The Swampweed Cajun Band plays a bucket-full of traditional, foot-stompin’, accordion-squeezed, French-howlin’ tunes from the swamps. Ehren Oncken is on Cajun French vocals and button accordion. Dierik Leonhard churns a whirlwind on the fiddle, while Jane Accurso adds second fiddling, vocals and guitar. Matthew Bossaller and Jason Hedderman drive the dance rhythm with big energy on bass and drums. Only the finest in Cajun Dancehall music. Performance and dance music are both available. Dance instructors are available on request.

Established in 1998, the Saint Louis Wind Symphony has garnered distinction as one of the Midwest’s premier concert band organizations. This 65-member ensemble, under the musical direction of Dan Presgrave, is comprised of music educators and professionals from the greater St. Louis region who are dedicated to the highest-quality performance of the best wind literature. Passionate about the preservation and growth of the American concert band tradition, the group is committed to enriching the community by sharing music with a diverse audience and by providing educational opportunities to area students. The ensemble’s musical versatility is reflected in its extensive repertoire, which embraces the classical wind literature, new compositions, patriotic showpieces and marches, Broadway show tunes, jazz, holiday music, and more. Performances are tailored to entice, entertain, and educate our audiences.

Japanese drumming is a powerful, stirring reorganization of the traditional art which was practiced in Japan for thousands of years. The addition of ensemble performance, dynamic choreography, and world influences have turned it into modern performance art with deep roots. The members of the St. Louis Osuwa Taiko have been practicing the art of Japanese drumming since 1996.

Songs of Africa Ensemble, is a multicultural and eclectic group of highly trained musicians promoting new genres of choral music from around Africa and its diaspora. Our songs teach about Africa’s music, people, languages, cultures and creates opportunities for incorporating new styles of African-descent music into modern choral repertory.  A majority of the songs are drawn from Songs of Africa: 22 Pieces for Mixed Voices, the choral collection published by Oxford University Press, but includes more songs that are yet to be published! Songs of Africa Ensemble is a community outreach and partnership program of the African Musical Arts organization.

Mike and Tenley are folk musicians who specialize in the traditional music of the Ozarks. Mike and Tenley began working together as members of the Shortleaf Band in 2006, with Mike performing on Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Mouthbow, Harmonica, and Autoharp. Tenley performs on Keyboard, Guitar, Fiddle, Spoons, Boudhran, and Vocals. In 2008 they began working more as a duet and have steadily increased the amount of touring as a duet. Together they have toured; performing at festivals, dances, school programs, senior centers, community “arts in the park” programs and many other types of venues.

Sergei, a native of Ukraine, is a teaching artist with a Master’s degree in Music Education from the Gnessin Institute in Moscow. He presents two programs, Russian Kaleidoscope, and Ukrainian Kaleidoscope. His educationally-based presentations teach through assemblies and workshops which focus on native music, dance, and folk art. While experiencing the excitement of learning through the arts, the students gain knowledge about the language, geography, history, customs, and traditions of the country. Both programs are available in a one-day format or as a residency. Teaching Guides are provided. His powerful combination of lessons set the stage for students to fully appreciate and find success in the world they are inheriting. Sergei knows how to connect with students and deliver a powerful and memorable message that “Culture Matters.”

The Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Stéphane Denève, is one of the world’s preeminent orchestras, celebrated for its warm and engaging sound, prolific and acclaimed recording history, national and international touring activities, and distinctive commitment to educational and community outreach efforts. Aside from its vast touring portfolio to communities large and small throughout the Midwest, the SLSO has regularly toured nationally and internationally to critical acclaim. Tour performances can be customized for your location and budget, ranging from the full 96-musician orchestra to a smaller chamber orchestra. Tour performances may be augmented by master classes, educational concerts, and small-ensemble performances. Multiple-day residencies are also possible.