All posts by AJ Fontana

Last summer, KAF collaborated with Interco Charitable Trust and Rio Vista Foundation to launch an exciting initiative, PlaySTL, bringing professional St. Louis musicians out of the clubs and into the streets to be enjoyed by the public. In its second season, which wrapped last week, PlaySTL continued to celebrate the rich musical heritage of St. Louis by bringing dynamic street performances (a.k.a. busking) to various neighborhoods throughout the region. 

By showcasing local talent, PlaySTL highlights the St. Louis region’s diverse musical landscape, and breathes life into the community, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive music scene. Moreover, PlaySTL supports small businesses by attracting foot traffic, helping to boost local commerce and revitalize neighborhood hubs.

In May 2026, veteran St. Louis musician Mike Aguirre came on board as a coordinator for the program. In this role, he was able to not only coordinate and curate artists, but evaluate the program to establish best practices and fine tune the process, including establishing Busking Captains who patrol the scene and step in if needed to solve issues and provide accountability. 

“The PlaySTL program bridges the gap between independent ‘busking’ and curated street performances. Participating artists were given an expanded opportunity this season to showcase not only their musical talents, but also their consistent commitment to driving the program forward,” says Aguirre. “With 300 successful performances and only a handful of hiccups (inclement weather, etc.), the artists on the PlaySTL roster individually and collectively demonstrated outstanding professionalism and leadership qualities that will be instrumental in bringing music to the streets in more communities in the future.” 

This season focused musicians on three separate corners in the Euclid Ave. corridor of the Central West End. As an established, walkable neighborhood, the Central West End was a perfect incubator for the PlaySTL program. In the future, Aguirre is excited to see it grow into other areas that may further benefit from street activation. He believes utilizing the regular musicians who have stepped up to help lead the charge as Busking Captains will help make this possible. 

“I think the emphasis next year and moving forward will be to go into other neighborhoods and recreate that scene,” he says. “If we use this test case consolidated, evaluated model, I think it can grow at scale.”

Some of the acts that performed this season include: Ari Adams & Friends, Joe Pastor, Kasimu Taylor, Lew Winer III, Nicolette Emanuelle, Paul Keil and Sharon Foehner, and the Spiritual Uplifters Brass Band, among others. 

“We have everything from cellos and symphonic instruments and members of the orchestra to folk, blues, horns and solo saxophones. Everybody has different styles that add to the atmosphere,” Aguirre says.

Local musicians wishing to participate in the PlaySTL program can fill out an application for consideration at kranzbergartsfoundation.org/playstl. The third season of PlaySTL will begin in June 2027.

Photo Credit: Tyler Small

Five years ago, Sophie’s Artist Lounge opened its doors with a simple idea: create a space where art, music, nightlife, and community could exist together. What began with a small group of resident DJs and artists has grown into something we could have only imagined. Today, Sophie’s is home to a rotating family of nearly sixteen resident DJs and curators, countless collaborators, and a community that has helped shape this space into what it is. On Friday, October 2, from 6–9 p.m., we’re inviting friends, artists, DJs, collaborators, neighbors, and everyone who has ever graced our dancefloor to celebrate five years of Sophie’s Artist Lounge.

Over the years, Sophie’s has grown far beyond simply a place to hear a DJ. Our residents have created their own worlds inside these walls. Programs like A Turn at the Table, Just Peachy, Hitzworld Chan’s House, Motown Throwdown, Press Start, Soultry,  and so many others have given artists the freedom to experiment, curate, collaborate, and build something that feels distinctly their own. We’ve watched DJs who first joined us for a set grow into resident artists, event producers, curators, and familiar names throughout St. Louis. 

We’ve opened the doors for artists to try new ideas, build audiences, collaborate across disciplines, teach workshops and lessons, and create experiences that might not have existed otherwise. Some nights have been packed dance floors. Others have been markets, tributes, workshops, artist showcases, celebrations of St. Louis culture, or simply a room full of people discovering something new together. Through all of it, Sophie’s has continued to evolve, creating more room for artists to have ownership over what they create and giving people the opportunity to turn an idea into something real.

