Local and statewide organizations dedicated to the arts will put on a free "Missouri Music and Musicians" concert Saturday in the state Capitol Rotunda.
The concert begins at 2 p.m., and the date, April 30, has been specially selected to honor the opening of the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, according to Lucia Erickson-Kincheloe of the Jefferson City Arts Foundation.
It will also feature a local face: saxophonist Xavier Jordan.
Jordan will be performing "KC Blues" by Charlie Parker, backed by a group of musicians. Parker is part of the reason Jordan picked up the saxophone 15 years ago.
Jordan said his band teacher played Parker's music for the students who were interested in taking up the instrument.
"And from the first time I heard him play ... I was just like, 'That's how you're supposed to play the saxophone.' And I just felt like his ideas were so refreshing, and for him to play that back in the '40s and '50s and it still be relevant today meant a lot to me; so he's always been someone special to me."
Jordan is a member of the Bobby Showers Band and the Red Slipper Warrior Band. Many of his performances have been available online since the onset of the pandemic, but with this concert, he'll be able to return to the stage in person.
"I am so excited. I kind of feel like a little kid because it feels like it's been so long since I've been able to just play in front of people and not have to worry about COVID or any of that. It just, it's a great feeling. I can't wait," he said.
The concert is the continuation of a Missouri Bicentennial project begun by the Sheldon Arts Foundation.
Paul Reuter, a former executive director at the foundation, has overseen this project. Reuter said there will also be concerts in Rolla, Webster Groves, and Augusta later on.
He said he doesn't think most people realize how many Missouri musicians there are and how many different genres they've covered.
"Almost any genre of American music, Missouri played a key role -- either people born here or people who came here and worked for at least an important part of their career," Reuter said. "So I guess it was a desire to recognize music as one of the things Missourians can be proud of and one that celebrates diversity as well."
Reuter called Missouri a historical "crossroads" where people came through rivers, trails and railroads and where music blossomed.
"Missouri has been a crossroads of sorts, and that has enriched its musical traditions, all its people coming together and blending, like learning about other traditions, and I just think its an important message for us all to celebrate," he said.
The Carolbeth True and Friends ensemble of St. Louis will also play hits by famous Missouri-based artists and Missouri-based music including the works of Scott Joplin, Charlie Parker, Clark Terry, Miles Davis, Tina Turner and Chuck Berry.
The ensemble will share their music with local youth Friday with appearances at North Elementary School, the JC Rotary West Club and St. Peter School.