The framework for Jazz St. Louis was established in the 1990s when the late Barbara Rose began a program at the Hotel Majestic in downtown St. Louis. The program, called 'Just Jazz,' presented jazz musicians of national and international fame in a small, intimate atmosphere. In 1995, Ms. Rose moved 'Just Jazz' to the Grand Center Arts District. The new music series was called Jazz at the Bistro, and incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) in 1998. Under Barbara Rose's direction, Jazz at the Bistro gained an excellent reputation throughout the United States. Her personal contacts and friendships with the musicians who came to play the club led her to be nicknamed 'Jazz Mom.' She nurtured the careers of many of today's leading jazz artists including Benny Green, Diana Krall and John Pizzarelli. Barbara Rose led Jazz at the Bistro until she lost a long battle with breast cancer on October 24, 1998.
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