Grammy Award-winning singer Lenny Kravitz and chart-topping ska punk band Sublime will headline Evolution Music Festival in Forest Park from Sept. 27 to 28.
Festival co-founder Steve Schankman and talent booker Jeff Jarrett describe Evolution Festival’s third iteration as the most diverse lineup yet as the event continues to embrace inclusivity in its talent, vendors and suppliers. With more than 25 artists performing at the two-day event — five with St. Louis connections — the festival includes everything from hip-hop and Americana to rock ’n’ roll and Latino rhythms.
“We’re going to continue to evolve as a major statement of why community festivals should be all inclusive and diverse,” Schankman says.
A view of the crowd for Tom Morello’s performance during day two of Evolution Festival at Forest Park in St. Louis on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. Morello replaced Jane’s Addiction on the lineup after the band canceled their tour dates. Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Jarrett intentionally booked music acts that were either first-time performers in St. Louis or hadn’t visited recently. Sublime, who reunited last year on festival stages for the first time since lead singer Bradley Nowell’s death in 1996, will make its St. Louis debut at Evolution Festival with Nowell’s son, Jakob, as the front man.
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After attempting to snag Kravitz for past festivals, Schankman says he was finally able to book the acclaimed rocker, making it his first time performing in the city since 2019.
“I feel very confident that anyone showing up right at the beginning is going to see great bands from 1:15 p.m. all the way to 11 o’clock at night,” Jarrett says.
Before the headliners perform, Evolution Fest will be overflowing with a slew of music heavy hitters representing nearly every genre. R&B legends TLC, singer Corinne Bailey Rae and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Public Enemy will be performing. There will be sets from folk stars Father John Misty and the Marcus King Band, with Swedish band the Hives, the Kills and His Lordship of the UK keeping the rock ’n’ roll tempo going all weekend long. Also performing is Grammy-nominated Americana singer Maggie Rose and Latin-influenced band Hacienda.
This year, five acts have St. Louis roots including singer Pokey LaFarge from Bloomington, Illinois; rising pop artist GoldFord; rock band Still Animals; singer Lawrence Rothman; and Jimmy Griffin and the Incurables. There are also two St. Louis natives in the band Sunday Mourners.
Schankman says Evolution Fest has an obligation to book St. Louis-based acts because it aligns with their vision to elevate the local music scene.
“There are so many great bands and there are so many great artists,” Jarrett says. “We need to feature them. It’s our responsibility to do so.”
Beyond the lineup, the festival is making a few major changes, including giving its VIP a facelift. Festival organizers have created Club Evolution, giving VIP ticketholders access to a covered tent space with concession items, dinner service, a complimentary buffet and an elevated platform four feet off the ground for prime concert viewing.
Fans cheer for Tom Morello during day two of Evolution Festival at Forest Park in St. Louis on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. Morello replaced Jane’s Addiction on the lineup after the band canceled their tour dates. Photo by Jon Gitchoff
Festivalgoers can also purchase pit tickets to get up close for performances and gain entrance to Club Evolution without the VIP price tag.
After conducting a survey of 1,000 event attendees, organizers decided to allow guests to bring their own chairs to the festival. Attendees must pay a fee to bring in chairs and secure a permit. While outside chairs may reduce the walkaround space within the festival footprint, Schankman says the goal was to give festivalgoers what they want.
“It’s really simple,” Schankman says. “This is a St. Louis-bred event. It’s all about our community.”
With Evolution Festival recently transitioning into a non-profit organization, Schankman says they are focused on encouraging unity throughout the St. Louis music scene. His goal is for the city to be viewed as a hub for music, aligning with St. Louis’ longstanding history as a musical hidden gem.
Naming iconic acts like Chuck Berry, Miles Davis and opera singer Grace Bumbry, Schankman says the city has “the biggest music community heritage in the country.”
“St. Louis deserves to be recognized as one of the biggest music cities in America,” he says. “For too long, we’ve not put that out there.”
Tickets for Evolution Festival are on sale now at evolutionfestival.com.
Contemporary Productions President Steve Schankman discusses the importance of St. Louis concerts including historic appearances from the Grateful Dead and the Rolling Stones, and the upcoming Evolution Fest.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame remains one of music’s most prestigious institutions, recognizing artists who have left an undeniable mark on the industry. However, only a select few have been inducted more than once, an honor reserved for those whose influence extends across multiple bands or solo careers. Here’s a look at 13 artists who have achieved this remarkable feat. Eric Clapton holds the unique distinction of being the only artist inducted three times: in 1992 with The Yardbirds, in 1993 with Cream, and in 2000 for his solo work. The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, was first honored in 1997 as part of The Jackson 5. His legendary solo career led to a second induction in 2001. Stevie Nicks made history as the first woman to be inducted twice. First honored in 1998 as part of Fleetwood Mac, she later received solo recognition in 2019, cementing her legacy as an iconic songwriter and performer. Lou Reed’s career saw him first inducted in 1996 as a member of The Velvet Underground. His solo achievements were later recognized in 2015. One of rock’s most prominent figures, Dave Grohl, was first inducted in 2014 as the drummer for Nirvana. In 2021, he returned to the Rock Hall as a member of Foo Fighters. A giant in R&B and soul music, Curtis Mayfield was inducted in 1991 as a member of The Impressions. His solo career earned him a second induction in 1999. Peter Gabriel’s experimental artistry led to his induction in 2010 as part of Genesis. Four years later, in 2014, he was honored again for his pioneering solo work. Every member of The Beatles is a two-time inductee. The band itself was inducted in 1988, and each member later received solo recognition: John Lennon in 1994, Paul McCartney in 1999, George Harrison in 2004, and Ringo Starr in 2015. First inducted in 1991 as part of Ike & Tina Turner, the legendary singer Tina Turner had to wait until 2021 for her solo career to be honored—long overdue recognition for her trailblazing success. The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, is the most recent addition to this elite group. First inducted in 2006 as the frontman of Black Sabbath, he finally received recognition as a solo artist in 2024, despite being eligible since 2005. Paul Simon’s musical genius earned him a spot in the Hall twice—first in 1990 as half of Simon & Garfunkel and later in 2001 as a solo artist. A true guitar virtuoso, Jeff Beck was first inducted in 1992 as part of The Yardbirds. His second induction came in 2009 for his groundbreaking solo career. Jimmy Page’s career has spanned multiple legendary bands. He was first inducted in 1992 as a member of The Yardbirds before earning a second induction in 1995 as the guitarist for Led Zeppelin.
