"Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity" to be performed December 10 & 11 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ

The national jazz ministry The Oîkos Ensemble will be joined by St. Louis singer Denise Thimes and other local musicians for performances of "Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity" at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 10 and 3:00 p.m. Sunday December 11 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 826 Union Blvd. in St. Louis.

The Oikos Ensemble, led by the saxophonist Rev. Clifford Aerie and pianist Christopher Bakriges (pictured, from left), will present "the Midwestern launch of the East Coast tradition of Jazz Nativity—a unique way to tell the age-old Christmas story through the decidedly modern American voice of jazz." TV broadcaster Gina Kurre, formerly with KTVI and KDNL, will host and narrate the program, which is sponsored by the Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ.

Both concerts are free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be collected to support two ministries: Every Child’s Home, formerly known as the Evangelical Children’s Home, and efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There also will be collection points for shelf-stable canned and boxed food items for the food pantry at Pilgrim UCC. Parking will be available on the east side of Union Avenue, where police will have marked off space especially for the event.