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12 Sep 2025

Final Weeks to View Nyuso: A Celebration of African Artistry & Afrofuturism by Moraa Nyaribo at The Gallery at The Kranzberg

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On view through September 27, Nyuso: A Celebration of African Artistry and Afrofuturism is a personal exploration of identity, memory, and cultural pride through abstract interpretations of traditional African masks. As a fiber artist deeply connected to Black and African heritage, Moraa Nyaribo uses materials that hold both personal and cultural significance—synthetic hair, beads, hair accessories, and cowrie shells—while also experimenting with ceramics, batik, hand painting, and found objects.

“These masks live both as standalone art pieces and as elements in live performance, inviting viewers into layered conversations about transformation, lineage, and belonging,” she says. “Through Nyuso, I aim to honor ancestral practices while imagining new futures rooted in care, beauty, and resistance.”

The gallery is open for viewing on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.

12 Sep 2025

High Noon: The Power of Public Institutions with Charlene Oldham, Journalist, Author, and Librarian; Thursday, September 18, 12-1 p.m. in the Listening Room at High Low

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Join us as Charlene Oldham discusses how her passion for literacy and sharing knowledge has transitioned through three careers: journalism, teaching and librarianship. She will touch on how, as a first-generation college student and biracial child of an immigrant and career Marine who never finished high school, she feels public education gave her access to the American Dream and how she sees such access is currently in grave danger.

Oldham is a freelancer who writes about education, workplace issues, consumer finance, health and wellness and business personalities. A former business news staff writer for the Dallas Morning News whose varied resume includes a stint with Teach For America, her stories have appeared in publications including the New York Times, USA Today , and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

12 Sep 2025

Staff Profile: Chris Pulphus, Curatorial & Digital Media Assistant

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A St. Louis native and graduate of Cardinal Ritter College Prep, Curatorial and Digital Media Assistant Chris Pulphus joined KAF’s Visual Arts team in January 2025 and was drawn to the Foundation due to its continuous support of local artists and the massive infrastructure KAF brings to the St. Louis artist community.

What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?

Helping artists bring their visions to life is my favorite part of the job. It’s an honor to be a part of that process and see all of our hard work come to fruition.

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

My role consistently embodies the KAF mission because my work directly supports artists. Whether I’m making sure they’re getting paid, have everything they need for an exhibition, or simply have a direct line of communication to the Foundation

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

What I love most is the incredible potential of our local arts scene. Though St. Louis may be a small city, we have a loud and impactful voice in the art world. From conventional mediums to music, theatre, and beyond, our city proves time and time again that with the right resources and guidance, we have so much to offer.

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

I engage with the arts by staying deeply involved in my city. Outside of my work here, I run a multimedia business called RBL Design, where I work as a videographer, photographer, and graphic designer. My personal mission is to showcase the incredible events and opportunities St. Louis has to offer its diverse community. I also make it a point to attend a wide range of local productions, from theater and fashion shows to open mics and concerts.

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

Some of my favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check out are, YK DA DON, Amor Montana, Khiro Kano, JaysProduction, Past Candids Photography, China Fantasy, Ron The Videographer, Infinite Visuals LLC, and DJ Thndr(Shawno).

05 Sep 2025

The Sovereign Makes its Official Debut as a MATI Main Stage

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MATI weekend marks the official opening of The Sovereign – a main stage venue for the festival and St. Louis’ newest independent concert venue. Created in partnership with and operated by Old Rock House, the 1,200-capacity venue created in a fully renovated historic building on Washington Avenue is a welcome addition to the East Grand Center neighborhood. 

Festival heavy-hitters including Ryan Trey, The Budos Band, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Butcher Brown, Arooj Aftab, and Keyon Harrold will be among the first to grace its stage. Beyond MATI weekend, The Sovereign has a solid lineup of shows booked through the end of the year. Visit oldrockhouse.com/the-sovereign for updates and information.

