Andy Coco on vocals and Bass, and they continue to travel wherever the road may lead them, entertaining audiences along the way.


booking and more info:  creerider@gmaiol.com | creeridermusic.com
tips: Venmo @CreeRider | CashApp $CreeRider


12:45-2:00pm Opera Bell Band

Opera Bell Band

The Opera Bell Band is an experimental musical-comedy revue based in Saint Louis, MO. Their music is a technicolor stew of various historical American genres: from country-western to tin pan alley, cajun to sea shanty, calypso to novelty jazz. Live performances are one-of-a-kind experiences featuring DIY costumes, props, games, sight gags, comedy sketches, and a menagerie of instruments and cartoonish noisemakers.

The band’s debut full length album, Bell Slide, was named one of RFT’s best local albums of 2019, and “Green Lemon Buggy,” a stop-motion animated video made by the band, was screened at the 2019 St. Louis International Film Festival. Their sophomore album, Giant Crab, is expected to be released Spring 2024.

booking and info: operabellband@gmail.com | Instagram: @theoperabellband
theoperabellband.com | operabellband.bandcamp.com
tips:  Venmo: @TheOperaBellBand

2:30-4:00pm Colonel Ford

Colonel Ford

With an enduring musical journey spanning a remarkable 25 years, Colonel Ford has cultivated a timeless bond through the harmonious world of Honky Tonk music. Comprising unwavering and original band members, Gary Hunt, Dade Farrar, John Horton, and Danny Kathriner – Colonel Ford has woven a rich tapestry of melodies and memories. They play with a commitment to carry the spirit of classic country.

booking and info: facebook.com/colonelford/
tips: venmo john-horton-174

Dogtown Records presents: “Sunflower Soul LIVE! A Cross MO Showcase of Soul and Jazz,” feat. THE FREEDOM AFFAIR Friday, February 24, 2023 at The Golden Record

Dogtown Records (DR) presents a collaboration of two independent Missouri-based labels and performers featured on the publishers’ rosters. With the three-band event “Sunflower Soul LIVE! A Cross MO Showcase of Soul and Jazz,” DR founder Andy Coco and the founder of Kansas City-based Sunflower Soul Records, Chris Hazelton, begin a state-wide event collaboration to support each others’ funky home-grown sounds! 

On Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, the evening begins at 8 p.m. with The Chris Hazelton Organ Quartet, featuring Chris Hazelton on the Hammond B3 organ, and local guitarist Pete Lombardo, who lived and worked with Chris previously in KC. The event headliner is The Freedom Affair, who will take the stage at 9 p.m., followed by Andy Coco’s Dogtown Records Allstars at 11 p.m.

The Freedom Affair is on the road, carrying their positive message with a powerful big band that features their three lead vocalists, Shon Ruffin, Seyko Groves, and Paula Saunders.  The uplifting soulful vibe of The Freedom Affair is led by Sunflower Soul founder and organ master Chris Hazelton, who plays electric bass guitar on this project.

Click for –> The Freedom Affair’s EPK 

Dogtown Records founder Andy Coco, bassist, producer, and bandleader will present the late-night entertainment with Hammond B3 master Bob Row, drummer Canon DeWeese, and guitarist Pete Lombardo, whose original songs and recordings are featured on the DR Imprint.  

“Sunflower Soul LIVE! A Cross MO Showcase of Soul and Jazz”

Friday Feb. 24, 2023

The Golden Record | 2720 Cherokee Street, St. Louis, MO

8:00 pm  The Chris Hazelton Organ Quartet | chrishazelton.com

9:00 pm  The Freedom Affair | thefreedomaffair.com

 Featuring Shon Ruffin, Seyko Groves, and Paula Saunders

11:00 pm Dogtown Records Allstars featuring Bob Row 

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show, on sale NOW at: Event Brite (Feb. 24, 2023)

New Music from the Giant Quintet; debuts live Fri 8/26 at the Oyster Bar!

From the Dogtown Records studio in St. Louis, two new recordings are being released this week, featuring the work of composer/arranger/musician Jonathan Taylor, and DR founding producer/musician Andy Coco.

A late Summer release on two singles titled “Snowdays” and “On the Humbug” may seem a tad early, but we could not wait to get them out, and start performing them live! Both instrumental tracks feature memorable melodies, the signature sound of Hammond Organ, and inspired adventurous electric guitar performances, which conjure an ethereal, almost spacey landscape. Close your eyes, and see where these sounds take you!

Recorded live at Dogtown Records and co-produced by Andy Coco, these are the first releases from of a greater body of work being produced in various setting and with multiple musicians in the area by producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Taylor.

Jim Peters and Jonathan Taylor at DR

These tracks represent the first salvo from the Giant Quintet, a fresh ensemble recently hatched to perform original compositions from a greater body of work in progress titled “Giants Among Us.” The work comprises a diverse array of musical styles with a sizeable and diverse cast of Midwestern musicians and artists. The Giant Quintet performs pieces that best fit the melodic voices of organ, guitar, and woodwinds, occasionally featuring the vocal talents of its members and a few guests.

Nathan Hershey, Jim Peters at DR

Both tracks were recorded live at Dogtown Records by Andy Coco, mixed by Dan Mehrmann at Midtown Sound House, and mastered by Josh Harris, Seiren Productions.

This phase of the project is supported in part by a grant from the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. Jonathan is also a 2021-2022 Artist in Residence at KAF.

The Broadway Oyster Bar will host a showcase on Friday, August 26, 2022 and feature a live debut performance of these new songs and more by the Giant Quintet, a supergroup that features Hammond organist Nathan Hershey, guitarist Jim Peters, multi-instrumentalist Ben Reece, and Jonathan and Andy on Drums and Bass respectively.
The set begins at 11pm at 736 S. Broadway. Broadway Oyster Bar

Opening the show at 9:30pm is the also new Chris Shepherd Band, which features the vocalist doing his thing with the support of Benet Schaeffer on Drums, and the Service’s Andy Coco and Nathan Hershey on Bass, Organ and backing vocals. The CSB is shown here in the studio working on new tracks for release on DR this fall.

New music from CSB in progress at DR

***AND the Dogtown Records All Star Jam closes the August 26 bill, with them super funky soul jazz classics and special guests, beginning after midnight – NOT TO BE MISSED!**

Ticket price is $12 at the door. More info at BroadwayOysterBar.com