Big Mike Aguirre and The Blu City All Stars have become one of the premier soul and blues bands in St. Louis. They are known for playing music of the Mississippi River: St. Louis Blues, Memphis Soul, New Orleans Funk, and everything in between. Big Mike is not only an incredible blues guitarist, but has a soothing and expressive voice with  a charismatic stage presence to go along with it.

The Blu City All Stars consist of Andy Coco on bass, guitar, and vocals, Nathan Hershey on organ, clavinet, Rhodes, keys, and vocals, and Kevin Bowers on drums and percussion. This group is made up of musicians of the highest ranking and talent in St. Louis.

'CREATIVELY CUSTOMIZING MUSICAL EXPERIENCES'

A respected artist, educator, and arranger, Lamar Harris has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the business such as New Edition, Babyface, Bilal, Chrisette Michele, Chico DeBarge, Lee Fields, Biz Markie, Doug E.Fresh, Vintage Trouble, Marc de Clive Low, and many others.

Lamar's creative range from music to fashion earned him a featured spot in ALIVE Magazine as a Men of Style Winner in 2013. His intensely creative sound soothes the ears with melodic, abstract sounds that leave audiences craving for more. The music forces the listener’s mind and soul inside the sounds, releasing their energy into a place of solitude and relaxation.

In 2010, he was one of twenty-one award winners in Missouri of the Peabody Logos Leadership in Education Award. For eight years, he was the Director of Bands at Crossroads College Preparatory School where he designed and instituted a $65,000.00 music production lab, organized fundraisers and community events.

As the RFT’s 2013 and 2010 Best Jazz Artist and Best Funk/R&B/Soul award winner, he has performed on the Jamie Foxx "Foxhole Radio Show" and Old School 95.5, performed for John Legend, Bill Bellamy, Sommore & Miguel, Porsche, IKEA, Brooks Brothers, The United Way, Circus Flora, St. Louis Ballet, St. Louis Arc, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Nieman Marcus, ISES National Convention, PROMO- STL, National Association of College Organizations, The Taste of St. Louis, Black Caucus of the American Library Association, St. Louis Fashion Week and has been featured at Jazz St. Louis. In July 2014, St. Louis Magazine named him as the Best Multi-talented DJ in St. Louis. Lamar was a cast member for the musical, “Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story” at the Muny Theater in St Louis, Missouri. He has partnered with various organizations such as Pepsi, Junior Chamber International, Black Caucus of the American Library Association, College Bound and countless others.

The Funky Butt Brass Band was formed in 2008 by six musicians who revere and respect the New Orleans brass band tradition. Made up of members of Gumbohead, The Feed, Musica Slesa, Bob Kuban's Everyday People and other St. Louis musical groups, the FBBB takes traditional New Orleans brass tunes and gives them a funky new flavor, in the style of the Dirty Dozen or Rebirth Brass Band. Don't be surprised if you also hear a little Motown, Southern rock, blues and some straight-ahead Chicago blues to go along with the second line "street beat" groove. The Funky Butt Brass Band is guaranteed to get your toes tapping, your feet marching and kick any party into overdrive.

The New Orleans brass band tradition has its roots in that city's jazz funeral processions. Once the dearly departed was buried, the brass band would "cut the body loose" by playing uptempo, joyous music. As they marched, they would be joined by revelers who formed a line alongside and behind the band. This was known as the "second line."

Press and Performance Highlights

• Home Opener for the Stanley Cup Winning Blues
• Listed among St. Louis’ best by the Riverfront Times in STL’s 77
• Performed at the Mayor's Ball for Mardis Gras 2019

The Jim Stevens Group is the heart and soul of St. Louis. Smoldering, funky grooves performed by the finest musicians our town has to offer. With its unique instrumentation and undeniable musicianship, The Jim Stevens Group is a one of a kind experience you will never forget.

In the hands of a master musician such as Jim Stevens, the saxophone can shout the blues… touch the soul… and pack a dance floor with enthusiastic fans grooving to an irresistible, funky rhythm that just won’t quit.

Jim Stevens has built a reputation as one of the most in-demand, exciting artists in the Midwest. Driven by Jim’s virtuoso and aggressive saxophone playing, his set features a crowd-pleasing mix of music by some of the greatest soul, blues, rock and jazz musicians – from B.B. King, Al Green, Steely Dan, David Sanborn, The Temptations and Stevie Wonder… as well as original music from the Jim Stevens’ latest CD, The Answer.

