Jazz at Holmes summer series begins June 11

The Linda Presgrave Quintet will launch the summer Jazz at Holmes series with a free concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 11.

The series, which began in 1996, features professional jazz musicians from St. Louis and abroad performing in Holmes Lounge — a casual, coffeehouse-style setting — on Thursday evenings throughout the fall, spring and now summer.

“We’re delighted that Jazz at Holmes has become a year-round — and much anticipated — part of the St. Louis music scene,” said Steve Ehrlich, associate dean for academics in University College in Arts & Sciences, who helps coordinate the series. “In the summer especially, these top-flight musicians can really help keep things cool.”

Linda Presgrave is a pianist and former St. Louisan who lives and performs in New York City, where she recently released her debut CD, “In Your Eyes,” on the Metropolitan Records label.

Presgrave’s quintet includes her husband, Stan Chovnick, on soprano saxophone, along with trumpeter Randy Holmes, bassist Dave Troncoso and drummer Jim Guglielmo.

Jazz at Holmes will continue June 18 with Curt Landes (aka Gaptoof), the St. Louis pianist and vocalist. Next up, June 25, will be the Legacy Jazz Quintet with Phil Dunlap. The performance will feature Dunlap on piano, along with saxophonist Jason Swagler, trumpeter Anthony Wiggins, drummer Mary Morrison and bassist Jahmal Nichols.

Trumpeter Dawn Weber will perform with her group July 9. Though known for performing a combination of jazz and urban soul music, Weber also has performed with orchestras throughout the United States, including the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Then, July 16, trombonist Wayne Coniglio — a former bass trombonist for the Ray Charles Orchestra — will perform with his ensemble.

The Jazz at Holmes summer series will conclude July 23 with the quartet of pianist Nathan Jatcko.

All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sue Taylor at 862-0874 or staylor@wustl.edu.