Workshop – The Jazz Toolkit

THE WORKSHOP

Erin Bode and Marco Grillo will lead a session of Marco’s time-tested jazz workshop, The Jazz Toolkit, bringing a little piece of Palermo to Tower Grove South.

This hands-on workshop explores the fundamentals of jazz while giving participants the chance to learn and grow alongside Bode and Grillo. Bring your instrument, whatever it may be. The session is designed to be collaborative and welcoming, whether you’re just beginning your jazz journey or have years of experience.

No tickets or reservation necessary. This event is open to the public, with a suggested donation.

THE ARTISTS

Erin Bode studied music and foreign languages at the University of Minnesota and later graduated from Webster University, where she studied vocal jazz and began launching her professional career. Shortly after graduating, Bode released her debut album Requests, which led to a recording contract with Maxjazz and national exposure through appearances on CBS’s Second Cup Café and A Prairie Home Companion. Over the past decade, Bode and her band have released eight albums and toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa, developing a sound rooted in Midwestern Americana and shaped by jazz, pop, and original songwriting. Currently, Bode balances international touring, recording, and her personalized composition project YourSong, which creates custom music for listeners.

Marco Grillo studied music at the Conservatorio di Musica Scarlatti in Palermo, where he quickly started collaborating with leading figures in the Sicilian jazz scene, as well as studying under renowned musicians such as Barry Harris, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Gilad Hekselman. In 2015, Grillo earned recognition as a runner-up for the Vittorio Rotary Jazz Award. Currently, Grillo splits his time between leading a regular jazz workshop at Tatum Art Jazz Club in Palermo, Italy and performing internationally alongside jazz greats such as Taylor Eigsti, Stjepko Gut, and Francesco Cafiso. He first joined forces with Erin Bode in 2020 and has since become a frequent collaborator, the duo performing together at prestigious jazz venues across the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

THE SPACE

The WEvent Space is a distinctive venue located in the heart of the Tower Grove South neighborhood, set within a beautifully restored church. Embracing the spirit of its historic roots, the space provides a laid-back, welcoming setting for a wide array of local live acts. Central to its mission is the WEConcert Series—an ongoing effort to reestablish the former church as a vibrant hub and gathering place for the community. Through music, art, and connection, WEvent Space invites all to be part of a shared creative experience in one of the neighborhood’s most unique venues.