Private Reception for Jonathan Karrant in Advance of His Blue Strawberry Performance

There’s nothing like being in a room full of talented musicians, and that’s exactly where I found myself Monday evening as socialites Russell Jackson and Alex Gutierrez opened their beautifully converted Lafayette Square firehouse for an intimate gathering. The guest list included some of St. Louis’s finest entertainers—Ron Bryant, Adam Levinskas, Chuck Flowers, Kim Fuller, Adaron “Pops” Jackson—and, of course, the man of the hour, Las Vegas-based Jonathan Karrant. Other notable guests included prominent artist Fern Taylor and Black Rep founder Ron Himes.

Karrant returns to The Blue Strawberry stage this Wednesday, performing selections from the Great American Songbook, including fan favorites and highlights from his most recent album. Expect timeless works from legends like Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer, alongside fresh takes on classics by Elton John and James Taylor. Known for his warm, velvety voice and sophisticated style, Karrant bridges the gap between traditional jazz and modern interpretations with ease and elegance.

He’ll be joined onstage by an all-star trio featuring Adam Maness, Bob DeBoo, and Kaleb Kirby—each a powerhouse in their own right. Together, this ensemble promises an evening of soul-stirring music and undeniable joy.

Karrant’s career accolades speak for themselves: his album On and On reached #4 on the Billboard Jazz chart, while Live soared to #2 on the iTunes Jazz chart. He has recorded with jazz greats like Diane Schuur, Jane Monheit, and Houston Person, and has been recognized with numerous honors, including the New York City Cabaret Jazz Award and the Bravo California Award for Best Singer. DownBeat magazine named him one of the top 10 rising jazz vocalists in the country.

Monday’s soirée marked the first time Jackson and Gutierrez hosted in their new home since moving in earlier this year, and it certainly won’t be the last. The couple hinted at hosting monthly gatherings and confirmed they’ll be part of the upcoming Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour. “We’ll even open the overhead door—weather permitting,” Jackson said with a smile.