Get Social with Sips, Concerts, and Art in STL!

Get ready for an evening of music as our Chess Pocket Park Concerts continue! On August 14, 2026, 7:00-8:00 pm, we are proud to spotlight the local sounds of 18&Counting. Join us at Love Bank Park, 2851 Cherokee Street, for a perfect summer hour of music and strategy.

About the Performer
Saint Louis polymath Stan Chisholm, performing as 18&Counting, is a staple of the city’s creative community, working as an experimental musician, vinyl DJ, and visual artist. His immersive live experiences mutate ideas of hip-hop and electronic music into unique sonic visions. Learn more on his website.

Know Before You Go

• What to Bring: These events are outdoors and casual. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and drinks to enjoy during the performance.
• Cost: Admission is completely FREE.

About the Chess Pocket Park Concerts
Experience the harmony of music and community this summer with the WCHOF Music Series’ Chess Pocket Park Concerts, a collection of fun, free outdoor performances held in various Saint Louis parks. These concerts are designed to be engaging community events that spotlight local performers and raise awareness of the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries.

These concerts take place adjacent to the iconic stone chess tables installed by our sister organization, the Saint Louis Chess Club. We call these vibrant community spaces Chess Pocket Parks, and they serve as the perfect backdrop for making chess accessible to everyone while enjoying an hour of exceptional music.

Learn & Play While You Listen
We are bringing the board to the beat! At every event, friendly chess instructors will be stationed at the tables to encourage open chess play for all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a grandmaster or a complete beginner, we invite you to learn chess here. Instructors will provide easy-to-follow introductions to the game and answer any questions you have about chess strategy or local programs.

More Chess to Explore

• Have a look at the full map of park locations and find your nearest Chess Pocket Park to play today!
• Check out the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries’ website for more information on world-class exhibits and upcoming programs!

Join the WCHOF Music Series for a thrilling evening of music inspired by the personal lives of the great composers. Featuring a premier violinist from the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) and an accomplished guest cellist from Nashville, this performance is an essential cultural event for music lovers.

This concert takes place at the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries, a unique Saint Louis museum and art gallery that offers an unforgettable atmosphere where strategic games meet sonic masterpieces.

The Program: Life Meets Art
Experience a journey through raw human emotion and musical brilliance with:

• Piano Trio in G Minor: Written by Bedřich Smetana following the death of his daughter, this work stands as one of the most dramatic, powerful 19th-century masterworks. Smetana, a mentor to Antonin Dvořák, created a profoundly personal piece that remains a cornerstone of the repertoire.

The Performers: Collaborative Excellence
This exceptional evening features a trio of world-class artists. WCHOF Music Director Brian Woods looks forward to partnering with two of his favorite collaborators for this program:

• Nathan Lowry: A celebrated violinist appointed to the SLSO in 2023 by Stéphane Denève, who is in high demand as a performer in the Saint Louis area.
• Alex Krew: A Nashville-based cellist who has quickly established a career as an educator and performer, regularly playing in settings from session recordings to video game soundtracks.

Thematic Connection: Strategy and Sorrow
Bedřich Smetana composed with a calculated precision often found in a Grandmaster's opening. By channeling personal grief into a structured masterpiece, he demonstrates how the most complex human emotions can be navigated through the disciplined strategy of musical composition.

Venue, Tickets, and Full Schedule
Experience this concert surrounded by our incredible permanent and rotating art exhibitions and history exhibits.

Full Evening Schedule:

• 5:30 PM: Doors Open (Cash bar available)
• 6:00 PM: Artist Talk with WCHOF Music Director Brian Woods
• 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Concert Performance

Details:

• Venue: World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries
• Tickets: $25 General Admission, $20 WCHOF Members (includes one complimentary drink ticket)
• Seating is extremely limited for this intimate performance held inside our gallery, offering a rare, up-close listening experience.

Join the Waitlist

• 20% discount for WCHOF members, students, seniors, and military personnel
• Each ticket includes one free drink

Can’t make it to the concert? Be sure to watch the livestream on the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries’ YouTube channel.

This program is complimentary for visitors and World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries Members! Learn more about becoming a member.

The Exhibition: Game Plan: The Strategy of Chess & Sports
The Intersection of Strategy and Culture

This fun program is offered in connection with our current exhibition, Game Plan: The Strategy of Chess & Sports. This exhibition explores the intersection of art and strategy in modern culture by comparing the mental rigors of chess to the physical and tactical demands of sports. This event promotes chess education by demonstrating how the drive for excellence and the symbolism of victory—like a medallion—connect the worlds of the board and the field.

Join us for a vibrant evening of soul-stirring melodies as the WCHOF Music Series celebrates the innovative spirit of "Life Music." Featuring the acclaimed saxophonist and producer Scooter Brown, this concert is an essential cultural event for music lovers and a highlight of the Saint Louis concerts calendar. The performance takes place at the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries, a unique Saint Louis museum and art gallery that offers an unforgettable atmosphere where strategic games meet sonic masterpieces.

The Program: Life Music & Contemporary Grooves
Experience a journey through a genre-blending fusion of jazz, soul, funk, and modern textures with:

• Growth! (2024): Selected tracks from Brown’s debut album that showcase a commitment to innovation and emotional connection.
• The East Saint Louis Legacy: A rhythmic exploration of deep ties to local musical traditions.

The Performer: Scooter Brown
This exceptional evening features East Saint Louis native Scooter Brown who has curated this exceptional program, selecting pieces that reflect the mission of the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries to celebrate the intersection of art, culture, and excellence. The artist will bring creative and spirited depth to these cornerstone works.

Thematic Connection: The Strategy of Improv
Just as a Grandmaster anticipates moves on a board, Scooter Brown navigates the complex structures of jazz and funk with artistic precision. His work reflects the same intentionality found in high-level chess, where every note plays a vital role in the unfolding narrative of the performance.

Venue, Tickets, and Full Schedule
Experience this concert surrounded by our incredible permanent and rotating art exhibitions and history exhibits.

Full Evening Schedule:

• 5:30 PM: Doors Open (Cash bar available)
• 6:00 PM: Artist Talk with WCHOF Music Director Brian Owens
• 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Concert Performance

Details:

• Venue: World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries
• Tickets: $25 General Admission, $20 WCHOF Members; includes one complimentary drink ticket
• Seating: Seating is extremely limited for this intimate performance held inside our gallery, offering a rare, up-close listening experience.

Purchase Tickets Here

• 20% discount for WCHOF members, students, seniors, and military personnel
• Each ticket includes one free drink

Can’t make it to the concert? Be sure to watch the livestream on the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries’ YouTube channel.