ST. LOUIS — A popular free event is returning to the Missouri Botanical Garden this summer.
The Whitaker Music Festival will be held every Wednesday from May 29 through July 31.
Free admission begins at 5 p.m. each week. No tickets or reservations are required.
Music will begin at 7 p.m. each Wednesday with the last entry at 8:15 p.m.
MoBOT said the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden will not be available for concert attendees this year.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks in baskets, bags or coolers, but glass bottles are prohibited. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase at the event.
According to MoBOT's website, more than one million people have come to see the concerts during the summer.
The festival is sponsored by the Whitaker Foundation, which supports St. Louis arts and parks.
Click here for more information regarding the Whitaker Music Festival and the Missouri Botanical Garden.
The lineup is as follows:
- May 29: Janet Evra: Originally from England, Janet Evra is an international jazz vocalist, bassist, and bandleader who has collaborated with jazz superstars and many St. Louis jazz legends. She is a Plum Jazz artist, and she has released four albums as a bandleader
- June 5: ClusterPluck: ClusterPluck mixes bluegrass, folk, rock, jam, and country into a hearty sonic stew. They utilize electric guitar, acoustic guitar, electric bass, dobro, mandolin, banjo, drums, and four-part vocal harmony. This four-piece band produces an up-beat, electric, grassy energy with some country jam for listeners of all ages to enjoy.
- June 12: Saint Boogie Brass Band: Saint Boogie Brass Band (SBBB) is a dynamic musical ensemble that comprises exceptionally talented musicians hailing from diverse backgrounds. The band's distinctive sound is characterized by the fusion of horns and percussion, creating a lively and infectious party-like atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from various genres including hip-hop, pop, rock, jazz, blues, and funk, SBBB consistently delivers performances that captivate audiences and get them on their feet, grooving to the rhythm.
- June 19: The Red Jackets: From the classics to the latest chart-topping hits, the Red Jackets’ non-step medleys will keep you dancing all night long. They deliver music in a way that is engaging and fun and creates memories.
- June 26: Flying House: Flying House sound is an eclectic mix that is both retro and contemporary and borrows flavors from late 60's/early 70’s psychedelic rock/pop, 80’s infectious ska and reggae, as well as melodic alternative folk/rock/pop with a killer percussive drive.
- July 3: Saint Chuck: Though Saint Chuck started as purely a cover band, the group released their first single, Can't Get 'Hold of You, in February of 2024 and plan to release two more in the spring of 2024. Through the mixture of stylistically differing covers and originals, their shows are certain to have everyone dancing.
- July 10: Beth Bombara: Singer-songwriter, Americana Folk Rock artist Beth Bombara's latest album “It All Goes Up” features songwriting first and foremost with a voice that connects on a raw, emotional level.
- July 17: 5 Star Roscoe: 5 Star Roscoe is a group of musicians playing top shelf vintage Americana tunes.
- July 24: Soulard Blues Band: Playing the blues for 45 years in many incarnations, the Soulard Blues Band still tears up the town one show at a time!
- July 31: Red and Black Brass Band: St. Louis’ Premiere New Orleans-style second line brass band.
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