The fifth annual MATI Conference and Festival was a smashing success with crowds of approximately 17,000 gathering in Grand Center across the weekend-long event September 12 through 14. This year brought new changes to the festival, including a revised and expanded footprint that included the introduction of The Sovereign as a main stage venue, the Laz Jazz Artist Lounge stage programmed by venerable St. Louis band Brothers Lazaroff, and the introduction of MATI Places, extending programming into the full Grand Center Arts District. All were well-received by audiences, signaling an openness to MATI’s continued growth and development.
While main stage pass holders enjoyed world-class headliners like Common, Patti LaBelle, Branford Marsalis and De La Soul, people throughout the neighborhood were treated with free or low-cost entertainment such as a presentation of St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Strauss Park, sets by local artists at Jazz St. Louis and The Grandel Theatre, family-friendly programming at Metro Theatre, poetry readings at High Low and more.
What remains steadfast throughout the years is the sense of community and connectedness that flows throughout MATI weekend, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together in the spirit of art and music to celebrate the best St. Louis has to offer.
“MATI had a great vibe. So many friendly people – from vendors to people sitting on the couches enjoying the music playing from Laz Jazz,” attendee Janice Jackson commented on social media.
The conference portion of MATI was spread throughout the weekend this year, offering local creative professionals and artists with numerous opportunities to network and learn from some of St. Louis’ best in sessions and panels including a content creators roundtable, Arch Grants Founders lunch and a percussion master class lead by Matthew Henry and Pedrito Martinez.
“MATI weekend was once again a true celebration of the best of St. Louis — its people, artists, cultural institutions, grassroots organizations, entrepreneurs and more. We have a festival that is about community above all at its core,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “I am eternally grateful to all of our staff, volunteers, performers, vendors, exhibitors and, most importantly, our loyal members and attendees who make MATI possible. If you attended MATI this year, we’d love your feedback! Please fill out this quick survey so we can continue to improve.
Photo Credit: Tyler Small
