Jazz St. Louis is one of the most vital presenting institutions in the midwest, and arguably well beyond. It appears in Playing Changes as an example of the legacies created by Jazz at Lincoln Center:

The Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, a $10 million complex, was funded by a local African-American businessman with an abiding love of jazz. The centerpiece of the facility was the Ferring Jazz Bistro—formerly the Jazz Bistro, a beloved club, newly renovated and expanded. To break in the 220-seat space in the fall of 2014, some marquee guests were brought in from out of town: the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, featuring Wynton Marsalis.

I’m so pleased that I’ll have a chance to visit The Harold & Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, as part of its fall season. On Nov. 12, I’ll be paying a visit to the Jazz St. Louis book club, hosted by Dr. Gerald Earler, whose writing and scholarship I’ve admired for many years. The club is free and open to “anyone willing to read the month’s book, show up, participate, and have a good time.”

The following evening, Nov. 13, I’ll give a book presentation at Schlafly Library Auditorium, courtesy of Jazz St. Louis’ Whitaker Jazz Speaks: Performance and Author Series. This, too, is free and open to the public. If you’re in the midwest, I hope to see you there!