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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.

07 Aug 2025

New MATI Places brings festival into the community

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An exciting addition to this year’s MATI is the activation of more than a dozen stages and venues throughout Grand Center and Locust Business District called MATI Places. Access to all MATI Places is included with a MATI Main Stages pass; but for those looking for a lower barrier to entry—to experience the festive atmosphere, support a favorite St. Louis-based artist or poet, attend the conference, or participate in a community workshop—MATI Places ONLY single-day passes are available for $20.

Programming at MATI Places will include a wide variety of community curations: everything from musical performances, DJ sets, poetry slams and family-friendly raves to rooftop yoga, artist workshops, industry panels and keynote speakers, offering something for everyone.

“The idea behind MATI Places is to bring the festival environment into the surrounding community and beyond the main stage footprint,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “We want the entire neighborhood to feel fully connected, especially for those who live or work in the area, and for local artists, musicians and industry folks to benefit from the conference sessions, even if they aren’t able to attend the concerts.”

MATI Places include: Central Stage, High Low, Jazz St. Louis, Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, The Dark Room, The Key (3221-3225 Olive), Work & Leisure x Kre8 Space, and .ZACK, as well as non-ticketed, publicly-accessible spaces including CAM (Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis), Counterpublic, Golden Gems and Hidden Gem, Metro Theater, The Pulitzer Arts Foundation, Sally’s Rooftop Garden, and Strauss Park. 

“Counterpublic is moving into the Grand Center Arts District this fall and we are super excited to be part of MATI Places this year. The program will enliven the entire district and we can’t wait to welcome folks to the neighborhood,” says Kristin Fleischmann-Brewer, Deputy Director of Counterpublic. The organization plans to open the doors to its new location in a historic house on Washington Ave. for a housewarming party with lawn games, snacks, drinks and a front porch DJ set.

Other groups and organizations curating for MATI Places during the weekend include: Central VPA High School, Frizz Fest, Goodish, Grand Center Arts Academy, Laz Jazz Fest, Urban Harvest STL, APR Entertainment, HEAL, PACK Dance, Poetry in Motion, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, Harris Stowe State University, and SlumFest.

Taking place at .ZACK on Friday and Saturday, the MATI Conference for artists and others in the arts industry will offer networking events and panel discussions by industry experts on a wide range of topics, providing invaluable knowledge and best practices. Conference events and panel discussions this year include:

  • Arnold Donald Unscripted: Entrepreneur Spotlight – a business leader’s bold path from idea to impact
  • Arch Grants presents The Founders Lunch – lunch series with St. Louis’ top founders
  • How to Make Money as a Creative Entrepreneur 
  • Crash. Learn. Rise. – real talk on entrepreneurship, mistakes and bouncing back
  • Content Creators Roundtable – How to leverage podcasts, TikTok and Instagram
  • Watch Me Now! – The future of video content creation
  • CAM Presents: The Brown Bag Art Lunch (RSVP required)
  • Fight the Power – The art and voice of hip-hop protest culture
  • The Recording Academy Presents: Beyond the Break – sustaining success in the music business

For a complete schedule of the weekend’s events and to purchase passes, visit matistl.org.

*Photo Credit: Phillip Hamer

01 Aug 2025

Year of the Moth: Photographs by Jackie Scharenberg, opening Wednesday, August 6 at The Dark Room

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‘Year of the Moth,’ featuring photographs by Jackie Scharenberg, is a bit of a love letter to St. Louis and the beauty that can be found in all of the city’s nooks and crannies. The name reflects Scharenberg’s night photography and attraction to a light in the dark.

“Last year I started actively seeking out ways to incorporate my love of photography into my everyday life. Because I work 8-5, I began taking my camera on my commute before and after work to fit in time for my favorite hobby,” Scharenberg says. “As a result, many of my photographs are night scenes that I captured in the early hours of the morning or on my drive home after the sun had already set. My favorite photos from this project are those simple single light source shots that feel a little lonely, mysterious, and attractive all at once.” 

Scharenberg is a St. Louis-based photographer known for capturing quiet, atmospheric moments in urban spaces, often under the cover of night. With a passion for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the overlooked beauty of city life, she transforms ordinary settings into cinematic scenes. Her work invites viewers to slow down and notice the magic hidden in everyday environments.

Year of the Moth is viewable during The Dark Room gallery’s regular hours: 6 pm-10 pm Wednesdays, no appointment necessary, as well as during scheduled events.

01 Aug 2025

The Dark Room @ The Grandel Provides Unique Opportunities for Local Musicians, Photographers and Audiences

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From its humble beginnings in 2014 in a small storefront location on North Grand Boulevard, to its current state-of-the-art home inside The Grandel, The Dark Room has provided a unique space for St. Louis musicians and photographers to hone their craft and for patrons of the arts to experience new sights and sounds in an intimate setting while supporting the mission of KAF.

A premiere live music and art venue and a staple of the Grand Center Arts District, The Dark Room features a variety of musical performances each weekend by top local musicians and rotating photography exhibits that capture the true essence of St. Louis. Enhancing the experience, the full-service bar offers a creative cocktail menu and select shows feature a delectable menu of food by Michele C Catering. 

As the home of KAF’s Music Artist in Residence Program for over a decade, The Dark Room stage provides a safe space and opportunity for St. Louis musicians to grow, build their audience and perform without the stressors of a typical venue setup. Artists are paid a professional guarantee, offered bonus structures, provided with a backline and professional sound operators, and even fed before performances, with KAF covering all overhead and gaps — allowing them to focus solely on developing their music and performance skills.

The Dark Room is also home to the Wednesday Night Jazz Jam—a free, family-friendly weekly event hosted by Bob Deboo that brings the joy of jazz music within reach for people of all ages and backgrounds. Taking place from 6-9 p.m. each Wednesday evening, Deboo and a rotating roster of special guests kick off the evening with standards and originals, followed by a jam session open to all in attendance (even the kids!) for a true community experience.

“The Dark Room was created to be a true gathering space for musicians, artists and patrons of the arts in St. Louis, where they can be close to the action and fully immerse themselves in the work of some of the best talent our city has to offer,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “I’m truly proud to see how it has grown and evolved over the past decade while remaining true to the values and mission of the foundation at all times.”

In addition to supporting local artists, The Dark Room employs dozens of talented staff members, helping foster their careers on the operations side, as well as generating valuable tax revenue for the City of St. Louis.

The Gallery at The Dark Room is open to the public each Wednesday from 6-10 p.m. and during events. Regular monthly programming includes:

  • Lou Vibes (First Friday of the month: Enjoy fresh sounds from emerging and established artists across all genres.
  • KAF Presents: Soul of the City (First Saturday of the month): A night dedicated to showcasing core local artists and rising stars who are making waves in our music scene.
  •  Saturday Night Spotlight (Fourth Saturday of the month): Highlighting local heavyweights with their incredible talent and unique sounds, creating an unforgettable night of music that celebrates the artists who shape our city’s vibrant scene.

For a full calendar of events and more information, visit The Dark Room page on the KAF website and follow The Dark Room on Facebook and Instagram.