MATI Announces Conference Panels, Partner Events and Community Block Party Programming
The 6th annual music festival returns July 17-19 in Grand Center Arts District
Mannie Fresh and Juvenile (Still 400 Podcast); Murphy Lee and Kyjuan; and dozens of St Louis leaders to take the mic for MATI’s free thought leadership conference
MATI expands beyond five main stages with Latinx Arts Network Barrio, Delux presents Mannie Fresh DJ set, Brothers Lazaroff album release party, The Soul of St Louis legends concert, and a free, multi-stage community block party
St. Louis, Mo. – June 23, 2026 – MATI (Music at the Intersection) Festival and Conference returns for its sixth year next month, July 17-19, with a new indoor-outdoor format, five main stages, and a continued focus on diverse, decades-spanning, St. Louis roots-inspired programming.
Headliners include singer, guitarist and former Fugees frontman Wyclef Jean; 4x Grammy winning rapper Killer Mike; legendary funk band Zapp featuring modern funk duo Tuxedo; 6x Grammy winning soul singer-songwriter PJ Morton; New Orleans bounce rapper Big Freedia; rising R&B artist Destin Conrad; neo-soul band Moonchild; and Latin instrumental trio LA LOM. New for 2026, MATI will kick off on Thursday night with a special concert at The Fabulous Fox (separate ticket required) featuring 8x Grammy winning singer, songwriter and composer Jon Batiste.
The festival also brings back Ferguson-born trumpeter Keyon Harrold, a 5x festival alumnus, as MATI Artist-in-Residence. Additionally, 2x Grammy winning percussionist Chris Dave will perform as MATI Artist-at-Large (meaning he will perform throughout the festival on a variety of other artists’ sets).
MATI weekend features more than 100 national, regional and St. Louis-based performances and presentations. With five main stages, including The Fabulous Fox Theatre (new), The Sovereign, The Big Top, Jazz St. Louis, and Sophie’s Artist Lounge. MATI is taking full advantage of Grand Center Arts District’s world-class music and art infrastructure to deliver a fully walkable indoor-outdoor summer festival experience.
July 17-19 MATI weekend passes are currently $129 (all fees included) and on sale at www.MATIstl.org or directly at www.MetroTix.com (or by phone 314-534-1111). MATI single day passes are also available at $60 for Friday, $60 for Saturday and $45+ for Sunday (Sunday’s festival performances take place at The Fabulous Fox and pass cost is dependent on seat choice).
MATI Conference: Mannie Fresh, Juvenile and St. Lunatics
Early in the day on Friday and Saturday, before the music starts, MATI annually welcomes artists, creatives and entrepreneurs together to discuss Music, Art, Thought and Innovation. The MATI Conference provides free (with RSVP) panels, keynote discussions and networking opportunities, further putting into action the festival’s commitment to nurture and grow St Louis’ music and arts economy.
2026’s Conference will culminate with back to back discussions by hip-hop legends:
Saturday, July 18 at 2:45 p.m. - St. Louis natives Murphy Lee and Kyjuan of the St. Lunatics will speak with Eric “Remrod” Mayes about “From The Lou To The World: Creativity, Brotherhood, and Building A Movement.”
Saturday, July 18 at 4:00 p.m. - New Orleans rappers Mannie Fresh and Juvenile bring their popular Still 400 podcast to St. Louis for a live audience recording. Every episode brings real conversations, wild moments, hot takes and legends (special guest tba) showing up to “talk their talk.” Post-show, the co-hosts and guest(s) will participate in an audience Q&A
Additional MATI Conference panels include:
Friday, July 17 at 11:00 a.m. - The Pitch Room - how to sell your idea to investors and decision-makers
Friday, July 17 at 12:15 p.m. - Arch Grants presents: The Founders Lunch - lunch series with St. Louis’ top founders sharing stories from start-up to mega growth (limited seating)
Friday, July 17 at 1:30 p.m. - How to Make Money as a Creative Entrepreneur - money-making mindsets from the region’s top creative entrepreneurs
Friday, July 17 at 2:45 p.m. - Crash. Learn. Rise. - real talk on entrepreneurship, mistakes and bouncing back even bigger
Friday, July 17 at 4:00 p.m. - Experience Creator Playbook - how creators turn podcasts, TikTok, and Instagram into real brands
Saturday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m. - Cinema St. Louis Presents: ACTION! - inside the people and projects driving the St. Louis Film Industry
Saturday, July 18 at 12:00 p.m. - Cinema St. Louis Screening - the best shorts of the St. Louis International Film Festival
Saturday, July 18 at 12:15 p.m. - CAM presents: The Brown Bag Art Lunch - an intimate lunch (on us) with St. Louis’ most influential artists and makers (limited seating)
Saturday, July 18 at 1:30 p.m. - What is Style? - from the stage to the boardroom—dressing with purpose.