Jim Steven’s ability to connect with audiences through his music is the result of a combination of technical virtuosity and practical experience learned through years of performances at clubs, festivals and concert halls.

After graduating from high school, Jim attended North Texas State University, where he played with the famed 3 O'Clock Jazz Big Band. After returning to St. Louis, he started a band called "The Bottom Line" that appeared in the movie "White Palace." Jim added to his impressive resume by playing with the Four Tops and Temptations as well appearing with Peter Mayer (guitarist with Jimmy Buffett) at the Superdome in New Orleans. There, the Peter Mayer Group played to crowds in excess of 38,000. Recently, Jim concluded a tour with Alex Ligertwood (former lead vocalist with Santana and the Average White Band) and David Garfield (keyboardist with George Benson).}

Jim has also performed in Nashville, Indianapolis, Cleveland, New Orleans, Memphis and many other cities around the United States and has added his dynamic saxophone sound to recordings by R. Scott Bryan (formerly of Sheryl Crow’s band), Peter Mayer, Javier Mendoza, John Patti and Pat Liston (Mama's Pride), among many others.

For Jim Stevens, it comes down to the music – always!

The Jim Stevens Duo is the heart and soul of St. Louis. Smoldering, funky grooves performed by the finest musicians our town has to offer. With its unique instrumentation and undeniable musicianship, The Jim Stevens Duo is a one of a kind experience you will never forget.

In the hands of a master musician such as Jim Stevens, the saxophone can shout the blues… touch the soul… and pack a dance floor with enthusiastic fans grooving to an irresistible, funky rhythm that just won’t quit.

Jim Stevens has built a reputation as one of the most in-demand, exciting artists in the Midwest. Driven by Jim’s virtuoso and aggressive saxophone playing, his set features a crowd-pleasing mix of music by some of the greatest soul, blues, rock and jazz musicians – from B.B. King, Al Green, Steely Dan, David Sanborn, The Temptations and Stevie Wonder… as well as original music from the Jim Stevens’ latest CD, The Answer.

Jim Steven’s ability to connect with audiences through his music is the result of a combination of technical virtuosity and practical experience learned through years of performances at clubs, festivals and concert halls.

After graduating from high school, Jim attended North Texas State University, where he played with the famed 3 O'Clock Jazz Big Band. After returning to St. Louis, he started a band called "The Bottom Line" that appeared in the movie "White Palace." Jim added to his impressive resume by playing with the Four Tops and Temptations as well appearing with Peter Mayer (guitarist with Jimmy Buffett) at the Superdome in New Orleans. There, the Peter Mayer Group played to crowds in excess of 38,000. Recently, Jim concluded a tour with Alex Ligertwood (former lead vocalist with Santana and the Average White Band) and David Garfield (keyboardist with George Benson).

Jim has also performed in Nashville, Indianapolis, Cleveland, New Orleans, Memphis and many other cities around the United States and has added his dynamic saxophone sound to recordings by R. Scott Bryan (formerly of Sheryl Crow’s band), Peter Mayer, Javier Mendoza, John Patti and Pat Liston (Mama's Pride), among many others.

For Jim Stevens, it comes down to the music – always!

“After many years of playing music,” states Jim, “I am still constantly amazed at the connection an artist can make with their audience. Music is truly the language of the soul."

Vocalist/Keyboardist Rocky Mantia is steeped in the unique tradition of St. Louis Soul and R & B music. His high energy vocal sound is reminiscent of greats like Michael McDonald, Donald Fagan & Stevie Wonder.

Early in Rocky's career, he toured the country with the band "Coalkitchen" opening for acts such as Boz Skaggs, Jimmy Buffett, Pat Benetar, Styx and REO Speedwagon. In addition to touring, his voice and music have appeared in motion pictures and with recording artists such as Spencer Davis and Grammy Award winner Stan Bush.

Together, Jim Stevens & Rocky Mantia form a very dynamic, soulful duo. Powerful vocals and burning sax lines come together for an incredible musical statement.

Marquise Knox was born in 1991 in St. Louis while his mother was visiting family. They returned to Granada, Mississippi, but moved to St. Louis for good a couple of years later. Marquise still resides in St. Louis, Missouri, but also spends a lot of time in Grenada, where he loves to fish and visit friends and family.

