The 2026 WSIE Music Series Kickoff Party

April 18, 2026

WSIE 88.7 “The Sound” & The Miner’s Theatre welcomes Jim Manley & Brass Attitude w/ special guest Janet Evra and Anita Baker Tribute: Rapture, to kickoff the 2026 WSIE Music Series during Jazz appreciation month.

Jim Manley, a renowned figure in the St. Louis music scene, has made a significant impact as a trumpeter, composer, and recording artist with his performances here since the late 1970s. Manley’s dedication to his craft is evident. His ability to make the trumpet “soar, pop, sizzle, and purr” has not only earned him critical acclaim but also the admiration of listeners worldwide. As a bandleader, his leadership and musical selections consistently bring high-quality performances to the stage. Manley’s influence extends beyond live performances, with his numerous recordings as a leader and YouTube clips reaching an international audience. His passion for music and the trumpet shines through in every endeavor and performance. For this performance Jim is introducing his brand-new project entitled “Brass Attitude” featuring a blistering horn section and dynamic rhythm section putting their jazzy twist on jazz standards and beyond.

Janet Evra is an award-winning jazz singer and bassist from England now based in St. Louis, where she is the Artist in Residence at The Sheldon. Evra has headlined jazz festivals in the USA and Europe, and she has released six albums with millions of streams on YouTube and Spotify. She has recorded with GRAMMY-winning jazz superstars including Randy Brecker, Al DiMeola, Jeff Coffin, and Marcus Miller, among many others. Evra has appeared in Downbeat and JAZZIZ. St. Louis Public Radio says “Janet Evra’s arrival brought a breath of fresh air to the St. Louis jazz scene”, and Riverfront Times says “Janet Evra is a must see for anyone in St. Louis who loves jazz”.

Rapture: One of the most captivating soul singers of the late 80’s and 90’s, Anita Baker blasted onto the scene with her unique sophisticated R&B sound that blended jazz, classic R&B and pop into timeless music that appealed to a wide range of audiences. Rapture is a passion project started by drummer Jamie Brauner with one primary objective: to bring the amazing music of Anita Baker to life. Covering her contralto voice is no easy task. Performing all the vocal heavy lifting, are two highly regarded and accomplished local singers, Honey Vox (KaRynn Calvin) and Ife Jacobs. The rhythm section consists of the amazingly talented Chad Evans on keys and saxophone, the rock-solid bass playing of Larry Kornfeld, and the versatile Jamie Brauner on drums and background vocals.