"All That Tap XXIII" set for Saturday, August 2 at Edison Theatre

Jazz fans and musicians historically have taken an interest in tap dancing, as the two art forms evolved in parallel, often sharing the same dance halls and theaters, during the middle of the 20th century. Famed drummer Buddy Rich actually started his show business career as a child tap dancer, and other jazz drummers, including Max Roach and Louis Bellson, have been tap dancers, or at least tap fans, too.

Here in present-day St. Louis, the connection between jazz and tap will be demonstrated for local enthusiasts once again during "All That Tap XXIII," the grand finale of the week-long St. Louis Tap Festival that will take place at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, August 2 at the Edison Theatre.

Pianist Carolbeth True's trio will provide the music for a cast of dancers including the festival's founder, Robert L. Reed (pictured); Emmy Award-winning choreographer Jason Samuels Smith; dancer and author Karen Callaway Williams; the Israeli dance team of Avi Miller and Ofer Ben; Reed’s protégé Logan Miller; multi-media choreographer Bob Audy; Evan Ruggiero; Maud and Chloe Arnold, who were featured on this past season of the Fox network's So You Think You Can Dance; Martin 'Tre' Dumas III; and Megan Maltos.

(If you'd like to know more about the connections between jazz and tap dancing, check out the links here, here, here and here.)

Audiences also are invited to attend some of the Festival's other special events held throughout the week of July 28 at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel, including the annual "Tap Jam," a free event at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 30; a free panel discussion at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 31; and the annual "Participants Showcase," which has a $5 admission charge, at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1.

Tickets for "All That Tap XXIII" are $25 each and are on sale now at the Edison box office and online.