Tag Archives: St. Louis

28 Aug 2025

‘To STL With Love’ – Celebrating Hip Hop Culture in St. Louis, Opening Reception, Thursday, September 4, 6-9 p.m. at Sophie’s Artist Lounge

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To STL With Love is a landmark exhibition celebrating the deep roots and wide-ranging impact of hip-hop culture in St. Louis. Curated and produced by Kris Blackmon in collaboration with KAF, this multidisciplinary exhibition will document, celebrate, and uplift the artists, venues, media, and cultural moments that have shaped the St. Louis hip-hop scene over the past several decades.

“Hip-hop is more than music—it is a cultural force that has shaped generations through dance, fashion, art, and community activism. St. Louis has a rich and underrepresented history in hip-hop that extends beyond the mainstream success of national artists,” says Blackmon.

From underground collectives to the DJs, breakers, and media pioneers who sustained the culture, To STL With Love seeks to provide a platform that tells the full story of the city’s contributions to this global movement. It features original visual work, photography, and historical memorabilia and artifacts from over 30 St. Louis-based artists and creatives, including Pacia Elaine, Brock Seals, Damon Davis, John Harrington and Trackstar the DJ.

The opening reception will feature sounds by GOODBROTHERLYZM and G.Wiz, as well as special performances by KVtheWriter and Bates.

28 Aug 2025

First Annual Free 4 All STL Music Showcase, Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7 in the Grand Center Arts District

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With 100 local acts across nine stages over two days the first annual Free 4 All Music Showcase provides a path for attendees to explore the raw and real music being made in our city today, from indie rock and hip-hop to folk and experimental music. This new showcase features a kaleidoscopic view of the local creative community, including fan favorites and bold, emerging artists who are redefining St. Louis’ historic and innovative music scene. 

Best of all, it’s FREE! Think of this weekend as a local music holiday – the perfect opening act to the 5th annual MATI Festival and Conference (September 12-14). 

This music marathon will take place across KAF venues including: .ZACK, Sally’s Rooftop Garden & Terrace, High Low, Sophie’s Artist Lounge, Central Stage, The Dark Room and an outdoor stage outside The Big Top, as well as at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company Midtown.

For the full lineup and schedule, visit the Facebook Event Page.

28 Aug 2025

Fall Theatre and Dance Preview

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Fall is an amazing time for the arts in St. Louis! A variety of theatre and dance productions presented by KAF Resident companies are set to grace our stages this fall. The Foundation is proud to partner with a number of organizations producing world-class art in St. Louis, providing an intersection of arts venues and work environments that serve a full range of artistic processes. Show your support by checking out a performance.

“The fall schedule provides a wealth of opportunities to see some of the best performing arts St. Louis has to offer from some of our treasured independent theatre and dance companies,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “Our intimate theatre spaces allow patrons to be up close and immersed in the action.”

Fall theatre and dance performances include:

  • Soul Siren Playhouse Presents: “Death Jam,” September 3-6, 7 p.m. at The Marcelle: Follow a lost soul as he confronts the shadows of life and mortality to determine his fate and find his way home; as drama, music, and poetry collide to make an immersive, unforgettable night onstage.

 

  • Festival of New Works Spotlight On…HOPE, September 19 & 20, 7-9 p.m. at The Kranzberg Black Box Theatre: Join us for an uplifting showcase of original performance and visual art celebrating the power of the human spirit. Centered on the theme of hope, this festival invites artists of all disciplines to share stories that shine light in dark times. Featuring plays, monologues, songs, dance, poetry, and a special visual art exhibit in the lobby, this year’s festival honors the strength, creativity, and optimism of the St. Louis arts community.

 

  • New Line Theatre Present “Bat Boy,” October 2-25, every Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m. at The Marcelle Theater: New Line kicks off its 34th season with the return of one of the funniest, smartest musicals in recent years. Created by Keythe Farley, Brian Flemming, and Laurence O’Keefe, this outrageously entertaining rock thriller is based on a bizarre and hilarious story ripped from the headlines of the satirical tabloid The Weekly World News. The musical tells the strange tale of a half-boy, half-bat discovered in a West Virginia cave, sparking a heartwarming yet freaky journey that defies expectations.

 

  • Albion Theatre Presents “I Have Been Here Before” by J. B. Priestley, October 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and November 1 at 8 p.m.; October 19, 26 & November  2 at 2 p.m. at The Kranzberg Black Box Theater: A group of people thrown together by chance when they decide to stay at a remote Yorkshire inn discover that they are so inter-dependent that a decision taken by any one of them is likely to have a profound effect on the lives of the others. 

