Jazz Noel

For the past seven years Jazz Noel has touched the hearts of audiences in St. Louis, Kansas City and Southern Illinois. Begun in 2011, this group has held 15 concerts in six different churches, performed for more than 3,000 people, and raised nearly $4,000 for local community service organizations. Jazz Noel returns this year with two performances:

Saturday, December 15 at 3:00 pm – Parkway United Church of Christ
2841 N. Ballas Road St Louis

Sunday, December 16 at 3:00 pm – First Congregational United Church of Christ
10 W. Lockwood Ave. Webster Groves

The concept is simple: Jazz Noel is a free gift to the community, re-imagining the Christmas story through jazz for today’s audience. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the traditions of Christmas—peace, love, joy and compassionate caring. At each performance a free will offering is received to support a local community service organization.

Once again the concert will feature the music of the Oîkos Ensemble under direction of Rev. Cliff Aerie. Oîkos features some of St. Louis’ most talented jazz musicians—Kim Fuller (vocalist), Carolbeth True (piano), Glen Smith (bass), David True (drums), and Tim Osiek (trumpet). Rev. Aerie has been privileged to perform with Oîkos musicians at more than 300 faith-based communities around the country. Grammy Award winner Paul Winter has said, “I salute Cliff Aerie and the Oîkos Ensemble for their inspired music and mission. They are serving the world with their song.”

This year’s special guests will be St. Louis’ own premier jazz vocal ensemble, Java Jived. A mixed vocal octet, Java Jived specializes in a cappella arrangements of jazz standards, pop classics, and music from the great American Songbook. Java Jived has performed at numerous venues throughout the area and now brings their unique vocalese style to Jazz Noel.
Jazz Noel is free and open to the public.ov