“It’s really incredible to look around after five years and see how many creative people have helped make Sophie’s what it is. We’ve watched artists and DJs come into this space, build something of their own, take chances, find their people, and continue growing beyond these walls,” says Nanyamka Ewing, KAF Promotions and Events Manager. “To know that so many of our residents and fellow artists have expanded their careers while still calling Sophie’s home is truly special.”

Art Has Always Been Part of the Story

Before the first record spins, before the dance floor fills up, and long after the last song of the night, there is another story Sophie’s has been telling for five years—the art on our walls. Sophie’s was created to be an artist lounge in every sense of the word. Thanks to the incredible work of the KAF visual arts team, the space itself has continually transformed. Each exhibition changes the feeling of the room and gives our community another reason to look around, slow down, ask questions, and experience something they may not have encountered before.

Over the past five years, our walls have held work from internationally and nationally recognized artists alongside artists from right here in St. Louis. We’ve welcomed local showcases, historical exhibitions, emerging voices, established artists, and work representing stories and perspectives from across communities and across the world.

Every year, one of our favorite moments is watching the room turn over again. The walls change. New work arrives. The lighting shifts. The space suddenly feels different, even though it is still unmistakably Sophie’s. The relationship between visual art, music, and people has always been at the heart of Sophie’s, and none of it happens without the artists, curators, installers, and visual arts team who continue to reimagine what these walls can hold.

“Watching Sophie’s Artist Lounge bring visual art, music, and nightlife together over the past five years has been a true joy. Our inaugural exhibition, ‘Fly O’er,’ celebrated the extraordinary breadth of artistic talent in St. Louis, and ‘Send It On’ continues that spirit, bringing another constellation of local art stars onto these walls. What makes Sophie’s so special is the way the artwork lives alongside the impeccable DJs, dedicated staff, and everyone who enters the room,” says Gina Grafos, KAF Chief Curator & Director of Visual and Literary Arts.

Thank You, St. Louis!

When we look back at five years, we don’t just remember events. We remember people.

We remember the first sets and the packed nights, the experiments that turned into traditions, the artists who trusted us with something new, the DJs who found their audience, and the residents who kept coming back with bigger ideas. We remember the nights when everything clicked and we looked around and realized something special was happening and all the people who helped make those moments possible.

Thank you to every DJ who has stepped behind our decks; every artist who has put work on our walls; every curator who trusted us with an idea; every performer, chef, vendor, photographer, host, collaborator, technician, and creative who has contributed a piece of themselves to this space. 

To everyone who has walked through our doors, brought a friend, danced until close, discovered a new artist, supported a local vendor, stared at a piece of artwork a little longer than expected, came back the next week, or simply gave something unfamiliar a chance: Thank you for growing with us. Sophie’s would not be Sophie’s without the St. Louis artist community that embraced us, challenged us, collaborated with us, danced with us, and continued to show up.

Celebrate With Us!

We invite all to come celebrate what we’ve built together and everything that’s still to come from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, October 2. For our fifth anniversary celebration, The DJ JMO, one of Sophie’s original resident DJs, returns to help us celebrate by spinning the hits and taking us through some of the sounds that have kept Sophie’s moving over the years. Enjoy happy hour and specialty cocktails. 

And we’re not blowing out the candles at 9 p.m. Following the anniversary celebration, DJ PBNJEFFY PRESENTS: CLUB POPSTAR with sounds by DJ $OL & DJ PBNJEFFY, a special edition of Club Jeffy dedicated to keeping Sophie’s fifth anniversary celebration going well into the night. And because every good anniversary deserves a little dress-up, we’re having a Costume Contest. Come dressed as your favorite pop star and step into the spotlight for the night. Grab your crew, channel your favorite pop star, and meet us on the dance floor as we keep the party going well into the night.