Marquise hails from a musical family deeply entrenched in the Blues. He learned how to play guitar from his grandmother whose family were sharecroppers and whose great, great grandparents were slaves. He also played with his uncle Clifford, who was a major influence in Marquise's life.

For Marquise, Blues is his heritage and a way of life. He spent his early teenage years in St. Louis mentoring under the late great Blues legend, N.E.A. Heritage Fellowship recipient and Grammy Award winner Henry James Townsend. Marquise's talents have earned him performing rights with some of America's most notable blues performers such as blues legend and Grammy Award winners B.B. King, Pinetop Perkins and David "Honeyboy" Edwards (the latter two also NEA Heritage Fellows). He has also performed at dozens of festivals, and has toured Germany and played the Baden Blues Festival in Switzerland.

Marquise met Sam Lay during a visit to Clarksdale, Mississippi. Like other statesmen of the Blues, Sam took an immediate liking to Marquise and took it upon himself to help give Marquise's career a boost by insisting that Chad Kassem bring Marquise to the celebrated Blues series "Bluesmasters at the Crossroads", which has showcased a virtual who-who of the Blues at Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, Kansas. Marquise was an immediate crowd favorite, and was adopted by all of the elders of the Blues in attendance that year. His obvious talent along with his deep knowledge of the Blues and vast respect for his elders made it clear Marquise had something special, and Kassem signed him to a three album deal.

Knox's debut album MANCHILD was nominated for a Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut. The album was recorded when he was 16, in two nights, during an ice storm in a church with the world renowned Michael Burks and his band. There is even a song called Ice Storm on the album. The release received worldwide acclaim, including Living Blues' Best Debut Artist Award and a Blues Music Award nomination for Best Debut Artist. Marquise then recorded a direct-to-disc album while in town for the next year's Crossroads.
Marquise recently released his third album, Here I Am, once again recorded at the legendary Blue Heaven Studios in Salina, Kansas. It features Marquise and his band, with a little help from Wayne Sharp of Michael Burk's band sitting in on B-3 and piano. Nine originals, and three reverent covers of Marquise's favorite Muddy Waters tunes.

I think this excerpt from Here I Am's liner notes says it best. "When you listen to Marquise - 19 years old when he recorded this title - you get the sense that this is what those masters must have sounded like as young men. Marquise's blues are so transparent and bare. It's so easy to feel his music as totally legitimate. That's above all what makes it so appealing. That's what makes Marquise Knox special. He's the whole package. A throwback blues master on the rise. Anybody believe in reincarnation?"

With a repertoire that encompasses blues, R&B, jazz, pop classics and the great American songbook, vocalist Marsha Evans has earned her place among the most in-demand entertainers in the Midwest as well as her title, the River City Show Stopper.

Marsha has headlined major events such as the Big Muddy Blues & Heritage Festival and BluesWeek, and shared the stage with nationally known artists such as Michael McDonald, Fontella Bass, the Temptations, Clark Terry and many others.

Marsha's musical career began at an early age, inspired by her mother, one of the first black females to perform on the stage of the Muny Opera, and her father, lead trumpet player for the famed George Hudson orchestra for many years. After working as the featured vocalist with Hudson's orchestra, Marsha went on to become the featured vocalist with legendary pianist and member of the Rock and Roll hall of fame, Johnnie Johnson.

Backed by the talented musicians in her band, The Coalition, has established herself as one of the most in-demand entertainers in the region. With her incredible combination of vocal talent and the rare ability to immediately connect with an audience, Marsha Evans creates the perfect musical accompaniment for any occasion.

From the start of his performing career in the mid 90s Maurice "Mo" Egeston has made a mark in the St. Louis region as a leader of innovative and popular bands. His early study of classical piano brought him to graduate work at SIU-E. It was while completing his Master's that Mo began exploring styles of music beyond the classical tradition. Since then, all of his projects, including Vargas Swing, the Soul Alliance featuring CocoSoul, Urban Jazz Naturals and Mo & Dawn have seen Mo combine his musical talent and formal training with an ability to lead and run successful groups.

In 2010 Mo Egeston is returning to his roots as a pianist fronting his own group, the Mo E Trio. The Trio combines influences from all the projects Mo currently performs in (UG Project, the Soul Alliance, and Brothers Lazaroff) with his own interest in soul, jazz and electronic influences. The resulting sound is a groove based experience that seeks to redefine traditional expectations.