05 Sep 2025

Visual Art Experiences Abound at MATI Places & Beyond

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While music is the main focus of MATI weekend, visual art is an immersive component of the festival as well. MATI Places throughout the Grand Center Arts District and Midtown, as well as venues within the main stage footprint, provide unique opportunities to both view and make art. Some of the sights and experiences include: 

  • Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis –  Join CAM on Friday, September 12 for Quilting Connections: a community quilting experience led by Black elders and textile artists. Learn quilting techniques, engage in storytelling, enjoy brunch and a live DJ. Take home a personal quilt square.
  • The Pulitzer – Explore two new exhibitions from internationally-known artist Jennie C. Jones, who explores the intersections between the visual and the acoustic with paintings, sculptures, drawings, and installations. The museum will be open to the public throughout the weekend.
  • Counterpublic – Join St. Louis’ triennial exhibition organization on Saturday, September 13 for a Porch Party and limited tours of its new home in the historic Judson House.
  • Golden and Hidden Gem – Tulips, Tattoos + Tunes: Midtown’s favorite shop/bar presents a laid-back pop-up featuring local women tattoo artists, a DIY floral bar, and a playlist full of femme power on Friday, September 12
  • “Roll Call: Most of my heroes don’t appear on no stamps – Chuck D” at Legends’ Gallery Pop-Up at 3318 Washington Ave.: This groundbreaking exhibit showcases the legendary Chuck D – founding member of Public Enemy – not only as a revolutionary musical icon but also as a visionary visual artist whose work champions justice, culture, and truth; a spokesperson of the culture. Curated by Lorrie Boula and Adrian L. Miller, with full-scale production led by #poweredbyxyion x soul kitchen.
  • ‘To STL With Love’ Exhibit at Sophie’s Artist Lounge – Main Stage Pass holders can access Sophie’s Artist Lounge and view this 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.  
  • The Walls Off Washington – In the heart of the MATI festival grounds, between all of the main stages, don’t miss a stroll down this epic mural walk featuring more than 30 by renowned local, national, and international artists. 

Check the full schedule online for details on these events and more.

*Photo Credit: Tyler Small

05 Sep 2025

St. Louis’ Musical Legacy on Full Display on MATI Stages

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Since its inception, MATI has paid homage to the St. Louis’ imprint on the American songbook, as well as the relationship our city has with its Mississippi River roots, honoring the giants who shaped genre and sound as it also calls up and gives platform to a new wave of artists.

A majority of the lineup has direct ties to the St. Louis area. R&B artist Ryan Trey spent time growing up in St. Louis, East St. Louis and University City. Marcus Baylor, of the husband-wife jazz duo The Baylor Project, is from St. Louis. Drummer Weedie Braimah was born in Ghana but raised in East St. Louis. Trumpeter (and MATI Artist-in-Residence) Keyon Harrold is from Ferguson. Other artists hail from the Caribbean, Mississippi Delta and sister river cities, from which St. Louis shares music and cultural roots. 

This year’s internationally-renowned musical headliners include 3x Grammy winning rapper Common with superproducer Pete Rock, the godmother of soul Patti LaBelle, New Orleans R&B singer-songwriter Lucky Daye, neo-soul R&B singer-producer Leon Thomas, legendary hip-hop group De La Soul, and jazz great Branford Marsalis, bringing world-class talent to the Grand Center Arts District. 

Additionally, some of St. Louis’ top artists who are currently dominating the local music scene will perform over the weekend alongside these heavy-hitters. Don’t miss sets from these St. Louis-based musicians as they take the spotlight: 

FRIDAY:

  • Scooter Brown: 2 p.m. in Strauss Park
  • Branden Michael Lewis: 4:45 in Strauss Park
  • K Kudda Muzic & Friends: 5 p.m. on The Sovereign Stage
  • Saint Boogie Brass Band w/ Steppers: 5:45 p.m. on The Big Top Stage
  • Frankie DoWop & The Thundacats: 5:45 p.m. at Strauss Park
  • Noel Spiva: 6:30 p.m. in the Lazz Jazz Artist Lounge @ Urban Chestnut
  • Playadors St. Louis Superjam: 7 p.m. on The Big Top Stage
  • Anita Jackson: 7 and 9 p.m. at Jazz St. Louis
  • Marquis Knox & Funky Butt Brass Band: 10 p.m. at The Grandel