If you’ve been around the St. Louis hip-hop scene, Bates needs no introduction. She’s an award-winning hip-hop artist whose most recent album, “The Terrible Tales of Mother Goose” was named Album of the Year in St. Louis Magazine’s A-List awards. Bates officially joined the KAF team in December 2022 as a bartender at Sophie’s Artist Lounge and quickly immersed herself in the foundation culture, also performing with her band at Music at the Intersection in 2023. “I find KAF extremely resourceful and appreciate the ability to grow within the organization, not just behind the bar but as a community member and artist as well,” she says. 

Bates has an Associate of Arts degree in Music from St. Louis Community College and has over 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including 18 years behind the bar. 

What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?

I appreciate being one of many members working toward a particular vision that enhances what St. Louis is so great at – all things art. Every time I step into the district, I’m extremely proud to be a part of KAF’s many initiatives – whether that be a new art exhibit, the fine-tuned residencies or the spectacular array of creativity put into our spaces. Even from the outside looking in, you can tell that KAF cares about the people. The sense of community that I feel working for the organization doesn’t suddenly cede at the doors or the walkways, but that same energy is felt in the district’s surrounding neighborhoods and many arts-based activities. I have a job with a purpose. The people feel appreciated and seen. That’s really important to me. It also doesn’t hurt that I have an awesome team that understands the assignment.

How do you feel your role directly supports the KAF mission?

Being an artist and community activist makes other artists and movers and shakers understand that they’re in the right place. Some may hear “art gallery” and think it’s too fancy or too upscale for them to participate. People see me and see themselves. They know that if Bates is behind the bar or anywhere near, that they’ll be treated with respect and that the integrity is in the room. I manage the bar, but I also manage the vibe, so expect welcoming, concise and intentional motion wherever you find me. Everything is well-thought out and executed because I genuinely care about each patron’s experience.

What do you love most about the St. Louis arts community?

I love the connection the arts make with our actual realities. I love that raw, purposeful brush stroke; that rhythm that releases dopamine and the words that hit different when you know the person pushing the pen actually lived it because you saw it for yourself. Give me the real no matter how controversial or unpopular. I believe St. Louis is the best at all things art and live through the innovators who paint or vocalize the future. We don’t get the credit we deserve but the lack of it doesn’t stop us from striving to be the best city to ever do it.

What do you personally do (outside of work) to engage in the arts?

I’ve spent most of my life on a stage, microphone in hand, dishing out realness. I’ve recorded five studio albums, treated and directed music videos, produced my entire music career. I also am the founder of Femfest – the largest all female concert in the nation, if not the entire planet. I actively mentor women in the arts and often act as a liaison or a connection-maker. I’ve coached aspiring musicians on showmanship. My band, Bates & The Strangers, has played some of the hottest festivals and packed houses. I’m also an avid local music supporter who you might catch at any random live show as a spectator. There’s a lot more to this but “engaging” is a bit of an understatement given that I’m heavily involved in the arts scene.

Who are some of your favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check out?

For R&B, check out Valencia Rush and G the Singer. 18andcounting is an amazing visual artist along with being a great DJ. T-Dubb-O is about the realest, rawest hip-hop artist the city is blessed to have. Go to Tef Poe for the lyrical, political, heartfelt joints. Kimiaya Hall is an amazing choreographer. Kris Blackmon has been curating art shows that feature live acts for over a decade. Mz Tigga and G.A. Barz are my sisters in this hip-hop melting pot. They’ve been creating a way for women and the underrated to shine for over a decade, too. STL has a world-renown battle rap culture and DJs. There are so many to name because I actively listen and attend events. But make sure ya’ll check out my latest album, “The Terrible Tales of Mother Goose” produced almost entirely by Thr3d. Long story short, check them all out. There are gems ERRWRR!

Free 4 All, St. Louis’ largest all-local concert, returns to the Grand Center Arts District this November for a music marathon spanning numerous genres across multiple stages. From rock and hip-hop to folk and even noise, your favorite St. Louis acts are teaming up for a free, all ages event that truly showcases the depth and breadth of the region’s musical forces. 