The 2026 MATI Conference is programmed in partnership with Evntiv, Audacy and Cinema St. Louis. RSVPs are required, and sessions are expected to reach capacity. Attendance is free, but there is a small MetroTix processing charge per session RSVP. More information on the MATI Conference is available at at www.MATIstl.org/conference
Beyond the Main Stages: MATI Partner Events
So much great music can’t be contained to just three days and five stages. MATI is bringing even more programming - some ticketed and some free - to Grand Center Arts District for festival weekend.
Thursday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. - MATI presents: Jon Batiste at The Fabulous Fox
New for 2026, MATI is kicking off on Thursday night with a special concert at The Fabulous Fox (separate ticket required) featuring 8x Grammy winning singer, songwriter and composer Jon Batiste. Tickets start at $69 and are available at www.FabulousFox.com or directly at www.MetroTix.com.
Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m. - MATI x Delux present: Mannie Fresh at The Key
In partnership with Delux, Mannie Fresh is taking over The Key on Friday night (separate ticket or MATI Delux Weekend Pass required). Mannie Fresh is a genre-defining producer, artist and entertainer. He started out as one of the best DJs in New Orleans and grew to become a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated producer responsible for creating hits (UGK, Trina, Gucci Man, The Notorious B.I.G. and, of course, Cash Money). Returning to his musical roots, Mannie is back spinning. Tickets start at $50 and are available at www.MetroTix.com.
Saturday, July 18 at 7 p.m. - Latinx Arts Network presents: Barrio at The Key
Curated by the Latinx Arts Network, The Key is transforming into a vibrant celebration of Latin music, culture and community. Inspired by the spirit of Latin American barrios—where music spills into the streets and neighbors gather through rhythm and shared space—the evening will feature DJs spinning global Latin sounds, a live Latin band, and collaborative percussion moments that turn the space into an energetic Latin dance floor. Attendance is free (no MATI pass required).
Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m. - The Soul of St. Louis at The Grandel Theatre
MATI is uniting hometown legends at The Grandel Theatre for a can’t miss evening of powerful soul. With music direction by Shedrick Mitchell, the concert features the talents of Denise Thimes, Brian Owens, The Bosman Twins, Marquise Knox, Anita Jackson, Cheryl Brown, Adrienne Felton King and Tasha B. Attendance is free (no MATI pass required) and seating is first come, first served.
Sunday, July 19 at 12 p.m. - MATI presents: Brothers Lazaroff Album Release Brunch at Jazz St. Louis
Brothers Lazaroff are releasing their new album, Trying to Make It Home, with an album release brunch at Jazz St. Louis (separate ticket required) on the closing morning of MATI. Attendees can order from the Jazz St. Louis brunch menu throughout the show. Tickets are $20 and available at www.MetroTix.com.
“MATI is a celebration of St. Louis and we’re thrilled to have so many great community organizations on our production team,” said Chris Hansen, executive director of Kranzberg Arts Foundation. “Delux Magazine and Latins Arts Network are taking over The Key with two completely different and unique nights of music and dance. Laz Jazz is programming the Jazz St. Louis stage all weekend. Plus, Brother Lazaroff is debuting their new album there on Sunday. Incredibly special, under the direction of Shedrick Mitchell, The Grandel is turning into a complete powerhouse of St. Louis soul on Saturday night. Between the MATI main stages, the partner events and the block party, each fan can curate a festival schedule that’s truly their own.”
More information on MATI partner events is available at www.MATIstl.org/passes
Free and for Everyone: MATI Community Block Party
With a continued focus on accessibility and inclusivity, MATI’s outdoor community block party - connecting its five main stages down Washington Avenue - will be free and bigger than ever in 2026. From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, MATI is activating Grand Center Arts District with live music (including DJ Spinderella), a performance art stage, a roller skating rink, pop-up fashion shows, mural and art exhibits, poetry, local vendors, tastes of St. Louis’ favorite culinary dishes and incentives to visit Midtown’s many bars, restaurants and retailers.
