On Sept. 15 and 16, Music at the Intersection rolled back into the Arts District for a fourth consecutive year. Attracting a slew of musicians, the festival covered nearly every genre of music, from jazz to hip hop to funk. Music at the Intersection also makes a point to celebrate St. Louis music, connecting festival goers with their local favorites as well as national names. The event engages in a conversation between St. Louis’ musical history and the world’s popular music. Some St. Louis musicians included were world-renowned jazz trumpeter Keyon Harrold, upcoming auto-tune singer Jordan Ward, and blues legend Boo Boo Davis.

Besides the music, the festival’s setting was ideal. The main stage was tucked between storefront buildings in the Arts District, as Music at the Intersection took over the quaint commercial area and fitted it to house a festival. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of sound present at each stage: It was very clear, understandable, and enjoyable. Aside from the festival prices, the food was also good, with food trucks and plenty of options for quick, tasty meals. 

Throughout the festival, there were local booths present, from local charity organizations to the St Louis City SC. WashU was also present at the festival. The University sponsored a stage, and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies was there talking to attendees, playing cornhole, and handing out bracelets. 

Though the sets represented a diversity of genres, they shared a common thread of good musicianship. Every act brought their A game and most, if not all, of the music was performed live (as opposed to the backing tracks that can sometimes dominate shows).

Highlights from the festival’s first day included Thumpasaurus, Joe Russo’s Selcouth Quartet, Lettuce, Cimafunk, Big Boi, and the Black Pumas.

Funk band Thumpasaurus expertly wowed the crowd with impressive visuals and masterfully tight, yet improvisational playing in an overall fun set.

Joe Russo’s Selcouth Quartet (think jazz meets the Grateful Dead meets rock and roll), similarly impressed crowds with their masterful ability to play together while improvising, creating an impressive new soundscape.

Lettuce felt like an old-school funk band while still incorporating influences from hip hop, jazz, and more. It was hard not to dance during their set.

Big Boi, one half of the legendary Atlanta hip hop duo OutKast, might have drawn the biggest crowd of the day. I was pleasantly surprised by how close Big Boi’s live rapping voice sounded to his iconic early 2000s records. He played all of the most popular OutKast songs along with a few new tunes.

Cimafunk, a Cuban funk singer, showcased funk from a completely different perspective. Their performance style reminded me a bit of parliament funkadelic, with a huge cast of amazing musicians partying on stage with the audience, funking it up.

Modern-day soul group Black Pumas closed the day strong. Nominated for seven Grammys since 2020 — including Best New Artist, Album of the Year, and Best Rock Album — they are one of the fastest-rising groups in music today. Marked by energetic, emotional, and lyrically powerful hits that get you moving, they were a strong end to the first day.

Day two featured primarily jazz and soul artists. I started the day with Boo Boo Davis’ set. This 80-year-old living legend brought the old-school blues I didn’t know I needed — you could feel the authenticity in his set.

The nonprofit Jazz St. Louis sponsored a showcase of the music and musicians of East St. Louis. These musicians balanced an intellectual way of playing with a style that makes your body move. Also, they told stories of going to the same high school as Miles Davis, and even playing for him.

A highlight of the festival was jazz singer Samara Joy’s set. At only 24, her voice is timeless, with incredible diction and clarity beyond her years. An absolute pro, the depth in the lows of her voice and the angelic nature of her high register is something few can accomplish. She is a generational voice.

Trombone Shorty — a trombone-player, trumpet-player, and singer — brought the New Orleans sound to St. Louis. Expertly fusing jazz, pop, and funk, his set was energetic and fun. A bit of rain could not stop everyone from having fun at his set.

The “queen of funk” Chaka Khan closed out Sunday night with a powerful performance. At 71, her voice and energy has not aged. At the end of the set, St. Louis’ mayor Tishaura Jones declared Sept. 15 “Chaka Khan Day.” 

Every year Music at the Intersection gives the people of St Louis an opportunity to celebrate their city’s music, listen to local and national favorites, discover new up-and-coming artists, and rediscover music legends. The festival is a prime example of how the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Each set felt like it was building upon the other, adding a new element to the conversation.