The fun starts with a special kick-off party on Friday, November 6 at The Key, setting the stage for the main event on Saturday, November 7, when local music fans can explore more than 10 stages in a festival-like atmosphere that starts at noon and doesn’t let up until midnight. The weekend closes out with an afternoon matinee back at The Key on Sunday, November 8.

It all adds up to an exciting weekend for diehard St. Louis music fans, as well as those who may be experiencing local music for the first time. The Kranzberg Arts Foundation proudly sponsors Free 4 All by providing venues and offering networking opportunities for participating artists.

“We are thrilled to once again support this grassroots, free and accessible festival that puts the spotlight on the incredible St. Louis music scene and its artists,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “Free 4 All directly aligns with our mission to provide the essential infrastructure for the arts to thrive in St. Louis and we are happy to offer our stages for this effort.”

This music showcase differs from a typical festival in many ways. From shorter sets that encourage movement between the various concert venues to the fact that no single artist is promoted as a headlining act, Free 4 All Music Showcase celebrates every performer as a vital part of the St. Louis music scene. The lineup is built with community input, wherein any artist can apply to perform at the event, and any person can nominate, or recommend, their favorite local musician to play.

Free 4 All is dropping its 2026 lineup daily via its Facebook and Instagram feeds, so stay tuned for more announcements and details in the coming days and weeks. Some of the exciting acts already announced include: Drea Vocalz, Thor Axe, Branden Michael Lewis, Four Degrees Colder, RENTS DUE, Mitchell Matthews & The Media, Rachel Bouzier, Piracy, Kenny DeShields, Jack Grelle and Umami. 

For more information, visit free4allstl.com.

The Grandel is a crown jewel of the Grand Center Arts District and one of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s most dynamic venues. Located at 3610 Grandel Square, this multi-use arts facility is home to a state-of-the-art theater, award winning music and art venue The Dark Room, and the Grand Hall event and rehearsal space, all in an impeccably renovated historic site. 

The Grandel started as the First Congregational Church, built in 1884 and designed by St. Louis architect Lewis Frederick Rice in the Romanesque Revival style, with a striking rough-cut limestone facade, and arched, leaded glass windows. After falling into neglect, Grand Center Inc. bought the property in 1989 and began a multi-million dollar renovation that converted the old church into a performance space. Opening in 1992, it served as the home stage for The Black Rep theater company for over 20 years. 

After going vacant again in 2013, The Kranzberg Arts Foundation purchased the building in 2016, potentially saving it from the wrecking ball. KAF did a full renovation of the space prior to its reopening to the public in 2017, working with St. Louis-based firm SPACE Architecture + Design.  

“We were so pleased to reactivate this incredible venue in the Grand Center Arts District and bring Grandel Square back to life,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “More importantly, we continue to ensure that The Grandel stages offer state-of-the-art performance opportunities for local artists and arts organizations that continue to connect people to the community.”

With a 454 seated capacity, The Grandel Theatre hosts concerts, plays, musicals, dance performances, comedy shows, and more, activated by KAF resident organizations, independent producers, and local, national and internationally touring artists.

Outside the theatre doors, The Dark Room at The Grandel is a premier live music and art venue offering weekly live performances and rotating photography exhibits that celebrate the sights and sounds of St. Louis. In addition to intimate shows with top St. Louis musicians across multiple genres, The Dark Room The Dark Room is home to the Wednesday Night Jazz Jam—a free, family-friendly weekly event hosted by Demarius Hicks that brings jazz within reach for people of all ages and backgrounds. The Jazz Jam takes place every Wednesday from 6-9 pm.

Any visit to The Grandel is sure to be a rich cultural experience in one of the most unique spaces St. Louis has to offer. 

