Kirk Whalum to demonstrate at Saxquest, perform at the Sheldon

Saxophonist Kirk Whalum (pictured) is coming to St. Louis later this month to demonstrate a new line of saxophones, and again in September to perform in a fundraising concert.

On Sunday, June 10, Whalum will appear at Saxquest, 2114 Cherokee St, for "A Taste of Keilwerth," demonstrating and performing on the manufacturer's latest models of saxophones. The free event will take place from 2:00 pm to 6:00 p.m., with Whalum playing with a full rhythm section every hour on the hour for approximately 20-30 minutes.

Whalum then will take questions, and audience members will have a chance to try the Keilwerth instruments. Saxophonists who wish to take part can bring their own mouthpieces; for those needing to borrow mouthpieces for instrument types they don't own, Saxquest will have sterilized mouthpieces that can be borrowed, as well as free reed samples. The store also will offer door prizes and special gifts for those who complete "Keilwerth Tasting" comment cards. The event will end with an open jam session.

The Memphis-based saxophonist - who's the nephew of our town's Hugh "Peanuts" Whalum - then will return to St. Louis for a performance at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 16 at the Sheldon Concert Hall. The concert will raise money for the scholarship fund of the Gamma Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Orchestra and balcony tickets are $50, and are on sale now via Metrotix. VIP tickets, which include a pre-concert reception with hors d'oeuvres and cash bar, a meet-and-greet with Whalum, and special seating, also are available by calling the Gamma Omega chapter at 314-771-4321 or 314-721-0425.