Jazz St. Louis Selects Jazz Musician Victor Goines as President and CEO | Economic news

Victor Goines, acclaimed musician and educator, will become president and CEO of Jazz St. Louis on September 19.

Goines’ tenure succeeds that of Gene Dobbs Bradford, who led the Grand Center-based organization for 23 years before leaving in December to lead the Savannah Music Festival in Georgia.

Goines said he remembers when Jazz St. Louis debuted at the Willard Hotel. He said the city has a vibrant jazz scene which he is keen to promote.

“Jazz is alive and everywhere, and we want people to see this city for what it is,” Gaines said in a statement. “It’s up to us to push the boundaries by listening to different communities and meeting them where they are with music.

Goines brings with him impressive credits both on stage and in the classroom.

He has played clarinet with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra since 1993, under the direction of trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, who recommended him for the St. Louis position. Goines also led the Jazz Studies department at Northwestern University for 14 years, following seven years building the Juilliard School’s Jazz Studies program. He has been an education consultant for Jazz at Lincoln Center since 1995.

Bradford led Jazz St. Louis through a period of growth, including a $10 million renovation and expansion of the club known as Jazz at the Bistro in the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, complete with studios education and rehearsal facilities and an on-stage sound system considered perhaps the best in St. Louis.

“As we look to the future of Jazz St. Louis, we are thrilled to have Victor at the helm with his deep knowledge and connection to the jazz world,” said Bill Higley, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jazz St. Louis. Jazz St. Louis, in a statement.

Goines was born in New Orleans. He would continue his career as a performer and recording artist while leading Jazz St. Louis.