Gabriel Jackson, Programming Manager for The Dark Room and The Key, joined KAF in June 2022 after being recommended as an audio tech overhire at The Dark Room. At the time, he was still completing his audio engineering degree at Webster University and didn’t really know much about the foundation. Yet, the opportunity gave him a foot in the door and, as he became more familiar with KAF and the work it was doing, he quickly realized how lucky he was to be here. Now, he leads programming for two of KAFs venues, creating opportunities for working artists and shaping the guest experience. 

What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?

My favorite part of my role at KAF has been building relationships with artists and creatives alike. I’ve been able to help foster and nurture the artistic vision of many artists who I’ve later become good friends with, even having collaborated with them myself artistically. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve built trust over the years with many different artists and creators, whether it be booking their show, running their production, promoting their event, or all of the above.

How do you feel your role directly supports the KAF mission?

I believe I help provide artists with opportunities to showcase their work and talents at a time when small, independent venues are becoming increasingly scarce. Many smaller-capacity rooms are struggling to remain sustainable as large corporations like Live Nation continue to consolidate the industry, leaving independent and up-and-coming artists with fewer accessible opportunities to perform, build an audience, and develop their craft. I’m able to work with artists step-by-step throughout the entire process, from booking and collaborating on event artwork and promotional materials to the planning and final execution of the event.

What do you love most about the St. Louis arts community?

I love how diverse and multi-faceted the arts community is in this city. Regardless of genre, whether you are an indie rocker, or a jazz performer, or a hip hop artist, there’s a huge blend that connects us all. People show up and show out to different events, regardless of genre because we’re all one big community. I think a lot of artists have many different inspirations and influences that are shared throughout the musical spectrum.

What do you personally do (outside of work) to engage in the arts?

I’ve been playing music and performing since I was an early teenager. These days, I regularly perform with artists and collaborators such as NoahFence, Hodge, Maxwell Landry, and Tyson Armond. I also recently joined a growing DJ collective called “LAN Party,” a monthly event series that brings together live DJ Performances while people come play their favorite Halo video games. It’s become a really fun and unique concept that I’m excited to be a part of.

In addition to performing, I help run a concert series called “Rooftop Fest” alongside my close friends Keshon Duke and Hodge. Since 2023, we’ve grown RFTPFest from an annual rooftop experience into a bi-monthly event series that features local artists, businesses, vendors, food and drink, and more. It originally started as a cool show idea that we thought would be fun to do once, and has since taken on a life of its own. I’m really proud of the work we’ve put into it to make it better and better, and that people truly enjoy each experience.

Who are some of your favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check Out?

The list is endless… Some that come to mind are Manos PanAmerica, Tyson Armond, Blvck Spvde & the Cosmos, Soumir, Scooter Brown, Emerson Magaña, Lena Clav, Umami, and a whole lot more.

Food and Beverage Director Abbie Joyce joined KAF in 2019, working as a bartender at The Dark Room. She was familiar with the Weekly Jazz Jam and wanted to work in an environment with live music. After the pandemic, she stayed on to grow with the KAF team. Abbie studied Modern Literature at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she developed a strong foundation in communication, critical thinking, and the arts. She has since built more than 10 years of professional experience in the hospitality and beverage industry, with much of her career focused on beverage operations, events and arts venues.

What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?

The community service of it all is the most rewarding part. I enjoy the sweat equity of making big and great changes to our city for the better.

How do you feel your role directly supports the KAF mission?

F&B supports the mission by curating great food and drink offerings and putting the revenue directly back into the stages we build to support St. Louis artists. The team I work with is filled with artists themselves, and they continually inspire me to be creative.

What do you love most about the St. Louis arts community?

There is so much art here and everyone is talented, yet it can still feel like a small-knit community. I think a lot of artists here take care of each other, and advocate for each other. I love the camaraderie.

What do you personally do (outside of work) to engage in the arts?

I like to read and write when I’m not working, dog walks in Tower Grove Park, and my novice rose garden. I love living in South City, there’s always something going on.

Who are some of your favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check out?

Our F&B team is full of talented artists that everyone should check out. Here’s a few – XX$TRABUTTA, Grim The Green, Bates, BAGFACE.