SATURDAY

  • Antonio Foster and the HEAL Center Happy Hour: 2 p.m. in the Lazz Jazz Artist Lounge @ Urban Chestnut
  • Whitworth: 4 p.m. on The Field Stage
  • Drea Vocalz: 4:45 p.m. on The Big Top Stage
  • Joe2Morrow: 5:15 p.m. in the Lazz Jazz Artist Lounge @ Urban Chestnut
  • T-Dubb-O: 5:30 p.m. on The Sovereign Stage
  • Adam Maness Trio Feat. Bob DeBoo & Kaleb Kirby: 7 p.m. at Jazz St. Louis
  • The Boogaloo Crew of St. Louis: 9 p.m. at The Key

SUNDAY

  • Steward Stiles: 12 p.m. in Strauss Park
  • Brothers Lazaroff with DJ Boogieman: 1:30 p.m. in the Laz Jazz Artist Lounge @ Urban Chestnut
  • Miles Trumpet Summit feat. Keyon Harrold, Danny Campbell, Brady Lewis, Dustin Shrum, Kasimu Taylor & Dawn Weber on The Big Top Stage
  • Eldraco + FreeNation: 3:30 p.m. on The Field Stage
  • Matt “The Rattlesnake” Lesch: 4:15 p.m. on The Sovereign Stage
  • Blvck Spvde & The Cosmos: 5:30 p.m. in the Lazz Jazz Artist Lounge @ Urban Chestnut
  • Matthew Henry’s Agbara: 7 p.m. at Jazz St. Louis
  • S.L.U.M.Fest Presents ROTN, Bo Dean, TreeVilla, Remember Buddha, Dormir, Soopaman DJ Speed, Thr3e, Caliph, Poet-X, Track Vandals, Davie Napalm, Greze Gutta and Saint Oeaux: 9 p.m. at The Key

*Photo Credit: Trells Eye Photography

05 Sep 2025

MATI 2025 – Know Before You Go

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MATI 2025 is just three days away! It’s not too late to join the best party of the year. Weekend, Daily and MATI Places passes are still available, as are full memberships with added perks. Whether you’re a loyal attendee or it’s your first time, this year offers new and exciting experiences for everyone with programming that extends outside of the main festival footprint throughout the Grand Center Arts District. The weekend features more than 100 national, regional and St. Louis-based performances and presentations across 19 stages and venues.

One of the best parts of MATI is discovering sights and sounds you may not have been familiar with before that will soon become favorites. Arrive early and allow time to roam and take it all in between sets from your favorite headlining acts—from the music to the art to the food and community-building moments.

If you’re an artist, musician or creative professional, you’ll want to take advantage of the conference portion of MATI, spread throughout the weekend and presented in collaboration with the Recording Academy and Evntiv. This year features new panel topics, heavy-hitting keynotes, and the opportunity for attendees to interact directly with industry influencers.

Here are a few more tips to help you get the most out of your MATI weekend:

  • Check out the Festival Map in advance to get the lay of the land.
  • Download the official MATI App to have the full schedule at your fingertips.
  • Study up on the artists who are performing and get hyped with our curated MATI Playlist on Spotify.
  • Allow time for parking. Parking garages, parking lots and street parking are available throughout Midtown. Grand Center and SLU’s parking garages will be accessible as well. 
  • We also encourage attendees to utilize Metro Transit and ride sharing. FREE Lyft rides (up to a $30 total value) to and from MATI are sponsored by Breakthru Beverage and will be available from 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept 12 through 12:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept 15. The redemption code for the MATI safe home ride Lyft credit is BBGMOMATI25. The drop off and pick up address must be entered as 3224 Locust, St. Louis, MO.
  • There are no longer “VIP” passes as in past years. All MATI Main Stages passholders will have access to indoor restrooms, expanded seating, lounge areas, shade structures and curated food and beverage options and will be able to come and go freely from the Washington Avenue block party to the performance areas.
  • Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to relax in front of the outdoor stages (Field Stage and The Big Top). Please note, however, that chairs and blankets will not be allowed inside The Sovereign, Sophie’s Artist Lounge or MATI Places.
  • For complete details and answers to additional questions, visit matistl.org. 

Most of all, get ready to have an amazing time!

*Photo Credit: Tyler Small

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.