A live music stage at Washington and N Theresa Avenue will feature energetic DJ sets by DJ Spinderella (Salt-N-Pepa), Natasha Diggs, and Nightchaser Presents; and performances by Kendrick Smith Quartet, Pernikoff Brothers, Manos Panamerica, and Paint Louis presents R.O.T.N.
At Washington and N Leonard Avenue, a performance art stage will feature theatrical moments that tell the story of St. Louis as a catalyst city where American popular music is continuously invented, exported, and reimagined. Programming includes the introduction of a new musical adaptation of Betsey Brown, the Ntazoke Shange-penned coming-of-age story set in 1957 St. Louis.
The stage will also feature circus acrobatics and performances by Circus Harmony.
GENT will present short-format fashion shows, transforming the street into a live runway experience. Timed between major main stage performances, these shows will merge fashion, music, and culture in a dynamic, street-level activation. Festival attendees can expect themes around “archive sound” (vintage band and festival wear, developed in partnership with Chunky’s) and “global kits” (inspired by global soccer culture, featuring upcycled jerseys transformed into contemporary looks).
A centerpiece of the festival footprint, a pop-up roller skating rink presented by River City Outdoors will allow attendees to groove and glide on Washington Avenue to a roster of St. Louis’ top DJs, curated by G.Wiz.
Additional MATI block party partners include Frizz Fest, Poetry In Motion, Free4All, The Walls Off Washington, Cinema St. Louis, Audacy, WSIE and Metro Theater.
Visual Art Activations
Surrounded by The Walls off Washington mural walk (open to attendees), families can immerse themselves in both music and art. Canvas for Kids will allow attendees of all ages to participate in the creation of large-scale collaborative murals, turning blank canvas into colorful expressions throughout the weekend. Paint Louis is also bringing back Paint Littles, giving kids a hands-on experience with graffiti.
Also among MATI’s featured visual activations is the ongoing evolution of I Still Love Her, the celebrated mural collaboration by artists BRKLYN and Deonne, located in the KAF Art Yard (3318 Washington). Working alongside curator Kris Blackmon, the artists will continue to activate and expand the project during festival hours, offering attendees an opportunity to witness the living nature of public art while engaging with a work that honors the legacy, influence and cultural impact of women in hip-hop.
Festivalgoers will also have the opportunity to experience Elroy Vision at Legends' Gallery (3318 Washington), a vibrant exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist Kenny Scharf - known for his iconic visual language, energetic forms and lasting influence on contemporary art and street culture.
Further down Washington Avenue, Double Bloom will be impossible to miss. The large, immersive, 10 ft by 17 ft walk in domes installation by Adrienne Outlaw encourages participation - blending sculpture, environment, and reflection, offering a contemplative space amid the festival's energy.
Frizzy By Nature’s Blooming Business Market
In partnership with Frizz Fest - Frizzy By Nature’s Blooming Business Market will line Washington Avenue with local small businesses and artisans, featuring handcrafted jewelry, stunning art, unique fashion, beauty essentials, community resources, delicious food, and so much more. Guests will enjoy a dynamic and lively shopping experience, running Friday and Saturday (July 17-18).
Expected market vendors include LacyJean Mobile Cigar Lounge, Oil Bar by Ryze, MADE MOBB, Sarah Lady's Art, The Good Life Candle Co, Cameogirldesigns, Invision Your Empire, USHA.NGA, With Love Skincare, routed by STL Bucket List, 13th and Canna, Taylor Marrie, Natural Ti’s Products, The Woke Brand, Goddistry, J.R Candle Company, Underground Jewels, Diversity Gallery, and Sapphire Farms and Company.
Attendees can enjoy dishes from food trucks Cajun Seduction, FUFU n' Sauce, G Burrito, Pure Catering, and Steve’s Hot Dogs; and local bites from Yummy Sweetcakes, Dulce Pops, The Fattened Caf, Sugarfire Smokehouse, Jasmine Brooks, Chef Bailey & Co, Dooney’s, and Straight Down 55 Eats.
