On Saturday, Nov. 2, Cherokee Street will come alive, inviting visitors to discover its culinary treasures while enjoying the vibrant sounds of talented jazz musicians performing at various stops. Prepare to dive into a day filled with smooth melodies and delectable bites at the highly anticipated 12th annual Jazz Crawl, an exuberant celebration of music, food and community.
The Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl began in 2012 as part of the Nevermore Jazz Ball and the St. Louis Swing Dance Festival, spearheaded by the STL Jitterbugs. Since then, the Jazz Crawl has evolved into a dynamic event all its own, celebrating the urban music and food scene while creating an unforgettable party atmosphere. “It started as a way to explore Cherokee Street but it’s evolved into a day to celebrate jazz culture in St. Louis,” said Emily Thenhaus, executive director of Cherokee Street Community Improvement District and Cherokee Street Foundation.
With over 15 stops spanning Cherokee Street, the Jazz Crawl offers a colorful tapestry of sights and sounds to explore. Start your day at The Mud House, where Richard Egan will serenade you with a captivating outdoor performance on the Jackson Piano Truck. Savor their French toast topped with fresh blueberries, luscious blackberry compote and a dollop of mascarpone — a simple yet delightful way to set the tone for your day. With your first stop secured, take a stroll toward Texas Avenue, where you’ll find the Jazz Crawl info tent, complete with maps of all participating locations. As you walk, admire the storefronts of local businesses, including Anchovy Book Co., a cookbook shop celebrating its grand opening during the Jazz Crawl.
As the sun climbs higher, make your way to The Fortune Teller Bar, where Sharon Bear and the Cubs will set a lively mood. Sip on the Second Summer, a refreshing concoction of rose gin, peppercorn syrup, lemon and ginger liqueur. Fourth City Barbecue will be open inside Fortune Teller from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. serving their full menu with Beef Dino Ribs on special. Next, swing by La Vallesana, where Samba Bom will fill the air with electric rhythms. Here, you can enjoy a Cubana sandwich paired with refreshing Electric Lemonade — perfectly complementing the music and spirit of Cherokee Street. Don’t forget to linger at Yaqui’s on Cherokee, where Miss Jubilee will perform. Delight in the Yaqui Platter, a tempting combination of cheeses, salami, olives, dried fruit, and nuts — ideal for snacking as you soak in the sounds.
After indulging in all that delicious food and drink, it’s time to hit the streets and join the Saint Boogie Brass Band for the second line parade, kicking off at 2:30 p.m. at Compton Avenue and Cherokee Street, dancing all the way down to Illinois Avenue (or back to The Mud House).
As day transitions into evening, Happy Hour transforms the street into an energetic celebration, showcasing a rich selection of drink and music pairings that are sure to keep your spirits high. Head over to The Whiskey Ring, where Ish Ensemble will take the stage while you enjoy a New Orleans Sazerac. Next, visit ‘Ssippi for a selection of rosé and natural wines for a relaxing evening of unwinding and enjoyment paired with the music of the Greg Dallas Trio. At Moshmellow, located at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Cherokee Street, enjoy craft beers while soaking in the smooth sounds of Janet Evra, an English jazz vocalist and upright bassist. Finally, make your way back to Yaqui’s, where Joe Park will be performing. Savor a slice of their Pomodoro Pizza topped with tinto sauce, prosciutto and fresh basil.
The Jazz Crawl culminates in a grand finale concert and dance battle at The Golden Record, the only ticketed event of the day, which funds the rest of the free experience throughout the crawl. This year’s Grand Finale features the talented Marquise Knox alongside the Funky Butt Brass Band, plus the crawl’s annual all-styles dance battle. Tickets for the finale are available on The Golden Record website.
Don’t miss this chance to support local artists and businesses while indulging in a feast for the senses. “These free art and culture experiences are important to the present and future of Cherokee Street,” Thenhaus explained. “It is important for small businesses. [Jazz Crawl] drives a lot of revenue and visibility for them.” For more information on participating venues and the full lineup of musicians, visit the official event page.
This article appears in October 2024.