On A Brighter Note
​DONATE THE GIFT OF LIVE MUSIC!
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The "On A Brighter Note" Holiday Jazz Series sends trios and quartets to area shelters, soup kitchens, nursing homes, hospitals, affordable housing developments and more.
The 2025 series will include Assisi House, the Salvation Army Family Shelter, Our Lady's Inn, St. Vincent de Paul Meals Program, , Sts. Peter & Paul’s Meals Progam, Hillside Manor Rehab & Health Center, Gateway 180 and Peter & Paul Community Services.
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More venues will be added based on available funds received from the private sector.
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A mighty thank you to all who are making a 2025 gift to support this effort!
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A few reflections from musicians on their experience...
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“I must admit that the initial thought of playing at a soup kitchen or shelter seemed like a good deed for the audience, but I never anticipated the value it would bring to me personally. We have been playing the On A Brighter Note gigs for the past few years right before Christmas. It’s heartwarming and humbling to see people with the least, appreciate the music the most!
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I’m reminded each time of the small things we take for granted. For me, the experience of all of us enjoying the music together borders on something spiritual. Thanks Str8ahead for including us and thanks for making community art real."
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Ron Zika
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"I didn’t know what I had signed up for when I agreed to play a gig at a soup kitchen. Understanding that music is a universal language I figured I’d give it a shot. It turned out to be so much more than just playing for an audience, it was a form of ministry. The presence of live music at the event added to the class and dignity of all us participating, either as players or listeners. Many of the guests seemed to have been genuinely appreciative of the atmosphere created by the trio. I’ve widely shared this uplifting experience with family, friends and fellow musicians. I hope to be able to participate in future str8ghtaheadevents in the future."
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Terence Pope
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"Playing music for a "non traditional audience" at St. Vincent's Soup Kitchen was a warm and positive experience for me. Before the dinner the volunteers formed a circle and said a few prayers. I joined them in spirit as I was assembling my horn, reflecting that the night was about, and for, the people who were there, not me or the other musicians. Many of the people smiled and waved as we began our first tune. Some came up later to request songs by famous musicians such as Parker and Miles. It made me feel good to play their requests and realizing that we had a common bond with one another, that each person there had a story of past human and musical experiences, irrespective of their current situation.
Some folks came up and talked to us after the gig and asked where they might be able to hear us again. For those who seemed indifferent, I realized that they came for the meal, not to necessarily be entertained. Still, I was happy to have maybe added a few smiles for a brief moment during this Christmas season through the gift of music. "
Vince Sala
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"The experience of playing at the Salvation Army Family Center was humbling and rewarding, to say the least. It certainly gave me a sense of perspective to see things through the eyes of people who are experiencing real hardships. It showed me what I take for granted on a daily basis. And to share live music with others, even for a moment, showed me that we as musicians can provide something intangible to others, allowing all of us to forget about the difficulties of life. That is a very unique gift to give and I’m convinced we receive more in the giving."
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Brian Vacarro
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​DONATE THE GIFT OF LIVE MUSIC!
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​St. Louis Review Article - Straight Ahead Jazz Brings Music To Non Traditional Audiences
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