CONDUCTOR

  • Victor Goines is a highly esteemed musician, composer, educator, and visionary leader in the world of jazz. As the President and CEO of Jazz St. Louis, he has dedicated his career to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of this quintessentially American art form.

    Born and raised in New Orleans, Goines’ deep roots in the jazz tradition have greatly influenced his musical style, characterized by soulful melodies and virtuosic improvisation. A master of the clarinet and saxophone, he has performed with some of the most iconic figures in jazz and entertainment industry, including Wynton Marsalis, Ruth Brown, Eric Clapton, Chick Corea and Diane Reeves, to name a few.

    His exceptional talents as a performer are matched by his passion for jazz education. Goines has been instrumental in advocating for the importance of jazz education, serving as Director of Jazz Studies and faculty member at prestigious institutions such as the Juilliard School and Northwestern University. Through his mentorship, he has inspired numerous aspiring musicians to pursue their passion for jazz.

    As the driving force behind Jazz St. Louis, Goines continues to champion the importance of live jazz performance and education in the community. His leadership has seen the organization grow and thrive, bringing the joy and beauty of jazz music to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Saxophones

  • KWANAE JOHNSON Kwanae Johnson is a freelance musician, educator, and instrumental repair technician in St. Louis. He has performed with American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Jim Widner Big Band, Osunlade, the Jazz St. Louis Big Band, and Jazz at Lincoln Center's Jazz for Young People program. At the University of Missouri-Saint Louis, where he studied under Jim Widner, Kwanae received Lead Tenor honors in the 2014 Missouri All-Collegiate Jazz Band and the Notre Dame Outstanding Soloist Award. He performs regularly at Jazz St. Louis, the Dark Room, the Grandel, and the Sheldon Concert Hall.

  • Harvey E. A. Lockhart, a Grammy-nominated music educator, saxophonist, composer, and real estate investor, is the Founder, Executive, and Artistic Director of HEAL Center for the Arts. Dedicated to Holistically Educating Arts Leaders, this nonprofit provides transformative arts education for underserved students in St. Louis. Lockhart holds a Master’s in Music Performance and a Bachelor’s in Music Education, combining creativity, financial expertise, and academic excellence to inspire future leaders. His work continues to uplift communities, blending a passion for arts education with economic empowerment to create lasting opportunities for growth and innovation.

  • KENDRICK SMITH Musician, composer, and arranger Kendrick Smith has a career that spans two decades. Born and raised in the historic city of East St. Louis, IL (hometown of the legendary Miles Davis), he studied under the
    tutelage of the late great Hamiet Bluiett and has shared the bandstand with musicians such as Branford Marsalis, Russell Gunn, Keyon Harold, Peter Martin, Ronnie Burrage, Victor Goines, and Kamasi Washington to name a few. With two successful albums under his name and a third on the way, his contributions to music extend beyond the realm of any specific genre. His endeavors inspire new, existing musicians, and listeners in the creative and inspirational music art form.

  • Saxophonist Jason Swagler is Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. For 12 years he also directed the Jazz St. Louis All-Stars, the premier student ensemble in Jazz St. Louis’ educational outreach program. Jason is a founding member of the bands Vargas Swing, CommonWealth, and Weather Forever, as well as a longtime member of the Coleman Hughes Project. In addition to leading and recording with his own groups, he is widely regarded as a sideman, having supported artists such as Michael McDonald, Joey DeFrancesco, Dave Weckl, Frankie Valli, Regina Carter, Brian Owens, Reggie and Mardra Thomas, Peter Martin, The Temptations, Denise Thimes, Montez Coleman, and many others.

  • Bennett Wood is a freelance musician, composer, and educator. He was recently appointed Director of Jazz Studies at Webster University. He previously held full-time academic appointments at Texas State University and Mineral Area College and served as the Interim Director of Education and Community Engagement at Jazz St. Louis. Wood is an experienced bandleader and an in-demand sideman. In addition to leading his group, Wood has performed alongside internationally acclaimed musicians, including JeJ Campbell, Chris Cheek, Montez Coleman, Alan Ferber, Victor Goines, Andre Hayward, Doug Lawrence, Butch Miles, Bruce Saunders, and Reggie Thomas. Wood earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. He holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

TRUMPETS

  • DANIEL CAMPBELL St. Louis born trumpeter Danny Campbell has been a pillar of the St. Louis music community since the late 1980s, contributing his vibrant talent to various genres. His musical journey began by studying trumpet performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. After a brief return to his hometown, he left to further his musical education at Northern Illinois University School of Music under the mentorship of Mr. Ronald Carter. Campbell’s dynamic presence
    includes performances in various styles and settings. Currently, Campbell is a trumpet instructor at Grand Center Arts Academy High School and for the Jazz Academy program at Jazz St. Louis. See why Danny has become a top-call player in St. Louis and beyond!

