Music at the Intersection is a celebration of St. Louis’s musical heritage, which encompasses everything from blues, jazz, and soul to R&B, hip-hop, and rock n’ roll. But more than that, it’s an effort to bridge demographic divides to foster community.

Brass virtuoso Trombone Shorty has been playing in jazz festivals since the age of 4.
Photo courtesy of Blue Note Records

Music at the Intersection, to be held September 14 and 15 in St. Louis’s Grand Center Arts District, is an ambitious undertaking.

From an artistic standpoint, it’s about appreciating the influence St. Louis musicians have had—and continue to have—across genres and generations. 

“It’s deep in the jazz and blues and soul realms, the rock n’ roll realm and how that informs current hip hop and R&B,” says Chris Hansen, Executive Director of Kranzberg Arts Foundation. “Our rock ‘n’ roll is a little funkier. It’s very soulful, very roots-driven.” 

This spirit manifests in tangible touchpoints as well, from the food trucks representing the city’s expansive culinary output to the interactive art activations inviting anyone and everyone to make their mark.

But festival organizers also aim for the audience to comprise an accurate representation of the community.

“When you produce a festival in the middle of the city of St. Louis, you want it to be representative of St. Louis,” Hansen says. “All cultures and communities made it possible. You want to see them there. It’s not just for people who can afford to buy tickets. It’s for frontline workers or people in marginalized communities. We build pathways.”

This means planning family-friendly activities and ensuring ADA accessibility. It also means offering a limited run of free or reduced-price tickets to those who might not have a much expendable income. Although this practice isn’t uncommon in community-focused festivals, Music at the Intersection takes it a step further by providing a way for these concertgoers to purchase concessions. 

Chaka Khan, known by many as the Queen of Funk, is among the headliners at Music at the Intersection.
Photo by Timothy Fielding

“If you get a free ticket, we want to make sure you can afford to eat and drink,” Hansen says. “There’s a pay-what-you-can food stamp. You can have a full festival experience just like everyone else.”

A kickoff event held Friday, September 13, at The Big Top features performances from homegrown artists Brock Seals, Lani Rose, Matt Jordan, and Tonina, as well as a special happy hour food and drink menu. 

Saturday’s headliners include psychedelic soul outfit Black Pumas, rapper Big Boi, funk band Lettuce, and St. Louis’s own Chingy. Other acts include Jordan Ward, Cimafunk, Lady Wray, Joe Russo’s Selcouth Quartet, and Thumpasaurus. 

Sunday features the Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan; brass virtuoso Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue; bass standout Esperanza Spalding; and the Grammy-winning jazz singer Samara Joy. The Stanley Clarke Band, Jazz St. Louis, and Marquise Knox with the Funky Butt Brass Band are among the other acts performing that day. 

For hundreds more events, visit Missouri Life’s Event Calendar.