Before he bids St. Louis adieu, Jazz St. Louis has plans to give longtime leader Gene Dobbs Bradford a proper send-off, beginning with a ticketed event in February to celebrate his significant contributions to the local arts scene.
Bradford, who has led Jazz St. Louis as president and CEO since 1999, is leaving the organization in spring 2022 to become the executive director of the Savannah Music Festival in Savannah, Georgia. The festival, held annually in the spring, is Georgia’s largest musical arts event.
The search for Bradford’s replacement as CEO is ongoing, and includes consulting with the organization’s key stakeholders about the future they see for Jazz St. Louis.
Under Bradford’s tenure, Jazz St. Louis evolved from a small jazz club, known as Jazz at the Bistro, to the renowned cultural institution it is today. The nonprofit organization’s annual budget went from $300,000 annual budget to $3 million in the past two decades, with a 2012 capital campaign that raised $8.5 million to expand its facilities and programs.
In 2014, Jazz St. Louis reopened in the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz in Grand Center, and quickly gained recognition as one of the top jazz listening rooms in the world. The expansion included the Centene Jazz Education Center, which became integral to the education programs started under Bradford’s direction, programs that have since served more than 200,000 students.
“I think that the thing I am most proud of are the young people we have helped along the way,” Bradford said. “Mentoring is a huge part of jazz and when I see our former students playing on some of the world’s biggest stages, I know that our legacy is secured.”
Bradford, who served as director of operations for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra prior to coming to Jazz St. Louis, says that when he took over the leadership role at Jazz St. Louis, he dreamt of building an organization that would be vital and well-respected locally and beyond. He says with the help of the organization’s supporters, he believes he’s achieved that.
“Right now, the organization is in great shape financially, has a fantastic team and a great artistic vision. I feel the time is right for me to embark on a new venture that will allow me to follow my passion for live performance, education and community engagement,” he said.
Bradford says he will miss the people of St. Louis the most.
“Throughout my time here with Jazz St. Louis and the St. Louis Symphony, I have made so many wonderful friendships and received support from people who believe in what we are doing. It is very humbling,” he said. “St. Louis is a very special place and I look forward to returning for many a visit.”
In addition to his leadership role, Bradford also has an established following as a musician and vocalist, fronting the Gene Dobbs Bradford Blues Experience at venues such as Jazz St. Louis, the National Blues Museum, Saint Louis Art Fair and others.
On Tuesday, Feb. 8, a ticketed event will be held at Jazz St. Louis in honor of Bradford. Proceeds from the event will be used to establish the Gene Dobbs Bradford Fund. Tickets will be available beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4. In addition, there will be a large farewell card at every Jazz St. Louis concert starting in January for well-wishers to sign. Other events in celebration of Bradford are planned over the next three months, with updates available on Jazz St. Louis’ official event page.