MATI 2026 Artist Lineup
With a special focus on “St. Louis Made,” MATI pays homage to the city’s imprint on the American songbook, as well as the relationship St. Louis has with its Mississippi River roots. The festival aims to celebrate musical heritage, from the West African coasts to the Caribbean islands, up through the Mississippi Delta. MATI honors the giants who shaped genre and sound - across blues, jazz, soul, R&B, hip-hop and rock n' roll - as it also calls up and gives platform to a new wave of artists.
A majority of the lineup has direct ties to the St. Louis area. Trumpeter (and MATI Artist-in-Residence) Keyon Harrold is from Ferguson. During his Friday set, Harrold will be joined by fellow St. Louis natives, rappers AJ McQueen (born and raised in Wellston) and Tef Poe (Florissant). Quentenas Charles Beason (aka DJ Charlie Chan), the turn-tableist and DJ for legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC, is from University City. Before touring internationally with Run The Jewels, Gabe Moskoff (Trackstar the DJ) got his professional start at Washington University.
Other artists hail from the Caribbean, Mississippi Delta and sister river cities, from which St. Louis shares music and cultural roots. Sunday headliner Wyclef Jean was born in Haiti and often infuses his music with Caribbean rhythm and drums. Jon Batiste, PJ Morton, Big Freedia and Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band all hail from New Orleans. Saturday’s “Take Me To the River” set features a soul music supergroup from Memphis, including “Queen of Memphis Soul” Carla Thomas, record producer Boo Mitchell and Hi Records’ famed studio band, The Hi Rhythm Section.
Additional national acts are tied to St. Louis by musical genre. The influence of St. Louis-born or raised artists - like Chuck Berry, Tina Turner and Miles Davis - have had a lasting impact on the sounds of today. PJ Morton frequently honors St. Louis soul legend Donny Hathaway through covers and musical style. Jon Batiste cites Miles Davis as a major musical influence, relating with his artistic evolution and ability to traverse musical genres.
Also celebrating Miles Davis, Keyon Harrold and Chris Dave will host a special “Miles Jam” tribute on Saturday of MATI, celebrating what would have been the East St. Louis jazz legend’s 100th birthday in 2026.
The full MATI artist lineup is as follows:
Thursday, July 16 (separate ticket required)
MATI presents Jon Batiste at The Fabulous Fox
Friday, July 17
Zapp featuring Tuxedo; Moonchild; Destin Conrad; Nubya Garcia; Keyon Harrold feat. Rapsody, AJ McQueen, Tef Poe & DJ Charlie Chan; MAVI; DJ Spinderella; Natasha Diggs; Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band; Mississippi Knights feat. Steve Ewing, Brian Owens, Chris Turnbaugh, Miles Vandiver, Adam Hamsbrough & Brian Kazmarsik; Da Fellowship feat. Lamar Harris x Scooter Brown; iLLPHONiCS; Kendrick Smith Quartet; TreHitz; Paint Louis Presents: R.O.T.N.; Enoch Raavi & The Indigenous Groove; Anansi Spins; DJ Tone; Dr. Philgood; G. Wiz; DJ Soundz; DJ Kut
Saturday, July 18
Killer Mike; Big Freedia; LA LOM; The Motet Play Jamiroquai; The James Hunter Six; Take Me To The River Memphis Allstars feat. Carla Thomas, Boo Mitchell & The Hi Rhythm Section; Trackstar the DJ & Friends Takeover feat. Prince Paul, J.Rocc, House Shoes, Buck Rodgers, DJ Crucial, DJ Agile One, DJ Sinamin, Radic Hi-Fi, BIKO and Soopaman DJ Speed; Miles Jam hosted by Keyon Harrold & Chris Dave; Blvck Spvde & Friends feat. Dee Jazz, Josiah Burton & St. Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine Anderson; Jazz St. Louis Global Alliance feat. Janet Evra, Claire Maue, Dawn Weber, Aska Maret, Juan Quesada, Hector Molina & Andrew Bethany; Nightchaser Presents: Le Frique Cirque with The House of Tucci, Icesis Couture, JOJO, Mark Lewis & a Menagerie of Acts; Al Holliday & The East Side Rhythm Band; Manos PanAmerica; Pernikoff Brothers; DJ Sha’Vierre; DJ LadyJock; DJ Bounce; DJ Nasty Nino
Sunday, July 19
Wyclef Jean; PJ Morton; Keyon Harrold feat. very special guest Andra Day, Chris Dave, Peter Martin, Sir Eddie C & Aida Ade
The 2026 lineup was chosen by a programming committee made of St. Louis tastemakers, industry leaders, musicians and event professionals - along with guidance from Artist-in-Residence Keyon Harrold.
