Kadesh Flow is a vocalist, trombonist, and producer who weaves in and out of jazz, hip hop, soul, and funk with his original lyrics and compositions. While most performances involve a quartet (Desh on trombone and vocals, plus keys, bass and drums), his musical outings range from solo performances and trios to quintets, sextets and beyond, depending on the situation.

Dr. Robert Nelson is an acclaimed American Rhythm & Jazz artist whose vibrant performances are captivating audiences worldwide. Known for his signature “After 5 Jazz Party,” his electrifying live shows have sold out at prestigious venues like the Grandel Theatre, the Sheldon Theatre, and the National Blues Museum. With a voice that seamlessly transitions between Jazz, Bebop, Blues, Bossa, Soul, and Pop, Dr. Nelson’s artistry is both timeless and contemporary, leading the charge in revitalizing adult contemporary music culture.

As a dynamic performer, Dr. Nelson has collaborated with industry icons, including Grammy Award winner Wynton Marsalis, and is praised for his collaborations with other talented musicians like Melba Moore. His band, Renaissance, is a force in St. Louis’ cultural scene, contributing to the city’s sophisticated nightlife.

In addition to his musical career, Dr. Nelson serves as executive director of the National Blues Museum and is a sought-after public speaker.

The mission of Saint Louis Ballet is to provide a resident professional ballet company that performs classical and contemporary works of the highest quality, enriching the cultural fabric of our community. Each year, we produce and perform up to five fully staged ballet productions, including reimagined classics (Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and more) alongside today’s neoclassical and contemporary works. These feature the choreography of Executive and Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi, as well as renowned artists such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, Justin Peck, Twyla Tharp, and emerging talents. Over the past 25 years, Saint Louis Ballet has evolved from a civic company producing one annual performance to a professional resident company with 26 contracted dancers and 22 trainees, selected through nationwide auditions for a full season of performances.

For over two decades Mr. Ralph Mason has been motivating young audiences through music. THE POSITIVE ZONE Assembly energizes and motivates students to learn through music while also having fun. TPZ features Ralph Mason and the musical talents of the incredible three-piece band (two keyboards with auxiliaries, full set of drums, and acoustic guitar). This 39-minute, high-energy, fun-filled “edutainment” experience—a mixture of music, education, and entertainment—inspires youth to stay in school and develop a lifetime enthusiasm for learning.  Our mission is to use music as a tool of engaging students to reap the benefits of the educational institution. We ensure this by connecting the students and the teachers to overcome pitfalls we experience in our environments. We focus on values, making positive life choices, being responsible and respectful, and building self-discipline.

Glen “Papa” Wright’s “Children’s Percussion Workshop” is a hands-on musical program that introduces young students (Pre-K–2) to the percussion family of instruments. Jackie Wright, professional storyteller and retired educator, tells a story as “Papa” demonstrates how to use percussion to add color and texture to the story. Students learn to identify various professional instruments used for rhythm, sound effects, and melody. They are also allowed to play each instrument, experimenting with simple rhythms and melodies. An award-winning arts educator, “Papa” taught percussion at the St. Louis Conservatory and Schools for the Arts (CASA) for 23 years. He taught for two years at St. Louis Community College. He has been a teaching partner with Springboard to Learning for over 30 years. In 2006 he received the Progressive Youth Connection’s World of Children Award for his work with children through Young Audiences of St. Louis.

Molly is a nationally touring looping musician and incorporates violin, cello, guitar, and her vocals into a genre-defying sound that is completely unique and her own. Dubbed “folk-inspired orchestral looping” when she is solo and “orchestral rock” when she plays with the String Project (her full band), it can be said that she brings an orchestra to every stage she commands. A mixture of mostly original compositions with some choice covers peppered in, her sound is best described as experimental folk/rock.