 

  • Children Of The Sun: A Choreopoem Written By Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore, based on her children’s collection, Saturday, October 25, 4-7 p.m. at The Grandel: Experience an electrifying evening as young performers bring the words of St. Louis  Poet Laureate Emeritus Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore to the stage. Inspired by her forthcoming children’s poetry collection, Children Of The Sun, to be published posthumously from 2Leaf Press in 2025. This uplifting and joyful staged production infuses poetry, music, and dance into an unforgettable performance, exploring youthful curiosity, self-discovery, and resilience, encouraging young and old dreamers to fearlessly fly.

 

  • First Run Theatre Presents “Deposition” by Amy Hanson; November 14-23 at The Kranzberg Black Box Theatre: A divorce deposition forces Jackson Fields to reflect on his years of infidelity and predatory behavior. The play is a fascinating exploration of gender dynamics over time, as well as the power of love, with all of its nuances and complexities. More details and ticket information to come.

 

  • Karlovsky & Company Dance Presents STAGED: New Works in Contemporary and Experimental Dance, November 21-22,  7:30 p.m. at The Grandel: Karlovsky & Company Dance is a contemporary modern dance company dedicated to exploring and presenting the art of dance with innovative choreography that illuminates the human experience. More details and ticket information to come.

For complete details and ticket information, visit our online calendar.

24 Aug 2025

MATI supports tornado relief through ticket donations and more

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When the devastating tornado hit the City of St. Louis on May 16, KAF and its staff were immediately called to action to help however possible. With MATI passes already on sale, one of the quickest and easiest ways to do that was to donate a portion of proceeds directly to the community through one of its boots-on-the-ground organizations. To that end, $10 from the sale of each MATI pass sold goes to 4theVille for St. Louis tornado relief.

MATI is also raising funds for 4theVille through a special benefit t-shirt /merch collab. The shirt features imagery of a mural located at 4157 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in The Ville neighborhood, celebrating Tina Turner’s life and legacy – specifically highlighting her time in St. Louis, graduation from Sumner High School in 1958 and early performances at Club Imperial. The mural was created by St. Louis father and son duo William Burton Jr and William Burton III. The shirt can be purchased at www.MATIstl.org.

“We’re designating MATI an official benefit festival and conference for 4theVille, to help fuel the incredible recovery work they’re doing in St. Louis’ northside,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “Throughout festival weekend, and in the weeks leading up to it, we’ll be leveraging MATI’s voices, stages, platforms, partners, artists and overall reach as an engine for good. This festival is about St. Louis, and we’re committed to aiding in its recovery in whatever ways we can be most effective.” 

MATI’s 2025 community ticket program, fueled by MATI Members and festival sponsors, will also focus on residents impacted by the tornado, with a goal to bring just a bit of hope and joy through music to those who have lost so much. In recent weeks, KAF’s community engagement team has donated over 2,400 passes for the weekend to local community organizations in affected neighborhoods including: St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature, St. Louis Story Stitchers, St. Louis Housing Authority, Park Central Development, Latinx Arts Network, International Institute of St. Louis, Freedom Community Center, Deaconess Foundation, Dream Builders 4 Equity, Angels Within Foundation, Urban Harvest STL, 4theVille, St. Louis County Library, Heartland St. Louis Black Chamber of Commerce, The Backstoppers Inc., WePower, Action St. Louis, Dutchtown South Community Corporation, and Covenant Blu Grand Center Neighborhood Association. 

On-site during festival weekend, attendees will be given multiple opportunities to contribute through purchase round-up options at food, beverage and vendor booths; text-to-donate prompts; charitable contesting; and more. Additionally, MATI will serve as a resource drop off location (needed items and instructions will be sent via a pre-fest email), with festival plus-up incentives for those who participate.

22 Aug 2025

Malena Smith, Saturday, August 30, 8-10 pm at The Dark Room

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To hear Malena Smith sing is to experience a voice distilled from every corner of the American songbook. With influences spanning jazz, folk, classical, and pop, she crafts a seamless, unmistakable sound that is uniquely her own. The rising singer, songwriter, and storyteller is celebrated for her genre-blending style, expressive vocals, and introspective, thought-provoking lyrics.

