Oikos Ensemble's "Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity" to be performed on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9

Though it's still a couple of weeks before Halloween, early harbingers of the Christmas season already are in the air, including the first announcement of a holiday-themed performance to hit StLJN's inbox this fall:  The Oikos Ensemble, featuring saxophonist Rev. Cliff Aerie (pictured) and his daughter, vocalist Arianna Aerie, will be returning to St. Louis again this year to team with local musicians for performances of the Christmas show “Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity.”

This is the second year the Aeries have brought the production to St. Louis. (You can see some video highlights from last year's edition here.) This year's performances of "Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity" will take place at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 8 and 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 9, at First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 10 W. Lockwood in Webster Groves.

Cliff Aerie, an ordained United Church of Christ minister, leads the Oikos Ensemble as a national jazz ministry. He and Arianna Aerie will be joined in St. Louis by singer Kim Massie, trumpeter Danny Campbell, pianist Carolbeth True, bassist Dave Troncoso, and drummer Kevin Gianino, with former KTVI and KDNL news presenter Gina Kurre as MC. 

"Follow That Star: A Jazz Nativity" is free and open to the public, no reservations are required, and parking is available on the lot next to the church and nearby.

Donations will be accepted to benefit the St. Louis Back Stoppers Inc. and Joplin Relief Tornado Fund. Concertgoers also are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the Webster‐Rock Hill Ministries Food Pantry and canned or bagged pet food for the Bi‐State Pet Food Pantry.  The performances are sponsored by The Missouri Mid‐South Conference United Church of Christ with underwriting support by the Deaconess Foundation.