Singers, musicians announced for Mae Wheeler tribute/benefit

The initial lineup of singers and musicians has been announced for the upcoming show at the Sheldon Concert Hall benefiting and paying tribute to Mae "Lady Jazz" Wheeler. We say "initial," because the way these sorts of things usually work is that more performers likely will be coming on board between now and the show date on Sunday, January 28, and it's entirely possible that others may show up and join in spontaneously that night. You never know exactly what you're going to get with this type of event, but encountering the unexpected is part of the fun.

St. Louis musicians always turn out in numbers to support one of their own, and the announced lineup of this show features a very nice variety of talent, including Karen Hylton, Hazel Hunter, Anita Jackson, the Tom Kennedy Trio, Anita Jackson, Gene Lynn, Kim Massie, the River Blenders, Charles "Skeet" Rogers, Anita Rosamond, Jeanne Trevor, Hugh "Peanuts" Whalum, Sherielle White and, as the saying goes, "many more." Singer Denise Thimes and the Sheldon's Dale Benz will co-host the event.

The doors at the Sheldon will open at 5 p.m., with show time at 6 p.m. Though not available online as of this writing, tickets will be sold via Metrotix at $15 for balcony seating, $25 for general admission seating on the main floor, and $40 for VIP/Orchestra seating, which includes a reception with the artists.