Based in St. Louis, Smith has shared stages with Michael Bublé, Brian Owens, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the Adam Maness Trio, with appearances across the U.S. and internationally in Japan. In 2021, Smith starred in the film An Intimate Christmas, which aired on the PBS Nine Network. A formally trained musician with a degree in music, she currently serves as the Next Move Artist-in-Residence at the World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis, where she continues to expand the intersections of music and cultural dialogue in her hometown.

Smith’s debut original project, 27 in Maine, is set for a 2025 release, featuring recently released singles “Paralyzed,” “18,” and “Betray Myself,” all of which garnered high acclaim, earning praise for their unflinching exploration of raw themes like sobriety and self-discovery. General admission tickets to the show are $20 and available via Metrotix.

22 Aug 2025

High Low provides a home for the literary arts in St. Louis

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It’s been nearly six years since High Low first opened its doors at 3301 Washington Ave. in the Grand Center Arts District. Conceived as a home for the literary arts and a venue for freedom of expression through spoken and written word, High Low features a library and cafe; a state-of-the-art listening room for spoken performances and events; a modern visual arts gallery; and resident organization office suites and collaborative workspaces. 

On any given day, the cafe’s long library tables and comfy sofas and chairs are filled with SLU students and neighborhood professionals, studying, collaborating and conversing amid its shelves of books while sipping made-to-order drinks from Blueprint Coffee. Each Thursday from 12-1 p.m., the Listening Room opens for the free weekly High Noon speakers series featuring  thought leaders from across the St. Louis arts, cultural, and educational spectrum. A dedicated audience of regulars and newcomers bring their lunches and gather to learn from these experts.

On other nights, the spacious Listening Room hosts up to 150 people for a variety literary arts-focused events ranging from poetry readings, storytelling, and literary series, to book signings by local authors. Complete with professional audio and visual equipment, a full-service bar and seating for up to 150 people, it provides a dedicated and comfortable space where words can take center stage.

These amenities further serve the resident organizations that occupy High Low’s second floor including: St. Louis Poetry Center, Shirley Bradley LeFlore Foundation/Creative Arts & Expression Lab, St. Louis Poet Laureate Jane Ellen Ibur, St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts, Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature, Hope Creates, Kimbilio for Black Fiction, St. Louis Classical Guitar and AIGA. In High Low, these small but mighty organizations have a chance to grow, thrive and collaborate in accommodations they may not be able to occupy on their own.

“High Low is a complete ecosystem for the literary arts in St. Louis and its supporting organizations,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “Through this dynamic space we are able to serve and lift up the literary community in the same way we support the music, visual and performing arts communities in our other venues in the district. The cafe provides a welcoming and public facing environment for all to experience and learn about what else is happening under the roof.”

The High Low Gallery, open during regular cafe hours daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, features rotating exhibitions  displaying the works of KAF Artists in Residence, often tied to the written word. Currently, patrons can view a special screening of episodes 1 and 2 of ‘GONZO,’ a series by St. Louis filmmaker and Kranzberg Artist in Residence David Kirkman set in 2005 that follows a college student who invents a groundbreaking algorithm that could reshape the world. 

21 Aug 2025

Cbabi Bayoc touches up his mural in The Walls Off Washington

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Internationally-known visual artist and illustrator Cbabi Bayoc returned to The Walls Off Washington this week to repair damaged sections of his large-scale mural titled “Change is Gonna Come.” Bayoc created the vibrant mural to honor the legacy of blues music in St. Louis, while celebrating the rich history of the neighborhood. 

It acknowledges the issue of gentrification, as neighborhoods like historic Mill Creek Valley, once considered ‘home,’ were transformed or developed for other uses, displacing existing residents who faced rising costs and loss of housing. Two buildings spared from the wrecking ball by KAF and transformed into The Key, opening next month, are some of the last remaining buildings of the neighborhood.

“Mill Creek and other communities have been displaced for all these wonderful places we love to hang out now. If you think about when that happened and the age those people had been as kids, now as adults they are in their 70s and 80s. That’s why the older gentleman sitting there is the holder of the stories,” Bayoc says of the mural’s central figure. “You can’t get it all from the wall, the only way you’re going to get it is from having conversations and talking about it. That’s why he’s the main character. The suit and tie represents businesses that were happening. It wasn’t just a degenerating community. This happens all over the country.”

