Kenny G to play December 16 at Family Arena

Some people love him, while others seem to love to hate him - either way, saxophonist Kenny G (pictured) often inspires some strong feelings.

If you're a fan, you'll be glad to know that the G-Man, born Kenny Gorelick, is coming to the St. Louis area to perform at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 16 at the Family Arena in St. Charles. Haters can consider this as an advance warning to either make plans to avoid the affected area during that time or, alternatively, to purchase a couple of dozen eggs and set them out to start rotting right now.

All kidding aside, while yr. humble StLJN editor is not a fan of Kenny G, I've never quite understood the level of vitriol directed at him by many jazz listeners and critics. Yes, his overdubbing of tepid sax licks on a 45-year-old Louis Armstrong record represents an egregious lapse in judgment and taste. But Pops' original "What A Wonderful World" isn't exactly a jazz classic on the order of "West End Blues," and, regardless, it also endures in its original form despite G's recording.

And yes, Pat Metheny's famous remarks about Kenny G made for some entertaining reading. But really, why waste a lot of time and effort thinking and/or complaining about someone whose music (or art, or writing) bores or annoys you? Better to just ignore them, and spend the equivalent resources looking for and listening to something you'll enjoy.

For those who enjoy Kenny G, tickets for his Family Arena performance will go on sale at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 30 via MetroTix and at the Family Arena box office.