Drummer, Grover Stewart and bassist, Teddy Brookins join Mo on this journey. Styles referenced include soul, jazz, bossa, r & b, organic house grooves and drum and bass; however no genre is considered off limits! Originals, jazz standards, pop music and neo-soul melodies will all be a part of the Mo E Trio sound. A sound which easily slides from deep lounge ambiance to center stage funk grooves.

At times guest artists join the experience complimenting the sounds of Mo, Grover and Ted. Mo E Trio is always diverse and improvisational with a definite focus on the tap of the toe and the nod of the head.

Mo E Trio- A Journey in Sound, Soul and Groove.

Mo Egeston- Keyboards, Programming

Grover Stewart- Drums

Ted Brookins- Bass

The Second Line is a long standing tradition in New Orleans, or should we say N'Orleans. Groups of partiers, spectators, and dancers follow the musicians in the brass band parades around the streets celebrating life. The Funky Butt Brass Band was formed in 2008 by six talented musicians who respect and revere the New Orleans brass band tradition. The FBBB takes classic New Orleans brass tunes and gives them a twist, in the style of Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Rebirth and Bonerama. But don’t be surprised if you also hear some Motown, Southern rock, Memphis soul, Chicago blues and St. Louis R&B in the mix.

ODDSLANE is a uniquely blended mix of driving rock & roll riffs and solid grooves
with an overall pop sensibility. They create music that fuses diverse influences from a
wide range of styles, but maintains the integrity of what has become their own original
sound. The band primarily focuses on the material of singer/songwriter Doug Byrkit,
who in 2003 co-founded the group with longtime musical partner Brian Zielie.
Doug & Brian are continuing their musical partnership with their first album as
ODDSLANE the 2012 release entitled DARK MATTERS.

Doug and Brian's partnership goes back many years with their first band together while
still in high school. Since, they have maintained a close working relationship that has
lasted through college and a host of musical projects. Throughout their musical careers, they can
boast such accomplishments as sharing the stage with diverse artist such as Lifehouse, Pete Yorn,
and Walter Trout as well as having toured Korea, Japan, and the Pacific Rim. As the core members
of ODDSLANE, the pair has formed a creative relationship that blends their broad range of musical
influences, ranging from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin to Tower of Power and Miles Davis, with
their years of experience recording and touring. To the outside observer, it may seem that Brian
plays a small role in the creative process, but his influence on Doug over the years has been
the spearhead to the evolution of his songwriting.

ODDSLANE (originally under the name THE BREAKERS) was formed in 2003 out of the ashes of several other defunct St. Louis groups (Zito, Flynova, Nadine, and The LP Outsiders to name a few) to work on selected material from Doug's recent demo projects. Shortly, they began recording these songs and playing live to a steadily growing fan base. This first line up of the group quickly produced two EP's. The first of which, THE BOTTLENECK SESSIONS,
twice earned them attention from the Memphis Regional Grammy Chapter along with some high profile national and international songwriting contests. It also caught the ear
of those at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. Sun Studio, most widely known as the studio that gave birth to Elvis, has been recording legends for years.
Along with Elvis, the likes of BB King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more recently U2, Vertical Horizon, Maroon 5, Liz Phair, 3 Doors Down, The Calling, and
Better Than Ezra have all recorded at there. ODDSLANE joined these ranks by invitation on the studio's part as an effort of there's to promote emerging artist. Both of these
recordings were later combined into what became the release simply entitled SESSIONS.

The follow-up recording, SONGS FOR YOUNG EXECUTIVES, is the group's first full-length album.The album contains 13 tracks loosely based around the theme of corporate greed; a subject Doug had became all too familiar with while working in Corporate America before recently leaving to complete a graduate music degree and to devote more time to music and ODDSLANE. The lyrical content gives a sometimes tongue-in-cheek and sometimes blatantly unapologetic slant on those negotiating the corporate jungle. Even though there are some heavy themes that run throughout, most of the
songs are ambiguous enough to be interpreted multiple ways by the listener, thus making the album very easy for a broad range of fans to connect with. The album is a mix of musical influences and real world playing experience, which along with the solid groove foundation provided by drummer Brian Zielie, merge into what can only be described as a true representation of ODDSLANE's own unique rock & roll sound.The album's single "Miles Away" has been featured
on the hit television series THE DEADLIEST CATCH on THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL, and continues to garner attention across the web and other media. The album and single have also gained industry attention, earning a publishing deal from Grammy nominated producer George McClure's Nashville publishing house as well as several independent
film score and web placements.