MATI Festival Passes and Pricing
July 17-19 MATI weekend passes are currently $129 (all fees included) and on sale at www.MATIstl.org or directly at www.MetroTix.com (or by phone 314-534-1111). MATI’s weekend GA pass includes select orchestra or balcony seating at The Fabulous Fox on Sunday, July 19 for festival headliner performances. Fans get to choose their seats at The Fabulous Fox, meaning early purchasers get dibs on best available. At purchase, festivalgoers can choose to upgrade to premium orchestra seating.
MATI single day passes are also available at $60 for Friday, $60 for Saturday and $45+ for Sunday (Sunday’s festival performances take place at The Fabulous Fox and pass cost is dependent on seat choice).
MATI is partnering with Delux Magazine and offering a limited number of MATI Delux weekend passes for $299 that include festival access + admittance to the MATI x Delux present: Mannie Fresh private party at The Key on Friday, July 17; an automatic seat upgrade (premium orchestra seating) and a parking pass for The Fabulous Fox on Sunday, July 19; and a donation to support Delux Cares.
All MATI weekend and single day festival passholders will have access to indoor restrooms, air conditioned spaces, expanded seating, and lounge areas. MATI passholders will be able to come and go freely from the free community block party to the ticketed performance areas, showing their pass at security checkpoints to gain access to the five main stages.
Join The MATI Movement
At checkout, MATI pass buyers will be prompted to donate and join the MATI Movement. The MATI Members program asks attendees to become patrons, helping ensure that the festival - created and funded by St. Louis non-profit and civic organizations - grows and thrives for generations to come.
As part of a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, MATI is about more than entertainment. The festival and conference is about accessibility, community and ensuring the arts remain central to St. Louis’ identity, tourism and growth. MATI Member contributions go to fund:
Access for all. Last year, MATI provided more than 3,000 free festival tickets to community members who may not have otherwise afforded to attend.
Supporting artists. MATI fuels the work of musicians, visual artists and thought leaders. The event also creates job opportunities within the arts and entertainment sector of St. Louis, from performance to production.
Building community. The festival and conference ensures a space where ideas, creativity and connections thrive, establishing St. Louis as a premier arts and entertainment destination while building civic pride.
Fans can join the MATI Movement at a variety of levels, making them not only a generous patron of the St. Louis arts, but also a MATI Member with insider access to festival weekend and year-round programming (including a special MATI Members Brunch at Jazz St. Louis on Sunday, July 19 featuring Brothers Lazaroff), special perks, and more. Learn more at www.MATIstl.org.
Since its inception in 2021, MATI has grown in size and ambition year-over-year, garnering rave reviews from attendees, as well as attention from The Recording Academy and national press outlets - including PEOPLE, The Source, Billboard, Essence, VIBE, Ebony, Live for Live Music, SPIN and Forbes.
MATI is presented by Kranzberg Arts Foundation in partnership with Steward Family Foundation and The Regional Arts Commission (RAC) of St. Louis.
About MATI:
MATI is a civic-led effort presented by Kranzberg Arts Foundation in partnership with Steward Family Foundation and The Regional Arts Commission (RAC) of St. Louis. First held in 2021, the festival tells the story of St. Louis’ musical, cultural and artistic heritage. It celebrates the city’s imprint on the American songbook, as well as the relationship St. Louis has with its Mississippi River roots. The festival aims to celebrate musical heritage, from the West African coasts to the Caribbean islands, up through the Mississippi Delta. Music at the Intersection honors the giants who shaped genre and sound - across blues, jazz, soul, R&B, hip-hop and rock n' roll - as it also calls up and gives platform to a new wave of artists.
For updates and additional information, visit Music at the Intersection at www.matistl.org or follow the festival on social media: Facebook (www.facebook.com/matistlouis), Twitter (www.x.com/matistl), Instagram (www.instagram.com/matistlouis) and TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@matistl).