John Bettag
Director of Corporate Meetings Sales; St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission
What are three great musical experiences you would recommend for groups meeting in St. Louis?
- Live Blues in Soulard: It’s “all blues, all the time” in Soulard, St. Louis’ oldest neighborhood, as the cozy red brick buildings come alive with the sounds of live local blues bands every night of the week. From regional and national artists at The Beale on Broadway, BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups and Broadway Oyster Bar to local favorites at Hammerstone’s, Nadine’s and 1860’s Saloon, Soulard offers a variety of styles and sounds. One exception to the blues rule is McGurks, an authentic Irish pub that offers live music nightly by bands “imported” from Ireland.
- Fair Saint Louis/Live on the Levee: Beginning July 4, St. Louis hosts one of the region’s most popular concert series. After the two days of free music and fireworks that take place during Fair St. Louis, “Live on the Levee” stages additional free concerts every Friday and Saturday night in July. The series, which wraps up on the first weekend in August, features nationally known artists such as Collective Soul, Joss Stone, Hootie & the Blowfish and Boyz II Men. There’s a variety of food and beverage options available as well, and the concerts are capped off nightly with a spectacular fireworks display.
- Whitaker Jazz Festival: Every Wednesday evening from June through mid-August, the Missouri Botanical Garden opens its doors for an evening of cool jazz under the stars. The free family-friendly concerts, which begin at 7:30 p.m. on the Cohen Amphitheater lawn, feature a variety of local artists performing everything from progressive jazz guitar, Dixieland and World music to African folk rock, Motown, funk and swing. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, as well as to pack a picnic or purchase sandwiches and beverages on site.