MATI (Music at the Intersection) returns for its sixth year next month, July 17-19. The festival is set to bring world-class music to Grand Center Arts District, including Wyclef Jean, Killer Mike, Zapp, PJ Morton, Big Freedia, Destin Conrad, LA LOM, Keyon Harrold, Andra Day, Rapsody and dozens more. However, great music is just the beginning. MATI also features a thought leadership conference, multiple partner events and a free, multi-stage community block party.
Early in the day on Friday and Saturday, before the music starts, MATI annually welcomes artists, creatives and entrepreneurs together to discuss Music, Art, Thought and Innovation. The MATI Conference provides free (with RSVP) panels, keynote discussions and networking opportunities, further putting into action the festival’s commitment to nurture and grow St Louis’ music and arts economy.
2026’s Conference will culminate with back to back discussions by hip-hop legends. On Saturday, July 18 at 2:45 p.m., St. Louis natives Murphy Lee and Kyjuan of the St. Lunatics will speak with Eric “Remrod” Mayes about “From The Lou To The World: Creativity, Brotherhood, and Building A Movement.”
Immediately following, at 4:00 p.m., New Orleans rappers Mannie Fresh and Juvenile bring their popular Still 400 podcast to St. Louis for a live audience recording. Every episode brings real conversations, wild moments, hot takes and legends (special guest tba) showing up to “talk their talk.” Post-show, the co-hosts and guest(s) will participate in an audience Q&A
There are 11 conference sessions, across two days, to choose from. Beginning today, all events are open for RSVP at www.MATIstl.org/conference. RSVPs are required, and sessions are expected to reach capacity. Attendance is free, but there is a small MetroTix processing charge per session RSVP.
Also just announced, MATI is expanding beyond its three days and five main stages with even more unique partner and community events – some ticketed and some completely free.
On Thursday, 8x Grammy winning singer, songwriter and composer Jon Batiste kicks off MATI with a special concert at The Fabulous Fox (separate ticket).
On Friday, MATI x Delux present: Mannie Fresh. The genre-defining producer, artist and entertainer is taking over The Key on Friday night for a special DJ set (separate ticket or MATI Delux weekend pass).
On Saturday, Latinx Arts Network is transforming The Key into a vibrant celebration of Latin music, culture and community, inspired by the spirit of Latin American barrios. Meanwhile, at The Grandel Theatre, MATI is uniting hometown legends for a can’t miss evening of powerful soul. With music direction by Shedrick Mitchell, The Soul of St. Louis features the talents of Denise Thimes, Brian Owens, The Bosman Twins, Marquise Knox, Anita Jackson, Cheryl Brown, Adrienne Felton King and Tasha B. Both events are free.
On Sunday, Brothers Lazaroff are debuting their new album, Trying to Make It Home, with an album release brunch at Jazz St. Louis (separate ticket required). Attendees can order from the Jazz St. Louis brunch menu throughout the show.
“MATI is a celebration of St. Louis and we’re thrilled to have so many great community organizations on our production team,” said Chris Hansen, executive director of Kranzberg Arts Foundation. “Delux Magazine and Latins Arts Network are taking over The Key with two completely different and unique nights of music and dance. Laz Jazz is programming the Jazz St. Louis stage all weekend. Plus, Brother Lazaroff is debuting their new album there on Sunday. Incredibly special, under the direction of Shedrick Mitchell, The Grandel is turning into a complete powerhouse of St. Louis soul on Saturday night. Between the MATI main stages, the partner events and the block party, each fan can curate a festival schedule that’s truly their own.”
More information on MATI partner events is available at www.MATIstl.org.