  • Dustin Shrum is the most in-demand trumpet player and music educator in the St. Louis area. Dustin is currently the Director of Athletic Bands and Adjunct Professor of Trumpet/Jazz Studies at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, MO. Dustin has performed with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Dave Weckl, Joey DeFrancesco, Byron Stripling, Marilyn Maye, and The Temptations. Dustin performs regularly with the Jazz St. Louis Big Band, Master Blaster! featuring Steve Ewing, the Fabulous Motown Revue, and No Diggity. To contact Dustin, visit his website at www.dustinshrum.com.

  • Dawn Weber started playing the trumpet at age 11. At age 16 she found the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC. That is when she climbed on a greyhound bus and left her home to train as a professional trumpet player. At NCSA she studied with Raymond Mase who taught at Julliard and would fly down once a week for Dawn’s lessons. He played with Summit Brass, American Brass Quintet, New York Ballet, put out solo recordings, and freelanced all over the world. He is now the chairman of the brass department for Julliard. After studying both jazz and classical styles at NCSA for four years, she went on to study at the Cleveland Institute of Music where she trained with Michael Sachs, the principal trumpet player of The Cleveland Orchestra. Besides intensive orchestral training, she also took private jazz lessons with Marshall Griffith. As a competition soloist she took second place at the International Trumpet Guild Solo Competition. In 2000, she was selected 1 of 5 from the world to compete in Bad Sackingen, Germany for the Ellsworth Smith International Trumpet Competition. She moved to the St. Louis area in 1998 and has played for Susan Slaughter and as a sub with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

  • Anthony Wiggins has been an active contributor to the STL music scene since the late 80's. From co-heading a group with cousin Russell Gunn, the "Young Lions", to being one of the early instructors for the "Jazz U" program of Jazz St. Louis, to formerly playing lead trumpet for, and now the music director for The Jazz Edge Orchestra, and performing with the Jazz STL Big Band. Anthony loves to share his gift of music on the stage, as well as encouraging and supporting other musicians.

TROMBONES

  • Played with artists such as Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, David Sanborn, Louis Bellson, Henry Mancini, Rosemary Clooney, Natalie Coke, Patti Austin. James Ingram, Nancy Wilson, Dr John, The Moody Blues etc. Played on more than 450 recording sessions, including the 6x platinum album Mad Season by Matchbox 20. Played on the hit “If You’re Gone”. Movie soundtrack for the Eddie Murphy movie Dolemite is my Name. More than 26 different Broadway shows. TV SPECIALS include Pearl and Friends on Center Stage on PBS Kenny Rogers in Concert. A Holiday Special for PBS BIG BANDS including the One O’clock Lab Band, Louis Bellson, Jimmy Dorsey, Gil Evans Orchestra, Nelson Riddle. ORCHESTRAS: St. Louis symphony, Atlanta symphony, Memphis symphony, New York Chamber Virtuosi.

  • Dave Dickey is an educator, bandleader, trombonists, and pianist in the St Louis area. He directs and plays in the Dave Dickey Big Band and Mosaic Jazz Sextet. Dave also has the Dave Dickey Big Band Camp every June with many of the top national and local jazz musicians as camp faculty. He is also the musical director and lead trombonist for the Dave Weckl St Louis Contingent Big Band. Dave was also past president of MOAJE (Missouri Association for Jazz Education). He has been a guest clinician and soloist with many colleges, high schools, and middle schools including directing all-state jazz and district honor jazz bands. Dave Dickey has performed with artists such as Harry Connick Jr Big Band, Arturo Sandoval, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Bobby Shew, David Sanborn, Johnny Mathis, and many others. Dave was also a jazz radio DJ at WDNA-Miami, WEFT-Champaign, and also GrooveBone Radio.

  • Jim Owens is a trombonist and keyboardist based in St. Louis, MO. He has music degrees from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He has studied with Dr. Irvin Wagner, Dr. Robert Weiss and Brett Stamps. He has played with Jim Manleys Wild, Cool and Swingin' Orchestra, The Dave Dickey Big Band, The Dave Weckl STL Big Band Contingent and the Jazz St. Louis Big Band. He is currently the Musical Director of The Gateway City Big Band. Jim also is a member of Confluence Jazz, the house band at The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. 

  • JOHN SIDDLE is an active freelance trombonist and private educator who performs with numerous groups across the St. Louis area and abroad. He has traveled all over North America performing jazz, Motown, and popular music over the last several decades. Notable performance venues include the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, the Graceland Soundstage in Memphis, TN, the Czech Embassy, and White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the Elvis Artists Showcase (EAS) Band, the official band for the Ultimate Elvis International Competition held in
    Memphis, TN, sanctioned and organized by Elvis Presley Enterprises annually.

