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.
