Summer Breeze is a refreshing way to experience the region’s best bands. Enjoy a picnic dinner, meet your neighbors, let the kids be kids.

This outdoor concert series presents some of the best music St. Louis has to offer in a way the whole family will enjoy. This season there will be a concert every weekend of the summer with music ranging from bluegrass and soul to swing and jazz. So don’t miss these unique events where the whole family can enjoy music together in a beautiful outdoor setting -- Innsbrook style! Grab lawn chairs, pack a picnic, fill the cooler, call some friends, and grab the kids.

All of the concerts are held in the Innsbrook Farmhouse Field. Take a peek at our 2011 Summer Breeze line-up.

Gene Dobbs Bradford Blues Band
Blues – May 28
As the Executive Director of Jazz St. Louis and the past Production Manager for the St. Louis Symphony, Gene Dobbs Bradford definitely knows his music. He is also a great performer and enjoys playing the blues on his harmonica, and occasionally the double bass, where he has his formal training, including a degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.

DID YOU KNOW... Gene's been Executive Director of Jazz St. Louis since February 1999 and has since built the non-profits' earned income from $375,000 to $1.2 million today. He's been awarded the STL's Business Journal’s “40 Under 40,” “Most Influential People in St. Louis” and “Inclusive Leadership” awards. Its flagship program “Jazz at the Bistro” was named one of the ten great jazz clubs in the country by Wynton Marsalis in USA Today.

Fresh Heir – Pop/Soul/Rock – June 4
Seamlessly mixing that classic Motown sound with modern influences like John Legend, Maroon 5, and incubus into one unified sound, Fresh Heir keeps you dancing while delivering their positive lyrics in three part harmony over a high energy music bed. Though they’re a young group, Fresh Heir has already reached success on the local, regional, and international level. Some of the crowds they have conquered were at the Pageant, the Metro, Iowa City Jazz Festival and 10,000 Lakes Festival. In 2009, Fresh Heir went international, touring European countries such as England and Germany. Preview some of their music at http://www.myspace.com/heirsstl

BEST OF... This hard-working, young band was awarded the RFT's Best Jam Band of 2010. Their debut album, “The Sky’s the Limit,” came out January 2010 and has been a big success -- not bad for a band with no record label. Fresh Heir's proclaimed influences: Michael Jackson, Maroon 5, John Legend and Stevie Wonder.

Elevation – U2 Tribute – June 25
Delighting fans across the country sine 2001, Elevation brings you the authentic sights and sounds that make U2 one of the most popular bands in the world. Elevation takes the term tribute band to an entirely new level with their look, musicianship, and heart and soul that they deliver at each performance. If you've ever been a fan of U2's music, you won't want to miss this ultimate experience! Visit them at http://www.tribute2u2.com/

U WHO?  This band delivers 150 shows a year and has been featured on FOX, WGN, CBS and The Discovery Channel.

Fat Pocket – Dance/Funk – July 1
Influenced by Earth, Wind, and Fire, James Brown, Commodores, and more, this nine-piece band wants to get you off your feet and having a good time. Founded in 2004, Fat Pocket is comprised of a standard rhythm section, keyboards, one highly dedicated vocalist with mind blowing skills, and a full compliment of horns to get the audience groovin’ with them. Check them out at http://www.fatpocketfunk.com

WANNA DANCE?  Rest up because this is the concert that you'll be up and dancing in the field all night long. Dance. Funk. Brass. And great blood-pumpin vocals.

The Phins
Tropical/Jimmy Buffett – July 9
Put on those tropical shirts and check out this Innsbrook favorite – PHINS. Not only does this band highlight the work of Jimmy Buffet, but they also cover artists in the same genre and even throw in some originals! Since 2000, this Missouri based band has played all over the US, including Florida, Alabama, Ohio, and even Minnesota. Find out more about the Phins at http://www.phinsband.com

CALLING ALL PARROTHEADS...  Jimmy Buffett is going to be in St. Louis on May 3rd at the Verizon Wireless Ampitheater, so we're sure you die-hard parrotheads will be craving some Margaritaville-inspired music by July 9 - the Innsbrook farmhouse field is the place to be!

Gumbohead – New Orleans – July 16
Gumbohead’s greatest joy is playing music that was born in, and influenced by, New Orleans and southern Louisiana, including zydeco, funk, jazz, R&B, brass band, and traditional second line tunes. This seven piece band has opened for the Neville Bros. , the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Terrance Simien, Jon Cleary, Buckwheat Zydeco. In 2006, Gumbohead was voted Critic’s Pick in the St. Louis Music Awards in the Eclectic/Un-Categorizable Category. But as they say, its better to be un-categorized than unnoticed! Visit their web site at http://www.gumbohead.com/

DID YOU KNOW: Over the last 20 years or so, St. Louis has become home to the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, after New Orleans. And Gumbohead has become the city's #1 cajun-flavored band -- hands down.

The Jenny Kavanaugh Band
Americana/Folk – July 23
This soulful folk-rock and Americana music group is led primarily by the vocal and writing talents of siblings Jenny and John Kavanaugh. Born and raised on the south side of St. Louis, Jenny got her start singing on the theatrical stage while brother John toured the US as the lead vocalist for ska band MU 330. Jenny relocated to both Chicago and Nashville in the 1990s to pursue musical influences. By 1999 the siblings had co-written a number of songs and decided to record a full album in St. Louis. The now-six-piece band is filled with experience, ranging from previous members of MU 330, Stillwater, Magnolia Summer, and Bagheera. I’ve Done My Time, the band’s first album, was nominated for “Album of the Year” by the River Front Times. The band includes John O’Brien (bass), Patrick Turek (drums), Darrel Lee Barber (keyboards), and Wayne Corners on lead guitar. Find out more about The Jenny Kavanaugh Band at http://jennykavanaugh.com/

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Bro-sis duet Jenny and John come from a singing family. Remember Irish Imports? They were a family band that surfaced in St. Louis once a year for about 20 years for a special St. Patrick's Day concert.

