ST. LOUIS — For St. Louis musicians like pianist Ptah Williams, exceptional talent is a given. Williams has performed with international stars like guitarist George Benson and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. Williams hopes his career will get a boost from the new Music Artists in Residence program by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation.
"It makes me feel good because somebody cares about the music," said Williams. "Where else are you going to go and get support, man? How many places? I could leave here and go to Oklahoma City or whatever and it’s like, nobody knows who you are."
Besides Williams, eight other artists make up the inaugural group of musicians: Bob DeBoo, Mo Egeston, Jesse Gannon, Anita Jackson, Owen Ragland, Ben Reece, and Tonina Saputo. The residency program gives selected performers a variety of resources to find a wider audience.
The chosen musicians have regular performances at the Dark Room in Grand Center, along with access to rehearsal space and office space, marking support, and recording facilities at Clayton Studios.
"The music artists in residence program seeks to serve local band leaders, educators, musicians, providing them with essential tools that help them get to that next phase of their career," said Chris Hansen, executive director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. "We found that the musicians we’re working with were ready to take that leap. They were already on that track in their careers and just needed an extra push to get them to where they needed to go."
The partnership with Clayton Studios provides artists the abilities to record new music projects.
"It’s so important to have albums online and available and also CDs at shows," said Michael Silverman, owner of Clayton Studios. "It helps them make money and get their name out."
There will be an annual submission process for musicians interested in the Music Artist in Residence program. For more information, click here.
