Bands Through Town
Midtown Marvel:
In its fourth year, Music at the Intersection delivers its brand
of music fusion through Hip Hop, Soul and Rock ’N’ Roll
Story: jen rolf
Photos: Sean Rider & Cory weaver
Music at the Intersection is St. Louis’ vibrant celebration of the city’s diverse musical heritage held annually in the Grand Center Arts District. In its fourth year, the festival highlights the musical talent of St. Louis as well as regional and well-known national acts. It spans multiple days and genres, including jazz, blues, soul, hip-hop and rock, showcasing performances from more than 50 artists across four stages as well as art installations, local food trucks and vendors.
The “intersection” that inspired the name is located at Josephine Baker Boulevard and Washington Avenue, where a literal, brightly lit X marks the spot, but the festival’s coordinates are far more than just the meeting point of two streets. As far as festival footprints go, it’s more dynamic than a big open field or park—it’s a true urban festival with a city feel.
Tonina, Joe Russo and Keyon Harold (photos: Sean Rider)
While it does have open grassy areas to see music (the Field stage, for instance), festival goers know they’re at a one-of-a-kind type of event when they see the enormous circus tent—the Big Top—in the center of it all. The Big Top is a nice respite on the often still-hot mid-September days in St. Louis and the perfect place to catch some top-notch talent. The Walls on Washington (WOW) stage almost feels like a secret space inside the festival grounds—follow the alley near the food trucks and you’ll find art-covered exterior walls and live music beckoning you forward. And although the headliner’s stage has changed locations a few times, it’s always situated on Washington Ave. and known by the same name.
For VIP attendees, Sophie’s Artist Lounge is located inside a nice, air-conditioned building with a bar, art exhibits, DJ sets and restrooms.
When compared to other festivals, MATI has a more laid-back vibe as far as stringent entrance rules go. For instance, it was no problem to come and go throughout the day and bring your own lawn chairs, umbrellas, camelbaks and hydration packs, which are a big no-no at other festivals.
This year’s event took place Sept. 14-15 (with additional lead-up festivities on Sept. 12-13 and after parties following the festival’s close), showcasing performances from over 50 artists across four stages.
Saturday had an outstanding mix of artists and sound. Be.Be the Neosoul, the St. Louis via Queens artist, opened the festival with flair and fashion, as she performed her blend of jazz, funk, R&B and, of course, neo-soul, complete with backup dancers.
Starwolf has nailed the funkified yacht rock indie disco sound, and put on a show that had everyone dancing at the Big Top.
Jordan Ward hit all the right notes and moves during his performance on the Washington Ave. stage. The St. Louis-born singer and dancer was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist in 2024 and had the audience grooving to songs like “Mustard” and “FAMJAM4000.”
Grammy-nominated musician Cimafunk brought an infectious energy to MATI with his style of funk, hip-hop and Afro-Cuban music. It was almost impossible to not move to the rhythmic beats emanating from the Big Top stage during his set. He invited MATI artist-in-residence Keyon Harrold on stage to liven up the party even more. Harrold was also seen performing with funk band Lettuce on the Field stage, guest trumpeting on songs like James Brown’s “Do It Like You Do” and “Make It Funky.” The crowd also grooved out to songs like Kool & The Gang’s “Who’s Gonna Take The Weight,” “Larimar” and “Vámonos.”
Chingy’s belated appearance because of technical difficulties built up the crowd’s anticipation even more as they awaited performances of “Holidae In,” “One Call Away” and “Right Thurr.” STL Mayor Tishaura Jones delivered a proclamation following the set, declaring Sept. 14 to be “Chingy Day.”
Jordan Ward, Esperanza Spalding, Big Boi (photos: Cory Weaver) and Chingy (photo: Sean Rider)
Big Boi’s performance was energetic and engaging—he had the crowd dancing and singing along as he pulled out hits from his Outkast days, such as “Ms. Jackson,” “The Way You Move,” “So Fresh, So Clean,” “Rosa Parks” and “B.O.B.,” and solo material like “Kryptonite” and “All Night.”
The Black Pumas, the soul-filled darlings of Austin, graced the Wash Ave. stage as headliners of the evening and proceeded to deliver a performance that won’t soon be forgotten. Vocalist Eric Burton and guitarist Adrian Quesada played a mix of fan favorites from their debut self-titled album, including “Fire,” “Know You Better,” “Black Moon Rising,” and ending the main set with “Colors,” featuring none other than special guest Keyon Harrold. A few of the songs performed from their sophomore effort, 2023’s Chronicles of a Diamond, included “Gemini Sun,” “Angel,” “Tomorrow” and the encore’s finale, “Rock and Roll,” which was preceded by a cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.”
The rain may have tried to dampen Sunday’s performance, but the show went on.
Dodging raindrops and following the sounds of the harmonica down the alley to the WOW stage, you would have encountered the talented Eric McSpadden performing with special guests, and you would have left satisfied after hearing one of St. Louis’s best blues legends.
Samara Joy, the two-time Grammy-winning jazz singer (and 2025 nominee), possesses a timeless voice that can captivate audiences from the first note. At MATI, you could find her charming the audience on the Field stage, singing classic jazz standards and contemporary songs, as well as a version of “Misty.” Her versatility and depth are evident in her music, and at only 25, she’s poised for a long, successful career.
Choosing distinguished trumpeter Keyon Harrold to be the “artist in residence” at MATI was fitting. A native of Ferguson, Mo., Harrold not only knows the local jazz scene in St. Louis but is a prominent part of the landscape nationally and globally. He’s toured with Common, collaborated with a number of renowned artists (Jay-Z, Rihanna, Maxwell, Snoop Dogg), and was praised for his work on the Grammy-winning soundtrack for the Don Cheadle biopic on Miles Davis, “Miles Ahead.”
Cimafunk (photo: Sean Rider), Trombone Shorty, Black Pumas (photos: Cory Weaver) and Chaka Kahn (photo: Sean Rider)