Plastic – 80’s Band – July 30
Plastic is a high-energy “80's and Today’s” dance band with a BIG sound and an overdose of fun! Fronted by vocalist Jonny Kruse (krewzee), Plastic performs 80’s songs by The Cure, Depeche Mode, David Bowie, Billy Idol, Journey, Tears For Fears, Ah Ha, along with today’s songs by Usher, Kevin Rudolph, Justin Timberlake, Muse, Kings of Leon, and Taio Cruze. This makes for a great show and lots of entertainment!  The musicians making this happen are Mike Henige on guitar, Joe Gilbert on bass, Matt Johnson on drums, and Phil Minardi on the keyboard. You'll find them playing at Cafe Eau at the Chase Park Plaza and Trainwreck at Westport Plaza. Check them out at http://www.plasticstl.com

READERS' FAV: Did you know that the lead singer of Plastic, Jon Kruse, was voted the Riverfront Times' Best Male Vocalist by Readers in 2008?

Fabulous Motown Revue
Motown Hits – August 6
Only one group, dedicated to recreating the Motown experience in both music and dance, understands the similarities and differences of the Motown Sound. They are The Fabulous Motown Revue. Together since 1986, this 16-piece band features a 5-piece rhythm section, a 4- piece horn section, 4 male vocals called ‘Velvet’ and 3 females called ‘Satin’ who resemble the sight and sound of the Temptations and the Supremes. The Fabulous Motown Revue have played with The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Mary Wilson, The Temptations, and many other Motown favorites. Mo'feeling....Mo'sound....Mo'everything... Preview their music at http://www.fabulousmotownrevue.com/index1.htm

IN ACTION: See Motown Revue work their magic CLICK HERE

Jake’s Leg
Grateful Dead Tribute – August 13
While Jake’s Leg is inspired by the Grateful Dead, to say they copy them would be a mistake.  They tend to interpret the songs and try to put their own stamp on the music, spiritually and musically.  For instance, Dave Casper’s lead solos pay homage to Jerry Garcia, but also Pat Metheny, Carlos Santana and Miles Davis.  This hybrid of styles ends up working into the music, yet bears Casper’s style. Similar to the Dead’s approach, Jake’s Leg feeds off the energy of its audience, which is an integral part of the whole experience.  This St. Louis band has been around for over 34 years and shows no sign of slowing down as more and more people, both deadheads and non-deadheads, hear of the band. Find out more at http://www.jakesleg.com/

TRUE DEAD TRIBUTE: This this band was appraoched by Atomic Cowboy (the mod "cubbyhole of coolness" restaurant-bar in The Grove) to play the Grateful Dead's entire album "American Beauty" in its entirety at their 2010 holiday party. Read the whole story>>>

Pokey LaFarge & South City Three
Riverboat Soul – August 20
Winning the Best Local Band Gone International in 2010 by RFT, this unique band is sure to deliver something you haven’t heard before. With sounds from a guitar, guitjo, harmonica, and even a kazoo, Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three have been influenced by traveling around the country and American roots music. This mix of jazz, blues, ragtime, old-time folk and swing are all performed with a modern twist that you surely will not forget! Listen to their unique sound at http://www.pokeylafarge.net/

HIP NOTE: This band was recently personally contacted by Jack White of The White Stripes to record in White's studio down in Nashville. Read the whole story>>>

Denise Thimes – Jazz – August 27
In a career that spans over two decades, Denise Thimes has truly been one of the most cherished voices of modern jazz. With a number of distinguished gigs around the world, included being hand-selected by Queen Elizabeth II for a private dinner gala, she is a fast rising star. As an eight-time recipient of the St. Louis Black Repertory Award for both musicals and drama, Denise Thimes has shared the stage with artists like Dr. Billy Taylor, Earl May, Benny Powell, Jimmy Heath, and Tootie Heath.  Want to know more? Visit http://www.denisethimes.com/

GOOGLE IT... Denise performed at Innsbrook in 2009 and a video hit YouTube with "Innsbrook Joey" dancing to her soulful rendition of Peggy Lee's "You Give Me Fever." Even a quick Google search of "Denise Thimes" brings up this video in the first 10 results! Click here to see this unforgettable video.

Javier Mendoza – Latin – September 3
Returning this year is singer, songwriter Javier Mendoza with his band that features sounds from around the globe. With 8 full length albums, this band offers music influenced by Death Cab for Cutie, Café Tacuba, U2, Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright and Vetusta Morla. The physical and emotional energy he delivers is truly amazing and must be experienced to be believed. Find out more about Javier Mendoza at http://javiermendoza.com/

QUITE A RESUME... Did you know that Javier performed for Pope John Paul II? That's quite a reference. He has also played with The Roots, Los Lobos, Ben Folds, G-Love, Willie Nelson and The Smithereens. As far as TV time, seven of his songs have been featured on MTV's The Real World.

For more information on our 2010 shows, please call (636) 928-3366 ext. 180 or email activities@innsbrook-resort.com.