One of St. Louis' longest running weekly jazz gigs, the Saturday afternoon sessions by saxophonist Willie Akins at Spruill's, has come to a final ending with the closing of the club.In a story published yesterday, the Post-Dispatch's Kevin Johnson wrote that the space at 1101 Jefferson formerly occupied by Spruill's is being refitted as a new nightclub, Lavish, by the owners of several other trendy local nightspots.
Akins' Saturday afternoon shows were a staple at Spruill's for many years, often attracting touring musicians passing through town as well as student players hoping for a chance to sit in.
He continues to play around town despite recent health problems that led friends and colleagues to stage a fundraiser for his medical expenses over Labor Day weekend. In addition to leading his own group, Akins (pictured) can be heard performing with bassist Bob DeBoo and others.
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