“Billy Peek was the obvious choice - he has given tribute to
Johnnie throughout his career. He, too, is a real crowd pleaser!”
- Dan Warner, Artistic Director

“None of us in attendance will be disappointed.”
- Francis Johnson (Widow of Johnnie Johnson)

St. Louis, August 23, 2005 - With an appetizing array of ten different shows that appear on two stages for a full day of nonstop jazz, the 5th Annual Old Webster Jazz Festival offers fans a taste to please every palette. Presented by the Webster-Kirkwood Times, the free event features everything from reunions that reflect St. Louis’ storied past to today's new grooves. A generous helping of world-class jazz will be served up by the famous festival artists on September 17 in the nostalgic and historic district of Webster Groves.

Located at the intersection of Gore and Lockwood Avenues, the award-winning event features tributes to legendary Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer Johnnie Johnson and Gaslight Square. Guitar masters Corey Christiansen performs on the Johnnie Johnson stage. There, Erin Bode premiers songs from her new vocal album before the horn driven grooves of Wild, Cool &.Swingin’. Newcomers, Kevin Mitchell 4 and the Leslie Maclean Trio, perform on the Gaslight Square stage, where musical actress, Jeanne Trevor takes you on a memorable journey circa 1959. They all guarantee to please even the most discriminating musical tastes.

Headline Talent
For the first time in three years, the festival will be headlined by a new performer. Johnnie Johnson will be remembered in an appropriate and touching performance by Rock ‘n Soul artist, Billy Peek. “Humbled” is how Johnson’s widow, Francis, described the city’s decision to honor her late husband. “I’m very proud that Billy, who was very dear to us, has accepted to play for this occasion. Billy puts on a wonderful show. None of us in attendance will be disappointed,” she said. In recent years, Peek performed at an award ceremony that honored Johnnie Johnson in St. Louis. Having rolled Chuck Berry-style in the 60s and later toured with the ever popular Rod Stewart for seven years, Billy Peek is one of the finest rock and blues guitarists in the country. To answer the question posed by his most recent album, yes, this white boy can play the blues!

New Jazz Workshops
New this year, are free educational workshops on rhythm and melodic improvisation for regional students and amateur musicians of all ages. Co-Sponsored by Webster University, the workshops take place the morning of the festival and are hosted by world-class faculty and artists. Mel Bay Record artist, Corey Christiansen, leads the Rhythm Section Workshop with faculty members, Kim Portnoy, Kevin Gianino, and Willem von Hombracht from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Erin Bode, MAXJAZZ recording artist, heads up the Melodic Jazz Improvisation Workshop with faculty members Mike Parkinson, Paul DeMarinis, and Steve Schenkel from 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. All workshops take place in the Music Annex behind Thompson Music building on the campus of Webster University. Each participant receives a free gift bag from area retailers. No prior registration is necessary.

“A Taste of Old Webster”
Savor “A Taste of Old Webster” and enjoy diverse food and beverages located along Gore Avenue. Highlights include neighborhood bars and restaurants for both the vegetarian and meat lover. Sample Whole Foods, Joe Bacardi’s, Llywelyn’s Pub, CJ Muggs, CROSSINGS Taverne & Grille and more! In addition to great cuisine and jazz music, the event features a gallery exhibit of vintage jazz photos at McCaughen & Burr Fine Arts, and a fun tent, crafts and clowns for children.