Nu-Art Series announces Oliver Lake exhibit, Eddie Henderson concert

The Nu-Art Series has announced two events this month as part of their ongoing efforts to spotlight connections between jazz and visual arts.

* A new exhibit featuring paintings by saxophonist Oliver Lake (pictured, above left) and collages by S. Scott Davis III, who's a cousin of bassist Charles Mingus, will open with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 16 at Metropolitan Gallery, 2936 Locust St. The exhibit, which is titled "East Meets West," will continue through April 20.

Lake will be in attendance at the opening, and though the event isn't billed as a performance, Nu-Art Series director George Sams says that the saxophonist also will read some of his poetry and play some music as part of the festivities. The reception is free and open to the public.

* Trumpeter Eddie Henderson (pictured, below left), known for his work with Herbie Hancock and many others, will perform in concert at 3:00 p.m., Saturday March 17 at Metropolitan Gallery.

Henderson, who's also a licensed psychiatrist, will team up with St. Louis saxophonist Freddie Washington, who holds a Ph.D, for a show that Sams has dubbed "Doctors That Play." They'll be assisted in their operations by three more St. Louis musicians: bassist Bob Deboo, drummer Gary Sykes and pianist Ptah Williams. Tickets for the Eddie Henderson concert will be $25 at the door.