To see Bayoc’s mural, as well as more than 30 additional murals by renowned artists, begin a tour of The Walls Off Washington in The Market at The Walls, located at 3333 Washington Ave.  from 12-8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

14 Aug 2025

“GONZO” Screening, through October 31, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m in The High Low Gallery

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The High Low Gallery presents a special screening of episodes 1 and 2 of, ‘GONZO,’ a series by St. Louis filmmaker and Kranzberg Artist in Residence David Kirkman. ’GONZO’ is a coming-of-age story set in 2005, following a college student who invents a groundbreaking algorithm that could reshape the world. As his creation threatens powerful industries in this high-stakes drama, the price of innovation is steep, and the fight to protect it even steeper. The first two episodes, starring Jordan Walker and Shawn Roundtree, Jr., are playing on a loop now through Friday, October 31 in the High Low Gallery during regular gallery hours, daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

“I wanted to make GONZO because when I learned that Black people only make up 4 percent of the entire tech industry, I couldn’t stop thinking about what it means to create something world-changing when the odds are already stacked against you,” says Kirkman. “The support from the Black Studies department at Washington University helped ground the series in real history and cultural memory, so even as the narrative evolves, it’s tethered to truth. GONZO is about what happens when that brilliance goes up against global empires and systems designed to keep progress out. It’s a story I’ve never seen told from our point of view.”

Kirkman’s feature film “UNDERNEATH: Children of the Sun,” which made its debut at The Grandel in 2024, is nominated for a 2025 Septimus Award  for Best Experimental Film. A visionary writer, film director, and film composer from Ferguson, Kirkman is the founder of Woke Nation Studios and is known for creating films about Black superheroes and documentaries showcasing Black life.

14 Aug 2025

Staff Spotlight: Nanyamka “Nay Nay” Ewing, Promotions & Events Manager

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Nanyamka “Nay Nay” Ewing joined the KAF team in 2019, starting at The Dark Room as a bartender before transitioning into programming and promotions. As the Foundation’s Promotions and Events Manager, she curates programming, builds community partnerships, and elevates the visibility of local artists. She has an associate degree in graphic design from HIckey College and bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Lindenwood University.

What drew you to KAF?

I was drawn to KAF because of its deep commitment to supporting artists and fostering spaces where creativity and community intersect. I loved that it wasn’t just about hosting events but about cultivating a true ecosystem for art, music, and culture in St. Louis.

What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?

I love creating experiences that bring people together—whether it’s curating music nights, coordinating markets, or building campaigns that showcase local talent. Seeing the joy on people’s faces and knowing that I’ve helped provide a platform for artists makes the hard work worth it.

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

My role connects artists with audiences. By managing promotions, events, and programming, I help give visibility to emerging and established creatives, ensuring our venues remain vibrant spaces where art thrives and is accessible to everyone.

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

The authenticity and diversity. St. Louis has such a rich, grassroots-driven arts scene filled with people who are passionate about their craft and about uplifting each other. It’s inspiring to see collaboration across disciplines and generations.

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

As a longtime member of the St. Louis arts scene,I’m deeply embedded in the music and visual arts scenes. Outside of KAF, I’m the bassist, lead singer, and songwriter for my band Mammoth Piano. I also run Mammoth Management and Productions LLC, where I focus on artist production and management, and I offer professional tarot readings through Mammoth Tarot STL. I love attending live shows, gallery exhibitions, and cultural events around the city. Documenting and spotlighting local creatives has also become a personal passion.

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

There are far too many to count! St. Louis is filled with such a wide range of talent across every discipline that it’s hard to pin down favorites. What excites me most is how many incredible artists are creating and thriving here every day.

07 Aug 2025

Artist Talk: Discover Cultural Heritage Through Textile Art with Moraa, Saturday, August 16, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Studio at The Kranzberg

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Join us for an inspiring Artist Talk with Kranzberg Artist In Residence Moraa Nyaribo, a passionate fashion and textile artist whose work beautifully intertwines cultural tradition with innovative design. With seven years in the Kenyan fashion industry and an MFA degree in Fibers, Moraa brings a rich background to her work. She masterfully preserves traditional practices through her unique textile explorations, drawing deep inspiration from the colors, textures, and draperies she encountered in her mother’s boutique.

Moraa’s art is a heartfelt tribute to her ancestors, recreating the textures, shapes, and emotions of traditional body adornment. Through unconventional textiles, she simulates skin, hairdos, and beaded jewelry, transforming forgotten traditions into stunning surfaces that challenge perceptions and celebrate the beauty of her heritage. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of textile art and cultural preservation.

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