RHYTHM SECTION

  • Adam Maness is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and composer from St. Louis, Missouri, who has performed worldwide with award-winning artists across various musical genres. He’s the co-founder of genre-bending acoustic group, the 442s; founder and musical director of modern string orchestra Pop! Pop! Pop!; and leader of his own in-demand piano trio. He is currently the Managing Director of Open Studio, the largest online jazz piano education platform in the world.

  • BERNARD TERRY is a bassist, composer, producer, arranger, educator, and bandleader from Shiloh, IL. As the Education Associate for Jazz St. Louis, Bernard plays a pivotal role in inspiring and mentoring the next
    generation of jazz musicians. A progressive musician who works across all genres, Bernard continues to evolve his approach with each new project, collaborating with artists from Canon to Kendrick Smith. His work ethic, passion for music, and dynamic playing style make him one of the most in-demand bassists in the region. Bernard teaches both electric and double bass, helping students reach their goals through the joy of learning.

  • Bernard Long, Jr is an award winning drummer, educator, clinician, and bandleader. Bernard Jr. graduated with his B.M. in Jazz Studies May 2009 from Northern Illinois University under the leadership of the late Professor Ron Carter. Bernard, Jr. performed in the world renowned NIU Jazz Ensemble touring with greats like Clark Terry, Benny Golson, Rodney Whitaker, and Peter Erskine. Bernard completed formal studies at Michigan State University M.M. Jazz Studies 2012, M.A.T. Music Education and Ed.S School Administration 2018 at Lindenwood University. Bernard, Jr. is the band director at Madison Jr/Sr High School in Madison, IL. Bernard, Jr’s honors include:, 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year in the Madison CUSD#12, and 2023 Illinois State Board of Education nominee. Bernard, Jr. with The St. Louis Black Repertory Theater, the St. Louis MUNY, The Jazz St. Louis Big Band. Bernard, Jr. is a Zildjian Cymbals and Vic Firth Education Artist.

SPECIAL VOCALIST

  • After describing her brilliant voice as a perfect mix of Nancy, Sassy, and Lady Day, it came only naturally that the late legendary jazz trumpeter Clark Terry would, at New York’s historical Flushing Town Hall, select Denise Thimes as that night’s featured vocalist.

    This truly unique and inspirational artist is often asked by fellow noteworthy musicians “why haven’t we heard of you”? Not to worry. With a voice as noticeably (as Terry puts it) “ranks with all of the greats,” it won’t be long.

    Over the course of a multi-faceted career spanning just a little under 3 decades, Thimes is no stranger to the music world, growing up in a home surrounded by all types of music from her father & radio icon, the late Lou “Fatha” Thimes.

    Thimes has performed with such jazz notables as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra,(St. Louis, MO) the late Clark Terry(The Blue Note-NY), Dr. Billy Taylor, Earl May, Benny Powell,(Flushing Town Hall) and James Moody(Blue Note-NY). She has also graced the stage with the likes of Houston Person, Jimmy&Tootie Heath, Bobby McFerrin, and Bucky Pizzarelli.

    In recent years she has appeared and toured Paris with David Sanborn, sung for the Queen of Thailand(Mandarin Oriental Hotel), Queen Elizabeth II(British Embassy-Washington D.C. (during her 2009 visit to the U.S), President George W Bush(White House 2007), and was hand picked by the Queen of Soul(Aretha Franklin) to perform for her 72nd birthday celebration ( 2015-Ritz Carlton, NY).

    Most say that her acting is just as great as her singing and founding director Ron Himes of the St Louis Black Repertory would agree. Thimes has received 8 Woodie Awards( named after Freedom Theatre Founder-Woody King-NY) for her roles as lead and supporting for acting, and musical performances.

    Although a native of St Louis, MO Thimes, has recently became a resident of Chicago IL, where she can be seen at Winter’s jazz club downtown Chicago.

    When Denise is not performing, Thimes wears another hat and is equally passionate as Founder & Executive Director of the Mildred Thimes Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.(named after Thimes mother). Thimes continues to appeal for more education and awareness for this fatal disease that struck her mother in 1997.

    Thimes has truly been one of the cherished voices of modern jazz.

    Whether headlining at Dizzy’s Coca Cola Room in New York, or conquering the national jazz festival scene, or sharing the stage with the legendary Tony Bennett, Denise Thimes has an unmistakable tendency to steal the show and astonish crowds of every size and background. As jazz aficionado Phoebe Jacobs stated following another famed New York show, “Denise Thimes is like Ella and Sarah born all over again.” It’s time for you to experience Denise Thimes.