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  2004 Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival


Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival Old Webster Groves, long known for the elegant homes that line Elm Street, is also becoming known for it's musical offering known as the Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival. In just it's 4th year -still in it's fest infancy - this event has already become another jewel in the crown of St. Louis music events....and it's absolutely free!

Beautiful weather greeted the fans on hand, and as in years past, this event showcased the best of both St. Louis Jazz & Blues, with something for everyone. It's a family event, evident by the face painters, jugglers and ballon artists on hand to entertain the little ones. Wild, Cool & Swinging!Part of the fun of any fest is discovering new talent, which we did in the form of 'Wild, Cool & Swinging', a jump band covering the best of Sinatra and Martin. A hot brass section added a power backup, always a treat. Plenty of swing dancers were on hand, taking full advantage of this big band sound. The Webster University faculty jazz band followed, bringing the 'toe tappin finger snappin' tempo down a few notches, but all still masters of their game.

The crowd began to swell during their set, as the legend - Mr. Johnnie "B. Goode" Johnson - was up next, backed by some of the best sidemen in town! Featuring Marsha Evans on vocals, Jim Rossi on trumpet, Tony T. on lead guitar, Richard Hunt on drums, and Stewart Williams on sax, with Matt Murdick alternating on keys with Johnnie, this all-star band gave the fans what they came for, a smokin' St. Louis Blues sound! Naturally, Johnnie was in the spotlight this evening, performing some of his biggest hits, such as Tanqeuray (written by Johnnie and Keith Richards), and some great Blues covers. 'After Hours', a Pinetop Perkins classic, was done to perfection by Johnnnie.

Johnnie Johnson Everyone - myself included - seemed to hang on every note emanating from his keyboard, and the sheer vocal power of Marsha Evans added just the right touch. The crowd simply couldn't get enough, and drew the band out for an encore featuring the Ronstadt tune 'Heat Wave'. A perfect match for Marsha, as she rallied everyone to their feet for the finale!
Thanks goes out to Dawn of DeBlaze and Associates and Dan of Webster Records for once again proving that St. Louis music is truly World-Class! Make sure you mark your calendar for the 2005 Old Webster Blues & Jazz Festival - and tell them STLBlues sent you.

P.S. Congratulations to Fred T. for winning the STLBlues 'Old Webster Fest contest', and a concert poster, t-shirt, and autographed Johnnie Johnson CD!

Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival
The Webster University faculty jazz band
The Webster University faculty jazz band
Wild, Cool & Swinging
Wild, Cool & Swinging
Wild, Cool & Swinging
Gus Thornton
Johnnie Johnson  band
Marsha Evans & the Johnnie Johnson  band
The Johnnie Johnson  band
Marsha Evans & the Johnnie Johnson  band
The Johnnie Johnson  band

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