Oikos Ensemble concert on Sunday, April 22 to benefit East St. Louis' Sunshine Cultural Arts Center

The Oikos Ensemble, the Cleveland-based group led by saxophonist Clifford Aerie (pictured), is coming back to St. Louis to perform at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 22 at the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, 10 West Lockwood Ave.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Sunshine Cultural Arts Center in East St. Louis. The Center is a project of the not-for-profit Community Performance Ensemble of East St. Louis, who have acquired the former Morrison Elementary School building and plan to turn it into a facility for performances and arts education. Ray Landis, who is director of music and arts ministries at First Congregational, is president of the Community Performance Ensemble's board of directors.

Oikos Ensemble last played in St. Louis back in December, presenting "Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity" at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in the Central West End. For the upcoming benefit concert, Aerie (who's also an ordained UCC minister) and his daughter, vocalist Arianna Aerie, will be joined by three St. Louis musicians - trumpeter Danny Campbell, bassist Dave Troncoso and drummer Kevin Gianino - in a program mixing jazz standards and Aerie's originals.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling the First Congregational Church office at 314-962-0475 or emailing ray.landis @ firstchurchwg.org. A reception will follow the concert.